Former Slaves and A Cube (DMSteveK) Tuesday December 29th, 2009 10:21:52 AM
ooc: In my haste to get to the next scene, I seem to have inadvertantly mixed up some people to the sequence of what is happening. :-) Reset...
Day of Battle
The Oglians are slain or flee.
The CoC collect treasure except for the Cube, which they momentarily leave in place.
The CoC find the former slaves and find food and clothing for them.
CoC have plenty of time to tell Torgon whatever they know about the Broken Spiral Tattoos.
Day After Battle
People are healed and spells renewed.
Firn'gaer casts his Teleportation Circle and gets all former slaves to Wayfarer.
The monks begin the process of organizing and caring for the former slaves and catatonic victims.
Peerimus suggests a trade agreement between Wayfarer and Heranmar. Faraday and Navia are interested and agree to speak with more representatives present later.
The CoC who went to Wayfarer with the former slaves use Firn'gaer's Teleportation Circle to return to the cavern where all the heroes are present to decide what to do with the Cube.
Firn'gaer suggests using the Chaos Tattoos and the little blighters go off on thier own... again.
The Tattoos writhe and the Cube glows and the earth begins to rumble. Bits and dust sift down from the cavern cieling overhead.
Rash 152/152 AC SR 28 Tuesday December 29th, 2009 1:12:57 PM
ooc Is this the post for today? Not sure if I should post again
SteveK: Yep, this is the post for today. Players can repost last moves or make new posts based on new information. Being in the middle of the holidays, I'll be very lieniant too! :-)
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Tuesday December 29th, 2009 7:53:04 PM
Active Spells: Longstrider(increases base speed by 10'), duration 18 hrs.
Once the earth begins rumbling Torgon casts Fly and moves 10' off the ground.
Rash 152/152 AC SR 28 Tuesday December 29th, 2009 8:09:06 PM
Rash will follow the minotaurs lead and cast fly to rise above the ground. She will call out, "What is happening?"
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) Tuesday December 29th, 2009 8:47:37 PM
Taking a look about ..... the dwarven stonemason ....does quick survey of the structure of the mine ....trying to gauge if the mine will collapse under the earth tremors .....relaying what he can understand to his fellow CoC
" we might wanna git outa here fast " growsl Kazak
Peerimus AC 41 HP 112/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 Tuesday December 29th, 2009 9:21:01 PM
The ground shakes and Peerimus looks to the looming ceiling and the tons of rock above thier heads. "Somehow Torgon, I do not think flight will avail us much. Rash, Firngaer, we need to be gone. If someone msut be left, I will stay behind as the danger is minimal to me." With that Peerimus casts Shapechange out of his staff and shifts into a medium sized Earth elemental
Level 0: (2) Create Water, Mending, (2) Read Magic, Detect Magic Level 1: Obscuring Mist, (2) Entangle, (2) Faerie Fire, *Long strider, *Pass Without a Trace, Produce Flame Level 2: **(3) Barkskin, Bull Strength, (1) Lesser Restoration, Warp wood, Spider Climb Level 3: (2) Protection from Energy, Daylight, (2) Stone shape, Sleet Storm, Spike Growth Level 4: **(2) Freedom of Movement, (2) Flamestrike, Rusting Grasp, Repel Vermin, *Greater Magic Fang Level 5: *(2) Animal Growth, (2) CCW, Stone skin Level 6: Anti Life Shell. *(2)Greater Dispel Magic, Transport via Plants Level 7: (2) Heal, Animate Plants, Heighten Anti-life Shell Level 8: Whirlwind, Sunburst, Repel Metal or Stone, Anti Gravity Level 9: *Heighten Greater Scrying, *Shapechange
Jurgen - AC 41 HP 160/160 Wednesday December 30th, 2009 5:07:33 AM
Jurgen, having no ideas about the Cube, doesn't speak up about it. Firn'gear knew a great deal more than the paladin. As the Wold starts shaking, he sees his companions begin to take to the skies and smiles. Different approaches to danger. Jurgen would face it head on.
"If we need to be gone, we can easily get out of here. But we should see what is happening first. What is an earthquake compared to some of the things we've faced?" Jurgen does ready himself to cast Telekinesis and throw away anything that comes at the Children.
Xenia (AC29/, HP110/99) Wednesday December 30th, 2009 8:58:09 AM
Xenia turns an uneasy eye to the crumbling ceiling of solid rock. "I'm with you Kaz," she says, her voice wavering with the motion of the floor. "Lets get outta here."
The girl rogue grabs the Potentially Quite Valuable Silver Cube and steps into Firn'gaer's Teleport Circle.
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 48+30 = 1440 Total Progress 2670/22500
Rash 152/152 AC SR 28 Wednesday December 30th, 2009 9:58:20 AM
OOC I am totally confused on where we are. I thought we teleported home yesterday with all of the refugees leaving some with the monks. Why are we in a cave?
Rash looks at her tattoos and then at the cube and reaches out to stop Xenia from grabbing it. "I wonder if our tattoos being objects or tools of chaos are in conflict with the cube. It is obviously strong magic, possibly an artifact since the disjunction didn't bring it down. The ants were very lawful and it makes sense that they would have a lawful artifact. I think the two are coming into conflict of the adverse natures of their alignments which is setting off this trembling. While I am unwilling to leave it behind, I do think we need to exercise some caution in picking it up, at least now. Maybe we can get one of the lawful monks to carry it for us."
SteveK: From last post: The CoC who went to Wayfarer with the former slaves use Firn'gaer's Teleportation Circle to return to the cavern where all the heroes are present to decide what to do with the Cube. I set this because there were some CoC who wanted to investigate the Cube more.
SteveK: oh, very insightful, Rash!
Earthquakes and A Cube (DMSteveK) Wednesday December 30th, 2009 10:06:43 AM
Torgon and Rash cast Fly and get off the ground to avoid being thrown prone by the shifting earth.
Peerimus turns into an Earth Elemental to be able to earthglide through just about anything.
Kazak takes a look at the structure of the cavern. It looks like the structure is sound for THIS level of rumbling, but there is no telling if it will get stronger or not.
Jurgen gets ready to fight the earth, sensing the earthquake is not natural in origin.
Xenia grabs the potentially valuable Silver Cube and rushes to Firn'gaer's Teleportation Circle.
NOTE Teleportation Circle is 10 min/lvl = 3 hours for Firn'gaer's spell. It has been a little over two hours since Firn'gaer cast the spell to transport the former slaves to Wayfarer. The Teleportation Circle is still active.
...................
As Xenia grabs the Silver Cube, a weakness and lethargy fills her. The Chaos Tattoo seems to wail for a moment and then becomes dormant. Xenia's Status, Message, and Tattoo spell effects no longer work. In addition, Xenia incurs 2 negative levels.
Letting go of the Cube doesn't reverse the effects, and there seem to be no other effects as well. The other CoC are able to note that as soon as Xenia and the Silver Cube step through the Teleportation Circle the earthshakes cease!
Xenia (AC29/, HP110/99) Wednesday December 30th, 2009 1:42:54 PM
Momma Rash reaching out and wondering sump'in. That's the last she 'members from the cave 'afore hitting the teleport circle. Portin' never felt this way 'afore.
Xenia takes a few steps from the portal in Wayfarer and sits down hard on the ground. Definitely a sicky unwell feeling. Its a moment before she even notices the Silver Cube still tucked under her arm.
"You don't 'port too well," the rogue mutters to the Cube, the only odd common denominator in the girl rogue's latest of many experiences with teleporation. "Hope you sell better 'n you 'port." She wipes the cold sweat from her brow with the back of a gloved hand and waits for the others to come back through from the cave.
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 48+30 = 1440 Total Progress 2670/22500
Rash Wednesday December 30th, 2009 3:11:11 PM
Rash will move through the teleport circle and cautiously move over to Xenia. Once she sees that the young drow puts down the cube, she will reach over and touch her forehead. "And they call me Rash. Sweetheart you need to use more caution. Getting riches is fun and good. We all like to shop for the finer things in life but if it going to get you killed, you might want to rethink things."
Rash will try and cast a restoration spell on Xenia hoping that it makes her feel better.
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) Wednesday December 30th, 2009 9:50:42 PM
Slightly stunned as the realization that the cube caused the tremors ....." we can't let her be alone wit dat glow cube ... " as Kazak looks from face to face .... " c 'mon Durgan lets go help dat girl "
With that said the dwarven warrior rushes thru the teleport circle .... moments behind Rrash Trinka ....
Once thru to Wayfarer .... the dwarf surveys his surroundings .... wondering if the cube will shake the dround on this side of the portal ....
"Yous alright ?" growls Kazak to the scout " yous look a little pale girl "
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Thursday December 31st, 2009 9:35:14 AM
Active Spells: Longstrider(increases base speed by 10'), duration 18 hrs.
"Kazaks right. if the earth stopped shaking here when the cube left, it's likely shaking the lands that it is now on."
The minotaur flies through the teleportation circle after Kazak, wondering what is being shaken apart on the other side.
Xenia (AC29/, HP110/99) Thursday December 31st, 2009 9:58:20 AM
The girl rogue gives the Silver Cube another in a continuing series of disapproving frowns. "I'm ... not feeling so good, Kaz," she replies. "And you're thinking it's this Silver Cube thingie what's doing it, huh?" she says to Momma Rash.
"Um ... " As the cleric approaches with her healing magic, Xenia steps out of the way. "Long as I got it, long as its done me harm already, whyn't I just keep hold of it, huh? That way we can sell it off, or unstroy it or do sump'in to it without the same thing happening to anyone else."
"I mean, at the least, we gotta make sure that it won't be hurting other folks, or being used to slave up any other folks in the future. Right?"
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 48+30 = 1440 Total Progress 2670/22500
The Silver Cube (DMSteveK) Thursday December 31st, 2009 1:56:06 PM
Peerimus, Durgan, Firn'gaer, and Jurgen stay in the blue-light tinged caverns. The earth has stopped shaking, and now seems that nothing is happening.
Xenia, Torgon, Rash, and Kazak are through Firn'gaer's Teleportation Circle to Wayfarer. Rash casts Restoration but nothing has happened. The power of the Cube seems to be more than the magic can overcome!
For now, there are no unusual events happening in Wayfarer.
ooc: All Heroes get 7,958 xp!
Hero Points: Peerimus 1 for quick strike at Oglians decision... worked! Rash 1 for correct assumption of Cube .. this will be prophetic! Jurgen 1 for heroic attempt with Purple Worm Kazak 1 for funniest comment I've read in a LONG time. "what have I gotten myself into" LOL!!! Torgon 1 for killing the Queen in one round... impressive! Xenia 1 for being the only hero with enough guts to actually touch the Cube. Firn'gaer 1 for excellent selfless play with Dimensional Anchor and Teleportation Circle
Peerimus AC 41 HP 112/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 Sunday January 3rd, 2010 12:32:50 PM
The cube vecats the area with Xenia and the rumbling stops. Cause and effect is something the druid is spends a good deal of time thinking about on a daily basis. Xenia's condition is also gone, the fact that she didi't convey pain and death through the Status spell calms the druid as he surmises she was not destroyed by the touch of the cube but that the power of the tattoo is being surpressed. That thought however spins his mind back to the realm of high concern. Wondering aloud, "The cube must be a powerful aritfact of law, perhpas even a kind of living entity like Faraday and the rest of the Chaos items with which we summoned the Destroyer."
Peerimus looks to Firngaer and Durgan, "The tattoos activated something. The questions I see now are, is our physical location also a requirement to its activation as in do the glyphs on these walls play a role? Must we all be together and is what was happening here now happening in Wayfarer."
"Firngaer, take Yorrick and head through the circle and get the group and that cube outside of Wayfarer. The clearing a couple miles outside the city will hopefully be enough. We'll give you about an hour and then come through the circle and meet you. If the Wold of course has gone in the fire, send someone sooner."
Level 0: (2) Create Water, Mending, (2) Read Magic, Detect Magic Level 1: Obscuring Mist, (2) Entangle, (2) Faerie Fire, *Long strider, *Pass Without a Trace, Produce Flame Level 2: **(3) Barkskin, Bull Strength, (1) Lesser Restoration, Warp wood, Spider Climb Level 3: (2) Protection from Energy, Daylight, (2) Stone shape, Sleet Storm, Spike Growth Level 4: **(2) Freedom of Movement, (2) Flamestrike, Rusting Grasp, Repel Vermin, *Greater Magic Fang Level 5: *(2) Animal Growth, (2) CCW, Stone skin Level 6: Anti Life Shell. *(2)Greater Dispel Magic, Transport via Plants Level 7: (2) Heal, Animate Plants, Heighten Anti-life Shell Level 8: Whirlwind, Sunburst, Repel Metal or Stone, Anti Gravity Level 9: *Heighten Greater Scrying, *Shapechange
Jurgen - AC 41 HP 160/160 Monday January 4th, 2010 2:34:38 AM
Jurgen looks at Xenia and nods approvingly. The girl had a head on her shoulders. Likely a better head than the paladin himself. 'Surround yourself with smarter folk.' Sound advice from an old friend.
Peerimus sends Firn'gaer off to caretake the Cube and Jurgen isn't quite sure why he is staying behind with the druid. Many others had keener eyes or were much more knowledgable. "What now, Peerimus? Are Durgan and I to be your bodyguards for the next hour?" The paladin says with a grin.
Rash Monday January 4th, 2010 7:36:15 AM
Rash also nods at Xenia. "Careful child, while self interest is what drives most of us, greed can also destroy you. I don't think that cube likes us very much."
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Monday January 4th, 2010 7:49:40 AM
Longstrider(increases base speed by 10'), duration 18 hrs.
Torgon looks around to see where the teleportation circle has deposited him. He wonders how the general people of a town will react to seeing a minotaur. It is one thing for The CoC to accept him, as they have seen and done so much, but what about your normal human villager? In any case, his path has been laid out before him by the Gods, and follow it he will. He reminds himself to send a sending spell home when things calm down.
The mighty Minotaur waits for the group leaders to decide what next.
Xenia (AC29/, HP110/99) Monday January 4th, 2010 9:20:29 AM
"Heh," the girl rogue gives a weak chuckle. "That's what my Da always says, Momma Rash," she replies. "But you never know what's gonna be important, so I rescued this stupid box."
"Anyhoozits, long as I got it already, I might as well be the one to be moving it around and such. What we wanna do with it? Sell it? Melt it down? Bury it? Sink it in the sea? Give it up to the gods? Disinstroy it somehow?"
"What?"
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 48+30 = 1440 Total Progress 2670/22500
The Silver Cube (DMSteveK) Monday January 4th, 2010 9:38:39 AM
Peerimus, Jurgen, and Kazak stay in the Oglian Caverns. The blue walls keep the place illuminated, but not very cheery. A closer inspection of the walls (for there is nothing else to do) reveals that the light source is an orderly blocky and linear pattern that repeats throughout the cavern. At precicely spaced intervals, the lines become elegant murals, depicting the orderly management of the Sargrass Plains and a mountainous region with Oglian and Giant Ants controlling the work of the Noble Races. Peerimus (Know Nature) can identify the blue glow comes from a particular fungus/lichen/moss that was cultivated into the precise lines. With an hour nearly gone, the three heroes need to either take the Circle back to Wayfarer or find some other means to reunite with the others.
At Wayfarer, the monestary is busy with the refugees (former slaves no longer), and in the administration of order and mercy. The CoC have stayed up in the monestary, and so Torgon knows not what the commmon townsfolk think of his appearance. It is evident that while the monks think him unusual, they also think the rest of the CoC are unusual as well, and are able to work despite his hulking presence.
Pending Firn'gaer's acceptance of Peerimus' request, the gnome goes into his Teleportation Circle with Yorrick 'guarding' him and arrives to give out the druids plan to the others.
...Xenia's Cube Effect Chaos Tattoo is inoperable: Status, Message, and Tattoo spell effects no longer work. Xenia incurs 2 negative levels.
