Aiden Friday May 20th, 2005 4:02:08 PM
Aiden, choking with the ash, grabbed a piece of cloth from his back. Binding it over his mouth, he hoped that it would help filter the ash from entering his mouth.
"Do you think this is it?" he asked, his eyes wincing to try and make out more details.
Bohdi Nackle d20+7=12 d20+9=24 Friday May 20th, 2005 4:44:09 PM
"I don't know," Bohdi replied, his voice muffled by his own covering. He peered into the gloom of the ice cave, his gnomish sight registering details fainter than that which the humans could observe. "Perhaps I could shed more light on the subject. Gyrus globus illuminare!" (Cast: Dancing Lights) Three glowing, bobbing, colored orbs appeared at Bohdi's side and shot out across the interior of the cave, illuminating the area with a myriad of colors.
Meanwhile, Bohdi retrieved the ancient tome that the village shaman had provided to him and examined it. "I was working on deciphering these runes ... I think I understand the basic system. Maybe there's something in here that would help." (Knowledge, High Woldian = 12; Knowledge, Arcana = 24)
The Depths of Being Mortal Friday May 20th, 2005 5:42:23 PM
The cave is narrow and confined, more of crack in the mountain than a cave. Moving deeper the mountain seems to groan and your footfalls echo off the icy floor. The air here is terribly damp and bitter cold, far different from what it should be. Were it not for your thick coats and layers hypothermia would be a grave danger here. The air seems to condense upon any heat source and then almost instantly freezes.
This is a sacred place to Celsium, all have heard of the nexus points within the Ice Vien. Garret from his teachings and study of Domi within the Vein. This would be a forgotten place since the great Ascension, and thus it is touched and aware. Bohdi has also read of such places of power, portals and weak fabrics of reality weave together in such places and only the most powerful of archmages, such as Meznock could hope to bend such power to his purposes. The rangers, Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull know stories of long ago when Celsium itself walked the Vein. It is whispered he created several lairs deep in mountains to study the powers of the gods themselves. Frigga'Isa has also been told tales of terrible power associated with such places, but also has heard tales of hope and guidance that mortals could possibly reach out and contact beings beyond the realm of men in such places and that is the first steps to fulfilling a witch's true calling.
As the group moves deeper, Bohdi's light gleams off the frost covered walls and soon there are strange glyphs that are visible, leading deeper into the depths. Bohdi recognizes instantly the writing from the book. The sacred lost language of the gods, High Woldian.
The Twins Friday May 20th, 2005 8:54:49 PM
As the brother and sister look upon the frost covered walls of the ancient language both are overcome with a great sense of humility.
The yound witch runs her fingers across some of the symbols and blinks. "Oh Nauth, Mjolka would love this place. She says that we can contact those who are lost to us through places of power such as this. Celsium's power and knowledge was immense."
Nauth's attention was to the floor fo the cave as they walked in as habit and instinct led him to searching for tracks. He continued his lookabouts until Frigga mentioned contacting those who are lost.
"Did...do...do you mean?
A look of sadness, jay and excitement welled up with tears in the young man's eyes.
Realizing that maybe she should have kept that information to herself, Frigga did not know how to answer.
"I am not sure brother. Mjolka has said that such things are possible but I have no idea how to do it. I am sorry brother."
Aiden Sunday May 22nd, 2005 11:26:35 PM
Crunching through the frozen entrance of the cave, Aiden's eyes widened as they were entering something that could best be described as 'holy' ground. Quietly he followed the others, noting that he had absolutely no clue what those strange symbols on the wall meant, or even what to do beyond being on guard, or ready to move forward.
Bohdi Nackle d20+7=17 d20+4=12 Monday May 23rd, 2005 9:07:14 AM
"Incredible," Bohdi murmured in true appreciation. He gazed at the runes intently, then looked up at his companions distractedly. "My lights won't last for long. Does someone have a torch?"
He returned his attention to the runes. His short, nimble fingers traced their outlines as the companions walked. "The shaman told us to 'find the passage that speaks of us, The Children of the SoulWalk, the Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa, and do as it says.' Maybe it's around here somewhere." Bohdi held up the book and compared the runes within it to those on the cave walls, looking for the "passage" of which the shaman spoke.
(Knowledge, High Woldian = 17; Search = 12; Bohdi will take 20 on either, as needed)
The Twins d20+8=28 Monday May 23rd, 2005 10:43:58 AM
"Ohh how wonderful wunjos. This is beautifull!" says the wide eyed witch. Her body feels invigorated and her spirits raised with excitement.
Nauth kneels down, removes a torch and lights it. Blowing gently to ensure that the sparks spread and consume the head Nauth looks around with a keen eye, trying to see what he can see. ============== Frigga is amazed at the cave and just a bit stunned atm.
Nauth's spot check=28 NAT 20!
Garrett Monday May 23rd, 2005 12:28:48 PM
Garrett also stops to light a torch as he marvels at the magnificent entrance.
"You know, perhaps we should rest until morning and heal up a little more before we begin exploring or going further. We are still somewhat tore up, and We really have no idea what awaits us be it trap, guardian, both or neither. We may wish to be at the top of our game before venturing further."
The Woldian Wall Monday May 23rd, 2005 1:57:28 PM
Bohdi's lights dance and his mind reels, the secrets, the possibilities, nearly limitless. A torch is struck to life ans the group explores a little but not too deeply on word of caution form Garret. From the recent encounter the groups resources are all but consumed, injuries still numerous and who knows what may still lie deeper in the cold recesses of the cave. It has also been almost a full day on trekking through mountainous terrain and mortal needs are starting to make thier voices heard to all in the group.
No tracks or traces can be found upon the rock floor nor any other trace of passage be it interloper or resident. The group takes watch orders and sleep rotations through the twighlight hours, which in the cave turn to actual darkness. Nothing stirs, save the occassional toss or turn from a fellow party member shifting for comfort in thier sleep.
Any small forrays outside the cave finds the ash still falling and now more than a foot covers the ground. The dark ash absorbs any hint of light that penetrates the clouds or escapes the cave and truly casts all in a deep gloom. There is no visual beyond the firelight within the cave.
Day comes in a way, the ash has finally stopped, but the deep black cloud remains and the sun remains vanquished from the sky.
With book in hand, Bohdi slowly makes his way deeper into the cave. Garret, Nauthiz'Ull, Aiden and Frigga'Isa remainig alert for signs of danger, there appear to be none. Nauthiz'Ull's sharp eyes discern it first, an almost man made dias of stone set slightly into the wall. Bohdi stops short just in front of it. In blue with a frost'like shadowing effect if the Woldian glyph Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa. Just below to the right in green with a red shadow is another prominant glyph. The gnomes fingers fly across the pages in search of the translation...
DM...Post away
Bohdi Nackle d20+7=16 d20+4=8 Monday May 23rd, 2005 2:42:04 PM
Bohdi strode forward purposefully toward the dais. "This is it!" he declared to the others, pointing to the first rune. "That's the rune we were told to find. Now, let's see here ... I've learned a little about this language ... that other rune, just over and down to the right there, that should be ... hmmm ...."
The gnome puzzled over his book, lost in thought. (Knowledge, High Woldian = 16. Bohdi will take 20 for a 27, as needed. Search for relevant translation = 8. Again, take 20 for a 24, as needed.)
Garrett Jax (HP 16/16) d8+2=5 d8+2=10 Monday May 23rd, 2005 3:42:14 PM
Just before bed, Garrett will cast his remaining 0 level spells as cure minor wounds. Healing himself of 3 hp damage, and Nauth 1 hp.
Remember through the night that the wounded heal their level in hp (2 each). And I am not quite sure how wounded Aiden is.
Come morning. "Nauth, Aiden, I've got some healing over here if you need some."
Garrett casts CLW on Nauth for 5hp, and CLW on Aiden(assuming he needs it) for 10hp.
"Well Bohdi, it appears that things are up to you now."
Aiden Monday May 23rd, 2005 8:06:59 PM
Aiden, not liking this one bit, grunted over to Nauthiz, "You get healed first.." There was no room for argument. The ranger had much more to live/worry about than Aiden (aka Frigga).
