Getting to the Guides - DM Donna Wednesday May 30th, 2007 3:04:34 AM
The Chosen quickly quit the ziggurat and traverse the edge of the great chasm (not TOO close to the edge, now, mind you!), passing by what looks like the remains of a minotaur as they quickly skirt the area they recall having faced the baby T-Rexes.
Just as it gets dark, the group crosses back over the bridge (very carefully, I'm sure, as it's STILL old and kind of rickety), to where they are happy to meet up with Fosdik and Shmooey, who report that they had heard the approach of the other Taur party and hid in the jungle rather than attempt to confront them. Both of the wemics are a bit embarrassed that they'd been caught too far away from the foot bridge to try to outrun the evil Taurs and try to warn the Chosen.
Winterglade Wednesday May 30th, 2007 3:25:21 AM
Winterglade is immensely relieved to see the guides alive. "You did the prudent thing. There are other dangers on the far side of the chasm. We had big trouble just passing through, if you tried to cross that land with Vargas on your heels you would have most likely perished."
Sometime later, when the guides are out of the earshot, the cleric brings up another subject.
"We should probably think about how much we are going to tell in Ffft. Some there might not like to see their ancient heritage taken away to be destroyed, and their leader looked like somebody who can be easily swayed."
Flat-top Wednesday May 30th, 2007 5:40:32 AM
"The last time we faced Ffft!" Flat-top look around to see if their guides are out of earshot,"She Just might wat the Black Sword for her self. Then we'll be at the mercy of the Evil Black Sword."
Flay-top gallops on. . . .Looking for berries to keep the Captain's bear happy.
Brahmah d20+2=17 Wednesday May 30th, 2007 1:54:18 PM
When seeing that corpse of the minotaur, Brahmah approaches cautiously and examines it. "What did this?" (untrained heal of 17) "Looks like a jagged gash." He then looks for gear or salvagable equipment.
------------------------
Later, when Winterglade tells his concerns, "Agreed." The look on his face is serious and worried. "Besides, who's to say the Minions of Vargas didn't go to the village too. Maybe to sway the villagers! That is to say, if the village is still in one piece!"
He says with slight worry, "Yeah, camping is a good idea. But I really am concerned about the villagers safety tonight."
Heyoo Wednesday May 30th, 2007 1:55:29 PM
The bear follows Flat-top. Heyoo has more sucess with foraging and is quite ammused at the centaurs attempts.
Zeoll Wednesday May 30th, 2007 4:10:31 PM
These are wise thoughts. Zeoll agrees that there is a danger in bringing the Black Sword to the wemic settlement. "By all means, let us camp herre in the wild, and set watches, and talk about what to do in the morrning -- well away frrom civilization!"
Brahmah Wednesday May 30th, 2007 4:36:14 PM
Away from the guides...
The minotaur scratches his chin in thought. Then smiles. "You know..." He pauses for effect. "...I bet a temple of Alemi would be best for this sword."
He thinks some more. "I'd almost think having them replicate one, a copy, and send us with the replica. That way no one knows the sword is destroyed and it would keep Vargas hunting us and that would distract him from causing harm to others in the Wold, while he's hunting us for the fake. We could even make it radiate evil if necessary. Vargas is focused, obsessed with domination, addicted to evil. By hunting for the Chosen, it would allow us to maintain a hold, of sorts, on Vargas. That would allow us to monitor his progress in other matters. This past year or so he's had us by the tail. Now is our chance to grab his and yank hard." He smiles broadly. "Who would expect that? We're good-two-hooves..." He wobbles his head mockingly. "...after all. How could WE possibly be deceitful?"
Zeoll Wednesday May 30th, 2007 7:18:24 PM
The liontaur shakes his head. "Brrahmah, Captain. Maybe I have not explained it well enough. When I was dead in the Lands of Rrest, Garrgul himself summoned my soul. The prrice forr my rreturrn to the Wold was this: The destrruction of the Black Sworrd. I prray we can destrroy it soon! Maybe tomorrrow! As soon as we possibly can! Therre is no otherr option!"
The liontaur is a little more than somewhat agitated -- clearly this is something he feels very strongly about, and will not be willing to compromise.
Aware that he is raising his voice, Zeoll turns away to compose himself. He involves himself in some busy work -- he detects magic on the loot the party has obtained.
LOOT LIST
From the wemic rogue:
Magic Rapier Highlight to display spoiler: {+1 large rapier of wounding} Three Non-Magic MW Poison Daggers Magic Studded Leather (wemic/centaur shaped) Highlight to display spoiler: {+1} Magic Ring Highlight to display spoiler: {Protection +2}
From the dead minotaur laying on the dead mummy snakes:
Magic Great Axe Magic Breastplate (minotaur-shaped) Magic Cloak
From Vargas:
Adamantine Magic Long Sword Admantine Magic Breast Plate (minotaur-shaped) Admantine Helm (Separate Magic Item?? Or part of Armor??) Admantine Magic Large Shield Magic Ring Number One Magic Ring Number Two Magic Pearl on a Silver Chain Necklace Magic Cloak
Nonmagic backpack with a bedroll, two blankets, 3 servings of trail rations and a whetstone
Toros Thursday May 31st, 2007 2:22:49 AM
"If Zeoll says so, lets destroy the black sword!"
"Flat-top, what exactly happened with you and the that sword..? Can't you remember anything?"
Clarification? - DM Donna Thursday May 31st, 2007 2:25:11 AM
Brahmah can tell that the minotaur parts look like they are (1) what's left after an adult T-Rex eats a minotaur and (2) what's left of the minotaur with the brown hide.
