DM Carl Monday January 7th, 2013 8:27:30 AM
It's immediately apparent that today is going to be a good day. The sun has just fully risen over the horizon. There's just the slightest chill in the air, indicating it will warm up nicely without being too stiflingly hot. Best of all, the Vanguard have nothing they need to do today.
Oh, they're heroes and no doubt can keep themselves busy, but whatever they do today is by their choice. Perhaps some are sleeping in, perhaps those more disciplined are already up and moving. Perhaps Emrys can finish his book today. Perhaps Grell can sneak in an extra training session at the WLA. Wilma's knitting was coming along fabulously; maybe she could finish today if she stuck to it. These are the kinds of thoughts flitting about when there's a knock on the front door.
It's a little early for visitors, but the knocking is insistent. It is not a dull pounding; no, it's a pleasant rapping that will continue until someone decides to see who's come calling.
Outside is an attractive woman with flowing brown curls. She's older, but not old. Late 40's maybe...early 50's tops. She's a bit rounder from living well, but by no means heavy. Her smile is genuinely kind. She wears a flowing scalloped dress of maroon and black cotton with lacy accents. It's a bit much, but you are living in the Nightmare Quarter. To her credit, she pulls it off.
As the doors open, the scents of cinnamon and nutmeg come wafting in. She immediately holds out her hand, looks her greeter straight in the eyes & speaks, "Morning, neighbor! Eleanor Goode. Pleased as punch to make your acquaintance!"
It is far too early for such exuberance, yet there it is. Her eyes immediately start flitting around your home through the door way, taking in the decor. A small frown appears as she notes the lack of a rug in the foyer.
Just as quickly, her eyes are back on her greeter. She says nothing, but the message they convey is clear:
"Aren't you going to invite me in?"
***
OK folks! Let's get this party started. I need to know which one of you lovely people would likely have opened the door. First volunteer wins. As for the rest of you, RP away.
You haven't officially met your neighbor, but maybe you're heard of her? A DC15 knowledge, local check says you have.
Emrys d20+12=32 ; d20+12=21 ; Monday January 7th, 2013 10:08:51 AM
(Diplomacy: 32. Knowledge [Local]: 21)
From the kitchen, Emrys hears the rapping at the front door. When he answers the door, he recognizes her immediately. "Oh my, Mrs. Goode, so glad to finally meet you. Why of course, come in, come in." As he leads her to the parlor, Emrys continues, "Please sit, make yourself at home. Would you please excuse me, I have an herbal breakfast tea brewing in the kitchen. Would you like to enjoy a cup or two with me?"
Emrys returns with a serving tray with two cups and saucers and a steaming tea pot. "Please pardon me, I have yet to bake biscuits this morning. I've just returned from my morning constitutional. I often go for a walk during twilight. I do enjoy to watch the sunrise." As he pours two cups of tea and offers her the first cup. "So, it's a delight to finally meet you. What brings you to grace our door?"
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Thessa emerges from her room. For days, she's hibernated, appearing only infrequently for food or to disappear out the door for a walk, returning late at night. She had never experienced anything like the horrors she had seen inside Lasher Castle - never felt the stress of fighting for her very life, and the lives of her companions. For days, she's isolated herself to meditate and come to terms with it. Finally, last night she felt as though she had ruminated enough and was ready to face the world again. After a long restful night (the first in days) she rose early and resumed her normal routine.
An hour later, as she leaves her room, she glances over at her bowyer's tools that had remained untouched throughout her "sabbatical". Promising herself that she would find time to finish her new project, she closes the door behind her and makes her way downstairs.
Thessa hears voices from the parlor and peaks her head in. Seeing Emrys talking with someone, she politely smiles and waves to them both.
"Good morning, Emrys. I don't mean to interrupt, but I'm going out to the market for some fresh fruits and cheeses for breakfast. Would you and your guest like something?"
As the guest turns her head, Thessa recognizes Mrs Goode by description and occasional glance through the neighborhood.
"Ah, Mrs Goode! I'm Thessa Duirsar," Thessa bows slightly in elven fashion, "it is a sincere pleasure to formally meet you."
Thessa tries to gauge the reception to determine if this is serious private conversation or a casual chat. [Sense Motive: 1]
Sensing that Emrys and Eleanor aren't talking about anything all that important and completely happy to share their company with her, she pulls up a seat. "What a beautiful dress! The lace is a nice touch too. Where did you find it? I haven't found a store I really like yet. Perhaps you have some recommendations?"
Thessa continues to pleasantly prattle on, derailing the conversation, until interrupted. [OOC: Curse you, low wisdom!]
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 d20+4=20 ; Monday January 7th, 2013 4:26:43 PM
Wilma was up relatively early for two distinctly different reasons: her sunrise meditation and prayers to Gargul...and her hope to catch Emrys in the kitchen before he started on another round of potions. The first was a daily routine as a cleric for the deity of life and death, and the second was purely mercenary because--while Wilma could knit reasonably well--she couldn't cook anything remotely edible, and at least Emrys knew how to make toast that wasn't burned.
However, Emrys wasn't in the kitchen when she came down the back stairway. Odd--from the looks of things, his usual set-up was in place for the brewing of more potions was in place. Even his owl was there, apparently looking through a book that was open on the work table.
"Gestalt...where's Emrys...?" the young cleric asked automatically. The avian turned its head almost completely around in that strange way that owls have, blinked at her with huge eyes and then nodded in the direction of the south wall. Wilma berated herself for expecting the animal to speak...Gestalt was only recently partnered with Emrys, and didn't have the ability to speak Common like her mother's pesky pseudodragon.
Still, the owl gave a short hoot, nodded south once more and then returned to perusing its book.
"Ooookay," Wilma acknowledged, sidling over to the door that led to the hallway, "I'll just go see. Thanks..!"
Exiting the kitchen, Wilma checked the breakfast room and then the library with no luck. She did, however, hear voices coming from the parlor, so she opened the double doors leading into the space and saw Emrys and Thessa...and a complete stranger.
"Please pardon the interruption!" Wilma said politely, waiting for introductions to be made. When Emrys did so, the young priestess held out a hand and a friendly smile to the woman, recognizing the name from her recent attempts to scour the local shops for a suitable rug for the foyer. The redhead perched upon a seat nearby and listened to the conversation as it continued to unfold.
Ariach AC 24(29)/14/19 ; HP 59/59 d20+5=20 ; Monday January 7th, 2013 7:17:43 PM
Already on his way to the kitchen Ariach hears the dull throbbing. Of course it was only a matter of time when Grell would resume his training again.
Ariach himself was not an early riser but the codex commands to start the day with the first sunbeams. So he had been awake for some time. He had already oiled his armor and his sword and also had completed light combat exercises with his new shield. After that he had devoted his personal hygiene and of course he had once again cut himself while shaving. Because of the partly paralysis of the left side of his face this happens from time to time..
Now he is in the kitchen looking around for food as he hears some voices.
After the events in Lasher Castle he had not seen his friends for a while, because everyone seemed to come to terms with the event otherwise.
Therefore he is pleased as he recognizes the voices of Emry, Wilma and Thessa.
When he enters the room he sees his friends. In addition he sees another woman who he identifies as Eleanor Goode.
"Good morning my friends."
"Lady Goode, nice to meet you. Ariach Gatelatch-at your service."
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+2=19 ; Monday January 7th, 2013 9:05:50 PM
Tuck descends from his room, pulling on a shirt as he goes. Following the sounds of conversation to the parlor, he stifles a yawn. He stops in the door and blinks the sleep away.
He recognizes their guest and gives her a polite nod as he enters to take a seat with the others. "What's all the hubbub, Bub?"
(Knowledge Local 19)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 d20+4=8 ; Monday January 7th, 2013 9:32:33 PM
Having slept soundly for the first time since the forray into Lasher Castle, Vaniime makes her way down stairs and into the kitchen hoping to find that there was a bit of hot water laeft fro a quick cup of tea, when she hears the voices of her friends and one other in the parlor.
Seeing that the pot is missing Van grabs a cup and heads in to join the party.
Stepping in she heads toward the pot of tea and then stops as she comes face to face with the stranger.
" Hi. I do not believe we have met. I am Vaniime Elmiire Claudia Nightseer. You are ....?"
Grell Monday January 7th, 2013 10:33:34 PM
Having slept a little more soundly than usual, Grell wakes up at the knocking sound and decides it's probably Emrys and the owl again. He begins his morning calisthenics, beginning with bounding up and down the kitchen stairway. Since he did 12 flights yesterday, Grell decides to challenge himself to 14 flights this morning.
Once he is finished, Grell strips off his shirt and throws it onto his practcie dummie before he heads down to the kitchen to grab a quick snack. Then he can fit in a few laps around the Nightmare quarter before he starts his forms, and then it's back to the WLA... Strolling into the kitchen, Grell stumbles upon the group meeting in the kitchen. Grabbing some hard tack, he looks over at Wilma as he listens in on the chit chat. "Hey, who's the old lady?" he whispers to his sister.
OOC: I'ma a little confused where the meeting takes place, but that's cool.
Emrys Monday January 7th, 2013 11:27:17 PM
(ooc: everyone is in the parlor, not the kitchen. :)
DM Carl Tuesday January 8th, 2013 8:53:54 AM
"Ha! My reputation proceeds me." Eleanor walks inside at Emyrs' invitation and waits as he closes the door behind her. "This always was such a lovely home. It's nice to see you kids haven't let it go. Dreadful mosaic in here, though. You kids should find a rug or something."
She follows Emyrs into the parlor, her eyes taking in everything. Emyrs is about to offer her biscuits when he remembers who he's speaking to. This is Eleanor Goode, unquestionably the best baker in the Nightmare Quarter & quite possibly all of Plateau City. Offering her simple biscuits? Very unbecoming. She does graciously accept a cup of tea, waiting patiently & taking in the parlor until Emyrs returns.
