Long Night, Missing Friends (DM Dominic) Wednesday August 13th, 2003 5:21:51 AM
Each of you enjoy the feast and the celebration till late that night. You each have different people talking or dancing with you through out the entire time. Caelmus tells Sly Foxx "I will recover from my wounds and then set out again to follow the calling of Gargul and try to destroy any undead in the area." Savin's performance with the pan pipes really gets the croud dancing. Eventually everyone starts to drift away and return to their homes to rest.
You rest fairly well the rest of the night. When you awaken in the morning you find an embossed invitation sitting on the table beside the bed with your name on it. You do not recall that it was there when you went to sleep. None of you can find your animal friends (companions/familiars/pet rocks/special mounts) anywhere that you look. When you read the invitation you find the following: Greetings Adventurer! You have been invited to participate in the Great Race this year. I have taken your animal friends and they will be well cared for. If they would like to have them returned, simply sign your name to the bottom of the form and be at the Mudgrounds of Hook City on the morning of the first day of spring.
Bartholomew Severance
Each of you make a listen check.
Sly Foxx d20+3=16 d20+1=9 Wednesday August 13th, 2003 8:10:18 AM
Well you rest up and keep up the good work, Caelmus. May Gargul smile on your work you do for him. At this point Peerimus grabs him and they both start to dance. Sly does not know where to put his hands or who should lead, "you know Peerimus, I would do a lot better if I had a woman in my arms! But with the lack of females around here, I'll try to do my best." At this point Sly makes a backward dip with Peerimus (dex check of 9, I hope I didnot drop the Druid). As everybody enjoyed them selves late into the night. Finally Sly goes to bed, saying his prayes, Whispering to the stars *Mother where ever you are, you would be happy here* "Good night Luke" then drop off to sleep.
Sly awakens and washes, packs his backpack and the magic snuff box, cleans and shines his weapons, armor setting them aside ready fot when they leave, when he spots a what look like a invatation, as he read this thing, fear hits his heart, then anger. "How dear he (Bartholomew Sererance) black mail me and hold Luke as hostage." Sly sign the bottom of the inventation. Put the note down next to the bed.
Sly goes looking for he rest of the party, to tell them that he must now leave for Hook City and goes to see if all the animals are truly gone.
Shiraz d20=4 Wednesday August 13th, 2003 9:42:06 AM
Shiraz scratches his head, puzzled that someone would take someones familiar or companion,"What in the name of Imod is going on around here?" Shiraz streches and starts getting dressed, and making a din lound enough to wake teh dead while doing it.
Peerimus d20=19 Wednesday August 13th, 2003 11:21:18 AM
Peerimus awakens and goes to welcome the dawn in his morning ritual his head and body still wearey, but prices must be paid for such celebrations. [Listen 19] The crisp air is invigorating and sunshine a welcome gift and reminder of how wonderful life is. It is not until he lays down in the grass that he notices something is amiss. "Yorrick?" now where did he get too he thinks. The druid heads back to the celebration site to see if the bear was already helping himself to leftovers, but no. Peerimus starts to panic and begins moving quickly through the village in the trees as only he can by shifting into a Sparrow hawak and taking wing. [i] He's a big bear. It's like he can hide. [i] Spying Sly in a similar state and without Luke by his side, he wings over and plummets to shift back next to him. "Sly what in the Wold is going on?!" he pratically demands. His demeanor quickly changes "Note? What Note?" At Sly's quick explanation the druid moves to his room and reads the note, signs it and returns. "It would appear we are going to Hook City."
Barnum Berrybrawn d20+2=3 Wednesday August 13th, 2003 12:05:16 PM
"Ugh... What a night..." Barnum mumbles to himself, rubbing his head and not quite sure where he is. His senses are so clouded that he can hardly hear himself talk. He sits up in a bed, though who's bed it was he would never find out. He stands up, wearing the same clothes as the day before, only this time completely stained with wine. With a wave of his hand and an utterance of a few words, however, the wine lifts up and dissapates. "Edgar? Where are you?" he says, picking his Haversack up and slinging it over his shoulder. The raven is nowhere to be seen, but a note lies on a bedstand, next to where Barnum was sleeping. "What's this? Perhaps a letter from a lady I met the night before?" he says aloud, opening the note. Halfway through reading the note, Barnum has bolted out the door.
"Edgar! Edgar!" he yells in a blind running, towards the tree where he last saw the bird perching. Edgar was not there. Barnum saw, however, two of his friends from the previous day. "Peerimus! Sly! So good that I found you!" he says, running up to them! "Edgar's missing and I found this-" He stops, seeing a copy of the same note in Sly's hand. Luke and Yorrick are nowhere to be seen.
"Dearest Alemi..." the halfling lets out, and sits on the ground.
Trace Wednesday August 13th, 2003 12:34:53 PM
Trace wakes up and looks about the room. He finds the letter that was left and upon hear and discovering that his horse and trusted friend Radiant are both gone his a good mood turns to pure anger. In a fit of rage with his sword Trace destroys a completly innocent chair in the room. He then barges out and looks for one of the village leaders. Once found he goes in to a paniced ramble, "Look hear sir, we have saved your village and somehow someone has come in and stole my horse and holds my feathered friend hostage. Trace shows the message to the leader and ask if he knows who wrote the message." Allmost assuredly Trace will not get the answer he needs and stomps off in search of Sly and the others. Trace then comes to Sly, "Little brother! Do we still have that deck of cards!? Some theif has stolen my horse and holds Radiant hostage. His note seems to say this in a non threating way but I am afraid that my anger will not be held in check once we meet this theif." Seeing that the others are in a similar fate Trace begins to get even madder realizeing that it is probaly a reject magician from Hook city and rembers his distaste for that place and its smug attitudes.
Barnum Wednesday August 13th, 2003 12:51:48 PM
OOC: I forgot to ask, Dominic, did Bartholomew take my ebony fly too?
