DM Jan Thursday February 28th, 2002 11:48:03 PM
It is completely dark by the time the orphans, led by Syr, reach the Giggling Ghost. Plink, Syr and Drew manage to acquire a room upstairs for the princely sum of 1GP. It's for the entire night.
Miranna's weasel 'weasel's' its way under the kitchen door and heads for the cellar.
Once everyone is inside the room, Tiree stands guard as Pol and Jez figure out the summons, and Jez recites the rhyme once more.
For a moment, there is nothing.....
Then - dark smoke starts to curl from the lump of coal, which becomes quite warm. Suddenly - there's a sharp knock at the door.
Tiree opens it to reveal The Jester.
He is as the group remember him, except his eyes look a little weary, perhaps tinged with sadness and/or worry. He raises a questioning eyebrow, and then points at Eljer. "Who's this?" he asks accusingly.
Miranna Friday March 1st, 2002 11:37:05 AM
Miranna sighs softly as she studies the Jester. It seems that even those as powerful as the Lords of Diamonds have not been unmarked by the past months. Or perhaps, she reflects, the more powerful you are, the greater your burden in a time such as this. Yorick must be burdened indeed not to greet them in rhyme. She feels a sudden yearning to hear the Jester's rhymes again.
Leaving Eljer to answer his question, she asks softly, "Have you been well, Yorick? We were not able to contact you - until now."
Syr Friday March 1st, 2002 1:16:52 PM
Syr moves protectively next to Eljer, "A friend, Eljer."
With a smirk, he points right back at Yorick, "SO! you've been well, I take it? Don't you have some explaining to do?"
Tiree Friday March 1st, 2002 8:04:15 PM
From behind Yorick, Tiree speaks up.
"He's a friend, jester. We met him after the death of Domi. He has been with us these many months and has become a part of the family."
Jezebella Friday March 1st, 2002 8:04:36 PM
Jezebella gestures for the Jester to enter, offering him a seat. She adds to the questions posed... "How did your tests go... are they ongoing? We expected to hear from you much sooner..."
Polaris Saturday March 2nd, 2002 3:19:03 AM
Polaris crowds around the Jester with glee like the others, it has been a long time since she could remember last seeing him. She grins at him, but says nothing, not wanting to overwhelm him with her questions as well as the others.
Drew Monday March 4th, 2002 9:22:18 AM
Drew stays back allowing this strange man space to breathe and speak. The are many questions to ask and yet perhaps this is not the time.
DM Jan Monday March 4th, 2002 11:49:23 AM
The Jester gives a sigh, his expression still curious as he glances at the gnome.
Nevertheless, he steps inside, and settles himself down on the bed in the room, lying back, with his hands behind his head.
"Of my own plight, I've no good cheer, Our dear old 'Float' may sink, I fear..."
"So, orphans - what doth bring me here? A reckless game? Or trouble and fear?"
During his rhyme, he stares at the ceiling, but as soon as he's done, he sits up sharply, his intense gaze taking in each and every one of the group.
Steve Tuesday March 5th, 2002 2:12:59 AM
My above post was supposed to have been a private post but apparently, such is not the case. Reason for the private post was I needed to go over some stuff with Jan. At any rate, disregard Fenglynnan. Substitute Flindalgen instead.
Jezebella Tuesday March 5th, 2002 7:00:08 AM
Jezebella's lips turn up slightly at the Jester's rhyme, grim as it is. She sits on the edge of the bed, and states.. "We needed some advice, and also wished to know our standing with you. Are we still your champions?"
Drew Tuesday March 5th, 2002 8:57:46 AM
Drew watches the Jester with a close eye. Times seem to have been just as hard upon him as his family. Perhaps his wisdom will be more than helpful, perhaps not.
Miranna Tuesday March 5th, 2002 9:02:30 AM
Miranna smiles. The Jester's rhyme is strangely comforting. "How did your test end, Yorick? We duplicated the first key, but could not find you in the aftermath of Domi's death. How do the Lords stand in this divine war? Does this diamond pin," Miranna unfolds the left front of her sash to reveal the diamond pin given to her so many months past, "still mean anything?"
"And, why do you fear that Floating City may sink?"
Dm Jan Wednesday March 6th, 2002 1:22:27 AM
Yorick appears to be thinking of a rhyme to answer all the questions put to him, then flicks his hand in the air in exasperation. He still seems suspicious of Eljer, and his face - a swirling pattern of black and diamonds alive on his face, depicts a thin mask of sorrow for a moment.
"This is no time for riddles. Young ones, we are all in dire peril. War with Plateau City is imminent. After the murder of the Underlord, those in charge of the City are in turmoil. Control is beginning to slip through their fingers."
The Jester's face becomes stern, and perhaps a little frightening. "Our 'game' alas, is no more. You will speak no more of tests, of keys or champions. Now is the time for silence, and must I insist that you tell no one. Your lives are in danger if such things are overheard."
He sighs and then continues. "Even the Gods are against us, it seems. Rumour has it that Marteaus - the Dark Lord - is raising an army to swoop down and take over the known Wold. How much of this is true - we do not know. But something is coming, like a dark cloud. My struggles at attempting to become a member of the high council seem child's play and insignificant compared to what we are now up against."
"There are things at work here that revel in chaos and destruction, so much so that we must all turn our attentions outward, and attempt to protect the City in any way we can. If we cannot do this - we are all doomed."
He then rounds on Miranna. "That!" he says, stabbing a finger toward her pin. "That sparkling pin, you must hide, "Others flaunted, and promptly died."
He's not kidding. The truth of it can be seen in his eyes.
"And now - advice was mentioned? Hmmm?"
((OOC - is anyone able to post for Scott's character Syr, for a few days?))
Flin (formerly Eljer) if Ok'd By Jan Wednesday March 6th, 2002 2:19:43 AM
Flin nods in understanding at the Jester's words.
"We appreciate your counsel. In fact, we are in need of more. Such is the reason why we called upon you. After some discussion, we determined that you would be the best person to advise us."
Flin looks around the room at his friends to make sure everyone is still of one mind. If so, he turns to Plink.
"Plink, if you would be so kind."
Miranna Wednesday March 6th, 2002 9:27:01 AM
Miranna nods gravely and readjusts her sash to conceal the diamond pin. Yorick's news is grim, but no more than she had expected. At least the Lords have not turned to the dark side, and Yorick remains their friend.
She waits for Plink to explain their latest find, then asks Yorick, "Is there anything we can do to help protect the City?"
Drew Wednesday March 6th, 2002 10:43:29 AM
Drew looks down at his diamond pin that up untill now he had worn so proudly, the second thing he had ever been able to put pride into in all his life. Sighing he removes the pin and puts it into his pack.
Plink Wednesday March 6th, 2002 6:01:08 PM
Plink, bowing respectfully at his bidding from Flin, steps forward and begins the tale of what has happened. "Good Yorick, I am troubled to hear that you haven't been overly successful in the recent past. However, as we both know, the City at large is in much danger. We ourselves have eliminated one such danger-a mystical bug that presumably reproduces quickly. We were able to set the beasts on fire before they could spread, and we had thought the City to be quite safe. However, it appears our worst fears are coming true. We had come into the acquaintance of two gentlemen-Rand and McIntley-from Plateau City, who were trackers sent to track down those in charge of placing the bugs here. They insisted their innocence of the recent crimes, but were forced to flee back to their home city. It was while we were having lunch with them that we heard of the terrible strike to fall upon the Floating City. As we were with two Plateau Cityfolk, we quickly fled to a back ally, and into a building that housed clothing items for females. I heard voices from a room, so I listened, and heard word of some 'findings' that would need to be 'secured overnight'. When the strangers had apparently left, those of our group skilled in the more-pilferous-arts stepped into the room, and gathered a chest. Inside there were many items, many POWERFUL items, which we have donned, and you can see here. (Plink holds up each of his hands, displaying the two rings he's wearing, as well as the magical bracers around his wrists) Some of us seek council in whether we should keep the items. I am of the feeling that, with the danger so imminent to the city, we should keep them for our own protection. We are more than certain we weren't seen leaving with the chest. Also, I am afraid to go see Mother Flaust again, for fear of linking her to any things we have done, or will do. We have surely made enemies through our travels, and will make many more in the near future. And so, Yorick, we seek your council, as you are the wisest of those that we know."
Jezebella Wednesday March 6th, 2002 8:23:00 PM
Jez bites back further questions, rather waiting for his responce.
DM Jan Thursday March 7th, 2002 10:56:32 AM
The Jester listens as Plink explains what has happened to the group of orphans since they last met. "My my," he says at one point. "My dear Aunt Lizzie, haven't you been busy..."
His face darkens at the mention of the Plateau City folk, and then - as Plink tells of the treasure, he springs to his feet. Slowly, he circles Plink, eyes taking in the bracers and the rings, and then an awkward moment of silence follows.
Yorick then taps his diamond decorated chin. "This is merely plain thievery," he says, waving his hand in dismissal of the act. "The threat of being seen with folks from Plateau City is greater. If you took them to your home, and someone saw you...." His nose wrinkles in distaste.
"As for this - " he points at Plinks hands. "A chest you say." He starts to laugh. "I am assuming there is more. There were rumours that... but no matter. Do you know what all this is capable of? Hmmmm?"
He looks at everyone with the condescension of a strict schoolmaster for a moment. "And as for helping the City? How far are you willing to go?
Miranna Thursday March 7th, 2002 11:33:24 AM
Miranna wonders at the Jester's laughter. "What rumours, Yorick? You said yourself this is no time for riddles. Do you know the origin of the chest we found? This wand was also in the chest." She pulls the wand free of her sash and holds it out.
"As for helping the City... I will go as far as is necessary to protect the only home I know. Even if it means... giving up my life." The last part is said softly.
Flin Thursday March 7th, 2002 6:26:26 PM
Flin stands up to his full height.
"I think I can speak for all of us when I echo Miranna's statement-that we are willing to do whatever is required to save our fair city. Even if it means laying down our lives."
Flin looks around for agreement.
Drew Thursday March 7th, 2002 9:19:13 PM
Drew looks at the strange man and says, "I go where my family goes."
Polaris Thursday March 7th, 2002 11:02:15 PM
Polaris looks at the others in agreement.
Jezebella Friday March 8th, 2002 6:59:49 AM
The gypsy girl looks troubled, but says nothing. She moves behind Miranna, letting that simple action speak for her position.
DM Jan Sunday March 10th, 2002 3:30:53 PM
Yorick regards the wand Miranna is holding forth for a moment. "Yes, I DO know the origin of the chest, young lady, and NO I'm not going to tell you where it came from. For now, your ignorance will serve you better than knowledge." He leans forward a little to emphasis the point, his face quite serious. "Sometimes, knowing what's what - will get you a knife in the belly, hmmm?" He waves a hand at the group - "What you have there - keep it hidden, if it is discovered, then of course you merely found it, and know nothing else."
"As for the City...... there is one advantage that you all have - you are young, no offense, but you are wretched Fence Level youths that no one pays attention to. "One might say you are almost invisible. "In such times as these - I would call that a definite boon. "I have heard...." He hesitates. "Your eyes and ears could be valuable. I have heard of a plot - the truth of it is debatable, but nevertheless - I fear these things cannot be ignored. If you could find out some information for me? Perhaps it could be stopped." "What say you? If you agree then we shall meet tomorrow. Now if you have no more questions...."
Syr (all moved in) Monday March 11th, 2002 12:49:06 AM
Syr bows his head to the jester, "We will do whatever necessary to save our home. My pointed ears are at your service."
Patting Flin on the back, "Well, I guess tomorrow is soon enough to prove your worth to our painted face friend."
[OOC: I'm all moved in, Ready to go again folks.]
Miranna Monday March 11th, 2002 10:17:22 AM
Miranna purses her lips in a pout. "What does it matter if we have more questions or not, if you will not answer them? If the possession of these items could endanger us, knowing whence the danger comes would enable us to better avoid it. I do not see how such knowledge could be a source of danger."
"But at least tell us this directly: do you advise that we keep or dispose of these items? Will keeping the items pose a danger to those we love?"
Drew Monday March 11th, 2002 10:44:55 AM
Drew closes his eyes at the jesters words and shakes his head slowly, saying nothing.
Flin Monday March 11th, 2002 5:17:14 PM
Flin strokes his beard in contemplation.
"Yes...yes, I think we all could easily do that of which you ask for as you pointed out, we can move about much more freely than most. After all, we are nothing but mere fence level orphans."
Tiree, quiet for so long, continues to watch her family and Yorick. Her eyes continue to move back to the one that she knew as Eljer, but now claims to be named Flindalgen. Something was definitely not right there and she meant to find out what that was.
Turning to Yorick she finally speaks up, "Since you know the origin of the chest, I am going to assume you know what was in it as well. I, too, would like to know if you think we should keep it. I must admit, I've already grown a bit attached to these daggers." She tosses the one she holds lightly in her hand.
Jezebella Monday March 11th, 2002 8:02:22 PM
Jezebella, her body posture clearly carrying her building frustration, asks bluntly.. "What plot?"
DM Jan Monday March 11th, 2002 11:52:09 PM
Something shifts across the Jester's eyes as Miranna and Tiree ask their questions. What do they see - fear? Or mere irritability? What was he trying to hide? Anything?
One had to wonder how the secretive Lords of Diamonds would fare in the current climate. After all, when times were tough, people tended to call in favours, trade information in return for safety, putting others in jeopardy in order to bring food to the table. And some people had more to lose than others.
"Keeping what you have will not bring harm, providing you do not tell every tavern patron in the City." he snapped. "And - I suspect that if you take up my request, you will need all the protection and strength you can get your hands on."
"As for the plot..." Here he relaxes a little, feeling less cornered. "Little is known, but for some time now, some of us have suspected a great evil being planned in secret. Something that will rip the entire Wold asunder. Tell me - have any of you ventured down into the Trash Level? For that is where you must go. "Now go home and prepare - dress in your poorest clothes. Meet me tomorrow in the alley behind this tavern, and I will tell you more."
With that, he leaves. Anyone watching him go will see a man constantly looking over his shoulder, and fear in his eyes once again.
Drew Tuesday March 12th, 2002 12:06:47 PM
Drew sighs realizing that his sugestion has not been of much help and that they seem to have landed back into the mess of things again. "Well I see that the Gods have placed upon us all a great burden, we are off to save the Wold again."
Syr Tuesday March 12th, 2002 12:53:39 PM
Syr snaps his fingers, "Poorest clothes? I guess that means we won't be putting on those darn dresses again."
Looking around at the others, "Well, it sounds like we have a full day in store. It seems that the Jester thinks home will be safe. Although, why it should be was left very vague. I'm not quite sure I trust our rhyming friend as much as before. Anyway, why don't we get some rest?"
Tiree Tuesday March 12th, 2002 6:10:30 PM
Tiree nods to Syr.
"I agree. Let's go home. It's been a long day and I, for one, need sleep. Especially if we are going to meet Yorick tomorrow."
She looks to the pin on her coller and unpins it. She repins it on the inside of her shirt so that no one can see it, but she can feel it.
Taking a quick look around the room to make sure nothing is left behind she heads out the door and toward home.
Miranna Tuesday March 12th, 2002 9:27:00 PM
Miranna looks after the departing Jester with her brows creased. She nods at Syr's words. "Yorick is much changed from the confident Jester we knew before. But -" sighing softly, "he is the only source of advice we have, if we do not want Flaust to know about our activities."
She turns to look at Drew. "Yorick has advised that we keep the items from the chest. Do you now agree, Drew?"
If Drew assents, Miranna asks to keep the wand only. She will not take anything else.
[OOC: Since our treasurer is Jezebella, she should take charge of all the gems and potions that nobody wants to take.]
After that, she summons her familiar and heads home with the others.
DM Jan Wednesday March 13th, 2002 1:41:58 AM
As the group make their way south - back toward the Orphanage, the streets are gloomy and the ceiling above seems particularly oppressive. In the dark, Syr trips over something in the street and cracks his head hard on the stone cobbles leaving him with a nasty gash on his forehead. (1 DAM Syr)
Back home, Flaust seems especially glad to see everyone, and gives a sigh. "One of those nights, tonight it seems," she says ruefully, indicating some of the younger children, who seem especially tearful and restless. "But come, eat your supper and try and get some sleep. Who knows what tomorrow will bring." She will help in patching up Syr's head wound. Supper is a hearty vegetable stew, served up with chunks of bread.
The true night comes, and with it - a dream shared by everyone.
In the dream - the dreamer is like an animal, bounding through low grass at night, smelling the earth, feeling the moisture beneath bare feet. It feels beautiful to run like this, wild and completely free. But then - half way up a rise, the dreamer stops, feeling a faint, and unfamiliar beat, coming through the ground. Thump.. thump.. thump.. coming closer, closer. The breeze carries a scent, something heavy and raw. Danger.
The dreamer hides behind a rock, just in time, as over the rise - strides an orc - huge, mean-looking, and brutally armoured.
Then comes another, and another, and another, followed by a horde of trolls. The scent, as strong as sour leather makes the dreamer's nose twitch, and fear begins to crawl inside the dreamer's belly. The sound is overbearing now - clanking metal, the continual thud of marching feet, and the occasional hideous howl of a predator in search of prey. There seems no end to this army of monsters. There are hundreds, thousands of beasts - treading the grass, reducing it to mud. They are carrying and dragging weapons, nasty hunks of twisted metal which are waved in the air accompanied by such dire laughter, that it seems to strip the dreamer of even the slight remains of hope. They are coming, oh yes - and they are going to destroy everything in their path. Nothing will stop them.
Then, just as despair takes over, something else comes - like an ocean wave, powerful, inevitable - stilling the surrounding chaos, calming the horror that is trying to pull the dreamer apart. The dreamer sees a man standing there, mighty and solemn. He begins to speak, and as he does, everything else appears to fade. The sound of his voice seems to give the dreamer power and courage, as he speaks to the dreamer's heart -
"He who has ears, let him hear the words of Valdor, formerly known as the Dragonslayer, now known as the Dragonstone.
"My brothers and sisters of the Wold, it has been given to me to contact all of you, and I have thought long and hard before sending you all this message. My companions, the Gold Dragons of Plateau City, and I have witnessed a great many things recently that led us to send this message. These words I speak, I speak with knowledge and understanding. I am sure that you all have seen and heard many unbelievable things over the last few weeks and months. I know of no other way to say this, so listen carefully. My known and unknown friends, war is coming! A terrible war against the most powerful of opponents. The one known as Marteaus gathers his armies now and is preparing to strike at all of our lands and homes. No where on this Wold is safe or beyond his reach. There is no hole deep enough nor a cave dark enough to hide from him. He has assembled an army of hideous creatures to attempt to wipe us all out at once. It is time to fight. We must fight for our lives, our families, our lands and our Gods. This evil will not go away if we turn a blind eye to it. We have witnessed the horrible things Marteaus has done and the abominations he creates. He must be stopped and his army must be destroyed. We will be outnumbered and many will lose their lives in the coming war. But if we do not start now and fight, we will all die, and everything we know will be ground under his heel into dust. So it is time to stand for what we know is right and good and strike. We must strike at his temples and Caeroldra's and Ga'al's as well, since they are the ones behind all of this. Whether you use stealth or strength of arm, these temples must be destroyed. Do not fear angering a god, as they have begun something they should not have. When the war starts, each of you will have to kill at least 50 of the evil army to have a chance. For myself, well, I've been around a bit longer than most, so I'll aim for 100. Each of you must look to strengthen the defenses in your own town and country. You must have your people ready to fight to the death, if necessary. We must strike the temples now! If we can scatter their followers or at least disorganize them, it will delay their plans and make them alter their plan of action against us. I am no assassin, but I am charged with bringing together an army to defeat what I have seen. Do not be afraid, for we have 15 ancient dragons on our side and all of the Dragon groups of good as well. We must find alliances with all who would protect against the evil Marteaus has brought upon us. Seek the Dwarves, the elves, the halflings, the minotaurs and liontaurs. We must have an army to fight back and you are all the best in the land. We are the only hope in this dark time, but as long as one single candle is lit, the darkness will flee from it. When we face the Dark Lord, I will ask him how he thought he could possibly win with orcs and goblins fighting his battles for him. Stand up now for all of the Wold, for the love of our fellow good beings and all that is right and just. There will be great rewards for all who fight and survive this war! I will know of your deeds and will honor you in front of all who live. Some of you may earn the title of Dragon, others may earn valuable weapons and armor, but all will earn honor. When the time comes we must gather for the final battle, so be prepared. We know not when nor where, but be ready. We will win this fight, by all the good Gods, I know we will. I am Valdor the Dragonstone, and I will not accept any other end. Stand tall and proud and fight to win. It begins..."
Valdor's last words are barely a whisper, but all can feel his anger, but without hate. And his pride is evident, but not necessarily in himself as much as with everyone he's relaying the message to. His words ring complete truth to any who can feel such things and there was no hesitancy at all. It is spoken with complete authority, but also as a plea. Again you hear his last words, "It begins...."
The wave subsides with a rush, and everyone wakes up abruptly - their hearts pounding with purpose. It is still dark - a few hours before morning, and there is still a whisper in the air. "It begins....."
Oh my, that was no mere dream, was it... Elsewhere in the orphanage, the younger children begin to howl. Did they dream this too? It certainly sounds as though they did.
Flin Wednesday March 13th, 2002 2:50:16 AM
Flin bolts upright in bed, drenched in sweat, heart pounding like a drum. Hearing the children howl, he jumps up from his bed, wraps himself in a cloak and makes his way rapidly to their room. Upon entering, he spreads his arms wide and begins a prayer to Ffloy.
"My lord, hear the wordsof your humble servant and deliver these young souls from the distress that grips them tightly. Send your peace down upon them, wrapping them up in its calm embrace. This I humbly ask of you. I ever remain your servant."
Flin casts Calm Emotions.
Jezebella Wednesday March 13th, 2002 7:03:50 AM
Jezebella sits bolt upright in her bed, panting with emotion. Her lips form words that still ring in her ears.. "It begins..."
She lets forth a shuddered sigh, and is pulled from her bed by the cries of the young ones. She clambers out of bed, her usual grace dashed by the mighty dream and sudden wakening. Racing to the childrens room through the dark, she almost bowls over Flin. She gives him a weak smile, and then moves to the nearest child, one of the smaller ones. She hushes her, and pets her downy hair.
She shares a look of understanding and compassion with Flin.
Syr Wednesday March 13th, 2002 3:07:45 PM
The elf gets up slowly, rubbing his scalp. "What the heck?" He moves his feet around in the dark and strikes something solid, sending it skittering across the cobblestones.
Reaching down he picks up a vicious looking weapon that is dimly outlined in the dark. It appears to be a double weapon with one end as a flail and the other as a sword. "Hey Drew, what do you think of this?" With a few experimental swings, he weaves the sword through the air only to be knocked on the shoulder by the flail portion. "OW! This is going to take some practice."
He quickly rejoins the others and swaps his axe with the Gyrspike in his glove. On the way back, he repeatedly rubs his head and it seems like there is a strange dim glow coming from his hand.
Once back at the orphanage, Mother sees the blood on his face and rushes to the kitchen to get a wet rag. After wiping his face several times, she draws her hand back looking down in puzzlement. "Where is the cut?"
Syr quickly stands up and feels his forehead, he stammers out, "It must have been that pink thing I drank which helped it." Looking down the elf places one hand on the side of his head, "Mother, I still feel a little headache. I'd like to go upstairs and get some rest now."
Tiree Wednesday March 13th, 2002 3:37:01 PM
Tiree's eyes fly open. She slowly sits up as the last of the dream that was no dream leaves her. Her mouth forms the final words, "It begins" and she shudders. Finally, the cries of the younger children intrude on her and she quickly gets out of bed.
Seeing Flin already there, Tiree gives him a wide berth and heads to the child who seems the most overwrought to help comfort.
Miranna Thursday March 14th, 2002 7:04:29 AM
Miranna starts out of her trance and stares in some confusion at the vague shapes stirring in the darkness around her. The accompanying noise would suggest that the whole orphanage has been roused. She is not the only one to have received the vision...
The elf takes a few moments to collect her thoughts. "It begins..." she repeats softly to herself. The initial feeling of awe at receiving a message from the leader of the famous Gold Dragons is quickly replaced by the question of HOW it had been done. She has not read of any spell that can deliver a dream-like vision to an elf...
When the howling increases in volume, Miranna sighs and makes her way to the younger children's rooms to help comfort them.
Drew Thursday March 14th, 2002 10:00:56 AM
Drew still awake watches the others come awake one by one after the dream. The waking dream to him. Staring about the room he sits head reasting upon his axe staring into the darkness. "It begins.." he says to himself. Then he wispers "it is true then, the Gods do have some higher puropse for me and mine. With that he kneels silently and prys to what ever God has guided him to this place and time. He prays for guidance, protection, and faith. he prays for the protection of his family and wisdom to know when to wield his axe and when to wield his axe. But like all true warriors he mostly prays for peace.
DM Jan Friday March 15th, 2002 1:41:36 AM
It takes a while to get the children settled, and when the morning comes, everyone seems a little dazed.
Flaust approaches the group. "I want you all to try and come back early tonight," she says. "We must make plans."
It is now full daylight, and there is an appointment to keep.
Drew Friday March 15th, 2002 10:36:30 AM
Drew looks at Flaust as she speaks and asks. "Plans for what mother Flaust?"
Miranna and Weasel Friday March 15th, 2002 10:54:23 AM
Miranna waits for Flaust to answer Drew's question, then promises to try and come back early.
Just before they set out to meet Yorick, she casts Extended Mage Armor on herself. [+4 AC for 6 hours.]
The elf is dressed in her most faded robe. She is apparently unarmed (except for the hidden dagger in her boot). Her spell component pouch and waist pouch are of course with her, as always.
Tiree Friday March 15th, 2002 2:14:24 PM
Tiree nods to Mama Flaust, already having an idea what the plans are for.
Tiree turns to the gnome near her. "And when we get back tonight, I want to know exactly who you are Flindalgren or Eljer or whoever you are."
