Bad news - DM Laurent. Tuesday January 22nd, 2002 9:39:24 AM
A couple of orders are given, and the two prisoners are reluctantly brought to the Heartkeep, and the settlement soldiers bitterly abandon them to the Heart Guard.
"Wise are the ones who listen to me! Wise are you young Taurs!"
Says the old wemic with a gong.
"A friend I am, or I would never have come! A poor blind old wemic I am! No weapon! No money! Nothing to gain nor to lose! Just the signs and the dreams to share!"
"I saw it the entrails of the cattle, before I gave my herd! I saw it in the flight of the birds, before I left the skies I was living under! Now I have given my eyes! And even more clearly I see it! THE END OF THE WOLD! PREPARE YOUR SOUL! The gods fall! The gods rise! A cosmic chaos is shaking the skies! Listen to me, I am no ennemy! I brought no brass edge, but only knowledge!"
Kalon the Wemic Tuesday January 22nd, 2002 1:28:08 PM
Taking a deep breath to lessen his irritation he looks at the bearded wemic,"Listen old one since our return we have found many who have lost faith. Many who have tried to fill the empty void left with the death of our great lord Domi with something...anything. I asked you what you were talking about and recieved a large number of words which sounded like an answer but had little in the way of real answers. Speak plainly for riddles will not help us to understand plain words and plain explaination are what we need to understand."
Flat-top Tuesday January 22nd, 2002 4:03:17 PM
"Yes! KENisha, I love the fire in your eyes and the way you toss your beautiful hair. I like the way you stomp the ground." Flat-top said with a grin. "Oh! by the way what to do with this old wemic, Get a room ready for him and listen to his dreams and stories?"
Zakeria(Ceil) Tuesday January 22nd, 2002 4:10:28 PM
Zakeria looks to Kenisha and ask, "Do you think that we should at lest listen to him for a little while? He does look hungry and tired?" Zakeria will go over to Raorr and will try cure light wounds on him.
Kenisha Tuesday January 22nd, 2002 8:22:53 PM
"Flattery will get you nowhere today, FLAt-top." Kenisha says with a sigh.
To the old wemic she says, "Please come inside, eat and rest. But please, when we do speak again, let's use less dramatics." With that she will lead the way in to the keep and asks that water and food be brought.
Zeoll Wednesday January 23rd, 2002 12:07:00 AM
"Yourr worrds rring trrue to me, grrandfatherr," Zeoll says. "Long have ourr people known that the mysterries of the Wold arre rrevealed in the commonplace omens you mention. My own mentorr, a shaman named Frrith, told me so himself."
Zeoll kneels before the older wemic. "It is trrue, then, as I fearred, that Trroubles arre indeed coming! I hope to help ourr people, and all Taurrs, prreparre as best we can."
At this point Zeoll's voice seems somewhat more anxious, and he reaches out to take the elder's hand. "But what do we need to do, wise one?"
"How should we prrepare!?!"
Kale Wednesday January 23rd, 2002 9:07:26 AM
remembering that Domi once spoke to him through others, Kale's heart softens a bit and goes over to the old wemic. "Here, ill lead you in." Kale says to the wemic as he takes his arm and leads him in. "You pay a heavy price to tell us this. Why choose us to tell?" Kale asks as they walk into the keep
And even more - DM Laurent Wednesday January 23rd, 2002 11:06:42 AM
"Thanks young Taur...My way was long and little my rest..." says the old wemic holding Kale's arm.
"I'll go were you lead me, for you seem thirsty for knowledge and answers..."
"OLD ONE! OLD ONE!" yells an approaching wemic running in your direction.
"Excuse him please! He probably doesn't even know he's talking to the Chosen!" Says the wemic. "Gran'pa, you are bothering everybody with your dreams and prophecies, those are important people, and probably have much to do, the lunch is almost ready, and we were worried about you!"
"QUIET!" answers the old bearded wemic. "I perfectly know who I am talking to and what I am saying! Perhaps I have lost my eyes but not my reason! The dreams I'm offered perhaps sound strange to you my grandson, but with age you'll learn to be wiser about the signs sent by the gods, and dreams are great ones!"
"They all take me for a fool! But I do know what I've seen, even if it was with the eyes of the soul and not flesh ones!"
"Months ago, our tribe witnessed Domi's death, as well as all the Taurs, and we did hear his last words: "HAVE COURAGE!". The first signs appeared while I was keeping my herd! And I read in the vine, in the sheep's liver, that dark times were ahead! I told them: We must leave this place, and move away, or we'll starve and our children will be sick! But they didn't listen to me, and the grasshoppers wreaked havoc in our fields! The game disappeared from the forest, and I saw - with my own eyes, a flight of seven gooses, coming from the right, beeing attacked by a vulture, who once used to remain in the shadow! And the first goose, the one who was flying first, fell cruelly on the ground! And many evil beasts came and feasted on its body! And all the remaining gooses broke the flight, and flew in their own direction!"
