Valdor Tuesday March 29th, 2005 12:34:20 AM
All of a sudden, from out of nowhere, there is a bright flash right in the middle of where the group is discussing things. When everyone's eyes re-adjust, Valdor is standing right in front of you.
His mithril breastplate is polished and oiled, his arsenal in place. Three long swords and 3 baldrics of daggers...he looks ready for battle. His smile fades a bit when he sees no foe around and says,"Well, dang. I was hoping to catch you all in the middle of a fight."
He looks around briefly, his eyes locking with K'Nara's briefly, before he speaks again,"I am glad to find you all alive and well. Discussing the dream? Well, I haven't had much of a chance to think about it, nor do I really want to. Some kind of disaster is coming, of that I am sure. Whether it's a good one or a bad one, who can say.
Anyway, I am here to present you with your first task. I was contacted through my Dragon Orb from a contact in Drt City that there are problems in Izen. Marteaus's armies, now broken up, have gone back to their old ways. They have re-formed their tribes, but they have become more powerful and larger...and much richer and well equipped than before the Great War. This is a problem, a major one. While they will probably continue to war with each other, after that Dream, there is a chance and fear that they may band together, if they think their way of life is threatened.
A group of wormy goblins were captured, and while they aren't the most reliable sources of information, when they are trying to protect their hides, they'll admit almost anything. With the proper truth detection spells in place, they spoke unerringly of a rift in the side of Mount Bone that leads to pits and vats below. Many groups, of all evil races serving Marteaus, gather monthly for a ritual battle in a makeshift arena. The head Necromancer of Marteaus allows the winner of the contest to attempt to enter the rift and loot whatever treasure they can pilfer out of the rumored hoard deep in inside.
You task, is to attend the gathering in just a few days, get into the competition, win, enter the tower, and do what you would if you killed a dragon:take all you can and kill the Necromancer, if possible. The Necromancer's death would be great, but the other is your task. At least try to kill him, or hurt him to where he won't be able to...work, for a while.
Now, that being said,he is a formidable opponent, and will not be alone. There are rumors of some great powers he received from Marteaus himself, just before the YOA a year ago. Another rumor, one that you will have to discover the truth of, is that the true entrance into Bone Tower and Mountain, is NOT located within the Wold itself.
Sound fun?"
He stands with his arms crossed, waiting for replies with a huge smile on his face.
Milo Tuesday March 29th, 2005 12:35:00 AM
Milo looks shocked, "I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the idea of owning somebody." Smiling big at Olana, "Besides, if I had to purchase a person, I'd want to make sure and get my money's worth anyhow. Sheesh... I'm not sure you guys are such a bargain." Clearly not serious, Milo breaks into fits of giggles.
As Valdor appears, the halfling quickly sobers, and listens intently to his hero speak.
Lian Tuesday March 29th, 2005 2:32:14 AM
The monk grins in response to Olana's statement. "Seemed logical. It was Milo or Bertram, and I didn't think Bertram would be too fitting... A Brother of Domi 'owning slaves!?' Wouldn't happen."
The Hand of Domi nearly jumps to his feet when Valdor appears. "He knows how to make an appearance, I'd say."
He listens as Valdor speaks. "Fun? It certainly does! Time to truly test the skills of the Heroes of Culverwood."
Then his thoughts return to his parents and friends.
K'Nara Tuesday March 29th, 2005 9:07:16 AM
After embracing the Wold-famous leader of the Gold Dragons, K'Nara listens to the fighter describe their first mission.
"Izen again--and that Bone Tower, to boot!" she muses, grimacing. "You certainly do ask a lot of your Dragon candidates, Valdor." The redhead tapped her chin as she quite obviously sifted through possibilities in her head.
"And a Necromancer controls all that..." K'Nara added, biting her lip, "...aren't Necromancers those sick mages that dabble around with things undead..?" This last question she directs at Bertram, Figment and Ingrge.
Brother Bertram Tuesday March 29th, 2005 1:10:41 PM
Bertrams eyes gleam, "Aye, they do indeed 'dabble' with perversions of the dead. This is what Gargul called me to do!" Bertram is visibly excited about the test.
