Draax (spot checks) d20+5=22 d20+5=19 d20+5=23 d20+5=14 Monday February 14th, 2005 6:33:16 AM
OOC: Sorry forgot my spot checksm 22, 19, 23, 14
Stunned, Dispelled, and Tied (DM Cayzle) Monday February 14th, 2005 11:31:57 AM
Tratain dispels the mind flayer's invisibility just as it was about to try picking up the Tapestry.
Draax, Renik, and Feng, overbear the bard and tie him up. It is not too hard since he is not only stunned, but, frankly, a bit of a weakling.
Sarigar casts Longstrider.
The Mind Flayer looks startled and then simply pops out.
The snake man is still stunned, but for how much longer?
Tratain Tratain AC 24 HP 86/82 (Divine Power; Divine Favor) d20+18=31 d20+13=30 d20+8=9 d8+10=16 d8+10=12 2d6(3+2)=5 2d6(4+5)=9 Monday February 14th, 2005 1:14:36 PM
Tratain Moves over to the Snake Man and Says "Knock the Snake man out, It'll be hours before he wakes up, and he can't go back to the giant fort. My be is they'll kill him if he shows himself there so we won't have to worry about him. Plus we'll be hours ahead of them and any persuite by then."
Tratain hits the Snake Man attempting to knock it out causing non-leathel Damage. Tratain swings His Warhammer 3 Times connecting twice for Non-leathel damage. (First Hit 21 Damage - 16 Physical, 5 Holy; Second Hit 21 Damage 12 Physical, 9 Holy; To hit Rolls are 31, 30, and fumble)
---------------------------------
---------------------------- Divine Power (BaB = to Level, 6 Enhancement to Str. 11 Temp Hit Points) - Round 4 of 11 Divine Favor (+3 Luck Bonus to Hit and Damage) - Round 4 of 10
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV108, AC19/17) d20+14=34 d20+15=33 d20+25=42 d20+30=37 Monday February 14th, 2005 3:57:50 PM
With nothing else to do, the brothers skirt the area making sure nothing else is around or coming (Listen 34 *nat 20*, Spot 33).
If they discover something: The brothers alert the others to the danger as silently as they can and immediately move to a location to ambush the intruders (Hide 42, Move Silently 37).
If the area seems clear: Knowing that the pack needs to get on the move, they make several impatient looks to the party and make movements as if they might leave in the direction of the bridge.
Renik Monday February 14th, 2005 5:23:07 PM
"Nice work Tratain. Let's gather things up and get out of here. I want to be as far away from here as possible. For all we know the Ilithid will head back to the camp and get captured by the giants. Sarigar, see if you can cover our tracks and keep an eye out for anyone following. Everyone else let's get moving. We need to find a defensible area to let Arien prepare his spells."
Renik will take the lead, flitting through the trees and leading the party in a wide circle back around towards the bridge. He will try to stick to the trees, and from time to time will climb a tree to check for signs of pursuit.
(Sorry, just dicovered little lad has a temperature of 104, no time for rolls, please make any required Cayzle. Thanks.)
Draax, AC21, HP110 Tuesday February 15th, 2005 3:58:15 AM
Draax grabs the rope that is attached to bard and pulls him along as the group moves out.
Feng (AC 23, HP 105) d20=5 Tuesday February 15th, 2005 8:27:44 AM
"I'll feel much better once we are free of this place. There is much to be done here but we are ill equpied to do so." Feng says and keeps a watchful eye for giants or any other trouble.
ooc: spot check: 5
On the Move (DM Cayzle) Tuesday February 15th, 2005 9:04:56 AM
Tratain knocks the snake-man unconscious, and the group moves off towards the bridge. Renik leads the way; Sarigar covers your tracks. Draax takes charge of the prisoner.
What will you do as you approach the bridge and troll?
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV108, AC19/17) d20+19=23 d20+14=32 d20+15=28 Tuesday February 15th, 2005 11:04:22 AM
The brothers trail the party by a good 100 or more feet and cover their trail (Survival 23). Every so often they'll stop and look out for pursuit of any kind (Listen 32, Spot 28). I they happen to come across a cave or decent sized fissure in which the pack can rest, he'll bring it to their attention.
ooc: I thought the giant fort took us a day or two to get to once past the bridge. If my memory is correct, we should have time to rest and redo spells and such before we even get there.
Renik Tuesday February 15th, 2005 6:36:00 PM
(OOC: Fair point from Philip! Also, did Renik find anything when searching the bard? Have we located the missing items?)
If there is a chance to rest before the bridge then Renik suggests they keep two on watch in 3 shifts in whilst the spellcasters meditate and rest, in order to memorise as many Teleportation spells as possible. After that he will suggest the bard is ported out first, along with as many of the team as possible. He will remain (with Sarigar if he will stay) as the last to leave, as they are best equipped to keep hidden from any foes.
If they reach the bridge before this is possible Renik will suggest they make camp in cover, and ask Sarigar and Draax to join him in concealed surveillance of the path and bridge whilst the spellcasters recharge.
DM Cayzle OOC Tuesday February 15th, 2005 8:36:27 PM
Yup! Exactly right. What I am saying is that you travel without incident for a couple days. The next obstacle is the bridge. I'm assuming that you are all healed up and have the spells you wish prepared.
Draax, AC21, HP110 Tuesday February 15th, 2005 8:44:46 PM
Draax follows the others while pushing the prisoner ahead of him. He will turn the prisoner over to someone else and join Renik and Sarigar during their surveillance of the path and the bridge.
