Please proceed to Campsite
The caravan members have responded to Faliol's warning. Some are faster than others. OOC: Remember to allow for others' posting time. We have nine players.
So far, no one has seen a Jackalo or whatever they are. Faliol has heard something. Nuyok may have seen something as well.
Here is the layout as extrapolated from the previous thread. (A couple of posts have occurred since I made the map last night, but it should still be close enough.)
Map 0
The flat grey areas are exposed granite.
The shaded grey ares are rocks large enough to give a bit of cover.
Assume the trees towards the edge of the map to be larger. The dark green along the very edge is very thick, fading into impenetrable jungle. The center of the map is slightly higher than the surroundings, but your Line of Sight is still obscured by huge trees.
Tree shapes without a brown trunk area are shrubs.
K=Kent
N=Nuyok
C=Celeste
J=Jareek
If you need to refer to a specific hex, use the grid numbers. Rath for instance is at H15

As soon as I am sure that is where people are, I will ask intentions. If combat occures, I will resolve a phase or so based on what you want your character to do. I will run all combat here and post the results in increments, so that you can adapt to new strategies.
I will update the map occasionally.

[EDITED on Mon October 21, 2002 @9:11 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Thu October 24, 2002 @11:24 PM (PDT)]

Nuyok, the intervening foliage is rich in floral and faunal life, but your spirit sight is still very effective in seeing through the intervening spirit forms.
4, 1, 5
STUN: 10 BODY: 2
You see about seven lupine shapes. Their morphia indicates spikey coverings and a weight of about 150 lbs each. Their Anima indicates they are slowly coming into an attack position. Their Psyche indicates:
DHI 11-
5, 3, 3
STUN: 11 BODY: 3
They are madly hungry and definitely about to attack.
They are located about even spaced in the trees along the top and left of the map. Exact positions probaby aren't important at this point, except that Vagrant, Faliol and Jareek are probably in the greatest danger.

Nuyok will call out (louder than anything he's said yet, but not an outright shout) "Look out to the rear and right of the caravan (i.e., top/left of the map), 6-8 spikey creatures, each with the weight of a man and mad with hunger!"

Just to confirm, Nuyok's location looks right and good

Awaking to the warning, Vagrant scrambles to his feet and then grabs the lowest branch of the tree he was resting under. Taking a little extra time to scale the tree, Vagrant hopes to avoid making lots of noise and a fall.

Pulling his crossbow from his back he crouches amongst the leaves looking for the predator.

Climbing 8-
3d6: 6, 6, 4 (STUN: 16, BODY: 5) Mon October 21, 2002 @12:37 PM (CDT)

Perception 11-
3d6: 2, 5, 2 (STUN: 9, BODY: 3) Mon October 21, 2002 @12:38 PM (CDT)


[EDITED on Mon October 21, 2002 @12:38 PM (CDT)]

OOC: I am assuming Vagrant didn't make his climbing roll, if he didn't Rath will call out to him"Vagrant get over here by us that's the direction they're coming from."OOC: I'll walk up to F-13 to kind of cover Vagrant's retreat back to the wagon, and to be in the front line if something breaks out of the bushes.

.oO(Hungry? Rear and right of the caravan? That be right over there!)

"Riccoco the Trader could be usin' the help of one of you Guard types up here!" The 'coon's voice is low and insistent as he glances around pointing with his trident towards the area given by Nuyok.

.oO(By the Gods! Rath is riven! The Stones help us. Even Riccoco didn't realize how strange this group was... Out of net and straight into the cooking fire!)

Ricco is holding.

Celeste had moved over to Kent's cart to urge him to move the cart in closer to the wagon. From there (H-17) she will mover to the right of Ricocco and slightly ahead of him (E-13---full move) "Behind me Ricocco! Get behind me!" Celeste resumes her protective stance (weapon at ready) waiting for the next action...

.oO( Okay, so torturing my dinner was fun but not the wisest thing in the world. That's what I get for being in a city for a month. )

Cas shouts, "It's my mess, I've got front. Rath and Celeste join me. Faliol cover me. Riccoco join my side if you will. Beka let a chicken go from the cage but make sure to toss it this way."

Cas will advance up to tree that Vagrant is having problems with. She will cover him long enough to get to a safe spot.

.oO( Has anyone here even fought something before? )

OOC: In case anyone forgot, Cas doesn't have her armor on now.

[EDITED on Mon October 21, 2002 @4:18 PM (EDT)]

"Wait a mimute Cas, maybe we can scary them away. I mean they were expecting chickens, not all of us." and in a lower voice, "besides there are 8 of them and looks like only 3 of us that know how to fight. Plus we've never worked togther. When I was pit fighting they would sometimes throw two or three people against me since I"m so big, but the people didn't know what the other was gonna do, so I would confuse them and beat them easy. That could happen to us."

