Bertram 2d8(7+2)+10=19 Monday May 13th, 2002 5:58:01 PM
Using one of his last spells, Bertram casts over the now sleeping Lian. (Cure moderate wounds for 19 points)
DM kent d20+7=22 d10+5=6 Monday May 13th, 2002 6:28:31 PM
Reeling a bit from the single shots from Figment, Milo and Falin, the creature, which you can now tell is a LICH, drops its invisibility and reaches out and grasps Olanna in one of its claws.
(Olanna - 6 points and Will save DC 16 or fall to the ground.)
Olana d20+5=13 d20+5=18 Monday May 13th, 2002 8:10:03 PM
Just as she was moving away - the thing reaches out and manages to grab her. It is possibly the worst feeling she has ever experienced, andshe lets out a blood curdling scream before she can stop herself.
For a fraction of a second, her body seems to want to be perfectly still, but somehow - she manages to summon the willpower to wrench herself away from it. ((Re-rolled hero point))
'Don't let it touch you! Don't let it touch you! she yells, shivering.
Lian d20+6=8 Monday May 13th, 2002 10:40:09 PM
The young elf blinks awake and just stares at the ceiling.
"I need to start down a different life path, this one is going to kill me." Says the monk.
"How are the Talons fairing?" Rolling over to stand up, Lian looks around while on one knee. Catching a glimpse of some nasty ghoulish beast reaching for Olana, it sends a chill down Lian's spine just looking at it. "Bertram, what in the Wold is THAT?!"
OOC: Lian is looking around quickly trying to take in what he can, Check of 8!
Brother Bertram Monday May 13th, 2002 11:35:16 PM
"Rest Lad, all is well. Now I have to go help the others." Bertram turns at Olana's scream and begins charges directly at the horrid creature.
Milo (Haste, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith [AC 25]) d20+8=26 d20+8=22 d20+8=20 d6+1=4 d6+1=3 d6+1=6 Tuesday May 14th, 2002 1:04:07 AM
Seeing the lich for what it is, Milo quickly circles the creature to stand at a flanking position, and lets his sword do the talking. (OOC: Milo hits AC 26, 22, and 20 for 4, 3, and 6 hps respectively.)
K'Nara Stoneskin, True Strike d20+8=28 d20+8=24 d10+4=12 d10+4=10 d6=5 d6=2 d10+4=8 d6=1 Tuesday May 14th, 2002 7:51:12 AM
Olana's cry and the horrible visage of the undead foe made K'Nara pause for a moment, then the human bladesinger hissed:
"Come, now--dance with me!" After issuing her challenge to the lich, K'Nara executed a ballet-like leap, whirling the flaming Lucia about her in a terrible yet beautiful attack that hit the wizened spellcaster full-force. (OOC: possible crit hit: AC28 for 12hp damage & 5hp fire damage; crit hit AC24 for 18hp damage & 3hp fire damage)
Figment (Improved Invis) 4d4(3+4+3+4)+4=18 Tuesday May 14th, 2002 9:21:11 AM
The mage drops all pretense of stealth and focuses solely on casting and helping his friends. "It is a lich! Kill it quick folks!". He fires his last round of magic missles at the deadly creature in hopes he can come up with something more to help take this thing out.
Ingrge Tuesday May 14th, 2002 8:47:40 PM
Trying to figure out what he can do to help that doesn't endanger his friends Ingrge opts for getting closer and seeing what he can to do to aid the injured. Noticing as he approaches that Bertram is very unsteady in his charge and blood covered as well.
DM kent d4=1 d20+7=20 d10+5=6 Tuesday May 14th, 2002 8:54:44 PM
The Lich seems to almost be grinning at you as he is repeatedly struck. Some of the blows seem to do little or no damage while others seem to stagger it. He truly grins as he watches Bertram's staggering charge and reaches out with his claws and rakes him down the side. (six points and will DC 16 or fall to ground)
As Bertram falls, an awful, hollow laugh comes from the Lich's gaping mouth and then speakings for the first time says, "Once again those in between life and death, prove to be too much for the living. Even the Gods must be wary of the Undead."
Flueterflam d20+4=16 d8=5 Wednesday May 15th, 2002 12:24:27 AM
Ready....Aim....Fire (DC 16 for 5) The bard hopes to hit the undead creature, just as the horrible words reaches his ears. Flueterflam shivers as he nocks another arrow to fire.
Lian d20+11=18 d20+4=17 Wednesday May 15th, 2002 1:13:04 AM
Not knowing anything about Undead, let alone Liches, he flips and spins (18) into the fray to reach Bertram. When he gets there he intends to pull him away. (Untrained Heal check to stop any bleeding, making the check with 17).
Lian's AC versus the Lich with Dodge is 20.
Milo (Haste, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith [AC 25]) d20+7=20 d20+7=25 2d8(3+8)+3=14 2d8(6+7)+3=16 Wednesday May 15th, 2002 1:13:15 AM
Looking up at the lich with a feral grin, Milo retorts, "I'm not much of a cleric, I'll admit, but thanks for confirming what I've been guessing at for a while." Reaching into his satchel, Milo pulls out the large ruby gem of healing. "Go back to the hell from which you came." And then the halfling strikes at the undead creature twice, using the positive healing energy of the gem to damage him. (OOC: Still hasted, Milo makes two touch attacks, hitting AC 20 and 25 respectively. Remember that a creature's touch AC only includes bonuses from Dex, deflection, and size. Assuming I hit, he takes 14 hps and 16 hps respectively (30 hps damage total) as the cure moderate wounds spells damage undead.)
K'Nara d20+8=12 Wednesday May 15th, 2002 7:08:50 AM
As Bertram sank to the floor, so did K'Nara's stomach. A lich...what was it that Gemsmith had mentioned about such creatures before..? Curse her for a fool that she hadn't paid attention to the Arcane Lore that her original master had attempted to impart to her during those first days after she'd left her home village of Derring.
K'Nara swung her blade once more, but Bertram's fall rattled her enough to make the blade whistle past the lich without connecting.
Falin d20+1=12 d20+1=9 Wednesday May 15th, 2002 8:47:01 AM
Falin, in an attempt to do some damage looks around the room for something that he thinks would cause damage to a Lich.
(OCC: Spot check of 12; Int check of 9 DUHHH!!!)
Figment (Improved Invis - 94 rounds left) d20+7=25 Wednesday May 15th, 2002 9:11:10 AM
Having no additional offensive spells of use for the time being, the invisible mage moves over toward the combatants. "I'm here guys, just letting you know". He casts Mage armor and decides to put it on Lian since the impetuous monk seems to have a deathwish (Touch Attack, AC 25 - Lian add +4 to AC). He then steps back out of harms way and drops down low to let the combatants go at it amd avoid any stry arrows.
Olana d20+11=20 d20+11=28 d6=2 d6=3 Wednesday May 15th, 2002 1:17:31 PM
Stepping back until she has her loathing under control, Olana fires off two arrows toward the lich (point blank shot, rapid shot, precise shot)using her short bow. She takes careful note of their impact, and if they prove completely ineffective, will move back into the fray with her swords. (Hits AC 20 and 28 for 2 and 3 dam)
Ingrge d20+5=23 d6=6 Wednesday May 15th, 2002 9:48:15 PM
Feeling more secure with others from his party around him, Ingrge casts the only thing he can think of. It looks like a ghostly arm leaves his body and reaches across the room and grips the Lich's arm. (Disrupt undead 6 points. No save)
Dm kent Wednesday May 15th, 2002 9:59:18 PM
Lian mannages to get in and out with no problem as the Lich is just a bit preoccupied. he also manages to staunch the bleeding from Bertram's multiple wounds.
Milo swings his stone connecting with both his strikes.
Olanna's second arrow strikes home, though its hard to tell what damage is done.
Ingrge's spell also goes off at around the same time. It almost seems as though the translucent arm is going to be diverted, but at the last moment it settles on the Lich's outstretched arm.
Moments later the Lich is indistinguishable from the rest of the grey dust on the floor, leaving only a grey cloak behind to mark its passing.