Tratain Tuesday February 15th, 2005 10:38:42 PM
Tratain will cast Detect Magic before the party leaves the clearing and make sure any Magical Items as well as mundane items are stripped from the Snake Man, Bard and Giant before the party sets out.
Tratain says "If we can Rest Arien and I should be able to teleport us all out. I think Arien will have to Make two Trips, by my count there are 10 of us that need to be returned to Platau City. I am only able to bring 3 people with me. How about you Arien?"
----------------------------------- OOC: By my count there are 8 of us I believe in the Party, Plus Black Paws and The Bard.
Detects and Delays (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 16th, 2005 6:50:26 AM
Before leaving the clearing, Tratain scans for magic. The giant's large chainmail and large greatclub are magical. The group adds that to the party's loot.
In searching the bard, you note that he has on him the stolen Communication Coin and the logbook, written in code, that you seek. The bard is also carrying magic items: a wand, an amulet, a periapt; and an Ioun Stone whizzes around his head. He also has a high quality nonmagic harp and many small rubies. What do you do with all these?
Tratain also takes note of the Drow wizard's magic bag, which no one has yet opened.
Sarigar finds a place where several huge boulders lean against each other -- a natural shelter, from which you evict a fox, and in which you can safely spend the night. It is cold, but warmer than it was on the walk here. You rest here and in the morning prepare spells.
Renik sets watches, and Draax is especially vigilant.
Up ahead is the troll on the bridge.
When Tratain talks about teleporting back to Plateau City, the captive bard's eyes widen, and he begins to shake. It looks like he would run if he were not bound, or object if he were not gagged.
That suggests a problem ... the bard does not seem willing to teleport -- and the spell only works on willing targets.
==========
[OOC Comment from Cayzle: In terms of who is with the group, and who is not, plan on the following: Renik, Sarigar, Black Paws, Tratain, Arien, Draax, Feng, and the captive Bard. Frankly, other inconsistent or awol player characters will most likely leave the party as soon as you return to the City, and in the meantime, we will "fudge" their presence. Absent PCs are not available to fight, so they should not hinder you by needing, for example, to be teleported.]
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+14=31 d20+9=24 Wednesday February 16th, 2005 11:15:59 AM
ooc: Gotta saw first, awwwww, I wouldn't evict the fox, I'd use my Animal Empathy to calm him and make him friendly and ask him if we can stay =)
The brothers have no problem staying as the last group to be teleported out if needed. They are at home in the wild, and if need be, believe they could make it back to town on their own if it really came down to it.
In finding the fox's den, the brothers attempt to calm it and assure it that it will be safer with their pack there (Handle Animal 31 to try to get it to stay long enough for Wild Empathy 24 to work). They know, regardless of what they do, it will probably not like the stink of man in it's den (they wouldn't) but sadly, the pack needs the den more than the fox and if need be, they will chase it off.
The next morning, Sarigar will go about his "prayers", he quietly scurries about the area downwind from the den and marks territory, scrounges up bugs and vegetable matter (not for sustenance per se, but as part of his "ritual"). Throughout this, he asks Mittiri for a new Sprint (Long Strider) spell to replace the one he lost yesterday. For the first time, he reveals the paltry holy symbol he wears under his armor. It is of the old god, Mittiri.
Tratain d20+9=11 Wednesday February 16th, 2005 12:48:54 PM
During the Trip back to the Bridge Tratain uses a Sending spell to contact priestess Kiriana he sends "We have found the Bard, Coin and Logbook. Makeing our way back to Angel Springs. Bard Unwilling to be Teleported. Instructions?"
If Kiriana responds Tratain will share what she says with the others.
At the Bridge Tratain attempts to see if the Troll is alone or if there are giants there as well. (Spot 11)
OOC: We have the Tapestry as well correct? the Illithid didn't grab it when he teleported out? Just makeing sure our list is correct. its as follows. Giant Large Chainmail Large Greatclub
Bard COmmunication Coin and Logbook Wand Amulet Periapt Ioun Stone Several Small Rubies
Drow Wizard Magic Bag Magic Tapestry
Renik Wednesday February 16th, 2005 3:36:14 PM
"Bard, you are coming with us whether you like it or not. You are far safer with Arien's magic than you were in that Tapestry, so I'll have none of your nonsense. Arien, take the Bard and as many others as you can manage. Bard, if you give Arien here any trouble I'll beat you until you're away with the fairies, and perhaps you'll be more willing to cooperate then."
Renik draws his sap.
"Well, what's it to be?"
To Tratain he says "Would we not be better returning directly to Plateau City? Then we can hand over this popinjay, collect our dues and get to work on offloading all these wonderful goodies we've found at the Catacombs. Do we have any immediate reason to return to Angel Springs?"
He waits to hear what the others and Kiriana have to say.
Feng Wednesday February 16th, 2005 4:18:22 PM
Feng has been quiet over the last few days. He's alert for any sign of trouble but it's more than that. He thinks back to his time in the tapestry. He knows that one cannot live in a false reality but he would be lying if he didn't say that part of him wanted to stay there. It wasn't about feeling normal, for as far as he was concerned he was normal. No it was about feeling accepted. He will spend the rest of his life searching for that feeling again which will never come.
Draax, AC21, HP110 Wednesday February 16th, 2005 6:54:14 PM
Draax stays alert as he listens to the others. He says to Renik just loud enough for the bard to hear. "If the bard does not agree to come along peacefully, we could just knock him out and carry him. If he can somehow resist in his sleep we will just dump him in one of the magical bags and hope that he does not suffocate before we get back to the city to let him out."
