The Big Dream [CDM Jerry] Saturday March 19th, 2005 12:57:47 PM
From that emptiness and nothingness of unconsciousness comes a flicker of light.
It grows and begins to envelop. Your spirits rise out of your bodies to float together in a circle facing in.
A voice from somewhere deep within says, "Something's happening."
Some sort of collective elven effect is at work!
As you struggle to come to grips with these events, your conscious minds fade and a waking dreamlike state begins.
There is then a joining of minds. Elven minds. Minds that look at life in terms of centuries instead of years.
Nearby elves join in. Some join to a lesser extent being half-elves or other relates species.
The pool of collective thought grows until it becomes Woldwide!
The overwhelming thought becomes "Why?"
An ancient being joining the mix replies, "This has happened twice before. This is the third time."
"What has happened before? comes the overwhelming response."
"This. Prepare and listen."
A common Elven Dream begins. ---------
You are floating...in space..?
You can see The Wold turning lazily beneath you, so very far below--slow but steady, the planet rotates, basking blissfully in the light of the bright golden disk hanging above it. Sunlight dapples the large fertile brown expanses of land dotted with areas of green forest...it sparkles across the waves of the blue-green ocean.
The Wold is as it is.
Suddenly you become aware that there are three smaller discs approaching the bright one, also at a slow but steady pace...you realize that the bright disk must be the sun, and the others are the moons of The Wold.
The three new discs align to cover the sun completely, leaving it and The Wold in darkness. But there--right in the middle of the now-black sun-disk--a pair eyes blink open, as though awakened from sleep.
The almond-shaped eyes--the bright, brilliant hue of sky and sea--look down upon The Wold. They widen in surprise, as though viewing the burgeoning world for the first time in a very, very long time...then the expression in the turquoise eyes grows rather sad. A tear forms and falls from one of the eyes as it blinks.
The eyes in the black sun narrow slightly--as though the unseen person to whom they belong has suddenly begun contemplating...and then the eyes blink again, once more brightening with the enlightenment of a great idea..!
The eyes glow warmly--if there were a face to go with them, you just know that it would have a happy, friendly grin in place--and The Wold, turning in its slow, steady pace, begins to grow green. Focusing on the planet, you can see that the forests of The Wold flourish and grow lush once more, spreading their fertile growth across the faces of the both the continent of Yrth and the Fragmented Lands, as the owner of the eyes laughs delightedly.
You swoop down from your lofty perch and find yourself standing in an ancient forest, Culverwood, breathing in the good green scent of the ancient trees. There is a dark, malevolent blot at the edge of your senses whom the collective knows to be Parnoth the oppressor--then suddenly, the blot disappears from sight and you hear the great beast's agonized screams.
More screams and cries ring in your ears now--the voices of those who oppose and harm Nature, the voices of those who would hold back the elves and make them lesser beings, the voices of evil. Too long they have been allowed to run free, but now they face their just reward. Through it all, the owner of the eyes continues to laugh.
The dream ends and the personal you physically awakens with laughter still ringing in your ears.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Sunday March 20th, 2005 9:04:18 PM "Wowsy! Wowsy!"
"You said it, Boss!" adds Mookie.
"What was that?" asks Vauhwyt. "What does it mean? Elfs are going to fight evil? Huh! Is that good? I guess it is!"
"Did you guys all dream what I did?"
DM Brent - It starts Monday March 21st, 2005 12:17:43 AM
Everyone wakes in Gratchien's apartment with a loud crack in your ears - on the floor with the corpse lying near you, the vision still reverberating in your minds.
Whatever else has happened, the symbol of Marteaus on the floor has been warped and twisted. The sound has rattled the tapestries and moved furniture. {Everyone make a spot roll}
From the window you hear a raucous noise filling the air and people screaming and shouting.
Vorelle d20+7=26 Monday March 21st, 2005 12:33:43 AM
Vorelle looks about in complete bewilderment. The last thing she remembered, she was in the hallway. Now, after a strange dream, she is lying back in the room with a corpse on the floor. She jumps to her feet and moves to put as much distance as she can between herself and the body, drawing her axes as she moves. Her senses, sharpened by the rush of adrenaline, miss little in the room. [Spot 26]
Rose d20+5=21 Monday March 21st, 2005 5:39:28 AM
Rose let out a piercing scream as she saw the body. Then wakes up having fallen on the floor and had this really weird dream. "Wha happened?" She asks as she looks around while rubbing the bump on her head.
Dietrich d20+4=17 Monday March 21st, 2005 7:08:44 AM
Too shocked to even swear, Dietrich just sits there with his mouth open in astonishment. Then he gazes at his friends in search for answers, specially from Olyn, as the one more in touch with the elven ways.
The warrior is in awe from what he's seen, but also scared and overwhelmed. Fortunatelly the sound of people screaming awakens him to the immediate world. He raises and takes his bow, running to watch out of the window.
Spot 17
Olyn d20+4=22 Monday March 21st, 2005 9:49:50 AM
laying on the ground upon wakening, tears wet on his cheeks, Olyn smiles.
slowly the Half Elf gets his knees underneath him, then on his arms. then he pushes himself into a hands and knees posture. and then, grabbing the bedpost next to him he pulls himself up from the ground.
saying aloud to noone and everyone: Parnoth finally will get his reward for his deeds, and my kin will make sure it is swift and just.
rubbing the sleep and tears from his eyes he looks around the room at the disarray. and goes to the others, helping them up off the floor. hugging each one as they rise.
Zayne d20+8=18 d20+8=25 Monday March 21st, 2005 5:08:09 PM
The young ranger sits up and stares blankly at the wall,speaking out loud to no one in particular,"Wow." Sitting there blank faced for a while he then springs into action,heading to the nearest window and trying to see if he can hear or see what made such a thunderous sound.(Listen 18 Spot 25)
Berlon by DM Brent Monday March 21st, 2005 11:15:57 PM
Berlon gets up rubbing his holy symbol and looking closely at the symbol of Marteaus. He seems engrossed in it not reacting immediately to the sounds outside the window.
DM Brent Monday March 21st, 2005 11:22:26 PM
Those looking out the window see several huge flocks of multicolored birds flying over the city. Below the citizens' reactions run the gambit from horrified to astonished.
Vorelle and Zayne (and anyone else with a 25 or better on the spot) surveying the room again notice that a tapestry, presumably moved by the odd shockwave has revealed a small hole in the wall that is only visible because there is a small light shining out from the hole.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+4=10 Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 7:25:39 AM
From the room in the Prince's Tower, Vauhwyt looks out to see what the ruckus is about. She does not see the pinhole or whatsis (Spot 10).
Then she goes over to the elf body. "So far as I can tell, it all happened when I touched this corpse. What will happen if I touch it again?"
"Uh, Boss," Mookie starts to object, but the impulsive liontaur has already prodded the body. If nothing happens, she'll search it and the chest it was in.
How long dead is it? Male or female? Clothed or not? Any signs as to class (mage? fighter?) or class (low? middle? upper?)
Vorelle d20+7=26 Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 10:10:08 AM
Cautiously, Vorelle approaches the tapestry and pulls it aside. She begins examining the wall, trying to figure out where the light is coming from and whether there's a way to open this space.
[Search 26]
Dietrich d20+3=8 Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 10:20:08 AM
Dietrihc sees the flocks of birds and wonders why people are screaming so much (local knowledge 8). It doesn't seem dangerous anyway and the warrior relaxes a little and focuses his attention again on the dream and the dead elf.
After Olyn's speech and uncommon behaviour, Dietrich thinks to himself: 'Who the (&**% is Parnoth? What the %£$%£ is going on here?'
As Vauhwyt is already examining the corpse, the ex-soldier goes to the guards nearby and sees if they had the same experience. He also asks them about the colourful birds.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 6:08:22 PM
It takes a bit longer for Theodore to come to. Just as Olyn is leaning over the fragile wizard to wake him, Theodore sits bolt upright with a gasp.
"W-what..." he manages to stammer, still seated on the floor.
Rose d20+3=14 d20+4=11 Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 3:40:45 AM
Rose moves to the window and stares at the flocks of birds. "Arent they pretty." She says as she tries to remember if they are dangerous or not and if they are from the dirt city area.
DM Brent Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 8:15:24 AM
{OOC: Seeing huge flocks of exotic birds large enough to darken the sky may not seem scary to you but to your typical superstitious commoner, I would say it is pretty scary. No worries}
Vauhwyt and Mookie Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 4:37:39 PM
After poking the elf corpse and checking out the chest, Vauhwyt lifts it to one side and looks under it. She is careful, though, not to bang it, since the trap might still go off,
DM Brent Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 11:02:54 PM
{So sorry - today has been horrible, from sick kid to sick computer...}
Several of the group are befuddled by the vision and also by the sound from the window, looking out over the city as the birds circle back and forth, leaving parts of the city in shadow as they fly directly overhead.
Vauhwyt pokes around the body to look for clues. It is still pretty 'fresh'. The corpse was male and doesn't have any identification on it but it was dressed in good quality robes, now dirty with the corpse. There is deep bruising around the neck as if he were strangled. There is nothing else in the chest but the trap mechanism and several blocks of strong incense to cloak the smell of the body.
Vorelle looks over the wall and finds that there is a small loose section in a floor flagstone that triggers the door opening. There is a passage behind the wall. Wafting out is the smell of strong incense and decay...
Dietrich Thursday March 24th, 2005 7:00:58 AM
Dietrich is relieved that the birds aren't dangerous, though he too is surprised at their quantity. Together with the dream its enough to give him a strange feeling.
The warrior was just going to suggest to get more information about the dead elf, when Vorelle opens the secret door. That changes everything and he gets ready to explore it.
Before they enter it, Dietrich asks Zayne about his findings in the city: "Na old mate, what did you find out?"
He also says to the group: "Before everyone starts running throgh the door, I'd say Rose goes in front, making sure we don't fall into traps. Then the two rangers to cover her. Some paces behind, me, the clerics and Theo in the middle and finally Vauhwyt to cover our back. Remember, don't charge in everything that appear but let's get some missile fire first. Let's also save magic for the tougher foes."
Vauhwyt and Mookie (Mage Armor) Thursday March 24th, 2005 7:28:40 PM
"Wowsy! That was cleverr, Vorelle," says the liontaur. "I hope I can squeeze in therre!" She looks dubiously at the passage.
She stands, and Mookie says, "Boss! What about this!" he points his beak at the chest with the corpse.
"Oh, yeah, good thinking, Mookie," Vauhwyt says. Then she bows her head and says softly, "Lady, grant this poor elf peace in death and the satisfaction of knowing we are working to track down his killerr. Amen."
"No, Boss!" says Mookie, "The incense! You could sell that!"
"Oh." says Vauhwyt, and she pockets the blocks of incense.
By this time everyone else has probably filed into the secret way, so Vauhwyt follows at the rear, per Dietrich's suggestion. And since things are looking tricksy, she casts a Blood Armor on herself, and shares it with Mookie.
Theodore and Macaw Thursday March 24th, 2005 9:55:39 PM
Theodore manages to make it to a standing position. Macaw flutters down to perch on the wizard's head as he moves into the center of the group.
He clears his throat a couple of times, still trying to shake of the images of the dream.
Vorelle d20+7=18 d20+7=9 Thursday March 24th, 2005 10:06:33 PM
Liking the sound of Deitrich's plan, Vorelle steps back and gives Rose room to enter the passageway. She follows the halfling cautiously, eyes and ears open wide for any sign of a threat.
[Spot 18, Listen 9]
Berlon by DM Brent Thursday March 24th, 2005 11:52:57 PM
Berlon moves reluctantly to the passageway, still pale and silent holding his symbol.
Zayne by DM Brent Thursday March 24th, 2005 11:54:23 PM
Zayne starts to respond to Deitrich but stops as his voice begins to echo a bit in the entrance to the tunnel.
"later" he says.
DM Brent d20+6=25 Friday March 25th, 2005 7:56:53 AM
{I hesitate to put Rose in the lead without her post but oh well}
After Vauhwyt pockets the slightly gooey incense the group forms up to head into the passageway.
Rose heads into the corridor first, checking for and immediately finding a tripwire trap {Search:25}. Opting to avoid rather than disable she directs the others past the trap. Vauhwyt does think it will be tight in the 3 foot wide corridor, looking at it as she enters.
Inside the corridor, dimly lit by (assuming you create a light source :)) the groups torches is a passageway that goes by 2 more pinholes in the wall. After the corridor takes an abrupt turn there is a trapdoor that Rose notices. The corridor continues as well. The smell of incense and decay seem to be the stronger near the trapdoor.
Dietrich Friday March 25th, 2005 10:16:42 AM
Dietrich frowns upon Vauhwyt following Mookie's suggestion of taking the incense from the cursed chest, but concentrates on the task at hand.
He enters the tunnel with his longbow ready. The ex-soldier realizes the dangers Rose guides them through and the warrior is really happy to have her with him.
Dietrich doesn't like the smell of death and incense and reminds the clerics to be ready for *&$% undead.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Friday March 25th, 2005 7:33:10 PM
At the rear, Vauhwyt squeezes in. [Assuming that we are using the squeezing rules, right?]
If she has a chance, she will peek through the peepholes.
When the smell hits her nose, she grimaces and says, "Bleck! More undead!"
Theodore and Macaw Saturday March 26th, 2005 3:23:03 PM
Theodore moves cautiously, allowing the group to direct their path of movement. Macaw is silent atop his master's head, seeming to understand the danger involved.
Vorelle d20+7=26 Sunday March 27th, 2005 11:42:26 AM
[OOC: Vorelle can take the lead if Rose is unavailable.]
Vorelle stops to peer through each of the pinholes as they pass, wondering where they lead to. At the trapdor, she stops and assists Rose in searching for traps.
[Successfully Aid Another, giving a +2 to Rose's Search check--assuming Rose will search for traps]
Rose d20+6=8 d20+6=10 d20+7=26 d20+5=15 Sunday March 27th, 2005 10:06:58 PM
Rose carefully touches her belt as she mutters a few words (mage armor) and moves ahead with a light carefully searching for any more traps. At the smell she mutters under her breath "I've really got to buy some nose plugs"The smell and worry about undead is apparently taking her mind off listening and looking for traps and she doesnt give it her best. She does slip her hand into her belt pouch and makes sure a vial of holy water is at hand.
Listen: 8 search: 10 disable device: 26 spot: 15
ooc: sorry for not posting on thursday but I didnt feel well. Brent if I dont post please feel free to npc rose if she gets killed it's my fault. :-D
DM Brent Monday March 28th, 2005 12:51:48 PM
After checking for traps, Rose pries open the trapdoor. Luckily there are no apparent traps on the door. There is a ladder leading down into a room with another door and in one corner a table with a body on it.
The body has been tortured hideously, but the robes cast off to the side look familiar. It is hard to look long at the body which has symbols of Marteaus etched into it. The face is frozen into a permanent grimace.
The pooled blood beneath the table cover the room in a gory carpet. Nothing else seems visible but the door, the table and the body.
Berlon d20+6=10 d20+1=18 Monday March 28th, 2005 1:22:28 PM
Berlon simply shakes his head at the scene, pulling his cloak up around him in disgust. He will check out the symbols on the corpse to see if they mean anything to him (Knowledge: Religion check 10)
If he has time, he'll look around the room and see if if holds any other secrets (search check 18)
Vauhwyt and Mookie (Mage Armor) d20+1=16 Monday March 28th, 2005 4:14:11 PM
Bringing up the rear, Vauhwyt is still in the passageway.
"Too fat to fit down there, Boss?" Mookie says rudely.
"Sshhh!" Vauhwyt whispers. "Try to be sneaky!"
She peeks in the peepholes to see what she can see. She looks for any secret doors or hidden compartments. [Search 16]
She looks down the ladder and ponders climbing down. Is there room for her down there? Is there any way out of the room after going down?
Theodore and Macaw d20+8=28 Monday March 28th, 2005 9:15:56 PM
Theodore uses his staff to pick up the discarded robe and bring it in for a closer look.
"What is this, I wonder?" He does his best not to look at the body, but feels his belly rumble anyway.
(Local knowledge check = 28 (nat 20) to discern what robe is.)
Rose d20+6=7 d20+5=18 Tuesday March 29th, 2005 12:56:25 AM
Rose will look around the room for anything intersting or any traps then goes over to the body and says "Do you think we should pour some holy water over him, just in case?"
search: 7, nat 1 spot: 18
Vorelle Tuesday March 29th, 2005 1:22:00 AM
Vorelle hesitates. She really doesn't want to step off the ladder onto the blood-soaked floor. Still, the only way they're going to find out what's behind that door is to cross the room--blood and all. She steps off with a wince, then moves away to where she can cover the rest of the group with her bow.
Dietrich d20+4=5 d20+2=8 Tuesday March 29th, 2005 6:03:54 AM
Dietrich is disgusted with the scene and shakes his armoured head, shortly reflecting about all the horrors they've seen in DIrt City.
He guesses at Gratchien as the victim, remembering the robes in the room, but waits for confirmation. The warrior certainly approves Rose's suggestion about the holy water and makes the usual silent prayer to DOmi.
Finally he decides to descend the ladder into the bloodsoaked room, trying to pay attention to his surroundings. Unfortunatelly he can't take his eyes away from the tortured body (spot 5, listen 8)
DM Brent Tuesday March 29th, 2005 1:19:30 PM
The bulk of the party descend into the slaughterhouse, stepping gingerly to avoid slipping on the gory carpet.
Rose doesn't spot any traps and seems to intigued by the body to care. She and Dietrich both notice that the features, while distorted by blood, pain and death, are recognizable as Th'Ayvanen's.
Theodore comes to the same conclusions with the robes - they are some of Th'Ayvanen's colors and style of robe.
Berlon realizes that the symbols are small sigils of Marteaus and of pain and suffering.
Vorelle moves to cover the party near the single door out of the room.
Vauhwyt hesitates at the trapdoor, trying to decide if she should squeeze down or not.
Overall, the party is very uneasy about the discovery of the death of Th'Ayvanen and the elf in Gratchien's room.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday March 29th, 2005 6:47:54 PM
Theodore drops the robe back to the floor and turns away from the grisly scene. Although he was a harsh man, Th'Ayvanen was true to his prince and people. At least, Theodore thought as much.
"We should tell the prince," he says softly.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Tuesday March 29th, 2005 7:41:33 PM
Vauhwyt is having trouble seeing through these darn peepholes! She is intent on figuring out what they reveal. She squints and peers again.
"Boss, give it a rest," says Mookie. "If it was important you would have seen through them already!"
"Hush, Mookie," whispers the liontaur. "That kind of talk is not allowed!"
DM Brent - FYI and a question Wednesday March 30th, 2005 12:07:23 AM
{The peep holes look into other rooms that are at the moment, empty. Also, has anyone heard from Olyn? or Zayne?}
Vorelle d20+7=19 Wednesday March 30th, 2005 2:13:09 AM
Vorelle supresses a shudder when she learns the identity of the body. Th'Ayvanen had been one of the bullies, but even he had not deserved to die this way.
Vorelle makes her way to the door and listens intently at it.
[Listen check 19]
Rose Wednesday March 30th, 2005 5:06:04 AM
Rose will give a vial of holy water to one of the clerics so that the water can be poured over Th'Ayvanen and a prayer said. If the cleric doesnt do it then rose will just pour the water over Th'Ayvanen herself although she would rather one of the priests do it and say a prayer.
Dietrich Wednesday March 30th, 2005 11:38:22 AM
Dietrich is disturbed at Th'Ayvannen's horrible death. He quite like the man and who knows who is going to occupy his place at the Prince's side.
The warrior is divided between following Theodore's suggestion and continue the investigation. But then he realizes another point. "I'd normaly go with Theo, but not this time. If there are others behind this crime besides Gratchien, we shouldn't let them already know what we've discovered, as it could risk further investigations. So I'd say we continue on our trail and wait a little more to pass the information on."
Dietrich keeps his bow ready for the case anyone opens the door.
DM Brent Wednesday March 30th, 2005 1:27:19 PM
Rose has no volunteers for the holy water and so musters the courage to do it herself.
Vorelle hears nothing at the door.
As the group deliberates on their course of action, Vauhwyt hears something or someone coming up from behind the group on the level above.
As the liontaur calls out softly to the others, Jolath appears out of the darkness with several of the elite guard.
"We came to check on your investigation, and found the dead elf and the open entrance to this corridor. We came in force, expecting the worst. What have you found?" he asks.
Jolath and the guards escort the group back to Gratchien's room saying, "I will have some of my investigators go over the room beneath the trapdoor and the door. I expect that you will exercise the utmost discretion with regards to what you have found. It would not do to get out about the Prince's advisor. I congratulate you on what you have thus discovered. The Prince would like for me to expedite your search for the book by heading off in the direction indicated in our meeting this morning. Please keep us informed of your findings. I have a small cart and pony waiting in the courtyard for you with messenger pigeons that you can send back messages with."
With that Jolath has the guards escort you out of the castle and into the courtyard.
Berlon Wednesday March 30th, 2005 6:01:10 PM
As the entourage moves out, Berlon pauses a moment with Rose. "Conserve your breath... prayers are forsaken in his place..."
Vauhwyt and Mookie (Mage Armor) Wednesday March 30th, 2005 6:49:39 PM
Mookie whispers, "Cheese it! The guard!" he dives into his pouch on Vauhwyt's belt.
Vauhwyt blushes red, and she is grateful for the masking property of her red mage armor spell ("Blood Armor," she calls it). Still, from the embarrassed swish of her tail, it is clear she has the feeling of being caught with her hand in a cookie jar.
"Um, uh, sirr, well, we were just investigating ..." She winds down when Jolath offers congratulations and she realizes that they are being praised.
Mookie sticks his head out and says to Vauhwyt, "Lucked out again, huh, Boss? They say Wardd smiles on fools and small children, and you ain't small, Boss!"
"Hush Mookie," says the relieved Vauhwyt.
She join the group headed out of doors.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday March 30th, 2005 8:51:29 PM
Theodore follows the rest out into the courtyard, happy to leave the gory spectacle. Seeing the pony and cart waiting for them, he wonders as to the practicality of the pair. He says nothing, though, knowing the Prince to prickly at the best of times.
"I had hoped for a good night's sleep," complained Theodore. "But I suppose I will have to make do." Macaw voices his chagrin as well.
Vorelle Thursday March 31st, 2005 1:21:01 AM
Vorelle gladly climbs out of the room that smells of carrion, and joins her friends in the courtyard. She peers curiously at the pigeons. She's heard of such creatures, but never seen one before. She wonders how they know where to deliver the messages.
Dietrich d20+4=10 d20+3=16 d20+5=16 Thursday March 31st, 2005 9:53:50 AM
Dietrich isn't pleased at all when Jolath and the guards appear and hinder the party to see what is behind the door. It only further arouses his suspicions and he trys to read the man's motives (sense motivation 10).
The warrior keeps silent though and shows gratitude for the compliments (diplomacy 16).
He puts his bow away and accompanies the party to the cart to examine its content. Dietrich would have prefered to use the group's mules to transport rations and equipment instead of a cart in the swamps, but he understands it is a means for the Prince (or for this JOlath) to keep control over the party through the pigeons.
Finally, he makes acquaintance with the ponys (handle animal 15)and makes ready for departure.
DM SteveK Thursday March 31st, 2005 3:34:56 PM
[OOC: Hi Everybody! Hi Dr. Nick!]
Berlon, Vorelle, and Theodore show thier relief to getting out of the room. Vaugwyt seems happier that the group isn't in trouble.
And Dietrich is suspicious of what is going on. He doen't sense anything overt in Jorlath other than the need to find the Book before the trail grows too cold. The cart animals accept his ministrations and eagerly look for more care whenever the party stops for a moment.
A quick search of the cart reveals some stout camping gear, good travelling food, and a half-dozen messenger birds. It looks like the Prince (or more likely Jolath) is taking care of the group. Under the gazes of the guards, the heroes move out of the courtyard and towards the swamp.
In the City Above, the black swirling dust gets in your eyes and clings to your clothes. The market seems particularly active, with larger than normal produce making the tables groan. And yet your path moves away from your fellow citizens and towards the wilderness of trees, water, and the unknown.
Night finds the group on the edge of the Swamp. Tents are quickly put up and thier small fire dances in the night air.
The big question hanging in the air is how they can look through this big ol' swamp for one person and a Book? Is there any clues in what they've been told? Is there anyone who might know about the area really well who could help them?
Olyn has been quiet and aloof since discovering the murdered Th'ayaveen, and stares steadily at the fire.
Theodore and Macaw Thursday March 31st, 2005 9:42:03 PM
Theodore sits by the fire, looking into the flames as they crackle and pop. Macaw has flown off to look for food.
"How do we find Gratchien?" The young mage looks to the swamp and then at Vorelle and Zayne in turn, wondering if his friends could actually follow a trail through all that mess.
Theodore rubs at his eyes and yawns widely. The activity of the day is starting to overcome him.
Rose Friday April 1st, 2005 3:47:15 AM
Rose sits in the cart and goes through her bag of holding as she isn't sure what she grabbed when summoned by the prince and what is still at home since she didnt know that she would be leaving town. You can hear her muttering under her breath as she does her inventory.
"Great no change of clothes and I'm wearing my best...no bedding, although I hadnt removed the tent from last time...NO FOOD! Hey guys we forgot the food I hope whoever packed this cart remembered the tea."
thinking to herself "Oops, I didnt take my money to my parents place and I have a full purse. I had better put some of this in the bottom of my bag.
ooc: Hi Steve are you our dm now? What time do you normally post? are we ever going to get exp for the last bit when we were under the bakery or will we get it combined with this adventure into the swamp that we're doing now?
Dietrich Friday April 1st, 2005 6:21:20 AM
Although Dietrich doesn't like to start an expedition in such a haste, preferring to have sound preparations, the ex-soldier is quite happy to leave the claustophobious(?) underground city for a while.
During the trip, Dietrich recommends the usual march order, with the rangers scouting ahead and covering their back, and conducts the cart.
He also uses the long journey to ask Zayne again about his findings. Perhaps they can get some cue.
In the evening, he suggests to have a small council to plan their further actions. The warrior listens to his friends, smiling at Rose's worries about her ingredients, and trys to remember what they know so far: - The Prince's "connection" says the book is in the swamps. - There was the note in Gratchien's room for an "en", probably Th'Ayvannen, to meet there and we found him dead in a secret chamber - An unidentified dead elf who gave us a weird dream - Lots of Marteus signs - Signs of heavy dark magic in Gratchien's room
Finally, before people fall to sleep, Dietrich suggest to have the watches in two, always with someone with nightvision or skills, such as: Rose and Berlon, Him and Zayne, Olyn and Vorelle, Vauhwyt and Theo (so spellcasters can rest)
DM Brent - FYI Friday April 1st, 2005 8:02:22 AM
{Rose - you just have two DMs. We are coDMing. It was decided to pair up newer DMs to work together. SteveK is posting through a portion of the adventure and we are in contact via email.}
Vorelle d20+7=9 Friday April 1st, 2005 9:05:46 AM
As they travel during the day, Vorelle scans the road ahead of them, looking for any signs of recent travel and trying to pick up the trail of their quarry. She is distracted by recent events, though, and has trouble concentrating [Search 9].
Berlon Friday April 1st, 2005 1:35:56 PM
Berlon mutters a story to no one in particular.
"If you continue another half day's journey past the swamp, you reach my village, if you know how to find it. One day a scavenger of a group of foul goblins that live on the fringes of this very swamp found the entrance to the village. A long, bloody series of goblin invasions followed, until the day the evil creatures realized they could not break the Will Of Alemi. This swamp is responsible for much death. My village considers it to be an evil place."
If anyone requires healing, Berlon has most of his spells available, and will heal whoever needs it. He will take his watch with Rose and go through his rituals, including spells.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Friday April 1st, 2005 1:58:21 PM
Vauhwyt enjoys the fresh air and the walk. Her tail it tall and her step is high. She pounces on things she sees on the side of the pathway -- a mouse (she misses), a leaf, a flower (she tries to put it in Mookie's feathers, until he flies away squawking).
At night, she agrees with Theo. Time for some sleep. She agrees with Dietrich's watches. She asks Vorelle if she sees any tracks.
Then she hears Berlon's sad tale. Like a heavy curtain cuts off light, so the cleric's story cuts off her happy demeanor. Her face darkens into a scowl. Her claws flex and dig deep wounds in the soil. Her tail lashes back and forth like a whip.
"I hate goblins."
DM SteveK Friday April 1st, 2005 2:26:40 PM
[OOC: I'm co-DMing with Brent. I'll ask about the last experience points. Hope you have fun!]
Dietrich and Rose are concerned about rushing off without preparation, but discover that the cart is well packed with provisions, if not every type of spice that Rose most likes.
The others tell stories of their lives and speculate on how to find the Book in the middle of such a large swamp.
As the party settles down to their nightly routines, the Macaw returns and is acting a little edgy; there is something out there. What it is becomes apparent soon enough, coming out of the darkness; a wild looking middle aged lady. Perched on her shoulder is a large ugly vulture, busily preening a ginger-coloured, bone-laced dreadlock. A slightly unwashed scent is about her as the vulture hops off her shoulder and the witch settles down beside the fire as if you already invited her. "A strange song of power in the swamps has called to me, and surprise, surprise! Here you all are!" Her raggedly clad arms open as if joining all of the heroes in on her comment. "And such a strange power as well. Look! Look in the flames, and see what is happening."
Whoever follows the witch's suggestion and looks at the flames of the failing campfire, sees the fire flicker, and then grow stronger but doesn't put off any more heat. Watching, the others see movement within the flames and then a scene like an old time cinema flickers out at the heroes from Dirt City.
It is a tavern or bar, familiar to some as one they have seen in their dreams. It is empty now except for one skinny human, polishing the brasswork on the bar. Then a song comes out of the fire. It is faint at first, the sound of singing, and then it grows in intensity.
The sunshine of your smile will soon be here, Your golden voice will once again fill the air, Rejoice inhabitants of field and stream, The Fairy King will no longer be a dream!
A young bard emerges from the green flames of the large fireplace and looks around. His fine features and angled eyes leave no doubt of his lineage.
"Lore and stories are no longer yarns told by a tall-tale spinner! It is time for a meeting to plan the awakening of the Sleeping-One!" and taking up a silver flute, he begins to play.
The green flames of the tavern fireplaces sparkle and crackle as the dream-shapes of them with a claim to elfish blood are compelled to attend this most important gathering.
The flames suddenly turn green and Olyn is pulled into the fire and disappears, only to be seen coming out of the fireplace of the Giggling Ghost!
Theodore and Macaw Friday April 1st, 2005 4:20:58 PM
Macaw lands lightly on Theodore's head, the mage wincing as the bird steps about to make himself comfortable. Seeing the witch and vulture coming from the mist, he thinks back to another duo named Priscilla and Warwick they had met only a few months ago. He squints his eyes to peer into the gloom, wondering it they are those same friends from before.
As the witch tells her tale, Theodore stares into the fire, his eyes growing bigger by the second. When Olyn is sucked into the fire, Theodore springs to his feet with a holler. Macaw flaps off with a startled caw. He bends close to the fire, feeling the heat against his face.
"Olyn!" he call out. "Olyn, can you hear me? Are you okay? What's happened to him?" he says this last part to the witch.
DM Steve [addendum] Saturday April 2nd, 2005 1:28:02 AM
As soon as the witch and vulture arrive, all who met her know her as Priscilla and Warrick.
Dietrich Sunday April 3rd, 2005 9:14:24 AM
Whilw the group is discussing, Dietrich listens to Berlon and sympathizes with the gnomes. He is satisfied to hear that they prevailed against the goblins.
Then Priscilla and Warwick suddenly appear and the warrior is more than surprised. Although strange, they are very welcomed and he stands up to greet them warmly. Dietrich watches the fire and when Olyn disappears, he joins in Theodore's questions.
But, despite all the confusion, he is glad to finally have someone to explain all the weird events of last and maybe help in finding Gratchien and the book.
Vorelle d20+7=21 d20+7=17 Sunday April 3rd, 2005 9:47:26 AM
Vorelle listens soberly to Berlon's tale, and gets to her feet as Priscilla and her strange familiar enter the camp. Vorelle doesn't entirely trust the witch, but understands that she is powerful, and powerful help may be just what they need now.
When the flames begin to leap, she resists their allure and instead concentrates on watching or listening for signs of danger to the camp.
[Spot 21, Listen 17]
Vauhwyt and Mookie Monday April 4th, 2005 3:38:23 PM
As quick as a flash, the liontaur's black mood dissolves. She bounds up to Priscilla and Warrick, smiling broadly.
"Wowsy! It is good to see you, Priscilla! And you, too, Warwick! You're far from home, that's for surre! Are we just really lucky to meet you, or did you mean to seek us out?"
"Either way, it sure is good to see you!"
"Oh, and what happened to Olyn? Did you do that? Is he alright?"
Mookie yawns and says in a stage whisper, "Boss, take a chill pill! You're embaraskin' me!"
The small black raven nods at the big black vulture and says, "Hey."
Rose Tuesday April 5th, 2005 1:25:02 AM
Rose leaps down from where she was resting and runs to give Priscilla a hug. "Hi Priscilla, what are you doing here? Did you bring my any more recipies? She give Warwick a nice scratch on his head. When Olyn dissapears she looks at Priscilla Why did Olyn dissapear? I want him back! She says with some big tears in her eyes.
DM Steve Tuesday April 5th, 2005 4:08:17 PM
[OOC: While watching the fire, the heroes see the events as they unfold in the Giggling Ghost.]
Berlon's story makes not a few heroes think of the evil that lies in the swamps. It seems that Priscilla's presence helps brighten the fire. Vauhwyt and Rose's greetings especially makes the middle-aged woman smile around her dreadlocks.
"You", she begins "seem to be the crux of powerful spirits. They flit around you like dancers, and I had to find out why." Warrick hops along the ground and keeps away from the fire; his greasy feathers would make excellent kindling. "Ask away, and the old bag of bones will wow you with her knowledge", the bird says sarcastically.
Priscilla blinks but seems not altogether surprised at the disappearance of Olyn. "But he is not altogether gone, is he?", she asks.
Vorelle (Spot DC 20) sees a ghostly green Olyn still staring intently at the fire. Wisps of green mist connect the ghostly Olyn with the fire. In fact, careful observation reveals Olyn sitting among the many elves in the Giggling Ghost that everyone is watching in the fire.
"Ask", Priscilla says again, "and I will tell what I may."
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday April 5th, 2005 6:21:57 PM
Macaw has concealed himself in a tree somewhere, still anxious around Warrick the vulture. Theodore doesn't seem to notice.
When Priscilla points out the ghost of Olyn, Theodore calms a bit. "Then what is going on? Does this have some sort of connection with the dream we all had?"
Berlon Tuesday April 5th, 2005 7:46:14 PM
"I have a question..."
"Being new to... *that place*... I don't really know anything about the workings of the city. Who is this prince, and why does he send you all on these missions? He seems overbearing to me..."
Vorelle d20+7=8 d20+7=8 Tuesday April 5th, 2005 7:55:25 PM
Restless for some reason, Vorelle paces around the ring of firelight. She tries to keep an eye and an ear out for trouble, but the weird Olyn-ghost is somewhat distracting.
