DM Bob & Carla Wednesday October 25th, 2006 8:29:07 PM
The distance grows between the dock and the boat. In fact, the doctor's men spotted by Brahmah are but ant-like specs as a fair wind fills the sails of the Scorpius. Zeoll demurs to his captain, but a voice is heard from below decks, and Winterglade enchants the sailors, who match the rhythm of their work to the rhythm of the sea-fearing centaur.
Gecktar seeks out a pensive Toros and together the two Chosen of Domi ponder their encounter on Dr. Mauroth's island, the fate of their lost friend Rock, and the unfinished quest for the Black Sword and their nemesis Vargas.
Flat-Top tries to cheer up his captain, but a chill makes the hair on Brahmah's mighty neck stand up when Zeoll turns back at the threshold of Captain Requin's cabin and asks for the map.
All of the Chosen of Domi do an Intelligence DC vs 10. If you roll 10 or greater highlight the section after the name of your character
Brahmah Highlight to display spoiler: { is pretty sure he took the magic map after Winterglade made a facsimile. Remembers putting it in his scroll case, which disappeared along with the archer and the bearhound.}
Flat-Top Highlight to display spoiler: { remembers watching Winterglade make a fake map, and Brahmah taking the original. Thinks Zeoll has some maps too, but isn't sure how many.}
Gecktar Highlight to display spoiler: { knows he has the Heart of Domi inside his HHHaversack. Believes Brahmah, Winterglade, and Zeoll all have maps, but isn't quite sure who has which one.}
Toros Highlight to display spoiler: { remembers admiring Winterglade's handiwork. Knows there are some other maps, but doesn't know who has what.}
WintergladeHighlight to display spoiler: { remembers making a forgery that was a fair semblance of the map, albeit with a few misplaced details and without the magical properties imbued in the original. Remembers Brahmah took the original and put it in his scroll case.}
Zeoll Highlight to display spoiler: {knows has 5 maps in his possession, but that Brahmah has the map. Believes Winterglade made a fake, but doesn't remember what happened to it.}
From inside the cabin, Captain Requin calls, "I take it you are heading home?"
Zeoll d20+2=10 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 11:21:08 PM
Zeoll thinks for a while, then the light dawns (rolled a 10!).
Is it possible that Brahmah does not have the magic map? Then who does?
Zeoll double checks. He has five maps -- partial maps bought at the auction -- but none of them are the map the party needs!
Oh no!
Winterglade d20+1=12 Thursday October 26th, 2006 4:23:18 AM
[Int check 12]
The centaur emereges from the hold. He has already removed his armor (as is his custom during sea travel) and stored his saddlebags somewhere safe.
"Ere, what is this ruckus all about? Why the alarm?"
When he learns that the map is missing his brow furrows. "Big trouble, yes."
"Good thing Winterglade made a copy of it, no?"
He goes below deck and returns a moment later, holding an old looking roll of parchment.
"That was supposed to mislead Vargas and his crooks. Some details are distorted and the text around the edge has been altered, but if you remember where X marked the spot on the original we could probably still make it there."
The centaur unrolls the scroll. A writing runs around the edge of the map:
<...strides to the sands of the shore / the seagull cries to the East / in thy shadow seek lore / of the way in the mist ... sailed for four days and nights / arrived at the maws of hell / where among winds He rides / hidden in ancient well... only the worthy may claim / the dark blade of disaster / either by physical strain / or by the words of its Master...>
Gecktar d20+2=5 Thursday October 26th, 2006 4:37:00 AM
Gecktar turns to Brahmah when he asks him to help on the boat, but he doesn't know anything about ships.
Looking at a sailor working on the deck, he asks "May I be of some help. I'm not an expert sailor but I have two arms...
Brahmah Thursday October 26th, 2006 6:54:26 AM
Brahmah is suddenly struck with a very familiar demeanor. He curses then begins dragging his hooves in disgust of himself. However, he is following Zeoll to the cabin. "Z, I had the map." Then he just punchs a random crate or the like. "All I have to say is I hope Vargas and that hunter aren't in kahoots together." He says in tauric. "Next time you hold the papers or whatever. Just because I'm leader, it doesn't mean I should care for precious cargo!"
Flat-top d20=10 Thursday October 26th, 2006 7:05:48 AM
Flat-top follows Brahmah to the cabin, he will stand out side the door as a watch. When the capten ask for a map, the centaur strats thinkins??? "Leader I remember that Winterglade made a false map, I also remember that you had taken the real map, Ant I think Zeoll has alot of maps that he had taken from the chest before we left. I hope this infromation Helps!!" Flat-top has a silly look on his face, because the fighter has not used his brain in a long time, now he has a head-ache!!
Zeoll Thursday October 26th, 2006 3:08:16 PM
Zeoll's dismay is plain. He is grateful for the copy, but feels strongly that the original must be taken back.
"We will use this copy," he says, "because Varrgas cannot wait. But then we will rreturrn to this doctorr and find out morre about those who took the map. Then we will rid the Taurr Isles of this doctorr and find the map and Brrahmah's otherr gearr."
Zeoll shows the Captain the map. He asks how long it will take to get to where the party has to go.
[OOC to DMs: Highlight to display spoiler: {Maybe this trip is a good time to do Zeoll's dream quest? The thing he has to do to become a seer? I fear that another levelling up will come by and I'll miss the change again to advance in my prestige class. Maybe Zeoll can sit on a raft or rowboat pulled behind the main ship and meditate there? Not ideal, I know. I'm open to suggestion? Thanks!}]
Toros d10=5 Thursday October 26th, 2006 9:50:36 PM
Gecktar's comments remind the wemic one more time the troublesome incidents at the island.
