DM Kathy Thursday May 25th, 2006 1:21:04 AM
You are at leisure, and you spend the morning as you like. Bralin foists--er, donates--Carrots to the temple of Alemi.
Arminas asks Darkfire to be his horse, and gets an enthusiastic response. "You bet I'll come with you!" Darkfire says. "Adventuring is much better than sitting around on the farm. Except, can I bite somebody this time? I really want to bite somebody."
Shortly after noon, you are approached by Dulcet's normally smooth-faced servant. Today, he seems flustered, and in a great hurry. "I beg your pardon," he says, stopping in front of you, "but Councilwoman Dulcet would like to see you immediately. I'm told it is an emergency."
When you arrive at Dulcet's, you find her pacing and anxiously awaiting your arrival. With her is a tall, muscular elf you have never seen before.
"Thank you for coming," Dulcet says. "There's been an accident, and I'd like to ask for your help.
"A group of local children, and their teacher, were exploring some historic ruins nearby. There was some sort of collapse, and they have not come out again. We don't know whether anyone survived, but if they did, they are trapped.
"I would like to ask you to go to the ruins, go inside, and find any survivors of the collapse. Once you have found them, contact me." She holds out a scroll. "This Sending scroll will allow you to speak a brief message to me, and to hear a brief reply."
She gestures to the elf man beside her. "This is Florin," she says. "He is an adventurer, like you, recently arrived in Cinnamon Valley. I have asked him to help you in this endeavor and he has agreed."
She looks around at you. "I'm sure I don't have to tell you that time is of the essence. Do you have any questions?"
Lorth Thursday May 25th, 2006 8:30:20 AM
"Greetings Florin", Lorth says, holding out his hand, "I am Lorth Jeredosta." He then gets ready to leave, wanting to get on the road immediatley, to try and save these people.
Bralin Thursday May 25th, 2006 10:48:43 AM
"Bralin Stoneminder," the dwarf says to the guide.
"Nay," he replies to Dulcet.
Like Lorth, Bralin is ready now. He turns to leave.
Harvest Thursday May 25th, 2006 2:11:03 PM
A peaceful stroll to the Catacombs becomes an emergency. Her grip upon the Anthos' arm tightens. Tension? Excitement? A simple and silent acknowledgment of what they will shortly share?
"They come to us, Anthos," she says, her voice laden with the significance. "In this emergency, they come to us."
"I have questions, if you please, Madam Dulcet." Harvest Moon releases Anthos' arm and steps forward.
"Do you know how many children were with the party and the approximate age of the youngest and the oldest? Could you tell us about the measures that have been taken already at the site of the ruins? Has emergency equipment been gathered? Ropes? Dwarves to assess the rock? Magic to shore up the stone?"
The small brown girl walks as she delivers her questions. "Please direct us toward the ruins Madame Dulcet."
"Greetings ... Florin. I am Harvest Moon. If we are to work together we will need to know what it is that you can do."
Florin Jadenth Thursday May 25th, 2006 3:12:52 PM
Florin nods to those that he will be teamed up with and shakes Lorth's hand before speaking to the man, "Nice to meet you Lorth, the name is Florin Jadenth, a servant of Domi and hopefully a useful helper to your group."
Florin looks to Bralin first and moves to the dwarf before speaking to him, "You might not know me in this form but it is nice to meet you once more Bralin my friend. Long has it been since my sword has fought along with your weapon my friend." Florin offers Bralin a smile and will tell him how he become a elf later.
Turning next to Harvest Moon he nods to her, "Nice to meet you as well Harvest Moon. I am a paladin and a fair use in the sword. I was once the leader of the Shields of Hope but my path and theirs parted awhile back and I have found myself here in hopes to learn more about the Wold and in hopes of helping out where I can and when I can. I hope the group can use my blade and my help and where you all lead I will follow. If you like to know more of my skills in battle then you can ask Bralin for he has fought by myside once."
Florin prepares to leave with the group now and stretches, his lightly blued half plate had been adjusted to his elven form and his mithril longsword with the silver dragon handle at his side and ready for use...he also carried a greatsword on his back for various uses and lastly hanging on his backpack was a comp. longbow and his two quivers of arrows, one set being silver. He also holds a vizor helmet under one arm, his black hair pulled black into a ponytail and his blue eyes watch the group some as he is curious about these new people he travels with, all except the dwarf who he has traveled once before with.
Any Thursday May 25th, 2006 6:16:18 PM
Any goes with the others in response to the summons. At Mistress Dulcet's words, he feels Harvest's grip tighten upon his arm. He knows how she feels about children--for that matter, about the lives of all good living creatures. This is one of the things that attracted him to her.
It is apparent that Bralin and Lorth are prepared undertake this quest, but answers to a few questions are needed. Any asks,
"Have any strange creatures been sighted lately in this area? We encountered Anhkegs at a farm not far away while searching for Master Remo. Is it possible that there are more of them in these ruins, and they caused this collapse? Are there any clues as to what might have happened that can help us to better prepare. Perhaps we should ask about other types of creatures. We have now encountered two uncommon monster types in recent days, could someone be controlling them? We must be ready for anything."
He then turns and appraises their guide, Florin. His answers to Harvests questions ring with truth and sincerity.
"I am pleased to meet you Florin, your skills will be useful indeed. My name is Anthos Westar, but most call me Any. We welcome you to our little band, and look forward to getting to know you better."
Arminas Thursday May 25th, 2006 6:49:40 PM
Arminas finishes his conversasion with Darkfire:
Yes, you can bite someone who is bad. You may be tempted to bite the dwarf, but I warn you he bites back. We will be friends.
In the meeting with Dulcet, Arminas is also concerned with missing children.
"Of course we will help, but as Harvest says we may need help with the ruins."
Nodding as Any speaks he adds:
"Yes, strange creatures have been about. Something unnatural is happening here."
Then a shocked look comes across his face as he mentions he knows Bralin, and in a different form.
"You know Bralin from before? What form do you speak of? Oh, forgive me, I am Arminas Calaelen. I am glad to have a fellow elf join us. I am a ranger, and help the group find the way when requested."
DM Kathy Friday May 26th, 2006 1:38:26 AM Florin makes the acquaintance of the rest of the group, including Bralin who apparantly knew him before he was an elf. [OOC: I won't ask. :) ]
Dulcet answers Harvest's questions. "We don't have an exact count of the children, but I know there are about ten of them. The oldest is fourteen, the youngest is only five. As far as I know, no other resources have yet been brought out to the site, although I have people scouring the town for ropes and poles for you to take with you."
"I believe the creatures you encountered were simply anomolies," she continues, "although it may bear further investigation."
She gives you directions to the ruin, which is about two miles from town.
"Just get to the children and contact me," she says. "Don't try to bring them out again. I'm looking into magical means of retrieving the lot of you; that way you won't have to bring the children out through whatever path you take in. Find them, contact me, and sit tight."
As you leave the building, you see several people hurrying toward you from different directions, bearing rope, pulleys, grappling hooks, poles, and other equipment. It looks as if they've been scouring the town for anything that might be useful.
Suddenly, there is another figure among them, a young girl whom you vaguely recognize as the person who delivered the last Catacombs order.
"Delivery for Harvest Moon," she says. She hands over a package with a grin, then departs.
Bralin Friday May 26th, 2006 7:58:28 AM
"Florin Jandeth?" Bralin repeats in surprise. It takes a good minute for the dwarf's brain to readjust itself to the new set of facts. At last he extends his hand, grasping Florin's forearm. "Well met, Florin. How fare ye?"
This development will take much thought. Especially in terms of group leadership. For Bralin knows Florin as the leader of the Shields of Hope, a role the paladin performed well. Should he choose to stay longer with this group, he would do well to assume that role again.
As Bralin considers this, he accumulates as much equipment as Granite can reasonably carry, and prepares himself to leave.
The dwarf's equipment has changed a bit since Florin last saw him. It's still black, and its still dirty. But its full plate mail with a mithral shield. He carries a waraxe on his right hip, a warhammer on his left, a dagger on his right thigh, and a crossbow attached to his pack.
"Have ye the statue?" He askes Florin with unveiled curiousity.
