Elfquest #5

[GM Mad]

Elfquest #5

The elves are enjoying a few hours in Ainsun, the Grunalf Clanhold and the home of Lilia and Laucian. In Ainsun itself Clan Elder Arloen Treelife gives the half-elves a tour. He shows them the elfin way of life.

Arloen's statement surprises Kylie. "These few are the only children in the village?!" she asks, astounded. "I had heard that elven birthrates were low, but hadn't imagined they were this low..."

“The only infants,” Arloen corrects. “There are a handful of older children and adolescents.”

“When does an elf truly come of age?’ She asks curiously, “If they are passed from one elder to the next then perhaps their training would take years.” She states as the thought pops in her head.

“In just a few years,” the Elder states. “It typically takes 65-75 winters for an elfin child to become an adolescent. Another 35-45 years until they are considered adults. Most elves are considered adults once they have their 110th birthday.”

Kylie examines the Clan Tree carefully. It is truly magnificent! "So this tree then is a direct offshoot of the Mother Tree?" she asks in an effort to confirm her understanding. "It is quite beautiful."

“Yes, she is a daughter of the Mother Tree. The Keepers have tended to her ever since our clan arrived here. It is a full time task, but one well worth it.”

“Indeed, quite marvelous,” Talen says, bathed in the love from the Tree of Life. “I never realized just how special elves where until these last few days.”

“We are truly blessed by our gods for the gifts they have given us. The Tree of Life is responsible for maintaining this forest. Without it, the trees would not grow so high; the plants that give us food would wither. The forest would slowly turn back to normal and the greatest gift from the All-Father would been gone forever. It is a frightening thought.”


The market area is next and the half-elves are allowed to stock up on supplies.

Kylie follows Arloen to the market area. "The fresh foods look wonderful, but won't hold up while traveling. Dried fruit and nuts should do much better." Kylie turns to Talen and Lia (if she's still there). "How much of this trail mix to you think we should get?" If they don't seem certain, she will try discussing it with the elven merchant, describing the size of their group, the likely length of the trip, and what food they have with them, asking for suggestions. She will also collect a few bags of fresh fruit to enliven the next few days.

The merchant will state that a pound of trail mix will last a typical elf a week. You may want to double that for half-elves as they tend to eat more than a full-blooded elf.

“So the orchards, if you will, take care of themselves? Amazing…”

“We don’t plant crops or till the land like the humans do. That’s mainly what I was saying. We coexist with nature; we do not try to bend it to our will. Other than cleaning away dead limbs and keeping overgrowth in check, we do not interfere with the natural growing process.”

The armor is of little use or value to Kylie, but she finds herself attracted to the elven clothing. She will look through them, seeking something that might suit her appearance while reflecting the elven side of her heritage. After all, all of her existing clothes are of human manufacture.

The elfin clothing is far lighter than that manufactured by humans. It is also softer to the skin, but just as worn and will resist tearing even greater. Typical garments can be had here, shirts, dresses, and so on.

Not understanding elven customs, Kylie will of course attempt to pay for what she acquires and be surprised if her money is refused.

At the marketplace Lia picks up everything and everything before her curiously looking at all the fruits and items for sale. Upon seeing the garments she begins to look through them. Not being one to ever wear a dress she merely stays away from them and looks to the shirts. Finding a light off blue tunic she smiles, “This is beautiful.” She attempts to pay for it but is turned away her gold of no use….

Selecting a dagger she checks its balance in her hand and digs into her purse producing a few gold coins. And placing them on the table before the merchant/Elder. “I would not dream of taking such a fine piece of weaponry without compensating those whom worked so hard on its beauty.” She says evenly, if turned away she will merely say, “I am not of your clan and it would be to much like stealing it.”

“Save your coins, children,” Arloen says, “they have no value here. You mission will ensure that our very way of life survives. Seeing that you are properly outfitted for your long journey is the least we can do.”

The next shop houses man weapons and Lia looks at the Elfin blades with fascination picking several up and admiring the handy work and intricate design of the handle Noticing several of the pommels are the same on both Daggers and sword Lia asks the elder, “Are these the marking of the blacksmith?’” tracing her fingers on the serpents scaled body.

“It is the symbol of our clan,” Arloen explains. “There were many snakes in this area when our ancestors first arrived here. This was the hunting ground for many great serpents. There was much conflict at first, but eventually the matter was settled and the serpents defeated. The River of Monsters was home to many of these serpents. The coiled and hissing serpent became the symbol of our clan after that.”

“Thank you for everything you’ve given us and shown us, Elder. We will do our best not to fail in this mission.”

“I know that you will succeed. It is unthinkable to consider otherwise.”

[GM Mad]

Elsewhere Laucian, Nariya, and Valena are out at Ehlonna’s temple near Black Lake…

“A fair voice that always commanded one’s attention.” he says loud enough so Ielenia can hear his voice. “It’s been a long time Ielenia, good to see you well. I would like you to meet Valena Feador of Ehlonna and Nariya of Solonar.” not wanting to interrupt her lessons further. He will merely ask, “Where could I find Ivellios?”

“Laucian!”, Ielenia calls out upon seeing her former student. Excusing herself, she approaches and gives Laucian a hug. “We had heard that you had departed on a great quest. What are you doing here?”

“Ivellios is out mentoring the acolytes in their forest survival drills. He isn’t scheduled to be back for several days. Is there something I can help you with?”

"Nice to meet you Ielenia," Nariya will respond. She will enjoy the rest of the tour and then spend the remainder of her time there outside. She spots Laucian down by the water doing something, but leaves him to his moment.

“Greetings, priestess,” Valena will say when introduced. “This is a marvelous temple you have here.”

“An honor to meet you both as well. Please, let me extend the hospitality of our temple to you. Have you had lunch yet?”

Now what?

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

I keep forgetting to mention, this, but the Roster page for both New Frontries and Elfquest are both up to date in the private area. They are now database driven and things like XP's needed for next level are automatically calculated by the program.

Check it out!

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Uhm, sorry!”, Talen quickly answers. “It just seemed obvious to me. I didn’t mean to be rude.”

"Don't worry, Talen," Kylie replies. "You weren't rude, just faster then me." Kylie pauses for a moment. "That will not be tolerated," she says in mock-severity, then giggles.

After some discussion, they come to an agreement regarding the piloting of the barge. It is good to know that the burden will be shared as evenly as possible among those best able to carry it.

