DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:21:59 PM
Each of our heroes, alone, is summoned to the Emerald Palace where they've been given the "royal" sit in the room and wait treatment.
Suddenly, the door is thrown open and 4 different guards stand outside. They motion for you to follow. You are led down numerous hallways. All are identical with doors on both sides every 15 feet. Finally they stop in front of another door. The keys come out again, the door opens and you are pushed inside another room. This room is a bit bigger. The chairs that line the walls are more comfortable and there is a large table in the center of the room with bread and water on it. There are four doors that exit the room each guarded by a soldier standing at attention. Immediately, more people are pushed into the room through the other doors, until there are 5 of you in all: a male wood elf carrying a long sword and short bow, a human female with a fancy sword, a male human bonze, a male human mendicant, and a halfling with a blowgun tucked in his belt. It seems you are all meant to wait together, so you wait, and wait, and wait, and wait . . .
Dokenor the Dapper Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:00 PM
Doke looks around, trying to avoid eye contact with any of the gaurds, "Well it seems as if we are to sit here together and wait, and perhaps wait and maybe even some more waiting is in store after that." speaks the mendicant. "I am Dokenor."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:01 PM
"We're probably all going to prison. Better eat while we have the chance." The human male Bonze starts eating and drinking.
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:02 PM
Cargo decides to examine the food. An inquery is made as to the cook, and his ability to bake. If there is extra, he will stash a loaf in his coat in ambishion for adventure.
Modo (K'Nara Illutu in disguise) Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:03 PM
Her hazel eyes flickered over the room, its contents and its inhabitants. 'Well, SOMEbody wants SOMEthing from us, else why bother to bring us together in a room with each of us still possessing their weapons instead of just keeping us in cells...or out-and-out *killing* us?' she thought, though she remained silent, maintaining her disguise as a disfigured male fighter.
Doke Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:04 PM
Doke stands up and walks over to a random gaurd. "Do you know why we are here?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:05 PM
The slender wood elf glances around the room a grimace upon his face as he notices the guards. To the others he simply says, "I am Ingrge Nightseer, I too do not believe we are to be killed. "they" want us for something. Ingre sits and pours himself some water from his own supply.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:06 PM
The guard stares at Doke saying nothing. You all estimate it must be late afternoon by now when a door opens and a squat man in robes much to big for him flutters in. "I am Mop, Parntoh is very busy right now but he will see you soon, prepare yourself for presentation to our rightious lord." With that he flutters out of the room, and you find yourself waiting again.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:07 PM
Ingrge looks up as Mop enters and makes his announcement, as he leaves Ingrge unsheathes his sword tales out a whet stone and starts working on his swords edge.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:08 PM
Dokenor, seeing that his answer was answered somewhat by Mop sits back down to his previous sit. "Well, aren't you three going to introduce yourselves? C'mon, be a friendly lot. If you don't speak now, luck'll bring your names to me anyway. Better get um out in the open I say!"
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:09 PM
Cargo walks up to Dokenor, extends a hand and introduces himself. "Hello, my name is Cargo Simons, and here is one gold piece for you and one for the road." Cargo drops two gold onto the table in front of Dokenor, then sits back down.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:10 PM
Finished with the meal, he settles comfortably in a chair. "Well, none of us lot looks like we're any threat to a dragon, so why bother to take our weapons from us? He's probably going to make a light snack of us. At least we can know each other's names before we go. I'm Shadrach of Donyra."
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:11 PM
Suddenly you all feel dizzy and light headed, the room seems to spin and twist, you feel as if your feet want to come up through your gut and out your head. then as suddenly as it started it stops. As you are all able to get a grip on yourselfs you notice something has changed. There are no longer any guards in the room, and there are no doors on the east, west and sout walls. The only doors are a set of double doors to the north. They stand closed.
Dokenor the Dapper Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:12 PM
"Well met Cargo. As for the money, what do I want with it? I will gladly take it in the name of Wardd, but it seems odd that you forget to mention what you want me to do with it." Doke turns his attention to Sadrach, "A pleasure sir." With this all said, the lanky mendicant walks to the lone closed doors, "Anybody else coming?" he asks as he is about to open them.
