Zita [HP: 37/37 - AC: 18(19 dodge)] [Aid] d20+8=11 ; d8=1 ; Monday June 30th, 2008 9:59:09 PM
With little she can contribute to the cause, she once again holds on her shot in case the man tries to get off a spell. She does not feel comfortable with her ability to hit him though and hopes for the best. It is also obviously apparent that there is no room for her to engage in close combat with their attacker.
She can only wait, hope and watch as they make what she hopes is a success in this fight. Silently she also cureses her own inability to do anything.
[hit: 11 and damage: 1, versus fake using a spell]
Picci Monday June 30th, 2008 11:07:51 PM
Picci's actions about casting the Cure Moderate Wounds take place now, healing Cal of 15 hit points.
Party Results Round 3 [DM Jerry] Tuesday July 1st, 2008 12:57:01 AM
Calvierius struggles with being large, throwing off his accuracy with the weapon and misses.
Bendis lets his prepared missile fire. It hits! Calvierius staggers, a look of panic in his eyes!
Gigi's Summoned Dog misses, but the Spiritual Sword seems full of godly spirit as it slices into Fabersham. Fabersham falls to his knees, hands up to fend off the blows. Gigi, herself, heads up to heal Calvierius for how much? [You didn't say and there were lots of dice rolls.]
Once again, Rosario takes the weapon out of Fabersham's hand. He just sits there staring at his empty hands. Can they work like they are supposed to?
Picci also heals Calvierius.
[Now working on Opponent's initiative.]
Opponent's Initiative Round 4 [DM Jerry] 10d6=39 ; 4d6=14 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2008 1:14:38 AM
Fabersham, still on his knees, looks to the heavens and focusing his hands, tries to cast again.
His face covered in blood creases and shakes with the concentration he is putting into this. Blood drips out his nose and ears.
His raspy voice screams....
"FIREBALL!!!!!"
A thin stream of light forms in between his hands. It grows in size and reaches maturity.
Then......
BOOOOOMMMMM!
It goes off! A huge ball of fire!
But as it explodes, much of the energy seems to shoot up!
Into the throne, shattering the bones of the one sitting there.
It absorbs much of the powerful fireball, but not all.
[does 14hpd, Reflex save of 13 for half. Since we're not using a map, if you were in melee, you were hit with the fireball. Those who healed Cal were in it. All others are not in the fireball area.]
Fabersham collapes, dead--again.
Then something unbelievably gross happens.
Fabersham's head elongates and something bloody red, but hissing like acid comes out of it. A creature of some sorts. Multiple suckers, resembling something like the arm of a squid. It shakes, then explodes, covering the area in blood.
[rolled the first one just to see how much the fireball would have done if it hadn't been partially "eaten?" by the throne. Call it DM curiousity.]
[Combat is over. You may post.]
Calvierius 17/28 HP d20+4=14 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2008 9:10:38 AM
As he feels the healing power of the Gods wash over him, Calvierius's face momentarily relaxes. For a second, it looks almost peaceful. Just a moment, though, as he sees Fabersham's body explode into a ball of fire. He quickly ducks behind some debris, avoiding the brunt of the blast.
As he wipes the blood from his face, some of it his, some Fabersham's, he turns and smiles at Gigi and Picci. "Thank you. I have no doubt that you've saved my life today. Perhaps twice. As much as I loved my wife and daughter, I find that I am not in a rush to be reunited with them, after all. Maybe I ought to think about that a bit more before I rush into unknown situations, eh?"
----
Since combat is over, I'll assume the Enlarge Person drops. It only had 3 rounds left anyway.
GiGiHp 16/23, AC 17 d20+7=24 ; d20+5=7 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2008 9:16:12 AM
Having lived through one major explosion in his life, Gigi somehow realises that something similar is about to occur and manages to avoid much of the damage, though it loks like he may have a few new burn scars to add to his collection. Relex Save 24 Unfortunately the blast and his avoidance of it took most of his concentration and his spiritual weapon spell blinks out of existance. Self rolled Concentration check 7
Focussing back on those around him he takes in the scene trying to assess who is hurt the most and needs immediate attention, and who, like himself can wait a bit for magical healing. Gigi begins to get out his healing kit na dgo to work on wounds and burns in a natural fashion before resorting to magic.
If no one is overly hurt I think we should try and save our magical healing for emergency use. With rest picci and I should be able to double your bodies natural healing rates.
Picci d20+3=13 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2008 10:54:57 AM
Sensing that the build-up of arcane energy is not a good thing, the petite cleric manages to gracelessly throw herself backwards as the fireball explodes, landing on her rump near the pile of bones. After "Fabersham's" true nature is revealed, she shudders.
"No...definitely not Fabersham." Picci points out the obvious, then looks around the room. "Who needs healing..?"
Julien Tuesday July 1st, 2008 12:20:14 PM
Having been stepped back and behind the others, Julien has managed to avoid the blast. In the aftermath, he shakes his head, unable to believe what just happened. he points at the bloody exploded thing. "What - what was that? I mean... had it taken over his body, or what?"
If he can find a stick, he might poke at the remains. "Hey, is the amulet okay?" he adds.
Rosario AC 18 HP 22/29 Sheet d20+4=22 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2008 1:30:20 PM
The staff again spins away from him, but as Fabersham starts to call a spell, Rosario's eyes go wide. Magic kept him in awe, especially the arcane. Fire springs to life about him in greedy columns of death, trying to ensnare him in thier grasp. Rosario, pivots and sidesteps to his left and just as quickly as the fire had appeared, it was gone leaving him singed but mostly whole. His back felt very hot and he knew the back of his legs were burned as well, but he was alive and now he was looking to the others. Cursory examination tells Rosario they were able to avoid most of the flames as well.
Rosario takes a step closer and squats down to look sideways at the body. What was that thing and would more of our dead return in fleshy guises His thoughts turn towards his parents and family, violated and desecrated by such a creature and coming for him and Zita. Rosario shudders and then stands to take a few steps away from everyone. He needed to recollect himself. Letting his mind indulge itself in such a horror had not been one of his more intelligent ideas.
Bendis d20+4=15 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2008 3:09:09 PM
Bendis' eyes go wide in horror as he sees Fabersham erupt in a ball of flame. Thankfully none of his companions are too badly injured in the blast. But nothing can prepare him for the foul monstrosity that writhes from their ex-mentor's shattered skull, and then explodes.
"Eurgh! What was that?" cries the dwarf, pointing.
Trembling he approaches the ruined remains, hardly daring to look. He wracks his brains, trying to remember if he's ever seen anything like the tentacle creature in his extensive reading (Knowledge Dungeoneering: 15).
Glancing over at Julien he says in a shaky voice "It must be some sort of puh-parasite. I- I think it must have been controlling him. But was it controlling Fabersham's corpse? Or did we just kill our tutor?"
Not Even Close [DM Jerry] Tuesday July 1st, 2008 7:32:30 PM
Calvierius seems to find some state of contentment now that the group has fought together and bonded in the furnace of combat. He shrinks down to his normal size.
Gigi, without a blink, takes care of business, planning how to heal the party with spells nearly on empty.
Picci, does the same, somehow summarizing the situation in just a few words--"Not Fabersham."
Julien reacts as is normal for him, his mind all over the place, spending only a moment on each problem confronting the group. Perhaps it takes time to wind down from such a battle.