With that, Tiree turns away and heads to her room to dress in her shoddiest clothing. She makes sure she takes her backpack, all her daggers, and the new ones she got as well.
Polaris Friday March 15th, 2002 6:19:48 PM
Polaris prepares herself for what plans there are to come.
OOC: Sorry, I have been working on a 3,000 word paper for the past work, but I am fully entact now
Jezebella Friday March 15th, 2002 10:12:51 PM
Jezebella gathers up her things, and gets her 'worst' outfit out. to make herself seem more shabby, she goes into the garden of the orphanage, and rubs some dirt onto her clothing.
Flin Monday March 18th, 2002 5:24:25 AM
Flin winces somewhat at Tiree's words and lets out a labored breath after she leaves. He then prepares to join the others in meeting Yorick.
DM Jan Monday March 18th, 2002 12:22:09 PM
Flaust looks up at Drew - her face tinged with sadness, but underpinned with determination. "The Orphanage, Drew," she says. "We must decide what can be done to survive the horror that comes. I will not let this place be overrun. I will not let these children die."
The group dons their shabbiest clothing, and goes out to meet with the 'Jester' once more. There is a change out there on the streets, as people rush about their business with frightened looks on their faces instead of stopping to chat with their fellows. Had everyone been witness to the nightmare? And what about Valdor's message? A passing squad of guards look to have an air of grim resolution about them, so maybe that had been heard too. The entire atmosphere on the Fence Level seems electric, and unsettling.
Up in the Alley behind the Giggling Ghost, imaginary demons seem to lurk around every barrel, around every stack of packing cases.
There is no sign of the Jester - the alley's only resident appears to be an old tramp bundled in rags, his face hidden.
Suddenly, everyone in the group begins to feel something - a prodding, a tingling, or maybe just an itch. Drew's pack shifts slightly, and out of it floats his diamond pin, which hangs in the air for a moment. It is joined by the other pins, which wriggle and wriggle, coming out from behind lapels, emerging from pouches and folds of clothing.
They form a circle high in the air,out of everyone's reach, and begin to spin around and around. And then with a sharp flash! - they seem to come together. Instead of the pins, there is a tiny jeweled mask - black, white, and diamonds - beautifully worked. Small enough to be held, even in the palm of a gnome's hand, the thing smiles at everyone -
"Here I hang, nice and steady, To save the Float - are you ready?"
- it asks, the Jester's voice plainly recognisable.
The old tramp can be seen shuffling around the corner out of sight.
Jezebella Monday March 18th, 2002 3:02:46 PM
Jezebella starts when her pin is plucked from her. Her face goes sour and she stands stiffly. She glances the way the vagrant went, and murmers "Very subtle, Jester. Do you think us unready? Get on with it.. what is it we are to do?"
Tiree Monday March 18th, 2002 9:07:59 PM
Not realizing what is happening, Tiree makes a grab for her pin when it is pulled from her lapel. She watches, dazed, as the mask forms and begins to speak. Seeing the vagrant out of the corner of her eye, she drops one of her new daggers into her hand, but does not show it.
"Hello Yorick. I'm going to watch the entrance, let me know if you need me."
She gives Flin a look as she is leaving. She tries to stand close enough to hear but far enough away she can keep an eye out for people entering the alley.
OOC: If this is not a dead end someone else might want to watch the other end.
Syr Tuesday March 19th, 2002 2:52:14 AM
Syr barely moves when the pins start wiggling around. As the pins gather together, he looks around for any sign of what is causing it.
With a quick toss of his ponytail, he looks over at Flin, "Ready to save the world again? or at least our small corner of it?"
Spying the old tramp, he pursues her/him to the corner. Craning his neck, Syr tries to follow the old tramp, looking for any signs of unusual activity.
Miranna d20+9=17 Tuesday March 19th, 2002 10:24:24 AM
Miranna's eyes are fixed on the tiny mask, her expression a mixture of wonder and concentration. [Spellcraft 17, won't do much.]
DM Jan Wednesday March 20th, 2002 12:23:57 AM
Tiree stands guard at the entrance, and Syr slips past her for a moment, to see what the tramp is up to. He catches a glimpse of the Jester's face in the folds of cloth that cover the tramps face for a moment. Is that a slight look of regret on the Jesters face? The tramp disappears into the crowd, enabling Syr to return to the group.
Meanwhile, Jez, annoyed by the Jester's games and Miranna, who sees that the small mask is a mirror of the larger one the Jester wears with a few slight differences, stand with the others beneath the spinning mask.
"My apologies," says the mask, it's eyes blinking. "Secrets are my only defence, and I must guard them closely. When this is over, and if we're still alive, then you shall have your pins returned." The masks spins around rapidly on it's axis for a moment then stops. "I want you to go down into the Trash Level. Something is afoot, but I dare not enter. behind you is a package of refined tobacco. I want you to go to the Black Thorn Inn. There will be a man there named Stubbs. He is a member of the Anvil's Heart Gang, but of course you don't know that. Just be careful. Delivering the tobacco is your reason for being down there. It will give you a chance to hang around and keep your ears open. "People talk - they always do. Listen, tell me of anything strange. "One of you must keep this mask safe. For now, it will be your only link to me. If you need me, all you have to say is "Jester, Jester, come alive!" then throw the mask in the air. "Go now, and do what you can for your City."
The tiny mask abruptly drops to the floor.
As Tiree stands guard, something extremely weird happens. She suddenly hears a scream and sees people running down the street away from edge walls of the City. "DRAAAGONSSS!!!!" someone screams, running past. And then - "Wait, wait! They've gone!" There is a lot of confusion. From what she can tell, it seems that fifteen dragons suddenly appeared overhead in the sky, frightening people out of their wits, only to promptly disappear again. Why? No one seems to know, but then doesn't Tiree remember something from Valdor's Message? 'Fifteen ancient dragons on our side'?. It seemed that strange things were happening all over the place.
((OOC - okay, we have Plink, Drew and Eljer temporarily AWOL for legitimate and unavoidable reasons (not for too long hopefully). I know this makes it difficult for the rest of us, but lets rock, and keep things going in their absence))
Miranna Wednesday March 20th, 2002 8:25:06 AM
Miranna bends to pick up the mask. She turns it in her hand to examine, recalling the last time they were asked to retrieve a mask. "I will keep this mask if n-" She freezes in place as the scream of "DRAAAGONSSS!!!!" filters into the alley.
When nothing happens after a few moments, the elf's face unfreezes in a wan smile. She puts the tiny mask into her belt pouch and looks in Tiree's direction. "Tiree should be able to tell us what the commotion was about. Let us go on our task. Will you pick up the tobacco, Syr?"
Flin d20+10=23 Wednesday March 20th, 2002 9:33:15 AM
Flin raises an eyebrow at both Yorick and the appearing and then disappearing dragons. He turns to Syr.
"Yes, Syr, I am ready to save the Wold. Most ready indeed. But before we go, I would like the opportunity to explain why I revealed a new name so suddenly. Hopefully, I will be believed and we can go forward without any doubts or reservations between us."
He glances at Tiree and then continues.
"I originally come from the village of Bray. When I was younger, my father upset a local chieftan. Knowing I and my siblings were in danger, he dispatched us one by one to various places. None of us knew where any of the others were being sent. He told me to go to the Floating City. He also demanded once I was on my way to acquire a new name. Along the way, I was watching a play being performed in a theater. While there, I had to make use of the privy and saw the name "Eljer" carved in the wood. I presumed it to be the name of the woodworker responsible for the building of the privy. I thought it as good a name as any so I adopted it. Since that day until we met with Yorick, I went by Eljer in order to protect myself. As to why I suddenly revealed my true identity, I'm not sure. I do know I had a sixth sense that Yorick might be someone who could see through my ruse, thereby causing us problems. Perhaps as well I was simply tired of not being who I really was. Also, I was afraid that were my true identity to become known, the rest of you might be in jeopardy if the chieftan is looking for me. I know not whether he is or isn't. I don't know if my parents or siblings still live. All I do know is that I am Flindalgren Silvertongue, Fingerman of Ffloy, friend and comrade-in-arms of Tiree, Jez, Miranna, Syr, Plink, and Drew. I pledge my life to each of you."
With that, Flin stops.
Diplomacy Roll 23
OOC: The manner in which I came up with the name Eljer is true-It was on a urinal in a bathroom at movie theatre in Nashville, TN. I presume it is the name of the company that made the urinal.
Jezebella Wednesday March 20th, 2002 7:29:15 PM
Jezebella nods curtly to Miranna as she suggests they start. She ignores the cries of 'Dragons!'
Her sour state makes her a poor audience for Flin's speech, and she simply nods to him again.
She follows the group as they make thier way down.
Tiree d20+4=24 Wednesday March 20th, 2002 8:37:35 PM
Tiree listens closely to Eljer/Flin as he tells his tale (Sense motive 24, nat 20) to see if she can determine if he is just trying to pull the wool over their eyes again or not.
She then reports what she saw at the entrance to the others before they get underway to the Trash level.
Syr Thursday March 21st, 2002 5:08:05 AM
Syr picks up the tobacco. "Well, the first order of business is caution. Why don't we make sure this contains what the Jester says?" With that he opens the pouch and conducts a thorough inspection of the contents.
Assuming he finds nothing unusual, he swaps the bag of tobacco with the unusual weapon. Sliding the bag into his concealing glove he pulls out the large weapon sword end first. Spinning it once or twice to get the feel, he grins with delight. "Much better, I didn't even hit myself. Given where we are going, I think I'll keep this in hand..."
Grinning at Flin, "Enough long winded speaches, let's go find out about the city."
{OOC: I'll admit to doing some deep thinking in the shower, but I haven't quite done my research for character names there...*grin*)
DM Jan Thursday March 21st, 2002 10:53:48 AM
Miranna picks up the tiny mask communicator, and Syr examines the contents of the package the Jester left behind. Just the scent alone tells him its the tobacco, alright. It has a deep, rich odor and looks like crumpled leaves. Flin decides to come clean with his true identity. It sounds honest enough - and as the other orphans knew only too well, survival often called for strange measures.
The group makes for the Trash Level ramp as Tiree relates the tale of what she saw and heard out there while she was stood guard. Were the dragons taking a stand against the dreaded onslaught of Marteus and his armies? How would they fare? Just exactly what was happening out there beyond the Lake?
Not far from the Trash Level ramp, the orphans see a burned out dwelling. From the partially scorched banner hanging haphazardly outside, it looks as though it was once one of the new cult temples that had been hastily erected after Domi's death. It's empty now, and someone has scrawled in giant yellow letters - "V" "R" on the blackened wall.
The ramp isn't particularly busy, and the group walks down into the gloom of the Trash Level. It's a different world....
It's darker down here, much darker than expected. Even though it is morning proper, it seems like night time. As for the smell.... old socks and rotting food scents permeate the air. It's not overpowering - just 'there'.
Of couse the Trash Level lies below the lake, so the only light comes from torches which flicker here and there, attached to the walls of buildings. The Black Thorn Inn is situated against the western outer wall, on Beggars Alley. People on the streets look very pale - everything looks grey and brown. There are houses, stores and taverns - all sandwiched in between much larger buildings. The larger buildings are mostly the Trash Houses. An occasional open door reveals huge piles of trash. Nimble fingered females and children sort through the rubbish, scurrying over to large baskets with their finds. The stronger men, heave the baskets on their shoulders and carry them to and fro.
The ramp leading further downward, into the UnderCity is currently VERY heavily guarded, which is unprecedented, but after what happened recently to the Underlord..... The guards there look as though they'd cut anyone's throat who came near.
One building - the BoilerHouse - not far from the ramps has huge pipes extending from it's roof. Some of the pipes head up toward the Fence Level - others curl downward and snake below the pavement. An open door wafts out heat, and inside can be seen larger men, some half orcs, shovelling trash into huge furnaces.
Yep - it's 'different' down here.
Syr Thursday March 21st, 2002 2:22:48 PM
Syr drifts near Polaris as the group moves down into the heart of the city. Not wanting to advertise the magic of the glove, he pulls the tobacco out and places it into his belt pouch.
Leading the others into the Inn he finds a table and sits. Speaking softly enough to be heard only by those at the table, "Any idea how to find Stubbs?"
Jezebella Thursday March 21st, 2002 9:15:24 PM
Jez sits with her back to the wall, and watches for trouble...she keeps herself aware of whats going on, listening for whispered conversations. She suggests "We could ask the barkeep ... we have legitimate business with the man, anyway."
Tiree d20+8=25 Friday March 22nd, 2002 2:06:47 AM
Tiree moves close to Syr.
"Here, give me the package. I'll ask around."
She takes the tobacco from Syr and moves to the bar. She waves to get the keeps attention. When the barkeep arrives Tiree speaks. "I gotta package 'ere to d'liver ta some guy by da name uh Stubbs. D'ya know wheres I can find 'im?" (Disguse 25)
Miranna Friday March 22nd, 2002 3:39:50 AM
Miranna wrinkles her nose as the group walks down the ramp to Trash Level, then, remembering their disguise, she tries to hold her breath without being too obvious. The effort soon puts a little flush on her pale cheeks.
Her eyes are drawn to the children scavenging in the rubbish piles. But the others are already hurrying on.
In the Inn, Miranna sits quietly, staring into space.
DM Jan Saturday March 23rd, 2002 5:44:52 PM
Syr leads the way to the Black Thorn Inn which is situated in a far corner on the north west section of the Trash Level.
The group are starting to become used to the dark and the smell now, and get the feeling that the scent will linger and permeate their clothes once they've left.
The Inn looks a bit worse for wear on the outside, but inside it seems orderly enough and the floors are well swept. Groups of patrons are sat around tables, mostly talking quietly - with the exception of a rather noisy card game going on in a far corner.
The orphans take a seat. Eyes look their way, then return to their own business after giving the girls a second look.
Tiree approaches the bar and asks about Stubbs. "Hmph," says the barkeep, "over there," and points toward the card game.
Meanwhile Miranna, Jezebella, Syr and the others overhear various snippets of conversation. At one table they're talking about the war, another table they're talking about the price of ale, and at another the word 'murdered' is heard.
Miranna d20+7=17 d20+5=10 Monday March 25th, 2002 6:22:32 AM
Miranna catches the word "murdered" and looks in the direction of the table. She strains her ears to hear more (Listen 17, with +2 for familiar within arm's reach). If she can see the face of anyone at the table without being noticed, she practises reading their lips (Read Lips 10).
Jezebella Monday March 25th, 2002 7:18:36 AM
Jezebella overhears the talk of the war.. she focuses on that table... not staring, but simply paying attention. (listen roll to follow)
Jez, listen roll d20+5=7 Monday March 25th, 2002 7:19:41 AM
(listen 7)
Flin d20+3=8 Monday March 25th, 2002 9:05:46 AM
Flin orders himself an ale and sits down, waiting to see what happens with Tiree and Stubbs and listening for whatever tidbits he can discern.
Listen Roll 8
Tiree d20+3=14 Monday March 25th, 2002 10:15:57 AM
Tiree heads over to the man the barkeep pointed out. She stands nearby listening to talk (Listen 14) until the current hand is finished before approaching Stubbs.
"You be Stubbs? I got tha package a bacca for ya."
Drew Monday March 25th, 2002 12:08:03 PM
Drew snapps out of his daze and trys to listen and pay attention.
Syr d20+3=10 Monday March 25th, 2002 1:07:19 PM
Syr perks his hears up at news of the war. He still has a hard time believing war is coming (listen 10). "Ya know, I always wanted to join the army. Drew, what do you think would happen if we did?"
DM Jan Tuesday March 26th, 2002 1:22:39 AM
Because of all the chitter chatter here and there, it's hard to discern the fine details of what's going on at various tables.
However, Miranna manages to hear - "...oiler House..... strange... diseased..." Lip reading is difficult. ".. no one... kno..."
At the other tables, a pieced together conversation reveals that the guards have been asking for volunteers to man the outer walls. Some reckon they're going to get drafted soon, anyway.
Over by the card game, Stubbs examines the package Tiree gives him, rolling a small piece of the tobacco between thick fingers. "I was expecting this," he said, "but I wasn't expecting you. Where's the Beggar?" A raised eyebrow that looked like a black caterpiller accompanied his question. Then he waved his hand. "No matter. Now off with you. I'm busy." He flicked a copper in Tiree's direction, and then went back to his card game.
Syr Tuesday March 26th, 2002 2:27:50 AM
Syr strains to pick up any hint of the other conversations to no avail. Snorting in frustration, he rises and moves over towards the bar.
Tiree d20+3=15 d20+3=16 Tuesday March 26th, 2002 7:45:10 AM
Tiree grabs the copper out of the air (Dex 15) and slowly makes her way back to the table. She does her best to listen to as many different coversations as she can (Listen 16).
Drew Tuesday March 26th, 2002 10:52:28 AM
Drew feeling uncomfortable in this small enclosed room can't seem to consentrate on the conversations. He looks to Syr when questioned and says. "I don't believe that we will be accecpted into the Army, as well the strange message recieved from Valdor, not everyone recieved it, I believe it marks us as something special. An army wouldn't take that into consideration and would probably break us up, something I do not wish at all."
Miranna Tuesday March 26th, 2002 9:10:06 PM
Miranna continues listening, a slight frown on her face.
Flin d20+3=8 Tuesday March 26th, 2002 11:45:24 PM
Flin focuses his attention on the conversation about the "...oiler house"....
Listen Roll 8
...and mutters that he wishes it wasn't so noisy in this blasted bar!
DM Jan Wednesday March 27th, 2002 1:56:18 AM
As Tiree moves back toward the group, she and Miranna, and the passing Syr overhear - ".... anyone talked to the boiler workers?" "... no. Hah! Would you? They're already -"
Whoever spoke the last sentence spots Drew and shuts up quick, for one reason or another.
Flin, Plink and Jezebella catch something more about the war - mostly folks are wondering how Plateau City will react to the outside threat. It's just general talk.
At the bar, Syr isn't given a second glance, after all - he's only a young 'un.
Jezebella d20+5=15 Wednesday March 27th, 2002 10:59:30 AM
The gypsy girl, frustrated that she is hearing nothing of interest, begins wandering the inn area... keeping an eye on her friends, and an ear out for gossip. (listen 15)
Miranna Wednesday March 27th, 2002 10:49:15 PM
Miranna tries to recall if she knows anything about a boiler house on Trash Level.
DM Jan Thursday March 28th, 2002 12:44:48 AM
(The group walked past the Boiler House on their way to the tavern. It's not far from the ramp leading back up toward the Fence Level)
A man at one of the tables talking about the war winks at Jezebella as she walks past. "Shouldn't you be working, young un'?" he asks.
Syr Thursday March 28th, 2002 1:19:30 AM
Syr mutters under his breath when he sees the notices that the barkeep is ignoring him "... timeless appearance....hmph... can't get a drink to save my life."
Moving back towards the others he slides back into his chair, "Nothing if helping here, why don't we don't we go look at the one place that seems to be popping up in conversation, the boiler house?"
Drew Thursday March 28th, 2002 9:19:11 AM
lookat at Syr Drew nods. His uncomfort in this enclosed space seems to be getting to him. There are simply too many people here.
Miranna Thursday March 28th, 2002 10:43:11 AM
Miranna nods at Syr and stands to leave.
Jezebella Thursday March 28th, 2002 12:23:11 PM
Jez winks back to the man. "Ah am workin' mistah." She slurs with a gutter accent. She notices her friends leaving, and dodges around a table away from the man, joining them.
Tiree d20+3=17 d20+3=23 Thursday March 28th, 2002 12:54:48 PM
Tiree stands with the others and gives the room a once over before they leave (Spot 17). She moves slowly through the room to the door, hoping to catch just a bit more information from somebody (Listen 23, nat 20). She feels like she definitely doesn't know enough.
Flin Thursday March 28th, 2002 2:46:09 PM
Flin follows his siblings out of the bar and makes his way up the street towards the boiler house.
DM Jan Thursday March 28th, 2002 11:24:28 PM
Jez gets a roar of laughter from the men at the table, and Tiree manages to catch more talk about 'What will Plateau City do?' on her way out. No one seems to know exactly what Plateau City will do, but there's a few ribald comments thrown back and forth on the subject, enough to increase her slang vocabulary to the point of blushing. The orphans decide to go an investigate the mysterious goings-on at the Boiler House.
As they walk along streets lit with flickering torchlight, they notice a man putting up a sign on what looks like a communal notice board. The sign says - 'Lankhmar and Ailthmar disappear into the skies!' Below this headline, is a rather sketchy account of both cities rising and floating away, leaving behind nothing but a few ruins. Very strange....
The main door to the Boiler House is wedged open - hardly surprising because of the heat coming from within. Inside - a huge man and a half orc can be seen nearby, shovelling piles of trash into a roaring furnace.
Tiree d20+3=17 d20+9=17 d20+3=14 d20+7=11 d20+3=11 Friday March 29th, 2002 8:48:06 AM
Not entirely sure that going in is the best thing, Tiree motions to the group to stay outside. Attempting to blend into the darkness (hide 17), she moves as quietly as she can around the building looking for anything that looks out of the ordinary (Spot 14, Search 11). Not trusting her eyes to alert her to danger, she opens her ears wide as well (Listen 11). While creeping, she quietly pulls one of her returning daggers out in case of emergency.
Syr Friday March 29th, 2002 1:03:12 PM
Syr finds a wall across the street where he can prop himself against and watches Tiree's progress without being obvious.
DM Jan Saturday March 30th, 2002 2:54:16 PM
Tiree investigates the exterior of the building. There doesn't appear to be anything odd as such, except for the huge pipes carrying gases to other levels.
Maybe the only way to find out whats going on is to go inside and ask some of the workers.
Jezebella Sunday March 31st, 2002 8:42:26 AM
Jez pokes her head into the boiler room.. she says loud enough to be heard over the furnace... "Is it safe yet?"
Syr Sunday March 31st, 2002 10:31:36 PM
Seeing Jez being so straightforward, he shakes his head and murmurs, "So much for stealth." Syr levers himself away from the wall and begins walking toward the boiler house stopping when he reaches her side.
Drew Monday April 1st, 2002 10:44:13 AM
Drew waits and watches. Keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary or wrong.
Miranna Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 12:15:47 AM
Miranna waits.
DM Jan Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 12:40:57 AM
Both men hear Jez's voice above the roar of the furnace and turn around. The half orc leans on his shovel and watches quietly as the man steps forward.
"Safe? Whaddya mean?" he asks, his eyes scanning the group. The look on his face suggests he's curious, and not on the offensive.
Jezebella Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 6:56:55 AM
The dirty gypsy girl continues her bluff. "Ah jus' heard .. things. Somethin happened here? Someone.. someTHING.. was here.. spread'n disease... whas is jus' talk?"
Drew Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 10:56:14 AM
Waits....
OOC: sorry guys Im lost and waiting till I can catch up and figure out whats happining.
Flin Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 11:40:41 AM
Flin casts Detect Evil
Syr Tuesday April 2nd, 2002 2:14:25 PM
Syr stands silently by Jez and examines the inside of the boiler house through the opening.
OOC: Hope you are feeling better Jan...
DM Jan Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 1:13:16 AM
((Feeling much better now, thank you :) ))
"Oh!" exclaims the man. "You mean the murder a few days back? Ah well, there's been no trouble since. That was a funny business. Well, not 'funny' you understand - but strange." He gestures with a nod of his head toward the half orc. "Eric there took it bad - the dead one was a friend of his. Found him too - over there under the pipes, all green and rotten." The man pointed behind him. "Looked like he'd been dead for months, but we'd all seen him walking about the night before. "Funny business I'll tell you. Still. Life goes on. As for disease, well, we've been fine."
Flin detects a very slight sense of evil, perhaps a distance away.... below...
Syr gets a good look at the interior of the building. To the left are the furnaces, and on the right is a HUGE pile of trash waiting to be burned. Straight ahead - large and small pipes snake from the furnaces, going left and right, sinking into the floor, or the ceiling.
Drew Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 10:58:43 AM
Drew stands with Syr.
Syr d20+5=19 Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 3:58:01 PM
Syr decides to speak up after hearing the worker answer Jez's question, "How do you know it's murder if the body died of disease?"
Moving into the room, "Mind if I look at the spot where he was found?" Motioning for Drew to join him, Syr stands near the spot and looks for anything unusual. (Spot 19)
Flin Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 7:00:05 PM
Flin begins to "follow his nose" so to speak to see if he can follow the eminations of evil. If he finds a way to go "below", he then will seek out Tiree.
Miranna Wednesday April 3rd, 2002 9:59:08 PM
Clearly uncomfortable in this place, Miranna moves to join Syr and Drew.
Jezebella Thursday April 4th, 2002 6:51:21 AM
The gypsy girl continues, goading the workers. "C'mon.. There's got to be more to the story then that.. what aren't you sayin' ?"
DM Jan Thursday April 4th, 2002 10:32:57 AM
The big man looks a little perplexed at Syr's and Jez's questions, but continues with a shrug.
"Well, it was you that mentioned disease first. You see - it might have 'looked' like a disease, but me and Eric here don't think so. We told the authorities that Puul - thats the dead man - had been arguing with some holy type. He got threatened too. Funny how he turned up dead a short while later. "Nothing's been done of course, but then I suppose they've got too much going on upstairs."
He gives a sigh.
As Syr moves toward the spot, as he passes the side of the furnace, he sees that someone has painted a large 'V' on the side of it, in a mustard yellow colour.
Over by the pipes is a hatch in the floor. As Flin follows his evil 'spidey sense' - it takes him right to where Syr is standing.
Tiree Thursday April 4th, 2002 7:08:31 PM
Tiree, noticing that her family has moved inside, moves closer to the door so that she can hear what is going on inside and help if needed.
Jezebella Thursday April 4th, 2002 8:02:18 PM
Jez continues to press. "Holy type? Like who? Sounds patik'ular t' me. Cmon, dish... and we'll help ya move some of this crud int'a the burnerr. What holy type? Did ya see it?"
Drew Thursday April 4th, 2002 11:17:12 PM
Drew begins to feel his hackles rise and stands close to Syr watching over his family closely for signs of attack or betrayal.
