DM Sunday February 14th, 1999 3:08:59 PM
After muttering a feverish prayer, one of the guards answers Gareth, "Garg's Eye, I would swear it was the Lord Elgin. But by Alemi's Teeth I swear that we'll not have such a one rule us any more." After a little practice, Teko gets his dragon just right (200xp for Teko). Soon soldiers begin returning from the woods, and they begin to help clean up the place. Jorl takes his family into town, so they won't be faced with the horrors of the evening any longer. After they've grabbed their belongings, he looks to the party, "You are welcome to stay the night if you wish, but I need to get my children away from this. My thanks again. Had you not been here, we'd be dead. We are still in your debt it seems. Maybe you can stop by on your return trip."
Onrad Sunday February 14th, 1999 5:43:59 PM
"Teko, the aura is missing, though. What about adding a little fear into the mix? Is that possible? I don't know about you guys, but it wasn't what I saw as much as what I felt in it's presence. A sense of awe combined with fear and some majesty." After the fire burns out, Onrad sets to levelling the fire and burying any bones, etc. that remain after incineration. He tries to spread dirt on the site after carrying off all the logs that didn't completely burn, so that the kids upon returning don't have notice there ever was a burial fire there.
Gareth Sunday February 14th, 1999 8:55:59 PM
says "I would like to sleep here. You'll be safe enough with the men. Guys, I can't take first watch, I'm sick." And with that looks for a place to lay down, a couch or something and goes to sleep.
Teko Monday February 15th, 1999 1:33:59 AM
"You are right Onrad. The aura is missing. But if you had not known that it was an illusion, you yourself may well have provided what was lacking. Especially now that you have seen an actual dragon. Paradoxical, I suppose. One thing I do not want to reproduce is the stench of these goblins! And I thought I smelled bad after taking that hell hound's breath. Disgusting!"
Nonam Monday February 15th, 1999 3:13:59 PM
Nonam goes out to search in the grass for dragon scales, claws, or the like.
DM Monday February 15th, 1999 3:19:59 PM
Nonam actually manages to find a small blue scale (gave 25% chance - rolled 25). It sparkles as he moves it in the moonlight. Gareth throws up his dinner and then falls into a feverish sleep. Eventually all go to sleep. The next day you awake and see that the farm has been restored to near perfect order. Certainly new crops and livestock will be necessary, ut the place is livable.
DM Monday February 15th, 1999 3:20:59 PM
Gareth awakes feeling a little better. He has a high fever but doesn't feel sick to his stomach any longer (2 pts of dex return).
Gareth Monday February 15th, 1999 4:56:59 PM
looks around the farm a bit after eating to see if there is anything he can see to do - as he he a great deal of experience with such things - hoping the fresh air will help improve his recovery. If he finds anything he does it and then returns to sleep.
Onrad Monday February 15th, 1999 8:40:59 PM
Onrad helps Gareth and then suggests, "Guys and Kat, I suggest we head to town, say goodbye, and be on our way."
Gareth Monday February 15th, 1999 10:00:59 PM
agrees and goes to the wagon to make sure the goblins didn't mess it up too bad.
Jus Tuesday February 16th, 1999 2:01:59 AM
"I certainly hope the horses are okay, I'm certainly ready to start our vacation! What would a dragon be doing in this area anyway? Did anyone get a chance to ask the guards?"
Teko Tuesday February 16th, 1999 3:05:59 AM
Teko hobbles a bit from his wounds as he picks up his equipment. "I thought our vacation was already well underway..."
Kat Tuesday February 16th, 1999 3:47:59 AM
"Dragon? What dragon? Did you have a dream about a dragon too? It was the funiest thing guys I had this dream that we were attacked by big goblins and then this guy came and picked up this sword and then turned into a dragon and then . . . i don't remember anything after that but I must have slept walked cause I woke up in the middle of the down stairs door jam this morning with all my cloths on, and everyone knows I sleep in the nude, so you had a dream about dragons too?"
Nonam Tuesday February 16th, 1999 3:27:59 PM
"Yes Kat, we all dreamed about a dragon. I even dreamed up a dragon scale into existence." He holds the small glittering thing aloft and then tucks it away. "Let's go."
DM Tuesday February 16th, 1999 3:32:59 PM
The party makes it into town and says goodbyes to Jorl and his family. Before leaving, the band notices one of the soldiers from the previous night whipping a small group into a frenzy, "I tell you the Lord Elgin is a dragon. I saw it with my own eyes. A man dressed all in blue? Who wears blue?" The crowd cries, "ELGIN" The man goes on, "Yes, Elgin. He was blue and he turned into a blue dragon. Are you can let one of those filthy creatures live around here?" "NO!" "Well then let's round up a big enough group and show this lord what we think of dragons!" The crowd cheers and whistles and runs around grabbing up pitchforks and the like.
Gareth Tuesday February 16th, 1999 5:22:59 PM
says to Jus "They said it was Lord Elgin.". After saying goodbye to Jorl and family Gareth says to the guard "How do you know the dragon was Lord Elgin? Last night you said you only THOUGHT it was Lord Elgin. Haven't you seen Lord Elgin before? You'd better be sure before you attack. And by the way, last night you swore by Alemi. Isn't Alemi a dragon? Do you really think you can beat a dragon with pitch forks? Your a soldier! You know this is not the way to beat a dragon! I only speak because not to would mean your death and I would not like to see that - especially after your help last night."