....Treasure
24,873 gold pieces
6 Myrmarch Helmets = 30,000 gp
Silver Cube - Overwhelming Varied. Still glowing gently for normal sight to see. Ring - Strong Evocation Rod - Strong Varied Wand of Stoneskin - 34 charges Wand of Barkskin - 28 charges
.....Experience Points
ooc: All Heroes get 7,958 xp!
Hero Points: Peerimus 1 for quick strike at Oglians decision... worked! Rash 1 for correct assumption of Cube .. this will be prophetic! Jurgen 1 for heroic attempt with Purple Worm Kazak 1 for funniest comment I've read in a LONG time. "what have I gotten myself into" LOL!!! Torgon 1 for killing the Queen in one round... impressive! Xenia 1 for being the only hero with enough guts to actually touch the Cube. Firn'gaer 1 for excellent selfless play with Dimensional Anchor and Teleportation Circle
Xenia (AC29/, HP110/99) Monday January 4th, 2010 8:30:36 PM
"Right. 'Kay. I'm for that." The girl rogue nods when she hears Peerimus' initial plan. "You're a lot of trouble, you know that," she says to the Silver Cube under her arm.
"Being that there's some concern as to the safety of the town here, I'll take this up and out for starters," she adds. "I'm gonna fly outta the town and wait for you guys by the city gates. See you there."
Xenia activates her winged boots and jets up over rooftops, a dark arrow spinning off into the blue sky.
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 48+30 = 1440 Total Progress 2670/22500
Rash Monday January 4th, 2010 8:59:42 PM
Rash follows after Xenia since her own fly spell is already active. "I think we need to get to the catacombs and have this and the other things identified. I suspect this isn't sellable there but we can at least get an idea on its value."
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) Monday January 4th, 2010 9:46:55 PM
At the monestary .... the dwarven warrior understands that their trusty scout is in no immediate danger ....and nods at Cleric Rash Trinka's suggestion .... " yea ... da catacombs should be helpful wit dat ....."
"I'll wait here and help da monks wit da refugees ....just signal me and Torgon if ya need us " .... growls Kazak
while waiting for the others to show and and the catacombs trippers to return .... the dwarf pitches in with helping the refugees .... helping them settle in and being a calm influence.....(as much as a dwarf can) ;-)..
Kazak's goal is to show the townsfolk and the refugees that the CoC are approachable and willing to work together to help the region grow ... spreading good will
If time allows Kazak will explain to the big minotaur ... the Children of Chaos's history ....being brief but to the point
Peerimus AC 41 HP 112/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 Monday January 4th, 2010 10:28:55 PM
"Jurgan my good friend, actually i just wanted as few of us adding to the chaos as possible about the area of the cube. And now that Firngaer has not come back it would seem the quakes that were here, while all of us were present are not happening and I suspect that once we return it will start again."
Peerimus moves into the circle and is whisked away to Wayfarer. Once there he accesses the Shapchange spell and becomes an Elder Air elemental and launches straight up 100'. "head towards the main gate and then to the clearing. I will shadow you from above so that we arrive relatively at the same time. As soon as you can let the group know we are about to see what the shaking was about, or at least we likely are."
Level 0: (2) Create Water, Mending, (2) Read Magic, Detect Magic Level 1: Obscuring Mist, (2) Entangle, (2) Faerie Fire, *Long strider, *Pass Without a Trace, Produce Flame Level 2: **(3) Barkskin, Bull Strength, (1) Lesser Restoration, Warp wood, Spider Climb Level 3: (2) Protection from Energy, Daylight, (2) Stone shape, Sleet Storm, Spike Growth Level 4: **(2) Freedom of Movement, (2) Flamestrike, Rusting Grasp, Repel Vermin, *Greater Magic Fang Level 5: *(2) Animal Growth, (2) CCW, Stone skin Level 6: Anti Life Shell. *(2)Greater Dispel Magic, Transport via Plants Level 7: (2) Heal, Animate Plants, Heighten Anti-life Shell Level 8: Whirlwind, Sunburst, Repel Metal or Stone, Anti Gravity Level 9: *Heighten Greater Scrying, *Shapechange
Durgan Stonewall (AC 34; HP 212/239) Monday January 4th, 2010 11:00:49 PM
"If it is gonna shake everything when we are all near it, then I guess we just can't all be near it eh?"
OOC- sorry for the hiatus folks. holiday season was extremely busy for me this year, and my sister has just given birth to my new niece today(mommy and baby both doing well), so my busy time still isn't over. However I hope to be back to regular posting now.
Jurgen - AC 41 HP 160/160 Tuesday January 5th, 2010 6:17:12 AM
Jurgen joins behind as Durgan and Peerimus lead the way.
Firn'gaer: AC 24; HP 87/119; Arcane Sight, Detect Magic, Displacement, Hero's Feast (12 hours), Overland Flight (17 hours), See Invisibility, Read Magic, SR18 Tuesday January 5th, 2010 7:26:57 AM
Firn'gaer goes along with Peerimus's plan.
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Tuesday January 5th, 2010 7:44:28 AM
Torgon goes along with the plan to vacate the area of wayfarer for it's safety, and follows the rest of the Children.
Outside Wayfarer with the Silver Cube (DMSteveK) Tuesday January 5th, 2010 10:52:42 AM
The CoC use various means to meet up outside of Wayfarer with the Silver Cube. So far, only Xenia has touched the magical device, and due to the effects on the half-drow girl, no one else is willing to chance touching it.
The heroes gather in the clearing that they used to prepare for thier fight with the Oglian. Once the last hero arrives, they wait and ... nothing. There is no rumbling. No earthquake.
But then the Chaos Tattoos on each heroes hand writhe and flash! (Except for Xenia, her Tattoo remains dormant). With a corresponding flash of light, Angus appears in the clearing!
"Hey what? So I see you didn't need me", he begins, "and I set up a party for everyone in our warehouse headquar..."
And there is another flash, and Angus is gone!
...Xenia's Cube Effect Chaos Tattoo is inoperable: Status, Message, and Tattoo spell effects no longer work. Xenia incurs 2 negative levels.
....Treasure
24,873 gold pieces
6 Myrmarch Helmets = 30,000 gp
Silver Cube - Overwhelming Varied. Still glowing gently for normal sight to see. Ring - Strong Evocation Rod - Strong Varied Wand of Stoneskin - 34 charges Wand of Barkskin - 28 charges
.....Experience Points
ooc: All Heroes get 7,958 xp!
Hero Points: Peerimus 1 for quick strike at Oglians decision... worked! Rash 1 for correct assumption of Cube .. this will be prophetic! Jurgen 1 for heroic attempt with Purple Worm Kazak 1 for funniest comment I've read in a LONG time. "what have I gotten myself into" LOL!!! Torgon 1 for killing the Queen in one round... impressive! Xenia 1 for being the only hero with enough guts to actually touch the Cube. Firn'gaer 1 for excellent selfless play with Dimensional Anchor and Teleportation Circle
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Tuesday January 5th, 2010 5:08:25 PM
"ANGUS!" The mind of the girl rogue is paralyzed with shock as the skinny sorcerer disappears in mid sentence. A rapid fire sequence of images flashes across the backdrop of her mind. Angus down below in the plaza in Plateau City the day he had turned her into a red gryphon. Angus held upside down by an assassin vine covered in grease. Angus with his feet upon the table at the Giggling Ghost. He had been playing the flute, and he spoke to her in elfish on that first day they had met and had agreed to accompany the group that would later be known as the Crimson Shields of Hope into the depths of the Crying Woods.
"Wha Joo Do With Him, You Stupid Box!!!" Xenia shakes the Cube, her screams directed at its impassive silver surface. "You put him back right now!!!" Lifting the Cube up into the air, she looks into it as though holding it up to the sunlight might allow her to see through into its depths and spy Angus held captive within.
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 48+30 = 1440 Total Progress 2670/22500
Durgan Stonewall (AC 34; HP 212/239) Tuesday January 5th, 2010 10:10:33 PM
Durgan looks down at the ground. Then he gently nudges Xenia. "Mebbe it wasn't the cube girl. Mebbe it was the durned tattoos. I've seen some brought to us from the tattoos, and some taken away. Just like some here saw me and me brudder arrive. And mebbe will still be here if the tattoos take me and me brudder away. We just met Torgon, and he seems like a good chap, and now Angus is gone. I guess it is just the way of the chaos."
Durgan kicks the dirt as he walks a little bit away. "Doesn't mean we hafta like it though", the dwarf grumbles to no one in particular.
Rash Tuesday January 5th, 2010 11:06:35 PM
Rash moves over to stand where Angus was and says, "Angus? Are you still here?" She then feels for him via the status of her tattoo to see if he is still alive and unharmed
She then snaps over at Xenia, "What is wrong with you child! We don't know what happened. He might still be alright. Pull yourself together!"
Outside Wayfarer with the Silver Cube (DMSteveK) Wednesday January 6th, 2010 3:34:50 PM
Xenia is upset as Rash and Durgan try to calm her down. But the certainty that it is more than a normal teleport is in the air. The Chaos Tattoos no longer provide any Status on Angus the Sorcerer.
The Cube is otherwise dormant, despite the full complement of the Children of Chaos in the clearing.
...Xenia's Cube Effect Chaos Tattoo is inoperable: Status, Message, and Tattoo spell effects no longer work. Xenia incurs 2 negative levels.
....Treasure
24,873 gold pieces
6 Myrmarch Helmets = 30,000 gp
Silver Cube - Overwhelming Varied. Still glowing gently for normal sight to see. Ring - Strong Evocation Rod - Strong Varied Wand of Stoneskin - 34 charges Wand of Barkskin - 28 charges
.....Experience Points
ooc: All Heroes get 7,958 xp!
Hero Points: Peerimus 1 for quick strike at Oglians decision... worked! Rash 1 for correct assumption of Cube .. this will be prophetic! Jurgen 1 for heroic attempt with Purple Worm Kazak 1 for funniest comment I've read in a LONG time. "what have I gotten myself into" LOL!!! Torgon 1 for killing the Queen in one round... impressive! Xenia 1 for being the only hero with enough guts to actually touch the Cube. Firn'gaer 1 for excellent selfless play with Dimensional Anchor and Teleportation Circle
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Wednesday January 6th, 2010 7:38:29 PM
"Yeah, alright. Okay. Sure, Momma Rash. So where is he? I don't see nothing," the girl rogue tucks the Evil Cube under her arm and sweeps the air where Angus had just been standing with her free hand. "I don't see nothing. Nothing, and I see stuff. It's what I do. I see stuff."
"Told you we shoulda done sump'in with this Cube. We shoulda unstroyed it or sump'in. Whadda we do? How do we foozle this thing, a'fore it disappears another one of us?"
Rolls and Actions Spot 40
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 48+30 = 1440 Total Progress 2670/22500
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Wednesday January 6th, 2010 8:41:05 PM
Active Spells: Longstrider(increases base speed by 10'), duration 18 hrs.
Torgon looks around at the assembled heroes. "So how do you get rid of the thing? It doesn't appear that it and these tattoos like each other, perhaps Rash is right, and it's a very powerful Law artifact. Do ya sell it, destroy it, lose it? Seems like something you wouldn't want to fall into the wrong hands, like more of those ant guys."
The minotaur hopes there is a simple answer, for he wishes to return and check in upon his village, and inform the elders of what has transpired in full detail.
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) Wednesday January 6th, 2010 9:38:29 PM
A little stunned at Angus's sudden disappeareance mid sentence ....
"Uh i think we should just get rid of it .... or quick sell to da catacombs .....maybe da monks could use it ?? or at least hold till we figure out what it does .... maybe it aids lawful societies like da ant-taurs ....or at least der leaders .... lets make a decsion quick so we don't all just vanish ..... and dey we hafta find out about Angus .... he's a brother afterall " ... growsl Kazak
Peerimus AC 41 HP 112/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 Wednesday January 6th, 2010 10:24:43 PM
Peerimus is a bit distrught himself as ngus vanishes, no not the fact that he vanished, but that the link of the tattoo is gone. "We need to know what happened to Angus. He didn't simply disappear, his tattoo is silent. Can we scry for him? Sending spell, Divine his health, anything?" The druid looks to Firngaer and Rash for assistance for none of his magic can help, at least none he currently wields.
"As for the cube, we cannot sell it or simply hide it for some others to be concerned about. We are the Protectors of the land and possibly the most heroes in all the Wold. We keep the cube, study it and unlock its secrets. Then we decide its final fate. If Xenia is unwilling than I will take possession of it."
"On a different order of business, we should return home and sell the Ring Rod and wands. If we can now, I think we should analyze the Ring and Rod to discover ther properties. Do we have the magic to transport of all to Heranmar? If no, we should stay here for the night and leave in the morning."
Rash d100=69 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2010 10:46:12 PM
Rash nods at Peerimus and says, "Perhaps I do have something that would help. Please give me some time to prepare." Rash turns away from the group, kneels and spreads her arm with her head flung back and eyes closed. She will use her miracle spell as a divination asking. "How does the power of the cube of law effect the Children of Chaos?"
Rolled a 69 out of 87 need for spell success
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Thursday January 7th, 2010 10:00:21 AM
"Whachoo talkin' 'bout!" The girl rogue turns on Peerimus, the words snap from her mouth. "I said I'd hold this stupid thing, din't I."
"You don't care 'bout Angus. You never did like him." Bitter and irrational words fly like stinging arrows from the bow of her distressed mind. "You was always fighting with him. I bet your glad he's gone!"
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 48+30 = 1440 Total Progress 2670/22500
Outside Wayfarer with the Silver Cube (DMSteveK) Thursday January 7th, 2010 12:31:55 PM
Xenia's temper flares as she loses a good companion and one of the last links to her former life in Floating City. The others can't console her, for Angus' Tattoo seems to no longer work, just like Xenia's.
Snappishly, the rogue confirms she will carry the Silver Cube until the CoC determine what to do with it, avoiding anyone else trying to touch or take the magical item.
Peerimus ensures the others that they have the responsibility for the Silver Cube, and will not simply let it lay until something else comes to claim it. Some of the older CoC have visions of what happened the last time the CoC tried to get rid of a powerful magic; Quinn's Book of the Wandering Advocate had returned and was used against the CoC!
Rash casts a spell, asking the Powers of the Southern Continent for a Miracle: can she know "How the power of the cube of law effect the Children of Chaos?" In her mind, images start to flash... - a single upward pointed arrow, and a star with arrows pointing in eight directions with sparks in between them and people caught between the two - An Inevitable Marut standing in a hallway of gears and a Chaos Beast slithering on a melting land with lightning arcing from one to the other - A Silver Cube and a Dark Metal Bell flanking a Disk that looks like a puzzle of the Wold. The side nearest the Cube is fused together and the side nearest the Bell continues to float and change.
.............
Torgon expresses his need to go back to his village of minotaurs located in the hills to ensure they are OK and to tell them what has transpired.
Peerimus suggests staying in the clearing until the morning and then everyone going back to Heranmar.
And the final words of Angus hang in the air about the party he laid on in Hook City.
...Xenia's Cube Effect Chaos Tattoo is inoperable: Status, Message, and Tattoo spell effects no longer work. Xenia incurs 2 negative levels.
....Treasure
24,873 gold pieces
6 Myrmarch Helmets = 30,000 gp
Silver Cube - Overwhelming Varied. Still glowing gently for normal sight to see. Ring - Strong Evocation Rod - Strong Varied Wand of Stoneskin - 34 charges Wand of Barkskin - 28 charges
Rash Thursday January 7th, 2010 9:19:26 PM
Rash takes in the images and immediately pulls out a piece of parchment and writes down her images to tell to the others. When she finishes, she stands back up and reads out her images to the others without adding any commentary on what it all could mean giving them a chance to digest it for themselves.
She then moves over to Xenia and says, "Take comfort little sister. I somehow doubt that Angus is dead. I think he just might be very far away. Farther than our tattoos can read and that is why we are getting silence from them on Angus. I don't think Chaos is done with us yet. In the last battle we had to disperse chaos. I wonder if we now like our names suggest, will be its champions."