The party's zeal to get back to Ffffift notwithstanding, everyone SHOULD keep in mind that the journey up the mountain took about an entire week to make. If they plan to make it back down the mountain, it's not a good idea to think they could do so safely in just one day--unless they all feel like literally hurling themselves down. Ouch.
Zeoll's detection spell told him that the minotaur at the bottom of the mummified snakes pit had three magic items...I don't recall Zeoll (or anyone else) posting about climbing the thirty or so feet down to go get them, however...unless I missed something..?
Please state who is taking what watch...and the spellcasters may have a chance to post their choices for spells if they wish to do any kind of change-ups.
Winterglade Thursday May 31st, 2007 3:04:52 AM
Winterglade trots a bit away from the camp, puts on the hood of his cloak, and folds his arms on his chest. His mind wanders during the first watch, but after that he is awake and aware, gazing at the dark jungle and the star-filled sky.
In the morning he will risk a run.
Flat-top d20+3=19 Thursday May 31st, 2007 7:14:23 AM
OOC: I just roll for a chanch to make a copy of the black sword - Craft-Armorsmithing 19.
Flat-top look to the Captain, "Captain! have you frogoten that I was a Armorsmith in the Centaur Navy! If you want a copy of that Black Sword, I can do it! All I'll nee is some iron and a forge. And you'll have a copy as soon as i melt some iron oar!""
Zeoll Thursday May 31st, 2007 9:58:24 AM
OOC: Sorry about the items in the pit, Donna. I assumed that Zeoll easily recovered them. If not, how about this ...
Zeoll casts Speak With Animals and Summon Nature's Ally I (a monkey). He tells the monkey to climb down and tie this end of a rope to the items. Zeoll hauls them out.
Zeoll tells the group that he heard the T-Rex roar and thinks that it killed the minotaur that Zeoll sent off in that direction.
Zeoll casts Detect Magic on the remains of the eaten taur. Maybe there is something left ... a ring on a disembodied hand or finger, who knows.
For tomorrow, Zeoll reverts to his standard set of druid spells, per his PC sheet.
Brahmah d20+14=17 d20+14=19 Thursday May 31st, 2007 10:47:54 AM
"Blimey, I forgot completely about Gargul and your mission Zeoll. I'm sorry." He looks horrified. "It'll take a week, if we hurry maybe four days, but the trip back will be long." He remembers finally.
"Well, does everyone have enough food to last, or should I hunt?" The minotaur sheathes his swords, which he had out to cut away overlong branches from the path and, just in case, if they ran into a lizard or Minion.
The ranger takes out his bow, strings it with a new string and looks to the sky. He wonders how the weather will be for the next couple of days. (Survival 17) Unable to determine the weather, he looks to the ground for signs of game, such as elk, or other such animals, but doubt crowds his mind, thinking if there were those kind of animals, the Chosen would have seen them. And if so, the dinosaurs may have relieved the area of them too. So, looking back to the sky, he looks for birds or tree dwelling creatures. (Survival for hunting/foraging 19)
This week was not a good one for the minotaur. His skills aren't up to scratch due, primarily, to the expert, though VERY LUCKY, escape of his arch-nemisis, the discovery of the mind controlling anti-mage Black Sword and the narrow escape of the Chosen from those lizards. Not to say anything for nearly having to kill his good centaur friend because of that sword. "Rroooar!" He roars out of nowhere, mainly from frusteration.
Brahmah ADDITIONAL Thursday May 31st, 2007 10:52:07 AM
"Flat-top, duplicating this sword is, I believe, above your skill. Plus, in order to do this, we'll need a forge with access to magic I think. Thanks for you offer friend."
Gecktar d20+7=10 d20+7=10 d20+7=9 d20+7=23 d20+7=13 Thursday May 31st, 2007 11:46:59 AM
Gecktar takes the last watch and meditates to get back his spells (he only needs two hours of sleep per night)
Answering Brahmah about food "I think some of us don't need food at all, and I could create sufficient food for those needing it. It would be better to spare this time and hurry back to the village instead of hunting."
"I agree with you, I fear villagers could have been oppressed by Vargas and his minions."
In the morning he will begin to try helping those who have contracted the dark curse of the mummy.
Cast remove curse on Brahmah caster level 10 (failed) Cast remove curse on Brahmah caster level 10 (failed) Cast remove curse on Brahmah caster level 9 (failed) Cast remove disease on Brahmah CL23 (success) (rules interpretation should be done. I think he does not suffer from further ability damage, but any healing spell should pass DC20 caster level to have any effect) Cast remove disease on Gecktar CL13 (failed) Gecktar will suffer full effects of the disease...
(OOC I'm cursed with the dice roller) (OOC I think only Heyoo is also affected by the curse)
Brahmah Thursday May 31st, 2007 7:16:30 PM
Brahmah much prefers that any Curse removal be done to the other Chosen and the bear BEFORE Brahmah recieves it.
Toros d20=4 d20=5 Thursday May 31st, 2007 9:37:17 PM
"Oh no Flat-top, one black sword is enough for the Wold" jokes Toros.
Then the wemic uses his Identify spell to determine what one of the unidentified magical items is.
He accompanies Gecktar for the watch.
NO Middle Watches??? - DM Donna Friday June 1st, 2007 3:06:54 AM
Zeoll: hee hee...the DM made you use another spell! ;)
What? The Chosen of Domi are so secure within the dinosaur-infested jungle mountain area that they will have NOBODY on the second or third watches, only on the first and fourth ones???
WOW...some people are brave to the point of foolhardiness...
