Belkior - AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) - HP 127/136 - Status, Bead of Karma, Invisibility Purge, Magic Circle vs. Evil, Bless, Haste, Death Ward, Mass Bear's Enduran Sunday June 27th, 2010 11:35:07 PM
The halfling cleric contemplates the request from Grigory for a moment.
"Let's start like this. First, we share out the gold and other coins.
"Then, someone trustworthy should pack up all the non-magical gems, jewelry and art objects and take them to the Catacombs. At a minimum, get these things appraised. Hold enough diamonds for the spells for Jass and Polo. I'm willing to do that, if needed."
"Unless there's something that anyone would like as a memento. Myself, I'm partial to the statue of Alemi."
"As for identication, start with the items worn by the evil kuo-toan cleric, the drow wizard, the kuo-toan monks and the giant dwarf. If someone is potentially interested in something, start there. Myself, I can't think of anything that I might want right now."
"So why don't you pick, Grigory."
"Or, if we're really pressed for time, we could simply have the Catacombs do the identification."
Mac AC:28(29 vs Jack) HP:148/149 Monday June 28th, 2010 9:27:11 AM
"I'm happy to wait. As for momentos - I'm not taken by anything on first glance. That and I can go to the Catacombs for Diamonds, yes?"
Syr Ac33/32 HP 191/207 Em32-en33 Monday June 28th, 2010 8:08:15 PM
Syr ponders for a moment, "I'm not the best one to ask about these things but instead of casting a higher level magic, why not just cast more identify spells?" The elf shrugs, "Again, I'm not the best to ask."
Touching the priest's back to get his attention, "Belkior, use what you need to cast the spell, that should be the first order of business. Everything else can go with Mac for appraisal. As for the Overlord, while not exactly of high moral character, Jass should be present." He glances at the ghost with a shy smile and his eyes widen in confusion as the once jovial sorcerer fails to respond to the barb.
The Details of Things - DMAl Monday June 28th, 2010 9:18:56 PM
The Catacombs, though they buy and sell many a strange, wondrous, and many a powerful thing - for, some would say, more than generously fair prices - on thing that they seem quite willing to do for free is to provide honest and accurate appraisal services. Upon going over the gems and objects of art brought in by the Crimson Shields, they deliver this assessment.
9 Diamonds @ 728 ea = 6552 15 Rubies @ 450 ea = 6750 22 Tiger Eye Opals @ 309 ea = 6798 3 Bars of Gold @ 1000 ea = 3000 5729 Gold Coins @ 1 ea = 5729 7526 Silver Coins @ 0.1 ea = 752.6 1 Set of Silver Cutlery @ 2297 ea = 2297 2 Twin Platinum Bracelets @ 1515 ea = 3030 1 Finely Crafted Turquoise Choker @ 1266 ea = 1266 1 Gold Statue of Alemi @ 20000 ea = 20000 1 Black Skull Set with Green Emerald Eyes @ 3840 ea = 3840
When asked whether they might provide diamonds for a very special ritual of Alemi, they heartily agree to perform the transactions, this for free as well. They ask simply that the Crimson Shield allocate the items that they wish converted into the equivalent value in diamonds.
Grigory nods to Belkior's choices, but stops at Syr's suggestion. The halfling blinks and rubs his eyes. "I must be tired. I should have thought of that."
Grigory collects the twelve items - all those taken from the Priestess, all of the things gathered from the drow mage, and all of the things from the Right Hand acolyte of the Sundering God.
With Grigory sequestered in his room and the diamonds needed to complete the spell in hand, now leaves little more to do save the spell necessary to draw the dead back to the land of the living.
Later, after twelve hours of non-stop work, Grigory stumbles out of his room to join the other, describing each item in its turn.
"I think I'll turn in now," the halfling wizard yawns and stretches. "But I'll continue tomorrow, if you'd like." Weaving a little bit in his stride, Grigory returns to his room for a well earned rest.
From Bloopooltup Periapt of wisdom (+6) Full Plate Armour +4 Boots of striding and springing Cloak of resistance (+5) Large Wooden Shield +4
From the Drow Wizard Headband of intellect (+4) Pearl of power (3rd level spell) Ring of Protection (+2) Rod of Metamagic extend lesser
From the Right Hand Periapt of wisdom (+4) Belt of giant strength (+4) Bracers of armor (+5)
Belkior - AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) - HP 127/136 - Status, Bead of Karma, Invisibility Purge, Magic Circle vs. Evil, Bless, Haste, Death Ward, Mass Bear's Enduran Monday June 28th, 2010 11:03:20 PM
The halfling cleric is taken aback at the value of the statue of Alemi. As much as he would like to have his own statue of Alemi, Belkior can think of much more immediate uses of that value. At the Catacombs, he directs the attendant to exchange the golden statue of Alemi for it's value in diamonds.
