... loss ... [DM Inge] Wednesday April 19th, 2006 3:50:06 AM
The mists are cold and disorienting, swirling around your feet. Even though you feel like standing on solid ground, the mists do not reveal the surface.
Dietrich immediately takes his mighty, God-given blade at hands and makes a short prayer to Domi. Olyn pulls his shield off his back and takes his morningstar off its holder. Senses on full alert. The ever present sounds of the City are no longer heard by Vorelle. Theodore prepares himself for the unknown and attempts to send Macaw above the fog. Vauhwyt does not like this mist one bit and takes out her silk rope, trying to keep everyone together.
Rose and Berlon try to find out if this mist is magical... oh it is ... it... issss
CUTSCENE
To rise above a Grubber I had to grub through the worst To make myself my own man I enslaved myself first To keep my House safe I walked the edge of the knife To free myself from prison I had to sell my life Alas! My soul is torn in two!
A well muscled man stalks silently though crystal woods, the purple moon glinting on a gladius naked in his hand. His stride is purposeful as he walks the silent path towards a small abandoned shed. His left hand shakes, and unfolding from his fist is a pale black shroud. If not for the cruel tear down the length of the thinnest of fabric, an observer would note it was much the shape of a man. Striding up to one dilapidated wall, the man presses the fabric against the wood and drives the blade forward, pinning the sheet to the wall.
A low moan escapes from the shroud.
"Do not forget my power." The voice is low and calm, but full of menace unsaid. "You are my slave... "
CUTSCENE END
The familiar smells of the City Below are gone as if just a cherished memory. Piper, Macaw, and Mookie refuse to fly around and stay in physical contact with their masters, as if any time away will be an eternity of loss.
...loss...
Vauhwyt and Mookie (Reduce Person) d100=9 d100=5 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 7:07:37 AM
"Please, everyone," Vauhwyt urges, "Tie yourselves to the rope!"
She does not know what is going on, but she fears that it is nothing good.
She casts Reduce Person on herself and Mookie, the better to hide in the mists! (OOC Later Add) -- Roll for Arcane Failure! And my very first spell cast in armor FAILS with a roll of 9!!! LOL!
Vauhwyt casts the spell again -- AND FAILS AGAIN with a 5! What are the odds!
Having expended 2 of her 6 first level spells, the liontaur sees it as an omen and gives it a rest for now!
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 d20+4=20 d20+4=5 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 8:16:28 AM
Dietrich swears even more, but ties himself to Vauhwyt´s rope.
"Who the &¨%$$ is that? The Prince? Or the ¨%$#¨Fey KIng again?"
The warrior doesn´t feel comfortable, it ísn´t his arena now, and he´s to rely on his magic wieling friends. He wishes the cocky singer would just come into reach of his sword...
To his friends he commands:
" Spread out (fireballs...) and form a protective circle: Rose and Theo inside, the rest covering eachother´s flanks! Vauhwyt and Vorelle on front, the clerics on the sides, I´ll guard the rear!"
His senses are as keen as his blade now (listen 20) and he trys to analyze their situation (military knowledge 5, nat 1!)
Olyn Wednesday April 19th, 2006 10:59:20 AM
after tieing himself to Vauhwyt's rope, and putting a knife close enough to cut it off should the need arise, Olyn takes Dietrich's lead and prepares for battle. a wicked smile comes across his face.
Berlon d20+6=12 d20+6=12 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 4:57:06 PM
Muttering angrily, Berlon tries another approach.
Berlon casts Dispel Magic (3rd level domain spell) to try and dispel the magical mist.
Dispel DC 12 (rerolled 12 with hero point) vs check 11 + caster level.
Rose d20+8=23 d20+6=15 d20+10=24 d20+12=14 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 7:28:10 PM
Rose stays close to Vauhwyt, but the comfort she gets from her friend's large size is reduced when she starts shrinking. Rose tries her best to see through the fog and not to be seen.
hide: 23 know local: 15 listen: 24 (that includes the +2 from having piper so close) spot: 14 (that includes the +2 from having piper so close)
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday April 19th, 2006 9:06:50 PM
Theodore takes the offered rope and winds it about his waist. Macaw is marching across the small mage's shoulders cawing in concern. Theodore seems too startled by the current situation to try to hush the bird.
Rose Thursday April 20th, 2006 12:24:16 AM
fixing post since Vauhwyt didnt shrink
Rose stays close to Vauhwyt, whispering "Shhh,Vauhwyt and dont shrink on me.
rose, continued Thursday April 20th, 2006 12:25:35 AM
Rose is so close to Vauhwyt she is halfway under her tall friend.
Vorelle Thursday April 20th, 2006 12:59:06 AM
With some trepidation, Vorelle moves to a forward position next to Vauhwyt. She's not really a front-line fighter, but the group agreed long ago that Dietrich was their tactician, and she will not go against him. She slips the peacebinding off her handaxes.
... Alone ... [DM Inge] d100=84 d100=4 d20+7=26 d20+4=17 Thursday April 20th, 2006 4:18:25 AM
... Loss ...
You all sense it. Lost from home, lost from friends, loss of ...
The thick cold fog invites Vauhwyt to shrink and thus hiding herself in the mists. Yet twice she fails... an omen of evil... an omen of ... death?
As Rose notices Vauhwyt's plan to reduce herself the Halfling lady warns her friend not to shrink on top of her but takes renewed courage as Vauhwyt fails. At least now she can take cover beneath the liontaur.
Dietrich takes the lead and comes up with a quick battle plan. Vauhwyt's rope keeps them all together though Olyn also considers a quick way to cut himself loose from the protective circle. Berlon attempts to dispel the fog to no effect... ever thicker it becomes, surrounding the warriors completely. It's impossible to see anything 3ft away! Even your own hands look blurry as you attempt to watch them... Theodore feels the loss too and is too startled to do anything. Only the comforting feeling of the rope keeps the man standing.
No matter how keen Rose and Dietrich's hearing is, there's not a sound to be heard... not even a whisper... nothing ...
What's going on here!!
The god touched of the party feel a loss too. Something that was there that is no longer around. Something warm and comforting has curled away with the mists, and for the first time in a very long time, you are ...
... alone ...
Make a spot check vs. DC unknown...
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+2=16 Thursday April 20th, 2006 7:19:16 AM
Vauhwyt feels the loss of her touch to the Divine.
But she compares this coolness to the coolness she knows ... the coolness of venom pulsing through her veins ... the coolness of waiting for months ... years ... decades ... before plans come to fruition ...
Vauhwyt smiles and does not feel afraid (Immune to fear ability). Mookie sense her emotion, or lack thereof, but the bird is terrified.
"Boss! We're trapped in a magic fog! We're lost! We're in trouble here! I'm scared enough for both of us!"
"Hush, Mookie," says Vauhwyt as she peers into the Fog (Spot 16). "You are scaredy cat enough for both of us."
Mookie is too terrified to come up with a witty answer to that.
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 d20+4=21 Thursday April 20th, 2006 8:12:05 AM
DIetrich swears again as Berlon´s attempt to dispell the mist doesn´t work. Than he feels the sudden loss and instinctively holds the ammullet and rabbit foot. The iron-willed warrior controls himself, though some prayers for DOmi are never wrong.
He keeps watching out (spot 21) and is unsure about what to do. He´d probalbly like to keep moving, so as not to stay put on the same spot as a target, but with magic you never know... Maybe they´re in a portal or something and if they move they can´t return... The warrior asks: "Rose, Theodore, what is your analyses of the mist? Olyn, Berlon, what the &¨$& is going on here?"
If it weren´t for the dense fog, Dietrich would have noticed Vorelle´s expression of doubts about putting her on front. Actually, the soldier only did this, so that the riskiest position of staying alone behind remains with him, while the ranger stays accompanied by Vauhwyt (he doesn´t really that any attack will come from the front). Long range weapons are out of commission and, should there be a fight, the party will have to rely on Vorelle´s ability with her axes anyway.
Vorelle d20+11=28 Thursday April 20th, 2006 9:14:46 AM Locked in a tiny, airless room. Bound hand and foot. Knowing nobody can hear your screams--and nobody would care if they did.
Vorelle has been in desperate situations before, but that doesn't lessen the effect of the sudden absence of light, of comfort. Of hope.
Still, she forces her brain to function, and strains her eyes to look about her. Her friends are counting on her.
[Spot 28.]
Olyn d20+6=18 Thursday April 20th, 2006 11:50:47 AM
*spot 18* watches as some of the group gets that nervous, anxious look on their faces. says a quick prayer to Wardd then resumes says: Dietrich, you are in the lead, begin moving us forward, slowly, checking the ground with your feet before going. moving at a snails pace is better than standing here wondering.
rose d20+8=16 d20+7=13 d20+6=16 d20+10=14 d20+12=28 Thursday April 20th, 2006 5:09:59 PM
Rose stays close to Vauhwyt's side, hoping she wont be spotted by what ever is out there. Although she's afraid, she has confidence in the fact that as long as everyone works together nothing can really happen.
ooc: stupid comp freezing and making me have to shut it down, that means i lost my good rolls I had a nat 20 on hide and the next three rolls where in the 20's but i never got to spot before it froze.
Theodore and Macaw d20+4=14 d20+15=22 Thursday April 20th, 2006 10:17:29 PM
Theodore snaps back to the present and blinks his eyes trying to peer through the mists. (Spot 14)
At Dietrich's request, he attunes his magical senses to the mists around him in an attempt to determine their properties. (Spellcraft 22)
... Nothing ... [DM Inge] d100=65 d100=63 d20+7=24 d20+4=18 Friday April 21st, 2006 5:47:57 AM
Slowly the loss of your touch to the Divine begins to sink in. Olyn and Berlon say quick prayers to their Gods but if they were used to feel a reply all remain silent now... No longer do they feel connected to their god. Berlon, Cleric of Alemi ... Olyn, Cleric of Wardd... both feel lost... alone... abandonned... Gradually the God-touched loss sinks in and horror creaps into the hearts of both clerics!
(Berlon and Olyn both make a Horror save vs DC Unknown) (Berlon and Olyn both roll 1d4 in case the save failed) (Horror saves are equal to will saves.)
Everyone tries to peer through the fog at no result. Nothing! You can't even see the ground beneath your feet! ARE your feet still touching the ground?!? Where's the ground!!
(All -including all animals- but Vauhwyt make a fear save vs DC "Unknown")
Vayhwyt keeps her calm, but Mookie shudders like a leaf. As they talk to eachother the rest of the party only hear their voices coming out of the fog for it is soo dense they can not see Vauhwyt or Mookie. Only the rope everyone holds brings comfort to the group... at least they are together...
Dietrich proposes to slowly start moving. Staying in one place could probably be more dangerous than moving... that is if you can move... that is if the ground is still beneath your feet... Olyn feels the same way and suggests Dietrich to begin moving the group forward. Slowly, checking the ground with his feet before going... moving at a snails pace...
Rose tries hard to get hold of this situation but never before did she hear of such dense and mysterious fogs... Neither does Theodore understand what goes on in this foul, moist, clammy mist... Vorelle can see all sorts of treacherous situations as if the mist is playing with her mind. Still she forces her brain to function and strains her eyes to look about her
... nothing...