[Spot 8, Listen 8. Rolled 2 1s in a row!]
Dietrich Wednesday April 6th, 2005 11:24:32 AM
Dietrich is slowly getting used to all the crazy magic constantly happening around, with people being possed, dreams, unholy symbols etc., that he isn't so disturbed by Olyn' ghost and the events in the fire.
The warrior sits down again to listen to Priscilla's explanations.
To Berlon he says: "The Prince is the highest authority in Dirt City, though there are many other powerful groups and individuals. We have worked for him before and managed to avoid some evil and he rewarded us well. But he's certainly no Saint, as all men of power, and better not to be crossed. In my opinion we and the city were better off with him than without, as he holds the city from the brink of civil war and protects it against far worse evil than his police and informers. That is, at least before he got this "connection" with the evil book."
Dietrich also asks the witch: "Does this all have something to do with the sudden possessions we've seen at Wardd's temple, or are these independent events?"
DM SteveK Wednesday April 6th, 2005 3:16:22 PM
As Vorelle stalks around the camp and Berlon finds out more about the city and people he has joined, the others stare at the fire and watch as if a play unfolds.
Theodore and Deitrich both ask Priscilla about the Giggling Ghost and possible connections with what they have seen. Once they explain the dream and possessions to Priscilla, she nods to herself.
As she talks Priscilla sets up her cauldron and Warrick fetches water for the boil. "I think this meeting of the elves has a direct connection to this dream of yours as well as the divinations. The elves in the fire have spoken of the number three. Isn't that significant to the dream and the possessed children?" Priscilla doesn't wait for an answer, but looks back to the fire.
"It seems the Elves seek to bring into the Wold a slumbering King of power who may bring peace and harmony." Priscilla is in a considering mood, not seemingly caught up in the elvish euphoria nor suspicious of possible consequences. "I have seen Blackbird Forest stirring, the trees standing taller, the thickets heavy with leaf and berry. And there seems to be less disappearances, too. Altogether a very happy occasion."
Warrick perches on the wagon provided by the Prince. "And look at this melon!", he squawks. "It is huge!" And truly, the fruit and vegetables provided by Dirt City are larger and juicier than anyone remembers before.
"Yet you aren't worried about fruit", continues the witch, "but the Book you had once recovered from the living island on Blackbird Lake."
Priscilla straightens her head and looks directly at Deitrich. "You may be surprised that the Book is not far away. No, I don't know exactly where it is; something is hindering my location spells. However, if you have some material from this Graitchen fellow, I think I can whip something up." The witch and vulture share a look full of confidence.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday April 6th, 2005 4:46:06 PM
Theodore retrieves the list of items he had found hidden within one of Gratchien's tomes and hands it to the three-fingered Priscilla. "Will this do?"
The orange glow from the fire dances on Theodore's face, heightening the definite curiousity etched upon his features. "This man is very dangerous," he says, thinking back on the butchered Th'Ayvanen. "Do you know anything about the extent of his power, or whether he's being helped?"
Rose Thursday April 7th, 2005 12:34:44 AM
While listening to the conversation Rose goes over to the supplies and digs through them looking for some tea, bread, cheese, and any treats that might have been packed (cookies or cakes)
Dietrich Thursday April 7th, 2005 10:53:13 AM
Dietrich listens interested to the witch, but doesn't share her calm mood. Although there is an apparent move to strenghten good, the ex-soldiers sees to many signs of radical change and war in it to be at ease. He also remembers that the possessions told them to beware of the three and asks her who they are.
He doesn't really understand what she means by mentioning that the book is very near and hopes she can do something with Theo's help. It's not his field, but the warrior senses the powers involved.
Dietrich is happy that Rose is going to prepare some delicious food and he saviours some ot the melon in atecipation.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday April 7th, 2005 11:04:25 AM
[OOC: Sorry I missed a post.]
Vauhwyt jerks and turns away from the flames. "This elf-dream stuff and debate is over my head. Even if I wanted to wake a god, I wouldn't know how! Let the elves deal with it."
She sees Theo hand an item to the witch. "Theo, that was clever of you," says Vauhwyt.
"I for one am eager to head out after this book."
Berlon Thursday April 7th, 2005 1:00:19 PM
"Once we are finished with our business in these fens I will need to make a quick stop at my village. I won't be long and it won't add more than a day or two to our travelling. You are all welcome, but if you are unable to stop at my village I should arrive back in... back at my lab just a few days after your return."
BigTim aka Olyn Thursday April 7th, 2005 2:21:05 PM
(am moved and back online, will begin posting on monday)
Vorelle d20+7=12 d20+7=25 Thursday April 7th, 2005 2:24:17 PM
Inwardly, Vorelle acknowledges that she's way out of her league. She doesn't understand this Dream stuff, or the ghost Olyn, or this talk of threes. She doesn't understand anything about the Book, or the magic that Theo and Priscilla seem so eager to try. She doesn't even understand how to cook, or she'd help Rose.
With a sigh, she goes back to sentry duty. At least her eyes and ears still work.
[Spot 12, Listen 25]
DM Steve Thursday April 7th, 2005 3:19:34 PM
[OOC: Fantastic, BigTim, and congradulations on your move. Olyn is an observer to the Giggling Ghost convention; but I am sure he will be returned to the group over the weekend :)]
Rose finds all kinds of foods and the general run of spices in the wagon; it seems Jolath had it stocked well. The one thing she doesn't find is any sort of treat. It is strange that there is no sweets at all while everything else is so well stocked.
"I really don't know who the Three are", responds the witch to Deitrich while twirling a dreadlock in one hand, "from what you've told me, the Three may not even be people but any three things together."
Priscilla nods at Berlon's comment. Though not meant for her, she smiles in agreemnt, obviously thinking well of the gnome who knows his business. "The swamps are not all evil", she cautions, "There is a good tribe of gnolls that live away to the south, and many other creatures that are neither good nor evil."
Theodore provides a scrap of paper to Priscilla and she smiles in anticipation. "This should work nicely", she says as the cauldron bubbles merrily in what is obviously one of the witch's spells. In less time than one would suppose, the ragged woman stands back. A huge ladle is in her hand and she offers the cooling liquid to the group. "The first who tastes the potion will be able to know unerringly where this Graitchen is and the shortest route to get there." She pauses and looks at the heroes expectantly. "So who is the guide?"
Warrick perches on a nearby tree limb and looks on expectantly.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+1=8 Thursday April 7th, 2005 5:55:12 PM
Not noticing that Vorelle may be feeling a little down (Sense Motive 8), Vauhwyt immediately steps forward to volunteer her friend.
"Vorelle, that's right up your alley! You're the best of us by far in this terrain. Plus you have keen eyes and a good sense of direction. Me, I have to ask Mookie where the sun goes down!"
Mookie caws in laughter, and says, with exaggerated slowness, "le-eft ... we-est!"
==========
[OOC: Just to offer an obscure piece of alteriania, when I was in high school, I loved being the party mapper. But I always get east and west mixed up. So my brother would often say "Mike, le-eft ... we-est," and to this day I use that mnemonic. LOL!]
Theodore and Macaw Friday April 8th, 2005 9:25:22 AM
Theodore is pleased that he is able to help the group in finding Gratchien. When Vauhwyt offers Vorelle's services to lead the party, Theodore silently agrees that the taciturn ranger would be a good person for the job, but he refrains from putting any more pressure on his reluctant friend. Rather, he gives her an encouraging smile that assures her he will not think any less if she should decline or accept.
Dietrich Friday April 8th, 2005 9:46:00 AM
Dietrich eagerly awaits Rose's food and listens to Priscilla's information. It doesn't help a lot about the 'three', but he gets excited with the possibility of finding the book soon and taps Theo's shoulder appreciatevely.
The warrior reassures Berlon of his disposition to visit the village and is slightly shocked to hear about 'good' Gnolls (only this crazy witch to say this kind of thing...)
Dietrich definitely approves to have Vorelle as the guide and encourages her with his looks. "Yes, Vorelle is our guide in the wilderness and has shown her valour before. I agree with the proposal!"
Nevertheless, he still suggests the group rests first and goes after Gratchien in daylight.
DM Steve Saturday April 9th, 2005 2:27:44 AM
With Vauhwyt, Theodore, and Dietrich, the three-fingered witch also looks expectantly at Vorelle prowling around the campsite and staring into the darkness. Warrick on the other hand hears the other comment by the doughty fighter.
"If she drinks now," comes the raspy voice, "when will the spell end?"
This brings up Priscilla's head in surprise. "Why, umm.... no more than a couple of hours, I'm sure. And I see what you mean." The witch puts a cover on her cauldron with a clang. "This can simmer to morning. I don't see any harm in you sweetlings getting a night's rest before you track down your foe."
The wild witch speaks no more, but settles back and quickly begins snoring like a conclave of frogs during mating season. The vulture gives the others a pained look and makes to cover his ears with his wings in sympathy. He then flies to a higher branch to try and sleep as well.
The unattended cauldron simmers merrily in the fire.
Theodore and Macaw Sunday April 10th, 2005 1:43:35 PM
Theodore takes his cue from Priscilla and curls up under a blanket, using his backpack as a pillow. He quickly falls asleep as well, dreaming of tomorrow's adventure.
Macaw roosts in the tree he has taken, keeping a safe distance from the vulture.
Vorelle d20+7=8 d20+7=23 Sunday April 10th, 2005 4:49:15 PM
Bouyed by her friends' confidence in her, Vorelle reaches for the spoon, but stops when the decision is made to try in the morning. She unpacks her bedroll and lays it out. Leaving it there for the moment, she moves over to Dietrich. "Wh-wh-which w-w-watch sh-should I t-t-ake?" she asks him, comfortable now with having him make the strategeic decisions for the group.
She will take whichever watch he suggests, and stay as alert as she can. [Spot 8, Listen 23]
Vauhwyt and Mookie Monday April 11th, 2005 6:34:00 AM
Vauhwyt also volunteers for a watch. In the morning, she is ready to go.
Dietrich d20=10 d20+4=12 d20+2=8 Monday April 11th, 2005 7:16:17 AM
Dietrich is quite tired from the long march and is happy to get some hours sleep before the hunt. He takes his gear off and prepares to lay down after having dinner when Vorelle asks him about the watches.
The suggestion is: Rose and Berlon, Him and Zayne, Him/Vauhwyt (now that Olyn is away) and Vorelle, Vauhwyt and Theo.
Fortunatelly he is so tired and used to snoring comrades in arms that Priscilla's 'concert' doesn't bother his rest. When awakened for the watch, the warrior puts his full equipment on and leaves the fire to observe his surroundings from the shade. Hide 10, Spot 12, listen 8
DM Steve Monday April 11th, 2005 1:43:05 PM
The night passes without incident, though Vauhwyt and Theodore notice that when they are woken for watch that Olyn is once again among the living and sleeping peacefully where the misty Olyn had been sitting.
The morning dawns red over the swamps, morning ministrations are conducted, and breakfast completed. Priscilla checks her cauldron and nods, satisfied that the potion is still potent.
"All right, Vorelle, over the lips and through the gums..."
Whoever first sips the potion ...Highlight to display spoiler: { The brew is watery and has an aftertaste of willowbark. Then, your awareness expands and lifts, clearly seeing a path through the swampy hillocks and trees to a ramshackle hut on stilts. From the place you are standing, you can see you need to wind your way west-south-west skirting bogs until you get to a half-submerged punt. On the far side of a creek, your minds-eye follows gnarled cyprus until you come to a tremendous thicket of mulberry bushes. On the far side of the thicket is the stilted hut with three skiffs tied up on a rotted dock. }
Olyn Monday April 11th, 2005 2:24:43 PM
/ooc i see nothing between the brackets. dont know if there is suppose to
sitting up Olyn rubs the sleep from his eyes, then starts gathering his pack.
( Cayzle, can you email me a cliff note version on everything i should know. im too lazy to read everything...please )
Berlon Monday April 11th, 2005 6:26:20 PM
"When the swamp dawns red like this, the elders of my village say it is the Shamen of the Swamp trying to animate their fallen comrades.
Berlon performs his morning devotions and memorizes his usual spells.
"Take care, everyone, for this swamp can be very treacherous..."
(ooc: I don't know if anyone else ever got anything on it, but I never received any info on xp or hero points from the last segment)
Vorelle Monday April 11th, 2005 6:40:16 PM
Vorelle wrinkles her nose and takes a deep breath in anticipation, but actually the concoction doesn't taste all that bad. Medicinal, certainly, but not entirely unpleasant.
After a moment, she says, "I s-s-s-ee a h-h-house. On s-s-stilts. Th-th-that way." She points west-southwest, then looks around to see if her companions are ready to depart.
Theodore and Macaw d20+4=19 d20+4=6 Monday April 11th, 2005 6:57:57 PM
After breaking his fast, Theodore shoulders into his backpack, finally starting to get used to these trips into the wild. He stifles a yawn as he waits for the group to move out.
Macaw glides overhead, leading the group, searching for danger.
(Macaw listen = 19, spot = 6)
OOC Cayzle's Summary of Recent Events Monday April 11th, 2005 9:51:29 PM
[I'm putting this on the board so that if I miss something important, someone else can chime in. Hope that's okay.]
[DM Steve: sounds like a good summation. OK by me :)]
The Prince of Dirt City asked the party for help. He evidently read too much of the Evil Book we brought him, and now he has an "attachment" to it. What's worse, someone stole it, so the Prince asked us to fetch it. I guess he figures that if we found it one time, we can find it again. Through his "connection," he told us it was in this swamp.
Before we went to the swamp, we did some poking around in the Palace. We found a couple of the Prince's men dead, especially They'vanan (I'm mis-spelling his name), the Prince's right hand man, who we had dealt with in the past. There were hints of evil rituals and blood sacrifice, too, and an elf was killed. We did not have time to really check that out.
So we came to the swamp, where good fortune led us to Priscilla the Witch, our friend from Blackbird Lake.
The following is for DMs and Olyn only: Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Olyn's spirit was summoned to the Giggling Ghost, along with every being with elf blood in the Wold. These elves discussed a proposal to awaken a Sleeper, the Fae King. Some said it was a good idea; others said not. Nothing was decided ... yet. (DM Steve: Olyn knows that in the GG, many elves and adventurers spoke of other things happening in threes, and this seemed significant to the discussion on whether to wake the Sleeper at the eclipse of the sun by both moons.}
Priscilla is helping us find the book. She gave a potion to Vorelle, who is now leading us to it.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Monday April 11th, 2005 9:53:48 PM
The liontaur and her familiar are ready to go. But first, a word with the witch.
"Are you coming with us, Priscilla? It would be a shame to say good-bye again so soon. Do you have any advice for us?"
Dietrich Tuesday April 12th, 2005 8:25:53 AM
Dietrich wakes up and is glad to see Olyn again in full flesh and blood. He readies his gear, eats, makes a short prayer to Domi and takes care of the ponies before departing.
The warrior listnes to Vorelle and Vauhwyt and than reminds everyone of the dangers involved in the adventure:
"This Gratchien seems to control very strong magic and managed, alone or with others, to kill Th'Ayvannen, so we really can't afford to underestimate him. I'd say we follow Vorelle's lead till the house and then elaborate a thorough plan."
ooc: Taking the hint from Berlon, I'd also like to know about the treasure (jewels) found with the BAzok. We appraised it, but didn't share the loot.
DM Steve Tuesday April 12th, 2005 4:53:23 PM
Potion is sipped, warnings given, and preparations made. The heroes then follow Vorelle into the swamps.
Priscilla stays where she is. "Follow you hotheads?", she asks with her usual pointedness, "not hardly. There is a ley line around here somewhere and I've got to track it down. Yoo-hoo! Line!" Her ragged cloak flutters as she moves around the site, picking up rocks, looking around trees.
Warrick the vulture keeps his perch and stares menacingly at the ravens. "Too boney", is his comment about Macaw. "Not the breakfast for a once world famous wizard."
Vorelle quickly takes the heroes into the swamp, guiding along game trails that skirt the worst of the wet. Vegetation is growing at an unprecedented rate while the party moves. During one rest stop, Rose has to untangle herself from a vine that had started to entwine around her ankle. No melevolent intelligence is detected, only a tremendous growth spurt.
Within an hour, Vorelle stops. In front of her is a sluggish river, a half submerged flat bottomed boat tied up to a fallen log nearby. From the potion she drank, Vorelle knows she needs to get to the other side of the 30 foot wide waterway.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday April 12th, 2005 7:19:28 PM
Macaw shrieks as he retreats from the overbearing look of the vulture.
Theodore finds the the vegatative growth spurt fascinating, and comments often and extensively on the unique occurence. He often has to be ushered forward after stopping to examine a particular area that has caught his interest.
When the group find themselves at the river, Theodore looks the boat over. "I wonder who left this here."
Vorelle d20+7=20 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 2:22:15 AM
Unhappily, Vorelle eyes the murky, slow-moving water. She hates boats.
"W-w-w-we n-n-need to c-c-cross," she informs her friends. Dismissing the boat as unseaworthy (or un-river-worthy), she begins looking around for another way to get across.
[Spot or Search of 20]
Vauhwyt (Enlarge Person) and Mookie d20+14=22 d20+3=13 d20+3=8 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 7:43:43 AM
Vauhwyt looks at the water, like Vorelle, with trepidation. "I hate getting wet," she says.
"Yeah," adds Mookie, "And Boss, I think you're too fat for that little boat."
"Thanks a lot, Mookie," Vauhwyt answers.
She eyes the gap. She casts a spell, and a blood-red sigul appears on her forehead (Enlarge Person). She grows to twice normal size, and then takes a running leap at the water.
But she falls short by 8 feet! [Jump check 22] She splashes into the water, and tries to swim as best she can to the far side. With any luck, the water is not over her head, since she is now 12 feet tall and 20 feet long. She struggles to get up out of the water. [Untrained swim 13, climb 8.]
Dietrich d20+4=21 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 10:00:58 AM
Dietrich says farewell to the witch and the vulture and marches after Vorelle with grim determination. He wonders at the overgrown green stuff, but doesn't really care about it.
When the party reaches the river, he first looks around for hidden dangers. Spot 21
He is just going to suggest something when he sees the giant liontaur jumping into the water! The warrior admires the jump and is sure Vauhwyt will make it to the other side without problems.
Dietrich takes some rope and throws one end to Vahwyt when she reaches it. "Bind it somewhere or hold it fast! It will help us others cross!", he shouts and binds his end to the cart.
Before he prepares to cross though, Dietrich lets his rucksack with the cart, taking only his martial equippment with him.
Good-bye Dave & Lynn Beck - DM Donna Wednesday April 13th, 2005 2:16:17 PM
The hour of silence in memory of former Woldian players Dave and Lynn Beck is over now. Posting may resume. Thank you and let's all hope for the best for young Alex Beck.
DM Steve Wednesday April 13th, 2005 4:35:51 PM
While the heroes follow Vorelle, Dietrich keeps a sharp eye out for anything untoward. He is very satisfied the only dangerous things in the swamp right now are themselves.
Several people come up with ways to cross the river, but the great red liontaur puts action to words and vaults the sluggish water. Her hindquarters don't quite make it and give all a good drenching from the terrific splash. It also demonstrates that a wet liontaur has a particular wet/shaggy smell, one that everyone besides Berlon is familiar with.
Vauhwyt finds that the river no more than eight feet deep and that at 20 feet long, she can easily be the bridge for the others across the water. She can fasten the rope Dietrich heaves to her so the others can hold on the rope while walking across the back of the VERY large wemic.
As the heroes cross, each make a Spot check DC 12 to read the following Highlight to display spoiler: {there seems to be some sort of animal or animals in the water that try and come at the liontaur/bridge, but they are blocked by two faintly glowing images that look like simple but strangely dressed human man and woman. Once the last hero is across, the images wave in farewell and disappear }
Olyn d20+3=13 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 6:22:16 PM
crosses the river over Vauhwyt, and gives her head a nice pat as he does so.
Theodore and Macaw d20+4=12 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 6:57:15 PM
Theodore hurries across the river, catching a glimpse of the phantoms and strange animals. Once on the other side, the young mage points the critters out to Vorelle.
"What are those? Something we need to worry about?"
Berlon d20+3=13 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 7:29:28 PM
Berlon hurrily crosses the makeshift bridge, and audibly gasps at what he sees out of the corner of his eye. (Spot check 13)
"Don't be embarrassed by the smell. This swamp makes everything it touches just a little bit fouler. You should smell the undead the swamp shamen used to summon against us. The stench would kill you by itself...."
Rose d20+6=10 d20+5=9 Thursday April 14th, 2005 1:20:18 AM
Rose does the cooking, althogh she may grumble a bit if in addition to no treats there is no tea and either sugar or honey. Breakfast is the usual porridge and toast (unless there's no sugar or honey, porridge with out sweetener YUCK, if there's no sugar or honey breakfast is bread and cheese.) Rose takes her watch with out much complaining, although there is the usual argument over dishes (I forgot which of the guys always tries to get out of dishes:)
listen: 10 spot: 9
ooc: sorry for not posting the last few days, my dad is in town and I've been busy.
Vorelle d20+7=19 Thursday April 14th, 2005 2:25:01 AM
Walk across on her friend's back? It seems an odd idea, but Vauhwyt doesn't appear to be in any pain or difficulty as the others cross, so Vorelle cautiously makes the attempt.
She glances down to where Theo is pointing, and sees the odd creatures, and the two glowing figures that come to the group's defense [Spot 19]. For some reason, she is reminded of the figure of the holy warrior in the strange projection.
"I-I d-d-d-don't kn-know," she replies to Theo's question.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+1=18 Thursday April 14th, 2005 9:53:01 AM
Vauhwyt laughs. "Hop on, everybody! Just watch those boots!"
She is happy to serve a a bridge/ferry.
Then she notices the phantoms that seem to be protecting her [spot 18]. For some reason, they make her sad.
After everyone has crossed, Vauhwyt quietly casts her prestidigitation spell. Following the theme of all her magic, the water and smell on her changes to a blood red color and a sharp coppery tang, then both disappear, leaving the wemic dry and fresh-smelling.
Vauhwyt encourages Vorelle to lead on while the magic potion of guidance lasts.
[Spells used: Enlarge Person, Prestidigitation]
DM Steve Thursday April 14th, 2005 11:32:45 AM
Safe and sound on the other side of the sluggish river, the heroes continue on further into the swamps. The magical potion continues to unerringly lead Vorelle towards the house-on-stilts.
After almost an hour, the trail becomes very narrow. A narrow strip of springy turf lies through a swampy bog which produces slow bubbles from some underground swamp gas. The sulfuric smell is abrasive on the nose, and each of the heroes hear a shriek as a small frog is sucked into the mud never to emerge.
Several people may have questioning glances to Vorelle, but the magic is still on her and the ranger is certain this is absolutely the safest, fastest way to the hut with stilts.
One person may walk on the spongy turf at a time. Each person has to make a Reflex Save DC 10 to avoid falling into the sucking swamp.
Berlon d20+2=21 Thursday April 14th, 2005 12:33:55 PM
Berlon frowns, as he's not the most coordinated gnome around. "I really hate this swamp...' he mutters. He makes a quick prayer to Alemi that he not fall victim to this nasty place.
(Cast Guidance, +1 next save, using now)
He braces himself, then makes the crossing, with surprising ease. (Reflex Save 21)
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+5=22 Thursday April 14th, 2005 1:50:28 PM
Mookie simply flies overhead.
Vauhwyt (now back to normal size), picks her way delicately across with ease (Reflex save 22]. She carries with her the rope, if it is long enough, so that others making the passage can grab on to it if they slip. The liontaur takes a firm grip on her end.
[Spells used: 1 first, 1 zero]
Mookie (illegal second post) Thursday April 14th, 2005 4:20:27 PM
The black raven caws in loud laughter!
"Boss! Get a hold of yourself! No, not that way! Here!"
The bird flies a rope to Vauhwyt so she can take a firm grip on the end of the rope, rather than taking a firm grip on her end!
[OOC: Thanks Kathy! You made me laugh!]
Vorelle d20+6=24 Thursday April 14th, 2005 6:04:03 PM
Vorelle waits her turn, the walks calmly across the treacherous bog as if she were just out for a stroll [Reflex 24].
Once safely on the other side, she turns and watches the others cross, ready to go to the aid of anybody who topples in.
Theodore and Macaw d20+2=7 Thursday April 14th, 2005 6:34:48 PM
Theodore seems not to notice his immediate surroundings as he follows the group. Sure enough, in typical Theodore fashion, he stumbles over the hem of his trousers and falls flailing into the swamp.
Overhead, Macaw begins to crow frantically.
Olyn d20+6=8 Thursday April 14th, 2005 11:54:16 PM
when Theo lands in the muck and sits up, spitting out some of the swamp water, he looks up tot he rest of the group just in time to see Olyn land with a BIG splash beside him.
Rose d20+6=14 Friday April 15th, 2005 3:37:53 AM
Rose hates it when she has to get out of the cart and walk in the muck. "Great" She mumbles under her breath. "Now I'm going to drown in mud...At least I'll be able to get clean later on. The short little halfling keeps yelling "Wait for me, you know I cant walk as fast as you guys can." When ever she falls behind.
ooc: what did we do with the cart did we leave it at the edge of the stream, did we somehow get it across the stream and through the muck?
Dietrich d20+4=23 d20+3=13 d20+5=19 Friday April 15th, 2005 7:20:13 AM
Dietrich keeps marching after Vorelle and looking for trouble. He manages to move through the narrow gap without problems (reflex 23) and will help to get his friends out of the swamp.
If they get the rope, Dietrich helps pulling (strenght test 13). Despite the comic side to it, the warrior doesn't smile at the scene, too concerned about dangers.
ooc: I was going to ask about the cart too. If we let it there, Dietrich binds the ponies, so they don't run away. If we got it through the river, the fighter guides the beasts. Handle animal 19.
DM SteveK Friday April 15th, 2005 12:12:46 PM
OOC: Sorry for confusion, I assumed from no one bringing the cart over and with Deitrich's post that the heroes left the cart on the near side of the water obstacle and only took thier combat/exploration gear. The heroes don't have the cart with them to cross the mucky bog.]
Dietrich hobbles the ponies before crossing the water on Vauhwyt's back. Vorelle instintively knows the hut is no more than a couple hours walk; the ponies should be safe until the heroes can come back for them.
Theodore and Olyn fall into the mud and immediately starts to sink. Theodore's luck is solid... all bad. Landing on his rump, he is already mostly under the mud, with only head and shoulders showing. Olyn fares better and manages to get his legs under him, so he is only as deep as his waist. Yet he can feel no end to the mud and knows that the swamp is pulling him downward.
Vorelle, Vauhwyt, and Deitrich are ready to help their trapped friends. A mere AC 10 to toss a rope to them. As long as Theodore and Olyn hold on a rope they will sink no further. Another DC 10 strength check will be required to pull them out.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+2=14 d20+2=4 Friday April 15th, 2005 1:35:44 PM
Vauhwyt tosses the rope to her friends, while holding onto the other end of the rope. Her aim is true (hits AC14). She asks for help pulling them out. Then she hauls on the rope. (Str check 4 is not doing much!)
Vorelle d20+1=4 Friday April 15th, 2005 3:33:13 PM
Vorelle grabs the rope and tries to pull, but strength has never been her most noteworthy feature.
[Also got a 4!]
Berlon Friday April 15th, 2005 8:27:26 PM
Berlon quickly turns around as he hears one splash after another. After two failed attempts are made to haul Olyn and Theodore out, he tries to help prevent a third.
Assuming he can get close to Dietrich, he casts Bull's Strength on Dietrich (+4 str, 3 rounds), confident Dietrich will be able to lug both out of the mire.
If he can also take a move action, Berlon will get closer to try to help if he can.
Theodore and Macaw Saturday April 16th, 2005 2:11:27 PM
Theodore grabs for the rope and holds on. Panic begins to take him and he turns his face to the sky and begins sucking air as if he were drinking water.
Overhead, Macaw wheels, still shrieking.
Dietrich d20+5=12 Sunday April 17th, 2005 7:22:33 AM
Dietrich is surprised at the difficulties to pull his friends out of the stinking swamp. He flexes his muscles, readying to help, when Berlon calls the power of the gods upon him.
The warrior feels the sudden increase in his power and it is a good sensation. Then he keeps a firm stand and steadily drags his friends out (strenght test 12)of the accursed place.
Rose Monday April 18th, 2005 12:33:32 AM
Rose quickly moves to a spot where she wont drown in the mud if she makes a wrong step. "Are we going to stop here for a while?" She asks the others.
ooc: what time of day is it? how muddy is rose remember she's only 3'2" tall? what's the temperature and weather like?
Mud is Good for the Complexion [DM SteveK] Monday April 18th, 2005 3:33:31 PM
Berlon's spell infuses the burly fighter with holy vitality, and is enough to keep the rope taut and draw one comrade from the mud.
Rose keeps out of the way of the rescue attempt and looks around the area. The springy turf over the muddy area kept those that did not fall completely free of grime (though Dietrich is sporting a couple of hand marks from Theodore :), and so Rose is only as dirty as a camp out, walking a couple hours in a swamp, and crossing a algae covered waterway would make her: no mud, but plenty dirty. The halfling also looks around at the swamp and air far above. The clouds scud across the blue sky playing catch with the wind. Little of the breeze comes down to your level, but the tempature is balmy for all that... There is certainly little chance of hypothermia right now.
With the thrown rope, Theodore is able to grab and hold on with enough strength to allow Deitrich to pull the mage to safety. Theodore comes out of the warm mud with a sick, wet, sucking sound. Did the swamp sigh in dismay or was that only your imagination? There are no clues to be had. Only the mage's face is free of the mud that is all over the rest of him.
With only one thrown rope, Olyn waits patiently. Keeping calm and not thrashing too much, he is able to slow his rate of sinking and the mud crests halfway up his chest.
Berlon (Prestidigitation 1hr) Monday April 18th, 2005 6:50:29 PM
"Here, Theodore, let me assist you."
Without using his holy symbol, Berlon waves his hands and tries his best to magically clean Theodore of the mud that covers him.
(Cast Prestidigitation, Gnome spell ability)
"Not all magic comes from prayers and spellbooks," he smiles at Theo, "some comes from within."
He doesn't get in the way of rescuing Olyn, as he is sure those already trying to pull him out will be able to do so, especially since Dietrich is empowered for two more rounds.
Theodore and Macaw Monday April 18th, 2005 9:37:57 PM
Theodore sprawls on the ground after being pulled from the mud. He doesn't seem to notice Berlon's ministrations as he closes his eyes and tries to calm his racing heart.
Macaw lands on Theodore's chest and cocks his head to check on the simpering mage. Deeming him in decent shape, the raven gives the wizard a quick pluck on the nose.
Theodore's eyes pop open and Macaw flaps off. Slowly, he begins to regain his bearings.
Vorelle d20+1=21 Monday April 18th, 2005 9:39:40 PM
Not sure what else to do, Vorelle helps Dietrich pull.
[Successfully Aid Another; Dietrich gets +2 to his attempt.]
Rose Monday April 18th, 2005 10:59:31 PM Yuck! I'm filthy! Rose thinks she looks around and quickly decides to follow Berlon's example and casts Prestiditation to clean herself and then others up.
Dietrich d20+4=21 d20+5=12 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 10:09:45 AM
Dietrich ignores the dirt on his coat d'arms and is happy Theo made it out of the swamp. He throws the rope to Olyn (hits ac 23) and starts pulling him out with Vorelle's help and some holy strenght(strenght check 14).
The warrior uses the break to ask his friends:
"So, what are we going to do when we find this Gratchien? Perhaps there are more enemies then him, so I'd like some scouting of the area before we run in. And I'd also like to interrogate him if possible."
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+3=5 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 12:19:13 PM
Vauhwyt helps drag Olyn out of the mud. Or tries to (Str check 5).
Then she gets ready for the group to press on to the stilted house.
Look Ma, I Caught Two! [DM SteveK] Tuesday April 19th, 2005 3:33:05 PM
[OOC: Could everyone send me thier character sheets? Brent is on walkabout and I didn't get them from him before he had to leave. Thanks for your understanding]
An excellent throw, and Dietrich gets the rope to Olyn in one throw. After that, it takes no time at all for he and Vorelle to pull the cleric out of the warm mud.
So too, with two Prestigitation spells working (courtesy of Berlon and Rose) the others can get fairly clean in short order.
Dietrich's question as to what to do when you all get to the hut brings everyone thinking about that particular problem. And Vorelle gives another; the magic potion has worn off. She no longer knows which way to go other than generally south and west into the swamp.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday April 19th, 2005 9:09:03 PM
Theodore makes his way, slowly, to his feet and brushes off any remaining grime. He thanks Berlon for his help, and everyone else as well.
"I'm sorry that I keep getting myself into these situations," he apologizes, quite abashed. "Sometimes I feel like I'm more hindrance than help."
Vorelle d20+7=13 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 8:20:43 AM
"Y-y-you're a b-b-b-big help," Vorelle assures Theo, then looks around to get her bearings. She remembers (vaguely) the route she saw in her vision, and she knows what the house looks like and roughly which direction it's in. Now it's just a matter of finding the right path. She tries to deduce it based on what she remembers and what she can intuit.
[Survival 13]
Dietrich Wednesday April 20th, 2005 10:58:06 AM
Dietrich glances shortly at the swamp and than readies his reinforced longbow. It's bad the effect of the potion is over, but he thrusts Vorelle's abillity to get them to the house.
To Theodore's remark, the warrior repies: "Come on now! What a humbug!" and gives the wizard a strong clasp at the soulders. "You better focos on your spells, we'll need them against that %$£*& Gratchien."
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+1=18 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 1:26:21 PM
The liontaur follws as Vorelle leads. Vauhwyt is confident in Vorelle's ability, and is sure she'll do fine.
She does her best to help out in finding the path, of course. [Untrained Survival check 18 to Aid Another, hopefully adding a +2 to Vorelle's roll.]
Rose Wednesday April 20th, 2005 2:19:08 PM
Rose struggles to keep pace with the others "Vauhwyt can I have a lift?" She finally asks embaressedly. While walking (or riding Vauhwyt) she amuses herself with the remaining prestidation by turning herself and her friends different colors (purple Vorelle, blue Theo, orange Dietrich, green Olyn, yellow Vauhwyt and rose colored Rose)
The Swamp is Alive with the Sound of Music [DM SteveK] Wednesday April 20th, 2005 4:31:42 PM
The sun is high in the sky and shines brightly down on the swamp and the heroes below. Unusually, they seem to be awfully clean despite being in the middle of the swamp, and even of strange but color coordinated hues. ;)
Vorelle looks around in the general direction of where they were going and ... and... she DOES remember those mulberry bushes at the very edge of her vision a few hundred feet away. Wasn't there a mulberry thicket in her vision somewhere?
No one has answered Dietrich's question about what they will do once they find Graitchen and the hut. Perhaps a plan would be a good idea...
And Olyn seems to be not paying attention to what is going on around the swamp. He stands in a position of listening, as if facinated by something he is hearing. A Listen Check of DC 15 lets other heroes hear a chorus of voices but you can't understand what they are saying. It sounds like a whole Wold worth of voices raised in song.
