Best Done Quickly (DM Cayzle) Monday April 22nd, 2002 6:20:57 PM
Sir Thomas makes his declaration and then leads the group of would-be heros off the wall and into the town. There are many people lying on the earth, stunned or dead or dying? Sir Thomas heals Ilsidur and offers options.
Ilsidur, groping for his connection to his god, feels something, but it is not the usual link he expects normally. Ever since he came to this town from the burning safe house, his connection has been weak, and he has had to pray twice as long for spells as usual -- as has Sir Thomas. The dwarf suggests seeking out one of the few seemingly friendly faces the group has discovered.
Trace wants to know about the machine -- and indeed, the question is very relevant, since you all can feel its foul humming wherever you go, pulling spiritually at you, distracting and sapping in its strange way.
Sly, Altemia, and Willem each grapple with events as best they can, offering ideas, asking questions, and listening.
Jurgen feels some resonance in his idle words about chaos and keys. Maybe chaos is the key ...
Meanwhile, the sound of squad after squad marching through the portal into the Wold -- not to mention the sapping drone of the machine -- not to mention the bodies lying scattered -- all conspire to drag at the nerves and drain the will. Events are now in motion -- whatever you decide to do, you sense, 'twere best done quickly!
Sir Thomas Monday April 22nd, 2002 11:35:11 PM
Seeing that everyone else has just as many questions as he does, Thomas sheaths his sword and takes the perverbial reigns. "We have only a few options friends and the way it feels, fewer moments. We can stay here and look about or we can try to follow that army through the portal. I think it best we stay here because the odds of the other are not good, and with luck we will catch up to that army soon enough. Since Pryte-Honos can carry me much faster than the rest of you I'm going to go get our friend from the Eagle Warehouse. I hope he's home. I will meet you where you think is best. either somewhere on the route to his house or at one of the Temples - Marteus or Alemi. Hurry with your response." Thomas spurrs Pryte into a jaunt and keeps that pace only long enough to hear the loud decision of his friends. He then buckles down for Pryte's full gallop and off the two go to find the mystic man who sees dreams.
Jurgen Tuesday April 23rd, 2002 12:57:14 AM
The boy sees that ruin, death, distruction and decay will all be around to rule this day. They'd better work fast, if they wanted to do this. Chaos... Chaotic. The unruliness of chaos. Something that was unorganized? Or something that was without rules or restrictions?
"Wait. We need to go to a temple. I think the evil one would be best. They know more of chaos then any other, probably. Other then that I'm stuck in my mess of thoughts. Unless we're to create chaos in their minds and thoughts... I don't know what to do... Maybe the machine strives on order. Just replace that order with the other end of the spectrum!!!"
The boy attempts to realize his problems and solve them, in the same moment, watching the oncoming army.
[OOC: You could see the army and the Giant from the top of the town wall, but the group is currently in town off the wall. You can see huge bats and dragons circling away over there in the sky. -- DM Cayzle]
Trace and Radiant Tuesday April 23rd, 2002 2:33:02 AM
Trace ask Sir Thomas for a ride back to the stables to pickup shadow and to offer help. Two is allways better than one.
Sly Foxx and Luke Tuesday April 23rd, 2002 3:51:48 AM
Sly watches the sea of people and listens to what Sir Thomas and Trace are telling them. There are right what they need is more infomation to fight. Sly turns and tell the rest of the party "Let's go back to the warehouse and by the time we get there we should know more and better equipt for the battle to come. Come Luke." Then Look up and ask Altemia, "Walk with me, Little Sister, I need your company. Jurgen and Willim we'll show you the way. Ilsidur do you need any help?"
Ilsidur Tuesday April 23rd, 2002 8:59:06 AM
Ilsidur thanks Sir Thomas for the healing, "Thank you, young Sir. Lets head back to the warehouse, and see if we can find that priest. We need to find out whatever we can about this symbol on our hands. I don't remember us ever looking into just what the symbol means. If someone did, could they please remind me?"
On the way to the warehouse, Ilsidur uses his healing proficiency to aid anyone he can.
Comings and Goings (DM Cayzle) Wednesday April 24th, 2002 7:47:51 AM
Sir Thomas and Trace quickly return to the Pellet Can Inn, where they pick up Uteva, Trace's mount, and any other belongings they had left behind. Then they go to the Eagle Warehouse, in search of the visionary who had helped them, Mattric.
Willem, Jurgen, Sly, Ilsidur, and Altemia walk over to the warehouse too. On the way, Ilsidur tries to heal some of the people who are lying in the streets, but they are -- it seems clear to him -- dead.
There are corpses everywhere, the army continues to march, and bats fly overhead. Everyone (including Trace, Uteva, and Sir Thomas) please roll a Reflex Save vs. DC 10 or a bat has flown low over you and its shadow has fallen on you. If its shadow falls on you, roll a Fortitude Save vs. DC 10. And please mention in your post what you roll.
At the warehouse, there is no sign of any occupancy. Mattric is not there. So the group returns to his house. There, he puts on no show of hostility. The group finds him in the foyer of his house, the door open, and he is sitting in a chair looking out into the street. The bodies of his staff are laying at his feet, and he is weeping.
When he sees you approach, he cries, "Alas! The end is come! The army of darkness marches on the Wold. The people of Abandon are dead and dying."
Then he looks at you with greater clarity. His voice changes, and for a moment it sounds like the old woman's, Moragh's voice. "And where are the Children of Chaos? What will they do?"
He looks up, and following his eyes you see that the bats overhead just happen to fly in a pattern of a spiral -- just for a moment, and then the shape deforms and the bats scatter.
In his normal voice, Mattric says, "What is going on?"
Sly Foxx and Luke d20+6=20 Wednesday April 24th, 2002 1:54:03 PM
Sly watches those bats and anything else that might hurt the little party. When they arrived at the warehouse and joined Sir Thomas and Trace. They set off to the house and the strange happenings, Sly will turn to his friends and take their lead at anything they do. OOC: Sly made his save.
Jurgen d20+4=20 d20+9=25 Wednesday April 24th, 2002 9:36:02 PM
Jurgen walks along, avoiding the corpses. He keeps his head up, looking away from the death and carnage before him. Never has he been forced to face the pangs of this magnitude. Horrid and evil... That was the only thing that could have done this.
"Oh my... Domi- Alemi help me!" The boy rushes to behind a corner, throwing up. He coughes a couple of times, and wipes his face with his shirt. Then he returns to the group, looking straight ahead. The bodies of the living lay all over, with the bodies of the dead... Perhaps no pain was felt to them, but Jurgen was certainly being destroyed by this. He was too young... then again, all were too young to see this. If the others could stand it, then he would have too. If not, then he'd find something else to do. He didn't need to adventure... and find out why he was here. These "Children of Chaos" appeared able to handle themselves... But could Jurgen handle himself in a world unknown?
Jurgen sees the bats long before they arrive and land on him, not that they are. It seems they're trying to fly over, covering the light and dropping their deadly shadows over. He jumps back, getting away from the shadow, but instead he lands on a dead body. He looks at it for a moment, then pulls himself up quickly.
[Reflex Save, Success, Roll of 16 + 4 is a 20]
He gathers his courage, just long enough to inspect a body. He checks it for wounds, or if the soul was just sucked from the body. A horrid death... The afterlife wouldn't accept one without a soul. Although, you might not have an afterlife... so that'd be an up side. Unless they lived eternity... not living.
[Arcane Knowledge, Success at DC 25. Roll of 16 + 9 is a 25]
Sir Thomas d20=14 d20=15 Wednesday April 24th, 2002 10:21:56 PM
Sir Thomas waits for Trace and the two go zipping through the streets to get Uteva and Shadow. (Rolled 14 + 5 = 19 Reflex) Once they get to Mattric's house with the others they hurry inside to find the seer. Actually feeling quite surprised that the man is alive Thomas listens to his words. "There are no children of chaos here. We follow the laws of Alemi and gods like him; the good gods. However, we bear the mark of the bell." Thomas shows the spiral mark on his hand. "We plan to act, but are unsure of the proper place to do so and what exactly to do. We know we must kill an immortal. Marteus did it to Domi; we must do it to Marteus. Come with us Mattric; come away from Abandon with us." Thomas takes the man by the arm and tries to help him stand. "We want you to come with us. Yet, if you won't, it is extremely important that you tell us how a mortal would kill a god. We will face Marteus for the good of you and the good of the Wold, and the good of the old gods of the Wold. Please tell us what you know about killing a god." (Rolled 15 + 10 = 25 for a Diplomacy check if needed to help him tell us what he knows if he is reluctant or out of touch with reality considering the situation.)
The Voices of Gods [CDM Jerry] Thursday April 25th, 2002 12:11:25 AM
Throughout The Wold, voices are heard. The Voices of Gods.
"So mother, you have truly fallen and become that which your former priests spoke against for so long: A slave to Passion!"
"No daughter, I have evolved. I have found the truth. Love hurts. Passion brings joy. I am now dedicated to forcing the Races of The Wold to realize this truth. Only the truth will let the races evolve. Only the truth will bring balance to The Wold. Today I am here to teach you this truth. You have always been my favorite daughter. You always went with your passions and used your god given abilities to force those who loved deeply to see the joy that only passion can bring.
"Now however, daughter, you have regressed and embraced the pain of deep love. You have failed. Your teachings of deep love must and will end. I have brought a strong handsome god with me. Ga'al, meet Flower, my daughter. Is she not beautiful?"
"Yes. Very."
"I have not failed. I have seen the truth. Passion brought me nothing but pain and deep love has saved me. I have learned the love of family, friends, and even learned to love you, whom I once despised. Most of all, I have learned to love the people of The Wold, from whom I once took so much."
"Flower you have learned nothing. I will teach you to evolve. You will learn passion...with Ga'al."
"Caeroldra, you are so misled. I am truly sad. I will have nothing to do with a Cult God. I leave you. However, the next time we meet, even though I love you deeply, we meet as enemies. Goodbye mother....for all time"
"Fine. Die in ignorance."
"AAIIIIEEEEEE!"
"Goodbye....daughter."
::POP::
"I AM ALEMI! Carol, what have you done?"
"You do not control me any longer, Alemi!"
"I never controlled you. I simply loved you. Now it is my duty to judge you. I find you guilty of murder. The sentence is Oblivion!"
"NOOOO AAUUUUUUUGH!"
::The sky turns pink and then red as the Goddess of Love and the Goddess of Passion are slain.::
"Ga'al. Look upon me and recognize me.
"I AM ALEMI, SUPREME OF THE GODS OF WOLD! HEAR MY WORDS AND TREMBLE!
"For crimes against the Noble Races, I hereby judge the self-named Cult Gods GUILTY and declare HOLY WAR upon them!
"Now go, Ga'al and speak my words to your cowardly brethren. The next time we meet IT WILL BE WAR!!
"May The Wold mourn the passing of the GODDESS OF LOVE.
"I go to mourn the passing of an old friend."
::...And it begins to rain.::
- - - - - - - - - -
[Clerics of Caeroldra or Flower need to make a Will save DC 14 plus your Cleric Class Level. If you succeed, you are still beset with feelings of obsessive love or the urge to give in to your desires, but are able to control them to an extent. If you fail, your DM will tell you the results and the options available to you.]
[All non-Clerics must make a Will save DC 12 plus half your Character Levels. If you succeed, you are still beset with feelings of obsessive love or the urge to give in to your desires, but are able to control them to an extent. If you fail, your DM will tell you the results and the options available to you.]
Jurgen d20+3=6 Thursday April 25th, 2002 12:45:38 AM [Will Save, DC 14, Failure with a 6]
(DM Cayzle) Thursday April 25th, 2002 5:36:37 AM Folks, please feel free to respond to Jerry's post, even if you have already posted. Make your saves, and I'll e-mail you what happens if you fail.
Ilsidur d20+3=16 d20+6=20 d20+9=16 Thursday April 25th, 2002 8:49:01 AM
Ilsidur travels with the party, becoming more and more depressed at the devastation all around. He struggles to maintain connection with his Lord Marmathon Dur, but the connection continues to be uncharacteristically faint.
He feels the malevolence in the bats' shadows as they pass overhead, and is careful to avoid any of the shadows passing over him. [OOC: made reflex save of 16 vs DC10.]
As the young mage (Jurgen) returns ashen-faced to the group, Ilsidur approaches him and asks, "Are you all right, Jurgen? I realize that this scene is horrible and disheartening, but what is done is done. We can mourn their passing, but we seem to be tasked with finding a way to defeat whatever it is that caused this catastrophe. And we need all of our strength and resolve to do this task." He claps the new comrade on the shoulder.
He listens to what Sir Thomas asks the priest, and adds, "I don't know if it is our task to kill a god, but we have been tasked to find out how. If you cannot help us, do you know someone who can?" He watches the bats form the spiral pattern overhead, and wonders if there is any significance to the pattern [OOC: Knowledge (religion) roll successful vs DC20.]
All discussion stops as the gods' voices penetrate the Wold. [OOC: I figure Ilsidur's save would be vs DC15 or DC16, since he is 7th level, and not a priest of either power. His save was successful, with a Will save roll of 16.] Feelings of love, passion and loss wash over him, but his now-tenuous connection to his Lord Marmathon Dur allows him to shake off the overpowering feelings.
Sly Foxx and Luke d20+5=25 Thursday April 25th, 2002 11:13:47 AM
Sly just stand there by Trace and Sir Thomas, When there was those voices. Sly grabs his head and tells himself that since that red rain every thing is differant for him. *I don't knowwhy? I cannot control my emotion any more and I jump into a battle with out thinking, now these voices. What's wrong with me?*
OOC:Sly is level is 8th. So he has to beat dc12 + 4 = 16 and his save is a natural 20+5will. I think Sly Made it. If not pleas let me know.
Willim the Drifter d20+7=9 d20+6=26 d20+3=13 Thursday April 25th, 2002 1:08:44 PM
(failed earlier save because of bats flying overhead with 9, passed fortitude save with a 26, failed "love" save with a 13)
Willim puts his hands to his face.
(sorry everyone for not posting the last couple of days. Had PC trouble. Will be regular poster once again.)
Uteva d20+8=17 d20+7=9 Thursday April 25th, 2002 1:39:05 PM
At the Pellet Can, Uteva has Shadow saddled and packed when Sir Thomas and Trace arrive. After the confusion of townsfolk rushing northward through town, she's relieved to see that her friends are well. "I heard that dratted bell ringing again. What's happened?" She grills Trace about the day's events on the way to Mattric's, dodging bat-shadows along the way. (Reflex=17)
By the time she greets her remaining friends, the slim bard is pale as death beneath her masses of freckles. Still, she musters a welcoming smile for the two strangers. "I'm Uteva Nerine," she says, clasping first Willim's hand, then Jurgen's. "We're well met if you've been marked by the Bell. Though I'd prefer better circumstances for it." She wears leather armour over practical travelling clothes, with daggers strapped here and there about her person. A bright yellow cloth band holds her chestnut curls off her face and shoulders.
"I gather this shadow machine provided the power to open the rift out there on the plain. What do we know about rifts? Is the machine thing still supplying energy to hold it open? If we kill or destroy the machine, maybe we can trap a good portion of that army on this side of the rift.
"Who got a good look at these -- troughs of whatever behind the machine. Could you tell if the liquid was draining from the machine, or being supplied to it? Maybe we can cut off --"
Teva cuts off as the distant actions of the gods once more impinge themselves on her conciousness. She feels these divine deaths far more keenly than ever she felt the loss of Domi. (Will=7, fail)
Sir Thomas d20=3 Thursday April 25th, 2002 11:38:51 PM
(OOC: I think I just had a will save to make.)
Rolled 3 + 10 = 13 vs 12+3.5=15.5 Failed.
I await the results and Mattric's response to my questions.
Trace and Radiant d20+4=8 d20+3=20 d20+4=5 d20+4=24 Friday April 26th, 2002 5:11:37 AM
missed roll for bat but fortitude passed with 20 failed love roll with a horrible 5 second roll is incase the roll 1 is affected here passed with 24 if so.
Trace rides back to the group upon Shadow along with Radiant and awaits for the others to suggest a plan.
Love Spills Into The Wold (DM Cayzle) d20+7=18 Friday April 26th, 2002 10:39:17 AM
Before the Voices of the Gods speak, Jurgen tries to come to grips with the situation (nicely role played) and is comforted bny Ilsidur. Jurgen inspects the corpses lying in the streets, and he is troubled. The bodies are cooling and still -- dead for sure. But there is no smell of death, none of the distress that comes in death when the musculature relaxes and ceases to function. Indeed, although the hearts do not beat, the blood in these bodies has not pooled, and there is no sign of the onset of the stiffness of death, not in the face, where it usually appears first, nor in the limbs. Perhaps a necrologist or necromancer could say more, but it is strange to Jurgen.
Uteva, being brought up to date, has a number of sensible questions. She only has time to voice a few before the gods speak.
Rejoined, the entire group -- Altemia, Ilsidur, Jurgen, Sly, Thomas, Trace, Uteva, and Willim -- talks with Mattric. The group encounters him in the foyer of his house, surrounded by the bodies of his servants. Sir Thomas beseeches the seer for help, and asks him to leave Abandon.
Mattric stares at the spiral in Thomas's hand. "That is a key to the downfall of the Potent," he says. "It will open ways for thee and for thy friends -- I have seen it in dreams. I would come with you, but I do not bear the mark, so I think it would not be permitted."
"I see two paths before you, whether you are Children of Chaos or no. Thou speak of killing Marteus the Black -- that is one path. But look around you! Abandon is dying! It's people are dying! Would you step on another path to save them? Or will you abandon Abandon in a quest to kill one of the Potent Divine Powers? Can you save Abandon and still kill Marteus both? Or will you fail in both if you try?"
"Stay to save Abandon? Go to kill a God? What is your choice?"
Then the Voices of the Gods speak.
The ever-present hum of the machine pauses when the gods speak, then resumes again.
Afterward, Mattric bends over the body of the servant who lays dead at his feet. He is weeping openly as he hugs the corpse. "Arotha -- Arotha -- never did I tell thee that I loved thee!" He gently kisses the body on the lips. He ignores everything else.
As the Powers of Love die, love runs through the town like Their blood, and it soaks all just as the falling rain soaks the corpses that litter the street. The effect of that shed and spilled Love is obvious in Mattric's crazed eyes as he embraces a corpse. And it is obvious among the group as well -- in the way Jurgen is looking at Uteva, for example, and in the affect on Willim, Uteva, Thomas, and Trace (OOC: see my e-mail before posting, please).
Only Ilsidur, Sly, and Altemia are (more or less) unaffected.
[OOC: Feel free to post as often as you like over the week-end.]
Trace and Radiant Friday April 26th, 2002 1:23:34 PM
Trace tries to shake a feeling of lighthartedness but is overcome with the feeling for love. He looks around the room and to no suprise his gaze falls upon Uteva and what slight feelings he might have had before are multiplied and thrown out into the open. Trace walks over to Uteva not saying a word and only takes her hands and faces her showing love beaming from his face.
Sly Foxx and Luke Friday April 26th, 2002 3:31:12 PM
Sly sits on the steps with Luke. Sly is in deep though, realy trying to remember what his mother told him about the gods, *I know it was more of a history lessons. But is was more on the subject of the Gods. I wish I could remember.* Thinking to himself. Sly will feed Luke and then Sly will study his Book of Spells, hoping to remember... remember...
Jurgen d20+2=22 Friday April 26th, 2002 5:18:27 PM
The boy listens to Mattric carefully, capturing his words and trying to focus away from the dead. He comes to realize that he didn't just step into a troubled world... He stepped into a path where he was the savior and he would have to choose between saving those whom he knew not, and stopping an evil who could kill even more...
Then the gods speak, and Jurgen is changed. No longer does he have a look of disgust on his face, no longer is he the scared boy he was moments ago. His eyes slide for a moment, Uteva stopping them. He grins widely, striding over.
