DM Jan d20+10=16 Thursday January 9th, 2003 12:28:45 PM
Gareth and Max strike and strike again in the blackness - Max's enthusiasm in Gareth's mind is approaching sheer delirium until - the sword abruptly swishes through empty air.
Down below, Clangden's axe makes short work of the blue creature. His song rings out amidst the chaos of lightning, fire and howls of pain and anger. The thing drops with a thud, and then strangely enough - disappears.
Suddenly, out of the black sphere drops a bag of bones in tattered clothing which lands with a clatter on the ground near the dwarf. The skull carries a crown, and a practiced eye will note the gems encrusted on it. Also there is a box-shaped amulet around its neck.
Clangden will also note that he is surrounded by a wide stream of Woldsblood and is cut off from the others.
The ground shaking and parting leaves Addinein and Jus little choice but to hang on and dodge the small fractures opening beneath their feet. The song of death grows ever stronger. Things are becoming very unstable, including their fellow Nonam, they will note, who continues to hurl abuse and spells with reckless abandon.
In a bizarre turn of events, Tericus suddenly finds his arms holding a slender female human. He may note that she is still asleep, and that her clothes are ragged, and her feet torn and bloody from running. However - he has a more immediate problem to worry about - for attached to her wrist is a rope, and at his feet, at the other end of the rope lying on the ground - is a lich.
It looks up with its glowing pits for eyes, and with a mad cackle and a babble of arcane - makes a grab for him, missing (dang).
Nonam d20+26=37 d20+12=32 d20+15=22 5d4(1+3+2+2+2)=10 d100=53 d100=34 Thursday January 9th, 2003 12:42:47 PM
Nonam vents in rage that his plans were foiled. "Blast. #*(@#$%(! *@(@*@ Death & Drek & #$(@ Should have #*@#$% Y&(!@$# %)^ Your *&!#@$ Mother, you stupid, ignorant, dumb %(!@#$%& !@$# (%@#$!!!!"
Somehow the wizard maintains enough focus to cast disintegrate at the lich once more. (concentration=37,AC32,overcomes SR22,fort DC25)
He gives it a magic missile too, just to be petty. (10pts)
(% rolls to cast in armor, ok)
Clangden Thursday January 9th, 2003 1:34:23 PM
reaching down, Clangden scoops up the Crown and Amulet. as an afterthought, he kicks the remaning bones and tattered clothing into the river of Woldsblood surrounding him. looking around and not seeing a way across, he resigns himself to wait for someone to pull him to safety and sits on the ground.
while he waits, he examines the Amulet and Crown more closely
Tericus Thursday January 9th, 2003 3:22:24 PM
holding the Overlord tight to his chest, Tericus glances over at the liche and says "I was wondering when one of you were going to get close to me." then Tericus mutters a single word and the symbol of Alemi appears in front of him. a moment later it rushes at the liche and imbeds itself on his forehead(casts holy word spell on the liche)
Jus d20+26=37 d20+21=25 d20+16=23 d20+26=37 4d8(8+2+6+2)=18 4d10(5+2+1+4)=12 8d6(2+3+6+4+5+4+5+5)=34 Thursday January 9th, 2003 11:03:57 PM
Not willing to risk approaching the lich through the trecherous terrain, Jus pulls out his bow with an expert's Quick Draw.
Assuming there is something left to aim at after Tericus' unassuming greeting to the undead before him, Jus activates his glove and fires at the lich.
[ac: 33/21/19/33 (incl. -4 with prone defender, but his dex doesn't count towards AC) dam: 28/24/26/26].
Gareth (50% Displaced, Fly) Friday January 10th, 2003 8:16:53 AM
One he no long makes contact with the lich he flies straight up out of the darkness to see what he can. When it appears that The thing is dead near Clangeden he makes straight for Tericus and the Overlord.
DM Jan Friday January 10th, 2003 1:08:19 PM
Pummelled by spells, the deafening power of Alemi, and multiple arrows - the lich stops moving, and the red glow in its eyes gradually fades to nothing. After all the noise of battle, the surroundings seem eerily quiet. The ground has settled, riddled with small fissures, and the Overlord appears to be stirring.
Over on his little island, Clangden examines the crown and the amulet. The crown is heavily encrusted with jewels and looks to be worth a considerable sum. As for the amulet, within its design is what looks like a tiny, locked box.
Torel's stony eyes sweep the surroundings. "I think it's time we got out of here. It's not over yet if we dawdle," he says, glancing at Nonam, Jus and Addinein.
Walking over to the edge of the 5ft wide stream that separates Clangden from everyone else, he rubs his chin. "Okay - we need to get you back over here somehow."
Nonam Friday January 10th, 2003 1:41:51 PM
Nonam frowns at the lich's remains and deactivates his boots of speed. He really wanted to blast it again and mumbles to himself, "Could use burning hands and fry it to a cinder. I did promise to turn him to ash. He's not ash. Need to make him ash. Little gray ashes that could float in the wind. Float. Float away. Floating ash." As he mumbles, he gives the carcasse a quick once over with the detect magic to see if it had any goodies. If it does, the wizard takes them prior to pushing the body into the Woldsblood. "Hey the woldsblood. Did you see the big ball? I wonder why it did that? That was really something. We really should take some to study."
