Sunrise on a Changed Wold (Co-DM Cayzle) Monday November 12th, 2001 4:13:31 PM
Deep Darkness has covered the Wold since Domi died, and without the sun or stars to mark the passing of moments, who knows how long it has been since nightfall? To the Chosen, the labors of the night have seemed endless. Madness, blood, and grief have followed Domi's passing like blinding rain after a typhoon. Battling foes and fears, death and doubt, the Taurs are leaden with sorrow.
But after rest, dawn arrives. In the infirmary set up in the Parade Grounds of Hearthold Keep, first there is a Light, and then Sunrise! The warming rays touch the wounded and those tending them; even the unconscious stir. Neima throws open the windows, and fresh air smelling of dew pours into the room, bringing with it a sense of renewal.
But what do the sun's rays reveal? The earth shook when Domi died, and the Keep was damaged. Furniture was tossed, and the ground shook. And the toll on the Taurs of the Keep was even higher: the wounded and the dead outnumber the living. Not counting the Chosen, only 11 of the Keep's 36 adults are uninjured.
Eight Keep residents are missing: two kids, two cooks, two warriors, a housekeeper, and the Keep's carpenter.
Ten are dead -- Captain Borus; Sergeant Tarf, a male liontaur and Borus's right hand; and seven warriors: Maikolo, a male minotaur, Mavis, a female minotaur, Kallyo, a female minotaur, Esoay, a female liontaur, Eoja a male liontaur, Metea a female centaur, and Hylas a male centaur scout. Several of these were killed in their beds by the crazed Borus, and others died taking the massive minotaur paladin down.
One of the saddest is the dead colt, Theophilia, the little centaur filly. The daughter of the Ixion the mason and Neola the smith, she was playing in the workroom near her parents when Domi died. Somehow, an anvil leapt off its base and crushed her. Ixion ripped his back muscles lifting it off the youngster, but to no avail.
There are other sad tales. Arnora, Borus's mate, will not speak or move. One of her calfs, Tomys, is lost; the other, the toddler Gylda, was burned in the kitchen fire and lies close to death. Palamedes suffered many broken bones and internal injuries at the hands of the crazed clerics, and also lies close to death. Of the eight clerics, only three survived the Chosen's attack, and those are unconscious. Seven of their eight students are fine, though two are slightly injured; one was badly injured and may not last long. Another child, Wekin (whose mom, a liontaur and scout named Vawwe, is lost), simply cannot seem to stop screaming.
And Kular, lapsed into unconsciousness, seems likely to die soon.
All told, eight Taurs lie seriously injured, unconscious, and near death. Without extraordinary help, most will soon pass away.
Zeoll, Priest of Domi for One Last Time. d20+8=27 d20+33=45 Monday November 12th, 2001 4:40:21 PM
As the light of the sun reveals a degree of death and destruction beyond his deepest fears, Zeoll is clearly upset. "We cannot let the dead just lie therre! We cannot!" he says. "We must brring the dead togetherr. We must have a funerral and say farrewell. I am the only prriest left, so I will orrganize the funerral."
First he cleans the Heart Chamber so there is no sign of battle. He also prepares bars that will fit the doors, sealing them from the inside after they are closed.
Then with help from whoever will give it, Zeoll brings the dead to the Heart Chamber. He washes each body and wraps it in funeral cloths, which he improvises from sheets and tablecloths he finds around the Keep. He places the bodies around the pedastal on which the cold Heart rests. He puts each body with its head toward the Heart and its feet out, like spokes radiating out from the hub of a wheel. He places near each dead Taur the weapon he or she used in life.
He stands silent for a moment, then says, half to himself, "This is not rright. The bodies arre brroken, so the weapons must be brroken as well."
The wemic priest brings the weapons one at a time into the workshop and takes a hammer to each in turn. Each he breaks or bends into unusability. Then he places each broken weapon back with its owner.
After telling everyone that he is holding a funeral, Zeoll stands in the Heart Chamber and plays a solemn beat on his drum. He does this for an hour. Folk may choose to join him in the room.
He speaks the brave words used on Liontaur Island to wish the dead safe trips into the afterlife, calling on Tomi to gather and protect them. Tears stream down his face, although he does not miss a word of the rite.
Then he invites anyone present to speak.
Finally, Zeoll sings briefly, the drum offering a mournful counterpoint to his words, which start slowly and then fall faster and faster. [OOC: Perform check 27] ourr love is sent ourr family went ourr lives arre wrrent ourr sworrds arre bent will death rrelent? can grrief lament? is chaos spent? is change unpent? and discontent? malevolent? deificent? benevolent? imperrtinent? incrredulent? amalgament? abalubent? descent? rrepent? ascent? dement?
After a long moment of silence, Zeoll declares, "Ourr God is dead! Domi is dead! Imod is dead! Tomi is dead! Let this place stand a tomb in rrememberrence of what once was."
"Now go! and have courrage!"
Zeoll waits for all to leave. Then, if none remain to object, he closes all the doors and bars them from the inside. Then he climbs up the stairs to the Observatory and leaps off the roof.
With his new ring of Jumping, Zeoll should be okay -- or maybe he will take some damage [OOC: Ceil, Zeoll's Jump check is 45].
Then Zeoll goes to the Infirmary / Parade Ground to help out there.
Leets Monday November 12th, 2001 4:55:54 PM
Leets walks around in the Keep, visiting the injuried, encouraging the wounded and praying for the dead. Soon, his eyes become heavy with the weight of despair, and he walks more quickly, leaving those places where he cannot do anything anymore but looking helpless those who are calling for him. In a way, the young centaur thought that this weight on his heart would disappear with his tears. But even tears refused to come, as if he had none to give anymore. Leets finally visited Palamedes. The old centaur always had answers for everything, and he probably would know what to do. The young centaur was feeling like it would be easier for him to find a solution if Palamedes was by his side, even just sleeping...But a solution to what? Thought Leets, looking through the window to the pale sunlight... The young centaur stroke the wall with his fist, closing his eyes as tight as he could, hoping that things would have changed when he would open them...But things didn't change. Leets fell on the ground by Palamedes' side, holding his wrinkled hand.