Onrad Tuesday February 16th, 1999 8:35:59 PM
I'm not as educated as Nonam about such things, but my tutor once told me that Alemi is human in form, but once fought a battle as a dragon long ago. Is that correct Nonam?" Onrad thinks for a minute and says, "Perhaps we'd better stick around and be sure these fine people here don't get themselves killed by doing something stupid. Somehow I don't think this dragon if he is Elgin in disguise would be so stupid as to reveal his nature to us. I think it's more likely that this dragon wanted us to think that he was Elgin we'd go kill or cast him out saving the dragon some trouble. Colored dragons are evil and I know the High Lord Mayor wouldn't allow one to be a duke of the kingdom if he knew about it. I say we confront this Elgin fellow and check things out a bit before we leave. Combine that with what happened to me and the connection of my abduction to Elgin as well and we have a grand and important mystery to solve. Who is Elgin? Is he legitimate? Is he good or evil and if good, who's trying to ruin his reputation and manipulate in his name? All fine questions don't you think?"
Gareth Tuesday February 16th, 1999 11:00:59 PM
looks a bit confused and says "I don't think he's evil. He MUST be good. He forgave all those taxes at the very site of wrongdoing by him." Speaking to the guards he asks "Where does Elgin live? If you'll tell me I'll go ask him some questions about this dragon. That way nobody gets in trouble for anything."
Nonam Wednesday February 17th, 1999 1:05:59 AM
"Elgin's estates are on the way to Tincrow. I checked earlier, and we do have an invite... And for what it's worth, Onrad's more or less right. Alemi can turn into a dragon, but he isn't one. I don't know that I'd say he has the aspect of man though. I think the idea is that he's a god. He can look like whatever he wants." Then in a barely audible voice, "..assuming of course that he even exists."
Jus Wednesday February 17th, 1999 3:24:59 AM
Jus loads the rest of the stuff on the wagon while everyone talks. He comes over when it is done, "I vote for Elgin, too. My daddy always said to accept a king's invitation..."
Teko Wednesday February 17th, 1999 3:30:59 AM
"I say we go to Elgin. Quickly. Before these folk get too eager."
Onrad Wednesday February 17th, 1999 3:58:59 AM
He's not a king. There is no king in New Elenna. After the last one, there probably never will be another one. Instead the High Lord Mayor of Plateau City serves as the leader and he is elected. Except for The Floating City who doesn't recognize him and views themselves as a City State Loyal to any past and future King of New Elenna. They are loyal to the idea of a king, but not to the country he rules. Strange. But then Jus is an elf and wouldn't be in a position to know all that.
DM Wednesday February 17th, 1999 3:23:59 PM
The soldiers and peasants give Gareth hate filled looks and look as if they are about to ask whose side he's on anyway, but then they pick up on the king discussion between Onrad and Jus. They didn't seem to think anything of it when Jus spoke. Afterall lords are lords to the common folk, but on hearing Onrad they begin to murmur. The leader jumps up and screams, "The Dragon is trying to become the king. I hear Dragons killed good King Claudia. KILL THE DRAGON! KILL ELGIN!" In the few minutes that the party has witnessed this mob, it has doubled in size. It now counts many more armed soldiers in its ranks. The party beats it out of town quick and heads south. Gareth doesn't feel up to driving, so others take turns driving. Toward late afternoon, the party finds a trail branching off the main road that Nonam claims leads to Elgin's estate. The party follows it until dusk, but the noble's home isn't in site yet. Nonam guesses that if you pressed you could arrive by midnight or by noon if you stopped for the night.
Nonam Wednesday February 17th, 1999 3:25:59 PM
"I think we should camp for the night. It's safer. Elgin's guards probably won't let us in that late, and I doubt the rabble of Baenville will get up the nerve to come out here for a couple of days yet."
Gareth Wednesday February 17th, 1999 5:18:59 PM
says "I'm tired but I think we'd better go on. Don't forget that some of the leaders are soldiers and might try something sooner. That way we give him more time to prepare - and he'll need to prepare."
Teko Thursday February 18th, 1999 1:13:59 AM
"I'd like to press on, but how is Elgin going to react to midnight visitors? We'll need to come up with a good excuse. Or do we just come out and tell him, 'Oh, by the way, anytime now you'll be attacked by angry townspeople.'? We still need to find out what he's about."
Gareth Thursday February 18th, 1999 1:31:59 AM
"True, what if the town folk are correct? Unlikely. I'll wait until morning if everyone wants to."
Onrad Thursday February 18th, 1999 3:55:59 AM
"I say we go on. We're trying to save this guy....if he deserves to be saved. That we must find out before the crowd gets there. We won't know the situation there till we arrive. We can rest once we know whether this duke is to be protected or deposed.
Jus Thursday February 18th, 1999 12:38:59 PM
"I'd hate to wake up in the middle of an angry mob with a dragon strafing the crowds. Let's press on."
Nonam Thursday February 18th, 1999 2:58:59 PM
"I hope whoever was keeping watch would notice an angry mob well before they were trampling you in your sleep. But it sounds as if the vote is for pressing on. So let's move out after a quick dinner."
DM Thursday February 18th, 1999 3:08:59 PM
The party presss onward through the night. Gareth's lack of rest makes him feel sick to his stomach. His exertion will likely keep him from improving again in the morning. The road is rough in places and the going is slow. There is no moon this night, and so it is very dark. The thick trees on either side of the road don't help matters. The going is slow but uneventful until Jus's elven ears pick out the sounds of something keeping pace with the wagon in the forest. It is about 11pm.
Gareth Thursday February 18th, 1999 5:07:59 PM
"Guys, I don't know if any of you can help but I am STILL sick from that poison sword. If one of you guys can help now might be a good time if we are going to have to fight again soon."
Onrad Thursday February 18th, 1999 8:35:59 PM
"Grin and bear, Gareth. Shh, Jus. Hear that?" Motions to the sounds in the forest. Points at Jus and himself. Then Onrad makes walking motions with his fingers towards the sounds and a questioning shrug. (He's asking Jus if they should go check things out.)
Jus Friday February 19th, 1999 4:39:59 AM
Healing! Of course! Jus considers Gareth's words, thinking that he's not in very good shape himself. However, with a great big grin in hearing Onrad, Jus nods and begins quietly stalking to the fore side of the noise, motioning Onrad to go to the aft.