"This time, they listened to me! And they left our village before the children fell! Wise were they! We were traveling, searching for answers, and for what the god expected from us, and we visited many holy places, now filled with darkness, impostors, and evil! Only in the true places of faith I had dreams, showing me upset thrones and black fires! I saw the face of true evil, and burned my eyes for what they saw! Then I began to see it! True gods falling! Impostors claiming divinity! Gods overthrown and gods rising from shadows! A great whirlpool shaking the quiet surface of the Wold pantheon, and chaos shaking the rules of all things!!!"
The old wemic sits down, suddenly upset and shaking nervously. He looks very tired and about the nervous breakdown.
"Chhh Gran'Pa, you know it's no good for you to tell all those things....I'll explain them what happened later."
"As Gran'Pa said, we went on a journey, like a pilgrimage, since we had nowhere else to go, it didn't sound like a wrong idea...We traveled far and high, we saw the streets of Lankhmar and the clouds of Plateau City! We saw stangest things, and for weeks we lived among humans, and discovered Taurs living among them...A couple of weeks ago Gran'Pa had another dream, and well...I don't know how to explain it, but what he said happened: There is an arena, a huge one, on the floating city, and Gran'Pa said that the gods would meet there, so we went. In the middle was an old human, radiating with peace and wisdom, there were thousand there, but one could have heard a wasp flying! Then arrived another human, and it was like some kind of eclipse! I mean that it was as if he darkened the other one's light! And just after appearing, everybody whispered "Marteaus! It must be Marteaus! Do you think it's Marteaus!" The two beeings didn't look like friends, and we could litteraly feel it in the air, like electricity. And then they talked, although I didn't manage to hear what they said, talking of a "second one". I now remember seeing the woman at this moment! It was as if she was there during all the time, but bathed in the others presence! The one they were calling Marteau pulled her by his side and kissed her. She smiled, took something around her neck, and threw it on the ground: the whispers in the crowd grew louder, and some even left the place! She put something else around her neck, looked like a snake, although I didn't see it clearly...They talked again, and the Old One looked sad. He shook his head, and took a deep breathing, looking around. Then the other laughed, and nodded at the woman. Another woman appeared, and talked to the woman with the strange new pendant, standing by her side. Even more people left the place, and there was some kind of panic in the arena. The one called Marteaus laughed louder, cruelly, and the Old One talked seriously, shaking his head. Then everybody looked at each other in the arena, although I didn't understand why at first: then I saw that the woman who just arrived stood by the Old One side, and the Old One was slightly smiling. She took on the ground the thing the other woman threw on the ground, and put it around her own neck after removing her own pendant. There were people around wearing masks, and they removed it, looking at each other and wondering what to do...Then the one called Marteaus turned angry, yelled at the Old One face, and said - my! It shaked even my very bones! - "This is the beginning of the end for The Gods of Wold! Let it begin." And then they all disappeared. The Old One seemed very sad and was about to say something, but I'm not sure...Gran'Pa was behind me, and put his hand on my shoulder...I realised that his blind eyes were crying...I think that's all...Later on this evening, Gran'Pa explained me that the Old One who looked sad was Alemi, and the angry one was Marteau. The two women were Caeroldra, the one who stood by the angry side, and the other is called The One, and got the pendant the other one threw away...I don't think I can tell you more, except that Gran'Pa had told what would happen almost one week before...Maybe he can tell more to you when he gets better..."
Kalon the Wemic Wednesday January 23rd, 2002 12:22:43 PM
Kalon listens quietly as the old wemic speaks still irritated by the dramatics attached to his speaking. When the younger one tells his story it is almost a relief in it's manner.
"Thank you now that was more helpful" he says to the younger wemic,"At least it is more direct."
Looking at Kenisha,"It was inevitable that after he defeated Domi he would attempt war with any other gods of goodness. This Matereus wants to spread his evil influence. I still think our best option is to find a way to restore Domi to his rightful place. Certainly we should fight the minions of these dark gods anywhere we find them. However we should still focus on returning Domi"
Zakeria (Ceil) Wednesday January 23rd, 2002 1:12:28 PM
Zakeria stands beside Kenisha, listening to the Old Wemic's dreams and then to the grandsons interpretation of his Elder's dream. Zakeria whispers to Kenisha."I think we should encourage and listen to this Seer. I think he's telling the truth. Let's follow them."
Flat-top Wednesday January 23rd, 2002 1:17:54 PM
Now Flat-top is intrested, he reasons that if Kale (who is very shy.) Take the Old One for food and rest, Kale is on to something. "Wait for me. Kale I open the door for you." Flat-top will follow and listen to what ever the Dreams this old Wemic has to relate.
