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The second descent

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 42b
Tuesday March 25th, 1997 4:00:40 AM
Jus awakes early, well rested. While everyone waits for Nonam to finish preparing for the day, Jus packs his tent and belongings. He speaks quietly with Chala, letting her know if she needs anything further or any help contacting others, please let him know.

"I would join you, if you will have me," Chala tells the three. "I have no reason to return to my home, though one day I will have to. I wish to see the world, as my brother did. I will give you my pledge of Companionship, which to us is a pledge nearly as strong as one of family."

"Hey guys!" says Jus, "Time to see what was in the lower regions of that tower. We certainly cannot turn away now, with the sacrifice our companion has made."

Gareth wakes up refreshed and ready for action. He eats, packs up, and waits for everyone to get up and he says, "Let's go!" and heads for the stairs.

Jus leads the others into the depths of the tower, pointing out the location of the trap.

The party descends the stairs, explaining the details of the circumstances of Korok's death as they pass by the relevant places. There is a 10' landing at the bottom of the stairs, then the block of stone now back in the wall at the 20' point, and the pressure plate is at the 30' point. You are standing in front of this now. This pressure plate covers the entire 10' square of hallway. 20' past it is a chamber beyond.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Tuesday March 25th, 1997 4:30:40 AM

John says: To DDavid: Hope I bring back fond memories with the "Hey guys!" (i.e. Togmahon).

David says: ......Gareth dove under the spider thing to get his sword to continue the fight with only a daggar to fight with. He even grabbed it when it was burning hot. That should be worth something.

Jerry says: I agree. Hmm...Usually a heroic action in the past has involved the risking of yourself for others type of thing, however you could stretch it to say that you were doing this to try to save the party since you realized that this is quite a small group. Ok, I'll give one this time. Normally, I would give XP for this only. Job well done David.

Tom says: Two blondes were walking through the forest, when they came across some tracks. The first blond says "I kknow what type of tracks these are. They're bear tracks."

The other blonde shakes her head. "NO, those are deer tracks."

They begin to argue. "Bear Tracks! Deer Tracks!"

They continue to argue. A few minutes go by, and the two blondes are hit by the train, ending the argument.

Jerry says: Tom, I need a list of spells memorized. I would highly suggest that you move some Ability Scores around and up your Wisdom score to an 17 or 18 because of the bonus spells you receive. (Check under Wisdom in the front of the PHB2.) According to house rules, you may memorize spells outside of your allowed areas if you can provide your god with why you need them. Since this group has no Cleric of any kind, I would allow you to carry CLWounds. The party needs you to carry around 2 CLW's plus one of something else. This is just a suggestion, of course.

Jerry says: Chala receives 200 xp for her exceptional entrance.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 43
Wednesday March 26th, 1997 4:00:40 AM
(Hmm....I thought we were at the opening...)

Before getting to the opening Gareth says, "I wonder if the flying creature that was invisible is the same creature that got sucked into that pentagram? They were both small."

Chala informs the party, "I am Khdack. I speak to the Mother, and She speaks to me. I am Her voice, and she graces me with the Kimring, abilities that not even a mage can copy, for the abilities are of the Mother herself, and not I."

Underground, she listens to the tale of the day earlier, and looks at the spot that is the pressure plate, then smiles. She stands up. "Follow me."

She goes upstairs, and looks about, and looks for a sizable piece of the ruined tower. She finds one she thinks will work.

"If we move a large piece of this down, and place it between the wall and the slab, it may close, but we will still have a way out."

Jus says, "Well, 10' is an easy jump. I say we take turns jumping the trap. If anyone triggers it, the others run to the other side join them." If everyone is in agreement, Jus volunteers to be the first one to go and, taking a running start, jumps over the trap.

Jus easily hops over the trap making the jump by at least two feet.

After approaching the stone block, Gareth begins his careful advancement procedure again. He moves over the trap by hopping, jumping, etc., to prevent tripping it.

Gareth also makes a perfect jump easily clearing the 10 feet trigger stone and begins again to advance carefully. He says, "This time let's be more careful! People get killed when we get careless," and continues down the hall toward the open area.

Nonam's set to explore. He isn't too eager to get beat on again, so he hangs around at the rear.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday March 26th, 1997 4:30:40 AM

Tom says: Is that a interesting way to say I am a Druid?

Jerry says: I love it!!!

JK: I'll send out the stuff you asked about soon, but things are still hectic for me so it might be Sat or Sun

John says: How about Jus' exceptional empathy for the state of Gareth's concern for him. Jus was willing to give up the excitement of exploring the remainder of the tower to ease the burden on Gareth's mind. Instead he told Nonam the scroll should be used to move the stone so they could join the rest of the party. ;-)

Jerry says nothing.

Jerry says: Sorry about the long delay. I was trying to configure my modem to the Windows 95 to play Civilization online and goofed something up. The result is that I'm logging on at 33,??? rather than 28,000 BPS and have the 56,??? upgrade ordered. The Sportster modem people were very good with their tech help. The most friendly I've ever encountered. They actually called back the next day (today), after we got it fixed (yesterday late) to see if everything was still running. They also conferred with AOL about my problem to see that their techs added the scenario to their database. Very Nice.

By Standard rules, only Priests receive bonus spells, and that is why her Wis is low. The other reason is because most of her abilities are at a minimums (Dex is high so she is harder to hit. I can move one point from CON to WIS and 1 point from INT to WIS, giving her two extra 1st level spells.

To what spells she has memorize, I shall go with 2 Cure Light Wounds, 1 Faerie Fire. (The healing sphere one of the accessible spheres for druids.)

Included is a new character sheet.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 44
Thursday March 27th, 1997 4:00:40 AM
Chala will wait to see if any will heed her suggestion, even though it appears as if two members have already jumped across the plate.

Gareth advances battle ready.

Jus walks beside Gareth, looking around for anything interesting.

The hallway opens into a 30' square chamber. Lying in the middle of this dust covered floor are two dead goblins, their crude spears still clutched in their hands. At the far end of the chamber, a statue of a horned bipedal creature stands in a shallow alcove. The statue points toward you with one cruel finger, and its stony visage bears a menacing grin. The chamber has four doors, two on the right and two on the left. The closest doors on either side hang open on their hinges.

Before Nonam jumps across the trapped area, he gets down on his hands and knees in front of the plate. He checks to see if it is still depressed or if it looks like it could go off again. With his great knowledge of traps, he determines for certain... that he has no idea. Then nodding to himself he gets back up and jumps... (he gets a running start first of course)... and lands short by an inch.

With a click and the sound of a spring going off, the party tenses....

.

.

.

.

and nothing happens. (hehe)

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Thursday March 27th, 1997 4:30:40 AM

Jerry says: JK is going out of town until Sat or so to present a paper at a conference that he wrote. We wish him good luck.

Jerry says: JK also just moved into a new house, so congratulations JK.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 45
Friday March 28th, 1997 4:00:40 AM
Chala shakes her head, waiting a few seconds to see if the slab will begin to close.

Gareth says to Chala. "You have time. Come across. We can open it again." Then looking at Nonam, "Can't we?"

Nonam says, "Open What?" and points at the open corridor behind them.

(Everyone did scroll down and see the rest of my clever turn, or were you not clever?)

Noticing the hesitation in Chala's mannerisms Gareth says, "This is how Korok died. We got separated. Hurry!"

Gareth glares at Nonam but says nothing. He waits for Chala and whispers, "We tried large rocks and all kinds of debris and it didn't help. It appears the trap is no longer working. Better to be safe."

As Jus watches the stone close and Chala has joined the rest, he says, "Well, that was a good idea, Kuhdak. I guess its too late now to do anything about it..."

Nonam says, "But Jus, you're having visions again... the corridor is open and as you can see Chala has not joined us yet. Go fig, huh?"

Jus asks Chala, "How do you pronounce your name again? Kuhdak, Kuhdaak, Kaadaak?"

"Well, Gareth...", starts Jus, "Left, right, or the statue? I say let's take a look at the statue first."

Nonam says, "Well if you want to join us, step across. The trap doesn't seem to be working right now."

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday March 28th, 1997 4:30:40 AM

Tom says: Got a suggestion all. We might want to talk about thinks before we leap, literally. Two people take a leap before even conferring with everyone else before they get any more information about the trap, not a smart way to go...that just a suggestion. I know that there are times when we wont be able to confer about what is going on, like in a fight, or when fleeing, but when we are trying to figure something out, wouldn't it be smart to try to get ideas before jumping?

Jerry says: Anytime you guys feel you need to open up the game to email each other before a turn, for now I'll say go ahead. Just send me a copy. Tom, I understand where you are coming from...the group never actually ever said, "Sure you can join. Come on," or something. Perhaps Nonam took care of that this turn?

I'm finished with all the typing for the Campaign Folder. I still like inking in the Silver Eel Tavern, the one tavern I'm including because of it's importance in any Lankhmarian adventure and preparing it for the folder. After that, I need to prepare the districts of Plateau City and Double check all the locations to see that everything is properly labeled. Then I'm waiting for Scott to run off several more maps in color such as Windhorn Hamlet and Aisildur and then I'll be done. If all goes according to plan, I'll be finished with my part tomorrow or Friday, and should receive the color maps from Scott at the gaming session on Sunday. Then next week, I'll work on assembling the folders and perhaps by next weekend I'll have them in the mail.

I've spent approximately $20 on these folders in their entirety running copies, etc. Scott has donated at least that much to us out of the kindness of his heart. If everyone could see fit to send from $5 to $10 to help cover expenses it would be appreciated. If you can't, I'll understand. If you want to wait until you receive the Campaign Folder, that's cool. If you don't feel you can't help, let me know and I won't mention it anymore.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 46
Monday March 31st, 1997 4:00:40 AM
Chala will do her best to leap across the plate, just in case the trap just didn't spring.

"Chala is my name. Khdack is my title, like your Priest."

After everyone is together Gareth begins a careful advance down the corridor looking as he goes.

Jus cautiously approaches the goblins; looking up, down, and around for traps. When he reaches the goblins, he crouches down and examines at their bodies (touching as little as possible). He tries to determine how they died, and from what direction their death blows came.

Jus then looks to the open doors on either side and sees if he can see anything from his current position.

Gareth looks around the chamber battle ready looking for doors, traps etc.

(Since there was some confusion about me sending a description of the first chamber and I'm playing Nonam till JK gets back, I"ll do two....two....things at once.)

Nonam watches Chala easily leap over the pit and approach the party in the chamber. He looks around and coughed at the dust everyone is stirring up. The chamber he noticed was 30' square. Lying in the middle of the floor was two goblins being examined by Jus who was being careful not to touch them. Elves were always scared of dead stuff. He noticed that they still held their crude spears clutched in their hands. At the far end of the chamber, Nonam sees a statue of a horned bipedal type of creature in a shallow alcove. He shivers as the statue seems to point directly at him with one cruel finger, as its stony visage gazes out at the room, or is it the party? The chamber he notices in passing has four doors, two on the left wall and two on the right. The first door on each side hangs open on their hinges.

Nonam shakes his head and says, "Choices, choices. This place looks like it might be another trap. Ya know the kind where the doors close, the block moves and the statue spews poison gas and kills the goblins kind of trap? A mage seldom protects his lair with only one trap. I wouldn't.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday March 31st, 1997 4:30:40 AM

Tom says: I know, but it is still good practice to get ideas before one just does something, it tends to keep you alive longer. ;)

Jerry says: Yes, living is a good thing.

Jerry says: A little paranoia is also a good thing....hmm?

John says: Hey everyone! Guess what I learned today.... There is a neat, thin column to the right of the messages which sometimes indicates there is more text to read. And when you press the nifty down arrow, new text magically appears!!! WOW! Technology sure is cool (and boy do I feel dumb).

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 47
Tuesday April 1st, 1997 4:00:40 AM
Chala draws one of her weapons, just to be ready. She looks around the room, especially at the statue, to see if she recognizes what (or who) the statue is of.

The statue is 7' tall. It is a non-descript human dressed as a guard.

She will also ask Jus how the goblins died, if he is able to tell.

Learning all he could from the bodies, Jus, announces that the goblins have stinger marks on their necks like the bodies outside and Korok had.

He then goes to the open door on the left and looks inside.

This room which is 30'wide and 20' deep with the left wall collapsed, leaving little more than a pile of rubble in its place. The corpses of two goblins lie sprawled on the debris, spears jutting out of their backs.

Nonam calls out, "Gareth - Jus, be careful standing where you are. It is likely that those two goblins sprang some type of trap."

Then he looks to Chala, "Well what do you think we should investigate first?... Personally I would like to look at the statue."

Nonam begins to head cautiously and slowly toward the statue. He is looking at it and the floor carefully as he advances and is looking specifically for any holes or moveable joints in the statue or discolored or otherwise abnormal floor tiles.

Nonam notices nothing that looks like a trap on the floor or the statue.

(DM says: "@#$%&!")

Then Nonam notices a hairline crack that extends around the neck of the statue.

Gareth moves to the door on the right and looks in. If nothing he moves clockwise around the room examining everything he comes to without entering.

The room on the right looks to be a 20' square room which has two collapsed walls dividing it in half diagonally. Loose earth filters in through the ceiling and nothing but heaps of rock and rubble remain.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Tuesday April 1st, 1997 4:30:40 AM

JK says: Jerry wrote <<JK is going out of town until Sat or so to present a paper at a conference that he wrote>> I wrote a conference??? -just giving you a hard time

The conference went well and more importantly my paper was received well. Though it was hardly a big deal... more like a degree requirement.

Tom says: Or, if you use Microsoft's e-mail, it has a scroll indicator on the side. like you said, Technology, ain't neat.

Jerry says: Glad you're back JK and David.