Feeling I have a very good hiding place with some cover,

OOC: placement of character is perfect

and am not directly in danger at the moment. I wait and see what the preditors will do. If one comes close enough for me to lash out and attack it, hopefully from surprise, I will.

Perceptoin roll 14- for any info I may pick up and a few rolls incase you need them.
3d6: 4, 6, 3 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Mon October 21, 2002 @3:50 PM (PDT)

3d6: 6, 3, 5 (STUN: 14, BODY: 4) Mon October 21, 2002 @3:50 PM (PDT)
3d6: 6, 1, 5 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Mon October 21, 2002 @3:50 PM (PDT)

.oO(Who will take care of the carts?)

I look for Kent. I hand him the reins so the oxen are facing away from danger and won't see they are about to be eaten. "Take these, don't let them run."

I take a place at J12 and hold.

"Maybe we should make a WHOLE lot of noise and see if we can scare 'em off!"

OK, here is the way I am going to try to run combat. If I don't keep a close hand on it, I will be sure to miss something and someone will be overlooked or misrepresented. I will number each section of the combat. It will be anywhere from 1 segment to one turn in length, depending on the complexity of the action. My first post will set the scene. I would like each player to post one and only one response to the numbered post. Please post with the title "#.name", example: "1.Faliol"
In that post, be as detailed or as sparse as you want to be concerning your immediate combat plans. I will handle and resolve all rolls. Feel free to be in character as much as you want, but give me a good idea of your intentions and your contingency plans. example: "I will hide unless directly attacked or ordered to attack, in which case, I will attack the nearest animal with my short sword" If I am wounded below half body, I will run and hide."
You may make soliloquies, but if you wish to converse in combat, handle it in a non-numbered sub-thread.
Remember, some of you were specifically hired as guards.
After I have either received one post from each character or I feel a reasonable amount of time has passed, I will run the combat until the situation changes and post the results as "1.outcome". If combat remains unresolved, but the situation has changed, I will then post "2.Combat continues" and so forth. Keep in mind, I may edit actions somewhat, since although you may post first, your character may not necessarily ACT first.
If you have to make changes to your numbered post, do not post again. Just edit your post and make a note of the change. If you have any questions on the procedure, post them to the campaign messages board.
All that being said, here goes:

Map 1 I have re-named this map, you may have to reload it for the new map to appear.
The camp erupts into activity. Instantly all are on the alert, attempting to respond to Faliol's warning.

Riccoco readies his trident and holds, waiting for an enemy to reveal itself.

Beka prepares to hand the reins to Kent, who is trying to lead the horse closer so that he can lead both. Afterwards she will move to the other side of the wagon.

A tiny form leaps from Beka's pouch. A fierce little Chinchilla armed with a miniature broadsword and leather armor shouts, "Combat! Don't worry Beka, I'll protect you. Have at you, you nasty brutes!"

Nuyok shouts out where the Jackalos are coming from, giving the others an idea of how many they face and where they are coming from.

The Vagrant tries to climb the tree under which he was resting, but the moss-covered trunk is too slick. He falls heavily to the ground, unstunned, but prone. (1/2 move to stand, Vagrant)

Faliol does a half move PER roll and spots several Jackalos about to erupt from the nearby foliage. (Faliol, since this was a half move, I will allow you to make the other half move before anything bad happens to Jareek, should that be your intention)

Celeste does a full move to stand between the Jackalos and the merchants.

Cas does a half move to get into position and shouts orders. Some are heeded, some are not.

Rath does a half move into position while ripping away his shirt with casual strength

Jareek holds while crouching under the cart. He shouts, "Look out Laddie! Spine-dogs to our right." (Spine Dog is another name for Jackalo)

Kent moves to the front of the cart and grabs the reins of the horse

At this point the Jackalos (moving out of combat order, since you were forewarned by Faliol and Nuyok) erupt from the foliage with short laughing barks that turn the forest into a cacophony. Were you mindless herbivores, you would be paralyzed with fright.
1 & 2 appear to be moving toward the oxen.
3 is rushing Vagrant but cannot quite attack yet.
4 advances with a leap
5 leaps over the exposed granite and bites savagely at Celeste. The jaws are turned by her bracers and she takes no damage.
6 is cautiously advancing on Faliol
7 makes a bounding leap, landing near Jareek, upon whom he trains a hungry eye.

The horses and the oxen will require someone with Animal Handling to calm them. TF: Carts and Wagons is somewhat less effective.

Please post your intentions in a single post each

[EDITED on Mon October 21, 2002 @9:13 PM (PDT)]

Riccoco witnesses the Vagrant's plight and turndles over to attack the spine-dog that is threatening him from the side. "Riccoco be seein' your in a plight, Vagrant!"

