Anain Cuthnor's page

Anain seems a bit taken aback by Riann's strange and foreign blessing, but nods his thanks, the sun highlighting his slightly red cheeks. Reaching again into his robes, he rubs the top his toad familiars head, then ensures everything on his person is in its place for the short walk. Following Ansley, he heads towards the orc encampment, hoping for the best. Once within an acceptable range for Ansley, he gestures a few long magical phrases and turns her invisible. "Remember, this lasts only a short time. I will wait here for your successful return. Good luck!" he says as he kneels down, watching and listening.

Moving towards the orc encampment, casting Invisibility on Ansley once we're withing the discussed range; then kneeling down, trying to Spot and Listen as best as possible in her direction.

"Ansley, will you come with me closer to the camp? I'll turn you invisible when we approach. Remember, it will only last a short time; though I am quite sure you can disguise yourself well enough. The rest of you should stay several lengths back until she can report on what she sees." Anain says matter-of-factly, looking at the paladin and half-drow.

(In answer to Riann's question) "Only a short time. 4 minutes to be exact.We will need to get closer, then I'll cast the spell and she can proceed. I am ready to venture forth."

I'll cast Invisibility on Ansley once we get closer, if that's ok with everyone.

"The cover of darkness would provide as much, if not more, of a hindrance as a help for us, yes," Riann agrees. "However, know that if any of us should become injured, we will be without Eilistraee's grace until this evening. Perhaps we can lie low today and tonight as well, and meet the enemy in battle tomorrow, so that we might have the benefit of both sunlight and Eilistraee's healing?"

"The longer we wait, the more orcs show up. Let's scout them now, make a sound attack strategy based on that report, and try and take some of them out while the sun is on our side. If need be we can push back, making several small runs at them at our own pace. The odds would seem to favor us if we move now. Do you have any potions or treatments that could suffice if we do find ourselves in a tight spot?" Anain says as he nods at Ansley's answer. "Worst case scenario- we hightail it back and try and get some reinforcements out here sooner than later."

Anyone else want to chime in on strategy?

Anain shakes his head at Thelen's comments. "We're not going to see what we're up against first? I think not. Who knows how many orcs are there and how many more are coming thanks to their infernal smoke signals? Let's send Aynsley to scout out the camp and report back. I can turn her invisible to assist. I say we move closer as a group and then send her to sneak ahead. Wading in with no idea of what we're up against seems like a HORRIBLE idea."

Anain then turns to Riann. "Riann. I know you and your kind prefer the darkness, but I believe the orcs are weaker in the daylight. With the rest of us not having your keen vision, the daylight hours of the Morninglord would be preferable. I hope you can see the advantage of that." With that, Anain turns casually to the red headed scout. "What say you?"

Finishing his perusing of his spellbook, he closes it with a snap and looks at the others. "If it is being seen you are concerned with, I can assist in that matter, but only for one of us. I think this a much better idea than a full frontal assault. I think the daylight hours would be much preferable as well; I believe the orcs shun the daylight." Anain says. "I am ready to venture forth, whatever the decision is."

Anain stretches his hands above his head, surveys his surroundings and pulls himself out of his sleeping posture. With a nod, he greets Riann and gets his belongings together. Happy to see the night's rest served him well, he begins thumbing through his spellbook.

My fair DM, Should we be keeping track of XP, HP and the like or are you doing that?

Riann Kirahel wrote:

Anain Cuthnor wrote:

I'm for resting then.

Me too. Shall we hike an hour or two away from where we are (back in the direction from which we came) and camp there, hopefully well enough away from the camp not to be bothered until we've rested?

Sounds like a plan.

We need to reach a concensus here. You know that the orcs are obviously aware of your presence and you have no idea how big their camp is. Remember that the apprentice said that there were about a dozen of these orcs that attacked him and the knights. You've dropped 4 so far. That worg is also still alive out there... somewhere.

Oh, also, there should be three battleaxes, not two as I said earlier. There were three warriors and one shaman.

I'm for resting then.

I'm good with whatever you guys and gals wanna do here. I'd prefer to find a safe spot to rest but I'm ok if you wanna press on.

Anain tucks away the scroll into his backpack and nods at Ansley. "I'm sure it does reek, but it can surely be cleaned and can serve in a pinch as warmth." Looking at Thelen and Riann, he offers "I'd like to find a place to rest before we forage onward. I've got a feeling we're going to face much worse than what we have tonight. I, for one, would like to be prepared as possible for what lies ahead."

Anain frowns a bit and says "Nothing magical here, sans this scroll. The runes on the orcs seem to be magical in nature, perhaps placed on them for added combat zeal or protection. Obviously, someone or something is behind these markings as I doubt the shaman had the ability to do this. More questions than answers it seems." With this, he mutters another arcane phrase and unrolls the scroll, trying to discern its spell.

