Rond Sunday November 14th, 2004 8:47:25 PM
(OOC: My posting problems are related to timing on my part. Just trying to get used to a new schedule at work.)
Having commented about his willingness to help out with the sneaking, Rond accepts his position to be in the party of fake Giants.
"I do not know any Giant tongues. Have we figured out whether anyone can or not?"
Tratain Sunday November 14th, 2004 10:03:03 PM
Tratain says, "It might be best if we wait on Sarigar to start the fire before we make our move. If there isn't something to keep them occupied someone's going to notice what's happening inside the fort. If we infiltrate the fort as something less noticeable like an insect, and then act when Sarigar starts the fire it will probably reduce the amount of opposition left inside the fort. Arien can cast his spell, and Sarigar can give us say an hour before he lights the fire. When the blaze gets going we can move in."
Draax Monday November 15th, 2004 12:52:15 AM
Draax likes the idea of going in as insects, but waits to hearing the answer to Renik's question about having access to their normal items once they are changed.
Arien Monday November 15th, 2004 3:05:01 AM
"The spell is an illusion, though we'll appear as something else we will actually be the same as normal. I would suggest going as something closer to what we really look like but I'll go with whatever Renik decides with. The spell will last at least eleven hours as well so I could cast it some time before we actually go in."
Feng Monday November 15th, 2004 6:14:41 AM
"I don't think that whatever the illusion happens to be is that important. Once we have to fight it doesn't matter who we appear to be. I just hope that the fire and illusion gets us to where we need to be before we are detected."
Renik Monday November 15th, 2004 6:26:56 AM
"I suppose whatever we go in as we'll have the problem of convincing true members of that race of our authenticity. Without speakers of giant or the tongues of the other races here I don't think we'll be able to pass ourselves off as them without being challenged. If we can be disguised as anything I suggest we take on the illusion of fleas. We'll be so small as to be practically invisible to the naked eye, and so our movement will not atract undue attention.
So let Sarigar, invisible, start the fire once we have had a chance to get close to the fort in disguised form. Sarigar, you must then circle round and meet us at a rendezvous point. That can be the spot where we last observed the fort from. The infiltration team keep in telepathic communication, move in, I will blink into the building, attempt to take the items, and then out we go. Any questions?"
Setanos [Extended Mage Armor] Monday November 15th, 2004 7:36:33 AM
Setanos takes in the plan and mulls it over. "I'm thinkin its tha best idea we got, lets getter done.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+14=19 d20+25=35 Monday November 15th, 2004 11:07:33 AM "Ok, so I start the fire before or after you go in?"
Once that's answered and invisibility is cast on him, Sarigar and his brother move on toward the fort, looking for a currently unoccupied building just outside where he can sneak in and start his fire.
If there are no open doors, Sarigar will listen carefully (Listen 19) for movement inside to determine whether the building is occupied or not. Once a building is found, he will attempt to enter, through the door if possible (Black Paws will come with), through the window if necessary (Black Paws will stay just outside)(Move Silently 35)
The brothers will wait the allotted time or for the signal as per his question, then throw the vial as close to some bedding or similar flammable substance he can find to get the fire going quickly.
ooc: So long as his brother stays within about 5 feet of him, he'll have no chance of losing him despite the invisibility. Scent allows for pinpointing targets within 5 feet despite visibility).
And they're off! (DM Cayzle) d20+10=18 Monday November 15th, 2004 12:40:42 PM
[OOC: I'm taking Setanos's comment above -- "Setanos takes in the plan and mulls it over. "I'm thinkin its tha best idea we got, lets getter done." -- and assuming that means he'll cast Invisibility on Sarigar. I'm also assuming that Arien's words -- "I'll go with whatever Renik decides with" -- means he'll cast and maintain the Veil per Renik's plan. If not, please let me know ASAP!]
Remik explains to Sarigar that he should start the fire after the group has had the time to creep up to the fort.
Setanos casts Invisibility on Sarigar, who then heads off with Black Paws. The two have no problem avoiding detection and finding a building that looks like a barn, with lots of dry hay inside.
Meanwhile, Arien casts the Veil and disguises the entire group as fleas.
Moving slowly, so as to minimize the chance of detection, the group in flea disguise heads towards the main gate.
It is actually harder to stay undetected on the approach, since even as fleas, the group's movement shows signs like weeds moving aside, leaves shuffling on the ground and on low-lying branches.
If the group can make it to the road, it should actually be easier to avoid detection.
Everybody except Sarigar, please make a hide check -- or a Dex check -- with a +16 bonus for seeming diminuitive. So far you have not gotten inside the main gate.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+15=32 Monday November 15th, 2004 4:05:34 PM
The brothers watch from concealment (regardless of the invisibility spell) for any sign that the group is near/in the fort or signs they may have been detected.
Holding action for one of two cases.
Case 1: If group appears to be undetected all the way in to the fort (Spot 32 to see any sign of them), he will wait a minute or so, then start his distraction.
Case 2: If it appears that the group has been seen, he will start his distraction immediately.
Once the distraction is started, the brothers will then move to another building, preferrably closer to the gate in case the others need him.
Tratain d20+17=23 Monday November 15th, 2004 5:03:56 PM
Tratain casts Comprehend language on himself right before the group starts off and tries to sneak along as best he can (Dex 23)
----------------------------------- Comprehend Language - 110 minutes
Draax AC25, HP110 d20+19=22 Monday November 15th, 2004 10:05:40 PM
Draax moves with the rest of the group trying to remain concealed (hide 22).
Feng AC 23, HP 105 d20+15=27 Monday November 15th, 2004 11:53:34 PM
Feng is still nervous as they begin their journey. The giant sorcerer they battled before was skilled in his craft and Feng feared that the magical illusion would be detected and giants would overrun them.
ooc: move silent 27
Rond d20+19=28 d20+23=40 Tuesday November 16th, 2004 1:06:06 AM
Shaking his head, but not volunteering any information. Rond does his best to hide (28) using his skills in addition to their cameoflage. Realizing that the fleas don't make noise relative to their surroundings, Rond does his best not to make noise, and tries to point out how to do so, to those that don't have the skill. (move silent=40)
Arien d20+4=23 d20+23=33 Tuesday November 16th, 2004 2:00:47 AM
Arien also moves as silenty as he can, choosing his steps carefully he follows Feng and Rond.
(Move Silently:23, Hide:33)
Setanos [HP:98 AC:19] (Ex Mage Armor) d20+18=27 Tuesday November 16th, 2004 7:27:56 AM
Setanos creeps along, trying to be as small and flea-like as he can.
OOC: Extended Mage Armor (18 hours) Cast in Morning Invisiblity on Sarigar: (9 Mins) Cast as entering village.
Renik (AC 23, HP 75, Invisible, Veil, in Telepathic communication with party) d20+21=37 d20+11=21 Tuesday November 16th, 2004 11:56:22 AM
OOC: Cayzle, the plan was also to have Telepathy cast.
Keeping within 30ft of the party the invisible rogue disguised as a flea nevertheless takes care that no-one can see him through the magic (Hide 37, Move Silently 21).
Telepathically he 'speaks' to the rest of the party:
Keep it slow and steady. Let's keep to the road, and hopefully we can walk right in through the front gate.
In the Fort of the Giants (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 16th, 2004 12:10:38 PM
The group wends its slow sneaky way into the fort of the giants. Sarigar, with very sharp eyes and the knowledge of where to look, manages to spot some small sign of their passing, but the giants and slaves in the area are oblivious.
Relying on telepathy to keep in touch, the group sneaks through the gate. [OOC: Assuming that someone casts the telepathy spell from the earlier plan, as Carl reminded me? Please so note.]
Once inside, the hard-packed dirt offers little sign of passage as the group walks, so they pick up the pace a little.
Flying, Renik [And Arien if he is flying? If so, please post that and any active spells!] sees the red spark of fire that shows Sarigar's handiwork. Moments later, shouts go up and giants sprint to the walls. The gates are closed.
Sarigar, you have sneaked away from the blaze, and the barn is on fire. Two giants outside and all the slaves run up to start to put it out. The other giants are standing inside the fort, gate closed, throwing rocks in hand. If you want to enter the fort, please say how. If you want to stay at the edge of the woods or behind a building hiding, that's fine too.
In the fort, the dwarf-looking folk run to their house (small by giant standards) and slam the door shut. Now that you have seen them up close, they are not that dwarfish. But they are short and full-bearded. The group makes its way over to the drow house.
What spells are still in effect? Arcane sight? Who is going to try to enter the house, and how? What will he/they do inside?
Rond d20+19=35 d20+23=24 Tuesday November 16th, 2004 6:05:09 PM
Seeing the spark of the fire, Rond thinks, There starts the fire. Concentrating further, Rond waits to hear what anyone wants to do next. (HS=35, MS=24 (a 1) if needed (hope not :P )
Feng Tuesday November 16th, 2004 6:39:52 PM
Feng's grip tightens on his axe. His heart pounds thinking that the giants will rain boulders on them at any moment. He prays to the gods for this ro tun smoothly. All he wants is the items to be recovered and for them to get out easily.
