Underfed (part 7)
So, into the desert you go.
The good news is that you're way through with a guide. This means you're going to make good time, knowhere to go to shave off time, and move quickly through the night.
The bad news is that you're going to have to march into the day to catch up with the caravn. The rising sun immediately starts to scorch you before long, and in fact, you're all dragging after a while. The chasm took a lot out of you...
Even a seemingly tireless War Golem is dragging after so many days of climbing and walking and marching through inhospitable terrain. He tries to keep close to K'nap since their guide has proven a bit fragile. Still he's clearly their only hope of navigating.
Silently, Seldan blesses the choice to adopt the robes of the desert nomad, even though they cling to him and he is out of spells by now, necessitating that he carry his gear and armor. Without them, he would be facing sun poisoning. As it is, the bright daylight over the desert is hard on pale eyes, and he shades them with a hand just to be able to see. It's a grueling pace, but he is well enough - for the moment.
Under the protection of a casting of Resist Elements Nasrin is still forced to march without her armour, carrying on her back what she cannot afford to wear. At least the pale, freckled redhead is not burnign alive under the sun. "If it were not for Kor's blessing I would actually cook like this," she notes cheerfully. "Literally. Redheads lack souls, and apparently those act like a heat sync in the sun."
The little Gnomeish Knight, head bowed, marches along leading the Corgi. Whom for it's part seems to be completely unaffected by the heat or the march. In fact it seems to be happily munching on some form of lizard it found. The tail vanishing down it's maw with a snickety-crack. Absently Soup draws up his canteen and takes a pull on it, then holds it out to the side and pours some water out which the massive tongue cups and lols into the canine's ever happy maw. "This is not going in the next song." The little Gnome pants out as he trundles along.
GAME: Victor refreshes spells.
GAME: Victor casts Endure Elements. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16
GAME: Victor casts Endure Elements. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16
GAME: Victor casts Endure Elements. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16
GAME: Victor casts Endure Elements. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16
Trudge trudge trudge, "What I wouldn't give for my wagon's water dispenser." mutters Alaryn. She has a few strands of tin-like metal extended up over her head, supporting a cloth that she keeps there as a mobile sun-screen. Who needs a parasol?! But otherwise, she keeps moving.
GAME: Nasrin refreshes spells.
Victor marches along with the others. He lets himself drift towards the rear of the group, the better to avoid accidentally brushing against others. His skin has heated under the everpresent sun as if it were armor and could at times be scalding to the touch.
GAME: Nasrin casts Endure Elements. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14
GAME: Alaryn refreshes spells.
GAME: Alaryn casts Endure Elements. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16
Instead of complaining, Seldan saves his breath for walking, trudging under the desert sun. Looking down doesn't help, with the sun reflecting off of the sand as well. He doesn't answer any of the comments.
GAME: Soup rolls survival: (6)+1: 7
YOu've been on the march for some time. A forced march, to be sure, pushing up through the growing dunes of sand, but you do indeed see a distant sighn on the horizon, the classical lush greenery of a desert oasis ahead of you.
It is, in fact, not a mirage. You reach it soon enough and K'nap collapses by its side when you do.
"Thank the lords of the range," he whistle-sighs, wings drooping. "We do not hqave much time to linger, but at least we can now rest, assuming a dragon does not spot us."
Seldan is right behind him in collapsing beside it, robes and all, tossing his pack to one side. He rolls over on one side, pulling down the head covering, and cups water in two hands to pour it over his head.
Thadump Thadump Thadump, the Corgi races ahead, dragging Soup across the sand. Then as the massive dog guzzles water, then turns and drools on Soup's sunburned face the little Gnome slowly shduders back to life. "Faaah.. nooo." He manages weakly waving his hands to try and wave the dog off. Slowly Soup pulls himself to the water and fills his canteen and drinks deeply from it before filling it once more. His mount carefully grooming him by licking his hair and beard. "Fwaaagh!" The little Knight manages as he's being dog'ed.
Striding towards the water, Alaryn is about to dip her own skins in to refill them when the Dire Corgi dips in to drink. She pauses and then moves a bit upwards in whatever current there is before filling her skins. "Are you sure you wouldn't like one of my alchemical dog treats?" she asks Soup with a tired smile.
Victor stops next to the water, although he doesn't drink. He does study the oasis, especially the shady spots. Then he turns to survey the surrounding landscape. He commits to memory any landmarks he can see, in case the need to return someday without their guide.
