Brigg awakens by a gentle poke on his side. Bleary eyed, he looks up and sees a centaur standing over him.
Centaur: It is time to go.
Brigg looks around and sees that the rest of his companions are awake already, each of them in the process of packing up their belongings or doing other various morning rituals. The morning autumn is cool and crisp, and the sky is overcast with a dull gray. There is a smell of rain that drifts across the land. If it rains, it won't make it very ideal for travel.
ZtB Carefully packs up his spellbook and attemps to keep it as dry as possible.
Vexin: Sleepy sleepy sleepyhead Briggsy wake up! Time's wasting!
ZtB: Hopefully the rain stays away..
Taurus buckles on the last piece of his fullplate, a ritual that takes him several minutes to arrange the various pieces. Ensuring each strap is secure and in its rightful place he stands dusting down his cloak.
Brigg: uh... what time is it?
Vexin: Time for you to get UP! Last one to... uh... Thrax Parkas is a TROLL!
Taurus quirks a brow.
Vexin: Did I tell you about the time I met the albino troll?
Goldmoon: It is Xak Tsaroth, little kender. (smiles)
Taurus: Such things exist, Vexin?
Vexin: oh
Vexin: Yes, yes it bonked me on the head and then...
Taurus secures his pack before he approaches the Centaur, bowing his head respectfully to the creature.
Vexin: OW SKITTER!
Vexin: Don't bite me!
ZtB collects his pack and follows Taurus
Taurus: Master of the Wood, Might we have safe passage through your great forest this day?
Vexin pets Skitter and waves goodbye to the Centaurs
centaur: Aye! We are instructed to take yee to the edge of the forest in whatever direction yee wish.
Vexin picks up a few smooth sling-stones, they should be useful later
Taurus: East. There is a pass through the mountains to Gateway.
Taurus looks to Hawkeye for confirmation, having discussed this with him earlier.
Hawkeye Nods
centaur: We can take thee as far as the road. After that, yee be on yer own.
Taurus: Thank you.
Vexin: Onward! To...
Vexin blushes and glances at Goldmoon
centaur: Climb aboard then, as the trip will be as quick as it was last night!
Taurus smiles, looking up to the Centaur. Taking a moment to admire the proud beast, reminding him of Thunder.
ZtB: Sounds like a fair plan.
Vexin: To where we're going!
Taurus reluctantly clambers atop one of the larger Centaurs.
Vexin hops on and hugs the Centaur
ZtB climbs onto a centaur
Vexin: Don't forget Skitter!
Taurus tightens the strap around the staff securing it to him and takes grip on the Centaur.
ZtB (quietly to himself): Hopefully this trip won't be like the last one..
Vexin: He's not *quite* as fast...
The Centaur's race through the forest once more at dizzing speed. Your not entirely sure if you would ever get used to such a ride, except maybe the kender, who seels to be enjoying it.
Taurus closes his eyes as he focuses on keeping his trial rations in his stomach.
Vexin: Wee!
Vexin: Look how fast the trees fly by!
ZtB tries to concentrate on the back of the centaur avoiding looking at the trees to the side.
After about 2 and a half hours of swift travel through Darkenwoods, the centaurs slow there pace and eventually come to a halt.
centaur: the road is yonder, past those trees. Head south and yee will find yourself in Gateway. To the North lies Solace.
Taurus dares to open his eyes as the pace slows, sitting upright and peering around their surrounds. "We're here... already?"
Taurus clambers down, staggering a bit as he gets his feet. Riding a Centaur an experience quite different from riding a horse.
Vexin sadly dismounts, wishing the ride lasted longer
ZtB breaks his concentration and attemps to get down.
Vexin: Over so soon...
Taurus: Once again, thank you for your assistant Master of the Woods.
Vexin makes sure Skitter is ready to continue to the road
ZtB: I'm glad that's over with. Thank you for the ride.
centaur: Aye. May you be granted with great luck in your quest.
Vexin: Thank you!
Vexin salutes the Centaurs
Taurus bows his head once more before taking his leave and heading towards the road.
the centaurs turn around and bound back into the mysterious woods.
ZtB follows Taurus.
Taurus: Let us tarry not, I would like to reach Gateway before dark.
ZtB: Yes, I do miss a warm bed and good food.
Vexin hops on Skitter and charges towards the road, shouting "last one is a troll..."
Taurus chuckles.
ZtB laughs
Taurus: Quite an exuberant one, isn't he.
ZtB: Yes.
ZtB: He is quite interesting..
Vexin stops at the edge of the woods and peeks up and down the road, hoping to see something interesting
You make your way down the road towards gateway. The sky is still overcast but it hasn't started to rain yet.
you find nothing but the abundent plant life of the forest.
and a road.
and the sky
Vexin sighs and waits for his friends
Taurus treads along the road quietly clanking away in his plate armor, accompanying the sound with a low solamnic tune hummed barely beneath his breath.
Taurus: You never did tell us the story of the Albino Troll, Vexin.
Vexin: Oh! It's a good story.
ZtB: I'm sure it is.