"Flat-Top said that you would always be in my heart Domi if I was still believing in you, but I feel like being alone in the middle of ruins. My faith in you is greater than ever my lord, because you only could bring light to our Wold like the sun that rose this morning. I was used to feel you every hour of the day Domi, and you cannot be completely gone. If there is only one sparkle of hope remaining, please my lord take it to me and make the miracle happen, so that the fire burns again in the soul of the many. But please, please don't let the innocent and the wise suffer before my eyes, because this is not the path I was taught, and there is only one I know..."
Leets will remain by the old scholar side to pray as long as he can before sleep comes and takes him. He knows he won't find peace in his bed, at least will he try to find it in the prayer.
Flat-top Monday November 12th, 2001 7:06:13 PM
A very tired Flat-top is sitting there, not seeing anything much but the cold dark night. As Neima opens the window and lets the fresh air in, and the new dawn's pail yellow light, into the room. Flat-top ask Neima "AH! the dawn another day, tell me Neima is Kular still alive? Are there more that have died during the night?" Flat-top rises from his place at the table, and listen for an answer. "Then if there is no more death and Kular is still alive. Then there's hope. I wish I could find an answer. Well, I'll go and help Zeoll with the arraignments and beat the big drum for his service. Neima I'll be in the Heart Room." Flat-top leaves to do and help Zeol. Flat-top beat that big drum, with a beat of S l o w, D e e p, M o r n f u l beat for the dead. 'Have faith and courage' he tell himself over and over again.
Kalon the Wemic Tuesday November 13th, 2001 2:14:49 AM
Kalon busies himself during the day helping the various members of the Chosen. He dislikes the idea of entombing the dead but since nobody seems to object keeps his peace. As the day winds down he seeks out Kenisha to spend the evening to talk to.
Kenisha Tuesday November 13th, 2001 10:08:01 AM
Kenisha wanders around the keep and when asked, she will do whatever she can to help.
'Some leader I turned out to be.' she bitterly thinks to herself. Then a thought comes to her that makes her blood run cold. What of her great aunt, Minisha? Has she survived the horrible night?
Taking up some of her supplies, she is met by Kalon as she starts to leave the Keep that evening. "I must go to Centaur Isle." she tells him. "My great aunt lives alone in the woods, a hermit by her own choice. I must see if she still lives. If she does, she may be of some use to us here for she is well versed in the healing arts, even though she is not cleric. Come with me if you like."
With that she takes off out of the keep and across the bridge to Centaur Isle.
Kenisha Tuesday November 13th, 2001 10:08:08 AM
Kenisha wanders around the keep and when asked, she will do whatever she can to help.
'Some leader I turned out to be.' she bitterly thinks to herself. Then a thought comes to her that makes her blood run cold. What of her great aunt, Minisha? Has she survived the horrible night?
Taking up some of her supplies, she is met by Kalon as she starts to leave the Keep that evening. "I must go to Centaur Isle." she tells him. "My great aunt lives alone in the woods, a hermit by her own choice. I must see if she still lives. If she does, she may be of some use to us here for she is well versed in the healing arts, even though she is not cleric. Come with me if you like."
With that she takes off out of the keep and across the bridge to Centaur Isle.
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday November 13th, 2001 12:30:56 PM
Not being accustomed to seeing dead taurs, Ceira is digusted by the grisly scene. She is unable to help Zeoll with any of the ceremonial preparations because of the excessive trembling that occurs when she draws near a dead taur.
Unable to sleep with the dead, Ceira roams the outskirts of the island all night. She finds a comfortable spot on the coast and lets the water lull her to rest her aching muscles from all of the recent running.
As morning comes, she is again unable to help with the cleaning. Once the kitchen is cleared of bodies, she rummages through the pantries in search of food to at least help feed her comrades.
Hearing Kenisha's concerns Ceira responds, "I shall accompany you. There may still be a few wild roaming taurs who may not have regained their sanity so there will be strength in numbers."
Kalon the Wemic Tuesday November 13th, 2001 3:53:43 PM
When Kenisha asks him to come with her he pauses wondering what path he should take. Where the taurs are going from here he doesn't know. For a moment he feels lost as to the next step. Then with a deep breath he looks at the keep around him. The cold stone, the straight lines...this is not where we were meant to be.
"If you will wait till I get some supplies I will come with you Kenisha" he hurries off to get some supplies and leaves a note saying he and Kenisha have gone to Centaur Isle to check on her aunt. Leaving it where it can be found he hurries to catch up with Kenisha. When he reaches her he sees the worried expression upon her face.
"I hope your aunt is alright" he says not knowing what else to say. Then reaches out to take her hand gently,"Come what may I will be with you."
Flat-top Tuesday November 13th, 2001 5:35:58 PM
Flat-top is feeling better today. And helps out with what ever need to be done. Kalon emerges from Kular's Room. Flat-top ask "Is he getting any better?" Kalon shakes his head NO, then goes on his way. "There's got to be an answer some where! there's got to be" said Flat-top. When he hears how worried Kanisha is about her Aunt Minisha. Flat-top remembers that name Great Ma Ma Minisha, yes now he remembers that SHE was a healer or use magic of healing. YES! that it. "Wait for me, Kanisha! I'm comming too." then Flat-top meets with Kale and ask him to come along with the rest of them. "Come on, Kale Lets GO."
Kale(Ceil) Tuesday November 13th, 2001 5:41:05 PM
Kale feels lonely and is trying to help but the way he looks with his scars and tatoos is scaring the little ones more than the death of Domi. When Flat-top tells him about how worried Kanisha was about her Aunt and was going to help her out. "OH! All right,I'll come along" and follows the rest of the party.
Follow the Leader..! (DM Ceil) Tuesday November 13th, 2001 6:16:47 PM
Kenisha hurries from the Keep, leading the others towards the area of Centaur Island that Minisha inhabits. Along the way, the Taurs all see the sad evidence of the trauma caused by the unexpected death of their mutual patron deity. This spurs Kenisha and the party on even faster.
The party arrives at Minisha's domicile (practically at a run!) only to see--Minisha, her bags packed, waiting for them in front of the wishtal tree that has been her home for as long as Kenisha can remember.