Rosario, now that combat is over, experiences horror as he realizes that they have just experienced. Full of questions that seem to overwhelm him, he takes a moment for himself.
Bendis feels similar feelings and tries to find solace in his training and knowledge of places underground--places dwarvish. He tries to ascertain if he has ever seen something similar. He has not. Not ever. Not even close.
Zita Tuesday July 1st, 2008 10:35:57 PM
Zita can feel the adrenaline rush start to slowly fade as the battle comes to an end. She had been far enough back that she was not even in range of the explosion. With a quick glance to each of her family in turn she sighs as they seem to be ok, if not a little singed.
She slowly turns to have a look at the throne and the amulet. An artifact of that power surely would not have been hurt by such an attack...the disintegrate would have most likely been a lot different. She has started to shake a little as the adrenaline fades even further. "Let us get what we came for and get out of here." Her voice is shaky but calm though inside she does not feel it. They would have to deal with the consequences of their actions later.
Waiting for the amulet to once again be taken up she will let the others go about checking the body though she does suggest it. "Let us check the body for some information if anything survived." She does not step away from her position near the throne as she waits for the amulet to be taken up once again.
Calvierius 17/28 HP d20+5=18 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2008 11:13:50 PM
"That sounds like a wonderful idea, Zita." Strange, to hear deference in Calvierius' tone. It has been an eventful day. Calvierius moves to search the remains of "Fabersham". He gives it a quick once-over, and then takes his time afterward.
----
The first roll is for a standard search check - DC 18. After that, take 20 on the search (2 minutes, if we have the time) for a 25.
Bendis Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 2:16:18 PM
Bendis nods at Zita's words. "Wuh-we should certainly get the amulet. But I'm not so sure we should be in such a hurry to leave. In the current climate, this place seems as safe as any, mind-slug controlled ex-teachers notwithstanding. Shouldn't we learn what we can from the three artifacts here, in a place of comparative safety, rest up, and then decide our next move?
He looks back at Fabersham's shattered body. "How did he, uh, that thing, know where we were How did it find us? And what was it? Perhaps more important, why did it look so scared when it saw the amulet? I really think we need to combine the items. It may be the only way to get to the bottom of this mystery."
GiGiHp 16/23, AC 17 Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 3:35:19 PM
After taking stock and binding wwhomever needed bnding, Gigi turns, and facing the skeleton takes a deep breath, steps forward once again and reaches out to grasp the amulet.
Picci Picci was singed for 7hpd. Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 4:37:00 PM
Picci scoops up the staff that she knows is magic.
"This staff should help out somebody in combat..." she says to nobody in particular, "...I was able to tell that...and it also does something else, but I didn't have the time to be able to even guess what kind of magic it may have besides the combat enhancement." She looks around the chamber one more time.
"We need to camp somewhere safe so that I can use my healing kit on people." Picci advises. "Between that and the prayers of Gigi and me...well, I'm hopeful we can heal up everyone in the group." She glances over at the remains of Fabersham and whatever was inside him. "Uh...almost everybody."
Julien Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 11:22:43 PM
Julien crouches and rummages in amongst his stuff as he nods at Bendis, and if there's a piece of the tentacle thing left on the ground, he'll guide it onto a piece of parchment, wrap it up like a small piece of fish and put it with his belongings. Maybe someone will be able to examine it, at Plateau City, or wherever they were headed next.
Proven [DM Jerry] Thursday July 3rd, 2008 2:07:01 AM
Zita remains at the top of the room near the throne, staying safe and alert.
Calvierius finds several things on the body of Fabersham. First there are three gems in a pouch in his pocket.. Nice ones. Very nice ones. Matching emeralds. He also finds a coin purse with 57 platinum pieces in it.
Bendis continues to puzzle out the mysteries of the amulet and how it fits with all the other unusual happenings of the past few days.
Picci picks up the staff. She instinctively knows that it is a +1 staff. After a few seconds, she realizes that the staff's special power is that the staff can cast one cure critical wounds spell per day.
Julien notes that the acid of the tencacled thing has totally destroyed all traces of itself.
Then...
Gigi reaches out into the light again and easily obtains the amulet.
A few moments after she takes it, it shines a light forward onto the floor. A female figure starts to form. Then solidifies.
A ghostly projection of Abuelita!
Similar to the projection of the teucri the group fought out on the ledge a few hours ago, it smiles sadly and begins to speak.
"Beware!
If you are seeing this, then your mother and I are most likely dead. I hope we are, because if we are not, then we are now possessed by a most evil creature.
You have proved yourselves resourceful by reaching this point as well as being of the family. That means you are now one of the Three Secret Bearers of an awful truth.
When rested, touch the three items together. It is a draining experience so be sure that you are rested and of perfect health. Also be sure that you have plenty of time as this will take over an hour to complete. The headaches will pass. New abilities will come later as the items become attuned to you.
May the Gods of Wold bless you and care for you in this extremely dangerous Wold."
The message ends and with a slight hesitation, the projection ends.
----------------------
[Sorry couldn't resist the Princess Leia reference.]
Everyone receives 275 xp for the combat.
Rosario AC 18 HP 22/29 Sheet Thursday July 3rd, 2008 9:08:51 AM
Rosario takes a deep breath and slowly and quietly, exhales through his nose. A safe place to be well rested. He had thought they were in one, but whatever creature just came here makes that no longer true. So where? The man had no idea. He looks over to the others and takes a few steps back to them. "We need to rest, clearly. Not only for what is to come, but because we have not for some time and we can not do it here. The enemy knows where this place is and so we must be gone from it though I don't know where to." He looks at the group, his family. "Ideas?"
Bendis Thursday July 3rd, 2008 5:52:45 PM
The dwarf looks up at Rosario with an anxious expression.
"I-I know this place isn't particularly safe, but right now I don't think anywhere is. We're wounded, low on magic, and vulnerable. At least here we'll be well warned if anyone does approach us; the fuh-flaming demon mouth will see to that. If we flee we're back out in the open, and with no sanctuary to speak of. The artifacts led us here; I think we should tuh-trust in them. I say we stay put, rest here and hope for the best."
Picci Thursday July 3rd, 2008 5:55:04 PM
"If we have to leave, Rosario," Picci says soberly, "Then we must go forward--away from our home. Any enemies that might still be out there and following us will be where we have been, so clearly we can't go back to Fort Silence...not yet, anyway." She stops and considers for a moment.
"Logic would dictate that, if the three who possess the ring, the earring and the amulet are destined to become the bearers of 'an awful truth' that Nonna's own words seem to confirm will effect the entire Wold...if whatever the secret may be truly is that important...then we need to contact one of the Dragon groups. So we might be better off making our way to the headquarters of the Emerald Dragons, because they are the closest active Dragon group to where we are."
Zita Thursday July 3rd, 2008 9:42:54 PM
Zita listens but shakes her head at the idea of staying here. "This place maybe nice enough...but I for one would like to have a secondary, well actully more than that, ways of escape." Glancing to the others she closes her eyes and pinches the bridge of her nose, thinking.
The message that they had just heard is enough to set her on edge, as if she was not already there. Not opening her eyes she shakes slightly. "The idea of seeking out the Emerald Dragons is a good one...but we need something closer to at least give us time to get our strength back." Her eyes open once again and there is pain, anger...and a whole lot of tiredness in them. "If we think it is safe enough for one night...maybe we should stay here for that long." She has not mentioned the touching of the three as she is not ready for that herself and is not sure how soon she will be. Looking to the others she waits to see what they have in the way of thoughts.
