DM George "Supplemental post" Sunday January 9th, 2005 11:24:20 AM
Everyone crowds around Mac, hoping and wishing for their friend to come back to life. In their wishes, they can swear that he starts to breath. They think he opens his eyes. Flea even swears she heard him say something, but alas it was only their imaginations, hoping for the best.
Mac still lays dead on the ground before them. The look up and at each other with tears in their eyes when everything around starts to change. Grey mist rises up from the ground around them and suddenly everything gets dark.
OOC Jerry will be taking the next couple of posts. You can post reactions to mine but please wait for him before taking any definitive actions. Thanks George
Tishe' Monday January 10th, 2005 3:50:39 PM
The young woman finds she is holding her breath, waiting to see what will happen next; to see how the magic will work.
Unconsciously, she puts a hand into her scroll satchel and strokes the bumpy skin of her familiar. Wart grunts and pushes back against the hand.
Flea Monday January 10th, 2005 4:38:15 PM
The rogue stands behind the hero Valdor, transfixed by the elegant hilt of his bejeweled sword. She wonders what is up with Mac, but is unable to get a clear view, with all the big folk in front of her...and then the mists engulf the small gnome.
Gilan Monday January 10th, 2005 6:54:27 PM
Gilan just about drops the watersking when he notices the mists start to rise around them. He glances to the others with some concern but is unable to say anything as his voice is lost.
Then everything goes dark and he opens his mouth to scream...though he hears nothing from himself.
DM George Monday January 10th, 2005 11:00:50 PM
OOC Sorry Guys, waiting on Jerry.
Anuk Tuesday January 11th, 2005 11:58:02 AM
Anuk quietly watches Valdor. Resurrection...can it be possible? As the proceedings continue, he be begins to wonder who else in his life might be returned to him. A whisper escapes his lips as he begins to grasp the idea.
"Father?..."
Gargul [DM Jerry] Tuesday January 11th, 2005 4:25:38 PM
For about half a minute, nothing happens. Then The Wold around you fades and all is shadow. A reddish meandering shadow. Quickly you realize you're not in the Wold anymore, but someplace--else.
As the Shadowlands continue to form around you, tinges of reddishness form into a rivulet, then a stream, then finally a small river.
It smells of magic and death--but mostly of blood.
Your breathing is ragged due to the thickness of the air. Clothes become damp. Time seems to slow down--unmeasurable. You taste your salty sweat.
Then a Boat comes into view, slows, and stops nearby.
A small implike figure holds the tiller fast, staring straight forward.
[Jerry: Sorry folks. Dad had surgery yesterday. I'll be daily after this until we're done.]
Trellus Tuesday January 11th, 2005 4:51:51 PM
Its hot, and sticky - not the dry heat like home.
Trellus grimaces with discomfort as his breathing sounds slow and ragged in his ears. He looks around for the comforting presence of Valdor, but doesn't really expect to see him. This is after all, their pick, not his.
The boat floats on the red stuff - blood? Light. - just like the Grass Boats of home.
The cleric can think of only one reason it'd just stop in front of them like this. After looking at each of his friends, he takes a deep breath, and steps into the vessel.
Tishe' Tuesday January 11th, 2005 5:08:11 PM
Cloak and tunic drag across the plain-faced woman's shoulders as the very air around her feels like the worst summer humidity from her river city home. The red river surprises her, but Trellus walked in, so there really is nothing to do but follow.
"I don't see Mac anywhere." she says to noone in particular.
Grymash d20+2=16 Tuesday January 11th, 2005 7:45:38 PM
Grymash has never looked upon this land of mist and shadow with his eyes wide open. He's visited this place in his dreams and other times when his soul retreats back to his dark place. The sweet scent of blood enters his nostrils and fills the cleric of Gargul with renewed vigor. He pulls out his Gargul holy symbol from under his armor and displays for all to see. Not to just his packmates or the imp in the boat, but to all the others in the shadows whom have not let themselves be known. He can feel them. Hears their whispers. Voices of those who are long past life. The spirits are far more couragous when harrassing the barbarian while he's in land of the living. Now that he is in their realm, the voices are careful not to provoke the barbaric Eye of Gargul.
With a voice uncharacteristic of Grymash, the barbarian cleric speaks very calm and soothing tone. "Fear not, my Bloodpack. What you see and smell is the stuff of all life. Believe me when I say that all blood flows back to Gargul. We shall follow these crimson currents and be in the presence of a god!"
His glamoured armor transmutes into a long flowing black robe, befitting a priest of Gargul. Underneath his hood, all you're able to see are two glowing red eyes and a crooked smile. Grymash approaches the imp and greets him warmly.