Flat-top Friday June 1st, 2007 6:06:07 AM
"As you Wish, Captain!" Answers Flat-top,"The one I was to make would not tbe Cursed."
Flat-top is too edgey and cannot sleep, "Captain! I'll Take my turn at middle watch, there's something borthering me and I cannot rest!" Flat-top will take the two middle watch (because he's that restless)
Brahmah Friday June 1st, 2007 6:26:03 AM
"I'll take second watch."
Winterglade Friday June 1st, 2007 6:31:13 AM
A clarification: Winterglade, who doesn't need as much sleep as others, usually dozes off during the first watch, and then is aware during the rest of the night. He will spend this night in the same manner, too.
Brahmah d20+13=15 d20+12=20 Saturday June 2nd, 2007 8:46:14 AM
Watch. (Spot 15, Listen 20)[+2 vs humans, +4 vs centaurs]
Zeoll d20+9=16 d20+11=30 Saturday June 2nd, 2007 11:53:52 AM
OOC: Donna, LOL! Um, was there any result from this: Zeoll casts Detect Magic on the remains of the eaten taur. Maybe there is something left ... a ring on a disembodied hand or finger, who knows.
The bard will take either first or last watch, as is his norm, leaving a full night's rest to regain spells.
Before he goes to sleep, Zeoll says his private usual prayers to Domi and then does something he has never done before. He prays to Gargul, Lord of the Afterlife.
Great Gargul, my friends and I have fulfilled your quest. We have obtained the Black Sword as you enjoined me to do. Now we must destroy it, to complete your quest. Please help guide me in dreams or inspiration - how can we destroy this evil blade?
As he settles in to sleep, Zeoll casts a Guidance spell and thinks back on all his lore and knowledge for any clue that might give some idea about how to destroy the Black Blade.
Bard Lore: 16. Zeoll will use TWO hero points as he fades off to try again: A 30! Woo Hoo! Best use of two hero points ever! Zeoll now has NO hero points.
Brahmah (Helm of Languages) Sunday June 3rd, 2007 12:13:16 PM
Watch is going slowly for Brahmah.
He practices with his blades. Then thinks about spells to prepare for the following day. Takes notes of the days events (the ziggurat, Vargas, the tools used by that group, tactics, etc). Then bored with note taking, continues with sword practice.
Resources: Rod of Lesser Extension 0-3/day Brahmah's Entangle Tattoo, 0-3/day Brahmah's Guidance Tattoo, 0-4/day Helm of Comprehend Languages & Read Magic Cloak of Comfort Toros' Lesser Philter - Shield x2 Detect Poison scroll x5 Bear's Endurance Scroll Three gold coins of Warrd Antitoxin x5 Silk Rope 50' Masterwork large composite longbow (Str+6) Arrow x37
The Next Day - DM Donna Monday June 4th, 2007 1:30:33 AM DM OOC: in answer to Zeoll's hopes for getting something magic off the minotaur remains: sorry, no. T-Rex didn't leave anything truly usuable behind.
INTERLUDE (sort of):
Zeoll finds himself walking through a large, deserted hall. Looking around himself, he recognizes that it is actually the map room that leads to the throne room of the ziggurat. However, instead of looking a bit dusty and unused, the whole place looks like it just finished with a great spring cleaning...surfaces are polished and gleam in the presence of magical light sources.
The bard finds himself drawn into the throne room itself, seeing it as it must have looked in its heyday--everburning torches ringing the room, and the large, imposing figure of the Veiled Queen at the heart of the room, a shining metallic bridge between the door and the throne she is occupying. She lifts a hand, beckoning Zeoll forward. He is filled with dread, but he obeys the summons.
Closer he creeps...closer...closer...
SUDDENLY the Veiled Queen throws back the visor that covers most of her face, revealing an ear-to-ear grin...
...of an imp.
"Hahahahahaha!" the tiny creature laughs at Zeoll's shock at the metamorphosis. "You should see the look on your face! Hee hee hee!" Zeoll has seen this imp before...he was the one whom Gargul kept as a sidekick.
"Yes, yes...it's Gimp!" the imp says, clapping his hands gleefully. "Me glad to see you, too! Boss is busy, busy...but you need answers, and Gimp gets to give them! Yes, yes! So much fun!" The imp dances about in the air, but then turns to look at Zeoll.
"Sorry, sorry...Gimp just loves to be useful! Is fun!" he says. "Now...that Blade be bad, bad! You know that, though--the Boss made that blade, but that be way, waaaaaaay before he be Boss, you know. So Blade be bad...but not Boss-bad. You have to go see the Boss's people. They have the words for you. One of Boss's people is on your island already. Go see! Go see! But don't touch the Blade--bad, bad!"
Zeoll is standing by himself in the middle of the throne-island, adrift in that moat of evil-smelling oil...which suddenly flares up in a conflagration that threatens to overwhelm him...
Zeoll jerks awake. Dawn streaks across the eastern sky.
Anyone who failed their Fort Saves versus the Mummy Rot attacks are now feeling the effects of the disease, unless Winterglade was able to cure them up. (And, yes, Heyoo got tagged and failed one Fort Save, too.)
Winterglade Monday June 4th, 2007 3:37:05 AM
[Doesn't that thing have an incubation period of 24 hours? I hoped we would be easily able to cure everyone in the morning before the disease struck...]
[Is it morning now? Did Winterglade manage to return safely from his run?]
The centaur has been thinking all night about how the blade can be destroyed. Nothing short of Mage's Disjunction came to his mind.
"It would be probably best to check how strong is the magic aura around the thing. If it radiates an artifact-grade magic we will be leaving a lingering aura behind us that will make us easy to track and will persist for days."
