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The Platinum Dragons Archives

Introduction From the Jericho: With this adventure it is decided to expand from 2 DMs to 4. JK will work with Keith and I (Jerry) will work with John. This module will be done by JK and Keith. In truth, JK ended up needing to take some time off so Keith did nearly all of this one. I think you'll notice a change in style from Keith. He likes to stay in character more and moves very fast through situations where the party is making a decision. Eternal thanks goes to Keith who gave JK and I a break from DMing which both of us sorely wanted and needed. He receives high praise from the group in these early turns for the way in which he gets us past the introductory material and quickly into the meat of the module.

jk says -whew. I only got turns from D.Hill and John, I'm doing a turn every night whether you guys respond or not because Keith and I can get through this little adventure in a month, but not if we take too many breaks. Also make sure that you're all still replying to the Woldian address. On the brighter side, I hope you all liked this short little turn.

Bad news first- Tony says- Hey Everyone, I'm sorry but I think Talvik will have to go his separate ways... I'm working two jobs, and I hardly have time to get online anymore... I thank you for letting me join the online group, but I can't contribute to the game as I'd like to...It was a great time....I really enjoyed it, and maybe in a while after I get used to the hours, I can start again. But for now, I'll have to say so long for a bit.......... Jerry and JK, don't be too rough on the guys....LOL Have a great one, Tony jk says- we're sorry to see you go Tony, but we understand that real life comes first. hopefully we'll all still be here playing if you can come back. We'll keep sending turns to you for a little while unless you don't want them.

on the lighter side- john says-Wow, great turn. Did you stay up all night doing it? I thought it very nice that you kept everyone in character. I also thought it a good job of turning what may have been a long, drawn out process of "I don't know; what do you want to do?" into a single turn.

d.hill says- JK, I think you are doing an excellent job! Keep on pushing the action.

jk says- thank you- hopefully everyone else liked this turn as well. though Jerry fussed at me because I had all of you eat lunch at the most expensive/fashionable place in town - for free :D - here's a question for all of you -would you prefer to see more of this method of getting right into the adventure or would you like to go through all the little steps or would you like us to vary things from time to time?

on the disgruntled side-

D.Hott says- Here we go again ... I did send a turn yesterday, I received confirmation that it made it, and yet it seems AOL is up to its old tricks again - losing email. I still reiterate my position that AOL is a sorry service. It should be avoided at all costs! JK says- well I looked back through my mail, I did have a message from David. His subject line was different from everyone else's so I didn't read it when I made the turn. I get a lot of e-mail and I'm bad about reading it unless the subject looks important. But just to get your blood boiling, even if you get confirmation that your e-mail was received, you are getting confirmation that it was received at usa.net not confirmation that usa.net forwarded it to aol. Not that I disagree that aol is a sorry service, but I for one have been using it since '92 and don't really want to switch now. Actually I do have a local isp account also, but believe it or not my proxy connection through aol is faster.

news on the website 1) well we think the site looks good, but we need to get some advertising done so people will look at our site. I'm taking care of Yahoo and all the search engines, but that's not enough. Recommend the site to your friends if you think they will enjoy. Get the word out. Also look for related sites and try to get links put up. We will start a links page, and will put up a link to any site that will link to us. Think of this part as a contest. For every link you get to our site, we'll give 1/10 of a level. And to up the ante: Whoever is responsible for the most links at the end of this adventure will get the coolest magic item you have ever seen. So go on. get started 2)also I've created a false domain name that will link to our site. so the url you should give out will be: http://wold.home.ml.org hopefully that will keep the Aolaphobes from not checking out our site. the other address will still work of course

Well that about does it. See you guys tommorrow.

jk says if anyone wants to look at the map of where you are and where you've been going check out the website - the specific page is http://members.aol.com/thejericho/travel.html (or go to the homepage and check out Duncan's Travel Agency) It will show a big map of the peninsula. Floating City is in the Orange area in the lower right of the map. Osto and the Cursed Swamp are in the middle toward the top. The other places mentioned are in between.

jk says - man the responses were longer than the turns this round - esp from Jerry and dhott

Dhill says- Keep on handling the turns as you have Turns 1 & 2!

Dhott said a lot about aol but not so bad this time-

jk says -don't worry David I don't care about the aol stuff. Personally I'm glad you complain. It gives me something to talk about down here below the line, and I'm certain I've complained about it more than you over the years especially when they had that trouble where no one could log on. Just don't take my defense personally either. I'm just trying to have a little fun with you. Oh incidentally, aol has officially stated that the rumor about the spying software is false. They aren't even talking about upgrades at the moment. -On a like note: Hey how did everyone like my word "Aolaphobe"? I hope I made it up.

Dhott also said- On a different note: I would also add my kudos to the way the turns are going. I like them very much. If the DM in charge does not receive a turn from someone it would seem fair to me for the DM to use the character to convey information to the group or to perform an action in character to speed things up. The characters have been around long enough for everyone to know what to expect from them. The mundane things like getting supplies and such take time and if we are forced to role-play those it drags things out so an abbreviated approach to those things sure works for me.

jk says- and I think everyone know from all of Jerry's e-mails about the answers to the rest of David's comments/questions.

Jerry says- Jerry says: ...as far as fast vs. slow is concerned. I think a mix is a must. It takes a few turns in a place or with an NPC to establish its/their flavor. If the DM deems it more expedient to skip a certain flavor bit and proceed to the "meat" of a story, then by all means do so.

Just don't forget how much you enjoyed the detail of our entrance into the Floating City or our little sidetrack into the Inn of Worlds. Detail can be interesting too. For instance, none of your characters have been to the Red Hills which is giant and halfling country. Or Culverwood and it's magic properties. Or the mighty rushing Peaseblossom River. Or the diverse peoples of the Windbourne Hills and the many wars always being fought there. All of which will be skipped to get to Osto quickly. No problem, just realize that you're missing things which just can't be covered with narrative from the DM.

jk says- Thems sounds like fightin words. :)

Jerry also says- To everyone: We need all of you to get out there on the web and find role-playing related sites and talk to them about linking with us. Don't arrange anything with any site that you don't find interesting. We don't want to set our standards too low. But when you find an interesting place to link to, contact them and offer a link for a link. 1/10th of a level in xp for every link you establish up to a max of half of a level. The one who arranges the most links beyond the half of a level mark, receives a cool magic item. Email me with any questions you have. We have a cool web site, now we need visitors!

John says- 1/10 for each? We'll have 20th level characters in no time...

JK says - Oops I left out that half a level max thing

John also says- I know Jus' turns have been uncharacteristically short lately, especially considering the reputation the group seems to be giving him. The good news is that I am purchasing the computer this week (finally!) and will be able to write pages and pages of turns at home each night. In the meantime, my turns will be short -- excluding, of course, the liberal embellishments of the DMs.

Jerry says: to receive a hero point for an action or bonus experience you must be successful at what you attempted. Jerry says: I nominate Tiburon for his negotiating the witch situation so that both Onrad and Kat could remain with the group. That was unexpected and genius. I nominate him for a hero point because it kept the group intact and extra experience beyond the 200 for the hero point as well Jerry says: I nominate Nonam for cleverly avoiding combat in the Inn of Kings on Trash level. It was well played. Jerry says: I nominate Gareth for fighting the Black Blade Warrior successfully in the Bar Brawl. The roleplaying that went with the fighting there was noteworthy. . JK says, those all sound good to me. take your hero points - and the 200xp that goes with them.

Keith will run the next turn. Be sure to send mail to the Woldian address.

Keith- I hope you liked this , I thought you would like to know something about what you are going up against and give you a taste of the city. Good Luck and let the turns begin !! :^)

Jerry says: FYI, the Peaseblossom River flows out of the Scab Mountains and through the Culverwood Forest where is it embued with the magical properties of that forest. I just realized that there is no legend about Culverwood Forest. I'll add that to my list of things to do....:( The Tour of the Wold, however, describes the Forest as "the single most dangerous location on the peninsula......"

Jerry continues: Later it says that, "This wood tends to capture travelers by magically altering the landscape to appear that it goes on forever. The unwary traveler will usually disappear never to be seen again (or see again) for that matter."

Jerry continues: Later in the same paragraph it says, "The Scab to the Northeast of Culverwood has the same properties. Some say these mountains were placed there by The Gods of Wold to prevent travel to The Cataclysm Lands on the other side. The Peaseblossom River originates here flowing on through Culverwood and beyond."

Jerry continues: These articles are available for all of you to read and you SHOULD do so. It is basically assumed that what you know, your character may know, if you so wish it, when it comes to the general knowledge of the Elennian peninsula.

Jerry says: I do wish it known, just in case JK did such a great job that no one noticed, that the only line I wrote during the last turn was the first one. All of the other statements were added by JK, which is fine, but I don't want Onrad to be known as a complainer or a "hard-ass" (excuse the language, but in this case it seemed to be the best term to express myself). What I was going for was for Onrad to be known as a character of strong beliefs. I sort of feel like Onrad has been role-played by "outside forces" and circumstances into a corner and so that's the reason for playing him as I have. I'm not mad, although I do feel that circumstances have sent Onrad down a path that I did not choose. So be it.

Jerry says: Everyone please add my school email address to your macros and feel free to send mail there if you also send it to my house.

Also add Anthony Damron, one or our local game players and DM's who is now playing Kat. His only email address is at school.

