The Big Dream [CDM Jerry] Saturday March 19th, 2005 10:27:08 AM
Without warning, the items given by the matron begin to glow. The room lights up with them. The oracle as well hums and then sings with anticipation.
Some sort of collective elven effect is at work!
As the dragon adventurers struggle to come to grips with these events, their conscious minds fade and a waking dreamlike state begins.
There is then a joining of minds. Elven minds. Minds that look at life in terms of centuries instead of years.
The drow join in the union. Nearby elves join in. Some join to a lesser extent being half-elves or other relates species.
The pool of collective thought grows until it becomes Woldwide!
The overwhelming thought becomes "Why?"
An ancient being joining the mix replies, "This has happened twice before. This is the third time."
"What has happened before?" comes the overwhelming response.
"This. Prepare and listen."
A common Elven Dream begins.
---------
You are floating... in space..?
You can see The Wold turning lazily beneath you, so very far below--slow but steady, the planet rotates, basking blissfully in the light of the bright golden disk hanging above it. Sunlight dapples the large fertile brown expanses of land dotted with areas of green forest... it sparkles across the waves of the blue-green ocean.
The Wold is as it is.
Suddenly you become aware that there are three smaller discs approaching the bright one, also at a slow but steady pace... you realize that the bright disk must be the sun, and the others are the moons of The Wold.
The three new discs align to cover the sun completely, leaving it and The Wold in darkness. But there--right in the middle of the now-black sun-disk--a pair eyes blink open, as though awakened from sleep.
The almond-shaped eyes--the bright, brilliant hue of sky and sea--look down upon The Wold. They widen in surprise, as though viewing the burgeoning world for the first time in a very, very long time... then the expression in the turquoise eyes grows rather sad. A tear forms and falls from one of the eyes as it blinks.
The eyes in the black sun narrow slightly--as though the unseen person to whom they belong has suddenly begun contemplating... and then the eyes blink again, once more brightening with the enlightenment of a great idea..!
The eyes glow warmly--if there were a face to go with them, you just know that it would have a happy, friendly grin in place--and The Wold, turning in its slow, steady pace, begins to grow green. Focusing on the planet, you can see that the forests of The Wold flourish and grow lush once more, spreading their fertile growth across the faces of the both the continent of Yrth and the Fragmented Lands, as the owner of the eyes laughs delightedly.
You swoop down from your lofty perch and find yourself standing in an ancient forest, Culverwood, breathing in the good green scent of the ancient trees. There is a dark, malevolent blot at the edge of your senses whom the collective knows to be Parnoth the oppressor--then suddenly, the blot disappears from sight and you hear the great beast's agonized screams.
More screams and cries ring in your ears now--the voices of those who oppose and harm Nature, the voices of those who would hold back the elves and make them lesser beings, the voices of evil. Too long they have been allowed to run free, but now they face their just reward. Through it all, the owner of the eyes continues to laugh.
The dream ends and the personal you physically awakens with laughter still ringing in your ears.
Gareth Monday March 21st, 2005 10:46:27 AM
The warrior just stands there as if nothing has happened. He is apparently ambivalent to what he has seen - if he saw it at all.
Onrad Monday March 21st, 2005 12:07:04 PM
"EEEEIEIIIIIIIIIY!
"What was that?"
"Is it me or is the Wold going bonkers these days?
He thinks for a second.
"Was that a local phenomenom or was it more than that?"
Tericus Monday March 21st, 2005 12:38:04 PM
Shaking his head so as to clear his mind, Tericus says, "The last time I had a vision like that my goddess died. Terasalia died." Then he shakes his head again and says, "I can't go through that again."
Symon Dracozyl Monday March 21st, 2005 1:58:41 PM
Symon, not having a dragon figure, did not experience the dream. "What? What happened? What happened to you all?"
His confusion is clear, and he seems off-balance.
The Aftermath (DM Cayzle) Monday March 21st, 2005 2:05:03 PM
The elf woman dressed in silver stands up from where she had fallen. As you look at her, you realize that you sensed her in the dream as well. And you sensed other elves and elf-friends you have met.
Even after the amazing event, Illimria's composure is only slightly shaken. "Well. Considering all that just transpired, it may be that you would like to reconsider your questions. Remember, you may each ask only one."
Jandar Monday March 21st, 2005 10:57:25 PM
Jandar stands a bit subdued after witnessing the dream. He shakes his head from side to side as Symon barrages them with questions, as if in disbelief.
After a few minutes, and many stares at his friends, he says, "I will indeed change my question, as I feel I know what to do about Gareth. I would like you to tell us about that vison and what that creature was with the almond shaped eyes... please."
Tericus Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 9:51:48 AM
nodding at Jandar question, Tericus will wait for his own until Jandar's is answered
Onrad Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 12:55:57 PM
Onrad nods, waiting for the answer. "This should be interesting! But frustrating. Again, we'll have no downtime between emergencies. Why don't emergencies cooperate so that heroes can relax occasionaly?"
Symon Dracozyl Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 1:46:54 PM
"Well?" Symon asks the elf girl. "Well? Well?"
The Oracle (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 1:58:07 PM
Before Illimria can respond, the mists in the room swirl around the font in the center of the chamber. You recall that the voice of the Oracle spoke in the past from this font.
