Ingrge Friday March 11th, 2005 5:42:00 PM
Thanking the Celestial Bear Ingrge offers him a healing potion and then let's him go on his way.
Then at K'nara's announcement that they head back, Ingrge shakes his head as if he didn't quite hear quite correctly.
"Umm K'nara, what about the stronghold back there? Are we just going to leave it operational?"
Milo Friday March 11th, 2005 8:50:32 PM
"Well, at lease she won't be of any further assistance to them." Milo glances over at the dead body of his former captor. After replacing his short sword in its scabbard, Milo approaches the wizard's lifeless body, and delicately searches the body for items that may be of assistance to his friends. He takes a couple of minutes to complete his search, but is thorough nonetheless. (OOC: Milo takes 20 on his search, getting a DC 34)
Lian (AC 25, 47hps) Friday March 11th, 2005 9:02:57 PM
The monk remains still and quiet.
Athalorn (sub Jay B) (AC 27, 77hps)[barkskin, owls wisdom, blur] Friday March 11th, 2005 9:06:47 PM
Active Spells: Barkskin- 90 mins (self) Owls wisdon +4- (from Ingrge) Blur- (from Ingrge) Call Lightning Storm- 9 mins (lasts 9 mins, three of nine 5d6 bolts left, DC 22 ref for half)
The druid is about to cast, then, POOF!
"Seems the rat has scurried away, again."
He walks over to Berryl. "Sorry about the toasty bolt." He winces slightly.
K'Nara Saturday March 12th, 2005 10:22:17 AM
"We were pursuing Elese in order to get the artifact from her." K'Nara tells Ingrge. "And we did...technically..." She scowls. "...even if we didn't get to hang onto that lantern. Our eye ought to remain on the artifact, and not necessarily the cohorts of one of the thieves who coveted the Serpent Star...or the Heart of Caeroldra...or whatever it's called."
Search Results for Milo - DM Donna Saturday March 12th, 2005 10:25:41 AM
The little rogue finds three scrolls on the wizard's body: Fly, Heroism, and Water Breathing.
Gunther Saturday March 12th, 2005 3:33:04 PM
Squatting down on the ground, Gunther looks downcast. Somehow this seemed wrong. It seemed, well...unheroic. He's not sure what they were supposed to do, but he was fairly certain what they just did was wrong. Rubbing his temples, Gunther tries not to think too hard...it always gives him a headache.
Brother Bertram Saturday March 12th, 2005 8:43:20 PM
Bertram grunts from where he sits dejectedly. "We took it from Elese and gave it to THEM! We are worse off now than we were."
Lian (AC 25, 47hps) Sunday March 13th, 2005 11:00:16 AM
The monk remains still, getting more frusterated by the minute, listening to the group.
Athalorn (sub Jay B) (AC 27, 77hps)[barkskin, owls wisdom, blur] Sunday March 13th, 2005 11:01:50 AM
Active Spells: Barkskin- 90 mins (self) Owls wisdon +4- (from Ingrge) Blur- (from Ingrge) Call Lightning Storm- 9 mins (lasts 9 mins, three of nine 5d6 bolts left, DC 22 ref for half)
the druid walks over to Lian and taps him on the head. "Huh, seems he's stiffer than usual. Like him better this way." He grins.
Ingrge Sunday March 13th, 2005 12:07:52 PM
K'nara I always got the impression that she was working for someone, not the other way around. She was nowhere near clever enough. If she were she would still be alive and Holdrin would be the dead one.
Reality Bites - DM Donna d20+9=23 d20+2=16 Monday March 14th, 2005 6:21:23 AM
Before K'Nara addresses the Talons again, Figment snaps his fingers.
"I'm going to check Elese's body!" he says, then flies off to do just that. K'Nara looks after him, shakes her head and then addresses the misgivings of the party:
"Listen, I'm sure that Ingrge's instinct is right...but the long and the short of it is this: we have NO proof that Elese was being directed by anybody, and--even if we did--our objective was to get that artifact. We did that...and we had to give it up in order to keep innocent blood from being spilled." The tall woman doesn't look happy admitting that, but she continues to speak with conviction.
"I don't like that we ended up losing the lantern, but that lantern itself IS what we need to keep track of at this time...we only have the very small comfort that, for some odd reason, Parnoth doesn't have his claws on it...yet. However, we need to get our butts back to the Culverwood and find out what the HOL is actually going to do with that thing. I suspect they don't know how to use it, as we saw that apparently Elese did--but that will only be a matter of time before they do...and we all know that the Hands of Love are as bad in their own way as Parnoth is in his."
