An Unnatural Silence (DM Stephen) Monday January 2nd, 2012 12:24:06 AM
All the surviving combatants converge to the island. Dwain and Harden immediately begin to tend to Urist's wounds. An illness has suddenly manifests itself in Urist. The dwarf can already feel the onset of fever and growing fatigue ... truly a potent affliction. Dwain attempts to treat the disease. His efforts fail to yield any immediate results. Only time will tell.
(Diseases usually require a daily save throw once it becomes onset. Urist failed the first one before receiving the Heal attempt, however you may apply the bonuses from Dwain's heal attempt for the following day.)
Others remain on watch, discuss their options, and clean their weapons and armor. Those on guard notice no other rats in the area, except the ones that are dead or dying. The one thing that becomes painfully obvious is that the only sounds they're hearing is the rattle of their own armor, the squish of their boots in the mud, and the sound of their own voices. All else is still and silent.
"Let get goin'. The smell of blood and fresh dwarf flesh will soon attract more," says an anxious Vgodd.
The group gets back to the trail and after many hours of arduous hiking through the swamp, the adventures find themselves on more solid ground. In the far distance, behind a canopy of trees, you begin to notice a slight rising plume of smoke, like that from a fire pit or chimney. Ibraham points at the spot and says, "We are close ... there be Hegga's farm."
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde d20+5=16 ; Monday January 2nd, 2012 11:04:18 AM " Great, let's get Urist the cure. I wonder though, since the effects are so pronounced in him, wouldn't we feel sick if we had it? Clearly it is magical and very potent, but can it hide that well? I just want to understand what we are up against." As they enter the farm area, Morgrym drops back and scans the groups backtrail, trying to be sure they are not being followed by any more ratzillas. He then enters the camp last once he is satisfied by their security. Perception 16
Seredal Hosah (Josh) d20+10=29 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=12 ; Monday January 2nd, 2012 6:20:41 PM
Seredal continues walking silently, the nervous halfling keeping an eye out of other dangers (perception 29). As the farm comes into view, Seredal attempts to guage her location by the design and adornments of the area (Nat 1 = knowledge (local) 8 ), or, failing that, any clues from her surroundings, such as wind patterns, the scent of the sea, etc (knowledge (geography) 12).
Lori Rinduff AC 18 , HP 29/29 d20+9=28 ; d20+10=20 ; Monday January 2nd, 2012 7:26:38 PM
Lori keeps her hands free, so she can grab any of her gear as it's needed, or if it's needed. She moves with careful steps, but also keeps her eyes peeled for anything that tries to approach them.
Stealth 20 Perception 28
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) d20+6=20 ; d20+9=19 ; Monday January 2nd, 2012 10:20:56 PM
Napalm watches intently as Dwain and Harden tend to Urist, his mind a blur of thoughts and emotions. For now he contents himself with observing the effects and onset of the disease. Silently he prays that the witch will be able to shed more light on "Marteaus' Revenge" and the story behind it.
A shiver runs down his spine as he wonders what will happen during his next meditation as he prays to Marteaus and regains his spells. Could his god in fact be dead, or could it be that all of his priests were killed when the disease appeared and no one is left to carry our his work. Perhaps the god lies outside time and will answer his prayers. Until he learns more he decides to keep his Holy Symbol hidden out of view and his spell casting to a minimum. For now it would be safer to rely on his strength and alchemy.
Perception = 20 Acrobatics to move through the swamp = 19
Home Stinky Home (DM Stephen) d20+6=25 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+4=23 ; Tuesday January 3rd, 2012 2:16:13 AM
With the sight of the farm, Morgrym is thankful that Urist will shortly be able to receive a cure to such a horrible disease.
Seredal walks nervously getting little comfort from the sighting of Hegga's farm. The bard ponders his senses and his knowledge of such places. They can be anywhere. Their situation was baffling. However, the area is reminiscent of the Cursed Swamp (gulp!) in the Elennian Peninsula. Of course, this is only an assumption. Not knowing the size or scope of the swamp, there are many known swamps along a coast, gulf or inland sea. Seredal notices something odd. Is that the partial remains of a small, dead rat hanging from a tree branch?!
Lori stay prepared for anything and lingers back to take advantage of the shadows of trees and thick overgrowth. However while still trying to remain hidden in the shadows of a tree, she notices a small pile of tiny bones of many types of woodland or rodent creatures. Your knowledge of nature lore would immediately assume this could be a feeding site for any number of owls that regurgitate the bones of their prey. However, they look like they were painstakingly stacked and arranged.
Napalm has a lot to think about. The closer they get to Hagga's farm, his deep contemplate is broken by the sounds of brittle "things" crackling under his feet. Their path appears to be littered with little white shards. The closer you get to the farm, the more concentrated they become. What is this ... bones, tiny, crumbled bones?!
The other three travelers, Vgodd, Ibraham, and Ebeneezer continue their way to the farm. They appear completely unfazed by what some of the others are just beginning to notice. However Ibraham become a little concerned. After making a quick count of the party, he asks, "I think we are missing one?!" Vgodd nudges him and mutters, "Naw," and motions in Lori's direction. "Ohh ... good," Ibraham replies with a little bit of relief.
Not being that far away now, the breeze carries to you all a strange blended scent of chimney smoke, fragrant herbs, musky odor that most dwarves would equate to bat guano. The closer you all get, the "bat guano" odor seems to overpower the other more pleasant scents. The tiny bones on the path are rather thick now and its unavoidable not to hear the crunch under your feet. The trees around the farm are decorated with elaborately constructed bone chimes and rat pelts. There are rats on the ends of sticks!
You all arrive to the farm, however Hegga is nowhere in sight, although there is plenty to look at. The farm house appears to be a poorly constructed shanty that is partly dug into the side of a small hillside. A canopy of thick trees hang low and cast a dark shadow over the home which looks comparable to a halfling-styled residence. Smoke from the chimney is barely able to find its way to the sky above. There are coops and cages filled with living rats. There are more rats on a stick, more hanging bone chimes and even more bones scattered around. Some not belonging to rats, and a few humanoid skulls somewhat larger than your own heads. A strange moss grows on these skulls!
You can see a root cellar adjacent to the home. Just outside its opening are all manner of herbs hanging and drying in the wind. There is a table near the cellar with jars and pots. A cauldron sits on the ground nearby on a pile of ash and charred wood.
The home looks even more foreboding as your eyes continue to take stock at what they're seeing. The home, the parts not buried in the hillside, are covered with runes and strange markings. (Everyone make Perception checks or anything else you feel appropriate)
Your three guides look around, a little confused, but not worried. "Hegga, you here," says Ebeneezer? He looks back at the other two and shrugs.
Vortigern AC21/12/19 CMD17 38/38HP -- Jim C Tuesday January 3rd, 2012 11:58:56 AM
Vortigern kept quiet so as to not insult his hosts choice of decor, but kept a wary eye out.
Lori Rinduff AC 18 , HP 29/29 d20+10=15 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+7=15 ; Tuesday January 3rd, 2012 4:27:10 PM
Lori won't say anything, but the looks of the area is what she'd expect from some sort of hedge wizard or from a shaman. She wasn't really familiar with magic, but this certainly fit the image she had in her mind. She also does her best to try and fade into the shadows, while looking for any tracks made by someone or thing other than the group she's with. She also keeps a wary eye out for trouble.
Harden AC 15/11/12 -- CMD 19 -- HP 24/37 -- BLESS, RAGE (Zach R) d20+7=24 ; d20+8=10 ; Tuesday January 3rd, 2012 5:38:09 PM Harden keeps an eye out on their march and tries to stay hidden but keeps making way too much noise.
------------------------------------
Perception: 24 Stealth: 10
Dwaim the Stubborn (Keith) AC: 18/12/16 HP: 28/28 CMD: 17 (+4 vs. bull rush/trip) d20+9=21 ; d20+4=23 ; Tuesday January 3rd, 2012 6:28:20 PM
Dwaim is a bit taken aback by the profusion of bones scattered about. He looks over the runes carefully, curious to see if he can find anything familiar. Gesturing to the humanoid skulls, he grunts to the nearest guard "Were these the last ones that needed the cure? Sure hope we got Urist here in time, it'd be a shame for him to join them."
-------------------------- Perception: 21 Knowledge (Arcana) or Spellcraft: 23 (same ranks in both)
Seredal Hosah (Josh) Tuesday January 3rd, 2012 6:39:31 PM
Frowning, the halfling catalogues what she sees in her notes. Lislyn, for her part, will run from one of Seredal's shoulders to the other at nearly any loud noise the party makes.
