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The Order of Initiative in: "Just a Simple Escort"
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<blockquote data-quote="tariff" data-source="post: 2850469" data-attributes="member: 18635"><p><strong>TRAVELLING TO SUZAIL</strong></p><p>The party begin traveling....Walter says out loud "Its about 160 miles to Tilverton, a tendays travel. We will first pass the destroyed villages of Mistlebrook and Mistletarn. Both destroyed in Drow raids several months ago. Then we pass Peldan's Helm, a small village, never been there myself mind"</p><p>Beltain keeps his place in the party order, waiting for a suggestion from one of the party leaders. He watches the foliage to his side of the road for signs of ambush. He urges his horse forward slightly so that he can see how Limara fares.</p><p>Poacher takes up a point position and keep an eye out for possible problems ahead. Specifically watching out for ambushes and such. Unfortunately his stench seems to waft back to those directly behind him.</p><p>Feng grins showing a slobbery fang "So Deirdre, how did a lovely girl like yourself end up in a Zhent prison?" He continues "Are you married, ah... Betrothed and is your Daddy rich?. I’m a mighty warrior - ever seen muscles this big?"</p><p>Deirdre replies to Feng "The wagon train i was on was attacked by zhents....erm, no, im not married.." she leans away from Feng, looking visibly disgusted "So...did they fix yer...um...small problem?" she says looking at the Half-Orcs crotch area.</p><p>Rizzit says to Coleridge "Sing us a song as we ride Col, something to keep spirits up and attract every monster for miles to us"</p><p>Limara looks around as she rides keeping a keen eye on the surroundings. She notices a butterfly that seems to be fluttering around near the party. </p><p>The paranoid cleric cast a detect magic spell on the butterfly...it does not detect as magical!!!.</p><p>Poacher briefly looks back at the rest of the party. He briefly shakes his head and mouths a word that appears to be something like the word "Tanker" before getting back to scouting out the path ahead.</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>ATTACK OF THE BROWN BEAR.</strong></p><p>Suddenly, From behind one of the trees comes into view a Brown Bear...It snarls at the party....</p><p>"Poacher.... you any good at skinning bears? " shouts Limara as she sees the bear advance.</p><p>"If you eat their heart you gain their strength I heard" says Rizzit.</p><p>"err, who told you that ?" says Limara</p><p>"A guy at the bar i think" replies the kobold</p><p>Limara shakes her head. "..Don’t think its true somehow.... you can try if you want"</p><p>"Sounded believable to me" nods Rizzit.</p><p>Limara suddenly shouts and points at Rizzit’s back " AAAAHHH, ...Rizzit your backs on fire !!!!"</p><p>Limara laughs "..see, sounded convincing.....but not true... you see for every truth there is a lie, for every fact there is a falsehood. Look further into the idea, if eating a bears heart made you stronger, then why aren’t there hundreds of trainee fighters and barbarians running round out here slaughtering them all ??... Therefore the bear heart idea is looking less likely now... see ?"</p><p>Rizzit smiles "Had my back been on fire i would have had no concern, i fear not the heat of flames with the blood of my ancestors coursing through my veins"</p><p>Feng snarls at Limara "My people eat the hearts of braves that they defeat - why is it so difficult to believe?"</p><p>Rizzit smiles "See, if Feng agrees then it must be true"</p><p>Feng nods.</p><p>Poacher looks at Feng "When you say ‘People’, can i presume you mean Hairy arsed Barbarians? Bears are part of the natural world. And as such should be mercilessly eradicated and then hung on some rich <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ers wall. Kekeke"</p><p>Beltain is jerked into wakefulness by the sound of the party preparing for battle. He scans the road ahead and to the sides looking for more of the bears.</p><p>Feng snarls again "Look, Its a <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing BEAR! Leave it alone, and it will leave us alone - OK? What has this got to do with escorting Mr. Moneybags over there - did we sign up for a Safari?. Beltain - have you told these Jokers about the Fugue?, Have you told them about what is to come after?". Feng shakes his head.</p><p>Beltain replies, "The Fugue was just a path to a place in god's domain. I was more worried about those I left behind - not somewhere I'd want to stay, I was approached by a ... well I would rather not dwell on that but it was very unpleasant----"</p><p>Limara interjects "The fugue is a safe place for all those who have a god... as long as you avoid the, baatezu but they cant harm you,...... its just a bit morbid as all, looking at all those nonbelievers sealed in a wall for eternity.... mind you, ive only read about it, when you are there I’m sure its a most unnerving experience"</p><p>Coleridge says from the back of his mount "I see no reason to attack this noble creature unless it decides to attack us, you others may seek your sport with it if you choose, but all your doing is causing a gradual decline in these magnificent beasts who have a much slower reproductive pattern than us, and thus speeding them towards extinction and reducing our own amount of work and usefulness on expeditions like this."