But to his suprise, Trace takes his lady. She would be Jurgen's! He would face much pain, unless he left her that moment.
"Leave her be! She wants you not! I am her one true love! Take your hands off her, or I'll be forced to remove them!"
[Strength Check, To Push Trace Away From Uteva] The boy attempts to rid Uteva of Trace's fowl-play, by using force. If successful, he then takes Uteva's hand and speaks calmly and quietly.
"Greetings fair maiden... It seems I have rescued you from the fowl stench of that man. Perhaps I could be... rewarded?" He winks, keeping his eyes upon his prize.
Willim the Drifter Saturday April 27th, 2002 12:58:30 AM
" Unhand that lady, you have behaved very disrespectfully. Niether of you know how to love a woman like I know how to love a woman." Raises bow and aims an arrow at Jurgen's face," Do not force me to defend her honour. I have already witnessed you insult the honour of Trace."
Uteva Saturday April 27th, 2002 10:22:54 AM
Teva gasps at finally seeing the long-hoped-for emotion in Trace's wide, slanted eyes. Desire wells within her, and she squeezes the elf's hands, tugging him closer, only to have him torn from her completely.
"No!" she wails to the youth now before her. She studies Jurgen's dark eyes, finding his heavy features exotic, and so much more human. And her desire persists.
Oblivious to the accusations and threats flying around her, she reaches a small hand to one of the gashes in his shirt. The feel of warm flesh and rough-torn fabric draw her closer. Without thought, Teva pulls Jurgen down for a passionate kiss. Her fingers tangle in the dark braids at his nape.
Ilsidur d20+6=19 d20+6=24 Saturday April 27th, 2002 2:30:26 PM
Ilsidur feels the waves of passion and love wash over him and try to possess him. He recognizes right away that these forces are greater than normal desires, and are powered by magical forces. As he shakes off the after-effects of the forces, he watches in amusement as the rest of the party tries to woo each other. "Silly humans and elves," he mutters to himself,"they need to learn to control their passions. Every dwarf knows these passions belong in the privacy of your dwelling, and only with your life-soul mate."
His amusement turns to concern, and then worry, as his friends become more and more passionate in their struggles with each other, and as Jugen pushes at Trace. His worry turns to fear as Willim raises his bow and points his arrow at Jurgen. He shouts, "ENOUGH! I call on the power of Marmathon Dur to expunge these unnatural feelings and desires from your hearts and minds!" [OOC: Ilsidur casts dispel magic, 30' radius of effect, to try to capture as many affected party members as possible. Not being sure who is affected and who is not, he will try to capture the entire party in the area of effect. He will at least capture Willim, Jurgen, Trace and Uteva. I used a hero point to reroll the dispel roll, so the end result is a DC24 result for the spell.]
Sir Thomas Saturday April 27th, 2002 3:30:19 PM
Thomas is more confused than any it seems. After the gods speak he is strongly torn between two actions. One, accepting Sly as a family member and taking the boy under his wing to help him deal with the unfortunate events that have occured to all, especially him, recently. And two, wanting to approach Altemia to express his feelings of respect and love toward her for her continuous show of wisdom and self control. With such little time and these feelings he sees his friends accosted by the newcomers to the group. Despite his desires for wanting to express feelings that he knows should be suppressed for more logical actions, Thomas draws his sword and holds it to Willim's throat. "Drop the bow boy, and do it slowly. You are accosting my friends, and it seems you are too late to attain Uteva's affection. I'll not have any of it." (Should Willim act aggressively Thomas will cut his throat - Readied action? However, if Ilsidur's spell works or if Willim acts reasonably Thomas will not act to kill him.) Thomas starts to address Jurgen, but Uteva acts acceptingly of his actions and so Thomas backs off feeling unwarranted to pursue his actions.
Thomas feels his chest begin to tighten as if he were going to cry. It is not a feeling he is familiar with, but his desire to resolve his feelings is overwhelming him quickly. He hopes deeply that this situation resolves very soon.
Sly Foxx and Luke Saturday April 27th, 2002 8:32:22 PM
Sly attention is alerted when there is a loud noises coming from the group. Sly walks over and gets between sir Thomas 's blade and Willim. Sly will speak to Trace, then to the two new comers. "Big Brother, Take Teva to the fire side, please. Now for you two we are a group, we look out for each other, we look for the safety of the group. Now like Sir Thomas has said put your weapons away and go wash your faces." Sly will face then down, when they show signs of returning to normal. Sly ask Sit Thomas, "Sir Thomas, you wanted to talk to me? Have I done something wrong?"
Willim the Drifter Sunday April 28th, 2002 12:32:59 AM
Willim lowers his bow. " I have not accosted your friends. I merely reacted to the hostile actions of Jurgen. If his love is wanted by this woman fine, but he made the first aggressive act. I made no moves towards anyone else, so I have not accosted your friends as you have said."
Jurgen Sunday April 28th, 2002 2:17:01 AM [This is providing that the Dispel Magic doesn't work, I will make another part saying what Jurgen does it it does work. Oh yeah... Jurgen shoots, Jurgen SCORES!]
Jurgen, although slightly worried about Willim, ignores the bow and looks into Uteva's eyes deeply. He lets her hand slide along his chest, smiling like a child who has more candy then all the others. He is about to make his move, when she kisses him. He, although eager for this moment to happen, knows nothing of how to kiss one as fair as she and he just mimics her.
The boy laughes at the silly dwarf, but keeps his eyes upon Uteva the lovely. If only he could use words to discribe her beauty. If only he could tell her how amazing she was... but alas, words weren't enough. The silence would tell it all though... She would understand.
If she goes off to the fire, Jurgen joins her, holding her hand if she allows. He attempts to be the perfect gentleman, but stays silent and calm. He is quite happy although something is nagging at the back of his mind, but Uteva is too strong a vision.
[The following happens if the Dispel Magic worked.]
The young one kisses Uteva as well as he can, loving every minute of it... but as he does so, the magic runs off him and he returns to his regular state. He realizes what is transpiring and he, rather elated, continues. He stops after a moment or two and then runs off, just sitting alone for a minute.
"Uh oh Jurgen. She's gunna be awfully angry at you in a minute and that won't be good at all... She is cute though..." The boy just stares at Uteva, somewhat lovestuck. Maybe magic was just a boost in the boy... Although it could be a boyhood crush, as often these things happen.
His hand goes to the hair that she touched, rubbing it softly in his hands. Her hands had, kind of, touched his own. In a loving manner... He takes a deep breath and sighs, slowly and quietly.
Too much of a good thing? (DM Cayzle) Sunday April 28th, 2002 10:36:59 AM
Ilsidur casts his spell, and maybe it works, or maybe the Love begins to ebb anyway. Whichever, the strongest passions begin to wane. Although these strange feelings are still there, they are weaker. And getting even more weak, slowly. Weapons are lowered. Kisses end. Tempers die. Weeping ends. Something strange is going on, but at least know you can step back and ponder the emotions that have washed over you.
[OOC: feel free to post in response or wait for Monday's post from me -- Cayzle.]
Uteva Sunday April 28th, 2002 3:51:44 PM
Uteva covers her mouth with her hand and backs away from Jurgen, her eyes wide with confusion. "I'm sorry, I --" Her gaze darts to Trace, and eyes tear up. "I'm so sorry. We don't -- we don't have time for this."
She retreats toward Altemia, putting even more space between herself and the men. "And while seeking out the means to kill a god is a fine quest for later, I think we need to focus on the problem before us. That machine is still in operation, and it's apparently killing the townsfolk. I'm guessing that our connections to the Gods of Wold or possibly our memories of the world outside the Void have protected us. That means it's up to us to put a stop to it.
"Besides, this dratted humming is driving me mad!" Teva fists her hands on her hips and grins at her friends, though she still avoids Trace's gaze.
"What do we know? We know that the Black Robes must have used their Pour Life spell already, since the machine is draining energy from the townsfolk. We can assume it's using that energy for the storm giant's dimensional rift. We know that the machine and black robes drove you out of the Nave, but didn't pursue you into the concourse of the temple. This suggests to me that they need to be in the Nave to do whatever it is that they're doing. It also means that they believe there is some way you could interfere if you were allowed to stay.
"So the big questions are: what's in the Nave that they need? Those vats? And how can we disrupt their activities?"
Sir Thomas Sunday April 28th, 2002 6:49:03 PM
After Ilsidur's spell Thomas evaluates the situation as it is rather than how he perceived it. He looks at Willim and Sly with a confused and hurt look. "I am sorry Willim. I do not know you, nor do I know Jurgen very well. I acted irrationally and I can't figure out why I did so. Please forgive me for my aggression toward you." He then focuses his gaze completely on Sly, "Thank you for interjecting my friend. I do have some words for you that will not wait, but my feelings seem to be in check when only moments ago they were not. At any rate, I feel no less close to than I did previously. In our time together I have come to think of you as a true brother and friend. We don't always see eye to eye, but it does not change things. When we have more time I would like to share these feelings of family with you to a greater extent. For now we have a purpose." Thomas speaks up to the group and takes a leading role. He climbs back astride Pryte-Honos and announces, "Uteva, in all of her infinite wisdom has identified our purpose. We need to stop as much of that army from marching through that rift as we can. I think, as she does, that the answer lies in the nave of the machine. Every moment we spend here more minions march on our homelands. This action will actually serve multiple purposes. Let's hurry. . . . Mattric, will you accompany us to fight the machine?" Thomas offers a hand to anyone who would ride Pryte with him. He hopes to speed there journey to the desecrated temple of Alemi.
Willim the Drifter Sunday April 28th, 2002 8:01:29 PM
" No worries", the drifter exclaims," I can't explain it, but my own feelings were a bit out of control as well." Willim looks at his hand for a moment," I wonder if I might join you in this quest," he raises his hand and upon it is the strange spiraling tatoo," I don't know what this means, but I feel like the goddess of the winds has sent a breeze which guides me in your direction."
Jurgen Monday April 29th, 2002 2:51:35 AM
Jurgen curses silently, as Uteva just walks away and ignores him. Maybe it really just was magic. He jumps up, laughing non-chalantly. He heads over to the group, divided into a boys verse girls thing. Oh well, maybe that's how things were done around here.
"So! How about that magic? And that god thing. Well, I think the gods of the Wold are gunna give up on us all. Or kill each other off. Then we're all alone and those holy people will go all crazy again. That's what freed my mom. Well, not my mom mom, but my mom who gave birth to me. At least, kind of. I can't remember all of it, because Josephine just wouldn't tell me. Doesn't matter though, I guess I'm here." The boy seems unaffected by Uteva's obviously rude state, towards the boy. She didn't like him, fine. He didn't like her either.
"So... I guess I've got nothing better to do. Can I come along with you guys? Oh wait! We're all Children of Chaos. Of course I can come along. What was I thinking. I almost thought that you were all almost as good as me! Silly, eh?"
Sly Foxx and Luke Monday April 29th, 2002 1:33:28 PM
Sly stands there listing to Sir Thomas, he braces himself for a good toung lashing because of something he has done and almost cost some one life. But no, Sir Thomas talks of Family, "Yes, Sir" was Sly reply, his heart strat to beat a little faster and thinks to himself.*To have a father again would mean the wold to me."
Sly turns to Jurgen telling him, "Come on, Jurden, I'll be your big brother and guide you so you don't get killed. Alright with you?"
"This is my dog Luke, Come on Luke."
Words of advice, but nothing more (DM Cayzle) Monday April 29th, 2002 2:33:36 PM
His grief fading, Mattric listens intently to the discussion, especially to Uteva and Sir Thomas's words. He asks a few direct questions, and listens to answers, about what happened in the temple.
"It seems to me that ye all are key," the visionary says, "since the spiral sign of chaos brought you all together in that foul place, and gave you signs. But lacking such a mark, I will stay here, and send you away with advice. I will heal those who are wounded, so return if ye are injured. Otherwise let me offer you my direct words."
"A frontal attack on this device seems doomed. Ye tried that and were forced back. I suggest that ye look for subtle or magical means to your end. Make a plan, too, rather than wander aimlessly. Good luck!"
Jurgen Monday April 29th, 2002 4:22:22 PM
Jurgen smiles at Sly, but points out that his name is most certainly Jurgen, not Jurden. He looks around, his smile twitching off his face, but he stays strong and just closes his eyes. As Mattric speaks, Jurgen listens only partially while being caught up in his own thoughts. It wouldn't matter anyway, as long as someone else was listening.
"The light... It didn't want to go into the sun. At least I don't think so... I've got a magical spell that makes sunlight appear on whatever I've touched. Could that help us?" He thinks bad to words he had before the magic love encased them, realizing the importance of his thoughts. "This Abandon... We have to save it, and hope that someone else kills Marteus. Or we have to kill Marteus and hope that someone else saves the Abandon. Unless when Marteus dies, the Abandon is saved." He is sweating, not from heat, but from far too much stress. This is getting hard for the boy, too hard... "Josephine would look it up in books. I guess we have to do that too? I don't know!"
Jurgen turns to Mattric, looking at him compassionately. The magic had caused him to be filled with sorrow that he hadn't told someone he loved her... Maybe it just sparked him to do something about it...
"Mister Mattric. I'm sorry about Arotha. But um... Well... Josephine always told me that when you died you went to a better place, no matter how you died. Maybe... Maybe she's there right now, watching you. Then she'd already know you loved her..." He tries to smile, but ends up sighing. He didn't know this man, but he might have been suffering. And that was bad because nobody should suffer.
Sly Foxx and Luke Monday April 29th, 2002 6:04:05 PM
After speaking with Sir Thomas, his heart is singing But will return to Jergen. "Ahh! Little Brother, I stand corrected, it will Be JurGen. And I want to talk to you because, you make great sence. There was some thing my mother had told me OH! so long ago. Someyhing about Domi and his best friend Marteus. I wish I could remember. Maybe if we share information, I could remenber."
OOC: Carl what do I have to roll, so I can remember the oregin of Domi and Marteus?
[OOC: CARL!! Hee hee! Ceil, wrong game! It's me, Cayzle over here! Okay, we both start with "C" so I forgive you.
Here's a good lesson for everyone. If you want to use die rolls for role play help, I think it is a good idea. Ceil, if you want Sly to remember with no roll, that's okay. If you want to make a roll and decide how much he remembers, that's okay too. But if it is info crucial to solving the problems of the game, please do try to remember it! -- DM Cayzle (not Carl)]
Sir Thomas Monday April 29th, 2002 8:52:33 PM
"Thank you for your support Mattric. We will do as you say. So a plan it comes down to." Thomas feels Pryte begin to get restless underneath him; anticipation of the fight is worse than the fight itself. He rubs Pryte's neck soothingly. Thomas gives Jurgen's constantly self-important head grow as he pumps himself up, but does not pay the conceit any attention because he and his friends have quite a trial ahead.
"I think our purpose would best be served if we take a two-pronged effort. Let's split the horses too, that way we get speed around each flank. I don't know if we can distract the machine, but Jurgen, you might try casting that sunlight spell on something and seeing what happens. The way I see it, that puts me going left and Trace going right. I don't think the split will matter so we'll divide ourselves. I think the goal will be to topple the vats, but if anyone gets a better hunch while we're in there announce it and we'll go after it. Also, does anyone still have those medalians? I wonder if those play in? We might try breaking them or using them in some other way. Anyone else have any ideas?
"Lastly, we should discuss this further on the way to the temple." Thomas nudges Pryte and the two start toward the temple. They pull up short to make sure the rest of the party is following and then travels with the group.
Uteva Monday April 29th, 2002 11:40:55 PM
Teva gathers her gear and follows Pryte, talking as she walks. "What if Ilsidur or Sir Thomas tries to bless the machine or the stuff in the vats? Or perhaps we could pour holy water into the vats. We may not even need to get close to them to do that."
She turns to Trace, avoiding his eyes. "You said there were stairs leading off the Concourse -- could they have lead to a balcony? What about those hallways? There should be other ways into the Nave. I'd like to go up and try to pick off black robes, if I can see through the shadows. Maybe Jurgen's sun spell will help with that. Although --" She pauses. "I thought the light from the windows was absorbed by the shadow machine?"
"What else? Let's see -- some of the black robed attendants an prisoners looked all diseases, right? I wonder what would happen if we tried to heal one of them. I have a potion that cures diseases. Oh! And if those shadowy tentacles appear again, does everyone have a dwoemered weapon? If not, I have an extra magical dagger."
Trace and Radiant Tuesday April 30th, 2002 3:00:56 AM
(ooc: My long sword and short sword are both +1, is that considered magic item that will hit the machine. Cause my arrows did nothing?" )
Trace runs his hands through his hands roughly and quickly trying to figure out what is wrong. "I feel as if I had too much drink, a flow of emotions runs through him as he looks to Uteva, realizeing there are feelings there and thankfull that he was unable to react to the competiton for her cause as the rest know Trace is not allways tactfull on makeing his point of view. "Is there some sort of blessing you can put on my weapons Sir Thomas so that I can fight the enemy better than the last meeting?" Trace climbs back ontop of shadow with Radiant fluttering still unsure of what just happened. He moves Shadow inbetween the group and Uteva and offers his hand for her to join him upon his horse. "Teva" Trace has allmost a complacent and sad look on his face while he waits to see if Uteva denies his request.
Plans (DM Cayzle) Tuesday April 30th, 2002 12:08:41 PM
Mattric joins in the planning. "Yes, I remember. There were hallways that lead to small side chapels, and stairs to two balconies. Perhaps my memory can help you -- ask away!"
Ilsidur Tuesday April 30th, 2002 12:16:59 PM
"I agree, we need to destroy the vats and the piping; that is likely the fuel source for the machine. Also, one of the visions that has been relayed to us is waves of blood; the sort of waves that would wash over us if we were to tip over a big vat of blood. (Ilsidur feels like he is really reaching hard to make connections.) I have a magic weapon spell that will allow mw to hurt the machine, if we need to fight it again. I also have a spell of obscuring mist, that I can cast in the area of the machine, that might make it more difficult to find us. We could hold onto a rope, and one person could lead us past the machine and into the Nave to attack the vats. Also, you are right, a bright light will likely help. Also, I was drained by being hit by that machine, and I felt as if the draining would continue as long as I was not in sunlight. Would your spell be strong enough to provide light to further cancel out the continued strength drain, Jurgen?"
Sly Foxx and Luke d20+6=15 Tuesday April 30th, 2002 2:40:26 PM
OOC: Cayzle this roll is for Knowledge of (history, Sly is trying to remember something that his mother told him about the gods (Domi and Mateus)
Sly will prepare the spell of Flaming Sphere. He marches behind the horses. Sly will watch Luke, he didn't want to go inside the last time.
Willim the Drifter Tuesday April 30th, 2002 3:42:07 PM
" We might be able to use a medallion in some way, though I don't have one anymore. I would not advise wearing it though. I believe its sole purpose is to cause the wearer to be a brain-washed slave."
Sir Thomas Tuesday April 30th, 2002 9:08:25 PM
Feeling the urgency of the situation Thomas tries to get the party moving toward the temple while they plan their attack strategy. "Let's move and talk folks. If we hurry, we may be able to trap some of the army here with us and save our homelands from their onslaught."
Changing tone only slightly to join the conversation Thomas adds, "I think it would be a bad idea to try to walk past the machine. I get the feeling that it doesn't really need to SEE us to attack us. I think the nave is its domain and it is too familiar with that surrounding. I have already used my bless weapon spell for today, so I have no further means beyond my magical sword to fight the machine with. However, if we think it would improve our chances Pryte and I will charge the machine head on and try to distract it while the rest of you head for the vats at full speed. Alemi is still with me; I feel his presence. He will protect me. Whatever our route, I think it is agreed that the vats are the final destination. WE'll rondezvous there. Also, I say we go ahead and smash the medallions."
