The Campaign Builder's Guild

wow, this is really helpful, llum.  I'm impressed

I never thought the hero machine would be good for anything... I was wrong...

Oh
my
God

Character Rolling Guide now complete with an Example character! Everyone feel free to use and let us know if you've made a character!

And the Explorers try to find safety, battered and bruised...
Session 4
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It is almost third hour, and the group starts slowly going north.  At the end of the last session, The group had barely defeated a werewolf, but Toden had almost died, losing an arm.  Kellik was bleeding from multiple wounds to the leg, and the casters were totally 'on empty'.
Hamish_Haldane  cuts off the were's head, with Toden's fallen Bhuj.
Mior_Carchedin sniffs the air warrily
Hamish_Haldane grabs a bagel
Hamish_Haldane says, 'Anyone else care for a bagel? I know it isn't the best time... '
Mior_Carchedin cringes. 'Hark, yon wolf cries for we have slain it's brethren.'
Wurnik takes a side of Toden, who is nearly comatose and white, and the group totters north
Mior_Carchedin totters along
Wurnik says, "Mior, what did you say? About a wolf?'
Mior_Carchedin looks at the orcash, ' Oh, a little while ago, didn't you hear the wolf baying? It sounded.. almost mournful..'
wurnik--"No, I heard nothing."  he looks worried
Mior_Carchedin says, ' This was a fateful meeting, an outcome desirous for none involved.  Alas, what can be done?'
Kellik snarls, ' it was desirous for me.'
Kellik shambles on on unsteady legs
Mior_Carchedin whittles a Sauroid as he walks, it doesn't look very good.
Hamish_Haldanem shakes his head'¦' desirous for none involved is damn right'




The group moves north as quickly as it can go.
Hamish_Haldane shifts some bagels around and puts the were's head inside a bag on the donkey.
' This is one beast that won't come back to haunt us'
Mior_Carchedin shudders.  ' Yes, hopefully.'

the travel is slower, but as he sun is getting lower, they pass over the old bridge. the air seems to quiet as the sun drops.
Mior_Carchedin chuckles. 'Such a familiar bridge, I swear we had another arm last time we were here.'
Mior_Carchedin thinks no-one heard him
Hamish_Haldane frowns,  'In poor taste Mior '
Kellik kicks mior in the shin
Mior_Carchedin griomaces,  'Ow!'
Kellik snarls, ' shut your mouth whiteeye'
Mior_Carchedin glares at the gnome
Hamish_Haldane raises his arm 'ok ok, calm down'

Toden does not notice the by-play, doggedly refusing to be a burden
Hamish says, ' it hasn't been a good afternoon for anyone'¦hopefulyl Shuruum can put us up for a bit and we'll go from there.'
Mior_Carchedin walks up to Toden.. . 'Here, I made you a Sauroid.'[note=sauroid]  guys, you'll note there a few times I change a term or something to be more seting specific.[/note]
Toden looks blankly at it.

