Just Push "Play" (DM Donna) Monday June 17th, 2002 6:27:01 AM
Arien's hand flashes out and the "smoothing stone" smacks right into the middle of his palm, which stings slightly at the impact. The customer who threw it grumbles something about how SOME people just can't stand to see ANYthing thrown out, but he simply goes back to where his bath is waiting for him.
The bartender offers the disguised Hobbes the "Pauper's Special"--a cup of broth and a hunk of bread for a single copper piece. He does this with great reluctance.
Even as Hobbes opens his mouth to respond to the offer, a soundless voice suddenly echoes within his head:
Heroes...take this Orb out the back door of this establishment. The permanent placement of this Orb must take place before you can use it for its pre-destined purpose.
A quick glance at the faces of the others confirms that the entire party just heard this message in their minds. Hastily (but as casually as possible) you all comply with the item's directions.
Once outside the back door, the Orb directs you to replace the wooden globe that tops the newel post of the back steps to the Beer & Bath with it. Feeling the compulsion to follow the directions, the magical globe is affixed to the banister, where it momentarily transmorgrifies into a battered wooden top to the post...then it shines softly with its true magical energy.
This orb is to remain in this spot for the purposes of worthy individuals--such as yourself--to use as a method of contacting the Wold's current Dragon Consortium. the globe tells you all. Only those who are deserving of the chance and have genuine need to communicate with the Consortium will be able to recognize this device for its true purpose...all others will merely see an old wooden top to an old wooden banister.
Now, heroes of The Wold, speak to this Orb and know that the Dragon Consortium will hear your words...
Ferrak Monday June 17th, 2002 12:06:47 PM
Morbidly, Ferrak wonders when it will be time for them to die.
Renik Monday June 17th, 2002 5:24:57 PM
The rogue tries to gather his thoughts, wondering how best to explain the astonishing series of revalations they have so recently experienced.
Hobbes Monday June 17th, 2002 8:50:43 PM
"Thank you," calls Hobbes back inside as he comes through the back door onto the terrace, "I would very much like to enjoy this in the sunlight. You are most kind."
Hobbes smiles and shuts the door behind him. Turning around this it can be seen that this ragged old man is now carrying a small wooden cup and a hunk of hard bread. His smile immediately turns into to a stern concentrated gaze as he dumps out the broth onto the ground and lets the bread drop as well. He looks around at the rest of the group assembled, most of whose disguises he has seen before, then steps up to the assumed pole.
He peers curiously at it, then at the others. See clears his throat and begins, still using a crackly old type of voice, "Would those that fly with dragons hear the words of but a humble servant? News we have of a solution to your problem."
Roger (Rond) Tuesday June 18th, 2002 4:13:48 AM
"These are trying times right now, and though your words are very complimentary how are we to know that we are putting our trust in the right agencies?"
Draax Tuesday June 18th, 2002 5:42:35 AM
While gathering his thoughts Draax waits for the confirmation that Rond asked for.
Lake (Bill Troublefinder) Tuesday June 18th, 2002 3:47:30 PM
Bill (as Lake) looks around the area of the outside back door to the Beer and Bath. He wants to ensure as much as possible that there are no eavesdropping eyes or ears to hear what they are about to say.
Once satisfied that the area is clear, the halfling steps up to the orb at the top of the post. "Hello, Consortium? This here is - well, we have some information for you. First: Alemi, Domi, Caeroldra, Gargul..." His voice trails off.
He turns to his friends. "This just doesn't seem as secure as it should be. What if someone is scrying to this place?" He turns to the orb. "Okay, orb, you say you're here for us to communicate with the ones you mentioned. But why from this spot? How can we be sure it's safe? And that someone won't overhear who should not? Don't mean to be difficult, but don't mean to be too easy, either. Do you allow for two-way communication?"
Hobbes Tuesday June 18th, 2002 4:07:11 PM
Hobbes bends down to "Lake" from across the orb and says softly, "which is why I speak in riddle and secret, young man. FOr I am HOBBled..." He winks to Bill, then looks around the area not trusting that they are truly alone.
Is This Thing On..? (DM Donna) Tuesday June 18th, 2002 5:24:27 PM Fear not, heroes, the soundless voice of the Orb assures you all, Any communication you utter through me is completely secure--anyone attempting to eavesdrop will either hear drunken gibberish on your part, or nothing in reply. You, on the other hand, will be able to have a two-way conversation with the Dragon Consortium, now headed by the human you call Valdor Dragonstone.
Now, please...use me for the purpose for which I was intended: speak fully of any information that the Dragon Consortium may need in your mutual effort to save The Wold..!
Feng Tuesday June 18th, 2002 6:24:56 PM
Feng takes a few steps forward. "With great effort we have learned how the cult gods were defeated the first time. An army was created and turned undead. No matter how hard the cult gods tried, the soldiers kept getting up."
Arien Wednesday June 19th, 2002 3:16:51 AM
Arien pauses a moment before adding to what Feng has already said, "Yes the gods themselves were once mortals, they fought against the cult gods and were victorious only because they made themselves into undead. Now we who fight for peace must do the same and become undead ourselves if there is to be hope of defeating Marteaus."
Lake (Bill Troublefinder) tells the story of the scrolls d20+18=38 d20+18=32 d20+18=33 d20+18=32 Wednesday June 19th, 2002 4:32:31 AM
Reassured by what the orb has to say, Lake begins. "Well, we have seen two scrolls which contain segments of the ascent of Alemi, Domi, Caeroldra, and Gargul. They did not used to be gods. They battled against the old gods - and they sought wisdom from the Dragon Consortium. And they became undead in their strategy to defeat the old gods.
"There is one of whom you likely know. If not, then I'm sure my speech concerning him will be garbled. If so, then here is some corroborating information.
"I shall relate what the scrolls told us. While watching them, it was as though we ourselves were drawn directly into the story, the telling. It was as though we were seeing things directly from Alemi's eyes, and hearing with his ears.
[Four autohypnosis rolls, DC 38, 32, 33, 32, to accurately recall the messages from the scrolls.]
"In the first one - called 'The Beginning' - Alemi stood in the middle of a town. Alemi loved it because it was home, and there he gladly served as a captain in the town patrol. Several of his friends, as well, were members of the patrol. There had been a recent escalation of crime. He sensed that something was wrong - and not just locally, but in the Wold as a whole. He simply was unable to put his finger on it.
Domi came up behind him, giving him a bear hug. Both Alemi and Domi laughed together as friends. 'Alemi! You're gonna get your butt kicked if you just stand around in the middle of the road with your head in the clouds!' said the grappler as he released him. The muscular man, the champion wrestler, stood before him.
'Not with YOU watching my back, Domi!' he said, the warmth of his voice reflecting the deep friendship he had with his fellow Patrol member and friend.
'Pondering the mysteries of the gods, weren't ya?' Domi replied, grimacing. 'Between you and Rollie, you'd think that the sky was falling or something!'
'Caeroldra's scrying has given us many clues--' Alemi defended his other friend, but Domi waved the protest away.
'Don't get prickly! I'm with ya, you know that--it's just that I don't hold well with second-guessing the gods.' Domi looked around. 'Speak of the devil--here's Rollie now.'
Whirling around, Alemi saw a human woman, dressed in the modest robes of an apprentice wizard, hurrying across the town square towards him. She was Caeroldra, his other best friend in the entire Wold, and she looked very, very worried.
'Alemi! My latest visions confirm that the gods just aren't doing their job,' she said to him, anxiety furrowing her brow. 'There have been rifts manifesting all over The Wold--three of them in our own area!--with all manner of alien beings coming through and setting up shop! All these incursions are upsetting the delicate balance of power... and touching off many, many acts of evil, both small and large.'
