DM Jan Tuesday November 27th, 2001 8:35:35 PM
ABOUT A MONTH LATER.........
A month has passed, and slowly the Floating City is heading back to some semblence of normality. Although the main Domi shrine on the top level is still a ruin, and is still being treated as a kind of shrine by some - elsewhere, rebuilding is taking place.
Most of the folks who left in the initial panic have returned. Finding Plateau City in similar turmoil, and hearing tales of other lands in similar peril - have caused most folks to reason that perhaps they are better off at home near their loved ones and boring-but-blessed familiarity.
Traveling priests sometimes wander the streets, telling of new Gods and the benefits of worshipping them. The taverns are full of bards telling lively tales of what happened both here and abroad. Folks are perhaps a little wary, but life goes on. Slowly, slowly, things begin to get back to normal.
On a bright sunny day, someone enters the Orphanage telling of a mask parade up on the Gold Level. There hasn't been a parade for weeks - and if past parades are anything to go by - this one promises a welcome diversion, music, dancing, pretty clothes, and above all - fun!
Half the Orphanage sets off to watch. The little ones are particularly excited and ask to be escorted. Flaust gives her permission.
Plink Tuesday November 27th, 2001 8:41:21 PM
Plink gets very excited at the news of a parade. He can hardly hold himself back, and once Flaust grants them her permission, he ceases trying.
Plink asks the rest of the group, "Aren't you all excited? I can't wait to go. Let's leave now!"
Apparently, the events of the previous months' excursions hadn't really done that much to ruin his childish attitude. He'll leave whenever the rest are ready.
Miranna Tuesday November 27th, 2001 9:32:54 PM
[OOC: So Drake accepted the gems for the orphanage? What about the shield? In the past month, have we found Yorick and given him the duplicate key plus our borrowed party finery? Was Yorick's test aborted, or did we ever get round to completing his challenge?]
Miranna smiles at the excitement of the little ones. She has made a conscious effort in the past month to spend less time with her books and more time with Flaust and her adopted family. The death of Domi and the chaos and destruction in its wake has taught her just how unpredictably short life can be.
Once they have Flaust's permission, Miranna excuses herself to prepare for the excursion. She emerges shortly with her weasel pouch, backpack, shortbow and quarterstaff. (After the zombie attack, Flaust should have seen the sense of being armed at all times, and shouldn't object to the group going out with weapons, I hope? If not, Miranna goes with only her spell component pouch and belt pouch. Her dagger is now permanently hidden in her boot, as taught her by Jezebella.)
Tiree Tuesday November 27th, 2001 10:07:33 PM
Able to now carry her weapons openly, Tiree straps on her rapier and makes sure that all her daggers are in place. She checks her belt pouches and her backpack to make sure that everything is there. She wasn't going to get caught again without protection.
She was looking forward to the parade, but the events from a month ago had changed Tiree a bit. Where she used to be a bit forward, she was now quieter. She still spoke her mind when needed, but that was about it. She felt she had grown up on the day Domi died and wanted to act as such. Therefore, she recognized the dangers that her brothers and sisters might face while at the parade.
One just never knew what could happen anymore.
Jezebella Wednesday November 28th, 2001 10:47:13 AM
Over the past month, the gypsy girl had performed a mirror image of Miranna's change of behaviour.. becoming more solitary, and withdrawn. She spent alot of the time scouting the city, learning the alleyways and passages.. alone, and silent. She watches for signs of aftereffects of Domi's death everywhere.. specifically looking for hopelessness... cowardice... a general lack of 'courage'. She also kept an eye out for the Jester, Yoric.
Jez watched Miranna on the occasions that she did go into her room, with those tomes... one day, about midmonth, she knocks timidly on the door, shortly after it closes. When Miranna answered, the girl asked..".. may I study with you, Miranna? .. Please? I'm facinated... by the magic." She concluded in a rush, waiting for the elven girls response. (assuming Miranna didn't slam the door in her face! ) Jezebella seemed eager to learn the magics and the theory behind them, treating it all like a puzzle to be solved. Miranna had only seen this level of joy on the gypsy girls face after dancing, or after taking apart one of the mechanical riddles that she managed to aquire from a gnomish merchant in the marketplace. Upon leaving the closed area of Miranna's room, they both smile, untill Miranna stopped her discussion of one of the theories when she saw one of the other children. Jez blinked, looking from Miranna to the boy, and back again. She continued into the common area to play with the children, and be sociable.
Upon the day of the parade, Jez prepares to go with the children to enjoy... and protect them.
Miranna (sometime in the past month) Wednesday November 28th, 2001 12:20:48 PM
Miranna was surprised by her little sister, but welcomed her into her own private room. It was small and cramped, but it guaranteed her peace and isolation at those times that she needed to study. She had asked Flaust for the use of this little loft room when the influx of new children had forced her to share her old, bigger room. Flaust had agreed readily as the room was too small for any other use save as a store.
Smiling at Jezebella's enthusiasm, Miranna eagerly launched into a lecture on the rudimentary theories of magic. She had waited a long time to find someone who shared her interest, who would not beg her to stop talking after two minutes.
After some weeks of it, Miranna offered to teach the gypsy girl some actual spells. "You will need to buy a spellbook first, Jezebella. Then you can choose what spells you want to learn from my spellbook."
[OOC: If Jezebella is ready to be a wizard, Miranna will offer her spellbook for her to copy. We'll do this part by email.]
DM Jan Wednesday November 28th, 2001 9:11:15 PM
The group sets off with Drake, and some of the smaller children in tow.