Half-move to G-9 and attack the spine-dog in F-9. All-combat skill level is in DCV. I think that is everything.

Faliol does a half move PER roll and spots several Jackalos about to erupt from the nearby foliage. (Faliol, since this was a half move, I will allow you to make the other half move before anything bad happens to Jareek, should that be your intention)

Yes, I accept your offer, I want to pepper #7 with arrows (no movement, no called shots, +2 PSLs). That prickly pooch isn't gonna eat Dad while this kit lives!

The beast in Faliol begins to emerge. He growls and bares his teeth. Short warning yips issue forth.

My intentions for the near future are as follows...
1. Protect Jareek, then myself. If neither of us are in danger, help defend nearest beseiged caravaner. Have Jareek and I fought together enough in the past to get Multiple Attacker Bonus?
2. Once the Spine-Dogs are too close for the bow, I will drop it and draw the broadsword. I now officially regret not taking fastdraw - sword.

I LOVE combat!!

Vagrant, scrambling to his feet, curses in his raspy voice, "God Dammit!" Seeing the enemy he crouches slightly. Vagrant intends to wait for the beast to leap at him at which time he will try to perform a throw sending him into the tree trunk.

Who?

Half_move to D-18.
Attack with my Stiletto

Free Action is a Fox Cry

OOC: I am not sure if any of you have ever heard a fox cry before but it sounds like a women screaming at the top of its lungs. The sound is very creepy.

I'm going to continue on my path and do a move through on #4. levels on OCV

[EDITED on Tue October 22, 2002 @8:56 AM (EDT)]

Nuyok will call out "Protect the oxen, without them, the farden caravan goes nowhere! Riccoco Beka, with me." OOC: Obviously Riccoco has already advanced some, but maybe can work his way over at his first opportunity.

Nuyok, who already had drawn his Broadsword, advances a half-move (5") to P9, shifts his Adept MP to provide Detect Weakness (11-) (to use on later phases when he has an extra half-phase) and Anticipate Movement +1CSL, used on DCV), and attacks the Jackalope in P8 with his other half-phase. Nuyok will fight the current Jackalope until reaching half BODY, then weigh the situation - each action will be either half-move to keep up and half-phase to swing, or half-phase to Detect Weakness and half-phase to swing.

Combat Info: Base OCV/DCV 6 (+1addtl DCV from Anticipate Movement CSL), 9" Running, PD 9 (3 resistant), BODY 14, STUN 22, REC 5, SPD 5.

BTW, are the weapon stats based on 4e FH or 5e or something else?

OOC: "...jumping up and down.......dead burnt bodies...veins in my teeth....kill........"

Celeste shakes off the slavering beast (#5) and brings the full force of her weapon down upon the thing....(+2 swords to damage)...

If this is a successful attack, Celeste will attempt to intercept #4 in the next turn..."""""Rath! I'll take this one! Help Vagrant!""""""

If Rath continues on the move through, Celeste will hold her attack on #4 until Rath's action is completed...

[EDITED on Tue October 22, 2002 @9:48 AM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Tue October 22, 2002 @9:52 AM (PDT)]

I move to the other side of the wagon to intercept to attack befor they get to the oxen.
+2 HTH used for extra damage, +2 DCV

SEG 3

Ricoco hits Jackalo #3, dealing the yelping monster a nasty puncture wound.

Beka does drops the reins in place, seeing the Jackalos bearing down on the oxen. She sprints around to the front of the team and places herself in their path.

Nuyok Crosses the back of the cart and meets Jackalo #2 head on. His nicely crafted broadsword deals the canid a shallow cut.

The Vagrant, having regained his feet, braces himself lest the Jackalo should spring.

Faliol, seeing Jareek in trouble lets his arrow go. The whistling shaft buries itself deep in the side of the spiky-furred thing. It comes up short and tumbles over. Jareek shoots Faliol a grateful look.

Celeste, her face set in a grim warrior mask contends with Jackalo number 5. To even her own surprise, her jeweled falchion cuts right through the neck of the charging monster. Its body plows into the ground while the head continues in an arc neatly defined by a spray of blood. (Nice max body damage roll, Celeste!)

SEG 4

Handle mounts the wagon, keeping low. He crouches on the buckboard and looks around for the reins, which are lying on the ground where Beka dropped them for Kent.

The Jackalos close for attack now.

Beka swings her broadsword at the advancing jackalo. Despite obvious skill and training, the thing springs over her blade. The Jackalo continues the leap and claws at the ox, dealing it a series of long shallow wounds (scratches? gouges? impossible to tell until after combat.)

Jackalo#2 snarls and strikes at Nuyok, but the Adept gracefully avoids the biting thing.

Jackalo#3 bites Riccoco, but gets only a mouthful of the plucky beast's vest.

