Nonam Monday June 10th, 2002 8:41:06 AM
Not wanting anyone else to hear him, Nonam speaks in a low voice to Gareth, "I still hold to the same beliefs, but it helped Qualde to shift her focus to another god. I figured the same would help Tericus."
A lost god - dmjk Monday June 10th, 2002 8:49:02 AM
As the rest head to the meal or attempt to comfort the priest, Tericus feels a burning pain in his heart. Everything that he has ever believed in is dead. Melair casts calm emotions on Tericus and attempts to soothe him. It doesn't help much, but it takes some of the sting away and helps the priest think.
Tericus has to make another will save DC 20 to hold on to his sanity.
Clangden Monday June 10th, 2002 10:39:40 AM
Clangden follows behind Tericus about 10 feet, far enough back to let him have his space but close enough to react if need be. Seeing Jus and Addinein following as well, he motions for them to give Tericus room too.
Gareth Monday June 10th, 2002 11:38:22 AM
The warrior sighs as several of the party follow his friend. "I know Nonam - especially now that it is known to us that the gods were once mortal as we. I think it better that we give him space and attend the banquet. At least the Dwarven King still has his god. Perhaps we can still make a difference in all this. Either way I think it best we go eat with them - even though all of us cannot. I'll take Tericus some food later. Although he won't eat it.". Gareth reluctantly withdraws and follows the dwarves to the feast.
Nonam Tuesday June 11th, 2002 8:10:29 AM
Nonam nods and says, "You go on ahead. I'll be along in a minute." The wizard stays to keep an eye on Tericus for a bit longer. Following Clangden's lead, he keeps his distance.
dmjk Tuesday June 11th, 2002 8:12:22 AM
[figure I need to wait for Tericus this time. Sam and I usually post about the same time, so I expect I'll be able to post a little later this morning. I probably just beat him today. -jk]
Tericus d20+12=16 Tuesday June 11th, 2002 8:59:24 AM
after running a ways, Tericus stops for a moment. chanting and waving his hands, he tries to cast a spell but nothing happens. screaming "NNOOOOOOO!!" the priest continues to run
Clangden Tuesday June 11th, 2002 12:41:21 PM
Seeing the priest still running wildly about, Clangden grabs a child playing in the streets and sends him to get a couple of priests to come settle Tericus down as best they can. Clangden still follows Tericus around.
DMJK Tuesday June 11th, 2002 1:41:37 PM
Tericus absolutely loses control and runs screaming through the dwarven halls. Clangden follows to make sure he stays safe, and the kids go after some more priests to help out.
Tericus' path somehow manages to bring him to the feast, and he bursts in screaming as most of the dwarves are setting down to the meal. Some start to cheer their brothers as the Storm Dragons come into the banquet hall. Others jump to their feet in alarm as they realize the priest is screaming about something.
Chaos.
Addinein Tuesday June 11th, 2002 2:01:03 PM
Addinein is at a loss for what to do to help Tericus. Not sure that even luck can help out here, Addinein hopes that the priests might be able to help out Tericus.
Gareth Tuesday June 11th, 2002 3:43:40 PM
The warrior rises as his friend bursts in, a bit shocked by it all. He rushes over to him and tries to calm him down. If he cannot, he detains him. "PLEASE, my friend! Calm yourself! We will live throught all this if we stay together!".
Jus Tuesday June 11th, 2002 7:55:46 PM
Angered at Clangden's presumption -- like he knows Tericus better than his friends -- Jus continues to follow his comrade to ensure he doesn't get in trouble.
When they finally enter the dining hall, Jus moves to a side wall and watches Gareth, interested to see how he handles things.
Tericus Wednesday June 12th, 2002 9:03:24 AM
Running into the banquet hall with his arms waving above his head, Tericus screams "SHES GONE!!! SHES GONE!!! BUT SHE CANT BEEEE!!" Then, ignoring Gareth and anyone else who tries to stop him, Tericus moves to a table and places his left hand on it. Staring at it for a second, he says calmly, "I know how to bring her back. I know what must be done." Then, before anyone can stop him, he draws his mace and starts smashing his left hand. "HEAL ME, TERESALIA, HEAL MEEEE!!" he screams as he repeatedly smashes his hand.