Flin Friday April 5th, 2002 1:19:48 AM
Flin, under his breath to Syr and Drew, speaks softly.
"Something foul is down below. Something evil."
Miranna Friday April 5th, 2002 2:02:11 AM
Miranna casts 'Detect Magic' discreetly, then focuses her magical sight on the painted V and the hatch.
Syr Friday April 5th, 2002 2:28:48 AM
Syr looks at the man, "A Priest you say? It's wise for the likes of us not to mess with the Gods. I'd rather avoid any priest that did that to a person."
Syr examines the 'V' for any unusual signs. "Any idea where his holiness might be found? I will definitely stay away from there. Or how about what the fight was about?"
DM Jan Friday April 5th, 2002 3:12:09 PM
The boilerman shrugged again. "We didn't see the holy man, Puul just told us about it. He said the priest had been hanging around, although we never saw him, did we Eric?"
The half - orc shakes his head. Then the man grins at Syr, as Syr looks at the giant "V". "Ya like that? Me and Eric painted that. It stands for Valdor."
Miranna can sense a little bit of magic, over by the hatch, but - it's distant. The hatch has a few fingerprints on it, as though its been used recently.
Tiree d20+3=18 Friday April 5th, 2002 6:14:08 PM
Tiree, realizing that everyone is going to stay inside, makes her way inside.
"There you guys are! I was wondering where you had gone off to."
Seeing the group looking at a painted "V" and a hatch in the floor, she looks around (Spot 18) hoping for a bit more insight.
Syr Monday April 8th, 2002 1:55:55 AM
Syr nods in sympathy, "'Twas a nice gesture from those he called friends."
Looking at Miranna's expression he asks, "See something sister?"
Miranna Monday April 8th, 2002 2:43:59 AM
Miranna answers softly, "There is magic by the hatch - distant and faint. Ask where the hatch leads to."
Drew Monday April 8th, 2002 9:41:15 AM
Drew growls and waits....
Syr Monday April 8th, 2002 3:12:09 PM
Syr jumps slightly at Drew's growl, he nods towards the hatch, "One last question, where does that hatch lead and did Valdor go through it?"
Jezebella Monday April 8th, 2002 3:46:31 PM
Jezebella stops her questioning, and moves to the hatchway with her friends.
DM Jan Monday April 8th, 2002 9:46:26 PM
((OOC ::screeching to a halt for a second:: Woah - hang on a minute - Puul is the dead guy, Valdor is the big intimidating warrior from the Gold Dragons, who you all ~D R E A M E D~ about a couple of (game time) nights ago, remember? The big rousing speech? If I killed him off, I would be in big, big, HUGE trouble LOL. Scroll back if you don't remember. I'll edit the posts once we're all on the same page))
DM Jan Monday April 8th, 2002 10:06:22 PM
The boiler man looks over toward the hatch and says - "Puul might have gone down there, but there was no reason for him to do so - thats for the maintenance crew. There's a tunnel at the bottom of the steps and a small office at the end of it. I haven't been down there for months." He then leans forward and whispers, after pointing at his 'Valdor' graffito - "Did you hear it, too? Not many did. But we did - didn't we Eric?" The half orc nods, looking obstinate and proud.
The entering Tiree also notes that the hatch may have been used recently due to disturbed dust surrounding it.
Syr Tuesday April 9th, 2002 2:40:14 PM
"An office you say? Why don't we go down and take a look?" With a grin he looks at Drew, "Go ahead, if you can fit, then we won't have any problems."
Flin Tuesday April 9th, 2002 5:59:32 PM
Flin waits nearby, ready to talk to the boiler guys if needed to convince them to let them go through the trap door in the floor.
Tiree Tuesday April 9th, 2002 8:21:40 PM
Tiree, realizing that they need to get down there, walks over and opens (or attempts to) the hatch and begins to climb down. When she gets where she can't be seen, she takes one of her new daggers and places it between her teeth and then continues.
Miranna Tuesday April 9th, 2002 10:37:57 PM
Miranna waits quietly while the others go down. If there is no trouble, she follows.
DM Jan Wednesday April 10th, 2002 1:56:38 AM
While Syr is trying to persuade Drew to climb down the hatch, Tiree slips past, opens up the hatch and starts to climb down.
"Well, you can look down there if you like," says the man to Flin and Syr, "you're not likely to find anything, though."
From Miranna's viewpoint, it appears that Tiree is making it down there safely.
At the base of the steps, Tiree finds herself standing in about an inch of water, and a shadowy corridor leads toward a closed door about thirty feet away. Thick pipes snake above her head - a few of them seem to be emanating warmth.
Jezebella Wednesday April 10th, 2002 7:02:32 AM
Jezebella looks to the others, and murmers... "We'd best stick together..."
She follows Tiree 'down the hatch'.
Miranna Wednesday April 10th, 2002 7:44:27 AM
Miranna hesitates, then follows Jezebella. On the way down, she jostles her shoulder pouch to wake her weasel. Stay alert for trouble.
If it is too dark down there for the humans to see clearly, Miranna takes out her flaming ioun stone and sets it to orbit above her head.
Syr Wednesday April 10th, 2002 4:03:00 PM
Syr walks up to Drew and pats him on the back, "It's okay big fella, we all know you orcish types are a bit slow." Grinning up at Drew, he dances out of his reach before he can react.
"Why don't I show you?" After a moment, he goes down the hatch. Poking his head out, "C'mon, follow me." He beckons to the half-orc with a finger.
[OOC: It's great taking advantage of the slow posters :)]
(~DM Jan~ LOL~)
Flin Wednesday April 10th, 2002 7:06:55 PM
Flin nodds to the two boilermen and heads down the shaft. Once there, he readies his crossbow in the event of danger
Tiree Thursday April 11th, 2002 1:26:23 AM
Tiree moves a bit down the way to make room for her sisters and the rest of the family as they make their way down. She takes the dagger into her right hand and motions to the others as they come down to be as quiet as possible. When walkiing, she shuffles her feet instead of lifting them out of the water and splashing them back down.
When Flin gets to the bottom she whispers to him, "Can you still see the evil I heard you talking about? Can you lead us that way? I figure that's our best bet."
DM Jan Thursday April 11th, 2002 1:47:25 AM
Miranna, Jezebella, Syr, Flin and the others make it down the steps and into the puddle covered corridor where Tiree is standing. The corridor is tall enough to accomodate Drew, but it's fairly narrow, barely allowing the others to walk two abreast. Miranna's stone helps a little with the light, but its obvious from her weasel's behaviour that it doesn't like it down here.
Directly ahead - is a closed door. Above are various pipes. Some feel warm, others are making slight gurgling sounds.
Miranna and Weasel Thursday April 11th, 2002 11:51:59 AM
"Be careful, my Weasel is uneasy," Miranna whispers to her family. "Does anybody require protection? I can cast an armor spell on someone."
If either Syr or Drew wants the spell, Miranna will cast Mage Armor from one of her scrolls (+4 AC for 2 hours). If both want it, she'll use up 2 scrolls if there is time. Otherwise, she'll use just one scroll on the first person who asks (except Plink, who should have 2 scrolls on him).
The elf will keep to the back of the group as they walk towards the door.
Tiree d20=7 d20=11 Friday April 12th, 2002 1:17:19 AM
(OOC: Jan, I'm sorry but I don't have my character sheet with me and I don't remember all my modifiers. :( )
Tiree moves up to the door and takes a good look at it all over (Search 7+?) for possible traps. Most likely finding none (based on the roll), she tries the handle of the door. If it is locked she will attempt to pick it (Open Lock 11+?).
Syr d20+5=19 Friday April 12th, 2002 4:31:25 AM
Seeing Tiree move to the door, he follows closely behind. "I'll take the lead unless someone minds since Drew seems to be shy lately."
As he moves near the front, he looks up searching for any unusual things in the pipes. (Spot 19)
Jezebella d20+5=17 Friday April 12th, 2002 7:04:01 AM
Jezebella smiles to Miranna.. "I can handle my own, thanks to you.." before she reaches into her own pouch of tricks, thumbing a bit of dried leather. She murmers some arcane words, and a breif shimmer encases her. [mage armor on herself]
She listens for anything unusual from behind the door Tiree is working on. (listen 17)
Flin Friday April 12th, 2002 6:26:16 PM
Flin stands at the ready, crossbow aimed at the door, in the event anything unexpected and unwanted bursts through.
DM Jan Friday April 12th, 2002 10:07:10 PM
Everything seems silent beyond the door, and Tiree finds it fairly easy to pick the lock and open it.
Up at the front, both Syr and Tiree see into the room. It's about 20ft x 20 ft, and is lit dully by a light on the wall. There is a wooden work bench, with a small rack on it. Papers are strewn all over the floor, which is quite dry, and there looks to be a bit of smashed glass here and there. It looks as though 'someone was doing something' in here, but left in a hurry.
The rack on the bench seems to contain something.
Flin feels a wash of evil as soon as the door is opened. Also - Miranna, Jezebella and Plink become aware of something, like a prickling in the air. At that moment, a portal opens inside the far corner of the room - and a man steps through. He is dressed in the robes of a cleric.
Tiree d20+3=8 d20+8=25 Friday April 12th, 2002 10:32:18 PM
Tiree takes a quick look around the room, hoping to get a better idea what happened or is happening (Spot 8). As the cleric walks in, her hand tightens on the dagger in hand. Unknown to her is the evil feeling, so she puts a smile on her face.
"Hello there. I didn't think there was anyone down here." (Bluff 25)
Jezebella Saturday April 13th, 2002 9:57:58 AM
A visible chill runs through the gypsy girl, as her skin goosepimples from the strange energy in the air. She draws both of her new daggers from her belt, and palms them. She keeps them ready to throw or dance with. She murmers, barely audible.. "... be careful, Tir... "
Flin Sunday April 14th, 2002 11:38:00 PM
Flin waits, finger on the trigger of his crossbow, waiting to see how the cleric will react to Tiree's greeting.
Syr Monday April 15th, 2002 1:19:13 AM
Staring at the priest Syr speaks to himself, "Right place wrong time again..."
Syr recalls the man's words up above about a priest murdering Puul and grasps the gyrspike firmly with both hands. He begins mvoing towards the stranger, "HEY! Come here often?"
Drew Monday April 15th, 2002 11:12:46 AM
....
DM Jan Monday April 15th, 2002 7:10:03 PM
The cleric seems momentarily startled at seeing Tiree and Syr in the room, and the others beyond the doorway, but he moves quickly - in his hand is a tiny piece of metal, which he waves toward Syr (casting HOLD PERSON - will save negates - if it fails, Syr is helpless for three rounds). Then he rounds on Tiree. "Hold your tongue, girl and stay back. That goes for the rest of you. Anyone moves and I'll kill you all."
He makes a dive for bench - his eyes resting on the small wooden rack, and the tiny flask held in it.
Flin Monday April 15th, 2002 9:13:53 PM
Flin flings his hand forward towards the cleric and exclaims:
"By the name of Ffloy, BE STILL!"
Flin casts Hold Person on the cleric; Save DC 15 or 16 (16 if I ever went up to 3rd level. 400 points shy. Has any experience been awarded since March 5th?)
Miranna Monday April 15th, 2002 11:10:29 PM [OOC: Can Miranna, at the back of the group, look into the room and see the man? If she can...]
Frowning at the man's spellcasting and threat, Miranna casts Grease on the floor directly under him. [Covers 10' square, Reflex save vs DC 14 to move at half speed, or slip and fall. Lasts 3 rounds.]
[If she can't...]
At the back of the group, Miranna frowns at the verbal threat coming from beyond the open door. Unable to look into the room to determine how many foes they face, she decides to answer threat with threat, and casts Ghost Sounds. The tunnel suddenly fills with the noisy footsteps of about 12 armoured humans, which rapidly approach the room and then stop. "Move it, kids, we got a job to do!" a gruff male voice, sounding suspiciously like Drew, says. It continues in a slightly raised volume, "Those in the room, surrender or be blasted to the nine hells!"
Miranna (Addendum) Monday April 15th, 2002 11:13:48 PM
[Forgot to mention save for Ghost Sounds. Will save vs DC 15 to disbelieve.]
Syr d20+3=18 d20+4=15 d20+6=25 d20+6=22 d8+4=5 d8+4=9 d20+6=10 Tuesday April 16th, 2002 3:18:24 AM
(If will save failed:)
Syr stands motionless and his eyes are darting around the room in a panic.
{Assuming Syr made the will save at 18 and Miranna's grease reflex save of 15)
Syr blinks as a tingle washes over him and then rushes at the priest. When Miranna's grease appears he moves swiftly to a sliding stop and attempts to use the sword end of the gyrpsike as a lance and skewers the priest. (attack 25, crit? with a 22: damage 14)
"Anyone seen Drew? That half-orc always seems here for a good fight."
(wow, nice set of rolls, Not sure of the modifers, I didn't attack twice for the double weapon because that seemed unusual with a charge, if so... attack 10)
Jezebella d20+6=21 d20+2=12 d4+2=3 Tuesday April 16th, 2002 7:05:17 AM
Jezebella tracks the evil priest's gaze, and his desperation to reach whatever is in that flask.. she tumbles (21) through the doorway, rolling in between him and his goal. She springs up, in a slash... missing but hopefully distracting the man.
(missed, I think... 13 with the +1 of the dagger which I forgot. 3 damage if it actually connected)
Drew Tuesday April 16th, 2002 9:03:09 AM
Using his speed he moves as fast as he can to get to the vial first, before the priest. At the same time he draws his axe and prepares to remove any more threats to his family, permanately.
Tiree d20+6=20 d6+1=6 Tuesday April 16th, 2002 11:41:05 AM
Tiree steps to the side of the door to let someone else get into the room. Not liking the way things went, and realizing that drastic measures are needed, takes aim with her returning dagger and lets fly at the cleric(att 20 dmg 6) and watches as the dagger returns to her.
DM Jan d20+2=21 2d8(2+8)+3=13 Tuesday April 16th, 2002 9:04:30 PM
Spells fire across the room - both HOLD spells fail, successfully resisted by both Syr the evil priest.
Miranna's grease spell however causes utter chaos. The evil priest slides across the room and is slammed into by Syr and the point of his gyrspike. Both of them crash hard into the bench. This in turn knocks over the rack - which sends the tiny vial flying up into the air.
"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" screams the evil priest.
Jezebella and Drew enter the fray. Jezebella's dagger misses. The vial is above both hers and Drew's heads. ((Both of you - reflex save DC 13 to avoid falling on the grease, if successful - another reflex save DC 12 to catch the vial.))
Flin can still feel evil - fundamental, strong, almost stomach churning.
If Miranna turns around - she will see the sight of the two Boiler men, followed by a young man she hasn't seen before, reach the bottom of the steps and come running toward the group. Their faces carry a look of concern, obviously wondering what the heck is going on down here.
Meanwhile - inside the room, Tiree's dagger whistles across and embeds itself in the priest, who howls in pain. The damage done - it slides out of the wound and returns to it's owner.
"May Marteaus eat your soul, boy," growls the priest (badly injured) to Syr, gripping him tightly. Syr suddenly feels rather ill as the priest casts INFLICT MODERATE WOUNDS (DAM 13) on him.
((OOC - Cameron, this is your cue.))
Miranna Tuesday April 16th, 2002 10:40:26 PM
Miranna does not notice the sound of footsteps behind her. Her attention is focused on the tiny vial in the air - the content of which could be either rare or dangerous. Flinging a bit of spider web into the air, she intones, "Matius colle eta!" A horizontal mass of sticky webs appears just above the heads of those in the room, reaching to the walls and anchoring on them.
[Web spell allows Reflex save, but I don't think unattended objects get a save. So the vial should fall on the webs and get stuck until rescued. Webs last 30 mins.]
Tiree d20+6=23 d6+1=3 Wednesday April 17th, 2002 12:51:15 AM
Tiree watches helpless as the priest holds Syr to him. Not wanting to hit Syr, she waits to see if the priest will release the elf before throwing her dagger again (att 23, dmg 3 if priest releases Syr).
Drew d20+8=20 d20+5=20 d12+5=12 Wednesday April 17th, 2002 10:34:59 AM
Drew dose not fall in the grease and seeing the web appear to catch the vial decides to kill the priest before he does more damage to his brother. (Dont have my character sheet with me so I estimated low hit AC 5 and 12 damage)
Turin d20+4=7 d20=4 Wednesday April 17th, 2002 3:03:43 PM
The new guy takes the scene in, then, if he has a clear way to the priest, charges straight at him (+2 to attack, -2 to AC), grabbing his spiked chain(can be done while moving) then whips his chain at the priest, missing. If he doesn't have a clear path to the priest, he moves to one side, grabbing his light crossbow(can be done while moving) and shoots it at the priest (-4 for shooting into melee), missing.
Syr (11 hp) d20+4=12 d8+4=11 d20+4=9 d20+4=10 Wednesday April 17th, 2002 3:42:27 PM
Syr cries out in pain from the priest's touch. He tries to break away from the priest (not quite sure how to roll that? I'll trust the DM :).
If successful, he wields the gyrspike and attacks. (probably missing twice) Hius momentum from the attack takes over and he falls back to the ground (reflex save 10)
Jezebella (mage armor) d20+6=17 d20+2=6 d20+2=4 Thursday April 18th, 2002 6:55:01 AM
Jezebella manages to keep her feet on the slickened floor, but is off balence enough that her slashes go wild. Her blade dance slows to accomidate the slippery mess beneith her feet.
Flin Thursday April 18th, 2002 7:12:22 AM
Flin holds his holy symbol forth towards the evil cleric and intones:
"Behold the sign of Ffloy and be sore afraid!"
Flin casts Doom, Saving Throw DC 14
Flin then sprints to Syr's side in anticipation of aiding him
DM Jan Thursday April 18th, 2002 11:38:01 AM
Miranna's web shoots into the room, and anchors the vial about 6 feet in the air above everyone's heads. Tiree's knife whistles in once more, hitting the cleric who seems to be literally trying to wring the life out of Syr. A crossbow bolt, fired by a young man stood near the door attempts to injure the priest further, but alas misses and goes DING - against the wall.
Jezebella's attempts at staying upright affect her aim, and she misses also after taking a wild swipe.
The cleric begins another incantation. All looks doomed for Syr who, although able to wriggle away from the clerics tight grip - is still in touching range. But then, Drews axe slices down, and Flin's spell cause the evil one to shriek in terror, let out a final gurgle - and then die.
The man and half orc boiler workers peer into the room. "What's going on? Everyone okay?"
Tiree d20+7=18 Thursday April 18th, 2002 3:52:27 PM
Tiree leaves the answers to the others as she begins to search the cleric and the room itself for clues and interesting objects (Search 18)
Turin Thursday April 18th, 2002 4:19:07 PM
The newcomer looks at the dead priest. "I hope I came in on the right side of this fight?"
Drew Thursday April 18th, 2002 4:33:44 PM
Holds his hand out to help his brother Syr up.
Miranna Friday April 19th, 2002 1:50:55 AM
Her eyes fixed on the webbed vial, Miranna creases her brows in a delicate frown. She answers the boiler workers without turning, "I believe we are alright. He was after that vial..." The elf does not seem to notice the stranger.
"Drew, could you hoist Polaris up to retrieve the vial, please? It may be important."
Assuming Drew and Polaris do as asked, Miranna will examine the vial minutely, drawing on her knowledge of Alchemy. If she can get no information without alchemical tests, she puts the vial in her waist pouch for later study.
[OOC: DM, if Polaris doesn't post, can we just assume she obliges? Related note: Miranna can id the unknown potions from our last heist, if somebody asks her to. She hasn't offered because the ownership of those potions is in question.
Oh, and welcome to the game, Cameron!]
Syr d8=1 d8=1 d8=2 Friday April 19th, 2002 2:56:36 AM
Taking Drew's hand he rises to a knee and stops. "Let me try something. Either I'm going crazy or my fall a day ago shook some things loose."
He stays silent for a moment and appears to be staring at nothing in particular. After a few heartbeats the injured areas take on a slightly bluish glow and seem to be regenerating very slowly (4 hp). "It looks like I need to practice a wee bit more..."
(OOC lesser body adjustment over a period of three rounds... Can I get any lower rolls, 3d8=4???)
Rising to his feet and gloving the gyrspike, he grins slightly at the newcomer, "Well, if you didn't join the right side, you are sorely outnumbered now..."
Holding out his hand for a firm handshake, he approaches the stranger and gestures at the spot the bolt hit, "Thanks for not making me a pincushion. The name is 'Syrdeth Redbow' but my family calls me Syr."
Jezebella Friday April 19th, 2002 8:05:46 AM
Jezebella, tucking her daggers back in her belt, answers the boilerworkers in her affected gutter accent. "We come down 'ere checkin it out, fer your friend. I think this be the holy type that messed him up? He called out to tha' Marteous bloke... bad news 'e is, I wager. Thats dun, now. No more badness from 'im."
Flin d8+1=9 Friday April 19th, 2002 10:09:24 AM
Flin crosses over to Syr and lays hands upon him, praying softly.
"Great Ffloy, look upon your servant with favor and send your power through me and heal that which has been hurt"
Flin casts Cure Light Wounds; Heals 9 points, which if I'm correct with my math, when added to Syr's self-healing, completely heals him from the damage the other cleric did.
Drew Friday April 19th, 2002 10:54:42 AM
Drew nods at the request to hoist Pol. up and does so, allowing her to carefuly cut the vial out of the webbing.
Hey Camreon welcome to the game...
Ill ask Kari if shes still playing or not...
BTW all we ALLWAYS re roll ones when it comes to healing...
DM Jan - Part 1 Friday April 19th, 2002 8:43:29 PM
((OOC - my apologies, but I'm gonna have to lead us down the path a little bit in order to play catch up. Something big is coming up. The AWOL issues I will address in email.))
As Polaris (using Drew as a giant stepping stone) begins the delicate task of picking the vial out of the sticky web, Tiree has a good look around the room. She quickly comes to the conclusion that whoever cleared this room out - did a good job - apart from the one single small vial they left behind. There is nothing else on the bench, or the floor - apart from a dead evil cleric. All he has is a small pouch of miscellaneous spell componants.
That 'funny feeling' Syr has had, ever since he fell and cracked his head, appears to have borne strange fruit, as he recognises the beginnings of healing himself. Well, well... And after Flin's strong prayer to Floy, he feels a whole lot better.
The boiler workers look puzzled as they are answered by Miranna and Jezebella, but then frown and nod at one another after Jezebella's last sentance. They pick up the body and carry it out, with grim looks on their faces.
Syr introduces himself to the young man, who looks like a local - another Floating City dweller - similar accent etc etc.
Meanwhile, Drew and Polaris manage to extract the vial and hand it to Miranna, and they are mighty glad to pass it on to her, as Miranna soon finds out.
This is NO ORDINARY POTION. Flin can feel it, even without touching it. It is EVIL. It exudes POWER. Enough for whoever touches it to feel nauseous, faint, ill. There's no way anyone would want to drink it in a million years. But what is it?? Whatever lies inside the vial almost looks alive.
Maybe someone else has the answers to its riddle.
DM Jan - Part 2 Friday April 19th, 2002 9:02:03 PM
As the group makes their way out of the tunnel and out of the Boiler House, they see the two boilermen throwing the corpse of the evil cleric into the furnace.
"For Puul!" growls the half orc. "And there's another one for Valdor!" announces the man. They both slap one another hard on the shoulder, and turn and give the group the thumbs up.
Outside - although the dim light doesn't exactly give this information away, it is mid-afternoon. Now what?
DM Jan - Polaris and Plink return to the Orphanage Friday April 19th, 2002 10:39:34 PM
The effects of touching the vial leave Polaris feeling really sick. Plink offers to take her back to the Orphanage to rest awhile.
((OOC - Pol, Plink - email me before posting. I'll need to re-introduce you.))
Tiree Friday April 19th, 2002 11:13:23 PM
Tiree turns to the rest of her family and the new member.
"I think it's time we call the jester. He might want to know about this."
Miranna Friday April 19th, 2002 11:20:34 PM
Miranna's ordinarily pale face becomes even paler as a wave of nausea washes over her on touching the vial. She closes her eyes momentarily and wills herself to fight the evil power exuding from the vial. Deciding quickly that it will be a BAD idea to open the vial for any sort of alchemical test, she puts it in her waist pouch and turns to the others with a wan smile.
"We need to show this to Yo-" the elf pauses on noticing the stranger, then continues in a more guarded tone, "our friend above. Let us go now, without delay."
She smiles apologetically at the young man Syr has apparently befriended. "Please excuse us, we have an appointment with a friend."
[Sorry, Cameron, but Turin will have to convince us why he should go along to a clandestine meeting.]
When the group goes above, Miranna answers the workers' thumbs up with a smile. She fixes her eyes on the half-orc for a moment, then turns to look at Drew. Ugly to behold, but how beautiful their hearts...
When they reach the secluded alley on Fence Level, Miranna will take out the tiny mask and throw it into the air, chanting, "Jester, Jester, come alive!"
DM Jan - Part 3 Saturday April 20th, 2002 1:35:09 AM
The little mask spins in the air, and then hovers. It's tiny eyes blink for a moment, and then regard the group stood below it.
"Now what?" it spits, the Jester's voice unmistakeable. "Don't you know...." The voice trails off, and the mask floats down and hovers near Miranna's pouch containing the vial for a moment. It then darts back into the air, hovering slightly above everyone's heads. For a long, long moment - it is silent. And then -
"You know, when I asked you to find out what you could, I never expected..." Again the voice trails off, but this time it sounds tense, fearful? Surely not. "What you have is beyond my knowledge. You must take this to Helena, a friend of mine." The Jester's voice rhymes off an address up on the Gold Level. Then, the mask darts over to where Turin is standing a little way away - out of earshot from the conversation. It spins around his head twice, and then darts back to the group. The Jester's voice sounds angry.
"Who is this?? Another new friend? "Take him with you, to your journey's end, "Prepare to kill if he wears the wrong hat, "With Marteaus loose, it will come to that."