</p><p>Rizzit moves his hands in arcane patterns and two missile of magical energy scream toward the bear and impact causing it (9) damage.</p><p>Poacher fires his bow from the back of Buttercup his horse. He barely scrapes the bear for (2) damage. "Weeee. Another <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing spectacular hit."</p><p>Beltain dismounts and runs forward toward the bear.</p><p>Rizzit looks round and sees Feng standing, not moving, by the cart "wow never thought i would see Feng scared of a fight"</p><p>Beltain shouts Feng "The bear is a hazard to travelers and other denizens of this woodland. Let us convert it to a fireside rug and proceed..."</p><p>Sparhawk slams down his visor and kicks his heels into Faran’s flanks setting his lance as his trusty steed charges at his target. He hits the bear hard in the chest, the lance wounding the bear badly for (30) damage.</p><p>"Wow, says Beltain" Extremely impressed by the massive damage inflicted by the mounted knight. "Superb hit Sir Sparhawk!"</p><p>"Fantastic hit Spar, you the man" claps Rizzit.</p><p>Limara shoots her light Crossbow and also scrapes the bear for (2) damage.</p><p>The bear takes a 5ft step and attacks Sparhawk. It hits the warrior with one of its claws for (15) damage.</p><p>"Don’t worry Spar I will finish him off before he can hurt you again" shouts Rizzit from the back of Beaker.</p><p>Coleridge sighs "I feel no need to sing or revel in the needless harm of this great beast, but i will try to aid inputting it out of its misery now that you have injured it so". He raises his Heavy Crossbow and fires. The bolt misses the critically injured Bear. "Alas too much time performing my musical arts and not enough practice with my crossbow, someone else relieve this creature of its last vestiges of life and release it from its painful torment"</p><p>Rizzit once again releases to magic missiles. They unerringly hit the Bear for (8) damage. The bear is badly wounded and barely able to stand. </p><p>Rizzit pulls on Beakers reigns and the Axebeak moves toward the bear at great speed. The Axebeak attacks the bear, its sharp beak sinking into the bears flesh. The bear lets out one final howl before it collapses to the floor...</p><p>Rizzit looks at Sparhawk "I hope that goes someway to proving my worth to you again Sparhawk"</p><p>Poacher walks over to the dead bear "Guys you want me to skin this <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />er? It'll look good as a rug if i skin it right. Someone make a cup of tea and some lunch. It won't take me long."</p><p>Poacher ineptly starts to hack the bear’s skin up. When he is only about a third of the way through and appears to be removing the skin in 4 or 5 messy lumps he starts to swear at himself and gives up. Covered in gore the ranger gets back on his Horse. "<img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />. I'm out of <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing practice."</p><p>The party look at Walters map and discuss where to go next.</p><p>"I am happy for Sparhawk and Limara to agree the parties route" says Beltain.</p><p>"I would like to have a quick check of the villages" says Rizzit.</p><p>Coleridge turns to Walter "Walter how long ago was it that Mistlebrook and Mistletarn fell to the Drow?...I see little point investigating them if they are but empty husks which have been left abandoned for some time, unless we have reason to believe the Drow would have returned there for some reason. It may be useful to check on the Abbey or Peldan's Helm to check they have not also fallen to drow attacks since the road was last traveled such information would be of great use to other travelers and the nearby towns/cities"</p><p>Sparhawk nods "I concur Coleridge, there is little point in checking abandoned villages at this time methinks, our mission is one of escort."</p><p>Walter replies to the bard "Mistlebrook and Mistletarn fell approximately 2 months ago...Drow, so the rumors say"</p><p>Feng sighs "It really doesn’t matter which way we go - we will all end up in the same place eventually. Coleridge - you know of any heroic tales that might inspire me? I really need some inspiration at the moment."</p><p>Sparhawk looks at the map a while "Looking at this map, we can strike out due east from here check the abbey and Peldan’s Helm and pick up the Moonsea Ride south from there neighbors, let us head on"</p><p>The party move out..