She has just taken her first sip when Thessa walks in and starts gushing. "Oh sweetheart," she exclaims with just a hint of mock horror in her voice. "Haven't you been to see Lorissul? She has a lovely shop in the Trade Quarter near Flower's temple, but her real gift is getting to know her clientele and setting aside pieces she knows they'll love." She places her tea down & stands up, walking around Thessa and taking her in. "Tall, slender...you elves have such lovely figures," she says with a slight sigh. "Yes, she'll work wonders with you. We can go tomorrow if you'd like. Do wait a bit before you head out, though. I have a favor to ask." She returns to her seat and takes another sip of her tea as Wilma walks in.
Eleanor says nothing, trusting in Emyrs to introduce her properly. She returns Wilma's smile and handshake. She then turns and smiles at the approaching Ariach. "The pleasure is mine, of course. It's so good to see everyone up and active so early. I was afraid all the youngsters left in town were layabouts after the WLA sent all of our most promising youth to their more savage outposts."
They are soon joined by Tuck and Vaniime, with Emrys once again making proper introductions. Conversation is light and pleasant as Eleanor and our heroes drink their tea. Then, Grell makes an appearance. Her eyes track the sweaty, shirtless Grell as he plops down. Her eyes lingering a bit longer than they need to.
It's bad enough he's whispering when company is over; good thing she can't hear what he's saying. As the hard tack is raised to his lips, she can no longer abide. She gracefully stands, smoothing her dress as she does so. Her steps are small, neat and quick as she marches up to Grell. She strikes out with two fingers and her thumb, not unlike a raven snatching an insect from tree bark or an eyeball from a newly found carcass. She snatches the hard tack from him & places it down on her saucer.
"Goodness me, is this what you call breakfast? This won't do at all." She hands the saucer with hard tack & empty tea cut to Tuck. "Be a dear, won't you, Tuck?" Her voice lilts at the end indicating it's a question, but she doesn't wait for an answer.
"This is all of you, yes? Excellent. Go clean yourself up & cover up, young man. You'll all be joining me for breakfast next door. I do have a tiny favor to ask, but Eleanor Goode does not ask favors from strangers. Oh, and do bring your adventuring equipment. I wish to be seen walking with Plateau City's newest adventuring company."
Eleanor Goode sits & waits for the Vanguard to prepare.
***
OOC: In the interest of not bombarding you with a bunch of info, I'll be meting out tidbits over the next few days. Here's my philosophy on when I post as a DM:
If it's been 24 hours, I'm free to go while your character sits & stares. I'll work with ya if something came up, sometimes I'll even give you two combat rounds in one post if there's a good reason you missed, but I will never, ever hold the game up.
If it's been less than 24 hours but you've all posted, I'm free to go.
Weekend posting is always optional.
Thessa Tuesday January 8th, 2013 4:08:51 PM
Thessa rises, filing away the name of her new contact in the Trade Quarter for another time. She had expected a nice relaxing morning today, but she was curious to find out what Eleanor's request could be of an entire adventuring group.
She makes a quick trip to her room, donning her weapon belt, quiver and pack and pulling on her walking boots. She picks up her bow from its perch next to her bed, examines the bowstring for damage, makes a few test pulls and nods in acceptance as she slides it into her quiver. She slides two wands into either side of her belt and hustles out the door. She had started down the stairs before she realized she hadn't closed her door..
She stops for a moment, utters a word, points toward her door and hears it close with a satisfying thud [ Mage Hand ]. She then makes her way downstairs to join the rest of her gathering companions.
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 Tuesday January 8th, 2013 5:47:34 PM
"A little bossy, eh?" Tuck mutters under his breath as he takes the cup and saucer back to the kitchen. He deposits it on the counter and hurries upstairs to collect his things. "I thought I'd had the last of that when I left the Academy."
Although he seems perturbed by their guest, he quickly dresses and gathers his weapons and haversack. In but a few minutes his is ready to go, awaiting the others by the front door.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 59/59 Tuesday January 8th, 2013 6:18:21 PM
A little surprised by Eleanor's concern Ariach makes his way to his room.
How strange that all of his friends have immediately complied to the demands of Mrs. Goode. He himself is currently in his room and follows her orders. He attributes this fact to the fact that he and his friends are grateful for any distraction.
Donning his armor takes a few minutes. He sticks his short sword in its sheath and push dagger and flail in his belt. He puts on his helmet and then grabs his new shield. With this huge shield, it should be possible for him to protect his friends better.
To protect his friends was his main task. This he swore solemnly while the ceremony in the temple of Domi where he was appointed protector.
Finally he grabs his backpack and sets out on the way down where the others were waiting for him certainly.
Emrys d20+12=25 ; d20+14=34 ; Tuesday January 8th, 2013 7:10:23 PM
(Diplomacy: 25, to maintain a high level of tact, etiquette and social grace)
Emrys can't help but smile. Mrs. Goode's power of persuasion and force of will is quite formidable. "Thank you so much for your gracious invitation, Mrs. Goode. The Vanguard you want, a grateful Vanguard you shall have." Emrys gives her a short bow and a graceful flourish as he exits the parlor and climbs the stairs to his room.
Emrys quickly collects a pleasing ensemble in which to don. He drapes his shoulders with his magical elven cloak of green and intricately, gold-threaded embroidery. Emrys places the magical hat his father gave him upon his head. It immediately transforms to a silver band with molded, gold inlays of mistletoe and holly. After checking his hair in the mirror ... perfect as usual ... he then takes his darkwood lute and throws it over his shoulder. Last but not least, he grabs his walking stick and heads down the spiral stairs to the kitchen. "Gestalt, we have been invited to breakfast. We are the honored guests of Mrs. Eleanor Goode. Lets be on our best behavior." Whispering in owls ear, "She makes the finest pastries in town."
Emrys then heads for the hallway that leads to the parlor. "Mrs. Goode, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. I'm sure we'll all be ready shortly." Why they wait, he continues to make pleasant conversation. However, he studies her posture and expressions closely and tries to discern her intentions.
(Sense Motive: 34, nat. 20!)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 d20+6=19 ; Tuesday January 8th, 2013 7:43:42 PM
For some reason, something about Mrs. Goode rubs Vaniime the wrong way and leaves her with an uncomfortable sense of ...well.... unease. Taking a good loook at her as she finishes her commentary on her assorted friends and watches as they each race of to do her bidding, Van again gets that sense of ... unease.
Leaning against the wall she watches and assesses their guest for a few moments and Sense motive DC 19 while she is bossy, probably a bit of a busy body, she doesn't get the feeling that Mrs. Goode is planning anything persnicious.
Giving her a curt nod, Vaniime makes her way out of the parlor and back to her room to geer up. Within a few moments she is back down geered up and ready to go.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 d20+9=22 ; Tuesday January 8th, 2013 10:11:01 PM "Hey...who's the old lady?"
Wilma was hard-pressed not to roll her sapphire eyes at Grell's ill-concealed whisper. She hissed Mistress Goode's name in his direction and tried to keep her concentration on what their neighbor was saying. It was rather apparent to Wilma that the lady had a bit of an ulterior motive visiting the Vanguard at this hour, and this kernel of an idea appeared to be confirmed when she not only invited them to breakfast at her own house, but insisted that the group come to the meal equipped for an adventure.
OOC: Wilma is making a Sense Motive check; her result is 22.
'This is no doubt going to be one heck of a favor...' the priestess thought to herself. Since it was clear that Mistress Goode's persuasion had convinced the others to give the lady the benefit of the doubt, Wilma thought it wise to go along with the group--after all, somebody needed to be on hand in case more of Grell's "inner orc" came out during breakfast.
Grell Tuesday January 8th, 2013 10:35:16 PM
Jaw slightly ajar, Grell watches as the old lady snatches up his breakfast. He's about to object...vehemently, when Wilma drops her name...the *very* name that he's seen on that AMAZING bakery down the road. And she's offering...breakfast?!
The saliva starts to drip as Grell bounds upstairs and splashes some water on his pits. He hastily dons a clean(ish) tunic (blood stains don't count, do they??) and his armor. Grabbing up his Greatsword, he slings it across his back along with his compound longbow. He tucks Vaniime's hand made dagger in his belt where everyone can see it and then bounds back down the stairs and rejoins the others. All grins, he turns to Tuck. "You ready for some *real* food??"
DM Carl Wednesday January 9th, 2013 9:01:57 AM
The Vanguard rise to tidy themselves up. Most stop to ponder why they're obeying so readily. Except for Grell, of course; a free breakfast by a master baker beats hard tack any day.
They ponder what they're getting themselves into as they gear up. She is pushy, no doubt, but she's quite skilled in making the request seem like a trifle. Her smile is charming, her conversation skills divine. Emrys' no slouch in that department either, of course. Though both Eleanor and Emrys know better than to monopolize a conversation, they both managed to keep it flowing effortlessly.
Tuck, who's had enough orders thrown at him for one lifetime, nonetheless prepares himself & heads back downstairs...after depositing the saucer in the kitchen.
Thessa's curiosity drives her to accept the invitation as well. A casual spell closes her door behind her. Life is so much more convenient when you have cantrips.
Ariach gears up to offer the protection he was trained to provide. Throwing yourself in front of pointy objects may not be glamorous, but he's chosen his path.
Vaniime considers their guest & rightfully comes to the conclusion that she probably means no harm.
Wilma thinks harder as she prepares herself. Was Eleanor about to ask for a big favor? Her body language seemed casual, relaxed. She didn't act like someone who needed a favor. Of course, that could be intentional. She obviously knows how to work people.