Casting Read Magic on the scroll.

Anain pulls all the equipment and items (including the robe, excluding the orcs armor) he finds on the orc bodies and places them close together in a line. He rustles around in his soft leather back pack and pulls out his Everburning Torch, laying it on the ground at his feet. Hearing Riann speak, he looks her direction and smiles. "Glad to see you're awake. Quite the battle, eh?" Turning back to the items on the ground, he mutters a strange arcane phrase and begins studying the items in hopes of learning more about them.

After a few moments, he hails the rest of his companions: "Anyone have any need of this stuff? Come take a look when you have a moment." After figuring out all he can about the items with his simple arcane spell, he turns to the bodies of the fallen orcs, seemingly using the same spell on their battle torn bodies.

Using Detect Magic on the items, then on the orcs runic markings.

Anain looks solemnly over at Riann's limp body and nods at the paladin's request of him. He walks over the bloody orc warriors, scanning the immediate area around them for anything they may have dropped. After a quick search of their bodies, he makes his way over to the piggish looking shaman, wondering to himself what the runes imprinted on their bodies meant. After rolling up the sleeves of his robes, he performs a thorough search of the dead spellcaster, hoping to find some clues or at the very least, see if "it" (did it really matter if the beast was male or female? After all, it was an orc) carried any interesting possessions. After concluding his search of the orc spellcaster, Anain makes his way back over to the fallen warriors again, this time searching them thoroughly as well. Taking care not to stain his hands with orc blood, Anain rustles through the fallen bodies, wishing the sun would rise and the night were over.

Take 20 while Searching the spellcaster, 10 searching the other two. Also, if possible, I'd like to make a Knowledge(Arcana) check and see if I can identify anything magical in nature (or flavor) about the runes.

Book says "Will Save", so I assume DC is same as if I cast a 2nd level spell.

Anain moves towards the spellcaster, robes still sizzling from the orcs energy bolts. With a word, he moves his hand over his eyes and reaches out towards the spellcaster, trying to blind him.

Move within 30' of the remaining orc and use the Shadow Veil feat to try and put the lights out.

Anain moves closer to the fracais, turning visible as he does so. Watching in horror as the half drow goes down, he methodically pulls the components necessary from his spell pouch and weirdly twists his fingers while muttering an arcane phrase. Within a moment, a bolt of fire forms in his hand and he hurls it at the spell casting orc.

Not what I wanted to do, but such is combat: Voluntarily end my Invisibility, move 20' closer to the spellcaster and casting Kelgore's Fire Bolt at him.

Disregard that then.

Anain invokes another spell on himself while behind the tree, knowing he needs to get somewhat closer to help his fellow party members. With an almost inaudible word and nimble finger movement, he disappears from view.

Casting Invisibility and moving 30' closer to the spellcasting orc.

Anain peers around the tree and nods to himself as he notices the now visible orc. With wave of his hand, he intones a arcane word and tries to blind the newest combatant.

Using the Shadow Veil feat to try and blind the orc spell caster. If he's not within 30 feet, I'll move from behind the tree and get close enough to use it, trying to stay away from the melee fracais.

Making sure to keep his cover, Anain casts a spell intended to make it harder for the charging orcs to hit him, should they come close enough to do so. After the spell is completed, he looks around the tree and takes a defensive posture, knowing the orcs will soon be within range for him to work his magic on them.

Casting Mage Armor on myself, no other action(s) this round.

Anain shakes his head in disgust as Thelen lights the group's hideout. "Well, here we go!" he says as he tries to drop carefully to the ground from his spot in the tree. Upon obtaining his balance again, he moves himself behind the tree and waits for the others, readying himself for the moments to come.

Take 10 (or 20 if necessary) to Climb out of the tree and put the tree between myself and the humanoids line of sight.

Pickwick wrote:

Thelen = PWN. :[

Quite possibly. If that's the case, I have a question for the other players:

Would you prefer that I NPC Thelen and continue with the rest of you or should I start looking for a new player to fill the slot (perhaps a captive at the orc camp or somesuch)?

I prefer you NPC Thelen until you can find a new player to fill the slot.

Anain sighs as he sits up as quietly as possible. In response to Ansley's comments, he whispers "Can they see us?" before readying himself to drop to the ground below.

Anain attempts to climb up into the tree, clearing his hands of his possessions and placing them in his soft leather backpack. He takes his time; a fall being not only embarrassing, but possibly painful. Looking for a somewhat comfortable spot in the back of the tree, he settles in and waits for the rest of his companions.

Take 10 on my Climb (or 20 if need be) to get up into the tree.

Way-hey-hey, reaches into his robes and scratches his 'familiar', eh? Is THAT what the kids are calling it these days?

