Zap! - dmjk Thursday February 20th, 2003 9:48:47 AM
The wizard (you've discovered that his name is Cornelius by this point) assures everyone that teleportation to the Big Float works just fine even though they can't find it.
He gets everything and everyone together and casts his spell.
Everyone fades out and reappears inside a large warehouse. There is are large spaces marked off on the floor in white paint. You are all standing inside one of them. A sign above it reads, "Windhorn Trade - Agent Cornelius." The wizard points out that everyone in his trading firm has their assigned area for teleportation. "Nobody or nothing goes inside someone else's area, so watch your step on the way out." He bids everyone good day.
You're all in a warehouse on Wall Street on the Merchant level of floating city."
A quick check with the managers of the warehouse tell you that no one with their firm goes to the Scab. "No reason to. Nobody there selling anything." They suggest checking with Gordo's Transport on the Gold Level. They've been acting as travel agents since the "move."
Draax Thursday February 20th, 2003 10:04:33 PM
Draax thanks Cornelius for delivering the group to the Floating City and the managers for their suggestion about Gordo's. Having never been to the Floating City before, Draax is anxious to get a good look at the city. He tries to keep his excitement in check; knowing that they have a mission to accomplish.
"So I guess we head to the Gold Level and checkout this Gordo's Transport place. And maybe we can do a little sight seeing on the way."
Bill Troublefinder (Kim) Friday February 21st, 2003 1:37:29 AM [OOC: Okay, I'm back. Thanks, Carl. -Kim]
The halfling contributes some words of thanks to Cornelius, as well. Then, as his friend's hazel eyes shine bright with excitement, Bill tells the half-elf, "I'm with you, Draax. Maybe we can get maps of the city. And," he adds quietly, "maybe some maps of the Scab, or a chance to talk to someone who's been there before." In his normal alto voice, he continues. "And I'd like to see the Giggling Ghost Inn from the outside. But if we first check with the folks at Gordo's, then we should have a better idea about our chances to get where we're going quickly. Boy, it sure is humid here, and kind of warm, like in the kitchen when the big pot of potatoes is boiling."
He looks around at his immediately surroundings. "Maybe we can hire a guide to get us to where we need to go, until we get our bearings."
Renik Friday February 21st, 2003 4:51:20 AM
"Gordo's, eh? Well then, let's be off. Agreed, Bill, some better idea of what awaits us in the scab, and exactly which part of it we need to get to, would be a sound idea. This Gordo's is bound to stock maps.
Just one other thought; if we plan to teleport into the Scab, how do we plan to get back out?"
Hobbes Friday February 21st, 2003 5:10:46 AM
"Well, Renik," says Hobbes peering around at the different architecture of this new city, "Being a place of transport I would assume they have some fixture for such a request...for the right price."
He peers closer at the carvings on a house, "Now that's interesting. I wonder if these are secular."
He peers back at Renik again, "Or if not, my good man, we shall have to ride that dragon out of there...once you've tamed it of course."
Big Float - DMJK Friday February 21st, 2003 9:24:26 AM
Floating City is quite unlike any other place that you've seen. It's a city built up in layers. The outside edges are walls and you can't look up to the sky. The ceiling is magicked to provide light, and it's up high enough that you don't really notice that you aren't outside unless you actually look straight up.
From the merchant level you make it to the huge ramp at the center of the city and head up to the Gold level.
Gordo's is easy to find. The proprietor provides you all with maps of the city but has none of the Scab. Nothing more than what appears on general maps of the peninsula anyway. "It's not really a place suitable for exploring. It's dangerous and impassable. There isn't a reason many people would go there. It might take me a little while to find someone that can get your there too. Perhaps some more specific detail about where you want to go would help. It's a huge mountain range, and it's too dangerous too walk all the way through. So tell me where you want to go, and then go do some sight seeing for a couple of hours while I find someone that can get you there."
Renik Friday February 21st, 2003 4:18:32 PM
"Bill, you copied the directions down didn't you?" To the owner he says, "My halfling friend here has a map marking the exact peak we wish to reach. But getting there is only half the story. If what you say about the Scab is true (and all the tales I've heard would tend to confirm it) we should be more concerned about getting back out again. How can that be arranged?"
Draax Saturday February 22nd, 2003 1:50:36 PM
Draax waits until Renik's question is answered before heading out of Gordo's. "A couple of hours is not a lot of time. Hmm, what should we see first?"
Arien Saturday February 22nd, 2003 2:55:15 PM
"Well even if he neglected to write them down, I'm sure he could just recite them by memory, after all he seems to memorize about everything we come across."
