The First To Go [CDM Jerry] Tuesday June 4th, 2002 3:20:50 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.
Valanthe (8 down/ 11 subdual) d20+5=15 d20+6=26 Tuesday June 4th, 2002 3:25:25 PM
Valanthe scrambles franticly around the ship. Steadying crewmemebers and trying to patch leaks.
Valanthe Tuesday June 4th, 2002 3:33:43 PM
OCC: sorry about the dual post, but I didn't see the post by cdm.
All seems to stop as the godwar comes a little clearer. First her heart sinks as some of the woldian gods perished. Then pure joy as Ga'al is slain. No matter what happens a great evil is gone from the world.
Bart Tuesday June 4th, 2002 4:12:39 PM
Could it be true Ga'al slain? at last. Barts starts prying to Lem and Domi while he working at the bilgepumps, maybe his prayer will help them some how
Appolo Tuesday June 4th, 2002 8:23:06 PM
Appolo gets up looks around as the ship is rocked."Rigging get Ashira to bed and stay with her." appolo then goes about doing whatever he can to secure the ship. He also starts to prepare to abandon ship. Gathering supplies. he is chiefly worried about Valanthe. He ignore the feelings that he gets as one by one the gods die. After a while finds Val and follows her around helping where he can.
Rigging d20+4=15 d20+4=17 Tuesday June 4th, 2002 9:49:27 PM
Rigging with and easy grace carries the sleeping Ashira below decks. "Appolo help her out...keep her safe." Rigging then bolts back up the stairs pulling out the Nautaucalous and ativating its abilities. He will work his way to the Captain and the tiller and take whatever actions he thinks necessary.
Redux d20+3=13 d20+2=20 Tuesday June 4th, 2002 10:30:05 PM
Redux "Wow, that's loud." Talon "The noise; the noise," is about all Redux can make out. Redux directs his friend to fly below and stay safe as he helps stable those about him. Ever curious, Redux chooses one of the 2 rings from the high priest and puts it on, considering the possibility that its qualities may become evident during adverse conditions. As he works his mind seems elsewhere, asking questions and pondering the answers. 'If ga'al were truly dead, wouldn't this cursed heartseed feel different; fall out and die or something? Who's taken his place? If ga'al were dead, could he go home and enjoy a family reunion without fear of the priests? Will the people respond to the priests of ga'al becoming mad and overthrow them?' He smiles a bit at this one, considering how his emotions were moved and he didn't even know that Domi god; how much worse it must be for those who gave their lives to that foulness known as ga'al.
OOC (d20=13 Fort, d20=20 Ref.)
Not again!! (DM Stephen) d100=20 d6=4 d20=17 d20=11 d100=70 d8=2 d20+3=4 d20+5=15 d20+5=16 d20+5=9 d100=90 d20+5=19 d20+2=4 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 2:19:56 AM
"IEEEEEEEEEEEE," screams Nipper and Milo the coxswain!!!! The captain and Rigging make it to the forward bridge. Sea water, and boxes and equipment all slosh and knock about. Everyone grabs at the walls like spiders. The captain spits out a mouth full of salty brine and bellows, "What in the name of Bilby's barnacled barge are ye be screa ..... AAAAUUUUUUGGHHH!!"
With a explosion of waves and spray, a gargantuan sea turtle comes shooting up out of the water directly in front of the boat. The sea turtle has a head resembling that of a dragon. "WWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH," it shrieks. The lightning seems to be attracted to him and he is covered in electrical burns.
"IIIEEEEEEEEEE," "AAAAUUUUGGHH," "OOHHHHMOMMY!!" The four seamen pause to stare at one another out of shock for making such noises. Shaking out of his stun the captain yells, "Rigging, take the wheel! Milo get the jaws! Nipper ... stop your screamin' and get off my leg!!"
The giant dragon turtle crashes back down into the water. The massive wave washes over the broadside of the Hammerhead. The ship completely rolls over on its side and then quickly corrects itself. The crew yell and clamor about. Bart helps with the bilge pumps. He finds the situation of trying to opperate a pump while covered in tumbling crew makes his job a bit difficult. Water washes back and forth under the decks making it even harder to keeping your balance.
Ashira finds herself rolling off her bunk, across the floor, and onto another.
Appolo rams head first into a support beam and slips on the wet floors taking several crew members with him. Valanthe fails to notice Appolo's accident and continues to latch open ports with much success.
Redux finds out quick that meaningful contemplation is replaced with, "OOWW, UMMPH, IEEEYA, DOHH, OHMYGOD!!!" Talon screams out in Redux's mind, "Make it stop, make it stop!!" Redux manages to force on a ring. As he is thrown around the cabin, he realizes that it isnt hurting him as much.
Ari and Oreson struggle to stay afoot. Oreson falls and slides into Ari. Both are thrown about cabin like rag dolls. Oreson fights a losing battle with sea sickness.
Back on the bridge the four look on in horror as the beast fights against the elements. The turtle comes very close to crashing into the ship several times. The captain yells, "Rigging get us out of here or we be sleepin' with the fishes."
(Rigging make a Navigation check. Everyone make Reflex save of DC 14, and Fort. Saves DC 12)
Appolo d20+4=15 d20+7=20 d20+11=28 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 5:25:01 AM
Appolo goes down harn but manages to roll free and stay concious. He get back up and heads for Ashira. Remembering that Rigging had asked him to look after her. Its a struggle to maintain his balance but he makes it to her. He dhecks her over for any injury. He mutters under his breath "Rigging should be here" As the ship rocks and rolls under the assault. He is torn between looking after Ashira and helping secure the ship. Chiefly he has begun to that ship might sink.