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde d20+5=14 ; Tuesday January 3rd, 2012 7:39:34 PM " Sooo, had you considered that the rats carry the disease, it might not be advisable to live with them, use them as food and as decoration? Just saying, if one bite did THAT to Urist, maybe being near them isn't such a good idea. Though these rats look less...menacing. Anyway, we made it, and you don't seem too concerned to find this place deserted. Whats going on?" Morgrym's father had always said that he needed to learn more about when to talk and when to be quiet. He had lost some sales on armor by mentioning that the client should lose weight if they expected to fit in the armor. Morgrym still didn't exactly have a handle on the whole 'when to think, when to talk' thing. He does look around more carefully, looking both for trouble and for Hegga. Perception 14
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) d20+6=24 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=17 ; Tuesday January 3rd, 2012 10:08:08 PM
Napalm looks around in curiosity as the group passes the unusual decorations. He wonders if this is typical behavior for a witch and tries to determine the nature of the ruins. I wonder if these ruins provide her with some sort of protection......where is she? Despite his detailed nature the alchemist finds himself unable to concentrate on any one thing for too long as his mind jumps from mystery to mystery and his list for the witch grows ever longer.
Perception = 24 Spellcraft = 15, 19, 7 to learn about the ruins, rat corpses, moss, etc Craft Alchemy = 17 to learn about the cauldron, herbs, ash and charred wood
Urist - AC 17, HP 25/25 - Spells - Carl Tuesday January 3rd, 2012 10:25:08 PM
Urist is unsure of being healed by whomever lives in this shanty, but by now he's willing to do just about anything. Sweat drips down his brow & his breaths are short, raspy, and entirely unhealthy sounding. Having managed to plod along this far to the farm, he's absolutely more than willing to allow himself to be lead to this Hegga person. He'll have time to get chatty and find out what's going on here when he's not near hallucination from the fever.
Meet and greet. (DM Stephen) Wednesday January 4th, 2012 1:42:27 AM
Several of you remain quiet and simply observe the scene. Lori notices the area is dominated by humanoid, barefoot tracks. They are short, wide feet, but don't appear to carry much weight.
As he attempts to make the best use of the shadows around him, Harden notices a slight track of white sand that seems to be out of place with the rest of the soil. At close inspection, the white sand contains tiny, glinting flakes of quartz and unidentifiable black specks that look like ground pepper. This thin line of sand seems to mark the ground in arch that could possibly circle the farm.
Dwaim is the first to inquire about the large, mossy skulls. Their three guides chuckle at the comment. Vgodd explains, "I wish! Those are troll skulls. Better dead than chewing on your leg, I always says. Hegga makes good use of them."
Morgrym makes known his concerns. Ibraham answers this time, "The rats are part of the cure. I'll let Hegga explain when she gets back. I'm sure she is about ... checkin' her traps or pickin' herbs."
The cleric, Napalm, lets his curiosity get the best of him. The runes do look like incantations, possibly wards and other protections, but the language and alphabet is completely foreign to you. They certainly don't look like halfling or dwarven script. As far as the herbs are concerned, you being an alchemist recognize almost all of them that are in view. Countless combinations can be used to make a whole host of potions and elixirs. The charred wood and ash is evidence of an open fire that was used to heat whatever was created in the cauldron. Like Harden, you also notice a thin line of white sand circling the farm.
Urist is not especially thrilled with the idea of receiving medical attention in a place like this. The cure may end up being as bad as the disease itself.
"Excuse me, deary. You're standing in front of my tree." Directly behind Lori is the source of this soft voice. If Lori turns around, she sees a middle-aged, halfling woman. However, she looks a little older than she appears from exposure and living in the wild. Her hair is a tangled mess and her clothes are tattered and patched. "If you don't mind, I'd like to get these little nippers put away."
She gingerly negotiates around everyone and wobbles her way over to one of the rat cages. Her hands are like vipers as she snatches squirming rats from her bag and places them in the cage. "Now ... let me see now ... ahhh, I can smell it from here! One of you are green around the gills!! That would be you," and she points at Urist. "The rest of you be unspoiled... then the whole lot of you will be needin' the works."
She looks at your three guides and commands, "Whatcha just doin' standin' there? Where be your manners? Get some stools for our guests."
Urist - AC 17, HP 25/25 - Spells - Carl Wednesday January 4th, 2012 11:48:27 AM
When the stools materialize, Urist quickly helps himself to one and is finally able to relax and catch his breath. Having little choice now but to hope Hegga knows what she's doing, he lifts his head and addresses her, "Aye, some sort of abominable water rat did this. I imagine bed rest and chicken soup won't be clearing this up anytime soon, either. Impressive diseases you folks have."
He pauses to catch his breath.
"Anyway, I'd rather not pass on in a Wold where my god may not be present to receive me. If there's something you can do, I'd appreciate it."
Ibraham [DM Jerry] Wednesday January 4th, 2012 1:40:07 PM
Ebeneezer speaks up and says, "Mistress Hegga, Hardin here was also bitten by the rats we fought on the way here. But he seems to be fighting it off for now. So he shouldn't need to be infected. He already is."
He pushes a stool Hardin's way. "Just in case."
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde Wednesday January 4th, 2012 5:23:17 PM " Fear not Urist, your accomplishments will reach Domi's ears if I must sing them myself. Whoa, wait, what! To get this cure we need to be infected with what he has? What if some of us are not as tough as the half-orc here? are you able to improve our chances of beating the disease and then becoming resistant to it? I have little fear that my hardy dwarven stock will be so frail as to have trouble with it, but you never know, Urist did. I fear for some of our frailer folk though."
Lori Rinduff AC 18 , HP 29/29 Wednesday January 4th, 2012 7:05:37 PM
As Morgrym speaks up about "out frailer folk", Lori almost stands up, walks over to him and does more than slap him, but she managed to restrain all of her actions, except the head turn. "Speak for yourself runt, some of us others will deal with it as we come to it, just like everything else in the Wold." Her body language shows well that she's not very happy with the forth coming battle with a disease, but she's determined to not let it lay her low.
Urist - AC 17, HP 25/25 - Spells - Carl Wednesday January 4th, 2012 7:05:55 PM
Urist manages a weak smile at Morgrym. "Seems I'm ahead of the game, friends. This is no picnic, but I don't feel like I'm about to pass on just yet. Let's listen to what this one has to say."
He looks on and waits for Hegga to explain just what lunacy she's talking about.
Dwaim the Stubborn (Keith) AC: 18/12/16 HP: 28/28 CMD: 17 (+4 vs. bull rush/trip) d20+10=21 ; Wednesday January 4th, 2012 9:45:26 PM
Dwaim shows some displeasure as Hegga pulls out the rats and talks about "unspoiling" the rest of the group. "Hmph! Well then, that's a fine lot of vermin, looks like they might be the ones spreading the disease. And what's this about us being unspoiled? Where we come from that's a good thing."
He watches the halfling closely, trying to detect if she is telling the whole story about this "cure."
------------------------------------ Sense Motive: 21
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) d20+6=13 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=16 ; Wednesday January 4th, 2012 9:53:04 PM
Napalm fight the urge to say what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger and instead follows up on Urist's comment. Thank you madam, we appreciate all you are doing for us. Can you please tell us of this disease, where it came from and why they call it Marteaus revenge?
Rolls to observe the witch and learn how to cure the disease Perception = 13 Spell Craft = 25 Alchemy = 16
Seredal Hosah (Josh) d20+10=25 ; Wednesday January 4th, 2012 11:00:23 PM
Seredal is watching the witch and the house carefully (Perception 25)- not suspecting anything underhanded, but just wanting to get all of the details right for her notes.
Tea Time (DM Stephen) Thursday January 5th, 2012 2:58:04 AM
"Ahh, two of you are blighted. Thank you Ibraham. We should treat you right away," and she motions towards Urist. Turning to Harden, she adds, "we should wait until tomorrow for the disease to manifest within you. Breakin' the fever is the best way to judge if the cure be workin'. An you will certainly be ailing tomorrow."