Turning to look at the bard, but still talking to Renik "I believe his only crime was theft, poor judgment due to a broken heart, and desertion from his duties. He did not turn over the agency's items as we feared, so there is nothing that he did that would warrant his death. I would hate to have him suffocate to death in a bag of holding because he did not come back with us willingly to plead he case and face judgment for his actions."
Still looking at the bard Draax begin to tap the handle of his sword against the palm of his hand and if he was judging how much force he would need to knock someone out with it.
Knock Out? (DM Cayzle) d20-1=16 (Draax Aids Another to help Renik's Intimidate check) d20+8=17 (Renik's check, with Draax's help) d20+6=16 (Bard's opposed roll) Thursday February 17th, 2005 10:35:59 AM
Sarigar befriends the fox and convinces her to share her den. In the morning he reveals an antique holy symbol.
Tratain gets a message back from the boss: "Congratulations! Return as soon as you can, with bard."
Renik and Drax try to convince the bard to come along willingly -- through veiled and open threats and intimidation.
It seems clear that you have ungagged the bard, since you are asking him to respond. Rhiad looks at you both and sneers.
"Torture me! That's what you will do! Beat me because you can! Beat me because you are powerful. I am not surprised. You are just like those who killed my true love, Violet. You use people, you threaten them, and you intimidate them. I was a fool to believe that the organization had any morals or noble purpose."
"Fine! I have no desire to be beaten into unconsciousness. I'll go peacefully. You so-called heroes are just thugs and ruffians. It's too bad the dragons didn't destroy you when they destroyed the city. Where is the government-in-exile, then?"
(Guys, make Intimidate skill checks when you try stuff like this. Drax makes an aid another attempt at -1 and succeeds, giving Renik a +2. Renik, at +8 now on his Intimidate check, gets a 17. The bard's opposed roll is a 16! Just barely a success, but a succeess!)
Feng sits apart from this scene and seems very thoughtful.
==========
[Ah ... it's a moot point, but here is the answer we seek about teleporting an unwilling creature! From the SRD:
Some spells restrict you to willing targets only. Declaring yourself as a willing target is something that can be done at any time (even if you're flat-footed or it isn't your turn). Unconscious creatures are automatically considered willing, but a character who is conscious but immobile or helpless (such as one who is bound, cowering, grappling, paralyzed, pinned, or stunned) is not automatically willing.
If you knock out the bard, then you can teleport him. Unconscious people are automatically willing!]
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+19=21 Thursday February 17th, 2005 1:41:33 PM
The brothers mill about the area looking for things to eat, finding some small animals (mice, small birds, etc.), some mushrooms, berries, grubs and other edibles. Sarigar offers the fox a mouse or two in thanks for sharing the den and promises that he'll never do that to her again.
The rest of the meager food they've scraped up is offered to the others, though they're beginning to realize that the others don't share their pallet for real food. Their pack mates seem to prefer they dry, crunchy, bad smelling stuff they carry in their packs. "Oh well, they think, more for us."
Feeling the mild sting from the giant's hit from the day before, Sarigar does another surprising thing, he actually removes his armor. Underneathe, despite the dirt and grime covering his body, numerous scars cover his body. Most are obviously from animals, but some appear to be from weapons. One of the most prominent scars is on his neck which looks as though it would have been fatal at the time and most definitely a bite mark.
Noting the bruise on his ribs and realizing it's really not that bad, just uncomfortable, he puts his armor back on and prepares to depart. Once his armor is on and his belongings are packed, he sits in front of Black Paws, nose to nose. They sit almost completely motionless for quite a while, staring into each other's eyes as if they're having a conversation.
Tratain Thursday February 17th, 2005 10:18:22 PM
Tratain says "Arien will need to make two Trips, I'd suggest takeing the bard first. If he doesn't go willingly like he says we'll knock him out for the second trip. Hopefully the temple will be able to straighten him out, he doesn't seem right in the head. I will take whoever is left after Ariens second Trip back with me to the Temple."
After Arien Transports everyone else safely back to Plataue City Tratain will take the remainder of the Group back to the War Cathedral Via Word of Recall spell.
Draax Thursday February 17th, 2005 10:52:07 PM
Draax shakes his head and laughs softly at the bards words. Nothing they say will convince the thief that he is the bad guy in this scenario. Draax will go in the second group, waiting to see if the bard will let himself be teleported or have to be knocked out.
Out of habit Draax declines Sarigar's offer of food without looking at it.
Renik Friday February 18th, 2005 2:33:27 AM
Renik nods at Tratain's words. Tugging at the front of his jerkin he says "make it so". He smiles at the bard's words, but makes no comment.
Noting Sarigar's scars he takes some time to speak with him later, asking where the livid bite scar at his throat came from.
Back to Plateau City Friday February 18th, 2005 7:20:58 PM
[OOC: Still nothing from Arien, but I'll assume he preps the needed spells.]
Since the bard is intimidated into agreeing, the party finds itself back in Plateau City.
Where to next?
Sarigar and Black Paws Saturday February 19th, 2005 12:47:10 AM "Me and the pack found a tree lady being attacked by some orcs and worgs. Seein' as we already didn't like orcs and worgs and the tree lady'd been our friend, we helped. One of the worgs got me by the neck and shook me around. I woke up later with the tree lady making me all better. She gave me this..." Sarigar says, holding out the old, slightly tarnished symbol of Mittiri for Renik to see. "She said she sensed that I'd been touched by nature. Said Mittiri was in me and my pack. Dunno about that, but I keep it since she asked me to."