No one has seen hide nor hair of Yorick. Weird. I mean you would have thought he'd have wanted that key. No matter - the group has it safe for now, ready for whenever an opportunity to give it to the Jester man presents itself.
There are lots of crowds up on the Gold Level, and the atmosphere is electric. Because it "isn't" the traditional "Mask Day" celebration, people are talking about how wonderful it is to have a mask parade without the usual political tensions involved.
This is definitely a more relaxed affair, some people are masked, others aren't. The masks in the parade are fabulously ornate, and people are oohing and aahing as they pass by.
Here and there, vendors push through the crowd, selling masks of all kinds.
Some, however, seem to be trying to give masks away. Most folks seem to be avoiding them, for some reason.....
Jezebella Thursday November 29th, 2001 8:21:56 AM
Jezebella indeed seems interested in learning the spells.. she purchases a spellbook and component pouch the very next day, after Miranna suggests it. She practices the simple cantrips her sister describes, but cannot seem to grasp something basic just yet. (but give me a few hundred more XP and I might pick it up! hehe :) )
..............................................
On the day of the festival as her family moves through the growing crowd.. Jez notices the people trying to give away the masks, and others reactions to them. She murmers to her friends closest to her, loud enough to be heard over the ambient noise of the crowds.. "I smell trouble.. lets check that out?" She makes a gesture with her head, drawing her daggers and palming them.. moving over to the mask-givers.
Miranna d20+8=22 Thursday November 29th, 2001 12:36:10 PM
Miranna turns to look at the people trying to give masks away, when Jezebella brings them to her attention. Her brow creases in a frown as she remembers the last mask they were involved with. As unobtrusively as possible, she starts an incantation as her hand waves casually in the direction of the mask-givers.
[Detect Magic in 60' quarter circle. Miranna concentrates long enough to determine the school of magic involved. Spellcraft check 22, +2=24 for Illusion, -5=17 for Enchantment.]
Syr Friday November 30th, 2001 3:20:28 PM
Syr sees Jezebella going to check out the comotion and decides that it is probably better to stay with the kids. From there he watches her approach...
Eljer Friday November 30th, 2001 4:52:29 PM
Eljer, though still visibly despondent at having been unable to locate the whereabouts of his mentor and father figure, is beginning to delight nonetheless in the festivities on Gold Level. However, his curiosity is piqued when he notices the hesitancy in the crowd to accept the masks. He goes up to one of those giving the masks and accepts one, walks on, and begins to examine it. He casts Detect Evil.
Tiree Friday November 30th, 2001 6:29:59 PM
Tiree watches as two of her companions head toward people handing out masks. Since she was busy trying to keep the children together, she didn't notice that people were not responding well to those masks and she hopes that they bring back enough for all the kids or there were going to be problems.
DM Jan Friday November 30th, 2001 9:28:25 PM
As Syr, Tiree and Drew stay alongside Drake and the children, some of the others move in to investigate those who are trying to give the masks away.
Miranna does indeed detect magic within the radius of her spell. From what Jezebella can see, the reason why most folks are shying away from those giving out the masks - is because the givers seem to be really pushy. Some of the crowd are beginning to lose their temper.
As Eljer accepts a mask - he's given a long, fanatical tirade from the man who gave it to him - telling him that he should wear the mask immediately in order to love his fellow citizens, love being the only good thing in his life, and not to love means that he should get a beating, etc etc etc. The mask is not evil, as such..... but there seems something strange about it.
Back with the kids, Drake suddenly turns around, left and right, and then calls out - 'Where's Becky?? Oh no!'
Becky, a tiny little cherub of a girl with golden, curly hair, who had been in his charge can be seen jumping up and down with her hands in the air - right in front of one of the mask-givers.
The mask-giver crouches and hands the little girl a mask. Becky runs back toward Drake as he beckons wildly at her. She places the mask on while she does so. As soon as she reaches Drake - her tiny little voice asks - "Do you love everyone?"
"C'mon Becky, take that mask off," says Drake, followed by - "Oooof!!" as the little girl throws herself into a rather nasty screaming tantrum and hits him.
Miranna (Detect Magic) Friday November 30th, 2001 10:03:44 PM
Miranna's frown deepens as her suspicion is confirmed. More magical masks. She continues to focus on the magical aura that her spell is picking up. (Strength and school of magic? Previously rolled Spellcraft check 22, +2=24 for Illusion, -5=17 for Enchantment.)
Drake's words and obvious distress barely register in her mind, but she realizes one of the threads of the magical aura is coming steadily nearer. Her mind zooms in automatically on it.
Polaris Saturday December 1st, 2001 2:33:43 AM
Polaris runs quickly over to Becky and offers her assistance, since the young child seemed to be injured in some way, and wishes to help as much as she could.
Syr d20+4=17 Sunday December 2nd, 2001 1:52:06 AM
Syr sees Drake wrestling with Becky and moves over to help. Grabbing both her arms (Str check 17) he tells her, "It's ok, Everything is going to be alright. Yes we do love everyone."
Sensing somethng is amiss, he nods to Drake to retrieve the mask.
Jezebella Sunday December 2nd, 2001 2:56:18 PM
Jezebella starts as the little one darts by her... takes a mask... and runs back, before she can react. She must be getting slow, she things to herself.
She moves closer to the mask givers, and examines the masks they are handing out. Are they all the same? What do they look like...? Are those giving out the masks all wearing them...?
Does there seem to be one person directing the handing out of the masks? Is there a cratefull that they store the masks in?
She asks the man who offers her a mask "A mask...? I don't think so... what do I have to hide... what do YOU?"
