DM JK Monday September 10th, 2001 11:20:26 AM
The group rushes upward through the levels of the Floating City to the Merchant Level. There they find the Shrine to Domi known as the Lost Souls Mission on the Straight Way. They go around to the back like their instructions.
In the alleyway, it's hard for the humans to see even this early in the night. It always seems to get dark early on the levels below the top. While the Merchant Level is generally better lit than the Fence Level that holds the orphanage, there aren't many lights in the alleys.
Fortunately, no unseen dangers leap from the dark. Instead, the Jester approaches the group. He snaps, "You are late! You should have been here at eight. We can still make the gathering if we don't stand around blathering. So follow me down and don't you dare make a sound."
The Jester then moves toward the center of the alley. He looks around quickly and lifts a paving stone from its place. Beneath, there is a ladder leading down. He motions for everyone to descend.
Jezebella Monday September 10th, 2001 11:43:27 AM
Jez reaches the alley panting slightly from their run there. She smiles widely when she sees the familiar painted face of the jester, untill he snaps at them. The smile fades.. but she doesn't hesitate in her climb down the hole.
Tiree True d20+8=20 Monday September 10th, 2001 12:22:00 PM
Having a feeling that the jester will watch their backs for them, Tiree doesn't hesitate to go down the hole quickly and quietly (move sil 20).
Syr Monday September 10th, 2001 1:18:05 PM
Looking at the others he whispers, "Did I miss something? What gathering?"
Syr bounces around with nervous energy as he waits for Tiree to drop down into the hole. After a last glance around, he climbs into the hole using his low light vision to spot handholds.
Drew Monday September 10th, 2001 9:58:11 PM
Drew welcomes Miranna and says "I've been bored but it seems as if things might be looking up. Our Jester friend has called us to a meeting, come on." Drew leads Miranna to the gathering and then shrugs off the Jesters impatiance and goes down the hole.
Miranna Monday September 10th, 2001 11:15:35 PM
Miranna smiles and hums softly all the way to the Shrine. Now and then she fingers the ring on her left middle finger or the scroll case at her waist. She is obviously in high spirits and not expecting any danger from the night.
The Jester's unfriendly greeting cuts short her humming. Her lips purse in a pout, but she descends the ladder without a word.
DM JK Tuesday September 11th, 2001 10:50:46 AM
The Jester closes the hatch once everyone has reached the floor. It is completely dark. Those without darkvision are unable to see a thing. Then the walls begin to glow a faint blue color. Looking around, you all see that you're in a ciricular chamber with passages leading off in several direction. The jester holds a stone up, and one of the passages glows red instead of blue. He heads that way and motions for everyone to follow. He leads you on in silence for about 20 minutes. It would be almost impossible to find the way back out. Finally he stops before a door and says without elaboration, "Wait here until you are summoned." He seems nervous or perhaps excited. After a moment an unfamiliar voice booms in the hallway, "ENTER!"
Jezebella Tuesday September 11th, 2001 11:36:15 AM
"no rhyme..?" she askes softly, more to herself then of the jester. Upon the summoning, she will open the door, and enter. The nervous energy around her makes her palms itch for her daggers, but she restrains herself. Her stance is proud, confidant... but not to the point of arrogance.
Miranna Tuesday September 11th, 2001 9:27:39 PM
Miranna lifts an eyebrow at the Jester's apparent nervousness, but decides that he can be trusted. Had he not promised them the lifelong friendship of the Lords?
She follows Jezebella through the door and looks around curiously.
Drew Tuesday September 11th, 2001 10:26:41 PM
Drew shows no hesitation and walks through the door head held high the moment he hears the summons. He stands in the next room hands at sides, face a blank awaiting then next event of his life or his death, whichever, they seem to both be the same to him.
DM JK Wednesday September 12th, 2001 8:32:52 AM
[I won't post a dm turn today due to yesterday's events. If someone didn't receive an email from me asking about your address, then email me about it.]
Plink Wednesday September 12th, 2001 8:33:22 AM
Plink follows along the rest of the party, a skip in his step. He continues along, following in silence for the alotted time through the red chamber. When the jester says wait, he waits. When the voice says enter, he enters. He makes sure to follow he jester's instructions to the letter.
Syr Wednesday September 12th, 2001 2:46:56 PM
Syr files in behind the rest of the group staying near the door. He looks around with a puzzled expression on his face.
Tiree d20+8=21 Wednesday September 12th, 2001 6:32:03 PM
Tiree, too, moves into the room at the word of the invisible person.
Moving inside, she quickly moves to the side and looks around the room (if poss, spot 21). While doing so, she moves her pin so that it is completely visible.