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:13 PM
The fifth person in the group of people was about five and a half feet tall--a hunchbacked figure--in a hooded brown robe of rough material that was slightly faded and had been patched at least three separate times. The hood covered most of the upper part of the face, while a bushy black beard (complete with bristly moustache) covered the lower part. Ratty-looking gloves of black material--the tips of the fingers pulled or ripped off--covered the hunchback's hands, which tightly clutched a prominently-visible, four-foot-long, obviously well-used bastard sword in a beaten leather sheathe. "Modo." the hunchback grunted by way of introduction, then shuffled over to nudge aside (with surprising gentleness for all that it was insistent) the mendicant from the double doors. "Safer...me to go first...yes?" Modo paused, one hand on the door handle, the other gripping the sword's sheathe.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:14 PM
Standing up from his seat and putting away his whet stone, Ingrge Wanders to the doors with sword in hand. Stopping right behind Modo Ingrge Kind of growls "Nice sword Modo, I do hope you know how to use it?
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:15 PM
"Now what was that about?..too many spells hereabout. Door's probably locked. They'll starve us a little to soften us up." He caught sight of the woman. "How 'bout you? You gonna give up your name before we get eaten by a dragon?"
Voice #1 Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:16 PM
Dokenor reaches for the handle when he hears a gasp and a voice from to the left of the door "I would never open that door before being invited would you?"
Voice #2 Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:17 PM
An answer from the other side says "No, I like my life."
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:18 PM
A pounding on the ceiling draws your attention as a trap door opens and drops in two people, a human male with a small guitar, and a fair haired blue eyed female elf. In the commotion of the entrance of these two new people Shadrach notices that the female he was looking for is gone.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:19 PM
Doke decides it is wise to listen to the voices, although he hopes other people heard them as well. Doke the knocks on the large doors. "A pleasure Modo. But I would fair just as well, if not luckier, than you."
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:20 PM
The hunchback knew how to take a hint--the time to go through the double doors had not yet come. Modo moved away from the portals and, instead, helped the two new arrivals to their feet. "You okay, yes?" he asked gutterally. "Modo help you." After offering whatever assistance is needed, the hunchback goes to a place near the double doors to wait...for what, the gods alone knew...
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:21 PM
Shaking his head from the initial fall,"Ouch that didn't feel too good." Looks around at the room seeing others. "Ummmm....who are all you?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:22 PM
Looking at the two new arrivals Ingrge says,with the slightest hit of a smile, "Nice of you to drop in, I'm Ingrge Nightseer. I would introduce you to our host, only he/she has not yet felt it necessary to make him/herself known as of yet. As she glares around the room and at the doors.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:23 PM
"Oh, sorry I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Flueterflam, I was just coming to see my father." Looks around confused. "....and where are we?"
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:24 PM
Pondering as to why the people around him are armed so heavily, Cargo makes the conclusion that we are going to war. Now it all falls into place in his mind. He is the scout, there are a few good fighters, a menstral, maybe a spell slinger or two in disguise, and we are all waiting here for orders... As the two people fall through the roof, Cargo snaps out of la la land and as his reflexes kick in, he jumps back and draws his blowgun.
Dokenor the Dapper Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:25 PM
Dokenor hails the two new arrival, "Ho! I am Dokenor. A pleasure"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:26 PM
"Hello, Dokenor. You can just call me Fluet. May I ask why all of you are sitting around in this room...trapped at that?" Shifts position to sit as comfortably as possible.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:27 PM
Dropping to the ground lightly, she crouches, taking in these new surroundings. Then she takes the hunchback's hand and rises, smiling nervously and brushing off imaginary dust from her well-worn forest clothes. A high elf, with long, narrow ears, she stands just under 5ft tall, with long, fair hair loosely twisted down one side, wide blue eyes and a friendly expression. Strapped to her belt on either side are a long sword, and a short sword, along with various other items. The weapons look plain, but servicable nontheless. Gazing in turn at the others, she straightens and gives them a polite, formal bow. "Hello," she says, "my name is Ranger Olana D'Kallya." Then she looks ahead, and asks, "Ooh, I wonder what lies beyond those doors?"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:28 PM
"Olana, do you know how we fell in here? I think the fall knocked it from my memory." Looks around embarrassedly while trying to keep his cool.