Nonam pulls one of the vials that he emptied out earlier and moves closer to one of the streams with a mad look in his eye.
Addinein Friday January 10th, 2003 3:00:14 PM
With the immediate danger of the lich's evaporated Addinein realize that something is calling to him. Looking around the landscape his eyes inevitably come to rest on the Woldsblood. Staring at the stream, Addinein doesn't realize what is calling to him........
Tericus Friday January 10th, 2003 4:59:40 PM
"Gareth, get those two over here with me!" Tericus says to Gareth while he continues to hold the Overlord. "They're going to do something stupid!" then Tericus casts Stonewall right up on the bed of the Woldsblood so that Nonan, Addinein, or anyone else can actually see the stuff
Gareth Friday January 10th, 2003 6:32:45 PM
Not caught up by its allure, the warrior races over to Nonam and Addinein and gets between them and the Woldsblood (If he can't do both he focuses on Nonam as he scares him more). "Gents, we need to get the Overlord back now. We can always come back later but right now we have to finish our job!". He will tackle Nonam if he tries to get the stuff.
Jus Monday January 13th, 2003 10:21:47 AM
Jus starts to head over to the group, but is unable to find a path free from the Woldsblood. He nods distractedly to Nonam, when he mentions collecting the blood.
"Sure we can come back, Gareth, but if Nonam can lift a bit more, there's no harm in collecting a vial full."
Clangden d20+10=30 Monday January 13th, 2003 12:46:51 PM
waiting for someone to guide him over the river of red stuff, Clangden attempts to open the locked box on the amulet. (str check, nat. 20 for a dc30 roll)
DM Jan Monday January 13th, 2003 1:23:48 PM
Right before he kicks the lich's bones into the stream, Nonam discovers a pair of bracers and a small gold box on an ornate, jeweled leather wrist strap.
Tericus and Gareth move fast, blocking the path as their wild eyed wizard starts for the Woldsblood stream along with a distracted Addinein. Jus also seems to be having difficulty concentrating and negotiating the fractured ground.
Still stranded for the moment, Clangden has a crack at opening the tiny little box on the amulet. With his natural strength it shouldn't be a problem - however, try as he might - the stubborn object refuses to budge, even after his best effort. Quite a pretty thing really, well polished, good craftsmenship. It obviously took some making - but what could be so important inside, that it should be made so strong?
Just then, the Overlord wakes up proper, starts wriggling like an eel and lashing out with her sore feet, until she begins to recognise a few faces. "What's happening?" she pleads, close to tears. "Have they gone? What is this awful place?"
The big undead hunter attempts to get everyone organised. "Let's get your dwarven warrior off that islet, and get the heck out of here," he growls. "We've a bit of a march before I can shift us all accurately out of this realm."
He steps across a few fissures and attempts to herd Jus closer to the others.
Tericus Monday January 13th, 2003 4:59:01 PM
"They're gone." Tericus tells the Overlord. "Dont worry, your safe. We're leaving as soon as we get Clangden off that island."
Nonam Monday January 13th, 2003 5:41:45 PM
Nonam pockets the bracers and the box for later study. Satisfied that he has at least something to study when he gets home, he eyes Gareth and Tericus, "I'll study up on the stuff in the library at home then. Now, I'm going to go help Clangden, so don't tackle me."
Nonam casts a good sized Wall of Force flat on the ground to give Clangden a bridge over the woldsblood. "All right, Clangden, you've got a bridge out even though you can't see it. You can feel it with your axe though. So, step on up, and let's go."
Once that's done he tries to reason with Tericus, "I could cast an unseen servant spell that would take the vial to the stream, dip it in, and securely cap it. It would even wipe off any excess before it brought it back to me. I'm not going to drink the stuff or anything like that, and I'm not going to run the risk of having Gareth push me in while trying to keep me out of it. But, a small amount could be incredibly useful for study. Think of what we could learn."
Gareth (50% Displaced) Monday January 13th, 2003 9:41:02 PM
"Nonam, we don't know anything about this stuff other than it is messing with your mind and the guy over there who tends to creep everyone out is scared of it. I'd say you'd better learn more before you try and collect some. We have the Overlord and have killed the liches. What would it say about us if we got greedy and failed to save her? You can get this stuff later after we get her out of here. We have what we need from a place we know nothing about. Let's go...".
The warrior helps get everyone ready to go. He makes sure Clangden gets across if Nonam comes to his senses.
John d20=4 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 3:24:03 AM
Jus hears the wisdom in Gareth's words and actually agrees to leave the Woldsblood alone. Glancing at the Overlord, he mentions that somebody needs to take a close look at her in case she's fighting the voices too.
Addinein Tuesday January 14th, 2003 8:26:06 AM
As the others talk and distract Addinein from his thoughts. He shakes his head as if to clear his mind and realizes that it's time to get going. Doing his best to help the others Addinein decides to submerge himself in getting ready to get out of this place.
Clangden Tuesday January 14th, 2003 12:26:57 PM
standing up, he pops the crown in his bag and puts the amulet in his pocket. hefting his axe on his shoulder he struts across the river on the wall of force, muttering, bout time you decided to get me off there, thought I was gonna haveta go swimming. think that would've been a bad bad idea. (grinning)
stepping up next to Torel he quips: ok dippy, take us to your gate.