</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>THE ABBEY OF THE GOLDEN SHEAF</strong></p><p>The party travel to The Abbey of the Golden Sheaf. This prosperous religious hold is dedicated to the worship of Chauntea Grainmother. </p><p>The abbey is very impressive. It is rare to see such fertility in a single holding this small. The party is told they cannot enter the Abbey and decide to pitch camp nearby for the night. In the morning they will travel to the small village of Peldan's Helm. </p><p>The monks at the Abbey offer the party refreshments and they talk with the party a while.</p><p>Rizzit begins camping down for the night. He grumbles "To be honest i would prefer if we traveled at night and rested during the day. I don’t really like the daylight"</p><p>Limara says bluntly "No one else except you and Feng can see at night, it would be a tactical disadvantage for the party to travel at night""</p><p>"Rizzit.... if you wish to travel in the dark, join the Drow...we move in the light!" states Sparhawk.</p><p>It is beginning to get dark, and chilly...Winter is certainly here..</p><p>Limara cures Sparhawk of his wounds from the Bear attack.</p><p>Poacher starts ranting about the monks at the Abbey. "Do you reckon those monks are all <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> stabbers? I don’t know. A load of blokes living together at such close quarters. Bound to wanna nudge the <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> chute. What do you reckon?. I mean. Golden sheaf? That's like one of them things ya stick on ya <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> innit? Bet they like to play 'Hide the Sausage' on them cold winter nights."</p><p>Feng says "As holy people, I guess they are knowing and doing the will of their god. They show great wisdom in this. I certainly mean to known my god, and serve him better." Feng shudders "I'll not leave this life again so...unprepared."</p><p>Feng sits down on his bedroll and stares moodily into the fire.</p><p>Poacher spits "<img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing gods. Who the <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> needs them? Meddling bastards who can think of nothing better to do than <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> around with decent folk. I <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing hate gods."</p><p>Walter looks at Poacher "If i may be so bold...don’t you hate everyone?"</p><p>"Yeah. But <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing god. What a bunch of <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />s. I hate them the most. Well.. Them and you lot." Poacher whittles at a bit of wood. Over time he creates something vaguely penis shaped. He looks at it and starts giggling to himself.</p><p>Limara looks over to the Ranger "So poacher are you telling me that you worship no god ?"</p><p>Poacher smiles "Well my birth certificate says Malar. But he's a <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />. Though he doesn't appear to mind me thinking so. Coz ranger magic is divine in nature. But on the whole it's not that i disbelieve in gods. If i did that the <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ers would probably</p><p>come round and put my windows in. No. I believe. I just think that they're a bunch of meddling <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />s. I only like Malar coz he's god of being cruel to animals or something. "</p><p>Limara nods "arr, Malar... The beast lord, ... yup he suits you.... i wonder what he thought of you slaughtering all those Baneite zhents. Bane is an ally of his."</p><p>Sparhawk joins the conversation as they bed down for the night "I too believe in a divine purpose, but hold no great addiction to pray for my sword arm...If you believe and it works then do so, I prefer to make my own luck and judgment. Let everyone believe what he or she wish and mayhap we will all come through this together"</p><p>Coleridge hums a melancholy dirge as he looks into the fire. He looks around to the others and says "Would you fellows like to recount some of your adventures since last i traveled with you, what happened and where did you go after i left you?"</p><p>"I <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing DIED!" spits Feng. The half orc clamps his teeth shut, rolls over and tries to sleep.</p><p>Beltain turns to the bard "In a nutshell we went through a portal and found ourselves at a Zent fortress which was used as a base for raids via a number of portals. Unfortunately we couldn't return for 24 hours and in that time the zents through everything they had at us. Heals were at a premium and it was touch and go as to if we survived. Suddenly a group of higher-level zents, the leaders, surged up from the dungeons where they were due to hold some internal rite. I managed to kill a couple while under the effects of dust of disappearance and I then attacked a huge half-orc, </p><p>became invisible and he dealt me a mighty blow (20 hp) and next I knew I was wandering the fugue. The others, so I'm told, managed to free some prisoners (of which Walter and Deirdre formed part) and the warriors among those freed teamed up with the party and managed to fight off the final waves of zents from the two guard towers. Battered and weary they then waited at the portal until daylight, and the portal activated and they came back to the realms."