Jurgen Tuesday April 30th, 2002 11:14:30 PM
Attempting to keep his eyes averted from the dead, he looks straight at Mattric while they walk. Unfortunately, the stench is unstopable and Jurgen barely seems able to breath. His breaths are unfrequent and small, leaving him short-of-breath and having a hard time keeping up.
"So. Um, Mattric. Do you know if light does anything to this machine thing and if so, would many lights do whatever it does to it, do it?" He stops, looking at the dwarf a moment, then continues walking. "Well. They're shadows. So the light should stop the shadows, like it always does. Shouldn't it?"
As the knight talks of running into the machine, to his death, Jurgen pokes him profussly. "You wanna die? Well um... I got fireballs and stuff. You could run behind one, while it's going straight towards. That would distract it, then you could attack it. Then I could put the light on it, and we could get the barrels with spells. Jurgen saves they day! With magic and stuff! It would work, wouldn't it?"
[OOC: Please see my OOC post below. -- Cayzle]
Uteva d20+2=16 Wednesday May 1st, 2002 9:40:29 AM
Teva accepts Traces hand, and gives him a brilliant, relieved smile before settling behind him on Shadow. "If Sir Thomas and maybe one or two others go in the front, the rest of us should enter by the balconies. That will spread us out, make it more likely that at least one group will reach the vats. Mattric, how high are the balconies above the floor of the Nave? Where are they in relation to the entrance from the Concourse? Can we jump down, or will we need to climb? Who has rope with them?"
"Tipping the vats is a good idea -- how big did they seem to be. We should bring something along to use as a pry." She starts looking for a stout pole that could serve as a lever (Spot=16). "Also, we might want to have fire at the ready in case the liquid in the vats is something flamable. I only have a magical torch with me, I'm afraid."
Sir Thomas Additions Wednesday May 1st, 2002 11:45:59 AM
To Jurgen, "No I don't want to die, but I will do what is best for the group and the Wold."
To Uteva, "I have rope and flint and steel and I think 4 regular torches."
Cayzle (out of character) Wednesday May 1st, 2002 1:05:46 PM Honestly, you guys! I really want you folks to read the posts I make. I tend to drop a LOT of subtle hints in my posts, and I see that you all aren't paying enough attention.
Here's just one example -- but this example represents most of the players, not just one player. If you don't think this applies to you, write to me and I'll give you examples of missing stuff! Well, In Jurgen's post today, the character reacts to the stench of all the dead people lying around. But on Friday, April 26, I posted:
Jurgen inspects the corpses lying in the streets, and he is troubled. The bodies are cooling and still -- dead for sure. But there is no smell of death, none of the distress that comes in death when the musculature relaxes and ceases to function. Indeed, although the hearts do not beat, the blood in these bodies has not pooled, and there is no sign of the onset of the stiffness of death, not in the face, where it usually appears first, nor in the limbs. This is weird stuff! These people are dead, but something odd is going on. It's up to you guys to pick up on the hints, read carefully, and figure stuff out. I hope I have offended no one -- I just want to encourage everyone to participate fully. Good Luck!
Sly Foxx and Luke Wednesday May 1st, 2002 1:43:52 PM
Sly is following Sir Thomas and Trace. When Sly spots Jurgen. He is now courious so he will stop next to the Half-elf and ask, "Did you find anything, Little Brother? Is there anything odd? Are you looking for gold? I don't think you'll find much." Sly will try to get Jurgen to keep up with the party. (Unless he is told of something new.)
OOC: I'm just a girl, you have to hit me over the head with hints.
[OOC: hee hee! How about I hit you over the head for saying such a sexist thing! Girls are just as good as boys! -- Cayzle]
Jurgen - Jeff - OOC Wednesday May 1st, 2002 7:18:31 PM No, I didn't mean the literal stench of death. I ment the one that one must think is there, even though it may never be real. I know of the lack of smell, but Jurgen only knows that they're smell can't be noted... It's still there for him. I just didn't want to repeat his horror through visual means. I wanted him to smell what might not have existed.
[Good enough -- and well said! -- Cayzle]
On the way (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 1st, 2002 7:26:40 PM
Mattric answers Jurgen's question about the power of light against the machine. "It may be that light will aid thee -- I do not know." Addressing all of the group, he adds, "But I do know that in my visions, ye are the Children of Chaos, not the Champions of Light! Use light to fight Darkness, surely, but put your hope in that which sets you apart!"
Answering Uteva's question about the balconies, Mattric says that as he remembers from long aco, the balconies were maybe 15 or 20 feet above the floor of the Nave. They lined both the back, farthest from the main altar, and continued at least partway along the side walls as well. You might be able to jump down, but a rope might be less hazardous.
As Sir Thomas leads the group away, Mattric offers a few words of encouragement. "May the True Powers of the Wold bless you, oh Children of Chaos! Good luck to you! And remember that ye are special! In this place, ye are the agents of change, the ones who can block the Dark One's plans!"
As the group walks back to the former Temple of Alemi, not only do the dead litter the street, but every so often, one of the few brave enough to dare go outside also topples over. Sadly, it seems that children were the first to go -- there are more child bodies than adult in some places, and no children to be seen alive at all.
As Ilsidur ponders his options, he thinks about all the magic the group has available to it.
Sly hopes his Flaming Sphere might prove useful. The youngster also tries to remember the lore of his wise mother, but all he can remember is this fable:
In the beginning of the Wold, the Jericho put both birds and cats in their places. He gave to the cats sharp teeth and claws, and to the birds he gave wings. And the cats, being cats, chased the birds. Most of the birds flew away, but one silly bird, the Dodo Bird, just ran around in circles, which was bad for him and good for the cats! So the Dodo called out to the Jericho, "Why don't you help me?" And the Jericho replied, "You have the answer with you, winged one, but you forgot to use it! Foolish bird, now you will not have it at all!" So the Jericho took away the Dodo's ability to fly, and the cats had a feast. Now the only places to find a Dodo is on islands where cats do not live.
Willim's memories of wearing the medallion suggest to him that he is right about its purpose.
Thomas, thinking like a tactician, suggests ways to approach the machine and the vats. He does have a point, as does Uteva -- however big the machine is, it can't be everywhere at once, right?
As Uteva questions her friends new and old on the vats, she learns that there were at least four of them, ten feet in diameter and five feet high. There were troughs that connected the machine to the vats, and it did seem that the troughs drained into the vats, not the other way around!
The group is about half-way to the desecrated temple.
Willim the Drifter Wednesday May 1st, 2002 7:54:52 PM
"Sir Thomas, your plan though dangerous does indeed sound the best to me. It also involves a bit of chaos which seems to be our destiny.I am but a simple wanderer, but I am willing to assist you in any way I can."
Sir Thomas Wednesday May 1st, 2002 9:56:18 PM
Thomas rides with the group listening to all of the ingenious ideas. He thinks quickly that it is no wonder he never thought of any of that . . . he's just a brute. Not a bad thing, except that it leaves him wondering whether they will walk out of the nave since they do not know how to kill the machine.
"So what is our decision friends? Spread out and hope for the best or are we still directing our efforts toward the vats? I have only a cure light wounds spell for magic, but that is not all the use I will find for myself. Are we stopping to check the bodies, or are we rushing to the temple?"
Jurgen Wednesday May 1st, 2002 10:46:21 PM
Chaos is the way. To be led along the path was not the true way. It was a falseness of life. The only way to survive was to act on what life delt you. As a wise one once said 'Life has been delt to you... Whether you are lucky, or whether you are not matters not. In the end, it goes down to how you use your cards, at that time.' Jurgen had been brought up believing that good was the only way, which he did not doubt when he had the chance to believe for himself. As was such, he learned that chaos held beauty, strength, and courage. It also held death to those who were foolish. So... What could Jurgen learn from this? Lots, Lots indeed.
"The path of chaos isn't to take action without planning. It is to take action, upon other action. So... I guess we think of a plan, and then work on whatever else happens after that. So we don't think of evil gods. We don't think of the dead this could make. We think of staying alive and destroying the machine." The boy then continues on, ignoring the fact that he said something that Josephine told him never to tell another. It was her secret. Her claim to power. Not that she desired to rule. Just the opposite, in fact, she wanted to live a quiet lonely life. Yet she wanted her knowledge to stay exactly that, hers.
"So... Who needs magical armor stuffs? I'm not talking the one you have to wear. I'm talking stuff that protects you from... well getting hurt. Josephine called it 'Magical Armor Of Protection'. Everyone else calls it 'Mage Armor'. I've got these scrolls, you see. So I could put it on you and then not forget any spells for today!" He pulls a scroll organizer out of his pockets, which change to a calming white as he does so.
His eyes light up, stopping abruptly at an empty space. He jams the leather back into his pocket, being slightly more careful then he would with something else. He then spun his bag around, so he could view the contents without taking it off. He rummaged around, until he found his oil.
"If we could get this stuff inside the machine, and a fire was to... start... we could probably make it go into many small pieces! Even if we couldn't get it inside, I could use a fireball and then..." He stops for a moment, the jumps up, shouting. "BOOOOOOM!" His lips twitch just the slightest and he continues on.
Trace and Radiant Thursday May 2nd, 2002 3:08:08 AM
Trace scratches his head yet again as he seems to be doing this alot lately, "Is this machine alive or is it simply just a machine?"
Ilsidur Thursday May 2nd, 2002 9:26:03 AM
Still struggling with the party's goals and courses of action, Ilsidur says, "Apparently, what we need to do, and how we need to do it, can be found from within our group. So, here are the resources that I personally have available":
Level 2: Locate Object (Travel domain spell) Remove paralysis Hold person Find traps Consecrate
Level 3: Fly (Travel domain spell) USED Dispel magic USED Magic circle vs. evil USED Negative energy protection
"We also have a copy of the spell that the machine/priests seem to be using to power the machine. A dispel magic spell can be used to counter-spell a specific spell, but I have used my dispel magic for today. Is this one possibility? Does anyone else have a dispel magic that we could use?"
"Also, we seem to get the feeling that being the 'Children of Chaos' somehow links into this problem. But how?"
Sir Thomas Thursday May 2nd, 2002 10:17:47 AM
"What about the darkness that chased us from the nave the first time? We cannot hope to kill it, nor can we hope to run through it. Have we determined a new entry point in case it is still there to oppose us?"
Uteva d20+9=18 d20+2=14 Thursday May 2nd, 2002 12:08:21 PM
"So, messing with the vats may not do us any good." Teva grinds her teeth in frustration and abandons her lever-search.
"Trace, the machine is a machine. It has mechanical parts and fleshy parts. We don't know if the shadowy tentacles that attacked you in the concourse were part of it, or not.
"I can't dispell magic, Ilsidur. Is there any way you might reverse the original Pour Life spell? Turn it back on itself somehow? I realize we don't have time for research."
Calling to the paladin, she continues. "Sir Thomas, so far, the three entrances to the Nave that we know about all start at the Concourse: the main entrance to the Nave, that you used today, and the two staircases that lead up to balconies overlooking the Nave. We could try those two other hallways that lead off the concourse. We could hunt around the outside of the temple for more doors -- Mattric, do you recall any openings in the Nave that might lead deeper into the temple?
"About this Children of Chaos thing, Jurgen seems to know more than the rest of us. We've heard so little about it." The slim young woman racks her memory for obique references to the Chaos Bell, or the Children of Chaos. (Bardic Knowledge = 18)
"Did the gear symbol on the black cleric's medallions mean anything to any of you? Are they part of the Dark Lord's clergy, or something else?" (unskilled Knowledge=14)
"Do any of you remember which specific events at the temple earlier started your pinwheel scars tingling?
Sly Foxx and Luke Thursday May 2nd, 2002 5:35:04 PM
Sly will go over to Jurgen, "Easy, Little Brother, What are you you so excited about?" Sly will look down at some of the bodys, and sure enough what Jurgen was saying is true. "Your right! Did you tell Sir Thomas. If not we better get to him and tell him of this. Come let's go and find them" Sly runs after the party just a little ways ahead of them.
At the Confused Harlequin (DM Cayzle) Friday May 3rd, 2002 7:22:57 AM
Sensing the need for at least a brief discussion, the group pauses, and considers the wisdom of a conversation unter stormy skies and flying bats in a street littered with the strangely dead. By chance, they note a small tavern with its door swingin open in the wind. The sign above the door is of a Harlequin's Face, half smiling and half frowning. It's clearly a clown because it wears a Harlequin's hat, with bells on it. Plus the sign also reads "The Confused Harlequin." Walking over, it is clear that the place is deserted, so the group enters and sits at a table in order to spend a short whilt talking things over.
Ilsidur ponders ways to dispel or counter magic, and (prompted by Uteva) he remembers that any spell can be used to counter an identical spell. If a sorcerer casts a magic missile spell at a wizard who has a magic missile prepared, for example, the wizard can choose to cast his own magic missile or use the spell to counter his foe's. [OOC: in game terms, you have to ready a counterspell action and make a spellcraft check to identify the spell that's coming at you.]
Meanwhile the group continues to talk about their resources at hand, the dead lying in the street, and how to meet this challange.
Uteva does her best to remember all she knows about the Bell that everyone heard again today, about what it means, about the tattoos they all wear. As she thinks and remembers, it all comes back in a flood. She finds that she has much to tell, and what she says is matched clearly by Trace, Sly, and Thomas in their own memories. In fact, even the newcomers feel that somehow all that Uteva says is familiar, like something that they used to know once upon a time. Here is what she tells them.
...
In a chapel or abbey near the place where Sir Thomas and Trace first came to this Southern Land, the group was granted strange omens.
A dead priest rose into the air on a beam of light, and he said in a strange voice, "My sorrows, my children for what must be. Choices are rare, strength as well. You are vexed to be curse and cure. You are what must come and what can be. You are my newborn children and the fathers of a new age. You are the foreseen! Beware the Bell. Beware the Shadow. Beware the Void, Bear, and Saber. Befriend the Forest. Observe the free men Move the clan south. Do not trust the K..."
There were other omens: an unnatural rain, a moving ball of light.
In the basement, half-excavated, the group found something buried, with only the handle exposed above ground. Sir Thomas, after praying, heard a voice, " ...n't let it rin..."
Trace grabbed the handle and pulled it free. Too late, the group realized that this was a bell, and that they had been warned not to ring it. But it was moving in Trace's hand as he pulled it from the earth, and the bell rang, giving forth a chime. Trace and Sir Thomas remember it like yesterday ... The chime grows as the sound spreads outward from this spot. Your souls can feel as the sound races across the face of the Wold spreading ever outward from this point. You feel the very mountians and lakes tremble, the deserts cry, and the seas go silent. If there were a name for that sound it would be "end."
When the sound ended, the bell was gone, but each person had a tattoo on the back of his hand, of small black broken spiral, shaped much like a pinwheel turning in on itself.
...
Shortly thereafter, the group encountered five withered crones, who were divine powers of some sort, immortals, if not gods. They spoke without moving their mouth. They hailed the group as "Saviours" and "Destroyers," and of the group they said, "They will leave death or life in their footprints." They said the symbol represented Entropy, which you later interpreted as Chaos. And they added, "Legend said that when the Shadow King rang the bell it would signal the end of the Wold, that he who rung it would be branded Destroyer and be capable of bringing the Wold to ruin. The is also another prophecy that tells of people from a land of legend that will come and stop the bell, to be saviors instead of destroyers. They too would be marked, if they rang the bell."
From what they said, the Shadow King wanted to ring the bell himself, to trigger the End of the Wold, but that by beating him to it, however accidentally, the party had thwarted him. One of the last things the Crones said was, "You did not destroy the bell, you became the bell." And they said the tattoos were no gift, and that it was dangerous to think of them as such. They called the group "Accursed," and they were sad.
...
In the days and months following the tattoos have changed sometimes. They fade away, maybe so that you can't see them at all. They change color. They appear new on some that have joined you. Sometimes it moves from the back of the hand to the palm.
...
Later, an elf named Kudic Mistwalker, a friend of Sly's family, told you this about the bell: "I take it that you know nothing of the Entropy Bell then? Since we heard it's ring some days past, I've done some research on it. Perhaps what I've learned will enlighten you. Now, mind you, much of this may only be supposition, but I guess that will be proven right or wrong with time. It seems that the Bell was given from The Powers to a hero named Relicus some 5,000 years ago. It was a relic from the 1st Age of the Noble Races, long before this continent was even created, we think. It gave power to him: the power of Chaos and Creation. It allowed him to travel to the very center of the Southern Lands and use it to create the Great Migration. This was done however foolishly or wisely to prevent the Great Race Wars of that time. The Races had pretty much set up their own various societies and mistrust grew. This was due to the lack of communication and through the growing of the tales of misunderstanding. The inevitible result was war. However, Relicus the human prayed. Prayed to whatever powers were out there that would help him. You see his wife was elven, and with him being the king of a human land, his wife and daughter was a sore point with both humans and elves. An elven assassin one night killed his daughter while aiming for him. In his anguish he prayed...and boosted his prayer with a wish spell. The Powers answered. Heroes from the past, as well as other immortal beings gathered in nether regions and agreed that something must be done. They gave him the Chaos Bell, a artifact from the Oshirr House where The Wold was created long ago. With this bell, he fought his way to the center of The Southern Lands and then sounded it. It broke into a hundred fragments and caused the Great Migration to Begin. All the lands and kingdoms were shuffled around. Elf clan next to dwarf, gnomish tribe next to halfling. All were forced to work with the other races to survive. It stopped the war and began a new age. Now, every time the races head towards war, or perhaps just at random, the Great Migration occurs again. As to how the bell was reassembled, or why it was given to you collectively rather than being a gift answering a prayer, is a mystery to me. I would guess that you are destined to do something truly great. Something that only the power of the bell would allow to be done. Something outside the power of The Gods of Wold and The Powers. Something Unique like The Great Migration is unique. This is what I have discerned and supposed. I hope I have not added to your burdens."
...
And a long time after that, one of the heros (named Pip) died. But as he died, he spoke aloud in ways that were revealing: ""What? Who is this guy? all hooded and such. No! I'm not ready to die yet. Of course I want to live. Ok then, so explain it to me. Ohhh.... Wow.... That's what the Chaos Bell is? I'd almost forgotten about that. We....us.... We could do all that? But what if they don't want to? Wow.... Ohhh.... No. Yeah, I get it. I'm not stupid. Yes, I realize all that. I could use my Chaos power to save myself, but it is too early and too important and I'd forget all this cool stuff. Yes. I agree. One of them should have my part. Who? Holy Lem' that's a tough one. I like them all. Ooh! I know! I should give it to Alyndar. It would make him like officially a part of things and all. Oh it was nice meeting you too. I'll be there in a minute." Pip's eyes open. "I'm leaving guys. Gargul says it's time for me to go. But I have to do something first. Alyndar, come! Do you choose to truly share this wonderful group of friends in their adventuring and in their....destiny?" Alyndar, then new to the group, and who just recently left, agreed.
...
And a good deal of time after that, When Sir Thomas was brought close to death in battle, he was helped by Ael, who just recently left the group. At that time, when Thomas was close to death, the group heard the sound of the bell again. "The note spreads outward from him, lapping at each of the Southerns Lights, conveying a feeling deepest dread, of desperate hope, and of the end of all." That was when Ael and Altemia gained their tattoos.
...
And of course, most recently Willim and Jurgen received their tattoos upon entering this place, and the town of Abandon. And the bell rang in the room with the machine the first time you all met today.
...
[OOC: This is all stuff that I found in the Southern Lights archives, but I thought it would make a good reminder of what you might know. It is a lot to digest, that's for sure! Please feel free to post at will today and over the weekend as you discuss this. I'm sorry this turn wasn't posted yesterday, but it took me a while to compile this. ALSO! Note that per my e-mail earlier this week, on Monday Substitute DM Kim will be taking over the game for a month (Thanks again Kim). -- Cayzle]
Jurgen d20+1=21 d20+9=29 Friday May 3rd, 2002 10:50:31 PM
Jurgen seems not to understand much of the story, but he seems to have worse things on his mind. Like how will they destroy the machine, when their weaposn were weak and feeble.
