[D&D] PerrySimm says, "Log on."
GM says, "the three of you (jnc's half-orc druid of uncertain name is also here even though he's not here) have been adventuring buddies for the past few months"
Fincul says, "(Back)"
GM says, "this bond became closer when you three signed on to work as caravan guards for Mor's end, a distant city at the intersection of several trade routes"
GM says, "you made it to Mor's End with no real problems -- the hired guards that escorted you the last day's ride commented with some surprise on how quiet things were"
Fincul exclaims, "Wow. That's one big city!"
Arly exclaims, "And it's so quiet!"
GM says, "then you waited around for a week to get paid -- the merchant you were escorting kept putting you off, first saying he needed to ensure all his goods were sold before he could have the capital to pay you, then saying he needed to show it as proof for his next purchase, and then finally -- well, this morning you went to his inn intending to demand the remaining two-thirds of your pay then and there, and found out he'd decamped last night"
Fincul exclaims, "That scoundrel!"
Arly says, "Egad."
GM says, "Mor's End is a smallish city of about 10,000 people -- if you look at http://tinyurl.com/bg1d it shows the surrounds"
GM says, "and http://tinyurl.com/bg1o is the city itself"
[Edit: local copies at http://bioc.rice.edu/~lpsmith/IF/7thSea/Dnd/caricature2.gif and http://bioc.rice.edu/~lpsmith/IF/7thSea/Dnd/mors_end3.jpg ]
GM says, "to quickly summarize, it's on the east side of a large lake -- to the south is a swamp and to the west is where you came from"
GM says, "er, to the east is where you came from"
GM says, "there are mountains in the northwest (from which a trade route comes), and if you go around the lake the trade route continues west"
GM says, "unfortunately, the lake makes it difficult to go around the lake; either you take the north-western route, which is slow, or you go through the swamp, which is fast but dangerous, or you hire a barge and go along the lake edge, which is expensive and somewhat unwieldy"
GM says, "this is why some merchants end up coming to Mor's End intending to make themselves rich trading, and end up drinking up their capital in bars as they try and work out the best plan for getting anywhere"
GM says, "so, what would you like to do? for reference, on the city map you're by the square which has a 1 in it (north of the island in the center); Trader's Square"
Fincul says, "The innkeeper might know something about this."
Fincul goes to fetch him.
GM says, ""I'll take it out of his hide if he ever shows face in the city again!" the innkeeper is saying, yelling at or past the knives-and-boots boy"
GM says, ""Yes sir! No sir! Absolutely sir!" says the boy"
Arly says, "I'd better check at the docks to see if anyone like him has been seen. If he had to hire a barge, we might still have a chance."
Fincul asks (of Boy), "Did anyone hear or see anything that might give us a clue where the illdoer went, or when?"
GM says, ""I can't believe you -- ah, can I help you, sir?""
Fincul says (to GM), "We're looking for the merchant who was staying in this room."
GM says, ""You were, were you? Friends of his?" The innkeeper looks suspicious"
[D&D] jnc asks, "So... anybody remember what my XCrawl char was named?"
Fincul says, "Not any more. He skipped town without paying his debts."
[D&D] Arly has joined the channel.
GM says, ""I'll say he did! owes me for a full week in my best room!""
Fincul says, "We're as interested in tracking him down as you are -- if you can tell us anything that might give us a lead, we'll do our best to bring that cur to justice."
GM says, "The innkeeper smacks the boy on the side of his head. "Tell us again what happened -- did he say where he was going?""
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Zero?"
[D&D] Alex says (to Fincul), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that zero is 0, which is zero."
Skalheth has arrived.
Arly says (to Skalheth), "About time you got here."
GM says, ""N-no sir! He just said he wanted his horse, and I shouldn't bother waking you, as he'd be back in the afternoon to pay up""
Arly exclaims, "And you believed him, boy?!"
GM says, "(er, s/afternoon/later evening/, since this was last night)"
GM says, "The boy flinches and looks at the innkeeper accusingly. "The customer is always right, you told me!" he says"
GM says, ""Not when it comes to paying, he isn't!""
Fincul asks (of Arly), "Do you think you could track a horse in this city?"
Arly says, "If anyone can, I can."
[D&D] Fincul says (to Skalheth), "To catch you up: the merchant who hired us to guard his caravan to this city evaded having to pay us for the last week, and then suddenly skipped town."
[D&D] Skalheth has joined the channel.
Arly says (to Innkeeper&Boy), "Take us to where the horse was last seen/stabled."
[D&D] GM has joined the channel.
GM says, ""You go take them, boy -- and listen, if you get your hands on any of my fee, I'll pay you half""
GM says, "The boy leads you guys out to the inn's stableyard."
Skalheth stares at the inkeeper and growls under his breath.
GM says, "It's a somewhat tricky proposition, although not as tricky as it might be, since the horse left late last night and it's now early morning, so there hasn't been so much traffic"
[D&D] Skalheth idles to get breakfast.
Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 14 | 14 + 5 = 19
[D&D] Fincul says, "(What's K.M. on the map?)"
[D&D] GM says, "it's a dwarven outpost in the mountains -- some of the dwarves in the city come from therre"
Arly says, "Luckily, the trail is still easy to follow..."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Ah, so not someplace our quarry is likely to be hiding out, probably."
Arly moves out of the stable and starts following the trail down the edge of the main street.
[D&D] GM says, "well, he certainly might be taking the northwestern route, but it'll be slow going since it's in the mountains"
Fincul follows a little ways behind, giving Arly room to do his thing.
Arly says, "The trail's still clear... this way..."
Arly moves quickly, yet watchfully, toward the village square.
Arly looks around a bit, quizzically, then lifts his head and points to a horse-trader's shop. "There. The trail leads there!"
(From GM) Horses neigh
[D&D] Skalheth returns.
Arly makes his way over to the horse-trader's shop, still following the path.
Fincul says, "Mmm. Would he sell his horse right before taking off on a journey? How strange."
Fincul rattles the shop door.
GM says, "The horse-trader is a horse-faced half-orc named Groff, as demonstrated by the sign reading "Groff's orses""
Skalheth says, "Ssensible place for a horsse." He sounds like a sibilant James Earl Jones.
GM says, ""Er? Hrr? Eh?" Groff eventually comes down. "Wouldja be wanting a horse this morn?""
Skalheth pushes back his hood when he sees the half orc, revealed is own green, scabby face.
Fincul exclaims, "Good day, sir!"
Fincul says, "We wished to ask you about a particular horse, in fact. And possibly it's rider, as well."
GM says, "He grins slightly when he sees Skalheth, and swings the door open."
GM says, "Then frowns. "Is there some problem?""
Arly says, "Yes, there's a PROBLEM."
[D&D] GM says (to Skalheth), "the city, incidentally, is set here: http://tinyurl.com/bg1d and looks like this: http://tinyurl.com/bg1o"
Fincul says, "We fear you may have come into unfortunate contact with a newly criminal element last night, in the form of a man in a hurry selling a horse."
GM says, "Groff spits. "Damn him! I should have known it was too good to be true when he didn't want to haggle""
Arly asks, "Did he say where he was GOING?"
GM says, ""Well, he asked for the fastest way to get to Wallbridge, so I guess he could have been heading for Southgate"
GM says, ""So, er -- about this horse.""
Arly says, "And what time was this."
GM says, ""Last night, let me see .." He picks at his ear thoughtfully. "Oh, yeah, it rang ten bells just as he asked -- I remember cause it made him look even more nervous and then he raced off""
Fincul says (to Groff), "It's possible that the horse he sold you may have been perfectly fine -- if he felt he was in need of a quick source of ready gold, then you may have actually benefited from his inconvenient position."
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Ten bells being ten hours after sunrise, or after noon, or something else?"
[D&D] GM says, "this was all last night, remember -- it's after noon"
Fincul says (to Arly), "It seems your original supposition is likely to be correct -- to wit, that we may want to consult the tenders of the dock."
Skalheth says, "Huh. Guess that could be."
GM says, ""Good point. Well, I'll just keep that horse until I find out what the problem is, if there is one""
Arly says, "And we most likely won't have much time... The blackguard could be almost there by now."
Fincul says, "Indeed. Thank you most kindly for your help."
Fincul tips Groff a silver piece for his time.
[D&D] Fincul says, "Or, for those of you following along in your conversion charts, five chickens."
GM says, ""Thankee, sir -- if you ever need a horse, come to me, Groff'll give you a fdeal""
[D&D] Arly says, "Hee hee."
Fincul asks (of Arly and Skalheth), "To the Wallbridge?"
Arly says, "Yes. Without haste."
Fincul asks, "Well, a little bit of haste at least, maybe?"
Arly says, "Or, wait. With great haste."
Arly says (to Fincul), "Correct. Tracking animals always takes a bit out of me."
Fincul nods, "Ah, good. Haste in its place, I say."
Arly says, "Haste, but not waste, as they say."
Fincul says, "Time is all we've to waste, and we'll taste of disgrace lest we race to the place where last was seen that despicable face."
Arly says, "Enough! Let's get going."
GM says, "The three of you eventually decide how hasty you want to be, and make for the docks, where the bargers are helping an excited-looking merchant get all his crates onto one of the barges"
Fincul exclaims, "Hi ho!"
[D&D] Skalheth asks, "Have we seen this merchant before, or was it just the inkeeper telling us about him?"
