DM Bob & Carla Friday July 9th, 2004 7:34:36 AM
Andrath & Lia lead the group along the trail for several hours before it opens into a small clearing. A small bluff rises before them, marking the edge of the Wyrmsfut. The cliff appears to be made of a porous rock and several openings lead into what the party can only surmise to be a series of caves. A thin skein of smoke makes it's way out of one of the openings and curls up and across the face of the cliff.
Disturbed by the sense of deja vue, Alkali ponders what magic it could be. The little witch then remembers the 'dream' he shared with Denholm and the others when the big fellow placed his hands on the mask.
Lorth Friday July 9th, 2004 7:39:11 AM
Lorth sees the smoke and says, "It looks like someone may be home." He keeps his weapon and shield in their resting position, hoping he will not need them.
Cadmar Friday July 9th, 2004 8:56:14 AM
Cadmar accepts the holy symbol and is silent for a moment as he turns it around in his hand. The thing is obviously ancient. The man starts to wonder who was wearing it before it ended up in a pile of refuse in the troll's lair. Visions of tall knights in white armor dance in his head and Cadmar resolves to one day look into the past of the little medallion.
Finally, he puts it around his neck, feeling a bit like a boy trying on his father's armor.
"Thank you. I will carry it for now until it finds a more worthy bearer."
Seeing the thin wisp of smoke rising from the cavern Cadmar stops and says: "Maybe we should make our presence known. How about just calling out?"
Alkali Friday July 9th, 2004 9:16:37 AM
Remembering the dream, Alkali says, "I think... she's here." He steps foward and calls out the witch, "Hello! Is anyone here? "
Kedarn d20+5=19 Friday July 9th, 2004 3:40:13 PM
Kedarn looks around for the way up to the cave that the smoke is coming from (spot 19.)
Lia Friday July 9th, 2004 4:29:00 PM
Lia lets everyone else take center stage. This was not the time to be so forward in her opinion. She would say nothing to the others though, just make way to the back of the group and try to stay out of trouble.
Andrath d20+11=27 Sunday July 11th, 2004 7:15:00 PM
Uncertain of how this meeting might turn out, Andrath melts into the undergrowth, trying to hide out of sight and move to one side. [OOC: Hide check of 27]
DM Bob & Carla Monday July 12th, 2004 7:42:40 AM
As the party discusses options, Alakli steps forward and calls out a greeting to advertize their presence. Andrath slips into the undergrowth and the concealment it offers. Kedarn spots movement at the mouth of the cave and realizes that someone or something has pushed back the woven mat that acts as a door just enough to peek out. A single eyeball and a few locks of white hair are all that he can see.
"Go Away! shouts a voice, "leave us alone!"
The lone eyeball continues to peer from the small crack between the rough hewn entrance to the cave and the woven door.
Lorth Monday July 12th, 2004 9:23:40 AM
Lorth looks towards the mouth of the cave but says nothing, waiting for the others to speak.
Lia Monday July 12th, 2004 12:26:10 PM
Lia silently speaks to herself and Tumba after the witch beckons them to leave.
"Leave us alone? Us?" Lia would have a bewildered face as she spoke those words, and one finger would meet her lips as she pondered who "us" could be, "I told them she was not a very welcoming person Tumba, but they insisted."
Tumba looks up at her friend, cocks her head slightly and offers a soft whine. For now Lia will just let the others deal with this issue of their friend.
Cadmar Monday July 12th, 2004 2:56:48 PM
Cadmar eyes the entrance to the cave, but is unable to see the speaker. The ranger decides he needs to somehow appeal to the curiosity of the witch without arising her suspicions at the same time.
"Please forgive our intrusion, but we are bringing you one of your magic items that has been recently found in the valley. We will leave as soon as it is taken care of."
Denholm told us to make sure the mask is destroyed.
First get it off the face of Cassandra, then-
She will want it back, won't she?
Cadmar OOC Monday July 12th, 2004 3:29:33 PM
[Cadmar is choosing his words carefully, Taking10 on Diplomacy. Result is 21.]
Kedarn Monday July 12th, 2004 5:19:15 PM
Kedarn listens to what Cadmar calls out then remains quiet.
Bralin Monday July 12th, 2004 7:53:32 PM So this is it thinks the dwarf to himself. He nods when Cadmar speaks, honesty is the best policy.