"So... Um. This Chaos Bell... Where did you guys hide it? We could probably use it to swing around at the machine. Maybe that would stop it. I don't know. I just know about Chaos... not bells or children. I sure wish Josephine was here. She'd tell me what to do..." He sits, not really knowing what to do. He has a plan to stop the machine, but he needs the Catacombs and that might take a little while...
He tries to think of if he had heard of the "Children of Chaos" every before.
Only time would tell. Maybe the children of chaos were supposed to join hands and chant something, he didn't know. How was he expected to deal with this, when he could barely deal with other kids his age! Only time would tell...
[OOC: Wowzaa... Those are some rolls. Probably wastes of 20s though, still... fun]
Sir Thomas Saturday May 4th, 2002 10:35:57 AM
"These are indeed the way I remember the events of the past." Thomas notes to the group that of all the people sharing memories to arrive at the conclusion of how they came to be cursed by the bell, these events are accurate by his memory. "I don't understand though how this trip through memory lane gives us strategy with which to defeat the machine. I wonder if it tells us that actually, strategy will make us destroyers while attacking the machine as eight individual armies of one will make us saviors. And it is obvious from the size of the machine that we cannot attack it head on unless that is a diversionary tactic. I think, from what we know that the vats are still our best bet. Maybe a group could distract the machine with magic while people like me, who don't have any aggressive magic, can make for the vats. If the vats are wrong, then hopefully it will lead us to an idea that will work. I can't say as how I approve of manipulating the dead bodies in the street to see if they affect the rift, but wouldn't it be better than letting more of the hoards march on our homelands? This is all I have to say right now. Who has other ideas?"
Willim the Drifter Saturday May 4th, 2002 5:01:25 PM
" I have no magic. I am more skilled in areas of subterfuge. I will go with those who will actually be attempting to push over the vats. Sir Thomas is it posible that this bell could be something we need not for stopping the machine but for affecting something somehow on a larger scale?"
Sly Foxx and Luke Saturday May 4th, 2002 7:50:38 PM
"Ahh! Yes, it happen almost that way, Sir Thomas. I often wondered why Pip went so willingly to Doom. As for the bell it seems as if it just disintergraded. But after I have seen those bodies today, they were dead and yet not dead. Remember what the Witches said 'That we (the Children of Chaos) will be either "Saviors or "Destroyers" and they are never wrong." Sly is still for a moment, then add "All right, I'm ready to fight. Let's start on the road to the Shadow King."
"Luke this is my disision, You Luke may leave me ant time you wish." Sly told the dog, the dog just tilted his head.
CDM Jerry Sunday May 5th, 2002 12:57:36 PM
John Faust,
Your email addy is backfiring. I'm receiving mailer daemons everytime I send you an email. Please email me your current email address.
If any of the rest of you have John's addy, send it to me please.
Cayzle(Kim) please delete this email after everyone has seen it.
Jurgen Sunday May 5th, 2002 4:26:34 PM
Jurgen listens again to Uteva's words, then to Sly's. He looks around a few times, wondering if someone's watching the group. He shrugs it off, and then speaks quickly.
"No one is ever not wrong. Except for me of course. Maybe they made a mistake. Read the signs in a way they weren't ment to be read. But... Can't everyone be a savior or a destroyer? Don't we all have this power inside us, to give life or take it. Maybe that's what we have to realize. We're not special because we're the Children of Chaos. We're special because we've realized our power... Make everyone realize their power, and we have an army to fight with!"
He looks around again, this time as if expecting someone to tell him he's wrong. But, when nobody comes, he sighes and starts to take stuff out and put it back in his magical pants.
[I hope this is something along the lines of what your meaning. I'm somewhat lost along the ideas of the Children of Chaos, so I'm trying everything I can. If not, then oh well, I'll find something new. In the end, it matters not how many mistakes we've made... It only matters that we strived for a greater good.]
Ilsidur Sunday May 5th, 2002 10:45:54 PM
Ilsidur asks to see the scroll that the party found in the temple. "This scroll seems to hold a copy of the spell that is powering the machine. Apparently, the priest casts this spell, sacrifices himself, and starts the machine. After that, the machine draws life force from all people in the area, and opens a door. Perhaps I could use the spell from this scroll to counterspell the spell that is right now powering the machine. If any of you understand casting spells better than I do, please let me know if this will work. [OOC: I need you spellcasters to try some spellcheck and knowledge (arcana) rolls here. Also, Cayzle, the rules that I found for counterspelling say it needs to happen when the spell is cast, and says nothing about conterspelling to cancel an existing, operating spell. Is it possible to cancel an existing spell? I could also find no information about using a spell from a scroll as a counterspell. Is this OK? -Greg]
"There are three problems to overcome, assuming this approach will work," Ilsidur says. "The first is that the spell will take 10 minutes to cast. The second is that I need to be within 50' or so of the machine to cast the spell. The third problem is that I likely need to sacrifice myself to power the spell. The third problem is up to me to deal with, but I need your advice on how to overcome the first two problems."
Jurgen d20+10=22 d20+10=23 Monday May 6th, 2002 5:08:45 AM
As the scroll crosses his eyes, Jurgen nods to Ilsidur and grabs it from his grasp. His hands slide along it, flattening it. Then he places it upon the table and starts to look at what is hidden within it. He attempts to find the answers to his dwarven companion's questions, but seems to be struggling slightly. With his free hand, he pulls at his braid, trying to take some of the stress of heavy thinking away from his mind.
[Arcane Knowledge: 22. Spellcraft Check: 23]
"Open the door... Open the door... Maybe we have to open the door, like Mattric said. It will open for us. But how do we do that? Chaos... This is far to difficult! Finding the answers we need is like trying to convince Josephine to let me out after dark!" He rubs his eyes, letting his hair lay on his chest. "Who is this Alyndar? He... he would know more about this. That Pip person gave him... Oh! Alemi help me!" The boy lowers his forehead to the table, letting it sit there. This task set before them is one that few can unravel.
His hands slink into his magical pockets, at he feels the turtle he won in the game of War. With those fellows. Renik and Bill. Renik was... a wild and crazy dancer, and Bill was a bit bossy, but they were both fun. Jurgen grabs the figurine and sets it on the table. He whispers to it, and then watches as begins it's mock fight.
It seems to calm Jurgen's frayed nerves, just watching something as simple as a turtle chomp it's teeth at an unseen enemy. But soon they'll be at it again, but next time, they may need to be as ingenius as possible to win. And as chaotic...
Uteva Monday May 6th, 2002 4:45:43 PM
Struggling the urge to burst into laughter, Uteva grins around the table at her friends, old and new. "A right bunch of heroes we are." She shakes her head. "In the tales, they always seem to know what to do, yet here we sit, stumped. I have no magical advise for Ilsidur, nor additional interpretations of the Chaos issue to offer.
"And maybe Sir Thomas and Jurgen have the right of it: that if we go in with good heart and adapt to the situation as it unfolds, we might have a chance to stop this thing.
"Now, I haven't much in the way of spells, so I guess I'll be going for the vats. I'd like to go in by way of one of the balconies, and maybe provide cover fire if necessary."
Sir Thomas Tuesday May 7th, 2002 12:33:55 AM
Thomas looks as if the cold hand of death reached into his chest and was currently squeezing his heart to prevent it from beating. He always thought his destiny was to sacrifice himself for the greater good of Alemi's cause, but now it seems as though it is Ilsidur that can make the greatest impact to defeat Marteus. Thomas looks at his friend and with a slightly choked voice responds. "It will be at a great price that you walk the uncertain road of which you speak. If you decide to do that, and none of us can ask you to do so, you will have your ten minutes . . . even if we have to stand between you and all of the minions of the dark." Thomas stands and with more confidence says to the group, "we should get going. There is no point to continue to sit and ponder questions that have no answers and that only lead to other questions. Once we have the best answer we can come up with to Ilsidur's perspective I think we should set about acting on our whims." Thomas walks toward the door and tells the group, "I'll be outside with Pryte-Honos . . ." He then begins to talk to himself, "Pride and honor . . . virtues created to shine more brightly than any darkness can cover. I know little of Marmathon-Dur, but she would be proud of her son." In Thomas' heart he is ready to fight, and die, but he fears that few of his friends, few of the Southern Lights, will emerge from the depths of Alemi's disease ridden home in Abandon . . . and it is THAT thought that saddens Sir Thomas Hurley of New Elenna and the Northern Continent.
Trace and Radiant Tuesday May 7th, 2002 2:14:34 AM
Trace absently scratches his head searching deep in his memory for a clue or idea to cure the situation at hand. At hearing the doom and gloom from the rest of the group Trace stands, "Ilsidur, I will give my life so that you may have your ten minutes. If I stay alive I will devote the rest of my life to find a way for you to rejoin us in the living at all cost. If yall will excuse me I need to pray for my soul and ask that Mittiri look after me." Trace moves to a corner and begins to pray for forgiveness and guidence for him and his friends.
DM Kim Tuesday May 7th, 2002 4:35:13 AM [OOC: Folks: Am struggling to get started here for you, and working on absorbing many things DM Cayzle sent me, as well as your character sheets. Hope to have a working post by late Tuesday evening, Pacific Time (-8 GMT). Have been reading your terrific posts. Feel free to post additional conversation or speculation between now and tomorrow evening. I will say that Ilsidur, as he looks over the scroll, gets the feeling that he can use a scroll to counteract the casting of an identical scroll. Probably. ;-) But would he survive? Appreciate your patience. - DM Kim.]
Sly Foxx and Luke Tuesday May 7th, 2002 5:32:13 AM
"Ten minutes! Ten minutes is almost a life time in there. But if that is what you wish then I will wait." With sadness in his eyes, he will take a last look at his friend Ilsidur. Turns and walk to a lonely spot, to think alone.
Jurgen Tuesday May 7th, 2002 9:34:42 PM
"We all agree that your idea is crazy, but is it crazy enough?" Jurgen muses, faintly smiling.
As his companions talk of a death which could save them all, Jurgen continues to stare at the turtle. His eyes becoming damp with tears, for one who he knows nothing of. The magic that bonded them together as Children of Chaos was affecting Jurgen in a strange way. Normally, when one spoke of such things, he would be playful and not care... But now, it was different. This dwarf was willing to give his life, in order to save many others. That... that wasn't right. Why should he die for people he doesn't even know?
"It is awful when a person loses their life. What had taken years to put together was destroyed in a single moment. Ilsidur... Why are you willing to die? Perhaps you can live. Have a potion of healing in your mouth, and swallow it just as the spell is being cast. The way this spell sounds is that it slowly drains your life. Maybe that'll save you. But I still have a few ideas, and a few items that may help us out." He pulls a page of leather from his side, letting it's string holder dangle freely. His fingers rush through the pieces of paper held in it, as he comes across a few which are marked with arcane labels, he pulls them out and sets them on the table.
"Dispel Magic, Invisiblity, Fly, Mage Armor and Mirror Image. These are the only spells I have that'll be helpful, I think. I can give three other people a Fly spell as well, but I've got a plan and so I'll need one myself." He again goes searching for items, this time pulling out two flasks. "Holy water. I'll drop it over top, when the time is right. Hopefully they'll do some damage."
Then he runs his hands along the rope that is spun around his waist, judging how much he lost in due to the cut. He guesses about 50 and nods grimly. "I've got enough rope here that I could tie it to a building and then to the machine. I think it'll hold for a few minutes, saving us some time." He gets out of his chair, leaving it easy to trip over. He walks over to the dwarf, whispering a few words.
"You have one last chance... Turn back now to avoid the tidal pull. We'll find another way. You don't have to lose your life... If I could do this for you, I would. But alas, I know nothing of the divine magics and so I cannot do this." He blinks and pulls back, letting his eyes drift into Ilsidur's. If he sees even a speck of doubt, he nods but knows that very few dwarves wouldn't take this risk. Slowly he treads outside to meet with the knight.
"If history won't change, we'll change it. If the world is to be destroyed, we'll save it. If our fate is to die, we laugh." He speaks to Sir Thomas, trying to hide the fact that he is ready to cry. "He won't die. We will find another way. We'll have nearly a quarter of an hour to do so and we can do it." With that, the boy starts to walk towards their final meeting with the dreaded machine... Final for whom though?
Trace and Radiant Wednesday May 8th, 2002 2:18:57 AM
Trace arises from his prayer and heads for the door holding his arm up. Not even having to call Radiant swoops down from the rafters to join his friend. Tension is in the air and you can allmost smell the adrinlin flowing. His dear old Uncle use to call it the fight or flight energy. Both ways of use of the energy was clear but each situation only had one right answer. Trace hopes to himself that fight is the right answer hear. His eagle Radiant and horse Shadow could also sense something on the rise and both moved restlessly. Trace riged Shadow for silent movement strapping down all equipment on the saddle and himself. He checks his armor once over and climbs abord drawing out his longsword and moveing Radiant to his oppsite shoulder. He then looks over to Sir Thomas, "Well brother, we have been in some scrapes before but never entering with a heavy heart and the fear I have now. I think we'll need a drink after this one and hopefully it will be in celebration of our victory. I will never quit." Trace sits aboard Shadow and looks ahead at nothing or everything and silently hopes the expirence he has gained and the skills that he has learned over the years will be enough to pull him and his friends through.
DM Kim d20=1 d20=18 d20=18 d20=14 d20=18 Wednesday May 8th, 2002 3:33:19 AM
As the discussion continues, a pair of dark robes enter the room. Not people in dark robes - just robes, floating on in to the Confused Harlequin. They hesitate at the doorway, then part, and fly quickly straight toward Jurgen. One falls to the ground when a few feet from Sir Thomas. He hears something thump as the robe lands. The other reaches Jurgen, and, on brushing his shoulder, collapses to the ground. One feather floats through the air next to Jurgen -- and he somehow feels it imperative to catch it before it touches the ground. [Jurgen, roll twice, first to hit AC 11, and then to hit AC 13. If either roll succeeds, you grasp the feather before it reaches the floor. If your first 'to hit' roll is a natural one, then everyone around the table make a Reflex save. The first two people adjacent to Jurgen who wish may also attempt one time to grasp the feather - with success at AC 15 or better.]
Sly Foxx and Luke d20+3=5 Wednesday May 8th, 2002 10:41:58 AM
Sly is about to say something, When Dark robes are floating in the room. Sly spot them and as soon as one of those robes starts approaching Jurgen. Sly rises and leap toward the robes, but trips over the dog (Luke) and falls on his face. Unable to reach Sir Thomas side or Jurgen side. Sly in his prone position look at Luke. "Hi! Luke ready to go?"
Altemia (DM Kim) Wednesday May 8th, 2002 12:14:14 PM
Altemia has been very quiet lately, and it is clear that recent events have hit her hard. She says at much at one point, when the group is talking about the machine. "It's too much," she shudders, "too unnatural, too evil, too much ..." she trails off.
When the talk turns to Ilsidur sacrificing himself, she seems to get angry. "Hey! this isn't right! This spell drains your life, but maybe there's a loophole! I like Jurgen's idea of the potion, except you can't drink and read a scroll at the same time. I won't see you kill yourself," she tells the dwarf.
Altemia is seated too far away to make an attempt to catch the feather.
Sir Thomas d20=20 Wednesday May 8th, 2002 12:23:29 PM
Seeing the dark robes walk in THomas gets edgy and places his hand on the hilt of his bastard sword. The situation is very odd in that the robes don't talk, but he and, it seems, others in the group are compelled to catch this mysterious feather that floats from underneath one of the robes. Seeing Jurgen reach for the feather, Thomas grabs at it too (if necessary). [OOC: If Jurgen misses, Thomas will attempt to grab the feather. I'm assuming Thomas is next to Jurgen since they were just in conversation. Rolled natural 20 + melee of 13? = 33. I'd say that's pretty successful. I'll reserve the reflex roll to see if Jurgen rolls a natural 1.]
Jurgen d20+5=20 d20+5=25 Wednesday May 8th, 2002 7:56:53 PM
As the robes float in, Jurgen's mind is elsewhere and he doesn't notice they are without body. Then, as it rubs against him, he glaces up apologizing. To his surprise, it's not even alive. It drops, leaving the feather floating. Normally, he'd leave it without another look, but he feels a strange urge to hold it within his hands. He snaps his hand forward, moving seemingly faster then the dropping object. His movement pushes it forward, just out of his reach. With a jump foward, he firmly grasps it in between his fingers.
[Melee Attack Roll, Success with 20 and 25.]
"Yahoo! A feather. Now what do I do with a feather? Maybe it has something to do with that black robed thing!" He then begins looking at it, checking to see if it's a real feather or something more than meets the eye.
DM Kim d20=16 Wednesday May 8th, 2002 11:52:56 PM
As Jurgen examines it, he notes, on the apparently real feather, scribed on the shaft of the feather, the image of a tree, and the letter "Q" clearly in the midst of the tree's foliage.
A few lumps lie under the robes - and poking out of the robe near Sir Thomas is some sort of cylinder.
Trace and Radiant Thursday May 9th, 2002 2:25:06 AM
Trace watches the events unfold from his horse and is not sure what to do since the only thing left is a feather and some lumps. "Well, what was that all about?"
Sir Thomas Thursday May 9th, 2002 8:15:30 AM
"I don't know what this is all about, but I'm going to look into what this cylinder is that is sticking from underneath these robes."
Thomas picks up the cylinder and examines it.
Jurgen Thursday May 9th, 2002 10:46:55 AM
The boy laughes, carefully placing the feather into his belt pouch. He makes sure it is stuff in there, no fumbling around. Then he grabs his robe, holding it up. He rubs the dirt and dust off, then slides it over himself to make sure it fits properlly. He slinks over to Sir Thomas and the other robe, laughing. He'd thought it was evil stuff here, but in the end it was just his stuff.
"I bought some stuff from that Catacombs place and I guess their delivering it now. Wow, that's all crazy! They made me think that the evil machine people were doing this. I didn't want to fight, before we have to fight." He watches the knight, wondering what part of his purchase this might be.
"Oh yeah, and that feather... It's a Feather Token. When it hits the group a tree shoots up out of nowhere. See, if we dropped it then that would have been a whole lot of bad!"
Sly Foxx and Luke Thursday May 9th, 2002 12:12:43 PM
Sly was sitting next to Altemia, try to cheer he up a little. "Little Sister, is there anything I can do to get a smile out of you? Look at me, I'm at the point where dead is the only thing to do? Let's give Ilsidur a chance, maybe he has the right idea."
The robes come into the tavern and the commotion starts, as Jurdon put on the robe. "Hey! Little Brother, That robe is a good fit." Sly is looking for a smile from Altemia.
Sir Thomas Thursday May 9th, 2002 2:18:30 PM
Thomas hands Jurgen the cylinder without further inspection. "What good would it do to have a tree spontaneously sprouting up out of the ground? I mean, unless we're in the desert. . . . no matter, as long as you're happy with your purchase." While waiting for the group to gather itself Thomas decides to kneel and pray to Alemi.
Jurgen Friday May 10th, 2002 12:06:22 AM
Jurgen ignores Sir Thomas's question, continuing to scan through his purchases. He loots over the cylinder, looking for the lid. If he finds one, he pops it open. His eyes closed, he slowly puts a hand in and feels around for a random item. He pulls it out and examines it, wondering why the Catacombs worked this way.
"Oh well! It looks like we should be off..." And underneath his breath he whispers to none, but himself. "None shall die if I can help it. They've lived for many years, without fail. Perhaps they won't need my help. I can't take the chance though..." Then he begins to walk outside, holding the second robe and cylinder in his hand.
[I'm just trying to move us along. I think we should start along to the machine thingy. Lemmie know whether or not we should be going.]
------- [Go ahead in that direction, if you so choose. Time marches on. -DM Kim]
Altemia (DM Kim) Friday May 10th, 2002 2:48:19 AM
"The chaos symbol - it is gone," Altemia says. "Yet on the rest of you, it is present." After a moment's further reflection, she states, "I will not go with you. You go ahead, do what you must, what you can. For now - I know not how long - my path departs from yours."
