Draax Monday February 18th, 2008 11:57:34 PM
Draax takes a sit inside and relaxes as much as he is able to relax. He sits quietly and listens to the conversation around him.
Jova Tuesday February 19th, 2008 5:51:15 AM
Jova tells everyone he will cast some prestigation spells to clean every one up. After they leave the hut he will clean the weapons but for now, he cleans each member.
Z continues to ask questions, excited at the outcome of events. Jova laughs during mucvh of the retelling. It was odd this feeling ofg mirth at such a time. Jova convince the bird to be quiet for a bit, trying to think of questions he would like answered.
Tratain Tuesday February 19th, 2008 6:30:00 AM
Tratain says "Yes, we've quite a few questions. I guess I will start it seems."
He continues "Being told about the City is one thing, actually going there and seeing it for ourselves.... I have never seen so much Malevolence all in one place before. Do you have any idea what happened to the City to make it such a place? Do you have any idea if there is a way to lift the curse that draws evil to it?"
After Listening to Verash's answer and any other questions the other Knights may pose, Tratain says "One more curious thing that we have found. In the Mariliths tower we came across this strange Orb, none of us have ever seen anything like it before. Phaedrus and Yourself are much more knowledgeable than we are, perhaps you can help us make sense of it?"
If Phaedrus and Verash agree to help us look at the Orb Tratain will go retrieve it from where it is stored and show it to them.
Vedik Tuesday February 19th, 2008 7:32:51 AM
Vedik furrows his brow. "There was a dragon there, it was invisible, so I couldn't see it. Sounded big though. Someone else will have to give you a better description. Do you know anything about him?"
He starts to open his mouth to speak further, but then closes it, clearly deciding there would be a better time to ask.
Monthor Tuesday February 19th, 2008 7:38:01 AM
".... how many likes does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop???? What? The Wold may never know? "
Dinner and Conversation Tuesday February 19th, 2008 8:17:56 PM
As the Knights seat themselves, Verash grabs some bread and a few cheeses, along with some bottles of wine and ale, and sets them on the center. Dwight offers Phaedrus a chair, but she politely declines and takes up her familiar position in the corner, watching over the meal.
Jova helps clean his companions, making the meal much more enjoyable, and Draax settles in to get comfortable for the first time in a few days.
Vedik readies a question, then thinks better and waits for the others to speak.
"A dragon?" Phaedrus asks quietly. "That side of the city, it would have been Astoraxus. The bastard... Excuse me, where are my manners."
Composing herself, she says, "He is a waste of good, solid scales. A coward by most measures, if he can't get the jump on his meal he likely won't bother fighting. Worry not about him, he has neither the brains nor the wherewithal to ever escape that city."
Monthor chimes in with a question, to which Verash quickly answers, "Three! Why, any one who has ever spoken to an owl would know that! How many owls have you met, sir dwarf?"
Tratain takes over with some more serious questioning.
Verash listens to the protector, then says, "Unfortunately, son, I am but a historian and scientist. I have long studied the cursed city, but have no idea how to remove the taint, if at all.
"As to how it started, what I can tell you is that the elves who once lived here used their magic, the innate magic of the land, for everything. Travel, comfort, sustenance, anything you can imagine. Somehow, the magic became warped and twisted, and most of those elves either died or were driven out of the city. Some say it was due to the greed and malevolence of some of the ruling caste, though I know not for sure.
"Should you check back with me in a few months, I expect to have some of these books deciphered and hope to know far more than this."
Tratain listens, then asks one more question. At the mention of the orb, Phaedrus steps forward and interrupts, "Orb? Take me to it immediately. Not here! Outside."
Once (or if) someone shows her the orb outside, she studies it for a few moments in silence.
"It is as I feared," she says quietly. "This thing is quite dangerous. I'll not have it under my Verash's roof. I suggest you allow me to return it to the city. If not, it is your own lives you risk, and no business of mine. But you will keep it outside and away from Verash and his home.