"Mior, how far to the farm from here?", asks Wurnik
Mior_Carchedin looks at the map
'I judge about two more hours'¦maybe three.'
Kellik looks at the staggering group.  'We're gonna need to rest then.'
Toden bites his lip, as Wurnik looks to Kellik...
Mior_Carchedin says,  'Bah!   Rest is for the weak!  or gnomes.'
 'or the wounded, ' says Hamish.
Wurnik.  Looks at the ground nearby.  " Can anyone make a fie??? ANYONE?"
'Why don't I slit your legs open and cut off your arm... and then we can hear you say that again', asks Kellik.
Hamish_Haldane says, 'I sure can't.'
Mior_Carchedin ignores the gnome some more
Wurnik frowns as he sits Toden down  "Crap.  My city-state for a tinder box."
Mior_Carchedin rummages around  'I swear I had one somewhere.'
Hamish_Haldane nods,  'Indeed friend Wurnik.'
wurnik.  SHRUGS.  " Yes, well, let's have a bagel.  and some wine."
Mior_Carchedin attempts to make a fire bow
Hamish_Haldane breaks out bagels and strips of jerky all around
Kellik finds a place to sit down
Hamish_Haldane pulls something from the donkey.  'Ok, this shoudl raise our spirits a bit'
Hamish_Haldane tosses Kellik a wineskin
Kellik, smiles, then says impishly, ' I've got better'
Mior_Carchedin chews distastefully on some jerky as he works on the firebow
[Kellik pulls out a bottle of Tolerance Red Chias he'd been hiding on his person
Hamish_Haldane smiles at Kellik,  ' haha'
Kellik Holds up a hand.   'Not much, just a sip each'
Kellik passes it to hamish
Toden perks up a tad
Hamish_Haldane says, 'A toast to our victory then!'
Hamish_Haldane takes the smallest of sips and passes it to Toden
'Chod the werewolfs...", says Toden
Toden takes a gulp, passes to Wurnik, who takes a sip
Mior_Carchedin holds out his hand impatiently
Hamish_Haldane wags a finger'¦' Mior'¦' he says  in a low tone.
the group sits on the ground for a few minutes and gets their legs back
Hamish_Haldane turns to Mior.  ' why were you carrying a silver fork of all things about your person?'
Mior_Carchedin lifts his shoulders'¦ 'uhhh, it's a good luck charm.   grandpapa gave it to me.'
wurnik passes the bottle to Mior
Hamish_Haldane nods.  ' Well it was certainly lucky for us'
Mior_Carchedin takes two hurried sips
Kellik cocks his eye.  'what fork?'
Mior_Carchedin hands the bottle back to Kellik
'that Mior used to bleed the were', says Hamish off-handedly.
Kellik sips the last of the wine
Mior_Carchedin shakes his head.  ' It doesn't concern you gnome, really.'
Kellik sighs and tosses the bottle off into the bushes
Wurnik nods at Mior, "Aye.  Clever and desperate, friend Mior."
Kellik considers going back to get the bottle for bludgeoning omwo~
Mior throws the firebow down in frustration, froaning at his mass of wood and string that won't make a fire.
Kellik says, ' toss me a strip of meat and a bagel would ya', as he pops Hamish's Wineskin.
Hamish_Haldane hand a bagel to Kellik, and a couple strips of meat
Toden looks over and his stump twitches
'My Thanks.', says Kellik.
Kellik tears into the tough meat and bagel
Toden whispers bleakly..."Chor it all."
Kellik washes it down with some more wine and hands the wineskin to hamish
Kellik looks over at toden.

The light is started to fade a bit, as the sun moves behind the treetops
Mior_Carchedin looks up.  'Sooooo, are we ready to go yet? I mean, this is nice and all. But.. yeah.'
Hamish_Haldane takes a swig, passes the skin to Wurnik
Mior_Carchedin looks about nervously
Kellik  looks at Toden'¦ 'that was a hell of a thing you did... jumping him like that... brave, foolhardy, and worthy of a song or two.'
wurnik takes a big sip
Toden lifts his head a bit.  ..."Heh.."
wurnik stands up
Hamish_Haldane glances at the orc
Kellik struggles up to his feet
Mior_Carchedin glances about, 'What?'
Wurnik puts a hand to Toden, who struggles back up
Mior_Carchedin looks askance at Hamish, who seems jumpy.
Hamish_Haldane says, 'If another were jumps out of the bushes at us, I'm going to skin the thing'
the group starts to move north again...
[21:
Hamish_Haldane keeps his rapier out, and leads the donkey
mior finds the trail, as he is familar with it and the plough and sickly are in the sky as the group sees the farmhouse


