The Big Dream [CDM Jerry] Saturday March 19th, 2005 12:54:05 PM
The group settles in for a rest. The weather is nice. A slight breeze. But Shady looks restless.
Suddenly Shady looks at Jake and Jake returns the look. Surprise and wonder are on their faces.
The two of them begin to glow with extraordinary light and power!
Shady says, "Come touch and join us!"
As the party reluctantly does so, each of you are surprised to find that a blending of minds has begun.
Shady adds, "Something's happening." Some sort of collective elven effect is at work!
As you 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.
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.
Tishe' Saturday March 19th, 2005 3:23:53 PM
Eyes open but seeing nothing, Tishe' slowly understands that she is once more standing in the small valley above the waterfall, holding hands with Anuk and Mac.
And she is also holding her breath.
A great 'whoosh' of air escapes her mouth and the brown-haired girl begins to breathe once more. "Mother Wold", she breathes, "Panthenon and Lord Gargul preserve us. What great tapestry is being woven in the stars?"
As soon as it gets dark, she resolves to get out her starcharts and study the skies above the Wold.
And she looks with new respect at Shady and Jake.
Flea Saturday March 19th, 2005 7:01:10 PM
Flea is drawn inexplicably to the group and reaches out to take hold of Jake's hand on one side, Anuk's on the other. Crazy images flash through the uncomprehending mind of the small gnome, and flash after flash of bright light from the suns and the moons and the eyes...those eyes...until her mind's eye is blinded with the brillance.
When it is over, she drops her companions' hands, and pulls away from the group. Turning her back on the pack, she retreats a bit and falls to her knees, hands pressed to her eyes.
What does it all mean?
Trellus Saturday March 19th, 2005 9:44:43 PM
"Light," Trellus breathes in an awed whisper. Something is happening. Something totally waxed. The enemies of nature and the elves are getting cut? Does that mean the Barons?
Jake and Shady are elves. Elves are doing this. The blond man turns to his longtime friend. His hand almost frantically rubbing the back of his head, seeking comfort in the routine. "Dude," he asks Jake, "What does that mean?"
Gilan Saturday March 19th, 2005 10:45:48 PM
Gilan joins the circle as the call comes to him and he watches in awe as nature destroys all the enemies of the elves and nature herself. As the dream goes on her opens his mouth to scream but nothing comes out, so he weeps. As the vision is finally broken he looks around to the rest as he drops hands.
With a start and tears still in his eyes he moves off to be by himself for the time being. He sits against a tree holding his head in his hands and wonders. "Why Wold Mother...I do not understand." He cannot grasp onto it. The idea that nature would destroy so wantonly is just beyond him...survival has always been the norm. She has always exhisted, even with the cities growing around her and always would...nothing could change that.
He holds up the piece of bark that he found with the divine spell upon it and shakes his head. He brings it to his forehead and closes his eyes. "Wold Mother...your child is lost and cannot find his way." Looking further into the area he shakes his head and replaces the bark in a pouch but does not stand to return to the others. He just sits and cries as he tries to make sense of all this.
Jake Saturday March 19th, 2005 11:36:17 PM
"Dude, I don't know... I'm a HALF-elf..." And yet, there's a lot of him that does understand, or at least feels that something good has happened. Something part of nature, something he felt for just a few seconds, but hardly ever feels. That feeling whenever he stares out over the planes, whenever he's just sitting there relaxing and feeling the grass between his fingers. It's funny, hard to explain to his non-elf side, his side that he knows is just somehow different. The human side, that loves having fun in other ways; chasing women, lying and joking, fighting and winning at gambling. Or are they different? At that moment, he feels no real conflict between his elf and human blood, yet somehow, he is aware of it more than ever in that moment. He doesn't know what to say to his packmates... and for some reason, the whole feeling, of immense happiness and delightful success in the universe, only makes him aware that he is not whole, that his father and mother both gave him up. He has never really felt his outsider status too much, what with Rattledam's acceptance of so many races. He never felt, until now, the complete difference in his blood.
He doesn't know what to say...just that he wants to be alone. He heads off and stares over the falls...and somehow, the wonder he felt at that disturbs him, so he goes and stares at just some stupid rock, and feels uncomfortable.
Mac Sunday March 20th, 2005 4:49:45 PM
<OOC> When we saw Yrth and the Fragmented lands did we see or get any inkling as to what would happen in the Sargrass, or out in the Taur Isles? </OOC>
Mac's grip lightens, but doesn't drop. "Tis a sign o'things to come." he states awe-fully, then adds, "an' I believe we'll get a be'er handle of when we get Shai-dee 'ome. Once he is pu' right, then we may 'ave a way home, or we may have given up a few days t'do the right thing. We're not lost Gilan - we're 'xactly where she wants us to be." Mac's smile is something to behold.
Anuk Sunday March 20th, 2005 11:31:18 PM
Anuk hesitates before joining the circle between Tishe' and Flea. After watching Trellus be overtaken by magic, he's not sure he wants to surrender himself to the same thing.
But...but...Jake and Shady don't seem to be in pain. No frightening other voices...no heads spinning around. He waits a moment longer, then steps up and joins the circle.
The vision is awe-inspiring and terrifying at once. Though Anuk has once stood before a God, he did not until now understand the raw power that can be dealt out on a whim. He sees the destruction of those in opposition to nature. The indifference of nature to the fate that awaits them. Though he's glad not to feel that he is in danger, he can't help but wonder if that power will one day be turned against him.
When it's over, he simply drops to the ground. The vision plays through again in his head. As he thinks of nature's fury, he recalls that he has pledged to help protect it. He had thought he was protecting only the Plains...his home...but now he thinks perhaps the pledge was to all the Wold.
He takes the leather glove from his right arm, revealing the withered remains of his hand underneath. He reaches down and scoops up a bit of earth, holding it up at eye level and breathes out a single phrase.
"The land...my life."
Questions (DM MikeK) Monday March 21st, 2005 9:47:04 AM
Kind hearted laughter still rings in the minds of the Bloodpack as they pull back from their trance-like state. It takes a few moments for everyone to reorient themselves. Somehow, it's morning. When Shady and Jake called for their friends to join them in the dream, it was early evening. But the sun is definitely peaking up over the eastern side of the valley, and not descending in the west.
All are refreshed, as if they'd slept for nearly 12 hours. All are also hungry, as if they'd missed supper.
To the myriad of questions, Shady can only shrug. Like Jake, he has no answers as to what this dream means. Looking back on The Dream, the heroes realize a great number of those in the chorus were demanding the same answers.
Anuk's reaction reminds all of their oath to the land.
Parnoth, a great evil near someplace called Culverwood, was snuffed out in the dream. Instinctively, the group understands the same fate awaits The Baron in the Sargass Plains. And that fate awaits another - one equal to The Baron in power and intent, a rival to both The Baron and The Land. But one faceless and nameless, even in The Dream.
On the subject of Taur Isle, The Dream gave no clues.
Tishe' Monday March 21st, 2005 3:13:42 PM
The brown eyes of Tishe' narrow as she realizes that she won't be able to see the stars immediately. And that the grumble in her middle reminds her of more practical matters. "Well, you thread the needle before you sew, as my mother often said. Let's a quick bite to eat, settle our spells, and get Shady home."
As she moves off to a spot a little off to study her spells, she sends a heart-touch to the others. Reminded by Anuk of what she and the Bloodpack promised, the small woman settles in by breathing over and over, "The land, my life"
And she makes sure to take Elven Sight as a 1st level druid spell instead of Faerie Fire.
Mac Monday March 21st, 2005 6:46:47 PM
"Talki fresal, dondit liki"
"Talki fresal, dondit liki"
"Talki fresal, dondit liki"
Mac ensure Galea gets some breakfast, but partakes of the barest portion himself. "Tis good to be a wee bit hungry - keens the senses." When breakfast is done with, Mac loks about to all and sundry. "Shae-dee to get home, a dragon to call in on, and a safe passage home!" he bellows as a rallying cry!
Grymash d20-2=5 d20+2=5 Monday March 21st, 2005 7:09:09 PM "Whoah!!!" the barbarian says as he shakes his head. "Did ya all hears dat? Someones say da word, uhh da letter ... I!! Who did say dat? Whut do dat mean?"
The thought quickly leaves Gry's fragile little brain when he spots Tishe offering him a juicy spider. "Hmmm, sargrass spider! Gry not knows Tishe had sargrass spiders!"
(Intelligence check: 5, Wisdom check: 5, sigh)
Gilan Monday March 21st, 2005 7:26:09 PM
Gilan munches absently on some of his rations as he thinks over what has been seen some more and shakes his head. For some reason it still feels wrong to him that nature would rebel that much. With a look to the others he just shakes his head and says nothing for now.
Trellus Monday March 21st, 2005 8:30:52 PM
The erstwhile leader of the group looks around, pondering. Jake doesn't look happy, and Gilan doesn't look happy. Based on what they all just shared, both should be estatic. But they don't look it.
Talki fresal, dondit liki, he whispers. Is there something else the monks aren't telling him?
Tishe and her spellbook reminds him of his own need for prayers. The cleric finds a quiet spot and prays to Domi for guidance.
Then, he get his breakfast, and sends a heart touch to the pack. "We're still shady, dudes", he encourages them. "Mac's right, let's concentrate on getting Shady home. Then, we get us home. Then, we worry about the eyes."
Flea d20-1=18 Monday March 21st, 2005 10:00:47 PM
Removing her hands from her eyes, Flea sees that nothing has really changed. They are still lost in the strange area. Everything still looks the same. Her pack looks the same. Even Shady looks the same.
Flea moves back inside the circle of the group. The rogue winces a little as her friends repeat their oath to the land. She had made the pledge, but what did it really mean? The beaters were going to mess with her head if she didn't!
If you swear to protect the plains and their secrets with your life, then simply cover your heart in front of the Mankif and speak, Talki fresal, dondit liki. The land, my life."
As she munches on the very last of her trail rations, Flea studies Jake, suspicious that he might know more than he is saying. (Sense Motive=18)
Anuk d20+12=18 Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 12:34:31 AM
Anuk stares for a few moments longer at the earth he holds in his pale hand, then lets it crumble and fall back to the ground. Still mulling the vision over in his head, he finds himself comforted by the heart touches coming from his friends and sends one out in return.
While the others get ready for the day, Anuk spends a few minutes alone himself. He settles into the familiar routine of thinking of the land until he is aware that he can cast a spell (prepares entangle). He must remember to add the spell to the ioun stone tonight if it is not needed before day's end. He hopes it's not.
Then, he rises and sets out a little way from camp, looking for nuts, berries, and anything else he can bring back to the pack for breakfast.
(survival 18)
Jake Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 3:59:40 AM
Jake sighs and gets up, ready to continue. And slowly brightens. It just isn't in his nature to be moody too long. Instead, he whimsically ponders over something to say or do. Wandering next to Trell, he says to him softly, so that Flea and Tishe don't hear, "Been a while since we've seen any friendly faces, huh, Trell? Ah miss girls..." he winks, "Ah mean, y'know, real girls. Available shady femmes. Though, we have been fightin' some pretty good battles of late...ah miss home, ah think."
Homesick (DM MikeK) Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 8:52:47 AM
Thoughts of home reverberate through the minds of the lost heroes. This latest vision only serves to intensify them. Resolutely, the Bloodpack gets through breakfast and their morning observances, and again take to the trail.
Thanks to the invitation of Shady and Jake, everyone, even Grymash, fully partook in the dream. Questions remain - Who sent it? Who, besides the friends from Rattledam, received it? And, of course, what does it mean?
Lost in their own thoughts, the group makes its way across increasingly rough ground. The valley narrows and rises. Grass fields alternate frequently with rocky trails. The adventurers climb and descend, and climb some more. And always in their minds remains the vision of the elven eyes, laughing merrily as the Wold becomes green.
In the late afternoon, the group crests a hill, and in front of them is a huge mountain. It rises thousands of feet into the air and must be a good half day's journey away. Shady has been very quiet, sensing the subdued mood of his new friends, and perhaps struggling with thoughts of his own. But, at the sight of the mountain, he starts. Then he beams, raises his hands, and points excitedly at the mountain. "Home!" he cries. Shady picks up the pace, skipping from stone to stone as he hurries forward. He turns, and waves at the group, encouraging them to keep up. "Home!" he cries again. "Home!"
Anuk d20+10=25 Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 2:14:13 PM
Anuk hurries to keep pace with Shady, calling out to the boy in elven, "Shady, slow down! We can't get there until tomorrow--we'll need to rest." His plea is only half-hearted though. Clearly, Shady is excited to be so near to home.
As he follows the elf, he scans the huge mountain, looking for signs of life. If Shady is from here, there should be more elves nearby, Anuk thinks to himself.
(spot 25)
Tishe' Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 2:30:40 PM
The small woman walks with the pack and casts worried glances at Jake and Gilan. "I wonder if they got the same dream", she wonders aloud. Glancing sheepishly around, she'll explain to anyone who is listening, "can't they hear the joyful laughter, see the gentle eyes? Perhaps they know something more than we saw? I mean, Jake is part elf and Gilan is more in tune with the Wold than I or Anuk..."
