Chasm Lake (DM Cayzle) Saturday April 30th, 2005 1:18:49 PM
You see the most amazing thing as you peer into the Chasm! The chasm has become a lake! The river at the bottom has been dammed -- Green tendrils are growing across the entire chasm from wall to wall, forming a waterproof barrier. At the bottom, a trickle still flows. The green wall of tendrils holds the water back -- it must be 50 feet thick, and consists of vines dozens of feet thick and leaves bigger than elephant ears.
Jasper notices that there are many species of plants in the dam.
Renik notices that the wreck is still visible, embedded in the foot of the dam of greenery.
The dam is at least 75 feet high, so the lake created behind it is at least that deep! Tratain sees that is is an easy 10 or 20 foot climb down to the dam, and then one could climb across the top of the dam's 500-foot length to the other side. Or you could swim.
Draax Saturday April 30th, 2005 2:59:08 PM
Draax wonders about what would happen to the wold if the advance growth never stops. He agrees with Feng and Sarigar about the necessity of going down and investigating the wreck, but curiosity has always gotten the bester of adventurers. He also has no real desire to go to the Valleys of Twilight especially when it is need the realm of Marteaus, so he welcomes the sidetrack for a brief treasure hunt.
"If the creature is still down there, this sudden change to its environment will probably make it very agitated."
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+12=15 Saturday April 30th, 2005 6:16:32 PM
Knowing that he needs some distance between himself and others to use his calming effect on creatures, Sarigar descends down to the dam and slowly starts to walk across. He's not trying to hide his movement, but he's also not intentionally trying to draw the creature's attention as it might agitate it.
Should the creature surface, he will attempt to calm it (Animal Empathy 15). If or when things look relatively safe, he'll signal the others to come down, but urges them to move slowly and carefully without weapons drawn. The creature might recognize weapons and become irritated again.
Jasper d20+5=7 d20+14=15 Sunday May 1st, 2005 2:48:23 AM
Jasper stares in amazement. "Oi'm not sure wot to make o' this. The dam'll hold while the Wold is bloomin'... but when the whim turns the dam'll break... floodin' ev'ry bloody thing downriver. Its a problem, to be sure, though oi'm not sure o' the solution."
Jasper climbs down to the dam (Climb 7) and if the creature appears he'll try to calm it as well (Handle Animal 15). While on the dam he'll study its structure and composition, admiring the strength and diversity of the plantlife.
Renik d20+14=22 Sunday May 1st, 2005 2:18:11 PM
Leeting the animal experts take the lead, Renik hangs back, hovering 60 feet away, twirling his shortswords and keeping an eye out for the tentacled horror (Spot 22).
Tratain (Extended Magic Vestment;Water Walk;Water Breathing; Freedom of Movement) Sunday May 1st, 2005 8:14:49 PM
Tratain follows Sarigar and Jasper down letting them get a little but not too far ahead of him and waits too see if the beast is there or not and if they can calm it.
(OOC:Renik, Monthor, and Feng get the other Freedom of movement spells)
Monthor Sunday May 1st, 2005 9:19:41 PM
Monthor sticks close to Renick but remembers that his mammie's boots can only let him fly for 5 minutes at a time. When the 5 minutes are close to being up, the dwarven warrior will land on the most obviously safe spot on the wreck. If the beast appears and becomes unfriendly, Monthor will attack it/defend the others using his axe.
Across the Chasm (ADM Joe) Wednesday May 4th, 2005 9:00:30 AM
Tratain casts his spells on the Group and they set out for the wreckage of the Ship.
After an easy climb down to the Dam, Sarigar, Blackpaws, and Jasper Riding Balthazar take the lead heading across the newly formed Lake.
Tratain, Draax, Feng and Arien Follow a little ways behind as to not interfere with the Rangers work of trying to calm the beast. Renik and Monthor Activate thier boots and Follow along as well flying.
Its a quick trip across the Dam and the Group starts to near the wreckage....but nothing is to be seen.
Its very quiet, perhapse to quiet?
OOC:I've E-mailed Jerry, Jan, and Cayzle for Info. Its been long enough that I thought I'd make a filler Post, hopefully I'll have more information soon or Cayzle will post.
Renik (Flying, Blinking, Freedom of Movement) d20+14=28 d20+14=21 Wednesday May 4th, 2005 3:52:53 PM
"Proceed with care my friends" says the rogue, activating his Ring of Blinking. "We have no idea what awaits us."
He continues to hang back, waiting for the scouts to do their work, alert to any danger (Spot 28, Listen 21).