Once he has carefully made his way back to the residence, Belkior prepares the body of Jass by sprinkling it with holy water and placing half of the diamonds where he has dedicated to Alemi. Then, concentrating to focus himself, Belkior begins casting the spell to return Jass to his body.
Jass AC: unknown HP: DEAD :-) Tuesday June 29th, 2010 9:29:09 AM
The growing darkness within his own self repels and draws Jass on. Through this terrible allure, another force begins to glow, one of purest white. Playing a different song in his heart, the white light also touches his soul, and Jass at first flinches away. But the white light is not a command, but an offer. A Choice. And in the last vestiges of his humanity, Jass of Downs knows that THAT is the difference and what he wants; a further ability to choose.
In the greatest act of will since coming to the strange Northern Continent, Jass reaches out to the white light... and accepts.
...Actions
...Effects
...Spells 0/1/2/3/4/5/6/7 Level 6/8/8/8/7/7/6/4 Avail 0/0/0/0/0/0/0/0 Used
Syr Tuesday June 29th, 2010 6:26:08 PM
While waiting for Belkior's powerful spell to be complete, Syr takes a look at the magic identified with a keen eye. He turns the bracers over a few times in his hands and then tries on the powerful cloak identified by the halfling.
As Jass' eyes open for the first time in two days, the monk breathes a sigh of relief that he never knew was there. He smiles at the sorcerer before offering a hand up with a big grin on his face, "Welcome back stranger. We missed your presence if not your ego!"
(ROFL: greatest act of will?)
The Resurrection of Jass - DMAl Tuesday June 29th, 2010 9:30:10 PM
Jass reaches for the light and a feeling of acceptance overwhelms his being. It is his heart. Body or none, it must be his heart. It feels like his heart. His heart is filled with the feeling. Light, love, pleasure, beauty, a joy that is life, it fills him.
Stop.
Jass and Belkior too, both feel the towering presence along with the light of life. It is grave. It is massive. And, it is the essence of respect.
You have ever bested me. Jass and Belkior feel their insignificance as though it were a weight dragging them down. The voice speaks not to them. Not yet. Since the time of the Ascension, you have been my better. But today, I will have my due.
Jass feels part of himself detach from the light and slip away. The sensation is painless, coming only with the slightest sense of loss - a faint nostalgia for a memory half forgotten. Then Jass feels a firm and solid hand. The hand grips his. He has a hand. The face of Syr comes into focus before his eyes. He is alive.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OoC: Jass, lose one level.
Do you Resurrect Polo too? I'm good either way. I will exit Brahmah after your decision.
Belkior - AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) - HP 127/136 - Status, Bead of Karma, Invisibility Purge, Magic Circle vs. Evil, Bless, Haste, Death Ward, Mass Bear's Enduran Tuesday June 29th, 2010 10:33:32 PM
After completing the resurrection of Jass, the halfling cleric begins the preparations for doing the same for Polo. Sprinkle the holy water, place the diamond and Belkior tries to find that settled place once more in order to reach Alemi with his prayer and request.
Belkior hopes, with all his substance, that Polo will accept the magic being offered.
Mac AC:28 HP:149 Wednesday June 30th, 2010 8:16:39 AM
"I am worried about how Polo might react. In particular, how he might react to Jass - Welcome back from the nether. I'll be on hand if this goes awry."
"As far as the magic goes, I'm interested in the cloak -- a vast improvement on my own, and resisting spells is one of my weak points."
Syr Wednesday June 30th, 2010 6:59:13 PM
Syr helps Jass up with care, "How does it feel? Ready to hit the ground running or need to take it easy a few days?."
Later when things quiet down, he broaches the subject of the portal, "What do you guys think? It sounds like something we need to be involved in as far as the decision but should we do more? I'd prefer we have a tentative plan before giving advice to the Overlord. The disposition of it is important to the area itself."
Shrugging his shoulders he comments, "My personal feelings lean toward leaving control with the city. The portal is a resource that should be carefully regulated by those with power and in authority." To those listening, it's obvious the monk favors a very structured environment for it. "I understand Jack's concern with corruption but they are the rightful authority in the area."