[D&D] Arly says (to Fincul), "The whores are back at the brothel."
[D&D] GM says, "you were hired on as guards to help the merchant to the city"
[D&D] Arly says (to Skalheth), "We were escorting him."
[D&D] GM says, "(his name is Mendrick, by the way, and he's human)"
[D&D] Skalheth asks (of GM), "And this is definitely him, right?"
GM says, "One of the barge-dwarves finishes putting a large crate onto the barge, and stops to talk to you."
[D&D] GM says (to Skalheth), "the merchant here? no, it's definitely not him"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Don't wanna go stabbing the first random excited-looking merchant we see."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Assuming the innkeeper and Arly's nose didn't lie."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Oh, wait, you meant this merchant."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Ah, ok."
[D&D] GM says, "but, right, Mendrick skipped out last night, and it's now this morning"
Fincul exclaims (at Worker), "Good day!"
Fincul says, "We're in a bit of a rush to catch up with a... a business associate of ours who may have passed through here last night."
GM says, ""Arr, this barge is full, I'm afraid -- there'll be one along in a -- eh what? Oh.""
Skalheth asks (of Arly), "Is it really a good idea to let him do mosst the talking?"
GM says, "He scratches a dirty beard. "A business associate, eh? Owed you money then, ha ha""
Arly asks (of Skalheth), "Do you have reason to distrust him?"
Arly exclaims, "QUIET, man! Your head'll be next if you don't give us the information we need!"
Fincul cringes.
Skalheth has disconnected.
Skalheth has connected.
GM says, "The dwarf glares at Arly (or at Arly's chest, anyway). "Listen, you want help, or not?""
Arly says, "Yes. And be swift about it."
Fincul says, "Er, I apologise for my irascible companion -- you strike too close to the truth with your guess."
GM says, ""And how'm I supposed to help you if you don't tell me what you want, eh?""
You say, "Were you, or any of your hearty cohorts on duty yestereve, n"
Not a valid command. Try typing help.
[D&D] Fincul says, "Er, whoops."
Fincul asks, "Were you, or any of your hearty cohorts on duty yestereve, not long past ten bells?"
GM says, ""I had closing shift last night, yeah -- double-headers always pay better, and in a few more loads I can head off to the tavern""
Arly says, "Get to the point."
Fincul brightens. "Ah! Then you may have seen him -- probably in a hurry, and not stopping to haggle?"
GM says, "The dwarf scratches his beard again. "Oh, him -- he got here just as the barge was leaving, and threw himself on""
Arly asks, "Where was the barge heading?"
Arly asks, "I mean, by what route?"
GM says, "The dwarf rolls his eyes. "Same place they always head -- along the edge of the lake and around the swamp""
Fincul says, "Mmm."
Arly asks, "And how long ago was this?"
GM says, ""Last night, a little past ten bells -- our last barge of the day""
Arly asks, "Could the barge have arrived by now?"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Do barges move relatively slowly? Relative to going on foot through the swamp, I mean."
Skalheth asks, "Where'ss the final desstination?"
Fincul says, "I saw a map of this lake once. There's a town on the other side that the mapmaker called Execks. Although that may not be its real name..."
GM scratches his head. "I think it takes a half day to get to -- well, we call it Exit, but I think Execks is the full name"
GM says, ""So if it left last night at ten, and it takes a half day .." The dwarf laboriously counts on his fingers."
Arly says, "Blast it."
GM says, ""No! I mean, yes! I mean -- well, probably it'll get there in an hour or so""
Arly asks, "Is there no way to head him off?"
[D&D] Skalheth looks at the map. "Hey! Why's there a skull on my swamp?"
[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"
[D&D] Arly says, "A big dragon was killed there last week, I think."
[D&D] Skalheth asks (of GM), "How far is it through the swamp?"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Hmm, looks like more than an hour."
GM says, ""Weell, I suppose if you had fast horses and rode like the devil was at your back through the swamp -- nah, I don't think you can do it in less than six hours""
Arly says, "Nonetheless, it's the best chance we've got."
Arly says, "I'm good with animals, so we might just make it."
Fincul says, "I've seen horses before. They don't look difficult to sit on."
[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"
Arly rolls his eyes.
Arly says, "We have no time to lose. We should get going."
Fincul exclaims, "Right. To Groff!"
Skalheth says, "Bah. Horses. We'll make better time on foot."
Arly says, "In the swamp? Hrm."
[D&D] Skalheth asks (of GM), "Is that true, BTW? How rough is this swamp?"
[D&D] GM says, "well, there is a path through it, although it's not super-well-tended"
Arly says, "I've wandered through many a swamp... I'll do what I can, horses or no."
[D&D] GM says, "I think it is the case that a lightly-loaded human will do comparable to a horse over a distance like this, and it might well be that in a swamp horses are more trouble than they're worth"
Fincul says (to Skalheth), "If you know about this sort of thing, I'll be willing to take your word for it."
[D&D] GM says, "but you'll be more tired when you get there, I guess, if you walk"
Fincul says, "I've never much studied swamps *per se*."
Skalheth says (to Fincul), "Study is no comparison. You must know the swamp in your bones."
Fincul says, "Right. Well, let's bone up, then."
Skalheth says, "And when trying to make good time, the souls of your feet. Horses are fine beasts, but the swamp is not their home."
Arly exclaims, "By foot it is, then. But let's make haste--we have little time!"
Skalheth clacks his spear against his chest. Something under the cloak rattles.
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Can we assume we have food and water?"
[D&D] GM says, "I think Arly's got some rations, yeah"
Fincul asks, "Which, er, way was the swamp again?"
Skalheth smiles, revealing pointed teeth. "Can't you feel it in the air?" He sniffs. "This way."
[D&D] Arly says, "Yeah, I do."
Fincul exclaims, "Right-o! Onward and, up, wetward!"
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Arly's human, I assume?"
GM says, "you can get there out southgate -- it's actually closer to the city on the east side of the city (ie, by tradegate) but from here it's probably closer to just go out southgate"
[D&D] Skalheth asks (of Fincul), "What are you, for that matter?"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Half-elf."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "In case you didn't catch it, I'm a half-orc."
Skalheth leads the way.
GM says, "The guard at the gate nods to you as you head out. "Going out to see the lake, eh?""
Fincul exclaims, "All that and more, we hope!"
GM says, "He looks you up and down. "Well," he says, "I'm sure adventurers such as yourself know this, but if you happen to go into the swamp, don't get caught there after dark.""
Skalheth stares flatly at the guard.
Fincul says, "Oh, we've got torches. Or a lamp. Or something."
Fincul says, "I think."
Skalheth says, "I have torches, yes."
GM says, "He sighs. "Well, this gate'll be closed then, anyway.""
Skalheth sweeps past the guard and beckons to the others.
Arly follows Skalheth.
GM says, "You head out of the gate and across the ground"
GM says, "This part of the city and the land outside is actually an island"
GM says, "it's connected back to the mainland by a wide bridge, on the other side of which the swamp starts"
GM says, "and, at least in its first part, the path looks fairly good and well-maintained"
Fincul says, "Ah, this 'swamp' thing isn't so bad at all."
GM says, "and indeed for the first two hours or so it's fine, if you like swamps -- biting insects, trees covered in low-hanging moss, the ground off the path clearly getting softer and muddier with occasional pools of water between the trees"
Fincul sings as he walks. "Heidle-heidle-hee, it's a wand'rer's life for me..."
Fincul exclaims, "Heidle-heidle-ho, to wherever I should go!"
Skalheth inhales deeply and sighs.
GM says, "it's about now that the path maintenance seems to have ended, or at least slacked off some -- in a few places where it should be fording a pool or a muddy region the path is out, and you have to climb gingerly around the edges of the break"
Skalheth stumps along, using his spear as a walking stick, humming something guttural. It's just loud enough to drown Fincul out.
Arly walks with his hands over his ears as often as he can.
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Er, it's just loud enough that *I* can't hear Fincul, not to drown him out for anyone else. Not really sure how to say that in third person."
Arly blinks. "What's that? There's something up ahead."
Fincul exclaims (at his pocket), "OK, this verse, you take it!"
Fincul asks, "Oh -- hmm?"
Arly says, "There's a glint of something just ahead."
Fincul looks.
Arly moves slightly ahead of the others.
Skalheth pushes to the front and peers forward, frowning.
Arly takes a step back. "Goblins!"
Arly draws his longsword.
Skalheth says, "Hurr. Swamp brothers. Keep your weapons sheathed."
GM says, "As if on cue, there is a rustling in the bushes"
Arly puts his weapon back in the sheath.
Fincul says, "Oh, my. Hmm. Vasor-blad proscuit, I say."
Skalheth steps forward. "Kar-aggah. Nish etha gragga kree?"
[D&D] Arly says, "Man, I'm in trouble... I didn't solve Edifice without hints."
GM says, "Three goblins step out from the bushes onto the path, holding long daggers"
Skalheth plants his spear in the ground before him. <<Greetings, brothers. And what are you doing this fine day?>>
[D&D] Skalheth says, "This is in Orcish. Hope they speak it..."