As he hovers there his mind drifts back to their meeting with the Pixie Lord. Queen Maab, Queen of the Fae, mistress of a domain in the fabled Lands of Rest. Even if they did need to contact her, how could they manage it? Travel to such realms is surely the purvue of more powerful heroes than they. He hasn't the first idea of how they might break the barriers between the Realms.
Tratain (Extended Magic Vestment; Water Walk; Water Breathing; Freedom of Movement) d20+10=14 Wednesday May 4th, 2005 6:54:55 PM
Tratain walks with the others on the dam towords the wreckage of the ship keeping an eye out for the monster(Spot 14).
New Fae Lake (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 4th, 2005 8:51:49 PM
[OOC: As I am unable to post regular like, I am activating Joe as ADM (Thanks, Joe, for the filler post). I'll post tonight and then that's it. I may send turns to Joe to post, but after tonite, Joe, you are in the batter's box. Probably for a couple weeks.]
At the top of the dam.
Those looking into the lake see magical lights swimming deep in the lake. They dart to and fro, but their purpose is mysterious.
At the wreck.
Those at the wreck are stunned by the sight of the dam made of plants and vines. The wreck itself is interwoven into the foot of the dam.
All of a sudden, four pastel will-o-the-whisp-like lights emerge fromt he ship! They float over and pulse with musical voices: "Hello! We Hydrae of old have awoken with the King! We are preparing him a present! In the new lake we have grown! WOuld you like to help us with the present?"
Draax Wednesday May 4th, 2005 9:41:37 PM
Walking toward the ship with the second group Draax notices the lights come out of the ship and address the first group. Seeing that the lights have not taken any hostile actions, Draax stays alert and waits to see what happens
Sarigar and Black Paws Wednesday May 4th, 2005 10:17:25 PM
Having expected some enormous, tentacled horror, the brothers are delightfully surprised by the dancing light creatures. They both lean out toward them, trying to curiously poke one. At one point, Sarigar nearly leans out too far, but catches his balance.
Renik Thursday May 5th, 2005 6:05:10 AM
The rogue floats warily down towards the lights. He keeps the shortswords in hand, held loosely by his sides.
"A present for the king?" he asks. "A worthy undertaking I'm sure. What manner of gift could be worthy of such a king? And how do you intend to give it to him?"
Tratain d20+10=11 Thursday May 5th, 2005 9:16:29 AM
Tratain walks up closer to the Hydrae and listens to what they have to say. He also wonders what they could be makeing in the lake and peers in see if he can see anything. (spot 11)
Feng Thursday May 5th, 2005 10:22:34 AM
Up on the cliff Feng looks down wondering what is going on down below.
Arien Thursday May 5th, 2005 12:19:00 PM
Arien waits for the lights to answer Renik. While waiting he keeps an eye out on the water, wary of the beast that lived there.
Monthor Thursday May 5th, 2005 6:38:04 PM
" DOH!!!!"
The dwarven warrior is visibly upset at the lack of anything to bash. Monthor looks for a safe place to land on the wreck... and does.
A Gift Fit for a King (ADM Joe) Thursday May 5th, 2005 9:37:24 PM
Monthor flies over and lands on the wrecked ship. The ship itself seems sturdy but it is now built right into the dam. It's obvious that the ship, even if somehow set free from the dam, will never sail again. A fish breaks the water and leaps towords the wreck, and Monthor sees the strangest thing. Instead of coming right back down, the fish literaly flies over the deck a few feet from him and lands in the lake on the other side of the ship. (Anyone else making a Spot Check DC10 can see the fish and that a pair of what look like butterfly wings sprout from the back of the fish.)
The rest of the group gathers around the Hydrae. Renik asks about the gift and Sarigar and Black Paws poke at the Hydrae who take it as a game and dart around the pair between their legs, circle up around their heads all in a blur over and over again. The game soon spreads to include everyone else and the four Hydrae are soon darting every which way.
As they whirl around they speak, sometimes one will speak alone, other times all at once. They say The Gift, The Gift, The Gift, we are creating for him a wonderful gift!
In an instant they all become very still and fly in close to Renik, like they want to tell him a secret Fairipusses! they yell, and go back to playfully darting around.
Help, Help, we need your help to finish the gift! You'll help us won't you? To finish the gift for the reborn king!?
Sarigar and Black Paws Thursday May 5th, 2005 11:15:58 PM
Sarigar tries to catch one of the lights as it whips around him. Black Paws playfully bites at them.
When they ask again for help, Sarigar asks, "What cha want us to do?"
Jasper Friday May 6th, 2005 12:44:29 AM
Jasper stares in wonder at the lights. After trying to keep them all simultaneously in sight (and failing utterly) he focuses on one, following it around.
"Oi'd be glad'ta help honor the king with a gift. 'Ow exactly can we 'elp?"