“I would estimate about twice the size of Ainsun. We have a population of about 1000 elves. Feador sits near the shores of Lake Selinar. Our clanhold is best noted as a center for study of the Tree of Life. There is an extensive library of genealogies and magical lore. These are all stored in the beautiful Palace of Tree Magic. It is a structure similar to the Sky Palace of the Elfin King.”

Kylie listens carefully as Valena describes the home of Clan Feador. "I would love to visit it some day. The library would be fascinating - perhaps I could even learn more of my family there."


As the elder guides them through the village, Kylie listens to the answers he provides to their questions. He corrects her mistaken assumption regarding the kids, but still, there are fewer than she had imagined for a village this size.

The place really is quite amazing. Being an elf is even more different from what she has known than she had imagined. There is so much she doesn't know about her mother and her culture...

Based on the information provided by Lilia and the food merchant, Kylie selects about a dozen pounds of the trail mix and just a few pounds of fresh fruit. They have other food stores, and she doesn't want to risk any of it going to waste. "Talen, would you mind helping me carry this, please?" she asks Sherwood's cousin.

Rather than something pretty, like a dress, Kylie seeks out a good travelling tunic in a color which both suits her natural coloring and her more subtle talents - perhaps a rich burgundy or forest green. Kylie will ask Lia for input in selecting the right color. She also selects a coordinating pair of leggings to go with the new tunic.

Later on after she wakes from her nap, Lilia presents Kylie and Talen a book to help them learn the Alphatian language. "Thank you, Lilia. I'm sure it will be a great help." Talen then promptly offers it to Kylie. "That's okay... I'm sure we can manage to share it, Talen. After all, I won't have much use for it when I'm flying the barge, and I'll have to take time to relearn all my spells afterwards, as well."

Before heading back to the barge, Kylie will approach Arloen. "Elder Treelife? I found this on my travels," she says, digging the TigerEye agate from her enchanted girdle and handing it to him. "I believe it is of unusual quality, and I believe you can make better use of it than I. Please accept it with my gratitude for your kind hospitality."

[Lia]

Lia

“In just a few years,” the Elder states. “It typically takes 65-75 winters for an elfin child to become an adolescent. Another 35-45 years until they are considered adults. Most elves are considered adults once they have their 110th birthday.”

Lia nods in understanding then asks with a child like innocence, “Why does it take so long to become of age? Most other races you are of age by your 16th to 20th birthday,” she adds, “Though mother is far older then us both.” somewhat answering her own question.

“Save your coins, children,” Arloen says, “they have no value here. You mission will ensure that our very way of life survives. Seeing that you are properly outfitted for your long journey is the least we can do.”

“Thank you, Elder.” she says with a respectful bow.

“It is the symbol of our clan,” Arloen explains. “There were many snakes in this area when our ancestors first arrived here. This was the hunting ground for many great serpents. There was much conflict at first, but eventually the matter was settled and the serpents defeated. The River of Monsters was home to many of these serpents. The coiled and hissing serpent became the symbol of our clan after that.”

Lia listens to the tale as it is woven before her, A swift and nimble adversary and potentially dangerous if trifled with, A fitting symbol she thinks to herself. “The work is by far the best I have seen. I will use it wisely.” she states, though she is curious. “How is the swords made with no forge or smith?”

At the market place Kylie asks her opinion on colors of Tunics, “Well, the forest green would suit you better to hide in your surroundings, But I am somewhat parcel to the burgundy.”

[Laucian]

Laucian

“Laucian!”, Ielenia calls out upon seeing her former student. Excusing herself, she approaches and gives Laucian a hug. “We had heard that you had departed on a great quest. What are you doing here?”

“Its been some time.” he says returning her hug. “ Our quest only has just begun,” he states evenly. “We stopped in Anisun to rest and resupply. My friends wished to see the temple proper and pay respects to Ehlonna as I did.”

“Ivellios is out mentoring the acolytes in their forest survival drills. He isn’t scheduled to be back for several days. Is there something I can help you with?”

“A shame, I would have liked to have seen him. if there were more time I would track him down.” he says with a sudden grin. Reaching into his pouch he produces a bag of 15 gems. “I have come to pay my respect and to offer these to further Ehlonna’s cause.”

Laucian will then head to the temple proper to pray to his Patron, he will then go and spend time with the others conversing over lunch

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Later on after she wakes from her nap, Lilia presents Kylie and Talen a book to help them learn the Alphatian language. "Thank you, Lilia. I'm sure it will be a great help." Talen then promptly offers it to Kylie. "That's okay... I'm sure we can manage to share it, Talen. After all, I won't have much use for it when I'm flying the barge, and I'll have to take time to relearn all my spells afterwards, as well."

“It was how I learned the language. The lessons contained within are better than what I could come up with on my own.”

“I’m going to return to the barge. I am sure that we are all eager to continue on our way.”

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

As Lia pets one of her lioness heads Valena’s voices carries over as she approaches. She smiles, as Valena guess is fairly accurate. “They are both powerful and swift, as well as loyal and friendly. You would never receive such a treatment, while they are in my control. You may pet them if you would like, no harm will come to you.” as she merely wishes them to sit beside her. “The one on my left is Misha and the other is Sasha.”

“That is remarkable!’ Dropping to one knee, Valena offers her hand to the great cats so that they can pick up her scent and show that she means them no harm. Then she’ll scratch them underneath their chin. Most felines enjoy that and Valena is confident that these ones, even though they are magical, are no different.

Kylie listens carefully as Valena describes the home of Clan Feador. "I would love to visit it some day. The library would be fascinating - perhaps I could even learn more of my family there."

“I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to visit once we return from this quest.”


After finishing up with her prayers and devotions, Valena becomes aware that Laucian has joined her. Silently, she’ll depart the area to allow her fellow priest his own private time with their patron. She’ll venture down to the lake and take the temple area in. Later, Valena will join the others in a light lunch before they return to Ainsun.

[Talen]

Talen:

"Don't worry, Talen," Kylie replies. "You weren't rude, just faster then me." Kylie pauses for a moment. "That will not be tolerated," she says in mock-severity, then giggles.

Kylie’s comments catch Talen off guard and for a few moments he’s too horrified to say anything. Then she starts to giggle and Talen realizes that she was just teasing him. “I’ll keep that in mind for future reference.”

Based on the information provided by Lilia and the food merchant, Kylie selects about a dozen pounds of the trail mix and just a few pounds of fresh fruit. They have other food stores, and she doesn't want to risk any of it going to waste. "Talen, would you mind helping me carry this, please?" she asks Sherwood's cousin.