Jandar steps up to the coiled serpent font and peers down into it. He poses his question. The mists swirl, and he sees a jungle of growing green. He can see each blade of grass, each leaf, each flower. It seems almost painfully real -- more real than real. He sees a male figure, asleep amid the greenery.
The voice of the Oracle sounds: "The powerful, the ancient, the king of the fae may yet awaken -- if the elves of the Wold act in time! Will they gather? What will they do? Will you aid them or oppose them?"
Jandar Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 11:11:00 PM
Jandar nods his head and replies, "A good question indeed. I wonder... does he consider all non-elves to be evil or lesser? That would determine if I were to want to help or oppose. What will it take to awaken him? The death of Parnoth? It seems he sleeps, possibly in Culverwood itself. That could be the reason for the magic of that forest and why it always looks different, no matter where you start out.
Of course, that doesn't help with Gareth, and that's our foremost concern. Onrad, I think you are right about contacting the Golds as soon as possible. Father Nicholas, Tericus, and I should have the means to help him and figure out what is wrong. I hear Myrridan the Druid, also travels with them now, and he might know something. It's worth a try at the very least. Well, Tericus, did the Oracle's answer prod you to ask another question about this sleeping King, or about Morlas?"
Gareth Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 8:30:52 AM
The warrior simply asks "What's wrong with me?"
Onrad Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 10:23:58 AM
Grinning despite himself, he gives Gareth a hug. "You are just tired my friend. And perhaps cursed a bit, right Symon?"
"I feel the need to move quickly on this guys. Are we done here? We need get to the Float and report to the Overlord.
He pauses.
"Nevermind. We'll report from here."
He motions to Symon. "Watch this. If you stay with us we'll get you a ring made like this one."
He has two rings on his right hand. One he says is the teleport ring that Nonam or Jus usually carries. He takes it off.
"You're much closer to a mage than I am. Here, the ring is yours to carry. I don't suppose it matters, but the group mage has always carried it.
"This one is a Storm Dragon Ring. See the perpetual storm that rages in the stone? We use these to communicate with each other, other dragon groups active and retired, and certain national leaders of the Free-States League who support us."
"All you do is call the name of the person you want to speak to and you're speaking. Like this...
"Valdor, Myrridan, Overlord we need to have a conference call. Are you available? We need to talk."
He waits to see who will respond.
[OOC, I love throwing curves at my DMs.]
CDM Jerry Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 10:25:39 AM
I need two Dragons from either group to volunteer to meet with the Emerald Talons on their board for a few days and explain to them their first Dragon Task.
It is designed and has been approved by Valdor and DEH as suitable as a first task. I need this done ASAP. First two dragons from either game to email me get the job.
Tericus Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 10:43:03 AM
"I'm more concerned about Onrad at the moment," Tericus tells Jandar. "The elves will have to wait for the moment." Then Tericus steps forward and asks, "How do we heal Gareth?"
Symon Dracozyl Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 4:21:47 PM
The inquisitive Symon steps back from Onrad and holds his hands up. "Whoa, that's not what I'm looking for! You guys are great and all, but trouble follows seems to follow you like blood follows battle! Blood!"
"Besides," he says, looking at the elf woman and the Font of the Oracle, "I think I may have other obligations. Duties. Demands."
But then he pauses to hear what the Oracle says.
The missing essence (DM Cayzle) Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 4:33:14 PM
Gareth steps forward to ask, "What's wrong with me?" -- and Tericus steps up to ask "How do we heal Gareth?"
The oracle replies to both of these questions together. The mists swirl, and you see the battle that took place yesterday. You see yourselves, Morlas, and his liches. But you Dragons all are glowing with an inner light. The undead have a shadow on them. Morlas reaches out and touches Gareth, just as it happened in battle. But this time you see more: The inner light leaves Gareth and enters a large gem that Morlas is carrying. Now Gareth sheds no inner light -- as if he were a suit of armor.
The only hint of light about him comes from his sentient sword, Max. In fact, were it not for that light, you suspect Gareth would crumple and fall.
Sustained (with incredible effort) by Max, Gareth can function, it seems, but with some essential thing missing.
Then the scene fades, and you see a new scene. In this one, Morlas is defeated, and Tericus has taken a large diamond from the lich. He touches it to Gareth and breaks it. You see the inner light return to our hero.
The oracle speaks, asking, "For what does a man profit, if he should gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul?"
Gareth Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 10:54:35 PM
The warrior simply stands there, wondering why he doesn't really care about what the Oracle says - and knowing that he should.
Jandar Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 11:32:10 PM
Jandar curses softly under his breath when he hears and sees Gareth's plight. "We're going to re-kill that sorry lich once and for all. I memorized scrying this morning just in case, so I can scrye for his soul. It would be better than scrying for Morlas, as he's probably resistant to that spell. Of course, there's a chance something else might work first. May not, but worth a try before taking an hour to scrye."
He walks over to Gareth and places his hand over Gareth's, to touch Max at the same time, making sure not to act as if he's trying to take the sword. He asks Max aloud, "Can you sense where Morlas has taken your partner's soul? What plane and where on that plane? And, if you cannot, can you lead us to him once we are close enough, at the least?"