'My latest consultation at the temple wasn't very encouraging, Caeroldra,' Alemi replied. 'The priests there didn't even want to do more than accept the tithe, first of all--then the one cleric who DID cast a divination was awfully blase about it. He said the usual stuff about how The Wold is just the way the gods want it and that I'm going to go on a journey. Then he yawned and wandered off.'
'This isn't good at all, Alemi,' the wizard said fretfully. 'If the balance isn't restored to The Wold soon, then everything will just wreck itself! I doubt that any of the Noble Races will survive.'
'But if the temple priests won't listen, who will?' demanded Domi.
'Well... we could seek out the dragon conclave,' Caeroldra suggested, but the wrestler scoffed.
'Not THAT old hoot? It's an old wives' tale!'
'We don't know that for sure!' the female argued hotly. 'Why, dragons are far older than even elves, and--'
'And we're going to go see them,' Alemi said firmly, the surprise on Caeroldra's and Domi's faces surpassed only by his own. 'We don't have much of a choice--Rollie's spells keep confirming that The Wold is getting worse... and I, for one, trust in her judgment.'
'Well, okay, then--let's go!' Domi said, shrugging and then setting off with enthusiasm. Alemi and Caeroldra went with him, wondering if there WERE, in truth, any way to avoid the doom that seemed to be looming on The Wold's very horizon.
The three of them made an eventful journey across the landscape of The Wold, facing (and defeating--sometimes VERY narrowly!) all manner of creatures from other planes and even some native to The Wold who--in thrall to the gods--sought to stop them from reaching the Dragon Conclave.
They tried to talk to the priests of the gods--their party even managed to get to see the very deities themselves!--but neither the gods nor their servants thought that there was any credence to Caeroldra's theory about the balance of The Wold and its need to be restored. The gods merely dismissed Alemi and his group back to The Wold.
He determined to continue with his original intent--to make it to the age-old site where the dragons of The Wold are supposed to hold meetings. There he spoke urgently with a beautiful elven woman who called herself Maab. He made his case about the balance of The Wold being in peril and--to his surprise--she nodded.
'You're the first person to believe us instead of dismissing our story out-of-hand,' said Alemi.
'Many of those you speak to don't believe you because you are very young,' Maab said, smiling empathetically. 'I know that feeling, for I am the youngest one to ever become a member of the Conclave, and many of the others often dismiss my ideas, too.'
'Member of the Conclave?" Caeroldra echoed, her eyes widening. "Then... then that means that you're..?" Even as the wizard spoke, the 'elf' metamorphed into her true form: that of a very young Fey Dragon.
'I am Maab, recently ascended to the throne of the Valley of the Fey,' the colossal drake confirmed, 'And I will help you present your findings to the Conclave.'
The humans and the dragon faced all the other dragons of The Wold and explained the true state of things. Many of the older dragons were skeptical at first, but they at least listen to the whole story... and eventually confirmed for themselves that Alemi and his friends were correct.
'It is clear that those who were to be the Guardians of The Wold are not doing their job,' Maab said. "We must inform the Creator of these developments and allow him the opportunity to correct these mistakes.'
The dragons all agreed to put Alemi and his friends in direct communication with a being that, they said, is ultimately responsible for The Wold's creation. A being they referred to as 'the Jericho.'
Time passed. For some odd reason, Alemi could not recall exactly what happened--only that he was successful in alerting the Jericho to the imbalance of The Wold, and that the Jericho was very, very angry because he had been told by the gods of The Wold that everything was just fine when it really was not.
Alemi knew that the Jericho had determined that the gods were no longer worthy of being Guardians of The Wold... and that he asked Alemi to stand up and defend The Wold by being willing to take on the gods themselves.
Alemi did not hesitate. The fate of The Wold was at stake: What was his life... even the lives of his friends... compared to that?
There was a fight--a battle huge and terrible--with him and his handful of allies fighting the very gods face-to-face. The carnage was horrific... the damage to the physical landscape deep and permanent.
...yet, incredibly--he prevailed!
'The Jericho,' panted Caeroldra as they all stood over the last of the ex-gods, 'he must have done something... to boost us, our effectiveness... somehow...'
The Wold needs us more than the Jericho... insisted the dying deity. ...he isn't here... he can't know The Wold the way... we do... The Wold NEEDS us... it needs... ussssssss...
'Too bad you didn't live up to the responsibility,' said Domi scathingly. Alemi looked sharply at his friend.
'But he's right, Domi,' Alemi said, once more surprising himself with the truth of his words. 'The Wold does need gods. The Jericho can't be here. He can't see to the day-to-day needs of The Wold all the time. But there MUST be Guardians who do that, or The Wold is doomed.'
'We've just managed to kill off all the old Guardians, Alemi,' Gargul said, "Whom do you suggest to replace them?'
'Anybody who will remember that they ARE the Guardians of The Wold first!' he replied firmly. 'Anybody who will have the honor, the courage... the love required to maintain the balance of The Wold.'
'That would be you all, then,' a voice said.
Suddenly, he was Alemi, the god of wisdom and justice. Domi became the god of courage and battle. Caeroldra the goddess of love. Gargul the god of death.
The Jericho told them to protect The Wold and to maintain the balance and that they will have the power to do this. It is a power that was to be used at Alemi's discretion, so he was told to act wisely, and delegate authority where he chose.
And, from that day on, he did so."
Lake hoists up his trousers, and takes a wineskin out of his pocket, and takes a drink of whatever is in there. "All right. That was the first scroll. The second one went like this:
"'Alemi.'
He turned and faced the somber countenance of his friend and comrade-in-arms, Gargul. The stoic fighter nodded to him.
'Alemi, the troops are all converted. Only we two have not made the transformation.' Gargul produced two potion bottles. 'I have the elixir here. All that remains...'
'...is for us to die,' Alemi said evenly. 'How strange, isn't it? That, in order for The Wold to live, we must first die.'
'And then undie.' Gargul held up one of the bottles, eyeing it dubiously. 'But we both heard the Jericho's instructions quite clearly. Our only hope to defeat the rogue deities is battle them at Oshire House, smack in the middle of the lands of the dead--'
'--and no mortal being can enter the lands of the dead.' Alemi finished the sentence, then drew out his own dagger. 'I'll go first, my friend.' The blade in his trembling grip was lethal, and knowing that he would have to use it in a wholly unnatural way made him hesitate for a fraction of a second--but The Wold needed for him to take this step, and it was for love of The Wold that he plunged the weapon deep into his own heart.
And he died.
And he lived...sort of.
'Well, the potion works...again,' Gargul said as he helped Alemi to get up off the ground where his corpse fell. He looked down and saw the gaping wound where his dagger had sunk into his heart, stopping its vital beating almost immediately.
'I'm still wounded..?'
'Well, you still look wounded.' Gargul said with a grimace. 'You aren't alive, so the wound didn't heal, really, when the potion reanimated you... you just reinhabited the body again.' The warrior frowned a bit. 'You'll never know just how much this disturbs me.'
'I... can guess,' he told his friend. "And... you don't have to do this, Gar... Domi and Carol and the others should be enough to--"
'Don't even think I'll let the lot of you face impossible odds without me!' Gargul chided. 'We started this together--we'll end this together..." The serious man took his own dagger and killed himself with it as Alemi had just done. It was all he could do to not reach out and stay his hand--but the Jericho told the both of them that there was no other way.
He wondered why he was so oddly detached, however, as Gargul's body thudded lifelessly to the ground. It was almost comical, the way his eyes stared, unblinking, into the bright sky above... yet neither did he feel like laughing, either. It was as though either laughing or crying were just too much of an effort for him.