"I shall watch..." as his eyes closed to near slits, focusing on the gnome.
The Twins Tuesday May 24th, 2005 9:13:17 AM
With Bohdi's announcement that the symbols are the ones that the group was looking for Frigga sprang up and rushed over to him.
Peering over the gnomes shoulders (pretty easy to do) Frigga's flowing brown hair fell over her eyes. With a puff and a toss of her head the hair was gone and her eyes fixed themselves to the symbols on the walls.
"Wunjo, tell us more. What does it say that we have to do?"
Nauth closes his eyes in a reflective embarassment at the fact that he needs to be healed.
"Wunjo, Garret, I am truly sorryt hat you must waste Domi's granted powers to you on me. I am proving to be a pin-cushion and a sparring dummy."
The young ranger looks over the runes in a slight awe as the others go about their business.
The twins both sit near each other, Frigga's head resting on Nauth's shoulder and eat a bit of breakfast as Bohdi continues to decipher.
Translations DM Post Tuesday May 24th, 2005 11:46:25 AM
Bohdi begins translating, slowly, the glyphs are not only incredibly complex, but the language is ponderous at best. The glyph in green and red translates De Kyll' Dreyri, the Pack of Blood Glyphs: Elf songs and dreaming kings through longing lost and united will sing Herald a new age of truth untold and thus bring about the end of the Wold. Cresium secreted away from the dreaming king his wedding band and hid it within this realm under watchful eye of his undying servant. None who dwell within Celsium's realm may divine this secret. Only those who can not survive can read the glyphs of ancient secrets. The Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa must be respectful of courage and strength or they will be destroyed, even the unimposing carries great power, but all will perish if not shown the way of Celsium. The Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa must guide the Kyll' Dreyri, the Pack of Blood, but also must know when to abandon them. For by doing so only then may the Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa save the Kyll' Dreyri. Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa sacrifice will be given by the pure and clean as driven snow. Will rest, unyielding here forever more. The callers join hands and the children of the end dreamer can then call the Kyll' Dreyri.
There is more to the glyphs, but despite Bohdis best efforts the solution to them completely eludes him. It is almost as if the glyphs keep changing as he looks from them to the book. The platform sits empty before you all.
Bohdi Nackle Tuesday May 24th, 2005 4:19:25 PM
"'Pack of Blood,'" Bohdi echoed to himself as he translated aloud. "Pack of Blood. Sounds like it's a proper name that refers to a group somehow, like, 'Council of Zarnan,' or 'Gang of Four.' This has to be connected to the visions."
He turned to the others. "What do you think? You remember what the ice ants told us? 'Summon the pack.' And the ghost on Burfell: 'Bring the pack.' And then there was the sweat lodge vision--didn't you all feel what I did, that there would be a group that we would all feel a need to summon to us? This has got to be that group--right?"
Bohdi repeated what he was able to make out from the ancient glyphs. "'Elf songs and dreaming kings through longing lost and united will sing/Herald a new age of truth untold and thus bring about the end of the Wold.' Well, that's got to be that blasted elf-dream that we experienced, don't you think? So that makes a bit of sense. Then it says, 'Cresium secreted away from the dreaming king his wedding band and hid it within this realm under watchful eye of his undying servant./None who dwell within Celsium's realm may divine this secret. Only those who can not survive can read the glyphs of ancient secrets.' I haven't the foggiest idea what all that's about. 'The Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa'--that's us--'must be respectful of courage and strength or they will be destroyed, even the unimposing carries great power, but all will perish if not shown the way of Celsium.' Well, whatever that means, I say we follow it! I don't fancy that talk about being destroyed or perishing. 'The Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa must guide the Kyll' Dreyri, the Pack of Blood, but also must know when to abandon them. For by doing so only then may the Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa save the Kyll' Dreyri.' What the devil does that mean, do you suppose? 'Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa sacrifice will be given by the pure and clean as driven snow. Will rest, unyielding here forever more.' I haven't the foggiest ... but wait, here's the last bit: 'The callers join hands and the children of the end dreamer can then call the Kyll' Dreyri.'"
Bohdi turned to the others again. "Well, that's got to be it, hasn't it? We're all supposed to join hands somehow and that's how we call to this Kyll' Dreyri-Pack of Blood group. Hm." The gnome paused, looked back at the altar and the others, snapped the ancient tome closed, and nodded with satisfaction.
"Well, that does it, then! Mystery solved! What say we head on back to the village and tell the shaman what we found, eh?" The gnome shouldered his pack and headed toward the cave entrance.
The Twins Tuesday May 24th, 2005 6:25:54 PM
The ranger bites his lip while Bohdi does his best to unwind the enigma. Some parts are confussing to Nauth, others make great sense but Bohdi's sudden action to leave the cave send a smirk to his face.
"Wait a minute wunjo! You are heading the wrong way. Do you see that platform up there? Me thinks that is where we need to be...all of us wunjos."
Nauth walks up to and onto the platform and holds his hands out for the others to take hold.
Frigga's eyes are once again as large as dinner platters and her lower jaw slightly agape.
"I think Nauth is right on this one. That platform must be where we summon the Pack of Blood."
Frigga takes a somber look around at all the runes again and solemnly strides up to Nauth's left and grabs his hand.
Aiden Tuesday May 24th, 2005 8:16:07 PM
Aiden listened to what the group offered. "Pack of Blood sounds more like a war party. Are you sure we are to help summon it?"
He frowned, "Can any of you cast rods or do some other divination to determine if it is right?" Aiden wasn't exactly superstitious, but this sounded quite suspicious.
Bohdi Nackle (illegal second post) Tuesday May 24th, 2005 11:08:31 PM
"Cast rods?" Bohdi echoed. "Cast a bleeding rod between our bleeding temples, more like. Most likely that last group we just ran into out on the ice thought the same thing. 'Oh yes, let's all stand together and hold hands and chant in this ancient cave, ooooh, yes, how bloody mystical. Oh, what's this? We're turning into bloody walking popsicles? Oh, how lovely, now we're all happy little zombies of Celsium.' I mean, really, didn't you people hear what was written there? 'Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa sacrifice will be given by the pure and clean as driven snow. Will rest, unyielding here forever more.' It doesn't get any bloody clearer than that, wunjos, doesn't it? Well, I'll not be some bloody sacrifice to some bloody ice gods for some bloody Pack! You hear me? I'll not!"
The little gnome stamped his foot adamantly and stuck out a petulant lower lip. His show of defiance would have seemed more believeable, perhaps, if he didn't face the certainty of having to cross an icy wasteland, alone, without the support or assistance of those who had guided him here in the first place. After a few moments of patient waiting on the part of the others, the absurdity of the gnome's position dawned on even him, and he shuffled over crossly to take his place on the altar.
"Bloody hell," he muttered, taking the hands of his companions. "Pro'lly end up a snack for a bleedin' ice worm that way anyway, what's the bloody difference ...."
Garrett Jax Wednesday May 25th, 2005 9:14:49 AM
"As little as I like it, that does seem to be the course of action. I do perhaps think that in this instance I would prefer another day to pass before we attempt to summon the pack. I would at least like to regain my spells and make sure everyone is healed, and I am able to offer more should the need arise."
"Additionally, another day will allow us to thouroughly explore the area for that which may not be seen on casual glance, as well as allow Bohdi to spend some more time trying to decipher more of what lies in this cave."
"The other thing that concerns me, is that the canyon we followed here led only here. Since the undead were between us and here, they were either from here, some sort of guardians, or just happened to be hanging out in the area. I'm thinking one of the first 2 options."
Garrett turns to Nauth after he is healed. "You know Wunjo, Domi's healing is like a gift. Were you not worthy, you would not receive the gift. Simply rejoice in the power and divinity of the gift, do not be ashamed. Besides my friend, embarrassment does not suit a man and warrior of your caliber. Domi favors the brave, and you are as brave as any man."
So it Begins DM Post Wednesday May 25th, 2005 9:34:54 AM
Garret mentions waiting another day, it is discussed and eventually decided that since it is only maybe an hour since Breakfast, waiting over 24 hours is a bit long.