Kenisha Wednesday January 23rd, 2002 11:40:53 PM
Kenisha listens to both the old wemic and his grandson. She nods her head as she says, "Thank you both for your words. There is much truth in them. The vision of the geese and the vulture has more that one meaning to me. The first is obvious, the fall of Domi to Marteaus and the resulting chaos amongst the Gods. The second is that our downfall will come if we do not stay together and work together to combat the evil."
"If Domi can be brought back, we will do all we can to make it happen."
Turning to Zeoll and the others learned in religion she asks, "Can you tell us more of the meaning of the meeting of the Gods and the importance of the pendants? Obviously the gods are taking sides, but how can we use this knowedge the most?"
Kale Thursday January 24th, 2002 6:02:03 AM
"That is a very disturbing dream." Kale says to the wemic. "But id still like to know why you made your way here? What made you feel the need to tell us this?"
Zeoll Thursday January 24th, 2002 7:27:12 AM
Zeoll looks somewhat stunned at this news. "I'm glad I honorr all the gods now, since it seems to me that any given one could verry well die beforre I do!"
[OOC: Which reminds me, Laurent -- any word on when Zeoll will get his druid powers back?]
Answering Kenisha, Zeoll speculates. "I am not yet verrsed in the arrts of the seerr, so I can only guess. Maybe the pendant was some badge of alliance or token of belonging to one side orr anotherr?"
"Eitherr way, these tidings suggest that morre Trroubles arre ahead -- and we need to prreparre ourr people as best we can."
Kalon the Wemic Thursday January 24th, 2002 11:55:29 AM
Looking towards Kenisha he said,"Maybe the pendant was a symbol of Caeroldra's alliance to either Domi or Alemi. She cast it aside to join Marteau and the other woman I suspect was probably sister or daughter to Caeroldra and picked up the amulet to confirm her alliance to Alemi. Wether these alliances were in the form of marriages or just alliances it amounts to the same things gods picking sides."
More details about divine events - DM Laurent Friday January 25th, 2002 9:17:06 AM
You, the old Seer and his grandson, all come back at the Keep, to have lunch and talk a little bit more. The young wemic tell you hat his name is Sak'Heti, and his grandfather's name is Sak'Wha. It looks like the old blind wemic won't say more today, and just mutters incomprehensible words, as if he was half sleeping or delirious.
"It's like this since Domi's death." Explains Sak'Heti, alittle bit confused. "At first we thought he had turned mad, like some healers we knew, but with time it looked like the things he was seeing or dreaming of were really happening...".
"We have heard of you, and it a great honor to be guests at your own table Chosen, however, I have to tell you that we didn't come especially to see you. In fact, we came here to see the reunited heart, and more particularly the statues that, according to the rumor, have raised from fragments and dust. Grand'Pa wants to visit as much places of faith as he can during our pilgrimage, and he says that the Heartkeep is a great one as well as an important symbol of our unity."
"However, whe, we arrived yesterday, rumors about he end of the Wold were already there. It looks like the news have traveled quickly, and it's true hat many seers have been telling such things in the places we visited. Sometimes hey weren't true ones, but quite often Gran'Pa has been talking with them and said they were sharing his own knowledge of hidden things. Whoever came here before us, it looks like many people were convinced, and left the place for an underground shelter built on Wemic Island. They claim to be a religious community welcoming all Taurs to prepare for the end of the Wold."
"As for the pendants. Gran'Pa explained me that Caeroldra gave up her Love Goddess status -which explains why she threw away her old pendant - to become a new goddess. I don't know what is her new domain excatly, but from what I heard, her new symbol is a double-headed snake kissing itself. As for the One, she took Caeroldra's pendant as well as her role of Love Goddess if you want to know what I think..."
As if illustrating Sak'Heti words, a centaur messenger from the settlement guard arrives in the kitchen, and clears his throat.
"Hahem...Excuse me, but there is something strange on the shore. There are Taurs arriving on boats, mainly Minotaurs. They say they are coming from Fort Love, and some look really wounded. They say they don't want to follow the evil cultists anymore, and that they have been fooled by their goddess...They ask for hospitality and asylum, and healing for those who are wounded..."
Flat-top Friday January 25th, 2002 10:45:49 AM
Flat-top stands by the windows looking at nothing, just there and listening to what is going on. But when the guard arrived, Flat-top will go and see what is happening.
"Something strange on shore? Boats arriving with Minotaurs?" Flat-top turns and ask the rest of the party, "I thing we are needed at the shore right now. With food, healing potions and swords."
Zakeria(Ceil) Friday January 25th, 2002 10:58:25 AM
"Here! Here! Your Grandfather is very tired. As you can see now that he has eaten a little meal, he cannot keep his eyes open. Come I'll show you your room so that both of you can rest." Zakeria rises and adds,"Tomorow you'll all go and see the Heart, now come I'll show you where you can rest...!"