Rigging d20+4=14 d20+4=18 d20+9=13 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 8:24:08 AM
Rigging stumbles to the tiller and takes the ship away from the turtle. He will try to surf some of the waves that the giant turle is creating to give them some distance. He realizes that the lives of his friends might hang on his skill so a hand slips off the tiller and on to his magical sextant to help guide him.
Ashira d2=1 d20+3=20 d20+8=28 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 8:58:49 AM
As she slams into the other bed, Ashira awakens, and struggles weakly to her feet. Feeling the ship list underneath her and seeing the water roll around on the deck, Ashira instantly senses the danger that the ship is in. When Appolo comes in to check on her Ashira smiles at him and says "I'm fine, just a little scrap. Come on...we've got to secure her before she goes under!" With amazing deftness, Ashira begins to jog down the ship, looking for areas that she can secure or operate bilge pumps. If there are any flooded compartments that need to be pumped out, Ashira will concentrate on those first, since she knows she is the only one who will not drown.
OOC (d2=1...Ashira wakes up instead of sleeping through the storm completely. d20=20 Refl. d20=28 Fort.)
Valanthe d20+6=17 d20+5=22 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 5:53:40 PM
Val braces herself as the ship get tossed about. With all the lighting, why hasn't any hit the ship yet? A nearby porthole explodes inward, filling the room with seawater. Val grabs another patch and seals the hole once again.
(OCC: ref 17, fort 22)
Redux d20+2=12 d20+3=10 d4=3 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 10:18:02 PM
(ooc reflex=12 fort=10 deaf=3 rounds) Redux is slipping and sliding head over heals. That last swell took his feet out; now there's a ringing in his so loud he can't hear himself talk. To everyone, yelling "Can anyone help that creature out there? It's taking all of the lightning strikes, not one has hit the ship. Can you hear me?! It's on our side!" He shakes his head to try to clear his ears once again and be able to cast something.
Bart d20+4=21 d20+4=14 Thursday June 6th, 2002 1:02:01 AM
Bart is stil working at the bilgepump and manages to stay on his feet
Three Hour Tour!! (DM Stephen) d20+7=26 d20+21=39 d100=20 d20+25=43 3d6(6+3+1)=10 Thursday June 6th, 2002 1:13:50 AM
The dragon turtle flops around in the water not even aware of the Hammerhead. It shrieks in pain as the lightning continues to strike him, the ship and the surrounding waters. It finally notices the ship. With very little concern of what or who is on board, the Dragon Turtle dives under the ship and comes up with the ship! Everyone is violently thrown about as the ship capsizes on his back. (Everyone make two Reflex saves DC 18 and 14 to keep from falling) Using the ship as a shield to block the lightning, the turtle begins to speak words of draconic. The words to a spell. Lightning strikes the hull repeatedly. Many notice planks begining to splinter.
A strange and disorienting feeling of having your guts turned inside out begins and makes many want to vomit. (fort. saves DC12 or loose your lunch!)
Once the nausa goes away, all is quiet and still. Except for all the screaming and shouting of crewmen and a angery captain yelling at Nipper to get off his leg!!!
Suddenly there is the sound of the ships hull sliding off the shell of the dragon turtle and splashing back into the water. The Hammerhead wobbles back up into the upright position.
Excited crewman slosh around below the decks in knee deep water trying to get back onto the bilge pumps. Their work environment is now more friendly. The water levels below decks begin to go down.
Anyone who has the ability to get to a porthole, or who happen to be in the foward bridge, can see a warm inviting sunrise rising out of calm waters.
(everyone take 10 points of subdual damage if you failed any of the reflex saves!)
Appolo -10 subdual d20+4=10 d20+4=12 d20+7=20 Thursday June 6th, 2002 2:03:48 AM
Appolo gets and after Ashira" Ashira wait...!!" But never finishes as he is slammed hard agianst the side of the ship then bounced off the floor knocking him out. He lays half on a bed and half off.
Appolo Thursday June 6th, 2002 3:16:11 AM
Reflex 10,12 Fortitude 20
Forgot to include in last post.
Rigging d20+7=21 d20+7=14 d20+4=15 Thursday June 6th, 2002 7:54:43 AM
As everyone around him is tossed and turned about Rigging is a rock of concentration. He stumbles slightly only once but never loses his footing. He pulls out the telescope and asks, "What is your name anyway?" Rigging then peers through it quickly scanning all four quarters and then resting on the dragon turtle.
Ari (-10 subdural) d20=12 d20=19 d20+7=11 Thursday June 6th, 2002 8:20:18 AM
Being of no help to anyone, Ari does his best to hold on, but to stay out of the way. (Woulding the skill sailor add to our rolls right now?)
Redux d20+2=4 d20+2=17 d20+3=5 Thursday June 6th, 2002 9:04:18 AM
Redux, nearing unconsciousness, empties his stomach. The world is an unfriendly place and he feels helpless. Talon goes to him and purrs into his ear trying to give comfort (to a deaf friend, but in his mind he knows). The worlds spinning begins to quiet but Redux doesn't yet risk opening his eyes.
Is This The End? [CDM Jerry] Thursday June 6th, 2002 12:10:38 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.
Thadius - Cleric of Lemtrovex Thursday June 6th, 2002 12:26:58 PM
"Oh my godd!! ... huh huh huh, if but three survive, then what of Lemtrovex?! My god... my god, I still feel your presence ... I still feel your power pulsing through me!!!"
Thadius reaches over and heals a fallen crewman. "Yes... I sti...still have my spells!" In a frantic expression he looks all about trying to spot some kind of answer to his question.
"How can this be? If only those three gods remain and all others are dead, then where is Lemtrovex???"
Crewmen help the weakened cleric from his water soaked floor and onto a nearby chair.
