Dragon's Egg - Act IV

[Steerpike]

The orc mimes again, and explains to Liadan as best he can. The rope is only just underwater, and the orc apparently wants the group to pull themselves across using it. It could be done with your heads and shoulders above the water, but anything below that will be soaked. The orc doesn't appear to have considered crossing it like a tightrope, but that seems risky, both because of the current and because, on closer examination, the rope has been soaked in some kind of oil or fat. It has a greasy feel, and while it seems possible to pull oneself across, walking over it may be precarious.

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I translate again for the others, and suggest to the orc that he go across first, for two reasons -- first to show that it can be done, and second to make sure we will not be harmed by members of his band when we reach the other side. Then I look at the rope once more, wondering whether strength or dexterity will be of better use for the crossing.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I tell the others, "If anyone has a problem with that greasy rope, give me the end of a dry rope and I'll secure it."

While waiting for others to get a rope out, I fly over the area to see what can be found from above.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I'm a bit suspicious. Traps. Gunk on rope. I wait for someone to give Nissa a rope before crossing (or wear gloves if Nissa can't secure a rope), then volunteer to go first. Ahead of the orc, unless Bressel or Masama wants to cross behind me so there are two of us with the orc.

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius
Reaches into his pack for a rope and then remembers that he had left it behind because it was too heavy. With a little grumble, he readies his bow as Nissa takes flight, keeping an eye out for any potential trouble for his current ward.

 

[Steerpike]

Tumi wraps up his conversation with Nissa before she flies off. He seems satisfied with the answer about Asra. "Seems a bit odd, if you take my meaning," he says where Masama can't hear, "but I reckon everyone's got their beliefs. Our ways might seem odd to them that live where Masama comes from."

The orc prepares to go first, but then steps aside for Baldhart, motioning and miming again as she gets near the rope. Baldhart manages to get a good hold of the rope, her body on the upstream side of it. The oily feel isn't enough to make it too slippery, though it does seem to have protected the rope from the water. The orc clambers into the river after Baldhart, using easy motions to pull himself after her. It is clear that he has made this crossing before. Masama goes behind the orc, hissing a sharp intake of breath when he first hits the water. The north is cold enough for the man without wading into water that runs down from the distant mountains. He mutters a few things to himself in a foreign tongue, then pulls himself along the rope.

[1d20+3] = 13+3 = 16

Masama has little trouble following after Baldhart.

Tumi looks doubtfully at the rope and the three who are crossing. He rubs his hands together and seems to be working himself up to get into the water.

Burnbright steps to the water's edge as well and dips her hand in. She turns to the rest of the group. "Someone's going to have to carry Branwen."

Baldhart, the orc, and Masama get about 1/3 of the way across as the others watch.

((Roll for each third of the crossing. You can use DEX or STR, whichever you prefer. An argument could be made for either. The current isn't terrible, but it still has some force to it and the water is frigid)).

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I linger on the riverbank, speaking my thoughts to the others. "How are we to keep our weapons dry? Some of us have bows, and those shouldn't be submerged for too long if we can help it. They might warp and end up useless."

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius

Glancing at his own bow, Marius says, "I doubt the wood you use is so fragile that it wont survive even five minutes in water. Just dry it off when we get on the other side and it should be fine."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I tell the others, "This is a fine means of crossing for orcs."

My muscles tense as I reach the point where the current is strongest. I won't boast aloud, but I am gifted. Not too many women, or any human or elf for that matter, can match an orc's strength. It seems I can.

"Branwen needs to be carried, but I think some of you will want a rope around you as you cross. Nissa can fly the rope to me, and with Masama's help, we can ensure the current won't take you."

The adrenaline surge is already fading, but I believe I was strongest where the current was strongest.

I call out to Bressel, "Bressel, I trust you can make it with Branwen, but if you don't object to it, I'd rather have a rope around her waist in case something goes wrong and she slips off your shoulders."

To the rest I say, "Everyone can benefit from a rope at the waist. I don't like to brag, but Bressel and I have trained on the Iron Mountain. The cold at the peak, the thin air, the burning summer sun… this frigid water is a mild discomfort to us. To those who lack that kind of training, you'll survive if you make the crossing. If the current takes you, you may be in grave danger. Burnbright, you still have my ring. Wear it."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I fly back to the east side of the river. I let everyone know it's unlikely we'll be ambushed while we cross. I point out the direction of the well-beaten path and say, "I'm pretty sure it leads to the orcs we're looking for."

