Toros Monday September 26th, 2005 3:20:20 AM
Swept on to the ground by the powerful force Toros prefers to stay there, sitting safely and looking around with silly eyes.
What, what happened??? He looks at his companions, the guards, clerics, his eyes' focus on the centaur, and then finally the constables... But what he can say to them? He has been hiding from them since the Temple of Gargul...
Garrett Monday September 26th, 2005 8:08:46 AM
Garrett picks himself up off the floor, shaking his head to clear it. He thinks to himself, next time that guy says stop it might be a good idea.
Garrett turns to the guard seargent.
"Well sir, it goes like this. Earlier today, Teufel's book stand caught fire and burned. Teufel implicated us. We went with the constables and were completely cleared after a short time, as having had nothing to do with it."
"We then came here to see the master of the records and archives on a few matters we are looking into. As we were speaking with him, These guys started attacking the guards and trying to force their way into the temple. The guards appeared to be outnumbered at the time, and we tried to help them defend the temple."
"Additionally, when the red cloaked guys were here, they had dragged Teufel here with them and were holding him here against his will. I believe that these guys tried to frame us for starting that fire after making Teufel lie. They then were going to have him here as a "witness" to what happened, forcing him to lie to you again to either to keep them out of trouble, or put us into it."
Nauthiz'Ull [drew.icevein] d20=20 d20=16 d20=8 d20=15 Monday September 26th, 2005 9:11:26 AM
The ranger, in an all out sprint goes face first to the floor as teh ground under his feet quakes. He quickly springs up and retrieves Ull'Heimdall's bow a few feet away.
Hearing the cries of the blasphemors and then the shout of the the elderly man has him puzzled. He turns around to see that the commotion has stopped. Hestitantly he comes to the corner of the corridor and peers around the wall. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spot-20 Listen-16 Move Silent-8 Hide-15
DMJohnP-I do not have my CS on me so the above rolls are pre-skill bonuses.
Appolo HP29 Monday September 26th, 2005 3:12:19 PM
Appolo get back up.He is still bleeding,with blood dripping from hid swords.He looks around.
Again he lets the others do the talking.
Syr (Sub/Al) Monday September 26th, 2005 5:00:20 PM
Syr, picks himself up off the ground and dusts himself off. To the woman who he had just knocked to the ground, the monk offers a hand to help her up.
All of this without a word.
Uriel (Sub - DM JohnP) Monday September 26th, 2005 10:18:32 PM
The paladin picks himself up from the floor and looks around for his weapon. Finding it quickly, he picks it up and sheathes it over his shoulder in one smooth motion.
Then he stands about, waiting for his companions to deal with the City Guard.
Intercession (DM JohnP) Monday September 26th, 2005 10:46:52 PM
The sergeant of the Guard listens to the explanations offered by Xenia and Garrett. Meanwhile, Syr silently extends a hand to assist one of the Redcloaks to her feet. The woman looks at his hand, clearly thinking better of swatting it away. She levers herself to her feet and wipes her nose with her hand. Then she looks to the Guard sergeant.
"This party has been pestering us since we both came to your city. We're both looking for a historical document that is vitally important to the followers of Gargul. They threatened that merchant," pointing at Teufel, "in order to get information from him. When he didn't cooperate, they set fire to his stall and almost destroyed the entire Sister Market. He came to us since we'd spoken to him before. We found some constables and tracked them down to the Temple, here. I admit that we're mainly interested in removing competition for the document. When we arrived, the constables were prevented from arresting them and a fight broke out." She finishes her speech with a smile on her face.
Nauthiz'Ull doesn't notice anything unusual during the Redcloaks speech. Some of the Guards are clutching their weapons tightly, maybe alarmed at the potential of the party and the Redcloaks for mayhem.
The Guard sergeant clearly can't decide who to believe. He begins to speak, "Okay, okay. We'll take all of you back to the Castle to sort this out." And he motions to his guards to move both the party and the Redcloaks along.
Then, the elderly priest speaks up. "Sergeant Froyd. I remember when I baptized you, many years ago. I thought you looked familiar, but it was your father and grandfather that I knew best." The priest totters forward with Silvyre at his elbow.
"Don't believe what these followers of Marteaus tell you. These people were inside the Temple when the altercation started and there are several people who can attest to that. They simply assisted our guards."
With a shooing motion, he gestures for the party to precede him into the Temple. "If you really need to speak to them, they'll be inside here. But I would strongly advise that you consult with your superiors before trying to take them against their will, and Ours."
To the party, the elderly priest speaks. "Let's return to what we were discussing before we were interrupted, shall we? And clean that up, won't you?", gesturing to Appolo and his dripping swords. And he includes Toros in his gesture even though the liontaur had been hidden before.
Garrett Tuesday September 27th, 2005 8:24:33 AM
Garrett follows the priest back into the temple, doubting that anyone will have the audacity to contradict him.
Xenia Tuesday September 27th, 2005 10:32:59 AM
Xenia grins, big and white. She gives a big thumbs up to the elderly old priest guy.
"Er, excuse me, High Priest Your Grace, Sir," the girl rogue raises a hand, "it might be best if that little guy there came with us." She points a finger at Teufel. "I mean, best for his own good, if you get my meaning. You can see from his face that he's something feared for his life. And I think it would be probs bad for him if we were to leave him with the Red Cloak Marteaus guys. Don't you think?"
"I mean, just trying to do what's right here, Your Grace, Sir. He might be a little rat con-artist, but that doesn't mean he deserves to be, you know, beat and killed by Marteaus. Um, your call, though. Unless you wanna leave it to the Law there."
"Dunno what's with those guards?" Xenia says to her companions later, while walking back to the book room. "You figure they should be able to figure things out for themselves, huh? Why they always gotta take everyone back to their castle? It's like as soon as they join the Law the put on a Stupid Hat or something."
She rolls her green eyes at the unfathomable irony of the Wold.
Appolo Tuesday September 27th, 2005 11:28:15 AM
Appolo nods at the old priest.His stone grey eyes betraying no emotion as he walks over to R! and wipes his swords of on the mans cloak before sheathing.He stares then man down daring him to make a move.It is clear to all that Appolo would just as soon kill then all and let Gargul sort them out.He then follows the others back inot the temple still bleeding but silent as death.Anyone who looks at him can tell he's wounded,but still moving with grace amd ease.
Toros d8=8 d8=6 Tuesday September 27th, 2005 8:18:18 PM
Realizing that Appolo is wounded and bleeding Toros puts his friendly hand on his shoulder and heals him for 17 hps to save him from the most painful wounds. "Alemi bless you... You are a honorable, mighty fighter. Next time, however, please remind me to give you some additional protection, OK?"
Feeling relief that his presence is accepted by the Alemi cleric Toros then follows the group inside without removing his cateyes from the red-cloaks.
An Interview (DM JohnP) Tuesday September 27th, 2005 10:09:06 PM
The elderly priest looks back, once, to confirm that the party is following. As he does so, his two dwarven guards walk silently beside him.
The party follows the priest down the northern hallway, around a corner and up to a wooden door. One of the dwarves pushes the door open while the second stands to the side of the door. The first gesture from either of the dwarves is from the one holding the door open, motioning the party inside.
"Take a seat, move those things out of the way. I don't know how things pile up like they do." The old priests gestures at two chairs, a stool and a bench that are all stacked with papers and small items. The priest moves around to the other side of a large desk, lowering himself into a padded chair. After the party enters the room, the dwarf closes the door.
The elderly priest looks over the desk, then decides to move a stack of papers so that he can see all of them. After doing so, he sits back down.
"I am Servante, and I am in charge of maintaining contact with priests who are far away. I also follow Ffloy, God of Trade. 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 faces this day, these Red Testers have backing from the HIGHEST places among the Gods of Testing. Beware."
"If you don't have any questions, it's time for you to be heading off. My assistants can take you to the gateway."
He again levers himself to his feet and moves to the door, opening it while looking at the party.
"Any questions?"
Syr Wednesday September 28th, 2005 7:43:06 AM
The elf looks at the piles and decides to remain standing. Feeling as if this is all new to him he decides not to say a word as the priest speaks.
Garrett Wednesday September 28th, 2005 9:13:56 AM
"Thank you for your assistance, we are ready to go. I think the sooner we leave town the better."
"And thank you for the warning, although I for one would not mind meeting them again in a nice quiet out of the way spot."
Garrett stands and waits to be escorted to the gateway.
(ooc: out of curiosity, what time of day are we at about now? If it is getting late in the day we may want to spend the night here before going to the temple of ghosts and dangers.)
Toros Wednesday September 28th, 2005 10:01:43 AM
"Thanks a lot for your help. Please you also take care of yourselves."
"Do we know what we will be looking for, when we get there?"
"Will we be able to use the same gate, when we want to return?"
"And before we leave, would it be possible to get some supplies from the Temple of Alemi. Any healing or disease-curing potions or scrolls, for instance, would be very much appreciated."
Xenia Wednesday September 28th, 2005 10:39:53 AM
"Pirates!" Xenia perks up at the mention of guys with swank outfits. "Hey, 'Ppolo, that's you, right? You been to this temple place?"
The girl rogues dark lips tweak a bit as a question comes to her.
