[Gobquest] Part 2

[Mirth]

"The forest is... " Goubido trailed off, his eyes darting from tree to tree as the group rode closer to the Dim Forest.

OOC: What time of year is it again?

Probably should have sorted the potions out when we first got them instead of getting upset about insults from children! Whoever has the least HP should take the Healing potion. Maybe Rakanishu... he was downed with one hit last time we fought anyone. Ashgyad could carry the Spider Climb until we want to use it, as he's less likely to have it broken in combat or something. D'Bruuhl or Rakanishu would get the greatest benefit from the Bull's Strength.

OOC: I don't mind if Raka takes the H & BS potions, especially now that he has taken the point. Same with SC to Ash. Couldn't agree more DFG. As for scaring the kids, what can I say? I may not be an Orc, but I sure am a Ham! Also, I'm changing my spell list:

Cleric Spells per day: 0 - 4 / 1st - 4 [+1 Wis, +1 Domain spell]
Spells Prepared:
0 - Guidance, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Resistance
1st - Command, Doom, Magic Weapon [Domain spell], Sanctuary
Spell Save DC: 14

D'Bruuhl nudges his mule into the position a few steps behind Rakanishu. Following his lead, the cleric also loads his crossbow and keeps it ready.

 

[Dog Faced God]

Goubido tied his mule to the branch of a nearby tree, and quietly moved off the path, about 10 feet to the right of, and behind Rakanishu. (Move Silently +6)

 

[garyh]

Ashgyad will march in the middle-back. I.E., not in the total back where someone can sneak up on him most inconviniently, but not near the front where nasty swords get swung.

 

[dreamthief]

After about 2 hours you reach the edge of the Dim Forest. The forest has become denser and the cries of the forest greater. The faint path from Hulvin runs past a formation of low rocks. The largest rock is a flat-topped circular stone 8 feet across. Stacked all over the stone's surface are hundreds of pumpkins in various states of decay. Each pumpkin has been carved with a leering visage, and all face the dark treeline not more than two hundred yards down the path. It seems you will have to abandon your steeds if you wish to progress into the woods.

 

[Festy_Dog]

Rakanishu ties his mule to a tree with little fuss, though he does backtrack a little while so that his mule does not have to look upon the stack of pumpkins.

 

[Mirth]

D'Bruuhl ties his mule near Rakanishu's, saying a small prayer for their safety. Then the cleric moves to the stacked pumpkins and makes the sign of Heironeous before stepping in close to inspect them. If he can determine that they symbolize something of evil intent he will begin destryoing them. Otherwise, he steps away, says another small prayer, checks his crossbow and follows the others into the Dim Forest.

 

[Dog Faced God]

Goubido approached the pile of pumpkins and plucked up one of the grizzly visages. Holding it up to his face, he scowled back for a moment, and then turned their countenances on the rest of the goblins. "I like this one." He placed it in the middle of the road, facing back toward Hulvin.

As the goblins moved into the forest, he resumed his position on the right side of the group.

 

[Dalamar]

Glorath ties up his mount next to the others' and then moves to the front of the group (but not to be the first) and nocks an arrow ready to bow.

 

[dreamthief]

D'Bruuhl assesses that the pumpkins aren't for any evil purposes. He can't tell for sure, but it looks like they were left behind by humans.

You proceed on to the forest. Soon the trail gets so thick that you can only march in single file.

[I have the single file marching order as Rakanishu, Goubido, Glorath, Ashgyad, D'Bruuhl]

After about an hour of marching, Rakanishu hears a scurrying sound. He looks up to see a gigantic spider the size of a cow leaping down right in the middle of the group. It lands between Goubido and Glorath and makes an attempt to bite the Barbarian, but the skilled warrior deftly avoids the blow. Detritus and web hang from the body of the Spider, and it exudes a faint smell of old fungus. Branches crack under the weight of its limbs, and you can see the great hunger in its multiple eyes.

Initiative: Goubido, Glorath, Spider, Ashgyad, D'Bruuhl, Rakanishu

Rough map:

......
RGsgAD
.......
small g indicates Glorath.

 

[Festy_Dog]

Rakanishu spins on the spot and lets off a crossbow bolt should it not risk striking a companion. If he cannot safely fire his crossbow he draws his short sword and tries to make his way through the vegetation to sneak attack the giant spider.