GM says, "The two back ones stay back watchfully, scratching their ears, while the one steps forward to talk at Skalheth"
GM says, "<<We watch path,>> he says, in slightly high-pitched orcish. <<Travellers come along, we grab bags. You help us grab bags from those two?>>"
Skalheth casually scratches his chin, and his cloak falls open as if by accident, revealing a lattice of bones carved with scary-looking shamanic symbols.
Fincul says (to Arly), "It's fascinating, isn't it. Such a diversity in cultures."
GM says, "The goblins flinch back slightly"
Arly asks (of Fincul), "Arr. Can you tell what they're saying?"
Skalheth says, "<<Bags? Bags have no interest for me. I take these two... deeper into swamp. They promised elsewhere.>>"
Fincul asks (of Arly), "Not a *word*! Incredible, isn't it?"
Arly says (to Fincul), "Hrmpfh."
Skalheth barks over his shoulder, "Silence!"
GM says, "<<Where we pay? We want shiny!>>"
Skalheth reaches into his pouch and pulls out a gold piece for each goblin. He the gold in his hand, palm up.
GM says, "The goblin's eyes light up. <<Shiny! 3 shiny!>>"
Fincul stage-whispers (to Arly), "Ah, it must be a toll stop."
Skalheth's sleeve ripples, and a viper slithers out of his sleeve and coils around his hand. <<You want?>> He smiles. <<Come take.>>
GM says, "The goblin jumps back."
GM says, "<<No want! No snake! No bite!>>"
Arly asks (of Fincul), "What should we do? Should we let them solve this business on their own?"
Skalheth tosses the gold on the ground. <<This your pay. Now go elsewhere. Swamp no like you. Snakes no like you. Swamp is place for nature, not for gold. Understand?>>
GM says, "The goblin picks up the gold and the three of them start to shuffle back behind the bushes"
Fincul says (to Arly), "Well, he seems to know what he's doing, so we may as well let them finish playing out their traditional rituals, or what have you."
Arly asks (of Skalheth), "Is it safe to move ahead?"
GM says, "Just before he disappears again, the leader calls <<You not like it ahead! Path bad!>>"
Skalheth says, "Hurr. They warned me the path is bad ahead. Keep your eyes open."
Skalheth unslings his shield and begins to move forward again.
Fincul says, "Will do."
Arly moves ahead cautiously.
Skalheth seriously considers sacrificing Fincul to the swamp.
Skalheth plants the butt of his spear in the ground for a second as he fumbles his cloak closed, then picks it up again and follows.
GM says, "The path does seem to get worse up ahead -- there are more breaks in it, although it's still definitely a path and not just a random trail through the swamp"
GM says, "it's probably getting on noon or one or so, although the sunlight only occasionally breaks cover, so it's hard to tell"
Fincul says, "Good thing these are all-weather boots."
Arly asks (of Fincul), "Any idea how long we've been at this trek?"
Skalheth is barefoot.
Fincul says (to Arly), "Oh, about three or four hours, I'd wager."
GM says, "up ahead a large tree's toppled onto the path"
Skalheth wades through mud and water where the path breaks without concern, and it oozes back into place behind him without a trace.
Arly says, "That means he's already beaten us there... I'm afraid we may lose track of him for good."
GM says, "although it's only about three or four feet high, so scaling it shouldn't be too hard"
Skalheth stops, throws up a hand.
[D&D] Arly asks (of Skalheth), "What HAVE you been eating?"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Ha."
Skalheth says, "Let me just make sure this isn't an ambush."
Skalheth crouches down and a trio of snakes emerge from his robes and glide off through the swamp, circling the tree.
[D&D] Skalheth asks (of Arly), "Did I ever tell you about my necromancer/thief?"
[D&D] Arly says, "I don't think so."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "The DM handed me a note that said, `You have a sudden urge to eat the corpses. Please roleplay this.`"
[D&D] Arly says, "Eeeagh."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Ha."
GM says, "the snakes snake their way back around the log, hissing slightly"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "So I went and grabbed a leather glove, and started chewing on it absently as I roleplayed. Eventually somebody asked, `What ARE you doing with that?` and I looked incredibly guilty and shoved it in my shirt."
[D&D] Arly says, "Hee hee."
GM says, "There is a surprised yelp from the bushes on the other side of the log and then shouts"
Skalheth runs up to the log and bangs the butt of his staff on it. "Show yourselves! <<Come out of there!>>"
Fincul backs up a bit.
Arly grips his sword.
GM says, "Nothing comes out of the log, as such, but a bigger goblin stumbles out of the bushes up ahead"
GM says, "He yells something in goblin and then darts fly out of the bushes at you all"
Arly exclaims, "Blast!"
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Should we roll for initiative after the darts do their to-hit and damage?"
[D&D] (from Skalheth) Bolts of force fly out of Arly's hands. He looks surprised.
[D&D] Arly says, "Hee hee."
GM says, "Skalheth is protected by the log, and his dart bounces off it; the other two are each hit by one, for 2hp each"
[D&D] GM says, "and now please roll for initiative"
Fincul rolls 1 20-sided die: 12 | 12
Skalheth rolls 20-sided dice: 4 | 4
[D&D] Arly asks, "Wait... What's an initiative roll? Just 1d20?"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "d20 + Dex"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Plus init bonus, usually dex."
[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "you roll 1d20+8, since you have improved initiative"
[D&D] Arly asks, "I have a feat called Improved Initiative. Will that help me here?"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Nice."
Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 4 | 4 + 8 = 12
[D&D] GM says, "(hrm, for all the help it did)"
GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 2 | 2 + 1 = 3
GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 11 | 11 + 1 = 12
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Hey, he's doing better than me."
GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 19 | 19 + 1 = 20
[D&D] Skalheth exclaims, "Hah!"
GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 5 | 5 + 1 = 6
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Woah, you're rolling separately? I thought that was a group roll."
[D&D] GM says, "hrm, you think? well, okay"
GM says, "The goblin in the middle of the path blinks up at you, while the others have half-emerged"
GM says, "(other three, that is)"
GM says, "Arly first, then Fincul, then Skalheth, then goblins"
[D&D] Skalheth asks, "How far away are they?"
[D&D] Skalheth asks, "Should I roll init separately for my snakes?"
[D&D] GM says, "of the four, two are on this side of the log (off to the right side of the path), one is on the other side off the path, and one is in the middle of the path on the other side of the log"
[D&D] GM says, "the ones on the other side of the log are about twenty feet away"
Arly attacks the nearest fiend of a goblin with his longsword.
Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 6 | 6 + 7 = 13
GM says, "The goblin ducks just in time, and evades your strike"
GM says, "(as they are AC 15)"
GM asks, "Fincul?"
[D&D] Fincul asks, "How far are the three on this side off the path?"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Um. Who's playing Arly? I thought he was an NPC."
[D&D] GM says, "and yeah, do snakes next round"
[D&D] Fincul says (to Skalheth), "Matthew."
[D&D] Arly says (to Skalheth), "I'm Matthew."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Aha. Hi, Matthew."
[D&D] Arly says, "Hey."
[D&D] GM says (to Fincul), "about five feet (the two closer ones -- the other is twenty feet forward and then five feet off the path)"
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Are we within their threat range?"
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Also, are the two closer ones lined up from where I am?"
[D&D] GM says, "no and yes"
[D&D] GM says, "(they'll probably close to threat range when they move)"
[D&D] Skalheth . o O ( Hmm, this snake does 1d2-2 damage. How does that work? )
[D&D] Arly says, "Oops. I guess I should have asked about this stuff before I attacked."
Fincul makes a complex gesture with his hands and points at the two goblins. "Hava-shuul!"
[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "well, they're close enough for you to attack if you moved first, which you did"
Fincul casts Darklight's Mystic Bolt at them.
[D&D] Skalheth says (to Fincul), "Note that Arly is now standing next to the two - oh, well."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Oh. Er, whoops."
[D&D] GM says, "(enh, we'll say there's a line he's not in, at the moment)"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Although, I had backed up, so he shouldn't be between."
GM says, "The two goblins keel over as the bolt zaps through them"
GM says, "Thunk, thunk"
Fincul exclaims, "Take that, evildoers!"
Fincul takes a few more steps back to make sure he's out of the other goblin's threat range when it moves in as well.
[D&D] GM asks (of Skalheth), "you now?"
Skalheth hurls his spear at the center goblin, while yelling in yet another language.
Skalheth says, "<<Bite them, my serpents! Mwa-ha-ha!>>"
Skalheth rolls 1 20-sided die: 11 | 11 + 2 = 13
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Er, +3. But, whatever, I still missed."
GM says, "No doubt because the log makes it hard to aim at him when he's on the ground, the spear flies just past the goblin's ear"
GM says, "He takes this as his cue to scramble off the path, which he does, but at the same time blowing a blast from the horn on his belt"
GM says, "Meanwhile, the other one throws another dart at Fincul"
GM says, "--which thunks into the log; clearly he aimed too low"
Fincul exclaims, "Ha HA!"
[D&D] GM says, "I believe we don't roll initiative again, so it's Arly's move"
[D&D] GM says, "which, if you want, you can spend climbing around the log and attacking the other goblins"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Oh, right, I keep forgetting. Lemme roll my snakes, then."
Arly swings his longsword again at the nearest goblin.
Skalheth rolls 1 20-sided die: 20 | 20 + 3 = 23
[D&D] GM says (to Skalheth), "yeah, since they'll come in this round"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Yipe."