DM Jan Tuesday January 14th, 2003 4:19:11 PM
"If someone can heal my feet a little, then perhaps I can walk. I'd hate to be a burden if we have a long journey ahead," says the Overlord.
Torel stares at Clangden for a moment and then barks out a laugh, before setting a fairly brutal pace, this time in the opposite direction to the flow of the streams.
During the march, the Overlord tries to remember what happened.
"It all happened so fast. One moment I was over by the table, pouring a drink, talking to Byron about some problem he had, and the next - it all disappeared, and there was this..... place, and those horrible creatures. I kicked of my shoes and ran, but I obviously wasn't fast enough. What happened to Byron - is he safe? I can't thank you all enough - you saved me from those... 'things'. I know I was going to die in some horrible manner."
By the time Torel is satisfied that he can plane shift everyone safely back, another 8 hours have passed. Here the streams are back to the size of small rivulets, the surrounding scene more black than red. On the journey, the occasional tottering undead has to be dealt with, and Jus, Nonam and this time Addinein, lose another Wisdom point. It has been wearing and physically exhausting for everyone.
"Alright," says the tall undead hunter, bringing everyone to a halt on a fairly wide path. "Stay together, and pray - this isnt an exact science." He finishes his sentence with a cackle that suggests that he's madder than Nonam, Jus and Addinein put together.
"Are we ready?"
Tericus Tuesday January 14th, 2003 8:00:22 PM
"Im ready to go." Tericus says though he looks a little wearly at Torel
Jus d20=19 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 9:50:28 PM
Jus is almost worthless. The din in his head won't subside, and nothing he does can give him relief.
Lucky the distractions are not too severe, for if nobody was around to watch him, he'd go swimming for sure. [wisdom=5].
Addinein Wednesday January 15th, 2003 12:22:26 AM
Looking wistfully around at the scenery, Addinein doesn't respond to the current question as he's lost in the voices in his head.
Nonam Wednesday January 15th, 2003 11:32:24 AM
hahahaha hahahahahah ahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahahah ::large intake of breath:: hahaha hahahaha hhahahahahahahahah ::large intake of breath::hahahahah ahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahahah ahahahahah ::large intake of breath:: hahahah ahahahah hahahahahaha hahah ::large intake of breath::hahahahahaha hahahahahaha hahahahahaha hahahahahahahah ::large intake of breath:: hahahahah ahahahhahahahahah ahahah ::large intake of breath::hahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahaha hahahahahah ::large intake of breath:: hahah ahahahahah hahahahahah ahahah ::large intake of breath:: yeah, ready! you goat! hahahahaha hahahahahahaha hahahahaha hahahahahahahahah ::large intake of breath:: hahah ahahahahah hahahahahahahahah ::large intake of breath::hahahaha hahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahaha hahahahahah ::large intake of breath:: hahahahah ahahahhahaha hahahahahah ::large intake of breath::
Clangden Wednesday January 15th, 2003 11:49:52 AM
yeah, im good to go.
going over and standing next to Nonam, Clangden puts his axe on his belt strap, freeing up his hands in case Nonam needs some.......encouragement.
(cracks his knuckles)
Gareth Wednesday January 15th, 2003 8:33:43 PM
The warrior watches Nonam closely prepared for about anything seeing his unstable disposition. "Just hang on Nonam we're almost there...". He helps with the Overlord if necessary but he focuses his attention solely on the powerful mage, doubting it will do any good if he completely goes off his rocker.
DM Jan Wednesday January 15th, 2003 9:23:26 PM
"Those who have suffered here will require the solace of the Temple of Gargul. There they will recover what they have lost," states the undead hunter solemnly. He then bows his head. "May the mighty Gargul, the God of Gods, keeper of life and death, grant us safe passage from this realm."
The mist that swirls beneath Torel's cloak shifts outward, curling around everyone's feet, rising, getting thicker - until the surrounding landscape is completely obscured. It is followed by a sharp, chill wind that pinches the skin and flutters cloak and clothing...
Suddenly, there is a warm brightness coming from a window. The air smells fresh, and there are sounds of celebration beyond closed doors.
For those who's souls the Woldsblood attempted to claim - there is an abrupt silence. All that power, potential, seduction, glory, certainty - has been replaced by nothing - leaving a dark, empty cavern in their minds.
The immediate scene is familiar, with a slight change. The group now stands in the same Palace anteroom they left all those long hours ago. As for what has changed -
When the group had left to enter the Shadowlands, the man named Byron was laid unconscious on the ground, being tended to by a Merchant level representative. A Trash Level rep had left to find a healer.
Now - the Merchant man is collapsed on the ground in a massive pool of blood. Crouched over him are the Trash level man and what looks like a cleric of Alemi, dressed in white. The Overlord gasps in horror.
The two crouched men turn as you all arrive. "That was fast!" exclaims Trash man, blinking with astonishment.
Of Byron, there is no sign.
Tericus Thursday January 16th, 2003 12:19:56 AM
Tericus runs over to the man lying on the ground. Tericus quickly checks to see if he's alive, and if he is he'll cast Heal on him
Nonam Thursday January 16th, 2003 10:54:10 AM
Nonam blinks his eyes a few times and asks, "ha?"
Addinein Thursday January 16th, 2003 1:22:09 PM
Addinein is distracted by the silence that he wasn't expecting. It takes him a couple of minutes to come out of his introspection.