Figment returns just then, landing but listening to the redheaded fighter as she finishes speaking.
"Attacking that stronghold now is just asking for more trouble than we are likely to be able to handle in our present condition." K'Nara points out. "And we can't be sure we'll actually discover anything that can help us get the lantern back. It's better for us to follow the HOL back to the Emerald Kingdom and use whatever resources we have to discover what they've done with their 'Heart of Caeroldra' there."
"I cast a Detect Magic while I was searching," Figment explains, "I found these things to be magic--" Here he shows the party two rings, a tan bag, a wand and a floppy hat. He waves the hat about a bit.
"As soon as I took this off Elese, what was left of her skin turned black, and whatever hair that hadn't been fried turned white." he says matter-of-factly.
Athalorn (sub Jay B) (AC 27, 77hps)[barkskin, owls wisdom, blur] Monday March 14th, 2005 7:30:15 AM
The druid shakes his head, "I can't believe how easily we let them have the thing."
"Anyway... where's that bird of mine." He begins calling for Glannath.
Lian Monday March 14th, 2005 7:37:50 AM
"Hmmm...." He taps his chin with one finger. "...why doesn't someone just ask Elese if she was working for anyone? She's dead and has no reason to keep the secret to herself anymore. There is, of course, the fact WE killed her. Her spirit may not be willing to answer us." He looks at Bertram. "The worse thing she can tell us is that there aren't just the four groups we know about after the artifact. There might be many more if this thing is as legendary as we think it is."
Gunther Monday March 14th, 2005 2:54:12 PM
Looking at the fortress and then at K'nara, Gunther sighs. "Vat do ve do now?? Follow de Hands of Love? I suppose ve should track dem. Going to be a little harder for us, since ve don't have any horses dough." Gunther gathers his stuff and prepares to head out.
Olana Monday March 14th, 2005 3:11:35 PM
Refusing to let herself get all wrapped up in disappointment, Olana bites her lip and has a closer look at those plant things.
"I thought Athalorn had done this?" she asks, puzzled. "I must say, they're very robust, and in a strange formation."
Brother Bertram Monday March 14th, 2005 6:30:26 PM
Bertram brightens noticeably at K'nara's words. So Friend K'nara, you are saying that NOW we can go destroy the heathen fiends?"
Milo Monday March 14th, 2005 7:46:48 PM
Picking up the three scrolls, Milo casually strolls over to Ingrge, "Here ya go. You'll probably get better use outta these than I will." After handing the arcane loot over, he smiles, nods, and then heads over to where Olana stands, and silently stands beside her.
The Way It Is - DM Donna Tuesday March 15th, 2005 6:00:49 AM
"I'm saying that, since we had to give up that lantern to keep innocent blood from being spilled, we're on the hook to try to keep tabs on the thing and get it back when we can." K'Nara replies to the good cleric's query. "I, too, am hoping to take out a good bunch of those jerks when we do it...but now we have to get back to the Culverwood so we can mobilize our sources and develop a plan."
If there aren't any more questions, K'Nara turns and starts back along the trail towards the Emerald Kingdom.
Athalorn (sub Jay B) Tuesday March 15th, 2005 6:28:23 AM
The druid shrugs at Olana's statement. "Those have never happened before when casting the wall. I have no idea why they remain. Perhaps it was the proximity of the artifact? It twists nature, remember?" He grins.
"Oh yes, K'Nara almost forgot, when we get back to the Kingdom, I really should see if my mother is alright." The druid looks to have resolve on his face. "Glannath could use a break too. And me."
Lian Tuesday March 15th, 2005 6:35:37 AM
"So, Brother Bertram, are you going to speak to Elese's corpse?"
He then looks at the druid. "Really. I should see if my parents are alright as well. Not to mention, finally getting Merlot set up for his retirement and getting a younger horse. Father would love to have Merlot home I'm sure."
The monk raises an eyebrow to K'Nara and Bertram's comments. "I would LOVE to get my hands around that toadies throat at least once before I die." Then he looks at K'Nara. "I don't expect that the Tower will still be standing when we arrive home?!" He says, fearing the worse.
Brother Bertram Tuesday March 15th, 2005 6:44:07 AM
Bertram looks at Lian askance. "I cannot do what you ask Friend Lian. My association with Gargul will not permit me to disturb the dead. I am sorry that I cannot help you."
