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- #1,561
Yes. They're all high enough to conceal creatures the size of the lizards, if they're crouching.
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Dragon's Egg - Act II
- Thread starter Steerpike
- Start date
Yes. They're all high enough to conceal creatures the size of the lizards, if they're crouching.
Then Algernon is taking them in fast…
…which should take about seven or eight strokes. Maybe ten, depending on how good his improvised oar is. He aims for a place where there is nothing to hinder people getting out; if there is no such place, where obstructions are lowest.
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[balance redacted: irrelevant OOC discussion]
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- Thread starter
- #1,563
((New map. Had to scale down a bit to get it to work with the boat, but you can see everything. Narrative to follow)).
- Thread starter
- #1,564
((Note: The reptiles attack as soon as the boat reaches the place shown in the map. Baldhart has her weapon out, which leaves Algernon rowing. He's powerful enough that even using one oar I'll say he gets the boat to the shore at the end of this round. That means for this round, anyone who wants to act has to do so within the boat itself, unless they want to jump overboard of course. Some people in the boat have cover due to positions. Everyone takes -2 to their DEX bonus to AC due to lack to room to maneuver, except it won't put you in the negatives (i.e. if you have a 2 or less DEX bonus to AC, then your bonus is 0 until you get off the boat)).
Algernon pushes hard, muscles straining to get the boat to shore as fast as possible once it rounds the bend. A group of the smaller reptiles rise from behind the rubble and barrels the instant the boat is fully in view, loosing arrows from the short bows they wield. The majority of the reptiles take aim at Aliron, who is at the front of the boat and presents their best target:
Reptile Attack [1d20] = 2+1
Reptile Attack [1d20] = 6+1
Reptile Attack [1d20] = 19+1
Reptile Attack [1d20] = 16+1
Two of the arrows fly wide, disappearing into the cold water, but two find their target:
Reptile Damage [1d6] = 4
Reptile Damage [1d6] = 1
One arrow grazes Aliron across the shoulder, but the other finds a more meaty home in his upper thigh ((-5 Hp to Aliron)).
The reptile farthest to the group's left feels it has a good line of sight to Baldhart, and lets its arrow fly toward her:
Reptile Attack [1d20] = 6+1
But it's ability to hit the massive woman was not as good as it anticipated, and the arrow flies high, disappearing into the darkness behind.
Algernon continues to put all of his strength into paddling. You anticipate that a few precious seconds remain before you will hit the shore. The reptiles are hastily reloading their bows.
Algernon pushes hard, muscles straining to get the boat to shore as fast as possible once it rounds the bend. A group of the smaller reptiles rise from behind the rubble and barrels the instant the boat is fully in view, loosing arrows from the short bows they wield. The majority of the reptiles take aim at Aliron, who is at the front of the boat and presents their best target:
Reptile Attack [1d20] = 2+1
Reptile Attack [1d20] = 6+1
Reptile Attack [1d20] = 19+1
Reptile Attack [1d20] = 16+1
Two of the arrows fly wide, disappearing into the cold water, but two find their target:
Reptile Damage [1d6] = 4
Reptile Damage [1d6] = 1
One arrow grazes Aliron across the shoulder, but the other finds a more meaty home in his upper thigh ((-5 Hp to Aliron)).
The reptile farthest to the group's left feels it has a good line of sight to Baldhart, and lets its arrow fly toward her:
Reptile Attack [1d20] = 6+1
But it's ability to hit the massive woman was not as good as it anticipated, and the arrow flies high, disappearing into the darkness behind.
Algernon continues to put all of his strength into paddling. You anticipate that a few precious seconds remain before you will hit the shore. The reptiles are hastily reloading their bows.
Sparkie
Dark Lord
Meanwhile, back at the point of departure...
I find myself biting my lip. Divided, we are more vulnerable than ever. I turn to everyone standing on shore with me.
"There is a part of these tunnels we didn't explore. Remember the tunnel just outside the 'table' room? The tunnel turned toward the east. Shouldn't we check that out before heading further down?"