Tericus Thursday March 24th, 2005 7:02:59 AM
"Remember, he's not on this plane," Tericus tells Jandar. "I don't know if scrying will work."
Gareth Thursday March 24th, 2005 7:20:29 AM
"Wouldn't the Oracle know where he is?".
Onrad Thursday March 24th, 2005 10:36:24 AM
Onrad does a double take when Symon says he doesn't want the ring and why. He promises to deal with that later.
For now, he continues to wait for an answer to his ring. "Hmm....maybe they are in combat or the Overlord is in conference. They won't ignore the call of another dragon member though.
He repeats into the ring, "Valdor, Overlord, Myrridan. We must talk. I await you."
Valdor Thursday March 24th, 2005 11:30:13 AM
Valdor answers into his earpiece, "I hear you. We just exited the Shadowlands. That place sucks mud. What's up?"
Onrad Thursday March 24th, 2005 5:15:42 PM
[To push this conversation along I'm posting when one of the others does.]
Onrad smiles, "See Symon, the rings let us talk no matter where we are....mostly."
"Valdor, get Myrridan on. I'm waiting for the Overlord as well. Basically we need to talk about this Elven Dream event. I'm assuming that you got it? Do you know anything? Last time something like this happened Domi died and I'm a bit worried.
"We have other problems too. We're down Nonam, Jus, and Addenein. We're picked up a new guy who just bleeped in named Symon, but we know nothing about him much yet. Seems competent enough."
::smiles at Symon:
"And Gareth has been...attacked by Morlas one of our Arch-Enemies. He's a lich and has part of Gareth's soul...the part that makes him care about things. Not good.
He pauses.
"So did you get the dream? What do you know about it?"
Symon Dracozyl Thursday March 24th, 2005 5:15:43 PM
Symon gets nervous at the look Onrad gives him, and he turns to the elf. "Um, you tell them, okay? Tell them! I still have a debt to the Oracle!"
[Jerry: Wow! Now that is close posting. I beat him by one second!]
The Elves in Thought (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 24th, 2005 5:19:45 PM
Jandar tries to communicate with Max, but what he senses is a feeling of great concentration from the sword, such that to speak would be too distracting.
The elf woman seems distracted too. She waves at Symon as if his question is not that crucial. She says, instead, "You ... dragons ... should ... know ... ... Some ... elves ... are ... still ... linked."
"We ... are ... talking."
Gareth musters up enough energy to pose a question. Tericus is also thinking about how to get to the lich. Remember that Onrad has not yet asked a question. But he is busy communicating with Valdor.
Myrridan Friday March 25th, 2005 1:22:25 AM
Answering Onrad's call, the druid speaks into the earpiece. "Yes, this is Myrridan. Who is this?"
Tericus Friday March 25th, 2005 7:02:59 AM
frowning a bit at Onrad, Tericus says "Hurry up with that. We need you to ask the Oracle where Morlas is."
Symon Friday March 25th, 2005 10:18:24 PM
"Um, it's nothing personal," says Symon, when the elf woman ignores him. "Not personal."
"I just have other obligations."
The Meeting To Come (DM Cayzle) Friday March 25th, 2005 10:20:34 PM
The elf woman continues her strange message.
"We ... elves ... all ... elves ... are ... calling ... a ... meeting ... ... To ... decide ... ... what ... to ... do ...."
Jandar Friday March 25th, 2005 11:40:16 PM
Jandar waits silently for the other questions to be answered, and for the communication to continue with the Gold Dragons.
Valdor Friday March 25th, 2005 11:49:42 PM
Onrad hears Valdor reply to Myrridan,"It's Onrad, one of the Storm Dragons."
He then replies as if Onrad hadn't heard him and says,"Yeah, man, we got the dream here, too. I remember well Domi and what all happened. This is different though, because we don't have a clear cut answer to who the eyes belonged to, or when this event is supposed to take place. Just as important, are you guys strong enough to get this Morlas without those you mentioned? A lich shouldn't be too much for you guys with two clerics and skilled fighters. We have a major situation with Sturdevant at the moment, but we should have this mess cleaned up soon enough.
I think I can speak for us all when I offer our help. There's no way I'd let any good person's soul stay in the clutches of a lich, much less a Dragon and a person I respect.
On a different note, we have met a powerful mage, although our paths merely crossed because of odd circumstances. Plus, we have Myrridan with us who, as you probably know, is a powerful druid...as powerful as I have seen or heard about. We still have Nicholas and Mordrid, myself, and Dahlia.
We should get together after we straighten up this mess and meet. We will be at the Overlord's palace tomorrow evening about luchtime, if that works for you guys."
Tericus Monday March 28th, 2005 6:48:29 AM
Tericus waits around for Onrad to ask his question
Onrad Monday March 28th, 2005 5:08:26 PM
"Just a sec Valdor.
"Tericus, I asked her a question when we were here before. I used mine then. Do I get another?"
"It isn't just one lich Valdor. She threw like 35 vampires at us, and 5 other liches, a giant pudding, a Matron Mother Priest, another drow, a Slaad Lord, and other things. It was rough and we are drained.
"I just get that feeling that we have another "MAJOR" event on the horizon like the Year of Ascension. A combined dream of something coming to or for the elves and implying that "it" may need their help or that it might change things for the elves IS a huge deal."
