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A burial; his sister arrives

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 36
Wednesday March 12th, 1997 4:00:40 AM
Nonam bows to Jus, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound so harsh. I was, and still am, upset over the death of our companion. Now then maybe we can find out more about him. Perhaps he has some letter from home or a clan medallion or something. That way we can inform his family of his death." Nonam begins to search the body looking for any identifying marks, letters, jewelry, etc.

Nonam notices two things when he searches the body: a coin on a thong, in a orcish-common blend, which is translated to Korok of the Q'ulada of clan Kaplag. A clawed hand holding a scimitar is engraved on the other side of the coin. (Q'ualada = Warriors, Kapalg = Sucess). One of his scimitars looks very used, and also bears the Kaplag name, as well as the clawed hand and scimitar. On Korok's right shoulder is a tattoo of the hand and scimitar, limed in flames.

Jus shrugs and follows the others to the outside. He helps dig a grave using whatever is available. Jus insists that Korok be buried with his sword, referring that hunters need their weapons whatever ground their foot may tread.

Before they lay Korok's body in the grave, Jus apologizes to the others for how this looks and explains his intent. He then searches for any signet, symbols, or heraldry that may indicate where Korok was from; pocketing any such item for later use.

Jus then follows the others to a place everyone feels comfortable to camp and sets up his tent.

Gareth says "I can see that this is not going to be easy. We need to work together or more of us may die."

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday March 12th, 1997 4:30:40 AM

David says: I'm back.

John says: Sorry for the 'late' response. The turn didn't arrive in my mailbox until this morning.

Hope my character's frankness in the last turn does not lead to a party breakup. My intent is not to create such a scenario; just to portray the character's discomfort with the, and his, situation.

Jerry says: Sorry for the late turn. It's been a tiring, busy few days. We're giving Standardized Tests to the kids and it's the end of the 9 week grading period and I'm averaging grades this week.

I've sent Tom's new character to JK for approval and should receive the go ahead on it soon.

I should receive your turns later today I hope.

Jerry

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 37
Friday March 14th, 1997 4:00:40 AM
Nonam takes the coin and thong in the hopes that one day he will be able to return it to Korok's clan. Once camp is made he volunteers for 3rd watch, and will memorize spells the next morning.

Gareth sits down at the camp and eats. "I'll take first watch.". He gets up and looks for a spot where it would be hard to sneak up behind him, places his sword in his lap and his shield at his side.

Jus volunteers to keep first watch and offers Nonam the use of the tent. "I have heard that it is important for your profession to get good sleep. If it would help keep you from being interrupted, please feel free to use the tent."

Jus tries to remember if he has heard of the Q'ulada of clan Kaplag, and asks the others if they have any such information.

A figure wearing a forest-color cloak approaches the bottom of the hill, leading a barded horse. A slight figure, you can only figure it is a woman, and when the voice calls out, your guess is right. "Greetings to the camp. Might a traveler partake of your fire."

There is an accent, though you can not place it. As she finishes, she drops her hood, revealing a head of bright blonde hair, and incredibly intense blue eyes (Know who Rick Dees is? those type of blue eyes, ones that seem to jump out at you). Her cloak comes open, (Jerry says, "What!") and you can see she wears a scimitar at her hip.

She notices that the party is unusually somber for adventurers. There is a pile of freshly dug dirt a little ways off.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday March 14th, 1997 4:30:40 AM

John says: Hmmm. The last and this turn seem to demonstrate one of the disadvantages of e-mail campaigns. The actions of the individuals don't mesh seamlessly. i.e. If others want to go to an inn instead of camp, or the fact both Nonam and Jus wanted to search the body. I guess we just have to be forgiving with the storyline.

Jerry says: Hmmm. The last turn seems to demonstrate one of the disadvantages of a human DM. He makes mistakes. Sorry John.

See ya'll tomorrow.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 38
Monday March 17th, 1997 4:00:40 AM
The woman waits for a reply, noticing freshly dug dirt.

Gareth stands up with sword held in a ready but non-threatening position (as he had it in his lap) and watches intently. He tries to determine her race. When he is sure there is no danger he sheaths his sword.

Nonam stands and whispers to Jus, "She carries one of those curved, heavy bladed swords which I have seen only once before... in the hands of our departed friend."