Valdor Tuesday March 29th, 2005 11:44:56 PM
Valdor bows graciously to K'Nara and replies,"I only ask what I feel is attainable and a challenge of your teamwork at the same time. I wouldn't send you if I didn't think you were quite capable. Plus, even if you aren't concerned with riches, it's a chance to make a haul, from what I understand, and with such, you can upgrade your weapons, rings, scrolls, armor, and so on. Any other questions or problems?"
Olana Wednesday March 30th, 2005 2:12:13 AM
Olana listens solumnly to details of the task Valdor places before them. Mount Bone? Ugh. Well, no one said it was going to be easy. Her hands play unconsciously with her white blonde braid. Oh, she had a thousand questions, but....
"Valdor, have you ever been there, in the Mount Bone area? Do you know what it's like?"
Lian Wednesday March 30th, 2005 8:19:07 AM
"The little I've heard, and mainly rumors at that, is that the Bone Mount is a charming place." Says the monk with a smirk. "I'm sure it's aptly named though."
Turning to Valdor, "Sorry to sound cynical, but how many folks have you sent and did any returned?"
Figment Wednesday March 30th, 2005 8:36:48 AM
The mage listens intently to Valdor and fields K'Nara's question. "Yes, Necromancy is generally a dark art. Parts of it are used by all mages but there are some lines everyone clearly does not cross - unless you are willing to sell your soul and everything else. Necromancers can become very powerful but you don't have to do that stuff to gain power. Beating the armies of the Dark Lord and giving them something to think about sounds to me like a worthy task. Though taking out such a powerful opponent would go a long way towards keeping them divided and sounds like the thing we should make sure and do. Getting to that treasure seems like a good way to magic up to face that guy.".
Milo Wednesday March 30th, 2005 9:43:49 PM
"Mount Bone eh? Sounds like a hoot. When do we start?" Milo seems to speak lightly, though a dangerous glint in the halfling's eyes denotes otherwise.
Valdor Wednesday March 30th, 2005 11:06:40 PM
Valdor answers Lian first and says,"Actually, you are the first, so noone has died...yet. It will be dangerous, no doubt of that. It wouldn't be worthy of a dragon challenge if it were easy.
And yes, Olana, I have been there. It's not a fun place to go, but it's manageable, if you work as a team. Remember, your first objective is to get into the tournament, then win. Then you get a shot at the treasure room. One word of caution:be prepared for many items in the treasure vault to be evil and unuseable by most of you. We had a few problems when we went there and made it that far.
Keep in mind, we were sent on three tasks to become an official Dragon group years ago. We had our problems, just as you all will...both externally from foes and politicians and internally as well. I had to keep Mordrid from killing Joe Hand once, and he would have done it. In that case, he was in the right, but we were stuck out in the Great Deaert with plenty of foes to fight without fighting amongst ourselves. It happens to everyone, so don't sweat that. It's how you recover from it as a group that matters down the road.
I wish you all the best and may Domi and Alemi be with you."
He bows deeply, kisses K' Nara's forehead, then teleports out. Just before he disappears, or maybe it was after...it's difficult to tell...but you think he says,"Remember, what you do from here out is how history and the Wold will remember your group! Be strong and faithful, but most of all, have courage!"
Gunther Thursday March 31st, 2005 1:37:43 AM
The large warrior stammers at the appearance of Valdor. "I...you...dey...Bone Mountain..." He is clearly excited, and at a loss as to where to begin. Just before Valdor disappears, he manages to blurt out "Heck yes!!"
He turns to K'nara, a twinkle in his eye. "Vell, avay ve go den."
OOC: Sorry guys, I'm on the road, and I really thought I'd be able to connect from my parent's house, but I wasn't able to. Should be clear sailing from here on, though.
Lian Thursday March 31st, 2005 6:07:54 AM
The Hand of Domi nods in understanding.
He pours a glass of water and sips it. "Well, if it's an impression he wants us to leave I'm sure it won't be nearly as lasting as the Gold Dragons."
He thinks a moment. "Now, how are we suppose to reach the Mountain? Ride, teleport again, a dragon ride?"