' thank the fates', says Hmiah
Kellik whistles a marching tune
Mior_Carchedin says archly, ' Ah look, yon familiar hovel beckons.'
Hamish_Haldane sheaths his rapier and runs up to the door, and raps on the door three times quickly
Toden is almost falling.  Mior_Carchedin yells, ' Shuruum, time to get up!'
Kellik walks up and steadies Toden  'come on, just a few more steps and you can rest'
Shuruum opens in a flash, and sees the wounded Toden  "OOOch, I feel like the center of town!"
Mior_Carchedin looks all innocent. 'Oh, hello.'
Hamish_Haldane says, ' Shuruum, wake the brood.  Toden and Kellik need help'





The daughters come out in a flash, and get a few chairs, as Shuruum lets the battered group in.
Hamish_Haldane moves his head close to Xhuruum.  ' I'd also like to have a word with you, preferably off to the side'
Mior_Carchedin  looks pained,   'And I'm deathly hungry, soup sounds, grand, Would you be so kind?
Mior_Carchedin grins winningly
the fireplace is already lit, and the group can see a meeting was in session.
Mior_Carchedin peers about
Kellik is helping Wurnik get Toden in where he can rest
>There is a red hobyt in a red robe and a human with a demi-lune sitting by the blaze.  Both make room  for the damaged Gartier and his careful guardians.
Hamish_Haldane brings the donkey to the barn, and returns with a bag full of stuff
Mior_Carchedin glances at the Hobyt out of the corner of his eye
Hamish_Haldane says, ' Ah, you have visitors.   On any other night, I would hate to impose Shuruum, but you can see we're in a sorry state.'
Shurrum says, 'Actually.they showed up just an hour ago, looking for you fellows. '
Hamish_Haldane turns to glare at the new comers.
'Well, tell us about yourselves, oh valued new friends.'says Mior.
Hamish_Haldane says, ' And why pray tell, are you looking for us?'
The Hobyt stands, as does the human.  
Kellik checks toden who is in a chair.
 the Hobyt says " I be Rampan, an apprentice at the collegium Arcana.  My friend Simon and I were recruited by Chorbit of the Sceding tree to aid you.'
Hamish_Haldane puts a hand on his chin.   'hmmm'
Toden Moans
Mior_Carchedin shrugs and smiles.  ' Well, help for my.. ourselves is always useful.'
Mior_Carchedin holds out his hand to the Hobyt as a friendly gesture.  Rampan smiles...and puts out his hand.
Hamish_Haldane keeps glaring at the Hobyt
Wurnik asks Kellik to lift his pantlegs.
Kellik refuses.  'Not till Toden's  looked to.'
Kellik points at toden
Simon says, " I can see Chorbit was not wrong."
Mior_Carchedin cocks an eye.  'Oh?'
Kellik sits down on the floor, leaning against a wall, as  the more plain, dark haired daughter of Shuruum brings out a tureen of oxtail soup.
Mior smiles his large, most artificial smile.   'Oxtail, delectable!  Thank you fair maiden.'
Wurnik goes and heals Toden again

Hamish_Haldane looks at the newcomers.  'Well, welcome to our group then.   Rampan, you said, and friend Simon?'
Kellik looks over at Toden, who is not looking at the food.
the curvy daughter, blonder, winks at Kellik, and rings out soup spoons
Kellik catches her eye and smiles roughly
'Shuruum,' says Hamish, ' do you think I could speak to you outside a moment, '
shurrumm nods
Hamish_Haldane grabs the sack hes been carrying around and moves outside