"We have been together for good enough time and when there is trouble we know we can rely on each other and together as the Chosen, can overcome it. However, As the newest Chosen, unfortunately Rock did not have this chance. The whole experience at the island could have been so soon too much for such new to handle. I am afraid Rock could have lost with in himself before getting lost out in the island. Otherwise, the others could have prevented this loss happen, I believe.
However, with all my faith, I also feel like all these happenings before and at the island may be the signs from Domi for telling us a time that some guidance from him would help to all af us. I am not sure if I myself have been able to pay enough attention to these signs, if there has been any, for some time. For instance, I have not seen Domi in my dreams recently, have you?! I know Zeoll continues to see dreams though. Perhaps it is again how Gods have thoughtfully decided, even if we have not noticed, that from now on we will give messages via Zeoll's dreams... Oh, well I do not know. Even I should have not talked in this way... Oh, well..."
While the boat navigates on the open sea, and Gecktar and others talk, Toros seems to move into an inner voyage once again, occupied with thoughts about the strange experience at the island, and its meaning within the general scheme of events; so that the wemic's intelligence mostly misses the specific points about the map, within the rapidly streaming thoughts and sparkling ideas.
(Intelligence check, d20 5, fail)
DM Bob and Carla Thursday October 26th, 2006 11:55:10 PM Toros turns philosopher and wonders if Domi has forsaken his Chosen, speculating aloud on how when one looses faith, trials and tests appear insurmountable.
But maybe the god hasn't abandoned his faithful? Is it perhaps Domi's hand that guided Winterglade in the making of the facsimile of the magic map with the channels off Fargunia, Bridge Island between Centaur Island, and Minotaur Island, the Shipwreck Shoals, and then Liontaur Island with a tiny little x marked on it...just like the magic map. When Zeoll asks Brahmah to have a look at the map, the captain of the Scorpius has a glance at it as well. Tapping the cluster of islands closest to the coast she volunteers, "we could be at this here little island in the middle by tomorrow morning, or the bigger ones by tomorrow evening. The coast, here, would take another day." All three taurs recognize they could be home in one turning of the sun! They had been so close all along!
Quiting the taurs, and striding to one wall of her cabin, Captain Requin waves a hand at a large map of the Elennian Peninsula, adding, "unless there is somewhere else you would like to go?"
Above decks, Gecktar and Flat-Top volunteer to help the sailors. Gecktar is given a rag and brass polish and the ships fittings that need attention are pointed out to him. Flat-Top is handed a pail of water and a mop.
Zeoll d20+9=19 Friday October 27th, 2006 12:18:17 AM
Zeoll listens carefully to his friend, Toros. "Maybe therre is something to what you say, but we must have courrage, as Domi taught us. I will prray for guidance tonight, and maybe see what trruths lie in drreams."
When the captain looks at the map, Zeoll asks her to mark the location of the Doctor's Isle as well.
Zeoll asks Winterglade where the original map was marked with the group's destination. He tells the Captain that that is where the Chosen must go. He also asks Winterglade if the words on the edge of the map were on the original. Especialy those about the Words of its Master.
Finally, he tells Brahmah, "Do not beat yourrself up, my frriend! Therre is no one herre among us I would trrust morre with ourr valuables than you, steadfast Captain! We will win back those trreasurres, Domi willing."
Zeoll spends the rest of the day in prayer, and meditates on what "the words of the Master" could mean. He tries to remember the lore he has heard in his travels ... both in the Wold and in the Lands of Rest ... to see if those words have any meaning to him. (Bard Lore roll with a Guidance Spell to help it: +4 levels +2 Int +2 synergy +1 guidance = +9. Roll = 19.
He thinks back and tries to remember the words that Gargul told him when he was given the Quest for the Black Sword.
Winterglade d20+4=19 Friday October 27th, 2006 3:22:57 AM
Winterglade finds Gecktar.
"It is with your gold that the passage on the ship has been paid, yes? Here is Winterglade's share in the fee."
The centaur hands him twenty gold coins.
"Winterglade didn't forget that he owes you much more. The next time we have a chance to visit the Catacombs he will settle the debt."
Winterglade points to a spot on the map for Zeoll.
"Here. Winterglade thinks it its here that the X was on the original map [Wis check 19 to remember? Would that work, DMs?]. He moved it off its true location, of course, when he prepared the decoy map."
"Don't concern yourself with what is written around it, though. Winterglade made it all up to throw Vargas off the track. It would be much more useful to recall what was written around the real map. Unfortunately, Winterglade is unable to do so. It feels as if it's been a year since we left the beholder caves."
Gecktar Friday October 27th, 2006 3:36:21 AM
Gecktar listen to Toros comment and answers "Domi didn't send me dreams recently, but I know one thing about this. We shouldn't wait for such dreams. They could never come. Only our faith must guide us. I remember the time when Domi was... "slain". This word doesn't really match what I mean. But at this time no dreams haunted our nights, no powers were available from our Patron. And we are here. On a quest with many tools to use.
As the war is growing I feel that Domi will have more and more difficulty to personnaly guide his followers. But their faith should. And I first rely on it. Don't be desperate, even if the task is really hard, we, as Chosen, will overcome all difficulties. My faith is here. One thing I don't know is the price we will have to pay."
Puttig his hand on the shoulder of Toros, he then take the rag and the brass polish and begin the work he was assigned.
Gecktar second illegal post Friday October 27th, 2006 3:41:54 AM
(OOC was writting my post at the same time...)
Receiving the money from Winterglade, Gecktar says "Thank you Glade. There is no urge to get my money back. But I thank you for not forgetting."
Brahmah d20+4=5 Friday October 27th, 2006 6:12:10 AM
The ranger smiles at Zeoll. "Thanks."
He looks at the map. [Knowledge (geography) 5 ack!]
Flat-top Friday October 27th, 2006 6:04:06 PM
Flat-top stand beside the door of the cabin, then for some odd reason He start to pray to Domi, "Oh! Domi the children are safe as you requested. Now we come back to the beloved home of our ancesters. We hope, with you blessings to bring sence to all those Clerics! If I am taken Prisener, Help me be strong for your sake."