Once in Plateau City, and once again assailed by the stench of "civilization" the brothers are eager to make their way to their den in Gladiator Park. If needed, they will go with the rest of the pack to see the church lady.
Back in the park, they quickly realize that there aren't any decent sized bodies of water. Not exactly eager to meander through the city streets, they follow whatever scents of nature they can catch on the wind and find their way to the druid quarter. Much more to their liking, they set up a den then take a fresh dip in the lake to clean up and ease their bruised ribs.
Arien Saturday February 19th, 2005 4:13:11 AM
Arien brings teleports with passengers in tow to Plateau City, once everyone meets up Arien stays to the side and waits for a decision to be made.
(Ack sorry guys, caught a nasty case of the flu and was pretty much out of commision until today, had to go the doctors and everything. That plus having my computer crash and me not being well enough to actually work on it until today is what has kept me away.)
Tratain Saturday February 19th, 2005 6:10:06 PM
Tratain walks with the Others to the War Cathedral to drop off the Bard he says to the others "Any Plans for after? There was that letter delivered to us but i don't know what we can do about it. Maybe Kiriana and the others have discovered anything about it. I kind of doubt it though, I don't think the letter said much beyond I used to work for your old employer come find me and talk to me."
Renik Sunday February 20th, 2005 5:40:24 PM
Renik grins and says to Sarigar "Mittiri eh? Well, whoever saved you it sounds like you had a pretty lucky escape. And by the look of you, friend I'd say that tree lady was probably right about you having been touched by nature. When we get back to the city I really must give you the name of my barber. And couturier. And manicurist. And, by the look of it, my pedicurist too."
As they head towards the meet with Kiriana the rogue nods at Tratain's words. "In truth recent events had pushed that note clear out of my mind, but you are right Tratain. It does bear further investigation." He fishes the note out and reads it once more.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Do forgive me for writing you an anonymous letter. I am an old friend of the late Marcus. For the last few years my association with him was not only personal, but also professional. It was during one of our common projects that I learned about your existence, though I must admit that Marcus never revealed more details about you than he absolutely had to.
Now, after more than twenty years of work, I decided to retire from my old job and pursue other goals. I am right now associated with a very fine band of seasoned explorers. We are preparing a journey to an exotic and dangerous place. You will be pleased to learn that, aside from being a promise of high adventure and great riches, this voyage also serves to further a noble cause.
Given your reputation and previous achievements, after careful deliberation, we decided to extend to you an invitation to join our group on this dangerous journey. Should you be interested in learning more details please find me within a month of the date of delivery of this letter.
I am deliberately not including my name or any other details that would make the task of locating me easier, as tracking me down is a little test we took the liberty of putting you through. I am certain that your resourcefulness and skill will make this task easy.
I hope to see you soon and talk with you in person. I wish you good luck and remain
Very Truly Yours, Prospective Partner.
"Well now, this was dropped off at the temple two weeks before we left on Kiriana's business. The note says a month, so we must be pretty close to that by now. Does anyone have any ideas about how we might locate the writer? Are there magical means to achieve such a thing?"
Then they are at the Temple, and the rogue pushes Rhiad Blackwing before him, pocketing the letter.
"We are here to deliver this fellow to Kiriana for interrogation" he announces to the temple guards.
(OOC: Anyone up for identifying the magic items we've found, or shall I take the haul off to the Catacombs to be checked over?)
Feng Monday February 21st, 2005 12:56:42 AM
While not totally thrilled with the way the bard was convinced to teleport, Feng doesn't think about it. The recent adventure was rather difficult and while he's glad to be back Feng knows he needs to get back and assist Benny as soon as he can. He gave his word after all. Perhaps his companions learned something during the time he was in the tapestry. He would have to ask at a later time.
OOC: Was the fate of Benny's love ever learned? If it was learned that she was captive at the giant camp Feng will send message to Benny with the information. Feng will have to go back and help if there is ever any downtime between missions.
Draax Monday February 21st, 2005 5:09:43 AM
Draax was so caught up in the assignment to capture the bard and recover the items that he forgot about the mysterious letter.
"I do not know what to do with the information provided by the letter. The author did not give us anything to go on except that he was an old friend of the late Marcus. The only suggestion that I could give is that we checkout some of Marcus's old acquaintances and see if any of them have a clue. I know that the Baron Balantyne is still playing the bad guy. We might be able to sneak in and have a word with him. The High lord Mayor Sturdavent had a pretty good connection with Marcus also. If either one of them or both are still alive they might have some insight. Those two are the only ones that I remember, maybe one of you can think of someone more suitable that might give us an idea of the author's identity."
Renik (sorry, 2nd post, just to speed up conversation) Monday February 21st, 2005 8:47:57 AM
"I suppose our best clue is to enquire of Kiriana or the others you mention, Draax, if any members of the Organization with a service history of more than 20 years have retired recently" ponders the rogue.
When he sees Kiriana he will pose the question.
Preparing for an Appointment (DM Cayzle) Monday February 21st, 2005 6:25:20 PM
As soon as the group is back, they high-tail it over to HQ to turn over the bard, the coin, and the code book. Job accomplished, our heroes are asked to return tomorrow to meet with Kiriana at noon.
Sarigar talks with Renik about his background, then heads over to the park. Perhaps he wonders why he thought about the tree lady. But he is restless, so he heads out, following his nose for water.
