Once the travails of the flood plain were overcome, the Company at last came to the road that would take them through the great forest of Mirkwood. The leafless boughs of the large trees on either side of the road hung over the entry making it look like a cavern entrance of grabbing, gnarled fingers. It was no cave that the Dwarves felt comfortable in entering. They all looked to the Elf to see his expression, but were unable to perceive any thoughts. Looking back, they all lay hope in the fact that the Silvan was from this realm and would know its interworkings in times of need.
Kori slapped the reins down with a "Giddup!" and the wagon began to roll into Mirkwood. It was the latter half of day three since they left Lake-town - two more days would pass before their adventure would truly start.
The Company rode the rutted road for another two days. In that time, the rain and snow had stopped and the sun crossed the sky above, shinging down through the bare tree limbs and better lighting the woods. The heat of the sun stirred the winds and they whistled through knuckles and gnarls of branches and dead dried leaves rattled and skittered. Other than that, the forest was quiet.
[OOC:] To my new players, the next paragraph is a cutaway scene that I will often add to my stories to enrich the flavor. Understand that it is nothing that the PC's can react to in any way until the subject of the cutaway scenes converge with your paths.
It was the smell of the ponies that had attracted old Gar. He hadn't caught sniff of the delicacy since late last fall and here it was near spring and travelers were once more trying to cross his road. Well that made his stomach rumble even more, the old troll having grown tired of gnawing on dried meats and nuts.
Gar lived in a cave that opened at the base of a great tree whose roots framed the entrance, having broken and dug into the soft earth and knitting tightly to the very stone itself. The troll was old. He had seen many seasons of Men and even Dwarves, and with this age came wisdom. Gar had a bit more intelligence than many of his brethren and it had helped him survive.
He looked out from the hole he lived in and up to the slowly darkening sky. It would not be long. The travelers would stop as they were always wont to do. Then he would come and take the most juciest of treats that he could.
His stomach grumbled once more.
Kori drew back on the reins and brought the wagon to a halt. Dusk was settling and they needed to set camp before they lost all light. Besides, they had covered a good swath of the road these last two days. The Dwarf was quite pleased.
"Let's set camp!" he said with a tired, yet satisfied voice.
[OOC:] Okay... I need everyone to give me their travel test for Day 5 only... don't worry about previous days (you do not need to give me your Sleeping in the Rough test at this time). I will also take a Perception test from everyone... I will determine results based on the rolls. One last test that you can give me is an Observer (Spot) test TN 18.
KORI - Day 2's travel tests
Starting at TN 20... -2 for pace, +2 for terrain, -5 for riding in the wagon; so TN 15 for Kori.
Kori, Day 5 travel Weariness test:
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 15 Stamina +2, Hardness of Body +2, Animal Aversion -2
-------------------------
Roll(2d6)+2: 3,4,+2 Total:9 COMPLETE FAILURE [Tired -2]
Kori, Day 5 Survival test to set camp, start a fire and cook:
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 10 Survival +2, Firestarting +2, Tired -2
-------------------------
Roll(2d6)+2: 5,4,+2 Total:11 SUCCESS [This eliminates the climate and food sleeping penalties for everyone]
Kori, Perception test:
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN tbd Perception +0, Tired -2
-------------------------
Roll(2d6)-2: 6,4,-2 Total:8
Kori, Observe (Spot) test:
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 18 Observe +3, Specialty +2, Tired -2
-------------------------
Roll(2d6)+3: 5,5,+3 Total:13
Weariness tests for Turumarth: Day 5
Travel Test: TN 20 (-2 for pace, +2 for terrain) = 20
TN 20 Stamina +1
Roll: Roll(2d6)+1: 6,4,+1 Total:11- Complete Failure - Tired (-2)
Survival - passed by Kori
Perception Test:
TN tbd Perception +2, Tired -2
