Snipits. (DM Jim) Monday January 29th, 2007 10:20:36 PM
Tishe' uses her spell and soon is privy to some of the conversation that is going on inside. She catches bits and pieces about a missing pack...big trouble all around...crazy Bloodpack and being thrown out of city.
The others seem to be relaxing as they wait for them to be admitted into the audience chamber itself.
Murdock Tuesday January 30th, 2007 9:56:28 AM
Murdock nods his thanks at the explainations provided to him. He then waits patiently with the others.
Tishe' Tuesday January 30th, 2007 12:50:06 PM
OOC: Sorry, accidentally put this as Private Post :)
Tishe' drinks her clairaudience potion and listens to the conversation on the other side, dutifully reporting what her "ears" are telling her.
"There is a missing pack, couldn't be Jenny's or Trellus' mother would have said something... someone said 'big trouble all around', but don't know if that means in or out of Rattledam...'crazy Bloodpack', that's gotta be Galafar... 'being thrown out of city'...
She continues to listen
Posting Report Tuesday January 30th, 2007 8:02:28 PM
Posting Report for Game 10 for the week of Jan 22 - 27
Name MTWTF
DM JimW XXXXO
Trellus XXXXO
Tishe XXXXO
Jake XXXXO
Gilan XXOXO
Grymash OXXXO
Flea XXOXO
Murdock XXOXO
[X = post, O = no post]
ADM Note - Not too shabby.
Trellus Tuesday January 30th, 2007 8:06:35 PM
Assuming Tishe passes on what she hears, Trellus just nods along.
"Not much new there."
He gives Murdock a grin. "Half of 'em don't like us much. We weave horrible picks like asking 'Why?' and looking for new ways to do things. The other half like us 'cause we get the job done. Plus they probably know stuff is going on out there and we know about some of it."
"Best pick is just talk nice and let them yell at each other."
The cleric's eyes flick over to Jake and Grymash. He grins. "Course, we don't weave the best pick much."
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday January 30th, 2007 9:01:36 PM
Gilan snorts from his place against the wall. "That is an understatment...it seems the last time we left it was yelling at Galafar." A smile appears on his face though as he speaks and it is a memory that he likes. "We should try to at least behave this time." The flash in his eyes tells a different story and he absently touches the ring that is now hanging around his neck.
Ciaran stands and turns in place a few times before he takes a seat upon the floor again. He butts his brother's hand and then licks his fingers.
Lost piggies. (DM Jim) Wednesday January 31st, 2007 12:09:11 AM
The door to the council chamber opens slowly and a monk walks out. "The council will see you now." He moves back into the room and takes a place off to the side of the chamber.
The large oval room is nicely furnished, with many bookshelves lining the walls. The floor rises a good foot and that is where the council is seated at a horseshoe shaped table. You even now stand in the dipped area that is formed as they look down upon you from their seats. Noone looks happy, except for Galafar who is seated with that same smug look upon his face. Off to the side you notice on one of the lounging chairs the form of that stranger from outside Rattledam. He is laying face up but makes no shows of movement and all the minutes that you might have been watching him...he has not blinked.
The council leader leans forward to steeple his arms in front of him. "I see that you have returned. You will give a full report now before the council as to what you have been doing this past year. As you know we only sent you after the thing that rode the giant spider away from here." Galafar clears his throat and speaks up. "It might be wise to use other methods to find this information. This pack has a tendency to hold things back." You notice that he has a rather large piece of quartz in front of him on the table. It is about the size of Grymash's head and clear in color. It is at this time that you notice that Malafret's chair is empty and she is not inattendance at the council meeting.
Grymash Wednesday January 31st, 2007 1:37:46 AM
Grymash leans over to Trellus and asks, "Is dat da spider Gry ate? Gry remembers eatin' uh big spider." The big half-orc scratches his chin as he reminisces the chase they had with the guy on the spider mount. "Gry thinks it taste shady gute... nutty-like. Hmmm! yeah, like sun-dried goober nuts!"
Murdock Wednesday January 31st, 2007 10:05:49 AM
Murdock hold s back as the rest of the pack enters. He takes up a position at the rear of the group. The drow knows little about this council, but has seen the likes of Galafar before.
At Galafar's suggestion, the young drow's face flushes with anger. He speaks from the back of the group, addressing the leader of the council, "Most Honored Chairman, if you would hear the report of the Bloodpack, it would be much easier to tell it, if the honored council member would shut his trap!" The drow levels his angry gaze on Galafar.
Trellus Wednesday January 31st, 2007 2:46:59 PM
Malafret's empty seat is not a good sign. Neither is the mind-wiped dude on the ottoman.
Trellus closes his eyes for a moment at Murdock's outburst, but makes no other indication that he's at all bothered by what the drow has said. Similiarly, the cleric ignores Galafar's statement. In fact, he ignores Galafar altogether.
He also skips over the customary bow, and instead launches into the short version of his report. Its gonna be bright, so might as well get the facts out there.
"The spider dude was an avatar of the Dark Fae King. We defeated it, but it seems the King has returned and he has a lot of power over nature. His return is probably why the rapke and bounders are more active."
"The avatar's last act was to somehow teleport us into the middle of the Sargass. We stumbled about for a while, and ended up at a manfri house. We took part in a Kall'a'tek, and saved the tribe from extinction at the hands of the Barons."
"The manfri elder gave us directions to a coastal village. When we got there, we found the village under seige by giant crabs. Sorta like the avatar's spider, only armored and bigger. It sounds like the whole coast of the eastern Sargass is being threatened by strange beasts. No one knows where they come from, but they nearly wiped that fishing village out. We drove off the crabs."
"Then we found out another village had some of its children kidnapped. We went to help, and discovered the Oglian are real and have returned. We went into one of their nests, and learned that some group called the Red Claws has allied with the Oglian. We heard the Red Claw dude tell the Oglian Queen he had insiders operating in Rattledam, and could open up our town to the Oglian whenever they wanted."
"We killed some of the Oglian, and rescued the kids. Then we caught a merchant ship back here."
Trellus is done. He looks at the council chair expectantly, and starts counting in his head, idly wondering if he'll be able to get to five before Galafar denounces the whole story.
Jake Wednesday January 31st, 2007 5:20:17 PM
Jake keeps to the back of the group, figuring he might be able to avoid giving the pack some of its usual bad image. He looks about the council, and seeing Malafret gone blinks. He puts a hand on Murdock's shoulder and whispers, "Murdock, cool down! Malafret's gone... um, we could be in trouble here." Jake is really nervous, as that is really bad news.
Tishe' Wednesday January 31st, 2007 5:37:35 PM
For only the second time, Tishe' walks into the Council chamber in Rattledam. The first time was within a day of her first arriving and she was inducted into the First Circle. She is uneasy and keeps quiet through the speaches of the two Elders. The brown eyes are worried and she nods with Jake; the missing Malafret is bad... real bad.
Tishe' wishes for the comforting hulk of Mac, but without the minotaur, she stands as serenely as possible next to Gilan and Flea.
"Elder", she curtsies as she was taught by her mother who had once been from Rattledam, "everyone we have encountered has seen changes in the Sargrass; the Manfri, the villagers, the merchants who sail the Sargrass, and even to the wharfs of HookCity."
She pauses for a second then adds, "and we have spoken to none in Rattledam of anything we have seen except to you."
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday February 1st, 2007 12:02:53 AM
Gilan is shocked by the open display of hostility from Galafar in front of the rest of the council, but then again Malafret is not there. She was always a voice of reason in these times and the sudden outburst of Murdock made him groan. Muttering to himself he shakes his head. "Light, we are in for it now." He can see the hammer poised to strike and knows that they may soon end up right next to the floppish man on the couch.
Ciaran is laying on the floor and watching with some interest. He can feel the tension and anger that is brewing between his pack and these others. It sets his hair to standing on end but he makes no moves. His brother does not seem overly concerned...yet.
Burden of proof. (DM Jim) Thursday February 1st, 2007 12:34:13 AM
The council leader first glares at Galafar with an arched eyebrow. "We shall see." He then lets his eyes settle upon Murdock with a slight touch of anger. "You do know that to speak to one of the council that way could very well get your mind erased." It is not a question but a statement of fact as the council leader continues to stare down Murdock. He glances at the man on the lounging couch as if to make a point.
He lets it drop, for now, as Trellus speaks up. He takes in the full report with an expression of understanding and maybe just a little hint of doubt at the end. It is Galafar that speaks first though. "It may well be true that this aberration that came to Rattledam was some avatar of this Fae King and that he sent you away with the last of his magic...you have a way of coming out on top in most fights...but you would seriously expect this council to believe that a...a...a fairy tale has come to the grass?" He snorts as he settles back into his seat and laughs openly. You can see doubt upon the other council members' faces as well, all but the council leader. He leans forward and then shakes his head at Galafar. "You have proof of this...anything at all?" He seems interested, scared, doubtful and maybe just a little worried as well.
The council leader shakes his hand at the others to quiet them and keeps his eyes focused on Trellus, not blinking. "The Oglian are legend to all...only written of in ancients texts and fairy tales. The Redclaws are a group of destructive druids, rangers and like minded evil monsters of long ago as well. If you have proof...you must present it now." Galafar laughs as he looks to the council leader. "You cannot tell me that you are going to believe this story...this story of long dead societies and nightmare monsters, intended to scare kids." The sharp look from the council leader shuts him up quick though and he shakes his head.