"Hurry!!" hisses the Jester, and then the mask drops with a sharp *clink* to the floor.
Miranna Saturday April 20th, 2002 2:03:04 AM
Miranna picks up the mask and speaks softly to it. "I hope your friend knows what to do with the vial, Jester. I do not wish to carry it much longer." With a sigh, she drops the tiny mask back in her waist pouch. "Let us go... does anyone know that address?"
DM Jan - Part 4 - Helena's Place Saturday April 20th, 2002 2:20:40 AM
The group head up into the light of their own level, and then further up, through the Barracks level, the Merchant level, and up onto the Gold Level. The group ensure that Turin stays with them.
As they travel, they see different levels of the City preparing for a siege. Everyone seems to be doing something, boarding up windows, carting food, making weapons, practicing swordsmanship, hurrying to and fro. Here and there, more of the letter "V" have been painted in yellow on the walls, like a secret sign - a silent rallying cry.
The witch Helena lives in a tiny house just off Diamond Street on the Gold Level. As the group arrives, her door opens immediately to a heavy waft of incense. Stood there, is an attractive lady, maybe in her mid-forties, fine-boned, with a long cascade of red hair. She obviously knew the group was coming.
"Enter," she says, giving a slight shudder. She doesn't look particularly pleased to see anyone.
Inside, the house seems cozy, if perhaps a little gloomy. The incense is cloying to those with sensitive noses, but she makes no apology for it.
"Welcome to my house," Helena says with a slight bow. "I already know that you bring 'doom' along with you. I sensed it as you reached the top of the ramp. Please, lets get this over with."
The main room of the house has the curtains closed, and is lit by only 4 candles - their flickering light making everyones shadows dance on the walls. The floor is covered in rugs and cushions. Helena sits on a cushion on the center of the room, and bades everyone else sit around her in a circle. She then asks Miranna for the vial as the others look on. For the entire group, this is probably frustrating, after all, who IS this woman, how does she know the Jester? Can she be trusted? What is going on here?
Her gasp is sharp and audible, as soon as her fingers touch the vial. Helena looks visibly shaken, as did those in the group who touched it, but she seems to overcome it quickly. She holds it in front of her eyes, about 18 inches away from her face.
And for a long, awkward moment, she is silent.
Tiree d20+3=21 d20+4=16 Saturday April 20th, 2002 9:08:39 AM
Tiree decides that the best method here is watch, listen, and learn. She takes a good look around the room and at the witch (Spot 21). She also listens intently to what the witch says and how she says it (Sense motive 16).
Miranna and Weasel Saturday April 20th, 2002 10:22:11 AM
Miranna watches the witch intently, marvelling at the ease with which she seemed to overcome the power of the vial. She herself had almost fainted on physically touching it a second time, after carrying it close to her body for the whole trip...
Now that you've got rid of that bad thing, can we leave, Mistress? I can't breathe here. Her Weasel intrudes into her thoughts. Patience, Weasel, this is important. Hmm... you may go outside, or explore a bit if you want. Warn me if anyone comes.
As her Weasel scampers off, Miranna breaks the silence with her soft voice. "What is in it, Helena? Yorick asked us to bring it to you."
Drew Saturday April 20th, 2002 10:29:56 AM
Not comfortable with the amount of magic that seems to be comming from this room and from this person as well as the vial has a hard time keeping still.
DM Jan - Part 5 - The Beginnings of a Vision Saturday April 20th, 2002 1:24:05 PM
For a moment, Helena doesn't appear to have heard Miranna's question. The weasel scampers off, it's had enough in here.
Tiree, and anyone else who's paying close attention can see that the witch Helena is perhaps older than she looks at first glance. Even in the dim light, her skin seems pale, almost translucent. Her hands - narrow and bony, appear to tremble a little, and her gray eyes carry a great depth, as though they have witnessed far too much for a human mortal. They seem as grave as those borne by an ancient elf. Tiree's sense of motive seems clouded by what is emanating from the vial.
Then -
"This substance you have brought," Helena says abruptly. "It appears to have been created to wreak the utmost and grotesque undead and diseased havoc on our dear City. I have no doubt in my mind that it carries some of the living essence of the Dark God himself - Marteaus. It is an abomination." She spits as she speaks his name, then coughs weakly and continues.
"But, I see a glimmer of hope in this thing." A smile breaks her solemnity, but it is grim, and not an entirely pleasant thing to see. "I must delve further. Prepare yourselves. And please, someone calm that fidgeting half orc."
The witch closes her eyes. Something in the tiny vial begins to stir, and it begins to glow, and pulse, as though a heart beats within it. Suddenly, the air itself appears to rearrange itself above the vial, and a disc appears, hovering above it, about 2 feet wide. Extreme discomfort washes over everyone gathered here. The magic users can see this is some kind of mirror - a device to see - and that it is not a physical manifestation of what is contained the vial, despite what their gut reactions are telling them. Sights, sounds, smells, and even feelings drift from the disc, letting everyone know just what lies inside that tiny little vial. A rotting corpse. A sick, howling child. The collective wail of the dying. Skin, disfigured and cracked. The terror of knowing that it is endless, and will never stop. And beyond - the sense of someone who is reveling in all of it like a pig in a mud bath.
Non-magic users are having a tough time with their sense of reality at this point.
DM Jan - Part 6 - A Meeting with The Man Himself Saturday April 20th, 2002 3:38:49 PM
In the midst of all this, Helena begins to chuckle. What she says next suggests that she has gone beyond the visions, is delving into what lies beyond the limits of the senses, and appears to be talking to herself.
"Oh Martaeus, you fool. This creation will be your undoing. It's very nature - the fact that it preys upon the structure of natural life, leaves it vulnerable. I see how it flows - imitating that which it seeks to conquer, disguising itself from a body's defenses, before it attacks. Oh it's ingenious, admittedly - but there's something you missed. For as it reaches the stage of imitation - it becomes as vulnerable as that which it aims to destroy. "Careless my dear, so careless. Dark God of Disease, I have found a way to destroy you."
From the group's point of view, the witch looks as though she may have gone completely mad. Maybe she was always mad. Aside from trying to hold on to the contents of their stomachs, denying the physical truth of the visions, and trying not to lose their own minds, could things possibily get any worse?
Oh yes -
- for the mirror begins to change. That sense of someone, in there, enjoying all the suffering, starts to come to the fore. The dark, shadowy figure of a man appears within the dimension of the disc. Along with him comes the feeling of utter and absolute dread, and the knowledge that just one glance from this man, will mean a painful, excruciating death - in this world and the next, and the next, and the next. Self preservation is yelling run, run, run, run - and will take a lot of fighting.
Then comes the voice, deep, silky, insidious.
"My dear Helena, you're still alive? My, my - it's been such a long time."
The witches eyes flash open, full of terror. "M - Marteaus.."
"Of course, my dear. Who else did you expect, hmm? It seems you have been a clever girl. A very clever girl. I see you have obtained a part of me, like you had a part of me before. Do you really want to kill me that much? After all that we shared during my brief sojourn as a mortal? Surely not."
Helena stays silent, too frightened to speak.
"Cat got your tongue? Hmm? You should stop this nonsense. Join me, Helena. Help me forge the New World, where I will reign supreme."
The witch struggles to find her voice. "Gargul should have kept you on a tighter leash!" she growls.
"Oh him," came the reply, utterly dismissive. "He doesn't care, Helena. You are all MY children now, and I shall make you all suffer as you have never suffered before."
"No, Marteaus. You will die. I have discovered a way," Helena spits. She appears to be wavering on the edge of consciousness.
"Oh really?" The Dark Lord's voice took on a harder edge. "Do you think you will discover that which you need in time? My armies are charging toward the gates of your beloved City. And don't think for a moment the water will protect you. My followers are planning to attack from within. You will be overrun, and soon. How dare you presume to have the means of my doom. It's pathetic. It's over, and you know it. Join me - or I will destroy you."
"No!" yells the woman. "Arrogant murderer of Domi, it is you who will be destroyed."
"Very well then, witch. It will please me greatly Helena, to see you scurry around like a rat in a maze. You may hold the lock, but you still have to find the key, and your time is short."
Those feelings of dread and despair suddenly become tenfold - as what looks like an arm, shoots out of the mirror and grabs the witch by the throat. It is accompanied by sounds - the buzzing of flies, and a chorus of whispered moaning.
Helena's scream is drowned out by Marteaus's booming voice.
"I AM ALMOST UPON YOU. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME. I AM RELENTLESS. I AM OMNIPOTENT. I AM THE ONLY GOD THIS WORLD AND YOU WILL EVER NEED!!"
Then the voice lowers to a whisper. "You will be marked as my own. My minions will not touch you. They will know that you must answer to me, for only I can show you what suffering truly means. Oh, and I DO mean to show you, my dear."
The shadowy shape of a face appears from the disc - it leans forward, and kisses Helena on the forehead. Then with a sharp *CRACK* - head, arm, the disc - all disappear into thin air.
The atmosphere becomes so much better that whatever the vial is giving out seems like nothing.
Helena is in a crumpled heap on the floor, twitching, as though in the midst of epilepsy. She obviously needs help.
She has dropped the vial, and it is rolling across the floor.
Jezebella Saturday April 20th, 2002 7:09:40 PM
The gypsy girl, pale and shaking, moans in distress. A brittle autumn leaf on the current of a raging river has borne less then what she and her friends have experienced just now. Fighting knots in her stomach and her own instincts, she crawls forward to catch the rolling vial.
"Mira.. Eljer.. someone help her... " She rasps from an extremely dry throat as she reaches, shudderingly to trap the vial before it cracks open against the wall.
Miranna d8+1=6 Saturday April 20th, 2002 10:06:16 PM
Miranna, her face as white as a bleached sheet, looks at Jezebella without comprehension. She closes her eyes, wishing she were unconscious, wishing all of it to be a nightmare or an illusion...
Mistress! MISTRESS! What happened? Are you alright? The worried thoughts of her Weasel rouse her from the depths of despair. Taking a deep breath, Miranna draws strength from her familiar as she has done so many times before. Yes, Weasel, thank you. Remain where you are.
The elf opens her eyes slowly and focuses on the crumpled form of Helena. She rises to go to the witch's aid... and promptly falls over. Miranna smiles weakly as she remembers the reason she had not run at Marteaus's appearance. Taking another deep breath to still her mind and focus her own will, she manages to get to Helena's side. Her shaking hand retrieves a pink potion from her waist pouch and puts it to the witch's lips... (healing 6 HP).
Turin Sunday April 21st, 2002 5:10:23 AM
Turin (presumably having introduced himself earlier, in all the speed-stuff) looks very pale, but tries to stop the vial before it clatters into something, catching it as gently as possible.
Syr Monday April 22nd, 2002 1:15:40 AM
Syr wobbles his way out of the room and the only sign that he hasn't fled is the sound of retching. After a few moments, he returns to the room with a flask of water. Helping Miranna out, he props Helena's head up and tries to get some of it into her.
In a whispered voice he says, "C'mon Helena shake it off. It sounds like the whole city needs you."
Drew d20+5=22 d12+5=9 Monday April 22nd, 2002 9:00:01 AM
Drew has stoped fidgeting and now holds his axe before him, murder in his eyes. "I have had enough of this upstart who thinks he is a god. If this woman knows of a way to destroy him then she has my axe and blood to do so. This Marteaus is FINISHED by Gargul's eye!!!!" And with that he slams the flat of his axe through a nearby empty table, adding fury to his sound.
Flin d8+1=4 Monday April 22nd, 2002 1:41:23 PM
Flin shakes himself from his daze and dashes to Helena's side. If Helena seems to have recovered, he asks what all in the group want, and need to know.
"What can we do to hasten Marteaus' doom?"
If she does not appeared to have recovered after the administration of the healing potion from Miranna, he casts Cure Light Wounds.
DM Jan Monday April 22nd, 2002 3:44:38 PM
As Jezebella and Turin scramble for the vial, Syr staggers outside for a moment to be ill, and Miranna and Flin crawl forward to aid the striken witch.
The healing potion and the spell help some, although the lady looks to have taken quite a battering, and Tiree notes that she looks closer to 80 years old right now. On her forehead is what looks like a nasty sore, and she appears to be in a daze as the group attempt to rouse her and ask questions.
Then, everyone jumps out of their skin almost, as Drew's fury - contained no longer after the horrors he saw - makes him slam his axe *WHACK!* through a table, cleaving it in two.
This appears to be enough to jump-start Helena, who clutches at those nearest with firm, bony fingers.
"We have no time to lose, young ones!" she rasps through a dry throat. "You must do two things - - you must fetch me four strands of the Myllinar Root, which grows at the bottom of the lake, and - - you must tell the Gold Dragons what you have witnessed here. This is very important, for in his stupid arrogance - MARTEAUS HIMSELF has admitted that a God can be destroyed. The fool! And perhaps if we have discovered a way - then other ways can be found also. The Gods are indeed vulnerable against a mortal. You MUST tell them this!"
For a long while she lapses into a nasty coughing fit. Jezebella and Turin feel the influence of the vial, clutching at their hearts, promising doom.
The witch Helena rediscovers her voice. "You must TRUST NO ONE! - unless they too, recieved Valdor's message from the night before. Now please, hurry - I must be left to regain my strength and more besides. Put the vial in that box and leave it here. The box will protect us from it's evil." She points to a black, velvet-covered, square box that rests in front of the drawn window curtains.
As Helena talks, the enormity of what must be done begins to sink into the group's conciousness. Everyone who has witnessed the audience with Marteaus will be profoundly affected in one way or another. All minds are not alike of course, but each one must seek it's own way of dealing with the trauma. ((Dangling carrot - XP Bonus for anyone who develops this.))
And then there is the growing list of what must be done -
- Myllinar Root - what is it? And how the heck are they going to get to the bottom of the lake?
- An urgent Message to the Gold Dragons, how will they do this?
- Turin, their new friend. Can they trust him? DID he hear Valdor's message?
- And what about Flaust, who has asked them to help out with the Orphanage defenses?
Obviously, there is no time to lose, and it looks as though Helena will be too incapacitated to help them further for the moment.
One thing was for sure - they had one heck of an incredible story to tell Polaris and Plink when they got back to the Orphanage.
Turin Monday April 22nd, 2002 5:18:09 PM
Turin grabs the vial, then curses loudly and places it on the ground so that it will not roll. He then backs up from it, shaking. When she mentions Valdor's message, he nods, still shaking a bit. He breathes in deeply, then says, "S-s-soooo... How do we get to the bottom of the lake?"
Miranna d20+9=17 d20+7=22 Tuesday April 23rd, 2002 2:43:54 AM
Miranna's eyes are focused on Drew's axe through the witch's speech. At the mention of the name MARTEAUS, the sudden sharp pain from the squeeze of Helena's bony fingers on her own slender ones causes her to wince... just once, and then the pain, Helena's voice and everything else fades into the background. Only Drew's axe remains in her vision - the axe that her half-orc brother wields with such fury and strength. In that instant, she understands she has been wrong, wrong all of her young life. Evil cannot be fought with good. Violence cannot be pacified with reason. There is only one way to fight Marteaus and his agents - with all the strength, power and resources they can muster through any means.
There is a hitherto unseen hardness in the elf's emerald eyes as she withdraws her hand from Helena's grip. "We will do all we can, Helena, and more. Do you have any potions of water breathing to aid us in our quest for Myllinar Root?"
Miranna tries to recall if she has read anything of Myllinar Root... [Knowledge (Arcana) 17, Alchemy 22]
[If Helena cannot provide them with potions of water breathing, Miranna will return to the orphanage and id all the potions of their last heist in an attempt to find one. If that fails, she asks for the party funds and heads to the Catacombs.]
Drew Tuesday April 23rd, 2002 1:07:23 PM
Drew shocked into reality by his own burst of violence looks about him. Then a look of thoughtfulness and introspection passes over him. when it is over he smiles slightly as if he finnaly understands something long hidden from him. Then he stands foreward and looks about at his family. "There is much to do and little time to do it in. Miranna there are also spells such as Free Action that would aid us, take this," he hands her his diamond pin "I am loath to part with the only gift I have ever recieved in my life but the cause is just and noble. Things must be done and quickly. The Storm Dragons have a home here, I am sure that a message could be sent to Valdor through them, we must form one and quickly. Also someone should go to Flauest and tell her what we know. There is more to Mother than we know I think, this information might be of use in her hands."
Syr Tuesday April 23rd, 2002 2:49:01 PM
Syr takes a sip of the water and rinses his mouth out thoroughly. Listening to Drew he nods in agreement, "So you think we should split up?"
Handing the pin to Miranna, "I might be one of the stronger swimmers in the house. Why don't I stay with you?" With a shiver of disgust, "Besides, does anyone else feel the need for a cleansing after Helena's conversation?"
Jezebella Tuesday April 23rd, 2002 6:31:45 PM
Jezebella moves herself to a sitting position, far away from the vial, and stares wide eyed in its direction. She occasionally makes a small whimper of distress.
Miranna (OOC) Tuesday April 23rd, 2002 9:27:56 PM [Miranna cannot take anybody's diamond pins, because all the diamond pins have been used to create the tiny mask of the Jester. Remember?]
DM Jan Wednesday April 24th, 2002 2:23:39 AM
Miranna searches her mind but finds nothing that refers to Myllinar Root. This will obviously need some investigation. A witch knows of it - what other person might?
Who would know of how to contact the Gold Dragons? As for the Lake - just how deep is it? Is it swimable? Or might some other method be needed. Questions question..... but hopefully, other people will know the answers.
Some things are immediately obvious - The vial needs putting in the box. It's now getting to late afternoon, and Flaust is expecting everyone back soon.
((OOC - I don't recommend splitting up - it will only make it easier to kill you ;) ))
Miranna d20+7=27 d20+7=17 d20+7=15 d20+7=25 d20+7=11 d20+7=19 d20+7=22 d20+7=24 d20+7=25 d20+7=16 d20+7=16 d20+7=8 d20+7=24 d20+7=17 d20+7=9 d20+7=26 d20+7=23 d20+7=25 Wednesday April 24th, 2002 5:40:17 AM
Seeing both Turin and Jezebella back away from the vial, Miranna grits her teeth and focuses her will once again before reaching for the vial. She feels an extreme reluctance to touch it a third time, especially now that she knows what the content is, but somebody needs to put it into Helena's box. She heaves a sigh of relief when that is accomplished without incident.
Unable to recall anything on Myllinar Root, Miranna asks the witch direct, "Helena, can you describe Myllinar Root to us? How will we recognize it? Are there any special precautions we need to observe when harvesting or handling it?"
Since Helena is unable to provide them with potions of water breathing, Miranna suggests that they all return to the orphanage first. "Flaust may know how to contact the Gold Dragons. And I would like to examine all the potions we got from that chest. One of those potions might be of use in our quest."
[When they get back to the orphanage, Miranna gathers up all the potions and sets to work in her little study, with Jezebella's help if she offers. Assuming Alchemy works as in the PHB, Miranna will attempt to identify the following potions at 1 gp per attempt vs DC 25:
4 dark blue potions - 1 try 6 light blue potions - 3 tries 1 orange potion - 5 tries 1 purple potion - 7 tries 2 black potions - 2 tries
Total cost: 18 gp. I think that covers all the unknown potions.]
Flin Wednesday April 24th, 2002 8:46:34 AM
After the exchange between Helena and Marteaus and Helena's comments afterwards, Flin remains quiet and very visibly distressed. Eventually, he rouses himself with a long sigh and addresses the group.
"It is late, and Flaust is expected us. Perhaps it would be best to return to the orphanage and bring Mother, Plink and Polaris up to date. Perhaps they have ideas on how to help us help Helena, help Floating City."
Flin visibly, absent-mindedly figits, something he is not prone to doing.
Drew Wednesday April 24th, 2002 10:50:18 AM
Drew shakes his head at Syrs question. I dont think that we should split up except to run the seprate errands that seem to be nessacary to the quest. The potions, or whatever we are going to need. I have no idea who to contact about the bottom of lake. I didn't even know it had a bottom.
Turin Wednesday April 24th, 2002 5:26:19 PM
Turin rubs his chin, where the very beginning of a beard is showing. "So, how do we tell the Gold Dragons about this? It's not as if they have a corner booth in the market, you know." If they go to the orphanage, he'll follow, thinking.
Jezebella Wednesday April 24th, 2002 6:49:21 PM
Jez manages to get out of her fetal position once the vial is stored away. She shivers, visibly, continueing to eye the box holding the evil. She offers no input as to how to continue thier quests.
The Voices of Gods [DM Jerry] Thursday April 25th, 2002 12:15:57 AM
Throughout The Wold, voices are heard. The Voices of Gods.
"So mother, you have truly fallen and become that which your former priests spoke against for so long: A slave to Passion!"
"No daughter, I have evolved. I have found the truth. Love hurts. Passion brings joy. I am now dedicated to forcing the Races of The Wold to realize this truth. Only the truth will let the races evolve. Only the truth will bring balance to The Wold. Today I am here to teach you this truth. You have always been my favorite daughter. You always went with your passions and used your god given abilities to force those who loved deeply to see the joy that only passion can bring.
"Now however, daughter, you have regressed and embraced the pain of deep love. You have failed. Your teachings of deep love must and will end. I have brought a strong handsome god with me. Ga'al, meet Flower, my daughter. Is she not beautiful?"
"Yes. Very."
"I have not failed. I have seen the truth. Passion brought me nothing but pain and deep love has saved me. I have learned the love of family, friends, and even learned to love you, whom I once despised. Most of all, I have learned to love the people of The Wold, from whom I once took so much."
"Flower you have learned nothing. I will teach you to evolve. You will learn passion...with Ga'al."
"Caeroldra, you are so misled. I am truly sad. I will have nothing to do with a Cult God. I leave you. However, the next time we meet, even though I love you deeply, we meet as enemies. Goodbye mother....for all time"
"Fine. Die in ignorance."
"AAIIIIEEEEEE!"
"Goodbye....daughter."
::POP::
"I AM ALEMI! Carol, what have you done?"
"You do not control me any longer, Alemi!"
"I never controlled you. I simply loved you. Now it is my duty to judge you. I find you guilty of murder. The sentence is Oblivion!"
"NOOOO AAUUUUUUUGH!"
::The sky turns pink and then red as the Goddess of Love and the Goddess of Passion are slain.::
"Ga'al. Look upon me and recognize me.
"I AM ALEMI, SUPREME OF THE GODS OF WOLD! HEAR MY WORDS AND TREMBLE!
"For crimes against the Noble Races, I hereby judge the self-named Cult Gods GUILTY and declare HOLY WAR upon them!
"Now go, Ga'al and speak my words to your cowardly brethren. The next time we meet IT WILL BE WAR!!
"May The Wold mourn the passing of the GODDESS OF LOVE.
"I go to mourn the passing of an old friend."
::...And it begins to rain.::
- - - - - - - - - -
[Clerics of Caeroldra or Flower need to make a Will save DC 14 plus your Cleric Class Level. If you succeed, you are still beset with feelings of obsessive love or the urge to give in to your desires, but are able to control them to an extent. If you fail, your DM will tell you the results and the options available to you.]
[All non-Clerics must make a Will save DC 12 plus half your Character Levels. If you succeed, you are still beset with feelings of obsessive love or the urge to give in to your desires, but are able to control them to an extent. If you fail, your DM will tell you the results and the options available to you.]
DM Jan Thursday April 25th, 2002 1:23:54 AM
Much to everyone's relief, the vial is placed in the box - - and it seems as though the constant howl of banshees is suddenly silent. Everyone can breathe again. Stomachs settle, and stop doing the 'loop the loop'.
The witch Helena attempts to explain what she can about the Myllinar Root. However she is still in a bad way. She manages to pass on the following information - It grows deep. It's upper leaves are bright blue, but it's the root that is needed. Maybe someone at the docks will know how to harvest it.
Utterly shaken, the group heads back down through the levels toward the Orphanage accompanied by Turin. Here and there, more "V" signs are appearing - on doors, on walls, carved onto the side of a passing cart.
As the group approach the orphanage they become aware of two things - 1) There are HORDES of children outside awaiting entry, some carrying bundles, others holding the hands of their smaller siblings. It appears that while their parents prepare to defend the walls - Flaust has become their temporary guardian and mother.
2)And then - - minds already torn by what they have witnessed, the group hear, and sense the bitter battle between the Goddesses of Love - Caeroldra and her daughter Flower. In their minds - they see it all, and for a long moment it blinds them to everything else.
They come around to the screams of howling,panicing, confused children, and perhaps other problems as well.......
((Roll your saves as per Jerry's post above. If you're successful, then react as per above. If you fail - type FAILED in your post, and I'll email you.))
((I'll deal with Miranna's findings on the potions in the next post.))
Turin d20=20 d20=14 Thursday April 25th, 2002 2:34:06 AM
Turin seems almost in shock as he hears the voices, then, as everyone goes into chaos, unwraps his spiked chain and looks around, ready for an enemy to strike. Two gods have fallen today, and he would have a third fall as well. Then, realizing that Marteaus is nowhere nearby and that the children must be responding as well, he replaces the chain and yells out, "Calm yourselves! You are all safe here!" (Rolling diplomacy, hoping this works). He hopes that he's right.
Syr- FAILED d20+3=11 Thursday April 25th, 2002 3:50:04 AM
On the journey back to the orphange, Syr seems lost in deep thought. Halfway through the return trip, he stops struck by a relavation, "Why in the wold should I care about all these gods talking to me? I could care less what happens to them as long as my family is safe." Looking around at his family, he smiles and grins to himself.
Seeing all the children gathered around, "Wow, it looks like we have alot more family to take care of now." With that he moves to help the children inside the orphanage.
As the children begin to panic, he kneels in their midst and tries to calm them one by one with calm words.
Miranna d20+3=23 Thursday April 25th, 2002 5:34:35 AM
Miranna stands in stunned silence, her mind trying to comprehend the deaths of the goddesses of love and passion. Does it signify the end of all love for the Wold? Will nobody love again? The elf's beautiful eyes mist with tears... tears of regret for her lost love, tears of mourning for the true love that will never come into her life...
