Yes, you're correct, Kerlan. Unfortunately I became confused making that last post. Ultimately, I wasn't sure which way you'd be going so I wanted to cover every eventuality. (You're buying this, aren't you?) I'm not sure exactly what I was thinking. Have any ideas?
Works for me. Cappy may be getting a little thick around the middle if he keeps on putting them away like that!
IC: The Wizards disembark from the boat from Pembrose where a stream branches off of the Quail River to the south. Here, they can either strike north to find the Minx Brothers, or they can just take their chances on their own and head south in search of the orcs.
Since all the bodies of water in this module are named for birds, we'll call this the Swallow Stream. (Keep your off-color jokes to yourselves, please! ) The terrain to the north of the river is clear for about half a mile and then the Forest of Nin begins. To the south, the Gaskar hills start just a mile or two back from the river.
"It is truly relaxing being free of the trappings of civilization sometimes, don't you agree cousin? The clean, fresh air is quite enjoyable" Xavier says, as he labours along, cross-country treks not being his forte.
Feeling more at home in the forest than hills, Tylara suggests, "Shall we go north and seek the Minx brothers? The more information we have the easier our mission should be."
"It is truly relaxing being free of the trappings of civilization sometimes, don't you agree cousin? The clean, fresh air is quite enjoyable" Xavier says, as he labours along, cross-country treks not being his forte.
"Oh yes, cousin. It can be quite fun to be outdoors. Sometimes." Francheska grins devilishly.
Disembarking from the boat on the north side of the Quail River, the wizards make their way to the north along the poorly marked, narrow footpath that they hope will lead them to the home of the Minx Brothers. Whoever constructed this so-called 'path' evidently didn't intend for Semi-Urban, Cosmopolitan Wizards to be using it. If there actually are hallmarks of a Ranger Pathway, then this one has them all in spades! The path is quite frequently crossed by large tree roots that make the footing a bit treacherous to say the least. Tylara and Francheska seem to have no trouble at all, either spotting the path or navigating its hazards. And Xavier is only very slightly less capable in this regard. Capizzio, Kerlan, and Manny have a bit more trouble, but not too much. Except when one of you has to help Manny climb over a particularly large rock or tree root! You complete the first half of the distance from the Quail River to your destination with little difficulty, and no unforeseen ocurrences. You just hope that the second half of the journey is a boring.
OOC: Incidentally, since I pretty much forced you to take this boat ride, we'll say that you found a small pile of coins along the street in Pembrose that, ironically, exactly matched the fee for the ride! Amazing!!
Kerlan continues the journey without complaint. He had been on many similar trips while living on the farm with his family. "This reminds me of searching for mushrooms back at home," he says cheerily.
__________________ Test your build for long term survival in the Core Coliseum.
Forgot your books? Try using Sovelior's SRD or the d20 SRD.
"Oh, do you think morels might be in season or maybe some fiddlehead ferns, so tastey." She remains wary, but seems to be enjoying her stroll in the woods.
As soon as Tylara says this, all of the wizards are taken aback by the loud noise from just up ahead (40') on the trail! A big monstrosity with a thick coat of feathers and fur, a body and a head like a bear's, with large, round avian eyes crashes into the path, dead ahead.
[initiative please?]
OOC: Guess I'd better read-up on the grapple rules real quick! (there's the devil you were looking for, Scotley and DeWar!)
DM info! players keep out!
Owlbear's initiative = 2
(I rolled it with my spiffy new Chessex dice!)
"It seems I wasn't the only one looking down the trail and thinking 'tastey'". With a brief incantation and a gesture as if she were shaking water from her hand, Tylara calls upon her magic and sends a shard of ice (1d20+8=25) blasting toward the unnatural creature. It strikes to unleash damaging cold (2d8=14) on the creature. Tylara steps off the trail seeking to put a tree or other cover between herself and the foe.
OOC: Initiative (1d20+2=17) Target needs to make a DC16 fort save or take 2 points of dex damage.
Tylara's missile of ice strikes the hideous owlbear full-force in its matted, stinky, feathery breast, and send shivers through its great bulk. [OOC: failed save, but it doesn't seem to have affected the creature appreciably from the dex loss, because its dex was kinda sorry anyway, *shrug*.]
Critter/Round status
Owlbear's hp, 52-14=38. Capizzio is still due an action as Ty attacks, while Kerlan and Fran cast defensive spells. Need init for Xavier and Manny. Hmmm, who does it want to (owl)bearhug? I guess Tylara is probably the leading candidate, but Francheska has bigger, um, charms?
(You're buying this, aren't you?) I'm not sure exactly what I was thinking. Have any ideas?
Linear Mode
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