The Fae King Defeated (DM Cayzle) Wednesday October 26th, 2005 8:41:42 PM
When Arien's spell hits the Giant Elf, the dust in an empty suit of armor is not all that is left of the Avatar.
True, every animal on the field of battle (except Black Paws and Feng's charger, of course) disappears. But still there is something left.
Standing over the Fae King's gear, in the place he was defeated, you see a ghostly image. The Giant Elf stands again, but you can see through him. This spirit looks mournfully at you. His eyes make contact with your own, and you sense that he is both full of blame as well as sorrow.
Monthor Wednesday October 26th, 2005 9:33:27 PM
Monthor stands bloody and speechless at the sight of the elf king's spirit. Monthor douses the flame of from his axe and awaits to see what will happen next.
Tratain Wednesday October 26th, 2005 10:58:42 PM
Tratain first walks over to Sarigar and casts Heal upon him. Then he walks over to the ghostly Form of the Fey King to see if it is able to speak.
He says to the others "I think we need to cast our judgements now that we have defeated him."
Draax Thursday October 27th, 2005 12:17:12 AM
Draax walk over to the Fey King and looks the spirit in the eyes. "You have damaged the wold and have killed or ruined a lot of good beings. I came on this hunt with the intention of voting for you to die, but I cannot dismiss your efforts to fight for the elves. I thought about voting for sleep but then my grandchildren will have to suffer for my actions, so I will vote for you to Atone and hope that such a thing is possible."
Draax turns to the others, "I vote ATONE."
Feng Thursday October 27th, 2005 10:15:23 AM
"I am ashamed at myself for letting things get to this level. He wished a truce, to talk and to try and work something out peacefully. The heat of battle was so strong that we never got the chance to have a meeting that could have gone down in legend." Feng says obviously distraut. He paces for a minute before speaking again.
"I vote atone."
Sarigar and Black Paws Thursday October 27th, 2005 10:32:25 AM
Holding the gash in his shoulder as Tratain heals him he glances at him, "Thanks." then immediately turns his attention to the spirit. His brother trots up beside him and they move toward the spirit.
The brothers slowly circle the spirit form, checking it from top to toe. Images flood their minds: the people drowning back in Plateau city, the attempts on their lives in the dream lands, the tormented animals strewn about this area with absolutely no regard for their well being. A look of malice builds upon their faces.
As they finish their inspection, they move back toward the others, not taking their eyes off the spirit for even an instant. Sarigar crouches to the ground, picking up handfuls of dirt and rubs it over the blood that was drawn by the elf's carelessly summoned minions. "You'll do it again..."
For several long moments, they remain frighteningly silent. Unlike other moments of stillness between them, the brothers don't appear to even be talking with each other. Finally, in little more than a whisper but carrying a foreboding conviction the brother's judgement comes, "die"
Monthor- Addition Thursday October 27th, 2005 10:48:26 AM
" Atone "
Renik Thursday October 27th, 2005 11:52:54 AM
The rogue gazes at the spirit form with mixed emotions. Here stands (or at least floats), the creature responsible for untold mayhem in the Wold. Death, destruction, despair. By rights he should be struck down where he stands for his crimes.
But there are deeper issues at work here. He cannot allow himself to forget that Eberyon is, to all intents and purposes, the living embodiment of the Natural Wold. To slay such a being (even assuming it is possible) could have horrific consequences for the Wold.
And so the question becomes; should they ask him to atone for his actions, or to sleep?
Try as he might he cannot bring himself to trust this trickster king. He is by nature a creature of chaos, fickle and random in his actions. How can he trust such a being to change his very nature?
And so the choice he is left with is Sleep. He is uncomfortable with even this option, for although it returns the Wold once more to a state of balance, it merely postpones the problem for future generations.
Renik thinks long and hard on this point; in the past that same decision had been reached, on more than one occasion. Perhaps there is a certain arrogance inherent in the fear that future generations might not be able to look after themselves. As in the past, and here today, so might their descendants thwart the Fae King's madness. There will always be heroes to stand against those who would throw the Wold into turmoil.
His mind made up at last Renik straightens, and in a deep voice cries out;
"..."
He realises that he has been so lost in thought he forgot all about Arien's silence spell. He hasn't heard a word the others have been saying. Leaping up and down and waving his arms he attempts to attract the mage's attention to his plight, pointing repeatedly to his mouth.
Assuming Arien cancels the spell he will pull out the various rune-marked leaves retrieved earlier and distribute them to the party.
He calls out to the Eberyon "Oh King, I vote you return to your Sleep of Ages. Let your next awakening be more peaceable than this."
Tratain (Addition) Thursday October 27th, 2005 1:22:05 PM
Tratain says "I vote for Atonement as well."