Any Friday May 26th, 2006 8:54:34 AM
Any settles right in to gather and sort the equipment being brought in. The group distributes the weight between them, so as to not overburden any of the animals.
"I am not as sure as Mistress Dulcet that these ocurrences are anomalies. We should still be wary.
Regardless, it sounds as though we will be venturing underground again. Bralin's knowledge will be invaluable. Do we have enough sources of light? I will be able to cast a spell simialr to what I have done before, but we need to be ready."
He steps to Harvest, and offers her a leg up, settling her amidst all the ropes and tackle that her gentle mount is carrying. He smiles, but it does not stay long on his face, as the seriousness of the situation rests upon the group. He mounts Moonshadow, and then looking around,
"Are we ready?"
Lorth Friday May 26th, 2006 10:02:30 AM
Lorth waits patiently to leave. When they get outside he summons Tobiasz. He sheathes his sword and redies his lance for the ride.
Harvest Friday May 26th, 2006 11:57:22 AM
Harvest accepts the package in both hands, thanking the girl with a nod and a smile. She accepts the scroll of Sending as well. Unrolling it briefly, she examines the writing. It is difficult.
"Bralin Stoneminder, you may be better suited to read this when comes the time," she says. Though she stows it along with the rest of her purchases for safe keeping. Then Harvest Moon steps gently into the cupped hands of Anthos Westar as he helps her up onto Fyrda's back.
"I have an magic torch, Anthos," Harvest replies. "And I also have a lantern with a goodly supply of oil. I think that should be enough to provide light by which to see."
From the back of Fyrda, Harvest frowns in worry. The children will be frightened.
"Do you also have food and water, Madam Dulcet?" Harvest asks. "It may not be necessary, but it may provide comfort to the children when we find them."
Florin Jadenth Friday May 26th, 2006 3:11:28 PM
Florin smiles when Bralin remembers him and shakes the dwarf's hand before speaking, "I'm afraid it was in the house I had rented in the Float...the Float had a attack frm the Crying Woods and my house and alot of the Float was severely damaged, my house included which was buried. We rushed off to quick otherwise, trying to protect the orphans from all the green infected people."
Florin looks to Arminas and speaks to him as the group prepares to leave also, "I was once a human male instead of a elf male. The Shields ran into a druid with a artifact called the Knot of Drusis which we all were offered to try if we wished. My try changed me from a human to a elf. A interested change to say the least but one that is not without it's benefits as you can guess."
Any Friday May 26th, 2006 10:54:04 PM
"Well met all. If we are ready, we should be on our way. The ride should not take long, and we can get these children safely home again."
He looks to Florin,
"Lead on, I think we are as ready as we may be. Mistress Dulcet, if you could arrange for someone to bring food and water to the area above these ruins, then the needs that Harvest sees will be met as soon as possible. We will have some food and water with us, and that will probably suffice untill we can reach your supplies. Thank you, and we will look forward with confidence of a quick return."
Harvest Sunday May 28th, 2006 1:09:59 PM
Harvest Moon pulls the velvet cap from its jaunty place toward the back of her head and stuffs it into her haversack. She leans over the neck of the old plow horse and whispers in her ear.
"We must go swiflty today, Fyrda. Lives may depend upon it."
Harvest looks to Anthos, giving him a smile of readiness. Lives are at stake, and they have been called upon.
Arminas Sunday May 28th, 2006 5:34:03 PM
Arminas looks a bit surprised about the transformation of Florin from man to elf.
"The Wold seems to get stranger all the time. Perhaps though your change is a good sign. At least you may give the rest of the party hope for the future."
Arminas then grins and winks at Bralin.
"However, though all would seem beneficial in your transformation to an elf, I must warn you that not all find elves charming."
Arminas leaps upon the back of Darkfire, ready to go. He leans forward, giving Darkfire a carrot.
DM Kathy Monday May 29th, 2006 11:30:45 AM
[OOC: Sorry, everybody. Today is a holiday in the US, and I completely forgot to post yesterday.]
Your preparations are made quickly, and you are soon ready to depart. Dulcet is able to hand you a waterskin and a small bundle of tea-cakes before you go.
Following Dulcet's directions, you make your way to the ruins. Some of you may not need directions, for this particular ruin is well-known to people in the area. It is a popular destination for school outings such as this one, to give youngsters a sense of the history of the area.
When you reach the ruins, all seems well. In fact, if it weren't for the bustle of people at the site, it would be impossible to tell that anything untoward had happened here.
Seeing you ride up with your gear, several people at the site hurry forward to greet you.
"They're in the catacombs," one man says, breathless. He points to one side of the ruin. "The entrance has collapsed. We're trying to dig it out but it fills in as fast as we dig. We're having to shore up every few feet, and it's going to take....well, perhaps too long."
As he talks, he and several of the others there are helping you down from your mounts, taking some of your bundles of gear, and leading the way over to the ruin.
"There may be another way in," another man adds.
"It's too dangerous," a woman protests.
"They're adventurers; they'll be fine," another woman says.
"But they'll never be able to get the kids out that way," yet another man says. "We have to keep digging; it's the only way."
Any Monday May 29th, 2006 3:25:47 PM
Upon arriving at the ruins, Any listens to what those in charge there have to say. He asks,
"What is this other way that you mentioned? If it is a quicker way to reach the children, then why haven't you done so. Show us where it is, and tell us about it as we go. We need to go quickly, especially if there is danger beyond the collapse of the ruins."
He settles his pack on his back, adding one of the rope coils to his regular gear (50' rope). He draws out his lantern, then turns to Bralin.
"What do you think, should I bring my bow underground? We have an able archer with us in Arminas, and I do have a sling and some darts for ranged attacks. I value your opinion."
OOC Did I receive my potions from the catacombs also?
Harvest Monday May 29th, 2006 5:35:27 PM
"Each new moment brings the chance of favor," Harvest says to the woman who brought up the danger in protestation. "Mistress Dulcet has told us that they may be able to bring us back if we do no more than find the children. Please tell us why you believe it to be too dangerous. Thus forearmed with this knowledge the danger should be less, no?"
Harvest smiles at the woman as they walk swiftly toward their destination.
"Who here knows the children? What are their names? Do you know the teacher's name? These small things will help, should we need to call to them."
Florin Jadenth Monday May 29th, 2006 7:13:46 PM
Florin listens to what is said and moves along with the group, speaking mainly to himself as he hear Any's comment, "If there is greater risk through the second way then you would not expect normal folk to try to go that way."
Florin smiles and whispers a prayer to Domi that he watch over the children and their teacher and keep them safe till they can reach them.
Florin looks to Bralin and smiles as he is glad to be with him since the group will be traveling underground.
Bralin Monday May 29th, 2006 10:31:51 PM
Bralin listens carefully to the conversations as he dismounts Granite. His companions are already asking enough questions. He sees no need to add more.
Any asks him one directly, and the dwarf answers it immediately. "Bring the bow."
He may not have need of it. Yet, tis not an impediment. Therefore, better to be overprepared than under.
Arminas and Ewan Monday May 29th, 2006 11:30:15 PM
Arminas jumps off Darkfire and calls Ewan down to him. He signals for Ewan to stay close by and to keep watch over the area.
"Well now, seems like since we are not 'normal' we might as well go by the other way."
Arminas pulls his grappling hook and two 50 foot of coils of silk rope from his pack. He ties the grappling hook and one 50 foot coil to his belt. The other 50 coil of rope he secures to the other side.
"I'm ready."
Any Tuesday May 30th, 2006 8:56:57 AM
The group seems ready. Unless these people can give more information, it's time to go. Any turns to Harvest, and listens while she learns the names of the children and their teacher. Then he poses the question,
"Are we ready?"
He gives her half a smile, the slowly looks at he others, including them in the question. The answer is apparent in the set of their faces. With a nod, he too signals his readiness,
"Show us the second way in."
Lorth Tuesday May 30th, 2006 9:03:08 AM
Lorth dismounts, straps his lance to Tobiasz and unsummons him. He then does a quick check of his equipment, making sure his rope is in good repair.
"Lets go", he says.