Nonam Friday February 19th, 1999 9:04:59 AM
Nonam silently hopes it isn't another bear.
Kat Friday February 19th, 1999 6:07:59 PM
If we would just sit still for awhile I can heal some of us.
Teko Friday February 19th, 1999 6:47:59 PM
Teko whispers, "Kat, that's a WONDERFUL idea. I had hoped that these scuffs of mine were imaginary, but I don't think that they'll go away for many days yet, at least not without assistance. Gareth, I have protection items if you think they might help you to resist the poison each day."
DM Sunday February 21st, 1999 4:03:59 PM
Suddenly a ferocious deer springs out in front Jus. It stares with its big eyes at the party for a second and then it runs across the road. No one hears anything else.
Gareth Sunday February 21st, 1999 5:17:59 PM
rolls his eyes and says "Come on guys, lets go. Keep your ears open but let keep going." To Teko he says "Thanks for the offer but it's just a slow recovery. Maybe in a couple more days I'll be OK."
Jus Sunday February 21st, 1999 8:46:59 PM
"I'd like to take Kat up on her offer, for healing that is! I have to admit I'm in no shape for another fight."
Nonam Sunday February 21st, 1999 10:32:59 PM
Nonam notices that almost everyone is indeed hurt and frowns, "Something tells me that we weren't too bright in our decision to come out here."
Kat Monday February 22nd, 1999 1:39:59 AM
"I'll be happy to heal people but I need some rest and a chance to change spells."
Teko Monday February 22nd, 1999 2:51:59 AM
"So, then. Do we continue on?"
Onrad Monday February 22nd, 1999 3:20:59 AM
No, we keep ourselves alive. I'm not hurt much, but I can see that some of you are. We camp here on the road. It's a safe road. The magic of the thing makes it impossible for anyone to purposefully harm anyone else while you are on it. I'll take the first watch. You guys get some rest. Onrad hops off the wagon and says, Anyone want to help me get some firewood? I'd like to get out of this armor before long.
Nonam Monday February 22nd, 1999 3:03:59 PM
"Onrad, I do not think this is a safe road. We took this trail off the main road late this afternoon (see the dm turn for 2/18). Elgin lives out in the sticks somewhere, and by now we can't be more than an hour away. While I think we should have camped before dark, now we are so close that I think it would be more dangerous to sleep out here than continue. We were ready to plunge on into the darkness before. Why let a deer scare us?"
Gareth Monday February 22nd, 1999 6:16:59 PM
says "I vote we keep going. The closer we get hopefully the less chance of dangerous activity. We can rest when we get there."
Onrad Monday February 22nd, 1999 8:25:59 PM
"Ah, thanks Nonam. That's what I get for napping in the wagon. Yes, we must go on.
Kat Tuesday February 23rd, 1999 2:39:59 AM
"Either way I need to rest before I can heal."
Teko Tuesday February 23rd, 1999 2:46:59 AM
"We're on our way then."
Jus Tuesday February 23rd, 1999 6:58:59 AM
"I don't mind going, the worst thing that could happen is to die. I've always wondered what that would be like."
DM Tuesday February 23rd, 1999 4:28:59 PM
The group climbs back onto the carriage and continues on in the darkness. Soon you emerge from the trees and are in a hilly region. Most likely the grass is soft and green in the daytime. The rest of the journey takes slightly longer than Nonam estimated, but not by much. The path comes out on a small castle just a little after midnight. There are two towers inside a stone wall. You can just make out a little movement on the battlements, and two guards stand at the main gate. They seem to notice you immediately, but they make no move from their post.
Gareth Tuesday February 23rd, 1999 5:50:59 PM
"Maybe we ought to identify ourselves. I wouldn't want to get shot on the last leg of our journey.". He turns and calls to the guards "I am Gareth Justinian. We are the Three. We have come from near Baenville with news for Lord Elgin."
Onrad Tuesday February 23rd, 1999 8:43:59 PM
Just in case I've been here before when I wasn't myself, I turn to face the rear of the wagon pretending to fiddle with something. Then I pull on my hood and do my best to hide my face. I concentrate on the voices and faces as we proceed to see if anything sounds or looks familiar to me.
Nonam Tuesday February 23rd, 1999 10:26:59 PM
Nonam pulls out the invitation to show the guards when they get closer.
Teko Wednesday February 24th, 1999 2:28:59 AM
Teko smiles and waves, trying to look harmless.
Jus Wednesday February 24th, 1999 3:00:59 AM
Jus smiles broadly and waves to the guards.
Kat Wednesday February 24th, 1999 4:21:59 AM
Kat tries to look unapealing
DM Wednesday February 24th, 1999 1:16:59 PM
The guards stand at their post and wait for the party to get closer. Once you do, the one on the left steps out from the gate and walks up to the wagon, "A little late to be travelling isn't it? The castle is shut down for the night. Come back in the morning." At that Nonam hands over the invitation. The guard apparently can't read it, but he recognizes Elgin's seal. "Well I suppose you can sleep in the kennel, but you won't be able to see the Lord til morning."
Gareth Wednesday February 24th, 1999 6:21:59 PM
"That's fine. We just wanted to be able to get here and speak to him early. It's important but can wait until then. Thank you for the hospitality."
Onrad Wednesday February 24th, 1999 8:36:59 PM
Onrad keeps his head covered from the guards, and continues to look around and see if he recognized any of this.
Teko Thursday February 25th, 1999 1:10:59 AM
"I hope you all like dogs. I'm very fond of them myself, though my family never kept any. So many breeds of dog were bigger than us, you see."
Nonam Thursday February 25th, 1999 4:42:59 PM
"Don't worry Teko, I won't let them eat you. Lead the way, guard."