Nasrin is already casting about, trying to get a good angle on the pool of water in question. "Out of my way or I'll run you over,' she shouts. CLearly, she's intending on taking a dive into the oasis at full speed. The redhjeadorients herself on the pool of water and starts by doing a couple quick stretches.
The pygmy bullet that has been wit hNasrin chases after her and attempts promptly to reach and then murder the heels of her boots. SUCH A GOOD LANDSHARK.
"Alchemical dog treats?" Soup says blearily. "I'm not hungry." He adds in a tired voice. Soon the little Gnome is hoisted into the air by the Corgi's teeth on his doubtlet. Carried off to a darker area of the oasis, he's lain in the shade by the dog which plops down near by and pants happily as the little Gnome simply lays there, occasionally sipping from his canteen.
"We should rest here for as long as we can," says K'nap, "and let the heat pass over us. WE will resume at dusk. Until then, make yourselves comfortable."
THe bird trhen curls up and attempts to do just that: rest beneath the shade of a tree.
Seldan doesn't need to be told twice. Wet the headgear, fill the canteens, drink a little bit, then resume the headgear and find a patch of shade. He's asleep in minutes.
GAME: Seldan rolls perception: (5)+2: 7
GAME: Soup rolls perception: (3)+10: 13
GAME: Alaryn rolls perception: (19)+9: 28
GAME: Victor rolls perception: (19)+6: 25
GAME: Nasrin rolls perception: (17)+3: 20
Hours pass. The heat builts. It's a terrible thing, that heat. Even with protective magics, it's still blisteringly hot.
The sun reaches its zenith and then eventually slowly retreats while you spend the day more or less hiding from it in the shade and drinking water. Eventually, it slips towards dusk. All things appear good so far...
Victor turns to examine the various trees one after another. Then he approaches one in particular. "Did anyone...well, did anyone move this tree?" He places one hand against the trunk.
Once the heat fades away enough, Soup pulls himself to his feet. Touches the slobber hardened mowhawk his hair has become and then plucks at his sweat and trail worn clothing. "Unacceptable." He says, and begins to move his hands carefully as he murmurs a few arcane words. Making good use of the cantrips of Mending and Prestidigitation to return him to a more knightly baring. The Corgi also gets a quick once over, pulling sand and small hopelessly lost critters from it's fur. "Move a tree? Did you get too hot?" Soup asks Victor.
Seldan is careful to sleep as much as their time and the heat allows, to ensure a proper rest for what is to come. When his turn at watch comes, he will take it, but starts looking away from the sun, back towards where the moon will rise. He takes longer drinks now and refills his canteens, but watches the sky closely.
"Hey. Does anyone else remember that tree being somewhere else?" asks Alaryn, echoing Victor. But she reaches for her rifle, lifting it to her shoulder, but keeping the barrel aimed at the ground.
It's hard to say but the tree is just one of many, absent its greener. PErhaps it was chewed off, but it sure looks like one of the less healthy ones around.
Soup shakes his head and sets about barding up the Dire Corgi and then putting on his own armor. Now that the heat won't be a problem, and the leather and quilted vests to help with the cold desert nights. "This is why we are going to turn down these desert trips. They're not worth the trouble." The little knight explains to his mount.
Seldan looks over at the others discussing whether trees moved or not, but his eyes return to the sky, his back to the sunset. What he is waiting for may or may not be clear.
Victor turns away from the tree and goes about casting Endure Elements on those who can't cast it on themselves. His last spell leaves him at K'napp's side. "What is your plan for today?" he asks.
Just after Victor speaks, the tree jerks.
And emits a horrible, horrible, foul smelling liquid /directly/ at the lot of you...
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Whirlpoopin' has dropped a TIMESTOP!
Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Whirlpoopin' to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.
For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
GAME: Seldan rolls initiative: (4)+initiative: 4
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 20.
It is now Alaryn's turn! Victor is next!
GAME: Alaryn rolls weapon17: (3)+6: 9
Reflexes are awesome. But not when they are twitchy. Alaryn snaps her weapon up and pulls the trigger. The problem is she is already moving towards cover and didn't take time to fire -right-. So the shot strikes the ground near the tree even as she is moving to find a rock to use as cover against that ranged spit attack.
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 16.
It is now Victor's turn! Seldan is next!
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 13.
It is now Seldan's turn! Nasrin is next!
GAME: Victor casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16
Victor chants word of power. He's immediately encased in invisible armor. Then he moves forward, positioning himself between the sttange shape and the nearest party member.
GAME: Seldan casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d4+1: (2)+1: 3
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 12.
