Please proceed to Blood and Sap


OK, we're not precisely in combat, but things are going to be a little difficult to coordinate due to (in game) visibility. I am going to handle this the same way I handled the last combat with one difference. If this works it should really simulate the situation nicely.

I am going to separate visibility, but instead of single threads, I'm going to separate you into groups that can see each other. You can interact normally with people in your group. However, when posting to the general group, please limit yourself to in-character dialogue only. Don't describe any action. In other words, you can shout across to each other in the rain, but you cannot see each other.

The only exception is Nuyok. He will be part of all visible groups since darkness or rain do not obscure his Spirit Sight. Nuyok, you must still follow the rules of dialog vs. action, but you can see all threads.

Here is the placement of everyone the best I can determine.

Group One The Wagon and the Cart
Beka, Celeste, Nuyok, Rath, Vagrant

Group Two The Tree
Handle

Group Three The Scouts
Faliol and Cas or Riccoco (please decide)
Cas has indicated that she is Gone, not waiting. Faliol has indicated that he is waiting for Riccoco (and indicated his path, though he has not communicated it). Unless Faliol or Riccoco say they are following Cas, Cas is in her own group and following a separate path.

in which case...
Group Four Cas the Scout

Once everyone has confirmed, I'll begin the posting. Please confirm your position in general visibility. Also, if any of this didn't make sense, let me know before we start.

PS. A couple of characters (not players) have indicated general indecision and hesitation on the part of others or the group in general. Players, remember the nature of the medium and the number of players. Some people can post more often than others. Try to limit in-character accusations of hesitation.

{edited to confirm the scout breakdown. I still have Faliol and Riccoco in Group three, should they decide to scout anyway. Cas has un off out of sight}
[EDITED on Wed November 6, 2002 @1:38 AM (PST)]

[EDITED on Wed November 6, 2002 @1:42 AM (PST)]

[EDITED on Mon November 11, 2002 @2:22 PM (PST)]

Cas is the scout. She is determined as per her Psych Limitation that if she does not act now it will result in the death of friends.

[EDITED on Wed November 6, 2002 @1:40 AM (PST)]

So we can post actions for our group to see (limited) and only verbal for the general group?

Celeste is staying with the wagons, guarding.

Riccoco and Faliol are still here until they indicate they are going to scout.
There are four lanterns here. Beka and Kent each have one. One is hanging on the wagon and Riccoco has the third.
There is enough general illumination that all may be identified by place and action, albeit with difficulty.

I Put on my helmet and draw my knife listening for either the scouts or the "monster" (If this turns out to be a gazeebo I'm gonna be pissed)

OOC: After the Dreaded Chickaleech, I'm afraid to ask...I didn't see one listed in the Savage Earth Beastiary,....so...."What's a gazeebo?

OOC a gazelle and boa contrictor! Anyone ever heard the dread battlecry of the Chickaleech? Bok Bok SLURP!

OOC: For more info go here: http://www.dreadgazebo.com/eric.html

OOC: That was a cute story...I thought at first you were making the web site up.....sometimes the most bizarre things happen during a game....dread gazebo indeed...and to think I wanted to put one of those in my back yard....chickaleeches and gazeebos, what next?

I understand the look in Ricco's eyes - he badly wants to go with us.

.oO(Easier to act now and apologize later)

Grabbing the old 'coon by his arm, I gently help him out from under the wagon. "Ricco, Cas is gonna get killed all by herself. We need you to anchor our line! What about you and I moving till we can just see the glow of the lanterns, then you stay that distance from the caravan while I go until I can just see you? Hopefully, I will see Cas and we can sweep in a semicircle around to the other end of the tree? If each of us can see the other, we shouldn't get lost."

During this talk I am moving towards the last spot where I saw Cas, hopefully with Ricco in tow.

After I get Ricco's answer, I will shift to the group that has the scouts. I really will wait this time, Jason!

[EDITED on Wed November 6, 2002 @6:32 AM (CST)]

"Sounds like a good plan Faliol."

Nuyok will draw his blade, and continue to observe, especially as to Handle and Cas, who are the most remote from the rest of the party.

I nod to the Adept, "Thanks, Nuyok. See you in a little while."