She is roused by the howling of the panicky children... children who will grow up not knowing true love. Suddenly overwhelmed by pity for the little love-less ones, Miranna goes on her knees and gathers as many of them into her arms as she can. She holds them close to comfort them, her tears falling on their little faces and mingling with their own amid the soft rain.
[Miranna made the save, but she's a soft-hearted creature of emotion.]
Jezebella - FAILED! d20+2=6 Thursday April 25th, 2002 7:09:08 AM
Jezebella follows her friends back to the orphanage, in a daze. Her face is pale, and her normal grace seems gone as she stumbles more then once. Upon arriving to the orphanage, her gaze takes in the crowd of children blankly.. as if she cannot come to grips with the reality of the situation.
.. voices ring in her head.
.. arguments...
.. DEATH...
.. love.. past and future, rides up and becomes overwhelming...
Her eyes grow wider, and her lower lip quivers as her gaze falls on Miranna sitting with the children. She takes a hesitant step forward, and she calls softly in a thick voice.. "miranna..."
Flin d20+6=8 Thursday April 25th, 2002 11:05:40 PM
Will Save Roll Failed.
Flin, even more shaken than he had been before, looks upon the mass of children and starts to pray but stops, looking very unsure of....something. He does not continue praying but rather seems to slip into a forlorn trance...
DM Jan Friday April 26th, 2002 1:49:06 AM
The group rush forward to help out with the extra children. Drake is there, looking rather overwhelmed. For the moment, there is no sign of Flaust who appears to be inside.
The source of the children's lingering panic becomes obvious soon enough. For after the shattering death of the Gods, comes something else. It is as if all that Flower and Caeroldra represented - deep love, passion, seems to flow outward, sweeping out all other thoughts. Feelings of attraction, lust, love, passion swirl through everyone's minds, threatening to take over.
Miranna and Turin manage to get a grip of themselves, despite everyone in sight managing to look darned attractive all of a sudden.
Syr and Flin fail to fight it off, as does Jezebella who is already in a weak state of mind after to trip to Helena's. Oh, the power this feeling has.
Drake appears to be eyeing Miranna and Jezebella in a very forward manner.
((Tiree, Drew - get in here - and don't forget to make your will save, as above :) ))
Drew d20=20 Friday April 26th, 2002 9:17:48 AM
Drew looks about and sees what is happing as well as feeling it himself. However it seems that the love for his family feels stronger. He steps between Drake and his sisters. Not knowing what to do he looks for Mother and see how she is handling the situation.
DM Jan ((OOC)) Friday April 26th, 2002 1:45:17 PM
((Maybe some of this lust and passion stuff could be internalised, rather than expressed in an external manner. The best posts I've seen are when characters have grappled with their emotions in their heads, or tried to talk it through with the help of the other characters. In our roleplay we don't want to do anything that is likely to offend a fellow player, although I know you guys and gals wouldn't do that, anyway.))
Jezebella Friday April 26th, 2002 7:09:53 PM
Jezebella's pace picks up, rushing to place herself between Miranna and Drake... her face a mask of determination. When the massive (by comparison) form of Drew stands in her path suddenly, she stops short. She hovers over Miranna, seeming nervous and fretful.
Turin d20+4=17 Saturday April 27th, 2002 1:34:56 AM
Turin snarls suddenly, at all the people around him who cannot control themselves. He calls out, trying to make himself heard above the din, "Handle yourselves, before I handle you!" He looks particularly at Drake while saying this. (Trying to intimidate him, hoping it works)
Miranna Saturday April 27th, 2002 2:24:35 AM
At the sound of Jezebella's voice calling her, Miranna looks up from the children... and sees Jake eyeing her with... Rand's eyes. Oh the fiery love in those eyes! She releases the children from her arms, rises and starts to move towards Drake as in a trance, but a hulking form steps between them. With a frown, Miranna stops and looks up at the face of Drew... and wonders why she never saw him in this light before. His ugliness is nothing to his strength and his capacity for love... no, his ugliness is his own distinctive mark that makes him all the more attractive...
No! He is your brother! Her Weasel's words in her mind jolt her to sense. Her face pale, the elf shakes her head to clear it, wondering what had happened to her. She casts her eyes over her family and shudders at the look in some of those eyes... Something must be done before the situation gets out of control.
If Flaust does not appear, Miranna casts an illusion [Minor Image] of their adopted mother standing at the entrance, her hands on her hips and a scowl on her face. Her voice will boom over everyone's head, "Get a grip on yourselves! For shame! This is not proper behaviour, orphans or not!" She hopes their mutual fear of Flaust's strict discipline will do the rest.
DM Jan Sunday April 28th, 2002 9:22:32 PM
Drake stops in his tracks as the hulking form of Drew blocks his vision, and he is suddenly shook out of whatever gripped him as Turin's cry of "Handle yourself!" meets his ears.
The grip of passion is further dismantled in everyone's minds as Miranna's image of Flaust appears at the door. Drake is breathing hard, but looks to have got a grip on himself. "I'm glad you're back," he tells the group genuinely. "Please - help me get everyone inside. I have no idea where to put them." Drake's assumption is that Turin is one of the new refugees.
The smaller children, possibly frightened, and possibly feeling the after effects of the tidal wave of love, are clingy and are wanting lots of hugs.
Inside, Flaust can be seen in the midst of mayhem. "They'll share your bunks - put them over there - just squeeze in as best you can - no, not there, there!" She looks relieved to see her elder orphans, and for the moment has no idea of the plans they must make.
Syr Monday April 29th, 2002 3:43:28 AM
Without wasting time, he begins scooping up children two at a time and placing them on beds and in rooms all around the house. He seems to be moving at a frenzied pace, taking stairs two at a time and leaping down from the landing before corralling two more.
Once the clamour and chaos have died down, he moves to Mother's side, "Mom, can we slow down and talk to you for a moment? We need your advice."
Drew Monday April 29th, 2002 12:06:09 PM
Drew dosent wait to approach Mother. As soon as he finds her he approaches her and begins explainging things to her quietly and so that no one can hear. As soon as Syr comes over he has his smaller brother help fill in any details that his duller mind may have missed.
Miranna Monday April 29th, 2002 12:11:35 PM
Following Syr's example, but at a more sedate pace, Miranna helps to settle the new children as best she can.
When peace is restored, she quietly tells Syr that she will go to her study to test the potions, and will join the rest of them later.
Turin Monday April 29th, 2002 10:49:00 PM
Turin starts helping the children in as quickly as he can, watching to make sure nothing happens to cause even MORE problems. As soon as all the children are at least inside or somewhere else they can be safe, he'll go inside.
Jezebella Tuesday April 30th, 2002 7:57:32 AM
Jez continues to follow Miranna, hovering over here like a nervous bird. She accompanies her to her study, where she watches the young wizardess identify the potions, silently and somewhat starry eyed.
DM Jan Tuesday April 30th, 2002 12:08:31 PM
The group helps settle the new arrivals into the Orphanage. It's a bit of a squeeze, but no one seems to care. To some of the children it's a new adventure, and only a few seem overwhelmed by it all. Miranna sets to work, identifying the potions and items they 'found', helped by Jezebella who is eager to learn everything she can.
Meanwhile, Flaust listens to Drew and Syr with growing concern. At the end of it all - "I'm not sure if the Storm Dragons are in town," she says. "However - I shall find out. If not, there will be other ways to contact the Gold Dragons I'm sure. I'll try and get something organised. In the meantime, get some rest - all of you, and you must put together your message then it's ready. As for the lake, the only thing I can suggest is to ask some of the boatmen, but be careful. I've heard they were going to close the port. Things are getting truly desperate beyond our walls."
She welcomes Turin by giving him a strong, rib-creaking hug. "So, you managed to get mixed up in this, too? Well, you have a home here if you want it."
The night draws in.
Turin Tuesday April 30th, 2002 8:51:27 PM
Turin says quickly, "Be careful of the chain!" before getting hugged. At the offer of a place to stay, "This looks better than the places I've been staying lately."
Flin Wednesday May 1st, 2002 12:58:36 AM
Flin, after having done precious little to help settle in the new orphans, continues to walk upstairs to his room in a daze, saying hardly a word to anyone. He shuts the door quietly behind him and is not heard from again for the remainder of the evening.
Syr Wednesday May 1st, 2002 5:17:16 AM
Syr listens to Flaust's words with growing consternation, "But the Storm Dragons have to be here!" His voice drops to a whisper, "Only they can truly help us."
Tugging on her sleeve, "Please mother do what you can to reach them."
With a worried expression he goes upstairs and finds a clear spot on the floor to sleep and proceeds to doze off murmuring the name storm several times before being silent.
Miranna Wednesday May 1st, 2002 8:09:20 AM
The potions take longer to identify than she had at first thought, and Miranna does not appear again for the evening. The process is further slowed somewhat by her taking time to explain everything to Jezebella.
Once the potions are identified, Miranna takes Jezebella's hands and asks her softly, "What is the matter, Jezebella? You have been unusually quiet."
Jezebella Wednesday May 1st, 2002 9:37:15 AM
Jezebella takes a shuddering breath as Miranna takes her hands. She looks down to thier hands together, and begins to blurt ... "I lov.." She stops, suddenly, a breif tremble running through her. "I .. I lost something. One of my old daggers, I think. I don't know where I left it, and its been .. occupying my mind." She blinks, suddenly, her eyes a bit wet.
She continues, softly.. "Thank you for letting me watch you work."
Miranna Wednesday May 1st, 2002 10:03:01 AM
Miranna looks at her little sister in silence for what seems like a long time. Finally, she sighs softly and squeezes the girl's hands lightly. "Jezebella, you know that I love you. I will not force you to reveal what you do not wish to, but remember that I shall be only too glad to help bear any burdens you may have. The others too I am sure. Will you let us help?"
Drew Wednesday May 1st, 2002 10:37:20 AM
Drew goes to the comon rooms with the childern, being more of a play ground than a playmate. Children hanging off of arms and hair and legs, he seems to bear it with little dignity, but dosent seem to mind either. Then when the children go to bed he find his close family (Jez, Mirrana, Syr) and lays down near them, to rest.
DM Jan Wednesday May 1st, 2002 11:13:47 PM
Despite everyone being two and three to a bunk, or having to sleep on the floor, sleep comes quickly for most. It has been a tiring day for everyone in one way or another - from the terrible revelations witnessed by the elders of the Orphanage, right down to the Orphanage's newest and youngest, who's families have been disrupted and torn apart in the preparation for a seige, and who now have to sleep and live with strangers.
Some of the group are taking in what happened in different ways. For instance Drew appears determined, Flin seems very disturbed about something, Jezebella is upset, others seem to be taking it in their stride, as they must, at least outwardly anyway.
In the morning, Drake is up and about early, organising breakfast shifts. "So er - what went on yesterday?" he'll ask whoever of the group comes down to breakfast first, extremely curious.
Flaust walks IN to the Orphanage soon after. She's obviously been up much earlier and has returned with some news for her elder group.
Flin Thursday May 2nd, 2002 1:40:35 AM
Flin slowly makes his way down to the kitchen to break the evening's fast. He smiles half-heartedly to some of the kids and proceeds to take a seat at the table. His eyes are bloodshot with deep bags underneath. He appears to either have had a fitful night sleeping of appears not to have slept at all.
Turin Thursday May 2nd, 2002 6:07:30 AM
Turin walks down to breakfast, wearing all his gear, just in case. He turns to Drake, and says, "Don't expect peace, but do expect victory." He then turns to Flaust, nodding at her.
Jezebella Thursday May 2nd, 2002 7:59:47 AM
The gypsy girl smiles shakily to Miranna. She continues... "You help ... more then you know. I will.. I will share when the time is right. If that ever comes to pass." She smiles again, somewhat sadly, and leaves the room quickly before Miranna presses... or worse, doesn't.
................
In the morning, she rises from a deeper sleep then she is used to. She wanders downstairs with her hair mussed, which is very unusual for her. She catches Drakes question... she pulls him to a darker, unpopulated area of the dining hall and fills him in. At the... meeting... with the Cult God, she shudders, and omits any detail. She describes the vial as 'concentrated evil'. She finishes with thier current quests... asking if he had any input on how to accomplish thier goals.
Drew Thursday May 2nd, 2002 10:34:51 AM
Drew upon seeing Mother walk in goes directly to her and waits for her to fill him in.
Syr Thursday May 2nd, 2002 12:54:25 PM
Syr wakes several times during the night. His mind fails to let go of Marteus' hate filled voice. Each time he punches the pillow harder before burying his face in it and trying to get back to sleep. In the morning, he joins the others downstairs and follows Drake to Flaust's side, waiting for word of what she discovered.
Miranna Thursday May 2nd, 2002 1:30:45 PM
Miranna comes down late, having slept late the night before and then spent time studying her spells in the morning. Unlike most mornings, however, she makes no awkward apologies for being late. It strikes those close to the elf that she looks different somehow, although they'll be hard pressed to say exactly how.
The more observant ones notice a new foot-long cloth pouch at her right hip. From the narrow opening at the top, the end of a stick is just visible. She crosses quickly to the elder group and hands out some vials while listening to what Flaust has to say.
[Miranna tested the wand and sewed a simple wand-holder for herself. DM Jan, please let me know how much gold to deduct for this, if needed. The potions are handed out as in our email discussion.]
Flin Thursday May 2nd, 2002 11:15:42 PM
Flin sighs in sudden determination and marches back up to his room and closes his door. The sound of packing can be heard.
DM Jan Friday May 3rd, 2002 1:20:13 AM
Drake looks rather mystified after Turin's cryptic comments, but is put to rights by Jezebella who tells him what happened.
"No wonder some of you looks so -" he stops and apologizes, not wishing to make Jez feel any worse. As she explains about the Myllinar Root, he becomes a little more animated. "I don't know anything about the plant itself, but - some of the turtle handlers have to dive way below the City to help maintain the Tuecri machinery that helps keep the City afloat and move it from place to place. "It's specialized and dangerous - not many of them can do it. But I bet they could help you if you asked."
Miranna arrives downstairs and hands out potions to some of the group, having finally discovered their properties. ((I'll let you know the wand cost in the next post))
Gradually, everyone gathers around Flaust except for Flin, who seems particularly troubled.
"I may have found a way for you to contact the Gold Dragons," she says in a hushed voice. "Unfortunately, the Storm Dragons are out of town, but - they are friends of old, and after talking to their butler - Mitchum - he may be able to get an audience with the City Overlord himself, and 'he' most certainly knows how to contact the Gold Dragons. I've told Mitchum you will go and visit him this morning at the Storm Dragon's mansion on the Gold Level.
"On my journey through the City - I also discovered that it is as I feared. The port is closed - the City is completely sealed from outside traffic. This means we will have to be careful about our food, and go on to half rations. Drake I want you to get that organised. Find out ways of making our rations last longer. It's going to be difficult, but we must just tighten our belts and make the best of it."
((OOC - sorry, but I won't be able to post until Monday :( In the meantime I'll work on those xps))
Turin Friday May 3rd, 2002 1:49:16 AM
Turin, on hearing about the turtle handklers and the Tuecri machinery, gets very excited. "If we can explain this to one of theirs that has heard Valdor's message, they can no doubt get it for us!" After Flaust speaks, he nods at the mention of the meeting, then shrugs at the mention of half-rations. "If need be, we can live on rats. They're not so bad as they seem, and are better than the food at some inns."
Flin d20+10=27 Sunday May 5th, 2002 11:42:48 PM
Flin comes back down and stops in the great room and looks around at all who are present.
"My friends....my family....thank you so much for taking me in and for the kindness you have all shown me in the past several months. I am deeply ashamed that today, I repay that kindness by leaving. I do so not to hurt or diminish any of you. Rather, I do so in order that you might become stronger. I have come to have great doubts about my faith...great doubts about the Gods...great doubts about everything......consequently, the powers I once had are......are gone. I leave today so that I can try and rediscover my faith....rediscover the truth....rediscover.....me. I hope all of you can understand that...and for those who don't, I hope someday you will. I hope to return some day.....but in light of how things stand right now....who can say. But be sure of one thing....no matter where any of you are...if you see me....I shall know you. And if you need me....I will be there for you. I love you all more than I can express and I shall never forget any of you."
Flin makes his way to the door, exchanging tearful embraces with various family members and opens the door and pauses, looking back.
"I love you all.....goodbye."
With that, Flindalgren Silvertongue, gnome priest of Ffloy, makes his way into the street and quickly disappears within the crowd.
Diplomacy Roll 27
Syr Monday May 6th, 2002 2:26:33 AM
Syr gasps when he hears the party is supposed to visit the famed Dragon mansion. He takes on a dreamy look and begins to think how wonderful it will be just to meet the Storm Dragon's butler. He hopes that Mitchum will make the time for a story or two about the famed group. Snapping out of it, he declares, "Well, it's morning! What are we waiting for folks? We have a city to save and an army to beat!"
As Flin leaves, he hugs the dimunitive gnome, "You are always welcome at our table and our side."
Miranna Monday May 6th, 2002 3:25:27 AM
Miranna closes her eyes and gives a long, low sigh. There has been too much upheaval in the only home she knows... and all traceable to the foul influence of Marteaus. Marteaus must pay for it, for all of it - Jezebella's melancholy, Flin's departure, the half rations...
There is a dangerous glint in the elf's eyes when she opens them again. "We have to get the root for Helena. Let us go to the docks first. We can call at the Storm Dragons' mansion on our way to Helena's."
Jezebella Monday May 6th, 2002 7:49:15 AM
The gypsy girl places her hand on Miranna's shoulder, conforting her after her drawn out sigh. The look in her eyes afterward makes her take a hesitant step back, with a flash of terror in her eyes that certainly does not fit her usual cool confidance.
"ye... yes." She starts, shakily, not meeting Miranna's eyes. "Let's go to the docks, and go for a nice swim." She half smiles, attempting a weak joke.
Drew Monday May 6th, 2002 9:12:54 AM
The glint in Miranna's eye matches the one found so often in Drew's. "Action is what is needed so let us act. The Storm Dragons are up top and the docks are lower. I sugest we go to the Dragons first then the Docks, then away and down to the botom of the lake. I presume it will be dark so we will need magical light sources."
DM Jan Monday May 6th, 2002 12:42:27 PM
The events in the Wold appear to be taking their toll on everyone in some form or another. Some appear galvanized and driven, others appear troubled and lost.
Still shaken by events, Tiree, Plink and Polaris (for the moment anyway) elect to stay back at the Orphanage and help Drake and Flaust.
Flin, being a cleric is having a particularly tough time of it and chooses to go out in search of his faith. "Be careful, tiny one," Flaust says, in a worried tone - despite figuring he wouldn't be able to leave the City per se. "There is much danger beyond the Float. And it comes closer with every breath."
As the group discuss which task to accomplish first, Flaust adds -
"With the docks being closed, obtaining what you want might be difficult and need some planning. I'm not suggesting that for one moment you do something that will break the law, but if a rule must be bent, then it usually takes a while to twist it into the shape you need. Something tells me this particular plant you seek will not be an easy thing to collect - otherwise, it would not be so rare."
Outside - the morning light is firing horizontal shafts along the the main streets. It is accompanied by the very faint smell of burning which is wafting over the lake from Plateau City.
Turin Monday May 6th, 2002 1:51:16 PM
Turin, not smelling the smoke, turns to the others. "Well, let's go. The Gold Dragons will want to know that you don't have to be a god to kill a god."
Drew Tuesday May 7th, 2002 10:52:07 AM
"I agree, the information must make its way to the Gold Dragons as soon as possible."
Syr Tuesday May 7th, 2002 2:10:34 PM
Grinning with delight, "Yup, You must go up before going down..."
Jezebella Tuesday May 7th, 2002 5:52:50 PM
Jezebella looks thoughtfully at her friends.. Miranna in paticular. She hesitates slightly, and then adds her thoughts. "Perhaps if we fetch the witch the roots she needs from the base of the lake, she can give us further information to bring to the Dragons... I got the feeling that they would assist her with that horrid essence in the vial..." She looks around at her friends, seeing doubt on thier faces through her troubled eyes. She murmers: "perhaps not.. or perhaps we can visit the dragons if we find more."
Miranna Tuesday May 7th, 2002 9:59:35 PM
"I would have preferred to get the root first, but Flaust is right. We can visit the Dragons a second time if needed. Let us go, now."
With that, the elf takes Jezebella by the hand and leads the way out of the orphanage, to the amazement of those who knew her more closely.
((DM Jan OOC - welcoming Sam)) Wednesday May 8th, 2002 1:56:14 AM
((Hey everyone, I'd like to introduce Sam (Game 1, Storm Dragons), who's kindly offered to take up the reins of DMing until the end of May, while I help finish off some projects for Jerry. I'd be grateful if you'd all keep me in the loop with emails in the meantime.
Have fun - and behave yerselves ;) ))
Dragon Hunting(dm sam) Wednesday May 8th, 2002 9:28:31 AM
(hi all. hopefully we'll have some fun while jan is away.) as Miranna takes matters in her "own hand", Flaust calls out "Be polite to Mitchum when you meet him. He can be very difficult if you insult him." then the group leaves the orphanage and out into the streets. after traveling a bit they arrive at the lifts to find long lines of people waiting to use them. normally the lifts are able to take their riders to any level, but because of the heavy traffic each lift is going to a specific level(everyone make a spot check of 18 to find the line to the gold level)
Drew d20+4=7 Wednesday May 8th, 2002 3:02:44 PM
Drew is clueless and uncomfortable in the press of people. He seems figity and nervous. Looking about, twitching and breathing heavily.
Syr d20+5=12 Wednesday May 8th, 2002 3:02:49 PM
The elf does a double take at Flaust parting words thinking to himself, "Why would anyone insult someone so important to the Storm Dragons?"
In bis eagerness to get to the Gold level, (Spot 12) he totally misses the line and has to search around or the rest of the group before following.
Turin d20+4=18 Wednesday May 8th, 2002 6:13:05 PM
Turin walks along, looking around and seeming to know the way around, and heads straight towards the Gold level lift line. "This way, guys."
Jezebella d20+7=16 Wednesday May 8th, 2002 6:38:01 PM
The gypsy girl presses close to Miranna, holding on to her as a lifeline in the sea of people. She calls above the din.. "Which way?"
Miranna d20+7=22 Thursday May 9th, 2002 3:59:24 AM
Miranna frowns at the mass of people, but feels strangely calm and purposeful as she feels Jezebella's tight hold on her. "Follow me, Jezebella. My Weasel knows the way even if I do not."
[Has the elf's metamorphosis extended to her sense of direction? Or is this just a fluke shot? Who knows?]
The long line(dm sam) Thursday May 9th, 2002 10:15:33 AM
it takes a few minuets, but Miranna and Turin finally find the right line. unfortunatly it seems to be the longest line. just before the group moves to get in line, Jezebella hears a voice yelling "PASSES TO THE GOLD LEVEL!! NO WAITING!! PASSES TO THE GOLD LEVEL!!! NO WAITING!!!"
Jezebella Thursday May 9th, 2002 6:50:47 PM
Jez smiles gratefully to Miranna who shows the way... she calls over the hub-ub of the crowd to the cluster of her friends around them. "Someone is calling out that they have passes to gold... I suspect it is a scam of some kind, but we can check it out if we want!"
Turin Thursday May 9th, 2002 8:23:54 PM
Turin looks at Jezebella, and shrugs. "If it's a scam, we can deal with the guy later. If not, it'll get us there faster."
Syr Friday May 10th, 2002 2:52:04 AM
Syr smiles, "Lead on. If worst comes to worst, we can always get the big guy to growl at him." With that the elf, speeds ahead of the Drew, staying out of reach.
Drew Friday May 10th, 2002 9:49:56 AM
Drew looks at Syr and says as if he didn't know there was a joke. "You are right I will deal with them, but for now I will hold our place in line while you all check it out."
The Scalper(dm sam) Sunday May 12th, 2002 9:46:29 AM
as Drew stays in line, the others move towards the direction that Jezebelle heard the voice. in a moment they see a middle aged man dressed in a dark red shirt and leather leggings. a floppy hat sits on his head and a long slender sword rests on his hip. he doesnt seem to notice the group approaching him as he continues to yell his offer to the crowd.
Turin Sunday May 12th, 2002 1:59:17 PM
Turin looks at the man offering the tickets, and says, when the man's drawing his breath, "How much, and what assurance do we have?"
Miranna d20+3=23 Sunday May 12th, 2002 9:46:33 PM
Miranna answers Turin, her emerald eyes on the man, "We pay only after we get to the Gold Level." She turns on her most charming smile for the man. "Do you not think it is a good idea, seller of passes?" [Charisma roll 23!]
Syr Monday May 13th, 2002 2:11:17 AM
Syr stays silent and looks around to see if anyone else is paying attention to the man in the floppy hat. He seems to trust Turin and Miranna and has no concern about getting to the Gold level with the two of them addressing the scalper.
OOC: Welcome Sam! I look forward to all the treasure from the great and fantastic adventure planned. (Do you add hero points for shameless grovelling towards the DM? It never seemed to work on Anthony)
Drew Monday May 13th, 2002 9:35:43 AM
Drew waits in line.
Jezebella Monday May 13th, 2002 5:15:31 PM
Jezebella waits silently, still clasping Miranna's hand... she mentally inventories the funds she holds for her friends, keeping her responsibilities forefront. If she was to hold the pursestrings, they would be as tight as they needed to be to see her family through this strange rough time.
The Dealer(dm sam) Tuesday May 14th, 2002 9:48:03 AM
turning to talk with Turin and Miranna, the seller says "How much? Well, its ten gold per pass, and each person going will need a pass. And as for paying when you get back," he says as he eyes Miranna, "Well, how do I know you'll be back? You pay up front. Sorry but its bad bussiness to give something away before you get paid." then with a cheesy smile on his face he says "Murphy is my name. How many passes can I get you?" meanwhile, while hes waiting in line Drew feels a tug on his shirt. "Scuse me mister." a young boy says. "Me and my mom need to get to the top, but she just got robbed. Can we borrow a gold piece. I swear when we get to the top we'll pay you back."
