Torthen has been sleeping since the meal was served. It was here he was fully relaxed, could think clearly, and recap to himself the events that unfolded.
The wolves were not acting as they should. Perhaps if we were to explore the forest, or talk to the town around us, we might discover a true cause... and that's a nice set of ... zzz.. what's that?
When the dwarf wakes from his very short rest, he finds there is a plethora of chatter around him about darkness, undeath and so forth. The very talk of it bothers him visibly as he wakens to it.
"Look here, lads and lass. Whate'er it is, the old man had it for good reas'n. I'm sure if'n we go about and speak to the townsfolk, we'll be able t' find better information abou' the area. I would like t' find the schemer behind th' wolves, myself."
Agreed - perfect time to give the inquisitor someone to trust!
Torthen nods firmly at the words of the inquisitor. He considers it deeply, and before he realizes it, he's backtracking to the combat not long past. He is not quite as clean as the paladin, but he has less bloodshed on him than the inquisitor.
"Aye, lad. Now that ye mention it, Ah can recall a look o' some greater work. Per'aps they're not so much wolves as much as they were servants of some arcanist, or worse, per'aps a blighter."
He lets his words ring, and looks to him firmly, a serious tone over his features.
"If it be a blighter, Ah warn ye now - they are as powerful as those of my calling, only they taint th' land rather than cure. If that's what it is, Ah recommend we focus our efforts on rootin' it out, if ye catch my drift."
Finally, a free moment from my project. Here goes.
It is with regrets that Torthen has to bury bodies, wolves as they may be, and give them such an unpleasant burial at that. Here he does indeed assist in the placing of spare dirt back into the hole, from which he expertly carved. He utters a prayer of sorts after the burial, noting that Rendel has done the same - though the dwarf had not participated in the skinning of the beasts. It wasn't right, in his mind.
When they had been brought to food and drink, he was more than eager to accept, since he had worked up an appetite to boot. Even when newcomers walked in the door, he kept on eating his meal calmly, slowly, as if savoring every bite though it were a gift nature.
He gave a solemn nod to the newcomers, and put a fresh fruit into his maw, keen on enjoying every bit of this meal, as though it were his last. After all, it wasn't as though he asked for thanks for any of his assistance - merely hoping they knew that he felt some way about how the wolves acted - and then, began to theorize.
Knowledge(nature) - I want to think on why wolves would attack in broad daylight.1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
My thoughts are they were scared into attacking, though that could be far from the truth.
Torthen can only manage to grumpf at his lack of seeing the intruder now. Still, he manages to go along and keep Creel moving with him - the timely slaying of the wolf freed him from obligations, and moves with swiftness.
Doublemove, end at Q12; if I see someone, I will order them to stop in their tracks!
Agreed. Sorry about my not posting the past couple hours - I'm in college from 6-10:30 GMT-5, so I'm not exactly available at all times. Gotta do work, y'know?
KNew I forgot something! Spell is "Expeditious Excavation." I can make a 5' cubic pit in a square; I can push the dirt into the surrounding mass or shoot it out for a small smoke cloud.
Sheesh. Busy with school and I come back to find 4 rounds of combat gone!
Right then... where to start...
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
It is with a keen ear that Torthen notes the wolves coming. And it is with rock-solid patience that he begin to deter their path.
He waves motions in the air with his hammer as he speaks in ancient tongues, and slams the head into the ground - causing a ripple within the earth to shoot out. A large portion of the ground suddenly rises in an explosion. This cloud of debris provides concealment to any creatures in the square affected and all adjacent squares for 1 round. There is also a 5' cubic pit in the center square.
It is with a satisfied grin that Torthen walks forward into it, and patiently awaits the next few.
Spell was cast on square N4; Torthen moves to M4. Posting it now in case I miss my chance later.
I haven't decided - but since Creel is near, I will toss my perception to the wind.
The bells that ring make him think of a town bell, that could signify an event of importance, or an invasion. The notes were clearly different where he came from, and now could not figure out which was which.
It didn't take long to find out, since Creel ran in and screamed at him and everyone else. He ran upstairs to assist Creel with his armor, since he was incapable of doing it safely on his own, and then put his own hides upon his body. Grasping shield and hammer, the druid slammed the weapon against his shield in dominance.
"Let's see what yer made of! Onwards!"
As soon as he's ready, Torthen rushes out the door.
It is here Torthen can only say a few words after hearing such a morbid tale. It compares to a lot of things he's heard in the past, and he has heard quite the number.