Draax AC25, HP110 Tuesday November 16th, 2004 10:33:25 PM
As he travels with the group to the house Draax sends the following, "I think we should try going in through a window if one is available. If the items are unguarded we should check them for traps and then take them. If the drow are guarding the items, we should take them out as quickly and silently as possible. Hopefully we will still have the advantage of surprise."
Tratain AC 24 HP 82 (Comprehend Language) d20+9=22 Tuesday November 16th, 2004 11:27:49 PM
Tratain moves to near the door as quitely as he can and listens (Listen 22) to see if he can hear any voices inside and so hes ready to enter if Renik orders it.
He thinks to the others "The giants are very jumpy, that could make things extremely difficult. Their first reaction was to close the gates and prepare for an attack. I wonder who they are setting to defend against, their in the middle of nowhere. Who's going to come all the way out here if they don't need to."
Arien (AC: 21, Extended Mage Armor) Wednesday November 17th, 2004 3:36:31 AM
Arien positions himself in such a way that he can see inside the building when the door is opened but not be blocking the way for the rest of the party to rush in.
(Arien will cast the telepathy spells before-hand. I don't have access to my PHB at the moment and I don't recall the name of the spell though.)
Setanos [HP:98 AC:19] (Ex Mage Armor) Wednesday November 17th, 2004 7:13:24 AM
Setanos braces himself and waits.
OOC: Extended Mage Armor (18 hours) Cast in Morning Invisiblity on Sarigar: (9 Mins) Cast as entering village.
Renik (AC 23, HP 75, Blinking, Invisible, Veil, in Telepathic communication with party) d20+11=31 d20+11=21 Wednesday November 17th, 2004 9:12:10 AM I'm going to blink my head through the wall, take a look around, then pop back out before anyone can spot me the rogue thinks to his companions.
If the coast is clear I'll stay in and hunt for the item, keeping an eye out for traps. I'll maintain telepathic chatter throughout, so if I go quiet you'll know there's trouble. Stand ready to come in through the door if I yell.
Disguised as a flea, the invisible rogue blinks through the wall (I assume it's under 5ft thick?), takes a look around (Spot 31, nat 20) and blinks back out if he sees anyone, maintaining his telepathic commentary throughout. If the room is empty and seems safe he will stay inside and begin to hunt for the items, taking care to keep an eye out for traps (Search 21).
In the House of the Drow (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 17th, 2004 11:51:19 AM
While the rest of the party stand by the front door, ready to enter at a moment's notice, Renik blinks into the dwelling and looks around.
He finds himself in a small parlor. The walls are whitewashed, the floor is roughhewn planking, and beams set in plaster form the ceiling. The furnishings are also rough -- a few chairs, a low table, a bench along one wall. There is an archway to a hall. All seems clear, so Renik prowls around the place.
Looking around, he determines that there are four rooms off the hall, and that's the entire house. The parlor he has been in. From the hall he has looked into a bedroom with two beds, a bedroom with one bed, and a study. All the furnishings have been rough, looking of local make. However, in the study, a tapestry hangs on a wall. It is clearly a work of art of considerable value.
Is Renik searching every five feet as he goes for traps? That will be slow. He has not yet entered any room except the parlor and the hall.
No traps so far.
Oh! There is a narrow stair off the hall, going up to a landing, then turns out of sight. Renik hears voices up there. Since the building is just a single floor high, that must be the roof up there.
[OOC: I'm assuming that with the telepathy, Renik tells everyone (except Sarigar, of course) what he sees, and they can offer advice.]
Sarigar and Black Paws Wednesday November 17th, 2004 12:17:24 PM
Their work done and seeing the gates close, they make their way to another building, closer to the treeline, just in case they need to make a dash for it. They try to keep an eye on the gates though.
They do not hide in the building, unless it is obviously not occupied, but would choose instead to hide near water barrels, bales of hay, etc, that might be outside the building. They want as free an escape route as possible.
Tratain AC 24 HP 82 (Comprehend Language) d20+9=19 Wednesday November 17th, 2004 11:24:12 PM
When Renik communicates that there are people on the roof Tratain takes a few steps back to try and see who is up on top of the roof. (Spot 19)
Draax AC25, HP110 d20+5=13 Thursday November 18th, 2004 12:11:11 AM
Draax listens to the mental conversation between the group members. Like Tratain, Draax looks up when Renik mentions that someone might be on the roof to see what he can see (spot 13).
Rond (the flea) d20=3 Thursday November 18th, 2004 6:55:20 AM
Rond is happy to hear that there are no real problems, at least to start. Hearing the chatter going on, Rond lets the others look up to the room, and see if they see anything. Rond will look around on the ground, and take a look at the tracks in the area to see the story that they tell.
Setanos [HP:98 AC:19] (Ex Mage Armor) d20+8=20 Thursday November 18th, 2004 7:42:10 AM
Setanos continues to remain quiet and alert, listening for signs of movement on the roof.
OOC: Listen Check: 20
Extended Mage Armor (18 hours) Cast in Morning Invisiblity on Sarigar: (9 Mins) Cast as entering village.
Renik (AC 23, HP 75 (Invisible, Veil, in Telepathic communication with party) d20+11=13 d20+11=30 d20+10=29 Thursday November 18th, 2004 8:57:40 AM
The rogue continues to commentate on his surroundings as he widens his search. He begins with the study, creeping across the hall (Move Silent 13) whilst trying to make out what thye voices upstairs are saying (Listen 29). Once in the study he takes a good look around (Search 30). He`takes particular care looking for traps when opening drawers, looking for spaces behind the tapestry and so on.
How are things going out there? Is the camp settling down, or do they look to be on alert? thinks the rogue to his companions outside. Any sign of the Drow or that Mind Flayer?
Sarigar and Black Paws hide with success behind a few bales of hay. The slave-peasants and the two giants are battling the blaze. The giants are carrying huge barrels of water, one in each hand, from the rivulet to the barn. The giants on the wall of the fort seem alert.
Those who are looking to see if anyone is on the roof just do not have the right angle. But do make Listen checks:
If you make a check vs DC15, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear voices up above.}
Setanos, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear three voices. Then one falls silent. Or maybe goes away?}
Rond sees that there has been a lot of traffic in and out of the house. But that's what you'd expect.
Entering the study, Renik sees there are papers and a large book on the desk in one corner. He finds a locked chest with a trap on it under the desk. A magical trap.
But then he is riveted by what he sees in the tapestry in the other corner of the room! The scene is of a court. There are suitors gazing at a princess. One of the suitors looks just like Rhiad Blackwing, the person the team is after!
And Renik is sure that the scene has changed since he first entered the room!
Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV132) d20+15=34 d20+14=32 Thursday November 18th, 2004 12:53:23 PM
The brothers keep a close watch (Spot 34, Listen 32) on things from their vantage point.
Not that they can do much from out here, but perhaps another fire might help if it's needed. As such, Sarigar begin eyeing buildings that would be easy to get to and back from that he can start another fire in, just in case.
Feng; AC 23; HP 105 d20=5 Thursday November 18th, 2004 6:11:06 PM
Feng's gaze continually shifts watching for any sign that their presence has been detected. His heart pounds faster and faster as his mind races to the conclusion that giants will swarm them any second now.
Draax AC25, HP110 d20+5=18 Thursday November 18th, 2004 8:16:11 PM
Draax looks around and reports to Renik if he sees anything or gives the all clear at the moment. (spot 18)
Tratain AC 24 HP 82 (Comprehend Language) d20+9=11 Thursday November 18th, 2004 11:10:12 PM
Tratain sends to Renik "The camp seems to still be on alert, but they seem to be focused outside the walls right now not inside. I'm going to move a little bit further away so they can't hear me and cast my locate object spell and try and get a fix on the ring. If its not up on the roof with whoever is up there it may be best to take the tapestry and chest and go. We can try and open them elsewhere."
Tratain backs away from the building far enoug away from the other buildings and the walls so that it would be very difficult for anyone to hear him casting his spell, and casts locate object looking for the communications ring the party was sent for.
Arien (AC: 21, Extended Mage Armor) HP:48 d20+7=25 Friday November 19th, 2004 4:27:22 AM
Arien hears the voices from up above and sends that fact to the rest of the group but stays where he is until Renik gives the signal.
Setanos [HP:98 AC:19] (Ex Mage Armor) d20+8=9 Friday November 19th, 2004 8:10:42 AM
Setanos sends there's three voices up on tha roof, one's got quiet, they migha heard us.
To Tratain he sends dinna go too far or ya wont be a flea
He then continues to listen.
OOC: Listen Check: 9 (Nope, nothing to hear, move along :) )
Extended Mage Armor (18 hours) Cast in Morning Invisiblity on Sarigar: (9 Mins) Cast as entering village.
A Voice by The Tapestry (DM Cayzle) Friday November 19th, 2004 1:13:21 PM
Although he does not see anything, Renik hears a spell being cast, over by the Tapestry. But nothing happens as a result -- no save needed, no fireball, no finger of death, nothing. But then the voice continues in common.
The voice seems to come from the ceiling. "Hello, stranger! What brings you to my study?"
Outside, Tratain's Locate Object spell fails. No such ring in range. All else seems tense but quiet. The giants are focussed on the fire outside. The voices above continue.
Rond d20+11=16 Sunday November 21st, 2004 1:17:16 AM
Having not located very much outside the cabin, Rond waits. As he waits he listens to the others as they communicate with Renik. Hearing the comments and realizing it at the same time. Rond commetns, confirmed, I hear them.