DM Thursday February 25th, 1999 5:09:59 PM
Onrad recognizes nothing. He also realizes that the likelihood of him having time to travel this far and back in the time he was controlled is extremely unlikely. The guard leads the party to the kennel. It's warm and dry, and plenty of soft hay to sleep on. For the most part the dogs sleep, but every so often all 50 of them start barking. The next morning finds the group only partially rested and a little grumpy. Gareth does feel a little better after even such a fitful night of sleep. (1pt str returns) Soon a steward comes to the stables to fetch you. He mutters something about how you all stink and aren't fit to appear before a family of trolls much less a lord. So he remedies the situation by bringing you into the castle and getting each of you bathed and a set of new clothes. He also explains that none of you are allowed to meet with Elgin while armed or armored. He waves away all protests to the contrary and says its either a choice of doing what he says or not meeting Elgin. Soon the party is back together and standing before a pair of giant double doors. You're all perfumed and look like little lordlings. Everyone but Gareth that is. He looks like a sick farmer trying to pretend to be a lord. Then the doors open and you are led into a large chamber. A short, overweight, balding man with a full grey beard and a twinkle in his blue eyes sits upon a chair at the far end. He is obviously not the dangerous man with blue tinted skin and silver hair you met at the farm. Once you are inside, he calls out in a booming voice, "Welcome. I'm glad you all decided to come so I could see the men that helped uncover the plot against me." As he speaks, everyone notices a young girl standing behind him on his right. She has long red hair, and a twinkle in her blue eyes that surely name her as Elgin's daughter. The only word that comes to anyone's mind to describe her is beautiful. The old man continues speaking, "Well, feel free to guest here for a few days. You can have pretty much free run of the place. I have a decent library that your mages may want to see, and I'd be happy to take a hunting trip with you this afternoon. There are plenty of deer to be had around here. Oh yes, I'm sorry about you having to sleep in the stables." At that the girl leans forward and whispers in his ear. He turns around and looks at her, "The kennels you say. Even worse. Friends I appologize. Morton bring that guard to me." The steward bows and walks out. The old man keeps on talking, "Well I can see you all have something on your mind. What is it? Might as well get it over with so we can have fun."
Gareth Thursday February 25th, 1999 6:05:59 PM
shuffles his feet a little being at least as uncomfortable as he looks. He looks at the others hoping they will be able to say something with a bit more 'grace' than he knows he can muster. He clears his throat since he seems to be the one to talk first most times. "I'm not sure how to begin, Lord Elgin. There seems to be a lot of activity on your lands by evil creatures. We had to fight off a large band of goblins the other night. They had an evil sword that gave them extra power. It poisoned me. Guards came quickly but a family would have died if we had not been there. It seems the people there are getting restless about it."
Onrad Thursday February 25th, 1999 8:29:59 PM
::Stands in the back trying not to be noticed::Holding back the urge to talk for once in a civilized setting makes him squirm a little.
Jus Thursday February 25th, 1999 11:27:59 PM
Surprisingly, Jus seems more comfortable than usual in this setting. "Thank you for your concern for our stay last night. Granting us audience before your lord, and", nodding towards his daughter, "allowing us to behold what surely must be your kingdom's preeminent jewel easily makes recompense." Bringing his eyes back to Elgin after a brief smile of admiration for his daughter, Jus continues, "But as you say, we do have thoughts to share. Our compatriot Gareth alluded to a battle; a battle which ended with the appearance of a blue dragon in human form. For some reason, a few of the guards present believed the dragon to be you, and have raised a mob to remove the dragon from its seat of power. To 'Kill the Beast', as it were."
Teko Friday February 26th, 1999 3:54:59 AM
Teko watches Elgin closely.
Nonam Sunday February 28th, 1999 4:06:59 PM
Nonam pulls the dragon scale out from one of his many pockets, "I have one scale from the creature... and a few wounds to prove our story."
DM Sunday February 28th, 1999 4:35:59 PM
Elgin frowns at goblins, smiles at praise of his daughter, mutters that he doesn't rule a kingdom, frowns at blue dragons, but on hearing that the people think he's a dragon, he takes on a look of absolute suprise and blurts out, "It's preposterous. I'm not a dragon. Do I look like a dragon? I shall send some of my best men to investigate the situation in Baenville, and I thank you for bringing it to my attention. I do not think that we have anything to fear from mobs though. We live far enough away from settlements that a mob would probably dissolve before it got here. Even if it did, they could not successfully seige the castle - even if they do have soldiers with them. I shall inform the current leadership in Plateau City about the dragon. I've heard rumors, but they've all been very different. That scale there proves that at least you saw a blue one." Elgin's daughter looks calm at discussion of goblins, but once the topic turns to dragons she appears anxious. Just then you hear a commotion in the hallway, and suddenly the man you know as Djrughar walks into the room. A pair of guards come rushing in after. One of the guards blurts out, "Sorry milord. We couldn't stop him." Elgin leaps to his feet, "What's the meaning of this? Who are you and what do you want?" The blue man smiles, "They know who I am, and I've come to claim someone dear to my heart." Then he transforms into the dragon you saw once before. It barely fits even in this huge room. Nevertheless a full grown dragon stands before you. Save vs Dragon Fear (spell) +7 or you are unable to act.
Gareth Sunday February 28th, 1999 5:28:59 PM
unimpressed by the display (15 sv) draws his sword and says "You'll have to explain better than that. Don't advance any further." and waits not wanting to commit what looks to be suicide best he can tell.
Nonam Sunday February 28th, 1999 10:19:59 PM
Terrified (2), Nonam drops to the ground and puts his hands over his head and mutters over and over again, "don'tkillusdon'tkillusdon'tkillus..."