Durgan Stonewall (AC 34; HP 212/239) Thursday January 7th, 2010 9:37:08 PM
"Don't ye get it? The reason his tattoo don't work no more is he probably no longer has it. I'm bettin' the Powers and chaos are done with him. Mebbe they will be done with all of us one day..." There seemed to be a bit of longing in the dwarf's voice but he says no more.
"Well if it's safe ta transport then let's go get sumthin ta eat."
"And drink."
"And mebbe somebody could take Torgon to his people before meeting back at Heranmar."
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) Thursday January 7th, 2010 9:38:17 PM
The dwarf considers the druids words ....." well spoken .... i agree we need to keep it out of the ant-taurs hands .... guess time will tell " growls Kazak
" i wonder if dat dark bell is da chaos bell ..... would make sense wit law and chaos as opposing forces ...maybe its telling us dat da wold is still in flux from da great migration "
" and we still have a part to play " adds Kazak to the clercs divination info " but dat Marut character ... sounds like we'll see him again ..... now we just gotta figure out who sent dat Marut "
Peerimus AC 41 HP 112/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 Thursday January 7th, 2010 10:54:33 PM
Peerimus stands impassively and lets Xenia rant, he believes that is all that it is. True though most of the words are, the druid doesn't feel anything will be gained in correcting what she has said. Instead he turns his own thoughts and attention to the cube and the information Rash derives from her spell. "so it would seem as we stood to oppose the Destroyer we will stand ever against the beings of absolute law." That suited him fine, his experience with such creatures had shown him that mercy, pity and caring for others had little to do with thier plans. The Oglian, Ga'al the warning of what would become of the Wold if they had eradicated the Destroyer completely. Perfect rule unyielding, without remorse, pity or self exploration was not life.
"I have another thought that might lead us to more on the diposition of Angus. We last knew he was in Hook City at our holdings there preparing a victory celebration. Instead of Wayfarer, I think now we should return to Hook. We can find a catacombs entrance and perhaps Durgan has reasoned it out. Angus may no longer carry the tattoo. His role may have come full circle and in Hook there is good beds, food and drink waiting for us. We have authority to transport direct, save Torgon and we can simply rectify that after our arrival."
"I can take most of us and will be responcible for Torgon. Rash, Firngaer can you take the rest now or do we need to wait for morning?"
If Rash and or Firngaer still has a Teleport, Peerimus will cast Transport via plants taking Torgon, Yorrick, Xenia and Kazak. Stepping through a nearby oak to the great oak in the courtyard of Hook City behind the small shop across from the wharehouse.
Level 0: (2) Create Water, Mending, (2) Read Magic, Detect Magic Level 1: Obscuring Mist, (2) Entangle, (2) Faerie Fire, *Long strider, *Pass Without a Trace, Produce Flame Level 2: **(3) Barkskin, Bull Strength, (1) Lesser Restoration, Warp wood, Spider Climb Level 3: (2) Protection from Energy, Daylight, (2) Stone shape, Sleet Storm, Spike Growth Level 4: **(2) Freedom of Movement, (2) Flamestrike, Rusting Grasp, Repel Vermin, *Greater Magic Fang Level 5: *(2) Animal Growth, (2) CCW, Stone skin Level 6: Anti Life Shell. *(2)Greater Dispel Magic, Transport via Plants Level 7: (2) Heal, Animate Plants, Heighten Anti-life Shell Level 8: Whirlwind, Sunburst, Repel Metal or Stone, Anti Gravity Level 9: *Heighten Greater Scrying, *Shapechange
Jurgen - AC 41 HP 160/160 Friday January 8th, 2010 3:31:17 AM
Jurgen, perhaps doing the sensical thing, reaches out to Angus with his Status spell. If the sorcerer was okay, Jurgen would be able to find him. Ohterwise... Well, the Cube was their only lead. And... nothing. Jurgen resist the urge to speak his thoughts on how he feels about the departure.
The Cube... Jurgen wonders idly as to whether the Children were about to discover the other side of their destiny. First, they had to be the agents of Chaos and oppose the Destroyer. Then they had to bring the Migration. Was the next stage of their journey to pick up the pieces of the damage they had done? Was fate that strong?
Back at the warehouse, Jurgen starts to feel guilty at taking a rest so quickly after doing... well... nothing. Maybe Firn'gaer knew a way to tweak a Dimension Door to put him inside of something. Which leads Jurgen to wonder why he is so fixated on exploding things from the inside.
Rash Friday January 8th, 2010 7:55:53 AM
Rash can teleport if Firn'gaer can't so we can all arrive at the same time.
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Friday January 8th, 2010 8:55:25 AM
Looking at the assembled heroes, and saying nothing while tempers flared at the sudden disappearance of Angus, Torgon waits until talk of leaving comes up. "I will join you in hook city, for I truly wish to learn of this catacombs that you speak of. I would also like to learn more of this tattoo that was placed upon me. But following that, I will need to return to my people, at least for a short time."
"I believe that you should all join me when I return. My purpose in searching you out was to find friends and allies to my village as we find ourselves in a new land. If I am to travel with you, and take part in what the Gods lay before us, you should meet my people, and they you. This will also allow those with magical transport to come and get me should things arise when I am visiting home."
Torgon looks to the group to determine if they are agreeable to meeting his village.
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Friday January 8th, 2010 9:42:54 AM
"Yeah, yeah, alright ... " The girl rogue puts a hand to her head as though the act might steady her spinning world. "Food. Food is good. Bath is good. Lets get back to Hook City."
Maybe Peerimus was right. Maybe Angus got himself returned back to Floating City. Her tattoo doesn't seem to work anymore either. Maybe it's a sign. Lots of signs flying 'round now. Maybe this one means she's going back soon too, back to be with Wynn again.
What's all this to her anyway? Arrows and stars and Mechas and Chaos Beasts, Cubes and Bells, what is all that anyway! It's not bad guys and good guys. It's just pictures that could mean anything.
"Um ... look, if you can't think of some quick way to unstroy this Cube Thing, could we maybe think of something we can build around it so we can take it with us without having to touch it? I mean, I don't mind being the one to carry it for a bit, but that makes, like, taking a bath and such kinda, you know, like, more challenging."
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 48+30 = 1440 Total Progress 2670/22500
Outside Wayfarer with the Silver Cube (DMSteveK) Friday January 8th, 2010 11:48:22 AM
Torgon urges that after the Children of Chaos is done with thier business in Hook City, they should all take a trip to Town and meet the minotaurs of his village. Meeting allies and learning the lay of the land was the reason he left his community in the first place!
Xenia is willing to carry the Silver Cube wherever, but suggests a container of some sort so she doesn't have to take a bath with the thing!
............
The companions get ready to go to Hook City and arrive by tree and teleport. The Warehouse this morning is mostly empty. There are long tables and benches lined with food and drinks of all kinds (including Durgan's favorite dwarven ale; The Mountainhome). And all the Protectors 877 are here, waiting. Once the CoC arrive, Madame Niobe ducks out of the warehouse and shouts something. Within 5 minutes, the warehouse is crowded with bodies!
Neighbors from the Block 452 are all here for the party! Sieur and Madame Weaver with their three daughters, their husbands, and THEIR children seem to all be in attendance. It is easily noticeable by all the CoC except Torgon that Madame Weaver and her daughters are more beautiful versions of that Bloodpack mystic, Tishe'. Madame Orchid and Sieur Hosea are there, doling out Hosea's Hot Foods and laughing with Sieur Alad, the goods transporter.
The Protectors 877 are overjoyed at being able to party with their mentors, the Protectors 823 (aka the Children of Chaos). Madame Didi Hosea leader of the Protectors 877, her lithe form and easy balance cuts a confident figure specializes in the sword and speaking skills. Madame Niobe is Didi's right-hand as well as primary trainer for the Protectors 877. Several of the CoC recognize her as she once wore the Broken Spiral herself for a time. Sieur Malcomb is a hefty lad with arms like many peoples legs. The son of a blacksmith, he wields a warhammer. Sieur Sterwirt is nearly identical to Malcomb (being cousins), but is more bloodthirsty, and wields a battleaxe. Sieur Nephon is a diligent study, though slightly negligent as to his personal appearance. Sieur Vaalin wears the grey hooded robes of a priest of the Crones, and is a very quiet man.
Others are there to enjoy the party as well. Blintz Mugglietoes, the third Prefect of South Hook is there with a couple of guards, pressing into the savory pastries. He wiggles his furry toes in complete enjoyment, and lifts a glass of something up as high as his 3 foot body can reach. "Your health!", he calls. Archimedies, the former leader of the Star Mages Guild leans on a staff and a young woman. Others give him a wide space. It looks as though the SMG hasn't recovered its status as the premier mage society here in Hook City. Katt and Amber the Lost Child and her Sibling from the Lost Temple of Mittri are in another circle of quiet. Katt nods a little when she catches Peerimus' eye.
Talk is loud and enjoyable. Many people come up to Torgon to introduce themselves. It seems that minotaurs are not unknown in Hook City, the most magical city in the Southern Continent! Questions come up about the heroes who are not with the group since the last time the CoC visited Hook City. Where is Trace and why isn't Angus with the Protectors 823?
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Friday January 8th, 2010 5:45:47 PM
It's nice to see everyone having a good time at a party. Xenia smiles and chats. The Hot Foods are tasty. The stuff called Prairie Pig don't taste nothing like pork, but it ain't bad. Wonder what kinda critter it comes from?
Still, its hard to be happy with so much having gone on. Not really happy. Not as happy as things could be. It doesn't help to have this Silver Cube with her, a constant reminder of this crazy Chaos Theme Thing that keeps taking folks from one place and putting them in another. It also doesn't help that the stupid Silver Cube is also a Dangerous Silver Cube that she's gotta always be careful not to touch on other folks for fear of making them sickly.
Finally, the girl rogue just wanders outside and flies to the roof to be alone. With the Cube sitting on her stomach, she stares up and watches the sky wondering where Wynn might be.
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 48+30 = 1440 Total Progress 2670/22500
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) Friday January 8th, 2010 9:46:41 PM
Arriving at their warehouse ... the dwarven warrior smiles at their greeting by Protector group 877 members ..." good to see you all again ..you all look well " .... greets Kazak
His grin broadens even more when he realizes its a surprise party by block 452 inhabitants ...."WoW ... you all are amazing ..... thank you all " growls Kazak loudly
The dwarf ... meets and greets everyone ... taking time for all .... chatting about recent battles with the ant-taurs ....also inquiring if any rumours of the ants have found their way to Hook City ...
At Torgon's mention of visiting his village ....Kazak is agreeable to it .... the dwarf also talks up Torgons battle prowess to the citizens .... helping introduce their newest member
Taking a moment when he can .... he quietly suggests to Peerimus if he thinks the Archimedies can offer an info about the cube
ooc" SteveK - Tishe is your character right ?? SteveK -yes, I wrote her background and family up back in Jan 2004; where she was the youngest of four daughters of an exiled Rattledam weaver and wandering bard who live in South Hook of Hook City. When I took over DM of CoC and learned of thier warehouse in Labor Town of South Hook, it was past temptation for me to put Tishe's family in Block 452! :-)
Firn'gaer d20+10=17 ; d20+28=34 ; Sunday January 10th, 2010 1:17:55 PM Magic Firn'gaer will identify the magic using Analyze Dweomer.
Peerimus's Request "I can try to find Angus, if you would like. I suspect that Angus still is marked as a Child of Chaos, but the tattoo's power went inert or "disconnected" from the network similarly like Torgon, or myself, or any other tattooed member was before the call came."
Firn'gaer will try to scry on Angus using Greater Scrying (Will save DC25 plus any modifiers from the spell).
Prophecy Firn'gaer will think about the prophecy (knowledge history DC17; knowledge arcane DC34). In addition he will talk to Lhari, the expert on the group and possibly the history of bell. While in Hook City, Firn'gaer and Lhari will head to Hook City's history/library region. After taking the time to purchase the appropriate currency, Firn'gaer will spend his time researching the relationship between the cube, the chaos bell, and the disk. [not sure what rolls you would need for this.]
Rash Sunday January 10th, 2010 3:56:45 PM
Rash is amazed at the groups ability to be fighting for their lives, lose touch with a member of the group and still have a party. She shakes her head, grabs a glass of red and starts chatting up the folks at the party, networking and getting to know the associates of the Children of Chaos here.
She walks over to Peerimus and says, "This is a nice get together but I hope it doesn't turn into a wake for Angus"
Durgan Stonewall (AC 34; HP 212/239) Sunday January 10th, 2010 7:43:13 PM
Durgan gives Rash a good clap on the back, and manages not to spill any beer while doing it. "A wake? Whatever for? I'm sure Angus is kicking back and enjoying life free from chaos fer a bit. So why don't we enjoy the party fer a bit eh? And leave the adventuring till tomorrow."
Peerimus AC 41 HP 112/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 d20+17=31 ; d20+24=39 ; Sunday January 10th, 2010 9:49:39 PM
Peerimus is in full agreement, that after business is complete in Hook City the CoC should stop in on Torgon's village and meet the people that the minotaur calls family and friend.
The party erupts and Peerimus makes shure to move through the crowd, especially the neighbors from the Block 452; Sieur and Madame Weaver, Madame Orchid and Sieur Hosea, Sieur Alad, and the Protectors 877. [Diplomacy 31]
Peerimus visits and talks and in general relaxes and enjoys himself. Too few and precious are these moments in his life and he would enjoy each one that he found. A flaggon of Mountainhome in one hand and the other on Yorrick to steady himself, Peerimus mixes and mingles. Even still, little escapes his notice, like Xenia slipping out. [Spot 39] The girl was right, they needed something to keep the cube in and the more secure the better. That would have to be one of the first things Firngaer would hopefully come up with.
Answering Rash, "I do as well. I was actually hoping to find him hear. Our next move will need to involve much more powerful magic. You are Firngaer will need to cast Discern Location and end the mystery. At least hopefully. But now dear woman, we cannot do anything and there is no reason not to enjoy yourself." With that and a great smile the druid slips through the crowd. There was another he wanted to speak with for a moment.
He begins with a nod, "Katt" and then another nod to the other, "Amber" The Feather of Affinity granting him the ability to effortlessly speak directly to both of them in thier native tongues. "I am very pleased to see you here. I would like to speak to you in depth about a matter, one that involves Father and Mother and events of late. Perhaps later this evening we may find some time to be alone."
Jurgen - AC 41 HP 160/160 Monday January 11th, 2010 4:48:24 AM
Jurgen is rather surprised at the crowd gathering at the warehouse. Everyone and anyone the paladin has ever met seems to be there... He is social and polite, this being the sort of thing that Jurgen was best at. Blintz draws the most attention; either because Jurgen thinks the Children will need a favor from the Third Prefect, or just because Jurgen has slightly more of a history with the man.
He has no help for the matters of Angus, Trace, or the Cube. In fact, if asked about any of the topics Jurgen does he best to avoid them. Angus and the Cube, because he doesn't have answer (although he does fully support Kazak's idea of asking Archimedies). Trace, because he isn't sure about how to feel about the ranger's departure.
Rash Monday January 11th, 2010 10:15:55 AM
Rash takes Peerimus' words to heart and moves over to talk to Sieur Vaalin who is obviously also a cleric. While Rash worships all the Powers, it is good to engage the more single minded and see what they are thinking. She fills a plate of tasty tidbits wondering about her growing hips as she moves over to engage in conversation.
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Monday January 11th, 2010 11:19:49 AM
Torgon is initially amazed that the group is having a party so quick after the battle, but then it strikes him that it is not all that different from a victory celebration, and he joins in the celebrating.
Torgon spends as much time as he can talking to the different people throughout the party. He tries to learn as much as he can about the people of the area, as well as different cities and towns. He will try and file everything that he learns away, so as to be able to recount it all for the Elders.