Preparation - DM Donna Thursday March 31st, 2005 8:41:44 AM
K'Nara looks wistfully after the place Valdor disappeared from, then turns to the others.
"Well, that's our first test from the Dragon Consortium, then--let's get organized and prepared." she says. "Lian's correct, we'll need to plan how we will travel from here to there, then we'll have to make sure that we are prepared to fight undead and evil things, as I'm sure such creatures will abound within the realm of a Necromancer. Any other suggestions?"
Figment Thursday March 31st, 2005 10:30:49 AM
The mage sighs at the prospects. "Undead...I'll begin some research on it...". He goes away to prepare for the long road ahead.
Gunther Friday April 1st, 2005 12:44:02 AM
The warrior sighs. "I still have a few associations with de orcs, perhaps dey can be of use getting us into de contest?" Gunther looks over at the party with an appraising eye and then laughs. "Not dat any of you vould pass as an orc, mind you!!!"
Milo Friday April 1st, 2005 12:53:08 AM
Milo smiles at the thought of adventure just for the sake. However, the mention of undead things harkens his mind back to his first adventure with the Talons, and he shudders, a pale look coming over his expression. Swallowing his fear however, he appears resolved to go. He steps in closer to Olana for reassurance nonetheless.
Lian Friday April 1st, 2005 6:04:32 AM
"Teleportation worked well for us in the past. As for the undead, flesh can crush bone." He pops his knuckles. "But I know better than to be cocky about things I know nothing about." He thinks a moment about his trick he played on Brusse. "Remaining unseen will be of great benefit." He can't help but giggle about Brusse.
Night and Day - DM Donna Friday April 1st, 2005 12:15:14 PM
The Talons continue their individual preparations for their foray into Izen. Night falls, Brusse patrols, and the Talons sleep...
...but the dreams that they have don't seem to be completely individual ones--Olana and Lian find themselves drawn from the Tower, over the treetops of the Culverwood, and, eventually, into the interior of the Giggling Ghost.
Olana and Lian will now join those posting in the Giggling Ghost, as there is a great meeting of The Wold's elves there.
K'Nara finds herself tossing in her sleep. There is somewhere she ought to be, yes...but she cannot seem to get there...
...or can she..?
Olana Friday April 1st, 2005 8:51:44 PM
Olana squeezes Milo's hand. "We'll make it," she whispers with a smile. "We have clever friends." For her own prep, she lays out all her armour and weapons and starts making a list. She says the word "Bother," a few times, reckoning that some of what she has is woefully inadequate.
Reverie usually sees her sat quietly with her eyes closed. But this time, she appears to be having a dream, causing rapid eye movement, and every now and then, she whispers things... "Ooh, it's on the water..." "So many here..."
Brother Bertram Saturday April 2nd, 2005 10:09:40 PM
Bertram prepares his supplies for the upcoming quest along with some magical purchases.
24 Hour Countdown - DM Donna Sunday April 3rd, 2005 7:08:23 AM
Players: get your Character Sheets updated and emailed to me by this time tomorrow, or you'll have to go through the module with the CS I have on file.
Gunther Monday April 4th, 2005 1:29:44 AM
The warrior spends his prep time examining his weapons and armor and attempting to train the panther a few basic commands. If possible, he attempts to get in a few sparring lessons with K'nara too.
Lian Monday April 4th, 2005 7:21:25 AM
OOC: Posted in the Giggling Ghost.
Reprieve - DM Donna Monday April 4th, 2005 8:26:40 AM
Since there are a lot of players who are still trying to get stuff in the Catacombs, etc., players have until this time tomorrow to get their updated Character Sheets in to me.
Props to Milo and Bertram, however, for giving me their updated sheets early and on time, respectively.
GET YOUR CSes IN!
Brother Bertram Monday April 4th, 2005 10:17:43 AM
OOC Sounds to me like Milo and Bert need extra XP's for such dedication GRIN.....
Olana Monday April 4th, 2005 7:29:03 PM
((OOC - Got someone in the Cat, sorting me out, now.))