Gareth d20+8=28 Wednesday June 12th, 2002 9:12:51 AM
The warrior is horrified to see his powerful and loyal friend lose complete control. Fearing he may do more than just whack his hand, he tackles the crazed cleric and pins his arms to his sides in a bear hug (Str check DC 28). "We will fight this together, Tericus! I refuse to let you destroy yourself. Fight it, my friend! Fight it!" He does not release the cleric until he regains control. He looks to the Dwarven King - High Priest of Alemi - and exclaims, "Is there nothing you can do? Your god is still with us. Is he unable or unwilling to help us?"
Clangden Wednesday June 12th, 2002 10:48:27 AM
Ignoring Jus' look as if he would a nagging wife, Clangden rushes to help Gareth get control of Tericus so the priests can work their healing magic on him.
(add +2 to your roll to subdue Tericus, Gareth)
all the while, Clangden is trying to soothe the broken heart of the priest through words of reassurance. that all is not lost, that his God is not gone forever, that she will return to aid him.
Nonam Wednesday June 12th, 2002 11:06:17 AM
Nonam casts telekinesis and tries to rip the mace out of Tericus' hand.
Dwarven Priests (DMJK) Wednesday June 12th, 2002 11:20:01 AM
Melair and some of his underlings start casting hold person on Tericus until one of the spells finally takes effect.
Then they administer some sort of sleeping potion to his still form, and Tericus rests. Another heals the priest's hand. Tericus' dreams are turbulent, but he currently poses no threats.
Melair immediately tries to soothe the other Storm Dragons, "We had many priests of Domi in our halls, and they came down with similar conditions. We can treat your friend, if you will trust us. I assure you, we all think of him as a brother now and will not harm him, but we must put him in seclusion for a time. He will return to rationality soon, but how soon depends on his strength and his past devotion. In the meantime let us eat. Then we will speak of the Diary."
A group of dwarven clerics of Alemi carefully take Tericus down a hallway and out of sight. Melair politely prohibits anyone else from following. The other dwarves in the banquet hall settle down to eat. First in silence, then some mutters, but soon they are in celebration. The happiness is infectious.
-----------------
Tericus wakes in some sort of monastic place. All of his items have been removed, and he has only a robe to wear. A group of kindly priests of Alemi sit with him and try to calm him down.
Tericus make Will saves starting with DC18. Then subtract 1 each time til you make it. ie. DC17, DC16, etc. However many rolls it takes is how many days it takes to come to your senses. Then you have to decide how to change the character. Options: you can serve Alemi, Gargul, Marteaus, the memory of Teresallia. You can become a generic cleric of good. Or you can cease being a cleric all together.
------------------ note: Kent has put out a woldwide call for character sheets again. I have an up to date one for Clangden, but if everyone else could email me a current sheet in the next couple of days, that would be stupendous.
Clangden Wednesday June 12th, 2002 11:50:53 AM
After seeing that Tericus is well tended to, Clangden accepts the King's offer of a meal. He goes to the table with a bowl of water, cleans himself up then goes and sits at one of the tables, and eats and drinks like it has been days since his last meal.
Gareth Wednesday June 12th, 2002 3:59:59 PM
The warrior looks to Melair with a look of both gratitude and one that says clearly what his troubled friend means to him and that he is indeed asking a lot for him to leave Tericus in his care. He regains his composure and smiles. "No matter what happens next, we most certainly must eat!". The warrior delves wholeheartedly into the feast, not having eaten well for several days. He enjoys the camaraderie of the dwarves, and drinks with them to a point... When the time id right, his focus turns toward the king and the mission at hand. "So tell us about this diary. Where it is and how it can be attained. If things continue, we may find ourselves trying to find someone to promote to godhood as well as trying to stop the evil one from succeeding!".
Addinein Thursday June 13th, 2002 1:32:29 AM
As Addinein eats with the Dwarves, he's unsure how to act. Having not to many Dwarven friends, and nothing but Drow rumors to go on Addinein appears a little unnerved about the proceedings.
Tericus d20+12=13 d20+12=17 Thursday June 13th, 2002 8:53:23 AM
(it takes Tericus 2 days to recover his mind) after two days pass, Tericus begins to come to his senses. after recovering a bit, Tericus says "I cant devote myself to another. Teresallia was and still is my life. You mentioned I can serve her memory. How do I do that?"
Tericus d20+12=13 d20+12=17 Thursday June 13th, 2002 8:53:40 AM
(it takes Tericus 2 days to recover his mind) after two days pass, Tericus begins to come to his senses. after recovering a bit, Tericus says "I cant devote myself to another. Teresallia was and still is my life. You mentioned I can serve her memory. How do I do that?"