The Spirit Speaks (DM Cayzle) Thursday October 27th, 2005 7:56:17 PM
The spirit lets each have a say, and then answers.
(Does he look slightly embarassed that he gave you the impression that he could not speak? Or is it the DM who looks that way? Oh well!)
The Spirit nods at each in turn, and has a smile for Tratain, Monthor, Feng, and Draax.
Then he says, "I have heard now from many adventurrerrs in the Wold. Many wish death for me, or a return to the sleep that is the little death. But the Wold is beautiful and sweet, and I wish to live! Yes, I ran. Yes, if I could have hidden away, I would have."
"And it is true that Nature follows me, but I have no control over Nature. All I can do is influence, push, and pull. But I swear that if I can stay in the Wold, I will pull in directions to heal what I can, to fix what I can."
"I hope that you who have voted for Death or Sleep" -- he looks at Sarigar and Renik -- "will consider changing your choices. Let me begin to atone, before the final vote is cast. Will you hear a story? May I tell you a tale, and in a small way start to set right something that needs to be repaired?"
"Or if you have other questions, I will answer all as well as I can. And you who have not yet voted" -- he looks at Arien -- "will learn all that you need to know."
Arien Thursday October 27th, 2005 8:22:52 PM
"I wish that things had not come to this point, I helped to bring you back, to awaken you. I believe that we must both atone for this, as such I also vote Atone."
Draax Thursday October 27th, 2005 9:15:24 PM
Draax listens to the king. Is this the same king that was in the vision with the queen? He did not give the impression of being able to be humble. He gave off more of an arrogant attitude. Draax would like to hear the story to at least to ensure himself that he has made the right decision.
"I have already voted for atonement but I was still like to hear your story even if the others do not change their minds."
Monthor Friday October 28th, 2005 6:39:07 AM
" Me will listen as well. Should this prove to be a trick however, me will cleave ye head of your shoulders. "
Sarigar and Black Paws Friday October 28th, 2005 10:20:45 AM
With obvious distrust in their eyes, the brothers simply watch the spirit. They make no movements indicating whether they will or will not listen to the story. Their stare, however, makes it obvious the spirit has their full attention. It's a look of keen observation, like a cat ready to pounce in an instant.
The brothers will be difficult, if not imposible to sway.
Feng Friday October 28th, 2005 10:42:43 AM
"It is your right to speak and we need to listen. Only by hearing every story can we keep our perspective just and true."
Renik Friday October 28th, 2005 12:51:42 PM
The rogue looks wary but nods. "Aye King, you surely have the right to speak your piece. I too will listen."
He knows only too well that in the hands of a skilled speaker the truth can be like clay, maleable and capable of taking on infinite beguiling forms. He must take care not to allow oratory to sway him from good reason. Still, he will listen, out of curiosity if nothing else.
Tratain Friday October 28th, 2005 4:44:01 PM
Tratain says "I will listen, I would like to hear what has transpired, why you were sent to sleep in the first place, and what happened in that village."
The Story of the Village and Other Tales (DM Cayzle) Saturday October 29th, 2005 7:56:01 AM
The King seems glad that everybody is willing to hear him out. "Thank you for listening. Too often I myself have been slow to listen to others. That is one of the things for which I must atone."
He chuckles at Monthor's threat. "Good sir dwarf, of course you and your friends have already deprived me of both shoulders and head!"
He seems to sense Draax's uncertainty. "You may wonder that I am not as you might have expected. But when I chose to split into many parts and flee, each part held only a portion of the True Fae King. I suspect you would find other parts to be older, or younger, angrier, or wiser. I can predict confidently what I will do when I am reformed as a whole. But understand that the being before you is a shadow, a fragment, of what I am."
Then he turns to Tratain. "Hear what has transpired? Surely you do not have the decades it would take to listen to all that has happened. But ask in specific and I will answer."
"At the village, and at other places, I did no harm myself, but the creatures that follow me wrought great damage. I tried to stay mostly to the wild places, both to minimize the harm those creatures could do, and to try to stay hidden and free. But if I chanced on a village, and if a whale crushed a cottage, or a T-Rex ate more than a handful of villagers, well, all I can do is repeat that I had no control over them. My only possible course was to leave as soon as possible, which I did."
"I regret the harm that followed in my wake. I hope to have the chance to make up for that."
He pauses for other questions before launching into his story.
Renik Sunday October 30th, 2005 4:16:19 AM
The rogue says nothing, merely folding his arms and waiting. He does not expect his opinion to be swayed.
Monthor Sunday October 30th, 2005 9:35:12 PM
Monthor makes his way close to Feng and takes a good long sniff at the paladin and then at his horse.
" Hummm, horse smells better then you deary. BWHAHAHA... Humph, maybe not the right time Monthor old sock. Anywho... Me will still listening elf. Make it good. "
Tratain Sunday October 30th, 2005 10:25:50 PM
Tratain listens to the story, holding off on asking anything else until the Fae King has said what he wants.