Vexin: You see, I had just left the druid's secret cult circle meeting, and
Taurus: Secret cult circle?
Vexin: Oh yes, It all started in the tavern
Taurus: The Druids met in the tavern?
ZtB: Did these druids drink a lot?
Vexin: I was minding my own business in the tavern, and these drunks next to me kept whispering really loud about the secret cult meeting.
Vexin: no, but the humans in the tavern did
Taurus: Ahh I see. So you decided to attend, yes?
Vexin: Soon, all the humans were choking and gulping down water from horse troughs and convulsing on the ground. So I lef tthe strange humans in search of the Druids circle
Vexin: Strange humans...
Taurus frowns somewhat, eyeing the Kender.
Vexin: Not you!
Taurus: Why were they acting such?
ZtB (puzzled): Choking and gulping water?
Vexin: They must not have liked the stew
Taurus: Tavern food can be very dissagreeable.
Taurus nods.
Vexin: I liked it very much!
Vexin: Anyways, So I travelled long through the woods where they mentioned the ruins were
ZtB: I guess all tavens aren't like the one in Solace
Taurus: Indeed Zhage.
Vexin: Otik's spiced potatoes....
Vexin: that reminds me, I'm hungry!
ZtB (frowning): Wish I was able to get some of those...
Vexin pulls out a fried bat wing and crunches on it as he continues
Taurus smiles apologetically at Zhage.
Taurus: I'll buy you all the potatoes you can eat when we return my friend.
ZtB: I may have to take you up on that.
ZtB smiles.
Vexin: So I found the ruins by nightfall, and there were these hooded people doing secret rituals!
ZtB: What kind of ritual?
Taurus looks back to Vexin curious about his story.
Vexin: It was all so interesting I stuck around watching for a week... I learned everything!
Vexin: I can't tell... druid's code
Vexin holds up a hand in a weird sign
Taurus laughs.
Taurus: Ofcourse!
Vexin: See! Some people DO understand!
ZtB laughing "Wow."
Taurus: So the druids inducted you into their Circle? How did you manage to convince them of that?
Vexin smiles and continues
Vexin: Well umm...
Vexin: Not exactly
Vexin: I've found many humans don't like Kender, and I felt like learning more, not being locked in jail again
Taurus: Quite understandable.
Taurus: ... not a bout humans not likeing Kender, about the jail part.
Vexin: So when the druids left, I left... and stepped through some trees and BAM! Hit on the head by the albino troll
Vexin sighs
Vexin: Just like that...
ZtB: Do you remember much of anything else after your skull bashing?
As you make your way down the road, the kender's tale is inturrupted. Some distance away, a group of huddled men pulls a large cart slowly west down the Road from Gateway. They sway rhythmically. Coarse, heavy robes completely conceal their features.
Vexin (whispers): look! company!
ZtB: Hmm... that is strange..
Hawkeye looks towards the rest of the group.
Taurus squints some in the direction of the men, instinctively pulling his cloak tighter about his shoulders before continueing on down the road.
Taurus (whispers): Too poorly dressed for merchants, perhaps "holy" men of sorts.
Vexin: We should say "Hi', it's rude to not say "hi"
Taurus: Yes, we should say hi Vexin. But we should be on our guard.
ZtB (whispering): Possibly, their sway seems strange though..
Riverwind nods at Taurus' comment
Taurus moves to the head of the group, gesturing for Briggs and HAwkeye to walk at the flanks and Riverwind at the rear; leaving Goldmoon in the middle surrounded by the men.
you cautiously make your way up the road towards the group of robed figures, as they make their way slowly towards you.
Vexin rides point next to Taurus, his mighty hoopak at the ready
Taurus smiles thankfully to Vexin, continueing towards the group he raises his hand in greetings to them.
Taurus: Hail, strangers!
Robed Man (slightly raspy voice): Good day to you, travelers.
Taurus: You travel from Gateway, to the south, nae?
Vexin: Hullo!
Vexin makes a sweeping bow, nearly falling off Skitter
ZtB nods in their direction, watching their movements.
Robed Man: Yes, we do, good sir. Please pardon this old cleric's ramblings, but some days ago our healing staff was stolen from Xak Tsaroth. Now, one of our flock is dying-- he's lying yonder in the cart -- and we desperately need that staff to restore him to health. Have you heard any word of a Blue Crystal Staff?
Vexin: Oh, maybe I can help!
Riverwind glares at the mention of the 'theft'
Vexin rides towards the cart to see the wounded person
Taurus brows crease somewhat as he looks towards the cart then back to the cleric.
ZtB (whispering): Calm down Riverwind
other robed figures step in front of the kender, stopping him from moving forth.
Taurus: Cleric you say, my I'm honored to meet you good Sir. Perhaps I might take a look at your wounded friend, I've experience with such things.
Vexin: Hullo! I want to help your friend!
Robed Man: I... I'm sorry. I don't think the kender can help. only the staff can help him.
Vexin: But I can make poultices and such!
Vexin lists off the diseaes he knows how to treat
Taurus glances to Goldmoon breifly, then begins to step towards the figures.