See yall tomorrow.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 48
Wednesday April 2nd, 1997 4:00:40 AM
Frowning, Chala says "I think we should check out the statue."

Nonam points out the crack around the statue's neck to anyone who seems interested, "There's a hairline fissure running about the statue's neck. It looks... strange." Nonam continues to advance cautiously toward the statue. Once there he will try to determine if the crack at the neck is made in such a way to allow the head to swivel (meaning relatively flat around the neck------). Or if it simply appears to be a crack from age (meaning eratic ~~~).

Jus says, "It looks like the two goblins in here were killed by their compatriots. Not much to see otherwise."

Jus then starts to walk to the other door on his side. Seeing Nonam carefully examining the statue's neck, he stops and waits to hear what Nonam has found.

Gareth continues to look around being ready for attack. (We didn't hear from David today.)

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday April 2nd, 1997 4:30:40 AM

JK says: Is the statue of a "horned bipedal creature" as described in turn 46 or of a "non-descript human dressed as a guard." as described in turn 47. Maybe a viking? Does it carry weapons? if so what kind? a shield? is it male or female? Just what does the statue look like? A "nondescript human" :(

Jerry says: You have a point. Let's go with a horned bipedal creature pointing at you with one cruel finger and a stony visage bearing a menacing grin. Sorry about that last description. Geez I can't get away with anything...

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 49
Thursday April 3rd, 1997 4:00:40 AM
Nonam continues to try to determine if the crack is due to age or if it looks like it is made in a way which would allow the head to turn. He is careful not to touch it. He finally satisfies himself that the crack is a perfectly flat one and could allow the head to turn.

Gareth continues searching the area opening the second door on the right. The room is 20' across and 25' deep. It probably used to be 30' deep but the back wall has collapsed. Lying on the floor is a dead goblin. Several rats are gnawing at the corpse, while a few others frantically scour the debris-strewn corners for edibles. Partially devoured rats and old rat bones litter the floor. The rats scurry into hiding with the opening of the door.

Chala will watch the statue warily while Nonam studies the statue, again wondering if the statue is anything she recognizes (Religion proficiency). It looks like a demon of some kind from the Abyss or some such place. (Sorry Tom. I didn't catch your intention last turn.)

Jus waits to see the result of Nonam's examinations with the statue.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Thursday April 3rd, 1997 4:30:40 AM

John says: Been laid up sick. Unable to respond earlier.

Jerry says: No problem, John. I knew that if it wasn't an email problem that something was up.

Tom says: Must be AOL, cause I haven't received anything saying that mail wasn't received.

Jerry says: I did a good thing today. I decided not to go to the U2 concert. I know it would be fantastic and a lifetime experience, but at 400 bucks a shot and needing two tickets, I couldn't justify it. Of course I could have "wimped out" and bought a seat farther back for a cheaper price, but if you can't see the faces, what's different than the video when it comes out? Or the live CD for that matter? Anthony and Erin of the local group are going and he is making fun of me only being willing to sit up close. Everyone please tell me I did the right thing. Thanks. Besides Yes has a new album coming out this summer and should tour.

Jerry says: Please remove Scott Carpenter from your mailing string. Scott (David's brother) is moving back to Wichita Falls for awhile since his chaplaincy is completed in Houston. He's gonna stay here while he searches for a job to do him till he's accepted into med school. He said to thank everyone for letting him read the turns.

Jerry says: We all understand when someone gets sick, or real busy. We all do. When a turn or two is missed and we don't hear from you, first I think to check that I got any turn you sent, because that does happen. Second, I begin to think that you are sick or extremely busy and move ahead. No problem. I'll probably call, though, if I don't hear from you for 3 or more days just to see if you're ok. :) Remember, if anyone ever needs to take off for a week or so, just to let us know. So far, everyone has been very dependable and loyal.

See ya'll tomorrow.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 50
Friday April 4th, 1997 4:00:40 AM
Gareth enters the room and looks above the door for tricks and traps. Seeing nothing then moves to the goblin and tries to see what killed it. He notices the tale-tale sting mark on the neck of the goblin. He searches the rubble for anything. Almost immediately he finds a torn sack containing 19gp, 25sp, 32cp, a tinderbox, three silver bracelets, a gold brooch set with semiprecious stones, a gold drinking goblet, a sling, four sling bullets, a sheathed short sword, three daggers, a battered helmet, and a brass milk dish with the name "Zotzpox" painted on it in large black letters. (Woohoo!)

Noticing Nonom's possible intentions, Chala will speak up "Be wary Nonam, the statue is of a Demon of some sort. Who knows what touching it may do. It may be better for me, as a , to touch it first, in case some foul magic is released. I am more resistant than most to magics."

Nonam declares, "It appears that the statue is built in such a way as to allow the head to swivel." Then he looks for similar cracks that would allow the arms and legs to move while being careful not to touch the statue. He finds none.

Nonam looks the statue over one more time and notices that the statue's feet are carved so that they are part of a base that keeps the statue balanced and upright.

While Jus waits for Nonam to finish with the statue, he opens the last door --the second one on the left, being careful for traps. The door opens showing hallway. The hallway goes to the right 10' (not counting the entrance square) and ends in a door. It also goes straight ahead (counting the entrance square) for 30' and turns right. At the end of the 30' facing you is a second door.

_D__ | __D | |__ {-- diagram of what Gareth and party see. |____D D {-- door back to the statue room.

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

John says: I'm still sick. If I miss a day, feel free to play the character if it helps keep things going. my responses are going to be small until I am alive again.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 51
Monday April 7th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Nonam backs away from the statue and says to Chala, "It seems harmless enough, but if the head starts to move I suggest that we try to get out of the room. Check it more if you wish."

Then he looks around to see what everyone else is doing. Seeing Jus by the doorway he goes over to him. "Anything down the hall?"

As he does all this, Nonam thinks back and remembers that the giant demon spider left the same type sting mark (like the marks on the goblins) on Korok when it stung him.

Chala listens carefully to what Nonam says.

Chala answers, "What do you all think? Shall we see what it does if we move it?"

Gareth bags the goodies and moves out of the room to the next room and then realizes that all four rooms have been looked into. The next room for him in sequence is the hallway Jus is looking down, so he goes there and joins him.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday April 7th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

David says: Leaving for Chicago at 4AM! (Oh joy) I should still be able to check e-mail so expect my turn.

Jerry says: John, I hope you're feeling better.

Jerry says: I'm just thinking out loud, but we could try opening things up a bit allowing you to post as many moves as you want in a day making things seem more like a fluid type real time thing rather than a turn based game. This would allow conversations to take place. It would possibly make things less of a problem if someone got busy, sick, or needed to go out of town, etc. to continue without him.

Now shoot this to pieces guys and tell me what you think. I played in a game that was kinda like this for a few weeks and hated it because some people had conversations about nothing for days, while others went ahead one night just sitting at their computers and doing turn after turn waiting for the return. That was the problem I saw. This group also had 8 players which I thought was too many for this type game.

Well now you have some background as to why I've run the game as I have. I'm always open to ideas as to how to make the game better and more fun. Speak up guys!

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 52
Tuesday April 8th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Chala looks around for something she can move the head with, waiting for a reply, realizing that everyone seems to have dispersed into separate rooms.

Nonam speaks to Jus and Gareth, "Perhaps we should wait for everyone in our party before we go wandering through all these rooms."

Then he looks over his shoulder and speaks to Chala, "I think that our companions are eager to move on. Though its probably a good idea to check out the statue more, its probably more important to stay together."

Gareth says "Lets just keep going. I don't like asking for trouble.". He searches the other goblins for items of interest. He then moves into the hallway to the door on the right and listens. If no sound he opens it.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Tuesday April 8th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

David says: Greetings from the windy city. Hope you all are warmer than I. It is in the 20s with a 40 MPH wind. Don't you just wish you were here! I'll be coming home Thursday afternoon or late morning. Lake Michigan is pretty cool.

Tom says: I think you should keep it at the pace you are right now...one of the things I see going on already is that everyone seems to spread out and do their own thing, and that causes more problems than we need with traps, and getting separated. Everyone has been checking bodies and room with out the thought of any danger. One person does this, another does that, and etc...and look what happened someone died....and people were separated. I know it is a little slower, but it keeps everyone together.

JK says: This sounds like the way it should work to me. And as Jerry can tell you, I've said so before. I mean it makes since to need to know what other people in the party are doing before you act. You would in a regular game as you all know.

We might set a limit on turns per day to cut back on the problems Jerry experienced in the other game, but I think we should at least send our turns out to everyone in the group.

Jerry says: I see both sides. Let's keep discussing this and see what we can do if anything to improve our game.

Jerry says: David, I loaded in a new program that runs on the Direct X drivers that some of the other new games run on. I already have Direct X installed. When I tried to install the game it stalled. Tried several times with the same results. So I thought I'd try and reinstall the Direct X over the old one thinking that perhaps this was a more updated version of the driver. It loaded fine. Then it said it would reload windows to activate everything. When the windows popped up I got a message that the Video or video adapter settings were off. I went to the video settings and can't get it to work. I can't set things for 236 colors at all or for small fonts. All I can get is VGA settings at 15 colors and large fonts. Needless to say, many of the programs I have won't run on that. So are you be available to help me this weekend? Or should I take it to the shop? I'll understand if you don't have the time. Or if you get some time in Chicago, call me if you think we can fix it that way.....:)

(Tom and JK, I know I've opened the can of worms now. David and JK will type computer gibberish at us now until my computer is fixed.....hehe.)

Till tomorrow and hoping that I don't get hypnotized reading this large Big Chief Tablet sized text....

Jerry

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 53
Wednesday April 9th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Chala will pick up a spear (be it from the back of a goblin, or one laying about). Then realizing she has a quarterstaff strapped on her back, she pulls it off of the sling.

"It would be wiser to make sure that nothing is able to follow us, be it this statue, or what ever. Can you call the others back here?"

Chala tries to determine the exact point that the statue is pointing at, especially if it is the entrance. If it isn't, and it is a section of the wall, she will check out the section of the wall before anything else.

Nonam tells Jus, "Please have a little patience." Then he walks back over to Chala and says, "I think you're right. We should check this room completely before we move on. Perhaps you can use this to move the head." He produces a dagger from his sleeve.

Jus looks at the door leading into the hallway and sees if there are any locking mechanisms. If not, Jus asks the others if they would mind turning the statue's head while everyone is still here. "If it was a trap as Nonam hypothesized, I would think there would be locks on these doors. Since there are none, I think it likely to be to our benefit to investigate further."

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday April 9th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

I happen to like the 'everyone responds to everyone' format. The short time we did it when in combat, things seemed to flow very smoothly. It allowed more coordinated effort in the turn.

HOWEVER, the end-goal during combat is predefined. If this format was continued for all turns, it seems the first to respond may dictate the course (or end-goal) of everyone's actions. Not necessarily worse than what occurs now; but with Jerry being the focal, he has been able to coordinate some of the divergent actions (i.e. If x happens, Jus does y). I could also see a danger in some people (i.e. probably me) responding only 1-2 times per day, and others responding many times per day. This may result in a lopsided play environment where two are 'playing' and the remaining are 'participating'.

Even so... I still enjoyed the 'realism' associated with the everyone-to-everyone messaging. We may need to eventually schedule who >talks in what order, but I would not mind trying it.

Jerry says: Good points John. In combat, I've been actually rolling an initiative with speed factors etc. In non-combat, I've been going with the order I receive it modified by the order in which it seems to make the most sense.

Hmm.....what about designating a difference between a formal "I'm doing this" turn and conversation where the group can discuss what they are doing, the facts of life, religion, who wants to date Chala, etc. We could then put a limit of one "turn" per day, with unlimited conversation that wasn't an actual turn. What do you think?

Jerry says: The computer is fixed after a $92.00 trip to the computer doctor. I bought a new baseball game and it was a bad and corrupted disk. Bad disk. It ruined all my video drivers and two of my other drivers.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 54
Thursday April 10th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus helps examine the walls of the room looking for secret or concealed doorways. He also examines the statue for more of the same, and any other details that may have been missed earlier.

Chala checks again...(hehe) to see where the statue is pointing and finally decided that it points forward, but not at any specific location. It seems that the statue was placed so that the finger would look like it was pointing at anyone entering the room.

Nonam waits for Chala to do something to the statue. He'll stand about 10 feet behind her and a little to her left.

Gareth stands ready and waits for the 'head-turning'. (me too David...:))

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Thursday April 10th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

JK says: Jerry, how come so many bad things happen to your computer?

Jerry says: It hates me.

JK says: One quick note on the turn discussion: We could still keep it at one response per day, but we could send it to everyone. We could also establish some type of rotating turn order. This would solve the need to send Jerry messages that read like this "If ... then I will..., but if not then.... However, if on the other hand..."

Jerry: Going in turns would slow things down too much. Example: John can't do his turn until Tom is finished. That's too inconvenient. The order of turns will have to stay in my domain as the DM to decide.

I'm also concerned about sending every message to everyone. Actions must be addressed to me cause I'm responsible for the reactions to those actions. If we sent non-combat actions to everyone, someone could, but wouldn't have to react to another's turn. That seems ok. Reacting could save time, in that if the action was received before one's own turn was sent in, they could coordinate their actions, so to speak.

Since combat is supposed to be somewhat simultaneous, we will have to leave it the same, only to me and one round's action per turn. To do otherwise would slow things down too much.

Tom says: Should we start sending messages to each other, I have only been replying to you. Are we going to go to a free style, I do kind of like the idea of the one actual turn a day, with 'unlimited' amounts of talking to determine what we will all do.

Jerry says: Right now, we're just discussing it. I'm not one to go off shooting at the hip to try something. I like to have an idea of how it will work first. Once we've settled on something and agree, we'll talk about trying it.

