To the Hmecker Farm (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 18th, 2008 4:56:59 PM
Theo listens to the conversation. and he seems glad to have a job to do, if his good humor is any indication.
Angus asks to meet the schoolmarm, and she is soon brought to talk with you. From her and the council, you get this information:
-- Manfrey Hmecker, age 12, son of Erik and Hmatttie Hmecker
-- Catrina Hmecker, age 12, daughter of Jym and Hnancie Hmecker
-- Bab Hmecker, age 7, son of Jym and Hnancie Hmecker
The council also gives you directions to the Hmecker homestead, and asks the local teacher to come with you. Her name is Miss Ammebell. Bringing her, they tell Belkior, is a fine sign that you are doing the Council's work.
Alone after the meeting, Harley expresses reservations.
Wynn mentions that kids make good witnesses.
=====
Miss Ammebell leads the way. Feel free to ask her questions.
You get to the Hmecker homestead. It is a large, sprawling, ramshackle farmhouse on the outskirts of the village. There are a flock of hens in one corner of the pecked out yard. There's an old broken wagon off to one side -- it has no wheels and is propped up with its naked axles on big rocks.
Several men and women, and a half dozen kids, turn out to greet you. One is the drunkard, Erik, who scowls and mutters to another man next to him.
And elderly man, but clearly one who still works the land every day, squints at you all. He takes off his hat and says, "Well, now, what brings you lordly folk to my humble farm? What can we do fer you all?"
Xenia Tuesday March 18th, 2008 6:44:37 PM
"If you don't mind me asking, Miss Ammebell," Xenia asks as the group makes their way up the road, "do think, in your estimation, are these kids, sorta, you know, wild?"
"That is to say, do you think they ran away? What do you think happened to them?"
OoC: What race is Miss Ammebell? Halfling? And, if you don't mind me asking, Cayzle, do you tend not to be a very visual person?
Angus d20+9=14 Tuesday March 18th, 2008 11:31:20 PM
Angus addresses the council as the Shields prepare to leave. "Thank you for your assistance. With Miss Ammebelle's help we should get to the bottom of the missing children."
Once outside Angus will address Harley "I hope you are incorrect as I do not want to deal with vampire or Ga'alian's again. We have run against both senario's lately." Angus will fill Harley in on the group adventures with the vampire priestess and her spawn at the plantation.
On the walk to the Hmecker farm Angus will talk with Miss Ammebelle "So how long have you known the Hmecker's and what kind of people are they? Would the Hmecker's sell their own children?"
Angus will cast detect magic on the teacher to look for enchantments.
Once at the farm Angus will address the old man "I am Angus Deminoff of the Crimson Shields and you are...? The council sent us up to look into the matter of some missing children. A Manfrey, Catrina and a Bab. Do you have any idea where your young ones may be?"
Angus will be as non threatening as possible.
Diplomancy 14
Belkior d20+6=24 d20+6=24 Wednesday March 19th, 2008 12:03:49 AM
The halfling cleric walks alongside the schoolteacher, asking her about the village and the Hmecker. Actually, Belkior just listens as the woman replies to Angus' questions although he does toss a few in himself. Mainly, he is simply trying to listen carefully and determine the veracity of her responses. Sense Motive = 24
"What have the other children been saying about the disappearance of the Hmecker children? Do they happen to know anything?"
When they reach the Hmecker homestead, Belkior will approach with Angus as he speaks to the family.
"As my companion said, the Council has asked us to investigate the disappearances of your children. Teacher Ammabelle has come with us to introduce us, and to relay the words of the Council."
"While you talk with my friends and I, I could also provide some healing and curing if you like." Diplomacy = 24
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Wednesday March 19th, 2008 9:55:16 AM
"Hello." Theodore smiles and nods at Ammebell. "My name is Theodore. Pleased to meet you."
The group marches to the Hmecker farm soon after the council meeting. Theodore has to hitch his britches up to keep them from dragging along the ground and slowing him down. He jogs along, with a double handful of trousers, in an odd gait. His legs circle out and back rather than a traditional straight-ahead lope. Macaw flies ahead, looking for small animals to eat.
"Miss Ammabell! Miss Ammabell! I have a question," Theodore says, raising his hand as he hurries along, the hand that had been holding his right pant leg. Immediately, his left foot comes down on the hem of his right pant leg and Theodore quickly hits the dirt in an awkward half roll, ending up on his back.
The wizard seems unhurt. After slapping the dirt from his trousers, he asks his question. "How long have the children been missing? Also, do you happen to know of any creatures or bandits around the area that might have had something to do with their disappearance?"
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent
Wynn (Sub/Al) d20+14=33 d20+6=18 Wednesday March 19th, 2008 10:51:01 AM
"Just plain folks like you." Wynn holds his hands out in a gesture of peace. "Leave Lordly to those who want to be lords. We do what's right when the time calls for it, that's all." (Diplomacy 33)
"But we do have a reputation for getting things done." The bard watches the reactions from all around. (Sense Motive 18) "When things have looked dark, people have turned to us."
Syr Wednesday March 19th, 2008 4:06:16 PM
Syr gasps aloud at Angus' suggestion before his face hardens"Sell their own children??? What kind of people are we dealing with? As an orphan, I pray that is not so."
At the farm, the elf says nothing but stares hard at each of the residents.
Spinning a Story (DM Cayzle) Wednesday March 19th, 2008 4:13:40 PM
On the way to the farm, the party talks with the village schoolmarm, a pretty young human woman named Ammebell. But she expects to be called Miss Ammebelle.
She says that many of the Hmecker kids are wild, like Caty, the missing girl. But the two boys are not so wild. The older one is actually unusual for a Hmecker -- studious and careful, but sickly from several bouts with the consumption as a child.
Miss Ammebell would not be too surprised if the girl had run off. But with both boys at the same time? She is suspicious that more is at work here.
She seems reluctant to speak too badly of the clan in answer to Angus's questions. She has known the Hmeckers all her life, and she says they are among the poorest folk in town, and many of them have big chips on their shoulders. She has no idea where the kids might be.
Would they sell their kids? "Oh no! I mean, no! Of course not -- no one would do such a thing ..." she trails off, as if thinking about that. She looks worried. And she shares Syr's distaste for the idea.
Angus senses no magic on her.
Belkior asks about what the other kids are saying. She tells them the rumor is that monsters got them! She does not believe this.
Ammebell tells Theo that it has been about a week, maybe less, since the kids went awol. She knows no bandits or monsters.
At the farm, Angus makes an offer to assist the clan in simple, helpful words. Belkior backs that up with an offer of healing. Wynn's silver words bring smiles to the faces around.
You are invited in for tea. The older type -- who introduces himself as Gunter -- offers to tell you a tale. He leads you to a tight parlor and pours a sour wine of recent vintage.
He says that the older boy and the girl -- first cousins -- ran off together after they were caught kissing. And stuff. They were forbidden to see each other, and now look at what happened.
The younger boy is just sick in bed. He'll be up and around soon. It's just a coincidence about the timing.
But Wynn thinks there is something else to this story. The old man is lying.
Wynn (Sub/Al) d20+8=20 Wednesday March 19th, 2008 4:48:39 PM
"*Tsk*tsk*tsk*" Wynn shakes his head. "A house is truly dark when the *Shadow* of illness hangs over the young. Don't you think, dear?" (Bluff 20 to send a Secret Message to Xenia *) Wynn's eyes meet Xenia's.
"There's something about this wine." The bard takes another experimental sip, savoring the bouquet. "You mix different kinds of fruit. Don't tell me. Don't tell me. A sour apple and ... "
A mock moment of difficulty.
"I'm sorry, I give up. Tell me, what's your secret?" and the bard gives old Gunter a sly conspiratorial look.
* Message to check to see if the young boy is sick in bed.
"'scuse me," Xenia rises. "I need to use the Ladies, if you don't mind."
The rogue steps from the room, and once out, blends so well with the shadows that she appears to enter the nearby wall. Silently she explores the house.
Sick kid, huh? Xenia searches for the youngest. 'Bab' was the name Miss Ammebell said. The name was Bab.
Take What You Need as You Need Them Hide 49 /Nat 20 Move Silently 37 Listen 34 Search 36 Spot 30 Open Lock 22
Role Call- ADM Scott the Southern Wednesday March 19th, 2008 7:14:42 PM
Cayzle XXXXX Harley XXXXX Xenia XXXXX Belkior XXXXX Theo XXXXX Angus XXXXX Wynn XXXXX Syr XXXXO
Nice job guys
Angus Wednesday March 19th, 2008 7:15:34 PM
Angus is concerned for the sick child "Belkior can you see to the sick ones aliments."
Angus will look Gunter in the eye "I think 12 is a bit young for getting married. I am very surprised by Caty and Manfrey."
Angus will look at the teacher "Miss Ammebelle what is the normal marrying age in these parts?"
During the answer Angus will cast Arcane sight and scan all those in attendance and the room.
Angus will report his findings to all in attendance and then look Gunter in the eye "We may have to try some magical methods to make sure we are getting the whole story and no fabrications or exaggerations. Are you ready because we are going to start with you Gunther? It will not hurt at all only get the entire story, but I will let you try again first."
Angus will ready action charm person.
----------------------------------
OOC: Please feel free to have Angus cast up to five charm person spells if for any reason any one of the Shields do not think that we are getting the whole story; just to move things along.
Spell Slots
0 level 2/6 1 level 1/8 2 level 0/14 3 level 1/8
Active Spells
Mage Armor on Angus Arcane sight on Angus Message on all the Shields
Belkior d20+7=25 d20+6=25 d20+6=24 d20+25=37 Wednesday March 19th, 2008 9:21:47 PM
The halfling cleric sits straighter when he hears of the child being sick. Surprisingly, Belkior understands what Wynn is hinting about. Sense Motive = 25
"If the child is sick, I can determine what is ailing them and probably treat him. Can someone show me where this boy is?"
Belkior will stand and wait for one of the Hmeckers to show him the way. Specifically, he looks for a woman who might be more concerned, and direct his appeal to her. Spot = 25, Diplomacy = 24
If shown to the boy, the Paragon will examine the youngster and determine the most appropriate treatment. Of course, he'll discuss his findings with the parents or guardians of the child. Heal = 37
If denied, Belkior will be quite suspicious of the Hmeckers from that point onwards.
Harley d20+6=11 Wednesday March 19th, 2008 10:03:37 PM
Harley remains in the background and silent. He quietly moves to a position where he can see everyone in the room.
He watches for someone who looks ready to run or who may attack the group.
Spot 11
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Thursday March 20th, 2008 9:36:26 AM
"Hold on, now," Theodore whispers via message to Angus. "Please don't use any magic on them. They're not hostile."
"Do you know where the older two might have run to?" Theodore asks Gunter and Ammabell. "We could check on them just to make sure they're all right."
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent
DM Cayzle Thursday March 20th, 2008 4:57:50 PM
(waiting for Syr ... I'll post tonite either way)
JimF Thursday March 20th, 2008 5:16:02 PM
I vote for not waiting and posting on a 24 hour cycle. It is the players responsibility to post in the time specified.
Al - OoC Thursday March 20th, 2008 5:32:39 PM
I'd be for that as well. Extra DM posts would be welcome, of course. But if we could rely on one main post at a set time each day, I think it would be best.
Syr Thursday March 20th, 2008 6:24:07 PM
Looking around at the farm and the general condition. Remembering what Ammebelle said about how impovershed the family is, Syr is still impressed that they are offered wine. The elf politely declines and excuses himself to 'get some fresh air' as the others offer assistance. Once outside, he take a look at the surroundings, looking for anything out of the ordinary.
(OOC: Yup, I'd agree. Don't wait on me. although thanks Cayzle!)
Wynn communicates to the group that he has suspicions about this old man's story.
Xenia slips away to check it out. There is no child lying abed sick in this house.
Angus scans for magic, but there is none other than the party's.
Belkior asks to be shown the boy, but he is denied. "No need to trouble yourself. Really not necessary." Belkior is very suspicious.
Harley is ready for trouble.
Theo and Angus ask Miss Ammebell about the kids and Gunter's story. She shakes her head. "I don't believe it. I know those kids. It doesn't sound right to me."
Syr steps outside to keep an eye on things out there.
Angus decides to make the job easier, and casts Charm Person on Gunter.
[OOC: The DM is slightly annoyed that there is no mention of the spell's save DC or a link to Angus's Googledoc sheet, but a quick trip to the Woldipedia gives him the answer he needs -- no wait! it doesn't! Gosh darn it! No link on the Woldipedia page either! Jeezum Crow!]
Gunter's raw roll of 14, with a +4 on that, gives Gunter an 18 on his save Is that enough? Not knowing, the DM gives Gunter the benefit of the doubt.
Gunter shouts, "HEY!" he leaps up and runs out of the room. Doing so provokes AoOs from everyone in the room who had a weapon drawn or who is considered armed even if unarmed, if they care to take the AoO.
If Gunter makes it out of the room, he'll end his turn right in front of Syr.
If Angus makes it out of the room
Xenia d20+7=26 Thursday March 20th, 2008 9:10:01 PM
The dark rogue steps from the shadows, a slim rapier in her hand.
"No kids, Wynn. In no beds."
The look on her face is grim.
(Intimidate 26)
Wynn (Sub/Al) Thursday March 20th, 2008 9:39:51 PM
"I did tell you, Gunter. We have a reputation for getting things done." Wynn follows the man out at a leisurely walk. His hands are spread and they contain no weapons. "We can find this out one way or the other."
"And to tell you truly, we are here to help you. Now why don't you tell us what's happened? The truth this time."
Angus Friday March 21st, 2008 6:50:38 AM
OOC: I do not post the google doc version of Angus in each post. I did forget the DC for the charm person spell sorry about that. DC 17
-------------------------------------
Angus is annoyed "As my friend just said we are here to help and there is an easy and a hard way of doing things. You can chose the way as we have places to be and other people that are waiting for our assistance."
Angus will wait a few seconds to see how the family responds. If answers are forthcoming then he will hold off on his second charm person spell. If not, he will cast again, but not before shaking his head and tsking.
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) d20+10=28 Friday March 21st, 2008 9:06:33 AM
"This is not the way to do things," Theodore says. His normally soft face now shows a harder side. His jaw is set in determination as he quickly moves out of the house after the others. He draws a wand from his satchel as he does.
Macaw flies off to sit in a tree.
"If you cast another spell against these folks, Angus, then I will dispel it." He shows the sorceror his wand. "This is not the way to do things."
Theodore is true to his word. If he sees Angus begin to cast another spell, he will use his dispel magic wand to counter. (Dispel magic check 28)
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent
Angus (second illegal post) Friday March 21st, 2008 12:58:19 PM
Angus is now not pleased with Theo "Now you have shown division within the group, a very bad choice. I trust you will not do so in combat. There is now no reason why these good people will ever tell us the truth, now that you have backed them. My tact may not have been the best, but I am tired of all the roadblocks for our assistance. It is best we pack our bags and leave them and there missing children alone."
Angus will still cast his spell and will continue to do so and see how willing Theo is to use charges on his wand.
"It is best we find out quickly if these good people are being coersed and have good reason for not telling us what we need to know because they are unable to do so for whatever reason."
The Lies that Sow Discord (DM Cayzle) d20+10=15 Friday March 21st, 2008 4:44:51 PM
[OOC: Xenia made a great Intimidate check but did not actually require anything of Gunter. Wynn required something but did not actually make an Intimidate check. I'm going to assume that the two worked together to Intimidate the old man.]
Xenia scowls and exposes Gunter's lies. Wynn demands answers -- the truth!
Angus casts another Charm -- and Theo tries to dispel it. That's a counterspell attempt, and the DC to do it is 22. Theo's 28 works, countering the Charm Person.
Everyone has followed Gunter and Syr to the yard outside. No member of the family besides Gunter is in sight. Miss Ammebell looks on, in shock.
Gunter looks at Xenia and wails in a tremulous old man's voice: "Don't let her hurt me! Don't let her hurt me! Don't mess with my brain! Please! Please! Mercy!"
"Those kids are not here any more! They ran off with strangers! Strangers who promised them things!"
Sense Motive Check 16 reveals: Highlight to display spoiler: {That's nearer the truth, but not the whole story.}
He falls to the ground, holding his head.
Harley d20+10=22 Friday March 21st, 2008 5:22:17 PM
Harley looks around the home one last time to see if there is anything that the group may have missed (spot 22).
He then heads outside and catches the tail-end of the confrontation between the group and Gunter and the group with itself.
Great he thinks. Now we are in-fighting. Being new to the group he does not pick a side or do anything at this time except stand there with a big frown on his face.
Belkior d20+7=27 d20+6=16 Friday March 21st, 2008 10:21:01 PM
The halfling cleric sits in stunned silence for a moment while chaos erupts around him. Belkior hurries outside in time to hear Gunter Hmecker's statement. Belkior scowls as he realizes that Gunter isn't telling all that he knows. Sense Motive = 27 (natural 20)
"Hold up there! No one is going to mess with your mind. We simply want to get to the bottom of this. And my companions are pretty touchy about people who hurt children."
Belkior crouches down by the patriarch of the Hmecker clan as he glances at his companions.
