DM Jan Monday February 20th, 2006 12:21:16 AM
Nick's restoration spells work, along with Cori's to a lesser degree, but leave the cleric exhausted. Those who have lost strength, feel it trickle back like sand in an hour glass, as opposed to the usual jolt of beatific Alemi energy. During his own recovery, Mop rises to his feet and tries to look dignified in front of his master.
Dahlia discovers about one and three quarter vials-worth of mercury/quicksilver clustered in shiny little blobs on the floor of the cavern.
Parnoth cocks his huge, thorny face toward Valdor as the Dragon leader speaks. There is a moment of silence, followed by a deep "Hmphhhh..." and a shake of that massive head. Then things start to shift, and the green dragon's massive form begins to shrink, becoming humanoid in shape and size. Those who know him well, can see that the dragon has been tinkering with his appearance slightly - a little younger, a little taller, he has red hair on his head, with greying temples; the basic facial features are the same, his manner one of an arrogant patriarch in his mid-fifties. His clothing is of good quality, but perhaps a little provincial in style. Apart from a rather splendid gold hook that sits on the end of one arm instead of a hand - in his human guise, Parnoth looks the epitome of a wealthy landowner - a VERY wealthy landowner. "Then talk we will," he says to the assembled Dragons, looking Mordrid, Cori, Nick, Dahlia, Ve and Valdor in the eye, assessing, collating, evaluating. "Mop! Find someone to bring us refreshments! And stand up straight!" He turns and beckons everyone to a rear corner of the cavern, alongside the treasure pile. Glancing toward the gap where a third of his treasure used to be, he growls "Korrig. The liches. I will crush them to powder. I will string all their entrails from one side of my Kingdom to the other. I will show no mercy." This litany goes on and on, all the way to a door at the back of the cavern, along a short tunnel, and into a low-ceilinged but still sizeable room that holds an assortment of fairly comfortable furniture to sit on - somewhere to talk.
Valdor Monday February 20th, 2006 2:16:58 AM
Once Nick casts his spell, Valdor feels much better...albeit a little slower recovery. He smiles and thinks aloud,"Nice to remember what it feels like instead of being juiced up all the time. Reminds me that we're not immortal."
When they enter the other room, Valdor finds a comfy chair and sits. He then says,"So, correct me where I err. You helped Korrig and the liches capture our friends and family and turn them into liches. You allowed us to scry you and they turned on you. Why did you allow us to see this? And why did you help them in the first place?"
Ve Mundr Monday February 20th, 2006 7:55:57 AM
Nick's touch brings a grateful nod from Ve. Parnoth shifts and gives everyone the once over. Ve has had some expereince with draogns and knows now is not the time to overly return the scrunity. Instead he merely meets the dragons gaze with a look of confindence in himself and the others near him, but not from that of a superior postition. More of confindence that this will not break sdown into to fight
Ve follows and remains silent to the room and also during intial conversation. Valdor has taken and will surely keep the lead on this.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 90 minutes Status 21 hours entire party
Mordrid (Cats Grace) Monday February 20th, 2006 1:27:05 PM
As they follow along into Parnoth's inner chamber, the ranger listens to Valdor's assessment of Parnoth's role in the story. If this was truly Valdor's perspective, then there must be something boiling just under the surface of the warrior; accusations underlying, with retributaion to be paid... all just under the surface.
Mordrid braces himself for the worst... even though things were peaceful enough on the surface.
Nick Monday February 20th, 2006 3:35:49 PM
Nick follows the others, and likewise keeps his own counsel, or at least until they found out just what the heck was going on. He feels lightheaded and a little weak, and so therefore takes deliberate steps, and makes no sudden moves. Did he feel like throwing up? Difficult to say. As everyone takes a seat he imagines himself having a cup of nice, soothing ginger tea, or a hot bath, in a nice shady garden, a million miles away from a green dragon's parlor. Pull it together, Nick. Funny how those spells took a lot out of him. Just what were they dealing with here?
Corialote and Amarth [shapechange: , haste, Str: 7] Monday February 20th, 2006 5:02:15 PM
Cori pushes herself away from the wall and watchs the dragon as he shifts into his humanoid form. She cannot believe it..the power that flows there and without a spell it seemed. Shaking her head she eases sore muscles and wonders how she looks. Using the hankerchief she wipes at what little bit of blood she knows must be on her face.