(Wisdom 16)
Gilan Tuesday January 11th, 2005 8:10:01 PM
Gilan looks around as his breathing gets labored. He feels like passing out as he tries to get more air into his lungs. The smell of blood fills his nostrils and he finds his stomache reeling from the scent. "Light." He looks to the boat as it floats towards them and he shudders. Not sure if she will hear him or not in the world of the dead god, he sends a silent prayer. "Wold Mother watch over me and give me the strength of the land."
As Trellus and then Tishe' moves forward to get into the boat he takes another deep breathe, as best he can. He looks to Gry as he starts his little speech and shakes his head. "For Mac." He follows and steps into the boat as he tries to keep his stomache settled.
DM George Tuesday January 11th, 2005 9:45:11 PM
The group decends into a new reality. The smell of blood is on the air and death is all around them.
The thought has to cross the minds of all the pack. "Is this is what is in store for us when we pass? Is Mac's soul being tormented even now?"
As these thoughts enter there minds, they gather onto the boat and realize they will soon be in the presense of a god.
Flea Tuesday January 11th, 2005 11:57:35 PM
Flea doesn't like the place one bit. Despite her high level of fitness her breathing is hard and laboured, and she feels hot and sticky. Sticking out her tongue, she licks her upper lip. Is it salty sweat, or blood? And where's that Valdor guy? Wasn't he going to help them get Mac back?
The rogue embarks on the boat with the rest of her pack-mates, but she tries to stay out of sight amongst the taller folk. Her curiousity getting the better of her, she goes over to the imp-like figure holding the tiller, and asks, "you wouldn't happen to be Grey Eye would you?"
Jake Wednesday January 12th, 2005 12:01:54 AM
Jake looks around and feels uneasy. If anything, Grymash's words make it worse; the guy sounds too much into his 'priest' mode. Very uncharacteristic for my dumb buddy, Jake thinks. The guy who jumped down his own grappling hook, or did that thing with the belt...Jake grins momentarily, thinking he still has that squirrelled away. Then, remembering where they are, the grin fades, and the half-elf watches the guy on the boat. He nudges Gilan on inspiration. "Is it me, or does it stink to death in here? Ah mean, ah'm dying here. Interesting color in that water, huh? Someone musta put a lotta tomatoes in the water over there. Or maybe not...that guy on the boat doesn't look too well fed. All skin and bones...'cept for the skin part."
Anuk Wednesday January 12th, 2005 10:14:22 AM
When the trappings of the Wold fade and disappear, Anuk's thoughts of his father fade away with them. He wrinkles his nose at the stench of this place. Gry's sudden eloquence unnerves him--he loves the big guy, but Gry's rages have always frightened him. Anuk suspects this place is where the rage comes from.
Thinking of Mac and hoping for the best, Anuk joins the others on the boat. Looking down at the red, viscous liquid on which the boat rests, he says, "I guess this is a fitting trip for the Bloodpack."
The Look [DM Jerry] Wednesday January 12th, 2005 12:48:15 PM
All step into the boat except for Jake who watches the imp on the boat.
The imp slowly turns his head to stare at Jake. Then he grins showing his teeth as if telling a great truth that he finds humorous.
As he does so, the boat slowly begins to move, picking up speed.
He speaks in a raspy voice, steam issuing from his lips.
"Coming Master."
Trellus Wednesday January 12th, 2005 1:30:51 PM
Trellus isn't very happy, but is determined to make a strong showing as a representative of Domi. He stands, keeping his growing fear in check, and watches the creature in the boat.
Gry's words register, as do Jake's.
"And since we're meeting a god," he adds, pointedly looking at the elfin fighter, "we're going to be very, VERY polite. Truly."
Gilan Wednesday January 12th, 2005 6:56:15 PM
Gilan just keeps his mind on the mission at hand...to get back Mac. He does not let his thoughts or gaze stray too far away as he fights back nausia.
He does turn his head to gaze at Jake and shakes his head at him. "Jake...come on...this is not time for jokes." He points to a spot in the boat and motions him to quickly get on.
DM George "Row row row your boat,, gently down the river of blood!' Wednesday January 12th, 2005 10:22:17 PM
The pack gathers on the boat and it leave the shore behind. It drifts quickly down the steam towards the Pack's and Mac's destiny.
Flea Wednesday January 12th, 2005 11:38:11 PM
Flea finds a seat next to Anuk, and squeezes in close to avoid having to look over the edge of the boat. She studies her fine boots, and then, digging out one of her sets of thief's tools (she has 3!) selects a slim pick, and proceeds to clean the grime from under her fingernails. The rogue avoids making eye contact with any of her pack-mates.