Polaris Wednesday September 12th, 2001 8:34:21 PM
Polaris follows as well, but she walks slower than usual, confusion crossing her face.
The Gathering (dm jk) Thursday September 13th, 2001 9:24:13 AM
As everyone enters the room, you see a mysterious sight. The room is circular. At the center stand three hooded figures. In the next ring of the circle sit four imposing nobles. Well, three imposing nobles and the jester. They are spaced out evenly around the room. The jester sits directly before you. The gentleman across the room is dressed completely in red silk and wears a small red mask. The lordling holding the seat to the left has lace in his cuffs and around his neck and looks every bit the pompous blowhard. To the right sits a graceful young woman. Golden locks frame a face hidden by a silver mask.
A group sits behind each of the seated figures, save for the jester. Apparently you are to be his group. There are chairs available.
The possessor of the booming voice you heard in the hallway speaks from the center of the room, "Please be seated. You are the final guests of the evening. Perhaps if the... jester didn't insist on rhyming all the time, there would have been no difficulty."
As he finishes, the second figure at the center of the room begins. His delivery has the ring of an oft repeated litany. No doubt some ceremony is beginning. "You have been summoned before the High Council of the Lords of Diamonds." Lights come on near the ceiling, and you can make out that there are many seated figures seated above you watching, like you were in a stadium for their amusement. The lights blink out, and they disappear once more. Some magic is no doubt at work, for even those with darkvision are unable to see them.
The second figure continues, "You were called in secret, and this gathering shall remain secret. You may never speak of this to anyone. You may never reveal how you arrived. You may never reveal what is learned herein. This is not done without your consent. We would not snare the helpless. If you choose not to continue, you may leave now. Should you wish to stay, you must swear your loyalty to the Lords of Diamonds. Those who were last must decide first."
All eyes, save for those of the jester, turn to rest on you.
Jezebella Thursday September 13th, 2001 9:53:17 AM
Jezebella hesitates a moment, glancing around the oppressive room and to her companions faces. She then responds, clearly, back to the speaker. "I would swear loyalty to those that would not snare the helpless, and would save innocent lives.. if the Lords of Diamonds are such people, then yes, I swear loyalty to them."
She adjusts her collar to display her diamond pin.
Plink Thursday September 13th, 2001 8:00:04 PM
With much flourish, and more than a little flare, Plink bows forward, his black cap seeming to fall off of his head. He catches it at the last minute, however, and with a flick of his wrist, sends it rolling back up his arm to fly off his shoulder, landing casually atop his head, facing with the Diamond from the Jester placed directly in the front. He says gracefully, in a melodious voice that sounds pleasant to hear, "I speak now for myself, but not for my kin, I pledge my loyalty to the lords here within. The Lords aided us when we needed it most, and thus I owe much to such a hospitable host. Also, I thank you for allowing me to attend, and sit among you dashing women, and daring men."
Miranna Thursday September 13th, 2001 8:00:16 PM
The elf frowns. Swearing loyalty to a mysterious group which nobody knows much about...
"What cause do we have to swear loyalty to the Lords? What actions would be expected and required of us once we so swear? How would such vows affect our personal loyalties to Flaust, the orphanage - and my own family if I find them one day? I cannot swear without knowing all the answers."
Miranna's face slowly flushes as she speaks, feeling more than seeing all those eyes on her. She can feel her heart beating faster, but fights the impulse to turn and hide from her audience and those undoubtedly important personages seated at the center.
Drew Thursday September 13th, 2001 9:23:07 PM
Drew crosses to the chair and sits behind Yorik. "I sware to your oath as I understand it."
Tiree Friday September 14th, 2001 3:12:08 AM
Tiree says nothing. She just points to her obvious pin and nods.
Syr Friday September 14th, 2001 3:36:32 AM
Syr gives a short nod followed by a quick smile at the jester.
DM JK Friday September 14th, 2001 12:15:42 PM
As each party member agrees, the third figure in the center says, "All here bear witness to your answer. Welcome to our circle."
When Miranna hesitates, the third figure says, "All you may know is this: your oath will not require the shedding of blood nor any truly evil acts. Nothing more can be said. You must choose to swear to continue to take part in the Gathering. Otherwise you may leave by this door." A door on the other side of the room is outlined in white light. At that moment Yoric finally turns around. He grins at Plink, but then he shoots Miranna a withering frown.
Jezebella Friday September 14th, 2001 4:42:44 PM
Jezebella silently moves slightly to Miranna's side, and holds her hand.. facing Yoric's stare together. Should Miranna leave, she gives her hand a quick reasurring squeeze before releasing, and leaves with her. Should she agree, she smiles and sits.
