Ox Holds looped the rope around his arm and stays mounted as Noir and ox could easily reel Garrick in. I suppose I won't bring up the time you dunked me in the horse trough right now, go forth Garick I got ya.
as the others discuss the plan Ox watches the bridge warily. taking off his armor and tying a second rope to his belt and the other to his horses saddle. its obvious that he is ready to dive in if necessary.
Actually,I think it best if I help with the horses you gentlemen go on ahead, just in case any of them get fidgety. Ember you are fleet of foot, I am sure you'll have no problems. he'll send Noir over last leaving the rope tied between them, if the horse goes, he intend on dragging back up, but he certainly wont tell the others about that. He also figures if it holds up with the other horses than it should hold Noir.
if handle animal becomes necessary.
Garick will scan the area for tracks Survival +2 if human. After which Garick will add Why not let most everyone get to this side then I will go back and forth one horse at a time letting Ox stay with those on the far side bringing Noir over last. Garick will bring Shade across first knowing his horse best hopefully keeping her calm so the others will be more confident in the crossing.
Letting the more experienced handle things, Lukasz goes along with what everyone decides. Helping Ox when he can to secure the horses before channeling his sorcerous talents to crossing himself.
Acrobatics:
Everyone crosses the bridge one at a time leaving behind Ox and the horses. The rope provides a nice hand hold that feels steadier then the old wooden planks.
When Garick tries to lead Shade across it is too much for the old bridge. The planks underneath give way. In a flurry of cracking wood the horse scrambles backwards from the gaping hole. Ox grabs it's reigns and sets a soothing hand on it's head trying to calm the horse.
Reflex save
Garick jumps back from the hole. Happy to see his horse has made it back as well he tries to sooth her.handle animallooks like we will be leading the horses around brother. looking at the terain he will try to figure the most likely direction to find a spot to ford the river. Know Geography Or do you lot want to try to get back to this side?
With the bridge falling apart under his heals and a firm grip on the rope Garick is able to run away from the collapsing hole. The main frame of the bridge is intact but a large section in the middle has fallen away. A skilled carpenter could probably repair the whole thing given a week. Having no bridge will require swimming the mounts through the cold water and climbing the steep slopes.
Ox pulls Garick away from the bridge even though they and all the horses are easily on sturdy land, ox seems to be much more cautious of the ravine now that it has shown its teeth.
Ox holds up his hands to the rest of the group. its a fools gambit to try the bridge when we can just as easily go around with out any risk. we'll ride with haste and meet you all on the other side. just don't get in any trouble with out us. Ox grins as he starts putting his armor back on.
I would prefer that we shadow each other, walking along either edge of the ravine, until we find another crossing point. Servayn says to those on the same side. This is not a safe place to wander alone...
Garick! he calls across, Based on the terrain, which direction seems most likely to lead us to a safer crossing?
I fear our best bet is the ford at the old bandit camp. If me and Ox ride leading the other horses we can make good time, and should make it back to the bridge on your side around midnight. If we shadow each other along the course I fear it will take much longer. Garick says hoping to persuade the others against the long hike.
We can move in that direction, so that we re-connect sooner, even if you get far ahead of us. That will at least leave us vulnerable for a lesser amount of time...
Servayn looks to the others, Unless anyone objects, we should get moving and not lose the light.
Stick close to the river than, and if for some reason we miss each other we will continue on to the bridge and at morning we will retrace our trail to find where we missed each other. If you have to leave the river side mark your path by carving a circle with an arrow pointing opposite of the way you headed. we will do the same.Garick calls over as he readies the horses into two strings of three horses one to be lead by each brother. Be safe and we will see you tonight. Garick waves as he and Ox mount up heading north along the river. The brothers will set a pace that allows us to keep an eye out for trouble but make the best speed possible.
Leading so many horses is a hastle and slows you down a little. Luckily they seem to defer to Noir as their herd leader and no issue is made. The area near the camp is reached after nightfall.
There is no sign that anyone has taken up residence. No campfires or torches. Without delay the horses are lead across the ford, hooves splashing in the water and loose stones.
Now that it is night time your travel slows. The banks of the Thorn river are often covered with large brambles and thistles. It's name is well earned as more then once large thorns tear at your pants. The moon shows bright in the sky little more then a sliver.
The two of you hear a rumbling coming from the brush and a shadowy form steps forward. When the moonlight shines on it Ember is revealed. The rest of the party is close behind the eidolon.
Finally after a couple hours Ember begins to growl and darts ahead on his own. He pads back with a chesire grin leading Garick and Ox to the group.
