Terrible Tableaus (DM Donna) Wednesday June 5th, 2002 6:54:41 AM
Ferrak must make a Willpower save versus DC23 or suddenly begin foaming at the mouth and howling in grief over the death of the goddess of nature. Making the save means that Ferrak is still very upset, distressed and depressed over the death, but at least he can function. Everyone else must make a Willpower save versus DC20 or be seized by deep depression over these latest developements.
The scroll snaps open with the newest events, again revealing the effect that the Godswar has on Plateau City. This time the giant screen-like parchment remains unfurled, though...perhaps an ominous omen of yet more developments to come..?
Renik d20+1=7 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 3:33:30 PM
Renik cannot help himself. Great tears roll dowwn his cheeks as he stares vacantly ahead. He barely notices as K'isst takes the ale. Indeed, he seems to notice nothing, and has to be led if the others decide to leave. The death of his Blessed Mittiri has hit him hard.
"sweet Mittiri, sweet Laughter in the Woods, gone... gone... gone... "
Arien d20+4=24 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 5:53:58 PM
While saddened by the death of the gods Arien refuses to succumb to the despair that clawed at him. The death of Domi had shaken the little faith he had had in the gods and the knowledge that they had once been mortal had killed it entirely. Arien now trusts but two things, himself and his friends. While the gods died and beliefs were shattered one thing had remained constant in his life, this small band of friends. However he was not blind and could see the effects the deaths of the gods had on his friends. "Come," he said in effort to shake the depression. "The gods rock the Wold with their war but lets us, mere mortals, stand tall and rock the heavens!"
Feng (24 down) d20+6=22 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 6:01:25 PM
Feng falls backwards and sits on the ground. He knows that he will survive, but what will he be without gods? It's almost too much to bear. All the tragedy with little hope of victory.
Draax d20+2=12 Thursday June 6th, 2002 12:40:36 AM
A great sadness comes over Draax as he thinks about what the wold will become without the gods. He sits on the ground trying to shake off the helpless feeling that is in his heart.
Bill Troublefinder d20+12=24 Thursday June 6th, 2002 1:48:50 AM
He sees they are not leaving immediately. His thoughts are on the falling gods. [Will save 24]. Ga'al. Didn't Jus have some sort of idol to that Aisildurian god at one time? Didn't want to give it up, either. Bill walks over to look closely at the walls, the crystalline surface reflecting light, and the soft glow of the strange plants, there. He breaks off some of the crystals for later examination.
He holds out his psicrystal, so that William might 'see' their surroundings.
He remembers Renik's tale of his family's fate. He hopes that some day Renik will be able to walk in the faith his father possessed.
The gods are dying. Long live the gods. Shall they next hear of Alemi? or Marteaus? "Alemi, busy that you are, I pray to you now. May you have victory over Marteaus. May he be struck down, and, if he rebound, then to a lesser place that what he seeks.
"Watch over us. We are not great, not excelling in power. But we offer ourselves up to do as you did those years past. Grant us strength, grant us purpose, grant us resolve, grant us wisdom. And Alemi, and Gargul, grant us access to the knowledge we shall need to cross over, then, whatever terrible purpose fulfilled that awaits us, the understanding and means to cross back again."
Hobbes d20+8=22 Thursday June 6th, 2002 3:21:58 AM
Hobbes is silent now in bitter reflection. He never realized when his monastery superiors sent him out to follow his destiny that his destiny might involve fighting for, even fighting to SAVE his god. He bends down and picks up his scythe and walks stonchly toward the gate and waits for its reopening. He purposely avoids making eyecontact with anyone and once at the door, does not move.
Gargul, we are coming...
K'isst d20+2=8 d100=74 Thursday June 6th, 2002 3:26:11 AM
This time K'isst is surprised by the snap of the scroll again. She stares blankly at the screen, then looks around confused at the others.
"Nature?" she bellows "HOw can nature be dead?"
She rushes forward and stares month agape as Renik's tears flow.
"No Renik! STop! STOP that! It's not true! Nature's not dead!"
She turns to Bill quickly and shakes his shoulder, "Bill, tell them! it's not true! Change it! Change it, Bill! Change it back!"
She lets out another burp in spite of herself.
Rond (down 29) d20+4=10 Thursday June 6th, 2002 8:16:03 AM
Saddened beyond belief.... It is too much for Rond, the struggling they have done these last few days... and now to lose Mittiri. Rond sits down and cries for the passing of the gods. (failed will power save)
Is This The End? [CDM Jerry] Thursday June 6th, 2002 12:08:45 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.
Ferrak d20+7=21 Thursday June 6th, 2002 1:05:02 PM
With a herculian effort, Ferrak tries to hold back the beast within. Dropping his weapon and shield, his face turns red and the blood vessals is his neck bulge impossibly as the strain of loss becomes to much for him.
He snaps. "GRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRAAAA!" as he turns on everyone around him.
Barking, yelling, and screaming gutteral snarls at everyone and everything in the room, Ferrak begins to try and claw the armor off of his back.
Bill Troublefinder Friday June 7th, 2002 2:14:29 AM
As K'isst beseeches him, Bill answers, "I aim to do exactly that, K'isst. Change it back. With you. All of us.
"Listen friends. Do not give up hope. You know that death is not always final. That must be the case, as well, for the gods. We have been provided with important information. We must let the Dragonstone know this. And I believe that we ourselves, perhaps with others, will undergo the transformation that Alemi, and Gargul, Domi, Caeroldra, and a whole army experienced in ages long past. Did you hear what the scroll told us? A whole ARMY was made into undead - in order to defeat the gods themselves," and he adds via his psicrystal, William, telepathically, to all except the dwarf, "the gods whom the Jericho declared irresponsible."