Flat-top Monday June 4th, 2007 7:18:18 AM
Flat-top is shakin awake, "HuH! who's there?? Oh! It's You WihterG. I was dreaming about the Black Sword. As we were walking atong the trait, it left black hooves and paws prints every where we went??" Flat--top tell Winterglade, "It was if it left a message to every body to come and fight us. . . all the way!!"
Posting Report for Monday June 4th, 2007 7:25:18 AM
Game # 7 the chosen of Domi For the week of May 28,2007
Name-----MTWTF DM Donna-XXXXX Brahmah--X222XSS Gecthar--XXXXO Mosushi--XXXOO * Jay will Subbing Flat-top-XXXXX WinterG.-XXXXX Zeoll----2X2XOS Toros----OXX2O
Adm Ceil - Good for a bunch of Taurs.
Zeoll Monday June 4th, 2007 2:29:46 PM
Zeoll wakes, and feels at once amused and awed. He beleives that he had a real message from the Lord of Death. He tells his friends that the next step is to find a priest of Gargul somewhere on this island. He hopes that it will not take long.
"We just have to make surre we don't hand the sworrd overr to any of those Rred Garrgulites! Those guys arre bad news."
Zeoll also suggests that we find a case with a lock for the sword. Let one person carry the locked case, and another person, the key.
Gecktar d6=5 d6=3 Monday June 4th, 2007 3:52:51 PM
In the morning, following Brahmah's instructions, he begins healing Heyoo who will not suffer from damage abilities.
Gecktar begins to cough and appears to be very tired. The chain of spells he has cast doesn't help.
(-5 Con and -3 Cha)
Brahmah Monday June 4th, 2007 8:24:46 PM
Gecktar doesn't look good, not well at all.
Back to Fffiffft - DM Donna Tuesday June 5th, 2007 2:07:47 AM
Winterglade has been able to manage to run and clear his head without running into something that wants to eat him for dinner...unless he wants to go looking for trouble..?
Shmooey and Fosdik carefully aid the Chosen down the mountains. It takes a full week for the group to do so, thanks to the Mummy Rot having at least some effect. DM OOC: that means you should have plenty of chances to cast more curative spells, etc. Try it. It might work.
Soon the family compound of the Sunsetter tribe comes into view. Shmooey and Fosdik want to go to their home, although they concede that the party might be better off going to Fffiffft, as the shaman there can probably help out with any of the lingering effects of the Mummy Rot (if any.)
Gecktar d6=6 d6=1 d20+7=20 d4=2 d20=7 d20+7=27 d4=3 d4=4 d20+7=14 d20+7=27 Tuesday June 5th, 2007 3:15:55 AM
(Second day damage -6 Con -1 Cha : he has Con score of 3 and Cha of 7)
Feeling more and more tired, Gecktar is barely able to stands on his feet the second day.
He exercises his will to stay awake and pray Domi. During all his meditation time he memorizes healing spells that will help him and the other to defeat the curse.
Cast remove curse on Brahmah caster level 20 success ! Cast cure disease on Brahmah (he will not suffer anymore damage loss) Cast restoration on Brahmah (heal 2 Con damage) Cast remove curse on self (caster level 14 failure) Cast remove curse on self (caster level 27 success) Cast remove disease on self (no more damage) Cast restoration lesser on self (+3 Con) Cast restoration lesser on self (+4 Con, back to Con 10)
After the many prayers he adresses to Domi, Gecktar seems satisfied with the result. He tells everyone that they will be safe next day or so and nobody will suffer from the curse anymore. He has to free Heyoo from the effect of the curse but the bear is not suffering from ability damage.
(Needs next day to free Heyon from the curse with the casting of two remove curse (CL 14 failure and 27 success))
Gecktar will cast as many lesser restoration as needed on the following days to heal all those needing it.
Winterglade Tuesday June 5th, 2007 4:37:30 AM
The centaur tags along, witnessing Gecktar's battle with the disease. Once again during this expedition he is feeling useless. He can't do anything to aid him, and he is reduced to carrying the gear for those who are weakened by the malady.
Flat-top d8+1=8 Tuesday June 5th, 2007 6:45:22 AM
Flat-top will put one hand on Gecthar shoulder, then touch his heal tattoo. His hand glows as he cures Gecthar of 8hp.
"There! Do you fell a little better now? I can do it again if you want?" smiles this center.
Zeoll Tuesday June 5th, 2007 6:58:09 AM
A trip of a full week gives the Chosen a lot of time to talk before reaching civilization. Zeoll sees this as a great opportunity, and a needed one. He initiates a conversation among the Chosen about their larger mission, their goals, and their plans for the future.
[OOC: I'll be e-mailing everyone later today. I'd like to have an e-mail conversation on these vital topics. I'll post a summary of the e-mail thread on the board later.]
Brahmah Tuesday June 5th, 2007 8:36:12 AM
"I think thats a good idea, the best actually. To Ffftt, Fffitff... to the settlement." Agrees the Captain.
Toros Tuesday June 5th, 2007 8:49:48 PM
Toros feels useless while his friends suffer from the illness and try to help for anything they may need on the way.
The wemic will continue to identify all the unidentified magical items in the mean time. (Dear DM, could you please tell the result of the "Identify" spells of Toros)
The Fffiffft Element - DM Donna Wednesday June 6th, 2007 12:49:31 AM
The party finds itself mostly cured up by the time they reach the village of Fffiffft. Rory the shaman welcomes them back to his humble cottage and insists on the Chosen remaining with him until all of their diseases and after-effects are completely cured up.
