DM Kelly Wednesday August 24th, 2005 2:38:45 PM
You walk past the followers of Marteaus without incident. Your comments to them as you pass seem to have no effect, except Patty that is. The guard is a large man, and seems to sneer at the small folk who pass by. When Patty gives a warning, the guard is taken by surprise, and steps back. He then shakes his head and looks around, hoping his friends did not see the reaction.
As you enter the temple, you arrive in a large dimly lit, rounded room without any furnishings. There are people upon mats on the floor, praying to Gargul for favors. At the door, a priest sits upon a mat with a large pile of rugs and a small jar half filled with coins.
There are four exits to this room. The one you came through that leads outside, one to the left that leads to a room called the Dome of Light. To the right there is the Dome of Death, and straight ahead is the Dome of Gargul.
Kendry Wednesday August 24th, 2005 6:17:37 PM
Kendry selects a rug, and places a gold piece in the jar. He then walks straight ahead toward the Dome of Gargul.
Podo Wednesday August 24th, 2005 9:56:40 PM
Podo follows Kendry into the temple walking up to the man with the rugs and also drops one gp into the jar, taking a rug and continuing onto the Dome of Gargul.
Nezamil Wednesday August 24th, 2005 10:19:30 PM
The dwarf closes the temple door and follows his new friends into the dimly lit room .
Seeing Kendry and Podo tith the priest and grab rugs " just follow their example " whispers Nezamil to those less familar with temple edict
Nezamil slips a gold piece out of a pouch dropping it in the jar and grabbing a rug in seemingly one motion ....stepping after the leading duo while peeking back to see if anyone needs help
Airin and Erwen d20+11=12 d20+10=18 d20+10=19 Thursday August 25th, 2005 6:06:45 AM
With Erwen on her arm Airin enters the Temple of Gargul for the first time in her life.
"Now be good Erwen" Airin commands the Eagle. Yet is seems her words do not connect to the eagle at all !! Erwen appears to be too overwhelmed by the grandeur of this temple ... (up to our DM to descide what she does ;-) - enjoy Kelly)
Somehow she hopes Erwen will get back to her senses ...
With red cheeks she accepts one of the Robes Kendry is carrying and a prayerbook, drops a coin where she's supposed to, and follows after Nezamil.
[blushing] "huhm ... don't know what got into Erwen ... sorry ? ..." [/blushing]
She turns her head to make sure those Red Gargul guys are not following them.
"Now where were we supposed to sit down and open this book ?" she whispers to Nezamil who walks in front of her. Meanwhile she takes a look to see if Erwen is ok ... if she sees her ...
Patterton Thursday August 25th, 2005 8:29:37 AM
Patty follows suit and drops a gold piece in the jar before snatching a rug and following the others to the alter.
Kendry Thursday August 25th, 2005 8:54:31 PM
As he walks toward the Dome of Gargul, Kendry whispers, "Arm, Wilf. Where in the Wold are you? Get on in here to the temple, go to the Dome of Gargul."
Podo Thursday August 25th, 2005 10:22:41 PM
Podo looks around while awaiting the rest of the group's arrival.
Gilan Thursday August 25th, 2005 10:28:25 PM
Gilan walks into the temple and then looks around. He guesses that it is ok...though he still prefers the wilds. He does take note of the others and follows suit. He drops a coin into the jar and picks up a rug...though he does lay the bag of apples near the priest as well.
He walks on by as he looks to the others for direction as he looks at the rug too. Muttering under his breathe, those closest may hear him. "Guess I could use a nap." The smile upon his face tells you that he is just as likely to curl up on that rug than to pray.
DM Kelly Thursday August 25th, 2005 10:49:51 PM
OOC: Sorry, rushed post last time and a late one this time. Had to drive my son off to his college dorm, where I then spent the night. Just got home.
Time: 11:45 AM, 30 minutes left on message spell - good call Kim
As you head into the temple of Gargul, it takes a moment for your eyes to adjust from the bright light outside. The temple is dark, lit by candles and burning incense. The odor of incense and dust is thick in the air. A very old priest of Gargul is at the rugs, taking donations when offered. Kendry drops his coin into the jar. The old man, who seemed sort of sleepy at first opens his eyes wide and leans forward.