"Well, since we now know that it was the Jericho who made that possible at that time, that same Jericho is making possible once more a shaking of the pantheon. By that, I mean not the one called 'Pantheon,' but rather the whole cast of the heavens. Marteaus is seeking the position of primacy. We, though small we are, though few we are, have been provided some keys. There may be many things to unlock by many people - but we must not fail to use the keys the scrolls have provided.
"Not all the gods were always gods. Alemi, Domi, Caeroldra, Gargul - they once were men and women, such as we. Then they were exalted to godhood. That is one key."
"To fight against them who are in the land of the dead, we must become undead, as did our forefathers, our gods. They cannot then kill us - as we already will be dead - of a sorts. That is another key."
Bill continues, speaking in his own voice again, rather than through William.
"If it took an army for them - then we must help to raise an army. The Dragonstone already works on this. Let us contact him, and tell him this.
"I have a general dislike of secrecy. But now is a time when it is essential. We cannot share the keys until first we tell the Dragonstone."
Bill turns to the party's dwarven host. "You have seen what we have seen. Unless the Dragonstone himself give you leave, before Alemi I charge you, Wulannok Irontemper, not to reveal what you have here seen, until the fall of Marteaus. If you go against this charge, then may your right arm wither, and your bowels grow weak, and your breath be a foul stench, and your beard be plucked and never grow back in full, and your name be remembered with derision. But if you keep this charge, then may your beard remain full, and arms and legs and neck grow even greater in might, and the health of your belly allow sickness never to touch you. May your brow be touched by wisdom and knowledge. May your descendents be blessed, and your name be remembered with fondness for generations to come."
Facing again his friends, Bill says, "Our souls are downcast, from what we have learned. But let us hope again - we shall again see things made right in the heavens. Why? Because we shall join together with Alemi. We shall join together with Gargul. We shall join together with the Dragonstone, and his army. We shall die, and fight, and live again, that the Wold may pass from death unto life!"
That...That's CRAZY Talk..! (DM Donna) Friday June 7th, 2002 6:44:07 AM
After the latest revelation of the scroll, the scroll shudders violently, then slams shut once more. There is something about the way it closes--as though this were the final straw for the device. It still continues to float, however.
"Here, now, fella..!" Wulannok is obviously rather disturbed by poor Ferrak's response to this latest development of the Godswar--he jumps up from his comfy chair, reaches behind it and pulls out a large bucket of water, which the dwarf throws upon the berserk druid/warrior.
Immediately Ferrak is shocked to his senses. His anger, depression and overwhelming sense of personal loss are still there, but at least the feral gnome knows he can handle them at the moment.
"That's better, boy!" he says sternly, putting down the bucket. "It's a shock an' a blow, but you can't afford t'fall to pieces. The Wold needs ya now." Wulannok looks around at each of the Hamleteers.
"We need to go back to where we belong--to where we are needed." he says firmly. "I've done my duty, an' now you all need to go do yours..." Once more, the dwarf reaches behind his comfy chair. This time, however, he retrieves a large metal tankard full of what looks to be ale. Wulannok drinks from the vessel--completely emptying it.
"None o' you need t'worry 'bout whether I'll flap my lips about what's happened here, fleetfeet," the blacksmith tells Bill, "I was told that part of the magic on me was that I'd completely forget what I've seen and done here after I leave this here cave. After I go, the gateway will take you where you need to go."
Wulannok turns to where the arch is and lets out a belch that is loud and long--so loud and long, in fact, that the rather disgusting sound causes the cavern to reverberate a bit. The black metal of the gate begins to pulse and glow, and the interior of the arc radiates a curtain of rainbow-colored energy.
"There! I've activated the gate again for us." Wulannok says. "Good luck to you, adventurers!" With this, the dwarf steps up to the gate and passes through the shimmering arcane energy, which remains in effect even though he's gone.
Now there is only the party...and the lingering smell of ale and cigar smoke.
Rond (down 29) Friday June 7th, 2002 11:55:12 AM
Coming out of his sadness thanks the horrendous belch of the dwarf. Rond comes back to his senses, as best that they be. Remembering what the party has asked him to do. Rond stands up and announces, "For now it looks like we can only really motivate ourselves. So we must look to ourselves and those with the Dragonstone to act accordingly for the betterment of the Wold. The scroll has shown us that mere mortals can make a difference. I imagine the battle that Alemi and his friends went into couldn't have been any less grim than the prospects that we face. And yet.... mortals made the difference all around, if the scroll is to be believed. We must return quickly, and get this news to the Dragonstone."
Looking at all those people that are shaken Rond comments, "I understand your concern for your individual beliefs. But I feel we are even now called to some kind of higher calling. Something that unites all us kind hearted people into one. Something that must rise above our sadness, and help to protect the Wold. From the scroll, we know that the Wold survived. We must make it so that the Wold can survive again."
"Bill... Help Ferrak get through the gate. Everyone we need to go." Rond starts to try to usher people through the gate. Keeping a watchful eye out for those that might not be in the present. Rond tries to scoop up anyone that is straggling.
Hobbes Friday June 7th, 2002 2:34:47 PM
Hobbes ignores the commotion around him and waits for a loud belch in front of the gate. When the dwarf finally does so, he wrinkles his nose slightly in disgust.