He bent over and retrieved the bottle of elixir, uncorking it and pouring the contents into the half-open mouth of one of his best friends in The Wold. For a moment, nothing happened.
Oh, no--could he have waited too long? Did the Jericho supply him with a bum bottle of elixir? Perhaps Gargul's moral aversion to tampering with the natural process of death was stronger than the magic that was supposed to reanimate his body???
'I must remember...' Gargul said, sitting up and looking at Alemi, '...if I ever want to be sure of killing someone in battle quickly and with as little pain as possible to use such a blow against them.' He held out a hand for Alemi to help him to his feet. 'As long as they are humanoid, that is.'
'Well... we're undead now, my friend.' Alemi said factually. Gargul looked at his own unhealed wound, then nodded in agreement.
'We certainly are, Alemi.'
'Let's go defeat the gods who betrayed The Wold, then,' he ordered. Gargul did something that he'd seen him do only on very rare occasions: he grinned.
The two of them joined Domi, Caeroldra and the others who had volunteered in this impossible mission to bring to justice the rogue deities of The Wold. In spite of the staggering numbers of warriors, spellcasters and even monster races... in spite of all of the companions being undead... it was a battle that, by all rights, Alemi felt should be futile--it should be impossible to win.
Yet, after Caeroldra activated the gateway to the lands of the dead, the battle was engaged. The Cult Gods utilized abilities and powers that defied comprehension, cutting down entire divisions of seasoned Elven and Dwarven troops in the blink of an eye...
...and those self-same casualties only rose up again and charged back into the fray.
The Cult Gods were alarmed and horrified--spell after spell they used against the upstart ex-worshippers from The Wold, and yet the terrible magicks did little more than briefly slow them up. The peoples of The Wold--thanks to their determination and the Jericho's help--waged a winning war against the deities that abandoned their duty to The Wold.
Alemi and his friends triumphed, and he knew that The Wold would never be the same."
Lake concludes, "Okay, those are the scroll stories."
Hobbes Wednesday June 19th, 2002 4:40:49 AM
As the cat is now out of the bag, Hobbes continues the oration, "This is Hobbes, Eye of Gargul speaking. What my companions have uttered is the truth, that which we have discovered from two sacred scrolls shown to us in this world and another. The procedure of which they speak was discovered by Alemi and Gargul when they were in their mortal forms. It involved concocting and imbibing a potion which after they killed themselves, would raise them again into a state of unlife. In this state they could make their play against their foe in victory. The next step of course is actually getting to the place where Marteus is, once undead."
He pauses and takes a deep breath, "This dreadful step comes as a shock to us all, but it is a step that we who are thus called the "Hamleteers" are ready to perform, just as the great gods before us."
Ferrak Wednesday June 19th, 2002 12:30:22 PM
Not having anything to add to what his comrades are saying, the feral gnome tries to find hope in his surroundings. Keeping an eye on the spider's web, the ant's hill, watching the little islands of nature around him, Ferrak looks to the creatures of the wold for guidance.
Roger Wednesday June 19th, 2002 1:15:35 PM
Expecting that Bill/Lake was the recorder of all things, Roger is not surprised when Bill/Lake is able to recall most of what the group has discovered. If the orb should ask any questions, Roger/Rond will do his best to back up the information that Bill presented.
Renik Wednesday June 19th, 2002 3:56:34 PM
As Bill recounts the events that have recently befallen the group, Renik breathes a sigh of relief. It is fortunate that Bill has such an uncanny knack for recollection. In light of the sheer speed and intensity of recent events, his own thoughts had started to become jumbled.
"Well done Bill!" he grins, nudging the halfling.
William the Psicrystal Wednesday June 19th, 2002 4:05:14 PM "But of course it was well done!" cries William in the minds of the Hamleteers. "Is he not the Great and Wise and Powerful Bill Troublefinder, scourge of the seditious? Bane of the baleful? Foe of the frightful? Does his razor-sharp mind not see all before it, and once seen , does it not recall all that previously transpired? Is his not amongst the finest minds of his generation?"
The crystal seems rready to carry on at some length, but suddenly stops, perhaps as the result of some secret psychic nudge.
"Ahem. At least, that's my opinion." he concludes, rather lamely.
Draax Wednesday June 19th, 2002 9:15:00 PM
Draax lets the events replay in his mind as he listens to Bill's recount.
There's a Kind of Hush All Over The Wold Tonight (DM Donna) Thursday June 20th, 2002 6:15:54 AM The Gold Dragons have received your message, heroes...now we all wait to hear their response to it. the Orb lets the Hamleteers know. Hopefully, it will not be long in coming...
Renik Friday June 21st, 2002 4:09:09 PM
"Aye, hopefully..."
Bill Troublefinder Saturday June 22nd, 2002 1:41:57 AM
"Oh, thanks, Renik," he answers his friend.
Lake's ears turn red at his psicrystal's words of praise. Over the top. But 'bane of the baleful' - yeah, he'd like to be that. Some words to strive for, even if not yet fulfilled. Hmmm, some might think him and his friends seditious... 'Thanks for your kind and, uh, exuberant thoughts, William,' he mentally communicates. 'This is kind of exciting, talking to the Dragon Consortium, eh? Wonder what they'll tell us? Yeah, we'll battle against the seditious, for sure. Against those who go against the lawful authority - and surely those who battle against Alemi fall into that category.'
Despite the somewhat indiscrete nature of - shoot, the downright embarrassing nature of William's cheerleading, he feels a warm affection for this little sliver of crystal, and is bucked up by his words of encouragement. He hopes he does not allow such unbridled praise to lead him to hubris ... and is pleased at William's closing comment - little bits of humility may help temper the little fella.
'William, you are terrific! Remember to recognize the greatness of our companions, brave friend. Wait until you see what the Dragon class adventurers do in the upcoming conflict!'
He smiles up at Hobbes. Then he starts to giggle, in the crooked-mouthed Lake fashion, as what the usually serious priest said to him sinks in. What talented friends he has.
As they wait for the orb to carry some sort of response, Lake/Bill takes a few steps toward Ferrak. "All will be well, pack mate. After a time, all will be well. But first, more struggle. You gonna make it? I betcha you will. 'Cause we're in it together."
Ferrak Saturday June 22nd, 2002 11:56:32 AM
"Yes... the pack is togggether. There is hope," says the grateful gnome as that feral gleem flickers in his eyes.
Finally, An Answer! (DM Donna) Tuesday June 25th, 2002 7:00:02 AM
Nerves stretch to the breaking point (almost) as the Hamleteers begin to wonder if this whole thing is just another tactic of the Dark Lord's in order to waste their time and energy on a fool's errand..?
Suddenly...
" My friends, you have done an outstanding job!" replies a familiar voice from within the Orb--it is that of Valdor, and everyone in the party recognizes it from the dream/vision you all shared of the famous adventurer when he issued his Wold-wide call to arms. "I am sure that the information you have provided us came at a price, and I hope no lives were lost getting it. You have indeed given us a hope that we needed, difficult as it might be. I know Lady Maab and will consult with her. It has also been confirmed by another group that you are quite correct that becoming undead is a way to defeat a God. Keep your information secret and tell no one else of your findings! The battle will be joined very soon I fear, so be prepared to meet us and any others who will join us for that battle. I will contact you again when I have more findings. Please continue your work and see about finding the elixir that was spoken of. We may have some of the ingredients, but see what you can find. Keep Bill out of trouble."
The Orb falls silent.