"Um, yeah, I got a question. Can we come back through this Gate? I mean, it's not like we know where we're going or anything, right? We're not gonna get stuck out in Ancient-Temple-of-Alemi-land, right?"
"Not that I wouldn't go anyway, mind you." She stands and follows the rest. "But when you go in someplace, it's, like, you know, always a good idea to know where to run when you wanna get out."
Nauthiz'Ull [drew.icevein] d20+7=9 Wednesday September 28th, 2005 10:58:48 AM
The ebony ears of the silent ranger perk at the name of Red Testers. He may have heard of that before but he has no idea who they are.
He watches silently and makes no effort to draw attention to himself as they all sit.
Appolo Wednesday September 28th, 2005 8:35:40 PM
Appolo takes a seat and listens.When his group and the old Capitol of Isildur is mentioned,he perks up."Ah sir I'm a member of the Swords of Redemption and was there.So you have a porthole leading there."
From the Interview (DM JohnP) d20+20=36 d8=2 d20+5=16 Wednesday September 28th, 2005 11:14:48 PM
Servante looks at the party, as if trying to predict their chances of success.
"You have it right, young man." Servante says this while looking at Garrett. "I am a man of peace, so I hope that battle with the Red Testers can be avoided."
Servante moves over to Toros. "I do not know what you will find in the ancient temple. The temple dates from the earliest days of my Lord's godhood. So there should be some clue there to the link between Eberyon and Gargul."
Then Servante looks over the dark rogue, Xenia. "You and your large companion ask the same question. The gateway should be available for your return, if you so desire."
"As for healing, I've been remiss. You were injured defending our Temple. Any of you who are hurt, I will heal you." And Servante does so, calling upon the healing power of Alemi.
"As for healing magics ... umm, let me see." With that, Servante returns to his desk and rummages through the piles of paper. After a moment, he picks up a slender stick. "It's not much, but it will help you out." And he holds it out for whoever would take the wand.
He scribbles on a scrap of paper that he examines on both sides to determine if it contain any useful information. "If you desire anything else, tell Orvis or Norvis and take this paper to the stores on your way to the gateway."
Finally, he ushers the party out of his rooms. The dwarves, presumably called Orvis and Norvis, will guide the party down the hallway and down a flight of stairs into the basement level of the Temple of Light.
========================================
DM Info - Servante offers a Wand of Cure Light Wounds (36 charges) to the party. The dwarves will stop at the stores, where the note from Servante entitles the party to a 50% discount on healing and curing scrolls and potions costing up to 750 gp
Tell me who takes the wand, and what purchases you make. Feel free to pool party money to buy items.
========================================
Finally, after descending some more stairs, the party comes to a storeroom deep under the Temple. The room is dominated by a large mirror, easily two or three paces wide. Beside, a scruffy human male is standing. During his wait, he has been paring his nails and picking his teeth with a wickedly sharp dagger. He looks up with a grin and laughs, "Haw haw, har! Look what the sea has cast up."
Anyone who looks at the mirror immediately senses that, in addition to providing a thin reflection of anything in the room, a distant scene is visible. While it is cloudy, there is an impression of huge buildings.
After the party nears the mirror, the man speaks. "Well mate, that's as good as I can do ya for! I hope I got it right. Good luck to ya."
He then tries to slap the nearest party member, Ashalan on the back.
Ashalan - DC 16 REFLEX save to avoid being pushed into the mirror.
Garrett Thursday September 29th, 2005 8:03:14 AM
Garrett motions for someone else who can use the wand to take it. "I already have a couple."
Garrett will make use of the offer to buy healing at a discount, purchasing a potion of cure moderate. "I still have 66 gold left should anyone come up a little short. We may need all the healing we can get."
Garrett waits til everyone makes their purchases and returns to the mirror. "Seems there's only one way to go."
Garrett steps through the mirror once everyone is assembled before it.
Appolo Thursday September 29th, 2005 9:49:41 AM
Appolo smiles takes the wand and thanks the old priest.He then purchaess thre cure moderates and one cure serious.
Once at the mirror Appolo looks at the group"Ok folks as I said I've already been to this place.It was already completely over grown last time I was there.Everything there is dangerous and don't take anything most everything is also cursed.Nature was already running wild in the place,now it's probably even worse.Another thing,Iknow we are new to working together,but we need more coordination as a gruop.We need to more together better.When one of us moves we all need to.Same when fighting.OK no hanging back everyone needs to be engaged.At the same time."
Xenia d20+22=25 d20+22=39 d20+20=39 d20+13=14 Thursday September 29th, 2005 10:35:24 AM
"I got plenty of potions already, thanks," Xenia says. "Thanks for the wand, though."
The girl rogue nods in silence when Appolo lays out the details of this place. Sounds dangerous.
Looking in the Mirror, her green eyes search for the nearest shadow on the other side. And, as they all step through, she slides neatly into the darkness, ready for trouble.
Toros (elixir of hiding?) d20=10 d20=12 d20=11 d20=3 Thursday September 29th, 2005 12:17:38 PM
"Thank you for your considerate support Servante. I have run out of money, but I can offer one of these, it should worth at least 1.600 - 1.800 gp." Saying this Toros shows his Handy Haversack and Efficient Quiver and gives one of these to the Dwarves to be sold. In return, he asks for the following items:
Then the Taur gets ready for what expects the party at the other side of the portal, following Xenia to hide in the shadows. (hide, 32. move silently 27, spot, 16, listen, 7)
Through the Mirror (DM JohnP) Thursday September 29th, 2005 11:16:10 PM
The dwarves stop for a moment at a workroom on the lower floors of the Temple. Garrett and Appolo purchase some healing potions. Toros tries to interest the clerics in his magic items, but they shake their heads. "Sorry, we have no need for a quiver, however well made. And, we don't travel much so the HHHaversack has no interest for us."
========================================
Ashalan offers no resistance to the push from the sailor. He staggers forward, into the mirror and through it. The sailor laughs, "Hehe, just a little push for the tardy."
The rest of the party follows their reluctant scout. Xenia and Toros meld into the shadows once they are through the mirror. Everyone looks about in wonder.
They have arrived on the doorstep of a huge temple in a place far-far away. Whatever the time in Plateau City, here it is early evening. Anyone who turns to look around can see the ruins of an ancient city. The ruins are overgrown with vines, creepers and trees. No movement can be seen anywhere nearby. In fact, an unsettling, almost oppressive, stillness seems to hang over everything. In the distance, the golden dome of a huge palace gleams with the reflected light of the setting sun. Looking forward again, the door to this temple must be 200 feet high.
As the party absorbs the scale of the great door, it slowly swings open. A ghostly apparation dressed in priestly robes stands in the darkness beyond the open doorway. The figure bows to all of you and beckons the party to enter.
The sensitive members of the party sense that this figure means them no harm.
Inside the doorway is darkness that echoes with the noises of your footsteps and armor. Once every member of the party is over the threshold, the doors slowly close behind the party. Slowly, the dimensions and shape of the inside become visible to everyone. 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. It takes ten minutes for the party to follow the ghostly priest.
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 built 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 ghost priest motions to a pew, indicating that the party should be seated. After a moment or two, the ghost priest moves forward closer to the pool and kneels to pray.
Garrett d20+13=30 Friday September 30th, 2005 8:50:55 AM
At a loss for what to do, Garrett does as directed at the moment, and takes a seat in the pew.
Garrett begins to look around the temple, and at the priest to see if he is able to recognize any holy symbols in the room. Trying to determine the deity of worship here.(Knowledge religion check: 30)
Garrett whispers to Appolo, so as not to disturb the priest. "Appolo, was this here last time? or is this something new, possibly here to help us deal with the fey king?
Nauthiz'Ull [drew.icevein] d20+7=21 d20+7=24 d20+7=13 Friday September 30th, 2005 10:25:59 AM
The ranger watches and clears his throat. Teleporting always leaves his throat scratchy. As for the thought of healings, well he couldn't decide at the time, plus he was almoist broke.
"I could hold the wand if no one else wanted it. I will rarely be directly engaged so it frees me up to run in to those who are in trouble."
Once in the temple, Nauth guzzles the information of religion. He is consumed by this new place and the wondernment of the information present. ``````````` John, I do not have my files transefered to my new computer yet so could you make the following roles for me? Know:Religion Sense Motive(of spirit) and any applicable Grim ability roles on my CS... I would greatly appreciate it.
And I'll reveal the results in the next DM post, except for Sense Motive which re-affirms the earlier impression of the ghost priest having no harmful intent towards the party.
Xenia d20+22=42 d20+22=38 d20+20=39 d20+13=26 Friday September 30th, 2005 11:16:06 AM
Fresh from out of the mirror, Xenia gapes at the enormously unlikely doors.
What knockers! the thin rogue starts in amazement.
Then the doors open, and she follows silently in the shadow of the group as they enter the creepo temple.
Lots more jaw dropping stuff, but by now, it's just too much to take in, and the dark rogue just follows the plan, quiet and hidden, watching everything, listening to everything.
When they reach the church benches, Xenia hangs back, waiting for everyone else to sit first. It's kinda embarrassing when someone sits down in your lap, 'cause they don't know that you're there.