Onrad Sunday February 28th, 1999 11:52:59 PM
Onrad has been keeping a low profile in the rear of the group all this time. He turns and finds himself face to face with this dragon and his heart nearly stops with excitement as he has always dreamed of fighting a dragon. Having seen him once before, he quickly gulps down his fear (rolled an adjusted 18) and quickly dives and rolls to the dragon's left (voluntary dex check of 13) coming up on his feet. He then uses the rest of the first half of his movement to move further back on the dragon's flank where he holds position looking for a pillar or something like it to quickly get behind if he needs to dodge the dragon's breath. He holds his attack and prepares himself mentally with a quick prayer ,to the gods in general, to fight and possibly die.
Jus Monday March 1st, 1999 3:28:59 AM
Jus raises is eyebrows in mock surprise when 'Djrughar' enters, but shows no fear (19s). "Somehow, I've been expecting you." He draws both his swords and positions himself in front of Elgin's daughter; his elvin blood screaming to protect this masterpiece at all costs.
Teko Monday March 1st, 1999 3:29:00 AM
With relative calmness (saving with a 14, before modifiers), Teko quickly casts Hypnotism directly upon Nonam, making eye contact with him if he can, and says soothingly to Nonam, "It's okay, you are becoming calm, your are clear-headed, you are in control of yourself, you are calm..."
DM Monday March 1st, 1999 2:20:59 PM
The guards run from the room screaming. Elgin faints dead away. Teko's hypnotism gets Nonam to shut up, but he still lies on the floor unable to move. Everyone who draws a weapon realizes that they don't have their weapons or their armor because the steward wouldn't let you see Elgin while you had them. Remember? The dragon looks toward Gareth and asks, "Haven't you learned by now that I don't feel the need to explain myself to you?" Then it addresses the group, "Nevertheless, I didn't come here to kill any of you." Then the creature lowers its head and looks right at Jus. In a cold raspy whisper it says, "Now move."
Gareth Monday March 1st, 1999 4:32:59 PM
disgusted at himself for being unarmed so easily, looks at the dragon and says "You will feel that need one day. It would seem to me that a creature with your power would have better things to do than chase goblins and terrorize unarmed people.". He looks for another way out of the chamber - from the back preferrably. Once seen he runs to the girl (somehow knowing that is who the dragon is after), grabs her and attempt to get out the door - knowing there is nothing he can do without his weapons against this thing. (If there is no way out he stays put and tries to think of something else).
Jus Monday March 1st, 1999 10:20:59 PM
Grasping air as he reaches for his swords, Jus considers his options. He turns to the girl while Gareth is looking around and, after a slight hesitation as he almost uses her ring finger, he slips his +1/7% ring onto her index finger. Whispering, he tells her, "Keep this on at all times. And don't worry, we'll be there." Jus tries to stay next to her for as long as possible, between her and the dragon.
Onrad Monday March 1st, 1999 11:30:59 PM
Realizing that dragons always say they aren't gonna kill you just to set you up for a breath attack, Onrad races the rest of the way down the dragon's torso to his tail region and in front of the door he came in. He then tries to distract him from the girl knowing he'll probably die for this. He yells, "Hey Djrughar! Your father was a hamster and your mother smells of Elderberries! You stink of goblin breath! You are a coward...a big guy like you pitting himself against weaponless humans! Be you Wyrm or Orc?? Face me like the coward that you are!!!!!" Onrad scrambles in his pack for a hopefully helpful item are prepares to pull it out.
Teko Tuesday March 2nd, 1999 3:39:59 AM
Teko casts a second Hypnotism spell upon Nonam, saying, "Your fear is disappearing, you feel courage flowing into you, you are no longer afraid..."
DM Tuesday March 2nd, 1999 3:35:59 PM
Gareth discovers there are no other doors, but everyone, with the exception of Nonam, noticed that a large hole opened in the ceiling. So someone who could fly would probably have little difficulty fleeing with the girl. The dragon speaks, "You know there was a time when I could appear before a bunch of humans and elves and they'd all fall down screaming. Frankly I just don't understand it. Now when you come upon the lesser beings you get all this running about. And for the little guy behind me, why insult me? Plus I don't know what good it does you back there. I doubt you'd walk behind a horse if it was giving you trouble, and I guarantee I can kick harder than a horse. If I wanted to kill any of you, I wouldn't have come in here talking. It must be some odd set of circumstances that even brought you here when I was coming. I don't have any special attachment to you. It's strange really I tend to try to avoid humans since most don't understand my kind. It's probably your short lifespan. So let me explain the way this works to you. When one of my kind graces you with the gift of seeing us in our true form - especially when one does so twice - and then actually speaks to you, pay attention. Do what we say. Weep in admiration for our beauty. Don't run around and call us cowards. It doesn't really sit well. That is unless you want to provoke us into killing you because some of us get mad very easily when the lesser races fail to know their place. So with all that said - and it was really a mouthful I haven't spoken that much in your common tounge in a century. Again you should feel blessed. - Now as I was saying, give me the girl now, or I WILL start killing you. And I'll start with her father."
DM Tuesday March 2nd, 1999 3:43:59 PM
After listening to the dragon the girl spins away from Gareth and Jus. She punches Gareth in the mouth (2pts) and says, "You will not endanger my father any longer." In the seconds in takes the two brave heroes to react. She runs toward the dragon. "Take me but don't hurt them." The dragon quickly grabs her in its claw, and says in a mocking tone, "See warrior, there are some things you will never understand. Like the mind of a woman." Then the creature stretches it's mighty wings and flies through the hole it created earlier in the ceiling. You can just make out that it was flying east before the hole closes back up. Nonam recovers, but whether from Teko's spell or the dragon's departure, who can say?
Nonam Tuesday March 2nd, 1999 3:45:59 PM
Nonam stands up and straightens his robes, "Sorry about that. Let's wake up Elgin." He begins to shake the man awake.
Gareth Tuesday March 2nd, 1999 7:39:59 PM
angry at himself helps wake up Elgin. He then goes and gets his weapons and comes back almost WISHING someone says something to him about it..