The group joins hands before the platform in front of the Wall of the ancients and begins the chant of summoning in the ancient voice of a long lost language of the gods. There is a flash of white about the group and spirits are lifted, wounds healed and all spells refreshed as a divine presence fills each of you.
But then the presence turns sinister, a gift for a gift. Garret sees it first a hand stretches out in his mind to Frigg'Isa with a single thought, 'Bride'. Then all can see it, including the young woman, but instead of fear or panic a wry knowing smile crosses her face. Her Spirit Dagger, unnoticed in her hand until now begins to glow, Frigg'Isa begins a low arcane chant, mixed with language of the divine. Her voice sounds like the very cold of Ice Vein itself. A living viable presence in its own right.
The hand shakes, the voice cries into everyone's head in panic "NO!" Frigg'Isa continues, her smile widening, her eyes locked in a determined glare unbecoming of one so young. The voice calls again, "You were told, but how? Celsium!" The hand, then strikes suddenly out into the young womans mind, but again there is no fear but opening and accepting of the blow. Frigg'Isa falls, softly like the first flake of a winter storm. A final thought echoes in the minds of her friends and family.
"I will always be here, you need only call to me my dear friends. Dear Nauthiz'Ull you are stronger than you suppose, braver than you realize and never alone. Father stands to your right and I to your left upon every path you walk."
The Dagger then lifts lightly from the ground and sails with unyielding force into the granite walls, a warm glow spreading from the sunken blade seemmingly bringing the very runes and glyphs of the wall to life.
Nauthiz'Ull Wednesday May 25th, 2005 10:29:06 AM Tears, tears, tears.
As the thoughts and vision of the hand enter the mind of the young ranger all he is able to do is scream internally.
Not my SISTER! She is all that I have left. Take me then too! Take us both if you need her, I will be alone without her!
As the hand thrusts into Frigga's mind a bubble of drool and snot bursts from one of Nauth's facial orifices and he lunges to tries to grab his sister and pull her away.
The young ranger realizes that he is too late and catches Frigga's limp body inches away from the ground, laying her down gently.
"NO! NO! I CAN SAVE HER! ohh Frigga, I can save YOU!"
Nauth immediately reaches into a pocket somewhere and grabs a vial and pours it into her mouth. Her face is spotted with the tears of her brother as serenity covers her face.
A flash of rage snaps into Nauth's eyes as he looks up to the others in the group.
"Do something! Garret get your damned god to help my sister! Bohdi, find something in that infernal book that will save her! Aiden...please help me.....
::::::::::::::::::::::::: Nauth takes the CMW(?) potion that was given to him by the gnome on the sleigh and tries, in vain, to use it on Frigga. I know that this won't work, it is merely a RolePlaying action.
The Summoning (Guest DM MikeK) Wednesday May 25th, 2005 2:32:34 PM
Nauth cries out to his companions, but none have time to react before the summoning Frigg'Isa completed comes to fruition.
The glyphs continue to glow, and suddenly the platform is occupied. There is no noise, no flash, no dramatic effect whatsoever. One instant, the group is looking at an empty platform, and in the next instant, it is populated with eight figures.
Three things are immediately apparent.
Firstly, and most glaringly, these eight foreigners are completely unprepared for the ice. A huge bull headed figure wears nothing but light pants, boots and a belt. A fist sized, tear shaped ruby appears to be implanted in his bare, brown chest. Next to the minotaur stands a large half-orc. He wears a breastplate that appears to woven from a grass of some kind. His arms are bare. There is human woman wearing little more than a cloth shirt, breaches and very thin cloak. Two bare-armed men wear only leather armor and cloth breeches. One has a bow slung over his shoulder. The other carries a wooden club. Another man wears a breastplate and greaves over bare legs. His breastplate and shield are emblazoned with the upright Hammer of Domi in gold. A female gnome fades into the background, her in dark leather armor making it difficult to pick her out. The last figure, about the size of a small human is in full platemail. Inconceivably, he has encased himself in cold bearing metal.
The cloaks of the gnome and the cleric shift colors, changing from neutral gray to dark black. The others obviously feel the cold, their bare skin already turning blue as their bodies lose their heat to the air.
Secondly, however far from the Ice Vein they may have been born, these new people are most definitely warriors. However surprised they might be from their sudden appearance, however chilled they might be from the air, eight pairs of eyes immediately scan the area. They quickly focus on the four newest adults of Ice Peak Village. The eyes are hard, probing, analyzing, and remind the quartet of those of the fiercest warriors of the village. Within mere seconds of their arrival, the eight foreigners begin to react, and react as a team. Minotaur, half-orc, and platemailed figure reach for weapons and step forward. They reach for a greataxe, a huge orcish double bladed axe, and longsword respectively. The gnome flows to her right, producing a curious shaped hook/hammer. The bow wielding man pulls his weapon as he moves in practiced harmony with the gnome. The cleric, the woman, and the club weilder begin moving their hands and fingers, in preparation of various incantations.
Thirdly, the Ice Veiners understand, with stone cold certainty, their very lives hang on what they do or say in the next few seconds. They are the wolf cub that has surprised a napping polar bear. They have ripped seasoned warriors from their homes. Warriors who are confused, disoriented, increasingly cold, and very unhappy with what has just happened.
The foreigners are reacting instinctively. And those instincts promise rapid, extreme violence.
OOC- You are in combat time. Everyone, including Nauth, can make one standard action. You only have time to say or do something within that time in order to convince the Bloodpack not to splatter your insides all over this cave.
Aiden Wednesday May 25th, 2005 9:20:50 PM
(blast...a lot to react to (including Bohdi's and Nauth's...sigh)
Aiden was unable to answer the gnome nor react to what had happened to Frigga. ~Fools...we should have prepared...~ He was angry at himself for not having taken a stronger role, and now it had costed them one of their own.
"Hold..." Aiden spoke in ork to the larger fighters, "Who are you that enters the lands of ice?" His eyes and body language was firm...fearless, his hands to the side so not to have the warriors think that they were reaching for their weapons.
Nauthiz'Ull Wednesday May 25th, 2005 10:43:13 PM
A headache the size of Yrth errupts inside the head of the young ranger. Frigga has vanished and eight impossing figures have appeared. He does the math rather quickly.
"What have you done with Frigg'Isa?! My sister's life will be revenged tenfold!"
Nauth jumps to his feet as Aiden speaks and tells everyone to "Hold".
Bohdi Nackle (AC 14, HP 14/14) and Squork (AC 15, HP 7/7) Thursday May 26th, 2005 7:45:02 AM
Bohdi ignored the others. He stared at the diminutive female gnome figure in front of him and walked slowly forward, mouth agape. With an uncomprehending, stunned expression, he looked at her and rubbed his eyes.
"F-f-f ... Furtif Aeanora Flibbertigibbit? Flea?" the gnome stammered. "Is that-- is that really you, love?" He moved toward her heedless of the drawn weapons and tense stances. One might get the distinct impression that Bohdi was about to kiss this newly arrived stranger.
Squork could only shake his feathered head in disgust.
Garrett Jax Thursday May 26th, 2005 8:19:37 AM
Garrett looks at the 8 figures and wonders if this summoning was a bad idea.
Garrett grabs Nauth and does his best to hold onto him and stay between Nauth and the strangers, and says in his ear. "Now is not the time for your rage Wunjo. Her death means nothing if we are all slaughtered like cattle. We aren't even sure that it is their fault, we summoned them."
DM NOTE Thursday May 26th, 2005 11:26:16 AM
the Blood pack should be posting response to your actions shortly. There may be a delay in until tomorrow for the next DM Post here
Tishe' Thursday May 26th, 2005 12:05:48 PM
Where are the trees? Where is the village? Where is the warmth!!! Lips blue and teeth chattering, the plain-faced woman quickly glances about and sees the four fur-clad people in front of her. "These don't look like forest guardians to me, Gilan", she says in a moderate alto to the club-wielding man.
And then the thin man advances with threat. Anger sparks in the young woman's brown eyes; they may not be of the forest but they seem to be bullies.
"Back Off, White Hand!", she commands, her hands raised in the first passes of her spellweaving, "One more step and you are piggie fodder!"
