The End Of The Sword, Part 1 (Substitute DM Cayzle) Thursday September 13th, 2007 3:30:31 PM
Flat-top is open to the mental control of Zeoll, but the enchantment confuses him a little. He practices destroying the sword, and thnks for a moment that he has done so.
In the tumult that follows, some suspect trickery, others, betrayal.
But the Eye of Gargul remains calm. "Look, look, friends! The sword is still there in the centaur's hand!"
Zeoll confirms, with his detect evil spell, that the sword is still in Flat-top's hand. No swap has been made, and no destruction has taken place -- but now it can be!
Rebbe Vern casts a Consecrate spell on the basin of enchanted and enhanced acid. He looks up, and sees the noon sun overhead. He says, "Flat-top, now, as you practiced, put the Sword in the acid! Dissolve it!"
[OOC: Friends, Donna, alas, has had more computer trouble. I will be filling in for a little while.]
Toros Thursday September 13th, 2007 9:14:21 PM
While Toros thinks all seem to be going well he realizes that it is not the case, the sword is still there! Wemic looks at others with wondering eyes, trying to determine what will happen next.
Winterglade Friday September 14th, 2007 3:29:39 AM
[Flat-Top:] "The Captain here will go and give you a kiss!" "Oh no he doesn't. Not without a box of chocolates and a dinner date."
The centaur feels tense. In a moment several months of work will come to a conclusion. "Uh, tell you what... The rest of us should back away. Destroying artifacts is a risky business, there might be an uncontrolled burst of magical energies and secondary explosions."
Flat-top d20=17 Friday September 14th, 2007 8:13:51 AM
Flat-top has a questionable Look on his face, "Captain? Do I still have that blasted sword IN My HANDS?? Is this Sword tricking me AGAIN?? I'll try again! Like I said before, Kill me if I don't do it this time, I will try to drop IT into the Bowl of acid, When i have over the Bowl of Acid! Tap my shoulder. Ok! Now Here Goes."
Droping an Item - 17 (did I make it??)
Kael Friday September 14th, 2007 11:00:27 AM
Seeing once again that Flat-Top is making his way towards the basin with the sword, Kael readies his ax.
Brahmah Friday September 14th, 2007 12:45:38 PM
"Just be RID of the DAMNED thing already!" The minotaur yells at the centaur. "Or I'll hack off your arm you stubborn mule!"
Zeoll Friday September 14th, 2007 3:17:55 PM
The liontaur, too, is eager to see this sword destroyed and his old oath fulfilled. He remembers the words that Gargul spoke to him years before:
"Once long ago I forged a blade of dark and great power ... I thought it lost, but some seek it at this time, and it must not fall into their hands. I will not have my work used in such a way." He pauses to let this sink into the liontaur's head and give him time to come to grips with it. "It will be your duty and payment for your reentrance into the world of the living to acquire this sword ... then find a way to destroy it."
"At last," says Zeoll. "At last."
Moshushi Friday September 14th, 2007 3:26:49 PM
Mosh sends up a silent prayer to Tomi, hoping he will give Flat Top strength
Winterglade Saturday September 15th, 2007 2:44:58 AM
[Kael:] Seeing once again that Flat-Top is making his way towards the basin with the sword, Kael readies his ax.
"Yeah, he makes Winterglade feel that way at times, too. But have a bit of patience, he'll get it right eventually."
Flat-top d20+3=22 Saturday September 15th, 2007 9:33:23 AM
The only words said by Flat=top, "Don't rush me, besides WHO IS A MULE??" The Centaur let's go of the Black sword (that he's houlding over the acid bowl<)
Dex - 22 (Does this make it)
The End Of The Sword, Part 2 (Substitute DM Cayzle) Sunday September 16th, 2007 9:54:52 PM
Flat-top feels the Evl Black Sword grasping at his mind, but the protections that are in place on him save him from the influence of the artifact.
"NNNOOOOooooooo!!" You all hear the last refusal of the sword in your heads as Flat-top lowers it into the magic acid.
The acid sizzles and boil. Flat-top lets go and steps back. In a matter of moments, the sword has dissolved. Zeoll can tell, through his detection of evil effects, that the evil of the sword is gone.
Your quest is complete.
The cleric of Gargul steps up. "Well done, Chosen. You have destroyed the Sword. Now behold the reward you have earned!"