Clangden Thursday June 13th, 2002 12:26:53 PM
goes and sits nearer to the King and Gareth, right beside Addenein. Seeing Add's perplexed look as to how to act, Clangden offers this advice: eat hearty, use utensils or not, its an option, have fun, drink well and tell lots of jokes. Us dwarves are losing their biased to Dark Elves and Elves in particular. there are some old fuddy duddys still, but they are learning.
thinking about something, Clangden turns to Addenein, and shoves his chicken juiced hand into his, saying: where are my manners, i have not properly introduced myself, I am Clangden Swiftaxe, guardian to Menzo, defender of the Children, and all around nice guy (laughs). You fought well today young master, and i look forward to many more days of rousing adventure with you and your friends, if they will have me that is.
with that said, Clangden smiles at Addenein for a few seconds, then turns to listen to the King and Gareth.
Jus Thursday June 13th, 2002 2:07:20 PM
Jus eats heartily for an elf. He hasn't had a real meal in ages and feels half starved. He wrinkles his nose at a few of the more unseemly dwarven jokes, but otherwise has a splendid time with his friends.
Won't this make for an interesting story for his family. An elf becomming a dwarf; Jus chuckles at how he expects them to react.
Nonam Thursday June 13th, 2002 4:20:38 PM
Seeing Tericus in good hands, Nonam sets down for the meal. He watches all the dwarves cram food down their gullets for a few minutes, and it takes a few minutes for him to get up the courage to eat. He drinks water and has one plate of food.
DMJK Thursday June 13th, 2002 4:53:44 PM
Working with the priests of Alemi, Tericus works through his anguish. The dwarves teach him that while Teressalia may be gone, the things that she stood for still remain. Honoring her precepts and keeping the devotion keeps Tericus from missing her quite as badly, and he is soon able to sing again. Things are different, but hope is alive. --------------------
Melair puts off talk of the diary til after dinner. Then he brings the other Storm Dragons and Clangden to his own chambers. It's filled with books, Nonam and Jus note that most of them are in dwarven but there are quite a few in elven and the common human tongue. Most of them seem to be religious and philosophical works.
Melair manages to scrounge up enough chairs that everyone can sit down. The collection is quite a hodge podge, but every chair is a fine piece of dwarven craftsmanship. They're all built for dwarves, but they are comfortable enough.
As you sit, Melair lights up a pipe and tells about the diary. "There were once a small number of priests and philosophers who held that the gods as we know them were once mortal. There wasn't a lot of evidence to go on as the current gods have reigned longer than even the oldest living elves can remember. But there was enough that we were able to study it. I won't go into many details for this isn't the time, but you all know of the cult diety Pantheon. He is the manifestation of the past gods of Wold. Tracking down his legend and searching through old archives like the ones in Myth Drannor, we were able to slowly make a case.
About the time, our evidence was sufficient to prove the case, the Dark Lord began to stir. While I regret it in the extreme, Marteaus' war has proven that gods are fallible, and that they can fall and be killed...."
Melair explains the situation at some length and reasons that if Alemi once ascended to godhood and killed the old gods that he might have written about it. If he did, 1 of 2 things could be true. That knowledge might explain how to kill Marteaus or it might explain the path Marteaus is following to kill the Gods of Wold. Either bit of information could prove useful. He talks on about the reasons he believes that Alemi wrote down such information for some time, but he finally comes to the part that concerns the Storm Dragons, "So Father Moonsong, the elf I was telling you about, discovered passages in some archives in Myth Drannor that were reported to be the mortal writings of Alemi himself. The documents were incomplete, and Ignacio... er Father Moonsong started trying to track down the source. He found a number of references to a complete mortal diary written by Alemi. He searched for decades to discover the diary and found little more than snippets, translations, and numerous quotes. He assembled several pages worth, quite enough to convince him of the book's existence, but he hasn't yet found the book. Last time I heard from him was about 3 weeks ago. He was working in Myth Drannor and thought that he was close to answer. He believed taht it was somewhere in the city of old Elenna, but he had to find out where."