[Int DC 8:Someone may remember the broken urn, the necklace from around the partially shapechanged woman's neck, not the one that Trellus now wears, or the mushroom pieces that Jake has in his pack.]
Murdock d20+5=10 Thursday February 1st, 2007 9:11:39 AM
Murdock, not particularly frightened by the man, never the less understands that he needs to shut his own trap. The drow glares back at the man in defiance, and then shifts his gaze to Trellus, when the report starts.
When the council begins to ask for proof, the drow knows it is his time again. Murdock remembers (Int Check DC=10) that he has in his possesion the Urn with the necromanic dirt in it. If they are asking for proof, maybe this is the proof that they seek. He opens his pack and pulls our the broken urn, with its dirt. He walks to the front of the group and hands it to Trellus, saying quietly, "They ask for proof......"
Tishe' d20+4=7 Thursday February 1st, 2007 9:32:37 AM
Tishe' is too distracted by the hatred of Galafar to think of the pieces of stuff they retrieved from the Oglian caverns. "If only I had scraped some of the glowing fungus off the walls!" she laments.
"The only thing I have to show is my memories of the Oglian and Red Claws", she tells Trellus loud enough for others to hear. "If the Council can erase memories, can they also see into our minds to get the information?"
Trellus' gaze glance over at Galafar and then back at the council elder. His first thought is not very complimentary -
Light, dude. If I'da known you'd want proof, I'da had Gry carry in the piggie's head for you. Fortunately, he stifles the retort before it escapes his lips.
Murdock's whispered comment brings his mind back to task at hand. The blond haired man reaches into his own sack to remove the necklace that druid was wearing. "Jake, you got any of them mushrooms?" he asks. "Gry, you take any trophies?" - The dude could have a mandible stuck somewhere. You never know with Gry.
Trellus steps forward, presenting what he has.
"We found this stuff on some of the bodies in the nest. The Oglian are keeping people locked up in the nest." He fixes Galafar with his gaze, and his tone drops defiantly. "Breeding them for foodstock like they were prairie pigs or something."
"This mushroom came from another one of their caves. Um, be careful with it. Loud noises make it explode."
Flea d20+5=20 Thursday February 1st, 2007 8:00:26 PM
When Murdock moves to Trellus, Flea moves to the front of the pack. "We did!" She insists, "we really did fight the Oglian!" With a ringing *shwing* she unsheathes her holy short-sword, and launches into an animated retelling of the battle to free the children of Ironholme.
"...an' I skirted 'round the side to get to the kids, but the ant-worker-guy got me in his pinchers!" Flea makes a face, and twisting her her body and contorting her face, she continues the pantomime, "take that! And that!" she hacks at an imaginary foe as she dances around at the foot of the council dias, then folds over, and staggers back and forth, back and forth as if trying to find her way to the Shadowlands.
Stopping dead center of the floor, she waves her sword casually in the drow's direction. "If it wasn't for Murdock coming in, and saving me just in the nick of time, I'd be tellin' this to Gargul his'self 'stead of you!" With this announcement, Flea pulls her shirt up to reveal her waist, and the thin silvery scars about her midrif...permanant reminders of the Oglian's pinchers.
Her performance over, Flea bows deeply, and steps back to join her friends.
Perform=20
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday February 1st, 2007 10:24:03 PM
Gilan is glad that someone brought back stuff that they could use for proof. Not that any of this would be good enough for Galafar, but the rest of the council...it should be.
He groans as Flea falls into her own telling of what happened. He is just glad that she is careful with that sword of hers. It would not be well to get cut at a time like this.
Ciaran as usual has fallen asleep and is even now lightly snoring as the group tries to get themselves out of trouble.
Grymash Thursday February 1st, 2007 10:30:44 PM "Hmmm, trophies?! Oh, Gry gots some!" The barbarian pulls out his necklace from under this breastplate. "Heres, Gry gots red dragon fang, an rapke teeth." Then Grymash pulls off his haversack and opens one of the smaller pockets. "Heres feathers from da battlebird dat weez ate. Heres da bones an furry skins froms dat tasty grass-eater Gry shot wit an arrow. Gry make divinin' bones froms it. Fors when talkin' ta Gargul. SEE?!" Grymash presents them. Then he opens another pocket. "Heres uh soup spoon wit da uhh... ole Alemi family crust on its. Dat whut da smart man say it be when Gry tooks it to uh shop of books. Dat Alemi dude no see Gry takes it but Alemi's friend, Domi, almost do." Grymash's eyes suddenly widen with finally realizing what he just said. He quickly glances toward Trellus. "Hey, dat dude has dat gods same name!! The one dat Trellus pray too! Dat weird or whut?!" Then the barbarian returns to pulling out more items. "Dis be uh scale froms Gry's pretty dragon woman, Grand Maw." Grymash smells it and sighs with a bit of sadness. "Dis be uh rapke jawbone. Dis be uh big shiny red ruby rock." Gry then holds the jewel to his ear and says, "Rock talks ta Gry!"
Grymash then opens the larger flap on his haversack. He pulls out his old double axe. "Dis be Gry's old double axe. Lord Gargul holds it when last Gry see Lord Gargul. But evers since, da wooden handle comes alive agains an sproutin' leaves. SEE!? Gry no use it no mores." Gry then starts pulling out one skull after another, "Dis be uh head bone. Dis be nuther head bone. Nuther head bone. Nuther head bone. Dis one wit da horns, Gry no knows whut it was!" After a little extra digging, he comes up empty handed. "Gry had uh big chunk of what these dudes call ICE! But Gry no find dat any mores. Gry think Jake takes it!" Grymash turns to give Jake an evil stare. Then he continues pulling things out. "Ahhh, dis be da big spider claw dat came from da big water ... SEE!? Want ta see mores?"
Not good. (DM Jim) Friday February 2nd, 2007 12:03:46 AM
The council elder watches as the group brings forth several items that could be proof. He takes the pendant and turns it over looking at it and nods his head. "This is of an old order...one that should have died out long ago." Looking to the other coucil members he passes it along. Some of them nod there heads while others seem confused. Galafar takes the pendant last and sighs. "There is not way they could have made this thing up...though they could have found it anywhere." He falls into a trancelike state as he rubs the pendant between his thumb and forefinger.
The broken jar is snatched up by a rather large council member who looks at the group with alarmed eyes. "Where did you get this?" He brings it close to his nose and sniffs. As his eyes flash up you get the idea that some form of silent communication is going on betweent he council as a whole. The large man motions a monk over and whispers to him, handing over the jar. The monk is soon gone out a back door in the council chamber, the door closing with a click.
The display that Flea puts on is not accepted too well as it is just more of the same talk and they have no idea if she tells the truth. The scars to look to be rather new and could be proof, but they could have just as easily been gotten by the crabs they say they battled. It is the council leader that speaks first. "There are ways to pick things from you minds but we only do that on rare occassions and I think we have the proof we need."
Galafar lays his hand upon the gem that is seated before him and images from the pendant come to life. It seems to bear some of the fate of it's owner still in it and as it plays out there is not doubt that the Oglian are back...but changed.
The council leader calls another monk forward and he lays a small chest upon the table that is seated before the Bloodpack. "What is inside will compensate you for the broken jar...for it is more dangerous than you know." Galafar, trying to gain some leverage speaks up now. "You had better make sure they did not keep any of the dirt that was inside or the jar itself." He gives the Bloodpack a nasty look as he speaks.
The council leader shakes his head and then turns to the pack. "No we will believe them this time...but I will allow for three questions...but not guarantee the answers." He waits as he studies each of you in turn.
[listen DC 24 to hear any of the conversation between the large council member and the monk before he left with the broken urn.]
Flea d20+11=28 Friday February 2nd, 2007 10:03:24 AM
Flea catches snatches of what the two council monks say, and turning her back to them, she huddles with the Bloodpack and tells them what she has heard.
In a very quiet voice, Flea volunteers some suggestions for the 3 questions the pack are allowed. "Ask 'em whats behind the golden door in the tunnels under the fountain, Trellus...or...or ask 'em about the circles, like...um...how many there are, an' who is really in charge. Or," the rogue continues, "why they don't let trees grow on the plains, or what is so mysterious about the "Chrystal Mountains". Flea's eyes shift from side to side, "or maybe, ask 'em where Malafret is..."
Flea does not ask any of these questions out loud or direct them to the council members. She waits for the pack to agree on what is important first.
Murdock d20+7=12 Friday February 2nd, 2007 12:09:40 PM
Murdock scowls but manages to contain his anger at what he percieves as a blatent theft of HIS magical dirt. He misses out completely on the brief exchange between the council member and the monk.
Murdock waits for Flea to be finished, and then with a scowl etched into his fine features, speaks quietly to the bloodpack, "Perhaps you can ask them, What the dirt is and why they feel the need to trade it away from me?"
The brooding dark elf then looks over at the chest, hoping that the trade being forced upon him is worthwhile.