When Shady runs ahead, Tishe' is ready to take some of her worry off with a pleasant jog through the valley. She lets her wavy hair blow in the wind of her passage and just enjoy for a minute. "I bet I can catch Shady first!", she yells.
Trellus Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 7:17:02 PM
Walking beside Jake, Trellus nods his head in sympathy. He wasn't after as many 'shady femmes' as Jake - Light, NOBODY went after as many shady femmes as Jake - but the young man would be real happy to see a couple members of the Black Pack right now...
They walk on, and the cleric tries to keep an eye on Gilan and Jake. The pack needs to get home. Malafret can help. She'd know what to do.
Then, Shady takes off. "Dude!" he yells, trailing off as Anuk also yells and the boy ignores them both anyway. And, of course, Tishe takes off too.
"Light," he grumbles. Trellus hates running. But Shady can't keep it up all day, can he?
The cleric picks up the pace, intent on chasing down the rest.
Mac d20+5=8 Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 7:51:40 PM
"Trellus? Imagine you are a local Elven Archer or Ranger out patrolling the woods when Shai-dee shows up running at a good pace with our Pack in pursuit. What would you do?" Mac maintains a solid walk, but doesn't run or even hustle, an keep an eye out for trouble ahead. [Spot: 8]
Gilan d20+7=15 d20+7=11 Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 8:37:47 PM
Gilan trails along with the rest of the pack still trying to make sense of what he has seen. The idea of all evil being taken care of is not such a bad thing, but what would nature or an "Avatar" of nature consider evil. His feelings of ecstacy had been tempered with the realization that things may not turn out as shady as the dream had cast.
Moving up to keep pace with Trellus he looks to his friend. "Do you think that Domi would allow such a thing to happen...the nature covering the Wold and taking out evil." He looks ahead to those that run on towards Shady's home and shakes his head. "I mean...sometimes evil is not too easily defined and all." He looks to Trellus seeing him as being wiser in this area than himself. After all Domi is a god and a good one at that, while the Wold Mother is nature herself and works by a different set of rules.
Jake Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 1:34:17 AM
The youth takes off and the others take off after him and shout at him. Jake doesn't add anything to that voluble, just laughs. "Well, we're almost there...wherever there is! Gil, you're taking it too walker. Nature's always shade...evil always grass-bites and corrupts. Ah mean, undead are like, that example, right? The ultimate evil, an' also against nature. Ah ain't never heard of no druid skeleton." Jake has never seen an undead, but in his nightmares, they're the worst. He's never really mentioned this to his packmates tho...
Company (DM MikeK) Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 5:13:35 PM
A few of the Bloodpack chase after Shady. A few do not. Either way, the young elf soon figures out that he's got an awfully long run ahead of him, and gradually slows down to allow everyone to catch up. He's a seriously excited lad for the rest of the day, though.
Near evening, Flea rounds a bend, and stops. The rest of the Bloodpack quickly halts as well. Sitting inside a small, natural ampitheater are six large, incredibly attractive humans, four men and two women. They are in the midst of an instense conversation when the group happens upon them. Their startling good looks even break through the normally dense Tishe, and Jake can't help but be jealous of all the good looking men he's happened upon. Oddly, it is hard to determine the age of the people.
Those making a Spot check DC 12 notice, with some curiosity, that they have no equipment whatsoever, just well made travelers outfits.
As the pack appears, the others size them up. All eyes remain fixated upon Shady, and slowly recognition crosses the features of each of them. One of the women stands, and steps toward the elf boy uncertainly. "Glimmer?" she asks.
Shady has been staring at the group in surprise and shock. When the woman addresses him, he responds, "Grandma?". Then, he repeats the name. Sure and strong and laced with relief and happiness. "Grandma!" he yells, and runs toward her. The two embrace.
The woman looks up. She sure doesn't look like a grandma. Flashing perfect, white teeth she turns to the group, and hugs each person in turn, and a very pleasant hug it is - Grymash ("Thank you for bringing back Glimmer"), Mac, Tishe ("We thought Brightmarous had killed him"), Gilan, Flea, Trellus("How can we ever repay you?"), Jake.
She stops at Jake. Stares at him. Looks back to her group. Stares at Jake again.
"You're an elf." she states reverently. Her voice drops to a low tone. "Tell me," she says. "Tell us. Of what event do the elves dream? We can't see it. We know something is coming, but we can't see it. But you have. You have saved my grandson, and have proved your worth. " The woman is nearly pleading," Please. You must tell us what you see in your dreams."
Grymash Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 8:13:09 PM
(You say they are large, like 8-ft or taller in height?)
DM NOTE - No. Large for a human, but not that large. The men are 6 and half feet tall, the women are a good 6'.
"Whoah!" is all an awe-struck Grymash can say. When he gets his hug, the barbarian doesn't know how to react. He looks back at his pack and gives them a raised eyebrow and a slight grin. If the barbarian's expression could speak, it would say, "Shaaddy, check her out!!"
Flea Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 9:34:22 PM
"Oooff!" is all that escapes Flea as she is squeezed by the very tall, very beautiful woman.
Taking in the incredibly tall and beautiful people, the rogue looks at Shady/Glimmer with newfound respect. Elbowing Trellus' she asks, "are they gods?"
Gilan d20+7=22 d20+7=12 Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 9:38:56 PM
Gilan looks to Jake and shakes his head. "Not all nature is shady...some of it is dangerous and unpredictable." With a smile he goes through some of the things that he knows of. "Some of the things are natural...like earthquakes and fires on the plains...but others are different, natural animals that Mother Wold has had a hand in making." He looks to hear the exclaims of excitement from not only Shady but some other people that have shown up.
Looking again to Trellus who has been silent for some time, maybe he was thinking over his questions. "Seems we have found Shady's parents." His eyes roam over the group and he shakes his head. "They carry no gear for traveling or the like...this seems strange." He looks to the others but is interrupted with the sudden hug from the woman in the group.
Trellus d20+8=25 Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 10:41:43 PM
Mac's advice slows Trellus down immediately, and he's relieved when everyone else drops down to a liesurely stroll, too.
Gilan's question about Domi allowing Nature to take over elicits the standard 'Trellus is thinking' response. Rubbing his hand over the back of his head, the cleric ponders. "Domi's realms are Protection, Strength, and War," he replies slowly. "Depends on who Nature went after I guess. Domi might oppose it, might favor it, or might not really care. He'd want to protect the weak, the innocent, and the upright. Can Nature tell the difference?"
Shortly thereafter, they run into The Beautiful People. "Many Shado-urp!" Trellus gets part of his greeting out before being engulfed by Shady's 'grandma'.
Like Gilan, the young man notes the lack of traveling gear. [Spot 25] Flea's question brings back the ol' hand over head motion. The phrase Tooth and Claw keeps rummaging around in his mind as well.
"Not sure," he answers both. "But, I think we want to be very polite." Trellus waits, with some trepedation, for Jake's response.
Jake Thursday March 24th, 2005 2:18:50 AM
Jake takes off his hat and holds it, "Half elf, ma'am...ah'm not really a true elf, just a half-elf." He looks to the others with his warm brown eyes and shakes his head. "Afraid ah can't tell ya much, other 'n what ya felt. That the Wold is.." he searches for a word. "Purgin', gettin' rid of some evil from beyond our sorta knowledge. Ah'm sorry, ma'am. But we did bring your grandson." He tries not openly admire the curves of the women...after all, it'd be really awkward if he hit on some kid's grandma.
Mac d20+1=17 Thursday March 24th, 2005 6:19:12 AM
"You are welcome." the taur replies. It is a moment or three before the least of incongruities catches his attention. "You call the boy 'Glimmer' and clearly he recognizes you, but he had us call him 'Shae dee'. Do you know why?" [Sense Motive: 17]
Anuk d20+10=16 d20=6 Thursday March 24th, 2005 12:40:37 PM
Anuk is surprised to suddenly stumble on the group. "I must be gettin' sunbaked...I gotta start keeping better lookout for signs and tracks," he says quietly to Flea. "Did you see any sign of this group before we ran into them?"
As they meet the strangers, Anuk finds their friendliness disarming, and he can't help but grin at the sight of Shady rejoining his family. Still, a few questions about who they are and how they got here (spot 16) linger in the back of his mind.
Deciding that Shady's "grandma" seems friendly and open, Anuk decides to ask the question foremost in his mind. However, it comes out more bluntly than he intends (diplomacy 6).
"Greetings, ma'am," he says, bowing low. "My name is Anuk. It's great to see Shady...er...Glimmer back with his family. I can't help noticing, though, that Shady is an elf. You're...uh...not. How did an elf come to be part of a human family?"
Tishe' Thursday March 24th, 2005 1:17:46 PM
The average looking woman takes a few moments to compose herself among the adonis. They are more beautiful than even her sisters, and a surly thought wonders if they have anything in thier heads than air. But she quickly stifles her resentment over thier beauty, 'grandma' is much too sure of herself and her hugs too genuine to be so petty.
"We don't like bullies lording it over the weaker, good lady", she tells the 'grandma'. "Was Brightmarous one of the group that held him? We were able to slay three of the bullies, but two are still at large."
Privately, she thinks that Anuk has a very good question. Half-elf surely, but how can even beautiful humans have a full elf grandson?
Who are you? (DM MikeK) Thursday March 24th, 2005 4:24:34 PM
The woman pulls back from Jake, disappointment registering on her face. "That's not good enough," she responds unhappily.
When Tishe asks about Brightmarous, and mentions killing the thugs, one of the men springs up angrily. "Kill ME!?!" he snorts. "Never! You should never have brought him back! He doesn't belong here!" He's younger than the others, although the ages are still deceiving. He stalks toward the party, but doesn't get two steps before he is grabbed by two other men. 'Grandma' rounds on Brightmarous. "You'd sell your own brother?" she hisses through clenched teeth. "Get out. Get out right now!"
Brightmarous shoots the group a withering stare, wheels about and leaves the ampitheater.
Grandma and Glimmer/Shady talk quietly a few moments about his experiences. The other folks stand, waiting for her verdict.
When the boy is done, she smiles at the Bloodpack.
"It seems Glimmer lost his memory, and only now it is returning. Have a seat, some explanations are required." Grandma invites the group to pull up a log, and her own people sit down. Once everyone is comfy, she explains, "These forms, both human and elf, are not our true selves. We merely assume them for convenience sake. Glimmer tells me you rescued him, and then brought him back here without any knowledge of who he was or where you were going. That is a noble deed that takes great courage. Your reward for that is to learn our true forms."
A couple of her people start at that, but she waves them off dismissively before returning to the group. "We are dragons," she says. "You would call us bronze. Glimmer's parents were killed in the Dragon Wars, and I have raised him and his brother. "
"I tell you this, because I must again ask this half-elf to relay to us the dream he had. We have seen signs and portents of a great upheaval, and are desperate to learn all we can about it. None of us had the dream, But we know that elves throughout the land experienced it. Please, tell us what you saw, and in return I can provide another reward.
"And finally, I've another favor, which carries a greater reward yet. But first, elf, your dream. Please."
She looks at Jake pleadingly.
Mac cannot find any reason to doubt her words.
Gilan Thursday March 24th, 2005 11:20:22 PM
Gilan nods as his first assumption about the young elf had been right and shakes his head. He did not really like getting involved in dragon matters, but in these times you helped the ones that needed it.
Looking back to the woman they call Grandma he listens as she speaks and then turns his head to regard Jake. "Just tell her all the dream as you saw it Jake." He gives his friend a smile as he does and a nod in encouragement. He had let the interplay with the one that was now banished pass by without showing great interest, though he is sure that it will come back on them later. He just smiles and sighs.
Grymash d20+8=27 d20-2=7 d20+2=6 Friday March 25th, 2005 1:04:54 AM
Grymash tenses up and places his hand behind his back, ready to grab his double axe when Brightmarous has his outburst. The barbarian can't help but return his stare with a grimacing scowl. (Trying to look as intimidating to Brightmarous as much as he can. Intimidate 27, woot!)
He can't help but admire the strength of the woman as she forced Brightmarous to leave. Strange feelings start to grow in his gut. He wonders why his heart is pounding so hard and fast in his chest. Grymash isnt raging! Why is it doing that? He doesn't care. He cant keep his eyes off her.
(Intelligence: 7, Wisdom: 6)
Grymash doesnt understand much when they start talking about changing form and shape. His only observance of such activity is when Gilan changes into bugs. And right now, he doesnt care. Maybe dragons are even more beautiful.
Jake Friday March 25th, 2005 3:34:13 AM
"Well, okay, ma'am... "First there was just a floating sensation, lahk lying on water, and then ya became aware of the Wold below ya. All arrayed out, y'know, like, a circle. Ah never thought about what it'd look like, but it was so small. Above it was the sun, shaped like up there..." he points at the sky. "Anyways, then the moons came along and tried to cover up the sun. But suddenly, ah noticed, like, some eyes there in the moons. Weird eyes...crying for some reason as they looked down. Then they started getting happy, an' all the world went green and good. "Then we swooped into a sylvan setting, the Culverwood. A malicious presence, the Parnoth, became known to us. A blight upon the land, an enemy of the elves, its presence could not withstand the pureness of the eyes. Its agonized cry rang silently throughout the cosmos, its hatred dissipating before that which was good and pure. "And all was well. Laughter, love, joy subsumed all sense of self, suddenly and endlessly a loving pull emanated from those orbs, radiant in the darkness."