Drew Friday September 14th, 2001 10:40:13 PM
Drew pulls out chairs for his family and offers it to them with this wisdom. "An oath is only as honarable as the one asking you for it."
Polaris Saturday September 15th, 2001 12:52:50 AM
Polaris jumps into her new circle cheerfully. Being young and naive, she doesn't think twice about making new friends. She wears a big grin across her face and smiles at the others in the circle that are not her family.
Miranna Sunday September 16th, 2001 9:05:56 PM
Miranna flushes even redder at Yorick's withering frown, but stands her ground. She squeezes Jezebella's hand gratefully, and takes a deep breath before speaking.
"I do not understand what it is that compels everyone who desires our aid or allegiance to be so secretive, but I do not wish to abandon my family who have taken the oath. So this is the oath that I swear: I will be loyal to the Lords as the honourable people that I believe them to be, on the understanding that such loyalty will not require evil acts of me, nor any betrayal of my adopted or real family."
Miranna can feel her heart beating wildly even as she returns Yorick's stare, her head held high. The hand that is holding Jezebella's tightens unconsciously in a hard squeeze.
DM JK Monday September 17th, 2001 12:25:40 PM
The third figure looks at Miranna in total suprise, "Desire your aid? You are here to see if you are worthy of our aid. So far your prospects look dim." After a glare from the first hooded figure she quickly composes herself and adds, "All here bear witness to your answer. Welcome to our circle."
After your group is finished, the three speakers take the oaths of the other three groups in the room. None of the others hesitate in the slightest. Most seem eager to learn some of the secrets of the Lords of Diamonds.
Once all the oaths are given, the first hooded figure speaks again. "Congratulations. You have been admitted into candicacy with the Lords of Diamonds. Our organization is secret and mysterious as you probably well know. You will have to wait many years before you gain access to most of our secrets, but I will provide you with answers to what you may know at this time. Listen carefully."
"Our organization was formed by a group of nobles who desired a bit of adventure and excitement. Their earliest goal was simply to obtain items which were considered unobtainable. Whether this meant stealing the jewels of a dragon or snatching the crown from a king's head, no challenge was too great. This seemed a great past-time, and other nobles sought to join those who became known as the Lords of Diamonds. This first goals was frivolous, and many of the things the Lords continue to do are frivolous. Make no mistake, this organization exists primarily for the amusement of its members. However, the Lords also seek to use their wealth and power to uphold law and goodness. For that is probably the most elusive goal of all. Our grasp extends far. We have members from every land and every nation. Some think of us as thieves, but we are not. Most of the items we take, we return. Some that are more dangerous, we keep safe from those that would misuse them. In that way, we are protectors of the less fortunate."
The second figure continues the discussion, "Our membership is a closely guarded secret. That is the reason for your oaths. Some of you will not advance. If you do not, you are expected to hold your tongue about what you see here. Consider your secrecy to be your first test. Now as to why you are here today. You have all been contacted by a member of our organization that seeks to gain admittance to the High Council. The High Council is our ruling body. There are many tests to become admitted to the High Council. The four lords seated around us - the Jester, the Red Lord, Lord Pomposity, and the Silver Princess - have completed all the tests save for one. Much of what a High Lord does involves the use of agents and underlings. The final test measures their ability to select such agents. These Lords have been active in testing agents throughout New Elenna. They have chosen you as their best. To measure the ability of these Lords, we will play a game of sorts."
The third figure concludes, "The Lord that assembled the winning team will become a High Lord while the team that wins will gain admission into the lowest level of our organization. From there, you might rise until you sit on the High Council yourself. The losing teams will retain our friendship and may someday have another opportunity for advancement. The losing Lords will not have an opportunity to retest until another seat opens on the High Council. The test may only be taken five times. After that the Lord may never sit on the High Council. The Silver Princess is being tested for the first time. The Red Lord attends his second testing. Lord Pomposity is at his second as well. As you know, Yorik, this is your fifth and final opportunity. So far it seems your selection hasn't been any better than in years gone by. We shall see how you measure up."
The first figure touches the third and angrily whispers something. Then he addresses you all again, "None of you have any obligation at this point, save to hold secret that what you have learned. Should you not wish to play the game and aid the Lord that has selected you, that is your choice. You may leave now and remain Friends of the Lords. However, remember that this is your opportunity as well. If you leave, you might not ever chance upon another opportunity to join our organization."
The white door lights up again.
Tiree True Monday September 17th, 2001 3:30:57 PM
Tiree listens flabbergasted to what the Lord is saying.
"We are the best?" she thinks to herself. "Alas poor Yoric, I don't think you're going to make it this time either."
Trying not to show her feelings, she glances at the white door and wonders about the Lords of Diamonds and if she should stay for their jester or not. She glances back at him and makes her decision.