Apon seeing Flat-top reentering the dinning hall, saying something like needing help, Healing potions and OH! my swords. "I'll be right there!" she said,"I'll just show these taurs to a room, Then I'll be ready."
Kenisha Friday January 25th, 2002 11:48:05 AM
"Thank you, Zakeria." Kenisha says with a nod.
To the others she adds, "I knew there was something seriously wrong with those cultists. Let's go see what we can do for these minotaurs and just to be safe, be on the lookout for cultists hidden amongst the injured and refugees."
With that Kenisha takes off for the shore.
Kalon the Wemic Friday January 25th, 2002 12:25:28 PM
Kalon says to Kenisha,"I know it may not be very hospitable on our part but I think we should be cautious with these people. Only allow the wounded on the island for now and have the rest wait on the shore till we can be sure. Also if we don't already I think we should have a constant guard on the sacred heart chamber. Any who want to strike at us could cause alot of harm by striking in that chamber."
Zeoll d20+7=23 Sunday January 27th, 2002 10:38:59 AM
"Kalon, that's a grreat idea," Zeoll says. "We need to make surre that therre arre guarrds posted arround the Hearrt Chamberr at all times. And the Frront Doorr should be closed and locked when we arre not therre, do you think? Forr now at least."
Zeoll makes sure the door is locked and joins the group going to the shore where the Minotaurs have landed.
He talks with the minotaurs and listens carefully, trying to get a hunch about their true motives and sincerity (Sense Motive roll 23).
He takes off his armor and uses his bardic magic to cure one minotaur (cast cure light wounds). But there are others who seem badly wounded. Zeoll remembers how he used to cure others in Domi's name. His heart opens in a silent, spontaneous prayer:
"oh gods -- Alemi, Donyra, Wardd, Kerracles, and all who knew and loved Domi -- if only I could help these people. If only you could act through me ..."
Ceira Karwyn Sunday January 27th, 2002 8:42:00 PM
"Yes Kalon," comments Ceira. "it is better to approach with caution. We should ask them about their injuries and why they chose to come to us." Ceira then proceeds to follow the others out.
Raorr watches Sunday January 27th, 2002 8:54:11 PM
Staying away from most people Raorr remians quiet. The realization of Imod's fate finally begins to get through to him.
Real blood for true gods - DM Laurent Monday January 28th, 2002 7:37:00 AM
The Chosens walk in the direction of the seashore, and see that an efficient security line has been displayed. Not only are the barricades and pits prepared for he battle are still here, but a long line of Taurs with wooden spikes faces the area where boats can be seen. Behind the first line of guards another long line of Taurs holding bows or crossbows can also be seen, and a whispering crowd holding tools or improvised weapons is looking suspiciously at the sea. The Taurs on the small boats don't really look agressive. They shake white flags sometimes, but mainly seem to wait for an answer, calmly. From the seashore, many among the cultists seem to have dirty bandages, crutches, or simply obvious wounds on their faces or bodies. A couple of minutes of talking are enough to check their intentions (thanks to Zeoll), and they even agree to throw all the weapons they can have aboard in the water - They even throw heart-shaped weapons or shields wihtout hesitating. One by one, the boats are allowed to reach the shore, always under the vigilant eye of the settlement guard. The wounds are true, and so are the deads among the refugees... Everybody does his or her best to help, checking for hidden weapons, healing wounds, or leading the most wounded to beds (or bringing beds on the shore). So much sadness and blood is too much for Zeoll, who uses all his knowledge and magic to heal the betrayed followers of True Love. The sun is about to rise when a young centaur, formerly a scout, who tried to free the last prisoners of Fort Love, is brought to him. A deep, deadly wound can be seen in his flank, and the clothes of the young soldier are drenched with blood. He is breathing badly, and each inspiration seem to be more difficult. Zeoll, exhausted and helpless, glances at the dying stars, and desperatly prays the gods:
"oh gods -- Alemi, Donyra, Wardd, Kerracles, and all who knew and loved Domi -- if only I could help these people. If only you could act through me ..."
And suddenly, a feeling both new and familiar comes to Zeoll. The warm and peaceful tickling of divine magic flows through his body, and reaches the wound of the young centaur. Under Zeoll's eyes, he wound shrinks, and the blood stops. The young scout now seems to sleep, breathing slightly and regularly...
Kale Monday January 28th, 2002 9:15:49 AM
observing everything from afar, Kale doesnt move to help any of the minotaurs. pulling out his bow, Kale plays with the bowstring a bit, wondering if he will have to use it soon
Fla-top Monday January 28th, 2002 12:48:35 PM
Flat-top carries the supplies on his back and goes back and forth to bring back all that is needed. Flat-top trots back to Ceira and Kenisha and ask, "Is there any thing else I can get you for these Taurs. OH! A young bull calf? and a honored scout at that? Is he going to be all right?" Flat-top turns to The females, "How many of the one who are unable to walk or trot, are ready to take back to the Keep? I'll take this little one now if he's ready?"
