DM Jamie d20=20 d20=17 Thursday September 15th, 2005 3:13:58 PM We had a bad storm last night and my ISP just got us back up and running now. I also appologize, it is the cathedral of light and not temple of light.
The appearence of the wolf may be disturbing to some, but it takes care of the body most efficiently. Zeoll, as far as you can tell the ring is just a ring, the papers are just drawings, the bow glows, and the different looking arrows glow. The rest of the arrows appear normal.
Everyone begins the walk to the Cathedral of Light. On the way there you notice less and less people walking through the city. It appears as if the people of the city are begining to get fed up with the overrunning of nature and have just decided to not go out anymore. Every once in a while you see the person sitting back in an alleyway or standing on a street corner looking for a handout, but for the most part the city seems deserted.
As you approach, the house of Alemi is everything you ever heard it would be, and more. Great pillars of light shine up to the heavens through the tops of the spires. The grounds are lit with a soft glow from balls of light seemingly hanging in the middle of nowhere. Beautiful night blossoming plants dot the landscape around the Cathedral while there counterpart plants rest during the hours of darkness.
As you look at the Cathedral you can make out the beginings of dawn across the horizon. Boy, did it ever take a while to get over here. As you approach the door it opens and a young man approaches. He looks to me no more than 18. He has short curly blonde hair and is rather thin for his height. His eyes are a deep blue and he has a small amount of peach fuzz across his chin and cheeks.
"What do you want at this hour?" He asks coldly with a hint of arrogance. "Little early to begin asking for favors from the gods, isn't it? Oh, well, I guess it is my job to cater to the less fortunate. Come, follow me." You can't tell if he is just like this or if it is the arrogence of youth.
He leads you up to the front of the Cathedral. Any questions or accusations dirrected at him or the Cathedral are waived off until he reaches the front of the Cathedral.
Theodore and Macaw d20+4=24 d20+4=19 Thursday September 15th, 2005 9:47:07 PM
Theodore looks about trying to spot anyone or anything suspicious as they head up the steps of the cathedral. (Spot 24, Listen 19)
When they reach the entrance, Macaw flaps up to a perch to keep an eye out while the party goes inside.
Vorelle Thursday September 15th, 2005 11:53:23 PM
On the way to the Cathedral, Vorelle keeps looking about her, gaping at the strange and wonderful sights. Here they are Above, and yet the city is so clean! The buildings, the people, even the streets are clean!
When she sees the Cathedral itself, Vorelle stops and stares, unable to help herself. Never has she seen anything so magnificent. She begins to understand why people sometimes live in cities.
Brahmah Friday September 16th, 2005 8:22:52 AM
Brahmah looks at the acolyte. "It's NEVER too early to ask for help when your meek and feeble like us less fortunate." His muscles ripple as he stretches and shows his nice mithril armor and sword hilts under the robes.
"Yes, we'll follow, Gods only know how we poor ignorant folk can't manage without out the people in the service trades... urm, tour guides.... urm, what do they call your job, what is your job title? This must be terribly fulfilling to stand at the doors on the late shift and show around poor shmucks like us."
Brahmah's sarcasism is palletable and coarse. Seems clergy may not be on the top of his list of favorite people to deal with.
Tratain Friday September 16th, 2005 7:07:45 PM
Tratain follows the young man up the steps, not amused by the young acolites demenor. Clerics, especially those that Follow Alemi should be kind to those less fortunate. They shouldn't be talking down to people.
He comments to his Group but loud enough so the young man can hear "In the War Cathedral, we've found that sparing Matches with the Senior Weapons Masters fixes those with dispositions like his. Once thier Ego is deflated the real training can begin and the acolite can become useful. I guess here they just make people stand outside real early and hope they learn on thier own."
DM Jamie Friday September 16th, 2005 11:37:24 PM
OOC: My internet just came back up. I guess the storm did more harm that I thought. I will wait for a few more posts and get in mine tomorrow.
Ashira d20+12=25 d20+11=31 Saturday September 17th, 2005 12:57:20 AM
As they approach the Temple of Light, Ashira pulls herself deeper into the recess of her cloak...clearly uncomfortable. She stays very close to Zeoll, apparently drawing comfort from his presence. She laughs loudly at the acolytes words. "If I wished to ask for favors, you can be certain I wouldn't go to Alemi!" she hisses in Zeoll's ear. She even chuckles mirthfully at Brahmah's words. But mostly, she keeps to herself, watching and listening. (Spot=25, Listen=31)
Zeoll d20+24=41 Saturday September 17th, 2005 6:33:55 AM
The liontaur smiles at his new friends' comments. Then, ignoring the acolyte's attitude, he says, "Excuse me, Frriend-in-Alemi, but we would like to enterr the churrch despite the earrly hourr. It is a matterr of some urrgency. We would also like to speak to whoeverr is in charrge of securrity herre. I hope you will be kind enough to help us."