She follows along if not a bit slowly as she makes her way into the parlor. Since some of the others have taken a chair she also slumps into one and closes her eyes to relax, but keep her ears to the conversation. "Sleep...just a little sleep."
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3)*, greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Dahlia Monday February 20th, 2006 10:08:26 PM
"Oh Mop, Do you think you could manage a bit of hot tea and some crackers and cheese?"
DM Jan Monday February 20th, 2006 10:18:52 PM
While everyone waits for refreshments -
Parnoth sits stiffly in a chair and glares at Valdor with eyes that seem unnaturally green. "Oh, our mutual friends needed no help from me to kidnap your loved ones. They already had them in tow when they arrived at my door, along with a tale of treachery and treason! Treachery that was laid FIRMLY on your doorstep. You and that mad fae Ebyron! A vile plot to turn Culverwood against me, and take the Kingdom in the name of that golden blowhard, Sturtavent. "I was skeptical until I saw with my own eyes - you! You people! At a party given by that wayward buffoon husband of Maab's. Oh and a fine time you seemed to be having. I saw it with my own eyes in the scrying pool, so don't try and deny it! "HOWEVER - " the dragon straightens his jacket, fighting an inner battle with his paranoia. "Though I initially allowed them sanctuary, the more I listened, the less rang true. Oh, I had no doubt you were up to something, but other things didn't make sense. After all, why should a stinking, falling apart gaggle of liches care about what happens to me, hmm? NO ONE CARES WHAT HAPPENS TO ME! I'd be thrown out of the Dragon Consortium if the silvers and golds had their sweet way. Oh yes. I know the score there, believe me. Enemies on all sides." He pauses for breath, and glances at each of the Platinums, giving a slight narrow-eyed double take at Cori and Ve. "So -" the fingers of his one remaining hand rap irritably on the padded arm of his chair. "I played along. Bought. Time. While Mop made discreet enquiries. Rumour had it, this Ebyron had different fish to fry. Hmph, I believed enough to seriously doubt the motives of this band of corpses. It wasn't a difficult thing, to let certain things be seen. I wanted to hedge my bets. Heh, it brought you here didn't it."
Rancour and bitterness seem to ooze out of the dragon's pores. No one likes being bested, least of all Parnoth, and sat in that chair he appears to be wrestling with the mother of all tempers.
Nick Monday February 20th, 2006 10:57:20 PM
Nick rubs his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Dear Alemi, Parnoth could be obnoxious, and this conversation had only just begun. He places his middle finger on the arch of his right eyebrow and presses down, using a bit of acupressure to lessen the pounding in his head. He'd need to be sharp if things got any worse. Begone sweet headache. Got to concentrate.
Mordrid Monday February 20th, 2006 11:32:17 PM
Mordrid stands on feet behind his chaired companions, watching each and every one of his friends very closely to monitor their health and energy. To his assessment they all look worn and distant. Much too early in the quest for this. This bothers the ranger greatly.
After Parnoth mentally spits at the party, his underlying fears are confirmed.
Mordrid steps forward, "Don't worry my friends. He wouldn't allow us in this room if he TRULY feared our motives." Resting his hand on the top of Dahlia's chair.
"Parnoth, the only so called treachory we committed was showing compassion and not killing Ebyron when we had him captured for his crimes against the Wold. We have shown you, Parnoth, compassion... a time or two. I am certain when you see us band of brothers," Mordrid points his finger around the room, "You see weakness in our love of life. So see it for what it is... our weakness. There is no conspiracy on our part, so help me God." Mordrid ends with his hand in the air.
Valdor Tuesday February 21st, 2006 2:09:30 AM
Valdor listens to Parnoth with his own stare fixed firmly on the stately man in front of him.
After a minute, a grin slowly inches across his face. He says,"Well, while you were being played, we were too. I had to know the truth of where you stand. And, while you could be putting on another act, I believe you this time. I must say that I am disappointed in you, however.
You know how you used my honorable side against me before. You think I'm any different now? You know better. However, that is now irrelevant. What is relevant is that we have lost loved ones and you your beloved treasure. So, now that I have what I feel comfortable with as the truth, let us figure out the next step. Where are they now, oh master of the scrye?"
He says that last part with sinceritiy, not sarcasm.