"Well, hello, dear, how nice to see you--oh, and your friends, too..? That was sweet of them...they don't even know me!" Minisha says, nodding to the others Taurs. "Here, you take this trunk--" The elder centaur sorceress drafts Raorr into becoming a porter, as well as Zeoll, Flat-top, Leets, Kalon and Ceira, handing each a case, box or large bag as she speaks:
"You take this case, there's a lad--you get that box...be careful! It's got breakables, sonny! You and you take these--they're my spell components and some of my favorite romance novels--and that bag of holding has most of my wardrobe in it, dear, so you just get that, there's a girl..!" Minisha fixes her gaze direct upon Kenisha.
"Much as I love you, as a relative AND as a most promising student, Kenisha," she says a bit sternly, "I have to say that you should NOT have come. The Isles have much bigger problems than how well some old gray mare like myself is doing." Her face softens into a smile, however.
"Still, I'm touched that you thought to come to me. Now...where IS it? I just had it here..." Minisha looks around, but is interrupted when a raven flaps over to her shoulder with a long, slightly gnarled stick in its beak. "OH! There it is! Thank you, Stimpy!" The sorceress takes the stick from her familiar and then winks at Kenisha.
"There is but one charge left to this thing, but it works just perfectly, I assure you!" Minisha tells you all. "I'll use the last of its magic to teleport us all to where we all ought to be..." The centaur dame waves the wand.
POOF!
You are all back at Hearthold Keep...in the chamber where Kular is languishing, and the stoic Neima is tending him. The steward chokes out these barely audible words:
"...together...not just one...but ALL...of them...togetherrrrrrr..." Once more he lapses into unconsciousness.
Everyone must roll an Intelligence check against DC 15. Making the roll means your PC realizes that Kular is attempting to give you a clue as to how to help all the wounded, dying and even dead people at Hearthold Keep (and maybe even all four islands?)
Those wemics who make the Intelligence check (or are tipped off by their colleagues about what Kular is trying to do) may then roll another Intelligence check (or a Knowledge: Local History check--whichever is higher) against the same DC (15) to recall hearing rumors of a wemic hermit who was rumored to have rejected worshipping Domi alone.
Kenisha d20+3=8 Tuesday November 13th, 2001 11:36:32 PM
"All of them together? But we were all here before... What does he mean?" Kenisha asks, clearly confused as she looks from one taur to another.
Kale (Ceil) Wednesday November 14th, 2001 12:40:26 AM
"wow! that Aunt of yours,Kanisha, can really push you to the limits" said Kale, "All she had you carry is her bag of holding. I think I hurt myself." As he puts down the trunk.
Leets d20+1=9 Wednesday November 14th, 2001 9:00:23 AM
"Poor Kular, it must be delirium because of the fever...We already don't manage to help them one at a time, how could we help them all together..."
Leets takes a wet piece of cloth, rinses it out, and put it on Kular's forehead.
Flat-top d20=14 Wednesday November 14th, 2001 10:32:22 AM
"Last time I work that hard was when my Mother made me clean my stall. But look at her, Kanisha, She looks so happy taking care of the sick. I thimk Auntie wii fit in well around here."Said Flat-top."I don't know what Kular is trying to say. But if I remember right, he said almost the same thing about those Doors and we found the right ones."
Zeoll d20+2=18 Wednesday November 14th, 2001 3:33:33 PM
Zeoll blinks at Kular's words. "not just one ... but ALL ..."
"That sounds familiarr," he says. And after a moment of reflection he dredges a bit of lore to the top of his brain.
"I rrememberr the storry of a herrmit on Liontaurr Island -- he used those worrds. But what did they mean?"
[OOC: Zeoll advanced a level in bard -- that's his bardic lore check up there.]
Ceira Karwyn d20+3=14 Wednesday November 14th, 2001 3:51:00 PM
"I didn't mind helping Minisha. She was a nice lady so you're very lucky Kenisha. Helping her kept my mind off of the troubles that are plaguing this land," Ceira sighs. "...at least temporarily."
The look of concern on Ceira grows deeper as she hears his words. "Kular sounds like he's beginning to lose his mind. A lot of gobbley gook. Poor fellow. In a sense, he represents out tauric unity. To see him this way..." Ceira sighs again. "It makes me question whether our talents combined will be enough."
Turning to Zeoll, "This hermit you speak of. Who is it you are referring to? And why would Kular be referring to him? Does this ring a bell with you Kalon?"
A Mystery and a Scolding (co-DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 14th, 2001 4:55:31 PM
The group ponders Kular's words, and wonders what a hermit has to do with things.
As they stand there, Neima turns on the Chosen, and fire is in her eyes -- which is very unexpected for the usually unflappable chatelaine. Her words are hot, too.
"While you go galivanting off hitherr and yon, while you gape like children pondering the rriddles of a fever-victim, do you know what is happening? Do You? DO YOU?!?"
She seems to collapse in on herself, and her words are laced with sadness. "Villem is dead. The child who was hit with a mace is dead. One of the crazed brotherrs of Tomi is dead. And I have five more who arre worsening or dying. And there's nothing I can do!"
She straightens and steps closer to the party. "These are yourr people! They look to you forr leadership! You arre the Chosen. You werre Chosen to unite them and protect them! Why arre you failing in yourr mission?"
As the Taurs look around the room, and the sick stench of illness, blood, and death strikes deep into their noses.
Minisha looks at Kenisha gravely. "Is this true?" she asks. Without waiting for an answer, the wise old centaur sets right to work tending the injured and dying. But it is quickly clear that some of those present are beyond even her arts.
Flat-top Wednesday November 14th, 2001 5:47:15 PM
"Neima! Neima! I know, your all our people. We will do something. Don't cry," said Flat-top. "Won't we? Kanisha." Flat-top was holding Neima's hands. knowing how tired she was. Then He turned to Zeoll "what was that you said, a hermit on Liontaur Island? 'NOT just one But ALL?' if this hermit not only follows Domi But all the Good gods? maybe just maybe he still have healing power? Kanisha, I think we should go to Liontaur Island and look up this Hermit, don't you??" said Flat-top with great big puppy eyes.