Sly Foxx and Luke Friday May 10th, 2002 10:55:31 AM
Sly takes her hands and kisses them both. "I understand, Little Sister. We must part here, but you will alway be in my heart. Take care and try to be happy."
Shiraz Friday May 10th, 2002 2:08:42 PM
A minotaur, perhaps the largest any have seen, coughs politely outside the door. Wearing armor that catches the light and seems to reflect it everywhere, and having 2 large swords visible but sheathed, the polite minotaur seems to be a oxymoron. "I hope I am in the correct place, I have been compeled to come in this direction, and the ahh...." the minotaur seems to be at a loss for a word, "oh, yes the compulsion seems to stop here in front of this door, so here I am." The minotaur steps through the door his shadow easily blocking most of the light from entering, and bows to the assembled people within,"My name is Shiraz, and I wonder," Shiraz pulls off 1 gauntlet, "if you could tell me what this, thing, this tatoo? mark? is please. Since the day I woke up with it, I have been compeled to walk and now that compulsion seems to be through now that I am here with you." Shiraz replaces his gauntlet, and stands easy preparing for the onslaught of questions he is sure to come.
Jurgen Friday May 10th, 2002 8:53:04 PM
Jurgen, caught up in his purchases, seemingly ignores the giant taur. He continues to mess around, putting some things in his pockets and others in his bag. Finally he finishes and then hears the voice of Shiraz. He looks around, for this bodyless sound. And when he finds it, he lets out a scream of fright. It was the biggest minotaur he'd ever seen. In fact, it was the only minotaur he'd ever seen.
"Help me! Help me!" The boy shouts and then hides under the table, frightened deeply of this thing which he'd never heard of before. If he had even heard rumors of it's evil, then he'd be fine. He could face something that he knew about, but something completely new? Never! A new enemy of which he could find out about would never do to fight.
Amazingly, the boy seems to hear it talk about a mark on it's hand and pokes his eyes up. He watches with interest as it removes it's armor, showing a symbol like the rest. That ment it was a good guy, right? Well, unless they were destroyers. That would mean they are bad, but they couldn't be bad. Jurgen was good, so he couldn't be bad. Could he?
"Umm... Hello?" He lets out a muffled greeting to Shiraz trying to be friendly, but he is still frightened deeply.
Sly Foxx and Luke Saturday May 11th, 2002 6:08:47 PM
Sly sees Altemia off, with a sad heart he waves good-bye to her, until she was out of sight.
When a strange voice, jolts him back with the group. Sly sees the biggest Minotaur he has ever seen. "Take it easy Jurgen, He has the mark of The Children of Chaos. Just like the rest of us." At this point, the half-elf (with the dirty blond hair and striking green eyes) walks to the big minotaur and takes his own glove off and he shows the newcomer his own deep red tattoo. "This is the mark of 'the Children of Chaos'. We are better known as the Southern Light, we try to bring light to where there is darkness and hopelessness. Come sit down with us and we all can bring you up to date."
Sly will go and see if there is anything to eat or drink (if Sly find some), he will bring it back for all to share.
Sir Thomas Monday May 13th, 2002 12:46:30 PM
Thomas hugs Altemia and bids her farewell; silently hoping she will change her mind after every step that takes her farther away. When she is out of sight he turns his attention back to the group and the newcomer.
He is quite intimidated by the Minotaur's size as he thinks this brute must be much larger than Bear. Thomas does not show his intimidation as a good warrior would not, and takes comfort in the thought that he and his friends dispatched of Bear once. The Minotaur, being quite polite removes any remaining discomfort with his good manners and the stigma that, paradoxically, marks him as friend.
Thomas approaches Shiraz, "Shiraz, welcome, I am Sir Thomas Hurley of New Elenna. I am a messenger of Alemi's word and a protector of Domi's honor; may he live on in our memories. The mark is one that you will rue to have acquired. It is the mark of the chaos bell. It marks you as savior or destroyer, but we know not yet which is the most appropriate. We hope to be saviors and in that light we go to fight the machine that is stealing the souls of this town and keeping that rift open for the armies of Marteus. We know little about how to properly fight the machine, but we go to destroy it in an effort to be saviors of the Wold. In that respect I guess we may be both. We could certainly use your swords if you are willing to give them." Thomas holds his hand out to shake the large and imposing humanoid hand of the minotaur Shiraz. He smiles, knowing that he has just laid quite a bit on the . . . man . . . beast . . . friend?
Jurgen Monday May 13th, 2002 7:37:50 PM
Jurgen slides out from the table, keeping his eyes firmly on the minotaur. It was big, it was scary and it was nice... What a very strange combination. Not many raging monsters were polite and kind. That had to be a good sign, didn't it?
"Um... Well, if you won't kill me then I guess we can be friends. We should be going though. Chaos is going on action. And we haven't take any action. So let's go!" He points towards the door and begins to walk out of it. How could they be heros? Sitting around drinking tea. Well, probably not tea. Ale. Jurgen shouldn't drink Ale though because it messed up his magic. Josephine wouldn't know, she was... well she was somewhere not here.
"Oh... Just a sip. Wait, no! I'm going to be out doing magic stuff! I shouldn't!"
Shiraz Monday May 13th, 2002 9:16:18 PM
Shiraz smiles as those who introduce themselves do and shakes everyones hand gladly. "If we share the mark..of chaos you say? Then I am glad to be here with you, and yes, Thomas I will gladly help with these swords, though little enough they can do against chaos I think." Shiraz smiles at Jurgen, "What is your name little one, do you also travel with these children who are not children?" Shiraz watches Jurgen go towards the door, "Are we going somewhere now?" The minotaur seems strangely calm always choosing his words carefully and speaking softly.
Ilsidur Monday May 13th, 2002 11:28:23 PM
Ilsidur frowns at Altemia's statement. He says, "I will be sorry to see you leave, Altemia. Hopefully our paths will cross again."
Ilsidur moves forward to greet the large bull-headed creature. He looks up, way up, and says, "Well met, Shiraz. My name is Ilsidur Wayfinder, initiate of Marmathon Dur, and one of the Southern Lights, the name of our small group. If you are marked with the sign of the Chaos Bell, then your path, and maybe your fate, lie with us, at least for a short while. Now, we need to get moving towards that machine, and discuss our options along the way."
As the party heads out of the tavern, and moves towards the temple, the machine, and perhaps Ilsidur's fate, the dwarf says, "This spell seems to be fairly clear in what it expects from the caster. It will take all of my life force, and then it will drain me completely. The only thing that I can think of that perhaps could help me is if I can temporarily boost my life force. A spell such as 'aid' can give me such a boost, but even it may not be enough. I do not have that spell available to me right now, and I don't think we can afford to wait until morning when I can ask for Marmathon Dur's boon to grant me the spell. I am open to suggestions. Maybe the priest (I have forgotten his name) can help."
"The other issue is the mechanics of the spell. I think it may be possible for me to start the casting of the spell outside the temple, and move into the temple to finish it. I will have to be within 40' of the machine to cast the final parts of the spell. If I need to be within 40' of the machine for the entire casting of the spell, then I will need to be within that range for a full 10 minutes. Perhaps I can hide up on the balcony, and if the machine detects me, I can call all of you in to distract it. I need advice from you other spell casters can I start the spell outside the spell range, and move closer to finish the spell? [OOC: Kim, I don't know how you want to adjudicate this. Maybe some spellcraft rolls can give an indication? I had a quick look through the rule books, and couldn't find anything on point.] ----- [The balcony would have you within the required distance. Walking as you activate a spell may work - but it may be difficult to hide as you walk. Up to you, though, as to what approach you choose to take. -Kim]
Shiraz Tuesday May 14th, 2002 9:32:08 AM
Shiraz watches his new companions as they talk about this machine, curious but keeping quiet as he has no clue what they are talking about, quiet that is until Ilsidur speaks of giving his life up,"What honor Master Dwarf, Imod would surely bless you even in death should you have to die for you kith and everyones kin, I bow to you noble dwarf for to give oneself for the greater good is very honorable." Shiraz strides up to be near the cleric and walks beside him proudly.
Sly Foxx and Luke Tuesday May 14th, 2002 9:51:02 AM
Sly comes back from the kitchen with a few things in his arms. "There's almost nothing back there, it's been ransack. But I did some fruits and a few scones." Sly put the food on the table and takes an apple scones.
Sly is ready to go and will follow Sir Thomas.
Luke enters from the kitchen with a soup bone in his mouth.
Altemia's parting suggestion [DM Kim] Wednesday May 15th, 2002 4:09:47 AM
Altemia gives each member of the party a parting hug, save the newcomer. "I suppose you are here to take my place, somehow," she says to Shiraz. As she goes to leave, she pauses for a moment. "Don't we have cards?" She shrugs her shoulders, says to Ilsidur, "I don't want to hear that you killed yourself." She walks off, on another path.
DM Kim Wednesday May 15th, 2002 4:21:53 AM
The plaza the party crosses is deserted, and they reach Alemi's defiled temple to find it unattended. There's no guard or watch - just the many-limbed machine. In the concourse - which way shall people go? Up the nearby balcony, or on further explorations? What will they do?
Shiraz d20=19 d20=14 d20=3 Wednesday May 15th, 2002 8:33:43 AM
Shiraz trembles with rage at the sight of Alemi's defiled temple and shudders at the sight of the machine. "What in the name of Imod's memory is that accursed thing?" Shiraz looks around searching (19) for a way to get closer to the machine safely. Trying to listen for anything abnormal (14), and trying to spot (3) whomever is running the contraption. The minotaur rolls his neck around, and the party hears it pop as Shiraz smiles in contentment. He then cracks his knuckles, reminding the group unpleasantly of bones breaking, and rolls his shoulders a few times in preparation for battle. Shiraz smiles sheepishly. "Even for one as large as I, a bastard sword can be an unwieldy weapon at times. I like to pre as relaxed as possible." Shiraz reaches into his backpack and carefully pulls out two potions and tucks them in his belt. He then fluidly stands up and draws his swords, "I am ready to go whereever it is that we go. Know this now that Shiraz does not run and if it begins to turn I will fight to the death, giving you time to flee, but I do not flee." Shiraz says the last statement flatly as if he were talking about the weather, with no sorrow or menace in his voice.
Sly Foxx and Luke Wednesday May 15th, 2002 11:01:23 AM
Sly answers Shiraz, "Yeah! That's our little pet", then turns to Sir Thomas,"Sir what do you want me to do? My magic spells are Flaming Sphere and that's good for a good 180ft, And my other spell is Web, but I have to have something to anchor the web. Or do you want me to fight the thing with my long sword? One way or another that thing is going to die."
Sir Thomas Wednesday May 15th, 2002 11:23:24 AM
Thomas offers Ilsidur the use of Pryte to carry him around the concourse and away from the machine's attacks as he casts his spell. "If you think it will work, Ilsidur, you can ride Pryte while casting the spell." Thomas smiles at Shiraz's preparation, "I like your thought process. Alemi will be proud today." To Sly, Thomas answers, "I won't pretend that your sword will do the necessary damage to that machine. You can either try to make it to the vats with the rest of us, or stay with Ilsidur and try to protect him with your magic."
[00C: Sorry for the poor post, finals has me ragged.]
Jurgen - Flying Wednesday May 15th, 2002 8:06:18 PM
As the group continues to discuss their plans, Jurgen begins to make his own. There was a way to defeat this machine, but what was it? The spell was one of them. There was another. Perhaps an onslaught of good magic. Alas, Jurgen's could be used either way. No, that wouldn't work... Mattric talked of Chaos, so Jurgen would think of Chaos. The only thing that he truly knew you could do with it was rebel.
What if they confused the machine? Yet there aren't that many ways to confuse something without a mind. If everyone attacked it on a different angle it could work, but the shadows would get one of them. Sure, you could avoid them for a while, but ten minutes? That was an eon of time, in which at least one of them would have to stay alive. Unless the dwarf was able to use his magic faster, they would have to be defensive.
"Get close enough and begin your spell. We'll make sure you stay around long enough. If you think it would be better if you took to the air, then I can help you do so. It will last for longer then the spell takes to be cast. Although I think a nice horse would be a much better way of travelling. Maybe you should start casting your spell as soon as you can and we can see how long before the machine acts. We'll survive longer... So let's get going." In the meantime, he begins to cast it on himself and continues to think about this tricky problem they had somehow managed to be sucked into.
"Up, up and away I go!" Jurgen leisurely moves up, just overhead of his companions. He pulls the string holding his braid together out, letting it slide down. Then he looks down, waiting for it to begin.
Sir Thomas Thursday May 16th, 2002 12:29:30 PM
An amazingly refreshed Thomas looks over the group and smiles. It had been only minutes since Thomas' last ragged reply to all that the group was talking about, but now Thomas saw all of this in a different light. "We are quite a bunch. We will be ok you guys. I have never gone into a fight thinking I was going to lose. I have never entered a fight in which I thought I was going to lose one of my friends. I will not make an exception today. Ilsidur, we will find a way to defeat this machine and to keep you alive if we MUST use your spell. Would you like the use of Pryte-honos to keep you away from the machine as you cast your spell. He is quite intelligent and will do a good job for you. If not, I am going to use him to get me to those vats more quickly. Either way, lets keep our chins up and our wits about us. Good communication during the battle will improve our chances." Thomas smiles as he pulls his gloves on more tightly and checks his sword and shield and armor. He checks his backpack and stuffs his flint and steel into one of his belt pouches. He slips a torch into his belt and then grabs his holy symbol. He offers a quick prayer to Alemi for his support and protection. Lastly, he sets his backpack just inside the door to the desecrated temple where it should be safe and not a hindrance to him while he is fighting. "Ready!" He draws his sword and looks around the group.
Sly Foxx and Luke Thursday May 16th, 2002 1:45:45 PM
Sly Prayed with Sir Thomas, then after he tells him, "I think I will go with Ilsidur, he's wide open to attack. My being there will help him and give more time for his spells. That is if it's all right with you? Sir Thomas."
If Sir Thomas gives him the OK, Sly will go and walk behind Ilsidur and only intervene if Sly has to. He has his spells ready and his long sword sharp and ready. "Come, Luke."
Sir Thomas Thursday May 16th, 2002 2:51:58 PM
Thomas pats the young half-elf, Sly, on the shoulder. "I think that's a wise decison my friend. If we end up killing the machine without the need of Ilsidur's spell and before he completes it then it will be your job to disrupt his casting. May Alemi care for all of our souls and protect us as we fight for his and other's cause of goodness."
Shiraz Thursday May 16th, 2002 5:17:46 PM
Shiraz looks around at the others, thinking that surely they had taur blood in them as only that could explain their inherent honor. Willing to die for the betterment of the whole why this dwarf is a minotaur in spirit. "Not to slow you all down but what and where would you like me?" Shiraz swings his swords around creating a blade barrier around his body, "I am ready lead me Sir Thomas, for at this moment I seem to be lost."
Sir Thomas Thursday May 16th, 2002 7:03:17 PM
[OOC: I don't know if its right or wrong, but while we're still preparing I thought I'd just post as often as necessary. Somebody let me know if I need to quit.]
In response to Shiraz's request, Thomas adjusts his helmet and smiles a smile of calm yet intense anticipation. It is not a smile that often crosses anyone's face, but it sits well on Thomas' face now. "Well my new friend. That is a good question. First I will warn you, as I think you have already been warned, that this machine is massive and hideous. It will do you little good to attack it. At best, I think you would knock a few arms off. We approached the machine earlier and were driven away with captives that were being used to power the machine, but while we were there we saw a few vats of liquid that seemed to be draining from the machine. We think that it is a possibility that if we destroy or tinker with the liquid that we can affect the functioning of the machine. It may not work, but in doing so we may see the true weakness of this abomination. Make your way as fast as you can to the vats and, with your strength, try to tip it over or put a hole in the vat. I think I am going to try to light it on fire or tie a rope around it and use Pryte-Honos to tip it over. Which reminds me!" Thomas makes for his backpack and grabs his rope. He places it around the pummel of Pryte's saddle and then continues. "I should also warn you about the clerics. They are weak foes, but cast powerful hold person spells. Be cautious of them because if you cannot move then you cannot avoid the wrath of the machine or the killing stroke of even a dagger. And do NOT look at their faces. They are undead of some kind and will stun you, even if you are prepared for the sight. We know not all of the capabilities of the machine, so be cautious no matter what actions you take. We are not formulating a coordinated battle plan because we know so little about what we are fighting and also because we believe that, being the children of chaos, a multi-pronged, uncoordinated, and changing attack will benefit us the most. I believe the key will be good communication though, so don't be afraid to call out no matter what you say. Are you somewhat straight?" Thomas reaches up and pats the large humanoid on the chest. "May Alemi and whatever your greater powers are protect you and the rest of us." Thomas offers Ilsidur the use of Pryte-Honos one more time. If he declines Thomas will saddle up and enter the temple. If he accepts Thomas will help him up and enter the temple. "The time is upon us. Remember, Success occurs when 100,000 hours of preparation accumulate in one final and glorious moment. Trust in yourselves and we will kill this thing."
DM Kim Friday May 17th, 2002 4:55:36 AM
Shiraz figures he could walk up to the gibbering machine. Safely? He does not notice any obvious obstacles to impede progress to the machine. He cannot see anyone who appears to run the machine - just arms, legs, portions of faces, intestines, a beating heart here and there, half a foot, a hodgepodge of organs, an intact torso with one upper arm to the elbow ... in short, a machine with innumerable body parts embedded in it.
The vats are beyond.
A pair of footsteps is heard coming down a corridor.
Please communicate where you will go, and what you intend to do.
Sir Thomas d20=12 d20=6 d10=4 Friday May 17th, 2002 10:31:16 AM
[OOC: I'm assuming Ilsidur declined the offer to use Pryte during the battle. Also, is there any improvement in our ability to see the room this time? If so, could we get a map? If not thanks anyway.]
Thomas spurs Pryte-Honos into the Nave, "Heya!". Thomas looks around the room trying to spot anyone or anything that might pose an immediate threat to him or the group. (Rolled 12 + 2 WIS = 14 Spot check) As the two charge into the room, Thomas holds his sword high in a threatening manner and calls forth Alemi's challenge. "I have returned! Justice and mercy are upon you. I am Sir Thomas Hurley of the Southern Lights, and I am here to carry out Alemi's will." Thomas directs pryte to skirt the room in an effort to run around the machine and its minions, or at least to flank it and cause a diversion of attention. (Thomas has prepared a readied action should anything or anyone present a threat to him Rolled 6 + 13? melee I think = 19 to hit; rolled 4 + 7? STR/Weap I think = 11 dmg)
Shiraz Friday May 17th, 2002 10:37:27 AM
"Uhh...." the minotaur looks confused, then shrugs,"ok I will follow you and watch your back." Shiraz follows Sir Thomas into the building and keeping his back firmly against the horse stays with the paladin." Slow down a bit I cant keep up with you if you charge in there to fast" he says quietly to Thomas.
Sly Foxx and Luke d20=1 Friday May 17th, 2002 5:31:32 PM
OOC: I don't think Sly can spot his hand in frount of his face.
"May Alemi Bless us all." Sly will go with Ilsidur to anywhere he think is best for casting. Sly keep a sharp eye out for any attack that will disroupt Ilsidur from his spells. Sly and Luke are ready. Sly prays for his party and for his love that he has lost.
Jurgen - Flying - Daylighted Friday May 17th, 2002 8:33:16 PM
The flying mage begins another spell, these words very different then the ones he used moments ago. As it starts he see's a way to begin his thinking process, danger was a wonderful motivater. Danger was also a wonderful death sentance for those who ran straight into it. Before he knew it, Jurgen was bathing in a light so bright it was rivaled by only the sun. He smiled, moving himself forward a few steps and waiting for the
"If we could crush it then maybe we could stop it. But how do we crush it? Well, then we could always drop a building onto it. But how do we do that? Ack! I guess I'll have to fly around, bugging it until I think of something..."