The wind beckons, with a wild taste. How odd it seems in the city. More like a breeze from the woods.
Sarigar follows his nose, and it leads him to a park he has not seen before, across from a bakery. There is a small pond there, and it seems very private. In fact, there aren't any citizens enjoying it.
How restful, and peaceful. A place like this he never found in the heart of the city before.
Sarigar blesses his luck and spends the night. He wakes refreshed, clean, and happy with dreams he does not remember -- and he wakes up on the street! The park is gone! If it ever existed. The bakery is over there ... but no park.
He rejoins his pack before it is time to meet the boss.
The rest of the group spends the night without incident. Feng asks about Benny the Halfling's love, and goes over the news that she is a captive in the giant fort, a serving girl of some kind. He hires a messenger to send word to Benny. (or you culd use a Sending spell ... )
Renik considers the group's loot. The magic contents of the Wizard's magic bag: Rock Horseshoes Pearl Cloak
There are also coins, gems, and such in different denominations totalling 10,000 gp.
Note: The bard had on him the following: Wand Amulet Periapt Ioun Stone Several Small Rubies
Did you keep these?
The group, lead by Tratain and Renik, discusses the mysterious letter. If you want to ask Kiriana about it, do so at the interview. If you want to ask around HQ, then make some Gather Info checks.
========
[OOC: Fellows, this week is a down week. Feel free to meet Kiriana, look for leads regarding Mr. Mysterious, divide loot, RP, update PC sheets, etc. I'll have xp awards tomorrow. If there is anything in particular that you wish to do, please please let me know asap. That could be specific (like "go rescue Benny's love," or "find and establish a gold mine") or general (like "lots of combat," or "encounter lots of constructs"). I appreciate the suggestions and feedback. Also, please send me any nominations for Hero Points and RP Awards. Cayzle@yahoo.com.]
Sarigar and Black Paws Monday February 21st, 2005 10:40:28 PM
The next morning, the brothers spend some time searching the area for their touch of the wild. Waking up to the stink of "civilization" was scary enough, but misplacing an entire park while they slept is, well, unsettling. Their search, unproductive (assuming it is of course), they dejectedly make their way to the temple to meet with the others.
"Ummm...the wild place is gone. We washed there, sleep there, woke up...not there. We sniffed for it again, and it not there. We no like this place, want the wild place back."
The rest of the time, during the meeting, the brothers are noticably uneasy, like their skin was crawling.
A trip back home to the Red Hills and the edges of Culverwood might be in order. Too much time in man's world has them rattled. That, or maybe it's time to hunt down their pack's killers.
Tratain d20+1=8 Monday February 21st, 2005 10:46:09 PM
When Back at the War Cathedral Tratain will ask around if anyone knows anything about the letter. Any of Marcus's friends, if anyone saw who dropped the letter off etc. (Gather info 8) He tells Renik that it may be possible to learn more through the use of a Planar Ally spell if no one is able to discover anything in a day or two, But bargining with a creature from another Plane, even a goodly one may cost decent amount of Coin if we do it.
Tratain says to the Others "I have 12 Pearls we can use for identifying the Items we found if Arien wants them, have you had time to Learn the Analyze dweomer spell we bought a while back? It will make things much easier and far less costly for us than bringing them to the catacombs or buying pearls to do the Identifying."
He continues "I believe that the Rubies that the Bard had on him belong to the Temple, they seem to fit the description of the Gems they asked us to recover. If they do belong to the temple we will return them. We should also do something with that tapestry. Turn it over to someone who can study it and keep it safe. It seems like a pretty powerful Artifact, perhapse we should bring it over to the Star Mages guild?"
During the break Tratain will train with the other Priests and recruits in the War Cathedral, wander about the Town and Help the rebuilding process if its still going on and volunteers are needed. Tratain will also attend one of the Services at Garguls temple to show his appreciation for Gargul returning his friend to life.
Tratain Monday February 21st, 2005 11:24:00 PM
Tratain will also go with whoever wants to come along to deliver Gaxx's Body to the Temple of Wardd.
(OOC: I know I cast Gentle Repose on Him and I'm pretty sure we transported his body with us. If we didn't Tratain will ask Arien to Teleport us to where we left him so we can retrieve his body._
Renik Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 11:12:42 AM
"Let's identify what we can then" suggests Renik, looking folornly at the sack of gems.
"But that Tapestry has got to be worth a pretty penny. I say if the Star Mages want it they can buy it from the Catacombs."
He waits to see the results of the magic item identification.
Feng Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 1:27:34 PM
Once he learns of the free time Feng begins to make arrangement to return and help free Benny's love. It will be dangerous but in today's world nothing worth while is easy or safe.
"Friends I must return and help Benny. I will return as soon as I am able."
OOC: Feng will head back and help Benny.
==========
[OOC: Gosh, it sure will put a monkey wrench in the game to have one character go off alone on a private quest! Especially one that will take more than a week and is dangerous! Frankly, this game has few enough steady posters as it is! Please, consider working as a team. Feng might consider that raiding the giants alone is a suicide mission. Maybe he would consider convincing his friends to join him? Just a thought -- Cayzle]
Loot and Lore (DM Cayzle) Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 10:58:16 PM
Sarigar's inarticulate attempts to relate the strange events of last night may not be clear ... but he does communicate that something happened to him!
Tratain asks around about the letter, but all he learns, second hand, is that an elf left it.
He think the group might want to seek out some supernatural source of lore. Anything more on this?