Party at Hook City, Block 452 (DMSteveK) Monday January 11th, 2010 11:47:53 AM
The party is enjoyable and carries a happy tune; drinks and foods flow freely.
All the CoC agree that meeting Torgon's village and people is a great idea right after Hook City is done.
Xenia feels the need for some air and leaves to sit on the warehouse roof with the Silver Cube. The skyline of Hook City is always impressive, with strong white walls surrounding the blocky buildings of North Hook and the soaring spires of South Hook. And overall, the Bridge, supported by four gargantuan Hooks that hang unsupported in the sky!
Kazak enjoys the party. His inquiries about ant-taurs, Formians, or Oglian are met with no knowledge by anyone. Sieur Alad, whose business takes him and his out of the City more than most can only sigh. "The Grass Ship traders were able to bring back any number of stories about fantastic peoples in the Sargrass Plains, but now they sit on the ground around the docks in SouthHook, completely land bound. It was the Druidwood the ships were built from that enabled them to hover over the Sargrass like a ship on the water. But now, we don't even know where the Sargrass is!" Things aren't too bad for the transportation mogul, however. He is already working with traders who have converted to land waggons and salt-water ships to continue the profitable trade of Hook City.
Firn'gaer uses Analyze Dweomer to identify the magical items taken from the Oglian. (ooc: identified below). He is not able to discern the functions, activations, or charges of the Silver Cube. The gnome has better success in casting Greater Scry on Angus. The sorcerer looks to be in good health and not in immediate danger, sitting by a stream in some woodlands. The sorcerer doesn't notice the Scrying.
Further, Firn'gaer considers the symbolism of Rash's Divination. With his incredible knowledge of constructs and magical beasts (Know Arcane), the gnome knows an Inevtitable alignment is Lawful Neutral, and a Chaos Beast is Chaotic Neutral. The Cube and Bell seem pretty straightforward to Firn'gaer as well. The arrow and the star-of-arrows are not arcane symbols, and Firn'gaer doesn't know what they are. However, the arcane symbolism of all three would indicate opposed forces with the people, the land, and the Wold being affected by the strife.
Lhari is able to tell Firn'gaer a little more. "Whether this helps or not, I really don't know", says the intelligent piece of wood. "But in the past, when the Chaos Champions fought the Destroyer, their destiny was at its end. No Chaos Champion has ever initiated the Great Migration, and none of them have ever seen this Silver Cube. It sure will be interesting to watch this for future generations of Chaos Champions!"
Rash and Durgan enjoy the party and speak of Angus' possibilities.
Peerimus moves through the crowd, making sure everyone is having a great time and keeping the diplomatic avenues open. Katt and Amber both agree to meet with Peerimus. "In your little garden at moon rise", states Amber, "less intruders and more enjoyable time than here now."
Jurgen speaks more with Blintz. The Halfling inquires about Torgon's status, and once hearing he is part of the CoC, asks if the minotaur is also going to be part of the Protectors 823. "You'll have to come by the office and amend your charter to keep everything correct", Blintz reminds the Paladin.
Rash moves to Sieur Vaalin who is even more quiet around a powerful cleric of the powerful COC than he is normally; which is saying something. "Madame Rash, it is an honor".
.............
...Xenia's Cube Effect Chaos Tattoo is inoperable: Status, Message, and Tattoo spell effects no longer work. Xenia incurs 2 negative levels.
....Treasure
24,873 gold pieces
6 Myrmarch Helmets = 30,000 gp
Silver Cube - Overwhelming Varied. Still glowing gently for normal sight to see. Ring of Wishes -- 1 wish left Rod of Cancellation Wand of Stoneskin - 34 charges Wand of Barkskin - 28 charges
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) Monday January 11th, 2010 11:47:44 PM
The dwarf mulls over the infomation that Sieur Alad has given ....and an idea pops in his head .... " so you say that the druidwood ships just sit down by the docks .... are they used for anything ??? are they for sale ??? could be an intresting to find uses for them ...i have afew ideas .... they could be used for housing ..or storage .... they could even be hauled out to mudtown and used as storefronts for business ......i'd be intrested in developing that ..... would you be intrested in that ?" inquires Kazak .... " i'll hafta chat with Peerimus about da druidwood .... see if he has any ideas about its potential uses since da sargrasses are gone "
ooc: love the idea of tying character history and games together !!
Rash Tuesday January 12th, 2010 8:32:34 AM
Rash smiles at the shy cleric and thumps him on the back saying, "Speak up boy. I asked you when you found your devotion to the Crones? A speaker for the Powers can't be shy. Everyone looks at them for leadership. Otherwise they will start following the wool-eyed fighters and everyone will end up in a pit!"
Rash will finish the night and mingle with others as well after she finishes tormenting the young cleric. She will move over to Firn'gaer to get the magic count and sigh, "I think I am getting jaded. In my youth, if I found a ring of wishes, I would have been dancing with glee and wonder. Now I just see it as another asset. I wonder if we should give it to this young group of protectors. Would gain some serious friendship, help our reputation and might save some of their lives down the road. You know, sort of give back."
Rash will let the party wind down and then head to her quarters. She is missing her husband and son and would normally pop in on them, but her teleports are gone for the day. She wakes up to a fuzzy head and a grumpy stomach and wonders, "Just how much did she drink last night?"
Firn'gaer Tuesday January 12th, 2010 1:26:10 PM
"Don't worry, Rash. It happens to the best of us. At least our friends, lately, have ended their journey with us on peaceful terms." He says thinking back to the CoC that have died. "How about I take you home. Spend a couple days with your husband and children. Then come back when you're ready. It's going to be a little while before we can learn anymore information about this Cube and its implication."
Firn'gaer's vote is to use the [b]Wish[/u] to help Xenia. He will ask divine folk to ask if it will work, since his research leads to little help. Also, he will ask divine folk if their gods can divine some starting place we can begin our search for information on the Cube/Bell/Southern Continent relationship.
Party at Hook City, Block 452 (DMSteveK) Tuesday January 12th, 2010 3:31:21 PM
3 posts. No DM post today.
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Tuesday January 12th, 2010 5:43:43 PM
It's a beautiful city. Not as cozy as the levels of the Float. (Excepting, of course, Open Level.) Certainly nicer than the ever dust obscured scape of Dirt City. More in grandeur like Plateau City, but with more of a kinda earth like feel to it.
Somehow, though, being in such a beautiful place only makes the girl rogue feel more alone, missing, perhaps, someone to share it with. Pulling her bedroll out of her magic bag, Xenia decides to camp out on the roof. But first, she'll need to lay in some supplies, and the perfect place to raid for foodstuffs would be the party below.
Creeping back down from the roof, the rogue steals through the shadows. It's less that she's doing something wrong by running off with a plate of food from the party, it's just that it's better to sneak around a party when you wanna be alone. 'Sides, stolen food just seems to taste better, collected with care and spirited off to be enjoyed in her secret place on the roof.
On the way, though, she spies Jurgen talking to that hairy-footed halfling guy, and she remembers to herself that he's some sort of mucky-muck around here. "'Scuse me. Sorry." She drops out of the shadows at the Blintz Mugglietoes' shoulder. "Hi. I'm Xenia. 'Member me? I was wondering if could 'splain to me, why it is that Hook City won't trade in them Memory Stones you got here? Seems to me you could be making a lot of gold off a business like that."
Rolls and Actions Hide 37
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 48+30 = 1440 Total Progress 2670/22500
Durgan Stonewall (AC 34; HP 212/239) Tuesday January 12th, 2010 9:49:11 PM
Wool-eyed fighters? Durgan almost spills some beer. And hopes she is joking. Fighter is a very respected profession where he comes from. Hate to have to give her a knuckle sandwich fer that remark.
Durgan wanders about town with his brother for a bit, until he gets overly excited about the druid ships. "Mebbe we should just find out where the Sargrass is now and transport them there? I'd bet they'd pay a nice tidy sum to have ships to use again."
After this, he wanders on his own for a bit. He didn't have much of a chance to explore the city the last time they were here. Crazy mages.
He offers a general opinion on the ring while back at the warehouse. "It would be nice to give some gift to our protector friends, but before you give them the ring, might wanna figure out if we need it to do sumthin with the durned cube."
Jurgen Wednesday January 13th, 2010 3:32:46 AM
When Xenia steps in with Blintz, Jurgen takes that as an opportunity to excuse himself. He had other things on his mind, like the minotaur... Still, he hesistates to formally introduce himself to Torgon. Not out of fear of the 'Taur. Years ago, the Southern Lights rescued Jurgen and a minotaur named Shiraz... They had adventures of their own, long ago. But thinking of those times leads to thinking of those who left and were left behind. Not a thought for this evening.
When Peerimus has a moment, Jurgen attempts a quick word with the druid. He also does his best to do so in Blintz's hearing range, in case the halfling has any immediate warnings to pass on to the Children. "We may need tonight to relax and enjoy ourselves, but there is a great deal for us to do. The Cube is one of them, although that may simply be a mystery that is beyond us. I am not worried about Angus," he pauses thoughtfully, "or Trace, for that matter. But there are still many tasks ahead of us. If the Oglians were simply the first of many, then we need to start preparing. It is time we get serious about our alliance of tribes, cities, and heroes. The Children of Chaos cannot be everywhere that is necessary. And the Bloodpack have their own worries. We will always be too busy, but we'll have to make time."
Peerimus AC 41 HP 112/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 Wednesday January 13th, 2010 7:33:28 AM
Peerimus agrees to meet Amber and Kat at Moonrise, he hioped she would be open about the formation of a league on the Southern continent to stand against those who would plunder and abuse the bounty of Father and Mother. On Xenia's condition with the Cube, first they needed to construct or think of a way to safely store and or transport it. Then they could work on removing the effectgs if that was even still required, to Xenia. The ring should be kept for now in case it was needed. Rash could cast Miracle and so Peerimus thinks that should be the first attempt once the Cube is secured.
Peerimus is glad that Firngaer found Angus in good health and apparently happy. One problem down.
Peerimus smiles as Jurgen speaks, "My friend, I have been thinking along those very same lines. But really I think for only mere months sinse the Great Migration, we have done exceptionally well. We have been to Wayfarer and have began talks to open then to Heranmar. Same with Hook City and soon the village of Torgon. Oh and the centaurs, and giants. We should continue to simply expand our progresss
gotta cut it short here and get ready for work
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Wednesday January 13th, 2010 8:19:19 AM
Active Spells: Longstrider(increases base speed by 10'), duration 18 hrs.
Torgon continues to socialize, quickly realizing how tiresome it becomes. He is a Taur of few words, and it seems that most of the people assembled here like to talk. Perhaps it is the warrior in him, preferring action to words, unless they are for praying, or casting spells.
He will continue to listen intently, for things or people that may be of harm or help to his people.
After the Party at Hook City, Block 452 (DMSteveK) Wednesday January 13th, 2010 9:50:31 AM
Kazak inquires as to what the druidwood boats are now being used for. Sieur Alad tells him that it depends on the Captain of each stranded ship. "There were only a dozen or so big ships in port when the Great Migration separated Hook City from the Sargrass. Most Captains have converted their ships to water travel and are now sailing up and down the coast looking for new markets. There are still a couple tied up at the old wharfs, so you may want to walk down there and talk to them yourself. "
Rash jovially torments the young cleric before talking with Firn'gaer about the loot found. Firn'gaer offers to teleport Rash to her home at Cliffport, and suggests to use the Wish to help Xenia. Also, he asks the divine folk if their gods can divine some starting place we can begin the search for information on the Cube/Bell/Southern Continent relationship.
Xenia sneaks some food and camps out on the roof. While the party is going on, she corners Blintz and asks why the city won't trade in Memory Stones. Blintz smiles. "That is the current policy. If you wish to change that policy, there is a section in my building for petitions and they can get you started."
Durgan thinks the druid ships could be transported to the Sargrass, wherever it is. Maybe there is money to be made that way.
Jurgen steps out of one conversation and into one with Peerimus, lining up the next things that the CoC have to accomplish.
Peerimus lines up what he wants to do... Storage for Cube, help Xenia, increase network of Gateway Downs defenses.
Torgon continues to listen for things or people that may be of harm or help to his people. A pretty but middle aged human woman comes up to the minotaur with a rakishly homely man escorting her closely. "Many Shadows, Sieur Minotaur", the woman begins. "I am Mara Weaver and this is my husband Dafydd. We run The Weaver Colony, a shop that makes tapestries and other weavings in the famous Rattledam style. Our daughter Tishe' has mentioned in letters about travelling with a minotaur called Machasthai, or Mac. Are you this minotaur?"
The party is fun, but most of the people in Block 452 are working folk, and by noon, they have filtered out after making various excuses and final 'welcome homes' to the various members of the Children of Chaos. The Protectors 877 hang around, but only to see if the Protectors 823 (aka CoC) have anything to talk to them about without the normal populace in attendance. "We've got a patrol to conduct in about an hour", explains Madame Didi.
.........The Same Day After the Party
During the day, Block 452 of Labor Town is a bustling part of SouthHook; the neighborhood shops and manufactories getting a steady flow of deliveries and customers. Sieur Hosea waves enthusiastically from Hosea's Hot Foods, the spicy scents reminding you of the party foods already. Other greetings come from Madame Orchid at her shop The Fruit Market, a couple of young men at Viands Exotic, a halfling sweeping the step of The Well-Shod Traveller, and a young man and woman standing in front of The Weaver Colony admiring a vibrant rug in the window that shows what looks like an adventuring group surrounded by giant blades of grass.
Further afield, the soaring spires and clean marble statuary of South Hook proclaims that the area of South Hook away from Labor Town is upper society. Here, all the mage guilds and groups meet, along with the larger government buildings. South Hook is beautiful, clean, and well patrolled by uniformed guardsmen (all of whom have at least one mage and cleric with them).
As the dwarf brothers (and anyone else) wanders closer to the River, The Bridge comes into its full glory. The structure so dominates the skyline of the magic city that it can be easily taken for granted after a few weeks spent in its constant presence. From up close, though, the sheer size of the looming span, which is wider than many city blocks, and ten times as long, is awe-inspiring. It's hard to believe that such a massive structure is supported only by the network of cables that tie it to the Hooks. And from up close, it's impossible to forget that the Hooks are suspended in midair from nothing at all . . .
It is easy to see that the Bridge is almost a quarter mile up in the air and there is no road leading to the span. At the base of the Bridge on the South Hook side, a continuous line of merchants and laden porters snake back and forth up a narrow, rickety wooden switchbacks of some Stairs. A shorter line of richly dressed merchants and mages wait to take a small handlift up to the Market. Upon inquiring, a Market Warden informs the dwarves that it is one white chit per person for the dubious privilege of climbing the rickety wooden switchbacks of the Stairs, and one red chit for the lift. "Or you can take a ferry across if you prefer." The Market Warden points to a small flotilla of boats moving back and forth on the river below. He laughs. "Why, they will even take gold and silver!"
..............
...Xenia's Cube Effect Chaos Tattoo is inoperable: Status, Message, and Tattoo spell effects no longer work. Xenia incurs 2 negative levels.
....Treasure
24,873 gold pieces
6 Myrmarch Helmets = 30,000 gp
Silver Cube - Overwhelming Varied. Still glowing gently for normal sight to see. Ring of Wishes -- 1 wish left Rod of Cancellation Wand of Stoneskin - 34 charges Wand of Barkskin - 28 charges
The girl rogue sits on the roof with her current project. The new bow is coming slowly. This one will be stronger, with special requirements to increase the strength of the draw. Sure she could just buy one. With all the gold they got from selling the stuff from the Archies, a bow like this would be nothing. But this bow, once done, would fit perfectly to her hand.
As she works, the girl rogue contemplates the idea of submitting to change the policies on the trade of Memory Stones. They could be outrageously popular back in Floating City. In the whole of New Elenna, for that matter. Folks could keep diaries in 'em. Wizards could store their spells. Folks could keep pictures. Real pictures and carry them around wherever they go.