DM Kathy Tuesday May 30th, 2006 9:19:21 AM
"There's supposed to be a way to get to the catacombs by going down the old well," one of the men tells you. "The well leads to a fault--a crack that opened up in the ground years ago. Working your way along the fault, you can supposedly get to the catacombs."
"But nobody here knows the exact route," another man adds.
When asked about the names of those below, one woman replies, "Maedha. That's the teacher's name. And Nelle," her voice catches, and she chokes back a sob. "Nelle is my daughter."
"Devrin and Dolo," another woman says. "My boys. Please, please find them."
As they speak, several of the townsfolk lead you to the well, a round hole in the ground surrounded by crumbling brick. Signs nearby warn of danger.
There isn't much here to tie a rope to, but a grappling hook could probably find a reasonable purchase on one of the nearby walls.
Harvest Tuesday May 30th, 2006 10:02:15 AM
Harvest nods at all the names, committing them to memory.
"Please abide here for a while." Harvest reaches up to stroke Fyrda's neck. "Moonshadow and Darkfire will be here to keep company with you, as will Bralin Stoneminder's Granite."
The great gentle plow horse turns her head to look down upon Harvest Moon with one large dark eye.
"These people here will protect you. If we are gone overlong, please go with them. They will return you to the safety of the stables at Jarlwolf."
Harvest turns to the woman who had expressed concern over the danger of the second path into the underground catacombs. With such concern, she will be watchful.
"Please, could you watch over our horses? They should require little special care. But should we be gone into the evening, if they could be lead back to the stables in Jarlwolf, please."
Following the townsfolk to the well, Harvest Moon kneels at the edge and looks down into the darkness. She reaches behind her for an everburning torch, and then drops it over the side.
"I will anchor the rope and descend last," she says. "Perhaps with Arminas Calaelen. If the rope should slip, we should not suffer from the fall."
=== OoC ===
Kathy, would you like spell lists for the day?
Bralin d20+7=26 Tuesday May 30th, 2006 10:26:14 AM
"We require Tobaisz yet," Bralin responds to Harvest. The dwarf stows his shield acoss his back and carefully walks over to study the interior of the well as he continues speaking. [Spot 26]
"Stow your lantern in my pack. I shall descend first and light the entrance. Tie a rope to myself and the steed. His strength is greater than this wall."
Arminas d20+5=21 Tuesday May 30th, 2006 2:35:36 PM
Arminas goes to secure his grappling hook and stops when Bralin suggests the horse.
"Sure, the horse will be a very good anchor. I will stay up with Harvest, and keep the animal as calm as possible."
He will go last, or allow Harvest to as she wishes.
"When it is my turn, I will untie the rope and bring it down with us. We cannot leave it secured to Tobiaz while we are gone. I hope we do not require a rope to retreat though."
When everyone is down, Arminas uses his Feather Fall ring to float slowly to the bottom of the well.
Handle animal 21
Any Tuesday May 30th, 2006 7:48:09 PM
Any nods agreement to Bralin's statement to bring his bow. He settles it upon his shoulders, the quiver being placed in a side pocket of his Haversack--which amazingly holds the quiver easily.
"I am able to cast a spell of featherfall that will efect all of us except Arminas, who does not need it. We can still use the rope to guide us into a landing, but this should prevent any accidents descending this well. It is a minor spell, and will not present us any problems for its use here."
So saying Any chants briefly, words of power blended with nonsense, the result of which allows each person in the party to float gently to the landing area deep within the well. Upon arrival, he takes out his lantern and lights it from Harvest's torch.
Turning to Bralin, he says,
"Scout and assess?"
He is sure the dwarf will understand. Bralin is himself a being of few words. When all are safely down, he simply gestures into the cavity that presents itself, hoping that the stories that have been told are true, and this does lead to the catacombs.
Florin Jadenth Tuesday May 30th, 2006 11:37:59 PM
Florin looks to the others and is ready to head down when the others are. He has less need in his elven form for light but still carries something just incase and he wishes to help the kids and the teacher get out of this as quick as the others do.
Lorth Wednesday May 31st, 2006 8:10:30 AM
Lorth does whatever is required of him, if they need Tobiasz to hold the rope he tells Tobiasz to obey Arminas. If they all float down using Any's spell, he dismisses Tobiasz, floats down, and readies his sword and shield, unless the way ahead gets treacherous. If so he stows his gear and picks his way carefully.
He waits patiently behind Bralin, and will move foward when the ok is given.
Harvest Wednesday May 31st, 2006 8:56:33 AM
Harvest looks up from the edge of the well.
"That is a very good idea, Bralin Stoneminder. If things do not go according to play, it may yet be possible to return this way with the children using the horses and the ropes."
DM Kathy Wednesday May 31st, 2006 9:06:31 AM
The woman agrees to look after the horses, and a couple of the other townsfolk seem ready to help her. It would appear that your mounts will be in very good hands. You make sure you have the means to create light down there; it will be dark, and the light will help comfort the children.
Bralin suggests using Tobiasz as an anchor for the rope, and Lorth agrees.
Any, however, has another idea and suggests casting a Feather Fall spell on the group, allowing them to float down the well. Arminas would be on his own to climb down, but the rest of the group would be affected by the spell.
[OOC: I'm sorry I couldn't cover more ground, but I need to be sure what the plan is. Are you using ropes, or Feather Fall, or both? Is Bralin still going first?]
Arminas Wednesday May 31st, 2006 10:33:47 AM
Arminas looks at Bralin.
"It is your call, I will do as you wish. I though have no need of the rope or Any's spell, my ring will allow me to float safely to the bottom."
Then a small look of concern comes across his face.
"Unless of course there is a dispel magic spell cast upon the well. That doesn't seem likely though."
Arminas will do exactly as Bralin instructs, so as to move this forward.
Bralin (Feather Fall) d20+7=10 Wednesday May 31st, 2006 2:32:28 PM
Bralin silently considers the ideas. Feather Fall will be most useful in the descent. However, the warrior understands many possibilities lie at the bottom of this hole.
He tells Any, "Cast your spell. Use the rope on Tobiasz as well. Should I have need to ascend quickly, I will call out."
The dwarf makes sure the rope is secure around himself and Tobiasz and then descend under the influence of Any's spell. His eyes seek out anything unusual, undisturbed by the darkness. [Spot 10]
If he gets to the crack mentioned by the locals, he will get firm footing and light the lantern Harvest provided before calling for the others to descend.
Any d20+10=14 d20+10=16 Wednesday May 31st, 2006 6:30:09 PM
Any casts his spell, watches as Bralin descends, and then follows him into the well. He continues to watch as the others make their descent, helping each of them make the transition from the well to the pathway shown in the side of the well. This crack is to lead them to where the children are. He smiles to himself as Lorth, Florin, and Arminas float down, and openly grins as Harvest comes to rest beside him.
"We're in over our heads now."
His smile reaches his eyes at this attempt to lighten the mood, then giving her arm a squeeze, he motions for Harvest to proceed him down the tunnel. He trusts in Bralin's dwarvish ability to keep a clear head and sense of direction while underground, and follows along behind the group, his lantern lighting the way, his senses alert to any danger.
spot 14 listen 16
Florin Jadenth Wednesday May 31st, 2006 7:04:14 PM
Florin thinks of his bonded mount for a moment and wonders how Ajax is doing, however this was not the time to summon his trusty steed to him.
He looks to the others yet and waits for his turn to go down the well while the others decide on how they are going to do this for sure.
Florin looks to Bralin, "I have a extra 50ft of rope that can be used with Arminas's rope if there is something better to grapple to but farther away. No offense, just like to have a way out if needed." Florin shrugs as he just is offering a suggestion as he doesn't want to be trapped down the well, saving the kids and teacher is fine but he doesn't want to end up being another body stuck down there and figures neither does the group.
lorth Thursday June 1st, 2006 7:43:59 AM
Lorth floats down into the hole, and follows along with the party, he attempts to take the position behinf Bralin, but will settle anywhere that is open.
DM Kathy d3=2 Thursday June 1st, 2006 9:00:50 AM
[OOC: In the interest of keeping things moving, I've made certain assumptions. If I've assumed incorrectly, let me know.]
Bralin ties a rope securely about himself and Tobiasz before Any casts his spell. Once the spell is cast, Bralin jumps down the well.