Emrys is the one who puts it all together. As he ascends to his room, her words come back to him: "I wish to be seen..."
Of course...it really is that simple. Mrs. Goode is an establishment in the Nightmare Quarter, but she could live anywhere in Plateau City. Why live here unless there was a certain lifestyle you were after? Emrys slips on his good cloak and runs what he knows about her through his mind.
He knows her to be a widow, and that more than one suitor has been turned down. She likely doesn't want to live in a man's shadow, but likely can't respect any man she could dominate. Add to this the fact that most men her age eligible for marriage are looking for someone to cook, clean, and otherwise replace a wife they've lost, or have stayed unmarried for good reason.
No, her presence and reputation are paramount to her. Being seen with Plateau City's newest adventuring company is right up her alley. Heck, she may have made up a favor just to get them to come along.
ooc: there's your nat20 reward. enjoy!
Grell bounds down the stairs. The fact that he is only heard instead of felt is a testament to the sturdy construction of your home.
Emrys' hunch is indeed proven correct as they leave. Eleanor Goode's home is only two houses down, but she takes what can only be described as an exceptionally scenic route getting there. She waves & nods politely as people pass by, never once letting the conversation lull. She is very knowledgeable of the area should anyone have any questions in the future.
Her home can best be describes as gothic kitsch. A collection of stuffed demons adorns the mantle above the fireplace in her parlor while a large stuffed raven hangs above it. An overstuffed violet velour sofa and love seat flank a darkwood table covered with danishes, cakes, and hand fruit. Eleanor taps Grell on the shoulder & wordlessly gestures to a plate heaping with what turns out to be flat cakes wrapped around sausage.
Eleanor's skill as a baker is not exaggerated. Her cakes are dense and heavy, but remain moist. Her danishes have the perfect amount of cheese or jelly; enough to ensure some in each bite without worrying about it smearing on one's face of staining their lap.
The morning is spent in conversation. Eleanor is more than happy to sit and listen about any tales of adventure you wish to share. In fact, she makes no mention of why she brought you here at all...
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 59/59 Wednesday January 9th, 2013 3:07:32 PM
Ariach doesn´t talk a lot on the way to Mr. Goode´s home. Even if they all sit together he keeps quite. There are others like Emry or Wilma who are more skilled in entertaining strange neighbours. Although the offered cakes and danishes are delicious. Ariach sits there and waits for Eleanor to pronounce her favor.
Thessa d20+3=9 ; Wednesday January 9th, 2013 4:43:41 PM
Thessa is happy to be out and about in the company of her fellow adventurers again. Although the time in seclusion did much to balance her thoughts and emotions, she had grown to enjoy their diverse company.
She quietly listens to Eleanor prattle on about this and that, enjoying the wonderful breakfast she provided. She sips on her tea, nibbling on a small fruit cake, as she takes in Mrs Goode's interesting decor. She pays special attention to any intricate ornaments or baubles, but finds nothing that captures her interest. [Perception: 9]
She sits down and listens to everyone chatting. After a couple of hours, her attention wanes and she allows her mind to drift, as if it was floating out of the house, down the street, then floating over the city and traveling north to her homeland. She wonders absently how her family is doing.. if her parents missed her, if her room was still untouched, if the arrow she lodged high in the eldest birch was still there, if her sister...
Her thoughts cloud over immediately and her mind snaps immediately back to the house. Enough of that, she chastises herself. Focus on the present, not the past, Thessa.
She straightens up in her chair and tries to catch herself up on the conversation.
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 Wednesday January 9th, 2013 6:42:18 PM
"Why did we walk all that way just to come two houses over?" Tuck grumbles to himself.
He's about to say something aloud when he sees the glorious spread of breakfast tasties. With a laugh, he playfully elbows Grell out of the way to get to the food before the warrior devours it all.
He helps himself to a little bit of everything. It's all delicious and Tuck chomps away as Eleanor prattles on.
Emrys d20+12=24 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+12=32 ; Wednesday January 9th, 2013 9:10:51 PM (btw: thanks for the detail. i wasn't expecting so much :)
To be seen, yes, Emrys understands the importance of keeping up appearances. Then he remembers the kind of crowd that creeps the Nightmare Quarter. His grandiose thoughts quickly diverge from his thoroughly swollen ego and take a more serious route as he ponders the security of their unattended townhouse. While he likes to put on a show, he wishes not to boast their wealth and fame to those unsavory folk that entertain impure thoughts.
Upon arriving at Mrs. Goode's house, Emrys doesn't particularly appreciate the decor at first inspection. The stuffed demons rattle him a bit, especially having recently peered into the swirling, black abyss within the portal of Lasher Castle (Knowledge [Planes]: 24, to identify the demon). However, he maintains an agreeable, yet nonchalant facade, in order to not insult their host.
As expected, the feast of cakes and pastries are a pure delight. He's never tasted anything their equal. In fact, he thinks they're a bit too perfect. Not being a stranger to enchantments, he can't help but consider them unbelievable (Will save 26 to disbelieve). Of course, he can't help but smile to suspect such a thing.
During the mornings conversations, if he is asked to tell a tale, he will do so with great exuberance and with musical accompaniment. (Diplomacy: 21, for etiquette. Perform [strings]: 23. Perform [oratory]: 32, another nat.20! :)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 Wednesday January 9th, 2013 9:47:53 PM
Vannime chafes at the realization that Mrs. Goode just wanted to parade around with them like we were her new pets as if we were at her very beck and call. All the same she goes along with it as she senses nothing untoward from Mrs. Goode and as it seems her friends were all going along with it. So Van pasted a smile on her face and once in the house tried her best to be pleasant trying several different cakes and pasteries and, even managing to get out several truly meant compliments about those same pasteries.
She couldn't help but laugh at Grell's abd Tuck's antics over the food. I mean really, they're good and all, but do they really warrant the tossed elbows and stuffing of mouths like they were ravening beast?.
After listening to chit chat and stories for more than an hour, she begins to get restless and begins to wander the room looking and peering at things, occassionally picking them, looking at them, and putting them right back down again. After about her third rotation, she stops and waiting for a lull in the conversation and turns to Mrs. Goode.
"Mrs. Goode, while we are truly appreciative of your generosity in inviting us over for a breakfast of your wonderfully tasty pastries, you did mention something about wanting to ask us a favor?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 d20+8=14 ; d20+9=11 ; Wednesday January 9th, 2013 11:24:44 PM
Wilma kept her eyes open, her mouth shut and her plate of pastry out of Grell's range. She idly tried to identify the various examples of taxidermy on the baker's mantel as Emrys used his natural gift for charm to spin an entertaining yarn. (OOC: Wilma got a 14 for her Knowledge, Planes skill check.0
The young cleric paid extra attention as soon as Van asked her question, using her intuition to see if Mrs. Goode's response held any ulterior motive. OOC: darn! Only an 11 for Sense Motive.
Grell Thursday January 10th, 2013 6:51:17 AM
OOC: Today and tomorrow are Benjamin's Cancer scans, so I'm not getting as good of a post in as I want. I might miss tomorrow as well. Sorry about that.
A large sucking sound precedes Grell literally inhaling a whole plate of pastries before he remembers his "manners". With a look of apology to Mrs. Goode, Grell elbows Tuck out of the way and begins to carefully shove individual pastries into his mouth one at a time...with copious amounts of crumbs spraying out of his mouth in between bites. One thing about living in a big family...you learn to take what you want as fast as you can before somebody else eats it!
After he has satiated his hunger, Grell pops another pastry in his mouth...ahhhh...lemon is the BEST! About half way through eating the delicacy, Grell remembers that he hasn't even thanked their host. How rude!! Not bothering to swallow the contents in his mouth, Grell looks over at Mrs. Goode. "Thank you for the lovely breakfast!" He says sincerely, accidentally spraying a few crumbs on the floor.
DM Carl Thursday January 10th, 2013 8:57:47 AM
If Mrs. Goode takes offense at anyone's table manners, she hides it well. Between having an honest to goodness adventuring company in her home and Emrys' seemingly impeccable charm, she's happy as can be.
Emrys briefly wonders if the breakfast is enchanted, but it doesn't seem to be so. He doesn't feel himself thinking more favorably about Mrs. Goode (other than acknowledging her reputation is deserved). As for the stuffed demons, well, they're more stereotypical "demons" than actual representations of evil. They kind of look like dretches, but that's likely because dretches look like stereotypical demons. The fact that the demons are all smiling pleasantly speaks volumes about their authenticity.
Wilma tries to gain some insight into their situation, but this crumb coffee cake is just so good; it's hard to concentrate on anything else.
The breakfast continues longer than some people are comfortable with, but by most standards it's an enjoyable way to spend a morning. Thessa is snapped from her daydream just as Vaniime decides to get on with things.
"Of course! I've taken your entire morning, haven't I?" She stands, graceful as always, and waits for the Vanguard to do the same. "It's a trifle, really," she begins as she turns her back to our heroes & walks towards the kitchen. "I didn't notice it for some time. I've lived here almost a year without seeing it."
She walks through an immaculate kitchen & opens a door leading to a basement. "I keep my ingredients safe down here. I sell my wares in my bakery, but cook them here. It took me far too long to set my kitchen just right to set up another." She claps her hands and several light enchantments spring to life. "Handy, no? Those came with the house, as did much of the furniture down here. Close the door behind you, if you'd be so kind."
She leads everyone to a sturdy armoire set against the far wall. "I was down here yesterday when I clapped my hands in surprise and turned those lights out. You see, I've been working on a way to create a raspberry danish without those little seeds...I'm sorry, that's not important right now. Watch this." With that, she claps her hands & sends the room into almost total darkness. (Lowlight and nightvision both function fine).