Cost would be the real problem. How much would sump'in like that cost? Could common folk afford sump'in like that? That ... and the policy. The policy would be a problem too.
Rolls and Actions Craft roll 40
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 40*30 = 1200 Total Progress 3870/22500
Durgan Stonewall (AC 34; HP 212/239) Wednesday January 13th, 2010 8:55:24 PM
after the party, Durgan checks on the supplies for the forge area in the warehouse. He makes sure everything is cleaned up and in good working condition, tools in repair. Then he has a good ale while he sits and relaxes there.
Later, he looks for Torgon. "So tell me, what is yer village like? Probably lots different than a dwarven clanhold."
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) Wednesday January 13th, 2010 10:31:36 PM
The dwarf ponders over Sieur Alads advice ..." I've helped to reopen da quarry back in Heranmar ....and need a place to settle down .... gonna buy me a farm back der when i get back .... live near da outskirts of town .... give da farmers some sense of security dat one of us lives out der wit dem ... but iz got nothing going on here in Hook City .....need to start something ....maybe dem Druidwood ships are it .... or help someone's business .. dats always a way to make good friends " ponders Kazak to himself as he walks towards the docks to investigate his brainstorm ....
Wandering about the docks ...Kazak checks out the condition of the land locked druidwood ships to those in the water ...and the activity abord the landlocked ones .... during the course of the day he will visit several of them ...chatting with any Captains willing to talk about their ships and reasons for being still being landlocked .... chatting about what possible plans and uses that might be in store for their ships ....(if he finds a willing canidate ....Kazak will also explore partnering with someone ...(or possible purchase if price is right)
At some point the member of protecter group 823 will try and meet with sieur Alad agin and discuss the possible venture .... knowing that he might have more insight with possible suiters .... and not wanting to infringe on the transportation morguls own business
Afterwards at the warehouse .... he checks on the cats ... shares an ale with his brother ... and speaks to Peerimus about his possible venture ....wondering his opinion of the druidwood itself ....
Rash Wednesday January 13th, 2010 11:00:41 PM
Rash will sleep the night away and awaken to pray for new spells. She is happy to have her teleports back and prays for a divination spell which she promptly casts asking, "Will the Wish spell in the ring be effective in restoring Xenia from the ill effects of the cube of law?"
Rash will also then start wandering through the town, stopping to pick up some fruit and banter with different shop keepers and merchants. She will ponder the riddle of the last divination wondering what sort of disaster awaited the Children of Chaos.
Since Rash holds all the Powers dear, she will pop into any church she sees to check out the services and chat with the local clerics getting a feel of the lay of the land and politics of the city.
Jurgen d20+7=20 ; Thursday January 14th, 2010 4:19:43 AM
Jurgen is pleased to hear Peerimus' so in line with his intentions. Groundwork had been set. "We won't be able to do all of the legwork ourselves, Peerimus. But I may be able to find some folks who we can use to act as liasons to the centaurs. The giants may require a... firmer hand. But we'll discuss this another time."
When Madame Didi and the 877 stay close, Jurgen attempts to get their opinion on joining a formal alliance. "We're considering creating a band of adventurers and townships, all around the principle of working together for the greater good of the Southern Continent. Have you heard of the Dragon Consortium of the North? Ours would be something similar, a loose alliance that would work together when smaller bands were not so appropriate. It would allow a small degree of order in the chaos of this Continent. I know you have duties in Hook City and wouldn't presume to ask you to ignore those. As of right now, I'm not sure we know exactly what we mean by 'Alliance', but I figure that we should see where our most able-bodied friends stand on the idea before we attempt anything..."
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Thursday January 14th, 2010 9:47:24 AM
Torgon responds to Mara Weaver. "I am afraid I am not the minotaur Mac, but perhaps I shall meet him some day, or even your daughter perhaps.."
Responding to Durgan, "I imagine it is not too different from most peoples villages that reside above ground. We hunt, fish, and plant for our foods. We are self sufficient, making everything that we need. We have lived a very remote and secluded lifestyle, and when I bring you all to visit, you will be the first non-minotaurs that most of the people have ever seen. Our village is overseen by a group of elders, and we have a protector responsible for the safety and security of the people... I am our protector at the moment."
"How about your people good Durgan? How do Dwarves live below ground?
Torgon will take in the sounds and sights of the town for a short time while part of the CoC go about their necessary business.
Day 2 in Hook City (DMSteveK) Thursday January 14th, 2010 11:52:28 AM
Xenia camps out on the roof and works on her bow and tries to think of the easiest way to get a trade on the Memory Stones.
Durgan checks on the supplies for the forge area in the warehouse. He makes sure everything is cleaned up and in good working condition, tools in repair. Then he has a good ale while he sits and relaxes there.
Kazak wanders about the docks looking for opportunity, but is disappointed. It seems that every druidwood boat has a plan. They have either already been converted (quite easily) to water going, or are on pension with one mage society or another who are researching where the Sargrass is and how to transport the ships there. It looks like this idea is a dead end.
Talking with Sieur Alad about trade is a better prospect. The dwarf and man hunch over the CoC's map of Gateway Downs and discuss road conditions and distances for various towns and between Heranmar and Hook City. "With this information, I'll be one up on my completion!", Sieur Alad declares. "I'll definitely have a land caravan and a ship both sent to Heranmar within a week. Whichever one has the better time of it, we'll start a regular route. Thank you, Sieur Kazak!"
Rash casts a divination spell asking, "Will the Wish spell in the ring be effective in restoring Xenia from the ill effects of the cube of law?" The response is quick and to the point... "YES". The next question of course is HOW will the Wish spell be used in the ring?
Rash also wanders through the town to where the temples and churches are in Hook City. She is directed to go across the River and to the Marble Causeway. To use The Bridge, Rash will have to convert her gold into the money of Hook City: chits. It will cost one white chit (100gp) to take the stairs to the Bridge and across, or she can use a passenger ferry for 10gp, or a rickety punt for 2gp. Once on the other side, she (either by walking down the stairs from the Bridge or walking up the bank from the River) begins on the end of the Marble Causeway.
Crowded with clean and impressively dressed people, the immaculate Marble Causeway stretches from the Bridge to the city gates that open to Mud Town. The Causeway itself is a raised broad thouroughfare of ivory marble, and is lined with statues of all types, Soldier administrative buildings, and Temples. Most of the Temples of HookCity are here, the more modest temples of the city are immediately off the Marble Causeway. Since the Year of Ascension, many of these temples are abandoned and are showing the neglect. Several have the remnants of clerics without powers and are slowly withering away. And a few are new. As each hero walks around the Marble Causeway, they notice temples to every Power of the Southern Continent, but none of the Gods of the Wold or of Testing that many are used to from their Northern origins. Halfway between the gate and the Bridge, two temples face each other. One is run down and overgrown; the Temple of Mittri, and the other has new construction and bustling with activity; the Society of the Great Migration.
Jurgen attempts to get Didi's opinion on joining a formal alliance. "Well, we've really never thought about it before", says Didi looking at the others, "but it sounds like a good thing." "Yeah", pipes up Niobe, "the Children of Chaos have more than one job at the same time, being Protectors in Hook City, Heranmar, and Threshold, along with a higher calling" (and here she rubs the back of her hand where there used to be a Broken Spiral Tattoo), "why can't the Protectors 877 do the same thing?" In the ensuing conversation, the young team of 877 agree to seriously consider the possibility.
Peerimus' talk with Katt and Amber go along similar lines to Jurgen's talk with the Protectors 877. For the Siblings, they are personally willing to join a druid ring to support nature over civilizations excesses immediately. They agree to be Peerimus' eyes and ears in Hook City. "For the others who frequent the Temple of Mittri, well, we are very loose. You or I will have to recruit them one at a time."
Torgon will take in the sounds and sights of the town for a short time while part of the CoC go about their necessary business.
And that necessary business right now is... Moving forward on the Alliance Plan Finding/Creating carrying for Silver Cube Reversing Cube effects on Xenia Finding more about the Silver Cube Visiting Torgon's Village Am I missing anything?
..............
...Xenia's Cube Effect Chaos Tattoo is inoperable: Status, Message, and Tattoo spell effects no longer work. Xenia incurs 2 negative levels.
....Treasure
24,873 gold pieces
6 Myrmarch Helmets = 30,000 gp
Silver Cube - Overwhelming Varied. Still glowing gently for normal sight to see. Ring of Wishes -- 1 wish left Rod of Cancellation Wand of Stoneskin - 34 charges Wand of Barkskin - 28 charges
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Thursday January 14th, 2010 6:14:32 PM
Putting down her partially finished bow for the day, Xenia gazes off across the rooftops in the direction of the Truly, Like, Incredible Hook Bridge. It would be nice to visit. She'd only gotten a glimpse of the thing when those riots had broken out. She'd never gotten the chance to stroll down its length or look over the edge or anything.
Not today, though. She frowns down at the Stupid Silver Cube in her lap. It was hard enough to work on her bow and keep contact with this thing at the same time. Who knows what it would be like to try and keep other folks from touching it while moving around on the bridge. She' have to find some way to foozle the thing, some way to hang it or two wrap it or something. Could she maybe wrap it in stone? There's a scroll in her pack that would do just that right now. She could case that Stupid Cube up and just leave it behind. But, then how would they - meaning she and the Chaos Guys - carry the thing around should they need to? Fold it up in some cloth? Maybe a rug? But would that do? Lotta magic stuff just goes straight through cloth - cloth and armor and all sorts of stuff.
Lead! Maybe lead. That stops a lotta detecting magic. Maybe a thin sheet of lead with handles on both sides. Worth a try. The girl rogue walks to the edge of the roof and peers down - a typical precaution, prelude to descending from the roof. Durgan. She'd find Durgan. Dwarfs do the Smithing thing. Maybe he could Smith up a lead box with handles on it. Maybe that would work.
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 40*30 = 1200 Total Progress 3870/22500
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Thursday January 14th, 2010 7:39:24 PM
Torgon continues to wait, trying to find things to do and see to bide his time. He looks forward to returning home, but wishes to visit the catacombs that the CoC have talked of first.
Durgan Stonewall (AC 34; HP 212/239) Thursday January 14th, 2010 9:09:43 PM
"Ah, a fine question Torgon." Durgan pours himself an ale before beginning and gets one for Torgon too if he wants one. "Well, for starters, dwarven communities actually farm more than ye might think. They farm on the surface much as others do, but they tend to be smaller in size than human farms. But meat is eaten more rarely than in most types of towns. We grow a huge variety of mushrooms, many of which are very tasty and quite nutritious. Our food tends to be nutritious and efficient. Ina typical settlement, most eat only what they need to. There is little waste, as waste could lead to many problems. If any part of the system fails, the whole of the community could suffer. We also tend to import food and since dwarf made items are usually in demand, have little trouble finding something to offer in trade."
Durgan finishes his beer. "Well, when the time comes, I'd like ta go along and meet yer people. And there's sumthin for ye to consider. Mebbe it's time for your people to be better known to their neighbors eh?"
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) Thursday January 14th, 2010 11:18:03 PM
"Sounds like a great plan ....i'll let da merchants on block 452 know about ....hopefully dey can put together some samples of der goods to show in Heranmar ....i'll add a wagon to ya land caravan for block 452 merchants ....if dats ok wit you " adds Kazak to sieur Alad (if acceptable Kazak will purchase a wagon and a pair of heavy horses)(for use for block 452 merchants)
Either way the protector 877 member walks a tour around block 452 ....informing the block merchants of the upcoming trade mission to Heranmar ...." gather some wares and samples to show .... and someone should go and act as spokesperson for block 452 goods ....... don't worry i'll put a good word in for all of ya " adds Kazak " dis way you could trade samples and start a dialogue wit da Heranmar merchants"
Later on the dwarf relays his lastest efforts to Peerimus .... also adding " we need to decide what we're gonna do next ...if we hafta face dem ants agian we should get some protections from da catacombs "
Peerimus AC 41 HP 112/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 Friday January 15th, 2010 9:01:14 AM
Peerimus lets Kat and Amber know he prefers the personal approach and is not looking to create some vast guild like organization. Peerimus asks if they know of any unicorns or Treants as he would like to approach other children of Mother and Father. At the end of the night, Peerimus feels pretty good about everything. The Siblings are certainly invited to come to Heranmar and indeed Peerimus encourages them to do so to meet Wanderwood and the others that live within the grove.
The following morning Peerimus has another piece of business. Torgon needs to accompany the druid and become officially registered as a member of the Protector Group for Hook City records. The druid forewarns the minotaur that it will a long bueracratic filled day.
Peerimus does not have much to say about the Druidwood ships. Druid magic to his knowledge is not responsible or thier creation. It's a natural phenomenon (Right?) As to the overall Venture, Peerimus will support what he can. Thus far it seemed a fine thing. Just remember to let these merchants know that we cannot impart excluisve rights or anything such as that.
Rash d20+10=20 ; d20+8=23 ; Friday January 15th, 2010 10:07:48 AM
Rash will convert 200 gps into the proper chits but will ride over in the punt more to try to get information than anything else. As she is being poled over, she will ask the ferryman if it is possible for the mages to fly over or are there spells that prevent the magic? She will try to get a feel on how the common man lives in the city, the cost of things and just give him/her in a general conversation. She will tip an extra chit and give her name if he ever needs clerical help.
As Rash moves through the area, she frowns at the abandoned rundown temples. She venerates all of the powers and doesn't like to see the abandoned churches. She finally comes to a rest between the two churches opposite each other and upon quick reflection moves over to "The Society of the Great Migration" She will stride up the path wondering what she will find. She keeps a keen eye out on the sides to see what people seem to be talking about and what the daily actions are.
If no one comes up to her, she will sit and watch for awhile before trying to find a cleric and see what this church is all about.
spot check 20 listen check 23
Day 2 in Hook City, Afternoon (DMSteveK) Friday January 15th, 2010 12:02:47 PM Note: Children of Chaos, in Hook City, are called Protectors 823. In the groups first visit to Hook City, they inherited a warehouse and a shop/home in Block 452 of Labor Town (south shore). More recently, the CoC converted the warehouse to a headquarters/ training area and invited a lower powered group, the Protector 877, to live there and protect Block 452 while the CoC is away (most of the time).
Recommend to read all the post as there is a LOT of background information I'm covering this week. Apologies for the really long posts. :-)
.........
Xenia thinks a box of lead may help with the Silver Cube and goes to find Durgan for advice on how to make one.
Torgon looks forward to returning home, but wishes to visit the catacombs that the CoC have talked of first.
Durgan speaks to Torgon about dwarven society, and seems interested to learn about the village of the minotaur.
Kazak and Sieur Alad make agreements. Instead of buying his own wagon, Kazak will sponsor a wagon for Block 452 merchants to put wares in. It costs the same for Kazak, ensures Sieur Alad the use of his own wagons, and gives a cost break for the Block 452 merchants. Through the afternoon, Kazak meets with various food and clothing merchants (the type that is in Block 452) and they are enthusiastic in their support. One of the Weaver husbands and one of Hosea's sons become the factors for the Block in the upcoming caravan to Heranmar.
Peerimus talks with Kat and Amber, who are happy to personally ally without urged to be a recruiter. They don't know of a treant or unicorn, mostly living in Hook City itself. They accept Peerimus' invitation to visit the Grove at Heranmar, but don't give a time on when they will do it.
Peerimus invites Torgon to accompany the druid and become officially registered as a member of the Protector Group 823 for Hook City records. The druid forewarns the minotaur that it will a long bueracratic filled day. Peerimus is almost true to his word, it being merely a beaureaucratic morning. Since the Protector 823 are well known, the druid and minotaur only have to fill out half dozen papers and wait a couple hours in three lines before their work is complete. Torgon is officially part of the Protectors 823!
