Maab's Court at Last! (DM Cayzle) Friday August 12th, 2005 12:01:19 AM
Draax flies with boots. Monthor's soul floats. Renik flies with boots. Arien, Feng, and Black Paws -- Fly spells. Tratain flies with potion. Sarigar rides Black Paws. Grigs fly.
The entire party flies to the center of the butterfly field. The Butterflies fly up and swirl all around and around. Faster and faster. When they suddenly disappear, you all are looking at an incredible vista.
Under a sky so blue it hurts to look at, you see the most amazing garden in the Wold. The plants boggle the imagination -- flowers in fields that cover acres. Trees that are pruned in fantastic shapes.
An odd looking elf with a dark complexion, approaches at a fast walk. His hair shines with a silver luster. Taken all together, he looks very otherworldly.
"You are all late! Come on! Get ready! It's time to see the Queen!"
Renik Friday August 12th, 2005 7:47:13 AM
Renik grins. All their travails, battles and sacrifices look to have paid off. Finally they are to meet with Queen Maab. He bows his head politely in greeting to their elven chaperone and says
"Greetings sir. I take it we are expected, then? Please, lead on."
He quickly whips out a small mirror to check his reflection. Although his hair, eyebrows and neatly trimmed goattee all seem perfectly groomed the fastidious rogue still manages to find some errant strand of hair to fuss over. The removal of a couple of microscopic specks of lint from his jerkin completes the job. Then, satisfied that the result is nothing less than perfect, Renik goes to meet the Fae Queen.
Tratain Friday August 12th, 2005 1:08:35 PM
Tratain watches Renik act like his normal self with an amused look on his face. He follows the Elf as directed to thier audience with the Queen.
He says along the way, "Monthor, do you remember what happened at all? You should be in Lord Garguls realm I should think, not that I'm not glad to see you, Glowing ball of light that you are. I think he's going to be mad that your spirit didn't go directly where it should be. Also I think we're all going to be in trouble anyways because I think Non-Fey are not allowed here by His degree, not that it would have stopped us anyway, this is important."
Draax Friday August 12th, 2005 4:14:35 PM
Draax is surprised to see the elf but the widening of his eyes is the only indication that he was caught off guard. He follows Renik's lead by giving their escort a slight bow before getting in line to follow.
He hesitates a little when Tratain speaks to Monthor, moving closer to the two Draax tries to eavesdrop on Monthor's response. Someday Draax might be in the same situation and wants to have an idea of what to expect.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 145 of 145) Friday August 12th, 2005 6:12:17 PM
Even with the impending danger behind them, the brothers can't help but to thoroughly enjoy the flight over the field of butterflies. With all the spins and loops that Black Paws adds to his flight, Sarigar nearly falls off a couple times, but with a good hold of his brothers scruff and some quick squeezes with his legs, he stays on.
When greeted by the elf, the brothers are more than a little put off. The complection and hair color reminds them greatly of dark elf, but the other features say not. It's a quandry that puts them back on edge. At least this area feels a bit more wild to them, far from the dread of the misty area they were getting.
Monthor Friday August 12th, 2005 7:06:28 PM
The big bright globe that is Monthor floats a little closer.
" Well... this is what I remember... "
OOC> Enter Scooby Doo moment....
Me feels me soul adrift in a sea of Red Woldsblood. At length -- minutes? years? -- me is lifted. Some creature has snared me in a net on a long pole. It is a human-sized creature with a halfling's torso and extremely long arms and legs. Its breath is black mist. It speaks like the sound of a rasp on bone.
"You wanted to enter the Lands of Rest. Now you shall. I know just exactly where to put you."
Me felt me soul carried far away. At last me is set down and freed from the net -- to rest on a distant shore.
" And that, was that. "
Feng Friday August 12th, 2005 8:40:39 PM
Feng pulls a comb out of his pocket and fixes his hair. Followed by a rag to clean himself and his armor of any dirty spots. Lastly he applies a small amount of cologne to make himself presentable for meeting a queen. Considering who this woman is she is probably more than a queen. Hopefully she is in a good mood.
The Queen (DM Cayzle) Saturday August 13th, 2005 11:43:27 AM
The exotic elf leads the group down into the gardens. There are groves and glens, orchards and orchid-fields. It is just so beautiful! Not a leaf is out of place, and it all seems so vibrant, healthy, and alive.
You see other people of the court, fairies dressed in silks and sashes. But you have no time to dally.