</p><p>Beltain looks into the star-lit heavens and says a prayer to his god. He gazes for a time at the sleeping form of Limara and then tucks his blanket around him and goes to sleep. He sleeps fitfully his dreams keep returning to the gray unending plains of the fugue...</p><p>Feeling the cold Rizzit rolls himself right up against the campfire enjoying the flames dancing around him, sighing deeply he falls into a deeper sleep.</p><p>The party sleep the night. In the morning they set off for Peldan's Helm. </p><p>Whilst they travel Feng says to the party "When the time is right - can you all help me capture an Orcish shaman? I need to speak with someone who knows the will of Gruumsh better than I."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="tariff, post: 2850469, member: 18635"] [B]TRAVELLING TO SUZAIL[/B] The party begin traveling....Walter says out loud "Its about 160 miles to Tilverton, a tendays travel. We will first pass the destroyed villages of Mistlebrook and Mistletarn. Both destroyed in Drow raids several months ago. Then we pass Peldan's Helm, a small village, never been there myself mind" Beltain keeps his place in the party order, waiting for a suggestion from one of the party leaders. He watches the foliage to his side of the road for signs of ambush. He urges his horse forward slightly so that he can see how Limara fares. Poacher takes up a point position and keep an eye out for possible problems ahead. Specifically watching out for ambushes and such. Unfortunately his stench seems to waft back to those directly behind him. Feng grins showing a slobbery fang "So Deirdre, how did a lovely girl like yourself end up in a Zhent prison?" He continues "Are you married, ah... Betrothed and is your Daddy rich?. I’m a mighty warrior - ever seen muscles this big?" Deirdre replies to Feng "The wagon train i was on was attacked by zhents....erm, no, im not married.." she leans away from Feng, looking visibly disgusted "So...did they fix yer...um...small problem?" she says looking at the Half-Orcs crotch area. Rizzit says to Coleridge "Sing us a song as we ride Col, something to keep spirits up and attract every monster for miles to us" Limara looks around as she rides keeping a keen eye on the surroundings. She notices a butterfly that seems to be fluttering around near the party. The paranoid cleric cast a detect magic spell on the butterfly...it does not detect as magical!!!. Poacher briefly looks back at the rest of the party. He briefly shakes his head and mouths a word that appears to be something like the word "Tanker" before getting back to scouting out the path ahead. [B]ATTACK OF THE BROWN BEAR.[/B] Suddenly, From behind one of the trees comes into view a Brown Bear...It snarls at the party.... "Poacher.... you any good at skinning bears? " shouts Limara as she sees the bear advance. "If you eat their heart you gain their strength I heard" says Rizzit. "err, who told you that ?" says Limara "A guy at the bar i think" replies the kobold Limara shakes her head. "..Don’t think its true somehow.... you can try if you want" "Sounded believable to me" nods Rizzit. Limara suddenly shouts and points at Rizzit’s back " AAAAHHH, ...Rizzit your backs on fire !!!!" Limara laughs "..see, sounded convincing.....but not true... you see for every truth there is a lie, for every fact there is a falsehood. Look further into the idea, if eating a bears heart made you stronger, then why aren’t there hundreds of trainee fighters and barbarians running round out here slaughtering them all ??... Therefore the bear heart idea is looking less likely now... see ?" Rizzit smiles "Had my back been on fire i would have had no concern, i fear not the heat of flames with the blood of my ancestors coursing through my veins" Feng snarls at Limara "My people eat the hearts of braves that they defeat - why is it so difficult to believe?" Rizzit smiles "See, if Feng agrees then it must be true" Feng nods. Poacher looks at Feng "When you say ‘People’, can i presume you mean Hairy arsed Barbarians? Bears are part of the natural world. And as such should be mercilessly eradicated and then hung on some rich :):):):)ers wall. Kekeke" Beltain is jerked into wakefulness by the sound of the party preparing for battle. He scans the road ahead and to the sides looking for more of the bears. Feng snarls again "Look, Its a :):):):)ing BEAR! Leave it alone, and it will leave us alone - OK? What has this got to do with escorting Mr. Moneybags over there - did we sign up for a Safari?. Beltain - have you told these Jokers about the Fugue?, Have you told them about what is to come after?". Feng shakes his head. Beltain replies, "The Fugue was just a path to a place in god's domain. I was more worried about those I left behind - not somewhere I'd want to stay, I was approached by a ... well I would rather not dwell on that but it was very unpleasant----" Limara interjects "The fugue is a safe place for all those who have a god... as long as you