(All make a new spot vs DC "Unknown-5")
Dietrich, AC 19, HP 60 d20+5=11 d20+4=18 Friday April 21st, 2006 2:08:01 PM
Will save against fear 11... Spot: 18
Dietrich agrees with Onlyn and starts moving on, looking around from behind his closed stell-helmet and searing silently.
The situation is starting to annoy and (though he would never admit it,) to frighten him. The good thing is that he can´t see the cleric´s terrified expression because of the mist, and nobody can see his own too!
The warrior directs the party towards the place they saw the singer. At least it´s a reference place, with touchable things, which will make it harder for the party to get lost.
Rose d20+7=22 d20+6=22 d20+10=24 d20+10=21 d20+8=21 d20+6=12 d20+7=11 d20+1=21 Friday April 21st, 2006 6:39:16 PM
Rose doesnt like the fog, and even with the rope is a little worried about getting seperated. "Vauhwyt, can I have a lift?" Rose asks.
rose will save: 22, +2 versus fear = 24 piper will save: 22
rose spot: 24, +2 for piper being close = 26 piper spot: 21
rose listen: 21, +2 for piper being close = 26 piper listen: 12
rose know arcane: 11 piper know arcane: 21, nat 20 :) so what does piper know about this
Olyn d20+9=26 Friday April 21st, 2006 7:14:21 PM
Horror save of 26
never expecting an answer from his prayers. and the only time he truly feels in contact with Wardd is when hes in the Temple or casting a spell, Olyn really doesnt notice anything different except for the uneasiness from the fog. continues to follow Dietrich.
Vauhwyt d20+2=22 Friday April 21st, 2006 10:41:47 PM
Feeling Mookie's shivers, the liontaur stows her familiar in his belt pouch.
Rose asks for a lift, and Vauhwyt wonders silently if she would like a belt pouch of her own! Chuckling, she reassures her friend. "Surre, Rose, hop on! Just be careful not to impale yourself on the new spikes I bought for my new armor." Rose will see that there are no spikes on the back, where a rider might perch.
Vauhwyt peers around (NAT 20!).
Vorelle d20+3=10 d20+11=27 Saturday April 22nd, 2006 4:25:00 AM
Vorelle is too frightened to do much of anything.
[Will save 10, which I assume fails, but I don't know what happens as a result, so it's hard to post actions. If I'm still allowed a Spot check, it's a 27, minus whatever penalties apply.]
Berlon d20+8=24 d20+1=3 Sunday April 23rd, 2006 6:35:59 PM
Horror Save 24
Spot check 3
Theodore and Macaw d20+7=10 d20+6=24 d20+4=11 Sunday April 23rd, 2006 7:16:00 PM
(Theodore will save 10, Macaw 24)
Theodore feels a tingle in the back of his neck and the little hairs there begin to stand up. "I don't like this, guys," he says. He can feel the panic begin to well.
His eyes dart about searching for something. Even enemies would be better than this...nothing. (Spot 11)
... someone or something is out there... [DM Inge] (Berlon's failed save: d4=1 5d6(4+2+5+2+6)=19) (D, T and V failed save: 5d6(5+2+1+5+3)=16) Monday April 24th, 2006 3:19:15 AM
The God touched loss doesn't affect the mind of Olyn but Berlon feels a strong Aversion from this mist. He wants to flee! Flee from this source of horror! Never was he without guiding from his dearest Alemi but look at him now...where is his precious God now...
(Berlon becomes Frightened for 19 rounds. Suffering a -2 on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks and ability checks. Berlon also wants to flee from this place at all cost in any direction! He just feels the need to get out of here immediately and never come back to this place )
Dietrich, Theodore and Vorelle too are struck with fear wanting to get out of this fog. Wondering if the ground is still there... they want to get out of this clammy mist! It is chilling their very soul...Theodore feels a tingle in the back of his neck and his hairs there begin to stand up. If not panicked just yet, fear begins to overwelhm the mage.
( Dietrich, Theodore and Vorelle are Shaken for 16 rounds. Suffering a -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks and ability checks.)
The cold and clammy fog begins to seep into your souls. It chills you to the bones and ever tighter it seems to grip around your necks.
Rose does her very best to peer through sitting on Vauhwyt's back (between the spikes) and even dispite her state of fear Vorelle manages to see things as well. Vauhwyt too tries hard and together suddenly they think to see shadows of things that might be... a covered wagon moving from left to right at high speed... someone running... are those canine creatures?... someone or something is out there north of you...
[make a new spot DC "unknown" -10] [still need a fear check DC12 for Piper and Mookie]
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 d20-6=14 Monday April 24th, 2006 8:10:44 AM
Dietrich hates this new sensation of fear. Sure, he´s been afraid before, but this is totally different, it´s an unnatural felling, of loss and impotence. He´s sweating cold under his armour and can´t even swear...
The warrior doubles his efforts to get out of the mist and continues moving towards where they saw the wall. "We have to get out of here!"
He keeps looking around. It seems the adrenalin has made his senses keener than ever! (spot 12 already with -12 penalty. Natural 20!)
Vorelle d20+9=25 Monday April 24th, 2006 9:07:48 AM
"S-s-s-s-s-something's c-c-c-c-c-c-coming," Vorelle whispers, her stutter worse than usual with her fear.
[Spot 25, with the -2 penalty]
Theodore and Macaw d20+4=22 d20+4=6 Monday April 24th, 2006 4:15:46 PM
(Theodore spot 22, Macaw spot 6)
"Where?!" Theodore says, feeling the bile rise in the back of his throat. His breath is coming quicker to him, now. "What's coming?!"
Theodore drops his quarterstaff and thrusts his hands in front of him. His hands visibly shake as he prepares to defend himself with magic.
Rose d20=8 d20=15 d20=16 d20=9 d20=16 Monday April 24th, 2006 5:41:52 PM
Rose keeps trying to see what is in the mist, however she feels alot safter with Vauhwyt. Piper walks carefully on vauhwyt's back towards the pocket that mookie is in "Dont worry be so scared brother, it's not so bad."
Rose leans forward and whispers in Vauhwyt's ear "do you see that over there? do you think we should go see what it is?"
ooc 1: having trouble opening rose's file, could you add the bonus's per the sheet I sent a few days ago.
ooc 2: piper's fear check was on my last post she got a 22 on will save, as a 22 worked for rose I assume that it worked for piper as well.
Berlon (Frightened 19r) d20-1=1 Monday April 24th, 2006 6:30:50 PM
Searching for an opening in the mist, Berlon tries to find a safe exit, but is too scared to be able to focus on anyone or anything.
Spot Check 1
He slowly starts moving away from the group, uncorking a flask with trembling hands...
Olyn Tuesday April 25th, 2006 12:43:30 AM
continues following the others.
A Welcoming party... [DM Inge] Tuesday April 25th, 2006 5:56:56 AM
Rose, Olyn and Vauhwyt retain their calm and begin leading the group out of the fog. Theodore panicks and drops his staff, Berlon begins to move away from the group...
The mysts continue to play with your minds... or isn't it?!?
A running girl in the mist... billowing blouse held tight by a heavily embroidered vest. Strong and supple legs moving quickly under a full skirt, her chest heaving, lips parted from strenuous running...
All too weird...
Despite the fear that races through the hearts of our warriors they manage to peer through the fog and gradually is seems to be thinning.
Gray forms loom out of the mists. It is hard to tell with the swirling stuff that colors everything in shades of gray, but it looks solid and not like the other images you have seen.
As you get closer, the mists thin, and you are confronted by three mustashioned men, two in armor with swords and one in clothing alone. They look similar and are dressed alike... in blousy pants tucked into boots, full shirts, and embroidered vests. Earrings and necklaces wink from around black curly hair.
They observe you all as you emerge from the fog but make no move...
Vauhwyt d20+9=27 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 6:42:35 AM
[OOC: Oops! Missed a post! Sorry!]
Vauhwyt makes sure the rope is tight on Berlon so that he cannot flee away from the group. "Hold on therre, friend," she says, with a faint wemic burr to her voice. "You're much safer here with us that off somewhere else. We have to stick togetherr!"
Mookie makes his save but stays hidden anyway.
When Vauhwyt sees the odd images, she is reminded of the tricks the Fae King played on the group before. But now she has learned a little more, and she is more sceptical.
She calls out to the three mustachioed men -- "Hail, fellow travellers in the mist! Are you visionary or vital? Spirit or solid? Imaginary or integral? As for us, we are real, and we long to find out where this place is. Will you treat with us?"
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 8:02:45 AM
Dietrich is glad to finally see something, but this doesn´t take his fear again. He´s amazed and grateful at Vauhwyt´s cold-blooded reaction, as if nothing were happening!
The warrior remains vigilant, with his sword drawn. A fight would be better than that... At least he wouldn´t be thinking about what might be happening and coming and would instead focus on what is at hand.
Vorelle d20+9=21 d20+9=20 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 9:12:33 AM
As usual, Vorelle will let others speak for the group. Instead, she concentrates on keeping her eyes and ears open.
[Spot 21, Listen 20, with penalties]
Olyn Tuesday April 25th, 2006 11:19:57 AM
as the others deal with the new arrivals of men, Olyn will look for the girl but keep but keep his senses on alert should he have to help deal with the men too.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday April 25th, 2006 1:51:36 PM
Theodore is still skeptical and the silence of the three strangers only adds to his feeling or eeriness. He keeps his shaking hands extended before him, like a man feeling his way in the dark.
"Yes," he adds to Vauhwyt's conversation. "Please tell us what's going on."
Rose d20+8=25 d20+6=25 d20+5=14 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 4:03:47 PM
Rose remains laying on Vauhwyt's back trying not to be seen. Piper doesnt like what's been happening and tries to crawl into the pouch with her big brother.
rose hide: 25
piper hide: 25 piper move silently: 14
Berlon Tuesday April 25th, 2006 10:35:19 PM
Berlon continues to try to press forward, hand still clenched on the mysterious vial...
Jillia [DM Inge] d20+4=17 d20+7=18 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 7:39:29 AM
Noticing the sudden urge from the Cleric to get out of this place, Vauhwyt makes sure Berlon can't move away from the group. Berlon however feels an even stronger need to get out of the fog now that he is held back by his friends. But now he notices the fog is getting thinner he goes with the flow, away from his fear...
As the group encounters the three men it is once again Vauhwyt who speaks up first. Dietrich, amazed and grateful at vauhwyt's cold-blooded reaction, awaits the response from the men with his sword drawn. Vorelle too as usual let's the others speak first and tries to minimize her fear by concentrating on her senses. Olyn and Theodore observe the men.
Rose remains well hidden on Vauhwyt's back. Concealed by the fog and tucked away between the spikes on the liontaur's back the three men haven't spotted her - one of them doesn't even seem to pay any attention at all.
"Hail, fellow travellers in the mist! Are you visionary or vital? Spirit or solid? Imaginary or integral? As for us, we are real, and we long to find out where this place is. Will you treat with us?", Vayhwyt says, and awaits their answers.
The gypsies observe you all and the one without armor speaks up:"We are as integral as you are and we belong here just as little as you do. Leave this place as fast as you can... you've reached Lady Fidelia's realm... the dreaded Kosche-Marr... "
The three men look around clearly trying to find evidence of something or some one. Then the same man continues: "Have you seen a young girl passing by? We're looking for Jillia, our headman's lost girl. We need to find her before He does..."
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 8:26:23 AM
Dietrich is shocked by what he hears! "¨%$&¨%!!!"
