Out of the Port

[klakxor]

The town around Trinity Port is in ruins. There are buildings smashed in and collapsing. Along the streets are all sorts of rubble, garbage, and dead bodies in varying states of decay. What was once a prosperous village is now nothing but an unkept graveyard.

Every now and then, it seems that there is something out of the corners of your eyes that is moving, but whenever you look, all you see is a piece of paper floating through the air or a small tree blowing in the wind. The skies are overcast as if rain will be starting before evening sets in.

The quiet of the village is unsettling, and there is not much to do but keep moving.

You get through the village as the sun is reaching its zenith. Outside the crumbled walls that were to protect the village, the sight is incredibly morbid.

There are piles of burned corpses, the fields that were once lush farms stand as burnt out dirt patches. The main road that leads to the village is starting to overgrow with vegetation. In the distance to the north you see a couple streams of smoke lifting to the sky.

[Phoenix512]

“It seems that no one really walks this path. We should move carefully.”

[Catalyst]

Andraes nods and scans the area while walking.

“I agree.”

[patransom]

“Yes. I'll do some scouting ahead, if no one has a problem with that. Just keep a leisurely pace so you don't catch up with me.” Samara disguises herself as a dirty little street urchin and moves off ahead of the party, hiding in whatever shadows are provided by the abandoned buildings.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Hide +18, Move Silently +16, Spot and Listen +2

 

[Flinx]

“Well, I know that caution is important, but hurry. I would like to get out of this place as quickly as possible... It is very unpleasant here.”

[klakxor]

As you move through the ruins, a small band (10) of gnolls can be seen patroling up ahead (100 yards). They are obviously scavenging anything they come across. At the moment they do not notice the party and seem to only be crossing the path that the party is heading down.

[patransom]

OUT OF CHARACTER

I assume you mean gnolls, not knolls. Wandering hills would be rather frightening

 

Samara creeps back to the rest of the party, You all see those critters up there, right? What do you want to do about them? Wait for them to go away? Sneak attack?

[klakxor]

OUT OF CHARACTER

I assume you mean gnolls, not knolls. Wandering hills would be rather frightening

 

OUT OF CHARACTER

Yes I mean gnolls, although I suppose I could have them be some type of evil kobold/gnoll hybrid (little scaly hyena people)

 

[Catalyst]

“If we can, I would prefer to avoid them. To me it looks like they are only trying to ebb out a living here. I don't think we should engage them unless it is unavoidable. Besides, they could be good for some information.”

[klakxor]

As you watch the gnolls up ahead, another band of creatures (20) sets on the gnolls. The greater numbers of the new band seem to dessimate the gnolls in a matter of moments and the scatter.

Most of you recognize that the group is made up of humanoids (halflings, humans, elves, etc.).

[Catalyst]

“Well, so much for using them for information.”

Andraes will try to identify any significant marks denoting allegiances to either our cause or the opposition. (Spot check, unknown modifier as I don't have a working copy of office on my computer)

[marine7312000]

“Do ye think we should talk to this new group?” Doc asks.

[Phoenix512]

I think it's better that no one knows that we're here right now. For all we know, they could be trying to conquer the land as well.

[patransom]

Samara disagrees, “I think it's more likely they're the resistance Weasel was talking about. I think I should go take a closer look at them... Unless anyone objects?”

[Flinx]

“A closer look sounds like a good idea.”

[klakxor]

OUT OF CHARACTER

My thumb drive holding all my character information died on me today. I need to scour through several computers to try to see what I can recover. Will validate posts once I get things together

 

[klakxor]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Hooray for backing up my data, we are ready to roll forward

 

As you discuss whether or not to approach the new group, it quickly dissipates. The leave no remains of the creatures they just killed and no trace of them ever being there. The road is now eerily quiet waiting for you to move.

[patransom]

“So much for that idea...” Samara shrugs, then (retaining her street urchin disguise) sets off again to scout ahead of the party, hiding in shadows as much as possible.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Hide +18, Move Silently +16, Spot and Listen +2

 

[Flinx]

“That was odd.”

[Phoenix512]

“Well that solves that problem. Let's continue on like I originally suggested.”

[Catalyst]

At this point, Andraes deploys the blades from it's wrists and keeps It's eyes open to danger.

“Perhaps caution would be the best way to proceed.”

[klakxor]

You move out of the city without further interruption. The band you saw earlier either did not see you or did not consider you a threat. Again, an occasional shadow pops up and disappears just as quickly.

As you exit the city and travel through the farmlands, the desolation of what was left behind is obvious and saddening. You travel north, through farms and forest, coming across several small towns but finding very little sign of life. There are a couple small encounters, ones that are quickly ended by your well armed group.

After about 3 days travel, you see smoke trails rising in the sky. Four distinct fires can be determine from the trails rising up, however it would seem that these fires are large from the amount of smoke pouring into the sky.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Anyone who is still playing, level up your character for me. Also please let me know you are still playing

 

[patransom]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Still playing, will get you a leveled up Samara soon... I thing something big happens for her at 11th level, so I'm excited.

 

Samara will continue sneaking ahead of the main group and scouting. She'll try to see if she can spot the source of the fires, to the extent they lie in the party's path...

[Phoenix512]

Armite will allow Samara to sneak since it would hard for him to sneak. He wait for her to return.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Here's Armite Level 11 Crusader sheet. Readied Maneuvers: War Leader's Charge, White Raven Tactics, Radiant Charge, Divine Strike, Foehammer, Revitalizing Strike.

 

[marine7312000]

OUT OF CHARACTER

I have to totally recreate Doc from scratch so I'll have an updated sheet for you by the end of the week.

 

Doc will move behind the front line and ready her crossbow.

[patransom]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Hmm, this level wasn't as big a deal as I thought. Only real upgrade is that dodge bonus goes to +2. Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, I guess. Her incredible hit point roll: Hit Points for level 11 (level 10 counting LA) (1d6=1)

 

[Catalyst]

OUT OF CHARACTER

I'm still playing, but I don't have a working copy of office at the moment. Something about valid product keys...

 

Andraes will continue to follow the group, keeping a watchful eye out.

[klakxor]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Still waiting to hear from TheGreenLabrador, Flinx, and Draconas. Also still need Andraes and Doc at next level. Will continue next week without them if necessary.

 

[TheGreenLabrador]

I will have my sheet updated in a couple days with post.

[patransom]

Samara suddenly steps out in front of the group, returning from her scouting ahead. “Ummmm, okay, so there's a problem up ahead. There's a big ol' canyon right across our path. It's not supposed to be there, or at least it wasn't there last I heard anything about this area. There's a bunch of humanoids camped down at the bottom of the rift, too far away for me to tell exactly who or what they are. Worse yet, they're burning something that smells like flesh and hair. That's what all the smoke is from.” Samara makes a disgusted face.