Let the turning begin....or we can just talk about it for awhile.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 55
Friday April 11th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus finishes checking the room for secret doors and finds nothing. He also notices nothing further about the statue.

Gareth looks at the statue from the neck down. He makes sure not to look at it's eyes.

Seeing everyone is back in the room, Chala will touch her quarterstaff to the statue.

Chala waits to see if anything happens. When nothing does, she will try to move the head, left first, and then right if it doesn't move left.

When Chala turns the head left, it begins to unwind. After 5 revolutions, the head comes off revealing that the interior of the statue is hollow.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday April 11th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

I'm sending you a copy of the email I received from RPGA headquarters today. Surprise.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 56
Monday April 14th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
After Chala looks inside Gareth asks "Should we try to turn it over?" and moves into a position to do so.

Nonam says eagerly, "What's inside?"

Chala says "You want to check it out Nonam?"

Jus waits to see what Chala does. If she does not look into the statue, >Jus offers to do the honors.

Jus stands to Chala's right with his back to the statue looking into the room and down the entrance hallway -- swords drawn. He tensely awaits to react if any trap is triggered by Chala's actions.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday April 14th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

JK says: Who woulda thunk it? WotC buying TSR? Seems funny that the new company can afford the old company (even with TSR's financial problems). But that's what happens I suppose.

Kevin says: Hey Jerry, sorry for the trouble, but my sceen-name is now changed. I was on Kirk's account, but now have my own account. Thanks, Kev'

John says: Is everything OK? Haven't heard from you in a while, and the last turn did not seem to include the paragraphs I had sent (included some other that I did not send).

I am wondering if you are receiving from me or even sending turns that are just not getting through. I haven't checked my home e-mail in a couple of days, but will try to check tonight.

Jerry says: The last turn went out like Saturday. I've been very busy getting ready for TAAS testing. You wouldn't believe how big it is now. It's even going to be tied to our evaluations next year. Sheesh. You as of tonight, have everything I've received back to you.

John and David: What Virus Protection do you use? How do you upgrade? How often?

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 57
Tuesday April 15th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Nonam goes and looks into the statue, and says, "I see...a hollow compartment in the neck and there is a scroll here and a large iron key"

Jus awaits to see what Chala does.

Jus peers inside the statue to see what is inside.

Jus tries to determine if the objects are harmless by checking for traps and then reaches inside to pull the objects out.

Gareth looks grateful as if he was about to push the statue over and search the pieces. He begins to move once again toward the hallway.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Tuesday April 15th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

David says: I use McAfee Anti virus software. They have a web site which is updated at least monthly that you can download from for updates. Your best defense against viruses is to only load proprietary software, DON'T USE SHAREWARE PERIOD (Unless you just love getting your system rebuilt)!, and keep your Anti virus updated regularly. Don't open junk mail in your email, don't download frivolously from the Internet, don't copy from disks copied from other systems. Hope this helps..

Jerry says: That's good and bad to hear. I have McAfee as well, however, their web site is very confusing to me as is their upgrading instructions. Since the crash, I need to download a complete version and the upgrade. I've been putting it off because I've never truly understood their site and always wonder if I have the latest version and stuff.

John says: So was I late for a turn, or what? Why did two of my turn replies show up in the last turn?

Jerry says: No, methinks I was late for a turn this time.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 58
Wednesday April 16th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Nonam waits, "What's on the scroll?"*(see below). The scroll has two spells on it: Protection from Evil, and Spider Climb.

Gareth enters the hall.

Jus looks the scroll over and sees if he can make heads or tails of it. (Jerry says: this assumes that Nonam offers it to him. I'm assuming that he is willing. Let me know if he is not. )

Jus pauses a moment, gives a heavy sigh, and passes the scroll back to Nonam. A little frustrated, Jus rhetorically asks, "Just how many of these things are we going to find in here?"

Jus then examines the key to see if there are any markings or anything else noteworthy about the key.

It is large for a key and made of iron.

Chala will stand back, wait for a direction to go. "Lead on."

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday April 16th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

John says: My home mail is having problems again. Don't expect replies to mail sent only to my home address until Microsoft works out whatever problem they are having.

If anyone received my reply about the psionics, please forward it to Jerry. For some reason he received an empty mail message.

David says: McAfee' web site is indeed interesting. I haven't looked at it in a few months. I'll look at it and give you instructions in the next couple of days.

Jerry says: Thanks Dave. I need the latest full version and info on how to upgrade. I am registered for one year of online upgrades. Uh, while we're at it....which decompression program do you use. Winzip was the @#$% program that ruined my computer in October. I've heard that Pkzip is a good one. What do you think. I could download winzip again cause I'm registered with them. I need one of these to uncompress stuff from time to time.

*Jerry says: I have recently been reminded of a rule on PHB2 p.108 which says that scroll containing wizard spells must be read using the Read Magic spell the first time it is read. I realize I set precedent last time by allowing all to read the title of the earlier scroll. So I'm just serving notice that next time, I'll just say it's indecipherable until that occurs. As far as I can tell, this is only for wizard scrolls, not clerical.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 59
Thursday April 17th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Nonam takes the scroll when Jus offers it to him and tucks it away. Then he looks to Gareth, "I believe you probably know which way we should go, so if you would be so kind as to lead the way."

Wait until we have a direction.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Thursday April 17th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

Tom says: Yah, seen Tim, he's got a job at Rent-for-own place, and he has been subbing for Clover park. He says hi btw.

Jerry says: Tell him hi back.

Jerry says: I don't know why I reverted to turn 37 and 38. I'm assuming you guys saw past my ignorance.

JK says: Uh, I never said that Nonam took the scroll. Turn 37 read "Jus tries to determine if the objects are harmless by checking for traps and then reaches inside to pull the objects out."

Thus I was asking Jus what the scroll said with my last response and not investigating it myself. So as far as this statement goes: "Jus looks the scroll over and sees if he can make heads or tails of it. (Jerry says: this assumes that Nonam offers it to him. I'm assuming that he is willing. Let me know if he is not. )" I don't see that Nonam has any say in the matter since Jus already had it. Though it is entirely likely that had Nonam picked it up first that he would have been very suspicious of Jus's motives in wanting a magical scroll.

Jerry says: "reaches inside to pull the objects out" means "reaches inside to pull the objects out. Thus you pulled the objects out, then Jus asked for them, then gave them back to you. That is how it will stand. :)

Jerry says: Since no one has commented on our discussion about how to open the game up a bit, I'm assuming it's over. Therefore starting now, you may have extended discussions "in character" about the game. If you are by yourselves it can be private, if you are with the group, send it to everyone who would hear it. All emails concerning the game must be sent to me. We will continue to send in one turn per day. Please designate which is your formal turn.

Something else to try. During non-combat situations, you may send more than one thing you want to do or say. I think we all agree that the game is too slow for our liking. Feel free to push ahead. Danger is what adventuring is all about. Revel in it. DONE

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 60
Friday April 18th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth walks into the hallway and approaches the door on the right. When nothing > happens he listens at the door and then hearing nothing, opens it. He sees another hallway running forward (South) and turning west at the twenty foot mark.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday April 18th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

Jerry says: Dave, I'll check on the prices of the Rush tickets today. (Styx too. They are on the 30th of May.) Styx has a new double CD coming out in May with live cuts from last year's tour and new studio material. John, they tour Denver in July 19th. Check out their very informational site at http://www.tiac.net/users/kat/Styx/ Lots of interviews, sound bites, pictures, etc. Even a list digest you can subscribe to. ELO opens for them later in the summer. Pat Benatar opens for them early (yuck!)

Rush has no warm up band this tour. They advertise it as "For the first time an entire evening with Rush" Rush is May 24th.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 61
Monday April 21st, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth goes to the second door (the one straight ahead and 30' down the hallway) and uses the same procedure, then opens it. This is what he sees around the corner.

_D__ | __D | |__ <-- diagram of what Gareth and party see. |____D D <-- door back to the statue room.

The 2nd door opens into a 30'/30' room. The entrance door is in the south portion of the SE corner of the room. The chamber appears to have been undamaged by the blast that destroyed the tower. A circle surrounded by magical runes has been painted on the floor. A wooden lectern stands close by. Resting on the lectern is a sheet of parchment yellow and curled with age. Two evil-looking statuettes sit at the base of the lectern.

Nonam follows Gareth down the hall.

Jus walks down the hallway starting from the statue room until he reaches Gareth, checking for secret doors the entire way.

(I'm assuming that you mean a cursory check. DMG2 p. 130 states that it takes 10 minutes to search a 20' section of wall. A cursory check is the automatic chance that an elf has of finding secret/hidden doors by just passing by. To keep things simple, you may search a 10' section of wall per email turn. You will need to designate the 10' section to check)

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday April 21st, 1997 5:30:40 AM

John says: What's going on???? The past turns -- many of them -- have not had everyone respond. I haven't even seen the past 3 turns before receiving all of them (at work or at home). If some procedural change for sending out turns was made, please let me know.

Jerry says: I think that two things happened. First of all, you didn't receive that one turn. I think it was 37 (which should have been numbered 57). I sent it and 58 again. I do send all emails to all addresses each time unless private. Second of all I have sent turns even though I didn't receive a turn from all 4 players. For instance, I didn't get a turn from Tom this time. I'll only wait so long or everyone begins to ask what my problem is. If you receive a turn without getting the previous one, or the date is wrong, or I don't put in the turn what you wrote, let me know ASAP so we can track down this problem.

Dave says about the Rush concert: Sounds interesting. I'll check the schedule to see what plans are already made that day.

Jerry says: Now about the bad news. They want us to pay through the nose for tickets.

Rows 1-10 $200 Rows 12-15 $150 Rows 20+ $100 Rows 20+ center $125

JK and David, let me know if you are still interested in going. I am interested. If you'd rather go to the Styx concert, I have two tickets on row two at $100 each. If no one wants pay to go, I've asked Scott Carpenter and then Scott Marley to go as my guest.

Jerry says: Things continue to be very busy. I'm doing the best that I can.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 62
Friday April 25th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Nonam goes into the room with the circle. He will glance at the circle and attempt to determine its purpose, and he immediately goes to the lectern and looks at the parchment. Nonam searches his memory and realizes that the circle is used for summoning creatures from other planes. More than likely evil creatures. The writing on the parchment is indecipherable. (Actually this had been decided beforehand, it was not as a result of the ongoing discussion about scrolls)

"I would suggest that no one step in or on the circle, it would be BAD." Chala says, moving around the room to the lectern, seeing if there is any writing on the parchment. The writing on the parchment is also not readable for Chala.

Gareth says to Jus and Nonam "You seem to know a lot about magic. What should we do?" Gareth stands battle ready.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday April 25th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

David says: Too high for me right now on the Rush tickets. We're closing on 2.5 acres of land this week and need extra cash for emergencies. 20% down and all that. I still haven't looked at McAfee web page. I intend to update mine this week sometime so I'll tell you what I find.

Jerry says: I've got McAfee up and running, but as I mentioned in my personal email to you, I don't know how to upgrade to the registered version of which I'm allowed seeing I paid for it. I also want to know how to upgrade new virus files into the program. Do I just download and copy it into the main program folder or what?

Tom says: Sorry, I had phone problems over here, so I wasn't able to log on All fixed now though.

Jerry says: I'm glad you are back up and online. :)

JK says: 1) p. 145 in the DMG2 gives the pertinent information on the scrolls. It basically says that nothing on the scroll can be read without the 'read magic' spell. However, it says that most scrolls are found in a scroll case which has the name of the spell (and frequently magical instructions as to how to open the case) on it. However, it does say that frequently 'read magic' is needed to read the case, but it is not always necessary. It also suggests that sometimes the cases are written in strange languages so that 'comprehend languages' is necessary to read the case instead of 'read magic.'

Incidentally it also says that scroll maps are indecipherable until 'comprehend languages' is used to read them.

2) I'd love to go to the Rush show, but $100 is too much for me. Esp. since I don't get paid over the summer.

Jerry says: I understand both statements. I guess in the former, the differences is used to create role-playing situations. So be it. Scrolls will have to be checked to see what is needed to read each one as different wizards record, store, and protect their scrolls differently. :)

As far as the Rush concert goes, I think everyone has backed out.

John says: Please forward to anyone you think may want to know. My apologies if I missed someone.

John says:

Hey everyone!

For those that have not heard, Tina had our baby on April 23 at 9:22a.m. She weighed 4lbs. 6.75 ounces with an overall length of 18". After deliberating for a couple of days we decided to call her Liliana Marie. We had a couple of more common ones, but didn't think they would go with our current kid's names Delania and Quinn.

Feel free to reply if any of you have questions.

Now for more detail than any of you want to know but may satisfy your curiosity. Don't worry Dennis, these are details concerning Liliana, not the actual birth; those I'll wait to tell you when I can see you squirm. Please be aware that my cheapo spell checker does not contain a medical word dictionary and the medical terminology is from memory only.

Being so small, Liliana had a high Hermatic. Basically, the ratio of her red blood cells to the other blood fluids was high. She had to be put on an IV for about a day to hydrate her to get this back in balance. However, this high increase in fluids caused some electrolyte, sodium, and potassium imbalances that had to be taken care of. To put it bluntly, they had to get her to urinate. Well the IV corrected everything for the second day. The third day (Friday? It has gone by very fast) she was taken back off the IV, and her balances got off again. Back on the IV again. Now they detected ?creotin? which usually means a kidney problem. Thankfully, another chemical which accompanies the creotin when there is a kidney problem was not present. Nurses and Pediatrician were both baffled. A Neonatalogist (baby specialist) was called in and came in Saturday night. By that time, Liliana was on the IV for almost 24 hours and EVERYTHING was back to normal. So... since lunch today, Sunday, we are back off the IV and feeding her regularly. The specialist went on and had a ultrasound of Lili's kidneys and an x-ray of her intestines just to make sure all is OK. They came back with no identified problems. BIG relief for us parents. The Neonatalogist said her "professional opinion" is that this was just one of those things babies take care of themselves, and that all of this probably originated from the red blood cell problem she had at birth. We now have to have everything stay stable for 24 hours without the IV. The specialist is very confident that we will not have any more problems, but if the 24 hours does not check out successfully, there is some more testing we will have to do for other, more rare, conditions.