[D&D] GM says, "I suppose technically rhey should have been before Arly, then, but whatever"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Oooh, possible crit."
[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "roll away"
[D&D] GM says, "(er, assuming that was an initiative roll for the snakes and not an attack roll)"
Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 1 | 1 + 7 = 8
[D&D] Arly says, "BLAH."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Yeah, that was init."
Skalheth rolls 1 20-sided die: 5 | 5 + 4 = 9
Skalheth rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7 + 4 = 11
[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"
Skalheth rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7 + 4 = 11
[D&D] Arly shakes the dice. "These had better not be loaded."
GM says, "Arly trips over a charging snake, leading to confusion and goblins not getting hit"
Skalheth the bushes rustle, and the goblins seem to dance for a few moments, and then relax.
[D&D] GM says, "I guess the snakes all missed; so it's Fincul's turn"
Fincul runs his hands over his robe and mutters, casting Mage Armor on himself and Anna.
[D&D] Arly asks, "Anna?"
[D&D] Alex says (to Arly), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that Anna is a bot for logging conversations on #big-snake."
[D&D] Fincul says (to Arly), "Ask Fincul what's in his pockets some time :)"
[D&D] Skalheth asks, "What has it got in its pocketses?"
[D&D] Arly says, "Gah, we're adventuring with GOLLUM."
[D&D] Skalheth asks, "Also, whatever it is, does it like snakes?"
[D&D] GM says (to Skalheth), "your move, I guess"
Skalheth draws his cudgel and vaults over the log.
[D&D] GM says, "roll away -- they're close enough to get with a move"
Skalheth rolls 1 20-sided die: 18 | 18 + 4 = 22
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Oh, I figured drawing the club *and* vaulting wouldn't leave me enough time to attack."
[D&D] GM says, "nice"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "(In fact, I"m sure that's how its supposed to work, cause otherwise the Quick Draw feat wouldn't be very useful.)"
Skalheth rolls 1 6-sided die: 4 | 4 + 2 = 6
[D&D] GM says, "it looks like you can combine it with a move if you have a BAB of +1"
[D&D] GM says, "but the quick draw makes it free"
[D&D] Tablesaw says (to Skalheth), "I'm sure it's more useful if you wield a guitar."
Skalheth brings his club down on the goblin with the horn as he jumps off the log.
GM says, "Blaaaaa-- thunk"
[D&D] Fincul exclaims (at Saw), "Yay!"
GM says, "The goblin falls over, leaving just the one"
GM says, "Who, uh, looks at Skalheth and Arly and starts to run away"
[D&D] Arly asks, "Where is the last goblin?"
[D&D] GM says, "in the bushes by you two, fleeing"
[D&D] Arly says, "Ah. I can't believe he'd run away when he saw me given MY sword prowess this combat."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "20' away on the other side of the log, in the bushes."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Do at least one of my snakes get an AoO as he flees? :-)"
[D&D] Arly says (to Skalheth), "Ha."
[D&D] GM says (to Skalheth), "sure, take an attack"
[D&D] GM says, "or I guess you guys can chase him next round"
Skalheth rolls 1 20-sided die: 5 | 5 + 4 = 9
Skalheth a viper rears up and strikes as the goblin passes, but misses.
[D&D] GM says, "(man)"
[D&D] Skalheth exclaims, "Grr. I'm forgetting how to emote!"
GM says, "The goblin starts to run off into the bushes; on the plus side, he's got short little goblin legs"
GM asks, "chase or let him run?"
Arly says, "Let's give chase."
Fincul says, "He might be fetching friends."
GM says (to Arly), "or, I guess, you could throw an axe something at him"
GM says, "^or"
Arly says (to GM), "That was my second option."
Arly throws one of his throwing axes at the goblin.
Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 2 | 2 + 5 = 7
[D&D] Arly says, "GAH."
[D&D] GM says, "goodness gracious"
GM says, "Arly throws an axe, which flies off into the bushes"
GM says, "and then I guess he runs after the goblin"
[D&D] GM asks (of Skalheth), "snakes?"
Arly says (to GM), "Yeah."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Oh, yeah."
Skalheth rolls 1 20-sided die: 17 | 17 + 4 = 21
Skalheth rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7 + 4 = 11
Skalheth rolls 1 20-sided die: 4 | 4 + 4 = 8
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Are snakes as fast as goblins?"
Skalheth's viper sinks its fangs into the goblin's ankle.
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Speed 20'. So possibly they're falling behind."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Ooh, I didn't realize they were that quick. nice."
[D&D] Skalheth says (to GM), "Ok, that does `1d2-2` damage - dunno if that's just 0 or 1 or what. And a DC 11 poison."
GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 5 | 5 + 2 = 7
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Yay! 1d6 temporary Con damage."
[D&D] GM says, "I think it's minimum 1, yeah"
GM rolls 1 6-sided die: 3 | 3
GM says, "The goblin shouts something unpleasant in goblin and stumbles as he runs, although he does keep going at a slower pace"
[D&D] Skalheth exclaims, "Excellent, my pretties. Now he's weaker for the next roll!"
[D&D] Skalheth asks, "Fincul now?"
[D&D] GM says, "yeah"
Fincul runs after the goblin, waving his staff in the air. "Come back, you scalawag, you!"
[D&D] Fincul says, "I assume I won't catch up this round."
[D&D] GM says, "yeah, I guess not, since you have to cross the log too"
[D&D] GM says, "but next round"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Plus I was further back than anyone else to begin with."
Skalheth charges into the bushes, whirling his club over his head and chanting.
Skalheth rolls 1 20-sided die: 4 | 4 + 4 = 8
[D&D] GM says, "maybe these dice *are* weighted"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "BTW, the snake's description says the poison does `initial and secondary damage 1d6 temporary Con`. Dunno if that means he has to roll again every round, or what."
[D&D] GM says, "yeah, he does"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "These snakes rock."
[D&D] GM says, "hmm, actually, it looks like it's a minute later, not a round later"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Ah. Ok. I was gonna say these snakes were too powerful, but that's about right."
GM says, "meanwhile, Arly has caught up with the goblin enough to take another swing at him if he likes"
Arly says, "Sure, what the heck."
Arly says, "Er, that is, 'I shall have the fiend's HEAD.'"
Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7 + 7 = 14
[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "wait, you're in luck"
[D&D] Arly says, "Wow."
[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "I realize looking at your sheet that I have your BAB wrong"
[D&D] Arly asks (of GM), "Oh?"
[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "you actually get +3 instead of +2, so this is a hit after all"
[D&D] Arly says, "Hooray."
[D&D] GM says, "so go for it, roll 1d8+4"
[D&D] Arly asks (of GM), "How do I know to do that?"
[D&D] GM says, "that's what it says as longsword damage there"
[D&D] GM says, "1d8 base + 1 magic +3 strength bonus"
[D&D] Arly says, "Right."
Arly rolls 1 8-sided die: 4 | 4 + 4 = 8
GM says, "Arly catches up to the goblin, swings his sword, and the goblin's head flies off into the bushes"
Fincul exclaims, "Good show!"
Fincul stops for a moment of remembrance. "It's a shame what we had to do here. But they left us no choice."
Skalheth says, "Hurr. Parassites."
Arly goes looking for his throwing axe in the bushes.
Skalheth whistles and chucks his teeth. Snakes emerge from the waters, dripping wet, and coil themselves into his sleaves. He stumps back to look for his spear.
GM says (to Arly), "let's see -- it was around here somewhere -- under this bush? no .. behind that tree? no -- ah, there it is, up against that stone"
Fincul looks over the bodies of the two goblins he took out, checking them for anything of value. "We really ought to give them a proper burial, but I doubt we've the time to spare."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Rebooting. Back in a sec."
Skalheth has disconnected.
Skalheth goes home.
Arly retrieves his axe from the stone up ahead.
GM says, "and, actually, it's kind of an odd stone; it's mostly square, like it was shaped, not natural"
Arly says (to Fincul), "Take a look at this odd stone here."
Fincul does so.
Arly peers at the stone.
GM says, "now that you look, there are a couple stones like that -- the others are set flat into the ground so it's harder to notice them"
Skalheth has arrived.
[D&D] Fincul asks, "How big are they? Also, any markings?"
[D&D] Skalheth asks (of Fincul), "What, the goblins, or my snakes?"
[D&D] Fincul says, "The stones."
[D&D] Arly says (to Skalheth), "That we just discovered."
[D&D] GM says, "they're about twice your fist sized; unmarked, but smooth on top"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Which, er, you missed the Gm's comments on."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Curses, I missed something important."
[D&D] GM says (to Skalheth), "just that his axe was sitting on an unusual stone in the ground"
Arly prods the stones gently with his longsword.
Fincul picks up the on that's above ground, to look at it all over.
GM says, "it looks like it was originally set into the ground like the others but got pushed up by some burrowing mammal"
GM says, "it was picked to have its flat side uppermost and roughly shaped to be square"
Arly says, "I wonder who could have placed these here."
[D&D] Skalheth says (to GM), "Aha. Do I recognize it? (Wilderness Lore, Druid nature sense?)"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Likewise Knowledge (Arcane Lore), in case they have a mystic significance."
[D&D] GM says (to Skalheth), "the animal? yeah, it looks like there are mouse droppings in the hole where the stone was -- but they're old, probably at least a month"
[D&D] Fincul says, "(Re the stones, not the animal, of course :) )"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "I meant the stone itself, but that'll do."