Trellus d20+10=16 Friday February 2nd, 2007 7:49:00 PM
Trellus shakes his head ruefully as Grymash answers his question. ANT trophies! he mentally berates himself. I shoulda said ANT trophies.
Flea's performance earns her a quick wink from the cleric. He thought it was pretty good.
[Listen 16] He doesn't catch what the monk's said, but listens intently to Flea's report.
Three questions? Trellus doesn't know where to start. Murdock's got a good one, though.
"What was in the jar?" he asks, followed by Flea's suggestion.
"We know of the second circle, and can guess there is a third. Each circle has a purpose beyond the others, which I'm thinking goes way past keeping Rattledam's people safe. And you want us to go around weaving picks without ever telling us what's really going on. So, well, that's what we want to know. What are you REALLY trying to do on the Sargass?"
The cleric thinks a moment, and decides two questions are enough. He nods to Gilan. "You ask 'em one."
Tishe' Friday February 2nd, 2007 8:02:37 PM
The brown-haired girl nods at the chairman's words, visibly relieved that the monks will not be going into her head for thier proof. "It is a small step from 'looking' to 'erasing' memories", she says with a exhalation of breath.
Tishe' thinks furiously about a question, but fails to come up with any further suggestions. "Perhaps the answers to the first two may suggest a third?"
Gilan and Ciaran Monday February 5th, 2007 7:44:31 PM
Gilan shakes his head and then turns to listen to Trellus as he asks the first of two questions. As he announces the intent to allow Gilan to ask the last question...a big one pops into his mind but he holds back. A saddness is reflected on his face as he shakes his head. "Tishe' is right...that answer to the first two may supply a third question...I will not waste it on something trivial and not for the group." He will also not allow anyone else to waste the question on his behalf.
Ciaran continues to keep his place near his brother and wait to be let outside again.
Grymash Monday February 5th, 2007 8:26:15 PM "Huh!? No like Gry's trophies?!" Grymash doesn't take the news well. He looks visibly angry now. "Gry no remembers goin' in da ant cave da first times. Pack say Jake made Gry too dumb ta act right. Something 'bout mushroom trap! Then weez go agains and Gry had ta run out before it all falls in on da pack. No times ta get ant pieces! Humphf!!"
Grymash becomes even more incensed. "An dat Red Claw coward, sunbaked, piggie welp! Gry still owe dat batard to da worms an Gargul. If Gry can shout da piggie back ta life so Gry can kills agains ... GRY WOULD!!"
Two of three. (DM Jim) Monday February 5th, 2007 11:51:23 PM
The council leader sits back in his chair and nods his head. "There are a number of circles and even circles within the circles. Most are protectors of Rattledam...some like yourselves who have been initiated...others like the other packs that act through their own wishes but with suttle guidance. Then their are other circles that deal with the protection of our way of life and the grasses themselves...but most of those are far beyond your reach right now." His eyes twinkle as he gives a slight smile. "For now." He has skiped the question of the jar to answer the second question instead. "The jar contains something both dangerous and beneficial at the same time...that is all that I will say upon the jar." He does not say anymore and the look upon his face tells you that you had better not press the issue. He waits for the last question although you get the impression that he is growing impatient to be on with the reason you are still here and being allowed three questions. In fact that should be a surprise to you as...questions are not allowed in Rattledam.
[Flea caught the following to pass along. ->Take the jar beyond the gate. It is dangerous so be very careful with it. Keep this secret.]
Murdock Tuesday February 6th, 2007 9:47:39 AM
The drow thinks the council leader mad, after listening to the gibberish about circles. So when the dirt is finally brought up again, Murdock is not expecting alot, and fortunately his expectations are right on target. Still, the mage has one other course of action, he knows there is a outpost of the starmages here, and perhaps, he will pay them a visit.
Jake d20+2=5 Tuesday February 6th, 2007 11:51:28 AM
The thin half-elf scratches his chin, thinking about what to ask. He's thought of a few questinos, but really isn't sure which is best to ask. He whispers some to Trellus. "We could ask where Malafret is. Or, we could ask what your sis and the other packs are up to... Or, we could ask questions about Rattledam we've wondered about, like the history of its existence, or more about these myths that seem to keep on coming true and really do exist..."
Posting Report - ADM MikeK Tuesday February 6th, 2007 12:59:51 PM
Posting Report for Game 10 for the week of Jan 29 - Feb 2
Name MTWTF
DM JimW XXXXO
Trellus XXXXO
Tishe XXXXO
Jake OXOOO
Gilan XXXOX
Grymash OXXOX
Flea OOXXO
Murdock XXXXO
[X = post, O = no post] ADM Note - Seem to have lost Jake last week
Trellus Tuesday February 6th, 2007 4:12:39 PM
The blond haired cleric lays a restraining hand on Grymash's enormous forearm. He speaks softly but intently into the half-orc's ear. "Its shady, Gry. Warp down for Domi's sake. We'll get another turn with the Red Claw. Just please warp down. We don't wanna cut Grass again," he hisses, reminding Gry of a very boring and tedius penalty the two dealt with several years ago.
The council elder answers the questions in typical beater fashion. Trellus shares a look of disgust with Gilan.
"Why is our teacher Malafret missing from this session?" he asks abruptly.
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday February 6th, 2007 8:22:53 PM
Gilan shares the feelings and look with Trellus, as he rolls his own eyes. Wow, what an answer that turned out to be...but then he never figured to get too much of a straight answer anyways.
With a nod, he is happy with the last question that Trellus has asked. It was the one that he would have asked as well...if he had been thinking straight. Still there is a inkling of something in the back of his mind that tells him this will not turn out for the best. "I still do not like the fact that she is not here." He whispers so that hopefully only the pack will hear him.
Flea d20+9=26 d20+6=15 d20+14=20 Tuesday February 6th, 2007 9:22:55 PM
Flea kind of slides to the side of the room where the monk-type made his exit. She keeps a low profile, acting on the the pretense that she is just checking something interesting in a casual kind of way.(Bluff=15, Move Silently=20))
What the rogue is really trying to do, is get an idea in which direction the guy with their jar, and their magic dirt is heading. (Spot=26)
The wasted question. (DM Jim) Tuesday February 6th, 2007 11:51:50 PM
The council leader sits back in his chair and you can see his eyes flash with laughter. You have to wonder if there is some hidden joke going on here. Then as he begins to speak you realize why he eyes danced with laughter. "Councilor Malafret is away on a mission with one of the packs of Rattledam. They are a rather new pack to have come out, gifted and all females." He looks to the heavy set councilor who speaks. "They have named themselves the Floral Fatales and went to check out a rumor of druids some distance from the city. This group went to check it out." The council elder smiles as he steeples his hands upon the table and leans forward. "Councilor Malafret was with them when they left and they have not reported in yet." If this was not enough to send the pack off on this mission, he adds a little extra to the pot. "Your sister was among the pack...she is a Floral Fatales." This last is aimed to Trellus as his eyes never leave the clerics.
Flea moves over to try and track the monk that left but the doorway that he left through seems to be solid blackness after going in about six feet. Then the door closes and you hear an audible click. Only Galafar seems to notice that Flea is looking at and for things that should be left alone. Though he says nothing, he does give that creepy smile of his.
Tishe' Wednesday February 7th, 2007 12:12:24 AM
The spellweaver opens her mouth to ask a question, but realizes that she has been woolgathering, and the question has been asked and answered. "Although, I was going to ask where Jenny was, and it looks like that was answered at the same time."
Since the Council looks like they still want to give more information to the Bloodpack, the plain-faced woman keeps quiet. She only moves over next to Murdock and murmurs, "beaters", slightly nodding at the Council.
Murdock Wednesday February 7th, 2007 10:01:16 AM
Murdock understands that he will need to start educating the pack in the use of the drow's silent hand code, so that in situations like this, they can communicate privately. He nods to Tishe', in agreement. These people truely deserve that term, the drow thinks to himself.
Murdock sees Trellus and the council leader their eyes locked in some battle. The news the council leader has announced seems to demand a response, but truely Trellus is the leader of the pack, and only he can answer for the pack. To Murdocks eyes, Trellus seems stunned and unable to speak what needs to be spoken.
"How long has it been since the new pack and Malafret has reported in, and do you need us to go out after them?" Murdock directs at the council leader, trying to break the stair between Trellus and the council leader.
Jake Wednesday February 7th, 2007 1:54:39 PM
Jake speaks softly to the rest of the group, enough that a councilman could hear them but it obviously isn't addressed to them. "Well, can't be too bad. Malafret, she ain't no grasseater, she's tuffer 'n a hungry rapke. Ah'm sure your little bratty sister will be okay." Jake's soft, joking words are meant to remind Trellus secretly that Malafret is more powerful than anyone else they know... The thin half-elf looks over to the unconscious man, he wants to ask about the guy...but he could get in trouble so very easily. He stays silent.
Trellus Wednesday February 7th, 2007 4:49:23 PM
Trellus' lips thin as he presses them together in suppressed anger.
Tricked again. Led down a road like a three year old instead of spoken to like an equal. 'Act through their own wishes but with subtle guidance', my eye. Why is 'would you mind going and rescuing this pack' so sunblindingly difficult for these beaters?
By the time the cleric is through with his mental tirade, Murdock has stepped into the gap and asked the obvious question.