Sly Wednesday August 13th, 2003 2:55:34 PM
Sly see what kind of mood Trace is in, and tell the other two he was speaking to. Then listens to Trace, "Why! Yes! The deck is in the snuff box. here I'll get it for you." Sly will take the little snuff box, opens the lid, takes out the Golden Key, puts the box down on the ground, insert the key, Then POOF! There was a trunk in frount of them, Sly opens the trumk and fishes around, he come up with the deck. "Big Brother! I already thought of this, but we have two new members who never went on a trip through the cards. Should we not wait for Ilsidur and are all together before we use the the cards?" Then turns to the others asking "Do you have anything to put away in the trunk? Before I close it?".
Peerimus Wednesday August 13th, 2003 3:34:01 PM
Peerimus raises an eyebrow as Sly retrieves the box which turns to a slight look of astonishment as teh larger chest appears. "Impressive. I have nothing I need kept in such a place now, but thnak you. Travel through a deck of cards." he says shaking his head. "I'm afraid I do not understand, but I trust it can be done if you say so. Trace, you have been to this Hook City then? What do we know of it then and do you know what this 'race' is that is mentioned?"
Ilsidur Wednesday August 13th, 2003 11:27:35 PM
Ilsidur rises early and says his morning devotions, then goes to join his friends. He is surprised to see most of them flustered and looking very agitated. "Someone has stolen your creature friends, and they want us to report to Hook City? Sly, have we ever used the cards to travel before? I can't remember. If we need to get to Hook City in a hurry, maybe the elves can let us use their road again." He tries to figure out how long it will be until the first day of spring. "I wonder if we can get to Hook City a little early, and find out more about this race."
Savin d20+8=28 Wednesday August 13th, 2003 11:32:26 PM
Savin wakes and stretches. He immediately looks around and listens to the birds singing and the action of the elves moving about their daily business. He starts doing his morning exercises when he notices the note and quickly reads it. He will finish his morning rituals and then head out to see the others. When he notices their mood, he will pipe in, "Gentlemen, I wouldn't get to ruffled. Before you start sharpening your swords, why don't you find someone in charge and ask them if they know what is going on. This might all be in fun. Does anyone know who this Mr. Severance is? Why don't we find out before we panic. No one just steals a huge bear. Their has to be an explaination for it that might not be sinister."
Shiraz Thursday August 14th, 2003 7:07:10 AM
Shiraz never being allowed to keep pets as a child stands out of the way bewildered by the way his frieds are going on. "What cards? Where is Hook City? What notes?" the taur asks quietly staying out of the way of Traces' swords.
Peerimus Thursday August 14th, 2003 12:30:39 PM
The druid casts in incredulous look at Savin and opens his mouth as if he's about to explode, but he checks his temper quickly. "Savin," he begins, "Luke, Radiant and Yorrick are not pets or animals of labor, but our friends and trusted companions and they have been kidnapped. It is no different to us then if you were not here and the note referred to you. Ruffled is an understatement." A thought then occurs to him, "Mr. Severence, as in the act of dividing or severing two that are joined? A coincidence I do not like given that is precisely what has happened."
Sir Thomas d20=18 Thursday August 14th, 2003 2:36:20 PM
Thomas, like his friends, wakes to a missing presence. The familiar link he shares with Pryte-Honos does not greet him with the crisp morning. Thomas does not take the time to enjoy the enjoyable smell of morning, he does not pray to Domi, he does not put on his armor. Thomas simply grabs his sword and takes flight to try to locate his friend.
On his way to the stable, Thomas stumbles upon his friends in an ever growing grouping.
"Pryte is missing!" Thomas exclaims. Then Thomas notices the demeanor of his friends and pays attention to the mood of the group ... "your friends too? What manor of evil magic have we stumbled across? And so soon after ridding this region of the blight of the Hollow."
Thomas pauses, then speaks with authority. "I am going to gather my gear and then I will go address Allassie. I have experience with matters of diplomacy, so please lets gather as a group. We'll let those with cooler heads speak with our hosts. We will get to the bottom of this in about 30 minutes. We'll meet here again."
Thomas turns sharply on his heels and returns to his quarters. He dons his armor and gathers his gear into his backpack. He then returns to the meeting place and goes with the group to speak with Allassie.
[Rolled 18 + 10 = 28 Diplomacy
Thomas will address the elven female respectfully, but with authority. "Allassie, we have developed a problem since our return to Burnt Eldor. Many of us in our group have friends with whom we have special relationships. Trace has such with his mount Shadow and his hawk Radiant, Peerimus with his bear Yorrick, Sly with Luke, and I with Pryte-Honos. It also seems that Barnum has such a relationship with his raven. They have turned up missing this morning and we must demand their return. We were promised that we, which includes our animal friends, would be safe while in your confines. The only thing we have to show for our missing friends is this letter. What can you tell us of it? We are very worried about our friends."
Thomas address Allassie with due respect knowing that angering her will only block their attempt to receive help in finding their friends.
Questions abound (DM Dominic) Friday August 15th, 2003 6:45:57 AM
As each of you try to think of who this Bartholomew Severance is, none of you can recall anything about him. When you ask the village elders about this, they look as shocked as you to hear that someone has taken your animal friends. They look to you and say "we have no idea on who this person is or how they did it other than they have very powerfull magical means at their disposal. We all feel for you in this matter and hope that you can recover your friends quickly." A few moments later the village elders tell you "there have been some rumors of a great race that is held every year, but we have no idea of who sponsers the race or is in it."
Sly Foxx Friday August 15th, 2003 7:47:47 AM
Sly listens to what the Elders of the Elves. "Friends, The Elves are right, This Bartholomew want US in this race and will not take no for an answer. He must be a powerfull Wizard or two Wizards to come in this City By a portal, that's the only way I can see them entering, then cast Silence to take our friends away, must have taken a few more spells to take Pryte-Honos, Shadow and Radiant who was in the trees, Yorrick and Luke the twins. But what bothers me the most is Barnum, he never heard the bell toll or has a no tatoo like the rest of us,and yet they take his Raven? Why?"