[Diplomacy check 41]
DM Jamie Sunday September 18th, 2005 3:14:08 PM
After the long walk to the front of the cathedral he turns to the group and says, "My name is Aralius and your concerns are noted and will be upchanneled, but I feel I handle every situation with the appropriate attitude." He pauses for a second to moisten his lipsand turn to Zeoll. "You must understand that their is really no one other than vagrants that are seeking entrance at this hour. I am merely protecting the cathedral."
"As for seeing our head of security, you can see we have one of the largest personal militias in the city. I don't think you need worry about anything happening here. How else may I help you?"
Theodore, Macaw takes a lofty perch to keep and eye on things from above. You do, however, notice an older looking female wearing the robes of Alemi. She is watching the group.
Ashira, you notice the woman as well. You also see that she is begining to walk over towards you.
Vorelle Sunday September 18th, 2005 10:26:39 PM
Still gaping like a yokel, Vorelle follows the acolyte (priest?) into the temple. There's nothing half this nice in Dirt City.
Tratain d20+7=27 d20+7=18 Monday September 19th, 2005 4:56:47 PM
Tratain looks around trying to see if the Red Cloaked Gargulites are around or if anyone else looks as though they are eyeing the Party, while Zeoll deals with the Young Priest.
Spot 27 Natural 20 Listen 18
Brahmah Monday September 19th, 2005 7:17:23 PM
He stands by until he's needed.
OOC: As a piece of personal information, my father was in a motorcycle wreck and is in critical condition, so I likely won't post much this week.
DM Jamie Monday September 19th, 2005 8:25:02 PM
OOC: I am sorry to hear about your father. No problem with the posting. If you want me to post occasionally for you let me know.
I am going to wait until tomorrow to post so I can get more people to post their actions.
Theodore and Macaw Monday September 19th, 2005 10:28:59 PM
Theodore taps Vorelle and Rose and points them towards the old woman. "She's been watching us. What do you think?"
Ashira d20+12=30 d20+11=14 Tuesday September 20th, 2005 3:06:17 PM
Ashira catches the movement of the priest and whispers to the group. "We've got company." Deep within the dark confines of her robe, Ashira fumes as she thinks. How long until I can get out of this accursed place? She glares at the young accolyte. Stupid boy, you don't know anything about Alemi. You just wait...just when you need him the most you see if he's there for you! Ha! Ashira fidgets underneath her robe as she anxiously awaits the end of this meeting. Still, no use endangering her partners... Ashira makes sure to keep a good look out for trouble (Spot=30, Listen=14).
Zeoll Tuesday September 20th, 2005 3:45:04 PM
The liontaur takes a more conciliatory approach with the young acolyte.
"The hourr is indeed unusual, but need drrives us. We arre on a holy quest, but we want to tell the good prriests herre about the possible dangerr to them. You may have hearrd about the attack on the Temple of the God of Death? The same villains may be strriking herre next. Please let us in."
Jay B (Brahmah) Tuesday September 20th, 2005 5:15:56 PM
OOC: Yes, it would be nice for you to post for me. Thanks Jamie.
BTW, Brahmah isn't ignoring things going on, he's simply waiting for his time to chime in with suggestions.
DM Jamie Tuesday September 20th, 2005 8:51:37 PM
OOC: I am illegally posting from work because it is the only network connection I have access to right now. Has anyone heard from Rose?
I will work on getting in a post later tonite or in the morning. Sorry for any inconvenience.
DM Jamie Wednesday September 21st, 2005 8:42:34 AM
Haivng to put up with the treatment by this obviously young acolyte is getting a little more than the group can handle. Just before several of the party make something unholy out of him an elderly priestess approaches.
"My name is Silvyre," she says in a soft voice. "You must forgive young Arelius here. We were visited by some rather persistent adventurers earlier and he was just trying to keep prying eyes away from the temple. They were here looking for something... What was it again Arelius?"
Arelius, who has started looking at the ground, looks up and says,"One of the parchments I sent to the temple of Gargul. They wouldn't believe me about it. They began to threaten me and I was forced to call the guards to escort them out."
Silvyre looks across the party, "What is it we can do for you at the citadel of light? We are but your humble servants."
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday September 21st, 2005 11:14:23 AM
Theodore glances at Vorelle at the mention of the parchment.