Jake Thursday January 13th, 2005 12:33:45 AM
Sitting down, Jake can't help but look apologetic at the others. Whenever things get scary or rotten, he automatically makes jokes about the situation. He has a bad feeling about meeting this Gargul fellow...he just knows he's gonna crack a joke at him. Then, a thought occurs to him. If he's gonna crack a joke, it might as well be a good one... So, he starts contemplating what sort of joke to use on the god of death. He doesn't pay much attention to their surroundings, instead seeming lost in thought to the others.
Before the Throne [DM Jerry] Thursday January 13th, 2005 12:07:54 PM
The trip is quick and uneventful. The river grows wider and more swift as it proceeds. Eventually it empties out into a narrower body of water somewhat like a moat. The moat circles the huge island beyond.
The boat crosses the circular river and lands upon the shore. In front of you is the rear shell covered portion of an amphitheatre facing the opposite direction overlooking a beautiful meadow.
The half-sphere is black and no light reflects from it's surface.
The Imp races off around to the other side of the amphitheatre.
Following you circle the half-shell around to the open end facing the meadow and away from the Circular River of Blood.
Sitting on a huge black throne is the God of Death. A line of the dead stand before him. Each pauses for a moment and then is quickly dispatched in diferent directions.
With a wave of his hand, the line of the dead are gone and it is just you standing before him.
"COME!"
Tishe' Thursday January 13th, 2005 2:31:37 PM
The imp. The boat ride. The island and half dome.
And the Throne.
Curiosity has been overcome in the small woman by awe. All around her her whole life, Tishe' has seen divine magic and clerics and miracles, but she never REALLY believed in gods. Until now.
She has no will of her own, her mind frantically trying to come to grips with her new reality. Silently, meekly, quite unlike the plucky little mage, Tishe' moves forward at the command.
Anuk Thursday January 13th, 2005 3:06:23 PM
Anuk nudges Flea a little during the boat right and tries to flash a grin at her, but it comes off as more of a grimace. He feels nervous and agitated here, but he's grateful for the company of his small friend.
When the boat lands, Anuk is awed by the sight of the amphitheater. In the darkness of this realm it's difficult to tell if the blackness is the surface of an object, or some kind of infinite abyys. "It's like someone punched a hole in the night sky," he says in a low voice.
The command of the death god rings in his ears and Anuk finds he really has no choice but to obey. He approaches the throne.
Trellus Thursday January 13th, 2005 4:52:23 PM
The voice of the God of Death rings in Trellus' mind like a hammer.
Great Domi, grant me the strength to overcome my fear, he silently, fervently prays.
Trellus quickly, but respectfully, approaches the throne, drops to one knee, and bows his head. "We come, Lord Gargul," the cleric of Domi intones.
The dude is a Woldian God, after all. The gestures of respect seem proper.
Flea Thursday January 13th, 2005 6:11:23 PM
As the party follows the imp, and then responds to the command to approach the Woldian god, Flea tries to keep a low profile. She had heard about gods, and was even a bit interested in her friend Trellus' god, Domi, owing speedy recovery from a couple of scrapes to that one. But, reality is another matter. Gods can see you. All the time. All those times you don't want to be seen. Like snooping through Gilan's dresser drawers back home in Rattledam or pinching Gry's new dagger at the solstice party or nicking some extra rations. The idea unnerves her.
Nope. Flea isn't too happy to be in the presence of the Grey One.
The rogue sticks close to Anuk, but averting her head, keeps her eyes on the meadow.
DM George Thursday January 13th, 2005 7:44:45 PM
The group goes before Gargul with fear and guilt in there souls. Self doubt and wonderment are also present.
The Death God calls to them. Will they be willing and able to match his price?
Gilan Thursday January 13th, 2005 8:00:20 PM
Gilan notices little of his surroundings as they move along. When the boat makes land he is unable to do anything but follow along with the rest of the group.
Then before them stands the Gray One...the God of Death himself and he suddenly feels rather self conscious. When the call comes to move forward he cannot help but follow along and go to one knee before him. "Wold Mother...help me." He feels his knees quake even after hitting the ground and he suddenly wishes to be fighting off a pack of lethal rapke.
Grymash Thursday January 13th, 2005 8:52:46 PM
Grymash rushes forward as soon as steps off the boat and kneels at the feet of Gargul. "My god ... Lord Gargul. It be Grymash Mountainback, your most devout servant. What would you have of Gry?"
The barbarian cleric of Gargul continues to humble himself in front of his god, according to the traditional ways of the Eyes.