Jus d20=11 d20=4 Thursday January 16th, 2003 7:08:39 PM
Jus is consumed by a great emptyness (missed WI roll). He fights the feelings, shoving them down into himself. His eyes mist, like he just lost a deep friend, a dear lover. (made INT roll) He chides himself, for he knows he's too smart to be overtaken by the Woldsblood, but he wants, no, he desires to hear those voices again.
Seeing the blood on the floor, Jus' heart leaps for joy. Yet he can't hear the voices... Silly, stupid Jus, you're by yourself again. This is dead blood; without life.
Pulling his arrows out again, one at a time, Jus checks them over with hopes that a drop of Woldsblood came back with him.
Gareth Thursday January 16th, 2003 10:21:54 PM
"Where's Byron and what happened to this guy?" Gareth asks.
DM Jan Friday January 17th, 2003 1:06:42 AM
The bloody pool on the floor is a poignant reminder of the raw power and heady allure of Wold Magic. But there are no whispers here, instead there is a heady scent of sweetness and iron.
This blood soaks into the soles of Tericus's boots as he approaches the fallen man. It's a mess. The Overlord looks about to pass out.
The other cleric is crouched with blood-soaked hands, attempting to heal a savage knife wound across the injured man's throat. Tericus's Heal spell begins to close the wound and brighten the man's pallor. The other cleric leans back and gives a sigh of relief. "That was close," he croaks.
The Trash Level rep stands and approaches Gareth and Clangden, his eyes showing relief at being able to turn his back on the gore. "I don't understand," he explains. "I've only been gone about 10 minutes. I found a cleric - just like you told me to, and we came running back, only to find.... this! I don't know where Byron is. We didn't see him out in the corridor. I really don't understand." The man looks confused. "I'm just glad your quest was achieved within minutes, and you managed to bring our Overlord back to safety. Evil was here today, the likes of which I've never seen before. I'm just a simple man. I handle trash. I'm glad you're back because you'll know what to do."
Meanwhile, Torel has a word with Nonam, Jus and Addinein. "You did well back there," says the Undead Hunter. "I've seen Woldsblood rip a man's mind to shreds in a fraction of the time you all had to endure it. The Shadowlands are deadly. I fully expected to lose at least one of you, no matter how much I tried to stop you. It is a testament to your strength that it did not happen. "However, it is important that you accompany me to the Temple - the sooner the better. Woldsblood is like a harsh mistress who would stab a knife in your back if you tried to leave her."
At that moment, the newly healed merchant comes to his senses. "... was trying to help him, and he stabbed me. Stabbed me with his damned knife...." he gasps.
Nonam Friday January 17th, 2003 11:25:24 AM
Nonam mutely nods his head at Torel. He looks as confused as the recently healed merchant.
Gareth Friday January 17th, 2003 1:30:55 PM
The warrior's hackles raise high at the pronouncement that Byron murdered this guy and was clearly involved in the abduction. "Which way did he go? We need to get him quick!" Once the information is given he activates his boots of flying, fires up his ring of invisibility, and instantly goes after him. "Didn't like the guy anyway..." He asks Max if he heard Byron say anything in his mind about where he might escape to.
Tericus Sunday January 19th, 2003 6:12:24 PM
Before Gareth rushes off, Tericus says, "Gareth, half of us are in no condition for a fight. It would just be me, you, and Clangden. We need to regroup, then go after him. In the morning I can Scry his location."
Jus d20=10 d20=1 Monday January 20th, 2003 2:04:57 AM
Jus wakes at the words of battle. "The rest of us can fight! We've done it before, we'll overcome our distractions again."
There's something in Jus' eyes that betray his words. Jus is fighting an internal struggle between what he hopes is true and what he knows. He battles the hope that by spilling Byron's blood, he may somehow find the Woldsblood again -- for he opened the door in the first place, right?
Addinein Monday January 20th, 2003 10:07:54 AM
Not sure what to say or do Addinein just stands there. His emotions roil as he considers Torel's words and then Gareth's call to arms.
Eventually some logic appear to win out as Addinein sputters, "If you woke up after the Overlord was forcibly abducted and someone was leaning over you, would you possibly react any differently not knowing what was going on? I can at least understand his reaction if he explains himself that way. He could be trying to locate the Overlord if no one told him that we were trying to rescue her?"
DM Jan Monday January 20th, 2003 7:47:34 PM
As the merchant gets to his feet with the help of the other cleric, the Overlord tries her best to overcome her shock.
"We've only been away for a short time?" she asks. "Very well, the few people who know about this, the better. For the sake of the City, I ask you all to keep this to yourselves. If we carry on as if nothing ever happened, then whoever is behind this - has failed miserably, and they'll know it. Let them wallow in their failure."
To the Storms she says - "I owe you my life, and the City owes you an even bigger debt. Because of you we have shown strength and resistance. They'll think twice before they try that again."
With a sigh - "I need to get cleaned up, and get back out there. We have politicians from all levels and other cities. I have to show my face. When the celebrations are over, I would very much like to talk to you all, and perhaps discuss security. Your suggestions would be invaluable."
After making sure the merchant is alright, and getting assurances from Torel that Nonam, Jus and Addinein will be well cared for, the Overlord hobbles off, her hands trembling slightly after the ordeal.