Figment Tuesday March 15th, 2005 7:46:16 AM
Listening to the banter the mage offers "Ingrge and I can get us back to the camp site tomorrow via teleporting. That way we are home and back to our horses and gear. From there we can try to help the people the HOL and Parnoth's dragon things are killing while we decide what to do next - like for instance scrying for the lantern or Holdrin.".
Olana Tuesday March 15th, 2005 10:38:05 PM
"Honestly Lian, sometimes you're all doom and gloom," says Olana with a wink to her fellow elf.
She nods at Athalorn's explanation about the thorns. It seemed logical enough.
All this is while running her eyes over Milo. She appears to be checking to make sure he's okay and isn't injured. After all she couldn't see him for most of the battle. Magic redandblue mushrooms, she wanted to get back home and wash Izen out of her hair. That Elese had proved to be very tiresome.
Gunther Wednesday March 16th, 2005 12:32:05 AM
Gunther makes his way over to the panther and checks her over. His face radiant, he reaches over and strokes her luxious pelt. "You ver vonderful!! But ve must protect you better next time. I don't vant to lose you." Noting her round belly, Gunther sighs. "You know, it's not going to be as easy to lift you dis time..."
Milo Wednesday March 16th, 2005 2:05:12 AM
Milo notices Olana looking at him, and returns her gaze smiling playfully. The halfling holds his arms out away from his body, "All in one piece. How did you fare in that last bout?" Genuine concern is evident in his voice at that last question, but Milo needs little encouragement to examine the fair elven ranger.
Journey Home - DM Donna d20=11 d20=12 d20=3 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 7:48:42 AM
K'Nara herds the party back along the trail, wanting to make sure there is as much distance between the Talons and the stronghold before resting. On the way, the group passes the site of a battle--the bodies that remain look familiar (Intelligence check versus DC15 to recall that some of them were seen when Ingrge scryed Elese's location a while back).
One of the bodies is that of Lerith, the Talons fighter whom K'Nara is sure was the one tricked into assisting Elese steal the Serpent Star from the Tines. Lerith is stabbed in the back as opposed to having died in battle.
After camping for the night and eating breakfast (which the panther doesn't have to worry about--she's still digesting horse meat), the Talons are teleported to the site Figment mentioned. From there, they start the trek back into the Emerald Kingdom.
Once across the Lygn River and back in their native land, Athalorn bids the Talons farewell.
"I must see for myself if my mother is all right," he says gravely, "And I want to consult with my father about what Parnoth is likely to do in the area...he may need my help to protect the forest there."
K'Nara hugs the tall human male and wishes him well.
Lian d20+2=4 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 10:40:16 AM
The monk searches Lerith's treacherous corpse for clues or information. (untrained Search 4) "Uh, Milo my friend, please help me. I know I'm missing something here." Lian askes with a pleading smile.
The monk shakes the tall ones hand and says, "May Domi know you well in all your journies. May you find your family well." The monk raises the scarf over his mouth and says no more. He begins to ponder his parents fate.
Olana d20+12=24 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 11:26:04 PM
"I'm fine," smiles Olana, giving Milo a tight hug.
On the way back, she help with the search on the fallen comrade. SEARCH DC24. "What an end. This whole adventure taints us all," she remarks sorrowfully.
As they part company with Athalorn, she clasps his hand. "Be careful, Athalorn. These are strange times. Have a safe journey."
Gunther Thursday March 17th, 2005 12:17:38 AM
As Athalorn prepares to leave, Gunther gives him a spine crushing bear hug. "I vill miss you friend! Promise you vill return soon!"
The large warrior turns his back as Athalorn walks off and begins to wipe furiously at his eyes. He strides quickly away from the others to the outskirts of camp and sits down on the dirt. Truth be told, Athalorn was just about his only true friend in the group. Sure, the others had been kind, but Athalorn had truly been a friend. As the group heads out, Gunther sticks to himself, apparently in deep thought.
Milo d20+14=30 Thursday March 17th, 2005 12:59:41 AM
Milo assists Lian with the search as well, helping Olana roll the dead Lerith (OOC: Search DC 30).
Once they are back Milo relaxes, looking to Olana, "I believe there is an opportunity for us to do some real good here, but I have to say, that I'm getting quite tired of that overgrown lizard sticking his big, ungly snout into our business. Something needs to be done about that...." Milo ponders his own statement, his brow furrowed.
Suddenly, Milo laughs nervously, looking up at Olana, "Um... er... soooo... uh... when do I meet your parents?" Smiling sheepishly, like a boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar, "I'd really like to introduce you to my mother."