Ve Mundr Tuesday February 21st, 2006 1:50:53 PM
Dragons were astute, incredibly so the cleric knew. With thier heightened senses and long life spans of reading other creatures it was best to keep quiet. He was a mystery currently to the dragon and Ve could think of no reason to alter that. A dragon of such standing and nobility as Parnoth, also likely stood upon ceremony and to speak out of turn would be impolite as best, a trevesty at worst. To the narrowing look he recieves, Ve inclines his head slightly in recognition again but remains silent. He is thankful that he was no where near the referenced party physically or by invitation.
So Parnoth definately knows much more than he is saying and is also just as skilled in conversation that Ve had heard. Svhih'Oust would have loved this opportunity, Ve was more action than conversationalist of his now lost commrade. The slight memory does bring a small smile to his face though and Ve makes a mental note to visit with him soon. Now back to the matters at hand. Father Nick and Cori's actions catch his eye, did the symbols affect them more profoundly he wonders. Perhaps his more martial training was the difference. Mordrid and Valdor seemed no too the worse for wear after all. Ve would correct it all as soon as the opportunity presented itself.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 70 minutes Status 20 hours entire party
Corialote and Amarth [Str: 7] Tuesday February 21st, 2006 3:54:05 PM
Cori is brought around by the tapping of a beak upon her head. She opens her eyes to find Parnoth giving her that look. Giving a small smile she tries to stay awake and keep her ears open. She does hide a yawn behind the back of her hand at one point as she listens.
Amarth snuggles against the side of her head, now that she is awake. He tucks his own head under a wing and is soon fast asleep.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3)*, greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Dahlia Tuesday February 21st, 2006 9:09:30 PM
Seemingly absorbed in looking at the quick silver she place in a vial, Dahlia casually enters into the conversation. So Parnoth, Did Korig have anyone else with him besides the Lichs? By the way how many were there? His little halfling buddy wasn't with him too by chance? I do think I would like to feedhim a little of this stuff just to see what happens.
DM Jan Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 12:38:26 AM
The talk coming from the Dragons appears to be calming Parnoth down somewhat, and his hand begins to tug absently at the cream linen cuff that surrounds his golden hook. "Osto," he says flatly. "And I didn't need to scry anything. They told me. Which suggests some kind of trap, wouldn't you say? "
His reply to Dahlia's comment - "Korrig - the human?" He shrugs. "He had a team of thugs with him. All of them a great deal taller than a halfling."
At that point, a flustered, crumpled servant, who looks like he's just climbed out of a cupboard he's been hiding in, rolls in a cart piled with food and drink - odd combinations, no doubt scrabbled together in haste. Oranges and walnuts, bread and sardines. It's looking a bit like Dahlia might be having hot cheese and cold tea. The dragon sighs. "Well, trap or no - I want that treasure back. And I intend to get it."
Valdor Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 10:43:13 AM
Valdor says,"And we'll make sure we get ours as well. Osto is Mordrid's specialty. You get the lead on this one my brother. You'll be in your element. All these years you have struggled against hate and revenge, but this time I won't hold you back. It'll more likely be the other way around. Plan the best route, tell us what we need to carry and how to dress. Do we need special footwear, is it colder there, all those things.
Parnoth, we are in this together, so I need to ask you not to go barging in poison gas leading the way. There will be a time for that, I'm sure. But, we need to all work together for what we want. We will help you get your treasure back, but we need to know you will not lose sanity and just go crashing in. Are we together is this effort, like against the Usurper?"
Mordrid Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 11:08:31 AM
Mordrid shuffles uncomfortably at the comments about Osto, "What can I say... its cold and wet."
"Parnoth, was there any mention whether Korrig was based in the city proper, or the swamps outside?"
Nick Wednesday February 22nd, 2006 4:41:24 PM
With the headache fading, Nick does his best to think about what lies ahead. "Valdor, do you suggest we use a subtle approach, or go in blazing a trail? How much attention do we want to attract?" He glances around. "I'm dressed in white, which obviously has me pegged as an Alemi cleric. Ve has that Domi symbol on his armour. Alemi forbid that they don't worship our Gods up there, but - what if they don't? And have they seen a dark elf before?" He glances at Cori. "And you have that large, shiny 'V' on your armour. "If we're going in quietly, then I suggest we need to look at our dress. Right now, from all I've ever heard about Osto, the only ones of us who'd fit right in - are Mordrid and Dahlia. "No offense," he adds quickly to Dahlia with a wink.