Was that gold I saw?
When the second gold coin is dropped by Podo, the priest comes alive. Bowing and thanking you for your donation. Quickly, he grabs the rug meant for Podo and gives it a hard shake, eliminating any dust and potential fleas.
Nezamil is just getting ready to drop his coin, when the shaking of the rug startles the eagle. With a scream some would only think a ghoul was capable of, the eagle launches itself off of Airin's arm. Airin goes flying to the ground, the jar of coins tips off the table and crashes to the floor, coins rolling everywhere, and the eagle flys around the room beating his wings looking for an escape. Soon the eagle finds the exit, and is quickly gone into the sunlight.
As the room suddenly becomes quiet, Airin is picking herself up off the floor. Her arm is bruised and sore where she landed on the hard floor. (2 hp nonlethal damage) A few coins are still rolling, and everyone in the temple is looking your way.
Arm and Wilf see the eagle fly from the temple, as they stand debating the health promises of ale versus milk. They are about to lose interest in the quest, and wander off in search of more beverages.
Podo Friday August 26th, 2005 12:32:45 AM
Podo rushes to the aid of the old man, quickly using his great dexterity to sweep the coins into a smaller circle, scooping them back into the jar. When finished, he hands the jar back to the man. "There you go, I apologize for the break in the silence. May Gargul bless your passing and going, nods Podo to the man.
Podo then resumes the process of the prayer book, rug, and long walk to the Dome of Gargul.
Nezamil d20+12=23 Friday August 26th, 2005 1:19:46 AM
The dwarf smiles at Podo's quick and helpful response and helps pick up a few stray coins handing them to the attending priest " sorry for the disturbance "apologizes Nezamil (d20+12=23 diplomacy ch)
Stepping over to Airin the dwarf helps her back to her feet " you ok ?" whispers Nezamil in the quietness of the temple
Then calmly as if nothing has happened he hands a gold coin to the attending priest and takes a prayer rug and follows the quick thinking Podo into the Dome of Gargul
Kendry [Message, 29 minutes remaining] d20+6=9 Friday August 26th, 2005 4:16:58 AM
Hearing the disturbance behind him, Kendry stops and looks. When he sees Airin fall, he drops the carpet and hastens towards her.
"Thank you, Nezamil," he whispers to the attentive dwarf. He steps to Airin's side. "Ooh - you took a bad bruise," he notes with sympathy. He reaches into his haversack and draws out a healing kit. He opens it, and finds a salve for drawing out bruises. "If you'd like, this may help a little," he tells her. If she allows him, he rubs the salve on. [However, his healing skill check is less than stellar, at 9.]
He closes and puts the kit back in the haversack. He finally thinks to pass out the prayer books to those who have not yet received one, trusting Nezamil to distribute the remaining black hooded robes.
The halfling walks next to Airin, and picks up his rolled rug on the way back, again continuing to the Dome of Gargul. He finds, then, places his thumb into the sixth chapter of the prayer book.
Airin and ... yeah right ... where did she go ?!? Friday August 26th, 2005 6:33:05 AM
Airin is increadibly embarrased by Erwen's behaviour. She doesn't want to be helped to get up yet she appreciates Nezamil's help. As Kendry comes to help her cure the bruise she would much rather appreciate a hug, for her pride got a bigger bruise than her arm and the loos of Erwen grieves her much. (and she could do with some mental support).
"r- r rrealy s s sorry" she stammers to the old priest and helps picking up the coins.
Instead of following the others Airin hesitates ... "I should go find Erwen ! Who knows what she will be up to !!" she runs to the front doors but then realises those Marteaus followers are probably still outside.
"erwen ... please come back ..." she whispers, a big tear rolling over her cheek.
Patterton Friday August 26th, 2005 10:39:05 AM
The large Hobbit is startled a bit by the sudden disturbance and spins to see Podo and Kendry already at the Druid's aid. Concerned for Airin's safety, Patterton is relieved when he sees his cousin administer the salve. As Airin runs after the bird he speaks via the spell, "I'm sure he'll come back. Must have just been a little jumpy to be inside such a dark room."