Jackalo #4 hits Rath , but by an amazing coincidence the creature's snout collides with Rath's helmet, making a dull ringing sound. (Your very first reaction was a slow advance. I assume you put your helmet on.)

Jackalo #5 is extremely dead.

Jackal#6 Strikes at Faliol. The fox raises his foot just in time and the Spike Dog closes it's jaws on mud and gravel. (FUMBLE)

Jackalo 7, whining in pain from the arrow in its side, slinks away into the trees.

Cas stabs at jackalo#6 with her stiletto. Her cry is frightening to hear, and her countenance is fierce, but the downed jackalo still manages to squirm it's body aside at the last second.

Rath unable to plow through Jackalo #4, decides to grab and through the thing. His four MASSIVE arms reach out in concert and grab the surprised dog. Rath immediately winces in pain as the thin spikes of the jackalo pirce the flesh of his hands. Nevertheless, the seasoned pit fighter ignores the pain and smashes the jackalo into the stone at his feet. The jackalo looks less interested in attacking and more interested in running.

Jareek twirls his short sword with the skill of an accomplished juggler. "Hold on me kits, Jareek'll sort out this doggy!" He too strikes at the downed jackalo. He too misses. (For a half DCV opponent, this thing is avoiding attacks very nicely)

Kent pulls the horse behind him, rushing forward and diving for the ox reins. He comes up woth them and now has the unenviable job of trying to keep the pack animals calm.

SEG 5

Nuyok seems to act with blinding speed, far more than anyone would have guessed. However, he still misses his four-legged opponent.

SEG 6

Riccoco fixes the spike dog in his eye and then fixes him on the end of his trident. With a two-handed downward thrust, he pins the yelping thing to the ground where it almost instantly expires, its heart pierced. (Nice damage Riccoco)

Beka looks in alarm at the wond the ox has taken. Turning to the Jackalo and screams, "AAAARGH! You son of a--" Her sword delivers a telling blow, crippling a forepaw. The creature lies stunned at her feet.

Vagrant watches the four armed thing that has just stopped the Jackalo that was about to savage him. Without missing a beat and with surprising speed he drops to his back while grabbing the spike dog that Rath has just attacked. Using the inertia of Rath's throw, he flings it over his head and into the bole of the tree behind him. Vagrant also grunts as his hands are stuck by spikes.
(Good SFX for two consecutive throws on the same opponent. BTW, both of the wounds Vagrant and Rath took were reduced penetration. They should heal quickly wih proper attention.

Faliol drops his crossbow (0 phase) and draws his sword (1/2 phase, who needs fast draw?) bringing the sword around in an arc, he manages to succeed in finally hitting the Jackalo #6--for all the good it does. his blade barely bites, deflected by the thick spines of the creature.

Celeste sees the three foxes advancing like a pack on the downed Jacaklo #6. Looking for an opponent, she charges toward #4. he is unable to duplicate the spectacular blow of her first attack, and her sword hews naught but bark.

Here is Map 2, showing the results. Please forgive any typos or misplaced minis. I did this late.

As you can see, the only remaining Jackalo with fight left in him is Number 6, who is surrounded by three angry foxes. He is quickly dispatched. the others are slain or flee. Nice job, all.

Oh, red jackalos are dead. Pink ones are stunned or retreating.

You may respond in normal fashion. Combat is resolved.
I have updated the Statistics page,. Remember, a paramedics roll will reduce a wound of 2 to 1. A wound of 1 will go away in ten minutes with any treatment.

Dropping her weapon, Cas is going to try and claw the jugular.

.oO( Jackaloo meat will definitely keep me fed for a couple of days, saving the chicken for a group roast. )

[EDITED on Wed October 23, 2002 @5:15 AM (EDT)]

Continuing to growl and yip, I feel that unique adrenaline surge that only happens when your pack kicks doggy hindquarter!!

Hack with my broadsword on #6 until he stops moving then chase down #7 and repeat until pooch expires!

.oO(GRRRRRRRRR)

The Jackalos quickly succumb to your martial abilities. Those of you who have Jungle Survival know that Spine dogs are not particularly good eating (carnivores are never as tasty as herbivores). The foxes may or may not have reservations about eating other canids. This would be a personal thing, not a cultural one. Also, it takes some time to skin, butcher and prepare an animal of this size. You will need to cook the meat if you are planning on taking it with you Mmmmm... Spine dog carry out This would probably mean spending the rest of the afternoon doing this and camping on this spot. Of course since some of you are wounded and you have an injured ox, this might not be a bad idea.

BTW, Cas can probably handle meat that has been buried or that is somewhat rotten, but Faliol and Jareek are more humanoid and would have difficulties stomaching raw meat more than a day old. Remember, the jungle is much like walking around in a steam bath, Stuff spoils quickly.

