Tericus d8+15=20 Wednesday June 18th, 2003 10:04:03 AM
after quickly checking on Addinein to make sure he's gone, Tericus moves to Gareth and Clangdenn and cast healing circle on everyone(everyone heals 20 pts). then he says "I might be able to do something for Addinein tommrow, but its really in the hands of Alemi." then he says "We do need to go back. That dragon might attack the village. At the very least, we need to make sure that villager is alright." then, as an afterthought, he says to the mayor, "Sorry this had to happen."
Jus d20=18 d20=3 Wednesday June 18th, 2003 10:08:38 AM
Jus allows the magic to pull him to the Big Float. Momentarily disoriented, catches himself as he is suddenly transferred from the water to land. He immediately realizes where he is, seeing the Overlord. Quickly, he say, "It is I, Jus," unsure if she'll understand as the words sound distorted coming through his new form.
Seeing Addinein, however, has him quickly forget about the Overlord. Jus runs over and kneels beside Addinein's limp form. With one of Addinein's hand in his, Jus looks up at Tericus, hopeful the cleric can help.
In his mind, Jus curses himself for not paying attention when his brothers tried to teach him how to help someone recover from drowning.
DM Jan Wednesday June 18th, 2003 4:18:25 PM
Tericus gets to work on Gareth and Clangden, who are already starting to feel the benefit of Nonam's ointment. Addinein's heart is still, much to everyone's sorrow. The dark elf's face looks serene in repose, at rest - a far cry from the turmoil in the room. His skin feels eerily cold to Jus crouched alongside him.
Just then, Terran - the gruff, broad-shouldered aide to the Overlord bursts into the room with a - "What the -??" Four guards push past him and enter the room quickly, confused as they recognise who is within. Behind them, a Palace Shepherd of Alemi enters - human, about 55 years old, and out of breath. Quickly he confers with Tericus on the extent of the damage done.
For a moment, Alicia's face lights up with relief as Nonam shifts back to 'almost' normal form, but she quickly hides it. She nods at Jus, still in merman form, accepting his statement, holds her hand up toward the guards, and for a while looks on truly concerned as whatever healing that is necessary takes place.
Gareth and Clangden start to feel better, and the urge to cough up a lung passes. However, they'll be short of breath (-2 CON) for the next two days. It will hurt to talk - and eat during that time.
The guards are staring uneasily at Addinein's body on the floor.
"What happened?" asks the Overlord firmly, not missing the comments made by Gareth and Tericus about a man and a village.
The Alemi cleric talks quietly to Tericus. "We need to get him -" pointing to Addinein - " to the Temple of Gargul as soon as possible."
Clangden Wednesday June 18th, 2003 4:24:04 PM
answering Alicia's question with short, unsteady breaths:
we were rushed in some place unprepared and it got Addenein killed.
dropping his armor, and all his magical equipment on her floor in front of the cleric saying: that should cover your expenses on getting him truely ressurected.
then Clangden stumbles soundlessly out of the bedroom, and all the way to the healing halls of Alemi where he collapses on one of the beds.
Nonam Wednesday June 18th, 2003 5:34:21 PM
As Nonam watches Clangden drop his items and wander off, he explains to the Overlord, "We went to fight the dragon that I wrote to you about. We encountered it in its lair, an underground cave filled with pools of water. These evidently opened onto an underground lake. The dragon attacked us ferociously, and we were unprepared for its tactics. Even so, we hurt it terribly, but we were in a poor condition ourselves. Instead of simply running, it grabbed Clangden, Gareth, and Addinein and plunged down into the lake. I swam after, but the dragon carried them too deep for me to reach them in time. When I saw Addinein's condition, I knew the situation was bleak. If the dragon came back at that moment, I knew none of us would survive. I selfishly regretted that I might not ever see you again, and then I remembered the bracelet. You know the rest."
Then the wizard reaches into one of his magical pockets and takes out a scroll of resurrection.
He hands it to Tericus and says very quietly, "I bought that before we ventured into the Underdark to help liberate his family. We haven't needed it til now. Perhaps we could trade it in the Catacombs for a scroll of True Resurrection, like Clangden says, or maybe you should just read that one. That's a a decision you're able to make better than me."
Gareth Wednesday June 18th, 2003 10:07:27 PM
The warrior nods as the others explain the battle. "Gentlemen, the villager...what can we do - right now?".
