


	LOG ON

The Platinum Dragons Archives

Return To Index

The Big Float Tour

The Big Float Tour: Turn 1
Thursday August 28th, 1997 5:30:40 AM
Talvik holds onto his nose, "Ohhh, I hate the smell of fish." He says, getting off of the barge." Does the whole place smell like this? "He adds looking at Jus.

Gareth asks how much for the transport. After paying a few silver pieces, he hops off and proceeds to walk away from the dock area saying "Let's get away from the tourist trap and get into the city. There we can find the Inn of Kings."

As the boy hands Nonam a flyer, he asks "On what level is the Inn of Kings located?"

Nonam looks down at a flyer, "The most progressive city in the Wold?!?!? It stinks of dead fish."

Jus begins, falters, smiles, and remains silent.

Before Jus can say anything about wealth or gems, Nonam walks up and puts his arm around the reckless young elf. He leans close and whispers in Jus' ear, "Don't go spouting off about how much gold we have down here. A knife in the back isn't my idea of an adventure."

Jus answers, "Gold? You mean this brown stuff?"

Jus holds our a few bronze coins.

He turns to the guides, "Uh, how much does a guide cost? I've got a few of these..."

The guides all jump forward offering their services.

Jus picks out a young half-elven boy and says, "Boy, what is your name?"

The young man seeing a true elf standing before him, straightens, bows, and answers in elven, "Sir, my name is Theory, son of...." He pauses and continues, "Leroy...ahem, Leroy sir."

Jus continues, "Theory. A very curious and interesting name for a intelligent young man whose parent has taught him of his elven heritage. Theory, son of Leroy, you are hired as our guide. Please answer my friend Nonam's question and tell us where the Inn of Kings can be found."

Theory, looks sorta funny and then straightens and answers, "Sirs, the Inn of Kings is located on....on Trash Level sir. You don't wanna go there. It's under the water level and only thieves and criminals live there."

Nonam spouts, "We can't afford.....go there! It's...."

"It's what, Nonam?" asks Jus.

"Nothing," answers Nonam.

"Well then," Jus instructs the young lad, "Take us to this place of criminals, and may they beware the power and goodness of The Three!!"

Tiburon says "Since you have a mission in this city, I will just follow you ." After securing his money pouch inside his clothing , he then follows the group looking in awe at the city around him."

The party travels through the 5th level being led to the center where two huge ramps head off curving up and to the right and down and to the left.

"This is the Upramp and Downramp," comments Theory. "We go down."

The party looks up and down the two ramps and the smells begin to change. The Upramp smells of the nice lake air, spices, and food. The Downramp smells of refuge, sewers, and dead things...after being wet for an undeterminably long time.

Jus asks Nonam, "Uh, could we send him a letter or something from somewhere up there?" pointing to the upramp.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Thursday August 28th, 1997 6:00:40 AM

JK says: Yes there are 3 gems because their are 3 of us. And also because it is easier to conceal 2 gems and three pp each than it is to conceal 2000 gold coins. I made them different for a nice description. It doesn't matter who gets which one. Nonam took the blue one, an emerald, and 3 pp. He gave Jus the red one, an emerald, and 3 pp. He gave Gareth the purple one, an emerald, and 3 pp. And I'm not flashing gems out on the trash level, so don't say that I am. Hopefully I had the sense to do it back in the other town. I didn't take off 10% it was about 5% but I made a series of charisma checks, and I also (believe it or not) didn't give the group anywhere near the value that I rolled the items to be. They got the Catacombs deal on selling their stuff. So if you think that I gave too much, then you can come up with a better amount.

Jerry says: It will be fine. Thanks JK.

JK says: Why did you mix a Swiss Family Robinson reference with Robinson Crusoe? Crusoe was much cooler than the Robinsons and deserves to be set apart.

Jerry says: uh....both have Robinson in them and both are about being marooned on an island? Crusoe was cooler? Bahaa!! Nothing is cooler than the Swiss Family Robinson's treehouse!!! I've been in the great replication of this wondrous structure at Disneyland, which was visited recently by our dear friend John, and know of its greatness. If I ever win the Publisher's Clearinghouse, I'm going to build me one as a part of my house!

