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!
LOG ON