During the discussion about the missing Byron, with Tericus's pragmatism hopefully holding sway, and Addinein presenting another viewpoint - Max chips in, cutting through Gareth's anger.
~ That one - can't sense him, I think he's gone, but know this. You may not like him, but he hates you. That gives him the edge, so beware.~
Torel suggests the sooner Jus, Nonam and Addinein accompany him to the Temple, the better it will be. He see's only too well the damage done. He holds open the door. "There's a back way - and my temple is less than 100 yards away. Do not fear, you will be taken good care of."
As for Tericus, Gareth and Clangden - what next?
Addinein Tuesday January 21st, 2003 10:19:15 AM
Looking at the other Dragons Addinein waits for someone to indicate that it's okay to accompany Torel.
Nonam Tuesday January 21st, 2003 11:29:54 AM
"I think I need a green gnomish. gnomish. gnomish. gnomish. gnomish. That's a funny word. gnomish. gnomish. gnomish. gnomish. gnomish. gnomish. gnomish."
Tericus Tuesday January 21st, 2003 6:43:47 PM
"If you all are unconfortable going to the temple, ill go with you." Tericus offers. "Though I might have to stay with Gareth and Clangdenn to make sure they dont rush off without you all."
Jus d20=14 Tuesday January 21st, 2003 11:39:11 PM
"I really, truly, think it would be better if we found Byron. Soon... Truly."
Jus absent mindedly slices his palm with a dagger. He stands quiet, concentrating on the blood dripping from his hand, trying to hear the voices again.
DM Jan Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 11:53:59 AM
It seems that Byron has managed to give everyone the slip - for now. As to where he might have slipped off too, well - that might take some detective work.
Torel takes those with battered psyches to the local Temple of Gargul. If Tericus accompanies them, he will be assured that Jus, Nonam and Addinein will be well looked after.
However, convalescence is no picnic, and it takes a few days. Addinein is released after 24 hours, Jus and Nonam two days after that. Healing, remembering a 'normal' life - letting it fill the empty chasm of longing left by Woldsblood's influence. The process is laced with confusion and powerful flashes of nightmare, that threaten to take the mind right back to where it started in the healing process.
It leaves it's mark, depending on the individual. Maybe a fascination for, or aversion to blood; the occasional potent nightmare; a tendancy to be morbid; a few grey/white hairs; a dislike of clerics of Gargul and Gargul in general, or maybe a love or fascination for them; on a very very rare occasion - perhaps in the midst of a powerful dream, pale grey smoke rises from their boots; a look in the eye that suggests their owner has stared death in the face for many hours....
In the meantime - As Gareth, Tericus and Clangden return to the Mansion, they find a very puzzled Mitchum, who has the black parrot sat on his left shoulder.
"I trust the celebration went smoothly," he says with a long suffering glance at the parrot. "Not long after you left, I recieved a rather odd letter. An offer to purchase the mansion, no less. They offer a reasonable price, but I wasn't under the impression you wanted to sell." He is obviously completely unaware of what happened up at the Palace.
The letter is written on crisp, expensive parchment, the lettering is exquisite - beautifully done. It is headed by a crest - a black dragon rampant, and is signed by a Lady Delores Solara.
He also tells them that the items found during the forest expedition are laid out in the room normally kept for these things.
((Don't forget, there are some items from this trip too that will need investigation. I'll try and get a list together, along with a picture of the item found in that strange creature's grasp.))
Gareth Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 7:24:30 PM
After making sure his friends make it to the temple and resigning himself to the fact that he cannot get to Byron, he makes his way back to the house. He inquires with the Overlord about where she discovered this - Byron. "So the Black Dragons want to purchase our house do they? Well perhaps we can pay them a visit and discuss terms...". A sly smile crosses the warrior's face.
Gareth makes sure the items get identified and the location of Lady Delores is discovered.
Tericus Thursday January 23rd, 2003 3:25:30 AM
"While you find out about our mysterious buyer, ill study the items we've found recently." Tericus tells Gareth as he gathers everything they aquired n the Shadowlands. Then he goes into the room where everything else is laid out and begins to study the items in question.
Nonam Thursday January 23rd, 2003 11:33:09 AM
After plucking out all his new grey hairs, Nonam walks over and reads the letter for himself. While reading he asks, "Mitchum, do you know anything about the Lady Delores Solara?"
Clangden Thursday January 23rd, 2003 12:09:09 PM
goes into the room where the stuff is laid out, and adds the jeweled crown and amulet to the booty. smiling weakly he leaves and heads upstairs to his room, where he strips and goes about getting a bath. a few hours later, he returns downstairs, dressed in fresh clothing, he heads for the lounge where he asks Mitchum politely for a tankard of the good stuff. and he sits there, waiting til everyone returns and a decision is made as to their next action.
Addinein Friday January 24th, 2003 12:42:18 AM
Addinein is not sure how he should feel as he receives his deprogramming.
DM Jan Friday January 24th, 2003 12:54:30 AM
Mitchum doesn't hesitate as the question is asked about the Lady Solara. "The letter came from Black Dragon Castle, I'm sure of it," he says. "So perhaps that is where she is staying. I heard she was very rich, but other than that - there is little gossip to be had about her from the City's servant population. A bit of a mystery, it would seem."