The elf leads you to an open field, and asks the cricket-taurs to wait here. Then he leads the Hamleteers to the center of the garden.
Under the chestnut tree from which all later chestnuts and chestnuts trees grew, you enter the Queen's court. The lowest hanging branches are at least 80 feet overhead. Ivy hangs down on the sides, and each leaf is a different color -- together they make incredible mosaics. Each leaf-tapestry seems to be a map of a valley.
The path on which you walk is covered in small white flowers that release a fragrance like perfume as you walk on them. If you look back, you see that they are unharmed by your passage.
At the end of the path, grown out of the vast trunk of the tree, is Maab's throne. Fairy guards with spears flank the throne.
Maab has a powerful presence. Her authority seems to be bolstered by the wisdom of one who has seen many years pass. Her face radiates it. She also has a radiant beauty -- she is stunning. Her beauty is not simply physical, although her elven features take one's breath away. She seems to walk with the strength and dignity of a dwarf. Her eyes shine with the curiosity of a human. Her fingers seem as quick and nimble as a halfling's. She seems to embody all the best qualities of all the races. She is like a goddess.
Maab is dressed in a silver robe, and wears a silver crown. When she speaks, her voice echoes of silver bells.
"Welcome, far-travellers. Few of mortal-kind visit me here, either of the living, or the dead."
When she says "the dead" she nods at Monthor's soul.
"I will not say that you were expected, nor that we are short of time. But you have come here for a reason. Speak it now."
Draax Saturday August 13th, 2005 9:40:50 PM
Seeing the other people of the court, Draax feels very under dressed and wishes that he would have thought about bringing clothing more suitable for standing before a queen. When the group is brought before the queen Draax is captivated by her beauty. Removing his helm, Draax takes a knee and bow his head low to the queen. He raises his head but remains on one knee while in the present of the queen unless she tells him to stand.
Draax remains silent unless addressed by the queen. He will let one of the more eloquent members of the group address the queen. He figures that it would be best to have one spokesman instead of everyone trying to talk to the queen at the same time.
Renik Sunday August 14th, 2005 4:53:49 PM
As the grigs are asked to remain behind Renik turns and takes Serent by the hand.
"Serent, you have my heartfelt thanks. You and your kinsmen have made this near-impossible quest a reality. Without you I feel sure we would have fallen. We are eternally grateful."
He takes her tiny hand and places the lightest of kisses upon it.
"If we do not meet again in this place, fare thee well, Oath-sister."
Renik walks through the groves with a rising sense of excitement. There is a sense of swagger and self-confidence about the rogue as he strides confidently among the court of Queen Maab. They have succeeded! They walk where only mortal heroes like Valdor and the Dragons have trod before! Renik's pride at their achievement is enormous.
This boundless self-confidence is sharply curbed when they enter the presence of the Queen herself. Any lingering plans of seduction and flattery are instantly dispelled by the sheer regal presence of the Queen. Renik finds himself altogether humbled before her, and falls to his knees without even being aware of it.
"Your majesty..." he stutters, not as a form of address but as an abortive attempted description.
When bid speak the rogue does his best to explain their presence.
"Your Majesty, most exalted and beatific Queen of all the Fae, we beg your indulgence but a few short moments. We humble mortals have come before you today to impart grave news of the Wold. Myself, Renik Dacour, and my companions here Tratain, Feng, Sarigar and Black Paws, Draax, Arien and the respirationally challenged Monthor have travelled an arduous path to bring you these tidings. We come at the behest and suggestion of the Pixie Lord and the Platinum Dragons, led by Valdor Dragonstone. We bear tidings critical to the future of the Wold.
It cannot have escaped your attention that your husband the Fae King Ebryon, long eaons rested, has awoken at last from the magical slumber which you yourself engendered.
This momentous event, brought about by the dreaming of all the Wold's the elves on the night of the double lunar eclipse, has had profound and devastating repercussions upon the noble races of the Wold. Nature runs amok. Cities are consumed, innocents are dying, and amidst the chaos and catastrophe the Fae King raises an immense army against Parnoth the Oppressor. Nature is poised to strike against that most hated monarch, and yet the justness of their cause blinds those that rally to its standard to the horror that threatens to consume those they purport to save.
This war, which even as we speak may already be raging, threatens to destroy countless lives. The uncontrolled spread of the natural world threatens to destroy countless more.