It takes a moment for everyone's eyes to adjust. Those with elven blood see it first. There's a slight glow from behind the armoire, a very slight glow. It would be impossible to see with any light on. Investigating the armoire, it's quickly discovered to be flush with the wall. Nothing can be seen behind it from where it stands now.
Thessa d20+12=26 ; d20+12=20 ; Thursday January 10th, 2013 2:44:50 PM
Thessa is among those who's eyes adjust quickly and she sees the faint glow.
"Ooh," she mumbles quietly, "Now that is interesting... Normally, magic auras aren't so obvious to the naked eye unless they are either powerful or designed to do so." She murmurs a word of magic and waves her hand in front of her. [ Detect Magic ]
She stares intently at the armoire, walking around it, examining it from different angles. Examining the swirling aura of magic emanating from it (or within it). She tries to determine the school of magic of the aura [ Knowledge, Arcana: 26 ] as well as trying to identify some of the magical properties of the aura [ Spellcraft: 20 (+2 for Trans)]. She gets close to the armoire, but doesn't touch it.
"Emrys, what do you make of this?" She glances over her shoulder to their host, "Eleanor, have you ever opened it?"
The aura reveals it to be weak conjuration magic. Eleanor opens it to reveal some of her cookware stacked neatly inside.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 59/59 Thursday January 10th, 2013 4:46:28 PM
Ariach immediately grabs his flail as the lights are going out and he cannot see anything. But he relaxes as he finds out there is no ambush.
Of course the shining armoire is a strange thing. But what else beside magic could cause that glow. And like always magic is strange and unpredictable......
He positions himself in front of the armoire ready to fight everything what tries to enter this world. A bad feeling tells him that one of his friends will open the armoire soon.........
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+2=9 ; Thursday January 10th, 2013 5:52:32 PM
Tuck troops down into the basement with the others, his belly pleasantly filled. Blinking, he slowly adjusts to the dark and squints at the glow.
"Grell, give me a hand, will ya?" Tuck motions for him to go to the other side of the armoire so they might scoot it out a bit from the wall. Gripping his side, he nods to Grell and attempts to pull the wardrobe away from the wall. (Strength check 9)
After having cast his own divination, and confirming Thessa's findings, he continues to ponder the possibilities from what he knows of arcane lore (Cast Detect Magic. Spellcraft: 19. Knowledge [arcana]: 14). However Grell's giant-sized foot intervenes, by stamping out all thought, by way of crushing Emrys' toe. "OWWW!"
After squirming his foot free from under Grell's steel-plated boot, Emrys clears this throat and forces back a renegade tear. The bard limps forward next to Thessa and makes the observation. "There is a magical aura present, yes, but the glow is also visible to the naked eye. It's quite possible this armoire is concealing a secret door!" Emrys closely examines the armoire and its parallelity with the wall. He snaps his fingers, "poof!" and magically creates a small puff of smoke (Casting Prestidigitation) to see if it reacts to a possible draft from behind the sturdy piece of furniture.
(Perception: 25, to examine and search for a secret door.)
Grell d20+5=12 ; Thursday January 10th, 2013 11:01:31 PM
Nodding, Grell shifts over to the other side of the armoire. He gives a mighty shove, but somehow manages to tweak his back in the process (Str. =12). "Owww!!" he stumbles unto Emry's foot and brings about another "OWWW!"...this time from the bard. "Errrr...sorry 'bout that. Lemme just give this thing another shove..."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 d20+5=13 Thursday January 10th, 2013 11:51:52 PM
"Careful, Grell!" the young cleric in the party said, not liking the sound of her brother in pain. What was the meaning of this very unusual glow.
Wilma could only hope that it wasn't another portal to a different dimension--having to deal with the one at Lasher Castle had been bad enough!
She frowned, trying to think of whatever that glow might be...
Van sees the glow and imediately her first thought is of Lasher castle, but then that glow was green and much more powerful. Taking a closer look (knowledge arcana DC 20) (spell craft DC 22) she tries to figure out what it could be. After the boys try to move the cabinet together, Vaniime shakes her head and looking at Thessa and Wima mutters, "Boys!" And then moves to one side of the cabinet and after getting a good grip on it tries moving it away from the wall herself (strength DC 22)
DM Carl d20=14 ; Friday January 11th, 2013 8:30:08 AM
Our heroes investigate the discovery further.
Emrys has the bright idea to check for drafts. His puff of smoke hangs still in the air for a moment before dissipating. If there's a door, it's well sealed.
Thessa discovers they're dealing with a weak conjuration aura. The armiore itself appears benign; Eleanor has been using it to store cookware.
Ariach prepares for the worst while Tuck and Grell trip over each other failing to move the armiore. Eleanor barely stifles a giggle at the antics.
Vaniime shakes her head and shows these boys how it's done. Moving to the side of the armiore, she tries to pull it out from the wall, but finds it won't budge. She puts her shoulder into the thing & tries again when she hears a click. The armiore easily slides along the wall...too easily. It feels as if it's on rails.
Wilma learns the hard way to be careful what she wishes for.
The intensity of the glow increases quickly as the armiore slides out of the way. Against the wall is a large circular patch of...slime? Ooze? It's thick, unpleasant, and smears the wall as the armiore moves away. A look of disgust starts to cross Eleanor's face, quickly turning to shock as the vortex appears.
It happens fast; a thunderous sound echoes through the basement that soon gives way to the sound of rushing air as the patch of slime on the wall implodes in on itself. Unprepared, Eleanor is immediately sucked through, as are several smaller chests, barrels, bags of flour, etc.
The Vanguard are likewise caught unaware. Anyone failing a DC20 reflex save is unable to find anything to grab on to in time and is sucked through as well.
Thessa d20+5=11 ; Friday January 11th, 2013 9:13:23 AM
Thessa watches in fascination (and no little amount of admiration) as Vaniime pushes the armoire aside to reveal the slime. She steps forward to examine the it and is completely caught off-guard when the wall implodes and the vortex forms.
There is nothing to grab, nothing to do about it. She tries to shift her weight back, but is struck unkindly by a barrel rolling along the floor toward the vortex. Her feet are whisked out from underneath her and she is dragged feet first toward the wall.
She swears harshly in Undercommon, which is easily drowned out by the loud sound of air rushing by her ears, and does her best to hold onto her gear as she disappears into the vortex.
Still holding on to the door, she sends a smile toward Grell, as the door moves away revealing the vortex, that Vaniime had almost expected to see.
Suprised as she is at the power of the thing as it sucks an unprepared Mrs. Goode into it and to where-ever it led. As powerful as it was, as she was kind of expecting to find a portal of some sort behind the cabinet, Van was not taken unawares and managed to keep hold of the cabinet and her feet (Reflex 21)
Several very ungirl like words slammed out of her mouth as she sees Thessa unable to grab hold of anything and get sucked through.
DM Ezra Friday January 11th, 2013 12:24:08 PM
The armiore slowly starts sliding across the ground towards the portal. It slams into the wall at the edge of the vortex. For the moment, it is balanced on the edge of the wall and the vortex.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 59/59 d20+3=18 ; Friday January 11th, 2013 5:29:51 PM
Ariach´s first intention is to find something he can hold on. But after seeing Thessa disappearing into the vortex he is not willing to let her alone. Hoping this vortex leads to another dimension or at least to another place he follows Thessa.
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 Friday January 11th, 2013 6:14:13 PM
"Thessa!" Tuck looks stricken as she goes hurtling through the portal.
With a feral growl and a ferocious look upon his face, he doesn't even try to avoid the pull. Rather, he sprints towards the vortex and dives through.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 d20+3=21 ; Friday January 11th, 2013 6:26:32 PM
"Ewwww..." Wilma wrinkled her nose at the sight of the slightly-glowing slime.
Then all the hells broke loose, the swirling otherworldly maw in the wall succeeding in sucking in both Mistress Goode and Thessa, too.
Then the redheaded cleric felt her feet sliding on the floor as the vortex attempted to claim her as well. She instinctively screeched her objection and managed to latch onto Van's waist so that she wasn't immediately pulled through the violently swirling gateway. OOC: Wilma's Reflex save was 21.
Wilma did see Ariach willingly throw himself after the vanished females. His sacrifice was followed by Tuck's own leap into the unknown.
"This is not good..!!!" she hollered over the noise of the magic vacuum. "Ariach and Tuck have followed Mrs. Goode and Thessa into that whirly-pool thing..!"
Emrys d20+5=9 ; Friday January 11th, 2013 6:39:15 PM
"NOOOO, Thessa!" Emrys reaches out for her, but he too is pulled effortlessly into the void.
Grell d20+3=11 ; Saturday January 12th, 2013 1:59:08 PM
*Click* Grell growls in frustration as Vaniime makes him look like a fool. Stupid stinking pulled muscle! Then it is almost as things happen in slow motion. Grell watches in a mixture of horror and amusement as Mrs. Hoity Toity gets sucked through the ooey gooey green muck.
Then, OH NO! Thessa is ripped through the portal and Ariach follows her though. Tuck almost does a perfect flip as he passes through the vortex. Vaniime twists and latches onto the cabinet. By Gargul's monocle, how does she DO THAT?! Then Wilma finds a way to hold onto Vaniime's belt. She looks so strange with her red hair all messed up by the turbulent air.
Planting his feet, Grell reaches out and manages to grab the slimy wall framing the vortex. For the smallest of seconds, Grell grins. He's done it...he's not gonna get pulled in after all! And then, just as he's clawing his way back into the room, his back spasms. No longer able to maintain his grip on wood, Grell falls backward into the sucking portal.
Van grimaces as one by one each of her friends is sucked in.
"Hey Wilma, I think I am going to have to let go. I am assuming we want to go in and get them, yes?"