Syr d20+8=14 Friday September 30th, 2005 6:01:27 PM
Syr gazes around the city and the temple awestruck, "I've never been away from the Big Float before. Are all other temples like this? Everyone knows the floating city has a ceiling eventually so buildings don't get THIS big."
Taking his cue from the more worldly traveller, he sits down gingerly beside Garret in the pew. Whispering, "Is this a Gold Dragon thing? or something else to do with nature running wild?"
The elf spends the time examining any people around just observing their behavior (spot 14).
Appolo Friday September 30th, 2005 8:08:15 PM
Appolo takes a seat."Xenia,Toros come out we're safe in this place.You can't from Alemi in here.No one touch the water.The Gold Dragon is Alemi at the time this place was built.This is the largest and most holy temple of Alme.No one will harm us here.""
The Ghost Priest (DM JohnP) Friday September 30th, 2005 9:39:46 PM
After several minutes of uninterrupted prayer, the ghostly priest stands from his kneeling position. Then he directs a bow towards the pool. With stately grace, the priest turns towards the party and walks towards them.
He moves to a position in front of them. The ghost's mouth opens to speak and a deep, musical voice is heard by all. "Why have you come here?"
DM Announcement Saturday October 1st, 2005 11:26:30 AM
Looks like I'm going to be a Tailings Operator for the next couple weeks. That means 12-hour shifts, on rotation and sleeping at my desk when I'm at work.
When I'm at home or working day shift, I'll continue posting at about the same times as I have been. That is, approximately 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. WT.
When I'm on night shift, I'll probably post either at about 5:00 p.m. WT, or at maybe 7:00 a.m. WT. Depending on how awake I am.
Xenia Saturday October 1st, 2005 8:55:04 PM
Xenia slaps her forehead with the palm of one dark hand. And, in the process, drops out of shadow, becoming visible in her seat on the pew.
"You know what we forgot to ask that Servante guy? We forgot to ask him how the parchment got from this Temple of Alemi to the Temple of Alemi in Plateau City."
"Boy that was dumb. Follow the trail. Who, What, Where, When, How, and Why. And we didn't even ask."
"Oh well." The dark rogue shrugs. "We, um, came by this parchment, er, Padre, and we heard it was from here. We need to find the rest of the stuff connected with it."
"Show him the parchment, Nauth," Xenia whispers.
Garrett Monday October 3rd, 2005 8:33:59 AM
"We have come to learn more of this parchment, that was found here. We are trying to find a way to stop Eberyon, and think that this may hold part of the key."
Nauthiz'Ull Monday October 3rd, 2005 10:32:25 AM
The ranger cautiosly pulls the scroll case from his HHHaversack and gingerly slides the parchment from the case.
He unrols the parchment and holds it up for the ghost priest to see.
Syr Monday October 3rd, 2005 6:51:03 PM
Syr politely interjects a question about the competition, "Also, if you don't mind sir, it would satisfy my curiousity to know if anyone else has been here asking about that parchment? We've had some interesting times already."
The Ghost Priest Responds (DM JohnP) Monday October 3rd, 2005 10:16:31 PM
When Nauthiz'Ull unrolls the parchment and shows it to the ghost priest, he nods in recognition.
"Yes, that did come from here. It was part of a very old, very significant document that once was kept in the Inner Sanctum."
The ghostly priest psuses to thoroughly examine the members of the party. "If you wish to enter the Inner Sanctum, you must pass the Tests of the Believer."
The priests ghostly arm gestures towards the door on the right side of the pool.
"To pass the Tests of the Believer and enter the Inner Sanctum, enter the door on the right."
The ghostly priest turns towards the elven monk, Syr. "No, no one else has yet arrived asking about the parchment. But I sense that they will come. Different tests await them behind the left door."
"Choose now. Proceed to the Tests of the Believer, or return whence you came."
Xenia Monday October 3rd, 2005 11:02:43 PM Hey, anyone have a trap they can rig on that other door?
A question the dark rogue almost asks. Almost.
Instead, she asks, "Hey, who send the parchment from here to the Temple of Light in Plateau City? And why? I can see you wanting to contact someone if you think it's got something to do with Gargul and Ebyron, but, if that's the case, why didn't you send the whole book? And why didn't you send someone with a little more sense? This thing almost wound up in the wrong place, you know?"
Shaking her head, Xenia walks toward the door for the Test of Believers. Still, it's hard to be a Believer, when the folks you believe in don't got no sense. No sense at all.
Nauthiz'Ull [drew.icevein] Tuesday October 4th, 2005 8:41:22 AM
The ranger melds a smirk onto his face and watches with interest as the ghost talks of the past. Ghosts, spirit more precisely, have always interested the young man. It was the only way to have contact with his loved ones of times past.
Frigga...
Upon the topic of the test...
"Ahh a test. Never had one of those before."
Garrett Tuesday October 4th, 2005 11:32:56 AM
Garrett follows Nauth and Xenia to the door on the right, and the awaiting test.
"Thank you for your assistance." Garrett responds to the ghostly priest.
Syr Tuesday October 4th, 2005 7:25:47 PM
Syr looks at the door on the left, tempted to open it just to see what is on the other side. He then gives a nervous glance at the ghost and follows the others to the right door. "Hmm, 'tests of the believer' do we just have to believe in somthing? What do you guys think?"
Appolo Tuesday October 4th, 2005 7:50:27 PM
Appolo smiles at the Priest and nods.He gets up walks to the door"Don't worry.Just be truthful and honest.We'll get through this."He opens the door and steps through.
Tests of the Believers - No. 1 (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 4th, 2005 9:12:04 PM
The ghostly priest looks at Xenia after she asks her question. "Who sent the parchment? I do not know, exactly, but I believe that my Lord Alemi willed it to be so. If you desire, perhaps that information waits in the Inner Sanctum."
As the party nears, it becomes obvious that the metalbound door is easily 6 times the height of the tallest of the party. When Appolo reaches out to open the door, it swings slowly open before his hand touches it. It is apparent that neither side of the door has a handle, latch or other way for a person to move the door besides pushing.
Nauthiz'Ull, presumably rolls the parchment and returns it to his HHHaversack. Syr lingers briefly, wondering what awaits anyone going through the left door. The ghost priest returns Garrett's courtesy and then returns to his prayers.
The hallway beyond, illuminated by glowing golden globes of light mounted on the ceiling, is of scale equal to the door. Just beyond the door is a landing where the party gathers.
A broad staircase in front of the party descends a total of 60 feet from this level, with a landing halfway down. Xenia and Nauthiz'Ull, in front as usual, can look over the edge of the railing to see the lower level. A hallway continues from there under the main level of the temple.
=========================================
The party can either descend or return through the door.
Xenia d20+20=40 d20+13=29 Tuesday October 4th, 2005 10:31:20 PM
Xenia puts a hand gingerly upon the rail and looks down. I mean, you gotta look. Right? It's natural to want to.
With a shrug, she starts on down the stairs.
"Be truthful and honest. Right. Gotcha, 'Ppolo," she says. "We'll get through this."
Rolls and Actions Spot 40 (Nat 20) Listen 29
Garrett Wednesday October 5th, 2005 8:04:09 AM
"Looks like down is the way to go."
Garrett glances back over his shoulder to see if the door has closed, and then follows Xenia down the stairs.
Tests of the Believers - No. 1: Continued (DM JohnP) Wednesday October 5th, 2005 10:05:44 PM Xenia and Garrett lead the party down the stairs. Garett looks back and sees the door standing open behind them.
When they reach the bottom of the stairs, the party sees a wide hallway stretching in front of them. A row of statues ... you think ... of golden dragons lines each side of the hallway. The statues are meticuously painted and decorated to appear lifelike. In the distance, a door identical to the one at the top of the stairs can be seen.
There is a small sign written in an angular script on either side of the hallway where the party stands. On each sign is written:
THOU SHALT NOT STEAL
When a member of the party steps into the hallway, the heads of the dragon statues begin to disgorge a flood of gold, gems, platinum and finely crafted arms, armor and other items. The flow of riches continues until a heap of treasure rests beneath each statue, spilling out across the floor until there is only a narrow path for the party to walk.
In the heaps of treasure, each member of the party can recognize items such as a Holy Greatsword, Celestial Armor, wands of all sorts, staffs, and sundry miscellaneous magic items. Anything that you might need to face the Red-cloaks if, or when, you meet them again.
=========================================
DM Addendum - Sorry, I couldn't hold off posting until more people had posted. I might miss tomorrow night's post, depending on how long it takes for me to get home.
Xenia Wednesday October 5th, 2005 10:30:51 PM "AH!" Xenia's finger shoots out, stabbing in the direction of a suit of silkly golden chain mail. "Celestial Armor!"
"I want one of those." Her lips pull down into a frown. "So light you can wear them under your clothes and not feel 'em."
"Oooohhhhh. Framblebat!"
Xenia stares at all the great stuff arrayed around her. It's not hard to figure out what the test is here, though. Her eyes close to slits and her mouth pulls into a stubborn pout.
"Alright. If that's the way you wanna play it."
"Alright!" She shakes her fist into the air. "You wanna play your little game!" she shouts.
Fists clenched, the dark rogue stares straight ahead and marches fixedly down the narrow aisle between all the good stuff toward the far door.