Sly will take the Deck of Cards, take one card and makes an impression of Burnt Elder on the card, Sly tells the others, "I may want to come back here some day."
Sir Thomas Friday August 15th, 2003 11:30:41 AM
[OOC: Sly, you must sleep with the card under your pillow to imprint it with Burnt Eldor ... I think.]
Thomas retorts to the village elders. "When we came here, it was to help this region. When we arrived in your town it was under your guard and protection. Now our friends are missing and all you can offer us is a shrug of your shoulders and a weak reply of 'I'm sorry, this Severence must be powerful indeed'. Well, this is not good enough. IF we had lost our friends in the battle to fulfill our goals ... that is one thing. It is quite honorable to die in battle. but to be snatched away in the night from the 'safty' of this village! ... I am disappointed at the extent of your 'friendship' to us. Please excuse me while I leave to find my friends."
Thomas turns sharply on his heels and leaves the town. "Come my friends, we must make good time. Let's look about using those cards after we leave the 'safe haven' of this town." Thomas speaks the words 'safe haven' with venom dripping from his voice. He heads for the magical road, putting on the pin symbol that will signify him as a safe traveler as he goes. [OOC: Received from the dying elven king on the way to the wood.]
Barnum Friday August 15th, 2003 7:00:35 PM
Barnum hurries up to Sir Thomas and the others. "My friends, if you do not mind, I would like to travel with you a little longer. I don't know the way to Hook City, but there's not a thing in the Wold that'll stop me from getting there."
"As for your question, friend Sly, Mr. Severance appears to want experienced adventurer's in his race, something all of you seem to be. I don't know if I'm an adventurer, but I'm a traveler, and am what the wizards would call a sorceror. Perhaps when we meet up with this Bartholomew fellow I'll demonstrate for you." Barnum says, with a wicked smile.
"Let me tell you all, I don't know the condition our friends are in, but I guarantee to you that they are alive. If Edgar had passed, I would've felt a great deal weaker when I woke up this morning, so I know he's still alive."
Savin Friday August 15th, 2003 11:33:00 PM
Savin follows after the others but says, "Brother Thomas, I know you are upset but blaming the villagers is a mistake. It sounds like a powerful wizard is involved and we aren't even sure if this person is evil. I don't like his methods myself but to be so harsh to these fine elves who have experienced so much pain lately is wrong and rude. Let us go forward with love in our hearts and win this contest and kick a little tail."
Shiraz Monday August 18th, 2003 10:05:12 AM
Shiraz looks aghast at Sir THomas's words, not at teh words but at the fact that he is speaking in such a way and in such a, well ugly tone. "Thomas," the taur says calmly although Shiraz feels compeled to chastise the paladin as he has been chastised in the past,"perhaps like you often say diplomacy is the answer here."
Peerimus Monday August 18th, 2003 12:15:13 PM
The druid shakes his head a bit at the answers given by all but does brighten somewhat at Barnum's declaration. It was as he suspected, but now at least someone could confirm it. Peerimus will fall in line behind Sir Thomas as he moves to exit the village keeping his thoughts to himself. It is doubtful any in the village could have done more to prevent the abductions. I am disturbed by the seemingly nonchalant attitude of the elves on the matter though. On the other hand, beings as long lived as elves may perhaps have a much more diminshed sense or urgency in most things. Or merely do not fully understand the closeness that some of us share with them. The answers are at Hook City and no matter his power, Mr Severence will fully explain, apologize and compensate.
Trace and ......... Tuesday August 19th, 2003 3:22:44 AM
Trace seeming to nod his head as Sir Thomas delivers his speach to every word and does his best too keep from shouting amen at the end. As if reading the thoughts of Peerimus, he too sees that he is up set and agrees with Sir Thomas. Trace raise's his hand in a high five gesture to him not rembering that the old mage that showed him this seen it through a vision of a far off land in a far off time. Trace is not sure what to say or day at this moment. His adrinlin is pumping quickly now since Radiant is gone from his side. He will not stop for anything to be back and reunite himself with his friend. Without thinking Trace screams out as he is walking, "Someone will answer for this kidnapping, if it is the last thing I do!" Even more agitated that he is having to walk to get there now that his trusted ride Shadow was taken as well. He thinks to himself. Once I find this theif, I will find his quaters and conjour up a viper to sleep with him since he likes animales so much. Trace continues to walk talking to himslef and twirling his swords.
Advice Given (DM Dominic) Tuesday August 19th, 2003 6:26:59 PM
Allassie comes over to the group after the other village elders have left. She tells you "We do feel for your loss it is just we have so much darkness recently that most of us have grown very insensitive. I apologise for the loss of your animal friends. If you plan on making it to Hook city in time to make the deadline you need to leave in the morning. I will see to it that fresh horses and supplies are ready for you to take you on your journey. The quickest way is to head down the road you used earlier to get here. It will take you several days travel using the road. If you get off the road and try to cut cross contry it will take you twice as long to reach Hook city." After several moments Allassie says "I would advise you not to become hostile with this Mr. Severance when you get to Hook city as he has access to some very powerful magic. You may not be the only ones that are in this situation, go peacefully and see what is happening."
Allassie then leaves you to think on what she has said. When she starts to walk away from you, she calls over an aide and tells her to see that fresh horses and food is ready for the group.
If the party waits untill the next morning you find that there is a horse or mule waiting for each of you along with supplies to last 3 wks waiting for you.
OOC: Kevin your ebony fly was not taken. sorry for the late post I have been busy.
Sly Foxx Tuesday August 19th, 2003 7:58:28 PM
Sly bows to the beautiful Allaswsie, "I thank you, as for your hosses and Food for the trip. When she leaves, Sly turns to the rest of the group, "I still think our cards way is faster, it would have been like steping through a portal and we would have been there in a wink, But then again we would be in trouble with the Elders in that Hook City. We have to go in through the main gate and exchange money. Sir Thomas do we still have that warehouse? or did you sell it? you know how the neiberhood guards are?"