Tishe' Friday March 25th, 2005 10:04:20 AM
The young woman is startled by the beautiful man's outburst. Upon knowing they are dragons, her heart begins beating faster and she gets a little weak in the knees, and thankfully pulls up a stump. Almost got into a fight with a dragon! And like it or not, the Bloodpack has made an enemy...
She sits quietly, leaning forward in silent encouragement while Jake relates the dream, nodding at the similarity to what she saw and felt. "Happy eyes and laughter. That is what I most remember."
She plays with the crimson sash at her waist, and wonders what these noble beings will make of the dream.
Trellus d20+8=27 d20+4=24 Friday March 25th, 2005 10:23:23 AM
Trellus swallows convulsively upon the realization he's in tha middle of a group of dragons. The young cleric still isn't quite sure what a dragon is, but if it took a Valdor to go hunt one down, Trellus isn't all that sure he wants to find out.
Nodding along with Jake's recitation, he notices Gry is acting totally shuttlecocked. [Spot 27] What's Gry staring at? he wonders silently. Trellus follows the stare. He's looking at Grandma. Grandma - Gry. Gry - Grandma. Bells start going off in his head [Sense Motive 24 (nat 20).
Trellus' face draws up into a pained expression. Domi's Light. Gry's gotta a crush on a dragon. The blond man stands quietly, trying to look natural, while he fervently prays to his god for Gry not to do anything too sunbaked.
Flea Friday March 25th, 2005 1:32:23 PM
Snippets of conversation re-play in the gnome's mind.
The beautiful matriarch,"We are dragons. You would call us bronze."
and Valdor, "If it were not a chromatic, being gold, silver, bronze, or even brass, I'd say kill it without reservation."
Flea looks at each beaufiful face, and at Shady/Glimmer. Could this Brightmarous be the one the half-elf had wanted them to investigate? she wonders.
Flea listens as Jake says his piece, all nice and mystic like a weaver, and she shakes her head. "Jake's going walker," she mutters to herself, "what is the Wold coming to?"
Anuk d20+12=29 Friday March 25th, 2005 2:58:23 PM Dragons?! Well, at least I know why I didn't spot any tracks, thinks Anuk.
He watches and listens to Grandma and the others intently, trying to picture in his mind what their true forms must be like.
Throughout the conversation, Anuk keeps quiet, but he also keeps glancing nervously at the sky (spot 29). The last dragon they saw was more than enough to easily frighten away the beaters that had kidnapped Shady. He's a little worried about what Brightmarous might do if he decides to return in his true shape.
I Have a Dream (DM MikeK) Friday March 25th, 2005 9:57:51 PM
Grymash's intimidating stare definitely attracted the attention of Brightmarous. The man/dragon meets the half-orc's eyes and stays fixed on him for several moments before he goes stomping off. Did the barbarian have a part in the dragon's departure? He doesn't know.
Anuk keeps his eyes peeled on the skies. He sees no sign of a highly agitated bronze dragon returning. Which doesn't stop him from continuing to look.
Grandma is far too interested in Jake's retelling of The Dream to pay either Grymash or Anuk much attention. She and her fellows listen raptly to the half-elf. When he finishes, they are all silent, deep in thought. Finally one speaks, and then another, conversing with each other in rapid sentences, spoken in Common for the benefit of their guests.
"A new power." "Related to the elves" "The power to destroy Parnoth? Inconceivable." "Does It have that power, or merely dreams of such?" "Or perhaps It needs help to achieve the power." "If It does, how do we help? To destroy Parnoth......" "The conjuction of moons and sun is key. A sign. Surely that has happened before."
"Those humans saw it, too"
The last comment is delivered by a man who's been quiet until now. Grandma asks him what he meant. "Those two (Trellus and Tishe). They knew what the elf was going to say. They've seen it."
Grandma addresses Tishe. "Have you? Did you get The Dream? How?
Tishe' d20+9=25 Saturday March 26th, 2005 4:56:31 AM
A new power? What is 'grandma' talking about? And then the man makes all the dragons' attention focus on HER.
"Ulp. Ah, yes, Great One", she begins, "I saw, we all... um, all saw the dream. Ah, um, Shady and Jake, they invited us into.." she pauses to collect her thoughts under the gaze of the dragons. "We held hands and stood in a circle", she concludes, "and saw the Dream."
Warming to something she knows, she braves two more sentences. "It was an eclipse", she tells the others secure in her knowledge of astronomy (Knowledge: 25), "an eclipse of the sun by both moons. That's when the eyes opened."
Gilan Saturday March 26th, 2005 5:41:01 PM
Gilan listens and watches in interest as the dragon talk among themselves and then the attention turns to the group. Well not all of it really just Trell and Tishe'.
He smiles as he puts his hand over his mouth to hide it. Trellus may not mind the attention but that is not poor Tishe''s thing. As he sits he waits to see what else will be said and lazily draws on the ground three small circles lining up and then he draws them interlocking as if passing over one another. Lastly he draws just one circle with almond shaped eyes in the middle of it and sighs.
Mac d20+5=16 Saturday March 26th, 2005 9:07:59 PM
Remaining observant, silent and wary Mac keeps an eye on the going on. [Spot:16]
Flea d20-1=8 Sunday March 27th, 2005 5:32:26 PM
Flea watches Shady's grandma, and wonders why the woman is so interested in the dream. (Sense Motive=8)
Anuk d20+10=22 d20+10=13 Sunday March 27th, 2005 10:50:26 PM
Anuk nods in agreement with Tishe' when she says that everyone saw the dream. He thinks back on the experience and how it was oddly comforting and frightening at the same time. He wonders if more dreams are in his future.
He continues to keep and eye out for anything out of the ordinary skyward.
(spot 22, listen 13)
Jake Monday March 28th, 2005 12:45:40 AM
Jake can't help but feel relieved now that the attention's off him. And he begins to consider what he's been told, about how they're dragons...and he looks up at them, amazed. They're dragons, really?? No. All those tales he read, of fighting dragons and stuff...he suddenly blurts out a secret wish, hoping more than anything, "Can you fly me? I mean, take me up into the air?" He looks at them with eyes full of hope, almost like a child suddenly.
Trellus Monday March 28th, 2005 10:20:12 AM
Trellus has got the feeling this is one of those 'speak only when spoken to' moments. He nods along in agreement with Tishe'.
He also keeps an eye on Gry. He's never seen the half-orc infatuated before. No telling what pick the dude might weave.
Too Much Information (DM MikeK) Monday March 28th, 2005 1:59:58 PM
Grandma listens quietly to Tishe and Trellus. "I see," she says as they finish.
The quiet, observant male is standing. The same one who noticed Trellus and Tishe knew the dream. "Wait a moment. 'Shady' invited you also? Not just the half-elf?"
Grandma tries to ignore him, instead smiling pleasantly at Jake. "Perhaps. After we've discussed your vision. What do you think the dream meant?" She awaits the fighter's response, but her comrade isn't backing off.
"None of us saw it," he persists. "Just the elves." He looks at the party. "And those invited by elves. Or half elves...." At this point, the man's voice trails off and his eyes widen as he looks again at Shady/Glimmer.
"Enough." Grandma snaps out the word, and discussion stops. "I will speak with these nobles alone." Her comrades, still looking oddly at the young elf/dragon, practically fall over themselves leaving the amphitheatre. Everyone clearly hears multiple "fwoomp" sounds, as if a series of sails suddenly filled with a strong wind. The sound repeats at disparate intervals, gradually fades, and finally disappears altogether.
[Wis check DC 12 to realize Shady ain't pure dragon]
Tishe' d20+1=15 Monday March 28th, 2005 4:21:51 PM
Something clicks in Tishe's brain. 'Grandma' and the others are dragons but didn't see the dream, but Shady saw the dream: therefore, Shady is.... "He's half-dragon?" blurts the mage incredulously.
Mac d20+3=13 d20+5=13 Monday March 28th, 2005 4:35:41 PM
[Wis:13, Spot:13] ...and in deference to Grandma, Mac silently waits for her to speak, whilst continuing to keep an eye on the surroundings.
Flea d20+13=19 d20+23=42 d20+16=22 d20+10=22 d20-1=13 Monday March 28th, 2005 8:19:07 PM
Flea's eyes flick from face to beautiful face as the 'dragons' are dismissed by 'grandma'.
This is just so twisted thinks the gnome, and she starts to back away quietly (Move Silently=19) seeking the shadows at the edge of the clearing (Hide=42).
There are the ominous sounds and the rogue cranes her neck to see over the tree tops (Search=22, Spot=22) before her gaze returns to the youth they had rescued. One should never judge a book by it's cover, she thinks (Wisdom Check=13) remembering the old saying, oft quoted by her patient teacher, and then the irrational fear returns.
Gilan d20+5=25 Monday March 28th, 2005 9:18:08 PM
Gilan watches in some amazement as the other dragons are sent off by Grandma and shakes his head. A slight smile touches his face as he thinks of another certain teacher that gets the same respect. With a start he nods his head in understanding, Shady is a half-dragon then and one of his parents was an elf(Wis 25).
Still he sits and listens to what is said as he ponders the meaning of the dream again. He has an idea but he is not sure if it is the right one and he will not make statements without knowing all the facts.
Trellus d20+4=9 Monday March 28th, 2005 10:26:44 PM
[Wis check 9] Trellus is thinking about Grymash and Grandma. The half orc falls to one knee and blurts out his undying love- no, no, that won't be it. The half orc draws his shady blade and pledges to slaughter all her enemies - possibly. The half orc...
"He's half-dragon?" Tishe blurts.
"Huh?" Trellus responds, coming out of his daydream. Where'd the other dudes go? What's up with Flea? What's Tishe talking about? He looks around. Oh light. What'd I miss?
Trellus shuts up and pays attention. Hopefully he can figure out what's going on before he does something stupid.
Jake d20+1=13 Tuesday March 29th, 2005 12:27:28 AM
Jake looks over to Shady, realizing it about the same time as Tishe says it. He suddenly feels a surge of empathy for the half-elf, half-dragon. It overcomes his desire for flying around on dragons. He goes over and gives Glimmer a pat on the back. In elven, he comments, "So, we got you home, Shady. But ya know, if ya want, ya can come along with us... ah'll even teach ya how ta fight, if ya want." Then, before the kid can give an answer, he turns his attention to the grandmother. "Now, uh, ma'am, we met this hero, a world-famous adventurer, named Valdor, and he asked us to look for this bronze dragon that was causing a problem. Apparently, it was rampaging around and stuff. Ah don't know if we've figured out what's goin' on, but, anyways, ah'm wantin' ta ask ya about it."
Anuk d20+2=20 d20+10=16 d20+10=19 Tuesday March 29th, 2005 10:34:43 AM
Anuk stops looking at the sky as grandma and the others make their hasty exit from the amphitheater. "So, Shady's got some elven blood in him, eh?" he says with a smile (wisdom 20). It doesn't really change much in his mind, as until recently he thought Shady was an elf, anyway. He's still trying to wrap his head around the idea that Shady is actually Glimmer...a dragon.
The loud sounds bring Anuk's attention back to the present and he looks skyward again (spot 16, listen 19). He watches and listens until the sounds disappear and then he ambles over to Jake.
"Hey, Jake...you still got Shady's collar? I was thinkin' maybe we oughta give it to grandma. If she finds something like that on us, she might question our...uh...intentions."
Follow Me (DM MikeK) Tuesday March 29th, 2005 1:12:03 PM
The pack reacts to the knowledge in various ways, although Flea is the only one to pull back and make herself small.
Glimmer's face is full of questions. "I...I'm not a dragon?" he asks fearfully. Grandma enfolds him in a hug. Your mother was a dragon, Glimmer. Your father, well, was not." She pulls away to hold the boy by the shoulders and look him in the eye. "You can be whatever you want. Anything you want. Never forget that."
Grandma sighs heavily, and takes a moment to gather herself.
Turning to Jake, she replies, "Take him with you?" She considers. "That may actually be an idea." She is silent for a moment, before clearing the thought away and shifting gears to his other statement. "Everybody knows of Valdor Dragonstone. The dragon he seeks is Brightmarous. Glimmer went through the right of adulthood recently, and the treasure his parents bequeathed upon him became public knowledge. Brightmarous felt slighted and became agitated. This latest revelation will not help."
Grandma glances at Tishe with a half smile. "Does it surprise you there are half-dragons. We take other forms after all." The woman turns to look directly at Grymash. "And they are fully functional." Her eyes linger in the half-orc's before she turns away.
"If you would all please follow me, we can address your half-elf's ideas. Grandma proceeds though a small crevice in the right side of the hill, wide enough for but a single person at a time. It is not the way the rest of the dragons went when they left.
Tishe' Tuesday March 29th, 2005 2:23:06 PM
The young woman has had too many surprises today, so it is understanding she completely misses 'grandma's' reference to being fully functional. she puts a hand in her satchel to pet Wart, taking comfort in his very normal reactions.