He then makes his way to the alter.
Kendry [Message, 28 minutes remaining] d20+3=15 Friday August 26th, 2005 2:43:52 PM
[Sense motive roll to discern that Airin would prefer a hug: 15. Close enough!]
Kendry, sensing how shaken she is, gives Airin a hug after applying the salve. "Saw the dust from the shaken rug. If I were Erwen, I might have been startled, too. Don't worry, let's get him back." Rather than continuing toward the dome, he steps outside for a moment to wait for Airin to retrieve Erwen - or to make what arrangements she chooses with the fierce eagle. He pays no mind to the Marteaus followers, unless they get in his face. He does glance about to see if the quiet bard or lactose-tolerant dwarf are to be found.
Once done, then he walks with her, now briskly (the appointed time draws near!) toward the Dome of Gargul.
DM Kelly - Time 11:50 Friday August 26th, 2005 4:30:40 PM
Everyone rushes to bring back order to the temple. Airin is picked up off the floor, administered aid, and even hugged. The coins are scooped up, and the rugs put back in place. The priest does his best to forget the whole scene, as the worshippers seem very generous today. Heads turn away, as the other worshippers go back to supplicating Gargul.
Kendry and Airin rush to the entrance and look outside. Erwen is high in the sky, although now that he is free from the dark room, he seems at ease. He flys in slow circles, high above the courtyard. His panic is over.
They see Arm and Wilfire wandering off, seemingly lost in each others company.
Shrugging his shoulders at the lost companions, Kendry encourages Airin that they should go back into the temple quickly.
Everyone now has donned the black robe and has a prayerbook and a rug under their arm. You enter the Dome of Gargul. Burning incense gives the air a strong musky aroma. Flickering candles light the center of the Dome, but the roof is lost in blackness. There are about 20 people kneeling on rugs, facing the alter of Gargul. Two priests tend the alter, while another priest goes around to the candles and incense trimming and relighting them when needed. Everyone is caught up in devotion to Gargul. All except that young worshipper near the wall. He seems more interested in who is coming and going.
Kendry [Message 24 minutes] Friday August 26th, 2005 7:51:46 PM "Your friend will be fine, I'm sure, Airin. Maybe it's best if we let her travel the winds above as we walk the dark halls within. Perhaps in a bit we can return, and you can call her down. Come, dear one," he urges gently.
On the walk there, Kendry places a hand over his mouth, so as to prevent anyone from reading his lips, and whispers, "Remember, under the dome, turn to chapter six of the prayer book. It starts on page..." and here Kendry gives the page number.
Once under the Dome of Gargul, Kendry takes a moment to cast detect thoughts, making sure that his line of sight between the fellow who is watching the comings and goings is obscured by a few of his companions during the casting. He then starts extending his awareness out. In the first six seconds, he becomes aware of intelligent minds within a 60 foot cone. In the next tenth of a minute, as he lays his prayer rug upon the floor, he is able to tell the intelligence level of those within that area. [If any has an intelligence of 26 or greater, then the bard may be stunned for a round, and the spell lost.] By the third round, he will be able to pick up surface thoughts. Unless someone else in the area piques his interest, Kendry focuses his mental attention on the young man who watches. [Will save DC 16.] His head is cloaked by the black robe, and his ears listen to the echoing sounds of prayer.
Gilan Friday August 26th, 2005 8:20:50 PM
Gilan is also there to lay a hand upon Airin's shoulder. "Never fear...I can find her easily if needed." His smile tells you that he would much rather be outside with the eagle than inside this temple, but little is his choice at present.
As they enter the dome he looks around and shakes his head as the incense hits him. "That could get annoying quick." He seems to growls these words from under the hood of his black robe. He lays out the rug upon the floor and then takes a sear looking at the black book with mild annoyance as well. "Why read when you can tell your stories....or better yet live them." He does thumb to the correct page but does not really pay attention to the book as his eyes dart around the room, though he does not turn his head.