CDM Jerry Sunday December 2nd, 2001 5:44:53 PM
OOC:(to be deleted by Jan when non-relevant)
Vivriel, for about 3 weeks now I've been getting mailer daemons when sending you email. So has JK and others. Has your email changed? Is Vivriel playing Miranna or is she gone and being played by a sub? I need help here Vivriel and friends. ;)
The addy I have for Vivriel is
vivriel@magix.com.sg
This addy is not working.
Plink d20+7=10 Sunday December 2nd, 2001 7:23:52 PM
Plink, seeing the distress and the anger in the crowd, decides it would be best to calm everyone involved. Filling his role as entertainer, he walks a good 20 feet from the rest of the group, pulls out the flute he took from the majestic party over a month before, and begins playing, using his skills to relieve the anger in the air, and hopefully calm little Becky. (Attempting to use one of his songs per day, "Inciting Courage" amongst all bystanders except those handing out masks. Perform check a simple 10, if it's needed.)
Vivriel (OOC) Monday December 3rd, 2001 5:35:03 AM
Jerry, I've posted about a month ago in LnB and again recently after you asked the question in LnB. My email address is now:
vivriel@singnet.com.sg
or
vivriel@yahoo.com.sg
Both of these are recorded under my account here. I wasn't aware JK and others are trying to contact me. I'll make another (third!)announcement in LnB later. Game 8 players have no problems emailing me.
Drew Monday December 3rd, 2001 3:08:17 PM
Drew crosses to the child, picks her up, kicking and screaming and removes the mask for her face, then hurrys back to join the group.
Tiree d20+3=17 Monday December 3rd, 2001 4:25:35 PM
Tiree sees that her family is trying to take care of Becky and lets them. One more person will just make a scene. Instead, she watches how the people who did take masks act after they put them on (Spot 17).
DM Jan Monday December 3rd, 2001 6:58:24 PM
"Look they've done it to a kid, now!" exclaims someone in the crowd, and there is a roar of disapproval. This calms down a little as folks can see that the child is being attended to.
One of the mask sellers is about to answer Jezebella, when he is hurriedly beckoned away. Maybe the crowd is getting a little to ansty for these guys, and one by one - Jez sees them disappear into the crowd.
Plink's flute-playing seems welcome, as some of the crowd join in, although it is occasionally drowned out by the main parade which continues to pass. But it serves to distract the crowd, and stop it turning into a mob.
As Syr tells her about love - little Becky quits screaming her head off. "Are you sure?" she squeaks fitfully at Polaris.
Drake frowns as he tries to get the mask off. "It won't come off," he says. "I can't get it off!" Drew has no better luck, as his fingers can't seem to get a grip on the thing.
Miranna continues her study of the magic, coming to the conclusion that there is definitely something on the mask, but also that the spell seems differently woven, telling her it is divine in nature.
As Tiree watches the crowd, a man approaches. "You'd better do something about that," he says, pointing toward little Becky. "Gonna need a potion. Her only hope, or she'll be screaming about love till she turns blue an' drops dead." He lowers his voice to a whisper. "Hands of Love have a new temple, just two streets away. They won't be givin' anytin' away, mind."
Polaris Monday December 3rd, 2001 10:56:39 PM
Polaris kneels down beside Becky and quietly comforts her. "I promise, everything will be alright. I will stay beside you as long as I need to. I promise I won't leave." She squeezes her hand and rubs her gentlely on the back. Her tiny hands try to make the child feel less afraid.
Eljer Tuesday December 4th, 2001 12:45:30 AM
Eljer, visibly concerned over Becky, quickly comes to her side and kneels down.
"Now there, little one, be still. I love you, Jezebella loves you, Miranna loves you, we all love you. And we love everyone. Listen to Syr. He speaks the truth."
As Eljer speaks these words while fixing Becky with his gaze, he casts Calm Emotions
Syr Tuesday December 4th, 2001 4:24:22 AM
Syr's eyes narrow when he hears that the Temple of the Hands of Love is the only place to remove the mask. "Hmm, very appropriate, I wonder who those men work for?"
Turning to Drew, "What say we go find this Temple?"
Miranna Tuesday December 4th, 2001 10:19:11 AM
"I have a bad feeling about this temple, Syr. The magic on the mask is of divine nature."
Not knowing what else they can do to help little Becky, Miranna holds the girl's hand and follows the rest to the temple.
Drew Tuesday December 4th, 2001 10:46:04 AM
"I dont trust anyone who sells relief for a curse, that they may have created. Can anyone dispell this mask? If not then well have to go to the temple, but I can tell you this. I am not keen to pay these hands of love." Drew's jaw begins to set strong and sure. His bullheadedness coming to the fore.
Jezebella Tuesday December 4th, 2001 11:37:52 AM
When the mask givers fade into the crowd, Jez attempts to follow... the crowd is too think, and the revelry to rowdy, however, and she quickly loses the trail. She heads back to her friends, finding them in the midst of attempting to remove Beckys mask.
Jez kneels in front of the girl, smiling and being cheerful for the little one.
"beckiiii..... beckiiiiie..... " She gets her attention, and covers her face with her hands.
"Peekaboo!" She uncovers her face, playing the game as she has before, with her and the other young ones. She repeats this a few times, looking for the little moppet's pretty laugh. "Your turn, Becky!"
Wether or not her ploy is successful, and the child unmasks herself, she speaks to the others.
"I do not know much of religion... has anyone any knowledge of these 'hands of love?' ... The name itself does not seem nefarious. How do you know so much of this, good sir?" She asks the man who was so very helpful.. her hand going back to her daggers nonchalantly.