Reunited the wearily fellows make a hasty camp. A small flat shore beside the river proves to be a convenient site. With the river, brambles, and two large boulders this pebbly bank is very secluded. A small fire, the usual guard posted, and everyone collapses to their bedrolls. Tomorrow Corso will decide where to lead the party next.
For Garick and Ox
For everyone else
For everyone
11th of Pharast
Current Map
As everyone wakes up Servayn takes a moment for himself at the edge of the camp. In the middle of his relief the pebbles of the shore before him stir slightly. As he tilts his head out of curiosity a cone of rippling florescent air washes over him.
Pants around his ankles Servayn stumbles back to the center of the camp. His face is a mixture of shock and euphoria. The summoner staggers forward a few steps, still pantsless with a stupid grin on his face. After a moment his head begins to clear and he realizes where he is standing.
When camp is broke and the group sets out Corso takes up the lead. Most of the day passes mapping the unfamiliar forest. Marks of a massive boar keep showing up. Several trees have been mauled or show scrapes much higher then one would expect.
Late in the afternoon Corso comes across a clearing. On the far side of it is a massive fallen pine. A large cave has been made underneath the trunk and drooping boughs. Every tree in this area is torn up, huge swathes of bark gauged out of them. Resting in front of the tree-cave is a massive creature, a horse sized boar. Ten feet long and seven feet tall its covered in thick bristling fur marred by a patchwork of scars. Two beady red eyes look out from behind giant scything tusks.
Tuskgutter stands and begins to huff. Bellowing grunts issue from the beast. It's eyes roll madly as it shakes his head and starts to paw the ground.
Garick
Janku
Kalsgrim
Lukasz
Ox
Servayn
(14) Servayn
(9) Lukasz
(7) Ox
(5) Garick
(5) Janku
(5) Kalsgrim
He will fire on the boar +1 to hit and damage if he ends up being within 30' by the time my initiative rolls around. Garick laughs He is a big one ain't he!
Round 1:
Woah. Servayn says under his breath, seeing the size of the monstrous boar.
Even Ember seems a little intimidated, despite his earlier wish to face this brute.
From his position on horseback, Servayn casts a spell, hoping to break the boar's inevitable charge...
He then attempts to dismount quickly, despite his lack of skill, and despite an impressive first attempt, gets tangled up in the spur and ends up requiring the usual amount of time to dismount. As a result, his longspear is not readied.
Ember delays his action for the boar to hit the grease-patch (or pass it) before moving in for the attack.
Round 1
Boar's Clearing (map)
(22) As the great boar appears in the distance, Corso cannot but shudder at his massive magnificence. This thing is huge! And I'm in his way!!! "Tusky will make minced meat of us if we let it charge us. We need to circle to prevent him from moving around! You won't get a second chance with this guy!"
Corso maneuvers his horse to get out of the boar's charging line, drawing his rapier, and profit from the cover of the nearby tree to calmly step down from his horse.
(14) "Woah," Servayn says under his breath, seeing the size of the monstrous boar. From his position on horseback, Servayn casts a spell, hoping to break the boar's inevitable charge... He then attempts to dismount quickly, despite his lack of skill, and an impressive first attempt, gets tangled up in the spur and ends up requiring the usual amount of time to dismount.
(11) Tuskgutter grows angrier and more violent with its pawing. Finally with a gruff snort it lowers its head and charges at the first thing infront of it, Kalsgrim's horse. The magically slippery soil causes the boar to flail a bit during his charge nearly losing balance. The beast just hurtles across it though attempting to gore the horse.
The powerful tusks tear through the horses chest, throwing it to the ground. The poor animal kicks and whinnies an ear piercing sound before laying still. Life blood still trickling from it, the horse isn't dead yet. Kalsgrim is thrown from the horse as the boar tears through it. Thankfully he lands out of Tuskgutter's reach.
(11) Now that the boar has approached Ember charges forward ready to defend his master and friends.
While the great beast tears at the horse Ember darts in and bites at a leg. A spray of blood from the wound enrages the boar.
(9) Lukasz's jaw drops when he sees the size of the Boar in front of them. Slipping off his horse, Lukasz incants a few words as the familiar mystical armor encases his slim frame.
(5) Garick (need a clarification on your actions)
(2) Janku ?
(1) Kalsgrim ?
Janku dismounts and prepares himself for battle, girding himself in the armor of his faith. Casts shield of faith taking partial cover behind a tree or rock until he can see clear to charge the beast.
Seeing the horse go down in a spray of blood, he is thinking that maybe his encouragement for the hunt was not such a good idea...still this beast must be defeated and now is as good of a time as any
Garick dismounts and lets fly his arrow eying his would be cover hopefully. Heres to hoping I can get to that tree before I get ran over.