Riccoco nods his assent and moves off towards Cas' last sighting.

"Damn Vixen be gettin' herself killt! Riccoco'd be hating to see where Faliol preens his tail if that be happenin'!" He chuckles hesitantly, peering back at the waning pools of light, before slipping into the foliage of the jungle at Faliol's side, his trident gripped two-handed at his side.

I smile at the gentle teasing. This trip would feel never-ending without friends like the plucky raccoon.

"Remember, keep me and the caravan in sight. I will try to keep you and Cas in sight, if we can catch up with her."

I step off into the jungle, broadsword drawn.

moving to the other group now.

Vagrant drops down onto his stomach with a cough and steadies his crossbow in the direction of the scouts. He eyes, as best he can, to the left and right looking for something anything in the heavy rain.

[Edited by GM to remove Faliol and Riccoco from this point onward]

[EDITED on Wed November 6, 2002 @10:32 PM (PST)]

The two foxes and the raccoon move off into the downpour. Their images soften and blur as they backtrack the trail. Eventually, nothing can be seen but the indistinct light of Riccoco's lantern. He is less than a couple dozen yards away, but the raccoon himself is totally invisible. Eventually, the lantern stops.

Celeste watches as Faliol and Ricocco move off into the mists. She quickly casts a glance about to locate the caravan members staying with the wagons. Listening for any more sounds and holding.

Perception Roll 12-
3d6: 4, 4, 5 (STUN: 13, BODY: 3) Thu November 7, 2002 @12:28 AM (PST)

Several minutes have passed since the scouts left.

The echoes of the shrill cry from Riccoco(?) are fading into the backdrop of rain. With a perception roll, you might be able to make out the signs of a struggle.

Handle has not been heard from since he warned the scouts that he heard something on the tree.

The animals seem to be getting uneasy.

All of you are startled by a sharp crack from the right hand side of the path. It sounded like a heavy branch snapping.

Several minutes have passed since the scouts left.

The echoes of the shrill cry from Riccoco(?) are fading into the backdrop of rain. With a perception roll, you might be able to make out the signs of a struggle.

Handle has not been heard from since he warned the scouts that he heard something on the tree.

The animals seem to be getting uneasy.

All of you are startled by a sharp crack from the right hand side of the path. It sounded like a heavy branch snapping.

I walk towards the snap not far just enough to put myself between the sound and the rest of the party. "Ricco, Cas, Faliol, that you?" OOC: I'll give you a PER roll just in case Perception 12-
3d6: 7 Mon November 11, 2002 @7:54 AM (EST)

Stiffling a cough Vagrant, zeroes in on the location where he heard the snap, braces his crossbow for range and sets upon the location of the noise. At the first sign of something unfamiliar and hostile he will loose the bolt.

The jungle seems to be alive with noise now. Beyond the constant pour of rain, you hear more branches cracking and creaking off to the right (roots). It sounds as if a struggle is going on. You also hear frightened yelps coming from Riccoco. (This is an assumption, most of you have never heard a raccoon scream). Beyond that, Nuyok and Vagrant hear the sounds of something heavy stirring through the mud and soil, coming up the path behind you. Vagrant, you can hear it because your face is close to the muddy ground, Nuyok, you can see more clearly what you have seen in other posts. They are difficult to separate from the background, even with your spirit sense.

"Nuyok, what, no where, is out there?"

I try to hold the animals at their heads to calm them.

.oO(Why am I always stuck with the animals?)

I get ready to draw my sword but hold for the moment.

"Beka, you may want to stay with the animals, in case another tree-beast approaches."

OOC: Check out my Roots and Snapping Noise post below on the location of the tree-beasts

For a few moments, those with the animals hear the sounds of fighting from the roots and back down the path. The animals are beginning to get very upset and the oxen are beginning to paw the ground.
At this point, Nuyok, you are beginning to get the hang of separating these things from the background jungle. This is when you become horribly aware of the situation.
Before Nuyok can voice a warning, several innocent-looking trees at the field of vision suddenly reveal very un-tree-like maws filled with rows of sharp fangs. Twisted roots slither underneath their massive trunks, propelling them forward into the lamplight...