Alkali Monday July 12th, 2004 10:07:01 PM
Alkali peers at the caves wondering who the "us" is. He remains puzzled whether they have come across the right person. Either way he is ready for the response.
DM Bob & Carla Monday July 12th, 2004 10:48:27 PM
With various degrees of excitement, fear, and trepidation, the party members approach the lair. Cadmar alone speaks out. "You are trying to trick us!" rasps the dry, slightly shrill voice from behind the door covering. ( Diplomacy or some such roll please, Cadmar!)
The rough woven covering gets pulled a fraction of an inch back by a thin boney hand. ( Spot or other appropriate checks please!)
Lia Casting Hypnotism (if able) 2d4(4+2)=6 Tuesday July 13th, 2004 12:16:45 AM
Lia makes a quick guesstimation on about how far the witch Shedar is from her. She then walks as as far as she needs to to be within about what she believes to be about 20 feet and begins chanting in a mantra like tone. She repeats a phrase a couple times over while looking up towards the cave and bringing her hands from a prayer like position to outstreched at hersides until she is finished.
Lia's droning voice speaks these words: Arcane sciences do what you can, Whether it be the simplest command. make these folks do what I say, let them fulfill it however they may.
(DC for spell = 24)
[OOC DC for Spell should be 14? Bob]
Cadmar d20+1=18 Tuesday July 13th, 2004 5:03:19 AM
[Spot 18] [I did use Diplomacy! See my OOC message above.]
Cadmar was about to answer when he hears Lia casting her spell behind him. He turns around and stares at her blankly, lost for words and not quite believing that she has done that.
Lorth Tuesday July 13th, 2004 7:25:35 AM
When Lorth sees Lia start casting a spell towards the person in the cave, he attempts to interupt her [if possible, otherwise he just speaks], either by grabbing her arm or blocking her line of sight, while saying, "Just what in Gargul's name do you think your doing? We didn't ask you to lead us here so you could start a fight and assault some old hermit!"
Kedarn d20+5=21 Tuesday July 13th, 2004 7:38:13 AM
Kedarn looks at Lia and the others then tells Andrath quietly "see if you can find a way for us to get up to that cave."
Kedarn then continues to look for some way up to the cave (spot 21.)
Andrath Tuesday July 13th, 2004 10:57:11 PM
Andrath shakes his head to Kedarn, and stays hidden. He figures that if he tries to approach the cave, he may be spotted, and the witch might think that it was an assault.
The elf shakes his head when Lia casts an offensive spell at the witch. "Well, so much for diplomacy, and hoping that we can talk the witch into helping us," he thinks to himself.
Alkali Tuesday July 13th, 2004 11:14:53 PM
Alkali looks at where the voice came from trying to get a sight of the witch. Sensing the strings of magic, he suddenly turns around and is in shock at what Lia tries to do. "Oh... this is not gonna work..."
Bralin d20+5=7 Tuesday July 13th, 2004 11:58:46 PM
The dark dwarf stands at the edge of the forest, his dark eyes taking in the drama as it unfolds. He is distracted by the rash actions of the new-one.
(Spot=7)
DM Bob & Carla d20+10=26 Wednesday July 14th, 2004 12:02:02 AM
In shock and horror the party watch as the wild newcomer tries to gain an advantage. The paladin tries vainly to stop Lia, but the strange little half-elf persists.
"You can not fascinate me with your childish attempts at magic! Silly girl!" cackles the witch. There is a pause, and then, in a hurt tone, "Who calls me an old hermit ?" followed by a shrill questioning voice, "What is it that you have of ours?"
Cadmar and Kedarn notice that the boney hand that reaches out to hold the woven door covering aside has but three fingers and a thumb. The baby finger is missing!
Lia Wednesday July 14th, 2004 2:03:16 AM
Lia sighs and frowns at the witches words. Her hands collapse at her sides and she looks to Lorth and srugs. Again she whispers to Tumba.
Stop heckling me. I don't see you doing anything.
Tumba's tongue hangs out as the wolf pants and lia crosses her arms and keeps her mouth shut...for now.
Cadmar d20+6=24 Wednesday July 14th, 2004 4:18:19 AM
Cadmar gives a silent sigh of thanks to Domi. The situation didn't turn violent. Still, the event left him more unnerved than before. If Shedar didn't feel threatened when targeted by a spell then she must be very confident in her magic. This means she must be very powerful.