They all need rest and this might be a good place for at least that...but they will need to move away early the next day. A shiver runs through her though as she has another thought. "What if this creature was not the only one that knows this location...we may need to find a new place to stay the night. But we must hurry and make a decision as we are not in any shape to be dealing with more enemies right now." Though she was not in that last one too much...she is still exhausted.
Is it safe? [DM Jerry] Friday July 4th, 2008 1:19:23 AM
Our heroes now face the same decisions as countless adventurers before them: Where can we rest safely? Is it here? Is it there? Can we be safe from our unknown enemies anywhere?
What will they do?
-----------
I know tomorrow is Independance Day in the US. So post if you can, but enjoy the day and be safe. You can't type to post if you lose your fingers to a bottle rocket. ;)
Calvierius 17/28 HP Friday July 4th, 2008 10:24:27 AM
"Personally, I bet this place is pretty safe. We'd at least most likely hear people if they were trying to sneak up on us, and the fact that that ... thing ... didn't want us here makes me believe we might be in the right place."
Bendis Friday July 4th, 2008 12:06:39 PM
Bendis nods. "At least for a fuh-few hours, I think we should rest here. Then we can combine the artifacts, and work out where to go next. Perhaps the artifacts will suggest a route?"
GiGiHp 16/23, AC 17 d20+3=6 ; d20+3=19 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+3=15 ; Friday July 4th, 2008 12:50:12 PM
Tucking the amulet out of sight under his robe, Gigi takes a closer look around the room especially around the thrones looking for anything that might be clue to a hidden way out or even a safer place to hide. search rolls: 6, 19, 23, 9, 4, 15
Rosario AC 18 HP 22/29 Sheet Monday July 7th, 2008 9:09:57 PM
Any move was a bad move and not moving was probably the worst move he could think of, but he had no alternative, no other option to offer, nothing. They all seemed inclined to stay right here and so be it. "We set up to rest above and behind the door. Anyone coming in will take a moment to register the rooms shape and directional gravity. Should allow us to get the jump on any intruders. We only need one sentry, the fire from the demon will be more than enough I'm sure. 4 watches of six hours will take us completely through. Myself, then Betheas, Calvierius and finally Zita. The rest of you rest, tend wounds and try to relax."
Rosario looks to Picci on her suggestion, "The Emerald Dragons? That may be jumping ahead. And what if the Awful truth is about them adn the high lord mayor usurping our rightful claim to the throne? And lets face it I live her dearly but Nonna could go a bit long on herself and her own importance occassionally." Rosario shakes his head, "No I don't want to go running into Culverwood hoping to bump into the Emerald Dragons just yet. Our mess and I will see it cleaned up perssonally." His eyes darken a bit as he says this last part and to his sister and those very close to him, a strange and frightening tone of finality seems to come into his voice.
Zita Monday July 7th, 2008 9:54:53 PM
Taking a seat on what she figures is the floor, she has put up her weapon and set the pack by her side. As she listens to the others she lets her head slip to her hands and relaxes for a few. This has all been just too much and she wonders how they are all going to come out of it.
Glancing back up she nods her head and then listens to Rosario talk. "He is right...we still do not know who are our enemies anymore. If we can, we should try and solve this ourselves...seeking help only if all else fails." Her voice is strained but also full of determination as she lets her head slip back to rest a little. There is little she can do right now and she has the chance to relax.
Picci d20+8=17 d20+6=19 Monday July 7th, 2008 10:26:10 PM
The petite cleric frowns, obviously distressed at the thought of her childhood heroes not being as heroic as she had imagined, but she reluctantly nods.
"You both have a point." she concedes. "Unfortunate but true--we have no idea who is behind this...however, should this whole 'secret' thing turn out to not indict them, I still think that seeking out the Emerald Dragons isn't a bad idea."
Picci then busies herself with applying her skills at healing to whomever may need it. After bandaging up whomever may need it, the acolyte plans to make an edible meal for the group using the rations they have on hand, eat, pray, rest up, recover spells and--if there's enough time--write up a Cure Moderate Wounds scroll. OOC: Voluntary Healing skill check result: 17; voluntary Cooking skill check result: 19
Julien Tuesday July 8th, 2008 1:13:43 AM
Julien wanders the chamber. He doesn't hear anything he could object to - staying put until they'd regained their strength, and Rosario posting watches seems sound enough - and so he nods. "I need rest, study and writing time," he announces. "After that I can help out with the watches.I don't know about anyone else, but I'm not overly sure I want to know what this 'awful truth' is." He grins and shrugs, hiding a very troubling development in his otherwise extremely curious mind - that he 'didn't' want to know about something. Forewarned is forearmed, right? Yeah.... and ignorance is bliss.
He shakes his head and mutters to himself, utterly confounded.
Rest and Room Service [DM Jerry] d20=18 ; d20=7 ; d20=12 ; Tuesday July 8th, 2008 12:21:24 PM
Our heroes heal up, eat their fill, and rest. There is only one intrusion. During the 2nd watch, an animated broom, dustpan, mop, and bucket float in and clean up the blood. Then some invisible force drags Fabersham's body out and away leaving the room in pristine condition.
Except for one thing:
The skeleton that fell off the throne.
After the small shock of the cleaning crew, the party settles down again and finishes their rest. After breaking their fast, they are prepared to face the day once again.
-------------
Please post any differences in prepared spells, etc.
GiGiHp 22/23, AC 17 d20+9=13 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+9=12 ; Tuesday July 8th, 2008 4:57:59 PM
(OOC :All injured parties have now through healing skill and rest have recovered 6 hit points healing - without magic) Heal skill checks DC 13, 19, 24, 10, 12
(Did Gigi find anything during his search of the area?)
After having search for a while, Gigi gets down to the business of using his non magical skill in healing to administer first aid to all injured parties and then admonishes them to get a good night's rest.
In the morning after prayer, Gigi finds his way over to Zita and Rosario. "Um do we want to do this joining hting here or try to find somewhere more secure?"
[DM Jerry] Tuesday July 8th, 2008 7:41:22 PM
::checking in::
I'll look at this again later. :)
Zita Tuesday July 8th, 2008 9:51:22 PM
Waking up a little earlier than normal she looks around and shakes her head, reluctantly. There would be no training this day as she doubts there is enough room in here and the gravity could cause more harm. Her breakfast is made up of a hard biscuit, bit of cheese and a little trail mix that she has on her...washed down with a little water.
As she sits a little glum and worried, she glances up at Gigi as he approaches and then looks to Rosario with a shake of her head. "We were told that it would drain us so to be at full strength...can we afford to spen another night here after the summoning?" She is not sure if it would be wise, but she also is growing rather weary of the mess that they find themselves in now. Glancing to the others she cannot help but wonder how many of them long for the way things were. How many of them would like to just walk away from all of this and try to start a new life.
She wipes a few stray tears from her eyes as she figures that the rest have it even harder than Gigi, Rosario and herself. They are not bound but by friendship and she would not hold it against any of them if they decided to strike off on their own...maybe it would be for the best. Still, she cannot bring herself to do more than just think it...she needs them despite the want to let them go.