After Baldy offers to hold one end of a rope, I ask, "Who has a rope? And… who's good at tying knots? I can fly the end of a rope to Baldy, but that's about all I can do. If we have two ropes, we can make good time. I'll keep flying rope-ends to and fro."

 

[Philster401]

(Could you roll dex for me, I've been bus and so no point in Zoran speaking atm.)

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I join the others in the river, trusting in my strength to help me cross.

This is harder than I'd expected!

That's a little more like it. Not much further to go now...

...I don't think I'm going to make it! Not on my own. I look across the river to Baldhart and Nissa. "Help!"

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I take a deep breath to steel my nerves, then follow Liadan into the water.

It seems I was right to trust in dexterity rather than strength.

The middle of the river is harder, but I'm still doing well.

I'm a bit winded by the time I reach the last third of the river. Hopefully I can make it all the way.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

Without a word, I rush to Liadan's aid—

((If Liadan is still clinging to the rope, Baldy just uses the rope to get to her.

If she's getting washed away, Baldy sprints downstream then dives in and uses her strength to swim to her then guide both to shore. The above roll [19] may be enough for that. Second check rolled [16] if grabbing Liadan and guiding her to shore are considered separate actions and both require checks.))


Nissa

Hopefully, all that talk about rope convinced somebody to get a rope out. If so, I'll fly it to Liadan, then the other end to Baldy. I take a quick glance downstream, watching to see if there's anything Baldy can do without the rope—

((The roll is only if Liadan's being swept away in the current and Baldy can't possibly get to her.))

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
ability check (int and Dex prime) [1d20+4] = 14+4 = 18 level(also;+3 dex-1chr) (level bonus is not included.) [modified roll is 22]
Aliron moves quickly across the first third, watching the area on the other side of the river for trouble.

ability check (int and Dex prime) [1d20+4] = 7+4 = 11 level(also;+3 dex-1chr) (level bonus is not included) [Modified roll is 15]

Aliron hand slips a little,

ability check (int and Dex prime) [1d20+4] = 9+4 = 13 level(also;+3 dex-1chr) Modified roll is 17.
Aliron rushes off the rope and moves to a position to cover the most area with his bow, also looking for a place to hide in the foliage.

 

[SeverinR]

Bressel
Waiting to ensure Burnbright get across safely, he finally begins crossing the river. Bressel has Branwen hold on to him while crossing.
Prime ability check [1d20+2] = 8+2 = 10(lvl) prime abilities Str(+3),Dex(0 modifiers),con(+1) Str modifier is not included in roll so+3 to roll, or 13. (any barbarian bonuses?)

Prime ability check [1d20+2] = 2+2 = 4(lvl) prime abilities Str(+3),Dex(0 modifiers),con(+1) with bonus 7(+ any Barbarian bonus)
Bressel slips badly. {he can swim easily, but will be cold.} He rolled a 2, I really doubt he can maintain the rope. So use the next check for what ever it might be needed for.}

Prime ability check [1d20+2] = 14+2 = 16(lvl) prime abilities Str(+3),Dex(0 modifiers),con(+1) (with str mod. its a 19, if it's a con check-17, dex check is 16. All prime)

(Unless Bressel's dex check let's him grab the rope, he will be swimming. His strength failed to keep him on the rope, but his dexterity saved him?)

He grabs for the rope as he falls, his hand catches the rope, but is he strong enough to pull himself back up without falling?

Can't post what he does next until I know if he swims or catches himself. If another roll is needed go a head and roll it. (If you need one for the last third, if my last roll just saved me from falling.)

 

[Steerpike]

Baldhart is able to cross the river with little difficulty. She's pulling herself across by sheer muscle power, and though she starts to feel drained near the end it's more a matter of slowing down and never a serious question as to whether she can cross the obstacle. The water is cold, but nothing compared to the coldest reaches of the Iron Mountain and its surrounding environment.

The orc maintains a slower pace than Baldhart. He doesn't seem to have any trouble, and it is clear he has done this before. He moves at a measured paced, hand over hand, with the occasional grunt as he pulls himself across. Masama crosses just after him.

Liadan follows Masama. She notes the considerable coldness of the water but it isn't enough to cause concern. The crossing is arduous, but she makes consistent progress until the last third of the crossing, when one of her hands slips from the rope. She manages to hold on with the other hand, but her legs sweep out behind her until she is almost horizontal in the water. Liadan gets her other hand on the rope, but with the current dragging at her she can do little more than hold on for the moment, her muscles too tired to pull her bodily back onto the rope. The oil soaked into the rope makes changing her hand holds risky at best.