The evil sword is gone. The pool of acid has also bubbled away. In the basin there are black pearls, each marked with the eye-symbol of Gargul. There are enough for each of the Chosen to take one. "Please, each take an Eye. Your reward has seldom been seen in mortal memory. You are favored indeed."
Do you each take a caved, black-pearl eye?
Winterglade d20+6=8 d20+7=25 Monday September 17th, 2007 4:24:45 AM
The centaur sighs and relaxes. "It is done. Winterglade's vow has been completed. He is a free centaur once again."
He approaches the basin and gently picks up a black pearl, holding it in the palm of his hand. The precious stone glistens in the sun and the centaur smiles in amazement. "It's... mesmerising." Winterglade tries to recall any mention of such pearls he might have come across [Knowledge(Religion):8, Knowledge(Arcana):25].
"Please tell us more about the gift we have received, Eye. It seems fitting that we should carry it with full understanding of its significance."
Flat-top Monday September 17th, 2007 8:23:26 AM
Flat-top watches Winterglade, as he stops running in circles, then be the first to pick up a Black Pearl.
He ask his friend, "Tell me Glade is it cursed? Are you going to hit me? Like the time I was curse? If not, then I'll take a Black pearl too."
Flat-top pick uup a Black Pearl an examines it?? "Yeeks! It has an Eye on it!! but I's kind of cute. I think I'll keep it, It will remind me of the adventure we had here."
"Well Now! Captain Brahmah! Where to Now??"
Posting Report for Monday September 17th, 2007 8:32:49 AM
Game # 7 The Chosen of Domi. For the week of Sept 10,2007
Name-----MTWTF DMCayzle-OXXXO Brahmah--XXXXO Gecthar--XOXOO * Bad Boy. Kale-----XXXOX Mushushi-OXXOX Flat-top-OXXXX * A OOOP! WntrGlade-O2XOX Zeoll----XXXOX Toro-----XOOXO * Bad Boy!
Adm Ceil
Zeoll Monday September 17th, 2007 9:57:45 AM
Zeoll, still concentrating, focuses his Detect Evil on the black spheres.
Brahmah Monday September 17th, 2007 11:29:19 AM
Brahmah pockets the pearl eye without question. He was sure that the pearl's powers would make itself known in time.
"The next goal, of MINE anyway, is to return and finish off that doctor on that island! Vargas can wait. He's been greatly diminished by us and will surely find us! He'll come to us. After all, revenge is his style. If his 'master' feels the fall of the sword, he'll find us in short order, taking his revenge and that is when we finish the lot of Minions. No mercy this time." His face is impassive and not like his own, too serious to be the Captain.
"We might have time for a shopping trip, but first, how do we get off this rock?"
Gecktar Monday September 17th, 2007 1:14:22 PM
Gecktar looks at the pearls where the sword once lies. Taking a gift from Gargul... Does it goes against his church ? He thinks no because these gods are allied and by destroying the sword, not only do they destroy a great evil, but go against the goals of Vargas.
He has lost two times in few days. His hate is going to be great. Then the great fight will have to take place once more.
He picks u p a pearl and look at it waiting for the answer of Gargul's priest.
Kael d20+14=20 Monday September 17th, 2007 5:24:33 PM
Kael hangs back and quietly casts detect magic on the pearls before approaching, so as not to offend the faithful, and attempts to analyze the aura to determine their nature. (spellcraft:20)
Moshushi Monday September 17th, 2007 5:38:29 PM
Kael beat me to the detection. Moshushi just looks at the pearl. He's a cat, and it's a shiny thing, so he's happy
Toros Monday September 17th, 2007 6:19:05 PM
This is it, then, Toros thinks, he waits, and will be the last one to get a black pearl.
The Black Pearls of Insight (Sub DM Cayzle) Tuesday September 18th, 2007 7:28:17 AM
The pearls are not evil at all.
As each Taur takes a pearl, he immediately becomes aware of what the pearl does. The pearls open the mind to new ideas and insights. They let you achieve things you otherwise could not have achieved before. Specifically, each pearl grants an Insight Bonus. Keep the pearl on your person, and you will automatically receive the bonus. Each pearl offers a different bonus:
Flat-top's pearl -- +5 insight bonus to Spot Zeoll's pearl -- +5 insight bonus to Perform Kael's pearl -- +5 insight bonus to Profession (Brewer) Winterglade's pearl -- +5 insight bonus to Turn Undead checks Brahmah's pearl's pearl -- +5 insight bonus to Survival Mosushi's pearl -- +5 insight bonus to Concentration Gecktar's pearl -- +5 insight bonus to Spellcraft Toros's pearl -- +5 insight bonus to Hide
The arcanists in the party -- especially Kael and Winterglade, since they made some checks! -- say that this is divination magic, and that it is not a surprise, considering that one of Gargul's domains is Insight.
