PrP: Red Ridge Pass

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|   Name   |  Race  |    Class    | E Lev| CHP | HP  | AC  | For | Ref | Wil |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|Tak       |HUMAN   |Bard         |  4   | 31  | 31  | 23  |  3  |  8  |  4  |
|Eligar    |DAWN_ELF|Cav          |  3   | 29  | 29  | 11  |  5  |  2  |  3  |
|Tatyannah |GIANTBOR|Rog          |  3   | 23  | 23  | 15  |  3  |  6  |  3  |
|Thora     |MOUNTAIN|Clr          |  2   | 22  | 22  | 13  |  6  | -1  |  7  |

<OOC> Rogun says, "Is everyone's AC set correctly?"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "S'far as I know?"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Or at least mine is."
<OOC> Thora says, "Yup, think so."
<OOC> Eligar says, "mind is now."

<OOC> Rogun says, "Also, as we go into inits, if you wind up sucked into RL and 
I skip you don't feel like its personal. We'll pick you back up when you return. 
It's just an effort to keep things moving so that we can finish within four 
hours."

The Veyshanti merchant Ak-Hazrad has recently brokered for a single lot of 
uninspected and unrefined iron ore from a Khazad-Aul estate in the Red Ridge 
Mountains. This load of ore is to later be processed and used nullify a pre-
existing debt with the lord Al-Khazim who lost some other items that were placed 
on consignment with Ak-Hazrad prior to their sale.
The intricacies of the deal are unimportant for your purposes save for two 
things...

First, that Ak-Hazrad must take receivership of the of ore in the Red Ridge 
Mountains and is bears total responsibility for its transport..

..and second, Ak-Hazrad has conditioned the pay of those responsible for its 
transport upon its safe arrival.

Given that a load of ore is not a high priority target only five adventurers 
were hired. Their journey to the Red Ridge Mountains was largely uneventful. 
After an overnight stay within the great stone halls of the Khazad-Aul they 
journeyed forth..

-=FADE IN - Red Ridge Basin=-

Great stone mountains tower over all sides of the party. The great ore-loaded 
wagon trundles slowly through a mountain pass which the Khazad-Aul artificially 
widened centuries ago. The sides of the mountains have been cut into a 
relatively smooth surface a hundred feet high not only the ease the passage by 
curtailing falling rocks but it also aids in preventing interlopers from preying 
upon the caravans which pass through.

The wagon driver is a whip-thin fellow who bleary eyes and gagging nausea, which 
echos sickeningly off the blank stone walls, are indicative of having one too 
many flagons of Khazad spirits the night before.. 

<OOC> Rogun says, "Roll perceptions as you read and pose."

Eligar is riding on the side of the wagon and he looks over at the wagon driver, 
"Are you doing all right?" He asks as he has his shield and lance up and ready. 
He's looking around for any trouble.

Thora is apparently in the process of trying to convince the wagon driver to try 
a foul-smelling concoction she's managed to scrounge up with herbs and 
ingredients she had in her travel kit; the Khazad woman is having little luck, 
however, as the man has, after a whiff of the brew, failed to acknowledge even 
her presence. Somewhat put off, the pudgy dwarven lady sighs, shrugs and leans 
back in the wagon's seat beside the driver, with a muttered "Suit yourself..." 
The concoction, though, is left stoppered in the space between the seats. Just 
in case he changes his mind.
Tak is on a horse, he rented/borrowed it, he will one day buy one, he swears. He 
rides opposite Eligar, moving along with the wagons at thier slow plodding pace. 
He keeps looking around, perhaps admiring the scenery.
Tatyannah is out in front by a goodly amount, on a horse as well, trying to keep 
on eye on potential problems up there. That way, she also avoids conversation 
and bickering.
The driver dabs sweat from his brow and looks down at Eligar, "..yeah..." He 
says after needing a second to gather himself, "..m'doin' alright.." The man 
says unconvincingly and looks after Thora as she trudges away, "Drinkin' their 
stock is how I got into this mess.." He mumbles more to himself but the others 
can hear. He gags again as another wave of nausea washes over him.

GAME: Eligar rolls perception: (1)+10: 11
GAME: Tatyannah rolls perception: (2)+12: 14
GAME: Thora rolls perception: (5)+4: 9
GAME: Tak rolls perception: (10)+7: 17

*PERCEPTION 15* Between gags you hear something that almost sounds like 
whispering. However, with all the echoing it could be anything -- including your 
imagination.

Eligar nods a little bit, "All right as long as you are all right." He'll try to 
keep an eye on the driver as he looks around, "Tak are you doing okay?"
Thora is apparently blissfully unaware of any trouble that may be looming over 
this little trip; she has her spot on the wagon, with a rolled-up cloak against 
her back to keep her company, and she has a book. The jostling of the cart 
doesn't seem to bother her as she hums merrily and thumbs through the pages of 
the well-worn tome. She introduced herself earlier in the trip as "Thora of Clan 
Firecradle", and has apparently been content to leave it at that.

<OOC> Tak says, "I'd like to cast detect magic, I dont like whispering!"
GAME: Tak refreshes spells.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Very well."
GAME: Tak casts Detect Magic.
You paged Tak with 'You detect no magic.'

Tak isn't sure what he heard, but figures he might as well routinely check the 
area for signs of magic. He mutters a few arcane words then starts sweeping the 
area, he looks at the driver, the wagons, and then everything around them. 
Apparently nothing suprises him cause he doesn't start screaming or pointing.

As the driver stops gagging...

"Eeeh, Eeeh, Guuh..." Deep guttural sounds echo off the sides of the mountain 
making it hard to pinpoint their source.