Bart -10 subdual d20+4=17 d20+4=17 d20+4=24 Thursday June 6th, 2002 1:31:54 PM
Pfhhheww what an ride!! This time bart falls on to the deck After he is back on his feet he starts working again at the bilgepump
Ashira d20+3=14 d20+3=22 d20+8=19 Thursday June 6th, 2002 4:55:07 PM
Maintaining her footing during the tumultuous ride, Ashira continues to work to make the ship sea worth. Working diligently, she doesn't even notice as the ship rolls over on its side, and what food that might have remained in her stomach stays in place. Once the ship is secure, Ashira runs back to check on Appolo. Seeing him unconscious, Ashira smiles and lays him on the cot. "You deserve some rest." she mutters as she makes her way through the ship looking for Rigging.
OOC (Ref.=14&22, Fort.=19)
Oreson Ironheels (sick) Thursday June 6th, 2002 10:50:39 PM
"Blluurlaaappp!!! AAAccckk .... Errrrruuppblaaaap!!! Errrp eer .. oh... by the ..uh oh, kurrrrsplapp!!"
Valanthe (8 down/ plus 21 subdual) d20+6=8 d20+6=16 d20+5=23 Thursday June 6th, 2002 10:56:38 PM
Val stumbles and falls hard to the deck. She manages to keep dinner down and not release it on the floor. She staggers back up to her feet and checks the ship. "Is everyone alright?"
(ref save 8,16, fort save 23)
Strangers in a strange sea! (DM Stephen) d4=1 d10=2 d100=31 d6=3 Friday June 7th, 2002 1:37:03 AM
Everything begins to calm down once again. The dragon turtle floats off to the side of the Hammerhead. He remains motionless as he tries to catch his breath. He moans in pain from the wounds all over his body.
The teamwork of the battered and bruised crew (party members too) quickly relieves the extra water weight from the Hammerhead. Most fall over from exhaustion.
The captain demands a quick body count. Nipper later returns with the sad news that two crewmen are missing. The rest, however, are all alive. Whoever still has strength to work, does so mournfully silent.
Once everyone goes topside, they notice that they can no longer see the plateaus, no land at all. To the south, a dark blue haze can be seen. Little flashes of light that looks like lightning striking the horizon. The dark clouds above the distant storm climb high into the sky as far as the eye can see. Through Rigging's telescope it looks much like a wall of torrent winds, lightning, hard-driving rains, whirlpools and funnels much stronger than what they just experienced. Amazingly it appears stationary ... unmoving; like a wall of nature's fury. For now, the group should feel safe.
The morning sun is warm and starts to dry everyone off. The mood of the crew begins to lift and they start to sing songs as they work. Others who were close friends of the lost sailors, choose to stay quiet. "The war is over for them," and, "At least they lived long enough to see Ga'al die," are words of encouragement that are said to put a good spin on their deaths.
The party reunite with Ashira. They now have time to look over what they collected and plan their next move. However, where do you start in trying to figuring out how to kill a god? How do you travel to a god? Couldnt a god kill you with a mere thought? Trying to answer questions like this begins to make everyone feel small and insignificant.
(Ok everyone, this weekend is a weekend to really do some soul searching and reflect on what you all have experienced. Post as many times as you need over the weekend. Look over the items you found. Try piece everything together. I will check the boards continuously during this time to give answers to different things the party attempts and looks into. Except Saturday evening; our local game night.)
Valanthe OCC Friday June 7th, 2002 4:00:10 AM
This is my working weekend. I'll post as often as I can.
Ari Friday June 7th, 2002 1:56:59 PM
Thanking Lem that they have come out alive somehow, Ari puzzles on some of the same questions that the cleric does.
Knowing that there are 3 gods left, where is Lem? Yet.... There are more than two gods? That doesn't make sense.
The Wold must be a bigger place then what we've been told. Should we go beyond our borders in order to help our people? What do the other peoples of the Wold know of us?
Looking out to sea, away from Aisildur Ari ponders what is to be.
Are the answers for our people out there?! Should we be educating others out there about what G'aal is doing? Would they receptive to the message we bring?
Appolo -10 subdual Friday June 7th, 2002 3:12:18 PM
Appolo lays in his cot having nightmares, he wakes a few hours later with a serious headache and is dizzy. He trys to get but throws up and falls to the ground. He then pulls himself up and goes looking for Valanthe and the others. He is not his usaul graceful well balanced self as he stumbles through the ship. He doesn't even remember how he got in bed. When he finds Valanthe he limps over and asks"Are you alright?" as he puts his arms around her over joyed by the fact that she is still alive.
Oreson Ironheels Friday June 7th, 2002 11:32:00 PM
Oreson picks the vomit chunks from his beard. His face still peaked in appearance. It is quite apparent that Oreson is not accustomed to the rolling waves of sea travel.
"Uh ... so what next? Is life always this exciting with you guys? I have to admit I havent ever seen a ... errr cough ... seen a boat quite like this one! I had to get out of Plateau City. I feared that the only reason that Marteaus's armies havent overrun the city already was because the city council was in Marteaus's pocket. Anyone involved or associated with the Gold Dragons, no matter how slight, are being rounded up. It was only a matter of time when they would be after me. Even though I only helped make his armor and a few weapons. I heard they arrested Mordrid's herbalist!"
Oreson looks around, "has that turtle moved any since we got here? By the way, what did you all find in the Ga'al temple?"