Renik (AC 23, HP 75 (Invisible, Veil, in Telepathic communication with party) d20+19=36 Sunday November 21st, 2004 5:47:07 AM Oh dear, I think we've been rumbled thinks the rogue to his companions. Stand ready, this may turn nasty any second.
The rogue weighs up his options. The voice could be one of the Drow on the roof. Or it could be another, invisible presence. It could even be the tapestry itself. You never know with powerful magical items.
The fact remains he has been spotted. Or has he? Perhaps the source of the voice heard his clumsy attempts at silent movement, and is now trying to pinpoint him from the sound of his voice.
And yet the voice has not raised the alarm, or challenged him. In fact it seemed rather polite... perhaps it would be best to play along. In a soft voice, so as not to alert the Drow on the roof, the rogue says
"So this is your study? Very fine. Love what you've done with the place. I hope you'll forgive the intrusion, but I had some questions for you. Would you be willing to talk?"
To his companions outside he explains events and says Can you still hear three voices on the roof?.
The rogue then creeps a few feet away from his current position (Move Silent 36: apologies, got my last MS mod wrong. Should have been a total of 21, but too late now).
He eyes the chest, wondering if it is small enough for him to carry with him if he needs to blink back out through a wall.
Tratain AC 24 HP 82 (Comprehend Language) Sunday November 21st, 2004 11:16:06 PM
Tratain sends to the others "I couldn't locate the ring with my spell, its either not here or protected against detection"
Tratain moves back to the door and prepares for a fight if one should break out.
He sends "If things turn ugly Renik, try and grab that chest and tapestry, of the two the tapestry is probably more important."
Draax AC25, HP110 d20+5=21 Monday November 22nd, 2004 2:27:56 AM
Draax continues to stay on his guard while he listens to the others. He scans the area looking for any who might come near the party (spot 21).
Setanos [HP:98 AC:19] (Ex Mage Armor) d20+8=9 Monday November 22nd, 2004 7:58:30 AM
Setanos strains his ears to listen, but doesnt hear much above the din of activity from the giants.
He sends canna hear much above all the noise now. If things go south, I'll throw some fireballs ta distract em while we get out. You can sense much happier tone in Setanos's mental voice as he says the second statement.
He leaves the decision of what to grab up to the more rogueish, and watches for signs of being spotted by the giants.
OOC: Listen Check: Fahgettaboutit.
Extended Mage Armor (18 hours) Cast in Morning Invisiblity on Sarigar: (9 Mins) Cast as entering village.
Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV132) Monday November 22nd, 2004 12:01:49 PM
The brothers wait as patiently as if waiting for their prey to drop its guard so they can pounce.
Trading Questions (DM Cayzle) Monday November 22nd, 2004 12:07:19 PM
[OOC: I'm assuming that Renik is communicating his conversation with the voice to all those telepathically linked with him. So those PCs (All but Sarigar, sorry) can feel free to suggest questions and answers.]
The voice suggests a bargain. "You have questions. I have questions. I suggest that we trade ... answer for answer, like civilized people. As host, I will answer two of your questions first, and then pose one of ... my own. Agreed?"
"My answers: Yes, this is my study. And yes, I am willing to talk."
"Now let me ask my question. What is the race or races of you and your friends?"
Renik judges the chest as too big to fit under a cloak -- so it would be visible even if picked up. As to its weight -- depends on what's in it. If it is filled with gold, it'll be very heavy indeed."
Outside the front door, the rest of the group in insect form waits and thinks encouraging thoughts.
Draax AC25, HP110 Monday November 22nd, 2004 1:12:58 PM
When Renik relays the question to the group Draax first thought is to tell Renik to lie to the voice, but then he thinks about the question that is asked. The voice knows that the rogue is not alone and has friends; it might know a lot more. Draax remembers a lesson that his father taught him when he was young. When possible, you always start an exchange of information with a question that you already know the answer to so you can see if they are being honest with you.
Draax sends "It might be guessing, but the fact that it knows you have friends could mean that the question is a test to see if you will answer truthfully. I vote you tell it the truth and we being ready deal with the consequences if that was the wrong decision."
Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV132) Monday November 22nd, 2004 2:14:54 PM
The brothers continue waiting. Muscles tense and buterflies of nervousness flutter in their stomach. It hasn't been long, but it's been long enough to make them worry a bit.
/ooc That's why I've added nothing to their "conversation" =)
Feng; AC 23; HP 105 Monday November 22nd, 2004 3:58:52 PM
"I agree with Draax. The fact that there are three people on a rooftop above us just proves that they are onto us. How much they know remains to be seen." Feng sends.
Tratain AC 24 HP 82 (Comprehend Language) Monday November 22nd, 2004 10:40:08 PM
Tratain says "I'd answer truthfully for now. He may or may not mean us harm. Whoever it is could have just alerted the giants and we could be fighting right now but perhapse we may not have to fight at all. Lets play along for now and see how it goes."
Renik (AC 23, HP 75 (Invisible, Veil, in Telepathic communication with party) d20+3=14 d20+14=18 d20+14=24 Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 7:01:07 AM I'm inclined to agree. Let us throw the dice and see what comes up. Can you still hear voices on the roof? How many?
Renik listens for any sign of duplicity or hostility in the voice (Sense Motive 14).
Out loud the rogue says "I'm always happy to trade. You seem a reasonable fellow, so why not. We are of various races; human, half orc, half elf, elf. A curious question, if you don't mind me saying. I apologize, I have no idea to whom I'm speaking. Could you tell me a little about yourself? And your reason for being here in the camp?"
He continues to relay all developments to his companions. As he speaks he studies the tapestry closely, and keeps an eye and ear out for any signs of invisible presence (Spot 18, Listen 24).
Trading Questions II (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 11:11:24 AM
Those standing outside the house listening might want to make a Listen check at DC15. If you make it, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear two voices on the roof.}
Note that Comprehend Lang requires a touch, so that does not apply.
Inside the study, the voice answers, and Renik gets the feeling that the speaker is smiling. [OOC: It will take a little more time to use Sense Motive -- roll again at the end of the conversation, if you like.]
"Excellent! Excellent! I am looking for humans and their kin!"
"You have asked two questions, though, and being flexible, I will answer both. Then I will ask two."
"The answer to your first question. I am a wizard, of elf-kin, far from my native lands. You may call me Caunas Methar."
"The answer to your second question. I am here entertaining the giants and their guests. My services to do so are not inexpensive, so there is some profit for me here. Not as much as I believe possible, though. A mere pittance, comparatively speaking."
"Now let me ask two questions. First, have you heard the fabrications known to humans as "Fairy Tales"? Are you or your friends familiar with their tropes, conventions, and practices?"
"Second question. Why did you come to my study, and how did you know to come here?"
Renik notes that the figures in the Tapestry have moved slightly.
Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV132) d20+15=17 d20+14=22 Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 11:24:28 AM
Still watching for signs that the others have been detected (Spot 17, Listen 22), the brother continue to wait.
Tratain AC 24 HP 82 (Comprehend Language) Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 10:50:15 PM
Tratain Thinks to the others "Fairy Tales? Like childrens stories? Thats sort of and odd question. Try and find out about the man we are looking for. I wouldn't mention the ring right away or at all depending on how htings go."
Feng; AC 23; HP 105 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 1:20:29 AM
"Well we can put him down as a dark elf but what's his game? I fear this is something far bigger than our missing items and problems with giants." Feng sends to the others.
Draax AC25, HP110 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 2:46:12 AM
Draax has no idea what the voice is talking about, but he does get the feeling that their mysterious host is going to ask the group for a favor of some type. He sends, "I agree. I have an uneasy feeling that his questioning is steering us towards a favor. Lets see if we could get the information we need before he lets us know where his questioning is leading."
Renik (AC 23, HP 75 (Invisible, Veil, in Telepathic communication with party) d20+19=35 d20+21=33 d20+14=34 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 5:36:24 AM
The rogue mentally nods to his companions, and continues the discussion, relaying his thoughts to his companions as he goes.
"Two questions it is" replies the rogue, smiling back. "Though if I'm not mistaken you just asked me four! Let me answer them as best as I am able.
Indeed I am familiar with fairy tales. I cannot answer for my companions, but as a child I was positively inundated with them by my father once my mother passed away. He was a bit of a story teller, my father, and I suppose I am also, in my turn. Now I couldn't claim to be a scholar of the genre, but I certainly know a good number of tales. The Golden Slipper? The Toad King? Jack-in-the-Green? Or the tale Tiny Leaf, told by Treants and Dryads to their young in their secret groves? These I know and many more. A fascinating subject to be interested in, sir. Though often dismissed as mere distractions for children I believe there to be a great deal of power in the old tales. They have much to tell us about ourselves, if one cares to look. Not many realise that it is an ancient wisdom that is passed down to us at our mother's knee, that we learn vital and eternal truths about ourselves from the most innocuous of children's tales. My father told me that those same tales, in countless forms and variants, have been told down the millenia across races and continents. Certainly Tiny Leaf bears more than a passing resemblance to the human Tale of Tomas Little. If this is true it would seem there there is a more common bond between the cognicent races of the Wold than is commonly believed. Such replication cannot be merely down to chance, I would venture. A truly fascinating field, sir, and one that bears much discussion.