The rest of Round 1
Boar's Clearing (map)
(7) With the dread boar Tuskgutter before them Ox let's out the Lion's Challenge. A powerful yell as he spurs Noir forward bringing his lance to bear.
The two-handed blow from the cavalier pierces the boar's side. The creature bellows swiping at Ox but he's already ridden past.
(5) Garick dismounts and lets fly his arrow eying his would be cover hopefully. Here's to hoping I can get to that tree before I get ran over. His shot lands deep in the boars shoulder.
(2) Janku dismounts and prepares himself for battle, girding himself in the armor of his faith. Casts shield of faith taking partial cover behind a tree or rock until he can see clear to charge the beast.
(1) Red eyes? Like, demonic possessed red eyes? Kal will let loose with an arrow, taking aim at the monstrosity's spine. The shaft buries itself and a small cloud of flies lift from the beasts back.
The sight of Erastil does not show anything beyond a violent animal before the paladin.
Round 2
Servayn steps one pace forward to stand behind Ember, readying his longspear and striking with a panicky motion, saying to Ember Try not to die, or you won't get any bacon!;
Ranged Touch Attack:
Acid Damage:
Janku once again calls upon the power of Gorum. Everyone feels the taste of iron in their mouths and things get clearer, and their courage is bolstered by the holy force bestowed upon them. he then interposed a tree between himself and the beast, preparing to attack...ahhh the glory of combat!
Round 2
(22) Good, now stay there. Seeing the beast opened, Corso moves with haste behind it and stabs it with his rapier, the thin blade is deflected. For his efforts Corso is rewarded with a small scratch along the boar's thick hide.
(14) Servayn steps one pace forward to stand behind Ember, readying his longspear and striking with a panicky motion, saying to Ember, "Try not to die, or you won't get any bacon!" This attack too is brushed off by the boar.
(11) Tuskgutter glares beadily at the creature before it. The boar barely seems to notice the attacks by Corso and Servayn, but Ember's bite has annoyed it. It thrashes at the eidolon.
Ember is lanced by the great tusks and thrown into a pile beside the bleeding horse.
(11) Ember emits a cat-like scream and collapses, "Meeeooowwrrr!"
(9) Shocked by the carnage that the huge beast was capable of, Lukasz lines up a shot, points his finger at the large boar and chants a short arcane phrase as a glob of acid leaps out towards the enraged beast. The acid sears a mark across it's shoulder.
(7) Ox wheel's Noir around and charges again aiming for the boar's back.
[ooc]Charging Lance; ;
This strike pierces the hump of Tuskgutter's back and Ox is barely able to pull his lance free and Noir thunders past.
(5) Garrick dashes behind the tree hoping to keep it between him and the boar. He fires another arrow taking one of Tuskgutter's eyes.
(2) Janku once again calls upon the power of Gorum. Everyone feels the taste of iron in their mouths and things get clearer, and their courage is bolstered by the holy force bestowed upon them. He then interposed a tree between himself and the beast, preparing to attack...ahhh the glory of combat! Bless
(1) Kalsgrim will take careful aim again, trying to follow his last arrow. It hits the tough hide and flips through the air harmlessly.
Round 3
+2 if flanking with Corso not added
Everybody remember +1 to hit.for bless
With that, Lukasz extends his hand once more and lobs another slash of acid at the large boar.
Ranged Touch Attack:
Acid Damage:
Round 3
Boar Clearing (map)
(22) A little flustered at the thickness of his opponent, Corso takes a second stab at it, looking for the right spot. \
Frustration overtakes him as his blade slips again: "Calistria's blistered t!t, would you just go in!"
(14) Servayn attempts another spear attack, hoping to at least keep the creature distracted, so that Corso can get in a more precise blow. Seeing how quickly the creature has felled it's two previous targets, however, he chooses to fight defensively...
Miraculously the spear drives straight through the roof of Tuskgutter's mouth. Several inches of steel drive into the beasts brain. Bloody read froth foams at the edges of it's mouth as it falls to the ground. Everyone else barrages the animal with a final round of attacks making sure it's dead.
Seeing Servayn deal a mighty blow to Tuskgutter, Lukasz looks to the dying horse as well as the smoking pile where Ember use to be and says, "Is everyone okay? That could have gone much worse."
Scanning the area, Lukasz still keeps an eye out for any surprises.
With a knocked arrow Garick goes to the horse if not dead he will put it out of it's misery if Janku cannot heal it. Well done fellows. It truly was a monster. Shall we investigate its lair? then I say lets butcher the beast I would like to have some nice cuts for ember by the time he comes round.