Kale (Ceil) Wednesday November 14th, 2001 6:00:07 PM
"Hold it! Flat-top, I think it's a big mistake. We Minataurs are enemies with Wemics. REMEMBER!" said Kale. Kale turn to leave when Neima steps in front of him, with eyebrows knitted and arms cross over her chest, Neima did not have to say one word. As he looks into her eyes, Kale said "All right! I'm going! I'm going! when do we leave Kanisha?"
Raorr looks to Neima Wednesday November 14th, 2001 8:25:29 PM
Raorr looks to Neima and frowns. "They should not look to us for leadership, woman. They should look to themselves and their faith. we are the chosen, yes. But we are not gods. We are mortal just as you are. Like you and the rest we too seek guidance, we did not choose to be chosen Domi did. Your belittling Keniaha's leadership is as productive as my trying to cast a spell. It serves no purpose and will gain nothing but futher hateful feelings. Domi taught us and through us we teach you now. You must believe in yourself and others before you can be happy."
Raorr looks at Kular "Whatever Kular said whether he hallucinates or not, shall be pondered as much as you must listen to my ranmblings. Without Listening one will never understand the others. If all you do is talk your enemy learns even more. If you would listen and try to understand you could have been a chosen one."
"Kale what are you talking about, Minotaurs and Centaurs have had the long feud, Wmeics were ignored by both sides. Perhaps a refresher in history before we continue." Raorr says smugly.
Kenisha Thursday November 15th, 2001 1:01:48 AM
Kenisha mulls over everything then asks, "Kale, Roarr, do either of you know of a kermit minotaur? If Zeoll is right in the fact of there being a wemic equivalent to my aunt, then there would have to be a minotaur as well to make the "all" Kular is talking about."
Kalon the Wemic Thursday November 15th, 2001 1:19:20 AM
Kalon sits quietly listening to the group. Nodding his head at what Raorr says to Neima. "Many,many more are going to die before the light returns to us. Perhaps if you find your skills lacking you should begin to learn more about the skills that are necessary to save these people. I loved our great god as much as any but we have grown soft on easy solutions and easy ways. It is time we taurs learned to stand on our own...two and four feet. It is our time to show the world that our strength comes from within because that is now where great Domi resides. We are all The Chosen of Domi for he blessed us all with his final words, have courage"
Zeoll Thursday November 15th, 2001 9:14:52 AM
Zeoll scratches his head in thought, clicking the beads in his mane together as he does so.
"Therre was a herrmit, maybe a holy perrson, maybe a healerr, on my home island. I think I could find my way to his cave."
After listening to Neima, Zeoll says sadly, "Beforre Domi died I knew healing magic, but now I am his prriest no morre, and I am useless herre. All I can do is go forr help. Maybe this herrmit could be helpful."
But the liontaur smiles at Kenisha's words about looking for a minotaur too. "That's a grreat idea! It would be poetic and seemly if it took a Centaurr, a Liontaurr, and a Minotaurr to heal Kularr. I do not know if it is trrue, but it might be! It can't hurrt to trry."
Looking at Kularr, though, Zeoll frowns. "I am no healerr, but even I can tell that his time is short. Whatever we do, we must do it now! I think we must stay togetherr, as Kularr said. Kenisha, we await yourr call to action!"
"Oh!" he says, "I do have one thing that might help." He hands Neima two pink potions of healing. "These might save one orr two of the wounded, orr keep them alive forr now."
Leets Thursday November 15th, 2001 11:54:52 AM
"Mother had an old Wemic friend, Astachos, who appeared after her death...He almost brought me on the path of paladinhood, and we had a journey together, but I don't know where he could be..."
Leets realizes that he knows little about this wemic who seemed to know so much about him and his mother.
"I just hope he's all right, he has a good heart and a noble soul..."
Leets walks nervously in the room, turning the same ideas again and again in his head.
"All together...All together...All together but WHO?"
"Zeoll, what is so special about this hermit? Could you tell us more?"
A bird in the Hand is Better than none-DM Ceil Thursday November 15th, 2001 1:26:23 PM
Kanisha is right,maybe there are others? But you already found one (Auntie) maybe there are others. So the plan is let's go see this Hermit. You all get ready to leave and out the party goes to Wemic bridge and arrive on Wemic Island. You press on and arrive at a wharf where there are a mixture of different taur races. They are having a loud discussion:
"Take back what you just said, Horseface!" yells a minotaur.
"You both are being stupid," interrupts a Wemic, who is standing between the Yelling Minotaur and a Centaur with his fists clenched, "Just knock-it-off!"
"Shut up! and STAY out of it, Furface!" hollers the centaur.
It looks like a fight is about to break out.
Kenisha Friday November 16th, 2001 12:44:09 AM
"Hold!" Kenisha firmly shouts is Tauric as she holds up one hand. "Now is not the time for Taurs to be fighting amongst ourselves! We must all work together if we are to survive."
Leets d20+4=15 d20+2=6 Friday November 16th, 2001 8:33:20 AM
On the way to the island where the hermit lives, Leets remains silent, trying to have different points of view about the problem.
Just before arriving, he finally asks aloud:
"Maybe it will sounds stupid to you, but perhaps another group of Taurs once existed, and maybe we have to gather them...What would say your aunt Minisha about it Kenisha?"
When arriving at the Wemic island, and more precisely where the fight is about to break out, Leets makes a couple of steps forward, and stands between the three Taurs, trying to move them apart vigorously. He will harshly grab them by the collar and say:
"You want to fight you guys? Then we will fight! I'm tired of seeing you bickering for nothing! You want to know who is stupid? You all three are stupid! If I hear one of you using a name for a Taur that isn't the right one, I'll take care of you so that nobody can tell anymore who has a bull, horse or fur face! At least perhaps it will make an exemple and we can begin to work seriously with the ones who prefer to save their skins instead of behaving like children! Am I clear enough!?!"
OOC: rolled 15 for the intimidation roll, but 6 only for the strength roll.
Flat-top Friday November 16th, 2001 10:43:56 AM
Flat-top stands ready because there is more Taurs than than the three that are having a heated words. "Look!, Kale, Leets just stand there trying his best to calm these taurs down. Get ready to help him." Flat top looks back at Kale,"My! Oh! My! Your quiet... Something wrong?"