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:29 PM
The hunchbacked warrior's hooded head turns towards the only exit--that pair of double doors Olana is curious about. "Guards at doors--Modo not know why--Modo not know what's beyond..." With this the malformed fighter crosses back to the doors. "None here know...yet. Find out sooner...or find out later. Waiting now. Just...waiting." The tone and demeanor of Modo suggests that his patience is wearing a bit thin.
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:30 PM
Realising that the two new people mean him no harm, he puts his weapon away, but reminding himself that he who panics first is the one who lives to tell about it. After a few moments, the stout halfling replies to Olana. "Hello, my name is Cargo Simons. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:31 PM
Looking at Fluet she smiles, and then prepares to answer, only to find that she is unable to enlighten him. "I appear to have suffered a similar memory loss. Although I'm sure there will be a reason for our being here with the rest of these good people. Hopefully we'll find out soon."
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:32 PM
Looking around the room and the group that he has been placed with, Ingrge obviously getting more irratable by the moment, glares at the door and asks. Why do we not just open the door and walk through, it is not locked is it? Im getting tired of waiting, and I think it is extremely rude to make us wait when we were invited.
Flueteflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:33 PM
Takes out his small guitar and begins to play the happiest tune he knows. In hopes of raising everyone's spirits.
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:34 PM
Sighing, the hunchback lifts one fist...and then knocks insistently on the door. "Modo's mother said being polite is best."
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:35 PM
Cargo decides to join in on Flueteflam's song. He pulls out harmonica and plays the closest he can play to Flueteflam's song.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:36 PM
"Well Ingrge, it seems that somebody wants to have the pleasure of inviting us in." The worshiper of Wardd comments to the impatient one. "Is it really worth the trouble of being uninvited, when in a few moments we are bound to be offered sanctuary on the otherside of the barriers?"
Voice #1 Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:37 PM
"Here they go, tring to rush HIM again."
Voice #2 Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:38 PM
"Don't they realize that HE will invite them in when HE is ready."
Voice #1 Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:39 PM
"I guess their in a big hurry to be dinner."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:40 PM
Stops his song for a moment. "Mmmmm....dinner, I haven't eaten for along time. However long I've been here, which I don't really know. Either way I'm hungry." With this thought he continues on with the song, adding lyrics about eating and hunger.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:41 PM
The music is suddenly drowned out by the sound of blaring trumpets as they announce that something important is about to happen. The light in the room goes out leaving everyone in complete darkness for several seconds. Then silently, very silently, the doors swing inward revealing a vast, dark chamber.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:42 PM
Inquisitive as always, and eager to know what is going on, Olana steps foward into the huge chamber, taking in the surroundings.
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:43 PM
The hunchbacked fighter visibly jumps at the sudden turn of events--sound and darkness--this DOESN'T look good! However, Modo gets a grip (literally, on the sheath and the handle of that bastard sword) then carefully makes his way into the newly-accessible chamber, muttering "Modo not like this--Modo no elf--Modo not see nothing!"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:44 PM
"H...hey Olana, ummm...I can't see anything. Will you help me walk into that chamber?" Begins squinting and trying to see anything in the vast chamber.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:45 PM
Ingrge, slightly startled by the sudden change of light and the opening of the doors, raises his bared sword, takes a moment to let his eyes adjust to the dark and the joins Olana in walking thru the doors trying to see if he can make anything out with his infravision.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:46 PM
The Bonze starts awake. Waiting around had made him doze off. He felt for his trident and stood up. He followed the walls around to the double doors. "Time to get eaten."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:47 PM
Hearing Fluet's voice, she reaches back into the gloom to take his arm and lead him forward .....
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:48 PM
Takes out his knife, ready for anything. Quietly, almost more to himself than anyone,"Oh boy, first I can't find my father, then I find out I'm going to be his bosses dinner." Hoping secretly to himself that all this is just speculation and nothing more.