The scene outside is dark, with both the twins (the moons) being out of sight.  The bright stars give a little light in the frigid night.
shuruum  looks up at Hamish.   'what happennd?"
'The witches', says Hamish
Shuruum's eyes go wide.
Hamish_Haldane Pulls out the were's head.  See this? See Toden?'
Hamish_Haldane  clenches his fist.  'They attacked us for no reason Shuruum.'
" "  Not good..."  says SHuruum.  'They have always been fair.'
 ' No, not good at all', says Hamish in a dark tone.
Shuruum repeats " they have always treated us fairly..."
Hamish_Haldane  says, ' Well, must be nice. I didn't see any fairness today.  Just a diseases that needs to be purged.'
' Did you attack first, or come with weapons drawn?", asks the Hobyt farmer.
'No, ' says Hamish.  'We did not  We were walking, we wanted to speak to them about who lived around the ruins. And some strange tracks we found'
Shuruum shakes his head.  "Hamish, I will provide shelter, but I will not attack the ladies."
Hamish_Haldane glowers.   'The witch sicced one of her were's on us.  I wouldn't ask you to attack them Shuruum, I know you're no warrior , but I meant to tell you two things/'
Shuruum shakes his haad. " I know not the ways of the ladies, Hamish.  But I will not attack them."
Hamish_Haldane holds up a finger.  ' First, there is a second were out there.  So be on your guard, and keep a close eye on your family.'
'Secondly, don't get involved with them anymore.  They will die, '
SHurrum looks quite upset. " Aye, but I might have to hire a guard or 2"
'talk to Chorbit, RETORTS Hamish.  'If he asks, spin him a tale or something. Say were renting'¦Charge him outrageously '
 Shuruum shrugs... " I will try to do so."
Hamish_Haldane grins wickedly.  'Now, lets go back inside.  Oh, and more thing Shuruum'¦I'd stop paying tribute to the witches if I were you/
He stuffs the head back into the bag and goes inside

Back inside, the room is warm and safe.  Toden is being fed by Wurnik.
Mior_Carchedin makes casual conversation with Rampan and Simon,  all while eyeing the silverware.
* Kellik closes his eyes and sighs, just leaning against the wall,  relishing the rest, his legs feel like butter.
Mior_Carchedin finishes his soup and slowly slides the spoon down his boot then sits back as if nothing happened.  a bead of sweat rolls down his temple.
  Kellik looks over at mior, struggles to his feet and walks over
Kellik reaches suddenly into Mior's boot and pulls the spoon out, and hands it to him
' you dropped this', he says.
Mior_Carchedin smiles nervously'¦' Oh. I.. err.. uh, was just cleaning it.  on my sock.'
Kellik looks at him knowingly before heading back to the wall
Mior_Carchedin looks around'¦' Right, Rampan?'
Rampan seems distracted. " Huh?  Sure.  Whataever.  I'm going to go burn something...I like fire..."
Mior_Carchedin looks amused.  ' Yes. Fire.  Always good.'
Hamish_Haldane laughs.   'Haha, well looks like we won't be lacking a campfire anymore,  Wurnik.'
Shuruum re enters the room.   " I have opened the barn again.  This door will be bolrted tonight, so knock loud if there is need.'
Mior_Carchedin eyes shuruum knowingly
Wurnik says,  " Ceminiar smiles on us...Finally."
Mior_Carchedin nods.  ' Quite.'
Shuruum looks over at Kellik " Toden will be bedded down in the couch here."
Mior_Carchedin hmphs loudly
Kellik moves over and leans against the couch
Simon walks over to Mior, ' Friend Omwo~, is there a problem?"
Hamish_Haldane waves ahnd.  ' Ignore him Simon'
Mior_Carchedin shakes his head.  ' Oh, no, not at all. Merely some phlegm caught in my throat.'
 Simon nods.  
Hamish_Haldane  Says, ' So, Simon and Rampan, are you two fresh out of the city?'
Rampan has a burning brand  he walks outside
 Simon picks up from him'¦" Aye. Hamish"
Hamish_Haldane nods.   'Souds good'
Hamish_Haldane eyes Kellik
Hamish_Haldane  says, ' Kellik, about ready to hit the hay?'
Kellik nods.  ' sounds good'
Mior_Carchedin strides ahead of everyone else for the barn
Simon says, '  " I am  Bone Knight, on loan to the sceding tree.  I am to aid the three of you in your duties to Chorbit."
Hamish_Haldane seems relieved by this.  
Kellik obviously is adamant about staying by Toden for the night
Rampan is running around with his fire stick, out in the yard'¦
Mior_Carchedin watches him amusedly
Hamish_Haldane asks, 'Did Chorbit mention anything interesting Simon? or.. no?'
'A Bone Knight... is he expecting a lot of undead?', asks Mior
Kellik nods off, leaning against the couch... oblivious to the fact that he's still covered in blood
Huge white smokepuffs erupt from Rampan's hands outside
 Simon, who is walking outside, says, " He did not say.  Merely that he sent you undermanned, as he felt."
[Hamish nods a bit.  'Well...'
Mior_Carchedin says, ' Interesting that he sent us anyways.'
'Aye, Mior'¦lets just say I'm glad your with us, 'says Hamish
Mior_Carchedin says, ' At least he rectified his error. Perhaps a bit too late for poor Toden.'
Hamish_Haldane says, ' Simon, I want to warn you before we start out'¦there are some witches that live in the woods, they command some weres'¦They WILL die.'
Hamish_Haldane looks right at Simon'¦' and if you stick with us, you'll have to be part of that.'
Simon seems unperturbed.   " I gather, from what I was hearing, Toden met the teeth of a werewolf?"

