[Game Thread] Part One: Friendship Forged in Iron

[Jocularity]

The Battle of the Iron Trail

 

Key C: Calahir H: Hollowson G: Gunther D: Dancer R: Randolph A: Alkese 1, 2, 3: Wolves The gray line is a raised ridge 10 ft up. The "Spraycans" Are thin, viney trees which don't block the tile.

The Wolves sprinted forewards as soon as Randolph steps around the bend. He began his spell, and completed it as Alkese stepped around to cut the wolfs off and/or in half. Two of the wolves though halt in their movement, suddently puzzled about what they were chargeing for. The third was left to fight on his own, unwittingly abandoned by his packmates who thought these humanoids aren't really that bad...

Summary Combat starts. Wolves win high initiative and charge forwards, only to fail their will saves against Randolph's Hypnotism spell a few feet away. I rolled initiative for the rest of the party. I'll roll that for you from now on, and maybe try to work out a system for you to post together. As far as initiative goes now, the wolves have rushed forwards, then Randolph Cast his spell. All but Randolph are able to act.

[OingoBoingo]

Log of Ganch Hollowson April 8, 704 (addendum) I was introduced to the rest of the party rather quickly. A rather lackadaisical man by the name of Calahir, although this is easily forgiven considering that the calling of the bard is his. A wild elf, Dancer by name, who seems none to fond of humans for various reasons, and whom I will endeavor to leave be, as wood elves are often wont to hold their own kind a little higher in regard. Adding even more magic to our ranks is a warlock, Alkese, who while a bit unrefined certainly has his heart in the right place, and a genuine wizard named Randolph. I have no idea how everyone seems to know that I asked a couple townspeople the name of the fish I caught, but I guess gossip travels fast in a town this size. Either way, I'll just keep that under wraps and stick to my writing for now. It's not like we'll find any fish in a mine, anyway. We happened upon some wolves shortly after we set out from the town, and it was perhaps the first time we each got to see the philosophies of action that we all held. Our roles were held fairly stereotypically, with our mage casting a charm and our warriors closing for the kill. Seeing as no one was injured as yet, I decided to join them in melee, and stepped around the mage before swinging my mace at one of the animals.

[UrsprungDerLiebe]

Battle After the wizard managed to work some magic that sent a chill up my spine to freeze some of the wolves in place, I bounded forward. Swinging the Mageblade at the first of the wolves I came across, I sliced my mageblade across the throat of the beast. It burst into purple energy as it ripped open the beast's throat, and I felt my hair stand up on end with the discharge. Reeling from the might that worked its way through my hands, I continued swinging towards the next wolf, hoping to finish the fight in a few short seconds, but, off balance from the first attack, swung wildly far. I let loose a shriek of pure hotblooded joy at the thrill of the kill, then shouted some encouragement to the rest of my tribe's warriors my companions.

OOC I'm moving to the spot above wolf 3 and to the right of wolf 1. Also, I am making some assumptions about the AC and health of wolves; if I am off the mark, let me know and I can edit this.

[Tsukos]

Gunther's log aside It appears the warlock is quite the effective fighter. He made short work of the wolf attacking us. I made ready to attack one of the entranced wolves should they have snapped out of it.

actions Gunther has moved to be 2 squares away from one of the fascinated wolves (Lets say wolf 2, as I'm assuming 1 and 2 are fascinated and the third is now dead, which would thus have me standing on Wolf 3's corpse) and readying an action to attack when the spell effect ends.

[Bio]

Dancer Weldig - wolves That was, frankly, ridiculous. I suggested we move on. This entry made some time after the battle when Randy makes his Cha check, ending the battleGood job to our wizard though, I'd rather not have to kill wolves simply for having been in the wrong place at the right time.

Mechanics

[Lovecraft]

Combat Notes Evidently my companions prefer to be merciful with the beasts of the wild. My hypnotism spell allowed me to send them away, ending the battle with only one wolf casualty. The warlock seemed almost afraid of my spell, even though her blade shown with magical force as she struck. I will definitely have to discuss this further with her...

[TheUltimateHammer]

Journal of Calahir Dorian April 8th, 704 On the road The wolves met their end quite quickly. It is a shame that I could not help my companions during the fight, not that they actually needed it. The wizard seems to be a quick thinker, hypnotizing two of the wolves, while our fighter took down the third. I think this may prove to be quite interesting, to say the least.

[Tsukos]

Gunther's Log 8 April, the seven hundred and fourth year of the calendar of Pelor, eventide. The wolves met on the road today were quickly dispatched with the help of the mage; only one met a bloody end and I am relieved to not waste life excessively. The wolves here are oddly aggressive, I have noted, and it was only the fascinating command of the wizard that allows them to remain alive. The elf-dragon seems upset about something. Perhaps I shall ask her about it; I certainly do not want disquiet in my party on account of each others actions. Going by the map earlier, which I will copy on the page here and will note our current location and that where we met the wolves, we should be close to the mine. Maybe I should try shaving with my axe. Some river water instead of sea and a keen axe could be what I have been seeking for that task. On the other hand, best to seek a proper blade for that task. I shall be a foolish corpse if I slice my own neck. Gunther Rendik, formerly of the VKS Morrisanne

The rest of the page is taken up by the promised map.

notes Gunther sees the party as his to command already, seeing himself as a leader even if he hasn't told the others of this intent. This comes from his recent stint as a ship captain. Also, he does seek out Dancer to talk to her with genuine interest. He'd even be willing to teach her what he knows of Draconic if she were to ask

[Bio]