DM Jan Thursday February 23rd, 2006 1:17:31 AM
Parnoth raises an indolent eyebrow at the mention of poison gas and barging in, and now he has his temper under a little more control, his look suggests the very idea of going berserk would be completely alien to him. The look is enough as far as he's concerned. He's not about to be gushing forth with assurances.
However, Mordrid's question gets him talking.
"I had a chance to do a little magical snooping before... before they left. They're in solid ground. I saw a cavern - a cave. Dry ground. That suggests bedrock, and hopefully what the City is built upon."
Valdor Thursday February 23rd, 2006 1:26:35 AM
Seeing Parnoth is now himself, and remembering how he was so recently, he nods a silent understanding to the regal man across from him.
He says to Mordrid,"It has been many years old friend. Put your worries behind you. We now have a chance at ending your rivals' evil once and for all. I, myself, have had enough of his presence on this Wold. Nick, he will have a network of spies, including invisible ones. We should go in invisible. I would not ask you or Ve to hide your God's symbols under clothes. Although you would do well to consider a different attire, or your robes will be browner than those of Domi himself.
We need to rest the night and recover spells. We leave in the morning. Parnoth, am I correct that you can prevent scrying until we get there?"
Corialote and Amarth [Str: 7] Thursday February 23rd, 2006 1:45:44 AM
Cori yawns and then looks around as the others talk of infiltration. "I could use a little sleep and maybe a different assortment of spells to use." She purses a lip as she rubs her right temple, thinking. "I should think a little more combat this time with a nice mixture of defense." She is muttering mostly to herself but will take ideas from anyone that gives them.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3)*, greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Mordrid Thursday February 23rd, 2006 10:58:46 AM
Mordrid snorts at Nick and Valdor's plan to go incognito, "That's ridiculous. Would you try to pass a flawed diamond by a jeweler? It's not going to happen."
"The quickest way to find Korrig is to go to Osto... go straight to the top of organized crime, and put a price on his head. We'll find him... when the money grubbing wheezles are turning over the sewers looking for Korrig."
"Find the guys that are spending a lot of money." Mordrid looks at Parnoth and contains a smirk.
Ve Mundr Thursday February 23rd, 2006 3:42:30 PM
"Osto. Mostly a den of thieves and murderers, is it not?" Shaking his head slightly at Valdor, "under cloak of fabric or magic there is little difference in how it is hidden." The cleric holds a staying hand, "I am fully comfortable with either coarse of action, though a mundane disguise would likely be penetrated by most." At Modrid's analogy, Ve nods. "We stand out in the very way we walk and carry ourselves, if Korrig's spies are worth their weight in salt, we shall be known very rapidly."
"Given the intricacy of the glyphs about Parnoth, it would not surprise me if the Liches knew he has been freed. No great conclusion to put that squarely upon us and thus they are alerted and guessing our next move, Osto and Korrig."
Ve continues, sitting back into the chair and clasping his hands in front of him, "I do not believe that would work Modrid. Blasting into the high echelons of organized crime would likely multiply our enemies and not produce Korrig. Money grubbing weasels they may be, but one can't spend money if you're dead. I have known many rogues and mercenaries that hold that truth very dear to their heart."
"Perhaps we could find them through a different means. We have possessions once belonging to the missing correct? A Discern location spell should be able to locate Valdors daughter. Or anyone else whose possessions we may have." As an afterthought he adds, "Unless they are all Mind blanked of course."
Dahlia Thursday February 23rd, 2006 6:39:16 PM
Feigning shock at Father Nick's insinuation that she is anything less than reputable, Dahlia has a little "Who me?" look on her face, and then goes thoughtful.
Mordrid, I expect that Korrig has already put a nice price on all of our heads with all of Parnoth's goodies as the payment, so I doublt us returning the favor isn't going to make anybody blink too much.
I think we go in blatantly and angrily. They may be expecting subterfuge and plan accordingly. So I say we do what they don't expect.
Parnoth, I don't suppose you would be able to come up with an idea of an inventory of what is missing so we might have an idea of what new magic Korrig has acquired?