As for the booty -
There is an axe, a ring, an amulet, a small metal box on a leather strap, a pair of bracers, a bow, and a rather splendid gold crown inset with rubies. Over the next few days the following is determined -
Axe - masterwork +2 Ring - of elemental resistance ( minor) Long Bow - mighty composite, up to +3 STR bonus Crown - worth approx 15,000gp Bracers - of armor +3
Both the small metal box and the amulet cause Tericus some distress when he touches them. They feel unclean, with a power that appears to be growing every time he goes near.
Mitchum explains that he has sent some of the silk unwound from the cocoons brought back from the jungle to a small gnome lady he knows in the City who spins and weaves fabric. "Time will tell if she can make anything of interest from it," he says. "As for this -"
He points at the strange object that Nonam prized out of the dead jungle creature's hands.
"- I soaked it in a bucket of water for a few minutes. It seemed to revive the plant inside, although how water managed to pass to the inside of the item, I don't really know. But now the plant holds fruit, you can see if you look close."
(pic of magic item in email)
Tericus Friday January 24th, 2003 3:09:54 AM
"That chest and amulet are evil." Tericus says to the others. "Ive heard of liche's keeping their soul or whatever they have in containers in case their body is destroyed. I think that the box houses the soul and the amulet will channel it. So whatever you do, dont put the amulet on! The only problem is that I dont think we can destroy it." then he tells them about the other items. "Nothing real powerful, but its all useful. If no one minds id like to have the ring and the bracers, but if someone else wants them ill be happy to give them up." then he goes over and looks at the four prong tree wand. "Well, what does this do?"
Jus Friday January 24th, 2003 9:43:10 AM
"Please don't tell me anyone is interested in selling to the Black Dragons. I still remember their foul stench."
When he sees the treasures, Jus is impressed. "This plant is cool! Anyone have ideas what it was used for? Where did you get it again?"
Nonam Friday January 24th, 2003 11:52:33 AM
Nonam casts identify on the amulet and box to see what he makes of them.
"I need a little cash for spells, anybody mind if I trade in that crown? I don't need the full value, so I can pick up some items for the group too while I'm in the Catacombs. Just tell me what you want."
Clangden Friday January 24th, 2003 12:30:51 PM
when all are there, determining the what and value of the items, Clangden just sits there and watches, and of course, drinks. when Nonam talks about heading to the Catacombes, Clangden invites himself, with Nonamīs approval saying: I need to get a few items there too.
and then heads out, with Nonam, to the catacombes.
Gareth Saturday January 25th, 2003 10:36:01 AM
The warrior looks over the take and shrugs. "Not a lot here I'm interested in so I'll defer my choice for next time. Maybe some of the cash so I can upgrade my equipment at some point in the future but that's it. Leave me a share of whatever is left after we reoutfit, nothing more.". He sits and muses a moment. "I suppose it should not suprise us that the Black Dragons are trying to buy the place. If they were trying to wipe us out then I think they are just wanting to get rid of any traces left over so that we are forgotten quickly. Tericus, perhaps we should go find Byron now. You say you can scry for him?".
Addinein Monday January 27th, 2003 11:21:45 AM
"I could help with the scrying also if needed."
"Should we investigate and see if there is any kind of connection to the Black Dragons from this recent attack? Is there more to know of them?"
DM Jan Monday January 27th, 2003 7:01:30 PM
Mitchum adds something else.
"One thing I did hear. Black Dragon Castle has been on minimum staff for a long time, while most of the owners were away, but a friend of mine has recently been given employment there at a reasonably high level. He tells me there is furniture being moved in, and there are walls being painted. Might be worth a visit, if you're in the neighbourhood."
Nonam's identify confirms Tericus's suspicions - the amulet (which contains a small compartment) and the small gold box on a leather strap, would appear to be the two liches' phylactories. They are still growing in power.
As for the clear, pronged thingy with the tiny plant inside - it sits there on the table top, awaiting inspection.
OOC - guys, we're currently in transition between modules, but we've a lot of loose ends to mop up. The liches will regenerate in a certain number of days, and no I'm not telling you when. The treasure needs sorting out. A scry might give you some info about the wherabouts of ole' Byron. I'd encourage you also to discover more about the Black Dragons current situation and the jungle magic item.
Also - we need to get these Adventurers Repose things finished for everyone, and XPs and character sheets organised.
The next module will start on Monday.
Tericus Monday January 27th, 2003 8:43:44 PM
seeing that no one objects to him taking the bracers and the ring, Tericus puts on the two items. then he turns to Gareth and says. "Sure, I can scry him. It will be alot easier if I have something of his though, and ill have to go to the temple of Alemi in order to use their scrying pool. I can also ask them what to do about those two liche's." then, if no one asks him to do anything else, Tericus goes over to the temple and makes preperations to do the scrying.(jan, what kind of element does the ring resist?)
Jus Tuesday January 28th, 2003 10:03:01 AM
Jus starts examining the plant, touching, looking, trying to fathom how it came to being.
Taking the prongs in hand one at a time, Jus gives the colored tips a light squeeze to see if the plant reacts. He then takes two tips, one in each hand, and gently squeezes them.
"When whomever did the detect magic, what type of magic did they see here?" Jus asks Nonam.
Clangden Tuesday January 28th, 2003 10:22:58 AM
i'm still in the catacombes, will resume posting in the castle when i'm done.