Hegga's demeanor was pleasant, even joyful, until Morgrym speaks of Domi and Napalm mentions Marteaus' Revenge. She cringes with the mention of their names, especially the latter. "Where are you from to speak the names of the old gods so openly? Mind your tongues, dearies!!" She seems quite disturbed and a bit shaken upon their utterance. "Most have been blessed with ignorance of their existence, with the exception of the Plaguebringer. However I must be burdened with their lore in order to combat the plague. Why do you know of them?" Then she turns to Napalm and stares at him intently. "Hmmm, how odd ... how odd indeed, the mention of 'his' name doesn't make you shiver!" Hegga seems intrigued by you, and a bit mortified. A curiosity for sure, but she turns away and begins making arrangements for administering a cure to Urist and cooking dinner for the party.
"We can speak more of this later, we need to prepare for afternoon tea, dinner and then evening supper. I'll tell you about my rats and my cure. Take a seat, you're all my guests for the evening. You will be safe here."
She retreats to her root cellar and soon emerges with a round gourd with a cork stuck in one end. She walks over to where Urist is sitting. "Deary, this be a dose of my cure. Best you not smell it, or drink it leisurely. Do it quickly, in one large gulp if you can. I will say no more. Just follow my directions, child." She hands Urist the corked gourd and stares at him intently, waiting to judge the results.
(DM Stephen) Thursday January 5th, 2012 3:00:09 AM
(ooc: I will make remarks involving your skill checks in the next post. I waited too late this evening to make my post. They weren't ignored.)
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde d20=10 ; Thursday January 5th, 2012 4:04:24 AM " Where are we from to speak their names ? Why you came for us yourself in the Giggling Ghost, do you not remember? We are from what you said was the past, when the God's are not some fabled rumor but actual beings that take interest, indeed take part in the lives of their followers. It was not only the skill of the healer that saved me when a giant club found my skull on a caravan, but the healing touch of the priest of Ffloy that traveled with us. My families steel is not legendary by our skill alone but from the prayers and stories of deeds whispered to the steel of Domi while the items are being forged. I do not wonder if the Gods exist, I know they do from having seen their works and from simply feeling the comfort that their belief provides. I cannot understand how such a trial as this plague could chase them from your memories. I would think just the opposite. That the power they used to save those who survived would endear them more to you. Tell us why you despise their names. This is a tale I would hear." Morgrym settles to the offered stool with a creak of leather straps and awaits this tale. More suspicious than ever now he wants to hear how this plague could turn the survivors from the gods. Sense motive 10
Urist - AC 17, HP 25/25 - Spells - Carl Thursday January 5th, 2012 10:11:50 AM
Urist is glad Morgrym is here to speak of Domi to these strange people. If ever his message was needed, it's needed here and now.
He looks uneasily at the gourd in his hands. "Well, the entire business at hand has been hard to swallow so far, so it seems fitting that it would come to this." He manages a weak smile & does a fake-toast to his friends before gripping the cork in his teeth & pulling it out before putting it to his lips and drinking quickly.
Lori Rinduff AC 18 , HP 29/29 Thursday January 5th, 2012 12:12:58 PM
Lori sits on the provided stool, and mentally accesses her options. She agreed to come here, and all that that entailed. It obviously included this so called cure that this witchdoctor wanted to administer. She nodded her head slightly and accepted the fact that it was going to happen. She then counted her weapons, not physically, but mentally and when she got to the Dart, she marked one off as gone, lost in the swamp. "Am I correct in assuming that you'll need to infect Jinx as well?" Indicating the large dog wearing leather barding and carrying a backpack.
Vortigern AC21/12/19 CMD17 38/38HP -- Jim C Thursday January 5th, 2012 12:14:39 PM
Vortigern sat down, rubbing his bald human head--feeling like an outsider amongst all these demi-humans. Nonetheless, he kept quiet, it seemed the rest had a handle on the situation.
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) d20=16 ; Thursday January 5th, 2012 2:29:05 PM
As Hegga makes no attempt to hide her curiosity of Napalm or her feelings towards the gods the cleric realizes that he is walking a fine line. He knows he needs to learn all he can from the witch about both Marteaus and the disease, but to reveal too much about himself could put the entire group in danger. He wonder's just how much the witch knows about followers of Marteaus.
Sense Motive Check to see if she suspects him to be a follower of Marteaus and if she would biew this as negative= 20
Seredal Hosah (Josh) Thursday January 5th, 2012 4:48:18 PM
Seredal, for her part, continues writing notes. The impending storytelling suits her purposes well.
Lislyn, however, goes stock still at Lori's question.
Harden AC 15/11/12 -- CMD 19 -- HP 24/37 (Zach R) Thursday January 5th, 2012 5:57:36 PM
Harden shrugs at the wtiches claims. "If you say so." he says indifferently. He looks as if he is about to say something else but thinks better of it.
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde Thursday January 5th, 2012 7:41:58 PM " As for the cure, we have no choice but to take it. I know that I have been sounding out negatively, but these are the facts as I see them. The cure may infect us and kill us, from what I hear. The alternative is to go without and wait for something, almost anything it seems, to bite us and infect us out in the wilds where we cannot get to the cure before we die. Therefore we need to take the cure now if we are going to help these people. Is is brutal, but simple. Possibly die now, where there is aid for fighting the disease, or certainly die later, cold and alone without aid. I choose now. Madame Hegga, I will take your cure as well, or whatever I need to do to build an immunity or resistance to this plague." Morgrym is blunt, as his nature has always been. To him the choices are simple black and white. Since the halfling host has declared the area safe, he begins to remove and clean his armor with obvious affection for the gear. he has no wish to foul it with the sweats and other possible effects of the disease. Once this is done, he relaxes and listens to Hegga's tales about the current situation and the loss of the Gods.
Dwaim the Stubborn (Keith) AC: 18/12/16 HP: 28/28 CMD: 17 (+4 vs. bull rush/trip) Friday January 6th, 2012 1:14:58 AM
Dwaim waits for further explanations of this cure and is curious to see how it is applied. He is barely able to contain his curiosity about the disappearance of the Gods, but takes a few deep breaths, sensing the suspicions that Hegga may have about the group already.
(DM Stephen) Friday January 6th, 2012 8:47:37 AM
(sorry for the delay, I fell asleep early last night. feel free to post again if you like. i will post this evening.)
A little spoon of sugar makes the medicine far worse! (DM Stephen) d20+13=29 ; d20=1 ; d20=3 ; Saturday January 7th, 2012 2:24:39 AM
"Giggling Ghost!! Did you say, Giggling Ghost!?" She stops in her tracks. "So it's true, my vision is true!!"
Meanwhile, Urist uncorks the gourd and drinks down Hegga's cure. Black sinuous drops spill away from the corners of his mouth as he makes haste in drinking the potion. The taste and the smell is indescribable. The texture is the consistency of jelly, smooth and yet also lumpy. By the gods, was that a crunch?! It takes every bit of willpower Urist can muster to keep himself from gagging. His stomach begins to burn and his throat soon follows. Oh no, what is that ... gak, squirming feeling? Like something is desperately trying to swim back up his neck! Oh gods! Alas, the movement fade and it slowly slides back down. Urist begins to convulse and grab at his stomach. His skin becomes pale and his veins begin to show through.
Hegga returns to Urst with a bucket and a damp cloth from a bowl of water. "Ahh, that's right, deary. You did good. Things only get better from here on out. So until that time, take this bucket." She sets it beside him, but Urist doesn't look to be in any condition to accept it. She then applies the damp cloth to his forehead.
(Urist, make a Fort Save and add +4 to your roll. You are now Sickened, no matter the roll. Then make a second Fort save 16, with no bonus, or become Nauseated. If you fail the 2nd save my more than 6 points, you become Unconscious.)
Hearing Lori's question, Hegga replies, "No deary. Animals seem not to be affected, but they do become carriers."
Hegga then turns back to Morgrym with restrained glee and asks, "You said I came to this 'Giggling Ghost' and beckoned you here," she says almost clapping. "Then it be true, I soon WILL be traveling to the 'place where the spirit laughs' and where heroes gather. I WILL talk to you ... and call you here ... in three more days under the light of the next full moon!" In her excitement, she begins to pace back and forth. "I wasn't expecting you to arrive yet. Heck, for me, our paths have yet to cross ... but, here you are. Time be so wonderfully unpredictable!"
Vgodd, Ibraham, and Ebeneezer just look at each other in utter confusion.
Urist continues on wrestling with his own demons. The whites of his eyes are completely turned red.