Brother Bertram Thursday March 17th, 2005 4:31:41 AM
Bertram moves along with the other quietly, his mind miles from here as he ponders what the HOL will be up to now. Soon there must be a reckoning...
Lian Thursday March 17th, 2005 6:29:33 AM
Lian stands, knowing Milo will find what there is to look for.
"Yes, that menace must be dealt with but how ca..." The monk gets a strange look on his face. "I have a potential idea. Mop has the artifact and soon it will be in the claw of the beast. Now, there is an old adage, 'The enemy of your enemy is your friend.' Or 'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.'
Well, why not use that? Lets set up a truce with the HoL. Ask them to help. If we all take on the dragon, perhaps we will achieve two goals with one stone as it were.... give the Green One a fat lip and retrieve the artifact.
Then the HoL and Talons can debate after, who should keep the artifact. If the HoL isn't an option, maybe we can find another ally."
Figment Thursday March 17th, 2005 8:14:24 AM
The mage nods to Antalorn and wishes him safe travels, sure he does not want to acknowledge the mage to much. As they traverse the river and move on he offers "I am sure Holdrin would not work in concert with us, but he might try to get the lantern himself. Perhaps we could help him find it without exposing ourselves to his treachery - which we all know will be the end result. I wonder if we can scry Mop and determine his whereabouts? It is possible he has not returned the artifact to Parnoth yet...Ingrge?".
Brother Bertram Thursday March 17th, 2005 1:14:59 PM
Bertram looks at Lian mildly. "And then what Friend Lian? The Hand of Love takes over the reign of terror that is Parnoth's legacy?" Bertram sighs, "I am sorry my friend but I see no good answer to our dilema."
Luck O' The Irish? - DM Donna Thursday March 17th, 2005 6:11:57 PM
Searching Lerith's body reveals nothing save that he wasn't killed in battle--he was assassinated from behind.
As the group travels back to their tower headquarters, they discuss the artifact. K'Nara takes the time to point out to Lian and Figment that she had been forced to technically hand over the Serpent Star to Holdrin's demon--and Mop himself claimed that it was the decree of Parnoth that the HOL get the lantern...which meant that neither Mop nor Parnoth had the artifact. At least, not just then. Knowing Parnoth's love of twisting events to his own favor, doubtless the dragon would renege on the deal made with the HOL as soon as possible.
Nearing the territory of the tower, the female panther (still tagging along with Gunther and the group) suddenly screams and dashes across the trail, bursting out from the underbrush on one side of the roadway and dashing across it to the other side...her tail in a mass of giant cockleburrs.
Running after her are three laughing leprechauns, all pointing and screaming with mirth themselves.
"Hey--HEY!" K'Nara yells at the little folk. "You're being MEAN! Knock it off!!!" She scowls at them.
One of the wee ones makes a rude gesture, which is about to be mirrored by the second, but the third peers with strange intensity at the tall human blade singer, then cuffs the other pair of leprechauns.
"Ye heard the lady--off wi' the burrs!" he orders. The other two mumble and grumble, but they wave their hands and the sticky, prickly orbs fall away from the large feline's tail.
"Thank you!" K'Nara says evenly. There is much fierce whispering and poking amongst the trio, but they end up bowing and "poof!" they're out of sight.
The panther opts to stick closer by Gunther after that, her hair on end for some time after the encounter.
Ingrge Thursday March 17th, 2005 7:34:11 PM
Oh I most certainly can scry for that little dust bucket but I am sure that with Parnoth's paranoia he is well protected. I can certainly try when we get back home.
OLana Friday March 18th, 2005 12:24:51 AM
'I wonder why Parnoth wants the HOL to have the artifact?" muses Olana. 'That seems to be the biggest mystery to me.'
The arrival of the leprechauns has the elf on guard. Pranksters on the face of it, but some were very powerful and capable of much darker things. They were never to be underestimated as far as she was concerned.
To Milo on the journey - 'I'd love to meet your mother," she says, adding a wistful smile. "As for my parents, I have no idea where they are. All our families were split up... they might be dead." Her look suggests she is reconciled to that idea, or perhaps it's a mask.
Lian Friday March 18th, 2005 2:30:22 AM
"Well Bertram, personally, when Parnoth is gone, it'll be a happy day for the Wold and the Kingdom."
Lian then sees the little folk and yells to them in Sylvan. "Be glad the big black didn't you, you little tricksters!" He grins.