Zakeria(Ceil) Monday January 28th, 2002 1:04:32 PM
Zakeria is very busy helping this one and that one, She even help give birth to a female Minotaur Who could not go any further, "Mother and calf is doing fine." She said to someone behind her. "Carry her to that tree over there and let her rest. Here's a blanket or two for the three of you." Zakeria walks to Zeoll, "Oh! My! They answered your prayers, you have your healing powers back. You see Zeoll, Domi had a lot of friends. I'm so happy for you." As Zakeria look for another one to help, she come across Kale, "I'm glad that you are looking out for our safety, Your doing a wonderful job. But even so I don't feel too safe and I don't know why?"
Zeoll Monday January 28th, 2002 5:17:51 PM
Zeoll is very grateful, to the gods for their help and to Zakeria for her kind words. "Thank you," he says.
"I think we should bring the wounded into places of safety, either here in Beach Village or up to the Keep."
Zeoll also feels nervous. There are too many ill omens, and it makes him feel nervous.
Kenisha Tuesday January 29th, 2002 12:24:59 AM
Kenisha, tired after helping out as much as she can, looks around. "Yes, I think you're right Zeoll. Those that can be moved and still need to be watched over for their injuries, we should take to the keep. The rest can stay either here or closer towards the Keep."
Moving closer to each of the Chosen in turn, she tells them quietly, "Keep you eyes sharp tonight."
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday January 29th, 2002 10:53:05 AM
Ceira blinks blankly at the wound that Zeoll just healed. "Wow... all it took were a few words. The dieties shine upon you with much favor Zeoll."
She turns back to the wounded and helps with the transfer of patients.
In the night - DM Laurent Tuesday January 29th, 2002 11:14:58 AM
As planned by the Chosens, orders are given so that the most heavily wounded are brought to the Keep while the others stay at a campaign hospital once designed to heal the victims of the cultists and not the (ex)cultists themselves. Moanings and people crying can be heard all the evening long. The Heartguard has been mobilized, and reinforced at the Heartchamber access. Suddenly, while most of the Chosen are talking with Sak'Heti about the omens and what he saw, half a dozen of guards can be seen running in the doorway of the Heartkeep, they look at each other, and come to the chosens. At the same time, Taeken, who has been helping with the prisoners for hours, appears in the room.
The Heart Guard looks curiously at the Chosens, and asks:
"But what are you doing? Isn't there a battle outside!?!? a couple of settlement soldiers came while we where guarding the Heart Chamber and said that we were under attack and that reinforcements were needed!!!"
Taeken hits his forehead with his paw, and adds:
"Oh no! Now I know where are the threee wounded cultists who disappeared!"
Flat-top Tuesday January 29th, 2002 2:37:39 PM
Flat-top Look at the others, "I was afraid of this. We have a fight on our hands. We have to know where they are coming from." Then look to Kenisha and ask," May I go out and see where the main body of their army is, Kanisha?"
Zakeria(Ceil) Tuesday January 29th, 2002 2:54:02 PM
Zakeria heart grows cold when she hears the news. First the minotaurs all hurt and needing of help. Then these three cultists disappearing? Flat-top is right some taur should go and spy and as much information as posable. "But it will not be you Flat-top, it will be me!" she tell herself. Putting on a black cloak and sneaking out the door without letting anyone know where she is going. And silently as the breeze, she was gone.
Zeoll Tuesday January 29th, 2002 7:17:26 PM
If Zeoll personally recognizes these Heart Guards, then ...
"Kenisha," Zeoll says, "I suggest that these loyal Hearrtguarrds should barr the doorrs frrom the inside and stand guarrd over the Hearrt. Leets, maybe you could help keep watch?"
"Then the rrest of us can go check this attack out."
If Zeoll does not recognize these Heart Guards, then he will be suspicious, and suggest that the strangers come with him out of the Keep.
But in both cases, Zeoll gives top priority to whatever Kenisha asks.
Kenisha Tuesday January 29th, 2002 8:15:29 PM
Kenisha's eyes grow big with fear. "I fear the attack is just a diversion! The Heart! To the Heart Chamber with all speed!"
Without waiting to see of the others follow her orders or not, Kenisha takes off as fast as she can race through the halls to the Heart's Chamber. She mentally prepares herself for combat.
Kalon the Wemic Tuesday January 29th, 2002 11:28:05 PM
Kalon stands confused by the others reactions. "I think the guards on the chamber have been diverted here" he says as he looks at the HEART GUARDS here. He turns running after Kenisha with all his speed.