Ashira Saturday June 8th, 2002 7:45:33 AM
The adrenaline surge over, Ashira slumps against Rigging when she finds him. She quickly does a head count and is visibly relieved that everyone is alive and well. She smiles and chuckles slightly at the dwarves sea sickness. Reaching into her pack, she pulls out a small packet of herbs and hands them to the dwarf. "Here, chew on these for a while, the sickness will fade." While looking through her pack, Ashira checks to see if she still has the red scarf from the high priest. As Oreson mentions the turtle, Ashira looks out one of the ports and is awed by the sight of the gargantuan sea creature. "It is an omen!" she says. Sensing its badly damaged state, she looks very concerned. "Ari, is there anyway you can heal the creature?" If Ari is unable or unwilling to try and heal the turtle, Ashira will make her way top side. Sticking her head underwater, Ashira says in Aquan "Great one, I sense that you are in great pain! Will you allow me the pleasure to try and heal your wounds some?"
Redux Saturday June 8th, 2002 8:20:29 AM
Redux lets out a moan and gets up. He doesn't feel so good, but at least he can hear now. (ooc don't really know exactly all the dmg but he wasn't fully healed from the temple experience.) He makes a mental check on Talon, noting that the bird faired much better, being able to fly about whenever the ship rocked. Finding the others he talks to them and listens to their thoughts (assuming that they will verbalize what they think of). "Hey, I know how to kill a god; be one. Or maybe we can trick one of them into this bag of holding? If there are only 3 gods left, I'm guessing one is good, one evil and gargul, isn't that the guy you almost met Ashira, deals with those of us who are dead. Speaking of, we should celebrate a bit because you aren't, Ashira. Looking at Ari, what if A-LEM-i is your Lem? Rigging, get out those toys of yours and let's spread out the map. Let's chart where we currently are and think about that strange land mass, where are we in relation to that place? And what can you see in that direction? Maybe with that telescope thing we can even see where the gods live. That would be useful to someone who could kill a god, knowing how to get there."
Ari Saturday June 8th, 2002 10:55:59 AM
(ooc I'm not sure how many days this will cover. My healing is minor right now just 3 spells a day at d8+2 and no higher level slots that I can trade in)
(ooc I also assumed that we had moved away from the turtle, and healing is impracticle now)
Answering Ashira's comments, "My healing is really minor right now, I'm not sure I would have been able to soothe much for the turtle. Although I would have currently tried in order to help one of Lem's creatures."
Tortus-Meph Saturday June 8th, 2002 12:41:22 PM
The Turtle Dragon turns his head back around to answer Ashira. With a gruff voice, "I'm healing fine. I suggest you tend to your own kind. You were just plain lucky that you teleported with me. Believe me, it wasn't my intention. The only reason I'm not feeding on you or your crew, right now, is because I used your ship as a shield. Don't test my appreciation, I may change my mind. This is my territory, I suggest you don't try and take 'anything' that is mine. You may have a few fish but that is it, just enough to feed on."
Tortus-Meph begins to chuckle, "I could be fattening you up!!" He continues to chuckle at his own joke. Glancing back and forth at the Hammerhead. "Your ship looks like a fish, are you fishermen? Hmmmm, it would make a nice addition to my collection!!"
Taking Inventory (DM Stephen) Saturday June 8th, 2002 1:28:55 PM
The party meets in the starboard stateroom. There is a large table to spread out the contents of Riggings and Redux's packs. Rigging unrolls the large map that he took from the temple. It is very very old and drawn well. Everyone recognizes many of the land formations. There are others that none of you have ever seen.
The map shows to have charting marks from ancient navigators. However some marks seem more recent. The older markings originate from a single point on the map. The name at the origin is faint but can be made out. It says, "I S I L D U R." The lines then appear to lead straight to Aisildur!
There is a more recent bold blue mark that circles the land of Isildur. It is marked over the older lines. Newer navigational marks from Aisildur go back toward Isildur. However, they stop when they reach the bold blue line.
Other items of interest from Rigging's pack that he took from the temple include: various navigation and charting equipment, a book, 8 scrolls of text, pen/ink, a burned out candle and its holder, thumbnail clippings, an empty vial marked Invisible Potion, a pipe, playing cards, a fine porclean plate with a half-eaten sandwich.
Redux's pack, after some of the contents went overboard, contains a wand and a ring.
Appolo Saturday June 8th, 2002 4:22:43 PM
Appolo looks around and says"I think we should take a couple os days off and relax. G'aal is dead, the war is over for us. Man my head hurts."
Bart Sunday June 9th, 2002 2:51:41 AM
Me too Appolo, I am bruised and wounded but we have to find out answers on some questions first. Where are we now, what is the new landmass that is shown on the map, is it the same as the black clouds we can see, and the most importtant one where and how to kill a god. My best guess is that Marteaus lives on the island shown on the map. Maybe the stuff we took from the temple can help us somehow. I also think we have to meet with this Valdor guy, maybe he has some answers too.
Ashira d20+7=26 Sunday June 9th, 2002 10:00:23 PM
Rebuffed by the dragons rudeness, Ashira heads downstairs, and rejoins the group. Smiling up at Rigging she says "We need to move on. Our "friend" out there tires of our company." Ashira examines the new found map with extreme interest, trying to decipher anything new from the markings(26=Profession-sailor check). Ashira smiles at Appolo's comment, but her eyes reflect resolve. "No my friends, I am afraid that the war is not over for us yet. It is true that one of the most despicable entities known to the Wold has finally been crushed like the cockroach that he was. But there is another that will take his place and do more evil than Ga'al ever dreamed of. This Marteaus threatens not only Aisildur, but all of the Wold as we know it. We can not truly be free unless he joins Ga'al in death." Ashira pauses, suddenly feeling more like a paladin, and less like a Pirate of Jack. "Besides," she smiles "what would we do if we didn't have a war to fight in?!"
Serve Me Well! [CDM Jerry] Sunday June 9th, 2002 10:07:02 PM
The air fills with a wicked cackling laughter. His voice fills your mind and heart with a low gravel-like resonance.
"FOOLS OF AISILDUR ... Ga'al is dead!! As the leader of the Cult God Consortium, I claim you for myself. Together we will do great things and teach the soft masses the lessons that they so desperately need to learn!
