Up, Up and Out - DM Donna Wednesday July 5th, 2006 2:05:57 AM
The party follows Ingrge, who continues to tunnel away from the castle in his worm-form. Finally Ingrge angles up and breaks through to the surface.
The Talons find themselves aboveground once more. Ingrge resumes his elven self again. Taking stock of the surroundings, the party can see that they are about half-a-mile away from the Palace.
"Look, the moon is almost setting!" K'Nara points out, and everyone can see that the lavender orb is, indeed, quite low in the sky. However, in the distance there is a sound that is dreadfully familiar to the group:
Chittering...chattering...clattering teeth.
"Olana--where is that sound coming from???" K'Nara's voice ramps up an octave in spite of her steady tone. (OOC: Olana must roll to track the sound--use her bonus for Survival--versus DC15.)
Gunther (AC 30, HP94/94) d20+5=25 d20+1=20 Wednesday July 5th, 2006 9:13:54 AM
Hearing K'nara's alert, Gunther spins and scans the area (Spot=25, Listen=20). His legs beginning to shake, he whispers. "I hope it's not more of dose skull tingies...anyting but dat!"
Falin Wednesday July 5th, 2006 1:23:37 PM
Falin wimpers a bit remembering his last encounter with the flying skulls. "Perhaps we should run back into the tunnel and seal it off. We could just sit there for a few more hours until the moon sets."
He begins to stumble back towards the hole. "I d...d...d...don't know if...if...if I could face them again."
Lian Wednesday July 5th, 2006 2:01:23 PM
"Skulls!" He flexes his fists and activates his hands of Domi. (Bless Weapon)
Ingrge Wednesday July 5th, 2006 2:37:58 PM
As ingrge changes back to his normal form, he wipes some dirt particles off his lips, looks around and sighs. OK, It never ends does it? Welcome back Olana. Who needs a stone skin? or a haste spell?
Milo Wednesday July 5th, 2006 6:29:32 PM
Milo draws his holy short sword, and looks ready for a fight as he glances around the area, peering into the gloom.
Olana d20+14=17 d20+17=31 Wednesday July 5th, 2006 10:43:29 PM
(Survival DC 17, Listen DC 31)
Olana's head swivels toward the sound. "You look better that way, Ingrge," she says without looking at him, and then she points. "There!" she tells everyone, and draws her sword.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84 Wednesday July 5th, 2006 10:52:50 PM
Bertram readies his axe for the coming onslaught.
Gunther Thursday July 6th, 2006 12:34:51 AM
Looking over at Ingrge, Gunther pulls out a scroll of Stoneskin. "I vouldn't mind having dis spell cast on me."
Lian Thursday July 6th, 2006 6:50:33 AM
The monk isn't liking the idea of skulls and werewolves chasing them. Not to mention the possibility of the Corrector.
Prepared Spells: (*Number Prepared, #Domain) Zero Level(4): Detect Magic*, Guidance**
Goodberry Tattoo unused Bulls Strength Tattoo used Once Stunning Attacks 7 used Hero Points 9 Wholeness of Body used
Ingrge Thursday July 6th, 2006 8:49:11 AM
Ingrge casts his stoneskin scroll upon Olana and casts Gunther's upon him. As soon as he can he casts haste upon himself and Bertram.
Fight...or Flight..? - DM Donna Friday July 7th, 2006 12:06:39 AM
K'Nara whirls about, squinting in the direction indicated by Olana.
"Okay, then--THIS time we're gonna--"
Aaaaa-rooooooooo...!
Another noise that is all too familiar to the Talons--werewolf howls.
Olana's tracking pinpoints that the pack is going to vector in from the northwest, while the skulls are zooming in at the Talons from the north.
There is a disturbance on the northern horizon. The groups of hunting monsters are still quite far away, but the sound carries extremely well on the quiet plains of Harrowed Moon.
K'Nara's face scrunches in an almost-painful snarl.
"We are in NO shape to take on skulls AND wolves! They're coming from the northern directions..." the leader of the Talons says, "...then let's go south--at a run! If we can find a road, we might buy some time from those undead things and figure out what to do about those werewolves..!"
