Introduction - Storm of the Century

TheTick · February 01, 2012, 09:01:49 PM

The Characters:

Yiki Half-Moon (Lotofsnow) - Half-Orc Barbarian
Zedric (Nighthawk) - Half-Elf Evoker
Tagart (Sputnik314) - Half-Orc Ranger
Imfei (pooka) - Elven Paladin

The trip from Partha on the northern path had been uneventful so far, but the sky has been slowly darkening all day, and the smell of rain has been thick in the air. Now it has finally begun to fall, accompanied by loud peals of thunder that seem to roll across the landscape. The sun is hidden behind massive stormclouds, and a cold wind blows from the north. As bolts of lightning begin to slam from cloud to ground and pieces of hail begin to strike the earth, the need for shelter becomes obvious. Ahead in the distance, a large tor rises from the ground, its form illuminated by the occasional lightning bolt. It seems rocky and solid, and though climbing it in this weather would be folly, it might have some outcropping that would provide safety from the storm. The only alternative is to endure the weather.

Tips for the new players!: Show

Lotofsnow · February 02, 2012, 11:44:10 AM

Yiki, the half-orc, holds his backpack above his head to deflect the majority of hail and rain. Despite his best efforts, however, his medium length hair lies in twisted, flat lines across his face. Streams of water pour down his mostly rain-proofed pack.

He lets out a deep breath as a frustrated puff, and it manifests in a chill cloud of steam. He follows it with a voice that, in normal conditions, would be considered booming, but only barely manages to out thunder the storm:

"You know, I'm not normally one to complain, and granted I don't always make the smartest decisions, but even I can tell that it is stupid to stay out in this."

Nighthawk · February 02, 2012, 12:35:53 PM

The black raven continues to try and shake off the rains, looking to his wings somewhat expectantly. There was no way he was going to fly through this mess, so he remained crouched atop Zedric's shoulder. Every time the bird tried to shake off the rain, Zedric ended up with a face full of water.

"This is a bad idea," mumbled the bird.

"Don't start..." The wizard tried to shield himself from the lightning and rains, constantly shaking off his long robe and grasping at his book and other items, ensuring they didn't get wet. "Indeed, we best get out of this before it becomes worse."

He looked over the scene and tries to recall any bit of information he can.

Knowledge checks: +5 geography, +6 local, +8 history ... Not sure which one applies here.

Note: Quoth the raven only speaks Elvish, so unless you speak the language you might not understand him.

pooka · February 02, 2012, 02:30:58 PM

Imfei pulls her cloak closed and tips her face up, eyes closed. She rights her hood and presses the rain from her eyebrows.

The clouds are deep. This will not be a swift bellow and blast. Thy my quest is urgent, I will agree if the company chooses to seek shelter.

Sputnik314 · February 02, 2012, 09:36:21 PM

Because Tagart already bought a shelter in his backstory, it's pretty straight that he was already in a dry place.
Thank goodness I met what's his name because then I wouldn't have this tiny hut
Tagart then falls asleep.

TheTick · February 02, 2012, 09:43:21 PM

[DM]While I would normally applaud your ingenuity, there's no shelter you could be carrying with you that will stand up to what amounts to a hurricane bearing down on ya. ;) If you wish to try and tough it out on your own for a while, in the wilderness, in (deadly) hail, go for it.[/DM]

Nighthawk · February 02, 2012, 09:45:40 PM

"I'd suggest something a little more secure over our heads..."

Zedric looks through the haze and rain at the tor ahead.

"This is Hightower, the last stand of the bugbears. If I recall, the main entrance was sealed but there should be some form of shelter around it. I suggest we head there, get out of this mess and see what our options are."

Sputnik314 · February 02, 2012, 09:48:50 PM

Taggart then wakes up due to the noise.
This is not working, so I can't just sleep through the storm.
Taggart then decides to make more arrows and sharpen them through the storm
That should pass time and have productivity!

Lotofsnow · February 02, 2012, 09:52:46 PM

Quote from: Sputnik314 on February 02, 2012, 09:48:50 PM
Taggart then wakes up due to the noise.
This is not working, so I can't just sleep through the storm.
Taggart then decides to make more arrows and sharpen them through the storm
That should pass time and have productivity!

Yiki scratches his head, wondering why Taggart keeps sleeping in the middle of the road during a pounding thunderstorm.

TheTick · February 02, 2012, 09:55:03 PM

Zedric, Imfei and Yiki (along with Quoth the raven) hike up to the rocky structure, pausing a few times when the hail worsens.

The massive tor towers above the surrounding country. A few narrow ledges offer scant protection from the elements, but a closer inspection reveals a massive, arched entryway at least 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide, set into the side of the hill. The ground just outside it slopes away from the doorway, directing the falling water out and
away. Given this fact and the sturdy nature of the hill, whatever space lies beyond the door should be both dry and safe from lightning and hail. The construction seems quite sturdy, so the likelihood of collapse, even in severe conditions such as these, is remote.

Spoiler: Show

Lotofsnow · February 02, 2012, 10:09:33 PM

"Wait," orders the barbarian. He peers into the gloom of the doorway, trying to determine if any other creatures sought shelter from the storm.

Spoiler: Show

TheTick · February 02, 2012, 10:17:14 PM

Yiki investigates the area around the massive door, and finds no sign of life. He does, however, find the remnants of the massive stone that once blocked the door. The storm appeared to have cracked the stone and shaken it lose, where it smashed on the ground. From the way the vegetation has yet to grow over it in any significant way, it must've been recent.

Lotofsnow · February 02, 2012, 10:21:59 PM

"Huh. Lucky us," says the half-orc. "Seems clear."

Yiki strides into the doorway and immediately begins wringing out his clothing and shaking water from his weapons.

Nighthawk · February 02, 2012, 10:27:49 PM

"This is supposed to be sealed..." Zedric's voice trails off. He tries not seem to seem worried, but Quoth begins to fidget nervously.

He begins to prepare a spell to protect himself in case things turn violent quickly.

First hint of trouble, immediately casting Mage Armor on myself. I'll bring up the rear. Quoth gets +5 to Spot, compared to my own +3.

How high is the ceiling?

TheTick · February 02, 2012, 10:31:01 PM

Did you want to open the door and take a peek? (the color text did mention a door, just didn't make a big deal of it) I'll be heading to bed soon, so if anyone wants to try the door, it'll be tomorrow.