Waiting for a quick answer from her friend, she waits for agreement than then lets go.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 Sunday January 13th, 2013 1:00:48 AM
Wilma's heart soared when she saw her baby brother resist the pull of the vortex that had claimed everyone else in the cellar.
Then it plummeted when she saw Grell's face grimace in pain...just before he disappeared into the vortex, too.
Van's voice spoke words that dropped down around the young priestess as she blinked in shock. Something about going and getting everyone else...
"Yes--let's go..!" Making sure to keep her right hand wrapped tightly around her enchanted quarterstaff, Wilma deliberately allowed her left hand to release its hold on her best friend's belt...
DM Ezra Monday January 14th, 2013 4:49:04 PM
Planar gating is one of those experiences that can be pleasant, or nauseating. Sucked through an ooze covered vortex didn't fall under pleasant in most people's books. You aren't really sure how to express your feelings of sliding through a long tube full of muck that completely encases your body, squishing into crevices and orifices that you don't want to even think about how you will be cleaning them out.
Just when you feel that you can't keep your mouth closed another second without a breath the squelching sucking of the ooze ends. One by one the party shoots out of a portal in mid air, flying for several feet before slamming into the side of a sloped wall at an angle. Fortunately the wall is a soft yielding material that absorbs your impact without any harm to yourself. Your velocity is enough to carry you for several yards along the side of the wall before gravity carrys you along the slope the onrushing ground. Ground littered with several small chests, barrels, bags of flour, Eleanor and those carried through before you.
The ground is a light crusty material that has some resemblance to mostly dry cow patties. The light is a very dim and diffuse greenish-grey, the source is not apparent, as it seems to come from the walls.
To one side is a steeply sloping wall extending up, and up, and then curving overhead, fading off into the distance. Along the wall you can see that it curves inward on both sides, as if you were standing inside a cavern. The walls are slippery, of a material unknown to you, and resist all attempts to cut or mar their surface, though they do give several inches when pushed against.
Through the wall is a swirling mass of stuff. You can see various shades of viscous material flowing in chaotic patterns along the outer side of the wall. The ground you are on slopes slightly down towards the center of the cavern, where in the dim light you can see what appears to be several dilapidated structures.
Out of the corner of your eye you think you see movement, but when you turn your head, it just looks like more semi-dry cow patties.
OOC: Today's post is early, normally I won't post until the evening to give everyone an opportunity to post. And I am in Arizona so my posting will be late. Next post by me will be tomorrow evening.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 Monday January 14th, 2013 5:00:19 PM
"...I don't suppose that whirly-pool thingie is still there..?" Wilma asked as she sat up, shaking the goo off first her left hand and then--after transferring her quarterstaff from one hand to the other--doing the same for her right hand. "Or that it will send us back to the Wold if we go through it..?"
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 59/59 Monday January 14th, 2013 5:23:31 PM
Ariach is very relieved as he sees Thessa alive. He wasn´t sure if they will survive the "fall". But now he even smiles when all the others of the group are arriving at this very, very strange place. It is good feeling to know that each member of the group jumped right after Thessa to help her out.
"Does anybody of you have an idea where we are? And more important, how we come back?"
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=18 ; Monday January 14th, 2013 6:24:31 PM
Tuck stands and looks around as he straightens his clothes and gear. (Perception 18)
"What the heck is this stuff?" He pushes against the pliant wall.
After seeing that everyone appears okay, Tuck walks pack up the slope to the point that they came out to see if the portal is still there.
DM Carl as Eleanor Goode Monday January 14th, 2013 7:57:33 PM
Eleanor Goode is not pleased. No...she is not pleased at all.
Covered with ooze & down on all fours, it takes her a moment to decide on a course of action. Weighing all the options available to her, she chooses to scream.
It is the rage-filled self-righteous scream of those who feel no bad should come to them, and it goes on for a while.
There seems to be no echo in this place. Indeed, the sound is muffled as she screams. Surely Eleanor Goode is capable of more volume than this.
Her rage spent, she composes herself & stands. She's relieved to see the ooze sloughs right off without much residue. It seems to have a high degree of surface tension.
She looks to our heroes & gets herself back in order. "Well adventurers, looks like you'll be earning your breakfast after all..."
She hopefully looks at the direction everyone came from, only to see no sign of a return home.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 d20+28=38 ; d20+8=16 Monday January 14th, 2013 8:15:59 PM
After Mistress Goode's most logical reaction to their current situation, Wilma takes a moment or two to think about their environment and the possible places where such conditions may exist, continuing to absent-mindedly wipe away the goo that coats her...
OOC: (Wilma is taking 20 and combing her brain about her Knowledge of the Planes. The total result is 38.)
DM Ezra: Your bonus is +8, assuming you could take 20, where is the other +10 coming from?
Grell d20+4=6 ; Monday January 14th, 2013 10:37:12 PM
Brushing himself off, Grell looks at Vaniime, then at the weird cave, then over to Wilma. He completely ignores Mrs. Goode. "Uhhh...well then...which way back home??" Always the one for understatement, the warrior looks around, trying to tell if he can figure anything out. (Percept=6...doh!!)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 d20+7=24 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+11=23 ; Monday January 14th, 2013 11:33:14 PM
"Well That wasn't much fun." Vaniime states as she picks herself up off the surface.
"Hey Grell. Everything alright? I mean other than the obvious."
Van looks down and peers closely at the cow patty things to see what they might actually be or what they are made from.
Knowledge Nature - DC 24 Knowledge Arcana - DC 20 Perception - DC 23
Emrys d20+14=15 ; d20+14=33 ; d100=69 ; d20+10=11 ; Monday January 14th, 2013 11:33:45 PM
(Im assuming the walls are somewhat translucent to be seeing swirling masses on the other side?)
Emrys eventually finds himself coming to a stop on some strange, spongy floor. He slowly opens his eyes and rises to his feet, testing the floor for sure footing with his walking stick. His eyes gaze wildly all about trying to make sense of the place (Perception: 15, nat. 1, sigh!). The sudden screams of Mrs. Goode steal his attention. They don't sound to be screams of fright ... but more like rage and self-righteous defiance (Sense Motive: 33).
"Mrs. Goode," Emrys asks softly, "What of this place? Why do you think we are here?" He tries his best not to sound accusatory and hides his true intent for asking, but he thinks Mrs. Goode knows much more than what she is letting on. Emrys hums light tune, then mutters a few words of power. The words activated a powerful divination and Emrys uses it to survey the cavern and the walls beyond, if possible.
(Casting Detect Thoughts. Duration: Concentration, up to 3 min. He wishes to count all thinking minds, and their Int scores within the area, in all four directions ... for now! No Will save required. He is also wanting to know if there are more thinking minds present than there should be.)
DM Carl: Near as Emrys can tell, her screams weren't self-righteous defiance, but rather self-righteous indignation. There is a lack of fright, but that may be due to Eleanor's lack of experience with actual danger (i.e. surely we'll find a way back home. I have a party I'm catering tomorrow...).
Thessa d20+8=19 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+11=30 ; Tuesday January 15th, 2013 11:45:35 AM
Thessa was the first to hit the.. ground? What is this stuff? she asks herself examining the soft flooring she'd come to land on. Moments later her friends started dropping in, quite literally, covered in the same gooey substance that had soaked her to the skin.
She caught herself staring for a moment at Emrys, who was normally so immaculate and perfectly groomed. The wet, gooey slime that covered him seemed so completely out of place on him that she couldn't stifle a small giggle.
"Oh, Emrys, you look terrible!" she says with a smile and no small amount of amusement. Knowing how uncomfortable he must be, she unslings and opens her backpack, pulling out a blanket that seemed to have avoided the brunt of the goo. She offers it to him first to clean himself off.
"Oh, what I'd give to have my cleaning cantrip prepared today!" she says with amusement as she tries her best to wipe away some of the excess goo from herself as well.
She wipe her eyes clean and looks around at their surroundings. The place gives her an odd, otherworldly feeling - from the texture of the ground, to the somewhat translucent cavern walls. Could this be some sort of elemental plane? She racks her brain, trying to think through some of the planar descriptions that had appeared in the texts at Maplehurst. (Knowledge, Planes: 19)
This doesn't appear to be natural to Thessa, but perhaps it is natural to some underground areas in the Wold. She considers that as well... (Knowledge, Dungeoneering: 24, Knowledge, Nature: 30)
(OOC:
I didn't know we could take 20 on Knowledge skills, but if we can, Thessa will take 20 for a total of 28 on her K:Planes check.
Also, sorry for the lack of post yesterday.. I usually post during the daytime, but Thessa was sort of stuck in gooey limbo at that point. )
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 59/59 Tuesday January 15th, 2013 4:19:08 PM
Ariach still feeling lost in this surrounding waits for an explanation where they are and how the come back. As nobody answers his questions immediately he frowns and looks at the all-knowing Emry.
"Please, don´t tell me that you have no idea where we are."
Emrys Tuesday January 15th, 2013 8:17:35 PM
"Thank you Thessa. My soiled state, while thoroughly unpleasant for me as you can imagine, will need to wait a moment. My attention is currently preoccupied."
Emrys appears to be "listening" to their surroundings, however, Emrys replies to Ariach's comment. "I do have ideas, both plausible and improbable, but none of which are the least bit comforting!"
DM Ezra Wednesday January 16th, 2013 3:07:11 AM
Looking back up the steep slope of the wall you can see slime trails showing your path down. Unfortunately you don't see any sign of a portal or other disturbance in the air where the trails start.
As the group verifies the soundness of their respective bodies, Tuck takes a closer look at the wall itself. He doesn't recognize the material, it seems to be transparent as he can see swirling currents of various colors of some viscous material through the wall. In fact, he realizes that he can see for some short distance. The wall is smooth to the touch and gives when he leans against it, hands outspread. Standing back up, the imprint of his hands quickly fill back in.