Plink Tuesday December 4th, 2001 1:55:31 PM
Plink, who stops his singing, runs up to the family, and proceeds to pipe in, "Yes, I say we head to this temple and get the cure. However, I don't feel too keen on paying for it either, Drew. But, what must be done, must be done."
Plink heads off in the direction of the temple, as was pointed towards.
Tiree True Tuesday December 4th, 2001 3:07:08 PM
Tiree nods as the man speaks with her and when he is finished she thanks him for his advice and smiles. Inside, she is doing anything but smiling. Tiree has a strong feeling that this is some sort of trap for people and it seems that her family thinks the same way.
"Right now our only choice seems to be that temple. I don't like it either, but at least we are going in with our eyes open. Let's keep them that way."
DM Jan Tuesday December 4th, 2001 7:49:21 PM
The man in the crowd, glances around before continuing. "Friend o' mine got stuck with a mask about two hours ago - I went with him to the Temple. They gave him a potion from a guarded room - that got the mask off - then they took him in another room where I couldn't see. I heard screaming, and when he came out - he was 'different'." He nods toward Drew, Plink and Syr, acknowledging that he heard some of their conversation. "I don't think it's money they're after. Between you and me - I think they took my friend's soul." He straightens up. "You don't be lettin' that child go in that room, ye hear?"
And with that - he breaks off into the crowd and is soon gone.
Eljer's words seem to have a good effect on little Becky, and between his spell, and the distractions given by Jez, Polaris, and Miranna - she is soothed a great deal.
Drake says he'll take the rest of the kids back to the Orphanage. he looks quite distressed.
As everyone walks toward the temple, she occasionally murmurs things like - "I LOVE everyone.... we all have to love, we all have to... "
At the northern edge of the Gold level, light from outside streams in, cutting the streets into sunbeam stripes. The 'temple' in question appears to be an old, hastily converted residence, with a painted tarp hung outside. It reads - "Temple of The Hands of Love."
Drew Wednesday December 5th, 2001 10:35:22 AM
After hearing what the man has to say Drew draws himself up even more. "There is no way that our sister goes in there then. There are others in this city that will help."
Miranna Wednesday December 5th, 2001 11:04:31 AM
"Drew, we have to at least see what they say. I do not have the ability to dispel magic yet. Even if I had, I doubt it would have worked."
"Yorick might be willing to help us, if we could find him. Or the old mage Arion..."
Jezebella Wednesday December 5th, 2001 12:07:53 PM
The gypsy girl shakes her head. "Who do you suggest we go to, Drew? And Miranna.. Yoric has vanished, we haven't seen him in over a month... and mr. Toad? I have a feeling he is very far away right now. We cannot keep relying on others, friends. We have to do some things on our own. I'm going in to scout.. just another curious soul... I'll bolt if there is any trouble. Meet back here in .. half an hour? Someone keep Becky from wandering. I think in her current state, she might get into trouble."
At that, unless the group stops her.. she slips into the temple. She will make no attempt to hide herself, and will look around as much as she can. She will look to see if there are any 'guarded' rooms, and where the outer wall would be in relation to those rooms. She will try to get an idea of how many people are here, and how many are 'converted' if it is obvoius. She also checks to see if they seem to be well armed. If anyone seems to be leading, or preaching, she will attempt to remember thier face. If anyone speaks to her, she will listen, and ask about the 'Hands of Love' and what thier ideals are. If she feels odd, or if anyone attacks her or tries to get her to eat anything, or drink anything, or put on a mask.. she will flee.
After approximately twenty to thirty minutes.. she will leave the temple (assuming nothing untoward happens) and meet the others where they conversed before.
Syr Wednesday December 5th, 2001 12:33:05 PM
Syr takes Becky in his arms and carries her as they head towards the temple.
When they reach the temple, he stays outside, continuing to whisper soothing words of love. As Jez leaves he asks her, "See if you can find a window to this 'other' room. We need to find out what exactly they are doing."
"Maybe it's possible that we get Becky the potion and just take her before she goes to another room."
DM Jan Wednesday December 5th, 2001 8:26:18 PM
As the others wait outside with the fretful Becky - Jez enters the Temple. For the moment it is quiet - there's a large hall with some chairs - about 3 people are sat there quietly - waiting.
Beyond the hall are two doors. The left one is guarded by two beefy looking humans. The right one is unguarded, but the door is closed, and at one point a blood curdling scream comes from the other side of it.
Drew Thursday December 6th, 2001 9:21:51 AM
"I don't care where we take her, there are other temples in the city, other Gods that will help should we ask. However I don't feel that taking her to the only place in town that has this particular potion for this particular thing is a mistake. It is walking into a trap. Even should the potion work in taking off the mask, who knows what else it would do to her."
Polaris Thursday December 6th, 2001 6:43:02 PM
Polaris shrugs her shoulders. "I guess it seems kind of suspicious that that is the 'only' place in town where we could go. Maybe we shouldn't go." She looks towards the rest of the group leaving and realizes that her opinion isn't going to change anything. She sighs and starts to skip behind the others, following their lead into the temple.
Jezebella Thursday December 6th, 2001 10:26:26 PM
Jez gets her ideas about the interior... wanders around abit, and then sighs degectedly, wandering out.
She meets the others and gives them the layout, drawing a rough map.
DM Jan Friday December 7th, 2001 11:26:56 PM
Via Jez's rough map - the others can see that open twin doors lead into a large room. That is where some people are sat waiting quietly, presumably to talk to the priests of the Hands of Love.