Then Sly turns to Brahnum, "Well Sir wizard do you still want to go with us? If so stay with me and we can both swarp spell, I want to develop my magic, I have a feeling that we are going to need all the magic we can muster??"
Ilsidur Tuesday August 19th, 2003 10:32:06 PM
Ilsidur joins his friends, and looks over the proposed transportation. "Great," he says sarcastically, "horses again. Well, if t'were be done, best to be done quickly." He uses his boots to jump up into the saddle, and almost falls off the other side, catching himself just before he topples over.
He looks over at the other party members, and says, "I have never had the connection that you have had with your animal friends, but I will do whatever I can to help you get them back. But I don't think that raging at these elves will help you get them back. Save your very righteous anger for this Severance character. See, I am even willing to ride one of these four-legged-accidents-waiting-to-happen, if it will get us to Hook City faster."
Then he looks back at the elves, and says, "Thank you for your hospitality. I am glad that we were able to help you, and Sayra. I hope your village will recover quickly, and prosper."
Savin d20+8=9 d20+10=28 Tuesday August 19th, 2003 11:53:23 PM
Savin mounts his horse with a look of distaste. "I think I could travel faster on foot but I will give this a try."
On hearing the elvish leader's words, he will add his own. "I agree. I don't like the way this wizard has stolen our animal friends. I think his tactics were poor, but we cannot discount that he has the power to subdue all of our animal friends, some of who are powerful in their own right, and whisk them away while we were sleeping. His note said they would be well taken care of. Lets enter this race and show these people what we are made of." Suddenly the monk snaps his fingers, slides off his borrowed horse, and runs back to his room. He will grab the invitation and sign his name on it and add, "We all will be there." and leaves it on the table. He will glance around the room one last time and listen for anything strange and then go out and join the others preparing for the journey.
OOC Didn't see the naked lady hiding under the bed but I might have heard her. :-)
Sir Thomas Tuesday August 19th, 2003 11:56:54 PM
Taking the disapproval of his friends with stoic pride, Thomas does not reveal his desire to apologize for his harsh words. Dispite his extensive education in diplomacy, he thinks this is a good lesson for the elves to relearn ... compassion and trustworthyness.
Once left to a decision, Thomas speaks out to his friends and ends the silence of his acceptance of their opinions. "I will be using that teleportation card. Any who wish to accompany me may do so. If you wish to travel with the elven animals you may do that. I will try to have this all scoped out by the time you all arrive in Hook City. We still have the 452 tunics if not our own city guard tunics. If it gets us into trouble in the city, we'll just explain the situation.
"We were here during the war of the gods when the city was torn asunder. We used the cards to teleport out of trouble, which inadvertently took us out of the city. We then got sidetracked until our recent decision to return and thought it would be ok to teleport back in since technically we never settled up to leave. Seems to me like a logical thought process. I have no interest in stealing from Hook City, it's beaurocracy, or it's people.
"I only want the safe return of my friend. Who, I would like to add, is more than an 'animal'. He also is more than an 'animal friend'. To me, he is as much a person as any of the rest of you. I speak with him and he speaks with me. He is an intelligent being. He has intelligent thought processes and has compassion for each of you. He would lay his life down for any one of you, so I think we owe it to him to speak out if necessary to expedite his return.
"I will be using that card." Thomas reiterates his main point for emphasis before requsting Sly turn the card over to him. "Sly, may I please have the card. I promise I will not use it until all that are willing to go with me through it's teleportation have accumulated, and all that have decided against its use have begun their journey."
Thomas leaves no doubt in his tone that he is very serious, but tries very hard to avoid making his friends feel as though he is attacking them.
DM Dominic - OOC Wednesday August 20th, 2003 12:34:46 AM
Who gave you the cards so that I can find out more about them? Who handled the game when you were in Hook City last time?
Sly (Ceil) OOC: Wednesday August 20th, 2003 3:14:54 AM
The First deck of cards we received when we first went to Hook City. It was put into our food sack by a girl we saved from the City Guards for some reason (which was not clear wanted to arrest her and her brother).
The second deck of cards we received from DM Stephen when we killed the teenaged red Dragon. We could not sell them (Same kind of magic Deck, and what he had in mind for us We don't know?) This deck of cards is brand New never used.
Sly Foxx Wednesday August 20th, 2003 3:21:32 AM
Sly smiled at Sir Thomas as he handed him a card, "Here you go! Anybody else want to impress a card? Don't worry it won't hurt."
Shiraz Wednesday August 20th, 2003 9:36:04 AM
"Thomas, I will go with you" Shiraz says softly, most having to strain to hear the taurs statement. "I think we all go by route of the card to be safest and the quickest,' Shiraz continues, "And until we are certain that this wizardly sort is contained we should always be in pairs at the minimum or all together in the maximum."
Peerimus Wednesday August 20th, 2003 12:03:20 PM
"I agree with Shiraz and if any use the card we all should. The elves here could certainly use to not give up their horses and supplies for themselves."
Barnum Berrybrawn Wednesday August 20th, 2003 12:12:49 PM
Barnum stands back, chatting with Sly, "Wizard? I'm not quite a wizard, I've studied with many of them, but couldn't learn the art. I have my own brand of magic, which manifests within me. I'll be glad to show you everything I know, as I know alot about spells themselves, just not how they work. Unfortunately, I have no spellbook or such that you could directly copy spells from." Barnum ends with a shrug.
The well-dressed halfling steps up after Sir Thomas's speech. "Good sir, I don't know what these cards are, or how they work, but if they can get me to Hook City any faster, I'll go with you that way. I don't have any gold at the moment to repay you, but I promise I'll find a way to return the hospitality someday."
If there's a delay, Barnum will ask one of the Children of Chaos, "So, what is this magic bell I keep hearing about?"
Peerimus Thursday August 21st, 2003 2:33:31 PM
"Before discovering you in the clearing yesterday Barnum we heard the distict sound of bells ringing. I myself have only heard this one time, it would appear the others have heard them more often then that." turning to the rest, "Do we need to spend another night for the cards to imprint or can we go now?"