Then, taking Cassandra by her hand, the ranger slowly leads her up to the witch. When they are about ten steps away from her he gently removes Cassandra's hood off her head. He remains silent, but watches Shedar's eyes, trying to recognize emotions that will pass through her face [Sense Motive 24].
I hope this is Shedar, not someone else.
Lorth Wednesday July 14th, 2004 8:06:22 AM
Lorth spins back towards the witch, and says nothing, he watches while Cadmar walks up to her with Cassandra.
Kedarn Wednesday July 14th, 2004 5:30:06 PM
Kedarn moves over to support and aid Cassandra and Cadmar.
Bralin Wednesday July 14th, 2004 11:40:39 PM
Bralin holds his ground and awaits the outcome of Cadmar's approach. He keeps an eye on Andrath's progress and prepares to distract the witche's attention should the rogue be forced into action.
Andrath Thursday July 15th, 2004 12:24:48 AM
Andrath remains hidden, waiting to see how the meeting plays out.
DM Bob & Carla d20+6=16[spot] d20+6=16[listen] Thursday July 15th, 2004 8:05:44 AM
The figure behind the door is clearly intrigued by the uncowling of Cassandra and opens the thatched door a little wider. Cadmar can make out a female half-elf, older and bent with age and years of hard living.
"So...what thing of mine do you return?" she asks, "it is surely not this pathetic girl, why she is no more..." The hag stops in mid sentence when she sees the mask and Cadmar and Kedarn see her entire body stiffen. Her small fists clench and her eyes glare. For a moment she seems to stop breathing. "Who gave you this? she cries in a shrill voice. "Did that whelp Difda sell it to you...that little liar...how did she pay back my kindness..betrayed me...stabbed in the back...is that her down there? the half-elf steps from behind the door and points a crooked finger at Alkali who has remained near the back of the group. The witch's voice wavers and racks and her breathing is shallow and rapid. "And who did you betray?" she turns and shouts at Cassandra, before suspicion overcomes her and she retreats slightly back behind the door and looks about for further danger
Lorth d20+5=25 Thursday July 15th, 2004 12:10:34 PM
Lorth moves up slowly, to stand near Cadmar. "Difda", he says slowly. "And who might that be? I assure you that we mean you no harm. And to the issue of how we came by this mask, we found it. Cassandra..." Lorth motions towards her, "...had the misfortune of trying it on and now cannot remove it." He pauses... "As my friend said, we were told this this mask is something you created, thus we are asking you to help us remove it." [Diplomacy 25]
Cadmar Thursday July 15th, 2004 4:58:13 PM
Well said. Cadmar decides to supply some more details.
"We do not know this Difda. The mask was found abandoned together with a small pile of other trinkets in a very dangerous location. Cassandra put it on by mistake. We were unable to remove it. She has been wearing it for DAYS. It needs to be removed. Please help us with that."
Lia Friday July 16th, 2004 12:22:05 AM
Lia stands watching, obviously the one called lorth didnt want her interfering. She takes her waterskin of her waist and twists the cap off before sticking out her tongue. She brings the waterskin up and starts to pour the water out slowly as her tongue laps at the falling fluid. Some obviously dribbles to the ground which Tmba happily laps up. When done she puts the waterskin back, wipes her face, and watches to see what will go on.
Andrath Friday July 16th, 2004 12:42:53 AM
Andrath thinks to himself, "I'm a small rock ... I'm a small rock ... I'm a small rock ..." as he tries to stay hidden from the witch's sight. He smiles in approval at the approach that Lorth and Cadmar have taken.
Bralin Saturday July 17th, 2004 11:08:11 PM
The dwarf waits patiently.
Kedarn Sunday July 18th, 2004 4:53:20 PM
Kedarn listens patiently.
Lia Sunday July 18th, 2004 8:27:52 PM
(OOC: I will be out Monday and Tuesday traveling. Just a reminder. Sorry. At least I won't be casting any spells hehe.)
Alkali Sunday July 18th, 2004 9:44:52 PM
Alkali listens for the witch's response hoping for the best.
DM Bob & Carla d20+6=17(Spot) Sunday July 18th, 2004 10:37:17 PM
The figure behind the door takes a moment to look back across the group assembled before her door. She counts eight in all, including the one wearing the mask, her mask!.