Nonam Tuesday January 28th, 2003 1:02:11 PM
"Oops. Should have thrown those into the woldsblood. I have an idea on how to destroy them. I just need something from the Catacombs." He takes the crown and heads for the door. He turns and looks at Jus and says, "You know, plants really aren't my thing. What happened to that druid fellow that was followed us around out there?"
Gareth Tuesday January 28th, 2003 9:40:07 PM
The warrior shrugs. "I'd say we need to destroy the liches first.".
DM Jan Wednesday January 29th, 2003 12:02:50 AM
(Sam, it's resistance from fire)
Tericus prepares to scry the whereabouts of Byron. Although he doesn't have anything belonging to the man, at least he's met him and knows what he looks like.
Has Nonam figured out how to destroy the phylactories?
Clangden goes shopping.
Jus's examination of the strange magic item reveals that the outer surface is hard and clear - like glass, and that the curled prongs/tines are curved in a peculiar design, which perhaps makes him wonder why they are designed that way. What would happen for instance if one of the tines was struck sharply with a small solid object?
Mitchum approaches Gareth and Addinein. "This friend of mine, I could ask him to spy, although it might be dangerous...."
Addinein Wednesday January 29th, 2003 2:18:58 AM
Looking at Gareth to try to follow his lead, Addinein is not sure what to say to Mitchem about his friend.
"Do you think the clerics of Gargul would be able to take care of this, or do we not have enough time for that?"
Tericus d20+13=30 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 8:19:52 AM
prepared as he's going to be, Tericus looks into the temple's scrying pool and casts his Scry spell, searching for the whereabouts of Byron(scry check of 30, +8 for skill check and +5 for knowing what Byron looks like)
Clangden Wednesday January 29th, 2003 10:35:53 AM
returning from shopping he exclaims, my axe is being worked on and will be available for pick up in 2 days hence. so, asking Gareth, what's on the agenda now? seeing them holding the amulet with the Lich's essence in it he claims: we need to take that to the Temple of Alemi right this instant, and let them do their mojo on it before the Lich reforms. grabbing the amulet, Clangden runs as fast as his little legs will take him to the Temple of Alemi. holding the amulet in front of him like a piece of tainted jewelry. getting there, he rushes up to the head Priest, tells him what the item is, where it was aquired, and hands it over to him for a proper destruction.
Nonam Wednesday January 29th, 2003 11:41:27 AM
Watching the dwarf run past him out the door, "Well, I guess we can try Clangden's way of destroying them. I was going to pick up a bag of holding in the Catacombs, drop them inside, and then rip the bag. I really think Jus would have liked that."
Jus Wednesday January 29th, 2003 9:22:24 PM
"Oooo, yeah. Would've been cool," Jus says before he returns his attention to the plant.
Pulling out a dagger, he taps the purple tip with the blunt end. If nothing happens, Jus increases the frequency and force -- but never enough that he thinks it may damage the plants... encasing.
DM Jan Thursday January 30th, 2003 1:46:04 AM
Clangden dashes off with the nasty phylacteries, and just in time, manages to get them to the local temple where they are destroyed, not a moment too soon.
Tericus concentrates on his scry spell. In the temple font, he sees water - rapids, threatening to overturn a boat containing two men, one of which is definitely Byron. There is a feeling of exhilaration and fear on their faces, and movement at a tremendous rate.
Back at the mansion, while the group ponders its next move, Jus strikes the purple edged tine of the mysterious jungle item. The sound vibrates, resonates and builds - it is quite pleasant, and then it fades to nothing. Suddenly, about 5 feet away - a crack in the stone floor appears. Something begins to grow - eventually becoming a small shrub, about a foot high, with long, slender purple leaves.
Jus will note that one of the small berries on the tiny plant within the object has just shrivelled and died.
Tericus Thursday January 30th, 2003 8:59:57 AM
"Gotcha." Tericus says as he looks into the pool. he figures that Byron has left the city and is traveling along the river we traveled earlier, but he tries to figure out which direction he's traveling, and he tries to get a closer look at Byron's companion
Nonam Thursday January 30th, 2003 9:19:01 AM
"Um, Jus, maybe you should do that outside next time."
Clangden Thursday January 30th, 2003 12:58:39 PM
returning from the Temple, Clangden reenters the room where everyone is. rubbing his hands like he is trying to rid dirt off them, he claims: well, the item is no more, and by what the Priest says, none to soon. hearing Tericus exclaiming that he gotcha, he walks over, looking into a bowl of ordinary water, says: now that you got him, maybe you should use some soap on that face, would greatly improve the look. (smiles)
Jus Thursday January 30th, 2003 8:43:35 PM
"Actually," Jus says with a great big grin, "How 'bout I take over one of the lower rooms and make ourselves a garden?"
Examining the new purple plant, Jus adds, "Of course, we should figure out what each of the four plants do before I use up all the berries."
Jus examines the new purple plant and attempts to decipher it's purpose (besides being a plant).
DM Jan Friday January 31st, 2003 1:16:10 AM
Concentrating a little further on the scry, Tericus gleans a little more information - whichever direction the two men were heading - it was down stream, and - more importantly - ahead appeared to have a small sliver of blue sky amidst the ever present thick cloud in this particular area. A shaft of sunlight was breaking through like a ray of pure gold. As for the other man - he looked older than Byron. His dark hair was greying at the temples, and his shoulders were not as broad. The sunlight in the image seemed to distort the surface of the water in the font, until it became too difficult to read.