"So, is there anything you can do to help stop Brightmarous?" she asks the beautiful woman as they walk to the caves. "And do you have any ideas about what the Dream means?"
So full of questions, she pays scant attention about going into a dragon's cave.
Flea d20+10=29 d20+12=14 d20+8=15 d20+23=28 d20+13=23 Tuesday March 29th, 2005 5:17:27 PM
Confused by dreams of vengeful laughing elves, and the reality of dragons who don't look like dragons, the rogue will draw up in the rear. Flea keeps a low profile and guards the party's flank.
Grymash d20-2=0 d20+2=5 Tuesday March 29th, 2005 8:16:35 PM
(Sorry, I lost my web access for the past couple of days. Im back now.)
Grymash doesn't hear any of the conversation. His eyes transfixed on the female dragon's muscular and near perfect form. Strong arms and shoulders, Gry bets she can swing an axe with the best of them. Load-bearing ... ahh, bare back, Gry can see it would take a lot of weight to encumber her. Don't get Gry started on the legs. She could crush a man to death with those powerful legs. Not to mention kick and run. Her voice, so commanding and forceful. Gry wonders how sharp her teeth are.
Anyone near the barbarian might hear a very faint, low guttural growl rumbling within him. But its not a growl of anger, he's smiling. Like a wolf to a lamb, if he knew what a wolf or a lamb was. When she mentions, "fully functional" his axe drops to the ground with a "clang"! A small bead of drool runs out the corner of his mouth. His muscles tense up very tightly. As she walks away, the half-orc can't help but step forward to follow. His double axe remains behind on the ground, as if he hasn't yet realized he dropped it.
(Intelligence 0, Wisdom 5)
Gilan Tuesday March 29th, 2005 8:57:21 PM
Gilan looks to Gry and shakes his head. Wasn't this suppose to be Jake's thing...and now Gry is acting like a love-sick pup. He shakes his head and follows along but stops to pick up the fallen doubleaxe with care. "Gry may just need this sooner than he thinks." He cannot help but smile as he looks to Jake and shakes his head again. "Want to make a play Jake?" He laughs lightly as he looks back to Gry and the fact that the woman shows some interest. He shakes his head again as he shudders with a image of little Grymash-Dragon babies running around. "Stranger things have happened..."
Trellus Tuesday March 29th, 2005 9:48:38 PM Oh I wish she hadn't said that.
"CLANG" goes Gry's axe.
Light
Rubbing his forehead slightly, Trellus exchanges a look with Gilan, ruefully shakes his head, and follows the lovestruck barbarian into the cave.
Jake Wednesday March 30th, 2005 3:47:18 AM
Jake steps back and picks up the big hoop he has been rolling along for the time being. "Here it is," he comments to the others. Just then he notices Grymash leaving his axe behind. He's about to comment when he sees the eye wagging and exasperated looks of his companions. Ah, he thinks to himself. Gry's attracted to the woman. She's okay, he thinks to himself. Definitely one cool piece of shade. But she seems...he doesn't know how to describe it, but not his type. Nice, but like an older woman nice. Jake ponders the merits of some of the mature women in Rattledam, and smiles in memory. Perhaps he should say something...But not to this one, not when Gry's like this. He'll have to pay more attention to the other dragons. They have different customs, too. And Grandma was definitely married at one time...who knows if she's not married still. And besides, Shady's still right by them. Doesn't the dumb barbarian see the little kid is gonna probably get all weirded out? Jake decides the others are right in this case. It's not a time to be lovesick and stuff. Still... Wouldn't it be fun to see Grymash get himself into a mess? Jake decides he has to see this, so let the half-orc go. In fact, encourage him if he can.
All these thoughts go through his head in just a second or so, and a smile comes to his face. He goes into the cave, after the half-orc.
Mac d20+1=13 Wednesday March 30th, 2005 4:53:02 AM Well, it could be worse. the taur thinks to himself. [Sense Motive: 13]. He glances about the pack. Well, it could still be worse - but I'd rather not think of how! he thinks again. He says nothing, but it is not difficult for any of his packmates too sense his unease.
Anuk d20+12=14 Wednesday March 30th, 2005 10:25:33 AM
Anuk trails behind Jake as the group heads toward the cave. As they walk, he says to the half-elf in a low voice, "You know, thinkin' about it, maybe that collar would be good to keep instead. I mean, that thing was probably keeping Shady...uh...shady. You know--in his elf form. If we end up going after Brightmarous, the collar could come in handy."
Anuk slows a bit more, and spends a little time covering the tracks of the group and the trail of Gry's drool (Survival (track) 14). "No sense making it too easy for someone to figure out where we've gone," he tells Flea as he enters the cave with her.
More Surprises (DM MikeK) Wednesday March 30th, 2005 11:10:02 AM
Grandma leads the way downward through the winding crevice. Gry follows on her heels, with the rest of the party spread out behind him. Gilan carries Grymash's axe. Anuk and Jake debate the wisdom of presenting her with the collar. Trellus and Gilan debate the wisdom of the barbarian. And Tishe keeps on about the dream and Brightmarous.
To her, Grandma replies "I imagine the dream is a prophecy of something which may happen. Given that the elves received the dream, they are likely the ones who will or will not cause it to happen. Which is why we've been so interested on what your friend has to say about it. As for Brightmarous...."
She trails off as she enters a small chamber. At the other end is doorway. Floating above the doorway is a transparent sign with bright red lettering:
Welcome to The Catacombs
Grandma reaches into an alcove and draws out a large wooden chest. She sets it on the floor and opens it to reveal a whole mess of gold pieces.
She smiles at the group. "As I said before, you took a great risk in bringing Glimmer back to us. This is your reward."
"I can keep Brightmarous from causing further trouble. But, now, I won't be able to keep Glimmer out of danger." She nods to Jake. "You asked to take him with you. And now I ask the same. Will you take him back to your home? Will he be safe there?"
DM Note - The Catacombs are now open to the Bloodpack. The treasure chest contains 10,000 gp. Experience points are coming via email.
Tishe' Wednesday March 30th, 2005 12:31:44 PM
[OOC: Woo-Hoo!!! Catacombs, here comes Tishe'!]
The average-looking woman is still nervous around the beautiful people... dragons... whatever. She absently tucks a stray lock of wavy brown hair behind her ear and stammers thanks to 'grandma' for the gold.
And Shady will be going with us... "Back to our home. Back to Rattledam? That's certainly the safest place I know about, but we don't know how to get there right now." The small woman shrugs, all will come clear in time. Right now, they have other things to do.
"I've never been to the Catacombs before, I'll have to think carefully of what I should get..."
Flea Wednesday March 30th, 2005 7:46:55 PM Gold!
A chest full of little round pieces of gold. 10,000 perfect, wonderful, shiny coins.
Flea forgets about elves. She forgets about the dream. The rogue fogets about Shady, Grandma, and Brightmarous. The gnome even forgets about the Bloodpack as she rushes up to the wonderful golden pile, and falling to her knees, lays her head on the golden heap.
Gilan Wednesday March 30th, 2005 9:29:29 PM
Gilan glances to Trellus as the idea of taking Shady with them is presented. "We could very well take him with us...that is not a problem really." He shakes his head though as he brings forward another point that someone else may have pointed out. "Still I think that we do not return home right yet...I feel that we have another duty to perform farther away." Still he would not be above taking the half-elf with them, but could they guarantee his safety.
Mac Thursday March 31st, 2005 12:18:52 AM
"Thank you Grandma." he says earnestly. The Catacombs... he thinks to himself, where have I heared of The Catacombs...? Finally, light dawns in the primeval forest. "We should sit down an' work out what we've got an' what want to sell an' buy an' enhance b'fore we go in there!" Mac systematically empties his backpack, puting the purring Galea and her bedding back in the now part full pack. The contents are: 1 pole(10') 2 Large Masterwork Heavy Steel Shields 1 Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds(2d8+3) 1 Potion of Cure Serious Wounds(3d8+5) 1 Potion of Rage 1 Potion of Reduce Person 1 Potion of Remove Curse 1 Large Mighty [up to +3STR damage bonus] Composite Longbow (20/x3, 2d6[+3], 110')
"What else 'ave we?" he says with a smile.
Grymash d20+2=12 d20-2=11 Thursday March 31st, 2005 2:34:32 AM
Flea feels a warm drip on the back of her neck. When she looks up, she will notice that Grymash is now drooling out both sides of his mouth. The glint of a thousand hundredteen gold ginglies has been the only thing up till now to distract the barbarian from his desires. But only for a moment. His sultry gaze returns back to her. Grymash pulls off his helmet and slicks back his hair. In a breathless voice he says, "Thaank yyooz!"
He's trying his best to resist his natural orcish impulses.
(Wisdom 12, Intelligence 11)
(I think we should take this to email. We need to pool together all our treasure we plan to sell. We're still carrying loot from the last adventure.)
Jake d20+10=26 d20+11=16 d20+10=23 d20+8=18 Thursday March 31st, 2005 2:44:13 AM
The half-elf grins and nods at Nuk's suggestion. "Ah toldja it'd come in useful." The nice dragon lady shows them the treasure and explains about Brightmarous. Jake listens and nods, but can't help but laugh as Flea reacts to the treasure with such adoration. He follows after her and picks out a handful of gold. "Nice," he comments. "Oh, wait.." He frowns, suddenly, touching the halfling's shoulder. His manner tries to be serious, but a perceptive soul might note he's got a teasing manner.. (Bluff 16) "Something's wrong with this! Look!" Jake shows Flea the gold, frowning. "Ah coulda sworn there was.." He pulls his hand back, looking at the gold, then shows her again. "See!" She is shocked to see that he's holding half the gold he was a second go! At least three coins have vanished! (Spot/Sense Motive check DC 26 to notice he's palmin' em) He pull his hand back, looking at it... "No, wait!" He tilts his hand as he shows it back to her (Spot/Sense Motive check DC 23 to notice him tucking them inbetween a cut fold in his glove), displaying only one coin left! "You'd better keep a hold of this one, make sure it doesn't vanish!"
He walks back over to the dragon lady a few seconds later, pondering something. He starts off in elven, for the benefit of Shady. "Lady, we'll take Shady here if he wants to go, heck, he can do whatever he wants. Ah mean, the kid'd love Rattledam, but it'd be up to the Elders if they wanted him. He's a nice 'nuff kid. But ya haven't given him a chance to speak for himself." He changes back over to common. "But speaking of dreams..y'know, on the way, we asked a question about all this, and, Trell got into this weird mood..." Jake pauses, collecting his thoughts, and impersonates Trellus's voice pretty well. (Disguise 18! woo!)
Tooth and claw confined by band Will not turn on freedom's hand
Three will merge into one ring Nature rises to greet the king
Guard the portal in icy rift The children find the wedding gift
That say anything to ya, ma'am?"
(I had some real problems with the dice roller, btw.)
Trellus Thursday March 31st, 2005 12:02:50 PM
Trellus gives Jake a speculative look. He didn't know his friend could impersonate him like that. The things Jake might try with this new found ability takes Trellus to places he'd rather not think about.
The treasure and access to the Catacombs are totally shady.
Tishe's response reminds the cleric of something.
"Uh, yeah," He adds. "Taking Shady home with us would be totally, uh, shady. But, like she said, we're kinda lost. We don't know where we are or how to get back to Rattledam."
"Could you help us get home?"
Catacombs (DM MikeK) Thursday March 31st, 2005 12:24:41 PM
The sight of a trunkful of gold and The Catacombs is quite the attention getter. Flea, Grymash, and Mac start making plans for the treasure, while Jake takes his life into his hands by teasing the gnome.
Grandma responds to Grymash with a demure "Your welcome."
Tishe, Trellus, Gilan, and Jake all agree to take Shady back to Rattledam, and then present the issue of not knowing where it is. Shady/Glimmer is looking mighty confused. Speaking in draconic, he and Grandma have a very emotional discussion that ends with the tear filled boy fiercely hugging the equally tear filled woman. Tishe -- Highlight to display spoiler: {Shady wanted to know why he had to leave. Grandma explained that it wasn't safe. Many of the other dragons would consider Shady inferior. His brother would organize them, and sooner or later, they'd attack and kill the boy. He needed to leave. Neither one of them are very happy about it.}
Pulling back from Shady, Grandma tells Trellus, "Rattledam is in the Southern Continent, correct? I can take you home, and give your half-elf his wish as well. But it will take some time to prepare."
Jake asks about Trellus' prophecy. And Gilan can't help but feel something remains. "You feel the pull of the Dream," she responds to the druid. "The event foretold by the Dream is still coming, but has not been acted upon. You are well tuned to the natural Wold to feel it so."
To Jake she says -- 'Tooth and claw' I think is poor Glimmer. The Wold becoming green would fulfill the second stanza, although I don't know who the King of Nature is. The last stanza? There is no ice here, nor Rattledam. I don't know."
Grandma looks around. "This place should be safe. I will return tomorrow morning to take you home." With that, she strides out, accidentally(?) brushing against Grymash as she passes him. The half-orc will notice she smells very nice.