I find myself biting my lip. Divided, we are more vulnerable than ever. I turn to everyone standing on shore with me.
"There is a part of these tunnels we didn't explore. Remember the tunnel just outside the 'table' room? The tunnel turned toward the east. Shouldn't we check that out before heading further down?"
Nihal
Valar Lord
For the second time this day I utter a swear word.
I can try twice. Should I? I'm aware that when fighting I would need to run forth and back to the water. Worse than this, I would need another ten minutes to transform back, and would be exhausted again.
I can't cast spells in this boat, if I fail I'll hurt them. We're too few, it would put us in serious disadvantage. Yes or no, yes or no?
The realization that remaining transformed for ten minutes would be useful makes my decision more appealing. I swear again, holding the fringe of my tunic, and jump to the water. Half-dressed as I was, it doesn't take much time to the remaining clothing appear floating on the lake. I return to the surface, hidden from our foes view by the boat, and utter the spell.
I can try twice. Should I? I'm aware that when fighting I would need to run forth and back to the water. Worse than this, I would need another ten minutes to transform back, and would be exhausted again.
I can't cast spells in this boat, if I fail I'll hurt them. We're too few, it would put us in serious disadvantage. Yes or no, yes or no?
The realization that remaining transformed for ten minutes would be useful makes my decision more appealing. I swear again, holding the fringe of my tunic, and jump to the water. Half-dressed as I was, it doesn't take much time to the remaining clothing appear floating on the lake. I return to the surface, hidden from our foes view by the boat, and utter the spell.
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
I turn to Rydh as he speaks, biting the inside of my cheek. I would not wish us to be divided further, but we really can do nothing for those across the water. But... "What if they send someone back with the boat to bring us over as reinforcements, and we are nowhere to be found?"
Nodrick's Action
Nod fires at his least obstructed target.
((Nod's right / "southernmost" on map))
I see Mauve wet the knife and cast her spell!
"Get 'em, Mermaid!" I cheer as I prepare to leap off the boat as soon as we hit land.
Baldhart's Action ((I just realized Baldy's holding the berries!))
I free a hand, and pull out the five berries I didn't eat, thanks to Rhyd's healing. I move carefully toward Aliron so as not to rock the boat and wait for him to release his arrow so I don't mess up his shot. As soon as he shoots, I'll stuff the berries into his mouth.
The other eight are in Hiljikki's bag, which is still on me. Just pure luck I was the only one who needed them and am left holding the bag!
Nod fires at his least obstructed target.
((Nod's right / "southernmost" on map))
I see Mauve wet the knife and cast her spell!
"Get 'em, Mermaid!" I cheer as I prepare to leap off the boat as soon as we hit land.
Baldhart's Action ((I just realized Baldy's holding the berries!))
I free a hand, and pull out the five berries I didn't eat, thanks to Rhyd's healing. I move carefully toward Aliron so as not to rock the boat and wait for him to release his arrow so I don't mess up his shot. As soon as he shoots, I'll stuff the berries into his mouth.
The other eight are in Hiljikki's bag, which is still on me. Just pure luck I was the only one who needed them and am left holding the bag!
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Sparkie
Dark Lord
I smile at Cadell. "You're right, of course. I'm aprehensive, as I'm sure you are as well.
"Tell me, Sir, what do you think of Baldhart's spirit, this Nissa?"
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
I smile slightly at Rydh's mention of Nissa. "I think Baldhart is lucky to have such a friend to confide in, though it seems strange to me that she is simply waiting for Baldhart to die. But then, the ways of mortal gods are strange to me, and I have never given much thought to the elven ones." I shrug. "Others are free to worship as they will, but I prefer that my fate not be subject to the blessings or curses of anyone higher than my queen."
The dark sprout of a thought in the back of my mind grows a thorn and pricks me. Perhaps now my highest authority is my own, if my queen has disowned me as I so fear. But I cannot yet be sure. When I am able to write a letter, whether by my own hand or dictation, I will be sure to ask LÃadan about this, or at least hint at my uncertainty.