“No problem,” Talen answers as he picks up what Kylie indicates. “Is there any more?”

Rather than something pretty, like a dress, Kylie seeks out a good traveling tunic in a color which both suits her natural coloring and her more subtle talents - perhaps a rich burgundy or forest green. Kylie will ask Lia for input in selecting the right color. She also selects a coordinating pair of leggings to go with the new tunic.

“The green also matches your eyes,” Talen unexpectedly blurts out. An embarrassed look comes to his face a moment later.

Later on after she wakes from her nap, Lilia presents Kylie and Talen a book to help them learn the Alphatian language. "Thank you, Lilia. I'm sure it will be a great help." Talen then promptly offers it to Kylie. "That's okay... I'm sure we can manage to share it, Talen. After all, I won't have much use for it when I'm flying the barge, and I'll have to take time to relearn all my spells afterwards, as well."

“Okay, that sounds fine to me.”

Talen will carry the supplies back to the barge.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to visit once we return from this quest.”

"That would be wonderful," Kylie says. She's not entirely convinced that they will survive to return, but decides it's best not to give voice to her fears.

Kylie’s comments catch Talen off guard and for a few moments he’s too horrified to say anything. Then she starts to giggle and Talen realizes that she was just teasing him. “I’ll keep that in mind for future reference.”

Kylie merely winks at Talen in recognition of his statement.

“No problem,” Talen answers as he picks up what Kylie indicates. “Is there any more?”

"Thank you, Talen. If you could grab that bag of peaches, I think we're set." Kylie has a few bags herself, but it is clear that she is letting Talen carry the lion's share of the burden.

At the market place Kylie asks her opinion on colors of Tunics, “Well, the forest green would suit you better to hide in your surroundings, But I am somewhat parcel to the burgundy.”

“The green also matches your eyes,” Talen unexpectedly blurts out. An embarrassed look comes to his face a moment later.

Kylie looks at Talen for a moment with an unreadable expression, then turns back to Lia. "Hmm... I think in honor of my mother and elven heritage, as well as the generosity of the elves here in Ainsun, the green is a better choice. Besides, I already have a burgundy one - it's just not as nice as this one." Kylie will select brown leggings to go with the dark green tunic.

“It was how I learned the language. The lessons contained within are better than what I could come up with on my own.”

"Then it is bound to be of great help to us," Kylie replies. "Thank you."

“Okay, that sounds fine to me.”

Kylie nods as if to say that everything is settled then. "I guess we better head back to the barge." Turning, she follows Lilia back, carrying all of the goods she just acquired. And to think she didn't have to steal any of it...

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Shore leave in Ainsun is winding down. The half-elves finish up their purchases before heading back to the barge.

Before heading back to the barge, Kylie will approach Arloen. "Elder Treelife? I found this on my travels," she says, digging the TigerEye agate from her enchanted girdle and handing it to him. "I believe it is of unusual quality, and I believe you can make better use of it than I. Please accept it with my gratitude for your kind hospitality."

The elder is curious at first as Kylie fishes out the gem. "It is very nice. Thank you for the gift. I am sure we can make use of it."

Lia nods in understanding then asks with a child like innocence, "Why does it take so long to become of age? Most other races you are of age by your 16th to 20th birthday," she adds, "Though mother is far older then us both." somewhat answering her own question.

"We elves are extremely long lived, Lia. I have known some to live for more than 800 winters. It is only naturally that we take longer to grow and mature. I have heard that dwarves also grow at a slower rate and live much longer than humans do."

Lia listens to the tale as it is woven before her, a swift and nimble adversary and potentially dangerous if trifled with, a fitting symbol she thinks to herself. "The work is by far the best I have seen. I will use it wisely." She states, though she is curious. "How is the swords made with no forge or smith?"

"They are forged like other swords. The forges themselves are just not here in town. One such forge is out at the Ehlonna Temple on the shores of Black Lake. It is a smelly process and we'd rather not pollute the air."


Out at Black Lake, the elves are invited to join the daily late morning meal. The fare is typical for elves, being fruits and nuts, but there are a few meat dishes as well. This is not a surprise as part of Ehlonna training is the ability to survive in the wilds. Sometimes the preferred foods are just not available and meat has to be used as a substitute. It's served here to help the acolytes become accustomed to its taste. A fine, light wine is served as well.

"A shame, I would have liked to have seen him. If there were more time I would track him down." he says with a sudden grin. Reaching into his pouch he produces a bag of 15 gems. "I have come to pay my respect and to offer these to further Ehlonna's cause."

"Thank you, Laucian. These will help further the Lady's causes. I will let Ivellios know that you were here. May the Lady of the Forests watch over you on your journey."

[GM Mad]

After finishing up lunch, it's time to return to Ainsun and board the barge once more. Sherwood has memorized his spell and is ready to depart. He pilots the barge out on the River of Monsters and away from town. As soon as he finds a wide enough clearing through the trees, Sherwood directs the barge to rise up into the air. Once you clear the treetops, the barge accelerates on a westerly course.

All to soon you say goodbye to the Elfholds and reach the great Streel Plain of western Cynalon. The weather seems especially foul to the northwest. Dark snow clouds dominate the horizon. Sherwood directs the barge slightly to the south. His plan is to pass just south of the Silver Sierras, avoid the foul weather and set down on Lake Amsorak to change pilots.

As the afternoon draws on, you realize that some of the land down below you traveled before. Favaro is spotted to your south and then Rennydale to your north. Up ahead you can see the southern most spur of the Silver Sierra's come into sight. It is late in the day and the light is rapidly fading.

However, Nariya spots something up in the mountains. A splash of color that doesn't mesh with the stark mountains that surrounds it. Intrigued by this, Sherwood directs the barge in that direction to investigate. In short order what Nariya spotted becomes clearer. Wedged high up in the mountains is the wreckage of a sailing ship! You'd estimate the vessel to be at least 100' long and 20' wide.

The keel of the ship has been smashed in half from the crash. A giant boulder broke the keel near the middle of the ship causing the fore and aft sections of the ship to bend around it. (The ship sort of looks like a flattened out letter 'n'. The middle is higher than the front and back.)

There are huge gashes in the side of the hull, causing the insides of the ship to spill out into the mountains. The three masts that once supported sails have broken completely off. Only one of them can be seen lying across the main deck. The other two are missing. No flags can be seen and the wreck seems to have been deserted for a very long time.

Want to check it out?


GM Notes:

I've added the location of the wreckage to the Stone Ridge map in the private section.

Now what?