He´s no specialist in this things, but he knows that´s a place he didn´t want to be...
"How the &$%& hades did we get here! Are we dead and don´t know it yet?"
The warrior has seen the girl too, but will let Vauhwyt lead the conversation with the strangers. He just wonders who this He might be... Now that the mists fade, Dietrich sheaths his sword and takes his new, more powerful and beautiful longbow. Whoever that HE is, it better doesn´t come nearer.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday April 26th, 2006 10:17:33 AM
"I saw a girl skipping that way," Theodore says pointing towards the direction he last saw the girl.
"You say we should get out of here, but how do we do that?" Theodore rubs his arms as if he's cold. "We don't know how we GOT here, let alone how to leave."
Olyn d20+3=17 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 10:32:07 AM
general Knowledge check: 17. What, if anything, does Olyn know about Kosche-Marr and Lady Fidelia?
not trusting anyone at the moment, Olyn gives Theo a don't tell anyone anything look. then, moving to Vorelle's side, Olyn will whisper into her ear. see if you can find a childs set of footprints, fresh, and whisper to me your findings.
Rose d20+7=24 d20=12 d20+6=17 d20+5=12 d20+4=20 d20+4=21 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 9:48:38 PM
Rose remains still, but wonders what the men are talking about.
what does rose know about lady fidelia, kosche mar, ect.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Wednesday April 26th, 2006 10:34:30 PM
Mookie seems to be flapping his wings in dismay inside Vauhwyt's belt pouch. "BOSS! BOSS! Where are we? How did we get here? I knew we should have taken that left turn at Albuquerque!"
Vauhwyt hushes her hyperactive bird and says that she has not heard of this "Fidelia" or "Koash Mar," but it is clear that the group has been magically transported to another place or dimension. "My friends," she says, "I do not like this one bit."
Mookie, trying to hide his terror, caws from inside his pouch, "Last week, I went to Fidelia, but it was closed. I once spent a year in Fidelia, I think it was on a Sunday."
Ignoring the bird, Vauhwyt answers the strangers. "But of course we will try to help you find this girl. But we saw her in the mists, and maybe that means she is travelling now to other places. I do not know if we can follow herr."
The liontaur's tail twitches with nervous energy.
Berlon Wednesday April 26th, 2006 11:40:30 PM
Berlon pants with a mixture of fear and confusion. "What? A... girl..." He tries to control his breathing but only manages to gasp for air. "Wait, what? Gypsies? Leave... yes, we must leave..."
Vorelle d20+8=20 Thursday April 27th, 2006 1:12:06 AM
Vorelle has never heard of this place either, but that really doesn't bother her. Her formal education has been spotty at best; she hasn't heard of lots of places.
She takes Olyn's suggestion and begins looking for tracks. The fog and the whole situation is still unnerving her, but she manages to concentrate reasonably well all the same.
[Search 20, with the penalty]
"Let's split up" [DM Inge] Thursday April 27th, 2006 8:07:59 AM
The sudden shock of hearing that you have stumbled into the dreaded realm of Kosche-Marr makes some of you ghasp out loud. Never in their minds did they ever wanted to end up here... where is here anyway?!? ... and how or why did you end up here?!? .
Far too many questions and the men in front of you don't know all these answers either.
Olyn and Rose thought this realm only existed in bed time stories people told to their children... tales to be told in the dead of night under a full moon around a campfire... they never knew this realm actually existed...
It is said that this realm is controlled by Lady Fidelia... little is known about her but she lives in her Castle build a top of a hill... reaching high up in the sky... those who have entered that dreadfull place have never returned... Aided by her minions she has lured countless innocent beings into this realm and brought madness, insanity, torture and death to those who defied her will...
Neither Rose nor Olyn have ever actually encountered someone who has been to this place. As if no one ever escaped from this place...
Dietrich is shocked by what he hears wondering if they are just dead without knowing. But the strong fighter knows that in death he would feel the call of the Woldsblood... in death his soul would travel to the lands of rest... in death he would not be consumed by fear...No this is possibly worse than death...
Theodore blurts that he has seen the girl running past them but meet's Olyn's eyes warning him not to tell too much. Olyn doesn't trust anyone at the moment and whispers into Vorelle's ear to search for any footprints the girl might have left behind.
Mookie is petrified and her ramblings are close to the insane. Only cowering in Vauhwyt's pockets seems attracting for the otherwise witty raven. Vauhwyt ignores Mookies ramblings and talks to the Gypsies offering to help finding the girl called Jillia : "But of course we will try to help you find this girl. But we saw her in the mists, and maybe that means she is travelling now to other places. I do not know if we can follow herr."
The man without the armor looks at her and replies with gratitude:"we would be grateful of you would be willing to help searching for Jillia. I see your friend there is searching for her footprints and will help us on our way..."
With expectance the man observes Vorelle as she searches the ground for footprints.
With the thinning fog still around her she can see little more than a general direction that goes west. There are other prints too but she can't really tell what they are...
"Let's split up" the gypsie says, "We both travel westward hoping either of us will come across her trail. With two groups searching for her we have a better chance to find her. Find her before He does."
As the gypsie notices Dietrich's frown when he talks about a certain "He" he explains a bit more:" 'He' is the one who hunts these grounds. No one has ever seen his face and those who met him have never been able to tell it to others... No one knows his name so He is only knows as the Hunt or the Huntsman..." these last words were spoken is a whisper as if speaking of Him would bring Him here.
Dietrich d20+5=25 d20+2=7 d20+2=22 Thursday April 27th, 2006 11:39:29 AM
Dietrich doens´t like what he hears about this ¨&$¨% place...
Things are going a little too quick for him.
"Wait! before we start splitting up, I have to know more about you! Who are you and how did you get here? How can we get out of this d... place? Why can´t we call for that Jilia? We just saw her some seconds ago, she should still be nearby."
The warrior keeps looking around, still shaken by the new developments. He pays special attention to the strangers, trying to see if they´re bluffing or withholding information, it they´re real or ilusions.. that kind of thing.
Sense motive 25 (already with -2 penalty. natural 20 again!) Spot 7, Listen 22 (nat 20 again! that can´t be true! &$%¨¨&% I doubt I´ll get it when it really matters...)
Theodore and Macaw Thursday April 27th, 2006 1:08:44 PM
Maybe it's the frightening atmosphere of the place, but Theodore is more concerned with his own safety than the little girl's, at the moment.
"But how do we get OUT of here??" he pleads, again. His eyes are wide, arms still crossed over his narrow chest.
Atop his head, Macaw begins pecking at the wizard's skull. "Ow ow ow! OW!!" When he tries to bring his hands up to protect his head, the raven nips at his fingers.
"All right, all right! I'll help. I'll help them!"
Rose d20+8=23 Thursday April 27th, 2006 4:19:49 PM "How do we know that the girl is really their relative? What if they want to hurt her?" Rose whispers in Vauhwyt's ears.
hide: 23
Olyn d20+8=27 Thursday April 27th, 2006 7:17:58 PM
turning to the 3 men, Olyn asks directly. why do you want this girl? why does this "Huntsman" desire a child so much that he sends out 3 adults to fetch her when it is obvious by her escape she wishes not to go to him.
**Inge, I rolled a 27 for a sense motive check for their answers to my question**
Vauhwyt Thursday April 27th, 2006 9:55:52 PM
The liontaur whispers back to Rose, "Well in that case we would protect her."
More loudly, Vauhwyt flat out refuses to split up the party. "Bad idea! Were one group to wander back into those mists, they might be lost foreverr! We may be lost now, but at least we are lost togetherr."
Vorelle d20+11=25 Thursday April 27th, 2006 11:34:31 PM
Vorelle is always suspicious of people she doesn't know, and this place is hardly encouraging her to make an exception. Still, she is curious to know where the girl went. We don't have to tell them if we find her, after all, she thinks.
Studying the ground, she attempts to follow the tracks.
[OOC: With her ranks in Knowledge (Nature), Vorelle gets a +2 synergy bonus to Survival checks when "in an aboveground natural environment." Well, we're certainly aboveground, but I don't know about natural. :) I won't take the bonus now, and will leave it to the DM whether I get to apply it in future.
[Inge: granted]
Survival 25 to follow the tracks, including the -2 penalty]
"But how do we get OUT of here??" [DM Inge] Friday April 28th, 2006 8:27:18 AM
Just as the three gypsies prepare to follow western directions Dietrich stops them: "Wait! before we start splitting up, I have to know more about you!" he says quickly and the men turn around facing the shaken fighter.
"I am Khaleel. We belong in the Wold like you do, but unlike you, we deliberately came here to save our headman's girl Jillia.", the gyspsie says.
"But how do we get OUT of here??" Theodore pleads, again. His eyes are wide, arms still crossed over his narrow chest.
The man looks from Dietrich to Theodore and continues with a sigh:"Find the Inn. That is the only safe place in this realm... it is a portal from one realm to the other. Get there alive and you will be able to return. We came to these dreaded lands through the Inn. From the look of Jullia's tracks she's clearly trying to find the Inn as well. She must have passed these cunning mysts."
Dietrich and Olyn feel that the three men are trusworthy and their cause is just. They do not belong here and their quest is genuine.
(OOC: a little correction for maybe I did not made this clear before. The huntsman did not send these three gypsies out to find Jillia. They were sent by her Father to rescue Jillia. The Huntsman tries to capture Jillia for euhm... "other" entertainment...)
Vauhwyt flat out refuses to split up the party. "Bad idea! Were one group to wander back into those mists, they might be lost foreverr! We may be lost now, but at least we are lost togetherr."
"We will all get out of this fog in just a few moments. These mysts are rare occasions and usually they are the means for bringing in new... toys for Lady Fidelia...All sorts of visual mind tricks are played when you are within these mysts. At first we thought you weren't for real either. You claim you saw Jillia seconds ago... I doubt that be true... she passed by this place, but in the fog her image must have lingered as time is not what it is normal within the center of the fog... cunning they are... cunning enough to drive people insane or to lure them towards their doom."
Again Dietrich and Olyn know this man speaks truth...
"I agree with you", the Gypsie says eyeballing Vauhwyt, "but the combined strength of two groups will offer more chances of finding Jillia. These lands are vast, and the roads that lead towards the Inn are many. We think Jillia found the way towards the Inn and so we'll be heading back too. Please help us finding her and bring her back to the Inn. Let's meet again in the Inn and we will help you to get back to the Wold. Travel westward. And remember, if you find Jillia keep her safe!"
It is clear that these men refuse to stay together as they absolutely want to find her and they are wasting precious time talking to you. Perhaps they are more confindent that they will remain undetected if they are travelling on their own than if they are travelling with you... after all they have only just met you... and unlike these gypsies you are also a set of toys... it could be safer for them not to travel with you...
Berlon Friday April 28th, 2006 10:26:12 AM
"And what if we insist, hm? Perhaps we are so SCARED and HELPLESS that we must insist on going with you? What then?"
Berlon's face reddens with a mixture of fear and anger, a look some in the group have seen before.
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 Friday April 28th, 2006 10:33:34 AM
The warrior starts to believe in the gypsies and is more than happy to hear there is a way out of this strange and dangerous place.
He understands their haste and doesn´t oppose for them to stay sepparated. What he would oppose is to divide the Dirt City group.... after all, the gypsies are all adult and know what they do.