Kale (Ceil) Friday November 16th, 2001 10:49:34 AM
"I'm ready" said Kale,"I don't have to jump up and down. Besides I'm trying to remember something from my pass. When I was young and foolish . . . somebody that help me."
Kalon the Wemic Friday November 16th, 2001 8:13:59 PM
Kalon rolls his eyes skyward and stands ready to assist Leets should situation get out of hand.
OOC: Since we rested the previous night did we get back hitpoints. Those that made their level do they immediately add their hitpoints or if they were already wounded do they have to "Heal" to full
A Break in the Storm -- DM Cayzle Saturday November 17th, 2001 10:23:08 AM
Kenisha's strong words and Leet's threats (more than his hands, which a minotaur and a centaur shrug off!) seem to calm matters -- at least momentarily.
There are about 40 different Taurs scattered about, but most are just gawking. A nucleus of five or ten on each of two sides seem to be facing off. Strangely, the two sides are not segregated by race, but are mixed. Ceira, on her home turf, recognizes some of the wemic onlookers and one of the arguers.
The loud-mouth minotaur says, "By Imod's horns, who are you and what right have you to butt in?"
But the wemic who had tried to intervene sees Zeoll, and studies the beads in his hair. "This is a priest of Tomi! Ask him!"
A centaur nearby recognizes Leets, either by some outward sign or maybe by face. "That's a Paladin of Domi! I'll listen to him!"
The loud-mouth minotaur speaks again. "FINE! We'll ask them!"
He turns to Kenisha. "We know Domi died. We're not fools -- we all felt it. But these thick-headed jerks say we have to abandon Domi and switch to some new god. WE say we should be loyal, even in death."
"ESPECIALLY in death," a wemic behind him chimes in.
The centaur leader of the other side offers his point of view. "We loved Domi! But you can't worship a DEAD god! What good does THAT do? We need a god who will look out for us, and protect us, and be a god!"
The wemic Ceira knows (named Veofray) shouts out in agreement, "Domi can't do that any more."
So the peace-making wemic says to the Chosen, "What do we do?"
Kale (DMCeil) Saturday November 17th, 2001 1:57:31 PM
Kale starnd around and watches the crowed. Looking for trouble. If things don't cool down trouble is what we'll all have. "You know, Flat-top, If these Taurs start anything, we are out numbered?"
Flat-top Saturday November 17th, 2001 2:01:51 PM
"Since when did that bother you,Kale? Your always ready for a good fight." Said Flat-top,"But I must hand it to Kanisha, she getting them to listen, even if it's one of their own race. YEAP! their are listening."
Ceira Karwyn d20+3=17 Sunday November 18th, 2001 12:05:00 AM
(Diplomacy=17)
"Veofray!" shouts Ceira. "It is I, Ceira of the Karwyn household." she steps forward to present herself. "Listen, it is true that you FELT Domi die, but why bicker over what other people worship? What does it matter? What if Domi didn't die and this is all a ruse? Those who did not continue their faith will be dealt with as Domi would see fit. And those who did show their commitment would reap the benefits of Domi's blessing. If it isn't a ruse, then is it truly a wasted effort? Did you lose something financially? Something physically? Mentally? No, because it wouldn't matter if you decided to follow a new god today, next week, or even next year!"
"If you ask me, I find it hard to believe our Domi could die at all. Dying of old age is a possibility but the numerical value of his age is probably beyond my mathematic abilities. In any case, Domi represents who we are. We are bigger, quicker, and stronger than the average humanoid--just to name a few. Domi should thus be ONE of the most superior of all the gods! But to be struck down by evil? I can hardly believe it. True, we felt it but again, I believe it may be a ruse because our Domi could never be that weak. If he was engaged in an epic struggle, he could last for years! Not one or two days! Just think about it."
Ceira pauses to let them absorb the possibilities. "What you do now will be left to your judgement. Again, I have no right to tell you what do think but I can still make a suggestion: Keep Domi in your hearts!"
Kenisha d20+3=17 Monday November 19th, 2001 12:23:16 AM
"I can not order anyone else's decision, but as for me, I will hold Imod in my heart for all of eternity." Kenisha calmly states after Ceira finishes.
(Diplomacy Roll=17)
Leets d20+5=16 Monday November 19th, 2001 4:20:23 AM
Leets regrets his harsh behaviour, but compassion showed little results, and the chosen probably have to be steadfast, or at least to look so. He puts a friendly but firm hand on the shoulder of the centaur who talked, and looks at the other, walking among them.
"I am Leets, Chosen and Paladin of Domi, son of Rowena, Paladin of Domi, and Cyrus, warrior and stallion of the Talric tribe.
"My loyalty goes to Domi. My anger and hatred is still great in my heart for those who killed our God and their followers. I swore that I would avenge what was done and by all that is holy I will honor my word. However, time is not for blindness. Look at us, Taurs, and for those who know him, think of Kular, the guardian of the Heartkeep. We all have what is the best in our halves: the fiery heart of the horse, the raw power of the bull, the pride and cunning of the mighty feline, and even the human reason and feelings. Is Domi that different from us? In a way, didn't he make us like him? An idea made its way in my heart since I heard Kular's words: "Not just one, but all of them together."
"I think that Domi is gathering the best of all the other Gods as well as we Taurs gather what is the best in the creatures who walk the Wold. I think that there is a sparkle of what Domi is in every worshiped God or Goddess."
"I think that by worshiping the other Gods together, we will also honor Domi as one. Because of this, I shall honor and worship other Gods to cure the Wold from the darkness that threatens: And more than all, I will do it because deep in my heart I know that it is Domi's will..."
Raorr Monday November 19th, 2001 4:21:47 AM
RAorr stands watching the turs waiting for the group to either start a fight or to continue on.
He decides silence won't help so he asks "Do any of you know of a hermit around here who only worships only one aspect of Domi?"
He stands their somewhat prepared to leave but unsure where to go. "As for who to worship. That one is easy, since you so easily argue about whether you should follow domi still, then you shouldn't. Your lack of faith shows you are not worthy of his gifts. PErhaps you should look to the softer gods who are afraid to confront evil. I hear they are always willing to accept new followers."
Zeoll Monday November 19th, 2001 6:48:44 AM
Picking up on the words of Leets and Raorr, Zeoll asks, "Orr was it a Herrmit who worrships the prresence of Tomi in ALL gods? I rrememberr that it seemed blasphemy beforre when I hearrd the storry, but now it may be wisdom."