"Now, my friend will ask you some questions. He's like me, pretty friendly and willing to help. But he's also like the others because he doesn't like people who hurt children. So I'd suggest that you answer all his questions. I'd really like to be able to help you and your family."
Diplomacy = 16, Aiding Another (probably Wynn)
Angus d20+2=20 Saturday March 22nd, 2008 8:41:34 AM
Angus is now upset at the foolish waste of time. "Theo are you ready to waste more charges on your wand?"
sense motive untrained 20
Angus casts another charm person spell.
"Something is stopping this good man from helping us and I aim to reduce his inhibition. Keep that wand at the ready."
Mage Armor on Angus Arcane sight on Angus Message on all the Shields
Wynn (Sub/Al) d20+16=27 Saturday March 22nd, 2008 9:08:19 AM
Catching the use of the simple word All used by his halfling companion, Wynn looks up from old Gunter.
The bard holds up a hand to hold off the rogue.
"Wait. Please, Angus. Let's let him try to answer by himself first. It will be better for his soul to do this of his own free will. Thedore, will you please stand down?"
"It's as Belkior says. It's as Angus says too. We have a special grievance against those who harm children, and sometimes it makes us a little short. But we also understand that people make mistakes, Gunter. The bigger the mistakes, the more difficult they are to put right."
"We understand people who want to put their mistakes right. For people like that, we offer forgiveness. But we can't help them if they won't reach out for what we offer, do you understand me, Gunter? We can help you, but only if you are forthcoming with us." (If you need another Diplomacy check then 27 w/Belkior's Aid. Otherwise, I'll stand on my last Diplomacy check for the encounter.)
Xenia d20+22=31 d20+17=30 Saturday March 22nd, 2008 9:20:24 AM
Xenia's blade returns to its sheathe with the slightest of snicks at the end. She holds her palms out and backs away.
"Sure, Wynn."
"No weapons. See."
Her eyes and ears, though, take in the surroundings, ever wary against ambush. (Spot 31, Listen 30)
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) d20+3=13 d20+10=19 Saturday March 22nd, 2008 10:18:15 AM
"I don't control this wand, Angus," Theodore responds. "You do. If you want to save its charges for something more constructive, stop this idiocy. As a conscientious person, I have no other choice than to stand against you."
The wizard stays ready, his wand held before him like a sword. All of his attention is focused on Angus and he does not sense anything other than fear from Gunter. (Sense Motive 13)
Others move in to speak with Gunter and Wynn asks the stalwart wizard to stand down. "I will if Angus does," he replies, his eyes never leaving the sorceror.
If Angus casts another spell against Gunter, Theodore again tries to counter it. This time, he fails. (Dispel Magic check 19)
Macaw watches all this from his branch.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent
Syr d20+18=23 Sunday March 23rd, 2008 7:33:01 PM
Seeing the panicked state that Gunter is in, the elf begins to feel pity for the man. Bending down slowly, he tells the man, "It's okay, we just want to help and need as much information as possible. Do you think you can do that for me?" (Diplomacy 23) Syr then holds out a hand to help him up on his face and smiles warmly at him.
The elf is oblivious to the tensions in the group as most of it started inside the house after he left.
Role Call ADM Scott the Southern Sunday March 23rd, 2008 7:42:14 PM
Cayzle XXXXX Xenia XXXXX Wynn XXXXX Angus XXXXX Belkior XXXOX Harley XOXOX Syr OXXOX Theo XXXXX
Myself and Harley need to improve!
The Bottom of this Mess (DM Cayzle) d20+4=12 Monday March 24th, 2008 1:53:43 PM
Harley is concerned but keeps quiet and watchful.
Belkior tries to convince Gunter to tell the truth.
Angus casts a Charm Person. It is not countered by Theo (not due to a lack of trying), and the old man does not save. Gunter looks at Angus with hope in his eyes.
Wynn, like Belkior, tries diplomacy. Xenia does too, after a fashion. Syr tries to calm the old man.
Suddenly, the group, and especially its leader, Angus, seem a lot more friendly to old Gunter. He gets up, brushes the dirt off his clothes, and nods.
"Fine then. Here is my story. A group of five humans came here from the north -- four men and and a woman. A couple of them had blood on their clothes. They wanted three kids to take with them. They promised the kids would have long happy lives and be greater than they could imagine. They gave us a reward for our troubles. We have too many mouths to feed. So we sent them away."
He looks at you as if expecting condemnation.
Sense motive vs Dc20 -- Highlight to display spoiler: {this is pretty much true, but the old man is putting the most positive possible spin on things.}
"Kids aren't for everyone." Xenia breaks her silence with that declaration. "Sometimes it's just better for everyone if they just go somewhere else."
"Four men and one woman wantin' three kids is kinda weird, though. Doncha think?"
"What did they look like? The four men and one woman," she asks. "I mean, like, what were they wearing? What kinda weapons were they carrying?"
"North of here is that Glitter Mountain, right Wynn? How long ago did these folks come and take the kids?"
"I mean, if these folks are just raising them up, then I say fine. A little weird that they like four on one, you know. But all folks got their kinks, if you know what I mean."
"But if they're buying up kids to make monsters or sump'in, I say we need to bash 'em down a bit."
Angus d20+2=22 Monday March 24th, 2008 3:48:40 PM
After hearing Gunter tale Angus will comment "That is a difficult choice to have to make. We should be able to help your lot a bit before we leave. Can you describe these four bloody humans to us so that we can seek them out. We need to check on your young one to make sure they are alright. Do you have names to goe with the faces as well? Anything will help."
Sense motive untrained 22 (natural 20)
In a quite voice, Angus will add "Is that exactly how it happened when the strangers offered your children a better life?"
Angus will get out 20 gold pieces and give it to the school teacher "Please see that food and animals, chickens and such, is sent to this farm to get these good people on their feet again."
In a low voice to Ammebelle "I would appreciate if you took care of this, so that they do not use the money for ale. There is an extra 20 gold in the sack for your school. Please use as you see fit."
Angus will not look pleased when he searches out Theo's reaction "We will discuss group dynamic's and interactions with non Shields later. Especially how not to waste magical resources."
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) d20+3=10 Monday March 24th, 2008 4:44:22 PM
Theodore is frustrated that he was unable to counter Angus' spell. He is about to turn the wand on the charmed Gunter when the old man speaks and admits to his own atrocity.
Theodore stands with wand-hand raised and bottom jaw lowered. "You sold your children?! Are you kidding me?" (Sense Motive 10)
Theodore turns away in a huff. What in the Wold is wrong with people today. No one has any concept of basic rights!
He is content to sulk until Angus speaks to him. The sorceror receives a dark look for his trouble. "Please doubt that I'll be taking suggestions from someone with such a faulty moral compass as yourself, Angus. I'm honestly surprised that you are allowed to lead this group. I had believed you were in the business of helping folks, not manipulating them."
He walks off down the path back towards town. Macaw glides down to land on the wizard's noggin and then turns about to keep an eye on the scene at the farm.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Monday March 24th, 2008 5:29:39 PM
"Hey, watch him, huh Wynn?" Xenia points to Gunter with her chin and a turn of her head, then she follows the new wizard guy and his bird off down the path.
For a while, she just lopes along beside. Her green eyes turn every now and again up to the Worm-Eating-Bird.
"My Da and Ma found me in a sewer," she says at last. "Well, just outside of one. They said I was almost dead. Who knows how I got there? Maybe some human woman got knocked up by a drow, and couldn't bear to keep a dark baby after I was born. Maybe she was a slave, and didn't want that life for her baby."
"First thing my Da thought when he found me was that he could use a baby drow. Teach it to be a sneak thief. Train it while it's young. He told me that. After I got older, that is."
"That was what he did for a long time. My Da. Just the training. But, I guess something inside him changed. I love my Da, and I know that he and my Ma love me. I know it. That's me. I started from all the wrong reasons, but here I am, everything in my life turned right."
"So, I guess what I'm saying, Theo, is that I don't always go thinking something's wrong if it looks wrong from the start."
"Guess it's sorta hard to make sense of that. Also doesn't make right what Angus did. Sometimes I think he does things just 'cause he can. You know?"
"I'm not trying to say who's wrong, or to change the way you think or nothing, Theo. I guess, it's just that when someone walks off alone, I get to thinking that sooner or later they'll need someone to talk to."
The girl rogue stops along the trail. Back behind her are the Crimson Shields.
"I guess what I'm saying, is if you need someone to talk to, I'm here to listen."
"Good questions, Gunter," Wynn watches as Xenia moves off after the wizard. "Do you mind if we check in on the three children? To see that they're alright."
Harley Monday March 24th, 2008 7:40:47 PM
Harley shakes his head at the man's pitiful tale. He wonders if he could ever get so desperate that he would sell his children. Nope. That would never happen to him. Harley approaches Gunter to ask him a few questions.
"Do you want your children back? Do you want us to check on them to make sure they are ok and that these people are sticking to their word? If these people are providing a better life for your children, will you be happy?"
Harley looks away to the north as the man answers the questions.
"Gunter you said these people came from the north. Did they head back that way after they left your farm?"
Metamagic Rod Usage: Extend (1-3): 0/3; Extend (1-6): 0/3
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) (2nd Post) Monday March 24th, 2008 9:00:15 PM
Theodore gives Xenia a sheepish look as he walks, only now starting to feel a tad ashamed of his outburst.
Macaw eyes her like a piece of food.
"I'm an orphan, too," Theodore says. He smiles at Xenia. He doesn't talk for a bit, but stops walking when Xenia does. He turns to face her. "Do you ever wonder about your parents? I mean who they are and what they do? I wonder about that, sometimes."
His eyebrows dip. "I'm sorry for acting like a fool back there. I just get angry when I see someone misuse their power like that. The strong should not take advantage of the weak. I saw too much of that in the City."
Theodore shakes his head, trying to dispel the past few minutes from his memory. "If he were even apologetic for his actions, then that would be something. But he continued on, like he didn't care at all for the man. I can't allow that."
He takes a deep breath. "I'm going to go back to town and relax a bit. Thanks for talking to me. I really appreciate it."
He turns back down the path and continues on to the town. Macaw continues to look at Xenia.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent
Belkior d20+7=9 Monday March 24th, 2008 10:54:27 PM
The halfling cleric is taken aback by Gunter's admission. Even though Belkior can remember the grinding desperation and hunger of his early childhood, he doesn't think that his family would have so easily given him up in exchange for ... whatever. Sense Motive = 9
The Paragon turns to Ammabelle and asks the schoolteacher, "Are things truly so desperate here? So desperate that this family would give up three of their children? Or is this a common event here?"
Xenia (3rd Illegal Post) Tuesday March 25th, 2008 11:29:18 AM
"Alright. You take care on the way back. We'll come get you and tell you what we find out, huh?"
"Wonder 'bout your parents." The dark girl watches as the man and his bird disappear down the path. "Don't need to wonder. I ever meet up with the fram franjer that fathered me, I'm gonna kill him for what he did to my mother."
She sighs and turns her own feet back in the direction of the group. "Orphans," the half-drow girl says under her breath.
Syr Tuesday March 25th, 2008 1:10:43 PM
The elf's face hardens when he hears Gunter's words. "Having been without parents myself, you deserve nothing more than my contempt and certainly not Angus' gold." He glares at the sorceror offering charity.
Moving over to stand beside Theo he comments, "I'm with you, I don't feel he should get the children back. What's to say he doesn't make another 'quick sale'?" Shaking his head he looks at Gunter in disgust, "If we do find these children, my vote is to move them to the orphanage. They will get better care there than being sold to the highest bidder."
Kids for Sale (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 25th, 2008 10:14:12 PM
With further conversation, Gunter reveals that he thinks the four men and the woman were from the Jarlswolf area. From their talk and ways, they seemed to him to be fanatics of some sort.
Ammebell can hardly contain the look of disgust on her face, now that you look at her. "We don't sell children in Merrydale!" she exclaims. "And if some people are poor, well, that's the way of the world. But no one goes hungry and no one goes without clothes and a roof over their heads!"
Gunter responds angrily. "Those kids are gonna be great heroes! And what do you know of being poor, miss high and mighty! You who never went to bed hungry in your life! Mind your own business!"
Ammebell taked the 40 gold from Angus. "I'll give this to the council for the poor. But don't you believe that these Hmeckers are "good people"! They sold their kids!" she declares to Belkior.
Miss Ammebell listens to Theo. "Thank you! You, sir, see the right of it," she tells him.
Theo and Xenia walk off to cool down and chat.
Gunter tells Harley, in answer to his questions, "Thank you good sir, if you were to check up on our kids, that would do us some good. But if they are turning out to be heroes and to lead a noble life, then they should not come back.
They came from the north and were headed west.
Syr holds his tongue, but his outage is clear.
Belkior Wednesday March 26th, 2008 12:28:35 AM
The halfling cleric sympathizes with Ammabelle's disgust. Belkior does think, though, that the children might very well be better off somewhere else rather than with the Hmeckers.
"Gunter! Please tell us everything that you can about these people. How they dressed, their hair colour, whatever. I realize that humans probably all look alike to you, but try your best."
"For that matter, did they mention any place that they were going to? Or had come from?"
Dark thoughts for the dark rogue. Thunder clouds clash in her eyes.
And it's not even that time of the month.
"Did he tell you what the five people looked like? What they were wearing? What kinda weapons were they carrying?"
"NO!?!?"
Smaller, and at half the weight, the flame headed girl still stomps up to the old human guy.
"LISTEN YOU FRAM JAPP, I'M LOSING MY PATIENCE WITH YOU. GIVE WITH THE ANSWERS OR I'M GONNA BEAT YOU DOWN!"
Wynn (Sub/Al) Wednesday March 26th, 2008 9:17:59 AM
Wynn favors the man with a wry look. His eyes and the set of his mouth both say, 'It's out of my hands.'
The bard shrugs and takes a step out of the way.
Angus Wednesday March 26th, 2008 1:14:02 PM
Angus is exasperated with the entire situation "Good sir, we need some concrete information to go on in order to track down your kin. We are attempting to help you. If you do not give us more information, we will have to leave you and the missing children to their own fate. Please tell me you did not give over your children without getting the peoples names and what they were going to be doing. You said the group of humans were fanatical. Please explain what you mean by fanatical? Also, what arguments did these humans useto convice you that they can offer a better life to your children?"
Angus looks at Ammebelle "We try to help those that do not have as much as us or even you. I am surprised that you are so quick to judge. I do not like this situation, and we are attempting to help these people. What do you offer that can be constructive to the situation."
Angus looks back at the patriarch "We need or information or we will be on our way. You have not given us enough information to find your children. Think hard. You do want us to go check on them, right? What do you remember?"
Angus is waiting less than patiently for useful information before giving advice or judgement to the entire sorted situation.
Xenia - OoC d20+7=17 d20+12=28 Wednesday March 26th, 2008 2:20:41 PM
Are you waiting for a Gather Information Roll, DM?
If you do ...
Xenia 17 Wynn 28
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Wednesday March 26th, 2008 3:00:23 PM
Theodore continues back to town. Once there, he finds an out-of-the-way spot to sit and think about things.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent
Syr Wednesday March 26th, 2008 3:03:19 PM
Wanting nothing to do with the old man or his farm the elf leaves the immediate area muttering to Theo as he turns, "If I don't get out of here, I'm gonna beat it out of him." The monk tromps off to shouting distance and turns his back on the scene.
Harley Wednesday March 26th, 2008 7:39:16 PM
Harley listens to Gunter as he gives more answers what is going on. One thing sticks out to Harley. It is that the group took the children and went west and not north where they came from.
"Gunter what is west of here? Why do you think they went that way?"
"Perhaps they are recruiting from other poor farmers in the area. Maybe we can catch up to them and ask them what they are doing."
What would you look like, if you wanted to buy some children? (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 27th, 2008 12:15:41 AM
Thoroughly cowed and charmed, Bunter becomes a veritable font of information.
Four human men, one woman. Two of the men and the woman had blood stains on their clothes, over their hearts. Fresh blood, too. The woman was noble-like, and she had a scarf like ministers do, with symbols on it. Symbols that looked like leaves, maybe.
All looked like residents of Cinnamon Valley. All were dark of hair, like most here in the Valley. They spoke like everyone else, but ready for trouble. And on the move. They had daggers, and one of the men had metal armor and a sword. His nme was Hmatt. The woman had a crossbow. Her name was Barb. They had packs and two of them had lanterns.
Gunter explains that he called them fanatical because they did whatever the woman said, and they had, like hunted looks in their eyes. And they were real intent, like. They were in a rush. They had a hard, desperate look about them. That's just what his impression was.
They said the kids would have health and happiness and a great power. They would be more than mere peasants.
Ammebell points out that Gunter didn't seem to need much convincing to part with the children.
Harley asks where they were headed. Gunter did not ask. Maybe Rowena? That's the next kingdom over.
Syr and Theo walk back to Merrydale.
[OOC: Sorry for the shoddy posting sched, folks. Mother-in-law went into the hospital yesterday, so I'm struggling a bit with things. We'll get five DM posts this week though. Next one will be tonite.]
Xenia d20+17=33 Thursday March 27th, 2008 9:26:46 AM
"THANK YOU!"