It seems the Gods of the Wold are unwilling or unable to take a stand in this matter; all direct pleas to the Gods for aid have been met with silence. We of the noble races who were not consulted in the awakening of King Ebryon, or who spoke out against it, now seek a voice. Though we alone cannot stand before the might of nature and the awakened king, we beg that you (who once had the power and will to cause the Fae king to sleep) might now stand beside us, even lead us, in our attempt to restore the Wold to harmony and balance."
The rogue bows his head, and awaits the Queen's response.
Sarigar and Black Paws Monday August 15th, 2005 10:59:31 AM
Seeing the dress of the members of the court, the brothers wonder just how close to nature these beings are. So clean and pristine and here they are smelling like dirt and pine and animals. They seem to be complete opposites of these beings.
As they reach Queen Maab, Sarigar, completely oblivious of courtly machinations simply raises his hand tentatively in a wave and says, [b]"Umm, hi."[b]
His eyes dart around at the rest of the pack and the court wonderign what he's supposed to do next. Luckily, Renik begins speaking before he begins one of his typical ramblings of his own understandings of why they're all here.
Tratain Monday August 15th, 2005 8:00:42 PM
Tratain bows to Queen Maab when he enters her court, and remains Silent, Letting Renik speak for the group.
Arien Monday August 15th, 2005 9:06:54 PM
Arien is content to let Renik speak for him, while the rogue is speaking the to Queen. As the rogue speaks to the queen Arien examines the surroundings while listening to the conversation.
Queen Maab (DM Cayzle) Monday August 15th, 2005 11:54:09 PM
When Renik speaks of the Fae King as Maab's husband, a strange interplay of emotions crosses her face. She is disturbed, anyone can tell, and with a Sense Motive check of 15, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {both rage and sadness are obvious in the Queen's eyes.}
But when she speaks, her words are soft and low, as if she were talking to herself.
"Yes, nature has power again, as she has not had in eons. Is that bad? Is that not what the Wold needs?"
Maab looks at each of you, and seems to be able to read your very souls.
Then, more loudly, she says to Renik, "Why should I turn my hand against my 'husband'? There is good and bad in him, as in all of us. Why do you judge him? Do you watn him dead? What then, if Nature is dead? For he is Nature, in a very real way."
She asks Arien and Draax, "Why would those with elf-blood oppose Ebryon. Elves called him, and he loves elves."
She asks Sarigar and Black Paws, "The Fae King is friend to wild beasts. Do you want me to fight him? Why?"
She asks Monthor, "Why do the dead appeal to me? Why do you care?"
She asks Feng, "Would you bind the King with laws, or just kill him? Is he not a Law of Nature unto himself?"
She asks Tratain, "He is brave, that is sure. Why does the servant of the Brave God oppose Ebryon?"
It is clear that she is trying to gauge the depth of your feelings and passions, as well as to reach the things that matter to you.
Renik d20+3=21 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 4:27:07 AM
The rogue ponders the Queen's words a few moments, and realises that she is dealing with conflicting emotions on this matter (Sense Motive 21). Best to tread carefully.
"Your Majesty, I am aware this is a complicated issue. I believe it goes beyond simple notions of "good" and "bad". I do not consider the Fae king to be evil, I see no deliberate malice in his actions. As I understand it it his nature (as it is the nature of Nature itself) to be fickle, wild, joyous and (upon occasion) cruel and dangerous. In truth the same can be said for many of us, fae and mortal alike. No, I do not seek his death for simply being himself.
But his awakening has thrown the Wold into chaos. The threat of a terrible war looms, reckless and quite possibly doomed. He has moved to take a direct hand in Woldian politics. How can this be the work of a benign force of Nature? And in the natural Wold too, there is conflict. Nature rages out of control. Where once a balance existed, now there is only anarchy. Innocents are dying. I do not seek to judge him, but when I see the consequences of his actions, I am compelled to act.
Please understand, I would never wish to see the death of Nature. That would surely be the end of us all. I was raised amongst the trees, and brought up to worsip Mittiri. In my early life I learned to love the natural world. In more recent years I have grown to love city life in equal measure, and have come to understand that all the Wold exists in a delicate state of balance. Nature and Civilisation coexist in fragile harmony. Neither can be allowed to become overly dominant for fear of destruction of the other.
I seek only what you yourself have already imposed. Eaons past there must have been a strong reason for you to act as you did when you made Ebryon sleep. I ask only that you reimpose your will. If you did it once why not again? What has changed that would have you let the Fae king run amok, leaving death and destruction in his wake?
