Ravaged Heranmar (DM Cayzle) 2d4(1+3)=4 2d4(3+3)=6 d4=1 Wednesday August 28th, 2002 3:37:07 PM
As the Southern Lights leave the clearing,
Sly notices a whirling stone that circles the cheetah's head. The cheetah used to be the human in hide armor, but he changed shape. Sly has to yell at Luke, who snarls at the big cat.
Shiraz motices that the zombies are burdened down with valuables. He notes a fine tapestry.
Trace sees a sack and hears a heavy clinking inside.
Sir Thomas notes a fine ax stuffed in eh belt of one zombie. Thom also gets the weird feeling that he has seen that zombie's face before.
Over the course of the following rounds, as the group departs, Shiraz takes cold damage of 11 more hit points before the magic subsides. His binding fails to do anything against such fierce cold.
Thmas and Trace ride towards Heranmar. If in the past the townsfolk here have been surly or combative -- well -- all the fight has been beaten out of them, at least for the moment. This is clearly the scene of a fight of some kind. The outbuildings beyond the town wall are all destroyed. The southern gate has been broken in. wounded and dead villagers lie in the streets.
You see two curious details: scattered dead bodies of insects lay sprinkled here and there.
A few of the townsfolk see you, and you hear them say in whispers, "The Children of Chaos!" and "Destroyers" and "Saviors."
Then a dwarf pops up out of nowhere -- and you recognize him as Donk, who you last saw here long ago!
Sly Foxx and Luke Wednesday August 28th, 2002 4:29:13 PM
Sly had to yell twice at Luke, before the dog left that WereCat alone.
When Sly stop outside of town, he will bandage Shiraz's wounds and gives his his best healing potion. "Shiraz this is the best I can do for you, I don't have another clean shirt."
Sir Thomas Thursday August 29th, 2002 12:35:28 AM
As the he and Trace approach the town, Thomas tries to focus on the area through his now faded tattoo. He tries to recreate the feelings that he conjured up in the Void and Abandon while they were fighting the machine for the last time. He tries to channel his energy into seeing what happened to cause such destruction and to feel the mood of the people. He tries to use it also to relay what he sees to his friends who should be a few hundered yards away.
(OOC: I'm attempting to use any Chaos Powers that I may have. It's an exploration you see.)
Seeing Donk, Thomas looses his concentration and smiles. In a surprised yet pleased voice, Thomas welcomes the dwarf named Donk. "Donk! What a pleasant surprise. It has been a long time and it didn't appear that you would ever grace us with your presence again when last we saw you depart." THomas' tone then changes as he inquires about the mess. "How are you and what in Domi's good name happened here?"
Trace (59)and Radiant(12) d20+9=29 Thursday August 29th, 2002 2:36:13 AM
Trace sits on shadow look about as Sir Thomas catches up with Donk he surveys there surroundings for anyone that looks threating to their situation. Trace then gives his kind but short greetings as well.
(spot check 29 I see all!)
Trace thinks back to the zombies and tries to place the familiar face with some urgency.
Shiraz d20=19 Thursday August 29th, 2002 11:30:02 AM
Shiraz nods a Donk,"I dont believe we have met before I am Shiraz." The huge taur extends his hand in friendship. Shiraz tries to describe the men the group were fighting and asks if anyone here might know them.
Jurgen Thursday August 29th, 2002 2:21:35 PM
Staying with the group, the young boy begins to think about his friends. He had known them for how long? A few days, perhaps a week... But it seemed like a thousand eternities. And what had they become? Friends, a tight fighting group. Even Shiraz, who had been for less time then Jurgen, was part of them. Yet there seemed to be something missing, from the part that Jurgen played.
He didn't feel like he was helping them... Sir Thomas was often disappointed, it seemed, with Jurgen. He insulted Shiraz and Altemia, not meaning too. He even had the nerve to call Sly a boy.
There certainly was something different about Jurgen now, but, in the end, he was the same. He was an emotional, young man... His magic was fueled by his heart and soul. Not by some book, or his intelligence. And how could he work his magic, if he wasn't highly emotional? No, that was stupid reasoning. He just wanted an excuse for being annoying.
But then his mind shifted to that of the zombies, trying to imagine what he could have done... And even if he could, should he?