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Sherwood is ready to begin the next leg of the journey once everyone returns. He munches on some of the fruit that was acquired while waiting. Once everyone is back, we’re off once again.

Sherwood paces himself better on his second go around at piloting the barge. He won’t control it for as long as he did on the first night. Seeing the weather to the north is poor, he decides to head to the west and skirt to the south of the Silver Sierras.

Nariya spots something up in the mountains and Sherwood moves the barge closer to investigate. There before their eyes they discover the wreckage of what must have been another flying ship!

“Incredible!” Sherwood calls out. “It must have been a flying ship that crashed there. I think we should investigate this.”

Maneuvering the barge closer, everyone can see that the wreck is a complete loss. It’ll never function in its current shape. Even better, no one seems to be around.

Turning to everyone else, Sherwood will say, “I couple of you should go down there and check it out. Tie a rope around yourself and the other to the barge. I’ll keep it hovering over the wreck. If that was a flying ship, then perhaps whatever method they used to move that vessel is still there. There might be things down there that we can use. Maybe even something that will get us to the Sylvan Realm even faster. Just be careful. Who knows what lurks inside that wreck.”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

The elder is curious at first as Kylie fishes out the gem. "It is very nice. Thank you for the gift. I am sure we can make use of it."

A smile lights Kylie's face. "That is wonderful to hear. It has been a pleasure making your acquaintance, Elder Treelife, and I hope we will meet again."

Returning to the barge, they are soon airborne again with Sherwood at the helm. Due to his power and skill, they travel quite fast and cross most of the Streel River plain in hours, rather than days. Kylie spends some of the time watching the land go by and spotting the places she has already been. It fascinates her how different everything looks from up here. Much of the rest of her time is spent learning what she can of the Alphatian language from the book Lilia provided. While she always found some of Jallarzi's more academic lessons a bit dry, Kylie finds that she's actually enjoying this opportunity.

As the day begins to draw to a close, Nariya spots something in the nearby mountains. They draw nearer to find that it is the wreck of a ship. Kylie is surprise to find it so high in the mountains. Apparently they are not the only ones to fly across the sky in a water craft. Sherwood announces it as a flying ship. "Really? You know, I believe Jallarzi mentioned such a thing once, but hadn't really expected to see one. To bad it is in such bad shape."

Turning to everyone else, Sherwood will say, “I couple of you should go down there and check it out. Tie a rope around yourself and the other to the barge. I’ll keep it hovering over the wreck. If that was a flying ship, then perhaps whatever method they used to move that vessel is still there. There might be things down there that we can use. Maybe even something that will get us to the Sylvan Realm even faster. Just be careful. Who knows what lurks inside that wreck.”

Kylie turns to Sherwood. "That sounds like something that would fall within the realm of my training. I'll get my gear."

Kylie will get her pack with her climbing gear and prepare to repel down to the wrecked ship.

[Lia]

Lia

"We elves are extremely long lived, Lia. I have known some to live for more than 800 winters. It is only naturally that we take longer to grow and mature. I have heard that dwarves also grow at a slower rate and live much longer than humans do."

“Oh.” she simply responds, then a sudden question dawns on her, “Then a half elf would have a life-span somewhere between the two, correct?” she asks curiously.

"They are forged like other swords. The forges themselves are just not here in town. One such forge is out at the Ehlonna Temple on the shores of Black Lake. It is a smelly process and we'd rather not pollute the air."

Lia blushes as her naivety shines through. After all this is a market place.

Kylie looks at Talen for a moment with an unreadable expression, then turns back to Lia. "Hmm... I think in honor of my mother and elven heritage, as well as the generosity of the elves here in Ainsun, the green is a better choice. Besides, I already have a burgundy one - it's just not as nice as this one." Kylie will select brown leggings to go with the dark green tunic.

Lia merely shrugs as Kylie turns her gaze on her confused whether to laugh at Kylie’s face or remain quite in spite of her brother’s apparent feeling for her. Choosing the later she remains quiet.
As Kylie turns to leave Lia walks over to the burgundy tunic and takes it. ‘Perhaps you wont have to choose’ she says to herself as a grin comes to her face as she stuffs it in a side bag.


Lia greets the Temple goers as they come within sight. “I thought you were never coming back.” She says with a chuckle.

As they are soon on their way Lia takes a few moments to herself and places the burgundy tunic within a empty sack and ties it off as best she can. Gazing at the makeshift wrapping job she frowns then shrugs.
Approaching her brother Lia places the parcel in his lap when he is alone. Patting him on his shoulder she leans in close to his ear and says, while motioning to Kylie. “Perhaps She would have also liked the burgundy tunic.” as she walks away she turns back to her confused brothers face a sly smile is etched on her face and then winks.

Lia then watches the passing landscapes with awe, As several towns and cities come within their view Lia often is near Sherwood asking, “What is that, Who lives there?”

Later on in the Leg of the journey Nariya spots something that is soon confirmed as a ship. “A Ship here? But there is no water!” she adds quickly not being able to fathom what they are seeing but then shakes her head as she remember what she is standing on.

Gathering a rope She quickly ties it about her then to the barge, “I’m going to.” she states, “Chances likes these do not come along to often!”

[Laucian]

Laucian

Laucian eats lightly from the foods offered to them but does not drink as he knows they will soon be on the road again.

It is soon time to leave and Laucian says goodbye

"Thank you, Laucian. These will help further the Lady's causes. I will let Ivellios know that you were here. May the Lady of the Forests watch over you on your journey."

Bowing slightly in respect Laucian, “Thank you Ielenia, I only wish our time here was longer.” He says with with some sadness in his voice. “May the Lady of the Forests watch over you and our people.”

As he mounts his horse he looks back at his home temple and the people that help him become who he is and smiles, and kicks his mount off into a run after the others. Coming along Nariya and Valena, “What did you think?” he asks curiously to get their insight.

Later into the journey Nariya spots something and Lau comes up behind her and places a hand at her waist, “What is it?” He looks to her then to the form as it comes into view.

Upon coming closer Sherwood wish to investigate the marooned and battered ship. Laucian gathers his bow from his quiver and knocks and arrow to his bow. “Ill stay and cover you from here.” he says to Kylie and Lia.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Lia then watches the passing landscapes with awe, As several towns and cities come within their view Lia often is near Sherwood asking, "What is that, Who lives there?"

“That is a town called Favaro, a part of the Ducky of Corunglain. It’s mostly a farming community. Many of us here-- Lilia, Kylie, and Laucian-- rode through it a while back on our way to Rennydale.”