<<WHAM>>

The wagon suddenly lurches from side to side as a great form, seemingly from out 
of no where, falls onto the top of the wagon. Nearly four feet tall, and 
possibly also wide, the blue-tinged creature looks to be an amalgam of stone and 
flesh. Three spindly arms jut out from a bulbous torso which is supported by 
three powerful legs. It has no head - merely a wide gaping maw where a head 
SHOULD be.

It scrabbles frantically atop the wagon, perhaps disoriented from he impact, 
before melting into the very ore you carry.

Tatyannah pulls the horse to a halt, turning around at the sound, but missing 
the part with the blue creature melding into the ore. "What happened?"
Thora is very nearly thrown off the wagon from the impact. "What th--!" Glasses 
askew on her nose, hair wild, she picks herself up, gingerly picking her book up 
and stuffing it back into a book-pouch at her belt. "What was THAT?!" She stares, 
wide-eyed, at the spot where the blue thing... seemed to disappear into the ore. 
"That can't be good." She reaches out a slightly-trembling hand to touch the ore 
pile, as if to ensure herself it's still actually there.

Tak jerks his horse to a stop, and draws his whip. "What the heck was that?" 
Apparently he was a bit too surpised to identify imediately.

<OOC> Tak says, "Roll to indentify the creature? nature?"
<OOC> Rogun says, "The Planes"
GAME: Tak rolls knowledge/the planes: (1)+8: 9
GAME: Thora rolls knowledge/the planes: (4)+7: 11
<OOC> Rogun says, "Unknown."

Eligar blinks as the wagon lurches and he looks around, "By Darius' beard. What 
was that?" He reins in his horse and he looks at the metal. He'll reach out with 
his lance to poke the metal gently.

Thora pages: Actually, I have the Knowledge domain. The Lore Keeper ability lets 
me learn about any creature I touch. If whatever it was is inside the ore pile...

You paged Thora with 'That is a good idea - I'll give you that. However, 
touching the ore is tantamount to touching the sea and hoping to learn about the 
fish within.'

Thora pages: Oh. That big a load of ore?
You paged Thora with 'Correct.'

Poking or touching the ore results in just that. It seems physically no 
different than it was when you picked it up.

However, whatever just melted into the pile can he heard to make grotesque 
sounds from somewhere within.

The wagon rocks violently and a second set of sounds can be heard. Another 
creature is below the wagon - identical to the first - except only a quarter of 
it juts out from the stone floor of the basin. Its three arms flail madly upon 
the wood bottom of the wagon.

The driver nearly falls over himself getting off the wagon. Gagging he runs a 
bit further down the pass as the adventurer's turn their attention inward.

"Somebody-- somebody stop them! We can't let them harm the ore." Sounding 
uncharacteristically assertive - hey, she's Khazad, she -knows- ore - Thora more 
or less jumps on top of the pile of ore and begins to pull at it, trying to get 
down to where the creature sank in. She's a somewhat comical sight, bookish and 
pudgy as she is, trying vainly to haul heavy lumps of metal-laden rock.
Tatyannah slides off her horse to grab for her bow, as she says, "There's 
something under the wagon, blue."

Eligar blinks, "Hey where are you going?" He rides over to try to grab the reins 
of the animals to get them out of the way of the monster underneath.

Eligar takes the loose reigns of the wagon team and by diverting his attention 
upon this task his equestrian skills allow him to keep the team moving.

Terrible claws can be heard to scrabble upon the bottom of the wagon as the 
creature beneath flails against it. Little by little it is exposed when the 
wagon continues over until finally the wagon is above it no longer.

GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+6: (19)+6: 25
GAME: Rogun rolls 1d4+3: (2)+3: 5
GAME: Rogun damaged Thora for 5 points. 17 remaining.
Its mouth opens in a deeply frustrated shriek before it slowly rises from the 
stone-floor to stand at the center of canyon. It begins to trundle after the 
wagon as if intent upon it and it alone..

<<OMNOMNOM>>

As Tara heaves ore over the side of the wagon the pleased sound of the creature 
within can be heard. Smacking lips, crunching ore, it sounds like it - feeding -. 
Then Thora heaves one chunk over and one of the scrabbling arms appears. It 
strikes at her, hitting her cleanly with its claws.

<OOC> Rogun says, "Inits."

GAME: Tak rolls initiative: Roll: 9 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 13
GAME: Tatyannah rolls initiative: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 13
GAME: Thora rolls initiative: Roll: 11 + Bonus: -1 = Total: 10
GAME: You roll initiative for Creature_1: Roll: 11 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 11
GAME: You roll initiative for Creature_2: Roll: 1 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 1
GAME: Eligar rolls initiative: Roll: 5 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 6

===== Current Initiative Order =========
----------------------------------------                           
 13                  Tak
---------------------------------------- 
 13                  Tatyannah
----------------------------------------  
 11                  Creature_1
---------------------------------------- 
 10                  Thora
----------------------------------------    
 6                   Eligar
----------------------------------------     
 1                   Creature_2
----------------------------------------           
========================================

<OOC> Rogun says, "Creature 1 is currently in the ore. Creature 2 is trundling 
behind the wagon."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Top of the round. Tak."
<OOC> Tak says, "Yeesh, bad inits"

<OOC> Tak says, "I will inspire courage, and thats it for now."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Pose it."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah."
<OOC> Tatyannah will try and shoot the one at the back of the wagon.

Tak draws his whip in a hand, and calls out to everyone in his special magical 
bardic sexy voice. "Quickly! We must stop them before the ore is destroyed, 
otherwise we likely won't get paid!" Thats always what an adventurer wants to 
hear, no loot.