The rest of the morning sees one or two of the Hamleteers at the Temple of Gargul, returning the remains of a lost friend and giving thanks for those who are still alive.
Feng makes it very clear that he feels an obligation to rescue the halfling lass who works in shackled drudgery for the giants.
Renik is more concerned with mundane matters -- the loot! The divinations are soon resolved with the following results:
Large Chainmail +2 Large Greatclub +2 3500 gp in small rubies dark blue ioun stone periapt of health amulet of natural armor +2 wand of neutralize poison with 5 charges Stone of alarm Horseshoes of speed Pearl of power, 2nd level bag of holding type 1 Cloak of resistance +2
[OOC: I'm assuming Arien is using an Analyze Dweomer spell. If not, please pay 1,500 gp for an Organization mage to do so.]
Arien (or the Organization diviner) looks at the Tapestry and the Book while under the influence of the Analyze Dweomer. the magic is strangely enigmatic. On one page, a quote is seen: "Great Birnam Wood to High Dunsinane Hill Shall Come."
When he looks at the Tapestry, he sees a fleeting image, as of a forest on the march.
As soon as the spell ends, both the quote and image are gone -- and only the spellcaster witnessed them.
==========
OOC -- Other Awards:
Each person receives a base xp award of 9,500 xp. Role Play and Hero Point awards may raise that up. Most (or all?) will level. I'd really like to have new character sheets by Friday, or Monday anyway, so we can start the next module on Monday.
Congrats and props on making it through a difficult module -- one that stretched the group in new ways. Thanks to Marcin for the great ideas in it.
Draax Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 11:15:58 PM
Draax goes along with those that bring Graxx's body to the temple. After dropping off the body he ponders about whether to seek out the mysterious author or finding a way of keeping their promise to the halfling slaves.
"Feng lets give the giants a chance to settle back down and think that we got away. The giant chief is probably on high alert at the moment and I don't think he will be as welcoming as he was before. We are almost out of time to find the mystery man or woman, so lets take the time remaining to find out who it is and by that time the giants should have settled down enough for us to give trying to save the slaves a try."
Tratain Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 12:13:11 AM
Tratain says to Feng I hate to say it but I think we need to wait untill we are a little more powerful or can find more help in order to free the slaves Held by the Giants. I think we counted 20 to 25 of them all together plus the Hell Hounds. As it stands right now all of us together would have trouble killing 3 of them at the same time let alone trying to storm that fortress. You didn't see because you were in the tapestry but all of them were just about as strong as the one we fought when you were released from the tapestry. We may be able to sneak in and free a single halfling, but that might incite the giants to punish the rest of the slaves when they discover she is missing and assume she escaped.
Tratain tells the others I can use a lesser Planar Ally spell in an attempt to discover who wrote us that letter if no one else can discover anything. It will cost us probably between 500 and 6000 gold depending on which agent responds to the call, they may also ask us for a favor or charge less or nothing at all if what we do is something they approve of. I have only been able to discover that the message was left here by an Elf. Has anyone else had any luck?
Tratain will ask Kiriana if she has discovered anything new about the letter while the group was away. Tratain will also ask if the Rubies the Party found were the Gems she asked us to recover, and if they are turn them over.
If no other Information about the letter is fourth comming from any of the other party members or The temple Tratain will ask Renik if he wants him to use the Lesser Planar Ally spell in order to attempt to find out who left the letter.
Arien d4=4 Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 12:27:29 AM
"As much as I hate those giants I think that'd it be foolishness to attack them head on again. I would have to say that we should find out about this letter, see what this person wants, and gather our strength. Then we can march in and battle the giants."
(Hp for level: 4)
((Grr my computer is still going crazy, my mouse is going nuts on me here >:| ))
Feng Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 9:46:39 AM
Feng sighs. He is troubled and greatly unsure about what to do. It would be dangerous to go into the giant stronghold even if he could have convinced the halflings to assist. Still he gave his word and that he must uphold.
"It's rather difficult to not go. I gave my word that I would help and I would feel worse if Benny went off on his own."
Sarigar and Black Paws 2d4(3+4)=7 d20+1=7 d20+16=30 d20+18=32 d20-2=14 d20+1=15 Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 11:08:05 AM
ooc: 7 hit points for leveling
Waiting around in the Temple, probably the most natable thing about the brothers is that Black Paws is MUCH larger (nearly twice the size he was before). A little less significat is that Sarigar is noticably more uncomfortable than normal, as he sniffs at the air constantly and reeling away from anyone wearing any kinds of perfumes as if the smell actually causes him pain.
A little flustered that the others didn't understand his dilema, he goes about in search of his wild place. He returns to the bakery first and begin searching for any signs of the place (Search 7, Spot 30, Survival to track 32). If he notices anyone taking a keen interest in what he's doing, he'll approach them and in his oh so subtle way, demand to know where the wild place is (Diplomacy 13, Gather Information 15).
Renik d20+5=23 d6=5 Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 3:06:26 PM
"Regarding Benny's love, there is one easy way to perform the action. Arien, invisible, teleports into the slave camp, finds the halfling and teleports her back to Benny. All the rest of us wait at the inn and see how many bottles of red we can finish before he gets back. What do you say, Arien?" He nudges the mage with a grin.
"Tratain, I'd hold off that spell for the time being. Let us see what we can discover by more conventional means first."
The rogue heads to the temple and asks around if there have been any members of 20 years standing of Marcus' organization who have recently retired. He tries to find as much as he can about any such person (Gather Info 23).