I beg of you, Queen Maab, restore the Wold to the same state of balance you created when last you took a stand against the Fae King."
Monthor d20=19 Tuesday August 16th, 2005 9:14:58 AM
The light that is Monthor glows brighter as it floats closer to the Queen. Monthor, even dead, can sense the anguish and troubled mind of the Queen (NOW I role a 19! ARGH!)
" Me swore to protect me friends. Me swore to the Tree Lovers. Me swore to me friends and me swore to myself. Apparently me promise is to last past death itself. Me okay with that. They be good hearted, if not ugly. { BWHAHAHA }
Me laugh with them. Me fight with them. Me was happy with them. Me know that war, when necessary can be a glorious thing for those that fight in it but me also know that it is never joyous for those who's lives are destroyed in it's passing. Me loved a good brawl but given the choice, me would not spill blood unless it needed to be spilled. There is good in the King but there can be no good in war, death and destuction. Those things are bad. Me be dead. But me still loves life. Me want to protect life. Me not know why me allowed to still be with me friends, but there must have been a reason good good Queen. Even a spirit like me can tell that ye love your King but ye know... YE KNOW... that what he be doing is wrong. Nature he may be... but sometimes even Nature needs help from those who's lives are affected by it's whim. Believe one that is now dead. Death.. not all that it's cracked up to be. Help us me Queen... to help him.
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday August 16th, 2005 10:39:52 AM
As Maab poses her questions around the group, Sarigar answers his in his own immutable style.
"Brother and I have never met him, so how can we fight him? I like that he likes us, but that big city we came from is flooding and people were getting trapped and brother and I were helping them, but they were scared and hurt.
"We like the wild and we feel the change in our guts, but we don't like seeing people that didn't do nothing getting hurt or be scared. Cities are stinky and the water's cleaning it up but it's also hurting people.
"Animals aren't being right either. Chickens aren't makin' eggs, means no new chickens. Cows aren't giving milk, so no more baby cow feeding.
"Dunno how to fix all that, but the pack thinks you can help. Don't wanna hurt anybody if we don't have to. We fight if people try to fight us or if we need food. We just wanna fix things that are hurting people.
"I think I'll be quiet now. My throat hurts. Too many words."
At that, Sarigar plops down into a seated position, rubbing this throat and clearing it as best he can.
Tratain Tuesday August 16th, 2005 1:16:48 PM
Tratain says "I have no doubt that he is Brave, The Pixie Lord Told us that He and the King fought against the Tuecri in the past for reasons he did not specify. I have seen some of what they have created with the Magics, No one without courage would stand against them."
He continues "We are not sure if we should oppose him or not, to learn more about him was one of the Main reasons that we traveled here. There are few alive today that can tell us who he is and what his plans are likely to be. We were told that in the past you put him to sleep, but no one knows why. Is that something you could share with us?"
"Domi teaches us to be Brave, but he also teaches us that Force of Arms should only be used when Diplomacy Fails. We would rather talk with the King and see what his plans are, and Turn him away from the catastrophic ones. Nature is Running wild. As my Comrades have said, Platuae City was flooding when we left, who knows how many have died. We also do not know if more Tragedies are takeing place elsewhere that we do not know about. If he is casueing this he need to reign in his powers before there is too much destruction and Death and the people of the Wold are Forced to strike at him out of fear and desperation. If that happens how many good Men and Women will die on both side. I do not know enough about the King to say if he is Evil, Misguided, or whatnot. I do know however that if A war with him comes it will not be like the campaign againd Parnoth, or against Marteaus and his followers. Good and Noble Men and Women will be force to fight other Good and Noble Men and Women."
"We ask that you help us speak with him, and try to temper his actions, and failing his willingness to listen to reason from the great leaders of the Wold we ask that you return him to sleep or impart the knowledge of how to do it to someone who will if you find you can not return him to sleep a second time."
Arien Tuesday August 16th, 2005 9:04:15 PM
"The truth is I don't know that I oppose the Fae King. I am here to protect my companions and friends. Had they not made this journey I would likely be fighting to free my people from slavery. However I support my friends in all things and they felt this was the true course so I have followed them here to seek you out."
Draax (Yves subbing) Tuesday August 16th, 2005 9:11:30 PM
And the elves love the King. Whick is why we seek your help. We wish to bring him the wisdom he needs to do things right. This war... these deaths... this desturction... is not ... right.