That's all for the summary of the gritty details.

Tina and I have been staying at the hospital while this has been going on and will be here until we bring Liliana home. Hopefully this will be Monday or Tuesday, but we just have to wait and see.

Talk with you later, Babylon 5 is about to start...

jrk

Jerry says: Well I think that explains where John has been. We'll play on without him for the nonce. Congratulations John and we'll keep your wonderful new daughter in our prayers. Selah!

Jerry says: Well kids, things have been slow, and even though this is TAAS testing week, I'm going to try (once again, sigh) to pick things up. So you may see me running some turns with only one or two people taking actions. Everyone here is responsible and always does what they can. Just keep remembering that when you don't get a turn, there is usually a reason and many times it's not me that is slow. Nuff said.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 63
Monday April 28th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
If nothing happens and nothing is found Gareth moves back into the hall. And goes to the next door (clockwise). Listens and hearing nothing, opens the door. (This would be the second door on the right going counter-clockwise from the statue room, or the first door clock-wise after the door at 12o'clock (which is the "runes on the floor" room). The door opens to reveal a 20' wide by 30' deep room (Gareth is facing South) with the door on the north portion of the NW corner. A dirt-stained rug covers the floor of this unlit chamber. At the far end of the room is a splintered desk. A beautiful woman dressed in white sits behind the desk, her expression pale and emotionless as she stares at you unblinking. Near her stand a pair of huge skeletons, each 7' tall and wielding a fearsome battle axe.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday April 28th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

David says: Jerry, I did not know that you paid for McAfee. You should call their customer support; or in the documentation it should tell you where to download the new virus files. It should also give any passwords you need. If not your best bet is to call them. I didn't realize you were coming down to see Volcano Saturday. We should have had lunch or something. You have to remember that mules are very understanding once you get their attention. I really can catch on with effort.

Sincerely, Unamware (or maybe Aclueistic)

Jerry says: Ok, will do. I'll call them. Paying for it was the only way to get protection from new viruses as they come out.

Volcano was not worth the money. Rent the video.

Observation, now that we've/I've seen several movies at stadium theaters. Not all sound or look the same. The first movie we saw (ID4) at the theater on Highway 121 was the best overall experience. It also is the only one in what they call a size 24 theater that has been superior in sound. The Star Wars at the AMC Grand in Dallas didn't compare, but I think it was THX movie sound in a Sony type theater since Lucusfilm puts out THX. The (24) size theater in North Richardson near your house was also THX. Kim said that this theater had one of each kind of sound, but the people there assured me that both were the same. Again disappointing sound compared to ID4. I have had one experience besides the ID4 that makes me believe that I was not just imagining things that day. I saw The Saint a few weeks back at the AMC Grand in a (16) size theater. Superb sound there. While a huge action scene was going on all around, a small radio was playing the Love Theme that moved around the room depending on the angle of the camera. That whole movie (sound wise) was superb. I recommend it in that setting highly.

Conclusions: Not sure yet, but I think the difference is in the sound...Sony vs. THX. THX. Now sounds old and antiquated.

Jerry says: I'm having trouble booting up the Master of Orion game again.....sigh since the last time in the shop. I called them several times now, and have made a boot disk to run the game in DOS mode using a program they have called BootAll v1.7. Once booted, I have to go to the windows directory and type Dosstart.bat to enable the CDRom. That enabled the program to run except that I have no DOS Mouse Driver. STORM Computers are going to install that for me in a few days.

Just thought you'd enjoy that story. :)

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 64
Wednesday April 30th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Chala shakes her head, remembering that she can't use scrolls.. <grin> but stays near the lectern in case Noman needs her help in some way.

Jus asks Nonam, "Are you going to take that parchment? Maybe Loren could read it?"

Jus pauses at the door to the room with the beautiful woman. He asks if anyone knows what Erilyn looks like.

Gareth looks over his shoulder and motions for the others, turns back to the woman without entering the room and says as pleasantly as he can manage, "Hello! How are you today? What is your name?"

There is no response. She does not move and continues to stare unblinkingly forward.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday April 30th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

David says: Sony seems better to me as well. I do, however, disagree about which theater is the best. Is saw ID4 at Tinseltown (121 theater) with you and I also saw ID4 at the AMC Grande in Dallas. I, by a huge margin, give the AMC Grande in Dallas first place. I did not enjoy ID4 nearly as much at Tinseltown (except of course the company). The screen wasn't as crisp and the sound was almost weak in comparison to AMC Grande. You have to sit up high enough to avoid the sore neck thing but as long as you position yourself correctly that is not a problem. I guess its that way at all of them. Tinseltown is the only theater I've been to that has the 24 size theater. AMC Grande had the 16 or maybe 20(?). I must agree, though, about Star Wars sound not being the caliber of ID4. I can see why you would choose Tinseltown 'ID4' to AMC Grande 'Star Wars'. It sounds (no pun intended) that we need to do some more research! Just kills me to have to subject myself to that (Ha!).

Jerry says: Ah, I agree with you 100%. I also didn't like the chair seating arrangement at the North Richardson theater...It wasn't steep enough. The chair in front of you came up all the way to your chest. It didn't effect the line of sight or quality of sound, but was not as ascetically pleasing.

David says: Never a dull moment in the computer world for you is there? Maybe you should upgrade to Window 97 just to make life more interesting (only if you enjoy pain)?

Jerry says: I would pay $200 every 6 months just to have no computer problems. I don't enjoy them at all.

John says: Hey people. I'm not back from the dead, but thought I might as well make a quick response since I was using the computer anyway.

Later, jrk

Jerry says: John, I'm glad everything is going well. I keep you in my prayers.

Tom says: Here's a question. How do priest read their scrolls? It doesn't mention their equivalent spell (if any), I could never figure it out, I guess that its one of those granted abilities. What is your idea on this?

Jerry says: I agree with you Tom. Priest spells are not ever hidden in any way by language or magic.

John continues: Now for the latest update... We are going home today sometime after lunch. There was a couple of things that needed to be checked before Liliana could be released. No problems were found, although we still need to have periodic tests for a while to ensure nothing was missed.

Jerry says: We celebrate the healthy arrival of another future D&D player and BAB5 fan. Not to mention a future son of John....:)

See yall tomorrow.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 65
Friday May 2nd, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Chala moves to look at the woman, studying the room she is in intently as well. I hope I don't have to say not to go into the room yet. :) (You just did. :))

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday May 2nd, 1997 5:30:40 AM

Tom says: Thanks for your input.

Jerry says: Where is everyone? I know of John's circumstances. Be careful, I might fine you a gold piece...or a Rush concert ticket...Yeah!

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 66
Monday May 5th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth decides to wait for everyone before he does anything. He moves a step to the right in the doorway to see if the woman follows him with her head or eyes. He's not sure because of the distance, but he detects no response from her and she does not seem to be following him with her eyes.

He also looks at her closely for any marks, jewelry, restraints, etc that would indicate if she were captive in some way. She wears a gilded golden bracelet set with emerald chips which is in perfect style with her white dress, however nothing about the bracelet or the dress shows any sign of restraining her.

He looks the skeletons over and looks for movement. He sees none from the doorway.

If no one has anything to offer as far as advise Gareth steps back and shuts the door and says: "Any reason to pick a fight? Maybe we should come back later. We haven't been real quiet and they didn't do anything. Lets leave them alone for now. I'll bet they are there when we come back."

If somebody else offers insight Gareth listens and says nothing and listens.

Nonam has been staring at the scroll trying to decipher it or at least make a guess as to what language its in. When he decides that he can figure out nothing about it, he blinks a few times and looks around wondering where everyone is. He rolls up the scroll, and tucks it away in the hopes that Loren can be of help. Then he looks about and tries to memorize the set up of the room in case Loren wants to know about it. He walks to the door, and looks back to the room to make sure that he didn't miss anything like a book. Then he shakes his head and walks out into the hall.

Nonam hears the voices down the hall and moves to see what they're doing. He pauses in the doorway and quickly takes in the situation. He then looks at Gareth, "Maybe she needs to be kissed by a handsome hero to be awakened from the spell." It's hard to tell if he's joking.

Gareth steps back and closes the door. He says "They haven't messed with us so far. Let's see if we can just keep going and get them on the way out if we feel the need. I bet they don't move."

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday May 5th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

David says: Did you not get my last turn? I got a warning message that it did not get through on the first attempt but that happens a lot. I got no failure message so I you should have gotten it. I sent it Thursday morning.

Jerry says: I sent everything I got. This was received on Friday.

JK says: Figured I was entitled to a long turn.

Jerry says: No problem JK. We won't mention the "small" fact that JK's address disappeared from my address macro for an unexplained reason about turn 62. Sorry about that JK.

JK says: John, congratulations on the baby. Hope everything returns to normal for you soon.

David says: One thing I have discovered about Windows95 is that they constantly upgrade it and don't tell anybody. Which means yours works different than mine. Look on the cover and tell me what version you have. Or look in the 'About" box usually located on the help screen to get the same information (probably most likely the best place to look). You can sometimes get Microsoft to trade you a new one if you have an older copy with a lot of trouble.

Jerry says: I tried several of those things to get the version that I have. I was unsuccessful. Any suggestions guys?

David says: Congrats to John. He's a great father and husband. Liliana is a lucky girl.

Jerry says: Amen.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 67
Wednesday May 7th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Chala says, "Well, I don't think we will get anything done until we step in there. Any objections? "

She, pauses and then begins to step across the threshold of the door.

Nonam speaks to Gareth, "Did you try to move the girl or anything like that?"

Gareth moves to the next door, listens and opens it. (I'm assuming that this is the door facing south that is directly to the right of the exit of the Statue room when facing out of the statue room and to the right of the room with the girl in it....the third door clockwise from the north.) This room opens into a hallway going forward/south for 20' and turning left/west at the 20' mark.

Before everyone leaves, Jus looks at the woman to see if she resembles to local folk in clothing or facial features -- to try and get an idea if this could be Erilyn.

She is wearing local clothing that doesn't look antiquated. She is young and freshly clean looking.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday May 7th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

John says: >>A blond and a brunette are driving in a car. The brunette says to the >>blond, "go and check if my blinker is working?" >> >>So the blond goes outside and says, yes, no, yes, no yes, no yes, no >>yes, no yes, no yes, no yes, no yes, no yes, no yes, no yes, no, yes, no >>yes, no yes.

Jerry says: Heard it. Yes.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 68
Friday May 9th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Chala walks toward the woman, trying to see if she reacts to her presence. She will also keep an eye on the skeletons, seeing if they react as well.

Nonam goes into the room w/ Chala. "Gareth's running off again, but I think she is the one we came here to find." He begins searching the room for clues as to why the woman is sitting still or as to who she is.

Jus says, "I agree, I think we should investigate this room while we still have a chance. There is no telling how many of those stone traps there are in here. It would be a shame to get ourselves in a position where we cannot return."

Jus follows Chala into the room.

Gareth waits to see if anybody dies before proceeding any further.

.....as the brave, brave adventurers enter the room with the giant skeletons and the beautiful woman in suspended animation, they do so with the knowledge that they are genuinely heroes of the first quality and that they risk their lives for goodness, Elenna, and the Adventurer's Credo: "That which has a door, must be entered."

......as the brave, brave adventurers enter the room, they notice their brave, brave fighter sitting and watching to see of any of them die.

......as the brave, brave adventurers enter the room, the skeletons come to life and move to attack said adventurers.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday May 9th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

David says: Amazing.

Jerry says: Muhahahahahaha!!!!!!( hilarious)

The Jericho says: That's what being an adventurer is all about!!!!!

The Jericho also says: Um, David...no one dies yet. Go fig. But I don't blame ya for hanging back. Besides, it's much more humorous this way....the headstrong party of sages, clerics and elves has to be rescued once again by their human sensible fighter....Muhahaa! I loooooove it!

Um, David I suggest we duck, the responses to this are going to last longer than the combat I fear.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 69
Monday May 12th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Nonam immediately casts 'Burning Hands' at the skeleton closest to him (he will position himself so that he won't catch any of his companions or the woman in the area of effect). He spreads his hands with held thumbs and sprays the skeleton on the left for 5 hit points damage. It silently opens it's mouth in pain but keeps coming.

Then he gets his back up to the wall (the wall with the door) for a little protection and to clear the doorway so Gareth can come in if he so chooses.

Gareth springs into action, leaps into the room and engages the first skeleton with sheild and sword. He rolls an 11 and hits the center skeleton for 19 points of damage felling the creature in one mighty blow.

Chala brings her quarterstaff up, ready to meet the skeletons and strikes in unison with Gareth. Seeing that Gareth strikes the center skeleton she goes for the one on the left. She rolls a 14 and swipes at the skeleton for 4 points damage. She notices that blunt weapons seem to work very well against these creatures for it appears that her 4 points damage had a greater effect by proportion than Gareth's sword.

The remaining two skeletons attack with their full 7' of height.

One attacks Chala and misses.

The other attacks Nonam and hits for 3 points damage. Definitely a glancing blow.

Jus comes to Nonam's rescue, drawing both of his swords and engaging. His longsword hits with a 15 and the shortsword misses with a 11 doing 10 points damage to the massive skeleton. It continues to drag itself forward despite it's crushed ribcage.