Just before they leave though, the soldier has a final question:
"As you seem to know quite a lot about this things, what could have caused us to be brought here? We were in the middle of the road, and suddenly appeared here."
Than he´ll start moving after Vorelle, suggesting to keep the protective circle marching order used before.
Olyn Friday April 28th, 2006 11:26:12 AM
Form Up.
Prepare to move out. Get in your normal traveling positions. Keep your eyes and ears alert.
Then, looking at Dietrich, Olyn says: ok Boss, move us out.
Theodore and Macaw Friday April 28th, 2006 12:15:44 PM
"Yes! Of course, she would be heading towards the inn, and the exit. Anyone with a sound mind would do the same!" Theodore's eyes dart about the party, looking for takers on his theory.
"If looking for Jillia leads us towards the exit, then I'm all for it. Ow!" Macaw pecks the enthusiastic wizard.
"But they SAID she was headed that way!" Theodore tries to reason with the bird. Macaw pecks him again. "AUUGHH!!" The wizard hollers as he flaps his hands at the bird, who quickly flutters a short distance away to land on the ground.
Clearly, the eery environment is getting to Theodore.
Rose Friday April 28th, 2006 1:01:18 PM
Rose will remain hidden on Vauhwyt's back until the strangers are out of sight. Then she'll climb down as Vauhwyt's back isnt comfortable any more, and she's sure that Vauhwyt would like not being used as a horse all the time.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Saturday April 29th, 2006 2:13:03 AM
Vauhwyt thanks the strangers for their advice about the inn. "We shall seek for your girl, and we will try to find this inn," she says.
"Fare well as you go through this strange place," she adds as a goodby.
"Yeah, don't let the mist hit you on the way out," caws Mookie.
"You seem less a-scairt," Vauhwyt says to Mookie when the strangers are out of ear-shot.
"Yeah, well, I was more horrified by those moustaches than by the fog," Mookie replies, "and since both mist and facial hair are going away, I say what's to be afraid of?"
Vauhwyt smiles, and follows Vorelle.
Vorelle [shaken] d20+13=17 d20+8=28 Monday May 1st, 2006 12:00:43 AM
Vorelle continues to track. Or at least, she tries. The mist and the strange world is still very unnerving, though, and she has a hard time staying with the trail.
[That's a 17 Survival to follow the tracks. If that failed, the Search check to find the tracks again is a 28 (natural 20). Once she finds the tracks again, Vorelle will take 10 to follow them and get a 23 Survival. All of those include the -2 penalty.]
Let's go... [DM Inge] d100=85 d100=29 Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 5:30:54 AM
[sorry for not posting yesterday. THe 1st of May is a holiday in Belgium and I failed to make a turn from home.]
Klaleel smiles at the frantic Berlon answering soothing words to the cleric:"Be calm my friend. If you go in that direction you will leave the mysts soon. Find Jillia and we will help you to get out of here. We will meet you at the Inn"
He then eyeballs Dietrich who seeks an answer to the question how and why they ended up here. He frowns and says:"To that question I can not give you answers. I can only assume someone had a reason to bring you here. Be on your guard and go to the Inn as fast as possible. If on your way you encounter Jillia, take her with you... Good luck."
Then at last everyone agrees to move out. The gypsies are gone and left W-SW and gave you directions to leave in W-NW directions.
After a few moments the mysts dissapear and for the first time you see the lands in front of you...
Such beauty!
The landscape is lit by a large lavender moon painting everything in shades of purple and grey. Shadow is the only thing that escapes it, becoming deeper in contrast, darker, and inky black. Above not a single cloud adorns the black sky... not even a star... Pure blackness with a lavender moon. The air is cool, making it easy to move. Looking at eachother you notice you all look rather pale in the lavender light and colors seem to look dull.
As you observe your surroundings you notice a narrow path in front of you leading W-NW towards a pale looking forest. But your heads are drawn to the North... there... miles and miles to the north you can see it... Lady Fidelia's Castle. Cold and lonely on a mountain peak... Like a beacon drawing adventurers to meet their doom. It must be gigantic once you stand in front of it!!
First the Inn, and from the directions the gypsies gave you towards that forest your feet should carry you all...
Dietrich Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 8:04:35 AM
Even shaken, Dietrich has to wonder about the paradox of such a place being so beautiful.
Than the pragmatic soldier reassumes. With his longbow at hands, Dietrich says:
"I´d suggest Vorelle scouts ahead of the main party, maybe together with Rose or Vauhwyt, so that we don´t run into any ambush or unexpected danger. If you see anything, come back immediatelly, don´t try anything crazy on your own (he says that eyeing Vauhwyt).
Let´s follow the path some distance after our scouts, Me and Olyn first, than Theo and Rose (if she doesn´t go with Vorelle) in the middle, Berlon and Vauhwyt as rearguard (if Vauhwyt doesn´t go with Vorelle)."
Dietrich feels a lot better now, with the mists gone, a clear direction to go, a clear task to fulfill. Although he can sense the absence of the Gods, the warrior makes a short prayer to Domi. Humans are creatures of habit after all...
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 3:01:58 PM
Theodore is a little miffed at having to follow the words of complete strangers. But in this strange land, they are the only source of information the group has to go on, at the moment.
He clenches his teeth and nods resolutely. "I suppose we're going through the...f-forest...then. No p-problem." He licks his lips, his facade of confidence as thin as parchment.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+10=26 d20+15=28 d20+2=18 Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 3:20:35 PM
Vauhwyt is pleased to follow Vorelle. She stays a few steps back so as not to step on any prints. She does her best to be sneaky and alert.
Hide 26, Move Silent 28. Untrained Spot 18.
Rose d20+8=22 d20+8=9 d20+8=10 d20+10=22 Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 4:58:28 PM
Rose stays in the middle of the group as she's not fast enough to be a scout. She doesnt like this strange land so tries to not be seen by anybody in it.
Piper is still in Vauhwyt's bag calming her brother.
Vorelle [shaken] d20+9=25 d20+9=29 Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 8:41:30 PM
As Dietrich suggests, Vorelle moves to the front of the group. She continues to follow the trail, keeping her eyes and ears open.
[Take 10 to follow the trail for a net result of 23. Spot 25, Listen 29. All results include penalty for being shaken.]
Olyn Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 9:40:27 PM
Follows D's directions and keeps his ears and eyes peeled.
Berlon Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 10:19:39 PM
"This is bad, this is very bad," the gnome adds, hands trembling slightly.
"With the Prince gone, a void filled the city. With us gone, another void is created. Who knows how time passes here? We need to leave..."
The Crystal Forest [DM Inge] d20+10=29 d20+10=15 d20+10=22 d20+10=24 Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 6:46:00 AM
The the three Gypsies are out of sight plans quickly arise using the usual walking order. Still shaken Vorelle takes the lead and serves as the party's scout followes close behind by Vauhwyt. The rest of the group follows somewhat behind keeping an eye out for trouble.
Theodore isn't too keen on going towards the forest as cold sweat tingles in the back of his neck sending a shiver down his spine... that delicate ghust of wind that feels more like ghostly fingers that stroke your back...
But to the forest the trail leads our brave warriors as that seems to be the road to the Inn... their only escape from this terrifying land...
Terrifying?
What's terrifying about all this?!?
The large lavender moon paints everything with the most beautifull shades of purple, going from the softest lavender to the deeper purple nearly inky black shades. The cool eternal night opens your lungs sending clean air into your system... almost intoxicatingly enriched with pure Oxygen...
Delicate scents caress your noses and remind you of a warm and cozy evening sky around the camp fires in times now seemingly forgotten...
"This is bad, this is very bad", the frightened Cleris says unable to pinpoint the essence of his fright.
What's "bad" about all this?!?
Gradually the Dirt City gang approaches the pale looking forest and Vorelle and Vauhwyt begin to see the true beauty of it! White trees rise up in thin geometric patterns and reach spindly fingers to a dark sky. A purplish light pulsing from the very heavens and each of you know that no one has seen this forest of crystal trees before...
It's gorgeous!
The path quickly dissapears in the white crystal forest...
Dietrich Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 7:39:31 AM
Dietrich keeps marching, now appreciating the wonderful landscape. Only that strange feeling of loss still accompanies him, and makes him stay alert, bow ready for anything hostile.
He feels safer now, with the scouts ahead, and turns to Berlon. Although the gnome doesn´t look well at all, Dietrich agrees with his assessment. Whoever sent them here, has evil in mind, and the risks for the CIty are clear.
Olyn Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 11:18:49 AM
calling for a brief halt, Olyn turns to Berlon and Theo. closing his eyes and grasping a pair of dice in his pouch, rattling the ivory inside the closed palm of his hand, Olyn calls for Wardd to grant him a spell to help his 2 friends.
*attempts to cast Remove Fear, a level 1 spell, on Berlon and Theo*
Vauhwyt Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 5:51:39 PM
Vauhwyt looks in awe at the scene before the group. She tries her best to take it in and memorize it. She murmers to Vorelle that she wishes she were a poet or an artist, able to capture the essence of this place.
Mookie scoffs, his avian head poking out of his belt pouch. "Trees of glass! Unless those trees grow fruit of gems, it seems like a waste of sand to me."
"Hush, Mookie!" says Vauhwyt. She continues to scout with Vorelle, sneaking into the forest just behind the ranger.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 6:25:52 PM
Theodore stops when Olyn asks them to. The uneasy mage is thankful for any attempt to take away his creepy-crawly feeling.
He can't help but look at the forest while Olyn administers his magic. "Are we really going in there? Surely, it would be more prudent to skirt the forest so we're not caught unawares, right Dietrich? I mean, it's probably really dark in there."
Rose Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 7:25:07 PM
Rose stays near the others, keeping up the best she can. Piper nudges Mookie to the side and says "Vauhwyt can you help me out of here so I can fly?"
Berlon Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 10:50:02 PM
"We don't *belong* here," Berlon says, seemingly to himself, holding his head in his hands.
"Lives hang in the balance in Dirt City because we have to clean up after someone else..."
He continues mumbling to himself unintelligibly in Gnomish...
Vorelle [shaken] d20+9=12 d20+9=24 Thursday May 4th, 2006 12:53:44 AM
Vorelle is vaguely aware of the beauty of the place, but right now her friends are counting on her to maintain her focus. The feeling of sick dread in the pit of her stomach makes her think her friends have erred in this, and a tiny voice whispers that she has never been good enough to journey side by side with them.
Nevertheless, she continues as best she can.
[OOC, one Track check is supposed to be good for a mile, so I won't make another one until directed. Spot 12, Listen 24]
Into the "really dark" Crystal Forest [DM Inge] d100=84 Thursday May 4th, 2006 6:17:35 AM
Admiring their surroundings the group prepares to enter the forest. Just before doing so, Olyn attempts to remove the fear that holds his companions in it's graps. Theodore is no longer shaken and Berlon is no longer frightened.
Even though Theodore now feels a lot better he is reluctant to enter this crystal forest. "it's probably really dark in there." He whispers to his friends, but a quick gaze into the forest makes you think differently.
The Crystal trees seem to radiate the purplish light to the very bottom of this forest. Their tiny spinldy fingers capture the light from the large Lavender Moon and guide the light towards their roots. They capture the violet light to prism it about in scintillating colors like walking through a muted rainbow. What a fascinating place under the canopy of the crystal trees.... those who fancy gems feel the resemblance how the light is reflected...
So... it isn't at all really dark in there!