Gunther, meanwhile, just before Olana's announcement, spies something way off in the distant south:
A light. Small but steady. It doesn't move.
Gunther Friday July 7th, 2006 12:15:36 AM
Squinting, Gunther stares at the light. "Miss K'nara!!" he hisses insistently. "Dere's a light over dere!!" He points urgently at the light as his legs begin to shake. "I bet it's dat Vander's place. C'mon Miss K'nara, let's go!!" Gunther practically begs the bladesinger as he prepares to bolt toward the light...and away from those horrible skulls.
Lian Friday July 7th, 2006 10:15:02 AM
Lian looks in the direction indicated by Gunther. "I think he's right!" The monk moves at a jog, keeping pace with the others as they begin to run.
Falin Friday July 7th, 2006 10:27:16 AM
Watching the others begin to run towards the light Falin feels the warmth of hope fill his spirit.
Falin begins running, watching over his shoulder to see how close the skulls and werewolfs are.
Milo Friday July 7th, 2006 2:58:03 PM
Milo gives a quick nod to Gunther, and takes off toward the light, running as fast as his legs will take him.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 84 Friday July 7th, 2006 4:01:21 PM
Bertram begins running along with the others as fast as able lagging only enough to make sure the others are safely ahead. He runs with RightBite in his hand and a prayer on his lips.
Olana (Stoneskin) Friday July 7th, 2006 5:05:50 PM
"I'll race you," Olana says to Milo. She has a big grin on her face, and if asked, she probably couldn't say why. Her feet flow quickly over the terrain.
Head Towards the Light - DM Donna Saturday July 8th, 2006 1:55:06 AM
K'Nara doesn't need any further urging.
"Let's go!" she says, and is speeding along the lilac-lit landscape, heading for that slight yet somehow comforting speck of light in the distance.
The party moves out at top speed, heading for the unknown and hoping that Gunther's instinct and K'Nara's orders are correct, and that the light doesn't turn out to be an ironic twist of fate, luring them to even more deadly circumstances...
DM OOC: ...to be continued...
Ingrge: Bear's endurance, Haste, Non-detection, Misdirection Saturday July 8th, 2006 9:16:57 AM
(OOC: Don't forget ALL those non-detection and similar spells are still in effect)
Just before taking off Ingrge casts two more scrolls Bear's endurance on Knara and himself.
Remaining spells
0 level- detect magic,
1st - Detect undead, obscuring mist, ray of enfeeblement(2), unseen servant, true strike
2nd- command undead(1)
3rd-
4th- Remove Curse
5th- Baneful polymorph, Cone of cold
Lian Sunday July 9th, 2006 11:56:39 AM
The monk picks up pace, seeing that the others are moving at top speed.
He casts Detect Magic, concentration in front of him.
Prepared Spells: (*Number Prepared, #Domain) Zero Level(4): Guidance**
Goodberry Tattoo unused Bulls Strength Tattoo used Once Stunning Attacks 7 used Hero Points 9 Wholeness of Body used
The Light at the End of the Tunnel - DM Donna Monday July 10th, 2006 10:44:42 AM
As fast as the Talons are, the sounds of howls and chattering teeth inexorably get louder...the werewolves and skulls are closing in.
However, the light appears to come from the windows of a modest-looking building...a building that looks a lot like a timber-and-plaster edifice common within many parts of The Wold.
There is a sturdy oak door on one side, and a sign that hangs above it:
THE WANDERERS' REFUGE No Hunting Allowed
Lian Monday July 10th, 2006 11:34:30 AM
The monk pauses for a moment, thinking that it might be a trap, then think better and enters. The elf is perspiring.
Prepared Spells: (*Number Prepared, #Domain) Zero Level(4): Guidance**
Goodberry Tattoo unused Bulls Strength Tattoo used Once Stunning Attacks 7 used Hero Points 9 Wholeness of Body used
Falin Monday July 10th, 2006 2:47:24 PM
Following everyone else Falins almost starts to cry from happiness as he sees the sign on the door.