[D&D] GM says, "but the rocks themselves are just rocks -- although now that you're looking, you see even more, scattered around in a rough line wandering off the path to the right"
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Is that where the runaway goblin was running?"
[D&D] Skalheth asks, "How old do they look?"
Fincul says, "Hmm. The line of stones appears to point roughly towards the lake."
[D&D] GM says, "not exactly -- the path you were on is heading south; the goblin was running more or less west, and these stones go west for a while and then bend sw"
[D&D] GM says, "er, sorry, right, nw, since they do in fact go towards the lake"
Arly asks, "Shall we follow them?"
[D&D] GM says (to Skalheth), "old -- they've got moss on them and look ground-down"
Fincul says, "It could be a shortcut, or an older path."
[D&D] GM says, "if it is a shortcut, it's one that's initially going in the wrong direction, since it's going northish and you guys were going southish"
Skalheth says, "Hurr. You're right. I don't know who built them... I would like to know, but we are in a hurry."
Fincul says, "Mmm. We would probably do best to follow the path we know, and return another time to find where these stones lead to."
Arly says (to Fincul), "I would concur. Time is not on our side."
Skalheth says, "Yess." He moves away with reluctance.
Fincul alleviates the burrens of the fallen goblins, and presses on.
[D&D] Fincul says, "Er, burdens."
GM says, "You three head back onto the main path (do you want to mark this place at all?)"
GM says, "right, yes, the goblins"
[D&D] Fincul says, "I think the stones themselves probably are a good enough marker."
[D&D] GM says, "well, they're off the path maybe ten feet"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Oh, right."
Fincul asks (of Skalheth, Arly), "Do you know any of those subtle nature sign code things that woodsmen and hunters are supposed to do?"
GM says, "Besides the goblins' daggers, which you can take if you like, they have three darts each, which you can also take if you like, and a handful of silver coins between them (10, specifically)"
Skalheth looks around to fix the place in his memory. "About ten feet from the fallen log. Or the stump, if the log is moved. Yes, I can find this again.
Arly says, "Perhaps I could carve a marker from some wood to mark this place."
Fincul says, "Right. That works for me."
Skalheth points at the log. "There's some wood you can use. If it's not obvious enough as it is."
Skalheth chuckles and starts off down the path again, ignoring the goblins.
[D&D] Arly asks (of GM), "What do I have to do to use my woodworking skill to make a mark of some sort?"
[D&D] GM says, "roll 1d20 + skill"
Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 20 | 20 + 5 = 25
[D&D] GM says, "crikey"
[D&D] Arly exclaims, "Oh sure, when I'm fighting goblins, I get single digits. When I'm using woodworking, I get 25!"
GM says, "Arly carves an extremely artistic stake and sticks it subtly off the path where you three can find it again easily but casual viewers won't notice it"
GM says, "and I guess another stake or two along the way to help you find the stones off the path"
GM says, "and then you head off down the path again"
[D&D] (from Skalheth) GM says, "And a nice ice centerpiece."
[D&D] Arly says, "Hee hee."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Er, that made no sense."
[D&D] Fincul says, "BTW, I'll be disappearing in about twenty minutes, just to let everyone know."
[D&D] Fincul says, "If we want to come back around six to finish up afterward, that's cool."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Damn, we're just getting started - works for me."
[D&D] Arly says, "I have to leave at 7:00 tonight, and I won't be back for a few hours."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "(We're all on EST except inky, right?)"
[D&D] Fincul says, "I can try for 5:30, although I'm not sure if I'll make it or not."
[D&D] GM asks, "well, do we want to play for an hour at 6ish?"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Sure."
[D&D] Arly says, "I'm up for that."
[D&D] GM says, "alrighty"
[D&D] GM says, "we'll play for a teensy bit more now then, and then break"
[D&D] Arly says, "Sounds good."
Fincul switches from singing to whistling.
GM says, "You continue on the path uneventually for another few hours -- the path actually seems to be improving again, as the daylight starts to fade"
Arly asks, "How many hours have we been out?"
[D&D] Arly says, "Perhaps this was not the most expedient route."
[D&D] Arly says, "ILA... uh... D&D room."
[D&D] GM says, "just about five hours, I think, so assuming the guy's estimate was right you should be getting close"
[D&D] Arly says, "Okay."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "I don't think there *was* an expedient route. The barge was full up."
[D&D] GM says, "well, it's also slower"
[D&D] GM says, "part of the reason Mor's End is there is because it's inconvenient to leave"
Fincul says, "We may need to light a lantern soon."
GM says, "and indeed, up ahead, there's a sign of civilization, or at least a rider"
Arly says, "About time."
GM says, "he's galloping fast -- probably faster than is safe -- as he comes towards you"
Fincul says, "Hail."
Fincul stands out of the way, just in case.
GM says, "He pulls up as he sees you."
Fincul asks, "Good evening. A bit late to be entering into the swamp, is it not?"
GM says, "He's a youngish human, dressed in fairly nice matching rider's gear, with a lantern strapped to the side of the saddle and two saddle bags"
GM says, "the horse looks nice too, a big black one with obvious spirit"
GM asks, "He shakes his head. "I've got to get on to Mor's End -- can you tell me how far it is?"
Skalheth steps into the middle of the path to force the rider to stop, but gets ready to jump out of the way if he doesn't.
Fincul says, "Maybe six hours by foot, in good light."
Arly says, "We just came from there... It's been quite a trek."
Skalheth says, "A half day, perhaps a little less. Be careful for your horse - it is treacherous if you're not as experienced as we are."
Fincul says, "But they close the gates at nightfall."
GM says, ""Damnation," he says. "The gates? I'm sure they'll let me in, but --""
Skalheth says, "You'd be safest to wait for tomorrow. If our business goes quickly, we can even guide you back for a small fee."
Skalheth says, "We know the swamp quite well."
GM says, "The man pauses and studies you. "You're heading back there tomorrow?""
Skalheth says, "Hard to say."
Arly says, "We won't know until we get where we're going."
GM says, ""I'll make it worth your while to bring me something there by tomorrow or the next day -- how about it?""
GM says, "He reaches back and flips open one saddle-bag."
Fincul says (aside, to his companions), "If we haven't found Mendrick by the morning after tomorrow, we probably never will."
Skalheth says, "Hur."
Skalheth says, "Let's know what we're getting into, though."
Arly says, "True."
GM says, ""Well? Are we on or not?""
Skalheth asks, "What is the item?"
GM says, "The man fumbles in the bag, and pulls out a scrollcase, carefully sealed with red wax on each end. "Just don't open it.""
[D&D] Fincul says, "Given our backhistory, I suggest demanding payment ahead of time, if we agree."
[D&D] Arly says, "Or at least a deposit of some sort."
[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"
[D&D] Fincul asks, "So I'm willing; how about you two?"
Skalheth asks, "Hur? Wait - you want us to follow after and bring this to you in Mor's End? Why not just take it there yourself?"
Skalheth asks, "Or am I confused?"
Fincul says (to Skalheth), "I think that we would be saving this man a perilous journey through the swamp, if we took on the job."
Arly says, "We should consider this."
GM says, ""I must get there tonight -- I'm hoping this won't be necessary""
GM says, ""But they -- you -- say the swamp is treacherous.""
[D&D] Fincul says, "Hrm. OK, then I'm confused too."
Skalheth says, "Oh. Is this a bring and take thing? Orcish has no such distinction. It always confuses me."
[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"
[D&D] GM says, "he wants you to bring it to him in mor's end in a few days"
GM says, ""And if I don't make it, this must.""
Skalheth asks, "Ah. In that case, how much are you offering?"
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Ah, so it's one of those 'let's always fly on different planes to make sure the children aren't orphaned' sorts of things?"
GM says, "He pats his belt, as if looking for a money-pouch that isn't there. "I haven't got --""
Arly fingers his longsword noticeably.
GM says, ""Right, then." He slides a gold ring off his finger. "Take this as surety of my payment later.""
Fincul raises an eyebrow.
GM says, "(it's a gold ring with a red gem in it, although I don't think anyone here is expert enough to appraise it)"
GM says, ""So, is it a bargain?" He holds out the ring and scroll-case."
Skalheth looks at the others. "Up to you."
Fincul says, "I think, if Arly has no objection, yes."
Arly says, "I say we do it."
Fincul says, "We can undertake this."
Fincul says, "The day after tomorrow, in Mor's End. If not sooner."
GM says, ""Excellent -- when you get to the city, ask for Cassis at the mage's guild; I'll leave word there.""
GM says, "He tosses the two to Fincul, slaps his horse, and races off along the path."
[D&D] Fincul says, "We *know* the guy's not going to survive to make the drop off, but at least we got a free ring."
[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"
Fincul puts away both the scroll case and the ring for now.
Arly says, "We must be on our way! With every moment, the merchant gains ground away from us."
Fincul says, "Indeed. Back to the trail."
Skalheth says (to rider), "My advice is - damn."
Skalheth says, "Well, it's his head."
(From Arly) Skalheth attacks the goblins.
[D&D] Fincul says, "And this seems like a good stopping point for now."
[D&D] GM says, "yeah"
[D&D] GM says, "or, rather:"
GM says, "You continue on the path, and arrive at the city at 4, just in time for a late lunch."