That's right. She wasn't here when we received the parchment. I'll have to fill her in on what's been going on.
"They would not have left so easily unless they knew of another way in," he muses to himself. Then he slaps his forhead. "Of course! The map! They must know of another way in."
"Lady Silvyre, we believe your temple is in danger. Someone might be trying to get in. The temple of Gargul was just recently ransacked by these same hooligans."
Zeoll Wednesday September 21st, 2005 10:04:32 PM
The liontaur agrees with Theo and adds more.
"An old prriest of Garrgul who did not give us his name gave us a parrchment rrecently. He said it came frrom yourr temple. We arre trrying to deterrmine its prrovenence."
He looks at the acolyte. "Did you send the Temple of Garrgul a set of books rrecently? Ourr parrchment was found in books."
Rose Wednesday September 21st, 2005 10:08:09 PM
ooc: Everyone I'm sorry I haven't posted. This last week has been really bad and all I have done is sleep and sometimes read. Monday I slept at least 16 hours and I'm not really sure what else I did. I'm feeling better and hopefully this wont happen again anytime soon. Loretta
Rose stays near Theo and Vorelle while riding Mandy. She is a little quiet and there is a sad look in her eyes. Piper keeps trying to cheer Rose up.
Ashira d20+12=23 d20+11=20 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 12:37:01 AM
Ashira continues to fidget under her robes as she waits impatiently to leave the accursed temple. (Spot=23, Listen=20)
Vorelle d20+14=22 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 1:35:19 AM
Vorelle listens intently, glad to be caught up on what is going on. As she listens, her eyes dart about the cathedral, looking for anything unusual.
[Heh. When in doubt, make a Spot check. 22. ]
DM Jamie d20=13 d20=14 d20=3 d20=11 d20=16 d20=17 d20=14 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 5:33:02 PM OOC: Woohoo, teh interent company came out and fixed my internet today. There was stray voltage or something running through the wire. Something on their end messing up my connection.
Silvyre turns to Theodore and says, "I assure you young master, that our citadel is quite adaquetly protected. And this other way in you speak of doesn't exist. The only way into the citadel is through one of the door on this level. Each of which can be seen from where we are."
Arelies looks toward Zeoll. "I recently sent a whole bunch of items from the basement. They were all marked with the holy symbol of Gargul. As a courtesy I sent them to the temple of Gargul. I do not know what was in them."
At this Silvyre, looking distressed, says, "You jmust excuse us for a second." She takes Arelius off to the side and begins to talk with him very quickly and excitedly.
Rose, your mount notices that you are troubled and whines under you to show his concern.
OOC: Glad to see you back. If there is anything I can do let me know
Ashira and Vorelle your observations pay off. You think you see a few of the guards moving hurridly to the main entrance.
Brahmah and Solgrin, not comfortable with the settings they are in for some reason decide to stand off to the side. With their exclusive vantage point they begin to see some comotion comming from outside. The move towards one of the side entrances in order to investigate.
Zeoll Thursday September 22nd, 2005 9:51:30 PM
Zeoll carefully keeps himself within 30 feet of Silvyre and Arelius, watching them carefully. He uses his spot check to read their lips. [OOC: The Spot skill description says that the DM has to roll the check and determine what happens. Zeoll's Spot modifier is +9.]
The liontaur keeps alert as to what else is going on.
Vorelle d20+20=32 d20+20=27 d20+14=16 d20+14=29 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 11:51:46 PM
As unobtrusively as possible, Vorelle moves to where she has a good vantage point for the door. She keeps her eyes and ears open.
[Hide 32, Move Silently 27, Spot 16, Listen 29]
Tratain Friday September 23rd, 2005 7:24:13 AM
Tratain says "Show Her the Map we found on the dopleganger. Perhapse she can see if there is something marked on the Map that is not supposed to be common knowledge."
Theodore and Macaw Friday September 23rd, 2005 3:13:28 PM
At Tratain's suggestion, Theodore produces the map to show to Silvyre. "This is what we found. Can you make anything of it?"
Ashira Friday September 23rd, 2005 9:22:17 PM
Her hands on her swords under her cloak, Ashira moves a little closer toward the main entrance. That way if there's trouble, she'll be on the frontline. But it would probably be her luck that it was just some drunk wandering in and causing trouble. And then she'd be stuck in this accursed temple with nothing to distract her while that stupid priestess prattles on and on about how wonderful Alemi was. Ashira shudders. She'd rather kill herself than let that happen.