And so to your third and fourth questions. But, having answered your first two so fully, perhaps you would be willing to let me ask my two next, and save yours for the next turn.
Here are my questions to you, Caunas Methar;
Firstly; you spoke of the possibility of great profit here. What exactly did you mean by that?
Secondly; This is a most unusual camp. Giants, drow, mind flayers, lizard people and more. Not a common combination. Why are you all assembled here?
I believe we'll come to asking after our items with the next set of questions thinks the rogue to his companions. Until then I want to get as much information out of this fellow as possible.
Once he has spoken to the wizard Renik creeps quietly towards an external wall, ready to blink himself outside should things turn nasty (Move Silent 35, Hide 33). As he does so he continues to look for any sign of the stolen coin, journal or gems (Spot 34, nat 20).
Rond d20+11=24 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 7:31:21 AM
Rond listens in on the mental conversation and notes that Renik appears to be handling things well.
Listen=24
Currently there are only two voices on the rooftop. It's hard for me to say what the third voice is going
Setanos [HP:98 AC:19] (Ex Mage Armor) d20+8=22 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 7:49:38 AM
Setanos continues to listen. He starts to say something in the mind voice, then stops suddenly, a dark look crossing his face.
mind flayers read minds...assume we've been overheard.
He then stops looking for signs of being spotted, and starts looking for signs that the group is being willfully ignored.
Arien (AC: 21, Extended Mage Armor, Fly) HP:48 d20+7=25 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 1:16:45 PM
Arien notes the voices on the roof wonders where the third might have gone. Arien backs off a distance to make himself harder to hear and casts Fly upon himself.
Paranoia and Still More Questions (DM Cayzle) d20+3=18 d20+3=19 [secret DM rolls] Wednesday November 24th, 2004 3:12:37 PM
[OOC: Friends, I'll be taking a break tomorrow, on the American holiday of Thanksgiving. I'll post bright and early on Friday.]
Setanos has a fearful thought, and Arien, catching the drift of his mental musings, gets worried too, and casts a Fly spell, as quiet as he can.
[Note: Per the Veil spell, I assume that all PCs outside the house are within 30 feet of each other. Renik, inside and more than 30 feet away, is not Veiled any more -- I should have mentioned that earlier. But he is invisible, anyway.]
One of the voices on the roof speaks sharply, and then both are suddenly silent.
Meanwhile, the person calling himself "Caunas Methar" responds to Renik.
"Well, I would like to know your name ... stranger. But I shall not waste a precious question asking it. And a stranger who knows the silly tales that humans tell their young ... lings. How very ... wonderful!"
"The answer to your question is tied ... to the answer to mine. In short -- yon Tapestry you see here is a potent ... magical item. The secrets of its creation are lost ... in time. It has the unusual ... property of being a window into an ... ongoing fairy tale, the kind that humans love."
"What is more ... living creatures can enter the Tapestry, joining the tale in progress. And they can ... emerge ... even carrying out the treasures they gain in the story!"
"You seem ... clever, oh stranger. So perhaps you see the ... potential for drawing forth the fabulous wealth of what humans call ... fairy tales!"
The voice becomes louder, as if the speaker were getting carried away, or perhaps simply overcome with his scheme.
"Castles made of ... emerald! Rings of wishes! A spinning wheel ... that spins gold! Swords that slay dragons and giants! A goose ... that lays gold eggs! Any of these could be drawn from the Tapestry! Think ... Of ... It!"
"Here is my question to you ... friend of humans ... sage of fairy tales! Would you like to aid me in this quest, to draw forth the ... imaginary riches of fable ... to share the treasure of fairy tales?"
Draax AC25, HP110 Thursday November 25th, 2004 1:23:01 PM
As the voices comments are relayed to him Draax's greed almost makes him suggest they take the offer. When the moment is over he remembers that they came here on a mission and that mission has not yet been completed. The tapestry does give them an idea of what happened to Rhiad, but unless the items are in the tapestry Draax sees no reason to go into it at this time.
He send, "Rhiad is probably in the tapestry if what the voice says is true, but unless the items we came here for are also in the tapestry we cannot aid him at this time. I am curious about the tapestry, but there are too many unanswered questions about it. The one that is foremost in my mind is, if we have to go in to get the bard how will we get out? I also noticed that he did not answer the second question."
Tratain Thursday November 25th, 2004 9:44:25 PM
Tratain sends to the group "I didn't pick up the ring when I cast my spell looking for it, It may be inside the tapestry. Ask him how we get out, if we are going to go in looking for Rhiad we will need a way to get him and ourselves out."
Rond Friday November 26th, 2004 3:52:11 AM
Thinking to the group Rond adds, "Maybe you should find out about how time moves out here while you are in the tapestry. Because we don't want our fire getting out of control very much, before we can leave."
Rond hopes that the subtle hint does the job, should anyone be listening in on their telepathic conversation.
Second Question Answered (DM Cayzle) Friday November 26th, 2004 7:34:32 AM
The voice pauses for thought, then adds, "Oh, and your second question. The different peoples in the camp."
"Well, you humans may be known for your willingness to socialize with all races, but that does not give you a monopoly on cosmopolitania. The people of the Scab are often happy to visit with each other, except when fighting each other. And, although I try to be modest, I must admit that most of these visitors have heard of the Tapestry and are willing to pay good money to see it. And even better money to enter -- and try to win a prize!"
"And the Chief of the giants here has a fondness for gambling. He enjoys wagers on the outcome of the Tapestry stories, and that gives me yet another opportunity."
"And my questions: Would you help me in securing the wealth of the Tapestry? And if you did not come here for the Tapestry, then why are you here?"
Renik Friday November 26th, 2004 8:57:24 AM
(OOC: Ack! Sorry guys! I should have posted yesterday, when I had the time!)
Renik pauses for a moment, stroking his invisible goattee. "This is intriguing news indeed, sir. A Tapestry that links directly into the world of imagination and myth. I can see how it might be used to retrieve the most astonishing of treasures.
You would like me to asist you in gaining some of these treasures? Well now, that would depend on a number of things. For example the nature of the help you require, the nature of the items you wish to locate, the way in which time moves for those inside the Tapestry compared to those outside. It would also depend upon the fate of those who have tried already. If it where a simple case of hopping in, grabbing the goods and hopping out I'm sure you would not require help in retrieving them. And the fact that the giant chief enjoys a wager on the outcome... all that sounds like danger to me. Unhealthy danger. And that's not even considering the potential danger a treasure-laden and victorious hero might encounter upon leaving the Tapestry, if you take my meaning, sir.
As for your second question, it may well be linked to my first answer. I come here seeking a man with whom you may be familiar. His name is Rhiad Blackwing, a weasely sort of a fellow, with what looks like a small slug perched upon his upper lip. This fellow has (or had) in his possession some items of mine which he forgot to return, and I would very much like to discuss the matter with him. I'm sure he'll prove cooperative.
There is only one minor problem. A while back Rhiad's trail was lost. Instead we found yours, and followed it here, believing you to have taken receipt of the items. Now I am not so sure. It strikes me that Rhiad may well have been with you on that journey after all, for not too long ago I had the strangest feeling that my good friend Rhiad stared out at me from that Tapestry!
So my questions to you sir; what can you tell me of the nature and dangers of the Tapestry, and what can you tell me of the man I seek?"
Well, we're in a tight spot here, friends thinks the rogue. I suspect we are going to have to go into the Tapestry if we want our items back, but that still leaves us the problem of getting out of here in one piece once we get back out. Ah well, let's see what Wardd wills.
(OOC: Joe, do you mean the coin when you said ring? As far as i can tell we're looking for a communication coin, a code journal and a bag of gems. Am I right in thinking that was all Rhiad stole, or am I missing something?)
Rond Sunday November 28th, 2004 3:05:17 PM
Thinking to the others, " We'll do what's needed, of course. Does anyone know whether there's a way to detect if this thing/person is evil?"
Like Renik, Rond starts to get nervous the longer this interview takes.
Feng Monday November 29th, 2004 1:10:47 AM
"Give me a moment and I shall tell you what evil lies around us. Hopefully I am close enough to this person to tell." Feng sends to the others. He now concentrates on feeling the evil around them.
ooc: detect evil ability
Setanos Monday November 29th, 2004 7:51:49 AM
Setanos remains quiet and still, trying to think of nothing.
News of Rhiad Blackwing, at last! (DM Cayzle) Monday November 29th, 2004 11:52:55 AM
Feng detects evil up on the roof and within.
==========
It is hard to tell that an invisible person has shrugged, but Renik has the odd intuition that Caunas Methar does exactly that, and then speaks: "The man you seek has indeed entered the Tapestry, as you now suspect. I allowed him to do so, and he paid well for the opportunity. But he had no interest in anything but his princess! He has made no effort to leave, and he does nothing to advance my agenda. On the other hand, I cannot force him to exit the Tapestry, either. He paid me in cash, but took his other possessions with him into the Tapestry."