<OOC> Rogun says, "Its fair to assume that prior to inits you were able to get 
into a clear position to do that. Roll it."
GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d20 + 5: (6)+5: 11
<OOC> Rogun says, "What sort-of weapon are you shooting?"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Shortbow."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Its rocky hide repels your attack."

Tatyannah moves to get a better sight on the blue thing at the back of the wagon. 
She doesn't quite make it, however, with the arrow bouncing off the creature. 
Well, that sucks. Right then, she'll have to do this close up then.

The creature within the ore ceases its feasting. 

It's large mouth emerges partially from the ore and several great sucking sounds 
are heard as if it were examining the area about it. After a moment it rises a 
bit further out of the ore and seems to turn around - perhaps to better 'see' 
Thora whom just inturrupted its activities.

Slowly its three arms begin rising from the ore then..

<OOC> Rogun says, "Thora. The creature seems to be considering what to do with 
you."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Your go."
<OOC> Thora says, "Much like I am. I'm gonna try touching it to see if I can 
glean any insights, then get the hell outta dodge. 'Cos that smack kinda hurt."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Roll to-hit as an unarmed attack. It will be versus touch 
AC."
GAME: Thora rolls melee: (4)+0: 4
<OOC> Thora :(
<OOC> Rogun says, "You are unable to touch it."
<OOC> Thora says, "At any rate, I'm withdrawing outta its immediate melee 
range."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Okay. You can do that."

Whiff! The plump dwarven lady tries to lay a hand on one of the weaving, rubbery 
arms the blue... whatever it is... is flailing about, but misses it entirely. 
"Don't harm the ore!" she says, scrambling backwards and trying to get off the 
cart safely. "We didn't come all this way just to lose it to... whatever these 
things are." So specific, Thora.


<OOC> Rogun says, "Eligar."
<OOC> Eligar says, "I'll ride by charge the one in the wagon if I can reach 
him."
<OOC> Eligar says, "If not I'll ride by charge the one behind."
<OOC> Rogun says, "You can attack the one in the wagon though submerged as he is 
it would be a more difficult attack. The one behind is just trundling along and 
would be an easier strike."
<OOC> Eligar says, "I'll go for the more difficult target."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Very well. The wagon stops without your guidance but you 
charge past with your lance to strike the partially concealed one. Roll to hit."
GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+12: (6)+12: 18
<OOC> Rogun says, "Your lance impacts upon the ore surrounding the creature."
Eligar lets go of the reins to try to attack the creature that's on the wagon 
before it eats all the ore. His lance hits the ore and glances off as the wagon 
comes to a halt.

<POK>

The arrow bounces harmlessly off of the second creature's hide. As if unaware 
that it was even attacked it continues to waddle forward in pursuit of the wagon. 

The wagon slows as Eligar drops the reigns allowing the creature to catch up. 
The wood-loading gate at the rear of the wagon seems to provide it with some 
difficulty not unlike the bottom of the craft. For it scrabbles angrily against 
the gate and then seems to be attempting to use its three long arms to hoist its 
body up into the wagon to join its companion.

<OOC> Rogun says, "Top of the Round. Tak."
<OOC> Tak says, "Ok, using lingering, move and trip the guy following us"
<OOC> Tak says, "Staying at 15 from him for max reach"
<OOC> Rogun says, "Sure. Roll your trip attack."
GAME: Tak rolls whiptrip+1: aliased to : (20)+7+4+1: 32
<OOC> Rogun says, "He is ultra-tripped. You grab his leg and yank him flat onto 
the ground with a powerful THUD."

Tak pulls his horse around, moving back towards the one following them. As the 
creature reaches out Tak snaps his whip out at one of the legs and sends it 
crashing on its face intot he ground. "Focus on the one in the wagon! I'll 
distract this one!"

<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah. #1 is still half out of the ore. #2 is prone upon 
the ground."
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "I would like to run and stab the one prone if possible. 
Can I get +4 because it's prone?"
<OOC> Rogun says, "You can."
<OOC> Rogun says, "What are you attacking with?"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Dagger."
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Actually, short spear. Just in case."
<OOC> Rogun says, "You had your bow. Can you quick-draw your spear?"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "I don't have the feat, no. I am ok to spend a turn 
dropping the bow, grabbing for the spear and running."
<OOC> Tak says, "Can she drop the bow, use a move to grab the spear, and a 
standard to charge?"
<OOC> Rogun says, "Yes."
<OOC> Tak looks to see if Tat likes that idea
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "I'm ok with that. How will that change my roll?"
<OOC> Tak says, "+2 attack -2 AC right?"
<OOC> Rogun says, "You'll get a +2 to hit and lose 2 AC till your next turn."
<OOC> Tak says, "Also +4 for prone as well"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "I can live with that."
<OOC> Rogun says, "And Tak's +1."
<OOC> Tak says, "That too!"
GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 2: (3)+5+1+4+2: 15
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "..."
<OOC> Tak says, "She wont have sneak attack damage will she?"
<OOC> Tak says, "If she had hit"
<OOC> Rogun says, "You do not spear the monster."

<OOC> Tak says, "WAit"

Thora pages: Do you know if Bless stacks with a bard's inspire ability?
You paged Thora with 'The attack bonuses stack. His is competence. Bless is 
Morale.'

<OOC> Tak says, "I have a spell I can help her, just want to know if she gets 
sneak attack before I use it"
<OOC> Tak says, "I'm thinking no, but I'm not sure"
<OOC> Rogun says, "No. Prone does not deny it its dex."
<OOC> Rogun says, "It just makes it easier to melee."
<OOC> Tak says, "Ok, I'll save my spell, sorry to delay things"
<OOC> Rogun says, "No worries."
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Thank you for the thought, Tak, I appreciate your help. 
I'll pose now."