Peerimus knows that Druidwood trees are specially grown in the Sargrass Plains and tended by druids. He also knows that the trees and the wood from them repel the various tall Grasses of the Sargrass. How and why this happens is a mystery. Perhaps the Bloodpack knows, or perhaps only those enigmatic Manfri the Bloodpack have mentioned.
Rash converts some gold into two 'white chits and then rides a punt over the river. As the ferryman sculls the craft, Rash asks him questions. "Eh? Yes, the mages and cleric types are able to fly over using themselves or magical beasts if'n they want, long as they stay away from the Bridge." He points to the magnificent structure a quarter mile above the River. It is several hundred feet wide and a thousand feet long, held up by hundreds of thick cords that are all tied to four giant hooks in the sky that are held by... nothing!
The ferryman will continue to talk to Rash. Most commoners in the city are able to do magic, a Hook City Cantrip that they are born with. They use these cantrips as money, which is why gold is so useless. There are some, like this ferryman, who weren't born in Hook City and so have to really work to get ahead. Most laborers like himself live in LaborTown. NorthHook is for the soldiers and administrative people. SouthHook is for mages and clerics. "At least I don't have to live in Mud Town. That vile den of thieves only keeps a population because people keep arriving there. They'd all be dead otherwise." He eagerly accepts the white chit and makes it disappear in his clothing.
At "The Society of the Great Migration", Rash strides up and is greeted by a couple of people with quarterstaffs. They welcome her in and there are plenty to talk to the cleric. It turns out that this is less of a church than a service organization. Several of them used to be prophets who spouted that the 'end is near' and that the 'Great Migration was coming'... and then it happened! Now, the group has a growing cartography section to map the changes of the Great Migration, and help out those who have been displaced by the event. "We keep seeing people popping in all the time", they say, "and we're having trouble with the cartography as the lands are still shifting about." Rash can also get a good laugh at a large portrait in the grand foyer of the Society. It is labeled "Our Founder". It is a painting of Jurgen.
In mid-afternoon, any COC in the warehouse is interrupted when a dandily dressed Halfling bursts through the Protector Headquarters doors. "Help!" he calls clearly agitated. "I need Protectors help!" He looks indignantly around when none of the Protectors 877 come out, and looks dubiously over at the heroes. "I saw you at the party this morning, and Madame Didi and the others seemed to accept you. So even if you aren't a true Protector 877, could you come and help out my shop?"
The Halfling puffs himself up to his full 3 and a half feet. "I am Tildee Furrytoes, the new proprietor of the Well-Shod Traveller, and the franchised link to the Catacombs for Labor Town. The portal isn't working, the Catacombs can't be accessed!"
Business of CoC... Finding/Creating carrying for Silver Cube (Xenia) Reversing Cube effects on Xenia (Firn'gaer, Rash, Peerimus, Xenia) Finding more about the Silver Cube (Firn'gaer, Rash) Moving forward on the Alliance Plan (Peerimus, Jurgen, Kazak) Officially making Torgon part of the Protectors 823 (Peerimus, Torgon) Visiting Torgon's Village (Torgon, Peerimus, Durgan, Kazak)
..............
...Xenia's Cube Effect Chaos Tattoo is inoperable: Status, Message, and Tattoo spell effects no longer work. Xenia incurs 2 negative levels.
....Treasure
24,873 gold pieces
6 Myrmarch Helmets = 30,000 gp
Silver Cube - Overwhelming Varied. Still glowing gently for normal sight to see. Ring of Wishes -- 1 wish left Rod of Cancellation Wand of Stoneskin - 34 charges Wand of Barkskin - 28 charges
Peerimus AC 41 HP 112/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 Friday January 15th, 2010 8:11:58 PM
After a fun filled morning, Peerimus is ready for a good lunch and to show Torgon about the facilities and the CoC's place in Hook City.
An excited halfling blazing in through the door cuts him short as was mid way through thier arrival and discovery of having inherited the wharehouse and the group that was by earlier, Protector 877.
Peerimus raises a brow as the man stands in the room shouting and not simply coming over to address them more directly. When he does and introduces himself Peerimus stands.
"A Pleasure to make your quaintence and we shall do what we are able to assist. Especially since we have business in the Catacombs themselves." Looking back at Yorrick curled contently in a beam of sunlight, Peerimus simply nods to himself. No need to wake him. Now sure who else is about, but Peerimus extends a gesture towards the door, "After you Mr. Furrytoes" Looking to Torgon, "Something that could disrupt a catacombs portal is certainly worth looking into,"
On the way, "Can you tell us of anything unusual that might have recently happened? Anything that may have casued this and given our subject I am guessing it only has just happened."
Rash Friday January 15th, 2010 8:19:48 PM
Rash's eyes bug when she notices the portrait and she then smiles. "I see my friend Jurgen has had some influence on you." Rash then extends her hand introducing herself, "Hi my name is Rash Trinka, Cleric to the Powers and member in good standing of the Children of Chaos. I see that you are doing good work here and I would like to take a look at your maps. I am sure that you have seen many people to add to your fund of information and I might find something useful and in turn maybe able to add to your knowledge."
Rash will move over towards the maps and then ask, "Why am I seeing so many defunct churches around. Did the people just abandon them? I don't understand how the Northern Powers or God's clerics suddenly would just lose their ability to spell cast. The scrambling of the Great Migration might have something to do with it but it is hard to imagine the Powers being limited by geography."
Rash will point to the church across the street and ask, "What is the story of that church?"
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Saturday January 16th, 2010 2:53:54 PM
Active Spells: Longstrider(increases base speed by 10'), duration 18 hrs.
"I will agree with you there Durgan, there is much that my people may benefit from knowing their neighbors. the only downside is when your neighbors aren't friendly. There is definitely much my people could learn from others, and as long as things are overseen wisely, they and their neighbors may surely benefit."
Torgon suffers through half a day of paper shuffling and disinterested clerks, Peerimus at his side. Definitely not used to such procedures, the mighty Minotaur easily becomes impatient. "Waiting in line? filling out forms? This part of your city I do not like Peerimus. In my village, if you need something from someone, or have something to say, you just ask or say it, you do not fill out a piece of paper, saying that you'll do what you already said you would do.".... Torgon grumbles under his breath frequently for the majority of the morning, feeling the need to rip something in half, but does his best to retain his composure.
Finally the process has ended, and Torgon sits relaxing with Peerimus, trying to put the paperwork from his thoughts, when in rushes the little halfling, and his declaration that the catacombs can't be accessed. Torgon rolls his eyes and mumbles "typical". He looks to the heavens and smiles at the irony and humor of the Gods. "Good one" he says...... After a moment, he catches himself and looks back to Peerimus. "Sounds good to me. With any luck there will be a clerk with forms behind the matter that needs to be harshly dealt with. After you", and he folows Peerimus out the door, smiling to himself.
Durgan Stonewall (AC 34; HP 212/239) Saturday January 16th, 2010 4:24:43 PM
"Aye, count me in." Durgan sets down the mug of ale he just emptied. "Allright, let's go. We got some stuff to sell there anyway."
Jurgen Saturday January 16th, 2010 6:24:13 PM
Jurgen is rather pleased that the 877 will think about joining The Southern Lights. If the organization was entirely dependent on the Children, it would live and die with the group. Needless to say, a team with "Chaos" in their name wasn't entirely reliable. If they wanted to create a lasting Order on the continent, the allies needed to be many. Jurgen leaves Didi and the others to think on joining up, saying that he'll approach them later.
He starts to make a list of contacts that the Children would have to work on: the Centaur tribe, the Giants, Heranmar, Wayfarer, Protectors 877, the Bloodpack, the Star Mages. Peerimus was looking into some more natural allies, but Jurgen would have little to offer on that side of things. Likely, if the Children had a week or two off, he'd ask Firn'gaer for some teleportation help so that he could visit the various people they were looking to ally with. And in the mean time, maybe he could see if any of the ex-Migration Cult had any interest in being helpful.
Although Jurgen's feels a need to go check out the Temple District with Rash, he resist he urge. No need to be all "Protectory" to a group that didn't exist anymore. The Great Migration had happened and, as far as he knew, the Cult had been of some help. But they were finished. So, Jurgen finds himself still in the warehouse when Tildee Furrytoes arrives. And Jurgen also finds himself quite... indifferent to the problem. As far as things that Jurgen thought mattered, the having a place to buy and sell treasure didn't really fit on the list. Still, Jurgen joins the group heading to the Catacombs interest. He might have little bits of helpfulness to add...
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Sunday January 17th, 2010 9:38:58 PM
"Maybe the Wold's stopped turning." The girl rogue rolls her green eyes to the heavenly firmament. A cranky bear rumbles inside of her after a day of wandering the city in search of a blacksmith who works in lead. Not that there weren't plenty, but after warning them of the dangers involved in building a cage for the Magic Silver Cube, all of them had lost interest in gold. Not even those weerdo stones they use here in the city seemed to reawaken any spark of commerce. Not to mention the fact that its more difficult than it sounds to walk through the sometimes-crowded streets without brushing up against anyone.
And now this halfling guy comes running in to say that the Catacombs wasn't working either. "Yeah alright." Xenia tucks the Silver Menace under her arm and begins heading for the door. "But if we get this working for you again, could you tell us where we can find a place to cage this ... this ... Magic Arti Whatsit Silver Fact?"
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 40*30 = 1200 Total Progress 3870/22500
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) Sunday January 17th, 2010 10:49:17 PM
Making his rounds informing the local merchants of the land/ship caravan headed to Heranmar ..... the dwarf spots a group of his protector 823 group haeding out from the warehouse .... following a agitated halfling .....keeping them in sight ... Kazak follows after them ....
ooc: silver menace !!! love it ;-)
Firn'gaer Monday January 18th, 2010 9:05:21 PM
Firn'gaer hears that access to the Catacomb has been interrupted and goes with Tildee Furrytoes and Peerimus. "Trouble with magical portals is definitely interesting and one that I want to look into."
Day 2 in Hook City, Afternoon (DMSteveK) Monday January 18th, 2010 11:05:59 PM Rash speaks with the Society of the Great Migration. They admit they haven't been able to map much of anything except the immediate lands around Hook City since the Great Migration. "The long-range ships haven't come back yet, and we haven't had much luck with landward expeditions... most of them haven't come back either." They are more informative about the Temples. "Ah, the false Powers of the North proved thier falseness during the Year of Ascension. All the people here abouts turned to the Powers as true dieties. The defunct temples are from those dead and forgotten North 'gods'.... good riddance!" As to the one across the street, the people of the Society have better words. "Despite some really weird characters going in and out of that temple at all hours, they take care of people and animals who need assistance. They look strange, but are good people. Lost Temple of Mittri I think they call themselves."
Everyone Else is more or less interested in Sieur Furrytoes, and Tildee takes them a couple of streets over to the Well Shod Traveller. Long-time CoC heroes recognize the store they have used to access the Catacombs many times. When they get to the door that normally lets people into the portal that takes them to the Catacombs, there is a barrier! Wildly flickering light of multicolors bars anyone from entering and using the portal. Firn'gaer uses his incredible knowledge and Arcane Sight to quickly identify that the barrier is of Overwhelming Varied power. There is no telling if the portal is intact on the other side or not.
"Well? Well? Fix it!" demands the little halfling.
Business of CoC... Finding/Creating carrying for Silver Cube (Xenia) Reversing Cube effects on Xenia (Firn'gaer, Rash, Peerimus, Xenia) Rash had Divination answer... Finding more about the Silver Cube (Firn'gaer, Rash) Moving forward on the Alliance Plan (Peerimus, Jurgen, Kazak) Officially making Torgon part of the Protectors 823 (Peerimus, Torgon) Visiting Torgon's Village (Torgon, Peerimus, Durgan, Kazak)
..............
...Xenia's Cube Effect Chaos Tattoo is inoperable: Status, Message, and Tattoo spell effects no longer work. Xenia incurs 2 negative levels.
....Treasure
24,873 gold pieces
6 Myrmarch Helmets = 30,000 gp
Silver Cube - Overwhelming Varied. Still glowing gently for normal sight to see. Ring of Wishes -- 1 wish left Rod of Cancellation Wand of Stoneskin - 34 charges Wand of Barkskin - 28 charges
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Tuesday January 19th, 2010 8:21:53 AM
Torgon looks to the spell casters of the group(with more power than his that is) "Yeah, fix it" he says with a smile upon his face, and stands waiting expectantly.
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Tuesday January 19th, 2010 10:24:09 AM
Over the whelming. The slim dark rogue ponders Fernie's assessment of the Catacombs Blocking Barrier. Wasn't that the same thing he said about the Stupid Silver Cube?
She hefts the cube as though assessing its mood, as though she might somehow divine a thought process behind the impassive silver surface.
What's life for? What's living and what brings it worth? Wynn is lost to her. She's caught up in the weerdo events of this weerdo land. So what's left? What more's left of life? Waard preaches of risk to raise the worth of life. Fulfillment through the thrill of challenging one's luck.
"Yeah. 'Kay. Lets do it," Xenia mutters to herself. "Lookout! Everyone hit the floor," she shouts, and before anyone can stop her, she thrusts the silver cube into the shimmering barrier.
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 40*30 = 1200 Total Progress 3870/22500
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) Tuesday January 19th, 2010 3:15:13 PM
the dwarven warrior hangs near the back of the group ..... realizing its a magic puzzle .... not his forte ....but several ideas cross his mind ..... just as he is about to voice them .... their trusty scout does the surprising thing ... thrusting the silver cube at the portal .... "Xenia be careful ......"
Kazak cringes as he waits for the magical fireworks that is sure to follow .....
if nothing happens he will breath a sigh of relief ....
"Peerimus is there any way we can contact the other catacombs portals ??? ...maybe Holly portal is open .... would be good to know if its just dis here portal or if all of dem are affected .....also maybe having a chat with whats left of da starmages here in Hook City ... wit Arcimedies ...."
The Catacombs are Closed (DMSteveK) 10d6=27 ; d20=19 ; Tuesday January 19th, 2010 5:02:32 PM
"Well? Well? Fix it!" demands the little halfling.
Responses range from the amusement of Torgon to ... Xenia rushes forward. "Lookout! Everyone hit the floor," she shouts, and before anyone can stop her, she thrusts the Silver Cube into the shimmering barrier.
As the Silver Cube nears the uncoordinated flickering of multi-colored lights, the Cube glows a steady amber. A powerful beam lances at the multicolored lights... and shatters! The backlash of energy cascades through the room.
Everyone Reflex DC 15 or 27 damage, 13 damage for half.
At the same moment, a rainbow of energy reaches out to encompass Xenia, but the Silver Cube's amber light is more than a match, dissapating the energy harmlessly. Stalemate.
Tildee Furrytoes dives behind Torgon and emerges wobbling and singed. Some hair on his toes is standing straight up from electricity. Some is singed off as if from fire. An encrusting of ice is about his eyebrows. And the heroes are the same way. "I don't think that's a good idea", he shakingly states.
And the barrier and the Cube are both still there.
Jumping into the room from the outside is Dafydd Weaver, the next door nieghbor. "By Wardd's left elbow! What's happening here!!!" Oh, hi Protectors. I guess you don't need a retired bard to help YOU guys."
............
...Xenia's Cube Effect Chaos Tattoo is inoperable: Status, Message, and Tattoo spell effects no longer work. Xenia incurs 2 negative levels.
....Treasure
24,873 gold pieces
6 Myrmarch Helmets = 30,000 gp
Silver Cube - Overwhelming Varied. Still glowing gently for normal sight to see. Ring of Wishes -- 1 wish left Rod of Cancellation Wand of Stoneskin - 34 charges Wand of Barkskin - 28 charges
"Fat lot of good you are." The girl rogue's eyes narrow as she glares at the Silver Cube and her full lips form into a wry pout of disapproval. The lithe girl stands unscathed by the backlash, taken from the any and all effects of the energy blast by her preternatural reflexes.
"Didja see the way the Cube Guy shot a beam at the barrier when it got close? Didja see that? I'm thinking that the Cube doesn't like the Barrier. Maybe they're, like, you know, Negative Opposites. Maybe the barrier is only here because the Cube is too."