He is also quite in awe that the Chose managed to get the Black Sword from the clutches of the Veiled Queen, as well as keeping it from Vargas, too.
DM OOC: I'll be sending Toros an email as soon as I can--I'm in the middle of O.T. week at work...not due to stop until June 9th.
Winterglade Wednesday June 6th, 2007 4:50:17 AM
Winterglade replenishes his spell pool at the first occasion [standard selection of spells, but Protection from Evil in place of Shield of Faith].
"The sword remains an unsolved problem. Was Winterglade Vargas, he would assemble his next attack force with all haste and strike while the blade is still within his reach."
Somewhere on the way Winterglade casts Detect Magic on the dark weapon. He is interested in the magnitude of its aura and schools of magic involved [Take10 on Spellcraft check: 23].
Flat-top Wednesday June 6th, 2007 7:22:05 AM
Flat-top will try to warn Winterglade "Don't Mess with that Sword, Mate! but i know one thing, IT will mess you all up! IT has no mercy! IT want magic blood! So Don't mess with it. I don't waht you to KILL YOURSELF!"
Brahmah (Helm of Languages) Wednesday June 6th, 2007 1:22:26 PM
"Rory, thanks for the praise, but we might appreciate you keeping that quite as long as you can." Says the ranger seriously. "It's just one of those stories that don't need telling, you understand? Just between us right now friend."
"Flat-top is right, you shouldn't Glade, but I must admit, I too am curious about that evil piece of steel."
Spells Prepared: Pass w/o Trace x2, Snare
Resources: Rod of Lesser Extension 0-3/day Brahmah's Entangle Tattoo, 0-3/day Brahmah's Guidance Tattoo, 0-4/day Helm of Comprehend Languages & Read Magic Cloak of Comfort Toros' Lesser Philter - Shield x2 Detect Poison scroll x5 Bear's Endurance Scroll Three gold coins of Warrd Antitoxin x5 Silk Rope 50' Masterwork large composite longbow (Str+6) Arrow x37
Gecktar Wednesday June 6th, 2007 4:14:59 PM
He asks the Chosen about the way to destroy the sword : "Does anyone has any idea of the way to destroy the sword ? Do we know who created it ?"
Gecktar does know any simple way to get ridden of such object. A specially enchanted hammer may have a chance only if blessed by the hand of Domi Himself...
Back in the wemic town, Zeoll hopes that the Chosen can keep a low profile about the Black Sword. He begs Rory to keep mum abut it -- no fuss, please.
But Zeoll has more pressing needs. Evidently Rory knows about Vargas. Did the blackguard come through here? Has he or any of his people been seen here in the last week?
Zeoll also needs to track down the follower of Gargul that he seeks!
Gather Info checks on Vargas: 27, 26 Gather info checks on Gargul followers or other strangers: 31, 14.
Zeoll sees if he can buy a long thin box here, made of wood bound in iron, with a lock. If so, he wants to lock the sword in the box, and give the key to someone else. Any objections?
Magic in the Air - DM Donna Thursday June 7th, 2007 1:37:30 AM
The magic detection spells reveal that the magical stuff gotten from Vargas and his lackeys are fairly typical magic you'd find on armor and swords. (OOC: sorry, no +5 items here...move it along. ;D)
The Black Sword, however, comes up as VERY strong magic, VERY evil in alignment, and VERY VERY old in age. It is most likely the second oldest thing that the Taurs have ever had in their possession (the Heart of Domi being the oldest.) It is very powerful, too...as evidenced by anyone coming near it (within a five-foot radius) needing to make a Will save vs. DC15 or be seized by the need to take possession of the sword.
Zeoll's careful investigation proves that, yes, Vargas did, indeed, pass through the village--only a day or after the Chosen had left to go to the Sunsetter clansite. He and his group came slinking back through about half a day before the Chosen arrived back in Fffiffft...they boarded their ship and set sail immediately. They seemed to be headed north-by-northeast.
Flat-top Thursday June 7th, 2007 6:54:37 AM
"Zeoll! I'll take the key if you'll ever trust me Again??" The Center will make a strip of leader and takes the key, then ties it around his neck, "There! Now they have to go through me to get to the Sword!! They'll be in for a very good fight!"
Zeoll Thursday June 7th, 2007 10:42:54 AM
Zeoll says to Flat-top, with a bitter laugh, "Trrust you? I'm amazed that you all can trrust me -- afterr all, I was once an agent of the Sick God. Of course I trrust you, my frriend. At least, I trrust you will be trrue of hearrt, although maybe not always overrflowing with common sense!"
Zeoll's smile tells Flat-top that he is teasing him a little.
Well, if my best efforts at Gathering Info check did not turn up any Gargul-types, odds are there are none to be found here. Maybe on the eastern side of the island, where the more "civilized" wemics live, the merchants and traders.
Zeoll ponders how to find any Gargulites here on Liontaur Isle.
Well, might as well send out an SOS. Zeoll makes the rounds of the town, making it obvious that he is looking for followers of Gargul. He sings songs, tells jokes and stories, goes (respectfully) to funerals and births.
If all these fail to turn up anything, Zeoll urges the party to start walking.
"Why don't we cirrcumnavigate the isle? We need to find a Garrgulite! We won't find him orr herr at sea! Let's starrt walking!"
Brahmah Thursday June 7th, 2007 11:30:42 AM
"Trust is a very hard thing for me, but it is a funny thing, I trust anyone sent to the Chosen, regardless of previous alliances." The ranger smiles.
"Yes, lets walk."
"Who cares who MADE the sword. They are LONG dead, and GOOD ridance!"
