


	LOG ON

The Platinum Dragons Archives

Return To Index

A Wizard's Fate

Sage Kenither engages the adventurers

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Thursday November 28th, 1996 4:00:40 AM

Intro from The Jericho: This is turns 1-10 of our first fledgling attempts to play by email. The module is from Dungeon Magazine and is titled "A Wizard's Fate." I don't remember which issue it is from, sorry.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 1
Thursday November 28th, 1996 4:30:40 AM
Under the mellow morning sun rising over the walled frontier village of Edenmoor, you make your way to an appointment at the residence of the sage Loren Kenither. He beckoned you there with a note delivered by a halfling youth last night at your place of lodging. The note said:

I have a puzzle that needs solving. If you are truly interested in being an adventurer, be at my residence on Snow Street precisely one hour after dawn. You will be paid. --Alemi bless, Loren Kenither, Sage of the Golden Braid

As you arrive you are welcomed by a young woman into a study filled with books stacked on the floor and on shelves in the wall. For that matter, the walls of the hall and entryway were likewise covered with books. Master Kenither sits behind a desk writing furiously for a minute, then looks at you and nods.

"So, you have come. I'll go get us some coffee and you get to know each other. The whole deal is off ya know, if you can't get along...."

He titters to himself, muttering quietly, "Yes, they must get along... hehe," and smiles for the first time as he quickly leaves the room and heads further into the house.

You look around the room at the four people the sage invited:

A brutishly repulsive looking human man with muscles upon muscles. He wears splint mail, shield, and a huge bastard sword sits near the window the morning sun glistening off of his metal attire.

An attractive elven gentleman who looks extremely quick, who carries a large assortment of weapons including a long bow, a long sword, and a quarterstaff.

An extremely ugly dwarf who looks tan and sunburned from time spent above ground. He is also wearing splint mail and carries a battleaxe along with a warhammer.

A wimp of a human, however very handsome, carrying two daggers on a belt and wearing a gray robe.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Thursday November 28th, 1996 5:00:40 AM

Send your turn to me only. Later some conversations may be done with open mailing, but I want to start simple. This is your opportunity to introduce your character and begin conversing. You may say several things directed at the other three in the room, or try anything else you want to do. Say as much or as little as you want.

It was necessary to give a basic description of your character so the others could begin responding to him. Feel free to add more or correct things as the others examine you in greater detail.

Turn is due Monday at 10:00pm est. I'll sent out a turn at that point. If I receive everyone's first turn before then, I'll consider sending the turn out early.

Please send me the spell(s) you wish to have memorized at the start if any.

Let's work on getting to know each other better. Feel free to start email correspondences with each other. I encourage it. No gaming strategy, but you may talk about how cool it was when the dragon carried off JK's character during the second turn... Did I say that?

I hope you enjoy the turn,

Jericho

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 2
Monday December 2nd, 1996 4:00:40 AM
(Jus's first turn included in its entirety because it was so funny... and so far from what I expected.)

Hey Ladybug, my wonderful sister,

After two months and at least a half-dozen cities, trying to find some group to adventure with, it finally happened. I received a note tonight from a local Sage asking for my assistance. It could not have come at a better time, I would soon be out of money and was about to see if the city guard would hire me. I know, I know. I should have plenty of money. It seems I was over-optimistic in the ease of being accepted into an adventurer's group. Luckily some friendly inn-keeper caught me at the end of my first week and convinced me to buy other than the best food and lodging. Seems he's seen many like me end up in debtor's prison. I still didn't get it in my head until after two weeks of living in common quarters, when I went to see how much a horse cost. Did you realize a saddle alone costs 10gp? No more just charging things to Dad's accounts. Since then I have either been in my tent, or in the cheapest lodgings possible. The rooms are still great, much better than I would have expected. I won't know who this group is composed of until tomorrow. I can imagine from our bother's stories there will be about 4-5 elves, but I hope at least one of them is a human. I know he probably would not feel adequate with the rest of us, but I think it would be fun to work with one. Well, gotta go. I want to get plenty of sleep before the morrow.

Love You, Jus (the name I now go by)

------------------------------

I awoke in my room for what I hoped would be the last time. I could never get used to sleeping in a room in which you could see blood stains in the flooring. It was, as most of my lodging recently, a group room. Everyone slept in their clothes, and most in their gear. To do otherwise would risk waking up without any possessions. But it was cheap, and that was all that mattered at the moment. Not quite what I wrote in my letter to Ladybug last night, but I don't want her to worry too much.