Drew Tuesday May 14th, 2002 10:38:48 AM
Drew looks at the small boy looking at the childs clothing and attitude. Having been a beggar and a thief all his life he figures he can spot one pretty easy. He asks. "Where is your mother?"
Turin d20+4=12 Tuesday May 14th, 2002 3:56:19 PM
Turin, not so sure he trusts this 'Murphy', says, "Let me see the passes, just to be on the safe side. After all, we wouldn't want a fast one pulled on us, would we?" He smiles, and plays his fingers lightly on his spiked chain. (Innuendo roll to get across, "That would be very foolish to do")
Syr Wednesday May 15th, 2002 3:59:26 AM
Syr eyes the scalper and then asks loud enough for others around to hear, "Just curious but why should we need passes? What would happen if we didn't have them?"
He listens for an answer from Murphy or any bystanders.
Miranna Wednesday May 15th, 2002 4:17:54 AM
Miranna continues smiling at the man. "Of course it is bad business to give something away without seeing payment. But consider, Sir - it would be equally bad practice for the customer to pay without being assured that the ware is genuine. I was not advocating that you wait for us to return; I was suggesting that you accompany us, at least as far as the lift to the Gold Level."
Jezebella Wednesday May 15th, 2002 7:21:45 AM
Jezebella smiles in support of Miranna's suggestion. "With all of us at ten gold a head, that is a small fortune... surely it is a sound investment of your time, good sir. To accompany us to the lift, I mean."
Bargening(dm sam) Wednesday May 15th, 2002 9:18:31 AM
Murphy shrugs his shoulders at Miranna's suggestion. "Sure, ill go with you, but its going to cost you. If I move from here, its like closing a shop. And if the shop is closed, I make no money. And if I make no money, then Mrs Murphy gets angry and I get no supper. So, ill go with you, but its going to cost you 2 extra gold per pass, making it 12 per pass." then he looks at Turin and Syr. "You can stand in line right over there," he says pointing at the end of the Gold Level line, "And wait 2 or three hours to get up there. Obviously your in a hurry, or you wouldnt have stopped here." then he fishes something out of his pocket and tosses it to Turin. "Thats what your buying. Its certified and everything." what Turin catches is a smooth stone that says Gold Level District Pass. #435452. Meanwhile, back in the line, the young boy says to Drew. "She's over there." the boy points a couple of places down the line to see a ragged looking woman completly covered in an old blacket. she coughs softly and is clutching his side(Drew make spot check of 12)
Turin Wednesday May 15th, 2002 12:54:29 PM
Turin looks at the stone, and nods. "This seems genuine." He tosses it back, steps back, and gestures to the others to come back to where he is. When they are near him, he whispers, "60 gold is expensive, but if we get there faster, and have assurances, it's worth it. I'm willing to pay him all of it, if it's legit."
Drew d20=16 Wednesday May 15th, 2002 2:26:21 PM
Drew looks the mother and the boy over again. (Spot of 16)
Syr Thursday May 16th, 2002 1:12:56 AM
Syr sees the wisdom of Murphy's advice and grins, "Why not talk to our banker?" With that he pushes Jez forward.
Miranna Thursday May 16th, 2002 2:31:02 AM
Miranna pulls Jezebella aside and whispers to her, "If we can afford it, I suggest that we pay, Jezebella, but it is up to you. You are much better at managing money than I."
The elf then steps back and waits for Jezebella to either decline or conclude the deal.
Jezebella the bankroll Thursday May 16th, 2002 7:14:00 AM
Jez shoots Syr a glare, and sticks her tounge out at him. Hiding a giggle, she begins to turn back to Murphy, only to be pulled aside by Miranna. She nods to her words.
She thinks for just a moment, then says to Murphy : "You get the twelve gold for escorting us now. That we agree to." She begins digging out twelve golden coins from her smaller stash in her beltpouch. "And the cost of the passes once we are assured they are genuine."
Jez, ooc Thursday May 16th, 2002 7:14:47 AM
(oops, sorry. 10 gold ;))
Smilin Murphy(dm sam) Thursday May 16th, 2002 9:16:38 AM
"Well, there's only one problem with that, little lady." Murphy says with a smile as he takes her gold. "I dont want the guards at the lift to see you pay me. They dont exactly take kindly to guys like me, if you know what I mean." he says with a wink. "But I have an idea. You pay me now, and ill give you my saber. Then, when we get to the gate and see that the passes are genuine you can give me my saber back. Say something like 'Guard this well, my friend. Ill need it soon.' or whatever you think would be good. That way I can continue my bussiness here. What do you think?"
Meanwhile, after close examination of the boys mother, Drew sees a dark red spot on the blanket where the woman is clutching her side. he can tell that shes trying to hide it, but shes not doing a very good job.
Drew Thursday May 16th, 2002 3:22:01 PM
Drew seeing the mother in trouble leans down to the boy and wispers. "What is your mothers name?" as soon as the boy tells him he says "Pretend Im your friend." and with that he stands up to his full highth and bellows out the womans name. "Here I am, your son found me, I've been waiting for you and when I couldn't find you I saved your place in line, come on." He beckons to the mother and waits till she gets closer to try and figure out what is wrong with her.
Miranna Friday May 17th, 2002 11:31:18 AM
Miranna shakes her head at Murphy, her smile now gone. "That was not the agreement. We will pay only after we get to the lift. If you are concerned about the guards, we can say what you suggested as we hand over the payment. The guards need not know what we are paying you for."
"I suggest that you do not try any tricks with us, seller of passes. My brother over there has a very huge weapon hidden somewhere..."
Turin d20=9 Saturday May 18th, 2002 1:35:15 AM
Turin tries to figure out if this Murphy is legit or a con artist, and knows that the saber is worth far less than the money they'd lose in a scam, and not worth it. (Sense Motive Roll, if he's Bluffing, he should make a Bluff roll (Cha is the ruling attribute), and get higher than 9. Not that hard.) "I'm not so sure I trust you here."
Syr d20+2=13 Monday May 20th, 2002 6:18:46 AM
On cue, Syr glares at Murphy and cracks a knuckle(intimidate 13).
Jezebella Monday May 20th, 2002 7:50:11 AM
Jezebella stands silent, waiting for her friends bold statements to sink in.
Frownin Murphy(dm sam) d20+9=18 Monday May 20th, 2002 9:12:24 AM
Seeing that things might turn ugly, Murphy says with a frown "These are troubled times indeed if my customers threaten me for no reason. Im not going to give you my passes without you paying me. Im sorry, but it appears we cannot do bussiness with each other." then he pulls out the gold Jesebella gave to him earlier and tosses it to her. as he does that Turin cannot pick up on any deception on his part and it appears to Syr that hes not afraid of him.
meanwhile, as Drew approaches the woman her son says "Her name is Rosia." then when she hears Drew bellow out her name. she says in a scared voice "I dont know you, who are you? What are you doing with my son? What do you want?"
Miranna Monday May 20th, 2002 10:08:00 AM
The elf mirrors Murphy's frown. "No reason? You agreed to accompany us to the lift and receive payment only after we have verified that your passes are genuine. You retracted your agreement after accepting my sister's advance. You call that no reason? If we were not in a hurry, we would not be dealing with you at all."
Looking the scalper in the eye, Miranna changes subject suddenly, "Did you receive the vision from Valdor?"
Turin Monday May 20th, 2002 2:06:57 PM
Turin just stares at Murphy. "Do you have a business license?"
Drew Monday May 20th, 2002 3:11:37 PM
When Rosia approaches, drew does his best to look peacefula nd safe, knowing the effect of his teeth on people he smiles very little. "Dont not fear, your son asked for money for the lift he stated you were robed. Being a child of the streets i feared a scam and sought to put a stop to it, however I see that you are hurt and that your son was honest with me. I seek to help you both and perhaps make a new friend in these troubled times. My brothers and sister are over there discussing with the scalper if it is possible to lower his prices. You would be welcome to come with us one way or another. Now how badly are you hurt, there are healers in my family perhaps we can help."
Syr Tuesday May 21st, 2002 2:37:15 AM
Disappointed that Murphy ignored his posturing, Syr's attention wanders. Knowing how lucrative a deal this scalper is making, he looks around for anyone else carrying the passes. In particular, he searches the crowd for anyone making their way to the front at a fast speed.
Jezebella Tuesday May 21st, 2002 7:07:14 AM
Jezebella steps back a bit, the ten gold in her hand seeming very heavy. She pulls a couple of her friends away.. Miranna and Syr were closest. "I think the passes are genuine.. and hes playing this as straight as a scalper can. I don't think he would have given back the ten gold if he was planning on cheating it, would he?" She seems unsure with her logic, even as she presents it.
Done Dealin?(dm sam) Tuesday May 21st, 2002 7:26:58 AM
"If I had a license would I be out here?" Murphy says to Turin "Why do you think I dont want the guards to see our transaction." then he says to Miranna "Ive heard of Valdor, but I cant recall haveing any visions of him. Why do you ask?" it seems like hes going to say something else, but seeing that Jezebella is calling some kind of meeting, he just pulls out a small knife from somewhere in his shirt and begins cleaning his nails. while the discussion is going on, Syr can see people coming and going in all directions, but doesnt notice anyone getting through quickly at the moment(make spot check of 15 to see anything Syr)
back in line, Rosia says to Drew "Leave us alone stranger, my brother is at the gate. He'll....." then the woman's eyee roll back into her head and she falls down, crashing heavely to the ground. "MAMA!!" the boy yells as he rushes to her side. "GET UP MAMA, GET UP!!" then he looks at Drew, with tears in his eye "HELP HER, HELP HER PLEASE! MAKE HER GET UP!!"
Drew d20=16 Tuesday May 21st, 2002 8:50:38 AM
Drew catches the woman and then panic and pain flood his heart. Lifting his head he screams with all of his might, cutting through the noise of the crowd. "SYYYYYYYYRRRRRRRRR!!! JEZ!!!!!! I need help!!!" He begins to look at the woman and see if he can figure out whats wrong with her. If his gfamily arives quickly he will explain everything, take a healing potion from his pouch in case its needed and then turn to calm the boy.
Jezebella Tuesday May 21st, 2002 12:52:19 PM
The gypsy girl turns from the scalper at Drew's yell. She calls out reflexively: "Elj.." but the sound dies in her throat. Her expression grows grim, as she moves quickly through the crowd, and fumbles in her pouch for a healling potion. She will feed it to the fallen woman unless someone helps her first.
Turin Tuesday May 21st, 2002 6:18:34 PM
Turin rolls his eyes, and starts to head back to where they left Drew. Then, hearing his yell, he runs over as quickly as he can.
Miranna Tuesday May 21st, 2002 10:31:33 PM
"Jezebella, I do not -" Miranna starts saying in a low whisper, but is cut off by Drew's scream. Without another thought, she starts running back to Drew.
Syr d20+5=7 Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 1:08:41 AM
Syr whips his head around at Drew's yell. Observing Drew and the woman, he looks around for a threat. He moves to the boy's side and tries to soothe his crying, "She'll be okay, just wait, we have friends that can help her."
To the Rescue(dm sam) Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 4:23:14 AM
once everyone arrives, Drew is finally able to get a good look at the woman's side. he sees a cut on the cloth, as if she's been stabbed. there also seems to be alot of blood flowing down her leg that he didnt notice before. Syr is able to calm the boy down a bit, but he can clearly see that the boy is terrified. after everyone sees that the woman is in dire straits, Jezebella forces the potion down the woman's throat. though the wound closes, the spot where it was looks infected and the woman doesnt wake up(anyone with healing or herbalism skill make a check of 20).
Drew Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 8:59:50 AM
Drew looks at the boy now that hes calmed down, "Your mother said that her brother was waiting at the lift. Is that down here or up on Gold Level? What is his name? What does he look like?"
Turin Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 4:39:01 PM
Turin, seeing what's happened, then turns to the line. "Great. Now we've got to wait in line even longer." He looks around, and wonders if there is any way to get up besides the lift.
Miranna Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 10:00:32 PM
When the woman fails to regain consciousness, Miranna frowns and casts Detect Poison on her.
Jezebella Thursday May 23rd, 2002 6:55:08 AM
Jez remains kneeling at the woman's side. She takes another potion from her pouch... and asks of Drew and the boy : "What happened? Who hurt this woman?"
Drew Thursday May 23rd, 2002 10:33:13 AM
Drew answers Jez's questions as far as he knows. "They were robbed and had no money, the young lad came asking for money."
Revelation(dm sam) Friday May 24th, 2002 9:37:55 AM
after asking his questions Drew realizes that the boy is way to upset to answer him. the poor boy just continues to whimper. Miranna's spell reveals that the woman has in fact been poisioned. everyone else stands, not sure what to do
Miranna d20+7=20 Friday May 24th, 2002 10:56:09 AM
Miranna gives a soft exclamation when her suspicion is confirmed. She examines the wound more closely to determine the exact type of poison. [Made Alchemy check vs DC 20, as secondary effect of Detect Poison spell.]
The elf relays the information to her family with sadness in her eyes. "We have to get her to a healer fast." Turning to the boy, she smiles at him in an attempt to calm him and win his confidence. "We will try our best to save your mother, little boy. Will you let us bring her to a temple?"
Miranna will suggest that they delay their visit to the Gold Dragons to save a life.
Turin Friday May 24th, 2002 10:29:40 PM
Turin sighs, and nods assent.
Syr Saturday May 25th, 2002 2:06:23 AM
Syr leaves the boy with Miranna and scans the crowd for the scalper.
Jezebella Monday May 27th, 2002 8:00:52 AM
The gypsy girl purses her lips. She says, mostly to herself. "Why would common theives use poison?"
Drew Monday May 27th, 2002 3:02:06 PM
Drew pulls a potion of Nutrilize posion from his backpack. "Use this quickly!"
Murphy to the Rescue?(dm sam) Tuesday May 28th, 2002 9:19:37 AM
Miranna can tell its a slow acting poision, but since the wound has closes thats all she can tell. the boy nodds at her mutely. Syr sees Murphy walking over to the group. he starts to say something to Syr until he sees the woman lying on the ground. walking quickly to her, he bends down and strokes her cheek gently. Miranna hears him whisper the word "Rosia" then he stands up straight. "Was she looking for her brother?" he asks Miranna as Drew uses the potion on the fallen woman.
Drew Tuesday May 28th, 2002 3:49:58 PM
looking up at the man he says. "Yes, she was looking for her broother, she and the boy were robbed and I tried to help but she paniced and then fainted. Do you know her brother? We should get him as soon as possible."
Turin Tuesday May 28th, 2002 5:36:50 PM
Turin looks at Murphy as he comes over. "You're her brother, aren't you?"
Syr Wednesday May 29th, 2002 3:05:48 AM
Moving to the side as Murphy slides past, he continues to comfort the boy. Bending down to eye level with the boy, "Where did you and your mother come from?"
Miranna Wednesday May 29th, 2002 5:29:23 AM
An expression of profound relief floods Miranna's fair face as Drew produces his potion of Neutralize Poison. "I did not know you had such a potion, Drew. I thought Flin left with all four potions." [OOC: There's too much player and DM movement in this game. I'm getting mighty confused!]
The elf looks surprised at Murphy's question. Her eyes roam between the faces of the unconscious woman and Murphy to look for a family resemblance.
Relatives(dm sam) Wednesday May 29th, 2002 9:03:10 AM
Syr is still unable to get anything from the boy other than "Who's that?" as he points at Murphy. after giving Rosia the potion, she starts to stir a bit but still remains unconcious. the poision marks where her wound was fade away though. Murphy nodds and Drew and says "I thought so." then he hears Turin's question and chuckles a bit. "No, im not her brother. He was a friend of mine though. He's not around here anymore. Hasnt been for about a year." the he says to himself "She probably hasnt seen him for 5." as Miranna stares hard at the two she thinks its possible that they might be related, but highly unlikely
Jezebella Wednesday May 29th, 2002 9:08:11 AM
The gypsy girl draws her daggers, palming them. Something was not right here, and she was not going to be taken by suprize.
Drew Wednesday May 29th, 2002 12:41:58 PM
"She said she was waiting for her brother and that he would be here soon." Then to Miranna. "It is a potion I found laying about." (OOC: Loot and Booty win)
Turin Wednesday May 29th, 2002 3:58:45 PM
Turin shrugs, then asks Murphy, "So, who is her brother, and when will he be coming back?"
Miranna Wednesday May 29th, 2002 10:40:35 PM
Miranna lets the others do the talking, not liking Murphy's failure to keep his word earlier.
Syr Thursday May 30th, 2002 2:35:03 AM
Syr looks down on the woman and studies her. Thinking to himself, he wonders what kind of person would attack and poison a mother, what she did to deserve it, and finally her history with the ticket scalper.
Talking(dm sam) Thursday May 30th, 2002 5:13:23 AM
Murphy says to Turin "He wont be back. At least not anytime soon. He went to go fight the invasion. Im not sure he's even alive." then, giving a deep sigh, he pulls something out of his pocket "Here, take these." he says to Drew. "These should get you and Rosia and her son to the Gold level pretty quick. Just go over there," he says pointing close to the front line, "And give them to the guard. If I remember correctly, she has an uncle on guard on the lift entrace of the Gold level. He'll take care of her."
Drew Thursday May 30th, 2002 9:46:56 AM
"Thank you sir, but I can not leave my family here, can they purchace passes from you as well. We have urgent businnes within the city. On Gold level as well as the docks. More than one fate rests in the balance."
Turin Thursday May 30th, 2002 4:18:33 PM
Turin looks at Murphy. "I believe these will work now." He pulls ten gold pieces out of his pouch to give to Murphy. "Either that, or you are an expert swindler," he says with a smirk.
Syr Friday May 31st, 2002 1:42:59 AM
Syr looks at Murphy with more respect after his actions. "A person's actions speak to his heart. Thanks." Looking down at Rosia, he moves to her side. If she rises, he assists her and offers a shoulder to lean on. If she does not, The elf lifts her up and places one of her arms around his shoulder, "Turin if you can get her other side, we'll take her immediately to her family." He moves with Rosia toward the lift.
Miranna Friday May 31st, 2002 10:30:33 AM
Miranna frowns at Murphy's sudden change of attitude. She does not trust him, but they do need to get to the Gold Level quickly. The elf decides to follow the lead of her family.
Going Up(dm sam) Saturday June 1st, 2002 7:53:06 AM
Murphy looks at Drew and says "That one will get you all up. Now hurry along, im sure Rosia and her son would like to get up there as soon as possible." then waving away the gold Turin offered him, Murphy begins to walk away. "Thanks for the kind words, but ill get my money from her brother. Adios." and with that he disappears into the crowd
Turin Sunday June 2nd, 2002 2:17:19 AM
Turin turns to the others. "Well, we just got our free ticket, it would seem. Let's go." He looks at Rosia. "The faster we get there, the quicker she can be treated."
Syr Monday June 3rd, 2002 3:49:51 AM
The elf continues to aid Rosia and moves to the lift that Murphy was pointing at.
Jezebella Monday June 3rd, 2002 8:09:06 AM
The gypsy girl follows her adopted family, keeping her daggers at ready. Something is still nagging her as being wrong.
Miranna Monday June 3rd, 2002 10:33:31 AM
As Miranna follows her family, her face assumes a familiar dreamy expression as she starts thinking about Myllinar Root and what uses it might have. She goes through all the alchemical ingredients and recipes she knows, then repeats the mental exercises in each of the five languages she knows, making up approximate translations for those ingredients which have no name in a particular language.
When she exhausts the alchemical ingredients, she starts on all the spell components she has ever read about, including the excruciating details of how to extract and preserve the components in a suitable state for spell-casting...
GOD WAR! [CDM Jerry] Monday June 3rd, 2002 10:43:59 AM
A distant rumble is heard, causing many to look in that direction to see if a storm is building. In the distance, a darkness seems to be creeping eastward. A few minutes later, huge clouds are building and soon cover the western sky, moving east. A devil of a storm is brewing, and people scramble through the streets to reach the safety of shelter before it begins.
The storm is filled with magic as the clouds, seemingly alive, build faster than any natural storm. Soon it fills the sky, looking below for victims to pound with hail and strike with...
LIGHTNING!
Suddenly, lightning strikes! Then again! Forking into thousands of bolts, the ground is assaulted. The smell of ozone is in the air. Shortly after comes the thunder! Deafeningly loud, it causes those yet outdoors to hold their ears in pain.
Then, beginning with the places where the lightning had struck, the ground begins to crack and open.
Distantly you hear a dark deep voice. The voice of a god.
"ATTACK!"
Godly war has begun. The Cult Gods have assaulted the Godlands.
The ground begins to shake and the volcanoes of the Scab rejoice in the conflict, belching fire and smoke that can be seen for hundreds of miles. Even the monstrous Shadow Mountain blows its top in tribute to the battle's ferocity. This explosion is heard and seen throughout the peninsula and as far west as Wemic Isle.
DM Jan Tuesday June 4th, 2002 1:56:43 AM
As the group prepare to move up the levels, a great storm begins, greater than any ever seen before. It is large enough to start a pitch and roll on the Floating City. It's almost like being on a very large boat in the midst of some stormy sea.
(Reflex DC 14 to stay on your feet)
Turin d20+5=23 Tuesday June 4th, 2002 2:21:01 AM
Turin seems rather unaffected by the sudden pitch and roll. He moves to try to catch anyone knocked off their feet.
Jezebella d20+6=26 Tuesday June 4th, 2002 7:23:26 AM
Jezebella catches the sway of the city, as if on the tightrope again. A cross look graces her face, and she grumbles. "Do They not CARE that they affect our mere mortal lives?"
The First To Go [CDM Jerry] Tuesday June 4th, 2002 3:23:03 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.
DM Jan Wednesday June 5th, 2002 1:54:30 AM
Turin and Jezebella stay surefooted for the moment. But it gets worse, and at one point the entire City shakes violently. Folks begin to scream and run about in total panic, as though they fully expect the Level's ceiling to come crashing down on their heads. Maybe it's time to find shelter.
But where?
Turin d20+4=19 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 2:44:48 AM
Turin looks around for a useful place to weather the fallout of the gods. "I think we should go there!" He tries to call out over the din.
Syr d20+5=20 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 2:57:03 AM
Syr clutches Rosia tightly and follows Turin. Turning and yelling to the others, "Get the lead out, it's not safe here."
Even though he has no idea where Turin is going, he follows, trusting perhaps too easily, his newfound friend.
Miranna d20+7=23 Wednesday June 5th, 2002 5:22:48 AM
Miranna is startled out of her mental exercises by the magical storm. Her elven reflexes keep her on her feet as she looks around wide-eyed at the god-scale destruction. "We need to get home! Flaust and the children will need us!" she shouts over the noise, and then starts running as fast as she is able through the panicked crowd.
Jezebella Wednesday June 5th, 2002 7:00:44 AM
Jez echoes Miranna's call. "Yes, home! Flaust should be able to help Rosia as well!"
She follows Miranna's darting through the crowd. Even in this mad time, a smile lights her face as she makes a game of following the elven girl.
Drew Wednesday June 5th, 2002 4:23:43 PM
Drew is dumbfounded
DM Jan Thursday June 6th, 2002 1:57:26 AM
It is utter chaos, with people running all over the place, bumping into others - everyone seems to either want to get home and check on their loved ones, or just find anywhere that is potentially safe.
The group heads off back to the Orphanage, Syr helping the injured woman. It takes quite a while, and everyone arrives just in time to see Drake barricading the doors.
"Get in! Get in!" he yells.
Jezebella Thursday June 6th, 2002 7:07:05 AM
Jezebella helps Syr usher in the poisoned woman. She glances around the interior of the common room, looking for the smaller members of her family, and the everpresent Flaust.
"Drake.. is everyone OK?" She calls over the chaos.
Is This The End? [CDM Jerry] Thursday June 6th, 2002 12:12:14 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.
Drew Thursday June 6th, 2002 3:21:22 PM
Drew weeps in a corner tring to find balance or a calm place in the storm.
Turin Friday June 7th, 2002 1:49:04 AM
Turin moves almost mechanically, trying to get people inside and then help barricade the orphanage. Then he sits at a slit, weapon ready, and watching the outside world emotionlessly.
Syr Friday June 7th, 2002 2:49:37 AM
Syr looks lost and wanders around the rooms aimlessly searching for something he doesn't know.
Miranna Friday June 7th, 2002 9:12:14 AM
Miranna sits by Drew, thinking over and over that she has never seen a half-orc cry.
DM Jan Friday June 7th, 2002 7:51:10 PM
Jez's question is answered by a hurried 'I think so!' There is a definite look of relief in Drake's eyes. Flaust and one of the other girls takes care of the stricken woman.
As the storm gathers momentum, causing the mighty Floating City to sway and lurch, everyone clings to one another and waits it out.
Eventually, things start to settle until finally -
Flaust gathers Syr, Miranna, Drew, Jezebella and Turin together. She looks weary and tired but there is a spark in her eye nontheless. "I can see you are all shocked, and I know this is bad time," she says, " but it's important that we hide our fears for now. We must be strong for the younger children. Tell me - did you manage to complete your task? Did you see the Storm Dragons?"
Little Becky wanders over to the weeping Drew, taps him on the foot and hands him a piece of paper. On the paper is a large letter 'V' coloured in bright green, with a flower growing out of it. "I did that," she says proudly.
Turin Saturday June 8th, 2002 12:00:39 AM
Turin mutters to himself, then shakes his head. "We spent too much time dancing with... We still have the pass!" He stands up, and looks around at the others. "We can go now!"
Miranna Saturday June 8th, 2002 2:14:46 AM
With a soft sigh, Miranna takes her eyes off Drew and looks at Turin. "Is it not already too late? The gods are mostly slain. The Wold will end. I am weary of running around to no purpose. Excuse me."
Miranna withdraws to her private study and locks herself in. She refuses to answer to anyone's knocks, and does not come out again for the rest of the day, or the next. The only sign anyone sees of her is her little weasel running out from the pantry with something in its mouth.