Jasper tries to stay a little out of their range, unsure of what to make of all this. If its a trick, its a well-informed, elaborate one the likes of which he has no relevant prior experience to tell him how to proceed. If it truly is a bunch of critters preparing a gift for the Fey King, well thats out of his realm of experience too and he has no idea how to proceed. Either way he defaults to caution.
Tratain d20+10=13 Friday May 6th, 2005 10:02:12 AM
Tratain watches the Hydrae whirl around getting a bit Dizzy at thier antics. Out of the corner of his eye he see's the fish with wings, and looks too see if any of his other friends saw it as well.
He says to the others A Fairipuss? Can't say that i've ever heard of one of those before.
Draax d20+6=18 Friday May 6th, 2005 3:57:56 PM
Draax does not know what to think about the floating lights. Is it a race that was here before the awakening or did they awaken with the sleeper? This is a strange land but fish with butterfly wings has just made it plain weird. He wonders what other strange things will be waiting for them as they travel the wold.
Being away for the ship Draax is sure that he did not hear the being of light correctly because he has no idea what Fairipusses are. "What did they yell to Renik?" He looks around to the others to see if anyone can clarify it for him.
Renik d20+14=17 Friday May 6th, 2005 5:12:21 PM
The rogue is rather taken aback by the strange behaviour of these dancing lights and the sudden growth of butterfly wings on the back of a leaping fish (Spot 17). The manifestation of this Fae King seems benign enough, to be fair. Odd, but benign.
He only wishes that these Hydrae were a little less obtuse in their responses. He knows full well the trouble one can get into when entering into agreements with the fey folk blindly. If they are going to agree to help with this "present" it would be nice to know exactly what they are getting themselves into.
Still, Jaspar has pretty much already agreed, and where one goes all must follow. In any event, perhaps a small leap of faith is what is required here.
"Aye, I will help also" he says with a small bow. What can you tell us of this gift, and what aid do you seek?"
He is still smiling to himself over the nonsense words these fae creatures can come out with when a connection is finally made. "Um, did you say... Fairy...Puss?" he asks with a sudden sinking feeling, as he remembers the tentacled creature they saw earlier. If the Fey King could have such an effect on a dam, what transformation might he have wrought on something like... a giant octopus?
Feng Saturday May 7th, 2005 12:36:44 AM
Feng watches closely trying to not to become lost. He really has no clue about whats going on other than fast talking faires talking to Renik.
Fairipusses you say? (ADM Joe) Sunday May 8th, 2005 3:24:28 PM
The Hydrae twirl about excitedly at the parties offer to help Hurray! They'll help us create the Fairipusses! echoes out over the lake.
The four Hydrae whom you have been speaking too suddenly dive into the Fae Lake. Other lights visible under the lake seem to be converging with the original four. Slowly they begin thier ascent back to the surface.
The Hydrae break the surface followed by eight semi-transparent cocoons. The Fae direct the cocoons over near the dam where the party is standing. Inside it is just possible to make out that each cocoon contains a giant tentacle and what looks like part of a giant octopus.
Half a Dozen Hydrae now zip around the party. They say "Elf Essence, Elf Essence is what we need to begin the changeing!"
They continue to fly around chittering to themselves, it seems they are waiting for you to do something.
Monthor Sunday May 8th, 2005 9:00:45 PM
"ARGH, ARGH, ARGH!"
Monthor laughs
" Elf 'essence' indeed! This looks a little to 'opened aired' for a bawdy house! But to each it's own. "
Monthor looks at the paladin and sticks his tongue in his cheek momentarily before speaking.
" And what do you think of this princess? Sounds like we non-elves aren't invited to partake in the festivities. Guess we ain't perty enough. "
Renik Monday May 9th, 2005 12:11:43 PM
Renik chokes back a snort of laughter at the dwarf's course humour. One day very soon he and Monthor are going to have to spend an evening of wine, ale and women.
But the gravity of their situation sobers him quickly enough. This bodes ill. "When you say 'Elf Essence', what precisely do you mean?" asks the rogue, backing away slowly and warily. "How will the extraction of this, um, essence effect any elves who partake?" He avoids making eye contact with Monthor at this point, for fear of having his serious demeanor compromised by a fit of giggles.
He resists the impulse to raise his swords into a defensive stance.
"And what will these Fairipusses do, once they have recieved this essence?"
To Renik's mind this whole "Let's go investigate the boat" thing is rapidly looking less and less like a good idea. Somewhere in the back of his head a little voice is saying
I will not go looking for trouble, it can find me quite well enough without my help I will not go looking for trouble, it can find me quite well enough without my help I will not go looking for trouble, it can find me quite well enough without my help I will not go looking for trouble, it can find me quite well enough without my help...