"You will grow the grain as well as the men that will feed my armies. I hereby instruct you and your rulers that I expect you to meet my every expectation.
"Everytime you fail to fulfill your obligations to me, I will claim 10,000 souls.
"In return for this, I will leave the Heartseeds deactivated leaving you your freedom of mind and body. You are free to live your lives as you wish as long as you meet my quotas.
"Just to make sure that none of you misunderstand me, I will give you an example of my intent. I claim 10,000 souls this very day."
After a short pause, Marteaus begins continues.
"The town closest to my tower shall be your example: The township of Adorus!!!"
A shiver runs through each of you as you feel the glee within the god as he carries out the deed.
"It is done. Live well my subjects. Life is important and there are important things to accomplish. Discover that great need within yourself and serve me well!"
The presence departs from your minds and hearts. However, the memory of those who died, by his hand, remains.
Rigging (Janell) d20+9=24 d20+4=17 Sunday June 9th, 2002 10:28:37 PM
The young leader examines the acquired objects with interest, absorbed in discovering the secrets that he knows must be contained within them (Navigation check=24, Proff.-sailor check=17). He doesn't even notice Ashira's absence until she speaks to him. Smiling at the maiden, he orders finds the nearest sailor. "Better do as the lady recommends. Tell the helmsman to lay in a coarse to steer away from the beast."
Rigging's chest swells with pride as he listens to his family problem solving one of the most difficult questions ever asked in the Wold. Looking over his companions, though, he cannot help but notice the exhaustion present on more than one face. "Appolo is right...in order to think clearly, we need to rest. It has been a long and hard mission...harder for some than others..." Rigging takes Ashira's hand and kisses it gently. "I don't think we have the liberty off a few days leave, but I don't think the captain would mind if we got a little shut eye. Meet back here after breakfast tomorrow and we'll see if we can make more sense of all this." Rigging helps Ashira up from his chair and puts his arm around her shoulder. "My love, come with me and rest." Rigging walks Ashira to her quarters and holds her until she falls asleep, running his fingers through her hair and murmuring "I'll never loose you again." in her ear.
OOC (Didn't see Jerry's post until I posted mine.)
Redux Sunday June 9th, 2002 11:35:06 PM
A combination of dread and sorrow impacts Redux as he hears the words of Marteaus. Dread for the incarnation that has claimed his service and sorrow for those claimed by the devil. The work they have been doing takes on new meaning. He takes a moment to think of those he's served with and the fight they have made. He recounted the goals they set and how they were so...so wrong. Just getting rid of the heartseeds wasn't the answer. He had never understood why it was so important to kill a god than right now.
Re-focusing on the task he tries to summarize what he sees. "Rigging, why the nail clippings and sandwich? Are you that hungry? Well, this ring I tried on during the storm seem to help me withstand some of the impacts. The other won't be for invisibility, otherwise he wouldn't have had the potion; too bad, it would have been nice. The wand won't be anything flaming because the priest we liberated it from tried to use a spell (aside: and glad he did). The place Isildur must've been important to that priest, he was looking for it. Rigging, I'll guess that your going to find our position somewhere near that blue circle. What if that blue circle is that storm you saw thru your scope, preventing anyone from coming in from outside. There may be but one path to take, this original old line. That is where your artifact from the ship's captain should be able to lead any who wish to enter that land. Anyone want to try??"
A time for rest! (DM Stephen) Monday June 10th, 2002 11:24:39 AM
The pirates all get a chance to rest and sleep for two days. (everyone recovers 1.5 hitpoints/level per day of rest. Which means 5th level characters get 15 hitpoints and 6th level get 18.) If any of you still have pains the cleric will be able to cure an additional 1d8+3 points.
Your sleep wasn't as restful as it should have been. Nightmares of Marteaus would awake you now and then.
You all prepare to begin your tasks, fully refreshed and aware of your goals.
(ooc. continue and post for today, I will have another post tonight.)
Ari Monday June 10th, 2002 12:55:26 PM
(ooc Ari should be down 3 hp's after 2 days. With two days of recovery, he'll have 6 healing spells to cast should others still be down).
Looking over the things that the group brought back, Ari's examination is broken by the announcment from Marteaus. Feeling a chill come down his spine as Marteaus talks about his 'takeover' of G'aal's duties Ari can feel his frustration building knowing that their situation has only changed hands.
When Marteaus announces that he'll take 10,000 souls from Adorus Ari visibly pales. Looking at the others Ari comments, "That's where we started from. More people have died because they have no choice."
Hanging his head down in sorrow for the souls that have died Ari is momentarily quiet. Speaking up once again, "I do not know about the rest of you. But this Dragonstone is aligned against this 'Marteaus' person. I say we need to still get in contact with him to let him know about the Toucri, and to pass on our message."
Appolo Monday June 10th, 2002 8:15:23 PM
Appolo replies to Ashira's question"What would we do without a war? ican think of afew things and none of them have anything to do with carrying a sword."
Then Matreous pipes in."Great now I suppose we need to do somthing abouthim. I'm going to bed."
He spends the next couple of days sleeping and relaxing. Appolo feels good and his in a good mood ,after taking a couple of days off. He wakes up eats breakfast and then finds Rigging. "I think we need to head back to Platue City I think that Valdor guy is going to be looking for us."
Redux d8+3=5 Tuesday June 11th, 2002 12:41:43 AM
(ooc with one cleric spell, Redux is up to full strength) The days pass and Redux feels stronger each day. His previous question is still unanswered and he hopes to find the answer.
Bart Tuesday June 11th, 2002 12:58:56 AM
Bart feels reborn after the rest, during the rest he divides his time in cleaning his weapons an armor and reading through the papers of the temple.