Halfway down, she whirls and points a finger up into the air. "If you wanna give us sump'tin though," she calls out, "I want the Celestial Armor!" Then Xenia continues on her march down the way.
Appolo Thursday October 6th, 2005 4:07:05 AM
Appolo follows along silently until they reach the bottom.When the treasure pours out,he moves forward"Remberdon't touch anything.Just move on."
Garrett Thursday October 6th, 2005 7:57:45 AM
"A holy Sword!!!, now that's playing dirty. I wouldn't take anything, but Jeez."
"If I weren't such an honest guy, I would be trying to argue that since they were dropped here when we arrived, they could possibly be considered to be a gift."
Garrett shakes his head, "Yeah, yeah, I know, it's a test. Touching the forbidden treasure would be bad. Probably turn the place into a lava pit or something."
Garrett continues to follow Xenia down the hall towards the next door.
Syr Thursday October 6th, 2005 9:04:35 AM
Syr looks upon the riches and does nothing but exhibit a small smile. "I'll bring up the rear in case someone wants to linger. In this particular room, I'm glad that I usually rely on nothing but my own hands and friends. You guys go ahead and I'll make sure everyone makes it out WITHOUT touching..." He smiles at the rest of the group calmly.
Toros Friday October 7th, 2005 2:34:02 AM THOU SHALT NOT STEAL, TH.. NOT STEAL..TH STEAL NOT... STEALTH, STEAL NOT, ...
... STEALTH, STEAL NOT... to stay in good HEALTH, I like THAT!
Toros thinks while he keeps following his companions, hiding in the shadows and wanting to be forgotten just for a couple of seconds by anyone else but himself.
OOC: Sorry for being silent till now since last week, I have become a bit alienated and too busy recently. However, the story and game has been going well thanks to you all and I also should be all right now then.
Tests of the Believers - No. 1: Completed (DM JohnP) Saturday October 8th, 2005 9:59:05 PM
The party is faced with material temptation and, with one exception, none falter.
Xenia foregoes the Celestial Armor, but expresses her desire for that as a reward.
Appolo voices restraint as the group moves forward.
Garrett is also tempted, but resists.
Syr finds solace in his vows of poverty and austerity.
Toros mutters a mantra to himself as he moves forward.
Uriel silently moves forward.
The only party member who hangs back is Ashalan, who silently stares at the treasures.
========================================
The party, minus Ashalan, move through the door at the end of the room. The door opens onto a room with enough space for the party to rest, if they so desire. Like other places here, the walls lack any decoration but are well-made and tightly fitted. There is only one other exit from this room, a doorway identical to the one that you entered by. Next to it is another sign, this one containing the text:
THOU SHALT BE MERCIFUL
========================================
Do you choose to rest? It's been approximately 12 hours since you first stepped through the Tapestry into Plateau City. Or, you could choose to continue on with the Test.
Uriel is, presumably, still unable to connect. Ashalan hasn't posted for awhile in his regular game either.
Xenia Sunday October 9th, 2005 9:32:06 AM Celestial Armor! The girl rogue mopes.
"Bet none of that stuff was real. I mean, how do they get all that stuff just to throw it on the floor?"
Xenia reads the sign through the lenses perched on her dark nose. Then she swings back around and looks through the door at the wizard guy, Ash.
"Hey! You coming?!!!" she calls back through the door. "It's not real, you know? None of it! It's a trick. C'mon."
"Um, why don't we settle in here for a bit before we push on?"
"C'mon, Ash!"
Xenia takes removes her dark cloak with a dramatic swirl. Then she slides down the wall into a sitting position with the cloak pulled over her front. Under the black cloak, her hand reaches to her haversack. And then it pops out the neck of the cloak with a chunk of something to eat. With white even teeth, the dark rogue works her mouth around it and takes a bite.
"Anybody want an energy bar?" she offers.
Nauthiz'Ull Sunday October 9th, 2005 10:53:48 AM
Keen eyes dance wildly in the rangers skull. Celestial armour, a bow that tops Ull'Heimdall's, boots and cloaks and everything.
Takes a bit more than "precious" stones to get me interested. The ranger grew up in a place where these such things were of no importance.
He strides forward and places a heavy handed slap on Ash's shoulder. "Think we move on from here friend. This is junk and youur eyes betray youur true feelings."
Ice blue eyes swivel in place as the ebony faced ranger surveys the room where it is decided to rest in.
"Good 'nough it seems."
He will settle down near his native wunjo and talk of the many hilarious stories of Bohdi Nackle, including the time he was turned into a girl.
Garrett Monday October 10th, 2005 5:49:59 AM
"Agreed, good a place as any, and we might as well be merciful to ourselves. A nights rest is called for if we've been going for 12 hours."
Garrett enjoys the company of Nauth as we prepare to get some sleep, and stories of Bohdi the gnome should get a good chuckle all the way around.
Syr Monday October 10th, 2005 5:20:09 PM
The elf takes a lingering long look at Ash before joining the others, "I vote for rest also, we have a lead on the others according to that ghost so let's take the opportunity to be very prepared for any further challenges."
Toros Monday October 10th, 2005 8:30:21 PM
"Yes lets have a rest, we have been moving from one place to another, since we stepped into the Tapestry and we need to be prepared for the rest." With a nod for appreciation, Toros takes one of the energy bars that Xenia offers, hoping that it will provide some refreshment that he needs. However the best to replenish his energy would be a good sleep he guesses.
Tests of the Believers - No. 2 (DM JohnP) Monday October 10th, 2005 9:53:08 PM
The party prepares a makeshift camp in the room beneath the Temple. Those who require time to prepare spells make the meditations or prayers needed. Everyone gets a chance to rest and repair any injuries from the fight in Plateau City.
Spells are refreshed and everyone is fully healed.
========================================
The door to the second test remains closed during the night, but it beckons to every member of the party. Once everyone has rested, the party prepares to move forward. Finally, one person moves to open the door. Behind it is another hallway, this time lined with eight doors. An examination reveals that the name of each member of the party is placed on a door. How did that happen? Nobody who was on watch heard anything during the night. Perhaps it is the magic of this place.
Again, each of you can move forward through the door labelled with your name. Or stay here, waiting. Or turn back to rejoin Ashalan or the Ghost Priest.
Appolo Tuesday October 11th, 2005 1:54:47 AM
After resting and sleeping Appolo gets up stretches opens the door and walks down the halway.Looking around he calls back"Looks like we each get our own room.With our own personal test.I'm going into mine.Hurry up."
With that said Appolo walks back to his door and opens it.He enters the room and closes the door behindThinking ok what's next.
Garrett Tuesday October 11th, 2005 8:58:58 AM
Garrett walks over to his door and opens it.
Xenia Tuesday October 11th, 2005 10:22:53 AM Spooky Xenia examines one of the doors with cat-like curiosity. Alexandria Merryman Next It's got her full name splashed across it.
Spooky How'd they know that?
Well, there's no doubt what is expected here. Still, the dark rogue looks back in the direction of the treasure room. Whirling quickly, she sprints back through the door. With sure step, she darts up the aisle between the mounds of treasure. Scampering up the steps Xenia rushes back out into the main temple.
"There's a Celestial Armor down there." Breathlessly, she points back in the direction from which she came. "Can I have it?" she asks the Ghost Priest.
Nauthiz'Ull Tuesday October 11th, 2005 10:54:17 AM
Dreary eyed and cumersome the ranger rises and does a quick routine of stretches. The mention of doors down the hallway peaks his curiosity and he shoulders his gear and heads towards his destiny.
Syr Tuesday October 11th, 2005 7:21:25 PM
The elf moves to his door and quickly jumps up, trying to wipe the name off or see if it is temporary. Then with a sheepish grin at any onlookers, he opens the door and walks through prepared for combat.
Toros Tuesday October 11th, 2005 8:04:34 PM
Toros also opens the door that has his name on it and enters the room, wondering what is expecting him in there.
Appolo's Test (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 11th, 2005 10:48:11 PM
Appolo walks through the door bearing his name. Anyone looking past him sees a bare, empty room with a door at the far end.
Appolo, however, sees something far different when he opens the room.
Appolo only Highlight to display spoiler: { At the far end of the room, you see a figure crumpled near the door. Approaching the figure, you see that the man is wearing jet black robes and has a pointed hood drawn back from his face. There is a pool of blood and fluids beneath the man.
When you get up to the man, he turns his head towards you and you see the death's head mask covering his face. It is an Inquisitor of Ga'al in front of you.
The Inquisitor says, "I am wounded and at your mercy. What will you do?"}
Garrett's Test (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 11th, 2005 10:54:43 PM
Garrett walks up to the door bearing his name and opens it. Anyone looking past him sees a bare, empty room with a door at the far end.
Garrett, however, sees something far different when he opens the room.
Garrett only Highlight to display spoiler: { At the far end of the room, you see a figure crumpled near the door. Approaching the figure, you see that the figure is wearing rough furs and rags tied about his arms and legs. There is a pool of blood and fluids leaking from beneath the figure.
When you get up to the figure, it turns its head towards you and you see the features of an orc. The features are burned into your memory for this is the orc that killed your mother and injured your father.
The orc says, "I am wounded and at your mercy. What will you do?"}
Xenia's Stroll (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 11th, 2005 10:57:44 PM
Rather than face the Test awaiting her beyond the door, Xenia races back up through the halls of the first test. She doesn't have to dodge anything for the piles of treasure are nowhere in sight.