Jus Tuesday March 2nd, 1999 9:35:59 PM
Wanting to lighted Gareth's mood, Jus begins to say something about it to him. Gareth's glare quickly changes his mind. "On second thought, how 'bout we go kick some dragon tail? -- after we heal up, that is." Jus looks around the floor, hoping Elgin's daughter took the ring he offered, and didn't drop it to the floor in her haste to leave.
Kat Wednesday March 3rd, 1999 12:51:59 AM
Kat continues to sleep.
Gareth Wednesday March 3rd, 1999 2:13:59 AM
says "Wake up Elgin. Maybe he can help us with supplies and healing. We're going to need all the help we can get!"
Teko Wednesday March 3rd, 1999 2:50:59 AM
Teko looks around for any remnants of the dragon's presence.
DM Wednesday March 3rd, 1999 3:27:59 PM
Elgin wakes up, and guards pour into the chamber. Elgin looks at them, "Great, now that the dragon is gone you come to help." Then he looks at the party and asks, "Where's Taelia?" Once filled in tears well up in the old man's eyes, "Please. Will you help her?"
Onrad Wednesday March 3rd, 1999 5:06:59 PM
Onrad goes with Gareth to retrieve his swords. He speaks to himself as he walks. "Ya know his weakness is his arrogance. He doesn't think any humans can kill him or even hurt him and I think he's find me a little harder to hit than he thinks and true he wasn't distracted to much but that's cause combat never started and that stupid girl went with him and someone that stupid should have to stay with him and Elgin should just forget about her cause beautiful girls are nothing but trouble anyhow and are never provide the hapiness that men they say with all their subtle body language that they will and Get to Know me Domi I'm mad at that thing and someday I'm gonna kill it if it killed by me before then.
Gareth Wednesday March 3rd, 1999 5:15:59 PM
says to Onrad "She went because she was afraid it was going to kill her father." When they get back and Elgin wakes up Gareth says "Yes we'll help. But we need supplies and any help you can give us in weapons, magic, and healing. That thing is huge and can really fight. Any idea where it might be headed. It looked like it was going east when the roof closed."
Jus Wednesday March 3rd, 1999 11:10:59 PM
To Gareth, Jus says, "I doubt it was trying to fool us in the direction it went. After all, 'We are put poor younglings; what could we do to an ancient? Ha! Let's go show him just what we can do!"
Teko Thursday March 4th, 1999 3:25:59 AM
"We are at your service, Lord Elgin. Let's rest and prepare. Perhaps that library you mentioned will say something about dragons."
Nonam Thursday March 4th, 1999 4:46:59 PM
"You know guys. I'm all for helping out, but I'm not sure that we can doing anything to it. I've been experimenting on this scale the past couple of days, and I can't even scratch it."
DM Thursday March 4th, 1999 4:57:59 PM
Elgin screams out, "Morton, MORTON!!!" The steward arrives quickly and out of breath. "What is going on, Morton?" The steward begins his report. "Sir, the dragon came in disguised as a human. He resisted efforts to restain him and insisted on seeing you. He left several... 16 to be more exact... guards unconcious, but he killed no one. I happened to be outside when the creature left - I was speaking to the guard that placed our guests in the kennel. Anyway, the creature flew out of a hole in the roof, and headed east. It landed not a short distance from here and let go of your daughter. The two had some sort of convesation with Taelia yelling at the dragon. I could almost make out what she said but not quite. Then she climbed on the creatures back and the flew staight toward the Dragonridge Hills." Elgin blinks in suprise at the last part of the story, "It must be a spell or something. Please find out what happened and bring her back. Morton, they need healing and supplies." "Yes lord." Morton walks out of the room. Soon two clerics are attending your needs. Everyone is completely healed. They tell Gareth that one more good nights sleep will end the effects of the poison. Jus doesn't find his ring.
Gareth Thursday March 4th, 1999 4:58:59 PM
draws his sword, takes the scale from Nonam, puts it on the floor, and stabs it with great force. Then he looks to see what happens to it.
Gareth Thursday March 4th, 1999 5:25:59 PM
After being healed Gareth says "Something doesn't add up guys. The dragon didn't want anyone to die. All he wanted was the girl and she seemed to be OK with that. THEN she YELLS at him and gets away with it? What are they up to?"
DM Thursday March 4th, 1999 6:06:59 PM
Gareth hits the scale so hard that he cracks the stone beneath it, but the scale isn't even scratched.
Nonam Thursday March 4th, 1999 6:10:59 PM
"See? I'm sure something could damage it, but I don't know what. I think from what I've read about dragons that the trick is slipping between the scales... or finding a spot where one is missing like this. Easier said than done I imagine."
Onrad Thursday March 4th, 1999 8:33:59 PM
"You're right Gareth. Something is fishy if he didn't kill any guards. No evil dragon could resist that. Therefore it must not be evil. Somehow, we have an non-evil blue dragon on our hands. Now, if that's the case, then he had a non-evil reason for being here that had to do with the Lord here. Doesn't mean is was a just cause. But he had enough of a reason that he came here and showed himself which dragons prefer not to do. Lord Elgin should know that reason, or his daughter should. This changes our tactics. We must by some means find out what precipitated this act. I see two courses of action that are obvious and there may be others. One is to confront the dragon in a diplomatic fashion and find out what it wants and or needs. Second, I read a book one time called The Halfling or There and Back Again where this halfling was hired by some dwarves to steal from a dragon when the dragon couldn't be harmed in any other way and when a hero couldn't be found. We could try that tactic: stealth. Sneak in, and find out from the girl or by listening what's going on. Any other ideas?
Nonam Thursday March 4th, 1999 10:51:59 PM
"Onrad could be on to something. Now let's assume that the dragon isn't evil. Perhaps it is a gem dragon. They come in colors and aren't evil. They aren't necessarily good. Now as far as tactics, I've also read the book that Onrad was talking about, and as I recall the dragon in the story was asleep. Somehow I think that we'll be expected, so I would vote for the diplomatic course of action.'