There are four of these, ranging in height from seven to twelve feet.

Handle, you are still perched in what you hope is relative safety. Youare crouched near a large limb, since it will give you some cover. You have shouted your warning, but you are not sure if it was heard. Someone crashed off in that direction, you think.
Although there is too much rain for you to make out individuals, you can see a bright blur where the wagons are. The Cart and Wagon are visible enough to identify.

[EDITED on Wed November 6, 2002 @1:49 AM (PST)]

[EDITED on Wed November 6, 2002 @8:01 AM (PST)]

I start to move down the tree towards the noise. I make my way from branch to branch remaining in cover and stop to listen ever few steps. stealth, perception, concealment and climbing (also breakfall if needed, using agility level) all 14-

test [3d6]
3d6: 6, 6, 3 (STUN: 15, BODY: 5) Wed November 6, 2002 @10:45 PM (PST)
3d6: 3, 3, 4 (STUN: 10, BODY: 3) Wed November 6, 2002 @10:45 PM (PST)
3d6: 5, 4, 6 (STUN: 15, BODY: 4) Wed November 6, 2002 @10:45 PM (PST)
3d6: 6, 1, 6 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Wed November 6, 2002 @10:45 PM (PST)
3d6: 2, 3, 6 (STUN: 11, BODY: 4) Wed November 6, 2002 @10:45 PM (PST)

the two I missed likely have positive mods becasue of night, trtee, cover and rain.

Handle, you carefully and silently pick your way along the trunk. OK, it wouldn't be silent enough to dry-gulch some drunken stonesider back in Tallon, but you feel confident that the rain is masking the worst of the cracking branches. Cobblestones and rooftops are more your style.
After a couple dozen yards (you estimate), you are in near-pitch darkness. The lights of the wagon are invisible, obscured by foliage. The only sound is the rain pattering on your oilcloak and running off the mossy trunk.
Suddenly, you stop. Faliol never mentioned a tree growing on top of the fallen tree. Can trees grow like that in the wild? Did the fox notice this and fail to tell anyone?
With a sickening certainty, you think you know the answers to all of these questions. Your suspicions are confirmed as the horrible thing in front of you writhes upon the surface of the log, its roots coiling and uncoiling as it slowly drags its bulk along the bole of the fallen tree.
Suddenly, its crown swivels and points directly at you. A huge flower-like pod opens and...

BTW, there is only one of them visible to you.

Before you can shout any kind of warning or plea for help, you are pitched into combat. Coiling and uncoiling like a snake, the head shoots forward with a high-pitched sigh, dripping jaws striking for you.
The jaws snap shut on nothing but rain and moss, sending up splinters of bark and leaving you untouched.

Unluckily...
Your raincloak is caught in the massive teeth! You are held about the neck. Serpentine tendrils make their way toward you, presumably to immobilize you completely.

You are 1/2 DCV until you free yourself. Unbuckling the cloak is a full phase action at 1/2 DCV or a half phase at 0 DCV, given the precariousness of your footing and the rain and darkness.

[EDITED on Sun November 10, 2002 @11:59 AM (PST)]

Since it already has my cloak in its mouth, I will atempt to graple the head using the cloak to wrap it further around its 'head'. This should at least stop it form biting me while I try and cut the tenticles free.

attack to grapple the mouth with cloak already in its teeth.

3d6: 6, 5, 2 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Mon November 11, 2002 @6:47 PM (PST)

DCV 7x 1/2 = 4, Armor 2 on 11-, If this succeeds, then will start gashing under the cloak or at tenticles trying to sever the 'head' or coils. When I get the chance I will shout out a warning. " HEY SOME kIND OF TOOTHY LANT THING UP HERE!" Attack using al 3 levels to hit, do 1/2k damage, OCV 9.

3d6: 6, 5, 2 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Mon November 11, 2002 @6:47 PM (PST)

This is available, should you two separate from Group One. Post there until you do.

[EDITED on Wed November 6, 2002 @8:55 AM (PST)]

I move silently, aware that enemies may be near. Keeping an eye on Ricco, I move a little ahead of him. Once he stops at the proper distance, I continue on until I can just see him... Then I sweep slowly in a huge semi-circle heading towards the other end of the tree.