Ascending the stairs and reaching the top landing, the door to the main temple opens at a touch. Xenia looks out but sees no sign of the Ghost Priest. Instead, she sees a swirl of a red cloak as a figure enters the left hand door. There are signs of battle in the temple - scorched burn marks and shattered pews.
Nauthiz'Ull's Test (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 11th, 2005 11:00:05 PM
Nauthiz'Ull walks up to the door bearing his name and opens it. Anyone looking past him sees a bare, empty room with a door at the far end.
Nauthiz'Ull, however, sees something far different when he opens the room.
Nauthiz'Ull Highlight to display spoiler: { At the far end of the room, you see a figure crumpled near the door. Approaching the figure, you see that the figure is wearing rough furs and rags tied about his arms and legs. There is a pool of blood and fluids leaking from beneath the figure.
When you get up to the figure, it turns its head towards you and you see the features of an human man. His face bears the clan tattoos and marks of a berserker from Twin Tusks, the rival settlement of your own from Ice Vein.
The berserker says, "I am wounded and at your mercy. What will you do?"}
Syr's Test (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 11th, 2005 11:06:42 PM
Syr walks up to the door bearing his name and opens it. Anyone looking past him sees a bare, empty room with a door at the far end.
Syr, however, sees something far different when he opens the room.
Syrdeth only Highlight to display spoiler: { At the far end of the room, you see a figure crumpled near the door. Approaching the figure, you see that the man is wearing fine garments and has a jewelled rapier at his waist. There is a pool of blood and fluids leaking from beneath the figure.
When you get up to the figure, it turns its head towards you and you see the face of Jonas, leader of the Anvil Hearts. The rogues that you fought in the docks of the Floating City and then almost came to blows over with the Children of Chaos.
Jonas says, "I am wounded and at your mercy, child-lover. What will you do?"}
Toros' Test (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 11th, 2005 11:09:06 PM
Toros walks up to the door bearing his name and opens it. Anyone looking past him sees a bare, empty room with a door at the far end.
Toros, however, sees something far different when he opens the room.
Toros only Highlight to display spoiler: { At the far end of the room, you see a figure crumpled near the door. Approaching the figure, you see that the man is wearing a red cloak and twisted, demonic armor on his body.
When you get up to the figure, it turns its head towards you and you see the closed visor of one of the Red-cloaks that you recently fought in Plateau City.
The Red-cloak says, "I am wounded and at your mercy. What will you do?"}
Party Status (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 11th, 2005 11:11:42 PM
Facing Test #2 - Appolo, Garrett, Nauthiz'Ull, Syrdeth, Toros
Test #1 completed, but scampering about - Xenia
Still facing Test #1 - Ashalan (possibly AWOL)
On DM Auto-pilot - Uriel
Xenia Tuesday October 11th, 2005 11:12:45 PM
"Framble Mation!" the dark rogue swears at the destruction of the temple. "Looks like there's no going back."
As quickly as she came up, she flies back down. Arriving at the door with her name, she opens it and enters.
Garrett Tuesday October 11th, 2005 11:54:31 PM
Garrett pulls back his sword and prepares to cut the orc in half as years of hate well up inside him. As he is about swing, he sees in his head a sign. Thou Shall Be Merciful. The words echo in his mind over and over as he fights with himself to kill and to not kill the orc.
Slowly Garrett's trembling hands begin to lower his sword as his mind begins to overcome his rage. "It cannot be you. You cannot be here. This is a trick. This is the test. Yes, the test."
Garrett steps back from the figure, and sheathes his sword. Obviously shaken, he takes a few moments to recover his wits as the flood of emotions that almost overwhelmed him begin to recede.
Garrett then walks past the being and opens the door on the other side of the room if he sees it. If not, he walks back out of the room the way he came.
Nauthiz'Ull Wednesday October 12th, 2005 11:23:17 AM
Cautiously the ranger slinks forward, weighing his temperment with his task at hand.
Ull'Heimdall, I help our enemy for the greater good of the Wold. Frigga, I am sure you understand.
Slowly Nauth kneels beside the Tusker and begins to look over his wounds. He will help to stop the bleeding and bandage up whatever it is that he can.
After tending to the tustker, he stands and walks towards whategver exit there is. Before leaving he turns to the Tusker and says, "It was my wunjos and I who reclaimed our rightful statue!"
Appolo Wednesday October 12th, 2005 12:39:54 PM
Appolo smiles at the man and kneels down.Pulling out apotion of heal moderate wounds."Here drink this.I don't kill those that can't defend themselves if I can help it and this isn'ta battle feild."He helps the man drink the potion.
Syr Wednesday October 12th, 2005 7:15:28 PM
Seeing Jonas once again he curses the group known as the 'Children of Redemption.' He nods at Jonas and smiles at the rogue. With a sigh, he says, "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself!" There is no rage filling his heart, only resignation towards his eternal enemy. "Did that ghost priest pull you down here? I wouldn't mess with him if I were you."
Walking up to the murderer, he approaches cautiously and pulls out a rope. "Don't worry, I'll see that you live yet again." With care, he binds Jonas once again, "Wait until Xenia sees this! She's going to flip".
Once bound, the elf pulls out a healing potion and pours it down the man's throat. "Well, time to join the others on the other side of this door." With a grunt, he hoists the man over his shoulder and proceeds through the door.
Xenia's Test (DM JohnP) Wednesday October 12th, 2005 8:41:51 PM
Xenia runs back down from the main floor of the temple, through the area of the first test. Again, the dragon statues begin disgorging coin and treasure when she enters from the main floor.
Resisting that temptation, she continues through and into the room of the Second Test. She walks up to the door bearing her name and opens it. No one else is in the room to look over her shoulder.
Xenia sees Highlight to display spoiler: { At the far end of the room, you see a figure crumpled near the door. Approaching the figure, you see that it is a woman dressed in good serviceable city clothing. She has a sword and dagger sheathed at her waist and there may be the hilt of another dagger peeking from a boottop. There is a pool of blood and fluids leaking from beneath the woman.
When you get up to the woman, she turns her head towards you and you see the face of Specialty Johnson. You recently met her in the ruins of the Giggling Ghost and, before that, after the fire that ravaged the orphanage in Floating City.
Specialty says, "I am wounded and at your mercy, child-lover. What will you do?"}
Garrett's Test - Continued (DM JohnP) Wednesday October 12th, 2005 8:46:19 PM
The human cleric sheathes his sword and turns his back on the injured orc. He strides to the door at the far end of the room and throws it open.
There is a moment of swirling nausea when Garrett first opens the door. Then, Garrett feels himself falling. It seems that he is falling from a great height, but barely any time passes before he lands in water.
When he pushes himself to the surface, he recognizes the main floor of the temple stretching away in front of him. He has landed in the central pool, between the two doors. He manages to catch a glimpse of Xenia as she ducks back through the right hand door.
Nauthiz'Ull's Test - Continued (DM JohnP) Wednesday October 12th, 2005 8:52:33 PM
Nauthiz'Ull tends the wounds of the fallen Tusker, then bids him farewell.
Moving to the door at the far end of the room, Nauthiz'Ull opens it and passes through into a similar room lined with benches. At the far end of this new room, there is another set of stairs leadinfg downwards again.
Appolo's Test - Continued (DM JohnP) Wednesday October 12th, 2005 8:56:09 PM
Appolo tends to the wounds of the fallen Inquisitor. When the healing magic enters the man's throat, his wounds close and he falls into a sleep.
The door at the far end of the room beckons.
Syrdeths' Test - Continued (DM JohnP) Wednesday October 12th, 2005 8:59:45 PM
Syrdeth binds the man believed responsible for the deaths of orphans in Floating City. Then, he pours a healing potion into the man, who falls into a slumber once the magic enters his throat.
Syrdeth hoists the man unto his shoulder, then proceeds through the far door. When he does so, the man disappears from his shoulder. The room he enters is lined with benches and there is a staircase at the far end descending downwards again. Nauthiz'ull is already in the room.
Toros d20=11 Wednesday October 12th, 2005 9:32:31 PM
Seeing the Red-cloak surprises the Taur, giving a troubling feeling that there will be no escape from them. Toros makes certain that the Red-cloak is indeed helpless and at his mercy, rather than its being just another dirty trick that they play. However, he just thinks to protect himself and his friends without hurting the Red-cloak, who can understand that he has no intention to give harm. Then, Toros will check the health condition of the Red-Cloak (d20, 11) and try to comfort the Red-Cloak who is at his mercy. Still, somewhere in his mind he always keeps the thought that this is just a another test, wondering what will come next. He does not like the idea that non-real and real blend into each other that well, and can not be distinguished.
Toros' Test - Continued (DM JohnP) Thursday October 13th, 2005 6:15:15 AM
Toros stands over the fallen Red-cloak, ministering to her wounds. On closer examination, it is the one with the nose broken by Syrdeth.
Someohow, she has suffered a wound from an axe, sword or similar cutting weapon that has sheared through her armor and opened up her side.
Xenia Thursday October 13th, 2005 8:05:20 AM
Xenia rolls her eyes as she flies through the treasure room. I was right. It wasn't real.