"And have you any information - that you will give us - that will help us in our search?" he adds in a strained voice.
Grymash Wednesday February 7th, 2007 8:32:40 PM
Grymash continues to mumble, "thay no like gry trophies. say pot of dirt betters thans dragon tooth ... bahh! thays all go bites da short grass all gry cares!"
Grymash begins to put all this valuables back in his haversack.
Tishe' Wednesday February 7th, 2007 9:15:53 PM
Almost holding her breath, Tishe' tucks a stray lock of wavy brown hair behind one ear as she awaits the Council's response.
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday February 7th, 2007 9:19:19 PM
Gilan cannot bite back his own laughter as the situation unfolds. This whole deal is laughable and they are at the center of the joke. The monks are always suttle in their guidance all right...not really. They just always want you to come to the decision to help, even when you are not really given a choice.
"Light, you make it sound like we have a choice." He looks to Trellus and arches an eyebrow. Did he just say that outloud?
Flea Wednesday February 7th, 2007 11:20:21 PM
When the monk gives Flea that creepy smile, as if he is reading the gnome's mind...Flea looses her nerve, and slides back over to stand beside her friends. The rogue hopes the council won't keep them too much longer.
Cat and mouse no more. (DM Jim) Thursday February 8th, 2007 12:32:18 AM
The council leader sits back in his chair, having broken out in laughter. "You are right Councilor Galafar, they are a bunch of insolent pups." He turns his hardened eyes back upon the pack and you can sense a totally different feel to the council chamber. "That may have to be addressed in the future." Looking over each he shrugs his shoulders though as he speaks.
"They have been gone for three months now, but have not reported in for only three weeks. That is long enough to make us worry and seeing as how Councilor Malafret is with them...doubly so." His gaze turns to Murdock and he does not let it leave him. "You will go and see what is the problem and you will return to us with whatever information that you can get." His voice has hardened and he seems to be tiring of the game that is being played here.
Glancing to Trellus he nods his head. "Once you leave the city you should head to the northeast. You will run into a strange area in the grass that is not like any other." He glances to the young man layed out on the divan and shrugs. "If this one is not telling stories that is." You get the impression that he does not believe this to be the case though.
Murdock Thursday February 8th, 2007 9:56:45 AM
The drow returns the stare of the councils leader, he is older than this human, and knows more of the world, he is willing to bet. The flicker in the drows eye should tell this impertinent human that one day, this drow will get even. Murdock holds the mans stare for as long as he needs to.
After the cowardly human breaks eye contact, Murdock simply nods his head and goes to retrieve the chest that acts as payment for his magical dirt. A slight smile upon his face.
Trellus Thursday February 8th, 2007 10:48:36 AM
Trellus catches Murdock's power play and sighs softly in resignation.
"We'll be happy to help," he responds, pretending they had some choice in the matter. Glancing at the man on the bench, the cleric tries a different tack. "If he knows where the Floral Fatales were last seen, could he act as a guide for us?"
Regardless of the answer, the session is obviously over. Trellus nods in acceptance and motions for the group to leave. At the last moment, he turns to ask one more question. "Elder, if you would, is Kaili a Floral Fatale?"
Flea Thursday February 8th, 2007 8:19:38 PM
Flea weaves in behind her pack-mates, towards the back where Jake and Grymash are hanging out. "'course we'll go," she whispers low and scowling, " 'cuz its Malafret and Jenny that needs to be found!"
Tishe' Thursday February 8th, 2007 9:54:51 PM
The plain-faced girl doesn't like the Council, doesn't like the conversation, and doesn't like the situation that the pack has been forced into. Yet her back straightens and head is held higher. The Bloodpack took me in when I was alone. They have woven thier threads together in many battles. Why, Macasthai even jumped into a Great Ranthom's mouth to save me!
Silent, but radiating a protective fierceness, Tishe' follows the Bloodpack out of the chambers.
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday February 8th, 2007 10:45:07 PM
Gilan pats his brother on the head and then turns to leave. He does not wait to be dismissed or anything. "Lets do this one for Malafret." Though he has a knot in his stomache he tries not to show it.
Ciaran stands and then follows his brother out of the room as well.
To save your favorite teacher. (DM Jim) Friday February 9th, 2007 12:35:32 AM
The council leader likes the idea that this pack is getting some extra information, though he does not really care for all the attitude. "The fop said that a strange talking beast moved in the area that we are sending you too. He also said that the whole area was alive." Shaking his head he glances to Gilan. "No, Kaili is not one of those that you go to find." You can tell that something important passes through him as Murdock draws near to the council table to get the chest.
[Murdock:Highlight to display spoiler: {Will DC 40: A fire rips through your brain and you feel that special part of yourself being dragged out. For a minute you can no longer touch any of your abilities, you cannot remember who you are and you find yourself crippled. The sensation passes fast but you are left with the feelings and sensations burned into your brain.]}
As the council elder meets your eyes you know that what just happened was his doing. The spoken rule of not asking too many questions and questioning the ways of the council has just hit you.
A monk is standing at the door waiting for you to leave. He even motions impatiently at the door for you to step through. The council members have silently filed out of the door that the dirt was taken through earlier. You soon find yourselves outside in Rattledam itself. You have a job but how soon to leave upon it. You can tell by the sounds filtering in through the dome that it is night outside in the grasses.
[small chest: 200 platinum coins inside.]
Grymash Friday February 9th, 2007 12:58:18 AM
After leaving the council chamber, Grymash hasn't a clue where to go. His hut is gone. Where all his belongings were kept. Where could they be now. Beneath the water maybe. "Hey, doos pack still haves those hiden places in da caves ... under da water?" He turns to look toward the large pond in town. "Maybe stuff be down theres for da pack?!"
Murdock d20=7 Friday February 9th, 2007 9:01:25 AM
Murdock feels the powerful mental effects, and staggers momentarily as he advances toward the chest. A moan of pain excapes his lips in that instant. This event will indeed be burned into his memory forever. It is the memory of pain and fright etches itself into Murdock's brain. At that moment, Murdock knows things will never be the same. Murdock is subdued and says nothing as they gather their belongings. The torturous ways of these men from Rattledam shall haunt him a long while.
The Drow rouses himself, as the pack exits into the cool night of the dome. "I need something to eat and time to think. Where is this good home cooking that was offered at Trellus's families place?", the drow inquires.
Later that night, after the pack has settled down, he shares with them the special torment the council inflicted upon him. He also vows that such an act, just to maintain obidience, is evil in itself. The drow makes a blood oath, that he will one day free this city of such villians!
Trellus Friday February 9th, 2007 12:46:08 PM
The cleric's eyes flick between the Council Elder and Murdock. Welcome to Rattledam, he think sympathetically.
The group is shooed out.
Trellus nods in agreement with Grymash. "We can all sleep and eat at my house, but first, Gry's got a good idea. Let drop this chest off and then get down there."
The young man refuses to answer any questions about the caves, although from the grin on his face, Murdock (and Tishe?) can tell he's looking forward to it. He leads the group into his room, and instructs the two to 'leave anything you don't want to get wet'.
Sharing a smile with the longer members of the pack, he leads the newbies to the Rattledam.
Jake Friday February 9th, 2007 2:45:32 PM
"Wow...Go into the grasses, face off with some strange talking beast, probably kill some weird creature that's kidnapped someone as powerful as Malafret...well, at least it isn't something hard, like cleaning dishes or cutting grass." Jake is actually relieved, because Malafret is worth rescuing, and that they can do it is indeed, worth doing. Gry makes his suggestion, Trell acquiesces, and Jake cheers. "To the pool then!" Jake strips off his clothes along the way. Fully nude (and unembarassed since this is typical state for Rattledam fountain dipping) Jake arrives ready to jump into the water.
Tishe' Friday February 9th, 2007 11:50:38 PM
The brown-haired girl is concerned for Murdock and horrified by the strength and tyranny of the Council. "There are so many mysteries in the Sargrass, I sometimes wonder if one thread is long enough to discover them all." Tishe' shakes her head. "The Monks vs the Barons. But what about Sargrass druids? They plant the 'grass repelling trees, but the Monks cultivate the grass. And Ebyron mentioned how the whole of Sargrass used to be a lush forest like what we saw in the Scar. Could we be on the wrong side?"
All of her questions go out the window when Grymash, Trellus, and Jake mention 'caves' and 'getting wet'. Here is a mystery she can solve quickly! The girl follows Jake's example and strips to only her Pants O Plenty and a halter and follows the other members of the Bloodpack.
"I know nothing of a cave, where are we going?"
Gilan and Ciaran Saturday February 10th, 2007 8:15:48 PM
Gilan moves along with the group and listens to what is being talked about. Glancing to Murdock he feels sympathy for the man. "You find out quicky that the council does not believe in letting their iron will slip...they do have a tendency to wipe minds clean." He shudders as he has seen it twice and is not a memory that he wants to dwell upon too long. "I saw it done twice...once to a young woman who wandered in here by mistake and the other was a member of another pack." He looks to Trellus, Jake and Grymash who will most likely remember the last one...it had been an object lesson for their pack.
With the comments about the pond and their underground storage area he nods his head. "Ciaran go back to Trellus's house and wait there." Though it is amazing the wolf understands and takes off in the direction of the cleric's house. Gilan then begins to strip down as the move along, soon he is naked and all his gear stored in his pack.