Active Spells Mage Armor [extended] 10 hours See Invisibility [extended] 100 minutes
Trellus (Endure Elements) Thursday May 26th, 2005 1:56:36 PM
Trellus' mind reels and sights, sounds, and the very air all change. The blond haired cleric's cloak turns black [Cloak of Comfort] as he assesses the situation. An attack?
The four, no five dudes in front of him. Did they do this? Friend or foe? Orcish - "Hold" - that one said. Another accuses. A third advances. Friend or foe? The fourth, restrains his companions. He wears the symbol of Domi. Friend or foe?
Trellus know he must decide, now. Cause Gry is about to chop orc talker into a couple pieces. not foes. Not yet. Trellus decides.
The cleric mutters his standard, "don't let this stunt kill me" prayer, and then strides in between Gry and orc talker hands spread wide.
Warp down! he bellows. And then he focuses in on the other group's cleric. "Weave a fast story, dude. Where are we, and why are we here?" Trellus expects answers, and he expects them in hurry.
Gilan d20+14=33 d20+16=34 Thursday May 26th, 2005 2:29:08 PM
Gilan takes in the small group that stands before them and slips the club back into his belt. He has far more effective weapons if he needs to call upon them. He pulls the cloak tighter about his body to stave off the effects of cold. "Gry, Mac, Jake...give them a chance to explain...we do have the advantage in numbers and from the looks combat experience." His eyes take in all that is around him as he tries to get his numbed brain to focus on the tasks at hand.
As he watches the actions of those around him he bares his teeth slightly at the sudden outburst. He can feel his own control slipping as he tries harder to fight off the cold...then it hits him...the wand he bought but he does not dare pull it now. "I think that I can make us at least a little more comfortable in this cold...but the effects may not be as good...the cold is extreme." He lays a hand upon Tishe' from under his cloak and shakes his head lightly. "I believe that they are as surprised and confused as we are."
Turning back to the other group he adds to what Trellus has said. "Make it quick so that we may see about getting warmth back into our bones or at least eleviating this cold to a degree." His teeth are chattering and he is finding it harder to think all the time. If they fight then they get warm and if he can use his spells then they will be somewhat warmer...he hopes.
Flea (AC 18, HP 65) d20-1=6 d20+11=15 d20+7=25 d2=2 Thursday May 26th, 2005 3:05:45 PM
Flea emerges to the right of Grymash, crouching a little, and looking warily at the strange pack dressed in furs. (Sense Motive=6) Her eyes narrow, when she spots the smallish figure and then she hears a voice coming out from under the large fur hat,(Listen=15)
"Is that really you, love?"
and then Flea remembers.
"Gnome of my dreams..."
Flea straightens, and before the fur clad stranger can get any closer, Flea thwacks him acrosss the face with her open hand. (Hit AC 25, for 2 dmg) In a shrill voice she demands, "did you do this Bohdi Nackle?! So help me, I'll tear you weft from web if you wove this pick!"
Garrett Thursday May 26th, 2005 4:25:28 PM
Continuing to Nauth, " Nauth, These people were not responsible for what happened to Frigg, and you know that. She knew what was coming and was prepared for it. Remember her final words, and take comfort in them. For now, we must deal with the outsiders."
Garrett turns toward Trellis, eyes the holy symbol upon his breastplate and steps forward toward him, arms away from his weapon. "Greetings brother. Let us make sure hostilities do not commence until we have had a chance to talk, because we have much to talk about. It appears quite apparent to me that you could all quickly destroy my friends and I, but it is as apparent that you would all follow suit, succumbing to ice's veins frozen touch. If you are the one's known as the Blood Pack, then we have summoned you here. We are following an ancient prophecy that deals with preventing the end of the Wold. And you are part of that prophecy."
"we have much to talk about, but it might be a good idea to let that wait until we help you and your friends keep from freezing to death as best we can."
Garrett slowly pulls off his backpack and retrieves his spare set of cold weather clothes as well as 2 winter blankets. He then looks to Trellis and friends to await their response.
Nauthiz'Ull Thursday May 26th, 2005 5:28:07 PM
The dark-skinned young man tosses his mottled grey hood back and remains kneeling next to his sister. Tear streaks run like a tributary to a great river down his cheeks. His eyes stay steady to the group for a moment and then return to Frigg'Isa. His hand strokes her cheeks and smooths and places her hair as best as he can.
Ull"Heimdall. Frigg'isa. You were all that I had, now I have naught. When will it be my time to join back with my family? Frigga, I know that Mother is with you.....
The mouth of the young man opens yet nothing comes forth except a small bubblish-squeak.
"The bite of the Vein is worse than anything you have felt before strange ones. Good luck fending off its jaws."
Grymash (6' 10" half-orc, wild-looking and massive amounts of muscle.) d100=34 d6=4 d20+8=19 d20+7=22 Thursday May 26th, 2005 8:33:23 PM
Grymash's eyes go wide and feral as his body is assaulted by this strange and painful place. His face fills with a dreadful grimace. The cold startles him so that his mind retreats to allow his survival instincts to take over. The half-orc knows no word for "cold" or "freezing"! He's never experienced such temperatures. Only the blistering heat of the sun. "GRRRRR, Whut magik dis be?!" Why is Trellus getting in his way, just like Hissy. He swipes Trellus aside with a shove from his massive arm (Strength check 22). He takes up his massive double axe in a threatening posture. The winds sting him like a swarm of creepers. His anger grows even greater. The huge half-orc's symbol of Gargul on his buckler begins to glow. Those in the Bloodpack should know what that means. Grymash repeats his last statement, except this time it has a bit more volume and spit. "WHUT MAGIK DIS BE?!"
(Intimidate 19. Better hurry, Trellus bought you a round! :)
Bohdi Nackle (AC 14, HP 12/14) and Squork (AC 15, HP 7/7) d20=3 Thursday May 26th, 2005 9:13:58 PM Thwack! The resounding sound of feminine gnomish fury meeting an unsuspecting masculine gnomish cheek reverberated through the icy hollow that formed the cave. It was soon accompanied by the cackling of an amused raven.
"Hush, you," Bohdi scolded Squork, as his cheek blazed red from the blow. "Don't know if I deserved that," he added quietly to himself, before turning his attention back to the angry female gnome before him.
"Flea! Furtif Aeanora, darling!" the gnome stammered hastily into the face of fiercely glowing eyes, narrowly drawn. "My light and gnomish vision! What an unexpected pleasure! Why, what a complete delight, well, of course, but I had no idea that following the prophecies would bring you ... I mean, of course, I'm perfectly delighted, naturally, but, well, I--I mean, here you are, and with friends, too! And they're so--they're so--so big, heh," the gnome eyed Grymash nervously and shuffled sideways, adjusting his fur collar and muffle.
Bohdi coughed and cleared his throat noisily before continuing. (Diplomacy, untrained, 3!) "Er, yes, Flea, dear, my love, well, you see, it's--er, well, it's like this. You see, darling, we--I mean, that is to say, Garrett and Aiden here, and Nauthiz'Ull and Frigg'Isa too, and I, we were on this sort of quest, you see, and, er, well, we are the Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa!--uh, yes, and, well, the ice ants and the ghost and the vision in the sweat lodge, well, they all told us to, uh, summon you here, and, er, so, we did! Er, yes! And, what--I mean, well, I'm quite delighted that it turned out to be you, well, naturally, and, uh, now that you're here, you see, well, we can ... I mean, now we could ... er ...."
The gnome trailed off and looked about desperately at his companions for assistance. "Well, what are we supposed to be doing, exactly?"
Jake Thursday May 26th, 2005 9:45:07 PM
"AAaaaaah!" Jake yowls in pain as he's assaulted by millions of unseen bees! Pelted all over his body, especially on his nose, his eyes, his fingers...oh, his ears! They ache most of all, and he instinctively drops his shield and sword and grabs them, covering them, trying to stop the pain. Quickly he realizes what's happened...his sword has done something! He knew he shouldn't have gotten it all magified and freezing. He picks up his magnificent long sword, and yells out, "Damn you, Magic! I HATE You I hate you i hate you, always doing stupid stuff like this!" and throws his long sword as far as he can away.