“Rennydale is a different story. It is ruled by Lord Cavius, but evil forces had corrupted him. The Guardians rode into his lands, encountering more evil as they went along. Finally, they assaulted his castle and managed to free Cavius from what was controlling him. They make a rather fine wine in Rennydale.”

Sherwood maneuvers the barge as low as he can over the wreck while Kylie and Lia get ready to go down to explore.

“There’s no telling how stable this wreck is. If you feel the deck shifting under your feet get back up here immediately.”

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Lilia is sad to depart the Elfholds yet again. But alas, it must be done if they are to save the Mother Tree. Lilia simply relaxes during the day’s journey. No particular task seems to interest her this day.

Soon the wreckage is discovered and that shakes Lilia out of her doldrums. Surely magic must have been used to have such a large vessel crash here. Magic that might still be present!

Sherwood moves the barge closer and Kylie and Lia prepare to repel down to the wreck.

“I thing Sherwood Elf-Friend has a point. It is better to have only a few of us set foot on the wreck. Therefore, I won’t be exploring it in a normal form.”

Lilia casts Polymorph Self and takes the form of an owl.

“I’ve been dying to make use of this spell for some time now,” Lilia says as she tries out her new wings and body. “I’ll enter the wreck from down below.”

With that, Lilia flies off and down to explore the wreck.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

As he mounts his horse he looks back at his home temple and the people that help him become who he is and smiles, and kicks his mount off into a run after the others. Coming along Nariya and Valena, "What did you think?" he asks curiously to get their insight.

“It was very nice. Almost reminds me of my home temple that I’ve been away from for too long now.”

After returning to the barge, the journey continues. Valena will take turns keeping watch. Later in the day, Nariya stops what turns out to be the wreckage of a sailing vessel high up in the mountains!

When it becomes clear that we are going to explore the wreck and seeing Laucian will be providing cove, Valena will move to the other end of the barge and draw her bow.

“I’ll keep an eye on things on this side.”

Valena notes Lilia changing into an owl with a look of awe on her face.

“It must be wonderful to change into animals like that!”

[Nariya]

Nariya:

As he mounts his horse he looks back at his home temple and the people that help him become who he is and smiles, and kicks his mount off into a run after the others. Coming along Nariya and Valena, “What did you think?” he asks curiously to get their insight.

"It was very pleasant," Nariya answers. "I could feel the tranquility of the place. Thank you for sharing it with me."

Soon they are underway again. Sherwood has to change course due to an approaching storm. As they are moving above some mountains, Nariya spots something. "There," she calls out pointing.

Later into the journey Nariya spots something and Lau comes up behind her and places a hand at her waist, “What is it?” He looks to her then to the form as it comes into view.

Without a thought, Nariya slides a hand down and her fingers cover Laucian's. "I can't be sure, but it stood out against the mountains. There," she points again as the barge gets closer. "It looks like.... a ship?" she says without entirely believing the sight as it comes into view.

It seems that Kylia, Lia and Lilia are heading down into the wreck, so Nariya draws her bow and keeps them covered, making sure not to be in anyone else's way.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Back in Ainsun:

“Oh.” she simply responds, then a sudden question dawns on her, “Then a half elf would have a life-span somewhere between the two, correct?” she asks curiously.

“That is correct, but unfortunately, it is closer to that of the human parent than the elfin one.”


Having departed the Elfholds, Sherwood pilots the barge across the Streel Plain and towards the southern tip of the Silver Sierras. There, Nariya spotted the wreckage of a ship! It had crashed and was wedge between a large boulder and the mountainside. The ship has nearly been snapped in half in the middle. There are gaping holes in the hull and much of the inside of the ship along the starboard side I exposed to the elements. The port side of the vessel is crushed against the mountainside.

Sherwood moves the barge over the deck of the smashed vessel and hovers. Kylie and Lia attach ropes to themselves and the barge before going down to the wreck. Lilia casts a Polymorph Self and changes into an owl. She then flies off and intends to come in from underneath the ship.

Up on the barge, Laucian, Nariya, and Valena keep watch with Sherwood.


Kylie and Lia repel down to the deck of the wrecked ship. The footing is slippery, but there is plenty of things to grab on to for support. The deck creaks under your feet and there are spots where the wood has rotted away. From all indications, the wreck has been here for a very long time. (Hundreds if not a thousand years.)

Kylie makes her way towards the bow. An open door lies before into the cabins beneath the forecastle. The room beyond appears to once have been a bedchamber. Part of the wall between it and the cabin to the right has been smashed apart. The far right cabin has been condensed considerably due to the impact. There are gapping holes in the deck in places.

The décor suggests that this was once the quarters of a woman. The bed used to have fine frilly lace on it, but it has faded and started to rot away during the years. There are signs that creatures have been here do the piles of bodily waste here and there. A few abandoned bird nests can be seen.

Kylie spies something buried under some old pillows. Moving carefully in that direction, she unburies a small chest! The chest has a lock on it and still seems to be in good condition.


Lia moves to the stern of the wreck. There a single doors leads to the chambers underneath the sterncastle. As Lia tries to force the door open, the deck gives out under her left foot. Her left leg drops through the hole, but Lia is able to grab onto the door for support. Lia is able to free her leg without any trouble.

The door is shoved open wide enough for Lia to pass through. Beyond is a hallway with several doors. The first door she comes too is beyond her ability to force open. The next door requires passing over a huge hole in the deck. That door is slightly ajar. Lia has to shoulder it to force it open wider. The chamber appears to have been used as quarters before. The bed is overturned and its contents scattered. Laying on its side with part of the bed on top of it, Lia can make out a sea chest. It appears to still be intact.


Down below the wreck, Lilia explores using the holes in the hull. From down here she can see that the lower levels of the ship were crushed by the above decks area. The lowest deck has essentially merged with the next lowest. The main deck, where Kylie and Lia are, is mostly intact, but compressed to some degree. Very little remains down here and in places there are holes that lead all the way to the main deck of the ship.

However, out of the corner of her eye, Lilia does spot something of interest. There’s a small light coming form the stern area of the ship. As she flies closer Lilia sees a tiny flicker of flame coming form a dark metallic looking object. It takes her several minutes of study to realize that the metallic object is a small furnace much like the one on the barge, but molded into the shape of a black dragon!

The fire burns inside the dragon’s chest and there is a door that you can open to feed the flame. The dragon’s tail and rear paws form the legs for the furnace to stand upright on. The dragons’ forepaws form a surface on which you can set things like the top of a stove. A small book can be seen in its mouth. Even stranger there does not appear to be any fuel used to keep the fire burning! The whole thing is about 6 feet high.