"About fram jamming time," the rogue mutters to herself as she stalks off with the tailings of her snit. Maybe it *is* that time of month.
Heading in the direction of town on the same path as Theo and Syr, Xenia pauses for a pull from her waterskin.
Fresh blood. Came from the North.
"Now how long can blood stay fresh?"
"Hey guys." She turns back. "I just had a thought. "If they had fresh blood on 'em, they couldn't have come too far from the place where they got blooded. Right? Must be 'round here someplace. You said you could track, Harley? Might need some help here."
"I'm gonna find it."
"You," she stabs a finger at Old Man Gunter, "which north trail did they come in from?"
After receiving an answer, the slim dark girl fixes the old man with a slitty eyed stare. Hands on hips she says, "You are an idiot. Thanks enough for the info, but you are an honest to stars idiot."
Then she turns and heads off in the direction indicated, searching for trails of blood. (Search 33)
Matt C. - OOC Thursday March 27th, 2008 10:59:50 AM
Harley can't track, but does have Survival skill.
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Thursday March 27th, 2008 1:08:32 PM
"It's a nice day, don't you think," Theodore says to Macaw who has hopped down to stand on a rock next to the wizard. "Pretty sky."
A passing cloud, particularly large and white, catches the wizard's eye. He smiles as he leans back. "You never get to really see the sky in Dirt City. This is nice."
Macaw looks up at the cloud, looks at his grinning master, and shakes his head.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent
Wynn Thursday March 27th, 2008 7:54:02 PM
The bard just shakes his head at the relevations. It's one thing to put kids up for adoption and the hope of a better life, and quite another to sell them to a group of fanatics...
"Did he say bloodstains over their hearts?" he asks out loud. "It sounds like we might once again be dealing with followers of Ga'al. They may have sold their children into a life of servitude to Ga'al. We must hurry!"
[OOC Thanks for subbing Al. Loved the good cop-bad cop routine.]
Syr Thursday March 27th, 2008 9:51:07 PM
Seeing that the rest of the group is not quite following them, Syr tugs on Theo's sleeve. "Looks like we better wait or backtrack a bit. It always seem to bite us when the group is separated. "I know Angus' isn't your favorite person right now but there is much to be said for safety in numbers."
(OOC: I hope things go okay Cayzle)
Belkior d20+15=21 Thursday March 27th, 2008 11:03:40 PM
The halfling cleric listens to Wynn's question and attempts to formulate an answer.
"It does sound like what happened to the worshippers of Ga'al when the heartseeds died. Did any one say how many hours or days these folks are ahead of us?"
Angus Thursday March 27th, 2008 11:10:25 PM
Angus mutters to himself "Ga'alians. They are never any good to young ones with their nasty plans."
Angus looks at Gunter close by and takes a step back "Your young one are most likely in danger, but we will check on them. I will check with Ammebelle and if I hear that anyone around here is selling kids or anyone for that matter in the future...I will round them up and sell them myself. DO YOU UNDERSTAND!" Angus locks eyes with the entire clan.
Angus steps back even further and shakes himself "I feel dirty by association at this point."
Angus looks to those Shields still in attendance "Let's get out of here and see what we can find out on the road."
Angus looks to Harley "Do you know the area around here at all? Could you teleport some of us in front of this Ga'alian and then come back for the rest? If not, we have to walk and it is not a hobby of mine."
Harley Thursday March 27th, 2008 11:52:12 PM
"No I wouldn't feel safe teleporting us in that direction."
Harley moves with the group as they leave the farm.
In the hands of Ga'al (DM Cayzle) d20+4=17 Friday March 28th, 2008 7:18:36 AM
Wynn puts two and two together and realizes what is going on.
[DM OOC: Bing bing bing bing bing bing bing! Please add 400 xp to your PC sheet, Wynn!]
Gunter tells Xenia that he did not see much where the strangers came from.
Xenia says she thinks Gunter is an idiot. She looks for signs of how they went, but Gunter tells Belkior that the trail is four or five days old. Even so, the rogue's keen eyes pick up a few signs of passage.
[OOC: It will be a Survival with Track Feat DC21 to follow the Ga'alians.]
Angus threatens Gunter and warns him from a repeat of this dispicable behavior.
Miss Ammebell looks like she very much agrees. "The Council will hear a full report!" she says. The threats give Gunter a new save vs charm, and he breaks free. "What have I said! You are no friends of mine!" He holds his head and runs off, if no one stops him.
Harley wants to go with the party to find the sold kids, but does not think -- probably correctly -- he could teleport ahead of them.
Theo and Syr are a little way on the road to Merrydale. Syr urges Theo to not split up the party.
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Friday March 28th, 2008 9:12:22 AM
(OOC - I thought I was already back in town. I'll go with it, though.)
Theodore pauses when Syr tugs on his sleeve. "I'll wait a moment, then."
The wizard looks around a bit and then back to Syr. "So, uh, how did your group form up? Any singular motivation for you guys or do you just kind of travel about righting wrongs?"
"Wrong is right! Wrong is right!" declares Macaw. He turns about once on Theodore's head. "Wrong is RU-HITE!"
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent
Xenia Friday March 28th, 2008 10:05:47 AM
Only one man. Only one man could halt today's surly rogue from her self appointed mission.
(Well, maybe two men. But the other one is far away in Dirt City so he doesn't count. Where was I?)
Only one man.
"Huh? Wynn, you really think it's those Ga'al Guys with a new thing on? Blood Seeds instead of Heart Seeds? Or maybe Blood Hearts or Heart Bloods or Blood Seats ... or sump'in."
"So we go beat 'em down, then. Wonder if they have any good stuff? Hey, Belkie, can you ask Alemi, like, where they've gone and such?"
"Isn't, um, West in the opposite direction of Home?"
Wynn Friday March 28th, 2008 5:01:02 PM
"Xenia, I think the blood tells us that our actions against Ga'al have had more widespread influence than we originally thought. I am just guessing, but perhaps the blood indicates that their heartseeds have also withered and died as we saw in Stone Gap. I am also guessing that they intend to heartseed these children to start their cult anew."
Belkior Friday March 28th, 2008 10:29:56 PM
The halfling cleric has a sudden inspiration, nearly hitting himself on the head. Of course, Xenia's words were what triggered Belkior's idea.
"Of course! Alemi would probably guide us on this quest."
"Now, from what you say Xenia, the Ga'alians are probably a couple days ahead of us. If we ask for or ... well ... acquire what the Ga'alians paid Gunter, it could be used as a magical connection to the Ga'alians."
"Or, we can get Theodore to make some of those magical steeds and catch up with the Ga'alians. I mean, they're walking and now have some children with them. They would be moving much slower than those magical horses would be."
A plan is conceived (DM Cayzle) Saturday March 29th, 2008 9:21:56 AM
On the road back to Merrydale, Theo engages Syr in conversation.
Xenia seems to be getting more convinced that the people who "bought" the children are up to no good. She is sure that these are followers of Ga'al, and she wonders if Belkior can ask Alemi for help.
But she wonders if this is just taking the party away from home.
Wynn is starting to wonder if the withering of heartseeds is not a more widespread phenomenon. Though how killing one priest (albeit a high power priest) could have done all this is a question that may occur to the bard.
Belkior thinks that Xenia has a great idea. And he improves on it -- the coins or whatever they gave Gunter in payment could be a help in scrying or divining the way they went! And Theo's horses could give them the speed they need!
The party finds Theo and Syr and Belkior tells his idea. It is a simple matter as well to grab Gunter and convince him to part with the gold coins the Ga'alians gave him, especially if you will give him coins of your own of equal or greater value.
What's next?
Xenia (2nd Post) d20+29=46 d20+19=26 d20+17=33 d20+13=30 Saturday March 29th, 2008 10:21:21 AM
Xenia nods, this time, thoughtful.
"You don't want they should profit from what they done, huh Belkie. Well, if they ain't spent it all up I think I can get the clinker from 'em."
"But, I'm thinking, hard to tell one coin from another, you know what I mean? But, if they've got the kids with 'em, whyn't we get something that the kids used? Old clothing, a toy, maybe even the pillow one of 'em used."
"That would work, wouldn't it? I'll go see what I can find."
With those words, the slim dark rogue fades into the shadows and disappears.
(Use as necessary to find and acquire items mentioned above: Hide 46, Move Silently 26, Search 33, Open Lock 30)
Xenia - Addendum d20+9=29 Saturday March 29th, 2008 10:41:07 AM
Here's a Sleight of Hand roll. In case Xenia needs to inspect the bodies of the people involved. 29/Nat20
Syr Sunday March 30th, 2008 2:15:32 AM
As they move to rejoin the others, he answers Theo's questions, "Well, originally we all started out as orphans as we all came from Mother Flauset's Orphange. That's one of the reasons why we are still tied to the orphange outside Plat City. However, of those that started, I'm the only one left. Over time, we've picked up additions here and there. Your cage buddy, Florin, where ever might be is the only two time member."
As he hears the idea, he groans slightly at the thought of riding again." It's not that I hate it, but c'mon how many places on the Big Float did I have to practice?"
Angus Sunday March 30th, 2008 8:06:40 AM
Angus seems to smile more with each step that leaves the farm behind. "I am glad that is over with. Xenia and Belkior, excellent ideas. Anything to get get more information to find the kids as quickly as possible. These Ga'alians are up to no good, even more so than Gunter."
Upon seeing Syr and Theo return to the group he approaches both "Syr know this, but you should also Theo. For good or ill this group has aided children in distress and on that point I do find that the end result of my actions justify the means."
Angus will straighten his hat "Syr can tell you that squabbling in front of non Shields is nver a good idea. Save disagreements for later as everyone can add to any discussion. The last time we had an open disagreement and made the wrong decision regarding the well being of children, five were killed along with Mamma Flauset and Gordo all because we did not let the ends justify the means. That is a lot to live with and I will not ever again. Everything I did was for the benifit of the kids, everything. We will have no burned orphanages if I can avoid it."
Angus will move down the road and wait for the results of Xenia's search. Angus is in a much better mood as the whole farm episode is behind him and the group has a purpose. "We may have to put of checking on your company for a bit Syr. I trust your second can handle things for awhile longer."
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Sunday March 30th, 2008 11:14:06 AM
"Orphans," Theodore repeats Syr. And then he is silent until the rest of the group catches up.
"I have to disagree, Angus." The wizard's brow furrows. "The ends do not justify the means. Nor should they ever. That's the kind of reasoning a tyrant would use. I do agree that conflict within the group should not be discussed in front of others. However, should you again feel the need to implement shady means to achieve an end, I wish you would discuss it with the others before acting. Mind control is not a inherently good act. It should only be used in hostile situations, which that was not. Normal discussions could have produced the same results and left the old man unviolated."
"In the morning, I'll be able to summon mounts for us all, if that is the course we are taking." Theodore looks West. "Do we want to set off at once, spend the rest of the day walking? Or will we remain in town for the day? My choice would be for setting out, now."
Wynn Sunday March 30th, 2008 4:54:10 PM
"I have to agree with Theo on this one, Angus" the bard pipes in.
"We agreed that Florin was no longer fit to lead when he appeared set on the path of vengeance. We did not take in the follower of Jancissus for much the same reason. We are the Crimson Shields of Hope and I would not hastily agree to actions that sully that name. We must protect and provide hope, and that is not done through invading the minds of the poor and foolish. The ends do not justify the means, otherwise we might all be followers of Ga'al instead of opposed to the forces of domination."
Wynn looks to the others to see if they are in agreement or not, for their thoughts on this will most certainly influence his own actions.
Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) Sunday March 30th, 2008 6:10:13 PM
Xenia gets in a word before she goes.
"I think you gotta look at whether it's a poss to do what you want a different way first, Angus. I mean, like, could we get what we want without putting the whammy on the old guy right off."
"Other things to think 'bout could be, are we time pressed? How important is getting what we want?"
"I mean, always going straight to the whammy before trying the nicer but harder ways first, is like ... Well, it's like swaggering your power, you know?"
"I may be away for a bit, but I'll try and get something we can use."
Then she's gone.
Angus (second illegal post) Monday March 31st, 2008 8:41:12 AM
Angus walks downt he road with the other Shields "I will do what it takes to safeguard kids in trouble. It is all about the kids and not Gunter. Gunter was not telling us the whole story or any details we needed to help the kids. We tried asking and coercining and it did not work. Time may be off the essence and I was not going to waste it playing games with Gunter. Now we have the information that we need."
Angus scratches his chin and looks at Theo "I actually think that detect thoughts would be less effective and more invasive to Gunter as I would get to read all of his thoughts. The Charm only made him more forth coming in regards to questions about the kids, which is all we wanted."
Angus looks to Wynn "I am alway attempting to spread Hope as I am hopeful that the kids we seek are still unharmed. I am always open to ways to get the information we need, but all of our avenues were blocked. We got the information we could trust, quickly and cleanly. We are attempting to protect Gunter's kin dispite his best efforts to thwart us."
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) (2nd Post) Monday March 31st, 2008 9:16:50 AM
Theodore shakes his head and grits his teeth. "You're wrong, Angus. And there seems to be no way to sanely reason with you. So I'll just let you know that I'll stand against you every single time you try to do something morally abhorrent."
He turns his gaze to the road ahead. Anyone looking closely will see the wizard taking deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth.
Macaw dozes atop Theodore's head.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent
Angus (Thrid illegal post) Monday March 31st, 2008 9:37:23 AM
Angus smiles at Theo "Get that wand ready. I am sure I can burn through it in short order."
Angus shakes his head "Now you are the moral judge of me and potentially the rest of us. I think not. You still have not offered an alternative to the my remedy. You preach but give no solutions. I do what is necessary to keep all of us alive and to assist kids in any way, weather that is morally acceptable to you or not. You can not enforce your moral values on the rest of us or the WOld for that matter. Just remember that I feel your morals are not far off from mine. THere are just a few sticking points here and there."
Harley Monday March 31st, 2008 10:26:59 AM
Harley listens to the discussion concerning the use of magic on Gunter. He thinks for awhile before adding his thoughts to the conversation.
"I am leaning towards Angus on this one. The affected party in this one is 3 children. They did not have any say or free will in keeping their father from selling them. They did not have the power to disobey their father and go to the authorities in town and let them know what was happening. Their own father, who is supposed to love and protect them, sold them off like they were dozen eggs. Gunter gave up his rights to be treated fairly the minute he accepted that money for his children."
"If these were adults we were talking about that had gone off with these fanatics, then I would agree that the use of magic on Gunter would be inappropriate. But we are talking about innocent little kids here."
"I would be hard-pressed to pray before my gods if something dreadful happened to these children knowing that I had it in my power to stop it, but didn't. We can always go back to Gunter and apologize for our actions and ask his forgiveness. We may not have that same luxury with these children."
Follow those kids! (DM Cayzle) 10d20(7+3+11+13+12+15+11+13+18+4)+2=109 Monday March 31st, 2008 4:52:04 PM
Xenia not only goes a-hunting for the coin received in exchange for members of a noble race, but also for personal items belonging to the kids. She comes back with a good 109 gold coins, a stuffed bear belonging to the youngest kid, and shirts for the other two.
Meanwhile, a debate goes on about means vs ends, and doing what it takes, or not. Angus, Syr, Theo, Xenia, Harley, and Wynn all weigh in on the topic.
Theo suggests setting out today, and then moving to mounts in the morning.
The party sets out, headed generally west. By the end of the day, you are walking through rolling hills and meadows. There are rare thorps and homesteads, with houses or burrows usually behind palisades or thick doors set into hillsides.
Are you taking any special actions to track the kids? Or to use divinations or scrying or anything similar? How do you know which way to go?
The night passes uneventfully, aside from the wild noises that float faintly from the Magical Culverwood to the south. It is morning.
Xenia Monday March 31st, 2008 6:01:07 PM
"Here's the stuff, Belkie." The rogue's hand lingers; not over the coin, but over the bear.
"You gotta wonder. Is someone missing this little bear? Is he thinking about it right now?"
Xenia's full dark lips turn down at the corners, a pouty frown.
"I'll give these over to you, Belkie. Lets hope Alemi points us in the right direction."
Wynn Monday March 31st, 2008 6:18:51 PM
Wynn frowns at Angus' reply. "So your answer is to accept continued confrontation amongst us?" the bard asks the mage. "Do you think it wise that we squander our resources because we cannot come to some understanding about right and wrong and when it might be justified to go beyond what we would have done to ourselves?"
The bard is not ready to let the matter drop and his demeanor makes this clear.
When Xenia returns with the children's personal items, he turns to Belkior. "Can you divine our way forward my friend?"
Belkior Monday March 31st, 2008 11:08:56 PM
The halfling cleric accepts the offered items, holding them in his hands for a moment. Belkior considers how to handle this problem. In so many ways this would be an easier task if Lang and Sunshine were still with them. The shirts would have been more than enough for the bugbear and the dog to follow.
"I can prepare to ask Alemi for advice for the morning, before we set out. I will be ask some questions of Alemi and I'd appreciate your guidance in doing so."
"Unfortunately, I can't do more than that. Maybe Theodore or Angus can use some arcane spells using these connections to the children."