Lian Tuesday April 5th, 2005 5:17:18 AM
OOC: Posted in the Giggling Ghost.
Should we be posting here too??
DM Donna Tuesday April 5th, 2005 8:56:47 AM
yes, EVERYone should be posting here, too...as well as getting their UPDATED CSes to me.
Gunther Tuesday April 5th, 2005 7:39:20 PM
Gunther very much enjoys his practise sessions with K'nara, though he is bothered by the upcoming mission. He spends several long hours with his kitty, just stroking her velvet fur and staring off into the surrounding forest.
Brother Bertram Tuesday April 5th, 2005 8:49:19 PM
Bertram pours over any information he can find on the Undead, as well as ways to combat them.
Milo Wednesday April 6th, 2005 12:24:05 AM
Milo sits close to Olana, quietly contemplating the best ways to combat necromancers. Hopefully the fell wizards are not undead themselves.
Olana Wednesday April 6th, 2005 1:38:15 AM
((OOC - almost done in the Catacombs))
"It's this tournament I'm worried about," Olana says, worrying aloud as usual. She feels a little disjointed and disengaged. There's a whole crowd of folk in her head talking about the sleeper, in some tavern or other, and so she rests her head on Milo's shoulder to stop it from spinning.
Itinerary - DM Donna Wednesday April 6th, 2005 8:44:12 AM
K'Nara spreads out an area map after dinner, pointing to specific places as she speaks.
"Directly south of the Tower is a little town that has a...ahem...'caravan'...that leaves on a monthly basis for Izen. It's a highly illegal caravan, of course...but if you give them enough coins, the smugglers will take anything--or anyone.
"I've gotten us passage with them. This way we'll have a more direct way into Izen and Bone Mountain that will be a bit more in keeping with the impression we'll be needing to give the other people participating in that contest--that we're evil mercenaries."
K'Nara looked around at everyone at the table.
"All set? Everyone got everything they need?" She looked at Gunther. "Will you be bringing that she-cat along or not? We'll have to plan accordingly if you do..."
Lian Wednesday April 6th, 2005 9:37:07 AM
The monk looks at Gunther. "Personally, I don't think this would be the best adventure for your feline. Let her stay here and get to know the Tower a little better."
The hand of Domi stands. "I have 300 gold I'd like to through into our group fund, beit for scrolls, potions, what have you. I also have a scroll of Haste that the mages here can use for the group. I also have oil of bless weapon, just for your knowledge. As well as several divine scrolls that I can now cast... and a healing wand too."
The monk then reveals his new tattoos. One on the back of his neck and the other on his right bicep. "These will help me in combat. This is Bull's Strength and this is Enlarge Person. Both can be used on me or on others."
The elf moves over to Bertram. "Friend, I have a favor to ask of you before we leave." He hands the dwarf a scroll. "Remove the Ferryman's Curse please. I have it on some authority that if someone of high enough clerical statis uses this scroll, I will rid myself of the imparement the skeleton left with me." (Remove Curse scroll of basic level)
Prepared Spells for Izen trip: Guidance x2, Create Water Divine Favor x2, Endure Elements, Sanctuary(domain)
When K'Nara asks if they are ready, Lian disappears to his room and returns a few minutes later with his bedroll, flute, torches, rations, tindertwigs and waterskin. "Ready. I'm leaving Merlot behind."
Brother Bertram Wednesday April 6th, 2005 2:15:43 PM
Bertram nods to Lian and moves them both away from the others. Laying a hand on Lian's brow, Bertram begins to chant, the words flowing from him in a rush. With a final plea to Domi to honor this wish Bertram raises his head and looks Lian over.
Milo Wednesday April 6th, 2005 8:53:09 PM
Milo relaxes considerably as Olana expresses her concern, "No worries love... there aren't too many groups out there that can match us... much less compete." Milo's voice drops to a whisper,"'Sides, I got me a new blade that should give me the edge, no pun intended, against a bunch of evil-doers."
Milo nods up at K'nara, "I think we're as ready as we'll ever be."
