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Mumadar Ibn Huzal
Master of Realmslore
1338 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Feb 2003 : 13:55:22
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An excerpt from the Silver Marches campaign.
On a forest trail in the Western High Forest, 13th Tarsakh 1372 DR, morning
Wondering what might have befallen the former owner of the hand and ring, the small group sets of on the middle of the three trails. For the first league or so the terrain is relatively even, but then gives way to a series of steep sided hills with gorge-like clefts. The trail leads up the slope at a steep incline – no real challenge for the mules, but by the time the group crests the rim, the three two-legged members of the group are slightly winded by the climb, breaths of warm exhaled air coalescing into crispy clouds that quickly drift away to dissipate in the winter air. Leaning a little on his spear, Alabain looks at the other two. When he sees they’ve recovered enough to continue, he sets of following the trail which skirts the edge of a gorge. Below, partially obscured by the leaf-less trees a small stream gurgles around chunks of ice and boulders.
Vaitha glances around as the group makes its way down the path, looking for tracks or any sign that something has passed thru this area recently. While doing so, she also tries to make sure they are going the in right direction. Studying briefly the moss on the trees and the faint shadow thrown by the wan light falling through the branches above the ranger is quickly convinced of the direction. Alabain sets a pace appropriate to the mules. He keeps his eyes darting side to side and ahead, trusting to Vaitha to guard the back. “Vaitha…” He says quietly over his shoulder, “Do you think we’ll make the cabin tonight or is it another night in the snow?” Before she can answer, Vaitha’s attention is drawn to the gorge below. Peering into the gorge she sees some movement a little further off.
Two persons are walking along the small stream, covered in leather and white fur they appear initially as some half-beast half-man, but as the appear from behind some overhanging branches it becomes clear that the two are just men – one small almost frail looking despite the bulky clothes, the other appears more muscular. Suddenly it dawns on Vaitha – these men are Uthgardt, though which tribe is not visible. Tree Ghost barbarians are most likely given the proximity of their ancestor mound, however with these nomadic hunter-gatherers one never knows for sure. Letting her eyes roam for a moment longer she suddenly spots something else. On a large boulder overlooking the stream and in the path of the two Uthgardt is some sort of partially camouflaged creature. To the trained eyes of the ranger it is apparent that the creature is waiting in ambush…
Drawn by the silence of his companion Alabain turns around and sees the lady ranger peering over the edge of the gorge. As also Alabain falls silent, Bagaudas – who had been paying attention to the two frolicking foxes – focuses his attention on the other two, eyebrows momentarily raised in question. Alabain shoves the butt end of the spear into the snow until it is firmly set and leaves it there, spearhead pointing straight up. He quickly strings his bow and readies an arrow. He ruffles the other arrows in the quiver, making sure they are loose and ready. He looks at Bagaudas, points to the two foxes, and then puts his finger to his lips in a ‘sushing’ motion. He then quietly moves up behind Vaitha and tries to identify what has drawn her attention.
Vaitha quickly draws her bow aiming at the creature waiting on the boulder and smoothly fires. “Ware! An ambush above!” She shouts to the two barbarians. Following Vaitha’s lead, Alabain also shoots his arrow at the creature on the boulder. Not waiting to see if the arrow strikes home, he quickly reaches for another arrow. In rapid succession the two arrows strike the unsuspecting creature in the back. Now bristling with two arrows the creature howls in rage and jumps from the boulder towards the two barbarians. As it jumps down, the true bulk of the creature becomes apparent; it appears as stocky and heavy built as a dwarf. But there all comparison ends, from up above the two archers look down on a slightly stooped grayish-green back which is covered in patches of thick, bristling fur. As it lands, it grabs at a branch of a small tree and with a powerful tug, yanks the branch from the tree and wielding it as a makeshift club. As the tree swings back and forth in anguish, a small, almost unnoticeable shriek can be heard, and something tiny falls from the tree in the snow.
As the small gnome hears some rustle he opens his eyes, seeing no immediate threat he silently moves himself to sitting position. Beneath him he sees two raw humans walking towards him. They’re still some yards away but… these could be the humans he was looking for! Bingo! Action! …Adrenaline filled his veins and he reached for his axe. Then he hears some cry high above him. He looks up, trying to see something. But the sun is still to low above the horizon to aid him enough. Is that…? Blinking at the sunlight he thinks he saw something out of the ordinary when two arrows seem to hit something high above him on the rock. Then something large and dark dives from the rock right at his hiding place. The creature misses him with by a few feet and the gnome sighs in relieve as the creature reaches out in his direction. The being’s claw comes closer without even take notice of the little gnome, grabbing the branch and… breaking it loose.