Roll: Roll(2d6)+2: 5,4,+2-2 Total:9
Observe(Spot) Test:
TN 18 Observe +5, Specialty +2, Tired -2
Roll: Roll(2d6)+2: 4,4,+7-2 Total:13
Weariness tests for Gumbo: Day 5
Travel Test: TN 20 (-2 for pace, +2 for terrain) = 20
TN 20 Stamina +1,+4
Roll: Roll(2d6)+5: 5,6+5 Total:16- Failure - Tired (-1)
Perception Test:
TN tbd Perception +1, winded -1
Roll: Roll(2d6)+0: 3,4, Total:7
Observe(Spot) Test:
TN 18 Observe +5, winded -1
Roll: Roll(2d6)+4: 4,3+4 Total:11
TN 20 Weariness from travel -2 pace +2 terrain = 20
Stamina - (6+6+6+1)+2=21 COMPLETE SUCCESS! ;D
Perception - (6+5)+2=13
TN 18 Observe (Spot) - (3+1)+5+2=11 COMPLETE FAILURE :(
Weariness tests for Caranmîr: Day 5
Travel Test: TN 20 (-2 for pace, +2 for terrain) = 20
TN 20 applying Stamina +2
Roll(2d6)+2:
6,5,+2
Total:13 --> Failure: Caranmîr is tired (-2)
Survival Test was passed by Kori
Perception Test
TN Perception +1, Tired -2
Roll(2d6)+1:
5,5,+1
Roll Total:11 - 2 Tired = 9
Observe (Spot) Test:
TN 18 Observe +6, Tired -2
Roll(2d6)+6:
4,6,+6
Roll Total:16 - 2 Tired --> 14 (Roll failed.)
Weariness Test
Tn=20=2(terrain)-2(pace)=20
Roll(2d6)+3:
6,5,+3
Total:14=Complete Faliure-Beren is tired(-2)
Preception Test
Tn=tbd
Roll(2d6)+0:
3,6,+0
Total:9
Observation Test
Tn=18+2(tired)=20
Roll(2d6)+4:
2,5,+4
Total:11
[OOC:] Hey guys... sorry for the delay! I came down with a chest and head cold last week and it is really knocking the wind out of my sails. The meds make me all balloon-headed and I can't seem to generate any creative juices at the moment. I am gonna try for the new post tomorrow... keep a look out.
The Company brought the wagon off of the main road and into a dell. There was a large tree with a deep, hollowed bole and it was in there that Kori set the fire. The crackle and warmth was a welcome relief for the weary travelers, but the flicker of the flames caused the trees to cast some nightmarish shadows.
Beren had successfully caught a large fat rabbit, and now it hung spitted over the fire. The sound of the meat searing and hissing eased the tensions that any had within the group. Gumbo broke out his pipe, and puffed silently as he lay in a knot of exposed roots. Kori sat down next to him, tapping out his own clay pipe, "Have you any of that fine Shire weed to offer?"
Caranmîr sat not far away, his eyes closed and dreaming Elf dreams. He would take the bulk of the evening's watch, and so he slept first for he needed the least.
None in the group realized that they were being watched... by more than one set of eyes.
[OOC:] Feel free to make idle chat between the PC's. You guys have been on the road now for five days and so there is a little comraderie beginning to show itself.
Nori still shuns for the most part contact with the others with the exception of Vari (OOC: though I don't think we've heard from him in awhile). They talk of their wanderings, misfortunes, and their home within the hills of iron.
Gumbo nodded as the smoke swirled out of the corner of his mouth around the stem of the pipe. "I do indeed, I have several variations and flavours, some more dear than others. Try this one, I find the bowls of clay pipes to smoke good but often hot. This is perique, its grown only in the south farthing from the flood waters and mud of the San Ford. Few outside the shire have tried it. My brother is one of the few that grows it due to the need for specific soil and season. It smokes very dry, which is good for clay, with very little bite to the tongue. Unlike other leaf this is actually fermented by pressing unlike being hung to dry." Gumbo reached into his coat and unbuttoned an inner pocket to prodice a tightly sealed pouch carefully wrapped. Presenting it to the elder dwarf he also removed from his waist pocket a small silver tamp in which the dwarf could press it down. Gumbo immediately emptied his own pipe and drew forth a long stemmed pipe carefully wrapped from seemingly out of no where in his waist. With a smile to the elder dwarf, "Anything worth doing is worth doing right." Soon from the hollow of the tree the smell of rabbit was quickly overtaken. The smell seemed different to those who smelled it and if they were to compare notes none would agree other than it smelled like the fondest memories at home when all was right with the world.