Berlon d20+6=18 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 5:50:59 PM
(ooc: can we understand the chorus of voices if we speak Elven? Berlon does...)
Berlon seems strangely distracted by the sounds. The gnomes of his village are used to having to hear things come from the swamp, so his ears pick up on the voices (Listen check 18)
He snaps to with a shake of his head. "I think the question isn't what we do once we get to the hut. Rather, I think the question is "What do we do once we get the book?" What is this Prince of yours going to do with it? We're just going to hand over an item of such evil without even a raised question?"
Berlon shifts back and forth on his feet uncomfortably. "I apologize for my outburst. It's just that I want to make it clear that we do have.... other options available..."
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday April 20th, 2005 10:51:31 PM
Theodore rubs anxiously behind his ear as Berlon speaks his mind. It seems to him the group has been doing a lot of arguing over this book and the prince. He decides it better to hold his tongue until a more timely moment.
"I have a few spells I can use to contain Graitchen. I believe I can slow him, perhaps keep him from casting any spells until we get close enough to bind him properly. It's kind of like a giant spiderweb, but..." Seeing that most of his friends aren't really interested in how it works, he decides to halt his explanation.
"I also still have this fireball scroll that Berlon has lent to me if we run up against any allies of Gratchien." The wizard scratches at his scraggly hair. "Of course, there's a chance it might not work. Umm, but we shouldn't dwell on that..."
Dietrich d20+2=16 Thursday April 21st, 2005 8:49:45 AM
When the party reaches the proximity of the hut, Dietrich says with more authority than his usual proposals (despite his orange "aura"):
"Let the main group stop here. Vorelle and Zayne (who is inactive, but still with the group...) or Rose could scout the perimeter and gather information before we continue."
The warrior hears the voices and it only adds to the strangeness of the previous events and Olyn's recent behaviour.
He listens to Berlon and agrees that the Book is something to be decided too. The first pressing question though is how to subdue Graitchen and his dark magic and preserve his life in order to get a broader picture of what is going on.
Dietrich likes Theo's magic ideas. He says: "We have to wait for all info before our definite plan, but here are some suggestion for the debate. If the enemy is alone, surprise him in his house, possibly while he is sleeping, use the debilitating magic and immobilise him as fast as possible (me and Vauhwyt). If there are others, we'll have to neutralize them before. In any way, we can't allow the guy to use his magic, so, if we can't surprise him, some of us will have to keep him under missil fire to disturb his concentration, while others move to get him hand-to-hand."
Vauhwyt and Mookie (Unseen Servant) Thursday April 21st, 2005 1:07:35 PM
Vauhwyt thinks this is a grand plan. "I would be happy to use my growth spell and then pounce on him! With any luck I can hold him down."
"Another idea is that I'm pretty good with my fists. I could pummel him into unconsciousness."
"I have three Ray of Enfeeblement scrolls," she adds. "Why don't Rose, Theo and me each carry one. When we see the enemy, all three of us use the scroll. Surely one of us will hit him with a Ray, and if more than one hits, the most potent will affect him."
She passes out the scrolls, adding, "It'll be easier to pounce on him if he is feeble."
"And I have my Bag of Tricks for Mookie to use."
"Come herre, Mookie."
While Vorelle and Rose are scounting, the liontaur reads a scroll of Unseen Servant. She tells the Servant to hold the Bag of Tricks, so that Mookie can reach in and summon an animal when needed. The Servant can also take cure scrolls from Vauhwyt's pouch and hold them up for Mookie to read, or help Mookie administer cure potions.
Planning in the Swamp [DM Steve] Thursday April 21st, 2005 3:34:42 PM
[OOC: I keep missing elements of the story, don't I? (Sheepish grin) As Zayne is inactive and I don't have his permission to use his character and he hasn't posted since Graitchen's room, we will assume he is NOT with the party. When he left and where he's gone is a matter of speculation for the heroes, but they know he wasn't with them when Priscilla arrived at their campsite.]
The chorus of voices continues, just at the edge of hearing. Chants lift and fall, but words are unheard. Olyn again is entirely mesmerized by the voices and doesn't enter the discussion of how to fight the sinister Graitchen.
The others, however, get a plan together. Vauhwyt hands out scrolls, and Theodore is praised for his spells by Dietrich. And Berlon's thoughts on the Book make everyone wonder if a simple retrieval is the best course of action.
But first they have to find the hut where Graitchen is supposed to be hiding (according to the potion Vorelle had taken). She does remember those mulberry bushes over there. Perhaps there will be more clues once the heroes walk over?
As the heroes plan and think, the sunlight becomes thin and the breeze in the trees falls away to nothing. Anyone looking skyward sees an unusual occurance. Plainly in the afternoon sky and very close to each other, the two moons of the Wold are sharing the sky with the sun. And they are close together indeed.
Vorelle d20+7=15 d20+7=20 Thursday April 21st, 2005 3:47:54 PM
Frowning in concentration, Vorelle moves past the mullberry bushes and looks around again, trying to determine the best route to the little house. [Survival 15]
She does hear the sound of the music [Listen 20], but doesn't really pay attention to it; she is concentrating on finding their way.
Rose d20+7=24 d20+6=13 d20+7=9 d20+5=7 Thursday April 21st, 2005 6:26:30 PM
Rose quietly slips off to patrol, she stays away from Vorelle and anybody else patroling. Although she tries to be silent she becomes entangled in some bushes and when extracting herself she isnt very quiet.
hide: 24 Listen: 13 move silently: 9 spot: 7
Theodore and Macaw Thursday April 21st, 2005 9:26:42 PM
Theodore takes the scroll from Vauwhyt and tucks it behind his belt. He takes pulls forth a rod and ties off his quarterstaff to his backpack. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he begins to move forward with the rest of the group, going where the strategy minded folks point him.
Macaw hops from tree to tree, trying to look inconspicuous. "Graitchen would know about wizard familiars. Best not to give ourselves away." The raven stays close, but still keeps an eye out on high.
Vauhwyt and Mookie (unseen servant) Friday April 22nd, 2005 8:20:46 AM
"My Unseen servant only lasts an hourr. Do you think we are that close yet, Vorelle?" asks Vauhwyt.
Mookie chimes in, "Yeah! Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"
"Hush, Mookie," says Vauhwyt.
The liontaur follows Vorelle's lead. "I'm eager to get to the House on Stilts," she says.
"Yeah, I'm hungry for some smelly moldy cheese," says Mookie. "Think they got that at the Stilt-on House, Boss?"
Vauhwyt does not deign to answer that stinker.
Dietrich Friday April 22nd, 2005 10:48:24 AM
Dietrich watches the spellcasters finetune their plans and accompanies the main group behind the patrols (at least far enough as not to give their position away through noise etc.).
"When we're close enough, better stop the main group and wait for the report of the scouts."
Also, Theo's last comment reminds him of the risk of magic traps and protections around the target area, so the warrior asks his friends to prepare for that.
The soldier is worried about Olyn's absent mind and hopes he'll get battleready when need arrives. He asks the cleric: "Are you alright old man? What are these strange voices about? And these moon conjunction?"
Finally, Dietrich goes over to Berlon, making sure he too is ready for the coming battle and voices his oppinions freely.
To Think That I Saw It By Mulberry Bushes [DM Steve] Friday April 22nd, 2005 3:42:33 PM
Preparations made, Vorelle and Rose move out towards the mulberry bushes and the others follow. The strangest thing is the mulberries are all growing in clumps of threes... The ranger and halfling succeed in finding a trail through the thorny thicket, and the others are able to move to the other side. Dietrich, however, has to help Olyn, as the half-elf seems much too distracted by the ghostly music.
On the other side of the thicket the land clears, and about 500 feet away is a hut on stilts, a nearby stream sports a dock and three skiffs. At last, they are near their goal.
All feel a sudden chill as a the heretofore constant southward warming breeze changes direction and temperature. From the south, a cool breeze stirs the warm afternoon air. Birds of the nearby trees break into cacophony of song, then silence. Olyn stops completely, his eyes holding a far away look.
Olyn only Highlight to display spoiler: { The song of the elves carries every elven soul into a song of welcome or denial. If you want to help the Sleeper arrive, sing a song of welcome. If you want the Sleeper to stay asleep, sing against the song. }
Awakening Saturday April 23rd, 2005 2:58:45 AM The Wold stirs....
A breeze springs up, seemingly from out of nowhere. On the Sargass Plains, the unending grasses begin to move and toss, and the rapkes pace, restless and uneasy. In the Windbourne Hills, horses whinny and break into a run for no reason. In the tunnels beneath Dirt City, sewer rats begin to flee their hiding places, running into well-traveled corridors while the people wonder what it all could mean. And in the Emerald Kingdom, the anticipation is very nearly palpable as the animals awaken and the trees stir in the wind.
Something is coming.
The Wold seems to hold its collective breath as the Sleeper stretches, turns, sighs...and awakens. Eyes the color of the sea blink and focus as the Sleeper regards the Wold around him. The expanse of New Elanna, the great bulk of Shadow Mountain, the mysteries of the Southern Continent, even the wonder that is Floating City--all of these are known to the Sleeper in a heartbeat. A frown of concentration crosses his face, then a satisfied smile as he begins to know what must be done.
The Sleeper takes a breath and stretches out his hand...
Theodore and Macaw Sunday April 24th, 2005 7:16:45 PM
Theodore shivers as he feels the strangeness about him. Seeing the far away look in Olyn's eyes, the wizard quickly draws conclusions as to what is happening.
Not sure whether the sudden changes are a good thing, or a bad thing, Theodore decides to take no chances. Calling Macaw to him, he speaks a few words of magic, and crosses his arms before his chest in a protective gesture. A silvery nimbus appears briefly about the young man and his raven before fading away again.
(Cast mage armor on Theo and Macaw for 3 hours.)
Vauhwyt and Mookie (unseen servant) Sunday April 24th, 2005 10:39:50 PM
Vauhwyt's tail twitch's nervously.
"Something is happening! Come on! We better hurry."
She follows Vorelle in search of the house on stilts.
Vorelle d20+9=15 d20+9=17 d20+7=24 d20+7=23 Sunday April 24th, 2005 11:15:43 PM
Vorelle is unnerved by the sense of something Imporant happening all around her, but tries to concentrate on the task at hand--which is to approach the waterside house cautiously and see what she can see.
[Hide 15, Move Silently 17, Spot 24, Listen 23]
Dietrich d20+4=14 d20+2=10 Monday April 25th, 2005 7:12:36 AM
Dietrich feels bewilderment at the sudden changes and makes a short prayer to Domi.
He stays with the maingroup behind and will wait for the reports of the scouts, as the armoured fighter and clerics would only put the whole operation in risk with their clumsy noise.
The warrior keeps eyes and ears open (spot 14, listen 10) and his longbow ready.
Berlon Monday April 25th, 2005 12:54:18 PM
"You see?" Berlon mutters, "do you see? Something else that needs to be Fixed. This swamp, this vision, that... place..."
He goes to Dietrich. "I have fought many battles in this place, and we will need your strength to carry the day." Deciding not to wait any longer, Berlon casts Shield Other on Dietrich.
Shield Other - 3 hours - target gets +1 deflection bonus AC and +1 resistance bonus to saves. Berlon takes half damage for target.
Rose d20+7=12 d20+6=25 d20+7=16 d20+5=9 Monday April 25th, 2005 4:07:59 PM
For some reason Rose gets a strange feeling like the world has changed. She shudders then shruggs it off and keeps on sneaking closer to the cabin.
hide: 12 Listen: 25 Move silently: 16 spot: 9
A little technical difficulty ... (DM Kup) Tuesday April 26th, 2005 5:42:31 PM
::man shuffles in nervously from the side of the screen and waves::
Uh, hello Dirt City fans! SteveK was planning to be away this week, and I--your future, but-not-yet-ready-for-prime-time DM--was under the impression that the current ADM was going to run things this week, in part 'cause I wouldn't be near a computer during the Passover holiday. (Matt, if that's not the case, or if we don't hear from you by, say, 8 am Woldian tomorrow, I'll step in as best I can.)
We, uh, apologize for the delay, and hope to restore your service shortly. : )
::man smiles nervously, adjusts his collar, and, darting glances all about, shuffles back off::
DM Post forthcoming--DM Kup Wednesday April 27th, 2005 8:42:16 AM I'll try to post something in a few hours to move things along. Just letting everyone here know that things will move again RSN.
Sound and Fury (DM Kup, filling in) Wednesday April 27th, 2005 10:53:50 AM On behalf of SteveK, Shegger, and myself, I apologize for the delay and confusion. It appears that the e-mail that SteveK had intended for Shegger to keep things going this week never made it to its recipient, and I was away from my computer until yesterday. In an effort to catch up and move things along, here is a DM post. Good luck!
... and no, this post isn't necessarily a taste of the DM style to come. Ask Cazyle--usually, I'm much worse. ; )
Some of the group remained concealed in the mulberry thicket. Theodore decided to cast a protective dweomer over himself and Macaw. Dietrich waited for the reports of the scouts, while Berlon cast Shield Other on Dietrich. Olyn stood rigid and mouthed words that no one could hear. He seemed to be singing....
Others decided to approach the hut on stilts. Vorelle tried to concentrate on approaching the waterside house cautiously and see what she could see. Vauhwyt followed Vorelle. Rose, too, kept sneaking closer to the cabin.
The sky grew dim as a passing cloud covered the sun. No, wait a moment--there were no clouds in the sky! Those with a clear view of the sky could glance up and see that the sun seemed to dim as a shadow--no! a pair of shadows!--passed before it.
All of the swamp grew still and quiet. Birds stopped flying and settled into their nests, as if preparing to go to sleep for the night, even though it was only mid-day. The leaves on the mulberry bush and the trees casts oddly shaped shadows, influenced by a sun that appeared first as a crescent ... then a dim ring ... then, with a last, bright diamond of light, vanished!
(Everyone should roll FORT Saves against fear, DC 10: Those who fail are paralyzed with fear for one round. Those who save may read: Highlight to display spoiler: {In the darkness, it appears that two eyes blink open where the sun just was!})
The sun slowly re-emerged from its hiding place, but the group had little time to consider. Suddenly, the ground began to shake and a low, distant rumble grew quickly louder. It was the heaviest sound any of the adventurers had ever experienced--a stampeding herd of cattle, perhaps? No, louder, and moving faster ....
In an instant, a tremendous, invisible wall of energy blasted through the swamp from the south. (Everyone should roll REF Saves against being toppled, DC 20.) Trees were ripped from their roots and dashed against the sodden ground. Fetid water sprayed everywhere. Even the stilt-hut swayed and rocked violently in its moorings. The sound of the burst of energy echoed through the landscape, sending birds and other animals flying and scurrying in all directions in terror.
To the south, past shattered trees on the now more-visible horizon, a wall of roiling, black smoke appeared to be rolling toward the group. And it was approaching quickly....
Rose d20+5=17 d20+6=24 Wednesday April 27th, 2005 12:49:26 PM
Rose grows still, her eyes wide open as she sees the strange things happening. When the sun disappears and eyes appear in the sky she starts heading back towards the main group, suddenly wall of ?wind? blasts trees and things to the ground. Rose quickly grabs hold of the nearest thing that is not moving and when she sees the black cloud heading towards her friends she just runs towards them.
fear save: 17 reflex save: 24
Berlon (Shield Other - Dietrich, 2h 55m) d20+4=10 d20+1=2 Wednesday April 27th, 2005 3:04:46 PM
Berlon is able to avoid the effects of the shadows (Fort save 10), but before he can do anything else, he goes sprawling to the ground. (Ref save 2, nat 1).
Once he gets his bearings, he will try to get to his feet as quickly as possible.
(OOC: Dietrich don't forget you get +1 on all your saves)
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+2=8 Wednesday April 27th, 2005 3:46:16 PM
Vauhwyt is stymied by these incredible events! All she can do is gape. Her familiar, Mookie, dives for cover under his mistress.
Vorelle d20+6=18 d20+6=25 Wednesday April 27th, 2005 4:34:58 PM
Vorelle is startled by the eclipse, but not so much so that she forgets to act [Fort save 18]. She is even more startled when a pair of eyes seem to blink at her from the heavens!
She has no time to do more than gape for a second, though, before the huge wave of force washes over the group. She keeps her feet with relative ease [Reflex save 25], then gasps in alarm as she sees the cloud of black smoke boiling toward the group.
"R-run!" she cries, her normally quiet voice shrill with alarm. She starts helping her fallen friends to their feet and urging them away from the sinister cloud approaching.
Theodore and Macaw d20+4=20 d20+2=7 Wednesday April 27th, 2005 9:57:28 PM
Theodore resists the fear that swarms him, his curiosity of strange occurences outweighing the fright. As he begins to point to where the great eyes were but a moment before, Theodore is lifted from his feet and crashes into the earth from a powerful wind.
Lifting his head from the ground, he spits out a mouthful of dirt. His lip is split as he turns to survey the coming wall of smoke. A thin line of the red stuff slides down his chin as he scrambles for his feet.
Dietrich, shield d20+6=21 d20+5=23 Thursday April 28th, 2005 5:50:22 AM
Dietrich resists his fear (fortitude 21) but is quite shocked at the events and particularly the eyes. He mutters in awe: "By the holy Anvil of Domi!"
He manages to stay on his feet (reflex 23) and is glad for the blessing received from Berlon. Swearing a lot, Dietrich helps his fallen friends up and starts running, pushing Olyn with him.
"Look for cover!", the warrior shouts.
The Ash Cloud (DM Kup, subbing in) Thursday April 28th, 2005 9:58:47 AM Continuing to sub in--hopefully, doing justice to what SteveK had envisaged:
Rose ran toward the mulberry thicket, with the wall of smoke bearing down from the south. Vorelle ran, too, as quickly as she could. Vauhwyt, however, was paralyzed with fear and stood, petrified, where she had previously been sneaking forward.
Berlon went sprawling to the ground and had to struggle back to his feet. Theodore, too, hit the deck hard, and the bloody spittle on his chin bore witness to it as he scrambled upright. Dietrich helped his fallen friends up and directed everyone to look for cover--but what cover was there, in the middle of a swamp? As Rose and Vorelle made it back to the thicket, the friends could only watch as Vauhwyt, still paralyzed with fear, was left out in the open as the wall of smoke engulfed them all.
In an instant, the Wold seemed to turn to ash and cinders. Hot, cloying dust, ash, and smoke filled the friends' eyes, noses, and mouths, leaving everyone gasping for breath. It was as if all of the ash and smoke of all of the fireplaces in Dirt City had been upended and poured down their collective throats. (Everyone: roll a FORT save, DC 10, against choking--failure =d6 subdual choking damage.)
Bearings, place, distance--they had no meaning in the immensity of the ash cloud. Where was the stilt hut? Which direction did they come from? Where was Vauhwyt? These questions were meaningless when it was impossible to see one's own hands before one's eyes. Not that anyone would want to open their eyes in this dusty, black storm. For many moments, there was naught to do but to cough, and gasp, and wipe the stinging, infernal ash from one's eyes.
In time, however, the worst of the initial wall of smoke began to clear. The world was inky-black and dark, like looking up a dim chimney. Vaugue silhouettes were all that was visible. The dim outlines of bodies emerged from the darkness, along with the strange, blackened forms of thicket and swamp. Far to the other side of the thicket, there were dim pinpoints of light in the gloom--they must have been from the hut!
Theodore and Macaw d20+4=20 Thursday April 28th, 2005 11:28:55 AM
With the assistance of Dietrich, Theodore regains his feet. He calls out to Vauhwyt as he is pulled along with the rest of the group, but his voice is drowned out by the wailing of the coming cloud.
He manages to duck behind some overgrowth and turn his back to the roiling ash, curling protectively over his familiar. Macaw cries out in indignation but Theodore's brute strength wins out and the bird is held tightly to the wizard's chest when the smoke rolls over them.
Theodore squeezes his eyes tightly closed and presses his lips firmly together to keep from inhaling the black vapors. After the worst of it has passed, the mage collapses to the ground, spots of light dancing before his eyes as he draws in somewhat cleaner air. After coughing a bit, he finds it easier to breathe using his sleeve as a filter.
Letting Macaw go, he mentally commands the raven to fly as high as he can, try to get above the smoke and find out what is going on.
Staggering to his feet, and still keeping his sleeve protectively over his eyes, nose, and mouth, he takes quick peeks over his arm to try to gain his bearings and see how everyone else is faring.
(Fort save = 20)
Dietrich, shield d20+7=19 Thursday April 28th, 2005 1:19:20 PM
Dietrich barely has the time to see Vauhwyt beeing engulped by the dust, when he is catched by the wave of smoke. He throws himself to the bottom, hoping for some protection. Despite the ash penetrating his helmet and every niche of his armour, the hardenend warrior manages to breath (fort 19).
He emerges with a "(*&*&^" and spits the ash, trying to clear his mouth and throat. Eventually he sees that his friends are alright. That's certainly not the way he was planing things to develop and the ex-soldier start to consider a tactical retreat.
Berlon (Shield Other 2h 50m) d20+4=21 d20+6=20 Thursday April 28th, 2005 1:27:00 PM
Berlon takes a deep breath to avoid any of the noxious fumes. He is used to holding his breath in this stinking swamp, so he manages to avoid inhaling the smoke. (Fort save 21)
He will take the time to load his heavy crossbow, all the while listening to see if he can hear any commotion from the hut. Surely the clouds would have stirred anything in the hut? (Listen check 20)
Vorelle d20+6=26 d20+7=24 d100=74 d20+1=7 Thursday April 28th, 2005 4:27:10 PM
Prepared for the wall of ash, Vorelle controls her breathing and is able to avoid choking on the noxious cloud [Fort save 26, natural 20]. She worries about Rose, though, concerned that the sheer force of the wave will knock the halfling off her feet.
Blindly, Vorelle reaches out and manages to catch hold of Rose. [Hit touch AC 24 and succeeded against the 50% miss chance] However, her slender fingers have a hard time holding on. [Strength check 7]
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+2=3 Thursday April 28th, 2005 4:50:21 PM
Vauhwyt is overcome. She collapses.
From under her, one might hear the annoyed squawking of a crushed Mookie.
Such a Bad DM! [SteveK] Thursday April 28th, 2005 5:05:31 PM
I'm back and can't thank Kup enough for his tremendous help. I apologize sincerely to each of you, especially Sheggar and Kup in putting them in the original hole. I'll post tomorrow to allow at least 24 hours between Kup's last post and my next.
Wold-wide events are unfolding and affecting the Dirt City heroes...
DM Kup: no problem, from my end. Glad to be of help. : )
Rose d20+3=4 d6=3 Friday April 29th, 2005 3:22:00 AM
Rose collapses under the onslaught of heat, ash, and smoke. At one point she thinks she feels something touch her but she cannot be sure. She lays on the ground her eyes and nose streaming as she coughs and chokes. What is this? Are we going to die?
Marco?... Polo? [DM SteveK] Friday April 29th, 2005 5:44:10 PM
Vauhwyt and Rose choke and gasp on the warm ash that is all about. Their breathing soon improves, for the ash does not seem to be falling forever and is already less dense. They find they can breathe without choking on the ash. The ash already fallen quickly absorbs the moisture of the swamp and instead of warm, dry ash in the air it is warm, moist, gritty mud that gets into everything.
Vorelle squats next to Rose, keeping aware of her little body, but doesn't keep her upright on her own. The others find the prone form of Vauhwyt by the sounds of a Mookie in distress.
The grey ash gives an air a twilight quality, and the heroes can fairly easily find each other in the gloom. Theodore sends Macaw up into the air, but the raven can see no more than his master on the ground, and is in very real danger of flying into unseen obstacles!
Berlon keeps his goal in sight and watches the dim lights of the hut while loading his crossbow. His alertness does not go unrewarded, and he clearly hears choking sounds coming from the hut. He also hears shuffling and muffled voices of more than one person within the hut.
A door to the hut bangs open and a small figure is silouetted in the light. "By the Test!<cough, hack>", it says in a whiney common, "What have <cough> you brewed up with that book?"
The hut is 100 feet away and the backlight and ash gives the figure 20% concealment.
Theodore and Macaw Friday April 29th, 2005 9:39:02 PM
Macaw floats back down to land upon his master's head. The raven couldn't climb high enough to get over the ash, and that concerned Theodore. But, he also understood that this ash was not something he could do anything about, at the moment. The people in the hut, he could.
To Dietrich, he whispers, "I'm going to try and draw them out of the hut and into the open. I'd prefer to see what we're up against first."
That said, the wizard stands up straight and throws his chest out as he summons forth the powers of arcane.
Suddenly, what appears to be the dead body of an orc appears sprawled on the marshy earth about 25 feet from the hut, towards Theodore's group, and 10 feet to the left of Theodore's group. (Essentially, closer to the hut than to our group, but not in a straight line from our group to the hut.) On the body, around the neck of the dead orc, rests a sparkling amulet. It appears to be quite valuable, and shines dully in the ash.
(Cast silent image. Will save vs 14 to disbelief if interacted with. Hoping to draw one or more of those in the hut away to inspect the "body".)
Dietrich, shield d20=17 d20+4=14 Saturday April 30th, 2005 4:56:13 AM
Being sure that his friends are all ok, Dietrich focuses his attention on the operation again.
He completely agrees with Theodore's desire to have more information before acting and waves his left arm down, signaling everybody to cower down and to not make noise. (Hide 17, despite armour). He watches the illusion appear, admiring his comrade's craft, but wonders about what will happen when the enemy discover it.
The warrior keeps his bow ready and whispers:
"If the fight starts, we'll need some light over the targets. Also, concentrate your fire on the spell casters. Afterwards Vauhwyt and I run in a diagonal line to outflank them and keep your line of fire open, trying to get into h-h fast. But for now, wait!"
The ex-soldier finally analyses the situation for any other flaws and possible advantages (military knowledge 14).
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+10=17 d20+5=9 Saturday April 30th, 2005 1:08:02 PM
Vauhwyt grabs Mookie's beak and silences him. Suddenly aware of a potential enemy, she silently rises to her feet and slips 20 feet toward the speaker and to one side, hiding in the concealment of the ash.
[Move Silent 17, Hide 9]
(How far away is the speaker?)
Vorelle d20+9=12 Sunday May 1st, 2005 10:54:39 AM
Vorelle is concerned when Theo puts himself in harm's way to create his ruse, but there's little she can do about it at that point. She nocks an arrow to cover him and hides herself as best she can--which isn't very good [Hide 12].
Rose d20+7=15 Sunday May 1st, 2005 11:19:40 PM
With her eyes still streaming, especially as Vorelle moves and stirs up ash off the ground. Rose moves and tries to hide.
hide: 15
Berlon Monday May 2nd, 2005 12:44:10 AM
"Illusions are in my blood."
Once he sees what Theodore is attempting to do, Berlon enhances Theodore'a Silent Image by casting Ghost Sound, making the illusion all the more realistic.
(OOC: enhance effect as per Ghost Sound, PHB 235)
No Body Knows... [DM SteveK] d20+4=11 d20+5=11 d100=42 Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 4:35:37 AM
Theodore casts his spell and a dead body of an orc lies sprawled only 25 feet from the hut. Berlon's enhanceing Ghost Sound lends little to the effect [OOC: How do you have sound make a dead body more realistic?], but the gnome enhances the Image through the sound of flies buzzing around the body.
The others get ready for any reaction from the hut. Dietrich's military training tells him that the swirling ash makes good concealment for his troops, and that the enemy would probably be easier to bag if they stayed in one place. A hut for instance.
The grey ash still swirls through the warm air, so thick the sun is only a pale disk somewhere above. As any ash touches the marshy earth, it turns black and gritty and adds to the mud of the swamp.
The only reason the heroes see the hut is because of the intense light coming out of the doorway and one window. As they advance, they can hear more easily the coughing in the hut, and it seems the occupants are making no effort to hide thier voices.
The small figure silouetted in the doorway turns its reptilian head quickly and stares through the ash. "Hush!", he whines into the hut, "there is something out here!" The coughing and voices are suddenly cut off in the hut.
With great agility, it swarms down a five rung ladder that connects the hut and the ground and advances to the 'dead orc'. It looks around furtively, and goes still when its eyes pass over Vauhwyt, but the swirling ash obscures its vision and it ignores the liontaur. It looks at the body and then turns as if to flee back to the hut.
The heroes have advanced to 60 feet of the hut and 35 feet from the figure and Theodore's Silent Image. They can see the figure is about half the size of the orc image. Berlon has heard at least two voices in the hut.
The warm air keeps the swirling ash moving and getting into everything.
Dietrich, shield d20+3=8 Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 10:13:33 AM
Dietrich observes the figure from his hiding point and wonders at its reptilian outlook. He trys to remember if he's seen something like it in Dirt City before (local knowledge 8). The warrior also trys to see what kind of equipment it wears.
In any case, Dietrich signals his friends to stay put and wait some time for the guy to return to the hut and relax (or for the others to come out and take a look at the dead orc). Then the group can advance under the concealment of ash and darkness.
Berlon d20+3=19 d8=5 d10=1 Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 1:32:51 PM
Berlon mutters quietly, barely above a whisper: "Well, Great Uncle Knobby always DID say illusions were as much art as magic..."
"We need to take the guard down quickly and quietly. I am not the best shot, so I won't be the first shot. Someone shoot first and I'll go after if need be."
Berlon already has his heavy crossbow loaded and ready, and he'll shoot at the target after someone else takes the first shot, provided it's still standing. If no one else can fire a missile this turn, he will sigh and hope he doesn't miss at such close range.
If he does shoot, he actually gets off a good one for a change.
Heavy Crossbow: Attack roll 19 for 5 damage.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 6:32:24 PM
"A kobold?" Theodore whispers to Dietrich. "If Gratchien really is in there, then it would be folly to swarm him in such a tight group. If he has any powerful spells, such as a fireball, he could get us all in one shot."
Theodore stays with the group, allowing the more strategy minded to do what they will with the information provided. He continues to concentrate on his image.
Vorelle Wednesday May 4th, 2005 2:33:02 AM
Taking her cue from Dietrich, Vorelle remains hidden, watching intently as the small sentry heads back toward the house
Out, Out, Damned Spot [DM SteveK] Wednesday May 4th, 2005 6:59:45 AM
Waiting for a signal, each hero makes no action but allows the figure to move without interference.
Once Theodore identifies the small humanoid out of the hut as a kobold, Dietrich sees the young man is correct. The small draconian humanoid doesn't inspect the orc body closely, but turns and runs back into the hut. The door shuts with a rickety sound and the light suddenly cuts off. It is now very difficult to see the hut through the swirling ash, and all but impossible to see any movement around the building, even from 60 feet away.
Sound is another matter. The ash falls heavy but silent, and the heroes are used to the swamp sounds. The sounds of shuffling and banging attests to frenzied activity.
Are they getting ready for battle? Preparing to escape? Hiding valued treasures? Those outside have no idea, but each are pretty certain the element of surprise has been lost.
Dietrich, shield d20=20 d20+4=10 d20+2=5 Wednesday May 4th, 2005 9:24:15 AM
Dietrich swears as it becomes clear that the enemy is now warned. Perhaps they could have shot it down, but it would have destroyed the surprise element, and now it's too late anyway.
As there aren't many options however, the warrior suggests for the group to spread, advance and surround the hut.
"Maybe we could put the hut on fire and force them to get out or surrender. The real problem is that we'll be targeted by Gratchien's and this other guy's magic."
Dietrich moves further, trying to keep himself hidden (hide natural 20, move silent 1).
If anything appears in his sight, he shoots with the longbow. (hits ac 10)
rose d20+7=13 d20+6=7 d20+7=10 d20+5=21 Wednesday May 4th, 2005 12:11:36 PM
Rose moves forward getting closer to the hut while pulling a piece of cloth out of her belt pouch and wiping her face.
Vorelle d20+9=13 d20+9=24 d20+7=11 Wednesday May 4th, 2005 4:54:05 PM
Vorelle, too, tries to slip closer to the house without being seen or heard. [Hide 13, Move Silently 24]
Because the ash makes it so difficult to see, she uses her sense of direction to try to stay on track. The ash is a little outside her experience, though, and she doesn't do a very good job. [Survival 11]
Berlon Wednesday May 4th, 2005 7:56:09 PM
Before everyone gets too close to the hut, Berlon casts Bless on the group. He will then try to creep towards to the hut, staying close to Dietrich.
Bless - 3 minutes, all party members within 50' get +1 morale bonus to attacks and saves vs. fear.
Vauhwyt and Mookie (Bless, Mage Armor) d20+10=29 d20+5=9 Wednesday May 4th, 2005 8:42:04 PM
Vauhwyt turns away from the hut and casts her Blood Armor spell. Her color changes to red as the spell affects herself and Mookie. She creeps closer. Move 29, Hide 9.
Thinkgs to do if V is in NPC mode and I cannot get to a PC: Cast Enlarge Person on self and Mookie, Sneak / run to the house. Jump in or on top of it, or climb to roof. Grapple any foes. Use longspear and height to poke in house. Use height to help hoist others up to house (it is on stilts, right?) Or maybe use size to start breaking stilts! Let house crash down! LOL! In general: Violet is random, brave, cowardly, and foolhardy. She also tends to follow instructions unless she has a great idea.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday May 4th, 2005 10:07:56 PM
Theodore lets his image fade into the ash and silently admonishes himself for giving his group away.
He decides to go right up the middle, straight for the hut. As he makes his way towards the hut, his form shifts and in his place stalks a non-descript orc dressed with a shock of mussed up black hair and a rat perched on top. He uses his staff to help him through the muck.
He flicks his hand three times and a brief fiery aura appears about him and seems to fade into his body as he comes ever closer to the hut.
[DM SteveK: As we are so close to the hut, the heroes are in round by round posting. Ergo, Theodore only casts Alter Self this round. He can cast Resistance next round if he wants]
Hut, Hut, Hike! [DM SteveK] Thursday May 5th, 2005 8:28:22 AM
"spread, advance and surround the hut." The heroes comply as best they can to Dietrich's direction, getting weapons ready and covering as much ground as possible.
Dietrich himself gets out his longbow and advances directly to the hut ending thirty feet from the small, five rung ladder that leads to the hut door.
Rose follows Dietrich, also getting within 30 feet and trying to see anything within the swirling ash. Rose's sharp eyes can clearly see the hut on short stilts lies on a spit of land which is surrounded on three sides by water. There is a dock in the water and three skiffs tied up.
Vorelle moves to flank Dietrich, momentarily losing sight of the hut through the blowing ash, but the square structure is easy to get back in her sights.
Berlon casts Bless, bestowing magical aid to the heroes for the anticipated fight. He doesn't advance with the others, but stays (for the moment) standing beside a very distracted Olyn. The half-elf seems to be elsewhere in his mind.
Vauhwyt casts her Blood Armor spell and then spreads out and moves forward and to the left of the main group. She gets 15 feet to the left of Dietrich and within 30 feet of the hut. She can move no further to the left, however, due to the swampy lake the hut is near.
Theodore moves right up, turning himself into the shape of an orc.
The activity within the hut takes on ever more frantic activity. A great ripping is heard from the rear of the hut, and chopping as if logs are quickly being hacked.