Nuyok will first try to finish off the beast, with Detect Weakness (figuring he'll be coming back this way at some point, no reason to leave a foe behind). Then, once he sees no other Jackalos around (unless Beka's is still around, and he'll take a wack at it), he'll look around as to the state of the party, and see if anyone is in need of assistance (combat or healing). He'll take one more quick scan with Spirit Sense and Detect Hostile Intent, reverting his MP to the regular state. Noticing Rath has revealed himself, he will maintain a calm demeanor and low profile while observing the responses and reactions from others.

Spirit Sense, 13-
3d6: 1, 3, 5 (STUN: 9, BODY: 2) Wed October 23, 2002 @9:47 AM (EDT)
Detect Hostile Intent, 11-
3d6: 5, 1, 6 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Wed October 23, 2002 @9:47 AM (EDT)
PER, 13-
3d6: 5, 6, 5 (STUN: 16, BODY: 4) Wed October 23, 2002 @9:47 AM (EDT)

Nuyok, you quickly dispatch the wounded spine dog. By the time you get to Beka, she has either killed hers or sent it running. Everyone still seems to be too high on adrenalin to have reacted to Rath's revelation, but you can continue to observe. I'll leave it to you to figure out what you see from the visible posts.
As for wounded, Rath and Vagarnt are partially obscured by trees and the curve of the hill, or you would otherwiase have noticed their wounds. However, the right ox has taken a good slash. It is probably about 75% health. You need to find an animal handler with paramedics to tend to the wound. (Your healing abilities are not skilled on bovines.)

Vagrant picks himself up again and with a heavy sigh leans himself up against the tree. Ripping a strip of rag from his outfit he binds his wounds as best he can. Once completed, he pushes himself off the tree and looks around to see what is the state of the others.

With frustration he shakes his head and quietly mumbles, "It never ceases to amaze me..."

Vagrant, you have stopped any bleeding, but there is a possibility that you have bits of spine in the wounds or perhaps they require special attention. They throb, and you're not sure if wrapping rags around it is going to work.
Since you lack Paramedics, you can only do rudimentary treatment. Unless they are looked after by someone with training and skil (i.e. Paramedics or PS: Doctor/Healer), they will heal at your normal rate and you will be down four body for some time.

Riccoco dislodges his trident from the pierced spike-dog with a grimace. He mutters, "Riccoco be a Trader, not a warrior. Course, a 'coon's got ta do what a 'coons got to do."

He carefully sluiceswhat gore he can from his trident on the carcass and trundles back towards the cart. On the way, he scoops up a tattered rag, and without thinking slowly wipes the remaining remnants of the battle from his weapon and fur.

.oO(I wonder what this scrap of cloth be... Waitasecond... Rath be Riven!)

Riccoco pauses in his actions, staring over at Rath.

OOC: I pick up what's left of my shirt and see if I can make a bandage out of it, if not I use the supplies I bought from the Trading Post.Paramedic 12-
3d6: 9 Wed October 23, 2002 @12:44 PM (EDT)
OOC: If the party decides to camp here for the night, I want to skin one of the Jackalos. I don't care about the meat Cas can have that, but I want the skin..oO(These pointy things can be a weapon if I wrap them around my four fore-arms and bear hug somebody)Rath chuckles at his thoughts as he takes out his knife and begins skinning one of the Spike-Dogs.
Survival Jungle 12-
3d6: 9 Wed October 23, 2002 @12:44 PM (EDT)

Rath, your jungle survival will allow you to make very crude temporary skins. However, since you have nothing to tan the leather with you would have to use natural barks, fruits and such to cure the hide. This is a procss that can take months (or years! for bigger hides).
Faster and better tanning requires brine and/or oil. Without PS:Tanner or KS:Tanning, the garments you make will soon rot. However, with a good enough roll, the skin should hold together long enough to last the trip. Fortunately, with four arms, you can hold and scrape while walking, since the scraping will take at least a full day. You will probably have to work it every day as well or it will stiffen. But unless you soak it for a good long while, it will smell.

This is an impression from reading a short article on leather. If anyone has a good source on preparing animal skins, I am quite prepared to revise my ruling

As quiet once again descends upon the glade, Celeste looks around for something with which to clean her weapon. Spotting a clump of grass, she walks a few feet and plucks a handful of green blades. She turns back to survey the carnage in the clearing, thoughtful as she cleans the last of the still fresh blood from the blade..oO(Gods of the Deep! What creatures this 'land' breeds!)

She looks over the members of the caravan as they each assess damage and treat their wounds. Her eyes settle on Rath, and his four arms. For a long moment, she stands still as a statue, the expression on her face still grim. Resolving her inner struggle, she slips the falchion back into its sheath and approaches Rath. Once again, she offers her hands to Rath, palms skyward. "Rath, let me help you with your wounds, my friend....."