Turumarth stretches his legs where he sits close to the fire. The toil of travel slowly seeping away at the thought of a night's rest. Listening to the conversations around him, he waited for a pause before interjecting a tale.
With a glance over to Nori he begins..."In learning the history of the Iron Hills dwarves, their determination sets them above their kin. Some might call it stubbornness, but it has allowed them to survive and thrive when pressed. The daring and courage of their leaders are without question, and it seems to be a quality they carry from birth. Dain the Second proved his mettle at Nanduhirion as many marvelled at his achievements and skills at such a young age. But it was a little known adventure years prior that, if widely known, would have foretold his future grit.
Dain was only thirteen and allowed some freedom to explore. His adventures took him far afield, much further than his father or guardians would have liked. Usually, he spent much time around the River Redwater, casting rocks and sticks into its fast-moving waters and looking at the curious fish that gathered in the small pools. One day he saw something pulled up on the shore and creeping closer saw it to be a small boat of intricate design. He waited patiently for some time, but nobody returned. Feeling braver, he moved to inspect the boat, which contained only a wooden paddle with a leaf-shaped blade and a blanket and waterskin.
Touching the boat, he was amazed at its lightness and the ease at which he could slide it on the shore. One more nervous scan of the brush along the river revealed no watching eyes so without thought he put a foot in the boat and cast himself out into the current. The boat spun in the water before pointing itself downstream and Dain's terrified grip of the gunnels relaxed and he settled onto the seat and took up the paddle. A quick-learner, he was able to guide the boat with the oar as a rudder as it cut easily back and forth across the river.
The thrill of the ride was soon overtaken by the realization that he was being carried further and further from home and light was starting to wane. He dug in the paddle to turn, but found the act of moving against the current more difficult as his stature did not allow him the power to work the oar properly even over the low sides of the slight craft. His efforts to turn the boat were in vain as he would just about get the boat moving upstream when the current would catch the bow and spin him down once more.
He reached a deep narrowing in the river, abutted by high, shear walls and the course of the stream ran swiftly around exposed rocks. Dropping the oar, he held the sides of the boat tight in an effort to stay upright as it plied its own course. Foam and darkening night obscured his view which left him unprepared for the jolt of the boat meeting a large, rounded boulder. He grasped desperately for the boat as he found himself in the water and being carried swiftly downstream bobbing like a cork in the blackness.
He awoke on a pebbly beach, his legs still in the water. Turning over brought pain as he realized his leg dragged limp and did not answer to his will to move. He closed his eyes and lie back, his eyes focusing on the canopy of stars overhead. Weariness overtook him and he closed his eyes once more.
The sun was high when he awoke and the day warm. He pulled himself from the water and took stock of his situation. The land was unfamiliar and his leg throbbed mercilessly. With effort he pulled himself to rise with the aid of a stout branch he found on the shore. He smiled as he recognized etchings and carvings in the wood - ones he had made weeks before when he had cast that very stick into the river and watched it disappear downstream. He left the rocky shore and found himself in an overgrown woods. Keeping the sounds of the river close, he made his way slowly through the trees and back upstream."
Meanwhile, back in the Hills, Dain had organized a frantic search that had been ongoing for hours. Our travel companions may remember the day? The son of the king missing for the night? However I am told that the truth of his discovery by the king himself and his closest guards has been a well-kept secret. An oath sworn to tell no one, yet even the tale I have told to this point is probably new to your ears....?
{OOC}minor edit to add some colour to separate tale from talking
Kori was perplexed by this man. With his teeth clenching his pipe, he asked, "How is it that you know so much of our kin? You know things that only a Dwarf is trusted with."