Milo Monday July 10th, 2006 7:59:16 PM
Holding the door for the group, Milo ushers everyone else in before entering the structure himself. "Come on folks!"
Olana Monday July 10th, 2006 10:09:26 PM
Olana pauses at the door, sniffing the air, her longsword still drawn. "What is this place?" she asks Milo," and why is everyone so pleased to see it?"
Gunther (Stoneskin) Monday July 10th, 2006 10:13:08 PM
Bolting headlong toward the shelter, Gunther pauses before entering. Sword in shaking hands, Gunther stands by Milo guarding the door. Petrified, he waits for all the others to enter before he does.
Into the Frying Pan..? - DM Donna Tuesday July 11th, 2006 2:06:20 AM
"According to the local myths and legends--" K'Nara explains to Olana as the group unceremoniously piles in through the door of the ordinary-seeming building, "--The Wanderers' Refuge is the only other place that the Grand Hunt can't get its prey." The blade singer wastes no time, but ushers most of the Talons before her, then yanks first Milo and then Gunther into the inn, slamming the door into the faces of oncoming werewolves and skulls.
There is a satisfying series of thuds that make the thick oak door shudder--but the door remains closed.
"Indeed, you are correct, lady." a rich, rolling voice announces. "The Wanderers' Refuge is just that--a refuge from the evil intentions of Harrowed Moon's ruler."
Looking around the interior of the place, the Wanderers' Refuge appears to be like many typical public houses of The Wold--a great room that can house a few dozen people, a large fireplace that dominates the wall opposite the door, the rustic but comfy-looking chairs and benches that are scattered throughout the taproom.
The speaker is a man of bulky proportions--to K'Nara's eye it seems he must have been a fighter of experience at one time in his life. He appears human, bald but sporting a thick black handlebar moustache...and a welcoming smile as he finishes polishing the maple countertop of the bar he is standing behind.
"Have no fear of the Grand Hunt now, ladies and gentlemen," the booming voice of the friendly bartender assures one and all, "You have sought Refuge and found it."
Ingrge Tuesday July 11th, 2006 7:14:34 AM
Ingrge looks around the room and then at the speaker. Yes well we were also told we would be safe at Fidelia's castle, so don't be offended if I don't believe you.
Brother Bertram Tuesday July 11th, 2006 9:54:43 AM
Bertram snorts at Ingrge's words. He agrees with his friends assessment. He looks about for anything odd, and more importantly, A back door.
Falin Tuesday July 11th, 2006 10:48:52 AM
Falin runs over to a window and looks out at the persuers clashing against the door.
"They look like the breakers of the ocean crashing against the unyeilding cliffs."
Lian Tuesday July 11th, 2006 1:08:29 PM
"Forgive my friends. This place, this Harrowed Moon, tends to hold many surprises well beyond what is considered normal for us.
Before we introduce ourselves, perhaps, as a show of good faith, you should introduce yourself?" Suggests the monk.
Olana Tuesday July 11th, 2006 4:38:28 PM
Once inside, Olana also moves to the window. If she can see the skulls and wolves outside, she'll wave and smile. Her smile however, is bitter.
Milo Tuesday July 11th, 2006 8:41:31 PM
Lowering his short sword, Milo reverses his grip, holding the weapon behind him so as not to threaten while keeping it handy. He stands close to Olana even as she gazes out the window. He is less then relaxed to find the place occupied, but hopes that refuge is the order of the day. "Um.... ale?"
Gunther Tuesday July 11th, 2006 10:30:32 PM
The warrior spins at the occupant, his axe posed to strike...but seeing that he seems friendly and all, he lowers the weapon. Collapsing down on one of the chairs, Gunther sputters in disbelief "Ve did it?"
Into the Fire??? - DM Donna Tuesday July 11th, 2006 11:00:24 PM
"Everything about this place has us paranoid and jumping at shadows." K'Nara agrees with her group's general assessment of Harrowed Moon. The beefy bartender's face is serious as he nods.