The rest of the party follow quickly, because you know the spell won't last long (4 rounds). It is dark inside the well, and a damp and oddly fresh smell tells you that there is still water to be had here, some distance below you.
But you are falling too quickly for sightseeing (60 feet per round). Bralin, the first down, easily spots the fault the townsfolk spoke of, about 30 feet down. The large crack has disrupted the line of the well shaft so that it is difficult to see past it. The crack itself slopes sharply away from the well--upward to your left and downward to your right. The crack is all steep angles and jutting rock--there is no place to safely alight.
Bralin angles right so as to continue downward. The spell allows him to "fall" down the line of the fault, although it is difficult to keep from touching down and ending the spell. He goes another 20 feet or so before a couple of things happen; he reaches a rocky outcropping that he simply cannot "fall" past, and he gets to the end of the rope he has tied around him.
His boots touch rock, ending the spell. The fault is still very steep, however, and there really isn't a good place to land. The rope steadies him, however, and he is able to keep his feet.
The rest of the group is right behind Bralin, also falling at 60 feet per round. You are able to follow Bralin down the crack, but pretty much have to stop when he does; between Bralin and the rocky outcropping, there's really no way to continue falling down the crack.
You have to land, but there really isn't a good place. You struggle to catch your balance, some of you losing your footing and skidding to an undiginified stop, clinging to the rock for all you're worth.
[Everybody but Bralin, who is roped, make a Balance check (DC 15) to land on your feet. Otherwise, you fall and skid for a ways before you stop yourself, taking 2 points nonlethal damage.]
Now that there are several feet of rock between you and the daylight above, it is very dark in here. Bralin can see fine, of course, but the rest of the group is going to need a light source.
Harvest d20+5=10 Thursday June 1st, 2006 11:42:23 AM
They go in one by one. At her turn, Harvest takes her everburning torch and sticks it into her belt. As she drifts slowly down the side of the well, she keeps a hand upon the rope. The break in the wall comes up quickly, and it is only with a kick against the wall that she is able to keep from falling past the fissure.
The mouth of the fissure is already crowded, and the leap for the opening is sudden. Harvest Moon loses her balance and begins to fall. Through instinct as well as training, she reaches to place a hand against the nearest surface. That alone is often sufficient to slow her descent.
When the brown girl comes to a halt, she rises in the light of the everburning torch to inspect both the positions of the others as well as her own condition.
"I am here and well," she sounds off, announcing her position and condition to the others.
(OoC: Kathy, please tell me if the Monk's Slow Fall is enough to avoid the 2hp Non-Lethal.)
Any d20+6=22 Thursday June 1st, 2006 6:52:42 PM
Any arrives next to Bralin. With a slight wobble he finds his balance quickly beside the dwarf, and urges him to move into the crack to allow the others room for landing. He assists each of those following (aid another) in making the awkward transition, encouraging them to use the rope to guide them to a safe landing. Once all are assembled, he takes the time to light his lantern from Harvest's torch.
He takes a quick breath when Harvest teeters on the edge of the precipice, but she catches herself, and he offers her his arm to bring her up next to him in the crevice.
"I don't think we want to go any further down. I'm glad you decided to stay up here with the rest of us."
Again, a quick smile plays across his face. As Arminas joins the group as the last one down, Any takes up a position as rear guard as they proceed into the darkened pathway.
Balance 22
OOC Any is 5th level-his feather fall spell would last 5 rounds.
Arminas d20+6=24 Thursday June 1st, 2006 7:37:17 PM
Hearing that the well bottom is deeper than the crack, Arminas decides not to untie the rope and use it to guide his descent. Talking with the townsfolk up top, he says:
"When we are safely down, please keep someone here at the well with the rope and horse ready. If we should need assistance, we will yell for help."
Arminas then holds the rope in one hand as he allows his ring to slow his fall. Upon reaching the crack, he deftly grabs the rock outcrop and swings into the opening.
"Well, it looks like the rope was a good idea. Bralin is already proving his worth as leader. I told the townsfolk to keep somebody ready at the well with the rope and horse incase we need assistance."
Balance 24
Florin Jadenth d20+4=12 Thursday June 1st, 2006 8:39:48 PM
Florin comes down but has alittle trouble cetching his balance and skids and frowns as he comes up with some scrapes from this, grumbling as he picks a small rock from a join in his half plate armor and tosses it to the side, "Got to start learning how to use my elven agility. To long being a slower human I guess."
Florin looks to the others and blushes abit at his now so great of landing and now pops his vizor helmet on that he stored in his backpack and leaves the vizor up on it so he can see better.
Bralin d20+5=8 Thursday June 1st, 2006 8:53:18 PM
His comrades are arrived. Bralin removes the end of the rope, proceeds to work his way down the crevice.
[OOC - I'm making an assumption that there are no yawning openings and we're merely a jagged passageway that is going to take a bit of climbing, but is not incredibly dangerous.]
Climb 8
DM Kathy Friday June 2nd, 2006 9:15:03 AM Bralin unties the rope from himself and begins to work his way past the rocky outcropping and down the rest of the fault. The climb is do-able, although the descent is still pretty steep and the terrain uneven.
Harvest doesn't make the most graceful landing of all time, but her Monk training allows her to avoid any actual damage. Her everburning torch illuminates the narrow, uneven space.
Any finds his balance easily as he lands. He pulls out a lantern and tries to light it from Harvest's torch. However, he soon realizes that the Continual Flame of the torch burns without heat and cannot ignite anything. At any rate, the climb looks to be a tricky one, probably requiring the use of both hands. Perhaps the lantern can wait for a time.
Florin skids to an undignified stop and spends a moment righting himself and his armor.
Arminas instructs the people at the top to keep the rope and horse ready. Then he follows the group down, alighting easily.
You all begin to follow Bralin as he climbs down the fault. Your path is steep and uneven, a do-able but tricky climb.
[Everybody make a Climb check, DC 10. Armor check penalties apply, and you can take 10. If you Aid Another, you need to roll the check and state who you're aiding.]
Lorth d20+2=17 d20+2=18 Friday June 2nd, 2006 9:55:15 AM
Lorth skids to a stop when he hits the bottom. He gets up wipes himself off and falls in line with the rest of the group.
He doesn't have much trouble climbing down the uneven path, with his new mithiril chain.
Harvest d20+4=17 Friday June 2nd, 2006 10:42:05 AM
Compared to the climb up the Abbey wall, the climb down the uneven underground slope is fairly simple for Harvest Moon. She looks to each member of the company and nods her head. There is no doubt that they will have as little trouble as she. Even with Bralin Stoneminder's new and heavier armor, she has seen his strength. He will be able to negotiate the climb.
The new one, however, is the only concern. If, as he says, he has not always been an elf, then it is possible that he may not be accustomed to this new form. He has stumbled once already, incurring minor injuries. And in a paladin's armor ...
"Paladin Florin," says Harvest Moon, "please allow me to go before you to both light your way as well as to guide your steps. I will point out hand and footholds as I go."
With a puff of breath, Harvest blows the dangling crest of hair out from over her eye and begins the descent.
Rolls and Actions Climb 14 (Taking 10) Aide Florin Climb 17 (Florin +2 to Climb Check)
Any [Light] d20+10=16 d20+10=26 Friday June 2nd, 2006 11:59:51 AM
Seeing the need for immediate light, Any again chants a string of words, and reaching over his right shoulder, touches the tip of his bow, which begins to glow with enough light for all to see while making the descent from the well. If needed, he can do this again, but it should be possible to light his lantern sometime before this spell wears off.
He watches as Bralin leads down through the broken terrain. What will they find here? Will they be in time to help the children? He offers a samll prayer to Domi in their behalf, and follows along, bringing up the rear of the group, his senses alert.
Spells: light-50 minutes
climb 13 (take 10 +3) spot 16 listen 26
Bralin d20+7=23 Friday June 2nd, 2006 12:47:39 PM
The dwarf takes his time, working his way downward through the crevice. [Climb 15 (take 10)]
Bralin's eyes alertly scan the various cracks and crevices of the uneven rock. Creatures may have taken residence here, and not all will flee at the sound of approaching metal. [Spot 23]
Arminas d20+9=27 Friday June 2nd, 2006 4:09:21 PM
Now that they are underground, Arminas realizes that he is no longer needed in the lead. Perhaps if they have to search for traces of the children, he will again move to the front. For now though, Arminas takes rear guard.