The front door slams open, and... nothing comes out. Or so it seems! Rose's sharp eyes note the ladder sways and then the ground 'splooshes' as if someone is running away. Due to the spit of land, anyone running will have to come very close to the advancing heroes. Indeed, the 'splooshes' run to the right of the party and are within five feet of Rose, but moving at a tangent to her advance.
Berlon (Shield Other 2h 40m, Bless 2 min 50s, Summon Monster I 3r) Thursday May 5th, 2005 1:34:37 PM
"Do not let them get away! We will never find them in this place!" Berlon yells.
He then follows his own advice, casting Summon Monster I to create a Celestial Badger. He will cast it at the baddie furthest away from the party, provided it is whithin the 30' spell range.
Once the badger appears, Berlon makes a loud series of what sounds like clicks and grunts, and the Badger actually seems to respond to it.
(OOC: No, really, Berlon speaks Magic Badger. PHB 17. He yells to the badger to make sure the baddie next to him doesn't get away, tackle, attack, whatever...)
Summon Monster I Duration 3 rounds
(OOC: are my durations right in the header? D&D time has always made my head hurt)
Rose d20+5=24 d8+4=6 d6=4 d20+5=23 d8+4=6 d6=4 d20+5=16 d8+4=8 Thursday May 5th, 2005 9:05:44 PM
Rose watches the splotches of water as they advance towards her position. She draws her sword and swings.
Theodore and Macaw Thursday May 5th, 2005 9:20:03 PM
Theodore misses the invisible man racing by, but catches sight of Rose swinging her sword and instantly catches on. Turning full on where Rose swung at, Theodore stretches his orc fingers outward and a jet of colors spews forward.
(Cast color spray to hit the area that Rose swung at without hitting her. Will save vs DC 14)
OOC Augment Post [DM SteveK] Friday May 6th, 2005 1:08:32 AM
No one can see any enemy. There is ripping sounds on the far side of the hut and the invisible sploshing that Rose noted.
Berlon can secondary post if he wants. I'm assuming that he conjured the badger as close to the back of the hut as possible and ordered the badger to attack. Since conjured creatures can attack the same round they are summoned, you can roll to hit and damage for your badger now.
Vorelle d20+9=21 d20+9=23 d20+7=25 d20+7=10 Friday May 6th, 2005 3:41:02 AM
Not noticing the emergence of the invisible splasher, Vorelle continues to advance on the stilt house, remaining as quiet and hidden as she can.
[Hide 21; Move Silently 23; Spot 25; Listen 10]
Dietrich, shield, bless d20+4=12 d20+2=19 d20+8=28 d20+8=24 2d6(2+4)+4=10 Friday May 6th, 2005 7:16:18 AM
When Dietrich sees Berlon conjure a monster and Rose swinging her sword through the air, the fighter realises that something invisible is trying to escape.
He hopes his friends magic will be able to handle it and moves to block the main exit of the hut. Dietrich puts the bow away and draws the great-sword (fast draw feat)
If anything trys to pass throgh him, he attacks: spot 12 listen 19 hits ac 28 -handicaps (natural 20) critical ac 24 damage 10 crit dam 20
Berlon - OOC 2nd post Friday May 6th, 2005 10:42:31 AM
OOC - I slightly misunderstood the DM post; the badger can go wherever Berlon thinks might be best to prevent running away.
I don't own a Monster Manual, and it's not in the PHB spell description, so I have zero clue as to summoned critter stats. If the DM wants to roll for the badger's attack and damage this first time, that's fine by me. If you want to give me the hit adj and damage range, I can keep track and roll for all subsequent critter attacks.
[DM SteveK - Roger, Wilco, Over and Out :) ]
rose Friday May 6th, 2005 10:31:02 PM
I know rose didnt see anything but splotches on the ground, as she's 3'3" if she swings about waist height where those splotches are going she should hit a leg :)
Vauhwyt [by SteveK] Saturday May 7th, 2005 3:39:32 AM
"Wowsy, they're around the back, too!" shouts Vauhwyt.
Casting Blood Enlarge, the liontaur grows huge, then moves to surround the house and not let the others escape.
And Battle Was Joined [DM SteveK] d100=92 d100=89 Saturday May 7th, 2005 4:42:11 PM
Rose spots what she assumes is an invisible person and attacks. Though the invisible runner has total concealment from her eyes, the halfling's blade is true (92%) and blood flies twice (89%) from the fleeing thing. The invisibility is gone, the 'splooshes' are gone, and a very dead kobold is stretched out in the mud.
Theodore sees the kobold appear and die on the end of Rose's sword. There is also no way to hit the kobold and not Rose, so he targets the space between the halfling and the hut to catch anyone trying to sneak behind.
Vorelle, as a shadow in the ash, moves to where she is to the left front of the hut. Rose's quick fight and the crash of the hut's back wall are the only sounds she hears. Of course, with the amount of noise those two epidodes make, it is certainly enough :)
Dietrich stows his bow, draws his greatsword as a flash of silver lightning, and moves to the door. Through the opening and the swirling ash, he sees the back of the hut crash down and two figures sillouetted in the half-light, one a large reptilian humanoid with a tail and sword, and the other a cloaked man holding a book. They don't appear eager to go through the front door...
Vauhwyt grows to Huge size and with great strides moves through the soft water around the hut. As she arrives, she sees through the falling ash the back of the hut come crashing down. Two figures stand at the opening, one a large reptilian humanoid with a tail and sword, and the other a cloaked man holding a book.
Berlon carefully conjures a Celestial Badger. Since he is 30 feet behind the rest of the group, and 60 feet from the hut, the badger only appears right next to Rose. After the gnomes instructions, it sniffs the kobold then bustles towards the hut; arriving under the hut.
The reptilian turns and takes a step to the center of the hut, his sword is wielded two handed and he sets himself, barring Dietrich's way to the cloaked figure. He is 10 feet from the door.
The cloaked figure jumps to the dock behind the hut and lands 20 feet from Vauhwyt. Turning towards the enlarged liontaur, he makes a complicated pass with his hands and Vauhwyt feels that all this may be hilariously funny [Will Save 14 or affected by Hideous Laughter]
Berlon (Shield Other 2h 39m 54s, Bless 2 min 38s, Summon Monster I 2r) d20+3=17 d10=9 Saturday May 7th, 2005 7:13:14 PM
Since he never fired it, and since it's still loaded, AND since his small legs don't move him very fast, Berlon will fire his crossbow at the cloaked figure near Vauhwyt (standard action) then move as close as he can towards it (15', move action)
Heavy Crossbow (range 120')Attack hits AC 17 for 9 dge.
Berlon (second OOC post) Saturday May 7th, 2005 7:14:50 PM
I forgot my own spell. If it matters, Bless makes me hit AC 18 instead of 17.
Dietrich, ac 20, 29/29 hp, shield, bless, d20+3=13 d20+6=17 2d6(4+4)+4=12 Sunday May 8th, 2005 9:18:57 AM
Dietrich sees the now visible dead kobold dropping to the ground in its own blood and is reminded not to underestimate Rose's fighting abillities.
When the new reptilian foe appears, the warrior feels his adrenalin rise and his muscles long for a good fight. But the pragmatic soldier controls himself and assumes a defensive posture (combat expertise +2 ac, -2 attack), moving slowly forward and saying in a calm voice:
"Your kobold friend is already dead and you're outnumbered. Surrender and live!" Diplomacy 13
If the enemy isn't reasonable and attacks, DIetrich fights:
hits ac 17 damage 12
As the guy with the book trys to flee, Dietrich just hopes Vauhwyt isn't hurt and doesn't kill him. He would pretty much like to have someone to interrogate.
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 27/27] d20+7=26 Sunday May 8th, 2005 4:08:54 PM
Apparently doomed to always be one step behind the battle, Vorelle reverses her direction and moves toward the crashing she heard at the back of the house, trying to spot an opponent before he dies.
[Spot 26]
Rose Sunday May 8th, 2005 5:09:18 PM
Rose starts back towards the back of the hut moving as fast as she can. As she heads there she touches her belt and mutters a few words.
cast mage armor, duration 2 hours.
ooc: can we have a map, how far away is rose? always remember I love maps.
Theodore and Macaw Sunday May 8th, 2005 10:11:34 PM
Theodore's attention is drawn by the crash at the back of the hut and he sees Gratchien leap from the back and cast a spell at Vauhwyt.
Moving as quickly as he can, Theodore tries to get within range to use his own magic, a large web shooting from the plain rod in his left hand.
(Cast Web at Gratchien, using metamagic rod of enlarge spell, lesser, giving it a range of 260 ft. Reflex save vs 15.)
Vauhwyt and Mookie (AC 20; HP 24/24) d20+5=12 Monday May 9th, 2005 1:12:11 PM
Vauhwyt feels a tickle, and a guffaw escapes her lips. And then... peals of laughter fill the air as a huge, blood colored liontaur collapses in the mud and water, rolling around and laughing, laughing, laughing.
One Down... [DM SteveK] d100=4 d20+4=21 d8+2=3 d20=18 d4=4 d20+6=15 d20+1=9 d20+4=17 Monday May 9th, 2005 2:54:25 PM
(OOC: Having trouble making a map :( I'll make sure I have one for the next battle)
Berlon can barely see the figure on the dock with the swirling ash. He fires his crossbow, but the gray ash obscures his target and spoils the shot. (4%) The brave gnome then moves forward, being 45 feet from the front of the building and off to the left (in order to see Vauhwyt, the dock, and the figure)
The Celestial Badger (AC 15, HP 6, A +0, D 1-2) continues running under the hut, onto the dock and strikes out at the cloaked man (AC18) and hitting for 2 hit points of damage! (Cloaked man AC 16)
Dietrich doesn't take enough time to try and change the lizard's mind (Diplomacy takes a full minute; 10 rounds to change attitude), but when the lizardfolk smiles in amusement at the 'live or die' line, the warrior is pretty sure the creature will only understand steel. Dietrich moves forward, but moves into the lizard's sword (AOO; AC 21) taking 3 hp damage. The warriors return stroke glances off the scaly lizard's armor.
Vorelle hastens around to the back of the house and sees the wall down, the cloaked man fending off a golden colored badger on the dock (15 feet away) and Vauhwyt laughing her head off in the swampy muck.
Rose follows after Vorelle and also steps around the hut to see the same badger, man, and Vauhwyt.
Theodore moves to the right and forward to get a good angle past the hut and casts his web. He easily ranges the 30 feet to the dock and Graitchen, Vauhwyt, Rose, and Vorelle are in danger of getting trapped in the sticky webs. The hut on one side and a low hanging cyprus tree anchor the spell. Graitchen manages to only be entangled, but the Celestial Badger is hopelessly caught!
Vauhwyt, Rose, and Vorelle all have to Reflex Save vs 15.
The lizardfolk becomes more aggressive against Dietrich, seeing that this human is no match for him. The battle inside the hut rages, though no one else can see besides the two fighters. The reptile fients high and chops low, but is foiled by Dietrich's defense. Doubt appears in his eyes, as if to say this won't be as easy as he first thought.
His hood pulled off by flailing through the web, Graitchen's wild eyes burn with hatred. "I will not fail the Test!" he cries, "I will kill you all!" He keeps a book tightly in one hand and makes passes with the other, then points at Vorelle. The ranger feels a tightness in her muscles and must make a Will Save of 14 or be affected by a Hold Person spell. Graitchen then turns and moves his way towards the end of the dock where an unwebbed skiff bobs in the water, but is unable to move completely through the web spell.
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 27/27] d20+6=24 d20+2=5 Monday May 9th, 2005 4:42:07 PM
Vorelle ducks as the web is cast, and avoids being stuck in it. [Ref 24] She is unprepared, however, for the spell the mage is casting at her and stands frozen in place. [Will 5]
Rose d20+6=8 d20+2=15 Monday May 9th, 2005 4:48:18 PM
Rose is running towards the hut when suddenly a large spider web appears and traps her. [b]"How do we get rid of this thing she asks struggling to get out.
Reflex: 8 str: 15
Berlon 18/19HP, AC 20 (18 during run) (Shield Other 2h 39m 48s, Bless 2 min 32s, Summon Monster I 1r) Monday May 9th, 2005 5:20:45 PM
(OOC: Am I right in assuming I take 1 hp dge for Dietrich from Shield Other, and he takes 2 hp? I'm not sure how the rounding works.)
Berlon feels a slight tinge of pain, but it's merely a scratch. (1 hp dge from Shield Other) Seeing the situation, Berlon decides it's time to make a move, so he will run as fast as his legs will carry him towards Graitchen.
Full round action - move 45' (15' x3 for med/heavy armor PHB 99)
Free action - drop crossbow at feet
Theodore and Macaw Monday May 9th, 2005 8:05:33 PM
Theodore continues to move closer, dropping his quarterstaff as he moves, and pulling forth the tanglefoot bag from his backpack that Berlon had given him.
(Moving as close to Gratchien as I can without getting into the web.)
Dietrich, ac 19, 27/29 hp, shield, bless, d20+8=20 2d6(6+3)+4=13 Tuesday May 10th, 2005 7:12:01 AM
Dietrich didn't really count on the monster surrending and the scratch received only justifies the side in him eager to see blood spill.
As the wicked creature smiles, he smiles back, behind his heavy helmet and nods with recognition, thinking: 'By Domi, so be it then.'
The warrior is a little worried he didn't hit the beast with a quite decent attack and he changes into a more agressive position. (ac 19 with Berlon's shield; forgot to add it last post)
Dietrich swings his well-balanced masterwork blade in a diagonal slash aimed at the lizard's throat. hits ac 20 damage 13
Vauhwyt and Mookie (AC 20; HP 24/24) [by DM SteveK] Tuesday May 10th, 2005 1:52:31 PM
The huge liontaur continues to roll helplessly on the ground in laughter.
And then there were Three... [DM SteveK] d20+6=13 d20+5=21 4d6(4+1+2+4)=11 Tuesday May 10th, 2005 3:47:57 PM
Vorelle's muscles freeze up and she is ensorcelled by a Hold Person spell. (round 1)
Rose yells in frustration as the only one Theodore's web captures is the little halfling. (If only the mage would dismiss the spell as a free action...)
Berlon drops his crossbow and dashes across through the falling ash to the back corner of the hut. He sees the web encasing Rose and the Celestial Badger, Vorelle merely entangled but unmoving, Vauhwyt laughing her head off, and Graitchen slowly getting unentangled from the web and moving towards an open skiff at the end of the dock. Berlon is at the edge of the web and Graitchen is 35 feet away. (And yes, the Shield Other gives him one point of damage;)
Theodore is only 15 feet from the web as it is (20 foot radius) so he easily moves to the edge of the web, standing about 10 feet to the right of Berlon. He also has plenty of time to throw the tanglefoot bag if he wants. (Go ahead and give a roll, then post a full round also)
Dietrich squares off against the lizardfolk and gives it a vicious cut. The Bear certainly seems to be doing the better in this fight!
The laughter of Vauhwyt make a strange companion to the shouts and sounds of battle in the falling ash.
The lizardfolk (AC 19) sets his mouth in a firm line and weilds his sword in an overhand chop that cleaves only air (to hit 13).
Graitchen laughs as Berlon comes around the corner. "Another victim for my magics!" he taunts, "Three companions are under my power already. Begone! Begone! Begone!" his hands pass again in arcane symbols and a lance of scorching fire strikes out at Berlon (touch attack AC 21) and burns across his skin for 11 hit points damage. He then succees in getting through the web and hops into the skiff, 40 feet from Berlon and Theodore.
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 27/27] d20+2=12 Tuesday May 10th, 2005 3:53:32 PM
Vorelle remains where she is, still held by the spell [Will 12]. She watches helplessly as fire blazes from the mage's hands, and can only pray that it doesn't set the web alight.
Berlon 16/19HP, AC 20 (Shield Other 2h 39m 42s, Bless 2m 26s, Summon Monster I last round) d8+4=9 Tuesday May 10th, 2005 8:44:37 PM
As much as Berlon wants to take another run at Graitchen, he is directly responsible for Dietrich as well as himself.
"Deangol Grib!" Berlon casts Cure Lt. Wounds (Domain spell) curing 9 hp on himself.
"Theodore! Now might be the time to throw that bag!"
He pauses a second to see if Theodore will throw the bag, so he can hopefully advance 15' *after* Theodore throws it. If Theodore doesn't throw it, he will still advance the 15'.
Theodore and Macaw d20+3=12 d20+3=20 Tuesday May 10th, 2005 10:04:56 PM
Theodore dismisses the web and launches the bag in an overhead arc. He continues to hustle after Gratchien regardless of whether the bag hits or not.
(Hit AC 12, used a hero point to reroll to hit AC 20 for the tanglefoot bag.)
Dietrich, ac 19, 27/29 hp, shield, bless d20+6=18 Wednesday May 11th, 2005 4:48:31 AM
Unaware of what is going on outside the hut, Dietrich is fully concentrated on his own deadly duell. He feels a strange wave of triumph when his sword cuts through the lizard's flesh, getting its first blood.
Encouraged by the good opening moves of the fight and the divine protection of Alemi, he decides to get more agressive (powerattack, -2 to hit, +2 damage) and to finish off the monster soon. Unfortunately this haste causes him to narrowly miss his attack:
hits ac 18
*** OOC *** BigTim aka Olyn *** OOC *** Wednesday May 11th, 2005 12:58:17 PM
ok, computer is back and upgraded. would it be ok to jump back in when this module is over with? i need time to catch up on everything going on.
[DM SteveK - BigTim, great to hear from you and that your computer troubles are finally over. No problem with Olyn catching up after this module. The half-elf is somewhere back in the ash and he can be convieniently 'lost' until you are ready to return. :)]
Vauhwyt and Mookie Wednesday May 11th, 2005 1:18:12 PM
The liontaur continues to roll helplessly on the squishy ground, tears on her face from laughing so hard.
A Sticky Situation [DM SteveK] d20+6=20 d8+2=4 d20+6=15 d20+4=9 Wednesday May 11th, 2005 2:46:58 PM
Vorelle makes a mental sigh of relief that the firey ray doesn't light the webs on fire, but it is a small one. The ranger is still held fast for the second round.
Berlon heals himself and feels better. The venomous glare that Graitchen gives the gnome looks like the man didn't expect that of Berlon.
Theodore throws the tanglefoot bag (Touch attack, range incriment 40 feet) and the unwieldy grenade wobbles in the air and is way off target headed directly towards a tree. And yet, the bag is diverted by soft leaves and instead makes a direct hit on Graitchen and the skiff. Ain't it great to be a hero? He dismisses the web and the mage with Berlon beside him move forward. Theodore is on the dock and 10 feet from Graitchen. Berlon is on the dock and 15 feet from Graitchen.
Dietrich is occupied with the battle in the hut. This lizardfolk looks much the match for the doughty fighter.
Rose is astonished that she is suddenly free of the magical web and it takes a second or two to collect her thoughts.
Vauhwyt is in the throughs of laughter for the third round.
Being more cautious than his human opponent, the lizard waits for Dietrich to overextend and then follows through to pink the human in the thigh (AC 20) for 4 hit points of damage (2 for Deitrich 2 for Berlon) He is certainly keeping the strongest looking member of the group 'in play' while Graitchen battles the others...
Graitchen howls in frustration as once again he is entangled, this time by a lowly alchemy mixture! He isn't helpless (Reflex save 15) but he, the skiff, and the oar are mighty sticky. "You are but a pesky flea that I shall grind to dust!", he yells at Theodore, and a spell hurtles at the mage. It turns into a glowing morningstar, and the spiritual weapon strikes out, missing the running mage (AC 9).
The ash still falls, but it seems less and it is easier to see about you.
Berlon 14/19HP, AC 20 (Shield Other 2h 39m 36s, Bless 2m 20s) d20+6=16 d8+2=10 Wednesday May 11th, 2005 4:44:47 PM
Berlon advances the final 15 feet, drawing his weapon as he moves (PHB 141 note 4)
"You will not be the first thing I have dispatched in this swamp, I can only hope you are the last. Rose! Assist Dietrich if you can! Theodore and I can handle this!"
With that Berlon takes a mighty swing with his heavy mace at Graitchen.
Heavy Mace attack hits AC 16 for 10 damage.
Vorelle d20+2=3 Wednesday May 11th, 2005 6:05:09 PM
Burning with shame, Vorelle watches the two mages go to deal with Gratchien, and Rose move to help Dietrich.
They're putting their lives on the line, she tells herself viciously, and you're just standinghere!
No matter how she berates herself, however, she is unable to move [Will 3].
Theodore and Macaw HP 13/13 AC 17 (dodge & mage armor) d20-3=3 Wednesday May 11th, 2005 9:34:16 PM
Theodore moves with Berlon and draws his rapier, still looking like an orc. "Don't kill him." he tries to whisper to Berlon as they advance.
"Surrender, Gratchien. You can't escape," he tries to reason with the mage.
If Gratchien makes any sudden moves, Theodore will attempt to stab the man in a non-vital area. But misses...horribly.
(Hit AC 3 if Gratchien continues to act hostile.)
Rose d4+1=3 Thursday May 12th, 2005 12:11:58 AM
Rose was startled when the web disappeared and almost fell. As she hears Berlon yelling at her she points her finger at Dietrich's opponent and mutters a few words. Suddenly a ball of yellow light shoots from her finger and touches him. Rose then starts running towards the guy near the boat.
magic missile: range 120' damage 3
Vauhwyt and Mookie (AC 20; HP 24/24) Thursday May 12th, 2005 7:53:22 AM
The huge liontaur continues to roll helplessly on the ground in laughter.
Mookie shouts at his master, "Boss! Get a grip!" The familiar directs the unseen servant to hold open the Medium Bag of Tricks. Mookie reaches in and tosses a furry ball at the nearest enemy, with orders to attack.
[OOC: Letting the DM roll for the Bag.]
[OOC: Back today, maybe for the rest of the week, definitely starting Monday.]
Mookie: Unseen Servant from scroll (duration one hour) Bag of Tricks two uses so far this week
Dietrich, ac 19, 25/29 hp, shield, bless d20+8=11 Thursday May 12th, 2005 8:01:17 AM
Dietrich bites his teeth at the pain of the new wound, but feels Alemi's protection upon him. He curses his mistake and goes for a more conventional guarded approach.
Although the fighter could do with some support and appreciates Rose's magic attack, Dietrich is glad she decided to continue on Gratchien's heels. That's the main target and probably the more dangerous enemy. The soldier feels confident in his rune encrested armour and with his beloved sharp steel in hands, not to speak of Berlon's shield.
He attacks again, but despite all effort misses. Hits ac 11
Berlon (OOC second post) Thursday May 12th, 2005 1:37:49 PM
OOC: Minor oopsy on my part, Berlon hasn't had a chance to ready his shield yet, so his AC this round is 18, not 20.
Also, I don't know the timing of the web spell going away vs. the badger blinking out at the end of the round, but does Pookie (the badger) get a last attack? If so feel free to roll away...
A Swarm of Heroes [DM SteveK] 2d4(2+3)=5 d100=99 d20+6=26 d20+6=16 d4+4=6 d4+4=8 d20+4=11 d20+4=23 d8+1=4 d20+6=19 Thursday May 12th, 2005 2:56:58 PM
The moist warm air is definately clearer as less and less ash is in the air. It does not stay crisp on the ground but immediately turns into wet black soot. Every footfall splatters the muck on clothes and skin, quickly chafing away in the most sensitive areas.
Graitchen is in no mood to surrender and Berlon jumps into the skiff to smash the evil man with his mace for 10 hit points. The gnome sucessfully strikes the man, and the hardened Tanglefoot doesn't affect him as it does Graitchen.
Vorelle is held fast for the third round.
Theodore also attacks Graitchen, but he fails to find a solid target.
Rose casts a glowing missle into the lizard warrior, then runs through the lightly falling ash to the dock, pulling up right next to the orc that talks like Theodore.
Mookie uses his mistress' bag of tricks and his unseen servant to pull forth a Black Bear, which rumbles towards Graitchen and attacks, stiking deep with a claw for 14 hit points (AC nat 20, 6 damage, crit AC 16, 8 damage)
Black Bear (AC 13, HP 19, A +6, D d4+4, d4+4, D6+2)
Vauhwyt collapses and suddenly realizes the magical compulsion to laugh is gone! She can act normally next round.
The fight between the lizardfolk warrior and Dietrich is taking epic porportions, but finally, it seems that the others are getting the upper hand of Graitchen.
Graitchen reels but continues to spew forth hatred and spells at his attackers. "Marteus curse you!", he cries, and reaches out to touch Berlon, but the tanglefoot gets in the way. Not so the spiritual weapon that crashes into the orc in front of him for 4 points of damage to Theodore.
Distracted by the magic missle, the lizardfolk also misses Dietrich the Bear, if only barely. Almost unwillingly, a smile plays across the reptile's face, acknowledging the skill of his worthy opponent.
Graitchen is AC 15 while entangled
Vauhwyt and Mookie (AC 20; HP 24/24) d20+10=21 Thursday May 12th, 2005 3:47:24 PM
"Okay, ha ha, Mookie!" chuckles Vauhwyt.
She gets up (move action) and rushes over to Graitchen on the other side from Berlon and the bear (flanking, if possible, to give Berlon and bear a +2 to hit. Since Vauhwyt fills a 15 ft by 15 ft square, up to three medium size creatures across from her can gain flanking bonuses).
Vauhwyt's Tumble check to avoid AoOs is 21.
Mookie continues to direct the bear to fight Graitchen (thanks for handling the bear, Steve!)
Spells: Blood Armor Blood Enlarge
Mookie: Unseen Servant from scroll (duration one hour) Bag of Tricks two uses so far this week
Berlon 14/19HP, AC 20 (Shield Other 2h 39m 30s, Bless 2m 14s) d20+8=17 d8+2=5 Thursday May 12th, 2005 5:22:31 PM
Berlon reaches for and readies his shield. "Not that I'm going to need this," he hisses as Graitchen. "Just be thankful we don't stuff YOUR corpse into a chest for someone to find."
With that, Berlon takes another swing with his heavy mace.
Move action: Ready heavy wooden shield
Standard action: Attack with heavy mace hits AC 17 (with flank bonus, 15 if no flank bonus)
Attack does 5 points damage.
Theodore and Macaw HP 13/13 AC 17 (dodge & mage armor) d20=6 d20=8 Thursday May 12th, 2005 5:58:37 PM
"DON'T KILL HIM!!" Theodore roars, his mouth gaping, fangs glistening as he literally jumps on the struggling mage after dropping his rapier in an attempt to keep Berlon and Vauhwyt's bear from killing their only form of information.
Unfortunately, he misses terribly and sprawls in the boat alongside Gratchien.
(Grapple check hits AC 6.)
Rose d20+5=23 d8+4=6 Thursday May 12th, 2005 6:49:07 PM
Rose sees the animals and stuff attacking Gratchien so she changes directions and heads towards Dietrich to help him. She reaches him and attacks the lizard man.
attack: 23 damage: 6
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 17/17] d20+2=21 Friday May 13th, 2005 3:43:37 AM
Concentrating fiercely, Vorelle is at last able to break the grip of the spell that has been holding her [Will 21].
Dietrich, ac 19, 25/29 hp, shield, bless, d20+8=18 2d6(6+1)+4=11 d6=1 Friday May 13th, 2005 7:23:42 AM
Dietrich remains fully concentrated on his fight with the lizard and deep inside is really enjoying the good battle. He hasn't had such a skilled and though enemy for a long while and relishes the feeling of being on the edge of his abbility and awareness.
For a short moment, the knight hears Theodore's shout and can only hope his friends listen to the young, but wise, wizard.
Finally, when Rose appears to help, Dietrich acknowledges her with a nod and keeps his footwork going, so as to flank the lizardman.
hits ac 18 (20 if allowed to flank) damage 11 (if flanking, sneak attack 1 damage)
Its My Party and I'll Die if I Want To... [DM SteveK] d20+6=19 d20+6=8 d20+6=19 d4+4=6 d6+2=8 d20+6=20 d10+3=8 d20+4=5 d8+4=9 Friday May 13th, 2005 2:02:56 PM
Vauhwyt stands and moves in an acrobatic fashion to cover Graitchen's flank. Since there is no room left on the dock for a 15 foot tall liontaur, she expeditiously jumps into the water beside the skiff. Waves rock the dock and boat, but don't affect the others, and Vauhwyt discovers the water is only about 6 foot deep (easily shallow enough for her to provide flanking attack on Graitchen)
Mookie caws encouragement to the Black Bear and the ursine uses a full attack on his enemy, striking with claw and tooth for 14 points of damage.
Black Bear (AC 13, HP 19, A +6, D d4+4, d4+4, D6+2)
The giant liontaur in the water makes Graitchen (still fighting) lose track of Berlon and the gnome lays into his enemy's shoulder for 5 damage.
Theodore begs the others to capture Graitchen alive, misses his grapple and (with no room in the skiff) tumbles into the 6 foot deep water opposite Vauhwyt.
Rose, unfortunately, takes a double move to get back to the hut, run up the back wall that is like a ramp, and into the hut. Not only does she not get an attack, Rose runs into a backslash from the lizard's wicked sword for 8 hit points of damage (AC 20)
Vorelle staggers upright, free of the spell that had imprisoned her muscles!
Dietrich notes that though Rose was hurt, she also disrupted the lizard warrior's concentration. Diving in, he strikes true for 12 points of damage.
Beyond all expectation, Graitchen is still conscious. Reeling, but aware and able to move. His spiritual weapon dives after Theodore in the water but misses the 'orc'. Graitchen raises his hand which still has the undischarged spell smouldering. He grins in defeat and triumph. "You shall all die in your time." And Graitchen touches himself, discharging the harmful spell into his own body for 9 points and killing him instantly.
The noise at the dock suddenly ceases, and the lizard seems to know what that means. He takes a 5 foot step towards an undamaged wall and puts his sword into a totally defensive position. "Yield", says the deep voice, "Thliss-Ka will yield." His AC is 23.
The ash rain is all but over, and the sky is light enough to easily see around you. Olyn is nowhere to be seen, probably somewhere back in the ash around the mulberry thicket.
In the hut with the fighting at a lull, Dietrich and Rose can notice a rude table shoved to one corner and a large chest and a sack in another. Other than that, the hut is empty.
Rose hp: 10/18 AC 18 d20+4=10 Friday May 13th, 2005 5:32:47 PM "I've got to get some better armor" Rose mutters to herself "of course then I may have trouble casting my spells, maybe some sort of magical item. I'll go look at the catacombs catalog later" Rose starts tying up the lizard "Dietrich check my work please"
use rope: 10
Dietrich Saturday May 14th, 2005 4:57:15 AM
Dietrich is glad the lizard surrendered in the end. He saw Rose getting wounded and knows too well that continuing the duell would be risky and costly.
The knight nods and says: "Thliss-Ka fought well and bravely and I'm honoured to have battled you! Now, put the sword aside, get down and let my comrade bind you!" Dietrich stays ready to slash the lizardman at the first sign of treachery.
After Rose is done, the soldier does as asked and checks her work. He wonders what is going on outside.
Vauhwyt Saturday May 14th, 2005 12:38:09 PM
Vauhwyt does her best to snatch the book from Graitchen, trying to avoid damage to it. She braces herself for the creepy feel of the skin in which it is bound, if she remembers correctly. (move action)
Mookie flies to her bear's shoulder and tells it to stop fighting.
"Maybe someone should detect for magic," she says.
She takes the chance to cast Prestidigitation (standard action), so that she can clear all the ash and filth and water out of her hair and face and fur, so much as she can.
Theodore and Macaw d20=11 Saturday May 14th, 2005 3:07:12 PM
Theodore gurgles and comes up with a splash, treading water with some difficulty, but managing to keep his head above water. He gets a grip on the dock and pulls himself up and over. A sopping rat hops from his head and scurries off. At about five feet from Theodore, the rat suddenly turns into a raven, specifically, Macaw.
As the 'orc' lays sprawled on the dock, he groans and shrugs out of his backpack. "Is it over?" he asks.
(Swim check = 11. HP 8/13 with ring of regeneration on.)
Vorelle d20+3=19 Sunday May 15th, 2005 10:03:46 AM
Shaking off the lingering effects of the spell, Vorelle hurries to help Rose tie up the Lizardman.
[Successfully Aid Another; Rose gets +2 to her attempt]
Olyn Sunday May 15th, 2005 3:45:14 PM
first Blinking, then rubbing his eyes as if rubbing sleep from them, then turning and glancing around Olyn tries to get his bearings. looking at the ground, up to the tree tops, and hearing the sounds of battle he tries shaking off his unawaresness and starts honing on what is going on around him.
Berlon 14/19HP, AC 20 (Shield Other 2h 39m 24s, Bless 2m 8s) d8+4=9 Sunday May 15th, 2005 5:08:51 PM
Berlon nods in agreement with Vauhwyt. "I have both Detect Magic and Identify at my disposal, let's gather everything together and we can go from there. But first..."
Berlon goes to find Rose and casts Cure Light Wounds, healing for 9 hp. (Cure Lt. spontaneously cast in place of Sanctuary)
Treasure for the Victors [DM SteveK] Monday May 16th, 2005 2:31:45 AM
[OOC: Combat rounds are over :)]
Seeing he won't be killed out of hand, Thliss-Ka places his sword at the feet of Dietrich, then sits with crossed legs and places his hands behind his back for Rose to tie more easily. The lizardfolk seems heavily wounded but hale enough for all that. The reptilian face seems to hold an air of defeated patience, though it is hard to tell from the strange facial features.
Rose ties up the lizardfolk, and Vorelle arrives to help make the bindings tight.
Dietrich sees the chest, the bag, and the table all in one corner, and nothing else of intrest in the room.
Outside, the ash has stopped falling, and yet the strangeness is not over. New growth is sprouting everywhere, growing so fast that it is possible to see with the naked eye. Under the hut with stilts, vines twist down and around and melons begin ripening all out of season. What is causing all this?
Olyn suddenly comes back to himself, and is surprised to find himself in a swamp standing next to a thicket of mulberry bushes. He, adn the land all about, is covered in ash as if someone took a huge, old campfire and threw it into the air. Ahead of the half-elf, a hut on top of stilts stands, and Olyn can see the form of Dietrich inside. Splashing and voices behind the hut reveal the location of your other companions. Dancing around your head are three sprites clothed in red, blue, and yellow. They spin in a dance of celebration and seem intent only in themselves. Highlight to display spoiler: { He remembers staring into a fire while a beautiful song plays. As soon as Olyn had begun singing the song, his memory fades, though he has frustrating snatches of visible imagery about a conclave of elves in a tavern, a song of welcoming, a druidic forest glade and a satyr with a crown and holding a crystaline pumpkin. }
Berlon goes into the hut and heals Rose.
A very wet Theodore, Macaw, and Vauhwyt get on the dock, happy they have retrieved the Book.
The Book is still held by the tanglefoot, which disolves only a few seconds later. Vauhwyt picks up the heavy volume, again seeing (and feeling) the skins, furs, and hides that make up the cover. The Book also feels warm, but that is probably due to Graitchen holding it so close to his body.
As Vauhwyt retreives the Book, Graitchen's body collapses and a bloody arm drapes across the tome. His blood seems to seep into the Book and disappears. Immediately, the Book becomes much warmer and begins to glow a sickly red!