Jus Thursday June 19th, 2003 1:31:19 AM
Holding Addinein, Jus has some choice words on what the villagers could do, but his heart wins out -- there is no way he could let the villagers be slaughtered because of this fight.
"Unfortunately, I expect the only Derak is still alive is if the dragon didn't pass him on the way out." Jus starts to rise as Clangden drops his belongings and stumbles out. Jus' first impulse is to see if Clangden needs help, but Clangden's bitter words make Jus decide that the dwarf is dealing with Addinein's death in his own way.
Staring downward, his eyes unfocused, Jus continues, "Providing we find the necessary people quickly, we could teleport a group of spellcasters to the village, and they could teleport the whole village back here before the dragon did much damage."
Stepping back from Addinein's body as the priests do their good deed, Jus flexes his fists, having trouble containing himself. He acts like he's about to cast a spell, then hesitates to see what the others do.
Tericus Thursday June 19th, 2003 7:16:09 AM
taking the scroll from Nonan, Tericus nodds and begins to pick up Addinein's body. he grimaces a bit when the temple of Gargul is mentioned, but he says "Lets go." then quickly leaves for the temple. on his way out, he says "Go to the village. Ill meet you there as soon as im done at the temple."
DM Jan Thursday June 19th, 2003 3:05:00 PM
The Overlord looks shocked as Clangden gives a summing up of events, and listens with growing horror as Nonam goes into the details. Recovering her composure as best she can, and taking heed of Gareth's urgency - "We'd better move quickly," she says, listening to Jus's idea. "Terran - go find one of the guild mages, and a captain of the guard - quickly."
The big man nods gruffly and leaves. Alicia gives a sigh as Tericus and the other cleric of Alemi leave with the fallen Addinein, and then turns to Gareth, Nonam and Jus.
"We need to come up with a plan," she says, "and we need some information about these villagers. Are they friendly? Do they speak our language? How many of them are there?
Just then, Terran arrives back with two others - a young, blond-haired man with high ranking guard insignia rushes quickly into the room, brusquely pushing aside the other person in his haste. That other person is a female who growls at him - "Do that again and I'll turn you into a tadpole, you dolt."
The guard captain and the female mage give a solumn bow in front of the Overlord.
"How can we be of service?" asks the female, raising an eyebrow as she glances toward Jus, Gareth and Nonam. They recognise her instantly. It is no other than Lady Dolores Solara, her black dragon shawl pulled loosely around her shoulders.
"Where's Clangden, should I go and find Clangden?" asks Terran, looking forelornly for his drinking buddy.
Meanwhile, carrying Addinein, Tericus and the other cleric of Alemi leave the Palace and make for the Temple of Gargul across the square. Its the dead of night and there's no one around, until - they are met at the Temple entrance by a lady in pale grey robes and eyes the colour of clouds. Mist floats and pools around her shoes. "What brings you here, at such an hour?" she demands.
Clangden arrives at the Temple of Alemi, also on the same level, to find himself in a line getting patched up along with a few guards. Two of them have broken limbs, one has a black eye, another has a streaming cut on his head.
"Big punch up at one of the pubs on the Fence level," one of the guards explains. "So, what happened to you?"
((OOC - apologies in advance gentlemen, I'm going to be away until Sunday night. As the characters are at a planning stage, please feel free to do multiple posts in order to discuss what they want to do))
Clangden Friday June 20th, 2003 12:38:47 AM
looking at the brawlers with disgust, he shakes his head and walks away, ignoring the guards' question.
wandering around the town Clangden finds himself at one of the parks, sitting down on one of the benches. after a few minutes, he leans forward, putting his head in his hands.
and weeps.
Gareth Friday June 20th, 2003 1:15:00 PM
Wincing at the Black Dragon woman, he decides to choose his battles another time, but decides not to mention the type of dragon to her. "There is a village at grave risk from a dragon. We need to protect them. We must be prepared to fight it too.".
Nonam Friday June 20th, 2003 6:05:13 PM
Nonam eyes Lady Dolores with a frown. He wasn't in a mood to play politics right now, but there didn't seem to be much choice. "I don't know how the villagers would feel about being uprooted. They didn't even believe in magic. I imagine being teleported to a city like this would be a strain on their sense of reality. Even so, they probably shouldn't be around when we return to battle the creature. I'm opne to suggestions. But let's make the talk brief. I want to head over to the Temple of Gargul to check on Addinein."