Here is my address macro for everyone. Notice that it includes Scott Marley, a former local game player in excellent standing, who enjoys getting the turns. FYI, he is responsible for the current map of Izen, now renamed by him to be the badlands. He also created the concept of the Dark Lord and Parnoth and the Emerald Kingdom...(legends for the site and folder forthcoming.)

No turn from Anthony or John today.

John-I sent to both the Woldian address and to Keith directly to see if either get through this time. Jerry and JK, did neither of you receive my query on whether you have been getting my turns over the past few days? I didn't hear from either of you in reply

Jerry says: John and Anthony, I suggest that both of you send in your turns not only to the Woldian site, but also directly to the DM. This way we can keep tabs on the Woldian site and how it is forwarding and you can be assured of getting your turn in on time. We'll be keeping you posted as to how things are working.

Keith says: No turn from John today.

Jerry says: I haven't heard back from John concerning the Woldian site and why it's not working right. John? Are you out there?

Jerry says: If ya want, I'll send a couple of these rumors every few days or so just to further give the online players a sense of The Wold around them.

I thought of posting like rumors on the website only available to those who look there regularly. Keep them coming back for more ya know.

Let me know what you think of these new tactics.

Jerry

JK says the Woldian address is working okay. At least I'm getting everyone's mail. After checking the times of mail, I'd guess that it takes about 5 to 6 hours to forward the mail through usa.net. Since John's mail comes slow sometimes anyway, that just makes it take a little longer. Also sometimes the WFISD system holds mail for a while - I noticed this with mail from my mother some time ago - so add however long that system keeps the mail to the 6 hours for the other, and it can easily take 8 hours for the mail to come from those school addresses - which can easily be after Keith has done his turn for the day. Bottom line is it works, but it works slow.

John-Monday (our Tuesday) was a holiday here. Since I don't have a home computer yet, I did not have access to my work computer and - hence - did not respond to the last turn.

No turn from Jerry or David

Jerry says: John, go ahead and begin forwarding the turns to your addresses so that you can start getting used to what they look like and how Keith/JK are handling what they get. It's more subtle than it seems once you try it.

David says: I'll send the turn both places to make sure they get there. I'm surprised you didn't get my turn as you replied to my other mail (or was that the day before ...)

John says> FYI: When I get a computer, I'll be able to read mail in the evening when the turn usually arrives. This will allow my response to be much sooner in your eyes. As it is now, the turn usually arrives around 4-5pm my time (9-10pm yours). I don't have a chance to read or respond until 8-9am the next morning (2-3pm yours).

Jerry says: here's some more rumors:

The Free-Staters league is meeting in Lankhmar for the first time in over 100 years. They plan to renew the League and field a joint army to assist the elves in Culverwood. Strangely, Lankhmar refuses to join their efforts.

The Dark Lord's Army is now said to number over 10,000 troops and will march on New Elenna to obtain the Ring of Water. They supposedly do not believe that the ring has fallen to the Sahuagin. The Dark Lord has promised his followers free government of the Floating City once it is taken.

Ursis, Master of Bards, has undertaken a noteworthy mission into Culverwood to establish the elves ability to protect themselves and to bring them offers from The Emerald Kingdom and the Free Staters of aid in the form of men and supplies.

Jerry

<John Says To Everyone>

A couple of things about the Woldian address. They were having problems, but have fixed them now. Some of the mail was not getting forwarded, and some was being mangled in the process. They are upgrading to a new version, so I don't doubt that was the cause. In summary, the explicit addressing to Keith, Jerry, and JK should not be necessary any longer.

Also, the Woldian address will forward smaller messages with less delay (one test case was an hour to forward a long message versus 5-10 minutes for a small). Because of this, make sure you delete the previous turn from your reply before sending it.

John's message about the usa.net stuff seems to be right. Messages are coming in minutes apart now - instead of hours apart.

JK-Sorry about all the "if this happens then" stuff. Just trying to keep you from having to do all the work.

<John to everyone> Just another reminder (Dave and Jerry)... Delete the previous turn's text from your response before you send it back to the Woldian address. It will speed up netaddress's forwarding.

JK says - I like the way the turns have been lately. I don't think we're going to finish this month though. Keep up the good work. And thanks for the break :D If you need a little time off, let me know.

JK says - I'll be out of town Fri. and Sat. Don't know if I'll miss any turns or not. I won't be at the local game Friday though.

Jerry says: JK, what brought that on? This seems to be going way past friendly banter and frankly I do not appreciate it. I tried handling this several different ways. Blowing it off and making a crack about Nonam's beautiful hair, or apologizing sincerely and refusing to let it get to him. I think that this is truly what Onrad would do at this point. If this was a regular local game, you would see me at this point pick up my dice and leave.

AD- Just checking !!

JK says, Sorry. Maybe it's time I role-played Nonam out if you feel that way.

David-Enough tip-toeing around ... it's time for some action! Great turns lately. Good job. ------------------------------- Jerry says: Guys, I don't know the proper way to word what I want to happen for this turn so I'll just tell you in narrative what I'm wanting to do and let you aid me in the wording of it, if I'm allowed to. I've noticed that everyone continues to talk to him this turn as if he's still there. He is not. I left last turn walking down the street. Anyone who wants to talk to him I would think must catch up with him as he walks briskly away and follow him. (I honestly don't feel that Onrad has done anything wrong here. It would be nice to get to continue to play him, but I've gone too far down this path for him to back down from this in any way. If he continues, he remains a person of principle. If he backs down, he is just an irrational child.) ( Jerry-returning to the game and preparing his dice once more....:)

David-That's better ... I guess Gareth just has a way with words. On the Onrad thing: Not only did Onrad walk down the street, but in the two prior turns he was with Tiberion and Nonam around the back of the house (or on his way there). I imagine the rest of the party would not have heard Nonam's comments in their entirety, if at all - other than Tiburon of course. Since it appears everyone played the turn as if they heard the exchange I wrote Gareth's response as if he did too. Although I don't imagine he would have if we played the turn as it seemed to me to have happened.

Necromancers Stones (Missed turn)

Sorry, I didn't get home until late so I couldn't do a turn for Thursday. Here's a map of where everyone is though. at the start of next turn.

Empty Bld. Empty Bld. _____________I Z S S S I________________________I

Z G S S S S S ZZ S S Z Z S ZZ _____________ Z SS S ________________________ I ------------- I dr I I i i I c I I O F I I I I _h_ J I [] K [] G hI___Ih T [] I I h I I N I I I I wI I Ti I I _____________I bbb I___________bed_________ I SSS S Z ___________G_ ZZ SS ZZ ________________________ I I I I S S I I Empty Bld. I Z Z Z I Empty Bld. I





J-Jus, K-Kat, N-Nonam, G-Gareth, O-Onrad, Ti-Tiburon, F-Flaust, T-Thrasher, dr-dresser, c-chest, table in middle of room, h- chair, S- Skeleton, Z-Zombie, G-Ghoul, b-boxes, table in middle of street by Onrad

This is how the map looks after this turn:



<pre> Empty Bld. Empty Bld. _____________I I________________________I ZZ S G S S Z _____________ S SS GSSZ ________________________ I ------------- I dr I I O i i N I c I I F I I I I _h_ I [] K [] hI___Ih [] I I h I I I I I I wI I Ga Ti JI I _____________I ZZGbbb SSZS I___________bed_________ I ___________ __ ________________________ I I I I S S I I Empty Bld. I Z Z Z I Empty Bld. I





J-Jus, K-Kat, N-Nonam, Ga-Gareth, O-Onrad, Ti-Tiburon, F-Flaust, T-Thrasher, dr-dresser, c-chest, table in middle of room, h- chair, S- Skeleton, Z-Zombie, G-Ghoul, b-boxes, table in middle of street by Onrad, Creatures caught in net. </pre>

All mages get bonus spells according to their Intel. the same as Clerics do with their Wis. Use the Cleric Wis. Bonus table to see how many you get.

Introduction From The Jericho: Here we experience a new kind of combat....a role-playing style of combat whose purpose is to tell a story rather than see which of two groups is more powerful. No danger to the characters is evident, since no game statistics are mentioned. So instead of tactics and strategy, we get something else....I'm still not quite sure what, though.

JK says -so do I get the xp for zany combat situation winner, or is someone else going to write something????

Keith- Flaust, you lost the spell when you attacked.

Keith- chime in with your opinion next turn and what the majority says will occur unless you give me specific instructions to do one or the other if the vote goes against you. If this happens, you could be left behind or decide to go on ahead. Try to remember the importance in an email game of keeping the group together. [grin]

Keith- everyone will have their spells memorized by the next turn. Most of you have given me a spell list, but if you would, please include one under the line with your next turn. Thanks !!

JK says- due to Keith's e-mail trouble (he's not getting ANY mail - not just forwarded mail), I did this turn.

JK also says- when did DHott start doing such long turns? I thought for sure it was one of John's or DHill's, but it kept saying Gareth. :)

Dhott says- I'd say something about AOL but... OK I will: Just another of an &gt; AMAZING list of reasons to go somewhere else for REAL service. They &gt; can't support their users, and what's worse is when they DO support &gt; their users with new releases of software. It's pathetic. No other &gt; company I've ever seen has these kinds of problems at ALL. No lost &gt; mail, no software incompatibility, no extra charges, no nothing. I &gt; imagine there are issues with other major service providers but they &gt; are so few and far between they are never an issue! I find it amazing &gt; that people still put up with it. - OK I feel better now.