Picci d20+8=20 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+8=15 ; Wednesday July 9th, 2008 1:00:06 AM Not sure if Picci needs additional Heal checks, but if she does, her results are 20, 19, 16, 16 and 15
Picci feeds her family with the suprisingly palatable stew made from their rations, then makes sure that everyone who needs extra bandaging and first aid gets attention. She even manages to take care of Bendis' feet once more before curling up on her side and going to sleep. Once refreshed, she pens a Cure Moderate Wounds scroll.
"Oh, GiGi..." the jet-tressed acolyte addresses her fellow cleric after she's sure he's done with his morning rituals, "...the staff that the fake Fabersham had--it's magic. It helps in combat...and it can cast a most powerful healing spell once a day. Since you're to be the Advisor...it's probably best that you have it..." So saying, the petite Picci holds out the magic staff to GiGi.
Bendis Wednesday July 9th, 2008 4:12:15 AM
Before settling down for the night the dwarf does a little exploring, in the vain hope of finding a pillow. He doesn't find one, but finds something else instead, a length of knobbed and twisted hawthorne, perhaps 5 feet long.
The dwarf tests its weight and balance, and runs fingers over its smooth, polished contours; it will serve well as a walking stick, and even as a quarterstaff in a pinch. He takes an instant shine to it.
His sleep is deep and untroubled, and he awakes refreshed and in good spirits. Despite his natural timidity, this life of danger and adventure seems to somehow be growing on the portly dwarf.
(OOC: The staff is what we discussed by email Jerry. Feel free to edit this post if it doesn't suit.)
Calvierius 23/28 HP Wednesday July 9th, 2008 9:10:55 AM
Calvierius's sleep is troubled. He tosses and turns at times, and those on guard can hear him mutter in his sleep. At one point he sits bolt upright, shouting! But right after that, he falls back to the ground. He might not have even woken himself up with that shout. At any rate, he wakes up the next morning, red-eyed and somewhat slow to respond to conversation.
After a short while, he clears his mind and spends an hour studying his spellbook. After that, he's ready to move on.
----
OOC: Changed a few of my spells around, swapped ghost sound for detect magic and loaded up on Enlarge Person, since that was so much fun earlier.
Also - unless there are house rules I don't know about, it takes at least 8 hours to craft a scroll. Are we staying here that long?
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Wednesday July 9th, 2008 11:04:20 AM
Rosario sits his watch and then sleeps. Nights in the field training and out with is father and brother allow him to sleep soundly and fall to sleep nearly instantly. Awakening, he is fresh and stretches away the last vestiges of the night before. Looking up at Gigi from his seated position he answers with a nodding head, "I sure did think so yes. The same reasons that held us here as the best place to rest yesterday hold true today." Rosario stands and wipes his hands free of crumbs and saliva. As he puts on his leather gloves, his tongue works to dislodge a grain seed, "No time like now I suppose." and he escorts Gigi to Zita.
"The rest of you might want to gives us a bit of space." Roy's eyes sparkle and he adds, "You know, in case we explode in some horrific fiery blast." he ends it with a wink and then will sit down and invite Zita and Gigi to as well. In a lower voice, "So you think they will just sort of do thier thing now?"
Julien Wednesday July 9th, 2008 1:24:51 PM
Julien hunkers down overnight, gets some sleep, then spends the rest of the time with his head in his spellbook, muttering and gesticulating, while his fingers flip over a piece of tortoise shell. Over and over through his fingers it goes, much like a coin.
Rosario stretching reminds him that he should do the same. After all, it wouldn't do him any good to grow that weak, hunched over his books, that he was unable to throw a decent punch once in a while.
"Very funny," he says, as the possibility of a fiery blast is mentioned, but moves back. Last night's cantrip cleanup had already suggested that whoever was behind this whole business had quite the sense of humor, and no doubt would not be particularly put out if their own blood messed up the chamber again.
Picci Wednesday July 9th, 2008 11:51:41 PM
Picci awaits GiGi's response to giving him the magic quarterstaff.
Anticipation [DM Jerry] Thursday July 10th, 2008 12:14:33 AM
Our heroes continue to rest recuperate and make their plans.
A feeling of anticipation is in the air as Rosario escorts Gigi to Zita. The others back up to a supposed safe distance, however far that it. ;)
----------------------
Note that the staff looted from Fabersham is not the same staff found near the throne by Bendis. OOC, that staff is Bendis' Legacy item. He's just roleplaying it into the game.
Cal, I do not know how long you have here at this location for scroll making. That is up to the group. :)
Jamie dropped by last weekend. He was in town taking a course at Sheppard AFB. We talked and planned out the next module, which is highly dependent on some choices from you good people. :)
DM Jamie Thursday July 10th, 2008 12:41:37 AM Pops in and waves to everyone then pops back out
GiGiHp 22/23, AC 17 Thursday July 10th, 2008 8:24:04 AM
Gigi lloks up at Picci's approach with the staff and smiles. I am afraid I am not at all good with a staff, (patting his great sword) If you have that talent I think perhaps you should keep it.
Bendis Thursday July 10th, 2008 9:59:26 AM
Bendis twists his fingers in his beard nervously. What will the items reveal? What do the fates have in store for them next? Despite his natural timidity he finds himself looking forward to the imminent revelations.
Picci Thursday July 10th, 2008 7:21:01 PM
The girl's obsidian eyes widen.
"Really?" she asks, squeaking the question. "My goodness--thank you, GiGi! I'll be sure to take care of this!" Picci looks down at the staff and then at GiGi again, grinning as she reaches over and pinches his cheek in a manner similar to how their Nonna used to do.
"There...boo-boo all better!" declares the petite young priestess, having just cast a Cure Minor Wound spell on him, thus healing up the very last of his wounds. OOC: Picci gives up one of her Guidance orisons to cure GiGi of that one last hit point.
Are They Scared? [DM Jerry] Thursday July 10th, 2008 7:59:47 PM
Our heroes, seem to be avoiding the topic of attuning the three items together. Could it be that they are a bit worried about this process? Could it be that they are......scared?
Let's see what happens friends, as our heroes push on.
---------------
Ok, folks, let's get this going. We're just sittin'.
Zita Thursday July 10th, 2008 8:22:42 PM
Still seated she looks up at the approach of Rosario and Gigi. She gives a nod of her head and then holds out her own hand that the ring is now on. "Do we need to touch them or just bring them close together?" She is not sure and there is a quiver of fear in her voice, mixed with anticipation. Glancing to the others that have moved back slightly she gives a sheepish smile, as she is not sure what is about to happen. Setting herself for the worst she waits for the other two. "Let us see what the future has for us." It is meant as a joke of sorts, though she is not really feeling in the joking mood. Anything to lighten the feeling of doom and gloom that is surrounding them.
Julien Friday July 11th, 2008 12:22:02 AM
A short distance away, Julien watches. This couldn't be that bad, could it? After all, they'd already gone through enough 'bad' to last a lifetime, so.....
He remains optimistic.
GiGiHp 22/23, AC 17 Friday July 11th, 2008 8:06:39 AM
Taking the amulet out from under his robe he leans forward and brings it close Zita's ring.
Bendis Friday July 11th, 2008 9:06:10 AM
"I think it was touch" mumbles Bendis, "though I can't be sure..."