Turumarth sets his lips in a thin smile as he stares into the flickering flame of the fire. His tale interrupted, he pauses a moment before answering Kori,
"Master Kori, my childhood as a merchant led me on many roads from Dorwinion to Mirkwood to the Iron Hills. I know much of the dwarves, much of the elves and much of the men of the eastern wilds. A keen ear and the will to listen to others brought much information. But, it was dedicated study of the lore both written and spoken from many of your and Caranmîr's people that I have collected and it is much more than the sum of its parts. Knowledge is our greatest defence against the Shadow. Knowing the hearts of your enemies...and your allies shows how and when to use that knowledge...If my tale offends I will stop."
"Nay, I take no offense... just surprised at the depth of your knowledge. Even our small friend Gumbo, here, surprised me by his interactions with my kin - both the House of Durin and the House of Linnar. But please continue... firesides were made for good tales and stout drinks, though I wish we had the latter."
Kori chuckled a bit and all the Company turned to the wagon which held the two small kegs of ale. The craftsman had forbid any use of it for the time, so as not to slow them down... or run out too soon!
Turumarth nods and continues...
"The going was tough for young Dain, but he was more worried of the reaction of his father when he returned than of the pain in his leg. His direction was clear and he hoped to follow the river back north until he was in familiar territory. He welcomed the shade of the woods as the day was quickly turning hot, a mugginess that stifled sound.
Perhaps it was the heavy air, perhaps his haste, but he never heard the coming blow of the creature that hit him from behind and knocked him down as its dark shape sailed over him on the trail. Dazed for just a moment, he grasped his staff and sat upright, trying desperately to clear the fog in front of his eyes. Ten feet away stood a snarling warg. Unheard of west of the Redwater for a long time, Dain did not let his disbelief slow his action. He quickly brought his staff to guard as he slid to anchor his back against a wide tree. The warg paused a moment, searched deep into Dain's eyes and then sprung with sudden fury. Dain butted his staff against the tree and guided the other end to the beast's chest, letting its own weight pivot it past him in a roll.
Wary, the creature paced a moment as it gathered again, giving Dain time to push with his one good leg to stand against the stout trunk. A few parries with the staff kept the warg at bay and then Dain did something the creature did not expect from so young a dwarf. With a tuck, Dain rolled toward the warg and used the force to bring the staff hard across the forelegs of the creature, cracking bone with the blow. The warg slid with a yelp down the embankment, stunned and unsure what it faced. Returning to the offensive, it pressed ahead on three legs and gained even elevation with Dain. Several more of its blows were rebuked and the warg saw the injured dwarf tiring far quicker than it was.
With a powerful burst it leaped forward, but Dain was ready. He thrust staff end to throat and fell back against the ground just as a whistling shaft sped over his shoulder and lodged deep into the warg's eye. Confused, he struggled to shove the still carcass of the creature from him as he searched vainly for the looser of the arrow. Exhaustion and pain overcame him and he sat down only to see a tall, lithe form pull the beast from pinning his leg. An elf stared at him with the wry smile they can wear at times. His words seemed to soothe, yet Dain knew nothing of elf-speak. Trusting in his intentions, Dain sat back while the elf checked him over and helped aid his wounds. The elf talked nonchalantly as he worked, the rhythmic, musical tone of his language capturing his ear".
{Turumarth switches to Khuzdul at this time to relate the last part of the tale, indicating that the secret of what happened with Dain should not have been so lightly told to him, let alone spread to others outside of the dwarvish clan}
(in Khuzdul) "Finally the dwarf looked him in the eye and in halting Westron inquired how one so young was so far from home - yet Dain knew that this was the boat's owner and knew all to well of Dain's river foray. The common tongue did not yet come easy to Dain, but the two sat for awhile in struggled conversation. The sound of Nain and his guard rang harshly through the woods, breaking the calm stillness. The elf looked concerned and Dain knew he would have to disappear, such were the cool relations between the races at this time. As the scouts approached the elf put a hand on Dain's shoulder and drew a knife.