Return and Departure - DMAl Wednesday June 30th, 2010 9:06:18 PM
The memories spool out, like his entrails spilling from a gaping wound in his bowls. The spray of chilling cold, the cold hard desire to freeze the enemy - the Kuo-toan Priestess - with no regard for the others. After accepting Syr's hand, Jass watches from a corner as Belkior performs his magic upon Polo, the creature who's life Jass had taken.
This time, Belkior feels no other presence. Do animals have souls? Does Gargul care? Polo stirs. The bear lifts his head and lets out a plaintive moan. Mac, apparently, need not have worried. Brahmah kneels at the side of the friend that he has known but a few short weeks. The bear buries his nose in the minotaur's black hand. It is as though a moment of communication passes between ranger and companion.
"We are leaving." Brahmah rises to his feet. "If you require anything from me, we will be at the compound of House Ursidae. They are the only ones who can help Polo now. Do as you like at the hearing. I have no interest in such affairs." The ranger clasps Belkior's hand. He grasps that of Syr. With Mac he grasps forearms in a Minotaur farewell that contains in it part bond and part challenge. To Ivy and Jella, Brahmah delivers a stiff bow. To Jass, the minotaur gives not even a look.
"I ... I ... " Jass, eloquent Jass, buoyant Jass, now stumbles over his words, a lost expression on his face. "Thank you. I thank you, Belkior. And all of you for ... for having me back. I ... excuse me. I ... think I need time alone. To think." The sorcerer walks, with hesitation at first, but his speed picks up until he is near to fleeing from the room. His footsteps can be heard going up to the room that he keeps. Maybe he'll be around tomorrow for the hearing. Maybe he won't.
Grigory wakes the next morning with dark circles under his yes. He spends the whole day again working to identify the items taken from the caves. At the end of the day, he emerges with more items.
"Tomorrow," he says. "I'll finish the rest tomorrow. Or, most of the rest. Some of most. Tomorrow's the hearing, right? You go," he says to the others, to Syr, Belkior and Mac. "Things to do, you know. Things to do. You tell them that I think ... I think they should clean up that Trash Level. And I think they should allow the Star Mage's Guild. That's what I think. But now ... " The halfling wizard turns about and trundles off. "Now to bed."
From the Left Hand ================== Periapt of wisdom (+2) Cloak of resistance (+3) Ioun stone pink rhomboid +2 Quarterstaff (+2)
From the Duregar Fighter ======================== Full Plate +2 Belt of giant strength (+4) Cloak of resistance (+3) Ring of Protection (+1) Spiked Chain (+1)
From the Spirit Naga ==================== Cloak of charisma (+4)
From the Kuo-toan Guards ======================== Two Chain Shirts (+1)
This day is largely free. The Resurrections took no more than ten minutes a piece. That leaves most of the day left. You can go anywhere you want, talk to anyone you can find. Discuss among yourselves. Etc.
If there is nothing that you pursue that requires further posts, I will move you on to the next day tomorrow and begin the hearing.
Belkior - AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) - HP 127/136 - Status, Bead of Karma, Invisibility Purge, Magic Circle vs. Evil, Bless, Haste, Death Ward, Mass Bear's Enduran Wednesday June 30th, 2010 11:47:21 PM
The halfling cleric considers what Grigory tells them of the identified equipment from their opponents.
"Thank you much, Grigory. Please rest and recover yourself."
Belkior looks at his companions around the table where they have spread out the equipment.
"So, does anyone want any of this? Otherwise, we could probably spend some time taking this to the Catacombs. After that, I will go to the Temple of Alemi and learn what I can about what we have encountered. For I suspect that this isn't the last time that we will be called upon to face that aboleth."
Mac AC:28 HP:149 Thursday July 1st, 2010 10:04:34 AM
"Farewell, Captain."
- - - - - - -
"Belkior? You may wish to reconsider selling the Statue -- with diamonds amongst the spoils, and simply exchanging the Rubies and Tiger Eye Opals for more diamonds would more then cover bringing Jass and Polo back. Even with them gone there is still two-and-a-half... nearly three hundred thousand GP worth here once gear is sold and combined with what is left of the convertible gems and such. Just thought it worth mentioning."
Syr Thursday July 1st, 2010 8:07:51 PM
Syr gives Mac a sound handshake and watches him leave a bit sadly. Once out of earshot he asks no one in particular, "Does that mean we get their shares of this pile?"
He looks around innocently while eyeing the pile.