He easily climbs through the crevasse, following the light provided by Any.
Florin Jadenth d20+2=17 Friday June 2nd, 2006 11:06:08 PM
Florin nods and smiles as he speaks to Havest, "Thanks you miss Harvest Moon..I hope you might let me shorten that down to Harvest. Do not wish to offend no one. You can call just Florin also. I'm not a high ranking paladin really."
Florin tries climbing down after Harvest and is happy to see his muscles work well yet and all since he does a better job, with Harvest's help to. Once down he nods to her again, "I hope I can be of help to you in the future or to the group more to pay back for the help."
(Climb:17)
DM Kathy Sunday June 4th, 2006 10:32:27 PM
You climb carefully down the fissure, negotiating it with relative ease. Anyone wearing bulky armor scrapes the sides a couple of times, but otherwise the descent is uneventful.
You estimate that you've descended another 60 feet or so when you first hear the voices. About 30 feet later you drop down into a small, dusty, and obviously unused chamber. There is a stone archway on one side of the chamber, and beyond the archway, you can clearly hear the voices.
"Cerina! A light!"
"Sssh! I see it."
"What do you think it is?"
"I don't know, now be quiet!!"
Apart from the urgently whispered conversation, you hear other sounds--small whimpers and sniffling. A very small child begins to cry loudly.
Lorth Monday June 5th, 2006 9:26:42 AM
Lorth continues to work his way down the crevase. When he hears the children talking he is filled with hope, it seems we will make it in time. "Praise Gargul", he says quietly. Lorth waits for his companions to alert the children to their presence. He is sure Harvest will have more comforting words than he can muster.
Any [Light] Monday June 5th, 2006 10:03:47 AM
Any hears the voices of some of the children ahead. He begins to sing, a light cheerful song, containing words of hope and explanation. All who hear it are heartened,
"Those children who are lost, alone, We bring you cheer, we'll take you home. Your parents and all those you love, Await your return up above. You need not fear, for hope is here, Now gather round, be quick, come dears."
In addition to the light from his bow, he now also lights his lantern, the bullseye light shining towards the sound of the children. He calls out the names of the children given by the parents up above.
Harvest d20+14=29 d20+14=22 Monday June 5th, 2006 12:01:50 PM
"Mistress Maedha?" Harvest calls out the name of the teacher under the encouraging strains of Anthos' song. "We have been sent to find you by the Pitchfork Council. My name is Harvest Moon. We will make our way to you shortly. But, please respond now with how many children are with you. Are all of the children accounted for? Are there any injuries and how severe are they? We have healing and food."
"Nelle, I have spoken to your mother. Devrin and Dolo, yours as well. They are all worried about you. Please remain where you are. We will come to you."
"Cerina? Did they not say that the teacher's name was Maedha?" Harvest whispers over her shoulder. Vigilance. As she picks her way down the broken rock, Harvest turns her attention to sights and sounds. Vigilance is a commodity not easily wasted.
Bralin Monday June 5th, 2006 3:09:07 PM
The dwarf wordlessly moves through the stone archway, searching the way ahead.
Arminas d20+10=11 d20+10=20 Monday June 5th, 2006 4:31:12 PM
Arminas follows up, taking rear guard. He keeps his bow handy, though really more out of habit. It seems like the children have been found, and danger comes from the possible collapse of the ground. Something Arminas knows nothing about.
Listen = 11 Spot = 20
Florin Jadenth d20+2=5 Monday June 5th, 2006 5:11:33 PM
Florin moves with the others but stays silent an cautious since he doesn't want to fall into any trap of some monster. He would not be suprised if something down here might be acting out to lower the groups guard however he does doubt that to be the case none the less he keeps his hand on the handle of his sword as he moves.
(Spot:5 lol, lucky if he could spot his feet)
DM Kathy Monday June 5th, 2006 10:52:41 PM
Cautiously, you approach. Any sings a song of comfort, and calls out to the children by name.
Harvest, too, is calling out the names you heard up above.
You pass through the archway into the next room, and take in the scene at a glance. On the far side of the room is an obviously fresh collapse. Large boulders block the archway to the space beyond, the cracks between them filled with smaller rocks and heaps of dirt. The air is still dusty. Clearly, there is no going out that way.
Near the collapse lies the form of a woman, ominously still. A girl of about seven, wearing the garb of the hmana kneels beside the woman, anxiously patting her hand. The girl looks up at you with some relief as you enter.
Off to one side, a small knot of children is clustered around an unhappy-looking teenage girl. She opens her mouth as if to say something to you, but is forestalled by a fresh bout of wailing from the child who has been crying.
The child begins running toward you, and you see it is a little girl, no more than five. She is sobbing for all she is worth. She stops a couple of feet shy of your group. "I wa-a-aant to go HOOOOOOOME!" she demands, her little face red, her fists clenched at her sides. She stomps her foot for emphasis.
There are other kids here, too, enough that your first glance only picks up a sea of questioning eyes and dirty, tearstained faces. It would appear that all of the children have been crying. Some still are.
Lorth Tuesday June 6th, 2006 7:24:05 AM
"Don't worry, your going home shortly.", Lorth says as he moves over to the fallen woman. He wastes no time to see if she is dead or alive, but immediately touches her her and prays to Gargul. "Lord Gargul, do not take this one just yet.", he says quietly. (Lay on hands 1 point, to stabilize) If she still lives this should help stabilize her, he thinks.
Any [Light] d20+10=22 d20+10=25 Tuesday June 6th, 2006 10:26:27 AM
"Paladin Lorth, does she live?"
Any then offers what comfrot they have brought with them, food, water. and light. Turning to he oldest girl present he says,
"Can you tell us what happened here?"
While listening to her answer, he counts the remaining children, and keeps watch around the area. There are things underground that would see this group as an oppurtunity, not a tragedy. He moves, while listening, close to Bralin and asks,
"How far underground are we? Is there dnager of a further collpase?"
From what he knows of dwarves, Bralin should be able to answer these questions. If the teacher is alive, he will offer healing to the extent he is capable. He smiles at Harvest, a reassuring smile--the children have been found alive. Now all that remains is to keep them this way and get everyone out alive.
spot 22 listen 25
[ Edited by Al to fix a rather embarassing misspelling of the word "count". ]
Harvest d20+2=13 Tuesday June 6th, 2006 11:56:35 AM
"Hello, Little One," Harvest reaches down to pick up the little girl. "My name is Harvest Moon. We are here to take you home. What is your name?" She brushes the hair away from the girl's face. "We are here to take you home."
"Cerina?" Harvest carries the child to the group clustered around the teenage girl. She cannot be much younger than Harvest herself. "Have you accounted for each child in your group? Are you all here and safe?"
"Bralin Stoneminder, perhaps it would be best to use the scroll of Sending now."
Harvest gives the five-year-old child a warm squeeze before placing her on the ground with her friends.
"A very wise man once told me that being afraid was a sign that you are very smart," Harvest announces to all of the children. "Because if you are afraid, you recognize that there is danger and you will not be foolish enough to be harmed by it."
"Everyone here, if you are afraid, raise your hand." Harvest asks the question and then she herself puts her hand into the air and waves it about. "We will all be afraid together. But we will be smart and we will not let the danger overcome us."
"We will be leaving here soon. But first we must eat and drink to keep up our strength. One by one, lets line up and accept food from Anthos. Then we will sit in a group and eat while Bralin Stoneminder contacts the Pitchfork Council."
Rolls and Actions CHA Check 13 to draw their attention to herself and keep their minds off of the situation.
Florin Jadenth Tuesday June 6th, 2006 3:32:49 PM
Florin looks to the children and thinks his thoughts at the moment to himself that if nothing more happens then they can just pull the kids up one at a time and leave one or so people at the bottom to keep watch while doing so. More could possibly be left to guard then that since there are town folk that should beable to work together and pull the rope up but then someone might need to help guide it to make sure that none of the kids hit or injure themselves. He keeps these thoughts silent for the moment and moves over to look at the teacher and speaks to Lorth, "If I can be of aid I will help. I'm trained in some healing arts also."