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:49 PM
Cargo, about on the end of his last nerve, readies a dart and thinks to himself that someone needs to watch our backside. Cargo is the last to enter the dark chamber, still glancing back at what is probably his last sight of light.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:50 PM
"About time we are invited in!" Dokenor cheers as he follows suit and enters the doors.
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:51 PM
The fighter slowly advances, using all the tricks about blind-fighting learned from a master to keep from tripping while within the unlit chamber...and hoping that he doesn't run into anything, either.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:52 PM
"Hey. If he isn't planning to eat us, pulling knives isn't friendly. And if he is (which is likely), I don't think those little toys are going to DO much to him." "HEY! Could we get a little LIGHT in here?!"
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:53 PM
Immediately the entire chamber is brightly lit causing everyone to once again adjust their eyes to the brightness. And the brightness is profound! There is goldcraft of both dwarven and elvenwork filling the chamber as the beauty of the throneroom fills your vision. The most amazing thing is that the entire wall in front of you is composed of glasssteel allowing you to see through to a HUGE pile of treasure dozens of feet thick glittering and glowing with magic. Amazing!
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:54 PM
Modo's beard hits his sunken chest, the hand on the sword hilt falls to his side, and the hunchback even appears to straighten up a few inches. "Great KARINTHIS!" he exclaims in a voice at least one octave higher than previously heard before (not to mention a good deal more emphatic and mayhap even articulate..?) After a bit of a pause, Modo seems to sag in on himself once more, clutching the sheath of his bastard sword and mumbling something about "BIG money..!"
Ingrge Nightseer Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:55 PM
"Beleg glin urien elan gilcorion", exclaimed Ingrre. as he stared at the pile of treasure, sword forgotten in his hand. After a few moments and when Ingrge can think again, he glances around the room to see what/who else might be in residence
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:56 PM
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:57 PM
Leaning on his trident, "Donyra bless me, I can now die happy. But where's the dragon?"
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:58 PM
"That sure is Big Money, Modo my friend. But what good does it do sitting behind this wall here? Money not spent is not really money at all is it?" Doke continues his speech, "Why give an equal amount of money to all the members of the Church of a Waif's Wager and we can triple, nay quadrouple it!" he pauses and looks around, "So again I ask, what good does it do just sitting there? Give it to those who will do something with it for pete's sake!"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:22:59 PM
The sudden light causes Olana to shield her eyes for a long moment. Then she takes in the scene before her, delight and awe shifting into utter dismay. All that wealth, when outside there are many struggling on the edge of poverty and starvation. Standing straight and firming her jaw, she tries desperately to remain unimpressed.
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:00 PM
Finally able to tear hooded eyes away from the treasure pile, the hunchback looks around, past the blatant, useless (yet brilliant) treasure and looks about for the owner, whom must be nearby...
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:01 PM
Alarmed and blinded by the incredible new light, Fluet squints waiting for his eyes to adjust. When finally able to see again, he thinks about the amassed fortune lying just beyond their reach. Who cares about what you could it for, he thinks, I think it's just beautiful.
Booming Voice Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:02 PM
As your eyes adjust to the briliant light glinting off the gold a HUGE voice comes from behind you. "GOOD EVENING PUPPETS, KNEEL BEFORE YOUR LORD AND MASTER. I AM PARNOTH"
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:03 PM
As you spin around in fright you see Parnoth. A green dragon. He sits on a throne hundreds of yards long, the door you entered from is but one tiny door in the base of the throne. Parnoth is the bigest thing you have ever seen, and just when you think he's a sculpture he moves! (Surprise rolls everyone, if surprised you can do nothing but stand and stare in fright) Then Parnoth speaks again, this time his voice is deafining.
Parnoth Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:04 PM
"I SAID KNEEL, PUPPETS!!!!"