The dark sprout of a thought in the back of my mind grows a thorn and pricks me. Perhaps now my highest authority is my own, if my queen has disowned me as I so fear. But I cannot yet be sure. When I am able to write a letter, whether by my own hand or dictation, I will be sure to ask LÃadan about this, or at least hint at my uncertainty.
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Sparkie
Dark Lord
"I can understand that," I say in reply. "Your loyalty both to Liadin and Her Majesty is admirable. Still, I'm surprised you don't care for Betula, if not the other Gods. I'm not trying to convert you, Sir, but I wonder why a knight such as yourself wouldn't pay at least cursory service to our Battle-Father. I-"
I shake my head.
"Pardon my insolence. I mean no offense. I'm so accustomed to relying on the strength of my faith that it sometimes confounds me as to how you and others like you are able to face a fight so fearlessly. How do you do it?"
I shake my head.
"Pardon my insolence. I mean no offense. I'm so accustomed to relying on the strength of my faith that it sometimes confounds me as to how you and others like you are able to face a fight so fearlessly. How do you do it?"
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
I smile, not letting on that my recent injuries have left me not quite as fearless as he would believe. "Well, I tend to live mainly in the moment. Every moment I can keep myself or someone else alive is a good one, in my opinion. Not to say I have no thought for the future at all -- my reason for being here is to halt the Taint so it does not spread southward, and that does require some forethought. But in the heat of battle, it does not do to think of tomorrow when you may not live to see it."
Speak for yourself, Cadell. Just focus on halting the Taint for now. Getting home is a matter for another day.
But will it be worth it if I have no home to return to? No lover to greet me, much less a queen to acknowledge me?
If you can accomplish some good in this world, and keep that lover and that queen safe, isn't that what matters?
I sigh. Arguing with myself will accomplish nothing more than a headache. I look back toward the water, wondering what is happening that we can't see.
Speak for yourself, Cadell. Just focus on halting the Taint for now. Getting home is a matter for another day.
But will it be worth it if I have no home to return to? No lover to greet me, much less a queen to acknowledge me?
If you can accomplish some good in this world, and keep that lover and that queen safe, isn't that what matters?
I sigh. Arguing with myself will accomplish nothing more than a headache. I look back toward the water, wondering what is happening that we can't see.
Sparkie
Dark Lord
I nod as these words begin to tumble over and over in my mind. True words. Such wisdom resonates deeply within me. Cadell has ceased speaking, so I walk off a few feet and kneel. I bow my head and channel my feelings toward the Lord of Combat...
Battle-Father, Divine Swordsman, hear my entreaty this day. Forgive me, my Lord, for allowing myself to stray from my purpose. I am here to fight the evil of the Taint, and yet I allow myself to be distracted by desire and interpersonal struggle. Please show me the way, and lead my path to the source of this corruption, that I may smite it from the whole of the world. And too, please help me find a way to glorify you with this newfound wealth, so that all may know the name of Betula. May the sound of my sword in the wind move you to action. So be it.
I rise. Moisture has gathered at my eyes again. It always happens when I pray.
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
I glance toward Rydh as he kneels, and do not interrupt his prayer, but resume staring out at the water. Only when he rises do I look at him again, and I am surprised to see tears at the corners of his eyes. I keep my voice low, in case he does not wish others to take notice. "...Is everything alright?"
Sparkie
Dark Lord
I chuckle a little at Cadell's question, and I wipe my eyes. "Yes, I'm fine," I say. "I'm not sure why I get emotional speaking to Him, but I do."
My face turns serious.
"It's been said that faith is of the heart, not the head. I disagree with that idea, but it is true that faith in the divine is related to love. I love Betula, just as surely as you love your Queen. When your only method of communication with a loved one is through the mind, the heart has a way of stepping in."
I wonder if Cadell understands what I'm trying to say. He probably thinks I'm insane.