Figment (Improved Invisibility) Wednesday May 15th, 2002 11:37:34 PM
The mage continues his improved invis for now, not wanting to risk another creature as yet unknown. "Everybody OK? Lian, my spell on you will protect you for several hours - just so you know. I'm running low on spells. We'd better make this quick.". He looks around the tower for anything of value.
Lian d20+14=25 Thursday May 16th, 2002 1:53:43 AM
"Thank you Figment. Let us revive Bertram. What spell are you talking about?"
The young elf watches Bertram for any signs of conciousness, occassionally patting the dwarfs face.
OOC: Lian is listening for any strange sounds, DC 25.
Milo d8+1=4 d8+1=6 d8+1=4 d8+1=8 Thursday May 16th, 2002 5:57:56 AM
Milo stashes his gem and looks around, "We're not through yet friends. The only way to truly destroy this creature is to find his phylactery and destroy it. Otherwise he'll reform and I'm sure not be too please with us." Before Milo begins his search he approaches Bertram, and pulling a wand from his satchel that looks like a stout white stick with silver runes, tipped with a small ruby, he places it gently to the dwarf's forehead and utters a quick prayer. (OOC: use four charges from the wand of cure light wounds to heal 22 hps over four rounds)
K'Nara d20=10 Thursday May 16th, 2002 7:54:11 AM
"Filla-what?" K'Nara echoed Milo's word--or tried to. The alien-sounding term did ring a bell in the furthest reaches of the human bladesinger's memories--sounded a lot like what Gemsmith had been trying to drum into her head.
"Never mind--heal up Brother Bertram." the leader of the Emerald Talons said, then extinguished her sword and sheathed it. "The rest of us--look for this filla-lackery thing--find it and destroy it!" (OOC: will take 20 to Search if that's possible, if not, then Search check is {aaaaaaaaaaack!} 10.) So saying, K'Nara immediately began rifling the room for anything that looked like what Milo was talking about.
Olana Thursday May 16th, 2002 6:15:45 PM
Olana looks at Milo, then looks at K'Nara and shrugs. "What does a phylactery look like, Milo," she asks, and then begins to search.
Figment (Improved Invis) d20+7=11 Friday May 17th, 2002 9:13:25 AM
The mage narrows his search for the phylactery. He fires off his Detect Magic spell if unsuccessful and scans the entire floor. If not found there he finds the stairs and climbs.
DM kent Friday May 17th, 2002 8:53:40 PM
As the talons search the room for various things, they find several interesting things in the chests. They find 2 vials of a swirling grey-white liquid, a rolled up piece of parchment, 300 platinum pieces, and five vials of a lightly sweet smelling light blue liquid. also found on two skeltons finger bones are two unmarked, gold rings. The lich's cloak is also on the floor. There is also a second rolled up parchment found. The Phylactery has yet to be located, but Figment's spell lights up the Lich's cloak as he runs his spell along the floor.
Bertram regains conciousness as Milo uses his wand.
Brother Bertram Friday May 17th, 2002 9:41:51 PM
Bertram groans and stands shakily to his feet. Seeing Milo standing over him, Bertram grins weakly, "Im assuming that I didn't hit him Friend Milo?" Bertram gathers his axe and then joins the search of the room.
Milo d8+1=3 d8+1=7 d8+1=8 d8+1=3 Saturday May 18th, 2002 1:21:54 AM
Looking over a Olana, Milo looks perplexed, "I don't really know... it could be anything I suppose. It must contain his spirit. Ya know, now that I think of it... it doesn't even necessarily need to be here." Milo smiles at Bertram, "Oh you hit him just fine... I think he fainted DEAD away." Milo chuckles at his little joke. "Now hold still, I'm on strict orders from K'nara to keep poking you with this wand until you're all better." Milo jabs Bertram a few more times. (OOC: Bertram regains 21 more hps.)
Lian d20+14=33 Saturday May 18th, 2002 2:06:49 AM
Looking at his two friends who are talking about the Lich, Lian just hangs his head.
"I was not much help today, in fact, Bertram got hurt because of me."
"Perhaps that Phylactery is hidden in the walls or possibly somewhere where it could not be detected." The elf states with certainty. "I do not think it would be close to the Lichs lair. Perhaps hidden within the depths."
Lian rubs his chest as if still in pain from his wounds.
OOC: Still listening for strange sounds, made a 33.
Flueterflam Saturday May 18th, 2002 2:54:01 PM
The bard lowers his head like Lian and pouts to himself about his cowardice. He just feels like curling up in the corner and crying. How could he have let himself be so scared? Fluet keeps silent, hoping no one will ever mention this incident again.
Figment - Improved Invis, Sunday May 19th, 2002 11:11:42 PM
The mage looks over the chests. He the moves to the table and chairs in the center of the room and then begins looking quickly around the beds. "Take that cloak off the lich. If he comes back we at least cna make sure he's not as powerful - it'c magic. I haven't found the phylactery yet...".
K'Nara d20-1=15 Monday May 20th, 2002 6:45:48 AM
Still bleeding a bit from her own wounds, K'Nara took the time to bind herself up (OOC: Heal check 15--she's down to about 10 or 12hp from 59!) and consider the treasure found.
"I wonder if this skirmish falls under the dreamranting Ingrge did last night..?" the human bladesinger mused, mulling over the translated phrases Ingrge had uttered:
Beware the silent warriors!
Two Die!
He is stripping the skin from the earth.
Find/Use the Five Arrows of Death.
Darkness is both friend and Enemy.
The Destiny of the Wold is to conquer all.
Travel along the wandering path.
Olana d20+10=15 d20+2=8 Monday May 20th, 2002 1:12:35 PM
Olana gives a sigh. She wants to go and tell Lian and Fluet not to feel bad about running from the Lich, but holds back - figuring they'd rather not have it mentioned.
"Well I think we've just met the silent warriors," she says. "Although I don't like the sound of the 'two die' part. Who's supposed to die? One of us? Or two of them?"
She starts searching for other rooms, once everything in this room has been looked at. (Search and Spot checks 15 and 8)
DM kent Monday May 20th, 2002 7:02:35 PM
While Milo's ministrations and prodding seem to have Bertram in much better health (there are still what would be several week old injuries still visible, but nearly healed), Several other Talons are obviously in very painful states.
As someon continues the climb up the stairs they find the door opens on to a crenelated roof top. There is nothing else there.
There is still no sign of the Lich's Phylactery and you are thinking that it is not in this room.
Olanna thinks that perhaps the stair that ended at the floor on the bottom level, in a space similar to the entry to this floor, may indeed have a hidden door that was not previously noticed or uncovered.
Ingrge, joining in the search of the room, stops when K'nara speaks the phrases that he spouted earlier. "K'nara, I think that translation might be a bit off. I think that maybe that fourth phrse should be find/follow the death arrows. I also believe that technically we did lose two members today. Both Lian and Bertram fell unmoving to our opponents."
Milo d8+1=5 d8+1=9 d8+1=4 d8+1=5 d20+24=44 Monday May 20th, 2002 8:59:25 PM
Seeing that everyone looks relatively gimpy at this point Milo begins making his rounds. He starts with his leader. Sneaking up behind K'nara, unintentionally of course, Milo jabs her once with the wand. "Hold still K'nara, this won't hurt a bit." The halfling hits her with the wand three more times, and then with a playful wink and a twirl of the wand, he turns looking around the room muttering, "Where is Olana?" Then regaining a more serious demeanor, "It would help if the injured would just line up for this, so I can get the healing done real quick like." (OOC: Made a Move silently check DC 44. Healed K'nara for 23 hps. If the players would give up an OOC clue as to how bad they are off, like Donna did, that would help me gauge how much healing to use on ya'll, that would be real helpful.)
Brother Bertram d20+2=21 Monday May 20th, 2002 10:24:26 PM
Bertram examines the walls and floors carefully looking for anything out of the ordinary.
(Stone Cunning +2)
Figment - Improved Invis. d20+7=15 Monday May 20th, 2002 11:00:24 PM
The mage reexamines the area at the bottom of the stair where the door is suspected of being. He taps on the floor to see if it sounds hollow (Search - DC 15).