Syr Monday March 31st, 2008 11:27:41 PM
As Angus explains his side of the debate, the monk wisely refrains from commenting and further argument.
Later on, he pulls the sorcerer aside from the others and speaks in low tones, "Gimme a sec? You know me and you know I got your back through think and thin but I see a bit of that old emotional Angus coming through. Just back up a minute and take a look at yourself. Is this the Angus that lead us versus the Quad with quick decisive moves or the Angus that almost came to blows with The Children of Chaos? You brought up Mother Flauset's death... Do you remember how hard I fought to get a commitment from those Chaos kids to take Jonas to the authorities? Why? Because it's the RIGHT thing. not the easy or fast thing, THE RIGHT THING. Just keep in mind that you are the leader and the face of the group. Your decisions are watched closely and second guessed often.
Taking a breath, he pats the sorcerer on the back and smiles, "All I'm sayin' is that your heart is in the right place but just don't let it lead you. You got that block on top of your neck to evaluate decisions. Don't do something that the rest of us are stuck with."
The elf approached Harley when it comes time for standing watch and nudges him gently, "You and me, huh?"
Angus Monday March 31st, 2008 11:34:03 PM
Angus was hoping to let the matter drop but Wynn presses on "I only talk of squandering resouces as I will repeat my actions if I think if will help kids in distess or save the lives of any of us. I want Theo to know that his wand will burn out before I do and we should save the valuable wand for those that fight our causes."
Angus will look Syr in the eye "Jonas was personally responsible for how many deaths? The jail did not hold him long with nature gone wild. Jonas is free to oppress and murder again. I think the wrong choice was made regarding the Anvil Hearts, Twice. We could have stopped the murders if we meeted out justice, but Florin and Tionel would not have it. I think we paid a heavy price and I try to learn from previous mistakes."
When Angus hears of the limitations of Belkior's spell he is concerned. "I am afraid my friend that I do not have much more to offer. I do miss Lang as he would be checking every bent leaf to find those Ga'alians. I wish you and Alemi the best in the morning."
Angus moves over to Theo and with no hint of the recent disagreements he adds "Do you have any divinatations that can assist Belkior?"
Angus takes a moment and calls all the Shields together "Gather around all. Do we not want to fight injustice and give hope to those that may not have it? When I mean fight, I do not mean to bring proportional force to any confrontation. I want all of us and those we want to help and offer hope to, to see the next morning safely and I will not hold back when it comes to helping those that can not help themselves. Are we going to find and help these kids that were abandoned by their own kin to the likes of Ga'alians? I for one want to give the kids a chance to make a choice for themselves and mabye give them a chance to start over. We either all go forward together or we can just head off for Plateau City and leave them to their fate. I think fate has dealt them a bad hand and I have to even the odds and give them a chance. Are we together on this?"
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Tuesday April 1st, 2008 10:01:14 AM
"We are all in the business of morality, Angus," Theodore replies. "Weren't those your intentions with Gunter? You made an assumption that he was guilty of some crime and acted on it. I did the same thing with you. The difference was, you had no evidence of Gunter's guilt, except a feeling. I had actual physical evidence of your guilt, your attack on Gunter. Where I come from, you must first prove someone guilty of a crime before establishing a punishment."
"You had no proof of Gunter's guilt," he continues. "You had a hunch and acted on it. That is unacceptable. Would you appreciate it if someone assumed you were guilty of something and then attacked you. I surely would not. Had you established Gunter's guilt through conversation or perhaps a detect evil or discern lies spell, then I wouldn't have interfered with your actions. After you had determined his guilt and he was resistant to admitting who took them or where they were taken, I would have supported your actions. But seeing as you did not, I had to express my disagreement."
"Furthermore, you did not bother to discuss the options with your party. You acted on your own initiative, not with the majority's consent. Rather you should have taken a moment to explain your plan and listen to everyone else's opinions. Gunter was not going anywhere, there was no haste required in that situation. I even asked you very politely to hold a moment before you cast your spell. And you ignored me."
"You talk of fighting injustice, that's what I was doing, Angus. Practice what you preach." Theodore finishes his diatribe with a flourish. He stays where he is, ready for Angus' rebuttal.
"Unfortunately, I do not have any means to ascertain where the absconded children might be," Theodore says, sadly. "I can provide a speedy means of travel to get to them, but cannot suggest a direction. Sorry."
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent
Xenia d20+7=18 Tuesday April 1st, 2008 10:24:44 AM
The dark rogue's green eyes shift from one face to the next. From underneath her long lashes she takes in the words, both spoken and unspoken.
Men ...
She sighs before padding to a place next to Wynn's arm. The day's walking should cool them out a bit. But you know they'd just be thinking underneath it all. All them feelings just stewing underneath there.
... can't live with 'em. Can't live without 'em.
Xenia ties back her hair as the group moves out across the country. At the various points of civilization, she stops to chat, to ask about four men and one woman with blood on their chests, and to show the folks on the road the little stuffed bear. (Gather Information 18 /To find out if anyone has seen the Ga'alites and the children.)
"Whyn't you just ask Alemi straight out about the Ga'alies, Belkie?" the dark girl asks the next morning. "Maybe he'll tell you just exactly where they're going. All we need is, like, a name. You know."
Cayzle's Clarification Tuesday April 1st, 2008 10:41:48 AM
You are headed west across country. That's how it seemed the Ga'alian's went with the kids. Open fields. Glens. Meadows. You can stop and talk with the few farmers and shepherds you see.
Angus (second illegal post) Tuesday April 1st, 2008 11:28:27 AM
Angus shakes his head at Theo "Very disappointing. You best get used to me acting on hunches as it will happen time and again. We are off to help children in distress now and that is what matters and not how we came upon information of a family tradegy. Lets go saves some kids."
Angus does add one more note "Remember that detect evil and disern lies would not have gotten the information that we needed to move forward and help the kids. We still needed the charm. Remember that time is often of the essence and wating a day to study for spell that are not immediately helpful is wasteful....remember to keep that wand handy for my next round of hunches."
Angus strides forward in the direction the Ga'alians took.
Question Time (DM Cayzle) Tuesday April 1st, 2008 6:50:04 PM
It is the morning after visiting Gunter Hmecker's farm. You have walked generally west, in the direction you think the Ga'alians went, but in reality, you are kind of taking a walk in the dark, since no one can track.
During the previous day and night, the party talks about morals, and when it is right to act, and when some restraint is better. There are strong opinions expressed -- maybe stronger than the actual differences among the party members debating it.
The day dawns clear. Now Belkior prepares to cast his divination.
Xenia - OoC Tuesday April 1st, 2008 8:12:46 PM
Um ... Nothing on the Gather Information Checks?
Cayzle Extra Tuesday April 1st, 2008 11:46:23 PM
Actually, one shepherd you meet does say that a group of people came through a few days ago. They were headed west, and did not stop to talk with him. Looked like they were in a hurry.
Belkior Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 12:30:28 AM
The halfling cleric completes his morning prayers to Alemi and immediately prepares his first spell. Belkior remvoes a set of silver bowls from his haversack and places them on a carefully prepared white cloth. The Paragon lights some incense in one bowl and pours a flask of holy water into another. All the while, Belkior is silently reciting the prayers that allow him to reach the proper frame of mind.
Once he is ready, Belkior casts his spell and he begins to ask questions of his deity. He asks them out loud so that his companions can hear.
"Should we retrieve the children from those that purchased them?"
"Are the children now in physical or spiritual danger?"
"Is there anything else that we should do with the purchasers?"
"Will we catch the pursuers within the next day if we continue in this direction?"
"Are any of the purchasers current worshippers of Ga'al?"
"Do any of the purchasers use magic?"
"Would the purchasers present a significant threat to us in a fight without surprise, or unfair advantage to either side?"
"Do the purchasers serve another, or a group of people, here in the Wold as opposed to serving a God of the Wold or Testing?"
And Belkior has some questions remaining depending on what he learns.
Syr Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 1:30:48 AM
The elf frowns at Angus' words, "Right is Right and Wrong is Wrong and what you did was wrong, where do you stop? No difference between torture and enspellment to get the info as far as I'm concerned." He walks away from the sorcerer with an exhale to show his displeasure.
Later as the others are discussing options he suggests, "We still have that information tablet, considering it's Ga'alian history, it might not be a bad idea to break out now? Under the right controls of course?"
(OOC: Jonas got out? I must have missed that post)
Xenia Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 10:21:51 AM
"Yeah. You not me, Syr." Xenia shakes her head and backs away, as though from present and physical threat. "I'm not even touching that scroll thingie again. Not me."
She circles to Wynn, as if to conceal herself behind him.
"Hey Belkie," she calls from her place of safety, "ask Alemi if the place they're going is north of a line straight west of here? Ask him if the place they're going is in a city! As him if it's in a town. As him if it's hidden! As him if it's a temple!"
OoC: Last we saw, Jonas had been under escort back to the prison on Barracks Level. He was being lead back by the large and very imposing Lord Bael.
DM Cayzle Extra Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 10:47:20 AM
Some quick answers to move things along --
"Should we retrieve the children from those that purchased them?" YES
"Are the children now in physical or spiritual danger?" YES
"Is there anything else that we should do with the purchasers?" JUSTICE
"Will we catch the pursuers within the next day if we continue in this direction?" MAYBE
"Are any of the purchasers current worshippers of Ga'al?" YES
"Do any of the purchasers use magic?" YES
"Would the purchasers present a significant threat to us in a fight without surprise, or unfair advantage to either side?" MAYBE
"Do the purchasers serve another, or a group of people, here in the Wold as opposed to serving a God of the Wold or Testing?" BOYDOS
Belkior (Sub/Al) d20+8=12 d20+4=5 d20+5=18 d20+15=26 Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 11:27:30 AM
From within the depths of his spiritual commune, Belkior's face turns dark as the answers become more and more dire. He raises a hand as if to ward off the flood of questions that tumble from Xenia.
"Is the Tower of Boydos near, Alemi? And will we be able to reach it if we travel directly west from here?"
"Is it still possible to overtake the Ga'alites and their captives before they reach their destination, Blessed Alemi?"
OoC: Sorry, I'm assuming a Knowledge roll of 26 at least allows an awareness of who Boydos is and that he has a tower somewhere. (Though, not necessarily a knowledge of where that tower might be.)
Knowledge rolls for info on Boydos Knowledge Arcana 12 Knowledge History 5 /Nat1 Knowledge Planes 18 Knowledge Religion 26
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) d20+11=13 Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 1:35:13 PM
Theodore sighs as Angus walks away. There wasn't anything else he could say to the man.
When they stop, Theodore sits down cross-legged to observe Belkior's divination.
"Very cool," he comments with a smile.
Syr suggests using the scroll again and Theodore produces it. "It seems that Belkior's got the question and answer situation resolved. I had intended to simply write, 'Who are you?' on the scroll. But if the rest of you want me to refrain, or write something different, please let me know." He gives Angus a significant look.
If there are no objections or suggestions to write something different, Theodore will write, "Who are you?" (Will save 13, if needed)
Macaw perches up in a tree to sleep for the night.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent
Angus Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 4:43:05 PM
Angus gives Belkior a friendly slap on the back after his questions are answered. "Nice job Belkior. We have choosen the correct path."
Angus approaches Syr "I missed your concern about me casting the charm on Stomp the half orc a few months ago. THe charm spell is not right or wrong it is in its usage or abuse. Did you see me abuse Gunter in any way?"
When Theo asks about the the scroll he adds "Go for it. I am still up for using it for kindling or just out right sell it. Good luck. At least see how its answers compare to Alemi."
Angus does back over to Belkior "So tell us more about the Tower you described?"
Wynn d20+12=21 Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 9:11:09 PM
"The Tower of Boydos lies to the west, near the northern edge of the Culverwood. It is a strange place where nothing seems normal."
Wynn recalls his previous visit to the tower before he joined the Shields.
"They say something strange, perhaps a god, sleeps deep beneath the tower, and that all nearby suffers from some kind of insanity. I have seen the dwarven monks, dressed as clowns, acting without reason, and I have been inside...a place where up is down and each room seems a different reality. Why the followers of Ga'al would travel there is beyond me. Perhaps the Tower has been abandoned in my absence?"
[Bardic Knowledge=21 + direct experience in the tower and with the monks]
More Answers (Dm Cayzle) Thursday April 3rd, 2008 8:30:32 AM
"Is the Tower of Boydos near, Alemi? And will we be able to reach it if we travel directly west from here?" YES
"Is it still possible to overtake the Ga'alites and their captives before they reach their destination, Blessed Alemi?" MAYBE
Theo writes a question on the scroll. He feels no invasion of his mind. He sees an invisible sensor form near the scroll. These words form on the scroll: This scroll is a tool for divination. Ask a question once per day. If you ask, and the answer is clear, then it will appear. If the answer is not clear, then your own mind will be used to give clarity. This scroll is an intelligent item that uses the agency of a former disembodied soul to provide answers -- the details are beyond mortal comprehension.
Wynn offers information about Boydos.
If you seek to catch the Ga'alians before they get to the Tower of Boydos, how will you get to them so fast, and how will you find them in the wilderlands, lacking a tracker and a trail?
Xenia - OoC Thursday April 3rd, 2008 9:33:44 AM
1) I'm wondering if we can assume the following: The Ga'alites are traveling over terrain that can be considered Trackless on the Overland Movement chart. Your use of the phrase "Wilderlands" leads me to that assumption, Cayzle. Could you confirm it, please?
Cayzle: Sounds about right, but IDHTBIFOM.
2) That would put them at half movement, and on foot. Or, maybe Belkior should as if they're on horseback? Though I would think that would have come out in the general description, especially as Xenia has already been asking about them.
Cayzle: Ditto.
3) Here are some more questions that Belkior can ask Alemi to help us decide: a) Are the Ga'alites hustling or other wise pushing their speed of travel through exertion? b) How far ahead are they? (If you're wondering how this can be asked with only Yes or No questions, it's not hard given that Commune doesn't limit the number of questions. Just ask if they're over, say, 25 miles ahead. If not, then they must be under 25 miles ahead. Adjust your numbers for each question.) c) Where are they in relation to us and the tower? We suspect they might be headed for the tower. We know that the tower is directly west of us. We can ask whether the Ga'alites are in a direct line between ourselves and the tower. If not, we can try north then south. After that switch to how many miles off of the line between ourselves and the tower. With those figures we should be able to triangulate their position exactly on a map. d) Are the Ga'alites headed for the Tower of Boydos? Might as well ask and clear away any speculation.
4) Cayzle, can we assume these questions are answered instead of wasting a day of play on this?
Cayzle: Seems to me that you are pushing the spell a little bit. "You are allowed one such question per caster level. ... If you lag, discuss the answers, or go off to do anything else, the spell ends." Seems to me that I've already answered 10 of 11 questions. Seems to me that Xenia prompting Belkior with ideas for questions is also a "lag." So be happy and move on.
5) Cayzle, is the area that we're in now populated enough for us to find a place to buy horses? Or, can you provide horses for all, Shegger?
Cayzle: Theo has it covered.
6) Cayzle, from Wynn's knowledge could we get a rough number telling us how far we are currently away from the Tower of Boydos? This will give us enough numbers to determine whether it's even possible or not to make up the distance based on various modes of travel.
Cayzle: See below.
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Thursday April 3rd, 2008 10:09:40 AM
Theodore shows anyone interested the scroll's reply. "I don't know if that really clarifies anything, but it's interesting." He delicately rerolls the parchment and places it in his haversack.
"I can provide us with speedy transport in the morning," he explains. "But I can't provide any means to detect their actual trail. However, if we know they are heading to this Tower place, we shouldn't need to track them. Just race to the tower and we'll probably overtake them."
Unless someone has a different idea, Theodore summons seven phantom steeds the next morning. One for each of them. The steeds have a speed of 220 feet.
You have crossed sand and mud, wind and water Appear and carry me without falter
Stitch the shadow, weave the mist; darkness made real Something from nothing, as definite as steel
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steeds: 11 hours from summoning
Harley Thursday April 3rd, 2008 11:15:57 AM
Belkior & I can study for Wind Walk spell if we have the time.
This is what it does.
You alter the substance of your body to a cloudlike vapor (as the gaseous form spell) and move through the air, possibly at great speed. You can take other creatures with you, each of which acts independently. Normally, a wind walker flies at a speed of 10 feet with perfect maneuverability. If desired by the subject, a magical wind wafts a wind walker along at up to 600 feet per round (60 mph) with poor maneuverability. Wind walkers are not invisible but rather appear misty and translucent. If fully clothed in white, they are 80% likely to be mistaken for clouds, fog, vapors, or the like. A wind walker can regain its physical form as desired and later resume the cloud form. Each change to and from vaporous form takes 5 rounds, which counts toward the duration of the spell (as does any time spent in physical form). As noted above, you can dismiss the spell, and you can even dismiss it for individual wind walkers and not others. For the last minute of the spell's duration, a wind walker in cloud form automatically descends 60 feet per round (for a total of 600 feet), though it may descend faster if it wishes. This descent serves as a warning that the spell is about to end.