All of a sudden, Nonam notices a spinning key hanging inside the right skeleton's crushed ribcage.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday May 12th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

John says: Combat rounds are still "respond to everyone", are they not?

Jerry says: I don't think that will work, John. Since combat all happens at the same time, though we play it out as turn based, until I roll initiative for all combatants, no one can know who is first or last. It's better to send to me only during combat and give me lots of "if then" options if that applies to your situation.

David says: Oh well, I guess we'll die together. (party and I; also DM and I) Jerry says: They are ignoring us Dave. Can I kill them now? Huh? Please?

Kevin Says: Isn't that adventurer comment about doors being opened awful close to something I heard a Gold Dragon say once, Jerry?

Jerry says: hmm.....could be.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 70
Wednesday May 14th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Chala yells, "Blunt weapons! If you have'em, use em!" She continues her attack on the left skeleton and misses with a 5.

Nonam leaps on the left skeleton with the spinning key trying to knock the creature down and grab the key at the same time. (Really, that's what I rolled!) He rolls a 20, knocking the skeleton down with the same stroke that he grabs the key with. The skeleton takes 2 points damage.

Jus attacks the skeleton on the right again, trying to get himself between the skeleton and Nonam. He misses with a 4.

Gareth spins and engages the skeleton fighting Chala. He swings his sword with a mighty yell. He does not turn his back on the woman if at all possible. He rolls a 3 missing the skeleton.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday May 14th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

David Says: I guess we'll hold off on the killing thing ... this time.

Nonam says: pretty stupid, huh?

Jerry says: seems like a good move when it works.

Jerry says: Sorry for not sending a turn yesterday. I have been sick since Friday. This morning, I twisted my ankle and am on crutches for a week or so. That means I don't have to tell you about my trip this week to North Carolina, because I won't be going. My swelling ankle doesn't need 6 hrs. on a cramped airplane.

Congrats on your new home John. Mom, Dad, and myself are probably going to visit Rita the week after school gets out. Perhaps we can work it out to say hi as we pass through either on the way up or back down. :)

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 71
Friday May 16th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
The skeletons attack first in round 3. The left skeleton rises to his feet and spins to face Gareth leaving his back to Chala and Nonam.

The right skeleton attacks Jus. He rolls an 11 and also misses.

Nonam spins around and throws two daggers at the skeleton on the right. The first dagger misses with a 4 spinning past the skeletons head to hit the wall and stick there.

The second dagger misses with a 6 and hits Jus instead in the shoulder. The dagger does 1 point of damage to Jus.

Chala continues to attack, trying to bring down the skeleton she is on. She rolls a 4 missing the skeleton.

Jus tries attacking again. He hits with a 14 and does 6 points damage to the skeleton on the right severing the head which flies into the frozen woman's lap. Another skeleton dispatched.

Gareth charges the remaining skeleton bashing it with sheild and following through to smash it up against the wall. He does 16 points to it splintering it into a million pieces. He then swings again swirling the pieces around in the air one more time causing them to spray everyone in the room harmlessly with bone fragments.

The mighty heroes win the battle!

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday May 16th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

JK Says: what's the ac of the skeletons - just to get a general idea of how hard these are to hit.

Jerry says: Well, since they are dead, we'll just keep that little secret to ourselves.

Tom says: Sorry to hear about the ankle. Oh, Timmy-boy says hi to you all!

Jerry says: You called him Timmy boy? Timmy boy????? And you can still use those fingers to type?

Jerry says to John and David (mainly John): Please stop sending me the FW: emails. At first it was humorous getting one or two a week. However, now I get 5-7 a day and it is really cluttering up my mailbox.

Campaign news of import: This will be formally announced when you hit town....but... King Claudia of New Elenna is dead. She committed suicide after it turned out that her half red-dragon twin children were innately evil. The Gold Dragons forced the issue to be investigated. Oratai, High Patriarch of Plateau City performed the spell and was enveloped with the holy presence of Alemi rendering the Alignment Detection to be true without a doubt. The high priests of the rest of the gods were called to the scene. Sometime during the ensuing confusion, Joe The Hand, husband and Consort of Claudia stole the children taking them to his private garden within the castle grounds and lovingly broke their necks. A funeral pyre was constructed immediately to prevent Flame the Red Dragon and Father of the evil twins from getting hold of the remains. Sometime after during the confusion following, Claudia, rest her soul stole away to the throne and fell on her sword.

The Noble Sturtevant, friend of the royal couple, was named regent until an election can be held in two weeks for a new High Lord Mayor. More news will be following to be sure.

The local group has finished its first campaign on the new southern continent last week taking a dwarven hammer and artifact to an ancient race of dwarves across a very bizarre area of grasslands.

All of the above happened the first week back to the northern continent campaign. I wonder what will happen on the second week?

All of this will mean more to you when you get the campaign folders. I've hit a snag there.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 72
Monday May 19th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth looks around for something else to kill.... Upon finding nothing obvious he removes the skeleton head from the woman's lap without touching her and looks at it to see if the eyes still glow. Then he smashes it on the ground just for grins. He says, "Can anybody help the girl? I don't know if I can.".

Jus looks at Nonam and says "Ow!" He then picks up the dagger that hit him. "Reminds me of someone who once gave me advice about 'shooting arrows in a cave'."

"I can imagine it now," Jus continues with a laugh, "Yes, my sons and daughters, this is the first scar I received in my adventuring. My compatriot, goldfingers, was jealous of the blows I dealt to a skeleton and decided to use me for a pin cushion. Oh well, what can one expect from a human mage?" Jus hands the dagger back to Nonam with a wink.

Nonam picks up his other dagger and says, "Sorry Jus." That done he begins to look for something that the key fits. He begins looking near the girl. He does not find a keyhole in this room.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday May 19th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

JK says: Jerry, I won't be there Sunday night. I probably won't be there the next Sunday either. Also that whole week (sun-sun) I won't be able to check my e-mail so no e-adventure either.

I got Quake despite the many times that I've heard it requires a Pentium to run just to see how it would run on a 486 (thanks to Hastings software rental). It says in the documentation that it won't run at all if you don't have at least a Pentium, and that's what I've always heard. However, it seems to run fine on my 486. Go figure.

Jerry says: Go figure.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 73
Wednesday May 21st, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth examines the girl, desk and room. He looks at the weapons that were carried by the skeletons to check for quality.

The female is a raven-haired woman scarcely more than 20 years old. She is dressed in white, her expression is pale and emotionless. She stares forward motionless and unblinking. She wears a gilded golden bracelet set with emerald chips.

The weapons are large battle axes. They are not exceptional in any way that can be discerned by observation.

The female sits in a chair behind a splintered desk. The desk contains a single space where a drawer used to be. Inside there is a single piece of paper with the word "kizzimic" written on it.

Nonam continues to examine the room looking for anything (other than the girl) which is out of the ordinary.

Nonam finds a small ledge above the door where there is a burned scrap of paper. It has the following poem written on it.

"Do I love you? Yes I do. Id shed my evil ways for you. I'd turn my heart from black to true. My heart, I've given unto you."

Jus looks at the girl and says, "I guess we need to figure out what to do about her." Jus looks around for any more pentagrams or jewelry that may be keeping her in this suspended animation. "Maybe she needs a handsome prince to kiss her! Anyone here qualify?"

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday May 21st, 1997 5:30:40 AM

David says: FYI on 486's. Intel is coming out with the Pentium 2 series later this year. Pentium 200s will drop at least 75% in price as will all lesser chips. You can then upgrade cheaply. Pentium 2s will be 233, 266 and 300 MHz CPUs.

Jerry says: Oh, well, I've already sprung for a 166.

Jerry says: Tom? We've missed you. Remember guys that we are without JK starting about now until next Sunday or so. I'm assuming that Tom has had a busy couple of days. I'd like us to keep pushing so we can get this initial module finished up. Then we'll have to see if we can add Tim and Kevin. I feel that Tim has had to wait quite a bit longer than we first anticipated.

I just don't see me running a second group. Perhaps JK will want to, though. I would play in a second group, though.

John, if any of your contacts want to play, we need to begin getting their commitments so we can make the best decision. I think groups of 4 are ideal. Is there any disagreement there? Comments from everyone please.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 74
Friday May 23rd, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus looks at the others and asks what they have found. "As far as the girl is concerned, I think we should take her with us. Unless, that is, one of these papers contains a release word."

Nonam will commit the poem and 'kizzimic' to memory. He then waits for the others.

Gareth compares the axes for quality, jewels, balance, blade quality, etc. to see if one appears better than the others. If there is no difference he asks can anyone tell if these are magic weapons? If they appear to be of value Gareth will take them.

None of the above tests reveal anything significant about the weapons.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday May 23rd, 1997 5:30:40 AM

JK says: Jerry, feel free to play Nonam. He has one 'Burning Hands' still memorized.

Jerry says: Ok, I will to a certain extent. I will not reveal riddles etc. while playing so what I can do will be limited.

John says: Most of my contacts said they are not interested. Byron Myrick said he would like to, but is unsure how reliable he could be. I haven't been able to get in touch with Sidney Deem.

Jerry says: I understand John. Then we will more than likely add two players after this module, Kevin and Tim assuming both still want to play. 6 is more than I'd like, but if JK DM's a second group and I play that makes 3 players there. I think I know Tim well enough that he will not be interested in playing just with Kevin and I with JK DMing. Besides we've made Tim wait quite awhile. So unless things change we'll add both of those players for the second adventure.

Jerry says: Tom? If I don't hear from him by tomorrow, I'll call him.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 75
Monday May 26th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Chala will look around the room, looking for anything out of the ordinary.

Other than what has already been described, nothing is found.

Gareth examines the chair for traps. If none found he moves the girl's chair back from the table and attempts to pick her up.

When the woman is touched by Gareth, she moves, focuses her eyes on Gareth and starts in surprise saying, "My, where did you come from? This isn't where I was? Where is Elzid?"

A look of panic begins to form on her face.

Nonam answers her saying, "I'm afraid we have some bad news to tell you if you are who we think you are. The mage is dead. You were under a spell. How are you feeling? Who are you? Are you Erilyn? Have you been harmed?"

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday May 26th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

Tom says: Sorry, you were right, busy weekend.

Jerry says: Glad you're back with us. :)

Kevin says: Claudia is dead and Joe Hand killed the babies? How disappointing. Wasn't there anything that could have been bone to guide them to goodness.

Jerry says: Actually I spoke too early. The story released is that Flame killed the babies.

Kevin says: I still want to play, but however it is that I play is fine with me. Big group or small, I am not picky.

Jerry says: Thanks for your cooperation Kevin. It is noted.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 76
Wednesday May 28th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus bows graciously and says, "Well met. We are glad to see you are all right. My name is Jus. May I ask whereabouts you expected to be."

Gareth moves away from the girl as to not frighten her any more than she is (big guy carrying a huge sword and all that) and moves to the door and watches the hallway.---

She responds, "I am Erilyn. I was outside the ruins of the castle the last thing I remember. I was worried about my boyfriend, Elzid, whose tower blew up. So tragic. He was giving up his evil ways for me. I left town for his tower the moment I heard of its destruction. I wandered the hillside for awhile and then ran into Elzid's evil familiar, Zotzpox the Imp. He cast a spell on me and that is the last thing I remember."

Jus nods toward Nonam and says, "Would you please read the poem to her."

Nonam reads the poem. Erilyn breaks down and cries, "Oh my darling. My poor, poor darling. Fate has dealt us a cruel blow."

She revels in her sorrow for a moment and then straightens her clothes straightens and says, "Have you found any signs of my beloved?"

Nonam answers, "None, ma'am. However, don't give up hope just yet. We will continue to search. Will you do us the honor of being your protectors until the rest of this mystery is solved and we can return you to your family? We were hired by Loren Kenither to investigate these matters. We are indeed fortunate to have found you alive. Are you injured in any way?"

Erylyn glances down and answers, "I'm fine."

Nonam nods at the fighter. "Gareth, let us be rid of this cursed room."

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday May 28th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

John says: Did my last turn get lost again? Or was it overcome by events.

Jerry says: Was this it? "Jus leans toward the woman and whispers 'kizzimic' into her ear."

If so it arrived today.

Jerry says: I hope you guys don't mind me using Nonam to push the tempo a bit.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 77
Friday May 30th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus determines he will try and protect Erilyn and Nonam as best as possible; at least until Nonam gets to re-memorize his spell.

Gareth says "When we killed that spider thing he seemed to be talking to somebody or something as he was sucked into that opening. I wonder if it was Elzid?"

Nonam says: "Hmm....interesting hypothesis, however it could have been the imp. What else would be sucked thru a portal when it 'died? A scorpion spider? I think not."

Jus goes to the next door, listens for a moment, and then asks Erilyn if she is familiar with this portion of the tower.

At the same time Gareth asks Erilyn, do you know your way around this place? Can you warn us of traps and things?"

Erilyn replies, "No, I've never been here. He always courted me at the house of my family. I take it we are in the ruins of the tower then. Funny, but I don't remember that any of it was left after the explosion."

For a second time, both Gareth and Jus reach for the door at the same time. The door to the immediate right of the door exiting from the statue room opens revealing the hallway described earlier. It turns right at the 20' mark.

Chala asks the party if they are in terrible need of healing.

She will take a toe bone form one of the skeletons, pocketing it. Sovenieer.

She walks to Nonam (he the mage in the party, right)."We should probobly be warry of this Zotzpox, Imp's can be notoriously nasty, but if it is still hanging around, then this Elzid may still be about." she says this quietly, so as not to get the young ladies hopes up to much.

Nonam answers, "I agree."