Toros d20=16 Friday October 27th, 2006 8:51:31 PM
"You are right Gecktar, it is all there, we just need to see it. Domi guides us via Glade's map or Zeoll's dreams, most importantly via our courage!
Now, Lets go home!
And also please accept my share in the fee.
Here it is..."
Later on, the wemic bards of the group finds time to have a little chat once again, while Toros tries to help Zeoll to brush up his memory, if he would not be disturbed for a quick consultation in between his meditation (Aid Another for Bardic Lore Check, 16>10, +2 to Zeoll's check, which hopefully makes it 21.)
DM Bob & Carla Friday October 27th, 2006 11:38:05 PM
The clouds are high and light in the sky, and the winds favorable for a quick voyage should the taurs wish to head towards their home on Bridge Island. The captain figures a day for the trip, with the party arriving by mid morning the following day. Pointing her finger at one of the outer islands of the Shipwreck Shoals, she indicates the island the Chosen have just fled. Though Brahmah is having a bad day, he can certainly understand the geography of the many islands off Fargunia that make up the taurs' homelands, and he won't forget the location of the Shipwreck Shoals and Dr. Mauroth's Island!
Winterglade admits to making the map wrong, but it really is a pretty good facsimile. There was an x on Liontaur Island on the magical map, and he put an x on his replica. Likely the x isn't in the right spot, but it most assuredly was on Liontaur Island. The centaur admits to making up the tauric message 'round the boarder of the re-created map, but Zeoll is able to remember the words of the original......strides to the edge of the sea-cliff. At dusk birds tell the story in darkening boughs...ridden for days to find the rock...flashes in sunset...red waves recall the blaze of that great forge where old gods are smelted down and new ones raised...he can wield the sword until the end...slash the sky in fury, scorch in afternoon...
Toros pauses by the open cabin door and prompts his wemic friend. Zeoll is pretty sure the old words refer to the myth of the Year of Ascension and the creation of an unholy sword. It seems like a visit to Liontaur Island will be necessary, but is it the party's first destination? Or will they stop at Bridge Island and take stock at Hearthold Keep before striking out?
Gecktar continues the train of thought started by Toros, and words of wisdom fall like pearls from the minotaur's lips. (OOC: 50 experience points to Gecktar for a very profound post!) while a normally secular Flat-Top is moved to prayer.
(Feel free to ask questions of the captain and crew of the Scorpius. Don't forget to roll DCs as appropriate. You may also multi-post over the weekend, if you wish, to discuss/decide if you want to go 'home' to Hearthold Keep, or elsewhere.)
Brahmah Saturday October 28th, 2006 11:27:20 AM
"Captain, do you know if there have been any ships highjacked or sank by ships baring Marteaus flags or the like?"
"Have you heard of any taur by the name of Vargas?(If so, is he seeking anything?)"
Brahmah will meet with the Chosen and say that he would like to go home to the keep, but has misgivings about doing such. "Our enemies will look for us there. The Keep may also be destroyed."
He looks for Pah'caw in the sky.
(Yes, cheers to Gecktar's post.)
Zeoll d20+19=36 d20+10=19 Saturday October 28th, 2006 1:34:36 PM
As much as Zeoll longs to see the Keep, he tells his friends, he reminds them that so far as he knows, after he died the Keep was taken by enemies. Likely it remains in enemy hands or was raised. Either way, there is no reason to go there.
Instead, time remains precious. "We must go to Liontaurr Isle," Zeoll says in Taur. "Hearrthold Keep is in the exact opposite dirrection. The sworrd is ourr top goal. We must go therre and destrroy the sworrd."
Zeoll also relates to his friends the words he recalls that were written on the edges of the true map.
=====
Meanwhile, seeing how close the ship is to home, he follows Brahmah's lead and asks the Captain and Crew for news.
Is there open war among the Taurs these days? What news in general of the Taur Isles?
What happened hereabouts when the Fae King awoke?
Any word of folk that Zeoll once knew? -- Captain Parsons and his merchant ship, the Merry Mermaid? -- Hollyhocks, the centaur druid priest of Domi on Centaur Isle? -- Silkshanks ("Silky") Surefoot, overseer of the Surefoot Family Vinyards? -- Any former Chosen? Any liontaurs Zeoll might have known from back home?
Diplomacy 36, Gather Info 19.
Flat-top Sunday October 29th, 2006 7:26:33 AM
Flat-top listens to the news, both Brahmat (Their Captain) and Zeoll, "Here's what I think! The Clerics form the three Islands, are in our Hearthold Keep, they have not distroyed it, they are waiting for us to come back!
They know how much we love the gift that Domi gave us, And they will not distroy it untill we get there! What I worry about is the people and Taurs on the island? Are they alright? Did they migrate to the other two Island?
This is why I'm going back! For Home and our People and Taurs who are depending on us!"
Brahmah Sunday October 29th, 2006 8:25:24 AM
Brahmah smiles at Flat-top. "But remember, they think we are heretics."
Winterglade Sunday October 29th, 2006 8:53:54 AM
"It would be madness to delay even a single hour. Winterglade thinks we should press for the Furball's Isle immediately. Vargas could have put his hands on the sword by now, and if he did Taurs might be already dying because of it."
"Now that the true map is out and about the danger is even greater."
"Chosen, make your decision, and make it now. Winterglade will follow you regardless of what you choose, but his gut feeling tells him that a lot is at stake here. Choose wisely."
Brahmah Sunday October 29th, 2006 5:13:15 PM
"We will return home, to the Keep. That is the center of the Unification and where the Chosen should be."
Zeoll Sunday October 29th, 2006 7:40:22 PM
Zeoll nods at Winterglade's words. "Liontaurr Isle, yes."