GM says, "(I guess Execs is more of a town, really -- maybe half the size of Mor's End)"
GM asks, "so back here at 6? or 7?"
[D&D] Fincul says, "I think Matthew said he was leaving at seven."
[D&D] Fincul says, "So I'll be back between 5:30 and 6:00."
[D&D] GM says, "okay"
[D&D] GM says, "I guess back here at 5:30ish, then"
Fincul says (to PerrySimm), "*** INTERMISSION ***"
[D&D] GM says, "thanks for showing up, everyone"
[D&D] GM says, "(and for bearing with me as I get a handle on the rules)"
[D&D] Arly says, "hooray."
GM has disconnected.
GM goes home.
[D&D] Arly says (to GM), "I'm not much better with the rules."
[D&D] Arly says, "Timing."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "good game."
[D&D] (from Skalheth) Skalheth says, "If only we could've finished the goblin fight..."
[D&D] inky says, "hee hee"
[D&D] Arly says, "Yay."
Skalheth has disconnected.
Skalheth goes home.
[D&D] jnc says, "I'm never playing a character who can't throw poisonous snakes again."
[D&D] inky says, "hee hee"
[D&D] Arly laughs.
[D&D] Fincul says, "And I am now back, I think."
[D&D] inky says, "woo"
GM has arrived.
Arly says, "I have about 45 minutes."
GM says, "alrighty; we'll toss in a couple plot twists then"
(From Arly) GM says, "okay, aliens land. what now?"
[D&D] GM says (to jnc), "psst"
[D&D] jnc says, "Justasec."
GM says, "ok, anyway"
GM says, "so you've just made it to town around 4pm"
GM says, "which, as mentioned, is somewhat smaller than Mor's End -- it looks mostly like a collection of farming stuff plus some places for merchants to rest up before heading out"
Skalheth has arrived.
Fincul asks, "The docks should be that way. Do you think anyone there will have noticed Mendrick when the barge arrived?"
Arly says, "Someone must have seen something."
Fincul says, "Let's give it a try, then."
Skalheth says, "Hope he was still in a hurry. That's been our best description."
Arly says, "Let's go... Every minute is like a dagger in the back of our mission."
Fincul heads over to the docks.
[D&D] GM says (to Skalheth), "well, you know what he looks like, since you were on the caravan with him for a week"
[D&D] GM says, "he's middle-aged, a bit short and squat, brown hair, somewhat hasty, penny-pincher"
[D&D] Skalheth says (to GM), "Yeah, but saying to people, `Have you seen a merchant who was in a real hurry` is much better than `have you seen a merchant with brown hair?`"
GM says, "at the docks the barge-dwarves are sitting around drinking; they must be between loads"
Fincul exclaims (at Dwarves), "Greetings!"
GM says, ""Ho there, stranger. 'Fraid you've missed the barge going back by an hour or so.""
Arly says, "No, we're looking for someone who came off the last barge."
Fincul says, "Oh, not a worry -- we're more interested in the last one that arrived here, actually."
GM says, ""Off the last barge, eh? What did he look like?""
Fincul asks, "Did you fellows notice a merchant, about yea high, middle aged, and probably in a big hurry?"
Arly says, "He had brown hair."
GM says, ""Oh, the guy in a hurry?""
Fincul exclaims, "That's the one!"
GM says, ""Man, you don't see a guy in that much of a hurry that often""
[D&D] Arly laughs.
[D&D] Arly exclaims, "Too funny!"
Arly asks, "Which way did he head?"
Fincul asks, "We're trying to catch up with him -- did you catch which way he was going?"
GM says, ""I think he -- where was he asking? Oh, yeah, he wanted to know which way to the trader's gate.""
GM says, ""It's been a couple hours, though.""
[D&D] Skalheth exclaims, "Yay!"
Arly asks, "Did he say anything else?"
GM says, ""Let me see. I think he said something about hoping it hadn't left yet.""
Fincul asks, "It?"
GM says, "The dwarf shrugs. "A caravan, I guess, if it was at the gate.""
Skalheth says, "One more question."
Skalheth says, "Can you tell us the way to the trader's gate? We're in a big hurry."
Fincul chuckles.
GM says, "The dwarf points a lazy finger. "Better you than me, bub.""
[D&D] Skalheth says, "As soon as I heard `bub`, I pictured that finger sprouting claws."
Skalheth squints over where he's pointing. "Thanks."
Fincul tips his hat cheerfully and sets off.
GM says, "You head over to the trader's gate, which is mostly deserted now, as it's getting on towards evening"
GM says, "But, surprisingly, there Mendrick is, sitting on top of a large pile of crates, his head in his hands"
GM says, ""Ruined ... ruined ..." he says, sighing gustily to himself"
Arly charges up to Mendrick. "Hello."
Fincul exclaims, "Mendrick, our old friend!"
Fincul moves to surround.
Arly asks, "Perhaps you thought you'd never see us again?"
GM says, "He jerks up. "Who? What? Er -- oh, hello my good fellows.""
Arly asks, "Good fellows?"
GM says, ""How pleased I am to see you," he says, a somewhat sickly expression on his face."
Skalheth lurks menacingly and hisses. At least, you hope the hissing's coming from him.
[D&D] Arly asks, "What race is Mendrick?"
[D&D] GM says, "human"
[D&D] Arly asks, "How tall?"
[D&D] GM says, "probably not as tall as you, and he's sitting down, anyway"
Fincul says (to Mendrick), "You forgot to let us know you were heading out of town.."
Arly grabs Mendrick by the collar.
GM says, ""I .. er .. I suppose you're wondering about your fee""
Arly asks (of Mendrick), "Anything you'd like to tell us?"
Fincul says, "Indeed, it had crossed our minds."
GM says (to Arly), ""Ahh .. want some rope?""
Fincul says, "I can think of a good use for rope right about now."
[D&D] Skalheth exclaims, "Dammit, I'm getting an urge to play good cop. But I'm so menacing!"
Arly says (to Mendrick), "Quiet if you want to escape with your life."
Arly asks (of Mendrick), "Now, would you care to explain yourself?"
Skalheth rumbles. "Hur. Give him a chance to explain."
GM says, ""Err .. see -- if you just open one of those boxes""
Fincul nods to Arly.
Skalheth walks over to a box and drops a pair of snakes out of his sleeve on to it. They rear up to strike whatever's inside as he opens it.
GM says, "It is indeed rope"
GM says, "lots of rope"
GM says, "if all these boxes have this much rope, there is more than enough for all your rope needs"
Arly asks (of Mendrick), "But what was all your sniveling about?"
Fincul asks, "I take it this was the cargo we were guarding?"
GM says (to Arly), ""I *bought* this rope!""
Arly asks (of Mendrick), "AND?"
Fincul suppresses a smirk.
Skalheth's snakes look disappointed. Except for one, which looks a little turned on.
GM says, ""I can't believe I was such a fool -- I heard from a very reliable source that there was something special about this cargo and the owner didn't know -- so I hurried down to buy it"
[D&D] Arly says (to Skalheth), "HA."
[D&D] Fincul asks, "How much would this rope be worth, relative to what he owes us?"
GM says, ""I was going to come back and pay you, honest!""
[D&D] GM says (to Skalheth), "ha ha"
Arly asks (of Mendrick), "And WHY should we believe you?"
GM says, ""Right after I made myself rich here""
[D&D] GM says, "hmm"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Assuming it's normal rope."
[D&D] GM says, "well, it is silk rope, not hemp"
[D&D] Arly says, "I'd like to inspect the rope, if I may."
[D&D] Fincul says, "This seems like it may be a good time to try out Detect Magic."
[D&D] GM says, "there's about 1200 feet of rope between the (eight) crates"
Skalheth pulls a coil out of the crate and starts tying knots into it. His snakes slither deeper into the crate.
[D&D] GM says, "so it's probably a couple hundred gold"
[D&D] Fincul says, "So, 240 gp worth."
[D&D] GM says, "I guess he owes you about 100 gp total"
[D&D] GM says, "maybe 120, to make it even"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Presumably he paid more than that."
[D&D] Fincul says, "So, if we take the rope for our payment, and find someone who'll buy it at a discount, we're probably set."
Arly asks (of Mendrick), "But why rope?"
Skalheth asks (of Mendrick), "Who exactly did you buy this from?"
GM says (to Arly), ""I don't know! I thought it was going to be something good!""
[D&D] Fincul says, "And if Mendrick's *right*, then we're rich. Maybe."
[D&D] Skalheth asks, "50/50 chance. My snakes finding anything non-ropish in there?"
GM says, ""I bought it from this guy -- let me see -- I think his name was Burkes.""
GM says, ""I hadn't heard of him before.""
Arly asks (of Mendrick), "And where was this?"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Of course, there's still the matter of the innkeeper, but we can just escort Mendrick back to M.E. and let him handle that."
GM says, ""But the guy who mentioned it to me said he was a real sucker, that's why he got picked for the job.""
Fincul asks, "And who was it that mentioned this to you?"
GM says, ""I didn't catch up to him until the gate -- I got him to unload the stuff right here -- and then like a fool I didn't open the stuff until he was out the gate""
GM says (to Fincul), ""Oh, you know -- I know people in Mor's End, stuff gets around. Word on the cobblestones.""