Winterglade Thursday June 7th, 2007 12:00:08 PM
"Winterglade cares. Those capable of making it might have left behind clues about the way of undoing the bloody thing."
"Zeoll, Winterglade has been thinking about that dream of yours you told us about. That creature, Gimp was it's name, yes? It said: one is already on your island. Did it mean this island, or maybe the home island?"
Zeoll Thursday June 7th, 2007 1:35:50 PM
Zeoll clarifies for Brahmah. "No, my frriend. That is the whole point. The makerr of the Black Sworrd is not dead at all! It was Garrgul himself, the God of Death, who made the sworrd! Maybe he was not yet a god when he made it, or maybe he was an evil god then, although he is evil no longerr. But it was he who quested me to unmake the verry sworrd he had made. And now we must find a followerr of his to tell us how to do so."
"The most ancient of tales say that beforre he was a god, Garrgul crreated the rrace of drragons! If he could make drragons, think about how powerrful this sworrd might be!"
Zeoll says to Glade, "Huh! I assumed that he meant Liontaurr Isle, but maybe he meant Brridge Isle! Well, if we do not find any sign of Garrgul, then we can trry therre next. We arre morre likely to find passage nearr the settlements of the merrchant wemics than we arre herre, anyway, so we might as well keep walking."
Brahmah Thursday June 7th, 2007 3:17:33 PM
"I must have missed that part of your tale!"
"Well, we should travel to the Lands of Rest and return it to him? It was his folly, let him fix it. This sword caused death of innocence, how does he feel about this now, I wonder?" He is completely serious and of half a mind to tell Gargul his opinion to the God's face.
Sighing, the minotaur looks at Zeoll, "This was your mission. Was it something to help redeme you of your bad ways, or was it something Gargul wished?"
"Okay, I care not for this sword or its creation, I'm just happy Vargas is shot of it and wish to destroy it. Soon, if possible. Now, even better."
Then the ranger gets a strange look on his face. "What if they were getting this sword so they could cleave the Heart in two?! That would sunder what little we have done for unity... if I were Vargas, thats what I would do." He walks a little faster, shooting glances at the bag which the sword is in.
Zeoll Thursday June 7th, 2007 4:39:43 PM
"Garrgul quested me beforre he would let me leave his rrealm and rreturrn to the Wold. On my way back, afterr that, I was caught by Marteaus, and he made me a perrsonal offerr I could not rrefuse."
The liontaur's voice gets softer and slower as he says this, as if he wishes he did not have to tell the tale. But then he cheers up when he hears Brahmah talk of destroying it.
"Yes, a grreat weight will be lifted off me when this thing is gone."
Another Journey Begins..? - DM Donna Friday June 8th, 2007 1:38:17 AM
Zeoll orders his special lockbox for the sword. It takes two days to create and costs a mere 100gp (but it has a Good lock on it.)
Truly, there are no priests of Gargul here...however, many who may be asked agree that the eastern side of the island is likely to have a visitor who qualifies. The Chosen must go to see that for themselves.
Anyone who had Mummy Rot is cured of the disease and its effects (assuming the group has stayed for the creation of the lockbox.)
Whoever is holding the Black Sword (not literally, now, but whomever has it in their possession) must remember to make that Will save vs DC15 or be persuaded to take possession of the sword (meaning that you want to have it in your hand every chance you get and/or keep it on your person, rather than stowed away.)
Clarify, please...ARE the Chosen going to the east end of the island? It would take as long to sail around the island as it would to trek across it (about five days or so)...assuming that there are no encounters along the way.
Winterglade Friday June 8th, 2007 6:58:50 AM
The centaur chips in on the box (15 gp). "How do we carry it around, then? We could get a pony. Or make some kind of stretcher."
Flat-top Friday June 8th, 2007 8:19:09 AM
Flat-top listens to all the suggestions, then an Idea strikes him, "Does anyof you magic users have a Flying Spell? We could put that spell on th box, tie the box with a rope or ropes so to guide the darn thing as we go to the march?? That way the Black Sword could not influance anybody?"
Flat-top wonders if this will work??
Brahmah Friday June 8th, 2007 10:59:25 AM
Brahmah wants to trek across the island.
"Is the sword's ability to possess something verbal or is it telepathic, because I was thinking that perhaps a Silence spell or something that lasts longer and cuts out sound, might be a good idea."
He looks at the box. "I wonder if a permenant lock spell might not be a good idea. Sorcerers Lock or something like that. And maybe that Sepia Serpent Ward or whatever that is."
Brahmah Friday June 8th, 2007 11:00:08 AM
"Or maybe Alarm!"
Zeoll Friday June 8th, 2007 12:51:54 PM
Zeoll spends 100 gp, plus any other contributions (thanks Glade), and also buys a small cart. He ties a rope on it so it can be pulled from behind.
His idea is that we can lash the sword and box to the cart and pull it behind. Someone will have to stay in the rear just in case!
In that way the group can set off succcessfully.
Winterglade Friday June 8th, 2007 1:07:43 PM
"A Floating Disc would be perfect for the job. But it is not within Winterglade's spheres of power."
Cayzle OOC Friday June 8th, 2007 4:19:50 PM
Hey, Gilles and Tunc! Are you guys getting the e-mail messages about the future of the Chosen? If you have, then please add your thoughts and write back. If not, send me your e-mail addresses at cayzle@cayzle.com.
Posting Reports for Monday June 11th, 2007 8:01:17 AM
Game # 7 The Chosen of Domi For the week of June 4, 2007
Name-----MTWTF DMDonna--XXXXX Brahmah--XXX22S Gecthar--XXXOO Mosushi--OOOOO *Trouble is a coming?? Flat-top-XXXXX Winterglade-XXXX2 Zeoll----XXX22 Toros----OXOOO *Trouble Again??