As the gate begins to shimmer, he impatiently steps through, even before the dwarf does, oblivious to anything except that he must help Gargul as soon as can be. It may already be too late.
Renik Friday June 7th, 2002 2:36:37 PM
Renik allows himself to be led through the gate, but he is not really all there. He is lost in sorrow, beyond consolation, for now at least.
Arien Saturday June 8th, 2002 1:50:53 AM
As he steps through the portal Arien wonders to himself what being undead will feel like.
Draax Sunday June 9th, 2002 11:29:57 AM
With his head down and a look of sadness still on his face, Draax steps through the gate.
Darkfang Sunday June 9th, 2002 11:32:08 AM
Darkfang stays next to Ferrak allowing his brother to get on his back before they enter the gate.
Ferrak Sunday June 9th, 2002 11:56:50 AM
Shaking the water off of his body vigorously, the feral gnome grimly picks up his weapon and shield. A wild look in his eyes reflects the turmoil still twisting his soul inside.
In a dangerous silence the wolf warrior follows the others through the gate.
K'isst Sunday June 9th, 2002 1:36:02 PM
With a scowl back at the dwarf and ale in hand K'isst charges toward the gate.
She pauses once looking back to Bill and Feng, "Don't you two hang around in here. Let's get going!"
She looks around again with a shudder.
"I hate this place," she thinks.
Bill Troublefinder Monday June 10th, 2002 12:00:18 AM
"Oh, okay," he says as the dwarf explains his upcoming memory loss. His magic detection still operating, Bill takes a look around the cavern, attempting to see if any further magic lies about. He appreciates the mastery of Wolonnok's eructation as he conducts his survey. "Okay, Rond - just one moment..." He uses his boots to help him complete his survey of the cavern area, and picks up a stub of one of the dwarf's cigars. If he detected magic anywhere, and there is something easy to pick up, he may do so* (depending upon what radiates magic - but he will leave the scroll). Then, on his way. He sees that Ferrak has gone on ahead, and hears K'isst's words. "All right, Feng, it's time." He steps through the gateway, and back to ... where ever.
* [Let me know what he may see, and I'll let you know whether he attempts to take it in Bill's next post.]
K'isst Monday June 10th, 2002 2:36:34 AM
K'isst watches as Bill goes through and smiles, then looks back at Feng and Rond and gives them a stiff nod of her head.
She then turns back around, runs quite swiftly and jumps straight through the portal.
One Less Hero (DM Donna) Monday June 10th, 2002 6:43:34 AM
Bill can see that the comfy chair Wulannok was parked in was magic, as well as the floating scroll and the gateway. Nothing else catches his eye.
The members of the party go through the gate...and find themselves outside the familiar location of Chuck's Choice Cuts, that butcher shop around the corner from the Black Temple. There's a depressing feeling that hits everyone almost like a physical blow--wherever that magic scroll had been located, it's obvious that the very location had cushioned the Hamleteers from feeling the deaths of the gods as intensely as they may otherwise have.
The city looks like it's just about been able to withstand a major earthquake...which it did, actually. Almost every building in the area has suffered damage--most of it cosmetic, with cracks in the walls and/or statuary with broken pieces and the like. Most of the citizens are walking about in a state of shock or denial. Some just sit and stare or mumble to themselves.
Suddenly, hurrying up the street towards you is the familiar dark-garbed form of young Morphia. She seems relieved when she spots you.
"By the grace of Gargul, you live!" Morphia says emphatically. "Plateau City--why, even the entire Wold, I daresay--has just barely survived this latest go-round of the Godswar...I've been sent to see if this gateway still stands. I'm very glad to see that you're all okay..." Her dark eyes look from face to face, then her own pale complexion turns even more pale and whatever smile she may have harbored quickly disappears.
"Wait a minute--where is the one you call K'isst..?" Morphia asks, her eyes going wide. The rest of you look around...
...K'isst is gone.
Ferrak Monday June 10th, 2002 12:43:44 PM
Still stunned by the death of Nature, Ferrak looks at Morphia with empty eyes.
When it dons on Ferrak that one of the pack is missing, the feral gnome groans and leans heavily upon his brother. His head down, Ferrak draws a breath from somewhere deep inside himself. Gritting his teeth he tries to prepare himself for the difficulties yet to come.
For the good of the pack, Mother Nature, and the Wold itself, Ferrak attempts to overcome his sense of loss and decides to fight on.
Renik Monday June 10th, 2002 5:39:54 PM
It didn't seem possible, but the loss Renik feels hits home with still further force as the party rematerialise in the Plateau City Butchers' shop.
"Nooooooooo!!!" he shrieks, drawing his blades and swinging wildly about him. A perfectly innocent shoulder of lamb is reduced to cutlets in a matter of moments.
His limited energy spent he slumps to his knees, tears rolling down his cheeks. "It's all over! The Gods are dying! Mittiri is dead! What can we paltry mortals achieve, if even the spirit of Nature herself is lost?"
Renik has completely lost his normaly cool exterior, and weeps openly, unable to seize control of himself.
Bill Troublefinder Monday June 10th, 2002 8:47:44 PM
Bill chooses to leave behind the comfy chair. A little bulky for one of his stature to carry - and besides, he decides a case for taking that or the scroll a mite tough to make.
As he sees the raw emotions of his friends, the halfling realizes just how hard this is hitting them. He himself has been half expecting more deicide to occur, and though sorrowful indeed at those who are lost, is glad that the tally stands no worse than that two of the greatest gods, and the good - though it was not too long in the past that he would not have thought of Gargul as such - remain against the new, and the evil, upstart.