Bill Troublefinder d20+18=31 Saturday February 22nd, 2003 10:37:49 PM
Bill smiles at Arien as he pulls out a piece of parchment, an inkwell and a pen.
Just before he lays pen to parchment, he communicates telepathically with his friends via William. 'Let us show the configuration of the area, but I do not wish to replicate the "X" marking the specific mountain we aim for. If we do so, perhaps others may attempt to go there before we do - or come later, with nefarious plans. Let us be discreet as we might, without compromising our plans.'
He draws a map which shows the layout of the targeted terrain [Autohypnosis for recall, DC 31]. He leaves off information which would specify precisely which mountain they aim for, such as, 'Here is the dragon,' or other similar information.
Bill points to another of the nearby mountains on the map, placing an 'X' near the base of it, saying, "We'd like to get close to this one." Which is true, as if they are close to a nearby mountain, they will be close to the one they aim for.
Then, out of the blue, he ponders telepathically to Rond. 'I wonder if you are related to Hororot?'
Feng Sunday February 23rd, 2003 7:50:11 AM
Feng is in awe of the floating city. He has never seen, let alone thought that something like this could exist. This would have to be the pinnacle of urban life.
Still, the threat of the dragon hangs overhead, and the battle that will be fought. There is a good chance that some will die.
OOC: Were the horses brought along as well?
Rond Sunday February 23rd, 2003 3:57:51 PM
Feeling a little out of place in another of the big cities, Rond lets the others do the talking and conspiring as he tries to keep his nerves under control.
When Bill comments to Rond about his supposition, Rond begins to chortle quietly in the background.
Bill Troublefinder Monday February 24th, 2003 2:38:54 AM
The halfling winks at Rond.
After Gordo (if Gordo is the proprietor) looks over the map, unless he should detain them further after considering it, Bill says, "Okay, guys, let's do some of that sightseeing he suggested!" The psion's idea of sightseeing, after he takes a few minutes to memorize the city maps, is to scoot as quickly as possible along every street on each level, starting on the current, and working his way down. If anyone questions his methodology, he tells him, "I wanna see as much as I can, then come back for a second look at whatever is most interesting. Maybe there'll be some bookstores. C'mon, keep up!"
Hobbes Monday February 24th, 2003 5:44:21 AM
Hobbes let's the others enter the shop while he waits outside in front. No sense in crowding the store with another fully armored large man with a scythe. He looks back and forth down the street looking for signs of intelligent life...REALLY intelligent life, that is.
He wonders if Gordo can't help them, if someone else (or another obvious shop perhaps) could point them in the right direction.
DMJK Monday February 24th, 2003 9:42:10 AM
Gordo seems most interested in the position along the coastline and not the mountain range itself, "That's your best indicator. I'm sure that you remember the map you saw 100%, but sometimes those maps aren't exactly right in the first place, especially in mountain ranges." Gordo displays 2 maps of the Scab that look different just to prove his point. "They all have the same coastline though. See."
"Alright, I'll get to work finding someone. Come back in an hour. Better make it two. There won't be many wizards in town that can send you to the center of the Scab. There wouldn't even be many that could send you to the western edge."
Looking at Renik, "As for getting back, you can either contract with the wizard to have him wait or come back at a specified time, or with a little planning, you could teleport yourselves back to some familiar place."
As Hobbes surveys the street, he sees a dog looking at a pie in an open window. The dog pushes a nearby crate up to the window, hops up on it, and starts eating the pie. When the woman inside sees the dog, it knocks the pie to the ground outside and finishes up while she's yelling at it from the window. That dog is the most intelligent thing Hobbes sees on the street.
The group makes its way through the Floating City while they wait. The Open Air Level looks like a place to spend some vacation time. There are parks and greenery, and you can see a magnificent view of a tremendous lake. The Diamond Midway looks like a fun time that's just waiting for you, and the Overlord's Palace is as impressive as anything you've seen in Plateau City. The Gold Level is plush and elegant, and the ceiling is magicked to look like the outside. Silverwing's Palace of Lavation just beckons for you to return. A nice warm bath might be just the thing after a long day of adventuring. You pass the Storm Dragon mansion on your way. They aren't at home. The place is nice, but it is unassuming compared to Gold Dragon Castle. The levels get more cramped, crowded, and dingy as you descend. On the Trash Level, the lack of access to fresh air is really apparent. The air is stale and humid, and it has a fishy smell to it. You leave it quickly and work back up. The Giggling Ghost is on the Fence Level. It looks like... well it looks like a normal tavern.