Shiraz d20=9 d20=1 Monday May 20th, 2002 8:18:19 PM
The minotaur follows the paladin around making sure to stay as close as he can to him, and scans the machine as they draw close hoping to find a weakness (search 9 spot 1) finding none he continues to protect the paladins back.
Trace Monday May 20th, 2002 11:58:43 PM
OOc:this is ted, I am on a company computer so short and sweet, my comp is on the blink please cover for me for one week. thanks sorry
Sly Foxx and Luke d20+3=21 Tuesday May 21st, 2002 4:52:12 AM
OOC:21 for hearing the foot steps.
Sly is still following Ilsidur, when he hears the foot steps, Sly will speak softly to him, "listen! I hear some foot steps coming from over there." Sly points to the Corridor.
Lukes growls softly.
DM Kim Tuesday May 21st, 2002 7:32:41 PM
What Sly sees is a black-robed person - probably a man, judging by the build and pot belly, though the head and face are obscured by the cowl. He approaches the body-parts machine, and unfurls a scroll. About to begin to read, he drops it, and reaches down to pick it up, and re-unfurl it. He begins to read, seemingly oblivious to the party members, and presently unaccompanied, apparently. Yes, definitely a man's voice.
Ilsidur may recognize the opening words, as they seem matched to those on the scroll he has.
Everyone make a spot check - and let me know what you are doing.
Shiraz d20=13 d20=10 d20+11=24 d10+8=15 Tuesday May 21st, 2002 8:37:11 PM
Shiraz looks around (spot 13) and continues to follow Sir Thomas around the machine, watching all that he can. If it appears that the machine begins to respond to the black robes casting then Shiraz will attempt to interrupt it striking the man (AC 24 for 15 dmg).
Jurgen - Flying - Daylighted d20-1=6 Tuesday May 21st, 2002 9:12:00 PM [Spot Check: Success at DC 6]
As the man enters, Jurgen's eyes roam the room. He seems distracted, perhaps by the fact that anything there would be obvious. Or it should be. Why in the name of any god would they hide something? They seemed stronger then death itself, using the souls of the living to fuel their horrid plans. That would be stopped. No longer would that machine keep those who should be dead, alive. Nor would it help an evil such as the Dark Lord. It had to be stopped and now...
He moved his body forward, while grabbing for a wand which was in his pocket. As it appeared right in his hand, he shouted a cry to show he was going forward. Hopefully his allies would back him up, or else he was in a mighty big amount of trouble.
"You cannot live without darkness. In the light you are weak and nothing. And beware, for we are the dawn!" And then Jurgen's wand shot forth, appearing to be nothing, but then it stopped right in front of the dark robed spellcaster.
[Using Wand - Casting: Silence - Target: A foot in front of the man using the scroll - Duration: 4 Minutes, assuming it was made by a bard at lowest caster level.]
He nodded, knowing none could cast or even speak within that small circle. That could be a hinderance, but it seemed the only sure way he could stop the spell... At least for then. Who could be sure that they couldn't get through that simple barrier. Maybe it would give them time enough to think of a plan.
Sir Thomas d20=11 d20=8 d10=4 Tuesday May 21st, 2002 10:26:03 PM
Initially, Thomas, overzealous in his anticipation to kill the machine, spurred Pryte-Honos to charge into the room and make way for the vats. However, when Shiraz began to follow him around the room, going as far as to ask the young paladin to slow his charge, Thomas did as he was asked. "I'm sorry Shiraz. I didn't realize we'd be working together. Let's get to those vats!" The rush of adrenalin is obvious in the young man's tone. A bit of spittle flies from his lips in the same manner that a line of drool hangs from a hungry cat's lips when dinner is on its lap.
Thomas is not crazed by any means, and so takes time to look around the room. (Rolled 11 + 2 WIS = 13 Spot Check) He sees the man unroll the scroll and thinks, "fool!" when he drops the paper and must spend time reorganizing himself. Thomas sees Shiraz break away from their course and run toward the cleric. Wanting to keep clear lines of communication estabilshed and open Thomas calls in his loudest voice, "Shiraz and Thomas are converging on the priest with the scroll! It's up to us my new and large friend." Thomas, like the minotaur, changes his course to bear down on the cleric. Pryte, knowing the urgency of battle well, charges with all the speed he can accumulate in the distance. "Alemi will judge your soul! May he have mercy." Thomas strikes the cleric with a charge attack if he covers the necessary distance in time. (Rolled 8 + 12 melee attack + 1? charge bonus = 21 to hit; Rolled 4 + 7 STR/mag. weapon + 1? charge bonus = 12 dmg)
Sly Foxx and Luke d20+1=16 Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 4:25:39 AM
Sly is watching this cleric and turns to see Ilsidur take a piece of paper from his pocket. Which reminds him of the paper he found in the black robe he had for a while. "Ilsidur can you tell me what kind of spell this is? I found it in the black robe I had on. And can we use it?" Sly will take another look around.
Trace (Ceil) d20+2=18 Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 4:31:46 AM
Trace readies his bow, but waits for Sir Thomas to make a move. "This guy will not read any more scroll. Not if I can help it." Trace keeps a wary eye about.
Ilsidur d20+3=10 Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 11:03:27 PM
Ilsidur's awareness of the situation is overshadowed by his concern around his future in the next 10 minutes or so. [OOC: Spot check made vs DC10, not likely.]
The dwarf hears the priest(?) start to read the spell from the scroll, and recognizes it as the same spell that he has on the scroll that the party found at the tavern. He wonders why that priest is casting the spell? His understanding of the spell is that once cast, the machine could continue to power itself from nearby life forms, and would not need to be re-cast. He watches the party members move to attack the priest, and shouts, "Don't attack him until we know what is going on! Stop him from casting the spell, but don't hurt him! He could be trying to stop the machine! We need to find out who he is first!"
After shouting his warning from the doorway, and while all the commotion is taking place, Ilsidur moves quietly up to the balcony, trying to keep out of sight(?) of the machine. He whispers to Sly (who he assumes is following him up to the balcony), "Once I start casting this spell, I may not be able to afford to give any attention to what is going on around me. I need you to be my eyes and ears. I need you to let me know what is going on, and to try to defend me if anything comes our way."
Assuming nothing happens to stop him, Ilsidur moves within range of the machine, and starts to read from the scroll, to cast a counterspell to the Pour Life spell.
Sly Foxx and Luke Thursday May 23rd, 2002 11:08:24 AM
Sly looks at Ilsidur. "That's why I came with you, Sir. To see that no harm come to you, I'll be at or by your side."
Trace and Radiant Thursday May 23rd, 2002 3:28:41 PM
ooc: yea!!!! it's offical, after many phone calls to southwesternbell, msn and dell. No one knows what is going on. None the less I am back online, slow as heck but back. I hope I didnt mess up the battle sequance any. I should have my msn back tomorrow and can start useing e-mail again. again sorry for the disruption. Thanks ceil for covering...I can pick back up tonight.
Shiraz Thursday May 23rd, 2002 9:43:08 PM
Shiraz stops running at the priest stopping his sword in midarc. "Lucky he was so far away" Shiraz says sheepishly.
Greg (test) Monday May 27th, 2002 10:20:47 PM
Just running a test to see if something isn't working. Could we all post so that we know that the system works?
Wade:Shiraz Monday May 27th, 2002 10:22:31 PM
Trust me its working )
Jurgen [Jeff] Monday May 27th, 2002 11:58:39 PM Current Situation: Kim, our DM for the time being, is going to be missing in action for a few days. He mentioned this in the Loot and Booty, as well as a brief post in the Catacombs. This means that the game is on stand-still until himself or another DM, such as Cayzle, returns.
So, until he returns... We're taking a break. I will make a post tonight, not action, just something to read. It'll help me keep in Jurgen's mind. So, until our DM returns, we wait...
[Please take in mind that these are the thoughts of a single individual and are in no way the thoughts of the Wold. ;)]
Jurgen Tuesday May 28th, 2002 12:28:17 AM
While the young one moves, more hits him they he expected. This wasn't a battle for mear gold or glory. This was to save the souls of the mortals, whom the gods themselves didn't want to stay.
But who were they to mess in the affairs of the divine. Be it evil, good or something else... The gods knew the truth, how could simple mortals even begin to comprehend what was at stake. Even if they could, how would they defeat the gods? Unless mortals became immortal like the Dark Lord, as he was sometimes called, they would have no chance. Maybe that was the answer. Someone had to become a god. But who could take a risk that great?
Alas, he could not think of things so harsh. They were ideas that the wise probably couldn't find answers to. Right now he had to stop what he knew was wrong. If it defied the holy, so be it. If it defied the unholy, that too would be so. Focus on the task at hand, that was all that mattered now.
This machine had few obvious weaknesses. One was it's size. It was huge. So huge that something falling on it would not do as much damage as Jurgen wished. But it also ment that it would fall faster... If they could get it to a cliff and somehow get it to fall off? No, too difficult.
But what if they brought the cliff to the machine... Yes! And he had just the way of doing so. He smiled, finishing off the magic of the wand. He'd bring the cliff in mear seconds, but it could be troublesome for him... It didn't matter. He was a Child of Chaos and this moment had come to him in a flash of light. Now, he had to go!
Sly Foxx (Ceil) Tuesday May 28th, 2002 4:28:13 AM
I have no problem posting, but I'm the kind of player that takes her cues from other people or story line (some times). If there is no DM then where is the Asst. DM? Who is the asst. DM in this game Gregg? Gregg (Ilsidur Wayfinder) has not posted but once a week?? Well, that's my two cents for the day.
Oh! Yes! Luke said "Grrrr"
DM Cayzle Returneth Tuesday May 28th, 2002 9:55:29 AM
Hi Everybody!
I have talked from Kim and Jerry, and I will be posting regularly as DM henceforth. Both Kim and I are sorry for the delay (Kim told me so in an e-mail, so I presume to speak briefly for him).
Honestly, reading over the past posts, I'm a little confused about where we are. So I'm going to take it back a notch, place the party just inside the Concourse of Alemi's Desecrated Temple, and we'll just start from there and let event overrun us!
Thanks to all for your forebearance. After this message, do let's revert to in-character posts. If you have any game issues or questions, please write to me at cayzle at yahoo dot com.
Facing Desecration
A Long Day -- Part One (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 28th, 2002 10:55:04 AM
You all stop for a second to catch your breath.
It seems unbelievable that only a single day has passed, but it is true. This morning the group approached the Temple, freed Jurgen and Willem, and heard the Chaos Bell ring. They found a scroll with a special spell. That was at nine in the morning.
Then they fled into the crowd, and were led by Moragh the Crone to the city wall. On top of that wall, they saw the Armies of the Night massing, saw the Vampire-Giant who led them, heard the machine thrum, and saw the Giant rip a rent in the Wold. Through that rip they saw the land outside Threshhold, and through that rip the Army of the Night began to invade the Southern Continent. The Giant Vampire said that the Gods, the Powers of the Wold, could be killed by mortals.
Then the Crone (or seer? or oracle? or wise woman?) spoke with the voice of power and was slain by lightning -- but before she died she spoke compelling words of guidance: "These bear the power of Chaos! Let the enemy fear them and run before them for they are the Children of Chaos! Trust your hope in them!" The broken spiral tattoos throbbed. That was at midday of the same day.
Then the group went to the Inn and picked up Uteva, then to the house of a priest they had met, Mattric. They found that many people, especially children, were dead in the streets. Mattric's people were dead as well. The humming of the machine can be heard everywhere. Then the Voices of the Gods spoke, and two Powers -- Goddess of Love and the Goddess of Passion -- are dead! In the aftermath, the group decides to attack the [machine. Mattric wisely counsels, "A frontal attack on this device seems doomed. Ye tried that and were forced back. I suggest that ye look for subtle or magical means to your end." The group gathers in an abandoned tavern to plan. That was at three of the clock in the afternoon.
At the tavern the group debates, and the newest Child of Chaos joins -- Shiraz the Minotaur. Ilsidur volunteers to use the scroll of the black robes against the machine, although he thinks it may kill him to do so. After much discussion, the group decides to return to the Desecrated Temple. And so the evening hour of six arrives, still in this one momentous day!
Return to Desecration -- Part Two (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 28th, 2002 10:55:48 AM
The group -- Willem, Shiraz, Jurgen, Thomas, Ilsidur, Trace, Sly, and Uteva -- have returned to the Desecrated Temple of Alemi in the Town of Abandon, where once before they confronted the machine of evil and freed Jurgen and Willem from captivity before fleeing from the shadowy tentacle-hands of the machine. The Concourse, or entry hall, is empty now. There are stairs that mattric said lead up to the balcony. There are open doorways into areas that you have not explored. And far at the end of the Concourse, the Nave opens, in which the machine malevolently thrums.
The sound of it is louder than ever, and it plucks at your souls to hear the sound. It feels like hunger, like greed, like a rapacious need to devour all. Here you all are in the Concourse, and the Wold waits for your action.
[OOC: At the end of your next post, please note your current spells chosen and other such details. All wounds were healed by Mattric. E-mail me if you have any other questions, comments, etc.]
Shiraz Tuesday May 28th, 2002 8:42:03 PM
Shiraz shudders visibly at the feeling that the machine gives him. "This is the thing we must stop?" the minotaur says quietly. "May the gods and Imod's spirit bless us and guide our arms and our hearts." The huge taurs voice seems almost a benediction then in a breath he draws his swords and cutting large chunks of air off..the taur smiles, "let this day be lived honorably and may we be sucessful."
ooc no spells or effects on me
Sly Foxx and Luke Wednesday May 29th, 2002 3:09:04 AM
Sly will follow Sir Thomas, eating an apple and cookies. "Well' what next? Sir." asks Sly.
Luke look up at Sly and tak a bisket.
OOC: Sly has chosen Magic Missles,Flaming Sphere and web.
In the Concourse (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 29th, 2002 3:56:58 PM
Standing in the ruined Concourse of the desecrated Temple of Alemi, the group looks around and takes in a scene of ruination. Once it was a hall lined with art and furniture, a place of welcome and gathering before the formal temple services began. Now it is a disaster zone. All the marble finery has been cracked and broken. All the works of craft are wrecked. Piles of rubble and trash are everywhere. A single clear path goes from the entrance and winds around debris to the Nave.
There are two sets of stairs going up and two open doorways to the right and the left. You can turn tail and depart. You can advance towards the Nave, or even re-enter the Nave, the place of your defeat earlier today. Or you can climb over debris and ascend the stairs. Or there are two doorways on the right and two on the left, past piles of rubbish and broken statuary.
Your choice?
Sly Foxx and Luke Wednesday May 29th, 2002 7:03:23 PM
Sly follows behind Sir Thomas, when his hand itches again. But this time it also burns a little. Sly takes off his glove and start to scratch, but take a good look at his tattoo. It is glows brighter, then dimmer. "Hmmm! that's funny it never did that before? I think I'll casts a Detect Magic (1 action instant), if it has magic properties it will tell me." But Sly will continue to follow the party.
Luke stops and scratches behind his ear.(that's was a flee, not magic)
Jurgen d20+10=30 d20+1=19 d20+10=30 Wednesday May 29th, 2002 8:02:53 PM
Jurgen mutters, tapping his tattoo angrily. It felt strange. Something about it was making him feel uneasy. Be it magic or be it mental, he had to find out. Somewhere he thought he heard of it before. Perhaps it could be used to combat their foes. Or it could be a trick, used to hurt them...
[Arcane Knowledge Check: Success at DC 30]
[General Knowledge Check: Success at DC 10]
[Spellcraft Check: Success at DC 30]
Then the boy pulls out a scroll. He looks it over, while focusing on his hand. He felt he could see through the skin, ignoring the fleshy bits. And still he saw the tattoo. It was a part of him... And it had properties that he couldn't explain without help. That help would be magically... At least today.
He began to suck the magics out of the paper, ripping the symbols off as he spoke or touched them. His eyes closed, focusing deeply, he began to sway slightly. Finally the scroll was finished with, it's magics sucked out and used.
[Casting Spell From Scroll: Identify - Target: The Tattoo]
[No Current Spell Effects. 5 Level 1 spells have been cast today. What are the odds of two 20s? Meh. I'm happy, but I'll find out through the magic or the knowledge... I hope :)]
Shiraz Wednesday May 29th, 2002 8:35:52 PM
Shiraz looks puzzled at the rest as the casters cast spells or mumble while looking at their tattoo's. "What are you doing?" he asks. "Is this the time to worry about your tattoos? Mine lead me to you I figure that it would lead us safely past this machine too." Shiraz looks a bit confused. "Well since your frontal assault didnt work before should we try 1 or these doors?" Shiraz points to the doors on the right. Shiraz stands completely still waiting to see if his tattoo will show him the correct path as it has done before.
Sir Thomas d20=6 Wednesday May 29th, 2002 10:53:28 PM
Thomas looks around the rubble and his friends as if he were ignorant of all knowledge except how to breathe. While he looks around he quickly runs through his memory of the tattoo. He finally snaps out of the trance and returns to his previously stern look of seriousness. "Well friends, I know very little of magic unless it pertains to battle or Alemi. All I know of this situation is that we have very little time to be inspecting tattoos while an army of evil armies marches on our homelands and our loved ones. But I cannot deny the fact that my tattoo has always burned hotter and brighter every time I was eager to fight evil. More than just the act of fighting, I had to actually possess an intense emotional drive too. MY tattoo does not burn today, but I am quite eager to march on the machine. What does that say?" (Rolled 6 + 5 = 11 Religious Knowledge) "I wish Alyndar were here to help us solve this riddle, but he isn't. If it is a powerword that unlocks the potential of this mark, then I'll find it in battle . . . Alemi will guide my words." THomas pushes on the back of his hand, "I doubt it works like a button . . . " Thomas shrugs his shoulders as if to say - I don't know. The settles his helmet, armor, and shield, then spurs Pryte forward toward where he believes the machine to reside. "Either way, the armies must be stopped. We'll find the way, or we'll die trying. May Alemi guide your thoughts as you search your hearts for the answers. I'm going to scout the machine." Thomas rides forward at a moderate pace to at least scout the area of the machine.
Jurgen Thursday May 30th, 2002 12:52:58 AM
"Oh Sir Thomas. We may not have time for wasted activities, but this certainly is not one such thing. We must find out what we can do, lest we be killed in battle. I want not for any of us to die. I don't want to die. I also want to stop that machine. So unless you wish to die alone, I suggest you wait for us to finish our inspections of these." He waves his hand up, tattoo side outwards. It seems to be a similar colour to his dark skin.
Sly Foxx and Luke Thursday May 30th, 2002 9:09:38 AM
"I don't know about your tattoo, Sir Thomas, But mine burns a little hotter today." Sly show his mark to Jurgen, "Look Mine is pulsating, I wonder why? It's distracting."
The Spiraling Shape (DM Cayzle) Thursday May 30th, 2002 6:23:13 PM
[OOC Note: Remember, friends, that you can describe your actions, but you must not describe things you do not control. You can say, "I swing my sword, hitting a good blow (AC 23)," but you can't say "The orc crumples and dies under my awesome attack." You can say, "I tap on the tattoo," but you can't say, "The tattoo burns, throbs, lifts off my skin, and flutters around the room before landing again on my hand." okay? That's for me to say.]
Jurgen focuses on his tattoo as he never has before. he subjects it to magical analysis as he tries to remember any scrap of lore that might be relevant. Similarly, Sly takes off his glove and casts a Detect Magic on his.
Jurgen's scroll does put some information into his brain -- a name: Entropy Bell
The Detect Magic spell reveals great magic, then moderate magic, then no magic, then some magic, then great magic (but not as great as at first), then faint magic -- it cycles randomly. Sometimes it stays fixed for a while; then it flashes fast.