Draax. Monday October 31st, 2005 1:11:14 AM
Draax takes a sit on the ground and listens to what the king has to say
Arien Monday October 31st, 2005 3:26:57 AM
Arien finds a rock to sit on and waits for the story to continue.
Sarigar and Black Paws Monday October 31st, 2005 10:38:04 AM
While the brothers watch the spirit, they (mostly Sarigar) talk telepathically between each other, Highlight to display spoiler: {"LIAR! If he doesn't control the animals, or at least how they popped in and out, why'd they stop when his body poofed? And then there was all the damage that started when he woke up. Either he can't control himself, or he doesn't want too. Other people have talked about the king being chaotic, so how can a word he says be trusted? He may say he's willing to atone (whatever that means), but if he's that chaotic, how can he be trusted to keep his word?}
The stare the brothers give the spirit is so cold and untrusting that were he not already dead, it might very well kill him by itself. If anything, the spirit's story has done nothing but provoke them further.
Feng Monday October 31st, 2005 1:42:24 PM
At this point Feng has no questions. So far the explinations for the destruction were believable.
The Fae King's Story (DM Cayzle) Monday October 31st, 2005 8:12:01 PM
"When I found out that Maab was sending an army of heroes against me, I figured they couldn't track down all my avatars. But I needed places to hide at least a few of the avatars away."
"A powerful and creative sage had contacted me in the meanwhile. He had an idea about those cursed acorns and leaves that Maab grew to decide my fate. I gave him a few acorns to use in his experiments. In exchange, he promised to shelter me. If you had not found me so fast, I might have made it to his shelter."
"The idea he had involved watering those acorns with elf blood."
"If I am to atone, then let me start here. I may be dead or asleep and unable to act. I hope you will help me."
"Find that sage and stop his experiments. If you do, you can save the lives of the elves he plans to bleed to death. Vote as your heart leads you -- but live, sleep, or die, I hope that you can help me atone by saving the lives of those innocent elves."
Renik Tuesday November 1st, 2005 8:33:18 AM
The rogue listens to the Fae King's words with mounting anger. Controlling his emotions as best as he is able he replies;
"O King, as you say, you are but a fragment of yourself. As such your personality is greatly different from that of the other fragments, and of your unified self. You may well believe in seking to atone for your actions. However I see no evidence that a unified Eberyon would be any different from the power-crazed despot who confronted Queen Maab.
Your actions, whether you accept responsibility for them or not, have directly led to many deaths. You claim to have no control over your summoned creatures. Did you try? You are clearly a mage of some power. Were you not able to do anything to minimise the damage your presence in that village wraught? And how was it that you found yourself in the middle of a village without realising it?
Now you tell us that you entered into a pact with a Sage, a pact that involves the slaughter of elves. And to atone you wish us to prevent your partner in crime in carrying out this deed.
Very well, we will help. The blood of innocents shall not be spilled if I can help it. But understand this, O King. It will take far, far more than the betrayal of your erstwhile co-conspirator to prove to me you are worthy of anything other than eternal Sleep."
The rogue holds up the leaf with the Sleep rune.
"But our immediate concerns are more pressing. Who is this sage? Where can he be found? How has he got the elves he needed for his experiment? And what was the aim of his dark magics?"
Tratain Tuesday November 1st, 2005 9:39:22 AM
Tratain says "Too bad we can't identify what all the pieces that you broke yourself into represent and then but the more chaotic ones to sleep, and leave the parts that will truely help the Wold awake to atone. My Vote remains the same, either way."
After listening to the Avatar answer Reniks questions, Tratain picks up any gear left by the Fae King and asks what it does.
Feng Tuesday November 1st, 2005 9:59:00 AM
"We can only judge what we have experienced. This Avatar, his actions, and his words alone. Before we can decide anything we need to save those elves."
Monthor Tuesday November 1st, 2005 10:44:33 AM
Yay, me be in as well.... but why did it have to be elves that we save? Me mean really... elves? Oh well... me job remains the same. Make sur the rest of girlies remain nice and healthy. Oh and for Feng to not have to get to dirty. Can't have the princess getting dirty. No sir, can't have that.
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday November 1st, 2005 1:20:35 PM RRRRRAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHH!!!! Didn't wanna hurt anyone? And now you're killin' people with someone else!?! LIAR! Sleep means you come back and do it again. Your lies mean you can't be trusted. You deserve this more than anyone I've met, even the dark ones that killed my pack." In a fit of rage, Sarigar pulls out the death runed leaf and throws it at the spirit.
Unable to stomach any more without completely going off and trying to kill the spirit with his bare hands, the brothers storm off into the wilds. A short while later, a pair of menacing howls can be heard.