Draax Monday May 9th, 2005 3:07:25 PM
Draax looks down at these conversing with the lights. He tries to follow the conversation as best as he can from the distance. When he makes at what is required to make these Fairipusses Draax quickly moves his hands to the back of his ears and flicks his hair to cover his ears. He has no idea what elf essence is but whatever it is he is not willing to part with it.
Having no idea what the lights will do when they realize that he will not cooperate, he puts his hand to the hilt of his sword and begins to slowly back up. While backing up Draax looks over the Arien to see what his reaction is to all this.
Sarigar and Black Paws Monday May 9th, 2005 3:27:44 PM
When the cocooned tentacles break the surface of the water, the brothers hop back defensively and growl, expecting a fight. When it becomes quite clear that the beast has either been laid low or at the very least subdued, they relax their posture somewhat.
As the dancing lights talk about the need for "elf essence", the brothers just stare at them with confusion. It's obvious that neither of them is elf, so Sarigar thinks to himself "No elf essence, whatever that is, here."
Tratain Monday May 9th, 2005 6:44:36 PM
Tratain looks as confused as everyone else at the mention of Elf Essence. He comments I would also like to know what this elf essence is.
He says to Renik Well at least they don't seem to be hostile, but with the fae it seems hard to tell. If they could take what they want they probably would have already.
Arien Monday May 9th, 2005 8:19:41 PM
"Elf essence?" Arien asks himself while watching the lights as they cavorted about. If they tried to take any of his essence, there was going to be trouble.
Elf Essence (ADM Joe) Monday May 9th, 2005 10:15:04 PM
The Hydrae slow down thier whirling about when Renik and Tratain ask thier questions.
Elf Essence? Is Essence of an Elf They respond sounding confused.
Effect the Elfs? Not at all, only a tiny ammount is needed to start the changeing, a drop for each. Others who have the sight can also contribute, a drop is best, but the sight will suffice. It must be given, can not be taken or it will spoil the changeing
At the last question they begin danceing around again Fairipusses will do what Fairipusses do, as the Hydrae do what the Hydrae do!
The Hydrae fly away a little ways and begin conversing with each other in low tones. They return A Trade we propose! They say, again thier exuberent selves. Help us with the Gift and we will tell you a story! The Story of the rebirth of the King!
Jasper Tuesday May 10th, 2005 12:51:58 AM
Jasper puts away his darts and sits crosslegged. "Oi can't help ye, but oi'd be glad to witness yer story." He looks to the other party members (the ones that would actually be making the contribution) to see how they wish to approach it.
To the group he says, "'Ey! Anyone care to 'weal or woe' this situation? Oi know oi'd want a clean bill of 'ealth before they took me essense."
Renik Tuesday May 10th, 2005 11:33:07 AM
The rogue strokes his goattee. If these Hydrae are to believed this is a risk-free proposition. Then again, it is a foolhardy fellow who blindly trusts the fae. The fact that this "essence" cannot be taken, only given strikes a reassuring note though. And then there's the dangling carrot proferred, the promise of additional information...
"By 'The Sight' I'm guessing you mean that spell our spellcasters were granted recently? Hmm, what do you think friends? Will you give of yourselves so that we might learn more about the King's birth?"
Feng Tuesday May 10th, 2005 12:29:28 PM
The half-orc considers Renik's words. "They say elf-essence. I would assume that only those of elven blood could give it but I advise caution. We don't know what this will do nor the effects it will have on the donators."
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday May 10th, 2005 3:10:39 PM
Seeing that they have no way in which to contribute to the 'present', the brothers begin walking up and down the dam. Eventually, they settle in, not far from the others. Sarigar dangles his booted feet in the water, climbing down a bit if necessary. His ever-present brother, Black Paws within arms reach and trying to drink and enjoy the cool water of the newly formed resevoir.
Arien Tuesday May 10th, 2005 3:30:30 PM
Arien ponders a moment then steps forward. "I will accept your trade. Tell me how to help you and I will do so in exchange for this story."
Tratain Tuesday May 10th, 2005 6:48:23 PM
Tratain says I don't have the elf sight spell memorized today, we would have to wait until tomorrow for me to memorize it unless someone else has it ready now?
Draax Tuesday May 10th, 2005 7:35:53 PM
Draax is intrigued by the promise of the story but is still not going to volunteer to give something of himself when he has no idea what that means. Draax is a little surprised to see Arien bravely step forward. The half-elf decides to wait to see what is required before he joins the elf.
The Trade for the Story (ADM Joe) Tuesday May 10th, 2005 11:04:33 PM
The Hydrae continue to dance around the party. The sight will do, but a drop would be better they say at Renik's comments.