JK says- did anyone ever play that game Lemmings. Where all the little lemmings go in a straight line and follow the leader even if it means plummeting to their deaths. Maybe they should have called it AOLers.

Jerry says- To everyone: Writing stuff below the line is how we keep in touch with each other. Everyone please about once a week or so share an anecdote from your life so we can enjoy the fellowship part of doing this and the keeping up old friendships part as well. Those of you out there who are just reading the game, please chime in as well so we know you are still out there and can get to know you as well.

Keith, be sure to include all items written below the line that are not addressed to the DM only...like this one....Thanks.

David H-Lemmings: That's good... &gt;&gt;

John-Hey people! We are planning our vacation to the US (and maybe even Hawaii and Canada). If any of you have suggestions of places to go and things to see, PLEASE suggest! Just remember, we will have a 5yr old girl, 3yr old boy, and 1yr old girl.

J. Chapa flew down to visit for a few days two weeks ago. We showed him the sights, then took him down to Florida, up to Savannah, and out to the ocean. He dropped off several books on philosophy and theology, but it's difficult for me to make time to read any more that a couple of pages a day. J. spends his time on the Internet focused on religious research -- he's currently involved with an ongoing discussion of 'Insight', written by Bernard Lonergan, a scholastic theologian.

A few days ago he called asking for prayers regarding his mother's health.

Keith- combat MIGHT commence next turn so act accordingly.

Keith, one more question: Was the trap magical or mechanical in nature? Once we get through the combat, I'll go back over and observe the stairs carefully, as per the Find Trap description, to get an idea of how the trap is triggered (probably by stepping on any of the stairs). (( it was mechanical ))

Anthony says: Someone please send me the Woldian address, they upgraded my computer and I lost all my addresses.

Jerry says: I'm back from YMCA camp. We took all of our 5th graders. Verra nice. Verra sore. Lot's of personal breakthroughs for the kids. I'll tell y'all more about it later as time permits.

Jerry says: Steven Hott had his first son Wed. around noon. Coby Steven Hott. 7 pounds, plus some ounces. Ask uncle David Hott for details beyond that. If you want to call Steve and congratulate him his phone number is available from either me or David.

David Hott-Hey! That's Xena not Zena. ( I just cut and paste not spell )

David Hott-Steve is quite proud of his son. He should be. He looks like Melody. Mom described his response at the birth as "Sweet". I rather enjoy the thought of Stephen being described as "Sweet". I even more greatly enjoy the idea of Stephen's reaction to being referred to as "Sweet" by someone he would never say a cross word to. Life gets no better than that! I'll especially enjoy seeing Steve deal with a 4 year old boy after all the condescending looks I got implying MY kids were out of control. I don't know if I can stand it! God is indeed good.

Keith- Jerry, you may have missed Flaust's description of the hallway. There are 2 doors in the hall and you are at one 10' distant from the entry on the left side. there is another one at the 30' mark on the right side and stairs at the 50' mark on the left.

Keith- Everyone but Onrad wanted to free him so that's what happened.

For the record, Gareth has had experience with a specific Paladin. He taught him honor and fighting ability. He has a specific idea of what a Paladin is. Add that to Gareth's temperament, youth, and current position in the party and a challenge to his leadership is not welcome by him. He will not allow an outsider who he doesn't like or trust to lead the party. It will be a hard sell. Especially with Aventine's disposition.

Flaust-At this point both my Silence spell and Invis. to Undead spell should be finished.

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

Subj: Thursday's turn

Sorry about there not being a turn on Thursday, I wasn't feeling well and didn't do one. I will do one today though.

Later, Keith

David H.-I attempted to send this turn from home but I had an error. I'm not sure you got it. If you did, please disregard in leau of this turn. Thanks ( got both of them . K.)

Flaust-Oh man...and I was just getting into this thieving business! Well, glad to have Talvik back!

Tony- Hi guys ! I've finally gotten some time to try and play again.

Keith- combat will start next turn so act accordingly.

Re: A map I'm playing with...take 2 From: Gericko

Picasso Jerry's map of the Necromancer's castle:

It's not exactly to scale, but what do you think?

I'm sending it to myself too so I can see if any spaces are added or disappear when mailed.

Jerry

d _____________________ S  1 2                             GJ  |  d 3 4______________  A   |                                      |dFN| &lt;------Landing at top of stairs and door                                      |===|             leading to hallway                                      |===|                                      |===| &lt;--------stairs going up to the second                                        |===|               floor                                      |===|                                      |       |                                          |       |                                      |       | (Aventine's room)         d T   d Ot (Talvik's room)                                      |       | d = door S = Som G = Gareth A = Aventine J = Jus F = Flaust t = Talvik N = Nonam T = Tiburon 1, 2, 3, and 4 = Skeletons

Flaust-Jerry, liked your map. However, the stairs should be placed exiting the left side of the hallway that Aventine's and Talvik's rooms are located on, rather that at the end of the hallway, which presumably, terminates at the outer wall of the tower. See description given in Turn 45.

Keith- The stairs start on the left side of the corridor at the end of it. They go upwards and end in a landing with a door that opens into a corridor directly above the one on the first floor.

Keith- Nonam, you could use the Firefinger cantrip to ignite it if you had it memorized. try burning hands instead :^)

Jerry says to Everyone: I've been without a computer at home since last Thursday and haven't been committed yet. However, I've come close several times. I don't know when David will finish with it. So Keith or JK may need to run my turns on Thurs and Fri if I haven't received it yet. Keith, I'll let you know when I get it back. David has my heartfelt thanks for being willing to spend all this time getting it to work right. He's added memory up to 80 mg. put in a 6.4 gig hard drive using my 1.5 one as a slave. He's replaced my CDROM as well since it busted.

Also, upon the return of the computer I'll get back to work on the website. I should have up the online game within a week or so. Go check it out. I also have new legends to include, 4 redone maps to help the appearance of the page, a links page to do, and then JK will add a Message Board as he gets some time later in the spring at which time we'll give playing by message board rather than email a try.

David Hott-Keith, I reread the turns and I think we have only killed two skeletons as of this turn. Aventine one and Gareth one. Aventine got an attack on his last skeleton, Gareth did not as it took three attacks to kill the first skeleton. Gareth killed his first this turn, Aventine damaged his second this turn. Still two standing. Good job on the module. Glad your doing it. Good insertion of the characters (I'm assuming they were not planned events until after the module began). Keep up the good work.

Keith- I have to go out of town for a few days. Jerry says that he will be able to do some turns starting Monday. Sorry about this , it came up suddenly.

Jerry says: Hey John, I understand you'll be coming to the mainland in May (Angie told me) and will be in WFalls. I'll want you to go to supper or a late coffee at Carrows with the local gang so you can meet such people as Keith, JK, Anthony, and Tony. Depending on your schedule, we perhaps could play a live game one evening. I understand that family comes first and friends second. However, if you come into town and don't drop by like a certain David Hill did, you're dead meat!!!

Jerry says: Keith, it looks like I'll be picking up my computer about Friday so you'll have to run the turns Thurs. and Fri. Sorry. I'll be ready to start next week. In fact, if ya want I can give you a break, however, I figure you at this point would like to see the module through to the end. [grin]

Jerry says: I took my 6th graders skating last night to Sandy Beach. The shoes were horrible. It turns out that the place is now owned by a couple of guys in their twenties from 10th and Broad Church of Christ. The kids had lots of fun. It is very entertaining to watch 6th graders and their first tentative moves toward the opposite sex. There's something very innocent about it....funny too.

Jerry says: Out of character, Som was holding from the previous round allowing him cast in segment 1. You may do the same, of course, when you hold your action from one round to the next. :) I hope that this description was clear. If now ask questions. I didn't have time to draw you a map as the computer is still struggling with Windows 98 bugs.

Jerry says: That's right. We (David Hott) and I loaded in Windows 98 so that I could take advantage of a program called FAT32 which allows you to install large hard drives without partitioning them. The problem is that the video driver is not wanting to cooperate with the Windows98 programming. We're trying to get updated drivers from the video card company. Till then strange things are happening to the fonts and the screen.

David Hill: Well, let's see now...do I visit Jerry and give him the flu, jeopardizing my D&amp;D character, or do I stay away and offend him, jeopardizing my D&amp;D character...

Jerry says: No you call and say, Hey Jerry, I'd drop by but I'm sick. Just wanted you to know why and that I wasn't being unfriendly. JK actually cried when he didn't get to meet you....and Anthony, he's written his poem called "The Flaust I never met." hehe....

Jerry says: Woohoo! I'm DMing again....get out your dice and prepare to die!!!!!! Whooooo!~~~

Jerry says: I get my computer back on Saturday afternoon.

Jerry says: So David, tell us all about the selling of your house and your plans for the new one!!!

Jerry says: So John, tell us all about your plans for your vacation.

Jerry says: So Keith, tell us where you are going and all the trouble you're going to get into there.

Jerry says: So David, tell us about Hotlanta and your cool life there.

Tony2 and Janie, why don't you send in a glowing paragraph and introduce yourselves to everyone. (They are both new players in our local group who are now receiving the online game to read.)

Get the idea folks? Share you lives with us that have none below the line!!! Remember, anything you don't want posted on the internet WILL be removed. I know how to do that now and can do it very easily and quickly.

Also add for the 2,467th time, Kevin Wimberly's new email address as he is now online after going off line for the 2,466th time.

See yall tomorrow,

Jerry

John says: I know that's probably not quite what you meant by waiting for the next turn, but I had to try...