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Friday July 11th, 2008 10:01:07 PM
Rosario sits and waits, he's not about to lean his head in. He makes sure he is in contact with both Zita and Gigi. If that produces nothing he will take off the earring and present it to the others in his hand
Picci Friday July 11th, 2008 10:43:33 PM
Picci watches anxiously, both hands gripping her newly-acquired quarterstaff.
Calvierius 23/28 HP Sunday July 13th, 2008 11:17:29 AM
Calvierius, having finished preparing his spells for the day, looks up at his companions, boredom flitting across his face.
"Get on with the mumbo-jumbo, so we can go find whoever is to blame for the deaths of your family and deal with them as Jancassis would have. Vengeance will be yours, my friends."
Picci Monday July 14th, 2008 11:31:32 PM
Picci is still anxious.
Bendis Tuesday July 15th, 2008 2:33:50 AM
Bendis is still unsure.
Calvierius 23/28 HP Tuesday July 15th, 2008 9:02:23 AM
Calvierius is still bored.
The Attunement Begins [DM Jerry] Tuesday July 15th, 2008 10:55:27 PM
As the three item bearers concentrate and touch the items together, something amazing happens.
They begin to shimmer and rise up into the air, slowly spinning around in a circle. Not always horizontal, but spinning this way and that. Their faces are lost in concentration.
The items seem to bid the bearers to get closer....closer....closer.
Eventually they are touching foreheads. Amazing. Unearthly.
The shimmering becomes a bright blue light...brighter.....brighter...
It becomes hard to look at.
To those bearing the items, this experience is much different.
They go within. Deep within. Into the places of dreams...or is that reality.
Then the command to get closer. It is not meant physically, though that happens.
It seems to be demanding that they surrender themselves to each other and open up their thoughts to each other. It is a draining experience.
[I need a Fortitude save of 10 please. Success means losing one point of Fortitude. Failure means losing two points of Fortitude. Afterwards, you may possibly need to adjust your bonuses to your Fort Save.]
The three of you feel light as if your souls are floating above your bodies. You cannot see without as normally, only within.
Memories come. Bid to be shared. Yet, there is no compulsion to share everything. It seems to be a warmup to what is to come. A mental onslaught on the horizon, which you see coming with your inner mind.
Coming...swirling....opening places and awareness....
-----------------
sorry bout last night folks. twas a difficult evening in several ways.
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet d20+6=15 ; Wednesday July 16th, 2008 5:22:36 PM
Rosario feels himself pulled in but not the pain he was expecting. The Experience though is draining. Images swril, his mind tries its best to comprehend what is going on, for the most part it is a losing battle
Save 15 success new Fort 15 new save +5 New HP 26/26
Picci Wednesday July 16th, 2008 7:22:18 PM
Picci's mouth hangs open as the amazing spectacle unfolds itself before the rest of the family.
"...whoa..." she breathes, stupefied by the scene.
Zita d20+6=15 ; Wednesday July 16th, 2008 9:36:48 PM
Expecting something a lot worse than she is currently feeling with the melding of their beings. Though she at first tries to fight it as she has always fought for her own identity, she stops as she feels that this must happen. That and it seems that the melding is not going to be full.
The patterns that present themselves leaves her with a feeling of wonder but it also leaves her a little scared as she feels a weight seem to press down on her. Maybe it is all in her own mind or of her own making but it appears to be there for her.
Julien Wednesday July 16th, 2008 9:46:59 PM
Julien stays silent and shades his eyes. So far, no one is screaming for help, so that was good, and hopefully his friends will come out of it as sane as when they went in.
GiGiHp 22/23, AC 17 d20+5=21 ; Wednesday July 16th, 2008 10:45:17 PM
Fort save 21
Not at all expecting anything, like what was actually happening, Gigi is at first more than a bit scared and terrified and then begins to feel an otherworldness that supercedes anything he has experienced before. Almost unbidden memories begin to flow and feelings he had thought buried deeply bubbled up and poured out as he relived his fateful day in his past.
Once again his brothers were late leaving him to get things rolling and going for the day. After pulling out the his brother's notes on the new compound, Gig mixed the ingredients and pre-heated the kiln, not knowing what was in shore for him.
After following his brothers' directions, to the letter, he placed the vat of glasswood into the furnace in order to heat to the temperature at which it would melt into a pour able substance. When it was about half way through this process, he went to check on it and peering through the glass viewing plate, when the unthinkable happened.
The glass plate and the rest of the furnace exploded sending shards of metal, wood, and glass flying through the small room and nearly shredding GiGi into little pieces.
Calvierius 23/28 HP Wednesday July 16th, 2008 11:16:34 PM
Calvierius watches the process, unable to fathom what is occurring. His eyes flicker between the ritual participants, and then toward the entryway to the room. After a few moments of this, he readies his Axe and moves toward the entrance, just in case.
Push [DM Jerry] Thursday July 17th, 2008 3:54:33 AM
As the melding continues, the three item bearers spin faster and it seems that they are becoming less tangible. Soon, those observing glimpses of this scene, notice that the foreheads of the three are actually within each other. Stranger and stranger.
Knowledge begins to come in huge doses, allowing only a very global understanding at this point. There is some vast conspiracy. The Montdidier family holds secret knowledge about this conspiracy and are now hunted for it. It involves what happened to Fabersham, somehow.
For the three, it is like a drug. It expands consciousness in many ways, but blurs in others. All three having succeeded with their first efforts are encouraged by the scene around them to continue. "Push inward," the items seem to say.
::mind control::
"Push."
::threat to the Wold::
"Push."
::very old::
"Push."
::hunted::
"Push."
::must protect::
::must defeat::
::must save::
[I need a second Fortitude save of 10 please. Success means losing one more point of Fortitude. Failure means losing two more points of Fortitude. Afterwards, you may possibly need to adjust your bonuses to your Fort Save.]
Bendis Thursday July 17th, 2008 4:03:06 AM
The dwarf stares bug-eyed at the scenebefore him. This is powerful, ancient magic at work. Like so much else in this Tuecri [place he has never seen its like. Taking out a notebook and quill be begins to take notes, sketch, record.
Calvierius 23/28 HP Thursday July 17th, 2008 6:32:37 PM
Watching, Calvierius works through some calisthenics to keep loose. He spins his axe this way and that, and then starts making practice swipes at the air.
---
OOC: Are the PCs losing constitution points, or taking permanent penalties on their fort saves? Are the damage or drain? Any way you slice it: Yikes! I'm glad that's not me!
Zita d20+6=11 ; Thursday July 17th, 2008 11:02:00 PM
The need to go deeper is undeniable and she cannot or does not want to fight it. In fact she is actually starting to feel a little bit better, though she is still scared. There was some great secret and it was going to get them all killed if they were not careful.
Her conscious mind closes the eyes of her figment body as she finds this thought disturbing. She can also feel her physical body weakening as she tries to truely find out what it is that they need to know...before long she knows that he will is going to break and she will not be able to fight it.
Picci Thursday July 17th, 2008 11:57:08 PM
coming soon
Proven Worthy [DM Jerry] d20=12 ; d20=10 ; Friday July 18th, 2008 12:44:31 AM
[Made the Fort save for Rosario and Gigi. They both succeeded so minus one con point.]
As the spinning trio continue to fade, the light grows brighter, a strange song erupts into the room. The projections of dozens of Teucri appear all over the room, one arm outstretched towards the three. They begin to sing.