At the end of this room - a door to the left, guarded by two men. And a door to the right, unguarded - the folks sat waiting are regarding that door dubiously.
Outside, in the distance - the sounds of the parade can be heard. The streets are quiet here, as everyone seems to be out watching the procession.
Becky is starting to fret again, occasionally trying to get the mask off herself - to no avail.
DM Jan OOC Friday December 7th, 2001 11:32:18 PM
((We appear to have a couple of email probs folks - I can't get through to swan7926@texas.net, and something's telling me that vivriel@singnet.com.sg - the mailbox is full))
Eljer d20+6=19 Saturday December 8th, 2001 1:07:30 AM
Eljer stops to ponder for a moment to recall what he can of the "Hands of Love". If he feels he knows enough to try and pass himself off as a priest of the order, he will announce to the group that he's going in to retrieve the needed potion.
Religion Roll 19
Vivriel OOC Saturday December 8th, 2001 11:14:09 AM
[Sorry about the full mailbox, Jan. My Outlook config got messed up somehow so that old mails weren't being deleted from the server. Should be fixed by the time you read this.
swan7926@texas.net is not in my file of current Game 8 players.]
Syr Sunday December 9th, 2001 5:13:14 AM
Syr nods as Jez skethes a map, "Any chance we can, shall we say, 'Find' one of these potions?"
(swan7926 WAS me, it's now ups2k@hotmail.com)
Jezebella Sunday December 9th, 2001 10:29:41 AM
"Aye.. if what the helpful man at the parade said was true, this room here" She points to her map " on the right has the potions.. I believe if we look on that side of the building, there will be a window."
Tiree d20+3=22 Sunday December 9th, 2001 6:34:45 PM
Tiree, feeling bad that she hasn't been participating in the conversation, speaks up.
"I'll go scout around the outside. Be right back."
With that, she moves quickly toward the side that should have a window, if there is one. She moves like she has a purpose and knows where she is going, but her eyes are constantly moving, watching the building for entrances and the people around to see if they are watching her (Spot 22).
Drew Sunday December 9th, 2001 9:47:08 PM
Drew sits and broods, waiting till he can be useful.
DM Jan Monday December 10th, 2001 7:16:46 PM
Further scouting reveals the following - No windows on either side - but - around the back is a narrow door. It's locked but it looks a bit rotten. There's no one about, except for a couple of rats scuttling along the gutter.
Out the front, little Becky starts trying to hug everyone. "I LOVE you," she says, with the utmost conviction.
Drew Tuesday December 11th, 2001 12:07:07 PM
Drew continues to sit and brood!!!
OOC: Ummmmmm where is everyone???
Jezebella d20+7=19 d20+5=20 d20+7=10 d20+7=18 d20+5=20 Tuesday December 11th, 2001 4:45:16 PM
(correction : Jez pointed to the door on the left when she said it should have the potions.)
Lacking any other clear plan of action, she tells the others to watch Becky, while she attempted to open the locked back door quietly. Uncertain if the hasty conversion included trapping, she searches the lock and doorway for such protection. Then, drawing her slim tools from her pouch, she attempts to open the lock.
(19 move silently, 20 open locks, 10 search, 18 hide if needed, 20 spot if needed)
Plink Tuesday December 11th, 2001 7:07:01 PM
Plink walks up to little Becky, and seeing no other option, really, he grabs her in a HUUUGGGEEE tight hug, filled with warmth. He nods with his eyes to the rest of the group for them to continue on, that he'll try and keep the young lass distracted for the time being.
Tiree True Tuesday December 11th, 2001 8:13:17 PM
Tiree looks up startled when she sees that some of the others had followed her. She watches Jez work on the lock and pulls out her hand xbow and loads it.
"Never know what to expect..."
DM Jan Tuesday December 11th, 2001 8:19:09 PM
Eljer realises that he might be able to bluff his way as a priest of the Hands of Love - apart from one thing - they're wearing some kind of surcoat with a hand embroidered on the front. If he only had one of those...
Would those guards inside notice?
Round the back, as Tiree loads her bow, Jez manages to open the lock. Click. Beyond the door - all seems quiet enough. No traps.
Becky clings onto Plink like a limpit. "I LOOOVE YOOOOU" she says, over and over.
Miranna Wednesday December 12th, 2001 6:17:19 AM
Not knowing what else to do, Miranna stays with Becky and Plink, waiting for Jezebella to return with news. She starts to brood like Drew...
Jezebella d20+7=19 d20+7=9 d20+5=10 Wednesday December 12th, 2001 8:13:51 AM
The gypsy girl smiles to Tiree, and gives her a small wink. She will open the door... very slowly at first, checking for any creaking or other noises from old hinges. Should they protest.. she takes a candle from her beltpouch, and rubs the wax from it against the hinges.
Looking behind the door (and seeing all is quiet, meaning nothing behind the door?) .. she looks for a path to the guarded room.. perhaps a doorway or enterance she didnt see from the front. She draws her daggers from her belt.. taking Tiree's suggestion to be prepared. A small nod to Tiree, and she slips inside...
(19 move silently, 9 hide if needed, 10 spot if needed)
Drew d20+8=18 Wednesday December 12th, 2001 8:48:37 AM
Drew draws his axe and takes a position behind Jezebella, moving suddenly very silently. He will guard her, and anyone else who follows, retreat and follow behind, not searching but watching to wisper alarm and pull them out safely.
(Move Silent, 18)
Syr Wednesday December 12th, 2001 12:05:02 PM
Syr watches as the other prepare to enter and moves over to Plink's side to stay and protect Becky. If she becomes too loud he attempts to quiet her by whispering soft words of love in her ear.