Ceira Karwyn d20+3=9 Wednesday January 30th, 2002 2:14:49 AM
While running behind Kenisha she asks, "What could they possibly be doing in the Heart Chamber? Take the heart?"
(OOC: What's the estimated weight of it based soley on observation? Appraise=9... Oops, maybe not. Not sure if that's the right skill to use. ^_^)
Kale Wednesday January 30th, 2002 8:34:32 AM
"Search all the wounded for weapons. Anyone carrying any must be locked up immediatly!" Kale shouts to the guards as he takes off after the others
Unwanted guests - DM Laurent Wednesday January 30th, 2002 11:08:18 AM
A quick look through the narrow windows of the Keep is sufficient to see that there is no battle outside. No noise, no soldiers shouting, no metal striking metal. All the guards are still where they should be, by pairs on the dirt way snaking to the settlement, or at their usual places. From this point of view, the settlement also seems to be quiet, and only little groups of five or six Taurs holding pikes can be seen on the shore, seriously doing their soldier job. More or less quickly, you realize that the real problem is at the Heart Chamber, which must be the real target. Kenisha, Ceira and Kalon, followed by Kale and then the others, are the first arrived at the Heart Chamber (Ceira, you think that at least five Taurs would be needed just to lift the heart -- Cayzle, tell me if I'm wrong...). Here are three Taurs, two minotaurs and a centaur, bent over something near the wall. One of them suddenly see the arriving Chosens, and shouts : « HOLD THEM ! HOLD THEM AS LONG AS YOU CAN ! » One minotaur and the centaur, both holding a large steel shield, rush in your direction, trying to block the entrance. The two Taurs have lances, and try to keep you away, defending as well as they can, a spark of madness in their eyes. During this time, the remaining minotaur is still bent on...a small barrel, with BLUE VINE written on it. Whatever the minotaur is holding, he makes swift moves with his hands, and sparkles can be seen falling on the ground. Suddenly, he looks at you, looking half amazed, half mad, he shouts, and charges in your direction, yelling: « IF OUR GODDESS DOESN'T GET IT, NOBODY WILL ! HAHAHA ! ». While his voice dies in the middle of the battle noises, another noise, perhaps even more terrible, can be heard :
Kalon the Wemic d20+6=12 Wednesday January 30th, 2002 4:01:06 PM
Without hesitation Kalon rushes toward the three crazed taurs. At the last second he dodges and dives into a roll past them. With so many around he can't avoid them all.
OOC: Will attempt to tumble through adjacent squares past them to get to the bomb. Target for that is 15 (Got a 12 so they can have attacks of opportunity) If I have to go through an enemy square the target is 25 (still failed) either way I can roll up to 20ft through them. If necessary I will do a double move or even run. If I can do it in a half move he will ignore the damage he takes and try to yank the fuse out. AC 17 vs Attacks of opportunity if running AC 15
Flat-top d20+7=27 d20+7=18 d8+5=12 d8+5=12 d20=4 d20=1 Wednesday January 30th, 2002 5:13:18 PM
OOC:first roll is a crit hit (ac 27), second hit (ac 18)Damages are 12 hit points each (24hp); Hooves attack hit only air.
Flat-top rushes in behind Kale, he tell Kale "Watch out for the ones with the lances. I don't have my bow!" Flat-top takes on the stupid Centaur with the large shield, but Flat-top hit with all the force he can muster and put it onto his Morning Star. Then Flat-top rears up and hits with his hooves. "Raorr Get That Minotaur with the wine barrel. While we take care of the one with the tooth pick here."
Zeoll leaps! d20+34=47 d20=3 Wednesday January 30th, 2002 11:26:28 PM
Zeoll watches Kalon's attempt to defuse the situation.
Then, running and taking to the air like a bird, Zeoll makes an incredible running jump attempting to leap over the taurs blocking the way (Roll check 47 -- I'll run the numbers on height of jump tomorrow!). He thanks goodness he got this Ring of Jumping in the Catacombs!
As he lands, Zeoll tries to knock the barrel away from the Heart. (What kind of roll? My unmodified d20 = 3).
Kenisha 2d4(4+3)=7 Thursday January 31st, 2002 12:35:02 AM
Kenisha centers her sleep spell behind and between the two taurs blocking their way with lances, hoping to catch both of them with the spell.
Raorr (Still with the Group) Thursday January 31st, 2002 5:16:20 AM
Raorr follows the group solely because it seems execpted. RAorr watches Flat-top attack and looks to Kenisha to give him orders "Kenisha, you know and I know that if I attack I will kill those I oppose, are you sure you want him dead or do you want him alive. I may be a barbarian and even a loose cannon but you are the leader and you should give the orders not Flat-top. If you plan to unite the taurs you must start by leading them Tell them what to do, or else there is no point in having leadership."