My face turns serious.
"It's been said that faith is of the heart, not the head. I disagree with that idea, but it is true that faith in the divine is related to love. I love Betula, just as surely as you love your Queen. When your only method of communication with a loved one is through the mind, the heart has a way of stepping in."
I wonder if Cadell understands what I'm trying to say. He probably thinks I'm insane.
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
I nod slowly. "The heart does have ways of overruling the mind, especially at inopportune times as well as opportune ones. I expect Baldhart and Nissa have something of the same bond with each other as you have with Betula, though perhaps not in a worshipful way."
The barbarian paddles the boat across the dark water with a merry tune on his lips. Were it any other, I would notch an arrow and bury it in their throat. But from Algeron, bearing tokens of combat, the song is a war horn announcing the advancement of slaughter.
And I am with the knight and the priest.
I eye the water, consider swimming, but dismiss the thought. Water can twist a bow into ineffectual tinder. It is these times, when all a man can do is wait, that weaknesses pour from the fissures along their souls. As if the though heralded the evidence, the speak of the past and faith because the mysteries shrouded in the darkness frighten them. Better to recall a comforting thought, one known and defined, than to consider the shapeless threat beyond perception.
Rydh kneels in prayer, ostensively seeking comfort from a deity no greater than the man doing the kneeling. Those who profess faith find comfort in the ritual rather than the flippant being of their worship.
I promised to keep still my tongue concerning such things, yet they give me little else to talk about.
"You did not come here to stop the Taint. You didn't know about it until after your arrival." Frowning, I search for something else to say, but fail.
And I am with the knight and the priest.
I eye the water, consider swimming, but dismiss the thought. Water can twist a bow into ineffectual tinder. It is these times, when all a man can do is wait, that weaknesses pour from the fissures along their souls. As if the though heralded the evidence, the speak of the past and faith because the mysteries shrouded in the darkness frighten them. Better to recall a comforting thought, one known and defined, than to consider the shapeless threat beyond perception.
Rydh kneels in prayer, ostensively seeking comfort from a deity no greater than the man doing the kneeling. Those who profess faith find comfort in the ritual rather than the flippant being of their worship.
I promised to keep still my tongue concerning such things, yet they give me little else to talk about.
"You did not come here to stop the Taint. You didn't know about it until after your arrival." Frowning, I search for something else to say, but fail.
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
"And does that make a difference?" I ask, looking to Ankari as he speaks. "As far as those of us who were aboard the Bladnir are concerned, we all came here, and stayed here, when we could have gone anywhere else in search of riches, or glory, or whatever have you." Those of us who are here of their own volition, at least. I bite my tongue against the thought.
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Sparkie
Dark Lord
As I'm about to respond to Cadell, Ankari speaks a lone sentence. He then remains quiet. I glare at him.
"When you open your mouth, ranger, is it for the sole purpose of alienating others? Or do you believe that such sayings are contributive? It is not your place to tell someone else what they do or do not know. You cannot see into the minds of others.
"I, for one, was aware of the stories of a great evil in the North, as were you. That is why we are all here. The words you use betray a wish for discord and a lack of thought. If your aim is only to criticize others you'll never earn respect."
"When you open your mouth, ranger, is it for the sole purpose of alienating others? Or do you believe that such sayings are contributive? It is not your place to tell someone else what they do or do not know. You cannot see into the minds of others.
"I, for one, was aware of the stories of a great evil in the North, as were you. That is why we are all here. The words you use betray a wish for discord and a lack of thought. If your aim is only to criticize others you'll never earn respect."
"It does. If you have not come here to stop the taint, but you claim so, then you are a liar." I meet the knight's eyes. "Or you claim one thing to cover up another. What is the difference in seeking riches or seeking something else? In the end, both feed your ego."
When the priest speaks, I know I've failed in my efforts. I shrug my shoulders. "It is as you say, then."
When the priest speaks, I know I've failed in my efforts. I shrug my shoulders. "It is as you say, then."
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