"I too have strruggled with the fearrs of rrecent events," the priest tells the assembled Taurs, "But Rraorr, Kenisha, and Ceirra arre rright. We do not believe Domi is dead. Maybe he yet walks the Wold, or simply lives on in all gods, at the verry least. So stay trrue to Imod and stay trrue to his vision of all Taurs living as one rrace."
Cooler Heads Prevail -- DM Cayzle Monday November 19th, 2001 8:56:58 AM
Veofray steps forward and bows. "Little Ceira, you have grown in size and in wisdom -- and you keep wise company as well."
"As for me," the liontaur says, more loudly, "I stand answered! I will keep Tomi in my heart! I believe that he yet lives!"
"He lives in my heart!" another voice adds. "And in mine!" "And mine!" The crowd yells in approval.
"He lives in my heart, in the hearts of all faithful Taurs, and in the hearts of the gods themselves!" declares the loud-mouth centaur. "And who knows, maybe he lives yet in the Wold, and will again!"
The assembled Taurs gather around the Chosen, talking and mixing. There are more smiles than frowns, now, but they are still eager to hear again the strong faith of the Chosen, especially Raorr, Kenisha, and Ceira.
Veofray talks with Ceira and Zeoll, and he says, "I know the hermit of whom you speak. He lives not far. Can I take you to him?"
Moving on, the Taurs follow Veofray a couple miles down the shore, to a cave overlooking a stony beach. There is a carved hollow wood log on the sandy ground next to the cave, and a mallet. Zeoll recognizes it as wemic drum log. Veofray raises the mallet and strikes the log three times.
A voice emerges from the cave: If you seek my wisdom here, Listen close and answer clear.
Light is broke and light is bent, But in rainbows hope is meant. Colors seem apart, but sun Lies within them, every one. Every color serves the rest I will serve them all the best. Every color I obey Offer all your prayers today.
Name these colors I hold dear, Then I'll help you with good cheer.
Veofray rolls his eyes at this and shrugs. He whispers, "It's always some riddle like this. Are you sure this is who you want to see?"
Flat-top d20+1=15 Monday November 19th, 2001 2:29:43 PM
(OOC; I roll for Wilderness lore)
The way the Centaurs,the Minotaurs and the Weimicks are now declairing that they will always keep Tomi in there hearts, make Flat-top feel very proud of Ceira and Leets. Also how the rest of the party had held the peace. As Raorr ash about the Hermit. we got a wemic a(Veofray) to lead them to the Cave. Veofray strikes the lod drum, Flat-top thinks*That a nice door bell* The voice and the Riddle? what could it mean? "Now let's see Red could mean heart or blood. Orange could be air and wind. Yellow, Hmmm! I don't know. Green is for earth and forest. Blue, again I don't know. Purple could be the sea and water. Any bodt else have any idea?".
Leets d20+4=15 Monday November 19th, 2001 3:34:01 PM
Leets is really surprised to see that his words had some effect, even if he understands that Ceira, Raorr and Kenisha words were more efficient. When peace finally seem to come back among the Taurs, Leets follows Veofray. In a way he thinks more often of the old Astachos since he was on the Wemic Island. The young centaur was wondering if the old wemic once walked the same ground. Perhaps did he even meet this hermit they were talking of... Leets is lost in his thoughts when they arrive at the cave? He listens at the "riddle", and to Flat-Top's words.
"I'm not sure, because I realize that I have never been very careful about the rainbow colors, but isn't it supposed to have seven colors? Perhaps do we have to find seven gods matching with those colors?"
(OOC: rolling for knowledge: religion)
Kale Monday November 19th, 2001 7:02:09 PM
Not really paying attention the the group of taurs staring at him and his companions, Kale says, "I remember my old mentor, Mazz. He's a member of my guild, but he was a healer of sorts."
Raorr Monday November 19th, 2001 8:54:32 PM
Roarr ponders the question and says, "Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet"
Raorr smirks "That is an easy one, my mother taught me to remeber them by remembering an old minotaur saying: 'Reasonable Orders Yields Great Bulls Into Victory'."
Kalon the Wemic Monday November 19th, 2001 9:31:03 PM
Kalon following the group listens when the riddle comes he sits down beginning to quietly ponder it. Both Leets and Raorr's answers seem to have merit but he feels there is something more to the riddle. Not knowing what continues to ponder quietly
Kenisha Tuesday November 20th, 2001 1:02:54 AM
"I think Roarr is correct. Sometimes the best answer to a riddle is the easiest." Kenisha says after listening to the others.
Zeoll Tuesday November 20th, 2001 5:56:34 AM
"Well," the wemic priest says, "the rriddle says 'prrayer,' 'obey,' and 'serrve,' so I vote forr Leets's answerr."
"We could trry both?"
DM Ceil You don't Know? Tuesday November 20th, 2001 11:23:04 AM
"NO! NO! WRONG! you don't know, I have nothing to say to you, Rascals." Said the voice form caves.
Veofray talks to Ceira." Little Ceira, think hard I know you can solve this puzzle, He spoke to you. That should mean that your close on solving the Rrriddle."
Then he turns to your party "Please! Think! Again...."
Raorr Tuesday November 20th, 2001 2:39:33 PM
RAorr looks over to Kalon "This one is no use he doesn't even know what colour the rainbow has. Everyone was right he's mad. I think we are wasting out time here. Everyone know what colours are in a rainbow, perhaps if this old fool would leave his cave once in a while he might actually see a real one."
Roarr looks at the wemic.
"Perhaps if we had a prism we could show him a false Rainbow, even without rain we could prove the colors of a rainbow."
Raorr looks around and then into the sky. "Are you talking about the light old one. Light is filled with colours."
Kale Tuesday November 20th, 2001 5:13:09 PM
drawing his dagger, Kale begins to clean his fingernails. "If its so important that we solve this riddle." Kale calls out to the voice, "Why not stop wasting our time and just tell us."
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday November 20th, 2001 5:16:58 PM
Ceira has kept to herself while pondering the possible answers to the riddle. "Raorr has a good point. We would not have color in this world if we did not have light. That might be too deep for him." she says to the Taurs.