...and get myself healed too. Gods, these burns hurt.
Clangden Sunday June 22nd, 2003 6:26:33 AM
after a few minutes Clangden bolts upright. looking around to see if anyone was watching, Clangden stands up. then, as if something has occured to him, with a determined look on his face, he begins running. faster and faster til hes moving at maximum speed towards the temple of Gargul.
Tericus Monday June 23rd, 2003 6:57:57 AM
looking hard at the woman, Tericus tries to recall if he's ever seen her before. after a moment of study, he says "Im Tericus, cleric of Alemi and member of the Storm Dragons. My fellow member, Addinein, fell in combat with a black dragon, who still runs free in the area. I request that I be admitted to beg for Lord Gargul's allowance that Addinein be restored to life, for we will need his strength in hunting down the dragon."
Jus Monday June 23rd, 2003 11:01:34 PM
Jus looks at Nonam, then Gareth, then -- reluctantly -- at the Black Bladder lady. Thinking about the village, he has to admit, "we can't wait long... we can't wait."
DM Jan Tuesday June 24th, 2003 12:24:45 AM
Sorrow grips Clangden in the aftermath of the battle, but at some point - he shakes it off and heads at all speed toward the Temple of Gargul.
At the temple, the Soul Seeker who met with Tericus at the door, nods and allows the two clerics inside with their dead charge. She leads them to a room where they can pray for the soul of their comrade. There is a dais to rest the body. Like the floor, it appears to be made of cool marble, although its difficult to see much of the floor - clouded as it is by the ever present mist. "You are in Gargul's hands now," offers the lady solemnly, before leaving them.
A little later, she will offer to lead Clangden to the room when he approaches.
Back at the Palace -
Lady Solara says - "We can attempt to open a temporary gate, like the one we have currently between the Float and Plateau City. But we need to know exactly where this place is, and we'll need help. The gates drain energy."
Not wishing to spend the rest of his life as a baby frog, the guard captain waits a respectful few moments before adding - "I can gather some men quickly - if we can get there - we can help restore order, fight - whatever is needed."
The Overlord nods. "Then, captain - gather some men together and return at all haste. Lady Solara, I'll have an area of the grounds outside cordoned off. Terran - if worse comes to worst, find out if we have room for these people and where. Storm Dragons - your knowledge and leadership will be required here. "Let's move quickly and work together."
"I can probably have the gate open in about an hour," states the Black Dragon mage and turns to leave. Sweeping past Gareth, Nonam and Jus, she whispers - "Bite off more than we could chew, did we?"
Clangden Tuesday June 24th, 2003 1:12:18 AM
rushes with all Haste to be at the temple and by his side when Addenein is revived.
upon arriving Clangden politely tells the greeter who he is and where he would like to be escorted, and then follows politely behind and deeply thanks for the escort.
upon seeing Tericus praying over Addenein's body, Clangden kneels beside him and says his prayers to whomever is listening.
Tericus Tuesday June 24th, 2003 7:11:59 AM
coming inside with the other cleric of Alemi, Tericus places Addinein's body on the dias and then unrolls the scroll. before he starts, he turns to the other cleric and says "I have the power, but ive never done this before. If I do something wrong, you must take over." then he begins to read off the scroll and chants prayers to Gargul, though it pains him to do so. "I hope Alemi will understand." he thinks to himself(OOC i got an email about the situation, but it was blank)
((~~Jan~~ Sam I've copied the email to you. Give me a shout if there's still an error somewhere.))
Clangden Tuesday June 24th, 2003 8:44:34 AM
getting up, and touching Tericus on his shoulder, Clangden says: we need to give Addenein the best. you wait here and I will go to the Catacombes and retrieve the correct scroll for him.
with all Haste he heads for the Catacombes.
Nonam Tuesday June 24th, 2003 9:38:46 AM
"I can provide the exact location either through description or by participating in creating the gate. Let me know what is needed. Now I must check on my companions. I will return as soon as is possible."
Nonam heads out the door just before his polymorph spell runs out, and he limps to the Temple of Gargul to check on his friends... there will be time for healing himself later.
Clangden Tuesday June 24th, 2003 3:52:52 PM
rushing back in the room where Addenein is, huffing and puffing, Clangden hands Tericus a scroll of True Ressurect.