"I don't blame you for not trusting anything around here--it's likely what's kept you alive all this time." he says. "I am Manuel Callabro...I was an apprentice to an honored paladin of Alemi who came to Harrowed Moon by accident, then stayed in an attempt to convert the unusual population found here. Instead, he was ensnared by the evil of Lady Fidelia, going to her Twilight Palace and never returning.
"I, too, would have fallen victim to her deceptive seduction, had I not possessed the wherewithal to bargain with the Lady for this very Inn. I happened upon her secret, you see, and wrangled from her the freedom to roam her desmesne without being subject to her...pursuits. Thus, the Wanderers' Refuge is magically off-limits to her followers while they are following her orders. However, that usually means her "prey" is trapped within, as well." Callabro heaves a sigh.
"My penance for failing to save my master is for me to remain in this Inn, and help any who seek Refuge to escape Harrowed Moon!" he nods as he speaks. "There is no other door than the one you entered through...but there is an exit from Harrowed Moon for those brave enough to take it." With this the bartender produced a tankard and pulled a tap, pouring out a rich ale of dark amber, which he put on the counter and slid towards Milo.
"The exit is just as dangerous as remaining here." Callabro says simply. "For I cannot guarantee that you will return to the place you intend to go...only that you will no longer be in Harrowed Moon." Once again he nods, this time towards the other tankards he is now filling up.
"Drink up, then, adventurers," the mustachioed man bids, "You'll need it if you are to survive the fire..."
The flames in the fireplace seem to roar intensely when the bartender says this. K'Nara stares.
"The fire? You mean we have to--"
"You have to walk through fire to get out of Hell..." Callabro says firmly.
Brother Bertram Wednesday July 12th, 2006 9:27:01 AM
Bertram looks to the others and shrugs. "Are we not in Hell already?"
Lian Wednesday July 12th, 2006 12:22:10 PM
The monk drinks then casts Guidance (for a saving throw). He then walks to the fireplace. "Any special chant or dance I have to do?" He smiles. The monk isn't about to stay any longer than he has too. "I'll think about the Tower, friends. Thats where I want to go." He winks at the group. "See you at home."
Falin Wednesday July 12th, 2006 12:40:45 PM
"Anything to get away from flying skeletons. If I see another flying skeleton in my life it will be too soon."
With that Falin holds his tankard high, "To friends gone, to freinds we have yet to meet, and to the friends we have. May we all live long and die well."
He throws back the dark ale, places the tankard on the counter, and procedes to walk through the fire.
Lian (rolling hit points for 13th) d8=6 Wednesday July 12th, 2006 3:33:25 PM
Rolled 6
(Was informed that xp total was incorrect. Did not level. But wish to keep roll! ;))
Milo Wednesday July 12th, 2006 4:00:28 PM
Sheathing his sword, Milo grabs the tankard and without breathing, drains it of its contents. The halfling looks up, "Couldn't possibly be worse than what we've already been through tonight."
Ingrge d20+15=32 Wednesday July 12th, 2006 5:03:41 PM
Thinking about the pile of treasure they had stored back at the tower and their assorted mounts, Ingrge focuses on that as his point of return and walks confidently into the flames and fireplace. Concentration DC 32
Olana Wednesday July 12th, 2006 8:49:23 PM
Olana watches Milo down his ale in one gulp, then narrows her eyes and aims them toward the barman, Callabro. "Brave enough?" she asks him while grabbing one of the tankards. "Brave enough? That's funny. It really is. I mean what's the alternative? Staying here?" The elf downs the drink in two gulps while still staring at the barman, and then replaces the empty tankard carefully on the bar top and grins. "I'll be seeing you," she says with a humourless wink. With a scowl at the fire, she wades straight in after Milo. Wherever they go - I go.
Gunther Thursday July 13th, 2006 1:13:46 AM
Gunther greedily gulps down the drink in front of him and bolts for the fireplace. "Anyting is better dan dis place!" he says as he concentrates on landing someplace somewhat safe with K'nara.
There's No Place Like Home - DM Donna Thursday July 13th, 2006 3:06:43 AM
K'Nara takes up an ale and knocks it back, then lays a handful of coins on the bartop.