Under the pond, under Rattledam. (DM Jim) Saturday February 10th, 2007 8:23:54 PM
The pack moves in the direction of the pond near the gates that lead out of town. The pond is still six hundred yards from the gates but it is still close. Most know this as a swimming hole and place to cool off at. Some find it a good place to sunbath or pick up girls.
It is late enough in the day that noone is nearby but a few monks walking their beat. The pack, even some in stats of near nakedness to nakedness, does not draw any attention from anyone.
The water is clear and you can see the bottom but not the hidden passage into the lower tunnels. In fact if you are not a member of the inner circles than you would not even know it was there. The water is warm to the touch and sooths your aching muscles as some slip into the water right away.
Tishe' d20+2=7 Saturday February 10th, 2007 9:35:28 PM
Swimming being a common enough skill in the river metropolis of HookCity, Tishe' feels no trepidation to jump right in in a very clumsy dive (Swim:7) Her halter flies off, but with some of her other packmates already naked, the oblivious mage feels no shame. Instead, she splashes around until the Bloodpack starts to dive down.
Facinated, she follows.
Murdock Sunday February 11th, 2007 9:38:26 AM
The drow looks around at the rest of his pack taking off their clothing and shrugs, following suit. There is no shame to bare ones own body in pride. As the mage becomes undressed, his packmates may notice that his silvery tatoos end just brow his neck. They may also notice scars from many beatings from a whip or cat of nine tails lacing the drows back.
The mage is thin, but well built. He slips into the water easily, but does mention that he is a poor swimmer. Murdock holds his breath and clumsily dives down into the water, following the rest of the pack.
Flea d20+13=16 d20+9=14 d20+1=20 Monday February 12th, 2007 12:23:58 AM
The gnome strips down to her skivvies, but before entering the water, she searches for the rock with the intricate F carved on it. The same rock that hid the magic cubby that somehow managed to make her gear appear down in the tunnel room under the pool. Only when she is satisfied that her gear is safely stored, does the rogue enter the water.
The gnome is pale and white, except where the skin has been exposed to the harsh elements of the plains, there is a darkening of pigment. Flea spashes about with her friends, but when it seems no one is paying much attention, she dives under the water and seeks out the squishy stuff at the bottom. The squishy stuff that hides the exit to the tunnel room with the glowing fungi...and the room with the golden door!
Swim=20 Search=16 spot=14
Jake Monday February 12th, 2007 3:24:39 AM
Jake hops into the water and enjoys a little bit of backstroking and lazy paddling, then just settles to rest against the side and melt against the stones in relaxation. After the others have all gone, he'll dive in after them.
Trellus Monday February 12th, 2007 1:45:32 PM [OOC - Much as I hate to dispute the DM and Carla, I believe the pool of the Rattledam is inside the dome. Also, the cave with the letter carved rocks is below the pool. That's what we're all swimming to. I took the liberty of borrowing a bit from the archives in this post. Hope DM Jim doesn't get too cranky.]
Trellus joins the rest of the pack in stripping down to his skivvies, and dives into the cool water. He paddles easily over to Tishe and Murdock. The two see he's scanning the sides of the pool, checking for watchers. Murdock comments about his swimming abilities, but the blond man shakes his head and grins. "Its shady. All ya gotta do is sink."
The time is right. "OK, take a big breath, and follow me," he instructs. Obeying his own instructions, the man grabs a large gulp of air and slips beneath the surface. He powers his way to the bottom of the pool. The water pressure is obvious on the ears, but not overpowering. Likewise the small cavern he swims into isn't unreasonably far.
Trellus swims to the floor of the alcove, and then just pushes his way through some kind of membrane at the bottom. Grinning up at Murdock and Tishe, he waves them on.
A ladder descends to a small cavern, with many rocks and skree scattered around. Many of the rocks are marked, with differing carved symbols scratched into the face of them. Other than the ladder, a single opening in the back wall is the only way out.
"Flea, check if the coast is clear," Trellus tells the gnome when the group is all present. He turns to Murdock and Tishe.
"This is where we first found out about the Circle, and the purpose of the packs," he tells them. "Each of these rocks is marked by a pack member up in Rattledam. We were told we could leave our equipment here in safety, so as not to alarm the citizens of the town." He glances over at Flea, and continues. "We should be able to talk here, but keep it quiet. The beaters use that passageway, and I'm thinking we shouldn't be trusting them all that much."
Trellus spots something, and walks over to a stone with a shield carved on it. He removes the rock, and looks inside, curious to see if anything is there. Looking up, he gives Murdock a friendly half smile.
"I figure you got a question or three," he notes with some understatment. "Any place in particular you want to start?"
Tishe' Monday February 12th, 2007 11:02:33 PM
"We're in a cave that is used by all the Packs?" wonders Tishe' aloud. "Even the BlackPack?" Then her brain turns to other things, and her brown eyes light up with eaderness. "I've never been able to ask questions in Rattledam before!"
"Do you think the monks can figure out what is wrong with our 'heart-touch' and DragonTears?"
"Do all the packs swear 'the land, my life'?"
"What is the third circle?"
and, "My mother was a foundling from Rattledam, Mara by name. She married a wandering bard and they settled in HookCity and had four daughters, the last being me. Does anyone remember her?" This last is done in a great deal of eagerness.
Gilan and Ciaran Monday February 12th, 2007 11:12:46 PM
Gilan slips into the water and just enjoys the fading heat of the day in it. At last he slips under the water with the rest and makes for the opening that leads to the underground area. Once out he shakes himeself to get rid of most of the water from his body. "I wonder if we will find anything of ours in the cubbies...I know that Flea and I have most of our stuff back at our house." Anyways that is were he leaves his extra gear that he does not feel that he needs to take with him.
He slips over to the cubby that is inlaid with the symbol of a pair of wasps in flight. His hands wander over the surface lovingly as he remembers better times. Finally he opens the cubby and pulls out a towel, one of the few things that remains down here.
[Sorry about the poor description on my part. I did not mean to let on that the pond was outside the city but closer to the gates, or at least that has been the way it seemed in the past. So it is actually inside the city still. No problems MikeK, I did not have access to any of the Sargrass information as I was typing that post anyways.]
Posting Report (ADM MikeK) Tuesday February 13th, 2007 11:22:37 AM
Posting Report for Game 10 for the week of Feb 5-9
Name MTWTF
DM JimW XXXXX
Trellus XXXXX
Tishe OXXXX
Jake XXOXX
Gilan XXXXX
Grymash OXOXO
Flea XXXOX
Murdock XXXXX
[X = post, O = no post]
ADM Note - Pretty sure Stephen is sick. Even so, we did good.
Underground cave. (DM Jim) Tuesday February 13th, 2007 6:22:00 PM
The passage through the water is not all that uncomfortable and the swim is managed a little better as there are several natural handholds to use.
Coming out the other side the pack finds themselves in the larger of the caves under the town. This one has the pool in it and a number of what appear to be cubbies built into the stone. Each has a stone in front of the cubbie that acts as a door. Some of them are marked, while others are still plain on the front and mostly unused.
Those that peeks into their own cubbies will find some of their old gear in them. Grymash finds all his gear from his own hut in his cubby, though you would not believe it would all fit. There is also a note with a stylish M on the front of it.
[Grymash: Highlight to display spoiler: {[Grymash, you big lug. I was able to save all of your stuff from your hut. I am sorry that I could not save your hut. Keep true to yourself and the Plains always. Please tell this to the other members of the Bloodpack. You all are with my in my heart at all times. ~ Malafret]}
There are a number of tunnels that lead into this chamber and you only know one of them. It leads past the golden door that everyone is so interested in but you know that you could never get past.
[Trellus: Highlight to display spoiler: {[Inside your own cubby you find a small black wooden box about a foot long that you do not remember putting inside there. Emblazoned upon the surface of the box is a stylish M. Inside you find a short piece of wood and a vial for each of the packmembers present.{cmw-CL6-10charges and cmw potion-CL6}]}
Flea Tuesday February 13th, 2007 7:53:08 PM
Flea checks inside her cubbie, not sure what she will find.
When the Bloodpack prepare to move deeper into the tunnels, she asks Trellus, "can we go see the golden door, huh? P-u-h-l-e-e-e-z-e?" Looking up at the tall cleric of Domi, she presses her hands together and jumps up and down, "canwecanwecanwe?" Turning to the druid, she adds, "I'm so much better with my tools 'n stuff. Letmetryit! P-u-h-l-e-e-e-z-e!?"
Murdock Tuesday February 13th, 2007 8:47:45 PM
Murdock nods to Trellus. I have many questions cleric of Domi, formost among them is what has caused the leaders of Rattledam to turn to darkness? The dark elf grimaces remembering the pain of the councilmans punishment.
Also, I suppose I should ask you what circles you all were prattling on about, What magic the council possesses that would allow them to rip the soul out of a man doing no wrong, and why they are allowed to continue this criminal activity all in the name of Pantheon, god of Justice! The drows dark skin is flushed in anger as he finished, his dark skin, slanted eyebrows, pointed ears and slicked back nearly platinum blonde hair giving him an omnious look.