The Book opens and rapidly do the pages move before coming to a rest on a blank page. Black lines begin moving and soon form themselves into words that demand to be read.
"Thrice the power, thrice the danger, thrice again the price Swamp, black soil, and book, are answers to entice
Three together heralds nature's awoken Bridegroom Ages long past was given his sleeping doom
From chalice at the wedding he sipped enchanted wine Yet awake he is once more; woe to thee and thine!"
.................
Berlon, Dietrich, Rose, Theodore, Vorelle, and Vauhwyt each gain 2,750 xp for the adventure in recovering the book. Well done, all!
In addition, Vorelle and Theodore each get 300xp bonus for excellent roleplaying.
Rose gets a hero point for taking the lead in the secret tunnel under Graitchen's room when there was a whole lot of evil stuff happening and no telling what was on the other side. "Iron Guts Award"
Theodore gets a hero point for charging Graitchen after the Big G had taken out half the party. "What Was I Thinking? Award"
Berlon gets a hero point for casting shield other on Dietrich, knowing that the gnome would run out of hit points faster than the fighter AND THEN getting stuck into melee himself. "Candle At Both Ends Award"
Graitchen has ... Chain Shirt, MW Heavy Mace, MW 2 brown potions 1 yellow potion Book
Rose Monday May 16th, 2005 3:47:28 AM
Rose streches after being healed "Thanks Berlon, I needed that." she says before casting Prestiditation to clean herself up and going to look at the items.
Rose now is back to full hp, unfortunatly she is still 10 exp away from level 4 :)
Dietrich Monday May 16th, 2005 10:00:38 AM
Dietrich takes his helmet off and congratulates his friends for the fight, happy nobody is seriously hurt (after Berlons' healing...).
But when he realises that Gratchien is dead, the warrior feels disappointment and anger. He shakes his head and mumbles swearwords.
Finally he focuses on the other objects in the hut and brings they to the pile for examination by Rose and identify magic.
"There are some difficult decisions still to be made comrades, but let's take a look on our booty first."
ooc: just remembering that we still didn't share the treasure of the bodak encounter, gems from the cursed artifact.
Olyn Monday May 16th, 2005 10:18:33 AM
looking around as if being outside for the first time, he marvels at everything. the ash, the bush which he fondles the leaves gently, and then the sprites flittering about head. smiling he coos a soft note to them, and then heads towards the hut.
seeing everyone up and moving brings another smile to his face and prompts him to say: didya missme?
Berlon 14/19HP (Shield Other 2h 35) Monday May 16th, 2005 11:23:32 AM
Berlon shakes his head at the magical actions of the book.
"Are we REALLY sure we want to bring this back to the Prince and that place? And can someone remove the book from the hut? It will probably affect detections..."
Once all the goodies are gathered together and the book is out of range, he will cast Detect Magic to see what might need to be identified.
(OOC: Rose, did you add in the xp for the hero point? Even if you didn't, once we get the xp from the old module I bet you'll level!)
Theodore and Macaw d20+11=12 Monday May 16th, 2005 1:29:36 PM
Theodore uses the remaining time left in his spell to turn back to his normal self. Standing, he lets out a deep sigh of relief and frowns at the dead body of Gratchien.
"We really have to be on the same page in situations like this," he says, more to himself than anyone. He winces after speaking, just now feeling the pain from Gratchien's spiritual weapon. He rubs his chest and notices the dull glow of his ring, suddenly feeling slightly better.
He marvels at the ring for a moment, smiling curiously, before turning his attention to his friends. "At the least, no one is badly hurt." His smile is genuine. Whatever his complaints with his friends, he loves them like family, and wishes them no harm.
Seeing Berlon take charge of diagnosing the hut's inventory for magical items, Theodore decides to do the same on Gratchien's possessions. He first scans the items as a group and then singles out the items with an aura, one by one, testing for strength and then their specific schools of magic.
(Cast detect magic. Unfortunately, my spellcraft check to determine school of magic is 12, a natural 1)
Vorelle d20=19 Monday May 16th, 2005 3:54:23 PM
Assuming that somebody (that is, somebody who can talk properly) will be wanting to question the Lizardman, Vorelle stands near the captive, ready to assist. She tries to look fierce, and actually manages it this time.
[successfully Aid Another to an Intimidate check]
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+7=10 Monday May 16th, 2005 4:17:40 PM
Vauhwyt is puzzled by the Book and its words, but has no time to puzzle over them, so she delegates.
"Mookie, get your servant to copy down what the book says."
But herself, she has a lizardman to intimidate while her spell (enlarge person) is still going.
The blood red, 13-foot tall liontaur steps over to the Lizardman. "If you know what is good for you, you'll tell us how this book got here from Dirt City, and what you know about it."
[Intimidate roll base is 10, plus 2 from Vorelle's help, plus 8 from her size bonus for being huge, is a 20.]
Anunnaki d20+3=11 Monday May 16th, 2005 7:40:34 PM
Anunnaki attempts to loosen his bindings, shifting within the confined space in an effort to make it actually possible.
Escape Artist Check 11
Information [SteveK] d20+6=10 Tuesday May 17th, 2005 12:04:21 PM
Pain, defeat, and surrounded by enemies makes Thliss-Ka cringe a little. "The Human One was here. Told Thliss-Ka that my warriors would reap great reward and honor to pillage humans and halflings in Dirt City. The Human One said to meet here, and he told me and the Little Lizard to gathers our warriors and be ready to attack in five days time."
He regards the others for a minute. "We were the last of the tribes he would speak with. I know not the others."
Detect Magic reveals a weak abjuration on Graitchen's chain shirt, a weak evocation and illusion on the kobold's scroll, a weak abjuration on the brown potions, and a medium necromancy on the yellow potion. And of course the Book, which has a blindingly bright aura of divination, so much so that Theodore can almost see its aura without the use of a detect magic spell. All the other items look of good quality but unmagical.
The sprites that flutter around Olyn careen through the air. "Oh Happy Day!", "Happy, happy, joy, Joy!", "Don't Worry, Be Happy!" they sing and dance in joyous circles. "The King has awakened, the time of nature is here, thankyou thankyou thankyou Lord Elf."
"What? Have you not heard? The King has returned! The news has sped on the wind of the Halflings who came to Culverwood!"
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 Sprites begin spinning around as they speak, their story can be felt and seen as well as heard.
...You see 7 Halflings Riding pony's entering a forest; one Female is obviously pregnant. Five look very nondescript you cannot 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 carries an Ornate Great Axe.
The Forest Welcomed the Not Yet Reborn King as they Traveled towards 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 very rapidly you think. The king Exits the Oak and addresses the Crowd.
The Jealous Guardians were angry with the King, nature responds 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 three sprites pay little attention to anyone, only dancing and shouting their joy. And the swamp around you reacts to their joy. The melons under the hut grow and become ripe in minutes, a promise of sweet juices within their triple-striped rinds. The mulberries, in bunches of threes, grow to the size of apples in the thicket behind the heroes. Every bush, tree, and vine seem that much greener; the sky is that much more blue; the water is clearer and sweet as a mountain spring.
Since blaring out its message, the Book is still within Vauhwyt's hand. The bindings are closed, hiding for now any other secrets that might be found about this King...
Vauhwyt and Mookie Tuesday May 17th, 2005 3:08:52 PM
Vauhwyt continues talking to the lizard man.
"What about these sprites? What do they have to do with the book? Who is this King the sprites talk about?"
Then, as the captive's words sink in ...
"Are you saying that an attack on Dirt City will take place in five days?"
Berlon 14/19HP (Shield Other 2h 30m) Tuesday May 17th, 2005 3:09:41 PM
"Storytelling Fearies, invading lizardmen, human cities where you can't tell where the dirt ends and the streets begin..."
"It makes one want to return home and never leave..."
Once he is done muttering, Berlon will touch his High Woldian holy symbol to the chain shirt and cast Identify. He will leave the interrogation of the lizardman to the others.
Once he is done, he turns to the group.
"I have a modest proposal..."
"We are far closer to my village than we are to the city. Why don't we stay overnight at my village, then return to the city tomorrow. We have obtained the book quickly, and I don't think returning tomorrow versus today would matter much; the Prince couldn't be expecting us to return today anyway."
"Not only would it give us a chance to rest and get clean, but we would have the opportunity to do some... consultation... on what a wise course of action might be."
"I leave it to you."
Vorelle Tuesday May 17th, 2005 6:49:30 PM
Vorelle nods her agreement to Berlon's plan. It's getting late in the day, and finding a friendly place to spend the night only makes sense.
If possible, though, they should update the Prince on their progress.
[OOC: do we still have those carrier pigeons?]
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday May 17th, 2005 7:28:29 PM
Theodore informs the others of his findings with the items.
He manages to sort through all the sudden images with a bit more calm and clarity, due to all of the bizarre happenings of recent.
Back in the here and now, Theodore pipes in on the discussion. "If there is an attack planned on the city, we need to get word to the Prince as soon as possible. I believe we left our pigeons at the river, but I can have Macaw bear a message to the Prince. And then I would feel better about taking the long way home."
Rose d20+5=13 d20+7=19 Tuesday May 17th, 2005 8:12:39 PM
Rose starts looking around the hut for anything not in plain sight. If prestidation has finished cleaning her & her weapons she will turn it on a friend.
If rose can she will take 20 if not rolls are below.
spot: 13 search: 19
Dietrich d20+4=6 Wednesday May 18th, 2005 4:34:18 AM
Cleaning his greatsword, Dietrich listens carefully to the interrogation, trying to discern the lizardman's intentions (sense motive 6). He is worried enough about what he hears.
Although astonished and a little scared by the sprites and the story of this so-called King, the soldier is more concerned with the possibility of war.
After listening to his friends, he suggests that the group marches back to the cart with the pigeons and send immediate warning about the attack to the city. He also advises to be silent about the book for now, at least till the group decides what to do about it. The knight is increasingly suspicious about the Prince's connection to that evil thing and agrees with Berlon on going to the village for rest and consultation (after retaking the cart and sending the warning).
Furthermore, now that Gratchien is dead, maybe there is a way of avoiding the lizardfolk attack, or at least to weaken it, particularly as it seems that Tliss-Ka is a prisoner of some consequence. Dietrich asks Vorelle to look after the prisoner's wounds and stop his bleeding.
Finally, Dietrich turns his attention to the bag and the chest and asks Rose to check it for traps first. Perhaps there is some treasure!
ooc: Folks, what about the gems from the Gargul artifact? No offense meant, but I've been asking about it for a while now...
loretta Wednesday May 18th, 2005 12:21:24 PM
all the gems including the one rose found and didnt tell you about until later are in her bag of holding
Olyn Wednesday May 18th, 2005 12:53:44 PM
looks at his hands, arms, feet, legs. pokes himself in the chest. and then pinches himself, seeing a red spot where he pinched himself.
yup, im real, at least to me. wonder why everyone else can't see me.
looking to the sprites he says in elf: Glory be to the King and he that protects Him. then, he says to them: am I really here or am I invisible?
Lizard, Book, and King [DM SteveK] Wednesday May 18th, 2005 4:41:24 PM
Olyn arrives in the hut and it is obvious to everyone that he is sane and not stumbling about like since he was sucked into the campfire. Perhaps he has some information that may be of value as to what is happening?
Thliss-Ka tries to answer Vauhwyt's questions, but keeps his eyes on Dietrich. The lizard warrior doesn't know why Graitchen kept hauling the Book around, doesn't know why there are sprites floating around Olyn's head, and doesn't know any connection between the "King" and Graitchen.
Thliss-Ka will tell Dietrich that since the Bear had beaten him in a fight, the lizard warrior is honor-bound to serve Dietrich until released or his life saved.
What he does know is that his lizardfolk won't be in the war. "Only the other tribes the Human One was talking with; the gnolls, the goblins, the ogres".
He also knows a little bit on how the Book works. "The Human One was going to sacrifice an elf he found and use the blood to open the Book." What elf? one may ask. Thliss-Ka looks shagrined, "The elf in the chest."
At Dietrich's direction, Rose checks the bag and chest. The chest does indeed hold an elf wearing only smallclothes, tied hand and foot and has a gag securely around his mouth. Even with the knot on his head, he is a strikingly handsome elf. One quick swipe of Rose's hand and the elf can speak.
The bag holds the elf's possessions.
The sprites giggle and dance around Olyn's head. "Silly", says one, "you are not invisible, and the Blessing of the Fey King be upon you. Since you see him as your King, you will not be slain like the other city dwellers when the King comes to lead all nature against the cities."
"Yes", cries another, "I only hope that noone silly puts Eberon to sleep like they had done before."
"Don't be silly", answers the third, "that knowledge has been lost to the ages. Noone could discover that now."
As plans go, most of the heroes think it's a sound plan to go back to the cart, send a couple messages to the Prince, then go to Berlon's gnomish village to rest for the night. As preparations are made to do this, there is the loose ends of the recently freed elf and the tied-up lizardfolk.
Not to mention a tribal invasion of Dirt City and a Fey King who seems to be looking to do the same thing...
2nd Post [DM SteveK] Wednesday May 18th, 2005 4:47:26 PM
Berlon Identifies the chain shirt (and uses 100gp worth of pearls) as a chain shirt +1
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday May 18th, 2005 9:12:08 PM
"Oh my!" Theodore exclaims when Rose reveals the bound elf. He hurridly pulls forth a dagger to cut through the remaining ropes on the elf.
"Are you okay?" he asks with concern, as he offers the elf his assistance in exiting the trunk. The similarity strikes a hideous memory in Theodore's head.
"The body in Gratchien's quarters...This is the same set up." He looks at the rest of his group with concern etched upon his features.
Vorelle d20+11=19 Wednesday May 18th, 2005 9:18:27 PM
"O-O-Olyn?" Vorelle is glad that the cleric is back with the group, but he seems a little confused. "A-a-are y-you alr-right?"
Seeing that Olyn is momentarily distracted, Vorelle pulls out her healer's kit and goes to work on the prisoner.
[Heal check 19 to tend the Lizardman's wounds.]
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+7=24 Wednesday May 18th, 2005 9:27:39 PM
The liontaur bows to the lizard man as she stows away the evil Book. "You seem honorable as well as brave. I wonder why you were working for such filth as this. But I will question you no morre. Tell us what you will or not -- you have earned my respect."
Mookie nudges his master. "Boss, take a look at those fairy creatures! And get a load of those melons!"
Vauhwyt seems about to swat the rude bird until she notices the amazing new vegetation.
Listening to the sprites, she gets the clear idea that there is nothing serious about them, but that does not mean they are harmless. She decides to play along, and talks to the fae creatures.
"Hey, children of naturre! This King of yours is giving away free honeydews?" She goes over and tastes one. "Mmm. If he sets a table like this for all his friends, count me in! When did you say he was coming herre? I'd like to shake his hand. Being half human, half beast myself, I bet we have stuff in common."
[Bluff check 24! Woot!]
Berlon 14/19HP (Shield Other 2h 25m) Wednesday May 18th, 2005 10:02:20 PM
Berlon goes up to the Faeries, and doesn't seem very happy to see them. He yells something at them (apparantly in *Elven*) then continues in Common: "While I have no love for that filthy city, I can promise you not ALL of nature shares your view." He is breathing heavily and his cheeks redden.
Berlon takes a moment to compose himself, then addresses the group.
"Staying over at my vlllage is the best news I have had in a long time. I must go on ahead, though, and prepare a welcome. Visitors are... rare... for my village."
Berlon then gives detailed instructions to the entrance to the village, which apparantly is about an hour away.
"I will meet you at the Guardians at the entrance to my village. I look forward to seeing you all there."
With that, he hurridly leaves the hut and heads out into the swamp.
Rose Wednesday May 18th, 2005 10:59:38 PM
After freeing the elf Rose has been looking around "Piper? Piper where are you? Mookie have you seen Piper I cant find her." Rose is apparently very worried.
ooc: since I've forgot to play piper for a while i decided she was doing something else :)
Olyn Thursday May 19th, 2005 1:31:38 AM
*Berlon, what did you yell at the faeries? i speak the language*
as Vorelle goes to give first aid to the newly unbound elf, Olyn approaches said elf offering a packet of elven rations and a skin of elven wine.
Olyn awaits for the elf to dress and eat a meal and drink the wine before introducing himself. all said in Elven, including the introduction of the others present.
Dietrich d20+4=11 d20+3=11 Thursday May 19th, 2005 4:45:54 AM
Despite Tliss-Ka's vow, Dietrich is still a little suspicious and trys again to realise wether to trust the lizardman or not (sense motive 11 for the new information). What he hears about the attack is increasingly alarming. The defeated warrior seems honorable enough, but he was serving Gratchien after all. Thankfully watching Vorelle tend the prisoner, Dietrich says to him: "We won't do you any harm, but you'll stay bound till we decide further actions. As a leader and warrior, I'm sure you understand that decision.(diplomacy 11)"
Dietrich greets Olyn and is happy to have him again with his full wits. "You missed quite a fight old man! What the (*&*& is going on here?" The last parts of what the sprites say doesn't sound good at all and the knight looks to Olyn for some answers. He also pays attention to the results of Vauhwyt's bluff and Berlon's outburst.
Then Rose discovers the elf in the chest and Theo remembers the sacrifice. Not understanding any of the talkings, Dietrich simply worries about all the implications and dark menaces building up in the background.
When Berlon leaves, the Bear is not sure if that's a good idea, but in the end trusts his friends capacity of getting along alone in his home turf. Dietrich starts preparations to take the loot to the carts.
Moving Through the Swamp [DM SteveK] Thursday May 19th, 2005 3:54:04 PM
[OOC: Lets' take the treasure discussion to the email in order to not take time here. Will someone like to take the lead on identifying all the loot that hasn't been distributed?]
The captured elf seems disoriented and aside from the others helping him into his clothes and equipment from the bag, he only placidly follows the directions of the others. Dazed from his recent experience or something more sinister? No one can really tell.
Thliss-Ka only nods at Vauhwyt and Dietrich's words. Yes, he is a warrior, and knows caution. He also seems pleased that his enemies understand he is an honorable lizard. "I understand and will obey.", he says.
The pixies laugh when Vauhwyt addresses them. "You will meet who you meet soon enough.", says one, and they all fly off.
With Berlon moving through the swamp to his village, it looks like action is needed. The heroes gather up the equipment and treasures along with the new elf and lizardfolk, and move back along the trail until they get to the cart with the homing birds. Guarding the cart is Piper, who swells importantly when Rose comes through the swamp.
A quick message to the Prince says that Graitchen is slain and the Book is safe, but doesn't mention when the heroes will be able to return to Dirt City. Another copy is made, and two birds streak through the swamp to ensure the message arrives.
The heroes then move north, following Berlon's directions. Towards evening, the companions come to a forest glade that is a lot less moist than the rest of the swamp they have been trudging through. In the glade is Berlon, looking a little worried and glad that his new friends have arrived.
Berlon, you came to the entrance to your village a couple hours ago, but was not halted by the usual guardian. In fact, there is no guardian at all. Now that your friends are here, perhaps you can find out about the mystery.
Anunnaki Thursday May 19th, 2005 8:24:47 PM
Anunnaki shakes his head and comes out of his daze. " I'm sorry. I've taken quite a few blows to the head from some foul beast. Thank you for your help. Do you mind if I travel with you for a bit? "
Theodore and Macaw Thursday May 19th, 2005 9:04:00 PM
As they walk, Theodore tries to stay close to the newcomer. Of below average height, with overbig clothes, and a raven perched emperiously atop his head, the young mage appears a very nonthreatening person.
"Of course," he replies to the elf. "It is best for us all to stick together until we are out of this swamp. Where do you hail from, if I may ask?"
Olyn Thursday May 19th, 2005 9:09:28 PM
travel's in quiet contemplation.
Vorelle d20+11=23 d20+9=19 d20+9=17 Thursday May 19th, 2005 10:45:40 PM
After seeing to the Lizardman, Vorelle carries her healer's kit over to check on the newly freed elf, to make sure he has taken no hurt. [Heal check 23]
She accompanies the group back to the wagon, and then to the gnome village. As they approach, she watches and listens for signs of trouble. [Spot 19, Listen 17]
Berlon 14/19HP (Shield Other 1h 10m) Thursday May 19th, 2005 11:41:32 PM
Berlon looks more than a little panicked.
"Varaheena! Varaheena!" he yells. He looks around frantically and starts shouting in something other than common. (OOC: Highlight for spoiler if you speak Gnomish) Highlight to display spoiler: { "Varaheena! Berlon Thaddeus Rusty Daengle returns home!! Guardian?!?!" }
He starts to panic, then runs full speed towards... the side of the hill??
Rose Friday May 20th, 2005 2:05:35 AM
Rose continues looking around for piper until they come to the wagon. "There you are piper! I was so worried when I couldnt find you!"
On the way to the gnome village she then pulls a basket out of the cart and starts picking berries "What do you want tonight cobbler or pie?" She asks the group. She puts the full basket of berries in the cart when she's done picking.
When Berlon says that the guardian is missing and goes running towards the hill she runs after him.
Dietrich d20+5=23 d20+4=23 d20+2=11 Friday May 20th, 2005 6:55:05 AM
The tall, broad and armoured human greets the released elf, but is too concerned to pay very much attention and marches silently behind Tliss-Ka, worried about the iminent attack and what to do with the evil book. He asks the lizard about numbers and equippment of the attacking tribes.
When the group reaches the cart and prepares the message, Dietrich strongly recommends not to tell anything about Gratchien and the Book yet (ooc: hope this is still possible. If necessary, would like to put the question for vote). Instead, the message would only state that the party discovered plans of an attack on Dirt City in the next five days by wild tribes of Gnolls and other monsters.
During the way back, Dietrich watches over the poneys (handle animal 23).
After arriving at the village and seeing Berlon's distress, the knight readies his longbow and prepares for trouble. spot 24 listen 11
DM SteveK Friday May 20th, 2005 3:33:15 PM
Sorry, I'll post tomorrow morning for Friday.
Computer trouble, and borrowing a friend's for this message.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Friday May 20th, 2005 6:10:06 PM
Vauhwyt runs after her new friend, Berlon, and with her four long legs, should catch up to him fast. (move 40 vs move 20, LOL!)
"Hey! Berlon! What's wrong? If there is some misadventure afoot, better we all enter together than run in alone, yelling! Don't tell enemies you are coming!"
If she has a move action after catching up, Vauhwyt will draw her longspear.
loretta Friday May 20th, 2005 8:01:55 PM
uh, cayzle you're the rules lawyer dont you know anybody with a base attack of +1 can draw a weapon as a free action if they're moving?
OOC Cayzle hangs his head in shame! Friday May 20th, 2005 8:17:51 PM
LOL! Loretta, you are exactly right! I should have remembered that! goofy me! :-)
Into the Tunnel [DM SteveK] Saturday May 21st, 2005 6:45:10 AM
OOC: alright, alright, enough out of character posts (brows together and frowning, but with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes) :)
The travel to the entrance of the gnomish village is uneventful. The heroes have a few hours to get to know Anunnaki and get reaquainted with Olyn. Thliss-Ka walks placidly along with his hands tied behind his back, wounds bandaged by Vorelle.
Thliss-Ka doesn't know exactly who Graitchen has contacted other than himself, the kobolds, and the gnolls. For organized tribes in the area around the lizardfolk, Thliss-Ka knows of the kobolds (several hundred irregulars), the gnolls (almost 50 well equipped warriors), a band of ogres (twice two hands of strong warriors), a nest of harpies (15 or so flyers), and further away there are large tribes of goblins, orcs, another lizardfolk tribe, and a human village. Then, of course, are unaffiliated creatures and humanoids that wander about. How many Graitchen contacted, Thliss-Ka knows not.
Dietrich cautions against too much in the message to the Prince, and sucessfully gets the messages to be only that there is a planned attack by gnolls and other monsters from the swamp in five day's time.
Berlon has been frantically calling for Varaheena, and as soon as his friends arrive runs straight towards a hillside, disappearing into a cleverly concealed tunnel. Rose and Vauhwyt pelt after the gnome, the liontaur soon catching up with Berlon and urging caution.
The others are still outside and can't see into the tunnel. Weapons at the ready, they look about but see nothing unusual. Dietrich notices the ponies in harness are not concerned about anything other than the grass in front of them.
Berlon, Vauhwyt, and Rose, however, find something inside. They quickly come to a large chasm spanning the tunnel. In front are a dozen gnomes that are battle-ready. Thier eyes alight and recognize Berlon, welcoming him back to the village.
The guard's leader is Londa, a smallish gnome steps forward. "Berlon, thank Alemi you are here. You and your friends are most welcome. Come, let us get them all inside and you can wash and be ready to present yourself to the matriarch. Any news from outside about what is going on will be most appreciated."
You can't get much more useful information out of Londa, but in no time at all the heroes are swarmed with talkative efficient gnomes who lead you into the tunnels. At the chasm, the huge drop is revealed to be an illusion over a normal moat-like area where the heroes, gnomes, and cart go around a walkway. Further through the tunnels, the procession comes to the end and the gnome village of Haven's Edge is revealed. Berlon and his friends are quickly shown a guest cottage where they can freshen up.
"An hour's time is sunset, and I'll be back to escort you to the matriarch.", says Londa. To Berlon's obvious question, he replies in a whisper which carries through the cottage. "Varaheena is gone and no one knows where she is. We're all a little concerned and that's why we have the guard in the tunnel."
And with that, Londa leaves you alone for an hour.
Olyn Saturday May 21st, 2005 10:18:24 AM
after a rather quick bath and a snack, Olyn settles down in front of the fire on the floor, cross legged, eyes closed, handsclasped, and begins praying silently.
will get up when Londa knocks on the door.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Saturday May 21st, 2005 10:41:03 AM
Vauhwyt is happy to meet the gnomes, and shakes hands all around.
Is the guest cottage underground? Is it a chamber off a corridor, or an actual building in a huge cavern? Or above ground?
Like Olyn, Vauhwyt is glad of the chance to wash up.
As she combs her mane, she arranges her usual hair style: on one side, back over her ear; on the other side, letting her mane hang free, almost entirely covering that side of her face.
"If we are meeting the Matriarch, let me get dressed up." She turns her back for modesty and puts on her nice white shirt. She puts her fancy earring in her exposed ear -- the one of a glowing dangling scales given to her by the famous Bill Troublefinder. Finally a dab of perfume she won in a Giggling Ghost contest.
After these preparations are complete, it occurs to her to ask her gnome friend something.
"Hey, Berlon, who is this Varheena? Is it like her to take off?"
Rose Saturday May 21st, 2005 12:59:53 PM
Rose uses one of the other's nice big blankets to make a litte wall to change behind (unless there's another room to change in) she quickly washes off then changes into the clothes she was wearing when she met the prince. she brushes at her clothes trying to get out any wrinkles, if they have been provided with an iron she'll iron them. She carefully takes a cloth and wipes the dust off of piper.
Dietrich Saturday May 21st, 2005 1:23:43 PM
Dietrich writes down the information about the enemy and includes it in the message. He is relieved that everything is alright in the village and shoulders his bow again, greets the gnomes and, realising Berlon's worry, waits to see what is said about this Varaheena.
The knight is happy to get rid of all the mud, ash and blood and prepares himself for the meeting, proudly displaying his family's crest with the red bear over a black ground.
He makes sure Tliss-Ka is well provided for and, after all the marching and fighting, hopes the gnome's cuisine can match Rose's.
Berlon 14/28 HP (Shield Other 1h) Saturday May 21st, 2005 5:50:18 PM
Berlon fidgits nervously.
"Wait, wait..." Berlon says with a slight smile, "I know not every culture is like we Gnomes..."
He opens the door and points off in the distance. "...but we have a wonderful set of hot springs here that are quite private, I assure you. But if anyone would rather bathe..." he adds with a wrinkled nose, "...indoors, well, you have that option as well..."
"While we have some time, does anyone want to visit the local blacksmith? He may not have anything useful for us, but at the very least he should be able to make any minor repairs you might need."
"If nobody else needs, I can use both the chain shirt and the mace. I am working on improving my mobility. If the shirt fits me, that is. Also, I can identify another item tomorrow morning. I'm conducting an Augury at sunrise, and I think it wise if everyone can attend."
Berlon tries to find someone to act as a messenger. This is the first time it comes into focus how much taller he is than most of the other Gnomes, topping out at just over four feet, at least a half foot taller than most of the other villagers.
"Can you see if Brock is around?" he asks the messenger. "Ask him to meet me either here or at the blacksmith, please."
Turning back to the group: "I'm trying to maintain a state of denial right now, so if we keep busy while we wait, I know that will help *me*. Anyone want to visit to the blacksmith?"
Berlon gathers up his crossbow and bolts, and if the blacksmith has any, will trade them in for a sling and up to 20 sling stones. He will also ask what services the blacksmith can currently perform, and if he has any current inventory.
But before he leaves with anyone that wants to follow: "Dietrich, you should stay here and watch... your captive. I'm still not one hundred percent sure they are not going to take him into custody..."
Theodore and Macaw Saturday May 21st, 2005 9:47:18 PM
Theodore gawks in wonder as they are led through the Gnomes' home. "This is wonderful," he comments to Berlon.
When his friend asks for someone to track down this fellow, Brock, Theodore eagerly volunteers, wanting a reason to look around further. He neglects to clean up, due to all the excitement, and quickly sets off to find this Brock, and see what he may.
Rose Sunday May 22nd, 2005 2:38:13 AM
Rose quickly accepts Berlon's offer of hot springs, however if it isnt as private as she would like she will make sure not to look at others and wear some of her dirty things in and thus wash them and herself at the same time.
Anunnaki Sunday May 22nd, 2005 11:07:15 AM
"Dietrich, I know I am still very much a stranger, but I would like to assist you in watching the captive if that is acceptable."
Vorelle Sunday May 22nd, 2005 1:09:53 PM
The temptation of the hot springs is too much to resist, and Vorelle heads in that direction for a quick bath. She changes out of her dirty, oversized, dowdy clothes and, after bathing, dresses again in clean, oversized, dowdy clothes. She un-braids her hair and combs it out. She starts to re-braid it, then thinks better of it. She can't very well wear her hood indoors, and long hair will help her hide her face.
Rose Sunday May 22nd, 2005 5:02:17 PM
Rose looks at Vorelle's oversized dowdy clothes and thinks to herself that she's going to make Vorelle some nice well fitting clothes for when they meet important people.
Jerry Monday May 23rd, 2005 10:37:16 AM
Big Tim go post on the Koshe-Marr Board, we're starting it back up again. :)
Meeting the Matriarch [DM SteveK] Monday May 23rd, 2005 4:20:22 PM
The heroes take a breath or two and relax in the guest cottage. The easy walk through the gnomish village of Haven's Edge was a wonder for what a contented village could be... certainly nothing like the boisterous and dangerous Dirt City. Berlon's mention of a hot spring, Dietrich, Rose, Vorelle, and Vauhwyt all take a quartermile hike to the steaming pools.
The tunnel opened to reveal the village nestled in a circle of hills, the blue sky above tinged with orange and red from the setting sun. Flowers and herb gardens ring each white-washed cottage, pale thatch on peaked roofs. Broad-leafed trees shade growing ivy and benches carfully placed to allow a rester the maximum view. Well-tended fields reveal wheat, rye, and barley. Contented flocks of sheep, gaggles of geese, a herd of ponies complete the idyllic setting.
And the gnomes seem contented as well. Cheery waves from barn, or garden, or croft all with a jovial "Hello, friend!" greet the heroes.
They see that a single spring has been molded into several pools, smooth rock sides shallowly ending in sandy bottoms. Some are off to one side and obviously the laundries. Others look to be hot pools for soaking, warm for washing, or tepid for splashing and playing. Clever thickets allow for a modicum of privacy to change, and a good time is had by all.
Anunnaki stays with two well-armed gnomes and guards the lizardfolk warrior. Thliss-Ka seems to have almost unlimited patience, and niether fidgets nor complains about the ropes tightly bound around his wrists.
Berlon and Theodore go out to see the Blacksmith and look for Brock. The second mission is quickly found to be impossible. A granther gnome on a nearby bench wags his head back and forth. "Nah, friend, yer not gonner find that great hulk of a Brock. 'E wenter get some huntin' adone and ain't ne'er came back. Aboot the time ya went ter Dirt City it was..."
The blacksmith is also difficult to talk with, not because he isn't there, but because he is extremely busy. Talking around a line of horses and horseshoes, he asks the friends to come back the day after tomorrow. "Annual shoeing, donchaknow." And he and his assistants are quickly back to work.
And the hour passes quickly by.
At the appointed time, everyone is freshened as much as their hasty preparations allow, and Londa is waiting for you at the door to the guest cottage. He leads you and Thliss-Ka through a darkening sky to the largest white-washed building, easily three times the size of the single huts, and in they go to a surprisingly sparse hall. It is, in fact, barren with the exception of a low divan and a wrinkled female gnome laying down. Her thick white hair is pulled into a bun, and her blue eyes are penetrating.
"Don't stop on formality, Rusty", she croaks, "bring 'em in and let's see what we got."
Berlon (14/28 hp) Monday May 23rd, 2005 7:23:13 PM
Berlon cringes slightly when called by his nickname. "Matriarch, these are... well, I will let them introduce themselves."
"Matriarch, you mean to say that both Brock and Varaheena are gone?? What happened to Varaheena?" Berlon seems sad.
Once everyone is done talking, Berlon continues in Gnomish: Highlight to display spoiler: { "Matriarch, I think it would be wise if we spoke for a moment in private..." }
Theodore and Macaw Monday May 23rd, 2005 9:45:58 PM
As the realization of his impending meeting strikes him, Theodore is suddenly ashamed of himself for not having cleaned up. Before entering the hall, he licks his hand and attempts to put his hair in some manner of order.
When Berlon gives them permission to introduce themselves, Theodore coughs politely before speaking, "My name is Theodore...and this is my friend, Macaw." He motions with his eyes to the raven perched atop his head.
For once, Macaw minds his manners and gives a quick bob which might pass for a bow.
Rose Monday May 23rd, 2005 10:41:32 PM
Rose curtsys to the old woman "Hello ma'am. My name's Rose and this is Piper." Piper has a bow around her neck that matches the one in Rose's hair. "Hello" says Piper.
Rose is a bit worried about Berlon and asks him in gnomish Highlight to display spoiler: {"Do you mean just you two talk or all of us?"}
Olyn Monday May 23rd, 2005 11:28:27 PM
dressed in fresh and clean clothing, and with the tattooed holy symbol of wardd on his forearms showing, Olyn enters, and nods a greeting to the leader of the village saying: Olyn is my name, Priest of Wardd at your service.
Vorelle Tuesday May 24th, 2005 1:31:30 AM
Vorelle cringes a little at the prospect of introducing herself, then takes a deep breath and holds onto her courage with both hands. "V-V-V-Vorelle," she manages, then steps back with a sigh of relief.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Tuesday May 24th, 2005 10:06:18 AM
Vauhwyt smiles at Vorelle and steps up after her.
"Hi! I'm Vauhwyt, and this is Mookie. It's an honorr."
"Likewise, I'm sure," says Mookie.