Also, these are not magic items that are stocked on the shelves of magic shops. In fact, they are very rare, maybe unique, in the Wold. [OOC: You CANNOT buy or sell these in the Catacombs. You may be able to find an in-game buyer, if the DM allows. In Woldian terms, these are "fate items."]
The Eye of Gargul looks on in wonder. "You have been blessed by the god of Death and Birth. This is a great honor. Of course, you performed a great quest, so it makes sense."
"Whenever you are ready," Vern adds, "we can return to the ship and depart."
Flat-top Tuesday September 18th, 2007 8:29:55 AM
Flat-top now has his eyes closed, as he realiseds what a great gift, "Oh! Where can i wear this wonderful Gift?? I know right behind my armor, next to my heart! there's a little hollow dent there, I'll put IT into a net pouch and IT will be next to my heart for ever.Thank you!"
To Vern, he tell him, "I'm ready to leave."
Winterglade Tuesday September 18th, 2007 9:07:37 AM
As the awareness of the nature of the gift sinks in the centaur bares his teeth in a wicked smile. "Such a deceptively tiny thing. My little treasure, we'll be going places."
[Brahmah:] "The next goal, of MINE anyway, is to return and finish off that doctor on that island!"
Dangerous fires light up in centaur's eyes. "Oh. Oh yes, please. Winterglade was looking forward to leave all this sea voyaging behind, but if this is your next mission he will stick around for a little longer."
Kael Tuesday September 18th, 2007 10:56:31 AM
Kael examines the exquisite gift, secures it safely, and turns to the others. "So, who is this doctor you keep mentioning?"
Brahmah Tuesday September 18th, 2007 1:26:54 PM
(OOC: Cayzle, is the pearl something that has to be held, or simply owned, by the user for the insight power to work? Can it be mounted into a charm or jewelry? Can it be embedded into a horn or under skin? What are its affinities, if any? And will it count against a body slot? Sorry for the questions, but these are things we might need for future DM's knowledge. :))
Brahmah looks at Glade, then turns to answer Kael's question. "Well, this doctor is someone who took us in without question, befriended some of the Chosen, drugged most of them at dinner and decided to hunter and then study the Chosen because we were abominations according him. So! I think he simply needs to be 're-educated' as to who is and who is not an abomination." He glances at the Chosen who were there on the island with him at the time. "I didn't like humbling myself to that elf and owlbear at all and I know I can never see THEM again, it WAS the doctor who brought the hunters."
Cayzle OOC Tuesday September 18th, 2007 1:54:41 PM
A black pearl occupies no slot and can be worn or carried (even mounted in jewelry) as desired, so long as it is not damaged. Here is the formal write-up of the pearl that should be added to your character sheet:
Gargul's Black Pearl of Insight (Fate Item) This beautiful black pearl of twice normal size and luster helps its possessor by opening the mind to new ideas and insights. When carried, as in a pocket or pouch, it bestows a +5 insight bonus on a particular d20 check. Each pearl helps a different check -- this one helps XXXXX.
Moderate divination; CL 20th; cannot be made by a mortal; price unknown, cannot be sold or bought at the Catacombs.
Zeoll Tuesday September 18th, 2007 2:01:28 PM
Zeoll adds to Brahmah's story. "In addition, afterr all of us except Brrahmah werre capturred, we werre rreleased to be hunted by the Doctorr's guests, like beasts in a hunting game."
"As for me, I want to find out about the so-called "hunterrs" who took ourr possessions, especially ourr magical map, and go afterr them as well to get it back!"
[OOC: The magic map was another Fate Item, that is, a unique non-reproducible magic map of the Taur Isles that changed as the Isles changed!]
"I am eagerr to go back. But firrst, we need some time to trrain and meditate and prray. Winterrglade, would you come with us to ourr home on Brridge Isle, which I considerr to be yourr home too, forr a perriod of rrest? In addition to trraining, I have a magic item I wish to crraft, and that's a good place to do it. You might enjoy that too."
