DM Jan Friday June 25th, 2004 12:08:12 PM
More info -
The elves look away from their interest in the parchment, and gaze up on the young impetuous human. "Well, lets see now," says one of them, overly patient. "Imagine falling asleep, then waking up and finding that you're somewhere else. An adventure for some perhaps, but not if that somewhere else is at the bottom of the sea or under a mountain. Most forests know where they are in the Wold. Their long fingers dig deep into the ground, their canopy stretches out to enjoy the sun and rain. There is a solid... connection, with the land. "This forest, has a habit of losing that connection from time to time. Parts of it just disappear, only to return days or weeks later. Why? We're not sure. It's larger brother Culverwood feeds it seeds and water, and THAT forest is both magical and dangerous, so who knows what influence it has on it's lesser sibling? "You just need to be careful. We've found that if we sing, or talk to it, it tends not to drift off. It's all very odd of course, but then the Wold does have some very strange forests. Very strange indeed. "Another piece of advice. The nearest bridge is south - at the Aisildurian border. I wouldn't bother with that. They're very suspicious right now, searching everything and trying to get into your every nook and cranny. We don't know why. Try the stepping stones to the north -" The elf smiles enigmatically. " - they're much more fun." The other elf laughs musically. "Well we must be off. We're traveling south east to a place called Dirt City. Ever been there? We've heard it's horrible, but there's someone there who we need to meet." They prepare to leave.
And from the figurehead -
Orcs? Hmmm..... Well... apart from their boorish behaviour - I'm relatively new here, but the wood walls tell of some great disaster, the loss of a great power, and the scattering of orcs, and others for that matter, into the wilderness. They have a new leader now. A hero. No one has seen him, but they say he will lead them into a new age of respect and independance. But there's other talk too. There are some who mourn the loss of the great power - whoever that is, and they pray for his return. They also gather, in a secret place. They plot and plan, and attempt to make way for the return of their great master. Sigh........ That's wood wall talk. The panelling in this place is alive with gossip and storytelling. It just won't shut up. Every day, all night long. Sometimes it's worse than the drunks in this place. Yap yap yap, on and on... You get the picture, I'm sure.
Theodore and Macaw Friday June 25th, 2004 12:45:24 PM
Theodore rerolls his scroll and tucks it back into his pack. "Thank you for your help," he says to Mavis and Eric.
When the elves admit that they are off to Dirt City, Theodore gets all excited. "That's where I'm from! It's not so bad a place, as long as you keep your purse stowed in your tunic. And don't stare too much. You don't want to look like you're not from around there. Oh, and don't stay up top for too long, or you might get stabbed. But otherwise, it's a great place. Who are you meeting there?" Theodore seems genuinely interested in the elves, now. Whether its from missing his home, or just not wanting others to get the wrong impression of it, is hard to say.
(Sorry that I've been posting sporadically, lately. My computer doesn't like me anymore and I don't have an internet connection at home. I have to post from work. Just bear with me for a bit.)
Ryan d20+5=23 Friday June 25th, 2004 4:49:14 PM
Slightly surprised at such a straight answer he smiles and returns the favour. "My story?" he pauses for a moment. "Maybe we should sit down" He takes a deep breath "I lived in an abandoned shack in Dirt City for most of my life not knowing my parents or if I even had any. It was a life of a sort, knowing no real power or ambition resorting to thievery to sustain myself. Then, at about 15 years old, I discovered the sorcery in my veins. Neen here;" he gestures towards the cat sitting beside him "was the first sign. For lack of nothing ells to do and curiosity, I decided to exploit this power, use it to my advantage but I grew foolish and let my new power blind my common sense and attract unwanted attention, so I fled the city and decided to wander; you see having no ties or home means having no weakness but unfortunately leaving me without a meaning which is what I wish to find."
Sense motive=23 He is not sure if he trusts Miss Veronica yet and wonders why he was so truthful he could get into trouble for that again.
Zayne Saturday June 26th, 2004 2:23:39 PM
Listening carefully to what the elves say about the forest,he begins to understand a little better than the previous night."I will be most careful."
