nICK CONTINUES TO SLASH AT THE CREATURE

Re-assured by Nick's continued assault, James launches another marble at the foul creature, hoping to hit it this time!

"John, can you maybe blow its head off with your shotgun?" asks Sabrina

Nick thrusts at the Addanc with his rapier but the blade glances off of the creature's scaley hide.  James fires another marble but it flies wide and splashes harmlessly into the river.  John rushes foward to where he can get a shot at the beast's flank without firing through James and Nick.  He fires off one round but the water on the gun and his hands make it hard to keep steady, and he misses short.  The Addanc releases Iddawg from his mouth and snaps viciously at Nick.  The massive jaws close on the air inches from Nick's abdomen, barely missing. Enraged the Addanc lunges at Nick again, but the engineer deftly sidesteps the attack.  Iddawg tries to stand up but collapses back down into the river, barely able to keep his head above water.  Sabrina moves forward staying close to John (and his shotgun).

Sabrina and John are both close enough to the far bank to make a dash for it this round.  The Addanc, Nick, and James are all roughly in the middle of the river.  Iddwag is a bloddy mess and lies in the water a short distance behind the fray- slightly closer to the far bank than the one you came from.

"grab the Knight and get across. I keep this beast busy"

James pockets his useless sling, and rushes to Iddawg, trying to pull him away from the enraged monster, and towards the opposite side! (Again, keeping within the boundaries of the ford! )

If John has a clear shot again, he'll fire the other barrel.

If not, he'll sling it and get in there with the baseball bat. (although I really don't think that'll do much good...)

Sabrina thinks running is better than fighting, but can't leave her annoying little brother in danger.  She heads back to help James

Nick attacks again with his sword, but his foot slips on a rock under the water causing his thrust to miss the addanc.  John unloads the other barrel of the shotgun at the creature, but he misses again and curses himself for never learning how to shoot the thing before.  The Addanc chomps at Nick.  Nick lets out a scream of agony as the monster's vise-like jaws clamp down on his arm (9 damage to Nick).  The pain is too much and Nick passes out slumping down into the water.  Sabrina and James rush to Iddawg and together carry him towards the far shore.  

Nick is at -3 Life Points and unconscious in the middle of the river.  He'll die at -6 (1 more than his Personal Force).  The addanc is right next to Nick.  John is about halfway between the monster and the far shore.  Sabrina and James are with Iddawg near the far shore (water is just a couple inches deep).  Iddawg is conscious but bleeding very badly.  Coming over a hill, Sabrina spies what looks like a 17th century gentleman, complete with powdered wig, riding a horse.  The man sees her and spurs his horse towards the ford.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAA....................."

James spins around when he hears Nick's scream!

Dropping Iddawg into the shallow water (presumably he's on his back and so won't drown!), he rushes back to help the brave man. James' goal is to pull Nick to safety as well.

John reloads one barrel of the shotgun and taunts the creature.

I want it to come at me, roaring, so I can fire one right down it's gullet. (And, incidentally, stop it chowing down on my friends!)

John starts screaming like a mad man as he reloads a shell into his shotgun.  The Addanc turns away from the helpless Nick and stares at John with its yellow eyes.  James and Sabrina plunge back into the deeper water and hurry to Nick's side.  He's alive but not conscious.  The strange man on the horse gallups to the river bank and skillfully brings his steed to a halt and jumps off, while drawing a black powder pistol.  The Addanc charges John but he is able to side step the beast's rush.

James grabs Nick by his shoulder and hastily pulls him towards the shore where he left Iddawg.

Hey guys,

It seems like participation in this thread has been slowing down for awhile.  To be honest, my GM ADD is kicking in and I've got a couple gaming ideas floating around, but I know I spend enough time with this stuff, so I tell myself "that will have to wait until Lords of Creation is over".  So, if we decided to call it quits, it wouldn't break my heart.  Playing by post, it's hard to tell how much fun you guys are having with this game.  So, I'm open to bringing the game to a halt, so we can all devote our attention elsewhere*, or for keeping on playing if you guys are really enjoying this and want to do so.

*I'm having a great time in Makofan's OD&d and Kipper's LL games.  Thanks for coming on over and playing in my game.  If we do decide to quit LoC I'll be starting up something else soon and will let you know in case you're interested.