After Renik's rage is supplanted by despair, Bill gets down on one knee before his kneeling friend, and places a hand on his shoulder, just to offer him some small comfort in silence.
But Morphia's mention of K'isst's absence hits him like a blow to the kidney. "Nooooo!" himself he keens, though, unlike Renik, for the loss, not of a god, but of his friend, the fierce one. Or, was she merely diverted?
He recalls Wolonnok's words that the gateway would "take you where you need to go." He ponders this even as tears course down his cheeks. He stands, and turns.
"Friends - perhaps K'i... our companion was needed elsewhere. Did not the dwarf say that we would be taken where we need to go? Do not give up hope for her. Nor ought we give up hope for the gods. Though his breastplate," and he indicates Feng with a nod of his head, "lose its constellations, there is hope. There MUST be hope. And I refuse to bow to the Dark Lord, who would extinguish all lights in his craving for power." Looking at Renik, then Ferrak, he goes on. "Mittiri may be dead, but the Lord of the dead yet goes on, and has the power to revoke death. The Lord of truth as well yet lives. As do we, and many others, including the Dragonstone.
"Almost a year ago, after Domi was defeated, a little girl, an elf, told me that the 'Bright Man' would come back. That is her name for Domi - the Bright Man. I trust her faith more than any despair."
He looks around, and tells Morphia, "We have work to do, but already I have said too much in the streets. Take us to a safe place." He turns and looks at Hobbes. "Despite your reservations, she is worthy of trust."
Draax Monday June 10th, 2002 10:30:25 PM
Draax steps through the gate hoping that the vision was only a vision and not reality. He looks around at the devastation and gives another sigh. A little smile comes to his face as Morphia hails the group, at least they are back in their own time. A curse can be heard coming from his lips as he learns of K'isst's disappearance. Draax looks around to make sure that K'isst is really not in the area before he follows Morphia to whenever she takes them.
Feng Tuesday June 11th, 2002 4:34:24 AM
Feng looks around Plateau city. The buildings were cracked and broken. Death had it's cold bony fingers wrapped around the city and was squeezing. Plateau City was once bustling and full of life. Now Feng stood in a post apocalyptic warzone. It was hard to keep hope alive.
OCC: sorry about the lack of posting but I just switched to night shift. I'm still trying to get used to things.
Meanwhile, Back At The Ranch... (DM Donna) Tuesday June 11th, 2002 7:03:33 AM
Morphia is very sympathetic to Renik after his outburst, too.
"Your friend here is right--" she tells not just the rogue but all of you, "--the streets of Plateau City are no longer safe for any who show or even voice opposition to Marteaus...let's get back to the temple."
As the young acolyte of Gargul ushers you along towards the skull-shaped building, the changed demeanor of the people in the street strikes everyone: everyone looks shell-shocked, walking about with a sort of self-involved glaze over their eyes. Where once there may have been the odd group of loiterers talking together on a corner or perhaps as they shared some food or drink, nobody seems to be doing that. In fact, if you didn't know any better, you could swear that there's an undercurrent of...fear.
"You've been gone for about three days." Morphia tells you after you all return to the archive area that is her special forte. "In that time, this God War has claimed all the deities except Gargul, Alemi and Marteaus. The City Council has adopted all manner of edicts that do everything short of legally declaring Plateau City to be dedicated to the 'glorious might of the Dark Lord'..!" The young woman's voice turns scornful and she practically spits this part out. "It seems that the Council members want to hedge their bets by appearing to remain neutral...at least on paper. Meanwhile, any of the populace who don't comply with tithing to Marteaus or even voice a dissenting opinion of the Dark Lord are immediately arrested. There's a standing reward--completely UNofficial, of course!--of 100 gold pieces for any information on anyone engaged in 'seditious activity'...another euphimism for anyone doing or saying anything that opposes the Dark Lord's will." Morphia laughs bitterly, a strange and sad sound to come from a young female cleric. "There have been MANY rewards paid out these last three days."
Hobbes Tuesday June 11th, 2002 12:25:01 PM
Hobbes says nothing as they come back. He suspected the truth of what the scroll foretold, but the reality is far more devastating than even he realizes.
He immediately begins walking toward the temple and as they continue is remains silent.
Draax Tuesday June 11th, 2002 1:31:48 PM
Draax digests what Morphia tells them about all that transpired while they were away. "Three gods left or should I say two gods and a want-to-be. But the want-to-be may be stronger than the true gods."
Draax stands up straighter and looks a lot more like his old self with some of the confident look reappearing on his face. "Well, if I had any misgivings about fighting in the lands of the dead they are all gone now. Whatever the consequences I cannot see myself living in this wold as it is now or how I am afraid it may become. It would be nice if we were able to contact Marcus, he would probably be able to guide us to the things we need to have a chance. Anyone has any idea how we can contact the Dragonstone?"
Rond Tuesday June 11th, 2002 3:31:46 PM
Rond thinks upon the things that Morphia tells the group. "There will be plenty for us to discuss. But from what you have told us already, we should probably wait until such a time that we can talk in confidence."
Not knowing whether it would do any good or not, Rond says a prayer of luck for the Dwarf and for K'isst who have returned to different fates than the party itself.
The fear in the streets sets Rond's nerves on edge, while he waits to see if anything comes after the group.
He comments further, "We should probably set ourselves up to be always on the ball. Since we were ambushed for trying to get where we went in the first place I wouldn't be surprised by anything else that comes our way, now that we're back here. Stay sharp people."