Dropping her bow, Tatyannah reaches for her spear, and bolts for the prone blue 
being. And somehow manages to miss wounding the thing at all. She swears some of 
her most colorful swear words.

The first blue creature within the ore turns around as its companion scrabbles 
against the wood-gate. The thing bobs up and down like a cork in a sea of ore 
and hoots encouragingly at its fellow...

..who is then tripped..

Sensing that something is amiss it moves to the rear of the cart and emerges 
midway from the ore to see its companion face first in the ground. Then 
Tatyannah charges in and stabs at the thing.

It rises from the ore then so that it is standing upright on top of the wagon 
and then steps forward. It falls from the top of the wagon to the stone-floor of 
the basin sinking hip-deep into the stone. It brandishes its three arms and 
howls terribly. Clearly this has displeased it.

<OOC> Rogun says, "#1 is now near where the action is. However, as everyone is 
using reach weapons its not threatening anyone at the moment but can be 
considered next to its fallen ally with its back at the wagon."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Thora. You are up."
<OOC> Thora says, "Hmm."
<OOC> Thora says, "Imma cast Bless. These things are hard to hit, folks could 
use all the help they can get."
<OOC> Rogun says, "That'll work. As we discussed Tak's to-hit is a competence 
bonus. Bless is Morale. So they stack."
<OOC> Thora says, "An extra +1 on attack rolls, plus +1 on saving throws against 
fear effects."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Eligar. You are up."
GAME: Thora casts Bless.

"Historian, grant us your insight," says Thora, clutching at the copper pendant 
around her neck and holding it aloft. "Help us to see clearly and strike true." 
It's a simple enough prayer, but... oddly effective. The effects are not flashy, 
but there's a sense of potential in the air around her that manifests in a vague 
feeling of knowing where to strike and how to move.

<OOC> Eligar says, "I'll turn and charge the monster in the wagon again."
GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+13: (7)+13: 20
<OOC> Rogun says, "You narrowly miss."

Eligar turns around and charges at the monster again. Once more the ore makes it 
hard to hit and his lance goes glancing off it.

<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah and Tak. Creature #2 is moving through the space 
that you threaten to get to Tatyannah."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Do you wish to attack it?"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Yes."

Eligar turns around and charges at the monster again. Once more he narrowly 
misses it on his pass. He frowns deeply as the monsters unusual position makes 
it hard to hit.

<OOC> Rogun says, "Roll to-hit with your spear. You will not have the +2 to 
charge this time. However you have an additional +1 due to bless."
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "And the extra +4?"
<OOC> Rogun says, "Ah, no, its standing now."
GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1: (8)+5+1+1: 15
<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah do you have combat reflexes?"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "I do not."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Okay. Then you have made the only AoO available."

<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Just wanted to make sure."
<OOC> Tak says, "I cant AOO with a whip :)"

And the blue thing is up and moving towards her! She defends herself - 
and ...it's another miss, of course. There's more swearing from Tatyannah as she 
tries to attack. Someone is getting cranky. Damn blue - THINGS.

The second creature flails upon the ground as if shocked when it is tripped. 
However, within a moment it sinks partially into the ground and re-orients 
itself. Warbling it then it trundles across the distance between itself and 
Tatyannah. Its rocky hide again repels the Thief's attack as it moves directly 
next to her.

His claws seem quite threatening at this distance.

<OOC> Rogun says, "Top of the Round. Tak."
<OOC> Tak says, "Can I trip?"
<OOC> Rogun says, "Yes. Either one with your reach."
<OOC> Tak says, "Ok, I'll makes sure I'm at 15, and trip the one nearest Tat"
GAME: Tak rolls whiptrip+2: aliased to : (12)+7+4+2: 25
<OOC> Rogun says, "#2 is tripped."
<OOC> Thora says, "It's like playing with dominoes."

Tak blinks as the creatures seem immune to most of thier attacks. "Keep at it, 
something has to hurt them!" He snaps out his whip again, grabbing one of those 
extra legs and jerking hard enough to send the creature to the ground.

<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah. #2 is prone but threatening your space."
<OOC> Rogun says, "You are up."
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "I would like to stab again."
GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 4: (20)+5+1+1+4: 31
<OOC> Rogun says, "Confirm crit."
GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 4: (4)+5+1+1+4: 15
<OOC> Rogun says, "No crit. Roll damage."
GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d6+3 + 1: (4)+3+1: 8
<OOC> Rogun says, "You stab it. You would note that its a bit like trying to 
stab wet concrete. That is to say your spear doesn't drive in as easily as it 
would against flesh."
<OOC> Tak says, "Thora, you wouldnt have a magic weapon spell would you?"
<OOC> Thora says, "No. :("

"Thanks," Tatyannah tosses out to Tak, quickly, even as she moves to take 
advantage of his taking the blue thing down. Finally, she knows, she just knows 
this one is going to do it. She pushes in and she makes a face, as she does so, 
it's taking more effort than usual.

<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah. The other creature is moving towards Tak. Do you 
wish to attack it as it passes?"
GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+6: (19)+6: 25
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Yes, would this count as a flank?"
GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+6: (6)+6: 12
<OOC> Rogun says, "No."
GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+6: (17)+6: 23
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Ok."
GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1: (8)+5+1+1: 15
<OOC> Rogun says, "You miss. :("
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Yeah."
GAME: Rogun rolls 2d4+6: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Rogun damaged Tak for 12 points. 19 remaining.

The first creature turns a quick circle as Eligar rides through but winds up 
lumbering towards Tak. Though not prone to great speed the tight quarters do 
allow it to close the distance - however - the close proximity of Tak and 
Tatyannah allow the rogue an opportunity to strike at it.

Closing in on Tak it snarls and flails its spindly arms with frightening 
precision. It clips the bard with two of them for fair damage.