Adm Ceil.
Flat-top Monday June 11th, 2007 8:04:01 AM
Flat-top looks around, "What a beautiful day! Come on Winterglade! Let's go for a run, this time I'll let you beat me!!" He start to run.
Winterglade Monday June 11th, 2007 8:11:13 AM
The centaur grins. "Excuse Winterglade. He has a humility lesson to teach." He is gone in an instant, leaving behind a small cloud of dust. Soon he and Flat-top vanish from sight.
Zeoll Monday June 11th, 2007 10:46:56 AM
Laughing at the antics of the centaurs, Zeoll continues to pull his sword-wagon by a long-enough rope that the sword cannot influence him. Or if someone else is carrying it, he urges them to use his cart.
Brahmah Monday June 11th, 2007 11:21:18 AM
The ranger shakes his head at the young ones and continues his conversation with Zeoll. "I think we need to work out a few things with tactics. Your plan was good...
But first, this sword business. I want to be well shot of that ruddy blade sooner rather than later. Any word from Domi or Gargul? I'd just as soon chuck off into a volcano... I've heard of a great epic about a ring and some halflings, and something about an evil lord. Seems they chucked into the fires and it was gone." He smiles. "I mean, there has to be a volcano close to this place." He looks around, somewhat sceptically.
"Thinking back to the story you told about our deal with Gargul, I don't remember ANYTHING about instructions about how to destroy it, or even where to go... or even a time of year or whatever..."
"I've been VERY distracted as of late."
Getting it Together - DM Donna Monday June 11th, 2007 1:00:48 PM
The group continues to debate some very good strategic points.
Zeoll's inquiries about a cart lead him to three or four different individuals who have what the villagers call a "harness cart"...it's a small cart that a single wemic (or four-footed Taur) can pull that has a specialized harness attached to the shafts so that the wemic pulling the cart can strap themselves in...like a horse pulling a cart, if you wish to use the analogy.
One of the owners of such a cart is willing to let his go for the trifling price of 25gp.
Zeoll Monday June 11th, 2007 1:14:47 PM
Zeoll tells the group what he has received in the way of guidance. "In a drream, Garrgul's Imp told me to searrch forr a serrvant of Garrgul. He said that the Garrgulite "is on yourr island alrready" ... but did he mean Brridge Island or Wemic Island? Eitherr way, by walking east we can get to the easterrn side of the island, wherre the merrchants tend to dock, and eitherr find the Garrgulite there or set sail for Brridge Island."
Zeoll buys the cart for eiher his own use or for whoever is hauling the sword.
Brahmah Monday June 11th, 2007 2:14:21 PM
"Gormless I'm not, but I have NO clue what that could mean. Your island, as we are here now, could mean Wemic Isle, as you are a wemic as well. Thats what I interpret. But if he meant, you plural, as in the Chosen, I would say Bridge Isle. I think we should stick around here on this island for the time being."
The ranger thinks a moment. "The dream makes it seem as if only one Gargulite could possibly be here. But they roam about everywhere. And are we looking for a Taur or human or what? ...Goblin! Gods are quite vague at times! He wanted you to get this sword, why not tell you straight!" Brahmah is beginning to think that the Gods are far too much trouble.
Brahmah Monday June 11th, 2007 2:16:35 PM
"And we must not give it over to Vargas in disguise either! We must be sure it is a true Gargulite and not an impostor!!
Someone prepare that Truth spell if you can!"
Gecktar Monday June 11th, 2007 3:54:20 PM
OOC : As I said in my email sorry for not posting but RL stabbed me savagely in the back :)
Gecktar begins "Maybe with some rest, I could learn a prayer that will help us. I think I could divine the way to reach this Gargulite. Except if he is protected against divination by his god..."
Toros - Tunc Monday June 11th, 2007 7:32:33 PM
Sorry for not being able to post much last week, I also had / made some difficulties in RL...
Unless I specifically know some email is sent, I hardly ever check my hotmail account recently, using my gmail account instead.
I will catch up with the posts and email communications ASAP.
All Ready to Go..? - DM Donna Tuesday June 12th, 2007 1:54:45 AM
Now that Toros is posting again, I've sent him an email about how his attempts to Detect Magic on the items went.
Everyone gets ready, and unless there are last minute additions/changes to the plan, it seems that the group will be setting off on an overland route to the eastern end of the island from Fffiffft.
Tell me who has the sword (in the box, so far) and who will be standing what watches for the four nights the group will be traveling (four 3-hour tours of duty per night.)
Winterglade Tuesday June 12th, 2007 6:37:57 AM
"Winterglade is ready to go. Sticking around here achieves nothing. Let's move."
Every night the centaur will doze through the first watch and remain awake throughout the rest of the night.
Flat-top Tuesday June 12th, 2007 7:11:56 AM
"Now that's what I call Excersize" Flat-top tell Winter glade, "I want to take the first watch and stay awake for another watch with Winterglade before I nap." then He turns to Zeoll, "As much as I hate that Black Sword I will help you pull the wagon. Two strong shoulders are better than one!"
Brahmah Tuesday June 12th, 2007 12:15:39 PM
Brahmah will suggest a Magic Circle from Evil cast on the box or those who watch the sword. He offers his Rod of Extend Spell to whoever can and is willing to cast it. "It may not last an entire watch, but it should help for a time."