Turning to Olana and Milo. "I think, perhaps, we should look for ALL our parents. Yours especially Olana, I'm sure your parents would love to be at the wedding." He smiles again, trying to help cheer her up.
Brother Bertram Friday March 18th, 2005 4:25:15 AM
"Friend Lian, I in no way meant that I approve of that green dictator, but I despise the HOL as much, if not more. They are fools that will destroy the entire kingdom. I have more faith in Parnoth than in them, but I in no way mean to defend the dragon."
Figment Friday March 18th, 2005 7:20:03 AM
The mage nods at Bertam's words. "Parnoth is interested in the preservation of the kingdom for his own purposes. The HOL is interested in loving anyone to death who does not follow their twisted religion. I like our chances with Parnoth. Obviously he's not worried about the artifiact as a threat. Either that or he believes once the thing gets to the HOL temple that its no longer a problem for him. Perhaps, Ingrge, you can scry for the artifact and for Holdrin later?".
Back at the Ranch...er...Tower - DM Donna Friday March 18th, 2005 8:06:26 AM
Finally the Talons make it back to their tower, where Thauramec Brusse immediately snags K'Nara to give her his complete report. As the phantom runs down the mundane encounters over the weeks the Talons had been away, K'Nara quickly whispers to Figment and Ingrge:
"Don't forget to have Brother Bertram check out the stuff we picked up...and you guys Identify them, too, okay..?"
Rainara and Remus welcome everyone home, pointing out to Gunther that the dwarves have started work on a nice stable that includes the space he'd requested for raising big cats. In another couple of weeks or so, the structure should be finished.
The horses that had been loosed by the Talons are all at the site, as well--though Remus points out to Lian that Merlot is sporting a claw mark on one flank. A local ranger who could speak to animals found out that Merlot very nearly became the meal for a stahker, but the other horses rallied to their colleague's aid and were able to help Merlot escape.
Lian Friday March 18th, 2005 9:02:46 AM
He finds Merlot wounded and consoles the old boy with a treat. "I'll heal that up soon my friend."
The monk immediately goes to his room, leaving the door open and begins writing a message he plans to send out first thing in the morning.
After finishing the letter, the new devotee of Domi pours over his scripture and begins memorizing passages. He also takes a long time on the chapters about Domi's life in the Wold before he ascended. The monk spends a good amount of time on the practices of the clergy and their ways so that he has an understanding of the divine.
His punching bag remains dusty and unused all day.
Gunther d20+12=16 Friday March 18th, 2005 12:49:24 PM
The warrior growls in frustration at the antics of the wee ones, but manages somehow to keep his anger in check.
Once home, Gunther grins at the stable. "Yes, dis vis do nicely." Looking over at the panther tagging along nearby, Gunther pats her gently. "Tell me girl, vhat do you tink? De veather is nice. You vant to stay out here togeder or you vant to spend de night in my place?" Gunther sighs...he wishes Athalorn was here. What he wouldn't give to be able to speak with his new companion.
At the mention of the stahker, Gunther's eyes sparkle. He would so love to see one...but for now, it would probably be best if he concentrated on the panther.
After K'nara's briefing, Gunther approaches Rainara to inquire about the condition of the dragon hide that he had sent back to the Tower. He also asks if there are any armorers nearby that might be able to convert it into some nice armor. Seemed like such a shame to let the thing go to waste.
As the day progresses, Gunther spends all of his time with the panther. He works on getting her used to being in closer proximity and general relationship building (Handle Animal=16). There would be plenty of time for more advanced training later...he hopes.
Figment Friday March 18th, 2005 4:34:28 PM
The mage spends his time identifying the items, tending to Jux, and recouperating from all the hubub.
Ingrge Friday March 18th, 2005 6:31:31 PM
Aiding with any identifying necessary, Ingrge will also scry for holdrin and the lantern if wanted, other than a few conversations with Figment and Bertram, the taciturn elf spends alot of time by himself and on Moonshadow apparently so he doesn't run into Olana or Milo. Oddly enough any time talk of matrimony and wedding plans comes up, Ingrge finds away to make himself absent from any such discussions.
Then one afternoon he approaches K'nara, while the others are out and otherwise occupied.
"K'nara, I need to make a journey. I am not sure how long it will take and where exacly I am headed, but I need to go. I feel myself being pulled and am finding it near impossible to resist. If I can I will return, that is, if you all still want me around."
Brother Bertram Saturday March 19th, 2005 6:56:19 AM
Bertram shares his plan with the others to see if they approve of him building a small chapel to Domi and Gargul at the tower.
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