Feng Wednesday August 17th, 2005 12:07:55 AM
Feng thinks long and hard, looking deep within himself for the answers to the questions she asked. It was tough to answer turthfully. To know what he really would do and not what he would like to do. Some people might think that as a paladin what counts is how you act in battle. The ethics you take and the stands you make on issues. To Feng this moment and ones like it make him who he is.
"Queen Maab you ask a difficult question. It is even harder to answer truthfully, but the truth needs to be heard from all of us. Perhaps he is the embodiement of the law of nature. Thats one of the things I was here wo confirm. Being a non-elf I was told nothing about the King's return nor what it would entail. I was a little angry that one race decided for the entire world what was best. I should be above such emotions but I am not. To answer your first question I think it is impossible to bind him with laws. Like you said he is a force of nature. On our way here I saw great suffering because of his return. People were starving and being overrun from their homes. These are good people that are simply trying to survive in this world. There is evil out there, great evil that he could help eliminate. But the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I believe that he could be acting in the name of good, just his own belief on what that is. If his good intentions end up killing thousands of innocent people then he is no different than any other warlord that marches an army across the wold. If it meant saving the lives of good people I would not kill the king but I would die trying."
Queen Maab (DM Cayzle) Wednesday August 17th, 2005 7:20:33 AM OOC: Sorry gents! This is the Tuesday DM Post!
As you speak, the Queen focuses her undivided attention on you, and in her sight you feel that she reads your every emotion and intent. Surely she knows if you are not being truthful. When she speaks, calling each of you by name, you are not surprised by the sensation that she understands your soul.
"Renik," says the Queen, "you seek a return to what was."
"Monthor, you ask me to help the King, because his actions hurt others."
"Tratain, you ask me to temper him, or return him to sleep."
"Draax, you want the King to act with wisdom. Arien, you are not sure that you oppose the King, but you are open."
"Feng, you go so far as to consider the death of the King."
"Sarigar, you honestly do not know, but you know something must be done."
The Queen sits back in her throne of living wood. She says softly, "To bring the King wisdom and restraint. To return him to sleep. To see an end to his immortal life. Yes, those are the three choices. But which to make? Ebryon would decide for himself. He would not rely on any others for opinions. Maybe I should do the opposite ... maybe others should decide his fate."
"It will not be easy to bring the King to ground. I will need help. You mortals inspire me. Maybe mortals can help again."
"Yes, I will put power in the hands of mortals. That is the fair thing to do!"
The Queen has come to a decision. You are not sure what it is she has decided, but the gleam in her eye and the smile on her lips suggest a new determination and hope in the Fey Queen.
"And now, my friends," Maab says, "you have done well to travel to me, and even better to help me clarify my thoughts. Let me offer you a reward. I grant you one boon! Ask, and if it is in my power, I will grant it! For I am the Fey Queen, and I have some small powers of my own!"
As she speaks, her confidence grows, and she seems larger somehow, and more imposing.
"Enjoy the hospitality of my house, and return to me when you are ready to ask your boon. But do not tarry overlong, and do not eat aught but what you have brought with you -- events are stirring on the Wold, and the mortal realm will have need of heroes soon enough!"
The exotic-looking elf leads you away to a glen where you can rest, wash, and talk. "Ring this bell," he says, "when you are ready."
Cayzle OOC Wednesday August 17th, 2005 12:58:33 PM
Note that the whole party collectively gets only the ONE boon.
Monthor Wednesday August 17th, 2005 1:00:35 PM
:: To the others, not Maab ::
" Hey, a nice cold beer would be nice! " " Just kidding, just kidding. Hey, Me dead. Me abstain from the vote. Ye do what ye need to do to best help the group. "
Arien Wednesday August 17th, 2005 1:50:47 PM
"Well I would suggest that we see if she can return Monthor to life. As much as I enjoy having a floating ball of dwarf around I think he'd be better off actually in his body."
Renik Wednesday August 17th, 2005 2:44:02 PM
The rogue bows low as the Queen departs. Now there's a woman, he says to himself with a small sigh.
Renik nods at Arien's words. "Much as I would love to request our own personal portable hareem, I think we owe this one to Monthor for saving all our skins back there. Plus, I'm still hoping to be asked to be best man at the wedding."
He gives Feng a playful nudge.
Renik strips down to his britches and indulges in a long wash and shave. Looking serious he muses "So, what did the Queen mean by that? "I will put power in the hands of mortals". Do you think she means in our hands, or in the hands of all mortals?"