Arminas d20+10=25 d20+10=22 Tuesday June 6th, 2006 4:56:24 PM
Arminas sits apart from the others. Watching Harvest with the children make him wish that he had better skills with people. Mostly, people seem to take offense too quickly. Better to just sit and watch. Besides, those who talk and are concerned with the children may not aware of thier surroundings.
Listen = 25 Spot = 22
Bralin d20+3=22 Tuesday June 6th, 2006 8:57:38 PM
His comrades have many requests. As Lorth and Florin can stabilize the woman, Bralin moves to other priorities. Harvest's request is most sound.
The dwarf retrieves the scroll and opens it. He casts a spell to read the contents [READ MAGIC]. Bralin stares intently at the markings. The spell is beyond his abilities. Should he phrase the wording incorrectly, the consequences could be...unpredictable.
Resolutely, he recites the spell. [Caster check 22 Divine or 20 Arcane - sweet]
He sends the spell to Dulcet. "We have found the teacher and (Bralin quickly takes a head count and provides the number) children. They are well. Their entrance is impassable. What are your instructions?"
DM Kathy Wednesday June 7th, 2006 1:03:00 AM Lorth moves quickly to the woman lying on the ground. The hmana girl quickly stands to make room for him, seeming relieved to have an adult around. She seems older than you thought at first, probably more like 10 years old [sorry; misread my notes!].
Lorth quickly allows some healing magic to flow into the woman, but he realizes as soon as he touches her chill flesh that the healing comes too late. The woman is already dead, and was probably killed instantly in the initial collapse.
Seeming to sense as much, the hmana girl reaches out to draw a younger boy, also garbed as a hmana, closer to her. The two stand with their arms about each other, looking solemnly down at the still form of their teacher.
Any asks the teenage girl, Cerina, what happened. "It all happened so fast," she says. "There was this really loud noise, and it just kept going on. All this rock and stuff started to fall. Everybody was yelling and it was so dusty you could hardly see."
"Miss Maedha gwabbed me," pipes up a very dirty boy of about six. "I thought I was in twouble 'cause I was cwimbing the walls again and we're not 'posed to. But she just held on and kinda squished me down on the gwound and all this wock and stuff fell on top of us." His round face, which seems made for a cheerful grin, looks somber. "Is--is Miss Maedha okay? I didn't mean to be bad...."
Harvest scoops up the sobbing little girl, and asks her name. "I'm Gerdi," says the younster decisively. "And you have to take me home now. I want my mommy!"
When asked about the children, Cerina replies, "Yes we're all here, and I think everybody's okay. I don't know how we're going to get out, though."
When Harvest asks for a show of hands, the children look uncertain. Cerina holds up her hand, then one of the other girls, then the dirty-faced lad whose life was saved by their teacher. Eventually, all the children but the two hmana have their hands up. Those two are still intent on Lorth and their teacher, and seem not to have heard the question.
Florin moves to aid Lorth, and he, too, quickly sees that there is nothing more to be done for the children's teacher. It is the children themselves that need help now.
Arminas keeps his eyes and ears open, but sees no threats beyond the obvious ones.
Bralin can tell that you're about 100 feet below the surface, and that this pocket is probably stable enough. The unused room you came through is perhaps a bit more stable than this one.
His immediate concern, however, is puzzling out the scroll. He is able to decipher it, and finds the casting to be less daunting than it seemed at first. He reads the words, performs the gestures, and the spell goes off without a hitch. Moments after he speaks the words, he hears this reply: "That's wonderful! I'm going to get you all out magically. It may be some time, but stay where you are."
Although the words sound only in Bralin's head, the "voice" is undoubtedly Dulcet's.
Meanwhile, the children gather close, their spirits seemingly bouyed somewhat by the promise of food. Small Gerdi shows a marked reluctance to be set down on the floor, seeming to take being carried around as some sort of natural right.
Arminas looks up find himself regarded by a girl of about 8 or 9. Her long ringlets are tangled and dirty, and there is a smudge across her cute nose, but nonetheless it's clear that she is a very pretty girl. She smiles at Arminas. "What's your name?" she asks him.
Bralin puts away his scroll case and meets the eyes of a handsome, brown-haired lad of about 12. "You're a spellcaster," the boy says, looking at Bralin's gear with interest.
Lorth Wednesday June 7th, 2006 7:27:17 AM
Lorth turns his head towards the children regarding him, "I am sorry, I cannot help your teacher, she gave her life to save you. She was very brave." Lorth moves the dead woman into a relaxing pose, then removes his cloak and wraps her in it. He then sits down next to the body and offers a prayer to Gargul. "Speed this one through the river, Lord Gargul.", he says, "She was a hero."
Harvest d20+7=24 Wednesday June 7th, 2006 10:42:01 AM
"It seems that we may be rescued by magic," Harvest tells the children as Bralin Stoneminder relates the contents of the Sending. "Does anyone here know any magic? Raise your hand. What kind of magic would you like to do?"
As the children answer, Harvest enters among them, taking each one by one and examining them for injuries.
Rolls and Actions Heal 24 (Strictly to determine the presence and extent of any injuries. No treatment yet.)
Any [Light] d20+5=15 d20+10=15 d20+10=28 Wednesday June 7th, 2006 11:31:41 AM
OOC Al--Thanks for the edit :o( need to read my posts closer I guess.
Harvest exhibits the type of caring and understanding that attracted Any to her. She is almost akin to these children in many ways, with an air of innocence about her, but she is also mature in so many ways--in some ways even more so than Any himself. He smiles at her as she moves among the children, examining and calming them.
Any addresses the young lad saved by the teacher,
"No, you did nothing wrong. What happened here was an accident."
He passes out the food and water to the children, but something seems out of place here. He does not know what it is, but a small part of his mind does not accept everything that he is seeing. The boy he just spoke to does not seem injured in any way--none of the children do--yet the teacher is dead from a rock fall. It seems that some of the children should have been scratched, scraped, or injured in some way, but they all appear to be fine.
He listens as they talk, trying to understand these feelings, and even though there does not appear to be any danger, he stays alert to what is around the group.
When Bralin comments on the stability of the rooms, Any suggests moving to the larger, more stable area.
Sense Motive 15 Spot 15 listen 28
Bralin Wednesday June 7th, 2006 11:32:19 AM
"Dulcet prepares magical means of escape," Bralin relays. "She instructs to remain in place."
The dwarf's eyes roam over the interior of the cavern as he speaks. "Tis stable," he answers Any. "Yet yon chamber is stronger."
The youngster asks his question. The heavily armored dwarf answers immediately. "I am a warrior. I cast spells." The statements reflect a significant difference in labelling in the mind of Bralin.
He continues to consider the problem at hand, not yet convinced that the group cannot exit by means of the well. "Have ye means of flight?" he asks Harvest.
[OOC - How many children are there?"]
Harvest (2nd llegal Post) Wednesday June 7th, 2006 11:42:00 AM
Harvest smiles at a little boy and ruffles his hair after having examined his head for injuries.
"No, Bralin Stoneminder," she replies over her shoulder. "I do not have means of flight. But I do have two scrolls to allow climbing, as a spider does, up a wall."
Havest then moves to the next child.
Arminas (Lyle sub) - Kelly addition (wireless in Bryce!) d20+10=28 d20+10=15 Wednesday June 7th, 2006 6:44:46 PM
Arminas feels like he is out of his element being underground, and as far as he is concerned, the sooner they get back to the surface, and some good clean air, the better.
He responds to the little girl,
"My name is Arminas. What is your name? Do you mind telling me what were you looking at down here, and where are the lanterns you were using?"
Arminas waits for her response, and wipes the smudge from her nose with the edge of his cloak.
"You seem very brave, I'm sure your parents will be very proud. Don't worry, the dwarf there will get us out of here. Though I think he likes it down here."
He is trying to stay watchful, while the others care for the children, and this little girl is distracting him.
Spot 28 listen 15
DM Kathy Thursday June 8th, 2006 1:20:19 AM Lorth covers the body of the woman, and commends her soul to Gargul. He speaks a few words of comfort to the watching children.
