[IC] The Trouble at Durbenford

[Bloodcookie]

[sblock=ooc]As an elf, Ruathen only needs to meditate 4 hours each day, so he can keep watch whenever Konstantine isn't. As for marching order, he should probably be around 3rd in line; that way, he can cast any buffs or ranged attack spells before joining the melee.[/sblock]

Ruathen, having risen some time earlier, kept warm in the hours before dawn practicing maneuvers by campfire light. When the party is ready, he finally breaks off his training and shrugs into his backpack. "Ah," he says, taking a deep breath of the brisk air, "some time in the mountains will do me good, I think. The air will be much thinner, and I will be forced to practice proper respiratory control to avoid becoming fatigued." He seems genuinely eager at the prospect.

 

[Dichotomy]

When the others awake, they find Konstatine sitting next to the fire, which the bard had kept diligently roaring throughout the night. Bundled in his many layers of clothes, he sits huddled over more of his tea.

In response to Rauthen's statement, the bard looks flabergasted. "Are you crazy? This cold is going to be the death of my voice, I just know it." Konstantine remains near the fire as long as possible while the others ready themselves for the journey.

 

[michael_noah]

The party begins their trek again after Zagnak successfully provides them with breakfast. The weather holds as fair, but the druid knows that precipitation will most likely follow late tomorrow or the next day, and by that time it will most likely mean snow.

During the days journey, the party is interupted...
[sblock=ooc]One last chance for anything you want to let me know about marching order, buffs, etc. I'll be posting a map/init/etc. later today.[/sblock]

 

[Vigwyn the Unruly]

Padraig, Male Human Veteran (Fighter)

Padraig awakens to the cold, bracing air. After going about his daily ablutions, he changes back into his armor and fur clothing. "It's good to see everyone in such a fine mood this morning! Thanks again, Ruathen and Konstantine, for keeping watch--it's nice that the rest of us can get a proper night's sleep in the wilds. And Zagnak, good food as always," comments Padraig, rubbing his full belly.

After packing and making ready for the day's journey, Padraig looks back at the lake, then up at the mountains. In their shadow, a chill descends upon him that signifies more than just cold air. Though it does no good, the veteran cinches up his furs against it. Padraig attempts to put his feelings of foreboding out of his mind. Putting on a brave face, he turns back to his friends, "Shall I take point?"

[sblock=OOC]Unless anyone objects, Padraig will march in the lead. In the wilderness, it makes sense that he would need his hands free, so his weapons will be sheathed. However, in dungeons, caves, etc., he would probably have his sword out in most dangerous situations.[/sblock]

 

[Bloodcookie]

Ruathen just grins at Konstantine, and nods to Zagnak. "I know you had reservations about this undertaking, my friend, but do know that we all value your wilderness expertise."

 

[TiCaudata]

Jasper helps Zagnak as able, and then quietly takes the rear, keeping a sharp eye out for a rear assault. Before the party makes any good distance, he speaks two spells to help him for the day.

[sblock=ooc]Magic Vestment on his shield (now +2) and Greater Magic Weapon on his mace (now +2).[/sblock]

 

[michael_noah]

The party travels toward their destination, and as the sun comes up, they remove their fur clothing for the warmer daytime hours. It is fortunate that they do, for a little after noon, they are ambushed from above. As Zagnak and Padraig take the fore, leading the others through a pass, a boulder rains down from above, almost knocking Ruathen to the ground.

Looking up, the party sees a humanoid, some 15 feet tall, covered in furs and the dust of snow. Above them about 50' on a ledge, it stoops to pick up another rock.


[sblock=ooc]Surprise round: Thing throws a rock at Ruathen: 17+? hits. 15 damage.


W=Gwennath
J=Jasper
P=Padraig
K=Konstantine
G=Gil
Z=Zagnak

X=Thing

Init and Status:
Konstantine: 12 -
Padraig: 12 -
Gil: 10 -
Jasper: 9 - GMW+2[5PM], MV+2[5PM]
Ruathen: 9 - 15hp.
Zagnak: 8 - Endure Elements
Thing: 3 -

Party -

Note: please excuse the random map, and ignore the markings.
[/sblock]

 

[Dichotomy]

Konstantine immediately begins singing a wild war chant, and his allies feel courage roar in their blood.
[sblock=OOC]Inspire Courage (Su): +2 morale bonus on saves vs charm & fear and to attack and weapon damage rolls[/sblock]

 

[TiCaudata]

"Zagnak! Ruathen! Grab hold of me!"

The cleric moves just south of Ruathen and transports the three of them next to the beast.

[sblock=OC]
Dimensional Door to which all three (if willing, if either of you aren't then that person doesn't come with) transport to the three squares on the NE corner of the "thing"[/sblock]

 

[Vigwyn the Unruly]

Padraig, Male Human Fighter

"Kord's boot!" cries the veteran as the falling rock smashes into Ruathen. Looking up for the source of the rock, he is shocked to see that it didn't fall at all--it was thrown!

Noting that the creature who threw the rock is fifty feet up an icy cliff, Padraig doubts that he'll be able to close for melee. Instead, he draws his longbow and nocks an arrow. He pulls back the string, noting how it creaks in the frosty air, and lets fly!

[sblock=OOC]Designates the Thing for purposes of Dodge feat (+1 to AC)
Mwk Comp. Longbow, Atk +11, Dmg 1d8+4, Crit 20/x3, Range 100'
Reminder: Precise Shot feat--no penalty for firing into melee.[/sblock]