DM - Will we be in a city setting for the whole module? Just asking in case it is not too late to incorporate my animal companion. I had thought it a city setting and a wolf is not really that welcome in cities. :) Nor do they really want to be in them and Gilan would not ask his companion to follow him in here otherwise.
Podo Saturday August 27th, 2005 12:46:34 AM
Once the distraction is over and calm is returned, Podo dons the robe, pulling the hood down to his eyebrows shading hsi face. He flips to chapter 6 in the prayerbook. Walking over to be closer to the incense burner; placing himself between the incense burner and the lone watcher. "How I do love the smell of incense in the morning" Podo thinks to himself as he deeply breathes in the smoke of the burnings.
Podo lays the rug out onto the floor and assumes a position on the rug as if he's donr this before. Assuming a prone prayer position on the rug and with book opened on the floor, Podo goes through the motion of someone praying to their God.
"Aaaahhh....DddddOooooMmmmmmIiiiii....Ahhhhhh" whispers Podo in a barely audiable sounds even to those that can hear him via the message spell.
Patterton Sunday August 28th, 2005 10:23:36 PM
Patty pulls the cowl down over his eyes and kneels on his mat beside Podo. He feels a bit silly, being an atheist sort by nature, but he plays the part until the speaker they are waiting for makes himself known.
Airin d20+10=16 d20+10=11 Monday August 29th, 2005 6:35:28 AM
Airin appreciates Kendry's gesture and walks back to the group with him. Comforted by his reassuring words. From the look in her eyes Kendry knows he's done the right thing and said the right words.
Slowly she comes back to the rest of the group and pulls herself together. After all, we've got things to do.
She takes her robe and prayerbook and goes to find a seat, opening her book at chapter six ... trying to figure out what the fuss is about this Gargul. After all, the only power she admires is the power of nature and Druidicism.
While she appears to be reading her eyes take on the surrounding and looks to the ones visiting the temple. Yet the text she's reading is more important than she thought. She's completely enchanted by this chapter and no longers hears what goes on in the temple.
Rolls : Spot 16 Listen 11 (nat 1 ! There we go again !! ;-) )
DM Kelly - Time about noon Monday August 29th, 2005 6:14:04 PM
You all kneel at the altar of Gargul, opening your prayerbooks to Chapter 6. While most find the book of little interest, Airin is soon lost in the depth of information. A simple prayer, yet so deep.
The soul to the body is bound, yet death will come to all. The soul lasts, yet the body crumbles. We will not grieve, all will come to pass. Live life, death comes soon enough.......
Podo meanwhile is sitting upon his rug, chanting as he reads. Podo's chant is barely audible, yet those amoung you can't help to notice that he prays to Domi instead of Gargul. Thankfully, the gods do not always pay notice to each detail that goes on in the temple, at least you hope.
Gilan itches to be outside. The confines of the temple and the thick lingering smoke is stifling. He is glad that he has left his animal friend in the wild. The confines of the city are almost too much for Gilan, a wolf would probably start tearing apart those around him, just to feel alive. Gilan has a similar urge.
Patty does not feel of the spirit. Questioning whether the gods actually exist or are just invented to control people, he sits quietly. Not even caring to answer the question.
Kendry covertly casts a spell to discern the thought of those around him. As he concentrates upon the young man against the wall, he senses that he is seeking information. Gold and jewels are on his mind.
Soon the young man gets up and walks toward the group.
"I'm here, what's up?"
Kendry is immediately suspicious, and is about to speak when the old priest who has been keeping the candles and incense burning turns to the man. In a quiet yet powerful voice, he says:
"Jab, I have told you before to stay away. The temple is no place for thieves. Go, now!"
The man almost bolts for the door and is gone.
The old priest then turns to you and says:
"Chapter 6 is a very old and powerful chapter. Would you seek enlightenment on its power for your life?"
"By the way, how is the old bard master Gurbo doing?"