I woke Riage, an elvish friend I met in the last city. As she was wont to do every day, a dagger immediately met my throat. "Breakfast, my treat," I whispered. "Great, I always am in the mood for gruel." I could hear the sarcasm dripping in her voice. "Watch your tongue, lady. This may be the last day you have me to bully." "You've got a job? Congrats. Now I can eat without your whining. And I am NOT a lady."

I couldn't help but go to an upscale inn and buy us some meat for breakfast. For the first time since I met her, Riage didn't curse me the whole meal. She may be one of the best thieves around, but she certainly acted the lady today. I think that was her way of saying goodbye. She abruptly jumped out of her chair and left before I was finished, with a curt "gotta attend to business." I hope I see her again.

'Be at my residence on Snow Street.' This guy must be somebody important; he didn't even give directions. Well, off I go.

As the door opened my mind was trying to frame the right words for when I met my fellow elvin adventurers. The woman that greeted me was nice enough, made me think of... Whoa, look at all these books! I would love to spend a few years in here! My family was never into reading. Even Libome did not have as expansive library as this old man. I must write home and let him know. And the woman that led me here! It would be so nice to spend some time talking with her. I bet she has plenty of stories to tell.

My eyes finally released the books as the old man said something about coffee and getting along with the others. I began to look around at the three other people in the room.

GREAT MAKER! How thankful I am for the manners and etiquette my sisters taught me. I managed to catch my reaction before I got into trouble (I hope). I am supposed to get along with these THINGS!?! I know I have been asking for divine help in learning to accept my human weakness, but I NEVER requested help in accepting DWARVES!

Even the humans were beyond what I had desired to befriend. Granted, the first seems 'it' would be a great fighter, but to term 'it' a human is more of an insult than I have heard most sailors speak. And to think my blood may be mixed with one like him... I quickly changed my thoughts to the other man present.

This other human I may have problems with. I could easily guess his profession; and could feel my envy rising inside. To display his passion so openly. The one thing I cannot allow myself to do. He seemed almost normal to me, reminding me a lot of Libome. This was a human I would be proud to share blood with. I quickly reminded myself that 'lanyards hastily tied show their failing when it storms.'

The dwarf. The dwarf. I could not lower myself to address him, not yet. So I decided to talk to all of the group, instead of individuals. I hope no one would notice how little I looked in his direction.

"Greetings fellow adventures. I go by the name of Jus. I wish to lay my sword before you in aid to your, and my, goals. I do not claim to be the best fighter," I nod to the brawny one, "but will lend my assistance as I am able."

Maybe the presence of these books were affecting me, but a historian's quote came unbidden, unspoken, to my mind. 'Always there is a black spot in our sunshine: it is even as I said, the Shadow of Ourselves.' I asked the Great Maker to assist me in accepting the human blood I have been given. I knew what I wanted, he has obviously given me what I needed.

I reluctantly realized why I must "get along" with these things, rather, these people. Another writer once said, 'There is no prejudice so strong as that which arises from a fancied exemption from all prejudice.' I do not need to accept my human blood, I need to accept humans and -- reluctantly -- the dwarfish as well; setting aside my prejudice for the non-elvish. So, I included the dwarf in my gaze and said, "I hope we will all set aside any differences we have and unite to fulfill Master Kenither's request."

..............................................................................

I am wearing brown leggings and a green shirt and blue slop (overshirt) with green highlights. I also have a color-coordinated forest green cloak, sea blue soft leather riding boots, and a sea blue head band. I carry a long sword over my left shoulder and a short sword over my right (held in place by baldrics and scabbards). A quiver of finely made arrows is across my left shoulder. I am carrying a long bow. One small pouch hangs on my belt to the right of my buckle. Another pouch is barely seen on the far left side of my belt. To my side laying on the floor is a backpack with a small tent attached. I have dark red hair and green eyes.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 2
Monday December 2nd, 1996 4:30:40 AM
(Here is Gareth's first turn, included here because it soo different from Jus.)

Hi!