"Who am I to decide who lives and dies? I am no God, but the Gods don't seem to be able to control it themselves... I am no healer, choosing those that should be helped and those who shouldn't... I am no fighter, striking each blow, deciding when the kill comes... No, I am the Mage. I have to help the party, when he could, and even be brave when I have the chance. So who am I, to decide?" He doesn't even realize he's been speaking, not really caring when he does...
An Old and Inarticulate Friend (DM Cayzle) Thursday August 29th, 2002 8:07:40 PM
Sir Thomas tries to trigger the chaos power, and he feels something stir inside. But his need is not great, and it was always when you needed it the most that the power was most potent. Perhaps if you waited for a moment of desperation, when events are balanced on the knife's-edge of destiny, when the dice of fate are rolling, that invoking the power of entropy might make a difference.
Donk grins at Sir Thomas's greeting, and says, "Sometimes you come before trouble. Sometimes you come after trouble. But always trouble!"
But the friendly look in his eye contradicts his gloomy words. "Welcome trouble-friends!"
Seeing Donk brings back old memories in Trace, and he remembers who that darn zombie reminded him of. What do you know, it looked just like Crazy Bob, the shopkeeper who was Pip's boss before Pip joined the Southern Lights!
Donk points to the others holding back, and motions them to come close. "Come here, friends of friends! Bring troubles with you -- yours are small next to ours!"
You see that Donk is injured.
But his grip is strong as he reaches up to shake Shiraz's hand. "Hey! Bull-Man! Before Wold end we tell you get out town! Now, maybe not!"
Jurgen's musings are interrupted when Donk calls you all forward.
The dwarf tells Thomas, "Tell tale to all! Come all you here!"
Sir Thomas Thursday August 29th, 2002 11:12:42 PM
Thomas is encouraged by his small success at trying to voluntarily invoke the power of entropy . . . the curse and the cure. However, he puts future efforts off as other things fill his mind.
With a sort of nervouse chuckle Thomas offers a response to Donk's deeming them 'trouble-friends'. "Maybe its coincidence that we are surrounded by troubled happenings. Maybe we're just lucky. but personally, I think its the fact that we are the Children of Chaos." Thomas dismounts from his perch on Pryte's strong back. "May I be of service to you friend? I have Domi's power of healing." Thomas offers an outstretched hand, but waits for the dwarf to accept his offer before he uses his power.
"Are there other things that we might help do besides listen to this tale? We could help clean up, or rebuild walls, or try our best to heal the sick and wounded. Between the few of us we have many talents and skills. ALL of which are very important and necessary in their own unique ways."
"As before brave friend, we will follow wherever you lead and do whatever you ask." Thomas gives an encouraging wave of his hand, "after you good sir."
Ilsidur Thursday August 29th, 2002 11:49:19 PM
Ilsidur joins up with Sir Thomas and the rest, to hear the dwarf's story.
Sly Foxx and Luke Friday August 30th, 2002 10:15:26 AM
Sly follows Shiraz tucking in the bandages. Seeing Sir Thomas give the sign to follow then into town. Walks up to Dunk, shakes his hand, "Hello, my name is Sly Foxx and this is my dog Luke. Glade to meet you."
Shiraz Friday August 30th, 2002 12:33:39 PM
Shiraz mutely follows Donk into the town.
Trace and Radiant d20+9=21 Friday August 30th, 2002 1:24:43 PM
Trace moves up next to Sir Thomas, "not to open wounds or anything. But I think one of those zombies back there was Pip's fauther. We should at least demand the zombies be freeed. At least for Pip's father's sake. You must see this. It bothers me greatly knowing that we are leaving him in the controll of someone evil. I dont know why but I am feeling a great urgency in this. I also think those people are some sort of grave robbers stealing from the dead around here and the man in black is raising the dead to carry the bounty. The picking up of fortune dosnt bother me but the use of the dead does. Even more so that we know the dead. Me I would be outraged if I was used after I was supposed to be dead and gone from this wold." Trace continues to look around waiting for Sir Thomas's answer (spot 21) Trace pulls up on Shadows reins to drive home his urgency. Trace then looks to the others, "Sorry, even after preaching unity I must go back to free the zombies. I know one of them. He was a friends father I knew not long ago and I must do the right thing."