Tony says: Hey, Jerry, I don't know why you didn't get my turn. I sent it on the 28th. I guess aol just lost it or something...I'll see if you get this one.

In my other turn ( the missing one) I asked for a description of the three. If you can get them to me, I think it will help my interacting with them.

Jerry says: I'll put your note here, so the others can see your request and describe themselves.

John says: I will be able to respond once per day from work. Maybe twice if I check as soon as I get here and before I leave (that would be around 4pm and 11pm your time).

Unfortunately, I do not have my character sheet readily accessible... maybe in the next few days I can find the copy on 3.5" disk. I eventually need to know what Jus has in items and experience, but have no problem playing him without the details. If you want Jus to continue spouting of the knowledge he has in the last two turns you sent me, you'll have to add them to my turn replies. Obviously I don't have the details you have supplied.

I'll pick up in a few turns, after I read the past turns and figure out the flow of things. I'll write a quick message letting you know when I'm ready to step in.

I'm not sure if I asked either David or Joey if they want to play. I sent the last turn (Turn 5) to them asking, with a comment to write you if they are interested.

Later, jrk

Jerry says: I'll get those turns to you with a copy of your character sheet asap. I'll first send you a copy of your character sheet as it was at 1st level. Then you can read the emails and get the character updated according to what you read. Treasure, xp, etc. will be below the line on the various turns.

Jerry says: I usually run the turns starting about 9pm each evening and sent out the turn around 9:30 or 10:00pm when I'm done. You'll just have to see if the turn arrives during the early afternoon as I predict it will. Then you can just respond and the next turn arrive the next day. We'll get through the glitches as we go on.

Jerry says, I heard from David and have added him to the mailing list. Once again, should we get up beyond 7 players, we will need to decide, keeping in mind who is playing, whether we should keep one group, or divide into two with JK Dming one group and me playing in it.

The Big Float Tour: Turn 2
Friday August 29th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Talvik falls in rank behind the group. When the party reaches the ramp, he slowly releases the peace-bonds on his weapons. "The Inn of kings, now that sounds like a lively place." The elf says rubbing his hands together. He is going to make it a point to watch behind the group to make sure no one is shadowing them. He has never been to this city before, but he has seen the darker sides of alot of cities, and he is keeping a watchful eye.

Gareth conceals and secures all loose items. He walks battle ready without drawing his sword. He mutters "You'd think the Sage would choose better quarters. I bet he's not there."

Tiburon murmurs " Well....the quicker into, the quicker out of... and I thought adventure was going to be all glory and honors. " ,as he follows the rest of the group. He pays particular care with the people around him and the others , watching so that nothing untold happens to his new found friends.

Nonam answers Jus, "You know it might not be such a bad idea to get a room up there and then send the sage a letter. That would give us a chance to rest and maybe see the city a little bit before we go down there." Then Nonam turns to Theory and says in elven, "Do you know of an inn that isn't too expensive up a level?"

Nonam turns to Tiburon and Talvik. His grey robe clings to his frail body as he does so, yet he manages the maneuver with style and grace. He tips his bright yellow hat and replaces it on his head. The fabric of the hat glows where his fingers touched it for a few seconds, and he speaks, "So what brings a priest and a locksmith out of their homes to find adventure? Are you looking for money? knowledge? or, like Jus, simply the thrill of it all?"

"Yes sir," Theory answers. "One level up, is the Barracks Level with the Peacock Inn and two levels up on the Merchant Level is the Glow Worm Inn. Although my suggestion would be the Giggling Ghost Inn on this level. The Gold Dragons stay there all the time! It's where all the adventurer's stay. They have a real live ghost waitress there."

Jus turns to the group and says, "Well group? What is it to be? The stinky straightforward way to the pits of hell? ...the comforts of the peacock and the worm? Or shall we visit the ghost that giggles? Cast your ballots fellows! Everyone gets a vote!