Jake Friday January 14th, 2005 12:33:34 AM
Jake finds himself looking up at the huge guy on the big throne and feels himself somehow distanced from his body, like he's not really there. It's just soooooo ... huge! And, evil-looking, and stuff. Well, not evil, just sort of...weird. Obviously, it's all unreal...And, when confronted with the unreal, his tenuous grip on reality is only maintained through the humor of the situation... What should he say? 'Greetings, dead dude.' 'What's shaking, mister bones?' 'The situation is very grave, sir Gargul.' 'Looking lively!' 'You look good in black...' 'Hello, Lord Gargul? We're here about an overdue book you checked out from a library...'
Thoughts race through his mind, but thankfully, the fighter keeps quiet and stiff.
Gargul God of Death and Life [DM Jerry] Friday January 14th, 2005 12:18:03 PM
He looks at each in return.
His eyes stare into your hearts and souls revealing everything you ever did.
He nods toward Grymash.
Then he speaks.
"CUT IT TO ME STRAIGHT."
He doesn't crack a smile, but there is amusement in his eyes.
The imp's mouth drops wide open in surprise.
Tishe' Friday January 14th, 2005 2:49:22 PM
...STRAIGHT."
And Tishe's jaw opens wide. This is a god. THE god of life and death. Do they talk like that? Well he did and he's the god so they must talk like that sometimes.
Knowing that everything she has ever done is revealed as a book to the Grey One, makes Tishe' feel a little bit better. After all, if he knows everything, there is nothing to hide or pretend, now is there? Courage often comes when there is nothing left to lose...
"Gargul," the mage begins matter-of-factly, "our dear companion, Machesthai the Minotaur warrior, was killed by trolls in a recent battle. We would like him to be alive again."
All the love and worry and everything else, Tishe' doesn't speak, for the god knows about it anyways, and she doesn't know exactly how to talk about that anyways.
Gilan Friday January 14th, 2005 7:53:26 PM
Gilan lets the others talk as the God of Death looks to each of them. He has not known Mac that long and what little he knows of the minotaur, is that he is a good man.
He knows that the god has already looked into his heart and read everything there. Looking to Tishe' as she speaks up he nods his head in agreement. "I have not known Mac that long sir...but he has proven himself to be worthy of our help in requesting his return." He lets his eyes sink to the floor for a few seconds as he draws a breathe to steady himself. "If it is your will and we are worthy for this boon...we would very much like for Mac to come back to us." Tishe' had already spoken the circumstances behind the death and that Mac had been brave in his sacrifice. Gilan only has one concern and that is that he did not do enough to keep Mac alive. For that reason he finds himself unable to meet the god's eyes after speaking.
Flea Friday January 14th, 2005 8:53:07 PM
The god's words cause Flea to wince. Straight isn't the kind of design a rogue weaves, and the gnome's pattern is pretty twisted and complicated.
This isn't about me. It's about Mac. Visions flit through her mind, and Flea sees Mac...giving her a boost, and carrying her on his great shoulders so that she didn't have to run to keep up with the pack...Mac fighting through the formian's, trying to protect those behind him...Mac taking the brunt of the troll attack so that Flea would be unharmed...Mac holding out a potion he should have taken himself in order that the gnome could take it to another...
A small match is lit in the gnome's small brain. Stepping out from behind Anuk, and moving to stand beside the humbled form of Grymash, Flea speaks, unaware that the god has read her thoughts already. Her face is flushed, and her eyes burn as if with fever.
"Mac is Bloodpack. He is one of us like a finger to a hand. Cut off the finger, and the hand will still funtion to some degree, but never again will it weave cloth or wield weapon." Flea looks down at her outstretched hand. Unable to maintain eye contact with the god, she mumbles "it wasn't supposed to be him."
Jake Saturday January 15th, 2005 12:29:06 PM
So, death has a sense of humor...somehow I've always known, Jake thinks to himself. He cuts in, "Yeah, what they said..." before anyone can elbow him.
Anuk Saturday January 15th, 2005 6:21:42 PM
Anuk's heart is an open book to the god before him. Thoughts of Mac's demise and Trellus' near death float through his memory. His feeling of guilt floats back to the surface -- if he had not run at the wrong moment, things might...no. No use running through it again. What's done is done. But, Anuk knows there must be a price to pay for Mac's return.
He looks briefly up and intones, "We wish the return of our friend. What would you require of us, o master of life and death?"
Trellus Saturday January 15th, 2005 7:40:19 PM "CUT IT TO ME STRAIGHT"
A quick reactionary grin flashes across Trellus' face. Gargul is a Weaver, truly.
The grin disappears as quickly as it came as the blond cleric feels his soul open up, and remembers the situation. Weaver or not, its still the God of Death he's talking to.