When they mention they are heading to Dirt City,"I see I can repay the kind favor and give you a word of advice about the city I call home. Be wary,there are pickpockets and cutpurses on every street. If you need place to unwind you might want to try the Blue Eel." He grimaces a little when he says that.(Remembering finding little Tam there)
"If there is anything you need to know about the city feel free to ask. Remember,if you have to be out after dark,don't do it alone,and don't violate the peace."
Thinking to himself,"I knew it,I knew I could use it to my advantage."
After talking with the elves until they leave,he heads over to tell Vauhwyt about the forest and the elves destination,and to see if she has turned up anything about the cult.
Vorelle Sunday June 27th, 2004 11:57:23 AM
Vorelle listens carefully, knowing she'll have to convey this information to the others later.
And what do you know of Blackbird Forest? It seems a very strange place.
Vauhwyt (Miss Veronica) and Mookie Monday June 28th, 2004 12:46:29 AM
Vauhwyt listens to Ryan's story and smiles. "I lived in Dirt City myself for a few years. It is good to meet someone who has been there too. I too have not always been welcome among those who wish me ill, and I too have sorcery running in my blood. You saw some of my magic last night," she says, ducking her head.
"Have you are seeking purpose, I have an idea. We are headed into some danger, and a friendly mage is always an asset. Would you consider coming with us to the forest across the river? We can't pay anything, but if my friends agree, you can share in our rewards."
When Zayne tells her what he has discovered, Vauhwyt tells him, "Great job! That's good to know. Thank you."
DM Jan Monday June 28th, 2004 1:26:45 AM
The elves appear to soak up all the info that Theo and Zayne have to offer on the delights of Dirt City. "Thank you for the information. Of course we'd never start any trouble," says one of them, "and we're not going to be there long. We're visiting a man named Liam Kent, and then setting off toward Plateau City." "Just be mindful of the forest," says the other. "use your birds to navigate. For some reason they aren't affected by the distracted melancholy in there. That reminds me, I'd better go and see if our owl has caught breakfast. Fare well, fellow travelers."
Dietrich goes downstairs to see about the mules, and Olyn checks with Mavis to make sure they don't owe anything.
Vauhwyt makes a proposition to Ryan, while Vorelle and Rose are still 'talking' to the figurehead.
Blackbird Forest? The trees are mad. Oh, but they like birds, especially ones with black feathers. You'll find a lot of black-feathered birds in there. Personally I think the madness comes from Culverwood to the North, but who knows. I've never been. All I know is tree talk from the wall wood. Maybe the live ones are more sane. But I doubt it. Sigh
Nyle is clearing away the breakfast buffet table. "Anyone want any bread rolls? We've some left over. If they stay here, Jon'll wait till they've gone hard and stale and start pelting me with 'em."
Olyn Monday June 28th, 2004 8:34:57 AM
walking out into the dining area and grabbing a roll he walks up to the others.
our account here is settled and we are free to continue on our journey my friends. shall we gather our things and head out. the early bird catches the worm so to speak.
Vorelle Monday June 28th, 2004 2:19:22 PM
Vorelle sighs. I think my companions are ready to depart. It was lovely talking to you. More slowly, she adds, I don't speak very well with my voice, you see.
Zayne Monday June 28th, 2004 4:44:02 PM
After talking to Vauhwyt,he heads over to get a few of those rolls.
Seeing that everyone is getting ready to head out,he heads upstairs to get ready for the road. Making a note to himself to remember this place,it could be useful in the future. He sits for a moment to enjoy the rolls.
On the way out the door if there are any rolls left he grab a couple more.
Vauhwyt (Miss Veronica) and Mookie Monday June 28th, 2004 6:38:33 PM
Vauhwyt gets ready to go -- thanking the staff for the lovel breakfast. She asks directions to these "stepping stones" the elves mentioned to Zayne?
She takes some rolls for the road, with thanks.
Did she hear the name "Liam Kent"? If so, she will try to talk to the elves in private for a moment. If it works out, then she tells the elves that she has a friend in common -- she knows Liam.
Loretta Monday June 28th, 2004 6:44:24 PM
My comp is down, Jan please npc Rose or have someone play her.
~~Jan~~ Will do, Loretta. Sorry to hear about the comp problems. Windows Media Player should have been strangled at birth.