"Interestingly enough, just a few days ago, Lankhmahr disappeared or flew away, reports as to what happened exactly vary. I don't know if all of you heard that bit of news or not. As many of you may know, Lankmahr was on top of old Elenna. I thought this was an omen of sorts and sent a group of scouts to investigate. They just got back before you arrived. Lankhmahr is indeed gone. There is very little left, but they did find some tunnels and passages that go down into the earth. They also reported that the Dark Lord had agents there sifting through things. I would suggest that you either go find Ignacio Moonsong in Myth Drannor or head straight to old Elenna. You should find the next piece of the puzzle there."
He claps his hands together and says he'll let you all talk it over. -------------------------
The group has ample opportunity to meet with Melair and the two scouts over the next couple of days. There is little in the way of new information that anyone is able to provide, but the scouts do have several maps that they share. They're able to describe the area in enough detail that Nonam thinks he could teleport there. In the meantime, everyone is able to relax somewhat though Gareth champs at the bit wanting to get off and be about business. He found a bit of relief by getting to join a dwarven giant hunting party the next morning. The hunt was successful, and Gareth learned a bit about dwarven tactics. Clangden had the opportunity to set his affairs in order, so that he could help these youngsters finish the job. Jus had a package of arrows delivered to him from the Catacombs. The delivery boy was quite put out that Jus has been moving around without leaving forwarding addresses. Addinein finds that the Stair challenge went a long way toward gaining him acceptance amongst the dwarves. He notes a few sideways looks, but by and large the dwarves are much friendlier than humans in either Plateau or Floating City. Nonam though finds very little to do underground until he watches the dwarven weaponsmiths at work. Certainly there is some magic at work in the dwarven forges even if the dwarves don't realize it themselves. He doesn't have enough time to study it properly though.
----------------------- After two days of waiting, Tericus rejoins the group, and stories are exchanged.
Gareth Thursday June 13th, 2002 6:51:13 PM
Gareth asks around and sees if he can pick up a compound long bow - to take advantage of his strength, and some new arrows - preferrably masterwork. If so he buys them.
After warmly greeting his friend back, the warrior sits with his friends abd gets straight to business. "So which is it? Do we go straight to the old city blindly, hoping to find a way in, or do we go find the priest. Seems to me that we wouldn't be any better off than the Dark Lord's guys if we don't get more info. Maybe this Moonson guy can tell us where exactly, or how to recognizr the location?".
Tericus Friday June 14th, 2002 6:13:42 AM
his head hanging a bit low, Tericus says "Im not sure how useful I will be, but I came this far and lost so much, I want to see it to the end. Lets gather what information we can and then head out."
Nonam Friday June 14th, 2002 10:37:18 AM
Nonam claps Tericus on the back and gives him a quick tour of things in the dwarven halls that the cleric hasn't managed to see in his seclusion. Then he prepares to set out, replenishing food stores, buying some crossbow bolts, and such.
Gifts - DMJK Friday June 14th, 2002 10:52:26 AM
The dwarves freely give out arrows or bolts, 20 MW to everyone that wants some. They have other things available for purchase. The dwarven priests give Tericus 3 cure serious scrolls and have others that he can buy.
Everyone can buy what they like in the catacombs and say that it came in at this point.
After everyone has had a chance to reunite with Tericus, Melair calls you back to his study. "First of all, I have news. Ignacio spoke to me in a dream last night. He says the diary was under the holy tree in old Elenna. It isn't much. He has little idea what it means, but he doesn't know much else. So I would suggest going to look for the tree, but who knows if the tree would still be there?"
"Second, I have gifts." He opens a fine wooden box that is filled with bands of mithril. They are armbands shaped like dragons. Lightning shoots from the mouth and trails out of the eyeholes. The craftsmanship is simple, yet exquisite. He takes them all out, except for one that he leaves in the box. He gives everyone a dragon except for Clangden explaining, "I thought it would be presumptuous of me to count Clangden in your number already just because I think he deserves it."
He hands the box to Addinein, "Anvilringer, when Clangden Swiftaxe is a Storm Dragon, you should give him his gift from the dwarves. Like all the dwarves, he's your brother already, but I'll leave it to you to decide when he has your friendship as well."
Gareth Friday June 14th, 2002 11:20:04 AM
Hearing Tericus speak he smiles in relief. "I am glad to hear you are coming. Somehow I doubt you will lack effectiveness. You have always been there - a fact for which I am VERY greatful.
The warrior examines the bracers closely. "They are beautiful indeed! I've never seen their equal. We are deeply honored.".