The elf took his knife and severed both ears of the dead warg. He pressed one into Dain's hand and tucked the other in his cloak. "We will never know if it was your blow or my arrow that felled this beast," the elf began, "We shall call it a shared kill and keep these tokens as a reminder of this day should our paths cross again." The elf quickly vanished away from the approaching voices and Dain lie still a few moments before calling out.
Dain was brought to his father and truthfully relayed all that had happened, save the token the elf gave him. Nain was expectedly infuriated and made all present swear an oath to never reveal what transpired that day. They returned to their stronghold with the tale of the future king who explored on his own and felled a warg, the pelt of which hangs in Dain's chambers to this day. Yet it has been never been answered why it is missing ears. And it was a long time, perhaps not even in his death, that Nain forgave his son for befriending an elf.
{Switching once more to common speech} "And with Dain safely returned, his deeds of single-handedly felling a warg were spread throughout the Iron Hills. A task that foretold his slaying of Azog and taking his place as King. The truth of young Dain's adventure, known by only a few, was sealed by oath."
Turumarth returned his gaze to the fire...his tale ended.
A hurrumpf was heard from the bowl of the tree where a small swirl of smoke could be seen curling into to air. "In no land or place that I have travled has it been considered polite to begin a story in one language understood by all and to complete it in another known to a few, and in one that is not supposed to be spoken."
Gumbo stood and walked towards the shadows that encircled the fire. His spear stood by the rest of his gear and helm by the tree where he planned on sleeping for the night, but his short sword still hung at his side as did his sling. Picking up a stick at his feet he began to gather some deadfall so the elf could keep the fire going without straying from where the party slept. The smell of the halflings pipe could still be caught on the breeze, but he seemed to be folded and swollwed into the night
Kori watched the halfling walk away, but then looked back at Turumarth, "Your tale was a good one. It is worthy of a beer!"
With that, Kori stood and waved for Nori to help him, "We shall tap one of the kegs and cut the dust from our tongues with a fine amber. But only one Gumbo!"
The sky above had darkened and the leaves rattled against each other, looking like cold dried hands rubbing together over the fire for warmth.
Her eyes shone with a lusty glow. The small one was so close that she could feel its heat. She kept absolutely still, though she knew in the dark and with her beautiful markings that there was no way that could it could see her. Her long, slender legs were partially stretched out as she held onto the trunk of a great tree nearby, while the main part of her body still sat camouflaged within the dried fern foliage.
"Sweet meats! Sweet treats!" she thought to herself. "Oooh how I hunger! Come closer... come closer..." Her thoughts faded into darker images of what she would do to it once it was caught in her web.
Gumbo turned at the announcement of beer and she trembled with the desire to spring on him, but she watched him go and bided her time.
Across from all, old Gar was quietly moving towards the camp. He too would wait for the Dwarves to fall asleep. Gar really had no desire to stir up the little folk - they always came with sharp sticks and metal. It was his goal to quietly slip in, grab up the ponies and be gone.
Gumbo was decidedly moody, "I would not know how the tale ended, so can not judge its merit either good or ill. I'm not thirsty." Coming from the shadow he dropped the wood loudly by the fire. "Maybe it will rain tonight and you can all grow beards as thick as the hair on my feet."
Gumbo took his spear and using it as a ridge pole set between the bowl of the tree used his tarp to construct a shelter that would keep his body heat in. His sword he unslung and rested by his side and his cloak rolled quickly and neatly into a pillow. From bellow the tarp, "Don't drink it all, the water will be cold in the mountains and undrinkable beneath."
[OOC:] Actually, I forgot to ask but I need a Observe (Spot) TN 20 from Gumbo please... thanks.
Nori and his mood perked at the mention of tapping one of the kegs. It been long (for him) since he'd had a mug full of cheer and he eagerly got the tap and mallet. With one good shot and small spray of foam, the spigot was in and the amber drink soon filled the mugs of those who desired a drink.
Kori gave a great sigh at the taste of the beer, licking the foam from his moustache as he did, "Come now Hobbit... don't let your mood sour our ale!"
With his mug in hand, the craftsman returned to the fire ring and slid his boots off allowing the warmth to soothe his toes. He set the boots by the fire to allow them to dry out and then slid down into a knot of the tree to support his back.