Journal of Dancer Weldig, April 8, 704 - eventime I thought we should keep going, but apparently, starlight isn't good enough. Maybe it's a good thing they need so much sleep then; keeps them from stumbling around in the "darkness." I suggested Calahir and I each take a four hour watch while the other trances. That way, the humans can get in a full night's sleep without them having to interrupt them with taking watches, and we can move on the quicker. I watch and ponder my companions. I think we may need to plan a bit better on how to work together. Though the wizards were able to take care of the wolves in short order, I would have preferred to at least know what was going on. Jumping into battle without knowing what one's clansmen/women are doing is a good way to die. ... a quick way anyways. A good way to die is to be surrounded by loved ones and admirers as the beauty of old age takes you peacefully without touching your mind. So, I tried to trick Gunther into teaching me some of The Ancient Tongue, but I think I came across far too eager to pass it off like I knew anything of value.

[Tsukos]

Gunther's log aside I am a little disappointed. The elf-dragon tricked me into teaching her some of the Draconic language. I realized quickly that she knew far less of the language than she had wanted me to believe. I must confess I am angry, both at myself for being so easily mislead, and at her for attempting to trick me. Tomorrow morning I should try to make amends, and perhaps we can continue her lessons with a little more candor. I cannot hope to match the elves in sleep, but I have taken the liberty of recording some of the night sky, and I will do the same again before sunrise.

Drawn on the rest of the page is a star chart, with recognized constellations filled in. Gunther also makes note of the phase of the moon.

notes Gunther is a bit miffed that she tricked him, but is still willing to teach her. He wants to look out for his 'crew' and if dealing with a little dishonesty is part of that he's willing to take the challenge.

[UrsprungDerLiebe]

Nighttime The rest of this group decided to use magic to send the wolves - a frightening thought, that this magic I've suddenly learned exists can affect the very minds of creatures in such a way. It is strange to me that they would rather do that than seek glory in combat - something about "preserving life" - but I suppose for a mage, affecting a creature's mind to run away can bring its own glory. After we built camp, I pulled the wizard aside, to ask him what he could tell me of the way different eldritch powers function, and how one is imbued with them.

[TheUltimateHammer]

Journal of Calahir Dorian April 8th (or 9th), 704 Camp The human need to sleep is certainly disappointing to me. If all of them just rested for four hours like elves, we could get this thing done more quickly and arrive at the city by dawn. We wouldn’t even have to stop, because the darkness is no problem to elves like me. But I guess this is what is like to travel with their kind. Not that there’s anything bad with this. If anyone ever hopes to find this journal, I must remember to kindly tear this page apart and drop the pieces at the fire. Right now, I’m relaxing on our camp site, writing in my journal. Dancer told me that we should make shifts, each of us should trance four hours and then watch over the camp. A smart idea, considering the humans’ trouble with sleep, I’m sure they would be quite defenseless if marauding wild animals invaded our camp. I told her I’d watch first. I should probably get my rapier and my mandolin.

[Lovecraft]

Night of April 8th 704 It seems that I will be doing a lot of journaling while with this group, they give me much to think on and this book is a good way of collecting my thoughts. The warlock finally pulled me aside after our encounter with the wolves, evidently she did not understand why we simply let the wolves go. Personally I am in agreement, but I prefer not to make waves if I can help it. But back to the warlock, or Alkese as she asked me to call her. I began to explain to her the nature of my powers, and hers as well. It seems she was woefully ignorant of the powers at our command, and even afraid of them. I attempted to comfort her, but I think she was beyond taking my word for it. Perhaps I can show her how the arcane arts can be used for good during our travels. The elves are taking watch, as they need less sleep than us. That is fine by me, I for one could use the sleep...

[OingoBoingo]

Log of Ganch Hollowson April 8, 704 I have to say, I approve of our resident wizard more than I thought I might at first glance. Where the others (and, I am chagrined to report, myself) went directly for the violent approach to the wolf problem, he simply charmed two of the beasts into leaving peacefully. Such an approach is to be commended, even if I suspect that his motivations were less guided by a love for peace than for a love of his own beating heart. Still, if nothing else I am reminded that my mace is not a key to all of life's problems. The elf seems somewhat upset about even the one that was killed; I expressed my own gratitude that two of them will continue to live and hunt, and hopefully this reminder cheered her up a bit. We decided to rest before reaching the mine proper; it often amazes me how easily the endurance of man can wear out, although the lengths our will can support us can be astonishing. I asked the others to let me take the last watch, sleeping early so that I could rise to meet the dawn and give Pelor his proper due. Hopefully tomorrow we can reach the mine without any fuss. I need to remember to gather the party together tomorrow and discuss our formation. While I don't mind if the consensus is that I stay in the back to cover our flanks with my armor and heal those who drop back, I worry that by not being near the front lines I risk not being able to make it to a downed combatant in time.

[Jocularity]

After the day's travel, and brief moment of the hostile encounter in which two wolves were Hypnotized and sent away, the group rested in the empty wayhouse that the ore caravan used to rest in on their journey. It was little more than four walls, a ceiling, and a heavy double-door. Some preserved foods were available, and Maxwell Parker had allowed them to take meals for the nights and mornings they stayed there, but not any more than that. The night was uneventful as the elves reported by the morn, the only thing vaguely odd was that a barn owl frequently returned to watch them throughout the night.

When dawn came around, the group looked at the map once again, and remarked that the trip to the mine will be much shorter than the trip between the city and the wayhouse. Once they were up and prepared, they could be there within just two hours from setting out.