avoid the, baatezu but they cant harm you,...... its just a bit morbid as all, looking at all those nonbelievers sealed in a wall for eternity.... mind you, ive only read about it, when you are there I’m sure its a most unnerving experience" Coleridge says from the back of his mount "I see no reason to attack this noble creature unless it decides to attack us, you others may seek your sport with it if you choose, but all your doing is causing a gradual decline in these magnificent beasts who have a much slower reproductive pattern than us, and thus speeding them towards extinction and reducing our own amount of work and usefulness on expeditions like this." Rizzit moves his hands in arcane patterns and two missile of magical energy scream toward the bear and impact causing it (9) damage. Poacher fires his bow from the back of Buttercup his horse. He barely scrapes the bear for (2) damage. "Weeee. Another :):):):)ing spectacular hit." Beltain dismounts and runs forward toward the bear. Rizzit looks round and sees Feng standing, not moving, by the cart "wow never thought i would see Feng scared of a fight" Beltain shouts Feng "The bear is a hazard to travelers and other denizens of this woodland. Let us convert it to a fireside rug and proceed..." Sparhawk slams down his visor and kicks his heels into Faran’s flanks setting his lance as his trusty steed charges at his target. He hits the bear hard in the chest, the lance wounding the bear badly for (30) damage. "Wow, says Beltain" Extremely impressed by the massive damage inflicted by the mounted knight. "Superb hit Sir Sparhawk!" "Fantastic hit Spar, you the man" claps Rizzit. Limara shoots her light Crossbow and also scrapes the bear for (2) damage. The bear takes a 5ft step and attacks Sparhawk. It hits the warrior with one of its claws for (15) damage. "Don’t worry Spar I will finish him off before he can hurt you again" shouts Rizzit from the back of Beaker. Coleridge sighs "I feel no need to sing or revel in the needless harm of this great beast, but i will try to aid inputting it out of its misery now that you have injured it so". He raises his Heavy Crossbow and fires. The bolt misses the critically injured Bear. "Alas too much time performing my musical arts and not enough practice with my crossbow, someone else relieve this creature of its last vestiges of life and release it from its painful torment" Rizzit once again releases to magic missiles. They unerringly hit the Bear for (8) damage. The bear is badly wounded and barely able to stand. Rizzit pulls on Beakers reigns and the Axebeak moves toward the bear at great speed. The Axebeak attacks the bear, its sharp beak sinking into the bears flesh. The bear lets out one final howl before it collapses to the floor... Rizzit looks at Sparhawk "I hope that goes someway to proving my worth to you again Sparhawk" Poacher walks over to the dead bear "Guys you want me to skin this :):):):)er? It'll look good as a rug if i skin it right. Someone make a cup of tea and some lunch. It won't take me long." Poacher ineptly starts to hack the bear’s skin up. When he is only about a third of the way through and appears to be removing the skin in 4 or 5 messy lumps he starts to swear at himself and gives up. Covered in gore the ranger gets back on his Horse. ":):):):)ing :):):):). I'm out of :):):):)ing practice." The party look at Walters map and discuss where to go next. "I am happy for Sparhawk and Limara to agree the parties route" says Beltain. "I would like to have a quick check of the villages" says Rizzit. Coleridge turns to Walter "Walter how long ago was it that Mistlebrook and Mistletarn fell to the Drow?...I see little point investigating them if they are but empty husks which have been left abandoned for some time, unless we have reason to believe the Drow would have returned there for some reason. It may be useful to check on the Abbey or Peldan's Helm to check they have not also fallen to drow attacks since the road was last traveled such information would be of great use to other travelers and the nearby towns/cities" Sparhawk nods "I concur Coleridge, there is little point in checking abandoned villages at this time methinks, our mission is one of escort." Walter replies to the bard "Mistlebrook and Mistletarn fell approximately 2 months ago...Drow, so the rumors say" Feng sighs "It really doesn’t matter which way we go - we will all end up in the same place eventually. Coleridge - you know of any heroic tales that might inspire me? I really need some inspiration at the moment." Sparhawk looks at the map a while "Looking at this map, we can strike out due east from here check the abbey and Peldan’s Helm and pick up the Moonsea Ride south from there neighbors, let us head on" The party move out.. [B]THE ABBEY OF THE GOLDEN SHEAF[/B] The party travel to The Abbey of the Golden Sheaf. This prosperous religious hold is dedicated to the worship of Chauntea Grainmother. The abbey is very impressive. It is rare to see such fertility in a single holding this small. The party is told they cannot enter the