Jerry says: Nice try.

David says: If you read the past 2 turns, you will see Gareth did NOT stand in the doorway, he DID look into the room as he quickly opened the door and back up, and he would NOT have stepped around the corner in plain view of Som if he would have seen him (and he would have) , he would have gotten his bow and arrows out and attempted a shot. (although he may have been frozen in place attempting a shot around the corner). Should have been played differently. (By the way: Welcome back)

Jerry says: The last 2 skeletons were at the end of the hallway in front of the doorway as was shown in my map that I made. [grin] Fighting these skeletons put you in front of the door in my mind. I did miss the part about you stepping back. Sorry. You were kinda unclear as to what you meant by backing up. Did you intend to backup out of view or take a strategic step back to allow only one or two opponents to exit through the door at a time. As EVERYONE in the party is wanting IN and not OUT, I placed you as far forward as I could thinking that you guys wanted to kill this dude instead of hide from him. [grin] I'll release you and Aventine at the end of this round just to be fair and because we're trying to have fun. I'll also hold off on the Lightning Bolt that Keith called for during this second round which would slam into the area beyond the door for the same reason. See I can be reasoned with! It's just a very rare thing. :)

Jerry continues: Seriously, it was very hard to interpret some things as I have been out of the picture for awhile. Please stick with me and the bumps will even out in a few days.

David says: As far as my house stuff goes: We have a buyer for our house. They have checked out OK and have put down non-refundable earnest money. We are supposed to close between now and May 15. We met with Brent Willson (2 L's) in Wichita Falls Saturday and received our first set of drawings from him. He's our architect. We'll meet again in the next two weeks or so. Once we work out the details we'll begin getting bids on the jobs (We are going to be our own General Contractors for the project). Once we have an idea on how much it will cost to build we'll negotiate with the bank(s) for financing. We met them once and they have pre-approved us for the loan. It's just a matter now of deciding what we can really qualify for and what we'll have to add/cut from the plans to do it. We'll see. While we build we'll live in a lease house which we are currently looking for. Kim and I have been planning this for a long time. We've been in our house about 3 years longer than we anticipated. It's not been bad, just behind schedule. We looked for the land for five years and we finally found it. 2 1/2 heavily wooded acres in a gated community. It wasn't gated when we bought and no mention of this was made. We just got lucky (or was it something else...). We were the first people to buy land there. We'll be about the 7th or 8th person to build (I hope). It will be a beautiful area when finished. There are already several beautiful homes already. That about does it for now. I'll keep you posted.

Jerry says: I just wanted everyone else to hear the good news that I'd heard. We always knew you'd make it big David.....even when you were mowing all the lawns in Wichita Falls....right guys?

Jerry says: In a message dated 98-04-06 00:49:26 EDT, I wrote: &lt;&lt; Also add for the 2,467th time, Kevin Wimberly's new email address as he is now online after going off line for the 2,466th time.

Kevin says: Hey I can't help it if I can afford AOL one day and can't even afford food the next.

Jerry says: Scott Marley? Are you out there? Please respond within a week or I"ll assume that your listed email address is no longer valid. JK do you know if Scott's email address has changed since he quit Kinko's?

Jerry says: I didn't receive turns from JK or Tony. I'll keep moving people who don't send in turns to the end of the party so to speak....if they stay there long....who knows what will happen to them. Muhahhahha!

Jerry says: See yall tonight. (I did this Tues. morning as I was bushed Monday night.)

Jerry says: In my first draft of yesterday's turn I mentioned that the flames died out before Som ascended the stairs. Somehow it got deleted from the final version of the turn. Sorry. To be fair, I'll assign 5 more hpd to Som for running through the fire. I rolled his save for garments vs. flame and he didn't catch on fire, though. Sorry. FYI, Greek fire burns for two rounds, so Som should have been burned as he ascended as now has happened.

Jerry continues: I don't make it a practice to change things after the fact in a "live" game. I don't intend to do this every round. Occasionally when it affects someone in a life or death situation I'll do it in the online game if the mistake is caught the next day. After that, it stands. If it's not a life or death situation, usually I'll say yeah you're right, I'll try to remember that next time.

David says: Gareth will use hero points for saves from or for hits on Som. Not attacks on undead unless they are Ghouls or worse (and then only for saves).

Jerry says: David Hott, I've got you down for two. Remember guys to ask for hero points when you feel you deserve one. You may also nominate others for hero points at any time.

David says: I think it is only fair to allow a chance for Som's robes to catch fire as he appears to be either running through or real close to burning oil. Additionally it is up stairs which would slow him slightly and increase the chance of ignition. Also, are the stairs wood or stone?

Jerry says: Point taken. I checked. Nothing combusts. The Stairs are made of iron. It is not solid but open...you can see through it the openings in it. Does that make sense? Think of the wrought iron circular staircases you see in apartments sometimes.

David says: A note on the last turn comments: It sounds to me like you may not have received one of my turns regarding Gareth's location and actions. The door was never described as open or closed. I assumed closed. Gareth kicked open the door and quickly moved around the corner so as not to be in Som's direct line of fire. If Gareth was in front of the door as he killed the skeletons and it was open, he would have seen Som casting and would have warned the party and backed around the corner and done the bow and arrow thing. Seems like it all worked out OK. Except the fox pux (er - faux paux) about the burning stairs (I'm assuming after describing the stairs as 'On fire' Som would not have run up them.

David continues: Just some more breaking news: God really has a sense of humor. Kim's pregnant with #3. Due probably in November or December. She claims to have had nothing to do with it. Amazing.

Jerry says: Hmm....perhaps it's time to do the "manly thing" David to prevent #4. [very poor joke in very poor taste] Congratulations on #3. I predict another boy. Cast your votes folks.

JK says: I don't know about Scott's email.

JK says: I guess I checked my mail to early cause last time I looked there wasn't a turn yet, and now I've missed one.

Jerry says: Thanks JK. Everyone remove Scott M. from your address macros.

John says: Any comments about installing Win98 versus Win95? If you would be so kind, please forward my last message's computer questions to David Hott; my home PC is just about KO'd.

Jerry says: I didn't get any questions from you John, that I remember.

Jerry says: Hope you enjoy the turn. I'll see all of you tomorrow.

David Hill says: #3 will be a daughter.

David Hill continues: Shannon and I went down to Florida last weekend and ran around in St. Augustine (as in the type of grass), which is the oldest European settlement in North America. They had some nice stuff in the local shops, but it was all a little out of our budget. After that, we went on down to NASA -- things have changed a lot in 15 years. We had a very relaxing three-day vacation. The previous weekend, Shannon's parents visited us for a couple of days. We took them to see the Cyclorama (the world's largest oil painting, on a circular canvas), which depicts the battle of Atlanta (about 6 stories tall). It has a diorama attached to it in such a way that it's hard to see where the painting begins. We also took them on a tour of CNN, walked to Centennial Park (remember the bombing of '96?), drove to Stone Mountain (a confederate war memorial state park), which is the largest exposed granite surface in the world (if every person who ever lived took a piece of the mountain, 90% would still be there...) and has a carving done by the same guy who did Mount Rushmore's presidents. Well, you get the picture, lots of things to see and do here!

Jerry says: I visited Atlanta once when I was in Meistersingers in college. We went up Stone Mountain and saw one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. A storm was blowing over and we could actually with astonishing clarity see the forward line of the rain as it climbed the side of the mountain. Our quartet decided to entertain the people stranded at the top during the storm with an impromptu concert. One of those unforgettable moments. I believe we saw that diorama thing as well, but I don't remember much about it except that I thought it was impressive. If I remember right, I was in the middle of a cool book at the time and glanced around, went outside and enjoyed a rare moment of privacy on tour reading while the others toured the site.

David Hott says: 5 hit points? I'm shocked. I'll have to ask more often... - Not really. Good show.

David Hott says: "The manly thing?" The MANLY thing?!?! If I take your meaning correctly, NOT! I stand firmly opposed anyone purposefully destroying any part of their body (other than the "If your eye causes you to sin pluck it out" argument). Especially mine. Besides, who says #4 isn't in the cards? You never know. Hope it's not a girl, I'd hate to be wrapped around a 1 Centimeter pinky.

Jerry says: I think a girl would compliment your family very nicely. [grin] But my pick is still boy.

David says: Jerry,

I think you should run the turns whether or not everyone puts in a turn. It holds the game up if you don't and it takes a long time as it is to run a module. If subsequent turns don't work as a result of missing a turn unannounced too bad. Although I do believe due diligence is called for to determine why a turn was missed. As has happened before, email does get lost. (I tried to be nice ...). As far as places in the game go, your level of tolerance as DM is probably the best determining factor as to how much to put up with from any one person.

Jerry says: I agree. I have been for the most part haven't I? or should I say Keith has. The House Rules state for a local game that a player should gracefully bow out and go inactive if he or she is going to have to miss more than one session per month. I think that translates nicely to once a week for the online game. If anyone is going to have to miss more than one day a week, not counting announced trips etc., on an average, they should go inactive. Players who go inactive may return when their circumstances change. However, players who have gone inactive again and again are carefully evaluated before being allowed to rejoin as they have not shown commitment in the past. Comments everyone?

Anthony says: I read every turn but most times I can't think of what she would do. She just along for the ride.