Jurgen recalls a verse that might have something to do with it -- a psalm from the Shouts of Madness, a book Jurgen once glanced at, written by Sarvat the Lost Hermit. Jurgen remembers it because of the Identify results ... Destiny chimes in great tones. Powerful rings the dead way. Entropy bell leads past gods. Beckoning the Lands of Rest.
Shiraz waits and looks at his tattoo. For a moment it looks to him like it is spinning, like a pinwheel. When it comes to rest, he sees that it has shifted its position on his hand, over to one side, not centered as it had been.
Sir Thomas pushes on the back of his hand. When he does so, he feels a slight push back.
Sly scratches at his tattoo. It burns, throbs, lifts off his skin, and flutters around the room before landing again on his hand.
[OOC: We have Sly, Thomas, Jurgen, and Shiraz posting so far. Ceil will sub for Thomas for the next two days. I sure hope more players will join in on a regular basis!]
Shiraz Thursday May 30th, 2002 6:54:35 PM
Shiraz looks at his tattoo, now moved to one side then looks up to see if it has lined up with what appears to be the way to go. If it does Shiraz looks up and points, "My friends, I believe we go this way, my tattoo led me to you an now it leads us all to victory." Shiraz will then show the group how it has moved on his hand.
Oops (DM Cayzle's Addendum) Thursday May 30th, 2002 8:04:24 PM
[OOC: Sorry -- I meant to add this before but I forgot.]
Sir Thomas walks ahead with his warhorse, but not into the Nave. Stepping gingerly around fallen blocks and parts of statues, Prytte and Thmas look into the Nave. They see the machine as it was before, but there is a Black Robe standing before it reading from a scroll. As they watch, the Black Robe finishes the scroll and crumples to the floor. Two other Black Robes step up -- one casts a spell on the fallen priest and drags him away. The other takes out a scroll and starts reading.
Sir Thomas has not entered the Nave.
The tattoo on Shiraz's hand moves to the right, looking at it the way he was holding his hand at the time. Flip the hand in a different pose and it will "point" in another direction.
Jurgen Friday May 31st, 2002 12:21:13 AM
Jurgen listens carefully to his memories and thoughts. There was something he was missing, wasn't there? The Entropy bell... If they could ring the bell again, would it reverse what it had done? No. That wouldn't work. This was difficult.
"Destiny chimes in great tones. Powerful rings the dead way. Entropy bell leads past gods. Beckoning the Lands of Rest."
He chanted the verse, three times before stopping. It wouldn't help, would it? Perhaps if they were trying to remember a song. Maybe the entropy bell was like a musical instrument and each tune did something else... It all depended on how it was played. How could they play something that they didn't have...
[I hate to say it, but I'm completely stopped. I have no clue what-so-ever.]
[Cayzle: You can't solve a puzzle with just one piece -- keep this bit in the back of your mind and wait for another piece to match it. More to the point, leaving obscure lore aside, how are you going to approach the machine dilemma?]
Sly Foxx and Luke Friday May 31st, 2002 10:18:01 AM
"Sir Thomas! Wait a moment this tattoo has not burn before or acted so weird. Now let's think back to the Witches and received these tattoos. If I remember the events, it was not the five witches that gave us these tattoo, it must be someone else. Remember I was not supposed to get one, because I was not with the bell when it rang, I was out side about to knock on the door. But who put these tattoo on just a few people. Could it be for a special propose? Like now? I think this is a clue on how to not only win this battle, but an even Bigger one." Sly Look To The Rest Of The Group. "Please tell me I'm wrong?"
Sir Thomas (Ceil) Friday May 31st, 2002 10:29:53 AM
"Hmm! I always though that the witches were behind these tattoos." Sir Thomas twist his hand every which ways. It does not move for me, or change color. But I do not put a lot of though in the thing, because it does not interfere in our quest. Right now we must stop that thing from taking more lives, or is it taking lives?" Sir Thomas turn to the Magic users and cleric in the group, "Can you tell me where those black robes do go?"
Ilsidur Friday May 31st, 2002 10:42:17 PM
Ilsidur ponders his immediate future, as he makes his way quietly up the stairs, and readies the scroll. Once at the top of the stairs, he moves to within range of casting the spell. Realizing that the spell will drain his life force, he wonders exactly what does it mean to be a "Child of Chaos"? What does it mean to carry the sign of the Entropy Bell? Maybe he could call on the power of the Bell, the sign, and Chaos, to try to save his sorry hide. He thinks for a moment, and concentrates to call some sort of power from the symbol, perhaps to protect him from the backlash of the Pour Life spell.
Regardless of the results, he begins to read the scroll, meaning to cancel whatever spell is powering the evil machine.
The Beginning of an Answer (DM Cayzle) Saturday June 1st, 2002 3:35:28 PM
Ilsidur walks up the right-hand set of stairs to the balcony. He has to pick his way carefully, since there are long pews blocking parts of the stairway. His dwarfish sense of safety and construction helps a lot.
It looks like the balcony was simply used for extra seating for services. There are a few pews still here, mostly toppled over or set askew. The railing shows damage where some pews were levered over in the general ruin long ago.
It takes a few tense minutes to slowly and stealthily move over to the part of the balcony suspended most near to the machine.
The balcony area, as with the entire nave, is filled with shifting shadows, like before. It is hard to gauge distances. But at last Ilsidur figures he is as close to the machine as he can get -- within counterspell range, he thinks.
Below, a Black Robe has been reading a scroll of his own -- also Pour Life, as the dwarf cleric recognizes. But Ilsidur knows starting the counterspell late will waste it. He bides his time for this scroll-reader -- he can see another Black Robe with a scroll standing ready for when this one finishes.
While he waits, he concentrates on invoking the power of the Entropy Bell, although he does not know what to expect. To start with, he begins to have a greater awareness of his friends, the other Children of Chaos. He senses where they are -- (there -- down and to the left) -- and they begin to sense him as well.
Still in the Concourse, Sir Thomas can see the scroll-readers within the Nave -- one reading, one ready to read after the current reader falls. Everyone in the group can sense Ilsidur above them, although he is hiding out of sight.
Sly Foxx and Luke Saturday June 1st, 2002 8:27:35 PM
Sly sensing Ilsidur, poise and ready to go into action. Sly turns to Sir Thomas and ask," Sir Thomas, Do you think that I should go and protect Ilsidur? He is venerable right now." And waits for an answer.
The Laughing Voice of Chaos (DM Cayzle) Sunday June 2nd, 2002 1:07:57 AM
The Broken Spiral of Entropy on Sly's hand turns into a pair of lips. They move, and Sly hears a voice.
"Hee hee hee! Yes, not only is our Ilsidur old, but he is in danger, too. Go to him, oh you most worthy Child of Chaos!"
Then the lips turn back into the symbol as if nothing had happened.
[OOC: Oh Ceil, good one! -- Cayzle]
Sly Foxx and Luke Sunday June 2nd, 2002 8:29:50 AM
To Sly surprise that his tattoo has turned into a pair of lips, (and they sound an awful lot like one of the witches) and the message it gives. Not waiting for Sit Thomas reply. Turns and runs up the stairs and to go Ilsidur side."
Luke will be more than happy to follow along Sly side, because something is up.
Sir Thomas (Ceil) Sunday June 2nd, 2002 8:33:15 AM
"Hey where are you going,Sly?" ask Sir Thomas.
Jurgen Sunday June 2nd, 2002 10:42:33 PM
The youngest member of the Chaos Children almost laughed as Sly's tattoo flew around. It was a calming effect. Then he smiled, somewhat shakily. He'd have to go off alone for a little while. They could protect Ilsidur. He wouldn't be much help. But he'd have to be back in less then the time it would take to cast that spell. Fine. But which way to go? He couldn't pick. Which way? The doors? Perhaps...
Then the image of Sly's tattoo came into his mind, again. That was the key. They had these marks that were powerful and they weren't trying to use them. That was the most foolish part. Now... he'd have to make sure he was right. Not enough time. Go now!
His eyes focus intently on his hand, words slowly coming to his head. 'The Safest Path To Victory'. Everything else goes away. The voices around him fade to silence. The thoughts of death in his mind, die away themselves. His own mind seems to disappear, just replaying those five words.
Sir Thomas Sunday June 2nd, 2002 11:40:02 PM
[OOC: I see that Ceil already posted for me this weekend, but I'm going to add just a short bit and resume regular posting tommorrow night.]
Thomas stops short of entering the nave; he never intended to enter the nave until the group was ready, but since his knowledge of magic is quite limited to Alemi's allowance he wanted to scout the sight that would be the stage for the battle. While watching the events unfold within the nave he reports to the group what he sees. He also reports that his tattoo/scar pushed back on his hand and that sets him thinking about the events that transpired when he received his pinwheel scar.
"No Sly, it was not the crones that gave us the scars. Our scars appeared when the bell fell from the wall in the abbey and we heard the riddle . . . beware the void, beware the bear, beware the sabre. We thought that the Void was Bear's brother and that the bear was Bear himself. I think they were just coincidences. We are in the Void, and the crones spoke of Heranmarr returning from the other side. The crones also told us we would hate them for this, but we have neither seen nor heard from them since. As a matter of fact, I haven't even thought of them one time. I think it is time to talk to them." Thomas concentrates as if he were going to cast one of his simple spells. He allows himself to be consumed in the link between he and his friends that Ilsidur started. He calls to the crones, "To the five sisters of power, known to us - the children of chaos - as the crones, I beckon thee. The Entropy Bell rquires your attentions. We address you one at a time and also as a whole. Sorrow, you have been in my heart for a long time now, but I have not acknowledged you - now I admit that I am sad that we were not saviors, but instead appear to be destroyers. Justice, I believe you bore the symbol of Domi - would you deliver death as justice to one who sought only to protect? Wisdom, I wish you had been by my side longer. Watcher, you should have used a two-way scrying device. And the last I do not her name, but I believe it to be Protection. Who have you protected but yourselves?
"Listen closely Crones, in the name of the Wold the Entropy Bell will ring. The time is drawing near. The Shadow King, we suspect Marteus, is not strong enough to break this bell because we have a close kinship. We march on the enemies of Alemi and Domi - the cult gods and their minions. Listen closely Ladys of power . . . your prophecy is about to come true. Would you care to watch first hand? We may be Saviors yet! We have not the key, but we have the desire and the love for each other and the Wold. Come to us and watch as we ring to destroy the Shadow King and his machine; while being saviors of the Wold. The time of your prophecy is at hand."
Thomas stops speaking and looks around hopefully at his friends and the rubble strewn room. He knows not whether he appears the fool or has doen something useful, but he believes in his heart that the Crones heard his call.
GOD WAR! [CDM Jerry] Monday June 3rd, 2002 10:41:12 AM
A distant rumble is heard, causing many to look in that direction to see if a storm is building. In the distance, a darkness seems to be creeping eastward. A few minutes later, huge clouds are building and soon cover the western sky, moving east. A devil of a storm is brewing, and people scramble through the streets to reach the safety of shelter before it begins.
The storm is filled with magic as the clouds, seemingly alive, build faster than any natural storm. Soon it fills the sky, looking below for victims to pound with hail and strike with...
LIGHTNING!
Suddenly, lightning strikes! Then again! Forking into thousands of bolts, the ground is assaulted. The smell of ozone is in the air. Shortly after comes the thunder! Deafeningly loud, it causes those yet outdoors to hold their ears in pain.
Then, beginning with the places where the lightning had struck, the ground begins to crack and open.
Distantly you hear a dark deep voice. The voice of a god.
"ATTACK!"
Godly war has begun. The Cult Gods have assaulted the Godlands.
The ground begins to shake and the volcanoes of the Scab rejoice in the conflict, belching fire and smoke that can be seen for hundreds of miles. Even the monstrous Shadow Mountain blows its top in tribute to the battle's ferocity. This explosion is heard and seen throughout the peninsula and as far west as Wemic Isle.
Chaos Intensifies! (DM Cayzle) 3d6(3+4+5)=12 Monday June 3rd, 2002 8:52:06 PM
Both Thomas and Jurgen concentrate on invoking the Power of Entropy, the Power of the Broken Spiral, the Wisdom of the Five Crones.
Jurgen senses all the Children of Chaos very keenly. He senses Sly picking his way as fast as he can across broken pews and debris as he climbs the stairs to the balcony. He has a sudden sharp intuition that everyone now in the Concourse MUST stand in the high archway between the Nave and the Concourse. He works hard for a few minutes to shepherd everyone into the archway.
Sir Thomas, with his warhorse, is already in the archway, looking in at the Black Robes. He too senses, just like everyone, the position of each Child of Chaos in relation to each other. And to the machine.
Thomas makes his call to the Five Crones. As he speaks the words, " ... watch as we ring ... " a curious thing happens. very softly, a quiet sound. It continues as he finishes his plea. All the Children of Chaos hear this sound in their bones and deep in their ears -- is it a true sound? Does it exist in the air? Or does it originate somewhere else?
This sound resonates, although it is still soft. It resonates with the hum of the machine -- you had almost forgotten that hum, but now you realize that it has been there all along, just under your awareness. Now this new sound, like a finger circling a wet wineglass, makes you aware of the electric hum of the machine. The two notes are brothers, but they are not the same.
Ilsidur sense Sly starting up the stairs, and he has an intuition that the time to start his counterspell is near at hand!
The earthquake begins! (see post above by Jerry)
Sly, please roll two reflex saves vs. DC 15 -- you are in the stairs that are partly blocked by opld pews, and now some of them are falling on you! If you make both saves you are fine. If you make just one save, take 12 points of damage before you can get upstairs. If you fail both, take the 12 points of damage and you are trapped under a fallen pew.
As the earth quakes, the Dark Robe reading the scroll falters and falls forward, and his reading is spoiled. He falls forward -- AGAINST THE MACHINE -- and the resulting screams are almost as loud as the sound of the tortured earth shuddering!
Immediately, a new Black Robe steps up to start reading. A strange urgency grips the dwarf cleric -- Ilsidur! Now is the Time! Start! Begin! Ready the Counterspell!
Under the Archway, the rest of the Children of Chaos are safe -- but falling ceiling blocks drop behind them, and ahead some fall into the corral, killing one of the mindless captives still within the fenced area.
Shiraz Monday June 3rd, 2002 9:24:59 PM
Shiraz senses the others easily however when the ceiling starts falling the huge minotaur seems to be truely shaken, although for only a few seconds its teh first sign of fear any have seen from him. "The innocents we must protect them too!!!"
Sir Thomas Monday June 3rd, 2002 10:17:35 PM
Encouraged by the slight sign that his call worked, Thomas continues to raise his voice to envoke the power of the entropy bell. He does not, however, do it from the safety of the archway. Thomas slams the flat of his bastard sword against the face of his shield. "Hear my call creator of the the bell. My soul is ringing!" Thomas smiles and winks at the minotaur with whom he sits eye to eye. [OOC: I'm assuming] He spurs Pryte-Honos for the cage that houses the innocent captives and the two charge into the nave with all of the speed that the two had cultivated from the gifts of their creator. Thomas makes his sword and shield ring again. "Hear me Shadow King, Marteus the Evil-Bearer. My heart sings with the ringing of the bell and of my soul. Do you hear it? It is a song that any bard would be proud to call their own. The ringing sounds the begnning of the destruction." Thomas makes the sound a third time, the sound is not melodic nor does it resound in a lasting pitch. "We ring together. As one we call forth the entropy; the power to undo; this is our right as the bearers of the mark. We are the entropy bell and we are ringing, singing, freeing the Wold of your death grip. Saviors we are, and these innocents will know that Alemi is king of the gods because he sent me here; and he gave me many good friends. Make your last request, because mine is to stop your terror." Thomas charges on with the intent of freeing the mindless ones in the cage. He carries a prayer to Alemi on his lips. It is a prayer of strength, but one where Thomas offers his to Alemi rather than requesting the god's graces upon himself and his friends in their struggle for the cause of Goodness. He knows Alemi is in battle himself, and if his worship will strengthen his king to overcome then he will give it. The prayer is in the religious tongue of the cloth of Alemi and sounds similar to a spell with all of its intricacies.
Trace and Radiant Tuesday June 4th, 2002 12:04:40 AM
OOc: sorry for the delay. aganin using my companys comp. problem has become worse, looks like I might have a bad processor so maybe two more weeks before I can get the dinosaur back at use for the internet. please dont give up on me.
truly sorry for the inconvience,
Ted.
Sly Foxx and Luke d20+3=17 d20+3=15 Tuesday June 4th, 2002 5:11:28 AM
Sly run this way and that way, dodging rocks and other pieces beams, wood dust. (Made my two rolls of 17 and 15) That last Big beam almost got both him and the dog. With the humming in his ear and renewed energy will run to Ilsidur side, with his weapon in one hand and the spell in the other.
Ilsidur Tuesday June 4th, 2002 12:55:55 PM
Ilsidur watches the new Black Robe step forward to read the scroll, and says, "Marmathon Dur, I put myself in your hands."
As the Black Robe starts to read the spell, Ilsidur begins as well. His voice rises and falls in cadence with the evil priest's voice. "Ten minutes for the spell," he thinks to himself, "Will the roof hold?" Then, all other thoughts are banished from his mind as the casting of the spell takes over.
The First To Go [CDM Jerry] Tuesday June 4th, 2002 3:20:06 PM
Moments later, The sky lets loose with hail and rain. The Gods are at war and the whole Wold is feeling the repercussions thereof.
Those in cities notice explosions. One temple after after another implodes, signifying the death of a god.
The first to go is Teresalia, Goddess of Poetry and Song, followed closely by Mittiri, Goddess of Nature.
Then Raven, one of the Cult Gods, meets his ultimate doom.
Then the earth writhes again with a huge aftershock and the ground buckles. Portions of the land rise and fall as Ga'al is slain along with Pantheon.
Jurgen Tuesday June 4th, 2002 8:05:35 PM
The gods were dropping like flies and it seemed the Wold was weeping in sorrow. It was crying in sadness and shaking in rage. No longer would the Wold stay intact if the gods continued to kill one and other. The thing they all fought for, in one way or another, would be gone IF any of them survived. They had already lost the history of the Wold, with Teresalia's death. Nature would be doomed without Mittri. Jurgen knew nothing of the other two, but felt that without them that much pain would be felt by all. Josephine had always said "Life is pain, anyone who says different is a fool". She couldn't have been right, could she? No! pain was not something that everyone should have to feel. Love, life and joy.
It was somewhat ironic. The fall of the God of War, was bringing a war so great that none would be safe. And the Goddess of Love had brought pain before her own death. The gods had to stop. Yet they would not until the other side gave way. Alemi had to lead the to peace. He was being the very thing he stood against. A murderer. He hoped that Alemi could hear his thoughts. He prayed for a god, evil or good, to stop this war. If religion died, so be it... but if the rest of the Wold went with it, then it would all be for naught.
So stop them! But how could a boy such as himself, create peace among the gods thenself? Somewhere in his mind, Jurgen remembered something said by a Servent of Caeroldra. "Wherever there is great love, there will always be great miricle?." That would be the key! Not to love everything, for that was foolish and some things deserved it not. But he had to love life, not only his own and every person who was good and true. Evil should be pitied and saved, if possible and only killed if there was no other way.
Jurgen ran his hand onto his tattoo again, remembering it's power. Perhaps it would help send his message to the god. Alemi would listen to his cry, or ignore him. If he was ignored then Jurgen would know that Alemi was a falsehood himself. It didn't matter that the gods were killing one and other, it was in his power to stop it. Even if that ment losing a battle.
"Alemi, God of Truth, hear me now. You are killing the beings who you strive to protect. No longer is the Wold a safe place. Many are dying, because of your foolishness. I once believed that the gods would be our saviors from ourselves. Now I see that your the destroyers. You kill each other and many die. I just saw one innocent die, seconds after a god fell. Why? Because you refuse to lead the others to peace. You've chosen between two evils, but forgotten yourself that they are both still evil!" He speaks softly, but attempting to be powerful at the same time. He almost falls, when hit with the second wave, but catches himself. Then he begins casting his own spell, to make sure that he can distract anything that comes near.