Tishe' Thursday March 31st, 2005 2:57:16 PM
The small mage agrees with Mac to bring all the treasure together and make a list of what needs to be sold and bought at the Catacombs [OOC: taking the treasure to email]
She listens without realizing to Grandma and Shady. The girl is concerned. Tishe' doesn't want to tell everyone what is obviously a private conversation, but what she overheard could affect the 'pack. Her indecision is obvious, but she doesn't say anything. Yet.
The riddle on the other hand... Try as she might, Tishe' can't think of anything more than Grandma has already said.
Jake and Shady (DM MikeK) Thursday March 31st, 2005 8:11:43 PM
A strange look momentarily passes across the faces of Jake and Shady.
Jake - Highlight to display spoiler: {It feels like someone stole your shadow. The feeling is odd, but not unpleasant. And it doesn't effect your abilities in any way.
Your dream self has been summoned to the Giggling Ghost. Please go there and post.}
Flea d20-1=10 d20+8=9 d20+8=25 Friday April 1st, 2005 12:10:23 AM
The rogue looks up when Jake addresses her. "Whaaa?" she exclaims when he shows her the gold. (Sense Motive=10, fail) Her eyes go big and round when half of it just seems to disappear! (Spot=9, fail) But, then she catches the prankster palming the coins (Spot=25) and her cheeks grow red.
With a growl, she launches herself at the half elf, only to skid to a stop at his feet when his face momentarily takes on a strange blank look.
"Trellus, Jake's looking at me funny," whines the gnome.
Jake Friday April 1st, 2005 1:13:20 AM
Jake's eyes go all weird and he looks confused...blank as a sleeping babe. But a moment later, he sorta recovers a bit...and as Flea has just diverted her leap to turn her plaintive voice to Trellus for support, he takes advantage. "Okay, okay, here's your gold!" Jake says, then giggles as he sweeps up the case in his hands. Grabbing the whole chest of gold coins, he upends it on the halfling in a shower! Not all at once, but enough to keep up the assault and cover the halfling in fancy little coins. (Lessee...imagine if one hundred packs of those $1 pennies started to drop on you... And you were the size of a halfling...) Jake makes sure to pour them out slowly, letting the halfling pounce on his leg or whatever if she wants, heck, it makes it easier to dump them on her. Afterwards, grinning, he sweeps the coins off her and gives her hand up. "Ah'm sorry," he says, flashing his best big puppy dog eye-look at her.
Grymash Friday April 1st, 2005 2:28:20 AM
Grymash takes advantage of all the commotion Jake and Flea are making as he follows the sweet smelling dragon woman out after her not-so-subtle invitation.
The barbarian has no concept of what a dragon really is. Right now, he could care less. All he knows is what he sees ... ahh, and smells, in front of him. The barbarian's orcish blood is boiling at this point. His "appetite" is beyond ravenous. As far as he's concerned, there's only two souls in the Wold right now.
Gilan d20+14=34 Friday April 1st, 2005 12:19:25 PM
Gilan bows to the the lady and speaks. "Maybe that is so...this is hard on one that likes completion." He moves off to the side of the cave and takes a seat as he pulls his pack closer. He pulls out a set of scrolls that he has left and holds them up. "Still have five of these identify scrolls if interested."
As he sits he ponders the meaning of the dream some more. This has happened before that is what was said so he goes back through his knowledge of nature to see if he can nail it down.
[knowledge(nature) 34]
Trellus Friday April 1st, 2005 4:26:48 PM
Trellus doesn't know what Grandma and Shady are saying, but it sure looks like a tearful farewell to him. He turns away to give them some privacy, and finds Jake burying Flea in gold.
He opens his mouth to say something, but "Dude stop pouring gold on Flea" just sounds silly. So, he stands there, open mouthed, trying to think of someway to get Jake to stop without sounding like a beater.
The cleric eventually gives up, and turns back to Grandma in time to catch an important statement. "You can take us home?!?" he cries. "Totally shady!"
Regaining his composure a tad, he adds, "And sure, we'd love to have Glimmer with us."
Many, many thanks (DM MikeK) Friday April 1st, 2005 4:33:02 PM
Jake and Shady both quickly recover from whatever. And Jake still has the energy for a joke or two, much to Flea's dismay.
While most of the pack settles in for the evening to discuss identification and division of the treasure, Grymash trails Grandma back through the crevice to the larger ampitheatre. There, the two discuss Grandma's heartfelt appreciation for Shady's return. Those discussions last for quite some time, and the barbarian isn't likely to forget them for a good long while.
Eventually, Grandma slips away.
And the Bloodpack is alone for the night. In the ampitheatre, Grymash will note the stars are especially bright and twinkly this evening.
Jake Saturday April 2nd, 2005 1:08:36 PM
Jake notices Grymash has left and spends his time coming up with a few jokes to spare for his expense. Then he has a talk with Shady, asking the kid what he wants to do, if he really wants to go to Rattledam, what it's like there, all the other kids/packs there... Since he's lived there all his life, Jake can give a wonderful account of life in the plains. Sometime afterwards, he switches back to common to ask the others if they're done shopping.
Trellus Saturday April 2nd, 2005 1:24:09 PM
Trellus notices Grymash leave with Grandma, and gets a bit anxious. Maybe its a trap. Maybe she'll go dragon and eat his friend.
The cleric actually starts after the other two, and gets about halfway to the ampitheatre when he starts hearing sounds that don't resemble combat.
Maybe I better leave it alone, he judiciously decides.
Going back to the group, Trellus avoids Jake and heads for Gilan and his scrolls. "We still don't know what this stuff is from the Shady-nappers, right?" he asks, gathering up some of the magic items. "How bout you weave your picks on these?"
Trellus points out the necklace, leather armor, cloak, morningstar, and ring.
Grymash Saturday April 2nd, 2005 5:30:31 PM
Grymash eventually lumbers back into the cave with the others. His face is frozen with a huge, toothy grin. His eyes are glazed over from euphoria. His hair is a tangled mess (just like Nick Nolte's mug shot, except happy!). After letting out a loud yawn, he gives Trellus an affectionate slap across the back and pets Gilan on the head.
"Yooz dudes doin' gute. Been playin' wit da gold ginglies, Gry sees, hee hee hee? Ahhh, Gry not says it lots, but Gry likes da Bloodpackers. Yooz all Gry's bestest friends ... even Jake."
Grymash finds an empty section on the cavern floor and lays out his bedroll. "Gry really sleepyz ... YAWNN! Yooz all can get whut ya need from Gry's backsack." The half-orc squeezes out of his armor and clothes, lays down and falls asleep almost immediately. He didn't even get out his favorite bedtime dagger, Stabby! He looks so relaxed and serene.
You're all not sure, but it looks like Grymash has grown some since you all left the Sargrass. He looks to have added 40 to 50 pounds of muscle mass. (Guess where his level 8 ability point bonus went!)
Flea Saturday April 2nd, 2005 7:46:42 PM
"Aaarrgh! Rachh! Ptewie!" Flea extricates herself out from under the pile of gold coins.
Looks like the little dude is coming along for the ride, she thinks to herself, not really seeing herself as the shortest of the bunch.
Since it appears like the pack are going to set up camp in this interesting place with it's special conduit to that most wonderful of stores, The Catacombs, Flea decides to take inventory of her loot.
Tishe' d20+10=18 d20+10=19 d20+10=12 d20+10=25 d20+10=13 d20+10=11 d20+10=18 d20+10=16 Sunday April 3rd, 2005 9:22:52 AM
Excitement creeps into her eyes about using some magic and in finding out what the Shady-nappers had on them.
"I'll use four of those scrolls, Gilan," she calls, "and I've one memorized already for the ring." Tishe' begins her casting [crushing 100gp worth of pearls for her memorized spell], and soon learns the secrets of the armor, necklace, morningstar, ring, and cloak.
She then carefully studies the potions to determine thier properties. Alchemy skill 10; will take 20 if possible, or rolls of (18,19,12,25,13,nat 1, 18,16)
Gilan d20+13=30 d20+13=29 d20+13=17 d20+13=17 d20+13=33 d20+13=14 Sunday April 3rd, 2005 6:22:00 PM
Gilan nods as first Trellus comes over and then Tishe' shows up. He hands over the four scrolls and puts the last one back. "Glad to be of help." He watches with interest as she goes about the identification of the items and shakes his head in wonder.
As she pulls the potions closer her sits across from her and helps her out. He aids in tasting little bits of the potions and comparing his ideas with Tishe'. "Well...what do you think?" He will pick up any of the potions that she was not sure of and retest them himself, trying to help out more.
[aid other: spellcraft 30, so +2 to all Tishe''s checks]
[spellcraft: 29, 17, 17, 33,14]
Anuk Monday April 4th, 2005 12:27:30 AM
All the gold and dragons and hiking and talk of home and everything gets to Anuk, and soon he's lying back against a stone stretching and yawning widely. He grins at Gry's return, then with another yawn he says, "Wake me for my watch."
He draws the cloak around him and is soon asleep.
What do we have here? (DM MikeK) Monday April 4th, 2005 11:11:38 AM
Tishe and Gilan work on identifying the unknown magic. They do a very good job.
potion w/ light green stopper -- Fly (This is the only potion that hadn't been identified)
leather armor -- Leather +2 cloak -- Cloak of Elvenkind morningstar -- Spell Storing ring -- Ring of Climbing Necklace of molasses (new magic item similar to necklace of fireball): The ball detonates an area slow spell (just like spell) but everyone in a 30' radius must make a will save or be slowed. The necklace will have 3 balls all at 5th level will save dc 18
Shady and Jake talk of Rattledam. Shady is reluctantly accepting that he must go. Jake helps with his description of the pool itself. The elf/dragon boy finds it fascinating. Shady's big question is "Will there be any mountains I can go to?"
Both elves occasionally zone out, as if distracted by something else going on in their brains.
Gry sleeps it off.
The rest of the Bloodpack seriously considers doing the same.
Tishe' Monday April 4th, 2005 2:27:48 PM
"The 'Necklace of Molasses' is interesting, but perhaps someone who doesn't cast spells should have it.", says the mage in a considering manner. "It would really come as a surprise for an arcane spell coming from an unexpected direction."
The brown haired girl isn't really interested in any of the magic items, and will be content to hold any of the potions for the party.
Once the watch is set, she cuddles up with Wart and goes to sleep.
Trellus Monday April 4th, 2005 10:16:00 PM
"Flea? What do you think about taking the necklace? It might be a shady pick if you get in a tight spot." Trellus suggests. Like you sometimes do, he finishes silently.
The cleric listens to Shady's questions and realizes the boy wants a home of his own. "Anybody know anything about any mountains near the Grass?" he asks. "I don't think the Crystal Range would be very shady."
Gilan Monday April 4th, 2005 11:52:26 PM
Gilan is content with what he has helped in doing though he did little. He looks up and shakes his head, he does not know if there are any other mountain areas near the Plains.
With a sigh he settles back against his pack and closes his eyes as he relaxes. "What kind of watch do we set?" He questions their leader as he settles more comfortably into the pillow of his pack.
Flea d20+12=30 d20+8=24 d20+10=19 Tuesday April 5th, 2005 12:21:32 AM
"Why sure thing Trellus!" Flea answers brightly. With a backwards glance at the golden pile of coins in the chest, the rogue turns to examining the other stuff.
The she picks up the ring and turns it this way and that. Not exactly what she was looking for, although a ring is on her list of 'must haves' once the store opens up.
"I'll take middle watch, since I don't as much rest as most folks, or last watch 'cause I can see when its dim." Flea will accept whatever watch she is assigned. Gazing past the flames of the campfire into the darkness beyond the mouth of the cavern.
Search=30 Spot=24 Listen=19
Grymash Tuesday April 5th, 2005 12:29:48 AM
Grymash dreams of a grand maw of teeth. Oh soo pretty and sharp.
"SNORE!!!"
Anuk d20+10=17 d20+10=13 Tuesday April 5th, 2005 10:30:51 AM
Anuk sleeps fitfully, being awakened now and then by Gry's rapke cry of a snore. When the time comes for his watch, he blinks, bleary-eyed into the darkness, looking for any unusual movement and listening for any odd sounds.
spot 17 listen 13
Tears of the Dragon (DM MikeK) Tuesday April 5th, 2005 6:42:18 PM
The Bloodpack settles in to their night routine. Watches are kept, fires are burnt, stories are told, Grymash snores like a sunfaced rapke.
Shady continues to ask about the presence of mountains in Rattledam. "I would so wish to assume my real form," he tells Jake. "Will your people let me do that?"
Other than Shady's question, the night passes uneventfully. In the morning, Grandma returns with the dawn. She is well rested, and graces Grymash with a smile. She also opens her hands to reveal eight large red rubies, which have been cut into beautiful teardrop shapes.
"These are Tears of the Dragon," she tells the Bloodpack. "They are my gift to you for sheltering Glimmer, and to cement the bind you share with each other. Place one to your chest, and it will bind with you. You will find you will be able to speak with each other over great distances."
Grandma presents each member of the Bloodpack with one of the tear shaped gem stones.