Renik Tuesday June 11th, 2002 5:35:34 PM
Renik makes the trip to the temple in a near-total daze, but once back at the archive area and fortified by hot honey and lemon with just a dash of Rutgash Gutsmelter's Finest Sipping Whisky, he starts to regain his composure.
He listens to what Morphia and his companions have to say, then speaks up.
"Morphia, we learned during the time that we were away that there is only one way for us to fight against the darkness that spreads over the Wold like a shroud. This will sound awful, perhaps even blasphemous to a cleric of Gargul such as yourself, but these are desperate times, and desperate times call for desperate measures. Brother Hobbes has heard this, and knows it to be true. We all do.
We have learned that the only way to combat this evil is to travel to the Lands of the Dead, and there do battle with the Dark Lord and his minions. But to travel to the Lands of the Dead in such a form that allows us to do effective battle... we must become undead, for only the dead may walk there, and only the undead may do so in material form.
Now we must first learn how to achieve this task in such a manner as to remain in possession of our right minds. We have learned that magics exist that allow this sort transformation. I believe we were told it had something to do with the "voluntary undead", magics similar to those which aid in the creation of such foul abominations as liches and vampires.
And secondly we must somehow reach the Lands of the Dead, there to do battle, perhaps for the final time.
If ever we have needed your assistance it is now. Can you put aside your revulsion for the unholy act of which I speak? Do you have any knowledge that might assist us in this critical task? Might somewhere amongst this ancient archive exist forbidden knowledge of the necromantic arts? And can you provide us with any clues as to how we might reach the distant shores of the DeadLands? Though it may mean our eternal damnation we cannot falter. We must face this terrible challenge, if we are to have a hope of succesfully battling the Dark One's evil. Can you help us?"
Renik's plea is heartfelt, sincere, and tinged with desperation.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday June 11th, 2002 7:43:22 PM
Bill listens to Renik, then turns to Morphia. "Yeah, what he said. Meanwhile, I'll volunteer to get word to the Dragonstone. Anybody else wanna come with?"
Hobbes Wednesday June 12th, 2002 3:03:29 AM
Hobbes travels silently, letting Renik's words echo in his mind, he is startled by the reality of the situation. As Renik rambles, "We have learned that the only way to combat this evil is to travel to the Lands of the Dead...", Hobbes spins around from his directed March toward the pair of them and shouts, "Renik! No!!!!!". He pauses to assure he has indeed stopped talking. He then speaks in a softer more direct tone, "The information we have learned is privy to Father Virdune and he alone. If he so chooses, then you will be informed." He looks around at the silence he has caused then down at his feet then adds, "...Morphia. It is not a wish that we keep things from you, but it is related to other information that Father Jonno has kept from you and all acolytes. One must heed the wisdom of the Eye." He looks back at her and then Renik, giving him a glare, "Please, no more talk of this until we are within closed doors."
Feng Wednesday June 12th, 2002 3:31:39 AM
Feng continues to stare at the city. His gaze washes across buildings and people alike. Things were bad before, but they were much better than this. "Let us find someplace private to talk. There is much to do and little time to do it in. If Marteaus destroyed so many gods, then he must have some type of power source giving him his strength. Somehow we must be victorious."
Secrets Revealed (DM Donna) d100=10 Wednesday June 12th, 2002 6:23:13 AM
Morphia, too, holds up her hand as Renik begins to speak of the information gathered from the viewing of the second scroll.
"I will take you all to Father Virdune," she says, "Because Brother Hobbes is right--I am but an acolyte, and have not yet earned the right to learn the information you have to offer. Follow me." The black-robed priestess hastily leads the group from the library to the part of the temple that houses the residential quarters. She stops at a particular door and knocks upon it.
"Father Virdune..?" Morphia calls through the closed door. "Father Virdune--that party of heroes has returned to us, just as you said."
"Enter!" orders the voice of Jonno Virdune. Morphia opens the door and ushers you all inside a roughly 15-foot-square room. The temple patriarch is sitting at a writing desk in one corner. "Thank you, Morphia, you may return to your research." The acolyte nods, bowing, and leaves the chamber, closing the door behind her.
"Please, sit...tell me what has occurred." the human man gestures to the collection of seating surfaces that his sitting room happens to have. After hearing the pertinent details from you--and confirming that you have been informed of the current state of Plateau City's politics--the middle-aged man sighs in contemplation.
"The diviners have advised that you all go back to your previous place of employment." Virdune tells you. "I have NO idea what it means, exactly...only that the means by which you which to contact Dragonstone may be found there...and that only you lot will be able to see it for its true purpose." The patriarch rubs his face tiredly, looking as though he's aged ten years since you last saw him.
"Finding a means to render you undead...that will be the easy part. Finding you a way to go to the lands of the dead--now THAT will be a great deal harder." Jonno muses. "For now, however, you MUST get your information to the Gold Dragons by the means that the diviners say you will discover."
Hobbes Wednesday June 12th, 2002 2:12:39 PM
Hobbes raises an immediate eyebrow and stands mouth agape for several seconds. "For-forgive my impertinence, master, but you hardly seem shocked by this revelation. Gargul himself killed himself to save the Wold. 'Becoming Undead,' something heretofore blasphemy and an evil which Gargul's principles have fought against -- now becomes a necessary element in the safety of the Wold." Hobbes frowns, "It troubles me... and what troubles me more is that now we must do it again... to save Gargul and thus the Wold once again." Hobbes shakes his head. "It is ironic that killing oneself and coming back is the easy part."