Sarigar and Black Paws Wednesday August 17th, 2005 6:25:04 PM
The brothers are the last to be lead away as they seem to have no desire leave.
As the group discusses what boon they should request, the brothers are curiously quiet. It's as if they're lost in thought or perhaps "talking" with each other? Either way, they say nothing about the boon.
Tratain Wednesday August 17th, 2005 6:37:38 PM
Tratain says "I agree, let us ask Queen Maab if she is able to return Monthor to Life, or send us before Gargul so that we may Petition for his soul ourselves."
If everyone agree's then Tratain will Ring the Bell so that they may make thier request of the Queen.
Feng Wednesday August 17th, 2005 7:06:36 PM
Feng takes the opportunity to wash the dirt and blood from their travels to his body. Its been far to long since he's had a proper bath.
"We should see if she can restore Monthor to life. His sacrifice got us here"
"I'll agree with the majority. I can't wait to see that good looking, and oh so intelligent dwarf back with us again. "
Queen Maab (DM Cayzle) Wednesday August 17th, 2005 9:59:41 PM
After a short period of rest and refreshment, the Hamleteers ring the bell are are granted a second and last audience with the Queen of the Fey.
The party is unanimous, and ask the Queen to restore Monthor to life. She smiles as if she expected that request, and says, "It is already done."
(Monthor, you realize that you are in your body, alive, and in perfect health. No level or Constitution loss.)
The Queen continues, "But I am not yet done with you, mortal friends."
"Here, take this guide so that you will be able to find your way through my valleys." She hands Tratain a scroll case.
"And although we now part, remember that I am close. Look for me in your dreams! And remember me when you find yout way to your home."
The party is led from the Court and away, back to the place where first you met the exotic elf.
Tratain Thursday August 18th, 2005 12:27:20 PM
When the Party reaches the place where they first met the Elf, Tratain opens the scroll case to see what is inside and shows the others.
After that he says "I think we had better be off now, where should we head when we leave Queen Maab's realm? Back to Plataue City? Or does someone have an Idea where to go that would be more usefull.
Feng Thursday August 18th, 2005 4:48:26 PM
Feng was glad to hear those words. Seeing the Fae Queen in his dreams would be something he would forward to. She was quite striking and seeing more of her would be a good thing.
"I honestly don't know where we should go now. Are there more answers we can seek?" He asks.
Renik d20+11=27 d20+11=21 d20+11=31 d20+11=20 Thursday August 18th, 2005 6:05:08 PM
Seeing Monthor restored to life fills the rogue with elation. He claps the dwarf hard on the back and says with a grin "Monthor! You've come back to us! Big as life and twice as ugly! What, being a floaty ball of light not good enough for you? Couldn't resist Feng's perfume, is that it?"
He cannot remember when he last felt so... good. So carefree. He knows there is a crisis facing the Wold, and that soon they will be tested once more. But right now, walking in these sun-dappled meadows of the Fae Queen, Renik's heart feels as if it may burst with the sheer unalloyed joy of being alive.
A wicked thought occurs to him and he simply cannot resist it. On the pretext of looking at Tratain's scroll he moves closer to Feng.
"So Tratain, what does that scroll have to say? What does it tell us about the Valleys of the Fae? Anything interesting?"
As he speaks his hand slips stealthily into Feng's pack. Fastening his fingers around the small bottle of cologne he slips it out (Sleight of Hand 27) and palms it (SoH 21). Once he has finished studying the scroll with Tratain he says
"So, what to do next? The Queen suggested we mortals were to take a hand it what was to come, but she gave little clue as to how that part might be played. It seems for now we are to remain here and wait to find out. Should we explore? I can only guess at the wonders and beauties this land may hold."
It is fairly clear what Renik means by beauties.
He is animated and lively, pacing about excitedly as he speaks. His movement just happens to take him around Monthor, and as he passes he pours a generous helping of Cologne onto Monthor's thickly braided hair (SoH 31! Nat 20!).
His pacing continues, as he gesticulates cheerfully. "Isn't this place amazing? And the Queen, don't get me started on the Queen! Have you ever seen such a woman? Such power! Such poise! Look for me in your dreams? She didn't need to tell me that!"
As he passes Feng once more he tries to pop the vial back into his pack (SoH 20).
Monthor Thursday August 18th, 2005 6:47:53 PM
ooc> Pre dousing
:: Monthor stands up from his long slumber and does a few quick stretches to limber up. The lunges are actually quite funny to see. ::
" Okee then, which one of ye ugly mothers have me stuff? Ye better not have lost me pappy's axe or ye'll all wish ye were where me was a few minutes ago!"