Robed Man: dear sir, have you heard of such a staff? I don't think your skills, as good as they may be, will help.
ZtB squats down and picks up a little dirt and rubs it to his hands.
Taurus: I have heard of such a staff.
ZtB stands again, gripping his staff tight.
Vexin: Pfft! Ony a staff..
Taurus: There was quite a stir in Solace about it, some days ago.
Robed Man: really???
Taurus: What illness does your friend suffer?
Vexin tries to peek around the robed men to see what's in the cart
Robed Man: It is a plague. none that we have seen ever before.
Vexin seeing nothing, gets bored and looks for something interesting
Taurus sighs and steps forward, unslinging the staff and holding it in his left hand.
Taurus: Show me your ill friend and I shall attempt to heal him of his illness.
ZtB (whispering): I don't like this.
Robed Man rubs his hands together and then reaches out for the staff.
Taurus stops short.
Taurus: But.. I'm afraid I cannot relinquish the staff. I have been charged with a duty I must uphold.
Mcgarnagle: Vexin, roll your sleight of hand.
Robed Man: very well.
Robed Man bows and leads Taurus to the back of the cart.
Vexin: Hey... can clerics wear Chainmail?
Vexin: Very shiny, new-looking chainmail
Taurus follows the man, though cautious, glancing towards Vexin breifly before speaking to the robed man.
one of the robed figures looks down at the kender and tries to grab his wrist.
Vexin: good craftsmanship, but not like I saw this dwarf wearing one time...
Vexin: OW!
Vexin: OW! Let go of ME!
Taurus: Halt! Release my comrade.
Mcgarnagle: Roll initiative please.
Taurus levels his eyes on the man who grabs for Vexin.
The robed figure that lead Taurus to the back rips his robes free, revealing a half-man-half dragon, clad in chainmail. His wings spread out from their bindings and streach as he draws his weapon.
Taurus
Taurus eyes widen as the creatures reveal themselves, calling back to his companions. "On Guard!"
Taurus draws from its sheath his longsword and in a sharp arc brings its tip around towards the lizardman directly at his front - blade shimmering in the afternoon sun.
The dragon man hisses in pain as the sword cuts into his shoulder.
Vexin
Vexin: Skitter! HELP! ATTACK!
Vexin: charging [1d20+10 = 18]
Skitter lunges into the dragonman with all his force.
Mcgarnagle: roll damage.
Vexin: [1d6+2 = 6]
Vexin: CON damage [1d4 = 1]
The massive weasel latches on with his powerful jaws.
Vexin takes a step back and loads his Hoopak

Riverwind runs forward and slashes his sword into the dragonman at the front of the wagon.
The blade of the longsword finds a space in the armor and slides through a tough leathery skin of the dragonman
The apparent leader of the dragonmen draws his sword and swings it towards the back of Taurus.
The short sword clanks off the knights thick armor. The dragonman growls in anger.
ZtB
Taurus blinks as he feels the blade clang off his armor, shooting a look over his shoulder at the dragon creature then to Vexin.
Taurus (to Vexin): We're falling back to the others!
Vexin: Falling back... ok!
ZtB moves his hand and begind to chant.
Mcgarnagle: is it fireball?
ZtB: 5 foot radius
The flaming ball stops at the two dragonmen. One of them skillfully rolls out of the way while the other is engulfed in the flames.
Mcgarnagle: roll damage.
ZtB: Flaming Sphere [2d6 = 8]

Hawkeye moves forward and attacks the same dragonman as Riverwind with his gleaming scimitar
The sword clanks off the armor, as the dragonman gurggles a laugh.
Hawkeye hurls his handaxe towards the dragonman standing 10 feet away from him.
The axe whisles by but magically returnes to the rangers hand.
Brigg steps forward, wielding his mighty scythe.
The scythe slashes into the dragonmans leg. Blood pools onto the ground.
The remaining dragonman burst free from their robes and draw their weapons. They advance on the companions.
The dragonman in the cart leaps over the cart and lands between Taurus and his retreat
Gooldmoon moves to stand beside Zhage, wielding her staff towards any enemies that approach.
Taurus
Taurus llooks around to see he is quickly becoming surrounded, turning sharply he lashes out at the dragonman that leapt off the cart.
The sword strikes true, landing a solid blow.
Taurus: Hold fast!
Vexin
Vexin: CON damage attached blood drain. [1d4 = 3]
Vexin Slings a stone at the draconian stepping up to Skitter
Taurus: Skitters appears to have taken to the taste of lizard...
Vexin reloads his sling
The stone whistles by, the kender taking extra percautions not to hit his loyal companion.

Riverwind continues his savage assult on the dragonman in front of him.
The dragonman croaks a moan as his skin turns to stone, a statue in his final death throes. Riverwind barely gets his blade free from the statue
The dragonman leader slashes towards the knight, facing him head on now.
The sword misses horribly. the dragonman hisses again and lunges at the knight with his clawed hand.
The claw scrapes across the armor, not even scratching it.