Olana Wednesday April 6th, 2005 11:37:40 PM
Finally, Olana gets ready to leave. She has negotiated with the traders who visited the Tower (we did have someone come to the tower didn't we? Or did I dream it?), and has swapped out her armour, bought a ring, and had her bow improved. Gotten some o' them purdy cold arrows, too.
While dressing, K'Nara's comments about mercenaries gets her thinking. She pulls her new black studded leather armour tight, and ties her hair back very severly, braiding it tight with leather strips. Afterwards her narrow features seem a little more prominant, more hard edged.
"Maybe I should get some tattoos like Lian," she chuckles. "Okay. I'm ready."
Lian Thursday April 7th, 2005 4:01:58 AM
The monk closes his eyes and prays that the scroll will work its 'magic' and remove the curse.
Poof, Gone..! - DM Donna Thursday April 7th, 2005 8:37:00 AM
After the Remove Curse is cast over Lian, it is clear to see that the effects of the Ferryman's Kiss are gone from the monk--he is his former--taller--self.
"We're not bringing any of our own horses on this trip." K'Nara told the group. "Mostly because where we're going there are no truly reliable places to stable them. They would doubtless be stolen the first time we tried to stable them someplace. Such is Izen...or, rather, such is the area of Bone Mountain."
After bidding Rainara and Remus farewell, the Talons leave to rendezvous with the smugglers' caravan in the seedier side of Emerald City.
Olana Thursday April 7th, 2005 11:52:43 PM
As they move out, Olana tries to look suitably 'seedy'. It's a bit of a stretch in all honesty, and all she can manage is a frown which gives her a slight headache.
Gunther Friday April 8th, 2005 2:36:49 AM
The warrior sighs as he strokes the panther. "Yes, I know it is not best to take her. I don't have de resources to outfit her just yet." Gunther looks down at the panther, tears forming in his eyes. "I'm afraid she'll have to stay here den."
As Gunther prepares to leave, he give excruciating detailed instructions to Rainara and Remus on how to tend to the panther.
Lian Friday April 8th, 2005 7:14:53 AM
The monk covers his face with his scarf and remains quiet and doesn't speak while they are with the 'seedy' caravan.
Blending Into The Background - DM Donna Friday April 8th, 2005 8:46:11 AM
Remus and Rainara listen VERY carefully to Gunther as he speaks, promising that the panther will receive the very best care while he is away.
Before the group goes into the City, K'Nara brings out a box which, when she opens it, contains eight silver bracelets. They are styled as Parnoth's hated slave bracelets--but instead of having the dragon's official seal on them, they bear an icon: three stylized talons.
"Put these on." K'Nara says. "If anyone should dare to ask any of us, we can say AND show that we, each of us, belong to the Talons."
DM OOC: These bracelets should be noted on your PC's character sheet as the following: Silver Talons Bracelet: worn on --- wrist as a means to keep Parnoth's officials from confiscating those with elven blood as well as a sign of solidarity for the party.
Milo Friday April 8th, 2005 8:18:38 PM
Milo is very happy to receive the bracelet from K'nara, "Thanks, wow... kinda like those earpieces the Golds wear... this is great!" After this however, he fades into the background, remaining very close to Olana at all times.
K'Nara Saturday April 9th, 2005 8:21:53 AM
K'Nara thinks about what Milo says and then looks down at the bracelet that is left over because Ingrge isn't back yet.
"When Ingrge returns, I think I'll ask him if he can't make these bracelets into something a lot like those ear cuffs..." she muses.
Lian Sunday April 10th, 2005 6:43:19 AM
He just shakes his head and puts on the bracelet. A muffled sound of distain retreats from behind the scarf.
Brother Bertram Sunday April 10th, 2005 7:40:07 PM
Bertram gets his affairs in order, and takes the bracelet from K'nara and slips it on admiring the detailing. His pleasant demeanor slips a bit as to why they have to wear them but knows it has to be this way.
Brother Bertram Sunday April 10th, 2005 10:17:44 PM
Bertram ponders one other item he needed to check into. He approached Figment with undisguised hope in his eye. "Friend Figment, Is it possible you are powerful enough to cast a spell that would make another spell last forever?"
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