He steps up to where the two have been talking, since he himself had mosied to the fire while they spoke. The talk of the undead bothered him visibly.
"Per'aps ye should consider reburyin' 'em t'be safe. Th' dead put t' proper rest don' rise up again, s'far as Ah'm concerned."
"Also, we should prob'bly head out and scout out our surroundin's. I say we see what th' town 'as in store for us. Any objections?"
Recapping. Illness and allergens incapacitated me badly. Here goes!
He greatly accepted the blanket from Lorrimor's lass, and slept soundly near the broken window, the breeze from outdoors along with the rain nothing unknown to him - in fact, if he could do so safely, he'd have slept outside!
When morning comes, the stubborn fellow seems more than content to sit in the exact same position he was the evening before - he's at such peace one might mistake him for being deceased, though it's clear he's breathing.
He awakens to the smell of food, and though it does not interest him at first, he moves to meditate for a little while longer - this is why he has not said much to anyone today, after all.
He ceases when ready, and moves to the great room where everyone is gathering, only to close his eyes still on hitting the bottom. It's clear he's not fully awake.
Sorry for the delay. Between a friend's return from Iraq and the down forums yesterday, I wasn't too available. Back to the norm!
"I see no problem with this arrangement, other than lackin' a place to stay. I am, after all, known for my patience in this matters, and would gladly wait two months if I had to. With that said - I could use a little shut-eye, if only to collect my thoughts."
The dwarf gives a hearty smile, and can only await great things from this little get-together. After all - they all seemed coordinated enough to get things done.
It's my take on the accent, I can cut it out if it bothers too much.
"The lad'll be alright. What you saw is the power of the elements. You may call it 'acid,' and I can do that only so much. I'm more at home outside, but I'll be fine in here. The lad's right. It's too soon to be over yet."
It wasn't as difficult as he'd have imagined - he hated things with flight, and wished they'd just come back down to earth to deal with him.
He sheathed his hammer, and gave a great heaving sigh, looking around the room once more before kneeling beside one of the insects. He began to study it, since it could be normal for the area.
Knowledge (nature) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
He grumphs a moment, and turns to face Creel.
"The lad'll be alrigh'. What ye saw is th' power of th' elements. Ye may call it 'acid', and Ah can do tha' only so much. Ah'm more at 'ome outside, but Ah'll be fine in 'ere. Th' lad's righ' - it's too soon t'be over yet."
I'm pretty sure he'd endure it and then watch you writhe in a pit for quite some time.
Beyond that, he didn't really think of "what is this" so much as "it's destroying the house, remove it or slay it!" He'll be sure to check it after the fight, I'm willing to bet.
With his darkvision, Torthen climbs the stairwell - and in a fit of rage at such strange creatures, he can't seem to believe such huge insects truly exist! It is with a heavy heart that he must slay such a creature and return it to its maker, but it is a must when it disturbs the peace, if not the balance of the area's natural habitat.
Torthen moves just to the entrance, and holds his action until he can move to the doorway otherwise. From there, he shoots one acid dart (5 remaining) at the far stirge!
If I get an action to attack, Torthen shoots one acid dart (5 remaining) at the far bug!
It is with much reluctance that he abandon his travelling companion outside the home, but he ensure the mule is covered with a blanket, and that his supplies are in order. The cart is parked off to the side of the home, where it was (hopefully) safe.
The dwarf is patient, much like his element, and waits for the other to go before it is time for him to speak. He clears his throat firmly, and strands to make his presence known.
"It's mah pleasure t' inform yah of who Ah am! Ye can call me Torthen Azduum, for Ah'm known fer usin' th' most primal of elements! Ah bring forth th' earth at mah beckon an' call, fer she 'as gifted me with 'er blessin'!
It was through mah art tha' the Professor lived as long as 'e did! For one chance of a time, Ah saved 'is skins from some manner o-"
It's here he hears the noise, and instantly stops. He listens calmly to the replies, and with the inferring of an animal the dwarf can only think of an intruder. He draws his warsledge, and pats it in his hand before he follows the one man up the stairs.
"They'll be back, ah'm bettin'. Jus' not for this'n here."
He concedes his commentary, but he knows he can place a bit of faith in these around him now. Seemingly normal, the dwarf had long sleeves, and a robe over his body, concealing most of it - though he had a strange grey mark over the side of his face (forgot that part!), that appeared to be made of stone. It was a sight indeed, if one paid too much attention to it.