2 _D__ | __D 3 | |____ <-- diagram of what the party sees. | _4D |__ D | __D 1 Statue room 1 | | 2 Magic Circle room D 3 Erilyn/skeleton room 4 Door currently opening

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday May 30th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

John says: Cool, don't mind the extra push in tempo at all; maybe you should consider an NPC just to help keep things rolling.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 78
Monday June 2nd, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth says to Jus with a motion "After you..." and then follows Jus into the corridor.

As Jus walks down the hall to the door on the South wall (as Jerry drew it), he asks Erilyn, "How did the tower explode? I thought you lost conscience before you were brought? When did you last see Elzid? Sorry for the barrage of questions, but you pricked my curiosity." > Erilyn says, "I'm not sure how it exploded. One of his experiments caused it more than likely. I got here the day after it happened, I think."

As Nonam follows the others he speaks to Erilyn. "We are not exactly in the ruins of the tower. You are indeed correct that it was completely destroyed. We are now in catacombs beneath the tower."

"Oh, I see." She replies. "The last time I saw Elzid was a week ago when he called on me at my house. My father threw a fit." She grins weakly.

"I will heal anyone who might need it," Chala says. She follow along.

Chala continues, "I will guard the girl. She may feel better with a woman close by."

The south door is closed. It is wooden with iron bands around it.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday June 2nd, 1997 5:30:40 AM

Things are very busy this week. If I miss a day, don't panic. :)

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 79
Wednesday June 4th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus takes a quick look at the other door to see if it is of notable construction, but it is merely an average wooden door.

Gareth waits for Jus to open the door.

Nonam and Chala wait in the back with Erilyn. As they wait, Nonam looks to Chala, "I could use some of that healing you've offered. I'm afraid I'm not as tough as our burly friends here."

"Well," Jus states, "lets go have fun." He then tries to pull open the bound doors; after a quick look for any traps.

The door opens revealing a passage that turns right after 20 feet.

Chala will follow along, keeping near the girl.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday June 4th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

Well Jerry sent me your turns from last time, so I just used those. Also, Tim's address has been deactivated by MCI, so unitl I here something...

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 80
Friday June 6th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth follows Jus into the corridor.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday June 9th, 1997 5:00:40 AM

Notes from the Jericho: And thus ends our first adventure online. Overall, I was just glad that I had survivors. With all the people jumping in and out for various reasons the start was rocky, but I knew that would probably the case from the email games that I have played in on AOL. The dungeon exploration could have been reduced into 1 or 2 rooms and the movement of the module would have improved. Finishing the module took forever. Nearly a year. When we started, we played only two days a week. So you do the math and see how slow it is. Now, we play weekdays and things are much faster, thank goodness. It was nice to see that David and John can still role-play and well! My two goals for the email campaign have always been to 1) give all the old players who have moved away from Wichita Falls a chance to play again and 2) to use the game as a vehicle to renew friendships and to keep in better touch with some of the best friends of my youth and young adulthood. Both goals accomplished, the game is so far a success.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 81
Monday June 9th, 1997 5:30:40 AM
Gareth follows Jus into the corridor while Chala mutters the words to a spell and places her hands on Nonam. The wounds Nonam received from the skeletons slowly fade away, and and a fierce gleam replaces the look of pain that he had been wearing most of the day.

Jus comes to the bend in the hallway and says to the Gareth, "Take a quick look through the door behind us to make sure we don't miss anything." While Gareth does this, Jus rounds the corner and begins walking through the hallway slowly looking for traps on the walls, ceiling, and floor, and he calls out behind him, "I don't think we should rush through this section; what with the special doorway."

Gareth stops at the corner and looks back as he was instructed. Nonam, Chala, and Erilyn are still in the doorway. Nonam looks back down the hallway, but sees nothing. So the group goes into the corridor and joins Gareth. The four then turn and wait for Jus.

Jus doesn't notice any traps as he walks down the 30 foot hallway. He does notice that this section is much cleaner. There is no dust and the stone floor almost shines. He also notices two doors in the hallway. One, which is on the left wall and made of stone, is trapezoidal in shape, becoming wider toward the floor. Carved into its surface is a horned and leering gargoyle fresco with a large keyhole set into its gaping mouth. The gargoyle's fangs are made of what appears to be iron, and there is no knob. The other door is at the end of the hall. This door is made of a sturdy wood, and looks very plain. Jus notices in his carefullness that the knob looks as if it has been turned many times.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 83
Friday June 13th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus stands in the hallway between the trapezoidal door and the wooden door with the worn handle thinking. Then he speaks:

"Tell you what guys, I think we should go through the other door we passed earlier before continuing this way. Whatever you want to do is fine, though."

No one in the group disagrees, and Jus and Nonam quickly head back to the door the group passed before opening the door with the iron bands and opens it to see what is beyond. It opens onto a room filled with so much rubble and debris that it is not possible to enter.

Nonam says, "Well it looks like the stone door and the wood door are the only places that we haven't checked yet. I suggest that we open the wood door first because it looks like Elzid used it often. Perhaps it leads to his study or library or somewhere else where we might be able to find out what happened here."

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday June 13th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

I think things have become confusing as to where we are. So here's my map of the hallway I described last turn. _____ 1 D___ I I I I D 2 I I I I D 3

Door1 is the door to this hallway that was opened last turn. Everything that we've already done can be reached by going through door 1. Just to make things simple I left the skeleton room, the statue room, the door Jus just opened, and all the rest off because we shouldn't have to go back to any of those.

Door2 is the trapezoidal stone door.

Door3 is the wooden door.

Don't worry too much about the layout of the place. It won't prove to be important, and you haven't passed by anything.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 84
Monday June 16th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth moves down toward Jus and says "Lets do the easy door first. Probably less painful." If no objections he listens at the door at the end of the hall and opens it (unless Jus does it first).

Jus agrees with Nonam and Gareth and walks back to the wooden door. He looks around to the others to see if they are ready, and Gareth indicates that he wishes to listen at the door before going in. Gareth listens and hearing no sound he tries to open the wooden door (3).

As soon as Gareth touches the knob, there is a sound like the crash of thunder, and a booming voice echoes loudly down the hallway, "BEGONE, OR BY ZOTZPOX'S NAME YOU SHALL BE CURSED!" Gareth also discovers that the door is locked.

At the mention of the name Zotzpox, Eryilyn turns a pasty white and starts to cry in fear.

Chala immediately draws her sword and turns around to look down the hallway.

Nonam grins and says, "Just a magic mouth spell. We're lucky it wasn't trapped with a fireball. Still, the name invoked is one of power. We should be careful."

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 85
Wednesday June 18th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
"Well," says Jus, "I guess we have to try and open it." Jus checks for traps (as best as he can), and tries to pick the lock with his non-existent theiving skills.

Gareth says to Nonam, "How about that key you found in the skeleton? I wonder if that fits this lock? Try it." Nonam pulls out the key. It's about four times bigger than the lock. It obviously won't fit. Nonam says, "Remember Jus also found a key in the statue, but as I recall it's about the same size as this one."

Gareth then says "Can anybody really pick locks?" No one answers. So then Gareth tries to force the door with his great strength. At first it seems that Gareth will be unable to break the door, but he pushes harder. Then as the veins are standing out on his forehead there is a loud CRACK as the lock breaks, and the door flies open. Gareth stumbles forward as the door flies open, but he retains his balance.

The room behind the door was obviously once a library, but it has been destroyed by fire. The charred remains of tables and shelves litter the room, and burned books lie scattered on the floor. Ruthlessly etched onto one wall are the words, "ELZID WAS AN EVIL MAN." The E's are scrawled backwards.

On seeing this Eryiln begins to cry. Tears are streaming down her cheeks.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 86
Friday June 20th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
"Let's take a quick look around," Jus says as he begins seeing if anything is retrievable. He finds several books that are intact with titles like "Demon Lore," "Death Rituals of the Sagunda," "Poisons and Acids." However most of the books that he finds are in some unknown language. None are magical.

Jus pauses and looks up at Eryiln, "We aren't finished looking around yet, Eryiln." Jus glances at the writing on the wall and then back to Eryiln. "Try to ignore this babble. Remember the poem Elzid wrote for you?" Eryiln looks up at him for a minute then smiles as she remembers the poem. Then she whispers, "...but he's dead now," and she begins crying again.

Gareth rummages through the books and debris with his sword tip to see if he can find anything (not trusting wizard books). He also searches the walls and shelves for concealed doors. He raps on each bookcase to see if he hears a hollow sound on the other side of any of them, but he finds nothing.

Nonam looks through the books as well. While he's searching, he speaks to no one in particular, "So much knowledge wasted." Then he looks at Eryiln, "You know Elzid probably destroyed this himself in an effort to rid himself of his evil ways. He must have loved you very much."

Chala ignores the books. Instead she goes to look at the inscription on the wall. She mutters, "Why are the E's backwards." Then she notices a section of wall that seems strange somehow. She begins to search this, and she finds a secret door. She searches a little more and finds the opening mechanism. She looks around at everyone and says, "Guys, I found a secret door."

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday June 20th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

John says, I'll be changing internet providers in August. Hopefully this will improve my e-mail service. BTW: For those that do not know, we will be moving to Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands at the end of August. We will be visiting relatives beforehand. I'll still be able to participate in an e-mail campain, but I don't know how long delays may be.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 87
Monday June 23rd, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus says, "I tend to agree with Nonam, it appears these books are not altogether wholesome."

Looking at the title of the "Death Rituals of the Sagunda" book, Jus asks, "Anyone remember what type of creatures were promised to Elzid?"

Nonam says, "He was promised a legion of baetzu... Jus, do you have any idea what Kizzimic means?"

Jus looks at Nonam and says, "Let me know if you want any of these carried out." Nonam shakes his head, "Most of them are burned too badly."

Gareth trips the mechanism and says "Stand ready...". Jus turns his attention to the secret door as Gareth looks into the opening.

The door swings into a dusty unlit room. One end of which has collapsed in response to the explosion of Elzid's tower, and heaps of fallen rocks and debris have piled up on the floor. Webs fill the room and conceil the ceiling.

Chala says, "Do you think there might be spiders in there."

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday June 23rd, 1997 5:30:40 AM

I'm upgrading my computer this week. So if I don't answer for a while, I probably killed my computer. Movin' up from the DX4 120 to the P200 with 40megs of RAM, yeeha.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 88
Wednesday June 25th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth moves into the room slowly moving webs and being careful where he puts his feet.

"No, I don't know what that means," answers Jus. As he draws his sword (just in case) and approaches the secret door, he continues, "But when Gareth ripped open the door, I recalled that word and wondered if it would have opened the door."

Nonam says, "I wonder... kizzimic... hmm" He follows Jus.

Erilyn refuses to go near the web filled room and Chala stays with her.

Gareth hasn't gone far into the room when a large spider drops out of the webs, and tries to bite him. It fails and falls to the floor. Nonam and Jus, notice three more crawling in the webs.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 89
Friday June 27th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus takes a quick look to see how big the room is. It was once about 20'x40', but with the rubble at one end it is now 20' x 30'. He also notices that the rubble seems less massive in this room than the others. It could be moved and sifted through. He then gets beside Gareth to try and keep any of the spiders from coming behind them.

"Chala!", Jus calls, "If things start getting ugly, burn the webs! Wait to see how we do -- so we don't destroy anything that may be within!"

Chala nods and moves to stand within the doorway, and she begins to light a torch.

Nonam rushes into the room and throws a pair of daggers at two separate spiders. The hilts glow as they leave his hands and, he hits both spiders. One falls dead from the webs and makes a thudding noise at hits the ground. The other is merely grazed.

Gareth whacks 'em with his sword. Especially the one that tried to bite him. He cleaves the spider at his feet in two with a mighty blow.

The wounded spider moves toward Nonam and attacks him. It drops onto him from the webs, but it is unable to bite him. It is on his head.

The fourth spider moves to Jus. It bites at him but misses, and it remains in the safety of the web.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 90
Monday June 30th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Nonam stabs the spider on his head. It dies. The mage is covered in dead spider.

Jus attacks the spiders with both swords. Each blade finds its mark. The final spider falls dead from the webs.

Chala enters the room and with the added light from her torch. The group is able to see a potion trapped in the webs near the ceiling. Gareth also notices something shiny on the floor.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 91
Wednesday July 2nd, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth examines the shiny object. It is a brass milk dish with the name "Zotzpox" painted on it in large black letters. Inside it is a scrap of paper with the words "ELZID I HATE" scrawled on it. Again the E's are backwards.

Jus sheaths his swords and starts looking through the rubble, careful not to cause a major landslide. He finds another secret door.

Nonam retrieves his daggers. Then Chala and Nonam work at getting the potion down from the ceiling. She stands on his shoulders and grabs the potion. As she reaches out to take it several dead rats fall from the webs. She screams but manages to maintain her grip on the potion. It has no label. When she gets down her legs glow briefly where Nonam touched her while helping her stand on his shoulders.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 92
Friday July 4th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth says "Maybe this familiar or whatever it was hated Elzid and did this to him. That probably means that he was attacked or something as opposed to having an accident."

Jus calls everyones attention to the new secret door as he attempts to find a way to open it. Nonam says, "Perhaps the command word is 'Kizzimic,'" but when he says it, nothing happens. However, Jus finds the catch. He then looks around to make sure all are ready and opens the door.

Beyond the door is a 10'x10' closet which contains a chest.

Nonam mutters, "That word must do something... I wonder... Kizzimic." As soon as Nonam says Kizzimic that time, the chest makes a loud hissing noise like air rushing out of a tire, and then runes on the lid glow red for a second. Then everything is quiet.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday July 4th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

JK says, Everybody welcome Kevin back. He'll be playing Chala until he gets a character of his own because neither Jerry or I have heard from Tom in a few weeks.