Trace Thursday August 21st, 2003 4:21:48 PM
"Well what ever dirction we take to get to Hook city, I think we should take it now. The longer I stay away from my friends the mader and lonelier I seem to get."
Sly Foxx Thursday August 21st, 2003 4:39:58 PM
As Sly passes out a card to each of the party that has not empress a card before, "Then we'll do it this way. Let's take a lunch here, after the meal we will take a little nap, after our nap we will look at our cards. If your picture is on the card? Then I gather the cards with the Hook City card and open the portal. We all be in Hook City by Dinner time. What do you say?" Sly turns telling Barnum "You may want to watch this oppening of the Portal."
"Luke I'm comming, Boy"
Ilsidur Thursday August 21st, 2003 11:12:48 PM
Ilsidur accepts a card from Sly and mutters something about "dwarves not being built for horses anyway".
Savin Thursday August 21st, 2003 11:44:31 PM
Savin takes one of the proffered cards with uncertainity. He studies it and what the others are doing with their cards. He will follow suit.
When the others have settled down, he will offer this opinion to the others. "Gentlemen, I understand that we are all upset about the lose of our friends. I am displeased as well. I think that we should all remember what these tattoos on our wrists and arms mean. We are called the Children of Chaos for a reason. Strange things seem to happen to us. I have more than offen felt like a pawn to some greater power. Remember how we all felt when we saw the granddaddy of all dragons come get Tulmut's carcass. I suspect that we are being moved on that colossal chessboard once again. We are in for some kind of test. I have confidence in you all and myself that we can pass this test and prove ourselves worthy to be called The Children of Chaos. I just wish I could understand the motivation behind some of these actions. Are we the playthings for some kinds of gods or are we the champions of mankind." Savin sighs and adds..." you really aren't supposed to think so much when meditating but my master always said it was a weakness of mine."
Savin lays back using his cloak as a pillow and pulls out his panpipes and softly starts playing.
Sir Thomas Friday August 22nd, 2003 1:10:09 AM
"I agree, that maybe my actions and words may not have been the most diplomatic, but we humans are not always so logical when we are struck so close to the heart.
"I also agree that we are tools ... powerful tools to be used to further the cause of goodness in this wold. However, we are tools because we are not afraid to act. We all acted, and maybe it will be good for these kind and good elves to remember the characteristics of trustworthiness and compassion. Maybe that was the point of our use in this situation. Maybe not, but I acted and said the things that I felt best in my heart at the time.
"Lastly, Sly, I believe I already had an imprinted card in the first deck we received in Hook city, and I know for a fact that there is an imprint of Hook City. I know I'm no mage or wizard or sorcerer or anything like that, but I don't believe we all need to imprint a card to use the portal to Hook City. All of the group members did not have imprinted cards when we used it to avoid the crumbling bridge and house in Hook City the first time. We should be ready to go ... however, I understand if we want to take a moment to eat and rest before we leave. We will have our fair share of trouble and sleeplessness once we get to Hook City.
"Once plus to having everyone imprint a card would be communication across distances, but I wouldn't call this a need. At any rate, this is my two cents, and for what it is worth, I am sorry if I have offended any of you. I am sorry if I have offended the elves, but I refuse to take my words back as if I did not say them. I said them and I meant them."
Thomas stands proudly before his friends while waiting on the confirmation of the best plan of action.
Trace Friday August 22nd, 2003 4:57:16 AM
Trace pats Sir Thomas on the shoulder, "Well said brother, Elves or no Elves. Everyone should know and show respect and trust when there is friends about. Even more so when they save your entire village and life." Trace takes a card to be imprinted on it as well just incase they are seprated they can allways revert back to another party member. Would really come in handy if any one is captured or put in jail.
On the way to Hook City (DM Dominic) Friday August 22nd, 2003 4:58:55 AM
After taking and getting some food and a rest (imprinting cards for those that did not have one) you start to activate the card that is for Hook City. It starts to work like normal then it just stops functioning. After a couple more attempts you start to wonder if Hook city is out of range for the card to open a portal to it. Watching the group attempt to open the portal Allassie comments "you possibly need to be closer to Hook City before it will open the portal. If you were to travel to Hook city from Burnt Eldor by foot and not using the elvin road it would take you 12 days."
**** OOC: the cards have a range of 5 days travel by foot. There is now a card with the imprint of each party member. ****
Sly Foxx Friday August 22nd, 2003 7:35:03 AM
After the party eat and reas, Sly gathers the cards, Sure enought the cards are all imprinted, Sly puts the cards together with the Card of Hook Cityon top. He holds the cards up and reads from his Book "YTICKOOH OTLATROP!" It start to work, a large Hole opens part way, then closes. Sly tries again and again with the same results. "Its working but the portal won't stay open. But the cards will still come in handy. Allasie is right, we are too far from Hook City."
Sly packs the Gold magic trunk, carefully wraping the Cards, Putting them into the trunk, closing the lid, turning the Silver key (POOF)the trunk is reduce to a gold Snuff Box, Sly put yhe little box away in his pocket.
"Alright! Do we go by foot or do we go by Elven Highway?" Sly waites for an answer.
Peerimus Friday August 22nd, 2003 9:41:22 AM
Peerimus listens to Sir Thomas trying to understand the complexities and weight he seems to carry. One thing was for certain he was a forthright man with a great deal of integrity. At his conclusion the Druid adds to Trace's remark. "You have no need to apologize to any of us, you spoke from your heart at wells as ours. Let us be off. If you would good Sly..." Peerimus's eyes fall slightly as the portal collapses and his heart sinks with it. It will just take a little longer then. he thinks. "We do now have the cards imprinted and because of who we are, I somehow think that they will come in handy one day. Elven highway or overland. We can only travel at the speed of our slowest, so I believe the Elven Highway is our quickest choice."