Kendry [Message, 15 minutes remaining; Detect Thoughts] d20+14=24 Monday August 29th, 2005 6:58:54 PM
Hmmm - a nice way to allay suspicions, if this priest and the young man, Jab, are in collusion. Kendry's detect thoughts moves over to the priest. The priest does ask an appropriate question - in addition to a curious one.
He searches his memory for the name of a bard named Gurbo [Bardic knowledge: 24 (Doesn't ring a bell for me, personally!)] If he fails to recall a bard by this name, he replies, "Gurbo? Don't know him. Do you know of a bard with an ursine name?" he asks - wondering whether the priest knows of Ursis, but not wanting to feed him the name directly. He probes his thoughts as well as he is able.
Nezamil Tuesday August 30th, 2005 12:26:50 AM
Nezamil smiles to himself as Podo whispers a silent preyer to Domi .
The dwarf looks up at the old priest from the prayer rug " very old and powerful chapter " Nezamil arches an eyebrow at the old priest " is that a clue ?" as Nezamil flips the pages to reach chapter 6 " the gods were hiding something old and powerful from us .....can't just be a coincidence " ponders the dwarf as he eyes the old priest
At the mention of Gurbo a old master bard the dwarf shrugs his shoulders and glances at his fellow band members to see if they answer the old priest
Gilan Tuesday August 30th, 2005 1:08:06 AM
Gilan sneezes as the incense finally gets to him and he then takes notice of the priest. He does glance around at the others not really understanding a word of this.
From under his hood he bares his teeth and lets out a low growl. Inside everyones' head is the same impulse and thought from Gilan. Got to get out of this place fast...tear and rend...fresh air away from this filth. He fights the impulse to keep his seat as he continues a low growl, hoping that everyone will take it as a prayer.
Patterton Tuesday August 30th, 2005 1:32:06 AM
Patty glances up as the priest approaches, but takes more of an interest in the departing Jab. He gets a good look at the pretender and makes a mental note of the thief's appearance before lowering his head again, a frown on his face.
"A lackey of the priests Marteaus perhaps?" he whispers to the others. He is tempted to follow the man, but thinks better of it given that this meeting is obviously important to their mission.
Airin d20+10=25 Tuesday August 30th, 2005 3:13:46 AM Live life, death comes soon enough......
The last line keeps pondering in Airin's head. Even though Gargul is not her god, there's a lot of truth in it. She has to remember this sentence in case she ever is brought before Gargul ...
Even though she is captured by the prayerbook she suddenly hears Kendry talking to someone but only hears Kendry's last line "Do you know of a bard with an ursine name?".
"Kendry, don't you mean Ursis ?", Airin says as she looks up from her prayerbook. Only then she sees who Kendry is talking to and realises she may have said too much ... for the second time in Gargul's temple, Airin's cheeks turn red ... this just ain't her day !
Rolls : Listen 25
Kendry [Message, 15 minutes remaining; Detect thoughts] Tuesday August 30th, 2005 4:12:40 AM
Kendry smiles at Airin, "Yes, yes, I suppose I do." He gives her a wink, and returns his attention to the priest, still fishing for his thoughts.
DM Kelly - Just after noon Tuesday August 30th, 2005 8:58:29 PM
Patty resists following the man as he quickly leaves the building. Perhaps there will be time later to question him.
With the disappearance of the alleged thief, the priest seems to relax. Looking about, he says in a quiet voice:
"Yes, you are right it is Ursis. I need to be sure. I sent word to him about an item that was found. He was to send someone to help."
As Kendry trys to detect his thoughts, he does not detect any. Either the man is brain dead, or is resisting efforts to read his mind. With an annoyed glance at Kendry, he says in a normal voice:
"The temple of death, yes that is where you can learn more of the passage about death that you are reading. Come, let me show you where to seek answers."
He motions for you to follow, and he leaves for the large dome room that was on your right when you first entered the temple. The room was even darker and thicker with smoke than the rest of the temple, a point that is not lost to Gilan.
Do you follow?