Arien Tuesday November 1st, 2005 6:28:47 PM
"You would extend your own existense at the cost of those who brought you back to the Wold? I myself helped bring you here and now I regret ever helping you. What sort of creature would betray his people in such a vile way?" Arien walks away from the King, refusing to even look at it until he has regained control of his temper.
Excuses! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 1st, 2005 7:20:03 PM
"Hey, wait! No! Stop! You don't understand!"
The Spirit of the Fae King flinches visibly when Sarigar throws down the rune, as if hit by some invisible blow.
"I didn't want them to die! I figured when I arrived there I could stop that! When the Sage needed blood, I would make sure he did not take enough to kill anybody! But now I won't be there to stop his excesses!"
"I love the elves," the Spirit says plaintively. "I would not let any be sacrificed in front of me! Not like that!"
The Spirit answers Renik. "Yes, it is true that I am a fragment of myself. And it is true that some fragments are different in temperment and goals. But do you doubt Maab? If the vote is for sleep or death, will I be able to resist? If the vote is for reform, then I will be forced to atone. The Queen's magic will compel me, to die, to sleep, or to work to fix what I have broken. A unified Eberyon would indeed be different. I have no choice. The choice is yours."
"I came upon the village unexpectedly, as I emerged from the forest trying to find the Sage. It was the work of less than a minute, but the creatures called by my power attacked. I did have a very slight control, and I exerted it when I could. But my control was not enough. I have that to atone for as well."
"The Sage is named Sahnhan. He has mastered both the arcane arts as well as a great deal of natural lore. He hates people, living apart with the creatures that love and protect him. Any humans or elves you see in his home will surely be under his coercion. He lives under a hill that his pets have made. He loves all manner of insects above other living things. What he is trying to do I don't know. I don't think he knows. He is a Sage and Experimenter."
When Tratain asks about the Spirit's gear, the Giant Elf tells him that he hopes they will use these mundane possessions to succeed on their mission. He tells them that the Large Dragonhide Plate is well enchanted, and he hopes that the Periapt of Wisdom will do a better job of guiding them than it did him. There is also a scroll of Call Lightning Storm, and a ring and a cloak that he describes as "trifling protections."
The Spirit looks daunted at Arien's words. "You may, of course, change your vote, until you invoke your rune, as your wild friend has done. After that, your vote is set."
Draax Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 12:30:57 AM
Draax looks at the king, "Wow! It might have been better if we did not hear your story. Although many elves would give their lives to save you, I am surprise that you would voluntarily spill elven blood just to save yourself. I have to say my respect for you have dropped tremendously. I guess self-preservation is strong in all beings but there has to be a limit on what you would do to survive. I will hold to my original vote because like you said you have a lot to set right.
I hope we will be in time to save the elves because no matter how much you make right. Unless you bring back those that have died and will die because of you, you will always be guilty."
Monthor Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 8:00:44 AM
" Me still vote for atonement and casts my rune as such. "
" As far as the gear goes... DIBS ON THE ARMOR!!" :-)
ooc> Just kidding. Let's figure out what does what and then split the gear according to who needs what most. Should we do that off board or keep it here?
Renik Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 11:07:00 AM
"So this sage lives in some sort of giant bug hill? Very well, we will go there and attempt to rescue his captives. We will attempt to set right the wrongs that you have unleashed. Let us know where we can find this sage. Transport us to him if you are able. But know this, O king; your words have done naught but reinforce my opinion of your deserved fate. I vote Sleep."
And, distaste undisguised upon his face, Renik hurls his rune at the ground before the king, just as Sarigar has done before him.
Sarigar and Black Paws Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 11:45:24 AM
Venting furiously, the brothers can easily be followed. From the sounds they make, one would think they'd been mortally wounded. At the same time, it's a sound of anguish.
When, at last, the other find them, they are obviously exhausted, panting heavily and...crying?
Feng Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 1:07:10 PM
"The fact that terrible things have happened is the truth. Why they happened is almost secondary. If we can get good things done then perhaps the senseless deaths won't be so senseless."
Monthor- Addition Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 2:17:35 PM
Okay then... DIBS ON THE ARMOR!!!!
Tratain Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 6:07:58 PM
Tratain says "We do need Directions on how to find this Sage, how far is it from here mostly. I could use a Few hours rest, I'm Very tired after that chase. With My ring I should be ready to Travel in 2 or 3 Hours. If his place is close to here I suggest that we wait a bit. If it is still some distance away I can make it until night to rest."
He continues "Hey Arien, can you cast Analyze Dweomer on all this stuff when we have time, so we can figure out what it all is. Some of it may be usefull for the upcomming battle."
Arien Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 6:52:52 PM
"My word is already set, King. I invoke the rune for atonement." Arien tosses the rune at the King and stalks away.