Savin Friday August 22nd, 2003 2:29:10 PM
"To the elven highway then. Make sure everyone displays the badges the old king gave us."
Savin will pin his on
Ilsidur Friday August 22nd, 2003 4:13:12 PM
Ilsidur checks to make sure that the pin is securely attached to his cloak and readies to follow the group. "Just for once" he says under his breath, "just for once I'd like to travel with my feet firmly touching rock and soil".
Barnum Friday August 22nd, 2003 8:19:16 PM
"Pins? Why do I need a pin...?" Barnum says to no one in particular. "Will something bad happen if I'm not wearing a pin?"
Barnum considers skipping the horses and riding Ebony, the little wooden fly sitting motionless in his backpack, to Hook City, but after some thought, he realizes that there's not enough magic in the thing to take him a 12 day's journey, at least, not as fast as he needs to go.
Shiraz Friday August 22nd, 2003 11:24:39 PM
Shiraz shrugs his shoulders a Slys attempt to open the portal fails, "Strange that cards such as those used for a childs game should have such power. At the suggestion that the elven highway be used Shiraz reaches into his backpack and attaches the leaf pin to his right shoulder and the kings to his left, "Hopefully I have earned a right of passage this time," Shiraz says flatly. "Lets get the animals, they to yearn to be with you as much as you yearn to be with them."
Trace Saturday August 23rd, 2003 4:56:05 AM
Trace falls in line behind the ohters to enter the elven highway. He will let Sly find the entrance and be the guide without hinderence this time.
Travelling to Hook City (DM Dominic) Monday August 25th, 2003 6:29:18 PM
Allassie walks over to Barnum, then tells him "make sure you have this visible" as she hands him a small silver pin that is just like the pins the others are wearing. Allassie then smiles to the group and says "Good luck in your travels."
As you travel down the elven highway you have the longing feeling that part of you is missing. You continue to travel the elven highway for the rest of the day then reach a suitable resting place. Each of you think that you may have travelled about 2 days worth of distance by using the elven highway.
Barnum Berrybrawn d20=4 d20+2=8 Monday August 25th, 2003 7:18:25 PM
Barnum leaps from his horse to the ground, a long way down for a halfling. He polishes his silver pin, now proudly attached to his red cloak. "I'm hungry..." he mutters to no one in particular. "I'll go get us some water."
Barnum marches over to the nearest water source (assuming there is one) and mumbles a few words, waving his hands. For a second, someone watching might see a concave disc appear but it immediately becomes invisible. Barnum lets it submerge beneath the water, then raise up, filling it with a few gallons. He floats it over to the campsite and gathers some brush. He puts the brush under the apparently floating water, and lights it with his Everburning Torch. "There, as soon as that comes to a boil, we can drink from it."
Barnum looks around for some fruit or berries or something else to eat. His stomach rumbles a bit.
Spot = 4 Listen = 8
Sly Foxx Monday August 25th, 2003 8:01:49 PM
Sly Leads the party to a grove a few miles, the trees here are not quite the same as the rest of the trees. He look for the bigest tree there and find the entrance, "Here it is, Follow me" then disapears in side the tree.
When the party arives at the top of the tree, they see Sly looking to the north east of the forest, Sly turns and tell them that where his village would have been. "Now I'll show you the road" Sly aproches the edge of the platform, "Follow me!" them step off the edge and disapears into thin air.
When you join him, He's standing there just waiting. Then walks along the most beautiful road, it's almost transparent, rainbow in color and streches forever. You see animals that you never seen before, yet if you look closely you swear you see a dragon flying south far to the horizon. You walk what seem forever when you come to a big platform where you can stay the night.
Sly will take his shield and lay it on the platform, go get some wood for fire. Turns and ask "OK! Who cooks? Where Barnum? I thought he was with us?"
Savin d20+4=10 Monday August 25th, 2003 10:32:05 PM
Savin will volunteer to do the cooking. He sets his various companions to chores. " will need fire wood, some water..." Savin trails off when he sees their new halfling companion showing up with the water. He smiles and continues after watching Barnum's antics, "OK more fire wood but the water should do. How about a nice soup? What kind of provisions do we have? Anyone have anything to volunteer?" Savin goes into his back pack and pulls out a rolled canvas. He unrolls it and starts putting out spices and cooking implements.
ooc put wrong modifier in...my cooking roll was a 13.
Shiraz Tuesday August 26th, 2003 8:35:40 AM
Shiraz walks behind his friends concerned for their hapiness but jovial to be moving about again. As they end their sojorn on the Elven highway Shiraz steps up,"I will gather the wood for the fire Savin,"Shiraz says cheerfully,"There is a tent in my backpack as well if anyone would like to set it up as I ge teh wood."
Trace d20+9=19 d20+6=9 Tuesday August 26th, 2003 10:18:07 AM
As the others ready for dinner, trace grabs a water skin and smome jerky and climbs a tree to setup watch. He dosent feel much like eating now. His thoughts still go to his captured friend and begins to get angry again. Trace listens and keeps a wary eye about. (spot 19 listen 9).
Peerimus d20=6 d20+14=30 Tuesday August 26th, 2003 2:51:52 PM
Peerimus will take a short wander through the nearby woods to collect edibles for the group stew Savin would be starting. (Wilderness Lore 20) "Here are some roots, berries and foliage to thicken our dinner Savin. I'll hopefully be back some meat shortly." With that Peerimus shifts into a Falcon and goes in search of small ground game or fowl. (Wilderness Lore 30)
Ilsidur Tuesday August 26th, 2003 3:03:22 PM
Ilsidur will help with gathering the wood, and says, "I have some provisions left over from our travel to Burnt Eldor, if you can use them." He hands his left-over provisions to Savin.
He watches as Barnum picks up the water, and says, "I usually have a create water spell memorized, but we can go with your method, as well." He smiles at the halfling.
Sly Foxx Tuesday August 26th, 2003 6:36:15 PM
OOC: remember that the camp is on a big platform high into the tree.
