Eli Wynnstock(hp 55/55 AC: 26/17/21 F +5 R +11 W +6 {+4 vs bards/sonic/lang; +1 vs traps} Initiative + 4; Perception +9)
Eli shoves the journal back into his pack and struggles aboard his camel still not at ease with the mechanics of it. Holding tight he silently prays to the gods that he doesn't fall off.
Toward the storm? Dumah gauges the distances and speeds, then adds Even moving toward the storm, we should be able to reach the ruins with a minute or so to spare before the worst of the storm hits. If its not too late, he'll call to Kyra: Kyra! Will you take the last spot in our caravan in case anyone has troubles?
Dumah clings tightly onto his camel, relying on the rope to guide it more than his own driving. He'll watch the others as much as he can as the group charges over the ground, especially those like himself who are less comfortable on the camels. He rubs his thumb absentmindedly on his bonded ring, ready to use it to call Feather Fall should he or someone nearby fall from their mount.
With hearts pounding and palms sweating, the party races into action, mounting their camels after tying them together and following Quzman and Kyra's lead, heading toward the impending sandstorm.
Kyra's skill as a rider is immediately evident, as she impressively guides the camels over dune after dune, urging her camel and the accompanying ones to their maximum speed, as the wind starts to pick up. Garavel, also a skilled rider, falls to the back, matching Kyra's skill, thus keeping the back of the caravan of camels moving at top speed. The seconds pass by quickly, as the caravan moves quickly through the dunes.
As you near the sandstorm, the wind picks up and the sand begins to fly in your faces, forcing you to look down and use your cloak's hoods to protect your face. From the front and back, Kyra and Garavel's screams of encouragement to the camels echo in your ear, but they are soon drowned out by the wind, as you near the sandstorm. You lose track of time and have no idea if you have been riding for seconds or minutes, holding on to dear life to your mount.
Perception checks for Kyra and Quzman in front please. Having fun? What better way to start a 1st level adventure than riding directly toward a sandstorm?!
Eli Wynnstock(hp 55/55 AC: 26/17/21 F +5 R +11 W +6 {+4 vs bards/sonic/lang; +1 vs traps} Initiative + 4; Perception +9)
The_Gnoll_DM wrote:
Having fun? What better way to start a 1st level adventure than riding directly toward a sandstorm?!
This has been one of the best Adventures I have ever been apart of in part to great DMing and excellently played characters, THANKS ALL!
Definitely having fun so far! I am still terrified by that photo of the sandstorm you linked. Jarva is much braver than real life Gerald, who would be whimpering and crying right now!
Definitely having fun so far! I am still terrified by that photo of the sandstorm you linked. Jarva is much braver than real life Gerald, who would be whimpering and crying right now!
Rising above roar of the wind you hear the powerful chanting of a well known cavalry song known in many lands and tongues. Most of you have heard it before....some of the lyrics are improvised..Brebork is no minstrel...but it is a rousing rendition nonetheless...
"Bah! Now I remember the area. Let us ride like the wind friends, and mayhap we can beat the sands yet!"
Quzman climbs atop his camel and leads the way to Badawi ruins, trying to hurry folks as much as possible without unduly risking the loss of any of the others in the race.
When they get to the ruins, he will lead to the largest, sturdiest looking portion of the ruin to get everyone together and out of the wind. He'll also pull the tent off the pack animal to try and start some sort of crude shelter against the wind. Turning to Dumah, "Maybe your idea of a frosty shelter will help keep the blowing sand from coming through cloth as we use it."
Also must chime in, this has been one of the best stories I've been part of for a long while. When reading from work today, I really had issues controlling myself from responding. It's been great all the way around.
Quzman's "cosmic" perception easily identifies the landmarks where he needs to turn the caravan left to the west, heading parallel to the sandstorm now. After a minute of heading west, with the hot sand now blowing in people's faces and clothes and all other parts where sand shouldn't be, Quzman notices just in time a steep incline, and he signals the caravan to stop, which they do, before any of them topple head over heels down the hill of sand. Those with knowledge (nature) skill can tell the camels exerted themselves greatly for the past minutes and are dead exhausted. As you look west, some 100 feet away from the foot of the hill they are currently on, the party sees ruins, which look something like this, but more numerous: Ruins
Garavel rides to the front of the caravan to determine why the caravan has stopped. A look of hope appears on his face as he sees the ruins. He dismounts and yells to be heard over the blowing wind,"The camels are dead tired, this incline is too steep for them in their condition, they need to be walked down slowly so they don't fall and hurt themselves." As you look north, you see it looks almost this close now: Suprise Part 2
Garavel again screams: "There's not much time left, I'll take care of this. You and Kyra and whoever else wants, find us some sturdy shelther in those ruins that can protect us from that, now!", pointing to the storm obviously. He proceeds to slowly walk the lead camel down the hill, waiting for Quzman to dismount.
Advise what you do, the clock is ticking. You have 17 rounds before the storm hits. So Round 1, tell me each your actions. If you wanted to, you could have dismounted with Garavel, so don't count that as a move action.