Dietrich Tuesday May 24th, 2005 2:17:04 PM
Dietrich utterly enjoys the hot fountain and the trip through the village. He listens to Berlon's suggestion and was almost disappointed not to have the opportunity to see the matriarch, but in the end it seems it's not necessary for him to stay with the prisoner. He's curious about Anunnaki and would like to ask him about the exact role Tliss-Ka played in his capture, but right now the knight prefers to accompany his friends to the meeting. He makes clear to the guards though, that the lizardman is HIS personal prisoner.
In civilian clothes, Dietrich greets Londa with a bow: "I'm Dietrich the Bear of the Windbourne Hills, at your disposal."
The knight wonders if they'll get an answer to the increasingly complicated question of what to do about the evil book...
The Matriarch [DM SteveK] Tuesday May 24th, 2005 3:27:53 PM
Thliss-Ka also bows deeply to the Matriarch, staying with his gnome guards.
Aged beyond even Anunnaki and Olyn's years, the matriarch still has a quick mind and penetrating gaze. She listens to the others give thier introductions, the self-conscious Vorelle and Theodore, the perky Vauhwyt and Rose, the grave Olyn and Dietrich.
Anunnaki remains silent, his arms at his sides, and suddenly remembers he has a message scroll from Dirt City...
"Brock's gone", she answers Berlon without preamble, "don't know when he'll be back, if ever. Hope he's all right, but I got other concerns right now, friend."
"Varheena's left too. Disappeared the same time as the sound burst and rain of ash.", says Londa, now standing near the divan. (The ash was conspicuously absent inside the ring of hills) The gnome preens a little. "Vivian and some of the other mages were able to keep the ash away from the village. Yet when we came out after the ash rain stopped, our guardian treant was missing."
"Hrumph." states the Matriarch, "There are a couple other issues to take care of."
"First, this lizardfolk." She holds up a hand forestalling Dietrich. "I know the story, don't waste time telling me again. What you got is a warrior you can't trust with an honor debt to you. If Dietrich orders Thliss-Ka to be a servant to Haven's Edge until Dietrich returns, you don't have to worry about him, and you also get confirmation he won't be trouble." She chuckles dryly. "I've got plenty folks to watch him."
"Rusty," Vivian the Matriarch says to Berlon, "I want all your minds right here. No one but you, your friends, me, and Londa to hear what goes on between us." She pauses and makes a pass with her hands. "There, the lizard and my guards are in a Silence Spell. Tell me what you want."
"What are you fooling about with, boy?" Vivian brings her blue eyes to rest upon Anunnaki. "Come on, spit it out!"
The scent of growing plants is in the air, and the leaves of the trees outside the hall give the impression that the building is in the middle of a forest.
Anunnaki Tuesday May 24th, 2005 7:25:21 PM
Anunnaki gives a quick polite bow and then speaks, "Of course, m'lady. I have a message that I am to deliver to Olyn and his friends." The elf holds up a sealed scroll for inspection. "I'm afraid due to unforeseen circumstances, I was prevented from delivering the message sooner."
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday May 24th, 2005 9:28:43 PM
One of Theodore's brows raise when Anunnaki informs the party that he has a message for them. "I wonder what it could be," he says aloud, though more to himself than anyone else.
Having nothing pertinent to tell the matriarch, he remains silent in that regard.
Berlon Tuesday May 24th, 2005 10:00:07 PM
Berlon sighs uncomfortably.
"Matriarch, I left here looking to follow in my Great Uncle Knobby's footsteps. I left here after happily helping to defend my home from the evils of that swamp."
"I journeyed to the City, and what I found there was almost beyond belief. I found the only place in the Wold where the sewers are cleaner than the above ground. I re-opened Great Uncle Knobby's laboratory, happily healing and helping any who knocked on my door."
"I have found that evil is everywhere. Unspeakable evil. Evil that hordes corpses like butter rolls in a pantry. Evil that powers undead to freely roam city streets. Evil like that book."
"I am conflicted, Matriarch, and I do not know what to do."
"Are we to deliver that Evil book back to the Prince and his questionable motives, only to see it fall back into the hands of hordes of invaders? Or are we instead to spill blood, our own and that of others, unknowing as to what evil will be done with the tome?"
"Am I to rush to the aid of a place I despise, and leave my home without Guardians, without protectors?"
"When I saw the gateway, saw the Woldsblood, I thought it was a sign, a sign that Alemi wanted me to follow Great Uncle Knobby's path, to become a Fixer, to Fix that which is broken."
"Now I merely feel that I am being tested, and am coming up lacking."
"Tomorrow at sunrise I will pray to Alemi for guidance and wisdom, and for answers that I fear I already know..."
Vorelle Tuesday May 24th, 2005 11:46:30 PM
Vorelle lets a curtain of blonde hair fall forward, partly shielding her face from the matriarch on her couch. Behind it, she wears a troubled frown. She doesn't know what, if anything, the Prince will do if he acquires the Book--she only knows what he'll do if he doesn't get it. And that's bad enough.
rose Wednesday May 25th, 2005 4:14:58 AM
Rose listens sympetheticaly as Berlon pours his heart out to the old lady. Piper is a bit bored and looks around for anything that she might find interesting (food, shiny items, ect)
Dietrich Wednesday May 25th, 2005 4:42:26 AM
Dietrich listens to the matriarch and quickly weighs her argument. The warrior agrees with her and orders the lizardman as suggested. He only adds though, that they may want to release Tliss-Ka for good later.
Dietrich is quite surprised to hear that Anunnaki has a message for the party. He wonders from whom it comes and what's its content.
Finally the conversation comes to the point that lies closest to his heart: what to do with the book. He listens slightly irritated to Berlon's description of his new home Dirt City, but shares the cleric's doubts.
Then the ex-soldier proposes to show the Book to the matriarch. He's almost convinced that the item is extremely evil and has something to do with the recent paranoia and quasi terror regime in the City. But how to come back, should the group decide to destroy it? If the Prince really turned, are we ready to go against im and face the consequences?
Vauhwyt and Mookie Wednesday May 25th, 2005 9:40:29 AM
Vauhwyt listens to Anunnaki's announcement and declares, "Well, then, what's the message?"
She hears Berlon out -- and a quizzical look comes over her face. She walks up to the gnome and says, "Come, on, Berlon! I'll tell you what you are going to do! You're going to stick with us, your new friends, do good deeds, have adventures, fight evil monsters, and get fabulously wealthy!"
Mookie chimes in, "Yeah! Rich!"
"Hush, Mookie," says Vauhwyt. "And as for the Prince and the Book, well, let me tell you, I know the Prince a lot better than you do, and he is a good person who works hard to keep Dirt City togetherr. This Book has a hold on him, and we are either going to bring it back to him, or even betterr, break its hold on him somehow." In her earnestness, a bit of a wemic accent can be heard in her r's.
"We are?" asks Mookie sceptically.
"Yes, we arre!" says the liontaur.
"And one more thing, Cleric of Alemi!" Vauhwyt's voice takes on a bit of a scolding tone. "Last time I checked, Alemi was in favor of healing and being a good guy. Not in favor of testing people. From what I know, it's the Other Side who like to make you jump through hoops and take tests. So if you think you are being tested, good Berlon, well, I doubt it is Alemi doing the Testing. Maybe you should not worry about tests. Leave that to the Gods of Testing."
"Boss," Mookie pipes up, "you're a fine one to tell anyone to ignore a test!"
"Shut UP, Mookie!" says Vauhwyt, her soprano voice ready to shatter glass.
After Dietrich suggests showing the Book to the matriarch, a more composed Vauhwyt turns to the ancient woman and bows. "Ma'am, I'm not sure you want to see it, since it is a hideous thing. But if you think you might be able to break the hold it has over our Prince, we'd be grateful for your advice."
And All H Breaks Loose [DM SteveK] Wednesday May 25th, 2005 3:37:05 PM
The earthy scent of a forest permeates the hall, and the eight friends listen and respond to Vivian, the ancient Matriarch of Haven's Edge. It is full night now, and the stars are out, or so they assume for the windows are completely covered in leaves and ivy.
The message tube that Anunnaki presents holds a small slip of parchment written in Halfling, addressed on the outside to Olyn, but inside to... Rose! The message is not long, and penned elegantly in a flowing style that the little halfling recognizes immediately.
--- "Dear Rosie, Come as fast as you can to the Temple of Wardd when you get this message. Ellana and the two other girls have had another prophesy. They said: 'eight heroes of five races are one hope to wan faces: one secret enchantment to five gold dragons eight heroes save your little red wagons.' Don't know what that means, sis, but you are the only one I know who hangs out with people from several Noble Races. Please hurry. Love, Junior" ---
The Matriarch agrees with Dietrich that good labor by Thliss-Ka and the lizardfolk will be set free with all his equipment.
She nods gravely about the stories on the Book. "Breaking an enchantment is a chancy thing, and it may not be easy to destroy this book. Have you done any research?"
At the mention of the Book, Berlon feels a movement and his hands are no longer empty... The Book is there. The feel of old skin, leather, and fur caress your hands, promising the knowledge of secrets long kept. Berlon and his friends would be able to learn all about the mysteries surrounding Brock and Varaheena, of the ash rain, of the giant foods in Dirt City. Why, if only activated, this Book would be able to teach Berlon anything.
The Matriarch Vivian notices the sudden appearance of the Book, and opens her mouth to speak. Her voice, however only comes out a startled croak as the hall gives a lurch and everything seems heavier for a moment or two. Leaves writhe against the windows, smashing them in and vines crawl along floor and walls. Cracking and groaning of wood is heard all about and cracks appear in the stuccoed walls of the hall. Soon enough, the movement and sounds end, with only the slight swaying of the hall as if it were a boat rocking on the water. One look out the now open windows is enough to confirm anyone's fears; the hall is now a treehouse, caught in the boughs of a gigantic oak tree and some 60 feet above the ground!
And the strangeness of the moment is only beginning. Berlon feels the Book grow warm beneath his hands. Looking down, the gnome can see some of the flying glass from the windows cut his hand and a few drops of his blood have run onto the Book. The blood disappears and the Book begins to glow red (Berlon, make a Will Save DC 10). With a great flapping of parchment, the volume opens and pages flip over and over until it comes to rest on a page. Written in a bright red liquid are words that shine off the page an onto a white wall. Everyone can see the message.
One moon, two moons, aligned with Sun The eld race sang, the deed is done Goat-footed walks the Horn'ed King Nature awakens an age to bring Where trees stand tall and buildings fall And ivy tears the strongest wall ....................
Once before did Eberon strive A King to be of all alive Yet foiled he was by enchanted sleep A recipe known by Ma'ab to keep Sharp writ sure with memory pure Secret hidden in enchanted lure
Will King again now fall away And naught come of nature's day By courage found in heroes bold Or will they lie in graves soon cold While overhead, a Fey dance tread 'Mongst vines and trees o'er the dead. .......................
"Well", says a sassy voice from the entrance of the hall, "that explains a great deal." Taking long strides, a tall Halfling with white, pointy hair moves past Thliss-Ka and his startled guards and up to the front of the room. The jaunty sound of his incessant talking stops for the time it takes him to go through the Matriarch's silence spell, but resumes as soon as he is on the other side. "I think you need to talk to someone really important, and pretty quick-like, too." "Oh by the way, hello Vauhwyt Liontaur, Liam's been wondering where you've been off to..." He strikes a pose with legs wide and fists on his hips, announcing in grand tones: "Never mind that, though. I came here to get some advice from Vivian and it looks like you may need the services of the Woldian League of Adventurers!"
With all the strangness going on, the Matriarch seems perfectly willing for this white, spikey-haired newcomer to take temporary charge of the conversation. Vivian waits for the heroes to talk to the Halfling.
The gnome guards and Thliss-Ka do not move, obviously overcome by so many events.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Wednesday May 25th, 2005 4:22:55 PM
"Fiedel!" The surprised gladness in Vauhwyt's voice is unmistakable. "What luck to meet you herre!"
"Yeah, lucky, says Mookie. "That's some good luck."
Vauhwyt glances at her mouthy raven familiar. "Well, whatever brings you herre, I'm glad to see you."
"My friends," she says to everybody, "This is Fiedel, a friend of mine from the WLA."
"But what I really want to know is, what's up with these odd poems and trees and things?"
Berlon (14/28 hp) d20+7=15 Wednesday May 25th, 2005 6:43:38 PM
Berlon's knuckles whiten as they grip the book. He has a blank look on his face, until he suddenly seems to snap back to attention. (Will save 15)
He drops to his knees, still clutching the book. "This is not going back to the Prince," he says weakly.
Anunnaki Wednesday May 25th, 2005 7:22:47 PM
Anunnaki reads the words that spring forth from the book. A tear rolls down his cheek, as the elf looks genuinely touched by what he has read.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday May 25th, 2005 9:31:42 PM
Theodore puts a gentle hand on Berlon's shoulder. "That is not for you to decide, friend," he says soothingly. "And Vauhwyt is right. I have seen no evil in the heart of the Prince. He is hard because he lives in a hard place, but he loves his city."
Taking a deep breath, he turns to the others. "I believe that I can spend some time with this book, do some research, learn as much as I can before we get it back to the Prince. Of course, you will need to come up with a story to give me time to study the book."
Dietrich Thursday May 26th, 2005 5:44:09 AM
Dietrich is overwhelmed by the pace of events. First the message to Rose, with more strange and eerie prophesys (remembering the girls in trance still makes him shiver). Then this new outburst of natural power and finally the riddles of the Book. His readings of it isn't that optimistic at all. The elves and nature may be all very fine, but Dietrich remembers the menace in the sprites talkings and he didn't like the part of "buildings fall" and "tearing walls". Instinctively, the warrior's hands search for the missing sword on his waist.
To add on it, suddenly appears this odd halfling. He seems to be Vauhwyt's friend, but dangerous times require caution.
Listening to Berlon and Theodore, the soldier doesn't agree with any of his friends. The Book didn't do anything so evil now (except for the drinking blood part...), but recent developments in the City don't fit well with an a-critical view of the Prince. Dietrich knows all too well from his own experience, that there is a very thin line between having the necessary toghness and ruthlessness to govern and to be corrupted and abuse power. He is a little worried about having Theo research the Book on his own. After all, if it turned the Prince evil, what could it do to the young wizard?
Vorelle Thursday May 26th, 2005 9:49:48 AM
Vorelle eyes the pointy-headed halfling with suspicion. The room is 60 feet in the air, so how did he get up here? Can he fly?
Come to think of it, that would be handy, she thinks. I have no idea how we're going to get down from here.
Hello, Operator 23... [DM SteveK] d20+15=26 Thursday May 26th, 2005 3:47:12 PM
The Book's light goes out and the horrid volume closes. All can see that the writing has been burned into the wall. It looks like the riddle will be there for a while. Berlon, Theodore, and Dietrich all demand that they know what to do with the Book. Without a consensus, it looks like the thing will be in your possession for at least a little while longer.
The Matriarch lets the heroes and Fiedal talk about the Book, how the tree appeared, and other things. She begins issuing orders to take care of her people. The Silence spell is banished and Londa, the gnome guards, and Thliss-Ka go the entrance to the hall, speculating on how they can jury-rig a ladder or rope to get down. Londa seems to think that with what they have on hand in the hall, it shouldn't be a big problem.
A gigantic tree growing up within minutes? Nature has gone wild, and it doesn't seem to be done quite yet. The oaken beams of the roof creak and pop. In a blink of an eye, they are sprouting branches and leaves and then they change and mold themselves to become branches of the gigantic tree. All this movement dislodges the thatch, some of which sloughs off the sides to go twirling to the ground below and the rest falls in yellow flutters to the floor of the hall. The scent of hay and growing things is all about you.
Wardd's Moon has just arisen, and the full silvery disc brightens the hall. But wait! Is that a spot of color on the moon? No, three spots! As if the spots were pools of ink spreading rapidly across a porcelain plate, so to does the sable color flow across the face of the moon, turning the light from the moon dark until it is a glowing patch of blackness in the sky. And before turning completely black, the darkness looked like the image of a laughing face. (Spot check DC 15 for spoiler) Highlight to display spoiler: { a satyr's face, just like how the sprites in the swamp described the Fey King only a few short hours ago. }
Fiedal the Halfling with the white spikey hair seems to be ready for just about anything. He seems to know exactly what Vorelle is thinking (Sense Motive: 26) and gives her a wink. "Listening at the door before the tree grew, beautiful. It's a terrible habit of mine." He grins to show just how serious he is.
"Odd poems, trees, and things? Yeah, it has been interesting recently hasn't it?" The halfling becomes uncharacteristically serious and addresses his WLA member.
"Here's the dirt, Vauhwyt. The elves woke the Fey King, and now everything is growing wild. Trees are attacking druids in Culverwood, waterspouts are sinking ships on the ocean, and the giant foods in Dirt City have started making people sick. The League sent word that the Golden Dragons are looking for a way to stop the Fey King, but no one knows where to start. Perhaps that Book and your recent prophesies can provide an explanation."
With that, the white-haired halfling opens his backback, muttering "now where is that ring?" and then his face brightens and his hand pulls out a gold hoop that he places one edge on the floor and it hangs in the air. It flickers for a moment and then settles on a steadily pulsing light within the hoop.
"Hello? Is this thing on?", Fiedal calls into the hoop. "Hey, I found them! And they got something important!" He pauses as if listening. "Yeah, you better come in person, I don't want to mess this up!" The Halfling then takes several steps back as if to get out of the way. With a burst of light, humanoid figure steps through the hoop. With the light, it is difficult to see who or what it is, but a glance at Fiedal shows the little fellow was expecting exactly this reaction.
It also seems Fiedal has straightened up and has lost some of his sassy expression. He waits expectantly for the figure ...
Father Nicholas Valentine - Platinum Dragons Thursday May 26th, 2005 6:31:03 PM
(Tall, lean, male human, 30'ish, dark hair, short tidy beard, dressed in the traditional white robes of a high-ranking Alemi cleric)
The WLA representative had set up the portal over in Plateau City, and so Nick stepped through in a hurry. All hell was breaking loose in the castle. Plateau City was flooding, and they were getting messages from all over the place that similar catastrophies were happening elsewhere.
For half a heartbeat he's on the defensive. He'd been to Dirt City once before, and this didn't look like Dirt City. Where the heck...? Trap!? No, get a grip. There were people here. Younger, and not looking like they were about to lop his head off. So instead he bows graciously.
"Hello," he says firmly, "I am Father Nicholas of the Platinum Dragons. Er... where are we exactly?"
((Howdy folks! <--- Jan ))
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+1=12 Thursday May 26th, 2005 7:25:06 PM
Vauhwyt misses the spot check on the moon. But she sees the stain.
When Fiedel gets ready to summon the personage, Vauhwyt half expects Liam Kent or some other WLA officer. But instead! A Dragon! One of the greatest adventurers in the Wold! Her jaw drops. The skinny liontaur grabs Mookie and stuffs him in a pouch before he can say a word. Then she bows low. "Wowsy!" she mutters.
Then she gathers herself together a little better. "Um, uh, well, we are honored to help however we can., um, Father Nicholas."
"We are in a gnome village in a swamp a half a day's walk from Dirt City. We were in a building, but as you can see" -- she motions to the ruins in which the group stands, kind of like a platform, now high in a great tree -- "the building became a treehouse and then the roof turned into living branches."
"And, um, boy, am I glad to see someone who can explain what's happening! We came here to retrieve an evil Book, which we did. Then the trees started to grow out of control, and the moon went wonky, and the Book opened up on its own and burned this riddle onto the wall." She points to what's left of the wall with the poem burned into it.
"And we got a message from this elf" -- she motions to Anunnaki -- "who had been captured before we left Dirt City, and he had a message for us written, evidently, after we had left the City! That message, a foretelling, mentions Gold Dragons."
"We have this evil Book that has a hold over the Prince of Dirt City. Most of all, we want the Book's evil sway over him broken! Can you help us with that, good Fatherr?"
Berlon d20+3=13 Thursday May 26th, 2005 8:10:00 PM
Berlon sits in a corner and slumps his shoulders, obviously too wrapped up in things to notice what's outside. (Spot check 13)
"So since I've returned to my home I've managed to introduce a human, an elf, a halfling and a captive lizardman to our so-called secret village. Now if I can just sneak in a half-orc I'll have bingo." He giggles disturbingly.
"Which is good, seeing how both our ancestral guardian and strongest defender have gone unexplainedly absent. At least I am giving Alemi plenty of things to Fix!"
He clasps his hands behind his head as he leans forward and rocks back and forth in the corner.
Vorelle d20+9=29 d20+10=23 Thursday May 26th, 2005 8:17:24 PM
One might argue that the blind are more to be pitied than suspected of ulterior motives. Be that as it may, Vorelle is instantly suspicious of anyone who calls her "beautiful," and the pointy-headed halfling is no exception. She keeps an eye on him.
Nevertheless, she does spot the face in the darkening moon [spot 29, natural 20], and her brows knit into a thoughtful frown.
Then the halfling sets the ring spinning and calls upon--someone. Vorelle's not sure who is going to answer the summons, but she's pretty sure she wants to see them before they see her. She hides herself as best she can in the shadows. [Hide 23]
She watches and listens to Father Nicholas with interest, but doesn't move from her hiding place or call attention to herself.
Rose d20+5=16 Thursday May 26th, 2005 8:58:42 PM
Rose is startled by the message from her brother, then a halfling friend of Vauhwyt's appears, a stain spreads over the moon and someone steps through a ring. She is shocked into silence and just listens to the others for a moment.
ooc: sorry for not posting yesterday, sometime after I got online and began checking my hotmail & downloading the complete adventurers my keyboard stopped working. at first some of the keys didnt do anything and others did what other keys were supposed to do then it stopped working completely. I thought i might have a virus and so since i could use my mouse i virus scanned & scanned disc, and tried unplugging my keyboard then after restarting plugging it back in and restarting. finally today i decided it was the keyboard and got an old one from my sis. of course since i had saved my stuff to cd's and quickrestored back to factory settings I now have to save every thing back from the disc to my documents or whereever else they belong.
Anunnaki Thursday May 26th, 2005 9:55:24 PM
" Perhaps it is not such a bad thing that we return to nature. "
Theodore and Macaw Thursday May 26th, 2005 10:41:22 PM
As always, Theodore is instantly drawn to the workings of Fiedel's hoop. Seeing Father Nicholas waltz through, brings a wide grin to his goofy looking face.
"Wonderful!" he exclaims. Nodding in agreement with Vauhwyt's description of the current situation, he keeps his eyes on the newcomer.
Valdor Friday May 27th, 2005 12:10:06 AM
Just when you thought you had your representative, another figure walks through the portal. Some will recognize him, some may not. He wears a magnificent mithril shirt, form fitting, but allowing him to move with a grace that belies his immense size. He has three swords, baldrics of daggers, and quite a number of rings on his hands, though some may be ornamental. He stands over six feet tall and is extremely muscled and his arms, the only part of his skin showing, are defined to an extreme.
He says,"Father Nick, aren't you the quick one today?"
He looks over the group very seriously, his serious demeanor turning to a bright smile when he sees he knows some of the group. He bows deeply, then moves to Vauhwyt, raising her hands(paws) to his lips in greeting.
He glances over to Berlon and says,"A half elf, not half-orc. Sorry to disappoint. Where is Vorelle, I was hoping to see her. She is okay, isn't she? I will flay the being alive that has harmed or killed her."
Olyn d20+6=23 Friday May 27th, 2005 3:52:26 AM
standing in contemplation about the moon, the writing on the wall and the sudden appearances of the reknowned heroes of the wold. **a mix of emotions race through his head as he asks himself: why is everyone so afraid of the Fey King?, is he not a saviour of sorts to those of Nature?, why exactly do the Dragon heroes really wish to see this King removed from the land of the living?**
Dietrich d20+4=24 Friday May 27th, 2005 5:37:07 AM
Dietrich sees the face on the moon (spot 24) and, together with all the rest of wierd things happening, it lets him quite disturbed. The warrior mutters: "By the anvil of Domi! What's next?!"
He doesn't like to be "naked" (without the beloved greatsword) in the middle of the distressing situation and doesn't feel at ease with the heroes appearing and so much magic going on. And he is definetly confused about the events. First it seemed the Fey King was good, now he is evil and has to be stopped? And what part are we playing in it? After the first shock, however, the young knight is able to recover and to greet the dragons appropriately.
Still admiring the newcomer's posture and fine weapons, Dietrich listens to Vauhwyt's rapport and waits for some answers.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Friday May 27th, 2005 5:59:50 AM
Vauhwyt stammers as Valdor the Dragonstone, greatest hero of the Wold, Leader of the Gold Dragons, who has spoken with gods and powers, takes her hand for a courtesy.
"um, uh, uh, um ..."
She remembers him, of course, from the Giggling Ghost, but wasn't that a kind of a dream? Since he clearly recognizes her, apparently not! "Wowsy!" she thinks.
When he declares his defense of her shy best friend, Vauhwyt can only think, "Ohmigosh! Vorelle is going to just die!"
Tericus Friday May 27th, 2005 9:27:29 AM
a few moments after Valdor appears, a young, skinny human male with curly red hair appears beside him. a suite of fine elven chain mail can be seen under his clerical robes, and two holy symbols can be seen hanging from his neck, one of Alemi, and the other not reconizable. at his side is a mace, and floating in front of him is a shield. looking around and seeing all the gaping faces, Tericus says to Valdor, "You always get that reaction." then he clears his throat and says "Im Tericus, cleric of Alemi and member of the Storm Dragons. We have recently joind with the Gold Dragons to form the Platinum Dragons. "We heard you had some information for us."
Nick Valentine - Platinum Dragons Friday May 27th, 2005 2:28:21 PM
"Sorry Valdor," Nick says sheepishly with a grin. "I'm getting carried away by all the madness."
Having heard Vauhwyt's explanation, and knowing Valdor would be better talking to the adventurers, he focusses on the wall, murmuring what's written aloud..
"One moon, two moons, aligned with Sun The eld race sang, the deed is done Goat-footed walks the Horn'ed King Nature awakens an age to bring Where trees stand tall and buildings fall And ivy tears the strongest wall ....................
Once before did Eberon strive A King to be of all alive Yet foiled he was by enchanted sleep A recipe known by Ma'ab to keep Sharp writ sure with memory pure Secret hidden in enchanted lure
Will King again now fall away And naught come of nature's day By courage found in heroes bold Or will they lie in graves soon cold While overhead, a Fey dance tread 'Mongst vines and trees o'er the dead."
He's glad to see his fellow Alemi cleric, also. "Hmmm, hey Tericus, come and look at this. This writing on the wall came from this book."
He then glances toward the Dirt City group. "You say this book holds evil sway over someone? It looks like it's covered in..... skin."
Vauhwyt and Mookie Friday May 27th, 2005 3:12:45 PM
With a hand firmly stifling Mookie in his pouch, Vauhwyt is glad to be distracted when the topic of the book comes up.
"Uh, yeah, we got the book in a raid we made -- with Ashira and Rigging's gang -- on a Marteaus cult base on the Izen-Aisildur borderr." Her accent reveals her nervousness, as does her swishing tail.
She tells everything she knows about the book, especially that it sems to have some kind of hold on the Prince of Dirt City, a hold Vauhwyt would very much like broken, she says.
[OOC: For the record: A large, extremely weird, skin-bound book that weighs about 20 pounds. Some of the pages are parchment, others look like some kind of hide. The script varies between very neat and deliberate, and careless and ham-handed. Some pages look like they've been sewn in later, with a kind of stringy animal gut. The whole thing has a horrible feel to it. The book is mostly in orcish, with some common. There are comprehensive maps of both upper and lower levels of Dirt City. Both these familiar maps carry small symbols in certain areas. Other pages contain script and a matching symbol to various parts of the map. Within, are plots and plans; a plot to blow up the harbour, stating who and when; assassinations -- who, and how, and when; a plan to poison the water wells. It will take hours of work to discover all its secrets. That's the original description.]
Fianlly, the liontaur realizes the evil tome would be much better off out of her friends' reach. "Father Nick, Tericus, Valdorr -- would you take this thing off our hands?"
"OH!" the liontaur adds, "There was also the prophecy sent to us, spoken by innocent children who had been touched by undead creatures:"
'eight heroes of five races are one hope to wan faces: one secret enchantment to five gold dragons eight heroes save your little red wagons.'
"Don't know what that means, eitherr, but it mentions Gold Dragons! Maybe the Book is the secret enchantment and we are supposed to give it to you? A good idea either way, I say!"
Dahlia Friday May 27th, 2005 5:08:30 PM
Stepping out from behind Tericus and Valdor, The little blackskinned halflinf lass looks extremely tiny. Stepping through them so as to see and be seen, she flashes a quick smile as she spots Father Nick.
Hello all, I am Dahlia of the Gold, erhhmm Platinum Dragons. I do hope we can be of some help to you.
Vorelle Friday May 27th, 2005 5:38:21 PM
Vorelle's eyes widen as she sees Valdor step into the room, because she seems to remember having met him. That was a dream, of course--a silly fantasy created by a fledgeling adventurer with a bad case of hero-worship.
Still, he looks and sounds familiar, which the real Valdor shouldn't if the dream Valdor was just a product of her overactive imagination. And he seems to know who she is, which she finds a little unsettling.
Then, more of them come, Golds and Storms--calling themselves "Platinum Dragons" now--and Vorelle starts to tremble a little. What can these exalted personages want with a lowly group like theirs?
Vorelle continues to watch and listen intently, content to let her more garrulous teammates speak for the group.
Valdor d20+25=45 Saturday May 28th, 2005 12:19:05 PM
Valdor listens to each comment and explanation intently. Out of the corner of his eye, he catches the smallest movement...the shallow intake of breath causing a chest to move just a tenth of an inch, perhaps. His eyes cut to the side for a second and a smile widens his face. His old ways sometimes get the better of him and he can appreciate someone staying hidden from sight. He gives a nod on the hidden person's direction, then goes back to focusing on the discussion and book.
He says,"Why would we be mentioned in a prophecy? Nick, Tericus, is there any way of knowing how old this writing is? And Vauhwyt, did anyone in your group cast detection spells for evil or magic on this book? I wonder if it's magical, or just filled with a bunch of plotting and scheming.
How odd, that right after we join forces with the Storm Dragons, we find a prophecy about our new group. Let's see...we have a drow, a halfling, some humans, elves, and, oh yeah, me...a half-elf. Five races, but there are nine of us now. Well, Dahlia just came back. This kind of stuff makes my head hurt.
Dahlia, the puzzle pieces continue to come in. Of course, as is the case in most puzzles, the beginning pieces always complicate things. I'm counting on your skills of seeing through things to figure this out. You're the tricky one in the group, so if anyone can, it's you.
Tericus, who should hold the book, my friend? Do we remove it's influence from the area it describes? Or do we trust that hese can keep control of it? I feel they are definitely competent to do so, but do we want that curse to be following them and dogging their heels with every step? You know there are some who would do anything to get that book back."
Dahlia Sunday May 29th, 2005 8:16:03 AM
Well you notice, that the writing on the wall mentions Maab again, That's twice in two days we have heard her name. Then there is something about a potion or recipe to make this Eberon, horned king sleep. Didn't the Hamletteers mention something about a Saytr as well? This recipe or spell seems to have been written down somewhere and hidden. So perhaps as our dear Vaught here has mentioned, it is encoded in this tome here somewhere?
Olyn Sunday May 29th, 2005 11:30:57 AM
walking up and taking the Book from (sorry, forgot who had it) _____, he goes and stands in front of Father Nicholas saying as he hands the Book to him: you take it, its more powerful than we can weild, and I am afraid someone here might be lured by its evil and start shifting their ways. I know for me, I have been tempted on a few occasions to grab the book and hide in a corner and start reading it.
Theodore and Macaw Sunday May 29th, 2005 2:07:13 PM
Theodore is more than a little miffed at all of his friends offering up the tome to these folks he has never met before. "Shouldn't this be a group decision?" he mutters to himself.
Clearing his throat to get everyone's attention, he says, "Yes, well, the book is no doubt magical, and most definitely evil as well, in answer to Sir Valdor's question. Perhaps Vauhwyt and Olyn are correct in offering the book to you, however the problem still persists that we will be fugitives, probably even hunted, if we do not return it to the Prince of Dirt City. I for one do not wish to leave my home. My suggestion would be to begin negotiations with the Prince, and do some research on this tome, find out the depths of its secrets. If you are folks of import, as most here seem to think you are, perhaps you will have more sway with the Prince than us. Either way, I don't want to let the tome out of my sight, again. Regardless of how powerful your group may be, this tome may yet cause problems, and I for one want to know its significance in what is happening."
The raven atop the young man's scruffy head bobs up and down in agreement.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Sunday May 29th, 2005 8:44:27 PM
Mookie pokes his head out of Vauhwyt's pouch just long enough to say to Theo, "You go, girl!"
Then he pops his head back inside.
Vauhwyt is too busy answering Valdor to be bothered with the talking raven. "Um, Valdorr, for sure the Book is magical. And evil. But I do not remember if we cast divination spells to find that out."
"Um, and Theo has a point. The Prince of Dirt City expects it back. Although if you could help us break the spell it holds over him, maybe the Prince would not mind losing it so much. He said he could tell how far away it was and more-or-less where. Plus he seemed not his usual self when we talked to him ... moody, and preoccupied."
Tericus Monday May 30th, 2005 11:00:53 AM
"Ill hold it for now." Tericus says to Valdor as he takes the book from Olyn and touches the cover. "Im sure there is information in here that we need, but im not sure its necessary for us to keep it. Lets examine it first and see what we find." then Tericus casts detect magic and detect evil on the book before opening it.
Dragons, Dirties, and Gnomes; Oh My [DM SteveK] Monday May 30th, 2005 4:28:56 PM
At the top of a newly-made gigantic oak tree, the former audience hall of the gnomish village of Haven's Edge are filled to overflowing with heroes!
Londa and the gnomish guards stay around Thliss-Ka (the captured lizardfolk warrior) and keep in the background near the entrance.
The Matriarch Vivian, leader of the gnomish village sits non-plussed on her divan and is merely a spectator in the proceedings between the Dirt City Heroes, the Woldian League of Adventurers, and the Platnuim Dragons. It seems to be that the conversation revolves around the riddles and the Book.
Vauhwyt and Olyn seek to give the Book to the Platnuim Dragons, Olyn going so far as to taking the heavy tome out of Berlon's grasp and giving it to Tericus.
Theodore and Vauhwyt worry about giving the Book away and what the Prince of Thieves will do to the group if it doesn't come back.
Berlon, Rose, Vorelle, Anunnaki, and Dietrich all seem to be overwhelmed by the appearance of such august personages. They are keeping quiet and thinking thier own thoughts. Perhaps they remember what the sprites said in the swamp, or the first riddle given by the Book, or who Graitchen seemed to really be working for...
Feidal bows to Father Nicholas, then his eyebrows rise into his spikey white hair as not one, but FOUR Dragon Heroes arrive. "Quite a bit more than I bargained for," he says almost to himself. "Well, in for a copper..."
"Hey! The second stanza says that this Ma'ab person knows the secret. Is this her Book? I mean," and Fiedal turns to the Dirt City Heroes, "is there any major power that is most associated with this Book? Is it Ma'ab or someone else?" As all eyes turn towards him, he wilts a little but plows on, "I mean, if someone has the secret, maybe you should look for them?"