Sly seeing that most of the party is going down into the forest to gather wood and fresh food. Sly will go with them so they can find the entrance to The Tree.
Peerimus Thursday August 28th, 2003 11:18:50 AM
After wonderful meal for which he highly thanks Savin for his skills, Peerumis stretches out on the magical road and gets as comfortable as he can for some needed rest. The entire day is mostly a haggered blur. [i]Yorrick has been my rock for almost 8 years and I admit I am almost lost without him. I need rest, must this road be so unforgivingly hard. You will find him. Yorrick is your totem and as Barnum said he would feel the connection gone if it were severed and I would too as I'm sure Thomas would. Tomorrow is another day and that day will bring you closer. Patience and relax, you are not alone in this and Mother Wold lead you to good people. [i/] Tossing a few more times, "Dream well friends."
((OOC ACDM Jan)) Friday August 29th, 2003 12:48:28 AM
((OOC - folks, just letting you know, normal service will resume in the next 24 hours. Thanks for your patience.))
DM: (Ted) Friday August 29th, 2003 2:49:45 PM
The night goes along normal as can be. Each member missing there beloved friends as the day before, giving them drive to the next day's travel. As the group travels throughout the day they meet random elves traveling the highway. Greeted by worried looks but relax once the leafs given too them by the king are seen on each party member. Later that day the party is yet again exhausted from the travel. Because of Sly's expirence with the roads he leads the party in the correct right and left turns to arrive in the woods just outside of mudtown at the gates of Hook City.
For the members of the group that wasnt around for the last trip here, the city is suspended in the air with great bridges leading up to the gates. The city is held by giant chains all leading up to an unbelivably giant hook in the sky. It is truly an ashtonishing site to see. For the others the site brings back a bitter taste of conflict and snobby populas of magic users.
As the group appraches the small city, they can see several shantees about with seveal shops in the area. As the name suggests, the area has high traffic and the ground is constantly muddy. Near the middle of town a stage is lighted by torches and lamps with several people and races gathered around. A heavy set man and a large book are in the middle of the scene.
Trace d20+9=18 d20+9=16 Friday August 29th, 2003 2:54:27 PM
Trace stretches and yawns as the descend from the tree. He cant help but be tired. He never did like traveling that highway. He looks about the area and sees that giant hook in the sky and just shakes his head. Trace will keep his eyes open and watch the comotion in the town just ahead as he waits for the others to join him on the ground. (spot 18, listen 16)
Sly Foxx d20+3=22 d20+3=22 Friday August 29th, 2003 5:24:07 PM
"Well! Big Brother, Nice to be outsidde Hook City again and I see that Mud City is still the same. The last time we were here we had wagon and horses." Then Sly look around and points to the Tax collecter/money changer. "I see that never changes. I wonder if Winnie is still around? I could use a little bit of romance, But most of all if the City Guards still remember us?"
Shiraz Friday August 29th, 2003 8:15:39 PM
Shiraz rises early and waits on the others to descend from the highway. As they stride down from the highway Shiraz stops, dead in his tracks and stares at the hook dangling from the sky and the city dangling from that. "What in the name of Imods hammer is that?" Shiraz asks his voice breaking.
Barnum Berrybrawn Friday August 29th, 2003 9:20:12 PM
"Dearest Alemi! A great city in the sky!" the halfling blurts. He had spent his whole life travelling the Wold, but never in all his years had he ever seen anything like this.
He shakes his head, "I must not be distracted from my goal!" Barnum pulls the note that was left in place of Edgar mornings ago, reading it aloud, "Be on the Mudgronds on the first day of Spring..."
He looks up again and sees many people gathered in the middle of the town. "There!"
Barnum runs forward to the middle of the town and stops in front of the heavyset man with the book. "Is this the Great Race? Do you know a Bartholomew Severance?"
Savin d20+8=17 Monday September 1st, 2003 1:15:42 AM
Savin like the others looks up in awe at the spectacle that surrounds them. He will follow the others as they approach the crowds and the stage. He will keep a look out at the crowd and let the others deal with the stage.
spot check 17
Peerimus Monday September 1st, 2003 10:24:49 PM
Knowing when he is quite out of his element, Peerimus attempts to keep a very low profile. He has had issues with his wilder appearance with 'city folk' too often. Peerimus moves to stand in Shiraz's shadow, the big taur offering plenty of cover.
Ilsidur Monday September 1st, 2003 11:15:11 PM
Ilsidur hustles after Barnum, to hear what the man with the book has to say. He tries to figure out what day this is, and how close they are to the first day of spring.
DM(Ted) Getting Setteled Tuesday September 2nd, 2003 4:18:17 PM
Barnum races ahead of everyone to see what is going on. Good thing it wasnt a Barnum roast or he would have been in trouble. A great round man with a poorly groomed beard looks down at Barnum. "Why young Sir, this is the great race. Who do you represent?
As Barnum begins to give details the rest of the group moves in behind him and the other groups begins to move about what they were doing. Savin notices that there is a group of Minataurs that seem to be looking in Shiraz's direction laughing. As Ilsidur arrives next to Barnum, the round man hands Ilsidur a hand full of papers explaining the details of the race. "My name is Ramous, the host of this event will be here tomorrow to set things off and let everyone in on the situation. I suggest you all get some rest. You can set camp over there", He points to a vacant area that looks to be roped off and has a sign staked there with the groups name written on it. An unconcious habbit from Shiraz, he stomps his foot when he is ready to move kicks up some of Mud City's famous mud onto Peermius pants leg. So much for clean cover.
An assistant of some sorts, looks to be a young mage steps up to Sly and Trace with a torch. I will show your group to your camp site and begins to lead the way. Sir Thomas follows in behind the rest.
(ooc: details of what is written on the sheet will be posted tonight when I get off work. Ran out of time at the moment.)
Soon to Start DM Stephen Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 12:33:38 AM
(Imm Baack! Apparently Ive been asked to return to the Children. Just found out about it so I need to get caught up on things. Will start as soon as possible.)