DM Jan Wednesday June 25th, 2003 12:35:46 PM
((OOC - apologies for the assumptions I'm about to make, but I want to keep things moving, guys. I know Sam has limited time and a few comp problems right now, and with David on vacation too, the rest of us need to improvise a little.))
"We'll work together, if need be," says the other cleric to Tericus.
Clangden leaves with all haste and returns swiftly with the scroll, in fact Nonam sees him on approach and follows him inside. The grey-robed Soulseeker stood outside the chamber tells both that once the ceremony has begun, it will be in the hands of Gargul and there will be nothing anyone else can do right now.
She notices they are looking a bit ragged around the edges. "Do you require the healing power of Gargul?" she asks. "It is freely given, here."
Tericus invokes the new scroll. All he can do now is wait... and pray.
Back at the Palace gardens, lamps are rapidly lit, and extra guards are placed as preparations are made for the gate.
The guard captain is asking Gareth all kinds of fast and furious questions about what he wants doing and where they are going. The Storm Dragon leader might need some help.
A rather odd-looking old fellow - human, but almost as frail as an elf, dressed in a tatty robe approaches Jus. "You joining us? The more the merrier. These things can be a bit unstable at first." There looks to be about 9 people clustered together, including Lady Solara, discussing the positioning of something on the ground. Voices range from laid back, to grumpy at having to be up at this time of night, to glee and excitment on what they are about to do.
Clangden Wednesday June 25th, 2003 3:13:27 PM
arriving back at the Palace, he goes over to where his stuff is and begins putting it back on.
motioning to his guard friend he says: tell your comrades there that when we show up in the village to immediately spread out. look for anything and everything out of the ordinary. these are simple folk so be careful. also, a young girl might be there as well. all in silver colored clothing. do not attack her in any way or you might invoke her fury. <whispering to him in his ear> (she is a silver dragon who was hurt by the black, these people took her under their care and she has helped em out ever since, and she is very shy)
before the teleport begins, make sure everyone is completely set up with magic defenses and make weapons ready but again, do not attack until you are attacked.
turning back to the guards arrayed: anyone have a spare weapon I might use, mine was left behind in our haste to get here.
turning to Alicia and the other mages around her: my feeling is this. the faster we get people teleported out of the better everything will be. this is not a lets kill the dragon raid, its a save the village raid, I dont care what the others in my group says.
grabbing a parchment and ink, Clangden begins drawing on it the lay-out of the village, naming the buildings that he remembers. also, he draws in the fields, where the mountains and swamp are and the jungle. giving the mages and everyone else there an idea of how things are set up and giving them a chance to figure out the best course of action what to do when the port happens.
Clangden then goes and finishes putting his gear on.
(Jan, what weapon is offered to me?)
Tericus Thursday June 26th, 2003 5:15:58 PM
nodding at the cleric, Tericus does what he needs to do while waiting to see if the scroll works or not
Nonam Friday June 27th, 2003 10:51:08 AM
Nonam accepts the healing and after making sure things are proceeding with Addinein he returns to the palace.
He's ready to help out with the teleportation and moves to stand by Jus.
He frowns a bit when Clangden offers up the "I don't care what the others in my group say" comment. He happens to agree with the dwarf, but that's beside the point.
When the dwarf talks about protection spells, the wizard points out, "Most of the spells I cast have run out or will run out soon. After all, I cast many of them this morning, and I haven't had time to memorize more. I've still got a few tricks up my sleeve, but they're mostly in the hellfire and brimstone category."
"We also need to think about saving that poor chap back at the cave. Anybody have any ideas on that?"
DM Jan Friday June 27th, 2003 1:04:44 PM
Clangden and Gareth get to work on the guards. 'A - another dragon?' whispers the guard captain. He seems nervous.
Clangden's map is poured over by just about everyone, the dwarf's advice sinks in, plans are made.
One of the mages mutters something about being dragged into the middle of some god forsaken place in the dead of night. Lady Solara laughs.
Nonam returns as chaos and discussion are beginning to coalesce into a plan. Two wizards have marked out an accurately measured 20ft by 20ft square on the ground. Others are piling white sand at each corner, and arranging a series of amber stones in the sand. Then, the spellcasters start to gather in twos or threes in each of the corners. "Teleport spell," says one of them to Nonam and Jus. "I'm presuming you know it? Then we kind of grab and hold it. Keep it in one place. I'd steel yourself right after the invocation if I were you. Spell effect tends to give a bit of a kick."