Now all he could do was wait. If the gods stopped, even for a short period of time, they could finish this mission. Then they could save the Wold!
The Moment! (DM Cayzle) 3d6(6+3+4)=13 Tuesday June 4th, 2002 8:24:26 PM
Sir Thomas and Shiraz race into the Nave and toward the corral, hoping to save the few remaining victims trapped there. Because they have left the safety of the archway, roll Reflex saves vs. DC 15 -- take 13 hp damage from falling blocks if you fail.
Then! Lightning flashes! And through windows illuminates the Nave that has seen no light like this in years.
As the earth pauses in its shuddering, there is a brief quiet moment. All the servants of the machine are still. Even the fould waving limbs are still. Perhaps they respect the death of Ga'al. Maybe they know that the will of the Dark One is directed away from them. The only sounds are the hum of the machine and the scrolls being read by the Black Robe and Ilsidur. Then the quiet is shattered by thunder as the gods die!
You feel the end of powers as an ant perceives an avalanche.
Sir Thomas and Shiraz rip off the black gear medallions of the remaining captives, who all try to flee.
Jurgen makes his plea and casts his spell.
The Children of Chaos below the Balcony all sense that Ilsidur will be done with his spell in another minute. You all realize that if there is anything you can do to aid him, anything you want to do to make a difference, anything to defeat the machine -- NOW is the time to act!
Shiraz d20+6=11 Tuesday June 4th, 2002 8:24:49 PM
Shiraz pushes through the knave determined to get to the innocents. Once he gets there, the huge minotaur attempts to set himself and break down the cage holding the innocent town folk. Not understanding this whole entrophy bell thing so well the minotaur uses what he does, his strength. However it is at that minute that the ground starts swelling and shaking again causing the taur to slip. "By Imods hammer" he grunts setting his body again. "To me people to me," he bellows over the noise hoping to get the people in the cage to help him.
Sir Thomas d20=13 Tuesday June 4th, 2002 9:28:22 PM
(Rolled 13 + 5 Reflex mod. = 18 Reflex Save)
Thomas and Pryte manage to dodge all of the falling debris, open the cage, and free those trapped within. But now Thomas feels that his actions will make no more difference in the final outcome than if he had just stood beneath the doorway. His efforts to invoke the power of the entropy bell failed; he listens, trying to hear if the entwined notes of the bell still ring. He knows, as all do, that the gods are at war . . . and worse, that gods are dying. Life will be more uncertain than it has been, and that is a scary thing to Thomas.
Thomas, still racking his brain for an answer as to how to help kill the machine decides that his small efforts will not make a large enough difference. He decides to do what he knows will make a difference . . . he will help Ilsidur survive. "HEYAH!!" Thomas spurs Pryte to run back to the concourse, but Pryte, having known Thomas' intention already, is on his way. As he and his companion rush back to Ilsidur's position, he calls to his friends. "Help me get to Ilsidur. Clear the stairs of debris. Clear the way. I have healing magic that will carry our friend through. I saw the black robes do it. I know that it will work for him too."
Anger wells within Thomas as another god dies. A curse for the crones settles heavily upon his tongue. Just as they had prophecied he now hates them for this curse. He knows they didn't give the mark to him, nor to his friends, but they knew more than they shared and so Thomas blames them, at least in part, for his lack of knowledge and ability with the power of the bell that might stop the death of gods and mortals alike. He does not elicit the curse, instead saving his breath for the only spell he has remaining - cure light wounds. He hopes it will be enough.
Ilsidur (casting counterspell) Tuesday June 4th, 2002 9:30:02 PM
As Ilsidur's voice drones on in harmony with the voice of the black-robed priest, a part of his mind starts to wander, and consider his predicament. These could be his last few moments alive, unless someone or something intervenes. He is aware of all the other Children of Chaos, and wonders if he can send a message through the link: "I can feel my life force draining away. If any of you have a way of boosting my strength, now is the time."
Sly Foxx and Luke Wednesday June 5th, 2002 6:22:41 AM
Sly runs to Ilsidur side (actually back side) and throws his arms around him, and whispers in his ear "Go ahead and finish, I hope we only lose half our life force. I trust you."
Luke arrives at the scene, it looks like fun so the dog will grab Ilsidur boot.(add another 20 hit points)
Trace (Ceil(Ted is having PC problems)) Wednesday June 5th, 2002 9:42:56 AM
Trace is confuse because of the war on the Gods. But does fell his tattoo almost compelling him to clear the staircase for Sir Thomas. And that is exactly what he will do.
Shiraz d20+2=15 d20+6=21 d20+6=18 d20+6=14 d20+6=24 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 9:04:51 PM
Shiraz nimbly avoids the fallen debris as he leaves the knave and helps the captives. Hearing Sir Thomas call to clear the stairs and bolts that way hoping to move to either side any debris so Sir Thomas can ascend the stairs. (rolled 4 strength checks to move debris as DM allows)
Jurgen - Flying d20+3=14 d20+7=23 d20+7=25 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 9:54:14 PM
Jurgen becomes lost, trapped in his thoughts of only a moment. No response... Who could he turn to now? The gods had always been a hope in his mind. Domi and Alemi. He was now unsure of any of it. Domi was dead. Alemi wasn't what he should have been. Now he had to find someone else. But why? He didn't need the gods. He could follow himself. That was the true path to greatness. Doing what has to be done, not because someone else wants it done, but because you want it done.
And then Jurgen knew what he had to do. It might not save Ilsidur's life, it might do nothing. But he had to do it, lest he remember this for the rest of his days. The chance he could have taken, to save them all, wasted. So it was a chance... If Wardd was still around, then perhaps he'd get lucky. If not, he'd make his own.
Suddenly he felt himself grabbing two feathers out of his belt pouch. Holding on in each hand, Jurgen dives down towards the machine. "Alem... No. Me protect me!" As fast as his spell will take him, Jurgen aims for underneath the machine, if possible. If he can, then he goes under it, dropping the two feathers. Then he tries to pull up, getting away from the ground and the hopefully flying machine, as fast as possible.
[Move Silently Check - Success at DC 14]
[Reflex Saves (For Leaving The Archway) - Success at DCs 23 and 25]
Sir Thomas d20=4 d20=3 d20=1 d20=12 d20=19 Thursday June 6th, 2002 12:13:11 AM
While Thomas rides toward Ilsidur, he prepares his cure light wounds spell and focuses his thoughts on Alemi's lay on hands healing. He rushes up the stairs and as soon as he gets close enough to touch Ilsidur he does so . . . as lightly as possible so as not to interrupt the spell. Depending on the amount of time he thinks he has before Ilsidur finishes the coutner-spell he will cast cure light wounds and then lay on hands if needed. if he feels pressed for time he'll do the much quicker lay on hands and then the spell.
(rolled two reflex saves for being out of the doorway: 4 + 5 = 9 and 3 + 5 = 8 Rolled two Dexterity? for climbing the stairs 1 -1 = 0 and 12 - 1 = 11 Rolled a Strength because I may need to free myself because of poor luck and dexterity 19 + 4 = 23)
Sly Foxx and Luke Thursday June 6th, 2002 2:13:31 AM
Sly still holds on to Ilsidur, he is trying to melt his mind with Ilsidur(who is reading the scroll)like his mother once told him. *I you are close enough and concentrate, you can have more power for what ever spell is cast.* Right now he hope the his mother was right, it's the only way to save Ilsidur.
Luke is still holding on.
Trace (Ceil) Thursday June 6th, 2002 2:17:12 AM
Trace being a little out of breath. Finally starts to take in the war of the Gods. "Now What?" he wonders.
Is This The End? [CDM Jerry] Thursday June 6th, 2002 12:09:47 PM
Quicker than most can discern, emotions wash over the Noble Races as god after god dies in holy battle!
Then it stops. Is this the end? Are there still Gods to protect the Wold? Has Marteaus defeated the Gods of Wold?
No, there is hope! Three temples remain.
Alemi. Marteaus. Gargul.
The aftershocks begin to subside, leaving behind groaning sound as if the Wold were trying to pull itself apart.
Shiraz Thursday June 6th, 2002 11:09:06 PM
Shiraz manages to get to the top of the stairs and sees everyone standing around the dwarf. He stops and waits praying soflty while guarding the stairs against intruders.
Sly Foxx and Luke Friday June 7th, 2002 8:21:32 AM
Sly holds on to Ilsidur and praying to Alemi~ Please let my life force blend with Ilsidurs so we can both live.~ Sly hopes that this will work, but his heart is heavy and one God dies after another. *We have to do something, BUT what?*.
Trace(Ceil) Friday June 7th, 2002 8:24:19 AM
Trace will go up to Sir Thomas, "Tom, The Gods are losing, how can we help?"
Shiraz Friday June 7th, 2002 11:32:08 AM
Shiraz looks around, he is truly lost for the only time in his life. "What can we err I do?" The hughe minotaur asks quietly. "My swords are useless, my strength a waste, what is..." Shiraz's words trail off as he looks around, "I just feel out of place and out of touch."
Sir Thomas d20=18 Friday June 7th, 2002 9:57:10 PM
After his curing magic is spent on Ilsidur, Thomas looks to the group both physically and through their mental link. "Pray for Alemi" he says simply. "Pray to Alemi that he accept your strength to fight the evil of Marteus, then freely give him your support. Allow him the ability to be merciful to all involved. 'All things are possible through him, if you believe.'" Thomas throughs himself immediately into prayer . . . AFTER he has expended all of his healing magic or ability on Ilsidur. (Rolled 18 for healing skill + 10 Wis mod = 28)
The Chord of Power Saturday June 8th, 2002 9:58:21 AM
As Ilsidur finishes the counterspell, he feels the life pouring out of his body. In fact, he senses the life pouring out of the Dark Robe's body as well. He senses it like two fierce rivers, each flowing against the other, with the machine in the middle.
Sly and Luke grab Ilsidur, but the dwarf cleric is so focussed on the counterspell that he hardle notices. Sly tries to will his own life energy into Ilsidur. Sir Thomas, joining them on the balcony, tries to cast Cure Light Wounds at the very instant the counterspell ends.
Downstairs, Trace, Uteva, and Willim stand in the Archway between the Nave and the Concourse. Having worked hard to clear the stairs, Trace is holding the reins for the group's two warhorses, and is calming Radiant, who is ruffled at the earthquake and all. In the Nave itself, Shiraz has done his best to free the prisoners -- the ones in Black Robes just fall to the floor in supplication after they are released, but the ones in common clothes flee as best they can. In fact, all the Black Robes, sensing the gods dying, are prostrate before the machine. Shiraz then climb the stairs to the balcony.
Jurgen, flying in the Nave itself, prepares his two magical feathers and prepares to use them just as the counterspell ends. At the right moment, he tries to plant them under the machine.
Finally, the moment of decision in upon the Children of Chaos! Ilsidur's counterspell stops the Black Robe's spell, and all the group feel the power of Chaos course through the dwarf, more powerful than ever. The force hurls Ilsidur, Sly, Thomas, and Luke off the balcony! The hum of the machine is overcome by the sound of the bell's clear, constant tone. The earth, in a final cataclysmic shudder, screams as well, and the three sounds -- the hum, the bell, and the tortured earth -- create a Chord of surpassing power!
As the earthquake makes the floor fall away under the machine, Jurgen sees the perfect opportunity to trigger his feathers! He plants them right under the infernal contraption, as the hands attached to the machine try to grab him. Jurgen, please make a Reflex save vs DC 15 or be grabbed. But the feathers magically root and suddenly grow into TREES! They rise and lift the middle of the machine into the air. The ends of the thing still touch the ground, like a snake lifted up in the middle, or like an arch.
The limbs of the machine flail around wildly! they lengthen and grow! They reach out to the Black Robe who had been reading the scroll, and grab him! Arching up, lifted by Jurgen's trees, they lengthen and grab Ilsidur, Sly, Thomas, and Luke as they fall from the balcony!
When the cruel organic and robotic arms of the device of the Dark One grab Ilsidur, just as the counterspell ends, all the Children of Chaos sense and understand events far beyond the Ruined Cathedral:
-- Outside the Abandon town walls, the Vampire Giant is standing in the Rift that he opened between the Void and the Wold. His invading army is marching through his legs and into the Wold near Threshold. As the counterspell ends, the Chord of Power closes the Rift and slices the Giant in half, killing him and stranding about a third of his army in the Void.
-- As the Rift closes, the Void contracts, like a child pulling away from the flame it just touched -- and the town of Abandon is no longer in the Void.
-- Outside Heranmar, where Sir Thomas and Trace first came to the Southern Continent, in an old chapel in woods, five Crones stand in a circle. The Chord of Power -- hum, bell, and screaming earth -- encompasses them. One of them, the Crone who did not give her name, says just one word. She says, "Saviours," or maybe "Destroyers." Somehow the Crone says both words at once and sumultaneously. The reaching arms of the machine reach out to the Crones in some way, and they fall down dead as the evil hands brush them.
-- All the gods are dead except Great Alemi, Gargul, and Dark Marteaus. The passing of the gods is like the like a tornado that sweeps up the entire Wold. The walls and roof of the Ruined Temple of Alemi burst outward in an explosion that seems silent compared to the incredible volume that is the Chord. Dust and Darkness obscure all vision.
Then the machine dies, and still holding the Black Robe, Ilsidur, Thomas, Sly, Luke, and maybe Jurgen, then it drops them between the trees under the arch where the device was lifted up. The Chord ends. The Children of Chaos sense that Entropy is swirling around them, and as the Temple collapses, Chaos brings all the group together under the arch formed by the dead machine.
In the silence left after the chord ends, the Children of Chaos stand or lie under the ruin of the device. The dust clears a little, and you all look at each other. Ilsidur is dead.
He lies there white and pale, like the children and others in the street that you saw before. He does not breathe, nor move, nor live.
Those the machine touched, Sly, Thomas, and Luke -- and maybe Jurgen if he failed his Reflex save -- must all make Fortitude saves vs DC 15 or also die.
As the dust settles a little more, you all see that Uteva and Willim are missing. There is still too much dust to see far beyond the archway.
You tend your dead, closing their eyes and arranging their bodies with respect.
Sly Foxx and Luke d20=14 d20+5=11 Saturday June 8th, 2002 4:40:15 PM
(OOC: Sly didnot make his save 14 - Luke the Dog didnot make his save 11)
Sly lies there with ome arm touching Ilsidur and the other arm touching his dog Luke.
Trace and Radiant (Ceil Saturday June 8th, 2002 5:14:10 PM
Trace is having a hard time controlling the Horses and The bird Radiant. With the ground shaking and the Machine's humming, but the Bell ringing is strange. Trace has heard it before but it never like this.
As the Rift closes and every thing else settles. The silence in the ruins is deafening, the dust is settling and Trace start to look for Uteve. As he is searching around he come across the body of Ilsidur, Sly and his dog Luke. Trace cannot believe his eyes, "OH! NO! not them."
Jurgen d20+7=11 d20+3=16 Saturday June 8th, 2002 8:26:25 PM
The boy dives forward, setting his feathers down under the machine. As it flies up, he sees what he did because of it. The arms grab three of the Children of Chaos, at the same instant that they grab him. He may have stopped the machine... Or it may have been Ilsidur. But Jurgen would die too. He screams, his voice weak and frail, not for himself, but for the others.
[Reflex Save - Failure with an 11]
"NO!!!" His words seem to be drowned out, by the Wold's shaking movements. Then, his Chaos powers show him what happened because of it. They stopped the giant, god-like, being. Yet his army still stood, most of it on this side of Abandon. They would never be able to defeat it. Then Abandon was saved. That was their choice. They saved Abandon. Then Jurgen understood what the next vision was. The Crones... They had save Abandon, indeed. But they had destroyed the Wold. They had destroyed the only ones who knew.
The gods were dead. It didn't matter if three survived. It didn't matter if a hundred survived. Religion would be dead for thousands of years. Who would worship the fallen? Who would worship the killers? Who would save the Wold, from itself?
Who of them would survive? Ilsidur was dead. His life was sucked from the body itself. Jurgen watches as Sly and his faithful dog both die, almost at the same instant. Uteva and Willim were gone. They had disappeared entirely. Who knew what happened to them?
Then the young one feels his life draining. He falls, no longer flying with his magic. His body hits the ground, seemingly dead. Then small sobs are heard from where his corpse dropped. He wasn't dead. At least not physically.
[Fortitude Save - Success with a 16]
"I killed them! They're dead because of me." His voice is feeble and barely noticable. He weeps, for he could see he had killed two. Two were missing, perhaps dead as well. It was his fault. How could he have? He killed them! It was all because of him.
He stands up, eyes dripping with tears, dragging himself towards Sly's body. He holds his fist out, where his symbol is, screaming now. His voice cracks, trying to sound powerful and mighty.
"BRING THEM BACK! I SHOULD HAVE DIED! NOT... Not... the-" He then collapses to his knee's, his hands covering his face. Tiny whimpers emit from him, as he tries to save his mind.
Sir Thomas d20=10 Sunday June 9th, 2002 12:13:30 AM
As Thomas speaks the last verbal note of incantation of his weak healing spell, just before he feels the surge of energy course through his body, he is swept off of the balcony . . . he finds himself falling, disoriented, frantic to touch Ilsidur without being able to locate his friend. "Ilsidur!" Then he is grabbed by the machine; the machine that lie across the nave from where they were located. This machine of death and theft; Thomas finds himself mentally cursing it.
As Thomas is grabbed by the machine he feels its grip reach beyond his arm and carry him upward, in fact, by his soul. But Thomas does not allow the separation that the knife bring to the string. He refuses by giving himself to Alemi so that Alemi can benefit in his final confrontation with Marteus. (Rolled 10 + 11 Fortitude = 21)
And it is with considerable surprise and a feeling of intense joy that Thomas watches the giant be split in two by the rift and one-third of his army stranded in the Void; unable to plague the good people of the Wold. Thomas internal celebration causes him to lose touch with reality as he falls to the ground, and his seeming fantasy is crushed as the air abruptly leaves his body. He curls into a ball and then reverses the motion, arching his back attempting to open his chest and airway to allow the lost breath to return. As he waits he watches with sightless eyes as he replays the vision of the death of the crones. He hears the mixture of two words emitted as one, and he knows it is not a coincidence that the word left her body that way. He knows they have been both saviors and destroyers because good and evil are in direct conflict; saving one very well could result in the destruction of the other . . . his next thought, what would become the balancing weight of the scale?
His heart cries as he watches the crones fall lifeless to the floor. He knows not why, but feels sorrow for them . . . he looks at his tattoo, then quickly gathers himself and searches the area for his friends.
He stands up and collects his things. he fights the tears that are forcing themselves beyond his control. He stands over top of Ilsidur, Sly, and Luke as they are arranged in a respectful manner . . . and he begins to sob. True sorrow washes over the young paladin and his thoughts are no longer his to control as they wander in his confusion about the situation.
And Thomas continues to cry uncontrollably.
Pryte-Honos tries to break loose of Trace's grip in order to approach Thomas; to be at his friend's elbow.
Shiraz Monday June 10th, 2002 11:32:23 AM
Shiraz numbly looks around not understanding what has just happen. But, it seems that a piece of him as surely as if his brothers and paents were killed is missing with him. The huge minotaur sees Ilusidur, Sly,and Luke laying dead on the floor and lets out the most god awful scream any in the wold has ever heard, a scream of anger,frustration, loneliness, sadness and loss. The minotaur sheathes his 2 swords and bounds down the stairs, once at the bottom he carefully picks up all 3 bodies with reverential care, the tears streaming down his face as he carries them out of the church.
The Dust Settles (DM Cayzle) Monday June 10th, 2002 11:58:43 AM
In the silence after the devastation of the end, dust falls like soft snow ...
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