"I'm Gareth. I've come for my family..." Gareth utters with nervousness and falls silent. He looks around with apparent discomfort with the situation. He is clearly out of his element.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 2
Monday December 2nd, 1996 5:00:40 AM
The gray robed man carrying the daggers is the first to act:

I will stand up, pick up a book and mutter "already read it" and set it down (it now has glowing fingerprints that rapidly fade). I'll do this a few more times, and then I'll pick up another book and say "ahhh." I'll set this book in my chair (again the rapidly fading glowing fingerprints) and turn to face everyone, "Excuse my rudeness, but being in a room full of so many books has made me giddy." I'll then take off my hat, and give a little bow. Then I will replace my hat (again the fingerprints). I will speak to the human in common- "Greetings noble hero. I am Nonam Firstorlast. I look forward to our travels. I also look forward to watching you wield your fine blade. You are obviously a master. I can tell by the courageous glint in your eye." ...to the elf in elven- "Greetings valiant weapons master. I am Nonam Firstorlast. I look forward to our travels together as you look like a man of intelligence whom I can readily converse despite your interest," he points to the weapons, "in those fearsome implements of destruction. You are obviously a true renaissance man -a scholar and an heroic warrior . I envy you, sir." ...to the dwarf in dwarven- "You look as if you have been away from home for sometime brave warrior. I am Nonam Firstorlast, and I look forward to traveling together. Perhaps in our journeys you could tell me something of your homeland or your clan. I'm very interested in learning more of your culture. From what I've heard it sounds like one of the finest in the Wold." to all in common- "I hope the sage's coffee is good. I know I could certainly use it so early in the morning..."

After this, the Dwarf does the same:

I stand and go to each of the others and offer my hand in friendship and introduce myself to each. Upon the completion of my introduction to the others I then turn to them and say : " Glory be to Alemi " and then I take my holy symbol in my hands and kiss it. Then I proceed to look at the vast amount of books and randomly pick one up, sit, and then start to read it.

The human with the muscles reluctantly stirs and responds:

Hi!

"I'm Gareth. I've come for my family..." Gareth utters with nervousness and falls silent. He looks around with apparent discomfort with the situation. He is clearly out of his element.

Then:

After studying the others in the room for a few minutes, the elf straightens. He then begins speaking; tending to address the one in the robe more than the others. "Greetings fellow adventures! I go by the name of Jus. I wish to lay my sword before you in aid to your, and my, goals. I do not claim to be the best fighter," Jus nods to the brawny one, "but will lend my assistance as I am able."

Jus pauses, momentarily eyeing the dwarf. "I hope we can all set aside our differences and unite to fulfill Master Kenither's request."

After giving the others a time to speak, Jus continues "Honestly, this is not quite the group I expected, but I am sure I will be able to adapt. And once my loyalty is pledged, it will bond me. Despite the situation."

Loren and the young woman return with the coffee and some pastries and says, "Well I see our dear elf and brave dwarf haven't come to blows yet. That's good. Let me tell you of what I have in mind...."

He settles down behind his desk and the young woman begins to straighten it.

"My friends," he says, gesturing you to be comfortable. "As a sage, I find myself responsible for solving the puzzles of the Wold. Yet one puzzle intrigues me now more than any other. Perhaps you have already heard the rumors spreading throughout the community concerning the death of the evil wizard Elzid Natholin. Several mornings ago, Elzid's tower exploded, rattling the countryside awake with thunder. The tower-whatever remains of it, that is-lies one day's journey north. I want you to investigate the ruins on my behalf and determine the cause of the explosion.

"Elzid was handsome and charismatic, and he used his alchemical skills to seduce wealthy young women with love potions. He also concocted and dispersed potions that caused madness, sickness, and death. We should count our blessing that he is gone. Who cares whether it was his alchemy or his conjurations that destroyed him? But did Elzid fall victim to his own magic and knowledge, or did something else send him to his grave? This is the question that must be answered.

"Curiosity," he says dryly, "is the foundation of knowledge. I am too old to be an explorer, so I require you to solve the mystery for me. Events of this nature tend to frighten people. They begin concocting bad omens and signs. Some people are already convinced that Elzid has released a savage demon on the countryside. These rumors are compounded by one dark fact: Several individuals have already ventured to the ruins, and none have returned. People can be so stupid.