The Book itself is heavy in Tericus' hands, the binding and cover being bits and pieces of skin, fur and hides of various animals. His detection spells reveal nothing; no magic nor evil and is just like the detection spells the Pirates of Jack tried on the Book after it was retrieved from the island in Blackbird Lake. That it is evil and magical can not be denied from the stories of the Dirt City Heroes as well as the riddle burned into the white wall; so the only assumption is that something is blocking the dection spells..
Valdor Tuesday May 31st, 2005 12:23:12 AM
Valdor cocks an eyebrow at Theo and smiles. He then responds,"It indeed should be a group decision. Forgive my rudeness, I fear my ego gets the best of me at times and I figure I am recognized. I am Valdor of the now Platinum Dragons. You may remember the call I sent forth to all the good folk of the Wold some time back. I fear the same will be happening soon again.
We have no desire to keep the book, as long as we know that people with stout and good hearts are looking out for it.
However, I must caution you against giving it back to the Prince. If it has twisted him, and I believe you when you tell us it has, he will not thank you for returning it, but will feel threatened that you know its secrets. He will always be paranoid into thinking you will want it as he does and will still make you a target of his. Evil items have a way of twisting the minds of their owners...especially ones who already have such thoughts.
Nick, I wonder if there is some connection between this book, Lady Maab, and the young girl we found who can write the most complex spells with no trouble.
Dahlia, you are quite right. There is definitely a connection. Hopefully, Gareth, Onrad, and Jandar are finding out something of importance in the Float. Perhaps I should contact the adventurers we know in other cities through the Dragon Orbs, to see if anything really odd is happening where they all are as well."
Vorelle Tuesday May 31st, 2005 12:32:51 AM
It's important for one thing to be understood, so Vorelle summons up all her courage and attempts to explain. "I-i-if we d-d-d-d-don't br-bring it b-b-b-back," she says, inwardly astonished at her own temerity, "the P-P-P-Prince will h-h-hurt us. An-and our f-f-f-f-families."
Of course, Vorelle doesn't think much of her own family, but that doesn't mean she wants to see them tortured and executed. Well, not usually.
Nick Valentine - Platinum Dragons Tuesday May 31st, 2005 1:52:07 AM
Nick winks at Fiedel, then rubs his chin contemplatively and raises an eyebrow toward Valdor. "There 'could' be a connection with the book and that girl, but I'll stick my neck out and say no. We haven't recieved anything of a prophetical nature from the girl - just spell fragments and journal entries. Whereas this here -" He trails off and looks at the wall. "One thing, though. From the letters we get from our Alemi clerics based in Dirt City, floggings and hangings are still the norm there. And we wouldn't want to subject these good people to any of that. If we 'are' going to keep it, I reckon we'd have to, at the very least, tell the authorities there we commandeered it."
He casts a glance over the Dirt City group. This had to be a fairly tough bunch, young as they were, for Dirt City was certainly no picnic. Could they guard the book? He reckoned so. The book was certainly an odd item, and curiosity made him want to take a peek inside, but from looks alone he could certainly understand why the group would want rid of it.
Dahlia Tuesday May 31st, 2005 8:09:42 AM
Hearing Vorelle, Dahlia gets an annoyed look on her face.
"So the Prince will hurt you and your families if you don't bring him the book? Well I doubt we need to take it with us, but Valdor is correct in saying that if you hand it over you still are not safe."
Thinking for a moment the little halfling turns to Valdor.
"Do you suppose we could pay this Prince a little visit and persuade him to leave our friends here and their families alone.?"
Dietrich Tuesday May 31st, 2005 8:23:57 AM
Dietrich listens to all the talkings about prophesies and magic with some bewilderment. When a strange prophetical girl is mentioned, he instantly remembers the three Dirt CIty girls in coma. Going through their prophesy, he also wonders if the 8 heroes with 5 races couldn't be themselves, however presumptious this might sound (we're 8, human, liontaur, halfling, gnome, elf/half-elf).
Concerning the connections of the Book, from its recent history, it could be related to Marteus, G'aal or Gargul.
Dietrich admires Theodore's posture and speech and nods in agreement. The problem is reinforced by Vorelle's reminder of retaliation, should they not obey the Prince. Though the knight is not from that City, he plainly understands the concern for his friend's families. He agrees with Valdor's warning, but they have to find a way.
"Perhaps we could arrange a way of making it look like the Book was taken or destroyed by overwhelming forces against our will and even resistance. The Prince will certainly check it, but there should be a possibility and I don't think he would punish us in this case."
Tericus Tuesday May 31st, 2005 9:29:53 AM
while everyone is debating the fate of the book, Tericus takes a deep breath and opens the book and begins to read it.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday May 31st, 2005 10:50:02 AM
"As of this time," Theodore begins. "I would think the book is associated with Marteaus. We've had numerous encounters with his factions, all of whom have been severely interested in this book and Dirt City. We have yet to figure out what the connection might be."
He chews on his lip for a moment, and then casts his gaze on Father Nicholas. "You don't suppose that Marteaus supports the return of this Fey King?"
"Just to put in a good word for the Prince, he was doing his best to keep our city safe by spending energies studying the secrets of that book, which contain several plans of attack on the city. We are in this swamp on his mission to bring the book back from a thief and murderer, another of Marteaus'."
At this point, Theodore points to Thliss-Ka, a captive lizardman near the back. "That fellow there was under Gratchien, the Marteaun lackey's, employ for but a little while and attested to us that there is an attack planned against Dirt City within five days. We have sent a messenger pigeon to the Prince to warn him, but I fear that many innocents will die, still. I wonder if there is any help or advice you could offer us."
Olyn Tuesday May 31st, 2005 10:57:57 AM
looks over Tericus' shoulder and reads along with him.
Questions and Answers [DM SteveK] Tuesday May 31st, 2005 4:46:57 PM
Thoughts are bandied about as to the Book, the Fey King, and the possible revenge of the Prince.
Valdor and Dahlia make an excellent point about the stability of an obsessed mind, and the liklihood that the Prince, if he is affected by the Book, would dispense with the Dirt City heroes services once no longer needed.
Theodore and Dietrich make plans for the Book to go with the Platnuim Dragons and have a plausible story that it was taken by force. Theodore's musings seem to hold the best logic as to Marteus having the most recent interest in the Book, but Dietrich is also correct that Ga'al and Gargul are also associated.
Tercius (with Olyn over his shoulder) carefully opens the Book and is surprised by the contents. From what Vauhwyt said, it should be all about plots in Dirt City. Tercius, however, sees pages of neat handwriting in several different inks. Each page tells of different plots within Plateau City; a robbery of a merchant's house, the planned murder of the Tailor's Guild, the poisoning of a neighborhood's wells.
The Matriarch has been very quiet through all the conversation in her own hall. Her blue eyes narrow and her brow furrows in concentration, seemingly taking everything in and searching her ancient mind for answers.
"I know not of the numbers and content of the Platnuim Dragons, my lords", she begins and points to Berlon and the Dirt City heroes, "but of young Rusty's group there are eight of five different races. Does this not match the riddle from the Temple of Wardd?" Her blue eyes fix Berlon and the young heroes with an ice blue gaze. "And it seems that the riddles and the Book will help these Platnuim Dragons to battle nature unchained? Yes, good. But how does the Book work? The Platnuim Dragons will need to know, for the Book seems to hold its secrets close."
Fiedal speaks up. "As to the Book taken from you by the champions of New Elenna, I think we can easily make that story stick." He grins impishly, and looks at Anunnaki. "Your elf friend looks like he can weave a good yarn."
The Matriarch takes up the thread once again. "And perhaps getting the Book far away from the Prince will lessen its effects and your leader can return to his own mind."
"Uh, hate to talk about something else", interrupts Fiedal, "but it looks like my ring portal is going to close pretty soon. We need to wrap this up."
The gigantic treehouse sways gently as if nodding and waiting for resolution.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Tuesday May 31st, 2005 4:57:54 PM
Vauhwyt stops listening and starts talking (Gosh Darn It! Missed a Post!):
"Noble Dragons, if you will take this book away, I would be grateful. It is not common magic, and in all my days as a Catacombs clerk we never sold anything like it. Maybe it is not mortal magic. Just please be careful!"
"Let us deal with our Prince. Maybe it will suffice to say that good Tericus here took it from Olyn. Who are we to naysay you mighty Dragons?"
"Anyway, good luck, and gods-speed! It was an honorr!"
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday May 31st, 2005 6:34:22 PM
"Wait, wait!" Theodore pipes up frantically as the normally hasty Vauhwyt again shows her eager side. "We can't give this book up just like this. Not after all we've been through. I don't mind if you take it, but I would like to be informed of the progress you make on the book. One way or another, this concerns us all, now. Is there anyway that we can stay in contact? Just to let us know of your findings."
Valdor Tuesday May 31st, 2005 7:03:10 PM
When Vorelle finally shows herself, Valdor smiles and bows deeply. He listens to her comments and says,"You are definitely correct. We do not want that to come to pass. The story would be believable that we took it from you. However, that would appear as failure of your mission and you would face a Prince that is both semi-crazy and mad at you. A real quandry we have here.
My thought is though, that, if that prophecy is true, then we need the book. You decide amongst yourselves whether to give us the book. A group decision is necessary, we will not attempt to put any pressure on you to decide. We will respect your decision, but it must be yours to make. If you decide to give it to us, then you could stay out of Dirt City for a time. Sneak in, take your families out of town and lay low. Or, you can tell the Prince, who knows me, that you told us who the book was for, and that we agreed to give it back after we are done with it. And he can be mad at us. Or whatever stry you want to use."
Rose Tuesday May 31st, 2005 8:53:51 PM "Well how about if YOU tell the prince that you want to look at the book. Have somebody in your group be waiting with the book outside the city while you tell him. Then you'll be the ones to get in trouble not us. I cant get all my family out of town. I have four siblings, my parents, five aunts and uncles, grandparents and there's alot of others."
Rose apparently doesnt want the prince to have the book, but she's aware of the consequences that not bringing it back can have.
Berlon Tuesday May 31st, 2005 9:27:26 PM
Berlon continues to sit on the floor, rocking back and forth.
He speaks without looking up. "Yes, yes, so many choices, so little time." He giggles again in a slightly disturbing way.
"So many choices, none of which matter. So many questions, none of which unanswered. War is coming. I've killed us all hee hee. Guardians relinquish guardianship. Trees replaced by," he raps the floor, "other trees. Madness goes Unfixed."
"Make your decisions and see if any of it matters..."
Rose d20+4=11 Tuesday May 31st, 2005 10:03:23 PM
Rose looks at Berlon rocking on the floor and goes over to him. "Berlon are you ok?" She asks as she touches his shoulder and looks him in the face.
heal check: 11
Vorelle d20+9=22 Wednesday June 1st, 2005 1:49:00 AM
As Valdor speaks, Vorelle gets a mental picture of herself trying to get Lisenne or Vaun to leave town. She manages to suppress a wholly inappropriate giggle at the thought.
She nods in agreement to Rose's sensible suggestion, then frowns as she notices Berlon's strange behavior. The little gnome seems unwell, which could get awkward, considering the group now enjoys his clan's hospitality.
She watches him carefully, trying to figure out what might be causing him to act this way. [Spot 22]
Dahlia Wednesday June 1st, 2005 8:29:08 AM
Watching as the varied levels of stress manifests on the Dirt Citiers' faces, dahlia once again turns to Valdor.
"Valdor, Why not send a meesage to this "prince" telling him that we have the book and will return it when we are finished with it AND as long as our freinds and their families remain safe. I could even zip over and drop it off all personal like."
Dietrich Wednesday June 1st, 2005 8:56:49 AM
Dietrich listens to the heroes and the matriarch. He is a little worried about Berlon's strange behaviour (not the first time), but as the decisions have to be taken fast, he focuses on the question of the book.
Despite all the risks involved, Dietrich votes to give it to the Dragons, as seems to be the will of the prophesy.
But he doesn't like the Dragon's proposal of talking with the Prince. "Friends, we have to consider that the Prince is not completely himself and not suggestive to reasonable argument. The only way I see to keep our skins out of trouble is to keep secret and trick him. He doesn't know yet that we have the Book in the first place, as we only warned him about the attack against Dirt City. We could easily say that we just arrived too late. It's not our fault that the mighty Platinum Dragons took it before us! You could even talk with the Prince, but not in a manner as if we were your friends or had anything to do with you getting the Book. Trying to menace him would only put people's family at risk."
Olyn d20+6=11 d20+7=16 Wednesday June 1st, 2005 9:42:19 AM
listening to all the arguements Olyn pipes up.
I think we are all putting too much into all of this. let Valdor take the book, let Dahlia take a personal trip to the Prince and inform him they have the book. I dont think the Prince is too far gone to realize there is no way in gargul's realm we, the Dirt City group, could take it from them. and perhaps Tericus could go with her and see if he has a few tricks in his medical pouch to cure his insanity, if indeed he is.
then kneeling before Berlon, he looks into his eyes asking: what's wrong buddy, is al of this too much stress for you? ~checks him over~
spot~11 heal~16
Nick Valentine - Platinum Dragons Wednesday June 1st, 2005 10:42:28 AM
Nick shrugs helplessly at Theodore's question. "I'm guessing, but I suspect Marteaus will appreciate this Fae business until it becomes inconvenient to him. Right now we're only getting hints about how powerful the Fae king is. It's the measure of power that will be crucial in the days to come. If his power matches that of the Gods, some of them might feel threatened, and this wild ride might get a little wilder. Please, just be careful. Be aware."
He's hoping someone else has picked up on the Dirt City attack question. Right now his own mind is reeling. Plateau City, The Float, here. And presumably chaos was rearing it's ugly head elsewhere, too. Great God Alemi help us all. And he hadn't even taken a peek at the book yet.
Tericus Wednesday June 1st, 2005 10:54:59 AM
carefully closing the book, Tericus says "Whatever is decided, I need to study the book further, even if it means that I have to stay here for a while. Like Valdor said, we wont take it from you, but I do need time in order to unravel its mystries. And I need your decision soon."
And the Decision Is... [DM SteveK] Wednesday June 1st, 2005 3:01:06 PM
[OOC: OK, friends, we need to let the Platnuim Dragons return to thier adventure, so give a 'Give the Book' or 'Keep the Book' in the beginning of your next post. Majority wins.]
Everything seems waiting as if this moment is of tremendous importance. The Matriarch, Feidal, and the gnome guards are all silent. The gigantic tree, new branches, and all nature become still. Even the black light of the Dark Moon seems still with waiting. Waiting as if the calm before a storm on the razor's edge...
Olyn Wednesday June 1st, 2005 6:58:46 PM
Give the Book.
Stands there waiting.
Rose Wednesday June 1st, 2005 7:08:39 PM
Give the book, but have one of them talk to the prince.
"Berlon? What's going on?" Rose anxiously inquires of the gnome as she ignores the others.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Wednesday June 1st, 2005 9:08:33 PM
Vauhwyt repeats her preference. "Please, good Dragons, take the Book." She sneaks a peek at its pages and sees that the plots now describe Plateau City.
"It isn't even about our city any morre."
"If one of you would not mind telling the Prince that you have the book, that would be very kind, too. And if you find a way to neutralize its powerr, even betterr!"
In her enthusiasm, her accent is as intense as the way her tail swishes.
"And Father Nicholas, could you look at our friend Berlon? He has sufferred a lot. A word from an elder Alemite might help him cope." She indicates the stressed-out gnome cleric of Alemi.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday June 1st, 2005 9:20:22 PM
Theodore sighs. "Take it, then. But please be careful, and inform us should we need to know anything. We are stationed in Dirt City...for the meantime, anyway."
He seems a bit dejected for having lost such a wondrous chance to examine an obviously powerful tome.
Berlon Wednesday June 1st, 2005 10:53:13 PM
"Take the book, leave the book. The book goes where it wants. *snicker* Decide whatever you want, it matters not. It will talk to you, but don't let it sing to you! You have to draw the line somewhere! Hee!"
Vorelle Thursday June 2nd, 2005 12:12:49 AM Give the book.
Unhappily, Vorelle nods in agreement with the rest of her team. It isn't a good option, but of the two bad options they have, this one will do the least damage. Probably.
Still worried about Berlon, Vorelle sidles a little closer. She wants to be on hand in case of trouble.
Valdor Thursday June 2nd, 2005 12:24:59 AM
Valdor nods as the votes come in and it is obvious what the decision is. He turns to Tericus and says,"Would you hand it back to one of these heroes for a moment? This is important."
After Tericus does, Valdor's hands move quicker than anything the Dirt City heroes have ever seen...so fast that they might have missed it. In less than the blink of an eye, he draws his Dragonslayer sword, spins in a circle and knocks the book from whoever's holding it with the flat of the blde, expertly hitting the book, but not the person. He snatches it up and hands it back to Tericus.
After sheathing his sword just as quickly as it was drawn, he says,"Not trying to show off, but now I have taken it from you. You will not by lying when you say we took it with force. Should it come about, tell the Prince to cast detect lie on you before telling him. We will contact him...or rather, Dahlia will do so as she has offered. The story will be that we came upon you and found you in possession of the book. After some dicussion, we wanted the book, but you wanted to take it back to him. After more discussion, I attacked and took it before you could stop me. It's a fair description of what just happened. And, I'm sure the Prince knows our reputation and that we wouldn't just attack you without trying to convince you to give it up. That's our story, for when Dahlia talks to him.
We will get it back to you and keep in contact with you very soon, I promise. Thank you for being strong and calling for us. Keep up your good work and have courage."
He bows again to the group, kisses Vauwhyt's and Vorelle's hands and says,"It has been a pleasure to see you both again. Take care...I'll see you soon, I hope."
He then waits for the others before exitting back through the portal.
Tericus Thursday June 2nd, 2005 6:57:22 AM
taking the book back from Valdor, Tericus nods to the group and says "When its all said and done, ill be in contact and tell you what has happened. Good luck to you all." then, as an afterthought, Tericus goes over to Berlon and casts a Heal spell on him(cures physical and mental damage). then he goes through the portal.
Dahlia Thursday June 2nd, 2005 9:07:34 AM
Nodding to Valdor, Dahlia turns to the Dirt Citiers.
"Is Suran, I mean Prince Correl, still served by Th'Ayvannen and Gratchien?
They were my primary contacts on my prior visits. I did once have a clandestine meeting with another "gentleman." I think his name was Jolath."
(ooc. About how far are we from the palace currently?)
Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday June 2nd, 2005 10:24:19 AM
Answering Dahlia, Vauhwyt says sadly, "Gratchien was corrupted by the book, or maybe was evil all along. We killed him and took the Book from him. He killed Th'Ayvannen back in Dirt City, alas."
Then the liontaur gives directions back to Dirt City, looking to Vorelle for confirmation in case she makes a mistake.
"Just please be careful with that book! I wonder if it gives away evil plots so that the powerful folk who foil those plots are somehow ensnared by the Book in so doing!"
Dietrich Thursday June 2nd, 2005 10:44:14 AM
Give the book
Dietrich is quite satisfied with the decision the goup has taken and the way things have gone. He nods in agreement to Valdor and hopes the story will stick with the Prince.
The young ex-soldier listens to his friends and bow in farewell as the heroes return to Platau City.
Dietrich stays awkwardly near Berlon, not knowing what to do to help his companion.
Nick Valentine - Platinum Dragons Thursday June 2nd, 2005 12:08:59 PM
Nick reckons Dahlia will be able to straighten out Corell. "You're good people," he says to the Dirt City group. "and brave. Let's hope that together, one way or another, we can put everything to rights."
He takes note that Tericus has seen to Berlon. Hopefully Berlon feels better. As for the Book... what in Alemi's name had they taken possession of?
He bids everyone farewell and steps through the portal.
Berlon Thursday June 2nd, 2005 1:01:53 PM
After receiving the healing spell, Berlon sits up on his knees. His eyes focus on the heroes departing through the portal, his jaw slightly opened.
A few moments after the portal closes, Berlon falls to the ground.
"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
He rolls around on the floor, literally clutching at his sides.
After a couple awkward minutes of this, he stands up.
"So."
"Now what?"
And the Night Passes [DM SteveK] Thursday June 2nd, 2005 1:24:22 PM
A sigh seems to float across the valley of the gnomish village as the Dirt City heroes decide to give the Book to the Platnuim Dragons that they had so recently recovered from Graitchen and the swamp. With the Black Moon looking down, the gigantic oak tree resumees its gentle swaying, and the hall-come-treehouse sways along.
Valdor's actions give the Dirt City heroes a good rationalization of the story already concocted. It seems like it should pass even under a Detect Lie spell.
Dahlia learns that two of her three contacts in Dirt City are (very) recently dead, and with the knowledge that being known in Dirt City is a short and messy carreer.
Once the four Platnuim heroes leave, Fiedal quickly takes down the ring portal and stows it in his pack. Somehow, the large ring fits without a problem.
Berlon suddenly sits up as if nothing is wrong and laughs out loud. The Matriarch smiles and Londa openly guffaws at the sucessful antics of the gnome.
Londa reports to the Matriarch that the gnomish elders on the ground have provided a means of everyone to get back to earth. Peering over the side near what used to be the entrance to the hall, anyone looking can see one of the wooden branches has become a large slide extending from the hall-treehouse to the ground. "Let's go!", cries a younger guard, eager for a new experience.
One at a time, the guards, the heroes, and finally the Matriarch take to the slide. It starts off in a gently sloping ride, then swoops down and around, faster and faster, taking great curves and even a loop before being deposited on the ground below.
The heroes are met here by a group of older gnomes, "The Elders" known by Berlon. When the Matriarch arrives down the slide, she smoothes disheveled hair and raises an eyebrow in askance. One of the gnomes bows in an apology. "My Matriarch", he begins, "I bespelled a shaping wood spell to get you down. I had thought I would need many, but at the first spell, the wood went wild with shaping. I felt I could have shaped the whole valley!"
"Hmmph." responds the Matriarch. "Well, it is late, there is a Black Moon in the sky and a giant tree in my house. Rusty, take your friends and get some sleep. We will get you on your way to your city in the morning."
With that, it seems the audience has ended and the Matriarch and the other gnomes move off into the night.
Thliss-Ka bows low to Dietrich. "It was an honor to fight you. Perhaps we will draw swords together in the next fight." And he obediently follows the gnomes.
Soon enough, the heroes find themselves back in the guest house for the rest of the night. A little surprising in the morning, they discover Feidal the Halfling is still with the Dirt City heroes. He is sleeping contentedly in a corner, snoring fit to rattle pans.
Theodore and Macaw Thursday June 2nd, 2005 8:32:40 PM
Theodore yawns, scrubbing the sleep from his eyes. He smiles up at the sun and nods to his comrades in a friendly manner.
"I imagine you are heading back to Dirt City?" he asks of Annunaki. "We should travel together. There is strength in numbers, as they say."
Rose Thursday June 2nd, 2005 11:50:33 PM "Whee!" Rose yells and screams with laughter as she goes down the slide. "How can people get back to the top?" She asks curiously. Once back at the rooms she eats then goes to bed. In the morning she is a bit surprised to see Feidal, but Theo asks why he's there first. She sits down and studies her spellbook then eats breakfast.
Olyn Friday June 3rd, 2005 1:23:16 AM
after morning prayers and breakfast, Olyn prepares for the journey back to Dirt City, where he does so in silence, still contemplating why having the Fey King back is so bad to Nature.
even at times during the trip back it could seem he's arguing with himself, or perhaps debating, noone is sure.
Dietrich d20+3=18 d20+4=8 Friday June 3rd, 2005 7:50:50 AM
Dietrich actually enjoys the slide, though he makes sure no one sees that. He feels relieved for getting rid of the accursed book.
The warrior returns Tliss-Ka's compliment and has to decide what to do with the prisoner. He asks Annunaki about the lizardman's role in his capture and treatment and interrogates the lizard chief a last time to discern his motives (sense motive 8). **If Tliss-Ka behaved reasonably well, Dietrich will ask to release him with all equippment, making him vow never to do harm against the gnomes and accept alegiance with the party. In this case, the knight tries to bind the tribal leader as an ally (diplomacy 18) and asks how to get in contact again. ** If Tliss-Ka showed signs of evil and cruelty however, Dietrich'll let him under cutody of the gnomes, for them to decide what to do.
In the morning, Dietrich makes ready for departure, checking his equippment, the cart and the poneys. He asks Olyn or Vauhwyt to write the message to the Prince, telling the arranged story that the book has been taken by the Dragons, and sends the pigeon ahead.
Vorelle d20+10=29 Friday June 3rd, 2005 12:42:33 PM
When Valdor goes to kiss her hand, Vorelle tries to pull it away, but as he has just demonstrated, Valdor is too fast for any of the group. Her face flames scarlet as he kisses her hand, and she pulls it back with unseemly haste when he is done with it.
Vorelle is relieved to see that Berlon seems to be all right, and rather enjoys sliding down the tree.
Seeing that the strange halfling is still among the party, Vorelle tries to gather her things and leave the guesthouse quietly, so as not to awaken him. [Move Silently 29]
Vauhwyt Friday June 3rd, 2005 1:15:57 PM
The liontaur manages to smile and bid the Dragons fare well.
She looks nervously at the tree-slide, and hangs back so that she is the last one to use it. Then she shrugs and gives it a try, hopeful that her weight will not break it!
In the morning, Vauhwyt sleeps in. At last she gets ready to go, wakes upher friend, and says, "Hey, Feidel! Are you coming with us? Back to Dirt City? Come on to breakfast and say farewell to the gnome granny."
Berlon Friday June 3rd, 2005 3:20:46 PM
Once back at the lodgings, Berlon looks confused. "What do you think the Matriarch meant by 'antics'?" He shakes his head.
The next morning, he will cast Identify on the brown potions after performing his morning devotions.
"Before we return, we should check with the Blacksmith again..."
Rose Saturday June 4th, 2005 3:00:51 AM
Rose looks at Berlon and asks "Berlon when you were rocking back and forth muttering in front of Valdor and the Matriarch, that was pretend right?"
Morning Has Broken [DM SteveK] Saturday June 4th, 2005 4:47:46 AM
One of the gnomes overhears Rose. He smiles and nods in the direction of the gigantic tree. "One spell for a slide, one more for stairs!" He smiles.
Dietrich decides what to do with Thliss-Ka. Anunnaki doesn't remember the lizardfolk warrior at all in his capture. In fact, Anunnaki only remembers Graitchen and then a very hairy fist that crashed down on his head. The Bear realizes that Thliss-Ka certainly doesn't have a 'hairy' fist and matches the lizardfolk's story that Thliss-Ka had only arrived at the swampy hut shortly before the heroes.
Thliss-Ka is willing to pledge that he will not attack the gnomes and pledge alliance with Dietrich. "I can not pledge for my village, but I will hold true." His equipment returned to him, Thliss-Ka bows again and then moves out towards the tunnel entrance to the valley.
Morning dawns in the gnomish village and the heroes (and friends) get ready for a new day. Despite Vorelle's quiet maneuverings, Fiedal the Halfling wakes and looks uncommonly fresh and alert for having just woken up. The elfen bard, Anunnaki is also with the group, though he is much more slow in waking up.
"Hello, everybody!" Fiedal calls cheerily to Theodore and Vauhwyt while blowing some muffin crumbs around while trying to eat and speak at the same time. "Yes, I'll travel with you for a while, as far as the City Below. Got other things to do, you know." He glances shrewdly at Rose before going on. "You all will probably be going to the Temple to see Rose's brother?"
Berlon Identifies the brown potions as Barkskin +4.
Another pidgeon is released to the Prince that they found the Book but it was forcibly taken by the Platnuim Dragons.
The heroes get together and prepare to see the gnomes before getting on thier way, but the quietness of the morning is short-lived. Sounds of battle break out towards the valley entrance. Shrieks and metal, stamping and shouting. Looking around, the heroes see the guest hut is closest to the entrance. If anyone can help plug the gap...
Olyn Saturday June 4th, 2005 10:02:32 AM
donning armor and gathering his weapons and healers kit, Olyn races to the valley entrance to assist.
Dietrich Saturday June 4th, 2005 11:13:35 AM
When Dietrich hears the commotion and sees Olyn running, he too takes his bow to hands and moves to the action. He swears a little and worries for the gnome village, hoping the party hasn't got anything to do with this sudden fight (remembering Berlon's rumblings).
OOC: Dietrich reached level 4 last time, can he already have the new stats in this battle?
Rose hp: 23/23 AC 18 Saturday June 4th, 2005 1:46:01 PM
Rose had just finished preparing her spells for the day and was thinking about getting a few slides in before they left when the sound of fighting is heard. She quickly grabs up her weapons and casts a spell on herself. And peeks out the door.
active spells: mage armor
daily spells
0: prestidation, message, disrupt undead, mending
1: mage armor (cast), shield, magic missile
2: scorching ray, scorching ray
Berlon Sunday June 5th, 2005 2:51:44 PM
After identifying the potions, Berlon mutters, "Well, *these* could prove useful..."
He looks a little confused at Rose's question, but before he can answer the commotion breaks out.
He sighs silently. "I'm surprised they knocked."
He tucks the potions away, and runs outside. If any villagers are around, he asks if anyone knows what is going on.
He yells so that the members of his group can hear. "Do NOT run into the tunnels! Hold your ground!"
He will move towards the ropes that operate the last of the villages defenses....
Theodore and Macaw Sunday June 5th, 2005 5:17:54 PM
With Macaw perched upon his head, Theodore casts a protective spell upon himself, and quickly moves after Olyn. The hairs on the back of the mage's neck stand up, as he has never been in a battle of this proportion.
"Be brave, Theodore," he says to himself. "Be brave." Still, he can't control the shakes that suddenly come over him.
(Cast mage armor for 4 hours)
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP24) and Mookie (AC19, HP12) (Mage Armor) Monday June 6th, 2005 1:58:48 AM
Vauhwyt casts Mage Armor (shared with Mookie) and moves 40 feet closer to the melee.
Vorelle d20+9=20 Monday June 6th, 2005 2:40:13 AM
At the sound of fighting, Vorelle readies her bow and moves toward the sound. She tries to get a look at who or what is attacking the gnomes. [Spot 20]
Battle in Front of the Tunnel [DM SteveK] Monday June 6th, 2005 3:13:03 PM
The heroes rush towards the sound of the fighting. Feidal is also with the Dirt City heroes and running as fast as he can, though the bigger folk outdistance him, Rose, and Berlon. Also seen running towards the tunnel entrance are other gnomes and the occasional lithe form of an elf, each with whatever weapons they had handy.
Berlon calls to his friends to NOT go into the tunnel, but it looks like none of the attackers are in the tunnel either...
Coming around a spur of the protective hills, you see a group of about 20 gnomes battling a large mapletree-like being at the entrance of the tunnel. About the branches of the maple tree, three familiar sprites dance and cast spells at the gnomish defenders. Fighting the tree and helping the gnomes is the reptilian form of Thliss-Ka.
Berlon easily recognizes that the maple is none other than Varaheena. She strides over one of the gnomes and grinds the body into the earth with root-like toes. "Submit to the Fey King, an ye shall live!" she calls.
The red clothed sprite espies the advancing heroes. "Sisters!" she calls in piercing voice. "There are the eight heroes of five races, the ones the prophesy speaks about. For Eberon's sake, don't let them get away!" The blue and yellow clothed sprites bring small silver horns to their lips and blow an unfamiliar tah-rant-tah-rah which echoes down the tunnel and over the hills.
The heroes are about 130 feet from the treant. There are gnomes and Thliss-Ka surrounding the treant. There are seven more gnomes and three elves on the run to help the tunnel guards.
[OOC: See the emailed map. Tell me if it works.]
Dietrich, ac 18, hp 40/40 Monday June 6th, 2005 3:45:39 PM
When Dietrich sees what's happening, he shoulders his bow again, not wanting to shoot into the melee and risk hurting any gnome, and draws the greatsword. He continues running as fast as he can to get into hand-to-hand (80 ft). The warrior is satisfied to see Tliss-Ka honouring his deal and shouts to his friends:
"Vauhwyt, Olyn, Berlon, Tliss-Ka and Me form a frontline, protecting each others flanks and outflanking the tree-monster! The magic users and archers target the sprites! Death to Eberon!"
The knight makes a silent prayer to Domi and Gargul, asking for courage and that the dead may find rest.
Rose Monday June 6th, 2005 5:08:20 PM
Rose will quickly cast a spell upon herself before moving closer to the ent.
active spells: mage armor (6sec/3hr) Shield (1/30rounds)
ooc: unfortunately except for magic missile my only offensive spell has to be within 30'
Theodore and Macaw HP 18 AC 16 d4+1=4 d4+1=5 Monday June 6th, 2005 9:36:59 PM
Theodore moves west, skirting the main part of the battle. Coming to a momentary stop, he points two fingers at one of the sprites and a couple of silvery rays shoot towards the enemy fairy.
"Luck," he says as the fighters move into the fray.
Mage Armor - 4 hours
(Move 30' directly west and cast magic missile for 4 & 5 points of damage against one sprite.)
Berlon - AC 24 HP 28 Monday June 6th, 2005 10:42:53 PM
Drawing his shield as he goes, Berlon lets out a low growl, and runs full tilt towards the battle, advancing 45 feet.
OOC: Berlon gets the -4 AC dodge bonus vs the ent, correct? PHB 17
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP24) and Mookie (AC19, HP12) (Mage Armor, Unseen Servant, Wolverine Trick) d100=9 d20+6=15 d4+2=6 Monday June 6th, 2005 11:39:33 PM
Vauhwyt moves 40 feet west by southwest, towards the melee [move action]. As she moves, she draws an Unseen Servant scroll from her belt pouch [free draw action with a move].
She stops and reads the scroll [standard action]. She orders the Servant: "Help Mookie!" [free action]
Mookie, recognizing his cue, orders the Servant to help him hold the Bag of Tricks [move action]. Then the raven ducks his head into the bag and pulls out a fuzzy ball. With a flick of his beak, he tosses the ball 20 feet south towards a pixie [activate item is a standard action].
The fuzzy ball turns into a Wolverine (rolled a 9 on d100). Mookie orders the Wolverine to charge a pixie.
The Wolverine charges a pixie, up to 60 feet. If it is in range, the Wolverine hits AC15 (includes a +2 from the charge). If it hits, it strikes for 6 hp damage.
Vorelle d20+8=10 Tuesday June 7th, 2005 1:39:51 AM
Loath though she is to attack creatures that are normally good, Vorelle sizes up the situation and realizes she has to act.
Following Dietrich's directions, she moves closer to the sprites and fires a shot that goes wide. [Move 30 feet to AF-8, if I'm understanding the map right; hit AC 10]
Tunnel Battle Round Two [DM SteveK] Tuesday June 7th, 2005 3:00:21 PM
[OOC: Thank you, Cayzle! I deleted your post for continuity purposes... I'll try another map tonight.]
The gnomes are pulling back from the treant, the front group working thier weapons in a purely defensive posture. The gnomes further back have slings and crossbows at the ready but still do not fire at Varaheena nor the three sprites flitting about. They are all are shouting versions of "Varaheena, please stop! We are your friends!", but it doesn't seem to be doing much good.