Wilma ponders mysteries of the universe, and can come up with this not being anywhere on Wold that she knows of, though it seems to have some characteristics that remind her of an old text she read about the shadow plane.
Grell's brief look around finds him most of the contents of Eleanor's basement scattered along the base of the wall under where they came out of the portal.
Vaniime decides to take a closer look at the ground they are standing on and realizes that if he had to imagine what a mountain of cow excrement would look like, he's standing on it. The ground appears to be a semi solid ooze. Their steps break through a thin crust of dried matter to a softer, slimier under layer. He is surprised at the lack of odor.
Emrys detects no additional intelligent life inside the cavern. (There are six directions to search, you missed two :-) ) For a brief moment he detected something through the wall, but the sense of intelligence only lasted a few seconds.
Thessa realizes that one explanation would be a demiplane, but why someone would deliberately make such a dreary place, she didn't know. While looking around, she does get some glimpse of lines in the distance that are too straight for nature, While the light is dim throughout the area, it looks like towards the center of the cavern, a few hundred feet away. She catches some glimpses of movement after Eleanor's loud arrival.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 59/59 Wednesday January 16th, 2013 7:55:05 AM
Not satisfied with Emry´s vague explanation Ariach straightens his body and starts to walk slowly at the center of the cavern.
"Let´s have a look who is the homeowner of this ........whatever."
DM Carl as Eleanor Goode Wednesday January 16th, 2013 8:20:06 AM
Eleanor looks sideways at Emrys. "Surely you don't think I have any idea where this is?" She looks around and bulges her eyes as she realizes much of her furniture and ingredients are sitting in this muck. She finds a chest & throws it open, happy to see nothing broken inside.
"Well, at least my millet flour is ok. I had it imported. It costs a little more, but I have a reputation to upkeep. Now, how do you propose to get us home?"
Thessa d20+3=22 ; d20+3=12 ; Wednesday January 16th, 2013 4:56:12 PM
Reserving her judgment and evaluation of their possible interplanar jaunt for another time, she finishes wiping herself off while Emrys finishes listening to whatever he might be trying to hear. She hands the blanket to him if he wants it and points toward the center of the large cavern to strange linear shapes.
"We might find some answers over there, in the direction Ariach is walking.."
Glimpsing movement in the corner of her eye, she darts her eyes around the group, looking for anything that might be out of place. (Perception: 22) She even goes so far as to cast a Detect Magic to look for anything unexpectedly glowing.
If she doesn't see anything, she'll follow Ariach in his pursuit for answers.
(OOC: My die roller was lagged, so I clicked twice. I took the first roll.)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 d20+10=25 Wednesday January 16th, 2013 5:41:47 PM
"You know..." Wilma said in a thoughtful sort of voice, "...the way this place is--the weird walls and these things on the ground--this place kind of reminds me of something I read about in school. You know--shadow planes or pocket dimensions or something..." Her eyebrows puckered as she tried to remember.
"If my memory serves, places like that are almost always created by either very unusual circumstances or a very powerful entity...or both..." Her sapphire eyes roved the walls and ground as she slowly turned in place. Wilma even remembered to scan the air above her--well, what airspace she could see, anyhow.
OOC: Wilma's Perception check is 25.
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=19 ; Wednesday January 16th, 2013 7:36:26 PM
"Well, I guess there's no use standing about. The way we came in is closed to us. It seems that Ariach has the right idea. Let's look around."
He follows after the warrior, peering about for any signs of life. (Perception 19)
Emrys, detect thoughts d20+14=20 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+12=27 ; Wednesday January 16th, 2013 7:48:11 PM
"What?" Emrys' head instantly turns to a space on the wall. "Out there," he says pointing, "I just sensed the thoughts of another mind ... outside this wall. For a brief moment, I sensed it! We are not alone!" He continues to search in that area while he wipes away the ooze with Thessa's blanket.
Emrys adds to the discussion as to where they are. "If we are to employ Hamock's Laws of Parsimony, we should choose a theory that makes the fewest assumptions. Most things natural, and even supernatural, appear to be what they are." After a short pause, for effect, he continues. "We passed through a portal of ooze, yes, which took us to a place that appears otherwoldly. Therefore, we are outside the Living Wold, it is no assumption. By design, we currently reside inside a bladder-type container, with breathable air, that sustains our existence. Which proves there is an intelligent presence that understands our needs. I wouldn't expect the same accommodations from the elemental plane of fire!" After a little more pondering, Emrys concludes, "If we find no other clues or passage ways, I expect our 'host' will make themselves known soon."
(Perception: 20, to notice movement or sound) (Knowledge [Dungeoneering]: 13, blah ... to determine if the slime is consistent with ooze-type creatures.) (Knowledge [Planes]: 27, to recall any known pocket realms that match the description of what he is seeing.)
Looking around again Van see Ariach start to move off toward the buildings and as Tuck speaks, saying that they should all probably join him, starts moving that way taking out her bow and stringing it at she walks.
Grell Wednesday January 16th, 2013 11:51:30 PM
Picking at a bit of old jerky stuck in his teeth, Grell looks at Wilma and Emrys in boredom. "Soooo...should we go find this intelligent thingy and kill it?"
DM Ezra Thursday January 17th, 2013 2:18:05 AM
Deciding to head into the interior, the party heads inward. Several of the party members see small oozes meandering around. They don't seem to have any goal. There is something weird yet interesting in their movement, at somepoints they are almost rolling, at others they fold and flop over. None of those seen is larger than a foot in diameter, with most around 9 inches.
As the party heads in, the faded shapes seen through the dim light slowly resolve into what can only be described as worse than the lowest slums of Plateau City. It looks like at one point metal posts and plating were brought in, and they are the remains of what was obviously several buildings. The remnants in disrepair look to number maybe a dozen structures lining what would have been a short main street.
The party detects several humanoid shapes moving out from the buildings, they are not yet distinct enough in the dim light to identify race or gender.
No additional magical properties are identified beyond the party itself.
Thessa d20+3=10 ; Thursday January 17th, 2013 1:06:07 PM
Thessa takes Van's lead and pulls her own bow and strings it as she walks behind Ariach.
"If this is someone's creation, perhaps the pocket dimension Wilma talked about, why would anyone create such a strange and depressing place? Has it been abandoned and so long ago forgotten?"
She begins to feel her skin itch from the ooze as it starts to dry on her delicate skin. She'd give up 100 gold to soak in a hot springs bath right now!
Keeping an eye out for any threats, she'll continue behind Ariach until something out of the ordinary happens. (Perception: 10)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 Thursday January 17th, 2013 4:52:01 PM
"Here, Mistress Goode," Wilma said to the baker, "Allow me to give you some protection..." The redheaded priestess reached her left hand up over her own left shoulder, digging it under the top flap of her backpack and FINDS AN EMPTY BACKPACK!!! pulling out a magic wand, which she used to cast Protection from Evil upon the non-adventurer.
"Stay right next to me, please," she added, "Just in case we encounter something less-than-friendly." Wilma then addressed herself to Thessa's question.
"Anything is possible, Thessa," the young cleric said with a thoughtful frown. "We would need to know more about whomever may have created this place to find out why it's here." She brandished the wand in her hand.
"Anyone else in need of protection...?" Wilma asked, looking from one to the other of her comrades.
Her haversack appears to be non-functional... As does everyone else's (a feature of this demiplane?)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 59/59 Thursday January 17th, 2013 5:13:35 PM
Ariach expects an ambush whenever he makes an additional step although he doesn´t know where the attackers can hide themselves in this barren and unfriendly surrounding. He continuous to move towards the center of the cave where they will hopefully find a "portal" back home.
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=18 ; Thursday January 17th, 2013 5:46:03 PM
"Speaking of protection..." Tuck TRIES TO PU A WAND OUT OF HIS OWN HAVERSACK AND FINDS AN EMPTY BAG INSTEAD pulls out a wand of his own that he offers to Thessa. "This is a wand of Mage Armor. I can't use it, but I was wondering if you might hold it for me. I lasts for an hour and would really help me out. If you don't mind using it on Eleanor and me, I would greatly appreciate it."
He searches their surroundings with a constant scan, looking for trouble or anything that might be of interest to the group. (Perception 18)
DM Ezra Thursday January 17th, 2013 9:24:59 PM
After walking a hundred yards from the wall, buildings start to take shape in the dim lighting. It looks like a dozen dilapitated structures in a double line running from left to right in front of you. From between the buildings a half dozen or so small humanoids stumble out. A couple of them hesitate after walking a few steps toward you. Too thin for dwarves, maybe halflings, gnomes,...?
Wilma and Tuck are surprised and alarmed to find that their handy haversacks don't appear to be working.
Emrys d20+11=23 ; d20+14=32 ; Thursday January 17th, 2013 9:38:11 PM
The scene continues to become more bizarre by the minute. 'Hmm,' he wonders to himself, 'what kind are they? is that normal behavior for oozes?' (Knowledge [dungeoneering]: 23, to identify the oozes (DC=15+CR for rare creatures), and to determine if this is normal behavior.)
However, a more significant concern commands his attention, the hovels and shanties up ahead resembling a peasant slum. Emrys postpones his assessment, having not enough information to go on. Everything here is so disjointed. He fears prolonged exposure to this environment may lead even the stoutest mind to madness.
Emrys takes up a position between the front warriors and Wilma and Mrs. Goode, who take up the rear. He hopes this encounter can be settled with diplomacy instead of the sword. It would be good to gather some information from the locals.
(Perception: 32)
They look like human children. Malnourished children at that.