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Friday August 29th, 1997 5:30:40 AM

JK says: A bogabigabugabegabagagipatag. (Why I don't know.)

Jerry says: I'm in the process of catching up John. David has decided to join the game. That gives us six players. JK, hang in there in the bull pen bud. It's taking 30 minutes to an hour to handle all the game related email each night. If things get busy I'll need you to jump in. David is an ex-player of this campaign from way back in the first year. I sent character info to him tonight. David, send in the character information to JK. He's helping me with characters and stuff. As soon as he approves your character, we'll role-play your entrance.

See yall tomorrow,

Jerry

The Big Float Tour: Turn 3
Saturday August 30th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Nonam casts a vote for staying in the Giggling Ghost and sending the sage a letter.

Gareth says "I'm going to see the sage. He has some explaining to do. He said he's got more work not to mention the other issue we have...we'd better not mention it down here. I think the daytime is the best time to get in and out of here. Let's do it now. It's probably more dangerous to stop and talk about it as well. I suggest we walk in silence and keep our eyes and ears open." Gareth continues to follow Theory.

Talvik sets his gaze upon Nonam. Specifically the glowing fabric where he touched. "I'm here to be placed in the history books." Tal says with a big grin. " I can hear the stories now of our great adventures. Taverns everywhere will tell the tales of Talvik and his mighty friends." He adds moving around the group." The evil we have vanquished, the beasts we have slain, and the women we have loved will ring throughout the lands." The elf adds with his arms spread wide. He pauses a moment," Of course, making a fortune in the process couldn't hurt either." He says smiling. "But in answer to your question," Tal begins as he turns towards Jus." The straightforward stinky way sounds ok with me. I'd hate it worse if we have to come down here anyway AFTER I got cleaned up." He says pointing to his dirty pants. " So let's see if we can get this over with first, then take some time to see the sights" The elf says looking at everyone for signs of a response.....

Tiburon replies." I come seeking the experience of life to help me further my life in Domi's flock. My fellow Brothers tell me of things that I have no clue about, so I have set out to see things for myself. If I manage to gain a little fame and fortune in the process, all for Domi of course , all the better. " Tiburon then turns to Jus and says," I think we should get the job done first and then relax. You wouldn't want to just be getting comfortable and receive a summons from below, would you ?"

Jus says, "Nonam, I see your point and it is a good one. However, I'd like to get this over with. So far the sage has been very straight with us. I'd like to see if he will continue to be such. Onward and downward, Theory."

The party descends the downramp. As they descend, the light from above disappears and huge glow lamps take their place. The trash begins to increase until the downramp is a 10' wide path with garbage on each side. The area is damp.

The party crosses a line in the floor. A sign on the wall reads, "Level 6 is underwater. The Underlord bids you obey all safety regulations. An arrow then points to a empty box of flyers explaining these regulations. You then pass a group of prisoners with their guards who are picking up the trash on the ramp. They nod at you as you pass.

After about 15 minutes on the ramp, the group emerges into the dimly lit Underlevel. A sign says: Level 6: Trash Level.

Tiburon notices figures on the rooftops and hanging on the girders that support the level above. They watch the party as they emerge.

Theory pauses at a series of pipes that extend out of the wooden on top of stone floor that makes up the street speaks into the pipes and says, "This is Theory. I'm escorting the adventuring group known as The Three. They are bonded and I am properly employed. We should be here no more than 6 hours. He then turns to the party and says, "We need to deposit a gratuity. Five gp should help ensure that we are not accosted while on this level.

Jus frowns and gives him the money.

Theory drops one into each pipe and they clang as they roll down. He then leads the party through a set of totally forgettable streets with run down bars, gambling houses, and whore houses. Near the north wall of the level, he pauses just before entering an intersection and says, The Inn of Kings is just around the corner.

Theory says, "I've heard of adventurers that disappear inside this place. Some people says it swallows adventurers, but they keep coming." He pauses. "Just be careful, that's all."

Jus peaks around the corner, reaches out his hand and retrieves a placard that reads, "The Inn of Kings."

Jus says, "I hope this place is still in business. Swords and spells fellows. Is everyone ready?"