Steadily our group follows the path that leads through the forest. Berlon still feels they should not be here in the first place and Vorelle is troubled by the faith her friends have placed in her. As good as it gets she examines the trail, eyes and ears wide open. Rose wonders if she could fly and askes Vauhwyt to help her, but the liontaur seems transfixed on the beauty of this place tryign to capture the essence of this place... whishing she was a poet to bring honor to this beautifull place...
[Dietrich, Vorelle,: Shaken 2 rounds]
- please make spot, listen and move silently rolls - confirm marching order and possibly distance between you and your friends
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 d20+4=16 d20+4=8 d20-1=13 d20+4=19 Thursday May 4th, 2006 7:10:22 AM
Seeing Olyn "blessing" his frightened friends, Dietrich feels a strong urge to ask the cleric for the same. "Holy servant of Wardd, may you give me the God´s blessing too?"
He´s still not at ease about this place and even the miraculous beauty of the chrystal forest doesn´t make him feel much better.
To Theo, he answers that the safest way is probably to stay on the path and that the scouts will warrant the safety of the party...
The warrior trys to keep alert and ready for a fight: spot 16 (14 if Olyn doesn´t remove his fear), listen 8 (6), move silent 13 (11)
COncerning the marching order, as nobody opposed, it should be like follows:
Vorelle and Vauhwyt scouting ahead (Vauhwyt slightly behind the ranger). They should be far enough ahead as to assure that anything that spots them, doesn´t automatically spot the main group. I´d say, they are just in sight of the main group, so that, if necessary, we can move in for help, but don´t give away their position.
The main group marches: Dietrich and Olyn in front, Theo and Rose in the middle, Berlon as rearguard. Most should have long-range weapons or spells ready.
Before entering the wondrous place, Dietrich makes a military assessment of the situation: military knowledge 19 (17)
Olyn Thursday May 4th, 2006 9:57:47 AM
Im sorry my friend, Wardd only granted me the use of that particular spell 1 time today.
Olyn does what the warrior tells him to do and assumes the position he requires the cleric to be in.
Rose d20+8=9 d20+8=21 d20+8=15 d20+10=27 d20+6=21 d20+6=26 d20+5=17 d20+10=25 Thursday May 4th, 2006 5:33:15 PM
Piper is nagging her brother telling him he should get out and fly with her, maybe do some scouting. As soon as she manages to get out of Vauhwyt's bag she takes off to scout ahead.
Rose is walking along the road keeping an eye out for any problems.
Rolls for Rose hide: 9, nat 1 rose is in the middle of a road and in the middle of a group of course anyone can see her. listen: 21 move silently: 15 spot: 27
Theodore is extremely glad to be free of the uneasy feeling. He thanks Olyn profusely. With a clearer head, he now hopes to be more of an asset to his friends in this strange land.
The wizard obeys Dietrichs suggestions for marching order, staying near the middle. His eyes and ears are sharply attuned as they move into the forest. Unfortunately, he is not the quietest of people. His too long trousers drag roughly across the ground, he clears his throat often, and makes unnecessary comments on their surroundings, "ooh, look at the way the light reflects on these trees."
Vorelle [shaken] d20+15=32 d20+15=20 d20+9=22 d20+9=20 Thursday May 4th, 2006 8:52:52 PM
Since she is tracking, Vorelle is in front of the group. Normally, she takes this position with a degree of confidence (for her) and stays well ahead of the party. Now, though, she is unnerved by her surroundings and inclined to stay a little closer. Still, she is a good 30 feet ahead of the rest of the group.
She moves with what stealth she can, and tries to stay alert for any sign of trouble.
[Hide 32, Move Silently 20, Spot 22, Listen 20. All rolls include the -2 penalty.]
Vauhwyt d20+10=11 d20+15=26 d20+2=20 Friday May 5th, 2006 12:39:30 AM
Vauhwyt is quiet as a mouse (move silent 26) and sharp of senses (spot 20), but there is just no hiding a large cat-centaur behind a glass tree! (hide 11 is a nat 1!)
She lets Piper out of Mookie's pouch and keeps 30 feet behind Vorelle. She casts a message cantrip so that her whispers can carry ahead to Vorelle and back to Dietrich and Olyn. Oh, and a few posts back, when the mists faded away, she took her rope and stowed it away.
A rain of ... [DM Inge] 5d2(1+1+1+2+2)=7 6d6(3+3+6+2+4+4)=22 5d2(2+1+1+2+1)=7 Friday May 5th, 2006 8:06:46 AM
Steadily our friends enter the Crystal woods following the path... Vauhwyt and Vorelle up front, silently and stealthy, examining this strange but wonderful place...
30ft behind the scouts 5 more bbbbrave souls follow in their footsteps...
Dietrich and Olyn take the front line, Rose and Theodore cover the center and Berlon, the little gnome, catches up as good as he can with them taking care of the rear guard.
Vauhwyt and Vorelle explore further and further into the woods untill suddenly there's a rustle of glassy shards to be heard! The rear group makes soo much noise that it makes the entire canopy ressonate!!!
First Rose causes the crystal canopy vibrate gently...
Then Dietrich stumbles... causing the tiny branches high above you to tinkle and finally break!! Dietrich: Highlight to display spoiler: { it feels like you are even noisier than that 11 you would get from being shaken... Make an intell check DC20 for further detail. .}
Like a rain of razor blades litterally hundreds of little crystal shards rain down on the rear guard -- Vorelle and Vauhwyt are far enough not to get caught in this rain -- making little nasty cuts on every non protected piece of your body! In your face, your arms, your hands ... they are everywhere!! Like tiny bolts they come down on you... there are soo many you can not escape at all! It slices your skin, some are sticking out of your arms...
[Rose, Dietrich, Berlon, Olyn and Theodore take 7Hp damage -- no saving throw]
But it's Theodore that hits the Jackpot!
What started like a rain of shards quickly gets worse when Theodore admires the way the light erflects on these trees!! First a loud CRACK can be heard... instinctively you look up just in time to see a big crystal branch falling on top of you all!!
[Rose, Dietrich, Berlon, Olyn and Theodore all take 22Hp -- Reflex save DC18 for half damage]
The collapsing crystal branch takes a second rain of crystal shards down its path, damaging the entire rear guard for a second time...
[Rose, Dietrich, Berlon, Olyn and Theodore take 7Hp damage -- no saving throw]
Vorelle and Vauhwyt gaze at this spectacle and witness the beautifull rain of shards... sparkling... reflecting the pruple light in all colors of the spectrum... they watch it fall down on their friends but then see the true horror of these trees as they see the nasty cuts appear... the blood of those forming the rear guard looks dark red under this lavender moon, and on their greyish skin its contrast is shockingly enhanced...
Then the shuddering canopy returns to silence
All stand still...
Not a sound...
Not a breeze...
What's that?...
A low moaning sound...
What's that?!?...
Again! That same moaning sound...
Vorelle and Vauhwyt turn their heads in the direction the moaning comes from and notice a wooden structure with a light coming from a window not too far ahead... this pah leads towards it...
[Dietrich and Vorelle are no longer shaken]
- please make spot, listen and move silently rolls
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 24 of 60 d20+6=9 d20+2=10 d20+4=19 d20+4=20 Friday May 5th, 2006 10:06:17 AM
Reflex safe 9..., Intelligence test 10
Dietrich is terrified at the catastrophe that just came over their heads! The %$#¨¨% forest came down on the party, cutting through his clothes and flesh, ignoring his mighty armour and wounding deeply. The warrior is too shocked to realize anything (int test 10) and to react fast enough to avoid greater damage (reflex 9). He looses 36 HP at once!
Although heavily injured, the iron-willed soldier keeps calm enough to make signs to his friends not to make further noise at any costs!
Just whispering he says: "Don´t move! Just another deadly glassrain like that and we´re dead!"
Spot 19, Listen 20
Berlon (3/39) d20+2=15 d20-7=9 3d8(5+1+2)+7=15 d8+7=10 d20+3=20 d20+6=12 Friday May 5th, 2006 12:09:15 PM
The gnome tries not to make a noise as he takes the full brunt of the shrapnel. (Reflex Save 15, 36 damage, Move Silent Check 9 w/-7 armor penalty)
Knowing the party could be in deep trouble if both healers go down, he casts, as quietly as he can, Cure Serious on himself, spontaneously replacing Invisibility Purge.
Cure Serious heals 21 hp. (1 rerolled to 7)
He'll then slowly move to Theo in preparation for healing him.
Spot Check 20, Listen Check 12
Berlon Friday May 5th, 2006 12:10:40 PM
(OOC: Actually, that should be 1 rerolled to 3, healing 17hp. Math is hard.)
Rose hp: 21/35 AC16 d20+8=26 d20+8=15 d20+10=12 d20+6=25 d20+10=27 Friday May 5th, 2006 1:26:46 PM
Rose is looking at the crystals, wondering if she could break off a small piece or two to take home then suddenly it begins to fall all around her. As she sees a huge chunk fall she nimbly leaps out of the way just to watch in horror as it strikes her friends.
Piper is glad to be out of that stuffy bag and wonders why her brother never seems to leave it. "Come on out Mookie the wind is great!" Piper says as she starts looking around.
Rose's rolls reflex: 26, evasion take no damage listen: 15 spot: 12
Piper's rolls listen: 25 spot: 27
Theodore and Macaw HP 1/26 d20+4=22 Friday May 5th, 2006 3:41:02 PM
After the first shower of razor shards, Theodore manages to avoid the brunt of the damage from the collapsing branch (Reflex 22). But after another painful shower, the mage is a bloody mess.
How he remains standing is anybody's guess. His clothes are shredded, his skin bristles with the crystalline weapons, and blood leaks freely from numerous wounds. He wavers on his feet for a moment, but seems to catch himself before collapsing. Eyes fly wide and the only thing that keeps him from feinting from shock is the vision of his friend, Berlon, approaching with much needed healing.
Vauhwyt Friday May 5th, 2006 11:04:08 PM
Vauhwyt turns and looks back as the hears the deadly tinkling of falling shards. Her eyes widen when she sees that Theo is only barely alive, and that if his luck had turned against him, he would be dead!
She uses her message spell to communicate with Olyn and Dietrich, speaking very very quietly: "You guys just stay still. We'll get you out."
She explains her plan and lets others comment before she executes it: She wants to sneak forward to the edge of the trees, enlarge, and then use her spear to reach out and break branches and trees to clear a safe path to the party. After that, she'll blow her whistle to clear more glass nearby.
Inge -- the most important question -- Is there more glass over the main party's head right now? Are they in danger of more glassfall? Or are they safe where they are for the moment?
Olyn d20+6=23 3d8(5+5+4)+3=17 d20+4=5 d20+4=5 d20+3=14 Saturday May 6th, 2006 7:50:04 PM
takes a total of 25 points of damage. (made reflex save)
after the rain of glass upon himself and the group, Olyn's response is to immediately assess everyone around him. seeing Theo is the worst off he pulls out his wand, in rapid succession lets off 3 charges on the mage. (heals Theo for 17 points)
then, hearing Vauhwyt, he turns and waits and watches.
spot: 5(nat1) Listen: 5(nat1) Move Silently: 14
Vorelle Sunday May 7th, 2006 12:29:32 AM
Carefully, Vorelle pulls out her healer's kit, just in case she needs it. For the moment, the casters seem to have the healing covered, but she believes in being prepared.