But then Brahmah says he wants the Chosen to go to Bridge Isle. Zeoll says to his minotaur friend, "I sworre a sacrred oath to Garrgul that I would hunt forr his sworrd. I have not finished my magic item crreation. I have not quested to become a seerr, as I wish. Instead, I have devoted everry step forrward to getting to that sworrd."
"So Brrahmah, how does going home get us to the sworrd, when the map says to go to Liontaurr Isle?"
"But I will follow you wherre everr you decide, Captain of the Chosen."
DM Bob & Carla Sunday October 29th, 2006 10:07:54 PM
The Chosen of Domi ask questions of the captain and crew with a dire sense of foreboding. When they had fled Hearthold Keep the situation had appeared calamitous. High clergy from all three races had descended on Bridge Island and made demands on the Chosen of Domi. The Chosen had made a hasty escape with the mixed-race children entrusted to them, and the sacred relic known as the 'Reunited Heart'. They had been nearly 3 years (literally!) abroad in the Wold, and while in exile, they had learned that their arch-nemesis, Vargas, and his group were assembling an army for what Marteus' followers called a 'holy war.'
"Why, you have indeed been gone a long time!" answers Vox Requin, the captain of the Scorpius. "We have been sailing these parts for nigh on two years, and though we do not call any port in these parts our home, we are quite familiar with the politics and populations in the area."
The captain goes on to explain that she and her crew have called on Bridge Island a number of times transporting young taur families who spoke of seeking a new way of life for themselves and their families. They spoke of overcoming conflicts and living a life of harmony with other taurs of like mind. The Captain goes on to explain that the inhabitants of this island speak often of their longing for a return of some important relic that had been taken abroad for safekeeping during a time of strife. The captain describes a tiny port with a neat little village forming between it and the castle keep up on the promontory overlooking the island's little bay. "The harbourmaster is a fellow name of Dunin, me thinks, and there be a centaur name of Upthel, and a young minotaur name of Trinl what keeps up the home guard there."
On being questioned about Vargas, her brow furrows. "I have heard of that one," she answers, "but his progress is slow. The inhabitants of the islands are not keen for war, and the dark one's attempts at recruitment have not been as successful as he might have wished. There is no war in these parts at this time."
The captain shakes her head at Zeoll's further questioning, until he mentions the Surefoot Vineyards. "One reason for the peace between the islands is the great natural bounty of the past year or so. The harvests have been unprecedented, and no taur goes hungry on any of the islands. The harvest of grapes on Centaur Island has been unparalleled, and the ceremonial wine pressed by the Surefoot family is reported to be epic.
Perhaps it is the lull before the storm?
Questioned separately, one of the crew admits that there are rumors that the minotaur leader of the Will of Marteaus has been questing for an artifact that he believes will increase his power, and draw a greater number of troops to his cause. He was reported to have gone abroad in the wide Wold to find clues as to where this artifact was hidden away, and has only just returned to the waters off Fargunia. It is reported that his mood is dark indeed, for it is said he was thwarted in his quest and now seeks information via other sources.
Winterglade Monday October 30th, 2006 3:36:56 AM
Winterglade rises his hands in exasperation, but doesn't say a thing and only shakes his head.
News about Vargas learned from other sailors put his mind at some ease, but he remains glum.
"It is only a matter of time before the archer and hound creature learn what they have in their posession. Winterglade sincerely hopes our stay at the Home Isle will be brief."
Then the centaur returns below deck, finds a secluded place where he will not be distracted by the activity of the crew (near the ballast or in cargo hold, most likely), and with a sigh retrieves a needle and a thread and starts work on yet another cloak.
Gecktar Monday October 30th, 2006 4:38:06 AM
Gecktar listen to arguments of each other. While his heart languish from his home his reason asks him to find the sword as soon as possible.
"Captain, beside the respect I owes you, I also feel the urge to go to the Lion's island. Any delay in our quest may prove heavy of consequences."
"The hearthold keep can wait, it's situation will not change even if our quest last for weeks. And I'm sure that Vargas' spys are waiting for us here."
"Bringing back the Healed Heart could be a powerful and symbolic act, but if in the meanwhile we loose the sword..."
"This is my point of view, but maybe you also have better arguments to return back to the Hearthold Keep."
F;at-top Monday October 30th, 2006 5:52:55 AM
Flat-top with heart tell Brahmah, "My Captain! you know I'll follow you anywhere you say we must go! But The Black Sword is more inportant, then we must get the Sword. If it is better to go home with the heart, for the one we left behind, Maybe It is better to unit the taurs with the reunited Heart.
I see both sides, I WILL FOLLOW YOU!"
Posting Reports for Monday October 30th, 2006 6:03:30 AM
Game #7 The Chosen of Domi. For the Week of Oct 23,2006
Adm Ceil - This game is geting to be very mysterious?? Will they go home or go to Weimic Island??
Brahmah Monday October 30th, 2006 1:49:26 PM
The minotaur's eyes narrow in thought. "That archers knows nothing of what he carries, but if he decides to seek information on the map, Vargas will surely find out.
It is good that Vargas' goal, so far, has failed.
But now there are refugees fleeing the islands! Taurs should be allowed to exist on their home islands without fear of persecution.
I wonder how Vargas has been thwarted? What has happened to stall his movements?
Hearthold Keep is the home for the Heart, but it has not yet called us home. Neither has Domi.
Yes, our mission must not pause any longer. Wemic Isle it shall be."
"Captain! Do you know the destination of the other ship back in the harbor? Did you take anyone else onboard or cargo?"
Zeoll d20=13 Monday October 30th, 2006 5:01:32 PM
The liontaur is very glad to be headed for the isle on which he was born. "My hearrt lifts," he says, "anticipating the coming rrecoverry and destrruction of the sworrd, as well as a rreturrn to the place I was borrn."