::cough::

</bawdy>

Yes, but only in the Realms as I understand it. Ahem.

Anain scratches his chin for a moment, looking up at the night sky. "We are at a distinct disadvantage here. We're on their turf, they can see in the dark and we don't know where they are. I suggest we find somewhere to evade them until morning; our chances should improve with the coming of the morning light." With that, he walks over to where the others are standing and says quietly "That's what I suggest, unless someone has a better idea." With that he reaches into his dark blue robes and absentmindedley scratches his familiar, Gin on the back.

Anain wipes his brow, flinging not only sweat but relief as he looks back at the pit. He brushes himself off, ensures he didn't drop anything and motions for the others. "I would now assume they are on to us. Coming?" he says, half sarcastically. Trying to remain calm, he steps back away from the pit and surveys the area around him.

I'll step back at least 10' from the pit and Search the ground around me in a 5' radius for more traps.

Anain breaks into a sprint after the wolf, his torch bobbing and weaving like a celebratory firework as he tries to close the gap between himself and the faster creature. Hoping to close with the wolf and get off another blast from his wand, he tries to breathe calmly, knowing his companions are not far behind.

Anain will Run after the worg as a full round action.

Anain moves towards the wolf like beast, reaching into his belt for a simply carved piece of wood. With the wand in hand, he whispers an arcane phrase and flicks his wrist in the worgs direction. White blue light bursts forth from the wand with a hum, leaping at the injured creatures hide. Knowing this is his best chance to hit the creature, he mutters to his companions "Shut it up!"

30' move towards wolfy, trying to blast it with my Wand of MM.

Anain nudges Ansley softly with his elbow and nods at the others, wondering if they hear the same noises he does. "About 30 yards ahead...I hear faint breathing and something moving in the grass." he says quietly. He points in the direction of the noise and grips his torch tightly. "I hope the beast has not led us into an ambush. That would be quite unfortunate."

Anain moves into his position in the group, holding his torch in his hand. Looking ahead, he nods at Riann's comment and focuses his eyes into the darkness.

I'm for waiting for the paladin and cleric on this one. Who knows where he's going and since we can't catch him anyway, why not wait?

"Agreed. Let's see if the beast is involved with these orcs we seek. We can rest after we've investigated. Aynsley, lead the way." Anain says as he gathers his belongings from the campsite. "I hope we are not making a mistake."

Anain pulls up his movement after the wolf, clearly noting its speed and distance from the rest of the group. He watches it clear out of range of sight and looks back at the rest of the group to see the paladin and cleric perform their healing duties. He walks slowly back to the others, hoping that everyone is ok with the wolf fleeing. " I believe that these are worgs." he says as he glances quickly at the body of the fallen wolf.

"Unfortunately, or fortunately, I suppose, there is a strong possibility that these wolves are associated with the orcs we seek. Worgs can communicate with others via speech and I suspect the wolf will lead the orcs to our position given the chance. We may consider moving camp or at the very least, leave those on watch in armor and prepared to fight again should we choose not to move." Anain reaches down and quickly searches the fallen worg's body for any possessions it might have. Looking at the night sky, he sighs and looks at the others.

Damn it....That's what I get for posting before checking my character sheet. I forgot I had a wand of Magic Missle. Oh well, now I know.

No dirty tricks here. Due to the distance the wolf is from my posistion, the fact that I've no shot to catch it with any fancy spells, I'm afraid that's all I can do without just wasting a spell.

Anain reaches down on the ground and picks up his dropped torch, trying to illuminate the darkness. He moves towards the fleeing wolf, hoping to close on it before it scampers away. "Damn it...." he mutters to himself as he runs, hoping that the wolf is not connected to the orcs the group is trying to track down.

Move action to pick up the torch and then move after the wolf.

Anain moves closer to the wolves; seeing two of his companions on the ground in front of the snarling lupines. With a single fluid motion, he drops his torch at his feet and digs into his spell pouch. With a cold determination in his eyes, he makes quick and decisive gestures in the air with his hands, finally pointing at one of the wolves. A shadowy nothingness springs forth, lauching towards one of the wolves.

30' move (trying to stay out of the combat still) towards the melee. Free Action to drop the Everburning Torch and casting Phantasmal Assailants at the wolf that just dropped Riann.

The noise wakes the mage from his light slumber. Anain quickly rises, shakes the cobwebs from his mind, and gets to his feet. Rummaging through his nearby pack, he pulls out his Everburning Torch and tries to light the scene so he can see exactly what is going on.

DM Fatespinner wrote:

What are the watch arrangements? I'm ready to move on.

I'm ok with the watch Thelen suggested---Riann, Thelen, Aynsley---if everyone else is.