Stealth 12+1=13 or less
3d6: 14 Wed November 6, 2002 @10:26 AM (CST)

Perception, 12 or less
3d6: 6 Wed November 6, 2002 @10:26 AM (CST)

[EDITED on Wed November 6, 2002 @8:56 AM (PST)]

Ricco glances back away from watching Faliol's back in front of him. The lanterns of Cart and Wagon are barely visible. He murmurs a bit of encouragement to the fox, "You better be keepin' quiet or they might make Riccoco be scoutin' for this trip."

Ricco keeps a sharp eye and ear on his surroundings while fighting the urge to slip into the foliage and hide.

Perception 15-
3d6: 9 Wed November 6, 2002 @10:34 AM (CST)

[EDITED on Wed November 6, 2002 @8:57 AM (PST)]

Cas is heading toward the tree and about to work her way upwards to the roots.

I try to catch her without leaving Ricco behind. If I have to choose which one to stay with, I stick with Ricco. Our chain of visibility is vital.

"Pssst!"

If she hears/sees me, I gesture for her to come closer.

Cas stated she was waiting for your action, so she must see you.
Cas is visible to your group now.

BTW, to circumvent like you are talking about will necessitate breaking the chain of visibility at some point. However, if Riccoco is with you, all groups should be able to see at least the glimmer of his lantern.
Also, once you get to one end of the tree, there's not much of anywhere to go. You are kind of at a T-intersection, where the walls are thick jungle. Unless you want to start hacking...

Riccoco trundles away from the wagons with his lantern, catching up to the two foxes.

Speaking in a hushed tone, his eyes jerking around, the old 'coon says, "Where that Handle hooman be from here? Cas, the three o' us be needin' a bush-whacker to move along the tree... or farther on."

I move up to Cas' position, hopefully with a good approximation of the caravan's location. Once Ricco is close enough to hear, I state, "Ricco and I have a plan of attack, so to speak. Ricco will anchor us insight of the caravan's lanterns. I will move off until I can barely see the light from Ricco's lantern and you should then move further out from me while insuring that you can still see me. We then sweep clockwise, keeping our visibility chain as intact as possible until we hit the other end of the tree. Since stealth is a priority, we avoid the areas that require chopping to navigate. Any thoughts?"

I'm not sure I understand "clockwise without chopping". You are on a path. The tree cross perpendicular to the path. Except for the path and the along of the tree, everywhere requires chopping. Unless you mean "Examine the tree to the roots and come back. Examine the paht back the way you cam e and come back. Examine the tree to the crown and come back and then cross the tree to the path beyond for a ways and come back. Also, since neither you or Cas is holding a lantern, "keeping her in sight" means staying within one hex.

No problem if that's your plan. I just want to make sure what you mean before I start the meat grinder...

I give up. All this time setting up an impossible scouting party. Unless we are fighting creatures with N-ray vision and desolidification, nothing is going to come at us quickly or silently(supposition). If we are fighting such creatures, our puny little scouting trip will be useless since they can see/evade us before we get within 50 feet...

"This is crazy. We should just cut a path around the tree and be done with it. There is little chance of anything even knowing we are here let alone being able to sneak up on us through this wall of vegetation."

Not mad at you, Keith. Just completely frustrated.

I see where you told us everything off the path needs slow machete work. AARRRRGGGH!!!

[EDITED on Wed November 6, 2002 @4:44 PM (CST)]

Cas speaking as light as possible but still enough that it can be heard, "Faliol, I wish you would come with me, but if not I will go and scout the road we came from. If you here a danger cry it means I have found the thing and it is a danger. If the problem is minor and able to be handled I will give a maternal warning cry. If I make a danger cry I will be running down the path leading it into the main of the group unless it is so dangerous it needs to be led away."

Cas turns towards the path and begins walking at 3" per phase in equivalent movement. She will ever so lightly begin to hum to herself the song "Crest of the Fox Born River".

I'm still going off of my old perception and stealth rolls unless you feel I need to reroll them.

"Uh - ok. I will follow you. What about Ricco and his lantern? Can't see very far without some light..."