John says, More Blond jokes as Jerry requested...

>A blonde gets on an airplane and sits down in the first >class section. The stewardess tells her she must move >to economy because she doesn't have a first class >ticket. > >The blonde replies, "I'm blonde, I'm smart, I have a >good job and I'm staying in first class until we reach >Jamaica." > >The stewardess gets the head stewardess who asks the >woman to leave and she says, "I'm blonde, I'm smart, I >have a good job and I'm staying in first >class until we reach Jamaica." > >The stewardesses don't know what to do because they >have to get the rest of the passengers seated to take >off, so they get the co-pilot. > >The co-pilot goes up to the blonde and whispers in her >ear. She immediately gets up and goes to her seat in >the economy section. The head stewardess asks the >co-pilot what he said to get her to move. > >The co-pilot replies, "I told her the front half of the >airplane wasn't going to Jamaica".

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 93
Monday July 7th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Chala will duck away from the entrance to make sure she isn't in the path of a possible attack. She hides around the corner waiting.

Gareth tosses a rock over on top of the chest saying "Stand back". It lands on top of the chest with a thud. He then moves it with his sword. It scoots back a little, but nothing else happens. Then he says "Try one of those keys." Jus and Nonam take out their keys, but they are obviously too large to open this chest.

Jus carefully walks to the chest, casually checking for traps as he walks. He then kneels down to the chest and looks for a way to open it, but he can't figure out how.

Nonam looks around at everyone as if they're slightly off balance mentally, and he walks up to the chest, takes Gareth's rock off the top, and opens it. He looks inside and whistles.

Inside there is a silver spearhead wrapped in velvet, 4 blue gems, a shortsword, a broad sword, a scimitar, a long sword, 2 daggers, a quiver of 24 arrows, a ring, a scroll with 2 spells on it, and a wand with the word 'sizzle' inscribed on the handle. Finally there is a brass key. It looks like the wooden key Nonam has and the iron key Jus has.

Nonam takes the scroll, one blue gem, and the wand and turns to face the others. "Anybody mind if I keep these?" Then he says, "Feel free to split up the rest."

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday July 7th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

JK says- read the long messages from Jerry & John

Jerry says- I appreaciate everyone's patience during my vacation and insanity towards the end of the school year. As someone once said, "I feel much better. I think I'll go for a walk now."

Jerry also says- I requested blond jokes?...

A duck goes into a bar and asks, "Do you have any duck food?"

The bartender answers, "No we don't have any duck food. This is a bar! Get out of here!"

Tne next day the duck returns and asks, "Do you have any duck food?"

The bartender answers, "No! This is not a duck bar. We don't have duck food! Get out of here!"

The next day the duck returns and asks, "Do you have any duck food?"

The bartender loses his temper and says, "I hate ducks! I don't feed ducks! I don't even know what ducks eat! Get out of here! If you ever come back I'll nail your webbed feet to the wall!"

The next day the duck returns and asks, "Do you have any nails?"

The bartender answers, "No I don't have any nails."

The duck then answers, "Well, then, do you have any duck food?"

John says:My family will be moving to the Kwajalein Missile Range with arrival on August 25th. The Kwajalein Island, on which we will be living, is in the Kwajalein Atoll (rim of volcano) in the Marshall Islands which is halfway between Hawaii and Australia at about 155 Deg. Latitude and 9 Deg. Longitude. We will be visiting relatives and having a vacation from July 25th until we leave from California.

The job is not too exiting, mostly maintenance of real-time software for the TRADEX radar on island Roi-Namur. The new software domain -- real-time on real systems -- will provide a learning curve that should keep me interested for a while. In the next year or two, the software and hardware will be going through major renovations which will provide much more excitement.

We will be living on the island of Kwajalein which is the largest island in the Atoll -- a whopping 1.2 square miles. The 40 min. 50 mile commute to Roi-Namur is via bicycles (to and from airports) and airplane (across the Atoll).

Ask your questions, get your answers...

Oh, going for the experience and family-oriented life; base pay is same as now, but with no taxes and paid housing/utilities.

For lots of pictures are enclosed showing where things are and what things look like, see: http://www.aloha.net/~spartan/photos.htm

Or the main Kwajalein High School Web Page: http://www.aloha.net/~spartan/

jrk

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 94
Wednesday July 9th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus says, "Mayhap we should do a quick divide here, and another after we determine what we have. Right now; I'm interested in the long sword, daggers, arrows, and maybe the ring."

Gareth pulls out the spearhead and says "I'd like this." He also indicates that he would like the longsword and the ring. He goes on to say, "We'd better keep all three keys in one place." Nonam agrees and gives Jus the wooden key. Jus picks up the brass key, and puts all three together.

Chala Says: " May I have the Scimitar? I don't care about the rest." The others readily agree.

Erylin decides to take the shortsword at least until she gets out of this place.

Since nobody showed any interest Nonam picks up the other three gems and says "Well who gets the longsword and the ring. And what about that other sword?"

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 95
Friday July 11th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth says "You can carry the longsword for now since it is your main weapon. I'm not ready to say who gets what just yet. Maybe the old sage can tell us what we have and then we can make the split as fair as possible. I'll carry the other sword."

Gareth takes the broadsword and put it in his belt. After a thorough search which turns up nothing, he moves to the trapezoidal door in the hallway that hasn't been opened and examines it. (He makes no mention of the ring and leaves it for Jus to take.)

The unopened door is trapezoidal in shape. Carved into its surface is a gargoyle with iron fangs. It's mouth is a keyhole.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 96
Monday July 14th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus and the others follow Gareth down the hall.

Jus pulls out the iron key and looks to see if it would fit the keyhole. It looks to be a perfect match. He puts it in the keyhole.

As soon as the key is placed in the Gargoyle's mouth, the door vanishes with a loud pop. The hall continues 10 more feet and ends at another strange door.

The 2nd door is circular. It is smooth unsculpted stone with a large keyhole at its center.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 97
Wednesday July 16th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth examines specific features on and around the door. He tries to estimate if the keys will fit into the keyhole. He decides that either the wood or brass key would fit. They look the exact same other than the material they are made of. He says "Those words you keep mumbling - maybe they'll work here?"

Nonam shrugs his shoulders and says, "KIZZIMIC." Nothing happens.

Jus looks around to see if he can tell whether to use the brass or wooden key. He can determine nothing either. If he can't tell, he pulls out the brass key and looks to see if it would fit. It does so he says, "Well, here it goes." He puts the key in.

As soon as he does so, electricity races up the key and burns him for 1 point of damage.

Nonam pulls him away from the door and says, "Maybe we should use the wood key." He takes it and inserts it into the keyhole. The door disappears. 10 feet beyond it is another door. It is also made of stone and is diamond shaped. It bears the inscription, "Let he who would enter speak his name." Below the inscription is a keyhole.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 98
Friday July 18th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth says "I wonder if it means say "Zotzpox" or something. I bet because Elzid decided to turn good somebody or something attacked his home and I bet it's behind this series of doors."

Nonam says I doubt it. I think Zotzpox is the thing we fought that killed Korok. I bet there's treasure back here.

Chala says, "Whose name do we speak then, our own?"

Nonam shrugs. "Our name or Elzid's I guess."

Jus says, "Now the question is: should we speak our name, or Elzid's name?" Jus then holds up the brass key and asks, "Any takers?" No one volunteers, and Jus goes up to the door and says "Elzid". Nothing Happens. He then says "Jus". Nothing happens. Then he shrugs his shoulders and puts the last key in the keyhole. Nothing happens.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 99
Monday July 21st, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus tells the others he thinks he can read the runes. They are an old dialect, so he hopes he is reading it correctly. He then faces the spheres and says, "merlock."

At the same exact time...

Gareth opens the first sphere with the tip of his sword. He uses his sheild as cover.

Immediately things begin to happen. As soon as Jus finishes saying "Merlock" the first door to this hallway reappears with a resounding BOOM. Jus spins around behind him to look at it and notices that there is no keyhole on this side. There is also no handle. And when Jus opened the sphere the paintings came to life. They slowly began to waver and take on a third dimension. They jump down from the wall and prepare to attack the party. There is an elf, a dwarf, and a human. Nonam who had been studying the paintings immediatley reacts and casts 'Burning Hands.' The spell strikes the elf and the human causing 4 points of damage.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 100
Wednesday July 23rd, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth says "I wonder if it means say "Zotzpox" or something. I bet because Elzid decided to turn good somebody or something attacked his home and I bet it's behind this series of doors."

Nonam says I doubt it. I think Zotzpox is the thing we fought that killed Korok. I bet there's treasure back here.

Chala says, "Whose name do we speak then, our own?"

Nonam shrugs. "Our name or Elzid's I guess."

Jus says, "Now the question is: should we speak our name, or Elzid's name?" Jus then holds up the brass key and asks, "Any takers?" No one volunteers, and Jus goes up to the door and says "Elzid". Nothing Happens. He then says "Jus". Nothing happens. Then he shrugs his shoulders and puts the last key in the keyhole. Nothing happens.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 101
Friday July 25th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth says "How about the other 2 keys?" Nonam points out that the other two keys disappeared when the doors they were placed in disappeared.

Jus tries again with "Elzid", then puts the key in the keyhole. Nothing happens. If still nothing happens, "Zotzpox" then the key. Nothing happens. Then he hands the key to Elyrin and asks her to say her name and try. She does so and nothing happens.

Chala Says, " Try the names again after you put the key in."

Nonam says, "I think Chala may have the answer." He takes the key, puts it in the lock, and says, "Elzid." The door disappears.

Beyond the last portal lies a circular chamber. In the center of the room floar five identical metal spheres, each 2' in diameter. The balls hover 4' above the floor and have seams along their equators. Painted on the chamber's walls are three warrior figures: a human clutching a spear, a dwarf wielding an axe, and an elf brandishing a sword. Runes are painted above each figure.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday July 25th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

Just to let everyone know where we stand, this is our final room.

From Jerry: Guys, what about a live game here in WF when John is in town with John, David, JK, Kevin and I. Could be fun and a great way for you 4 to meet each other.

Along that line, I am extremely interested in finding a web site for us to play live in a private chat room somehow about once a month. It would solidify the group with the socialization, and push the speed. I think that we could cover about a month's worth of action in one 4 hour session.

Also, my next major project is to get the campaign folder online at a website with the intent of getting approved as a TSR approved website with a link from their official site. I think we'd be eligible for that from what I've seen if we can just get our campaign folder online maps included. I would appreciate any help you programmer guys could provide there.

JK please let the guys know of how much AOL space each member gets for free and what you've done so far. I'd like this to be a project for all of us to share as far as you guys are interested, but as usual I'm prepared to go it solo if necessary.

I get RPGA stuff via email now and am going to send this last batch of stuff to you just in case you are interested. This will be a one-time sending. If you want me to continue to send this stuff to you just let me know.

John, I threw away the email stating when you were going to be in town. Please remind me of those dates again. In fact, pass it along to everyone to see if we can get together....assuming you want to.

John, and David. Please notify when you receive your campaign folders. I sent them book rate. Kevin, please call me at 691-1078 and come by to pick yours up.

I called Tom and he has been disconnected from his online server. He didn't seem to excited to continue, but stayed just on the correct side of me not saying just forget it. If we hear from him we'll see about his interest.

I'm finding myself getting "twitchy" fingers every time JK sends out a turn. I must be ready to DM again. Muhahaha!

Tell JK what a good job he is doing. He really is gifted with words. Whoever said History professors were boring. :/ (my students - jk :) )

Well, that's all for now.

Jerry

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 102
Monday July 28th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Chala looks around and says, "What now?"

Gareth stands battle ready with sheild and sword and says "So, we get to fight some more... can anybody explain the runes?" He does not enter the room but lets whomever wants to look do so.

Nonam says, "Just who is it you think we're going to fight... the paintings?" He steps into the room and begins to examine the murals.

"Can you read any of these runes, Nonam? If you can, just let me know what to do and I'll do it." Jus says.

Nonam says, "The runes aren't magic but are some ancient elven script, but I'm not sure exactly what they say. The words aren't elven... just the letters. It's very strange. It looks like gibberish."

Jus looks at them and recognizes the old letters from his elven schooling. He determines that they read merlock, tarlock, and gorlock. He keeps this information to himself for the time being though.

The silver spheres are still floating in the center of the room.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday July 28th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

Congratulations to John for rolling 1% and discovering what the runes say. There was a 15% chance. You can tell him how much you love him after he says the words. If he says the words. Will he do it. Will he say the words. Come on. Say the words. I dare you.

John says, BTW: If ya'll would, also send to my other address. Doing some beta testing stuff...

Kevin says, You are doing great JK, course that could be cause you are also an english expert. Actually, You might just qualify as a genius.

I think he should get a hero point for that. :)

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 103
Wednesday July 30th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth enters the room saying "It just seems that things which stand still jump out at us whenever we come near." He examines the spheres closely looking for any mechanical means of suspension. He finds no mechanical means of suspension. He notices a hinge near the back of each globe. The seam around the middle appears to be where they open. He also finds small numbers on the hinges. They are numbered 1-5.

Nonam begins looking at the wall with the paintings. He's looking for a secret door or some kind of trap that might be hidden in all the designs.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday July 30th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

David's the only one who responded. I figured it had been several days, so I decided to send out this turn with just one response.

The first part is from David, and the 2nd part is Jerry's response.

Jerry,

I got my folder. I glanced at it and it looks good. I look forward to checking it out. Thanks for all your work.

JK,

You are doing a great job. About that history, the revisionists seem to have completely changed the way our American histry purportedly happened. They have secularized everything attempting to remove any refernce to the Christian faith of our forefathers. I was wondering what you think about all of that? I'd like to find out what you've learned (in your spare time, of course).