She looks uncertainly from Vauhwyt back to the main group, not sure how best to help them. She has confidence that she herself can move quietly enough not to set off the showers of crystal shards, but what can she do for her friends?
Hesitantly, she starts toward them.
[Take 10 to Move Silently, resulting in a 27. Question for the DM: can Vorelle Aid Another to move silently while moving silently herself?]
[Inge: I suppose it could. You would require to make a second Move Silently roll for the actual aid. You can not take 10 on the aid rolls, but in Vorelle's case that wouldn't matter much. It's granted in this post anyhow]
Only now you understand... [DM Inge] d100=33 Monday May 8th, 2006 9:24:57 AM Vauhwyt and Vorelle temporarily neglect the wooden shed a little further up the trail and see how badly hurt their friends actually are...
Although badly injured the iron-willed Dietrich keeps calm enough to make sings not to make further noise at any cost... carefully he whispers a warning that captures the cruel reality of their situation:"Don't move! Just another deadly glassrain like that and we're dead!"
The outcome of this glassrain is pettrifying. Berlon is grieviously injured yet realises he and his friends would certainly die if all spellcasters go down and casts a Cure Serious Wounds spell on himself... we waites a few noments... his wounds do not close themselves!!... the pain does not become any less!!!... THE SPELL FAILED!!!!...
Oh how dreadful this realm is! Only now you begin to understand the real loss... Alemi did not answer Berlon's call for magical powers... He remains unhealed with 3Hp left!
(roll spell failure: 33 - FAILED)
Theodore barely stands on his feet and even though Olyn is badly injured too he tends to Theodore first using his wand. Luckily this seems to work... Theodore is brought back to 18Hp.
(Olyn, for my aid please write down the name of the wands you use -- thanks)
Cautiously Vorelle begins to work her way towards the group. Vauhwyt has an interesting plan to create a safe passage for her friends. First clearing a path and then adding a whistle to it to remove bigger portions of the crystal canopy. Interesting, dangerous, bold... words suited for a liontaur.
Examining the canopy above the bloodied rear guard, Vauhwyt notices there's a big gap above their heads. She notices the tree where the big branch fell off and also sees many of the brittle crystal fingers have fallen. No new shower can come over them on this spot... but it's a dangerous walk out of the forest (and you're not sure you could possibly scirt the outsides of it) and another dangerous walk towards that wooden shed...
Hush...
Listen!
There's that moaning sound once again...
You're pretty sure it comes from that shed...
ALL: Please add your HP, AC and active spells - thanks!
Inge: Kosche Marr Rules Monday May 8th, 2006 9:38:00 AM
Hey lads. Here are two additional rules I use in Kosche-Mar. Now that you have experienced them I'm going to share them with you ;-)
1) Crystal Forest: move silently:
0-5: large branch fall down doing 6d6 damage - Reflex save DC18 for half + it is followed by a Crystal Shower of nasty needles doing 5d2 damage - No save.
6-10: Crystal Shower doing 5d2 damage - No save
11-15: the crystal canopy rustles above your heads. A simply warning to be careful
2) God Touched loss:
Spell failure chance: spell lvl x 20
1st lvl: 20% 2nd lvl: 40% 3rd lvl: 60% 4th lvl: 80% 5th lvl: 100% (only natural 100 succes) 6th: only natural 100 succes 7th: only natural 100 succes 8th: only natural 100 succes 9th: only natural 100 succes
Berlon (3/39) 2d8(2+5)+5=12 Monday May 8th, 2006 10:17:11 AM
Berlon takes a page out out of Dietrich's book and starts swearing. At least most of the group assumes it's swearing, it's in Gnomish.
He reaches into his backpack and pulls out a flask. Drinking down its contents, he heals himself for 12 hp.
(Cure Mod Potion, self-made, cures 2d8+5)
He turns to the group.
"So can we leave *now*?"
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 24 of 60 Monday May 8th, 2006 1:11:06 PM
Dietrich curses more (but silently) when he sees that Berlon couldn´t evoke Alemi´s power to heal. The warrior swears to himself to make the one responsible for sending them to this &¨$& place pay (clinching his mailed fist).
After the first shock, Dietrich is at least satisfied that Theo could be helped and noone is on the brink of death anymore. It´s also good to know that where they´re right now, no more glass will come down on the party.
He listens to Vauhwyt´s plan and likes the sound of it. Actually, unless there´s a magical way of making the party move silent, he doesn´t see any better solution to get them through the forest. But there is a big problem. That way, you can forget any attempt of staying unnoticed by the 'hunter' and any other foes... But that seems to be too late anyway,with the strange moaning sounds...
"Let´s get ready for battle. If that moaning thing has any ears it will already know about us now, and I doubt it is not evil. Despite the difficulty in claiming for the gods help, I´d still strongly suggest to heal ourselves as much as we can, before we try anything else, and before we´re attacked by anything."
Olyn *ac22, hp65/40* d20+3=8 Monday May 8th, 2006 1:27:11 PM
(used 3 charges of a wand of cure light wounds +1, 22 charges remaining)
motions for those in the forest of crystal to gather close to him and those out of the crystal forest to remain where they are
when all are near him (all within 15 feet) Olyn attempts to cast a spell, 2nd lvl, Silence (yes, was on my memorized list)
IF successful, when it is cast, will start herding the group towards the shed
IF it is not successful, will stay where he is
**( I remember when Jerry ran us in Ravenloft aka Koshe Marr, and the rules regarding spell usage was 1st-3rd level worked normally, 4th+ you had problems. guess the powers that be decided that Koshe Marr needed to be worse for everyone except those that live there )**
Rose hp: 32/35 AC16 2d8(2+6)+3=11 d20+8=12 d20+8=15 d20+6=7 d20+8=15 d20+10=18 d20+10=21 Monday May 8th, 2006 3:04:31 PM
Rose pulls out a vial from her beltpouch and quickly downs it. She then quietly moves towards Olyn.
Piper is flying around and looking at things she then goes back to Vauhwyt & Mookie and quietly whispers "Brother you better come on out, it's safer in the air than down here where the trees can kill you."
Theodore and Macaw HP 18/26 AC 16 (mage armor) Monday May 8th, 2006 7:05:56 PM
(OOC - Does the spell failure apply to clerics only?)
Theodore stays where he is, afraid to set off another painful shower. He is thankful for Olyn's healing, and inclines his head slightly.
Otherwise, he stays where he is and does what those braver than him command.
Vauhwyt (enlarge) and Mookie (enlarge) d20+15=24 d100=70 Monday May 8th, 2006 8:22:28 PM
Vauhwyt moves silently to the edge of the forest near the building. (Move check 24). Then she casts Enlarge (no failure). Then she starts carefully breaking trees and branches with her spear (20 foot reach), making a zone in which it will be safe for her friends to move forward.
Vorelle Monday May 8th, 2006 9:50:23 PM
Seeing what Olyn has in mind, Vorelle begins to help move the party members closer to him. In the case of Rose and Berlon--and probably Theo--she can just pick them up and carry them (not all at once, obviously).
Even if that gives her penalties to Move Silently, she can easily make the check and keep the crystal shards from falling. Dietrich is another matter--but if all else fails, she can probably move Olyn closer to Dietrich, rather than the other way around.
[Take 10 to Move Silently, getting a 27. Minus whatever penalties apply.]
At the Shed [DM Inge] d100=82 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 9:53:28 AM Berlon borrows a number of Ditrich's curses as he finally realises what it means to be lost from your god. Indeed, only those who draw power from the divine have felt the loss at the biginning. Theodore now realises, his arcane knowledge and spells should not fail him in this cursed realm. As the spells seem to fail, Berlon quaffs a healing potion so he feels slightly better.
Dietrich is shocked by the fact that the usually strong clerics seem to be somewhat less powerful but takes satisfaction in seeing Theodore getting better quickly. He listens intently to Vauhwyt's ideas and he likes the sound of it... although "sound" will probably be the least you can say if Vauhwyt makes part of that canopy come down...
Besides, Dietrich seems to get the shivers from whatever that moaning sound may be...
Olyn seems to have another idea up his sleave and casts a Silence spell. This time the spell seems to function as all becomes utterly silent around the rear guard. Not a whisper... no longer can you hear the tingling rustle of the crystal trees, no longer the noises you produce disturb the so needed tranquility that rules in these woods... Feeling his spell has worked he motions his friends to begin moving towards the wooden shed...
Even though Rose is not as quite as she could be the Crystal trees do not move. Olyn's spell does a perfect job!
Vauhwyt seems eager to destroy these beautiful trees... this wonder of nature... and silently moves towards the shed. From there he begins clearing a zone for his friends to be safe in... Vorelle aids he friends towards Olyn and then gradually they begin moving forward.
With all your combined effort you finally reach the shed...
Now you can also see where this moaning comes from!
A pale black piece of fabric is spiked to one dilapidated wall with a sword...
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 24 of 60 d20+8=20 d8+5=9 d20+4=13 d20+4=20 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 10:06:43 AM
When Olyn´s magic make the party silent, Dietrich helps to hurry everybody towards the shed.
He sees Vauhwyt destroying the canopy and thinks that she shouldn´t be doing it, as the party is moving silently. This destruction makes noise and will call the attention of whatever is out there.
When the group finally reaches the shed, the warrior keeps highly alert. He sees the black fabric and the sword and wonders what that means... Spot 13, listen 20
Should anything try to attack them though, his arrow is ready to fly: Bow shot hits ac 20; damage 9, magical
Olyn *ac22, hp59/65* 4d8(7+8+2+5)+4=26 3d8(1+1+7)+3=12 d8=1 d8=4 d8=7 d8+1=3 2d8(8+2)+2=12 3d8(4+4+8)+3=19 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 12:05:49 PM
Once at the shed, and away from the crystal trees, I will drop the Silence spell.
Turning to Dietrich, I will pull out the wand of Cure Light wounds +1 and pop off 4 charges. *Heals for 26 points* Then turning my attention to Berlon, I do the same thing but only uses 3 charges. *Heals for 18 points* Then again on Theo, 1 charge. *Heals for 3 points*
And after seeing everyone else, including those he just healed are better off than before, I will use 2 more charges on Dietrich and then 3 charges on myself. *Heals Dietrich for 12 more points* *Heals Olyn for 19 points*
**( used 13 more charges, leaves 9 charges on the wand )**
Berlon (33/39 HP) Tuesday May 9th, 2006 12:36:44 PM
Recharged by Olyn's healing, Berlon ponders for a few moments, then casts Guidance (0 level divine spell) on Dietrich.
Guidance - 10 rounds or until used, +1 competence bonus on one attack, save or skill check.
Rose Tuesday May 9th, 2006 2:12:14 PM
Rose stays close to Olyn, with occasional glances up at the trees...however at one point she does pick up a piece of crystal about the size of her fist.
Vauhwyt Tuesday May 9th, 2006 5:16:07 PM
Vauhwyt grins at Olyn. "You probably could have done the job without me," the enlarged liontaur says, "but what would the fun in that have been?"
She then turns and gently lifts the fabric from 20 feet away with her long spear. She expects to uncover a window, and she wonders what will be inside.
Theodore and Macaw HP 21/26 AC 16 (mage armor) d20+15=22 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 7:28:21 PM
Before Vauhwyt can prod the fabric, Theodore grasps the Liontaur by her arm and tugs. Catching his friend's eye, he shakes his head vigorously.