.oO(Good to have someone else come up with a different plan even if I don't understand it...)

I follow Cas closely, due to the poor visibility. Being out of my element has made me jumpy and irritable.

This real-life cold isn't helping either!

Cas nods with a wide smile, "That's the whole point. We need to make sure we have a good understanding of the path and when it is time to move fast we do so. We are going without light. It will only make us a target. We need Riccoco to act as our beacon for a target to run towards. Make sense?"

"We are going to use him and his lantern as bait?" I glance towards Ricco. "If he agrees and with one proviso - Ricco, you see or hear something coming, you don't stand and fight. You hightail it towards Rath and Celeste. Quick as those little chunky legs can pump? Agreed?" My eyes plead with the vixen, "Cas, he could get hurt or worse..."

.oO(Using a stranger as bait, no problem. But Ricco's my friend...Hate to say it, but it IS a good plan, but I hope Ricco says no...)

Cas rolls her eyes, "You misunderstand, we need him back with the others holding the lantern up so we can see where we need to be if we have to run back in a hurry. I don't want anyone to act as bait unless it is me."

"Lead on, I will follow."

Keith, to save time, can I just chain Faliol to Cas' actions? Have him follow her lead without having to respond each time? Joshua, don't get us killed!"

Faliol would like to be chained to Cas, I'm sure...

You are One.

We move at a Running Speed of 3 Hexes. Cas cover the right side, Faliol covers the left. Our first priority is to identify location and number of creatures. Our second priority is to get and understanding of the size of these things. If there is a chance for profit, we will take it.

Actually, 3 hexes is probably dangerously fast for these conditions. it would be very easy to run into something or...
oops (1-3 Cas, 4-6 Faliol)
5 STUN: 5 BODY: 1
Faliol, you stumble over rough ground and
Dex roll = 3 STUN: 3 BODY: 1
Dang! Immediately compensate with the aaccomplished skill of a professional dancer. Cas, you cannot help but be impressed as Faliol leaps over a hole in the ground, lands on the sloping boll of a tree and climbs to the lowest branch in one fluid motion. And it looks like he meant to do it!
Faliol, from your vantage point, you can see things that weren't apparent below. The hole was not there before. It is fresh. The earth around it is torn up as if it has suffered some upheaval. The underbrush between the hole and the trail is trampled and muddy.
Oh and one more thing. There are three more holes just like it.

Is Ricco close enough to listen in? I notice he is off the visibility..

"Cas, couple of quick points. One - could we slow down a little? Two - there are three more holes that I can see from up here. Just like the one I tripped over. (I point to them) Three - Nuyok probably cannot tell us where the enemy is, because the entire jungle is alive. Four - I made up the Chickaleech story to have a little fun with Ricco, so scratch Chickaleeches from the list. Five - these holes are freshly dug, where are the diggers?"

Nervous, Faliol climbs down and spins trying to see a tree actually move.

Perception 12-
3d6: 13 Fri November 8, 2002 @8:19 AM (CST)

No moving trees in your field of vision Faliol. Likewise Cas.
However, about this time is when you hear the "Trees are alive" shout.

"Faliol, if we are talking trees here we need to make sure we focus on the same target if we are forced into combat... you see anything?"

"Haven't seen one move yet. But if I do, I will keep an eye on it until you two can help me flank it."

Still moving in a general circle near all the holes, I add, "But unless we want to fight the whole jungle, I suggest we get the cart and wagon out of here while there still is a path..."

Riccoco frowns at his fellow beasts, "It be seemin' to Riccoco that scouts don' always have to be sneaky..." He hefts his lantern to emphasize. "A little light be sheddin' a whole lot on the eeriness o' this plight. Why don' the three of us just do a bit o' investigatin' with the light?"

Shadows fall across his furry features as he turns to peer back at the others near the cart and wagon. "Ya know that any critters that might be out here, already knows where we are, anyways."

Cas and Ricco could roll dice...

Person with the highest roll (stun) gets their plan implemented?

It would be quick and definitive...

Just a suggestion from a wet, tired, befuddled kit...