In the room with her name, she looks down at the figure on the floor.
"Yeah," she replies, "so you are. So I'm supposed to give you mercy, right? And cause I figure out what I'm supposed to do, that makes me a believer, huh? And if I'm not a believer, I'm supposed to what? Kill you?"
Xenia sighs and reaches behind her for a potion. She looks down at the label. Cure Light Wounds
"Here, drink this," she says, and holds it out for the blonde woman to take. "It'll make you feel better."
The rogues copper brows pull together in a small frown. When she speaks, it's with the feeling of release, the release of something that has weighed heavy on her heart for some time.
"You know ... " she begins, "you know, I'm sorry we attacked you. I mean, there in the cave. Things just, you know, got out of hand. Sometimes ... sometimes when I think 'bout it, I think it's my fault. 'Cause, you know, I was scout. Sometimes."
"But we didn't steal no turtle of yours. No way. And if you wanna pin that on us you can just forget it."
"Here, lemme give you a hand up. You're probs not real. But lets get outta here anyway."
"Um ... by the way ... why do you hate children?" she asks as they make their way to the far door.
Garrett Thursday October 13th, 2005 8:25:54 AM
Garrett thinks to himself, "What, not killing the scumbag wasn't mercy enough? Fine then, let's give it another go. Looks like Xenia did."
Garrett runs back through the right hand door, and back down to the testing room with his name on it. If his name is still on the door, then he will proceed into the room, and try and retake the test. He will approach the orc and cast CLW on him and check the extent of his injuries.
Toros d8=8 d8=2 Thursday October 13th, 2005 12:20:27 PM
Understanding the condition of the Red-cloak, Toros tenders her wounds. His healing energy channels through his hand to the most painful wounds of the Red-cloak, first curing her sword cut and then fixing her broken nose (casting cure moderate wounds, 13hp). The Red-cloak should be feeling better now. The same thing could be said for Toros, as well, and he manages to give a sincere smile to the enemy Red-cloak.
Syr Thursday October 13th, 2005 4:53:20 PM
Syr stumbles into the room, as the weight is taken off his shoulders with a sudden move. Looking at the others sheepishly, "I shoulda figured, the treasures ain't real so neither are the people."
The elf looks around the room curious to see what test is next.
Xenia's Test - Continued (DM JohnP) Thursday October 13th, 2005 10:10:27 PM
The half-elf rogue looks down at the injured form of Specialty Johnson. The Anvil Heart looks back and replies to Xenia's question. "Doesn't matter now, about any of that. You and your friends will get what is coming to you, sooner or later."
Then Xenia helps the thief towards the door at the far end of the room.
Garrett's Test - Continued More (DM JohnP) Thursday October 13th, 2005 10:13:23 PM
Garrett returns to the room bearing his name on the door. Again, when he enters the room he can see the crumpled form of the orc that killed his mother on the far side close to a door.
He moves over the fallen orc and shares some of the healing energies granted by Domi. That seems to have been enough to close the orc's wound.
Across the room, the door beckons.
Toros' Test - Continued More (DM JohnP) Thursday October 13th, 2005 10:15:30 PM
The liontaur administers some healing magic to the evil follower of Marteaus and Gargul. After doing so, the evil priest's nose appears to be mended and the wound in her side has closed.
Across the room, the door beckons.
In the Resting Room (DM JohnP) Thursday October 13th, 2005 10:17:14 PM Syrdeth and Nauthiz'Ull stare at each other in the room after the Test of Mercy. Each wonders what will come next after their trials.
Syrdeth looks for information about the next test but cannot find anything. Perhaps if he descended the stairs?
Party Status Update (DM JohnP) Thursday October 13th, 2005 10:18:59 PM
Completed Test 2 - Syrdeth and Nauthiz'Ull
In Test 2 - Xenia, Toros, Appolo, and Garrett
DM Fiat - Uriel (until he can continue posting)
I am also trying to recruit a replacement for Ashalan who appears to have permanently disappeared.
Nauthiz'Ull Friday October 14th, 2005 9:36:44 AM
Ice Blue eyes flash around the room and Syr enters. The ranger nods his ebony head in welcome and returns to his thoughts.
I will take vengance on the Tuskers when I return to the Vein. That was not a Tusker, didn't smell bad enough. Helping him mave help us all.
Xenia Friday October 14th, 2005 10:40:12 AM
"Um, yeah ok sure, Blondie," the dark rogue replies with the small woman's weight against her. "Everyone gets what's coming to them. It's called, like, *life*, you know."
"But I see you haven't put that bootknife in my back yet. So maybe it won't be you giving what's coming, huh."
"You know, we spared your life once already, and both you and I know how you paid that back. What did it get you? Nothing but a lot of death, hate, and a stretch in the Gaol. Maybe this time you'll learn something from it all. You think?"
"C'mon," Xenia braces Specialty's weigh and reaches out to open the door. "Lets get out of here." And with the weight of the Anvil Heart against her shoulder, Xenia steps through the door.
Garrett Friday October 14th, 2005 10:59:44 AM
Garrett opens the door that beckons and enters, hoping to rejoin the rest of the group once again.
Appolo Friday October 14th, 2005 11:19:56 AM
Appolo after giving the priest the healing potion Appolo looks around and heads throught he nexrt door and into the next room.
Toros Friday October 14th, 2005 12:14:41 PM
Toros enters from the open door, thinking that he should consider himself lucky to get the chance to show the goodness of himself and see the goodness in the Red-cloak. Perhaps, real or not, this encounter would open a new door for both him and her.
Syr Friday October 14th, 2005 8:08:58 PM
Seeing Nauthiz'Ull, he nods, "Well, at least we all end up in the same place. While, we wait you wanna take a look down those stairs with me?" Syr descends to the bottom of the stairs to scout but goes no further.
Tests of the Believers - No. 2: Completed (DM JohnP) Friday October 14th, 2005 8:54:49 PM
Everyone looks at one another in the room with questions in their eyes.
Nauthiz'Ull and Syrdeth were the first ones in the room and they had made themselves comfortable. Then, in turn, they were joined by Xenia, Garrett, Appolo and Toros. Uriel entered the room shortly afterwards.
Xenia thought that she had been carrying the weight of a wounded woman on her shoulder, but as soon as she touched the door the woman disappeared.
Garrett had been dragging an orc when he left the room. Appolo a cleric of Ga'al and Toros a Red-Cloak. But each of their burdens disappeared.
The room that everyone is in contains benches for people to wait. At the end there is another staircase leading downwards. Presumably the next test awaits everyone down there.
Garrett Saturday October 15th, 2005 6:13:37 AM
Garrett looks around for a sign hinting at the next test. Upon seeing the benches, he hopes it doesn't have to deal with patience.
Barring anything implying that we should wait, Garrett heads down the stairs.
"I guess we go this way."
Xenia Sunday October 16th, 2005 10:44:47 AM Freeze! As the weight lifts suddenly from her shoulder. The Anvil Heart rogue is gone.
Xenia looks cautiously around. Nothing. Just the room.
With a sigh and a shrug, the dark rogue opens the door and walks through to the next room.
"Hi," the girl rogue does a little hand wave thing to the cleric guy Garrett as he steps out of his door at the same time that she comes out of hers. "Weirdness for you too?" she asks.
She follows at his side as they head down the stairs.
"Hey, Syr, guess who I saw," she quips as she and Garrett get to the bottom of the stairs, "Specialty Johnson. Crazy, huh?"
"Oh! Oh ... Almost forgot! Guess what, guys! Guess what! I ran back to the Main Temple place, to like, you know, talk to the Ghost Priest Guy, and guess what I saw? I saw the Red Cloaks! The Marteaus guys! They're here. Somewhere. I saw 'em. They were going into that other door. The, um, Not Believer Door."
"That means they're here somewhere. And that means we could be in for, like, another dust-up, yeah?"
Toros Sunday October 16th, 2005 11:24:34 PM
Inside the room with others Toros comments on what Xenia has told, "I saw one of the Red-cloaks inside, she was totally harmless and asking my mercy... It was so real that I do not know how not to believe what I perceive..."
Appolo Monday October 17th, 2005 1:00:56 PM
Appolo enters the room nods at his companions"Well it was real.Now forget lets go."He heads down the stairs to the next test.
nauthiz'Ull Monday October 17th, 2005 2:46:09 PM
The ranger pats his wunjo on the shoulder.
"D'you save your Tusker for the ay? ::chuckle:: I patched up a rather pathetic looking one, even for Tuskers, and before i left I reminded hiim of our reuniting with the holy statue. I am not sure if he was pleased with the salt-to-the-wound thing though."
As the group decends the stairs, ice blue eyes zip around in ebony sockets, looking for any slight nuance of trouble.
Before the Third Test (DM JohnP) Monday October 17th, 2005 10:38:52 PM
The party of adventurers moves out of the waiting room and down the stairs. Like every set of stairs before, the stairs descend 60 feet in two flights. At the bottom of the stairs there is a ironbound door in front of the party.
Xenia d20+17=30 d20+13=27 d20+22=30 d20+22=39 d20+17=22 Tuesday October 18th, 2005 11:02:46 AM Another door. Never know what's behind these things. And what with the Red Cloaks around here now and everything ...