"As to the dangers, there are few to none within. But all who enter become human, and they are forced to play a role in the unfolding story. So long as you fit the style of the story, you may act freely; but if you try to disrupt the story, the Tapestry will control your speech and actions. A human who understands how these stories work will have an advantage. I have the secret power to influence the story, but not to control it. You may leave the Tapestry when it suits the story for you to go, or if you die, and you may bring out anything that fits the story for you to escape alive with."
"But I think the time for questions has ended. You seek this human. I will allow you to enter the Tapestry and act therein as you desire, perhaps bringing him out, or acquiring his items. You will need to pay me 5,000 gold pieces for the right to enter, or magic items worth that much. If you bring 5,000 gold pieces out of the Tapestry, you can buy back your items, if you like. I will also have your vow that after you return, you will tell me how you obtained your wealth and allow me an hour to ask you any questions I like. If you are successful, perhaps we can be partners in extracting wealth from the Tapestry."
"If you agree, then present yourself at the gate to the fort and offer my name as a pass word. Then you can join the visitors here and enter the Tapestry."
Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV132) d20+15=35 d20+14=22 Monday November 29th, 2004 12:02:56 PM
The brothers continue their watch (Listen 35 - Nat 20, Spot 22) to be sure if the pack or for that matter, they have been detected.
ooc: Sorry for the no posts, I was at my sisters as of Wednesday and had no computer access.
Feng Monday November 29th, 2004 7:06:28 PM
"Renik I would not trust him. I detect the presence of evil upon the roof and within that room. Either he or the tapestry is evil. I would not believe what he is saying. For all we know the Tapestry feeds off of people and there is no way out." Fend sends to the others.
Draax AC25, HP110 Monday November 29th, 2004 11:39:20 PM
"I agree with Feng, this sounds like a con job to me too, but what choice do we have? We either go into the tapestry, find another way to get to the bard and the items or forget them and go back empty handed. Going back without the items will mean that Gaxx died for nothing. My danger sense is telling me no, but my conscience is telling me that we must. So...I vote do it. If we do decide to do this will we need to contact Sarigar and Black Paws."
Arien (AC: 21, Extended Mage Armor, Fly) HP:48 Tuesday November 30th, 2004 3:22:24 AM
Arien flys up to get a better view of anyone on the roof and relays what he sees to the others.
Renik Tuesday November 30th, 2004 6:11:26 AM
"An intriguing offer." murmurs the rogue. "I thank you for your candour, Caunas. You will hear from me shortly."
The rogue blinks back out of the building and thinks to his companions Let's get out of camp and locate Sarigar. We need to discuss this. I think we are all agreed that our Drow host is up to no good, but Draax has hit the nail squarely on the head. This is something I think we have to do.
With that the rogue heads back out of the camp, ensuring he doesn't get out of telepathic range of the others.
Rond Tuesday November 30th, 2004 7:30:08 AM I just wish there was a way to confirm the properties of the Tapestry. He didn't really explain how time passed
Setanos Tuesday November 30th, 2004 7:56:59 AM
Setanos heads out of camp with the others.
Once a good way out of the camp, he speaks. "I dinna like this. We've no proof that tha tapestries what he says it is. I say we grab it, take it back ta Plateau city, an let tha mages take a look at it."
Back to Camp (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 30th, 2004 9:30:23 AM
Caunas Methar answers, "Candor! Well, I find that honesty works best in business dealings. I hope to see you soon at the giant's gate. Remember to give my name: Caunas Methar!"
Arien flies up (but still within 30 feet of the group to preserve the flea-guise) and sees two drow on the roof. They are dressed in robes and have wands ready in hand.
The group carefully leaves the fort in order to get back to camp. Sarigar, with his extraordinarily keen senses, figures out what is going on, and returns as well.
Now you are all back at the camp where you started, Maybe ten minutes have gone by -- but an eventful ten minutes!
By the way, it is clear that the giants will have the fire under control soon.
Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV132) d20+30=42 d20+25=34 Tuesday November 30th, 2004 11:40:14 AM
The brothers return to the camp about the same time as the others, prowling the whole way, just to be safe (Hide 42, Move Silently 34).
Once in the camp, they listen to what the other have to say. Occasionally, something will gather their attention, but they try to stay focused. In unison, they scratch a spot behind each of their ears as if they both had the exact same itch.
"So, we go in this tap-as-tree? What's that?"
When it's explained that it's a wall decoration, Sarigar looks completely confused, both by why someone wants to decorate a wall and how they are going to go into a piece of cloth. Very quickly a pained look comes over Sarigar's face (followed by a similar look on Black Paws) as if he's getting a rather large headache.
"So, we roll up in this tap-as-tree and we're somewhere else? And our prey is rolled up in it already? Hmmm, guess we gotta roll up in it too then."
The pained looks subsides somewhat, but the look of confusion about a wall decoration still remains. Crazy humans, decorating the walls of their den. He thinks to himself. Black Paws gives out what almost sounds like a chuckle.
Renik Tuesday November 30th, 2004 2:47:29 PM
"I'd like to do this on our own terms too, Setanos. But I don't think we can take the chance. Firstly how would we get the Tapestry? I think it likely that it is protected by potent magics. Not to mention that they know of us now, and would be ready for any assault. Then we would have to manage to effect an escape, and then we'd need to activate the magic of the item. The Drow clearly knows how to tap its magic, whilst we do not. I think we're just going to have to take our medecine.
What say the rest of you? Do we go for this or not?"
Feng Tuesday November 30th, 2004 9:06:31 PM
"It's a very tough choice. I think it is certain that the Tapestry is a trap. He mentioned there was a way out but he didn't say how easy it was nor how long it would take. He says that our target will not come out on his own but we may very well learn that he simply can't. The best thing to do would be to take the tapestry with us. The fact that he knew we were sneaking in and he invited us in raises alarms. Though we may have to go in and risk it."
Draax AC25, HP110 Wednesday December 1st, 2004 12:35:59 AM
Draax listens to everyone and then adds his comments.
"I am guessing the princess in the tapestry resembles Blackwing's lost love. If the bard is as fanatical about his love as we were told would explain a lot about his behavior especially if he was aware of the tapestry before he went renegade.
"I still think we have to go in. I think he mentioned the chief of giants to let us know that they have the backing of the giants. If what he says is true we will at least be able to work in the first door. I do not think walking out will be as easy, but we can deal with that if we come to it. We might have to kill the bard to bring him out and if what our host said is true we will have to do it in line with the story.
"Although I feel as uncomfortable about this as everyone else, I vote we give the tapestry a try."
Discussion (DM Cayzle) Wednesday December 1st, 2004 9:30:13 AM
The group continues its quiet talk over what to do next.
[OOC: Friends, those who do not post run the real risk of being swept along by events. Please do post daily, especially when a decision is being made! -- Cayzle.]
Renik Wednesday December 1st, 2004 12:39:13 PM
"That seems to be a consensus then" says the rogue. "Though we are almost certainly getting set up, we'll just have to see this one through. Let's approach the main gate openly this time."
Assuming no major disagreements he heads towards the main gates with the party with purposeful stride. Should anyone challenge them he will bark out "We are here at the request of Caunas Methar!"
Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV132) Wednesday December 1st, 2004 2:30:00 PM
The brothers, still confused about what they're really doing, move along with the pack. Going into this tapestry makes no sense. To them, it sounded like a blanket and you can't go into a blanket, you cover yourself with it or wrap up in it. They keep mulling images of the entire pack trying to wrap up in some huge blanket, looking rather foolish.
"If our prey is just rolled up in this tap-as-tree, why don't we just yank it off him? Is he stuck to it or somethin'? They continue on, trying to wrap their minds around this whole concept and not getting very far.
Feng Wednesday December 1st, 2004 7:23:33 PM
"Sarigar I wish it were that simple and it may be. The tapestry is magical and is probably magicly protected against theft. The tapestry acts as a door to another world where our prey currently is hiding. We don't know how it works so going in is the only choice we have."
Draax AC25, HP110 Wednesday December 1st, 2004 9:37:32 PM
If there are no disagreements Draax will head towards the gate with the others.
Tratain Wednesday December 1st, 2004 10:50:42 PM
Tratain follows along with the others to the gate. He says "I agree with Renik, its probably a set up but we have no other choice. He hasn't done anything to attack us yet while he could have certainly attacked Renik while he was inside or alerted the guards and had them attack us but he didn't. This probably is our best chance to get what we are after and get a feel for how things really stand here."
Rond Wednesday December 1st, 2004 11:23:24 PM
"He did say that Riad paid in gold, right? Not using the gold coin? Because I'm hoping that this person doesn't have the equipment already, like Riad paid with it.
Other than that, I'm not sure we're going to have much choice. At least by being in the Tapestry we know we have him cornered, sort of. It's too bad there isn't a way to know if he exited the tapestry."
The Front Gate (DM Cayzle) Thursday December 2nd, 2004 11:19:39 AM
After talking and waiting a little while, the party walks up toward the fortress openly.
When the group is in shouting distance (50 feet), the giants at the wall toss a few stones very wide of the mark in the parties general direction (falling 20 feet to the left and right of the road). A huge giant voice booms out, "Who are you? What do you want?"
Renik answers back loudly, "We are here at the request of Caunas Methar!"
The giant says, "Fine! Come on in, then!"