Gilan Wednesday April 6th, 2005 1:02:03 AM
Gilan is up again early the next morning and doing his daily prayers to Mother Wold. This morning he is listening to the light drip that is off to the side of the cave that they are in. His breathing slows as he slowly falls into tune with all things that are around him.
Feeling better he moves back over to sit with the group and takes out some of his rations to munch on. "I have something for you Tishe'." He pulls out the pearl that was given to him earlier in their adventures and lays it upon six small pieces of wood that he has on the cave floor.
Closing his eyes he concentrates on the image in his head as he casts a single spell. This time he mutters the words under his breathe as to not disturb his image. Anyone watching will see the small pieces of wood, about six inches long, twist and bend themselves into a druid knot. They weave themselves around the pearl as he slowly opens his eyes with a satisfied smile.
"What do you think?" The pearl is now bound in an armlet that he hopes will fit nicely around Tishe's upper arm. "Think of it as a present and if you ever need it removed." He lets the last drop as you watches the young gnome, with that stupid smile still upon his face.
When the older dragon-Grandma comes in he looks to her and nods his head in welcome. "Thank you for the safe place to spend the night...it is a rare treat." He lightly takes the gem as she offers them to the group and shakes his head. "This is a rare gift indeed." He looks to Grandma and shakes his head again. "This is way too much payment for the little kindness that we did...I mean we would have helped Shady out no matter what." He looks to the rest of the pack but knows that they will not be able to refuse the gift too adamently. "It is an honor that you bestow upon us." He absently wipes away a few tears that form at the edge of his eyes before they can fall.
[Used wood shape spell to do this. One of the spells I will put on my spell list for this day.]
Grymash Wednesday April 6th, 2005 1:54:53 AM
Grymash gets up earlier than normal. The half-orc actually "grooms" himself. Washes with water, combs his hair, brushes his teeth, paying special attention to his tusks, with a stringy stick he found earlier. Gry also polishes his armor to a brillant shine. He still finds bits of ogre here and there. While Jake sleeps, Gry sticks his hand into his backsack and fishes around for his bottle of smelly water. He cringes when he smells it. He personally never liked the scent, but Jake's girly friends seemed to like it.
When Grand Maw arives he greets her with a big toothy smile. His eyes go wide with awe when he's given the dragon tears. Grymash doesnt know what to say. For the first time in his life he feels a bit self conscious. He doesn't want to risk saying something stupid.
Anuk Wednesday April 6th, 2005 10:27:45 AM
Anuk's morning starts slowly as they all do -- he's really not much of a morning person. When he see's Gry's preening and preparations, Anuk pinches himself. "Am I dreaming?" he wonders aloud. Frankly, it wasn't a sight he ever expected to see in this lifetime.
A few minutes of contemplation alone are enough for Anuk to prepare his mind for the day ahead (prepares entangle), but when he's done he reaches into his pocket and draws out the purple ioun stone. He stares at it for a few seconds, then approaches Trellus.
"Trellus, I...uh...I think maybe this could be put to better use," he says, placing the stone in the cleric's hand. "I've not really done much with it, and I think that the pack could benefit from selling it or...I don't know...anyway, I'm not much good at making these kinds of decisions. Do you mind?"
The gift of the tear-shaped stone from Grandma is unexpected and quite humbling. "Thank you," Anuk manages to mumble. He places the stone to his chest, wondering what will happen.
Tishe' Wednesday April 6th, 2005 1:03:28 PM
In the morning, the young woman does her ministrations and ties her unruly brown hair behind her in a tail. She then sits and contemplates her spellbook and meditates over Mother Wold. Idly, she wonders if the two styles could be meshed into a greater whole...
The small human smiles as the more experienced druid sits down and together they talk of the wonder of Mother Wold. Seeing the spell move around the pear, Tishe' smiles and is amazed that the weaving is meant for her. "Why thank you, Gilan, you are such a sweetie!" She immediately tries on the armband, already feeling more druid-like.
With Grandma's gift, Tishe's eyes sparkle with gratitude and anticipation. "Thank you, Great One", she says sincerely, "we will ever walk with your generosity and wisdom."
She bares her chest, caring not a piggie for accidentally flashing her friends. Reverently, she places the tear shaped ruby between her breasts and steadies herself for anticipated heat or pain.
Gilan Wednesday April 6th, 2005 9:32:23 PM
Gilan nods to Tishe' and smiles. "You will make better use of it than me." He takes the stone given to them by Grandma and pulls off his shirt to place it against his own chest.
Looking up to the rest of the group he shakes his head. "So...is it straight to home then that we go?" He is suddenly feeling a little homesick.
Trellus Wednesday April 6th, 2005 10:29:44 PM
Trellus takes the small prism from Anuk. "If you're sure, dude," he says.
He'd probably have said more, but Grymash is acting totally sunfaced. Before the man can figure out a way to broach the subject with his normally unsanitary packmate, Grandma shows up.
Averting his eyes from Tishe, Trellus removes his armor, and sets the gem against his chest.
Surprises (DM MikeK) Wednesday April 6th, 2005 10:34:37 PM ooc - where is everybody? It ain't THAT boring
Trellus, Tishe, Gilan, and Anuk place the stone against their chests. Immediately the stone fuses with their skin, partially embedding itself into their bodies.
The embedded gems flash brightly.
Grandma looks surprised. "That's not what is supposed to happen," she says. "Are you alright?"
The four are better than alright. Almost instinctively, they understand that the gems have somehow tapped into the Manfri heart touch. But there is only one way to find out how.....
Flea (Boots of Speed-Hasted) Thursday April 7th, 2005 12:09:31 AM
Catching on to what the others are doing, Flea loosens her tunic at the throat and places the gem against the pale white skin of her small chest.
Shedding her pack and weapons in order to be as unencumbered as possible, the rogue clicks her heels and sprints off until she is just a dot on the landscape.
Turning to face the miniscule figures at the edge of her sight, Flea bows her head to be closer to the gem and begins to sing in an off key, wavery voice,
I am tired and weary but I must toil on, till Gargul comes to call me away, Where the morning is bright and the Blind Swallow is light, and the night is as fair as the day.
Without waiting acknowledgement, Flea adds, "well, does it work?"
Grymash Thursday April 7th, 2005 9:33:20 AM
Grymash takes the dragon's tear and places it on his chest like the others. He marvels at the way it "absorbs" into his skin. For some reason, he knows what it means and what he must do. Grymash sends all a heart touch with the words, "who say blind swallow, yooz gots some? Gry hungry."
Anuk Thursday April 7th, 2005 1:20:08 PM
Anuk is momentarily taken aback when the gem embeds into his skin. But rather than pain he is filled with the same sense of calm that accompanies the heart touch he learned back on the Plains.
He looks to Flea in the distance, but hears her voice in his head as though she were right with him.
"Uh...roger that, Flea," he responds. "That's a good poem...know any good drinking songs?"
Jake Thursday April 7th, 2005 1:21:33 PM
Jake takes his own gem and looks at the others. That fusing thing is REALLY weird. The fighter has sorta gotten a grudging appreciation of magic over these last few expeditions, but that is a bit overboard. He almost feels like whining that he doesn't want to, but realizes what a bad impression that would be. So, instead he watches the others curiously. "Nice poem, Flea...very shady!"
Tishe' Thursday April 7th, 2005 2:55:21 PM
The brown eyes widen as the tear-shaped gem fuses to her breast, and, instead of pain, she feels a widening of her awareness of all her freinds and... and more.
Grandma feels that the glowing gem is unusual, and does she feel something more? She can hear Flea's poem from far away, and Tishe' tries her own experiement. She thinks of the Bloodpack mentor in Rattledam so far away, and sends a heart touch and her thoughts; "Good teacher, we are well and can once again communicate with the Second Circle."
And she waits, her hands cupped around the Tear of the Dragon, and hopes for a response.
Trellus Thursday April 7th, 2005 8:29:08 PM
Trellus recoils from the initial contact of the gem, but then smiles broadly and sends a heart touch out to all the pack.
Grymash Thursday April 7th, 2005 8:44:42 PM "Well ... whoz gots da blind swallows?!"
Tears of the Dragon - part 2 (DM MikeK) Thursday April 7th, 2005 10:34:15 PM
With the heart touch, the Tears of the Dragon reveal their full powers. Judging by the look of surprise on Grandma's face, it is a bit more that she expected.
Please add this write-up to your PC sheets: The Tears of the dragon
Once the gem is "installed or implanted" into the chest the character's will have the following abilities.
As a standard action, the Tear bearer will be able to send a message like the message spell in PhB 3 times a day. The message can only go to other characters who have the tear imbedded in their chests.
Any character who has been graced with a tear will be able to tell the general health and emotional state of another tear wearing character
Once per day, as a standard action, any Tear bearer can send strength and/or hitpoints to another character with the tear. It can only be sent on a 3/1 ratio. Example would be Grymash could send 3 strength points to Anuk and Anuk would receive one. Same with hitpoints,
The recipient's temporary hit points and strength will fade after one hour.
People who send strength with get it back naturally 1 point per day. A restoration spell will restore it but only after it has faded from the character who received it. Hitpoints sent can be recovered immediately by means of healing spells/potions.
If a character dies, while implanted, all the others will feel immense pain and take 5 points of permanent hp loss. Only a wish will restore these lost hitpoints
Grandma quickly recovers herself, and indicates the crevice. "Follow me," she says. "It is time to take you home." She walks back through the crevice toward the ampitheatre.
Shady reluctantly follows.
Just before the group turns to go, Trellus makes a fast dash into The Catacombs. He returns and divides up the loot:
Gilan -- 6279gp, Leather +2 (4,000 gp) Tishe -- 8783gp, Potion CSW (750 gp), Potion Fly (750 gp) Flea -- 9883gp, Potion CMW (300 gp), Necklace of Molasses (please keep write up of what it does on your sheet) Mac -- 8033gp, Potion CSW (750 gp), Potion Haste (750 gp), Potion Displacement (750 gp) Jake -- 7033gp, Potion CSW (750 gp), Cloak of Elvenkind (2,500gp) Anuk -- 9683gp, Potion CMW (300 gp) Trellus -- 10,283gp Grymash -- 10,283gp
Gilan Friday April 8th, 2005 12:23:04 AM
Gilan is suddenly lost in the flood of feelings that bombard him through the gem. He closes his eyes and concentrates on keeping his own emotions in check. He sends out a heart-touch to all of his packmates and smiles.
When it is time to leave he follows Grandma through the crevice. He takes the time to get his money from Trellus. "Thanks...this will come in handy."
Flea (Boots of Speed-Hasted) Friday April 8th, 2005 1:12:28 AM
Flea runs back to the party. "I don't have any blind swallows, Gry. I was just singing 'bout them!"
The rogue picks up her pack, and her new treasure. The rogue forms up on Grandma, and marches out of the crevice.
Jake Friday April 8th, 2005 4:36:15 AM
Jake has been trying to sadly explain the lack of mountains to Shady in a positive way, but has been somewhat troubled. He looks to the grandma for help, explaining that there, Shady will be able to have as much time as he wants to grow up and discover himself, how nice some (not all) of the teachers are, how the packs all have fun, some previous adventures of his, and so on.
The money comes and he looks at it somewhat dumbfounded. Six thousand gold...and just after he'd spent all his cash the previous times getting the plate mail and stuff... Sigh. Which still hadn't come! So now he had to go bug the Catacombs staff. Jake trudges through that door...fearing the weirdoes he'll see there.
Tishe' Friday April 8th, 2005 6:47:44 AM
Putting her tunic back on, Tishe' is so pleased to understand the Bloodpack is growing closer through magic and friendship. She doesn't feel the least worry about the consequences of the Tears.
Shouldering her pack and happily accepting the treasure Trellus divies up, she gladly follows Grandma, thinking to see the free Plains once again.
Mac Friday April 8th, 2005 9:59:53 AM
Thanking Grandma Dragon, Mac places the tear against his chest and soon is coming to terms with the link it provides.
Thanking Trellus again for fencing... sorry... negotiating the sale of the party's gains, Mac relaxes, and is ready when Grandma calls for all to be heading home.
Trellus Friday April 8th, 2005 7:44:45 PM
The cleric touches the gem implanted in his chest once before hastily donning his armor. Shady!
He hurries out after Grandma and the pack.
Grandma, what big teeth you have (DM MikeK) Saturday April 9th, 2005 9:39:08 AM
The Bloodpack follows Grandma through the amphitheater and out the back, following the route her comrades took the other day. The opening leads to a wide, grassy plain. The party doesn't get much of a look at the plain, because the creature standing in it instantly commands their full attention.
The Bloodpack has seen their first dragon. It's a good 30' long, and it's head sits twice the height of Mac's eye level. Small horns protrude from the lower jaw and chin of a head large enough for Flea to build an apartment in. It has a beaklike snout and a small head frill, as well as a tall neck frill. Wrapped around its body, around huge wings, is some kind of box. The box is about 10' long and 7' wide. The dragon has been looking at the group, and dips its head in greeting.
"Maurantaous," Shady says in recognition. "He's a friend of Grandma's."
Grandma continues to walk forward, building some space between herself and the group.