Back up on the barge, the others keep watch. Suddenly, Laucian’s gaze is diverted to the sky and off to the north! There, a trio if winged beasts are rapidly approaching! From a distance, the creatures seem to resemble 15’ long felines with 25’ wide bat-like wings. Even stranger, their heads are man-like with long thick hair and beards. The strange creatures are flying towards you and do not appear to be friendly.

“Maniticores!”, Sherwood calls out upon being alerted to their presence. “We’re under attack!”


Now what?

[Lia]

Lia

Tying the rope about her waist and the to the barge Lia repels down next to Kylie. Taking a few steps toward the stern and the doors beyond, “Be careful, Kylie.” she says as she notices just how slippery the deck is.

Approaching the door, she gives it a few prods with her shoulder as her foot drops through the floor. Having little time to react she grabs hold of the door handle and curses softly as she works her leg free and pulls herself out and enters a hallway behind.

Approaching the first door she attempts to heave the door open with her strength but soon finds she is unable to push it open even with her augmented strength. Perhaps the door is to far swelled or locked from the inside. She begins moving to the next door though a large hole in the floor prevents it from making it an easy search, “Seems my luck is being tested.” she states to herself as she moves to the side of the cabin and traverses the obstacle and looks down into the hole (What’s below?). Leaning on the door itself she then rams it with her shoulder after a few shoulder charges the door finally opens enough for her to walk through.

An room with its contents thrown about the floor soon meets her gaze, She walks into the room and looks about a bed upheaval and laying on its side over a chest. She Moves over to it cautiously because of the floor and if it seems safe she will move the chest out so she can better identify it. She will check if it is locked if it is not locked she will open the chest.
If it is locked she get up from the chest and look at the walls to determine their strength guessing they will be as much corroded as the floor. If she spots a hole in the wall, towards the barred room she will peek through it.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Gathering a rope She quickly ties it about her then to the barge, “I’m going to.” she states, “Chances likes these do not come along to often!”

Kylie nods to Sherwood's cousin. "Then we should probably get moving."

“I’ve been dying to make use of this spell for some time now,” Lilia says as she tries out her new wings and body. “I’ll enter the wreck from down below.”

Seeing Lilia cast the spell, it is impressed once again upon Kylie that Lilia has exceeded her knowledge and skill. Something about the bothers the young half-elf, but she hasn't time to examine it right now.

“There’s no telling how stable this wreck is. If you feel the deck shifting under your feet get back up here immediately.”

"Of course we will," Kylie says with a smile. With that, Kylie drops over the edge of the barge on her rope.

Moments later, Kylie's feet touch down on the deck of the ancient flying ship. For this close, the age of the ship is quite apparent, as is the weather damage from exposure to the elements for so long. The surface is slippery and canted at an angle, making it necessary to be very careful. It occurs to her that a Spider Climb would have been very handy, but she doesn't have one memorized right now.

Tying the rope about her waist and the to the barge Lia repels down next to Kylie. Taking a few steps toward the stern and the doors beyond, “Be careful, Kylie.” she says as she notices just how slippery the deck is.

Kylie looks at Lia for a moment. She's no beginner, but perhaps Lia has no way of knowing that. "You too, Lia."

Kylie slowly makes her way forward, being careful of her footing as she moves. Reaching a doorway, she looks about carefully before entering. There is no obvious danger, but she draws her shortsword anyway. A bow would be useless in such tight quarters.

Entering, Kylie finds that this and the adjoining rooms appear to be somewhat smashed together, the walls and floors buckled and rent. Still, it appears that this was once the cabin of a woman, and apparently an important one. Noting something on the bed, Kylie glides carefully over to it.

Kylie is surprised to find a small chest of some kind sticking out from under the pillow. It looks to be in surprisingly good shape. Kylie examines it for a few moments to ensure that it is safe to move.

Once confident that it isn't rigged as some kind of trap, she will carry the chest out onto the deck. There she will tie it to the end of her rope. That way, it won't get lost as she continues her exploration of the ship.

“Maniticores!”, Sherwood calls out upon being alerted to their presence. “We’re under attack!”

Just then, Sherwood calls out. Manticores! Wonderful. Looking up, Kylie scans the sky for the approaching creatures. Just what they didn't need. If she spots one, she'll let the nearest taste a brace of Magic Missiles.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Laucian with bow and arrow in hand watches out for trouble, Keeping his gaze moving he soon spots silhouettes against the midday sky.


“We have company! Looks like a cat with wings….and beards.” he says in disbelief as he takes aim with his bow.

“Maniticores!”, Sherwood calls out upon being alerted to their presence. “We’re under attack!”

“Or they are.” his features going grim as he let’s loose a volley. Before his first one lands or misses his second shot is aimed and fired.

“Be on guard down there!!!” he yells hoping that those down below hear their warnings.

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Back up on the barge, the others keep watch. Suddenly, Laucian’s gaze is diverted to the sky and off to the north! There, a trio if winged beasts are rapidly approaching! From a distance, the creatures seem to resemble 15’ long felines with 25’ wide bat-like wings. Even stranger, their heads are man-like with long thick hair and beards. The strange creatures are flying towards you and do not appear to be friendly.

“We have company! Looks like a cat with wings….and beards.” he says in disbelief as he takes aim with his bow.

“Maniticores!”, Sherwood calls out upon being alerted to their presence. “We’re under attack!”

“Or they are.” his features going grim as he let’s loose a volley. Before his first one lands or misses his second shot is aimed and fired.

Nariya grins at Laucian's response, but doesn't add anything further. She will let loose with arrows at a different Manticore than Laucian is firing upon.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

"Maniticores!", Sherwood calls out upon being alerted to their presence. "We're under attack!"

Knowing this particular monster to be a carnivore, Sherwood realizes that they are looking for food and that would be us. With his magic spells gone because of the crown, Sherwood pulls out his Wand of Lightning and will blast the middle manticore with a bolt of lightning.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Lilia explores the below deck areas of the wreck in owl form. It is handy as it can maneuver into places better than she could in her true form as there little headroom. Spotting something in the darkness, Lilia flies that way to investigate.

It is a flame, somehow still burning! As Lilia tries to process this, she realizes that the object she’s found is a furnace molded into the shape of a dragon standing on its rear legs.

“It has to be magical,” Lilia surmises. “It’s the only explanation how it can still be burning.”