(At this point, Rath is the only member of the party to which Celeste has made this gesture}

Rath looks tentatively up at Celeste looking into her eyes for a hint of revulsion or deception. He wants very much to believe this gesture was offered in friendship, that this woman who he shares a special kinship with accepts him for what...who he is. In the end he decides that if she is just using him for something, she will just be another in a long line. But there is a chance isn't there? That she might mean it.

"Thank you Celeste I would be greatful for your help. I like to fight with my bare hands," Rath looks akwardly down at his four hands obviously not meaning to call attention to them, then continues on,"I guess that's not always the smartest thing." He finishes with a forced chuckle. He lets Celeste help him with the bandages. While they are working to take her mind off his deformity (and his mind) he tells Celeste of the plan he had to use the spiked skin of the Jackolos as a weapon, and asks if she knows anything about tanning to keep the skins from rotting.

Celeste tends to the wounds on Rath's hands and forearms,removing the shirt fabric he attempted to use on his wounds and cleaning them with water from her drink skin. Celeste removes one of the packages of bandaging from her sack of purchases.

OOC: How far does one package go? If need be, I'll use both to bind the wounds.

"I am sorry Rath, I know nothing of tanning hides....it was not a thing done in my tribe." She continues with the task at hand for a few minutes more, and the looks up at Rath...but it may be that the spikes from such creatures may be worth something in trade, and they would be far easier to carry than a hide... you could trade some in exchange for custom made bracers with spikes?"

Finishing with Rath's wounds, Celeste reaches into the bag and brings out one of the sweet pastries she had purchased at the "Big Prawn". She offers it to Rath and says, "Let us go see Nuyok now." Before they move to where Nuyok is, Celeste will take Raths hands and turn them palms skyward (all four), placing her hands palm down on first the upper pair, and then the lower pair. "It is the way of friends, Rath."

[EDITED on Thu October 24, 2002 @2:33 AM (PDT)]

Celeste begins treating and wrapping Rath's hands...

Paramedics, 12-
3d6: 5 Thu October 24, 2002 @9:10 AM (PDT)

Minimal bandaging is needed, as Celeste's nimble hands deftly treat the wounds. She verifies that nothing has broken off inside and that there is no deep damage. Rath will be right as rain before morning.(good roll!)

Bandages and other medical supplies are controlled by the same narrative construct that controls how far away the nearest starbase is in Star Trek, i.e. as near as the plot requires it to be. In other words, don't worry about running out until your sadistic GM decides, "Wow they're probably low on bandages. I'd better attack them with the swarm of six-foot pirhana bees."

OOC: Six foot Pirahna bees? Hah! Childs play compared to the continuously growing, self-sharpening fangs of the Dreaded Vorpal Bunny!!! I laugh at your pirahna bees....

.oO(Odd, I thought I only purchases 2 packages of bandages.......)

.oO(Rath is a much better patient than Red Tide...no swearing and cursing......)

Nuyok will call out "We should get moving, the commotion may just draw more threats. Can someone bind this oxen? Anyone else wounded and in need of help, come here." Nuyok will clean off his blade, try to get a souvenir spine from the Jackalo, and prepare to move unless someone indicates they are in need of healing. If someone needs healing, he'll use the wagon's bandages and his skills, taking some extra time (PS: Healer, 13-, Fam: Paramedics, 8-).

Cas wipes off the blood and mess from her mouth. She walks over to the wagon and climbs up. She says nothing to anyone and observes for when the group is ready to move on.

.oO( If Darku were here he could help the oxen. )

The old 'coon watches Rath and Celeste do their strange bonding, eventually turning away.

.oO(It be good to make friends. Allies be a boon asset during long journies. Cas be seemin' to withdraw. I be wonderin' what Faliol an' his sire make of it. Riccoco be findin' out soon enough.)

Shrugging, Riccoco trundles over to the wagon and hops in.

Vagrant wonders over to Nuyok when he asks if anyone needs healing, "I guess I wouldn't mind having my hands looked at. I can bind up a normal wound but it looks like I took some spikes from the dog. Anything you can do?"

To all: "Is everyone alright? All with wounds big or small please come over here by the wagon.

To Nuyok and Celest: "Nuyok and Celeste will you please take care of them?"

To Cas: "Cas, please come over here and look at this ox, We need to know what to do for it."

To anyone digging at the spine dogs: "We probably don't have time to use this for meat, or anything else."

Again, to all: "Let's get everyone patched up and find a new place to camp. We'll go long enough to get away from anything this may attract but we will stop early and have a good rest."

.oO( What do I look like? A reaving ox breeder? )

Cas hops over the side and comes up next to the ox. She examines it over, "The ox will live from the looks of it but I don't know much about ox to be certain. We definitely need to go a bit easy on the ox or lighten the load. I recommend taking a slightly slower time. There are enough of us here to man a small hunting party for decent meat. Rath, Faliol, Celeste, and I could easily get us something yummy."