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:05 PM
Doke just stands in his spot, staring at the large, evil creature. As the time inches by he slowly regains his senses and reluctantly becomes a kneeler in the group, still staring at the great beast.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:06 PM
(Rolled a 2) While not rooted to the spot in shock/fear Ingrge has never seen anything quiet so large in his 75 years of life. And while he realizes the folly of disobeying this Large Newt(lol) , he will reluctantly go down on one knee, head held high, scowl in place and sword still in hand
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:07 PM
Despite rolling a 7, Shadrach chooses anyway to stand and stare. When the dragon shouts again, he drops as if hamstrung. Kneeling, clutching his trident he begins to mutter, "Oh why do you feel the need to test me so strongly, my Lady? Adversity strengthens a man, but this seems excessive..."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:08 PM
With a roll of 16, Fluet stands there defiant against the arrogant dragon. Without thinking of any consequences he blurts out, "And why do you want us to kneel. What do you think you'll gain. A roomfull of people who might recognize each other's fear?" Realizing what he just said and what the dragon could probably do to him, Fluet graciously bows. "Pardon me." Then kneels down on(just) one knee.
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:09 PM
(Rolled a 2) Will go to one knee and bow his head to this great creature.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:10 PM
(Rolled 7) Olana turns with the others and raises her eyes, instinct telling her what was there behind them. But to actually see the great dragon up so close!! What an awesome creature it was, beautiful, deadly, magnificent. As it snarls at them all to kneel, she slowly moves down to one knee, never letting her gaze waver (although she bites her lip slightly as she hears Fluet's words).
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:11 PM
(I rolled a 6--on a d6, by the way, which is the die you're supposed to use to determine surprise, yes?) Modo blinked, thinking: 'Dragon. Green Dragon. BIG Green Dragon.' Narrowly avoiding a "Depends moment", the fighter bends a knee to the huge creature--Modo may not like the tone nor the policy, but Parnoth is STILL the recognized ruler of the Emerald Kingdom...for now.
Shad's Player Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:12 PM
I guess this depends on whether the dm uses 1st or 2nd ed. On page 111 of 2nd Ed, it says that you roll a d10 for surprise. If you roll 1,2, or 3, you are surprised. Many creatures or situations add to this, ex. the elven -3 to surprise or whatever. So you'd be surprised 1-6 on a 1d10.
Fluet's Player Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:13 PM
(oops) Well I rolled a d10 and got an 8 instead of d20 this time, so I keep my reaction
Parnoth Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:14 PM
Parnoths graet head comes swooping over each of you. He stops at each of you inhaling and exhaling near you. it is all you can do to keep from falling over from the force of his breath. once he has "smelled" each of you he pulls his great neck back into place and speaks. "You have done well Mop these puppets will do nicely."
Mop Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:15 PM
Mop appears from behimd you and kneels before his King, "Thank you lord Parnoth I wish only to serve." He then turns to you and speaks "Parnothe the benavolent wishes you to have a choice, you may work for him for one year at the palace as a servant, or you can perform a small favor for your lord liege and he will be thankfull. You must choose now. Service, or Favor?"
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:16 PM
Doke speaks, "Wardd knows I have better things to do then be a servent, even if it is for Parnoth. I'll take the favor any day of the year." He seems to have overcome his fear of the dragon, although he is still very impressed by his size. "What is this *little* favor?" Dokenor turns to Parnoth, and then to Mop, "And is Mop your real name?"
INGRGE Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:17 PM
Ingrge Looks not at Mop but right at Parnoth's great head, and with scowl in place, He says through gritted teeth, I will be servant to noone or nothing, so I too will help preform this "little favor".
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:18 PM
Shad had to think. A year at the palace would offer interest...but it wasn't really what he was supposed to be called for. "Great Parnath, I suppose Donyra could spare me long enough to do you a favor..."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:19 PM
Olana nods at the others in agreement, inwardly shuddering at the thought of being cooped up in this place for a year. "I shall also offer to do this small favour," she says to Mop, glancing at the Dragon and wondering what a huge creature like this would consider 'small'.