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

David says: I'll take the purple gem, one emerald, and 3 pp. They weigh much less than the other stuff. I now 2nd level fighter soon to be 3rd. Jerry, can you send me new weapon THACOs and stuff. I'll forward an updated character sheet today.

Jerry says: Fine David. Jus will take the one that's left.

Jerry says: It is taking me over 30 minutes a night to do a turn right now with five players and we're adding a sixth. I've worked out a deal with JK for us to spell each other from time to time so without notice any turn may be handled by either one of us. I can see that I would get burned out on this real quick.

Jerry says: When I lost the hard drive on my computer last fall, I lost all the locations and personages in The Floating City. I have the location names, but that is all. This is one reason I wanted to come here, to recreate it all. So I have a request. I keep all locations and NPC's on cards in the "card file" program that comes with Windows 3.1. Running the turn is PLENTY for JK and I to do. I need a volunteer or group of them to do this for me. I can send the program if necessary along with the Plateau City card file as an example as to how to do them. I'd appreciate any help you feel any of you can contribute. I also understand how busy you all are. Let me know if you are interested or willing.

Characters to enter and expand on: Clarence, Theory. Locations to enter and expand on: The Inn Of Kings, The Peacock Inn, The Glowworm Inn, The Giggling Ghost Inn.

You can see how this will expand and fast.

Here's hoping you all have a great Friday,

Jerry

The Big Float Tour: Turn 4
Monday September 1st, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Nonam looks at Talvik and says, "You know I was always more interested in reading the history books than I was about being in them." Then he walks into the Inn of Kings and looks about the common room for the sage.

Gareth carefully walks around the corner to the door, pauses to make sure the party is together, and enters.

Jus comments, "Well I guess we're going in." His grin is complete joy.

He hands the placard to Theory.

Theory gets a total look of horror on his face and freezes in place there holding the placard.

Tiburon looks at Jus and says " Lead on, I will follow and watch our back ." With that said, Tiburon moves to the rear of the party beside Theory and carefully scans the surroundings.

Jus nods, grows serious, and enters behind Nonam and Gareth.

Tal double-checks his swords, so that they will slide out effortlessly if needed. He moves to the back of the group," I'll watch our backs." He says as he gazes around. "Let's go!"

He takes a few steps back along the side of the inn and disappears into an alcove about 15' further back than Tiburon and Theory.

Gareth looks around trying to see if there is any sign of the sage. If not he says "One of you guys ask for the sage. I'll stand behind and look mean if necessary."

Nonam and Jus crossover to the bar and scan the room. No sign of the Sage.

Nonam summons the barkeep and whispers with him for a few seconds. The barkeep returns shortly with a scroll. Nonam tosses him a few coins.

Jus looking around the room at all the eyes and whispers, "Let's read it outside."

He puts his hand on the hilt of his sword and turns around as 4 figures begin to rise from their booth.

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Monday September 1st, 1997 5:30:40 AM

Great week of playing this week guys. I can't wait to see what happens next.

John, are you out there? I haven't heard from you for a few days.

David has submitted his character and JK has approved it with a few changes. He should be ready to join us soon.

Remember that if we go to combat....sometime....that you send what you want to accomplish in one round. You may send "alternate plans" saying if this happens I do this and if this happens I do that.....etc. I will do all dice rolls and determine initiative. Try to keep AD&D terms like THACO etc. out of your wording above the line. If you feel you need to explain something to me with game terms, do it below the line. If it is private, please note that it is for the DM's eyes only.

If everyone would somehow include a description of your character for the sake of the new players on Monday, I'd appreciate it.

Please respond to this turn by Monday evening. Thanks.

Jerry

The Big Float Tour: Turn 5
Tuesday September 2nd, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Talvik rounds the corner and positions himself in the dark area between the doorway and the first booth, watching the entire room.

Tiburon readies his sword , mutters " Domi guide us " , and positions himself just outside the entrance ready to enter if the 4 men intercept Jus and Nonam.