Cas pauses for a second examing the ox some more. "Let me think for a moment and I might be able to come up with something."

For information on the spines and bites of this type of creature...
Jungle Survival(13-):
3d6: 7 Thu October 24, 2002 @12:29 AM (EDT)

For information on anything that could be gathered to help treat the wound or work as a pain killer...
KS: Roots and Herbs(13-):
3d6: 13 Thu October 24, 2002 @12:29 AM (EDT)

After annoying the ox, Faliol seeks out Cas. Spotting her searching for roots and herbs, he approaches her position. Intentionally stepping on sticks so as not to surprise her.

"I want to apologize to you on Jareek's behalf. He was too rough on you before the fight. He would never admit it, but that edge in his voice was inspired by a little bit of fear. He is rather fond of you, as am I..."

Cas' COM is not a "4" is it? You spent 2 points, it has to be a 14... Right?

Faliol flourishes his rather handsome tail for the pretty vixen to admire

.oO(Nothing makes me hornier than surviving a good fight!)

OOC: Cas patiently awaits the GM's response.

Jungle Survival: Spine dogs are not venomous. Their spines can lead to infection, but this was a claw rake.
Other Spine Dog facts: They travel in packs (duh). They are easily driven off once confronted with superior force. They are attracted to blood.

Roots and herbs: Woundwort is the best healing herb. They had none at the trading post.

Cas walks back to the wagon catching up with Faliol briefly, "I know his feelings. He was mistaken about the chicken bringing all that attention but I don't blame him. It'll be a long trip to Adala at this rate. I could stand to pick up some profit along the way if you fetch any ideas."

Cas climbs back up into the seat for driving, "Well as Darku always used to say, 'Cas! Stop your slacking and get your butt moving!'"

Cas smiles a mile wide and will begin to advance the wagon provided she observes that everyone is set to go. The pace will be slow until she feels that the wounded Ox is stable enough to handle a more productive speed.

If any others are in need of wound binding while Nuyok is doing the healing, Celeste will attend to those. If there is time, she will quickly cut spines from the dog beasts, selecting those that look strong but not overly large, (useful size for wrist bracers for Rath, and some for trading)

Nuyok will examine Vagrant's wounds, and use his healing techniques and wagon bandages, taking extra time in the process.

PS: Healer, 13-
3d6: 4, 6, 3 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Thu October 24, 2002 @7:59 AM (EDT)
Complementary: Fam: Paramedics, 8-
3d6: 6, 2, 1 (STUN: 9, BODY: 3) Thu October 24, 2002 @7:59 AM (EDT)

While working on Vagrant's wounds, Nuyok will take the opportunity to examine Vagrant closer as well, but not to the extent to take away from treating his wounds.

Spirit Sense, 13-
3d6: 5, 2, 4 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Thu October 24, 2002 @8:01 AM (EDT)
Perception, 13-
3d6: 6, 2, 3 (STUN: 11, BODY: 4) Thu October 24, 2002 @8:01 AM (EDT)

Nuyok thinks to himself, there's something suspicious about this one...

Nuyok, you unwrap Vagrants hands which are normally covered with rags allowing only the figuretips to show. Once uncovered you see that there is very deep scarring on the outside of his left hand. Definitely an old wound. You'd assume it goes farther up his arm but can't tell without exposing more of it. He seems to flinch a bit from the exposure of the scarred hand.

You can hear Vagrant's raspy breath from within his hood. In the light, you can see even his head is covered in rags under the hooded cloak.

Nuyok will quietly say to Vagrant "Are you sure you're up for such an expedition?"

Vagrant breathes out from between his teeth, "Yes, yes. I will be...I am all right. Please do what you can for the wounds if you don't mind."

Vagrant seems much less agitated with Nuyok seeming to fall into silence rather then continue to question him.

Nuyok, looking at the wounds, you feel they would be better served by simple bandaging. Unless you want to tire yourself, paramedics will do the job, and both Vagrant (and Rath if you get around to examining him) should be fine without morphic healing.
Of course, you flubbed your Paramedics roll, but the Barbarian Celeste seems to be doing a good job with Rath's wounds.
Let me know if you still want to perform healing.
BTW, to your spirit sight, the scarring of vagrant is patently obvious.

You recall Bane's words on the subject of healing. "For the poor and the disadvantaged, a doctor often performs near miracles with knowledge of herbs and a needle and thread. Of course, those such as ourselves actually perform miracles on a daily basis." He was a self-agggrandizing sort.

OOC: Some Savage Earth terminology. Doctor = Conventional practitioner of medicine. May be skilled, may be a total quack. Healer = morphic adept, capable of miraculous feats of healing.