"Does anyone else have a tale to tell, or a song to sing? Certainly you do halfling?" asked Kori, ignoring the fact that Gumbo sat under his tarp.
Roll(2d6)+7:
4,4,+7
Total:15
Saw Nothing
More grumbling was heard from under the tarp at the words of the dwarf. "The hospatality of this fire is somewhat lacking, but any tale I tell will be better ten fold and finished in a manner that everyone can enjoy."
Gumbo crawled out from under his tarp and eyeballed the offending bard on his way to the keg. "I'm only here Kori, because it doesnt taste as good after its been opened the first time." Gumbo quickly downed a draught and his mood was improved 100 fold. Refilling his mug and climbing on top of the barrel he did a quick two step and began to sing:
If I could but attain my wish,
I'd have each day one wholesome dish,
Of plain meat, or fowl, or fish.
A glass of port, with good old beer,
In winter time a fire burnt clear,
Tobacco, pipes, an easy chair.
In some clean town a snug retreat,
A little garden 'fore my gate,
With thousand pounds a year estate.
After my house expense was clear,
Whatever I could have to spare,
The neighbouring poor should freely share.
To keep content and peace through life,
I'd have a prudent cleanly wife,
Stranger to noise, and eke to strife.
Then I, when blest with such estate,
With such a house, and such a mate,
Would envy not the worldly great.
Let them for noisy honours try,
Let them seek worldly praise, while I
Unnoticed would live and die.
But since dame Fortune's not thought fit
To place me in affluence, yet
I'll be content with what I get.
He's happiest far whose humble mind,
Is unto Providence resigned,
And thinketh fortune always kind.
Then I will strive to bound my wish,
And take, instead of fowl and fish,
Whate'er is thrown into my dish.
Instead of wealth and fortune great,
Garden and house and loving mate,
I'll rest content in servile state.
I'll from each folly strive to fly,
Each virtue to attain I'll try,
And live as I would wish to die.
As Gumbo finishes, Turumarth taps his staff against a root in applause.
"A fine wish you speak of in your song. May you find it when this adventure is through and we are all back safe near home and hearth."
Caranmîr woke up and only heard the last verses of Gumbo's song.
"Song, fire and beer." He said smiling "it seems I have missed the best part of this journey while sleeping"...
Gumbo his mood much enhanced by the beer, the song, and what he took for an apology laughed aloud at the group. Very well master elf, here is another one. I learned this from the queer folk of the North Farthing and has a bit of their funny speech to it. Filling his mug again he started in on a new one:
As Tom was a-walking one fine summer's morn,
When the dazies and goldcups the fields did adorn;
He met Cozen Mal, with a tub on her head,
Says Tom, 'Cozen Mal, you might speak if you we'd.'
But Mal stamped along, and appeared to be shy,
And Tom singed out, 'Zounds! I'll knaw of thee why?'
So back he tore a'ter, in a terrible fuss,
And axed cozen Mal, 'What's the reason of thus?'
'Tom Treloar,' cried out Mal, 'I'll nothing do wi' 'ee,
Go to Fanny Trembaa, she do knaw how I'm shy;
Tom, this here t'other daa, down the hill thee didst stap,
And dab'd a great doat fig in Fan Trembaa's lap.'
'As for Fanny Trembaa, I ne'er taalked wi' her twice,
And gived her a doat fig, they are so very nice;
So I'll tell thee, I went to the fear t'other day,
And the doat figs I boft, why I saved them away.'
Says Mal, 'Tom Treloar, ef that be the caase,
May the Lord bless for ever that sweet pretty faace;
Ef thee'st give me thy doat figs thee'st boft in the fear,
I'll swear to thee now, thee shu'st marry me here.'
Kori was jiggling with deep chuckles from the halfling's song and dance, "All right master Gumbo, you've made my night! But I'ma cutting you off the ale for I told you one and you are on your third, and that yer spilling about!"