[EDITED on Thu November 7, 2002 @1:26 PM (CST)]

OOC: Why not use PRE dice? Or a contested Conversation roll? We might as well use some game mechanic to figure out which plan Faliol would best move forward with.

Though, mine is the better one! Muhahaha!

Not my decision, uh-uh, nope!

I haven't looked at each of your characters in awhile, so how about contested Conversation rolls?

He or she that makes their roll by the most wins?

Sound good, Joshua?

"Come along Riccoco," Cas says with a smile, "But after this we need to sit down and discuss how to do search parties."

Riccoco nods and smiles, his muzzle twitching silently, "As you say, Vixen, you and Riccoco need a long sit-down to discuss... things."

.oO(Damn foxes, more interested in sneaking up on the gator's den then just finding it and running like any good 'coon knows!)

"Let's go."

I move off, slightly ahead and to the left of Ricco, letting Cas set the pace and direction.

Using this thread so Ricco can hear

"I am going to track the one that left this hole. So we can know just what we are up against. Be prepared for a fight if I find it..."

I start tracking the one that left the hole I tripped over.

Virtual Dice Gods, I don't ask for much, but aid me now or...or...look, just give me the friggin' aid!
Tracking, 12+1=13 or less
3d6: 9 Mon November 11, 2002 @6:12 AM (CST)

Who is the big hit as a kit?

Faaaaliooooool! Faaaaliooooool!

Who is the Vulpine that is always fine?

Faaaaliooooool! Faaaaliooooool!

Faliol, the tracks that lead from the holes are unusual, but not too difficult for you to follow. They lead back roughly the direction you came. Often they dip into the trees, as if the thing you are tracking has little difficulty moving through thick foliage.
After a few moments, you can see Riccoco, doing a credible impression of a raccoon tornado, spinning whirling and leaping to avoid the attacks of something truly terrible...

PS. there are indeed two trees, but the second does not seem to be engaged in combat. It is slowly and surely slithering its way back towards the main party.

As you rush forward to aid, the plants terrible jaws close upon the haplas raccoon, lifting him high into the air!

Riccoco is firmly held in the 'mouth' of the personified tree, his short legs kicking fiercely, but, too little effect. He struggles, seemingly to no avail.

"Huge an' gnashin' teeth! Ahhhh!!"

Terrified, Ricco will push his STR to attempt to escape. I don't expect it to work. I'm not sure what to roll, so, go ahead, Keith.

"Die you raccoon eating freak!"

I attack with my broadsword, at the tree-thing's roots. Hoping they are sensitive and easier to cut...

+1 level into OCV, should be total of 7
3d6: 14 Mon November 11, 2002 @2:18 PM (CST)

Keith, if I hit can you roll the damage?

Please?

Yes, you and Faliol are in close quarters now. No rolls are needed to perceive the goings on between you two, Riccoco and the tree-thing.
As for combat, handle it like before: give me your intentions, tactics and contingencies; I'll handle the rolling and outcomes. If the situation changes dramatically, I'll give you a chance to respond to it.

Modified Plan, Cas and Faliol take far point skulking as best they can. Riccoco at anchor does some intensive snooping with his lantern.

Cas and Faliol move off into the pouring darkness. You both know this must be the right path, because it is the only way you can go. Nevertheless, darkness and rain have ransformed the landscape into unrecognizability. There are weird shaped trees you could have sworn weren't there before, the dirt below your feet that carried the cart here is now churned mud that threatens to turn your digitigrade ankles.
You advance until Riccoco's lantern glow is a soft blur.
Perceptions, Cas, then Faliol
2, 6, 5
STUN: 13 BODY: 4

1, 3, 5
STUN: 9 BODY: 2

You are both certain you hear the sound of sucking and slithering in the brush to both left and right. You hear the cracking of sticks and twigs and the groaning of mud and damp earth being overturned.

.oO(I hope I am wrong...)
"By the Stones, I think the trees themselves are moving!!! What do you think, Cas? Haven't actually seen one hike up his roots and amble along, but it fits with the evidence."

"Faliol, I am thinking this is either a chickenleach, a hangman tree sloshing through the woods, or something knee deep in mud." Cas returns to a light hum of Crest of the Fox Born River. The song is a fox inspirational melody.