While Lilia contemplates just how to get her discovery back to the barge, she hears shouting. Something about being under attack!

Winging her way back out of the wreck, Lilia goes to see what’s the matter. Upon seeing the huge winged creatures attacking, Lilia first changes form so that she can cast spells. She’ll change into a Slyph for this purpose. Next she’ll Fireball a manticore that it safely away from the other members of the group.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

“We have company! Looks like a cat with wings….and beards.” he says in disbelief as he takes aim with his bow.

“That sounds pretty neat…”, Valena starts to say as she turns to see what Laucian has spotted. But these don’t appear to be friendly tabbies at all! In fact, they look downright mean!

Nocking an arrow, Valena will fire three shafts as the monsters approach, but will slow down to her standard compliment of shots if they get too close for comfort.

[Talen]

Talen:

Approaching her brother Lia places the parcel in his lap when he is alone. Patting him on his shoulder she leans in close to his ear and says, while motioning to Kylie. "Perhaps She would have also liked the burgundy tunic." as she walks away she turns back to her confused brothers face a sly smile is etched on her face and then winks.

“Huh?”, Talen utters, not fully comprehending just what is going on. “What do you mean?”

Looking at the package, it takes Talen a few moments to realize just what is going on. A momentary look of embarrassment comes to his face and he quickly stashes the package for the time being.


Like the others, the wreck fascinates Talen! How did it get here? Who piloted this ship?

Seeing that others are standing guard, Talen will lay on the deck of the barge and keep an eye on what is happening down on the wreck. Everything seems okay, at least a first.

“We have company! Looks like a cat with wings….and beards.” he says in disbelief as he takes aim with his bow.

Talen will look up to see just what these manticores are. Much to his surprise, they are large cat-like monsters with wings!

“Distant relatives?” Talen will ask of Onyx.

Like the other elves, Talen will try out his longbow on the approaching foes. If they get too close, he’ll switch over to his bastard sword and try to protect the real archers here.

[Lia]

Lia continued…

Hearing Sherwood’s cry of warning jars the quiet of the whispering wind. Getting up from her find she makes her way back toward the entrance of the stern. Staying in the shadows of the door, She looks to find Kylie looking up to the sky, Lia snaps her crossbow into her arms and puts a bolt to the chamber leveling it evenly before her as she looks to the skies.

If she spots the creatures and they are in range she will step out, avoiding the weak point in the floor and fires a bolt to the closest manticore, If one drops before her or Kylie she will take out her sword and introduce the beast to it.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

While passing the southernmost spur of the Silver Sierra's, the elves have come across the wreckage of a crashed airship. Kylie, Lia, and Lilia have gone to investigate while Sherwood has the barge hover overhead. Lia and Kylie repel down the deck on ropes, while Lilia uses Polyself to take the form of an owl.

Lia moves towards the stern and her foot drops through the floor as she attempts to open the hatch. Beyond is a small hallway leading to individual cabins. A large hole in the floor looks down into what remains of the lower decks. Nothing of interest is noted below.

While exploring a cabin, Lia notes a sea chest half covered by an overturned bed. The bed is easily moved aside and the chest righted. It has a lock on it, but Lia does not note any traps. Sherwood's warning from overhead prevents Lia from any further progress with the chest.


Meanwhile, Kylie has made her own discovery in the fore cabins. She's found a small chest that had been buried beneath pillows on a fine bed. Using her short sword, Kylie turns the pillows aside to get better access to the chest. The chest is in surprisingly good shape and seems quiet small. (Its about the size and thickness of a brief case.)

Kylie also examines the chest and does not note any traps on it. It is locked however. Removing the chest from the damaged cabin, Kylie takes it up on deck and ties the chest to the end of her rope. It's surprisingly light and does not hinder her movements. Looking up at the sound of Sherwood's voice, Kylie sees three shapes flying toward the wreck.


Down below decks, Lilia has found what she surmises to be a magical furnace in the shape of a black dragon. A fire burns within its 'belly' without any obvious source of fuel. A thin book is lodged in the mouth of the furnace. While Lilia tries to figure out how to get the furnace out of the wreck, the cries of impending arrivals forces her to backtrack out of what remains of the ships hold.


Up on the barge, Laucian was the first to spot the new arrivals and Sherwood gave name to them. Manticores he calls them are and that they are attacking!

Around 400 yards out, Laucian fires his first arrow. The shaft is still sailing through the air when the second is fired. Both arrows hit the closest manticore, which happens to be the middle one.

Around 360 yards out, Nariya fires her own shafts. Much like Laucian's, the first is still in flight while the second one is launched. Both shafts impact on the left side manticore.

At the 300-yard mark, Valena rapidly fires three shafts at the lead manticore. Two impact on the beast, while the third fell short.

Talen joins the archers, but both his shafts are not even close to hitting a target.

[GM Mad]

All three of the manticores continue to approach. Each flicks its tail underneath its body as they fly along. A volley of tail spikes is fired from each manticore!

Three of the spikes crash into the deck near Sherwood, but none hit the ranger/mage. A volley of five slams into the wreck near Kylie's position, but all is wide of the mark. Six of the crude missiles are flung towards Laucian and the follower of Ehlonna is struck by two of them for minor damage.

Down on the wreck, Lia emerges from the stern just in time to see the spikes hit. Kylie retaliates by casting Magic Missile. Three missiles issue forth and strike one of the manticores.

In the bowels of the ship, Lilia emerges and sees what is going on. She begins to change into a form where she can cast spells.


Back up on the barge, Sherwood uses his Wand of Lightning on the lead manticore. The winged beast stiffens up from the electrical discharge and begins to drop from the sky. It's falling towards the barge!


Below on the wreck, Lia draws her crossbow and awaits a target to come into sight, as all three are momentarily obscured by the barge given her current position. Suddenly, two of the manticores fly past and Lia fires! However, her bolt sails harmlessly past.

The last manticore tumbles helplessly through the sky. The lightning bolt has slain the monster, but its remains a danger. It falls but continues to move forward due to its momentum. Long tense seconds pass as those on the barge watch the monster grow closer and closer, until seemingly at the last moment it falls below the barge.

Kylie watches wide-eyed as the dead manticore passes underneath the barge, but slams hard into the forecastle, the deck above the cabins she was just exploring! The wreck groans loudly in protest from the collision. Kylie is knocked off her feet and she tumbles down the deck towards the doorway she just exited. The small chest tumbles along behind her.

