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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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