Emrys d20+12=20 ; Thursday January 17th, 2013 9:52:04 PM
Emrys softly speaks to his friends, "Lets not make any sudden moves, be calm and careful. No lights, they may be sensitive to it, and could encourage them to take flight." He then slow raises his hand and waves in a very friendly sort of way.
(Diplomacy: 20)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 59/59 Friday January 18th, 2013 4:09:47 AM
Ariach holds on and waits until the whole group is close together. He takes care that the front row is again taken by the warriors. Then he waits ready to riposte any incoming attack.
He feels pity for these humanoids because obviously they are suffering but waits eagerly for the next action of these creatures.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 Perception d20+11=22 Friday January 18th, 2013 7:58:42 AM
Moving into position along with Thessa, Ariach and the others Vaniime keeps an ear out for unusual noises or sounds as they walk along.
Perception DC 22
DM Ezra Friday January 18th, 2013 3:26:29 PM
Clarification handy haversacks, bags of holding, etc, are non-functional. Items that were stored inside are currently unavailable.
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 Friday January 18th, 2013 5:43:07 PM
"Oh man, that's weird." Tuck closes his bag and opens it again. Still nothing. "Either someone stole everything from my bag, or it's not working properly. That sucks."
Tuck stops as the little people notice them. As Emrys attempts to communicate with them, Tuck tries to look non-threatening.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 Saturday January 19th, 2013 12:16:01 AM
"This isn't good at all..." Wilma said as she found that her backpack was empty. She frowned.
"This place seems to be interfering with our backpacks, Tuck..." The young priestess shook her head. "That means I can't use the Magic Weapon wand or the Protection wand--they're gone." She still aimed a reassuring smile at Mistress Goode.
"We'll still find a way home, ma'am--" Wilma said, but was forced to stop short at the appearance of the thin, child-like people.
"Oh. Hello!" she greeted them automatically. "Um...we come in peace...?"
DM Carl as Multiple NPCs Sunday January 20th, 2013 1:25:04 PM
Six teenagers seem to be assembled here. They are dirty, malnourished, and sickly.
Wait...there are seven. There's one more young girl hiding behind a crude lean to a few feet away.
The eldest is a teenage boy, maybe 16-18 years old. Two more boys stand behind him, both a few years younger. There are a total of four girls present, including the one behind the building. One is missing an arm.
Heal check DC15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The arm has been amputated very poorly. She must be in constant pain due to nerve damage.}
The eldest boy brandishes a make-shift wooden club, but after looking at your obvious martial capabilities, lowers it. He would be handsome if he packed some muscle back on, but in his current state he just looks gaunt. "Are...are you with the cult? Can we go home now?"
One of the other boys glares at all of you. A large stone is clutched in his hands. The rest of the children look around nervously and avoid eye contact, with the exception of the one-armed girl. Her eyes dart between the female party members and Eleanor with an almost pleading air.
Knowledge, Local DC 25: Highlight to display spoiler: {Their clothing is in tatters, but it's obvious that the style is very out-dated. Only the elves in the group have seen clothing like this worn.}
Emrys d20+12=19 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+8=17 ; Sunday January 20th, 2013 5:32:15 PM
(Diplomacy: 19, to calm their fears. Knowledge [local]: 23, to recognize their clothes.)
"Have no fear, no harm will come to you. We are friends," Emrys immediately replies. "We are not from any cult. Which cult are you talking about?" Emrys immediately notices the girl with the missing arm and gives a very concerned look to Wilma. Speaking directly to the girl with the missing arm, "My Dear, what happened? (Heal: 17) Let us try and make it better." Emrys curses to himself and does his best to hide is disappointment. His healer's kit was inside his haversack, which is now empty.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 d20+3=21 ; d20+4=24 ; Sunday January 20th, 2013 5:41:23 PM Heal check DC 21; Knowledge local DC 24 (natural 20)
Vaniime is suprised and shocked to se the kids, let alone kids in such bad shape. Even as little as she knows about the healing arts she can tell that the girl's arm was badly done and must be hurting her horribly. Trying to catch Wilma's eye and direct her to the arm, Van takes a closer look at the group, how they are dressed and what they are carrying. Something about how they are attired bothers her, but it doesn't quite come to her.
As the boy seems to be the spokesperson for the group of children, she turns to face him, all but ignoring his question.
"And just how long have you been here now? And what have you accomplished?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 d20+12=15 ; d20+4=19 ; Sunday January 20th, 2013 8:42:50 PM
Wilma immediately sized up the overall health of the group, recognizing that everyone present was in terrible shape. Her concern for the youngsters crowded out any other thoughts that may have occurred to her. (OOC: Wilma's Heal check was 15 and her Local Knowledge was only 19.)
"We aren't with any cult," she addressed the boy with a club. "We were sucked into some kind of portal and ended up here." Her sapphire eyes slid to the one-armed child. "Listen--I'm a cleric of Gargul...I think I can help out with that arm...if you'll be kind enough to allow me, that is."
Wilma was inwardly even more distressed that her magic backpack was not working properly, because she had some trail rations that these poor children could have eaten. Now all she had access to was the contents in the ordinary pouches on her belt and her weapons, neither of which seemed to hold anything to help with the blatant starvation that seemed to be going on here.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 59/59 d20+5=20 ; Monday January 21st, 2013 5:53:14 AM
Ariach is shocked as they find out that the creatures in front of them are just starving and badly injured little children. At the sight of the children and the hopelessness in their eyes, Ariach cannot prevent tears running down his cheeks. After clearing his throat he talks to the kids.
"We are the Vanguards- an adventuring group of Plateau City. We are fighting for law and order. You don´t have to fear us.......but others should..... I promise you I will not rest until you are save and back home. And i will not rest until your tormentors receive their punishment!"
(knowledge local:20)
DM Carl as Eleanor Goode Monday January 21st, 2013 8:05:29 AM
Eleanor Goode is somewhat speechless. She has never witnessed this level of suffering.
"Goodness, children! When was the last time you had something to eat? Where are your parents? Surely they should be providing for you."
She looks down at the bag of millet flour in her arms. "No matter. I can take care of that. Where's your oven? Oh, and I'll need some clean water, and a few more supplies back there..."
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+11=12 ; Monday January 21st, 2013 8:37:51 AM
Tuck shares in the distress amongst his team, seeing these children in such pitiful conditions. He wonders how they could have gotten here and who brought them.
"Where is here?" he asks the boy who spoke up. "And where is your home at?"
(Perception 12, natural 1)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 d20+12=26 ; Monday January 21st, 2013 7:12:30 PM
Wilma used her skills as a trained healer to assess the one-armed girl's amputated limb, removing the healer's kit from inside the pouch on her belt so that she could utilize the bandages and balm it contained.
OOC: Assuming the DM allows this action, of course...
DM Ezra Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 1:36:28 AM
One of the older boys replys to Emrys, put a little meat on his bones and he would be quite striking. "What cult? Shandresh of Ga'al. Who else would come to this god forsaken place? If you are not here for Shandresh, then you will take us home!" He comes across quite forcefully. When Emrys directs her attention to the one-armed girl, the girl looks to this boy for approval before slowly coming forward. IT is obvious that she is favoring the stump.
The girl's features are prematurely aged from the constant pain she has endured. She gingerly holds her arm out for Emrys to look at, but winces every time she touches the arm. "I was escaping the fortress when the wall ate my arm, that was almost two years ago, I think."
Vaniime's questions are ignored by the older boy, but a young girl scrambles forward, haunched down and skittering about on four limbs, the backs of her hands scarred. She lifts her left arm up and squints at the forearm, bringing her right forefinger up and running it back and fourth across the dirt caked onto the arm. Perception 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The dirt appears to be scars, and lots of them, some fresh.} Looking up at the leader she tries to talk softly but does a terrible job. "One year, 11 months, 14 days, I think." The boy pats her on the head "Thank you Katrin."
Looking Vaniime over he responds, "we have been here nearly two years. We have survived, now you will take us home."
Ariach is emotionally moved by the sight of the children and vows vengeance.
One of the boys, the one with the long stringy blonde hair and bright blue eyes steps forward to pinch the fabric of Tucks outfit between two fingers, rolling the material back and forth a bit. "Nice dud's, won't be nice for long, the ooze eats all. You don' need to talk with Andrei, he's a stick in the mud, or ooze. Best i can figure, this was an unfinished project by some high up there muckety muck. Get me out of here, and I'll tell you everything you want to know, names Heath."
Wilma realizes the wound has long since healed, and will need strong regenerative magic to replace the limb. All she could do now would be to provide some reduction in the pain felt by the girl.
For those of you with Know: religion or history, DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Ga'al is the god of Domination and uses heartseeds on his followers.} or DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {The name Shandresh jogs a memory of an old text you read about the high clerics of the gods prior to the Year of Ascension. She was one of the most powerful clerics of the third age, but she disappeared abruptly. The text surmised that her disappearance may have been a triggering event for the collapse of the third age.}
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 59/59 d20+5=23 ; Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 5:15:28 AM
".......two years?! You are here for two years already?"
With a bland smile the young warrior goes on.
"You all are heros. You have survived in this environment. But now it´s time to go home. If there is a chance to come back we will find it. We have superior minds in our group who will find a way home- or at least out and then we bring you home."
Then the righteous warrior turns to the group especially looking at Grell´s, Emry´s and Vaniim´s eyes.
"Whoever has done this, will pay for it. We give them just one chance to surrender. If they don´t agree we will smash them - and then there will be no mercy. Cruelty to women and children is the most dishonorable action."
Ariach adjusts his helmet obviously eager to fight and asks the teenagers for further advice. "Show us the way."
"For Domi! For the Codex!"