Hegga then turns to Vortigern with amazement. "So you must be humankin. I've never seen one of your kind with my own eyes." She begins to examine each of you more closely. "There were no humankin among the last group that came."
Napalm senses that she is being genuine and honest. Her excitement certainly was. However, you also sense that her awareness is quite keen, more than she lets on, and her curiosity is an equal match.
Hegga turns back to Morgrym and continues to explain, "You are correct, the disease be passed from wounds and it is better to receive the cure here while I can care for you. It be only a matter of time before you be sickened. I believe you all will survive the cure. When death has occurred, the patient be too weak, too old or too near death. You all are none of these things ... the cure will do you well."
Morgrym senses that she is being honest.
Hegga continues, "I know I haven't answered all your questions. I will answer more a little later. The time has passed for afternoon tea. It's almost time for supper. We'll have to combine them, I suppose, so we can be ready for evening dinner later on." She turns to Urist and asks, "Do you think you'll be fit enough for supper? I wouldn't advise drinking tea with the cure. They tend not to mix well. Could make you sick to your stomach!"
She then retreats to her house where the rattling of cups and dishes can be heard.
Urist - AC 17, HP 25/25 - Spells - Carl d20+13=15 ; d4=3 ; d20+9=16 ; Saturday January 7th, 2012 8:34:40 AM
OOC: Ignore the D4...misclicked.
***
"This is unarguably worse that the disease," is what Urist would have said if he wasn't so intent on keeping things from exiting his mouth.
He grabs the bucket, stares intently into it, and decides the he, no matter what, will not be filling it up. He tastes the bile in the back of his throat, but just barely manages to swallow it back down (2nd save - 16).
He stands to his feet and places the bucket back on the ground. "Seems that won't be necessary, but I'll take the rest of that water and any more you've got on hand. Give me some time and I'll be fine enough for supper, or at least fine enough to join the conversation."
He turns to his companions. He doesn't say a word, but the message in his eyes is unmistakable: "That was just as bad as it looked."
Lori Rinduff AC 18 , HP 29/29 Saturday January 7th, 2012 7:33:10 PM "So, we're not the first that you've asked for help? Am I to assume that they all perished attempting what you wish us to do?" Lori is quite angry at this revelation and with out thinking about it, she slips her hood back, and puts the hat on that she usually wears. He hands are on her thighs, but those near can tell they are there by force of will, and not just because it was comfortable.
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde Sunday January 8th, 2012 7:41:17 AM
Far less acusatory than Lori, but definitely curious Morgrym asks, " The last group? How many have tried to help you? And what exactly do you think we can do to help? Is there a place that causes this poisoning of the Wold that we can defeat or what is it we can do that you survivors cannot?" He stays near Urist. The other Dwarf has on a brave face and has managed to keep down the cure, but his expression was sheer revulsion and the wracking that went through his body, sheer pain. Morgrym isn't sure Urist is out of the woods yet.
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) Sunday January 8th, 2012 3:58:06 PM
Napalm looks to Lori with surprise. Did you think that the entire elven and human populations died off without anyone else trying to help them? This is a once in a life time adventure that could save the fate of the Wold, would you have turned down such a request even if you had been told others already failed? Please Hegga, start at the beginning. Help us to understand why your time is so different from ours. What happened that the gods took such wrath on the wold and what can we do about this disease? Looking at Urist he adds, After this cure, are we no longer susceptible to the disease?
As Hegga tells the story and serves dinner Napalm thinks about the little food he packed for the journey and asks for tips about foraging for food and how to prevent spreading the disease.
Questions he will ask include: Would meat from creatures they kill be safe to eat or contaminated? Is it spread through being bitten, or would a wound from a sword or fist to the head carry the same risk? What should they do if wounded in the future? What if something gets its blood on them or their weapons?
Seredal Hosah (Josh) Sunday January 8th, 2012 8:23:04 PM "We're never going home, are we." Seredal looks up from her notes with the beginning of tears. "We'd be carriers."
Harden AC 15/11/12 -- CMD 19 -- HP 24/37 (Zach R) Sunday January 8th, 2012 11:20:05 PM Harden begins to comment but keeps his mouth shut. After a few moments he does something unexpected and quite obviously out of character. He walks over and puts a hand on Seredal's shoulder.
"We be heroes, we figure this out, save the Wold, past, present, and future, and be home before you know it. Trust me." It's obvious the Half-Orc isn't good at giving encouragement and rarely does so. He even seems sincere, doing an odd sort of wink as he finishes. Either that or he has something in his eye.
Vortigern AC21/12/19 CMD17 38/38HP -- Jim C Monday January 9th, 2012 12:19:27 PM
Vortigern relazes a bit, confident in the fact that the people he is traveling with are of good hearts and minds.
Dwaim the Stubborn (Keith) AC: 18/12/16 HP: 28/28 CMD: 17 (+4 vs. bull rush/trip) Monday January 9th, 2012 8:22:43 PM "Well, then, like you said Seredal, I think we either find a permanent cure to cleanse this disease from the Wold, or we're stuck here forever. Remember to mention that little tidbit to us in a few days, won't you Hegga? In the meantime, I suppose we might as well eat some supper. Our choice is made, our path is set, no point in worrying about things we can't undo."
Dwaim believes that the best way to treat bad news is to keep moving through it. A busy mind doesn't dwell on despair. He offers to lend a hand to Hegga as she prepares the meal.
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde Monday January 9th, 2012 10:09:57 PM " Would you decide against coming then? If the answer is 'Yes, I wouldn't have come' then you chose wrong in coming the first time since you haven't the stuff of heroes inside you. If the answer is 'No, I would come anyway' Why does it matter if she tells us or not? A matter of semantics eh? Either way, you are here now. Make the best of it. Make your ancestors proud and give your past self something to look forward to in the future."
Seredal Hosah (Josh) Monday January 9th, 2012 10:51:57 PM
The halfling shrugs, not lifting her eyes from the ground. "I didn't come to make history but to record it. I've never claimed to be a hero; I just follow in their wake." After a pause, she swallows and looks up at the group. "So. Permanent cure. Right."
Lori Rinduff AC 18 , HP 29/29 Monday January 9th, 2012 11:40:47 PM "I came on this Jaunt, apparently through time, because I had a sort of premonition in the form of a dream, a couple days before You even appeared at the Giggling Ghost. I may be an obstinate pain in the ass, but when your chosen Deity sees fit to send a message that your talents are of use, I take the first hint, and don't wait for a more blunt nudge. I've found that waiting for a more direct indication of what is wished, tends to be rather violent. I'm also curious as to just what happened to my ancestors. Something drastic I assume to have eliminated them both, as both are, err were rather populous and hardy enough, at least in my mind." After having said that many words at once, Lori has probably used her allowance of words for the next couple days, at least. She sits where directed to, and motions Jinx to rest next to her. The very large dog collapses into a pile of flesh, bones, armor and gear, resting his head on his front paws. He's still recovering some from the trip through the tapestry.
Past and Present (DM Stephen) Tuesday January 10th, 2012 3:23:51 AM
The air is filled with not only the musky scent of rats, but also the more pleasant aroma of good home cooking. By now everyone has sat down to afternoon tea. Everyone has a cup ... Hegga insists. Except the poor Urist, who has been declined due to medical reasons. The bad taste in his mouth persists, and his stomach a little queasy, but he is beginning to notice that the fever has broken.
Hegga tries her best to answer everyone's questions between trips to her kitchen and refilling tea cups. "I didn't call for the first group that came from the past. They just showed up, much like you did, but without an invitation. Until them, the concept of time travel I believed to be impossible. There were elves among them, and orckin. Their kind had died off ages ago. I didn't know what to think of them, until they revealed themselves to us. They were completely ignorant of the plague that drove their kind into extinction. However, one of them spoke of the plague that killed off the dragons ... a deaf elf ... an oracle with the gift, a soothsayer." Hegga takes a sip and continues.
"Lori deary, these adventurers had no known reason to be here. As far as everyone knew, includin' myself, there presence here was a 'cosmic accident'. They claimed to be merely travelin' to a hamlet, and along the way, ended up here. As far as I can tell, they were quite successful in their ventures. They didn't fail, deary. In fact, there adventurin' became very well known. Then one day, they disappeared ... just as suddenly as they came. They brought to me the troll skulls that you see over there. Not to mention all that blood!"