The gate opens and the party walks in. There are twelve giants there waiting, and one of them -- an older looking one -- is wearing a simple brass crown. One of the giants next to him -- one with a cunning eye -- declares "Bow before King Gorin Stonecrusher of the Flamecrowns, Lord of Bone Castle!"
Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV132) Thursday December 2nd, 2004 12:01:43 PM
When Feng explains that the tapestry is actually a door, the pained look comes back over Sarigar and Black Paws faces again. As if he wasn't confused enough, now humans use blankets to keep walls warm AND as doors. Yep, humans are nuts, no doubt about it in their minds now.
At the fort, the brothers are noticably on edge, not from fear, but from holding themselves back. They've been hunted by giants and similar large humanoids enough in the Red Hills enough to want to attack these here. Every sense they have is on full, expecting ambush.
When the "order" is given to bow, Sarigar turns his head in the direction of the Giant making the order, head dipped slightly, looking icily up from under his furled brow. It's obvious that he has no intention to bow, let alone to someone from a race that has hunted his kin in the past.
Draax AC25, HP110 Thursday December 2nd, 2004 6:19:50 PM
Draax is caught off guard when asked to bow, but after taking a second to think about it he berates himself for not thinking it through before hand. Every ruler wants those that enter their kingdom asking favors to show the proper respect. It is obvious that giant considers the land to be his kingdom and the fort his castle. Draax tries to keep a neutral expression on his face and hopes the giants cannot see him grinding his teeth as he turns to the giant king and gives him the same bow that his would bestow upon any other ruler.
Feng (Ac 23; HP 105) Thursday December 2nd, 2004 8:49:15 PM
Now more than ever Feng thinks this must be the wrong path for them. Now they are surrounded by giants and being pushed on purpose. No doubt the dark elf that Renik met told the giants what he learned after they snuck out. Feng doesn't believe that this giant deserves respect, more like death, but he still bows slightly.
Rond Thursday December 2nd, 2004 11:06:52 PM
Having taken his lessons from the time he's spent as a spy, Rond bows with no real effort on his part. It is just a role they must play, in order to get to the information that they need.
Renik Friday December 3rd, 2004 3:20:45 AM
The rogue bows extravagantly and calls out "Hail, great king! Nice place you have here! We come to see Caunas Methar at his request. Do you grant us safe passage?"
Arien Friday December 3rd, 2004 3:22:51 AM
Arien grimaces but bows when told. There would be plenty of time to pay these giants back.
Setanos Friday December 3rd, 2004 7:53:44 AM
Setanos nods his head far enough down that it would likely be taken for a bow, and remains quiet. His teeth are clenched, but it is better that he does not speak at this time.
Tratain Friday December 3rd, 2004 10:54:32 AM
Tratain Bows to the king and waits for Renik to explain why the group is here.
King Stonecrusher (DM Cayzle) Friday December 3rd, 2004 12:35:38 PM
The "king" of Bone "Castle" laughs in a more or less friendly way. "Ha ha! Feisty and respectful! That's what I like in munchkins! Ho ho!"
"Well, you heard about the wizard, eh! That's just fine! There's an entry tax of 100 gold per person, which gets you a house and a seat at the feasting table. After the feast, the wizard will bring out the Tapestry!"
"We'll have a tale of adventure, and the joy of wagering! Well worth it!"
If the group pays the admission cost, a peasant gnoll shows the group to to a small human-proportioned house about 50 feet from the wizard's house. There are four rooms, rudely furnished, with mats over a earthen floor. The gnoll says in poor common that the feast will begin when the bell rings, in about four hours.
Do you pay the fee? Actions before the feast?
Draax AC25, HP110 Friday December 3rd, 2004 4:09:37 PM
Draax grimaces at the announcement of an extra fee, but smiles when he remembers that the money they are using comes from the treasure they got from the giants, so they are actually giving the giants back their own money.
Draax smiles at the king and hands over the 800 gold for the party.
When they are delivered to the house Draax finds a spot to sit and relaxes while they wait. He says to the group, "I wonder when the games actually begin or did it begin as soon as we got into the keep. I know if I was the owner of the tapestry I would probably be watching us right now." He smiles to the air just in case his assessment is correct.
Rond Friday December 3rd, 2004 4:30:59 PM
Now that the group has unhurried access to the inside of the fort. Rond will do his best to do some further scouting around in the fort. Rond will look around and try to note anything of real interest.
Rond is also concerned about whether the party is walking into a trap. While others may talk and pay attention to the Giants. Rond is trying to see if there is anything 'odd' about the whole situation.
(ooc roll any rolls necessary, or not necessary! ;) )
==========
[OOC: If you want to talk to someone, feel free to make a Diplomacy or Bluff check. If you want to scout around, make Search and Spot checks. Use your discretion. -- Cayzle]
Rond d20+7=11 d20+1=13 Sunday December 5th, 2004 10:47:50 PM
Spot 11 search 13
Ferrak (Hope this is o.k.) Monday December 6th, 2004 6:59:09 AM
Waking from a dream the gnarly gnome scratches his hairy head.
Near him a cow jumps over a moon. Ferrak rubs his eyes. "Where is Darkfang?" The feral gnome sees a shadow moving off in the distance. Ferrak's nostrils flare as his mind tries to comprehend what has happened to him.
As the King addresses the party, off in another corner of the tapestry Ferrak stomps around looking for his brother.
He sees a wolf talking to a black bird up in a tree. The bird seems to be up to something grim. Is it Darkfang...? Ferrak finds himself surrounded by a mist...
Time passes.
Renik d20+5=17 Monday December 6th, 2004 7:20:39 AM
Maintaining a cheerful, rakish grin the rogue saunters through the Giant compound like he owns the place. He nods in greeting to any he encounters, smiling and chatting until he gets inside their lodgings. Once there his happy facade fades at Draax's words.
"Fair point my friend. I suggest we all find out as much about what lies in store for us as we can before we go in. Let's get chatting to people and see what we can learn."
Then, once he has washed and shaved, the rogue heads back out into the compound and attempts to strike up conversation with likely-looking sources of information (Gather Info 17, attempting to get as much detail as possible on the way the tapestry works, the history of previous entrants and the outcome of the various wagers placed.)
(OOC: Yay! Ferrak and Darkfang are back! Welcome home!)
Setanos [HP:98 AC:19] (Ex Mage Armor) d20+8=14 Monday December 6th, 2004 9:27:32 AM
Setanos tries to avoid thinking about anything related to their mission while on the grounds of the giant fort. He fills his mind with memories of heroic tales, good feasts and the like, lest the mindflayers be peaking.
He tries to keep his eyes out for anything odd, but mostly just remains silent, and stays with the majority of the party.
OOC: Spot : 14
Feng (Ac 23, HP 105) Monday December 6th, 2004 10:06:53 AM
Feng isn't a diplomat nor was he blessed with a silver tongue. He can't stop thinking that this is a really bad idea. There was no easy way to do what they had to do but at least when Giants are trying to squash you you know where you stand.
Tratain Monday December 6th, 2004 10:51:23 AM
Tratain Looks around the fort trying to judge the situation of the slaves outside.
Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV132) d20+15=33 d20+14=27 Monday December 6th, 2004 12:50:56 PM
Knowing that should he move around the fort too much, he may not be able to control himself, Sarigar stays near the house the party was brought to and just watches. Like a hunter, he watches for predictability in movements, noticiable weaknesses in his prey, etc. (Spot 33, Listen 27 / 35 and 29 for Monstrous Humanoids)
If he spots any of the Dark Elves, he watches them intently. Mostly he tries to determine if these are the dark elves that killed his pack. Otherwise, he just keeps a close watch on them (without moving more than about 20 feet from the party's house) since they seem to be the prey the pack is presently after.
The Lay of the Land (DM Cayzle) d20=15 d100=13 d20=12 [Mysterious DM rolls] Monday December 6th, 2004 1:32:29 PM
Drax hands over the 800 gp fee, and the king claps him on the back with a grin. "If you've got more than than, my fine fellow, there will be opportunities a-plenty for you to lose it in fun wagering! See you tonight! Meantime, make yourself homely!"
The rest of the giants laugh loudly over this "witticism."
Once in the house provided, Drax looks around suspiciously. However, he detects no magic sensor or srying token.
Setanos and Rond venture out and about, trying to tell if there is a trap underfoot. But no one seems to be guarding them. No one stops them from touring the grounds or even leaving entirely.
There is no question that the party is in a tight spot -- at any time the giants could swat the party like bugs, and it would be real hard to escape without a death or three. But is it possible that giants, evil though they must be, are on the up and up? Could it be that entertaining and wagering are more lucrative than mugging, considering that good entertainment draws more customers, while good muggings tend to discourage repeat trade?
Of course, if that's the case, the giants might not take kindly to anyone who stole the show, so to speak!
Tratain also wanders about, specificly trying to determine the status of the peasant slaves. Well, they are certainly treated brutally -- they work hard and, Tratain guesses, die young. But they are not tortured or treated so badly that they might rebel. There is plenty of feed at least, although the accomodations are barn-like at best. All slaves -- human, halfling, orc, goblin, gnoll -- are treated equally badly, if that means anything.
If Tratain talks with a slave, he will find that they are deferential in the extreme, but nervous about taking any kind of unsanctioned break.
Renik ventures out with some specific questions in mind. He finds answers in a talkative dwarf -- or actually, as the creature informs him, a Derro.