Modified Plan, Cas and Faliol take far point skulking as best they can. Riccoco at anchor does some intensive snooping with his lantern.

Riccoco, you watch the foxes disppear into the downpour. Rivers are running off of you, but the lantern you purchased was a good one and has not so much as flickered. Your sharp eyes and ears searching your lantern probes the brush around you. Stepping into the rainshadow of a small tree, you are suddenly impressed by the realization that the tree is in the middle of the path. It couldn't have been there earlier, or the wagons couldn't have passed. Could you have mis-stepped? No, here are wagon ruts below your feet, but they are obscured right next to the tree.
The Tree.
The Tree is moving. You can see its twisted roots sucking and slithering through the now-soft mud. With eerie certainty you know what is going to happen next...

Riccoco can't help but feel rooted (get it?) to the spot as he peers up at the floral furies. Then, he moves, hoping to keep the beasties within his lantern light, he goes completely defensive.

Hold action! Prepare for evasive maneuvers!

Riccoco will shout out this...

"The Tress! The Trees! The trees are alive with the sound of bruising!"

I didn't know who all or where I should post my shout to. I'll let you do it and everyone can wonder where and who it's coming from!

The huge plant swivels its multitoothed pod, jaws dripping with either rain or sap as they open. A high pitched sigh signals a sudden jab of the "head", jaws snapping on empty air as you throw yourself flat and roll to a stand a couple feet away. You felt no heat of breath, but you are sure you could almost feel the teeth catch your fur. Keep in mind that your trident is a two-handed weapon*. You may have to drop your lantern to weild it effectively.

*Correct me if this is wrong

... the trident could be wielded one-handed. The damage would be lessened, though. It doesn't really matter to me, though. I will go with whatever your interpretation of the trident is.

Either way, Riccoco is using his acrobatics, trident, and barely controlled panic to keep the Venutian Tree Mouth from eatting him. Hopefully, the others will eventually come to his rescue.

Riccoco, I am assuming from your post that you are fighting defensively, buying time until aid arrives. The plan appears to move more slowly than you do, but has strikes as rapid as a cobra's.
3 attacks take place while you are holding it off. You may also return 4 strikes during this time.
Twice your trident strikes home, puncturing the plant which makes no reaction of pain. On its third strike, just as you see Cas and Faliol coming into view, the plant's jaws close upon you for 6, 4
STUN: 10 BODY: 3
This is actually a reduced penetration killing attack for 2 Bod and 1 Bod, doing 12 stun. Your armor deflects most of the damage, and you take only 6 stun. It has a good hold of you however. At this point you discover that the teeth are not so much tearing and ripping tools, but must be designed to hold prey. You are firmly held!

Cas, what route are you going to follow? BTW, it is very dark away from the lanterns. Since you did not say you were taking one (there is only one not being held) and it would give away yourposition, I assume you have not indeed taken one. Corect me if I am wrong and tell me what route you are taking. Rmember that going through the general foliage requires a machete.
Your general choices are along the tree up or down, back along the path you have taken, or over the tree to the other side.

[EDITED on Wed November 6, 2002 @8:03 AM (PST)]

I was trying to head in the direction that Faliol was taking. My assumption on the layout is that my direction was away from the tree. Because I was heading towards Faliol initially, it may have been along it either towards the roots or the top.

Regardless of my direction, I will be hesitating enough to see if Faliol is heading my way or going off on his own path. My expression "Cas is GONE" was more meant to express that she is no longer waiting for the rest of the group to decide things but is beginning to walk.

I'll wait and see what happens with Faliol before anything else.

Here is a general map of the area. Characters with lanterns have large pools of light. Those without have smaller ones (actually, in the latter case, this is just the limit of their personal visibility).
I have placed everyone where I believe them to be. I will probably not update this map.
The route is basically down the center. The tree cuts off the bottom. Everything else is slow machete work.
MAP

OK, different people are seeing different things now. Remember that all intergroup communication is shouted through drivingrain in the middle of the jungle. Some people are on the clock (speed chart wise) so keep your communications short and limit yourself to one or two. (There just isn't enough time for more with what is going on with the others.)