DM Jan Wednesday December 12th, 2001 6:27:10 PM
At the back of the building - the door opens slowly... Beyond lies a small, square, and thankfully empty hallway, about 10ft by 10ft. On the far wall, straight ahead - is a door. Once inside, to the right - is another door. One of these doors most likely leads to the potion room, but which one?... which one?
Back out at the front, the sounds of the parade are becoming more distant now, and it's looking as though the streets surrounding this building are likely to get busy again very soon.
Those with Becky are discovering that it is a full time job, trying to keep the little girl's distress to acceptable levels.
Miranna Thursday December 13th, 2001 9:27:04 AM
Seeing Becky's distress increase, Miranna decides to distract the little girl with magical tricks. She murmurs some words in Draconic while her hand traces some runes in the air. (Prestidigitation, for 1 hour.)
"Becky, look!" A small pink heart appears in the air before the girl, and slowly floats towards her. It sticks to the front of her dress and starts glowing. "Love for you. We all love you."
Drew Thursday December 13th, 2001 3:03:35 PM
Continues last rounds action....
OOC: Is it just me or is the posting VERY bad lately.
Jezebella d20+5=21 d20+7=23 d20+5=12 d20+7=18 d20+5=16 d20+7=12 d20+5=7 Thursday December 13th, 2001 6:52:29 PM
Jez catchs Tiree's attention and nods toward the right door, figuring that the room is on the left side from the front, therefore the right side from the back. She moves to the door, one dagger drawn, the other palms a thieves tool. Keeping alert, she looks breifly (through any window or opening in the door? ) over the door.. looking for any alarms, or traps. She then carefully tries the doorknob.
(21 listen, 23 move silently, 12 open locks if needed, 18 search, 16 disable device if needed, 12 hide if needed, 7 spot if needed)
DM Jan Thursday December 13th, 2001 9:23:25 PM
Becky squeals with delight as the pink heart appears in the air before her, and she attempts to squirm out of Plinks arms in order to try and catch it.
Meanwhile - at the back of the building - Jez chooses the door at the left while Drew and Tiree stand guard.
The door opens... Beyond it looks to be a room twice as big as the hallway. From the door - a tall, wooden cabinet can be seen.
Out front, a few people start passing the group on their way hoome from the parade. Then - someone, a man - walks out of the Temple. He's wearing a surcoat with a handprint on it. "Ah!" he says. "Coming inside?" He smiles, beckoning Miranna, Eljer, Syr, Polaris, Plink and the little girl.
Eljer Thursday December 13th, 2001 10:22:42 PM
Eljer nods to the man appreciatively but declines his offer, walking away and ducking behind the building. Once there, provided he is out of sight of other hand of love priests, he casts Change Self on himself, in front of Tiree and Drew, in order to make him look not only a foot taller, but dressed in priestly robes of Hand of Love. Once this is done, he goes past Tiree and Drew and joins Jez. He quickly informs Jez of his plan.
"M'Lady, it is I, Eljer. As you can see, I have altered my appearance so that I resemble a priest of the Hand of Love. This will hopefully increase our chances of getting the needed potion and getting on our way. For the duration of our sojurn here, would you be so kind as to act as though you are a prospective convert?
Polaris Thursday December 13th, 2001 11:08:29 PM
Polaris looks at the others, then looks at the man, then looks back at the others. She shrugs her shoulders and begins to skip inside.
Drew Friday December 14th, 2001 8:41:31 AM
Drew continues to guard.
Jezebella d20+7=10 Friday December 14th, 2001 9:58:59 AM
Jez starts, and goes into a dancers pose, her daggers beginning to trace patterns in the air between her and 'the preist'. When Eljer identifies himself, she relaxes.. she whispers back "Might not be needed... lets see if what we need is in this cabinet.. if not, I would rather hide here. In case anything goes wrong."
She opens the cabinet after a cursory search for traps.
Miranna Friday December 14th, 2001 11:43:20 AM
"Wait, Polaris!" Leaving Becky to Plink, Miranna hurries after the halfling. She is not sure if it's wise to enter the temple, but she knows Polaris should not be inside alone.
Tiree True d20+3=21 d20+3=13 Friday December 14th, 2001 11:25:31 PM
Tiree watches as Eljer changes shape and moves into the room with Jez. Doing her best to keep her eyes and ears open she moves forward to the other door and listens for noises.
(Listen 21, Spot 13)
DM Jan Saturday December 15th, 2001 2:25:49 AM
The man outside the front of the Temple looks extremely pleased as Polaris heads inside, and he follows her inside, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Come worship with us," he says. So far he's unaware that Miranna is following behind.
Up ahead - it can be seen that one of the guards at the door on the left is just about to enter the room behind him. He's muttering something about a sudden draft coming from under the door.
Becky is still enamoured by the heart, and isnt giving Syr and Plink any trouble.
Round the back -
Jez creeps into the room, and opens the cabinet. Drew suddenly notices a door at the far end of this room. "What the - ?" asks the puzzled guard, his eyes taking in Jez and Drew - and what looks like one of his employers. At the other door, Tiree can hear some mumbling, as though a group of people are in quiet prayer, but there sounds to be some moaning too - as though someone is hurt.
As for the contents of the cabinet - oooh, there's a whole row of tiny little bottles, each containing a pale pink liquid.
Syr Monday December 17th, 2001 1:31:35 AM
The elf turns to Plink and casually asks, "What is it with these 'Hands of Love'?" Without pausing for an answer, he continues, "What's next the 'Feet of Honor', the 'Legs of Courage' maybe even the 'Pinky of Pride'?"