"Yeah? Ok then. I'll try. Just a sec Valdor"
He approaches the elf. "If I've used my question, then I beg forgiveness ahead of time. However, I ask...
"Where specifically is Morlas now?"
"Valdor, I need to run. I don't want to miss the answer. Talk to you soon."
Jandar Monday March 28th, 2005 11:48:25 PM
Jandar waits for the Oracle's response beforing casting any more spells. He sees Onrad's reasoning, and knows the Golds will help with Gareth and against Morlas. He knows how much Valdor hates undead, and Mordrid has the Sun Sword, just for fighting those creatures. Yes, he thinks, it would be a good match. He nods his head as he thinks.
Answer and Direction (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 29th, 2005 6:03:05 AM [This is the Monday DM Post! The Tuesday post will come tonite.]
The elvish woman who attends the Oracle, Illimria, seems to escape from her trance. She answers Onrad: "The Oracle sent Symon to you to help in defeating Morlas. By purifying the Drow city you have serves the Oracle well. In reward, each of you has been granted a question. Now you may pose the last of your questions."
Onrad steps up to the dragon-font and asks about Morlas.
The mists swirl, and you are in the Realm of Shadows. You see Morlas, and then suddenly you see the souls of what must be every elf of the Wold streaking through the shadow. Morlas looks at this, surprised, but fast as thought, follows the elf souls -- and in the vision, you follow him.
The souls gather together, and you see Morlas watching the souls. You see that the elves are having the Dream again, but this time in rough fragments, seen from the outside. Then the Dream is over, and the elf souls scatter home. Morlas tries to touch one as it flies by, but draws back his hand in pain when he does so.
Morlas sees that a few of the brightest souls do not leave. You recognize -- although you don't know how -- that Illimria is one of those who stay. This gathering of souls drifts off, and again Morlas follows. And in the vision, you follow him.
Morlas follows the elf souls to a place where the shadow is thin, and through it you see a bar, tables, chairs. You see two patrons -- gnomes, maybe? -- assault a bigger patron, although it seems to be just for fun.
You realize that it is the Giggling Ghost!
A few elf souls break off. Morlas continues to spy from the Realm of Shadows. The vision ends.
A voice rings out from the Oracle. "The Elves are meeting to decide the fate of the Wold. Will you let Morlas learn what they will decide?"
Symon Dracozyl Tuesday March 29th, 2005 6:06:33 AM
"Huh! Huh!"
"The elves! What are they deciding! Illimria said they are meeting. Meeting!"
"In a bar? All the elves of the Wold are meeting in a bar? A bar? A bar?"
Tericus Tuesday March 29th, 2005 6:57:52 AM
"Thank you again, Illimria. We shal do what we can to prevent this from happening." then he tells the others "We need to get to the Giggling Ghost, then to the Realm of Shadows. And we need to do it now."
Onrad Tuesday March 29th, 2005 12:48:33 PM
"I agree."
He turns to the ring.
"Valdor, we're headed to where the GG in the Float meets the Shadowplane. Morlas is there. The oracle says all elves are headed there in soulform? to meet and decide what to do about the dream. Both our groups should be there. Soon. I'll contact you again when I can."
Onrad puts the Storm Dragon ring on his finger and pulls off the Teleport ring. "We should be able to go to the GG with this. I don't think it will take us to the shadowlands though.
"Pass the ring around. Stay in a circle. When the ring comes back to me, we go. Flex your knees a bit. Most of you know how this works and feels."
Onrad passes the ring. He watches it go around. When it returns to him, he slips it on his finger thinking hard about the Giggling Ghost's stage.
Jandar Tuesday March 29th, 2005 3:18:47 PM
Jandar nods in agreement and makes ready for the trip, making sure they are all healed. He adds,"Perhaps we should teleport to a room in the back, so as not to announce our arrival until we can check things out. But wherever you decide is fine."
Jandar prepares himself for the inside out feeling of being teleported and makes sure to have a spell prepared, just in case they need it upon arrival.
Symon Dracozyl Wednesday March 30th, 2005 6:34:50 AM
Symon looks at the group about to teleport away with envy. Then he looks at the elf woman and at the Font of the Oracle.
"Farewell, Dragons! Perhaps we will meet again! Perhaps!"
At the Giggling Ghost (DM Cayzle) d20+15=18 Wednesday March 30th, 2005 6:39:55 AM [This is the Tuesday DM Post! The Wednesday DM post will come tonite, I think. Note that Jan will become the main DM as the Storms meet the Golds.]
The Storm Dragons prepare themselves, and then -- blip! -- find themselves in the Giggling Ghost tavern. They are physically there, not simply dream-visiting in the way that many adventurers arrive.
You see that there are a few patrons, as usual. If you have the ability to see ethereally, or into other planes, AND if you make a Spot check vs DC18, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {There! In the Shadows! Is that your target? is that Morlas? It may be.}
Tericus Wednesday March 30th, 2005 7:04:12 AM
Once they get to the Ghost, Tericus looks around and says, "Do you see anything? I don't see any sign of Morlas or the elves."
Gareth Wednesday March 30th, 2005 8:42:43 AM
The warrior moves with the others to the GG - but only after prodding. He seems to just be there, a shell of what he normally is.