[OOC: I'm sorry, but I'm really tired of running about achieving nothing. Miranna will not join the others until she sorts out her thoughts... IF she doesn't lose all hope. You all will know once she decides.]
DM Jan - OOC Saturday June 8th, 2002 6:06:03 PM
((Folks, check your email regarding the above comment))
Turin Sunday June 9th, 2002 1:48:46 AM
OOC Sorry for the 2nd post, but it's necessary.
Turin turns to Miranna, full of fury, his hand unconciously going towards his spiked chain. "There is still one god that must die! Even if you won't, I will make sure he does."
Jezebella Sunday June 9th, 2002 5:20:24 PM
The gypsy girl darts between Turin and the retreating Miranna. Her eyes are nearly mad with rage as she she rounds on him. "Don't you DARE talk to her like that! And if you draw that weapon, I will personally dice you into cubes!" She shakes with emotion, untill she hears the study door slam shut. With a final glare at Turin, she goes to check on Miranna. She raps softly on the entryway. When she recieves no response, she sags, dispondant. She shuffles down the stairway, and mumbles something about going to the gold level.
Syr Monday June 10th, 2002 2:43:24 AM
The elf hears the commotion and comes downstairs, "Methinks we can't see the forest through the trees." Let's get everyone back together and goes visit some Dragons!"
Drew Monday June 10th, 2002 9:48:13 AM
Drew takes the piece of paper from Becky and looks at it thoughtfuly, the tears stoping as fast as they started. It seems to touch something within him and he takes the drawing from here with revrent care. "Thank you Becky, You have done something amazing, now I must go do something amazing as well, would you mind if I kept this drawing to remember what I have to do?"
DM Jan Tuesday June 11th, 2002 12:06:47 AM
Becky nods enthusiastically at Drew and scampers off, leaving him with her picture. The half orc appears to look like he has a purpose.
Recent events appear to have fried everyone's nerves, and the elder orphans emotions spill out. Miranna barricades herself in her room and Turin erupts in fury, causing Jezebella to jump hotly to her friend's defense.
Syr comes downstairs to see what all the noise is about and attempts to motivate everyone the best he can.
Just then, Drake walks over. "I've just had a look outside. The streets are empty. I think everyone is locked in at home. If you're going anywhere. This might be as good a time as any."
Drew Tuesday June 11th, 2002 11:16:15 AM
Drew looks at Drake and fixes the straps on his armor leaing the tears to dry on his cheeks, he takes one last look at the picture and then flods it and places it near his heart. Looking around at his family and securing his axe he says. "It is time to go."
Syr Tuesday June 11th, 2002 2:42:44 PM
Syr nods at Drew, raising his voice he bellows loud enough to be heard through the house, "I've always wanted to go Dragon Hunting, anyone joining us?"
Looking at Drake before leaving, "Just a thought but how is barricading the windows and locking the doors going to prevent the city from sinking again?" With a quick grin, he moves out the door leading the group back to the elevators.
Jezebella Tuesday June 11th, 2002 5:53:16 PM
Jez winces as Syr bellows right next to her, and shuffles along with him and Drew as they leave. She seems very distracted, however.
Turin Tuesday June 11th, 2002 10:53:49 PM
Turin mutters quietly to himself and follows the group out.
DM Jan Wednesday June 12th, 2002 12:30:36 AM
Everyone gets ready to set off "again". Drake raps on Miranna's door. "Hey Miranna, are you going or not?" "Very funny," he says to the mischievous Syr. "But the odds are, we'll get all our bread stolen if we don't protect it somehow."
Out on the Fence Level, it's amazing how quiet it is. The outer edges are still guarded, and people can be seen moving to and fro, but toward the ramps - nothing - no one.
The lifts aren't working, but of course the ramps are completely clear, so there is no difficulty traveling up through the Merchant and the Barrack Levels - right up to the Gold. Papers drift across the streets. Occasionally, a formation of guards passes by, but apart from that - it's unearthly quiet.
Up ahead is the Storm Dragons mansion. It is a fairly large, and imposing building. The door is closed. All seems quiet.
Drew Wednesday June 12th, 2002 11:11:39 AM
Drew marches right up to the front door and bangs on it loudly.
Turin Wednesday June 12th, 2002 8:10:51 PM
Turin tries to make his hair look better, so he doesn't look quite as scruffy as usual.
Syr Thursday June 13th, 2002 2:28:26 AM
The elf gazes around in awe. "Hey Jez, what's it take to join the dragons anyway? Do they send out invites?"
"Someday, I want to have a mansion or at least a home I can call my own. It's been decades since I had my own place."
He jumps at Drew's loud knock and waits patiently near. Not sensing any threat, his face is relaxed a casual.
Jezebella Thursday June 13th, 2002 7:06:56 AM
The gypsy girl manages a weak smile to Syr's impudent question. "I don't know.. but you certainly don't aim small, do you?"
She waits for Drew's bold knock to be answered.
DM Jan Thursday June 13th, 2002 4:05:53 PM
Drew's loud knock seems to echo inside the large upscale dwelling.
While everyone waits, it appears that someone else also seeks an audience with the Storm Dragons. Another figure is walking up the path and approaching the door. (John - thats your cue to enter.)
Just then - the front door opens and a man is standing there looking at you all from just inside the doorway. "Yes?" he says. "Can I help you?"
Turin Thursday June 13th, 2002 6:27:30 PM
Turin keeps his quiet, letting others speak.
Jezebella Friday June 14th, 2002 7:15:09 AM
The gypsy girl looks to her friends to speak.. but they apparently are dumbstruck. She says to the doorman. "We have information from the witch Helena for the Storm Dragons... and all the dragons, I imagine.. that may assist in thier current war. May we enter?"
Drew Friday June 14th, 2002 11:25:18 AM
Drew steps aside and allows others who have a better gift for speech. When the new person arives he moves subtlely to stand between him and his family.
Syr Friday June 14th, 2002 2:00:54 PM
Syr blurts out in an awed voice, "Are they here? Are the Storm Dragons really here?" He stands on his toes ans strains his neck to look over the man's to catch a glimpse of the interior.
DM Jan Saturday June 15th, 2002 11:20:55 AM
The man at the door raises an eyebrow. "Information? Ah... if you will step this way. My name is Mitchum."
The man leads everyone inside, including the mystery figure who has to contend with Drew's half orc frame getting in the way somewhat.
Turin's hair won't stay down, no way no how.
Inside the large marble-floored hallway, everyone can see that this place is NICE. Doorways lead off to other rooms - all are closed but two, and Mitchum leads the group through one of them into a nicely furnished and comfortable sitting room. Jezebella will likely note this room has a masculine look to it. No chintz. No flowers.
"I'm sorry," says Mitchum to Syr. "I'm afraid the Storm Dragons are out. The war, you understand. But - if you have some important information, I will try my best to help you get it to the right people. "Now, if you'll excuse me just for a few minutes. I have another visitor here. I won't be long."
The group see's Mitchum step out of the room, cross the hall and enter the other open door. Beyond it can be seen the tall dark-haired figure of a man with his back turned. He looks to be wearing the robes of a noble.
Just then - the housekeeper arrives with a tray of tea and small cakes. "I'm sorry we can't be more hospitable," she says with a warm smile. "This is all I can offer with all the rationing going on. But please, make yourself comfortable."
Turin Sunday June 16th, 2002 2:41:02 AM
Turin nods to the woman, and waits until Mitchum returns. If no one else tells him, he certainly will.
Syr Monday June 17th, 2002 1:31:08 AM
In a hushed voice, "I thought our information was important? Shouldn't we just tell him quickly so the Dragons will be able to react?"
Turning to the mystery figure, the small elf (4'9") peers a question at his presence. "Drew, Turin, ever notice how we always seem to pick up stragglers." He flicks his black ponytail and nods a greeting, "Well, as long as it isn't 'stranglers', I guess we're safe."
He walks over to the stranger with a quick step. As no weapons are visible and a smile is readily on his face, he appears threatening only to mosquitos. Strangely enough, his garb is very colorful with greens and reds but very functional.
Tiree Monday June 17th, 2002 3:02:59 PM
Tiree watches as her family leaves again. No one even bothered to ask her if she was going with them. They just assumed that she wasn't.
She turns and heads back to her room. On her way, she passes by Miranna's room. She lifts her hand to knock, but decides not to. As she makes her way to her room, Tiree thinks back on what has happened to her family and all the trouble they seem to get in...with or without her.
Tiree hurries to her room and gathers her equipment, checking it over quickly. She hurries back downstairs to Mama Flaust.
"I've gotta go with them, Flaust. They need me."
With that, Tiree gives Flaust a quick kiss on the cheek and a grin and takes off after her brothers and sisters.
She moves at a steady pace through the City, hoping to catch up to them, but it seems they got a very good head start on her. She arrives at the home of the Storm Dragons, but never sees them.
Hoping she didn't pass them somehow, Tiree steels herself and walks up to the door. She quickly knocks on the door before she loses her courage. She shifts from one foot to the other as she waits for the door to open.
Ubaerul Monday June 17th, 2002 6:49:57 PM
Ubaerul listens to mitchum with a look of dissapointment evident upon his face, though after recognizing the possibilities this young band represents, a smile can be seen forming at the corners of his mouth.
Giving a courtly if somewhat awkward bow to those remaining Ubaerul begins to introduce himself.
"Hello good sirs, my name is Ubaerul Vestrati. I too bring word of pressing concern for the Storm Dragons. Might I ask what your names are as well as what brings you here if you are so inclined?"
Softly picking up a treat from the tray, Ubaerul looks intently upon the strangers for their response.
DM Jan Tuesday June 18th, 2002 12:49:50 AM
Two frustrating minutes pass, and then Mitchum and the tall noble in the room opposite appear to nod, and the noble passes a slip of paper to the head butler.
They both turn, exit the room, and walk toward the group. The nobleman stands in the doorway, looking at each and everyone there - Syr, Turin, Jezebella, Drew, and Ubaerul. It seems as though he is somehow in judgement, and - as each member of the group meets his eyes, their awareness of him changes momentarily. His eyes - for a mere fraction of a second, seem almost reptilian, and somehow he takes on a greater aspect, an illusion of being much bigger than he looks. It's all over so quickly that whoever see's it wonders if they just imagined it.
Then he's gone, walking toward the main door. "I'll just see this gentleman out," says Mitchum.
At the main door, the tall man leaves, but not before giving Tiree, who is standing outside, the same onceover, and she experiences the same feeling as the others.
Tiree is led into the sitting room to meet with her friends.
Mitchum clears his throat and asks - "So, you say you have a message for the Dragons? The Storm Dragons or the Gold Dragons?"
Jezebella Tuesday June 18th, 2002 7:17:34 AM
Jezebella shudders under the gaze of the noble.. the reptilan gaze seeming to pierce her already injured soul. She seems barely aware of Mitchum's question.. but she answers it nonetheless.
"Yes, sir.. for the Storm Dragons specifically, but I do not see why the information could not go to all Dragons.. all Dragons on this side of the war, of course."
She asks a question.. somehow it is asked of her companions, as well as the butler. "Shall we leave the message now.. or wait to speak with the dragons themselves? .. we do have more to do, elsewhere."
Drew d20+4=19 Tuesday June 18th, 2002 9:59:24 AM
Drew matches the stare moment for moment and apraises the reptile noble with the same scrutiny as is being spent on him.
Spot 19
Tiree Tuesday June 18th, 2002 10:56:24 PM
Tiree blushes under the gaze of the man as he passes her at the door of the Storm Dragon's mansion. Not looking down, she smiles at him as she moves inside.
Once inside, she is happy at rejoining her family. But, as first one then another, do not acknowledge her, her smile fades from her face. Looking at Mitchum and then her family, Tiree takes a step back and tries to fade into the woodwork.
Syr Wednesday June 19th, 2002 3:43:54 AM
Syr bows in turn to Ubaerel. "I'm Syr, and this is Jez, Drew, and Turin."
With a raised eyebrow he asks innocently, "Who was that and why did he scrutinize me so?"
Addressing Jez's general question, "Time is ticking, I say we leave the message and let Mitchum take care of the rest."
Seeing Tiree's late arrival, he spares a quick wink for the True thief.
DM Jan Wednesday June 19th, 2002 12:28:28 PM
It seems to Tiree that her friends are distracted, and perhaps no wonder. Everyone who caught the gaze of the stranger fell into a momentary spell. Drew's particular scrutiny left him with the impression this man could crush him like a bug if he so desired.
"It is strange, and perhaps fortuitous, that you all arrived at the same time as that gentleman," says Mitchum, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention. "I cannot tell you who he was, for to do so might put his life in danger. But what I can tell you, is that on this occasion at least, he was a message bearer, and brought with him the means of communicating with the Dragons. The communicator is hidden deep within our fair City. "
The butler frowns for a moment, thinking. "If I have understood his instructions correctly, then you will find this device inside the Giggling Ghost Inn. It is in the shape of an orb, and is situated on the corner stair rail on the second floor leading up to the attic. I suspect there will be nothing unusual about it's immediate appearance. It will be protected."
He then opens up the slip of paper the mysterious gentleman left behind, and hands it to the group. In a fine, decorative and highly educated script, it reads -
Three powers - strike true - strike hard.
"I don't want to rush you," adds Mitchum, "but it would appear to me that you are all in a hurry. I want to wish you the best. I suspect my own employers are currently on their way back with the same purpose as yours, unless they have found another device elsewhere. But I have said enough. Be careful out there, it is more dangerous than you know."
Pushed on by the urgency of the situation, the group say their farewells at the Storm Dragons mansion, and return back to their own level. The streets are still quiet, and over at the Giggling Ghost there are few patrons. At least it puts them a lot closer to their other objective - the docks, and the search for the Mylinnar plant.
Inside the Inn, no one seems to care about the arrival of a rag tag group of orphans. Everyone seems to be pondering troubles of their own.
Upstairs, on one corner of a plain wooden balustrade, at the top of the steps leading to a tiny attic door - is a carved wooden globe. It looks as though it's always been there, merely a decoration, darkened and aged - handled often by those passing on the stairs.
Ubaerul Wednesday June 19th, 2002 11:13:57 PM
Carefully examining the globe Ubaerul begins to wonder about the message the stranger left. There doesn't seem to be any overt way to activate the device, but thinking back to the piece of paper Ubaerul wonders if the three different powers might be the way to activate it.
Turning to the group ubaerul says,
"Well, since it appears we both face the same task it would seem that we might as well help each other for now. And even though there was something not quite right about that noble this globe seems to be our only option for the time being. Can any of you think of any way this might be used? Perhaps the use of three different forces on the globe will activate it."
Looking once again at the wooden globe Ubaerul's brow wrinkles as he ponders how exactly to go about the sending of his message.
((OOC - Not sure how you guys post out of character on here, but I was just wondering how you do rolls, I noticed the spot check earlier and I would like to do a psicraft skill check to see if there is anything inherently psionic about this device.))
Turin Thursday June 20th, 2002 2:11:31 AM
Turin looks at the device, and thinks back. "3 powers... I don't know. 3 different types of magic?" he offers.
Tiree Thursday June 20th, 2002 4:01:59 AM
The human girl shakes her head.
"There's only two kinds of magic. That of the priests and that of the wizards. But there is physical strength." She nods toward Drew as an example. "Maybe that is the third."
Looking around at the group, she nods at Jezebella and Drew. "We have someone who can cast wizard type spells and someone who is the body of strength. But what are we to do about the priesty spells? That is, if I'm right. I wish Flin were here."
A sad look passes behind her eyes before she once again looks at the object of their need.
"Whatever we do, we need it fast. The Dragon's need our information, right?"
Jezebella Thursday June 20th, 2002 9:55:25 AM
Jezebella sighs wistfully. "Miranna could have cast something upon it... I have mostly indirect magics. The riddle says 'Strike true'. So I'm going to try truestrike. Then .. I guess.. I will try to daze it, if nothing seems to happen."
She seems to think for a moment, then digs a gold coin from her beltpouch. She places it atop the orb. When the others look at her questioningly, she looks sheepish and says "Money is a power too..."
She casts truestrike, and if that seems to have no effect, she casts daze upon the orb.
DM Jan Thursday June 20th, 2002 11:41:20 AM
As Jezebella casts TRUESTRIKE upon the orb, it appears to change colour slightly, and everyone hears a faint, continual *zuuuuunnnnggggg* sound.
Strike 1
Drew Thursday June 20th, 2002 12:57:43 PM
Drew looks about and then mumbles to himself . . . "Physical Strength a magic? Verry Well." He pulls back and hits the orb as hard as he can.
Ubaerul Thursday June 20th, 2002 6:56:35 PM
Noticing the change that came over the orb Ubaerul begins to think back on what Tiree said about the two kinds of magic.
"Well, since arcane magic seems to have an effect on this, and we lack any members of the clergy among us, maybe I should try my hand. While my skills are not magical, perhaps that is just what this situation calls for."
Concentrating on the globe Ubaerul's brow begins to sweat as he pictures a fist materializing before him with his mind's eye. Releasing the energies pent up within him Ubaerul envisions his Far Punch power striking forth against the globe with the might of a giant and the speed of a hawk.
DM Jan Thursday June 20th, 2002 7:19:52 PM
Drew gives the orb a mighty THWAK!!
Suddenly the wooden orb is much lighter in colour, more like ash than oak - and there seems to be a crack in it - and through the crack, a strange light spills through, hitting the stairwell wall with a narrow band of rainbow colours..... The *zuuuunnnnng* sound is accompanied by a *zeeennnnnnng* of a slightly higher pitch.
Strike 2
Then - as Ubaerul concentrates, gathering a psionic force and letting forth FAR PUNCH - the veneer of wood disappears from the orb altogether. Another sound - *zziiinnnnnnng* joins the others.
Strike 3
Instead of a globe of wood - the group are now looking at a shimmering orb of the same size, which is emitting brilliant, blinding shards of multicoloured light.
((Reflex check DC 15 everyone, or see spots swim in front of your eyes for a little while))
Moments later, things change. The sounds become softer, until hardly anyone can hear them. The light shifts - from the top of the globe - the light shoots up, over the top of everyone, and then down - encasing everyone in a cage of light, forming some kind of wall. Protective? Possibly.
It is possible to see beyond the light wall - but instead of the stairwell in the Giggling Ghost - 'outside' appears to be somewhere else. There is a hazy picture of some kind of grand hall - a long table, and some chairs. And there are people there - some sat, some stood, it's hard to make out who exactly. They appear to be waiting for something...
Turin d20+5=16 Thursday June 20th, 2002 9:56:55 PM
Turin blinks, and manages to avoid getting temporarily blinded. He looks around, and tries to understand what he's seeing.
"Uh, greetings. Are you the Dragons?" He asks in the general direction of the fuzzy people.
Syr d20+4=24 Friday June 21st, 2002 5:12:38 AM
The feels pity for the orb as Drew blow lands.
As the newest member demonstrates his talents, Syr's eyebrows go up. "Hey, do that again!"
The elf throws an arm across his eyes as the orb shimmers with blinding colors. (reflex save 24).
Looking out at the hazy picture, he tries to see the faces on the individuals. Privately, he hopes these are the real Storm Dragons...
Tiree True d20+6=13 d20+3=16 Friday June 21st, 2002 10:44:09 AM
Tiree tries to close her eyes, but doesn't make it fast enough ( Reflex 13). When she opens them, spots dance in front of them and it is hard for her to see. A grin is spread across her face.
"See! I was right! Well, close to right anyway."
Tiree tries to make out the figures in front of her through her spotted vision (Spot 16).
She leaves the speaking to someone else since she has missed a bit. Tiree decides she'll speak up though if necessary.
Ubaerul d20+2=21 Friday June 21st, 2002 2:04:44 PM
Ready for something to happen Ubaerul is quickly able to block his eyes from the blinding light (Reflex 21).
Content with having finished the last piece of the puzzle Ubaerul sits back with a smirk on his face, but then something suddenly dawns on him. The inn was supposed to be protected, but it protected for the group or against the group. Either way something didn't seem quite right to him.
DM Jan Saturday June 22nd, 2002 12:42:19 AM
It appears the Orphans have successfully activated the orb. From the vague shapes shown beyond the wall of light, everyone can just about identify what looks like a large minotaur, a tall muscular man with pointed ears, and a slight female shrouded in a veil - along with others stood a short distance away and too hazy to make out.
Their silence appears to indicate they do not have the means to communicate with you as yet. It looks like one way traffic - for now.
Turin Saturday June 22nd, 2002 1:33:31 AM
Turin calls out now, "Marteaus can be killed! By someone other than a god!" He then lets the others give any details.
Jezebella Saturday June 22nd, 2002 8:29:23 AM
Jez waits for a few moments for the others to expain further, then frowns and adds her bit.
"We discovered a vial of his essence, designed to be a disease. The witch Helena said that this essence mimiced its victims, and that was its downfall. As it mimiced mortal persons, it was vulnerable. She said that Marteaus could be killed using the same theory."
Syr Monday June 24th, 2002 7:29:49 AM
Syr jumps in when the gypsy stops, "Marteus also implied that there are traitors in the city ready to betray it from within!"
Not knowing how long the spell will hold, "Thewitchhasthevialnow, we'renotrealsure ofhowtouseittodefeat himbutyouwill." He comes to an abrupt halt looking for a reaction from the vague figures.
Ubaerul Monday June 24th, 2002 9:20:07 AM
Looking around not at the new figures, but at the members of the party, Ubaerul begins to speak.
"Ah, so you ARE the group Helena told me of. And if that's true then you must have seen the vision as well."
Suddenly Ubaerul shifts his attention to the figures around them. Not knowing how well they can hear the words he will speak Ubaerul shouts out.
"What they say is true, I have met this witch as well and she speaks of possessing the means to do away with this most insidious of gods. Though she did not make the methods known to me my master works to cure her of her illnesses as we speak."
Drew Monday June 24th, 2002 11:17:26 AM
Drew waits and allows others to compose the message to the great men of the Wold.
DM Jan Monday June 24th, 2002 12:43:52 PM
As the group call out their share of information, it seems the hazy figures shift in the light toward you. Everyone hears sound coming from beyond the lightwall, but it's faint - like a crowd of people all talking at once. The device still only appears to be working one way, and the jumbled voices everyone hears seem to be coming from more people than you can see beyond the light wall.
Now a decision has to be made - has the message illustrated that Marteaus acknowledged, in manner at least, that he might have a chink in his armour? Regardless of what that might be? Is there anything else the Gold Dragons need to know?
Or - is it time to figure out how to switch this thing off, and go after that herb?
The orb light shifts and dances across everyone's face.
Turin Monday June 24th, 2002 3:59:02 PM
Turin watches, and tries to figure out what to do.
Syr Tuesday June 25th, 2002 3:16:34 AM
Syr looks at Ubaeral, "Ah hah, that makes much more sense." His face full of concern, "You know Helena? How was she when you last saw her? I assume your master is a priest of some sort?"
The elf examines the faces of the Gold Dragons, looking for signs of comprehension. Assuming he sees nothing unusual he turns to the rest. "Well Drew, feel like beating on the ball again to send us back?"
Drew Tuesday June 25th, 2002 11:18:49 AM
"If that is what is needed . . ."
Ubaerul Tuesday June 25th, 2002 6:10:14 PM
Turning to Syr to answer his questions, ubaerul begins to speak.
"Actually I just met Helena the other day, the man I work for, Luis, is an apothecary on the Gold Level. Though he's been trying to cure Helena he is having some trouble finding a solution, her hallucinations were worsening when I left to find the dragons."
As ubaerul finished this he begins to squint as the shifting light begins to annoy his vision.
"Perhaps it is time we find a way to shut this thing off, we best be careful though, who knows who may have seen us activate the device."
DM Jan Wednesday June 26th, 2002 1:40:16 PM
As the group stands there wondering how to shut the thing off, the *ziiiiiiing* sound starts to build up again slowly, reaching a crescendo, and then - the light and sound just simply cuts out.
The orb is once again just a carved wooden ball on the stair rail.
Everyone can see the stairs leading back down to the Inn's main level once more.
(Emailing Chale and Aleyna)
Jezebella Wednesday June 26th, 2002 6:33:04 PM
Jez looks at the ball, silently. Since the cataclysm of most of the Gods ceasing to be, she has been listless and distant. She continues to be.
Turin Wednesday June 26th, 2002 10:09:23 PM
Turin looks around. "Myllinar root?" He asks.
Syr Thursday June 27th, 2002 2:47:09 AM
Shaking his head in confusion, Syr proceeds back down the stairs nonchalantly. "We have two real options. We either go straight to the docks and try to find a way to get the root or we figure out who can help us and go there."
With a big smileand alot of hand gesturing, "Me? I prefer the most direct route. Let's get down to the docks and take our chances."
Drew Thursday June 27th, 2002 9:50:32 AM
"I say Docks and quickly."
Ubaerul Thursday June 27th, 2002 11:10:17 AM
"If you don't mind my asking, what exactly is this root we're looking for and why? You keep mentioning it but you've never actually said what it's for."
Tiree d20+4=18 Thursday June 27th, 2002 4:13:01 PM
Tiree looks over at their newest companion.
"I'm surprised that Helena didn't mention it to you. She is the one who needs it."
She stops to think a moment.
"If you were supposed to go to the Dragons for information for your master, then why are you with us now?" (Sense Motive 18)
Not quite trusting the new member of the party, Tiree turns to the others.
"We need to head straight to the docks. Remember, Helena said that we might find someone there who knows how to harvest it. I remember what it looks like, too. I just don't know if we should take this one with us."
She motions to Ubaerul.
"We know nothing about him or his master or his motives in any of this. We don't even know if he heard the message from Valdor or not."
Ever since the deaths of most of the gods and the groups sort of meeting with Marteus, Tiree has become much more cynical and less trusting of others, especially strangers.
DM Jan Friday June 28th, 2002 1:00:19 AM
The group makes the decision to go to the docks, at the same time asking valid questions of one another.