Jerry says: That's like saying I want to play in the "local" game but will just sit back in the corner or check up on what's going on by phone from time to time. I need a turn each and every day you can do it......please. This reminds me of the ex-eagles song..."All she wants to do is dance." However it does kinda fit Kat's personality so far. [grin]

Jerry says: David Hill, you couldn't attack and search for traps like you asked to since that would have been two actions in a single round. Since you didn't designate which you'd rather do in case both were available, I had you do the first one listed.

Jerry says: David Hott, you still have THACO's of 20 listed on your character sheet. Your THACO as a fighter lowers by 1 each level. At third level your base THACO should be 18. However you've been giving yourself a +2 to hit for your specialization bonus in bastard swords. The rules call for a +1 to hit and a +2 to damage for specialization. So on your bastard sword, you should have a base of 18, lowered to 15 for your +3 for strength, and further lowered to 14 for your specialization bonus. Also you have listed a BSword (which I'm interpreting to be Bastard Swords) and then later a Broadsword. You give yourself a specialization bonus for the Broadsword too. You can have only ONE specialization....period. Please redoo your Combat Square and send me an updated Character Sheet. Thanks. JK, did you check these? {grin} Everyone check your combat sheets and be sure they are current. It's your loss if you're THACO Is off and I don't catch it. [grin]

Jerry says: Guys, if you are firing arrows, don't forget to designate which type of arrows (sheaf or flight) you are using each time if you have both. I'll assume flight unless stated otherwise.

Jerry says: Anthony and I have recently finished two MAJOR missing pieces of recent history. The legend of Joe Hand (consort and husband to the late King Claudia) and the extensive legend/story of the king herself. I've already sent unchecked versions of this to the DMs. As soon as I get them spell-checked and grammar-checked I'll share them with everyone. I plan to have them as well as Valdor's legend, the online game in it's entirety over the last two years, and the links page this weekend. I'm off on Friday and Monday so I hope to get this accomplished computer willing. Knock on wood.

Jerry says: I caught Keith online tonight. He was at his parents house in Lubbock. Keith's parents said hi to those of you who know them.....they used be members at Faith Village Church of Christ as some of you know.

Jerry says: See all of you tomorrow. This turn proved to be somewhat difficult as combat usually is....especially the first round of actual attacks. It took about 2 hours. Donations accepted....[evil grin]

John says: Jerry, I will attempt to respond to your email concerning the next module ASAP. My usage time for email from work is limited, but I'll make the best of it.

Jerry says: No problem John. I of all people know what it's like to have a computer that's not working right.

John says: So, can MU's cancel their own spells? I notice the Grease spell specifically states you can, but is this true for all spells?

Jerry says: Well what do you think JK? Comments everyone?

John says: Since my computer is still dead, I am going to request yet another change in email addresses. Please just sent to my ordinary address and I'll modify the forwarding rules whenever I need to so I can keep up with the game. I haven't seen the turns since when Jus was the only one left frozen; would someone send them to me?

Jerry says: Sure. I'll try to figure out which turns you need and send them tomorrow. Everyone note the change of address in your address macro.

Jerry says: Anthony, I didn't understand your turn. Get into position how. I need details. Move right, go up the stairs. Etc. I also need to know which spell. You can select a spell and cast in the same round ya know. Please explain.

Anthony says: All she does want to do is dance, also don't forget that I was gone for a week and a half. I will not be at a computer for Friday or Monday either. Ahh, this answers my question. Anthony, let me know which turns you have missed and I'll send them. I suggest that you keep the turns and save them to disk so you can refer to them when needed.

Anthony says: Hey is this the same David Hill that won a 104 ball cap on the radio this morning about 7:15, he knew who Lynard Skinnard was?

Jerry says: I doubt it, unless David has special transit abilities to get from Atlanta to Wichita Falls. [grin]

David Hott says: Good turn Jerry. Complex and clear.

Jerry says: Thanks David.

David Hott says: Thanks for the heads up on the THAC0 stuff. I'll get you the corrections today.

Jerry says: I got your email of corrections, but AOL couldn't read MIME. It even said so. J

Jerry says: David Hill, there are some interesting things about the lasso to be found in the Arms and Equipment Guide and the Complete Fighter's Handbook. Check these out. Do note on your character sheet that the Lasso when thrown has the same ranges as a dagger....in other words....10' short range, 20' medium range, and 30' long range with the appropriate penalties. Please update your character sheet and check those sources for information available. On your weapons, you only list the adjusted number. It helps the DM out to list first the original base number without adjustments and then the adjusted number. Please mail me an updated character sheet with these corrections. Thanks.

Jerry says: GRRRRR.....I got about this far with the turn and hit the delete button by mistake and hadn't saved. I had to start all over...GRRRRRR

Jerry says: Guys when someone rolls a 1, they lose their next attack no matter what. You may use that missed action to pick up the dropped weapon and thus defend yourself with it after that. Check the House Rules at the website for more information.

David Hill says: Jerry, I always try to add additional information about what Flaust will do, so that you can interpret her intent, and also in case action moves further ahead than usual in one turn.

Jerry says: Yes, I know. However, when we're in combat, only one ACTION can be attempted per round. Read your Player's Handbook to review what is considered an action for a round. There's no sense in sending multiple rounds of actions while in combat.

Jerry says: See ya'll tomorrow.

Jerry says: FYI John and to you others out there who might want to try it sometime I insert the rules on using two weapons in combat which John attempted this round. Notice that the penalties can be reduced by choosing some of the weapon styles proficiencies available in the Complete Fighter's Handbook as non-weapon proficiencies. Wanna use the stuff? Buy the books! Meanwhile, here's what you can do without the Style Proficiencies. (Note that we have limited this form of combat with the style specializations in the House Rules. Read carefully the Player's Handbook, the Fighter's Handbook and the House Rules, then email me and I'll explain everything you don't understand.)

Attacking with Two Weapons
A tricky fighting style available only to warriors and rogues is that of fighting with two weapons simultaneously. The character chooses not to use a shield in favor of another weapon, granting him a greater number of attacks, with a penalty to his attack rolls (rangers are exempt from the attack roll penalty).
When using a second weapon in his off-hand, a character is limited in his weapon choice. His principal weapon can be whatever he chooses, provided it can be wielded with one hand. The second weapon must be smaller in size and weight than the character's main weapon (though a dagger can always be used as a second weapon, even if the primary weapon is also a dagger). A fighter can use a long sword and a short sword, or a long sword and a dagger, but he cannot use two long swords. Nor can the character use a shield, unless it is kept strapped onto his back.

When attacking, all characters but rangers suffer penalties to their attack rolls. Attacks made with the main weapon suffer a -2 penalty, and attacks made with the second weapon suffer a -4 penalty. The character's Reaction Adjustment (based on his Dexterity, see Table 2) modifies this penalty. A low Dexterity score will worsen the character's chance to hit with each attack. A high Dexterity can negate this particular penalty, although it cannot result in a positive modifier on the attack rolls for either weapon (i.e., the Reaction Adjustment can, at best, raise the attack roll penalties to 0).

The use of two weapons enables the character to make one additional attack each combat round, with the second weapon. The character gains only one additional attack each round, regardless of the number of attacks he may normally be allowed. Thus, a warrior able to attack 3/2 (once in the first round and twice in the second) can attack 5/2 (twice in the first round and three times in the second).

(John's dex of 19 makes his first weapon attack as normal and his second attack have a -1 penalty when fighting with two weapons. According to the House Rules, he loses all bonuses to hit and damage that come from str. and specialization. However, since John has no super strength or specializations this does not apply to him. Sound confusing? It is. Email me if you wish to have your Warrior character attack in this way....otherwise, don't bother.)

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

Jerry says: Uh, Anthony, do I have your character sheet? I didn't find it.

Jerry says: Last turn I had Tiburon attack #2 when he was closed with #1. I just keyed in the wrong opponent. Let history reflect that he attacked #1 and missed. :)

John says: Bummer! I hate it when rings make their savings throws!

Jerry says: David Hott, Pleeeeaaaase, remove your address coding when you send me mail. Just like you felt that using AOL would be against your principles, I feel that answering mail with encoded addresses is against mine. It's a pain to cut and paste your address each time. I know you don't do it because you doubt me, but because you are afraid of others grabbing your address when it's in transit. Sorry, but just how I feel. There has to be some trust somewhere. Hello Hackers! My name is Jerry Phelps and my address is Gericko@aol.com.....There I said it Whooo!

JK says: Sorry I missed the last turn. I don't even know what happened. I read it, and I thought I mailed a response. I even got mad when I didn't read my action listed. Then I checked, and low and behold, I never sent anything.

JK says: I think that you should always be able to cancel your own spell unless it's an instant or if it specifically states in the spell description that you can't. Also something with a permanent result shouldn't be able to be done away with.

JK says: Well, for those of you who don't know, a move is soon expected for me. I'll be doing my doctoral work at TCU in Fort Worth beginning next fall. Also most of my work here is done because I handed in my thesis [all 3432 pages of it :) ] earlier this week.

David says: Also, I thought Aventine was getting two attacks/round? As I recall he has only had 1 for the last 2. Change?

Jerry says: I didn't know. I'm going to make him 3/2 like you guys since I don't have any information on his #Attacks

David: AOL does it again!. I sent you a Word version AND a text only version. It allowed neither?!? (I really tried to be nice...) Do you need it still or were you able to get one? If you still need it I will send you two emails next time. One with either file format. I'll also send it to your email address and the game location as well. If that doesn't work, I'll send it snail mail.