ZtB
Taurus moves rather agile despite the heavy plate he wears, eyeing the dragonman leader as the others assault his flank. "It appears foe, you should have invested more time in the martial arts rather than deception."
the dragonman leader sees the ball of flame rolling towards him and cleverly dodges. The other dragonman is not so fortunate.
Mcgarnagle: magic missle now?
The glowing darts steak across the battlefield and plant themselves into the chest of the dragonman.

Hawkeye brings his scimitar around to the dragonman on his right.
The blade slashes into it's neck.
He then launches his handaxe to the dragonman aproaching from around the wagon.
The axe misses once again, but returns to the ranger's hand.
Brigg attacks the dragonman infront of him with his scythe
The ScytheSlices tthrough the dragonmans leg as it turns to stone.
DM6 attacks Riverwind with his sword.
The blade misses horribly.
DM11 advances onto Hawkeye slashing with his sword.
The ranger skillfully dodges the slash.
DM7 attacks the scythe wielding fighter.
Following suit with it's comrades, it misses his target.
DM4 decends upon the fighter, trying to assist his dragonman companion in felling the mighty warrior.
He too misses.
DM8 returns the attack upon Taurus.
The sword doesn't even come close to hitting the heavily armoured knight.
Dragonman: Hand over the staff and we will finish you swiftly!
Vexin points at dragonman5 and shouts "You're mother was an Ogre with nasty warts!"
Taurus: I would watch your back now scaly foe, Briggs there isn't as forgiving as I.
the dragonman leader slashes his sword towards the knight.
The blade misses once again. The dragonman is enranged and claws the knight.
It too misses.
DM9 tries to attack the knight from behind.
THe swords of the dragonmen cannot pierce the armor.
Taurus smiles, hoisting his shield high to protect against the obvious leader of the band. Hissing out quietly between light breaths, "Have your men surrender and you shall be spared."
DM10 struggles to kill the weasel that is attached to his throat.
He seems to have no luck, just like the other dragonmen.
His dragonman companion beside him lines up his attack, trying to sevre the weasle from the other dragonman
He narrowly misses.
Goldmoon watches the action unfold.
Taurus
Taurus finds an opening and thrusts past his shield towards the midsection of the wounded Dragonman8
The sword just hits, fresh blood coats the blade.
Mcgarnagle: make a ref. save please.
As the dragonman's body turns to stone, you pull the sword out of the statue with some effort, barely freeing it.
Vexin
Taurus: What witchery is this!
Vexin: Ack! NASTY!
Vexin: CON damage attached blood drain. [1d4 = 2]
Dragonman smiles at the knights reaction. His teeth are sharpe and jagged.
Vexin plants his hoopak firmly in the ground and pulls back hard, launching a stone at dragonman 5
Vexin: Take that, UGLY!
The stone smacks into the dragonmans face, stinging a bit.
Vexin reloads his hoopak and takes another step back

Riverwind attacks dragonman6
His longsword slashes into the flesh of the dragonman.
ZtB
The dragonman leader dodges out of the way of the flaming ball.
ZtB reaches behind him and grabs his crossbow.

Hawkeye attempts to fell DM11.
Brigg tries to finish off dragonman 7
Mcgarnagle: [1d20+7 = ?? ]
The scythe just barely hits.
The dragonman turns to stone, the scythe getting a clean cut out from the statue.
DM6 frustrated, attacks riverwind.
The blade misses.
DM11 does the same, only against hawkeye.
He too misses
DM4 hisses and strikes towards Brigg
The blade slashes into the warriors torso.
my first hit with a badguy!
The dragonman leader, inspired by his companion, tries to hit the heavily armored knight.
The leaders sword comes very close to finding a hole but the knight closes it up with great skill.
rgw dragonman claws at the knight as well
DM9 attacks the knight from behind.
THe blade strikes the armor and vibrates right out of his hands.
Taurus hides a smirk.
The dragonman that is being sucked dry by the weasel feebly tries to hit the creature
and feeble it t'was
His companion tries to help.
The blade strikes the weasel, blood trickles from his side
Taurus
Taurus brings his sword back, eyeing the dragonleader before whirling around to strike one of his minions behind him; DM9.
Mcgarnagle: no crit
Mcgarnagle: roll ref save
Taurus spins the sword around skillfully, shoots their leader a look.
The blade shaves the dragonman's head clean off, it's now stone head rolls in the dusty road
Taurus: You Sir, are now in trouble.
Vexin
Vexin: CON damage attached blood drain. [1d4 = 1]
Vexin: BAD UGLY THING! Don't hurt skitter!
Vexin launches a stone at DM5
Mcgarnagle: roll damage.
Vexin: [1d4+2 = 6]
Vexin sticks his tongue out at DM5
the stone hits the dragonman squarely in the nose, you hear the crunch of bones snapping.

Riverwind gives a glance over to the kender, wondering if he was at his stoning in his village before attacking the dragonman
The sword misses it's mark, clearly distracted.
ZtB
ZtB reloads his crossbow and fires at DM1
ZtB reloads.