(OOC: Friends, if you are a cleric whose God has Protection as a Domain (and you have chosen to take that domain), please remember your Granted power... ***** You can generate a protective ward as a supernatural ability. Grant someone you touch a resistance bonus equal to your cleric level on his or her next saving throw. Activating this power is a standard action. The protective ward is an abjuration effect with a duration of 1 hour that is usable once per day.
*****
It will also help for a short time.)
Brahmah Tuesday June 12th, 2007 12:16:42 PM
OOC: Ow yeah, its a lesser rod of extend... 3rd level or less.
Zeoll is ready to go! Tuesday June 12th, 2007 9:42:57 PM
Zeoll is glad to be walking next to Flat-top. "We have both felt the influence of darrk forrces on ourr brrains, my frriend! So let us worrk togetherr to destrroy this piece of darrkness!"
Zeoll is looking forward to seeing his homeland, and as the party walks east, he tells stories and legends of wemic people and places past.
Toros Wednesday June 13th, 2007 1:16:14 AM
"Right, lets go!" Toros feels good, while everyone is ready to move and he tries to catch up with others, in spite of all the recent difficulties.
OOC: Dear Donna, thanks for the email, but, Toros has casted Identify, not Detect Magic, in order to identify the unidentified magical items.
DM Tapping Foot - DM Donna Wednesday June 13th, 2007 1:17:14 AM
So far, everyone's ready to go, with Zeoll and Flat-top volunteering to pull that cart with the box that has the sword in it, but only Winterglade and Flat-top have mentioned watches at all.
Keep this up, and I can guarantee that your party will very likely have something nasty and ugly sneak up on you in the middle of the night.
Watches for the trip, please.
NOTE TO TOROS: oh, snap! My bad. Okay, here's the list of items gathered up from Vargas, Thalis and the dead minotaur in the mummy snake pit:
Toros Highlight to display spoiler: { 1 large unholy adamantine longsword, +1 adamantine breast plate w/ SR 13, +1 adamantine heavy steel shield of blinding, Ring of freedom of movement, Ring of Shield Friend, Pearl of Power 2nd lvl, Cloak of resistance +3; +1 large rapier of wounding, 3x mw poison daggers, +1 studded leather, Ring of Protection +2; +1 Greataxe, +1 Breastplate, Cloak of resistance +1. }
Gecktar Wednesday June 13th, 2007 3:28:40 AM
Gecktar will take the second watch. As Glade, he has no need to sleep much, but he must rest and meditate to get back his spells.
OOC : Gecktar has the protection domain and can cast circle magic against evil. An extended version would last 2h20 with his power domain, he will help one watching for 3h20. But only one... I don't know if it is really efficient...
Winterglade Wednesday June 13th, 2007 3:52:17 AM
"Winterglade has a short duration power that protects the mind from evil influence. Should somebody fall to the sword once again it should break its influence over his mind."
Flat-top Wednesday June 13th, 2007 8:13:01 AM
Flat-top will sleep as far away from the box as possible. "No use in taking chances!"
Zeoll Wednesday June 13th, 2007 11:12:52 AM
Zeoll's standard operating proceedure: Sleep the first watches and take the dawn watch.
On the trip, Zeoll preps these druid spells:
Level 0: Guidancex2, Cure Minor Wounds x2 Level 1: Entangle, Speak With Anim, Charm Anim Level 2: Fog Cloud, Tree
Zeoll sleeps each night in Tree form (lasts six hours extended. If he has not yet cast it, he uses the Speak with Animals each night to ask local fauna about news and dangers in the area.
Brahmah (Alarm on box 8 hours) Wednesday June 13th, 2007 1:17:30 PM
Spells in effect: Alarm
"Toros, I saw you cast casting something looking at those items. What are they? What do they do?"
"Is anyone using the rod tonight?"
After his watch, before bedding down, the ranger casts Alarm on the box for when he sleeps. He sets the alarm for an AUDIBLE NOISE (password: Kayleb)[DM ruling please. If the Alarm is cast while everyone is in the area of effect, will it go off immediately? Or will it only go off when something crosses the boundary? :)]
Prepared spells: Alarm x2* and Bears Endurance.
------------------- Heyoo stays close to his minotaur friend and occasionally sniffs the sword box and growls.
The bear will stay close tonight, not venturing away from camp.
Brahmah Wednesday June 13th, 2007 1:18:37 PM
OOC: CORRECTION, Brahmah will cast Alarm BEFORE any watches start.
Brahmah OOC Wednesday June 13th, 2007 4:58:41 PM
OOC: Friends.... make an effort to welcome Adam, new member of the Chosen!
I'm sure if he has access yet, but when he does, make him welcome! :)
Toros Thursday June 14th, 2007 12:26:20 AM
Toros shares the information with the Chosen the magical items identified during their travel.
1 large unholy adamantine longsword, +1 adamantine breast plate w/ SR 13, +1 adamantine heavy steel shield of blinding, Ring of freedom of movement, Ring of Shield Friend, Pearl of Power 2nd lvl, Cloak of resistance +3; +1 large rapier of wounding, 3x mw poison daggers, +1 studded leather, Ring of Protection +2; +1 Greataxe, +1 Breastplate, Cloak of resistance +1.
OOC: Many thanks Donna!
Well come Adam, hope you enjoy!
Gecktar Thursday June 14th, 2007 3:33:41 AM
Gecktar thinks about the ways to protect themselves from the sword. "Casting spells before hand is not the solution I think. If Glade and myself could break the domination the sword could exert by casting some protection spells it could be sufficient. Every watch should have two Chosen and Glade and Gecktar should not be in the same. This way we would always have someone to cast a protective spell."
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