They begin to whirl around faster and chitter to themselves when Feng speaks, something he said has them excited. A Drop, A Drop would be best!
When Arien steps forward and offers to help they become animated again Give a Drop or the sight to each! To begin the changing!
Tratain d20=19 Wednesday May 11th, 2005 9:54:09 AM
Tratain thinks for a moment. The spell will work but they say a drop is better.
When Feng speaks Tratain notices thier reaction. Then it hits him. (Int Check 19)
He says to the others I think that they want a drop of Elf Blood for each of the cocoons.
Jasper Wednesday May 11th, 2005 12:16:53 PM
"Oi've not got what you need, but me blood is dear to me. Oi'm not sure oi'd offer it if I could." Jasper contorts his face in thought. "But then, many have spilled blood of their own or others for their king. Oi guess this could be seen as a test of faith."
Jasper steps back to take in the whole scene. He keeps his hand in his coat, nervously tapping his darts. "Oi'm not sure wots in them cocoons, but oi'm concerned how they may act to non-elves."
Arien Wednesday May 11th, 2005 2:40:56 PM
Arien pulls up one sleeve of his clothes and draws his dagger. Arien draws the dagger across the inside of his forearm, pumping his hand to increase the blood flow. Catching the blood in his other hand he walks forward and drips a bit of blood on each cocoon.
Draax Wednesday May 11th, 2005 4:49:02 PM
His curiosity getting the better of him, Draax moves closer to observe what will happen when the cocoons receive Arien's blood.
Renik Wednesday May 11th, 2005 5:25:07 PM
The Rogue holds his breath as he waits to see what happens next. Have they made a mistake? Will the the tale of the King's Birth be worth the price they pay?
The Changeing (ADM Joe) Wednesday May 11th, 2005 11:30:31 PM
Draax moves closer to the party to see what is going on. Arien cuts his Arm and Drips a bit of his blood upon each of the eight cocoons as the party holds thier collective breaths.
As the blood touches each of the cocoons they begin to glow, when all eight are glowing the Hydrae move them out into the lake which has become supernaturally calm. Arien feels fine except for the cut on his arm, but two of the Hydrae dance about him and he glows softly, the cut on his arm heals completly. They chant A Gift! A Gift! then head off to join the others.
Arien Highlight to display spoiler: {Not only is your arm healed you feel completly refreshed as if you have slept for a night. You also gain the ability to Wild Shape as a 5th Level Druid into any type of aquatic animal only.}
The Hydrae all gather at the coccons and whirl about in complex coreographed patterns, they and the cocoons glow more and more brightly, there are two dozen Hydrae participating. This goes on for several hours but the pattern is so mesmerizing that no one really notices the passage of time.
The Hydrae stop thier dance around the cocoons and scoot off to the side when they begin to move on thier own. From each cocoon, which are pretty large as they contained a tentacle from a giant Octopus.....bursts a Fairipuss. Each looks much like an octopus, but with several differences. First off they glow very much like the Hydrae do, the glowing and the fact that they seem semi-translucent gives them an etherial quality. They also have little translucent butterfly wings attached to their backs...and you think that if you measured one from the top of its head with its tentacles all streched out beneath it they might make 5 inches high..almost.
The Fairipusses seem to be able to function in both the air and the water, as two of them dive into the water and begin to zip around. Two more begin to dance around with the Hydrae who are cheering and laughing now. Three of the Hydrae fly over near the party and begin to examine them, but at any sudden movements they dart over to Arien and hide behind him. The last one, seemingly fearless, thinks Black Paws Tail is the greatest thing ever and spends several minutes attempting to catch it.
Several of the Hydrae float over to the Party. The Story! You wish to hear the Story of the Kings Rebirth Now?!
Draax Thursday May 12th, 2005 1:49:25 AM
Draax laughs at the sight of the Fairipusses. "OK, now I see what a Fairipuss is. Congratz Arien, you are the proud father of eight Fairipusses. What are their names?"
Draax actually enjoyed the good laugh but settles down to hear the lights tell the story of the king.
Tratain Thursday May 12th, 2005 11:43:58 AM
Tratain says I somehow thought that they would be bigger
He then waits for the Hydrae to tell thier story
Jasper Thursday May 12th, 2005 5:22:08 PM
Jasper watches the scene evolve. When the cocoons split he looks surprised. "Oi was expectin' somethin' more of a feline variety. Oi jus' bet the droods are havin' fits over the Fey-King's return, cataloguing the new critters." Jasper chuckles.
"Roit then. A story?"
Renik Thursday May 12th, 2005 6:41:59 PM
"Yes, the tale would be much apreciated" nods the rogue, smiling at the playful behaviour of these fae-born creatures. "What can you tell us of the awakening of the king? What do you know of his original sleep, or the reasons for it?"