The dock's main entrances are blocked off and guarded, and the guards there aren't allowing anyone past - especially a bunch of youths/young adults obviously out to cause trouble with a half orc in tow.
However, undaunted and remembering the Fish Market - everyone is able to sneak in through there and arrive at the southwestern end of the docks.
There's hardly anyone around. About 100 yards away at the quayside at the dock's centre, is a gathering of guards and a few sailors. They are looking outward to the distant shores of the lake and Plateau City. Drifting across the lake is the sound of singing - its a war song, a rallying cry - someone is getting everyone camped at the lakeshore fired up for something.
Meanwhile - in the corner nearest the group, four turtle handlers appear to be sat on packing cases playing a game of cards.
Jezebella Friday June 28th, 2002 7:03:23 AM
Jezebella gestures weakly toward the turtle handlers.. "Didn't someone say they had underwater gear? Someone should ask'm if they had the Valdor dream."
Tiree d20+3=22 Friday June 28th, 2002 9:20:33 PM
Looking closely at Jez, Tiree moves closer to her sister.
"You okay?"
She waits for either an affirmative or negative response.
If affirmative-- Tiree squeezes Jezebella's shoulder and smiles at her.
If negative-- A sad smile crosses Tiree's face. "Let me go see what those fellows over there know, and as soon as I can, I'll sit with you and we can talk if you want. Okay?
Afterward-- Tiree moves over to turtlemen, trying not to be noticed by the guards. She looks them over to see if she can see something about them to make her think they might have heard Valdor's message (like a V somewhere on them) (Spot 22). If spotted, Tiree moves forward. If not, she stays away unless spotted by the turtlemen.
Turin Friday June 28th, 2002 11:02:21 PM
Turin shrugs, and let's Tiree go forwards. Obviously, she wants to do things on her own.
Syr Monday July 1st, 2002 5:02:13 AM
Syr watches Tiree for a second and then decides to try to find out some general information. "Ubby, Turin, Drew, let's go see what the commotion is about. Maybe they know when the city is going to be attacked?" With quick look back, "Oh, you don't mind if I call ya Ubby do ya?" Without waiting for a response, "Hey tell me about that thing you did to hit the orb?"
Once he reaches the guards, he asks, "So, when does the party begin?"
Ubaerul Monday July 1st, 2002 9:15:28 AM
Growing visibly angered by Tiree's comments ubaerul looks to be on the verge of exploding. But he quickly remembers that these people have just met him and that these are troubling times.
Still with some anger in his voice Ubaerul addresses Tiree's statements. "Yes, I have heard Valdor's call to arms, and Helena spoke to me about it. I am assuming all of you have seen the same. And while my master has not seen the message he seems a good man and works this minute to aid Helena. As far as me I have nothing better to do than aid you in your quest, I've been working at that shop for far too long. It's been a long time since I've tasted any sort of adventure."
After this explanation Ubaerul feels that he has given the group enough of why he is still with them and continues on with them to the docks, but staying a little behind them to gather his thoughts.
Arriving just after the others Ubaerul witnesses their conversation with the guards and follows Syr up to them.
As they walk to the guards Ubaerul talks to Syr, "Sorry but I'd prefer sticking with ubaerul, though if you must shorten it I don't mind too much. My power that affected the globe was something along the lines of a Wizard's cantrip. It allows me to gather force and release it in a strong punch against a foe. Unfortunately it is not very powerful."
DM Jan Monday July 1st, 2002 11:08:08 AM
Tiree does notice a small "v" carved on one of the packing crates near the turtle handlers.
Then, Syr and Ubaerul haven't walked 20 yards before all hell breaks loose. One of the turtle handlers has risen to his feet and is asking -
"Hey, what are you - WAAH!!!" His sentence ends in a shriek as a huge claw reaches up from the water below and snatches him aloft. What looks like a giant crab is starting to clamber up onto the quayside. In the distance, cries also go up from the guards as more crustaecans emerge from the lake onto the docks.
Drew Monday July 1st, 2002 11:15:58 AM
"This is taking to long..... I am sorry Sister Tiree....." Drew walks up to the turtle handlers standing there until one or more of them looks up and then speaks. "I ask a strange question for noble reason. Have any of you had the dream of Valdors call? Have you felt the need in the Wold? My brothers and sisters and I have. We have been called forth to find a root taht allows breath underwater. I implore you if you know of such a thing please help us."
DM Jan Monday July 1st, 2002 11:41:27 AM
Another of the turtle handlers had been looking at Drew with suspicion as he talked, right up to the point where the crab appeared.
"Lad, you can have what you want if you help us out here!" he yells in a panic, grabbing the nearest giant fish hook he can find.
Tiree d20+6=20 d6+1=5 Monday July 1st, 2002 1:17:22 PM
Tiree watches as Drew just barges into the turtlemen's game. Sighing, she starts to move forward to join him when the claw breaks the water.
Pulling out her returning dagger, she moves forward to get a good shot at the emerging crab without others in her way. Getting it in her sights, she throws her dagger and watches it return to her (att 20, dmg 5).
Turin d20+2=17 2d4(1+2)+1=4 Monday July 1st, 2002 2:19:22 PM
Turin reacts as quickly as possible as the crab comes out of the water. He runs towards the thing, stopping about 8 feet away, then whips out the spiked chain he has been carrying a while. He snaps it at the crab (hits AC 17, 4 damage), then pulls it back, getting ready to avoid the thing that will probably try to attack him (Dodge feat focused on the crab).
Jezebella d20+4=17 d4+2=5 Monday July 1st, 2002 5:09:53 PM
The gypsy girl sighs heavily to Tiree's question. "i ... i just... I miss Miranna."
Her soft voice is interuptted by the scream from the docks... and her magic daggers are drawn in a flash. The danger pumping adrenilin through her depression. One dagger flys through the air at the crustaecan. (hitting ac 17 for 5 )
Ubaerul d10=9 Monday July 1st, 2002 6:48:54 PM
Startled by the sudden eruption from the water Ubaerul takes a few steps back and begins to concentrate on unleashing one of his stronger powers.
Looking towards where the Turtle handlers Ubaerul begins to imagine a mighty albatross swooping from the heavens snatching up one of the crabs and dropping it to its death upon the rocks.
As ubaerul begins to imagine this, a rift opens up above the Turtle handlers and an Astral Construct (Flying, 9hp if you do it that method) vaguely resembling an albatross in shape forms above the crabs. However, something about the bird is not quite right, it is shimmering blue and malformed. As soon as the construct is formed Ubaerul wills it to attack the crab in hopes of rescuing the handler.
Drew d20+8=28 d20+8=25 3d12(6+8+12)+18=44 Tuesday July 2nd, 2002 11:55:04 AM
Drew about to speak to the handlers and get somewhere feels twharted again by these creatures. Raising his axe above his head he bellows "Enough of these distractions from that eviel fiend, the Wold is in need of heart!!!!!" and with that he smashes into the crab holding the handler with every ounce of strength he has. (hit AC pos crit, with 44 damage, told you Jan ; ) )
The Solution [CDM Jerry] Tuesday July 2nd, 2002 12:05:20 PM
Your minds cloud for a second and then clear a someone tries to communicate with you. In a moment, the message comes.
"He who has heart to fight against the evil that threatens, must hear my words. I am Valdor, the Dragonstone. Leader of the Dragon Consortium and the Gold Dragons. Friend to any who oppose the Usurper and brother to any who have taken up this fight.
Not so long ago, I told you all it had begun...and so it did. Many have found ways to triumph against the armies threatening and many have died trying. These days and weeks have been hard and has seen many good people slain for no reason but a lust for power.
My friends, it is time for us to strike back! Not at the armies, or Marteaus's clerics now, but at the very God himself. As most of you know by now, a God can be defeated and even killed by mortals. There is no easy way, but it can be done.
The Usurper has taken the fight to our God's lands and only in the Lands of the Dead, can a God be defeated by a mortal. The Dragon Consortium has concluded, with the evidence produced from many of you hearing my words, that there is only one way to enter the lands of the dead. This is by becoming that which we have all fought against or heard many horror stories about. We must become undead creatures if we wish to enter and fight the slug Marteaus.
There are two ways known at this time to accomplish this. The first is by eating a souleater. It is a slug rare and hard to find. We have arranged for it to be available at The Catacombs and therefore at all businesses in their network. Simply go to the nearest magic or general store and check if they have a Catacombs connection. [In gameplay we go to the Catacombs Board after entering a store in character.] There ask for the Dragon Consortium Discount when buying anything else. Do this while in a private shopping room to avoid being overheard. Eat what you buy. It is very painful. Be prepared.
The other method of becoming undead is to enter the lands that Marteaus has created called Koshe-Marr. Once there, you must enter through a gate and come back out. It is a new gate and part machine. That's all we know of it's description. Going through the gate will turn you undead. Return through the gate and escape Koshe-Marr.
Only by becoming undead can you enter the Lands of the Dead and retain your ability to strive and quest.
The next step is to enter the lands of the Dead. We know of only one means to do this at this point in time. Seek out a place called the Parting Tree in the northern part of the Badlands. It is South of Culverwood on the main Trade Route heading west from Edenmoor. It should be just a day or so west of Edenmoor and before you get to the Emerald Kingdom. In ten days hence, any who would dare to make a difference must come there to an Inn called the Hidden Viper. From there we will journey a short distance to the Gate through which we will enter the lands of the dead and take out this would be God who has caused us such grief.
It will soon be over and there will be many in need of help. We are all brothers and sisters who take up this fight and must support one another no matter the outcome. If you cannot do this vile thing, I surely understand and ask you to help the others we leave behind. I take no one who isn't sure of themself in this action. Bring your hearts and your courage. Be strong for the end is near. Have Courage!"
His voice slowly disappears on the wind and as you think it's gone you hear once more, but very faintly, " Have courage..."
Syr d20+4=7 Tuesday July 2nd, 2002 2:14:46 PM
The elf nods at Ubareal's comments, "Fair enough."
As the water erupts and chaos begins, Syr stays calm and watches the assault on the crab. After Drew's mighty attack, he decides to rescue the sailor gripped in its claw. Assuming the creature is dead, he pulls the sailor to safety. "Are you okay? Do I need to find a healer?"
His eyes search the water for signs of other dangers (spot 7). His vigil is interrupted by the message from Valdor. Taking it all in, he shakes his head, "There is no way that I'm going to die! What is he talking about?"
DM Jan Wednesday July 3rd, 2002 2:27:53 AM
As the enormous crab grips the poor turtle handler, both Tiree's and Jezebella's daggers whistle through the air - punching holes in the creature's carapace before magically zipping back to their owners. Turin's chain snaps toward the crab, and one of it's legs gives a sharp snapping sound as it breaks off.
The crab's second claw raises high in the air, in an apparent attempt to deflect some strange shaped bird that appears to be going for it's stalky eyes.
The creature seems confused, attacked so many times from all different angles - but after an almighty **WHACK** from Drew's axe - it doesn't seem to care and falls backward and **PLOP** - into the water carrying the turtle man with it.
As Syr helps pull the man out of the water, the man grips him by the arm. "Thank you - thank you," he says, "but did you hear that? Did you? Eh?"
"Oh no... he's been hearing voices again," exclaims one of the others, looking extremely relieved nontheless. "We thank you - that could have been nasty. Now what did you say you wanted?"
Tiree Wednesday July 3rd, 2002 10:18:01 AM
Tiree grabs her dagger out of the air as Valdor's new message comes through. Her eyes widen as the import of the message hits home. They have to become undead to fight and win. This was not going to be an easy decision.
She moves over to help Syr with the man the crab had pulled into the water.
"If you are hurt, I have a potion that will help you. (CLW)"
She hands him the bottle if he needs it. Turning to the man who spoke, "Oh, I don't think we need anything now, but thanks all the same."
Turning back to the hurt man. "I sometimes have dreams, too." She holds up her first 2 fingers in a V sign so that the other men can't see. "Maybe you might want to talk about it?"
She starts to maneouver the man away from the others. When out of earshot she tells them of their need to get Myllinar Root and asks for his help.
Drew Wednesday July 3rd, 2002 12:25:32 PM
Drew sits back and allows the others to handle details now that action has begun.
Jezebella Wednesday July 3rd, 2002 5:48:29 PM
Jezebella catches her dagger neatly, and holds it at ready, in her bladedancer's stance. When no other danger is apparent, she wilts. Her daggers stay in her hands as they fall limply to her sides. A shuddering sigh escapes her, and she lets the others deal with the man for the root they need.
Ubaerul Wednesday July 3rd, 2002 6:16:22 PM
Feeling the energies maintaining his avian construct waning Ubaerul wills it to circle over head to check if there is anything else that might be dangerous. As he does this he moves ahead to the Turtle Handlers to see how they can help with obtaining the root.
Turin Thursday July 4th, 2002 2:03:37 AM
Turin, ready for more of a fight, blinks, and stands back up. He listens to Syr's conversation, and follows her when she talks to him.
DM Jan Thursday July 4th, 2002 2:31:07 AM
The turtle handler who'd been grabbed by the now dead crab is grateful for the potion and drinks it down.
'Dreams...' he says, trembling, and returning Tiree's 'v' gesture. 'From the golden one. But they're getting worse. Death, zombies - and an angry god. It's hard to know what to do, but now - I see it, I see it.'
From a pouch in his pocket, he pulls out an oiled leather wrapping. Inside are 8 pieces of what looks like the Myllinar root. "This is for my turtle, it keeps - kept her healthy, you know? But... but she died... there's poison in the water - will this truly help as you say?"
During this conversation, Drew waits along with Jezebella who's feeling very dejected. Turin keeps watch, noting the other turtle men have gone to look over the side of the quay, just in case anyting else nasty decides to appear, and Ubaerul's eerie bird apparition floats overhead.
200 yards down the docks, the guards look to have their hands full in the form of a wierd giant purple lobster.
Tiree Thursday July 4th, 2002 3:05:22 AM
Tiree's shoulders sag with relief when she sees the root.
"Will it help? I don't know. We were told to get it. I think it will, but I don't know what it will be used for. For good, that's all I know."
She pockets the Root.
Looking at the man, she makes a quick decision and hugs him.
Whispering in his ear she says, "Thank you. And remember...have courage."
With that, she turns back to her family and Ubaerul.
"I have the root, now let's get this to Helena. Ubaerul, you know where she is now, right? I have a feeling we have to get there fast. While you may think your master a good man, he didn't get Valdor's first message. Unless he received the second, I can't trust him with Helena. Let's go!"
Tiree looks to Ubaerul to lead them where they have to go.
Ubaerul Thursday July 4th, 2002 12:06:38 PM
"Helena should still be in her house on the gold level, just a few doors down from the shop I work at. She should be fine, while my master didn't see the dream and can't be trusted according to Helena, perhaps he didn't see the message because he lacks the conviction to help in the struggle. Either way I think we have enough time to maybe give those guards a hand with the lobster, getting on their good side may help us travel around this part of the city later on."
Turin Thursday July 4th, 2002 2:56:26 PM
Turin smiles, and thanks the dockworker. "That means we have a good chance of killing Marteus," he says quietly. He then turns to the others. "Let's go to Helena, and quickly."
Syr Thursday July 4th, 2002 5:14:39 PM
The elf looks down the docks at the commotion between the guards and the purple lobster. You can tell from his body language that he yearns to be where the action is.. "I agree with Ubaerul, because of our large half-orc friend, I missed out on the crab. Let's go have some fun with the lobster. Oh, and yeah... maybe our help will get us around the city easier too."
Turning his pleading eyes to Tiree, he nods his head towards the commontion.
DM Jan Friday July 5th, 2002 1:41:10 AM
Although the purple lobster looks like fun - it's shortly joined by a lime green one, and further down the quayside, more giant crustaceans in bizarre colours erupt from the lake water.
The guards have been joined by some of the townspeople and are putting up a good fight.
Meanwhile time is ticking, the Wold hangs in the balance, and greater challenges await.
Jezebella Friday July 5th, 2002 8:15:47 AM
Jezebella snaps at Syr shrewishly. "We have more important matters to attend to. We have the root. Lets GO."
Her face is twisted with displeasure, then fades to grief.
Tiree Friday July 5th, 2002 9:13:42 AM
Tiree looks down at the lobster and other animals coming from the water.
"We don't have time right now. I have a feeling, if we follow Valdor's command, we are going to see more than our fair share of fighting soon. We'll just have to wait."
Tiree squeezes his shoulder and then heads off toward Helena's home as quickly as possible.
DM Jan - OOC Friday July 5th, 2002 10:39:31 AM
((Hey everyone! Don't forget to sign up for the End Game in the Loot n' Booty. I don't want you to miss out, and I only see Aleyna's name up there right now. C'mon - you know you want to ;) ))
Drew Friday July 5th, 2002 11:06:49 AM
Drew runs with the others......
Turin Friday July 5th, 2002 2:08:07 PM
Turin heads with the others up to meet Helena.
DM Jan Monday July 8th, 2002 1:39:23 AM
The group sneaks back through the fish market and work their way up to the Gold Level. Helena's door is opened by a man, who Ubaerul recognises as his employer - the apothecarist, Luis. He is somewhat bemused to see all these people outside the door, but lets everyone in on recognising Ubaerul.
"I don't know if she's recovered or not," he says with a sigh, pointing toward Helena, "but she's been stood staring at that mirror for hours now."
Helena is indeed staring at a mirror. It's a large dressing room mirror, set in a stand. The odd thing about it - is the fact that it's reflection does not show Helena or the interior of the room. Instead - there's a forest - trees, plants - and the image is slowly changing as though the eye that views this scene is traveling.
At the group's arrival, the ancient but exceedingly well preserved witch turns from the mirror and asks if the Myllinar root has been found. She does not appear as excited about it as is expected. In fact - she looks at the group with reluctance and sorrow.
"That it should come to this," she says after giving the root to Luis - who goes to work with root, potion, and mortar and pestel. She gestures to a nearby table, upon which are scattered many sheets of paper and a closed book with the single word of 'Alemi' etched in gold across the cover. The papers look to have many arcane formulas scribbled all over them.
"I have been attempting to discover," she continues " why Marteaus was afraid of the potion, and how it would work. The potion's original intention was to turn the populace into undead and diseased creatures, and slaves to Marteaus. They would obey his every whim, spreading his vileness to every corner of the City.
"With the introduction of the Myllinar root, and it's positive life-giving effects. I had presumed it would become a poison against all that Marteaus stands for - and perhaps harm him greatly - maybe even kill him. But now..."
Helena gives a long sigh. "I was beginning to think that it was not strong enough. But then - after hearing Valdor - I realize I was looking at the wrong solution. I don't think Marteaus knows what this potion can do, but after the message and more study - I now know only too well. "Valdor has made a call - to make a terrible sacrifice, and to follow him to a place where no one can go. No one but the undead. "This potion - it has the ability to turn a person into a ghoul, but with the addition of the root, that person will keep his or her own mind. He or she will be no slave of Marteaus. "It offers great powers, at great cost, but for those who wish to fight this monster - this is the key."
Just then, Luis approaches with a small bottle of the combined potion. "This all sounds rather strange," he says, handing the potion to Helena, "and whoever takes it will no doubt be insane. Now if you're feeling better My Lady, I'll take my leave and get some rest."
Luis bows and leaves. On his way out, he can be heard muttering 'Valdor, Valdor - who IS this Valdor anyway? Probably some idiot bard trying to make a name for himself.'
As soon as Luis has gone, Helena whispers - "I can get you to the Tree of Parting..." Her eyes then move to the potion. "But to join Valdor and the others, means you must take some of the potion into yourself. I cannot order any of you to do this thing. It must be your own choice. Your heart will tell you what you must do to save this fragile world of ours."
Tiree True Monday July 8th, 2002 9:07:10 AM
Tiree watches Helena closely, listening to her every word. When the meaning of her words comes clear, Tiree falls into a chair with a "thump".
"You mean that Valdor might need us? I never thought that he would need our help."
Tiree thinks for a few minutes about Valdor, the Wold, and especially the orphanage.
"You know Helena, I think if Faust was able to do this, she would. But she has to take care of the orphanage. But I want to make sure the orphanage is still there to take of."
Standing, she moves forward to the potion.
"I'll drink."
Turin Monday July 8th, 2002 4:34:09 PM
Turin's face turns white. He is very tense, almost completely still. He looks at the potion, and shudders. It seems as if he's trying to work up the nerve for something, when he whispers, "I cannot do that. I can't." His eyes turn red, and he turns away.
Jezebella Monday July 8th, 2002 5:26:30 PM
Jezebella looks at the finished potion, her face unreadable. She stands as a statue for some amount of time, as the decision weights heavily on her and her friends.
She breaks her own silence, mumbling. "forgive me... whereever you are, love."
She straightens, and adds her voice to Tiree's. "I'll drink as well."
[does that mean I need to sign up for that AOL endgamie thing?]
Ubaerul Monday July 8th, 2002 6:56:58 PM
Looking rather shaken Ubaerul turns to Helena.
"Before I commit to joining the ranks of the undead I have a few questions Helena. Firstly, my power comes from my body's ability to generate and control energies around me with the use of my mind. While you say this root will leave me my mind, without the vitality of my body will I become powerless? If so I hardly think I will be much help to the others. I've heard that liches are the only undead to maintain the powers they controlled in life, will it be the same with us? And even if we do take the giant step to becoming undead, is it reversible? Is there any way we can turn back to our former selves?"
"Also, what of Valdor and his party, do they know that turning themselves undead without the use of this root will cause them to loose their minds? If not we should warn them at once with the magical ball we discovered earlier."
DM Jan ((OOC)) Monday July 8th, 2002 9:57:06 PM
((Yup Chale, and everyone else - please sign up if you can - it should be a lot of fun and you get to take a few whacks at the big guy hopefully. Go on to the Loot n Booty board.
As for going undead - role playing aside, rumour has it that its the only way to be resurrected after the big battle is over (unless you die in battle). Everyone else dies.
Also be on alert - your characters will be 'teleported' to another message board after tomorrow night.))
DM Jan Monday July 8th, 2002 10:15:14 PM
Helena hands the potion bottle to Tiree and Jezebella, and attempts to answer Ubaerul's questions as best she can.
"From the mirror I have learned many things. I know that others, with powers such as yours, are taking this same path. All I have seen, appear strong. There are other methods of change it would seem. Some have injested ghastly grubs which have slowly sucked the life out of them, others are turning to those who have the dark power to thrust undeadness upon them. As for their minds, ah - I cannot tell. I have to presume they have chosen a method that does not lead them into direct slavery under Marteaus, and as for reversal..."
She gives a sigh before continuing. "... I do not know. If the battle is won and all in the Wold are saved... then perhaps."
To Turin, she says - "I understand your fear, young man. But worse could await those who stay. The darkness surrounds us all, and Marteaus is getting ever closer."
Ubaerul Monday July 8th, 2002 11:11:34 PM
After hearing Helena's response Ubaerul thinks over his options for a bit and then a sudden calm comes over him. Slowly extending his hand towards Helena, Ubaerul Speaks.
"All my life I have wanted to go where no one else has been, this looks like it may be my chance, even if it is unlikely I will ever return."
Tiree Monday July 8th, 2002 11:27:01 PM
Tiree stares at the bottle in her hand for a long moment. She takes a sniff of it before murmuring, "For the orphanage," and taking a drink.
DM Jan Tuesday July 9th, 2002 12:57:13 PM
Taking the potion -
At first you feel a burning sensation at the back of your throat - this is followed by a slight dizzyness. But by the time it reaches your stomach, you are in agony and doubled over. From there it spreads - pure, unadulterated pain, traveling to every organ, coursing through every capillary. It feels as though every artery and vein are being ripped out.
To someone watching - they will see moisture, like steam, begin to rise from those who have taken the potion - water, blood, every bodily fluid imaginable is escaping through the pores and drifting away. Then there's the panic. You're dying, but desperately clinging to life. Your head feels like it wants to explode.
It takes about an hour. An hour filled with mind blowing pain, and a sense of utter dread. Eventually the skin pales and stretches taut across your bones. Your hair is white, your eyes cloudy, your mouth feral.
And then - it's as though the dread has become part of you now. It's deep, and calming. You feel no pain. You feel no heartbeat.
But you feel strong. Oh yes. Stronger than you've ever felt before.
((OOC - everyone get that undead conversion email? Email me if you didn't.))
Aleyna 11d12(9+12+12+10+12+9+1+3+6+9+3)+12=98 d12=7 Tuesday July 9th, 2002 5:00:42 PM
Tiree's undead hitpoint total is 105
Turin Wednesday July 10th, 2002 1:21:44 AM
Turin steels himself, and drinks the potion quickly.
DM Jan Wednesday July 10th, 2002 2:37:47 PM
The group goes through the change, some better equipped than others to bear the pain, but eventually everyone emerges in their new state.
Helena is stood by the mirror, tears streaming down her face. The mirror has changed slightly - for now it's outer edges glow. On it's reflective surface is an image of a gigantic tree with what looks like a small town built around it and within it.
There are figures shuffling toward what looks like the door to a tavern. Some are dressed as warriors, bristling with weapons, some look like rogues or mages. There are humans, elves, dwarves, minotuars, halflings and others - all looking as pale and dried as everyone else.
This is the Gathering - the Gathering for the final Battle.
"At least you will not be alone," says Helena. "Please - step through quickly. Marteaus must not know what is happening here."
Stepping through the mirror portal - there is a moment of disorientation, and then the land changes...
DM Jan - OOC Wednesday July 10th, 2002 2:45:53 PM All further posts must now be made on the CATACOMBS board. This board is now closed.
For those of you not going to WoldCon, or not able to join the chatroom game - we still have a couple of days roleplay left on the Catacombs board - as all characters from every game meet together.
It is assumed that everyone's character will be in the final battle, one way or another, regardless of whether they can attend the game or not. I know some of you will be disappointed, but you're not alone there!
For those unable to play - there is no need to create an undead character sheet.
Also - the Red Wyrm Inn WILL be staying open, so bring your character in there for a drink and a chat with everyone else.
The Loot n Booty board will also remain open for the usual OOC mayhem, so stop by and say hello!
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