As the creature rips off the branch something falls off the tree. At first look it might be a leather backpack or something like that, but it sounds a muffled “Oumpf” when it hits the ground. More slowly a cloth swirls down the tree and covers the object. A soft giggling can be heard under the cloth. Then the blanket is pulled aside and reveals a small forest gnome. Forest gnomes are smaller than rock gnomes and this one is small even for a forest gnome; some two feet tall at the most. The overall appearance is wood-like: he’s brown or green or both and it’s hard to see where this concerns his clothing or his skin. Even his hair, peeking out from under a leather helmet, is green. What can be seen clearly are his sparkling green eyes. He chuckles while he nods at the two humans, mumbling: <Thought he was going to grab me!> Then he takes the axe in his left hand and fetches another, smaller, axe from his belt.
Up on the ridge, Vaitha fires another arrow at the attacking beast, while peering at it from above. Having had to adjust her aim in the last moment to avoid targeting the two human’s inadvertently, Vaitha’s arrow whisks past the target and disappears into a snowdrift. At almost the same moment, Alabain looses another arrow directed at the attacking grayish-green creature, placing it next to the other two arrows in the beast’s back. However the hit only visible effect of the attack seems that it enrages the creature further as it brings up the makeshift club in an attempt to squash the two humans in front of it.
The smaller of the two barbarians quickly steps backwards, startled only a little by the sudden appearance of the creature thanks to the warning from his unknown benefactor above. Quickly he shrugs his shoulders, letting his pack fall to the ground behind him. As soon as the pack hits with a thud the young man reaches into a belt pouch pulling something out in his clenched hand while holding his staff forward and chanting softly in his native tongue. <By the will of spirit of the Great Tree Ghost/and the roots of the Grandfather Tree/By the hands of those whose hearts you’ve broken/This will be an end to thee.> Then in a more recognizable tongue, “Sleep, you doom awaits…” With this he unclenches his right hand and gently blows into his palm causing the rose petals to gently flutter into the air dissolving swiftly into a translucent red mist that drifts unerringly towards the beast. For those close enough to see, the youngster’s face is a mask of hate, the evident rage nearly a palpable force. It is almost disturbing to see that much anger controlled so perfectly with that even, singsong voice coming from the same person.
Looking alongside the large creature the gnome’s green eyes express excitement and wonder when he looks at the two approaching human figures. A frown briefly touches his forehead as he tries to understand the words the chanting wild man sings. Then he smilingly shrugs and lifts his axe high in the air – well, high for him that is, the axe’s head doesn’t reach the height of human shoulders – immediately after that he swings axe forward, aiming to chop off at least one of the beast’s legs. As the small gnome’s axe slices through the air, the creature steps forward to meet the attacking barbarian’s swing, resulting in the gnome’s axe to bite into the snow where the monster’s foot had been a brief moment before. Then a waft of the rosy-mist reaches the small gnome’s nostrils and the little fellow suddenly finds himself blinking against an overwhelming urge to sleep – and loosing that battle, promptly the small gnome drops to the ground.
Seeing the strange creature jump down from its perch, the bigger of the two barbarians takes a step backwards, out of the way of the beast. Then, noticing his companion deep in spellcasting, the well-muscled barbarian pulls a greataxe to the ready. Firmly clutching the weapon in both of his hands, the man steps forward again and swings at the beast with a mighty roar of “Uthgar!” Almost whistling through the air, the barbarian’s greataxe comes down towards the beast, slicing through the branch which serves the monster as club – cutting about a third of the branch – and bites itself into the creature’s shoulder spraying droplets of greenish-black blood across the snow and opening a wide gash. Howling in pain and range the beast ignores the rosy-mist and retaliates by smashing its club across the attacking barbarian’s face bruising the man’s nose and sending several droplets of bright red blood to join the greenish-black ones on the once pristine white snow. Despite its hunched posture, the stocky and heavily muscled creature almost looms over its adversary, making the barbarian seem almost as small as his companion. Baring a set of razor-sharp teeth and the beast’s jaws snap shut just short of the barbarian’s arms as the young man tries to ward of the attack.