"I'm gonna leave. I'll head back to Heranmar, camping on the road. maybe when I leave with the Cube the barrier will go away." Xenia heads out the door and on her way to the gate leading to Mud City.
Rolls and Actions Reflex 43/Nat20 - Level Loss accounted for (No damage from Evasion)
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 40*30 = 1200 Total Progress 3870/22500
Rash Tuesday January 19th, 2010 5:20:43 PM
Rash frowns when she hears the Northern Gods disparaged and quickly admonishes, "Careful what you say young ones. It is never good to mock the Gods, as they have large ears and even longer arms. Yes we worship our own powers here but all of the gods, be they good, evil, lawful, or choatc deserve our respect or at least our wariness."
Rash will chat for a couple of moments more and then say her goodbyes and move towards the other temple across the street to find out what it is all about. She pauses for a moment when she feels the status flair but when (and if) no more damage occures she will resume her exploration of the new temples.
Peerimus AC 41 HP 99/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 d20+13=33 ; Tuesday January 19th, 2010 10:14:50 PM
Peerimus is about to stop what he knows Xenia is going to do, but finds himself far too slow for the task. Flattening against the wall, Peerimus avoids the full brunt of the backlash. [Reflex 33] The pain is momentary and the druid looks to the halfling with them to see how hurt he might be first while saying, "Could we please not do that again Xenia and yes I saw it." Dafydd Weaver pokes in and Peerimus catches him before he can go and holds Xenia up as well. "Not so fast if you please. perhaps a bard and the stories you have collected over the years is just the thing we do need."
"Dafydd Weaver, Tell me. Do you know of any stories that might provide a clue to this Cube. We know is is extremely powerful, an artifact most likely. We know it is empowered with the pure power of Order and Law and we found it in the possession of a Formian queen within a complex covered is glowing blue glyphs. We also know this portal to the Catacombs was magically sealed, perhaps by the power of Choas and change shortly after we arrived in Hook City."
If Dafydd Weaver has nothing to add, Peerimus agrees with Xenia's next course of removing the cube from Hook City. In that measure though, Peerimus asks Jurgen and Kazak to go as well explaiing his reason that the Cube being such a powerful item, there might be those looking from the planes to take it back and he does not like the idea of Xenia being by herself if that comes to pass.
Jurgen - 147/160 d20+17=26 ; Wednesday January 20th, 2010 2:27:52 PM
It's absolutely no problem for Jurgen to side-step the rogue's insanity, so Jurgen only takes a bit of damage. He doesn't have any words on after the attempt most definitely fails. Instead, Jurgen follows close behind Xenia as she heads away from the Catacombs entrance.
"Peerimus, if the Catacombs reactivates at any point, heal yourself and that way we'll know that it worked..."
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) d20+12=14 ; Wednesday January 20th, 2010 6:27:38 PM
The magical blast knocks the stout dwarf off his feet ....(d20+12=14 relex save failed !! takes 27 damage)
"Blast it girl .... ya gotta be more careful then that ...." .... growls Kazak as he gets back to his feet ... brushing off his clothes
" everyone ok ??"
Nodding to the druid .... " sure i'll go ... hey not so fast Xenia .. iz gotta get a couple thing from da warehouse .... lets walk dat way first den we can head out ... ok ?"
Once at the warehouse ... Kazak gatehrs a few items for trip ... and heads out after the impulisive scout ...
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 156/169 d20+13=25 ; Wednesday January 20th, 2010 8:33:04 PM
Active Spells: Longstrider(increases base speed by 10'), duration 18 hrs.
Torgon ducks and covers, taking only part of the blast that comes his way. He growls in Xenia's direction, upset at the reckless action that caused him pain, but quickly pulls it back, remembering that he is still a relative guest here. He continues to await the determination of the problem.
The Catacombs are Closed (DMSteveK) Thursday January 21st, 2010 1:24:02 PM
Rash goes across the street to the Lost Temple of Mittri. The archetecture is subtley different from the other unused temples on the Marble Causeway in that it almost seems the growing plants are being cultivated in a gradual takeover of the civilized buildings. In and among the ruins, Rash walks, a feeling of peaceful watchfulness surrounding her. Near a pool that used to be a fountain, she meets a large tortise sunning himself. The great eyes look up and slowly blink. "Greetings, daughter of the Powers", it says, "you may call me Torm."
..........
Xenia is reprimanded in various ways by her rash actions.
Tildee is severely wounded, tottering on his furry little feet.
Peerimus calls Sieur Weaver back in and suggests a bard is exactly what the CoC needs. Dafydd Weaver thinks and hums a few bars of different songs before replying. "Well, in my younger years I travelled a great deal before getting attacked by Barons men and left for dead on the Sargrass Plains. I'll tell you that I don't know anything about Cubes, Bells, or Oglians... However, my mentor, a gnome and masterbard named Flik would say that he came from a bardic college overlooking a great cliff. That, at the right time of day, you could hear the answer to any question shouted out over the cliff. The Edge, I think he called it." Unfortuneately, he can be of no further assistance.
Plans are made to get Xenia, Jurgen, and Kazak out of Hook City. The dwarf demands to get back to the warehouse to pack for a trip first, and so the group returns to the Protectors Headquarters. Waiting for them are Archemides, the former leader of the Star Mages Guild in Hook City (and an archmage in his own right), and Blintz Mugglietoes (with his usual brace of guardsmen). "We've got a problem", begins Blintz. The archmage clears his throat, and, with a little suspicion on his part, Blintz allows Archimedies to start.
"Since the Great Migration, some magics have been working sporadically in Hook City. Specifically, teleportation magics. While not many care about me or the Star Mages Guild (he glances at Blintz), I am still respected as a wizard and have kept my contacts with the other magical schools and guilds in the city. This morning, all teleportation magics to other lands ceased to work all together."
Blintz takes up the thread, interrupting the archmage. "This is an unprecedented disaster for the magical city! Much of our prestige and power come from liberaries and magical factories accessable by Portal or Teleportation Circle. Commerce will suffer as well as the defenses of the city. In these unsettled times, that could prove worse than disasterous!"
Archimedies continues. "A small school of Mystic Theruges have been investigating the phenomenon, and have contacted me with thier initial speculations. They are convinced that the Great Migration isn't over yet. That the lands aren't settled and locked. Therefore, magical travel between lands of the Southern Continent is interrupted. There may be other effects as well."
Blintz interrupts again. "I have convinced the Administration of SouthHook to commission the Protectors 823 to investigate cause of the continued Migration and remove the cause if possible. In exchange, Hook City will forego property taxes on your warehouse and shop for the duration that at least one of the current members of the Protectors 823 shall live here. The term "live" is defined as spending at least one night per year at this residence." The halfling pauses and waits for the heroes response.
Sense Motive DC 15 or Knowledge Nature DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The hero catches the fact that Archimedies said the no teleport phenomenon only started this morning, a full day after the CoC came back with the Cube. }
Don't it figure. Make one stop before being off and it turns into a major distraction. This distraction, though, may become something more of an opportunity. Something the Wizard Guy says, twigs the dark rogue's imagination. It tickles her nose.
"I think I know what's causing this Land/Porting problem, and I think we can fix it. But ... " Cube clutched under one arm, Xenia holds up a finger, the dramatic pause before presenting her alternate terms. " ... how 'bout in addition to no taxes, you also back me to start a trade in your Memory Pebble Things. How 'bout that, huh?"
Rolls and Actions Sense Motive 15
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 40*30 = 1200 Total Progress 3870/22500
Rash Thursday January 21st, 2010 6:26:56 PM
Rash first is startled at the talking tortoise but then bows and says, "Greetings Torm, I appreciate your fair greeting. I was exploring the city and noticed the decline of some of the Northern God's temples. When I saw activity here, I thought I would explore it. Can you enlighten me on your beliefs? I feel my friend Peerimus would enjoy this place. It seems very peaceful."
Rash looks around and then also asks, "So how did you know I venerate all of the Powers by me just walking up? Does it somehow show?"
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 3d8+5=15 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=9 ; Thursday January 21st, 2010 7:00:29 PM
Active Spells: Longstrider(increases base speed by 10'), duration 18 hrs.
Torgon looks at the little fellow tildee cowering behind him, and sees his obvious injuries. "Here my friend, let me help you with that, and he converts a 3rd lvl spell to healing for Tildee healing him for 15hp. He then pulls his wand of clw, healing Tildee for 8hp. He then turns it upon himself 3 times for 17hp. Torgon looks to the rest of the group "Anyone need a touch up? It's on me."
He turns to the rest of the group. "Well, if no teleportation is gonna be happening, then I guess I'm not going home til it's fixed. So let's get to fixing it."
Torgon moves off to the side, and pulls a sending scroll. Using it to contact Tunderhoof, he gives a quick status, as well as the failure of teleportations wold wide, and promises to return home when able.
Peerimus AC 41 HP 99/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 Thursday January 21st, 2010 8:23:13 PM
Peerimus declines the offer of the healing as his 'Status' to the others would mean if the removal of the Cube in the next few hours would solve the problem at hand. "The Edge?" he inquires, a hand moving to rub his chin. The druid has never heard of it, no surprise to him really. Geography of the Southern continent was something very hard to come by and he certinly never devouted time to try. Perhaps Firngaer or Xenia. "Thank you Sieur Weaver. Can you aim us in the correct direction or supply other possible landmarks we could follow up on?"
Regardless of the answer the next step was to simply wait and see if removing the Cube from the city would lift the barrier. Peerimus had his doubhts, but a simple solution was certainly the best place to start. "So now we simply wait. It should not take more than a few hours for Xenia to test this possibility. If it fails, we move on to the next one."
Peerimus looks for a spot to get comfortable
Firn'gaer d20+13=31 ; d20+2=7 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+28=36 ; d20+11=28 ; Thursday January 21st, 2010 9:17:34 PM
[Firn'gaer made the save and takes half damage from the blast. Reflex save DC31]
This Edge place being a magical place most likely causes Firn'gaer to think over his vast knowledge of things magical and divine to recall if any bit of information about this place has ever crossed his path. [Arcane knowledge DC36, Divine knowledge DC28]
Firn'gaer agrees with Xenia's assessment. "I believe we may be traveling the old-fashion way to this Edge place. [Nature Knowledge DC16, Sense Motive DC7]
"I believe that the Migration will continue until we complete this prophecy." He says. But first, I think we should head back to Heranmar. Perhaps the Crones can provide some more incite into the situation and in particular this third object that seems to be required to end the Migration."
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) Thursday January 21st, 2010 10:43:36 PM
Taking in what Blintz and the Archmage Archeimedis informs them .... the dwarf waits ..... knowing he won't be able to get a word in while Xenia is on a roll ......
Thinking on what was said .... the dwarf turns to Peerimus .... " no teleportation and such .... can't be da thingy .... dem ant-taurs ...teleported and stuff all about .... its gots to be something else .... no doubt dat da two could be connected and all .... lots of dots to connect " .... growls kazak
With a nod at the Archmage Archemdis .. .. " thanks for be upfront about ya information ... with Angus and Firn'gaer ..... you wizards are ok " ..... grins the dwarven warrior .... " is der anyway ya can contact da other catacombs portals to see if dey work or is it just us here in Hook City ?"
"Nows we gotta make a decsion on where to go ...."
stepping back .... the dwarf messages Xenia in a whisper " maybe ya can get us a pass to walk about town witout paying all dem tolls while ya at it ?"
Jurgen - 147/160 d20-1=10 ; Friday January 22nd, 2010 5:23:57 AM
Jurgen eyes up Xenia's attempt to make a deal and shakes his head. Not in disagreement, just in awe of the rogue. She was tenacious. Regardless, the introduction of Blintz and Archimedies gave the Children a clue about the teleportation problems: it had nothing to do with them. To the officals, Jurgen is on his best-formal behaviour and full of respect. "We will find and solve the teleportation problem. And we'll attempt to do so as quick as we can manage..." To Archimedies, Jurgen adds. "Thanks for that detail. I believe that we'll be proving it true... Is there any chance you would have somebody who could examine another problem we've been having?" Jurgen gets Xenia to show the box, but makes clear that it shouldn't be touched.
If Archimedies is of no help, Jurgen suggest a return to Peerimus and the others where-on he informs them fully of Blintz's offer, Archimedies help, and the exact time the teleportation issues started.
Archimedies and Blintz (DMSteveK) Friday January 22nd, 2010 5:26:54 PM
(ooc; short post today... sorry)
Dafydd Weaver gives some more information. "The Edge is supposed to be the edge of the Wold, and the furthest South you can possibly go on the Continent."
Torm speaks. "Peerimus is known to me; he has visited before. This place is a shelter for nature and natural beings within the dead zone of Hook City. I believe that Mittri is not dead, but only lost as her Children are lost, and that one day she will return to the Wold." Rash's knowledge on religion knows that Mittri was one of the many Northern Gods of the Wold and was over Nature. She, along with most of the other dieties, was reported to have been slain during the Year of Ascension.
Blintz smiles at Xenia. "I am authorized to speak of tax breaks. The Memory Stones are under another regulation. I'm afraid you will have to conduct the paperwork as I mentioned."
Archimedies speaks further. "Do not misunderstand what I am saying. All movement spells are NOT halted. We conducted experiements, and as long as a spell is within a single "Land", it works fine. For example, I can teleport anywhere in Hook City right now. If I were in Gateway Downs, I could teleport anywhere within Gateway Downs."
"The restriction applies only to going BETWEEN "Lands". I can't teleport from here in Hook City to the Gateway Downs. And this has been a problem only since this morning. It does not coincide with your arrival here."
...........
As the group discusses further, a Message spell arrives for Torgon. A middle aged female minotaur stands in a smokey room. "Torgon. Return to Taur when you get this message. We have more movement in the hills." The Message ends.
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Friday January 22nd, 2010 6:09:51 PM
The Message Tattoo don't work for her no more. But the rogues ears can pick up the passage of an owl as it glides through the air on its nocturnal hunt. It's not hard for her to pick up Kazak's whisper. Neither is it hard to figure out why he's whispering.
"Oh Kay then! If it's taxes, then how about a free pass to exempt us from all the tolls and fees to get from one place to another here in Hook? Huh? Free travel passes. If you can arrange that, we'll fix your problems."
Later, once the Non-Chaos Guys have all gone away, she lays it all out. "It's this Cube," she says. "I think it don't like being with us. What we need to do is to either unstroy it or give it up to someone it likes being with. Then it'll stop holding so hard onto your Migration Thingie."
"That's what I'm thinking, at least."
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 40*30 = 1200 Total Progress 3870/22500
Peerimus AC 41 HP 99/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 Friday January 22nd, 2010 6:52:52 PM
Post assumes we have all gotten back together. My impression was Xenai, Kazak and Jurgen were at the wharehouse and the rest of us minus Rash were at the Catacomb entrance
Peerimus takes in all the information he can and thanks Sier Weaver, looks like they were heading south, very south and likely into the very definition of the Unknown. "I agree, we should begin our journey via Heranmar. From there we can magically transit to the area outside the mines and then move through Grinning Pass and into the lands south." Peerimus nods as he speaks, "This could very well be what the Oglian queen was speaking of. This cube might be the counter to the Bell. The Migration was begun with Jurgen's strike and now that the Cube is lost to Order, it cannot stop. In the same way we had to ressurect the Destroyer we must now do something with the Cube to stop the Migration and simply handing it to anyone of lawful bent will likely very much not do."
"Barring other business we should be towards Heranmar sooner rather than later. People are rearranging thier lives based on the new world of things. We must stabalize that world."
We should stay the night, tie any loose ends anyone might have and then either using animal form. a spell of travel from Rash or Firngaer, we should head swiftly towards Home. Peerimus is thinking animal form everyone to eagles giving us Speed 80, Or can we all be covered by Airwalk or something.