DM Jan Tuesday June 29th, 2004 1:31:53 AM
((OOC - Folks it looks like we have more than one of our players with computer probs. The rest of us, lets forge on and keep it rolling. Hopefully things will get resolved soon and the computer gods will take pity on us :) ))
The group gets ready to go.
It was a pleasure, my dears, says the figurehead in her purring mindspeak. Little one, may your fingers always be nimble, and tall one, never be troubled over any lack of speech. Words are just words. It's what you do, that counts. Fare well, and have a safe journey.
Vauhwyt might have a short moment with the elves, as Dietrich brings the mules out.
And then it's out into the wilds once more, although right now, the surrounding 'wilds' seem tame and lush in comparison to what the group has experienced before in Izen. The grass is green, the track is firm and level, and the wide river flows from north to south, on its inevitable journey to the sea. Across the river are the beginnings of the forest - a lush mass of deciduous trees and shrubs in full leaf.
As for the stepping stones - they're three miles north from the groups current position.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday June 29th, 2004 8:29:16 AM
Theodore gathers up his gear, and stashes a few of the leftover rolls in his backpack. When he steps outside, he stretches serenely. A big smile splits his face until Macaw wings out of nowhere and lands on the young wizard's mop-top.
Theodore flinches at the touch of Macaw's powerful feet, but suffers his friend the time to find a decent perch.
Olyn d20+6=18 Tuesday June 29th, 2004 9:25:28 AM
hefting his pack higher on his shoulder for a more comfortable load he begins following the others on their trek to the stepping stones.
and begings singing a lovely tune about open spaces and butterflies.
Zayne d20+5=12 d20+5=19 Tuesday June 29th, 2004 12:18:16 PM
Glad to be on the road again,but sad to leave the food behind,he takes up his usual position at the front of the party. Alert to his surroundings as always,he looks around before he begins to scout out the trail. (Listen 12 Spot 19)
Walking over to Vorelle,"I'll take the front,you can take the rear." Tugging absently at his right sleeve. "I think I might have to ask Rose if she could let out my clothes they are starting to feel a little tight. Thats not what I wanted to talk about though. Did you find out anything more about this blackbird forest?" Telling her what he has mnaged to ferret out on the matter,he waits for her response.
Ryan Tuesday June 29th, 2004 3:56:28 PM
Ryan thinks for a moment, "It seems that we have quite a lot in common Miss Veronica and I would be happy to join you. This could well help the both of us I'm sure.I am ready to go now as I do not have anything to pack."
Ryan Tuesday June 29th, 2004 4:00:45 PM
((OOC sorry for missing a few posts my computer wouldnt start but its fixed now)) :)
Vauhwyt (Miss Veronica) and Mookie Tuesday June 29th, 2004 11:24:51 PM
Vauhwyt introduces Ryan to the group -- Miss Ruth, Miss Valerie, Goodman Oliver, Goodman Timothy, Goodman Zachariah, and Goodman Daniel.
She enjoys the walk to the stepping stones.
DM Jan Wednesday June 30th, 2004 1:09:22 AM
((Quick question - what do you intend to do about the mules? leave them at the tavern, or take them into the forest?))
The journey up the side of the river is quite pleasant, and although there's no one else on the path, there's some river traffic in the form of the occasional boat. Some boats' occupants wave as they go past, others pay the group no mind at all.
In about an hour, Zayne spots what looks to be the stepping stones ahead. There appears to be a boat, just the other side of them on the river.
Zayne d20+5=18 d20+5=19 d20+3=14 Wednesday June 30th, 2004 11:27:03 AM
Straining to see if that is in fact a boat.(Listen 18 Spot 19)
He stops to wait for the rest of the group to catch up,telling them that he thinks this is the spot.(Knowlege:Geography 14)
Then he asks how would the rest of the group like to go on from here.
Vorelle Wednesday June 30th, 2004 2:16:47 PM
In answer to Zayne's question (sorry I didn't post yesterday!!), Vorelle says, "Th-the f-forest is s-s-said to b-be m-m-mad. B-b-but b-b-black b-b-birds are n-not affected. Also, th-the orcs h-h-have a n-n-new l-l-leader." She goes on to tell Zayne (and anyone else in earshot) everything she heard from the figurehead.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday June 30th, 2004 3:31:08 PM
Theodore sends Macaw to fly about, and keep a raven's eye view (heh) of anyone or thing that might approach their group. Theodore smiles widely at Ryan and offers his hand to shake.