"Instead of all the standard rainbow colors, what about the primary colors only? They are the source of all the possible colors in this world. Unfortunatly, the riddle alludes to only one color and not three. It's still worth a shot though."
Ceira steps forward and announces, "The colors you hold dear are red, blue, and yellow."
Kalon the Wemic Tuesday November 20th, 2001 11:28:35 PM
Kalon sits and scratches behind one ear as he continues ponder,"I would think that his life would be better spent doing something other then sitting in a cave riddling all those who come his way. Here is MY answer to you hermit"
"If the answer you require Then why sit in a cave and inquire For no answers will be found While you sit inside the ground The answers to all you ask Are not for us it is your task The taurs of which you happen to be Are only in need of those who see The path we are on is for us all Or all taurs are doomed to fall So answer us our quest For after all it's for the best Our people are in need you see While we sit here and you riddle me Instead of riddles we need aid Before our people completely fade"
Irritated by the foolish games of the hermit he sits and waits.
Kenisha d20+2=13 Wednesday November 21st, 2001 1:05:54 AM
Hiding a smile and a soft chuckle behind her hand, Kenisha speaks to her fellow Chosen, "I believe that his riddle is not talking about rainbows and light literally, but I can think of nothing that has seven parts of one whole thing. I can't even think of seven gods that make up a group. Can anyone else?"
She pauses for a moment then asks, "Could they be seven virtues or values that should be emulated?
(the roll is for a blanket Wis roll to see if she can figure out the riddle, cause I'm stumped. :) If it should be an Int roll then add one to that number.)
Flat-top Wednesday November 21st, 2001 2:12:52 AM
Flat-top move restlessly with his arms partly cross on hid chest, he ponders. "No, I agree. it's not the colors and it's not the rainbow, but the rainbow has a lot to do with the riddle." Said Flat-top, "Hmm, Aha THAT'S it, The riddle said it all, don't you see the answer is ALL. All the colors, all the GODS. That why they can still heal, The Hermit can still heal because he worships all the gods. That's also why Auntie can heal, she worship all the gods."
Flat-top does a little jig dance and yells "We did it, We solved the riddle"
Leets Wednesday November 21st, 2001 6:50:56 AM
"That's it Ceira!"
Yells Leets after thinking for a long minute.
"We were all right about the colours, and for the gods too! There is almost an infinity of colors between the colours in the rainbow, as well as dozens of gods between the divine domains if you consider all of them. But if we want to really see primary colors among gods, there are only seven: the Leader, the War, the Underworld, Love, Disasters, Luck, and Genralities! To be more clear: Alemi, Domi, Gargul, Caeroldra, The Sisters, Wardd and Kerracles!"
Zeoll Wednesday November 21st, 2001 7:20:48 AM
Zeoll joins Flat-top in his dance. As he prances about, the wemic sings, in his mother tongue,
grin and play! play and grin! that's okay! let's begin!
gods are great! great are gods! celebrate! join their squads!
love them all! all are love! love those tall gods above!
I can sing! sing my eye! here's the thing -- all gods die!
The Hermit Emerges (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 21st, 2001 7:59:58 AM
Veofray listens with shocked eyes wide to Kalon's poem. He starts backing off when he sees Flat-top's jig. And as Zeoll ends his song, Veofray turns tail and runs off!
As the Chosen look back to see the wemic flee, they hear a chuckle behind them. It is the hermit, emerged from his cave!
He is an older liontaur than any Zeoll, Ceira, or Kalon has ever seen. His mane has fallen out, and so have his teeth! As he comes closer, his walk is stiff, but still proud.
"I do honorr all the gods," he says, in Tauric, "Forr as the rrainbow betokens the grreat sun that none can long look at dirrectly, so the gods betoken the Grreat Crreatorr that none can worrship dirrectly."
"I sense that morre is at worrk herre," he continues, "than hunterrs seeking fat prrey orr cast-offs seeking love potions. Why have you come to me, oh minotaurrs, centaurrs, and liontaurrs?"
Leets Wednesday November 21st, 2001 8:19:06 AM
Leets bows his head before the venerable old wemic, and makes one step backward, looking at Kenisha and waiting...
Kale Wednesday November 21st, 2001 9:28:10 AM
"You all sure are silly." Kale says to the dancing taurs
Flat-top Wednesday November 21st, 2001 11:33:54 AM
Flat-top stop dancing for a moment, turn to Kale and smiles," Kale we are celebrating, Come and dance with us, you are so solemn...." Flat-top stop dancing all together, as his eyes fall on the hermit for the first time. My . . . My . . . Naname is Flat-tic err err Flat-top Sir".
Down deep in Flat-top heart, he knows that this hermit has great power. "Kanisha Please ask him the question."
Raorr Wednesday November 21st, 2001 12:46:05 PM
Raorr looks at Flat top and then Kale. HE shakes his head and puts a hand to his head. "I can't believe I'm going to say this. For once I agree with Kale. You are all crazy."
Raorr looks at the Wemic HErmit and says bluntly "I could care less whether you worshipped Domi or all the gods in the wold. How does that help bring domi back?"
Raorr looks at Flat-top again and says "I'm glad your excited about solving a riddle, perhaps you could answer the more important question of how to return domi to his place amongst the living gods?" Raorr sticks his tongue out and shakes his head "Or we maybe we should dance somemore, perhaps a little bit of the mambo or a tango" Raorr waves his arms jokingly.
He stops suddenly and then says "REally let's be serious here taurs. With all this pointless riddles and rhymes I've completely forgottten why this wemic is of any importance. Kular is dying, and if this multiple god-worshipping holy wemic is able perhaps he might like to save lives instead of Rhyming us to a bloody stupor."
RAorr breathes deeply, trying to relax.
Ceira Karwyn Wednesday November 21st, 2001 3:56:05 PM
"Umm..." Ceira watches Veofray run off. "Does he know something we don't? Something bad? Yes Raorr, let's get more serious here but let's try to avoid provoking the old wemic." Ceira glances back in Veofray's direction again.
She walks up next to Kenisha and whispers, "Our goal was to search for more potential healers and unite them right? But unite them for what? In other words, what do we tell the wemic to get him to come along? We can't just simply say, 'Hey we need your healing in Hearthold Keep so let's go!'"