But he also thinks that Brahmah's asking the captain about the ship that set sail yesterday is a great idea. He tries to help the minotaur find out more. (Aid Another roll adds +2.)
Toros Monday October 30th, 2006 7:51:15 PM
Toros listens and watches his friends as well as the ship crew as the decision on destination is resolved.
"It seems things are doing fine, actually better than we would expect, at our "Island". Where we are really needed is Wemic's Island. So lets go wemic's home!!"
The eagerness can be noticed in the eyes of the Wemic for personal and professional (?)reasons certain to him and his friends. He has been away from his and Wemic's home much more longer than Chosen's home!
DM Bob and Carla Monday October 30th, 2006 11:54:18 PM
"The Island of Lions it is, then," announces the captain when the Chosen of Domi unanimously agree upon their destination. "'Bout two days, t'other way." Captain Requin exits the cabin and gives orders to alter the course of the sailing vessel. She nods her approval on spying the industrious Flat-Top and Gecktar making themselves useful on the ship.
Winterglade slips below decks to begin work on another cloak, while Toros remains above board, the wind ruffling his fur. Brahmah asks the female captain questions, but it is the wemic, Zeoll who's polite insistence gets an answer. "He was returning to his home in the Culverwood was what I heard, but who knows where the wind blows an adventurer, eh?"
*******
(OOC: 5000 XP to each player. 500 XP bonus to Gecktar, and 300 XP bonus to Toros for teamwork. (Toros! Got to work on regular posting!) 500 XP bonus each to Zeoll and Flat-Top for teamwork. Good, consistent posting Winteglade and Brahmah. Good job all around with storm at sea and dealing with the drowned and sharks. More questions and investigative work would have yielded more info and 'resources' at the manor.-DM Carla )
Gecktar Tuesday October 31st, 2006 5:32:58 AM
Gecktar's heart lighten when their captain state the destination to be the Wemic's Isle.
"Yes, let us kick the bottom of Vargas by putting him in a dire situation. Without what he seeks, his work will be harder and we will have time to gather taurs around the Healed Heart !"
"Zeoll, enlighten our hearts with a rythm the secret of which you have !"
And he get back to his work on the ship.
Winterglade Tuesday October 31st, 2006 5:44:35 AM
Winterglade is sitting in the dark hold of the ship, industriously working on his newest cloak.
<Sigh.>
"Brawler, Brawler... How come the wind always blows in Winterglade's sails to draw him away from his quest? Is there to be no return home, no answers for his questions?..."
Flat-top Tuesday October 31st, 2006 7:51:24 AM
Flat-top is happy that we are going to see the little wemick and even with their little claws, he had fun giving them rides on his back. BUT first we must make thing safe for them.
Flat-top swabs the deck, fixes the ropes and every once in a while Flat-top peek in on Wiinterglade just to see if he alright. He's glade too see that this time he has not up chuck. "He may not know it but He's getting better at sailing."
Flat top goes back to work.
Brahmah Tuesday October 31st, 2006 8:06:18 PM
"Yes, but Chosen, do not grow complacent! Remember the Doctor's dinner and your trust for the stranger."
Toros Tuesday October 31st, 2006 10:44:53 PM
Toros continues his deeper reflection, encouraged with his friend's attitude and decision to back to the home of the homes. People listens to him may think he has gone a bit strange, as he sounds as if he is talking out of character...
OOC:
I also know that my less frequent posting has become regular recently. During the battle when you could use less thinking but action, I could post daily. However, in other times that demand more thinking and role-playing to post properly, I have not been able to keep up with the regular pace, requesting more time to think and write. However, I still feel like Toros's posts are OK, as they generally reflect this personal request to take time to think before action/posting in a good manner, as a personality trait....
Actually I feel more involved with the game, the collaborative story-writing and fantasy role-playing on both the DMs' and players' and their characters' side is getting better and better, I think. This betterment would be one of the reasons that urges me to do better posts of my own. (It is obvious that in terms of the quantity of my postings, this betterment has not worked well, however, it could be argued that their quality has become somehow better?!)
The real life issues are also worth-noting, The end of November and the beginning of December will be the peak of my 3-5 year work, with a steady increase in the intensiveness of concentrated activity and thinking for the last and next 6 months, and inevitably this steals my attention from other less relevant things in my life.
Anyways, many thanks for the great game and the latest experience (point)s!
Will try to catch up with the game as best as I can.
Now lets go to the Wemic's home!
(OOC: I agree! Toros' posts do show more 'engagment' and thought. That is the reason for the XP bonus! We certainly recognize real life gets in the way, and Bob and I are very glad you are in this game. Keep us in the loop should you get too busy, and we can always fill in the gap for you.-DM Carla)
Winterglade Wednesday November 1st, 2006 4:54:01 AM
Winterglade takes a break from his work and appears on the deck. He spends a few minutes there, enjoying fresh air, but clutching the railing all the time and making sure his eyes don't stray from the horizon. Between deep breaths he is taking he still finds time to nag nearby Chosen some more.
"We probably should think about what we are going to do on the island. We know the general location of the site. The writing on the map suggests that first we need to find a spot with high cliffs and nearby boughs. Then, at sunset, some rock formation that is days of travel away should become visible, eh, even "glittering in the sun", was it? Then it metions red waves that have something to do with heat and forge. The only thing that it brings to Winterglade's mind is a volcano. Zeoll, you hail from that island. Are there any volcanoes around the region we are interested in?"
Finally Winterglade finds Brahmah.
"Captain, it is a custom of the Windwalkers that those owing their life to others honor them with a symbolic gift. If it wasn't for your help and your potion Winterglade wouldn't be here today. He would like to give you one of his cloaks, if you would have it."