"So, you don't know that ingrate Difda? No matter, she'll get hers." The old hag re-emerges from behind the door and approaches Cadmar and Cassandra. Her eyes dart about her like a caged creature unsure of it's surroundings. "And this one put on the mask...what a stupid thing to do. No more sense than a sparrow" the hag chuckles at Cassandra's plight.
Cassandra for her part starts to chirp and twitter.
The old woman gives her a sharp look and continues. "That was meant to be Merak's fate" she hisses, "and now this sprig of a girl has stumbled into it and you want my help." Why should I " she rasps, "Who was there to help me? Left me to him they did. No one looked for Schedar."
Cadmar and Kedarn notice that the old woman no longer seems to be in the same moment with them. Words pour out of her and she cries out at times. It's clear that she has suffered greatly and feels wronged, but the full story lies deep beneath layers of hate, betrayal and pain.
Cadmar Monday July 19th, 2004 4:45:06 AM
"Cassandra." Cadmar whispers, returning the witch to her true self. It takes a moment for the ranger to bite down his anger. It takes another moment for him to figure out what to say. It is not easy; Cadmar has never before dealt with someone whose feelings were so deeply hurt. He swallows nervously and starts talking.
"Once upon a time there was a young witch" - he says in a calm, quiet tone of voice, as if he was telling a fairytale to a child - "who was happy and trusting and innocent. But a terrible evil has been done to her." - Cadmar continues talking, hoping that his words somehow make it into Schedar's head. "Her whole world has been turned upside down. Suddenly all her joys, hopes, and plans were gone. She has been subjected to a fate she didn't deserve."
"Do you know whom I am talking about?"
"This is your story. And this is also Cassandra's story. Look at her! She is like you! Schedar, you are the only one who can help her! Do you want to leave her alone just like you were left alone? Do you want Cassandra to curse you for the rest of her life like you cursed Merak? Do you want to do to her what he did to you?"
Lorth Monday July 19th, 2004 7:39:37 AM
Lorth listens to Cadmar and decides that he said it much better than he could have.
Bralin Monday July 19th, 2004 1:15:42 PM
The dwarf stands impassively.
This one is unstable, he decides to himself. Increase the pressure, and she will crack like a vent to the bottom of the world. That could be dangerous.
Andrath Monday July 19th, 2004 10:06:51 PM
Andrath stays hidden; having made his bed, he will apparently have to lie in it for a little longer...
Lia Monday July 19th, 2004 11:53:48 PM
The half-elf watches, listens, and learns, as the one called Cadmar negotiates with the old one. Lia hopes he will continue with his story.
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday July 20th, 2004 7:44:49 AM
Schedar steps closer to Cadmar and Cassandra. "What do you know of Merak?" she hisses. "What do any of you know of Merak?" she shouts at the rest. "What do any of you know about being left alone, abandoned?"
Schedar is now standing face to face with the Paladin and Cassandra. In her frenzy she has forgotten the threat posed by the assembled group.
"Yes, that's my mask. I created it. I cursed it...just like I cursed Merak." she refocuses on Cadmar.
"You fancy this young witch returns your favor?" bitterness in her voice. "And the rest of you...how much are you to be paid?" she accuses.
Lorth Tuesday July 20th, 2004 8:49:48 AM
Lorth shifts his stance as if struck, "Pah, you insult us, none of us are to be paid anything. We are helping this young woman out of the kindness of our hearts. I ask you again, to do the right thing and tell us how to remove the mask."
Bralin Tuesday July 20th, 2004 9:10:05 AM
Asked a question, Bralin responds.
"Given up for dead, I lived a decade alone under the Red Hills." The dwarf gazes meaningfully at the witch. "The forge of solitude strengthens the soul...or breaks it."
Another question, another answer. "We are not paid. T'is an noble quest to free this lass from her curse."
Kedarn Tuesday July 20th, 2004 4:28:21 PM
Kedarn looks at Shedar then says " I am doing this to aid a person in their time of need. I am not worried about pay as aiding Cassandra is the right course of action."
After a few moments Kedarn then says "Did you ask anyone for help or tell someone your tale?"
Lia Tuesday July 20th, 2004 9:07:49 PM
Listening to the unfortunate witch's ranting, Lia reflects on her own sad childhood and the betrayal of her kidnapping as a young child. A shiver runs up her spine as she remembers 'Him'. It is hard not to be bitter.