Lian Monday May 20th, 2002 11:39:31 PM
"Well, it seems the Lich's Phylactery is not anywhere to be found. Where else might it be hidden? Another room?"
Lian (continuation) d20+14=33 d20+2=19 Tuesday May 21st, 2002 6:16:47 AM
"Was there not mention of 'stripping the skin from the earth', or was I hearing things?"
He walks up to a wall and strapes away a few layers of dust and dirt with his fingernail. Then brushing his hands off, he turns to the group; "We should probably dig, is that not right Bertram. I saw you peeking at the walls, was that your thought as well? But where to start?" He places his pointed ear to the wall (Listen of 33), the fingers the wall slightly (Searching with a 19).
"K'nara, should we check the ceiling too! Right?"
K'Nara d20-1=18 Tuesday May 21st, 2002 6:53:29 AM
The tall human female fighter nearly whirled around and ripped off Milo's head when he unexpectedly prodded her with his wand! When she saw that he was only applying his curative magic, however, K'Nara visibly relaxed with a laugh.
"Thank you, Milo," she said, noting that her wounds were now healed to the point of no longer bleeding, "Though I think that--in the future--you would be much safer if you gave me the word of your intentions before sneaking up on me." Her humor restored, the redhead thought seriously on Ingrge's interpretation of his dreamranting.
"You're probably right, Ingrge," the leader of the Talons agreed, "Or the two that fall could have been a reference to the skeletons--meaning that this lich-thing is NOT going to fall." She rolled her hazel eyes at the possibility of having to fight the lich again. "Gods--I hate riddles..!" K'Nara turned her attention to trying to assist in spotting any possible secret doors in the room. (OOC: Spot check 18.)
"Yes, Lian--checking the ceiling would be a very good idea."
Olana d20+10=14 Tuesday May 21st, 2002 2:00:51 PM
The elf tells the others about the possible hidden door on the first floor, and then asks Milo if he could patch her up a bit.
"Careful, Figment," she whispers, stepping forward and giving the area a thorough search. "There might be a trap of some kind." (Search check dc14 - which is a fail I think)
Brother Bertram Tuesday May 21st, 2002 4:14:19 PM
"I wouldn't expect that creature to keep it in the same room with him, too risky. Perhaps a secret place concealed somewhere in here or perhaps where Olana suggested."
Ingrge Tuesday May 21st, 2002 7:52:20 PM
Ingrge walks over to Milo visibly in pain as he walks over (down 37/51) and grimaces as he tries to joke "At least your poking and prodding seems more helpful than Parnoth's. I think i could use a bit of your special ministration my friend.
DM kent Tuesday May 21st, 2002 8:59:53 PM
Bertram and Lian looking at the walls near the trap door leading down find, when they scraped off the grime, 5 blood red arrows carved into the wall, pointing down the stairs, to the lower level.
Down on the first floor, Figment and Olanna carefully look at the area Olanna remembered and they do indeed what appears to be a door underneath a small rug. On the door is carved five blood red arrows.
Upstairs, Falin pauses to look at the second rolled up sheet of parchment and he realizes that it appears to be a last minute writing of the the Elf that became the Lich.
In brief, the parchment tells of the last days of the remaining guards and the despair they feel that they will fail at their ordained task. As a last ditch effort to be able to remain at their posts and continue their duty, The guard captain called on the oldest of the elders for aid and was told that there was a way to cheat death and while not alive still be able to act. This process would leave the undead elves with nothing but their duty renamining to them and even the Gods would have to be wary if they trespassed.
Milo d8+1=6 d8+1=5 d8+1=7 d8+1=6 d8+1=9 d8+1=7 d8+1=4 d8+1=8 d8+1=7 d8+1=9 Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 1:42:18 AM
Milo makes his rounds healing his companions as he goes. He starts with Ingrge, "Okey Dokey, you've seen better days big guy," Milo smiles as he judiciously applies the wand to Ingrge's wounds. He then turns to Olana, "Hey pretty elf lady, hold still a moment while I hit you with my wand of healing." Milo's grin is from ear to ear. (OOC: Applied five charges to Ingrge healing 33 hps of damage, and then five charges to Olana healing 35 hps of damage on her.)
K'Nara Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 6:07:33 AM
The arrows on the floor and then the door that Olana uncovers definitely interested K'Nara.
"These could be the arrows in Ingrge's prophecy." she pointed out, then turned her attention to the mundane stuff in the upper chamber for a moment--taking the time to hastily pack up into her backpack the seven vials of liquid, the other piece of parchment, the two gold rings and the 300 platinum pieces, as well as the lich's cloak.
"Let's check out that door, then," K'Nara said, nodding, "I'd like to see if these are the arrows we are supposed to use and/or follow..."
Falin Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 8:41:25 AM
Fellow travelers, here me. "This is a writting from the elves that guarded this tower in years past. They were fearful they could not complete their given task because of death and they found a way to cheat death by becoming undead with only one mission. That mission was to protect the tower. So I am guessing there are more of them in this tower waiting for us to disturb them so they can stretch their dead bones."
Figment Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 10:05:51 AM
The mage listens to the text. "Well it sounds like we'd do well then to bar the trap doors and rest. I am out of spells and must rest if I am to be effective. Either that or we hope we're done with the guardians and risk it. That way at least we should be able to avoid the lich before he reforms. Maybe it's not such a bad thing to leave him here anyway. This is a place of ancient magic and should be protected...". The mage waits for the decision.
Lian d20+14=25 Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 6:02:59 PM
Lian points out the arrows with a silent gester and waits for the 'ok' from K'nara. He sticks close behind Bertram.
OOC: Listening down the stairs, made DC 25.
Olana Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 6:19:59 PM
"Thank you, Milo," the elf whispers softly.
She listens as Falin reads out the scroll and gives a sigh. "They must have been desperate indeed to take such measures. But if it say the Gods themselves must be wary... just exactly what has been done here? A God would not be afraid of a mere lich. It suggests there's something else. Perhaps something worse. If thats the case then maybe Figment is right, and we need to prepare."
She looks around for something to bar the door to the above room, just in case the lich decides to go walkabout.
Figment was right about one thing. This was indeed a place of ancient magic, and it had been whispering to her ever since she stepped through the door.
Ingrge Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 10:44:35 PM
Sighing a contented sigh as Milo jabs him with the wand. "Thank you friend Milo. I feel much better, though like Figment I am depleted of the majority of my spells and think we should rest before continuing. As that writing that Falin has there, ... I will have to think on that a bit.
DM kent Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 10:49:46 PM
The Talons reconvene downstairs, closing the doors behind them as they descend, though none can be bolted from the bottom side as they all push upward to open.
At this point Figment and Falin seem to be the most injured
Flueterflam Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 10:56:40 PM
The bard keeps quiet to himself. He almost appears suspicious. To any that what Fluet, they might think that he is still slightly scared, but also hiding something else. Several times he opens his mouth as to say or ask something of whomever is near him, but he thinks better of it and just keeps his thoughts inside.
He stays to the rear of the group and looks back many times. Obviously, something is either calling him or he has lost himself in paranoia.
Lian d20+14=17 d20+11=27 Thursday May 23rd, 2002 12:36:27 AM
The young elf listens as the Talons move, actually hoping that he doesn't hear anything at all. Lian, the monk, moves as quiet as possible (27). He walks close to his dwarven companion.
OOC: Listen Check, 17.
Milo d20+19=26 d8+1=4 d8+1=6 d8+1=8 d8+1=5 d8+1=4 d8+1=9 d8+1=5 d8+1=9 Thursday May 23rd, 2002 10:19:21 AM
Moving amongst the party as they move downstairs, Milo walks silently as a matter of course, and finds himself next to Figment. "Hey tough guy, I didn't see you lining up for healling. Hold still for a sec." Milo jabs the wizard a few times with his wand. He then approaches the new guy, "Hey Falin, looks like I get the healing duty today. Stop moving for a sec so I can get you wounds closed up." Jabs him a few times as well. (OOC: Heal Figment for 23 hps, and Falin for 27 hps. How is everyone doing now?)