<OOC> Rogun says, "Thora. Tak was just attacked by #1. #2 is prone in front of 
Tatyannah."
<OOC> Thora says, "Can I get to #2 without provoking an AoO from any of them?"
<OOC> Rogun says, "Yes."
<OOC> Thora says, "I'm gonna try touching it again. Knowledge is power, y'know, 
finding out what the heck we're dealing with might help."
Tatyannah tries to attack the one that's going for Tak, but doesn't quite manage 
it. That seems to be the story of her life for most of today.

GAME: Thora rolls melee: (6)+0: 6
<OOC> Thora says, "Oh, for..."
<OOC> Rogun says, "+4 for prone. +1 from bless. +1 from Tak."
<OOC> Rogun says, "You touch it. :)"
<OOC> Thora says, "Oh, right. So that's 12."
<OOC> Thora says, "Yay!"
<OOC> Thora | Lore Keeper (Sp): You can touch a creature to learn about its 
abilities and weaknesses. With a successful touch attack, you gain information 
as if you made the appropriate Knowledge skill check with a result equal to 15 + 
your cleric level + your Wisdom modifier.

<OOC> Rogun will pemit you the necessary information.
<OOC> Thora, cleric level 2, wisdom modifier 4.

*LORE KEEPER ENTRY: XORN* Native to the plane of Earth a Xorn is a neutral 
creature of average intelligence. In their native plane they are a 'humanoid' 
race and the greatest of them generally possess character class levels. They 
speak Ignan. They possess the ability to seamlessly traverse Earth, Stone, and 
Metal as a fish does water - so no tunnel is made for their passing. However, if 
you can detect disturbances in Earth you can detect them as they move. Their 
senses allow them to be aware of all sides simultaniously making them impossible 
to flank and very hard to surprise. They are resistant to any damage which does 
not bludgeon. They are immune to cold and fire. They are resistant to 
electricity.

They feed on gemstones and precious ore. However, as an intelligent race they 
would not suicidally pursue a nourishing meal unless they are starving.

<OOC> Rogun says, "Eligar. You are up."
<OOC> Eligar says, "Charge #1 if I can"
<OOC> Rogun says, "Its a pretty wide cavern. So thats possible."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Roll it."

"... blunt weapons!" says Thora, suddenly. She's made her way off the cart and, 
quite usefully, poked a finger at the flailing thing that lies prone before her. 
After a moment of concentration, she made this pronouncement. "They're resistant 
to everything but blunt weapons!" The dwarven lady retreats a small distance 
away from the struggling, thrashing thing, peering intently at it. She even 
pushes her glasses up on her nose a little. "Fascinating. They seem to be from 
the plane of Earth. But why are they blue?"

GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+13: (5)+13: 18
<OOC> Eligar looks at his dice, "come on!
<OOC> Rogun says, "Your spear is deflected by his thick hide."
<OOC> Tak says, "Eligar, what damage would you be doing?"
<OOC> Thora says, "You borrowed Whirl's dice for this plot, didn't you, Rogun."
<OOC> Eligar says, "Magical piercing"
<OOC> Rogun did, yes.
<OOC> Eligar says, "It's a lance +1"
<OOC> Tak says, "I'm going to use an immediate for Eligar"
<OOC> Tak says, "Gallant Inspiration on that attack"
<OOC> Thora says, "Eeeevil Whirldice."
<OOC> Tak says, "That ok Rogun? It adds 2d4 to that 18"
<OOC> Rogun says, "Okay."

GAME: Tak casts Gallant Inspiration.
GAME: Tak rolls 2d4: (7): 7

<OOC> Rogun says, "You hit it."

Tak speaks a single arcane word and points at Eligar, "Strike true!"

GAME: Eligar rolls 2d8+10: (16)+10: 26
<OOC> Rogun says, "It is in bad shape."

Eligar charges towards the monster and he hears Tak's words. He feels the magic 
help his aim as he slams the lance into the monster. He does some massive damage 
as he rides by.

<OOC> Rogun says, "#2 is attempting to stand. Tatyannah has already used her AoO. 
However, Eligar and Thora have not. You are all packed in at the moment. Will 
you attack it as it tries to right itself?"

<OOC> Eligar says, "yes and so will my horse"
<OOC> Rogun says, "Roll for you."
GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+9: (9)+9: 18
<OOC> Rogun says, "Miss. Roll for horse."
<OOC> Eligar says, "Can I buy a dice roll over 10."
<OOC> Thora says, "Well, I can try."
GAME: Thora rolls weapon1: (14)+1: 15
<OOC> Rogun says, "Miss."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Horse attack when you get a chance."
GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+5: (2)+5: 7
<OOC> Rogun says, "Miss."

GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+6: (1)+6: 7
GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+6: (15)+6: 21
GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+6: (8)+6: 14

GAME: Rogun rolls 1d4+3: (4)+3: 7
GAME: Rogun damaged Tatyannah for 7 points. 16 remaining.

The prone creature sinks partially into the earth as if such an action helped it 
regain its balance. It then stands, prompting a series of ineffectual attacks, 
and then strikes at Tatyannah again with its long arms.

One set of claws connect for moderate damage.

<OOC> Rogun says, "Top of the Round. Tak."
<OOC> Tak says, "5 foot back away, trip. INspire courage is over now."
<OOC> Tak says, "Tripping the one that hit me"
<OOC> Rogun says, "That is #1."
<OOC> Rogun says, "ROll it."

GAME: Tak rolls whiptrip+1: aliased to : (15)+7+4+1: 27

<OOC> Rogun says, "Down it goes."