Someone, with some difficulty, hands over a heavy battle axe with a very keen edge to Clangden ( +3 battle axe). It's not as good as the one he lost, for sure, but perhaps it'll do for now.
After a countdown, the teleport spell is invoked by all those present at the corners, but one. Solara is at the center of the circle, her body contorting, her hands weaving, her rich, deep voice chanting something quite different. In the minds eye, its as though a cage of energy starts forming - spells taken from all participants are held, stretched and lengthened - converging in a central position 30ft above the square formation. There's a sudden feeling in the stomach, as though being punched sharply. For a moment the whole thing wavers, and then becomes visible to everyone around them.
It's edges shimmer - but within, dark shapes, buildings can be seen - the village. One of the wizards coughs - "I hate it when that happens - like a kick from a mule.." It needs one wizard on each corner to keep the thing stabilized.
It's time to move out.
Back at the Temple of Gargul, the cleric helping Tericus gasps, as it seems to him that both Tericus and Addinein's forms have suddenly become etheral and insubstantial...
.... and what seems like half a world away - and a good days march from the village - Derak still keeps vigil by the side of the hole. He's getting very worried, after all not long ago, the hole filled up with water, although now it's starting to recede.
Nonam Friday June 27th, 2003 2:53:41 PM
Nonam casts a light spell on his shield to help everyone see a little better, and he moves into the village. First he intends to wake up the elder that greeted them when they arrived in the village, and after that? Well, he'd just have to see about that.
Clangden d20+6=10 d20+6=14 Friday June 27th, 2003 6:58:22 PM
axe in hand, Clangden rushes to the woman and her childrens' home he shared. moving them to the circle he assures them it is all safe and that those people are here to keep them safe. then he goes about getting others out safely.
(spot check to find his bird) (spot check to spy the silver dragon) 10 14
Gareth Saturday June 28th, 2003 5:16:29 PM
The warrior answers the guards questions best he can and prepares once again to face the dragon - this time without so much protection. "The guards should focus on the villagers, the Storms will deal with the dragon if it is there. I'd also suggest a watch be set to look for it approaching the city - but I doubt it will do so in it's dragon form...". He goes on to describe the dragon's human form to the guard so it can be conveyed to the city guard to keep their eyes peeled for it. He also replaces his ring of the drow with his ring of regeneration to speed his lungs along in their healing - not wanting to face the dragon with dimished capacity.
Tericus Sunday June 29th, 2003 10:23:35 PM
Tericus continues his chanting, trying to bring back Addenien's soul to his body
DM Jan Monday June 30th, 2003 8:26:54 PM
About 10 yards from the village perimeter - the gate opens, its edges glittering as the magic within it battles with time and space, pushing it aside, keeping it bay.
Nonam sees a group of 5 men, Alorrn among them - staring in wonder and disbelief at what lies before them. "What's that?" asks Alorrn, pointing to the gate. "We were about to set off to find Derak and the rest of you. There are more storms coming, and we were getting worried. We figured if it was dark, then this dragon can't see us."
Clangden has to hammer on the door repeatedly and call out his name before the widow will open up. "Something has gone wrong hasn't it," she says, hurrying the children along.
Most of the villagers seem wide awake, and they look apprehensive. The fact that the Storms have gone to try and kill the dragon hasn't done much for a good night's sleep. Some don't want to approach the gate. They've never seen anything like it before.
Lady Solara and few of the other mages are busy stabilizing the gate.
Eventually, the villagers are all clustered together. Some of the kids are crying, most of the adults are frightened. Alorrn still wants to find Derak. Clangden finds the parrot, chattering away to itself on someones shoulder in dwarven. It looks pleased to see him, dipping its head up and down.
As of now - there's no sign of the silver dragon, and perhaps even better - no sign of Lathiese.
Back at the Float, the Overlord has set up extra watches to look out for the dragon on Gareths advice - in any form. Two of the guards are on the Fence level at the dockside, leaning on their pikes. "Well he's gonna fly in isn't he, I mean he's not gonna come in by boat." "Yeah well, keep your eyes peeled. They change form you know. Look for pointed ears." "You've got pointed ears." "Yeah but I'm not a dragon." "Thats not what your wife tells me."
Over at the Temple of Gargul, Tericus continues his negotiations with Gargul.