These heroes proven worthy. These heroes saviors all. Alemi bless these heroes. Domi grace their cause.
It repeats over and over. And for our three bearers, a barrier is before them. The song seems to weaken it.
The rings continue to encourage:
"Push."
::threat to the Wold::
"Push."
::very old::
"Push."
::hunted::
"Push."
::must protect::
::must defeat::
::must save::
[One final Fort save of 10 please. Remember to adjust your saves accordingly due to the Fort draining you have taken.]
----------------- It is Con temp draining Cal.
Bendis Friday July 18th, 2008 4:11:46 AM
Bendis pushes his glasses up his nose to better examine the Tuecri projections. He walks around one, peering at it from all sides.
"Fascinating" he murmers, scribbling furiously in his notebook. "Remarkable."
He jots down the words to the song, along with sketches of these long-lost creatures.
GiGiHp 22/23, AC 17 d20+5=21 ; Friday July 18th, 2008 8:02:20 AM
Week from the loss of constitution, but supposing it could be worse, Gigi focusses on the others.
"Together let's push towards and maybe through the barrier."
Zita d20+5=20 ; Friday July 18th, 2008 4:46:26 PM
Zita can feel her will slipping away ever so slowly and though she wants to pull back, she has to agree that they need to find out what they are being hunted for. She shivers as the feeling of death seems to settle upon her shoulders and she nods her head ever so slightly.
With the call to push further she does just that, while fighting the need to pull away from the nearness of her friends. This link was starting to get to her a little more every second and she was fighting it with more willpower than she realized she possessed. "For my family." She throws herself at the barrier to pierce through it and find the secrets that haunt her family.
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet d20+5=20 ; Friday July 18th, 2008 5:30:03 PM
Rosario works to solidify what is going on, An ancient threat to the Wold involving mind control and his family are and perhaps always have been the gate keepers. And now it would seem this ancient enemy knows and is striking The thoughts don't sit well certainly. Especially given the parasite like thing that had taken or was put into Fabersham. Rosario has to think Fabersham knew nothing about this or suspected nothing or the resourceful man would have arranged a contingency to prevent a parrasite from forcing him to be such a host.
Save 20 success
new Fort 13 new save +4 New HP 23/23
Picci Friday July 18th, 2008 11:08:06 PM
Picci continues to look anxiously on as three members of her family are in the grip of some wondrous and terrifying magic.
The Artifact Revealed [DM Jerry] Saturday July 19th, 2008 2:18:25 PM
As the three bearers push through the next barrier, the lights, and spinning slow.
A new level of information is now available. They realize that further secrets lie deeper, but they involve abilities the items have which they cannot use yet.
All the known information of the parasites situation and all related information is now available.
This seems to include the ability to add others into the mix and show them what a bearer is accessing. It simply requires a moment.
Information comes as questions are asked. Not with any intent to hide. There is just the need to ask.
The items also have an intuitive property allowing them to volunteer information they feel is helpful.
The items are not truly intelligent, just powerful--perhaps artifact status when considered as a singularity. The responses of Elizabetta were recorded into the items. The item also has the ability to use the face, voice, and personality of any person that has becomed closely attuned to it. This explains the idea that it had actually absorbed some part of those two matrons of Family Montidier.
Bendis Sunday July 20th, 2008 4:08:39 PM
Bendis watches, fascinated, as the items slowly begin to reveal their secrets.
Zita Monday July 21st, 2008 7:29:16 PM
Zita lets her mind do the talking for her as she seeks the guidance of both Rosario and Gigi. We need to bring the others into this so that they know what they are risking. What I am not sure of is if they all will want to continue and should we even ask them first? There is a hint of desperation, anger and fear in her mind that is palpatable to the other two that she cannot keep out of there. They have embarked upon a road that is going to be hard on all of them and those closest to them are going to be in as much, if not more danger.
What I mean is...do we ask them first and then show them what we know or do we show them and then allow them to make a more educated decision? To be honest she is hoping to let them know the full danger, though that could be just as bad as not showing them first. She is torn between her need for help and her need to protect them all. Was that not part of her new duties. God she has one terrible headache.
Picci Monday July 21st, 2008 11:33:18 PM
Picci finds herself shifting her weight from one foot to the other, anxious about the welfare of the trio undergoing this mystic Teucri rite.
Awe [DM Jerry] Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 12:56:50 AM
Our heroes stand in awe of the predicament that Wardd God of Luck has sent their way. Will the heroes stand by Zita and the other two item bearers? Or will they decide it is a foolish quest.
Only understanding what the items have stored can give the information the heroes need!
----------------
Uh Oh! Where's my players? Everyone decide to go to Hawaii?
GiGiHp 22/23, AC 17 Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 10:36:42 AM
I counsel that we should let the choose with full knowledge of what is to be faced. It is only fair and right to do so.
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 12:29:01 PM
"We should bring them in, full disclosure. A volunteer will fight and strive much further and harder for something he believes in. Conscripted mercenaries will always place their own well being first." With that answer to Zita, and with Gigi already voicing his agreement. Rosario tries to reach out to the others with his mind and bring them into communication with himself, Zita and Gigi.
Can you hear me Betheas? Picci? Bendis? We have uncovered more of the plot against us and before we move further you should all know what we do.
With that Rosario tries to convey the underlying causes of the attacks as he understands them. He also addresses the items, what invaded Fabersham and wsa able to conceal itself within him? Did it have access to the hosts memories? And what was the fleeting message from the Terccuri about the lost secret and the threat to the Wold? Do these parasite like beings pose a truly Wold Threat? What is the history of the noble races battle with them, Of my family's battle with them?
Julian [DM Jerry] Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 9:24:40 PM
"I know this is important and all. But I"m worried about my family. My girlfriend. I'm in with ya. For the duration. But before I can do this with a content heart, I need to go find out what happened to them. If they live, I must see them safe. If they have...passed over, then I need to bury and mourn them.
"So before I know more than I should know for now, I take my leave for a short time to return home. And yes, I'll be careful."
With that said, he shrugs, hugs everyone goodbye and leaves.
---------------
Jan is going inactive for about 3 months. Then she will return.--Jerry
Union [DM Jerry] Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 9:36:26 PM
By willing it, they are able to bring the others into their conversation and talk privately without words.
It is a weird feeling as you allow youselves to join the others. You seem to have the ability to talk. The melding of minds is not as complete as what the bearers went through. You can show anything in your mind, but can also make anything off limits.
The limitation is that you can't look around or keep a watch.
After a few moments of a slight dizziness, you're all talking mentally!
The fflames do not seem to activate as Julian leaves.
-----------------
Posting is still down. I know Eric is going out of town. Carl is heading out of town, but said he'd post.
Picci Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 10:15:37 PM *Give me a moment...this is all just so overwhelming...* The plea is from Picci, and it takes a moment or three before she realizes that, although she said the sentence, she did not do so out loud.
Bendis Wednesday July 23rd, 2008 4:13:39 PM Ooh Bendis gasps as his mind joins those of the others. Facets of his companions he had never considered flit through his mind, as everyone adjusts to the experience, making hidden those parts of themselves they wish to keep private. Relaxing a little, the dwarf tries to open his mind a little to the others, asking questions that have been whizzing around inside his mind until this point. He misjudges though, and his thoughts come pouring out in a confused (but noticeably unstuttering) jumble.
