Allow me to put in a little epitaph. For like so many others, this blog has gone on to a better place...

and that place is powerblogs. It started out exciting, but Blogger, while admittedly free, seems to have gone in the "less features will make them want to pay us" model. Tip to companies: this actually convinces customers to pay anyone who's not the rat-bastihds who screwed them.

If you've come here because of some stale link (like the one on my homepage), the D&D blog has moved over to dndblog.powerblogs.com, thanks to the enthusiasm, effort, elbow grease, and other positive things that start with "e" of Jacob Levy. Not only does it continue to rock, it rocks even harder. I know you can't believe it, but it's TRUE. I guess you'll just have to see for yourself.
posted by Scholeologist at 6/11/2004 11:10:00 AM

Regarding the magic stuff, it seems to me that maybe Dru or Slthm gets the medallion and the wand, the other one gets the potion, the quiver and either the sword or rapier goes to Bishop, and the lantern and other weapon goes to Linnam. Since the rapier's more powerful, it should go to someone who'll use it -- which I suppose is more likely to be Grell or Barik, but it seems more appropriate in Bishop's hands.

(Barik _could_ use it, but it's not light, so my two-handed attack would suffer an additional -2 to hit.)
posted by Scholeologist at 6/07/2004 02:03:00 PM

The draft equipment list has been (slightly) updated. The xls file is here.

"People, we have no resources to waste, but least of all time. It is clear that Agar and his team were moving as fast as they could, avoiding all encounters, and forging a direct path. We have been waylaid again and again, and it is costing us dearly in our race against Hextor's Flail. I think we were right to come here -- surely we have gained equipment of some value in our quest, and were able to spend a night in some security. But we have a long way to go, according to this map, and it will take several long marches to reach as far as Agar did.

"Let me be plain: at the rate we've been going, without the horses, we'll make it to the unhallowed valley on the 13th day, which is too late by any reckoning. If we march hard, long into the dusk, and are not further hampered and harried, we can make it as much as a day earlier. Not more, unless a friendly flock of giant eagles appears to carry us.

"Each of us have our reasons for pursuing this bold, perhaps foolhardy, path -- I ask you to think upon your own reasons. Focus on the goal ahead, and perhaps the difficulties on the way will not upset you as much.

"Yesterday was a hard day - we were beleaguered again and again, but we won through, with stout hearts, quick minds, and strong arms. Last night was a hard night, for other reasons. Perhaps you were touched by the unfortunate Rugrat, perhaps not -- but his story may be the story of children of all kinds - dwarf, human, gnoll, maybe even elf - if our enemy succeeds.

"Even more dangerous to our cause was friction between us. I am no diplomat, and we have not the time to forge bonds of friendship where there is enmity now. I offer my suggestions, do with them as you will, and if you think me abrupt, it is because time is of the essence.

"Slthm -- we mean no disrespect, and certainly you deserve your share of the spoils, just as we all do. But Drusilla here is not like the females of your people -- among some peoples, the females can prove themselves as warriors, and thenceforth are not just for breeding and raising children, but for fighting and even leading. 'Twould be better for all if you did not think of her as female at all, but as another warrior, like any of us.

"Drusilla -- you are strong, and you are smart. Smart enough, I think, to forbear from spiteful argument when it serves no purpose. Strong enough that you don't have to fight over every issue. If you think Slthm's ways primitive, then prove it by demonstrating a more civilized response. You've made clear how important to you your sleep is, and so to send Strae to pester someone else is all the more malicious. I don't know where your rage comes from, but direct it somewhere it might do some good.

"Grell, I think I do know where your rage comes from. I don't know, and don't particularly want to know, the details, but I don't question that a man can be moved to strike a blow in anger by offensive words. Furthermore, it seems you stopped a fight that our spellcasters couldn't bring to a stop themselves. But I, for one, am not someone who permits his companions to be trussed up for the night -- we are here to free prisoners from our enemies, not take prisoners of our allies.

"I would just as well leave last night behind us, forgotten, in the light of today. As I said, think of your reasons for pursuing our noble cause, and may your dedication drive you onward! For we have far to go, and by tonight, it will not be the steel in your sinews, but the iron in your will that will keep you walking!

"We will have to leave much behind. Carry what you can, but not so much that it will slow you down; the valuables we cannot bring we'll put in the chest. The rest we'll leave inside. I say we put the chest back where we found it, and of course take the key -- Linnam, perhaps you should wear it around your neck or some other very safe place."

"Now, let us be off! By tonight, I hope to be well out of the Dead Horse territory, and in the territory of the hill giants Agar mentioned. And, just in case there are any more wolves or worse things who'd like to hunt us down, I'll make sure it'll take more than a good nose to follow us."

My spells for the day are Longstrider and Pass Without Trace, both of which I cast as we head out.
posted by Scholeologist at 6/07/2004 11:49:00 AM

Here's a sample of Clangeddin's Prayer Book that the DM sent to me:

posted by Scholeologist at 6/07/2004 05:33:00 AM

In response to Slthm:
"I...think I see, at least a bit. There will be much to hash out in the morning, but better to wait until then. Get some sleep."
posted by Scholeologist at 6/06/2004 11:50:00 AM