Onrad Wednesday March 30th, 2005 10:19:54 AM
Onrad lands the group on the stage. "Sorry Jandar, I'm not used to memorizing places. But I remembered the stage clearly. See there was this dancer once named Flower who became a god. You know her story. I saw her dance once here and this stage is embedded in my mind.
Onrad hops off the stage as if they normally arrive this way, and takes in the crowd. "Ok, clerics, we need a way to the Shadowlands now. Any ideas?"
Jandar Wednesday March 30th, 2005 10:57:51 PM
Jandar replies,"I do understand Onrad. Noone could forget that performance."
Jandar looks around, but sees nothing out of the ordinary.
DM Jan Thursday March 31st, 2005 1:07:08 AM
The Storm Dragons get themselves acclimated after popping into existence on the Giggling Ghost stage. Right now the tavern area seems fairly quiet. There are a few folk sat around a table; they have the look of Plains people, from the Southern Continent. They seem preoccupied. One of them is eating a pie. On the wall, a couple of tapestries dance with life, telling tales of adventures within. However, Daphne is whizzing around like a mad thing. Below her, two men are carrying in tables, and she's telling them where the tables should be placed. "Over there! No - there!" She whizzes past the stage. "Hello dears! You here for the meeting?"
At Onrad's question, Tericus might remember that the last time they went into the Land of Shadow, they were accompanied by an Undead Hunter, who seemed to have no trouble whatsoever at getting into that particular plane.
Moments later, outside, to the left of the front entrance - there's a sharp WOOSH of air - and the Gold Dragons appear. A passing old lady nearly jumps out of her skin.
Jandar Thursday March 31st, 2005 11:21:47 PM
Seeing Daphne gives Jandar an idea, about the time the Golds teleport in. Before he says any words of greeting, and hoping Morlas, if he's watching is momentarily distracted, he asks Daphne quietly,"Don't make it obvious, but can you see a being on another plane, perhaps the Shadowlands, looking in from the outside? He is a lich and we are going to re-kill him for good."
Valdor Thursday March 31st, 2005 11:34:25 PM
After Valdor gets his legs under him, he yells,"Ale! I want a large pitcher, please."
He walks around to check Gareth out while he's waiting. He asks Nick,"Can you figure out what to do with him? Maybe something Jandar and Tericus have missed? I'm sure they've tried everything, but sometimes another opinion helps."
Myrridan d20+34=45 Friday April 1st, 2005 12:50:20 AM
As soon as Myrridan materializes, he takes a table out of the way of the main crowd and pulls out three tomes of ancient druidic lore from his haversack. He opens it up to a place he had bookmarked and continues reading. He searches the pages for any information about astrological events from the past. He remembers the dream saying it has happened before.
When a waitress comes, Myrridan orders a pot of hot mint tea.
(Knowledge Nature: 45)
Mordrid Friday April 1st, 2005 10:03:26 AM
Mordrid nods a greeting to his fellow adventurers in the inn.
"Tis good see you all. A shame that we only meet when something like this is happening."
Mordrid scans the banisters. Then makes for the stairs to get a good vantage point over the meeting.
As he takes the stairs three at a time, he asks aloud, "What exactly is wrong with Gareth? Is this like what happened to Sturtevant?"
Corialote Friday April 1st, 2005 12:10:32 PM
Cori looks around and shakes her head. She has never been here before and it seems to be a nice place to sit back and relax or talk. As some of the Golds disperse she finds herself standing almost virtually alone and a little frightened.
Pulling herself together she moves off to one of the many tables and takes a seat. Muffling a slight yawn she gets a pot of chocolate mint tea and fills her a cup. As she drinks she feels the wearyness slowly fade and the horrors from the Shadowland fade a little as well.
She politely watches the Storms and wonders if she should try and make friends. After all it seems that they will be working together before long.
Valdor d20=18 Friday April 1st, 2005 12:35:33 PM
Seeing Cori's discomfort and realizing she hasn't met any of the Storm Dragons, Valdor calls to her and asks,"Hey Cori. You are welll versed in the ways of magic. Could you take a look at this behemoth and tell us anything about his condition? This is Gareth."
Nick Friday April 1st, 2005 8:12:21 PM
Attempting to stay clear of Daphne's path, Nick nods at Valdor and then approaches Tericus and Jandar, figuring he'll ask the Storm's two healers first (and it seemed the proper thing to do). He says hello, and asks them about Gareth's condition.
DM Jan Friday April 1st, 2005 9:25:29 PM
Daphne looks at Jandar in an odd fashion, and then beckons him, Onrad, and Tericus to one side of the stage.
"Oh, I can see him all right. He's perched to the left of the bar at the opposite side of the room," she says in a low voice. "Don't look. I don't think he can see us too well, the green fire messes things up a little, but he'll be able to hear well enough. "Who is he? Is he after you? I beg you, don't bring him in here. That kind of evil can topple an entire city. "If you want to get where he is. You'll need a Gargulian priest, one that can open a path. I can ask one of them if you like. "One more thing. He has a gateway open. Somewhere to run. I can smell the sand and feel the wind. Maybe he's expecting you, hmm?"
Myrridan gets his head stuck in a book on astrologial events. The dream was correct. It has happened before - twice. Both times, Wold-shattering events have taken place. He starts to read the details.