Quite suddenly, Grandma isn't there. Well, she is, but not as a human. Another gigantic creature sits beside the first. She also has one of those boxes strapped to her back. You get your wish, elf a voice that is Grandma's, but much deeper, says. Maurantauous and I shall carry you home. He shall take the taur, the gnome, and two others. I shall take Grrrrrrymash (she purrs the name), and three others. Glimmer, you must fly.
Shady nods, and suddenly HE'S a dragon. The place is rapidly filling up with bronze scaled creatures. His coloration is just like the others, although he's smaller. About the size of a Rapke, except with wings. Shai-dee! he sings, winking at Jake.
Mac Saturday April 9th, 2005 9:59:26 PM
Mac replies to the slight bow in kind, then recalling that some folks don't consider his bowing a sign of anything but threat and straightens up quickly. When all are ready he assists Flea and the two others up into the howdah and follows them up.
Tishe' Sunday April 10th, 2005 5:02:34 AM
While not QUITE as awesome as standing in front of Gargul, the sight of not one, but THREE dragons, thier bronze scales glittering in the sun, the slightly acrid odor of a smithy in the air... all is quite enough to stop the short human woman in her tracks.
"Oh. My."
As if in a trance, she slowly walks towards the majestic beasts, instinctively moving towards the scant protection of Mac's side. As she comes to the box, she reverently touches Maurantaous' side, stroking the scales harder than iron.
"By the many souls of Pantheon", she murmurs brought to a childhood oath. "Great One, we thank you for your help. I cannot weave any way to repay you other than my heartfelt awe and admiration."
Meekly, and still filled with amazement at the dragons, she lets Mac lift her to the box and sits quietly.
Mac Sunday April 10th, 2005 8:10:48 AM Room for one more here!
Grymash Sunday April 10th, 2005 12:02:19 PM
The half-orc stares on, frozen in shock. His face making the most stupefied slack-jaw expression anyone has ever seen. After Grymash's heart starts beating again, all he can say is, "mooga baalooga!!" Grand Maw is soo big! Grand Maw is soo strong! Grand Maw can chomp Gry in half with a single bite! "OOOHH SHADDY!!" Grand Maw is the woman of Gry's dreams! He never imagined that a dragon would be like this.
Grymash climbs on her back in awe and amazement. "Gry not know yooz could fly. Gry wish me be uh dragon too. Then weez can goes flyin tagether ... without da others."
Jake Sunday April 10th, 2005 2:57:54 PM
Jake looks utterly awed by the dragons offering the chance to fly, and then laughs when Shady turns into the smaller dragon. He goes over to his friend and pats him on the back. "You know, if I were you," he says in elven, "I'd use this form to pick up the girls. They'd come in the dozens!" Then he goes over to the other big dragon, figuring that being on Grandma the focus will likely be on Grymash. So he goes up to Mauraunta..well, the other one. "Tish, ah, do ya mind, can ah sit in the front? Ah mean, ah've always dreamed of this..." Jake looks hopefully at his packmate, as wella s anyone else who joins on the second dragon.
Gilan Sunday April 10th, 2005 4:07:20 PM
Gilan will move over and take a spot upon Grand Maw's carrier. He moves towards the back of the carrier as he closes his eyes and settles back. "This should be interesting." You know that he is not talking about flying as he has done that before.
Flea Sunday April 10th, 2005 8:22:00 PM
Flea goes quite pale, but accepts Mac's assitance into the contraption secured to the back of the big bronze dragon. She crawls to a back corner. When Tishe' gets in, Flea signals her over, and whispers, "have you got anything for, you know" and the gnome points to her stomache, adding, "I'm really more into burrows, tunnels, caves, and the like."
Trellus Sunday April 10th, 2005 9:13:43 PM
"Great Domi's Light," Trellus gasps in utter shock.
They're huge!
At Gry's "Shady" and Jake's laughter, the cleric can only nod, still stupefied by the sight before him.
They want to split the party. The thought comes to him late. A distant clamoring that he should split the group up in the best possible defensive groups. But Mac has already lifted Tishe and Jake on board. And really, what are any of them going to be able to do should Grandma and Mauritany guy decide to dump them all from a thousand feet up?
Swallowing convulsively, Trellus climbs up on Grandma and sits.
Anuk Monday April 11th, 2005 11:00:08 AM
Anuk simply stands slack-jawed at the sight of the three dragons. It takes a moment for the idea that they're going to actually ride on these creatures to sink in. When it does, a big grin crosses his face. Passing the young elf/dragon he says, "So, is flying shady, Shady?"
He clambers up to Grandma's carrier and takes a place where he can stand and see while still avoiding Gry's drool.
Tishe' [2nd Illegal Post] Monday April 11th, 2005 1:18:02 PM
Tishe' graciously gives Jake the forward view, content to be kept safe with Mac and Flea.
"Don't worry, sweetie", she says to the gnome-girl, "the motion shouldn't be any different than sailing on the Sargrass."
I hope, she thinks to herself.
Please fasten your seatbelts (DM MikeK) Monday April 11th, 2005 3:24:58 PM
Awed by the sight of the incredibly large creatures, the Bloodpack quietly ascends onto the backs of the dragons.
"You might want to hold on," Grandma comments dryly. Inside each box is a series of ropes. It appears a person can tether feet, hands, and waist to the box fairly easily. The two large dragons wait patiently for the pack to secure themselves, while Shady leaps into the air and cavorts around the group.
At a sign from Mac and Grymash, the wings of each dragon unfold. They are impossibly large. Each slams downward with a deep "fwoomp" sound, rises up, and slams down again. By the time the group can stop staring at the wings, they find themselves several hundred feet above the ground, and climbing fast.
The dragons soar through mountain passes, and beat majestically across green valleys and forests. From a height of 400 feet or so, the terrain takes on a miniature, toy-like feel. The wind stings the eyes and whistles past the ears, all the while accompanied by the "fwoomp" of the wings. Those who enjoy such sensations will find it exhilarating. Those who do not are gonna want to hunker down in the middle of the box and hold on.
Shady swoops up, down, and around, flying loop-de-loops around the two elder dragons. Grandma shouts something at him, but whatever she said has little effect.
Several hours later, the younger dragon isn't nearly so energetic, and is struggling to keep up. But the two elder dragons continue to move, forcing him to follow. None of the Bloodpack is familiar with flying speeds, but sometimes it feels like they slow down for a bit, and then pick up speed again. Perhaps they really do slow down, or perhaps it's a figment of the wind. Regardless, Shady gamely stays with his elders throughout the day.
As the sun sets, the dragons set down. Yet another wonder presents itself to the Bloodpack. They are on sandy ground -- fine white granules that give way under their feet. Behind them are large green cliffs climbing up to the mountains. In front of them....
In front of them is nothing but water.
The entire horizon. From side to side and as far out as they can see. Water. Millions upon millions of gallons of it rolling in slow, small waves that crash softly on the sandy shore.
To Mac and Tishe, it is merely another beach. To Anuk and Flea, it is something they have heard of, or perhaps experienced in another life. To Jake, Gilan, Grymash, and Trellus - it is unthinkable.
Jake Tuesday April 12th, 2005 6:25:39 AM
Jake enjoys his ride, cheering at the wind at first, then enjoying the breeze quietly. He waves at Shady and cheers his acrobatics on. As the day goes on, he enjoys the feeling immensely. Towards the end of the day he finds the new terrain mysterious. "Dust!" he exclaims, seeing all the sand and the water at first. "There's more water than that river!"
He simply can't get over how big it is, till they land. He takes off his armor as fast as he can, tossing everything aside, then runs over to it and tries to run into it, splooshes into it. What fun!
Gilan Tuesday April 12th, 2005 1:12:36 PM
Gilan sits in the back of the basket, eyes closed and enjoys the feeligs of flying. This experience is different from doing it yourself and he smiles as he sighs. "Sometimes I wish I had permanent wings." He settles back into the basket even further and relaxes.
He opens his eyes sometime later, having been relaxing and also communing with the Wold Mother. He looks at the water before the group and all the white stuff. Shaking his head he climbs out of the basket and drops to his knees. "Curious." He scoops up some of the sand and it pours through his fingers with ease. He smiles as he places some of it in on of his empty pouches and makes sure it would not leak. "We have seen some great things in the past few weeks." He looks out to the water and watches the sun as it dips down, hopefully to set on the water.
[Gilan is from a big city originally. He may have seen sand before and maybe the ocean as well. He is not as big a country bumpkin that he lets on.]
Anuk d20+12=26 Tuesday April 12th, 2005 2:18:07 PM
The exhilaration of the ride is a feeling that will stay with Anuk for a long, long time. When they set down, Anuk asks Grandma hopefully, "Will we travel again tomorrow?"
While he lounges by the water, he removes his boots and squeezes the damp sand between his toes. He plays with leaving footprints on the shore and watching the oncoming waves wash them away. He is happy and thinking of home.
As the sun continues to set, Anuk goes about looking for some way to build a fire and for food for the pack (survival 26). A good meal will make a great end to a great day.
Trellus Tuesday April 12th, 2005 4:14:43 PM
Trellus likes to think of himself as a fairly intelligent, level headed kind of guy.
But this day is sensory overload.
He laughs gleefully as the wind whips through his short hair, and leans over the side of the basket or whatever to look at the ground below. He's flying! This is so shady!
The cleric just enjoys himself until he gets to the water. He stares, dumbfounded.
His first reaction is to retreat to the relative safety of the large dragons. I mean, that's a lot of water. Slowly comes the understanding he won't be eaten where he stands.
But, there is no way he's going into that. Trellus watches Jake with some trepidation, waiting for a giant water dragon to snap the elf up.
Tishe' Tuesday April 12th, 2005 4:43:43 PM
The tremendous power required to not only lift the dragons but the entire Bloodpack is incredible, and Tishe' can barely comprehend. It therefore takes a little while before she gets used to the movement of wing and wind. As it goes through the day, she begins to enjoy it, and (well tied down) even leans out to see the land move beneath them.
The beach is strange, but since HookCity is only a couple days upriver of the ocean itself, it is not as strange as the forest in the Scar. And it takes a little while before whe realizes that not everyone has her same experiences. She keeps at the shore watching Jake to make sure he doesn't get pulled in by a big wave. "Careful there, sweetie!", she calls, "ocean water is not as calm as Rattledam spring!"
If she has time this night, she goes over her newly acquired spell scrolls to begin the process of writing them in her spell book.
Mac Tuesday April 12th, 2005 5:46:46 PM
Mac recalls the other pertinent piece of information about the ocean. Jake, just don't get a mouthful. It's saltier than sweat and tears.
Mac spends some time a little ways down the beach building a sand structure (not really a castle - more half-conical and rounded at the top, some 4' or 5' tall, with the mostly flat side facing further down the beach) up near the high tide mark. When he is finished he practices with the bow at short but then incrementally greater ranges at his constructed target as his confidence with the bow returns.
Grymash Tuesday April 12th, 2005 8:39:09 PM
Grymash feels faint. So much water! He didnt know there was this much water in all the world. Is water rising and covering the lands. He's not that good of a swimmer. Eventually it will over take him. "Is dis all dat is left of da Sargrass?! Is dis Gry's home, now?! How do weez stop da water?!"
Your seats also act as floatation devices (DM MikeK) Tuesday April 12th, 2005 9:27:00 PM
Jake strips and launches himself into the small surf in the bay. Tishe's warning is unnecessary. The protected bay flattens the surf and the tide is barely noticeable. Mac's warning proves more prophetic. The half-elf surfaces spitting out salt water.
Grandma transforms back into a human, and moves to Grymash. "Its the sea," she tells him. "A huge valley full of water that lies between us and your home. We shall have to fly for many more days. And nights."
She raises her voice so all can hear. "We have many days of travel ahead, so we'll need to rest each night. Have patience, you'll be home soon enough."
The night passes, and in the morning the dragons once again take flight. This time crossing a vast expanse of blue.
Flea d20+8=17 Tuesday April 12th, 2005 10:47:39 PM
Flea is obviously grateful to have her feet on solid ground again. She carefully puts her boots in her pack, rolls up her leggings and spends some time exploring the shallows looking for rocks, shells and any other treasures that catch her eye.[Spot=17]
Flea takes whatever watch is asked of her and then settles in for the night.
The next morning the gnome reluctantly takes her place in the box atop the dragon. She finds a secure spot at the very bottom of the box, near one of the corners and straps herself in. When the dragon takes wing, Flea closes her eyes and puts her head between her knees and wills her stomach to cease it's incessant churning.
Jake Wednesday April 13th, 2005 4:35:30 AM
"Ugh." Jake says as he splashes about. "This water tastes horrible! Why is it so salty??" Jake doesn't wait for an answer, but dives down underwater more. After a while, he emerges from the water and joins the group for dinner. "Fish are so hard to catch," he complains. The next morning, he's ready to go dragon riding again. He hopes the dragons don't mind the hula hoop...in fact he's wondering if he should discard it yet. He tries a few more hula twists.
Tishe' d20+3=6 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 4:49:20 AM
The plain-faced girl watches Jake's cavorting with amusement and follows Flea on her shoreline exploration (Spot: 6) but enjoys the vastness more than any shell or animal found. "It has been ages since I've been able to actually see the horizon!" she exclaims gratefully.
