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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