The centaur produces a dark green fold of cloth and offers Brahmah a newly made Cloak of Comfort. "As it is magic it should resize to fit you just fine."
[Dear DMs, I'm updating my character sheet and it would be convenient to know if there will be enough time on this travel to make 3 Cloaks of Comfort (it takes 8 hours to make one)?]
Flat-top Wednesday November 1st, 2006 7:29:23 AM
Flat-top stand there (with mop in hand)"Yes! Captain! I remember very painfully! I will not trust another Stranger Ever!" Then Fla-top thinks a little while, then ask, "Does that include Females??"
Brahmah Wednesday November 1st, 2006 1:12:34 PM
Brahmah smiles at Glade. "I would be honored to except the gift. However, I did no more than what any Chosen would have done." He takes the cloak graciously. "I think that Warrd fellow was looking out for us." This reminds him of something. He reaches into a small section of pack which contained three Warrd faced coins (which he plans on giving one to Glade)
DM Bob and Carla Wednesday November 1st, 2006 8:16:24 PM
With much creaking and groaning, the Scorpius changes course and heads in the direction of Liontaur Island. Gecktar asks Zeoll to play a tune that will cheer the spirits of the Chosen while Flat-Top continues to make himself useful on deck. The centaur considers Brahmah's counsel and wonders if his recommendations apply to females. Winterglade offers his captain a handsome green cloak, which is accepted graciously by the minotaur. The pacifist centaur suggests the party use the next couple of days to decipher the message of the map and plan strategy. He asks those more familiar with Liontaur Island to confirm his ramblings. He wonders if two days will be enough time to complete more cloaks, and figures it could be done, but he will need to work long and hard and will need some sort of illumination if he is to continue working below decks and through the dark of night. Toros enjoys the sun on his fur and has trouble hiding his excitement at returning to his homeland.
All Chosen, please post what you would do (within reason) between 2 p.m. and 8 a.m. Woldian time, including however many hours of sleep your character would need. This is a role-play post. Do not expect combat! Please, roll appropriate DC for any skills. Play your character to where he would be just before breakfast.-DM Carla
Zeoll d20+17=22 Wednesday November 1st, 2006 9:38:09 PM
Zeoll is glad to join his pal Gecktar in an inspiring song. The wemic's drum adds to the music.
Perform check 22 eh.
Zeoll asks his spell-casting friends if anyone can identify these magic items. He displays a human-size set of studded leather armor, two human-sized scimitars, and the magic gloves he is wearing.
Finally, he is glad to get a good night's rest. It seems like forever since he had a night of unintrrupted sleep.
In the morning, prayers and a light breakfast prepare him for the day.
Brahmah Thursday November 2nd, 2006 3:41:16 AM
The minotaur helps with ship duties, practices sword play and sleeps for 8 hours and prepares spells. He makes an effort to talk with Pah'caw about her journey around the island.
Prepared Spells... Speak with Animals, Longstrider
Winterglade Thursday November 2nd, 2006 4:52:44 AM
"Winterglade could check what these are, yes. But he would need to clear his head first by running, and, right now, it's impossible. Remind him when we reach port, yes?" [Do I remember right that PTB have ruled that clerical Identify doesn't need a material component? If so, identifying through me or another of our clerics would be free.]
The centaur goes away in search of a safety lantern he could use in the hold (there should be one, as the sailors probably often need to work below?) [Take10 on Search: 11]. If he doesn't find it he will ask the sailors and try to borrow one.
Assuming he gets it he spends the whole afternoon in the cargo hold, making a cloak [2pm to 10pm]. Then it is time for a nap, which is very brief, both because, being a Windwalker, he doesn't really need much sleep, and because the rocking of the ship, even if a bit subdued below decks is still uncomfortable for him [sleep 10pm to midnight]. The rest of the night is spent working on another cloak [midnight to 8am]. The morning finds him in the cargo hold, putting finishing touches on the second cloak, then stowing it safely in his saddlebags, stretching, yawning, and rubbing his eyes.
[Marcin OOC] Thursday November 2nd, 2006 5:51:24 AM
[Correction, I made a mistake - Identify is not on my spell list. Sorry.]
Flat-top d20+4=11 Thursday November 2nd, 2006 6:17:58 AM
ooc: Blacksmiting DC Check.
Flat-top will do any mending of medel (like hooks, mails, any thing that meed smithing). Untill it was lunch time, he was found head long into a apple barrel.
When evening came rolling in, the centaur heads down into the hole. There Winterglade is straining his eyes with something he's working on. "Borther Galde! do you need light? Here I'll give you light." Flat-top leanes against a big pole (next to Winterglade) The touches his chest, start to glow like a big lantern. Flat-top fall fast asleep.
Zeoll Thursday November 2nd, 2006 6:19:02 AM
Zeoll appreciates Glade's enthusiasm, and does not mind that he does not know the Identify spell after all.
"I think the magic shop can do that forr me at a rreasonable prrice."
Zeoll asks Flat-top if he would like to join him in a trip to the Catacombs.
[OOC: I was thinking of heading over there (to the CC Board) now with the idea that our purchases could be delivered once we reach the trading port at Liontaur Isle.]
Cayzle OOC Thursday November 2nd, 2006 6:20:04 AM
LOL! Ceil and I are both up early this morning!
::waves at Ceil::
Gecktar Thursday November 2nd, 2006 11:49:25 AM
Gecktar gives Zeoll a strange breast plate and a trident. "Both are magical. we found them on thr tide hunter's corpse Toros and I fought on the beach. You could Identify them as well..."
Gecktar helps on the ship as he can, &and we time of sleep has come try to rest and memorioze new spells.
Zeoll Thursday November 2nd, 2006 2:09:05 PM
Zeoll gladly takes the gear Gecktar offers for identification at the Catacombs.
Are the trident and armor human-sized?