(knowledge history: 23)
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 d20+6=8 ; Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 11:03:41 AM
"We will try our best to get you out of here, Heath." Tuck appears a little uncomfortable with the boy's touchy-feeliness, but says nothing. "How did you get here? And where are the ones who brought you, now?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 d20+9=29 ; d20+10=20 ; Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 12:33:55 PM OOC: Wilma rolled a natural 20 for her Religion Knowledge check--I assume that means she would qualify for knowing the DC30 bit of information, yes...?
"Honesty bids that I tell you: I'm a new cleric, and I don't have the power to grow your arm back," Wilma admitted to the girl. "However, I will do what I can so that it doesn't hurt as much." So saying, the young priestess makes a poultice designed to ease the aching that her patient has been suffering up to now.
"Ga'al..." the redhead said to the others in her party, "...I seem to remember that Ga'al is one of the gods of testing. He was once the patron deity of the country of Aisildur, and commanded the loyalty of its adult population by the use of heartseeds." Her sapphire eyes pointedly inspected the chests of the various survivors her party was conversing with--clearly looking to see whether or not any of the children had been so implanted. {OOC: Wilma made a voluntary Perception check of 20.) Even as she does so, Wilma recalls that Aisildurans were supposed to reach the age of twelve years (or so) before getting such an implant.
Emrys d20+12=22 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+8=28 ; Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 7:15:53 PM (Knowledge [religion]: 22. Knowledge [history]: 17. I miss my Loremaster & Recall abilities!)
Emrys does his best to disguise his loathing and disdain for the condition of these children. He finds the fact that Ga'al's influence created this situation beyond repugnant. (Perception: 24) He notices that some of their wounds are fresh and Emrys eyes Wilma, knowing she sees it too, and says, "What do you think of this," as he continues to help inspect and treat the children (Heal: 28, nat. 20). Pointing to a fresh wound, Emrys asks, "Who did this to you?"
Emrys rises and turns to Ariach, and in a soft whisper, he revises the warriors proclamation. "I say we give these vile cultists no quarter at all! They have no mind of their own. They are an extension of Ga'al's will ... surrender is not an option. They must be severed!"
DM Carl as Eleanor Goode & others Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 8:09:57 PM
The girl apparently named Kaitrin giggles loudly at Emrys' comments. "Not Ga'al's will. No...not at all. You're all too late to punish them. They got what they had coming, DIDN'T YOU?" Her voice raises to a scream as she pounces through the party. She raises her fists high and brings both down on a small, clear jelly crawling along. The thing splatters easily, losing all viscosity & turning into a clear liquid.
Heath, the curly-haired blond boy, elbows Tuck in the side. Looking up, he rolls his eyes & shakes his head. "Nuts, that one. She is right, though. Cult's gone. We would be too if Ga'al hadn't come along when he did."
Eleanor meanwhile has gathered more ingredients that were strewn about on their arrival. "Andrei, was it? You seem like a nice boy. Come help me with these." She looks around & sees a long cold fire pit. "Guess that will have to do. What is there to burn around here?"
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 8:38:55 PM
"Ga'al came here? And did what? Is he still here?"
Tuck turns about in a full circle as if the god would descend upon them that very moment in a fit of thunder and quakes.
"Heath, can you tell me what is nearby to here? Any towns or structures? Anything of interest?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 10:03:24 PM
As she finished up applying the poultice to what was left of her patient's arm, Wilma shook her head.
"How about we all take a step back and start from the beginning?" She wound a bandage around the girl's stump to keep the poultice in place. "Otherwise we will all miss out on stuff we may need to know." Wilma drew in her breath.
"Ariach is the warrior who introduced our group to you," she said, looking around at the ragtag bunch of children. "We are called the Vanguard, but each of us is--Emrys, Tuck, Thessa, Vaniime, and my brother, Grell. We came here by accident with Mistress Goode." Wilma pointed to each person as she named them.
"Mistress Goode is the best baker in Plateau City," the redheaded cleric added. "She can probably cook up something really good while you tell us your names and what you remember about how you got here, too...if we can find the things she needs to make a cook fire, that is..."
Grell d20+4=15 ; d20=6 ; Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 10:47:14 PM
Grell casts his gaze about from child to child as different things are bantered about. He looks at the scars on the children's arms and their clothing, and a thought begins bubbling around in his brain (Percept=15). Scars...and yucky clothing...and Emrys clothing is gonna look like that soon enough...think Grell...THINK!! The warrior wracks his brain. What binds these things together??!!
OOC: Sorry, we went camping this weekend and I had no internet.
Thessa d20+3=7 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+8=18 ; d20=14 ; Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 11:31:32 PM
(OCC: catching up, Thessa did not draw her bow since it is kept in her Efficient Quiver, which I believe is completely empty. This will distress her to no end, but she'll try not to let her companions see her consternation.)
Thessa is completely confused by this place.. Who are these children and where do they come from? What is this talk of a cult that was here, but no longer is? Ga'al she seemed to recall better after Wilma's exposition, but the rest... She struggles to make sense of it all.
Her mind is a mess of fragmented thoughts and the stress of being stranded in this strange place so far away from home, the deformed and scarred children, the incessant itching of dried ooze upon her skin, and the empty quiver all combine to subtly overwhelm her. She feels her eyes well up slightly and turns to walk away from the group.
She tries to make herself look busy, as if looking around for clues or an exit. Pull yourself together, Thessa! she commands herself through her tears of frustration and worry.
OOC: DM Ezra and CArl are stating that since the spell empty chest hides the contents on the ethereal plane, and efficient quiver is based on this spell, the contents are still accessible, while haversacks state they work like bags of holding as extra-dimensional spaces.
Knowing something was wrong about their clothing, Van is not sure there isn't something a bit funny about their story as well.
She remembers learning about Ga'al Knowledge religion DC 18and hearing stories from her folks as well, but there was something else... wait, hadn't the cult fairly recently been defeated and minimalized?
She peers closely at each of the teens trying to ascertain if any or all of them had been heartseeded. perception DC 22
DM Ezra Wednesday January 23rd, 2013 3:38:41 PM
Andrei sighs at Heath's outburst, while responding to Ariach "ignore him, he's lucky he's not ooze. Hastein there," one of the other boys is pointed out, this one seems rather unremarkable, and in his mid-teens. "He thinks that time is going slow here, but I don't know about that, so yes, it's been about two years that we have gotten by eating fungus and sucking water from the muck you're standing on. So less talking, more getting us home."
With Eleanor's request for help with starting a fire Andrei's eyes gleam eagerly before turning wary once again. Pointing to one of the ruins, "Hastein, Natasha, Gurtrude, take that one down for the fire." At his request Hastein glares at the order before quickly smiling at Tuck, "See what I have to deal with?" As he starts pulling apart the crumbling wooden boards that remain of the structure he replies to Tuck's questions, [b]"promises of riches, power and women, what else? But the *itch was a liar, Ga'al came and did her for good. Cleared out the cultists, but couldn't bother his self with us new recruits, left us here to fend for ourselves he did. He came, he did, he left. And sometimes we can see and feel her pain when she floats by too! As for structures, what you see here, that's what's left of the great retreat. This and the fortress of slime across the lake."
Natasha looks between the girl being tended by Wilma and Andrei, biting her lip as she looks between the two a couple more times before reluctantly heading for the ruin. It's obvious she doesn't want to leave the girl's side.
Gurtrude, a very young and malnourished girl that has been giggling and crouched on the ground in the back, shambles over to Thessa, "please hold mister Farnsworth for me? At least I think it's mister Farnsworth. Just don't let HER get him." And with this a small ooze is thrust into Thessa's hands. The ooze does no damage other than leaving her hands well slimed. Kaitrin looks at the ooze with glee, her hands covered in the remains of the one she just squished.
Wilma describes the group while wrapping the arm stump and Grell reminiscences about clothing he saw in a history museum. Vaniime realizes that through the taters of clothing he sees fashions that reminded him of his grandmother's portraits. But that was centuries ago...
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP35/35 Wednesday January 23rd, 2013 5:22:47 PM
"Sorry, Andrei," Wilma said, checking that her bandages on the one-armed girl were secure, "We need to try to learn as much as possible about how you got here and for what purpose--it will help us try to figure out how to get us all out of here." The young priestess fixed her eyes upon the de facto leader of the children.
"As far as we know--for now--this is a place that had been created because it is beyond the Wold, and supposed to be beyond its influence. Whomever created it was very, very strong, because it's still here even after the fall of the...cult that was apparently supposed to use it as a retreat." Wilma looked around her again, biting her bottom lip in concentration.
"It's obvious that we can't go back the way we came in," she pointed out, "But...do any of you know if there is supposed to be a designated portal..? A kind of doorway that was meant for the cult members to use to come here and then go back to the Wold...?"
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 59/59 Wednesday January 23rd, 2013 5:44:39 PM
Ariach looks through the group of children one more time. Again he fells uncomfortable while watching the teens. The warrior cannot imagine how they were able to survive such a long time. He really hopes that their small group will be able to bring the children back home. The fact that there should be no cultists around increases the chance. But it also prevents him from taking vengeance.
"Fortress of slime? Maybe we should check out that place next."
The warrior waits for orders. He strongly hopes that some of his friends understand completely what is going on here...... he doesn´t.
Tuck HP 42/42 AC 18/18/14 Wednesday January 23rd, 2013 7:52:56 PM
Tuck noticed that the children kept referring to a woman. The specific way they referenced her made him think that she might be a spirit or ghost.
"Who is this woman you keep talking about, Heath? And what's in that fortress? More people?"
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:45/45 Wednesday January 23rd, 2013 9:44:39 PM
With a jolt of realization, Van gets a very worried look upon her face and quickly turns to Andrei.
"Andrei, Where did you get the clothes that you are wearing? Did you find them somewhere, or are they the ones you were wearing when you arrived here?"
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