Figment - Improved Invis Thursday May 23rd, 2002 10:45:58 AM
The mage graciously accepts the healing. "Sorry, I was focused on the search...". (BTW, Figment is still invisible - but he'll line up anyway :)).
"So what'll it be? We go down now or rest first?".
Olana Thursday May 23rd, 2002 3:52:58 PM
"I say we wait."
Frowning, she steps over to Fluet, and asks him softly - "Fluet - what's wrong? Do you sense something?"
Flueterflam Friday May 24th, 2002 3:32:38 AM
Replying to Olana, "No...no, it's just that, well..." The bard appears too frightened to speak. In fact, he seems to be looking for something to happen that will make his interrogation easier. His ears dart various places, looking for an answer.
Finally, the bard calms down. He gives the elf a giant huge and whispers in her ear, "Wait for me." Fluet takes several steps away from Olana. Flueterflam disappears as a soft incantation and delicate hand motions are produced.
. . . .
A small piece of parchment slowly flutters through the air and lands where the feet of the bard stood only seconds prior.
Brother Bertram (sub Jay) d20+1=4 Friday May 24th, 2002 3:35:02 AM
Bertram walks, contemplating and scutinizing the stonework and where a lich may hide his own soul. (Search using Stonecunning, 4 plus cunning for a total of 6, ouch)
OOC: Just out of curiousity Kent, did Mark leave a prepared spell list? Can Bert prepare spells (God being dead and all)?
K'Nara Friday May 24th, 2002 6:08:56 AM
"We're in pretty tough shape." K'Nara conceded out loud. "We really ought to rest up and heal and get our spells back before going on--gods know what else is waiting around in this tower for us." The leader of the Emerald Talons eyed the trapdoor above.
"If we're going to rest first, then we DEFINITELY need to have watches guarding the others as we recover." K'Nara said firmly. "Who's up for first watch? Whomever it is will get healed up as completely as possible by the clerics..."
Figment Friday May 24th, 2002 8:53:14 AM
The mage releases his invisibility. It is clear he was blasted by the fireball, but the healing has gotten most of the physical damage restored. "I can either take first watch and rest or I can rest and then memorize spells as I take last watch. It will take Ingrge and I the longest to recover and prepare. Also, I would recommend those who have spells on them, like Lian take the first watch while they are still of use.". The mage takes his watch - whenever it is, and rests and rememorizes his spells. He changes several to be more appropriate with this type of adventure.
Falin d20+1=14 d20+1=12 d20+10=24 d20+10=20 d20+10=29 Friday May 24th, 2002 9:12:53 AM
"I agree, we should wait for the evening. I need to get a little work done besides." (OCC: Didn't know how many checks to make. I made 2 spot checks 14 and 12 to look for suitable items to make arrows. I then made three rolls to make some arrows 24,20,and 29)
Ingrge Friday May 24th, 2002 6:27:50 PM
Ingrge adds his agreement with the need for rest and recharging. If it could be arranged for our not having to take a watch we would get the most accomplished ....
DM kent Friday May 24th, 2002 6:41:12 PM
The Talons rest throughout the rest of the day and into the evening around dusk there is the sound of what must be a small army passing by. What is worse though are the sounds you hear after most of the noise has passed. Through the arrow slits you hear and if you look you can see what must be several hundred "men" setting up camps around the tower. It is obvious that they know what they are doing as they are outside of bow range and are not setting any groups too close to any others. None appear to come anywhere within the walled grounds.
The talons settle down to sleep for the night.
Lian d20+14=30 Saturday May 25th, 2002 4:58:08 AM
This Talon doesn't rest so easily. The young elf listens (30) to the mass in hopes to hear their plans. Lian is noticably uneasy.
Bertram (sub Jay) Saturday May 25th, 2002 5:13:38 AM
Bertram paces in front of the window (arrow) slits, concern crosses his face as he rubs his bearded chin. The dwarf soon spralls on the floor, laying on his bedroll, hands clasped behind his head with his eyes closed. Axe close by. It's obvious that he's not sleeping well, every sound rouses him. "Get some rest!" He says, as Lian bussles by him.
Falin d20+1=16 d20+1=6 d20+1=11 Saturday May 25th, 2002 12:50:19 PM
After resting a few hours Falin makes his way around the tower looking out. He is looking to see if some poor soul wanders too close to the tower.
(OCC: Spot checks 16,6,11)
Milo d8+1=9 Saturday May 25th, 2002 10:22:13 PM
"I'm up for first watch. Besides... I don't know how well I'm gonna sleep with an army camped outside." Milo touches the wand to his own forehead momentarily, healing himself. He then prays to Alemi, turning the remaining bruise into undamaged flesh. (OOC: Used one charge for 9 hps and change resistance into a cure minor wounds spell for the remaining hp of damage.)
Olana Monday May 27th, 2002 2:40:11 AM
"Fluet??" Olana picks up the parchment and will read it. "Where did he go?" she exclaims.
The bard's disappearance and the gathering army outside leave her pensive and restless.
"I'll take whatever watch is required," she says distractedly.
Figment Monday May 27th, 2002 11:06:57 AM
The mage reaces down and scoops up the parchment that Fluet dropped - and reads it. He sighs as the armies surround the tower. "At least the aura of this tower will give us some level of security from without...". He sleeps and rememorizes his spells as he takes his watch. He keeps an eye on the army outside, trying to determine what or who they might be.
DM Kent Monday May 27th, 2002 9:16:56 PM
Olanna and Figment both read the piece of parchment that floated to the ground as Fluet vanished. The note is very simple in its wording. It simply says, Flueterflam, I need your assistance immediately. M. Both Olanna and Figment recognize the writing as that of the Hierophant.
As it gets dark the fires outside are plainly visible. There seem to be 15 cook fires spaced around the tower's grounds.
During the night nothing much happens except for just after midnight as who ever is watching, peers out at the ground and sees a group of five figures enter the tower grounds and make thier way to the tower itself. As they get within 10 feet of the wall they become silent torches as they flame up and disappear without a sound.
The rest of the time passes without inturruption. It is now morning.
Lian d20+14=29 Tuesday May 28th, 2002 2:01:45 AM
Lian happily takes midnight shift and watches nervously. Seeing the five figures approach the tower, he wakes Bertram. He listens the the stairwell, as he wakes Milo and K'nara. (listen 29, at the stairs) He whispers to them, "I believe someone is sneaking into the tower."
Bertram (sub Jay) Tuesday May 28th, 2002 2:07:26 AM
The dwarf wakes with a grumble and reaches out and grabs the young elfs shirt. "This had better be important my friend." After hearing the news of the figures, he rises with all due haste and grabs up his axe.
K'Nara Tuesday May 28th, 2002 6:36:48 AM
Healed by the magic of Milo and Brother Bertram, the tall bladesinger silently eyed the troops surrounding the tower--or, more accurately, eyed the cook fires. Fifteen of them. The Dark Lord's forces must be having a field day overrunning the Kingdom. K'Nara only hoped that whatever was within this tower was actually something that would prove effective against Marteaus, or the entire Wold would be as bleak and spiritless as the natives of Izen were when Parnoth had sent her there last year.
'Curse me for not comprehending what "the Dark Lord" truly was back then..!' the redhead thought bitterly. Not that she could have done anything about it while within Izen borders, anyhow...still, it rankled that all the clues to Marteaus' intentions had been there in front of her face and she had not realized what the wanna-be god was about to do.
She went to bed in a brooding sort of mood, only to be awoken when the personnel who'd tried to penetrate the tower suddenly went up in flames.
"Well--it seems that the tower can tell the difference between who's here to help and who's here to conquer." K'Nara pointed out, blinking as the last of the doomed squad's flames flickered out. "As soon as everyone's ready, we should resume our mission, though--we still have to find whatever is in here and then try to figure out a way to get out of the area with it...or use it, if need be."