"Ask me no more questions about it. Keep it away, or better yet give it up and be thankful you are done with it."
She stalks off, refusing to discuss it more. If anyone tries to bring the orb back into the house, she will bar their entry, though she welcomes anyone in without it.
Meanwhile, inside, Verash asks, "So then, friends. How long will you be staying, and what about these poor dead ones I've heard about?"
Dwight Tuesday February 19th, 2008 9:45:02 PM
Having reach for the cheese and bread and stuff at least two pieces in his mouth, Dwight feels momentarily satisfied. He continues to listen and watches as Phraedus seems overly stressed about the orb.
He then addresses Varesh, "My name is Dwight Twiggebundler, and I really appreciate your hospitality. Pardon my directness, but I seem a bit at a loss here, to what end are you studying the city? Aside from the books you now have, I am not sure what was done in there will have any lasting effect on the cure for the city as a whole." His tone is inquisitive, and curious.
As he awaits and answer, he ponders why a dragon would be so 'afraid' of an orb. Yet, be willing to travel with it to remove it from the home.
Draax Tuesday February 19th, 2008 11:33:23 PM
Draax helps himself to something to eat while he listens to the others. He wonders what the orb is and is surprised by the dragon's reaction. Draax does not like the warning that Phaedrus gave the group about the orb, but is equally bothered by the fact that she will not tell the group what it is. He thinks that Dwight makes a great point about the dragon and the orb. "If the orb is a dangerous as Phaedrus suggests, I would bet that it is what the black was after. I have no problem with leaving it behind, but it is up to you magically sensitive guys to make the decision."
Jova Wednesday February 20th, 2008 5:16:18 AM
Jova listens intently to Verash and Tratain. When an opening occurs he puts in. "the fog, or mist seemed to be a living being. Maybe with the ability to think and communicate. I struck it several times with a dispel magic wand and it only recoiled. Odd."
Then he thinks about the dragon. "What do you know sir Verash of the dragons followers. As we were escaping many elves and dwarves it looked like were firing arrows at us. I find it hard to believe the dragon didnt have allies. The lich king definately seemed to be the more powerful. Am I also to believe the dragon was somewhat young in age?
"Now thinking about it, there was smoke eminating from the orb, maybe that was the origin of the fog or mist. Could it be the force that entraps the bad ones in the city? If so, we have have unleashed that evil out of the city, That would not be nice. But if the orb is so evil it should be buried somewhere, cast to another plane, or destroyed."
Arien Wednesday February 20th, 2008 10:03:31 AM
"While not too attached to this orb my first instinct is to investigate what exactly it is and what it does. It may be something terrible and evil that was contained in the city until now. If so I'd be more at ease if we knew its details, such as how to destroy it." Arien finishes eating and, brushing his hands together to rid them of any lingering crumbs, offers any assistance he might to their host with his texts.
Vedik Wednesday February 20th, 2008 2:54:32 PM
"It was unable to be identified with Arien's powerful divinations, yet it is clearly magical. To me this says it's power is considerable." He regards Phaedrus thoughtfully. "We are to become members of the Consortium, it does not become us to shrink from something dangerous, especially if it should be destroyed."
Tratain Wednesday February 20th, 2008 6:41:45 PM
Regarding the Orb Tratain says "i'm not willing to leave it or toss it back into the City without more than an "Its Dangerous because I say so. If Phaedrus won't tell us what it does we will have to discover it for ourselves. If it is so Powerfull the last place I want to put it is back into a city full of evil creatures."
On the Topic of the groups fallen comrades he says "With your permission Verash, if my friends agree I would like to bury them here in your graveyard for fallen Heroes. We really have no better place until our castle is built and we don't know how long that will take."
Dinner & Conversation Continued Wednesday February 20th, 2008 8:03:49 PM
Responding to Dwight, Verash says, "As I said, I am a historian, and a scientist. I have been called a sage, though I don't quite know what that means. No, I am simple here to learn. The history behind the city, the reason for the evil that infests it, anything I can learn, I will."