Hawkeye attempts to finish off the dragonman in front of him
He misses his mark.
Brigg glares at the dragonman who struck his torso before bringing his scythe around.
The scythe sprays blood to the ground as the dragonman begins to limp
DM6 strikes towards Riverwind
THe dragonman beside him tries to strike hawkeye after seeing his companion miss
The sword slashes to the flesh of the plainsmen, blood splatters through the air.
The dragonman swings at Brigg again, hoping for the same luck as before.
The blade slashes into Brigg's other side, he begins to bleed profusely.
THe dragonman leader swings at the knight.
Taurus looks towards Briggs watching the blood spill, his eyes narrowing some.
The blade finds a chink in the armor and the dragonman smiles in glee.
Taurus: Arggh...
ZtB watches as the beasts hit his comrades.
The dragonman that is beeing sucked dry looks pale. He attempts to beat the weasel to death with his clawed hands, dropping his sword.
whats Skitter's ac again?
One clawed hand slashes at the weasel's head, but still the weasel stays impaled on the dragonman's neck
The other dragonman advances towards the kender, looking for revenge for the broken nose.
Blood blurs his vision and he misses the agile kender
Taurus
Taurus presses forward on the balls of his booted feet as he carves the longsword up sharply towards the Dragonman Leader; wanting a cut a path towards the bleeding Briggs.
The dragonman leader howls in pain but grimices on.
Vexin
Vexin: CON damage attached blood drain. [1d4 = 1]
Vexin takes a step back and slings another stone at DM5
Mcgarnagle: damage..
Vexin: [1d4+2 = 3]
The kender rings another one of the side of the dragonman's head.

Riverwind slashes the dragonman with his longsword.
The blade glances off the chainmail shirt.
ZtB
Vexin moons DM5 and reloads
ZtB aims his crossbow at DM5 and lets loose a bolt.
ZtB reloads his crossbow.
The crossbow bolt lodges into the arm of the dragonman. He gives a glare towards the young mage

Hawkeye tries to finish off the dragonman, see that they are gaining some luck in their strikes.
ZtB: Take that you beast.
Hawkeye roars as his sword lopes off a hand. The dragonman screeches in pain but still wields his sword.
Brigg brings the scythe down onto the dragonman
Weakened from the blood lose, he misses his mark
DM6 tries to strike the agile Riverwind.
He misses.
The dragonman next to him tires with only one hand left to strike hawkeye. his eyes are wide with fright.
The strike misses as the ranger dodges easily.
Sensing victory over his opponent, the dragonman attacks brigg with confidence
He is over confident however, as he misses the weakend Brigg
The leader lunges towards Taurus
The blade glaces off the plate armor
the dragonman attacks Skitter with his claws once more, feeling death fast approaching
Both claws miss as Skitter struggles to get away from the attacks while staying stuck to the neck of the horrid creature
the final dragonman runs towards Vexin and brings his sword down in anger towards the kender
Vexin: whew! you stink ugly!
Vexin: Skitter bites down [1d20+8 = 22]
Mcgarnagle: roll damage...
Vexin: Bite damage [1d6+3 = 6]
Vexin: CON damage attached blood drain. [1d4 = 1]
the weasel lunges at the dragonman, sinking it's teeth deep into the dragonman's flesh.
Mcgarnagle: roll ref save for Skitter
Vexin: Good Skitter!
Skitters manages to get his teeth out of the dragonman before it turns to stone.
Taurus
Taurus watches the Leader warily, not having to focus so much on his flank anymore. Deflecting a blow he sidesteps around him to stand beside Briggs, lashing out at the Leaders side.
Repositioning himself, Taurus manages to miss the dragonman leader.
Vexin
Vexin points at the Leader
Vexin: Skitter ATTACK! Help Taurus!
Vexin: Skitter bites down [1d20+8 = 15]
The leader, prepared for the attack, manages to dodge from the weasel's attack
Vexin fires another stone at DM10 hoping to finish him
Vexin: DIE MAGGOOOOT... oops
The stone whistes by , crashing into some bushes across the road

Riverwind swings at the dragonman, desperate to finish him off.
> THe blade just hits...
ZtB
ZtB points his staff towards Briggs and mutters an almost silent word.

Hawkeye brings his sword over his head and plunges it down towards the dragonman.
ZtB lowers his staff and plans his next move.
THe scimitar just hits.
The dragonman's skin turns grey as hawkeye pulls his blade free.
Brigg swings the scythe round.
The scythe misses as the dragonman easily avoids it
DM6 strikes at Riverwind.
he misses yet again
The other dragonman hisses as he swings at Brigg's leg
The blade seems to slow inches from Brigg but it manages to still strike the wounded warrior
The dragonman leader swings at the weasel
Vexin: 17/28
The sword strikes Skitter.
the claw of the dragonman also makes its way towards the deadly creature
Vexin: 13/28
The final dragonman stumbles over to the kender and tries to claw his face off!
One claw misses, but the other slashes the kender's ear
Vexin: My beautiful pointed ear!