He didn't notice if anyone did, or maybe he didn't care. It was here he continued the job, and bore the weight. He got a good listen in on the prayer, and did his best to listen - though on mention of a god, he bore no more attention to it.
They put their faith in th' gods above? Ah'd rather th' gods around us - at least they see what we endure!
Torthen begins to grumble, for the funeral seems uneventful - but necessary. The arrival of the interlopers does nothing but bother him further - for they involve themselves in business that is not their own.
The dwarf manages to keep his footing easily under the weight of the coffin, and has it propped in a comfortable manner, but he does a look back to the red-cloaked brute across from him. He gives that one a nod, and motions towards the newcomers, in hopes of a silent agreement to do battle with and end them if things go wrong.
He clears his throat and bellows from the back.
"Now, listen 'ere, lads. If ye've been talkin' bout this, ye should go on back an' continue, for ah'm not in a mood ta stop - and by th' looks of th' men 'round me, ah'd say ye've got no business ta be had 'ere. Now, if ye've said yer piece, ah'd like to keep movin' so we may lay th' kind Professor ta rest in 'is proper place."
It had been a long, arduous journey through the mountain passes, down into the plains, and around a dangerous forest, but Torthen, disciple of the most primal element, could only smile at how eventful his trip had been.
It was with a heavy heart and much sadness that he took his cart and mule, calmed the beast, and hopped off the cart. He was not in the human's traditional black, but moreso with his attire of browns and blacks, though his face would make all refuse to challenge his respect for the professor.
He had been silent the entire session, his arms crossed and his face stern, focused on the thoughts that he had rejoined the spirits below, that he would return in a new form, and the cycle of life would continue with its course. This, he was taught, was the order of things, and nothing should seek to disturb that.
He overheard the daughter's plea, and with a great sound, echoed his voice into the air.
"I, too, shall bear him to his rest - may he rest within the sacred ground beneath us."
Torthen stepped forward, and prepared to assist - he clasps the handle opposite the larger man with a red cloak, and gives a firm nod, ready.
Alright. He'll be posted a druid soon - I really agreed with you on keeping the concept alive, Rendel, but there's so much against my concept as far as what he can do. He's so mixed when it comes to being an oracle, but if I go Druid, he becomes a pure-caster with melee tendencies, which opens the doors for you to show your strengths more, and gives us more options to do things with.
I think I'll have to tweak a few things, but other than that, the concept's similar. He'll either be a Cave Druid or Mountain, probably the latter (since then his wild shape is kind of cool - Giant shape!)
I'd like to keep the Curse of Wasting, without the bonuses, if that's fine, Jorm? It'll keep me close to my original concept.
Probably a good idea, but I hate asking for handouts, y'know? It's closer to the mechanical effect, since the druid list has many, many more [earth] descriptors ( stone fist, spike stones, etc. ), compared to what oracles get. It kind of kills the original concept, but it's what I had envisioned mechanically more - as a result, it's my fault for not looking at the spell-list first.
I suppose I'll stick with it - and try to use what I get!
Alright. I did some research, and it seems all the worthwhile [earth] descriptor spells, the stuff I'd like to play, is druid oriented. So, to further class balance, I'd like permission to switch to a druid with the Earth domain, and maybe keep the visual effect I had in mind for the Oracle curse?
If not, I completely understand, but it's something I'd like to consider. I'll be able to post again in a few hours.
Right then. Lowered INT/WIS, to compensate. If only there were more [earth] descriptor spells... and I'm off to my game for the day - be back later. (Sunday is our usual gameday, while Sat is our 'help each other get stuff done' day).
Actually, I need to correct myself. I was very tired when I made my statement, and need to realize a few things.
1) I made a mistake with his statistic, since oracles are CHA based. If I don't fix it, I never get 9th level spells until 20 (without items).
2) I forgot I was supposed to be a caster first and melee second. Go ahead with the Battle mystery if you will, I'm going to go fix my boo-boo now.
As for Alignment issues - I've never believed it to be just to just kill evil for being evil. Some people say 'nip it in the bud', but that's evil in itself. No, my paladins wait for you to do something stupid, and then you're done.
Saturday gets so busy for me, it's hard to deal with sometimes.
I'm trying to be combat-oriented, moreso with melee and cranking my AC with flavor and everything (note the +1 nat armor feat).
I'm going to be a heavy-hitter eventually, but for now I'm all about 'using a sword versus stone - it doesn't work.'
While you'd be on my toes, by all means, play what you will - I probably will be using self-buffs more than anything, since we have access to all cleric lists... and a lot of those spells can be amazing.