On the snowy ridge above, Alabain moves slightly across the white surface to one side, trying to get a better view of the situation below and a clearer path to the bestial creature below. Reaching into the quiver at his side, the ranger pulls out an arrow. Trusting in his aim he shoots it at the beast in the melee below. Hot on the heels of the arrow Vaitha slides and leaps her way down into the gorge, having dropped her bow to the ground in realization that continuing her barrage of arrows would risk hitting the strangers. Twin axes drawn from her belt at the ready, the ranger tries to make a controlled way down the slope towards the battle. Having come over to where his two companions were a moment ago, Bagaudas looks for a moment down into the gorge, eyes wide at the sight that greets him there. Frozen for a moment the druid is lost in trying to make a decision. After several heartbeats he steps forward, precariously close to the edge of the gorge, the druid starts weaving his hands in deft movements while chanting softly.
The blood drains from the frail barbarian’s face when the monster ignores the spell and bashes his companion across the face. A look of horror comes over him for a split second when he sees their little gnome ally fall victim to his spell. Instantly his rage is gone replaced by the cold light of pure reason. Seeing his brother facing this unstoppable Thing alone Tarim’s mind races feverishly looking for a solution. At a dizzying pace courses of action are formulated, evaluated and discarded; ‘Burning hands? Too wide an arc it would burn Aragrym; Leap in to the fray to save him? Get brushed off probably killed and be of little help; Throw a dart from here? Might hit Aragrym, no good; The Gnome! There’s the solution, get him up to help, this thing will have a hell of a time trying to hit this little one. From what I remember they are fierce for their size…’ Bursting into action the barbarian sorcerer runs around the side of the melee taking the shortest route towards the gnome while fishing in his pouch for a dart, sliding to a halt he quickly he shakes the little gnome trying to wake him saying in the little one’s native tongue, <Wake up, you’re missing all the fun!> A typical gnomish phrase he heard long ago, despite the fact that he sees no ‘fun’ here at all.
Skittering back out of the way of the creature jaws, the other barbarian’s visage turns into a look of rage and he charges back into the melee with abandon, swinging his greataxe with unbridled rage. Somewhere in the back of his mind the cold recognition that this beast most likely killed his dear father. The greataxe whistles through the air and cleaves into the beast’s chest, opening a wide gash beneath the vaguely orc-like features; blood and a piece of skin and flesh splattering on the crushed snow beneath the feet of the two combatants. Howling in rage and pain the monster lunges with its stubby club and lands a jarring blow on the barbarian’s shoulder, almost pushing the young man to his knees. The large fist of the beast’s other hand pulls back for a savage swing at the almost prone man when an arrow from above pierces it. Distracted by the pain the swing goes wide, sending the lumbering beast sliding on the slippery surface closer to ice covered stream.
The slipping motion of the beast suddenly gets enhanced, as out of nowhere a load of water materializes and crashes at the beast’s feet. The now totally slick surface is too much for the monster and it crashes down to the ground, falling partially into the small river. Sounds of breaking ice reverberate through the gorge accompanied by the furious roar of the monster and another very curious sound; on top of the ridge the young druid Bagaudas is giggling at the results of his druidical magic.
A soft groan and a twitch of his wrist are the first indications the little gnome is not as fast asleep as he used to be. Then, rapidly, his eyelids move from closed to nearly open a few times. A longer – sheer satisfied – muffled roar sounds from within the leather package while he stretches his hand aside. Seeing the gnome awakening, the small barbarian stands resolutely and steels himself for the task ahead. Moving forward quickly he carefully calculates the distances between himself, the creature, and his companion. Suddenly the ground has become very slippery with water and ice, and the beast falls down partially into the small river. Carefully adjusting his position on the slick surface, a little more than two-and-a-half yards away from the prone creature, he begins to chant in a low, but impassioned voice in his native tongue. <For the soul of my father, Uthgar I beseech you> followed by some unintelligible syllables, then <Help me in that which you know I must do>, some more unintelligible syllables. As the barbarian speaks he brings his staff around in front of him in a semicircular motion from left to right as if clearing the field, and then letting it fall back against his shoulder as he continues his chant; <Lend me the power, And help me to call> more unintelligible syllables, <The flames of vengeance to bring about this beasts’ fall.>
Casting a surprised glance to his giggling companion, Alabain makes a small movement to the side while reading another arrow. He pulls the string back and… seeing no clear path to strike at the prone monster, shifts his aim to scan the area, looking for other potential threats to the party. All the sounds of combat in the gorge are bound to attract the notice of some creature or other…
The little gnome’s hand touches the handle of his axe and his fingers clench, grabbing the familiar weapon. A light frown appears on his forehead and he utters a word in a questioning tone. In gnomish it sounds something like: <… jumpy? …>. First then the gnome truly opens his eyes. His gaze directed at the slope and he frowns as he sees someone sliding down. Confusion deepens his frown, taking a deep breath he sighs and sits up, “Come on!” He says in irritated tone in common, “do you really have to make that much noise?” He looks from left to right and sighs while he scrambles to his feet. His voice sounds real angry when he asks, “Can’t you leave a weary man in peace? Can’t I enjoy a deserved nap??” He takes a few steps forward and passes the large barbarian with those silly-moving hands. When he passes the human the height of the gnome becomes very obvious: his leather helmet doesn’t even reach the barbarian’s belt. “Oh, can’t you do ANYTHING alone?” The gnome sighs loudly. Then he swings his axe up and retries to hit the creature’s knees real hard. Then he turns his head and winks. “Just kidding,” he admits smilingly. “I am Narry Bytheway.” He adds, “Narry Nivel at your service.”