DM(Ted) Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 4:07:47 AM
The paper reads as follows:
Welcome to the great race! You all have a special item up for wager and if you win it will be yours again. Along with winning your items back, you will win the other groups items as well. It is up to you what to do with the when the time comes.
Rules and regulations will be laid out by our host, the great Bartholomew Severance. This will happen one day from tomorrow morning. This will give remaining teams to arrive and for everyone to settel in.
Good Luck to everyone and have a splendid race!
Sly Foxx Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 4:46:20 AM
Sly follows the mage to the site, Look over the Camp site."Hmm! Nice camp site, but we have a wharehouse in Hook City, Why can't we go there?" He ask the mage.
"I think we hit a cord with him, Well Big Brother! Shall we stay here and camp, where every body can spy on us. or go to the wharehouse? And up set the Great Bartholomew Severance? Hmm! I wonder if my girlfriend Winnie will be here?" Now sly show a little hint of a smile on his face.
Shiraz Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 9:30:44 AM
Shiraz finally looks away from the giant city dangling from the sky and turns to Sly, "I think staying here is a good idea. In fact I think its a great idea." Shiraz saysys with a note of finality, striding to the roped off area and starting to set up his Taur sized tent. "Sly, wont you help me and Trace you too please." Shiraz fingers the ring around on his right hand for just a moment and finishes up.
Sly Foxx Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 10:10:07 AM
Sly look up to Shiraz and answers, "Well ! that answers my question. I'll help you if you help me." Sly get's helps the big bull (But he enjoyed evert minute of doing the work)
Barnum Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 4:30:23 PM
The little Halfling stamps his foot. "This is ridiculous! I don't want anyone else's belongings, I just want my familiar back! It's not like anyone can do anything with him, no one here wants a raven! This is an outrage!" Assuming he gets no helpful reply, Barnum jogs back to the others.
"Listen up! We can either win this thing, or refuse to participate. I can't stand having Edgar missing any longer! I think that we should either pose a rescue attempt, instead of wasting our time with this race business. Or we should win the thing, and return everyone's belongings to their proper owners."
Savin Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 5:25:29 PM
Savin listens to the halflings tirade. "I doubt we would be able to recover our lost companions without causing a lot of commotion. I think we will just have to compete and win this race. Whoever stole your familiar is very powerful. He was able to take your most prized possession away without waking you and without your raven guide being able to alert you to it. Even if we rescue them, what stops this obviously very powerful mage from just doing it again. Lets compete and win."
Savin will also aid in the setting of camp.
Peerimus Thursday September 4th, 2003 10:12:21 AM
The young druid blanches as the note is read. If we win they will be returned The thought echoes over and over in his mind as he tries to alow his rational mind to catch up. It is no good and the thought overwhelms him. His eyes turn from blank terror to a seathing rage. Fists clenching at his side, he is barely aware of his companions and Barnums's words. Words of his own begin to form in his mind, calling to the Wold Mother of storms, raging fire, come to my call, Let loose the pyre. Peerimus's hands almost unconsciously begin to weave reaching for his totem, his focus of power. Eyes still locked on the man by the book, the wild of nature's building fury in his eyes. 'Lets compete and win' The words seem to dully come from the fog. The familiar calls to him and his mind reaches to them. 'Lets compete and win' It was Savin's calm and smooth voice. 'Lets compete and win' Savin's words took hold and the fury subsided. Peerimus lets the Flame Strike subside, not completing the casting. Peerimus also moves to where the group is setting up camp and assist where he can.
Shiraz Thursday September 4th, 2003 4:16:17 PM
Shiraz quickly sets up his Taur sized tent and ushers Sly, Edgar, and Trace inside. "Savin keep watch," the taur says in a whisper as he covers the tents entrance with his large body. "Look guys, I am not built for sneaking, nor am I a sneaky person, but information on the race and this mage would be helpful. Now who is willing to scout around and see what we are up against? I have this ring from Tumults hoard and I am prepared to loan it to whichever of you is prepared to sneak the best."
Trace Friday September 5th, 2003 3:12:13 AM
Trace moves into the tent with the others and listens to what Shiraz has to say. "I agree, it would be extreamly helpfull if we know what exactly we are up against. Along with my armor I think I can sneak around pretty good. What exactly does that ring enable?"
Peerimus Friday September 5th, 2003 11:14:45 AM
The druid tries to relax, but finding that useless he begins to pace about. "I need a little alone time. I will be back soon enough." With that he shifts into a hawk and flies up to ride the currents high above Hook City.
Sly Foxx Tuesday September 9th, 2003 4:03:51 PM
Sly watches Peemus walk out of the flap of the tent, "I know the guards around here. I hope Peemus stays out of trouble." Sly whispers to the party "Well! shall we wait for our druid or act on Shiraz sugestion?"
OOC: Remember, DM Stephen - that Clay W. has left the game. And we are down to 7 players.
Barnum Berrybrawn Tuesday September 9th, 2003 5:31:17 PM
Barnum sits on the ground, apparently drawing something in the mud with a stick. He doesn't seem to be paying attention to anything but his own thoughts. Eventually, he stands up and speaks.
"All right, my friends, we've been forced into this. Retrieving our companions doesn't seem like the easiest option at this point, I suggest we participate in this ridiculous race. After the race is over, we can probably get our friends back pretty easily. I don't think any of our competitors want a raven, a bear, a hawk, or a dog. As for the horses..." Barnum pauses for a moment, horses are a valuable commodity. "Well, we'll get the horses back too. So winning doesn't seem to be of the upmost importance. However, everyone else here has had some of their belongings stolen. Let's try and win the race, that way we can return our competitors' rightgful belongigs to them."
Barnum says nothing more.
Shiraz Tuesday September 9th, 2003 10:24:39 PM
"This ring? Trace surely you remeber it it was from teh dragons cave and a ." the minotaur ducks a bit closer, "a ring of invisibility. I propose that Trace use it to scout out wither the mage or your missing friends."
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