He turns to the others, shivering and freezing, trying to unbuckle his armor and wishing he had a cloak or something... "Trell! My magic sword musta broke...we're gonna die of freezingdeath. And..and.." Abruptly he realizes, looking at the others, that there's company, and that, further, from their actions, that they might be dangerous. Jake swiftly draws a long, curved dagger and faces off with the guy growling in orc...glaring at him, filled with pain.
Aiden Friday May 27th, 2005 12:11:16 AM
The grim young warrior looked at the others who, other than the gnome, were ready to move to their weapons.
Seeing Bohdi get slapped caused a smile begin to appear upon his face. However, that smile quickly disappeared when the ork stepped forward with his double axe.
"I do not know what has brought you here..." he replied back in accented 'common'. For those with a fine ear, there was a decidedly different accent to his words than to the others. These warriors would easily best Aiden and company...
But he wasn't going to back down.
~I had better let Bohdi and the others speak...they had not answered my question directly, but it is easy to see that they are strangers. If hostile, we should run quickly to the hills and let the ice take them...~
DM Post [Daniel K] Friday May 27th, 2005 11:02:55 AM
There was a small incorrect assumption that all the Bloodpack could post here no problems. That is wrong and is being corrected. Please stand by, the freezing will commmence shortly.
Anuk d20+11=27 Friday May 27th, 2005 2:39:53 PM
For the second time in as many months, Anuk experiences the dizzying and disorienting sensation of being immediately transferred out of one environment and into another. One moment he's staring into the darkness of a grove of trees, the next he's face to face with a group of unknown, and apparently hairy, figures. The ranger's bow is raised in an instant.
Then it hits him that it's cold. No, not just cold--he can feel the blood freezing in his veins. His fingers, holding his bowstring, immediately begin to throb and ache, swelling slightly as the blood rushes to keep his extremeties warm; to keep all of him warm. His nose begins to run and the snot freezes on his upper lip. His teeth chatter involuntarily.
"Wha--who---wha??" is all he can manage to say when he realizes that Flea seems to actually know one of these strangers. Another of the strangers is retrieving blankets -- they seem to be trying to help. Realizing that he's about to lose his grip on the bow, Anuk makes a hasty decision and turns away from the group just as he loses control of his weapon and the arrow zings away.
He stands in the snow, looking cold, confused, and foolish, with his curly brown hair, his slight cloak, and his force of will his only protection against the elements.
(Endurance - fortitude 27)
First Impressions [DM Post] Friday May 27th, 2005 5:38:52 PM
The cold assaults those of the Bloodpack like nothing they have ever encountered. The steam that was flowing off thier bodies is already crystallizing to ice. What was sweat is freezing almost instantly. Still they are seasoned veteran adventurers and not prone to fall to pieces against adversity.
Words are quickly exchanged bewteen the groups and on either side the clerics of Domi seem to wish to quickly intercede before exterme discomfort and disorientation spring to violence. For each have a good understanding of the warriors on their own side.
The cleric in furs steps forward quickly explaining of an ancient prophesy and the possible end of the Wold. As he does so, he reaches into his pack for warm furs and blankets in offering to the outsiders.
The small fur claded gnome appears to know one of the pack and moves forward to possibly embrace Flea, whose reaction is quite understandable, but most definately confirms the two know each other.
Trellus notes two concerns, the largest is the Gry is very put off, but hopefully the other clerics offer will calm him. The second is that the cold penetrates his magical cloak. It is obvious from the reactions of his pack mates the magic works still, but something about this place has lessened it.
The man clad in fur cradling the womans body on the floor of the cave seems too wrapped in personal grief to care much of what is happening. His only comments offer little.
Thoughts race through the mind of the druid from the grasslands and they quickly form a single conclusion, without some protection be it mundane or magical they would all perish in a relatively short time. Those that summoned them were likely thier only hope of survival.
All Blood packers fort save DC 19 or take 1d6 lethal cold dmg except Trellus
Flea (AC 18; HP61/ 65) d20+3=7 d6=4 Friday May 27th, 2005 6:05:07 PM
Flea looks at Bohdi and her light blue eyes widen as he tells his incredulous story. Before she can fully comprehend the repercussions, it hits her--bone chilling, mind numbing cold.(Fort check=7, fail, 4 pts. dmg)
The gnome's teeth start to chatter and her freezing fingers pry at the straps of her pack. Falling to her knees, she fumbles numbly at the opening, "B-b-bohdi, p-p-please h-h-help m-m-me! Th-th-the c-c-cloak*. I-i-it's o-o-on th-th-the t-t-top!".
*Cloak of Comfort-When worn, it continuously keeps the wearer comfortable in temperatures ranging from -50 to 140 degrees Farenheit. The wearer is not required to make Fortitude checks due to the environmental temperature.
Mac d20+9=25 d20=1 Friday May 27th, 2005 7:34:26 PM
Mac shivers and the frosty flakes of snow tingle and sting his nose and eyes. There are words, deep and sonorous, the likes of which not even his fellow pack mates have heared. He turns to all assembled, his breath from his nostrils, cooling condensing and freezing. "Let us get the small ones and the rest of us into the warmth before they catch their death of cold!" He pulls at the cloth cover on Galea's carry-case, to afford her more protection, unaware it may already be too late.*
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- *Galea's Fort Save: natural 1.
Trellus (Endure Elements) d20+2=6 Friday May 27th, 2005 7:51:59 PM
Trellus starts to nod at the other cleric when Grymash blasts him off his feet. The blond man reacts immediately. Time is too short.
"Gry, Warp Down! he orders again, simultaneously sending a heart touch to his fellow pack mate. "They're the good guys!" Sunbaked good guys, he tells himself irritably, but still the good guys.
Trellus scrambles to his feet, calling out instructions all the while, "Nuk - Grab some clothes from this dude. Tishe - you too. Gil - Wand. You first, then Jake. You, Little Dude - Get Flea that cloak."
"Brother, you gotta get your whitehanded packmate to back off."
Garrett Jax Saturday May 28th, 2005 7:51:24 AM
Garrett nods to Trellis, and hands over the clothes and blankets.
Garrett then turns to Aiden. "Aiden, will you help them dress properly so they maximize their protection from the cold? And if you have a spare set of cold weather clothes, they will need them....I think that we brought them here."
Turning back to Trellis. "I also have two spells on hand that will protect from the cold. If two of your companions would allow me to place the spell on them, it will stop the cold."
Garrett will cast Endure Elements on the first two of the blood pack to step forward and accept the spell. Also looking at the number of them and realizing we do not have enough cold weather clothes or blankets to help them all, Garrett tries to remember if there was any wood near the entrance to the cave. We are going to need to start a fire for them.
Garrett ( submitted last prematurely) Saturday May 28th, 2005 8:04:46 AM
Turning back to Aiden. "Aiden, we summoned them to help, let's treat them as friends until they show otherwise. We startled the hell out of them and they reacted on instinct. Let's work together to keep those we summoned from succumbing to the Vein's touch"
Gilan d20+10=25 Saturday May 28th, 2005 6:13:15 PM
Gilan nods to Trellus as he pulls out his endure elements wand. He taps himself with it first as instructed and then turns to Jake. "Jake this will help you out some." He gives a wane smile as he turns the wand upon Jake. "Come on folks...there is more than enough to go around and will save save for personal spells." He looks to the other pack and nods his head. "If anyone from your pack wants..." He indicates the wand in his hand.
He is for once glad that he left his wasps behind, but it had been a hard thing to do. He knows that he will not see them again as they have been his companions, but he might see them as wild wasps. He just hopes that they can have a happy life...the Wold Mother watch over them.
[Fortitude 25 and yes Gilan dismissed his wasps from his service]
Bohdi Nackle d20+2=19 d20+11=15 Saturday May 28th, 2005 10:09:00 PM
"Wh-what--a cloak?" Bohdi echoed uncomprehendingly. "Why--why, of course, darling, but I hardly think that fashion is the first priori--OWWW!" he exclaimed, as Squork pecked the clueless gnome on his thick forehead.
"Yes, yes, of course, the cloak," Bohdi muttered. He fumbled through Flea's pack (Spot 19) until he found the cloak and draped it, affectionately, across the female gnome's shoulders. "This has a magical function, doesn't it? (Spellcraft 15) I'm not sure how to activate it, but perhaps you can."