Mordrid bounces lightly up the stairs. He has a good vantage point from up here, but right now - no consensus from the priests on what is wrong with Gareth.
Gareth's sword Max exerts as much influence as he is able to get Gareth over to the hushed conference by the stage. There was a lich to kill, and Max was going to kill it. Let my blade ring...
Moments later, creatures with pointed ears begin to emerge through the green-flamed fireplace, or through the front door. Elves mostly, with a few half elves thrown in for good measure. Some recognise Valdor and bow to him graciously before taking their seats.
Happy the proprietor moves around, politely asking the non-elf clientele if they wouldn't mind moving upstairs for the duration of the meeting.
The tables fill up, and Cori finds herself joined by three ancient elves from Culverwood.
Funnily enough. No one sits at the table to the left of the bar...
Mordrid Saturday April 2nd, 2005 12:51:13 PM
Mordrid gives the proprietor a weak wave of the hand, letting her know that he is out of the way.
Into his ear-piece: "Don't you think we should do something about this Morlas situation BEFORE the meeting starts?"
Valdor Saturday April 2nd, 2005 2:59:30 PM
Valdor repsonds to Mordrid quietly into his earpiece,"You know, we could use the meeting as a ruse. Cori and I need to be present at the meeting...because we're elven, but also to find out what's going on with this dream and what the elves as a whole are going to plan. You guys take Gareth upstairs and see if you can figure out what's up. Mordrid, if you have a chance to go after him, I trust you more than myself, so make the call."
Jandar Saturday April 2nd, 2005 3:03:05 PM
Jandar whispers quietly into his earpiece,"Daphne tells me she can see him watching and can get us a priest to take us through to the Shadowlands, but that he has a gateway opened behind him for a quick escape. Maybe he'll be distracted by the meeting and we can surprise him. It'd be great to destroy him, but getting Gareth's soul back is the number one priority. Maybe while he's focused on the meeting, we can get him quickly and get Gareth back. But, we should go upstairs and take her with us."
Out loud he stretches his arms, yawns and sasy,"Yeah, we can see we're not wanted at the meeting. I could use a little rest anyway. Daphne, could you show us to our rooms, my dear?"
Myrridan Monday April 4th, 2005 2:41:46 AM
Myrridan raises his head up from his books to see if the meeting is about to start. Very curious, he thinks, watching the segregation of the elves and non-elves. He finds it so strange. Don't these people understand that all life is connected through the Wold Mother. The soul chooses not what his flesh molds to. Before receiving the gift of change, he was only human. Now he is more, he is all races. Having received the dream while in human form, he feels he has every right to be here. However to forego any possible objections, the Grand Druid takes his elven form. He remains seated at his corner table and continues to thumb through his tomes of ancient druidic lore. Pausing only to sip his mint tea.
Onrad Monday April 4th, 2005 3:10:25 PM
Into his ring Onrad whispers, "We need a cleric of Gargul. Now. The key to Gareth is not taking him upstairs. It's getting him to Morlas and killing him. He's here and watching us now from the Plain of Shadow. We need the cleric of Gargul to get us there now. Now."
Onrad scans the room for a cleric of Gargul.
He speaks into the ring yet again, "Overlord, milady, if you can hear this, we need a cleric of Gargul here now to help save the GG from attack. You are closer to his temple than we are. Can you help?"
Onrad then begins running up the stairs to the entrance.
DM Jan Monday April 4th, 2005 5:57:29 PM
The light, feminine voice of the Overlord is heard in the communication rings, and the Gold's earpieces. "Terran is already taking care of it," she says. "Someone should be with you soon. Please be careful, ladies and gentlemen."
More elves and a few non-elves enter the Inn. It's getting to the point of having to squeeze past various folks to get anywhere. More folk move upstairs including a large half orc from the Bloodpack. Happy the proprietor is handing out drinks on the balcony as a placatory measure. Mordrid is offered a beer.
Cori has the distraction of Firecracker the pesky pixie buzzing around and introducing her to the others around the table. Someone glances over at Myrridan. They wanted his chair, but wait, didn't he have rounded ears a moment ago? Blast. Now they'd have to remain standing for the meeting.
Announcements are starting to be made. Those attending the meeting are beginning to pay attention to the herald.
All of this. All of this is going on, and yet danger lurks in the decadent, rotting, powerful form of the lich Morlas. Unseen by everyone except Daphne, the creature waits. For what? Maybe he wants to know whats going on like everyone else.
Valdor, Tericus, Jandar and Gareth work their way across the room. "Remember," Daphne whispers to Valdor. "In the Giggling Ghost - you can be in two places at the same time. Quite a trick, isn't it."
Onrad breaks off and heads straight for the entrance.
Just outside the front door, one of the bar staff, who's doubling as a doorman/usher person, opening the door for lofty, venerable elf-types, is suddenly confronted by someone who definitely doesn't look like he should be at this particular party.
The human male facing him is huge; his presence alone brings cold to the doorman's bones. A thick white cloud billows and collects around his feet, obscuring the edge of his cloak. He's heavily armoured - the breastplate decorated by a huge eye of Gargul. Any exposed flesh - face, neck, hands - are covered in scars. The ruined face carries a sardonic grin. "Errrr...." says the doorman. "My name is Torl," growls the Gargulian priest. "The Storm Dragons are in need of me, it seems. Now, are you going to get out of my way - or do I have to break you in two?" Torl's grin widens, giving the doorman absolutely no idea as to whether he's joking or not.