Draax listens, then opines on what the black dragon wanted back in the city. He doesn't seem to care either way about the orb's fate.
Jova asks about the fog, and Verash smiles, apparently warming to his position as educator. "The fog, now there's an interesting bit. As far as I've been able to figure, it is some sort of by product of the evil that twisted the city's magic in the first place. It feeds on pain, greed, and death. I'm not sure if 'living' is the right term for it, but at the very least, it certainly seems at least partially sentient, perhaps 'instinctual' is a better descriptor?
"If it can think, or communicate, I haven't heard that yet, though I wonder . . . resisted dispelling, you say? Now that is certainly interesting." He grabs a notebook and scribbles furiously for a few moments, and Phaedrus takes the opportunity to jump in.
"I'm not sure just how old Astoraxus is, but I wouldn't call him young, exactly. Certainly a few hundred years old, though not so mature and experienced as his age would otherwise dictate. Followers? I doubt it. He has always been a loner, and his tiny realm in the city shows it: he can't increase his holdings because he is weaker than some of the other powers, as you correctly surmise. As for the humanoids . . . I assume that is just a coincidence that you saw them at the same time."
Phaedrus sighs as Arien and Vedik speak. "Fine then. The orb is a sort of gate, or portal. It helps open a semi-permanent portal to another plane, though to which I cannot say. My guess is Xanaphelas was trying to bring an army of her demon followers to this plane. I'll not have it in this house and risk harm to Verash. If you don't want to send it back to the city, take it away with you. And quickly. I know not how to safely destroy it."
Turning to Tratain, she says, "That is exactly where it should be: a city full of evil creatures that cannot escape. The choice is yours, I'll not force you to follow good advice. But bear in mind what it means to be members of the Consortium when making your decision."
"That's enough, now, Phaedrus," Verash chimes in. "My boy, I'm sure those buried out back would be honored to rest next to your comrades. Be my guest if you like. You'll find some shovels and other gardening tools along the side of the house."
He starts cleaning up empty plates and bottles from the table. "I'd say we all could use some rest, and you'll want to be off early tomorrow." Leaning over to speak more quietly, "You don't want to upset her any more, trust me."
"I heard that, dear," Phaedrus says coldly.
Dwight Wednesday February 20th, 2008 10:13:06 PM
Having heard the primary use of the orb, Dwight adds he is opposed to leaving it here, or returning it to the city. "It must be safe in its current condition, else its emersion in our bag would have been disasterous."
"If it is evil, it is likely our duty to see that it is destroyed while causing the least amount of harm to anyone."
"Besides, if it only helps open a gate, then its somewhat useless now as we are not likely going to use the arcane spell to activate it."
As the table is cleared away, Dwight looks to the others to see if the fallen are buried tonight. If so, he joins and offers his silent mourning, but does not help as it does not seem to be his place.
Draax Thursday February 21st, 2008 12:01:49 AM
Draax gets ready to rest up for the night. "If we are going to take it with us, lets make sure nothing tries to follow us back."
Jova Thursday February 21st, 2008 2:36:02 AM
Looking over to Phadeus Jova asks a question. "With all due respect, could you grant me one question? The orb connects to another plane as I understand it. Could good and lawful creatures be called from it? Or is it evilly aligned? Ooops thats 2 questions."
"Tratain, I want to preserve our friends. We need to know from Gargul what their fates are to be. I know we shouldnt go before him now, but in the future,,,, Anyway, I would like to lay them out, turn them to stone, then shrink their bodies. That way they would be asier to carry, and not decay. Then if they have trully passed on, and Gargul will not help us, we can un shrink them, and bury them at the foot of our castle.
"A tribute to the 2 heroes who gave their lives to become Dragons, well, seems more fitting than a unmarked grave near a city of great evil."