Figment Tuesday May 28th, 2002 8:52:15 AM
The mage rememorizes his spells once he wakes and prepares for the final effort. "Hmmm. Even though we are here to help the minions in the tower attack us. How unusual it let us in but still resists us. Unless of course we simply paid a price for going the wrong direction...". Upon further reflection he also mentions. "At least it's good to know that the Heirophant survives - and that he feels he can rely on our number. What a powerful ally he is indeed!". He pulls out the small pouch which carry the 3 seeds from his golden apple which was the druid's gift back at their first meeting. "Maybe someday I can actually plant these things...".
Olana Tuesday May 28th, 2002 7:23:24 PM
The elf passes around the note after Figment has read it, so everyone knows what happened to Fluet.
After an hour or two collecting her thoughts, she keeps watch alongside the others, raising an eyebrow as some of the encroachers go up like torches.
"We have a lot of elves in our group," she adds as an explanation as to why that particular nasty effect didn't work on them.
Milo d20+11=25 d20+11=31 Wednesday May 29th, 2002 2:31:47 AM
Waking from fitful sleep, Milo prays to Alemi, renewing himself spiritually, and then eats a small meal of jerky and hardtack. Afterwards he gets up, stretches, and begins his search of the strange door with five red arrows. He examines it first for traps, and second for a way to open it up. (OOC: Made two search checks at DC 25 and 31 respectively.)
Ingrge Wednesday May 29th, 2002 6:27:21 PM
Ingrge lseeps fitfully for a while and then drifts off into a deep sleep. Awakening fairly early, he studies his spell book and then takes a gander around the room. K'nara, after a bit of thought about what we know has led me to the conclusion that we have answered at least part of the problem of how to thwart Marteus. We know that Marteus has control over the dead. We also know the dead cannot act on their own. Thirdly, we know that the living cannot effectively harm a god either. So the question is, What is not alive and yet can effectively act on their own behalf? The second question is I think, How does this help us?
DM Kent Wednesday May 29th, 2002 6:36:01 PM
After waking and breaking their fast the talons look out upon the soldiers left behind by Marteus' main force, shake their heads for a moment and then move to the door. Milo's checks reveal that there are no traps and that the lock is a simple one that is easily circumvented by his nimble fingers.
The stairs again go around the outside of the wall, but this time there are damp spots and mosses growing out of the cracks. The room below is dark but there is a bit of reddish light coming from a multi tiled floor. Upon inspection from above there is definately a pattern to the tiles and there appears to be three distincly different intertwined paths created by the tiles.
Lian d20+14=26 Wednesday May 29th, 2002 11:37:13 PM
"Perhaps the yellow tiled path?"
The elf listens to the surrounding sounds(26).
Bertram (sub Jay) d20+1=9 Wednesday May 29th, 2002 11:40:37 PM
The dwarven cleric just looks at the tiles, examining the tiles and stone (11 stone cunning).
"Who knows. Yellow, green."
Milo Thursday May 30th, 2002 2:58:40 AM
Stepping down to the last step, Milo crouches, examining the floor. His hand comes up to cover his mouth, as if to shush himself, and the halfling looks somewhat perplexed. Then suddenly, his countenance brightens, and he begins to speak, "Use the five arrows of death. Why does that have to be a weapon, why can't it be the arrows on the floor here. Look... only on the pink are their five arrows, the other paths all have more." Decided, Milo steps out on the pink path, and begins to follow it across the room, treading lightly as he goes, ready to spring any which way, should the need arise.
Lian Thursday May 30th, 2002 4:16:34 AM
Lian looks at Milo, then smiles. "Of course! I didn't see that. You ARE truly the an Excellent Rogue!"
K'Nara Thursday May 30th, 2002 7:57:11 AM
The chesnut-maned woman warrior managed to complete a short and very basic bladesinger workout before the business of continuing their mission resumed. Ingrge's words sounded quite logical.
"You're probably right, my friend," K'Nara said with a sigh, "As your reasoning has given me a headache...I did say how much I hate riddles, right..?" She smiled, though, and resolved to try to think about the elf's words...hopefully it wouldn't make her head ache too much.
Milo's discovery--and his logic--impressed the leader of the Tines.
"Logic and such isn't my forte..." K'Nara admitted readily, "...but I think Milo's on to something. We'll follow the pink path, then." She bowed low to the halfling. "After you, then, o Seeker of Alemi..."
Figment d20+6=17 d20+10=18 d20+16=29 d20+16=27 Thursday May 30th, 2002 10:32:43 AM
The mage carefully examines the paths (DC 17). He looks closely at the arrows and sees if the the arrows marked on the paths appear to be identical to those scribed on the trap door. He also looks over the paths and compares them against his knowledge of arcana (DC 29) and spellcraft (DC 27 for any clues. He will attempt to share his findings before the Talons set off every magical trap in the place...
Olana d20+11=12 Thursday May 30th, 2002 12:28:30 PM
Olana breaks out in a smile as Milo appears to have figured out the answer, but a moment later it disappears. "Be careful, Milo," she whispers, crouching low in order to give the pathways a lookover. Using all over her tracking skills, she attempts to see if any of the paths have been walked along before. (gee whiz - DC 12)
Ingrge d20=1 Thursday May 30th, 2002 5:48:12 PM
Looking down from above Ingrge gets a puzzled look on his face. I am afraid I have no clue about what I am looking at. As Figment and Milo come up with their information and thoughts, Ingrge listens but makes no comment.
DM kent Thursday May 30th, 2002 5:57:02 PM
Figment's examinations show several things. First all four paths radiate extremely strong magical auras from several various schools of magic. Second all the arrows appear to be identical to those painted on the wall and the door.
Bertram's inspection of the floor's stones reveals that they are all made from a gem like substance and each path is outined in quick-silver.
Olanna's observes that none of the paths seem to be at all worn. Nor is there any dust on any of the paths to hold tracks.
As Milo steps on to the first pink section he vanishes from the sight of all the other Talons.
Lian d20+6=26 d20+6=14 Thursday May 30th, 2002 7:21:00 PM
Lian watches Milo disappear with a look concern on the young elven face. Then it turns to a smile. "Okay Milo, enough with the jokes. Turn back visible so we can see you! Milo? Milo?!" He says quietly.
When Milo doesn't answer, Lian's smile vanishes as quickly as Milo had. He turns the K'nara. "Perhaps NOT the pink path?!"
Lian looks (26) at the walls, seeing if they are tiled as well. Then the monk looks (14) straight up trying to figure in the heighth of the ceiling. (Are there identical paths on the ceiling or the walls? If there are tiles on the walls, what color are they?) Lians thoughts are on NOT touching the floor at all to make it to one of the doors.
Then he turns and looks at the group. "I still think it is the yellow path. The path of least resistance. It over lays the rest of them."
Bertram (sub Jay) d20+1=7 Thursday May 30th, 2002 7:33:17 PM
Bertram determines that the tiles are some sort of gem-like substance. He begins to Appraise their value just out of curiousity (Appraise check of 9 using his racial modifiers). How rare is this substance? Is it all the same type of gem, just colored by hand (or magically)? Where might it be found? How long ago was it cut? Is it dwarven manfactured (or quarried stone)? Gnomish cutting? These are all his internal monologue.
Then he is distracted by Milo's little stunt. "Oh boy. I hope that's the little ones idea of stealth!! Figment, can you see if his aura is on the path or is he TRULY gone!?"
Bertram (sub Jay) Thursday May 30th, 2002 7:39:38 PM
"By the way Figment, that is quicksilver lining those tiles. Is that any significance to you?"
Asking to himself. Is Quicksilver rare, or just hard the manufacture?
Olana Friday May 31st, 2002 2:28:38 AM
"None of these paths are well trodden,"says Olana. "Neither is there any dust.In fact it's as if we are the f - Milo??"
Quickly, she takes her rope, ties one end to her waist. "Will someone hold this? I'll try and get him."
She steps onto the pink path.
K'Nara d20=16 Friday May 31st, 2002 7:40:19 AM
K'Nara's chin dropped to her chest when Milo simply disappeared. What kind of magic was this...or was it something that Milo had no control over..? (OOC: voluntary Intelligence check to figure it out yields a result of 16.)