TIshe' Tuesday February 13th, 2007 10:53:35 PM
The plain-faced girls babbles cease faced against the darker and more ominous questions from thier newest friend. Is he a packmate?, she wonders. And what will Trellus answer?
Imperceptibly, Tishe' leans forward to catch the answers better.
Flea (illegal 2nd post) Tuesday February 13th, 2007 11:33:58 PM
Flea stops bouncing around when Murdock vehemently asks his questions. "Now we've GOT to, Trellus," she announces. "We've got to go to the room with the hands an' the paintings of all the animals of the plains: slugs, an' bounders, an' Rapke, an' the Sarg Moth." The gnome turns towards the dark elf, and her arms move wildly to add emphasis to her explantion, "a giant worm like creature with wings. An' there's little people, dark like you, called Manfri, who know all about the plains and the grass and how to be safe...out there."
Flea pauses to see how the newest member of the pack is taking this information. "The sun shines on the first but the second protects the dark, see?" she says, an' Malafret told us...
...the Monks above keep the town...clear. They keep our little place from being talked about all over. They keep interest from being generated in our comunity from outsiders. It is why they keep every one from speaking of the outside world. That is the first circle. To protect the secrets with secrets. The Second circle is to protect the secret with force. Some of the people you know are part of us. Others are not...
"Shady, hunh?"
Jake Wednesday February 14th, 2007 6:46:11 AM
Jake gathers all his stuff up and quickly dons his stuff again. Hearing Flea beg to see the special room makes him smile amusedly, and he quips, "now, now, short stuff, that big golden door is off-limits." Jake glances around, and notes, "We're all ready to leave...We planning on ditching Rattledam before we spend a night home?"
Trellus Wednesday February 14th, 2007 11:48:10 AM
Trellus' good mood evaporates in the face of Murdock's venom.
"I TOLD you the best pick would be to talk nice, and the very first thread you weave is to tell Galafar to 'shut his trap'. Then you try to stare down both him and the Elder. Tell me dude, what would happen to me if I walked up to the king or whatever of your city, told him to shut up, and gave him the ol' stare down?
And NOW, you're getting all bright on me with your 'cleric of Domi' and 'prattling' and 'allowed to continue criminal activity' threads.
You wanna think you're better than everyone else, fine. Sit in the sun and enjoy yourself. You keep trying to demonstate it to the monks though, and you're gonna end up like that dude on the couch."
Just to get a bit of space, the blond man retreats back to his marked stone, where he picks up and opens the box that he found there.
"Looks like Malafret left us some presents," he notes, regaining his calm. He passes out a potion to each of the packmates, ending with Murdock [Cure Moderate Wounds 2d8+6]. He offers the potion to the drow, and sighs deeply.
"The monks are guarding something, some powerful secret. We don't know what it is, but we DO know the very existance of the whole of the Sargass Plains are involved. The entire town of Rattledam is some kind of front for the group. The Circles are the names of monk-created organizations that serve a specific part of protection of that something. The First Circle, led by Galafar, keep Rattledam a secret from all outsiders. No one but the trader ships know where the town is located. No maps exist of the location. No citizen of Rattledam is allowed to leave the town, and are highly encouraged not even to speak of anything beyond the walls of the dome. Secrecy of Rattledam is the primary law. The ultimate penalty for breaking laws in Rattledam is getting your memory of the town erased and being exiled. 'Good' and 'evil' is relative. Its the law. If you don't like the law, you can leave --- once your memory of Rattledam is erased."
Trellus continues - The Second Circle is kinda like the monk's army. We're part of the Second Circle, with Malafret as our teacher. We go make sure the Barons, or somebody like the Dark Fae King, don't get to Rattledam at all. There's more to it, but we never got a lot of time with Malafret to learn it all. We've been teleported all over the bright Wold by one mage or another, and have been away for well over a year."
"We don't like most of the beaters, and most of them don't like us. Like I said before, we're too independant for most of them, we ask too many questions, and we've got delusions of autonomy. But we get the job done." Trellus rubs a hand through his hair. "And since they're willing to send us places one of their own Council Members is having trouble, my guess is we're getting to a collective power level that is making them edgy."
He resumes eye contact with Murdock. "So yeah, they're arrogant and self-important. They keep secrets from us and they manipulate us, and we don't like it. But they're our key to figuring out the secret of Rattledam. In turn, they view us as a dangerously independant pack, but we're too successful to be discarded.
At this very moment, we don't have the knowledge or the power to challenge them. Our best pick is to be nice and play close enough to the rules...THEIR rules...to stay out of major trouble, until we can figure out what's going on.
Besides, what we really want right now is to talk to Malafret and get my sister out of trouble, and it so happens thats what they want us to do. We DO like Malafret, and we DEFINITELY like my sister. So I'd appreciate it if you'd warp down long enough so I can find her before you get me mind-wiped."
Trellus looks at Flea and Jake. "We'll spend the night at my house, and then leave in the morning. Let's go show Murdock and Tishe the paintings, but STAY AWAY from the door. We've used up the beater's patience for the day."
Trellus heads for the cave with the Golden Door.
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday February 14th, 2007 10:28:42 PM
Gilan shakes his head as he listens to the others around him. "They have also made no secret that they will wipe a mind without a second thought." He glances to Trellus and gives him a smile. "We almost got that once when we questioned the council too far." They had also been rather rude to Galafar the last time they had seen him and made him rather mad anyways. He shrugs as he slips the towel back into his cubby.
He takes the potion and slips it into the pack that he carries and then leans it against the wall near his cubby. "Should we get Tishe' and Murdock one of these cubbies while we are here?" He figures it would not be a bad idea and would give them a hidden place to put some of their stuff.
With everything taken care of he takes off in the direction of the golden door cavern.
The Golden Door. (DM Jim) Wednesday February 14th, 2007 10:34:55 PM
Trellus leads the pack back through the tunnel that leads to the golden door. As you enter the cavern, it is lit by a number of continual torches. To the one side is the large golden doors that Flea was talking about earlier. They are well over fifteen feet high and ten feet across. Enlayed into the door itself is the cycle of life upon the Plains, as well as a number of pictures that depict Barons, Manfri, Walkers and a number of other races that you do not know that well.
The walls tell some of the history of Rattledam, but it is most definitely not complete...or at least as far as you can tell. A couple of other tunnels lead off from this cavern, besides the one that you entered through. The original pack knows that one leads up to the council chamber that you had just been in for your meeting.
A hint of red can be seen on the floor of the cavern, that cannot be mistaken. Anyone that takes a closer look will notice a red gem about the size of your fist. To those that are still unclothed, it bears a striking resemblance to the one that is embedded inside of your chests.
[Know that Murdock does not have a heart gem...but does Tishe'?]
MikeK OOC Thursday February 15th, 2007 8:32:24 AM
Tishe has a Tear. She and Grymash are the only ones who have operational Tears.
Murdock Thursday February 15th, 2007 10:03:10 AM
Murdock, angered and frightened by the meeting with the council, has spent his venom on Trellus. When the cleric's own outburst starts, Murdock stands his ground. Making counter points, that the pack should have told him of all of this before the council meeting, that Trellus himself should have explained that they work for the evil only so they can eventually undo it. Murdock also acknowlegdes that he made some mistakes in the council room because he let his pride and frustration at the situation get the best of him.
Finally, as the arguement exhaust itself, Murdock, takes on a brooding mood. The drow does find in himself the courage and the balance, to thank Trellus and the others for explaining the secrets of Rattledam to him. Murdock for his part, still considers it madness, but he has pledged himself to the pack, and they to him.
As they come upon the gem, Murdock looks around at the others, each seeming to have a gem embedded into their chest. "What are those?" the dark elf inquires.
Jake Thursday February 15th, 2007 10:35:18 AM
The young half-elf shrugs at Trellus' suggestion. "Ah ain't good at pickin' locks like Flea here, is. And there's two other good reasons ah don't care about that door... first, it AIN'T gold. Ah mean, that big'a door, if'n it were made of gold, it'd cost huuuuuuge amounts. And it'd be too heavy to move. Nah, it's probably iron painted gold or enchanted. And besides, what can lie beyond that ah'd want? Some wicked curse probably, which'd cause no end ta problems. Certainly not any beautiful, nice femmes they'd lock up behind ten ton doors underwater in a secret cave." The half-elf stretches, yawning. "Y'know, Trellus, your sister has a tendency to get inta trouble nearly as bad as mine. How'd she ever decide to become a monk? She was such a brat, and plainer'n Tishe to boot..." Jake doesn't really think about that last comment, it just comes out. "Ah mean,.........um, hey, look at these pictures of Rapke here." Jake goes over to busy himself looking at the murals with little interest, except the ones that depict that more interesting beasts or battles.
Trellus Thursday February 15th, 2007 11:26:06 AM
Like Murdock, Trellus is willing to admit he made a few mistakes. He should have given the drow more information before going into that audience, no doubt. He tries once more to convince Murdock that the beaters aren't out and out evil. True, they are totalitarian and single minded in their zeal to protect...whatever it is. Even Galafar, while mean-spirited, isn't what Trellus would call evil.
After a few more moments of debate, the cleric agrees to disagree, and lets the matter drop.