"Sir Verash. We came into the vallet through a portal at that end of the valley. We met others who seemed to arrive here from another way. Do you know of any other ways out of the valley? I don't pretend to understand the geography of the Wold, but where are we, in reference to a larger city, one we might recognize?"
Vedik d20+24=32 d20+24=38 d20+24=42 d20+24=34 Thursday February 21st, 2008 7:39:22 AM
Vedik strokes his beard thoughtfully. "Planar gates are not something to be dealt with lightly. The course of action you propose is direct, and immediately solves the issue, but what of the future? Xanaphelas is gone, but there are other beings of its ilk there. Do we not risk another attempting to use the Orb as the demon intended? Our purpose in destroying Xanaphelas was to preserve the balance, because we feared one evil growing beyond the bonds of the city. Would we not risk that again by returning the orb?"
Vedik frowns before continuing. "And portals go both ways. Could it not also be used as a way to escape the city? I do not relish the notion of the Lich escaping the city by way of the demon realm."
When the conversation pauses for the night, he asks Tratain for his healing wand. He then concentrates for a moment, and begins drawing Woldsblood.
OOC: 4 attempts to draw 3 drops each: DC 25 (passed) Recharge: 2 Charges to W. of Enlarge Person 3 Charges to W. of Cure Serious (Tratains) Store one drop
Monthor Thursday February 21st, 2008 9:54:52 AM
"Yeah well... where's the food? " .... .. .
" why not just drop the glob down some volcano or something??? "
Tratain Thursday February 21st, 2008 1:16:57 PM
Tratain says "I agree with Vedik on the Orb. Just because none of the Evil Creatures have gotten out yet that anyone knows about doesn't mean they can't in the future. Also if the Orb is that Powerful, it will give a huge advantage to any of the Major Leaders in the city if they can figure o t how to use it. We managed to get it away from that Marilith in time it seems, but who know what the others could do with it. If we can't figure out how to retune the orb to somewhere harmless or how to destroy it we will just have to try and hold onto it."
On Jova's suggestion he says "I'm not sure I like the idea of carrying them around for that long, Removing their bodies from the City is one thing, but carrying them around with us for Weeks or Months while we try and find a place for our castle and have it built? I doesn't sit well with me but its not a decision I can make for us, we'll go with the Majority Opinion of what everyone thinks."
End of the night? Thursday February 21st, 2008 5:06:47 PM
[have to post a bit early, local game tonight]
Dwight feels that the group should take the orb with them and find a way to destroy it. Draax agrees, but warns against any enemies trying to get it back.
Jova begs another question of Phaedrus. She replies, "The orb can allow entry to any creatures, good or evil. It is tied to a specific plane, chosen by the orb's creator. Given the circumstances under which you found it, you can guess what creatures are likely to come through."
Jova also questions Verash on geography. "Well," hums Verash, "we aren't quite anywhere near anything you'd know. There are a number of portals scattered around these woods that grant entry to this land from various points in the Wold. But other than those portals, there isn't much connecting this land and that. Not another plane, mind you, but separated long ago by those ancient elves.
"Now if it's returning that concerns you, the portals are fairly easy to navigate going back the other way. I'm sure Phaedrus would get you to the proper portal quickly."
Vedik ponders the orb, and posits some wise thoughts on its use. Phaedrus sighs, "You are right, dwarf, and wise beyond your years. Even at my age, my judgment can still be clouded by emotion." She pauses with a quick look at Verash. "You are likely best taking the orb and dealing with it. But I still demand that it be kept away from the house for the time being."
Monthor is served his plate of food, and eats hungrily. As to his question, Phaedrus responds, "There are many who could withstand such challenge to retrieve it. I'm not sure a volcano could stop me from getting the orb if I truly wanted it, and there are those far more powerful than myself about."
Tratain agrees with Vedik's suggestions as well.
On the topic of what to do with the fallen, Jova and Tratain seem to disagree, but the question is left for majority vote.