Heading West (DM Cayzle) Thursday April 3rd, 2008 8:13:27 PM
Belkior learns from Great Alemi that the Ga'alians are taking the kids to the Tower of Boydos, which is about 10 miles to the west. You might be able to catch the Ga'alians if you rush. Theo's phantom steeds should do that job for you.
If you just head west, you might find your target by chance. To get better odds, you might think of some way to find them directly by skill or art.
Harley mentions Wind Walking. But the disadvantage of Wind Walking is that if you use it at speed, it gets hard to see fine details as you fly by. Probably Theo's Phantom Steeds offer the best compromise between moving fast and keeping an eye open.
Nothing in Wynn's lore hints that Boydos has awakened or been evicted from his Tower.
Xenia d20+22=41 Thursday April 3rd, 2008 9:16:15 PM
"Ten miles! Wonder if I can see it from here? I'm going up for a look."
Pink tongue wets dark lips. The dark rogue recites the magic words.
"There's no place like home. Here's no place like home." She clicks her heels together, then zooms skyward, arms at her sides, spinning in a slow turning spiral. Down below, the ground falls away (Spot 41 to see tiny figures moving across the ground and toward the strangely phallic spire thrusting toward the sky.)
Belkior Friday April 4th, 2008 12:53:35 AM
The halfling cleric gets ready to get on a magical horse. Belkior motions to his companions.
"Let's get moving. We know where they're goin to, so let's get there first and get prepared. If we happen to see them on the way, so much the better."
Syr Friday April 4th, 2008 2:01:30 AM
Syr snorts, "I'm with Belkie. Just 10 miles? Why don't we race there and then backtrack? It sounds like we know the destination, who cares about tracking?" He gets ready to spur the horse onward when a thought strikes him and he turns to Angus, "Umm, unless we are caught between two forces, that might not be the best of tactics."
Wynn d20+4=17 Friday April 4th, 2008 7:46:24 AM
The bard lightly steps up into the saddle and prepares his mount for what is sure to be an exhilerating ride. "Follow me" he calls out. "I've been there before and know the way." With those final words he is off, racing west across the rolling landscape, down cart trails he followed as a youth, and across small streams he fished as a boy.
[Ride=17]
Angus Friday April 4th, 2008 8:23:21 AM
Angus "Only 10 miles. Let's take the Theo's horses since they are hear. Next time we go wind walking or I will polymorph us all into air elemental and we make a run/fly for the goal."
Angus looks to Syr "Let's make haste and see if we will be in time to save the kids."
Angus spurs his horse forward at a walk in the direction of the Tower and calls up to Xenia. "We wait for your report."
Xenia - OoC Friday April 4th, 2008 8:39:41 AM
Angus, Message spell?
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Friday April 4th, 2008 9:44:09 AM
Theodore struggles to get into the saddle. When Xenia returns from her scouting, the wizard gives everyone the thumbs up. "I'm ready. Yah!"
He boots his mount and the horse takes off.
Macaw has to hitch a ride on the saddle, too. Otherwise the bird wouldn't be able to keep up.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steeds: 11 hours from summoning
Angus (second illegal post) Friday April 4th, 2008 1:16:31 PM
Angus will cast another message spell on himself and include all of the Shields. As Xenia rises he will comment "Angus to Xenia do you read me? Over."
Harley Friday April 4th, 2008 1:59:19 PM
Harley watches Wynn race off on the phantom horse. He however follows at a slower pace so as to not fall off.
When they get close he dismounts and walks his horse as he does not want to be caught on his horse if a fight starts.
The Tower In Sight (DM (for now!) Cayzle) d4=1 d100=45 d100=10 d100=53 d100=30 Saturday April 5th, 2008 11:41:02 AM
[OOC: Huh! What do you know!? I have to go to the Urgent Care Faclity today. If this is my last post in the Wold ... LOL!
But I do have this weird thing going on with my throat. Hasn't hurt my humor, and I'm in no pain, but one's uvula just is not supposed to fall out of one's throat and flop around on the back of one's tongue! LOL!
So today's (shoulda been yesterday's) post is not as elaborate as I had hoped.]
==========
Xenia rises, and sees in the distance, a blue streak that must be the Tower. It is too far off to see more than that.
Angus casts a Message spell. Xenia descends. The party mounts. Wynn leads the way, and Harley takes the rearguard.
Soon the Tower is in sight. It does not look as it did when Wynn was last here. It looks like an artist's drawing of a forked lightning bolt, given solid form and driven into the ground. Or maybe like a dead tree, with shattered limbs, It is cobalt blue, and maybe a quarter mile away.
Just ahead, out of sight but over the ridge, you hear the sound of talking.
Cayzle Extra Saturday April 5th, 2008 4:07:37 PM
I'm fine! Doc said take some Ibuprofin! So you're not rid of me that easily! Better luck next time! :-)
The dark rogue puts a finger to her lips at the sound of voices ahead.
"Gonna scout ahead, Angus." The whisper comes over the Message spell. (Hopefully still in effect.) "Keep you 'Nformed."
She clicks her heels together again and then lifts off the ground. Stealing shadows from the ground ten feet below, Xenia zips across the landscape in the direction of the voices.
Rolls and Actions Hide 35, Move Silently 28, Spot 39, Listen 23 Report back via Message spell, actions and position, distances, etc of the voices.
Active Effects: Message(110m), Fly(5m) Items Expended: Winged Boots 2/3
Belkior d20+8=15 Sunday April 6th, 2008 12:07:47 AM
The halfling cleric stops when he hears the voices from ahead of his companions and himself. Even as Xenia begins to fly, Belkior is trying to identify what he can of the speakers. Listen = 15 (untrained)
Knowing better than to give away any surprise that they might have, Belkior doesn't cast any spells. Instead, he simply gets his armor and equipment settled as well as possible while remaining quiet.
Syr Sunday April 6th, 2008 2:20:27 AM
Syr dismounts and rubs his aching backside. The elf carefully stretches each leg muscle and prepares for Xenia's return.
(OOC: Cayzle, sounds like you made your Fort save).
Wynn d20+6=26 Sunday April 6th, 2008 3:00:42 PM
The bard brings his steed to a stop and dismounts. Sheltered by the ridge, he listens to the voices on the other side [Listen=26; Nat 20] for clues as to what is going on.
He whispers to those close to him, "this is not the tower I visited before...same place, but definitely not the same tower. It has been transformed!"
Angus Sunday April 6th, 2008 6:22:10 PM
OOC: How much time elasped in our travel? Did we leave the farm this day or wait a day?
--------------------------------
If Angus's message spell finished he will cast a new one before Xenia leaves "Give a call and we will come running."
Angus will position himself close to Syr and Wynn. "Come close to me just in case we have to move quickly."
After Xenia has a head start of 30 seconds, Angus will add quietly. "Let us move up to the top of the ridge for a closer look our selves, but everyone be silent. We must be ready to aid Xenia at a moments notice."
Harley Sunday April 6th, 2008 10:20:48 PM
Harley catches up to the group. He dismounts and heads over to Angus. He looks at the strange tower.
"IT kind of looks like a rip in the air."
Role Call ADM Scott the Southern Monday April 7th, 2008 1:02:18 AM
Cayzle XXXXX XXXXX Syr XXXXX XXXXX Angus XXXXX XXXXX Xenia XXXXX XXXXX Wynn XXXXX XXXXX Theo XXXXX XXXX? Harley XXXXX OOXXX Belkior XXXXX XXXXX
Two weeks included...
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Monday April 7th, 2008 9:19:22 AM
Theodore slides off of his mount. Macaw flutters to the ground and begins pecking about for worms.
The wizard begins to feel those familiar jitters as the possibility of confrontation looms. He attempts to steady his breathing.
In through the nose. Out through the mouth. In through the nose. Out through the mouth.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steeds: 11 hours from summoning
The Pilgrims' Progress (DM Cayzle) d20+4=19 d20+4=8 d20+4=12 d20+4=5 Monday April 7th, 2008 4:53:36 PM
OOC: Timetable: You went to the Hmecker farm yesterday. You set out walking cross-country yesterday afternoon. Then you camped for the night. The next morning you mounted Theo's horses and rode. Now it is late afternoon. You will reach the Tower before sunset at this clip.
Xenia floats off, hugging the shadows cast by the ridges in the late afternoon sun. She sneaks up on a group of pilgrims -- anyway, people dressed in rough robes, brown and scuffed, walking toward the tower. There are some humans, half-elves, and a halfling. seven in all. Xenia has not been seen. She hears the halfling whining, "When will we get there? My feet hurt." Xenia is about 75 feet from the party, about 25 feet from the pilgrims.
Belkior hears the voices, but is too far to hear the words with that roll.
Syr dismounts and stretches. Harley dismounts and looks at the tower. Theo feels nervous but is ready.
Angus creeps closer, in case Xenia needs help.
You all hear a great crash as of thunder. To Xenia, it seems like it is right on top of her.
Xenia, please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see a flash like lightning, and suddenly there are about a dozen dwarves standing among the pilgrims, as if they appeared in a flash of lightning. There are quiet words spoken -- or maybe the thunder is still echoing in Xenia's ears, and it is impossible to hear the actual words. Some of the pilgrims seem surprised, but the one talking to the dwarves does not seem to be.}
Xenia d20+22=32 d20+29=34 d20+19=26 Monday April 7th, 2008 5:22:42 PM
"Did Wynn say sump'in about dwarves, Angus. 'Cause we got dwarves. Dwarves, like, appearing outta nowhere."
"'Side from that, no kids. Just this bunch, look like beggers. Beggers headed to the tower."
"I can see 'em talking to the dwarves. They don't look too suprised to see 'em jumping outta nowhere."
"I'm gonna try and pick out what they're saying."
Rolls and Actions Spot 32 to read the lips of the pilgrim talking to the dwarves and the reply from the dwarves. == Same Hide and MS rolls as last time, unless the group moves. In that case, Xenia will follow and use ... Hide 34, MS 26
Report back via Message spell, actions and position, distances, etc of the voices.
Active Effects: Message(110m), Fly(5m) Items Expended: Winged Boots 2/3
Belkior Monday April 7th, 2008 10:28:07 PM
The halfling cleric remains with the others, wishing that he had thought to cast a Status spell on Xenia. Belkior really should remember to do such things every time the rogue goes sneaking off.
Angus Tuesday April 8th, 2008 9:22:20 AM
Angus quickly refreshes the message spell before Xenia depart and then casts mage armor on himself.
Angus will whisper back to Xenia "Be careful of the Ga'alians and look for the wayward kids."
Angus motions for everyone to follow him to the crest of the ridge and he relates what Xenia has seen and hears to the other Shields.
Angus keeps out of sight the best he can, but still watches Xenia from whatever cover he can find.
-----------------------------
OOC: What is the top of the ridge like? Cover, trees, bushes? How far are the pilgrims from the top of the ridge?
---------------------------------
"Does any of this make sense to you Wynn? You were here before."
Spell Slots
0 Level 2/6 1 Level 1/8
Spells in effect:
Message on all the Shields Mage Armor on Angus - 11 hours
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) d20+11=27 Tuesday April 8th, 2008 2:30:41 PM
"They could be under some kind of illusion," Theodore suggests after Angus relays Xenia's observations. "Or they could be exactly what they appear. Pilgrims. Do we have a plan?"
"I'll take a look from atop the ridge. Maybe that might give me a better idea."
Fractured shadows come bend the light And I'm gone, vanished from sight!
Theodore disappears! (Activate ring of invisibility) He crawls up to the top of the ridge and looks over in an attempt to see what's going on for himself.
(Looking specifically for any inconsistencies that would hint at illusion or anything invisible. Will save 27)
Macaw continues to wade through the grass, hunting for bugs.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steeds: 11 hours from summoning Invisibility: as per ring
Syr Tuesday April 8th, 2008 3:38:40 PM
Waiting patiently for words from Xenia or Angus he whispers to Wynn, "That Harley guys looks like he can handle himself but .... Theo... he seems a bit frail. Think one of us should stay near to him, just in case?"
Pilgrims on Parade (DM Cayzle) Tuesday April 8th, 2008 5:05:58 PM
Xenia reports pilgrims and dwarves, and the whispered word spreads among the group.
Xenia also notes that the dwarves are unarmed and unarmored. They are clad in grey and white, and their beards are elaborately waxed or shaped somehow, so that each beard looks like a forked lightning bolt. A couple of the dwarves wear blue gemstones in their hair, and around those, sparking electrical lights sometimes play on their hands, bare feet, and bodies.
Theo becomes invisible and sneaks forward. Perhaps his lack of stealth would have proved a problem, but for the thunder still echoing in the pilgrims' ears.
Xenia's keen eyes note that the robes are not very worn after all -- they were recently scuffed to look worn.
Theo and Xenia hear the halfing complain again. "I'm thirsty." One of the half-elves answers, "Be quiet Bab!"
Note that the ridge is covered in high grasses, and that's all, just like in the picture above.
The pilgrims start to march off toward the tower. The dwarves look around, in all directions.
Xenia - OoC Tuesday April 8th, 2008 5:14:16 PM
Any result on the Read Lips attempt?
(Serious,Cayzle, it would be nice if you paid a bit more attention to the posts. I've tried a couple of different ways to make the roll requests stand out for you. But, if there's anything else that would help, please ask. It's annoying to have to ask again in an OoC.)
Wynn d20+9=23 d20+9=26 d20+6=22 d20+7=27 Tuesday April 8th, 2008 5:18:50 PM
The bard sneaks up to the ridge top to catch a glimpse of what lays before them. He tries to estimate the distance to the dwarves and pilgrims, and also looks for a route by which they might sneak up on the tower or even bypass the pilgrims and reach the tower before them.
Harley (AC 28; HPs 85/85) Tuesday April 8th, 2008 8:10:20 PM
Harley trails along behind the scouts of the group as they make there way up the hill. It is a little hard to stay quiet and hidden while in full plate armor. He waits for the scouts to motion him forward.
Location: ? with Flail in right hand and buckler and rod in left hand.
Metamagic Rod Usage: Extend (1-3): 0/3; Extend (1-6): 0/3
Angus Tuesday April 8th, 2008 10:28:33 PM
Angus waits at the top of the hill for direction and information from Xenia and whispers softly to the others "Let's wait for our girl to do her scouting."
Angus will attempt to stay hidden in the tall grass, but still observe what goes on below.
Directly to Xenia Angus will add in quite tones "Did you find out anything USEFULL yet? Theo is on his way invisible, so be careful. Watch out for lightning."
Spell Slots
0 Level 2/6 1 Level 1/8 2 Level 0/14
Spells in effect:
Message on all the Shields Mage Armor on Angus - 11 hours
Belkior Tuesday April 8th, 2008 11:19:47 PM
The halfling cleric stays back with Harley. Even though Belkior isn't wearing full plate, he doesn't trust himself to sneak up on the group over the ridge. But he does whisper something over the Message spell.
"Anyone see any sign of the halfling children that were purchased by the Ga'alians? Have we beat them here?"
Angus OOC Tuesday April 8th, 2008 11:31:21 PM
Again, What are the distances from the ridge top to the pilgrims?
Syr Wednesday April 9th, 2008 4:00:21 AM
Syr's face frowns when he hears the report. "Pilgrims? Granted they could be masquarading but what if someone else thinks we attacked Pilgrims? Ya think it's possible to just approach them and reimburse them for their time and coin in buying the kids? I mean, that's alot of potential problems, attacking a larger group, the fact that they are pilgrims, and finally, what unknown capabilities they possess. I'm all for mixing it up but these guys present too many unknowns for now..."
Xenia d20+29=47 d20+19=33 d20+22=26 Wednesday April 9th, 2008 8:01:43 AM
... Bab ... halfling ...
A spark goes off in the head of the dark rogue.
"ANGUS! Time to come runnin'. These are them. Bab! That was the name of the kid, right? I just heard one of the others call the halfling 'Bab!' Must be an 'llusion or sump'in."
"Or ... a disguise."
"I'll try and hold 'em up. Tell me when you're ready and I'll try and strike one of them out of it."
Xenia flies to a place directly above the pilgrim who is actively engaged in talking to the dwarves.
OoC: I'd still like the Read Lips content. DM, if Xenia succeeds, please post it and consider it transfered to the rest of the party via the Message spell.
Rolls and Actions Hide 47, MS 33, Spot 26 to penetrate disguise. Also to spot a holy symbol unless completely concealed.
Report back via Message spell, actions and position, distances, etc of the voices.
Active Effects: Message(110m), Fly(5m) Items Expended: Winged Boots 2/3
From the Lips of Children (DM Cayzle) Wednesday April 9th, 2008 1:19:00 PM
Wynn studies the landscape. The pilgrims are manybe 60 feet away from him. Theo is presumably invisible up ahead; ditto Xenia, hiding.
The ridge-top is maybe 100 feet from Angus and the armored Belkior and Harley in the rear.
Syr has reservations but is quite alert.
Xenia lip reads the whispered utterance of a dwarf: "What color? What [something]? What shade are [something]?" Another dwarf babbles to himself: "Na'a kei fe aipe he 'aho ni."
Xenia hears the words the children say -- words that tell her what is really going on -- she realizes that the "halfling" is the child you seek -- and likely the "half-elves" are the tweens!