As the king completes his comments on his dream he smiles. "Then it's settled. We head the to Old City straightaway and look for this 'holy tree'. Is there any way you casters can teleport us to the tree by name only?".
As for Clangden being a Storm Dragon: I am not sure he would want to be known as one since he already wears the title of Red Dragon - or friend of the Gold Dragons. If nothing else, he is at the very least our friend and is MORE than welcome to join us on our quest. We have a ring we wear to communicate with each other - (Gareth looks to see if Clangen has a 'Red Dragon' ring). Clangden, you are welcome to it if you need it.".
The warrior tries on his bracers if it's appropriate. "I've never worn Dwarven Mithril before. Can you tell me about these?".
The warrior picks up a composite long bow and leaves his old one with the dwarves for safekeeping, his intention to retrieve it and mount it on the wall in his home.
Jus Friday June 14th, 2002 1:14:20 PM
Jus barely waits until Gareth is done shaking Tericus' hand when he gives Tericus a big hug.
"I'm so glad you're still with us," Jus begins, unsure what to say. "And I agree with Gareth [for once]," he adds with a smile. "I have no doubt that you'll contribute greatly to our quest. After all, you're a Storm Dragon."
Accepting the dwarven gift, Jus wonders about its significance. Will other dwarves recognize them as brethren because of these? Slipping his on, he realizes they have some magic as the dragon resizes itself to Jus' arm.
Jus restocks a few items, preparing for their travels.
Clangden Friday June 14th, 2002 1:50:45 PM
seeing Gareth look at his hand, Clangden shows his empty fingers.
No, I do not wear any ring of any dragon group. I may have been aquainted with the Red Dragons once, and yes, am friends with a few of the Golds but as for being officially aligned with a particular dragon group, I am not. I have served the land as protector, and diplomat for many years, have sat in council with the dwarves and have adventured with many before the dragon groups became so well known. I look forward to going with you to Old Elenna to search for this diary, my resolve to thwart Martues is high. I realize we have heard stories about each other but until today have just met, and I thank you for allowing me the honor of adventuring with another fine group of souls and if down the road you feel I would be a asset to the Storm Dragons and wish to crown my head with that title, then so be it.
You all have history with each other, I am but a new face in an old body and have learned that even reknowned hero's dont fit into every adventuring group. All I ask is that if I sound gruff, or am too pushy, instead of making snide remarks behind my back or gossip about me, (looking at Jus) to please, come talk to me. Communication is the key to all good groups.
Good King Melair, are these bands of mithril just insignias as to show who and what they are or do these bands offer something else?
For what it's worth, while using him as an NPC, Jerry has had Clangden contact the GDs through their rings before. -jk
Tericus Saturday June 15th, 2002 9:18:34 AM
considerably cheered up by his friend's comments, Tericus smiles for the first time in 3 days. "Thanks everyone. Your support means the world to me." then taking the bracer and putting it on his wrist, Tericus says "It looks like it belongs."(he took the scrolls too)
Nonam Saturday June 15th, 2002 10:50:57 AM
Nonam grins, "I think that perhaps I will soon have two favorite weapons, Gareth and Clangden." Then the wizard thanks Melair and fiddles with the armband a bit trying to figure out how to put it on over his robe. While he works with it, he uses his detect magic ability to check it out.
armbands - dmjk Saturday June 15th, 2002 10:57:36 AM
Nonam turns up nothing with his detect magic, and Melair answers Clangden about the same time, "Just a bit of dwarven craftsmanship to remind everyone of your brothers. No supernatural hoodoo or nothin'."
Tericus finds that the band is designed to be worn over the upper arm instead of down by the wrist. This keeps them from interfering with anyone's bracers. Nonam's does indeed fit over his robe, just as everyone else is able to slide them over clothing.
Addinien Sunday June 16th, 2002 6:04:43 PM
Accepting the box Addinein comments, "I feel I am still too young with this group to make that decision. But I will hold on to this box until we are agreed."
(ooc sorry about missed posted. it has been a LONG weekend)
Tericus Monday June 17th, 2002 8:51:36 AM
"Well, whats our next move?" Tericus asks as he adjusts his bracer
Gareth Monday June 17th, 2002 9:49:56 AM
"Sounds like we go find this tree in Elenna. No reason to go back and deal with all that mess in Myth Drannor if there is nothing more to be gained. I expect we can go back there some time if we want to later.".
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