Jus Friday March 5th, 1999 2:29:59 AM
"It could always be a created dragon, but I don't fathom how that would be done, yet... I agree with Nonam this time. The dragon seemed very 'diplomatic' and respectful, even when we did immediately consider it evil."
Teko Friday March 5th, 1999 3:37:59 PM
"It seems that the dragon already has what he wants and doesn't wish to be bothered. Otherwise, he might have stayed for tea. Yet I feel obligated to pay him a visit. Lord Elgin, is your daughter what one might call...headstrong?"
Elgin Saturday March 6th, 1999 4:36:59 PM
The proud nobleman you've only just met sits before you weeping and afraid, but he answers Teko with a smile, "Yes, she was very headstrong. Got it from her father I'm afraid. She was also very fair. That was perhaps her best quality. Always ate with the servants and such." The old man's smile fades, and he begins to weep again.
DM Sunday March 7th, 1999 2:50:59 PM
Morton returns with several servants carrying the rest of the party's arms and armor. Every bit has been polished. The steward quickly sends the servants out of the chamber when he sees Elgin's state. Once the servants are gone, he speaks, "I can arrange for you to have a company of guards escort you to the Hills. I doubt you would be able to convince any of them to enter the dragon's lair once you find it, but they'll at least be able to keep you from exerting all your energy on the trip."
Gareth Sunday March 7th, 1999 5:38:59 PM
looks around the floor a bit to see if the dragon lost any more scales - all of a sudden being interested in something you can't break or penetrate. After listening to Morton he says "A contingent of soldiers would be good. That way we'd be much less likely to have trouble getting to the Hills. Let's go.". When everyone looks ready he heads for the stables to get the wagon.
Onrad Sunday March 7th, 1999 8:44:59 PM
Helps Gareth get the horses and the wagon ready for travel. Onrad pays a visit to the Duke's kitchen and outfits himself with some rations and water. Enough for a week. As he does all this, he hums to himself, "When goodness raised its mighty head the dragon turned his tail and ran...."
Nonam Sunday March 7th, 1999 10:53:59 PM
Nonam asks, "Could you send a cleric with us as well... or anything that we could use for healing if we need it."
Jus Monday March 8th, 1999 1:15:59 AM
"I just hope that girl keeps it on", Jus thinks when he can't find the ring. "And I hope, for once, it does what it's supposed to."
Teko Monday March 8th, 1999 2:44:59 AM
Teko asks permission to see the library. He wishes to see how varied are the subjects contained within its books. More importantly, he searches for any texts on dragons and the lore of this area and of the Dragonridge Hills, hoping to find something useful.
DM Monday March 8th, 1999 3:21:59 PM
Teko quickly realizes that Elgin likes romances about knights and fair maidens. He doesn't find anything that is nonfiction. Elgin looks at Jus, "You gave my daughter a ring? Is there something I should know about?" Morton speaks to Nonam, "I'm afraid our priests have expended themselves healing you all this time. They should have a few potions though." He leaves and returns after a few minutes with one extra healing potion for everyone. "I'm sorry that I couldn't find more." Onrad finds himself confronted with an angry cook who informs him that he needs to be getting such supplies from the barracks and not her kitchen. She's quite the matronly sort and luckily Onrad finds what he needs in the barracks as she suggested. Gareth has the wagon ready. All the soldiers get ready quickly. They bring a wagonload of supplies with plenty for everyone. Elgin prepares to give a going away speech, but he just starts to cry and Morton hurries him away from the men while calling back, "GO! Just go. Bring her back to him quickly."
Nonam Monday March 8th, 1999 3:22:59 PM
"Well you heard the man. Let's go." He climbs up in the carriage and sits next to Gareth.
Gareth Monday March 8th, 1999 5:12:59 PM
allows the soldiers to lead the way as they should know where the hills are. He breathes deeply feeling the enjoyment of actually being healthy enought to drive again.
Teko Tuesday March 9th, 1999 2:42:59 AM
Teko hops on the wagon and settles in.
Onrad Tuesday March 9th, 1999 5:23:59 AM
##Brave, brave, brave....brave sir dragon##
Jus Tuesday March 9th, 1999 6:04:59 AM
"Brave sir dragon? Mayhap brave sir Gareth! Ha, ha. The way he looked yesterday, one would've thought we were fighting undead again. I hope we find a wizard's staff in the dragon's lair, something I could fight with and cast with. What about you Onrad?"
DM Tuesday March 9th, 1999 3:18:59 PM
The group leaves in the early afternoon. There are 20 soldiers on horseback with you. You follow a road that leads east of Elgin's castle. The area is heavily wooded, but at times you catch a glimpse of hills in the distance. Every now and again the band comes across a woodcutter or a taveler. In each instance one of the guards speaks with them to see if they saw the dragon flying earlier. Most saw it, and they all confirm that it was flying toward the hills. Eventually night falls. The captain of the soldiers rides up to the wagon, "We should stop for the night. If we leave at first light we should reach the hills by noon tomorrow."
Nonam Tuesday March 9th, 1999 3:20:59 PM
Nonam, "Well lets set up camp. We probably wouldn't be able to find the dragon's lair in the dark anyway... and Onrad please stop. You've been making up those songs for hours now. If you want to be a bard go buy a lute."
Gareth Tuesday March 9th, 1999 7:03:59 PM
smiles at Jus's comment and says "I'd love to find a sword, armor or other item. But somehow I think the dragon would be more than happy to come and take it back if we took it. Maybe we could cut a deal or something. Sounds less deadly to me.". Upon the guards recommendation Gareth gets down and makes camp knowing he must sleep one last night to get rid of the effects of the poison.