((OOC - NPC Reminder: Terran - sturdy half-orc originally from the Trash level. Elevated to the position of personal bodyguard to the Overlord, after his part in her rescue from the Shadowlands by the Storm Dragons a while back. Torl - Undead Hunter of Gargul - accompanied the Storms into the Land of Shadow in search of the Overlord. Hey, I'm environmentally friendly - I recycle my NPCs ;) ))
Corialote Monday April 4th, 2005 11:49:13 PM
Cori nods to Firecracker and smiles. "Thank you." She gives a more respectful bow to those seated with her and then looks to see what the Golds are up to.
Her attention is divided by the meeting going on and what the Golds are planning. She can only hope that they let her know when her help is needed. Sipping her tea she hopes that this thing is more useful than she has a feeling it is going to be.
Onrad Tuesday April 5th, 2005 11:38:05 AM
Onrad reaching the top of the stairs, beckons at Torl, since he is obviously the one sent by the Overlord.
"I'd let him in if I were you," Onrad adds.
Into his ring he whispers, "Everyone to the bottom of the entrance stairs. Our Priest of Gargul is here."
Onrad leads Torl down the stairs, grinning with anticipation.
Valdor Tuesday April 5th, 2005 3:33:19 PM
Valdor replies quietly,"He'll be seen the second he walks in. We'd all best be ready to fly. I'll charge him when we go through. Someone stout needs to cover the exit he has open. Someone needs to go for the gem he has Gareth trapped in, as well. Maybe Myrridan can shapechange once we're there, into something that blocks his entire exit. What d'ya think, big guy?"
Mordrid Tuesday April 5th, 2005 7:27:03 PM
Mordrid hurries to the bottom of the stairs. The ranger removes the peace bind from his sword and unsheaths it.
"Valdor, take this sword from my hand. You know where I'll be. This weapon would serve it's purpose best in your hands. With it you will do great damage. It cries to me at this moment to serve you in the destruction of Morlas."
Mordrid holds the glistening sun sword out, with hilt pointed to the leader of the Golds.
Nick Tuesday April 5th, 2005 7:51:40 PM
Nick does his best to stick to the wall and work his way around to the entrance as quickly as possible without causing a disturbance.
The prospect of meeting up with another Gargul priest isn't something he's looking forward to. Those guys gave him the creeps. Neither did he look forward to going into the Shadowlands, either. Still, all in a days work, and there was definitely work to be done. He mentally goes through the spells he can still muster.
He tries to keep one ear on the conversation going on between the elves. A sleeper? But who? Friend or foe?
Jandar Tuesday April 5th, 2005 11:56:14 PM
Jandar says,"I will do what I can with the spells. He probably won't be alone, so we must be ready for all contingencies. Also, if he gets through the gate, we must try to follow or be ready to locate him again."
Corialote Wednesday April 6th, 2005 1:08:14 AM
Cori slowly stands and moves from her current seat at the table she was at. She does give a bow to the older elves there. "Excuse me...but I must step away for a minute." She offers her seat to any other older elves that maybe nearby to sit at.
As she moves along to join the Golds she feels her spirit form stay behind but move off to the side of the room. "So I must stay no matter what." She shakes her head and silently hopes that her split self will not hinder her current need to help the Golds.
Stepping up to stand by Valdor she leans in close and plants a kiss upon his cheek. "What is the word...I sense that we maybe going into action any minute." With a smile and a pat on the cheek she kissed she speak again in a low voice. "And don't get any ideas." She laughs lightly for those around her, hoping that she embarrasses the Gold leader at least a little
DM Jan Wednesday April 6th, 2005 1:20:28 AM
The Dragons get ready for the capture of Morlas, fully expecting the old villain to be prepared.
Torl surveys the scene from the top of the steps and sets his jaw. "I can't open a pathway in there. Too many people. Too irresponsible. If you've no objections - we'll do this outside where it's quiet." He turns and walks the few steps that take him to the side of the Giggling Ghost tavern. After making sure there's no one around, and the Dragons have gathered, he raises both arms. The air in the alleyway seems to coalesce, becoming dark, shifting like a storm cloud.
"Unfortunately, the one you're after will be able to see that, so if you want him, the time is now. I'll have to follow you in to guard the path."
Dread and desolation, something the Gold Dragons have tasted very recently, drifts toward the party, carried by mist.
((OOC - Player status - I think David Hott is still traveling, and Sam's computer went kapow. He's only just getting back up to speed.))
Valdor(Boots of Speed, Rary's telepathic Bond) Wednesday April 6th, 2005 12:29:14 PM
Valdor takes the Sun Sword from Mordrid carefully, replacing one of his other swords into Mordrid's sheath(+2 long sword). He says,"My brother, I will use it as I best know how.
Valdor winks at Cori and tries his best to blush. All of a sudden, the smile leaves his face, not because of Cori, but apparently at something remembered. His head looks from side to side at all the present elves, as if searching...his eyes darting from face to face-looking. Through their mental bond, she might catch a glimpse of an elven woman and a thought of ...was it yearning? Interesting that she stirred up that thought.