OOC: I thought this was mentioned before but I guess I'll have to repeat myself.
Attention Flat-top... You CAN NOT make more than ONE attack if you move more than 5 feet in a round. Making multiple Attacks require a Full-Attack action.
Kale d20+2=19 d6=1 Thursday January 31st, 2002 9:28:06 AM
seeing spells going off and people attacking the guarding minotaurs, Kale stops and shoots at the rear taur, putting an arrow in him(hit ac 19 for 1 whole point of damage)
Ceira Karwyn Thursday January 31st, 2002 10:25:44 AM
Ceira sees Kalon charge but is not certain if he will make it. To be back up his intended rush, she casts the spell, Unseen Servent. She will summon the being near the fuse and order it to yank the fuse out.
(OOC: I am travelling and away from my rule books right now. So is the spell range permissible? If not, the servant will be placed as close as possible)
Desperate time - DM Laurent. Thursday January 31st, 2002 11:09:31 AM
Although things happen very quickly, the more you fight those Taurs, the more there eyes show sparks of madness. They behave as if not feeling your blades or arrows. They are not even affected by Kenisha's spell (on the other hand, Zeoll may be affected, unless he jumped high enough - VS 7). Your opponents don't have a coherent behaviour, and Kalon manage to roll on one size. With a shout you don't manage to understand, one of the minotaurs turns his back to the entrance follows Kalon, and trie to hit him, missing widely each time. The remaining centaur cultist is slayed by Flat-Top and Raorr's attacks, while the last one looks at Zeoll jumping and runs to him, lance first, with a savage shout. Zeoll kicks the barrel away from the Heart, however, whetever is inside, it's not liquid. The barrel rolls, slowly, in the direction of Domi and Alemi's new statues and suddenly...
...The fuse smokes and is extinguished, just after Ceira finished her summoning. The two remaining cultists tear up their clothes, shout even more louder, and charge Kalon and Zeoll desperatly.
Flat-top d20+7=17 d8+5=6 d20=5 d20=8 Thursday January 31st, 2002 12:36:15 PM
OOC:Attack morning star to hit ac 17, if any damage 6 hp. The hooves is to keep the ones with the lances at bay and away from Kalon and Zeoll.
Flat-top after bring down the centaur wit the shield and making threat with his hooves. Flat-top will go after the minotaur with the shield and will rear to keep the ones with the lances at bay.
Zeoll d20+1=10 d20=6 d20-3=-1 d20-3=7 Thursday January 31st, 2002 2:56:21 PM
Zeoll leaps a full 69.8 feet into the room and 18.7 above the floor at the peak of his jump -- well over the crazed taurs.
After the bomb fizzles, he turns to attack the taur that is attacking him. But all his attacks miss badly!
Kenisha d4+1=5 d4+1=2 Thursday January 31st, 2002 8:34:25 PM
ooc- Um I might be mistaken, but I don't think Raorr attacked last round. All he did was talk to Kenisha about her leadership abilities (or lack there of, in his humble opinion) 8)
Kenisha's eyes flash with anger as she turns to Raorr. "You want instruction? You want to be lead around by the nose ring? How's this? If you don't want to fight to save the Heart and all this room stands for, then go and keep those cultists from relighting that barrel! If not, get out of our way!"
With that she turns back to the fight and casts Magic Missile at the third taur cultist (the one who had been lighting the barrel) for 7 HPs.
Kalon the Wemic d20+4=22 d6+3=4 d8+3=4 Friday February 1st, 2002 12:08:56 AM
Kalon seeing the insanity in the eyes of these two taurs shakes his head sadly.
"Do not give up hope taurs. Love is still to be found. The love of our fallen lord Domi may yet reside in your hearts if you have the courage to find it." He then stands in front of the barrel arms at his side relaxed but ready to strike.
OOC: He will attack any enemy taur that strikes at him or tries to get past him to the barrel. He is trying to administer a stunning blow. Rolled a 22 for the to hit roll. 4 points of damage for the unarmed attack. Save vs being stunned is a fortitude check vs DC12. Zeoll I don't recall wether you told me the resolution for large humanoid monk's damage. If we are using the increased damage it is the 1d8+3 roll. 4 either way
Raorr d20+6=20 Friday February 1st, 2002 5:16:55 AM
Raorr looks down at his fallen foe, then back towards Kenisha. Raorr looks at the barrel as Kalon guards it protectively. In a quiet muffled tone he mutters "Very well, Kenisha".
Raorr drops his Greatsword and Shield and begins to walk towards the barrel and the Wemic who stands guarding it from the maddened taurs. "Step aside Kalon, I am taking that barrel. Go protect your love, I will not let them light the barrel while I live."
With that Raorr attempts to grab the barrel (provoking an attack from Kalon).