That watch is fine with me.

Anain's spellbook flies into the air with a flutter of pages and a sharp pang of suprise emits from his mouth into the night air as Ansley pulls her prank. An incantation begins to shape in his mind, but just for a mere second; it flits away as he notices it is the Ranger. "Quite the sneak, eh?" Anain mutters, more amused than sore. "I do not have any extra parchment with me, I am sad to say. Other than the soon-to-be-filled pages in my spellbook, that is."

Noticing the half-drow and paladin return from their foray into the distant night, Anain gathers himself, stands and retrieves his spellbook from the earth's floor. With a nod, he glances at Riann then to the paladin. While he tries to stifle the smallest of smiles, he welcomes the two back to camp. "Most interesting. Most interesting." he says without explaining himself further. "As to the matter of my torch, I will gladly conceal it. More to the point I think, is the matter of how everyone, with the exception of our naked friend here, plans on seeing while on the aforementioned watch." His dark right eyebrow raises as he looks at the paladin and ranger.

"I would prefer to see during my watch, but I may be a tad inexperienced when it comes to fighting in the dark. I will need to rest if I am to handle matters tomorrow, but will accept any watch that the three of you see fit to assign me." Anain crosses his arms casually as he waits for the others to figure out the arrangments.

Looks like I got here too late today...

Anain grumbles to himself as he watches the naked half drow and paladin walk off. "Hmph. Who wouldn't want to follow? I'm sure she'll be just fine with Thellen though. I wonder if he'll see her from any other angles that I couldn't? Ahh... so be it."

After swigging a long gulp from his waterskin, Anain reaches into his backpack and pulls out his Everburning Torch. He replaces the waterskin and looks about the area which his torchlight illuminates. Not being able to see much, he reaches into his backpack yet again. With a long sigh, he pulls out some jerky and sweetbread from his rations and begins to eat.

His thoughts wander as he eats the meal and while he is tired, he finds himself suprisingly enjoying the adventurer's staple. Again, he wonders if camping in the open is a good idea; but figures he can at least defend himself should any sort of trouble rear it's ugly head. "And besides," he thinks, "I'm sure Ansley is about somewhere."

After wolfing down his meal, he rises to his feet and again takes a pull from his waterskin. "Not quite ale, but it'll have to work." Anain walks a small perimeter around the camp, ensuring there is nothing of worry close by and after a few moments, finds a comfortable spot in the long grass. Once the wizard is settled in, he begins flipping through his spellbook, the torch illuminating a content smile as he sees the familiar arcane words.

Anain sits down on the long, soft grass and stretches his arms and legs with a quiet yawn. After a moment, he stands up and looks about the country side. "Is this spot okay with everyone? I'm not too sure about camping here in the open, but I'm not exactly a tenured wanderer either. What about a fire? I can't wait to dig into these rations..." he says with an obvious smattering of sarcasm. Excited to be on an adventure (of sorts) and glad to be in the company of new and differant people, Anain looks forward to some well deserved rest and conversation.

Anain gives Ansley a half smile from the corner of his mouth. "Ahh, my sarcasm is not lost on the lady, I see. Unfortuantely, I fear my skill with a blade is on par with my looks. I might be able to overcome a baboon wizard on a good day with my meager skills of the arcane, but only if Tymora smiles on me." Anain stops and gives a quick half bow to Ansley, then continues walking, happy to have new folk to converse with.

Anain snickers and cracks the long, bony fingers on both hands at once. "Well," he says as he smiles at the paladin, "one can always hope that the Grand Marshall wasn't correct, but I suppose THAT doesn't happen very often does it?" Anain follows Riann as she leaves.

Walking beside her he speaks: "What good is wild game then, if you can't cook it? Bah, I'm sure you're better than most! And besides, I'd give anything to be able to even get close to a beast of the field or forest. My experience is limited to having them run away as I get within 100 yards. Must be my striking good looks...."

"Agreed then!" adds Anain casually. "While I'm sure that both of you are more than capable of gathering some very tasty delicacies, I would like to investigate this matter of the orcs with some sense of urgency. I do not prefer the taste of rations much though; maybe after we've investigated this band of maruading pigmen? I would very much like that."

"Unless we're forgetting something, I would like to gather my things and prepare for travel. Shall we proceed by equestrian means or (sighs) shall we trust our own appendages to cover the distance?" Anain says as he looks at the now quiet paladin.

Kind DM, I would like to purchase an additional 5 days of trail rations if possible. Any local shop is fine.

Still feeling underprepared, Anain looks at the paladin after he shakes Dorin's hand. "I'll need to pick up a few more rations if we're to be out in the wilds for more than two days, but other than that, I believe I am set." With a nod to the others, he motions as if ready to leave.

Ahh, thanks!