Ceira pauses to think and continues whispering, "Maybe we should just tell him everything that has happened and let him decide on how to tackle this problem?"
Kenisha Wednesday November 21st, 2001 7:57:07 PM
Kenisha's five white braids of hair sway as she bows gracefully before the old wemic. "Honored Grandfather, Since Tomi's death, we have been searching for a means to restore him; and if not that, then at least to heal our greavously wounded fellow taurs. " "There is one at Hearthold, Kular by name, who is the physical manifestation of all three taur races in one. He lies at death's door but has spoken about all three needing to be together. My aunt, Minisha, is a healer and a recluse. We have been told that you are a healer as well. It is our belief, or at least our prayer, that if we can bring you and a minotaur healer to Heartshold, we might be able to save those who are dying."
Kalon the Wemic Thursday November 22nd, 2001 12:25:43 AM
Finally seeing the hermit emerge the irritation dwindles and he waits while the others quiz him.
The Hermit Speaks (DM Cayzle) Thursday November 22nd, 2001 8:48:19 AM
The hermit seems amused at the disorder and confusion displayed by the Taurs. But when Kenisha speaks, he gives her his full attention. After she finishes, he bows in turn, though not as gracefully.
"Daughterr, I see clearrly who is the leaderr herre, and I thank you forr yourr strraight and dirrect worrds."
"We liontaurrs believe in the powerr of drreams, and in a drream, in fact, I saw a crreaturre such as you descrribe. It had a centaurr's mane, a minotaurr's head, and a liontaurr's body. It lay verry nearr death, and I knew I had to go, but I knew not wherre."
"Now come messengerrs from all thrree races, telling me about my drream come to trruth. Well, I feel that time is verry verry shorrt indeed, so lead on, wise mare, and I will follow you now to this Kularr."
"I am Happy. Thanks! Giving me an answerr to my drream has also given me a dirrection in this trroubled time."
Leets Thursday November 22nd, 2001 10:44:22 AM
The young Paladin holds a friendly hand, and smiles a little.
"I am Leets, from the Talric tribe, paladin of Domi. I am glad to meet you, and to hear of your dreams. Dreams are said to be messages from the gods, and if they sent you those visions, it means that they stand by your side wise wemic."
"I realize that I don't even know your name...Pardon me..."
Ceira Karwyn Thursday November 22nd, 2001 4:51:25 PM
Ceira breathes a sigh of relief to see how easily the Hermit accepted their proposal. Especially considering how hard it was to try to get him to come out of his cave in the first place.
She smiles as she approaches him. "Hi, my name is Ceira! How long has it been since you've traveled? Your talents will be most welcome at our Keep."
Flat-top Thursday November 22nd, 2001 6:38:53 PM
Flat-top stand there speechless, when finally move to shake the hand of this hermit. "MY mmm My errr I am called Flat-top, I was a Marine Centaur patrolling the shores of Centaur when called by Domi to be with the Chosen Ones. We all came here to ask you for a great favor. Come with us to the Keep and help the sick and the dying. Please! I a fighter and cannot use the words like the others. But all of the Taurs do need you!" With that said Flat-top goes to stand beside Kale, Raorr and Zeoll.
Kenisha Thursday November 22nd, 2001 9:28:22 PM
Her eyes shining with renewed hope, Kenisha smiles at the hermit. "Is there anything we can help you with before we journey to Heartshold?"
Zeoll Friday November 23rd, 2001 8:22:22 AM
Zeoll smiles and takes a step forward, speaking in his native tongue. "I am Zeoll, of Clan Aene. Welcome. I am grateful for your company and help."
Then, in Taur, he says, "But time is shorrt! Let us rreturrn to ourr home beforre chance rruns out!"
To The Bridge(DM Ceil) Friday November 23rd, 2001 10:21:30 AM
The Hermit turn to the party "I have everrrything with me herrre, and time is of the essence. Lead on, we will talk on the way. My Name Is . . . "
Over the hill came some wemics and a few oother assorted Taurs. They were booing and throwing rocks "GO! AWAY! WE DON"T WANT YOU HERE." There are too many of them, But the is not too far.
RUN RUN for the bridge and cross over to Bridge Island.
You all bring him to the Keep and show him to Kular's room.
Flat-top Friday November 23rd, 2001 10:53:23 AM
Flat-top admires this Hermit, it seem that the power he has radiates from him. When the supertious towns taurs and started to taunt them by throwing sticks and rocks. "Look! the bridge to Bridge Island is not too far from here. Go! Run! you cross that bridge and Kale, Raorr and I will slow these the people down."
When everything and every body slowed down, Flat-top cross to Bridge Island and gallop to the Keep. The first thing Flat-top said (to the first taur he meets)"Is the hermit with Kular better?"
Kale Friday November 23rd, 2001 6:15:51 PM
as the taurs throw rocks at them, Kale pulls out his bow, but fights the urge to shoot them and continues on to the keep. once there he says "Now what?"
Kenisha Friday November 23rd, 2001 8:25:51 PM
Kenisha replies to Kale with, "I still feel that we need to complete the set. We need a Minotaur mystic such as my aunt and the wemic. Can you think of anyone like that? Raorr?"
Raorr Monday November 26th, 2001 1:51:25 AM
Raorr shakes his head "No Kenisha, I can't think of any minotaur like that. but if there is one I'm sure we will find them."
Leets Monday November 26th, 2001 3:51:39 AM
The young centaur raises his shield over the Old Wemic's head when stones are thrown. He thinks how sad it is that such a holy shield is used to protect from stones thrown by Taurs.
When all are back and safe at the keep, Leets listens to everybody, and answers Kenisha.
"I don't know either where we will find this third Taur, but we need to do quickly, there is still much to do here, and around even more..."
Zeoll Monday November 26th, 2001 9:19:52 AM
At the keep, Zeoll takes a look at Kular and fears the worst.
"Ourr time has rrun out!" he says, "Kularr is clearrly on his deathbed!"
"We must forrget the minotaurr healerr at least forr now, and tend Kularr as best we can."
The wemic leads the hermit to Kular's side and begs him to do what he can.
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