Aragrym seems to shrug off the blows and standing straight once more, storms back into the battle with a roar of “Uthgar!” Ignoring the swinging motion of his brother’s staff he jumps towards the creature, trying to land a fierce overhand chop with his mighty axe. However the footing is just as treacherous for the young enraged barbarian as it is for the thick skinned beast. As the young man’s feet touch the ground they slip and send him sliding onto the ice. With the speed and lesser weight, the man’s momentum keeps him going and with a painful thud he lands in a bank of piled snow at the bas of the opposite wall of the gorge.
Vaitha tries to maintain her balance as she hops and slides her way down the slope, her arms wind-milling in the attempt. “Lady of the Forest, aid us.” The ranger whispers as she hurries toward the battle. Regaining her balance and holding her momentum, the young ranger sees the monster and the young barbarian slip on the ice surface. When she attempts to step carefully forward, she finds her way suddenly blocked by the staff of the frail looking barbarian. Before she can question why, the young man calmly faces the prone creature with hands fanned out and thumbs touching at shoulder height. When he finishes the chant an arc of searing, orange flame bursts from his fingertips surging towards the creature. As the flames reach out towards the creature the sorcerer mutters under his breath through clenched teeth; <Burn!>
A fan of roaring and writhing hot flames burst forth from the young man’s hands, washing over the struggling beast on the ground. Loud cracks resound as the ice breaks apart under the intense heat and with a loud hissing sound snow and ice melt before the flaming onslaught. A cloud of steam forms over the beast’s form almost hiding it and Aragrym beyond from view. Within the cloud the dark shape that is the monster moves, and splashing sounds can be heard as it seems to struggle to get to its feet. As the steam dissipates in the brisk morning air, the monster comes back into full view – the only indication of the flaming onslaught is the smoking ends of the arrows embedded in the beast’s shoulders. With a fierce grin it bares its dagger-like teeth and utters a defiant roar...
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Edited by - Mumadar Ibn Huzal on 20 Feb 2003 16:08:14
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Echon
Senior Scribe
Denmark
422 Posts |
Posted - 20 Feb 2003 : 16:11:27
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A very interesting reading to be sure. A pleasent level of details. And I see Artalis decided to cast that Burning Hands after all. 
-Echon |
"If others had not been foolish, we should be so."
-William Blake |
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Artalis
Senior Scribe
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - 20 Feb 2003 : 17:19:37
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The only effect of which is to completely burn the arrows stuck in the beasts hide.
My apologies to our archer/benefactors.
I am now trying to figure out what to do next....
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Artalis
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Drummer Boy
Senior Scribe
USA
395 Posts |
Posted - 21 Feb 2003 : 04:58:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Artalis
The only effect of which is to completely burn the arrows stuck in the beasts hide.
My apologies to our archer/benefactors.
I am now trying to figure out what to do next....
Don't worry, Artalis. The only things I've done were to rush in like a fool and get wounded. I think we'll have the beast down soon, though, since we have everyone attacking it at once. |
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Frey
Learned Scribe
130 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2003 : 09:22:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Artalis
The only effect of which is to completely burn the arrows stuck in the beasts hide.
My apologies to our archer/benefactors.
I am now trying to figure out what to do next....
The only effect? What I'm reading is quite theatrical (sp?) as I read it!
And what FX the heat has on the snow and ice, ... I don't know for sure, but it could be very surprising. The spell worked out better than expected already and yet the FX aren't over yet I suppose.
Nice story. Exiting |
- Imagine ... there's no imagination. -
(remember Frey is just a PC) |
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Artalis
Senior Scribe
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2003 : 20:05:14
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So as it stands now....
The recommended method for dispatching a Tanarukk (sp):
One large raging barbarian with a greataxe, 2 Archers, 1 Sleepy Gnome, 1 Sorcerer intent on casting the wrong spells at the wrong time, and an amused druid.