When the evening comes, Phaedrus walks toward the door. "I feel I can trust you enough here alone. I will take some time to myself outdoors. If and when you are ready to depart, now or in the morning, let me know and I will bring you to your portal."
Dwight Thursday February 21st, 2008 10:07:02 PM
Dwight watches from the window as Phaedrus gets some fresh air. He doesn't want to intrude on her alone time, but really wants to watch her transform again.
Afterwards he takes to his bed and falls fast asleep. His dreams are restless, being in a unfamiliar bed among unfamiliar 'friends' in an unfamiliar land. He awakes in the morning, and quietly moves outside to take in the crisp morning air and nibble on the extra piece of cheese he took from the table the night before.
Jova Friday February 22nd, 2008 12:43:03 PM
Jova spends the time making small talk with Verash as he starts examining the books. Z is by his side most of the time, getting his neck scratched. As the sun sets Jova exits the house and spends some time under the stars, enjoying the relkative peace.
Tratain Friday February 22nd, 2008 4:38:31 PM
Before the group rests for the night Tratain says to Phaedrus and Verash "The two of you are Probably more Traveled and much more knowledgeable than we are so I have one more question if I May. Part of our Deal with Gargul to return our friend was for us to construct a temple in his Name in a place where he is not known. Do either of you have any idea's where such a place may be? I thought all people knew of him, but perhaps somewhere quite far away there are people to whom he remains unknown. I was wondering if you had any idea's on that."
In the Morning Tratain goes outside, upon seeing Dwight he says "We will be returning to our home soon, you are more than welcome to join us if you wish. Or if we could escort you anywhere you wish to go. You have earned our respect for battling the Marilith with us, and it would be our honor if you wished to travel on with us. I can not promise it will be easy or safe though, we are being tested for our worthiness to join the Dragon Conortium, we have lost two comrades to these trials already. I think I can speak for all of us when I ask you to stay and Travel with us."
Draax Friday February 22nd, 2008 6:35:15 PM
Draax responds to the question about the bodies.
"Not knowing the wishes of out dead teammates makes it hard to give an opinion on what to do with their bodies. If we knew their history, I would say return their bodies to their tribes, but we did not know them well enough to locate their families.
If the bodies can be preserved and shrunk, I have no problem with storing them at our place until we find get our castle. We could even bury them at the base of our tree and then moves the bodies to the final resting place at the castle when it is ready."
Monthor Saturday February 23rd, 2008 10:20:20 AM
The dwarf eats, drinks, laughs and somehow feels more "experienced" then he did before. He'll follow Tratain's lead as to what to do next. Monthor knows that it's irrelevant where his friends' bodies are layd to rest. It's the adventurers' souls that matter and those are now at rest until the great gods call on them again.
Arien Saturday February 23rd, 2008 1:00:43 PM
"Perhaps a compromise then, we can carry them to the other side of the portal and back to the nearest town. There we can bury them and should we ever gain the chance to track down members of their family we can let them know where they lie. That way we don't have to worry about their state for the next several months, nor do we leave them where it is almost impossible to retrieve their remains."
Vedik Saturday February 23rd, 2008 1:13:20 PM
Vedik ponders the fate of the remains of the fallen friends, and the experience of the last few days. The nature of life and death is a subject that weighs heavily on the old dwarf of late, but he keeps his council to himself, and prepares to set out in the morning.
Tratain (2nd) Sunday February 24th, 2008 10:15:30 AM
Tratain listens to his friends in the Morning and says "I guess we're taking Lumi and Horvis's Bodies with us. Jova I'll Help prepare them so you can turn them to stone and shrink them."
Once all the Proper spells are cast for Identifying the items and Lumi and Horvis's bodies are cared for Tratain will let Phaedrus know that the group is ready to leave. Once the group passes through the portal Tratain will cast Windwalk to speed the groups journey home to Plataue City.