And then he speaks to the woman, "Greetings traveler. I am Nonam Firstorlast and [he points at Gareth and Jus] these are my companions Gareth the Mighty, and Jus the Tripper of Traps [he grins at Jus as he says this]. I welcome you to our fire." He motions to the fire and continues, "You have a most unusual accent. I recall having heard it before, but I can't place it. So why don't you warm your feet by the fire, have a little food, and tell us about yourself, your homeland, and your travels." Then he mutters to himself, "Perhaps this will take our minds off our own disagreeable day."

Jus stands and bows deeply. "Greetings, fair beauty. Travelers are always welcome. The company of another good sword would be invaluable at the moment."

After a moment of silence, Jus speaks again, "Forgive us our manners, for today has been a dark day."

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday March 17th, 1997 4:30:40 AM

Tom says: "Her cloak comes open, (Jerry says, "What!") and you can see she wears a scimitar at her hip." What was the 'What?' for?

Jerry says: I was imagining a pretty blonde's cloak coming open... [EG]

John says: BTW: I've noticed the address you use is incorrect. Mayhap this is responsible for some of the problems that have occurred in the past. Haven't had any problems lately, just FYI.

Jerry says: Everyone update John's work email address please.

Jerry: What? No dumb blonde jokes? I bet you're all writing them down waiting to see how well she can wield that sword before you start in on her, right? Or are you feeling sympathy toward Tom and antipathy toward me for killing him? I seeee....

See yall tomorrow.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 39
Wednesday March 19th, 1997 4:00:40 AM
Frowing a bit, she leads her mount up. As she moves up the hill, she asks. "What has brought on such a glumness to your group. Today has been a beautiful day. I have traveled for many days, and am only hours behind the one I seek. Perhaps you have seen him."

Nonam sits back down by the fire to conserve his strength, and he motions for the others to join him. He waits to hear what the woman says, but as she speaks he studies her intently.

Gareth retakes his position and watches closely.

Jus volunteers, "As you have been told, my name is Jus. I hope 'Tripper of Traps', as goldfingers named me, is not long my moniker. I am... an elvin fighter, from a city many stories away."

Jus picks up a stick and plays with it while he continues, "My family is relatively small, but the 14 of us remaining are very close." Jus lets out a melodic laugh at some fond memory, "One of my brothers is about as muscle-bound as you, Gareth -- though we would say he has a bit less brains. Still, he lead my brothers and I in enforcing the city peace -- an unusually high number of drunkards and troublemakers spend a day or two in the city before moving on. Oh, I should apologize before I inevitably offend any of you during our time together; based on my experience, there was no such thing as a civilized human. I am glad my fortunes have brought me to you exceptions. I was even more pleased to see one with forest blood join our group." Jus quickly falls silent after realizing what he just said.

After a few uncomfortable minutes, Jus whispers, "This is the first party I have adventured with, and I have already experienced more than I expected."

With a little more strength, Jus quietly states, "My adventuring brothers told elaborate stories of battle, but the death of comrades was never mentioned. The enemies, creatures, or unholy beings were always the ones banished. And justly! To have this tragedy occur so early in our days together, was too... it was not...." Shaking his head he mumbles, "This should not have happened." Jus begins slowly breaking the stick into ever smaller pieces; tossing them into the fire to watch them quickly turn to ashes, and rise into the heavens riding an unfelt breeze.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 40
Thursday March 20th, 1997 4:00:40 AM
Listening to Jus, the lady takes in everything she has seen, comprehension shinning on her face.

"I see. You have lost a comrade." Looking at the mound, she has a slight look of disgust. "I recall your barbaric ways. Entering a body in the ground." Shaking her head, she releases her mount's reins, and approaches the fire. "Ah, but forgive my rudeness, I mean not to cause you anymore grief. It is only, my people believe that the spirit of the dead are bound to the body until it is dust, or ash. We burn our dead to speed the spirit's journey to the underworld. And there are the more secular reasons for this. Scavengers, spirits, and spirit-mages, all can desecrate the body, which causes the spirit of the dead to be bound to the mortal world indefinitely."

Jus quietly listens to the others. His thoughts are distracted as he feels for this newcomer; awaiting the inevitable when she discovers the sad fate of Korok.