Draax Tuesday June 25th, 2002 11:31:03 AM
Draax listen to the voice emanating from the orb. "OK, finding more of the ingredients may be possible, but I do not think that any of us will ever be smart enough or powerful enough to keep Bill out of trouble. The task he ask of us is just too far beyond our means." Draax tries to keep a serious expression on his face.
Ferrak Tuesday June 25th, 2002 12:04:08 PM
The feral gnome can't help but grin despite the seriousness of the moment. "Yes Drraax, easierrr it would be to catch the moon."
Renik Tuesday June 25th, 2002 4:18:49 PM
"Trying to keep Bill out of trouble would be like a broken pencil. Pointless." Smiles the rogue. "So I guess we can concentrate all our energies on tracking down this elixir. Now our Holy friend back at the temple said that finding a means to make us undead would be the easy part, that the hard part would be getting to the lands of the dead. To me that suggests that he may know of a means. Now that we have contacted Valdor, should we not return to the Temple, and enquire more closely how we might be... transformed?"
Roger (Rond) Tuesday June 25th, 2002 7:42:45 PM
"Though I agree with you about finding out what is known at the temple. We've been up for a long time. I think we should all go and get refreshed and continue in the morning."
Hobbes Wednesday June 26th, 2002 2:14:22 AM
Hobbes turns blankly to Roger and blinks, "Sleep?"
He thinks a moment and strokes his beard, "How does one sleep when the gods are dying. Who watches over those who no longer have a patron?" he whispers to himself. This troubles him and he meanders over to the tossed away bread and picks it up. "Gargul and Alemi now have a whole Wold to look after." he syas picking through the crumbs. He rips off a piece of bread and tosses it to Darkfang.
"Say there, sir...," he says to Roger thinking of something, "Why don't we go inform that nice Mr. Marcus. Maybe he knows something."
He trails off smiling in a funny old-cronish sort of way, but behind the mask there are certainly no smile. He goes to the door and opens it, then turns, "You may call me...Ivan." He turns back and walks through the door into the shop beyond.
"Thank you for your bread kind sir. I fell asleep out there in the sun eating it. A thousand thanks to you..." he is heard trailing off...then another door opens and closes as "Ivan" leaves the Beer and Bath.
Feng Wednesday June 26th, 2002 6:36:34 AM
Feng looks at the deactivated orb and doesn't know what to do. The secret has been laid before them, but did he truly want to know? People would have to willingly embrace the abomination that is unlife. Could he do that? Feng didn't know. Part of him knows that it's necessary. The other part keeps reminding him that becoming undead would be throwing all of his beliefs away. In a calm but somewhat somber voice he asks, "Where can I rest for the night?"
Fresh Start (DM Donna) d20=3 Wednesday June 26th, 2002 6:48:48 AM
The Hamleteers set off to their quarters with a renewed sense of purpose--how assuring it is know that, yes, indeed, their efforts ARE on the correct track and that they have to press on with what they have deduced so far in the way of what kind of investigating they still need to do! Even though the general atmosphere in the streets of Plateau City is rather paranoic and depressing, at least the Hamleteers know that there's light at the end of this proverbial tunnel.
Dinner, sleep, breakfast--all these occur and more besides. The books that are easily accessed in the basement library are consulted, as well spells reviewed and/or replaced and powers recovered, etc. The party starts out completely renewed and refreshed. Hooray!
Alas, however, no new clues are unearthed from within the tomes at hand (OOC: a group Research check is only 3 versus DC15.) However, there is the point that Morphia and the other clerics at the Black Temple are readily available as a source of additional Research. All that remains is for the party to decide how they will travel--in or out of their aliases.
Lake/Bill Troublefinder Wednesday June 26th, 2002 10:10:43 AM
Lake/Bill laughs at Valdor's counsel and his friends' wry comments. He tells Feng, "You're with us, now. Let's every split up, make our ways back to our place. Feng, you come with me."
[will post more later - gotta run]
Renik d20+8=27 d20+25=33 d20+15=20 d20+7=14 Wednesday June 26th, 2002 4:29:43 PM
The rogue can scarce believe the difference a rest and wash makes. He feels renewed, ready for anything, filled with a strange "I've got nothing to lose!" kind of power. So the Gods are dying? So their enemy is an immortal who has cut a swathe through the very Gods themselves? Hah! He has reckoned without the resources and cunning of the Hamleteers!
He grins to himself as he shaves in front of the mirror, thinking that little William is beginning to rub off on him.
Once ready he decides against travelling in his Beera nd Bath disguise. Instead he dons a short false beard, ties his hair back, alters his gait and wraps himself deep within his dark, voluminous hooded cloak (Disguise 27) before making the dangerous journey to the temple alone. He uses all his skills to avoid being seen or heard, as he creeps through the city (Hide 33, Move Silent 20, Listen 14).
Ferrak Wednesday June 26th, 2002 10:17:57 PM
The feral gnome spends as nuch time as possible tending to the plants in his garden. The destruction of the city and the neglect that they have received recently demands attention. Working with the earth helps to bring Ferrak some peace.
Draax Wednesday June 26th, 2002 11:16:23 PM
Draax uses the hat of disguise to change his appearance to a bearded human as he makes his way back to their home.
Arien Thursday June 27th, 2002 4:30:39 AM
Breaking trance a bit late Arien is still and about before most of the city has awoken. Keeping silent he breaks his fast with some water and fruit before returning to his room. Once there he removes all the items from his pack and belt pouches one by one and arrays them on the bed before him. He methodically checks and reties each pouch of spell components and replaces them in his belt. He repeats the ceremony with the rest of his gear before re-sealing his pack. Satisfied that he is as ready as he can be for what may be a long time without a chance to have a rest like this he shoulders his pack and in the same motion picks up Kiki and desposits her in a large and empty belt pouch where she could travel in relative saftey. Then, after writing a brief note to the others explaining where he has gone, he heads out the Black Temple to see what can be discovered about becoming undead.
Feng Thursday June 27th, 2002 10:33:57 AM
Feng puts on his magical hat once again. His disguise has to be good. When they get into a fight he needs to use his axe. A human weilding an orcish weapon isn't very common. Then again there aren't very many half orcs that weild his chosen weapon either. Feng's features became less human and more orcish. He shrank and thinned. His skin darkened and became coated with dirt. His armor lost it's symbol and became worn. He looks at Bill, "Will this do?"
Rond Thursday June 27th, 2002 11:25:25 AM
Having spent some time recovering sleep and nourishment Rond makes his round of their 'house' in the morning.
Rond decides to call a meeting of the group, to try and decide what their next step is.
Lake/Bill Troublefinder d20+17=35 Thursday June 27th, 2002 3:45:31 PM
"Oo - yeah, that'll work," Lake answers Feng.
For researching 'stuff', Bill relies upon his spell-/psicraft skill to see what that might gain him (DC 31: should have rolled d20+13, not 17).
When Rond calls the meeting, Bill attends.
Hobbes d20+4=17 Thursday June 27th, 2002 4:16:27 PM
After leaving the Beer and Bath, Ivan meanders his way through the streets, keeping as low-profile as he can and heads for the Import shop.
Upon entering, he nods his head to the gnomish woman.
"Good afternoon, miss. I was wondering if the proprietor of this establishment is in? I was given a copper to tell him of his goods in the faraway land of Koshemar. Is he within?"
He waits for the answer and accompanies the gnome back to the private room to discuss matters. He tells her only the things she needs to know such as that they've spoken to the stone and are headed to assist, but nothing of the details of the scrolls they've found. He tells a little more to Marcus should he be there, but waits for any instructions she might have. He also asks of any strong-skilled herbalists or potion makers in town. If the gnome doesn't know, he seeks another source. (Rolled 17 on a Gather Information Check)
He then meanders through the streets again, getting a bit tired now but presses on to any location he hears about that's good with potions.