Jarva jumps off the camel and yells to his friends, "Go secure the shelter, I will help Garavel get the camels down to meet you." He grabs the lead to his camel and falls quickly in line behind Garavel.
About the incline, it is 40' and considered difficult terrain for all, including the camels, so 1/2 movement for those 8 squares, unless you have the Sandwalker feat, so then it is only 3/4 movement(20' instead of 15'). If you wanted to travel the incline faster, you could also try rolling down the hill and making an Acrobatics check at the end to avoid taking damage.
Eli Wynnstock(hp 55/55 AC: 26/17/21 F +5 R +11 W +6 {+4 vs bards/sonic/lang; +1 vs traps} Initiative + 4; Perception +9)
Eli scrambles over to Jarva, "Give me your pack, I'll carry it to shelter so it won't hinder your efforts to get the camels down."
If he is given the pack he will high tail it down the hill for cover, if not he will see if any of the others helping lead camels down the incline are struggling with their gear and offer to take it to shelter. The way he nearly fell off his camel indicates he will probably be useless at escorting the panicked and tired animal.
I think there is a problem with your link to the ruins. All I see is a warning message about unfair image use.
"Thanks Eli," he screamed over the noise, handing his pack over. "Make sure you take a couple people with you, in case there are other things already residing there..."
Quzman will leap from his camel, as Garavel calls out and dismounts. Shouting, to be heard above the oncoming storm, "Take my mount please Jarva. Eli, let's run ahead and see if we can find something still standing that might shelter us...I'll see you all at the bottom!"
Quzman will double move down the side of the hill (40' for round 1). If an Acrobatics:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16 is enough to keep him on his feet, he will break into a run after he reaches somewhat level ground at the bottom (80' in sand or 120' normal). Otherwise, he'll pick him self up at the bottom of the hill and start over as fast as he can.
I also get the warning message about use when I click the link.
Eli Wynnstock(hp 55/55 AC: 26/17/21 F +5 R +11 W +6 {+4 vs bards/sonic/lang; +1 vs traps} Initiative + 4; Perception +9)
Jarva bin-Stavain wrote:
"Thanks Eli," he screamed over the noise, handing his pack over. "Make sure you take a couple people with you, in case there are other things already residing there..."
With a nod Eli makes haste following Quzman. Jarva's words ring true so he keeps his eyes open, as best he can in the blowing sand, alert to who or what may already hiding from the storm here.
Dumah tries to stay with Quzman, though he is certainly not as quick on the difficult terrain. He would be completely useless with the camels, so he's going to try and make the shelter secure. Do we have a sense yet how big the shelter is?
Kyra Rusmanya(Female Human (Kelishite) Ranger 1 (Fav. Class Ranger +1HP))
Seeing that the camels are being taken care off, she hurries alongside Eli to make sure the ruins are safe and to find shelter.
"This is cutting it close ... But I must admin I have missed all this excitement while in jail ... Let's go all !"
Double move running like hell ;) Acrobatics if needed to stay on my feet: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Also, I absolutely love the way how this PbP is going. Great characters, great DM and great story so far :)
Every time I check there's about 20+ new posts :D
Garavel, Jarva, and Brebork coordinate and begin assisting the camels down the incline. With Jarva and Brebork's help, a process that would have taken Garavel 9 rounds alone now will take 5 if they continue to assist.
Eli is 15' down slope and trying to keep up. Dumah and Kyra are 30' down slope. Quzman's agility and comfort in this environment is evident, as he passes by everyone and reaches the bottom of the slope (40') easily. If we were playing in RL, I would move the mini of the storm a couple of squares closer. :) Round 2 actions please. Garavel and Jarva continue with camels.
Sorry about that. Next round, Dumah will continue down the hill and move toward the edge of the ruins, sticking closely to the path Quzman has taken already.
Brebork - who is on higher ground descending the slope - concerned, he scans the ruins and the surrounding area as best he can. Can he see anything from this vantage point? Are there movements or other possible dangers to his friends who are approaching the ruins?
Despite the poor visibility caused by the wind and sand, you get a good look at the area and do not see any hidden dangers or enemies.
Round 2 action, Brebork? Continue to help with caravan? Still waiting for Round 2 actions
Anyone else want to post Round 2 actions? C'mon, you know you want to. :)
Eli Wynnstock(hp 55/55 AC: 26/17/21 F +5 R +11 W +6 {+4 vs bards/sonic/lang; +1 vs traps} Initiative + 4; Perception +9)
Sorry It's my day off and I have been pretty busy. Wont be able to post much today.
Eli continues to run full out towards the ruins keeping and eye out for trouble and trying to determine which one of the structures will give them the best protection. Over the sounds of the storm he yells to Kyra, "Life isn't worth living unless there is a bit of risk."
Round 2 is finishing the downhill and running toward the ruins, looking for a viable shelter. Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Everyone's descriptions paint such a vivid image, its easy to imagine the chaotic scramble for safety, which may or may not be found, with the looming wall of sand closing in. I have to completely agree: Awesome group we got going here!