He settles back to hear the story, far more relaxed now.
Monthor Thursday May 12th, 2005 7:17:02 PM
"Me wonder how they would tast roasted with a little wine sauce?... Yummmm... wine sauce."
Monthor shrugs, takes a whiff of one of the Fairipusses and then looks at Feng...
" No... no...yes... No worries Feng. Your still the best smelling one here princess. "
Monthor bellows out a big belly laugh.
Arien Thursday May 12th, 2005 8:34:18 PM
Arien examines his arm a moment before realizing exactly how he felt. Arien jumps into the lake, wild shaping into a Porpoise in midair. Arien swims about while listening to the story.
The Story (ADM Joe) Friday May 13th, 2005 10:33:44 AM
The Party gathers together for the telling of the Story. Arien changes into a Porpoise and swims about while listening, several of the Fairipusses jump in after him and swim with him.
The story of the King! He wishing to be closer to all the creatures of the wold chose to be reborn instead of using his old body!
The Hydrae begin spinning around as they speak, thier story can be felt and seen as well as heard.
...You see 7 Halflings Riding pony's entering a forest. One Female and obviously pregnant. Five look very nondescript you can not make out thier features at all, One however, in contrast looks like a halfling but is 6 feet tall and very handsome, almost fey in his appearance. He Carrys a Ornate Great Axe. The serentity of the story so far is shattered by the Hydrae, they Begin to argue There where 7 betrayers with the New Mother and the Hero! No it was only 5! There were 10 of them! They argue amongst themselves before setteling on the number 6. Haveing listened to thier arguement, you can tell they settled on the Number 6 not because it was the true number, because they couldn't agree on it, but because they happen to like the number 6.
The Hydrae speak again The King Protected the Second Mother, the great Fey-Halfling Hero Axe and the betrayers as they entered the Great Forest.
...As they speak you see The halflings traveling through a giant forest. Where they walk the animals gather around them to form a pathway they travel on. The Trees bow as they pass, those in the way uproot themselves and move aside in favor of the procession. They approach a Great Oak Tree. It glows brightly and etherial music eminates from it. Three figures appear in front of the Halfings intent on stopping them from reaching the Great Oak. They have the Bodies of Humanoids, but their faces are those of and Owl, a Stag, and a Wolf. They Are unable to block the Halflings passage. The unborn Kings power pushes them aside. The Non-descript Halflings all flee for the Oak. The Tall One easily Defeats the Three and sends them scurrying away and turns to Help The Pregnant Halfling into the Great Oak.
The Forest Welcomed the Not Yet Reborn King as they Traveled towords the Great Oak! The Jealous Guardians wanted to stop the Second Mother from reaching the Sacred Oak but could not. The Kings power Blocked them and the Hero Axe Laid them low and sent them running while the betrayers Fled for the Oak. Inside the Sacred Oak the Second Mother gave Birth to the King! And he went fourth to Calm the Jealous Guardians who had returned in greater numbers!.
....You see the Halfling Woman Give Birth. The King is not a Halfling though, you recognize him as a Satyr. There are Flashes, The King as a Baby, The king standing about two feet tall. The king Grow to 4 feet tall and matured. The scene around him changes very little when he grows, it happened rapidly you think. The king Exits the Oak and addresses the Crowd.
The Jealous Guardians were angry with the King, nature respondes to him better, likes him better. They were jealous of what the King could do and demanded he give them his power and leave. The King tried to reason with them, said they were to inexperienced to wield the power properly, that they could destroy civilization if they weren't careful, and that he would be happy to show them how to listen to nature better themselves and teach them how things were when he walked the Wold the first time but they refused. And they Tried to Steal the Kings Power! The Jealous Guardins and the Betrayers attacked him!
.....You see the King addressing a crowd, all the faces are twisted in jealousy and rage. From his body language you see him try and calm them, but he fails. They attack him, The Halflings Try and Stab him and shoot Arrows at him. From the Crowd Magic Is cast at him. The King is Alone, except for the Tall Halfling. He Alone Protects the King, and together they send the Crowd and the Betrayers fleeing. The king Looks Sad.
The King and Axe Sent them running, but didn't hurt them too serously, he knew they were young and would learn.
The Story End. The Hydrae Float off and go about doing thier own things.
Tratain d20+6=14 Friday May 13th, 2005 12:46:58 PM
Tratain Glances at the others looking concerened.
He says I'm not sure how much of that to believe, but even if they told us just mostly the Truth it sounds bad
(Sense Motive 14)
Renik Friday May 13th, 2005 3:26:13 PM
Renik is stunned to see Arien transform before his eyes into a porpoise. "What in the twenty-seven bowels of Boydos is going on here?!" cries the rogue. "Arien, are you alright? Can you change back?"