Nonam looks questioningly at Jus then turns to the woman. "I'm sorry... I didn't catch your name. Anyway as far as our day... we were hired to investigate the ruins of an dead wizard's tower. There were the three of us and a dwarven cleric. We set out from town this morning. About halfway to the tower we met a pretentious noble that was masquerading as a mage who was also going to the tower to investigate the tower so we let him join us. Once we made it to the tower the dwarf and the mage ran off to look for god knows what. That is the first thing that went wrong. Just as they were leaving, however, a brave and noble half-orc, Korok of the Qulada of clan Kaplag came over the hill from the opposite direction. We quickly made friends with this Korok, and he replaced our other companions. Anyway we went down a tunnel we found at the center of the ruins. Once down there a giant invisible scorpion monster attacked us. It became visible after attacking this Korok I was telling you about. We immediately unleashed a torrent of fury upon the beast and sent it back to whatever hell it came from... but not before it injected the brave half-orc with its deadly venom. He died before our very eyes, and we have only just now finished burying him there." Nonam points to the grave. "That traveler is why were are so glum." Nonam looks thoughtful for a moment. "You know Korok carried a sword much like the one you wear. I hope he is not the companion you were seeking." After noticing that he has struck a nerve, Nonam holds up the pendant Korok was wearing. "He was wearing this. We thought to return it to his clan, but, if you were his friend, perhaps you should take it." Nonam holds the coin out to the woman.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday March 21st, 1997 4:00:40 AM

JK says: Using my foreknowledge of Tom's character to speed this up & to keep John from being the only one making all the long speeches ;)

John says: ... then there was evening; then morning; then we all woke up refreshed, alive, and ready to kill the dragons ...

Jerry says: That would be nice. Although what did the dragons do that deserves death?

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 41
Friday March 21st, 1997 4:30:40 AM
A look of sadness comes across Chala's face as Nonam tells his tale. She takes the coin, and puts it on a thong around her neck with a nearly identical one. She stands. "Will you help me send Korok on his way? He deserves to be sent on his way to the spirit world in the proper way, not to remain here bound to the earth."

Pausing for a second, she says, "And he was more than a friend. He was my brother..and more."

Jus helps build a pyre for Korok and exhume his body for the death rite.

Nonam collapses from exhaustion and sleeps by the fire.

After the death rites are completed, everyone takes a watch and sleeps for the night. You awaken refreshed in the morning having healed 1 hit point overnight.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday March 24th, 1997 4:00:40 AM

John says: Once upon a time, a blonde became so sick of hearing blonde jokes that she had her hair cut and dyed brown. A few days later, as she was out driving around the countryside, she stopped her car to let a flock of sheep pass. Admiring the cute woolly creatures, she said to the shepherd, "If I can guess how many sheep you have, can I take one?" The shepherd, always the gentleman, said, "Sure!" The blonde thought for a moment and, for no discernible reason, said, "352." This being the correct number, the shepherd was, understandably, totally amazed, and exclaimed, "You're right! O.K., I'll keep to my end of the deal. Take your pick of my flock." The blonde carefully considered the entire flock and finally picked the one that was by far cuter and more playful than any of the others. When she was done, the shepherd turned to her and said, "O.K., now I have a proposition for you. If I can guess your true hair color, can I have my dog back?"

Jerry says: And there was evening and there was morning of the second day.

Jerry says: I'm working very hard this week on typing in the articles for the New Campaign Folder containing color maps. It looks to be about 100 pages long or so.

Please change your mailing list for Tim.

My whole mailing list follows for you to cut and paste:

Jerry says: JK would you prepare and send out rules for individual experience points please? And briefly explain Hero Points and how they work? Thanks.

Now that we have exited the dungeon and reached a point of reflection, I can hand out some experience.

Story Bonus Experience for all original characters: 500XP

Combat Experience: 650 / 4 = 163XP each for all original characters.

Hero Points: Noman gets 1 for standing over Korok's body while fighting.

Any more? Feel free to ask for them.

Since this is kinda late in the day, we'll say this turn is due Tomorrow. However, I'll check my email tonight and see if we can run a turn or not.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 42
Monday March 24th, 1997 4:30:40 AM
(Well I thought we were done for the night... that's what I get for thinking...)

Chala takes the ornate scimitar of Korok's explaining that it is an heirloom, and that, as the only member of the family in the area, she shall carry it until she returns home to tell of Korok's death.

After Korok's body is placed on the pyre, she sprinkles a pinch of earth from a pouch on his body, followed by a bit of water from a vial. Then she kneels, and breathes a breath on his face. Then, she takes a torch, lights the pyre.

"Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. All the elements together we are, and thus we return to the Mother, and our Spirits go to her, and to the Land of the Dead."

She stands there for a while, watching as Korok's spirit is sent to its journey.

She stays there the rest of the night, keeping watch on the fire until all that is left are the ashes.

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