Hegga turns to Morgrym and replies, "the Wold is completely saturated with the disease ... there is no one source, other than the 'One' who created it! After 'he' unleashed it, even the gods retreated from the Wold, leavin' us all behind to fend for ourselves. Legends say that even one of the gods perished from the plague. I don't know which one, nor do I know all their names. After the Great Betrayal, most of the temples to those gods were sacked, their libraries burned and almost all of their lore destroyed and forgotten in time. Though a few shrines still exist, they're probably not the kind you're familiar with. There is a small one in the neighboring town of Hellmarr. The sanctuary is kept by a kind of priest that revers divinity and deities. He has the largest collection of divine lore, which isnt much. Most of what I know I learned from either him or my visions."
Before Hegga can catch her breath, she listens to Napalm's question and tries to respond to his satisfaction. "No deary. It is remembered that all the noble races attempted to work together. The elves are said to have tried to organize and make use of all their accumulated knowledge. Alas their time ran out. In the end, they knew they were doomed. Their last act of savin' the Wold, they constructed the Gates ... the ones you came through to get here. If it not be for the gates, the remaining survivors couldn't have disbursed to all the far places of the Wold. Now the gates serve a new purpose ... a new hope. All those great minds didn't die in vain."
"You speak of the difference of people from this time and yours. Let me ask you what happens when a man loses his vision ... his other senses sharpen to compensate. Like the deaf oracle I spoke of. The same thing happens when a man looses his faith or his 'light'. The darkness, the void be filled with a new sight ... a new spark of divinity. A spark from within. These 'gifted' learn to seek divinity within themselves. They see the future, they can see from afar without having ever been there. Even seeing places that no longer exist."
"Why did the One take his revenge upon the Wold? I do not know. Why did the other gods flee? I can only assume they feared the plague and simply ran away leaving us all here to die. It gives me so much pride that where gods would run, WE still stand!! And as far as I be concerned ... good riddance!!"
Hegga blows her nose. She has allowed herself to get flustered. After one good snort in her handkerchief, she says, "Once the cure has taken hold, it takes hold for good. Some may need a second or third dose after several moons, but if a year goes by an the disease fails to return ... you be really cured."
Hegga sets her tea down and looks back at her kitchen. "Ahhh, just in time for supper. I'll be gettin' bowls for everyone."
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) Tuesday January 10th, 2012 3:47:34 PM
A disturbing thought crosses Napalms mind....
Lori Rinduff AC 18 , HP 29/29 Tuesday January 10th, 2012 3:54:13 PM
Lori plans on being quiet, unless something comes up that she can't let pass without getting her comments heard. She will eat some, but not a lot of the dinner that is served, not exactly sure what is being served for dinner.
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde Tuesday January 10th, 2012 4:41:26 PM " OK, I think I understand more now, Thank you. Will you be able to administer the cure to us before we are full blown diseased or do we need to get the disease first?" As he says this he eyes the caged rats. He does not relish allowing one of them to bite him, but being infected far from help and the cure is less desirable by far. " The way you describe it the only way we could stop the plague is to use your 'gates' to go to a time before the plague and keep it from happening, does that sound right?"
Harden AC 15/11/12 -- CMD 19 -- HP 24/37 (Zach R) Tuesday January 10th, 2012 6:00:20 PM Harden drinks his tea silently, and waits patiently for diner to be served.
Urist - AC 17, HP 25/25 - Spells - Carl Tuesday January 10th, 2012 11:43:25 PM
Urist silently wonders what will happen when it's time to pray to Domi. Is he now trapped in a world where his years of devotion are for naught? He's unable to think of much else, really. Though he is glad to be feeling somewhat better...
Dwaim the Stubborn (Keith) AC: 18/12/16 HP: 28/28 CMD: 17 (+4 vs. bull rush/trip) Wednesday January 11th, 2012 1:22:28 AM "Hmph! Domi would never run, no matter the danger he faced! The gods may be separated from the Wold, but I doubt it is of their own will." Dwaim constrains himself from further arguments, after all, their host has been nothing but helpful. He eats plentifully of the dinner provided.
Seredal Hosah (Josh) Wednesday January 11th, 2012 1:56:22 AM
Seredal is back to scribing, concentrating very hard on her text.
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde Wednesday January 11th, 2012 4:35:00 AM "No Dwaim, If one God stood and fought, It would be Domi the Protector. She also thought one may have died too." Morgrym is quiet as he says this. It is starting to become clear HOW overreaching this plague really is.
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) Wednesday January 11th, 2012 1:49:41 PM
Napalm looks an shock when Hegga speaks and takes a second to gather his thoughts. Hegga, your comments are really really ironic. For despising the creator of the disease so, you sound a surprising amount like his followers. I am an alchemist and a healer, and through my studies of disease I have learned much of ...this god. He thought that the gods of Wold caused weakness and indecision among the people and used his diseases get people to look within to find the true way to power and success.
When the topic turns to Domi standing up for the people Napalm cannot help but adding to the conversation. You guys need to learn your history a little better. Mar...the creator of this plague has fought against the gods in the past, and he has beaten Domi before. It was the power he got in that battle that allowed him to become god. In fact, the only god he couldn't beat at the time was Gargul. Fearing he said too much he quickly adds, In the end it was a group of heroes from the noble races that defeated him, not another god. I think if we are to proceed it would be prudent to learn more about this disease and form from the priest with the collection of divine lore.
Harden AC 15/11/12 -- CMD 19 -- HP 24/37 (Zach R) Wednesday January 11th, 2012 6:32:35 PM Harden gives Napalm a quizzical look at his comments on the gods.
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) Wednesday January 11th, 2012 7:25:34 PM What are you looking at? I was formally schooled at Maplehurst Academy, one of the best schools in the Wold. You cannot go after the wicked as a follower of Alemi without taking classes and learning something about the gods, and you cannot become a healer without learning about diseases and the god that creates them.
Say what?! (DM Stephen) Wednesday January 11th, 2012 8:07:33 PM
(sorry, fell asleep prematurely last night.)
Everyone has their bowls filled and the hardy soup Hegga serves is rather tasty, a bit unusual, but good. The conversation continues amid the slurping and the spoon grating against the bottom of pygg clay bowls. Even Urist is beginning to feel the slightest tinge of appetite. Hegga advises Urist to go ahead and have some soup.
Hegga responds to Morgrym's inquiry about their treatment. "Oh why yes. That is where the rats come in. All manner of creature can spread the disease, but rats seem to have the greatest talent at infecting others. Tomorrow, each of you will need to be scratched or bitten by my most skilled rats and have the plague passed onto you. Once the disease manifests, you will be given the cure. If the first attempt fails to give you the plague, multiple tries will need to be given. Don't worry though, I've bred my rats to be especially potent."
She continues to listen to Morgrym speak of the gates and time travel. "Deary, the gates were originally erected to be portals for travelin' great distances, not time travel. The current fact that you're here, and the last groups arrival, is not understood. What ever it might be, I believe there be other forces at work here. Things that have yet to reveal themselves!"
Hegga addresses Dwain about Domi. "Who is to say what made this, uh Domi ... to leave. I don't know. Although I wonder, which be more troublin', this Domi not being brave or something or someone takin' away a god's will. If Domi carries the mantle of Protector, as Morgrym suggests, then one thing be certain ... Domi was defeated!"
Hegga's eyes widen when Napalm speaks up. She listens intently as the cleric displays his knowledge of ancient lore. "Fascinating!! Please speak more of this. I have never heard these stories. Who were the heroes? Actual mortals stood before the One and triumphed!?" Then she pauses and her tone becomes quite serious. "Now, about comparing me to followers of the One, from anyone else, I would take that as a great insult. However, I don't believe your intent was to do me harm, therefore I will not take it as a slight on my character. I do thank you for taking the effort at not say his name in front of me, for I can tell you have not the slightest trouble at saying it. Although I will have to disagree. I don't create disease ... I cure it, along with a whole host of ailments. I like to think healing is my divine spark."
Hegga removes a miniature jewel-encrusted chest from her pocket. She then takes a tiny key on a chain from around her neck. She unlocks the tiny chest and then opens it. Suddenly a large version of the chest appears on the ground next to her. She turns back to Napalm with a smile and opens the larger chest. As she peruses through the contents, you can hear the rattle of bottles and crumple of paper, among other things. She pulls out a book and a quill and turns to an empty page and begins to take notes. Suddenly she stops as if realizing something. "I almost forgot ... we don't need any eavesdroppers." She speaks a short incantation and the ring that some of you noticed that circled the farm begins to glow slightly. "It's now safe to speak and go about our business."