Brahmah Tuesday September 18th, 2007 5:09:58 PM
Brahmah considers Zeoll for several moments, then the rest of the Chosen. "I realized something. The Chosen, myself included, spend an awful long time in personal pursuits, whether its revenge or crafting goods. I know magical items are good in the long run, even my tattoos, but I think body and mind are most important at the moment. Toning them is key to success. Vargas and his crew are seeking artifacts of extreme power for Marteaus' Dark Cause. We know this for fact. And we are sitting about creating toys and trinkets.
I think we should get into communication with the League and see if they know anything about a great 'good' artifact that will help defeat Martaeus' Minions. Or if they have heard of a group seeking evil artifacts." He pauses.
"I think this is an extension of our Unification mission... destroying evil items of power and collecting good articles for Domi, Gargul, Alemi... whoever. I know Vern is only one individual with knowledge of THIS particular artifact, but I'm sure there are others out there with similar knowledge. And once Zeoll reaches his goals as a Seer, I think we will have a powerful new insight into any evil gear we seek."
He shakes his head, "The doctor will have to wait, for now. I think the place to start to regain the map is to find the ship we know the Hunters sailed to the island in. It has to have a port and manifest. We find the ship, we find the Hunters." He suddenly claps his hand to his forehead in frustration. "Zeoll, the map! What if.... what if they get ahold of it?! Could mean bad news. What if they already have it?"
"We need back that map!"
Gecktar Wednesday September 19th, 2007 3:23:33 AM
Gecktar listen to Zeoll and Brahmah.
He adds "If I remember well, the map was a tool we need to get the sword back and destroy it. Now it's done. But I agree that the particularity of the map, and the fact that it is keyed to the taur's island seems to prove that Domi's hand is not far.
This a unique item and probably blessed by Domi, but I'm not sure about that... This reason is sufficent for me to try to recorver it.
I will try to get back the track of the ship or have some clues about its home port. I just need a quiet place to call for the power of Domi.
Let's get back to the ship. I will use a cabin and try to have some peaceful moment so as to not spoil the divination."
Winterglade Wednesday September 19th, 2007 3:33:19 AM
[Zeoll:] "Winterrglade, would you come with us to ourr home on Brridge Isle?"
"Well, seeing how there is just one ship docked here, Winterglade is along for the next leg of your trip, wherever it might take you. Actually, Bridge Island would be good - lots of ships weigh anchor there. By the way, you do realize that the Doctor is most likely killing innocent Taurs with every passing week, yes?"
Flat-top Wednesday September 19th, 2007 7:47:16 AM
Flat-top answers the questions about the Dear Doctor, "AH! Yes! The dear doctor, I also would like to Meet again. Any time is fine with me. Today, Tomorow, any time."
Toros Wednesday September 19th, 2007 9:45:58 AM
Toros immediately likes his black pearl, knowing that it enhances his hiding skills. This is a very precious present indeed. He thanks the Eye of Gargul, and then confirms that now it is time to face the doctor, one final time.
Farewell to the Tears of the Land (Sub-DM Cayzle) Wednesday September 19th, 2007 10:41:35 AM
The Chosen stow their new pearls, then head for the shore. Vern waves a red cloth he had in his kit, and the ship launches the small boat that it had used before. After a couple trips. the Chosen are back on deck.
"Thank you, friends," says Vern. "Just let me know where you want to go, and I'll have the Captain take us there."
Brahmah Wednesday September 19th, 2007 12:42:15 PM
"Vern, do you have a way to communicate with the League of Adventurers? I'm a member and require their services."
He directs the next question to the Chosen. "I have a question. Are we still interested in getting a way to communicate with each other at a distance? Something with telepathy or messenger? I think this something we should look into."
"We should also look into getting bracelets of friendship like Vargas had access too. Might come in handy! They are expensive though."
Getting to the ship, Brahmah looks at Vern. "Bridge Island I think!"
Moshushi Wednesday September 19th, 2007 4:44:06 PM
"i haven't met the doctor before, but it sounds interesting. He needs to see how the Taurs hunt!"
Kael Wednesday September 19th, 2007 5:24:32 PM
Kael not sure he likes going up against someone who was able to capture and evade the gathered taurs, "How did this doctor evade you the first time you faced him?"
Gecktar Thursday September 20th, 2007 3:08:46 AM
Answering Kael : [i]"The question will be well-turned like this : How do we escape the doctor the first time we faced him. In fact, only Brahmah faced him, he was alone at this time. All other were drugged and splitted in teams of two taurs.