They enter the main chamber. Jake's comment is lost to Trellus when he sees the Tear on the floor. "How?" he blurts out, before stopping in stunned confusion. "But that's..." he stops again, rubbing his hand methodically through his hair. A looked of instense concentration crosses the man's face, as he tries to place this new development into his Wold view.
"OK," he breathes, several dozen heartbeats later. "The short version is thats a Dragon Tear. We were given them by a great bronze dragon when we saved her granddaughter on one of our side trips. We used to be able to feel each others emotional state, heal each other, and communicate a little through the Tears. Later on, we summoned Gargul to entreat for the return of Ulgren, and we think He did something to disable the Tears. They only work for Gry and Tishe any more."
The confused look is back.
"But how a Dragon Tear ends up in a place as secret as this room, without the monk's knowledge, I don't know." He looks to Gilan for help. "I mean, they HAVE to know its here, right? So it ain't just a dragon pick?"
The man runs his hand through his hair, and looks at Murdock. He takes a deep breath, and lets it out slowly.
"You place it on your chest and it sticks," he continues simply. "I don't know if it will work for you or not. For sure, it won't come off, and it pretty much links you and us forever." Trellus stops. The decision is clearly up to Murdock.
Gilan Thursday February 15th, 2007 2:52:23 PM
Gilan glances to the tear upon the ground and shrugs his shoulders. "You are talking of dragons here...one of the most powerful beings in the Wold." He does not think that it would be beyond the abilities of a dragon to have done this. "It could have very easily been done by the dragons without the monks even knowing it...dragon magic is different." He glances to Murdock as Trell has just explained the gem to him. "You should be able to make use of it normally...as Trell said, I think some of us made Gargul mad." He absently touches the gem in his own chest and feels the loss of the link they share.
Grymash Thursday February 15th, 2007 8:01:17 PM
(sorry for not posting, havent been feeling well lately)
Grymash takes his time carefully reading his note. It takes him longer than most in his pack, but he finally understands what it says and smiles. "Gute old Malafrets!"
Talk of the golden door and the Dragon Tear perks his pointed ears. "Yeah, Grand Maw gives da pack da Dragon Tear. Dat be Gry's woman. So no give da pretty Grand Maw any love-touch looks wit da wanderin' eyes. Dat make Gry mad!"
Tishe' Thursday February 15th, 2007 10:52:13 PM
Tishe' pulls a lock of wavy brown hair and then puts it behind one ear. No reason to think Jake was being mean. After all, I am a brown thread among golden she thinks.
She listens intently to Trellus and marvels at the Golden Door. Tishe' itches to try a few spells upon the door, but heeds Trellus' advice to not push thier luck. "The monks sound very much like what I was taught about Panthenon", she tells her packmates. "Justice is not the same as mercy, and those not masters of the law are not qualified to judge that law."
The red gem upon the floor and Murdock's question make Tishe' pull down her halter and show the ruby in between her breasts. "I think Gargul has placed a test upon us but don't know how to weave through the mystery. Hearing your reservations, Murdock, you may want to wait until Malafret can explain more to you before deciding to accept the Dragon's Tear. Once put on, I know nothing that will take it off."
The next step. (DM Jim) Thursday February 15th, 2007 11:47:19 PM
The fist sized ruby laying on the floor becomes the focus for a little while anyways. The group explains to Murdock what it means and what he can do with it. Still it is his choice and he must decide if he is ready to be that close to this group of adventurers.
The golden door is a temptation and mystery that is hard to ignore for some of the pack. Trellus's words keep everyone from touching it with anything more than their eyes.
You all know that it is getting even later in the day. It was past suppertime when you were summoned before the council and later still when you left. The quest lays before the pack and they know what they must do...not for the council but for Malafret and Jenny.
Flea Friday February 16th, 2007 12:11:09 AM
"What do you mean it aint real gold?" says Flea in response to Jake, the more serious conversations going on around her...over her head. "'course it's real gold! And more'n likely treasure in the room behind it, too!" The rogue's eyes glow palely in the dim magical light of the tunnel.
Flea notices when Trellus stoops to retrieve something from the floor, then notices the gem in his hand. "Maybe it's 'Nuks, Trellus?" she asks.
Murdock Friday February 16th, 2007 1:03:22 PM
Murdock listens to the descriptions of this gem that goes by many names, and considers the consequences of attaching the gem to his chest.
When the drow hears Tishe' speak of Lord God Pantheon, he gives a knowing smile and responds, "Tishe' one must consider that while justice is seperate from compasion, Pantheon also stands for balance. The law of a tyrant, is more often than not tempered by evil and therefore not balanced. On the other hand, the laws of a noble and good king may be to lax, and also may be imbalanced by good. Justice and Balance are Pantheon's commands. Justice without balance is a sin.", the drow finishes in finality. From Murdock's comments, it is clear that he is a devout follower of Pantheon.
The dark elf continues, "As for doubts, I have none. I have sworn myself to all of you.", Murdock looks at each packmate in turn. "I have put my faith in all of you, and by allowing me to join the pack, you have put your faith in me. I will not betray that faith."
Murdock looks at the glimmering gem as he continues, a sparkle of doubt creeping into his voice, " We have not however, truly identified this gem as one of your dragon's tears. As a student of the Arcane, I chose not to subject myself to unknown magics. I am a member of a guild of mages that has an outpost here in Rattledam. I wish to stay till morning, and speak to my fellow Star Mages about this item, and about the magic dirt that was stolen from us. This will also give us time to prepare for what comes next in our journey and to say farewell to friends and family here."
/ooc: How do we need to split the platinum?
Trellus Friday February 16th, 2007 7:17:26 PM
Trellus nods as Murdock finishes. "Glad to hear you're with us," he notes.
With a twinkle in his eye, the man continues, "Now lets get on back to my house before Flea's eyes pop out of her head. We can raid the Rattledam treasure later." The cleric's tone clearly indicates he doesn't believe such a thing exists.
He heads back, talking as he goes. "Let's get some sleep, <grin> or whatever Jake plans on doing, and we'll meet up here tomorrow morning. Oh, everyone OK splitting up the coins in the chest equally?"
Gilan Friday February 16th, 2007 8:12:49 PM
Gilan nods his head as he listens to the talk. "We are glad to hear that Murdock...we can often use a little more magical power around...especially arcane." He gives a glance to Tishe' and blushes a little. "Not that you do not help out there Tishe'." As other things are talked about he finds that he is feeling tired and could use some sleep.
"I for one could use a little sleep and in a soft bed if possible...but on the floor of Trell's house in my blanket will be fine." He has not slept over at Trell's house for several years and the thought brings back fond memories. "Maybe we will get some cookies tonight as well." He cannot help but smile as he shakes his head. "As to the money...an equal split seems fine with me." He looks to Murdock to see what he thinks as he had wanted to keep the jar and dirt...at least for awhile.
Tishe' Saturday February 17th, 2007 9:06:07 AM
"While I weaved the cloth only of Panthenon in my youth", the small woman tells Murdock with shining eyes and a smile, "walking the Wold has opened me to the picks of other dieties, and the necessity of seeing them as part of a greater pattern. Domi, the Mother and Father, and even Gargul have thier proper weave in the same work." Her brown eyes continue to sparkle with interest. "I think we may have some lively conversations!"
The brown eyes blaze even more with interest when Murdock mentions the Star Mages Guild. "If there is an outpost here, I need to go too! With access to the Star Mages, we can also keep in contact with the League." She pauses, going quieter. "If there is an outpost, it will be very secretive. I doubt the monks would approve."
Tishe' gives Gilan a smaller smile and slight shrug. "No offense, sweetie, it happens to be true that since I've not devoted myself to one discipline, I don't have the power of Ulgren or Murdock." But she has a hurt expression when she turns away to go back to Rattledam above.
Good and bad. (DM Jim) Saturday February 17th, 2007 9:01:51 PM
The pack retires for the night at Trellus's house. His mother is quick to offer some grasscookies to the whole group that stays. Both parents seem to be happy to not only have their boy home but have some of his friends over as well. You get the idea that it has been lonely at the house with the kids gone most of the time now.
Morning comes and an extremely large breakfast is prepared and waiting for the pack as they wake. It seems that someone has gone all out to make sure that all of the pack gets a good breakfast for the start of their day.
There will of course be hugging and crying when the pack decides to leave. It appears that Trellus's parents consider the whole pack as an extented family.
[Went through the stuff on the WLA and SMG and could find nothing on a branch in Rattledam itself. But if someone wants to get to either Guild for any reason let me know and I can most definitely make arrangements. Our group is kind of cut off from a lot of "civilization". :)]
Jake d20+10=16 d20+6=20 Monday February 19th, 2007 4:27:06 AM
Jake manages to wander in just in time to get some breakfast after a rather fun night. He got only a few hours of sleep at home towards the later parts, and spent most of it meeting up with other young people of Rattledam and getting to know the juicier gossip. During the course of it he told some good stories, trying to entertain the people of Rattledam with his exploits. He does a pretty good job, but nothing sensational. (Performance 16) In reality, what he's busy doing is gathering gossip and picking up all the most recent going-ons in Rattledam... What people think of the monks, of outsiders, of the plains, of what happened, of what will happen, who is currently in trouble, and so on. (Gather information 20) So he comes, fully prepared for another excursion, his pack quite full and ready for more traveling. "Ready to go, guys... gotta admit, though, I wish we were staying in Rattledam for a few more days. This time we'd better not go wandering off towards the ends of the earth like last time..."