" And Renik me old sock... Moi, ugly? That's not what ye mother told me the other night now was it? "
ooc> Post dousing
:: Monthor smells himself... ::
" Whasss that smell??? By me pappy's beard!! If this be what death does to ye, Me'll have to make sur me not die again!!!"
Sarigar and Black Paws Thursday August 18th, 2005 11:21:29 PM
The brothers are slow to leave the court. Something about the place seems to hold their interest as nothing the party's even seen hold it. It doesn't appear to be any one thing as they never seem transfized to anything. It seems to be the place itself.
As the party makes their way back to where they met the elf, the brothers are still uncharacteristically silent. The spring in their step seems to have faded as well. They trudge on to wherever the map leads them.
The Scroll of Guidance (DM Cayzle) Friday August 19th, 2005 6:57:04 AM This is the Thursday DM Post.
The initial investigation of the scroll is fruitful -- any divine caster can use it. There are two spells on the scroll:
Find Portal -- a second level divination that locates the nearest gate into or out of a valley in Maab's realm.
Open Portal -- a fourth level transmutation that opens a portal in close range.
However, these spells can only be cast from the scroll -- they cannot be prepared in your head.
The party takes a break from the intensity of meeting a Power and enjoys a few jokes. The relief is welcome especially given that the party's trials are not over.
Renik Friday August 19th, 2005 8:10:31 AM
Renik suffers a momentary pang of irrational guilt at the mention of his mother. He knows that she died giving birth to him, a fact which (upon reflection) he thinks may have been the cause of his elder brother Tarl's slow corruption.
He has not thought of his brother in some time, or indeed of the other painful events surrounding the fall of Dunskeep. He wonders if his brother is still alive somewhere, and if he was ever able to turn from the path of darkness he had chosen.
But the feeling passes in a moment, with perhaps only the barest flicker of pain in the rogue's eyes to mark its passing. He takes the dwarven jibe in the spirit it was intended, and replies laughing "My mother? What, you're cuckolding poor Feng now? Gods preserve us from the amorality of dwarves!"
When the reek of cologne becomes apparent to them all his eyes widen in mock shock (Bluff 29):
"By Wardd's whiskery warts! It seems that when the Queen brought you back she was so impressed by your feelings for Feng that she even made you smell like him! Even more so, in fact. Phew, what a stench! Do you think the effect is permanent? How will we ever manage to sneak up on our foes again, with the dwarf smelling like a horde of Ladies of Negotiable Affection? They'll think they're being attacked by a short hairy brothel!"
His teasing done Renik turns his attention to Sarigar. It is clear that this place has unnerved the wild man, but since the meeting with the Queen he seems different somehow. Sad? Contemplative? Using a pretext the rogue approaches Sarigar.
"My friend, do you have a ball of string in your pack? The last time you emptied it you seemed to have pretty much everything imaginable in there. I want to tie this Invisibility wand to my belt, then keep it in my pocket. Then, when I pull it out to cast a spell I can drop the wand to draw a sword and not worry about it breaking or getting lost. I figure string would work, or long thin strips of leather. Do you have anything like that?"
He demonstrates by whipping a wand out of the pocket of his Pants of Plenty, pretending to cast a spell, and then dropping the wand to the grass as he draws his shortsword from his back. He points accusingly at the wand lying on the ground. "See?"
Assuming Sarigar can locate some string or suitable item he will work on neatly tying the wand to his belt, then practicing a few times to see if the setup works. As he does so he continues to chat with Sarigar, trying to draw him on what ails him. "You seem very quiet since we met with the Queen my friend. Are you alright? Is it this place that is still worrying you, or is there something else?"
Feng Friday August 19th, 2005 9:43:11 AM
The half orc is glad that Monthor is alive but he's a bit detatched from the celebration. He's not one to celebrate for any reason. Instead he would rather use the time to care for his weapons and armor, offering prayers to the gods, and resting for his next journey.
Sarigar and Black Paws Friday August 19th, 2005 10:40:52 AM
At first it seems that Sarigar doesn't even hear Renik's question about the string. With a rather vacuous expression, he looks up at Renik, then almost mechanically removes his pack and begins sifting through it. After some time, it appears all of its contents are sprawled out in front of him, but alas, no string.
Sarigar looks up at Renik with a look of apology, then his eyes grow slightly larger. He then pulls the spear from his back and drops it to the ground without a glance, then gives a quick tug on the thin leather thong that held it in place and hands that to Renik.