Mior_Carchedin shrugs.  ' If we come across them. No use wasting time on wolves when valuable statuary beckons.'
Hamish_Haldane says, ' Quite, anyway I'm exhausted good night everyone'
Mior_Carchedin says, 'Remember our debt to the sceding tree, Hamish!'
Wurnik is already snoring.  
Mior_Carchedin climbs up to the loft again
Hamish_Haldane says, ' Mior, I doubt you will let me forget our debt'  Then falls asleep
 Mior_Carchedin says, ' And Rampan, don't burn the barn down.  Please.'
Mior_Carchedin nods off to sleep while watching the stars
Rampan puts out the fire.  "Sure.  Whatever.  Alwyays more tomorrow."

at 6am, the group is awakened...
Mior_Carchedin wakes in a cold sweat again.  'This barn is cursed, I tell you!'
Kellik is snoring next to toden
Tokush 3, 6am, 36 degrees
Hamish_Haldane yawns
Wurnik looks beat.  
Hamish_Haldane rouses himself.  ' Alright everyone, are we going to head out to the ruins now? Or does anyone need to do anything else?'
Rampan is bright eyed..." Hey!!!"
Mior_Carchedin shrugs
The lovely, curvy daughter of Shuruum gives Kellik 3 loaves of braided bread
Kellik kisses her on the cheek when nobody is looking
Shuruum tells Kellik and Hamish that Toden is still asleep.
Hamish_Haldane says, ' Shuruum, you can take care of Toden right?'
Shuruum nods.  ' I will send to Steel Isle town for a proper healer.'
Kellik finally notices that he's covered in dried blood
'Many thanks, we need to head out', says HAmish
Simon comes out of the barn.   'How far to the ruins?"
Kellik is still looking at his torn pants.  'House of Death, I must have been out of it to miss that.'

Mior_Carchedin says, ' Well, always a pleasure Shuruum. We thank you for your kind hospitality.'
Hamish_Haldane looks at Simon. 'A days walk? We walked for a few hours last time but didn't make it'
the cutie giggles at Kellik.,  The other daughter rolls her eyes
Kellik rolls up his pants and looks at his wounds