After a second, he realizes he has a responsibility and turns back to Cori and says with his hands raised in innocence,"No problem, my dear dark skinned elf. But you do have a great stomach. Will you join us outside?"
He watches the cleric do his thing, and he's all business now. The instant that he gives the go ahead, Valdor takes a deep breath and says,"Last one to Morlas buys the drinks! Remember, someone has to guard the doorway and keep him from escaping with Gareth. The primary is to get the gem holding Gareth's soul, the secondary is to destroy the wretch." With that, he darts through the opening. He checks his footing once in, and then looks for his prey. If there is no Wold's blood or a cavern in front of him, he'll sprint to get between Morlas and his open doorway.
Jandar Wednesday April 6th, 2005 12:35:28 PM
Jandar follows outside. He grimaces to think of the Shadowlands. He hasn't been yet, but to hear the Gold Dragons talk of it, almost fearfully, makes his stomach tighten a bit. He shakes his head as he listens to Valdor and, when he runs off, mutters,"Some things never change. Oh well, it keeps one on their toes, I guess. I'm not buying, that's for sure."
He heads through the opening quickly.
Corialote Wednesday April 6th, 2005 9:35:26 PM
Cori rushes through the portal along with Valdor and the member of the Storms. She lets herself get oriented a little and then glances around for woldsblood in her way.
She makes a mad dash for the escape portal but is not sure what she will do once she gets there.
Nick Wednesday April 6th, 2005 11:26:40 PM
Nick inclines his head toward Torl as they all gather to enter the land of Woldsblood and doom. How could someone like Torl stand it? Going in there year after year for days on end in all probability, battling undead. Nick had already had one taste, and didn't like it.
"Try and keep your mind focussed," he advises the others. "Don't let it stray for one moment. You'll find the siren song of woldsblood very persuasive."
He'd heard that the Storm Dragons had already been to this place once before, but he reckoned it didn't do any harm to state the obvious.
Once the pathway is open, he'll rush in with the others, a spell on his lips, held but ready. He's hoping that Tericus and Jandar have their full quota of spells. Nick hasn't had chance to pray since the last encounter.
Tericus Thursday April 7th, 2005 6:47:22 AM
emerging from the latrine, Tericus arrives just in time to see the others walk outside. "Where are we going?" Tericus asks Jandar as he catches up with him
OOC, when my computer crashed, i lost my CS. fortunatly, i sent an updated one to my DM just before it happened, so ill need it sent back to me.
Gareth Thursday April 7th, 2005 9:12:25 AM
The warrior just stands there until for some unknown reason he walks outside, draws Max, and enters the gateway...
Celerious Maximus (Max) Thursday April 7th, 2005 9:15:26 AM
The sword congratulates itself on its discovery. That is, being able to tell Gareth what to do and getting immediate compliance. Maybe having him this way isn't so bad... Maybe not getting all of him back would be OK...
Jandar Thursday April 7th, 2005 11:53:34 AM
Jandar responds quickly to Tericus,"We're going to kill Morlas. He's in the Shadowlands watching the proceedings in the Giggling Ghost. A gateway is being opened, and we're going after him. Valdor just sprinted in and we're going to stop that nasty lich this time, once and for all. Let's wipe him out!"
DM Jan Thursday April 7th, 2005 12:03:43 PM
Due to their speed of entry, the Dragons are hit sharply by the disturbing atmosphere in the Shadowlands. All magic items begin to resonate; the siren call of Woldsblood howls in their ears. It's loud and disorienting to the point of nausea.
About thirty feet away, across a gloomy, thin-veined landscape, is an odd sight. Like a square doorway, the gate stands solidly - black and shiny as obsidian. A bright light shines from within its portals, and stood before it -
Morlas turns, lightning quick. The rotten, eons-old velvet of his cloak flutters briefly, and he's through the gate in an instant, leaving behind a triumphant, mocking laugh.
The gate begins to collapse upon itself. But then - oddly, it stops.
As the group get close, they get a better look at Morlas's escape route. The gateway is slashed vertically in half - about 7 ft in height, with a horizontal span of about 3ft. It looks to be made of dark, polished wood, and there are many carvings scratched into its surface. Spellcraft DC 18 Reveals Highlight to display spoiler: { the carvings appear to be an extremely complicated script of High Woldian. Both the gate, and the carving is a mystery. Old, forgotten magic, very powerful.}
And within, and beyond - a desert landscape, distorted by bright light and shimmering heat. Long lazy snakes of sand are drifting over the land, whipped up by the wind , and in the distance, is what appears to be a single, squat Tower.
Hot, dry air assaults everyone's nostrils. There's no immediate sign of Morlas, but it would appear that the group's quarry has hopped out of one hell and straight into another.
"Watch your footing!" Torl ambles up behind the party. "Well, well, well," he rumbles. "See that?" he points to the base of the gate, where a thin rivulet of Woldsblood lies beneath its foundation. "Sometimes, when we open a pathway, the streams of Woldsblood can shift. I bet whoever built this gate took great care to set it away from the streams. I'm guessing, but perhaps that little stream of blood is keeping the gate open." He laughs. "Not a lucky guy, this one, is he?"
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