Thliss-Ka hears Dietrich's shout, and the lizardfolk takes a five foot step to move toward the newly forming line without leaving himself open to the huge tree. Dietrich himself runs to within 40 feet of the treant.
Rose casts a spell and runs 20 feet forward to end 100 feet from the fighting.
Theodore skirts the battle, but is able to fire a spell that strikes the yellow clothed pixie who falls to the ground, unmoving.
Berlon moves forward 45 feet getting him about 60 feet from the treant. [OOC: No, Berlon only gets the bonus for giant-type creatures, not giant creatures, sorry]
Vauhwyt moves forward and the Unseen Servant and Mookie combine to pull a Wolverine from the Bag of Tricks. The wolverine charges the pixes, but since they are in the sky, the only one in reach is the one Theodore dropped. As it is helpless on the ground, the wolverine makes of the pixie a nice snack.
Vorelle moves forward and her arrow flies high and to the left.
The presence of the huge treant attacking the gnomes freezes Olyn and Anunnaki's blood, and they are momentarily indecicive.
The two remaining pixies do not make the same mistake twice. In a twinkling, they blur then disappear from sight. The sound of the silver bugles is still heard; tah-ran-tah-rah! tah-ran-tah-rah! "The heroes of the prophesy are here! Kill them before they get away!" (Spellcraft 14 Highlight to display spoiler: { the sprites turned invisible }
Varaheena stops and doesn't continue to attack the gnomes. Instead the huge treant puts her hands to her lips and from her hands the sound of a great wooden horn rings out. "BWAAAHHH!!! BWAAAHHH!!!" Theodore is the first to notice that two of the trees on the hillside begin to move and start trying to uproot themselves, shaking off the moist dirt on thier roots! And soon all the rest know the trees are beginning to flank the heroes.
To make matters worse, a buzzing is heard through the tunnel, and 10 more pixies arrive at the battlefield. A greater buzzing is heard in the tunnel behind these first arrivals.
Fiedal stands midway between Theodore and Olyn. "Hey!", he yells, "if the trees and pixies are attacking because you guys are here, let's get you out of here!" The halfling with the white, spikey hair is holding a golden hoop in his hand...
Vauhwyt (AC25, HP24) and Mookie (AC19, HP12) (Mage Armor, Unseen Servant, Wolverine Trick) Tuesday June 7th, 2005 4:30:46 PM
Vauhwyt's head is abuzz with battle plans.
Shield spell next, and advance. Enlarge spell after that, and advance. Ready spear, use reach. Attack and step back, attack and step back. Get Mookie to pull another trick. Tell Mookie to ready cure scrolls. Hope he doesn't blow it.
So intent is she on this planning, that Vauhwyt hardly registers the arrival of two animated trees and a dozen more sprites. She is in attack mode, and single minded about that.
Not so, Mookie!
"Boss! BOSS! Fiedel says to run! Boss!" The raven pecks his master on the head and tell the unseen servant to pinch her.
"BOSS!! WE! HAVE! TO! GO!"
Vauhwyt says, "Huh?" and then she takes in the scene. The reinforcements coming to help the enemy. The advancing trees. The calls for blood -- hers and her friends!
"But!" Vauhwyt gasps. "But!" she looks around wildly, gulping. She dances closer to Fiedel, staring at the magic item in his hand.
She wails, "But I'll never fit through that little hoop!"
[OOC: Move closer to Fiedel (move action) and Full Defense (standard action) for Vauhwyt this round]
Berlon - AC 20 HP 28 Tuesday June 7th, 2005 4:44:36 PM
"ENOUGH!" Berlon yells.
"Theodore! Use that scroll I gave you, or if you are leaving, give it to me...."
Berlon's cheeks flush with anger, as the pixie that just became a snack gives him an idea. He will cast Summon Monster II, calling for a Celestial Eagle, as close to the pixies as he can. (Range 35', Standard Action)
"Hopefully it likes Pixie as much as the wolverine does..."
He will then move 15' as per Dietrich's orders. (Move Action)
Dietrich, ac 18, hp 40/40 d20+4=18 d20+4=22 d20+2=22 Tuesday June 7th, 2005 5:03:45 PM
When Dietrich sees the reinforcement coming and the pixies disappearing, he begins to agree with Fiedel. If the fight goes on there will be many dead and injured villagers and he dosn't want to be responsible for that.
The knight shouts to the gnomes: "Retreat to a better position! Don't let them surround you! Form a line and protect your flanks and get FIRE to hold the trees back!"
To his friends he yells: "Let's get out of here! We need some magic for concealment or illusion!"
He continues running to wherever it looks the easiest to break through and flee (military knowledge 18), waiting for his slower friends and trying to discover the fairies. Spot 22 Listen 22 (natural 20)
Theodore and Macaw d20+11=27 Tuesday June 7th, 2005 7:17:09 PM
"Fiedel is right, Berlon," Theodore hollers, understanding the gnomes resistance to leaving his homeland undefended. "Staying will only cause more harm.
If within range, Theodore will cast web against the newly arrived pixies, and then retreat towards Fiedel.
(Uses lesser rod of metamagic, enlarge to cast web up to 280 ft.)
Vorelle d20+8=13 Wednesday June 8th, 2005 11:48:28 AM
Abandon the battle and leave the gnome village to its fate? It goes against the grain, but Vorelle can see the sense in it. If the treant and pixies are after the eight of them, then leaving the area will presumably make them break off the attack.
However, they can only get through the halfling's strange ring one at a time, and Vorelle is holding a ranged weapon in her hands. She can help hold off the attack while the others go through.
That decision made, she quickly decides that her arrows aren't going to hurt trees or tree-like creatures, so she fires again at one of the pixies. This shot is little better than the first [Hit AC 13].
Rose d4+1=3 d4+1=3 Wednesday June 8th, 2005 1:49:31 PM
Rose mutters a few words and points at tree #2. Suddenly two red lights dart towards the tree. she then waits for the rest to start heading towards the hoop. unless everyone else reaches the hoop she wont go through this round.
magic missiles, 2 hit for 3 damage each.
Tunnel Battle Round 3 d20+12=23 d20+12=13 2d6(2+2)+9=13 2d6(4+5)+9=18 d20=14 Wednesday June 8th, 2005 4:39:16 PM
As the heroes turn towards Fiedal, the white spikey haired halfling sets the brass colored hoop up. The middle sparkles for a minute and then shows a well maintained study with no windows. Anyone from Dirt City immediately recognizes it must be from the city below. "I'll hold it open as long as possible", Feidal tells the heroes, "and then I'm through myself!"
Vauhwyt argues with Mookie and moves to stand next to Fiedal, defending herself, the halfling, and the hoop from any attackers. She is awfully worried about how her large liontaur frame will fit into the human sized hoop...
Berlon calls to Theodore to fight and stands where he is and begins the complicated magic to summon a Celestial Eagle. It takes his full concentration and time, and the gnome is not able to move towards the fighting. [OOC: Per the recent Wold discussion and ruling, casting a summon spell is a full round action, no movement allowed. The creature will arrive the beginning of the following round and can immediately have a full round movement.]
Dietrich shouts military directions to the defending gnomes and then moves back directly towards Fiedal and the hoop. He has no enemies to his front and is able to slip past the animating trees without a problem. He ends his movement a mere 15 feet from Feidal.
Theodore casts a sticky web to cover the tunnel entrance and as many pixies as he can (and he gets a great many of them). He then turns and moves towards Fiedal, stepping through the hoop and into the study.
Vorelle shoots her bow, and the arrow again flies wide of the mark. Standing next to Fiedal, the twighlight ranger can easily move through the hoop, but keeps a covering fire on the advancing enemies.
Rose wields a thin wand against the closest animated tree, and twin bolts of magic arc into the trunk. As her other friends, she stands her ground until the others arrive.
A quick glance is enough to see that Olyn and Anunnaki are lost in the swirl of battle and the arrival of even more gnomes, including some of the elders. Whether the elves will be able to join thier fleeing companions is a decision of moments...
The gnomes with Thliss-Ka continue to back off and trying to keep Varaheena occupied by fighting defensively. The back row of gnomes and elves fire crossbow bolts and sling stones at the arriving pixes and three of the flying fey fall. Danciing Lights, Obscuring Mists, and strange Ghost Sounds are all about the battlefield, adding to the confusion.
The gnome elders concentrate on the animating trees, casting magic missles, scorching rays, and rays of frost at the tree. The gnome elder who created the slide the night before, calls a ball of flame to his hand and throws it at the tree. Amazingly, the fire explodes! and miniature fires cast off like alchemic fireworks. The Elder looks amazed. "Wasn't supposed to do THAT!" he croaks. The one tree is a burning match and slowly topples over.
A second Elder looks at the liontaur. "I can help you, child", the gnome mutters. A few passes of his hand later and Vauhwyt is Reduced to 1/6 th her size. (Will Save 14 if you want to resist)
The wolverine attacks Varaheena as the nearest enemy, but can not get through the tough bark.
Varaheena strides forward and grinds two gnomes into the dirt.
There are still pixies about, but the ones that are left are all invisible. The thrum of small bowstrings and the death of two more gnomes attests that they are still dangerous.
The one animated tree shakes itself free and moves towards the heroes and the hoop.
And over the hill comes the second wave; more pixies and three pegasus fly up and are seen coming quickly in the distance.
Pixies hang in the web at the tunnel entrance, and soon several satyrs are also trapped, and they are not alone. A movement in the web at the very entrance of the tunnel reveals a gnome is also there. It is Londa! and Berlon sees the gnome struggle through the web and pull a cleverly hidden cord...
The tunnel erupts in flame, pouring out and catching the web on fire. Everything caught in the tunnel and the web scream for a moment and then there is nothing but burning... burning...
Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday June 9th, 2005 12:00:18 AM "wowsy!" exclaims Vauhwyt in a much tinier than usual voice. "thanks, sorry, and good luck!" she calls to the gnomes.
Then she hops through the hoop, with Mookie right behind.
Dietrich Thursday June 9th, 2005 6:01:29 AM
Dietrich is astonished by the battle and can only say: "(*&@*$ !", particularly after the tunnel is engulfed by fire. Shaking his head, the warrior feels sadness for the waste of lives, as well as confusion and anger to see supposedly good creatures like pixies and centaurs killing the gnomes and be burned to death.
He's worried about some party members staying behind and shouts: "Come on guys, you are harming the village! Get out of here now!"
Then he jumps through the portal, though with some reluctance for not being the last to leave the field.
Berlon d20+6=13 d6+2=8 Thursday June 9th, 2005 7:49:21 AM
"Not in a hundred lifetimes."
This round Berlon will either:
A) If the pixies are close enough to the ground, he will advance 15' and draw his mace(move action) and take a swing (standard action) hitting AC 13 for 8 damage.
B) If the pixies are flying above him, he will cast Command on one of them (standard action) ordering it to Fall. (PHB 211, OOC: If the spell works is there falling damage involved?) Then he will advance on it 15' while drawing his mace. (move action)
DM SteveK Post Thursday June 9th, 2005 8:12:40 AM
OOC: David ... There are still pixies about, but the ones that are left are all invisible. The thrum of small bowstrings and the death of two more gnomes attests that they are still dangerous.
Berlon can try and strike a pixie on the off chance it is close to the ground. He can't Command a pixie because he doesn't have line-of-sight. Nothing to see.
If you want to repost Berlon, you can)
Theodore and Macaw d20+4=5 Thursday June 9th, 2005 9:29:28 AM
Theodore looks about the room that he just entered, hoping there are no enemies on this side of the portal, but is distracted by the battle through the portal. He then turns to see what's happening on the other side.
As Vauhwyt and Dietrich come through, he slaps his face in anguish and points back at the stubborn gnome, Berlon. "What do we do?"
(Spot check = 5)
Rose hp: 23/23 AC 22 d20+4=21 d20+4=19 Thursday June 9th, 2005 12:57:54 PM "You idiot gnome do you want to destroy your whole village!" Rose yells at Berlon. Suddenly she gets an idea and quickly digs in her bag of holding and pulls out a rope in which she quickly makes a loop and tries to lasso Berlon if he dosent begin heading for the hoop.
use rope: 21 attack: 19, +1 small, +1 thrown weapon?, +1 point blank?
active spells mage armor, 3 hrs & counting shield, 1 round down
Tunnel Battle Round 4 [DM SteveK] d20+3=21 d4=2 d20+4=11 d20+4=7 d20-1=16 d20+12=21 d20+12=15 2d6(2+2)+9=13 d20+12=27 d20+12=25 2d6(5+3)+9=17 2d6(5+1)+9=15 d20+6=8 Thursday June 9th, 2005 4:12:43 PM
A smaller Vauhwyt thanks the gnomish Elder and moves through the hoop. Dietrich is right after the liontaur.
Olyn and Anunnaki are still missing, and Vorelle seems to be waiting for all her companions to be through before she will lower her bow.
Berlon refuses to leave his beloved village, and flails about with his mace hoping to hit one of the invisible pixies, but nothing connects. His conjured Celestial Eagle similarly attacks through the sky, and skrees in triumph as a claw rakes an invisible opponent for 2 hit points.
The wolverine also attacks the treant, but his claws and teeth can't get through the tough bark.
Rose casts her lariat at Berlon, hoping to drag him into the hoop, yet the gnome being 30 feet away (-3 to hit, ranged like a net) and the same size as the halfling (no size bonus) the rope falls to the side and misses.
The Elders begin to control the battle for the gnomes, and call the front line to keep Varaheena occupied while stronger magics are brough to play. The fire in the tunnel prevents any enemy reinforcements from coming on the ground, but air reinforcements will arrive next round. One Elder shouts at Berlon, "Rusty! We need you to take care of those friends of yours. Who knows what trouble they'll get into without you!"
Varaheena sees the largest object in front of her and concentrates on Thliss-Ka, smacking him with a limb for 13 hit points of damage.
The animated tree is within reach of one of the heroes, and two strong branches slam into Berlon (AC 27, dam 17; AC 25, dam 15) striking the gnome for 32 hit points of damage.
Thliss-Ka fights back but is hopelessly outclassed by the treant in front of him. (AC 8, miss)
Rose suddenly hears a dry ancient voice behind her, and sees it is the Matriarch. "Get in the hoop, child, and I will collect Rusty." She raises her hand and a ring sparkles. An identical sparkle surrounds Berlon, and the gnome is picked up and flown through the air into the hoop.
"Now, mage and ranger, get in there. We can control the attack, but you must be safe." And the Matriarch turns her attention to the battle.
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 35/35] d20+8=15 d8+1=6 Thursday June 9th, 2005 4:13:40 PM
Determined to be the last one (or one of the last ones) through the hoop, Vorelle fires another shot, this time aiming at one of the moving trees. She takes another step toward the hoop, keeping an eye on Rose and Berlon.
[Hit AC 15 for 6 points damage. It's a magic bow, if that makes a difference.]
In the Study [DM SteveK] Thursday June 9th, 2005 4:25:22 PM
[OOC: Umm, one minute difference, and Vorelle's post still works with round three]
Theodore, Vauhwyt, and Dietrich look around a well appointed study in the City Below. In the room gazing intently at the hoop is a tall man, his long dark hair tied back with what could well have been a ladies scarf, before it became faded and ragged at the edges. On a second look, he looks on the long side of 40, years of weather and care have carved lines in his face. Vauhwyt recognizes him as Liam Kent.
"One moment, gentlemen", he says with a cultured accent that is definately NOT of Dirt City, "I will need to shut this down absolutely as soon as the others arrive. Do not make yourselves comfortable, for we must move on to the Temple of Wardd at once."
Rose d20+5=22 Thursday June 9th, 2005 8:04:20 PM
As the Matriarch gets Berlon through the hoop Rose dives after him in a cartwheel ending up standing on her hands, the rope trailing after her. Of course she quickly picks herself back up when she sees who's in the room. "I really have to get some better clothes if I'm going to be meeting important people."
Post changed at Loretta's request by DM JimW
Dietrich Friday June 10th, 2005 7:14:21 AM
Dietrich sees Berlon getting hit and thinks: "Ouch!" When the unconscious gnome is lifted through the hoop, he trys to pour a healing potion in his friends mouth and prevent him from dying. He also hopes Tliss-Ka doesn't fall today, though it would be a glorious sacrifice. The knight wonders at what is happening to his elven comrades and hopes they can make it before the portal closes.
His concern with Berlon is greater than that with the strange man in the room, but Dietrich at least sheaths his sword and nods to the man.
Theodore and Macaw d20+4=9 Friday June 10th, 2005 9:11:40 AM
Theodore is relieved to see Berlon safely through the portal, one way or another. Then Rose comes through, and there remains Vorelle, Olyn, and Annunaki.
Vorelle looks to be doing well on her own, but he tries to find Olyn and Annunaki.
"Where is Olyn, and our newest friend?" he asks of no one in particular. He takes an involuntary step back towards the portal.
(Spot = 9 to see Olyn or Annunaki)
Vauhwyt and Mookie Friday June 10th, 2005 11:09:25 AM
Vauhwyt, still tiny in size, pipes up, "hey! where are olyn and berlon? mookie, maybe you should pop back in there to look for them."
Mookie is indignant. "I'm not going back in there! YOU go back in there!"
"Fine! I make a smaller target anyway!"
Vauhwyt takes a peek back in and looks for her friends. If she sees them, she casts a Message cantrip and says to her friends, "Come on! You guys! The best thing for the gnomes is to leave!"
(I figure Vauhwyt is half in and half out, if that's posssible (if not, she popped all the way out to send her message). She'll pull her head back into Liam's study if anyone wants to come through.)
Olyn Friday June 10th, 2005 3:00:25 PM
*apologies to all, for the last 4 days we were unable to post. life got hectic until now and didnt even think about calling jerry*
stepping out of the portal, Olyn blinks his eyes until it is clear where he is exactly. with a sad look on his face Olyn retreats to a chair, putting his head in his hands, and contemplates.
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 35/35] d20+8=25 d8+1=5 Friday June 10th, 2005 3:37:40 PM
It's now or never.
Vorelle fires one last shot at the advancing trees [Hit AC 25 for 5 points]. "Th-Th-Theo, c-c-come on," she calls, then steps through the portal.
In the Study [DM SteveK - Last Post] Friday June 10th, 2005 5:04:08 PM
[OOC: Thank you all for allowing me to DM the Dirt City game, even temporarily. I had a lot of fun and hope you did too :) Sheggar has the ball for Monday and Tuesday, and then Kup will take over. Good gaming and I hope I'll be back in the Wold by November :) ]
Olyn, Rose, and Vorelle each go through the hoop in thier own unique way. Vauhwyt is able to send her Message, but it is unknown if Anunnaki recieved it. The animated tree is getting closer, and Fiedal takes his opportunity to jump through the hoop.
Immediately, Liam passes a hand over his hoop and it again becomes only a large brass ring, no portal in sight. Anunnaki is not to be seen on this side of the portal.
Dietrich pours a potion into Berlon (roll for healing), not sure if the gnome is unconscious or merely stunned. A Heal skill check can find out...
The middle aged human looks at the battered crew, and heaves a sigh. "Keeping it a little close Fiedal?"
"And how would you reognize me else, Liam?" counters the halfling, conciously straightening his spikey white hair. He winks at Vorelle.
Another sigh from the human named Liam and he directs his attention to the group. "The Temple of Wardd had requested us to look for you. There are some prophesies that one of the clerics insist is about you. If you will, let us go to the Temple and on the walk you can learn all that has gone on since you went looking for the Book."
"Yeah", pipes up Feidal, "and you can hear how everyone is getting sick."
Liam nods and opens the door expectantly. "I'll answer your questions as we go to Cue'rth and Junior at the Temple of Wardd."
Theodore and Macaw Friday June 10th, 2005 6:01:04 PM
Theodore exhales in relief after everyone is safely through the portal. The mage assists the gnome the best way he can.
"I am sorry, friend," he says to Berlon. "I believe that it was for the best to leave. After we resolve the issues here, I will return to your village with you, to set things right, if you so wish."
After clapping his friend on the shoulder, Theodore straightens and prepares to head to the temple. Some might notice the muscles in his jaw clench and unclench, as he grinds his teeth.
Macaw calls out before they leave.
Berlon - HP -4/28 Friday June 10th, 2005 6:08:30 PM
Berlon lays there and bleeds.
Rose 2d8(4+8)+3=15 Friday June 10th, 2005 9:44:16 PM
Rose quickly kneels down beside Berlon and pours a healing potion from her belt pouch down his mouth (add 15 hp berlon). When she hears the human called Liam talking about Junior she jumps up [b]"What's the matter? Is Junior ok? What are you waiting for I have to see my brother!!"[b] With that she runs out the door, as she's a halfling everyone should easily be able to catch up with her.
Dietrich d8+1=6 Saturday June 11th, 2005 4:41:54 AM
Dietrich poured the healing potion (6 hp) into Berlon's mouth and together with Rose's potion it should bring the reckless gnome back to life.
The warrior is happy that all friends are safe and can only pray the villagers and the elven bard will be so soon.
He listens to Liam and sighs as it becomes clear that their problems have just started.
OOC: Thanks Steve for the great time and take care on your mission!
Olyn Saturday June 11th, 2005 11:03:27 AM
follows along, in thought, and on a few occasions, bumps into walls or statues or carts but not hard enough to topple or damage anything.
Vorelle d20+10=21 Sunday June 12th, 2005 4:48:12 PM
Vorelle sees the strange adventurer wink at her, and sidles over to place Vauwhyt between herself and the stranger. She still isn't sure what he means by this odd behavior. Why can't he flirt with Rose? she asks herself. She's probably better at dealing with this kind of thing than I am. And she's the same race.
Hearing the plan, Vorelle moves to follow the rest of the group out of the room and toward the Temple. As they exit the room, she glances around for any signs of danger. [Spot 21]
ADM Shegger (Posting for DM) Sunday June 12th, 2005 9:58:13 PM
Rose and Dietrich offer up two potions to bring Berlon back from the brink. Once the gnome appears to be in good enough condition, the party hurries from the study.
The first thing the heroes notice is the absence of people in the normally crowded tunnels. Liam Kent walks at the head of the group, back as straight as an arrow as he leads the party towards the temple.
"The giant fruits that were once thought a boon, have turned rotten. Disease is rife in the city, and people are afraid to come out of their homes," he informs his travelling companions. "Plant life is choking drains, climbing over garden walls, and even animals are acting strangely."
"About the only good thing that's come of this are that the Houses are standing down. Most have decided to shut themselves in. Wait and see what will happen."
"The Temple of Wardd has sent us information that there is some kind of cure to the sickness going around. And they want you..."
Vauhwyt Monday June 13th, 2005 1:14:31 AM
[OOC: D'oh! Missed a post between Fri night and Sun nite! Also, Thanks and good luck, Steve!]
Vorelle may think she can hide from Fiedel by hiding behind Vauhwyt, but at one-sixth her normal size, and standing only about a foot tall, Vauhwyt is not her usual view-obstructing self!
"liam, what's happening with the prince?" asks the diminutive liontaur in a tiny voice. "how did the wla get dragged into things? and how did you guys find out about the prophecy? and what does that mean, anyway?"
In her diminished size, Vauhwyt struggles to keep up.
Dietrich Monday June 13th, 2005 9:35:37 AM
Dietrich follows the others and listens to Liam's explanation, occasiounally swearing. He has to smile at Vauhwyt's unusual appearance and faint voice and waits for the next task to be unveiled.
Theodore and Macaw Monday June 13th, 2005 4:46:51 PM
Theodore sends Macaw ahead to scout their path to the temple and make sure there are no hidden dangers.
"A cure? What do we have to do with that?" He thinks about the book that they recently gave up and hopes that it has nothing to do with this current calamity. "Is the sickness contagious? Is it something we should be worried about?"
Vorelle Monday June 13th, 2005 5:13:14 PM
Vorelle looks around, unable to quite believe that they are truly back in Dirt City--just like that. She wonders how the magical ring works.
She frowns when she hears about the strange phenomena in Dirt City. She is sure the eyes she saw, and this sleeping king person, have something to do with it all. But what?
Rose Monday June 13th, 2005 8:30:02 PM "Vauhwyt, when are you getting back to your normal size? then you can move faster and take me to see Junior. impatiently as she hurries as fast as she can. Suddenly the fact that people got sick after eating the weird plants hits her and she asks liam "Um, I ate some of the berries that sprouted the other day am I going to get sick?"
ADM Shegger (Posting for DM) Tuesday June 14th, 2005 10:44:45 AM
"The Prince has kept himself locked up, as well," Liam says in answer to Vauhwyt. "We don't know what he's up to. As to how we've gotten involved, we are adventurers, my dear. If this is not an adventure, I don't know what is." He grins enigmatically at the liontaur.
"Questions about the prophecy, the cure, and getting sick are all best reserved for the temple. Speaking of which..."
The group quickly comes upon the temple. A few priests usher them into a central location you are quite familiar with. It is just outside the area where the three "prophets" are kept.
As the group enters the room, a halfling male with facial features akin to Rose's turns. Noticing his sister, a huge grin almost splits the little fellow's face in two. "Rosie!" he hollers, dashing forward to give her a big hug.
Behind him, a tall human smiles on the pair. "I'm glad you could make it in such a timely fashion Mr. Kent."
"But of course," the extravagant man says with an exaggerated bow. "Anything for the servants of Wardd."
"I'm sure," the cleric says, fixing the adventurer with a searching look. "I am Clu'eth. It looks as if you have received Junior's letter."
He sweeps a hand across the group, and you notice that it is much shorter than his other one, the fingers withered and useless. "As you may have gleaned, already, we have had another prophecy from Ellana and the other two. We have done our best to decipher its meaning and have come to the conclusion that your group can collect the final ingredients to an antidote which will be used to cure the contagion plaguing the city."
"Yeah, sis," pipes up Junior. "You'll be happy to know that I've been helping a lot. Clu'eth says that I've been indispensable."
"And so you have," Clu'eth favors the energetic halfling with another smile. Turning his gaze back to the heroes, he continues, "We need three seeds from the big pumpkin."
He pauses a moment to let the information sink in. After receiving nothing but confused looks from the heroes, Clu'eth turns to Liam Kent. "You did not tell them?"
Liam shrugs, "I thought it best if you did. Better all at once than a bit at a time."
Clu'eth harumphs. "All of the giant fruits have turned rotten. All except for a very LARGE pumpkin in the middle of the Full Moon Market. It has recently been heavily populated by fey creatures. It is hard to say, but some of the local elves have even rallied to the pumpkin, defending it against their own neighbors. Suffice it to say, it will be difficult to collect the seeds. But we have faith in you, and the well-being of Dirt City rests in your hands. Collect three seeds from the pumpkin and return here as fast as you can."
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday June 14th, 2005 2:12:17 PM
"I guess we need to come up with a plan, then," says Theodore to his friends. "Maybe we should go see what things look like before we go charging in." He gives the small Vauhwyt a meaningful look.
"You don't happen to know what kind of odds we're up against do you?" he asks Clu'eth.
Dietrich Tuesday June 14th, 2005 4:12:19 PM
Dietrich nods in agreement to Theo's speech and smiles behind the heavy helmet. He isn't happy with the current developments and swears silently about the (*&& fairies.
"Theodore is right. Let's gather information about our enemy first, plan and only than act. Maybe there is even a way to avoid a risky and bloody fight. It would be sad to be forced to kill elves and neighbours." Despite the cool reasoning, the warrior already feels the excitement of battle rising.
Berlon Tuesday June 14th, 2005 10:35:22 PM
Berlon follows along silently, at the back of the group. Once the situation is explained, he lets out an angry grunt.
"Are we going right now, or waiting until the morning? If the few hours don't matter, perhaps we can finally deal with items we've accumulated, including," he adds, looking at Theodore, "selling that ring. It would fetch a pretty penny and help the group more as a whole."
"Besides, if we wait until the morning, we might be able to get some quick shopping done. We should consider stocking up on rope. One can never have enough rope..."
Vauhwyt and Mookie Tuesday June 14th, 2005 10:57:28 PM
Tiny Vauhwyt says, "hmmm. this pumpkin sounds like a tight fit. maybe it is better for me to be smallerr. i wonder when this spell will wear off?"
" 'as fast as we can,' hey? well, that means no rest for the weary. I used up some magic, but my armor and unseen servant should still be good for a while."
Vauhwyt is in favor of tackling the pumpkin right away. When Theo gives her the evil eye, she puts on her innocent look and says, "what? i am the soul of discretion! right mookie?"
The raven just looks at his master, as if at a tasty bug.
"maybe we should bring big knives and just carve our way in and out"
rose Tuesday June 14th, 2005 11:47:09 PM "Junior, are you alright? How's mom and dad, what about everyone else?" Rose asks her brother as she gives him a big hug. "A giant pumpkin? Ok, I'll just be sure not to eat any." Rose says smiling. "Vauhwyt maybe it would be better for you to be big, apparently there's going to be alot of fighting and it might help."
Vorelle Wednesday June 15th, 2005 2:20:18 AM
"M-m-maybe V-V-Vauhwyt and I c-c-c-could s-s-s-scout it," Vorelle suggests, "wh-while you all r-r-rest."
Vorelle herself could use a little rest, but she's anxious to get started on this assignment. And Dietrich's right--they need the information.
ADM Shegger (Posting for DM) Wednesday June 15th, 2005 9:22:00 AM
"Come now, the City won't blow up if our exhausted friends take a rest," Liam Kent admonishes Clu'eth.
The cleric's lips tighten and he passes his deformed hand over his mouth. "I suppose you're right...for once. It won't do to go at less than full strength. The pumpkin is well guarded."
"I'll take a look at this pumpkin for myself," states Fiedel, hands on hips, legs planted wide in a stance of self-assuredness. "Any who would come with are welcome. The rest should get yourselves together."
Junior smiles at his sister. "Don't you worry about anyone, Rosie. We're all just fine and dandy. You keep your mind set on what's ahead."
Vauhwyt and Mookie (unseen servant, mage armor, shrunk) Wednesday June 15th, 2005 10:31:08 AM
When Mookie stares so unkindly at her, Vauhwyt stares right back in the raven's eye. At one-sixth her usual size, Vauhwyt can look Mookie in the face while both are standing on the ground. "come on, mookie! be nice!" she says in her tiny high-pitched voice, "hey! you know what i can do in this size?!" she leaps on the raven and gives him a huge (tiny) hug!
"Get off! Get off!" the raven caws. "Boss! Get off!" He flaps furiously and almost lifts Vauhwyt off the ground before freeing himself. "Not funny!" he says.
Vauhwyt, on to the next topic, listens eagerly to her big human friend, Vorelle. Visibly excited about Vorelle's idea of scouting around, Vauhwyt jumps a full three inches into the air. "hey! as tiny as i am now, i would make a great scout! those fey folk are going to have to look awfully sharp to find me! yes, yes, let's go scouting! rosie, i can be big tomorrow! plenty of time to fight then!"
[OOC: Assuming the shrinkage spell lasts, do I need some stats to go wth it? A Reduce Person spell would shrink Vauhwyt by half to three feet tall and Medium size. That would give her +2 Dex, -2 Str. This unfamiliar magic, shrinking Vauhwyt down to one-sixth size (per the June 8 DM post) has, I figure, made Vauhwyt effectively Tiny. That would mean, maybe, a total of +6 Dex, -6 Str, and a five-foot reach with her spear (a reach weapon). Also the standard bonuses and penalties to attacks, AC, Hide, and Intimidate based on size, I figure?]
Berlon 2d8(1+1)+5=7 2d8(4+4)+5=13 Wednesday June 15th, 2005 12:16:12 PM
"Fine."
Berlon frowns at Fiedel. "When you scout, make sure you find out how close we can safely get to the pumpkin without being noticed, so we can prepare properly. And make sure you have the inveitably necessary retreat path mapped out."
"And if we *are* to be properly prepared, someone should turn in the items we've found. As far as how anything gets divided up, I could care less."
"I will be at my lab. There are special ceremonies that must be performed on days of Great Sorrow, so I would prefer not to be disturbed."
"I will return here once my sunrise devotions are completed tomorrow."
With that, Berlon returns to his lab. Once he gets there he casts Cure Mod Wounds on himself (Spontaneously replacing Shield Other, heals 13 hp) then prepares for his tasks.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday June 15th, 2005 2:09:30 PM
"I believe I would only get in the way," says Theodore to those going to scout out the pumpkin. "I too will rest a bit and perhaps find some equipment. Since I am heading to the Catacombs, I can take all of the gems and treasure we have collected, sell it, and bring back money."
Vorelle Wednesday June 15th, 2005 6:28:50 PM
Vorelle prepares to follow Fiedel and Vauhwyt toward the giant pumpkin.
Rose Thursday June 16th, 2005 12:37:50 AM
Rose lets go of her brother (she'd been hanging on him as she hasnt seen him for a while) and starts digging in the bag of holding at her waist. She pulls out a few jems skull ruby, small diamond, 5 emeralds, 3 amethysts, 3 sapphires. "there these are the gems from that machine. when i appraised them i thought that we would get just under 6,000gp for all of them." she says as she hands them to theo. "I'll go scout as well, there's a few things i want but i can wait to buy them...theo could you take the cost of a rose colored ribbon with everburning flame cast on it out of my money. I'm sure that if we have to go inside the pumpkin I'll need a light and i dont want a torch because i want both hands free." She then pulls out her nice set of clothing and hands it to junior "Be a nice brother and have these cleaned and get me a change from my apartment for tomorrow?" She goes over to Vauhwyt and Vorelle after putting the bag of holding back on her belt. "Come on lets go and scout. the sooner we're done the sooner we can eat and sleep."
DM Kup -- not a real DM post Thursday June 16th, 2005 10:56:26 AM Hi everyone! Just a quick word here on the board to let you all know that I'm here and I will be posting later on today. If it helps you all to plan in the future, I will typically post on weekdays by around 9 pm Woldian time, and earlier if I can and everyone has already posted. I will post earlier on Fridays--typically by around 4 pm Woldian--because I am away from a computer every week from Friday sunset until Saturday sundown.
I started following this game a couple of months ago with high hopes of being fully prepared to jump in when the time came. Real life has conspired against my preparation plans in the past month, but I still expect a fun ride. As many of you know, some of the current Wold-wide crossover event is improvisational, which is not my forte where DnD is concerned. As I get started, if I miss an important detail or get a piece of the Dirt City continuity wrong, just let me know--it'll be worth a hero point if you do!
Enjoy!
P.S. A special thank you to Matt/Shegger for filling in for the past few days, and a very special thank you and a VICTORY THUNDER! to DM SteveK!
Dietrich d20+4=22 Thursday June 16th, 2005 5:38:42 PM
Dietrich agrees with Vorelle, Rose, Vauhwyt and Fiedel scouting and just reminds them to keep out of trouble... The ex-soldier asks them about: type and number of enemies, apparent equippment, sentinels, magic and a map of the target area (military knowledge check 22 for anything else important I may have forgotten). He won't accompany them for lack of stealth and would like to use the spare time as Berlon suggested and get some equippment.
The thorough knight would also appreciate some research of the more educated friends about this Fey-king and possible weaknesses of their foe, but realises that they need their rest more and suggests to keep that for the future.
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