The dark rogue approaches the door with caution. Carefully, she searches the door for nasties. Then, placing an ear against the ironbound wood, she listens for sounds on the other side.
Gonna have to go through anyway, so she ghosts into shadows before pulling the door open ever so silently. Then she moves through, eyes peeled for danger.
Garrett Tuesday October 18th, 2005 11:42:18 AM
Garrett follows Xenia through the door.
Syr Tuesday October 18th, 2005 2:02:18 PM
Syr nods glumly at Xenia, "I'd trade Specialty any day for who I saw." In an emotionless voice he utters, "Jonas."
Shrugging his shoulders, "Not sure if he was the real thing or not, I tied him up AGAIN. and he disappeared before I made it out of the room." His voice trails off, "if those Children of Chaos...."
Xenia's Test (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 18th, 2005 10:26:55 PM
The dark rogue reaches out to the door after examining it for danger. The door swings open at her touch, then closes behind her with a gentle thump.
Xenia only - Highlight to display spoiler: { You find yourself in a large room with doors on all four walls. The door that you entered through has swung closed behind you. As soon as you enter, a gentle female voice coming from somewhere in the room says "Please Wait Here."
If you examine the room, you find that each of the doors is labelled with a sign. The door to the left of the entrance is labelled Main Temple Portal. The door to the right of the entrance is labelled Inner Sanctum. The sign on the door opposite the entrance simply says Thou Shalt Be Patient but contains no information about where it leads.
In the centre of the room there is a stool. In one corner, water spouts from a fixture on the wall and runs across the floor to the opposite corner where it leaves through a hole in the floor.
What do you do?
(OOC - Please reply with spoiler tabs or by posting Private to DM)}
Garrett's Test (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 18th, 2005 10:29:35 PM
The door swings shut before Garrett can enter on Xenia's heels. When Garrett opens the door, it swings open silently and then closes behind the cleric.
Garrett only - Highlight to display spoiler: { You find yourself in a large room with doors on all four walls. The door that you entered through has swung closed behind you. As soon as you enter, a gentle female voice coming from somewhere in the room says "Please Wait Here."
If you examine the room, you find that each of the doors is labelled with a sign. The door to the left of the entrance is labelled Main Temple Portal. The door to the right of the entrance is labelled Inner Sanctum. The sign on the door opposite the entrance simply says Thou Shalt Be Patient but contains no information about where it leads.
In the centre of the room there is a stool. In one corner, water spouts from a fixture on the wall and runs across the floor to the opposite corner where it leaves through a hole in the floor.
What do you do?
(OOC - Please reply with spoiler tabs or by posting Private to DM)}
Introducing .... Oni (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 18th, 2005 10:42:18 PM
The slight elf finds himself in the main aisle of an immense temple. He is temporarily disoriented from being wrenched to this place. Looking around, he sees that is near the front of the temple but the scale is deceiving.
Looking towards the front, he can see an immense dragon statue that looms over a pool. To either side of the pool there stands a door.
The dream that preceded his magical dislocation to this point commanded him to assist some companions. He senses that these companions are somewhere beyond the right hand door.
Moving to that door, the elf is surprised at the silence in the temple. Instead of the expected echoes, there is an almost expectant hush. Pushing the door open, Oni sees a broad staircase leading downwards. Two flights of the stairs lead to a landing 60 feet below the main temple level.
On either side of the landing are signs containing the text:
"Thou Shalt Not Steal"
Looking ahead, a hallway lined with large dragon statues looms ahead of Oni. At the far end, another door can be seen.
DM OOC - This introduces a replacement player, Oni Borzzone. Hopefully he will catch up to you in time to aid you. :)
Toros d20+12=19 d20+15=33 Tuesday October 18th, 2005 10:45:42 PM
Still under the impact on the recent experience of the test of mercy Toros would be the one that acts a bit slow and follows the others from behind, moving in the shadows (hide, 19, move silently 33).
Syr's Test (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 18th, 2005 10:56:36 PM
Syr is muttering about encountering Jonas in the previous test when he opens the door. It swings shut behind him.
Syr only - Highlight to display spoiler: { You find yourself in a large room with doors on all four walls. The door that you entered through has swung closed behind you. As soon as you enter, a gentle female voice coming from somewhere in the room says "Please Wait Here."
If you examine the room, you find that each of the doors is labelled with a sign. The door to the left of the entrance is labelled Main Temple Portal. The door to the right of the entrance is labelled Inner Sanctum. The sign on the door opposite the entrance simply says Thou Shalt Be Patient but contains no information about where it leads.
In the centre of the room there is a stool. In one corner, water spouts from a fixture on the wall and runs across the floor to the opposite corner where it leaves through a hole in the floor.
What do you do?
(OOC - Please reply with spoiler tabs or by posting Private to DM)}
Toros' Test (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 18th, 2005 10:58:53 PM
The liontaur is trying to skulk out of the room when he opens the door. He thought that he was just on the heels of Syr, but the elven monk is nowhere to be seen on the other side. The door swings quietly shut behind him.
Toros only - Highlight to display spoiler: { You find yourself in a large room with doors on all four walls. The door that you entered through has swung closed behind you. As soon as you enter, a gentle female voice coming from somewhere in the room says "Please Wait Here."
If you examine the room, you find that each of the doors is labelled with a sign. The door to the left of the entrance is labelled Main Temple Portal. The door to the right of the entrance is labelled Inner Sanctum. The sign on the door opposite the entrance simply says Thou Shalt Be Patient but contains no information about where it leads.
In the centre of the room there is a stool. In one corner, water spouts from a fixture on the wall and runs across the floor to the opposite corner where it leaves through a hole in the floor.
What do you do?
(OOC - Please reply with spoiler tabs or by posting Private to DM)}
Before the Door (DM JohnP) Tuesday October 18th, 2005 11:00:11 PM
Three members of the party stand before the door after watching their fellows enter.
Nauthiz'Ull continues to think about the Tusker that he met.
Appolo was eager to continue, but lingers before this door.
Uriel is still staring vacantly at the walls, moving like an automaton.
Oni Borzzone Wednesday October 19th, 2005 1:47:14 AM
Oni stands still and admires the statues ahead of him. A time of legend, a time of heroes, a time long gone. As he moves down the hallway, he bows his head in respect, at each dragon he passes. The majesty of the room is about to overcome him, and then he reaches the far door. Such sentinels can not be set in this place for idle worship he thinks. Before opening the door, he checks his staff. The entertwined bodies of the great snakes twist and turn up the entire length. One question asked, the spell captured with in is given. The lighnting bolt, yes the spell that had saved him many times in battle.
He stiffens his 5 foot frame, twirls the rod a bit, to warm up his hands, and arms. Then he reaches out for the handle to open the next chapter in his life.
Appolo Wednesday October 19th, 2005 8:04:53 PM
Appolo opens the door and heads in.Closing it behind him.Quickly.
Garrett Wednesday October 19th, 2005 8:12:39 PM
(ooc: hope I do the spoiler tabs right, never done it before)
For DM:Highlight to display spoiler: {Garrett responds to the unseen voice with "Ok, I'll just wait here". Not sure how literal this test is to be, Garrett sits down on the ground right where he is. He tries to make himself as comfortable as possible, expecting the test of patience to be lengthy.}
Edited by Al to fix Garrett's Spoiler Tag.
Syr d20+8=21 d20+8=10 d20+8=16 Wednesday October 19th, 2005 9:44:25 PM
(OOC: I'm also not so good at the spoiler stuff AND there is no post to DM box on the tap boards, I'll post it on the shields board for DM eyes only if that's okay?).
Edited by DM JohnP - And I'll cut and paste it over here, since I have Post Private to DM on my screen. These DFR Taps are a little wonky that way, it seems. ======== Rookie webmaster Kim here. I changed your privileges, so you should see the 'Post Private to DMs' option from now on.
Xenia d20+20=35 d20+13=31 Wednesday October 19th, 2005 9:50:00 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: {"I know what you mean, Syr ... "
At first, Xenia is all cat as the door closes behind her. Then she sighs as she reads the sign on the far door.
"Wait here, huh? I get it. You know," she says to the disembodied female voice, "waiting ain't the hard part. Any rogue worth her salt is trained to wait and watch. The hard part, if you wanna know, is keeping sharp *while* you wait."
"Alright," she shrugs when the voice speaks no more, "we wait."
Xenia picks up the stool and carries it to the corner opposite the one from which the water pours forth. Setting the stool so that she has a full view of the room, the rogue seats herself with her back to the wall. She watches the water, and she attunes herself to the sounds of the room.
Rolls and Actions Spot 35 Listen 31}
Appolo's Test (DM JohnP) Wednesday October 19th, 2005 9:51:53 PM
Appolo the pirate moves purposefully through the door. He shuts it quickly behind him, and it closes with a hushed sound.
Appolo only - Highlight to display spoiler: { You find yourself in a large room with doors on all four walls. The door that you entered through has swung closed behind you. As soon as you enter, a gentle female voice coming from somewhere in the room says "Please Wait Here."
If you examine the room, you find that each of the doors is labelled with a sign. The door to the left of the entrance is labelled Main Temple Portal. The door to the right of the entrance is labelled Inner Sanctum. The sign on the door opposite the entrance simply says Thou Shalt Be Patient but contains no information about where it leads.