Gareth Monday June 30th, 2003 10:59:27 PM
The warrior tells the villagers that he'l take care of Derak. He turns to Nonam. "Can you get me to the entrance of the Dragon's lair? I can get Derak and fly him out - unless you have enough spells left to get us in and out...".
Clangden Tuesday July 1st, 2003 1:21:06 AM
handing the parrot over to one of the children to keep safe, he urges the rest of the children to help this child out..
saying: my friend here <stroking the head of the parrot> will need help getting through that gate <pointing towards the magical door> and when you arrive at the other side, he will need some children , strong children like yourselves to care for him until I can get back. can you children do that for me? <with much expression of care and love on his face>
looking up to the other adults Clangden motions at the children, then the magical door saying: go, now, it is not safe for you here any more. there are others at the other side who will tend to your needs. perhaps we can consider this temporary until we <motioning to the Storm Dragons> can tend to things here. give us a couple days to get a handle on things. in the mean time, consider this an opportunity to see where we come from, and learn our ways. it is our turn to offer you the hospitality you showed us.
Tericus Tuesday July 1st, 2003 7:55:14 AM
Chanting away.....
Nonam Tuesday July 1st, 2003 11:46:45 AM
Nonam tries to encourage the villager to not be afraid of the gate and to calmly go in before the dragon returns.
Nonam summons Jus over to the conversation wtih Gareth and Alorn. "I can't teleport again today. How about you Jus?" Nonam waits for the answer from Jus even as he formulates a plan to save Derak.
DM Jan Tuesday July 1st, 2003 10:02:38 PM
Nonam and Clangden do their best to persuade the villagers to enter the gateway. Gradually, although not as fast as everyone hoped - people start filing through, their faces wary, their forms disappearing as they step through.
Gareth tries to think of a solution to rescue Derak, who's sat keeping vigil up by the rim of the dragon's lair hole.
One of Alorrn's pals nudges his elbow. "Wind's changed direction, blowing back toward the mountains, so maybe it won't rain after all."
Indeed overhead, a few stars can be seen, and then a few more. It's now the Woldian equivalent of about 4.30AM.
No sign of Lathiese. No sign of the silver dragon.
Back at the Float - No sign of Lathiese. Tericus, faint and surrounded in mist, keeps up his efforts to bring Addinein back to the land of the living.
Gareth Tuesday July 1st, 2003 10:32:14 PM
"I can fly there if I have to. Maybe it will take a couple of hours but I ought to be able to make it...".
Clangden Wednesday July 2nd, 2003 1:19:46 AM
walking up to Lady Solara he nods a greeting and says:
there is 1 more we need to get safely to the float. last time we saw him he was stationed outside the cavern where the Dragon was. we need to get there quickly and i am afraid the hours Gareth speaks of we dont have. I am asking a boon of you and your mages. can you spare one to teleport me to his location, so that he too might be rescued before anything bad happens?
Tericus Wednesday July 2nd, 2003 6:52:12 AM
still chanting....(i guess we're waiting on anthony)
Nonam Wednesday July 2nd, 2003 12:15:31 PM
4:30AM? That's the next day.
Nonam thumbs his ring and says to Gareth, "Alright, I can get us there now. Getting back will be the challenge."
"So, who wants to go save Derak? And maybe have a go at getting that melted gold and Clangden's axe? We still aren't rested, but time's running out on the operation. I'll go by myself if needs be."
Gareth Wednesday July 2nd, 2003 9:56:08 PM
"I'll be going... how many can you take? Perhaps one of the mages can come with us and get us back?".
DM Jan Thursday July 3rd, 2003 2:36:57 AM
Dolores Solara smiles sweetly at Clangden, and her eyes flash full of mischief. Put the Storms in a position to owe her a favour? You betcha.
"Of course," she says.
Nonam is able to teleport everyone to the lair entrance, including the Black Dragon mage who insists on coming herself. The group finds Derak working his way down the hole via the rope. "Alemi's socks, I thought you'd all drowned!" he exclaims. "Water's sunk down to normal levels for the moment. I was going to take a look, see if I could find you."
Down in the cavern - it smells wonderfully fresh, having been swilled out by mountain rainwater. There's no sign of Clangden's axe unfortunately - however, up on the shelf - is a huge blob of melted gold coins. A rough estimate - about 300K worth. There are a few odds and ends too - a funny looking wand, a long bow, a couple of amulets, a war hammer, a ring, and what looks like a small trinket box. To a 'detect magic' eye, there's plenty of it shimmering around these objects.