"Great Gargul," he reponds, "As my packmates have said, we've come to ask if Mac can come back to the land of the living."
GARGUL [DM Jerry] Monday January 17th, 2005 11:44:34 AM
The God looks upon Jake. He frowns.
"ALL THINGS HAVE HUMOR! DEATH AND LIFE ESPECIALLY. THEY ALSO HAVE MEANING... AND IMPORT. WORDS AND THOUGHTS SPOKEN HERE MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
"I WILL RETURN YOUR PACKMATE TO YOU! YOU ARE HONORABLE AND DESERVING! YET SOME OF YOU DOUBT THE GODS WHO PROVIDE THIS BOON!
"ACCORDING TO THAT OBSERVATION, I DO INDEED HAVE A TASK THAT MUST BE COMPLETED IN DEED BEFORE I RESTORE YOUR COMRADE.
"IT IS SIMPLE TO ACCOMPLISH PHYSICALLY, YET MENTALLY COULD BE A CHALLENGE FOR SEVERAL OF YOU.
He pauses.
"YOU MUST BOW BEFORE ME NOW WITH WORSHIP AND RESPECT!"
The god of life and death seems to rise to an enormous height before you looking terrible as well as holy, dark as well as light. He waits.
Tishe' Monday January 17th, 2005 1:35:58 PM
Tishe's thoughts have ever reflected on her face, and anyone can read what follows in her mind.
Words and thoughts make a difference? Anyone who works magic knows the power of words, and the will to use the power of those words. And thoughts...
Tishe' is in the midst of what will be known generations and worlds away as a Significant Emotional Event. Her lip service to 'the gods' and the respect of clerics for what they can do has been drastically, irrevicably altered. There are gods and by the great weaving, she is standing in the presence of one right now.
The average looking woman BELIEVES in gods. She SEES the important events and cycles those gods command, and never, EVER again, will she doubt the existance of these beings so vital to life.
Not a word passes her lips, but the brown haired mage does the most respectful thing she can think of. With awe and amazement in her eyes, the woman who has always rebelled against the role's of women performs for the Grey One her best curtsy.
Gilan Monday January 17th, 2005 4:54:04 PM
Gilan looks to the God of Death with a look of confusion for a few seconds. He has no problems with the gods in general and to give one honor is not a big deal. The one question that runs through his brain is...Is Gargul a part of the Wold or the other way around?? He does not look to the others as this is a decision that each person must make upon their own will.
With a slight smile he nods once and then falls to one knee before the God of Death. "You have the power of life and death in your hands my Lord...it is the cycle of all things that you control...that is very much nature's way." With a wiley smile that he directs towards Grymash he laughs lightly. "Though I have never said your name in my prayers...I serve you as much as the Wold itself or the Wold Mother as most like to call her." He brings his head down to touch the ground in respect to the "Giver and Taker". "From now on...you will also be spoken in my morning prayers." He silently wonders why he did not see this connection before this...maybe the meeting brought it to the front and made him think. In many ways this meeting would make them all better people and a stronger pack...he had to believe that.
Anuk Monday January 17th, 2005 7:47:13 PM
Anuk is struck silent with the force of the death god's command. He thinks for a moment of all those he knows have passed into Gargul's realm. This is truly the master of life and death in the Wold -- how can he not respect that? Worship? That's another story -- Anuk has never bowed before any God. More from indifference than anything. Just as the thought "What have you ever done for me?" begins to enter his mind, he recalls an image of Gry cradling and burying the body of a tiny bird. Gry knows. Gry worships with purpose. And Anuk trusts that.
He bows low to the ground. "Thank you, lord Gargul."
Grymash Monday January 17th, 2005 8:16:06 PM
Grymash, remaining down on one knee, continues to humble himself before his god. He reaches behind to take his double axe off its harness and presents it to Gargul. "Gry have nothin' ta give Gargul but Gry's life in service to ya an Gry's mostest bestest prized possession. Gry gives ya me double axe. Wit one end it protects da lifes of da honored and da other end takes da lifes of da wicked. It give life an death, just like Gargul. Gry's double axe have served Gry very gute. May it serve Gry's master and lord better than it serve Gry." With those last few words of praise, the barbarian cleric lays his beloved double axe down at Gargul's feet.
Trellus Monday January 17th, 2005 8:17:27 PM
Trellus has got no problems. Worship and respect are due all Woldian Gods. In fact, he's a bit miffed that after a lifetime of hanging out with him and Gry, Jake still hasn't figured that out.
Well, this pick oughtta do it, he tells himself fervently.
The blond haired cleric remains planted on one knee, head bowed. The position he assumed upon first entering. "Thank you, Lord Gargul" he responds.