Brahmah Thursday November 2nd, 2006 7:29:52 PM
The ranger just listens to the group as they discuss loot and such. He begins thinking of his misplaced gear and gold that archer and hound now have.
DM Bob & Carla Thursday November 2nd, 2006 9:59:01 PM Zeoll plays a tune that cheers the heart of all, save Brahmah who harbors dark thoughts for the hunter who stole his gear. The minotaur finds a quiet space away from his companions and the crew of the Scorpius and practices the art of war. A grim smile crosses his scarred face when he spots his feathered companion perched high atop the tallest mast.
Flat-Top finishes swabbing the deck and volunteers his skill as a blacksmith. The offer is politely declined, and it is explained that fire aboard a sailing ship is a thing to be feared! Instead, the centaur is shown a jumbled heap of nets sorely in need of repair. (Flat-Top-Use Rope DC vs 15 to untangle the mess, and another vs 10 to repair the damage.) Later, when Winterglade looks for a light to illuminate his workspace, the young pie-bald fighter volunteers to help. (OOC: Did Flat-Top use one of his torches? Where did the light come from?)
The pacifist cleric makes good time with his work on his cloaks and though the Lotophagi is calm, it doesn't allay the centaur's feelings about being abroad on the water.
As evening approaches, Zeoll and Gecktar reveal what they have collected from their adventure on the island. The items retrieved by Zeoll and Flat-Top are human sized:
The items salvaged by Gecktar and Toros are large sized:
1 Carapace (breast plate) 1 trident
As night approaches, half the crew retires, leaving the half-orc captain and a couple of crew to sail the ship. Most of the taurs go below decks to sleep, finding the night air a bit cool. Gecktar falls asleep, his head resting on his magical haversack. Gecktar Highlight to display spoiler: { dreams...he hears a steady drumming. Zeoll, with his drum! he thinks, but the sound is so pure and strong and steady. Steady, like the beating of his minotaur heart, but with the strength of 100 hearts! The minotaur opens his pack and inside the Healed Heart of Domi radiates a gentle golden glow. The minotaur rests his head on the haversack and falls asleep. Gecktar dreams, a dream within a dream. From the prow of the ship he sees high cliffs ahead. From the look on the faces of his wemic friends, Gecktar knows this island must be their home. The minotaur realizes he doesn't hear the beating of the sacred artifact, and looking into his haversack he finds it filled with a disgusting black sludge crawling with maggots!}
Zeoll, curls up, his tail over his nose to keep warm, and dreamsHighlight to display spoiler: { a voice is summoning him: "bring the Heart to me!... where old gods are smelted down and new ones raised...bring the heart to the home of your mothers...bring the Heart!" Zeoll sees the party's dark nemesis, Vargas. Behind him someone, something big and terrible, cloaked in black. The stench is terrible. The bard takes a step forward, the heart of Tomi in his arms, his beloved homeland of Liontaur Island before him. With each step forward, the beating of the sacred relic grows weaker. Zeoll can feel it grow cold. See it shrivel. Vargas leans back his great dark head, opens his mouth, and laughs."}
"Grubs up!" calls a voice recognizable as one of the crew. "Cabbage 'an 'neeps!" Some of the crew line up, bashed tin plates in hand. None of them looks too happy about the prospect of breakfast.
Winterglade Friday November 3rd, 2006 2:58:19 AM
"Thanks Flat-top. That's an useful thing to have, that tattoo of yours."
Winterglade yawns and then hiccups.
"Sorry. It's the sea. Winterglade didn't stuff anything in his stomach, but still he feels queasy."
"Good grief. One more cloak and Winterglade will run out of materials to make more. Good thing we are going to visit a port soon. With the price we paid for the map and related expenses Winterglade lost more than he gained as far as equipment goes, too."
The centaur sighs and threads a needle. "Well, this last cloak won't make itself..."
Flat-top Friday November 3rd, 2006 7:51:48 AM
Flat-top is very tired, in fact all he seem to see is Nets all over the place. untangle one then mending it, ect. ect. Until wll he coule think of is giving Winterglade a few nets for his project. So he leans on the haul near Winterglade's project, goes into a half sleep.
"Z Z Z" snores Flat-top "Yes1 Z Z I'll go Z Z with you to the Catacumbs!" Flat-top sleep on glowing like a thousand Fireflies.
Zeoll Friday November 3rd, 2006 11:03:10 AM
When Zeoll wakes up, his friends see that his face is pale and grim.
"We arre making a terrrible mistake." he says. "If we take the Healed Hearrt to Liontaurr Isle, it will be in grreat dangerr!"
"The Lorrd of Filth himself will rreach out and touch it!"
"We must change ourr courrse!"
Brahmah Friday November 3rd, 2006 2:48:15 PM
Brahmah doesn't hesitate. He goes immediately to the captain. "We must halt our journey to Wemic island. We must turn away from this course."
"Is there a way we can follow that ship which left the Doctor's harbor?"
"Zeoll, any idea of which course we should take? I really think finding the archer or that other ship is the way to go. I never wanted to go to Wemic Isle anyway!"
Zeoll Friday November 3rd, 2006 6:39:54 PM
"We must go therre, to Liontaurr Isle, I am surre. We just cannot brring the Hearrt. We need to stash it someplace safe."
Toros Friday November 3rd, 2006 8:33:00 PM
"Could we leave the Heart to the Catacombs for safety for sometime, with a suitable prize couldn't they accept it?"
Toros - OOC Friday November 3rd, 2006 9:33:02 PM
After Brahmah had played and completed the DFR game, Toros also did so for the DFR2 that JohnP has DMed. So I guess this would mean all the Chosen has earned some more good golds to spend at Catacombs after the one they get from Brahmah's contribution!?!
I was wondering if it would be possible not only to tell the exact amount of this earning from Toros' contribution for all concerned, but also similarly, remind us how much each Chosen has earned from Brahmah's participation in the DFR game...