"I don't know if you have the means to spend this money, but here it is in payment for the ale." she tells Callabro. "If there is ever anything that we could do for you--"
"Just leave Harrowed Moon before Lady Fidelia gets her hands on you." the bald man says firmly. "Then I may know that my penance progresses as it should. Alemi bless you all and keep you safe!"
The redheaded blade singer smiles, nods and then follows everyone into the fireplace.
As each member of the party plunges into the flames, it is obvious that either the ale or the fire is magic--the light increases to blinding proportions and the flames roar triumphantly...
...and the party finds itself at the base of the Bone Tower, which they entered only a handful of days before, and yet--after the events in Harrowed Moon--seems a lifetime ago.
"Let's get back to that house the troll showed us..." K'Nara says, not wishing to stay in this place of shadows and evil any longer than she has to.
The house offered to the Talons for the Arena competition is still secure, and Gutmasher actually stops by to welcome everyone back.
"The fans were all worried when only the elf here--" he nods at Olana, "--was the only one to make it out...then it looked like the very shadows of the Tower just snapped her up! However, I can tell you there's gonna be a BIG party celebrating your victory over the Tower!"
"Some victory!" K'Nara says ironically. "We had to leave behind piles of stuff in our haste to escape the place we'd been transported to!"
"Harrowed Moon?" Gutmasher asks. "Yeah...well...my cousin Bonecrusher contacted me--managed to get all that...that...wow, that was a LOT of loot, wasn't it?" He shakes his knobby head and grins with his slightly snaggled, pointed teeth.
"Anyhow--Bonecrusher sent your stuff on through the mirror connection. I made sure that it joined your Arena winnings in the secure vault. By now it's doubtless awaiting you in the location you picked for it when you first put the stuff you won from the competition!" The rather jaunty troll bows and exits.
Now all that seems to be left to do is sleep, recover--and the flock out of the Shadow Lands!
Lian Thursday July 13th, 2006 10:42:32 AM
The monk sheepishly reaches into his pockets. "Except this stuff..." A handful of loot he had forgotten he pocketed. "... we'll add this to the winnings... winnings?!" He lights up. "Great!"
Sleep seems too good to be true.
Falin Thursday July 13th, 2006 2:12:52 PM
The sudden shift in surroundings and the realization of being back someplace recognizable almost brings Falin to tears. He sees Lian turn out his pockets with extras and he remembers that he too has quite a bit in his quiver.
"I still have some as well."
When the time to turn in comes sleep comes quick and hard to Falin.
Olana Thursday July 13th, 2006 9:42:46 PM
Olana shakes her head as she emerges from the flames and her nostrils flare. At least this was one of her clearer memories. She gives Snotgobbler or whatever his name is a tight nod and follows it with a rather spectacular scowl as he mentions her 'adventure'. Might be a fun tale for you, buster.
'If we're sleeping,' Olana says to K'nara, 'then I'll stand guard. I've slept long enough.'
Brother Bertram Thursday July 13th, 2006 10:32:20 PM
Bertram found himself torn between being rid of the foul world of Harrow Moon and not finishing what the Talons had set out there to do. He shrugs and gives thanks to both Domi and Gargul for thier aid.
Milo Friday July 14th, 2006 12:42:46 AM
Milo remains silent throughout the journey and the meeting back home. The halfling wears a goofy grin that says he is simply happy that all is well once again. Though he opts to sleep while Olana is on watch, he does his best to do so with one eye open and on her... until sleep takes the weary halfling, at any rate.
Gunther Friday July 14th, 2006 1:34:00 AM
Absolutely stunned that they have made it out alive and that their treasure has found a way to follow them, Gunther throws caution to the wind. Exhilaration at being out of Harvest Moon fuels the fire, and Gunther grabs K'nara by the shoulders and gives her a nice long, hard kiss. "And dat's just a down payment for vhat you have coming ven ve get home!!" Giggling boyishly, Gunther searches out some decent grub and then heads for a nice, nightmare free night of rest.
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