Xenia, and any who wish to do so, all rush up over the ridge and down to the mass of people. A dozen dwarves oddly dressed, half a dozen people in pilgrim garb, and half a dozen odd adventurers, some maybe still mounted on phantom steeds! It makes for quite a gathering here in the wilds in the shadow of the tower of a sleeping demigod of madness!
Everyone is talking and shouting at once, but it is the dwarves who manage to make themselves heard, by dint of managing to effortlessly speak in unison at the top of their voices:
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Wednesday April 9th, 2008 1:48:37 PM
Theodore scootches back down the hill on his butt. Halfway down he drops the invisibility and power walks the rest of the way down.
"I think it's them," he says quickly. His eyes are large with excitement. "I heard one of them call the other 'Bab'!"
The wizard begins casting spells upon himself. He produces a piece of leather from his pouch.
I am safe and protected from it all Whether thief's dagger or the titan's maul
"How should we approach them? I could create some distracting illusions to confuse them, spread them out." He exhibits a piece of shell next.
Flying missiles through the air Shall not pierce my skin so fair
"I can also attempt a spell which would hypnotize some of them. This would only work if you did not attack those hypnotized, however."
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steeds: 11 hours from summoning Mage Armor: 10 hours, 59 min, 9 rounds Protection from ArrowsProtection from Arrows: 11 hours
Harley (AC 31; HPs 85/85) Wednesday April 9th, 2008 10:23:14 PM
Harley moves with the group as it goes up over the ridge and down the hillside to the group of dwarves and pilgrims. Along the way he casts a few spells. If it causes him to fall behind a little bit, he doesn't mind.
Cast Resist Energy, Comprehend Languages & Shield of Faith.
Location: ? with Flail in right hand and buckler and rod in left hand.
Active Spells or Effects: Ring of Counter-spells: Dispel Magic Resist Energy Electricity: 110 minutes Comprehend Languages: 110 minutes Shield of Faith: 11 minutes
Metamagic Rod Usage: Extend (1-3): 0/3; Extend (1-6): 0/3
Belkior Wednesday April 9th, 2008 11:04:06 PM
The halfling cleric keeps pace with Harley, pausing with the other cleric since he doesn't want to get separated.
Spell List to follow
Wynn [AC=26; HP=75] Invisible Wednesday April 9th, 2008 11:18:47 PM
The bard takes a moment to chant the words "amin quella" before becoming invisible. Only then does he make his way as quickly as possible towards the growing throng at the bottom of the hill.
Active Spells:
Invisibility - 80 rnds
Syr AC 31/30 HP 142 Thursday April 10th, 2008 2:00:50 AM
Assuming Angus does give the order to move out, the monk sticks close to Theo as they move over the ridge. If not, he still sticks close to the wizard, not necessarily defending him but just watching over the newest member.
Theodore & Macaw (see invisibility) Thursday April 10th, 2008 9:10:34 AM
"Whoops!" Theodore sees that the group has charged the pilgrims. He quickly follows along, activating his ring of invisibility as he goes.
Fractured shadows come bend the light And I'm gone, vanished from sight!
Macaw takes to the air and begins to circle high above the confrontation.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steeds: 11 hours from summoning Mage Armor: 10 hours, 59 min, 8 rounds Protection from Arrows: 10 hours, 59 min, 9 rounds Invisibility: as per ring
Xenia d20+9=28 d20+29=38 d20+19=28 Thursday April 10th, 2008 9:21:43 AM
Having now either succeeded or not in spotting a holy symbol on the head pilgrim, the dark rogue drifts down over the pilgrim's head. From her place in the shadows, she proceeds in taking the holy symbol away.
Rolls and Actions Sleight of Hand: 28 to take the head pilgrim's holy symbol. Hide 38, MS 28 (continued)
Report back via Message spell, actions and position, distances, etc of the voices.
Active Effects: Message(110m), Fly(5m) Items Expended: Winged Boots 2/3
Angus Thursday April 10th, 2008 11:08:12 AM
Angus calls out "Let's move down the hill."
Angus considers the distance nice and close so that any of his spells are possible.
ANgus cast resist energy - electricity on himself before he goes over the top.
"We get the kids a cleanly as we can. Try not to hurt innocents, Ga'alians are another story." Angus looks very determined.
Angus spots Theo briefly "Ready your wand to take out any illusions you spot. We need to tell friend from foe."
Spell Slots
0 Level 2/6 1 Level 1/8 2 Level 1/14 3 Level 0/8
Spells in effect:
Message on all the Shields Mage Armor on Angus - 11 hours Resist electricity on Angus 110 minutes
FLASHBACK FLASHback flashBACK flashback (DM Cayzle) Thursday April 10th, 2008 11:49:27 AM
OOC: Here is some extra info Xenia gleaned through reading lips BEFORE she heard Bab whining and then flew over the pilgrims.
Xenia flew through the shadows over the ridge. She saw the pilgrims trudging forward ahead of her -- that is, she saw their backs. The lightning crackled and thunder roared. The dwarves appeared in front of the pilgrims.
Xenia tries to read lips, even though she cannot hear the words spoken. Four of the dwarves, speaking in turn, said ...
"Allo, amigos!" "Boydos, by being beneficent, bids bystanders bide." "Chat carefully, cry cozy clues, come concordantly." "Don't drive daintily during declared destinations."
A fifth one says, "Speak, friend, and enter." The dwarf next to him hits him in the head.
The pilgrims make a reply that Xenia cannot hear due to the recent thunder still echoing. But the dwarves seem to. Another dwarf says, "Zip yet x-wise west!" and points to the tower. That's when the pilgrims start walking again, and, a moment later, with Xenia's ears clear, the children give themselves away.
Angus Thursday April 10th, 2008 1:21:28 PM
OOC: Cayzle, This is terribly confusing. You have restated a previous post? Ho much time did we go back? Did everything we have done recently happen already or do we have to do it again?
Did we cast spells? Did Xenia get the holy symbol? You have given us no information to work with?
Cayzle Thursday April 10th, 2008 2:44:09 PM
Gosh darn it! Can't I make anything clearer without making it murkier!?!
This is just additional info I should have put into my April 8 post. It changes nothing. It is just extra detail I should have given you all two days ago.
Now does it make sense?
The OFFICIAL DM POST FOR TODAY -- RESPONDING TO CURRENT POSTS -- WILL GO UP IN AN HOUR OR SEVEN!
Pilgrims and Dwarves, oh my! (DM Cayzle) Thursday April 10th, 2008 9:43:04 PM
Theo, Harley, Angus, Syr, Belkior, and Wynn walk toward the pilgrims and dwarves, casting defensive spells as they approach.
Wynn and Theo are invisible.
Meanwhile, Xenia tumbles into the shadows and drops to the ground, hiding again. The Pilgrim who Xenia thinks might be a leader is a woman, but her robes conceal any holy symbol she might have tucked away.
At this point, you are all between two ridges. In the shadowed area, a dozen dwarves are standing still. Four Pilgrims and three kids are also watching. The party advances to close range. Xenia is hidden among the Pilgrims.
The dwarves and pilgrims look at you all as you come closer. The youngest kid asks, "Who are they? What do they want?"
Seeing the casting of spells, two of the Pilgrims draw their weapons, but do not attack.
The dwarves suddenly tumble and end the turn standing on their heads, as you approach.
Belkior d20+6=25 d20+6=17 Thursday April 10th, 2008 10:45:47 PM
The halfling cleric moves forward to stand beside his companions. Belkior pitches his voice so that everyone between the two ridges will hear him.
"Bab! Manfrey and Catrina!"
"We've come from the Merrydale Council, we've brought some things for you. Why don't you come back with us? These people here, whatever they tell you, they may not have your best interests in mind." Diplomacy = 25
As Belkior says this, he keeps an eye on both the dwarves and the pilgrims down below to see how his words are received. Spot = 17
Theodore & Macaw HP 42/42 AC 16 (mage armor, see invisibility, protection from arrows, invisibility) d20+20=35 d20+5=8 Friday April 11th, 2008 9:44:44 AM
Invisible Theodore gets within range and whispers the chant to his next spell,detect magic.
Reveal the power that governs all things Show to me the magic within these blings
He sweeps the spell over the group of dwarves and pilgrims, pausing on any detected magical auras. (Spellcraft 35 to determine school of magic.)
Should he discover something, he whispers his findings to Angus via message.
Above, Macaw continues to wheel, keeping a dull eye open for any others approaching the scene. (Spot 8)
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steeds: 11 hours from summoning Mage Armor: 10 hours, 59 min, 7 rounds Protection from Arrows: 10 hours, 59 min, 8 rounds Invisibility: as per ring Detect Magic: 11 min
Xenia d20+11=25 Friday April 11th, 2008 11:27:16 AM
Xenia floats in the shadow of the Ga'alite girlie. Quietly, she draws her rapier and stands ready to strike a holy symbol from her hand should she bring one out.
Rolls and Actions Ready Action Disarm 25 (-4 Not Monk, etc; +2 Strike as Invisible) Hide 38, MS 28 (continued)
Active Effects: Message(110m), Fly(5m) Items Expended: Winged Boots 2/3
Syr Friday April 11th, 2008 2:34:57 PM
Syr smiles pleasantly at the pilgrims and even waves a hand in greeting. However, his eyes carefully wander over the figures assessing armor and weapons of the other group. He cocks his neck to the side as the dwarves do a headstand in puzzlement.
Angus Friday April 11th, 2008 4:16:14 PM
Angus casts a quick spell (Arcane Sight) and his eyes glow blue. Angus scans the kids in disguise, suspected Ga'alians, and the dwarf monks.
To Theo, Angus adds "Get your wand ready so we can take down Ga'alian illusions."
To everyone on the message line "Spread out a bit so we can avoid mass spells. If we can, we have to separate the Ga'alians from the innocents."
Message on all the Shields Mage Armor on Angus - 11 hours Resist electricity on Angus 110 minutes Arcane Sight on Angus
Talking to strangers (DM Cayzle) Friday April 11th, 2008 5:44:58 PM
Angus, Syr, Xenia, and Theo are ready for action. Syr is friendly enough, in a nonverbal way. Angus is casting spells, and his eyes glow. Xenia and Theo are out of sight.
The mages detect magic on both the pilgrims and the dwarves. The female pilgrim that Xenia is watching has magic gear and garb under her robe. Another pilgrim clearly has magic armor on under his robe. The schools of magic range the gamut among the things one would expect from magic arms and armor. There is no strong illusion.
Many of the dwarves have magic gems -- evocation -- woven in their hair or beards. A few have magic belts or gloves.
Most of these magics are low in power, with a few moderately magic items. The glow from the Crimson Shields far outshines them.
Xenia sees that the children were disguised with make-up and clothes to look like other races rather than humans. No magic is at work here.
Belkior is the one to speak, and he speaks directly to the kids: "Bab! Manfrey and Catrina! We've come from the Merrydale Council, we've brought some things for you. Why don't you come back with us? These people here, whatever they tell you, they may not have your best interests in mind."
The woman pilgrim shouts back, "Who are you? Who gave you the right! Mind your own business!"
One of the older kids says, "We're not going with you! We want to go to the Tower and be Heroes!"
The younger child says, "I'm not supposed to talk to strangers. What's wrong with that man's eyes?"
Wynn [AC=26; HP=75] Invisible d20+9=28 Saturday April 12th, 2008 10:37:15 AM
Wynn moves into position to block the escape of the pilgrims and waits for the situation to further develop. [Move Silently=28]
Angus Saturday April 12th, 2008 5:35:51 PM
Angus was hopeful the kids wanted to be rescued. In a strong voice, Angus adds "You parents and relative are worried about you and embarassed about their action toward you."
Angus will let that sink in and then add "These strangers you are with put plants in young peoples hearts. The plants take away your ability to reason and make your own decisions. We just want to take you back to those that love you and that are concerned for your safety."
Angus will concentrate on the women who spoke and determine her spell capacity.
Message on all the Shields Mage Armor on Angus - 11 hours Resist electricity on Angus 110 minutes Arcane Sight on Angus
Xenia d20+11=31 Saturday April 12th, 2008 10:29:17 PM
Xenia continues her vigil over the head Ga'alie Girl.
"They wanna be heroes, Angus," she whispers over the Message spell. "'S they're own choice. Whyn't we just let 'em go? What they got to go home for anyhoo? Better yet, ask 'em how Ga'al Girlie is gonna Hero them up? I mean, if it's good, maybe we can get some of it ourselves, huh?"
"I mean, 'sides from that, sounds more 'n more like we're sticking ourselves in where we don't belong. We can just go back, tell Bralin the kids are alright and then go home. Or, maybe go on to see if Wynn's Ma is alright in Osto, yeah?"
Rolls and Actions Ready Action Disarm 31/Nat20 (-4 Not Monk, etc; +2 Strike as Invisible) Hide 38, MS 28 (continued)
Active Effects: Message(110m), Fly(5m) Items Expended: Winged Boots 2/3
Belkior d20+6=23 Saturday April 12th, 2008 11:35:20 PM
The halfling cleric stands with the others, wondering how to respond.
"Have they told you what will happen? How are you going to become heroes, for them?"
"Why not come back with us, if you want to get out of Merrydale so badly? We come from a place called Floating City, far from here and lot's of opportunity for those who want. And, safe places for you to stay, too. And it would be your decision about what to do."
"What do you say?" Diplomacy = 23
Belkior waits to see how the children respond.
Spells 0th - (DC 16) Detect Magic(x2), Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic 1st - (DC 17) Bless(x2), Comprehend Languages, Detect Evil, Sanctuary(x2) (D - Protection from Evil) 2nd - (DC 18) Resist Energy(x3), Silence, Spiritual Weapon, Zone of Truth (D - Aid) 3rd - (DC 19) Invisibility Purge, Prayer, Remove Blindness/Deafness, Remove Disease, Wind Walk (D - Magic Circle against Evil) 4th - (DC 20) Discern Lies, Freedom of Movement, Tongues (D - Holy Smite) 5th - (DC 21) Commune*, Wall of Stone (D - Dispel Evil) 6th - (DC 22) Find the Path, Summon Monster VI (D - Heal) * = cast
Angus (second illegal post) Sunday April 13th, 2008 7:48:42 AM
Angus nods to Xenia's words and whispers back "Let's see how they react to additional information before we leave them to their Ga'alian fate. I think they were duped."
Harley (AC 31; HPs 85/85) Sunday April 13th, 2008 1:07:53 PM
Harley moves and stands next to Angus. He remains alert, watching the pilgrims and the dwarves. He is a little confused as to why the dwarves are standing on their heads. Harley finally focuses his attention on the children a little smile coming to his face.
"Children. Why would these honorable people need to disguise you? Why would they try to hide who you if their intentions are good? Doesn't seem like a very good start for being heroes."
Harley answers the female pilgrim's questions, "We always make it our right to protect people who cannot protect themselves. That is the true sign of a hero."
Location: ? with Flail in right hand and buckler and rod in left hand.
Active Spells or Effects: Ring of Counter-spells: Dispel Magic Resist Energy Electricity: 109+/110 minutes Comprehend Languages: 109+/110 minutes Shield of Faith: 10+/11 minutes
Metamagic Rod Usage: Extend (1-3): 0/3; Extend (1-6): 0/3
Syr Monday April 14th, 2008 1:12:32 AM
Syr nods in agreement with Harley. He also whispers to Angus via the Message, "This new guy has a decent head on his shoulders. It is interesting though, should we make it our mission to combat followers of Ga'al?"
Syr continues to close in on the pilgrims slowly only displaying his open and empty palms with a friendly smile.
Role Call ADM Scott the Southern Monday April 14th, 2008 1:13:57 AM
Cayzle XXXXX Harley OXXOX Wynn OXXOX Theo XOXX? Xenia XXXXX BelkiorXXXXX Syr XXXXX Angus XXXXX Angus XXXXX
Theodore & Macaw HP 42/42 AC 16 (mage armor, see invisibility, protection from arrows, invisibility) Monday April 14th, 2008 10:51:55 AM
Theodore remains invisible, allowing the situation to play out.
"Maybe we can resolve things amicably," he whispers to Angus. "Don't do anything hasty."
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steeds: 11 hours from summoning Mage Armor: 10 hours, 59 min, 4 rounds Protection from Arrows: 10 hours, 59 min, 5 rounds Invisibility: as per ring
Angus (second illegal post) Monday April 14th, 2008 10:15:00 PM
Angus messages back to Theo "Get your wand ready then, because I only deal in hasty....."
Ga'al is Dead! Huzzah for Boydos!(DM Cayzle) d100=30 d100=73 d100=32 [secret DM rolls] Tuesday April 15th, 2008 7:15:34 AM
Wynn sneaks around so that if the pilgrims make a break for it, he'll be there to intercept.
Angus realizes that the woman has prepared at least one fourth level spell. Maybe more. If she can cast higher level spells today, they have already been cast.
Angus mentions the kids' parents. He tries to convince them of their danger.
Xenia is still ready in case the female -- likely a cleric -- tries to cast. She is not sure that the party should intervene here.
Belkior adds his voice to Angus's, urging the kids to come with the party to the Float if they do not want to go home.