So, what has been revealed? Do we know who's behind the attacks? And the reason for them? What is the history of these magnificent artefacts? How did Tuecri items come to be in your family's possession, Zita, and why? Who made them? And how? What magics made these items and this place? Can I learn them? Do you like me? Is Zita king? Was Fabersham dead when we killed him? What was that thing in his head? Will my father ever be proud of me? Are we safe here? Where should we go next? Will Picci give me another footrub? Am I getting too fat? Whatever happened to the Shafbaffum, founder of the Star Mages? Why do I find fireballs so difficult? Am I talking too much? Can I stop asking questions? Why can't I stop asking questions?
The dwarf pulls back, gasping. Ooh, this takes a little care, doesn't it?
So Many Questions [DM Jerry] Thursday July 24th, 2008 12:47:18 AM
Bendis realizes he overwhelmed the artifacts. He knows now he should ask one at a time and clearly.
----------------
(several a day is fine. Or one from each. Something like that.)
Still having posting issues aren't we. Sending out an email.
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Thursday July 24th, 2008 10:34:52 AM
With that Rosario tries to convey the underlying causes of the attacks as he understands them. He also addresses the items, what invaded Fabersham and wsa able to conceal itself within him? Did it have access to the hosts memories? And what was the fleeting message from the Terccuri about the lost secret and the threat to the Wold? Do these parasite like beings pose a truly Wold Threat? What is the history of the noble races battle with them, Of my family's battle with them?
Picci Thursday July 24th, 2008 2:54:39 PM
Picci tries to marshal her thoughts into some semblance of order so that she can get answers to questions...when the completely unexpected and totally unrelated question from Bendis disrupts her.
*Another footrub...?* she echoes mentally, at a loss as to how to react.
Then she laughs for the first time since this whole sorry situation began--technically only a few days ago, but perceptually a lifetime ago. Picci can feel a major portion of her tension and worry flow away from her. It takes a moment or three, but her laughter finally subsides.
*How about we start with...just what are these parasite-things..?* the petite priestess suggests as a specific question to have definitively answered. *You know--the name of their race, where they come from...?*
Bendis Thursday July 24th, 2008 4:00:55 PM
Bendis sends a mental nod, along with a slight flush of embarassment that lends a warm pink glow to his thoughts.
Yes. And why, if this enmity has gone on so long, and this threat been so secret, has the foe been moved to strike so publicly now?
GiGiHp 22/23, AC 17 Thursday July 24th, 2008 6:04:37 PM
Gigi, feels the assault of the questions and the overwhelming of the artifact from Bendis' outpouring of questions and cringes a bit.
Taking some time to think about what question(s) he wants to ask, he queries Rosario and Zita. Ok Do we want info on who are enemies are and what we face? Who we can turn to for help? Where we should go next?
Picci Saturday July 26th, 2008 2:45:43 PM
Picci awaits the answers from the aritifacts.
The S'thado Revealed [DM Jerry] Monday July 28th, 2008 2:19:29 AM
Rosario asks: What invaded Fabersham and was able to conceal itself within him?
The ring: An alien creature not from the Wold. It invades minds and takes them over, totally controlling the creature from that time on.
Rosario asks: Did it have access to the hosts memories?
The ring: Yes.
Rosario asks: And what was the fleeting message from the Terccuri about the lost secret and the threat to the Wold?
The ring: The name is Teucri and we are not sure. They may be referring to the creatures like the one that was in Fabersham and the threat they represent to the Wold.
Rosario: Do these parasite like beings pose a truly Wold Threat?
The ring: Yes. They have a plan to subjugate the Wold.
Rosario: What is the history of the noble races battle with them, Of my family's battle with them?
The ring: That is a very broad question. I will summarize and then you may ask more specific questions. The Noble Races have not battled the S'thado directly. Individual hosts have battled the S'thado and succumbed. The Montdidier Family has fought the S'thado for the last 3 generations. There have been victories for the Montdidier Family in the form of information gained. They also have survived, which can be counted as a victory. There have also been defeats, in the form of Montdidier Family members being killed indirectly and directly through the Shadow Sect and the Shadow Council. Please ask more questions and we will try to be more specific.
Picci asks: How about we start with...just what are these parasite-things..?
The Ring: The parasites are specifically called S'thado. Or perhaps more specifically, they are a part of a single S'thado. The individual parasites are called Th'lemen. These creatures can do several amazing things. First, each of them can divide into parts. The Th'lemen that inhabited Fabersham was one part of a S'thado. The second amazing thing that they can do is attack from one brain to the next and thus move from one host to the next. The former would die as you saw Fabersham die. Once in control of a host, which takes a short time, they know everything the host knows. The third amazing thing is that no one has yet been able to learn how to detect the Th'lemen when in a creature. Fabersham was detectable most likely because it was still adjusting to the new host.
Picci continues: You know--the name of their race, where they come from...?
The Ring: The name is the S'thado. They come from outside of the Wold, which is a very rare if not unique situation.
Bendis asks: Yes. And why, if this enmity has gone on so long, and this threat been so secret, has the foe been moved to strike so publicly now?
The Ring: Abuelita made a breakthrough in the study of the creatures. It had been suspected for a few years that the Overlord of The Floating City had been attacked and taken over by a Th'lemen. As Abuelita was a personal friend of the Overlord, this was a worry and source of stress for her. When the opportunity came to go to the Floating City as an adviser to the Overlord, she retired as duke and gave the dukedom to Elizabetta her daughter switching roles and taking the role of advisor.
After a few years of service, Abuelita was attacked by a portion of the S'thado in the Overlord. Abuelita, however, was able to do something extraordinary. She was able to somehow able to withstand the mental pressure to give all her knowledge to the creature. The creature controlled her body, but did not gain any of her mind's knowledge or abilities.
The pain began to grow for her and she began to weaken over the course of a few days. At the moment of defeat, she saw mentally an escape route--a place for her mind to go. She was not aware of where this location was, but it was her only hope. So she moved her mind into this place.
This place was the Earring she wore--which is us. Without a mind, the parasite most likely decided to move on to another host, killing Abuelita's body. When her body was returned to Fort Silence, the resident priest decided to try and talk to her spirit to determine whether she wanted to be raised from the dead. He reached her soul, and was surprised to find it remained in the area. A Resurrection Spell brought the body back to life and Abuelita found she could return to it.
Study and experimentation has allowed the information we have just given you to be known.
------------
Gigi asks some questions, but they are not to the items so they do not respond to her questions.
------------
OOC: Sorry for waiting until Sunday. As you can imagine, this post took some preparation. Not to mention that I couldn't access the DM area of Woldipedia this weekend where some of the information I needed was. My password is not working.
Keep the questions coming. ;)
------------- Edited the post about noon. Noticed that I'd misspelled the S'thado and had forgotten that the individual parasite parts were called Th'lemen. So I edited the post to reflect that. Other than that, I did real good to remember as much as I did.
Bendis Monday July 28th, 2008 12:39:03 PM
"Goodness!" gasps Bendis aloud. The full ramifications of the items' revelations begin to sink in. this threat is global, unseen and utterly deadly. Everyone is vulnerable, even the highest officials. Kings, emperors, heroes... If that's true who's to say the Wold is not already fatally compromised, shot through from top to bottom with this dark, insidious presence...