Jerry: I didn't get either. At least with the mime I got it. I just couldn't read it. Perhaps because of size it's traveling slow on the internet or something. Thanks for sending. Perhaps it will still arrive.

David Hill says: If Som attempts to leave via the stairs, Flaust will try to 'get under foot' (does this count as an attack?).

Jerry says: Yes. It is also an action even if you decided it wasn't an attack. I should rephrase. If you roll a 1, you lose your next action or attack.

David Hill says: If I recall correctly, some spells specifically can not be canceled by the will of the magic user...I think a spell must run its duration unless it is maintained by MU concentration, or if the spell specifically states that it can be ended.

Jerry says: Yes some spell specifically cannot be canceled by the mage. However, I agree with JK that in most cases he can end the spell when he pleases.

David Hill says: Anthony, I've won a couple of things, but not the cap...let's see, there was that one time at Home Depot when I won a set of lawn lights...which are real useful in my apartment :)

Jerry says: Thanks to everyone for sending in your turns. I'm still not receiving from Tony....a.k.a. Talvik. I'll wait until Keith gets back in town before making a move. However, Tony, if you're reading this, you should do the right thing and call me! Either way. Other character's lives are depending on you and vice versa. Besides, it's not nice to let friends down. And even if we're not close friends with you, you are close with Keith and this embarrasses him I'm sure. Call me and either drop out of the game or apologize to the group via email and start being dependable. Staying and playing, of course, is what we'd all prefer.....I like the way you role-play. But quit if you must. Just don't leave us hanging! I get vengeful for that kind of stuff!

Jerry says: Everyone welcome Erin to our mailing list. She is Anthony's sister and has/is played/is playing with the local group. (I'm not sure which). [grin] Please add her to your mailing macros everyone. Her address is on your list.

Keith- I'm attaching a map that Jerry made of the room with everyone's aprox. positions BEFORE this round. It's in .BMP format but everyone should be able to decode that.

Keith- I was out of town on my annual trip with my Dad to the National Assoc. of Broadcasters ( NAB ) convention in Las Vegas. I go each year so I can spend some time with him and because they always have such neat toys (i.e. new equipment) there to look at. ( and yes I did gamble a little and managed to return home with $3200 more than I left here with :^) .. ya just gotta live right )

Jerry says: Talvik, a.k.a. Tony will be going inactive until his schedule becomes more manageable.

Jerry says: Keith is back and we will begin sharing the weekly chores with him doing Mon.-Wed. and me doing Thurs.-Fri. Did I get that right Keith?(YEP)

Jerry says: Check out the website. We now have the WHOLE email game up to Turn 60 of the current module online and available for reading. Also new legends of Joe Hand, Valdor, and an introduction to The Three. JK begins work on the Message Board this week as well.

For the record. Gareth used his +1 Broad Sword in the initial attack of the undead in town. The reasoning behind it was that he didn't know what kind of undead they would be - possibly the type hit only by magic weapons. Since they were not that type Gareth began once again using his weapon of choice: the Bastard Sword. Gareth has not used/will not unless forced to use the Broad Sword again. We'll see. Gareth never used the Broad Sword prior to this time either.

I will send the files again today. Maybe AOL will allow me the 'privilege' and 'honor' of giving one of it's users a file.

On the email address. I may not be able to change the email. It is configured by the company. I'll see what I can do. Sorry it's causing trouble. I never really intended the 'encrypted' thing but it certainly is in character. I'll take credit and I will try to fix it. Does my home email do it too?

On Aventine: Aventine had two attacks/round in the room below when he took out two of the four skeletons. This is why I was wondering why the change in # of attacks. I have no opinion on how you should treat the situation. Just thought I'd point it out.

On magic spells: Speaking as a seasoned magic user of sorts (Arion, Arion II, Sargon, etc), the only thing I would add to the subject matter is that once a spell is begun, there may be consequences for stopping a spell in progress of casting. For instance, a fireball stopped just before 'thrown' might cause an explosion in the vicinity of the spell caster. If the MU rolled a 1 it might even go off as planned but the MU as point of origin. Calling creatures from another plane could be hard to stop. Possibly causing the creature to be released on the prime material plane or even to turn on the caster. It would seem the more extensive the spell the higher the risk of termination causing undesirable consequences. I'm not sure we want to get too deep into this stuff. Just more to consider.

JK - Welcome to the metroplex. We'll have to get together for lunch or something. Depending on when you come down we'd like to have you over to the house. Reason for the schedule issue is that we're closing on selling our house within 1 1/2 weeks. We're not sure yet of our accommodations after that time so coming over may be a bit of a struggle at least at first. Let me know your plans.

Our closing date has been moved up to April 29th. We'll be out of our house in 2 weeks or less! Major change. It's been a great house. We had it built over 8 years ago now. The boys aren't sure they like the idea yet . But they sure like the land. We will begin construction hopefully in June sometime. We'll see how it works out - no stress...

Nonam-There is no way I would have ever cast that spell after he had gone invisible. I'm starting to work on the message board thing right now.

David Hott-Keith, glad you had fun on your trip and got to see your father. Always good to do that. Welcome back

----------

John-Grrrrr. My computer is still down, and it appears it may be a hardware problem; unfortunately its not the easiest thing to diagnose. I am spending 1-4 hours a day trying to resurrect it so I can finish my taxes, see the great Woldian web site, and so Tina can do email. ----------------------------- Nonam only gets one attack. ( OK, alright already, I know, don't everyone jump so hard :^) so I goofed a bit )

------------------ Flaust-I misunderstood the room description -- for some reason thought there was another series of stairs going upward at the far end of the room.

Flaust-Jerry, I wanted to follow up on my question regarding the range modifiers: These are listed in 10's of yards, correct?( yards outside, feet inside )

John says: Please refresh me. How do critical hits work and how are they different from the "if 20 rolled, roll again" rule?( I rolled again and you managed to hit Fighter 3 again so I added the damage together . It was enough to kill him that round.)

Jerry says: John, what are those dates you're going to be in Wichita Falls again? Go ahead and pick a date to play AD&amp;D ifn ya want. We need to decide now to get on everyone's schedule. :)

John says: Okay Jerry, I'll give this one more time... I will be arriving in WF on the 16th or 17th of May (airplane's choice) and leaving on the 21st or 22nd (our choice). I'd be glad to do something, just let me know when and where.

John says: JK, what was the subject of your 3500 page thesis?

Jerry says: That's correct Flaust. Range for missiles and spells are in feet indoors and yards outdoors. :)

Jerry says: Also I have not heard from David, David, or John about asking Joey if he wants to join us. Think he's interested?

JK says- the thesis was essentially that H. Hoover is too often remembered as the poor president who bungled the depression instead of for his skillful leadership as an organizer of humanitarian relief in Belgium and N. France during World War I about 15 years earlier. His reputation as an intelligent humanitarian is what propelled him into the presidency, but few people remember that... and its really only about 90 pages. :)

Keith wrote me and said: "...you only can see drops of blood from Som on the floor. Because of the spell, you cannot see Som even if you managed to hit him before. Your striking him does not negate the spell, only his taking an offensive action will do that. If you want to look at the floor for a blood pool/blood path that would be your action for the round and would take place of an attack. ..." - And he is quite right.

David says: Som should become visible as soon as he takes an offensive action. Casting a healing spell on someone else constitutes an 'offensive' action. Som should now be visible if he cast the spell that healed fighter #3. I'm assuming he did as Onrad heard him. An offensive action is defined as 'doing something to somebody else - friend or foe is irrelevant'. Gareth should be able to see, close and attack Som this round. Please disregard if I am incorrect in my assumption of the spell's origin. Opinions?

Jerry says: Casting a spell on a comrade that does no damage or harm to an opponent is not considered an offensive action. The spell must directly affect an opponent to be considered offensive. You gentlemen are asking some good questions of late. This shows that you are approaching your former levels of play when you were active in the local group. I've enjoyed this combat and so has Keith.

David says: I don't know if Joey is interested or not. I am certainly interested in offering. I need to call Joey for lunch sometime. Haven't seen him for a while. Have some philosophy to discuss anyway.

Jerry says: Yes discussing philosophy with Joey is a fine pastime. David, go ahead and contact him. If anyone has his email address send it to me and I'll extend an invitation to him as well. :)

Jerry says: Last turn John said: Okay Jerry, I'll give this one more time... I will be arriving in WF on the 16th or 17th of May (airplane's choice) and leaving on the 21st or 22nd (our choice). I'd be glad to do something, just let me know when and where.

Jerry continues: This means that with John arriving on Saturday the 16th or Sunday the 17th, and Wed. church being the 20th, that our choices for playing a game with John is very limited. Either Monday the 18th or Tuesday the 19th. Everyone check in with their availability to show up for a game at my place on that either one of those nights. If we do, the local game would be canceled the following Friday the 22nd. I realize that David Hill cannot come. What about David Hott? Anthony? JK? Keith? I can make it. I'll even take a personal business day off if I need to. Friends are important. I will ask everyone in the current local group if they want to come and meet the "legends" [grin]. So everyone please RVSP for both of those days and we'll see where we stand.

Jerry continues: If we can't actually play, perhaps we can do the nachos thing at Parkway Grill or something and just get a chance to meet.

Jerry says: Our local group will be hosting a session at a local gaming store Friday the 15th which is tentatively called:

The Gold Dragon Gaming Troupe Presents:

A Taste of The Wold

We will be combining a couple of short adventures that have been run before including The Blight Witches from the online game. The setting will be The Floating City.