Taurus
Taurus steps around the wagon, lowering almost to a crouch as he hacks at the legs of Dragonman4 to protect his friend. "Briggs, I'll relieve your possition!"
Mcgarnagle: damage...
the dragonmans leg snaps from the force of the strike and the dragonman turns to stone.
Vexin
Vexin: Skitter
Vexin: Skitter bites down [1d20+8 = 10]
The weasel misses once again and the dragonman laughs a gurggle laugh at the pitiful creature.
Vexin takes a step back and launches another stone at DM10's head
The stone sails carelessly over the head of the dragonman

Riverwind wields the blade on the dragonman
The dragonman falls to the ground and turns to stone, Riverwind holds his sword fast, looking for his next opponent
ZtB
ZtB takes aim at DM10 and fires a bolt.
Mcgarnagle: roll damage
ZtB reloads
The bolt lands into the dragonman's shoulder
Hawkeye swiftly moves to the leader and attacks
THe sword plunges into the dragonmans belly but he still looks meanacingly towards the group
Brigg leans against the wagon, holding his wounds and grimicing
The dragonman leader turns and strikes his new opponent.
The sword cuts Hawkeye's wrist badly and he almost fumbles his sword but maintains his grip
Taurus
Taurus unslings his shield and grips the longsword in both hands with a desire to finish this. Circling around the wagon he takes a swing at the Dragon Leaders rear.
The dragonman hisses as the blade sinks deep. He begins to look warried at his odds
Vexin
Vexin: Skitter bites down [1d20+8 = 27]
Mcgarnagle: damage
Vexin: Bite damage [1d6+3 = 4]
Vexin: CON damage attached blood drain. [1d4 = 3]
Mcgarnagle: roll ref save. ;)
Vexin: +8
Vexin: 18
The weasel ironiclly has the honors of the final death blow to the dragonman leader.
The stone clunks him in the neck, but the dragonman still stands, despite being very wobbly right now.
ZtB
ZtB seeing the dragon man losing his balance, he fires one more bolt.
The bolt wizzes by
Hawkeye lunges forward, trying to finish the dragonman off.
The dragonman crumples to the ground and turns to stone. hawkeye wipes his blade off.
Taurus lifts the visor on his helm and wipes away a bead of sweat, panting lightly as he surveys the scene.
ZtB walks towards Briggs eyeing his wounds. "Are you ok?"
Taurus: Everyone's breathing?
Brigg raises his hand towards Zhage.
Brigg yes... I should be... fine.
Brigg: yes... I should be... fine.
Vexin pets Skitter... "poor Skitter, we'll patch you up tonight"
ZtB (concerned): You don't look to fine...
Taurus eyes Briggs closely for a moment before he picks up the stone head of one of the dragon creatures.
Taurus: Someone search the wagon before we pile the remains in, we shouldn't leave this mess on the road.
Vexin: Ooh! Maybe something interesting inside!
You hold the stone head in your hand, and as you do so, the stone begins to crumble into a fine dust.
the remaining bodies eventually do the same.
Taurus blinks and drops the dusty, mumbling to himself.
Taurus (whisper): What witchery...
ZtB (raising an eyebrow): Well.. that makes clean up easy..
you look inside the wagon to find nothing but hay.
ZtB walks over to where a body used to be and takes a sample of the dust in a vial.
Vexin gathers up anything that looks interesting, or shiny, and puts it into one side of the cart
Taurus approaches Briggs and pats his shoulder, drawing from its sling the plain wooden staff.
Taurus: Nasty claws, those lizards.
You have 11 chain shirts and 11 short swords You find a total of 40 GPs
Vexin: Look! Armor, feathers, claws, scales...
Taurus: Any written orders Vexin?
Vexin: hmmm...
Hawkeye: I think we should wheel this cart and this junk into the woods.
Taurus: I agree old friend.
Vexin searches for written documents
you are certain that there are no notes or other documents anywhere to be found
Vexin: Nope, nothing Taurus
ZtB gets up after taking a sample and looks at Hawkeye. "That would be a good idea."
Goldmoon: They said they were from Xak Tsaroth...
Taurus bows his head, hand on the shoulder of Briggs. He tightens his grip on the staff and focus' on mending some of his comrades wounds.
Vexin tries to help moving the cart, but he is sorely lacking in strength
The staff bursts into blue light and Brigg's wounds seal shut.
> Vexin: Ooh! Pretty!
ZtB: I love the look of that staff when it does that.
Taurus whispers a silent prayer, opening his eyes he steps back and secures the staff once more. Rubbing his hands together, he moves to the cart and begins to push.
Taurus: I hope never to do it in combat, it would be a dead give away.
Brigg: Thankyou, Taurus...
Brigg puts his hand on his friends shoulder
Taurus grins at Briggs, nodding.
You notice that Hawkeye is also badly wounded but he seemingly tires to hide them from you and the others.
Taurus tilts his head, smirks and then stands. Approaching Hawkeye.
Taurus: Hawkeye, did you see that... over there?