OOC: Given the minor nature of the wounds, I was just using both skills (one complementary to the other) and extra time to bandage the wounds, rather than using any Adept healing power, might not have been clear though

OOC: Just checking back to see how this went, if the extra time didn't work, Nuyok would call over Celeste to say "I seem to be having trouble getting out the spine fragments."

Thoroughly enjoying hacking the wounded spine-dogs, it takes me longer than the rest to snap out of the fighting mood.

I stand up, look at the others and am surprised to find relatively few injuries.

.oO(We may be a collection of rejects and oddballs but evidently this group knows how to fight! We may live to see Adala after all...)

I clean my broadsword on a blade of grass and re-sheath it. Picking up my fallen bow, I pat Jareek on the back. "Hey Pops, bet those spine-dogs wished they had picked on something other than foxes for lunch..."

Hearing Nuyok's call for assistance, I make my way over to Beka's wagon...

and see a four-armed riven where once stood a strangely plump barbarian.

.oO(By the Stones! Rath is Riven!)

I stop and stare. Can't help it, too many weird things happening all at the same time...

.oO(Sort out my feelings on this newest of revelations at a more convenient time...)

"Mister Nuyok? You called for assistance with the oxen?" I look at the marks left by the spine-dog.

Paramedics, 12- with TF:riding animals or TF carts...
3d6: 5, 6, 2 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Thu October 24, 2002 @6:14 AM (CDT)

Don't think Faliol was any help with that poor ox. Probably suggested putting dirt in the wound...

Seeing Faliol, Nuyok says "Take your time, we'll need this ox to get to Adala."

Jareek ambles over to where the party is standing around looking at the stricken ox.
"Wait now, gentlepersons an' gentlebeasts. Before we get up a'moving again, let old Jareek take a look at those scratches." He speaks calmly to the ox and pats its muzzle, after carefully making sure there is no blood on his paws. While doing so he carefully and quietly examines the wound.
Paramedics, 12-
3d6: 10 Thu October 24, 2002 @9:00 AM (PDT)
Complementary Animal Handler 12-
3d6: 11 Thu October 24, 2002 @9:00 AM (PDT)

Jareek turns to Beka. "Naught to worry about here, Miss Beka. Of the three cuts, only one is deep and it missed the big muscles in the front leg. With yer permission, and a bit o' yer bandages and some rope, Ol' Jareek is pretty sure he can have yer ox pullin'. You just want to make sure not to have him do anything... difficult for the first day or so.
"Faliol, me kit. See if you can pull me a piece of bark from somewheres. I need it about three paws long by about two wide. Somethin' soft, mind."
With Beka's permission and supplies, and Faliol's bark, Jareek gets to work.

If the opportunity presents itself, Nuyok will observe Jareek's bandaging and treatment of the ox.

The silence grows uncomfortable.

Not sure if Cas will kiss him or kill me, I feel foolish.

.oO(My tail is perfect, yet she wants me not....)

Jareek's call for bark is very much appreciated.

"Gotta go now, uh, Pop needs some bark..."

I fade away, back towards camp.

.oO(Stupid kit, stupid, stupid, stupid...)

"Armload of bark, not a problem, back in a minute!"

Tropical Survival 12-
3d6: 6, 1, 1 (STUN: 8, BODY: 2) Thu October 24, 2002 @12:59 PM (CDT)

Perception 12-
3d6: 6, 2, 4 (STUN: 12, BODY: 4) Thu October 24, 2002 @12:59 PM (CDT)

The jungle is lousy with bark. Tons of it. All over the place. No problem with the old bark, no-sirree.

I dump an armload of bark beside Jareek.

"Here is some green bark, some red bark, some bark with bugs in it, bark soft like sponge, bark that stings when you touch it, bark that smells like that otter we met this morning, bark with holes in it, crumbly bark, and last but not least, this piece of bark shaped like Riccoco's face. See, the black and white stripes? This twig thing that looks like his nose?"

I walk over and present Riccoco with his likeness. "I saw you out of the corner of my eye, send that spine dog back to its maker. You are pretty darn handy with that little pitch fork..."

Riccoco peers over at Faliol and then his smal burden. "And a fine likeness it be. Though it be a closer image of me father, Rikitiki. With a bit of the dye, we could make you look like a right proper 'coon, we could. Maybe the lass would be wishin' a tuck and cuddle then, no?"

Chuckling and twirling a legthy whisker, Ricco pats his trident with his other leathery paw, "You don't be thinkin' the 'coons of Raccoon Lake get their feirce reputation cause of their shrewd bargaining, do you? Every cub be trained with a sticker. It be helpin' with the catchin' of the mornin' fish!"

"Yes Jareek, please help. I'll get whatever you need. Is everyone else OK? Rath, Rath, rather panicky RATH?"