"This...is NOT good..." K'Nara said, at a loss when confronted by the magical situation. She instinctively grabbed the rope Olana handed over and blinked without comprehension when the Elven ranger stepped onto the pink path after Milo.
Figment Sunday June 2nd, 2002 11:59:13 PM
"Best I can tell, I'd say the pink path is best. Now if we can just make sure Milo is OK. Can you hear us Milo? And Olana, it would be best if-". He listens for a response - and watches what happens to the rope since the impetuous elf once again acts before thinking.
GOD WAR! [CDM Jerry] Monday June 3rd, 2002 10:40:41 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.
Falin Monday June 3rd, 2002 4:53:45 PM
"Did the poem recited earlier have anything that would help us here?"
Bertram (sub Jay) Monday June 3rd, 2002 5:49:33 PM
"I do believe we should go after Milo, he HASN"T answered our calls, that's certainly not like him to leave us hanging for so long. And Olana, I figured she'd have more sense than that!" The dwarf paces in front of the path, just staring at it, attention drawn from the stone and jeweled tiles. The thunder outside startles him, but not enough to pull his attention from the path his friends took.
Lian Monday June 3rd, 2002 5:57:23 PM
"K'nara, I think Bertram is right on one account. Milo HAS NOT answered us, I believe if he could, he would. Perhaps he can hear us and see us, but we for some reason cannot hear or see him.... and Olana." The elf looks at the path, then looks at his leader for the 'okay' to follow.
DM Kent Monday June 3rd, 2002 9:30:40 PM
Olanna steps onto the path with the rope tied to her and vanishes from the sight of the rest of the Talons. The rope remains taught as it slowly slides through K'nara's fingers.
Lian looks at the walls and again notes that they are stone with differnt mosses and dirt covering them. The cieling while visible seems to be without decoration or color.
Bertram's examination of the tile material garners him very little new information. He knows that were he able to remove an entire tile, without damaging it, he knows that he would very likely be a wealthy dwarf. He also can tell that there are many layers of magic woven in through and around the tiles, both individually and as a group.
The tower physically rocks as the thunder is heard outside.
(ooc Jay quicksilver is indeed mercury, but the interesting thing is that this is solidified Mercury)
Olana Tuesday June 4th, 2002 1:40:33 AM
The rope continues to disappear slowly.
K'Nara d20+4=21 Tuesday June 4th, 2002 6:35:46 AM
(OOC: made a voluntary Dexterity check in order to not be knocked off her feet in surprise to the groundshaking that happened.)
The warrior woman looked wildly about her as the start of the Godswar was felt and heard even inside the Tower of Saryd.
"That's it!" K'Nara practically spat, a grim look on her face as she, once more, unsheathed her trademark bastard sword. "We don't have time to screw around--The Wold is going to hell in a handbasket and we can't afford to wait around to see if the handle falls off or not. Forward, Talons..!!!"
So saying, the human bladesinger stepped onto the pink path herself...
Figment Tuesday June 4th, 2002 9:20:04 AM
The mage sees the rope - and hears the war cry. "Looks like we have our answer. Let's do it.".
The First To Go [CDM Jerry] Tuesday June 4th, 2002 3:19:38 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.
Bertram (sub Jay) d20+9=22 Tuesday June 4th, 2002 5:59:57 PM
OOC: Checking the Religous signicants of the current deaths, IE. 'Was Raven foe to Goddess of Nature or Goddess of Song? Ga'al and Pantheon? Etc. Which are Greater Gods, Demi Gods, etc. Concerned about the order in which the deaths occurred. Bertrams Religion check is 22.
Bertram grins as K'nara commands the Talons forward. He steps onto the pink path. "Milo... Olana, we're coming!" He says as he shakes of the rocking tower and cracking thunder.
Lian Tuesday June 4th, 2002 6:06:28 PM
Lian shudders as the thunder errupts around them.
Realizing that half the party was gone, he steps onto the pink path just as the dwarf grabbed him.
Then, just before dissappearing onto the path, Lian leans back and yells to Falin. "Falin, are the soldiers still outsi...." The sentence trails off.
Ingrge Tuesday June 4th, 2002 8:58:12 PM
Ushering the others on in front of him ingrge is the last to step on the path.
DM kent Tuesday June 4th, 2002 9:08:58 PM
As each of you steps on to the pink path, the room vanishes. All that you are aware of are the intertwining paths, each calling for you to follow them, and now each path is seemingly three dimensional. The arrows are now glowing a deep blood red.
Just up ahead you see Olanna still tied to her end of the rope, and much further ahead you ca see a shadowy figure. The elves find that moving along the path somehow feels right. Not easy, but right. For the others it takes full concentration to remain focussed on staying on the correct path.
Oddly enoungh you can not physically hear each other, but you suddenly can hear each other in your minds as if you are talking.
In the midst of getting used to the new form of communication you are all suddenly assaulted by the sounds of battle and the death cries of each god as they die. (Everyone needs to make a will save of DC 20 or fall senseless to the floor. Anyone who worships any of the newly fallen gods needs to make an additional will save DC 20 to keep sane.)
As if the death of the gods isn't enough you find youselves engulfed in a kaleidoscope of color as the paths all start to pulse in a strobe like manner. Around you, you can feel the tremors of the tower being shaken down to its foundation. In addition, the air is now filled with a high pitched whine that hurts the ears.
Figment d20+7=25 Tuesday June 4th, 2002 11:09:24 PM
The mage focuses all his attention on the path, knowing they must get to the end. He grits his teeth through all the sounds and new sensations and keeps his wits about him. "FOCUS!". He thinks loudly to the others, "We are on the right path!". He proceeds forward and attempts to help anyone in front of him who succumbs to the death crys. If they cannot be helped, he leaves them and moves on.
Olana d20+5=13 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 1:35:52 AM
Olana continues to walk slowly and determinedly along the path, convinced that Milo is just up ahead. She smiles as suddenly she can "hear" the voices of her companions. On the verge of calling out to them in her thoughts, she begins to hear the terrible cries as the Gods begin their slaughter of one another. She falters on the path, trying to get her bearings, using every tracking sense she has, but then - as the kaleidoscope assaults her eyes and the path begins to shake, it becomes all too much and she falls.
The last voice she 'hears' is that of Figment. "Fo....cussss........"
Lian d20+8=18 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 2:41:42 AM
OOC: Will Save of 18.
Lian begins to look around, then falls to the floor is convulsions, muttering senselessly.
Bertram (sub Jay) d20+8=9 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 2:48:06 AM
OOC:Will Save of 9, +2 spell/like effects racial dwarven bonus.
The dwarven cleric watches Lian fall into spasms, then follows his lead. Brother Bertram begins twitching, but stays on his feet momentarily, then falls.
"Domi, why.... I need...." He murmers.
Milo d20+6=24 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 3:05:23 AM
Milo remains steady, flinching ever-so-slightly, but remains on his feet, and on the pink path. The halfling moves as quick as his feet will carry him, to the end of this path. (OOC: Made a Will save DC 24.)
K'Nara d20=1 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 6:59:20 AM
K'Nara's human senses betrayed her--she fell to the ground in a quivering, gibbering heap.
Figment Wednesday June 5th, 2002 9:48:29 AM
Seeing the state of the party, the mage thinks to Milo. "Milo, everyone but us has fallen. Come help me!". The mage makes sure everyone is close by dragging them together and waits for Milo. He slaps gently on K'Nara's cheek to try and rouse her.
Ingrge d20+6=20 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 9:51:34 AM
Following along behind the others, Ingrge feels a sense of belonging that he hasn't felt in a long time. Something familiar seems to be calling him along the pink path.
Then the screams and cries of the dying gods intrude on his awareness, followed quickly by the strobing, flashing colored lights. Momentarily stunned and barely remaining concious, Ingrge watches as several others in front of him fall writhing to the ground.
As quickly as he can he makes his way to aid Figment to get the others up and as he gets to each one he ties the rope around each of their waists.