Flea Monday January 17th, 2005 9:21:05 PM
As the god of life and death manifests his puissance, towering over the Bloodpack both beautiful and horrible to look at, the gnome falls to her knees. Reaching her arms forward, she lowers herself to the ground, pressing her face into the soil at the god's feet.
Forgive me, all-seeing Grey Eye, my vanity and insolence...
The rogue wimpers, prostrate and trembling before the god.
Jake Monday January 17th, 2005 11:26:31 PM
Okay, this guy is impressive, Jake realizes as the god looms over them threateningly. And while he's never particularly thought about deities, even Gargul whom his buddy worshipped, he's now gotta admit that this guy is damn powerful. Like, one of the most powerful things ever...with stories and stuff written about him. A legend, like one of his heroes in the tales he heard as a child. Worthy of all the respect Jake can give him. So, Jake bows in deference to the god's powerful nature and fearsomeness.
GARGUL [DM Jerry] Tuesday January 18th, 2005 11:45:20 AM
"Now rise! You have passed the test of pride. Remember what you have in each other. That you are indeed pack and even family. Protect one another always. Do your best to be the most effective member of the pack that you can be.
"I see in your hearts that some of you hold back. Even when your friends are in mortal danger. This is unacceptable. Everyone must know their role in all things within the pack. Negotiation role. Religious role. Role in combat as well as in friendship.
"I charge you to improve. To raise the bet and take life by both horns and ride it to the end.
"Now, go meet your friend. He is awaiting you in the Meadow of Dreams."
He points behind you to the beautiful meadow beyond his temple and to a copse of trees there next to a bubbling brook.
There you spot your friend lying on the soft grass as if asleep.
Tishe' Tuesday January 18th, 2005 4:20:05 PM
The brown-haired woman keeps her curtsy as the Grey One instructs the Bloodpack further. And the truth of his words flows through the mage. The Pack is one, and all parts work the best they can for the good of the whole. She vows to the depths of her being to be worthy to her friends, her pack.
He is waiting? The thought at last tugs Tishe's head up, and she runs towards the meadow.
Stopping quickly, the small woman whips back to the Grey One, and tears of joy are streaming in her eyes. "Thank you, Thank you, Great One."
And with a happy shout, she runs and throws herself on the solid minotaur.
Trellus Tuesday January 18th, 2005 4:34:07 PM
Trellus couldn't agree with Gargul more.
He rises, smiling happily at the generosity of the God of Death.
"Many shadows, Great Gargul," he thanks the god.
He bounds into the meadow to greet Mac. "Dude! How're you feeling?"
Gilan Tuesday January 18th, 2005 6:50:13 PM
Gilan nods once to the god as he speaks his mind. It is something that he had been pondering himself. Though his thoughts had been about him not doing everything for the group. "Thanks for the blessing my lord." With that he moves off with the others to welcome back Mac. Then another thought hits him and he starts to cry, now he can give Mac that present.
Flea Tuesday January 18th, 2005 7:12:38 PM
Her face pressed into the soil, Flea doesn't see the god point to the sleeping figure in the meadow, but she hears the rumble of his voice...
"Now, go meet your friend. He is awaiting you in the Meadow of Dreams."
Pulling herself up, the gnome turns around and see's Tishe' and some of the others running towards the large taur dozing in the grass. Staggering forward, Flea crumples at the feet of Grey Eye. Bringing her lips to the hem of his dark cloak she sobs out, "I'm not worthy, but I will try hard to improve."
Backing away, the rogue slowly regains her feet. With one last fleeting look at the giver and taker of life, she turns and runs stumbling towards the figures in the meadow.
DM George Tuesday January 18th, 2005 7:32:45 PM
The group runs into a beautiful meadow. Wildflowers dot the area and tall grasses wave gracefully in the wind. The smell of blood is much diminished but still in the background.
Mac is laying on his back and his massive chest rises up and down. He is breathing again and his wounds are gone. He seems to be asleep.
Suddenly the scene changes and you find yourselves back to the Scab at the battle site with the still smoking trolls. Mac is still sleeping and Valdor is looking on with something mysterious in his eyes.
Grymash d20+2=22 Tuesday January 18th, 2005 9:07:19 PM
Grymash remains knelt at Gargul's feet. He's hesitant to leave his master, his god. His heart skips a beat or two as each of his packmates leave for the meadow. He fears why Gargul hasn't accepted his gift. Every insecurity he has darts across his fragile little mind. He stares down at his beloved double axe and then looks up at the face of his god, hoping for some kind of sign, some kind of recognition. Each passing second of silence feels like a whip across back, a sword in his gut, a club across his head. Grymash trembles slightly as a single tear rolls down his cheek. Grymash painfully wonders why he's fallen out of favor with his god.