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde Wednesday January 11th, 2012 8:18:04 PM "You mean normally it is not safe? Who or what listens in on you? Or does something listen Woldwide awaiting a specific word or phrase? Does the One who created the plague still walk the Wold, or did he ever? Would he be able to lift the plague from the Wold then, do you suppose?" Morgrym sits back and listens to what Hegga has to say, and to the stories told by Napalm. Apparently they are quite lucky to have such a scholar of the Wold's divine among them on this mission.
Harden AC 15/11/12 -- CMD 19 -- HP 24/37 (Zach R) Wednesday January 11th, 2012 8:55:26 PM Harden looks back to Napalm. "I think you have the wrong idea. I'm not mad... I'm actually quite impressed."
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) Wednesday January 11th, 2012 9:05:05 PM
Napalms heart stops...from anyone else, I would take that as a great insult. How much does the witch suspect about Napalm? Does she suspect him to be a follower of Mareatus and is that why she wouldn't take it to be an insult coming from him. Quickly he tries to smooth things over. I didn't mean it like that. I was referring to your faith in the inner strength of the people here and their not needing to rely on a god in times of need. He decides to leave his comments at that.
Napalm tenses up once again as Hegga activates the circle around the farm, not so much because he is worried about the spell as because he is going to have a hard time explaining why he knows more about Mareatus that Alemi and the other gods.
I'll tell you what I know, but remember that I am not a religious scholar. Like you, I am a healer, and the stories I was taught were those thought relevant to my craft. Before I tell you what I know, what did you mean just then about eavesdroppers, and why must these stories be so protected?
Urist - AC 17, HP 25/25 - Spells - Carl Wednesday January 11th, 2012 9:24:27 PM
ooc: This week has absolutely blown up in my face. Landlord disputes, mortgage talks, public speaking appearances, meetings with the fine folks at social security...it's a real nightmare, fellow Woldians. My posts will need to be short until I get through this.
***
Urist instinctively bristles at Napalm's words, but truth is truth. "He isn't known as Domi the unstoppable or Domi the Undefeated, he's Domi the Protector. Hegga speaks the truth, though. If Domi's no longer in this world, then he was defeated.
"Hegga, perhaps you can explain to me why all gods are held in such low regards here..."
Lori Rinduff AC 18 , HP 29/29 Thursday January 12th, 2012 1:33:38 PM
Lori decides not to mention whom it is she has faith in, even though she's not a very devout follower, she knows somewhere he is most likely still out there. She listens in as the rest discuss their points of view.
Dwaim the Stubborn (Keith) AC: 18/12/16 HP: 28/28 CMD: 17 (+4 vs. bull rush/trip) Thursday January 12th, 2012 6:47:35 PM
Visibly troubled by Domi's apparent fate, Dwaim sits back and listens to the conversation, only interjecting near the end. "I too would like to know what we have to beware of eavesdropping on us, trolls don't strike me as the sneaky types. This Wold's theology is strange, I look forward to visiting the shrine in Hellmarr after we receive the cure."
Harden AC 15/11/12 -- CMD 19 -- HP 24/37 (Zach R) Thursday January 12th, 2012 7:48:13 PM Harden keeps his ear open and his mouth shut. He has found that is the best way learn.
Vortigern AC21/12/19 CMD17 38/38HP -- Jim C Thursday January 12th, 2012 10:05:19 PM
He wasn't sure when it happened, but he was somewhere else, and there was this strange buzzing sound in the background.
Vortigern has drifted off to sleep.
Peace and carrots (DM Stephen) Friday January 13th, 2012 2:12:06 AM
Hegga steps over to to Napalm and places her hand on his shoulder. "No need to be alarmed. You are safe here. The eavesdroppers I mention are the ones I spoke of ... the gifted, the ones with a spark of divinity ... the Powers that be and the Powers that will be. I am sensitive to prying eyes, scryers, viewers from afar. My magical ward blinds these peepers of my farm and diverts their vision to a different location. We are safe here." She hopes this also answers Dwaim's question.
Then Urist asks a question that she has been trying to answer for the past few hours. However, she realizes that he hasn't been in the best shape to listen during that time. "Long story made short, deary. The god of disease set a great plague upon the Wold. The other gods failed to stop him and they ALL retreated from the Wold and have not returned. They abandoned us with a plague that nearly led to all our extinction. Need any other reasons?"
She turns back to Napalm, "I didn't mean to alarm you ... hee hee, you should have seen your face."
Returning to her empty cooking pot she comments, "I think I will start another stew for evening dinner. You all must be tired from your journey. Feel free to bed down for the night. I will keep it simmering for 1st breakfast in the morning.
The rest of the evening stays somewhat peaceful. Only the sounds of nature, the crackle of the fire, and Hegga chopping carrots in her kitchen. Even the rats have calmed down with their bellies filled with whatever mishmash Hegga feeds them. Eventually, everyone goes to sleep and its a peaceful night.
The next morning as the sun rises, the rats begin to stir in their cages. Hegga remains asleep in her rocking chair on the front porch. Her pipe still clutched in her teeth.
Urist - AC 17, HP 25/25 - Spells - Carl d20+11=22 ; Friday January 13th, 2012 12:54:56 PM
Urist can only shake his head. Domi abandoning the people of the Wold to flee from disease? That absolutely could not be. He's unsure if Hegga is hiding anything (sense motive: 22), or if their lore is mistaken...or maybe Domi really did abandon the Wold.
Having spent decades in service to Domi, Urist will be damned if he'll accept this as truth based on here say. Domi has enough admirers, if not followers, in his group to warrant them finding the whole truth.
That evening, he will pray to Domi for his spells as he always does. He does his best not to let doubt get to him.
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde Friday January 13th, 2012 4:09:08 PM
With his armor already removed and cleaned, and his weapon cleaned as well, Morgrym goes to his pack and gets out his blankets. Using his pack as a pillow he gets a good night's sleep, taking Hegga at her word that they are safe here. Once cured he wants to find out more about these gem sockets that the people here set in their armor. He knows he could make them, once he understands how they work.
Lori Rinduff AC 18 , HP 29/29 Friday January 13th, 2012 5:57:55 PM
Lori follows suit and pulls some gear off Jinx and goes about setting up a 2 person tent. She helps Jinx get out of his armor and the pack attached to his back. She then unrolls a bedroll and then gos to sleep. She plans on getting up early, and getting stuff packed away, and being ready to go, after surviving the "CURE".
Harden AC 15/11/12 -- CMD 19 -- HP 24/37 (Zach R) Friday January 13th, 2012 8:16:05 PM
Harden waits to see what is going to try and kill them first, the rats or the cure.
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) Saturday January 14th, 2012 12:30:22 AM
Napalm is glad when everyone goes to bed and at midnight begins praying to Marteaus, not just for his daily spells, but also for a sign as to the god's will and some insight into the events of the past. Where are his fellow clergy? As far as Napalm had been taught, Marteaus diseases were not designed to kill outright, but rather to help people find his Great Need. How were the people to do this without guidance from the god or his followers? From time to time he wonders if Marteaus would even want him to aid in curing the Wold of this disease, but he remembers that although his god didn't heal people, even Marteaus cured diseases to the person the chance to slowly return to their normal health. Could it be that the Wold and even the gods had been purged and tested and now it was time for them to rebuild?
On the other hand, if the stories of Marteaus Revenge were true, what was the revenge for and what did the Marteaus wish for Napalm to do? Did the people need to repent for some forgotten crime against the gods, or perhaps there was something more. Marteaus and his fellow carriers placed great value on planning and manipulation. Perhaps there was something more. How many of his brothers took on the guise as a shepherd of Alemi to help their subjects to a clarity of purpose, and had he not already fallen into the role of claiming to be a healer and follower of Alemi. Was he to help the people find their purpose.
Once again he prays silently for a sign or a vision as to the gods will.
Peace and carrots (DM Stephen) Monday January 16th, 2012 1:48:20 AM
Urist senses that whatever she says, no matter how outrageous, she at least believes it. It may not be the truth for you, but it is to her. You pray for your spells, and at first you find it extremely difficult. You just don't feel that connection you once did. In fact, at first you feel nothing at all. You struggle and stain for that bond. Then, the tiniest inkling of a sensation. Like a faint echo carried on the wind from afar. A tenuous connection at best, but you feel your power restored. Although an aspect of the link felt unfamiliar.