Dolores snatches up the trinket box before anyone can stop her. "Well, this will look nice on my dressing table," she says, her look daring anyone to try and take it from her.
"Hey whats this?" asks Derak who'd also insisted on coming along. He shines his torch on the wall, where some words appear to have been written in blood. It's draconic, and it says -
I know where you live, and my revenge will be slow, and terrible. All that is dear to you first - then you.
By hook or by crook, and with some help from Jus and Nonam - Dolores is able to transport everyone, plus whatever they take, back to the gate. All the villagers except for a few stragglers have gone to safety through the shimmering arches. It's eerily quiet. Even so - the small silver dragon has swooped down and landed nearby before anyone has had time to notice. Oddly enough - it's Clangden and Gareth who become aware of her well before the others. She looks in better shape, on her way to being healed. Still wary, even in dragon form, she keeps her distance. Her voice carries in everyone's heads - soft, ebbing and flowing like the sea -
I cannot stop the rain any longer. You must close the gate - it disturbs the sky. After a pause.... a wave crashing against the sand - Two of you here have bathed in dragon blood. The dark one has gone, but you both are tainted... I smell it.... close the gate....
Meanwhile, back at the Float and the Gargul Temple - Addinein lies still in the fog, while Tericus talks to Gargul.
Gareth Thursday July 3rd, 2003 6:33:56 AM
The warrior uses his bag of holding to get all the trinkets and with a grunt picks up the glob of melted gold. He decides not to confront Solara directly but does say. "Seems like you've been paid for you trip - but we appreciate your help... Of course, the dragon will know you took its loot too...".
Clangden Thursday July 3rd, 2003 10:27:02 AM
walking up to Lady Solara
the others may not say anything but I have no apprehension. that trinket you took, does not belong to you. we bled, we labored, we died and it was OUR mage who took us there, not yours. you will hand it over, and if we deem you worthy, we will give you something. the city will reward you for your help in saving the villagers, it is not up to you what treasures we have found to take.
Clangden stands there, un moving, hand out awaiting the item to be placed in his hand.
Clangden cont.. Thursday July 3rd, 2003 10:30:44 AM
(i shouldve posted this first, my apologies)
standing there, looking at the Silver, listening to her words. after she is done, he bows deeply and says: you, mi'lady are an attribute to your race and we thank you for helping out these villagers while your wounds tended. if a time should ever come that you need my assistance all you have to do is call and I will come. my Name is Clangden Swiftaxe of the Storm Dragons. remember that.
he bows deeply again, then walks back through the gate.
Nonam Thursday July 3rd, 2003 1:54:47 PM
When Nonam sees Gareth struggling with the big blob of gold, he tells the warrior that he'll carry it for him. He winks and casts polymorph any object on it to turn it temporarily into a smaller easier to handle dagger. "There. That will be easier. Don't worry, it will wear off in a few hours."
He smiles at Solara as he tucks the dagger into his belt as if to say, See, milady. I still have some very powerful spells left... even after fighting that dragon.
Nonam lets Gareth pick up the rest. There will be time to sort it out later. As for Solara's trinket, he's not ready to fight for it yet, but he doesn't urge Clangden to back off either.
[seems like it's been a while, but if it's been less than 3 hours or so, Nonam's prismatic wall is still here :)]
Tericus Friday July 4th, 2003 7:03:30 AM
still in the temple, chanting away(just sent email)
DM Jan Saturday July 5th, 2003 3:30:24 PM
((OOC info - I've just unearthed a note from Jerry - John is having computer problems right now and is unable to post.))
DM Jan Saturday July 5th, 2003 6:15:36 PM
Dolores's eyes narrow as Clangden confronts her about the trinket box. "It's a jewelry box, dwarf," she snarls. "What would you want with a ladies jewelry box?" The box in question is carved out of black-stained wood, with a metal-worked black dragon on the lid - nice, if a little gothic. There looks to be a lock at the front, with the key pushed inside it. "And as for you deeming me worthy" -she adds- "you told us all this dragon is still alive - that makes you just as big a thief as I am, hmmm?"
Its a dangerous moment. There are subtle signs an experienced wizard like Nonam and Jus will pick up, like the body language of someone who's on the edge of casting. Dolores looks like she's ready to fry Clangden alive, but it passes, her face becomes a mask of cool, and she will hand over the box if he asks again. She merely raises an eyebrow as Nonam does his polymorph thing on the gold blob. Gareth collects everything else.