Mac AC:28 HP:149 Thursday July 1st, 2010 8:20:45 PM
Mac looks puzzled. "Captain Brahmah, who I had just farewelled. I'll hopefully get some time in with The League once the meeting is concluded, and... I'm not going anywhere in a hurry, Syr." Mac smiles. Kind of. No matter how he tries it still looks at least a little like he wants to rip your throat out with his teeth.
Day of the Hearing - DMAl Thursday July 1st, 2010 8:36:13 PM
Despite some mild confusion, the Crimson Shields spend the day tending to the spoils from the cave and discussing the upcoming hearing. Ivy serves the meals and handles all domestic needs, but otherwise, she stays out of the way. The mood of the day is businesslike. Recent events have been entirely too serious to be otherwise.
The next morning comes, and when Syr, Belkior and Mac gather, they find Grigory sealed in his room, already hard at work on the remaining magic items. Jass is no where to be seen, but a clever ear would hear the sounds of him moving about in his room. It seems that the sorcerer has decided not to come out. In the center of the main room, though, is Corvis, already up for several hours, he leans back in a chair, tipped back on the two back legs.
"Morning," the rogue rises and stretches as he greets the other Shields. "I guess I'll be moving on today. Not that you aren't an interesting bunch, but I guess I just find that I work best alone. Maybe we'll hook up again some time."
"You know, maybe it's none of my business, as I'm not going to the trial. But, whenever there was an argument over who would get something, my pappy used to say, he said, 'You divide it up. But I get to chose which half I want.' That's what he said. Might not be much use to you. But you never know."
"Er ... Speaking of halves, I'm getting a split from that, aren't I?" The bounty hunter points to the pile of things that Grigory has already identified. "I'll be in town for a few days more. Looking for the next job. I've told Ivy where I'll be. You can send my cut there. You have a nice place here. Too nice. I think I have to be down where the action is if I'm going to snare another job. Thanks for taking care of Florin's Ivy." And with that, Corvis is gone.
Ivy brings in a light breakfast, but before the meal is over, a knock comes on the door. It is a herald from the Palace of the Overlord. A different person this time, but like the other, this one also carries the personal mark of the Overlord. He is her personal messenger and beyond reproach.
The herald leads the Crimson Shields up through the Overramp to Open Level, and the Overlord's Palace. This time, the Crimson Shields are composed of no more than Syr, Belkior and Mac. They walk through the grand high ceiling halls of the Palace and wind up in a smaller, but well appointed anteroom.
"Please wait here," the herald asks. "The hearing will begin shortly. I will come to get you then." He turns, before leaving, though. "The Overlord has great respect for you," he says. "I've seen it on her face. I'm sure that she'll lean heavily on your opinions for any decisions that she makes." Then he is gone, leaving the Shields to discuss among themselves just how they might approach any questions put to them.
Belkior - AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) - HP 127/136 - Status, Bead of Karma, Invisibility Purge, Magic Circle vs. Evil, Bless, Haste, Death Ward, Mass Bear's Enduran Thursday July 1st, 2010 10:58:46 PM
The halfling cleric waits nervously, fingering the edge of his vestments that declare his devotion to Alemi. Belkior is often quite patient but this simply feels too much like those long ago days when he first was in the seminary schools when he was called before the principal for discipline.
"So, Syr. Any idea of how we should do this? Did you want to take the lead on this with Mac and I lending our support?"
Mac AC:28 HP:149 Friday July 2nd, 2010 12:50:29 AM
"We should hear all sides before... Yes, no point my taking the lead on this. I'll just keep my mouth closed. Silent support."
Syr Friday July 2nd, 2010 8:21:17 PM
Syr has the grace to blush as the Mac corrects him. "It must be late.... Never mix your metaphors ... I mean minotaurs!" (OOC: I knew it was Brahmah, no idea why I type Mac.)
Syr puts a hand up to stop Corvis from leaving and looks at the bounty hunter before coughing into his hand diplomatically, "HALF?" He grins and continues in a normal voice, "yeah, of course you earned it. I'm not sure if that was easier or harder than head hunting but your talents are most certainly welcome around here." He ponders for a moment before extending a hand, "Why don't you operate out of here for a while? You don't have to hand around us but I'm sure Ivy wouldn't mind the company when we are out..."
The elf nods at Belkior, "Sure, I'll lead. BUT I will differ to your wisdom so please speak your mind. There is more than one situation where you've bailed me out before. I will tell you frankly that I lean toward the law in this. Sometimes too much, I trust you guys to keep me balanced."
LOG ON