Corialote and Amarth [Str: 7] Thursday February 23rd, 2006 11:28:22 PM
Cori laughs lightly as the others talk. "I doubt that they will be too concerned and may even lay out the red carpet for us." Though she laughs you get the idea that she is dead serious about what she is saying. "They currently hold all the cards in this little game...but that also makes us more dangerous." Looking to Mordrid and the others that know what she is about to reference. "Have you ever seen an animal that was backed into a corner with nothing to lose...well that is us right now and to be honest I have nothing to lose."
Amarth flicks his wings and nods his head. "I have lived a full life Mistress...it has been a pleasure if it comes to that." It seems that even her familiar is ready for what may happen.
Cori sighs as she leans forward in her chair. "I will not roll over for them but I am also going to go into this battle with the mindset that I am already dead...my life for those they have taken is worth it in my eyes." She thinks of those that are missing from the others and wipes away a few tears. "My Master is dead but some of the others may yet live...thier safety is my only concern at this time...I will get them out and bring the roof down on my own head if I have to." There is a certain venom in her words that speaks volumns to everyone present...though she is fairly new to the group as a whole.
SPELLS 0th: dancing lights(2), ghost sound(2) 1st: shield, grease(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), reduce person(2) 2nd: web(2), see invisibility, touch of idiocy(2), mirror image(2) 3rd: hold person(2), haste(3)*, displacement(2) 4th: stoneskin(3)*, greater invisibility(3) 5th: feebleminded, hold monster, passwall 6th: greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk, mass bull's strength, maxamized fireball* 7th: summon monster VII(2), mass hold person(2), mass invisibility, maxamized shout 8th: summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th: shapechange(2)*, time stop, summon monster IX
greater empower rod 1/3 uses * used
Mordrid Thursday February 23rd, 2006 11:55:54 PM
Mordrid looks at Cori. There is a certain twinkle in his eye.
Turning to face the leader, "Valdor the Dragonstone... picture this if you will; Valdor the warrior of legend and myth, charges into town in his golden armor that says 'V' on the chest." Mordrid points two fingers at the warriors chest.
"His face red with anger. His sword sparks and glows as it is held aloft over his head. His companions fill the sky with storm and fire."
"He roars aloud, over the wind, for all to hear, 'WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER! WHO DARES TAKE MY BLOOD!"
Spinning to face the others, "What do you think the godless riff-raff of Osto are going to do? I tell you what they'll do... they'll crap themselves. I am from Osto. There are no heros in Osto."
Nick Friday February 24th, 2006 11:48:37 AM
Nick watches and listens, an uneasy adrenalin building in his gut. He's coming up with a blank as far as personal items, that might help with Ve's suggestion, but knows some of the others may possess such a thing. "Well," he says, getting to his feet. "I'm all for getting some rest before we embark on this. I suggest we try and relax, eat lightly, and sleep well. Parnoth, we are at the mercy of your hospitality." He gives the dragon a short bow.
DM Jan Friday February 24th, 2006 12:53:08 PM
((Eeeek, sorry I'm late, guys.))
"Hmmm?" is Parnoth's initial reaction to Valdor's question.
He is sat watching, eyes flitting between each of the Platinum Dragons as they talk, as they plan, as they give vent to their emotions. Though his facial muscles are relaxed, just for a moment, just for one tiny moment, a small portion of the skin on his throat, and a sliver on the back of his hand, shifts and changes, becoming rough and scaly. There is a flash in his eyes - a bright green flame like burning copper - as he takes in this beautiful scene. Dragon society, as it is in the Wold - aggressive, territorial, secretive, a constantly shifting hierarchy, not to mention the influence of scores of powerful adventurers - has left Parnoth in a fairly tight, restricted corner. Yes, he was powerful, yes he was feared. He had his own Kingdom, a big pile of treasure, and held the southern edges of the mighty, erratic Culverwood in his tight, unrelenting grip. However, his naturally aggressive, bombastic nature has often had to take a back step, and all too often he has had to rely on cunning, fake diplomacy, and swallow the thorny ball of pride stuck in his throat. He looks at the men and women sat before him, on his side. Was this how it was for the likes of Sturtavent? He knew the Gold Dragons were in the Mayor's pocket. Parnoth had never had that power available to him. Never. Although he wondered about this new line-up. He hadn't seen Ve and Cori before. The Domi-worshipper was probably incorruptible, but what about the dark elf? So, just for an instant, Parnoth finds himself luxuriating in a little make-believe, and the possibility that regardless - on this adventure - his better nature could come to the fore.