Renik meets the Derro in shadows under a porch, and the creature has an aversion to the sun. He claims to be the student of a merchant/mage, the best of all the Derro. "Master Mrrot alone travels under the sun! Others call him mad for that, but he is the wealthiest and greatest!"
"The Master entered the Tapestry to compete for the prize! In the Tapestry he is the human windmage Redstone!"
Renik also discovers from Mrrobee the apprentice that others have entered the Tapestry just last night: • The giant king's son, playing the human knight, Storm; • A lizard man, playing a human druid, Calimenes; • A mind flayer ("Those things give me the williws!") playing a human mind reader, Waerlag; • A human who was already in the Tapestry.
In last night's story, the people inside had to achieve a quest for the hand of the princess. The King in the story made the people do a challange. It was left on a cliffhanger, and the king had been betting all day on the results. Tonight the action would start with the answer to last night's quest.
Renik does not get much more info than that, considering that the Tapestry story only began last night. On earlier nights, the mage had waited for more people to show up.
Sarigar is certain that the drow here are the ones you all had tracked. He also cannot help but notice the large dog-like creatures in the pen and on patrol with the giants.
Draax AC25, HP110 Monday December 6th, 2004 10:13:58 PM
Draax takes a look around the keep and cannot help thinking that the group has willingly walked into the lion's den.
Rond d20+7=24 d20+11=19 Monday December 6th, 2004 11:07:21 PM
As much as he is able, Rond will continue to do a little recon around the fort. As he's reconing, he's trying to pick up any idle chit chat that may give away more than intended from the Giants.
(Spot=24, Listen=19)
Feng (Ac 23, HP 105) Tuesday December 7th, 2004 5:29:57 AM
It's with great effort that Feng leaves his double axe upon his back as he sits with the others. Idly he wonders if they manage to make it out of the tapestry, would the giants let them leave for winning?
Renik d20+5=21 Tuesday December 7th, 2004 7:24:40 AM
The rogue thanks Mrrobee, and bids him good betting at the evening's games. "Do yourself a favour, friend: bet on us!" he winks.
Despite of, or perhaps because of their perilous situation the rogue can't help but feel a certain thrill at these developments. He's always enjoyed playing for high stakes.
If he has time before the feast he pays a call on the Drow household, introducing himself as the earlier visitor.
"If you have time to continue our earlier discussion, sir, I'd be fascinated to learn more about this marvelous item. Do you know who made it? It must have been a mage of stupendous power to craft such a treasure."
The rogue continues to probe and question in a friendly way, happily swapping thoughts on tales he knows if the mage is willing. (Gather Info 21, attempting to find as much about the Tapestry, the way in which the tales it tells work, how time passes within it and about its history as he can).
Once done he joins with the others before heading to the evening feast. As he heads there he quietly asks Tratain "Do you think that missing halfling lass we heard about back in the city might be amongst the slaves? Did you see any female halflings?"
Tratain d20+1=19 Tuesday December 7th, 2004 8:54:40 AM
Tratain talks with the slaves to learn anything he can about the giants (Gather Info 19). When Renik asks he tries to remember if he came across any halflings in his wanderings. He listens Intently to the mage or anyone else who talks about the tapestry in order to gain any knowledge he can about how things work inside it.
Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV132) d20+9=19 Tuesday December 7th, 2004 10:48:25 AM
Although curious about the dog-like beasts, unless the kennel is fairly close to party's house, he doesn't move to look closer at them. Should the kennel be close, he does move to check them closer, using his abilities as a ranger to keep them as calm as possible (Wild Empathy 19).
Other than that, he just keeps a good watch on everything he can see from his vantage point at the house.
Dinner Bell Rings (DM Cayzle) Tuesday December 7th, 2004 12:43:24 PM
Some people look around the fort.
Sarigar can tell that the "dogs" are not natural. They come from some elemental plane? maybe. They sure do like the hot sulferous water spring in their pen.
Rond sees and hears nothng to make him think that there is a trap or that the giants intend them harm. He does see two giants start quarelling over some point, and a fistfight breaks out. The other giants mostly just cheer on this spectacle, as peasants make themselves scarce.
There sure were a few halfling women among the peasant slaves. But none that came close enough to talk to.
The Drow wizard, Caunas Methar, is pleased to meet Renik "eye-to-eye." [Carl, did you give Renik's name? he'll ask for it if you have not.]
He says that the Tapestry is beyond the power of mortals to make, but he does not know of its history. His former master had it for ages. He adds that time is irrelevant -- it all depends on the story. Time bends t fit the story, but it can pause overnight between tellings. He has been allowing one telling per night.
The drow is pleased to see that the group has come by. He suggests that only one person, or maybe two, enter the Tapestry. He wants the 5,000 before dinner, and the other people in the Tapestry are not to know about it.
"Remember, they are competing in the Tapestry for the hand of the Princess. You have to pretend to be doing that too, but your REAL purpose is to find a way to bring wealth out of the Tapestry. Only if you do that do you get the 5,000 back!"
"I can add you to the Tapestry as any kind of character -- a wizard, a knight, an inventor, whatever! Pick well, so that you will succeed."
"I can influence the Tapestry to a degree. I charge the saps in the Tapestry gold to do so. I will make changes to help you get gold, but if you want any otherr changes, you will have to pay for them, too."
"See you at the feast!"
Just about then, a huge gong summons all the giants and guests to "Castle Bone."
Rond Tuesday December 7th, 2004 11:35:06 PM
Seeing an hearing nothing of any import, Rond heads to the common area to await the others. Getting lost in his beer, Rond does try to keep his ears about as the others parade and laugh their way in.
Draax AC25, HP110 Wednesday December 8th, 2004 12:31:50 AM
Draax is not sure if he is relieved or disappointed that all of them cannot enter the tapestry. He is happy that they will be able to watch for any treachery from the real world, but is unhappy that those that go into the tapestry will be doing it with minimum backup.
When the gong sounds Draax joins the others and heads to the feast.
Arien Wednesday December 8th, 2004 2:57:21 AM
Arien makes his way to the hall when the gong sounds and sits next to the others. Arien eats little and merely pretends to drink. He keeps an eye out for anything that may look suspicious as he trusts the giants not one bit.
Renik Wednesday December 8th, 2004 3:55:09 AM
The rogue joins the rest of the group, quickly updating them on what the mage has told him.
"I want to keep an eye on Caunas and the giants, so I'll need a volunteer, maybe two, to take the parts in the upcoming fairy tale. Anyone feel up to the job?"
Feng Wednesday December 8th, 2004 9:48:27 AM
"I will take the risk. It is only fitting after my recent failure but I suggest another accompany me. This will be tough and two heads are better than one." Feng says. It's not the only reason he will go. Feng knows that in the tapestry he will be human. Even if it isn't real it will be probably his only chance to walk down the street without people staring, whispering as he passes. He knows he's handsome and charismatic, even above most humans. But a handsome half-orc is still a half-orc.
Tratain Wednesday December 8th, 2004 10:50:06 AM
Tratain says "If no one else wants to go I will, either is fine for me, I may be needed on both sides so Renik should decide if no one else volunteers."
The Hall of Bones (DM Cayzle) Wednesday December 8th, 2004 2:29:08 PM
Responding to the gong, the Hamleteers enter Castle Bone for the frist time, and right into the feasting chamber. Now it is clear why the "castle" has its name -- the walls are covered with skeletons, bones, and skulls!
There is the oddest table. Most of it is giant-sized, but a quarter of it has short legs on a raised dias, so that human-sized folk can join at the feast.
Each of the giant place settings has a whole roast pig on a platter that looks like a polished slice of tree trunk. There are few vegetables, but many casks and cups all around.
Two of the large canine creatures loll at the big chair at one end --clearly the king's.
The guests sized like you include derro, illithids, lizard-folk with snake heads, and the drow. The illithids each have a young sheep tethered to the table in lieu of a plate.
You can sit by yourself in a group or mingle. Who do you want to sit with? What will you talk about or ask about? How much or what will you say about what brings you here?
Rond Wednesday December 8th, 2004 10:04:01 PM
back track
"I can go along with you Feng, if you want to keep all the brains here, to try to figure out what this is all about"
Looking nervously about, Rond isn't sure what to do next. So he sits down at his place setting, and watches the others in the room.
Tratain d20+1=19 d20+9=16 Wednesday December 8th, 2004 11:40:12 PM
Tratain will wander about the room listening and talking with anyone who doesn't seem overtly hostile (Listen 16, Gather Information 19) asking about the tapestry, what has happened so far. Trying to learn anything he can about it. If asked Tratain will only tell anyone who asks that they need to talk to a man already in the tapestry."
Draax d20-1=17 Thursday December 9th, 2004 1:58:46 AM
Draax sits as far away from the illithids as possible. He talks about whatever subject is brought up, but will quickly chance the subject back to the tapestry. Asking questions like, has anyone ever returned from the tapestry rich or do the participates die for real when they die in the tapestry? (Gather Information 17)
If asked how he came to be here, he will just point at Renik and say, "I follow him and he seems to have a nose for finding a ways to make money."