Fincul says, "Mmm."
[D&D] GM asks, "meanwhile, how are you guys investigating? Skal is sending snakes in, Fincul is casting detect magic?"
Fincul steps around to the other side out of Mendrick's direct line of sight.
[D&D] Fincul says, "Yeah. And Arly can keep Mendrick talking, so he won't know what I'm doing, hopfully :)"
Fincul says a few words to himself and rubs his eyes.
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Hmm. My snakes only know 3 tricks. I guess the 3 are `attack what I'm pointing at`, `get ready to strike when I give the signal`, and `go there and come back and do a little dance if you find anything interesting`."
Arly asks (of Mendrick), "I'm afraid that's not good enough... What did you THINK was in here?"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Also, since it looks like the spell should last long enough, I'd like to look at the ring and scroll case too."
Skalheth seems to be weaving the rope into a net.
GM says (to Arly), ""I didn't know, honest! I just heard it was a great deal! And there's nobody like me for a great deal!""
Arly says, "Hrmpf."
GM says, "Fincul concentrates and stares at the boxes. His eyes tingle slightly and he blinks."
Fincul keeps concentrating.
GM says, "There's definitely something about one of the boxes, but only one: it's at the bottom of the pile, right behind Mendrick"
Fincul moves to absently open the box.
GM says, "It seems to have a slight aura of conjuration magic"
Arly asks (of Skalheth), "Do you have any questions for our... friend here?"
GM asks (of Fincul), "moving Mendrick?"
GM says, "meanwhile, Skalheth's snakes pop out of the crates again, not reporting anything unusual, except possibly for the one who's fallen in love"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Hmm. I'll check the ring and spellcase first before doing anything that might get his attention."
[D&D] Arly laughs.
[D&D] Fincul says, "I have, um, thirty rounds, with three rounds to get a decent reading on each general area, I think."
Skalheth says (to Arly), "Hurrr...."
Skalheth asks (of Mendrick), "You said there was something special about them that the owner didn't know about?"
Skalheth says, "Have you searched them carefully? It could be buried inside."
Skalheth says, "You were probably robbed, of course. But there is still a chance..."
GM says (to Fincul), "they do indeed both have auras; the scrollcase abjuration, and the ring transmutation"
GM says, ""Well, I did look inside all the boxes," he says. "Nothing but rope!""
GM says, ""I mean, I didn't *search* them. Not when it was obvious I've been ruined.""
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Strong?"
Fincul gestures to Skalheth in a 'could you move this Mendrick over there?' sort of way.
Skalheth says, "Hurr. Well, then, I am sorry that you fell prey."
[D&D] GM says, "the ring the weakest, then the case, then the box"
[D&D] Skalheth asks, "Um, where are you gesturing me at?"
[D&D] Fincul says (to Skalheth), "Away from the box he's sitting on."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Ah."
[D&D] GM says, "actually, I guess the case and the box have pretty similar levels"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Just a 'him' -> 'away' sort of pointing."
Skalheth puts his hand on Mendrick's shoulder. A triangular head peeks out inquisitively and flicks it's tongue in the merchant's face.
GM says, ""Eyah!" Mendrick jumps back."
Fincul'idly' opens the box, and seeks out the source of the aura.
Arly grips his sword.
GM says (to Fincul), "pushing the rope aside, you notice a small line of runes along the inside of the box on one side"
GM says, "but that's it"
Skalheth tucks the viper away. "Oh, I am ssorry. I forget how much some people fear my petss."
[D&D] Fincul says, "So it's the bottom of the box itself that's magic, not the rope? Clever."
Fincul tries to read it.
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Spellcraft, right?"
[D&D] GM says, "yeah"
Arly says, "Egad."
[D&D] Arly says, "Also... I have to leave really shortly here."
Skalheth turns to the rest. "It is not right to take advantage of the man further. But at the same time, we are owed. Perhaps it would be appropriate to take only a small amount as payment?"
GM says, ""Yes, yes, very good," says Mendrick. "I'm sure you'll love to have some rope! Useful stuff, rope! You can, uh, tie things with it!""
Fincul rolls 1 20-sided die: 3 | 3 + 8 = 11
Arly asks (of Mendrick), "Like you, perhaps?"
GM says, ""Er .. uh .. no, thanks?""
GM says (to Fincul), "it's clearly the source of the magic, and clearly there's some kind of latent spell that they're associated with, but it's not clear what it is"
Fincul says, "Really, it'd only be fair for us to take all this off your hands."
Skalheth nods. "What we do not use, we can sell. How much is fair?"
GM says, ""All? But -- er -- I only owe you ..""
Fincul says (to Mendrick), "And the inkeeper, of course, if we're going to tally things up in detail."
GM says, ""Oh .. uh, yeah, the innkeeper. Right. I was going to come back for him too.""
[D&D] Fincul asks, "How much rope is in each crate?"
[D&D] GM says, "150 feet, 8 crates"
[D&D] Fincul asks, "ALso, how the heck are we going to truck this crate around?"
[D&D] GM says, "I am waiting eagerly to find out"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Hee."
[D&D] Fincul checks the Skills list for rules on Spellcraft retries :)
Skalheth studies the man. "I have a feeling that you were not planning to deal fairly with us. Would that be correct?"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Aha, I should prepare Read Magic."
[D&D] Arly says, "I can't stay anymore... I really need to leave. I'll see you all later."
[D&D] GM says, "byebye -- thanks for playing"
[D&D] Skalheth says (to Arly), "Have a good one."
[D&D] Fincul waves to Arly.
GM says, ""What? I don't know what you're -- I mean, it's true there was a caravan leaving here I could have been on, but of course I am far too honest to have done such a thing""
GM says, ""And besides, all I ended up with was rope -- please, how about some pity for a poor broke merchant?""
GM says, ""Say, I know -- how about if you take half these crates? Sure, it's a little more than I owe you, but we're all friends here, right?""
Fincul says, "Alright, that seems fair. We'll take this half, and you can take that half back to Mor's End with you."
GM says, ""Right! Absolutely!""
Fincul indicates the ensorcelled crate as part of the party's half, of course.
GM says, "Mendrick gets up and goes over to one of the lounging porters, and begins negotiations to have his crates moved."
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Can we hear where he's having the crates sent?"
[D&D] GM says, "to a room at one of the inns here, sounds like"
Skalheth says, "Hurr..."
[D&D] Fincul says, "We should make similar arrangements, then."
Skalheth asks, "Should we take the barge back tomorrow? Will they ship these?"
Fincul asks a porter how much the barge fees would be for three people and a bunch of crates.
GM says, ""Barge fees? 10 gold for the lot of you, I expect""
GM says, ""For another gold I'll carry them over to the docks for you""
Skalheth shrugs. "I would prefer the swamp, but I guess we can't cart these back ourselves."
Skalheth asks, "Do you think we should just sell them here instead of taking them all the way to Mor's End?"
Fincul says, "If we can, but --" Is Mendrick out of earshot?
GM says, "yeah, if you're quiet"
Fincul says softly, "But there's something special about one of these crates. I'd like to give it a more complete inspection later on; I think the crate itself might be worth more than the rope."
Skalheth asks, "Hurr?"
Fincul nods. "I'll be able to tell more after I've had some time to study up on it."
Fincul says, "We're no longer in a rush. We could get a room for the night and leave on the morning barge, with however many crates we have left then."
GM has disconnected.
GM goes home.
Skalheth says, "I ssuppose."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Oops."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Good time for me to take 5 min to eat this plate of spaghetti."
GM has arrived.
[D&D] GM says, "sorry, computer fell over"
Fincul asks, "How about we have these crates sent to an inn, and I'll work on deciphering what's going on, while you and Arly can take one of the others into town, to sell the rope?"
Fincul says, "Of course, first we can have lunch. Or supper, perhaps."
Skalheth shrugs.
Fincul takes his pen and ink and marks the crates while Skalheth decides, so they don't lose the special on by mistake.
[D&D] GM asks, "how much longer are we going here?"
[D&D] GM says, "(I'm happy to go for another 30 minutes or so if you guys want, or we could break here)"
[D&D] Fincul says, "I have no idea, since I don't know what the stopping point is."
[D&D] Fincul says, "I'm fine with that."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Miseri just arrived to play Gamecube, so If we want to stop, that's fine. Or we can keep going while he plays."
[D&D] Fincul greets Jeff.
[D&D] Fincul asks, "So, should I assume Skalheth doesn't object?"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "No, no objection."
[D&D] GM says, "alrighty"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "He's just wants to get on with it so he can get back to the swamp."
Fincul pays the porter (from the goblins' coins) to have the marked crates sent to an inn.
Fincul also heads to the inn as well, to arrange food.
GM says, ""Thankee, sir, and should I arrange for a place for you to stay overnight as well?""
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Also, his player is eating."
Fincul says (to Porter), "Yes, that seems like a good idea, thank you."
Fincul tips for that, of course.
GM says, ""Right-o, then""
GM says, "The porter and his buddy heft the crates and stagger off."
Fincul munch munch munch
GM says, "You guys find a tavern and get some supper"
Fincul takes notes on recent events while he eats.
[D&D] Fincul says, "At least 150 ft of silk rope isn't very heavy."