Winterglade Saturday November 4th, 2006 3:57:48 AM
"Well, in this case, maybe the Heart should be left with the Taurs at Home Island? Winterglade has never been there; in fact, he has never heard about the place until you mentioned it. Would they be able to protect it adequately?"
Gecktar Saturday November 4th, 2006 4:45:05 AM
As Gecktar wake up, his first thought is about the Heart of Domi. Looking into his bag he search for it.
Hearing Zeoll's words he says "Zeoll's right. There is a danger that we loose the heart ! I had a dream... It was about the Healed Heart. Bringing it to the Lion's Isle may be dangerous...
But I don't know who sends me these dreams. It could even be Vargas... To make us go back and loose some precious time.
I think I may have a way to divine the course of fate. I just hope that Domi will be able and willing to answer.
While preparing his spells in the morning he prays for acquiring Divination and cast it.
Isolating himself he takes a meditative posture and begin to recite prayers.
While casting the spell he asks his Patron "What will happen if we took the Healed Heart to Lion's Isle"
Cayzle OOC Saturday November 4th, 2006 7:48:07 AM
Yes, it would be very helpful (as we get closer to civilization) to hear again the total prize money from the DRF games. I think the full list of participants (with their levels at the time) is: Brahmah (level 6-7?), Zeoll (level6), and Toros (level 6-7?). Am I missing anybody?
DM Bob and Carla Sunday November 5th, 2006 12:06:46 AM Zeoll and Gecktar share their different dreams, with the party over breakfast. It is agreed that Liontaur Island is the party's eventual destination, for they are quite sure the Black Sword is hidden there. It appears, however, that bringing the Healed Heart of Domi along with them is a VERY bad idea. Brahmah calls for the ship to reverse its course, while Winterglade suggests bringing the sacred relic to the Chosen's home: Hearthold Keep on Bridge Island.
"Bridge Island!" yells the captain of the Scorpius, "isn't that where we be heading yesterday?! We would be there by now if you had said so yesterday!" The captain continues to fume, "I'll bring you there, but afterwards yer on yer own! One of me mates be holed up there with her ship an' crew. Meybe she takes yer where yer wants to go, once yer figger it out!"
While Captain Requin rants about the fickleness of her passengers, Gecktar seeks some divine guidance. The minotaur has a vision: Highlight to display spoiler: { he sees himself collecting the sacred heart as the Chosen prepare to flee after that terrible day when the priests demanded that the unitaur children be handed over to them....then, he sees Ginal, the female centaur priestess that stayed behind to tend to Domi's temple. She is moving about the empty chamber where a small fire in a metal basin burns sweet smelling grass. The walls, once cold stone, are now draped in soft tapestries. Ginal sings as she goes about her business of cleaning and purifying the chamber.}
Flat-Top dreams of the Catacomb and Toros wonders if that famous establishment would be a safe place to store a sacred relic.
(OOC: You can shop at the Catacombs in order to help get your PC sheets up to date, however delivery will have to wait! BTW, 3 chests containing gold from the DFR adventures has been delivered to the home of the Chosen (total 27,000 GP, or 4500 GP per player-thanks to Brahmah, Toros, and Zeoll.-DM Bob and Carla)
Toros Sunday November 5th, 2006 1:16:34 AM
Once the destination is decided - nomatter which island it is - with the signs from Chosen's God and sighs from the Scorpius' captain, Toros feels relief for his own and Chosen's sake so that he could use his cleric competencies to identify some of the magical items retrieved from the departed island without much difficulty. Having distinguished the magical items with "Detect Magic," his relieved mind allows the wemic to focus his divine energy to identify the properties of the magical items in more detail. When he is done with one magical item identification, he meditates to replenish his divine energy and continues with identification of another magic item.
(OOC: Cast Detect Magic and then Identify (Magic Domain Cleric Spell), meditate as long as necessary to regain his spell on one detected item, and cast the spell again on another item, continue as many as he can do.
How many hours would Toros need to regain the divine energy for one domain spell? Would it be same as or shorter than the eight hours required to do this for all the cleric spells??)
Winterglade Sunday November 5th, 2006 4:44:20 AM
[4500 gp per character? This is splendid! Gilles, when you claim your share please add 2300 gp to it, I will take only 2200. Thanks again for helping me in a hour of need!]
Winterglade continues his crafting efforts. There is certain calming quality to this repetitive work, something that helps him put his mind off the fact that he is, and in the foreseeable future will be again, travelling by ship.
Brahmah Sunday November 5th, 2006 6:34:02 PM
OOC: I believe I have already spent my portion and that the goods purchased with said gold were recently stolen.
Posting Reports for Monday November 6th, 2006 7:10:47 AM
Game # 7 The Chosen of Domi For the week of Oct 30,2006
Adm Ceil - I wonder where those new Bees are, We're hoping from islant to Island.
Zeoll Monday November 6th, 2006 2:17:03 PM
The liontaur is sorry to see the captain all unruffled, but tries to be diplomatic. "Yes, you werre rright. We should have listened to you in the firrst place!"
[OOC: What is the Captain's name again?]
Zeoll asks Gecktar how much he owes him. "Will 2,500 or 3,000 gold be enough?"
He is eager to get back to Bridge Island ... the only place he can call home, and with years past since he has been there.
Brahmah Monday November 6th, 2006 3:51:41 PM
The minotaur can hardly keep himself composed. He is getting agitated. At this point, he goes off to quarters and sits.
Gecktar Monday November 6th, 2006 3:58:53 PM
After some time of meditating Gecktar relates the vision Domi has send him.
"I've seen Ginal, the priestss. I think she has taken care of the sanctuary. The Heart should be safe in the Hearthold Keep."
Gecktar answers to Zeoll, "The exact sum is 2142 gold pieces, Zeoll."
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