Dwight Sunday February 24th, 2008 9:54:16 PM
Listening to Tratain, Dwight looks in his direction and thinks for a moment. "Well, given what I've seen in just the past hours, it seems you cause is just and it would an hour of mine to contribute as much as I may."
The End of Evil Monday February 25th, 2008 2:13:18 PM
Dwight sleeps restlessly, dreaming of his friends in the Crescent Valley. In the morning, he takes a stroll through the grass to lighten his spirits.
Jova and Verash talk long into the evening, trading stories, discussing the merits of particular historical interpretations, and after a few glasses of brandy, singing a few songs together. Once darkness comes, Jova retires to the field to collect himself before going to sleep.
Tratain asks the hosts about Gargul's charge. Verash shakes his head and returns to his discussion with Jova. "Not for me to meddle in the affairs of the gods. No, sir," he says.
Phaedrus sighs. "He's always been a bit superstitious. Though he has a point. It is for every man or woman to decide for themselves what path has been set for them.
"That being said, maybe I can give you my own interpretation. Gargul mentioned people who do not 'know him,' yes? You are quite right, one would be hard pressed to find a land where Gargul's name was not known.
"But you knew my name before coming to this land, did you not? Would you then say that you 'knew' me, Phaedrus, as you now do?
"My point is, maybe you are ascribing the wrong meaning to the words. . . .
"Then again, child, the gods are an odd bunch. Gargul could just as easily have meant for you to find a land where no one ever dies. They might not know his name either. It certainly gives one something to ponder.
"In the end, I think you'll have to decide for yourself what he meant, act on it, and accept the consequences." She pauses for a moment, then nods to herself, as if satisfied by her own answer, then goes to sit beside Verash.
Draax seconds the idea of temporarily shrinking the bodies of the fallen Knights, possibly keeping them in Plateau City until a castle can be built.
Monthor eats his fill, and Draax's fill as well, and drinks enough for the entire team. His mind is filled with existential ideas on the afterlife provided for his fallen comrades, though he keeps the thoughts to himself.
Arien proposes a compromise on the bodies, hoping to appease both factions on the issue.
Vedik, like Monthor, quietly considers the issue, but keeps his opinions to himself until the group departs.
Tratain makes the decision to follow Jova's request for now.
Dwight decides to become a permanent Grey Knight upon Tratain's invitation, and the group departs.
Phaedrus takes you on a now-familiar and far less exciting aerial trip, floating over the treetops of the forest for a few miles.
She sets down in a small clearing. The area is familiar, with its large stone portal in the center, and a few cryohydra bodies lying in the grass. Though you were just here a few days ago, it feels like ages since you came to this land.
Setting you down, Phaedrus plods over to the portal and does her best to crouch low. Her tail aimlessly flits back and forth, knocking a sapling out of the ground.
She places one clawed hand on the top of the stone portal and closes her eyes. Mumbling a few unintelligible words, she bangs her paw on the stone once, then steps back.
After a moment, the portal darkens, then explodes in a flash of bright light. The light subsides, and after a few moments, your eyes can see again. Phaedrus has already lifted herself into the sky.
"Farewell, children," she calls. "Give my regards to that pompous gold, Arrak, when you see him!" Laughing, she speeds off, back toward Verash's home.
The gate stands before you, shimmering brightly.
One by one, you step into the light and through the stone portal, and . . .
[to be continued by DM Marcin]
Dwight Monday February 25th, 2008 9:20:38 PM
Trusting the dragon, and ready to be away from this area and in more familiar dwellings, Dwight steps through.
As he exits the other side he takes a deep breathe of the 'city' air, but then coughs as with the breathe came a small bug that now twitters in the back of his throat.
"Ah, the city life" he finally manages to cough out.
Draax Monday February 25th, 2008 11:18:27 PM
When They walks through the portal, Draax immediately looks for Troughton to see if the man actually waited for them. He wonders just how much of the story is safe to tell the man.
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