Harley points out that using disguises is not every heroic. He talks about his duty to protect the weak.
Syr keeps his friendly aspect and agrees with Harley.
Theo and Angus spar a bit in whispers, Theo urging restraint, Angus urging readiness.
The smallest child takes off his hood. "My feet hurt and I'm tired and I want my mama and dada!" He runs over to Angus and Belkior. "Please take me home!"
The two other kids jump, but are not fast enough to grab the little one, nor do they give chase. The older girl says, "Bab! No!" But Bab ignores her.
The female cleric's face grows stern, but she makes no hostile move. She argues with Angus, shouting, "Liar! You don't know what you are talking about! Our Heartseeds are dead! We cannot seed these children, because we have no seedlings! And no way to get them. Ga'al is dead! We are forsaken! We come here to Boydos, to plead for mercy, to see if he will fill our grief! And we bring these innocents to him, not to sacrifice, but to be a new hope! They will be heroes, with the mercy of Boydos!"
The older boy child, Manfrey, adds, "These are our friends. I trust them. You sound nice, but who are you? Maybe you are bad guys! Or maybe you don't know what you are talking about! We don't even know your names!"
The girl, Catrina, adds, "We won't go back. We want to try our luck! Maybe we will die, or maybe we will be heroes!"
The dwarves stand up and clap at this speech. They start a soft chant: "Boydos! Boydos! Boydos! Boydos! Boy Dos! Boy Dos! Boy! Dos! Boy! Dos! Boy! Dosboy! Dosboy! Dosboy! Dosboy!"
Xenia d20+11=24 Tuesday April 15th, 2008 9:14:07 AM
Xenia continues her vigil over the head Ga'alie Girl.
"Ask 'em how they're gonna change to heroes, Angus." She floats above the Priest Girl, waiting for her to make a false move.
"What makes 'em think Boydos is gonna give them anything? And what do they expect to get? I mean, look at these weerdo dwarves. If this is the kind of heroing that's coming, I think I'll pass."
Rolls and Actions Ready Action Disarm 24 (-4 Not Monk, etc; +2 Strike as Invisible) Hide 38, MS 28 (continued)
Active Effects: Message(110m), Fly(5m) Items Expended: Winged Boots 2/3
Angus d20+10=20 Tuesday April 15th, 2008 11:32:07 AM
Angus holds open his arms as Bab runs to him "Good boy Bab. We will take you back to your parents."
Angus calls to the female priest "You say your God has foresaken you, yet you still retain his blessing, his spells he granted you. I think you lie!"
To the older children "Look at the insane dwarves in front of you. Is that what you wish to become; a jester for your new misstress. What has been offered to you? How will you become heros? I think you have given this women too much trust and she is using you for her own gain and has no interest in your well being."
Angus will let his words set in "We will be leaving soon to return Bab to his parents. You have a decision to make as we will not come to rescue you a second time. Manfred you ask who we are. We are the Crimson Shields of Hope. Among other things we also protect an orphanage and those that can not protect themselves or have lost their way."
Diplomancy 20
Angus will take out his rod of maximize and smile down at Bab "Good boy."
Message on all the Shields Mage Armor on Angus - 11 hours Resist electricity on Angus 110 minutes Arcane Sight on Angus
Theodore & Macaw HP 42/42 AC 16 (mage armor, see invisibility, protection from arrows, invisibility) d20+5=13 Tuesday April 15th, 2008 2:18:14 PM
Theodore ignores Angus' retort.
He is glad to see the littlest one decide it's time to go home. The other two seem determined to continue on with the former Ga'alites.
"I don't sense any magic present on the children. If they were coerced into coming, it was by words, not magic or force," he informs Angus. "This is their choice, remember. It might not be an intelligent one, and I support our attempt to convince them otherwise. In the end, it's their decision and you should respect that."
Theodore remains invisible so he can observe the situation without adding to the tension.
Above, Macaw continues to keep an eye out for any other approaching parties. (Macaw Spot 13)
Harley (AC 31; HPs 85/85) Tuesday April 15th, 2008 9:35:40 PM
Harley is glad when at least one of the children comes to their senses and wants to return home. He does wonder if they may have created a bigger problem when they bring the child home and the parents aren't happy with his return.
Not wanting to overwhelm the other children with more opinions that are the same as his companions, Harley instead remains quiet.
Location: ? with Flail in right hand and buckler and rod in left hand.
Active Spells or Effects: Ring of Counter-spells: Dispel Magic Resist Energy Electricity: 109+/110 minutes Comprehend Languages: 109+/110 minutes Shield of Faith: 10+/11 minutes
Metamagic Rod Usage: Extend (1-3): 0/3; Extend (1-6): 0/3
Syr d20+5=15 d20+18=29 Wednesday April 16th, 2008 12:04:57 AM
The elf continues to advance on the pilgrims, the whole time smiling pleasantly. "Look kids, do you know what a martyr is? A martyr is someone who DIES to become a hero. Is that something you want? Remember, we've met your parents and we have a good idea of what you have been through. I went through some tough times myself but I didn't have to join a church to get out." Moving closer still he continues, "Why don't you come with us? We can escort you to a place that will give you choices. If you still want to follow this road in a few years, then who are we to stop you? Right now, this is your parent's choice. Come with us and make it YOUR choice." (Diplomacy 29)
Belkior d20+15=27 d20+6=23 Wednesday April 16th, 2008 12:10:34 AM
The halfling cleric walks forward towards the two adolescents. Belkior keeps his hands carefully away from his weapons and magical devices.
"I am Belkior Orvission, Healer and Paragon of Alemi. Unless your education was neglected, you should be able to tell that simply by looking at me."
"These are my companions, the Crimson Shields. As I said before, we hail from the Floating City which is a long ways off from here. My companions will introduce themselves, if they wish."
"As I said, you're welcome to come back to Merrydale with us. Or, if you don't want to go there, we sponsor an orphanage outside of Plateau City that might be a good place for you. But you're free to stay here if you wish."
"Ga'al wasn't particularly known for allowing his worshippers to choose. And I'm not too sure exactly what Boydos desires from his worshipppers although, from all appearances, you don't seem to be dwarfs." Knowledge Religion = 27
"Whatever you choose is fine with me. I simply want to assure myself that it is your decision, that's all." Diplomacy = 23
Another Kid Comes Over (DM Cayzle) d100=36 d100=75 [Secret DM rolls] Wednesday April 16th, 2008 7:35:11 AM
Xenia suggests that if these funny dwarves are any example, then following Boydos is not looking all that heroic.
Angus welcomes the young lad, Bab, and challenges the priestess to explain how she can still cast spells if Ga'al is dead.
She answers, shrugging and speaking softly, "The miracles I have left are those that I prepared before Gaal died. I have not been able to recover any others since, aside from the weakest, which some say come from faith rather than agency."
To the children, Angus holds up the example of the dwarves as jesters rather than heroes.
Theo emphasizes that the choice is not the Crimson Shields' to make. Wizard and familiar remain unseen and alert.
Harley remains quiet, watching to see that happens.
Syr makes a compelling point that the kids can escape their background and family, if they wish, in other ways. They need not take the path chosen for them by their folks.
Belkior takes a low-pressure approach but also offers a compelling vision of having a choice to take other paths.
Belkior meantime wracks his brain for what he can remember about Boydos. He recalls that Boydos is an immortal power, a demigod, maybe, who went to sleep here at least two ages of the Wold ago. Was he trapped? Did he trap himself? When will he wake? What will wake him up? These are questions no one seems to know. But there can be no doubt that he is a paragon of chaos and madness, maybe the greatest exemplar of entropy ever known. If he were to wake up, there is no telling what would result ... and he thinks he would not want to be around to find out.
Belkior does recall that a famed artifact featured in old tales and legends -- The Deck of Many Things -- has been said to be a creation of Boydos.
The female cleric listens politely to all the party has said. Then she says, "You have made your case. Now, children, let me answer the questions these adventurers ask."
"We do not know a lot about Boydos, but we know that he is the Master of Freedom. These people offer choice and escape, but Boydos is the Lord of Choice, and there is nothing he wants more than for each of his followers to seek his or her own destiny."
"Yes, that is the opposite of what Ga'al wanted. When I was heartseeded, Ga'al told me what to do. He was the master, not me. After my heartseed died, I woke up, and I found I could choose my own way. Now I want to honor the being most opposite to Ga'al the Enslaver. I want to worship Freedom."
"I want to dedicate myself to Boydos, and so do my friends here. Then we want to go across the Wold to free others. That is our path for heroism."
"And we want to ask Boydos for his help in this. Maybe we can get his blessing. Maybe we can even wake him up to help us."
The two kids look at the former priestess, and nod. The boy, Manfrey, is utterly convinced. But the girl, Catrina, looks at the dwarves. One of them reaches into his beard and takes out a handkerchief, blows his nose, and puts the kerchief back. Catrina shudders and bolts to the Crimson Shields.
"If you can take me away and help me be a hero, I'll go with you," she says. "Those short guys creep me out!"
Manfrey looks stunned, but he says to Catrina, "That's freedom! Good luck, Catrina! Take care of Bab. Maybe we will meet again."
He says to the priestess, "I'm going with you."
Xenia d20+11=23 Wednesday April 16th, 2008 9:09:05 AM
Xenia floats, undetered in her mission. She waits for a move from the head Ga'alie/Boydosie.
"Hey, Angus. Find out how they learnt about this Boydos stuff, will you?" Evil Priesty Types don't like to lose out. Smart as it might be to just walk away ... Who knows, maybe they're smart. It's a strange Wold.
"I mean, how can it be anything but something dumb?"
"Heck! Control and Freedom. Sounds like *rebounding* to me. I got girlfriends done that a lot. They lose one guy and bounce right into someone just as worst. Makes you wanna slap some sense into 'em. Ask 'em, Angus. You ask 'em."
"Maybe it'll make 'em think a little."
Rolls and Actions Ready Action Disarm 23 (-4 Not Monk, etc; +2 Strike as Invisible) Hide 38, MS 28 (continued)
Active Effects: Message(110m), Fly(5m) Items Expended: Winged Boots 2/3
Theodore & Macaw HP 42/42 AC 20 (mage armor, see invisibility, protection from arrows, invisibility, total defense) d20+9=20 d20+5=13 Wednesday April 16th, 2008 9:39:12 AM
Theodore attempts to summon up anything he might have heard about Boydos. (Knowledge Religion 20)
"Two down!" Theodore whispers to Angus. "Keep talking and we might get the last one, too."
Macaw continues to circle and spy for any others approaching. (Macaw Spot 13)
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steeds: 11 hours from summoning Mage Armor: 10 hours, 59 min, 2 rounds Protection from Arrows: 10 hours, 59 min, 3 rounds Invisibility: as per ring
Wynn d20+14=24 Wednesday April 16th, 2008 10:45:14 AM
The bard reveals himself to the pilgrims and children. "I am Wynn" he states simply. "I have been inside the tower of Boydos as a young man and know it for what it is. Boydos is not a 'master of freedom'...Boydos is anarchy, an entirely different thing. My friends and I are free to decide our own paths in life, yet we do not worship or seek to wake Boydos. We each believe and serve the gods in our own ways." Wynn pauses to see if his words are being heard before continuing.
"These poor pilgrims cannot see the middle path. So long have they served Ga'al they must now seek the other extreme, yet between the two lies feedom. Hero's fight for good and the less fortunate. Boydos simply stands for chaos and anarchy."
"Come with us and we shall see that you are properly cared for and provided the freedom to choose your own paths or follow your true calling."
Diplomacy = 24
Angus Wednesday April 16th, 2008 1:26:13 PM
OOC: How far apart are all parties: Shields, Pilgrims, clown/dwarves? -------------------------------
Angus nods in agreement with Wynn's comment "Well said."
Angus put a protecting arm around Bab and Catrina "Now you two can take your time and decide what you want to do. We can take you back to Merrydale or you can come with us to Plateau City or even the Floating City, your choice."
Angus now address the cleric "You are a fickle one arn't you. Flipping from law to chaos. Boydos is an interesting choice for you. Why Boydos and how did you hear about him? Your choice either way. I can only hope it works out for you."
Angus will over at Manfrey "Last chance Manfrey. I do not know much about Boydos, but what I see is insanity. I hope that work out well for you. I also hope you remember your way back to Merrydale. It is a long walk by yourself. Just remember what we are offering and do not give it up lightly."
To everyone "We need to make room for two more on the horses, or is it three?" Angus will look back at Manfrey.
Message on all the Shields Mage Armor on Angus - 11 hours Resist electricity on Angus 110 minutes Arcane Sight on Angus
Harley Wednesday April 16th, 2008 7:42:38 PM
Excellent a second child has made the right decision and decided to hold off joining these ex-gaalites.
Harley watches the dwarves closely wondering if they are getting upset. But then again if they worship chaos, then these kids changing their minds fits right in with their beliefs.
Belkior Wednesday April 16th, 2008 10:18:26 PM
The halfling cleric stands as he thinks about Boydos and what the former Ga'alian has said. Hopefully his companions can persuade the boy to leave with them.
The Boy chooses Boydos (DM Cayzle) d100=63 Thursday April 17th, 2008 6:54:04 AM
OOC Note: I'm assuming that everyone is in easy talking range of each other, that is, close range, that is, 30 feet or less.
Xenia asks Angus to find out how these guys know what they know about Boydos.
Theo tries to remember what he might know about Boydos, but he recalls nothing other than what Belkior has told the group. Less, even.
Wynn appears and tries to convince the boy -- and maybe the Ga'alites -- that Boydos is total anarchy, not freedom. He says that he knows this from his own experience.
Angus asks the former priestess of Ga'al how they know what they know about Boydos. He offers Manfrey one last chance to pick madness or coming with the Crimson Shields.
Harley and Belkior stand ready, but are content to let Wynn and Angus speak for them.
The priestess frowns. "Why should we give you information for free? You do not seem to be friendly, though we have done you no harm. If you want information, you will have to pay for it, either in kind or in healing."
"Tell us something we do not know about Boydos or his history, and we will tell you how we came to know what we know. Or tell us what is happening in Aisildur, and if Ga'al will come back, so that we'll know if it is safe to go home or not."
"Or if you can, cast a Heal spell that two of us need to finally heal the wound in our chest where once the Heartseed rooted."
If you wish to or can satisfy her, she will give you more information. If not, she shrugs. Either way, she and her pilgrims -- with a willing Manfrey -- walk off toward the Tower of Boydos.
The dwarves just disappear -- BOOM! -- in a flash of light and sound.
After a moment, Bab asks, "Where are your horses, mister? Did you say you have horses? My feet hurt."
Xenia d20+11=16 Thursday April 17th, 2008 7:49:56 AM
Silent and ready. Wynn will show 'em. What would they know about the time he went into the tower? What could they know?
Rolls and Actions Ready Action Disarm 16 (-4 Not Monk, etc; +2 Strike as Invisible) Hide 38, MS 28 (continued)
Active Effects: Message(110m), Fly(5m) Items Expended: Winged Boots 2/3
Angus d20+18=25 Thursday April 17th, 2008 9:37:00 AM
Angus just shakes his head at the priestess demands. "I am not interested to know any more about a insane god. I know you have spell potential left and can heal yourself and your fellow if you really wanted to. I wish you and yours the best. We will be on our way as well."
Angus will check any after effect of the dwarves leaving with his arcane sight to determine how they left.
spellcraft 25 Angus looks down on Bab "We tracked you down on magic horses and we will use them to go back to Merrydale. You and Catina can decide to go back to your family or come with us on our travels to Plateau City and Floating City."
"Everyone ready to move out." Angus will move with the kids over the ridge and then add. "We can move out to put a bit od distance between us and the priestess and then use Theo's horses or Wind walk spells for travel tomorrow.
Angus pulls out some chocolate from his haversack and gives it to the kids.
Message on all the Shields Mage Armor on Angus - 11 hours Resist electricity on Angus 110 minutes Arcane Sight on Angus
Theodore & Macaw HP 42/42 AC 20 (mage armor, see invisibility, protection from arrows, invisibility, total defense) Thursday April 17th, 2008 10:29:02 AM
"The horses only carry their original rider, unfortunately," Theodore whispers to Angus. "I can of course summon enough for everyone tomorrow, but if we want to travel today, we will need to find alternate means of transportation for the children."
Theodore retains hope that one of the others will have some last moment information that will sway the remaining child, and perhaps even the misguided pilgrims, from continuing on to the tower.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steeds: 11 hours from summoning Mage Armor: 10 hours, 59 min, 1 round Protection from Arrows: 10 hours, 59 min, 2 rounds Invisibility: as per ring
Wynn d20+12=26 d20+14=27 Thursday April 17th, 2008 5:36:53 PM
Wynn tries one last time.
"Manfrey, if it a hero you wish to be, then let me point out a few before you. My friend Angus here is a genuine hero. He helped bring about the end of the Anvil Hearts, a notorious gang of thieves and cutthroats who terrorized the people of Floating City. My friend Syr and I, along with Belkior, Angus and others helped destroy a nest of vampires who were slowly corrupting a village in the farm country north of Plateau City, and we all played a hand in defeating those who would have released the lich king of Ahtmahlanto."