Bohdi stretched an arm across Flea's shoulder and cuddled her close. "Here, I'll keep you warm, love," Bohdi offered. "And if anyone needs more enchantment against the cold, I could offer a spell, too."
Nauthiz'Ull Monday May 30th, 2005 9:53:48 AM
The dark-skinned young man slowly wipes the tear streaks from his cheeks and looks up at is wunjos and the summoned ones. A sense of pain runs infinetly deep within his eyes and puts a knot into even the toughest of adventurers throats.
"I will not leave Frigg'Isa here. You all do what we set out to do, I am bringing her home."
The pain in his eyes flares up again but it begins to get muddied but confusion and hopelessness. A lone tear bursts forth and streaks his face once again.
Aiden Monday May 30th, 2005 10:45:19 AM
Aiden chuckled as he replied to Garret, "we startled them?" He wasn't exactly calm and expecting the "Blood Pack" to start breaking out weapons and be aggressive. All he did was say, 'hold who are you?'.
(OOC: on the sheet it says I have an extra set of winter clothing, though I tinkered with leaving it behind (IE talking with gm bosstypes) GM call is?)
His temper was nonetheless being challenged a bit. Frowning, he moved over to Nauthiz who was by far much more diplomatic than Aiden. "Nauthiz...you help the strangers...I shall deal with your sister..."
Flea (AC 18; HP61/ 65) second illegal post? Monday May 30th, 2005 11:58:01 AM
Shivering and pale from the uncommon cold, Flea shrugs on the cloak* with Bohdi's help. On contact with the cold air of the place, the garment turns black. "Th-th-thanks, B-Bohdi," stutters the strawberry blonde rogue, pressing closer to the gnome magiker's warm furs. "What is this place?" she asks, and then pointing to the unconscious female laid out on the ground, she enquires, "what happened to her?" Before Bohdi can answer, Flea pipes out, "Gry? Trellus? Can you help her?"
*Cloak of Comfort-When worn, it continuously keeps the wearer comfortable in temperatures ranging from -50 to 140 degrees Farenheit. The wearer is not required to make Fortitude checks due to the environmental temperature.
(OOC: BTW, what is the temperature?)
Respit from the Cold [DM Post] Monday May 30th, 2005 12:25:27 PM
Tempers are calmed and immediate action gives way to reasonable thought and discussion. The cold still the foremost issue, Gilan produces a wand and Flea is helped with her magical Cloak. Gilan taps each of the blood pack, except Trellus and Flea with the wand. The piercing cold abates, but each can still feel it. Like a predator stalking through the grass just beyond vision, silent and lethal, stalking you and waiting the proper moment to strike. Unlike the heat on the Sagrass Plains the cold is still felt through the spell.
Anuk movers and takes the blankets and furs from Garret to relieve the frigid initial bite from the limbs of several of the Pack. Aiden too, has an extra set and hands them over, while he moves to console and hopefully preoccupy Nauthiz'Ull with other thoughts and or tasks. Bothe Bohdi and Garret offer magical assistance, but with the wand in Gilan's hand neither uses any.
Together the two groups linger in the cave. The South wall is still aglow with glyphs and runes of ancient High Woldian and Frigga'Isa's dagger is still deep in the rock. Nauthiz'Ull is still by his sister and declares is intentions of bringing her home.
The moisture in the cave has ceased condensing and freezing on the members of the Blood Pack as if the magic is not necessarily protecting from the cold but lowering thier heat out put.
Flea asks how cold it actually is and the reply from Aiden is astounding. "Not very, enough to turn water to ice quickly. The crystals, the water comes from in many caves of Ice vien keep water from freezing instantly. The water you carry though is likely ice by now."
A quick search, for those with skins hanging loosely on the belts or packs, does indeed reveal that the waterskins cerried by most the Blood pack and encrusted and ruined by frost and ice.
Tishe' d20+5=23 Monday May 30th, 2005 3:34:02 PM
The brown-haired woman quickly deflates from the combined reassurances of Trellus and the biting, terrible cold. Her hands fall to her sides and she gratefully accepts the heavy winter clothes from the strange cleric of Domi. Though not so intensely affected by the cold as some of her companions (Fort: 23), she realizes it is only a matter of time before she succumbs to the intense cold.
She also sends a heart-touch to Grymash, hoping to be heard through his blood-call. "Sweetie, there is no fight here, let Gilan bring you warmth."
"This is totally sunbaked!" she exclaims through chattering teeth. "This cold is as dangerous as the unprotected sun of the Sargrass!" Thinking of the sun, she pulls her waterskin around to discover, nonplussed, that the seams had burst and the water is frozen.
Even though she wears heavier clothes, Tishe' dutifully lines up for Gilan's wand right behind Grymash. And while she waits and she shivers, her mind becomes only more curious.
"Tell me, cleric of Domi", says the plain woman to Garrett, "why have you summoned us, where are we, and what may we do to help you and your people?"
Jake Monday May 30th, 2005 7:01:36 PM
Jake is too hurt by the sudden cold to complain anymore and eagerly waits his tap.. When finally the spell is cast, he hurries over to grab his sword out of the wall and examines it closely, hoping it isn't damaged. It is, after all, his most precious object. He comes back and regards this other pack curiously. Particularly this Flea and 'bodhi' fellow... "Hey, hey, here now.." Jake steps over and puts a hand on each of the small ones' shoulders and tugs then holds them apart. "Flea, ya know this treadle? The piggie got us into this patch of grass?" He looks down at Bodhi and eyes him distrustingly. Jake's picked up enough chicks that he knows some rules...and using magic to get 'em is especially against the rules! And there's no doubt this little guy's a mage...Suddenly he's pecked on his arm by some stupid bird on the gnome's shoulder. "Ow!" Not really hurt but surprised, he pushes the gnome back with impressive strength for one his size. "Dangedwhitesunbakin'piggielicker-" he starts again, pushing Flea protectively behind him, so Jake is between her and this budy-bodhi.
Trellus d20+8=26 Monday May 30th, 2005 8:56:50 PM
The blond cleric can feel the cold seeping in through the magics of the cloak. He frowns as he hears Orc Talker tell them its not all that cold.
Plus there's the fallen girl, and this glowing wall, and didn't somebody say something about a prophecy?
"OK, dudes," the blond man says. "We're weaving a mess of threads here."
"I'm still cold even though I shouldn't be. If its even colder outside, we're still in trouble. Brother..." Trellus stops a minute, thinking back. No, nobody has introduced themselves.
"I'm Trellus. We're the Bloodpack." he says, before continuing.
"Brother, please cast your protective spell on Flea (he points her out). Flea, let me know if you feel warmer. If you do, then we're gonna need everything you can give us, cause I don't think our protections are working."
"Tishe, Gilan, what's with the wall?"
The cleric of Domi heads over to the girl and checks her condition [Heal 26], although based on the way these dudes are acting, he's pretty sure what he'll find. If she's dead, he'll lay a sympathetic hand on Nauth's shoulder, rise and go take a look at the wall.
"What prophecy?" he asks the Icers, after a few moments of silence.
Nauthiz'Ull Monday May 30th, 2005 10:29:18 PM
A numb feeling throbs in Nauth's ears as the summoned ones along with his wunjos chatter and make formal introductions and play with magic and the likes.
Frigg'Isa, I know that you are not here anymore, even if the others haven't realy noticed. Ull'Heimdall, keep your guidance of me strong as I will travel through the planes to find you and my sister.
The young man wrinkles his brow at Aiden's suggestion of leaving Frigga.
"Thank you wunjo but I am not concerned with the strangers at the moment. They should be alright."
As the others dance around and chat about the weather outside Nauth strokes his sister's hair. Feeling the hand of the blonde-haired one lay on his shoulder Nauth closes his eyes and takes in a studdered deep breath.
Gilan d20+14=31 d20+13=15 Tuesday May 31st, 2005 12:00:18 AM
Gilan slips the wand back into a leg pouch and then moves over to take in the wall. His eyes scan it with eagerness though he can still feel the bit of cold wanting to get in.