Zeoll Saturday September 24th, 2005 2:57:55 PM
'Good idea, Trratain," says Zeoll. Zeoll also explains that the doppleganger was carrying this signet ring, which he shows to Silvyre.
DM Jamie Saturday September 24th, 2005 6:45:55 PM My oppologies for the delay in posting. My ISP has been to the house severla times. Each time the internet works for about two hours and then goes down. Right now I am at 14k per second and had to wait 10 minutes for the page to come up. I am going to go and use another connection either tonite or Sunday. The ISP is comming bakc out on Monday in order to figure everything out. Thanks for understanding.
Also, for those of you wondering we are not falling behind the other group at all. This week we will be in line with them all.
Brahmah (Jay B) Sunday September 25th, 2005 3:58:15 AM
OOC: Sorry guys and gals, things in real life hit fast in the last two weeks. I will return to a regular schedule around the 1st of October.
Rose d20+10=14 d20+10=26 d20+8=11 d20+10=14 d20+6=10 d20+6=15 Monday September 26th, 2005 1:36:59 AM
Rose remains quiet, she realizes that she's missed out on some stuff with all of her crying and stuff (or maybe she's just to dense right now to think) when the group is back at the inn she'll talk to the others and catch up on anything that she has missed. Meanwhile Rose, Piper, and Mandy will keep an eye out for any problems.
rose listen: 14, +2 if piper is near spot: 26, +2 if piper is near
Piper aid another checks listen: 11 spot: 14
Mandy aid another checks listen: 10 spot: 15
DM Jamie d20+9=19 Monday September 26th, 2005 11:12:04 PM Zeoll, you begin to watch for some type of reading, but it appears as if they are speaking too quickly for you to get anything.
With the commotion going on at the front entrance you all see Silvyre and Atrius look up at the entrance. Silvyre looks startled and she grasps Atrius by the arm hard enough for her knuckles to turn white. She says something to him and releases him. He just stands there looking at the entrance.
Everyone, you notice that there is some sort of commotion going on at the main gates. The guards around the temple begin to close and bar all of the side entrances into the temple.
Silvyre slaps him across the side of the face, bringing him back to the present and shouts at him, "GO! NOW!"
Coming back to the party she is continuously glancing at the front entrance. "Come quickly," she says hurriedly, "Events have been placed in motion that we have no control over."
Before she gets in another word you all hear a loud ping from the front entrance that sounds as if someone has taken a great sword and driven it through marble. The sound reverberates throughout the cathedral. All inside the cathedral stop for a second and it seems as if time freezes. At the main entrance is a great mass of people. The eight men in red are there along with a garrison of soldiers. The soldiers look to be of the city guards, but something is different about them. You can't quite place it.
Several of the senior priest are at the front along with the cathedral guard. There is an argument ensuring.
"Hand over the criminals to us. They still have to answer for the fire that was set in the marketplace."
The priests and guards are making a valiant attempt at keeping them from entering the temple.
"We must leave now. Please come with me." Pleads Silvyre.
Ashira Monday September 26th, 2005 11:57:42 PM
Ashira looks over longingly at the scuffle at the doors. Revenge...so sweet...so close. But what good would it be..they obviously have the numbers stacked in their favors. Sighing deeply, Ashira follows Silvyre. This whole situation was starting to become so frustration. All this cloak and dagger crap...this was Appolo's forte. Now a nice clean fight...or even a dirty one...that would be a welcome change of pace.
OOC Jamie, keep up the good job!! I'm having a great time!!
Vorelle Tuesday September 27th, 2005 1:00:10 AM
Being elsewhere sounds like a good idea to Vorelle. As she follows Silvyre, she moves up next to Theo. "Wh-wh-what happened in the m-m-m-marketplace?" she asks in an undertone.
Rose Tuesday September 27th, 2005 2:54:57 AM
Rose hops back up onto Mandy and stays close to Vorelle, Theo, and Ashira.
Tratain Tuesday September 27th, 2005 12:50:08 PM
Tratain follows Silvyre with the others looking at the entrence and the Men in Red. Seeing if they notice the group.
Zeoll Tuesday September 27th, 2005 6:36:40 PM
The liontaur hesitates, and it is clear that he wants to fight the men in red. But all his friends clearly want to go, and Silvyre is pleading for the same. Plus dawn is near and Zeoll is weary. So he follows his friends and the priest of Alemi.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday September 27th, 2005 10:17:23 PM
Theodore follows along with the rest of the group. He sends a mental command for Macaw to stay where he is and keep an eye on things.