Taurus gestures to the forest, hand reaching back to the staff as he attempts to place his other hand on his friends back and repeat the process which he did with Briggs.
Hawkeye turns the other way, looking around confused in the direction that Taurus points.
The staff flares blue again and Hawkeye's wounds seal up.
Hawkeye spins and gives a glare to the knight.
Taurus steps back, smiles.
Taurus: Your like a boy who doesn't like the taste of Taric Tea.
Hawkeye glare fades into a slight smile. He relenquishes a little laugh
Vexin: Hope it's better than Tarbean Tea! *pinches his nose*
ZtB: How is your weasel Vixen?
Riverwind: The wagon is well hidden. No one will find it unless they come into the wood.
Taurus grins and nods to Riverwind.
Vexin: Ah, he could be better. Could be worse
Riverwind returns from the woods with Brigg
Vexin wipes Weasel blood on the grass
Taurus: When we break camp Vixen, I will tend his wounds personally. If you would allow...
Vexin: I trust you Taurus
Vexin hugas Taurus
Taurus: Skitter is a mighty adversary and it would be the least I could d--
ZtB: Hopefully he is not too hurt, he did fight bravely
Vexin: He'll live
Taurus blinks as the Kender hugs him, a little uncomfortable and not sure what to do he pats his head cautiously.
Vexin to Gateway before we ALL turn into trolls
Taurus laughs.
Taurus: Indeed, to Gateway!
Vexin walks beside Skitter to Gateway
Taurus throws a look in the direction of Zhage. "As for your, perhaps you'll one day teach me that fiery trick of yours."
Vexin gives Skitter a jerky treat
ZtB (with a smile): Perhaps
Vexin absently flips a dagger into the air repeatedly, twirling it with skilled acrobatic
Taurus steps into line trying to hide a perusive glance over Goldmoon for wounds; not wishing to get Riverwinds attention.
Vexin (as he walks along twirling the dagger): You know, this is a pretty nice dagger, wonder where I found it
ZtB pulls out his vial with the dragon dust and gives it a good study while walking in line.
The party carries on down the road towards gateway.
Taurus absently checks his belt.
The brilliant leaves float softly from the trees to the floor of the canyon. The road leads peacefully between the spires of the Sentinel Peaks.
ZtB (half listening): what dagger?
Vexin holds up the dagger
Vexin: Too nice for one of those uglies to carry
ZtB makes a quick glance. "Nice dagger."
ZtB goes back to looking at the dust.
Taurus admires the scenery as they walk humming a quiet solamnic tune to himself.
Vexin: what's this? There's a big T carved in the dagger's handle
Taurus: Perhaps thats my dagger, Vexin.
Taurus: I did lose mine recently, after all.
Vexin: oh? You should really not leave important things lying around
Vexin fliups the dagger to Taurus
Taurus looks towards the Kender, a half smile on his face. Catching the dagger, he turns it over then stuffs it in his belt.
Vexin: Good thing I found it
Taurus: Indeed.
Vexin: Might need that later1
Vexin: !
Taurus: Yes. What if we were to be caught in a rope trap, however would I cut you down?
Vexin: See? keep it with you1
Taurus nods firmly.
Taurus: So the dragonkin were from our desired destination.
ZtB chuckles at both Taurus and Vexin
Vexin bounds along ahead a few steps, searching for something interesting
Vexin: Maybe there's a whole camp of them!
Vexin: That would be so exciting!
Taurus: Perhaps this time I shant be so gullible.
Taurus quietly scolds himself for trusting the robed figures.
After an hour's walk through the dusty canyon, the faint spatter of rain begins to beat against armor and weapons. The canyon makes way for a small grove of trees down bellow. beyond that, the Abanasinia plains streach out to the east.
Smoke drifts lazily from the chimneys of Gateway. The comfortable houses and shops nestle in the arms of the Sentinel Mountains at the base of the Gateway Pass to Solace. The smell of baking bread sweetens the autumn breeze.
Vexin: mmmm smels good!
ZtB (feeling the rain): Suprised the weather held this long.
ZtB: And yes, that is a nice smell.
Taurus pulls his cloak around him tighter, lifting its weathered hood to shield himself from the rain. Nodding in aggreeance to both Vexin and Zhage takes in a long smell of the air.
Brigg stomache growls
Brigg: lets get out of this rain then, and get some real food!
Taurus: Perhaps it might be wise not to mention our dragon friends, whilst in this town?
Taurus looks pointedly at Vexin.
ZtB (nodding to Briggs): Sounds like a good plan.
Taurus: Aye, a roof, a hot meal and a warm bed.
ZtB (to Taurus): That would be wise. Perhaps I can take a look at this dust to see what caused them to turn to stone like that.
Vexin: What's a dragon?
Taurus: Aye, but do not lose sleep over it. I'd like to leave early tomorrow.
Vexin: Sounds interesting
The group wearily makes their way down towards the town of Gateway. The town itself is about the same size as Solace, and resembles it in many ways, except it's homes do not rest in the boughs of mighty Vallenwood trees.