He stands at the water's edge, concerned that the giving of his essence has forever doomed his friend to a life beneath the waves.
So distracted is he that he is only half listening to the tale at the beginning. But it doesn't take long before he is giving it his full attention. By the end his face is unreadable, but a close observer would notice his knuckles whitening about the hilt of his shortswords.
Once the Hydrae have flown away he turns to Tratain with a scowl. "I think you have the nub of it, Tratain. That sounded like little more than propaganda. I have seen enough of fanatics to recognize blind devotion, and that tale fair reeks of it. I am becoming inceasingly afraid that our worst fears about this rebirth are being confirmed. We need to find civilisation fast, and communicate what we know to those that might have the power to act upon it. The Gold Dragons perhaps? Or failing that we must lean how we ourselves might breach the barriers that seperate this Wold from the realm of the Queen Maab."
"But first we need to figure out how to restore Arien to his former self. I for one am not giving a porpoise a piggyback back to Plateau City."
Sarigar and Black Paws Friday May 13th, 2005 3:52:05 PM
Seeing the Fairpusses, the brothers are intrigued and watching them intently. They hear little snipets of the story, but overall, hear little of it in favor of their visual entertainment.
ooc: Don't know what happened. I made a post last night for yesterday and for some reason, it never showed up. /shrug
Feng Friday May 13th, 2005 6:22:14 PM
Feng watches the display with much curiosity. Never has he heard of such a thing nor did he expect such a story. He tried to follow the faripusses story but it was rather confusing. He thinks he understands the meaning but it wouldn't suprise him if he was wrong.
Draax Saturday May 14th, 2005 12:17:04 AM
Draax listening to the story and like Tratain, he is not sure how much of it can be believed. "I agree, lets get back to the elves and hear what they have to say about the story."
Draax does not realize that Arien has changed until Renik brings it to his attention. As he looks into the water he tries to hold back a smile as he notices how cute Arien looks swimming with his children.
Farewell to the Hydrae (ADM Joe) Sunday May 15th, 2005 12:02:06 AM
The Story has raised concerns among the Party. How much was true? How much Made up? Is Arien going to remain a fish forever?
Make a Sense Motive Check DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: { You get the feeling that the reasons behind some of the Actions described by the Hydrae are suspect, but most of what they descrrbed happened in one way or another }
A good portion of the Day has passed between the creation of the Fairipusses and the Story Told by the Hydrae. If you leave soon you can get a few hours worth of travel in before night falls.
Monthor d20=11 Sunday May 15th, 2005 9:17:18 PM
Come on now girls. Let's get back on the road and go see the 'tree huggers'. But me swear, if me don't get to bash 'something' soon me'll have to challenge the 'princess' over there to an arm wrestling match."
:: Monthor smiles and smacks his right arm with his left hand ::
" Yes... that would be interesting now wouldn't it... Anywho.. buisness before pleasure. "
:: Monthor sets his axe up in a defencive position, taps his boots, and flies back up to the top. ::
Draax Monday May 16th, 2005 1:02:27 AM
"I agree, we need to get going but since we are down here are we going to at least look inside the wreck?"
Draax ask the others in the group more to delay the climb back to the top than any real curiosity.
Renik d20+9=14 d20+3=5 Monday May 16th, 2005 2:35:51 AM
"It looked pretty much buried in folliage to me" Renik replies to Draax. "But I may be mistaken. If it is easy to access let's examine it. If not, let us be off."
(Search 14 if wreck is easy to access)
As they leave Renik turns the Hydrae story over and over in his mind. He wishes he knew how much of it were true, if any (Sense Motive 5).
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+31=45 d20+17=33 d20+26=32 d20+17=36 Monday May 16th, 2005 5:03:04 PM
As the others begin to move on, the brothers skitter up to the land and proceed with the others. Once they reach the treeline, they'll resume their usual distance from the party and keep an eye on things from hiding (Hide 45/33, Move Silently 32/36)
Tratain d20+5=12 Monday May 16th, 2005 6:48:10 PM
Tratain says Well, while we are here we might as well see if anything's salvagable
After searching the wreck Tratain walks along with the others back up the ridge towords the Druid camp.
The Forest (ADM Joe) Monday May 16th, 2005 10:52:17 PM
The Group chooses to explore the wreck before leaving. While most of the ship is inaccessable due to being woven into the dam, there are still some parts that can be reached. After searching for a short while Renik is able to find a map of the Area, which the expidition was working on adding to before thier ship was destroyed. Several weapons are scattered about, rusted due to the proximity of the water. Renik is also able to Salvage 30 Regular Longbow Arrows out of the many quivers he comes across.