Finally...
RL intrudes here for a few days. I am going to be away from my computer until Monday evening. If you guys want to keep playing, I suggest using the campfire thread. There were a couple of discussions that never got resolved, and plenty of opportunity for more. You can post to this thread, but realize that I cannot resolve an action until Monday, so probably no more than a single post each.
Exception: Those at the cart have had a few minutes to wait while those in other groups have gotten into position, you could conceivably have a brief conversation. Don't bother talking to Beka, she's going to be with me.

Have a good time, you two!

"The Trees! The Trees! The Trees are alive with the sound of bruising!"

[EDITED on Fri November 8, 2002 @8:16 AM (PST)]

As the truly twisted nature of that which is the source of the strange sounds and movements around us is revealed to Nuyok, he yells out "Danger! The trees, they have teeth! At least one near Ricco and one near the roots!"

Edited by GM for those out of hearing range

[EDITED on Sun November 10, 2002 @11:49 AM (PST)]

OOC: You tell us the tree have teeth and then you go camping? EVIL EVIL GM!

...would the trees have teeth.

Celeste looks sharply in Nuyok's direction. He does not appear to be losing his mind, other than shouting something about trees and teeth. It is difficult to hear all that he said above the noise of the storm. Celeste will make a half move in the direction of the scouts. Looking at the nearby trees to see if any are showing ivory, and preparing to chop the reaving crap out of it if it does anything other than talk. Hold half move.

Do the three of us here this?

Everyone in the visibility list for that message heard it. The voice is so high pitched and panicky that it is difficult to identify.

Edit: Sorry, I misunderstood which message you were speaking of. If you were referring to Nuyok's shout, make a perception roll on the honor system and proceed by its results.

[EDITED on Sun November 10, 2002 @11:44 AM (PST)]

Deleted - failed perception roll

Posted the above before I saw Keith's edit.

Perception roll, 12-
3d6: 13 Sun November 10, 2002 @1:52 PM (CST)

[EDITED on Sun November 10, 2002 @1:52 PM (CST)]

[EDITED on Sun November 10, 2002 @1:53 PM (CST)]

Please disregard my "Time to Boogie" post. I didn't see Keith's edit till after I posted, then Faliol failed his Perception roll, so please pretend he never said those things.

Thanks,
He-who-is-cursed-by-Virtual-Dice

Perception 13-:
3d6: 9 Sun November 10, 2002 @5:45 PM (EST)

"Rath, Vagrant, towards the roots, Handle appears locked in the maw of the tree-beast," and Nuyok will move toward that one.

"Celeste, toward the scouts, Ricco is trapped as well!"

Vagrant will eye up the tree-beast looking for the most unprotected spot. However, his most important goal is to avoid hitting any of the caravan members.

Brace, set and fire!

perception to choose best spot to hit failed

Vagrant, you quicky realize that there is far too much intervening jungle for you to even begin to have an idea where to shoot. If Handle is down by the roots, then the only way to get to him is by following the trunk of the tree.
Rath, after glancing worriedly at Beka to make sure she has adequate protection (Nuyok Kent and Jareek remain--but at least Nuyok looks like he knows how to use his sword), you follow Vagrant along the slippery trunk. You quickly find your four arms to be a major advantage here, since you can grab any number of branches as handholds Soon enough you both see what Nuyok was talking about. Handle is locked in combat with a horrific plant-creature. It has shredded his oilcloak and he is twisting and slashing about while dodging its lightning-quick thrusts.
While Rath charges forth to do combat with the mean green thing, vagrant crouches beside the tree behind a large branch and again braces and sets...

Note, there is only one present, and it is engaged with Handle.

[EDITED on Mon November 11, 2002 @2:10 PM (PST)]

Celeste is already moving in the direction of the scouts. Falchion is drawn and ready to take a bough. Celeste has never heard a racoon scream, but the sound she is hearing must surely be from one of the scouts and as these were the first denizens of Tallon who befriended her, she feels compelled to protect them. Nuyoks command to respond in that direction confirms Celeste's assumption that someone is in deep trouble.

OOC: Since Ricocco had the lantern last, I am guessing I will be able to see the tree thing when I get to his location.