"Among those gone is a maiden named Erilyn Windfellow. It is believed that Elzid brought her flowers the night before he died. The wizard has seduced many a merchant's lonely daughter for fun and profit., but the Wind-fellow family is poor and had little to offer him. The entire affair is very puzzling.

"Solve the riddle of Elzid's demise for me, and I will see that you are paid justly. If the gods choose to reward you further you may even find some treasure amidst the ruins."

He takes a deep breath and says, "So brave young ones, will you ease my curiosity and investigate this matter? Will you choose to trust each other and tempt the holy hands of fate?

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday December 2nd, 1996 5:30:40 AM

Wow, was this a long one!!! Sorry for the late turn. David was a day late with his and John wrote a novel.......hehe ask him. Maybe he will sell you a copy. You can see how this can get long real quick. We may need to work on that.

We have another player....Kevin Wimberly, Kirk's brother, who is an ex-player with the group. He is experienced in gaming and will fit right in. That gives us 7. Which means we will be splitting the group at the appropriate time. What are your opinions on that? For me, it begins to border on more than I can do. We could have both groups do the same adventure. We could have JK DM one group. Or, if you insist, I can struggle along. Don't forget that I also have a live game every Sunday night and they expect me to be ready for it as well. Ahh, what to do? Suggestions?

I do suggest that you email each other from time to time and get to know the ones you don't know. That is a purpose of this yaknow....keeping our friendships intact.

For my part, this has been a busy week. I'm fighting off an allergy infection/flu/cold type thing which I've had for over two weeks now. We're busy giving even more practice TAAS tests to the kids at school. I've got sixth graders writing notes about the best kinds of condoms to use and whether bi-sexuality is wrong. Needless to say, my stress level has been high. Life continues to be interesting and doing this with you guys, for now is a joy and not another burden.

Due date for the next turn is Friday, at 10:00pm CT.

Looking forward to your turn.

Jericho

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 3
Saturday December 7th, 1996 4:00:40 AM
Nonam, the wimpy human, nods in approval when the Dwarf selects a book. When Loren comes in, and while he speaks, Nonam continues reading until he says, "Elzid Natholin." At which point he give him his full attention.

When the sage mentions that the elf and the dwarf have not begun fighting yet, Jus the elf responds with a slight edge in his voice, "No, we have not come to blows. I have the faint hope that when this dwarf -- I missed his name, I was... distracted -- found the grace and beauty of his deity, he also found the grace and beauty of unviolated nature and the arts."

Kolath listens to what the old man has to say, eyeing from time to time the rest of the party. He holds his cup of coffee but does not drink any of it.

Immediately when the sage finishes, Nonam stands and looks around at the others. "Well? Let's go. We have no time to waste. Already the elements could be wreaking havoc with the clues concerning Elzid's demise."

Gareth blurts out between pastries (He eats one per bite. Big guy and all that) and coffee, "When do we leave?!" He seems very ready to get out of the meeting room as quickly as possible.

Jus politely ignores the other's comments and says, "As for your proposal, it sounds very interesting and I am eager to participate. However, I have not been in this area long and have no knowledge of you or even if you can be trusted. You state you will pay 'justly' for our help. Are you willing to give us a portion of this 'just payment' previous to the task? If you can extend this trust in us I will then do as you request. Any additional information on the persons or associates of Elzid and Erilyn would also be appreciated."

At this time Kolath pipes up and says, "What does it matter how an Evil wizard died, as long as he's dead and won't be causing havoc to all of the good people around. But the problem lies in the fact that others are still disappearing near and around the tower. That is what we should investigate and not what caused the wizard's death." He then places the cup of coffee on the table, looks the elf square at his belly and says, "It appears to me that it is YOU that have a problem with Dwarves." With dramatic gestures, he continues, "My clan has long been a friend to the Elves. We have always honored and respected our taller cousins and given them any aid they've needed or wanted at anytime." With that he picks up the cup of coffee, and downs all of it, pausing for a brief moment before yelling, "HHHHOOOOOTTTT!" grabbing his aleskin from his backpack he takes a deep draw from it to cool his tongue and throat. He then sits back down and waits there for the conversation that he knows is going to begin, with a BIG poop eating grin on his face.

Loren the Sage responds to the elf that he is willing to pay the party 300gp up front and 300gp at the conclusion of the matter. He looks sorely hurt that the elf has not heard of him and says, "I trusted you."