Bill T tries to unmask solution d20+22=38 d20+22=38 d20+22=32 d20+22=42 Friday June 28th, 2002 3:37:25 AM
Bill spends more time researching, this time donning his crystal mask of knowledge: arcana & psionics, pondering the undead riddle, and asking the clerics of Gargul about the undead, and looking through their library and scrolls if they all it, and making discrete inquiries about town (looking for books, tomes, scrolls in some of the book & scroll shops he frequents). He does not wear the mask in public, but when out of the view of the public. [DC 38, 38, 32, 42]
Potion Puzzle (DM Donna) d100=93 Friday June 28th, 2002 6:32:32 AM
When the disguised Hamleteers hit the street, they narrowly avoid a Plateau City pressgang culling the neighborhood for recruits to help defend the City.
Hobbes checks in with Mechina, who duly notes what he has to report. However, on the matter of potionmakers...
"That really depends on what kind of potions you need, dear," she tells the disguised cleric. "Herbalists are overcharging for their wares these days like you wouldn't believe! Curatives and other divine potions are only available from the Black Temple, Alemi's places of worship, and the odd magic shop like the Catacombs...I doubt you'd go to the temple of Marteaus to get cure potions, because you literally have to sell him your soul for 'em." The gnome assistant spymaster tugs at a lock of her hair as she carefully considers.
"Just about all the private wizards who brewed for profit have left the City--by the Abyss, I have reports that a majority of them have even vacated this very plane in order to escape the fallout from this blasted godswar!"
At the Black Temple, the Patriarch immediately refers those Hamleteers who have come in search of answers to Morphia. The party joins her in the archives area--and she looks even more pale than you remember, obviously having spent all this time doing research until she's dropped from exhaustion.
"The good Father tells me you seek information..?" Morphia asks you, looking from one face to another in anticipation of your questions.
Renik Sunday June 30th, 2002 5:20:29 AM
Renik is about to explain all to the palid Morphia when he recalls that he is not supposed to. Unsure of how best to proceed with Church protocol and all, he takes a seat, winks cheekily at her, and sets to sharpening his swords with a whetstone.
Draax Sunday June 30th, 2002 1:50:10 PM
Draax looks at Morphia and tries to put his words in order. "We need to do some research on ingredients associated with potions that are related to the dead and the undead. Do you have any ideas or do you know of any places that might contain such knowledge. I would think that this type of research would be more in the line of a necromancer, but I have no knowledge of anyone that practices in that field of research."
Rond Sunday June 30th, 2002 6:33:18 PM
Finding no one else in the building other than Bill, Rond changes his mind. Talking with Bill, "Do you think you'd have time to check out the Catacombs and see if we can get the potion, or first potion from there, somehow. I think I want to standby here and wait for people to come back and report on what they've found. Let me know where you go if you leave, so I can send word, or what time you'll be back."
Hobbes Monday July 1st, 2002 1:34:11 AM
Hobbes stands, "Then that's what I need! Give me a list of those potion masters and necromancers, especially those that dabble with death, life, and unlife who have left the city and when and how they did. And give me another list of those few which HAVE stayed behind and work in secret. And any that live outside the city or in other realms too. This is of vital importance and directly relates to our mission."
If more research is needed by the gnome to get these lists, Hobbes will check back later when she is finished. In the meantime he checks out the Temple of Alemi for such an occurrence as well as the Catacombs, then returning to the import shop to hear what the gnome has discovered.
[Kim will be posting for me starting Monday]
Bill Troublefinder, as himself, then as Greener d20+18=33 Monday July 1st, 2002 1:44:09 AM At the homestead "Hey, Mechina!" he greets the talented spymistress. "Marteus' thugs - or anybody's thugs, for that matter - try to shake you down? I sure hope we have a chance to get to know each other better pretty soon."
Meeting with Rond "Well, sure, Rond, I could do that," Bill answers the group's leader. "But how about this idea? If we want to become undead, why don't we just go to Gladiator Park after dark? We already know that is haunted by ghosts and ghouls and other undead, who come out once the sun sets. You know, by the Golden Arena? I'm really not very interested in becoming undead, ya know, but, if that's the only way to take care of the Wold's nemesis, then, shoot, how much more research do we need to do? Since I've been attacked by one, I rather fancy going the ghast route - although vampire would be interesting, too. I met some over at the Red Wyrm Inn a little while back. Don't know if I mentioned that to you, before, Rond."
Fixing a quick snack as he talks, he gets to another point. "I figure, if this plan works, then maybe Alemi himself can take care of reversing the, uh, undeadness." He takes a few bites of his bread, cheese, sliced tomato, spicey sausage and olive oil sandwich. Chewing on the left side of his mouth, out of the right side come the somewhat muffled words, "I'd love it if he could fix that drain the ghast did on me, while he's at it. So, you want me to go now?" He takes another bite. "Tell you what, I'll swing by the Black Temple, then pop in to the Catacombs." He takes two more fair bites to finish off the tidbit, then says, "Zee-ya La'er, Rhong." He wipes the crumbs off his face, takes the underground way out of their place, and comes up a few buildings away, now disguised as Greener the gnome. [Disguise DC 33.]
Greener - no, Bill - with Morphia et al Greener changes back into Bill once at the Black Temple. "Okay, sister Morphia. Is it all right to call you sister, Morphia? Well, whether it's a potion, or something else, you have any ideas on how to become undead. Although, usually, I think only a dummy would want that for himself. Any books, like, 'Undead for Dummies'?" He stifles a giggle, then really stifles it when he sees her own very weary, almost ghastly face. "Um, sorry, there." He rubs his eyes. "Really sorry, Morphia. Not mad, are you?"
Different Women...Same Answers (DM Donna) Monday July 1st, 2002 6:27:18 AM
Mechina frowns as the pertinent details are told to her.
"You're going to have a nigh-impossible time trying to find anyone skilled in the necromantic arts still in the City," she tells Hobbes and Bill, "About 99.9% of 'em were Sons of Dread--and they practically all died when poor old Domi got murdered, remember..?" The gnome female twists a lock of hair around one finger while chewing on her lip thoughtfully. "At this point in time, I'd advise going to the Black Temple...being a church dedicated to Gargul, they've made it their business to keep track of any magic or spellcasters that disturb the rest of the dead." Mechina assures Bill that--while the Motley Lot shop had to fork over a bit of gold in "taxes", they are currently up-to-date with City levies and should no longer face that problem...until the next time the Council decideds to levy more taxes, that is.
Once all the Hamleteers are at the Black Temple, Morphia responds to the issues at hand:
"Yes, you may call me 'Sister Morphia,' my friends," she answers, "I've been told by the Patriarch of the temple to inform you of all my research has uncovered so far, so here it is:
"First... there was a woman going around town attempting to--as she put it--'raise an army of undead for the sole god of The Wold.' She is currently in a special room that we use for those whom suffer... mental deficiencies. She calls herself Mistress Maldreen and claims to be a cleric for Marteaus, but nobody from that temple claims her to be their own... and our own tests on her show that she is not a priestess, but a sorceress. She appears to be... quite insane.
"Second: you remember that gateway you entered? The one we all thought would lead to Koshe-Marr? After getting ahold of uncorrupted records and cross-referencing all the clues Wullanok Irontemper told to you, I've deduced that... you have only truly traveled through the archway but once. When you entered it the first time--you know, when you got teleported to the ruins a few blocks away..?--well, THAT time didn't count, since you didn't use the true key to unlock the real powers of the gate. You were fooled into using the trigger for an ordinary teleport spell... which means that--the next time you use the REAL key for that gateway, it will be the second time you use it... AND it will take you to where you are needed." Morphia looks around at all of you with dark, grave eyes.