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:20 PM
QUOTE: "...you can perform a small favor for your lord liege and he will be thankful..." The fighter in the hooded robe had heard similar words spoken by an equally untrustworthy source--and yet, it was obvious that the alternative for "Modo" was impossible, so... The hooded head bowed, Modo spoke only one word: "Favor."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:21 PM
Thinking, obviously making a tough decision. "I would work for you for a year, if you allow me to leave this kingdom after, and let me see the rest of the world. If you choose not to let this be, I would be performing a favor for you." Fluet wonders what Parnoth might say to him. He shrugs his shoulders. Things have a tendancy of working themselves out in the end, I'm sure either way I won't die(hopefully).
Mop Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:22 PM
Mop crosses to Flute "You were told to choose, Favor or Service. Do not presume to bargian with your King! Now choose."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:23 PM
"Well, since you put it so directly. I guess...." Looking around nervously, he thinks as quickly as possible. "Maybe....I will..." Fluet then looks at Parnoth and realizes a year stuck hear would really suck. "Favor."
Parnoth Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:24 PM
Parnoth smiles. An awful thing to behold as his smile seems to have the look and feel of being eaten.....or worse.
Mop Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:25 PM
Our Liege has detected two groups of people within the borders of The Emerald Kingdom with purposes contrary to the best interests of the people. The first of these groups consist of two very dangerous persons who go by the names of Joe and Gray. The second are members of a haughty splinter group of Caeroldra patrons known as the Hands of Love. This second group are in pursuit of the first group. Your task is to use your resouces to find these two groups within the kindgom, convey my message that both groups are not welcome in The Emerald Kingdom and then to back up that message by forcing their expulsion. To aid you in this task, Parnoth the Generous gives you these amulets which can call forth Acet, one of the Royal Beasts, to defend the Kingdom. These amulets will also protect you from this beast as he sets about his slaughter. Call his name once and he will begin to awaken and come to your location and kill. Call its name again and it will return to its slumber once the area is purified of life. When you complete this favor, return here to me.
Parnoth Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:26 PM
"This audience is at an end." The lights go out once again. Then a few seconds later, a huge tunnel leading out the front of the palace lights up showing you the way out. A contingent of soldiers enters to guide you safely out. Once outside the palace, they click their heels once and leave you to yourselves. Emerald City is several miles to the south. It is late evening.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:27 PM
"Well, That was nice, somewhere in the emerald kingdoms, couldn't be more specific than that?" " Ladies and gents I suggest we head to town and find us a place to stay for the night since we we not offereda room at the palace. "Thank the Gods"
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:28 PM
"Thank Donyra, indeed. We might as well get started, although we'll probably be attacked by bandits and all slain. By the way, if we DONT want large crowds of people slain, let us only refer to the beast of the amulet, as the Beast."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:29 PM
The ranger notes Shadrachs wise words about the amulets and nods at Ingrge. Smiling and looking around she says, "Shelter would be a good idea. Maybe we'll find something South, at the edges of the City." Olana then checks her weapons and has a look around their immediate surroundings, to find the best route, and to make sure there's nothing lurking that would do them harm.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:30 PM
"Well, I'll just follow all of you for now." He looks around and decides that he is not imaginative at the moment, and he waits to follow the rest of the group. Whenever, and whatever they decide to do.
Voice Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:31 PM
The ground shakes slightly and a magic mouth forms on the ground benieth your feet. Parnoth's voice issues from the mouth. "You have chossen wisely, it is plesant to have you all in my employe. Oh, and 'Singer', you didn't fool me for a minute."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:32 PM
"Urk. I hope he can't do that anywhere in the Emerald Kingdom. Just our luck he could." Shad moves out with everyone else.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:33 PM
Doke is steadily keeping up with the group, walking briskly, paying little attention to anything at all, "Do we know what these people look like?" he pauses, "Ohh, it doesn't matter, luck will have us find them anyway." He then accidently steps on the mouth on the ground, "Ooops, didn't see that there!"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:34 PM
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:35 PM
Heads towards town and finds an inn where we might by chance get some info about theses jokers
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:36 PM
Somewhat unnerved at the sudden appearance of the mouth in the ground, Olana moves along with the others, desperately trying not to smile at what Dokenor just did. As a distraction, she puts her mind on the task in hand. With a bit of luck, these two groups of people they were after, had brought some attention to themselves while persuing one another.