He continues, "I, of course, will pass on any further information that I come upon. I have been forthright with you gentlebeings and have told you all I know of the matter. Now do we have an agreement?"

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Saturday December 7th, 1996 4:30:40 AM

Hey guys!

If you want to speak to a person in a private conversation....just turn it in as part of the turn. Say what your character is doing and how he is trying going about it. Then run the conversation in the same way. Send the turn in to me and I'll pass it on to the right people.

Remember that your turn has to fit within a whole. Look at the last two turns and how they have looked. Use them as a guide when doing your turn. The turns are long enough right now, and a couple are perhaps a little too long.

Reason for delay of this turn: David did the "novel" thing stating his thoughts and motivations without actually stating what he was doing. Tim was late with his turn, because AOL has been flooded with multitudes of people trying out the new pricing scheme.

Next turn due Tues. night at 10:00pm CT.

John.....Mom, dad, and I are going to see Rita and Andy and will pass thru either on the 25th or 26th. Probably the latter. If you are in town and want to meet for a meal or something we can try.

David had a car wreck this week. Everyone is fine. Matthew has a bruise on his head. Keep them in your prayers.

Jericho

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 4
Tuesday December 10th, 1996 4:00:40 AM
Nonam stands impatiently in the door tapping his foot.

When Jus comments that he questions whether or not the sage can be trusted, Nonam's jaw drops to the floor. "I can't believe that you would question the Sage of the Golden Braid's motives. Are you mad?!? The man is the physical embodiment of goodness and knowledge." He glares about the room and says, "I'll wait outside til all of you are ready."

Turning toward Loren, Jus says "I humbly ask your pardon if I have caused you discomfort by knowing not of your reputation. I am from afar and have been very occupied. I will accept your offer."

Nonam then looks to the sage, "Master Kenither, you have been hospitable as always. I thank you. Do you mind if I borrow this book? I'll return it when we return from Elzid's."

"Of course my son," says Master Kenither. Chapter 13 on the History of the Southern Dwarves of Faith Island is especially interesting. Supposedly their treasure and even their Clan Anvil is still there somewhere."

Nonam nods and steps outside.

As he walks out the door, Jus looks at the dwarf for a few minutes and begins to chuckle. After a moment of barely controlling his laughter, he settles and says, "Dwarf, it has been a long time since someone has attempted to taunt me. I thank you for that amusement. Please let me know your name."

The dwarf is silent while he nods to Master Kenither and walks outside.

Jus continues, "Oh, just one more thing, Kolath. The dark serpents of the underworld are no closer my cousins then a bath is to you. I humbly INSIST that you refrain from describing them as such again."

As the party leaves on their mission, Master Kenither gives Nonam a sizable bag of jingling coins. (300gp) May you find your fortune my friend....and keep the book.

The party heads out away from the town toward the Red Hills and their destiny: The ruins of Elzid's tower 15 miles to the north. As they travel, they continue to get to know each other.....

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Tuesday December 10th, 1996 4:30:40 AM

JK writes: I'll try to write to start writing this so it works better for cutting and pasting. ie no 1st person in the narrative.

Jerry says: This is a good way to describe what I want. Thanks JK.

John writes: Jerry, why Jericho? Any deep meaning?

John is referring to my signing the last turn with my handle. John, not that I know of.....however the fates could decide different.

I didn't receive turns from David and Tim. Guys if you get busy, just send something short or even email us and say you need to drop out for a week cause you're sick and backed up at work and home....etc. We're depending on each other to have fun here so get them in on time...

If anyone feels that a two day turnaround is too fast let me know. I'm not going to make any turns due on a weekend so that those doing their turns at work are not inconvenienced. If that's not necessary let me know.

We are quickly getting into the module so if you have not turned in your combat squares to me, I get to decide if you hit or not by whether I want you to or not...hehe. I think you know what I'll decide....hehe.

I'm planning on going up to Colorado to see the sister the 26th - 31st. I am planning on taking the laptop from school so I can still host and keep up with my online job. That means that the game should not be affected. Let me know when you will be out of touch with a computer during the holidays and we'll work our way around it.

Attached is a sound bite for your amusement.

Jericho (Muhahaha)

Return To Index Next Scene (To the ruins of Elzid's tower)