"Third...that Mistress Maldreen is wearing gloves that radiate a peculiar brand of magic. We think that these gloves may help you in your quest--but they won't come off and she claims that she won't release them to anybody else except those who have the courage to face her master, Marteaus," the young priestess says. "While she didn't describe you or mention you by name, I have the feeling that she meant you all."
Feng Monday July 1st, 2002 12:06:03 PM
"This woman might be insane and be of no true help. However we must meet with her even if there is the slightest chance that she is telling the truth. Becoming undead is the last thing I want to do, but if that's required to save the Wold then I don't see what choice I have. It's hard to even think about but everything we find keeps directing us back there." Feng paces a little bit, his brow tense with thought and contemplation.
Renik Monday July 1st, 2002 5:46:10 PM
"Maldreen, eh? A dour and forbidding name indeed, sweet Morphia. Feng is correct; if there is any chance that this lunatic may be of help to us we must seize it. Particularly as we now would seem to have the path to the Dread Realms within our grasp. Dear lady, I only wish there were some way I could express my gratitude at all the mafgnificent research you have performed on our behalf...
"But perhaps later. For now, onwards, to Mistress Maldreen!"
Draax Monday July 1st, 2002 11:07:30 PM
Draax agrees with the others, "Her association to Marteaus does not make me feel good, but I am willing to talk to anyone if it will give us a lead."
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday July 2nd, 2002 1:14:04 AM
"Well, we've faced Marteaus at least twice, now, if it's a question as to whether we've the courage to do so," says Bill. "Let's go meet Maldreen. I've always thought how interesting it is that those of good will have a real chance to shine when faced with evil. It's like, by contrast, the light is brighter, and the dark is -- darker!"
Bill then suggests. "Hey, just before we all go to see about this big change -- how about if we have a good lunch at the Adventurers Repose? It's run by halflings, you know. Just one good meal, before joining the dreary undead?" If his friends are amenable to his proposal, he asks Morphia, "Could you arrange a meeting with her - Maaldreen, that is, at 4:00 pm?" He then leads the way, disguised (as Lake, for now) and meanders as usual so as to avoid encounters with taxmen and recruiters.
If they go to the Adventurers Repose, 'Lake' will pick up enough 'Bread Surprises' to share with Morphia and Maldreen, some of the other Gargulian clerics, plus a few extras.
Hobbes (Kim for Matt) Tuesday July 2nd, 2002 1:34:43 AM
The Eye of Gargul, Hobbes, is vexed at first at Mechina's report. How are they going to carry out Valdor's request?
As Morphia discusses the 'true' key to the gateway, he finds himself thinking that crunching bones would be a far better trigger than a grotesque belch. Ah, well.
"I am not sure we ought to indulge in a frivolous meal, when the fate of the Wold is at hand," Hobbes says at Bill's suggestion. But then again, that bread surprise the halfling brought a week or two back was quite good. "But, if the rest of you want to do this, I suppose I will go along."
The Last Meal d100=8 Tuesday July 2nd, 2002 6:11:33 AM
"From the ramblings she has uttered," Morphia tells you, "I am sure that Mistress Maldreen's assertions are based on the truth...albeit it's the twisted truth of a madwoman. I'll make sure that you may see her when you return to the temple."
The Hamleteers go out to eat at the Adventurer's Repose, but--only a few blocks north of the Black Temple--have the bad luck to run into a group of people wearing the militia insignia of Plateau City. The barrel-chested half-orc in charge holds up a hand.
"Halt in the name of the Council!" he bellows. "I am Kragor, commander of this recruitment detail. I demand that you either show me official absolution documents or consider yourselves officially drafted into the service of Plateau City defense..!" As he speaks, his colleagues fan out to surround you...
Lake (Bill) Tuesday July 2nd, 2002 11:25:52 AM
"Idiot. We're already working in defense of Plateau City," answers Lake. "We're on our way to have our last meal before we die in defense of this place. Now, with due respect, please getcher butts outta our way, Commander Kragor."
A pulse of rainbow light flashes from Lake's eyes. [Fly activated - but his feet are still on the ground at the moment.]
The Solution [CDM Jerry] Tuesday July 2nd, 2002 12:01:21 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..."
Ferrak Tuesday July 2nd, 2002 4:22:17 PM
"Grrrrr."
Renik Tuesday July 2nd, 2002 5:28:23 PM
Renik is about to mouth some witty comeback to Kragor when his mind is filled with revelatory information. Consequently he is unable to muster much more than a glazed stare and slack-jawed "Huh?"
Feng Tuesday July 2nd, 2002 5:46:54 PM
Feng eyed the men surrounding him. Subtly he loosens the strap securing his axe. The answer they have been seeking has been laid before them. He didn't have time to deal with clueless locals. They wouldn't understand that Feng was acting in their best interests. Now he understood why the others insisted they traveled in disguise. He was lucky that his horse, Degg, wasn't here. Degg was one of a kind and could be traced back to Feng regardless of what he looked like. He grabs his double axe and slowly pulls it off his back. "Kragor please, I implore you to let us pass. Just this once, let us continue on our way."
Draax Tuesday July 2nd, 2002 10:27:33 PM
Draax is not sure what he would have done before he heard the voice in his head. After hearing what the voice had to say Draax knows that the group does not have the time to peacefully convince the recruiter that they cannot go with him. A sly smiles comes to Draax's face as he mentally picks out the one that he will attack when the fight starts.
Rond Wednesday July 3rd, 2002 7:43:24 AM
With Valdor's words Rond realizes that it will take everyone that is willing, to defeat Marteaus with this undead information.
Not knowing what to do at the moment, Rond waits to see how Lake's words take hold.
Arien Wednesday July 3rd, 2002 12:26:58 PM
As Lake responds to Kragor, Arien idly loosens his dagger in its sheath. If this were to devolve into battle Kragor would be the one to face the lightning bolt that the dagger could hurl.
Bill Troublefinder d20+23=35 d20+17=36 Wednesday July 3rd, 2002 9:46:57 PM
With Valdor's words, Bill works on keeping a dual focus on the present situation (Concentration: DC 35) at the same time he commits to memory the Dragonstone's words (Autohypnosis: DC 36).
Deus Ex Machina...Kinda (DM Donna) Friday July 5th, 2002 6:25:32 AM
The dream-like announcement effects all the Hamleteers at the same time. The pressgang appears to be uneffected--but, actually, upon looking at them more closely, the party sees that the Hamleteers have recovered from the mental missive...while the pressgang seems to be unresponsive now. They look dazed and unreactive. Sensing an opportunity to take their leave, the Hamleteers hastily do so, and find that the draft detail doesn't so much as stir when they go.
At the Adventurer's Repose, the meal has a somber tone--apparently this last message from the Dragonstone has communicated itself to only a select few...most likely only heroic types like the Hamleteers...and the rest of The Wold is still wondering how they will function with only three gods to worship. Anyone making a Listen check versus DC10 notices that a majority of the conversation going on around them acknowledges Marteaus as a god, rather than a pretender.
All that remains now is for the Hamleteers to finish up their meal and go back to the Black Temple to see the mad Mistress Maldreen.
Bill Troublefinder Friday July 5th, 2002 10:46:24 PM
Bill, as Lake, enjoys the meal and atmosphere of the Adventurers' Repose. He thinks a bit of his own family and the community he left almost a year ago. He proposes a quiet toast with his good comrades to "making things right for the Wold." He thanks his halfling friends at the inn, and makes sure to bring lots of extra Bread Surprises back with him.