Renik d20+5=14 Thursday December 9th, 2004 4:24:18 AM
The rogue makes small talk with their hosts, trying to keep the group in one place when it is time to eat. He will continue to to chat with the Derro and others nearby (Gather Info 14 trying to glean any other details about the workings of the tapestry and the fate of those that enter it).
"Very well, Rond and Feng it is. But Rond, I don't intend for all the brains to be out here. I suspect whatever challenges you face within the Tapestry will be largely cerebral. Think fast and be smart. And Feng, don't forget that we have several aims: to get that traitor out (or at least our treasures), to complete the tale, and to gather treasure. All three are important if we are to complete our own aims and get out of this camp safely. Just remember to stick with the spirit of the story and you should be fine. Good luck, lads."
Feng Thursday December 9th, 2004 9:58:38 AM
Feng listens to what Renik says and hears the truth in his words. He can't lose himself nor stay inside no matter how much he would like to. To stay inside would be an injustice to his companions and all the people that need his help in the world. When dinner arrives Feng tries to sit away from the gathering of evil. Every fiber in his being cries out for him to strike down this evil but thats not possible
Sarigar and Black Paws Thursday December 9th, 2004 11:31:21 AM
The sights and smells of the giants and the other "guests" has the brothers completely uneasy. Despite the food present, neither eats anything unless Sarigar pulls it from his own pack.
The pair watches the room in observant silence.
Setanos Thursday December 9th, 2004 1:30:58 PM
Setanos becomes increasingly uneasy in the presence of the Giants. Its fairly clear that the only reason he remains here is because thats what the party has chosen.
He also refuses to eat any of the Giants food, and spends his time watching and observing things.
OOC: Sorry for the missing posts, computer crashed on me.
The Giant's Feast (DM Cayzle) Thursday December 9th, 2004 2:57:50 PM
Tratain boldly mingles with the guests and chats with most of the folks there. No one is overtly hostile -- in fact, some of the guests seem amused by the suspicion shown by the Hamleteers.
One Illithid remarks to Tratain, "Tell your friends there is no need to fear. It's not like we bite! Ha ha!"
Tratain learns that the the first quest in the Tapestry story, begun last night, was to pick a glass rose from the top of a glass mountain. The Derro, playing a human wind mage, is the favored victor, since it seems he can control winds, and he can probably fly. The Giant King is betting hard on his son, Storm, to win, though.
A recap of the questers so far:
• The giant king's son, playing the human knight, Storm; • A lizard man, playing a human druid, Calimenes; • A mind flayer, playing a human mind reader, Waerlag; • A derro, playing a wind mage named Redstone. • A human who was already in the Tapestry, named Terstin.
Drax ends up talking with one of the drow wizard's apprentices. He discovers that if you die in the Tapestry, you just appear back in the Wold. And yes, people have come back rich -- when you leave the Tapestry, anything you are holding comes back with you.
Renik finds out that the Derro know less than the Drow. He keeps everyone sitting together, away from the illithids, which prompts a few illithid chuckles. Rond, Setanos, and Sarigar keep alert.
Caunas Methar stops by to say hello. He asks for the 5,000 gp. He is glad to hear that Rond and Feng will be entering the Tapestry. He suggests that one be a knight and the other, his squire. Okay? he says he'll add you to the game after the glass rose quest.
Several of you note that the drow elf also chats with the giant king, and collects a sack from him as well.
Dinner begins, and the food flies fast and heavy. It is actually quite a mess, since the giants have not yet heard about spoons and forks, so far as you can tell. The neatest eaters, as it turns out, are the illithids, who remove the living brains of their lambs with nary a splatter.
The Snakemen are also pretty neat, since they tend to swallow their gobbets of raw bloody meat whole. One hulking Snakeman nudges the illithid next to him after he is done with his lamb. "You gonna finish that?" he asks. The illithid says, "Be my guest," and the huge Snakeman takes the entire brainless lamb and swallows it whole, head first!
A female Snakewoman, evidently in charge with their leader in the Tapestry, yells at the greedyguts. "You pig! Now you're going to sleep for a week!" With the hindquarters of the lamb still a-dangle, the big lizardman can't talk with his mouth full.
For the rest of you, in addition to roast pork and lamb, there is coarse bread, gravy, and lots of corn. The giants shovel in several ears of corn at a time, cobs and all (like we eat that chinese baby corn).
King Gorin Stonecrusher notices that a couple of the Hamleteers are not eating his food. He stands up, clearly angry.
If you make a Sense Motive check vs. DC15, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {The giant is not really angry. He is playing with you.}
"WHAT! YOU INSULT MY TABLE! EAT, OR EXPLAIN YOURSELVES!"
Anyone who chooses not to eat, please answer the king. otherwise I assume you chow down.
There is lively wagering going around the table, and the king's bookie, a giant wearing a pair of big glasses, is going the rounds. Feel free to bet on any of the questers listed above.
Later in the meal, the king eyes Black Paws. "I see you brought your dog to the table! Well, let's make this dinner interesting. I'll bet 1,000 gold that my dog can beat your dog! Fight until one one is unconscious or runs. If a dog dies, then too bad! Deal?
Sarigar, if you refuse, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {The king laughs and says that your "dog" is puny! He'll give you three to one odds. You win 3,000 if Black Paws wins, you lose 1,000 if he loses. If you still refuse, then the king laughs, calls you a coward, and sits down.}
Dinner ends with lots of drinking and rock candy. The drow mage prepares the Tapestry.
Rond Thursday December 9th, 2004 10:40:18 PM
Muttering to Feng as they eat, "Why don't you go as the knight. I think I can act the hapless squire, as my knight goes charging headlong into situations he shouldn't get into. Brave and foolish as they are."
If he hears Feng choke on his food, he'll look in his direction and smile at him, to show him he was joking.
Either way he'll do his best to let Feng know that he was teasing him.
Draax d20=17 Friday December 10th, 2004 5:26:31 AM
Draax hands Caunas Methar the requested 5,000 gp, thinking how smart Caunas is to get his money before the group gets a chance to see what they are getting into.
He pulls a dagger from his sleeve when he hears the king's angry shout, but quickly uses the dagger to cut his roast pig when he notes that the king was only playing (sense motive 17).
Draax will talk politely with anyone who talks to him until the show begins.
Renik d20+3=19 d20+5=25 Friday December 10th, 2004 7:20:17 AM
(Sense motive 19)
Although the rogue is cheerfuly munching his way through the food provided, he senses the king is making sport of them and cannot help but rise to the challenge.
Leaping to his feet with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a chicken drumstick in his hand he cries, "Great king, you mistake my companions' intentions. It was never our desire to cause offense. It is just that my friends and I are not used to such opulence and grandeur. We feel quite literally dwarfed in your presence," he says with a wink at the Derro. He hops up onto the table so that the giants might better see him.
"If my friends are not eating it is simply because they are overwhelmed by their surroundings. Perhaps they consider themselves unworthy of your hospitality. I, on the other hand," he says, taking a big bite from his drumstick and looking around at the crowd with a grin and a wink, "am not so humble." And he lets out a lusty belch.
He is attempting to work the king and crowd, to get them to laugh with him and view the party in a friendly light (Perform, Oratory 25).
"Indeed, I am so lacking in good manners that I would ask one more small favour of you, great king. A small side bet, just between you and me to make things a bit more interesting. My knight against yours, what do you say? If your son, playing Storm, wins the game I owe you 500 gold. If my man Feng here, playing another knight, is victorious then you owe me 500 gold. If neither win we are even. Do you take my bet?"
Tratain d20+5=25 Friday December 10th, 2004 11:35:07 AM
Tratain can tell that the giant king is not really angry (Sense Motive 25) but eats some food anyway and laughs at Renik's response to him.
Arien d20+1=18 Friday December 10th, 2004 12:11:08 PM
Arien senses that the giant king is toying with them, Arien smiles slightly and wonders if the king will be as jovial when his son loses the bet for him.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+1=9 Friday December 10th, 2004 1:20:15 PM "I got my own stuff right here." Sarigar says as he holds up a handful of mush made of bread, jerkied meat, bugs and other items.
The challenge of the King is completely ignored by Sarigar. Black Paws does not fight for sport. He fights for survival, end of story.
Life is about survival and he's survived up till now. Whether it meant fighting and killing their prey or running when something intended to make them the prey, they've survived. Whatever it takes to survive is what they do, cowardice doesn't enter the mix. So, being called a coward means nothing to him.
The Tapestry (DM Cayzle) Friday December 10th, 2004 7:55:06 PM
The assemblage is quite amised by Renik's oration and table-walking. "You tell him, shorty!" calls out one giant.
The king gladly accepts the wager. "500 is less than I usually bet, but done and done! And if you would like to up your wager, then by all means!" He chuckles at Renik in a brutal and mocking but friendly way.
The drow mage hangs the Tapestry at the front of the hall. He has it set up so he can step behind it. The cloth now shows a scene of a glass mountain.
He nods to the king. The giant calls out, "Are all bets in? Good! Let us begin!"
Do you wish to do anything before the show starts?
Renik Sunday December 12th, 2004 9:12:16 AM
Renik asks the mage: do spells cast out here continue within the Tapestry? If the answer is affirmative he encourages the spellcasters to boost the prowess of the two adventurers.
Then the rogue settles back with his arms crossed, and waits to see what awaits Feng and Rond.
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