The rest of you experience a similar situation when you attempt to pray.
As you all begin to rise and stretch off the mornings slumber, Hegga is still fast asleep in her rocking chair. Her pipe still clutched in her teeth. Then you hear someone approaching from behind one of the distant rat coop. It's Hegga carrying a small cage of rats and walking towards the party. "Good morning, dearies," she says with exuberance! You all look at the sleeping Hegga, then the awake Hegga, then back again! He notices your surprise and she starts to giggle. As she approaches, she looks at her sleeping self and snaps her finger. The sleeping Hegga crumples to the floor and collapses into a scattered pile of random items: a stuffed sack, a broom, a pumpkin and a small cooking pot.
She giggles a little more and explains, "I be gatherin' a few things early this morn, didn't want to alarm you with my absence. Brought my prize rats, you wont be needin' multiple scratches or bites with these." One of the tiny rats hisss menacingly. "I guess we better get started. Best before breakfast. An empty stomach will be a blessing after the cure. Who first?"
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde Monday January 16th, 2012 5:27:29 AM
Morgrym had already thought this over. Better a controlled case of the disease than a raging case out where no one could help him. Standing up he says" Me, I'll get the disease and get this cure done with." He rolls up his sleeves and prepares for the trial to come.
Harden AC 15/11/12 -- CMD 19 -- HP 24/37 (Zach R) Monday January 16th, 2012 7:42:50 AM Harden walks over and holds out an arm for the cure to be administered.
Lori Rinduff AC 18 , HP 29/29 Monday January 16th, 2012 12:34:38 PM
Lori having packed up when she awoke earlier, is quite surprised when whom she assumed was Hegga turns to various items and falls to pieces. "I'll take this CURE whenever you get around to me. I'm not in a hurry, but neither am I trying to avoid taking it. I understand it's a necessity." While she's waiting she readies Jinx for the day by gearing him back up, to which he gives her a slobbering kiss as she's securing his barding. She gives him a hug around the neck and waits once finished.
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) Monday January 16th, 2012 2:29:40 PM
Napalm is somewhat disappointed when he doesn't get a clear message from Mareatus, but as his spells are recharged he knows he still has a connection with the god. Silently he thinks to himself, I suppose the only way to figure out his will is to investigate further. When Hegga returns with the rats Napalm offers to go first, not wanting the others to think he might be scared of the treatment.
Seredal Hosah (Josh) Monday January 16th, 2012 4:36:30 PM
Seredal is...not thrilled. She'll wait until the end.
Urist - AC 17, HP 25/25 - Spells - Carl d20+4=17 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=9 ; Monday January 16th, 2012 8:06:04 PM
For the first time, Urist is glad he had to take the cure already. He does his best to put on a happy face to show that they'll all get past it relatively quickly.
When they get a moment of peace, he makes his way to the other divine casters in the group.
"Anyone else feel something different when they prayed last? My connection to Domi was...off some how, but I'm not sure if I can say how."
"Was that even Domi," he thinks silently to himself. "Is it possible for other gods to step up and restore another cleric's power like that? (Knowledge religion: 17).
He'll spend his morning doing what he can to make those who take the cure comfortable...
OOC: Several heal checks incoming to help with the symptoms of the cure:
12, 25, 20, 23, 9
Dwaim the Stubborn (Keith) AC: 18/12/16 HP: 28/28 CMD: 17 (+4 vs. bull rush/trip) d20+7=25 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=24 ; Monday January 16th, 2012 11:26:24 PM
Dwaim rises with the sun, he gathers himself with some trepidation and says his morning prayers, fearful that he might not get a response. His relief at the response is tempered heavily by the strangeness of it. When Urist asks, he responds: "It felt very.... odd... like Domi was barely there, perhaps he was gravely wounded defending the Wold, left clinging to life by his battle with the master of disease."
Putting his doubts to the back of his mind, he grits his teeth and prepares for the disease/cure to be administered. He follows Urist's instructions, since he has intimately experienced the cure and helps to tend the symptoms of the disease.
----------------------- Heal Checks (aid another for Urist): 25, 21, 10, 20, 19 Fortitude save(s) for cure if necessary: 17, 24
This cure bites! (DM Stephen) Tuesday January 17th, 2012 12:11:35 AM
(short and sweet tonight, brain has shut down for the evening)
Everyone except Urist submits to the bite of the squirmy, hissing rat. Hegga kindly asks Urist not to interfere with the process by attempting to treat the wounds. "The disease must present itself immediately or the rat will have to continue inflicting wounds until fever sets in."
(It doesn't matter if you save against the rat's bite. In fact, you should hope you fail because Hegga is going to administer bites until the disease manifests itself with fever. Those with high Fort saves may require many bites until you fail. This is more of less a Take 20 for failure :)
Some of you immediately feel the fatigue set in and the fever soon follows. Others require multiple wounds before their stout natures fail to resist. Several of you take pride in this painful fact. Then you all find a nice and restful spot and each of you are given a corked gourd that sloshes with a syrupy liquid. Hegga tells you all the same instructions she told Urist the day before.
The three taurs turn away for not wanting to watch.
(You each take the Cure potion. Everyone make a single Fort save with a +4 bonus. Dwain's fort check has been noted, so you dont have to.)
One last thing ... (DM Stephen) Tuesday January 17th, 2012 12:25:52 AM
I forgot to mention ...
Urist doesn't recall any incidences where a deity intervened to provide divine power to followers of another god. It's always been the cleric that solicited the favor of a particular god. In fact, there are many clerics known in history to worship multiple gods. This was definitely a unique experience.
Harden AC 15/11/12 -- CMD 19 -- HP 24/37 (Zach R) d20+8=17 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2012 12:58:19 AM Harden finds a nice shade tree to sit under as he drinks the not so tasty liquid. He is a little quesy buy tries to show no emotion as the fever of the disease wracks his body.
Fort Save: 17
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) d20+13=29 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2012 3:43:34 PM
Napalm holds his arm out for the rat to bite, but nothing seems to happen. After a few minutes he holds his hand out again, but to no effect. It seems the healer and cleric of disease has a high tolerance for such infections. It isn't until his arm is covered in bite marks that the disease takes hold and the fever begins. As he waits for the cure to be brought to him Napalm puts his prayers to good use and casts his the guidance and resistance cantrips before downing the foul tasting cure. Fortunately the halfling proves himself to have an iron stomach and avoids any further nausea.
Fort Save: 29!!!
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde d20+6=10 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2012 5:12:23 PM
Morgrym requires several bites before the infection takes him, but when it does it hits hard. Not wearing any of his gear save for normal clothes he takes the offered cure potion and drinks it with a groan. EGADS the stuff is horrible!! He holds the vile liquid inside him as long as he can but the sickening effects of the cure win out. He staggers off to the edge of the swamp and empties his stomach of the contents of last nights dinner. Once he thinks it is all out of him he finds that the nausea has not finished yet and he retches and gags several more times. Finally, weak and wracked by spasms and cramping he crawls back to the hut. He curls up in his blankets and silently prays for the cure to work, he cannot endure doing this again.
Seredal Hosah (Josh) d20+9=23 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2012 6:17:29 PM
Seredal takes the flask and begins chanting the words to the ballad Fallen to Dust, which upon further reflection was probably not the best choice for psyching herself up. Strangely, it seems to work; after the initial bucketful of spewage, she did seem to feel better...so far. She looks around at her fellow sufferers, trying to think of the right thing to say to get them through the travail.
------------ (Start Bardic Performance, Inspire Courage Fort save = 23 Casting Saving Finale on Morgrym if possible; if not, on the next sufferer that rolled a 6 or less on their d20. The bad thing about that spell is there's almost no in-character way to describe that.)
Lori Rinduff AC 18 , HP 29/29 d20+3=5 ; d20+3=15 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2012 7:18:24 PM
Lori gets bitten and succumbs on the first bite, unlike some of her companions. She drinks the vile stuff and proceeds to vomit it right straight back out, egads that's some nasty stuff. She feels ill and wishes that her stomach was in someone else right about now. She curls up next to Jinx and just lays there moaning and groaning.
First roll was to become sickened (forgot to add +4) Second roll 15
Dwaim the Stubborn (Keith) AC: 18/12/16 HP: 28/28 CMD: 17 (+4 vs. bull rush/trip) Tuesday January 17th, 2012 11:54:23 PM
Although his arm is pocked with several bites, Dwaim finally succumbs to the fever, joining his companions in their misery. He swallows the foul concoction and is glad that he is able to eject it from his system immediately. Washing his mouth with water, he puts on his best stoic face and lies down in one of the dark corners, somewhat ashamed of his inability to contain the extreme discomfort he's in.