Gareth says "I agree, let's read it outside. You guys go first and I'll go last...". He then positions himself in a semi non-threatening posture facing the '4 figures'. If they approach he watches carefully and responds neutrally if they speak. If they threaten Gareth will stand ready for action.

Jus turns with a sneer and faces the 4 men.

Nonam whispers to Jus, "You're going to love this." Then he spins to face the men who are standing up. He begins to twirl the scroll around in his hands. Since he is touching the scroll over and over in variety of places, it soon begins to glow. As Nonam creates a glowing circle in front of himself, he speaks in a booming voice to the men who stood up, "Gentlemen, we are hunting a sage named Loren Kenither that owes us money. We killed a demon for him which, after killing its master Elzid Natholin, was running rampant in the country side near Edenmoor. When we returned to collect our fee, we found that Master Loren had skipped town. We've been tracking him for several days now, and we find that when we think we are about to catch up with him that he has left us a little note like this one," he stops spinning the scroll and holds the glowing document in one hand above his head and continues, "They inform us in a taunting manner where he has gone. It's like the old man is playing with us, and I'm starting to become a little irritated with the whole affair. I ask if you have seen the old man recently. Any aid you give us will be remembered when we take our fee from the old sage. Here is what he looks like." Nonam then casts 'phantasmal force' off a scroll, and an image of the sage appears in the middle of the room.

The four men back away quickly fumbling for their seats saying, "Sorry, nope."

"Haven't seen anyone."

"Nope just stretching."

"....uh, .......uh........Barkeep, more ale!"

Jus keeps a straight face with difficulty.

The party turns to leave, when a figure at the bar "jumps" down off of her chair and lowers herself to the ground. The very short person walks right up to Nonam and says, "I'm looking for someone too....a healer named Stephanus. Very tall. I was supposed to meet him here.....(pause)

"Looks like we've both been stood up. I did see your sage enter this.....establishment, but when I entered a few seconds after him, he wasn't inside. He was looking at a strange golden coin. Very big.

"Have you gentlemen seen a healer round abouts?"

"Oh, I'm known as Flaust. You are?"

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

Jerry says: Keith and Tony. Go back and re-read the last few turns. You two never said you had entered the inn. I had placed you around the corner from the entrance. Sorry if I created any confusion. I did my best to put you where you wanted to be this turn. -----------------------------| 1 | | 3 | 2 | | 4 | J | <-------locations last turn N = | G = | | --| F | ----------------------------- T t

T=Talvik t= Tiburon

Jerry says: That was David's entrance.

Jerry says: The next two turns will be done by JK. Go ahead and send the turn to me. He has my password.

Jerry says: John, if you're ready, you can go ahead and begin playing Jus as of now. I won't need the updated sheet for a few days.

Simon says: Throw a pie at LILASEVEN....hehe

Jerry says: JK and I had pondered me rolling up a character so that I had one to do things with to push the tempo like I have with Jus. Therefore, prepare for the entrance of Onrad.

Jerry says: See yall tomorrow.

The Big Float Tour: Turn 6
Wednesday September 3rd, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Jus can barely contain his mirth, and hurries outside before he ruins everything. When Nonam comes out with the glowing scroll, it is too much and Jus lets out a howl of laughter.

Talvik will cautiously round the corner to join the rest of the group, standing just inside the doorway to the left. The side opposite of the four who just returned to their seats." Did I miss anything?" He says looking at the entire room.

Nonam says "no," and Jus giggles.

After scanning the area for threats, Tiburon rounds the corner and looks into the room. Since he sees his companions unharmed and not threatened by anyone, he waits outside by the door for their exit. He continues to follow at the back of the group watching to see if anyone exits the tavern after them or if anyone begins to follow them. When he gets a chance, he asks " Did you talk to him ? "

Nonam coming outside says, "No, but he left another note," and he displays the glowing scroll.

Suddenly, Jus stops, shakes, rolls his eyes, babbles, and drools. He calms down after just a few seconds and -- with big eyes exclaims, "Wow! Talk about your weird possessions; I felt as if I was a puppet on some deity's strings for weeks now! Elf am I glad that's over!"