Just before leaving the Adventurers Repose, Bill scribbles out a few notes. One he wraps in a bit of cloth, which he surreptitiously stuffs into the core of one of the bread surprises. He wraps that together with two more of the stuffed bread loaves into a bundle. He gives this to Morphia when the party is at the Black Temple. He whispers instructions for her to get it to the home of Frellin, Kianimar, and their daughter Shianna. "Tell them each loaf contains a surprise - and one of them two surprises. Thank you, Morphia."
Renik Saturday July 6th, 2002 5:01:17 AM
"I'll drink to that, my friend" says Renik grimly, raising his glass at Bill's toast. "Let's make things right."
He eats in near silence, lost in thought. Could this be his final meal? He looks around at his companions, brave warriors all, and his heart fills with pride. Fate smiled upon him the day he joined the Hamleteers. No more stalwart companions could he ask for.
And so, fed and prepared, he makes his way back with the others to the Temple, ready to confront a madwoman who might very well hold the fate of the Wold in her hands.
Arien Saturday July 6th, 2002 9:48:25 PM
Purposely ignoring what is happening outside of the Hamleteers' table Arien focuses solely on his meal. Putting the task ahead he thinks of the good days of when they first arrived in Plateau City and how long ago that seemed, even to an elf. Arien idly wonders, as he finishes his meal, if anyone will ever again have such days again.
Feng Sunday July 7th, 2002 8:55:23 AM
Feng only picks at his meal. Thoughts of what looms ahead fill his mind and chase away any hunger he would have. One way or another his world was ending. "Please, can we go and get this over with? Letting it linger does me no amount of good."
Draax Sunday July 7th, 2002 11:53:23 AM
Draax savors each bite of his meal, not really looking forward to seeking help from a worshiper of Marteaus, crazy or not. Draax raises his cup at Bill's toast, wishing that the words come true. He sighs as Feng's words reminds him that they might as will get on with the inevitable. He finishes his meal and stands up letting the others know that he is ready. "I agree, let's go get this over with."
Keeping Crazy Company (DM Donna) Monday July 8th, 2002 7:30:16 AM
After what may well be their last meal, the Hamleteers dodge the pressgangs and make it back to the Black Temple unmolested. There, Morphia ushers the group to a section of the temple that Hobbes recognizes as the hospital area. It's easy enough for everyone else to recognize that's it's the hospital area, too, as it is full to overflowing with sick and wounded refugees from the surrounding countryside. She accepts the bread surprises from Lake/Bill and promises by the Eye to see that the elf family gets them within the hour.
The groans of pain and sobs of both the bereaved and the relieved assail everyone's ears, and it is clear to see that Morphia--a mere acolyte--is hardpressed to retain her professional detachment. However, the young priestess manages to retain a game face (albeit one that is several shades paler than normal) and guide the party through the wards to a more secluded, secure spot: a hallway with several doors, next to one of which stands the dignified form of Jonno Virdune. The patriarch dismisses Morphia before speaking.
"Inside this room is a poor woman whom we have discovered has been rendered insane by the very item that you need to...transform you into the state in which you much be to continue The Wold's struggle to survive." Father Virdune says gravely. "My suggestion for your course of action is this: tell her that you wish to serve her master as undead. She is still clever, though, so she may demand some kind of proof of your 'loyalty' to the Dark Lord. Use your head...and--whatever you do--do NOT be tempted to use the item she has yourselves, else you, too, shall be driven mad. Good luck!"
With this, the Patriarch utters some arcane spell and opens the door, beckoning you all into the room and closing the door firmly behind you when you are all inside.
You enter a fifteen-foot-square room that has walls that are battened with thick, mattress-like material. Huddled in a corner, rocking and muttering to herself, is a blonde human woman. Suddenly she turns her head and you all see overbright emerald green eyes regard you.
"You come to serve the Master, yes?" she asks you in a sweet voice. "You come to glory in the infernal divinity that is Marteaus--the joyous despair that he sows upon The Wold? Yes, yes--I can see that you have." She stands up almost proudly in her corner, tossing her head and smiling in a crafty, cunning manner.
"But you must prove yourselves to Mistress Maldreen first, yes you must!" she says with a giggle that sends chills down your spine. "Prove to Mistress Maldreen that you aren't afraid to sacrifice your very lives for our maleficent Dark Lord..." Her eyes--lit with the fires of madness--rove over all of you, stopping at Feng. "...give me your warhammer, that I may kill you all. Only then will you rise again in the service of Marteaus. Only then will you know the..." Here the madwoman coyly rubs her hands together--hands that in worn and raggedy gloves of what looks to be like horrible, warty old leather or hide. "...sweetness of Mistress Maldreen's caress..!"
Her insane laughter surrounds you as you all wait for Feng to choose: trust her (or, rather, Father Virdune's injunction to do as she says)...or not? Give her the warhammer and let her kill you as a prelude to (hopefully) saving The Wold--or refuse, because she just simply may be a homicidal maniac?
It's all up to Feng now...
(OOC: I'll post again as soon as Feng acts one way or another.)
Hobbes (Matt) Monday July 8th, 2002 10:40:00 AM
"Forgive my impertinence, but your instruction conflicts with that which we've received from a slightly higher source, Master Virdune," says Hobbes to the old patriarch, "The Dragonstone himself told us to the two ways he knows to...er...execute...this. While perhaps these might not be the only ways, I believe they are the preferred methods we are to use. I dislike the idea of trusting this quest and the life of my god to a mad woman. I would return to Koshe-Marr and face the gate in my dream"
At this he strokes his chin a bit and purses his lips. They seem a bit dry now, although it is understandable seeing as how he spent the duration of the last meal sitting in the corner in meditation, taking no food or drink.
"However," continues Hobbes, "I accept the idea that she may have more to tell us and will listen, but returning to KosheMarr or imbibing the souleater insect are my chosen ways of following Gargul. I will not do so another."
He enters the room with the rest of the group in disguise as the old man, Ivan. He peers at the sad decrepit woman and after her spouting turns a firm gaze at Feng and shakes his head. "I do not like this," he whispers, "Let us leave to the other place."
Ferrak Monday July 8th, 2002 12:07:12 PM
"This also smells wrong to me Feng. Beware," says the feral gnome as he fingers the ice sickle.
Feng Monday July 8th, 2002 4:02:19 PM
Feng looks at the mad woman. Attempting to talk or reason wouldn't do any good. This was either a yes or no decision. Faith, this was a test of faith. The divine plan that the gods had for everyone. Feng was chosen by the gods to walk the righteous path. He would have to trust the remaining gods as well. Time was running out and they had no options left. Feng removes the warhammer from his belt and gives it to the woman.
Ferrak Monday July 8th, 2002 4:42:42 PM
Worried for the safety of his pack-mate the feral gnome calls upon the forces of nature. A minor orison of Guidance is his in case he needs it. (+1 on save, skill check, or to hit I belive it's the players choice)
Renik d20+7=21 Monday July 8th, 2002 4:50:56 PM
Before entering Maldreen's cell, Renik slips on a pair of darkened, oval-lensed glasses, which almost entirely obscure his eyes from view. Coupled with his long dark cloak, black shirt, troos and boots, he cuts a somewhat sinister figure. Then, with a deep breath, he steps inside with the others.
He listens to the woman's rant with a cruel half smile on his lips, but as the half orc paladin hands over his weapon to the crazed woman, Renik closes his eyes behind his glasses. They have no choice, he knows, Feng has done the only thing he could, but what a choice! Ah well, it can't hurt to egg the pudding a little further...