A note - dmjk Monday February 24th, 2003 3:38:02 PM
A man dressed as a messenger happens upon the party standing in front of the Giggling Ghost and asks, "Are you the gentlemen that sought passage to the Scab from Gordo's Transport?" On learning the answer, the man passes a message to Rond.
It reads, "I've found a wizard for you. His name is Nyrashal Woodcock. He's an odd duck, but good at his trade. He can put you on the southern coast of the Scab within 13 miles of where you want to go. That's probably about as good as I can arrange. He said he would meet you at the Message in a Bottle. It's a tavern on the Merchant Level in the Hole in the Bottom of the Sea. He said that he would meet you at a quarter after 3. -Gordo
ps. Don't worry about my fee. I get a commission from Woodcock. He shouldn't charge more than 300 gp for a one way. Let me know if he wants more. -G"
It's 3 o'clock now, and the Merchant Level is two levels up.
Hobbes Monday February 24th, 2003 4:50:48 PM
Hobbes rolls his eyes and sneers.
"Good dog," he says patting the dog on the head as he passes.
He takes in the sites with slight interest more to pass the time.
Upon receiving the note, he sighs, "Back we go again. Time to run it out."
He jogs along with his companions, clanking as he goes, beating feet up to the Merchant level again.
Bill Troublefinder Monday February 24th, 2003 5:02:10 PM
Bill hovers near Rond's elbow as their leader looks at the note, bouncing up and down a bit so as to be able to see what's on the piece of paper. "Ooh!" he exclaims. "That doesn't give us much time. Guys, guys, Mr. Woodcock might be able to help us. We've gotta go up in the next few minutes to the Message in a Bottle. Just a sec!"
Bill opens the door to the Giggling Ghost, takes a real quick look around, and says, "Hi, everyone! Boy, we're really here in the Floating City now. Sorry, no time to talk. See y'all later!"
Then he steps back outside, and says, "Okay, let's go. Unless someone else wants to say hello to our friends inside." As they head up the next two levels, he travels the most direct path upwards, but his eyes, hungry, take in more details of the city during the ascent.
Draax Monday February 24th, 2003 7:37:59 PM
Draax takes in the sights and tries not to look like a typical tourist, so he frequently has to remind himself to close his mouth. He marvels at the mansion, palace and castle and vows to himself to spend more time getting a closer look when they return.
After receiving the message, Draax jogs back to the Merchant level with the others.
Rond Monday February 24th, 2003 10:23:52 PM
Quickly scanning the note Rond takes a breath to explain to the group what has happened. When Bill steals his information ( ;) ) Rond lets his breath out again. After Bill has his say Rond comments, " I do not have anyone in there that I'm aware of that would know me."
Looking around to see if any others want a quick word inside. Rond waits until it's clear that the party is ready to move onto the tavern.
Arien Monday February 24th, 2003 11:15:19 PM
Arien takes in the sights as well but they aren't the center of his attention. When the note arrives and the party heads off to meet the wizard Arien does as well but still deep in thought.
Renik Tuesday February 25th, 2003 4:00:31 AM
As the group approach the Giggling Ghost and Bill pops his head through the door, Renik gets the strangest feeling. It's almost as if he's already inside the tavern, though he quite plainly stands in the street outside. He gets a fleeting mental image of a chess game, and turns away, not looking through the door Bill has opened.
He is troubled by this experience, and follows his companions in silence as they head up to meet with the wizard.
Feng Tuesday February 25th, 2003 9:59:58 AM
Feng enjoys the city, taking the time to relax before their quest begins. Sometimes he forgets that the little things make life worth living. Every now and then one has to stop and smell the roses.
huff huff wheez (dmjk) Tuesday February 25th, 2003 11:11:52 AM
The group hoofs it to the center ramp and runs up two levels. A quick stop for directions to the Hole in the Sea and you learn that it is on the opposite side of the merchant level from the warehouse where you initially arrived.
As you make it to the appropriate section of town, you see the sign of what must be the Message in a Bottle. There are no words on the sign, but there is a painting of a glass bottle with a roll of paper stuck in the neck floating at sea.
The tavern doesn't appear to be anything special. The doors are the type of half doors that swing back and forth. You note there is a heavy metal door that can be lowered down in front of these in case the bar needs to close. There are two rather large windows on the front that allow you to see inside. It appears that the place is a working class bar. The patrons look like an assortment of laborers, cart drivers, and clerks. Most of them appear to drinking with a friend or two. The tavern is suprisingly full considering its the middle of the work day and well past lunch. A rough estimate places the number of patrons around 40. You don't see anyone that looks like a wizard from looking through the window, but there are plenty of places inside that you can't see.