He then looks to the others as the idea that waterskins are most likely frozen and busted. He wonders what effect this cold will have upon his waterskins while inside his haversack. "I am Gilan of the Bloodpack." He pulls off the pac and begins to dig in it finding the watersins easily, but in what condition. He also pulls out a winter blanket that he has in the pack and slips it around his shoulder over his cloak. "You said you had a need for our help...is it for the poor woman?" His eyes fall to the body laying on the ground and he shakes his head. "We will do all we can of that I am sure."
Grymash d20+2=19 Tuesday May 31st, 2005 2:19:45 AM
Grymash is thrown a little back from the barrage of hearttouches. This is soo confusing to him! "WHUT, WHUT, WHUT, WHUT??? WHUT BE IT ... Grrrrr!" shouts the perplexed half-orc! "DONT TELL GRY TA WARP DOWN! (wisdom check 19) Errr ... Gry be warpin' down. GRY SAY GRY BE WARPED DOWN! Piggie Dumps!"
Grymash rubs his bare arms as he says, "Gry no care anymore! Gry want ta go home. NOW! Let da piggies deal wit da stingin' creepers and wet ash!"
Bohdi Nackle Tuesday May 31st, 2005 9:26:04 AM
"Hey!" Bohdi exclaimed as rough hands snatched Flea away and shoved him back. Deft gnomish fingers flashed in anger to a spell pouch and began to trace a rune in the air. "Arcus confut--"
The gnome stopped in mid-spell and evaluated Flea's 'savior' coldly. After a long pause, the gnome addressed Flea drily, and with a hint of wounded pride, "Ta very much I'm sure--this a chum of yours then, duckie?" Then, with a sniff, Bohdi turned his attention to Nauthiz'Ull.
Bohdi examined Frigg'Isa's body mournfully, his eyes confirming what his heart already knew. "Nauthiz'Ull, wunjo," Bohdi began thickly. He lay a hand on Nauthiz'Ull's shoulder. "Friend ... brother ...."
The gnome's voice caught, and he stopped. He rubbed wetness away from his eyes. "We have lost a sister, my friends," he announced. "A sister, a friend, a companion, a witch, a mother of earth magic and life." Surprisingly, the gnome's throat opened and he began to sing softly:
In time, this life could be A guide for child to see A hand for man to hold A fire to guard them from the cold
In time, in ice and snow This light could fiercely glow This warrior of the frost Would guide the weak and lost
This heart we now extol And send to Shadow's Hold Keep her well, our souls command To serve as guard and guide In Ice's Land
Just as suddenly, the gnome felt silent, the surprise at his own voice and the grief that he felt all registering in turns upon his face.
Flea Tuesday May 31st, 2005 2:21:56 PM
"Easy Jake!" Flea cries as she is pushed roughly to a place of safety behind the fighter. Then, more softly, "Bohdi would never hurt me. Uh, I mean...us."
The rogue witnesses the gnome's attempts to offer some comfort to his companions. She didn't know this woman, now lying pale and cold upon the ice of the cavern floor. However, Bohdi's words and tone tug at something inside her small breast. Life was fleeting, and could be snatched away so easily. To give of oneself, and unselfishly sacrifice for the good of the party. That was a brave thing! Was that what Gargul had meant when he had told her she must be a better friend to her packmates? Bowing her head in acknowledgement and respect Flea doesn't say a word. Tears prick at her eyelids and escape where they freeze into diamonds on her lashes.
Anuk Tuesday May 31st, 2005 3:56:54 PM
The tap from Gilan's wand takes the edge off of the cold, but it's still mighty uncomfortable in the cave. Shivering in the cold air, Anuk gratefully accepts blankets from Garret. "Thank you, friend," he says through chattering teeth. "I'm Anuk. I'll do my best to distribute these...I hope someday we can do a favor for you." He hands out blankets to any packmates who need them. If any are left, he keeps one for himself. "Must remember to prepare a protection spell in the morning...hope it works as well against the cold as it does the heat."
When he is a bit warmer he searches through his backpack for his now solid waterskin. Swinging it around on it's strap he says, "Well, I suppose it might make a useful weapon."
Prophesies revealed [DM Post] Tuesday May 31st, 2005 4:26:37 PM
Some introductions are made by Trellus and Garret and Gry decides to warp down, but not because anyone told him to. Trellus's thought are confirmed as he nears the girl, she has most definitely passed, but a more serene look the young cleric from Rattledam has never seen. Nauthiz'Ull remains at his sisters side speaking quietly to her still, lost in his grief.
Aiden will assist with the extra furs and blankets that both he and Garret had. Namely Tishe, Gilan and Anuk. Any paying attention to him quickly realize there is far more to getting dressed here in the cold of this land than simply wrapping a blanket about yourself. The young man goes about his work securing the clothing properly without a word
Gilan is happy to note the contents of his magical haversack seem beyond the reach of Ice Vein. Though surely if it were left open long enough the contents would succumb to the touch of Ice Vein.
As some focus is given the fallen woman, Bohdi, to the certain surprise of all, gives to verse a beautiful memory of Frigga'Isa.
Soon enough though, matters must return to the future and several of the Blood Pack move to the wall of glyphs and ask of the prophesy mentioned. The glyphs are in High Woldian, the ancient language of the gods. As Trellus, Gilan and Tishe look upon the markings they are all filled with a sense of wonder. The wall seems to speak to them, of power and of ancient days when gods walked the Wold, but mostly it seems aware of you.
Ancient dreamer awoken king Lord and ruler a new age will bring We shall fall away to dust Our time is passed our ways are lost Before the races of noble bred Before Gargul ruled ore the dead Beyond our fathers before time began Both king and queen ruled ore the land All is not however lost Though too young a life to pay the cost The Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa will call Across the lands and bring you all. The Pack of Blood, a mighty band To save the gods and preserve all of man. Listen to the children then They will see you home and safe again First to the mighty mountain fly Across the tundra under blasted sky Ancient temple of undying lands The war begins with an iron band.
Tishe' Tuesday May 31st, 2005 5:07:12 PM
Gratefully accepting Aiden's help in getting the clothing on, the brown-haired woman is happy that she is, well not warm but certainly not freezing to death. "Many shadows; I am Tishe' and a sister of the Bloodpack." A muffled croak comes from a satchel held close to her body, and the small woman smiles. "And Wart also greets you, but he will stay hidden and warm, thank you very much."
The glowing wall also attracts her attention. Her knowledge of the High Woldian language helps her to decipher the glowing prophesy. With ever widening eyes, she stares and tries to make sense of the verse. After reading, she blinks, then wincing she painfully blinks again, for her eyes were so wide as to dry (and nearly freeze) her eyes in her head.
"Well, the Pack of Blood must be us, and it tells us to trust these 'Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa', which must be all of you." She nods in the furry group's direction. "The poor girl must be the life's cost, and it is obvious they must lead us to a mountain temple to get a band made of iron."
She straightens and looks around. "If we can't get back to help those villagers until we get this item, I say we need to get ready to go."
Trellus (Endure Elements) Tuesday May 31st, 2005 8:13:04 PM
"I can read it too," Trellus exclaims in a startled voice. "But, I don't know High Woldian."
The young cleric recites the passage, and then adds two more stanzas -
Three will merge into one ring Nature rises to greet the king
Guard the portal in icy rift The children find the wedding gift
He turns to Garrett. "It's a prophecy we got. You dudes must be 'The Children', so I don't think you're done yet. And this must have something to do with the Sleeper the elves woke up."
Trellus looks over the Bloodpack and their new companions. "Well, I'm not sure what kinda pick we got here. But when a glowing wall tells me I gotta 'save the gods and preserve all of man', I'm gonna pay attention. Let's go find this mountain."
Trellus steps close to Garrett and asks, "How many Endure Elements spells can your group cast right now? And how many more sets of clothes can you come up with?"
The cleric of Domi then extends an arm, silently asking for the 'Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa' to lead the way.
Garrett Tuesday May 31st, 2005 8:19:39 PM
At Bohdi's song, Garrett quickly realizes he has nothing more to say. He walks over to Frigg"Isa and says a prayer over her body. "good-bye my friend" is the only other words that come from Garrett, as he lays a reassuring hand upon Nauthiz'Ull.