He looks around and gets quite again. "We better read the scroll now, to see what parts of this wonderful city we get to explore! I hope we get to stay down here for awhile; it would be a shame to waste the 5 gp we paid."

Theory says, 'Oh no, please don't stay down here."

Ignoring the guide, Gareth turns and says "what does the scroll say?"

Nonam takes out the scroll and looks at it. However, it's still glowing too brightly to read. He says, "I'll guess we'll have to wait. It doesn't matter anyway. With what Flaust here has told me, our friend the sage has made use of a Lady of Pain coin." He tucks the scroll into one of the many pockets inside his grey robes.

Flaust walks up to Nonam and continues to says "I am of the healing order, and I'm looking for Stephanus, who came down here to render aid."

Nonam says, "I appologize I know no one named Stephanus. We've only just arrived in the Floating City some half an hour ago. We have as yet met no one other than Theory, our guide; Talvik and Tiburon, who have decided to accompany us and you. However, if you're looking for a healer perhaps Tiburon can help you. He tells us that he is a priest of Domi, and as such he must certainly possess some healing skills."

Jus introduces himself to Flaust. Jus is wearing brown leggings and a green shirt and blue slop (overshirt) with green highlights. He also has a color coordinated forest green cloak, sea blue soft leather riding boots, and a sea blue head band. He carries a long sword over his left shoulder and a short sword over his right (held in place by baldrics and scabbards). A quiver of finely made arrows is across his left shoulder. He is also carrying a long bow. He has dark red hair and green eyes.

Nonam indicates that perhaps the party should get going, and Theory points out that Nonam's actions in the bar will probably provoke a response soon if the party remains on the Trash level. The group heads back in the general direction of the stairs while trying to decide where to go next.

The group arrives at the bottom of the stairs and stops to discuss where to go when suddenly they hear a loud "OOOPS," and a figure comes tumbling down the stairs. The party is unable to do anything but watch as the young man rolls down step after step unable to stop himself. The young man lays sprawled on the ground and looks up at the party and says in a sheepish voice, "Hi, I'm Onrad."

Below-The-Line (OOC) Comments
Wednesday September 3rd, 1997 5:30:40 AM

JK says- Onrad will be Jerry's character. He and I both liked having a character to fill in conversations and help steer the party. So now that John is with us again and is resuming control of Jus, Jerry is bringing in Onrad. I hope he likes his entrance.

The Big Float Tour: Turn 7
Thursday September 4th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Onrad gets up, slips and falls back down. He is a mess. Totally covered in some sort of confection.....cake?

He shakes his fist at upstairs window as it magically disappears along with the stairs, "I'll get you for this Benoit!!! Just you wait! I will get you!"

He then gets out a rag and very carefully wipes his feet and then legs. "Sorry, no-good brother and his potions of slipperiness!"

He turns to the party and states as if it explains everything, "Older Brothers! They are soo...immature."

He rises carefully testing his footing and then does a flip landing lightly on his feet.

"It was my birthday, my coming of age party," Onrad explains to those around him. "Then, in front of all my guests and family, just as I was blowing out the candles...my brothers rigged the cake to explode!! I had just been making my birthday wish...wishing secretly to be away from there... wishing for..... for..... Oh my Gods!!!!! You guys ARE an adventuring group!!! I mean you are an ADVENTURING GROUP!! My birthday wish! I... I don't know what to say? I've always wanted to..."

He looks around him and comprehension settles in. "The Floating City? This is the Big Float? Why that's over two hundred.....Incredible!"

Onrad stops realizing how silly he looks and seems. He straightens his cloak over his armor and forms a serious expression on his face. "Let me start again. My name is Onrad of the family of Pryderi. I'd be honored if you would all forget the last few moments and consider me for membership in your honorable group. I am a warrior true and my blade and fallen dignity is at your service."

He bows, extremely red faced, sighs, and waits.

Tiburon steps forward to help the young man to his feet . " Are you hurt ? You sure know how to make an entrance, by the way. My name is Tiburon of Domi , and these are the famous Three ", he says as he points to Jus, Nonam, and Gareth. " This is Talvik and this is the renown Flaust ", he says with a grin.