Syr carefully positions himself where he can watch Polaris as she enters the temple and come to her aid if necessary.
Jezebella Monday December 17th, 2001 9:43:10 AM
The girl attempts to think quick on her feet... She takes one of the bottles, and holding it carefully and reverantly, she goes to Eljer.. saying, with a hushed tone, and starry eyes.. "Is this what you desired?" She offers the bottle to Eljer as a devoted sacrifice.
Miranna Monday December 17th, 2001 9:57:15 AM
Miranna follows the man and Polaris silently, alert for any sign of trouble.
Tiree Monday December 17th, 2001 10:46:41 AM
Tiree listens to the sounds from the other side of the door, a stricken look on her face.
Thinking to herself,"Come on guys get that potion and get out of here. I can't go until I find out what is happening in this room and I want you gone with that potion before I do."
Eljer d20+4=21 Monday December 17th, 2001 8:08:34 PM
Eljer smiles graciously to Jezebella.
"Yes, my child." Turning back towards the guard, he toughens his countenance.
"Now then, perhaps you will return to your post and resume your guard duty of the front entrance of the temple. We appreciate your concern for the security but as you can see, I am in the middle of an initiation and it must only be the young lady and myself."
He smiles warmly to the guard and waits for him to leave.
Bluff roll 19
Eljer Monday December 17th, 2001 8:10:09 PM
OOC: Make that 21
Drew d20+4=21 Tuesday December 18th, 2001 8:55:49 AM
Drew continues to stand there gripping his axe, glaring at the new comer mentaly willing the idiot to do something, anything so Drew can take his head off.
(Intimidate 21)
DM Jan Tuesday December 18th, 2001 6:30:42 PM
Round the back -
Jez and Eljer's excellent bluff appears to work as the guard nods his head. "Very well, Reverend," he says. Before he disappears however, he gives Drew a look that says - 'Just try it, sunshine.' He leaves, closing the door behind him.
Tiree is still able to hear murmured prayers coming from the other room.
Out Front -
Syr has a good view for the moment of Polaris and Miranna as they are accompanied inside the Temple. The priest turns and spots Miranna behind him. "Ah welcome too, my dear. Are you both here to convert to the 'one true faith'?"
Plink finds he has his hands full as Miranna's spell fades out and Becky starts to cry.
Miranna Tuesday December 18th, 2001 9:13:23 PM
A blush spreads over the elf's fair face as she stammers, "Err... ah... we..." Becky's cry carries to her ears, and she clutches at the timely excuse. "Oh no, our little sister is crying. Polaris, please come out and help comfort Becky. Please excuse us, Reverend, we will have to return later."
Eljer Tuesday December 18th, 2001 11:23:38 PM
Eljer sighs in relief and turns back to Jez
"What say we get as many of these as we can and be on our way?"
Jezebella Wednesday December 19th, 2001 7:05:46 AM
Jezebella looks thoughtful for a moment, and murmers... "I don't think we need more then one, maybe two to be safe. More then that would be noticeable."
Jez slips the potion she took into her belt pouch, and motions for Eljer to take one as well. She then carefully reverses thier course, moving out the back, to rejoin Becky and the others.
Drew Wednesday December 19th, 2001 9:08:05 AM
Drew continues to guard.
Syr Wednesday December 19th, 2001 12:10:35 PM
Syr sees the others coming out of the temple and turns to Plink and Becky, offering to take Becky by holding out his hands. "Let me see if I can soothe her. Come here, Becky, let's see what we can do."
Eljer Wednesday December 19th, 2001 10:40:46 PM
Wrinkling his nose at Jez's disagreement, he nevertheless takes more than one and follows in her footsteps.
Tiree Wednesday December 19th, 2001 10:46:04 PM
When Jez and Eljer come back out of the room, Tiree motions to Eljer.
"Listen closely. It sounds like someone is in pain in there. Is there anyway you could help them? I mean, you look like one of them now, could you do it? Should we even try?"
A worried look crosses her face as she glances at the door again.
DM Jan Thursday December 20th, 2001 12:33:11 AM
Round the Back:
Jez carefully grabs a potion, Eljer grabs 4 potions, as Drew keeps watch over them. As they turn and leave, they are met by Tiree's concern over at the other door.
The door looks solid, and is locked. Is it worth trying to get in? Perhaps - perhaps not. One thing is for sure. These Hands of Love don't seem to be the most benevolent types.
Out the Front:
Syr struggles to settle young Becky as Plink keeps watch. She needs all his attention, otherwise she starts to howl.
The cleric talking to Miranna and Polaris looks most disappointed as Miranna says they have to leave. "But you will come back, won't you?" he implores. He doesn't seem to want to hold them there by force however, not with those other people sat there.
Syr Thursday December 20th, 2001 3:26:14 AM
Syr motions to Plink with a nod and takes Becky to a side alley away from the prying eyes or ears at the Temple.
Miranna Thursday December 20th, 2001 3:59:02 AM
Miranna gives the cleric a charming smile, grabs Polaris's hand and pulls her out of the temple, and after Syr and Becky.
Jezebella Thursday December 20th, 2001 8:12:32 AM
Jez looks back to the door with the pained sounds coming from behind it.. then back to Tiree with a mournful look marring her pretty features. "We need to help Becky, Tiree.. if we meddle in whatever is going on in there.. .I'm afraid we'll be taking on the entire clergy here, nevermind all thier converts and guards. I say we get out of here."