Tak staggers back from the blows, wincing as he takes a deep gash from the claws. 
"Ahh!" he cries out, he backs up a bit further and snaps his whip around once 
more, sending the creature back onto the ground. "We need to finish them 
quickly!"

<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah."
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Change grip on spear and use it to hit at creature like a 
club."
<OOC> Rogun says, "That is an improvised use of the spear. You will have a 
harder time hitting (-4)."
GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 4 - 4: (13)+5+1+1+4+- 4: 24
<OOC> Thora says, "Yay!"
<OOC> Eligar says, "Nice!"
<OOC> Rogun says, "You hit."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Or club damage, rather."
GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d6+3: (3)+3: 6
<OOC> Rogun says, "#1 is in very bad shape"

<OOC> Rogun says, "It will attempt to stand. Who wants a hit?"
<OOC> Eligar says, "I'll try. :D"
<OOC> Rogun says, "Roll it. :)"
<OOC> Thora says, "Might as well. Doubt I'll do anything, but eh. :P"
GAME: Thora rolls weapon1: (18)+1: 19
GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+8: (16)+8: 24
<OOC> Rogun says, "Miss. Hit."

Tatyannah gets scratched and there's more swearing. She does hear Thora, though 
and switches her grip on her spear, so it become more blunt like, doing time as 
a club. That seems to work, finally, after the fine job Tak does of tripping it 
again. They might actually win this thing.

GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+6: (4)+6: 10
GAME: Eligar rolls 1d8+4: (8)+4: 12
<OOC> Eligar kisses his damage dice, "you have not left me."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Eligar has lanced it to death."
<OOC> Thora says, "Huzzah!"
<OOC> Rogun says, "Thora. You are up. #2 is threatening Tatyannah."
<OOC> Thora says, "I'm gonna channel some healin'."
Eligar finishes off the monster as it tries to get up. A lance to it's center. 
He shakes his head from the hit, "Man I need to get a magic helmet."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Channel some healing."
GAME: Thora rolls 1d6: (5): 5
<OOC> Rogun says, "Eligar. You have reach on #2."

<OOC> Thora has Selective Channelling, so no healing for the xorn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|   Name   |  Race  |    Class    | E Lev| CHP | HP  | AC  | For | Ref | Wil |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|Tak       |HUMAN   |Bard         |  4   | 19  | 31  | 23  |  3  |  8  |  4  |
|Eligar    |DAWN_ELF|Cav          |  3   | 29  | 29  | 20  |  5  |  2  |  3  |
|Tatyannah |GIANTBOR|Rog          |  3   | 16  | 23  | 15  |  3  |  6  |  3  |
|Thora     |MOUNTAIN|Clr          |  2   | 17  | 22  | 13  |  6  | -1  |  7  |

GAME: Rogun damaged Tak for -5 points. 24 remaining.
GAME: Rogun damaged Tatyannah for -5 points. 21 remaining.
GAME: Rogun damaged Thora for -5 points. 22 remaining.

<OOC> Eligar says, "okay so it's it's too close for me to charge?"
<OOC> Rogun says, "Yes."
<OOC> Eligar says, "I'll ride by it and just attack it"

GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+8: (19)+8: 27
GAME: Eligar rolls 1d+4: (14)+1d+4: 18
GAME: Eligar rolls 1d8+4: (4)+4: 8
<OOC> Rogun says, "You do some damage."

Eligar expertly wields his lance as he first takes down the monster and then he 
rides by the second one attack as he gets some distance to set up a charge.

"Oh Spinner of Fate, our time to fall is not yet. Grant us the time that heals 
all wounds," intones Thora, raising the holy symbol of Navos above her head. A 
subtle flash of light fills the area, sending healing energies through her 
allies, knitting wounds as if natural healing has been massively sped up.

GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24
GAME: Rogun rolls 4d6+3: (13)+3: 16
GAME: Rogun damaged Tatyannah for 16 points. 5 remaining.

<OOC> Thora says, "Jeebus."
<OOC> Thora says, "That's one hell of a bite."
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Ow."

As the first creature is skewered its companion howls angrily.

Surging forward with surprising speed for its side it shoulders its wide body 
downward, sinking partially into the Earth, and then rises clamping its massive 
jaws about Tatyannah's torso.

Teeth and jaws which shred stone to gravel grind about the Giantkin inflicting 
severe damage before releasing.

GAME: 'Creature_1' removed from initiative list.
===== Current Initiative Order =========
----------------------------------------                           
 13                  Tak
---------------------------------------- 
 13                  Tatyannah
----------------------------------------   
 10                  Thora
----------------------------------------    
 6                   Eligar
----------------------------------------     
 1                   Creature_2
----------------------------------------           
========================================

<OOC> Rogun says, "Top of the Round. Tak."
<OOC> Tak says, "I'll trip the one standing up still"
<OOC> Rogun says, "Okay. Roll."

GAME: Tak rolls whiptrip+!: aliased to : (10)+7+4+!: 21
<OOC> Tak says, "Well, 22 then"
<OOC> Rogun says, "It is tripped."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah. You just got mangled."

<OOC> Rogun says, "Your go, Tat. :)"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Clubbing it again, despite my condition."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Same circumstances as before."
GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 4 - 4: (16)+5+1+1+4+- 4: 27
GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d6+3: (3)+3: 6
<OOC> Eligar hmms, "I think we should get Tat a great club.
<OOC> Rogun says, "You damage it."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Thora."
<OOC> Thora says, "Imma convert a spell to healing for Tatyannah."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Its not subtracting the 4 for some reason. It was still a hit 
but think the spacing is freaking it out."

Tatyannah has a brief moment of triumph from her successful use of spear-as-club, 
before she is attacked but a giant rock monster and mangled. Badly. Bloodied and 
possibly wobbling on her feet, she lashes out again to hit. And connects again. 
And swears loudly again.