Baldhart is back in the water like a shot ((here the Barbarian bonus counts; Baldhart isn't thinking, planning, or talking, she's just back in the river without a thought)). She moves hand over hand, renewed strength in her muscles in her determination to get to her comrade. She reaches Liadan just as Cadell reaches her from the other side, and both are now in position to help Liadan across. Between the two of them they are able to pull Liadan back onto the rope itself so that she has a secure footing, and the three of them begin the remainder of the crossing.

Nissa went in search of a rope when Liadan lost her grip, and finds that Bressel has one ready. She's on her way back to Liadan, but both Baldhart and Cadell are there to help now and it is clear that Liadan will make it the rest of the way, with aid.

It is also clear the the orc has considered himself the beneficiary of tremendous fortune, being left with only one other person on the far bank. As Nissa is flying back with the rope she sees the head of the orc bobbing across the tall grass on the far side of the river. The creature is running for all it is worth. The large form of Masama is on the creature's heels.

A few minutes later, Baldhart, Cadell, and Liadan pull themselves onto the far bank. By this time Aliron has deftly made his way along the rope, and he crawls out of the river and onto the bank.

Burnbright goes next, though she waits for Nissa to return with the rope so she can be secured. She hisses when she dips into the water, then remember's Baldhart's words and slips on the ring. No longer bothered by the cold, she starts across:

[1d20+1] = 3+1 = 4

It is clear she's struggling to pull herself along from the start. About twenty feet out, a swirl of water yanks her right off of the rope and she spins away with the current. She twists her head around to yell something at Bressel, but her mouth fills with water and her shout turns into a cough.

At this point Marius also has yet to cross, as have Zumi, Callan, and Branwen. Zumi calls to Nissa for the other end of the rope ((it looks to me like Nissa still has it; if it was given to Bressel, Zumi rushes to help pull; Callan does the same)). Branwen, meanwhile, lets out an uncharacteristic shriek of alarm and dashes into the river at an angle to Burnbright's path. The little harpy splashes in up to her knees, immediately loses her footing, and splashes downward. She flails at the water, trying for rocks near the shore line. Fortunately, she's close to the water's edge and the current isn't terribly swift here. Unfortunately, it's swift enough that she can't get her little legs back underneath her.

((Status: Baldhart, Liadan, Cadell on the far side. Bressel, Callan, Tumi, Zoran, and Marius on the near side. Burnbright and Branwen in the river. The orc god knows where, and with Masama behind him. Nissa in the air with a great view of it all)).

 

[SeverinR]

(negates Bressel's problems... )

Bressel charges into the water after Branwen and grabs her shortly after she grabs the rocks.
Both are completely wet, he looks to the party.
He sets his feet, wrapping his arm securely around Branwen, he pushes off hard, charging across the river powerfully.
"Have the ring ready for her!" He yells as he pulls with his one arm and kicks with his feet.
[They can only do this if they throw themselves fully at the challenge, without hesitation, debate, or consideration]
Willing his anger to keep him warm and keep him moving forward in the frigid water.
"Drop the rope for me and I will use it if I need it. The current and rope will push me to the rivers edge if you hold on to it."
[don't know if he needs it or not, but better to be safe.]

If we need a roll, the previous ones will work(I know second is a fail)
Strength rolls: roll 1=17, roll2=11, roll 3 =23. (if Con roll -2 from each roll, if Dex. - 3) all are prime (Str,dex,con)

Aliron
Seeing the orc running off, but not able to get his bow ready in time, moves away from the party to find a hiding place to cover the party.
"The orc escaped!" He yells before he finds a hiding place and then he disappears.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I sprint and plunge into the river...

The current takes me, and may very well bash my limbs against the rocks, but I'll fight it for Burnbright if it's the last thing I do!

((Not sure if I need 3 checks for the distance... or maybe the second check got Baldy out of a tough situation.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

All the big people are rushing in every direction. I think Baldy and Bressel can handle the rescue. As for the orc—

I point out his direction to Cadell and Liadan. "The orc!" I shout. I follow him from well above, so should Liadan and Cadell lose him, I can find him. We'll need Liadan to explain the situation—especially if Masama's chase leads to multiple orcs.