It is now Nasrin's turn! Stick Insect 1 is next!
Seldan hasn't yet donned his own armor again, and indeed wears only shirt and trousers when the stick thing emerges. He'd been watching the sky, but all such thoughts fly from his head at the shouts. Quickly, looking down at himself, he casts a spell, quick words giving rise to a bolt of blue white fire that slams into the tree-like object.
So, Nasrin is readying to run up to attack, but then she gets a face full of murder-lizard distracting her.
It climbed up her back and dropped down in front of her face, ROARING mightily.
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 11.
It is now Stick Insect 1's turn! Stick Insect 2 is next!
GAME: Victor rolls fort: (8)+6: 14
GAME: Alaryn rolls fortitude: (20)+6: 26 (CRITICAL SUCCESS)
GAME: Seldan rolls fortitude: (11)+9: 20
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 5.
It is now Soup's turn! Stick Insect 2 is next!
GAME: Whirlpoopin' rolls 1d20+9: (3)+9: 12
Soup and his dog mihtily charge! The dog abruptly stops in front of the tree and turns to relieve itself upon it.
Hey, it looks like a tree and its a dog.
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 4.
It is now Stick Insect 2's turn! Alaryn is next!
Unfortunately for the rest of you, there's a /second/ moving tree. Upon closer examination, these appear to be long, spindly insects that merely *look* like trees. Now that they're moving their legs -- which look an awful lot like branches -- begins to wiggle closer to Alaryn's position in cover. Oh no!
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 20.
It is now Alaryn's turn! Victor is next!
GAME: Alaryn rolls weapon17+1: (10)+6+1: 17
GAME: Alaryn rolls 1d12+2: (2)+2: 4
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 16.
It is now Victor's turn! Seldan is next!
"
GAME: Whirlpoopin' rolls 1d20+10: (4)+10: 14
Tactical maneuvers are important. Alaryn traverses her weapon to aim at the new target.. the barrel flares as a new shot is sent downrange. But she fired a bit too early, and only grazed its shell. But she fires and then she turns and trots forther away. If she can keep at range, keep shooting, she can do this.
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 13.
It is now Seldan's turn! Nasrin is next!
GAME: Seldan casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d4+1: (4)+1: 5
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 12.
It is now Nasrin's turn! Stick Insect 1 is next!
GAME: Whirlpoopin' rolls 1d20+7: (20)+7: 27
GAME: Whirlpoopin' rolls 1d20+7: (13)+7: 20
GAME: Whirlpoopin' rolls 3d12+18: (21)+18: 39
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 11.
It is now Stick Insect 1's turn! Soup is next!
GAME: Whirlpoopin' rolls 1d20+7: (13)+7: 20
GAME: Whirlpoopin' rolls 2d6+6: (8)+6: 14
GAME: Nasrin rolls perform/singing: (19)+perform/singing: 19
Nasrin lets out a holler. After narrowly dodging a blast of smelly goop she narrows her gaze t the stick insect, the blood red axe in hand. A frown develops. "I've never had to fight a tree," the woman mutters. THen she charge
With a whoop of glee Nasrin wields her axe two-handed, chopping into the insect as it lets out a wild hiss, flailing.
"OH! I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay! I chop the trees that are in my way!"
Yes, Nasrin is singing as she chops the insect to bits. No one tell her it's not a tree.
GAME: Victor rolls weapon5+2-1: (6)+7+2+-1: 14
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 11.
It is now Victor's turn! Soup is next!
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 5.
It is now Soup's turn! Stick Insect 2 is next!
GAME: Whirlpoopin' rolls 1d20+10: (11)+10: 21
GAME: Whirlpoopin' rolls 1d20+10: (13)+10: 23
GAME: Whirlpoopin' rolls 1d6+5: (4)+5: 9
GAME: Whirlpoopin' rolls 1d6+56: (1)+56: 57
GAME: Whirlpoopin' rolls 1d6+5: (1)+5: 6
The stick insect seems unperturbed by its companion falling. Hey, it's a bug. What do you expect?
In any case, it lashes out with long, clawed forearms, scraping viciously both Soup and Victor at their approach.
GAME: Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 4.
It is now Stick Insect 2's turn! Alaryn is next!
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Whirlpoopin' advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 20.
It is now Alaryn's turn! Seldan is next!
Victor looks surprised as the insect creature is chopped down before him. He gives Nasrin a quick glance at the song. Then he turns and runs at the second monster. He swings a fist as he approaches, but the blow bounces off harmlessly.