Tiree stays seated behind Yoric, the jester.
Syr Monday September 17th, 2001 4:38:19 PM
Syr never glances back at the door and says softly, "We will not let you down."
After making sure no one stands to exit he says louder, "Games I can certainly relate to... what did the council have in mind?"
Miranna Monday September 17th, 2001 8:51:50 PM
Miranna's emerald eyes widen momentarily in surprise as the masked figures answer many of her questions. If they had explained some of this before asking for oaths, there would have been no difficulty... When it is revealed that this is Yorik's last chance, she gives him an apologetic smile and takes her seat behind him. Yorik has selected them as his best. She will not disappoint him.
She wonders what sort of game will be played. Will it involve the use of magic? Intellect? A dreamy look comes into her eyes as she imagines the wealth of knowledge and magic that an organization such as the Lords of Diamonds would possess.
Jezebella Monday September 17th, 2001 9:09:19 PM
Jez gives another reasureing squeeze to Miranna's hand as she sits, and then follows suit, sitting next to her. She releases Mira's hand and folds her hands in her lap. She also smiles at Yorik, and gives him a small nod of support.
Drew Monday September 17th, 2001 10:37:15 PM
Drew stands, checks the straps of his armor and that his axe is free on his back and nods to himself. He looks to Yourik and nods to him as well. Drew stands ready to win any game of strength or combat.
The Rules - DM JK Tuesday September 18th, 2001 10:04:32 AM
No one leaves, and the first hooded figure begins speaking again, "Very well. The game is this: The Star of Earth is a large diamond that has been enchanted to make its possessor beautiful. It is held in deposit at The Glitter Sanctuary of Karinthis. We make it a habit not to steal from the Gods, but recently the Brokers of Karinthis contacted us and asked us to check their security. You will have to find a way into the vaults, take the Star of Earth, and bring it to your sponsor. Your sponsor will bring it to us. The first team that brings it is the winner. There are only two rules. The first is that you may not kill anyone. The second is that the sponsors may only give directions. They may not take an active part in the quest. That is all we have for you. The sponsors will answer any further questions. The game begins...NOW!"
As the speaker finishes the last word, the figures at the center disappear. The other three teams leap out of their chairs and follow their sponsors out of the room in a rush. Each taking a different door.
Yorick spins his chair around to face your group, "I will speak plainly because this is important. I thank you for remaining. I lost last time because my group walked out. I have a problem with picking strong willed agents. Now then, the only need to rush out of here is to make plans in private, but we are the only ones here. I see no need to rush. The game is always the same, but the object we are required to bring back is always different. So most of the aspiring lords make no preparations until they arrive. I on the other hand made a list of several possible items in the city that might have been our goal. There is a certain advantage to having taken this test so many times. I know best how it works. As luck would have it, the Star of Earth is one of the items I studied, and I think that I know how to retrieve it. It is held in one of the secure vaults of the Glitter Sanctuary." Here he pauses and produces a blueprint of what you assume to be the Glitter Sanctuary from up his sleeve. He points, "It is in this vault here, #329. There are several ways to reach it. Most involve breaking through wards and magic. No doubt, some of the other teams will try that. That's much too difficult. Frankly, I don't think it can be done. The simplest way is with the key. In this case, there are four keys. You will need two to open these two gates that lead to the vault. The vault itself requires the other two keys. You will find the keys and use them to simply walk in. Of course this may take some time. If anyone notices that their key is missing, they will sound the alarm at the temple and change out all of the locks. The brokers seem able to dismantle their own magic protections and can replace the locks faster than you would imagine. So we must find the keys, make copies of them without getting caught, and then use them to walk right into the vault and back out with the diamond. Fortunately, I already know who has each of the keys. Now, let's get out of here. There's no need to rush, but I need to be in my location soon. You may ask questions as we relocate. I will answer them as I am able. Don't expect anything on the secrets of the Lords, though."
The Jester holds up the orb that guided you to this place and an exit lights up. He begins leading you back up to the surface.
Drew Tuesday September 18th, 2001 7:32:05 PM
"I dont know how we will make a copy of the keys!!"
Polaris Tuesday September 18th, 2001 7:46:29 PM
Polaris has a look of confusion come across her face. "Anyone have any ideas?"
Miranna Tuesday September 18th, 2001 8:06:38 PM
"Drew is right; how do we duplicate the keys? Are they even normal keys that can be fashioned by hand from the right metal? I rather suspect a vault of the Glitter Santuary would have magical keys."
"I presume too the keys are guarded by able people who would not willingly part with them, and would have been alerted of the Lords' mission. Did you have any plan in mind for getting the keys? Or is this part left to our own resources?"
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