When Tratain asks him about identifying the items Arien responds, "Aye that I can do, after I have had a chance to rest and rememorize spells. I say that we make camp when we can so that we can prepare ourselves, I'm sure that the bug man will have lots of surprises for us."
The Spirit Fades (DM Cayzle) Thursday November 3rd, 2005 6:29:11 AM
The Spirit bows its head as the party invokes the runes created by Queen Maab:
[OOC: I repeat these so that we are all clear. If there is an error in the above, please say so ASAP!]
The Spirit says, "I was trying to find the Sage. I thought he lived right around here close by, but maybe I was wrong. You will have to find him on your own, please. All I can do is give you a secure and sound rest tonight. Fare well, Heroes."
The Spirit of the Avatar fades away. You now notice, immediately nearby, a small spring and several fruit trees, ripe with apples and pears. Those were not there before.
You make camp, and are not disturbed by any foe. You find your sleep to be very refreshing.
If you eat the fruit or drink from the spring, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You are cured of all ailments and gain 2d6 temporary hit points that will last until lost due to damage.}
In the morning, the magic items are analyzed:
Large Dragonhide Plate +3 (fits a large biped, such as a minotaur or an ogre) Periapt of Wisdom +4 Scroll of Call Lightning Storm Ring of Protection +1 Cloak of Resistance +2
Also in the morning, you think back over the long quest that brought you here, from the Green Man to the Templars of the Wild to the Pixie Lord to Queen Maab and the Fae King himself! You have learned much, seen more, and travelled where only a handful of mortals have ever been. Taking a moment to digest it all, you are amazed at all you have experienced.
[OOC: This brings the Dark Fae Rising module to a close. Look for e-mail shortly with xp awards. Moreover, PLEASE think back over past events and write me with hero point nominations.]
Monthor 2d6(5+3)=8 Thursday November 3rd, 2005 12:32:27 PM
Monthor sleeps well a feels refreshed in the morning.
ooc> :-)
Monthor examines the armor and to his shagrine
it's to big for him.
" DOH! Oh well. "
Monthor then goes up to the fruit trees and had a few delicious pears. He leaves the apples alone. He was never an "apple a day" type of dwarf. (secret role of 8 for eating the fruit).
" Gee, me really amazed by all me have experienced so far... " ooc> :-)
" Okay ladies, let's go find the 'Serge Sandhand' guy and kick his butt... and me though Feng was a dumb name. "
:: The dwarf shrugs his shoulders. ::
Sarigar and Black Paws Thursday November 3rd, 2005 4:04:22 PM
The brothers sleep under the stars, well away from the spirit's "gift". After all the King has said and done, they will have nothing to do with him or his "offerings".
Waking with the dawn as usual, they search the area for a quick breakfast and Sarigar reprepares his Longstrider spell. Once complete, they sit on the very edge of the pack's camp and watches them, waiting for something to do.
Renik 2d6(1+2)=3 Thursday November 3rd, 2005 5:52:53 PM
The rogue gathers the items in a large sack, then gets ready to make camp for the night. Deciding the King has been at least genuine in his attempts to aid the party after his defeat Renik accepts his belated hospitality and eats and drinks his fill.
That night Renik's dreams are vivid and wild. They are filled with images of their recent travels, of miraculous lands and creatures, of dread beasts and otherworldly beauties. When he awakens, surprisingly refreshed (3 rolled), the true enormity of their quest begins to finally hit home. He sits in silence for some time, turning over recent events in his mind, attempting to come to terms with what they have achieved.
At last he pulls himself together and stands.
"Well my friends, it seems there is no rest for the wicked. As one quest ends so another begins. We have us a Sage to find, and quickly, before innocents die at his hand. Tratain, might you petition Domi to grant you some insight into his wheabouts? If not perhaps Monthor and I can take to the skies and attempt to spot the Sage's complex from the air."
Feng Thursday November 3rd, 2005 9:02:23 PM
Feng relaxed by the fire now that the immediate threat had passed. He had his small bottle of polish out and was giving his armor a thorough cleaning.
"It seems thats our lot in life. No rest for the righteous."
Draax Thursday November 3rd, 2005 11:20:20 PM
Draax uses the night of rest to unwind and reflect on all that has happened to bring them to this point. He is happy to be back on the track of trying to prevent and destroying evil. He never truthfully believed the king to be evil, just misguided and selfish.
A moment of peace (DM Cayzle) Friday November 4th, 2005 6:23:51 AM
This place looks unremarkable -- stands of trees, patches of bramble, hills and meadows. But this place, the place in which you defeated the Fae King, now has a calm, peaceful feel to it. Being here refreshes you, will ye, nil ye. Even though you do not stay here long, you feel as if you have paused, that is, let go of your concerns for a moment.
But the road ahead beckons, and you also feel compelled to begin to plan for the challenge ahead.