DM Jamie Wednesday September 28th, 2005 8:51:24 AM I will post again late tonite to make up for nothing yesterday. I was chastised for posting from work and I am still having problems with the ISP. Now I have to get an electrician over to the house to see if I am getting stray voltage over the cable line.
Thanks for going along with this so far. I have added a lot of stuff into this post. Let me know if you want your character to do something. I am trying to express the shortness of time. If you want to do something it will have to be quick and quite possibly while you are running.
The mad rush through the cathedral takes you back behind the alter to a door that looks to be part of the wall. This is the same general area that Atrius had run through. As you make your way through the doorway you hear the sounds of a battle beginning behind you. Their is the sound of sword clashing and the screams of those being slain.
I am putting your marching order as follows: Ashira, Vorelle, Rose, Tratain, Zeoll, Theodore, Solgrin, Brahmah
As you run through the temple to its inner areas you are led through what seems is a maze of corridors. Every so often you will go up or down flights of stairs until you are led into an office where a powerful priest is looking at what appears to be a ship manifest.
"Hi, I am Servante, and I am in charge of maintaining contact with priests who are far away. I also follow Ffloy, God of Trade. We have been looking for the parchment that was accidently given to the temple of Gargul by an impetuous young acolyte." He glares over to the corner where Atrius is panting. "The parchment came back from an ancient temple of Alemi that dates back to the first age. The temple was originally found by a group of Pirates of Jack known as the Swords of Redemption. The city is now empty except for ghosts and other dangers. It is the former capital city of the Empire of Aisildur when it was called simply Isildur.
"I concur with Ursis now that this IS involved with the current goings on with nature attacking all manner of civilization. So, I have arranged for a gateway to be prepared to take you there. I must urge you to not speak of this gateway again as it is.....not known to the public."
"Good luck and know that the enemy you have faced this day, these Red Testers have backing from the HIGHEST places among the Gods of Testing. Beware."
As Servante finished you can hear the faint sound of rattling armor and clashing swords coming from behind you.
"They have made it into the temple and through our defenses," whispers Silvyre, "They will soon be upon us. We must fly if we are to make it in time. Keep up all of you."
"Don't worry friends," says Servante with a calm air about him, "They have Atrius and me to deal with yet, godspeed." He finishes and turns towards the direction of the sounds of battle. He begins to chant and weave a pattern in the air. Those of you that practice the arts have never felt such power come from one person. You can literally feel the walls pulsate as the power flows through the priest as a conduit
Once again the party is rushed off further inside the temple and into the opening of a great cave. You all enter on a ledge at the top of a great underground cavern. The floor seems to be about 60 feet below you and the far wall is 100 feet distance. The sides are each about 70 feet to your sides. At the far end a giant mirror stands at least 20 feet high.
There is a spiral staircase leading down from your position on the ledge. The staris are all connected to the same pipe that runs from ceiling to floor. Silvyre userhs you down. Meet with the man at the mirror for instruction. As you make you way down Silvyre stays at the top and says to you all, "Good luck. You hold the fate of the Wold in your hands. I believe in you all." With that she turns to face the oncoming horde.
As you get to the bottom and make your way to the mirror you see a swarthy ship captain standing before it. "Well mate, that's as good as I can do ya for! I hope I got it right. Good luck to ya. The rest is up to you. You just need to step though."
It might sound cheesy, but think 'Star Gate' for the way the mirror undulates.
Zeoll (Inspire Courage, Mage Armor, Heroism) Wednesday September 28th, 2005 12:37:51 PM
As the party moves fast, Zeoll sings a traditional hymn celebrating Domi and Alemi's friendship. The music lifts the spirits of the group as well as those of Servante and Atrius. Zeoll knows that these priests are fighting for them -- a song to inspire courage in them is the least he can do before stepping through the mirror.
Which the liontaur then does, still singing.
Stuff used: 2 staff charges 1 zero level bard spell 2 first level bard spells 1 second level bard spell 1 bardic music
Druid spells (in [brackets] = cast): Lvl 0: Detect Poison, Guidance x3, Know Direction Lvl 1: Speak with Animals (x2), Calm Animals, Charm Animal Lvl 2: Animal Trance (x2), Hold Animal Lvl 3: Speak with Plants, [Dominate Animal]
Rose Wednesday September 28th, 2005 7:23:11 PM
Rose has to get off Mandy and tries to coax her through the portal. Finally she gives up "Theo! help me get mandy through!"
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday September 28th, 2005 10:31:19 PM
Macaw comes soaring into the room.
"Okay, then," Theodore says to Rose. He rolls up the sleeves of his tunic, which promptly slide back down past his hands. He takes a running start to push Mandy through the portal, slips on the hem of his trousers, and tumbles through the portal.