Jerry says: For complete information on critical hits and fumbles, please consult the House Rules in your campaign folder or at the website.

David Hill says: Jerry, I made a mistake and meant to write "Flaust will immediately check to see if they are dead (below -10 hp, if these are the correct rules...)" I confused myself over the house rules for the campaign I'm running...

David Hill continues: My two cents worth: What's good for the goose is good for the gander. -5 for us, and -5 for the enemy. By the way, do NPC's have Anti-Hero Points? :)

Jerry says: LOL....You're joking right?

John says: I still didn't get any turns from when Som cast the hold person (or whatever), and I showed up upstairs. Would someone please forward to me so I can at least read the notes on the bottom -- like the invitation to Joey. AND, invite him!

Jerry says: Working on the Joey thing. Have sent some turns. Will send the set before that soon. :)

Jerry says: Great combat. One note. I realize that in a "live" game that some of you would change your actions once circumstances in a round change....like a web going up. However, in this game and even to a greater extent when we begin the message board game, this will happen more often. In fact, it may become a strategy to try and do things that won't backfire on you should circumstances alter during a round. Now, I have a problem with this in that it promotes non-creative combat. Striking with a sword, for example, is relatively non risky. So how do we handle things in this medium and keep things creative like when we were in the bar fight, yet true to the rules. Which rules do we alter? Suggestions? I intend this for a topic of discussion and invite all of our great minds to discuss it. It is in my mind the central problem with our current way of doing combat.

Jerry says: See yall tomorrow.

It appears Gareth's owner is displaying the same level of intelligence and wisdom as his character... Well played Jerry and Keith.

Kim and I have now moved. They packed us yesterday and we will put it all in storage today. I'll be back in the office Wednesday. I'll give new phone #'s tomorrow when I remember them.

--------------------------------------- jk say- As far as quivers and the numbers of arrows they can hold go, I would assume it's strictly a matter of quiver size. I would guess a standard size would hold about 20, but some could certainly be made smaller or larger. In real life, I've seen quivers that hold less than 10 arrows and those that would hold over 30. I'd say for game play that we should make anything that would hold over 20 arrows a special purchase, but it should certainly be possible to buy one. --------------------------------------- ( talk about contingency plans :^) !! )

If the Rocky Horror Picture Show begins playing on the ceiling: Flaust breaks out her fish-net leggings.

If the voice of some guy named 'Jerry' speaks from the Heavens: Flaust swoons and changes her patron deity on the spot.

If high-heels come in style (did they ever go out?): Flaust screams, "It's not fair! Short people got no reason..."

If Elvis has truly left the building...

------------------------------- From David Hill: In Turn 67, Jerry stated "I realize that in a 'live' game that some of you would change your actions once circumstances in a round change..."

My long-winded explanation last round was, "Since we can't make changes in an on-line game, the DM should make rolls to see if it is plausible that we change our actions, based on new information."

You stated that I would need to declare a 'disbelief' to overcome the illusion. Okay, so I didn't. Let's see, Flaust is intent on roping up the bad guy, when, BAM, a Web springs into existence, which she narrowly avoids and happens to arrive on the same side of the Web as Som. Assuming that she notices that Som is now visible (Int. check), she will likely go for the Big Man himself (Wis. check) ( but we have no way of knowing this unless you tell us. We don't read minds and that isn't our char., we can't/won't make major actions for you. again that is why we put " Actions ?" at the end of the turns.-Keith) and forget the rest. If I'd been sitting at the gaming table, I would have requested this change in plans during Turn 67. ( and they probably would have taken place there- Keith)

Oh well, spilt milk.

Joey is considering, but wants to wait for a month, until he has a computer at home

Just a refresher: Gareth 'spiked' the door to the outside (or at least one of them) with the swords of the skeletons. If Som attempts to leave the building via that route he will have a great deal of trouble doing so. Maybe he even can't. Just wanted to preempt a potential missed fact for the ensuing turns.

Kim and I are now moved into our new temporary digs. I had no idea we had so much STUFF! We had 137 boxes of different sizes plus furniture and appliances! And that's not including all the stuff we moved ourselves. Probably 150+ boxes total. We got it all moved . That is to say: They got it all moved. I really enjoyed watching... Never done that before.

Jerry says: Som's initial actions this turn are not seen by the party, therefore they are not included above the line.

Jerry says: Remember that I'm doing the turns on Thurs. And Fri. now. So everyone (David and JK), please send copies of each turn to Woldian@usa.net. I had to get a couple of turns (David and JK) from Keith. If you wish to send a copy direct to the DM for that day, fine, but remember that Keith or I could get sick and ask either John or JK to run the turn for the day as a sub. Plus I want John getting used to the DM process by watching what Keith and I do with the originals each day to form the official turn. So, no matter where else you send the turn, send it to woldian. Thanks.

Jerry says: For those of you who don't know, I've been sick all week with a stomach virus. I'm going to school tomorrow, but will take it easy.

Jerry says: Dad has some minor surgery Monday. Please keep him and mom in your prayers.

Jerry says: Keep JK in your prayers as well. He's doing the final rewrite on his Thesis this weekend and has his Orals next week.

Jerry says: Keep me and my students in your prayers next week as it is TAAS test week. If the last practice test is any indication, our school could be accredited warned by the state for low grades in 6th grade. It's just a low group. Not very good publicity for a school who is becoming a magnet school next year and wants to draw students from all over the town or for a Asst. Principal wannabe. :(

Jerry says: If we plan a game with John Klinger for Tuesday May 19th, I need to know if JK, Anthony, Keith, Tony, Erin and David Hott can come. Since John lives out in the Pacific Ocean like he does, (he says there's land there) this will be your only chance to meet him for a long time...and him you. Please RSVP your intentions TOMORROW please........pretty please?

David says: Shouldn't it be called the TOSS test? I hate the idea of 'Big Brother' watching our kids. It's absolutely none of their business. (So much for concealing my political views)

Jerry says: I couldn't agree more.

David says: As I said the first time you asked: I probably cannot commit to a game night, at least a specific time. But I may be able to join you for dinner (I believe you mentioned Parkway Grill). I may be able to game but I just don't know. What I envision is traveling to W.F. after work Tuesday. I'll try to get away early but can't promise. I currently know of only one direct conflict. Maybe I can get Kim to fill in for me. I'll try to work it out. One conflict is usually workable. Normally there are two or three. Let me know a time to shoot for. I'll use 7:00 PM as my target. Unlikely I can get there sooner than that.

Jerry says: The AD&amp;D party for John Klinger will be Tuesday, May 19th from 7-11pm at my place. John if you want to, it has been suggested that those of us who can't make the game or stay till the end, take you to supper at Parkway Grill at 5:00. Interested? BTW, John, please confirm that this time will be ok. You kinda left things up to me. :) So far, everyone is coming both from the online group and the local group except for Keith. We will play the online characters integrating with other characters for the evening. Those from the local game will play their current characters as they are also 3-4th level. David Hott, any ideas of what you'd like to play? Also Steve Hott is coming. He has a modem now, but can't get it to work. His dad was going to help him get his AOL going tonight and I am supposed to show him around a bit. That makes for John, Jerry, David (hopefully), Anthony, Erin, Sam, JK, Steve. JK will have to leave early as he leaves for Michigan to present his paper the next morning like at 5AM and is driving pretty well straight there. He said he's go to supper though if John was up to some good nachos. Did I leave anyone out? Oh! I need to call Scott Carpenter. I'll do that tomorrow. Anyone else?

David Hill says: Jerry, thanks for the handling of Flaust :)

Jerry says: Sure. I'll send the bill. Oh, David. Why don't you make plans to like give all of us a call sometime during the festivities that Tues.

Jerry says: Door prize of a magic item! Whoo!

Jerry says: Links page is now up on the website. Although JK hasn't made it pretty yet. We can now all get out there and advertise by getting other campaign sites and related stuff to exchange links with us. Send all locations of relavent sites that you like to me to add. I"ll contact them and see if we can get on their link list. The idea is to get OUR name out there, so no links, unless they link us.

jk-oops, I'm not in the habit of there being 2 dms again. I only sent my last turn to jerry.

Jerry says: (to everyone) Once again I find myself thanking Keith for all he's done with this one this spring and especially how consistent he's been! I don't know how JK and I would have lasted this spring without him. Thanks Keith. ( Your Welcome :^)

Today was the first day of TAAS test and school on the teacher's side of things was an insane asylum. The school board decided to come visit the testing conditions and bring the media with them. AAUUGH! They walk right in our room with the principal just after I've talked down two girls who were crying from the pressure. I could see one girls just gulping down her heaves while they were there. I had had enough! These people wanted to see what testing was like! I'd show them. I went over to the girl, calmly carrying the trash can, gave it to her and pointed towards the hallway. I then took the hands of one of our female board members and one of the media ladies from TV and said, "Could you help calm her down please. I've got all I can deal with here. Thanks."

Within a minute the superintendent had the whole group OUT of the building. I took a legal break from the test, sat the kids on the carpet and passed out snacks I'd brought, while I was calmly talking to them. I grabbed the assistant principal so no one could accuse me of going over test materials during the test and began to talk them down. The sixth graders were actually angry that these people came in and bothered them. They were all for storming downtown and telling them. They were really taking up for each other and the girl who had gotten sick. (BTW, we had 2 other girls and one boy also throw up this morning.) We pulled out a joke book and watched the cartoon channel a bit (bugs bunny in the barbershop did the trick) then set about the test. I told them I had never seen them act more mature than they had that morning and that as far as I was concerned each one of them deserved to pass this stupid test and that they were each ready for Jr. High right then. I officially declared the class a 7th grade class (which they loved), tore up the seating chart and let them grab their books and reenter the room as 7th graders.