Hobbes looks around at the battered group again and remembers something, "We also need two things. Firstly we need some immediate healing from the onduty priests as the battles we've been through to get this information were quite fierce. Secondly one of our company... the tall woman known as K'isst did not return. We'd like the diviners to detect where she went. To know that she is safe... and perhaps it would provide us with yet another piece of this puzzle."
Hobbes sits in one of the small chairs, a little exhausted, "As for previous place of employment, mine was technically at the monastery." He shakes his head, "and Feng's was in the Scar undercover. I'm guessing that is referring to the rest of the group and their employment with... erm... what was it again?" he asks the rest.
"In any case, Father, before we leave I would like to assist the scribes of the temple in scribing another scroll with the new revelations of Gargul we received if I may." he pauses looking up inquisitively, "that is if you were of the mind that this information SHOULD be passed to our higher ranks?"
Renik Wednesday June 12th, 2002 3:37:25 PM
Somewhat abashed at his near-breach of protocol, Renik remains silent. It is is true, he should have saved his request for Father Virdune. But, well, Morphia is so much prettier than stuffy old Father Virdune!
Honestly, the rules and regulations they have in these Houses of the Holy, it's a wonder they havn't had to write out a report of their adventures in triplicate for submission to the Clerical Clerks, Renik tells himself. Where's the freedom, the spontaneity?
He suddenly feels a burning desire to be highly inappropriate with that lowly accolyte Morphia. Now is not the time, he admonishes himself, but the self restraint involved does little to improve his sulky mood.
Feeling a little mutinous, Renik scowls half-heartedly at Hobbes' back, and picks at his fingernails with his silver dagger.
Though he does not realise it, Renik has successfully forced himself to push traumatic recent events to the back of his mind, replacing them as usual with his trademarked combination of flippancy, self-righteousness and just a hint of lust.
Feng Wednesday June 12th, 2002 6:52:06 PM
Feng wondered what work his new companions previously did. It wasn't really important and could wait until later. "I'm sure there was somebody that knew how to get to the land of the dead. With the war going on, would they still be alive? We need to think of a plan just in case we can't get to the land of the dead. I'm hoping things will work out but lately stuff hasn't gone our way."
Draax (18 down) Wednesday June 12th, 2002 7:04:05 PM
Draax listens as the others ask Father Virdune questions. At Hobbes' remark about healing, Draax looks around at the other members of the group and then take an assessment of himself. With everything going on he almost forgot about how hurt they were.
"Getting everyone healed up would be nice before we leave. The B&B is another previous place of employment for some of us if it still stands, but like Hobbes, I am also guessing that the place we should go is our current establishment. Hopefully it survived the destruction"
Bill Troublefinder Thursday June 13th, 2002 12:21:14 AM
"Well, we'll be happy to get our info over to the Gold Dragons," the halfling tells the high priest. "Why do we need diviners to figure out how to get in touch with them, though? We can just pop over to a place I know they hang out. But, if they say there's some other way than what I was thinking, then we can do that, I suppose."
Speaking to his comrades, he says, "And hey, guys, I think he, or the diviners, that is, must mean the B&B - 'cause our so-called present place of employment is hardly set up yet, remember? -- So that's definitely not our 'previous' place of employment."
Bill thinks for a moment. "We couldn't get some snacks or somethin', could we? Three days, huh? Didn't seem so long. Time gets weird, sometimes. I could use a bath." Then he giggles. "Hey - kill three birds with one stone. The B&B has snacks, baths, and diviners' secrets!"
Arien Thursday June 13th, 2002 1:22:25 AM
"Yes three birds with one stone," Arien agrees with Bill, breaking his long silence. The godswar had left him thinking about the current state of affairs. Arien wondered to himself if the Wold wouldn't be better if there were no gods, demi-gods or anything of thier ilk. "Well let us be going. Time is like money, the less you have the quicker it goes. If everything is even half as bad as whats been said I doubt we have much time left at all."
Rond Thursday June 13th, 2002 1:39:46 AM
"We probably should check into both unless that good Father can point us to anything further. Our acquisition would maybe point us to the whereabouts of our real employer.
I would also remind you Hobbes that you were actually turned over to our employ, until such time as this dilemma is resolved, I believe.
If everything of the scroll is to be believed it is the ease in which is this is accomplished, which is the reason why this secret has been protected for so long. Obviously the two remaining 'gods' are aware of this, but the other one is not. We need to get this information to the right people, without blowing the lid on the information."
Snacks, Baths & Secrets, Anyone..? (DM Donna) Thursday June 13th, 2002 6:51:55 AM
After Hobbes speaks up, the older cleric is silent for a moment, then he says in a measured tone:
"I did not become a patriarch of the All-Seeing Eye without the acquisition of wisdom and knowledge that not everyone else in The Wold knows, Brother Hobbes." he reminds the junior priest. "I am not shocked because--if one pauses to consider the entire sequence of that second scroll, as well as the basic doctrine of the temple of Gargul--it was quite clear that, even as a mortal, our patron deity did NOT like the idea of robbing the dead of their right to eternal rest. Plus, did I not relay to you the message that the diviners had revealed earlier--the one that we thought rather cryptic at the time: 'you have to turn blasphemy to your advantage'..? Using undead forces against Marteaus in the lands of the dead appears to be what that message was referring to." Virdune draws in a heavy breath and expels it forcefully.