Jurgen Friday August 30th, 2002 3:42:19 PM
Jurgen, who still wasn't sure what to make of anything, goes towards this Donk fellow. He seemed decent enough and appear to know everyone, with the acceptions of Shiraz and himself. He was a... strange man. That's where he'd leave it. Strange and fun.
Then Trace talks of a Pip, someone who Jurgen had heard of before... but didn't quite remember. He seemed important to Trace, which ment that there was a job to be done. Trace could not fight them alone.
"Trace, I know not who Pip is... But I won't let them continue." He looks around for a moment, not at anything specific, but at sights to help him think. "Hah! It's my destiny to choose who dies. I am good. I have been chosen to walk a path that is both the good fight and dangerous. I may die trying, but it's my job to quench evil. I may not see some things as evil, as Sir Thomas does... but what I do see, I will fight them. This pervervision is something I wanted to stop before, but couldn't myself. Perhaps now we can."
He puts his backpack on the ground, and begins to take things out. "I've got a Potion of Haste, two Potions of Cure Light Wounds, two Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds, Scrolls of Mage Armor [4], Spider Climb [2], Sleep, Tenser's Floating Disk [2], Mirror Image, Fly Dispel Magic and Invisibility, a Wand of Silence with 3 Charges, a Wand of Light and 2 Tree Feather Tokens. And I've still got my regular arsenal of spells, so I can make you fly... And two others, if they decide to come." He smiles briefly, getting himself ready.
The Story of the Rape of Heranmar (DM Cayzle) Friday August 30th, 2002 11:20:21 PM
Donk motions you over to a crowd of wounded townsfolk. "No heal Donk!" he tells Thomas, "Heal these almost dead people."
When the townsfolk realize who you all are, some shy away -- but when they hear there may be magical healing, they crowd around, begging.
The townsfolk are eager to tell the story, and since Donk has disappeared again, you listen to their bragging chatter.
"We fought off the Dark One!" "Yeah! Right up to the end of the Wold we fought!" "Then his right hand men came back! The scoundrels!" "They plagued us with bugs! Stinging bugs!" "But we chased them off!" "But they killed lots of people! Gemmy. Samyule. Crazy Bob. James the Cooper."
You get a picture of events, gradually.
Before the endtime, the Army of Marteaus (at least, part of it) had just about advanced as far as Heranmar. Some parts of the Army did attack the outskirts of Heranmar, just before the end. Buildings outside the wall were damaged, and the southern gate was destroyed. It seems clear to you that despite the bragging of the townsfolk, they would have been crushed if the Wold hadn't ended first.
After the Wold was renewed, a gang of scoundrels looted the town -- that was just this morning. They summoned storms of insects that covered the town, and in the chaos the gang looted Heranmar. There were three humans, a dwarf, and a half-elf. The townsfolk, lead by Holly and Donk, killed the thieving half-elf, but a half-dozen people were killed, and thrice that number lie at death's door.
The black robed human gave Holly a disease, and she is one of the one's that may die.
Just then Donk returns, with an elf. They are carrying Holly, who you remember. She looks very badly injured and infected with some disease.
Sir Thomas Saturday August 31st, 2002 1:00:21 AM
At Trace's mention of Pip, Thomas is able to put the math together. "Crazy Bob! He was Pip's dad . . . and he was one of those zombies! Trace, you are right, we have no choice but to pursue that group. I will stay here and heal the sick and wounded until I no longer have Domi's grace in these matters. I think we should try to bring the evil ones back here. How will we fight the zombies who we used to call friends? Will it free them to kill them?"
Thomas has many more questions, but is interrupted by Donk's and the townsfolk's story. He listens intently. Then sees Donk bring Holly forward from somewhere deep within the crowd. He calls to Donk, "bring her here friend." While he waits he offers advice about how to approach the next few minutes. "We shouldn't allow them any further head start, but attacking them with only a few of us is out of the question too. Trace, I would suggest you go ahead with Jurgen, Shiraz, Altemia, and Uteva. Ilsidur, Sly and I will stay here to offer as much assistance as we can and then follow with all of the speed we can afford. Maybe we could borrow some horses. Leave us a trail to follow so we can find you quickly and easily. What do you all think of that plan?"