David

JK, pass this forward with the next turn.

Thanks for the kind word about the campaign folder David. It was a huge job. However, as the campaign expands and things change and expand, you will receive supplements. I would appreciate any criticism (as long as it isn't so mean as to harm my fragile ego) as well as areas you would like to find out more about. I'm especially interested in finding someone with more artistic talent than me to do some location specific artwork such as a picture of the Floating City as seen from the shore, etc. Also a couple of the maps really need to be redone, a.k.a. the Continent of Yrth, and the Emerald Kingdom. If any of you guys want to vent your creative juices, I can ALWAYS find something for you to do from legends, to maps, to city locations, to developing villains and adventuring NPC groups, to anything else that one does in an ongoing AD&D campaign. We also could use some help with the website if anyone is interested. Just ask and volunteer. No pressure. We accept whatever you give and don't worry if you don't finish.

Yes, JK, pontificate for us.

Jerry >>

David and I have already carried out the discussion he initiated at some length. So I'll not pontificate at this time.

Jerry also wished me to pass this on: In a message dated 97-07-12 01:48:23 EDT, you write:

<< JK please let the guys know of how much AOL space each member gets for free and what you've done so far. I'd like this to be a project for all of us to share as far as you guys are interested, but as usual I'm prepared to go it solo if necessary. >>

Each screen name gets 2MB. So for each account, you can have 10MB. I've only used about 1MB. You can fit just about an infinite amount of text in a megabyte, but the pictures take up a lot. That stupid little map of the town Rogar is from takes up more than half of the space. >>

Pass this on to the other guys.

Jerry

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 104
Friday August 1st, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Nonam throws a pair of daggers at the dwarf. The first misses. Somehow Nonam tosses the second dagger behind him.

The Dwarf quickly scans the room and determines that Gareth looks to be the biggest threat. He runs and attacks with his wicked looking axe. He swings what could have been a deadly blow, but he misses the well armored warrior.

Chala leaps into the fray and slashes at the elf with her scimitar. She strikes hard and true dealing 8 points of damage to the elf.

The human moves to engage Nonam as the mage is the closest target. He swings his massive sword but misses.

Jus spins toward the dwarf and human holding to be sure none of the three attempt to cast a spell, saying, "Why does everything have to attack? Whatever happened to peace, love, and respect between the races?" When he is assured of that, he attacks the one who appears the most powerful or the one that has been wounded the most to try to get rid of one this round. He quickly decides to attack the dwarf since it is closest to him, and it appears to be the biggest threat. He posititions himself and shoots his longbow. One arrow misses and comes dangerously close to hitting Gareth instead. The other hits the dwarf for 8 points of damage.

Gareth (who opened the sphere not Jus FYI) engages the dwarf. He tries to see if there is any indication that these guys don't want to fight, and he comes to the conclusion that they want to fight. He attacks but misses.

Finally the elf attacks Chala. He swings his longsword but misses.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 105
Monday August 4th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth attacks the dwarf with his sword. He strikes 2 mighty blows. The first deals 14 points and nearly cripples the dwarf. The second does 12, and the dwarf falls to the ground. As soon as it hits the ground, it disappears.

The human tries to hit Nonam, but he fails to do so.

Nonam stabs the human with a dagger and does 4 points of damage.

The elf deftly swings his thin blade at Chala, but she nimbly dodges.

Chala continues to slice at the elf. But she only slices at it. She never slices it.

Jus, once again holds to see that no one uses spells. Then attacks with his bow shots the elf. The first shot misses and comes dangerously close to Chala. The second strikes the elf in the middle of the chest. It falls to the ground and disappears.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 106
Wednesday August 6th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
The human attacks Nonam again but misses.

Nonam stabs the human for 3 points of damage.

Chala lunges for the human and hits for 5 points of damage.

Jus, now pretty sure that no spells are imminent, turns on the remaining human, utters a silent elven battle litany, and shoots the remaining human taking the penalty to hit (which is a -4) so as to avoid hitting his comrades. The first arrow strikes the human full in the chest, and he falls like the dwarf and the elf did. When the human hits the ground he disappears.

Gareth is unable to get an attack in before his companions slaughter the last opponent.

Jus clears his head of battle by looking around the room once again to determine the next course of action.

The room is circular and 30' in diameter. In the center of the room float 5 identical spheres, each 2' in diameter. The balls hover 4' off the floor. There are no mechanical means of suspension. The paintings which were on the wall are now gone. The runes remain.

Gareth has opened the first sphere but hasn't had a chance to look inside. Jus spoke the first rune which caused the first door to this chamber to close behind him. On looking at the door he notices that there is no handle or keyhole or any other apparent method of opening the door. He guesses that the other two runes will shut the other two doors. He also surmises that Elzid spoke the words to make the doors reappear upon leaving this chamber. It appears the party is trapped.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 107
Friday August 8th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Chala ignores the spheres, turns to the door and speaks the first rune again to see if anything happens. Nothing does.

Jus waits with bow drawn for Gareth to look inside the first sphere. He nods to him to proceed with a grin that says, "Adventuring is cool." Nonam approaches the spheres to look in with Gareth.

Gareth looks into the first sphere and continues down the row as the contents are identified.

In the first sphere is Elzid's private journal. The first portion of it deals with alcemical experiments and evil exploits, but the final pages are full of his love for Erilyn. Nonam takes it and reads the last entry: "I shall spend this afternoon picking flowers for her, choosing only those that are as beautiful as she. But, of course, no flower is quite that beautiful. Yet I close my mind for now, for I sense Zotzpox returning. Cruel Zotzpox! He should no not of this affair. Perhaps I should send him back." Upon hearing this Erilyn begins to weep, and she asks for the journal as a way of remembering Elzid.

Gareth moves onto the 2nd sphere. As he reaches out to touch it, everyone anticipates another attack, but is opens without incicdent. It contains 5 scrolls in ivory tubes. Nonam's eyes nearly pop from his head when he sees them. He takes them and looks at them, one has 'phantasmal force,' one has 'mirror image,' one is 'protection from poison,' one has a treasure map, and the last one has two words written on it 'thissum' and 'thossum.' Nonam indicates that he would like the two with spells. He offers the protection from poison and treasure map to any who would like them. He speculates that 'thissum' and 'thossum' are the command words for something or other. Then he gets it in his head that maybe they open the door. Chala tries it out saying one then the other, but they have no effect on the doors.

Gareth moves to the 3rd sphere. It contains 400 copper coins. Everyone is awed by the sight, and they also wish that it was gold.

Next the mighty warrior opens the 4th sphere. It has four potions labelled 'shrink,' 'sweet,' 'speak,' and 'swim.'

Finally Gareth moves to the final sphere. Everyone leans toward it in eager anticipation. He pushes back the lid, and immeditely an iron cobra strikes out at Gareth. It shoots past him and lands on the floor. Immediately Jus and Nonam cry out 'thissum.' The snake goes limp. Chala reacts just a split second later and cries out 'thossum.' The snake reactivates and Nonam and Jus give her an evil look. They both shout out 'thissum' again before the snake can react, and it goes limp. Nonam suggests that this might be of some value to the right buyer since the command words are known. (everyone cheer for Nonam and Jus for making perception checks at -15 allowing them to turn off the cobra. Jeers to Chala she made it at -10 and figured it out in general. Gareth didn't have a clue).

The treasure has been found, and the journal contains the answers that the sage sought. Now only one thing remains... opening the door.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 108
Monday August 11th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus says that we should take the copper, get it changed into at least electrum and then split it up although it's not worth much. We need all we can get right now. Especially if we think we're ready for the Big Float.

Nonam says, "What do you mean, 'Big Float'? We haven't talked about doing anything once we get out of here."

He also suggests that Nonam be allowed to identify the potions and then for his trouble have his choice of the four. Nonam says, "I'll have to cast the spell when we get out of here."

Jus agrees that we should sell the snake to a collector once we get to wherever we're going.

And speaking of going, does anyone know how to get us out of here? Open Sesame? Turn the handle? Jus tries to remember all that has passed and determine what we have forgotten. He remembers every thing that happened with the doors. You found keys. The doors had locks. You put the keys in, and the doors disappeared along with the keys. There are no handles or keyholes on the inside. He even remembers all of the command words that were found. All of them, except for the two that will close the other two doors, have been used.

Gareth says "I have no use for scrolls and potions. I want the weapons." He then says "Zotzpox" in an attempt to open the doors. He also tries "Open sesame" as it worked on the first big block at the beginning. It doesn't do anything.

Nonam says, "There has to be a way to open them. Elzid wouldn't have taken a chance on locking himself in here." Maybe there is a secret handle on the inside. He goes up to the door and begins to feel for a hidden catch. As soon as he touches the surface of the door, it disappears. He looks at Gareth and Jus, "Open Sesame... hmph."

The hallway beyond appears to be empty.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 109
Wednesday August 13th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth shoulders whatever anyone else can't carry and proceeds with sword in hand down the hall. The rest of the group follows him.

Jus says, "Hmm...let me back up a step. Weren't you a boy once? Every boy I know of dreams of walking the streets of the Big Float as an adventurer. I know I did. Maybe even to someday see the grand Adventurer's square! If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere!"

Nonam snaps back, "When I was a boy I worked hard. I didn't run around playing make believe in the woods with the fairies, and I assume that by the Big Float that you mean the Floating City. If so, then I haven't ever really had daydreams about going there."

Chala shrugs and walks into the hall, "I will be leaving all of you, I think, after we are done here "

The group slowly winds its way back out of the underground level of the dead magician's tower. They encounter nothing. When they finally reach the surface Erylin says, "Thank you for getting me, and thank you for finding my Elzid's journal. I will be eternally grateful, but I would ask one more thing of all of you. You would please take me home to my parents. After all that has happened, I'm afraid to be in these woods alone." All through her request she looks as if she will cry, but she holds the tears back.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 110
Friday August 15th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth agrees to take Erylin home on his way to see the sage. He says"I look forward to more adventure. I've never heard of the floating city. What is it?"

Nonam says, "I'm glad to see someone else kept busy during their childhood. Floating City is a big city like any other, full of crime and poverty. Many idolize it because it floats on the water."

Jus says, "Geez, Nonam, you sure are the serious one. I can see you sitting inside by the table window while all the other kids played "Fireball the Demon." Loosen up man! You've earned it. I hereby make it a goal to help you enjoy the "fun" moments of life."

"Fireball the Demon???... hmph," Nonam responds testily.

Breathe deep Nonam. Can you smell it? The fresh air after the stale air of the dungeon and the blood? Sigh! Makes one glad to be alive!

Hmm, I wonder what the Big Float smells like?"

"Like a sewer I would imagine."

To Erilyn, Jus offers his arm as a friend and says, "Of course, young lady, we wouldn't dream of saving you from the dungeons to leave you to the wolves. Your safety is our primary concern."

Chala says, "My journey lies this way", and she strikes off in the opposite direction. She never even turns back when the group calls after her.

Jus shrugs his shoulders and begins to sing an old elven travelling song about the joys of nature as the party travels down the road.

After an hour our so the group arrives at Erylin's home. She rushes in to see her family, but asks the party to wait for her. Shortly after a large, fat bearded man comes running out of the house in his small clothes. He's yelling, "THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU" He reaches the group out of breath and says, after a minute of huffing and puffing, "Thank you for bringing her back. I don't have much but please accept this token of my thanks." He hands Gareth a small bag containing 75 electrum. From the looks of his living conditions, it's a fortune to him.

A Wizard's Fate: Turn 111
Monday August 18th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Gareth says "Please keep your money. We have no need. Use it to celebrate your families return if you must spend it. Thank you for your offer." When he can do so politely he suggests the party go see the sage.

Jus calls the others aside and says, "Guys, I don't feel right about taking this guy's money. You can see in his eyes that it's all he has. If you disagree I'll be glad to pay you your share of this reward out of my pocket."

He dares anyone to accept him with intense eyes.

To the father, Jus says, "Sir, the look of joy on your face is more than sufficient for us." He bows and closes the mans hand over his money and releases smiling warmly.

Then Gareth says, ""Please keep your money. We have no need. Use it to celebrate your family's return if you must spend it. Thank you for your offer."

When Gareth can do so politely he suggests the party go see the sage, and Jus loudly announces, "Fellow adventurer's Let's be off to the Sage. We have much to tell him."

The group of three travels back into town discussing their adventures. Jus believes the whole adventure to have been a grand event. Nonam and Gareth however remember some of the more unpleasant events. After a long journey the group enters town and goes to the sage's home. On the front door, a note is attached. It is addressed to "The three that rescued Erylin." Nonam takes it down and reads it aloud:

Mighty heroes I congratulate you on your exploits. I was able to watch the conclusion of your adventure through my magic. I saw you emerge from Elzid's underground lair with Erylin so I know that you completed the task you were given, and I congratulate you. Unfortunately, however, I was called away on urgent business to the Floating City just this morning. I still wish to hear all that you discovered about Elzid, and I still have some gold for you. So come meet me in the "Big Float" as Jus loves to call it, and we will conclude our business. I will be staying at the Inn of Kings. -Loren ps. I have made arrangements for you to stay in the village inn here for as long as you wish before journeying on to meet me. I also told Hegman, the inn keeper, to outfit you with any supplies you might need. So check in and rest a day or two, and then hurry on to the Floating City.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday August 20th, 1997 5:00:40 AM

Notes from the Jericho: We begin a subtle change with this set of in-between turns that led to what I call the True Beginning of the online game...the moment we start to make the game outstanding. It was almost as if we made a group breakthrough about this time. To prove my point, compare any set of 5 turns with any 5 of the turns that take place in the Floating City. The difference is amazing.

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