Kori finished his cup's contents and he resecured it to his pack. "We have an early start so let's save this fun for another night's rest. Nori, re-cork that keg!"
Nori only took mild pleasure at the halfling's antics though did agree with his uncle's sentiment about spilt ale. A drop spilled is a drop wasted. "Yes, uncle." Nori wished travel would move faster as he ached to be done with the monotony of travel.
With the keg re-corked, the conversation around the fire quickly faded with the flames of the fire, leaving only bright glowing embers, and a company of snoring travelers. Over all, Caranmîr stood watch - the Elf already getting the desired rest he needed.
The loremaster took out his journal and quill and began to pen the evening's stories and songs... if for nothing more than posterity. He occassionally threw a couple small branches on the fire to both increase the light, but to also maintain the heat. Otherwise, he sat quietly with his thoughts.
At the same time, she began to move. Her legs quickly and silently drew her up into the branches of the tree above the Company where she began to weave. She would have to be quick. She knew that she would not be able to take them all, but if she could capture one and draw it off into the darkness... well it would make for a delicious night!
Poisonous fluid began to wet her fangs, as her spinnerettes released a sticky flow of web, which her back legs then weaved into a terrible net. Her eyes locked onto the location where Gumbo lay, now sleeping, and she began to position herself in the tree above him to drop her trap. She would let it fall and allow the meaty-treat to thrash about and ensnare itself... then she would pounce down and deliver a cruel, paralyzing bite. With her prey unable to resist, she could then quickly drag him off into the dark forest!
Suddenly, she felt heavy vibrations through her sensitive legs. She looked off into the dark and saw the form of old Gar approaching. "This may prove easier than first expected," she thought.
[OOC:] I need another set of Observe tests... understand, Dim Lighting penalty will apply to anywhere within 5 yard radius from the fire, and Darkness penalty will apply beyond for See tests (racial/trait modifiers will apply).
Caranmîr needs to give me a (Dim Lighting) Observe (See) test TN 12 to notice the spider in the tree above the Company. He may also give me an Observe (Hear) test TN 10 to notice Gar's approach.
Characters that are trying to sleep may make the same tests but increase TN's by 2 - penalty and racial/trait modifiers do apply.
Turumarth's Observe Rolls:
Observe (Spot) (Skill +5, Specialty +2, Tired -2 -> total roll modifier +5)
TN 12 (base) (+5 darkness, +2 sleeping) -> 19
----------
Roll - 4,6 +5 = 15 (failure)
Observe (Hear) (Skill +5, Tired -2 -> total roll modifier +3)
TN 10 (base) (+2 sleeping) -> 12
----------
Roll - 4,5 +3 = 12 (Marginal success?)
{OOC} - Edit to add init roll as others have.
A twig snapping...forests sounds going silent at the passing of danger? Turumarth wasn't exactly sure what he heard as he tried to sleep, but he knew it was something. Slowly he closes his hand on his staff and waits breathlessly for some indication of what or if a threat approaches.
Init Test (for Observe(Hear) test success), Init +2, Tired -2, Modifier = 0
---------
Roll - 4,1 +0 = 5
Observe (Spot) Skill +5, Specialty +2, Weary -1, total roll modifier +6)
TN 12 (base) (Night Eyed II, +2 sleeping) -> 14
Roll(2d6)+6:
4,4,+6
Total:14
OOC: If this makes it:
"FIRE AND FOES AWAKE!"
iniative: Roll(2d6)+2:
5,5,+2
Total:12
Gumbo Draws his short sword that was next to him while he slept (as indicated earlier) as a free action (quick draw).
Quote from: tomcat on May 29, 2008, 07:39 AM
With
[OOC:]
Caranmîr needs to give me a (Dim Lighting) Observe (See) test TN 12 to notice the spider in the tree above the Company. He may also give me an Observe (Hear) test TN 10 to notice Gar's approach.