Rash Friday January 22nd, 2010 11:01:52 PM
Rash says to Torm, "Somehow I am not surprised that you know Peerimus. This place has his feel to it. I am sure your Mittri will show herself once again. The Wold is mixed up with the "Great Migration" but once it settles down, the Powers will find their places again as long as people still believe in them and worship. I must admit, seeing the empty temples doesn't bode well. I have to be getting back to the Children of Chaos but before I go, Is their anything I can do for you? Or do you have any information or messages you have for me or Peerimus?"
Rash waits for the response and then teleports to the warehouse. Since she doesn't know that their is trouble with the teleports, she isn't surprised that it works. When she gets back to the warehouse, she walks up to Jurgen, punches him in the arm and says, "I am supposed to start the cults, not you!."
She will glance around to the others and say, "So what is happening?"
When Rash prepares for sleep that night, she will use her miracle to cast a contingency spell. That spells says, "When Rash casts Divine Power, Righteous Might will be cast at the same time." (Thanks Dan!)
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Saturday January 23rd, 2010 8:46:02 AM
Active Spells: Longstrider(increases base speed by 10'), duration 18 hrs.
Torgon replies to the message should a return message be allowed. "As quickly as I can get there."
The minotaur looks to his new companions. "I must return home, and as quickly as possible. Something moves on my village. What it is, I do not yet know. Your company would be greatly appreciated, but should you be unable, I will understand." Torgon then waits momentarily for what he hopes is an affirmative response before continuing.
"How far are we from Wayfarer? Peerimus had some good ideas on getting around quickly if everyone is willing, or perhaps there are other ideas? My village is only a day or two's walk from the Monks home on the hill."
Torgon begins packing up his gear, obviously concerned, and in a hurry to get home, as he continues talking with the group.
Durgan Stonewall (AC 34; HP 197/239) Saturday January 23rd, 2010 1:02:45 PM
"Well that figgers. More trouble. And here I thought we took care of all that Migration lands movin' around business eh? Magic, it's all because of the durned magic. And don't ye go tellin' me were better with it than without. Causes nuthin but problems."
"I need an ale."
Durgan sighs. A blissful retirement of working at the forge was not yet earned. "So are we gonna fix it or what?"
"Aye Torgon, we'll join ye. I hope it's not the durned frost giants again."
OOC- nice job dropping The Edge into the game.
Firn'gaer d12=11 ; Saturday January 23rd, 2010 3:12:09 PM
Firn'gaer is a little disappointed that just leaving the does not seem to a simple solution but he is encouraged that travel is not completely affected.
"Torgon, I will go with you. We can teleport to the closest point and land travel until magical travel is usable. I am ready when you are."
Jurgen - 147/160 Monday January 25th, 2010 5:12:29 AM
Jurgen smiles at Rash. "It was mostly an accident... I was interested in protecting people from the Migration and it got out of hand. I'll have to stop by sometime and see what they're up to. Maybe offer an encouraging word." The paladin manages to look both incredibly awkward and proud at the same time; an usual combination of blushing and grinning.
"Peerimus, I say we visit Taur first and then Heranmar. If Torgon's summoning and our situation are not connected in some vague, but ultimately important way, I'll eat my hat. There's still a great deal of daylight left. We could teleport to Wayfarer now and start out to Taur."
Travel Plans (DMSteveK) Monday January 25th, 2010 2:34:45 PM
Blintz thinks a bit and then nods his head. "In addiition to no taxes on the warehouse and shop, there are no taxes on whatever you can carry not including extra dimensional containment units for the life of the current membership of the Protectors 823. Addendum notes that blatant abuse of this privledge will result in immediate suspension of said privledge and possible recoupment damages pending an official hearing. Deal!"
Archimedies and Blintz sticks around for any last questions by the Protectors 823 before departing and going thier separate ways.
.................
Rash talks with the tortoise, Torm, for a while before returning to the warehouse via teleportation. Torm reassures Rash that being a human with a conscience is all he and his kin require.
ooC: Though plans were made for Xenia, Kazak, and Jurgen to move out, Archimedies and Blintz arrived to provide more information before that action occured.
Peerimus wants to get Xenia out of Hook City and suggests Heranmar as the logical choice. He speculates shrewdly on the nature of the ongoing crisis and the probable required actions necessary to stabilize the Southern Continent.
Torgon, Durgan, Firn'gaer, and Jurgen all urge the group to go to Torgon's village of Taur instead.
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Monday January 25th, 2010 3:14:32 PM
OoC: Um ... a village of Taurs call the village of Taur? How ... literal minded.
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Monday January 25th, 2010 4:14:30 PM
"Deal!" The rogue catches up the halfling's hand in a firm shake. Woulda been nice to have gotten a deal on the Memory Stones. But, how can you complain when you're getting sump'in in return for sump'in you were going to do anyway?
"Ummmmm ... " Umming, as a way to show that some folks are not quite up to speed is a time tested expression, and the girl rogue uses it today to great effect. "What's this 'bout resurrecting Destroyers?" she asks. "You saying this Land-Moving-Around-Thing is not just sump'in you helped along, but it's sump'in that you yourselves started?"
"Yeah alright," she sighs. "And Bell Thingie doesn't like Cube Thingie. Vicer vercer, and now we got the Cube Thingie and gotta do sump'in with it. But until we find out where it is that Cube Thingie needs to go or what we need to do with it, can we please find some way to, maybe, like, put handles on it or sump'in?"
"I mean, I don't mind carrying it around and all, but it's still making me kinda sicky and all."
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 40*30 = 1200 Total Progress 3870/22500
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Monday January 25th, 2010 5:29:22 PM
Active Spells: Longstrider(increases base speed by 10'), duration 18 hrs.
Torgon has his gear packed up momentarily and looks to Firn'Gaer. "Sounds like a good idea to me Firn'Gaer. Ready when you are, as well as anyone else willing to join in addition to Jurgen and Durgan."
"Xenia, as far as the cube goes, how but just using a divination spell to ask if it's a bad idea to stick it in a bag of holding or extra dimensional space for the time being? I don't have any available at the moment, but I'm sure someone does. If it's not gonna do bad things, couldn't hurt to give it a try."
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Monday January 25th, 2010 5:47:57 PM
The dark red-headed girl nods to the Really Big Minotaur Guy's idea. "Yeah. I thought about that. I'm not so worried 'bout putting it in the bag. It's taking it out again that's the problem. You see, all this sicky stuff happened to me when I touched Mister Cube here. I can put it down any time, you see. And maybe I could take a cure after I let go of it. But putting it down means that if we wanna do sump'in about it, someone's gotta pick it back up again."
"That's why I'm holding onto it. Until we find some way to carry this thing around permanent like, I'm the only one made sick by this thing."
Kazak Stonewall.(Ac 36(37/w-haste) Hp 163/212) Monday January 25th, 2010 9:50:46 PM
With several choices of which direction the CoC are deciding to go .... the younger brother adds his vote to Durgans .... " i'm wit Durgan ....afterall its a good way of getting dat cube outa Hook City ....not to mention if something similar happens in da Taur city den we know for sure its dat silver cube " .... growls Kazak
Peerimus AC 41 HP 99/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 Monday January 25th, 2010 9:58:50 PM
"I'm all for going to Torgon's village first." Peerimus pauses, "However, we are not in the Gateway Downs technically and so by Archimedies say so I don't think we can simply teleport there. We have to get to the Gateway Downs first. We can start walking and when we know we are within the Downs, teleport. Or we can use the remainder of today to secure a way to carry the cube, in the morning use Airwalk to quickly make the Downs and then teleport to Torgon's home. Our arrival at the village is likely to be nearly the same so I think we should solve the portability of the Cube."
"I think I can create a sufficient if not elegant means of carrying the cube with a stone shape spell"
Peerimus will have Xenia put it down if she is willing and then encase the Cube with the floor making the final contact with the floor as small as possible. A good push or kick should than break it away and leave the Cube fully encased. "When we want to access it, we can simply shape away the stone again"
This, of course, does not take long and so Peerimus suggests they get thier things, inform Madame Didi and the Protectors 877 that they are heading out and depart.
Peerimus tells a shortened version of the artifacts of Chaos, the Destroyer and the need to begin the Migration to thwart the northern god Ga'al to Xenia and Torgon as they exit the city and along thier walk towards the Gateway Downs
Level 0: (2) Create Water, Mending, (2) Read Magic, Detect Magic Level 1: Obscuring Mist, (2) Entangle, (2) Faerie Fire, *Long strider, *Pass Without a Trace, Produce Flame Level 2: **(3) Barkskin, Bull Strength, (1) Lesser Restoration, Warp wood, Spider Climb Level 3: (2) Protection from Energy, Daylight, (2) Stone shape, Sleet Storm, Spike Growth Level 4: **(2) Freedom of Movement, (2) Flamestrike, Rusting Grasp, Repel Vermin, *Greater Magic Fang Level 5: *(2) Animal Growth, (2) CCW, Stone skin Level 6: Anti Life Shell. *(2)Greater Dispel Magic, Transport via Plants Level 7: (2) Heal, Animate Plants, Heighten Anti-life Shell Level 8: Whirlwind, Sunburst, Repel Metal or Stone, Anti Gravity Level 9: *Heighten Greater Scrying, Shapechange
Rash Tuesday January 26th, 2010 8:46:38 AM
Rash gets to the warehouse and her head starts spinning as the various conversations whirl around her. Stone boxes, teleports, lack of teleports, going to villages, fixing the Catacombs. She throws her hands up in the air and just decides to let Peerimus make the choice.
She goes to her room and gathers her stuff getting ready for a journey. She will say to the others, "Since we are using more mundane ways of travel, make sure you bring some snacks and drinks."
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Tuesday January 26th, 2010 9:47:15 AM
"Hi, Momma Rash," the rogue tosses the greeting as she places the Silver Cube of Sickiness onto the floor for Peerimus to stone.
"Handles," is the only thing that she has to add to his plan. "Make handles."
Travel Plans (DMSteveK) Tuesday January 26th, 2010 11:26:52 AM
Peerimus's suggestion works to an extent on the Silver Cube. The artifact is enclosed in a stone ball (with handles!) looking rather like a very large bowling ball. The downside is that it is now 50 pounds in weight, and it is unknown if someone else wearing a Chaos Tattoo will not be affected if the ball is touched.
Rash still has her answer from her earlier Divination on whether the Wish in the ring will not eliminate the effects of the Cube on Xenia.
...................
Plans are set for the Children of Chaos to walk from Hook City to the Gateway Downs, then teleport to Torgon's village of Taur. (Torgon easily explains that his village has been isolated for many generations, and that until he came to Wayfaerer and Hook City, he did not know there were any other Taurs left in the Wold. That's why they named thier settlement Taur.)
Madame Didi and the Protectors 877 (and Xenia and Torgon and Rash too) are informed of the recent Wold-shaking events that the CoC have gone through in the last couple of years, and how the Silver Cube seems to be linked to those events. Didi takes careful notes and adds it to a small but growing shelf of books in the COC Warehouse/Headquarters.
Sieur Weaver comes by and provides Firn'gaer, Rash, and Peerimus a good description of his old mentor, Flik. The heroes reason that once they are within the lands of The Edge, they should be able to locate and teleport to Flik the gnome if he is in the college that Dafydd Weaver mentioned.
Everyone else packs up and is ready to depart Hook City for Gateway Downs on foot. Conversations with Sieur Alad and the Society of the Great Migration determines that the group will need to travel through NorthHook, the Great Gates, and traverse MudTown to reach lands that are part of Gateway Downs. Really only a couple hours walk.
Xenia (AC29/, HP99/99) Tuesday January 26th, 2010 12:11:33 PM
Now free of the Cube of Infinite Irritation, the rogue takes a slow cautious walk around it, curious as to the effectiveness of the precautions, but hesitant to come into contact with the Pesky Cube once again. "Yeah. Alright. Sure." She eyes the lump of stone with a dubious look.
"That's a foot of stone around that thing, right?" she asks. "I think you need a foot. So, who wants to lug around the ball and chain?" Without the urgency of a pending cave in, there is little incentive for the rogue to volunteer herself.
"And ... you really think you can un-sick me, Momma Rash?"
Rolls and Actions
Expended: Scroll Mind Blank, Magic Circle Against Law x2, Web, Freedom of Movement; Elixir of Hiding
Craft Composite Shortbow +2STR (Value 225 gp / Weekly DC 2250 / Daily DC 22500) Today's Progress Roll 40*30 = 1200 Total Progress 3870/22500
Rash Tuesday January 26th, 2010 4:46:45 PM
Rash will suggest, "My inquiries to the powers suggested that Xenia could free herself from the onus of the cube by using the wish spell we got in the ring. Should we use that to try and free her? (ooc after a IM discussion from Steve, I think this is the only way to accomplish it) Before we do that though, we need to find a way to move the cube. Can our wizards make a floating disk to carry it around on? Do we want to risk even touching the stone box? I would think that it would be protected in there but who can say? It is obviously a powerful artifact."
Rash is willing to move out and says, "Well are we going?"
OOC Getting a bit confused on timeline but these are the spells for the next day. Zero: Read Magic, Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Detect Poison First:Longstrider* Shield of Faith x 2, Bless, Command, Endure Elements, Comprehend Languages, Protection from Evil, Second:Spiritual Hammer* Restoration Lesser, Delay Poison, Hold Person, Resist Energy, Augury, Zone of Truth Third:Fly*, Invisibility Purge, Magical Vestment x 2, Prayer, Searing light, Remove blindness/deafness, Dispel Magic Fourth:Dimension Door*, Divine Power, Restoration, Sending, Dismissal, Magic Weapon Greater, Discern Lies Fifth:Teleport*, Righteous Might, Spell Resistance, Summon Monster 5, True Seeing, Flame Strike, Scrying Sixth:Blade Barrier* Heal, Summon Monster 6, Dispel Magic Greater, Find the path Seventh:Power Greater teleport*, Holy Word, Summon Monster 7, Dictum, Ethereal jaunt Eighth: Phase Door* Summon Monster 8, Fire Storm, Spell Immunity Greater Ninth: Power Word Kill* Miracle
Contingency spell cast: When Rash casts Divine Power, Righteous Might is cast.
Torgon AC: 30, HP: 169/169 Tuesday January 26th, 2010 9:41:33 PM
"We keep talking about taking the cube with us. But why? As far as I have heard, we don't really need to have it along, so why not leave it here with some of your protector friends, sitting in it's stone box? It may or may not have anything to do with the catacombs, and if it does, we can always come back and get it, but the timing seems off, and likely not related."
"Worst comes to worse, I'll carry the cursed thing, or put it in my bag of holding, but let's get moving. For all I know, my people are fighting for their lives as we speak. No offense to you Xenia, for I do understand that you are suffering, but the people I have sworn to protect may be dying due to my delay."
Durgan Stonewall (AC 34; HP 197/239) Tuesday January 26th, 2010 9:46:39 PM
"Well girl. I'm not fer letting ye carry the durned block of stone with the cube in it. That work is fer me." Durgan hefts the stone encased cube. If it is safe to put it into the bag of holding, he will. Otherwise he carries it.
Durgan takes a look into the bag first. "Don't worry Rash, got plenty of food and drink fer all. Not much water, but plenty of drink." He looks at Torgon dubiously. "Errrm ...how much do minotaurs eat anyways?" Just to be sure, Durgan stocks up on more food supplies on the way out of town.
OOC- can we assume enough rest to be healed up?
Peerimus AC 41 HP 99/112 and Yorrick AC 43 HP 147/160 Tuesday January 26th, 2010 11:10:45 PM
Perrimus will purchase some food for himself and Yorrick, a few pounds of fish and meat should do the trick. "It's tempting to leave the cube here but incase something comes after it, I want it to have to come through or at least to us. Not Madame Didi and the citizens of Hook City." Durgan picks it up and Peerimus tries to sense Xenia through the tattoo. The druid feels we should use the ring to remove the harmful effects from Xenia
Assuming everyone is ready, "I see no further reason to delay, let's get moving."
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