Back at the gate, the silver dragon acknowledges the group and nods at Clangden.
My name.. is Cloud. Take care of my people... they were mine as much as his...
With that, she flies off. As for what that dragon taint business was all about - who knows ((::evil DM laugh::))
About an hour later, the gate collapses on the mages commands, and everyone is back in the Floating City.
It looks as though Terran, the Overlord's Aide, has got things organised and found lodgings for the villagers - most are on the Fence Level, with a few on the Merchants, and some on the Gold Level.
There are things to do, and people to see. For instance -
The status of Addinein and Tericus's plea to Gargul is still unknown. There is treasure to identify, a gold mass to convert into coin. Sleep at some point would probably be a good idea. The Overlord asks if the group will reconvene with her tomorrow and inform her of how their mission is going so far - that being the discovery of where the Float is.
It's been a long night...
Clangden Sunday July 6th, 2003 12:46:36 AM
lip curling, eyes squinting, Clangden is on the verge of letting loose his angered emotions when Lady Solara seems to back down some.
Clangden, with arm outstretched and palm up looks the lady in her eyes saying: it is not yours, and it is not ours. it belongs to the people we just rescued.
*Clangden stands there, waiting for her to place the trinket in his hand*
after she does so, he nods to her saying: now, that wasn't so bad. and, with just a taint of discord in his voice he says to her as he walks off: thank you for your assistance tonight.
going back to Nonam, he hands him the box, gives a wink and says: i'm going to check on Addenein and Tericus, then im off to check on the children. i'll see you in the morning.
with that, Clangden does just that. goes to the temple and cecks on Addenein and Tericus. after that he finds out where the majority of the children are, including the ones with the parrot, and goes to them. reassuring them that all is well, and even spreads out a blanket on their floor, and stays with them through the night.
the next morning, Clangden says his farewells and promises to come again as soon as possible, and goes back to the manor. getting a change of clothing and some breakfast, then heads back over to the temple.
Jus Sunday July 6th, 2003 2:56:33 PM
Jus requests time with an artist to sketch our what the dragon looks like in his human form. It would be foolish for him to show himself undisguised, but a dragon's pride may override his wisdom.
Resting, thinking, Jus considers what just happened and why. His thoughts are unsettled as he drifts into a fitful sleep at the mansion. Dreams await him, pouncing on his mind, beating him with disparate, disturbing images. One dream, in particular, haunts him.
Lady Dolores is standing next to the seated Overlord, dressed in shimmering black, obviously in a position of power. Laughing with the Overlord as the group approaches, Dolores places her hand on the Overlord's shoulder and gently pushes her down into her seat.
The Black Dragon raises her left hand to present a ladies small, black jewelry box to the Storms. "A present for you," she states in a smooth silken whisper, filled with threats. She draws a dagger and breaks a silver dragon clasp that was on the front of the box. Dropping the dagger, clanging to the floor, she slowly lifts the lid.
A shadow fills the room, plunging it into darkness. Death itself speaks; Jus hears in his mind, "All that is dear to you first - then you."
Awakened, covered in sweat, Jus is horrified by the last image left in his mind. He had looked down to see his dearest sister, the one he calls Ladybug, lying dead at his feet. And in his own hands, his own dagger, running with her blood.
Gareth Monday July 7th, 2003 11:16:42 AM
The warrior decides to let Clangden deal with Solara as he feels getting out of there is the best idea right now. He thanks Nonam for the help on the gold blob. He rakes the other stuff into the bag of holding and gets everyone out as soon as possible. "Is there any way we can determine where the dragon went - or where he took his treasure? I expect we'll find him if we find his treasure.".
Seeing the villagers squared away he focuses on the bigger problem - the dragon. As the silver addresses the group, he asks "Do you know where we can find your - and our - adversary? We need to know where he is so we can finish the job with him.". No matter the answer he wishes the silver well and promises to take care of the villagers and return them to their village when they get rid of the dragon.
Back at the mansion he sleeps and replentishes - and helps the mages with the items found in the lair. He also asks Clangden. "Perhaps we can get the mages to locate your axe and we can go retrieve it at some point?".
Nonam Monday July 7th, 2003 12:23:22 PM
Nonam's ready for sleep. Lot's of sleep. There'll be time for everything else later.
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