Flaust checks Onrad to see if her aid is needed. The mighty tumbler assures her that he is fine.

Turning to Flaust , Tiburon says ," I am one of the Brotherhood of Domi. While I am not the most accomplished healer, I place my skills at your disposal ."

Flaust asks Tiburon "Have you perhaps heard of Stephanus?"

Talvik watches Nonam tuck the scroll into his robe." How long will it stay glowing like that?" he asks." I bet you could have alot of fun patting people on the back."

Gareth says "How long until we can read the scroll. I'd like to read it before we go up if possible. And what is a Lady of Pain coin?"

Nonam replies, "Things I touch rarely glow for long. In fact I imagine it has already stopped. I just think it would be best to wait until we're away from this place to read it."

Flaust agrees that this is not the best area to read the scroll.

Tal says turning back towards the inn to see if anyone comes out. "Greetings." The elf says turning his attention to Flaust." I'm Talvik." he adds nodding. He will go with the group walking in the back with Tiburon.

Flaust stands less than 3' tall. She wears light dusty brown robes embroidered on the front and back with the emblem of the order of the Healing Hand. Her head is covered with a heavy veil, masking her features. A combat net is strapped on her belt to the right, and a lasso to her left. Her backpack looks well-used. Brown gloves cover her hands, and soft walking boots, her feet. Her voice sounds gravely and strained, as if she has shouted herself hoarse, or perhaps has used smoking tobacco and stout drink for 80 years -- continuously.

Gareth again says "What is a Lady of Pain coin?!?"

Flaust replies to Jus' introduction and asks, in a lowered voice, "What does the Lady of Pain coin, which Nonam was talking about, do? Have you run across such things before? Is it possible that Stephanus used such a coin, too?"

Jus tells Flaust that he has no idea what the mage meant. Then in an aside to Nonam, Jus asks "Lady of Pain coin? Do you mind refreshing my memory on that one?"

Nonam blinks as if trying to recall an old memory and begins, "The Lady of Pain coin is part of a legend I heard once a few years ago. I've never seen one and didn't really believe they existed, but the description Flaust gave of our friend the sage makes me believe that he possessed one. Also given the similar story of Flaust's disappearing healer, I think we must consider the possibility that the two may have been together. Anyway, you all want to know about the coin. Essentially a Lady of Pain coin is a dimensional doorway to a place called the World Serpent Inn. I'm not exactly sure where this inn came from, but they say it connects to every known plane of existence. I guess you might call it a type of nexus. If Loren did in fact use this type of coin, he could be anywhere, and I mean anywhere. I'm sure that the scroll he left will give us instructions on when he'll be back. I suggest that we all go to an inn, read the scroll, and take a little time to get acquainted with Flaust and Onrad here."

"Well Theory! Lead onward and upward" Jus says. Aside to the group he states, "I guess we have, once again, a choice between feather, glow, or giggle. I believe the last vote was for to meet the Ghost barmaid (I wonder if she's elfin)."

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

Jerry says: Oh, Yeah. That's exactly how I wanted to enter. Tell them JK! Tell them how you conveniently didn't get my entrance so you made up one of your own and had me bump down the stairs just to get me back for having one of your characters enter that way.

JK says: The entrance of one of my characters to which Jerry is referring was much worse than what I did to him. My brand new character came running into a room filled with nasty undead. Then he slipped and fell. The undead then attacked me. As I recall, I was surrounded, paralyzed, and killed. Never even got to do anything except make a feeble escape attempt. Now who's nicer me or him?

Jerry says: JK and I are still working out the details of passing the DM job back and forth. Please be patient with us. It will smooth out after a week or so.

JK says: It's back to Jerry tomorrow.

The Big Float Tour: Turn 8
Friday September 5th, 1997 5:00:40 AM
Flaust says to Jus, "Let's hope the ghost bar maid isn't elven. The only elven undead I recall are extremely dangerous, since elves usually don't die, they just disappear."