Wurnik?   " Best time to heal you is now, Friend Kellik.   I can spend our walking time recovering energy.'
'ok wurnik', smiles Kellik..  'do your worst'
Wurniks hands glow a soft blue as he reaches out to Kellik's legs.  The rents in his legs disappear.
Kellik looks down at his legs.  'Thanks.  Would someone happen to have any pants?'
Hamish_Haldane takes a piece of jerky and chews on it patiently. 'I don't believe any pants of mine would fit, friend Kellik'
Simon shakes his head. " No pants.  Hopefully, we'll be able to buy a new wardrobe after this"
Hamish_Haldane nods.  ' Many things will be bought, that's for sure.'
Mior_Carchedin 's eyes glitter
Rampan runs ahead of the group....screaming something
Kellik looks at shuruum... 'what about you... I don't have much to trade'
Shuruum shrugs.  'Iwill have the girls let out s few pairs of pants, but nothing now will fit.'  
Kellik shrugs and goes inside to say his goodbyes to Toden, whom he finds asleep.  He hugs the buxom daughter of Shuruum, and follows the others.

the group starts south, and soon catches up with Rampan
they head through SHuruum's south field...the track is more familiar, and though clouds come up, the way is clear
'Ready to get this damn statuary hunt over with?, 'says Hamish, as Kellik catches up.
Kellik is huffing and panting.  
They travel south and wind down the moors, moving quickly on a track they are beginning to know.  Down a small rise, though a cose of trees and through a long moor, and they come to the bridge.

Next session...back to exploring!!!!!

great read as always vreeg.

As mentioned before,
the Steel Isle online IRC session will be tonight, Tuesday, at 8:30 eastern instead of at it's normal Wednesday slot.  
This is due to the GM travelling on Wednesday.

The game begins on Tokush the third, Fastak (the Day of fasting).  It is around 4 hours until midday, and the group is at the Old bridge.

Next week, back to Wednesday.

Poor mior :(

on the bright side, Meanest gets to make up a new character, now that Mior did his best 'scabbard' impersonation.
[spoiler= ouch]
I know it's a winged elf chick, but the swors sdays it all...


[/spoiler]

next session 9/16!   I'll try to post the last session over the weekend.

I really wonder where you find these pics Vreeg, hopefully Hamish doesn't become a cripple or something (because if he doesn't he'll level in HP soon, and if I can get a familiar....!)

What sort of familiar?

Something that reduces Spirit SP and Water SP, hopefully with Air or Artificer SP as well, dunno. No idea what it would actually be though.

Session 5, part 1
Wherein the group finds out the toll on the bridge...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

so, 4 hours from midday, and the group comes to the bridge just south of Shuruum's farm.
Mior_Carchedin sniffs the air for trouble
Mior_Carchedin doesn't notice anything
kellik runs out a little in front.  He has since sliced off his pants and is wearing shorts since the tangles were getting in the way
 
Simon  says, "Kellik, I will take the front rank with you!
Rampan is 20 feeet off to the right
"This bridge is wider than I remember, " says Mior, shrugging.

Hamish_Haldane asks, " Cross one at a time? or in groups?"  The sapn is 10' wide.
Mior_Carchedin tuts.  " Tis only a bridge Hamish, and I don't smell any trolls."

Kellik crosses, then he looks back.  "what are you waiting for elf?"
Mior_Carchedin Looks up.   "There are new tracks here.  Different from before."
" New,  since yesterday?, " asks Wurnick.
Hamish_Haldane draws his rapier
Mior_Carchedin is looking at the ground.  ' Only a few.  But yes, new since yesterday.  This bridge sees much more traffic than I'd expect.'
Mior_Carchedin looks around to emphasize his point
SImon pulls out his demi-lune
Hamish_Haldane  looks around..  ' hmmm, I begin towonder what Chorbit wanted us to be equiped for'
Mior_Carchedin nocks an arrow cautiously
Kellik pulls out his rapier
Hamish_Haldane watches Simon and Kellik go over the bridge
'Did someone see something?,' whispers Kellik to Simon.