Harvest looks at each of the children, checking for injuries. There are bumps and scrapes a-plenty, but none of the children seem seriously hurt.
Any is suspicious of the situation, but as far as he can tell, everything is as it seems. The children are dirty, bruised, and scraped, but otherwise fine. Only the teacher was killed.
"A warrior," the boy replies to Bralin. "I'm sorry if I offended you, sir," he continues. "It's just that I'm interested in magic." He smiles a little. "I'd like to be an adventurer someday. At least," his face falls. "I did until today. Some parts of it aren't very nice, are they?"
Bralin notes that the boy is not only handsome, but also seems to have an ease of manner that makes people comfortable around him. It's the same kind of thing Any and Lorth have going for them.
"I'm Lirena," the girl replies to Arminas. "I'm eight. We were looking at the inscriptions there," she points to one side of the room. "That's one of our lanterns. It fell over and went out. I think the other one got smashed."
Cerina, the oldest girl, moves over to stand near Lorth. She looks as if she might say something to him, but then she doesn't speak. She looks at him. Then she acts as if she weren't looking at him.
Any finds himself regarded by a solemn-looking girl with long dark hair and big dark eyes. She chews anxiously on the end of one dirty fingernail.
Harvest feels a tug on her sleeve and looks down to see a young boy with grey eyes and very short hair. "You're nice," he tells her. She feels a tug on her other sleeve, and looks down to see another boy with the same eyes and haircut, very much like the first one. "You'll help us get out, won't you?" he says.
Meanwhile, the dirty-faced little boy wanders over to Florin. "How come you got two swords?" he asks.
You do a quick headcount, and see that there are 10 children total. Specifically, there is 14-year-old Cerina, now over by Lorth; the lad of about 12 now talking to Bralin; the hmana brother and sister; the two brothers talking to Harvest; 8-year old Lirena talking to Arminas; the quiet dark-haired girl looking at Any; the dirty-faced boy talking to Florin; and 5-year-old Gerdi who is currently demanding another tea-cake.
Lorth Thursday June 8th, 2006 8:07:11 AM
Lorth smiles at Cerina, but stays seated near the deceased teacher. He will carry the body out when it is time to leave.
Harvest Thursday June 8th, 2006 10:15:53 AM
"Hello," Harvest kneels between the two boys. "That is why we are here," she replies. "To help you out."
"Now tell me, which of you is Devrin? And which is Dolo? I met your mother up above. She is waiting for your return."
"Come, let us all stay together. We must help the others by providing them light. Come Gerdi." Harvest holds out her hand for the little girl.
"Anthos, the children are all well enough," Harvest reports. She moves to the bard with the three children in her care in tow. "None bear injuries that require treatment. All we lack now is a way to the surface."
Bralin Thursday June 8th, 2006 10:42:10 AM
Bralin inspects the youth. He shows promise. "No offense is taken," he responds. "I too seek to understand magic...magic is embedded in the very rock."
The dwarf waves for the youth to follow, as he walks over to the fissure. "Magic and adventure is a call difficult to resist," he allows. "Power, riches and fame ye see within your grasp. Yet, tis frought with peril." He nods toward the other room, which contains their casualty.
"Note, my comrades seek not riches, nor fame. We seek to help those who require aid." Bralin removes his helm and looks the boy squarely. "To aid those in need tis a noble calling. Weapons, magic, and diplomacy are all tools for the purpose."
Bralin turns back to the fissure. Could he carry the small ones up to the well shaft?
Any [Light] d20+5=19 d20+10=24 d20+10=28 Thursday June 8th, 2006 10:45:31 AM
Any shakes off his feelings of unease, but does not lose his sense of caution. There is still the potential for danger here. They are underground, with no ready way to the surface, and not everything down here is peaceful towards humans.
He watches Harvest as she gathers up her charges,
"It seems you have some admirer's. With two against one, I'll have to be careful, or they might steal you away from me."
His face is very solemn as he makes this statement, then breaks into a huge grin. He moves around the room looking at the inscriptions the children came here to study. (knowledge 19) He picks up their unbroken lantern, and checks to see if it can be relit.
"Did Mistress Dulcet say we should remain in this room, or should we make our way towards the well?"
He watches and listens, and waits.
spot 24 listen 28 knowledge 19
Bralin (2nd post) Thursday June 8th, 2006 11:03:28 AM
"She said remain. I merely consider contingencies."
Arminas d20+10=14 d20+10=21 Thursday June 8th, 2006 2:59:59 PM
"Lirena, what a beautiful name. Soon we shall be above where the sun shines and nature florishes. Underground is fine for badgers and gophers, but fresh air and sunshine will do us all good. Come, let us follow the dwarf Bralin. Though gruff, he is kind hearted and knows well this terrain. Meanwhile, you can help me keep watch if you wish. It is always good to stay alert, especially when it seems unnecessary."
Listen = 14 Spot = 21
DM Kathy Friday June 9th, 2006 1:41:09 AM
"Devrin and Dolo!" one of the boys echos Harvest.
"We're not Devrin and Dolo," says the other one. "That's Dolo," he adds, pointing to the dirty-faced boy talking to Florin.
"And Devrin's talking to your dwarf friend," says the first one. "I'm Naki."
"And I'm Turi," says the other.
Any teases Harvest about her admirers, but he seems to have picked up one of his own. He crosses the room to look at the lantern and the inscription, and looks up to see the dark-haired girl sidling up to him. She bites her lip and looks down at the ground.
Any finds that the lantern can easily be re-lit. He sees that the inscriptions memorialize some of the dead that were laid to rest years ago in these catacombs. Elsewhere in these catacombs, if he is reading right.
"To aid those in need," the boy says, echoing Bralin's words. "You are right; that sounds like the very best kind of adventuring. Rescuing people, like you're doing for us. Perhaps I'll rescue somebody someday."
Lirena seems pleased by Arminas's suggestion, and gladly moves with him to the other room. "I'm helping keep watch," she announces importantly.
You wait for about an hour, during which time you get to know the children.
Arminas finds that Lirena, while perhaps not exactly spoiled, is accustomed to having her way. She has already learned to use her looks to best advantage, and is clearly accustomed to charming adults into giving her what she wants. Still, she is charming, and it's hard to dislike her. She is interested in Arminas's talk of the ways of nature, and is fascinated when he mentions Ewan. She wants to hear more about his "pet eagle."
Bralin learns that his young friend is called Devrin, that he has a younger brother called Dolo, and that both boys want to be adventurers someday. Devrin is talkative and obviously charismatic, yet for some reason he seems drawn to the dour, taciturn dwarf.
Lorth can't seem to turn around without practically tripping over Cerina. The teenager may or may not be a beauty someday, but just now she is at "that awkward phase", and her looks can best be described as unfortunate. She can act almost grown-up at times, then a moment later behave like a young child. And just now, her fourteen-year-old heart is clearly set on Lorth.
Any learns that the dark-haired girl is called Nelle. She is shy but very sweet; the other children seem to like her. She seems to like to listen to Any talk, and smiles at his jokes.
Harvest has her hands full with Turi and Naki, who, although they are alike as two peas, are not twins. Ten-year-old Turi is a year older. They are as close as twins could be, though--which, since they're young boys, means they spend a fair amount of time rolling around on the ground punching each other. There doesn't seem to be any real malice behind it, though.
Florin also finds young Dolo to be a bit of a handful. The sturdy six-year-old is full of mischeif and skilled at finding new ways to put himself in danger. In just the first ten minutes of the time you spend waiting, he manages to tumble off a rock ledge, cut his finger on an eating knife, and nearly catch himself on fire from the lantern.
You learn that the hmana brother and sister are called Kiara and Hmanny. They are polite and well-behaved, but tend to rely on each other rather than seek you out as the other children do.
And you all have dealings with little Gerdi, who proves to be a challenging and demanding child. She wants to go home, she wants her mommy, and she wants Miss Maedha, and she can't seem to understand why none of those are possible right now. Being only five, she really doesn't have a grasp on the whole idea of death, keeps asking where Miss Maedha has gone and why she can't come back.