Falin d20+1=4 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 12:12:06 PM
Falin knocks an arrow in his bow and steps onto the path as he closes his eyes. He reopens them only to fall to the ground in a sensless heap.
DM Kent d20+4=17 d20+4=16 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 7:27:02 PM
Figment gives K'nara a gentle slap and is rewarded by her eyes snapping open. There is a glaze over her eyes that Figment has seen only on those who are not aware of what is going on around them.
Ingrge reaches Falin as he falls give him a shake as he ties the rope around his waist. As he finishes the tying Falin comes to a semi concious state.
After several moments of the shaking and the strobe effects things settle back down and soon you are looking at the paths again, each calling to you and pulling on you.
Milo makes it to the end of the path and finds there is something waiting there for him. (see email)
Figment d4+1=5 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 8:47:49 PM
The mage shakes his head as Milo once again in his estimation completely disregards everyone else and acts on his own. "I'd say we'd better get to the end of the path. Our halfling friend has decided he can take on the tower alone!". He moves with the others down the path. Before they get to the end of the path, the mage casts Cat's Grace on K'Nara (+5 Dex). "Might as well be ready, we'll need it.". He holds his spell if the effects on the path make it impossible to cast.
Milo Wednesday June 5th, 2002 10:16:20 PM
Hearing Figment in his head is quite disconcerting as Milo makes his way down the path. Not realizing that his friends had joined him on this perilous trip. Concentrating, he thinks back to him, 'I don't know how much help I'd be, I'm having a really tough time, stayin' on my own two feet.... uh oh... I've really done it this time.' Milo's mental voice wavers.
Lian Thursday June 6th, 2002 12:59:38 AM
~Twitch... twitch~
Bertram (sub Jay) Thursday June 6th, 2002 1:02:43 AM
"... Domi....dead?"
The dwarf continues to spasm.
K'Nara (Cat's Grace--Dex now 23?) d20=20 Thursday June 6th, 2002 6:58:07 AM
The attention paid to her by Ingrge and Figment resulted in snapping the leader of the Emerald Talons back to her senses.
"Sisters take me!" the female fighter gasped as she shook off the last of the disorienting and surreal mental effects of the Elven magic around her. "It's stuff like this that makes me wonder if I'm truly meant to train as a bladesinger..." K'Nara rolled back to her feet as she instinctively scooped up her fallen weapon.
"Milo..?" she called--was it mentally or physically?--frowning as she, too, realized that the roguish cleric of Alemi was too far away for her comfort. Pausing only long enough to untie the rope just secured around her waist.
"Ingrge--try to help snap the others out of it," she ordered, stepping away from the rope, "I'll go back up Milo...if he needs it. Join us as soon as you can..!" So saying, the redhead sprinted down the path towards the far-away figure of Milo--and whatever he was addressing.
Olana d20+5=21 Thursday June 6th, 2002 11:46:11 AM
(Succeeded another check, just - if its allowed - )
Groggily the elf comes to her senses and begins to crawl along the path, and will try and help with the others.
(If still out -) Olana still lies on the path, completely out of it.
Is This The End? [CDM Jerry] Thursday June 6th, 2002 12:09:18 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.
DM kent Thursday June 6th, 2002 1:26:28 PM
With Olanna's help, Ingrge and Figment manage to get everyone up and moving, if not totally cognizent of where they are or where they are going.
Taking the lead, Ingrge has everyone roped togther with olanna bringing up the rear in hopes that the elven contingent can manage to aid in making their passage easier.
K'nara moves quickly ahead to try and catch up to Milo and oft times feels like she is running thru molasses. (Will DC 14 to stay on pink path) As she finally gets to where she can see the end of the path, she spies Milo facing what truly can only be described as a nightmare. (see email)
Milo faces this nightmare and registers K'nara's comment about catching up to help you, just as the creature speaks. Oh my, someone with manners. My name? Well Let's see, in my language it would be... Oh, but you could not pronounce it or understand it. I guess in the tongue that you are adressing me in, it would roughly translate to Mir Oculus....
DM Kent Thursday June 6th, 2002 1:43:09 PM
At that moment The tower and paths shake and oscilate yet again. Being more prepared this time, or perhaps because of the guidance of the party's elves, the Talons manage to remain upright and on the path although it feels as though they are each trying to run against the current, through waist high water.
As more Gods scream their death cries, visions leap to your minds of the end of the world, you sense more than feel mountains rising up through the ground while whole lakes boil and then disappear.
Milo senses all of this and more as the walls of the tower seem to melt away and reveal an amazing sight. Behind his host is very pastoral and peaceful looking cove. It is obvously twilight which suprises him, as Milo is sure that it can't be more than midmorning at the latest.
Having introduce himself, Milo's host looks perplexed for a moment as things shift and change around him. Then as K'nara comes busting around the corner, he rises a bit and asks her to stop where she is. Once she has complied he looks between the two and remarks.
"I don't know who you are, or what your coming means, but it is all very strange. Since this tower was built over this place, Never has there been any but elves who have walked these paths. I sense more of you coming. Why are you here? What do you want? And why should I let you live?"
Lian Thursday June 6th, 2002 9:47:02 PM
The elfs twitching stops just to be replaced by stillness and incoherant muttering. Eyes glazed, the monk stares into teh ceilings abyss.
Bertram (sub Jay) Thursday June 6th, 2002 9:49:47 PM
Now in a fetal position, Bertram continues to speak with the spirits. He mutters.
"....so many Gods.... are now three...."
Milo Thursday June 6th, 2002 10:33:32 PM
"Well met Mr. Oculus. My friends and I are on a quest to discover a powerful weapon left here by Parnoth. A weapon than we may use in the war against the dark god Marteus, who seeks to destroy the Wold and all who live in it. In a strange way, that makes us allies, for I can only assume that you do not want to be destroyed by Marteus any more than we do. If you could help us, we'd be ever so grateful. Thank you for listening before destroying us utterly. For this I am most assuredly thankful." Milo puts on a face of complete diplomacy and understanding throughout his speech while holding his hand back for K'nara to grab if she needs something to hold on to.
Olana Friday June 7th, 2002 12:34:28 AM
Olana tries to rouse Lian and Falin to a better state of wakefulness, talking to them softly in elven as they traverse the path.
"Draw on the power of this place, let it give you strength" she says, "and know that our non-elven brothers and sisters will need help here."
K'Nara (Cat's Grace) d20=19 Friday June 7th, 2002 6:59:56 AM
(OOC: made the Will save to continue walking on the path.)
K'Nara stopped when she caught up to Milo, staring at the cyclopian creature that was floating before them.
No, wait--cyclops only had ONE eye, and this thing technically had a total of eleven...
Her head hurt from trying to ponder the point, so the leader of the Talons abandoned the logic.
"We are the Emerald Talons, sir," she told the floating thing, "And I am K'Nara Illutu. I see you've met Milo, here...and we wouldn't be bothering with the Tower or intruding on you, either, if it weren't REALLY important. You see, The Wold is in serious trouble and we're here to try to stop this guy who wants to become a god from taking over everything and destroying The Wold while he's at it. There's supposed to be something here to help us to do that, and we're here to get it and save The Wold."
Gods, she was babbling. K'Nara hated it when she babbled, but the latest wave of god deaths underscored the urgency of their mission, and the pressure was starting to get on her nerves.
"Please...we will fight you if we have to...but I really don't want to--I want to save The Wold." she said simply.
Figment d20+4=16 d20+6=21 Friday June 7th, 2002 9:53:39 AM
The mage struggles through the quagmire, anxious to get a look at this creature Milo is apparently encountering (Made save). He exits the path prepared to cast but takes no offensive action. He lets K'Nara handle the discussion - with the beholder! He looks over the place behind the creature and sees if there is anything in his experience that would tell him what this place is (Int DC 21).
DM kent Monday June 10th, 2002 9:12:14 AM
K'nara rounds the corner and starts in on her head pounding conversation.
Figment soon comes behind her and thinks that perhaps he may have read something about a place like the one he sees in an old elven tome, but he can't totally recall.