[OOC: Base XP award for the module is 11,500 xp. That puts everyone up a level. I would really like to have updated PC sheets in hand before the next module. I also want you all to have enough time to shop in the Catacombs -- if you plan to do so, get in there asap. I will be awarding hero points tomorrow, so thanks to Carl and Yves for their nominations ... and to those who have not yet e-mailed me their thoughts, please consider doing so!]
Arien d4=3 2d6(1+5)=6 Friday November 4th, 2005 3:09:33 PM
Arien stays mostly silent during the night, eating some of the fruit from the trees. Arien awakes from trance feeling quite refreshed (6 hp rolled). He continues to rest until the rest of the group awakens then memorizes spells for the journey ahead. Before he packs his gear though he identifies the items that they had found with the Analyze Dweomer spell.
(Rolled hp for level up = 3)
Tratain d8=1 d8=7 Friday November 4th, 2005 5:00:21 PM
Tratain gets some well needed rest durning the Night, and awakes very refreshed in the morning. Tratain Prays for new Spells in the Morning, and Memorizes Find the Path, to help the group find the Sages Hideout. When everyone is ready to go he casts the spell and goes where it Leads him.
(HP for Level Up = 7)
Monthor d10+2=10 Friday November 4th, 2005 7:28:47 PM
HP role (10)
------------------
Monthor wakes up feeling much sturdier.
" Let's go girls. This Serge isn't gonna wait for us forever ye know. "
A final moment of R&R (DM Cayzle) Saturday November 5th, 2005 2:26:55 PM
That night, you are all visited by dreams. In the morning, you discover that you all had the same dreams ... dreams of the adventures you have recently had ...
Arien makes a deal with the fey creatures called Hydrae ... (gains a hero point)
Tratain has the idea of befriending the Grigs ... (gains a hero point)
Sarigar jumping onto a Sod Elemental Hillock ... and then onto a Roc ... (gains two hero points)
Renik dashing around a Sod Elemental Hillock in order to draw attacks of opportunity onto himself ... (gains a hero point)
Renik disguised as a Daisymum Grig bantering with the guardian eagles ... (gains a hero point)
Draax realizing that honesty is sometimes the best policy, and revealing himself to the Dryad Guardians ... (gains a hero point)
Monthor sacrifices himself to win a Gargulite's test by combat and thus allow the party entry into Maab's realm ... (gains two hero points)
Sarigar talks with the vines that guard the portal back to the mortal Wold from the Valley of Dreaming ... (gains a hero point)
Feng charging the forces of the Fae King, singing as he rides ... (gains a hero point)
Renik flying directly over the Fae King, then diving to attack ... (gains a hero point)
[OOC: Keep in mind that each hero point also comes with an xp award of 30 xp per level. That's 30 xp times the level you were when you gained the point, not your new level. Also keep in mind that you may have only one hero point per level -- any excess cannopt be stored but are discarded.]
Arien tosses and turns in his sleep, which is more troubled. He has a dream that is his alone.
Arien, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {In a dream you hear the Spirit of the Fae King. He says, "Remember, not all born through the sacrifice of elf blood is evil." These words are accompanied by your memory of the blood you gave the Hydrae to create the Fairipusses.}
In the morning, Tratain's spell points the group west. That's all it reveals before it expires.
[OOC: People, PLEASE get updating your PC sheets. Keep in mind other things you lost and gained this module. The scroll from Maab. The lump of silver that Sarigar picked up. The gold sacrificed to the two representatives of Domi. The invis charges used. The items lost in the valley of Dreams (including Sarigar's ax). Also any lotto winnings. Tap Seals. Etc.]
"Very well my friends, West it is. Sarigar, please lead us out when you're ready. By the way, that large lump of silver we retrieved from the Hillocks; if you like we can use that to get many, ah, 'shinies' for all of the pack. If you like I can arrange that."
He looks down at his long shadow ahead of him, pointing the way to their next quarry like some dark, spectral finger. The image fills him with an inexplicable sense of foreboding, but he quickly brushes it aside. They have fought many foes, and always emerged triumphant. How difficult can it be to battle one simple sage?
As they set out Renik mentions to Draax and Arien, "You know, we call ourselves the Windhorn Hamleteers, but unless I err only you two ever spent much time in the place. I only had a brief visit myself when we encountered that demented mage, the pit fiend Barbazou and the ghost king Hororot. But the last I saw of the place was when old Bill left us. Do you never miss your old stomping ground? Do you have loved ones you left there? I never asked about your families; are there foks back home you'd like to head back and see if ever we get the chance?"
Sarigar and Black Paws Monday November 7th, 2005 10:22:50 AM
Sarigar shrugs at Renik's thoughts about the sliver lump, reaches back into his pack and let's is fall limply to the ground.