Collecting dust!! (DM Stephen) d100=15 d6=5 Tuesday June 11th, 2002 1:57:45 AM
All the items that were on the table 2 days ago are still there. The sun is bright and illuminates the room well. It seems the items sit ready and willing to be searched. Almosting BEGGING for SOMEONE to READ them!!!!!!!!!
Only Oreson seems to be interested in the shinny items but he dares not intrude on a pirates treasure.
The pirates yawn, stretch and wipe the sleep from their eyes.
Valanthe Tuesday June 11th, 2002 4:43:25 AM
Valanthe sees the items but can't read. Feeling better after the two days of rest, Val walks over and looks out at the sea. The sun cast it's golden light across the waves. It almost seemed that the ship was sailing in a sea of gold. The breeze carried the smell of the sea and a hint of brimstone. Even this far from the battles, one cannot escape. Ga'al is dead, but are things really better?
Ashira Tuesday June 11th, 2002 10:44:22 AM
Refreshed after the much needed rest, Ashira enters into the room with a renewed sense of resolve. "We will find a way to destroy this Marteaus!" she says to no one in particular. Before getting down to business, she approaches Redux and puts her hand on the mage's shoulder. Smiling she says "Rigging tells me that I have you to thank for my life. I understand that you found the scroll that brought me back and that you had the nerve to interrupt Thadius' ceremony." Ashira chuckles at the thought of the scholar running up waving the scroll in the pious cleric's face. "Anyway," she says "I wanted to give you a small token of my appreciation." Ashira reaches in under her tunic and removes a small necklace from around her neck. She gently places the jewelry around Redux's neck. "The shell on this necklace was given to me by a dear friend of mine. Taker would have wanted you to have it. If ever you're in trouble, just blow on the shell, and I'll be there." Ashira pats the young man on the back and then heads over to the table. "Let's get started, shall we? She grabs up one of the scrolls and begins to examine it.
Redux Tuesday June 11th, 2002 10:56:27 AM
Redux wonders what has become of Rigging. Searching him out he says a few soft words and there is a crackle in the air like lightning, except that it is just a crackle. With a poping sound Redux gives Rigging a push to wake him. If he's unwilling, Redux will become more aggressive in his atempts. Once Rigging is up, he will restate the problems and the potential answers others and himself have come up with.
Appolo Tuesday June 11th, 2002 12:27:03 PM
After saying his piece Appolo decides to follow Valanthe outside. He moves up next to her"Wonderful day isn't it. I feel good" he says. He is quite happy, all is right in his world.
Rigging (Janell) Tuesday June 11th, 2002 1:52:50 PM
When Redux goes looking for Rigging, he finally finds him sound asleep in the chair in Ashira's room. Bolting from the chair at Redux's magic show, Rigging falls flat on his face. Picking himself up, Rigging rubs his sleep deprived eyes. "What the?! Oh Redux, it's you...Where are the others? Oh, their in the room again...I must have dozed off." Rigging straightens his clothing and runs a comb through his hair.
Upon arriving in the room, Rigging listens as Redux fills him in on the conversations so far. "Hmmm...maybe you're right Redux, perhaps the Nauticulus has the power to find the land of the gods. Rigging pulls out the instrument, points it at the area where he last saw the clouds, and piers into the eye piece." As he does so he asks Ashira "So beautiful...find anything interesting on that scroll?"
Ari Tuesday June 11th, 2002 2:09:23 PM
After making sure everyone is healed up and basically in working order. Ari will glance over all the items that the group took. Even so much as to memorize detect magic, in order to make sure of what they see.
Bart Tuesday June 11th, 2002 4:50:09 PM
Bart also reads through the papers (as he did before) if there is something he cant read he gives that paper or scroll to Redux
Redux Wednesday June 12th, 2002 12:05:16 AM
(ooc catching up) Redux is surprised by the gift of the whistle. He turns it over in his hand and then puts it to his lips to blow. He doesn't make a sound with it, instead he releases it to drop to his chest unsure if he should try; maybe later, after they find some answers. He's heard a reference to this Taker and his loss before Redux met the group. He says a prayer of thanks to the gods, hoping for the luck of Waard in their endeavor before he remembers that there are far fewer gods to be thanking (and one to get away from). He sits down to examine the items found as with a fresh start. He looks over the scrolls first for those of magical writing (mage or cleric) and then for content those that are not .
Captain's log (DM Stephen) Wednesday June 12th, 2002 4:39:39 AM
The large book appears to be a captains log. It looks very ancient. The writing on some pages have become so faded that it becomes near impossible to read. Only half of the log appears to be readable.
The scrolls are far more recent. The are reports from various commanders of the Aisildurian navy.
Rigging uses his artifacts and the ancient map, along with more modern maps, to better figure out where they are and how close they are to Isildur. Once consulting the stars for global positioning, he is shocked to realize where they are. With the help of the Nautaoculus, Rigging is certain his calculations are correct. They are within the blue circle on the ancient map. Which means they are just out of view of the shores of Isildur, to the northwest.
(ooc: sorry, I need to write much more but will have to wait until tommorrow, I mean later this evening. Lot of strange real world stuff going on right now. Its now 3:30am and need some sleep. Much more to come!!)
Appolo Wednesday June 12th, 2002 2:45:30 PM
Appolo stands next to valanthejsut enjoying the day. matreous the war and everything pertianing to it has completely slipped his mind. He is just con to stand next her on such a wonderful day.
OOC: Appolo said his piece about going back to Platue City after Rigging had gotton up and come down to the main room. When Rigging and the others start studying the things on the table Appolo is outside.
Rigging Wednesday June 12th, 2002 6:28:12 PM
OCC. Hi guys I am back from Disney, but still on vacation. Will be able to post regularly again. Thanks Janell for the assist.