Now we know what we are going to face, the surprise will be at our advantage."
Winterglade Thursday September 20th, 2007 3:37:11 AM
"We didn't actually face him as a group. He poisoned us and had us hunted, and then we had a choice between staying on the island to finish the business, or boarding a ship that we happened upon. Seeing how the sword quest was more urgent we chose to board."
The centaur winces while climbing on the deck. "Brawler, just so that you know, Winterglade has seen enough of the sea to last him a lifetime."
Flat-top Thursday September 20th, 2007 7:31:57 AM
With a far away look in his eyes, Flat-top tell the party how he got to be caught up in that mess.
"We though we were welcomed, the dear Doctor gave us a banquet. But at last desert course, we were druged. when we were waken, we were in sells. Two to a cell, I was with Zeol, not a match as it turnd out. We killed our enermies, then zeroed on finding Captain Brahmah, He held his own before we got to him, he almost died.But we got to a passing by ship.
But that's another story, so we now have a undone, unkilled Quest. This time He'll not get us so easerly." Flat-top covers his uper part of his body with his cloach.
Brahmah Thursday September 20th, 2007 9:02:57 AM
Brahmah looks at the Chosen, then at Mosushi and Kael. "I snuck past all his guards using an invisibility potion, got into his office and when returned from setting up the hunt, in which we were all to be killed, he went about his business not knowing I was in the room. Finally, I appeared, talked briefly and then we fought. Beat each other to within an inch of our lives and then the luck scum cast darkness and disappeared, I think, into a secret passage I found behind his desk. I didn't follow him because I had no idea what sorts of nasties were in the passage. I evaded the grounds keepers and then ran into the hunters. I was in no condition to take on an archer and his owlbear. I nearly died and the elven archer robbed me when I was defenseless and unconcious. He took everything he could see and carry. Only my armor and swords were spared. I don't know why. Probably because he couldn't use them I suppose."
"But, I have come to realize, the hunter was just a mercenary and doing it to make a buck. He was probably part of a larger assassin guild. Its the Doctor who is the true danger. I wonder how many he killed before us and since?"
Kael Thursday September 20th, 2007 1:07:17 PM
Kael listens to the stories. "And what is your plan for taking this doctor out? Sounds like he's not the kind to meet you at the gates ready to duel. Besides the hunter seems the more appropriate target, since he stole your goods, the doctor took nothing but your pride."
Brahmah Thursday September 20th, 2007 3:39:15 PM
"Don't you see Kael? If the doctor is willing to go as far as to capture wary and downtrodden taurs looking for help, what else will he be capable of. He is evil. Dark. He, himself, is an abomination to the islands. You see, he is near the Taur Isles and near the places we are charged to protect. Domi has set us a goal of unity, and he divides, quite literally! He split up the Chosen, and even, if I remember rightly, he even segregated them in the dungeons. He symbolically SPLIT, SUNDERED, the Chosen, the embodiment of Domi in the isles!" He has worked himself up into anger. It seems the ranger has been waiting to say this for awhile.
Brahmah Thursday September 20th, 2007 3:44:36 PM
"It was not MY pride he took. I have Honor. That, and the Chosen, are all I need."
He fingers the vestiges of whats left of one ear. "See, my pride was taken years ago."
"If we look for the hunter, it will take a long time to find him. We know where the doctor is now, or was recently. It is likely that he has not returned, but he may have left important clues to who the hunters were. I suggest we start there."
Zeoll Thursday September 20th, 2007 3:56:00 PM
The liontaur echoes Brahmah. "Firrst, he is evil -- he poisoned us and uses Taurrs as animals in his hunt. Second, he is a human in the Taurr Isles, and I will not sufferr such as him to dwell in my homeland. Those are rreasons enough to stop him. But as we said, if we have any hope of rregaining the magic map, we have to find out frrom him about the crreaturres who took it, and wherre we have to go to get it back."
Zeoll seconds the idea of a return to Bridge Isle.
[OOC: Besides needing the R&R, I'd like to take a week or so of downtime in the hope of having a new DM for the game real soon now ... in time to take us back to the Doctor's Isle. So do let's return home for now.]
Kael Thursday September 20th, 2007 4:37:04 PM
[ooc: so we are going on hiatus for a week IRL?]
Moshushi Thursday September 20th, 2007 6:42:59 PM
"The doctor should be driveon from our lands. he may not be our greatest threat, but there is no reason to allow him to remain."
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