Several long moments pass as the Blood Pack reads the wall.
"We will lead you to the mountain. But we will take Frigg'Isa home first."
Garrett (again) Tuesday May 31st, 2005 8:23:04 PM
"I have two endure elements memorized, Bohdi should have at least one. As far as warm clothes, we will be making a trip home and we should be able to come up with enough sets of clothes for everyone there. It's not a long journey to our village."
Gilan Tuesday May 31st, 2005 10:48:34 PM
Gilan's eyes narrow as he reads the wall or rather it seems to speak into his mind. He shudders as a chill passes up his spine, not from the cold but fate. He growls as one of the other pack tries to get him into clothes that they have and shakes his head. "Help the other pack members first...I have ways of keeping warm for now." His eyes light up as Trellus speaks and he nods. "We have a village to help out back near our home...it is good that they took that water...for now they can wait for us to help you."
For some reason he looks as if he is feeding upon the fury of this region of the Wold. Though he knows that some may not believe him he can make himself amost impervious to the cold of this place or take a form that is better suited.
Looking to the other pack member that speaks he nods his head. "You cannot leave her here that is for sure...none of our group would suggest it...so to your village then." His eyes flash as he once again stretches to get some more warmth into his bones and he smiles. "How long will it take to reach your village?" He seems to be doing some calculations in his head to see about something.
Flea d20+8=24 Tuesday May 31st, 2005 11:01:22 PM
Head still bowed, and cloak pulled close against the cold, Flea glances out of the corner of her eyes to make sure no one had spotted her momentary display of empathy. A quick swipe at her eyes and cheeks and her focus is back to the task at hand, thanks to Trellus' call.
"Can I have a look?" she interjects, trying to read the glowing letters through the taller folk standing near the wall. (Decipher Script=24)
"Hmmm...ring images...three into one...iron ring...wedding gift...nature king..." Looking around for the lanky elf, Flea calls out, "Jake! You 'member that sunbaked dream you had?" Looking at the brighter minds of the Bloodpack Flea asks, "you figger the words on the wall have anything to do with Jake's weird dream?"
Grymash d20-2=4 d20+8=14 Wednesday June 1st, 2005 12:58:10 AM "Riddles, why be always riddles," complains the half orc. "Whut da hay does 'icy rift' mean? Is dat da dude weez gots ta beat?" (Intelligence: 4)
Grymash leaves the riddle to the others and retrieves a blanket from his backpack. He wraps it around him. Maybe that will keep the invisible creepers from biting him. (Survival: 14)
Jake Wednesday June 1st, 2005 2:51:04 AM
Jake watches the gnome sing and feels a little pity, but still doesn't trust him one bit. Nor the others. And their names...dang, he can't remember all these crazy long words they've been using, let alone repeat them legibly. "Yes, there was a part of that song which seems awfully similar," Jake muses, trying to sound more intelligent. "Let's see..."
Mac d20+5=18 Wednesday June 1st, 2005 7:11:19 AM
[spot:18]
The taur finally gets to check on his kitten in the carrier. He draws her out and gives her a cuddle, and breathes warmer air over her face. This is no place for a wee kitty. As the offers of magical protection fromt he cold are made, he puts the kitten ahead of himself and gets more obstinate if pressed.
"Gry,...", he pauses, not about to get into an arguement about language with the half-orc, "... 'tis nae a dude!"
Anuk d20+9=15 d20+11=26 d20+11=29 Wednesday June 1st, 2005 10:37:54 AM
Aiden's help in dressing for the cold reminds Anuk of being dressed by his nurse as a child--a thought he finds embarassing. He watches the proceedings carefully so that he won't have to accept help in dressing again. Once finished he remarks, "Amazing--I would not have thought that I could have so much freedom to move in so many clothes. Thank you for your help." He adjusts his pack and quiver to fit his new outfit, though it takes a few moments to work out how to store his bow. The fluid, practiced movements he has always used to ready it will have to be re-learned here.
Adding his assent to the rest of the pack, Anuk says, "We will be honored to help you return the body of your friend to your village." When Nauthiz'Ull requests that someone find Frigga's dagger, Anuk quickly makes a search of the area to locate it.
(search 15, spot 26, listen 29)
Bohdi Nackle Wednesday June 1st, 2005 10:46:19 AM
Bohdi squeezed his hand gently on Nauthiz'Ull's shoulder. "There, lad, that's a good fellow. I know she's still with us; this empty shell is not her, but only what's left behind."
He looked at the others--Aiden and Garrett in particular--with concern. "I'm a city child myself, and so I don't know the way of it out here on the ice. I don't mean to offend anyone's sensibilities, but with our experiences with Skalti and the other noble dead that we've encountered on the ice, well ... isn't the custom to consign to the ice that which the ice has claimed? Look here--this chamber, this altar, these runes--I can think of no better resting place for our departed Frigga than here. Then there's the issue whether we would be able to carry her body all the way back to Ice Peak Village. It's a long day's march even without additional burdens, and we left hours earlier when we came here."
Bohdi cleared his throat and continued. "I can prepare one additional spell today. It could be a spell to help carry the body--for a couple of hours, no more--or it could be a spell to ward off the cold. That's all I have to offer. I think, though, that Frigga would have wanted for us to conserve our resources and concentrate on surviving out on the ice."
Bohdi turned back to Nauthiz'Ull. "There now, wunjo," he said gently. "Isn't that the way of it? I can't begin to understand your grief--your loss is greater than any I have endured--but is carrying her body back to the Village really the way to honor Frigg'Isa? This body, this empty shell--it's just hair locks and fingernail clippings, that's all--not Frigga herself."
Bohdi straightened. "If we are to make for the village, or for the volcano, then we should go soon," he said to everyone. "Daylight does not always last long here in the Vein, and the sun is not nearly so strong, even at its best, than it is elsewhere in the Wold. And there are--things--" Bohdi shuddered involuntarily-- "On the ice that are best not encountered without the sun as ally."
He paused and pursed his lips, looking pensively back at Frigg'Isa's lifeless body. "We should take a few moments, dress and prepare--I have a spell to prepare myself, which should take a quarter of an hour--and then go. The sun will march, with or without us."
ooc: Note to everyone--Bohdi's habit in preparing spells is to solicit input from the group. He would be likely to pay particular attention to anyone who is also a spellcaster. In brief, his relevant choices for that last open slot are: Endure Elements, Unseen Servant, Silent Image, or Feather Fall (or a few other, less relevant options). Anyone wishing to offer a suggestion should note it in their next post--I'll give Bohdi's choice in my next post for him.
Nauthiz'Ull (repost) d20+8=20 d20+12=18 Wednesday June 1st, 2005 11:04:24 AM
The young ranger feels as though something is squeezing his throat shut as the words of Bohdi flow forth. A small sense of acceptance washes over him. As Garret sends prayers to his god Nauth begins to understand the greater scheme of things.
For whatever reason Nauth lets out a quick gasp and immediately looks upwards, eyes closed. The young man seems to be slightly rocking and a slight smile cracks at the corners of his lips. Nauth leans over his sister and kisses her forehead before standing up.
"Wunjos, it is obvious what we must do. Garret will you please find Frigga's wolf-skin blanket in her pack and wrap her up properly in it?"
An air of sudden inspiration flows forth from the dark-skinned one. His mannerisms have quickly changed to that of inspiration and determination.
"BloodPack...
Listen to the children then They will see you home and safe again First to the mighty mountain fly Across the tundra under blasted sky
That portion is talking of Búrfell, the 'Mighty Mountain'. The skies outside of this cave will be black with ash and soot, so travel is going to be that much more difficult across the tundra."
Nauth looks at the wall if flaming glyphs and Frigga's dagger and shakes his head.
"On second thought, leave my sister's dagger right where it is. Its not going anywhere." ;) "First we head out to the village and then to the Búrfell."
The demeanor of the pagned boy is now of something that even his wunjos have never experienced. As everyone preps to leave, Nauth strides forward towards the cave entrance/exit and assesses the environment outside. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spot-20 Survival-18
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