Do you have any information on who might be... infected? Are there particular individuals who are aware of our actions? How great is the threat to us directly?
Picci Monday July 28th, 2008 10:23:32 PM
Picci gives a startled jerk at the revelation that such parasites move easily from one host to the next. The information has her ask another question almost immediately:
"Is there no way to avoid becoming...possessed by these parasites..?"
The Threat [DM Jerry] Tuesday July 29th, 2008 2:18:36 AM
Bendis asks: Do you have any information on who might be... infected?
The Ring: Other than the Overlord of the Floating City, we know of no others.
Bendis asks: Are there particular individuals who are aware of our actions?
The Ring: If any other Th'lemen knew of Fabersham's mission to find and destroy you, then that will be passed Th'lemen to Th'lemen until the entire S'thado knows about you, and then from there all the Shadow Council. If he acted on his own, then we do not know.
Bendis asks: How great is the threat to us directly?
The Ring: The attack on the Montdidiers was extensive. That shows that there is more knowledge of the Montdidier family and what they know than we previously thought. Other than that evidence, we can only speculate.
Picci asks: Is there no way to avoid becoming...possessed by these parasites..?
The Ring: The three of you that are now attuned to us can use the strategy that Abuelita used--to move your conscious into us. As for the rest of you, there is no known defense. We have strong speculation that the Th'lemen only attack when they are alone with the victim.
----------------
Two posts in the last day? Sigh. Sending out the emails again.
Rosario AC 18 HP 29/29 Sheet Tuesday July 29th, 2008 8:38:07 AM
Rosario sits and thinks, not generally his strong suit, but he could make do. Needed to make this a more strategic problem to solve and not such an esoteric one. bendis was good for the latter. The clerics as well, no he had to alter the problem to a formable solution. So the Wold was under invasion by a cell like organization. Too broad. His family was attacked. Background then.
All Right, After the Ressurection spell, how did the attack on Fort Silence happen? How did the attack at Dahlia's happen? Was Fabersham already compromised before we left or did it happen in the aftermath of the attack? These parasites need a living host correct? No animation of the dead?
Rosario ponders the questions and what the answers may be, but more importantly what his next steps are.
Bendis Tuesday July 29th, 2008 11:24:27 AM
Bendis shakes his head. Sorry, what? Th'lemen? Are those the same as S'thdao? Or something else? And what's this "Shadow Council"? And does anyone outside of the Montdidier family know of this threat?
Picci Tuesday July 29th, 2008 11:28:12 PM
Picci feels her stomach drop...it's sounding more and more like the parasite within Nonna must have switched to Fabersham and was the likeliest fabricator of the plot to assassinate Zita.
The prospect is quite disturbing.
The Greatest Priority [DM Jerry] Wednesday July 30th, 2008 12:03:20 AM
Rosario asks: All Right, After the Ressurection spell, how did the attack on Fort Silence happen?
The Ring: We assume you are talking about the Resurrection spell upon Abuelita. We do not know for sure. Somehow our long-time security was breached. That much is evident. We theorize that the creature that tried to take over Abuelita did not die in the process, but returned to its previous host: The Overlord of the Floating City. So it knew there was a person that could survive their attacks. That may have put them on our trail. They definitely could have come to Fort Silence to spy on Abuelita.
Rosario asks: How did the attack at Dahlia's happen?
The Ring: Again, we do not know. They knew there was something special about Abuelita. Once they decided to attack Abuelita, they may have decided there was a need to come after you at Dahlias. The attack at Dahlia's was definitely a direct attack upon your persons.
Rosario asks: These parasites need a living host correct?
The Ring: That is how they hide. Within hosts. We also know they can combine with others. I suspect that the Th'lemen within Fabersham took damage with the fireball and it killed it. There is no evidence that it cannot live outside a host. However, it would be very vulnerable alone. And easy to spot.
Rosario asks: No animation of the dead?
The Ring: There is no evidence that they can control a dead host.
Bendis: Sorry, what? Th'lemen? Are those the same as S'thado? Or something else?
The Ring: The full alien is called a S'thado. It is a powerful creature from another place outside the Wold. It can subdivide into smaller parts. Any single part of a S'thdao is called a Th'lemen. A part may be of any portion of the whole S'thado. So a large portion might be in the Overlord of Floating City host. Then it could subdivide further to spread out to control more people. Once separate, they act as a separate being. There is no evidence that they can communicate except as a normal creature does. This requires being within speaking distance each other or joining together in one host to talk mentally. Note that leaving a host, even for a moment, kills the host.
The Ring: Abuelita is the first ever killed by a Th'lemen that has ever been able to be resurrected. It seems that under normal circumstances, leaving a host destroys the soul as well as kills it. The fact that Abuelita was resurrected, must have disturbed them greatly.
Bendis: And what's this "Shadow Council"?
The Ring: The Shadow Council is an organization within an organization. The public organization is called the Shadow Sect. They are the cover for the organization hidden within. This is typical organization for Secret Organizations or Societies. The Shadow Council are the hidden leaders of the Shadow Sect and most have Th'lemen hosts.
The Shadow Sect is based in the Emerald Kingdom. Here they were able to hide unnoticed under the very public presence of Parnoth, who did not know about them. Made up of witches, warlocks, mages, and priests of evil deities, they worked behind the scenes, doing evil and building a secret power base. The Shadow Sect is also secret, allowing the organization within another layer of anonymity.
Even those that have knowledge of the Shadow Sect probably do not know of the Shadow Council. There is more information available on these groups, but our previous instructions that date back several generations is to reveal this information when directly asked for it. The less you know until you need it, the better.
Bendis asks: And does anyone outside of the Montdidier family know of this threat?
The Ring: Not specifically. Some few may have heard of the Shadow Council. None know of the S'thado within them. At least no know that we are aware of knows of the S'thado. Those who know, are at extreme risk. The only way to learn more about them and to get to the point that they can be combated and eliminated is to play the secrecy game back at them. The attack upon House Montidier is a huge breach of our security. Becoming totally hidden to the Shadow Council must be our first and greatest priority.
Bendis Wednesday July 30th, 2008 1:27:55 AM
The dwarf nods, turning over the responses in his mind. Curiously, the timid dwarf realises that this terrible conspiracy is not filling him with terror. Well, a bit of terror, but something else too; a deep, wild sense of excitement. This is adventure, of the greatest kind.
Hide first; a sensible course of action. Do you have any suggestions on how we might achieve that? And beyond that, do you see any way in which we might meaningfully strike back at so deadly a foe?
Picci Wednesday July 30th, 2008 4:02:07 PM
Picci chews her lips as she mulls over the newest information.
Logic would dictate that, in attempting to secure a power base in a foreign land (or, in this case, world, as the S'thado come from outside the Wold,) the best way to do that would be to attempt to get into positions of power. The Teucri artifacts were confirming that the Overlord of the Floating City was apparently the host of a high concentration of Th'lemen, thus making the Overlord the "headquarters" for the S'thado.
Has the S'thado in the Overlord been able to dispatch any Th'lemen to take over other heads of state? Picci asks. You know...like the Lord High Mayor...or any other rulers of countries..? If this hasn't happened yet, then we are probably going to have to think of some way to be able to concentrate the Th'lemen all in one place or person and then get rid of them all at once.
Picci gulped, feeling that such a task would be extremely hard to pull off--if not impossible.
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