All in all, looking after ten children for an hour is as exhausting as any adventure you've untertaken in the past.
[OOC: If you want to do multiple roleplaying posts this weekend, feel free. I'll try to check in and respond as the children.]
Lorth Friday June 9th, 2006 7:33:09 AM
Lorth tries to make Cerina feel more comfortable, "Cerina is it?", he says, "That is a lovely name." He continues to sit near the body of the teacher and motions for her to have a seat so she stops falling over him. "Have you lived all your life in Jarlswolf? I grew up there myself. My mother still lives in the woods nearby. Although I've been on the road alot lately, I miss my hometown. It is good to be back in the area."
Any Friday June 9th, 2006 9:32:20 AM
As time passes, and no magical rescue takes place, Any begins to worry. His light spell, cast on the end of his bow, ends, and the light fades away. Luckily, there are enough lanterns lit, along with Harvests torch to provide light to see by.
Any does not quite know what to do with the attentions of a child. Young Nelle seems nice enough, but she is still just a stranger, only recently met.
He rises from where he has been sitting, approaches Bralin and Harvest, saying,
"Do you think we can take these children out of here through the well safely? What are we waiting for? We left a rope coming down the well for this purpose, and we have more rope with us for safety. We should be able to take all to the surface quickly, rather than sit here and wait. What do you say?"
Arminas d20+10=27 d20+10=25 Friday June 9th, 2006 6:43:44 PM
Arminas smiles as Lirena announces that she is keeping watch. He speaks to her in a quiet voice.
"Since you are helping me with such an important task, let me explain how it is done. While keeping watch, we keep our eyes moving. Don't get caught up watching or listening to one person, as something important could be happening elsewhere. Like this."
Arminas sits with his back against the wall and glances about the room, stopping from moment to moment to look into the dark recesses.
"Those who seek to harm frequently use darkness as a cover, so make sure you look into the shadows as well. Though an important lesson is that not all who are bad hide in the shadows. Some present themselves openly, sometimes hiding thier true intent with kind words or praise. Be very wary of those people."
He again looks at Lirena and smiles.
"I will have you meet Ewan when we get to the surface. She is a wonderful creature, yet she does not belong to me. She is my friend, and companion."
Listen 27 Spot 25
Bralin d20+4=5 Friday June 9th, 2006 8:39:12 PM
"Mayhap," Bralin replies to the boy's vision of rescuing another in need.
The dwarf roves the person-built room, examing the walls and archways for anything unusual. However, the wailing of the small one is unsettling, and he is not able to bend himself to his task. [Search - nat 1]
Should Devrin stay with him, Bralin answers his questions with pointed answers. The dwarf also points out how the archway was constructed.
At last Any comes over. Bralin allows Devrin to stay and listen to the conversation. The boy may be adventuring sooner that he planned.
"One hour is not long to prepare," he answers the bard. "Wait yet another, and then strike out." He looks back up the fissure. "Then, I will climb up the fissure and secure more rope to the original. Also, at that place, those above should be able to hear my call. I will instruct them to build a pulley o'er the shaft and lower a suitably sized basket." He looks meaningfully over at the smaller children. "We would then only have to carry them to the shaft itself, and those above can raise them the rest of the way."
NPCs (DM Kathy) Saturday June 10th, 2006 12:35:15 PM
"Yes, I've lived here all my life," Cerina answers Lorth. She seems pleased that he is talking to her. "I think it would be really interesting to see other places, though. Perhaps I'll travel, now that I'm grown up."
Lirena tries to follow Arminas's example, but she is a social creature, and easily forgets what she's doing to talk to somebody or remark on what somebody else is doing. "I wish I had a pet eagle," she says, seemingly oblivious to Arminas's explanation that Ewan is a friend, not a pet. "Do you put a hood on her? What do you feed her?"
Devrin stays with Bralin, and listens intently to his explanation of how the arch is constructed. "That's interesting," he says. "It must be useful to know how things are put together." In his turn, he talks of his studies. He seems to be interested in everything, and shows a particular gift for music.
Arminas Saturday June 10th, 2006 11:25:25 PM
Arminas shakes his head as Lirena is easily distracted and seems to have trouble listening as well.
"As I have already told you, Ewan is not a pet. I do not feed her, infact she frequently feeds me. And as for a hood, I would rather put one on a talkative girl than on a free and wild eagle."
He then smiles at her and adds:
"Actually, I would not put a hood on any living creature. So do not worry."
DM Kathy Sunday June 11th, 2006 11:02:30 PM
About an hour after you contacted Dulcet, Bralin suddenly "hears" her voice once again in his head.
"We're ready now," she says. "Please gather everyone together and stand by."
Shortly after you are gathered, you begin to feel the magical spell take effect. Your vision dims, as if a mist is swirling around you. You become disoriented, so it is hard to make out the outlines of the room you are in, or even whether you are still standing upright. You begin to see another room, the familiar front room of Dulcet's house. And there is Dulcet herself, smiling, holding out a hand in greeting.
But the mists still swirl, blocking Dulcet from your sight. You are looking now at a gray fog that seems to go on forever. You cannot see your companions, or any of the children. You seem to be all alone, amidst nothing but gray fog.
You have never felt so forsaken.
Every unspoken fear you have ever had, every bad experience from your past, every mistake, every pain, every sorrow, comes flooding unbidden into your mind. Your thoughts are a roiling sea of doubt, confusion, pain, and fear.
And still the gray mists swirl.
Lorth Monday June 12th, 2006 8:06:22 AM
Lorth tries to push the horrible thoughts from his mind. Something is going wrong with this teleport spell he thinks...
Arminas Monday June 12th, 2006 9:24:50 AM
Nature is gone, sense of self is disappearing.
Never has he felt so full of fear, except the time he was bound as a slave.
The sting of the whip marks start to throb on his back.
Any Monday June 12th, 2006 10:03:38 AM
Any is awash in despair, his mind falshing back through his youth--the death of his mother, the death of his master, the teasing of the village children, the contempt of the Lord's for whom he performed, his own mistakes in battle, death.
When will this end? He sees his new companions dying in different ways, and he is powerless to stop it. NOT HARVEST! Yet she too dies as he watches. He wishes for death himself, but there is just laughter.
Everything that he has ever feared oppresses him, and still it goes on untill he thinks he must go mad.
And still the gray mists swirl....
Harvest Monday June 12th, 2006 11:30:10 AM
STINKING POUCHY DOG TURD EATING ...
Harvest Moon fights. She rolls in endless despair, pain, and mind numbing confusion. And she fights. Flailing and thrashing. Striking about her with wild aimless energy.
MOMMA!!!
Harvest roils within the churning sea, fighting, kicking, screaming.
... run as fast as you like, Little Boo. But you won't find yourself until you stop. Stillness ...
A snippet of voice. An echo of the past. It whirls through her.
Pasix?
Harvest Moon stops fighting. Her mind folds inward, pressed from all sides by fears, regrets, longings. Her eyes squeeze with tears. The swirling mists wrench sobs from her lips as they press and curl her body into a ball.
Through it all, she reaches out.
... Anthos? ...
... Turi? Naki? Gerdi? ...
In her mind she calls out to them. She reaches out, to protect and to gather.
"Anthos?" she seems to hear her own lips speak the word.
Bralin d20+9=23 Monday June 12th, 2006 3:38:33 PM
[Will save 23]
Dulcet is in front of him. This quest is complete.
And then it is not.
Bralin frowns. He reaches out, but feels nothing. Sees nothing. Failure. The spell has failed. He has failed. How? What happened?
The dwarf's mind whirls, and his head swivels around seeking an answer. But none is found. How did I err? What did I do? nothing. "TELL ME!" - meant to sound as a command, but heard as a cry, a desperate plea for an answer that will not be found.
the giants return What? they come no It has him again, dragging him across the pass like a child's doll. no. no. i will not. i return to the chamber. i am one with the rock. It picks him up. Presses him to the wall. Laughs. Its awful breath filling his lungs. i am one with the rock. i am one with the rock. Pain. Landslide. Pain. Elbow, shoulder, head, knee. Pain. By the Stone it hurts. no! no! i am one... Falling i am one... Falling i am one... Falling noooooooooooooooooo
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