Ingrge and Olanna, get the others up and moving and soon are at the end of the path facing their host and the twilight scene behind him. Ingrge and Olanna suddenly feel a deep longing sadness and fell younger than they have ever remember feeling.
Mir Oculus listens to K'nara for a moment and then laughs. "You think mighty highly of yourself if you think that YOU can save the Wold. That task might even be beyond that of the entire Dragon consortium, if of course you could get them working on the same thing at the same time." And as for killing me, you might have even more difficulty doing that than saving the Wold. As I am already dead, well sort of."
At that moment he fades out of sight for a moment and then immediately returns to apparent solidity.
Figment Monday June 10th, 2002 11:43:28 AM
The mage steps forward in a diplomatic fashion. "Good sir, there is no need for threats here. It is clear that you know more about all this than we. And as such you are aware that this place is threatened just as every other. We do not pretend to be able to save the Wold. We are merely doing our part. Or, at least, trying to. Your help in this would be most appreciated - and may, in fact, help yourself in the process. Are you willing to help? Or at least not interfere. We have no desire to fight you, only to retrieve the item we seek and leave.".
Milo Monday June 10th, 2002 9:15:10 PM
Milo pipes in after Figment, "Is there anything, or service we may offer you in exchange for safe passage through your home? As a group our skills are many and varied, surely there is something that you would like, or like done."
Olana Monday June 10th, 2002 11:35:04 PM
Olana emerges from the tunnel and gasps at the sight of the Beholder. She breathes a sigh of relief on seeing that Milo is alright, and stays back as she can see K'Nara, Milo and Figment are talking to the creature.
As an aside she whispers to Ingrge, and Lian. 'Do you feel this? I feel energized, but for some reason I want to cry. What does it mean?'
Lian Tuesday June 11th, 2002 12:44:16 AM
Lian listens to Olana, then answers. "Yes. I had a momentary feeling like the one your discribing. However, seeing this... well, whatever you call it with the eyes, I am far less enthused." He looks at the floating freak, then smirks and looks back at Olana. "Figment always tries SO hard to please, does he not? Milo, on the other hand, has a steady grasp of things most of the time." Under his breath, and facing Ingrge and Bertram, he askes something thats been on his mind since the final three Gods were left standing. "Do you suppose the clerics of the remaining three Gods have gotten stronger or weaker?"
Bertram (sub Jay) Tuesday June 11th, 2002 12:51:33 AM
Looking and his elven friend, Bertram chimes in. "My faith in Domi is still strong, so I would expect the clerics of the remaining three have just as strong convictions as I." Looking at Milo, Bertram says in a loud voice and holding back a snicker. "Well, I see Milo's not tippy-toeing around the subject is he!?" Bertram is gripping his axe in front of him ... just in case.
K'Nara Tuesday June 11th, 2002 7:26:36 AM
K'Nara eyed the Eye Tyrant...then had to laugh.
"You're right, of course, Mir Oculus," she agreed, bowing, "I have a mighty high opinion of myself to think that I could save The Wold...but it's actually that I have a mighty high opinion of my colleagues. I just know that we can make a difference somehow--and whatever is in this tower is a key to making that difference." Once more, the human's canny hazel eyes sweep the circumferance of the floating creature.
"You know, that's the second time today that I've heard about how being undead can make things difficult..." she mused, then addressed Mir Oculus again: "We've been contacted by the newest Dragon Consortium--that's why we're here. To help them save The Wold."
Ingrge Tuesday June 11th, 2002 7:39:04 AM
Ingrge looks at Olanna like she has lost her mind and then with a slight shake of the head whispers. "I believe we look upon one of the few ancient leavetaking places. It is calling to me, but I fear it is not yet my time to leave the Wold, nor do I think, is it yours, my lady."
DM kent Tuesday June 11th, 2002 7:53:38 AM
Switching his gaze from speaker to speaker, Mir Oculus gets a big tothy grin on his face as Milo suggest some sort of payment for passing. "Funny you should mention an offering. There is a requirement that a sacrifice be offered before any group may pass and I get to choose that sacrifice whether it be an animate one or inanimate one. If you agree to this stipulation, you may not argue my choice or you all shall perish. If you choose not to accept this stipulation then you will remain here with me forever."
If possible Oculus' grin gets even larger and more toothy.
"And before you ask you may not know what I will request before you make your decision."
Milo Tuesday June 11th, 2002 10:31:24 AM
Looking up at Mir Oculus, "I cannot accept this on behalf of the group, however, I do accept it on my own behalf." Thinking for a moment. "I will pay the price for my friends passage. Name it."
Figment Tuesday June 11th, 2002 11:08:56 AM
The mage considers carefully the words of the protector. "I have 2 questions about what you say. First, when you say 'before we pass', is that pass in or out? And second, I know you will not tell us what the sacrifice is, but will you tell us what it is not - if we provide you this sacrifice, will we all walk out of here alive?"
Olana Tuesday June 11th, 2002 11:55:54 PM
Listening to what is being said, Olana then speaks quietly to the other elves at the back. "A leavetaking place. Now I understand. I have never been old enough to visit one before."
As the huge creature in front of them states it's ultimatum, she looks around at all her friends. What did it want, she wondered? If it was a life then it was more likely to be an elven one, if it's requirements were in anyway connected to this place. If not - maybe it wanted them all - or nothing. Magical creatures were baffling at the best of times.
They looked unlikely to get any further until this had been settled. "I accept," she says.
Lian Wednesday June 12th, 2002 1:51:52 AM
Lian listens to the beast, then thinks to himself; 'Are we all going to be eaten? Do we each have to sacrifice, or was it a singular sacrifice for all? Do we have to sacrifice for the entry and exit? DOES IT REQUIRE JUST ELVEN BLOOD??'
The elvish monk probably oversteps his station by asking the following question. He steps forward. "There is a solemn feeling here that the elves in our party have felt. Why is that? How many elves have perished here to you?"
His serious features straighten, then he steps back. "Sorry K'nara, I had to ask."
Bertram (sub Jay) Wednesday June 12th, 2002 3:36:31 AM
Bertram just stands, watching. Hearing Lians question, the dwarf just smirks at the elfs bravado.
K'Nara Wednesday June 12th, 2002 6:28:48 AM
The tall human female smiled at Lian's words, but her amusement was short-lived. K'Nara looked around at the others before answering the hovering undead:
"For all that I've been appointed the leader of the Emerald Talons, I can't demand that they sacrifice themselves...I leave that choice to each person. However, speaking for myself--I, too, pledge to accept your terms."
Ingrge Wednesday June 12th, 2002 8:37:51 AM
Know this. This is an ancient elven place of leave taking. Older elves come here when they are tired of the Wold and use this as an exit to another place away from this world. What we see is an extension of the Wold; sort of a launching site. That being the case, the portal casues no harm to the elves using it and none die because of it. I have heard of only a few non elves that have been allowed to join the elves on their leave taking. I expect that the portal is one way only, but that there is a way back to the normal world. For My part I agree to your terms.
DM Kent Wednesday June 12th, 2002 8:51:28 AM
Listening to the group's discussions, Mir Oculus seems amused by the disagreements and the hedging. After each Talon has had their say Oculus looks at Figment and the others and attempts to answer their questions.
" I have not known of any that have passed back through this portal, but then I know of none that wanted to either. The sacrifice is for the passage to the leavetking place, sort of a symbolic showing of the willingnes to leave things of this world behind. As to whether you all walk out of here or not I can not say for I never know what the sacrifice will be until it comes to me. As to how may elves have perished HERE to Me, I can say none that came here to use the portal and agreed to the sacrifice have died.
Now I need your decision please, or their may be several firsts
Figment Wednesday June 12th, 2002 9:17:36 AM
The mage turns to the others. "I see no need to fight this creature. Even if we prevailed - which its very possible we would not, it would probably cost us more not to agree than to agree. If we do not retrieve the relic, then anything else we retain is essentially worthless anyway. Besides, we will have a claim against the Green Meanie if we have to pay to get in. I will agree to a sacrifice.".
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