Motioning his friends close to him, he whispers, "Remeber the first image we saw when thrown into the mists. That of a man walking through a crystal forest with a black shroud." Here he points to the fabric. "He pinned it to this shed with his gladius. We've seen this before. And what's more, that shroud is sentient. That's where the moan is coming from."
Now looking at the shroud, he thrusts his hands from the sleeves of his shredded tunic, preparing for a spell. "Give me but a moment."
Theodore casts detect magic on the shroud and sword. He concentrates to determine whether there is any magic, the strength of possible magic, and the school of possible magic. (Spellcraft 22)
Vauhwyt (enlarge) and Mookie (enlarge) Tuesday May 9th, 2006 10:44:20 PM
"Good thinking, Theo!" says Vauhwyt, holding her action.
"I knew we kept him for a reason, huh Boss?" says Mookie. "And to think you wanted to throw him back."
"Hush, Mookie," says Vauhwyt.
Vorelle d20+11=27 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 11:14:53 PM
Vorelle is relieved that the group got out of the crystal forest, but is worried that her hearing doesn't work properly. It seems to her that the scrap of fabric pinned to the wall is moaning. Or wailing, or whatever. Which clearly isn't happening, so there must be something wrong with her ears. She listens hard.
[Listen 27]
The Black Shroud [DM Inge] d100=21 Wednesday May 10th, 2006 11:34:48 AM Olyn's spell did wonders and brought the group to the wooden shed. Dietrich whinces though as he sees (but could not hear thanks to Olyn) Vauhwyt destroying the crystal canopy to make a clearing for her friends. "Maybe she should not have done that for it may draw someone or something over here..." he thinks to himself.
Once the group is safe within the clearing Vauhwyt created Olyn cancels the silence spell and he begins healing several of his mates. Dietrich, Berlon and again Theodore feel a lot better now. Finally, the caring cleric also heals himself.
Berlon, Vorelle and Rose stand close with the rest and wait to see what will happen. Expecting some kind of trouble Berlon gives Dietrich a little nudge that will help him with one single attack roll, saving throw or skill check. (For Dietrich to decide when to use -- must specify up front)
Vauhwyt turns to the black shroud and prepares to lift it with her spear... expecting a window that will reveal some cruel or deadly encounter. Just as she gets near to the shroud Theodore stops her remembering some strange film he experienced when they were brought here... there was no way of telling if that was true, but... this shroud... that sword... the forest and the shed... all too many coincidences the mage thinks.
"That shroud is sentient" the mage says and begins to concentrate on the shroud and the sword.
Not wanting to disturn Theodore while he is examining the shroud Vauhwyt is thankful that the mage stopped her. Who knows what would have happened!
Theodore concentrates on both Shroud and Sword...
... yesss ... Theodore senses there is certainly magic at work here...
Again the moaning! Much closer to you know and like Theodore predicted it is coming from the shroud!
... that's odd... Theodore can not grasp what that shroud is all about... almost as if it is no magic, yet filled of a strange magical bond... curious yet beyond theodore's grasp...
"Help me..." a moaning voice says...
... the Sword... yesss... wow nice!... there's certainly a moderate aura coming from that sword. Powerfull magic has made this sword!! Is this Necromacy?! Strange that someone just leaves that behind...
"Help me..."
Ultimately just before Theodore's concentration is broken by the agonising voice begging for help he senses this sword is an intelligent +2 keen longsword with a strong affinity for dealing headwounds! That is if the enemy has a head!! Then Theodore's concentration is broken. Powerful that sword is! Odd someone leaves such a powerful sword behind... perhaps he's going to return to get it later. These forests don't tend to be frequented by a lot of people...
"Please, help me. Please. Arghhhh... my soul is torn in two... He did this to me... please free me and help me out of here... gguurrllll.. before He returns... "
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 of 60, guidance Wednesday May 10th, 2006 4:30:59 PM
Dietrich is fully revigorated by Wardd´s magic again, and he thanks Olyn for that. Now the things that inhabit this dreadful place can come... He also feels Berlon´s spell and will use it when needed.
The warrior is glad to have Theo with him. Who know what could have happened with we had just taken off the shroud? He feels eery to know that the shroud and the beautiful sword are sentient. Most of his former tavern budies weren´t sentient, and they were humans...
Dietrich acknowledges that the question of what to do about the thing is not for him to decide, let the people who know about that stuff speak. For now, his vote would be to release the moaning shroud. Although he doesn´t know enough about it, it´s suffering. (but maybe it deserves it, who knows?)
The knight just says: "Whatever you do, be careful. The last time some of us touched strange, evil looking magical stuff, things got quite bad."
Silently, he swears again at this *%¨*&¨land and at the son of an orc that sent them here.
Theodore and Macaw HP 21/26 AC 16 (mage armor) d20+4=17 Wednesday May 10th, 2006 8:22:49 PM
Theodore explains his findings to his friends. "I don't know fully what's going on. I would suggest checking the inside and outside of this hut before we do anything else. Perhaps we can find a clue as to what...these...are doing here." He motions to the shroud and sword.
"Who are you?" he asks of the shroud. "And who is he that has done this to you?"
Berlon (33/39 HP) Wednesday May 10th, 2006 9:09:12 PM
Berlon frowns and keeps his distance. "An intelligent sword that focuses on decapitation? That doesn't sound very friendly to me..."
Rose d20+8=24 d20+8=11 d20+10=19 d20+10=21 d20+12=20 d20+10=16 d20+9=20 Wednesday May 10th, 2006 11:43:55 PM
Rose thinks of what the cloak could be, but hurries to check the door for traps and (if necessary) unlock it for the others.
Vorelle d20+17=31 d20+17=36 d20+11=16 d20+11=31 Wednesday May 10th, 2006 11:44:58 PM
If nobody else steps up, Vorelle moves to investigate the inside of the house. She knows she can move quietly and (hopefully) avoid being seen.
[Hide 31, Move Silently 36, Spot 16, Listen 31]
Olyn Thursday May 11th, 2006 3:41:17 AM
Whispering to Dietrich: Vorpal Blade, that's what likes to decapitate. Perhaps that what this sword is.
Motioning to Rose and following Vorelle, Olyn will move to assist and if need be, be on hand for backup while the hut gets a thorough screening. Vorelle, let Rose do the inside. Her abilities in the hut is probably more attuned to it than yours. Not saying dont go in and do your thing, just assist her is what Im saying.
The Black Shroud 2 [DM Inge] Thursday May 11th, 2006 1:09:11 PM
The group ponders the current situation. Dietrich feels like releasing the shroud or would it deserve to be here? Theodore and Berlon frown at what happens and are somewhat worried. An intelligent sword that focuses on decapitations doesn't sound very friendly... but then again, neither is this realm... Olyn has an idea about the sword! A vorpal sword maybe...
Rose checks the shed for doors or traps. Apparently this is nearly a ruin... doors hang loose on their hinges and weeds seem to grow through the floor on the inside. She can not see any traps... unless a collapsing piece of the ceiling, or a hole in the floor would be considered traps by such a powerful gang... Vorelle whishes to check the interior of the shed more closely, but Olyn advices her to let Rose take care of that.
"Who are you?", Theodore asks the shroud "And who is he that has done this to you?"
The shroud moans some more and is clearly in agonising pain...
"I can not remember who I was before this... I was trapped in this realm and was found by the Huntman... I bargained a way out and he accepted but alas my soul was split in two... I have lingered here living as a piece of thorn fabric and my true me went back to the Wold... with half a soul. I long to return but can not travel by myself towards the Inn. I know where it is... are you looking for the Inn?"
Theodore and Macaw HP 21/26 AC 16 (mage armor) Thursday May 11th, 2006 2:17:56 PM
Theodore closes his eyes as he tries to recall something recent:
"To rise above a Grubber I had to grub through the worst To make myself my own man I enslaved myself first To keep my House safe I walked the edge of the knife To free myself from prison I had to sell my life Alas! My soul is torn in two!"
He opens his eyes and peers curiously at the shroud. "That poem, it's about you, isn't it. Well, not this you, but the you in the Wold." The young mage looks baffled for a moment. "Am I making sense?"
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 of 60, guidance d20+8=22 Thursday May 11th, 2006 3:36:03 PM
Dietrich keeps alert and listens to his friends. He´s never heard about this Vorpal sword before, and asks his friend to explain it better. Is it dangerous to touch it or take it off the shroud?
Although he begins to feel pitty for the shroud/man, the warrior will let Theodore continue. The mage seems to be on a hot clue.
Nevertheless, Dietrich pays special attention to what the shroud says and trys to find out if it´s lying (will use the guidance bonus here). If it´s not, he´d like to ask it about the inn and to help it. The knight also asks for information about the Huntman and Jilia, maybe the shroud has seen her. Sense motive: 22
Vauhwyt Thursday May 11th, 2006 3:51:26 PM
Vauhwyt is amazed. "The cloth is sentient? And so is the sword?"
"I would be inclined to help you both," she says to the two intelligent objects. "I know what the cloth wants. What do you want, Sir Sword? Can you speak, or make yourself understood? Would you object if I took you down from there?"
She waits to see if there is an answer. She asks Olyn and Berlon if they can detect evil on either object.
Rose d20+5=16 d20+8=28 d20+8=14 d20+10=12 d20+10=13 Thursday May 11th, 2006 5:55:35 PM "Vorelle, you had better let me look in the shed. It looks like it could collapse at any moment and I'm alot lighter than you. Here hold my stuff."
Rose will take off her bag of holding, weapons, and anything else she can (well she's going to stay clothed) to make her lighter before carefully moving over the floor in the cabin and looking for anything intresting.
balance: 16 listen: 28, nat 20 rose should be able to hear anything before it collapses:) move silently: 14 search: 12 spot: 13
Olyn Thursday May 11th, 2006 9:18:46 PM
stands guard to assist Rose should she need it.
Berlon - 33/39 hp Thursday May 11th, 2006 11:58:18 PM
"Dietrich," the gnome says, grabbing the fighter gently by the elbow, "this is what needs to be done."
"We need to remove the sword from the shroud, and I think you need to be the one to do it."
"Additionally..." he adds slowly, "we have to take into account the fact that the sword might not... want... you to remove it..."
DM Clarification Friday May 12th, 2006 5:43:33 AM
Not sure why you all seem to think the Sword is sentient. I only said the shroud was. The sword is a keen weapon with a special bonus to deliver headwounds. That's all
The Black Shroud 3 [DM Inge] Friday May 12th, 2006 6:04:57 AM
While Rose and Vorelle scout the perimeter and Olyn guards them, Theodore closes his eyes and recalls the poem he heard earlier. As he speaks the words softly the shroud stays very still, almost as if he recognises the words.
"That poem, it's about you, isn't it. Well, not this you, but the you in the Wold.", Theodore says.
"Yes..." the shroud answers with a sigh "To free myself from this prison I had to sell my life but I did not know the consequeses..."
Dietrich feels pitty for the shroud but leaves Theodore to it. However Dietrich keeps a close eye on the shroud and he gets a hunch that the shourd speaks truth but he somehow feels there must be something more... perhaps he's not telling you everything... Yet all he said so far was the truth...
Vauhwyt stands baffled and feels inclined to help the shroud. It is Berlon at last that says what needs to be done.