After her morning studies, she climbs back in beside Mac, Flea, and Jake. But begins to worry. "Um, many days and rests? But this is the ocean, where are you going to rest? I don't know how well we float, and I don't think we have enough food in our packs to sustain you great Bronzes." Despite any soothing remarks, the small mage will worry the day through. So far away from land! If an accident should happen, the ocean could swallow the Bloodpack without a trace.
An Hour of Silence - DM Donna Wednesday April 13th, 2005 1:14:23 PM
This board will now observe an hour of silence in honor of Lynn Beck (and her husband Dave) who was taken away from The Wold before her time...
Good-bye Dave & Lynn Beck - DM Donna Wednesday April 13th, 2005 2:14:40 PM
The hour of silence is over now. Posting may resume. Thank you and let's all hope for the best for young Alex Beck.
Gilan d20+2=17 d20+8=15 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 4:17:37 PM
Gilan wanders the beach in the opposite direction of Flea. He is also combing the beach for oddities that he can add to what he has in his small pouch already. He also looks for creatures that may live nearby that he could also make a study of and wonders if he should buy a journal like Anuk. It would be nice to keep records on what he finds out here.
When the time comes to leave again he smiles and takes a seat upon the great dragon's back. Though this time he slips to the front so that he can maybe talk a little to Grandma. "What can you tell me of dragons....what I have seen of your kind so far they are extremely fascinating creatures." There is a great deal of respect in his voice as he asks his questions about dragons. He asks about breathe weapons and flying and dragon lives.
[search 17 and spot 15]
Trellus Wednesday April 13th, 2005 8:24:03 PM
The blond cleric is still somewhat dubious about all that water. He stays well up on the sand and watches the others with a worried mother expression.
After a while he settles down, and waits for Grandma's response to Tishe. Where are they going to stop in all that?
Anuk Thursday April 14th, 2005 7:55:14 PM
In the morning, Anuk wakes on the sand, feeling the heat of the morning on the beach around him. The sand and sun remind him of the Plains and of Rattledam. He spends the morning sitting and watching the other pack members playing in the surf and thinking of the pool back home.
When the time comes to fly away, Anuk eagerly climbs up into the box atop Grandma's back and secures himself. The first lurching swoops cause his stomach to drop and his head to spin -- but in a good way. "Whooooooooo!" he cheers over the rushing wind as they travel over the vast blue expanse of water.
ADM MikeS Thursday April 14th, 2005 8:28:46 PM
Flea, Tishe', and Gilan wade through the shallows, finding beautiful shells, rock formations, and interesting creatures -- tiny fish-like animals that burrow into the sand and disappear each time someone tries to get near them.
A glint of light catches Flea's eye and she reaches into the water to retrieve a strikingly beautiful, iridescent shell; wide and flat with a perfectly scalloped edge, as though carved by some master artisan. Tishe's search yields no such sparkling objects, but the plain woman is able to find numerous shells, plants, and rocks that strike her fancy.
Gilan discovers many small plants living underwater not far from shore, the like of which he's not seen on the Plains. They are strange, alien looking things and they fill him with the wonder at the variety of life provided by Mother Wold.
Jake plays on the beach, much to everyone's amusement, and the dragons seem unbothered by the hoop he swings round his hips.
The time comes to leave, and the everyone climbs again onto the backs of the dragons. For many hours the pack sails through the skies above the seemingly endless water. Grandma tries to soothe Tishe's concerns. "Do not fear, young woman. There are many such islands between here and your home. We will rest on solid ground by nightfall, and there we will find food enough to feed us all. The journey is long, but you are all safe while with us."
To Gilan she responds, "The tale of the dragons is a long one, and not something we often share. To tell who and what we are is to tell our history. I sense no malice in your question, but I do not think you are ready yet for all I would say. I would ask you first, young one -- who are you?"
As night begins to fall, an eerie red glow appears on the horizon. As the dragons approach it, the pack can see that it's another island, larger than the last. It is covered with trees and vegetation, and from its center rises a large mountain, the top of which seems hollowed out. The red glow emanates from within the crater at the top of the mountain.
The dragons circle slowly down from the sky and come to rest on another beach. "It is nearly night," says Grandma. "We are weary, but must gather food for ourselves. I suggest you do the same. We will return soon."
With a rushing of wind and sand, the three dragons leap in the air and disappear over the tops of the dense trees marking the edge of a deep jungle forest.
Grymash d20+9=20 Thursday April 14th, 2005 10:29:47 PM
Grymash whispers in Grand Maw's ear, "So, how many nights do weez have till Gry gets home?" He then gives her a wink and a goofy smile.
After the dragons leave, Grymash will do his best to find food in this strange and very watery place.
(There should probably be penalties for Gry's Survival check in this place. Survival check 20)
Gilan d20+18=25 Friday April 15th, 2005 12:46:35 AM
Taking the time he gathers up little bits of the different rock and shells that he finds. Maybe he will be able to identify them later. Though he would love to take samples of the vegetation he knows that it would never last and with a sigh leaves it.
Gilan nods in understanding to Grandma's question to his own question. He smiles as he settles back into the basket to ponder this new puzzle, but he does speak to Grandma first. "Of course you are right...to know ones' self is in essence to understand someone else. Self knowledge must come first so that you can better know those things around you." Lost in thought he does not even notice the passing of time, till they land. Simply getting out of the basket he steps out of the way to allow the dragons to go, still lost in thought.
When at last he notices his belly rumbling he shakes his head and then looks to the rest. "I will help Gry to gather what we can...I have heard that you can fish great fish out of the ocean." He looks to the water and shakes his head at the thought. "But I have none of the gear needed for that...water is so rare at home."
[survival 25]
Jake Friday April 15th, 2005 1:45:45 AM
"Nah, Gilan, that's impossible. Ah've been tryin ta catch fish for hours; they're too fast." Jake looks at this all new environment. Lotsa trees. Lots. And lots of weird plants, grass that dangles off trees sideways, weird sounds... He picks up a big brown sphere off the ground and looks at it confusedly. "What in tarnation's this?" He notices it growing on trees, ... "like some kinda fruit..." Jake decides it must be something weird. Sitting down, the half-elf pulls out a dagger and begins cutting into it. "This thing is harder than Gry's head..." he mumbles, finally cuting through and cracking the thing open, spilling weird milk all over the place. "Milk...from a fruit?" Jake looks at his friends, completely bewildered. "Is there anything to eat this place?"
Tishe' d20+8=11 d20+5=9 Friday April 15th, 2005 4:47:35 AM
The glowing mountaintop holds Tishe's attention on the long glide down to the beach. The brown haired woman is visibly disappointed that the beach is so far away from the glow that there is no way the pack will be able to explore the curiosity.
With the others looking for food, the average looking girl turns her attention to more practical matters. "If there is fish in the ocean, we need tools to catch them." The mage scours the treeline for vines or other fabric that she can weave into a net. Weighing down the ends by weaving in rounded stones, she surveys her work (Weave Craft: 11) "Adequate, but not great.", is her assessment.
However, she uses the net to try and catch the elusive fish in the shallows (Survival: 9) "Anyone else want to try?"
Flea d20-1=17 Saturday April 16th, 2005 10:45:41 AM
Flea climbs down from the box atop the dragon, staggering unsteadily as she tries to find her legs. She watches as the bronze beasts fly off in search of something to eat, and then her thoughts turn to her own stomache.
"I'll make a fire," volunteers the gnome, and she sets off to collect dead wood, twigs, and dried grasses. Flea piles the fuel carefully, encircling it with a ring of stones, before going to work with flint and steel.
As the rogue tends the fire, her thoughts drift, and she relives recent events. Wondering if the frozen waterfall was a portent of things to come, she locates her special cloak* and checks its condition, shaking her head in dismay at its shabby appearance. When no one is watching, she smoothes it out carefully, mumbling under her breath. (Prestidigitation) Pleased with her work, she folds it carefully and packs it away, before returning her attention to the fire.
*Cloak of Comfort
Anuk d20+13=28 Saturday April 16th, 2005 3:27:45 PM
Anuk climbs down from the back of the dragon, a little disappointed that the ride is over. He tells Grandma, "Thank you for sailing us through the air...I can't tell you how much I love that feeling."
When the dragon leaves, Anuk joins Tishe' and inspects the net. "Nicely woven...this is good work," he says as he runs the cords through his thumb and fingers. "Mind if I give it a shot?" He takes the net a little further out into the shallows, trying his luck at catching a few fish. (survival 28)
ADM MikeS Saturday April 16th, 2005 3:56:34 PM
(OOC: Sorry about the delayed DM post. I will not post again until Monday evening so that everyone has time to respond.)
The stars begin to appear in the cloudless evening sky as a warm breeze comes up from from the south. The chirps and chatters of many strange birds and beasts can be heard coming from the nearby jungle, but no creatures come near enough to be seen.
Grymash, Tishe', Gilan and Anuk do their best to gather food for the pack, but in this strange environment and the fading light what is food and what is not is hard to discern. They are able to gather a few small fish and Gilan locates some leaves and roots that seem edible. Cooked over Flea's fire, the meal is meager but tasty. And the strange drink that Jake finds in the plentiful round brown things washes it down nicely.
The evening has changed to night, and as the darkness increases, the chatters and squawks from the trees increase, too. The dragons have still not returned.
(If everyone decides to set up camp, I'll need a watch order)
Tishe' Saturday April 16th, 2005 5:06:45 PM
Reading by firelight is not her idea of a good time, so Tishe' finds her bedroll early. She expects to be woken for the last watch of the night like normal...
Flea d20+10=13 d20+12=29 d20+8=17 Saturday April 16th, 2005 8:34:49 PM
Not requiring as much sleep as the magic folk, Flea will accept any duty assigned, including the middle watch. Huddling under her cloak, she keeps a sharp watch.
Listen=13 Search=29 Spot=17
Mac d20+5=14 d20+1=21 Saturday April 16th, 2005 11:09:55 PM
Mac keeps the first watch company until Galea settles down after dinner, looking forward to the early rousing for the last watch. [Spot:14, Listen:21 (Nat 20!)]
Grymash d8+24=29 d8+24=31 d8+24=27 d8+24=30 Sunday April 17th, 2005 4:13:07 AM
Grymash is restless. He worries about Grand Maw and the others. So he goes a little ways off to bring back wood for the fire. Prehaps try and make a brighter fire for the dragons to see. He takes a couple of minutes to look for a suitable tree (take20 on Survival check 29). After finding a good candidate, takes his newly acquired adamantine double axe and lines up his shot (automatic hit on inanimate objects). The steely blade easily hacks off huge chunks of the soft wood (adamantine ignors an object's hardness).
(PowerAttack+7, twohanded +14. Automatic hit. Damage: 29, 31, 27, 30 = 117. Enough damage to chop through 11 inches of wood [10hitpoints per inch according to PHB pg166])
The big halforc picks up the tree and balances it over his shoulder. He then carries it back to camp (his max load is 700 lb). He plops the tree down next to camp. He then chops the tree into logs. It doesnt take much time, his new axe slices through the wood like warm piggie jelly. Then he notices at the top of the tree a score of those brown round things like what Jake had found. "Shady!"
After the fire starts roaring Grymash sits down and begins to relax. All his nervious energy he had was spent on the work he just completed. He now has no problem falling asleep. Until its time for his turn to watch, which is usually the last watch.
Jake Sunday April 17th, 2005 3:57:22 PM
Jake's stomach gets queasy after the weird foods, and Jake opens a secret skin of glass grass he's been saving and takes a few gulps to help steady his stomach. Much better. He recorks it and hides it in his pack again...eyeing a strange belt hidden in the same area with amusement. "Ah'll take the middle watch, 'cause ah've got them elfie-eyes an' all," he announces companionably to his friends. He stops by to scritch Galea teasingly behind the ear and grins in amusement as she begins to bat at his finger.. He plays with the little kitten, enjoying it trying to gnaw on his knuckles. Then he goes over to sit on the beach, staring across the big blue. So much water. "Hey guys, look at the sunset!" he announces, pointing across the water... (I'll assume, since we're traveling southeast, that the sun's setting on our side of the island). The myriad of colors reflected on water is unlike a Plains setting, unlike anything he's ever seen.
Afterwards, Jake decides to go for a little swim again. He probably doesn't get too much sleep that night, as exotic as this locale is, and as wired up as he is.
Trellus Sunday April 17th, 2005 4:03:28 PM
The sandy-haired cleric of Domi makes a tour of the beach, looking for anything weird. He eyes this strange forest with amazement and joins Grymash in a little tour of it. Now that night is settling in, he sits down near the fire, and comments, "Good. It sounds like we'll have three watches... Each person sleeps two, stays up one. Since there's seven of us, let's have Anuk join Mac and Tishe on the first watch, Flea and Jake will take the second, and Grymash and I have the final one." Trellus makes sure he will have time to get a full sleep to have time to make his devotions to Domi.
Jake and Trellus (Mikey) d20+8=14 d20+8=16 d20+6=9 d20+6=12 Sunday April 17th, 2005 4:08:50 PM
(Subbing for Trellus, I realized I hadn't rolled watch/listen for either of them.)
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