<OOC> Rogun says, "Roll it. :)"
GAME: Thora casts Comprehend Languages.
<OOC> Tatyannah will just not add either of the 4's since effectively they 
cancel each other out anyway.
GAME: Thora rolls 1d8+2: (4)+2: 6
<OOC> Rogun says, "Eligar."
GAME: Rogun damaged Tatyannah for -6 points. 11 remaining.
<OOC> Eligar whispers, "Charge!"
GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+12: (2)+12: 14
<OOC> Eligar says, "Obviously riding by"
<OOC> Rogun says, "A miss. Even prone."

<OOC> Rogun says, "Creature 2 is attempting to stand. Eligar just rode past to 
line up another charge. Tat and Thora may AoO if they like."

Eligar turns his horse and charges towards the downed monster. He is trying not 
to hit others and he rides off having missed the monster.

"Oh my!" Thora immediately scrambles to Tatyannah's side, grabbing a few herbs 
from a pouch, wadding them together, and pressing them against the site of the 
Giantborn woman's most grievous injury with a soft murmur of prayer. There's a 
dull glow between the dwarf priestess' hand and the larger woman's side... and 
wounds begin to close, near-miraculously. Though probably not as much as either 
would wish.

GAME: Thora rolls weapon1: (4)+1: 5
<OOC> Rogun says, "Miss."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Tat."
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Club."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Alright."
GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 1: (4)+1+1+1: 7
<OOC> Rogun says, "Miss."
GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+3: (19)+3: 22

GAME: Rogun rolls 4d6+3: (13)+3: 16
GAME: Rogun damaged Tatyannah for 16 points. -5 remaining.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah is dying."

"Thanks," Tatyannah tosses out to Thora, when she sees the thing starting to 
rise again. She flails with the club and this time it doesn't connect. However, 
it means she gets savaged all over again. Down goes the giantborn to the ground, 
bleeding out.

Continuously bludgeoned by Tatyannah the maddened blue-tinged creature lowers 
its 'head' and grasps the Giantkin again in its great maw.

Grinding its teeth hard the tang of iron-filled blood is not altogether an 
unpleasant experience for the creature which shakes her like a mad dog and then 
hurls her unceremoniously aside.

===== Current Initiative Order =========
----------------------------------------                           
 13                  Tak
---------------------------------------- 
 13                  Tatyannah
----------------------------------------   
 10                  Thora
----------------------------------------    
 6                   Eligar
----------------------------------------     
 1                   Creature_2
----------------------------------------           
========================================

<OOC> Rogun says, "Top of the Round. Tak."
<OOC> Tak says, "I Cure light wounds Tat"
<OOC> Tak says, "Outside the reach of the creature"
<OOC> Rogun says, "It tossed her aside. So that can be done. Roll it."
GAME: Tak casts Cure Light Wounds.
GAME: Tak rolls 1d8+4: (2)+4: 6
GAME: Rogun damaged Tatyannah for -6 points. 1 remaining.

Tak moves quickly over to Tatyanna, leaning down to put a hand on her shoulder 
and chant a few arcane words. Energy surges into her, knitting flesh and bone 
back to the way it should be. "Get up quickly."

<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah is traversing the tunnel eternal paradise when Tak 
yanks her back to a cold stone floor with a big monster standing over her."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah. You are stable but prone."
<OOC> Rogun says, "IT is also your turn. :)"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Ok, get up and club if I can."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Getting up will provoke an AoO from it."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Is that okay?"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Hmmm, no, can I try to trip it with a hand or something?"
<OOC> Rogun says, "That would also provoke an AoO as an unarmed attack. Unless 
you have improved unarmed attack."
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Nope. Trip it with the sphere? From where I am?"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "With the spear, rather?"
<OOC> Rogun says, "You can but that provokes an AoO without improved trip. :P"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Ok, since other than just laying there, I'll get up and 
club, with the AoO a possibility!"
GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 1: (4)+1+1+1: 7
GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+3: (19)+3: 22

GAME: Rogun rolls 1d4+3: (1)+3: 4
GAME: Rogun damaged Tatyannah for 4 points. -3 remaining.
<OOC> Rogun says, "It catches you with a claw as you stand. You are unconscious 
and dying."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Thora."
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Ok."
<OOC> Thora says, "Channeling healing."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Roll it."
GAME: Thora rolls 1d6: (5): 5

GAME: Rogun damaged Tak for -5 points. 29 remaining.
<OOC> Thora says, "Excepting the xorn, of course."
GAME: Rogun damaged Tatyannah for -5 points. 2 remaining.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah is now awake and stable."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Eligar."
<OOC> Eligar says, "Charge, but I'll stop 5 feet in front of the monster to try 
to gain it's attention"

Tatyannah mumbles, "Thanks," at Tak, as she climbs up to hit at the thing again, 
which she fails at. She's not even swearing. It means she gets attacked again 
promptly, and then she goes down for the count, save for yet another miraculous 
heal from Thora. /Now/ she swears.

<OOC> Eligar says, "and throws some challenge on it"
GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+12: (11)+12: 23
<OOC> Rogun says, "That is a hit."

Raising her hand with the holy symbol aloft once more, the dwarven priestess 
intones something in her native language. It sounds deep and profound, as most 
things in Khazadul tend to do. There's another flash of light, and wounds knit 
and bones set around her.

GAME: Eligar rolls 2d8+16: (10)+16: 26
<OOC> Eligar says, "I'm sorry that should be a 24."
<OOC> Eligar says, "I forgot no more inspire courage for damage"
<OOC> Rogun says, "A mighty blow! It is on death's door."
<OOC> Thora says, "Bless is still up and running though."