The brothers immediately afterwords take to the hunt, leading the others to their next quarry. Oddly, they don't seem to even be trying to hide themselves.
Walter OOC Monday November 7th, 2005 2:35:17 PM
I'll update my sheet as soon as I hear about the xp award for finishing the module. Isn't xp given when hero points are awarded (not the xp bonus for the hero point)
Arien Monday November 7th, 2005 4:10:36 PM
Arien wakens from trance with the memory of the Hydrae fresh in his mind. As he rests and waits for the rest of the party to awaken Arien thinks about what the Fae King said to him. Not knowing if the King could hear him Arien thinks, "Not all sacrifice is evil, but to remove the choice and free will of any being, that is surely evil."
Renik (apologies for 2nd post) Monday November 7th, 2005 4:23:07 PM
Renik repeats his questions to Arien and Draax:
"You know, we call ourselves the Windorn Hamleteers, but unless I err only you two ever spent much time in the place. I only had a brief visit myself when we encountered that demented mage, the pit fiend Barbazou and the ghost king Hororot. But the last I saw of the place was when old Bill left us. Do you never miss your old stomping ground? Do you have loved ones you left there? I never asked about your families; are there foks back home you'd like to head back and see if ever we get the chance?"
Tratain Monday November 7th, 2005 4:49:20 PM
Tratain walks with the others, leading the way to where his spell leads.
Listen to his friends talk as they travel on.
Draax d10=7 Monday November 7th, 2005 5:18:57 PM
(HP roll: 7) Draax answers Renik's question, "I still consider Windhorn home but I have no relatives that still lives there. When I left for adventure, my aunt and uncle sold their place and when back to live among the elves. I still have a few friends there that I would help without a moments notice if I was ever needed, but other than that I have no ties to it. I guess I still miss the place and would like to see how the place held up under this advancement of nature."
Monthor Monday November 7th, 2005 6:00:29 PM
The burley dwarf sits around and picks his nose....
" Hummm, what a lovely shade of green.... "
ooc> Sorry folks. Not much else to post at thos time. Check your email for a copy of Monthor's updated character sheet.
A Quest Awaits (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 8th, 2005 7:20:01 AM
[OOC: Final xp award is 11,500 plus hero point experience. Walter, let me know if you have any questions.]
The group follows the direction of Tratain's spell, but it seems that a lot of walking is before the party. The terrain is wild hills, overgrown with bramble and trees. Frequent meadows and game trails provide places to converse as you walk.
[OOC: Please detail marching order and spells prepared.]
Feng d10=9 Tuesday November 8th, 2005 11:56:48 AM
"I have no attatchments to that place. My family lies away from the city where the orcs are strong and many. Where my family is you do not want to go."
(ooc: feng's hp roll 9)
Renik Tuesday November 8th, 2005 4:55:24 PM
As he chats with his companions he rummages in a pocket, and pulls out two scrolls (Rary's Telepathic Bond), which he hands to Arien. "These will be of more use to you than me" he says.
Continuing his discussion he muses;
"Aye, many of us are rootless it seems. My own parents are long dead, my home town little more than overgrown rubble. My brother Tarl may still be alive, but I have nor seen him since the fall of Dunskeep. I know not whether he be alive or dead, and if he lives whether he has manage to escape the path of darkness he had taken. I hope for his sake he is at peace, one way or another."
He walks on in silence for a while, lost in memories.
"Perhaps one day I will feel the need to settle down, to end this life of wandering. But not yet, I think. Not for some good time to come."
After a while he jogs on ahead, catching up with Sarigar.
"My friend, look! I turned your one big shiny into 368 golden shines!" He hands Sarigar the purse, as he has done for each of the other adventurers.
"You seem ill at ease, my friend. Are you troubled by thoughts of Mittiri? Of what might have been? Or is there something else amiss?"
(OOC: Suggested marching order: Sarigar and Blackpaws up front, Renik and Feng next, Tratain next, Arien next, Monthor and Draax at the back. No two closer than 10 feet, with Sarigar some 30 feet ahead)
Monthor Tuesday November 8th, 2005 6:40:55 PM
" If ye girlies feel the need for some motherly love ye should come visit me mammy in Dirt City. She got love enough for all of ye.... yes Feng, even ye. After all, you so ugly only a mother could love you.... BWHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! "
Monthor stays with Draax in the rear of the party.
Tratain Tuesday November 8th, 2005 10:16:08 PM
Tratain walks where Renik Tells Him too, all the while listening to the Banter between his group mates.
Tratain casts Extended Magic Vestment Upon Himself in the morning like normal.
Draax Tuesday November 8th, 2005 11:39:31 PM
Draax brings up the rear of the party. "Hey Monthor, can your mother cook? Because I could use some home cooking."