Back at the mansion, Clangden is greeted by a long string of dwarven abuse, gleefully called out by the parrot, who was perched on a high curtain rail watching the goings on.
Mitchum tries not to wince as the perfectly clean floor in the room cracks and the plant rises from it. "It is my impression, Master Addinein," he says in answer to the dark elf's question, " that the priests of Gargul tend not to get involved with anything outside their realm of expertise." He then pauses, raises an eyebrow, excuses himself and leaves, as though he has been silently called somewhere else.
In the meantime, Jus's further examination of the plant yields the following results - There are five long, slender purple leaves on this particular plant, and eventually, as he gets around to tasting one of the leaves - he experiences a small but powerful jolt of wellbeing - not unlike that experienced when drinking a healing potion, or being healed by an experienced cleric (Cure Mod). The leaves look perishable and not particularly long-lasting. Within the object, although one of the berries has shrivelled, there are still a few more at that particular corner near the purple tine. Some berries look larger than others.
Mitchum returns with apologies for his absence, and tells the group that a messenger from the Overlord has arrived, politely requesting the group's presence tomorrow morning at the Palace. "Shall I tell him, you'll be there?" he asks.
((OOC - my apologies, guys - I'm going to be away now until Sunday night.))
Clangden Friday January 31st, 2003 1:43:23 PM
patting Tericus' shoulder, Clangden goes up to the Parrot and teaches it some new words, then, reaches into a bowl on the table near the perch, and feeds it some grubs.
upon hearing the summons, Clangden wanders over to where everyone else is and says: well, if we are gonna go, lets make sure we have ALL of our gear with us, in case we get sucked into yet another adventure.
and with that said, he goes up stairs and begins retrieving ALL of his gear, including armor and weapons. mumbling as he goes "can't we ever have a full days rest, I have some beer aging, and I hate aged beer"
Gareth Friday January 31st, 2003 9:22:12 PM
The warrior nods to Mitchum. "Yes, tell her we'll be there.".
CDM Jerry Saturday February 1st, 2003 1:48:11 AM
This Board is closed until all backgrounds are turned into Carl and approved. OOC posts allowed about this project. Delete all this when game resumes.
BOARD CLOSED!
BigTim Saturday February 1st, 2003 5:24:28 PM
ooc dang folks, youve had over 2 months to get your stuff in. now im forced to spend time with the family instead of posting on here.
thanks alot. (grin)
Jerry Sunday February 2nd, 2003 9:47:34 AM
Sunday and game is still closed. Let's get to it folks!
CDM Jerry Sunday February 2nd, 2003 6:43:10 PM
All are in except for Todd/Addenein and he's been given an extention for personal reasons.
Todd knows when his are due and will get them in to me by then.
So....
GAME 1 IS OPEN FOR PLAY!
Tericus Monday February 3rd, 2003 6:28:25 AM
Tericus watches Bryon and his companion a bit longer. he looks for anything that might identify what skill the older man might have(spell book, holy symbol, weapons, armor, ect). then when they approach the beam of sunlight he widens the view a bit to see if anything happens
Nonam Monday February 3rd, 2003 11:38:59 AM
"While you guys work on this stuff, I have some work to do on my spellbook. I'll be at my desk if you need me."
The wizard trots off to study.
DM Jan Monday February 3rd, 2003 11:10:13 PM
((OOC - Todd, I have no idea what you told Jerry, but it must have been convincing! ;) Okay lads, it looks like we're back in business, and thanks everyone for getting your Repose entries in.))
Mitchum nods curtly and disappears to tell the messenger what Gareth said. The evening starts to draw in, and the group prepares, each in his own way, wondering what tomorrow will bring. Perhaps the Overlord is merely seeking advice, or maybe Clangden is right - and another adventure is lying in wait - ready to pounce. Whatever awaits the group - preparation certainly never did anyone any harm.
The following morning arrives, as hazy pale grey light begins to wash through the levels. The smell of breakfast wafts upstairs, along with sounds of some kind of commotion at the back door - it appears that one of the delivery men (who understands a little dwarven) has been told to " **** off and take his brother with him", by a bird perched just inside the kitchen door.
Nonam Tuesday February 4th, 2003 9:35:03 AM
Nonam rises and gets to work in his study right away.
Addinein Tuesday February 4th, 2003 12:04:54 PM
Addinein rises and washes up before proceeding downstairs for breakfast. Addinein contemplates what he should be doing for the day. Whether he should contact his family and see what they have to say. He wonders how his sister has been doing since he last saw her.
Tericus Tuesday February 4th, 2003 8:49:56 PM
Tericus reports what he saw in his scrying, adding that he's sure he can scry Bryon again if its necessary
Gareth Tuesday February 4th, 2003 10:32:16 PM
The warrior gets up and prepares for the day. He ignores the bird and eats breakfast. "Looks like its time to get another show on the road...".
Jus Wednesday February 5th, 2003 2:41:34 AM
Jus awakes and joins his friends for breakfast. The time passes too soon before the parrot tries out the new words Clangden taught it.
"I have to say," Jus laughes, "Clangden's brought a little more spunk into our home."
LOG ON