A sign hanging up by the door reads, "No weapons. Check them at the door." For the less educated patrons, there is a little picture of a sword in a red circle with a line through it.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday February 25th, 2003 3:28:48 PM
Bill enters the tavern, and undoes the clasp on his bandolier of darts. He takes inventory of the darts, then hands the bandolier over to the checker. "Here you go."
He glances around at the patrons, seeking, if such might be found, an available table or spot in the populated tavern for himself and his friends.
Renik d20+10=19 Tuesday February 25th, 2003 6:20:01 PM
Renik is uneasy about being parted from his weapons for any length of time, but complies nonetheless. Where would they be if everyone just wandered around in bars heavily armed?
He scans the bar, seeking out anyone who might match the description of their contact (Spot 19).
Feng Wednesday February 26th, 2003 12:32:10 AM
Feng surrenders his double axe, trusting that he will get it back. Feng walked slowly through the bar, scanning the room. He was burly, even for a half-orc. There was no way that they could know he was a paladin. Hopefully the bar patrons were intimidated enough to leave him alone.
Hobbes Wednesday February 26th, 2003 4:53:20 AM
Hobbes resolves himself to deal with the local clientele but secret wishes that the dog he met earlier was in charge. Nonetheless he pushes the swinging doors open with the tall end of his scythe and steps through, letting the doors creak back and forth. He stops at the weapon check area and, without saying a word, holds out his scythe to be taken.
His eyes gaze left to survey the patrons' reactions as he glares at the putrid smell of old booze and smoke in his nostils. His feet move forward slowly, clanking his heavy metal leggings with each step toward the bar. He leans over slowly and utters to the bartender, "We're here to see Woodcock."
Draax Wednesday February 26th, 2003 7:29:40 AM
Draax reluctantly hands over his weapons and steps into the tavern. He waits as he sees Hobbes talk to the bartender.
Rond Wednesday February 26th, 2003 10:21:59 AM
Not hesitating too much even though it would be the first time to lose his weapon. Rond relatively quickly removes the great sword and gives it to the establishment. After giving up the sword Rond follows the others as they enter the tavern. Rond frowns for a brief second as he considers the surrounding area. Then he decides to wait while Hobbes asks his question.
trouble - dmjk Wednesday February 26th, 2003 10:36:59 AM
The group enters the bar and trouble just seeks them out. A local tough who has seen better days bumps into Feng and spills his ale. Feng is the one with ale all over himself, but the cretin is the one that takes offense.
He spews at the paladin, "What'd ya do that for? Probably cause your mother was a pig! Where you get a nose like that anyway, Piggy?"
The man's sour breath reeks of ale, and he's clearly no beauty queen himself. He's overweight, bald, and his teeth would make a beaver proud. He's tall though, over 6 ft, and he looks strong.
His hands come up, and he pushes Feng backwards while he makes a noise like a grunting pig.
Renik notices a nearby table getting to their feet.
The bartender tells Hobbes and Draax, "You'd better keep an eye on your friend. Groyle's started more than one fight in here. I'd throw him out, but he's the owner's nephew."
Bill finds a table in the corner and turns around to tell everyone about it just in time to see the push.
jk Wednesday February 26th, 2003 10:38:09 AM
a map will follow soon
Hobbes d20+8=25 Wednesday February 26th, 2003 4:33:14 PM
Hobbes sighs as he turns around. "Must this always occur?"
He pulls out a small piece of iron from a pouch and waves a hand over it uttering "I'man 'gog nixt" and point it at the big fat bully.
[Fail a Will save DC 15 please vs Hold Person and be held for 7 rounds]
He then turns around to the bartender again, "Now, Woodcock! Nyrashal Woodcock, We need to see him or her NOW!" [Intimidate 25]
Draax Wednesday February 26th, 2003 7:30:42 PM
Draax watches the bully try to initiate a fight with Feng. The half-elf shakes his head thinking how there is always one in every tavern. He nods his head in thanks to the bartender for the advice then turns in time to watch the end of Hobbes' casting.
Leaning on the bar in a relaxed manner, Draax keeps his eyes on the bully feeling far more irritated than his outward appearance. In a small whispered voice barely loud enough to carry a foot away from him the warrior says, "We do not have time for this."
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday February 26th, 2003 9:06:21 PM
Noting trouble brewing, the psion-nomad decides to head for the balcony. He empowers himself to fly, then seemingly skips up the stairs to the balcony in a remarkably short amount of time. Once in the balcony, he takes a quick look around - wondering if anyone there might be this Nyrashal Woodcock. He notes the three patrons up there, then looks over the edge of the balcony, paying particular attention to the group of apparent ruffians over by the rectangular tables.
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