"Admittedly, it is not an idea I am at ease with, but these are desperate times, and--as such--call for desperate measures." he continues. "That having been said, however, I must concede that you all do need healing, and will receive such before you exit the temple. I will also set the matter of your missing colleague before our diviners and see what they come up with." The patriarch tugs subconsciously on his beard as he mulls other comments and questions over.
"Halfling, the diviners merely point the way to revelation, they do not presume to force you act on their advice." he tells Bill. "They've discussed the portents they've received, however, and all agree that they seem to urge this group to investigate that place...the Beer & Bath, was it..? Well, the signs point to an overwhelming need for you all to go there and seek out something that you need to have. The details are murky, but such is the way of the diviner. I also know that the proprietess of that place--according to the grapevine--is being closely scrutinized because she has not given over her tithings to Marteaus with any good grace. When you go there, do be careful, as there may be unwanted eyes watching you." Jonno gets to his feet, herding the Hamleteers to the door of the sitting room.
"Go now--time is of the essence!" he urges, then stops to direct one last reply to Hobbes: "By the way, since that second scroll was obviously one that refers to the Jericho and to such fantastic truths as it revealed to you, I do believe that attempts to copy it will not be successful. None of us may communicate anything about the Jericho unless all present already know about the Jericho...and that injunction extends to the written or even magically-recorded word."
Before the party leaves, everyone still needing healing may be attended to by the other priests of the Black Temple for a donation of a mere 10gp each.
Ferrak (Sorry, Summer School got me-Shawn) Thursday June 13th, 2002 10:14:44 AM
Still suffering from the knowledge of the state of Nature and the Wold, Ferrak remains quiet and detached from the others.
Taking some comfort from the presence of his brother Darkfang, the feral gnome suddenly finds himself thinking of his garden.
Looking around, Ferrak sees the desolation and destruction of the city. Shaking his head, the Druid/warrior assumes the worst. There will be no sanctuary with Nature's death. (How can Nature be dead?) he keeps thinking to himself. Teeth clenched in a haggard snarl, Ferrak morbidly looks forward to the chance at following his 'Mother' into the lands of death.
Renik Thursday June 13th, 2002 2:56:04 PM
Renik recieves his healing with gratitude (he grudgingly admits to himself that the Temples do have uses after all), and then as his companions recieve their own healing he says
"I'll be back shortly. I must make a swift visit to the Catacombs before we go on."
He races out into the dark and unwelcoming city, his cloak wrapped closely around him as he keeps to the shadows.
Not long after he returns. His Slippers of Spider Climbing are gone, as is his trusty rapier and his black studded leather armour. Instead he now wears a matching set of twin shortswords in fine black leather scabbards. And although he at first appears unarmoured, a closer look reveals that he wears a fine shirt of mithril chain beneath his black overshirt. Upon his finger he now wears a ring, which he informs anyone who asks is a ring of protection.
"Right! My preparations are made. Unless there are any other matters to attend to I say we make all haste to the Beer and Bath."
Feng Thursday June 13th, 2002 6:53:52 PM
Feng donates 10gp to the clerics. He likes the idea of undead armies less than the priest. Becoming an undead, or even working with them, goes against everything he stands for. But if he takes part in the conflict, he would be a normal half-orc. The abilities bestowed by the gods would surely be taken. Though if that meant saving the wold, it was a sacrifice worth making. Troubled he finds the others. "Can we depart now? There is much to contemplate."
Draax Thursday June 13th, 2002 7:02:30 PM
Draax gladly gives over the 10gp and thanks the clerics for the healing. "Hmm, the B&B it is then. I should learn to stick with my first hunch. I am ready when the rest of you are." The half-elf takes on the disguise of the human youth Steps before leaving the temple.
Bill Troublefinder d20+17=18 d20+17=36 Thursday June 13th, 2002 11:51:39 PM
"Thank you, Patriarch Virdune."
Bill happily pays 10 gp to the kind priests.
"Great idea, Draax! Disguises, everyone." Bill becomes Lake [DC 18]. He looks himself over in a mirror, and starts over with his disguise, doing a much better job the second time around [DC 36]. Now his friend note he walks with a pronounced limp, and, when not helping others, curls up his left hand. He'll assist any of his friends who so desire help with their disguises (add +2 to your Disguise skill check). When all are ready, he joins them heading out, threading through the streets of the city, alert to tax collectors and press gangs - seeking to avoid such. If it looks as though they are being followed, the halfling will work on losing them.
Hobbes Friday June 14th, 2002 4:48:20 AM
Hobbes bows his head to the venerable priest as he leaves. The group disperses somewhat to their tasks before heading to the B&B and Hobbes takes advantage of the moment to retire to the main chapel once again. He prays for all the good people of the Wold, for the lives lost to this tragedy, for the gods which have lost their noble lives in this catastrophe, for thanks that he and his friends are alive and called to duty, and finally for Gargul himself.
"Oh great master," he intones, "I give Thee my strength and my soul for your use. I give myself entirely to thee to preserve your life, my Lord. Do with me as you will."
He kneels solemnly and puts thrity gold pieces on the altar. He then pauses for one final prayer, "For our companion K'isst, keep her safe and protected and may our paths cross again in this life or the next."
Hobbes then heads hastily to the scribe's area, bowing to the headmaster on duty and taking a place in one of the closed room with just a writing desk with parchment, ink, and quill kept alight by a candle. He sits and breathes a sigh, then writes, "For the eyes of Patriarch Father Jonno Virdune of the Eye from Brother of the Eye Hobbes...On Killing a Deity to Become One" He then tells the story of how Gargul and Alemi concocted their plan to cross over into the land of the dead, concentrating more on Gargul of course. He finishes it fairly quickly and signs it, then rolls it up and seals it with wax, writing on the outside For the eyes of Father Virdune and ties it in ribbon.