"Stupid," mutters Macaw. The raven flaps after the clumsy wizard.
Vorelle d20=19 Wednesday September 28th, 2005 11:42:46 PM
Moving cautiously, Vorelle approaches the riding dog and begins to pet her, trying to reassure her so that Rose can coax her through the portal.
[Successfully Aid Another, to give Rose a +2 on her Handle Animal check.]
Ashira d20+6=15 Thursday September 29th, 2005 12:01:02 AM
The ranger laughs out loud at the mention of the old temple of Ilsildur. "Other dangers..." she states simply, remembering back when oh so long ago she and the family stumbled upon the temple. She remembers the wolf that Appolo tried to kill... and that was her animal companion for a little while. Perhaps she would see him again. Then their battle with that strange creature the Andruid. And then those strange bug things. The ghost of the emperor...the treasure vault!! Rigging proposing to her there. And then there are some mottled images... like something she should remember because it was very important, but somehow can't. The inner sanctum... Alemi's bow... changing into a mummy... no impossible. And then she can't help feeling that somehow she helped do something very important, but she was somewhere else. Memories flood her mind and she smiles. Life was so simple back then. Too simple.
Anger boils to the front as she remembers her calling to paladinhood by Alemi. Oh she had bought his "love" hook line and sinker. She had loved him and devoted herself to him and when it really mattered... when those sea devils tortured her for hours and days on end until she couldn't handle the pain anymore. When she agree to let the high priest put that heartseed in her chest and rip away her free will, just to stop the pain. Where was Alemi then?? He didn't even lift one little finger. And in the end, it was her family that brought her back. Healed her... And here, there is a small twinge of guilt as she remembers that it was Alemi who provided the cure for the heartseed... long before she even needed it. She shoves the thought quickly aside. No!...she will never trust him ever again!
Ashira looks over at the mirror and spits on the floor. Screw it! I'm not going back. I'd rather stay back here and die than go back there. She takes a step away from the mirror, her mind made up... when she spots Rose and Theo struggling with the dog. They're going to need her over there, and Ashira knows she can't just let them go alone. No, they needed someone who had been there already, and like it or not, that was herself. Sighing deeply, Ashira turns and puts a hand on Mandy's shoulder. "C'mon girl, it's not that bad. Come on with me. It'll be ok..." she speaks reassuringly to the dog as she guides it through the mirror (Handle Animal=15) and then heads through herself.
DM Jamie d20=19 d20=9 d20=18 d20=16 d100=77 d100=66 d100=38 Thursday September 29th, 2005 5:42:41 AM OOC: Tratain I went ahead and had you step through the portal. If you wanted to do something no problem. Let me know what it was in your post and we can adjust.
Zeoll, your song inspires and the priest give you a nod of approval as they get ready at intervals in order to stop the red tide that is rushing after you.
Theodore, as Macaw is flying to your location he sees nothing but death. Entering the temple there are more of the cathedral guards lying dead than anything else. Then as he continues towards you he sees more of the city guards. He sees just a few of the men in red laying on the ground.
Everyone sees Theodore fall through the portal after his little tumbling experiment. Macaw flies through after him.
Rose, Mandy is coaxed through by the combined efforts of Vorelle and Ashira.
Solgrin and Brahmah come running down the stairs and catch up to the rest of the party. "We left a little surprise for them in the passageway just before the opening. We'll see how they like it." Brahmah says with a smile and a wink back at Solgrin.
Ashira, you stop in front of the immense mirror before you and pause. The tension going on in your mind is immense, but you overcome it and try to help Mandy through the gate. She seems to go through as long as you and Vorelle continue to talk with her.
Tratain, as you begin to enter the portal you hear the enemy emerge from the entrance into the cave. Although maybe not the way they wanted. You see two of the city guard come shooting out of the opening and right off the edge of the cliff to fall to their deaths. Brahmah turns to you and says, "We coated the floor of the passage with oil." Silvyre begins heated battle with the men in red as they begin to spill through the passage. The swarm of men is too much for her and she is cast down from the cliff ledge by the men, her broken body hitting the stairs several times on her way down and finally coming to rest in an unnatural position.
The man at the portal rushes forward to engage the red tide. Looking back he yells, "Go you fools!"
Solgrin and Brahamah look at one another and nod to one another. As Solgrin rushes forward Brahmah turns to Tratain and says, "We will be right there." He then turns and follows Solgrin who has already engaged the enemy.
Through the looking glass....