"It's good to have another friend," he begins. "You can never have enough."
Ryan Wednesday June 30th, 2004 4:43:25 PM
Ryan smiles at Theadore "I agree with you there. So where exactly are we going and why?"
Vauhwyt amd Mookie Wednesday June 30th, 2004 8:28:29 PM
Vauhwyt suggests boarding the mules at the inn.
She looks for anyone on the other side who might be a ferryman. How wide is the river? How placid or rough is the water? How far apart are the stepping stones? Do they look slippery?
DM Jan Thursday July 1st, 2004 11:15:32 AM
As the group get closer, it is indeed a boat - a short, flat-bottomed barge, overloaded with square crates. The entire crew seems to consist of 4 gnomes who are currently standing at the stern, facing downstream. The stepping stones block their path. One of the gnomes has his arms raised and is in the middle of some kind of incantation. There's a lot of arm-waving, whooping and chittering, but finally, at the end of it, two of the stones seem to sink below the surface, allowing the boat to drift past and on its way south.
The crew wave at the group as they float past on the current. "Hey! Don't forget - four are better than two!" yells one of them. And off they go. The stones rise back out of the water.
There's no sign of a ferryman. At this point the stones seem to be the only way to get across. The river looks to be approximately 35ft wide. There are 5 stepping stones - perfectly circular with patterned grooves cut into the surface. Each stone looks to be about 3ft in diameter. Each stone is about 3ft apart. Stones 3 and 4 are wet, but there doesn't appear to be any moss growing on the surface. For humans, half elves and liontaur, it looks simple enough. Rose might have a bit of a struggle. The river banks on either side look firm enough, with a 3 ft leap onto the first stone. About 1ft below the stones, the river runs deep and steady, with a strong current.
Overhead - Macaw circles around, getting a birds eye view of the terrain. It seems quiet enough. The gnomes barge is a way downstream by now and there doesn't appear to be any other traffic at this point. To the east, grass and shrubbery change to a more familiar rocky terrain, and to the west lies the expanse of Blackbird forest. Here and there, territorial song rises up from the trees, and Macaw feels a need to fly west, over the tree canopy. So does Piper and Mookie.
Zayne d20+5=12 d20+3=16 d20+3=12 d20+3=17 d20+3=17 Thursday July 1st, 2004 12:17:26 PM
Looking at the flow of the river,the young ranger decides that he ccan swim across it. He announces his plan to the group. Which consists of him borrowiing another rope,tying one around his waist,thaving Vauhwyt and Dietrich hold the end of the rope tied around his waist. Then when he gets to the other side he will tie the two ropes together and then find a tree to anchor that end.(OOC Throw out that first roll I forgot that I can take 20 on this one)
After taking off all his equipment,he takes on rope and secures it to his midsection. Taking the other rope he ties one end to the rope around his waist.
Slowly he wades out into the water,and begins to swim for the other side.(Used a hero point for the second roll) Swimm checks are 16 17 17. After getting to the other side he carries out the rest of his plan.
Vorelle d20+1=16 Thursday July 1st, 2004 4:31:54 PM
Puzzled, Vorelle watches Zayne distain the stepping stones and swim across.
Doable, if necessary, she thinks, but awfully cold.
She walks to the edge of the bank, takes a deep breath, and jumps onto the first stone (Jump 16). She pauses and looks around, waiting to see if something is going to try to eat her.
Paranoid Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday July 1st, 2004 9:42:33 PM
Vauhwyt sees Zayne -- and his caution makes her worry as well. She does not trust these stones that go up and down. She casts Enlarge Person (shared with Mookie), and wades across, on the upstream side of the stones. She figures that at 12-plus feet tall she will not have to worry about the fact that she can't swim! We'll see if she is right!
Theodore and Macaw Friday July 2nd, 2004 9:21:53 AM
Theodore has a difficult time keeping Macaw from winging off into the woods, but manages to convince his familiar that the forest is indeed the direction they are headed.
Not sure what exactly Zayne is up to, the mage decides to wait a moment before committing himself to leaping from stone to stone. If there's an easier way, he's all for it.
LOG ON