"There," he thinks, "That should preserve the spells logic."
He then takes the scroll to the temple vault, informing the keeper to place it in a specific vault with only rights given to himself and Father Virdune to access it and witnesses its placement.
With that particular bit of history preservation safely taken care of, he takes out the strange hat from his backpack and thinks a bit, scrunching his mouth. He then takes hold of his scythe and nods his head assuredly and at once he is an old man, a beggar-looking fellow with threadbare drooping robes and a simple cloth cap that hangs over his ears...and his scythe is a tall wooden staff that acts as a walking stick. He then shuffles his way out of the temple and toward the B&B awaiting his comrades there in the guise of begging for food.
Squeaky Clean Fun (DM Donna) Friday June 14th, 2002 6:33:53 AM
Traveling through the streets of the city, the Hamleteers can actually feel the difference in the atmosphere of the urban setting. Eyes--seen and unseen--clap almost tangibly upon the group, making everyone in it keenly aware of the fact that they're supposed to be in disguise...and should anyone even suspect that they are in disguise, they are likely to immediately report the party for the sizeable reward that is being offered for anyone engaged in seditious activity. This dire knowledge makes the normally short-and-sweet trip to the familiar Beer & Bath quite nerve-wracking.
However, the party DOES manage to reach the place without incident. They find that the homey and festive mood that used to prevail is greatly reduced, though it is volumes more friendly than the streets outside. There is a burly human man tending bar that none of you have seen before.
Before you have the chance to do anything other than approach the bar, a rotund customer--dripping wet and in one of the provided bathrobes--bursts from the doorway leading to the private baths, looking rather angry.
"Look, Mac," the drippy man demands, shaking a fist, "I paid extra for the perfumed soap, lotion and smoothing stone...and the dangblasted pumice doesn't work!"
"We just got a dozen of them smoothers from a traveling saleslady," Mac the bartender says, frowning as the customer puts forth his hand and opens it to show the substandard product, "It oughtta work just fine!"
"Well, it doesn't!" the patron pouts petulantly.
"Just toss it, then," Mac says, snapping his fingers to summon one of the bath attendants, "I'll have someone get you a fresh stone." The attendant hurries over with a palm-sized, porous-looking ovoid rock that is an ashy white color. The door to the B&B opens again.
"Hold the door--I'm launching this dud..!" yells the customer with the non-working smoothing stone. As the portly man winds up to make his pitch, however, everyone notices that the "stone" he's planning to throw away is actually a perfectly round globe that sofly glows with a magic aura.
Everyone roll a Reflex save--highest result over DC15 catches the missile before it's out the door.
Arien d20+10=30 Friday June 14th, 2002 9:40:37 AM
Even before the stone leaves the customer's hand Arien is moving. He steps to the side and sends his hand darting out at the stone, attempting to catch it.
Renik d20+9=27 Friday June 14th, 2002 5:18:10 PM
Renik too follows the trajectory of the stone closely, but cannot match Arien's lightning speed. He pulls up, deeply impressed at his companion's lightning reflexes.
Lake (Bill Troublefinder) d20+8=21 Saturday June 15th, 2002 12:54:14 AM
Bill's reflexes are good enough [Reflex save DC 21] for him to note that Arien's got it, and not to get in his way.
'Hey, little globe - don't worry, you're not unwanted,' he tells the sphere with a telepathic missive. He really doesn't know whether the thing has a mind to contact, but those diviners seemed awfully insistent that whatever it is we're supposed to find was essential. Thus, he ventures.
Feng d20+8=21 Saturday June 15th, 2002 4:25:35 AM
Feng looks around the B&B. It seems that his disguise of a slightly shorter human male with a pot belly worked just fine. His hat of duisguise has saved his life many times and will many more. Feng sees the man and the globe, but several others are already ontop of the situation. It seems that half-orcs are not swift people. Reacting, Feng reaches for his warhammer. [reflex save 21]
Ferrak Saturday June 15th, 2002 2:15:53 PM
The feral gnome sits in a dark corner with Darkfang, with his collar on he looks like a big German Shepard.
Lifting his head up off of his paws Ferrak snorts, then puts his head back down.
Kiki Saturday June 15th, 2002 2:25:27 PM
After Arien deftly nabs the bauble from the air, a streak of fur coils around his arm.
Kiki's little paws claw at the pretty bauble.
"Kee-Kee!" {Let me play!}
Draax d20+5=20 Sunday June 16th, 2002 6:18:55 PM
Draax puts his hand up ready to catch the stone and then smiles as he watches Arien move with lightning speed to intercept the object. He lets his eyes roam around the B&B noticing the changes to the place since he was last there.
Darkfang Sunday June 16th, 2002 6:24:18 PM
Upon entering the B&B Darkfang almost starts acting like the B&B's guard dog again out of habit. He goes around the bar sniffing most of the customers before settling in the corner with his brother.
Hobbes Sunday June 16th, 2002 11:42:32 PM
As Hobbes approaches the doorway, he perfects his act: A swaggered limp, leaning heavily on his staff, a tangled mess of beard hanging down, even somewhat of a crackly voice.
As he reaches for the knob of the Beer and Bath, he is so startled by its sudden opening and vision of a spherical object hurtling toward him that he topples over backward.
"Don't kill me," he says shaking and huddled under his 'robes'. "I am in need of some food, please, kind sir."
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