We may not all have passed the TAAS today, but we had a moment. One of those defining moments they and I will never forget. One of those moments I'll remember silently and smile at when outsiders who don't understand say, "Why did you become a teacher." and I have to answer, "You could never understand."

Jerry says: David Hott can't make it Tuesday, so I'm going to open up the bag of worms and see if Monday is better. It might be better for JK as well. Everyone please respond. Same times, just on Monday the 18th. 5:00 for supper at Parkway Grill, 6:30 arrival time. Roll dice at 7:00-11:00. We WILL quit promptly at 11:00 do to all of us working the next day. So for John and David who haven't played in a while, we don't do the play till whenever things anymore. We start and quit on time. :)

David Hott- If we have a protracted combat here I have a proposition: The DM run more than one round per day. For example: Gareth is fighting at the door. He'll continue to do that for as long as he can. Therefore, combat for him is very easy. Hack, hack hack, hack, hack hack, etc.. For a magic user you may say "Here are my spells and their order. Cast them as you can and in a way that makes sense." Since there are so many undead we may have no way of doing this in an expeditious manner. With a map a fighter could direct his attacks at specific creatures in a specific order. Just a thought.( that would be nice, but the turns come at all times, and it takes a lot of time to do a turn , at least an hour per turn. Keith)

no turn from Kat , Gareth , or Nonam yet ( 10PM)

Jerry says: No distractions this morning before the Reading part of the test. The kids are loose and ready. I wonder which day's scores will turn out the best? Twill prove interesting.

Jerry says: I have heard from no-one concerning switching from Tuesday to Monday for John's party. So, now it's officially Monday. We'll take him out to supper, with Tina his wife if y'all want to. Feel free to invite your wives as well if you want to. I think I"ll f refrain on bringing my dogs though. At 6:30 we'll head over to my house, (4410 Cunningham-691-1078) and get set to play. We'll play from 7-11 and then head home.

The Ongoing Title of the Module I'm writing for the occasion is:

"Verses the Black Blades"

I hope that catches your attention. There will be a door prize as well. Just for fun.

Scott Carpenter has committed to come as well. Steve Hott will come to supper and for the first couple of hours.

David Hill: Hey Keith, ummm....I don't currently have my lasso (3# )(left at top level where Web was), combat net (10#) (nailed down to the stairs to prevent trap), or robes (?#)(removed on 2nd level when covered with grease to avoid fire damage) ( so you're running around with no clothing on ?? don't you think that you're cha. would cause revulsion from your companions now that see you in all your glory ?-Keith)-- does that help on my movement rate? ( yes, some. now you have a movement rate of 4 - Keith)

John says: Like I said before, either Monday or Tuesday is fine to play. Tina and kids left today for her parent's house. I've already started to go into another room 3 or 4 times, thinking I heard one of my kids calling or screaming. No, I'm not completely crazy, it's just kids playing outside.

Jerry says: The official time is Monday then. Supper at Parkway Grill at 5:00 and begin moving over to my place at 6:30 or so. We'll play till 11:00. The name of the module is "Versus the Black Blades" There will be a door prize just for fun.

David Hill says: ....robes (?#)(removed on 2nd level when covered with grease to avoid fire damage) ( so you're running around with no clothing on ?? don't you think that you're cha. would cause revulsion from your companions now that see you in all your glory ?-Keith) (Hey, I shop at Victoria's Secrets, give a gal a break...I've still got the veil on, so that should help a little. So my legs and arms are scarred more than your seasoned veteran warrior -- I'm not looking for a date among this bunch.)

Jerry says: I'm staying out of this one....[grin]

Anthony says: Our net has been down two days and I am lost in the turns, please have KAT do something use full and send be the back loged turns 2 days will do and I'll catch back up SOrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyy

Jerry says: No problem....Kat bats her eyes at the undead and says, "I'm your new leader, walk this way please.....The undead all slurr...."Iff weee cudd waalkkk thatttt wayyyy........" Just kidding Anthony.

Jerry says: Anthony, please start sending your turns also to my school address. I'll see that they get in on time. I'll carry them home via disk. :) I know that will work!

Joey says: Hey, Jerry, I believe I will get in on the campaign, but it will be a month or so before I can start playing. One of the things I need to do is go to storage and hunt down my gaming stuff. I also am planning to get a home pc (Nope, I still don't have one yet) within the next few weeks. Right now I'm emailing from work, and I'd like to wait until I can email from home before I start playing. I will keep you posted. Hope everything is going well!

Jerry says: Joey's gonna play? That's it!

Jerry says: Welcome Joey. Looks like you'll be ready about the same time we get ready to transfer the game to the message boards. Joey I need your email address to begin sending you the turns. Keith may have it and be sending you turns, but I don't. :) I missed it somehow. Please send again.

David Hott says: Thanks for the change of date on the game. I can now participate. I'm planning on making dinner AND the game.

David continues: I talked to Joey today. He said he has a couple of ideas on some cool characters to run. Anyone who knows Joey knows what that means... We will probably have lunch next week.

JK says: sorry, I haven't been sending in turns. It was a busy week, but I've completed all my requirements for graduation now. So...

Jerry says: All is still go for Monday the 18th. Steve is probably just coming to the meal and then maybe to hang out a bit at the start. Anthony is probably going to just come to the game as he has drama practice after school on Mondays. Ahh the life of a teacher is never done. Scott Carpenter is still a maybe as I haven't talked to him in a few days. All others are assumed to be meeting us at Parkway Grill at 5:00 and then at the game at 6:30-7.

Jerry says: Uh, John. We need to finalize things for the next module. Let's start emailing the plotline back and forth daily or so with each of us adding the final details as we get time. I forget. Which days did you want? I'll take three. You said you could do Wed. which was my hard day. Which other day did you want? Tues?

Jerry says: School should slow down a bit now. I was evaluated Friday and did fine. David, I did a Mnemonic lesson about Different kinds of Energy with some horrible puns like King Etic (Kinetic), Queen Kim I Call, (Chemical) [no pun or anything at all intended Dave....:) Hi Kim I Call] Son "D" (Sound), A cake that is "new clear through" (Nuclear). Yes folks, this is how I make a living......really.

Jerry says: I have three modules to finish up right now. The one for John's party is the first one. The Friday before that I have one to prepare for Pegasus Loft [our local gaming store]. We're running a Woldian game there with the hopes of finding a few players since Steve has not come back and JK is moving in June. JK is helping me with this one and I may ask your help a bit for it as well, seeing that we're going to play The Three vs. The Blight Witches altered a bit to make for a nice showcase of The Wold campaign setting. We're combining that with combating magical drug we dealt with in the local game recently. If it works out well, we might rewrite it again and send it in to Dungeon Magazine. JK and I think that the combination of the two ideas will make a formidable tournament module. Third, John and I have the next online module to finish. It's planned, but needs some final touches and we have to put HD and THACOS etc. on the monsters. :)

no turn from Gareth today-Keith

JK-I'm a go for dinner and the game. Julia says she'll come to the dinner provided some other women folk also attend.

Jerry says: Great. Anthony? How about bringing Maria. John? Wanna bring Tina?

Gareth-Sorry for last turn. I just replied to Jerry and did not send the turn to Woldian. My mistake. Nothing much lost anyway.

I'm afraid Kim will not be coming to W.F. for the festivities. She has been unable to travel very far in a vehicle lately as she is dealing with being pregnant.

----------

&lt;John says&gt; I just sent an email asking Tina about the dinner. If you want to talk with her yourself, Jerry, she is at her parents house.

&lt;John says&gt; David Hill, will Tina and I get to meet your wife at this dinner?

Anthony: Bring Maria to what?

Jerry says: Welcome Joey. Looks like you'll be ready about the same time we get ready to transfer the game to the message boards. Joey I need your email address to begin sending you the turns. Keith may have it and be sending you turns, but I don't. :) I missed it somehow. Please send again.

Jerry says: Everyone please add Joey's email address and phone number to your address books and macros...:)

&lt;John says&gt; Jerry? You out there? Did you get my last message sent directly to you?

David Hill to John: Sorry, John, we won't be able to make it to town...but we'll call. Will Tina [your Tina (inside joke)] be over at the party at Jerry's place? If not, let me know a place where we can call her."

Jerry says: I believe I invited Anthony and Maria to supper the 18th at Parkway Grill. I had forgotten that Anthony can't make that because of rehearsal at school. Sorry Anthony. Scott Carpenter thinks he might be able to come....looks doubtful to me. Left a message for Steve Hott. Should hear from him today. JK, tell your more attractive half that Tina is the only other wife that could possibly come. Erin has committed to both the meal and the game though. So there's two possible females. :)

jk says- OK, that just about does it with the stones story line. Next up are Jerry and John. Let's all hope that they can keep up the excellent level of quality Keith instilled in the last adventure. Now then, pretty much nothing happens for about one month. That means, everyone is at their leisure to go down short little side paths with the DM. That is to say, if you have your heart set on a particular magic item, now is the time to try to get it. Or you can visit your temple, sell treasure, or whatever you want. Next turn will start the new story line. Also expect experience for the whole Necromancer story line to be awarded pretty soon.

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