Since the whisper spell is still active, I will post this to all:
Meanwhile, outside in the market place Wilfire looks around to find that the group has already gone into the temple. He says good-bye to Arm, who expresses that he would rather not continue on. As Arm leaves, two people walk up to Wilfire. He recognizes them from the Giggling Ghost the day before. One is a dour looking dwarf with three braids in his beard. He is wearing blackened armor and carries a large black waraxe. The other is a man, who seems to stand out in a primitive way. He is average in size, but his hair is stiff and smells of berries. His face is painted in red and white and black, in what appear to be muds and earth pigments.
The dwarf says:
"Oakclub sent us. Where are the others?"
OOC: Two new players (MikeK and DanielK) and one lost player (Lenny-Arm). Wilfire will be getting back to posting.
Podo d20+17=23 d20+5=18 d20+7=13 Tuesday August 30th, 2005 11:30:53 PM
As podo finishes his prayer, he gets up and follows the priest using his balance to walk upon the floor cautiously and trying to sense his motive for leading us into another dome while listening to any sounds coming from the footsteps into the new dome area.(Balance = 23; sense motive = 18; Listen = 13)
Nezamil d20+3=11 Tuesday August 30th, 2005 11:51:05 PM
The dwarf listens as the old priest whispers to them " temple of death " muses the Cleric of Domi as he searches his memory for clues (d20+3=11 knowledge of religion ch)
With a nod of his head to the others Nezamil gets to his feet " steady and fearless he is " as he follows the lightfooted Podo into the Gargul's temple of death
Gilan Wednesday August 31st, 2005 12:07:45 AM
Gilan stands easily and lightly as the others do He pads along with the group and wrinkles his nose further as he is assaulted by even more incense. "This is killing my senses." He mumbles more under his breathe and he silently is glad that he does not need to shapshift in this room...though something without a sense of smell would be nice about now.
Sending his thoughts to the rest he tries to get them to hurry up. Lets hurry if we can...I am feeling a real need to do some damage in this place...the incense and all is starting to wear upon my resolve. There is no joking or kidding in his voice at all, just an added grating growl.
Kendry [Message, 10 minutes remaining] d20+3=5 Wednesday August 31st, 2005 2:03:12 AM
Kendry drops his detect thoughts spell. It seems this is the right contact.
"Steady, Gilan. A bit of discomfort now may pay off later," the bard encourages the rough-edged man. "If it gets too much for you, perhaps you can go outside, and join up with Wilf. But I hope you tough it out and stay with us."
"We are here, Gargul's Dome, moving to another room," Kendry whispers to Wilfire. He whispers the path they take to the - 'temple of death'? "Look, pass this on, Wilf, can you all maybe stay outside for the moment, and keep your eyes peeled to see what the men with the red eyes on their clothes are doing? Try to keep out of their way. Make sure they don't bother Corela at the fruit stand or Tueful at Faithworks. The red eyes - followers of Marteaus - threatened strong measures against us. Let's see if we can channel them away from proxies," he concludes his whisper.
"Forgive the attempt at intrusion, sir," Kendry says quietly to the elderly priest. "I felt a need to take care - as did you." He allows this to settle, then adds, "The followers of Marteaus warned us against continuing this 'avenue of investigation,'" he tells him. "They made a show of force near the temple doors, and threatened to 'take strong actions to stop' us. I pray you have good security here..."
[Spot: 5 - Kendry is too busy communicating and listening to have a great eye for his surroundings, other than to pass on general directions to those without.]
He thinks to add in a whisper, "Wilfire - can you keep a whispered commentary going should you spot anything we should know of? Any constabulary about? Might let them know the Red Eyes promised trouble - or not, as you choose."
After that, he expectantly awaits whatever the old priest wants to say or do.
Airin Wednesday August 31st, 2005 5:00:05 AM
Slowly Airin closes her prayerbook and stows it in her backpack ... "For future references" she quickly adds.
Then she follows the rest towards the "Temple of Death". She does not like the sound of that !
Patterton Wednesday August 31st, 2005 1:09:53 PM
Patty lurches to his feet and stuffs the prayerbook in his pack before following the old priest into this "Temple of Death." He glances over at Gilan, picking up on the feral man's discomfort. 'Hope this doesn't turn ugly...', he thinks to himself as they move on.
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