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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