Quzman and Kyra in their previous posts stated running towards the ruins, with Quzman in front with his headstart, so I will assume that is their actions unless they state otherwise. If you change actions, please do so before making Perception check.
When Quzman hits the bottom, he takes a look around and takes off in a sprint towards the ruins. He veers towards the largest structure he can see, to try and determine if it might appear solid enough to withstand the upcoming storm.
Sorry for the delay. I didn't have much of a chance to get online to post at work today.
The largest structure Quzman sees as he breaks into a sprint is a 2 story building some 80 feet directly past the initial ruins wall seen in the linked picture previously posted. He makes a straight run for it, with Kyra and Eli and Dumah trailing.
Reflex save and Survival check Quzman please.
Don't worry, a lot of people have been busy at work today, so it's cool.
Jarva, Garavel, and Brebork continue to assist with the camel caravan.
Eli reaches bottom of slope with a double move (100' from ruins).
Dumah and Kyra reach bottom of slope and move 40' toward ruins, and are now 60' from ruins.
Quzman races in a full sprint toward the ruins with the wind and sand blowing in his face. When he is 30' from ruins, he does not notice a poorly covered 10' wide pit, and falls. Kyra and Dumah, running behind him gasp in shock. However, Quzman's reflexes are quick enough to grab the opposite end of the pit edge, digging his fingers into the sand and preventing his fall, as he dangles over the pit.
For Quzman only:
As Quzman looks over his shoulder to see what awaited him had he fallen, he sees a trio of rattlesnakes hissing in the 10' deep pit along with old dried bones.
As Quzman thanks his gods for his quick reflexes and is about to pull himself up, through the sand, he (as well as the party) see the figures of five males run from behind the ruin walls and take up a formation, standing 5 feet apart from each other. What immediately becomes apparent to all, in their complete horror, is that the figures, though dressed in chain shirts with pieces of old tabbard attached and wielding rusty and chipped scimitars, are skeletal in nature, though it appears they died recently because they still have hair. Skeleton pic
Here is link to combat map (excuse the effort but I am not tech savvy at all)! Skeleton Battle.
From left to right (Eli, Jarva, and Brebork, who are off the map do not see such details as they are too far )-
a. Skeleton 1 in square F7: He carries a shield and is missing part of his jawbone.
b. Skeleton 2 in square H7: He is missing his left arm.
c. Skeleton 3 in square J7: He has a spear jammed through his chest where you assume his heart used to be.
d. Skeleton 4 in square L7: He appears to have a bolt holding his neck to his head.
e. Skeleton 5 in square N7: He has an arrow through his forehead.
They look ready to attack. Initiative everyone and your actions please! Please use map to tell me to what squares you move, etc.
Quzman, you are either in H13 or I13 (pick one untl you pull yourself up). Dumah and Kyra, you are next to each other in H or I19 (each pick diff square). Everyone else is off the map. First fight! Let's see how combat in PbP goes! Oh and remember, the storm moves a little closer. No pressure! This is exciting!
Kyra Rusmanya(Female Human (Kelishite) Ranger 1 (Fav. Class Ranger +1HP))
W00t .. 1st battle :)
Again, I must say I love the pictures you use to visualize the pain and suffering we're about to enter ;)
Kyra sees Quzman scramble out of the pit, relieved to see him unharmed when the skeletons suddenly loom out of the building.
This is where her training picks up, without hesitation she yells:
"Watch out all, skeleton warriors ... !"
Quzman, I'll take right, you go left !"
She runs to the right side of the pit while grabbing one of her javalins and throws it with all her might.
Max move getting in a straight line to the skeleton in J7, if it's still difficult terrain I end up in J16. If not I move to J13. Grabbing a javalin and throwing it at the aforementioned skeleton :) Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Attack(with Deadly Aim): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 Damage(Piercing): 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
I'll start in I13.
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Quzman curses aloud as the ground gives away beneath him. Thankful that he didn't end up at the bottom of the pit, he grimly pulls himself up out of the pit and draws his scimitars.
"Aye, Kyra. I'll guard your flank the best I can."
If I am understnding correctly, I and Garavel and Brebork are still escorting the camels down the hill and are not close enough to realize there are any problems down at the ruins yet. If I am wrong let me know and I will adjust the post.
Seeing the impending storm closing in, Jarva struggled with the reins on the camels. "Come on, lets get down this hill...she's closing in fast!" he exclaimed in a voice as loud as he could muster trying to be heard over the roar of the sandstorm.
If I am understnding correctly, I and Garavel and Brebork are still escorting the camels down the hill and are not close enough to realize there are any problems down at the ruins yet. If I am wrong let me know and I will adjust the post.
I apologize if I was not clear. Yes, you see the figures come out the ruins. I forgot I was running your character for most of yesterday and you did make the Perception check. Now, at your distance you cannot tell that they're skeletons or if they're hostile or not. However, you do see Kyra throw a javelin at one of them. You could act on your turn or wait and delay to let them go and then act. Up to you. I'll try to be clearer in the future.