Barring any disagreement, she slips out the back the way they came in, and meets the others. She hands the bottle she appropriated to Miranna. " .. do we just have her drink it?" She musses the little moppet's hair affectionately.
Drew Thursday December 20th, 2001 8:51:24 AM
Drew tired and angry with frustration, inactivity, and anger grits his teeth and heart to the sounds of pain from behind the door. His hands griping the axe and grinding his teeth. The half Orc towering over the room. "Say the word little man and ill have that door down, I am tired of this screaming and pain, I am ready to return it to these fools." He looks about at his family hopefuly, he hasn't been in a fight all day...
Eljer Thursday December 20th, 2001 10:08:51 PM
Eljer sighs in consternation and hands the four potions to Tiree.
"Quickly, get these and yourselves out of here."
Looking up at the mountain of a half-orc, he sighs once again.
"Ok, you're with me. But let me try and save this poor soul through words first. If that fails, by all means, start swinging."
Eljer awaits their responses.
Tiree True d20+8=28 Thursday December 20th, 2001 10:18:44 PM
Tiree takes the potions and stuffs them into her various belt pouches wherever she has room. You can hear light clinking from when one vial of glass touches another.
"If you think I'm going to leave you two hear on your own you're crazy. But, I will stay out here. Just hurry!"
Pushing Eljer aside, she bends down and quickly works on the lock to open it (Open lock 28 {nat 20}). Upon hearing the click, she backs out of the way and lets the two "men" enter the room.
Jezebella d20+7=25 Thursday December 20th, 2001 10:38:30 PM
(reacting to reactions! if that is ok, Jan.)
Jez places an hand on Tiree's shoulder as she bends to pick the lock... "Wait, 'ree... just a moment... let me run this out to the others, and let em know to come running if they hear us yell. I'll be right back in a moment!"
She races out, silent as can be at a run (25 move silently) and gives the potion to those with Becky... she tersely explains what the others plan, and then begins to head back, still running. She draws her daggers again as she moves.
DM Jan Friday December 21st, 2001 6:31:15 PM
Syr, followed by Plink - takes the little girl into the side alley toward the back of the building. Miranna and Polaris join them shortly after.
They are all met by Jezebella, who hands the potion to Miranna, and then tells them the 'good' news. It looks as though Eljer and Drew are going to try and see whats going on in the other back room of the Temple.
Meanwhile - round by that door at the back, as Eljer looks on and Drew tries to control his frustration as best he can - Tiree manages to unlock the door. Beyond it - can be heard an incantation and still more moans of pain.
Eljer d20+4=21 Saturday December 22nd, 2001 1:39:24 AM
Eljer takes in a deep breath, looks up at Drew to make sure he's still on board, and throws open the door that Tiree just unlocked.
"Alright, enough!" bellows Eljer. "Be gone so that I can do that which must be done!"
Eljer calls back to Drew.
"Consecrated One, make thyself ready!"
Roll Bluff 21
Drew d20+7=25 Sunday December 23rd, 2001 2:56:12 PM
Drew steps throught the door behind the very small man and focuses all his energy onto making thoes in the room listen and obey his friend.
(Intimidate 25)
Jezebella Sunday December 23rd, 2001 6:59:24 PM
Jezebella, hurrying back, hears Eljers bellowed challenge. She mutters a curse to herself, nearly soundlessly, and makes her way to the door that he just burst through, hiding outside, listening to the reaction go his words.
Polaris Monday December 24th, 2001 3:23:32 PM
Polaris keeps a hold of Miranna's hand, just to make sure she is safe, and to keep herself out of any unnessecary trouble, which she is bound to get into sooner or later. She gets rather excited as they walk around back, until she hears Eljer....she sighs and mutters to herself. Just when she thought all was going well.
Tiree Monday December 24th, 2001 3:24:45 PM
Tiree crouches in the hallway. Hearing Eljer's bellow, she smiles and shakes her head.
Thinking to herself she hopes this works, but just to be on the safe side she double checks her hand crossbow.
Miranna d20+7=20 Monday December 24th, 2001 9:19:08 PM
Miranna's eyes widen at the others' bold plan. She opens the potion bottle and sniffs it, trying to discern if it is safe for Becky to drink. (Alchemy 20) If she cannot be sure, she dips in a little finger and dabs a drop on her tongue. When she is satisfied that the potion is not poison, she coaxes Becky to drink the pink 'potion of love'.
Anthony Tuesday December 25th, 2001 10:26:50 AM
Merry Christmas All
DM Jan Tuesday December 25th, 2001 11:24:24 PM
At the side of the building, Syr, Plink, Miranna, and Polaris can hear Eljer's exclamation. The potion seems fine, and as Miranna feeds it to the fretful Becky - there is a snapping sound, and the mask falls to the floor. The little girl kicks the mask away and starts to wail - 'I wanna go home.....'
Meanwhile - round the back, as Tiree and Jezebella hide out of sight - Eljer marches into the room with Drew right behind him.
Inside is a man tied to a table. There is a cleric stood on either side of him - both are dressed like Eljer appears to be. They look astonished as Eljer and Drew appear. One of them frowns, and says - "We can manage you know. This one here will soon be one of ours." The other looks suspiciously at Drew.
Drew d20+7=19 d20+2=16 Wednesday December 26th, 2001 1:16:16 PM
Drew prepares to back up anything Eljer says or does.
(Intimidate 19, Bluff 16)
Jezebella Thursday December 27th, 2001 9:33:49 AM
Jezebella breathes shallowly, keeping her daggers ready, should the situation shallow.
Jez (ooc oops) Thursday December 27th, 2001 1:28:31 PM
that should have read:
LOG ON