Thomas then kneels over Holly and begins to pray. His prayer is not a silent one, nor is it usual as far as prayers go. It appears as if Thomas is casting a spell. (Remove Disease 2x per week; spell-like ability on Holly.)
(OOC: I don't know if this will help speed the game along, but this is my plan for Thomas' actions in the next few rounds or minutes or hours . . . Thomas will Remove Disease on someone else as he gets time. He will also expend all of his healing powers if they are needed. He will distribute them in increments of 1 and 2 to prevent further digression and to be able to help the most people. He will then offer advice about how to treat injuries and sicknesses with natural healing. If it is absolutely necessary he will give those in dire need greater proportions of healing.)
Altemia (DM Cayzle) Saturday August 31st, 2002 6:36:33 AM
Altemia steps up and offers her help as well. Then she says to Sir Thomas, "A few minutes is all you can spare. Let me stay here to tend the wounded while you and all the others go on the chase!"
[OOC: That keeps the party together and solves my problem of what to do with Altemia while Aleyna is on walkabout.]
Preparing for a chase (DM Cayzle) Saturday August 31st, 2002 6:43:17 AM
[OOC: If you guys really are going to chase after the scoundrels right away, please post or e-mail me a complete list of spells memorized and cast, current hit points, items used, etc.]
Sly Foxxand Luke Saturday August 31st, 2002 3:44:15 PM
"Sir Thomas, Pip was a friend of mine, may I go with Trace and do what I can against the evil ones? I'll give Altima all my cure potion I have about six with me here. I also have a bed roll of Comfort that heals you one hp per night. May I go?" Sly ask with pleeding Eyes.
"Hay! Trace wait for me." Sly turn and runs after Trace, and Luke follows Sly. (the dog know there's goint to be some fun up ahead.)
Uteva (DM Cayzle) Sunday September 1st, 2002 2:21:17 AM
"Altemia, I'll join you here," the bard says.
[OOC: sad news -- Lee-Anne is joining Aleyna on walkabout. :-( ]
Jurgen Monday September 2nd, 2002 5:47:27 AM [Hey, Cayzle... I'll send you an updated character sheet A.S.A.P. I'm just away from home, right now and at a horrid computer, so I must hurry.]
Jurgen turns to Sir Thomas, nearly laughing. His eyes are wide and his mouth is open. He looks shocked, and humoured, both.
"You will help save a soul, if it was a friend. I see... That is an interesting way of fighting against unjustice and protecting the weak." He grabs his potions, handing them to Donk, making sure that they're fulling intact. "Use them well, and help those in need."
With that, Jurgen brings forth the magic that will let him soar like the birds. He could reach them faster, if he did choose as such. Yet he probably should stay back, perhaps to keep himself alive? Yes... that'd be a plan. Stick to the air, high up, and he'd be safe,
[Casting: Fly - Duration: 60 Minutes]
Ilsidur Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 12:38:46 AM
"Jurgen, before you accuse us of not protecting the weak and not fighting injustice, maybe you better sit with us and have a beer and a discussion of what has gone before. How do you know the zombies still carry the souls that originally inhabited the bodies? I have always heard zombies and skeletons referred to as the "mindless undead". Doesn't that mean they likely also don't contain souls? I agree that undead are an abomination, but I also don't agree with senseless battling and killing over what essentially are empty vessels. However, since it turns out that that party was also responsible for a number of deaths and spreading disease (regardless of whether they affected friends or not), they should be punished."
"Sir Thomas, since Uteva and Altemia will wait here with the wounded, I suggest we get after the killers. If Shiraz can climb up on your horse with you, Sly gets on with Trace, and I cast my fly spell on myself, it is likely that we can catch them before they get too far. I know that zombies can only move very slowly." He notices Jurgen hovering slightly off the ground. "I see that you can fly, too. Let's be off after them."
Almost in Pursuit (DM Cayzle) Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 10:41:35 AM
Sir Thomas prays over Holly, who immediately looks much better and falls into a healing sleep. He and others int he group help out with the injured. The townsfolk seem very grateful for this help. "Saviours," you hear a few whisper.
When it becomes clear that two are staying to help and the rest are hurrying off in pursuit of the villains right away, those whispers get louder.