OOC: 5HP for new level
Arien Thursday February 24th, 2005 4:20:50 AM
"Well if someone comes with me that can actually tell one halfling from another. I think the giants might notice their halfling slaves disappearing one at a time."
Arien heads to the Star Mage's guild to do some more research on spells.
Meeting the Boss (DM Cayzle) Thursday February 24th, 2005 7:06:54 AM
The group considers and ponders how best to rescue a halfling slave. Renik suggests sending in Arien alone and invisible, but on reflection, invisibility may not be effective against those keen-nosed dogs the giants had all over the place. After talking, it seems the best way to go is to go together. Odds are the young lady will survive another month or so of hard labor, if that is the only viable choice. Even a paladin can see that a delayed success is better than an immediate failure. Draax, Tratain, Arien, and Renik all urge Fend to see the wisdom in this course.
Intent on Feng's quandry, no one seems to notive that Sarigar, troubled, has gone off again. He enters the bakery across from the place he thought he spent the night. His demeanor does not put off the girl working at the shop, though. She steps out of the shop and crosses the street to talk with him. "I, uh, I think I dreamed of you!" she says. "I dreamed you slept here last night, and I saw you, except it wasn't this warehouse, it was a forest! Isnt that strange? Do i know you?" But she has no time for chat, as she has to make a delivery. She says her name is Beky, and she runs off.
Just as well, since some intuition tells Sarigar that as the sun nears its zenith, he has to be with his pack to talk with the woman who has been giving the group jobs to do.
Regarding the mystery letter-writer and his deadline, you all have just over a week before the month is up.
At noon, it is time to report to Kiriana. She asks for a full report, and takes frazzled notes as you speak.
If you make a spot check vs DC20 and know how to read, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice that there her notes are disjointed and filled with odd doodles as well as actual notes.}
Her ears prick up at the story of the Tapestry and how you can enter it.
If there is anything you do not want her to know, please tell me asap. She asks a few questions suggesting that she has already gotten a story out of the bard.
She tells you that you can keep the items you still have that the bard carried.
She pays the group a total bonus of 12,000 gold for completing the mission. Then she says that although the policy of the Organization is that you may keep most treasure that you find, she would like to claim the Tapestry and its Book. As a thank you and a finder's fee, she offers you another 6,000 gold to each person (a sack with 600 platinum, actually).
Does anyone object?
She doesn't talk much, and rushes you out. Kiriana seems preoccupied.
Finally, after the meeting, Renik does some poking around and digs up more info on the mystery writer. He tracks down the person who actually took possession of the note, and this person remembers that the elf had a tattoo on the back of his hand. The tattoo was in the shape of a four-pointed star, with four small circles around it. The elf was dressed in leathers.
==========
[By the way ... this is the Wednesday post! I'll post next late Thurs nite. -Cayzle]
Feng Thursday February 24th, 2005 9:25:30 AM
Feng hates to admit it but waiting is the best choice. A message to Benny should convince the halfling to wait for assistance instead of running off. Benny running off to die would be worse than Feng never offering to help in the first place.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+16=22 Thursday February 24th, 2005 11:07:46 AM
Not understanding a thing of what Kiriana is writing, Sarigar does happen to catch a glimpse of her "doodles" and says "OOooo, pretty pictures." Then looks around at the others like he might have said something wrong but has no clue what.
At the offer of more money, he just scratches his head, and with an innocently confused look, says "Hmmm, shiny circles for the wall blanket? Brother and I don't really need the circles or the blanket. Might could use the blanket for us instead of a wall though. But, if you need it, ok with us." Looking at the others he ask with complete sincerity, Is 6000 a lot?"
After receiving his cut, Sarigar begins stuffing the coins into his pack and realizes something, "Ummm, I think my pack's full. This won't all fit. Hmmm, maybe I can make room." At that, he turns the pack over and begins shaking its contents out onto the temple floor. The staggering amount of junk and coin that spills out of it is quite astounding (about 3/4 of the equipment list in the PHB, approximately 10,000 coins of various denominations, and several chunks of now rotten meat).
He begins sifting through the mass of stuff, tossing what no longer seems useful over his shoulder, completely oblivious as to where or on who it lands. Items that still look useful get stuffed back in. When it's down to just coin, he begins shoveling it back into his pack with both hands, much like a child playing in a sandbox.
"Ahh, that's better. All fits now." With a contented smile, he slings the pack back on his back. He finally takes note of all the stares he's drawn from probably just about everyone in the room. "What?"
Tratain d20=17 d20+5=8 Thursday February 24th, 2005 12:18:33 PM
Tratain sits in the meeting and listens to Kiriana, he notices the doodling on the notes page and attempts to see if he can recognize anything written(Spot 26). Tratain asks Kiriana about the bard and if she has discovered if he killed her friend or happened across his body during the dragon Raid(8 Sense Motive).
Tratain looks a little concerend during the meeting and when she offers to pay the group for the tapestry, she's only really payed attention when speaking about the Tapestry and that worries Tratain. He waits to see if Renik accepts the offer as he's better at sensing these kinds of things.
After the meeting Tratain let the others know and then go in search of Hegemenes the Temples Assistant Treasurer and Sharrianna if her group isn't out on assignment and try to find out if anything strange has been going on or if anyone has been acting off lately.