In the centre of the room there is a stool. In one corner, water spouts from a fixture on the wall and runs across the floor to the opposite corner where it leaves through a hole in the floor.
What do you do?
(OOC - Please reply with spoiler tabs or by posting Private to DM)}
Oni's First Test (DM JohnP) Wednesday October 19th, 2005 9:56:39 PM
As soon as Oni sets foot into the room, the dragon statues come to life and begin disgorging treasure. Coins, gems, jewelry, weapons, armor and magic items spill forth from the mouths of the statues and flow across the floor. Is that a Ring of Wizardry that Oni spies? And is that a Staff of the Magi?
The wealth spilling from the statues is soooo tempting. You have to choose what to do before completing the walk across the room.
Garrett's Test - Continued (DM JohnP) Wednesday October 19th, 2005 9:59:32 PM
Garrett only - Highlight to display spoiler: { The human priest settles down on the stool. Maybe this is just like the tests presented to him as an acolyte. Who knows.
Time drags in the room. Besides a slow ebbing and peaking in the flow of water, there is nothing to mark the passage of time. But based on the rumbling in your stomach, it seems that a couple hours have passed.
Do you continue to wait? Or do you try one of the doors?}
Syr's Test - Continued (DM JohnP) Wednesday October 19th, 2005 10:08:48 PM
Syr only - Highlight to display spoiler: { The elven monk tries to occupy his time. He listens at each of the doors but hears nothing more than the rushing of blood in his own ears. Then he tries the doors, without opening them, and concludes that they are all unlocked.
Then he plays with the water. He manages to create a sizable pool of water before letting it run away.
Time drags in the room. Besides a slow ebbing and peaking in the flow of water, there is nothing to mark the passage of time. But based on the rumbling in your stomach, it seems that a couple hours have passed.
Do you continue to wait? Or do you try one of the doors?}
Xenia's Test - Continued (DM JohnP) Wednesday October 19th, 2005 10:12:06 PM
Xenia only - Highlight to display spoiler: { The dark rogue settles down on the stool. Slowly, she begins to notice a slow ebbing and peaking in the flow of water. There is nothing else to mark the passage of time. But based on the rumbling in her stomach, it seems that a couple hours have passed.
Do you continue to wait? Or do you try one of the doors?}
Xenia Wednesday October 19th, 2005 10:20:56 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Just had one of these." Xenia pulls out another energy bar. Stripping off some of the protective wrapping, she nibbles at her food while maintaining constant vigil.}
Toros Wednesday October 19th, 2005 11:38:49 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: { As told, Toros waits.., hoping that something will happen next sooner or later...}
Nauthiz'Ull Thursday October 20th, 2005 8:31:08 PM
Realizing that he was daydreaming of the day that he and his wunjos raided the Tuskers village to reclaim the idol. He immediately rushes to where the others went.
Xenia's Test - Continued Again (DM JohnP) Thursday October 20th, 2005 9:07:08 PM
Xenia only - Highlight to display spoiler: { Time drags in the room and the lure of knowing what is beyond the doors increases. Nothing happens, absolutely nothing.
The rogue continues to wait until her stomach starts to rumble once again. How much time has passed? Who is to know?
Do you continue to wait? Or try one of the doors?}
Toros' Test - Continued (DM JohnP) Thursday October 20th, 2005 9:11:20 PM
Toros only - Highlight to display spoiler: { The liontaur settles down next to the stool. Whoever devised such torture for a cat, to wait here wondering what is beyond the doors? Still, maybe this is a chance to catch up on some sleep.
Time drags in the room. Besides a slow ebbing and peaking in the flow of water, there is nothing to mark the passage of time. But based on the rumbling in your stomach, it seems that a couple hours have passed.
Do you continue to wait? Or do you try one of the doors?}
Garrett's Test - Continued Again (DM JohnP) Thursday October 20th, 2005 9:15:22 PM
Garrett only - Highlight to display spoiler: { The human cleric takes a trail ration from his pack and begins to nibble on it. After finishing his repast, he settles down for a session of prayer to his God.
The priest continues to wait until his stomach starts to rumble once again. How much time has passed? Who is to know?
Do you continue to wait? Or try one of the doors?}
Appolo's Test - Continued (DM JohnP) Thursday October 20th, 2005 9:18:38 PM
Appolo only - Highlight to display spoiler: { The pirate settles himself on the stool, prepared to wait some time. Not wholly trusting the water provided, he drinks from one of his own flasks.
Time drags in the room. Besides a slow ebbing and peaking in the flow of water, there is nothing to mark the passage of time. But based on the rumbling in your stomach, it seems that a couple hours have passed.
Do you continue to wait? Or do you try one of the doors?}
Syr's Test - Continued Again (DM JohnP) Thursday October 20th, 2005 9:27:00 PM
Syr only - Highlight to display spoiler: { The elven monk ignores the physical sensation of hunger and prepares to meditate. Eventually, the physical world falls away as he reaches deeper and deeper states of relaxation.
Finally, his stomach's rumbling intrudes on his meditations once again. How much time has passed? Who is to know?
Do you continue to wait? Or try one of the doors?}
Nauthiz'Ull's Test (DM JohnP) Thursday October 20th, 2005 9:29:23 PM
The dark ranger comes to life and rushes through the door that his companions have already passed through. It closes behind him with a hushed sound.
Nauthiz'Ull only - Highlight to display spoiler: { You find yourself in a large room with doors on all four walls. The door that you entered through has swung closed behind you. As soon as you enter, a gentle female voice coming from somewhere in the room says "Please Wait Here."
If you examine the room, you find that each of the doors is labelled with a sign. The door to the left of the entrance is labelled Main Temple Portal. The door to the right of the entrance is labelled Inner Sanctum. The sign on the door opposite the entrance simply says Thou Shalt Be Patient but contains no information about where it leads.
In the centre of the room there is a stool. In one corner, water spouts from a fixture on the wall and runs across the floor to the opposite corner where it leaves through a hole in the floor.
What do you do?
(OOC - Please reply with spoiler tabs or by posting Private to DM)}
Xenia d20+18=27 d20+13=22 Friday October 21st, 2005 12:19:09 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: {Sitting for a long time is not good either. Xenia does some tight space isometric exercises to keep her blood flowing. Her eyes continue to rove, and her ears are open to any small sound.
The rogue pushes the pangs of hunger from her.
This little game has turned from annoyance to challenge.
Rolls and Actions Spot 27 Listen 22 }
Garrett's Test - Continued Yet Again (DM JohnP) Saturday October 22nd, 2005 4:59:58 PM
Garrett only - Highlight to display spoiler: { Time seems to be slowing to a crawl in the room. The water ebbs and flows and the doors remain untouched.
The voice commanded you to be patient, but this is getting ridiculous. You have sated your hunger and your prayers to Domi continue. Now, it is a struggle to remain awake. Your eyelids are getting heavier and it's difficult to keep from nodding off.
Do you still continue to wait? Or try one of the doors now?}
Appolo's Test - Continued Again (DM JohnP) Saturday October 22nd, 2005 5:03:03 PM
Appolo only - Highlight to display spoiler: { The pirate deals with his hunger by reaching into his pack and removing some rations. Still not trusting the water provided, he drinks from one of his own flasks.
Appolo sits on the chair, fighting numbness and a sore spot in his lower back. Eventually, you become hungry once again.
Do you continue to wait? Or try one of the doors?}
Xenia's Test - Continued Yet Again (DM JohnP) Saturday October 22nd, 2005 5:06:27 PM
Xenia only - Highlight to display spoiler: { Time seems to be slowing to a crawl in the room. The water ebbs and flows and the doors remain untouched.
The voice commanded you to be patient, but this is getting ridiculous. Your exercises have kept your blood flowing and relieved the small aches and pains that were accumulating. They have also served to fight the boredom and fatigue. Still, it's now a struggle to remain awake. Your eyelids are getting heavier and it's difficult to keep from nodding off.
Do you still continue to wait? Or try one of the doors now?}
Xenia d20+17=19 d20+20=26 d20+13=19 Saturday October 22nd, 2005 6:05:47 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: {Hungry twice. Sleepy now.
That's less than a day. But coming around to one.
Xenia plots and executes a tumbling roll in her mind. Visualizing. Across the floor, hit the wall with one foot and walk up two steps, leap out .... execute backwards flip, land. In theory, behind someone chasing you.
She takes a moment out to again examine the room, and listen for noises. The rest wouldn't leave without her. They must be waiting too.
Back to her visualization. Not good enough. Do it again.
Appolo Sunday October 23rd, 2005 8:11:20 PM
Appolo continues to wait patiently.He eats a little more and then gets up and stretches,walking around some,before siting on the floor with his back to the wall and closing his eyes.Getting some rest.
Toros Sunday October 23rd, 2005 9:57:41 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: { Toros continues to wait alone in the room, eating, resting, sleeping, however comfortable to do so. He was looking for a time to be alone and listen to himself, and it seems he has found it now. }
Syr Monday October 24th, 2005 2:43:43 AM
At ease with the room, the elf continues to meditate and ignores the pains of hunger in his stomach. As the 'test' continues, he decides that it is truely a test of inactivity and continues doing nothing.
LOG ON