Taurus: An ancient beast of the old ages, Vexin. They were said to be as big as a tavern and as fiersome as... a dire weasel.
Vexin: Ooh! very fierce!
ZtB laughs at Taurus
Brigg smiles at Taurus' crack.
Taurus: They could breath fire, and apparantly.. their vision was based on movement.
Taurus nods firmly, cutting a smile to Briggs and Zhage.
Vexin: Oh ok, must remember to stay still if a dragon shows up
Taurus: And quiet too, they have amazing hearing. Ears of an elephant.
Vexin: Now that's no fun!
Vexin whirls his hoopak in the air, making a loud whirring sound
You enter the small hamlet to find not a soul to be found in the streets, which are quickly being clogged with mud. Eventually, you spot a few residents peering out through window blinds at your group as the walk past
Vexin: People are awfully rude here
ZtB (glancing at the street): Ever get the feeling something is wrong?
Vexin: In Hylo they run out to greet you
Taurus walks into town, looking around at the buildings. Noticing the distinct lack of people which cause a faint frown to crease his brow, shielding his eyes from the rain as he tries to find a larger building with smoke that could be an Inn.
Vexin: How boring
Taurus: It makes sense, if those creatures came through here.
Mcgarnagle: anyone have local knowledge?
Taurus: They might suspect us of the same intentions.
Vexin: ooh! Maybe we'll see more!
ZtB: That and it is raining, so it could be that.
Mcgarnagle: alright. :)
Vexin searches for anything interesting lurking around
Looking for anything that could be an inn seems to be more difficult than you thought. Nothing stands out and you notice that this small town does not even have a blacksmith.
Taurus: Perhaps we should ask for directions.
ZtB: If we could find someone.
Vexin: Ask who?
Taurus approaches one of the doors where he noticed somewhere peering through blinds, he knocks.
the door opens a crack
Vexin: Maybe this street sign is an animate object!
Vexin: Sign, which way should we go?
woman (suspicious): what do you want?
Vexin: pfft... no luck
Taurus: My apologies for the intrusion kind folk, but we appear to be lost. Could you direct us to the local Inn?
woman: ain't no Inn here in Gateway. Solace to the North has one. Have has a bunch too and that is to the south.
Taurus: Where do travellars stay? if there is no Inn?
woman (angrily): They go to Solace!
ZtB (whispered): big of a cold reaction..
Taurus blinks.
Vexin: Rude people here in Gateway!
Brigg frowns and holds his growling stomache.
Taurus: My apologies M'Lady, but Solace is quite a distance.
Taurus: Would one of your people be able to put us up for the night? We can pay.
Brigg: Well, you should have thought about that before you came to Gateway, now shouldn't ya have!
Vexin: Why would we go to Solace to spend the night if travelling FROM solace?
ZtB (in Kenderspeak): Hush Vexin
Brigg: I ain't lettin' no kender in my house! (glares at Vexin)
Brigg: no amount of money could convince me otherwise!
Vexin bored, whirls his hoopak and looks around for something more interesting
Taurus looks back at Vexin then back to the woman.
Taurus: I can assure you he is quite house broken, you have my word that no trouble shall come to your house.
woman: forget it!
woman slams the door closed
Taurus: Then might you --
Taurus turns back to his companions.
Taurus: Well. Any suggestions?
ZtB: Perhaps to the general store to pick up a tent or 2?
Vexin: We can camp in the woods... I always like the woods
Goldmoon: Que-teh is nearby, but you'll probably have a worse reception there.
Taurus: Good idea.
Vexin: I've only lived in the woods since... wow it's been a long time
Taurus: There is no point staying here tonight, we should continue on to Que-teh.
Taurus: And if need be, camp outside of town.
Vexin: Fine with me!
ZtB: Hopefully they have an inn.
Taurus pats Briggs shoulder.
Goldmoon: I'm afraid they won't... it is a plainsmen village.
Hawkeye nods
Taurus: Goldmoon, which village did you say you came from?
Goldmoon: Que-Shu
Vexin: Hawkeye and I can forage for food on the way...
Taurus: Lets get an hour out of town then break for lunch.
ZtB (eyeing Briggs): Perhaps we should find something to eat either on the way or now.
Hawkeye: If you like. We could use some fresh food, Vexin.
Taurus: Near the river, preferably. I could use a wash.
Vexin: Ok
Taurus sniffs at himself, nose screws up.
Vexin: I was going to say you should bathe, but decided not to, it would be rude
ZtB: Aye Vexin. Same here.
Taurus blinks at the pair.
Taurus: Its hard work marching in plate!
Taurus laughs.
ZtB smiles.
Vexin skips off into the woods near the river to search for food
You find food enoguh for 1 person.
Vexin gives the meager portion of food to Briggs
Brigg: Thanks, little buddy!
Taurus looks at Briggs wondering if he is hungry enough to actually eat that.
Brigg tossles the kender's hair.
Vexin munches a bat wing crunchie from his pouch
Taurus removes his armor once making camp break down to his clothes and wades into the water with a bar of soap and a rag.