Even Donk grins. "Go you friends! Bring trouble to bad guys! Come back with dead and all they stole!"
As Ilsidur looks from Pryte to Shiraz, it is clear that the minotaur, weighing 800 lbs and standing 8 feet tall, could no more ride a horse than Sly could ride Luke. It occurs to Ilsidur that he himself could clamber into the saddle and cast the spell on the minotaur, as one option [OOC: The DM is not offering hints -- just respondsing to ideas]. Also, FYI, since it took about an hour to walk here, riding and flying back would take about a half hour. Given your healing activities, talking to Donk, etc, if you race back right now, it will have been about two hours since you left the ruined chapel and the clearing in which you fought earlier today.
Trace (59) and Radiant (12) Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 12:15:47 PM
Trace and pulls Sly up onto shadow and leads the others out back the direction they came. As they make there ride Trace talks to the others, "Well should we charge in or try and sneak up. I have a feeling they will be on guard and a full out charge should do the trick to gain supprise as we run them down on our horses."
(magic fang used earlier with summon natures aly 1 left)
Sly Foxx and Luke Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 4:03:42 PM
Sly hop on the back of the horse, "Thanks, Big Brother, I think I have something that will stop those Zombies. I recently came in the possession of a Rod of Ice Storm. Do you think it will stop any of them? What else can we do?"
Seeing Jurden Flying, "Hey! Jurden do you see anything ahead?" then as an after though, "Stop mumbling to your self, your doing fine. You should have seem me when I was your age, Ask Trace! Come on Luke keep up."
Jurgen Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 8:20:12 PM
Jurgen looks at Ilsidur, wondering how that dwarf knew so much... Still, he felt strongly that the undead were not mere husks. They... pleaded with Jurgen to save them. To stop their pain and suffering. No, Ilsidur was wise. But he was wrong here, he had to be.
He keeps at the front of the group, staying within yelling distance. He wants to see them first, but not be seen.
[Sorry, my yahoo isn't working apparently. I'm recieving e-mail just fine, but sending isn't working.
So far, spell-wise, I've used...
One level 2 Two level 3s
Sir Thomas (59hp) Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 9:52:23 PM
In response to Jurgens thoughtless words Thomas calmly replies. "You know Jurgen, I'm not going to argue over who was right or wrong eariler today because it is now obvious that you were fighting for the right cause. But I will say this, no one else was fighting for that cause. And I won't fight for egos nor for campsites.
"You will never here me claim that I know it all nor that I am always right. You have already made your point, and I have succumbed to your wisdom in the situation.
"Also, in answer to your statement, yes, I believe this is a cause to fight for if necessary, yes an acquaintance of mine is involved, and yes you identified the cause earlier but you forgot to let the rest of us in on the point. Again, I will not fight for egos." Thomas pauses for effect, "Justice is not found in proving you are strong nor in being right, it is only found in being strong enough to know when and how to overcome an obstacle. Remember, fighting is not always the best solution, only the last one.
"Finally, I want you to understand that I solute your wisdom earlier today; your goal was very noble. Hopefully we will all learn from the experience and avoid similar conclusions in future events. You are on the right track friend."
Thomas turns his attention to a sick townsperson and quickly cures them of their disease. He then mounts Pryte and reaches a hand down to Ilsidur, "may I help you up friend? Shiraz will not be able to ride, no offense intended toward him, but you are more than welcome."
He looks around and sees that Trace and Sly have already gone. "Let's get going. We'll be late if we don't, and as gentlemen, I don't think it falls within our honor code to be late." he smiles at a rarely told joke, but that disspates quickly.
He spurs Pryte gently and the horse breaks into a dead sprint trying to catch the others.
Shiraz ( ac 22 Hps 66) 2d8(3+4)+3=10 Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 10:03:38 PM
[OOC: Sorry I didnt realize we were playing through the weekend. I was working and didnt check the board.]
Shiraz nods at Jurgen , "Yes I could use your fly spell as I cannot mount a horse." When the young mage cast the spell Shiraz will fly up until he is about 20 feet in the air," BY IMODS HAMMER" the taur roars, "this would be fun under other circumstances, but now we must be off." The taur drinks the healing potion that Sly offers as he soars up catching up to the others.
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