Trust that overblown half elf to bring him out of his reverie. "I'll do what I must," he replies calmly. "If they are to be successful at spying on us, then they'll have to work extremely hard at it." Of course now he had to chew over the fact that their enemy had bested him magically, and that was really sticking in his craw. Ah well. "Mop!" he roars, and as his faithful servant enters the room - "These people will be making use of your apartments!"
As for what was missing, heh - that was something he was going to figure out. Right now. Every artifact. Every single coin.
Ve Mundr Friday February 24th, 2006 5:19:49 PM
Ve puts his hand to his chin, a seemingly absent minded habit and says nothing more. This may get very ugly indeed, but they are likely right and we should simply move. Stealth and secrecy will simply be slower than needed. Time is not on our side, none here are immortal yet
Ve stands at Parnoth's call for Mop, "I will take my leave then." Ve will exit with Mop.
Valdor d20=17 Friday February 24th, 2006 7:18:37 PM
Valdor listens to Mordrid, but continues to look at Parnoth. He then answers Mordrid and says,"My friend, you know that's not my way. However, I must tell you all...I will leave noone alive that has had anything to do with this. If anyone stands in my way, they will die. I will have my vengence and let the Wold know that I will not let anyone or anything harm my family, which includes all of you. So, you clerics need to come to grips with this before we leave. I'm truly sorry if this distresses you. However, it is time for me to send a message for any of our enemies who are out there that we will not be cowed and it's time to have a reckoning. Maybe in the future, our enemies will think twice about such endeavors and leave us alone."
He smiles at Parnoth and says,"Thank you for your hospitality. We will see you in the morning."
He stands to leave then adds,"Oh yeah Panoth, there were several coins leading out to the entrance...about 50 in gold I would think. I can read minds old adversary turned partial ally."
He puts his arm around Cori and hugs her for her words, glances back again at Parnoth, then exits the room.
With his back to Parnoth, he smiles. He saw the look on Parnoth's face, and the way his eyes cut toward Cori. Add that to his knowledge of the way the dragon thinks, and he has a good idea of what he was thinking. Or at least he thinks he does...let the dragon worry about it.
Corialote and Amarth [Str: 7] d20+14=17 Friday February 24th, 2006 9:33:49 PM
Cori catches the glance from Parnoth and can just about guess what it is about. Oh, her race was known for backstabbing and she has done a little of that in the wizard guild...though noone got hurt out of it. This time it was different and she had a personal stake in it. Yes her Master might be dead but that does not mean he cannot be brought back...evil...and with all of his power intact. She quirks an eyebrow at Parnoth as she involuntarily shivers on the inside. Let him guess and wonder...the others will know her heart.
She returns the hug from Valdor and whispers in his ear. "Do not thank me yet...we all have something to lose here...my Master as a liche and evil will bring much suffering to the Wold...I cannot allow that." She glances to the others and then restates her earlier statement. "We will get the innocents out and then it is time to bring the pain." She lets go and then moves to follow to get some rest.
Dahlia Saturday February 25th, 2006 7:31:26 AM
Not saying a thing more, Dahlia smiles as Mordrid and Cori pick up the idea she had insinuated. Just immagine the full fury of the Platinums loosed upon the corrupt Osto. Sometimes brute force works when subtlety just wont. Noticing Nick's slight unease, she reaches over and pats him on the arm as if to say, "Everythings going to be fine, I'll look after you."
Mordrid Sunday February 26th, 2006 10:02:35 PM
Letting the proceedings come to an end, Mordrid allows himself some rest.
Nick Monday February 27th, 2006 5:49:22 PM
Nick squeezes Dahlia's hand, nods, and adds a distracted smile. As they are led to their quarters he finds himself with a lot to think about. As a cleric of Alemi, he considers it his responsibility to see to the health and wellbeing of the group. But how far should that responsibility go? He felt himself a little distant from the feelings of vengeance currently expressed. Perhaps because he wasn't there when it all happened, and for whatever reason - he didn't have a member of the family missing or dead, due to these insane lich creatures. So, maybe he should cut his friends some slack. After all, how would he feel? However, regardless of what had transpired, if, in a remote chance, one of them should take a few steps down the road toward evil, then he might very well have to stand in their way. He tries to console himself that was extremely unlikely to happen. Huh, well, no one ever said this Dragon business was easy.