You all arrive at the doorstep of a huge temple in a place far-far away. Looking behind you there are the ruins of an ancient city. In the distance, the golden dome of a huge palace can be seen. Looking forward again, the door to this temple must be 200 feet high. As you get your bearings and get used to your new surroundings you see that there are two of you missing, Brahmah and Solgrin.
Zeoll d20+8=17 Thursday September 29th, 2005 8:12:06 PM
Zeoll looks around. He tries to identify the temple (or its god). Does he recognize this city? That palace? [Bardic Lore 17]
He wonders what has happened to his friends Solgrin and Brahmah. "I hope they arre okay."
Theodore and Macaw d20+10=28 d20+10=20 Thursday September 29th, 2005 10:20:52 PM
Theodore stands and wipes the dust from himself. He looks on the temple in amazement before blinking a few times to bring himself back to the importance of the situation.
He picks his mind to see if he can recall anything about the temple. (Knowledge History = 28, Knowledge Religion = 20)
Ashira d20+12=18 d20+11=16 Thursday September 29th, 2005 11:13:32 PM
Ashira bows low to the ground...her hands sweeping toward the temple in an overexagerated manner. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the majestic lost temple of Alemi on Isildur." She spits on the ground in disgust and sets about searching for signs of danger that is surely close by (Search=18, Listen=16).
Vorelle d20+14=19 d20+14=24 Friday September 30th, 2005 2:26:31 AM
Vorelle looks around her and listens for any sign of danger.
[Spot 19, Listen 24]
Tratain Friday September 30th, 2005 9:20:55 AM
Tratain says to the others " I saw Solgrin fighting those who entered the temple before I steped through the Mirror, Brahmah was headed after him, Hopefully they will step through soon. Should we wait here for them or whoever steps trough next or should we begin looking around here."
Rose Friday September 30th, 2005 1:40:11 PM
Rose gets out her bow and is ready if anyone else comes through the door. "Shouldnt we go help the others?"
DM Jamie Saturday October 1st, 2005 8:37:52 AM
As those of you that made it through look around you notice one thing: There is no portal or doorway to take you back to where you came from.
None of you can recall any information about this place or pinpoint exactly where you are. In fact all you have to go on is what Ashira is telling you.
The temple before you is the largest building you have ever seen. It reaches into the sky and past it. The doors themselves seem to be at least 200 feet high. As you all spread out looking for signs of danger the great doors begin to open. You can see debris fall from the seams of the door from years of non-use. The great weight of the doors causes the hinges to groan as the doors swing open. If there was anyone in the city they would certainly know someone was here now.
A ghostly priest meets you and bows. He turns and begins to go back into the temple.
Ashira Saturday October 1st, 2005 10:20:08 PM
Throwing back her hood, Ashira strides up to the ghost. "Good day, Father Farkus." Ashira says trying her best to be civil, though she detests every aspect of this place...and indeed, the priest himself, since he was present during her paladinhood. "My companions and I have been sent here on a matter of some urgency. I wonder if you could help."
Zeoll Sunday October 2nd, 2005 9:10:15 AM
Zeoll looks around and in amazed anew as he grasps the scale of this place. Doors 200 feet high? Is it possible? Maybe the party has been shrunken to the size of ants, so that the doors seem so large? And the building -- it boggles the liontaur's mind.
Then this ghost appears! And Ashira recognizes him. In fact Ashira knows this place.
"Hold on! Hold on!" The liontaur tries to get everybody to pause. "Ashirra, my dearr frriend, what is this place? How do you know about it? I have hearrd of Aisildurr but not Isildurr!"
"And why are you disgusted by this place? Arre you no fan of Alemi? He is a grreat frriend of Domi, who I honorr. Why do you feel the way you do, I hope you will not mind me asking?"
Theodore and Macaw Sunday October 2nd, 2005 3:27:18 PM
Theodore is quite frustrated that he knows nothing about this temple. He prides himself on his knowledge.
He cringes when the enormous doors open and the ghostly figure appears, and hesitates to enter until Ashira approaches.
Then Zeoll asks for some clarification on the current situation and Theodore sees the importance in his questions.
Vorelle Monday October 3rd, 2005 9:07:48 AM
Vorelle watches, wide-eyed, as the massive door swing open and the ghost appears. She starts to follow him, then pauses when the others hesitate.
Tratain Monday October 3rd, 2005 11:19:40 AM
Tratain begins to to follow the Spirit inside, he does not think that it will Harm him. He will wait for the others, also wanting to hear Ashira's answer to Zeoll's question.
He says "Perhapse it would be best if we talk while we walk, unless there is danger we should know about."