Arien (Mage Armor) Wednesday November 9th, 2005 1:12:50 AM
"Truth to tell Renik even I did not spend much time in the Hamlet, a few months at the most I believe. As far as I know they still believe me apprenticed and studying magic in some musty library." Arien pauses a moment before continuing with a dry tone, "As you can see that didn't exactly suit me. I tend to have a less elven outlook on life then most elves." Arien then makes sure that his gear was stowed safely and casts Mage Armor on himself as usual.
A Courier (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 9th, 2005 7:16:46 AM
As you walk, you take the marching order proposed by Renik. Sarigar is quiet. The party talks about what it means to go home.
It seems farther than you would have thought, from where the Fae King's avatar had been roaming. Maybe the Sage had mislead the King as to the location?
Up ahead, you see someone. A little closer, and it is clearly a liontaur. In fact, you might recognize her as a sometime clerk at the Catacombs magic shop.
She has packages for several of you. "At last! Took you long enough. Here you go."
She hands out bundles, all carefully wrapped in cloth and tied with either green or red ribbon. She is very clear about the instructions.
"If your ribbon is green, you can open your package now. If your ribbon is red, you MUST wait to open your package. Wait for it to turn green, and then you can open it up."
[OOC: Anyone with a completed Catacombs order gets a package with a green ribbon. Anyone with a pending or incomplete order gets a package with a red ribbon, which will turn green when the deal is complete.]
"Well, good luck," says the liontaur before she heads off.
[OOC: Still waiting for spells taken for Tratain, Feng, and Sarigar, please.]
Sarigar and Black Paws Wednesday November 9th, 2005 11:09:20 AM
The brothers all but ignore the liontaur and continue on the trail. At some point they realize that the others have fallen behind and they slow up their pace, but never stop moving.
prepared spells: Longstrider and Jump. I had noted that I reprepared Longstrider and I never lost the Jump spell.
Renik Wednesday November 9th, 2005 12:30:40 PM
Renik pats Sarigar on the shoulder and repeats his comments:
"My friend, look! I turned your one big shiny into 368 golden shines!" He hands Sarigar the purse, as he has done for each of the other adventurers.
"You seem ill at ease, my friend. Are you troubled by thoughts of Mittiri? Of what might have been? Or is there something else amiss?"
When the courier arrives Renik thanks her profusely, opens his package immediately and pulls on a shining new golden suit of armor (which is soon entirely hidden beneath his clothing) and pair of boots. He unsheathes one of his shortswords and twirls it a few times, checking it or something.
Apparently satisfied he bundles up his old armor and boots, and hands them over to the liontaur before she leaves.
He grins at the others, clearly pleased with his new purchases.
Tratain Wednesday November 9th, 2005 8:14:45 PM
Tratain walks with the others talking as they go. He says "So what next, it seems the only reason we have for returning to the Hamlet right now would be to drop in on Bill. So what do you guys think? After this should we head off to check on how the war against Parnoth is going? Or maybe go see how things are going with our Old employers? Something seemed Kind of Odd with them don't you think? or was I imagining things."
When He recieves his Parcel from teh Catacombs Tratain puts on His New Periapt of Wisdom, and Hands over the Old one. When everyone is ready to go again he resumes the search for the Sage's Lair.
------------------------------------------ OOC:The Two Spells in [] are new Bonus Spells from the Better Amulet that I will Memorize should it take another day of searching to find the Hideout.
0 level: Cure Minor Woundsx2; Detect Magicx3; Read Magic 1st Level: Endure Elements; Shield of Faithx2; Divine Favor;Prot. From evilx2;Remove
Vestment*;(Protection from Energy) 4th Level: Freedom of Movement;Death Ward;Dimensional Anchorx2(Divine Power) 5th Level: Quickened Divine Favor; Righteous Might;True Seeing;Spell Resistence (Flame Strike) 6th Level: Healx2; Find The Path; (Blade Barrier) 7th Level: Holy Word; [Summon Monster VII];(Power Word Blind)
Draax Wednesday November 9th, 2005 9:32:49 PM
Draax listens and adds little comments to the conversation as they continue to walk.
"Knowing Bill, there is no guarantee that he will be there when we arrive, but it would be nice to see him again. I agree with your assessment of our employee Tratain, they have some secret agenda that I hope is working for the good of the wold. I do want to know what is going on with the war against Parnoth. The king gathered a large army before he when into hiding and I doubt if that army has been idle."
Feng Thursday November 10th, 2005 9:47:08 AM
He thanks the Liontaur and opens the package already knowing what was inside. A large great axe, beautiful in appearence and filled with the essence of good. A weapon that he should be weilding against the battle of evil.
"Perfect timing."
ooc: 1st- CLW, Protection from evil 2nd- Bull's Strength 3rd- Magic Circle against Evil
LOG ON