Rigging will have used some of the time to relearn his spells and will cast a detect magic on all of the loot. He will try to read the logs as well as he can. He will also experiment trying to use both the telescope and Nautacoulous together especially at night. He will activate the sextant's power to learn all about the seas around them, looking for blank spots where land masses might be. As he does all of this he will forment a plan. He will call his gang together, plus the ships officers.
He will sit them down in the galley and pour wine for everyone and raise his glass. "A toast for the demise of Ga'al! " When everyone drinks and finishes the back slapping he will continue, "To all who have lost there lives in the struggle!" After the more somber sip, he will add, "Though Ga'al is gone, a new stonger menace has taken his place. Because of this, instead of settling down and enjoying life our stuggle will continue. I believe we must push on and try to bring this new threat down. Fate has placed us where we might do some good." Rigging spreads out the map and points. "As close as I can tell we are here. In my studies I have determined that the ancient land of Isildur is close by. I believe we need to travel there. I am not sure if the Gods live there but everything is pointing in that direction. Let's go take a look." Rigging gives the Captain the course and then pulls Ashira aside. "Here my love, This is yours. I borrowed it when you left us for a while." Rigging will give her the invisiblity ring and collect his back from Bart.
Valanthe Wednesday June 12th, 2002 6:53:29 PM
Val relaxes on the deck watching the sun and the sea. Brief thoughts of what to do next filled her mind, but Val tried to ignore them. Worrying about tomarrow can be done later.
Ashira Wednesday June 12th, 2002 10:43:53 PM
The exotic warrior smiles at Rigging's toast as she raises her glass. She nods at Rigging's assessment on the war with Marteaus and his thoughts on the exploration of Isildur. She examines the log and scrolls with renewed fervor...wanting to discover why the priest of Ga'al took such interest in this place. It must be the key....the information has to be here somewhere.....
When Rigging pulls her aside, Ashira extends her hand so that Rigging can put the invisibility ring on her finger. Placing her hands on his face, Ashira draws Rigging towards her and kisses him tenderly. Looking out to the ocean, Ashira muses "It's odd, Rigging, but I can't help but feel like the Wold is changing forever." She draws the young man close to her and rests her head on his shoulder for a brief moment before heading back to her studies.
OOC (No problem George...hope you'll forgive me for making Rigging all mushy!)
Captains Log 2.54 (DM Stephen) d100=56 d6=4 Thursday June 13th, 2002 1:31:00 AM
The sails fill with the breeze and heads for the coast of Isildur.
Continuing to study the ancient captain's log and the scrolls reveil interesting data.
The Captains Log: (most is not readable from the passing of time.) - as we flee from our homes, many of our ships are taken by the storms / we try and pray for our lives but we can't remember who our gods are, even / priest can no longer weild their divine magi / Day 87: A new god promises... / We flogged my first mate today for crimes of inciting mutany / I fear will we never return to our beloved Isildur, is their anything left ... so many dead! One would be proud of our god, lord... / It is good for one's heart to be filled with hope / A great day indeed. Our god brings joy to one's soul, the new nation is in sight. He blesses all ... (that's all of the log that can be read.)
Little maps is drawn here their, but they too are old worn and crude.
The scrolls are reports from the Aisildurian Navy. They report about:
1. finding the ring of storms that completely surround Isildur. Every attempt to try and cross on ship has had dire results. Even moving close to the wall, the winds will reach out and pull you in.
2. All atempts to swim under the storms magically have seemed to fail. All swimmers have not returned. A wizard tried to fly over the clouds but never returned either.
3. Several ships were lost from an attack by a massive dragon turtle. Heavy casualties.
4. Last option to suggest is to try and cross the circle on land. All atempts failed. Even tried the a futile attempt to tunnel underground through the ring. The ground was so saturated with water that almost constant cave-ins stopped our progress.
5. Mission is a failure. Returning to for new orders. ------------------------- Both Rigging and Redux cast detect magic on the items. The only things that glow are the rings and the wand. The two artifacts (the sextant and telescope) almost blind you both with their glow. Redux is almost certain he knows what one of the rings are. It acts just like a Ring of Protection (since you used it, it is a ring of prot. +3. It will not stack with other rings of prot. Same type of bonus).
The second ring and the wand are still a mystery!
With the morning sun, a crewman shouts out that he sees land. When all come out to see, you are all amazed by the sight of two massive white stone statues in the distance. The closer you all get the larger they become. You begin to notice a great wall surrounding the harbor. The two colosal statues stand on the wall and face one another. They hold their arms straight out in front of each other. Each statue's hands reaches out and touches the hands of the other statue. Both seem to be holding up a large bowl. It looks like it was once, maybe, used to hold a fire. The statues also seem to shape a large door frame in the wall. It is more than large enough for a ship to sail through. It is the most amazing structure any of you have ever seen. The closer you get, it is easy to see the ravages of time on the wall and the statues. Parts of the wall have fallen down. Large cracks run through the statues. One is missing a nose, the other an ear!
Through the door of the harbor, the ruins of an ancient city can be seen. Everyone understands that this could be the first time this city has been looked upon in countless centuries.
The captain shouts out orders for the ship to slow down when it reaches the door. "Keep a eye for any underwater debris that might damage the hull," bellows the captain. Crewman scurry with long 20-ft poles to probe the water surrounding the ship as they move forward.
(parties intiative)
Oreson Ironheels Thursday June 13th, 2002 1:36:17 AM
"Rigging, may I borrow that telescope of yours, I would like to get a better look. The craftsmanship must be amazing for these structures to withstand the passing of time and the elements?!"