Back on the near side, Hamish_Haldane looks back to everyone'¦' New tracks! From yesterday, best be on our guard'
Rampan, who had been looking up at some clouds..." Mayhap Chorbit analyzed the probability of mixed race combat distributions and sent us to ameliorate the negative statistical connotation."
Hamish_Haldane looks at the Hobyt askance
"These clouds are cool", finished rampan
Hamish_Haldane shakes his head.  'Errr, that could be it... yes, nice clouds, time to cross the bridge, Rampan'
Mior_Carchedin cocks an eyebrow
Simon and Kellik cross the bridge slowly, but arrive on the opposite side with no issue.

Mior_Carchedin looks around, 'I wonder where they went.'  Then he whistles, like an eagle.
Wurnik has an arrow out...Rampan has a whistle.  But they all cross the bridge.

Simon says" Come, brave Kellik.  Anon."  Of course, Kellik is already ahead of him.


the group continues down the path alert and ready, as the sun moves up in the sky.  The temperature is getting into the low 40's
Hamish_Haldane manages to get a piece of jerky our one handed, and begins to chew thoughtfully.  'So, we should make the ruins today right?'  
Mior nods  'We could.  I refuse to say more than that.'
" Hamish, I hope so...", says Wurnick.

after an hour, they come to the split, where the small path goes right, but the main path goes south.
Kellik stops.  'Which way?'
' Uhhhh,' says Mior as he consults his map, 'South, unless you want to play with the wereladies again.'
'Last time we went right, I say let us continue south, we can deal with the witches another time,' says Hamish.  'We need some statuary to finance us.'
Mior_Carchedin looks up in supplication.   "I am in complete agreement."
Kellik looks down the road
Mior_Carchedin looks down'¦'Yes, the tracks go south as well. '
'fair enough,' says Kellik, ' I don't care.'
After  going ahead a few paces, Mior says, '  knee I think we may meet our fellow travelers soon.'
Kellik starts down the south road, Simon following closely.
 Hamish_Haldane follows leading the donkey.


The moors are getting wilder, with thicker underbrush.  The smaller groupings of trees are becoming small woods, and the undergrowth gives way to wetness more often than before.  The folds in the ground also give way to actual hills, and at their bases the group finds themselves fording busy, wide streams covered in treacherous, thinning ice.  At the top of the hills, the sun has melted any trace of ice.  The trees and underbrush, far less on the hill, has started to bud in places.
After a few hours of such travel past the first bridge, and two hours past the side path to the ladies, the explorers go up a steep hill, following the tracks that Mior detected before.  This track gets easier and easier as the group goes up the hill.
As the intrepid explorers crest the hill, the path remakes itself into an actual ancient road, similar to some of the ones that lead out of Steel Isle Town.  The well placed stones have endured centuries of neglect, but are still intact.
At the very crest of the hill is a weathered milestone, cracked and scarred by the whips of erosion.  A few marks on it and its perfect square base betray the hands of civilization.
It is about 44 degrees up here...warmed by the sun, there is actually a lot of greenery pushing away the winter.
At the top of the hills, the sun has melted any trace of ice.  The trees and underbrush, far less on the hill, has started to bud in places.
kellik enjoys the warmness... his bare lower legs were getting a bit cold


 
Hamish_Haldane looks at the ancient milestone.   'Ah, signs of civilization again.  This road should let us make good time.'
Mior_Carchedin 's hair  blows dramatically in the wind, he feels strangely refreshed.
Rampan. Looks at the milestone.  "Kind of cool...Venolvian substratan deteriorated directional indicator.  Righteous."
Kellik looks at Rampan oddly
Wurnik looks at Rampan funny
Kellik looks back.  'whatever you're drinking... I want some'
Rampan giggles.
Mior_Carchedin  smiles.  ' Yes Rampan, and soon there will be statuary for all of us! '
Mior_Carchedin obviously had no idea what he said
  "I like statues, ' rejoins Rampan.  'The substratan chronology determinate might make us wealthy!"
wurnik shakes his head.  He is lost
Hamish_Haldane says, ' Yes Rampan, we sure hope so...'
'bah!!', saya Kellik.  ' come on lets keep moving'  He looks over to Simon and says under his breath, 'or I'm going to go crazy trying to understand this loon.'