(Wisdom 22, nat. 20)
Flea Tuesday January 18th, 2005 11:07:10 PM
Flea smells something. Something really bad. She looks askance at Grymash, and then she sees the smoke from the fires, and the burning trolls. The rogue rubs her eyes. Gargul...Grey Eyes...the imp...the river of blood...and the meadow...was it all a dream?
Looking up the gnome sees Grymash, huddled in a miserable pile, his wonderful axe laid out in front of him, and his cheek wet, as if the barbarian had been...crying? The words come back to her, echoing inside her skull,
"Everyone must know their role in all things within the pack. Negotiation role. Religious role. Role in combat as well as in friendship."
Laying a hand gently on the half-orcs shoulder, Flea speaks quietly, although there is an undertone of excitement. "He heard you, Gry. He heard you, and I saw him smile at you. And, look!" Flea points to the sleeping Mac, watched over by Valdor.
Jake Wednesday January 19th, 2005 12:58:56 AM
Coming out of the dark realm, Jake wipes his brow. He looks around, then sits down on a patch of grass and stretches, luxuriating in the sense of the wild, of living, all around him. "Woo-ee. That was one heckuva trip. Ah hope we don't do that again."
The Axe [DM Jerry] Wednesday January 19th, 2005 12:53:15 PM
[Didn't see that you gave your axe to him. Sorry.]
Suddenly the axe appears in mid air above Grymash. A distant voice says. "It is returned with honor. Use it well."
[Ok folks. That's it for me here. Thanks for the great time.]
Tishe' Wednesday January 19th, 2005 1:04:58 PM
The brown haired woman is dwarfed by the large minotaur, but she hugs as much of him as she can anyways. "Thank you, thank you Gargul."
She falls back into a kneeling postition, brown eyes shining with new found knowledge, and... and... yes, and wisdom. "Welcome back, big brother", she chides. "We still need you."
And the spark of curiosity is back in her eyes as she sees Valdor. "So, any instructions on finding this dragon friend of yours?" Her eyes dance in tune to the smile on her face, lightening the brusque words.
Mac - de ja vu ]: ) Wednesday January 19th, 2005 3:36:48 PM
Wounds and scars knitted and cleared, and after it all Mac's chest slowly rises and falls in time with his breathing, and his heart again moves the blood that moves the body. His eyes slowly flicker and open. He sees the party and the new halfelf. "What jus' happened?" He asks, focussing on the eyes of those nearest.
Gilan Wednesday January 19th, 2005 4:55:38 PM
Gilan slips over to where Mac is laying and cannot keep the smile off his face. He stands there waiting with the rest for Mac to come too.
When he finally does he sighs a big sigh of relief and shakes his head again. "Mac...stay near me next time for a few...I will make sure your defenses are boosted." He looks as if he is about to start crying again as he wipes at his eyes. "Plus I have something to give to all of you later tonight." He then turns to wait and see if Valdor will give them anything to go on.
Trellus Wednesday January 19th, 2005 4:59:25 PM
Trellus beams innocently at Mac.
"Oh, let's review," he says mischieviously.
"First, you got your thread cut. Then, Valdor the Dragonstone his totally shady self (outstretched arm toward the hero) pops in and sells us the means to try and get you back. Then, we all had a long talk with the very God of Death and asked him (very politely) to let you come back. And HE said yes. And here we are, about to start weaving a search for a crazy bronze dragon."
The cleric pauses, trying to keep a straight face for several heartbeats before continuing.
"Other than that, not much."
Trellus can't restrain himself any longer. He breaks out in laughter, and offers a hand to the taur to help him up.
"Welcome back, dude!" he cries happily.
DM George Wednesday January 19th, 2005 10:21:39 PM
Valdor walks over to Mac and extends his hand and helps him up easily. He claps him on the shoulder and says, "You have fine companions who love you. You are honored to walk among them."
He then turns to the others and says, "Remember our bargain. Try and find out why the bronze is on a rampage. Bronzes are normally good and loyal friends. Be careful or you might all be standing before Gargul soon. Dragons can be terrible foes."
Valdor says his goodbyes and shakes everyones hand. He then simply disappears from the group with a popping sound.
The group looks around at the still smoldering trolls and wonders what to do next.
Flea Wednesday January 19th, 2005 11:00:55 PM
"Bronze draggon!?!? I don't know nuthin' 'bout bronze draggons!" cries an astonished Flea when Valdor pops out.