[D&D] GM says, "more bulky than heavy, yeah"
[D&D] Fincul says, "15 lb, plus the crate. So they could each take a crate without trouble, I guess."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Maybe an extra one for Arly."
Fincul takes the unusual crate up to their room after dinner, lays out his spell book and foci and so forth, and starts studying to prepare Read Magic.
[D&D] GM says, "although you'll be going a bit slower if you're carrying the crates"
Skalheth asks, "Hurr. So you're ssaying the merchant's tip was right?"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Oh, yeah. They could just shoulder the coils of rope, couldn't they."
Fincul says (to Skalheth), "It looks that way -- if only Mendrick had thought to check the crates, rather than just the ropes."
Fincul says, "But that still doesn't excuse running out on his debts."
[D&D] GM says, "that might be a bit more convenient, yeah"
Skalheth says, "I ssuppose... I don't like cheating him."
[D&D] GM says, "you'd still be going a little slow but not too much difference"
Skalheth asks, "But I suppose he had his chance to find - wait. Did you know about this when we made the deal?"
Fincul says, "I had a suspicion, but I didn't -- and still don't -- know the actual value of the crate."
GM says (to Fincul), "fifteen minutes later you've got read magic memorized"
Fincul says, "It could actually turn out to be cursed, for all I know."
Fincul says, "Assuming I don't err, we should know the truth in just a moment..."
Fincul casts Read Magic.
Skalheth says, "Hurr."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Don't forget that giving us 120 gp worth of rope also isn't the same as giving us 120 gp, since it's *his* job (as a merchant) to sell the stuff, not ours."
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Also, should I do another Spellcraft check now?"
[D&D] GM says, "please"
[D&D] GM says, "at +5"
Fincul rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 13 = 22
GM says (to Fincul), "it looks like the chest is the focus for some sort of spell, as evidenced by the runes, that will enable something else to be summoned into it with the proper command word"
Fincul says, "Interesting."
GM says (to Fincul), "but there's no indication of what the command word itself is"
Fincul says, "There appears to be some kind of summoning spell on this crate."
Fincul says, "If we knew the right key -- some particular word, I think -- we could conjure up... well, I don't know what. But something."
Fincul says, "Possibly rope."
Fincul says (to Crate), "Conjure. Create. Summon. Create. Bind. Now. Rope."
Fincul says (to Crate), "Activate. Abracadabra. Hocus Pocus. Begin. Shazam. Sesame."
GM says, "Hrm, nothing thus far."
Fincul ponders.
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Would Arcane Lore let me try to remember typical sorts of command words for something like this?"
Skalheth says, "Hah."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "(Hee hee `possibly rope`)"
Fincul asks (of Skalheth), "Any suggestions?"
[D&D] GM says, "in general these sorts of command words could be anything, since the caster picks them when they cast the spell -- usually the only way to figure it out is to find somebody who knows it already"
Fincul checks his notes for the name of the guy who sold these goods to Mendrick.
[D&D] GM says, "Burke, wasn't it? But Mendrick had said Burke supposedly didn't know anything about it"
Fincul says, "If we could find this 'Burke' person, maybe he'd know who sold him the crate."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Alternately, we could hire a rogue who knew how to Use Magic Device."
[D&D] GM says, "Mendrick also said Burke went out the gate some hours ago, though -- although it might not be too late to catch up with a caravan"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Hmm. Probably too late if we want to get back to ME with the scroll."
Skalheth says, "We should not toy with it. Whatever is summoned could be dangerous."
Fincul says, "That is possible."
Fincul says, "Hmm. We are due to attend the Mage Guild in Mor's End eventually. Perhaps someone there could assist."
[D&D] Fincul asks, "How's Arly doing with the rope-selling business?"
[D&D] Skalheth asks (of Fincul), "Do you not have the Identify spell?"
GM says, "Arly eventually comes back, saying "Well, I found somebody who'd pay us 80 gold for the lot -- did you want to take that?""
[D&D] Fincul says, "I do, although it's expensive to cast, and I'm not sure if it'd tell us more than the runes would."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Hmm. I could sacrifice 100 gp worth of rope to cast it, though."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "`including how to activate it`"
Fincul says, "Hmm. I could attempt a stronger magic to try to decipher this, but it would require destroying most of our rope in the process."
Skalheth shrugs.
Fincul asks, "Shall I take that as assent?"
[D&D] GM says (to Fincul), "hrm, I think 100 gp component generally means "100 gp worth of components", not "100 gp worth of any material""
[D&D] GM says, "or, rather, it means incense and candles and things, not any old thing"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Aw. Darn."
[D&D] GM says, "but of course you can sell the rope"
[D&D] Fincul says, "In which case, we may as well sell the rope either way."
Fincul says, "Or rather, it would require selling the rope, and then spending the proceeds. Plus a bit."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Can we get more if we throw in the crates? :)"
[D&D] Fincul says, "(The *other* crates, of course.)"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "I'd be more worried he won't take the rope from this crate without a container."
[D&D] GM says, "well, 85, maybe"
Fincul says, "Well, if you don't object, we may as well try it."
[D&D] Fincul says, "OK, the we can each pitch in an extra 5 gp, and that's not so much."
[D&D] GM says, "alrighty"
Fincul makes the arrangements for the spell, including buying components and performing the memorization.
GM says, "Arly sells the rope and brings back the money, and then Fincul spends the rest of the evening gathering the materials to cast the spell"
[D&D] GM asks, "it takes 8 hours to cast, you recall -- were you going to stay up? or sleep and then do it tomorrow?"
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Is it late enough that I wouldn't get a good night's sleep tonight?"
[D&D] jnc says, "Um. We have another deadline."
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Or is it more like six-ish?"
[D&D] jnc says, "Don't forget we want to get the scroll back to Mor's End."
[D&D] jnc says, "(Hmm, he just said `don't open it`, not `don't cast identify on it`.)"
[D&D] GM says, "it's like 8pm-ish by the time you gather all the supplies, since this is a small town and stuff is hard to find"
[D&D] GM says, "you could sleep in late tomorrow, of course"
[D&D] Fincul says (to JNC), "Yeah. Which means we leave tomorrow morning one way or another..."
[D&D] Fincul asks (of GM), "Could we still make the barge if we slept in?"
[D&D] GM says, "there are three barges during the day, 6am, 2pm, and 10pm (ish)"
Skalheth says (to Fincul), "I'd like to go back through the swamp and try the other path, now that we don't have rope to carry."
[D&D] GM says, "also, you could in theory sleep on the barge, given that it's a 12-hour trip"
Skalheth says, "Which would mean carrying the crate back to Mor's End and performing your ritual there."
Fincul says (to Skalheth), "Or alternately we could do the ritual tonight, sleep during the morning, and leave for the swamp at midday. I'll leave the choice to you."
Skalheth says, "You are the one who will have to deal with lack of sleep."
Skalheth says, "So it's your choice."
Fincul says, "If I sleep in tomorrow morning, I should be alright."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Hmm, if we've got the materials now, how hard will they be to cart back - oh, nevermind, we can put them in the crate."
[D&D] Fincul asks, "Ritual from eight to four, sleep from four to noon, and leave around one?"
[D&D] Fincul says (to Skalheth), "Hee."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "I'm just worried you'll get tired and mess up the ritual in the middle."
[D&D] Fincul asks (of GM), "Is that a danger?"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "I mean, we just spent 6 hours trekking through the swamp today, you'd think you'd be tired."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Good point."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "(If I were GM, I'd sure call for concentration checks.)"
[D&D] GM says, "it's not a game-mechanics danger, but"
[D&D] (from Fincul) GM says, "but now that you've suggested it"
[D&D] GM says, "you could even, if you want, try and make the 10pm barge out tonight"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Skal wants to swamp though, so."
Skalheth says, "It's up to you. If you feel strong enough, I admit I am curious."
[D&D] Fincul says, "OK, if there's no game mechanics reason not to, I'll do it."
GM says, "ok then"
GM says, "Arly beds down for the night, and Fincul begins the rituation of identification"
GM says, "but what he finds will have to wait until next session, whenever that is"
[D&D] Fincul says, "Good game."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Any experience points? :)"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Yes. I'm glad to see we're having another session, and I hope I can fit it in."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "I'm going out of town next week..."
[D&D] Fincul asks, "When do you leave/return?"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Not sure - travel agent was supposed to send me my plane tickets last week."
[D&D] Fincul says, "So I guess we can work out the timing later, when more info exists."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "There's something for me at the post office today, and I just realized it might be the tickets - or it might be Jacq's muskox meat. But it's closed."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "I'm definitely gone for the week of the 17th, but I dunno if I'm flying out Friday night or Monday morning or what."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Er, 19th."
[D&D] Fincul asks, "And presumably you'll need the preceding days for packing and so forth?"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Well, I'll just be throwing some stuff in a bag, so no."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Oh, ah. So there's some possibility of 16th or 17th."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Also, as a random side note, it's convenient that the number of items we're interested in identifying just happen to match the number of items I'm able to do with one spell :)"
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Ooh, I thought it was one item per spell."
[D&D] Fincul says, "One per level."
[D&D] Fincul says, "Although it may or may not work on the scroll case, depending on whether or not touching the case counts as touching."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Note that if an item has two uses, you have to explicitly try twice on that item to get both. IIRC."
[D&D] Skalheth says, "Anyway, I'll let you know as soon as I have my travel plans."