Wynn expands on the stories and the more heroic roles played by each member in hope of convincing the boy that heroism lies along a different path.
"Heroes don't always look like much" he waves his arm towards his companions, "but if you come with us, we can show you more than one path to heroism!"
Perform=26, Diplomacy=27
Belkior d20+15=31 d20+7=20 Thursday April 17th, 2008 11:14:55 PM
The halfling cleric replies to the woman, recalling what he can about the origins of Boydos. Knowledge Religion = 31
"I don't know what Boydos is ... trapped Power, demigod ... whatever. But he's been sleeping in his tower for a long time, since the Second Age probably."
"He personifies chaos and anarchy. One thing always associated with a powerful artifact of chance - the Deck of Many Things. That thing is as likely to kill someone as to make them a hero."
Belkior moves closer to the former Ga'alians. They seem truthful, as much as such could be. Being completely dominated by a god probably robbed much of their ability to dissemble. Sense Motive = 20
"If you wish healing, I can help. Come closer to me ... the healing grace of Alemi is something that everyone should be able to count on."
Syr Friday April 18th, 2008 1:23:05 AM
Syr's chest puffs out with pride as Wynn's describes their exploits. He tries to walk with a bit better posture and poise to live up to the bard's description.
Heals and Tales (DM Cayzle) d100=64 Friday April 18th, 2008 7:56:22 AM
Xenia remains alert, hoping that Wynn will tell more.
Angus dismisses the former Ga'alite. He turns to the kids, offering them a treat, and talking about their choices.
Theo mentions that the kids cannot ride doubled up on the Phantom Steeds. He hopes that someone might be able to say something to convince Manfrey.
Wynn puts his heart and skill into convincing Manfrey to come with the Crimson Shields -- and Syr listens intently and nods. The bard spins amazing tales and is very compelling. but as he speaks, the priestess slips a hand into the boy's hand, not to compel or hold, but just to hold hands.
For a moment the boy seems interested, but he looks at the priestess, and says, "Thanks, but no thanks."
Belkior offers the priestess what he knows, and he offers healing as well. The priestess nods and thanks him. Both she and the pilgrim who is wearing armor under his robe still suffer from a wound that will not fully heal, even with the cure spells of which the priestess is capable. If Belkior examines them, he will deduce that he needs to use a Heal spell or a Healer's special class abilities to repair the wound.
While Belkior ministers to them, the priestess says that what she knows about Boydos was learned from an old book hidden in the small private library of the Coven of the Green, in Witchspawn. It was written by a Boydos cultist in the Third Age, and it said that if you come to the Tower and ask to speak with Boydos, the guardians of the Tower will let you in. And once inside, if you keep invoking Boydos's name, you MIGHT get to meet his avatar. The cultist mentioned that Boydos loves children, and having children with you makes t more likely the avatar will appear. The book said that the avatar -- who can appear in many ways -- often gives children wonderful gifts, and blesses them.
Beliior feels that they have been truthful.
Once they are healed, the former Ga'alites thank Belkior and Alemi. Then they go on their way, unless there is something more to talk about.
The dwarves disappear in an odd mix of teleportation and evocation magic.
The slim girl with hair, fire red, appears as from thin air. The dark of her skin lends the illusion that she floats fresh born from the shadow of the priestess over which she has been hovering.
"Hi. I'm Xenia." She touches lightly to the ground and gives her signature hand wave. "I mean, giving gifts to kids sounds friendly enough."
She turns to view the tower, a jagged and impossible monolith that rends the sky. Raising a hand to shield her green green eyes, Xenia leans back to lift her gaze to the tower's heights.
"But, then again, them dwarves were some pretty weerdo characters. Not sure I'd want gifts from crazies like that, if you know what I mean. And you gotta think that if Boydos loves kids, and he gives 'em gifts and all, then why is that folks don't bring their kids here from miles around to get 'em?"
"It'd be like Big Dave and Winter Solstice, you know? Like, all the time."
"Sounds pretty fish-head to me. There's plenty more ways to be heroes, you know." The girl rogue turns from the tower to address, not just the children, but the Ga'alies too. "I mean, it's not all Bam Wow and Power. And it's hard work too, and dangerous. And sometimes you get mixed in things that make you really just sad."
"In the end, heroing is okay, you know. But even better, I think sometimes, is just living life, being with friends, seeing 'em smile when you help 'em, doing good work. Stuff like that. Having some place where you can fit in. We got places like that, and we can help you get in, if you want."
"You're Bab, right?" She stoops next to the small boy and lifts him up in her thin arms. "Oof. You're heavy. My friend Kyria is just about your age. She lives out on a plantation near Plateau City. They got lots of kids there."
"We know folks in Plateau City too. I got a friend in a group calls themselves the Mithral Order." Xenia hefts Bab in her arms and turns to the Ga'alie priestess. "They could maybe use your help if you wanna talk to them. Or Floating City was hurt pretty bad in the troubles with the Fey King. We could use your help there too."
"Whaddya think? We like to help folks out. All you gotta do is ask. What're your names, by the by?" she asks both the priestess and her minions.
Active Effects: Message(110m), Fly(5m) Items Expended: Winged Boots 2/3
Theodore & Macaw HP 42/42 AC 20 (mage armor, see invisibility, protection from arrows, invisibility, total defense) d20+5=23 Friday April 18th, 2008 10:25:58 AM
"Two out of three ain't bad," invisible Theodore says quietly.
He watches his new friends continue to try to persuade Manfrey and now even the adults.
I would've been convinced, he thinks.
He looks up to see Macaw still circling but feels no danger through the bird. (Macaw spot 23)
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steeds: 11 hours from summoning Mage Armor: 10 hours, 59 min Protection from Arrows: 10 hours, 59 min, 1 round Invisibility: as per ring
Xenia - OoC Friday April 18th, 2008 10:33:38 AM
Oh. Guess I misunderstood. I thought Manfrey said "No thanks" to the priestess. Oh well. I don't think it negates anything in my post.
DM Cayzle OOC Friday April 18th, 2008 12:56:36 PM
To clarify -- Manfrey said no thanks to Wynn. But Xenia's post was a great post either way.
Angus Friday April 18th, 2008 1:46:52 PM
Angus has a big smile on his face when Xenia plays with Bab "You are in real trouble Wynn."
"Well now that our little group has picked up two new members. Let's move off back to Merrydale to report before we head back to Plateau City. We walk for a bit and then camp for the night. Tomorrow we ride horseback or the winds back to Merrydale." Angus announces.
To the kids "As junior memebers of the Chrimson Shields you will have to find ways to pitch in and help us during our travels together. Also, you have to see what you can learn of each of us so we can find a place in this Wold for you." Angus gives each kid a hug.
"Let's go folks."
Hello and Goodbye (DM Cayzle) Saturday April 19th, 2008 8:01:06 AM
Theo thinks that he would have been convinced, had he been Manfrey. But then, an amazing priestess wasn't holding Theo's hand or looking in his eyes as Wynn talked.
Xenia appears, and after a moment of surprise the former Ga'alians listen. Xenia wonders about Boydos and giving gifts. She talks about being a hero, and has an invitation of sorts. The priestess bows when Xenia asks for her name.
"I am Marjery, and thank you for asking."
"I think people do not flock to Boydos because they are afraid or they fear change or they honor another god. And the lore we uncovered is not commonly known."
"Thank you for your kind words. But I need to know what is happening to my people. They will need help and guidance now that Ga'al is gone and they no longer have heartseeds to guide them. There will be many opportunities for heroism, I am sure."
Angus wants to get moving, and directs the party to mount up. It is time to go.
By the way, a rider could carry Bab and ride a phantom steed. But the girl is too big to carry like a babe. She will need something else. Where's that Floating Disk when you need one! :-)
Marjery says, "Fare well."
Harley Saturday April 19th, 2008 9:59:35 AM
"Angus, I could teleport the two children plus one other person back to the village if need be."
Harley watches as the pilgrim move off towards the tower.
Active Spells or Effects: Ring of Counter-spells: Dispel Magic Resist Energy Electricity: 109+/110 minutes Comprehend Languages: 109+/110 minutes Shield of Faith: 10+/11 minutes
"So, you're going, huh?" Xenia hikes Bab's weight up onto her hip, and calls after the departing group of six.
"Wait, wait, wait, wait. Angus, do we gotta leave right now? I mean, it looks like less than a day's walk to the Boydos Tower. Can we hang around until we know they made it safe?"
"I mean, like, Belkie, couldn't you do that, whatcha-call-it, Status thing on 'em? I mean, someone's gotta stay here with Bab and Catrina to keep 'em a safe distance from the tower. But some of us could even go with, watch over, make sure everything works out."
"I mean, Marjie, you look set to do this thing, but I tell you, it still stinks to me. Think about it. How can lore that good not be commonly known? Some folks can resist going to another god for themselves. But not many, I think, can do that when it comes to their kids. If it's for their kids, they'd go to the tower. And all it takes is one. One ma or da to take their kid to the tower, the kid gets gifts and the words gonna 'splode across the land. Think about it. You know that's the way these things work."
"I'm not saying don't go. I'm just saying you should take a little insurance. If you get into a spot, you'll have our help to pull you out."
"I'm sure Bab and Cattie will feel much better knowing their brother made it safe. Dontcha think? Whaddya say, guys?"
Theodore & Macaw d20+5=7 d20+3=16 Sunday April 20th, 2008 10:35:34 AM
Theodore stays invisible, no longer for a tactical advantage but rather out of embarassment of having gone invisible in the first place.
He continues to observe, alternating his attention between the pilgrims and the tower further on.
Well, if we do decide to accompany them to the tower, I'm sure going, he thinks. That looks pretty neat.
He sends Macaw to fly closer to the tower and determine what he can. (Macaw spot 7, listen 16)
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steeds: 11 hours from summoning Mage Armor: 10 hours, 58 min, 9 rounds Protection from Arrows: 10 hours, 59 min Invisibility: as per ring
Wynn [AC=26; HP=75] Sunday April 20th, 2008 6:37:44 PM
"She definitely has a point Angus. If Boydos really gave such a gift, everyone would have heard it by now! I think we should accompany the pilgrims to the tower and ready ourselves should we be needed."
Angus Sunday April 20th, 2008 6:44:09 PM
Angus looks at Xenia and Wynn "We came to take care of the kids. We have two of them as charges now and if there is problems at the tower we do not want to expose our charges to it. I think it is a good time to get away from the tower before more problems start."
Angus looks at Harley "Nice Idea. We will meet you tomorrow then. You can take the kids and find out if they want to stay in Merrydale or come with us to Plateau City."
Angus bends down before the kids "My Friend Harley will take you to Merrydale and we will follow tomorrow. Harley can travel faster than the rest of us. I want you two to hold my chocolate for me until tomorrow. Save me some." Angus will hand the kids the remnats of his five pounds of chocolate.
Angus will demonstrate for the kids. "Watch me now and that hill over there."
Angus will dimension door to the hill and back. "Harley is even better than me and he will take you all the way to Merrydale. It is fun." Angus pats both kids on the head.
"Let's get moving."
Back and Forth (DM Cayzle) Monday April 21st, 2008 7:15:44 AM
Theo, Xenia, and Wynn seem to want to travel forward at least as far as the Tower.
Angus wants to bring the kids to safety and then head home.
Harley can teleport the kids out of the Wilderlands. But then what?
So what course of action does the party pursue?
Wynn [AC=26; HP=75] Monday April 21st, 2008 8:20:14 AM
Once Harley has teleported with the children the bard turns to the mage. "And now with our two charges safely removed from harms way, what reason have we for not ensuring the safety of the remaining child?"
Angus Monday April 21st, 2008 8:57:59 AM
Angus looks at Wynn "Manfrey has said no to our assistance many times now. I saw no magical influences on the boy. I strongly beleive in fre will to choose and he has choosen, I believe wrongly. I think our responsibility is to our two new charges. I have a feeling that the kids will not want to stay in Merrydale, but I will see after they are reunited with their family. That is if they even want to go back to their family. These two children are our responsibility at this point. I thought that was the entire exercise here, to give them a more informed choice at a better life."
Angus gives a shrug "These pilgrims have decided to follow their own path. Into chaos it seems and maybe insanity, but they were not interested in our warnings. Would you attempt to stop pilgrims of Alemi or Domi?"
"I will travel back with Harley and the kids and look after them as that is what I have told them I would do. We have never abandoned children before. We always set them up somewhere safe first."
"Ooo, you're a heavy boy." Xenia lowers Bab to the ground next to the cleric from the dragon den. "You go with Unca Harley now. He'll take you somewhere safe and we'll meet you later. 'Kay?"
"Hey, Cattie, you want, later I can maybe learn you sump'in about spotting the baddies before they're on you. Maybe you'll decide to go heroing. Maybe you'll just get more interested in boys. It happens, you know. Angus and Harley will make sure you got a place till we get back."
"Meantime, me and Wynn will go with the Ga'alie ... er ... with Marjie and her group and give escort to the tower. It's not about convincing them one way or the other, Angus. It's about making sure they get there safe." The rogue links an arm with her guy and lifts up on tip-toes to buss a kiss to his cheek.
"And if things are quiet and peaceable, we'll meet you back in Merrydale. That'll be just fine by me. Give us some time alone together, me and Wynn."
"Some grown-up time," she whispers, and snuggles up against him.
Active Effects: Message(110m), Fly(5m) Items Expended: Winged Boots 2/3
Theodore & Macaw Monday April 21st, 2008 10:00:42 AM
Theodore dismisses the invisibility and pops back into sight. He nods politely to the Ga'alites and the children. "I hope that I don't startle you."
The gangly young man inserts himself into the conversation between Wynn, Xenia, and Angus. "I think if Harley teleports the children back to Merrydale they will be safe enough. Put them in the care of the council or Miss Ammabelle until they can sort out whether the Hmeckers should take them back. Xenia has a point about escorting Marjery and Manfrey to the tower. We'll make sure they get there safely and don't try any funny business with the boy."
"And of course," he says with a big smile. "That tower is just super interesting. Why WOULDN'T you want to take a peek inside?"
Now that Theodore has reappeared, Macaw glides down to land on the wizard's head. "What could go wrong? What could go wrong?" the bird sings.
Spells Active: See Invisibility: permanent Phantom Steeds: 11 hours from summoning Mage Armor: 10 hours, 58 min, 8 rounds Protection from Arrows: 10 hours, 58 min, 9 rounds
Angus (second Illegal post) Monday April 21st, 2008 1:06:52 PM
Angus shakes his head at Theo "You jump to the defense of those that sold their children and now you want to dump the kids on someone else. The kids are our responsibility until we find them someplace safe and secure. I doubt we will find that in Merrydale, but we can let them help us decide. Why are you so quick to abandon this new responsibility we have undertaken?"
Theodore & Macaw (2nd Post) Monday April 21st, 2008 4:02:20 PM
Theodore furrows his brow and shakes his head. "I'm not jumping to the Hmeckers' defense, nor am I abandoning responsibilities. I suggested Harley take the children back to town, as he offered to do. Place them under the care of the council or Miss Ammebelle, both concerned parties in this instance and both capable and willing to watch after the two children for a bit. I want to go to the tower and look around and then return to town. It appears that Xenia and Wynn want the same thing. I wouldn't think it would be more than a day or two before we are back in town. So, where's the concern?"
Harley d100=6 Monday April 21st, 2008 9:46:26 PM
Harley finds a place nearby and studies it carefully. He makes sure he gets a good mental image of the spot.
"Ok, I'll take the kids back to Merrydale and over to Miss Ammabelle. If she feels that I can safely leave the children with her then I will. If she doesn't, then I will stay and protect them."
"Tomorrow, first thing I will teleport back to this spot and will try to find you. If I am unable to make it back, I will use my magic to send word of what is going on."
"Angus, you should stay with the group as they will need your magic to protect them."
Harley reaches into his backpack and retrieves his spare flail. He gives it to his new friend Syr.
"Syr, hold this for me. After I teleport back, I will use my magic to find it, thus finding you."
"Ok kids, let's get you back to Merrydale."
Harley teleports back to Merrydale.
Belkior Monday April 21st, 2008 10:49:09 PM
The halfling cleric understands the communication between Wynn and Xenia and moves to stand near Angus. Belkior is all for taking the children back to someplace safe. And, since the pair had just run away from Merrydale, it probably isn't that village.
Syr Tuesday April 22nd, 2008 1:32:40 AM
Syr takes the flail from Harley and looks at it oddly. He dangles the chain and lightly twirls it around before sniffing. "Just not my style." He tucks it behind his back in his belt and nods once at Harley. "Hurry back and make sure they are safe."
After Harley winks out with the kids he moves over to Angus and claps the sorcerer on the back, "It looks like we are going to visit a tower after all. He grins quickly, "Besides according to most, I'm STILL a kid. Maybe I can get this blessing or a boon?" He winks once at Angus before walking off toward the tower.
(OOC: Technically, due to growing up in the orphanage, I think Syr is still an adolescent)
Angus (3rd illegal post) Tuesday April 22nd, 2008 8:16:49 AM
Angus smiles down on Belkior "Wiser words were never spoken my friend."
Angus had hoped to go with Harley, but now he is gone.
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