Ari Thursday June 13th, 2002 9:33:13 AM
(ooc So the way you posted. The current Aisildurian Navy has tried to enter this current port? Which is was the suspected old port of Isildur, which the old captains log suggests that our people came from in some time in the past?)
Reading about the storm ring, Ari wonders where this storm ring is. Not wanting to get distracted by the architecture from this side of the port. Ari decides to keep a sharp lookout for anything that is approaching the ship, and let the others investigate the non-sea-based area.
Clarification and recap (DM Stephen) Thursday June 13th, 2002 10:13:20 AM The Aisildurian Navy never made it through the ring of storms, according to the reports.
Rigging has determined that the Hammerhead's current location is within the ring of storms and off the shore of Isildur.
The Captains Log says nothing about where their final destination was. Is it possible that the map and the captain's log came from the same captain?
None of you have heard of this place, until you read it's name on the map.
All the gods are dead, except Alemi, Marteaus and Gargul. The question that is presently up in the air: What of Lemtrovex and why does his clerics still feel his presence and how can they still cast his divine magic?
Where is the case of fine wine that King Black put in the Hammerhead saloon? What crewman is known for alcoholism? --------------------- There has been a huge amount of information given to you all lately. This is only a quick summary. :)
Bart Thursday June 13th, 2002 2:21:19 PM
before the enter the port Bart suggest that Rigging and Redux ask some help from Oreson maybe he knows something about the wand and the ring.
aproaching port
It looks like we are the first ones who look at this port in ages. Th ring of strorm has protected to anyone who did wants to enter. I wonder why the people had left it in the first place. The city looks like rich richer than anyplace I heard of.
Appolo Thursday June 13th, 2002 2:29:46 PM
When Rigging calls a meeting to discuss the map and other Items taken from the temple. Appolo goes inside and listens carefully.
"You know those are marvolous strustures out there. I think I know who built them. Judging by what Iknow of history and what is in the Captians log there. I would say that this is our homeland. Something terrible happened and drove our people away they lost touch with who they where and wondered until a new god showed up. Next thing you know everyone is heart seeded and they have a new home AISILDUR or Isildur. The Aisildurian Navy has been trying to find it for a while, but looks like powerful magics have been gaurding it. Yes I believe our people orignally came frome here. I could be wrong of course. Who knows what powerful magics and weapons they where forced to leave behind.." He then looks around the room trying to gage the reaction of his comrades. He ten pies in" I think the reason the priests are stil recieving thier powers is because of Alemi. He is continuing to grant spells to all good alinged clerics and I think Gargul is also doing the same thing. in stead of the gods who have perished."
Valanthe Thursday June 13th, 2002 6:45:43 PM
Val is amazed by the wall and the two stone giants perched above. She can only imagine what this port looked like in all it's glory. "If the logs are true, there must be powerfull magics and treasure still in the city. Why else would the Aisildurian navy try to get in despite all the losses? At least here we should be away from Martaeus' reach." As the ship pulls in closer, Val can't help but wonder what was left behind. It would take an incredible force to cause an entire nation to flee.
Rigging Thursday June 13th, 2002 7:18:59 PM
Rigging hands over the telescope to the dwarf and saws, "Let me know if you figure anything out with it." He sees the city approaching and says, "Well here we go again. Captain get as close as you feel safe doing and my group will do some exploring."
Redux Thursday June 13th, 2002 8:38:33 PM
"You know Appolo, you speak with years of understanding that your appearance just don't show. You are quite possibly right about this place; putting some reasonable deductions in place, that is. What big city did you study at? But about Alemi granting powers in the stead of Lem, you missed a piece of the puzzle. Remember that other clerics have gone thru some mighty tough times when their god died. Even those of us not directly beholden to a particular god went thru the struggle. Our Ari here had no such struggles. Therefore, his god was not one of those to die and so Alemi isn't just filling in for all good gods.
You can bet that some pretty powerful magic has blocked this place from being found. I'm sure that our turtle buddy was the only reason we got in without more perishing. I wonder how we'll get out given those same storms. Perhaps we will find the one path through them with the help of the nauticulus or we'll find the person who created the storms and ask them nice to take them away for our passage. If the people of this area were driven away, we had better be on our best behavior and alert when we go poking around. Either this place is abandoned or we are sure to get into more trouble than we have ever known.
This wand and this ring I do not know their exact function. The ring is not invisibility (because the priest wouldn't have used a potion) nor is it protection, because this other one I am wearing is. It seems to be a bit more protection than the one I already have because it seemed to override mine. If it is agreeable to the group, I'd like to keep this new one and share my old one with someone that could use it. I could use a charge from the wand to sort out what it could be, any volunteers to be the subject, Appolo, perhaps?"
Appolo Thursday June 13th, 2002 9:11:47 PM
Appolo looks at Redux, "As far as the gods are concerned, your idea about Alemi and Lem may be right.*
(*edited by DM Stephen)
Ashira Thursday June 13th, 2002 9:54:02 PM
Ashira stares at the port in awe. Never in her whole life has she seen anything like it. She listens in to the other's conversations continuing to stare at the structure. When the mention of experimentation comes up, Ashira just shakes her head and smiles at the anxious spell caster. "You know...I'm sure one of us could catch a fish for you to play with....or maybe one of Talon's rats. Or hey...why don't you ask the ship's mage if he can discover it's use. As for the other ring, I guess I'll try it on for size since no one else is willing to." Ashira takes the ring from Redux and tries to activate it.
Redux Thursday June 13th, 2002 10:10:54 PM
Um...yeah, I said that earlier. (ooc about the gods Sat 6/8 "Looking at Ari, what if A-LEM-i is your Lem?")
(DM Stephen - I edited Appolo's statement above because it was out-of-character information [a statement of fact]. I allowed Redux's statement because it is a theory/assumption based on the recent hints you have learned.)
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