The group becomes more upbeat.  The downslope is also partially laid with flagstones, though less than on the top, and the underbrush increases.   The explorers see some trees in the southern distance that are only found in swampier moors.  They go another twenty minutes.   There is the sound of water, and then, around a bend, another bridge.




The group comes around the bend and down towards the second bridge, in much better shape than the first one they crossed three hours before.
Mior_Carchedin shakes his head.  'There sure are a lot of these old bridges.'
Hamish_Haldane stops the group.  'Alright, same drill as before then, cross in groups?'
Mior_Carchedin SNORTS.  ' Bah! Enough with your drills! It's a bridge!'   He strides boldly towards the centre of the bridge.
[note=prophecy] <Hamish_Haldane> ooc: going to grab a drink, I expect Mior to be pin cushioned when I return :D[/note]
Suddenly, a 4' ball of purple light erupts almost on top of Mior, crackling and popping as it rolls onto him !!!  Mior screams in agony
Kellik draws his rapier, as Mior_Carchedin cries in pain
Mior_Carchedin makes a pained retreat towards the group, stringing an arrow as he limps back a few steps.
Hamish_Haldane quickly ties the donkey to a tree.  'Anyone see where it came from?'
2 figures jump out of the bushes at the far side of the bridge, one in ringed leather, one in studded leather, both human, a female and a balding male.  They start running up the bridge as the glowing purple ball continues towards Mior's retreat'¦Their armor is covered in chalk bone markings, and the ringed leather human is female
Hamish_Haldane tries to slow the Blue Turtle Gnome.   'Kellik, let me enchant your sword.'
Kellik  holds up a hand. 'hold on.'Kellik calls across the bridge.  'What in blazes do you nuts want?'
The 2 humans rushing up the bridge  are 30 feet from Mior at this point and closing.
[note=social]
 01[21:13] <Vreeg_GM> (roll social cc, %)
Kellik tried to parley, or to use social skills.  The bridge wardens here are guards, not inlined to parley, but I gave him social -40 to start a parley.
[21:13] <Kellik> !roll 1d100
[21:13] <isobot> Kellik rolls 1d100: {24} = 24
 01[21:13] <Vreeg_GM> social cc, %
[21:13] <Kellik> um
[21:13] <Kellik> 56  (GM  56-40=16% chance)  
[/note]
the woman calls out as she rushes, " Death rules all of us ...Death over all!
Kellik Snarls, 'death over you maybe!'  and he charges her, moving up the bridge, followed by Simon.
Hamish_Haldane sighs, and begins casting Coldsnap on his own rapier
kellik and simon move as one... though  Mior_Carchedin is sweating in slow motion, watching the guardians close on him, as the ball of purple fire flares and tries to run him over.  He finally gets an arrow fitted while dodging, backpedaling, and bleeding.
Mior 's arrow slices down the Bald ma's arm, drawing blood
Kellik whoops a war cry as he charges
Mior_Carchedin nocks another arrow, but as he gets it to string, and the others start to catch up to him, the female reached Him and stabs at him with her gladius
She stabs Mior in the chest as he nocks his arrow, burying her sword fully in his chest'¦blood spurts and sprays over her and Mior as he crumples.
Mior_Carchedin gurgles as he slides off the blade to the ground.

Great game log as usual Vreeg, they really read quite well. Looking forward to part two (even though I hear the ending is lame ~~)

Steel Isle will be on IRC tonight at 8:30 eastern (then move into #Celtricia).

Can Hamish Haldane Stay alive?  How will Meanest's new character get added in?  Will Kellik splatter more foes?  Will Rampan take drugs?

Stay tuned to find out!  Or pick up a pregen character for the night, and join in for 1.5 hours.  Minimal investment, maximal roleplay.