Flaust is anxious to read the scroll, but agrees that the party should first go up at least one level in the city.

Flaust returns Talvik's greeting, " Well met. What shaped your decision to join the Three?"

Flaust says to Nonam, "Birthday parties in the Pryderi family must be an extremely dangerous affair...to be wearing armor to them. Was your mother able to attend the occasion?"

Onrad dutifully answers, "The party was a jousting tournament. That's why I was in armor. I've been beating my older and bigger brothers pretty regularly lately and that's why they played the trick on me." He laughs and continues, "I guess it backfired nicely. I'd like to see them explaining to father that they have no idea of what happened to me. Methinks I'm not in too big of a hurry to let them know anything."

Flaust asks Theory, "Would you consider this a typical day in your line of work?"

Theory just hums the old melody, "Mama, don't let your babies grow up to be adventurers."

Nonam says, "Well, I still vote for the Giggling Ghost."

Gareth says "Let's go see the ghost."

"Welcome Onrad," Jus says, "and happy birthday." "Mind if I try some?", Jus adds, pointing to the cake. He takes a finger full and tries it. "Not bad... do you know how to make this stuff?"

Onrad smiles wiping off cake and says, "Nope, my sister Verretta makes them. She's half-elven by the way." Onrad then winks at Jus. "She 'likes' elves."

"Fallen dignity, huh?", Jus says to Onrad, "You certainly fell, but I didn't see any dignity fall with you."

"I appreciate that friend, but fall it did. It must be around here somewhere... Methinks I'll find it in a bath once I get cleaned up. Of course some orc blood could cover it up nicely as well."

Jus looks over Onrad to see if he needs any weapons, or if he had some at his party.

Onrad is equipped for hand-to-hand. Surprisingly, he is wearing chain rather than plate.

Tiburon says to Flaust , as they travel to the inn, " I have never heard of this Stephanus. Who is he and what can he do for you ? "

Tiburon continues to look behind the group at random intervals to see if anyone is following them. " Let's go to the 'Giggleing Ghost' now."

The party arrives at the upramp to Level 5 and everyone begins to breathe easier as the smells of fish replaces that of dead bodies and dampness.

On the way up the ramp to the next level, Nonam reaches into a pocket and pulls out the scroll left by the sage. It has stopped glowing, so he goes ahead and opens it. When he sees what the letter contains, his mouth falls open, and he stops moving.

"What's that?" Onrad asks.

Nonam reads the scroll aloud.

--------------- Dear friends,

I congratulate you once again on your success at the tower. I think you're really going to make it. I hope you like your new recruits.

You will have noticed a golden coin with the picture of the "Lady of Pain" on it that has been waxed to this scroll.

Follow these instructions.

1. Exit the Inn of Kings.....quickly. Before you read anything else. 2. Finish reading these instructions and then burn them....thoroughly. 3. Remove the coin and hold it in front of you. 4. With your mind's eye, look through the coin as you would look through a spyglass. 5. Be careful not to drop the coin as it enlarges. 6. Following your mind's eye enter with your friends the inn that you see through the coin.

I will be sitting with a healer and await your visit here at The World's Serpent Inn. Here's hoping to see you soon,

Loren Kenithor ------------------

Jus turns to Theory, "Have you heard of this World Serpent Inn?"

Theory solemnly shakes his head and says, "I know of all the inns in the Big Float. There is no such place."

Aside to Nonam and Gareth Jus says, "I think we need to start thinking about a new name for our group."

Theory says, "How about Three and the Deadly Blades? Three and the Ragged Tigers? I like the idea of you keeping the 'three' part somehow."

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

John says: Now JK... I'm sure you're exaggerating about Jerry's handling of your entrance. Jerry is a very competent DM, not prone to unreasonably lashing out at his players. I'm sure the module stated the need for a Dex check upon entering that room.

Jerry says: Yeah, that must have been it. {evil grin}

Jerry says: No turn from Tony. He must have had a busy day.

Jerry says: We'll see ya'll tomorrow.

Return To Index Next Scene (The World Serpent Inn)