Anuk Wednesday January 19th, 2005 11:33:41 PM
As the nether realm disappates and the Wold returns, Anuk blinks and squints in the sudden light. As his vision clears, his first sight is of Mac's body -- breathing this time, thank Gargul. Anuk's toothy grin covers his face. He tells the minotaur, "You look great for a dead guy. Mac, I'm sorry I haven't gotten to know you better...that will change."
As the pack welcomes back their friend and discusses their next adventure, Anuk looks for a private moment to approach Trellus. When he sees his opportunity, he approaches the young cleric. "Trel..I...I'm sorry about what happened during the fight. I thought the trolls would come after me, not you. I was wrong." He pauses for a moment looking for words of explanation, but find there are none. Finally he looks his friend in the eyes and says, "Are we shady?"
Jake Thursday January 20th, 2005 12:40:07 AM
Jake lies where he is, comfortable and staring at the sky. Thinking. About dragons. He's always wanted to see a dragon...everything about them always spoke to him of the greatest parts of all those heroes. And now they're going off to see one. He wonders how it will really look like, at how large it will really be. Bigger than Gargul? Probably just as big. And as fearsome, maybe. Jake finds himself wondering. He realizes something...he's gonna need some new gear, to face a dragon. Shinier armor, for one...and a better bow... Jake also wonders about the adventure so far, as he lies there. Since leaving Rattledam, they've faced a few weird magic things, a giant, an army of ant creatures, scared off orcs, beaten up some trolls...oh, and then there were the good things. Like those dwarves they probably helped...and that dryad...a wide smile comes across his face. And he finds himself pondering what they'll find after this. Maybe, he thinks to himself...just maybe there'll be more exotic women. Maybe this bronze dragon will have like, a beautiful elven maiden who he serves...or even a really evil sorcereress who will capture the group and then toy with them. The possibilities are endless. And so Jake continues to lie there, a goofy smile spread across his face as he stares into the deep blue sky.
Tishe' Thursday January 20th, 2005 1:38:32 PM
"But, but.. oh Piggies!" says an exasperated young woman, "he didn't even tell us the dragon's name or where she lives or... or... anything!"
She folds herself into a tailor's seat and looks around at the others. One hand remains always on the big minotaur, just to ensure the small woman that Mac is still there.
"Well, where do we go, and what are we going to do once we find this dragon?"
Mac Thursday January 20th, 2005 4:01:48 PM
The big taur takes things in in small bites. It takes Trellus and Valdor to get him to his feet, and with trying to keep up with Trellus' summary he doesn't get a chance to thank the halfelf before he disappears. He wraps his arms around everyone in reach in a big hug and he has a tear in his eye as he lets the embrace fall away. "Thank ye for this gift. Nae sure that I am worthy of such a boon, but I'll do my best to become so... I was a silly centaur - I should have had the trolls covered." He nods at Gilan's suggestion, and with a smile through the tears he adds, "but it had better be fast - I can't leave Gry out in front there by himself!" Mac's left hand has come to rest over Tishe's hand. "I feel good for a dead guy, Anuk. Thank you for keeping Galea out of harm's way." A word that his mind has been omitting from the conversation finally breaks through:
"DRAGON!?!"
Trellus Thursday January 20th, 2005 4:51:35 PM
The cleric takes Anuk's hand with a grin. "We're shady," he answers. "Just remember to stay put next time. I can keep all you dudes patched up as long as I can move around. You just need to keep 'em off me."
Having made peace with Anuk, Trellus turns to Mac.
"Yeah, dragon," he chirps in reply. "Which reminds me."
"What's a dragon?" . . The Rattledam native doesn't recall anybody ever talking about dragons at home. Which isn't surprising. Nobody talks about the outside world period back home.
Gilan d20+12=20 Thursday January 20th, 2005 8:08:40 PM
Gilan nods to Mac. "It will be the first thing I do." He looks to Gry and shakes his head. "Maybe Gry would like a little armor boost as well before he enters combat." He looks to the others as Valdor disappears and shakes his head, a gesture he seems to be doing a lot lately. "Dragons...read something about them back at home...not Rattledam, my original home." He starts to pour through all his knowledge to see if he can come up with anything.
Grymash Thursday January 20th, 2005 8:18:42 PM
Grymash stares up at his axe hovering in mid air above him. He springs up from the ground and takes hold of the double axe. The barbarian cleric suddenly feels a rush of ecstasy in knowing that he is touching something that was once held by his god. His eyes roll back showing only grey. After a few minutes of breathless chanting he finally come to. Grymash turns to see Mac alive and well again. He charges the demontaur and gives him a very constricting hug. "See Mac, Gargul be gute! Gry saw Gargul! Weez talked! Gargul gave yooz back! See, ya standin' ... Yooz standin'!! Breathin' too! WOW! Gargul do it all!"
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