He then kneels down and shuffles his belonging back in his pack, not once touching the spear. As he stands up, slinging his pack back on, he notices the branch (club) tucked in his belt. Just as Renik asks about how he's feeling, he pulls the club loose and tosses it carelessly over his shoulder.
Looking at Renik, he reaches for his chest, tears seem to be welling in his eyes. "She's here, somewhere, I can feel it. I felt it after we saw the Queen."
Without another word, he reaches into his tunic and pulls out his amulet of Mittiri. The last time he showed it, it looked old and slightly rusted, but now it looks almost brand new. Knowing him, it's obvious Sarigar would have no clue how to restore it so completely.
Tratain Friday August 19th, 2005 4:18:07 PM
When the others are ready to depart Tratain will cast the find portal spell and lead the way to the portal and the way home.
Monthor Friday August 19th, 2005 6:57:59 PM
" Me not one to 'sneak up' on anyone ya over stuffed peacock! Me leave the sneaking around to weak, thin humans like ye. And me may smell worst the Princess now but at least me still prettier. "
:: Monthor checks the sharpness of his axe on his thumb nail ::
Draax (Yves subbing) Friday August 19th, 2005 6:58:55 PM
Draax smiles at the banter between his friends and quietly re checks his gear.
The Portal (DM Cayzle) Saturday August 20th, 2005 3:14:13 PM [This is the Friday DM post.]
Tratain reads the scroll, and the strangest thing ... the spell does not fade from the vellum! He can read it again, if he likes.
The spell tells the protector that the portal is right there!
A walk of not more than a couple hundred feet brings the group to the center of a small field. Tratain reads the second spell, and a mist rises from the portal. The second spell does not fade either.
Do you enter the mist?
Renik Saturday August 20th, 2005 3:57:37 PM
The rogue is torn. On the one hand Sarigar has seemingly found his spiritual lodestone. If the wild man is correct Mittiri herself lives in this realm. And he knows that Sarigar has spent much of his life seeking her; to depart this realm when so close to his goal will be a terrible wrench, one he is not sure he has any right to ask. And yet their immediate goal is clear; they must do all in their power to overcome the threat that faces the Wold. It seems the needs of the many must outweight the needs of the few.
"Sarigar my friend" he says softly "You must not be disheartened by this news. Think of what you have learned! Mittiri lives! Here in this realm she abides. And we now know how to enter this realm. We have mde an ally of its ruler. We must act now if we are to help in the thwarting of Ebryon, but if that quest should prove succesful we have the means to return to this place and seek out Mittiri. And you have between now and then to think on what you might say to her if you did meet. As I say, think not on this as a distressing thing, but as a reason for joy."
Looking to Tratain he says "Well unless your magics tell you otherwise I think we should enter."
He winks at Monthor. "You'll always be beautiful to me, smelly" he quips.
Sarigar and Black Paws Sunday August 21st, 2005 8:27:29 AM
Obviously fighting back the tears, Sarigar finally gets out, "Everyone says she died last time the gods fought. This is where the dead are, right? Maybe that's why I feel her?"
He lets the amulet dangle free on the outside of his armor, something he's never done before. He looks to his brother, scratches him vigorously behind the ears and on the neck, then hugs his massive sibling and says "The pack comes first, we'll go on." His words are barely understandable, mostly lost to the thick fur of Black Paws shoulder.
He turns around and where you'd expect anyone else to straighten up, Sarigar actually crouches down on all fours, tears gone from his eyes. He looks back toward Maab's court, then a slow circle around the rest of the area. "Let's go."
Monthor Sunday August 21st, 2005 7:09:04 PM
Enough with the lollygag already... stop ye lollyllagging ya bunch of lollygaggers!!!
:: Monthor huffs once and heads for the misty portal.::
Draax (Yves subbing) Monday August 22nd, 2005 9:07:51 AM
I'm with the pretty smelling dwarf. Let's go.
Arien Monday August 22nd, 2005 11:56:49 AM
Arien smiles a moment at the Dwarf's antics then follows him into the mist. Arien keeps just behind the little fellow, determined not to let him die again if he could help it.
Tratain Monday August 22nd, 2005 4:44:55 PM
Tratain says "I see no reason not to enter the Mist, I'm not sure where In the Wold we will end up but it shouldn't be too difficult for us to get back to Plataue City or elsewhere if we need to."
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