Trellus Monday February 19th, 2007 1:59:28 PM
Trellus spends as much time with his parents as the evening will allow. He tries to catch them up, without getting them worried. And he tries to find out as much as he can about his siblings, especially Jenny.
In the morning, the cleric prays to Domi, requesting his 'standard' spells, and then joins both his families for a huge breakfast. The blond man revels in the nostalgia of the scene.
All too soon, it is time to go. Trellus suggests the packmates take 28 pp each from the chest, with Murdock keeping the leftover 4 pp "since he did all the work carrying that jar over here".
The cleric then heads back for the small cavern under the Rattledam, where he had instructed everyone to meet up when they were done with their morning chores.
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Spells Prepared (cast as level 10 due to Setanos' Vestment): d -- domain spell 0 - Create Water (x2), Detect Magic (x2), Mending, Read Magic 1 -- Endure Elements (x2), Shield of Faith, Obscuring Mist, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Enlarge Person(d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration (x2), Resist Energy(elec.), Silence, Status, Spiritual Weapon, Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic(x2), Prayer, Searing Light, Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Air Walk, Freedom of Movement, Restoration, Spell Immunity (d) 5 -- Flame Strike, Shield of Faith (quickened), Spell Resistance (d)
Flea Monday February 19th, 2007 3:46:35 PM
Flea decides to have a little look around Rattledam in the early evening. Her goal is to see if the little hut she used to share with Gillan was still standing, and in what condition. On satisfying her curiousity, whe would return to Trellis' folks house.
In the morning, after a brief jog through the back streets and alleys of the city, and a quick splash in the fountain pool, the gnome returns to share the hearty breakfast with her group and the cleric's family.
"Don't you worry, Mrs. uhhh, Mrs. Trellus' mom, we'll take good care of your boy!" she calls, slipping the straps of her full pack over her shoulders, "an' we'll find Jenny and Malafret, an' all the rest, an' bring 'em all back safe and sound!"
Tishe' Monday February 19th, 2007 11:08:44 PM
The brown-haired spellweaver spends the night comfortably on Trellus' floor, and helps around the house in the evening as she is able. Tishe' asks Trellus' mother if she knew an orphan named Mara, "or the bard Dafydd that took her away from Rattledam." She is interested to see if there is any memory of her parents in Rattledam.
In the morning, Tishe' is found communing with the Wold Mother, her spellbook on her lap.
Afterwards, she looks up Murdock to see if he's had any success with locating a Star Mages outpost in Rattledam (OOC: From what I've read, there MAY be an outpost in HookCity, but no mention of Rattledam)
At the appropriate time of day, she meets her packmates under the pool, ready to leave the town once more.
Arcane Spells White -- Acid Splash, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation Red -- Grease, Unseen Servant, Shield, Summon I, Mage Armor Orange -- Glitterdust, See Invisibility, Web, Endure Elements (extended) Yellow -- Summon III, Fly, Haste
Gilan and Ciaran Monday February 19th, 2007 11:56:12 PM
Gilan finds his brother Ciaran at his friend's house, laying in a cool place and obviously asleep. The night is spent visiting with his old friends and the new ones of the pack. Murdock showed an interest in potion brewing earlier and he caught back up with the man on that. Maybe he could supply the know-how and Murdock could supply some of the spells to make some different potions.
When morning finally comes he finds himself up early as normal and seated outside. Lost in prayer to the Mother and Father he pays little attention to the goings on around him.
When at last it is time to leave he makes his way to the appointed area and waits for Trellus. He is hopeing that his blonde friend is holding up well...after all it is not just Malafret missing, but his sister as well.
To save a mentor and sister. (DM Jim) Tuesday February 20th, 2007 12:17:23 AM
The night goes fast and Trellus finds out a few things from his parents. The town has been under a sort of martial law since the attack by the Fae King. His sister joined the order of Flower as a cleric and has been doing rather well in the order. His brother is making a name for himself as a sailor and a tidy little profit as well.
Flea finds that the hut she shares with Gilan is still standing in and good shape. In fact it looks as if it has been being looked after and she can only think of one group that would do that. The family that adopted Gilan when he was found in the grasses, the family of the man that mentored and trained him to be a druid. Everything is in order in the hut and nothing has been disturbed.
Jake does not find a lot of girls interested in him as much now as they use too. It appears that there is another young man in town that has been catching the girls' eyes and they chase him something fierce. He finds out nothing of the outside from the people he talks to, but about Rattledam he finds out about the martial law and that some people are not happy. He also finds out that others are happy with the way things are and see the council as saviors of their village.
Tishe' finds little out about her mother, though there was someone in the town that was a master weaver at one time. The problem is that he name has been forgotten but items of her's still can be found about. Many of them bear a striking resemblance to the works that Tishe' has seen at her own home.
Meeting up under Rattledam the group is once again ready for what may come. Packs are filled and weapons of all kinds ready. Now it is just a matter of setting out. It is bitter sweet of course as you have not been home long, but you all got the feeling that after this mission you will get a break.
Jake Tuesday February 20th, 2007 7:14:32 AM
That's one of the problems, Jake ponders as he leans against a wall outside Trellus' house while waiting for the others to come out. Can't seem too much of a walker or outsider...that'd be against all the instincts of those in Rattledam who'd been trained to distrust the outside. And yet, he's got all these stories and such to show off... No, it would be unfair and, probably, detrimental to use those stories, Jake decides. That tactic could gain him some support, but it could just as easily backfire and make him appear totally Walker. In fact, he thinks to himself, appearing totally anti-walker, like he's a totally regular guy despite all these amazing adventures, might actually make him appear even better! Jake muses on the many possibilities that this humility technique might be used to garner admiration. Doing amazing things then acting like it's nothing...that can really get chicks! But...somehow he's gotta do those things and have them bragged about without doing the bragging, and appearing totally humble about it at the same time. And more importantly, nobody can ever guess he's pretending to be humble. All of these thoughts of deception run through the quiet, seemingly thoughtful young half-elf who leans against the wall waiting for his packmates. As the others come out, he comments, "Dry day out there, better check your water."
Murdock Tuesday February 20th, 2007 11:55:37 AM
Murdock sets out with purpose this morning, gathering his belongings up and stowing them for a long journey. When he finishes his packing, he joins the pack and Trellus's parents for a bountiful breakfast.
Over breakfast, the drow mage inquires to Trellus's parents about the possibility of finding a chapter of the Star Mage's in or around Rattledam. Murdock seems to remember something about a chapter house in these parts, but he can not be certain of his memory.
After the breakfast, Murdock heads to the underwater caverns with the rest of the party.
Trellus Tuesday February 20th, 2007 4:08:45 PM
Trellus waits with growing impatience in the cavern as the group assembles.
Once they're all present, the cleric nods and heads out. He follows the tunnel leading away from the Golden door. He's murmurming to himself, and after a bit of listening, it becomes apparent the blond man is counting his paces. "Niney-six, ninety-seven, and ninety eight."
Trellus turns to his left, following a side tunnel that slopes upward. In no time at all, he leads the cleric out of a small cave and into the Grass.
He stops and turns to the group. "Who needs protection from the heat?" Should Murdock look like he doesn't understand the question, Trellus goes on to explain it gets pretty sunblasted hot out here, and several of the group have spells to make it less dangerous.
Tishe' Tuesday February 20th, 2007 10:03:03 PM
Casting her own Endure Elements, Tishe'readies herself and steps out into the harch sunlight of the Sargrass Plains. Light sage cloak filters the light and shades her eyes from the glare of the baking sun.
Her new staff in hand, she is ready to travel where the others think Malafret and Jenny went.
Arcane Spells White -- Acid Splash, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation Red -- Grease, Unseen Servant, Shield, Summon I, Mage Armor Orange -- Glitterdust, See Invisibility, Web, *Endure Elements (extended) Yellow -- Summon III, Fly, Haste
Flea Tuesday February 20th, 2007 10:46:04 PM
"I'm good," chirps Flea. As if to proove the point she holds up a fist full of the soft grey material of her Cloak of Comfort. "Didn't work to well back in Ice Vein, but it should work just fine here."
Gilan [endure elements] and Ciaran [endure elements] Tuesday February 20th, 2007 11:48:01 PM
Gilan feels a bit of disappointment to be leaving so soon. He drops a hand to Flea's shoulder and smiles. "So, you check out the house before we left." He figures that is part of where she went yesterday or maybe even this morning.
As Trell leads them out into the light of the grass he takes the time to spread out a couple of spells on himself and Ciaran that will help with the heat. "Trell is right, this sun will bake us quick." He is also willing to pass out spells to those that need them so that not everyone has to use up their own spells.
He pulls the shield part of the bandana that he has made, so that it will protect his eyes. Though he can see through the cloth easily and air can get in and out...it does not allow the sun to get in or others to see his face that well.
With the spell in place, Ciaran seems to be fine with things as they stand now. He sits and waits for the others to start moving out. He is hoping for some food soon as he is still a little hungry.
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