OOC: Kenisha Raorr sent provate message with with attack rolls yesterday.
Raorr's AC is 19 Raorr's grab Hits AC 20 (which should hit an unattended inanimate object).
Kale d20+5=10 Friday February 1st, 2002 9:22:37 AM
not having anything to shoot at, Kale draws his sword and moves to support Flat-Top, but misses with his sword(ac 10)
Ceira Karwyn Friday February 1st, 2002 11:40:41 PM
Ceira continues to concentrate with her Unseen Servant near the barrel. If anyone attempts to light it with a match or some other mechanism, then she will order her Unseen Servant to remove it.
A Cold Sweat - DM Laurent d20+2=14 Monday February 4th, 2002 9:32:08 AM
The two remaining Taurs are beyond the edge of fanaticism, but they are only two...Most of the Chosens now stand between the barrel (if not holding it...) and the cultists, and unfortunately the two fakes guards focus on their bomb. They almost look like rabids when trowing their lances away and trying to grab the barrel. They shout insanities, and their spittle skims at their lips. Kalon strikes his minotaur ennemy right in the face, but this one doesn't collapse. However, he recives Kenisha's magic missile, and it does no good. Flat-Top with Kale standing by his side follow the crazed centaur cultist, who wants to reach the barrel. They strike him, with more success for Flat-Top than for Kale. During this time, the two remaining cultists don't even see or hear the true Heart Guard arriving. The ashamed brave Taurs followed the Chosens when they realized what was happening, and all together, they have no troubles immobilizing the intruders...Those are brought to the Heartkeep jail, where are already kept their own commanders. In the hall of the Keep, the centaur cleric Taeken is now waiting, and soon his fellow Ferazan arrives too. They both look really worried.
Kale Monday February 4th, 2002 9:40:09 AM
sheathing his sword, Kale says "Well, what do we do with these two? Execute them?"
Zeoll d20+7=9 Monday February 4th, 2002 10:09:42 AM
Zeoll stands with the two clerics (Taeken and Ferazan) behind him and Kalon before. He holds up his hands in a peaceful gesture.
"Kalon, wait. The rrage of battle is still on you. These arre Taeken and Ferrazan, the loyal prriests, forrmerrly of Domi, who joined ourr cause afterr Domi's death. They have been helping with the many Taurrs who came to us in rrecent weeks and months. It may be that some errrorr they made trriggerred this most rrecent attack, but I trruly doubt they arre rresponsible. At least let us hearr theirr storry."
He turns to the two clerics and asks them, "My frriends, what do you know about these events? Why is worrrry wrritten on yourr faces? Come, and tell us all."
As he listens to whatever they say, Zeoll uses his soul to judge their words (Sense Motive check above for a hunch: roll 9 is not very revealing!)
Kenisha d20=12 Monday February 4th, 2002 10:17:40 AM
Kenisha, still looking very angry, answers Kale "Interrogate them if we can, but I doubt we will get very much from them. Still we must try. Anyone here skilled in doing that? Raorr? You're always saying how good you are, prove it."
With that she goes to examine the barrel and it's contents. (Her die roll will depend on which skill she needs to use. Alchemy=17, Winemaking=16, Knowledge Arcana=19)
Flat-top Monday February 4th, 2002 3:40:41 PM
Flat-top is huffing and puffing. "Question them? They tried to destroy the Heart! Well,! If that what you think is going to get someplace, then I'm with you." Flat-top releases the Centaur. But does not put his Morning Star away. Watching the crazed one very closely.
DM Carl: Doors of Perception Tuesday February 5th, 2002 10:28:04 AM
The prisoners are taken away, and over the course of the coming week are interrogated at length. They are less than forthcoming, however, and it would seem that their sole motivation in their attempted act of unholy vandalism was a combination of lunacy and fanaticism.
The Chosen, rejoined by Leets, continue to debate what the best route forward might be in light of recent tragic events. How do they best respond to Domi's death? How can they lead the Taurs to unity?
Two weeks after the attempted bombing a young colt, one of the Heart Chamber guards, tentatively approaches the Chosen.
"Umm, excuse me? I'm not really sure how to explain this, Chosen Ones, perhaps it would be best if I showed you..."
He leads you down to the Heart Chamber. All is as before, except that between the statues of Domi and Alemi, there now stands an arched doorway. The arch, set into the wall, is of soft sandstone, intricately patterned and carved. It looks (though you know it to be madness) as if it has always been there.
The door itself is more like a pool, some sort of silvery reflective liquid, that ripples and flows to the touch with a strange hypnotic beauty. It reminds you in a way of the doorway over on Centaur Isle, the one that led you to Lankhmar several months ago.
As one, you walk forward. There is no doubt, no fear. Each of the Chosen squares their shoulders, and one after the next...
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