"Dietrich," the gnome says, grabbing the fighter gently by the elbow, "this is what needs to be done."
"We need to remove the sword from the shroud, and I think you need to be the one to do it."
"Yes please free me from this sword and take me with you to the inn... please... I know where it is... help me please... just hurry, He told me He would be back."
The sword is driven deep into the wood, and it will take a mighty effort to free the blade (Strength DC22).
Meanwhile, Rose has entered the shed and is looking around between all the debris. Apart from a lot of rotten wood and decay there's little to be found in this place. There is no food, no clothing, no beds... this shed is deserted. Also, she can't find any traps...
Vauhwyt (enlarge) and Mookie (enlarge) d20-4=10 d20+5=10 Friday May 12th, 2006 7:53:55 AM
[OOC: Inge, you asked why we thought the sword was intelligent? Because you yourself said:
Ultimately just before Theodore's concentration is broken by the agonising voice begging for help he senses this sword is an intelligent +2 keen longsword with a strong affinity for dealing headwounds!
and also
An intelligent sword that focuses on decapitations doesn't sound very friendly.
LOL! Anyway, assuming that the weapon is NOT intelligent ...]
Inge: LOL! Intelligent in the sense that it focusses on headwounds but not Sentient :-D Ok, I see the mistake. Mea Culpa!
Vauhwyt reaches out and frees the shroud. She grasps the sword's hilt and pulls it out. But it is stuck! "Mookie, give me a hand with this," Vauhwyt says. Together the two tug.
Mookie roll to aid another, Vauhwyt at +5 Str enlarged -- only a 10!
"Sorry! Too stuck for me!"
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 of 60, Bullstrenght d20+7=12 d20+6=21 d20+4=12 Friday May 12th, 2006 8:19:02 AM
Dietrich feels the shroud is genereally speaking the truth, and that´s enough for him to move on. The details can be asked during the journey. But the knight asks again:
"What do you know about the Inn and about the Huntman? Have you seen a little girl pass by?" Sense motive 12; intimidate 12
He sees Vauhwyt trying to pull out the sword and thinks to himself: "Girls..."
Than he drinks his flask of Bullstrenght and trys it himself. Strenght test 21 (but I´m not sure about the bullstrenght bonus. With it, Dietrich has str 22, is +6 correct? don´t have the rules with me). It´s remarkably difficult, and his muscles are being stressed like seldom before. Perhaps with just a little help from his comrades?
The warrior observes Rose and the ceilings with some apprehension, admiring her agility, but wishing her to get out of the ruins fast.
Inge: of course with Berlon's Guidance spell that would be the 22 you need ... hint hint ;-)
Dietrich Friday May 12th, 2006 11:24:16 AM
OOC: unfortunately Dietrich already used the guidance on the sense motive check last turn on the shroud.
Olyn Friday May 12th, 2006 11:52:59 AM
will come over and assist Dietrich on the sword.
**There's what D needed to pull it out**
Rose d20+5=10 d20+8=18 d20+8=14 d20+10=20 d20+10=12 Friday May 12th, 2006 1:51:51 PM
Rose takes one last look around before heading back outside.
Berlon (33/39) d20+4=24 Saturday May 13th, 2006 12:31:12 AM
(OOC: I think Dietrich used the Guidance a post ago)
"Oh fer the love of..." Berlon says, somewhat exasperated from the whole deal.
The gnome casts Bull's Strength on himself and attempts to yank the sword free. (Str Chk 24)
Berlon d100=43 Saturday May 13th, 2006 12:37:26 AM
(OOC: Oh, right. Spell Failure check = 43 for 2nd level spell. Whew.)
Theodore and Macaw HP 21/26 AC 16 (mage armor) Saturday May 13th, 2006 5:40:41 PM
"You're from Dirt City, then," Theodore continues the conversation as his friends pull the shroud free. "How did you meet the Hunstman? What did he want with you?"
Vorelle Sunday May 14th, 2006 1:57:47 AM
Vorelle holds Rose's stuff.
Samule the Shade [DM Inge] Monday May 15th, 2006 8:39:01 AM
Pulling the Sword from the shed prooves to be more difficult than anticipated. Vauhwyt is the first to try however she is not strong enough... the sword is jammed pretty tightly. Even with Mookie pulling on her tail, Vauhwyt fails to move it! Not even a millimeter!
"Girls..." Dietrich thinks and drinks a potion to try it as well.
His muscles are being stressed like seldom before yet he fails too! He looks around at his friends looking for aid, and just as Olyn wants to help the warrior, Berlon pushes them aside, casts a Bullstrength spell on himself that works dispite the God Loss and yanks it out!!!
"AAARARGHHHHH!!!!!" the shroud yells in agony! Obviously the shroud is in immense pain as the weapon slides out of it.
Then is comes loose...
Berlon Highlight to display spoiler: {A flash strikes through Berlon's mind. He feels the pain that vibrates through the shroud. He sees memories of long forgotten days... he sees a store in Dirt City! He's looking though someone elses eyes!! }
CUTSCENE
To rise above a Grubber I had to grub through the worst To make myself my own man I enslaved myself first To keep my House safe I walked the edge of the knife To free myself from prison I had to sell my life Alas! My soul is torn in two!
A well muscled man stalks silently though crystal woods, the purple moon glinting on a gladius naked in his hand. His stride is purposeful as he walks the silent path towards a small abandoned shed. His left hand shakes, and unfolding from his fist is a pale black shroud. If not for the cruel tear down the length of the thinnest of fabric, an observer would note it was much the shape of a man. Striding up to one dilapidated wall, the man presses the fabric against the wood and drives the blade forward, pinning the sheet to the wall.
A low moan escapes from the shroud.
"Do not forget my power." The voice is low and calm, but full of menace unsaid. "You are my slave. You lost me the gypsy girl, but you will bring me these heroes or your suffering will see no bounds." Muscles bunch under the leather jerkin, awaiting an answer with little patience.
And a voice full of pain and self-loathing comes again from the shroud. "I am your slave, Master", it moans. "I will bring you the heroes swiftly. Ah! Please, please take this sword out of me...."
But the man turns and begins to walk away. "No, I think not", he chuckles. "This will give you incentive. And besides, you still have half a soul to do your Master's bidding." And he continues to walk, leaving the shredded half of a soul nailed to the wall, whimpering alone in its agony.
CUTSCENE END
Berlon Highlight to display spoiler: {Looking through someone elses eyes Berlon watches Vauhwyt stepping into the store. Berlon stands behind the counter... Vauhwyt begins to bargain and digs up a red ruby carved like a skull... "Oh yes my master will love this. I need to bring this to him" Berlon thinks to himself and makes Vauhwyt an interesting deal offering way more than the Ruby is worth. }
The shroud falls to the ground still crying in pain. "Forgive me" he snickers "please forgive me... I had to obey my master... forgive me... I will help you fleeing from this dreadful place but please take me with you and save my torn soul...for I am Samule the Shade... half of Samule the Fence... save me from this nightmare I beg you..."
Then Theodore asks the shroud how he got here. The shroud doesn't asnwer, but Berlon Highlight to display spoiler: { shudders as he holds the blade and when Theodore poses a new question horrific memories begin to run through his mind once again!
Berlon can see how Samule the Fence used to search for strange antiquities. Then he learned about a realm called Kosche-Mar and also how to get there. He found the portal back and forth to the Inn through the Dirt City Catacombs! Ever searching for artifacts in this dreadful realm he came across the Huntman one mournful day and became enslaved. To free himself from this prison he had to sell his own soul obeying his new master, The Huntsman... }
Exhausted Berlon sinks to his knees unable to move this turn.
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 of 60, Bullstrenght Monday May 15th, 2006 9:09:59 AM
Dietrich feels a little ashamed he wasn´t able to pull out the sword... More training is the only answer.
Oblivious to what Berlon sees, the fighter just hurries everybody to move out, not wanting to meet this Huntsman.
He repeats his questions (now for the third time...) to the shroud:
"¨$#¨%$, answer me! What do you know about this Huntman? Have you seen a little girl walk by this place lastly? Is there a safer way of getting through this &¨%$&¨% chrystal forest?"
Samule the Shade Answers Dietrich [DM Inge] Monday May 15th, 2006 10:08:05 AM
Dietrich repeats his questions (now for the third time...) to the shroud:
"¨$#¨%$, answer me! What do you know about this Huntman? Have you seen a little girl walk by this place lastly? Is there a safer way of getting through this &¨%$&¨% chrystal forest?"
With a soft voice filled with fear Samule the Shade begins to answer the warrior.
"There are tales told in the Inn about the Huntsman. Some say he is no mortal creature, others say he is a shadow. He is just a human like you only... a lot stronger. He used to be a ranger that dwelt alone untill his solitude got to him an brought him towards madness. It was Lady Fidelia that offered supreme powers to him and in return he hunts these lands for him. So he became the Huntsman. He lives in the Hunting Lodge. It lays west from this place."
"The little girl. Yes I had to guard her for the Master but she escaped. He punished me severely and in return I had to bring you here. He admires you."
"This forest? Silence is all that can save you in here..."
Olyn Monday May 15th, 2006 11:30:15 AM
moving over to Berlon asking: you alright my brother? what is it the took you to your knees?
Theodore and Macaw Monday May 15th, 2006 4:34:11 PM
"Samule...the Fence?" Theodore turns a perplexed look to Vauhwyt. "Your Samule? So, you caused the mist to bring us here? And now, we have some madman after us?"
Theodore shakes his head. "Well, let me tell you something, buddy. "We'll sure think twice before doing business with you, again."
Berlon (33/39) Monday May 15th, 2006 9:27:54 PM
Still on his knees, Berlon huffs and puffs heavily, trying unsuccessfully to catch his breath.
"As usual *huff huff* we have *wheeze* a bigger problem *huff huff*"
"Selling that ruby *achem* that ruby *wheeze* may have been a bad idea..."
Vorelle d20+11=25 Monday May 15th, 2006 9:43:25 PM
Somewhat alarmed by Berlon's obvious illness, Vorelle moves to his side and tries to figure out what is wrong. She is still holding Rose's stuff, so she has to juggle it a bit to get a free hand.
[Heal check 25]
Vauhwyt (enlarge) and Mookie (enlarge) Tuesday May 16th, 2006 1:07:45 AM
Vauhwyt is visibly moved when she realizes that this is what remains of her friend. "Samule! Samule! Is it you?"
She moves to pick up the cloth and hold it carefully.
"How did this happen? How did you come to this place? Oh, Samule!"
The liontaur's eyes are moist.
"Boss," says Mookie, "Get a grip!"
"Oh yes," she answers Mookie, dabbing at her eyes. "I just can't believe it!"
"Good answer Boss! I don't believe it either! Look what he did to Berlon. This talking hankerchief thing might not even be Samule! Don't blow your nose on it, Boss!"
Mookie hops toward the shroud in his master's hands. "Prove it! Prove you are who you say you are!"
Vauhwyt, for once, does not hush her bird.
Rose Tuesday May 16th, 2006 3:55:01 AM
Rose doesnt like what she hears about the cloak saying he was supposed to bring them to the cabin. "The huntsman wants us at the cabin, and you were supposed to bring us here?" She says.
Rose will quickly take her things from Vorelle, making sure to put her weapons, bracers, wands, ect on first. make sure the potions in the belt pouch are lined up where she usually has them, and generally get ready as if they were about to be attacked.
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