Renik d20+8=15 d20+8=19 d20+14=22 d20+3=11 d20+3=23 Thursday February 24th, 2005 5:20:55 PM
The rogue notices the doodles on Kiriana's notes and is intrigued. She never struck him as absent minded. A doer, not a dreamer. But he is soon distracted by talk of renumeration. "I have no objections" he grins, eyes gleaming. And yet... Something does not sit quite right with the rogue. The way Kiriana is acting, the eagerness to get access to the Tapestry, and to pay them off funds that were not previously available... are they being set up? He studies her reactions carefully, his suspicions aroused (Sense Motive 23), paying close attention to the questions Kiriana asks.
He stands, hands on hips, shaking with supressed laughter at Sarigar's performance. The sartorially challenged wild man, for all his odd smells and crazy hair, is definitely growing on the dapper rogue. When he is done Renik claps him on the back and offers to show him what he might do with those "shiny circles". He also suggests that of the treasure they have gathered that Sarigar takes the amulet of Natural Armor. "Believe it or not my friend, if you attatch this to your clothes you will become harder to hit. That Warg might have missed if you had been wearing this."
Renik asks around about the tattoo (gather info 15), but without a great deal of hope for success. Their leads seem to be running dry. It occurs to him that there is one other person from Marcus' organization he has not questioned, the gnome who ran their store. He poses the same questions to her (Gather Info 19).
If he finds nothing further, and if no-one else can recognize the symbol (Int check 11, Knowledge checks anyone?) he will suggest to Tratain that perhaps his spell would be a good next step.
Clueless and Confused (DM Cayzle) Thursday February 24th, 2005 11:26:47 PM
Sarigar sees Kiriana's doodles but is clueless about them. He is also clueless about how his housekeeping appears to his friends!
Feng considers the options and decides to wait in helping Benny and his girl. But not too long.
Tratain also sees the doodles, but to him they look meaningless. True doodles.
Kiriana says that she believes the bard found his old master dead and took his belongings, but did not kill him.
He seeks out Hegemenes, who does have news of strange goings on, and frankly, the temple assistant is confused. Winter is just ending, but flowers are blooming all over the city, earlier than they should. There are more animals and birds around, too, and not as shy as they used to be. And a soothsayer has been wandering around town talking about someone named Sleeper. What does it all mean? Hegemenes is clueless!
Renik concentrates on Kiriana, and has a hunch that something is troubling her. In fact, it seems to him that she is having a hard time keeping it together. She is under great stress.
Later, he tries to find out more about the symbol, but there are no clues to be found. Maybe it is time to consult a sage, or a bard, or a magician or diviner, or a supernatural being. Hmmm ...
Tratain d20+5=23 d20+5=8 d20+5=18 d20+5=12 d20+5=10 Friday February 25th, 2005 11:56:30 AM
Tratain will suggest to the Others that everyone should go around the Town and try and find out about the Symbol Renik described or any information about the sleeper that Hegemenes spoke of.
Tratain will wander about the Town looking for bards and ask them about the symbol. He will Also visit the Library and the Star Mages guild to see if Anyone there can offer any advice. Tratain will also keep an eye out for this Soothsayer mentioned and listen to what he says if Tratain should run into him during the day.
(Rolled Several Gather Info Checks Used wrong Modifier by accident 19, 4, 14, 8, 6)
If Tratain fails discover anything usefull and the rest of the group has no luck as well Tratain will Memorize several Tounges Spells and Lesser Planar Ally and Cast the spell when the group is together.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+16=22 Friday February 25th, 2005 3:58:44 PM
Involuntarily rubbing his throat, Sarigar says "Hmmm, not getting hit is good. Ok." He snatches the amulet and finds a spot to hang it (obviously misplaced and still wearing the other amulet). He makes a quick pose as if he were invincible, smiles and looks back at Renik. "The shiny circles are useful? I just keep em cause they're kinda neat lookin' and skip on water really well when I'm bored."
The brothers will follow Renik to find out just where the shiny circles can be used. Every so often, Sarigar will bring up the fact that the Wild place is gone. It was there last night, but now it's not.
More than a little uncomfortable in the city and a tad distracted about his misplaced wild place, Sarigar half keeps an eye out for the symbol the others suggested looking for (Spot 16).
Renik d20+8=26 Friday February 25th, 2005 7:32:17 PM
"Sarigar, I know that other amulet is nice, but the new one will only work if it is the only one you wear. Don't ask me why, that's just the way of things. But what we can do is take your old amulet, exchange it for more shing circles (they are called "coins"), and then use those "coins" to buy you something even better. Perhaps a weapon that strikes truly, or something to make you even more agile. There are all sorts of wonderful things you can use coins for. Can you think of something you'd like? Something for BlackPaws, perhaps?"
The rogue ponders the mystery of the vanishing grove. "It certainly is odd" he muses. "I know this city pretty well, and there has never been a park where you speak of. Why should there suddenly be one overnight and then no more? I'd say you had been dreaming were it not for the baker's lass who saw it too. Very strange."
Renik makes one last attempt to track down information on the curious symbol. He seeks out a Bardic College or (if no such place exists) a bard of renown. He will offer to pay for information about the symbol (he will go as far as 200 GP if pushed).
Gather Info 26.
He is tempted to make a return visit to Kiriana, but decides to leave her alone for now. No doubt she is simply distracted thinking of him. He admires himself momentarily in a hand mirror, smiling approvingly at the way his silky hair falls over his shoulders, accenting his firm jaw. Yes, she is obviously infatuated, lost in reverie of how delicious it would be to break free of the confines of her stuffy religious duties, to be swept away by passion and lust...
On second thoughts, maybe he should go and visit her again.
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