"Dear Mistress! Honour us with that sweet, fetid touch of Death! Lay us low that we may serve our Dark Master, he who shall rule hereafter! Let us fall that we may rise again, perfect in His Eyes, minions of his Dark Desires! Bless us with your Unholy Touch, transform us into his living weapons! Death to the Gods of the Wold! Hail to the Dark Lord! Hail to his Chosen Servant! Hail Marteaus!"
Renik bursts into wild, evil laughter, that sounds chillingly believable, even to those who know him well (Bluff 21).
"Muwahahahahaha!"
Lake / Bill Troublefinder Monday July 8th, 2002 6:13:01 PM
Lake says, "Hello, Mistress Maldreen." He stands with his hands held behind him, feet spread shoulder width, just looking up at the mad woman, wondering what is was that lead her to the choices she made in her life.
Bang, Bang, Maldreen's (Silver?) Hammer Came Down Upon Their Heads... (DM Donna) d20+3=11 Monday July 8th, 2002 6:20:05 PM
Maldreen's insane eyes glitter with purpose as she takes the warhammer from the half-orc paladin. She caresses the weapon and spares the very charming Renik a warm smile.
"But of course, my loves--but of COURSE!" Upon uttering that last "course", the woman swiftly lifts and brings down the hammer upon Lake/Bill's head, and the halfling goes down without so much as a sigh. With a speed that belies her madness, the blonde woman applies the hammer to the back of each Hamleteer in turn.
Each of you feel a fleeting moment of excruciating pain...then darkness engulfs you.
Are you dead?
It's dark. There's nothing to see...nothing to hear...
...no...wait...there IS something to hear...
"Rise...rise, o instruments of our beloved Dark Lord..." Mistress Maldreen croons in a singsong voice, "...your call to arms has come, my lovelies...rise and serve the magnificent evil that is...Marteaus...!"
You rise, opening your eyes. You feel...nothing. No extreme discomfort...no hunger...no familiar rise and fall of your chest...no blood coursing through your veins...
...nothing but the compulsion to do the impassioned bidding of--
--Valdor Dragonstone.
You all have to get to the Gateway Arch...you all have to meet the others who will be convening in that area called the Tree of Parting.
The door to the padded room flies open.
"This way out, then!" Father Virdune announces to you. "This way out to do your bidding, heroes!" He beckons to the party to exit, standing aside as the undead Hamleteers file out of the room.
"Wait...wait--aren't you going to bemoan the wondrous depravity of our Master..?" Mistress Maldreen demands, obviously not expecting this particular kind of behavior.
"Sing your own praises, Maldreen," Jonno growls, closing the door after the last of the party files out and locking it, "You have just helped to be the instrument of Marteaus' undoing! Thank you SO much!"
There is a scream from within the room--Maldreen sounds very, very angry. You can't but help to wonder what in The Wold she is getting so worked up over..?
Arien Tuesday July 9th, 2002 4:53:04 PM
As the party leaves Maldreen's cell Arien reaches up and pulls the hood of his cloak down over his face. As he reaches up the sleave on his shirt falls back a bit and Arien sees that his already pale skin is now nearly translucent. The blue of once vital veins stands out starckly against the pale flesh. His once sparkling emerald eyes are now flat and dull; his once golden mane is now pale and hings lifelessly about his shoulders. Somewhere deep inside Arien is disturbed about these changes but shrugs it off, after all what did it matter? Turning only his head he regards Virdune and asks him softly, "Is there anything else you wish to discuss or shall we depart for the Gateway Arch now?"
Renik Tuesday July 9th, 2002 5:43:05 PM
Renik swims wearily back to reality but finds the Wold a subtly changed place. Everything seems flatter, greyer, drained of vitality and importance.
He gazes dispassionately at the manic Maldreen, rises to his feet and leaves her cell without another word. He looks at his hands, senses that the blood within his veins is coagulating, the last vestiges of life are draining from him.
He realises that the growing palor of his skin, the death of both himself and his companions should fill him with an overwhelming horror, but all he feels is mild curiosity at the physical process. Turning his hand over to examine his magicaly preserved necrotic flesh he simply murmers;
"Fascinating..."
Draax Tuesday July 9th, 2002 9:11:50 PM
Draax wonders if he did the right thing and realizes that he really does not care. He knows that having the opportunity to cause Marteaus pain should make him happy, but all he feels is the need to fight the forces of the evil god.
He searches inside himself for the emotions that made him who and what he is and finds a void instead. As Father Virdune escorts him out of Maldreen's room Draax looks around at the other undead members of the group. A small crooked smile comes to his face as he realizes the one emotion that he still has is the camaraderie he shares with his teammates.
Feng Wednesday July 10th, 2002 12:13:43 AM
Feng looks at his hands and the rest of his body. With horror he realizes that being undead doesn't upset him as much as it should. Sure part of him wants to end his cursed excistance, but it's a small part. Still the pale skin and apparent lack of breath is unsettling. Feng puts on his magical hat and quickly appears to be his old living self. It's not real, but it helps Feng deny what he's become.
Lake / Bill. Okay, Bill the zombie. d20+18=36 Wednesday July 10th, 2002 2:38:13 AM
Now sporting a concave spot toward the back of his head with the whorl of his hair in the center, the halfling pats down his hat of disguise. "Yes, ma'am. He is depraved. We will serve him. We will serve him up to judgment. Gargul pity your soul," he says with rather a flat affect. He nods to Jonno Virdune.
To his companions, he says, "We already know the way. Feng, in your current condition, how is your ability to eructate? To belch, that is? I suggest --" and he then looks around with care at his companions. "I suggest we apply some makeup," he says, taking out a case from his backpack. He opens it, and a lighted mirror is seen. He selects some jars, begins to help his friends put off some of the visible evidence of their new condition. "Your complexion is shot, Ferrak. Your rosy cheeks now look like the sides of a paper wasps' nest."
Taking a quick break from helping his companions look less zombie-like, he removes his hat and his Lake disguise, and becomes Bill the zombie. He, too, works on his complexion, and adds a wig, to cover over the dent in his skull. He takes off the wig, stuffs a sock in the dent, then replaces the wig. [Disguise, DC 36.]
Then he resumes his assistance. Once all look more presentable, he suggests, "Now, to the bone archway. I trust, Father Virdune, your prayers to Gargul on our behalf and that of the Wold might accompany us. We know we but walk in a path which he has walked before. Farewell."
To William, Bill says, 'I feel different, William. I am repugnant to myself -- yet, in a way, it does not seem to matter to me. I hope we still are friends. I need you, you know.'
Get Thee Hence (DM Donna) Wednesday July 10th, 2002 11:40:52 AM
"My advice right now..." Father Virdune says to you as he ushers you to the nearest temple exit, "Is to get yourselves over to that Arch, activate it, and step through to where you are needed with all due haste. May the Eye keep you in its sight at all times!"
By some miracle, Feng--for all that he is undead now--finds that he does, indeed, have the stamina to let loose yet another Champion-quality belch, and, thus, activates the gate. You all step through...and find yourselves at the Hidden Viper Inn. There are a group of people there who have that...miasma of death about them. Bill recognizes one of the baggy-skinned bunch as Valdor, leader of the Gold Dragons.
OOC: any purchases your characters made in the Catacombs before the shop was closed are now available for use to your character...provided that you email me your updated CS before tonight's deadline! (HINT, HINT!)
From this point on, you will be using the Catacombs board to post about your character's gathering with the other heroes of The Wold. This is it, people--the start of the Endgame. No more posting on THIS board until that mighty battle is resolved, for good or ill.
LOG ON