Abbey and decide to pitch camp nearby for the night. In the morning they will travel to the small village of Peldan's Helm. The monks at the Abbey offer the party refreshments and they talk with the party a while. Rizzit begins camping down for the night. He grumbles "To be honest i would prefer if we traveled at night and rested during the day. I don’t really like the daylight" Limara says bluntly "No one else except you and Feng can see at night, it would be a tactical disadvantage for the party to travel at night"" "Rizzit.... if you wish to travel in the dark, join the Drow...we move in the light!" states Sparhawk. It is beginning to get dark, and chilly...Winter is certainly here.. Limara cures Sparhawk of his wounds from the Bear attack. Poacher starts ranting about the monks at the Abbey. "Do you reckon those monks are all :):):):) stabbers? I don’t know. A load of blokes living together at such close quarters. Bound to wanna nudge the :):):):) chute. What do you reckon?. I mean. Golden sheaf? That's like one of them things ya stick on ya :):):):) innit? Bet they like to play 'Hide the Sausage' on them cold winter nights." Feng says "As holy people, I guess they are knowing and doing the will of their god. They show great wisdom in this. I certainly mean to known my god, and serve him better." Feng shudders "I'll not leave this life again so...unprepared." Feng sits down on his bedroll and stares moodily into the fire. Poacher spits ":):):):)ing gods. Who the :):):):) needs them? Meddling bastards who can think of nothing better to do than :):):):) around with decent folk. I :):):):)ing hate gods." Walter looks at Poacher "If i may be so bold...don’t you hate everyone?" "Yeah. But :):):):)ing god. What a bunch of :):):):)s. I hate them the most. Well.. Them and you lot." Poacher whittles at a bit of wood. Over time he creates something vaguely penis shaped. He looks at it and starts giggling to himself. Limara looks over to the Ranger "So poacher are you telling me that you worship no god ?" Poacher smiles "Well my birth certificate says Malar. But he's a :):):):). Though he doesn't appear to mind me thinking so. Coz ranger magic is divine in nature. But on the whole it's not that i disbelieve in gods. If i did that the :):):):)ers would probably come round and put my windows in. No. I believe. I just think that they're a bunch of meddling :):):):)s. I only like Malar coz he's god of being cruel to animals or something. " Limara nods "arr, Malar... The beast lord, ... yup he suits you.... i wonder what he thought of you slaughtering all those Baneite zhents. Bane is an ally of his." Sparhawk joins the conversation as they bed down for the night "I too believe in a divine purpose, but hold no great addiction to pray for my sword arm...If you believe and it works then do so, I prefer to make my own luck and judgment. Let everyone believe what he or she wish and mayhap we will all come through this together" Coleridge hums a melancholy dirge as he looks into the fire. He looks around to the others and says "Would you fellows like to recount some of your adventures since last i traveled with you, what happened and where did you go after i left you?" "I :):):):)ing DIED!" spits Feng. The half orc clamps his teeth shut, rolls over and tries to sleep. Beltain turns to the bard "In a nutshell we went through a portal and found ourselves at a Zent fortress which was used as a base for raids via a number of portals. Unfortunately we couldn't return for 24 hours and in that time the zents through everything they had at us. Heals were at a premium and it was touch and go as to if we survived. Suddenly a group of higher-level zents, the leaders, surged up from the dungeons where they were due to hold some internal rite. I managed to kill a couple while under the effects of dust of disappearance and I then attacked a huge half-orc, became invisible and he dealt me a mighty blow (20 hp) and next I knew I was wandering the fugue. The others, so I'm told, managed to free some prisoners (of which Walter and Deirdre formed part) and the warriors among those freed teamed up with the party and managed to fight off the final waves of zents from the two guard towers. Battered and weary they then waited at the portal until daylight, and the portal activated and they came back to the realms." Beltain looks into the star-lit heavens and says a prayer to his god. He gazes for a time at the sleeping form of Limara and then tucks his blanket around him and goes to sleep. He sleeps fitfully his dreams keep returning to the gray unending plains of the fugue... Feeling the cold Rizzit rolls himself right up against the campfire enjoying the flames dancing around him, sighing deeply he falls into a deeper sleep. The party sleep the night. In the morning they set off for Peldan's Helm. Whilst they travel Feng says to the party "When the time is right - can you all help me capture an Orcish shaman? I need to speak with someone who knows the will of Gruumsh better than I." [/QUOTE]
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