Alkali Tuesday July 20th, 2004 9:08:02 PM
Leaving the negotation to Cadmar, Alkali listened carefully. Hearing the witch talk aobut abandoment, Alkali frowns. Talking to the ground, Alkali mumbles. "I've been there too. From the one I loved the most..." Alkali looks at the witch with resolve. "Yet, the a guild of witches came and brought me up. If you helped us we could take you to them. We witches seem to be condemned but, perhaps together we can fare through life for the better."
Andrath Tuesday July 20th, 2004 10:51:19 PM
Realizing that hiding probably isn't the best strategy in this situation, Andrath waits for a chance to 'appear', when the witch would likely not be startled.
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday July 20th, 2004 11:19:22 PM
The witch seems to have struck a cord with some, as Bralin, Lia, and Alkali reflect each on a desolate episode from their past. Oblivious to the rogue sneaking out from the shadow of the forest, Schedar spins back to Lorth, white hair flying "Imperious and proud honorable paladin. Would you talk to your mother thus?" rasps the witch. Hearing Alkali comment on the guild, her eyes grow wide and she sputters, "where was the coven of Weal when they took me away? He gave me up to them, and no one came looking," she whines, "not even my sister."
Stopping in front of Kedarn, she stares at him, almost unseeing, reaching a tentative hand out to touch the leaf pinned to the party leader's cloak. "My story?" she says in a tiny voice, as she draws her hand back, never touching the green badge, "you want to learn my story?"
The witch called Schedar stands in front of the elven cleric, her pale eyes wide and staring, seeing some scene from her tragic history the others can not, and then she starts to tell her tale...
"It was during the rule of the Jarl, Roydos. Witches were persecuted, especially those that followed the Coven of Weal. Villages were searched, the population rounded up. Any witches discovered were put to death. I was caught, along with my beloved Merak. He was so beautiful, a handsome young ranger. He said he loved me."
Schedar's eyes seem to regain their focus, and she continues in a biting tone, moving in front of the masked Cassandra.
"He was weak, like all men are weak! When faced with the threat of torture he named me! He named me to secure his feedom! He named me for a bag of filthy coins! He named me and I cursed him! They tortured me, but I would not betray my sisters. They could not break me, and I plotted my revenge. When the Jarl was overthrown, I made my escape."
Cadmar Wednesday July 21st, 2004 3:34:27 AM
Cadmar stands silent, struck very deeply by the fact that Merak was a ranger too. Similarities between the stories of Cassandra and Schedar seem to pile up. Cadmar comes back to the time when he was wandering in the forests with his dad and tries to recall if he has ever heard anything said about Merak and his fate after being captured by the giants.
For a moment the young man ponders if he would be able to withstand torture at the hands of the giants. Cadmar remembers seeing disfigured men who had the misfortune of surviving giant's interrogations to tell their tales later on. He doubts he has their strength of will.
Then, brought back by Schedar's tale, his own story suddenly comes back to him. His hand rises to his ribs. It is as if he still was able to feel the giant's grasp.
The ranger is silent, not sure if the story of the witch is over or not, and not wishing to interrupt her with an inappropriate remark. Sometimes it is best to listen and let the other pour out her sorrow and bitterness.
Bralin Wednesday July 21st, 2004 8:38:11 AM
The dwarf says nothing. The witch has obviously been broken herself, even if she is unaware of it.
Everything that can be said, has been said. There is nothing left but to wait for her tortured mind to reach a decision. It may well be long in coming.
Lorth Wednesday July 21st, 2004 1:12:37 PM
Lorth looks a bit flustered and quickly says,"Forgive me, perhaps my words were a bit hasty. It troubles me to see our friend Cassandra in her current state and I am attempting all in my power to help her. I will choose them more carefully next time." Lorth then keeps quiet listening to her tale.
Alkali Wednesday July 21st, 2004 11:07:11 PM
Alkali waits as the witch continues her tale.
Andrath Wednesday July 21st, 2004 11:46:37 PM
Trying to remain conspicuous for the next little bit, Andrath remains silent. He wonders if the situation described by the witch was really a case of good people put in impossible situations by a greater evil, and having to make incredibly difficult choices. But the elf does have a difficult time thinking that the ranger could have betrayed the witch if he truly loved her.
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