Eligar looks s he sees Tatyannah get up and then go down. He focused on the 
monster, "Foul Azure creature from beyond this plane. I challenge you to single 
combat!" He charges towards the monster and he slams his lance into the beast 
for some massive damage. He doesn't ride by instead he taunts the creature to 
come after him.

Eligar charges in and spears the horrible blue-skinned creature.

The bulky creature twists painfully underneath the spear-point and as soon as 
the pressure is withdrawn...

..it slips off the end of the lance and phases into the ground.

Tak steps back, his whip still ready, and watching to see if the creature will 
resurface somewhere else. "Do you think its gone? Run away perhaps?" He turns 
around slowly, still looking.

Tatyannah doesn't move, just continues to lay there, waiting a good five seconds 
of something akin to silence, before asking, "Is it dead?" She lifts her head to 
peer around, before repeating to Thora and Tak, "Thank you, for the healing." 
She pushes her way up to sit, "What in Tarien's name were /those/?"

As soon as the horrifying thing drops through the ground, the bespectacled 
dwarven priestess hurries over to where Tatyannah is lying, worriedly dropping 
to a knee beside her. "Heavens, are you all right? Don't move, we need to make 
sure these bones are set right..." she immediately starts fussing about the 
larger woman with poultices and bandages, trying to make sure she doesn't 
aggravate her wounds any further with sudden movements.

Thora adds, pushing her glasses up on her nose, "Those were xorn. They're 
usually found in the Plane of Earth, though they can sometimes be found in this 
plane, looking for precious metals. They eat them." She speaks as she works, 
professionally and firmly.

The entire battle took less than a minute.

The wagon driver is still running away and continues to do so until someone 
shouts that it is all-clear. At that point he falls to his knees and dry heaves 
for the next minute or two.

Eligar looks around and he holds himself ready, "I don't think so. Tatyannah are 
you all right? It doesn't look like it." He holds his lance ready. "Xorn...why 
were they blue?"

Tak coils up his whip then hangs it from a strap on his waist. "I'm just glad 
they are gone now, those things were hard to hurt, not that I actually tried." 
He smirks faintly, and then looks to make sure Tatyanna is being taken care of. 
"Lets just get moving quick, with whatever ore we have left."

'She's helping me out," Tatyannah points to Thora, and the giantborn is not 
moving from her sitting position, til she gets the all clear, "You did a good 
job, Tak, of keeping them down. And you, Eligar, you damaged them a lot. However, 
we need to have a better plan when it comes to attacks. I can stay, pretty much, 
that I don't care for being injured."

"Grey, brown, even green... I've seen sketches of xorn of those shades. Blue? 
Never. It's a mystery, all right," says Thora, even as she finishes wrapping a 
bandage around Tatyannah's injured torso. Her tone suggests she finds the 
mystery... appealing. "And one I intend to get to the bottom of." Rising to her 
feet, she offers a hand to the much taller woman. "Here you go. Careful, don't 
put too much weight on your left side."

Eligar nods a little bit, "I see, do you want to ride on the wagon?" He gets 
down off his horse and he starts to pick up the metal that hadn't been eaten."

Tatyannah shifts so she can take Thora's hand and climb upwards. "I won't. Did 
we lose any ore?" She limps over to the wagon, to see if she can move can see 
through the pile somehow. "Yes, I probably should." She gestures, "Someone needs 
to get my horse, please."

Tak moves to retrieve the horses from Tatyanna, and his own as well. "Lets pick 
up whatever ore we can and get moving, the quicker we are gone, the less likely 
it will come back."

Thankfully, the only ore that is misplaced is that which Thora upended while 
searching for the Xorn after it fell into the wagon. This can be lifted with 
some effort.

The driver finishes his fit and stands in a wobbly fashion. He wipes his sleeve 
across his mouth and staggers back towards the wagon, "Sorry.." The man says 
apologetically, "..I'm just not feeling 'up to this' today.."

He retakes his position in the driver's seat.

Eligar starts to replace the ore back in and he make a quick count, "Looks like 
we have everything."

Thora, with no comment, simply helps Tatyannah up into the seat beside the 
driver's, and gives a meaningful glance at the still-stoppered flask of anti-
hangover concoction lying next to the driver's seat. "Seriously. It smells bad, 
but drink it and you'll be good to go again in a few minutes." For herself, she 
seems content to climb up into the back of the ore cart and roll her cloak back 
up as a backrest. "Now, where was I..." And out comes the book again. She's a 
priestess of Navos, all right.

Tatyannah asides to the driver, "Try not to hit every hole or bump on the way 
back." She slumps as she sits there. "Let's go. I want to get paid."
Tak climbs back on his horse, leading Tat's horse as they head on.

Eligar goes to get back on his horse and he takes out some clean bandages to 
bind his wound. He nods, "Let's go then."

-=FADE OUT=-

With one Xorn slain and the other driven back into the mountainside our intrepid 
adventures reload the wagon. Thankfully, the rest of the journey goes without 
incident and upon reaching Alexandria they are met by a representative of the 
merchant Ak-Hazrad who surveys the ore and does not seem to note that any 
significant portion is missing.

With each adventurer paid for their service it is remarked that 'they should 
feel lucky to score such an easy job'.

Yet, the questions remains: Why are blue Xorn lurking in the Red Ridge Area? 
Clearly this could be connected to the Xorn encountered at the spell cannon but 
how many of such creatures exist? Will the pass to the Khazad-Aul remain haunted 
by these creatures? What sort of effort will be required to clear out creatures 
who meld so seamlessly with stone?

...and lastly. Does their coloring have anything to do with the blue lady? This, 
if nothing else, might prove itself as important in the days to come.