Caranmîr's Observe (See) test
TN 12 (+5 Dim Lighting) = TN 19
Observe (see) + 6 (including Keen Eyed bonus)
Roll(2d6)+6:
4,5,+6
Total:15
Caranmîr's Observe (Hear) test TN 10
Roll(2d6)+8:
5,4,+8
Total:17
Sitting near the fire, Caranmîr used the light that comes off the flames to iluminate his journal. Altough his eyes are keen, he doesn't see anything, whenever he gazes into the darkend woods surrounding the party's camp.
But then suddenly Caranmîr becomes stiff, when he hears something. The same moment other members of the party are stirred by the noise and wake up. Caranmîr raises from his place near the fire. He carefully drops his journal and picks up his bow and places an arrow on the string.
Initiative: 2d6 +2
Roll(2d6)+2:
4,4,+2
Total:10
Beren had been quiet most of night, the excitement of the adventure wearing down causing it. He heard Gumbo's yell in the middle of his sleep and he was instantly awake. With only a brief pause, he draws his sword and readies himself for an attack.
Initiative:
Roll(2d6)+0:
3,3,+0
Total:6+4(swiftness)=10
TN 14 Observe (Spot) - Roll(2d6)+7: 4,5,+7-3 Total:13
TN 12 Observe (Hear) - Roll(2d6)+5: 3,4,+5 Total:12
Initiative - Roll(2d6)+2: 4,6,+2 Total:12
Nori tossed and turned, unable to sleep this eve; something bothered him enough to keep his mind awake no matter how weary his body. Then it all came together at once at the same time the halfling cried the alarm: he didn't notice it at first, but there was a large, dark form near the halfling as well as the heavy trodding of great feet upon the earth. He grabbed his family heirloom and stood ready for action.
[OOC:] I appreciate everyone making an initiative roll automatically - that will be a good standard for all encounters - but your Observe tests were to make sure you guys were not completely surprised and would be ambushed, thus restricted to no actions this round.
Since you guys were successful, you may all act but it will be as follows:
- Those who made a successful Observe roll may act with 2 actions, but Old Gar and Spindel will have lead initiative.
- Those who did not have a successfull Observe may act with 1 actions, but Old Gar and Spindel will have lead initiative.
Kori's Observe (See) test:(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif)
TN 14 Observe +3, Specialty +2, Dim Lighting -2-------------------------
Roll(2d6)+3: 4,4,+3 Total:11
FAILEDKori's Observe (Hear) test:(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif)
TN 12 Observe +3-------------------------
Roll(2d6)+3: 1,2,+3 Total:6
FAILEDKori's initiative:(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif)
TN n/a Swiftness +3-------------------------
Roll(2d6)+2: 5,3,+2 Total:10
OOC:Forgot to make an observe test...
Observe (spot) TN=12+5(darkness)+2(Sleep)-5(Night eyed)=14
Roll(2d6)+0:
5,6,+0
Total:11+2(ranks)+2(specialty), Tired -2=13(Failed)
[OOC:] You guys need to remember your weariness (and wound) modifiers on tests. Check your post above to see if I made any changes in red.
Caranmir's weariness factor was negated due to the meditation he got prior to taking watch.
OOC: Sorry I haven't been around, everyone. My real-life job involves covering the Stanley Cup and NBA Playoffs, and when both are going on at the same time, I'm working insane hours. I apologize for the inconvenience, and you can count on my full participation from this day forward. Thanks for understanding.
***
Observe Test: (TN 12 - no darkness penalty due to Night-Eyed Edge)
Vári's skill: +6
Roll(2d6)+6:6,3,+6 Total:15 - SUCCESS
Vári had kept to himself thus far; he had been alone for so long that he found it surprisingly difficult to insert himself into the conversation. But he listened intently, and was learning to like his new companions; good folk who were obviously more knowledgeable about the ways of the world then he. He found it quite enlightening... and thought that eventually, he might ask the Hobbit, Gumbo, for some of his pleasant-smelling leaf to smoke when he had something to give in return.
He had decided that it was time to collect some rest in this accursed forest, and as he laid his head down upon his pack as a makeshift pillow, he noticed a dark shape; large and horrifying, moving silently through the tree limbs above.
He leapt to his feet and in an urgent whisper, he called to the rest: "Spider!"