DM Jan Monday February 27th, 2006 6:16:47 PM
Mop's quarters turn out to be a small chain of interconnected caves within the Lair. There's a fire, that raises the temperature from the chilly cool of the underground, and plenty of lanterns. Bedding is brought in. The ceilngs are low, and it's a little cramped, but the Dragons have billeted in much worse than this. The rooms contain lots of shelves full of nick-nacks, books and small artifacts. On an easel in the main room is an almost finished painting of Parnoth, in dragon form, curled up fast asleep on his treasure pile.
As the Dragons prepare to get some rest, Parnoth gets busy. First is a trip to a secret room in amongst a labyrinth of passages. A little jaunt, merely to reassure himself. There is nothing in the room apart from a small ornamental lantern. The aura from it makes the dragon's skin tingle and he nods, satisfied. The artifact had done it's job and served it's purpose, and had activated and de-activated like it was supposed to. Still, even though he was convinced, there was the matter of showing the populace that he was indeed alive and well, and that the monsters were gone. So, as a bright orange sunset falls over the Emerald Kingdom, Parnoth, mighty green dragon and lord of the Realm, sweeps out of the lair in dragon form and takes to the skies. Those still hiding in the City, peering out and wondering if it's safe to leave their makeshift shelters, are treated to a mighty display of dragon showmanship, as their ruler swoops through the skies, circling above town, before heading south. A blast of fire, and dragon wings high in the sky greets the eyes of those further south, who are setting up camp near the fort. There was Parnoth, for all to see. That meant everything was all right. That meant they could go home. The only thing remaining of the mysterious monsters, is a half skelton/carapace of a dead giant millipede, who appears to have met a rather sticky end. As dawn edges above the horizon the following morning, and rain begins to drizzle on the land, passing folk are already breaking pieces off the skeleton and carrying them back to their homes. Souvenirs, don'tcha know.
Valdor Monday February 27th, 2006 10:12:03 PM
Valdor finds a spot big enough for him to sleep. He's not overly concerned with comfort, but would like to have at least enough room for his over six foot frame. Just before he goes to sleep, he rolls over and says aloud, figuring Mordrid is close enough to hear,"I'm hurt that you didn't get my little joke back there brother. 'That's not my style', was what I said. When has my style ever been anything other?"
He chuckles lightly at the irony of it all and dozes off with little difficulty.
Corialote and Amarth [Str: 7] Tuesday February 28th, 2006 12:00:14 AM
Cori yawns as they are shown to an area that they can sleep in. She soon has her own little burrow to crawl into and is noding off. She does not say anything as she needs all the sleep she can get so that she can get up and get her spells ready.
Amarth snuggles into a part of the borrow that Cori created and slips into deamland as well. He wonders for a few, before falling into total sleep, what the next day is going to bring for them.
Ve Mundr Tuesday February 28th, 2006 2:50:51 PM
Ve retires with his thoughts, finding what comfort he can. He was certainly unsure about the possible future actions some of the Dragons seem to be heading towards. Untempered vengence and bloodlust were dangerous enough in others hands, let alone in the hands of those with great power. He was sure, though, that Father Nick would be on his side if things started to go too far out of control.
Ve would certainly not be stopping or even thinking of stopping anyone from taking out the liches or this Korrig fellow or hopefully anyone else. But the ultimatium Valdor essentially laid down, made him nervous. To Ve, when not fighting true evil there should always be room for mercy and compassion. Ve says another small prayer to Domi, hoping that all they faced in the future was servants of the dark.
Nick Tuesday February 28th, 2006 7:05:50 PM
Nick finds a corner to stow his kit and attempts to get some sleep. At dawn he's up for prayers as usual. Some rest has made him feel a bit better about things. It was wonderful how sleep did that. Settling into a sitting position, legs crossed in front of him, hands resting on knees, he begins his morning devotions.
Dahlia Tuesday February 28th, 2006 7:10:32 PM
"Bedding down, dahlia turns slightly toward Mop and with a cryptic smile simply says to him, Be careful not to wake me too abruptly Mop, I don't think Parnoth needs any more statues around here."