There you have it  |
Artalis
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Echon
Senior Scribe
Denmark
422 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2003 : 21:09:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Artalis
So as it stands now....
The recommended method for dispatching a Tanarukk (sp):
One large raging barbarian with a greataxe, 2 Archers, 1 Sleepy Gnome, 1 Sorcerer intent on casting the wrong spells at the wrong time, and an amused druid.
There you have it
Thanks for your research. I will pass the advice on to my players.
-Echon |
"If others had not been foolish, we should be so."
-William Blake |
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Mumadar Ibn Huzal
Master of Realmslore
1338 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2003 : 10:51:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Artalis
So as it stands now....
The recommended method for dispatching a Tanarukk (sp):
One large raging barbarian with a greataxe, 2 Archers, 1 Sleepy Gnome, 1 Sorcerer intent on casting the wrong spells at the wrong time, and an amused druid.
There you have it
ROTFLOL... nice summary of the events Artalis/Tarim. How's the headache   ... Oh yeah, don't think the fun is over yet... |
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Drummer Boy
Senior Scribe
USA
395 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2003 : 14:43:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Artalis
So as it stands now....
The recommended method for dispatching a Tanarukk (sp):
One large raging barbarian with a greataxe, 2 Archers, 1 Sleepy Gnome, 1 Sorcerer intent on casting the wrong spells at the wrong time, and an amused druid.
There you have it
LOL, that just about describes what happened. I hope there isn't another beast we have to fight right away because Aragrym's fatigued and Tarim's lying unconscious on the ground (LOL). |
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Mumadar Ibn Huzal
Master of Realmslore
1338 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2003 : 15:11:53
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Check your inbox Drummerboy/Aragrym... This DM sometimes doesn't care for fatigue or wounds...
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Drummer Boy
Senior Scribe
USA
395 Posts |
Posted - 06 Mar 2003 : 02:09:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Mumadar Ibn Huzal
Check your inbox Drummerboy/Aragrym... This DM sometimes doesn't care for fatigue or wounds...
I've checked it by now. For anyone on the Forums who's interested, he's set an orc upon us now(not really a big deal, actually). BTW, Artalis/Tarim showed me a segment from another e-mail in the PBeM that was referring to another group of adventurers who chased the orc away, so we shoud be meeting some more people now when we're done with the orc. Maybe our groups will even merge...Also, if Mumadar ever stops setting monsters upon us (LOL), Artalis/Tarim has to explain to me/Aragrym that he is a sorcerer rather than a shaman, and in case any of you don't know, Aragrym is a barbarian, who, along with his people, dislike all forms of arcane magic, so we can't go back to the tribe and be accepted there, and we get to go adventuring! (sorry for the long sentence.) |
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Mumadar Ibn Huzal
Master of Realmslore
1338 Posts |
Posted - 06 Mar 2003 : 18:36:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Artalis in the Candlekeep Inn
To you then Lady Ditalidas, may this wonderful place ever be a safe haven for you and may I always be available to assist you in times of need.
Hehehe... you realize that in a way you are very close to needing to make that promise come true Artalis - ehm Tarim... |
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Artalis
Senior Scribe
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - 06 Mar 2003 : 19:12:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Mumadar Ibn Huzal
quote:
Originally posted by Artalis in the Candlekeep Inn
To you then Lady Ditalidas, may this wonderful place ever be a safe haven for you and may I always be available to assist you in times of need.
Hehehe... you realize that in a way you are very close to needing to make that promise come true Artalis - ehm Tarim...
I would have it no other way, oh great and powerful DM |
Artalis
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Ditalidas
Learned Scribe
Netherlands
127 Posts |
Posted - 06 Mar 2003 : 19:20:20
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| LOL What are you pondering on Mumadar? Another of your little schemes? |
'All that is' is also 'All that is not' for the one cannot exist without the other.
Sweet Water and Light Laughter |
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Artalis
Senior Scribe
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - 20 Mar 2003 : 22:47:06
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quote:
Originally posted by Mumadar Ibn Huzal
quote:
Originally posted by Artalis in the Candlekeep Inn
To you then Lady Ditalidas, may this wonderful place ever be a safe haven for you and may I always be available to assist you in times of need.
Hehehe... you realize that in a way you are very close to needing to make that promise come true Artalis - ehm Tarim...
Note that it is exceptionally difficult to assist in times of need with an arrow about to be protruding from your chest..... Isn't that right Ditalidas? |
Artalis
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Edited by - Artalis on 20 Mar 2003 22:49:22 |
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Silver Marches: A High Forest BBQ...