Morning Sickness (DM Stephen) Wednesday January 18th, 2012 12:32:59 AM
You all eventually feel the fever come on and find a comfortable place to take your cure potion. You all experience the same distasteful and horrific experience that Urist had to endure. Hegga walks about checking on each of you, with a cool compress against your sweating brows. Once the worst is over, she retreats to her house and begins to start preparing breakfast.
As you each lay there, you all eventually begin to notice that your fever appears to be broken. Hegga makes her rounds again, this time with a bucket of cool, clean drinking water and a ladle. She offers you each a drink of water. She explains that you are all cured, for now! However, she warns that while some of you may be cured permanently, others of you might only put their disease into dormancy.
"You all should return within six to eight moons and be examined. You might require a second dose. This disease is quite formidable and persistent, as you may imagine."
Then suddenly Hegga holds her head in what looks to be pain! After a short moment, she regains her wits and looks around startled. "What just happened," she utters? As she looks around taking account of everything, she notices something is wrong. "Where is your humankin ... Vortigern?" She hurries over to where he was resting. You all may decide to do the same. His bedroll and pack and some of his gear remains, however Vortigern is nowhere in sight. The gourd that contained his cure potion is also gone. A beautifully ornate gavel rest upon the ground where he had been. Hegga reaches for it and it fades away when her hand becomes close enough to touch it.
"Dearies .... did you just see that? Does that mallet mean anything to you?"
(Knowledge (religion) check DC 5, simple)
(ooc: Jim Chalder (Vortigern) needed to leave from the game because of time restrains and other commitments. He is more than welcome to return at anytime. For now, other 'entities' have need of him.)
Urist - AC 17, HP 25/25 - Spells - Carl Wednesday January 18th, 2012 7:33:34 AM
ooc: Heal checks were to comfort those who took the cure, not to help fight the disease.
"Aye. I saw it Hegga, and I'm pretty sure I know what it means..."(Urist can't fail a DC5 religion check)
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde Wednesday January 18th, 2012 5:31:45 PM " To me it means the gods ain't all dead or fled. Pantheon called the paladin to his side, and left a token behind for all of us to see that he still interacts with the Wold. That's how I see it anyways." "Now that we have been cured and washed the taste of death from our mouths, let us eat your breakfast and see if there are any more questions. Then I would like to see this nearby town. I am keen to see their forge and how they make those socketed armors. Very keen indeed." Morgrym then retires back to the hut where he begins putting on his armor. As he does so he makes sure that each piece is still clean and not affected by the elements. When breakfast is served he eats and then looks forward to being shown this town.
Seredal Hosah (Josh) Wednesday January 18th, 2012 6:04:46 PM
Seredal writes the event and the impression in her journal, and follows.
Dwaim the Stubborn (Keith) AC: 18/12/16 HP: 28/28 CMD: 17 (+4 vs. bull rush/trip) Wednesday January 18th, 2012 6:16:23 PM "Yeah, but Pantheon when? This time travel stuff makes my head hurt, and this disease doesn't help." Dwaim goes back to his breakfast, holding his head. Later, when done with breakfast he states that he's headed to town. "Well, I'd also like to head to Hellmar and see this shrine."
Morning Beans (DM Stephen) Thursday January 19th, 2012 12:35:54 AM
"Bah," fusses Hegga, "More like a thief stealing my cure!" She stomps back toward her house, mumbling the entire way. "Nooo, couldn't come askin' for my cure ... heavens no! Leaves a simple glamour behind ... not impressed ... no, no, NOT impressed!" With a 'SLAM' of her door, she retreats to her small house to sulk.
She calls out from the darkness of her window, "Breakfast is in the pot. Eat up and best be on your way!" There is a bubbling pot of beans on the fire with a collection of bowls and spoons on the table next to it. "Ohh, don't forget ... be back in six moons."
Ebeneezer doesn't waste time grabbing a bowl. He looks back at the group and shrugs. "You heard her. Lets eat breakfast and be on our way to Hellmar."
Ibraham whispers to Vgodd, "what happened to da humankin?!" He answers, "don't know! i think he be hammered into nothingness by one of the powers!" Ibraham shudders at the idea.
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) Thursday January 19th, 2012 2:53:59 PM
Napalm thanks Hegga for her hospitality. Thank you, we will see you again before six moons. Is there anything you would like us to tell the guy at the shrine or that you would like us to look up for you?
(David Feest) Morgrym Gorechylde Thursday January 19th, 2012 4:58:25 PM
After eating his beans, Morgrym is ready to go to town. He will almost immediately head to the smithy unless someone or something else demands his attention.
Harden AC 15/11/12 -- CMD 19 -- HP 24/37 (Zach R) Thursday January 19th, 2012 6:43:47 PM Harden, never one to turn down a hot meal, eats before preparing to be off on his way.
Seredal Hosah (Josh) Thursday January 19th, 2012 8:14:44 PM
Seredal might not be a hero, but she's sometimes starved like the ones she's followed, and no one's going to be hunting plagued animals on the trail. She digs in.
Dwaim the Stubborn (Keith) AC: 18/12/16 HP: 28/28 CMD: 17 (+4 vs. bull rush/trip) Thursday January 19th, 2012 8:55:11 PM "My thanks for the hospitality and the cure Hegga. Trusting we live that long, we'll be back before six moons have turned." Dwaim gathers his belongings and sets off on the trail to Hellmar. He plans to visit the shrine first when they get there.
Urist - AC 17, HP 25/25 - Spells - Carl Thursday January 19th, 2012 8:57:39 PM
Urist eats his fair share of beans before hefting his pack and heading off with the party. Mindful of Hegga's beliefs, he offers a silent prayer to Domi for her well-being.
Highway to Hellmar (DM Stephen) Friday January 20th, 2012 1:05:51 AM
Hegga calls out again from her window, "Yes ... do not forget, Six moons!! And your welcome. Good day!"
After a nights rest and four meals, you all feel strong, full and well rested. The trip to Hellmar should be a breeze. The road is well traveled. Many sets of tracks and wheel ruts. There are many turn offs and adjoining trails along the way. "Ahh, I'd say we just over 5000 paces from town. Be there in time for a late lunch," claims Ebeneezer. The other two nod in agreement.
Napalm AC 22/15/18 HP 24/24 (James D) Friday January 20th, 2012 11:29:17 AM
As they approach the town Napalm turns to the groups guides. Before we get there, can you tell us more about Hellmar? Who leads the people, who we should avoid or not trust, and the best place for a good meal and a stiff drink?
Harden AC 15/11/12 -- CMD 19 -- HP 24/37 (Zach R) d20+8=28 ; Friday January 20th, 2012 4:31:47 PM Harden keeps his eyes peeled for something. He has a weird sense of impending doom. He doubts there is anything to worry about this close to Hellmar, but then again, you just never know.
Perception: 28 (Natural 20)
Lori Rinduff AC 18 , HP 29/29 d20+9=25 ; Friday January 20th, 2012 7:33:05 PM
Lori is feeling much better in the morning and after getting herself and Jinx ready to travel, she once again pulls her hood up over her head, hiding her face and ears from casual looks. "With a name like Hellmar, this town we are heading to doesn't sound all that inviting to me. Does this place have a weapon shop? I'd like to replace the dart I threw at that rat in the water, I hate being down numbers of weapons I use. It could come down to that very last one in a pinch." She keeps he eyes and ears peeled for anything that might be a threat as the group travels.
Perception 25
Seredal Hosah (Josh) Friday January 20th, 2012 10:56:33 PM "This road seems well-traveled, for a world with a depleted populace...?"
Urist - AC 17, HP 25/25 - Spells - Carl Saturday January 21st, 2012 8:19:59 AM
Urist nods at Lori's comments. "Aye, who decided to name the place Hellmar, anyway?"
Fully recovered, Urist hangs back as the group continues on. If possible, he'll take rear-guard position so he can keep an eye on everyone.
Harden AC 15/11/12 -- CMD 19 -- HP 24/37 (Zach R) d20+8=13 ; Monday January 23rd, 2012 4:02:00 PM Harden continues trudging along keeping his eyes peeled as they head towards Hellmar.
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