Kylie hits the side the wall beside the cabin she explored hard. Fortunately, the wood is old and gives somewhat. Thanks to her protective Stoneskin, Kylie feels nothing. Not even when the chest attached to her rope lands on her. The dead manticore’s tail plops out the open door beside Kylie.

The impact caused Lia to loose her balance as well, but given her position she manages to catch herself. The sound of old timbers popping fills the air and the wreck shifts dramatically. Both ends of the ship drop nearly ten feet before suddenly stopping again. The angle of the main deck is much steeper now.

All is silent for a moment, but the sound of wood rending and giving way is heard. It’s only a matter of time before what remains of the wreck splits in half and continues to tumble down the mountains!

Oh, and for those keeping watch, the remaining two manticores flew past and are starting to circle back…

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Hit Points:

Laucian 62 of 68

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

They are beset by a trio of manticores at the crash site. As the great beasts fly toward them, the archers up on the barge let loose a volley of arrows. Most strike home, yet the manticores appear unphased.

The creatures respond with vicious spikes flung from their tails, but Kylie is able to avoid those aimed in her direction. She cannot be certain whether anyone aboard the barge was hit or not. Kylie responds with a brace of Magic Missiles, but they seem to have no more effect than the arrows. These are tough beasts indeed!

Fortunately, Sherwood pulls out a wand and lights one up with a blast of lighting. The creature goes suddenly stiff and hurtles toward the wrecked ship. Slamming into its side, the manticore causes the entire ship to shudder and lurch. Kylie is flung into the wall, only to be struck by the chest she just found as well. Fortunately, the Stoneskin spell protects her, but she is glad she tied the chest to her rope or she might have lost it.

Crawling over and bracing herself against the wall of the ship, Kylie looks up and sees that the surviving manticores are coming around for another pass. Kylie can feel the ship leaning precariously out over the drop down the mountainside, but she cannot worry about that right now. She begins the incantation for a Bolt of Lightning spell of her own. Should the beasts draw near enough, she will release it, causing it to fork in an effort to hit both of them.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

His range limited by the Wand, Sherwood has no choice but to wait until the manticore is uncomfortably close before unleashing its magic. The bolt is true and it finishes off one of the monsters. Unfortunately, its momentum keeps it moving forward! It narrowly misses the barge, but crashes into the already unstable wreck below!

The other two manticores streak past, but are circling around to make another pass. “Keep firing at them!”, Sherwood calls out. “I’ll use my wand again when they are close enough.”

“Talen, keep an eye on the ropes holding your sister and Kylie! We don’t want them breaking now!”

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Lilia is below the ship when the dead manticore impacts. The sudden shifting of the ship startles her. The sound of wood splintering is not a welcome one and she fears that the wreck will soon break apart and tumble further down the mountains. That will not do!

Seeing that the others have already downed one of the monsters, the Elf Maiden decides that her presence is not required to finish the fight. Instead, she’ll try to save the strange furnace that she’s found. It might be of great value, but for what she’s not sure of at the moment.

In sylph form, Lilia flies back into the hold towards the furnace. Once there, she’ll try to lift it up and fly it back to the barge before the ship breaks up around her.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

“By the Lady of the Forests!” Valena exclaims as the monsters fire back with spikes from their tails.

Seeing that these beasts have ranged attacks, Valena will slow down to two shots per round for protection. She’ll rush to the other side of the barge and line up her next shots and wait for the monsters to get close enough for her to fire.

[Talen]

Talen:

Nervously, Talen lines up his shots as quickly as he can while at the same time trying to be patent like Laucian taught him. However, neither shaft comes in danger of impacting on anything living.

Talen looks on wide-eyed as the monster fire spikes from their tails! Who knew they could do that?

Suddenly, Sherwood calls out his name.

“Talen, keep an eye on the ropes holding your sister and Kylie! We don’t want them breaking now!”

“Yes,” Talen agrees. “Right away.”

Rushing over to that side of the barge, Talen first makes sure the lines are still secure. Then he’ll look overboard to make sure that they are both still there.

“Don’t worry! I have you!”

[Laucian]

Laucian
Laucian knocked one arrow aimed and let loose his seconfdshaft follow soon after. He watched his arrows sail through the air striking their target at almost 400 yards. His eyes narrowed seeing the others take up the same target turning the manticore in a living porcupine but still it came on.

Laucian silently admired the sheer strength of the beast. In doing so he let himself vulnerable as tail spikes sailed in on a whistle followed by a sharp pain in his shoulder and bicep.

Looking down he notice a faint trickle of blood coming from the wounds. Looking back up he saw the manticore smoking fall from the sky soon followed by the popping and groan of the ship bellow.

Already he reaches for a arrow and knocks it. He will not loose a friend in battle not this time he determinedly tells himself.

Targeting the lead manticore he will plug two arrows at it hoping that they can deter their flight.

[Lia]

Lia

Making her way back through the cabin and the hallway beyond Lia stops near the doors and crouches down. Unsure what is outside she takes out her crossbow and places a bolt to it taking a few steps forward in the doorway she waits.

Dark shadows soon fly by then the very monsters, Taking up her aim she lets loose her bolt only catching wind in the process.

Within a few moments a dark shadow and then a tremendous groan and impact slams into the deck of the ship. Her whole body shudder and her hand snakes out catching hold of the door frame in order to balance herself. She curses softly as the whole ship begins to shift!!

Calmly she takes another bolt out of her quiver and knocks it stepping forward from the doorway . She knows full well that the ship will not hold for long by the angle as more wood begins to groan under the growing weight.

She steps toward the deck and makes her way towards where they dropped down, keeping a sound mind to gather the rope behind her so if the ship goes it will not catch and break.

She then hears her brother’s voice from above. Saying they have them. Trusting her brother with all her being she turns her gaze to the monsters.

Seeing the Manticores flying around again she stand crossbow in one hand and if they are in range she will begin chanting to her Deity to use one of her blessings, Magic Missile at the wounded manticore.

All the while wondering what they beasts are.

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Around 360 yards out, Nariya fires her own shafts. Much like Laucian's, the first is still in flight while the second one is launched. Both shafts impact on the left side manticore.

Like her arrows, most of the others fly true. Still it isn't until Sherwood uses magic from a wand that one of the manticores actually falls. There are long tense moments where it looks like the manticore will crash onto the barge. Where it does hit is almost worse though, as its limp body impacts on the broken ship below.

There are still two wounded and upset manticores to contend with. They attacked, flinging spikes, but she didn't see or hear anyone get hit. She will continue to shoot at the manticores until they are driven off or killed.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed