Map of RoadThings start getting worse pretty quickly at this point...

The caravan combatants chase off in the direction of Faliol's noisemaker. The way is tough going, since there is no path and they are hurrying. Fortunately, Konnur seems to be plunging through the brush like a madman, hacking indiscriminately. He's yelling, "Drummel! Drummel!" Despite this, it takes several minutes to work your way through the dense foliage. As you approach you can hear Faliol's voice shouting, "Drummel will DIE of blood loss if we don't get a healer RIGHT #$@ing NOW!"
Konnur goes crazy at this point, almost more of a hindrance than a help. Nothing dissuade him until you have burst onto the scene.

You are enter a clearing. Faliol and Lekchock are tending to the body of Drummel, who is cruelly bound with many lengths of leather cord and suffering an amazing number of wounds. His flesh is pale and his eyes closed. He looks dead. The two of your party are doing their best, but look at a loss. Anyone who makes a PER roll on the way in will notice a LOT of blood on the ground and foliage surrounding the clearing. A bloody fruit rind lies near Faliol's feet.

From the POV of the two in the clearing, Konnur comes bounding in and collapses in front of Drummel, weeping openly. Following him are Vagrant, with crossbow drawn and loaded, Nuyok, Beka, Celeste and Cas also brandishing their respective weapons. Along with them from Bergen's folk are Umbra, Dashel and Angilak. The great bear is sniffing the air curiously.

PERCEPTION
3d6: 1, 5, 6 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3)

Having seen death many times before, Celeste is aware from the way Drummel appears, that under normal circumstances, no one should be able to save him. Only the miracle of the Adepts healing talent could do so now. She looks around the area, noting the great amount of blood, the bloody fruit rind...and Handles absence. As the others tend to Drummel, she moves over to the far side of where he lies and guards. While she does so, she scans the area ahead searching for signs of the missing Handle.
Perception
3d6: 3, 1, 1 (STUN: 5, BODY: 1) Tue February 17, 2004 @1:16 AM (PST)

[EDITED on Tue February 17, 2004 @1:16 AM (PST)]

Hearing the others bust through the undergrowth, Faliol sighs with relief. "Quickly, Nuyok, do your hocus pocus! He is fading fast! Look what his disgusting captors have been doing! Drinking his blood! And that isn't all. The blood pattern seems to indicate that these blood suckers can either fly or walk through the trees as we walk on the ground, so keep your attention fixed towards the heavens..."

Faliol gets out of Nuyok's way, his arms cramping and the fading adrenaline rush from an anticipated combat that never happened adding punctuation to his growing weariness.

Looking at Beka, "Remember when times were good? When only spinedogs, carnobrocs, and Riven wanted to eat or kill us?"

Nuyok takes a quick sacan around with his spirit sight to see if there are any otherwise unseen threats, as he approaches Drummel.

PER, 13-
3d6: 1, 2, 5 (STUN: 8, BODY: 2) Tue February 17, 2004 @9:51 AM (EST)

Assuming nothing is amiss, Nuyok will observe Drummel to see whether he can do anything, and should Konnur continue to be out of control, will call out "someone, please restrain him so I can work," and Nuyok will settle down next to Drummel, mentally preparing himself to try to restore Konnur's health, taking only as much time as might be afforded.

PS: Healer, 14- [-4 for 8D6 Healing; +1 if he can take a turn (i.e., 11-), or +2 if can take a minute (i.e., 12-)]
3d6: 6, 2, 5 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Tue February 17, 2004 @9:51 AM (EST)
Complementary: Paramedic, 13-
3d6: 3, 5, 4 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Tue February 17, 2004 @9:51 AM (EST)
If successful result, Healing, 8D6
8d6: 4, 2, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 1 (STUN: 32, BODY: 7) Tue February 17, 2004 @9:51 AM (EST)

If the complementary roll compared with time estimated available doesn't effect a positive result, but there is time to try again, Nuyok will do so:

PS: Healer, 14- [-4 for 8D6 Healing; +1 if he can take a turn (i.e., 11-), or +2 if can take a minute (i.e., 12-)]
3d6: 1, 1, 1 (STUN: 3, BODY: 0) Tue February 17, 2004 @9:53 AM (EST)
Complementary: Paramedic, 13-
3d6: 3, 3, 6 (STUN: 12, BODY: 4) Tue February 17, 2004 @9:53 AM (EST)
Healing, 8D6
8d6: 5, 3, 6, 5, 3, 5, 4, 3 (STUN: 34, BODY: 9) Tue February 17, 2004 @9:53 AM (EST)

OOC: Wow, a 3 on the Healer roll and an amazingly high Healing roll?! Take that Lekchock!

Riccoco, there is a distant sound of rushing water. Slowly you become aware of pain, and then you realize the rushing sound is the sound of your own blood, thundering in your ears. Where are you? What happened? Experimentally, you try to open your eyes. There are trees and rocks around you, certainly. You are lying on a slope, head downward. Your body and clothing are torn and scraped, covered with sap and dirt.
Movement brings pain, so you just lie quietly for a while, gathering strength and will to move. Even lifting your head is too much to ask. After long minutes pass, you feel a bit better. Painfully, you roll over onto your side. As you do, you become aware of a great pain in your thigh. There is a jagged cut there, not bleeding heavily, but it will need to be bandaged.
You seem to recall having your trident in hand, but it doesn't seem to be around. The jungle surrounds you with its noise and insects and trees. What in the name of the Saber is going on?

From your current location and condition, there is no sign of your last encounter. Of course, you are not aware of even this at this point.

Struggling to sit up, Ricco reaches up to rub at his aching head with one leathery-padded paw. He winces, the pain and muddled thoughts are something he'd prefer to do without. He slowly lowers his back once more to the ground. Slowly moving his head from one side to the other, he eventually sees a tree he might be able to lean against.

Time passes as he slowly back crawls to the tree. Head pounding and body aching, the 'coon makes it to the tree and leans his back against it. Resting for another long moment, he slowly begins to take inventory of his belongings, all the while trying to remember what happened.

OOC: Does he still have the whistle/noise-maker? Can he recall anything more about what might have went on before the yaraza went Adept on his arse?

Don't apologize. You do a great job and I enjoy it!

The front scout carries Dashel's horn. It takes you a while before you remember it. It is nowhere upon your person. In fact, your trident is missing, too. Slowly, your memories and strength begin to return. Three was a bizarre looking adept, and you fought him... but why? And where are the others?

The ground here is thickly forested and heavily sloped. A trickling stream runs nearby, cascading down over rocks and boulders. It might be the easiest path to follow, given that it is not totally overgrown.

You have no serious lapse of memory, just role-play cloudy thinking for a while. You took a really bad tumble, apparently.

.o0O(That porcupine is going to be pissed. -I'm- pissed.)

After more moments of rest, Riccoco struggles to his feet, one paw on the tree for support. "By the Toad's Hairy Goat! That must be bein' one fall to remember, or be forgettin' better by far." He shakes his head, trying to clear his muddled thinking.

Realizing his steps were too unsteady to get him safely off this hill, Ricco moves into the stream itself. The water tumbling over rock and raccoon alike, a bit of self returns. After resting a bit in the water, Riccoco begins to edge down the water, keeping his feet and arms widespread. He slowly allows himself to move downstream, hoping to find his way to his friends without any further trouble.

OOC: Sorry, you responded so quickly that the post occured before I logged off and was not flagged as new the next time. I missed it.

Riccoco, you make your way slowly and painfully down the hill. Your thigh bothers you. Looking carefully, you find a long deep bruise across it, as if it struck something like a tree limb or perhaps your trident. The way is hard, but fortunately the stream gives you a path; you do not have to hack your own. After about ten minutes, you hear a voice: "Hhhe-e-lll..." It is weak, and coming from somewhere downstream.

A weak voice interrupts Ricco's muddled thoughts. He continues moving, hoping against hope that whatever has hurt the person downstream has moved on. He was fairly sure he was in no position to stand up to another combat.

Stealth -
3d6: 8 Mon February 23, 2004 @8:44 AM (CST)

Perception -
3d6: 8 Mon February 23, 2004 @8:44 AM (CST)

Following the voice, you quickly realize that it belongs to Handle. You hurry along, nervously looking about for the one who attacked you. Past a bend and a rock, you see a tree that has fallen over the stream. It is far too big to move, and its moss-covered, leafy trunk tells you it has probably re-rooted. Tied to the trunk with cords of leather strapping is Handle. He has been stripped of his weapons and armor. He has also been cut up pretty badly, the water below him is slightly pinkish. His head is lolling but he occasionally tries to croak out the word, "help."

Riccoco can't help but blurt out his companion's name and lurch forward along the stream, droplets of water churning from the action. The 'coon does his best to remove the Hooman's bonds and do what he can to staunch the bleeding of his wounds.

"Ol' Riccoco be 'ere, 'andle. Don' worry. We'll be findin' Nuyok. The Master can be helpin' with this." Another thought strikes Ricco and his head fires up, memories of the way the Gators would sometimes bait prey down to the river. They'd attack groups or Landstakers, leaving those alive to whimper for mercy or aid. When folks would come to help... They'd attack in numbers from their watery lairs.

PER 16-
3d6: 16 Mon February 23, 2004 @11:32 AM (CST)

Handle gasps, trying to help, but he cannot even move. You notice that he is tied with his arms along the length of the log and his legs in the water. This has kept the wounds on his lower extremities from closing and nearly bled him dry.
Nevertheless, you work quickly to cut the bonds which are so cruelly tight. Do you have a knife or other cutting implement? Handle doesn't.
If you are unsure, roll a d6 (honor system). Anything but a 6 and you have at least an eating knife. On a six, any small knife was lost in your fall.
Handle speaks weakly while you work, his voice barely audible above the rush of water and insects.
"Rr--cco. N-not mch time. Liss'n
. This is trap. They want monnsers come to blood. Liss'n. They Yaraza. Some kin'a sea cult. After some book tha'was scarped from'em. Adept hazzit."
He coughs and for a moment you fear he has died.

"Look out for'em. All 'depts. All'em. Some better'n others. Assass--[cough]. They got my stuff. Scarped my poisons. They wanna kill y'all."
There is another coughing fit and then he is still. If he lives, you cannot detect it.

As you may have guessed by his absence, Handle's player has retired (with my blessings). It's just taken this long for it to come into RP.

Ricco grabs hecticaly at the small knife sheathed in his belt. He fumbles it momentarily, thoughts of fatigue and ache attempt to hinder his attempts, all to no avail. Armed with the small knife, he begins to saw at the bonds. Handle's words and warnings filter in and, with a cautious glance at the pink-hued waters, the 'coon moves to a position on top of the tree and not in the water.

He doesn't know if he'll be able to carry Handle or not, but he must get him out of this leeching water. It was nearly doing the damage all on its own. Any creatures would have to be dealt with when they came...

Water and blood threaten to coat his fingers in slipperiness. He wants to call out for any sort of help, but the threat of the Yaraza and their deadly abilities are too much. He is only one wee 'coon. But, he'll do what must be done.

It takes you some time, but you are able to finally cut Handle free. He drops into the water and you manage to float and drag him to the shore, where you collapse, momentarily winded.
Realizing you don't have the luxury of recovery, you attempt to drag Handle's body overland. This proves to be extremely problematic. Not only is he waterlogged, he is so much taller than you that any attempt to move him is more difficult than his weight would suggest. Besides, you can't even really tell if he is still alive.
Bottom line: you can do it, but it will exhaust you, keep your attention away from your suroundings and take a long time.
Will you do it anyway, or will you abandon his body?

Struggling throught the Jungle was getting him nowhere. He was jumping at every shadow and becoming too fatigued to continue. Something had to be done and fast. Lowering the failing Handle to a comfortable position against a nearby tree, Ricco began to look around.

He needed some way of keeping Handle safe while he went to search for Master Nuyok.

OOC: I'm thinking of some sort of vines and large leaves. He could tie up Handle in the leaf and lash it too a limb in the tree (if he was capable of hauling it up). I know it's sort of a long shot, but he's loathe to just stuff Handle under some foliage and run off.

Per 15-
3d6: 9 Tue February 24, 2004 @9:39 AM (CST)

Roll 2
3d6: 6 Tue February 24, 2004 @9:39 AM (CST)

Roll 3
3d6: 6 Tue February 24, 2004 @9:39 AM (CST)

I don't even have a sheet for Ricco anymore. While trying to scavenge the HTML basis for the sheet... I must have copied it over. It's a sorry day at my desk. *sniff*

OOC: Good Rolls!
You manage to find two boulders which form a rough tent. After using a rock to kill the obligatory snake which lives there, you place Handle's unmoving body between the stones. A large piece of bark and a few small tree limbs complete the setting. He is as secure as you can make him for the short term.
Then you begin the laborious effort of refinding the trail and the party. It seems pretty hopeless until you hear the distant sound of Faliol's noisemaker, giving the "Come Quickly" Signal.

OOC: I'll join you up tomorrow or tonight, depending on how the others post. BTW, Here is a present.

Riccoco.html

"Don' know dey waz drinkin' it Fox, dey used it to throw da blood around."

Does Lekchock know of any animals that would be attracted to blood scattered around like this...anything shark-like?"

Animal Handler 12-
3d6: 16 Tue February 17, 2004 @6:36 AM (CST)

AK: Jungle 12-
3d6: 14 Tue February 17, 2004 @6:36 AM (CST)

KS:Local History 12-
3d6: 11 Tue February 17, 2004 @6:36 AM (CST)

Survival 12-
3d6: 14 Tue February 17, 2004 @6:36 AM (CST)

KDYDRFM Roll
3d6: 10 Tue February 17, 2004 @6:36 AM (CST)

OOC: Well it's official, I suck worse than Keith in rolling for my character, no more KDYDRFM rolls

Good thinking Leckchock! Fortunately, no roll was needed, only the skill Jungle Survival and asking the question. Yes, there is an animal attracted to blood. Bloodsuckers are a parasite that live on Behemoths. They normally are only found attached to the giant things, but occasional packs of them can be found roaming loose if their host has died.

...he is kind and just to devout followers.

Angilak is still sniffing the air. He nods at Leckchock. "You're right. They threw this stuff around. Rrrrr... The air reeks of blood. Not good." He hefts his axe high above his shoulder and assumes a battle posture.

Meanwhile, Nuyok is taking an appraisal of Drummel. The prognosis is not good. With a feeling of Deja vu, he sees Rath's body lying in the pits of Throne. The blood loss is so great... Nevertheless, he gives it a try.

The first healing roll was a failure, but did indicate some passage of time. Since it is an ongoing process, and others are doing things during this time, I'll have to rule that Nuyok is healing for at least the next turn of game time, possibly the next minute. If Drummel is still alive by that point and nothing has happened to change the situation, I'll allow the second (awesome) roll. The chances of this occurring are not high, unfortunately.

While Nuyok leans over the body, the others suddenly become aware of the possibility of a trap. There is no need to submit a perception roll, but make one privately. If you make it, you can react to the following, otherwise you are ignorant:
Around the clearing, there is the faint sound of foliage being brushed aside, almost like something falling through the branches. A faint thudding sound may be heard as well. The sound is repeated several times from different directions.

"Wamps! Dey attractin' da Wamps. Git ready e'ryone." Lekchock draws his hatchet from his loin cloth and leaps to a low hanging branch squating ready for combat.

I stand at the ready by Nuyok and the body. "Keep healing if you can," I whisper, "I'll guard you."

OOC: Okay, I (Barbara) know that these are not 'vampires' per the kind that impersonated Haiku....My question is Celeste being from the Shattered Isles, are we at all familiar with Brontos and bloodsuckers? I'm tending to think the Isles were fairly isolated in terms of large animals, but I could see the bloodsuckers perhaps in smaller numbers living off of smaller animals we might have. I will wait for your ruling before responding. It's such a Savage Earth. sigh...

Neither Brontos nor bloodsuckers are to be found in the Shattered Isles. You are unfamiliar with the species.

That's what I thought, but it's your world after all

OOC: So how's does Nuyok's 8 rolled above work for this situation?

OOC: There really wasn't anything to see as you approached, the menace had yet to arrive. However, I'll let that roll "roll over" into the current situation. I'll even throw in a Detect Hostile intent. But since you are intent on healing Drummel, I can't really give you too much information.

His senses intent on Drummel, Nuyok is dimly aware of large man-like shapes leaping through the foliage, crashing down and landing before leaping up again. he jumps are superhumanly high. There is a hostile feeling of hunger.

That works - Nuyok won't bother to warn them as they seem to already know, and instead, continue to focus on healing.

OOC: I think Faliol has a 12- perception roll...

3d6: 8 Tue February 17, 2004 @4:46 PM (CST)

Faliol prepares Betsy to greet their new "guests".

"Demon Kings! What the heck is that sound and what are these 'Wamps', Lekchock?!?! No time for the long version just let me know where they don't like having arrows shot into them..."

"Dey giant bugs dat suck da blood out o' person"

Hearing Lechocks statement about giant blood-sucking 'bugs', a look of disbelief crosses Celestes face and she says, 'Whatever it is, it's in the brush, it's big, and it's coming from more than one spot."

OOC: Squish.....

PER ROLL 11-
3d6: 1, 1, 1 (STUN: 3, BODY: 0) Tue February 17, 2004 @8:39 PM (CST)

Vagrant's once in a life time danger sense activates and he can see every one of his enemies as if they were in an empty room!

[EDITED on Tue February 17, 2004 @8:40 PM (CST)]

There are eight of the things, coming from roughly the south (away from the road). The direction is unimportant for battle purposes, since they are leaping into the clearing at random, but in case someone wants to investigate later, that's where they came from.

As a reward for your fantastic roll, you cannot accidenatlly hit a comrade, nor will an accidental hit land on you.

Also, you suddenly can see that the fruit rind Faliol pointed out was used to intentionally spread Drummel's blood about in an attractive lure.

OOC: Okay, but I'm making a perception roll here anyway, since my dice are at your house.
Perception
3d6: 1, 5, 1 (STUN: 7, BODY: 1)

Hearing the sounds in the brush, Celeste slowly backs up to where Nuyok is busy over Drummels nearly lifeless body. She holds the great falchion in ready while still scanning the area.

[EDITED on Wed February 18, 2004 @12:41 AM (PST)]

Those among you with special senses, knowledge or just exceptional alertness have warned the others, so no one is taken by surprise. The crashing grows closer rapidly, you do not have time to move Drummel, who would certainly die if carried through the jungle underbrush in his condition. Nevertheless, you are roughly gathered in a ring about the large tree, the fallen warrior and his attendant adept.
Suddenly, a shiny black humanoid leaps into the clearing. It comes nearly straight down, having leapt a phenomenal distance upward, considering the growth around you. It is quickly joined by others. They are nasty looking things, with a chitnous shell and stubby forelimbs that end in sharp hooks. The back legs are powerful leaping appendages. Their mouths are long and drill-like. They make no noise, but immediately attack, attempting to leap onto party members. It is impossible to accurately count them, given their unusal movement, your position/surroundings and the heat of battle.
Dashel yells, "Oi, you were right 'en, Leckchock. Bloodsuckers!!!"

Actions/Options?

No map really needed here. The clearing is very small and the ring is the only defensive positioning you can really do. If you leave the clearing, no weapon larger than a knife or small axe is useable; the foliage is too dense. Also, your movement rate is 1/3 in the jungle. This is not true of Leckchock.
Be aware, give the cramped conditions, there is the possibility of hitting a friend on a fumble (17 or 18).
You are arranged in a circle in Alphabetical Order (for simplicity):
Angilak
Beka
Cas
Celeste
Dashel
Faliol
Lekchock
Nuyok
Umbra
Vagrant

Konnur has draped himself over Drummel to take any blows meant for his brother, trying to stay out of Nuyok's way.
Further note: I may be sporadic in posting in the foreseeable future. The Turakian Age maps and Fantasy Hero: Battlegrounds are going to give me a lot of late nights...

Lekchock will use his small ax and jungle skills to attack from weird angles hoping for some suprise attacks, and trying to say away from 'friendly fire'.

.oO(Go avay for the long weekend, don't even give me the cool mug you won, now you can't GM? You were only up 'til 1:00 and then up again at 5:30. What! Are you getting old?

)

I am putting all my plus'es to hit (don't want to miss and hit a friend).

.oO(I know I have plus one million, it says so right on my character sheet)

Not wanting to hit his friends by mistake, Faliol fires at the hopping bloodsuckers as they hit the apogee of their leap.
When (not if) he nails one, he cries out, "Go pick some easier prey, wamp!" and "Its my blood and you can't have it!"

Vagrant will fire his bolts until he is engaged by the enemy. Once engaged he will drop his crossbow, put his levels on DCV and use his offensive strike to to take on the perps...err monsters.

Cas, being next to Beka, will be full defensive. Anything comes near and she goes after it. This should help the odds some. She is using claws, not stilleto in this case.

Just in case it wasn't obvious, Nuyok will continue to work on healing, unless he perceives an unimpeded threat to him.

With the shorter Cas and Dashel on either side of her, Celeste will aim for anything attempting to get past by coming in from above. As the bugs appear from the jungle, she hisses " Gods of the Deep, take these foul creatures and feed them to the Great Oro."
Whichever one appears in front of her, all plusses to hit.

OOC:< Further note: I may be sporadic in posting in the foreseeable futureOOC: Geez, when I first read this, I took it at face value.....now we know why......

Sorry I don't have the time to write this out in my normal fashion. Here are the battle highlights I'll omit the more normal hits and misses:

The bloodsuckers leap into the tiny clearing. At the top of their arc, Faliol and Vagrant let loose missiles. Vagrant's bolt finds a home. Then the battle is too thick and close for arrows and the two revert to hands and swords, respectively.

Lekchock's axes thumps into a bloodsucker, splitting its carapace. (Best hit of the battle, a one-shot kill)

Bloodsuckers grab Vagrant and Umbra with their hook-like claws. Their mouths poise for puncturing.

Celeste nearly hits Cas by mistake. The barbarian resolves to be more careful, and Cas barely notices, so intent is she on protecting Nuyok and his charge.

Nuyok grimly realizes that Drummel may not make it. He is having trouble concentrating and the wounds and blood loss are too great.

A Bloodsucker gets its hooks into Angilak, who flexes his mighty arms and rips free. Hus face twists into bestial fury and he roars, "Bring it on, ya freaks! I'l rrip y'all new arrrrrr!!!!" His axe is swinging in huge arcs and those about him must be careful.

Angilak's next hit bisects a bloodsucker.

Vagrant and Umbra are both pierced by the drill-like mouths. In horror, they can feel their blood being drained.

Vagrant summons up hidden reserves and breaks free, blood trailing from the wound. Umbra remains trapped.

Vagrant's next attack frees Umbra, but not before she suffers yet more blood loss. She rejoins the fight.

Towards the end of the fight, things get critical. There are only three bloodsuckers remaining. One has grabbed Dashel, while the other two have suddenly realized the center of the ring holds less dangerous prey. They leap towards Nuyok and the brothers. Cas dives towards the adept to protect. Both Nuyok and Cas are grabbed.

Angilak rips the one from Dashel and begins to stomp it. He continues to do this well after the others have all coordinated to free the others and dispatch the remaining two.

As the proverbial dust clears a quick check is made of the wounded.

Dashel and Vagrant have suffered bites and minor blood loss. They are perfectly functional. Umbra has suffered a bit more blood loss, though you'll have to take her word for it, since her skin stays as black as coal. Her blood is red, by the way. She would appreciate assistance walking.

Angilak recovers his composure and begins to clean himself and his axe.

During the fight and confusion, Drummel died of his wounds and blood loss. Konnur howls in fury and anguish, refusing to leave his brother's side.

Those of you who knew what bloodsuckers were realize that they almost never travel singly; they are pack animals. It is not likely there are more on the way.

OOC: It is not likely more are coming, or likely more are coming?

OOC: You have probably killed all the bloodsuckers in the area.
Of course, other animals can be attracted to the scent of blood, just not to such a degree.

Vagrant will offer his shoulder to lean on if she accepts.

Celeste looks about at the scattered corpses of the bugs. She nudges one with the toe of her boot. Amid all the party checking for wounds and hearing that no one else is near death, she grimly looks at Beka, "We have to find Handle. He's out there somewhere... If, as someone said, they travel in packs, and this is the pack, (all dead) then, he cannot be too far away." She walks over to where Nuyok stands near the now deceased Drummel and quietly speaks to him for a moment.

"Master Nuyok, I don't mean to be saying that Drummels life was worth less than Handles, but nothing more can be done for him now, but for his brother and friends to honor his life and mourn his passing, but Handle may yet be alive. I mean to search the area for him, can you sense him out there at all?"

Handle is nowhere in the immediate vicinity, but if you make a PER roll by five, you may discover a vital clue...

PER, 13-
3d6: 5, 4, 4 (STUN: 13, BODY: 3) Mon February 23, 2004 @10:30 AM (EST)

Scanning the area, "Yes, we must not lose sight of what we are after, but Handle is out of my sight currently."

Cas helps Nuyok up, "I apologize for bumping into you like that, but I knew that if I did not, it would have gotten your neck." Cas looks at the deceased on the field and feels emotions well up. She did not like him but no one deserves such a fate.

Nuyok will nod toward Cas, and seeing where her vision strays, attempts to distract her, "we should look to see who can be helped."

Nuyok quietly says to Konnur, "I did all that I could, but he was too far along..."

As the wounded are gathering themselves and Konnur is preparing to shoulder his brother's body (is anyone going to help him?), a sound comes faint but clear through everpresent insect buzz of the jungle. It sounds like the scream of a horse.

[EDITED on Sat February 21, 2004 @8:50 PM (PST)]

Faliol's ears whip around at the sound of the horse's scream.

He says one word - "Ricco!" and runs at full speed to aid his pudgy little buddy.

Celestes head snaps up at the distant sound, as Faliol yells Riccos name and takes off running, quickly glances around. Upon realizing that the plucky 'coon' is nowhere to be seen, she glances at Nuyok for a moment and then is hot on the heels of her little brother..oO(I'm sorry, Handle...)

...be one of my horses!
I look around to see who needs help. Umbra is being helped by Vagrant so I assume she is fine, I will assist with Drummel if allowed and see that we go as a group back to the wagons.
"We can search for clues later when everyone else is safe though I don't think we'll find anything here."

As Nuyok glances around to see what he can do for the wounded, he hears the horse's scream, and rapidly heads back to the caravan (presumably the sound was from that direction?), unless there are wounded that need immediate attention.

The party goes crashing through the thick foliage, forcing a path through sheer force of will. As you approach the area where you left the caravn, it is quickly apparent that all is not well. There is shouting and screaming, the whinnying of horses and the bellowing of oxen.
Bursting through the underbrush, you come upon a scene of chaos. Angilak's cart has been smashed, boxes strewn. The horse apprently pulled it over in panic. The oxen are barely under the control of Jareek, who appears to be more than a bit worse for the wear. Kent and Bergen are trying to calm their teams as well. Bergen has the help of Brother Cadbury, which is good, because the merchant doesn't look well either. Both Jareek and Bergen are wounded, and look upon the verge of collapse. In fact, that's exactly what they do as soon as they see help arrive.
The entire caravan is in disarray. Wickersticks and Arkis are nowhere to be seen. Beka's wagon has been pulled off the road, and Bergen's wagon is precariously tipping.

Nuyok will scan the area for signs of the missing party members and/or assailants as he approaches the closest victim, and hurriedly asks "What happened, where are the others?"

PER, 13-
3d6: 2, 6, 2 (STUN: 10, BODY: 4) Mon February 23, 2004 @3:24 PM (EST)

Cas will run full speed and attend immediately to Cas, I mean, Beka's wagon and the oxen. She will tell Jareek to relax. She will also take a quick, hastily scan of the area for the cause but not focus too much. She will make a quick query to those in the encampment, "Where's Wickersticks?"

It quickly becomes apparent that getting the animals under control is paramount. They are panicking or near-panic and they could damage cargo or people very easily.
This proves to be very difficult and time consuming. After a few minutes, they are somewhat subdued, all but Kent's horse. It rears up, nostrils stretched and foaming at the mouth. It's hooves churn the air with a shuddering spastic motion, and then it hits the ground in a crashing ruin. It is quite obviously dead.

While those with animal handling skills examine it, Umbra runs to help Bergen, who seems to have difficulty standing. Konnur carries Drummel and looks lost.

Brother Cadbury attempts to give some explanation.
"They came just a few moments after you left. There were only three of them, but that was enough. They hurled some kind of dart or tiny knife at us. That was the first hint they were there. They struck--" he gulps for breath, "-- the pack animals first, then they came after us. I think they hit Bergen and Jareek with those things. We did our best to defend, but they were frighteningly skilled fighters. I couldn't see what happened to Arkis or Wickersticks in the confusion, but I heard swords clashing. It was as if they were waiting for us. They only broke off when you all were returning."

At this point, the horse is confirmed dead. Its wounds were insufficient to explain its mortality, however. The other pack animals look in bad shape, as well.

Jareek says, "I... I heard tell o' a horse dyin' like that. So s-scared, so fearful its heart just up and burst like a, like a..." he suddenly begins to shiver, his breathing coming in gasps. Then he slowly collapses, folding like a house of cards. He continues to shiver, but no longer speaks or reacts.

Faliol races to Jareek's side, a determined red blur. He cradles his foster father in his arms as Jareek passes out.

"Hang on, Pops. Nuyok will cure you. (then, sotto voce) He has to..."

Faliol pulls a blanket out of his pack and covers Jareek to keep him warm.

"Nuyok, get over here! Save my Pops!"

The little Vulpine is beside himself with worry.

Nuyok continues to look out for the assailants, getting Lekchock to lead a group after them if a direction can be discerned, and approaches Jareek to see how he can help. To Faliol, "is he wounded or poisoned?" Nuyok will do his best to examine him.

PS: Healer, 14-
3d6: 5, 2, 4 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Tue February 24, 2004 @9:12 AM (EST)
Complementary: Paramedic, 13-
3d6: 5, 1, 1 (STUN: 7, BODY: 1) Tue February 24, 2004 @9:12 AM (EST)

To Nuyok, "I think he is poisoned."

Faliol checks for blood or other wounds.

Nuyok, there is indeed poison coursing in his veins. He has a wound on his outer thigh. It was most likely caused by an object found nearby, a small star-like disk of metal. The metal has the remnants of a red/brown tarry substance upon it. Your adept ability to detect poison indicates the substance is most likelwhat is affecting Jareek. Beyond that, having no poison KS's, you cannot tell.
However, a General INT Roll:
3, 1, 2 STUN: 6 BODY: 2
tells you:
This substance is identical with some of the things Handle was carrying.

Without KS: Poison, presumably Nuyok can do nothing but to tell Faliol to suck it out (based on his PS: Healer roll?)?

General First Aid for blood poisons:

Do NOT suck out the poison. This will only infect the sucker through the lips and mouth membranes.

Keep the wound dressed and cool (to restrict blood flow)

Keep the victim immobile (again, to restrict blood flow)

Treat symptomatically (administer CPR if heart or lungs stop)

Since you have no anti-venin or a poison healer, you must mostly hope and pray. There is a healer at Fort Lizard who can heal poisons, Lt. Stout. You are a day and a half from the fort. If you had light and a good horse, a rider could make it in one.

"Faliol, yes, he is poisoned, which is beyond my healing. We need to treat the wound, keep him immobile, and treat any symptoms which may develop. His best chance with with Lt. Stout at Fort Lizard, which is over a day away, yes? Perhaps faster with a rider on a fast horse... Time is of the essence though, what do you want to do?"

Lekchock searches the camp for the direction the attackers went, and any sign of the missing party memeber.

Perception 14-
3d6: 12 Tue February 24, 2004 @5:44 AM (CST)

AK:Jungle 11-
3d6: 11 Tue February 24, 2004 @5:44 AM (CST)

Survival 12-
3d6: 9 Tue February 24, 2004 @5:44 AM (CST)

Tracking 12-
3d6: 12 Tue February 24, 2004 @5:44 AM (CST)

OOC: I made all of my rolls, not but much, but I made them and for me to even make my rolls, that should be the equivilent of someone else getting a 3...Right?

Leckchock, you quickly discover both Wickersticks and Arkis. Wickersticks emerges from the underbrush like a ghost, nearly indistinguishable from his suroundings. Arkis comes limping back along the trail.
Arkis says, "They ran off. I followed for a bit. I think one of them is wounded. They wore ash and paint on their bodies to help from being seen. Any idea who they were?" He seems fearful and apprehensive, looking over his shoulder a lot.

Will remains silent.

KS:Local History: 8- (yeah right)
3d6: 6 Tue February 24, 2004 @12:53 PM (CST)

"I'm 'bout to ask 'em who comin?"
Lekchock will try to track them through the brush

Tracking 12- (just in case you want another roll)
3d6: 8 Tue February 24, 2004 @12:53 PM (CST)

Whoda thunk it?

Nice rolls, but whoever these guys are, it's unlikely they are locals. You would have heard of such people.
As for tracking, they were not taking time to cover their tracks, so there was no negative modifier. You have found tracks leading away. They go up the trail for a bit, and then enter the forest proper. They are taking paths that pose no problems for you, but would hinder the progress of the others.

Before everyone goes off willy-nilly on a revenge expedition, however, you have wounded "civilians" and pack animals to worry about as well.

Kneeling over the fallen Jareek, "Lekchock, if you have found tracks and can follow them with great stealth, you should do so and report back what you find, while we take care of this situation."

Lekchock will continue to follow the tracks through the forest. He's probably not too close so he isn't worried about stealth until the tracks seem fresher.

Int
3d6: 5, 6, 2 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4)

Celeste appears to be thinking very hard....

[EDITED on Tue February 24, 2004 @12:17 PM (PST)]