Done with the ship the Party climbs up the ridge and begins to make thier way back to the Druid Camp. Not Far from the Ridge there is something different. Many paths are now in evidence, heading in the same general direction the party is going. Sarigar and Jasper are able to make out many tracks, those of Wolves, Tigers, and Bears but they are huge, larger than any animals they have seen thus far.
When it starts getting dark a camp is set up. The night passes without the group being attacked, but during the night those awake can hear movement occasionally, beyond the firelight, out in the darkness.
At Daybreak, anyone chooseing to look can see new paths have been forged in the night, many large things passed the party by that night.
As you travel on Off in the Distance, you hear the thundering of many hooves. (Please Roll Spot Checks and read everything applicable)
If you beat DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Off in the Distance you see what you estimate to be about a dozen gleaming white Horses, you can see Horns Prodruding from thier heads.}
If you Beat DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {You see a creature flying along with them. It looks like a Dragon, only it is very small, no bigger than a Cat.}
If you Beat DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {On the backs of the Horses you see several Dozen tiny figures riding them, spread across them. }
The group travels on. Two hours later a pack of wolves bursts through the foilage no more than 70 feet from the party. Their size is increadable, the smallest is fully half again the size of Black Paws. Several Tilt thier heads and reguard the party as they run by, but they don't stop.
You will reach the Druids Camp shortly.
Feng d20+1=7 Tuesday May 17th, 2005 10:11:41 AM
Ontop his warhorse Feng draws his double axe when the wolves appear but he doesn't attack. He waits cautiously hoping that the wolves are messengers instead of predators. When they run past he breaths a sigh of relief and puts his double axe away.
Draax d20+6=21 Tuesday May 17th, 2005 12:11:05 PM
Draax looks at the white horses and remarks to his comrades (spot 21), "Although I have never seen one before, by the description those look like unicorns. I have no idea what those small dragon like creatures are that are with them."
At the site of the pack of the large wolves, Draax makes not sudden moves but is ready to pull and fire an arrow if the wolves attack. He is more that happy to see them go on their way.
Before reaching the druids Draax reminds the group, "Remember to write all this exciting stuff in the book, I am sure the greenman is really enjoying himself."
Tratain d20+10=20 Tuesday May 17th, 2005 1:09:37 PM
While Traveling along Tratain see's the white horses and points them out as well. He says I believe Draax is right, I have never seen one before either but they seem to fit the description. I also saw the small Dragon, something strange is going on.
When the wolves appear Tratain is on his guard but doesn't provoke them. He comments to the others The Wolves seem to be heading in the same direction as the Unicorns. The druid camp is that way I'm pretty sure.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+16=31 d20+16=17 Tuesday May 17th, 2005 3:22:01 PM
As the party travels onward, the brothers take in the scenery of the newly enhanced wild world around them. Despite the size of the tracks they've come across, the brothers feel completely at ease here, at home even.
As the white horses pass in the distance, Sarigar takes note of the cat-size dragons as well as the dimunitive riders (Spot 31). His brother, however, has his nose to the ground sniffing for other creatures in the area and does not even see the horses (Spot 17, nat 1).
"Ooo, you see the tiny people on the horses? Covered em like fleas, but were little people. Ooo, and little dragons too. I like this place."
As the wolves run by, the brothers lose themselves for a moment and begin running with the pack. They run for probably a quarter mile before they realize what they're doing and work their way back to the party. Hoping the others didn't see that, they remain quiet, but both carry very large, contented smiles upon their faces. It's been a long time since they just ran, without a care in the world.
Monthor d20=10 Tuesday May 17th, 2005 3:26:04 PM
At the sight of wolves, Monthor draws his pappy's axe and ignites the flames. The dwarf stands in a defensive position awaiting a possible attack.
" Herrrrrre puppy, puppy, puppy!!!! "
When the wolves leave, Monthor turns the flame from the axe off, pouts, and kicks the closest pebble.
" DOH! Ah shucks. Still no brawling for me. Ah well, let's go see the tree huggers. "
Renik d20+14=19 Tuesday May 17th, 2005 4:27:29 PM
"Don't worry, Monthor" Renik replies absently, as he examines the tracks of gigantic predators, "I suspect the way things are going around here we'll see action sooner rather than later."
He squints at the horse-like creatures in the distance, but cannot make out the detail his companions spot. "Most peculiar. It would seem that our elven enclave has taken on some significance. Let us get back there as swiftly as possible."
He has a growing sense of unease about the changes wrought since the coming of the king. This doesn't strike him as the natural path of nature, rather a wild, uncontrolled perversion of it. It sits ill with him.
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