Onrad Tuesday March 9th, 1999 8:40:59 PM
"A lute?" Hmm....I do get bored on these trips. Nothing to do unless we get attacked. Plus I know Nonam doesn't really want me to get one. So maybe? I'll do it!" Onrad pretends to play his lute and whistles the tune from "Nowhere River." After a bit he answers Jus, "Well, to be honest, some gauntlets would be nice. Ya know, those kind that make you strong as an ox or an ogre? Yeah, then I could arm wrestle Gareth. hehe."
Jus Wednesday March 10th, 1999 2:15:59 AM
As he helps set up camp, Jus talks with Onrad, "Tell you what: if you get a lute, I'll give you some singing lessons. Then we can give our friends a duet. We need to get Kat involved, too."
Teko Wednesday March 10th, 1999 2:38:59 AM
"I think an ever-full glass of mead would be wonderful..."
DM Wednesday March 10th, 1999 2:55:59 PM
One of the soldiers chuckles at Teko's comment, "I like the way this gnome thinks. Who cares about magic swords and armor? Give me something to make life more pleasant any day. Seriously, I realize that I'm a soldier, but I don't dream of bloodshed. Someone obsessed with only trying to kill stuff more efficiently must be kind of sick... at least in my opinion." The band settles in for the night. Early in the third watch, the party is awakened by screaming soldiers. (Save vs paral. or you don't wake from the noise.) Those that awaken see a pair of horrid creatures moving in to attack the group from either end of the clearing that you're sleeping in. The evil looking things have three heads a piece. They are goat, lion, and dragon. The front of the creature is a lion, the hind section is a goat. It has a dragon's wings and tail. The soldiers are already fighting the things at either end of the camp. The evil creatures have already slain several men. You awake just in time to see one spew forth dragon fire. (AC4)
Gareth Wednesday March 10th, 1999 6:21:59 PM
saws logs (2 doesn't save)- totally oblivious to the assault. He dreams of slaying huge three headed creatures and women actually finding him attractive...
Onrad Wednesday March 10th, 1999 8:36:59 PM
zzzzzzz...Onrad dreams of Gareth dreaming of the girls liking him. It's quite the nightmare...
Jus Wednesday March 10th, 1999 11:24:59 PM
Jus dreams of Onrad stumbling over another stool causing a trap to open under everyone's feet. As he falls into the deep pit, Jus concentrates on staying asleep when he hits bottom -- just to see if it's true what they say about seeing yourself die in your sleep.
Nonam Thursday March 11th, 1999 1:24:59 PM
Nonam (1) keeps on sleeping. He dreams of reading books and learning new spells.
DM Thursday March 11th, 1999 1:30:59 PM
Exhausted from the past few days, the party members sleep on through the thick of the fight. Meanwhile, the chimeras lay waste to the soldiers. Unbeknownst to you, the soldiers are cursing the so called brave heroes who just sleep through something like this. Finally a soldier runs over and starts to kick Gareth in the ribs to get him to wake up. All the while he screams "WAKE UP! WAKE UP!" Finally you all come awake, but you wish you had done so sooner. Half of the guards are dead. There are five men fighting one monster, and four fighting the other. Plus there is the guy who kicked Gareth awake. The 2nd chimera breathes a burst of flame as you open groggy eyes and wish it was all a nightmare.
Onrad Thursday March 11th, 1999 8:46:59 PM
Onrad, realizing this is gonna be a tough one with most of the group caught without their armor on, curses, grabs his swords and runs for the group of soldiers that at a glance seem to be in the worst shape. Screaming a battle cry, and knowing he can't wake up, get there and attack; tries to draw the attention of the vile beast.
Jus Thursday March 11th, 1999 10:13:59 PM
Jus grabs his bow in a crouch and, taking careful aim to prevent hitting any soldiers (-2adj), lets a couple of bolts fly. Still disoriented from the numbing sleep, Jus' aim is off and both arrows fly past (h9,h6).
Nonam Friday March 12th, 1999 7:08:59 AM
Nonam casts "magic missle" at the creature Onrad isn't running toward. 4 bolts streak toward the chimera and explode with deadly force (16pts). After the missles strike, Nonam screams at the soldiers to "MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!!!!!!!"
Gareth Sunday March 14th, 1999 3:37:59 PM
Gareth hating that he can't wake up and immediately attack, calmly saunters over to the other chimera, bows, and runs his fingers down the edge of his blade thinking surgically of all the ways to slice and dice this creature back into it's three original forms.
DM Sunday March 14th, 1999 4:35:59 PM
Onrad and Jus's chimera moves to the attack.It lashes out with a claw at a soldier who screams in pain but fights on. Another claw strikes the same soldier, and he goes down with a scream. The dragon's head bites a second soldier who collapses on the ground in a pool of blood. The goat head gores Onrad in the leg (8 hits AC-2) and the lion head bites at his arm (20[15]). The hapless Onrad takes 30 points of damage.
DM Sunday March 14th, 1999 4:44:59 PM
The soldiers on Gareth and Nonam's chimera flee as suggested. The thing attacks the fleeing men. Both its claws strikes a soldier, but the man gets away. The goat head gores a second one of Elgin's guards, and he falls to the ground clutching his leg. The lion head bites a third, but he quickly gets away from the beast. The dragon head eyes Nonam and lets loose a cone stream of flame at the mage. The intense heat sears Nonam for 37 points of damage (save for 1/2).
DM Sunday March 14th, 1999 4:46:59 PM
A lion's roar followed by a dragon's screech is heard from out in the woods. You all pray that a third chimera isn't approaching.
Nonam Sunday March 14th, 1999 4:50:59 PM
Nonam makes his save (17), but looks badly burned. Fearing what will happen if he doesn't, he casts lightning bolt at the chimera and hopes Gareth stays out of the way. the mage gives nearly as good as he got and the thing takes 32 pts of damage (save for 1/2).
Jus Sunday March 14th, 1999 8:44:59 PM
Jus concentrates on a spell, sending three magic missiles streaking at the lion head fighting Onrad. The magic forces its way into the creature, causing 10 points of damage.
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