Ashira Monday October 3rd, 2005 3:13:29 PM
Ashira smiles weakly at Zeoll's questions about Isildur. "Dear friend, we are now on the lost continent of Isildur. This is the homeland of the Aisildurians from long ago, long before Ga'al spread his accursed taint. They were are proud and arrogant people who were destroyed because of their disdain for the ancient gods. It is an ancient land that has been forgotten even in fair tales until my family and I discovered it a few years ago. We stand at the doorway of the temple to Alemi. The ghost is Father Farkus... he is the care giver of this place. Rigging and I came here to do something important... something in the Year of....of...well, I can't really remember, but it was important. There is a portal to the world of the dead here... and a massive treasure store!! When Alemi was a dragon, he landed here, and this is where his dragon's treasure trove is stored..." Ashira turns and examines the surrounding territory. "But there are dangers here, and we will be safer inside..."
Ashira enters the temple, but her face twists in rage at Zeoll's questions about Alemi and Domi. "No, I do not care for Alemi... nor for most of the gods of the Wold. It is my experience that when you need them the most, that is when they are mostly likely to abandon you!" Once more Ashira spits... she looks over and notes the confusion on Zeoll's face, and most likely several others of the party. Her tone softens slightly as she absently rubs the scar on her chest where the heartseed was. "Zeoll, my old friend, you know of my...my...past. How can I trust the gods when they did not lift a finger to help me?! But enough... it is my cross and it is not important to the mission. We have work to do, and we must do it quickly."
rose Monday October 3rd, 2005 3:41:55 PM
Even while grieving for her brother Rose can tell that Ashira has changed. Rose rides up near Ashira and asks "Ashira, what's the matter? You didnt used to be like this."
Zeoll (illegal extra post) Monday October 3rd, 2005 7:35:21 PM
Zeoll murmurs to Rose, "People change, Rrose. I am not the liontaurr I was beforre I died. Sometimes harrd things happen to people, and it changes them some. See?"
But the liontaur really does not understand what Ashira went through. Moreover, he knows that neither he nor anyone else could understand, unless they had had Ashira's experiences ... and he would not wish that on anybody. Being dead for a couple years -- ha. That was nothing, compared, he thinks to himself.
DM Jamie Monday October 3rd, 2005 10:43:32 PM OOC: I don't mind if you guys want to make several posts to communicate between one another. Just don't be making alot of actions :)
Inside is darkness and echoing noises of your footsteps and armor. As the doors close behind you, you begin to see the dimensions and shape of the inside. The room is immense. A colonnade reaching up hundreds of feet to the ceiling run to the left and right. Perhaps 50 columns both right and left. Colored windows right and left let in some light. The ghost priest leads you past the pews between the columns to the front of the temple some 10 minutes walk.
There in the rear of the room, the cathedral widens to a T-shape, doors on either side left and right. Where the altar should be is a large semi-circular pool jutted up against the back wall. Standing in the pool is a Golden Dragon hundreds of feet tall reaching so high that a dome has been build so his head fits in the temple.
In front of the pool, is a font with overflow allowed to run down two prescribed marble hollows into the pool behind.
The priest sits them in a pew and goes to pray. As Ashira enters the pew the ghost priest bows slightly. After everyone has sat down he goes over to another pew and prays.
OOC: I will be sending the map to everyone in the morning.
Vorelle Tuesday October 4th, 2005 1:22:24 AM
Vorelle looks about her uneasily, uncertain what she is supposed to be doing.
Zeoll Tuesday October 4th, 2005 8:44:12 PM
Zeoll stands and looks around amazed. He does not take a pew -- not really a liontaur thing. He says a silent prayer to Domi for guidance.
DM Jamie Tuesday October 4th, 2005 9:04:32 PM OOC: I am off tonite. I will wait until about 2300 Wold time before I post.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday October 4th, 2005 9:35:36 PM
Theodore folds his hands in his lap and waits politely, not quite sure what to do. He glances about, enjoying the sights.
Tratain Tuesday October 4th, 2005 10:08:53 PM
Unless Directed to sit in the pew by the ghostly priest Tratain will wander around the temple seeing what he can see. Looking for any artwork or decorations in the temple to study.
Ashira d20+12=24 d20+11=22 Tuesday October 4th, 2005 10:29:50 PM
Ashira curtly returns the ghost's nod and then sits down...though she does not pray. She simply watches and waits for something to happen. It's amazing to her that though she has been in this very temple before, several things look new...though it had been a few years ago, and as she has learned...things change over time. (Spot=24, Listen=22)