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:37 PM
The hunchbacked fighter, who'd been silent through the latest magical developments, finally grunts and brings up the rear of the group of travelers. "Modo work at tavern...The Heated Cross...it be a place to eat...to rest...go there...Modo must tell Boss Modo must go."
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:38 PM
Modo begins to lead the party to a well known inn and tavern named The Heated Cross. With out objections from the group you will arive there shortly.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:39 PM
"We are indeed lucky to have such a well connected individual in our group! I can tell that this will be a very laid back acquisition for us all. We should really just get rid of that medallion right now." Dokenor looks around for a second and then has an afterthought, "What if we do so well in this 'favor' that we are 'asked' to do another? And then another? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:40 PM
"Well, you can always go test your luck by telling him 'no'." Shadrach's gloomy face lightened just slightly. "We'll wait for you to come back."
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:41 PM
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:42 PM
Anticipating a good meal and nights rest, the cheery halfling skips along whistling a happy tune. Thinking to himself that this day has been an overall exciting one; getting to see a real live dragon, some neat magic, and getting a magical neclace too.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:43 PM
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:44 PM
"Hmmph, The Heated Cross, Well its not the Tree of Parting but I guess it will do. shall we have a generic conversation amongst ourselves when we arrive at the inn, where we are over heard. Sort of like "Can you believe those two,? What are Joe and Gray doing? well I guess we are a bit late, but oh well maybe we can catch up with them. I heardthere was another group looking for him as well. I wonder who/where they are. and why they are after J & G? Where do you think we should try next?
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:45 PM
"Why attempt trickery. It'll work, surely it will, but is so underhanded, and old." Dokenor looks up at the sun and then to the red spotted people around him, "Why not just blatently ask everybody we see. A couple of Servants of Caeroldra aren't the kind to be scared of being kicked out of a city. 'Specially if they aren't expecting it. But why would Parnoth want a couple of 'Lovers' to leave? What possible harm could they cause other than spread love throughout." Dokenor shakes his head, "Perhaps we should visit The Basement of Embracement, it might sound like a brothel, but it is the only Temple of Caeroldra that I know about."
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:46 PM
Whilst the others debated about how to approach the problem of finding the people they'd just agreed to kick out of the Emerald Kingdom on behalf of Parnoth, Modo the hunchbacked fighter wondered mentally, much as Dokenor did aloud, at the canny dragon's ulterior motives...it couldn't be as simple as Parnoth's wishing to be rid of a couple of seemingly harmless philosophers...Modo's hooded head shook slowly. Never meant for puzzle-solving, was he...only for fighting. So he continued to show the way to his now-PREVIOUS-place of employment, the Heated Cross...
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:47 PM
As they travel to the Inn, Olana listens to the others and then says, "Maybe it would be an idea to use a little subtlety, until we know what we're up against." Then she give's Modo a wide-eyed look. "Modo - this place we're going to. Is it quiet, or one of those wild places where people break tables over one another's heads?"
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:48 PM
You arive at The Heated Cross. It is a two-story building of brick and beams. There is a weather-beaten wooden sign that swings over the double doors of the ten-foot-wide front entry; the picture painted on it depicts a Celtic cross design in fiery orange-yellow with little squiggly lines denoting the "heat" rising from the cross. Entering through the front you see the taproom. The bar is on the east side of the taproom and runs north-south. There is a door that is in the southeastern corner of the taproom that leads to the kitchen. There are four large trestle tables just west of the bar, and 11 round tables grouped in the western half of the tavern.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:49 PM
I only suggest subterfuge because we know not either of the parties or parnoths motives nor do we know what popular reaction will be if we just start "asking" around. This way we can just play by ear depending on the responses we get
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:50 PM
"How do you expect to get what you want in life without using Luck?" Dokenor begins to address Ingrge, "Luck is the life force that runs the Wold, without it we would all be the same, boring, un-idividualistic thing. I say thing because we surely wouldn't be people, more like one person." His arms begin gesticulating as he gets in his evangalistic mode, "Luck I tell you, Luck, is the only way to find these Gary et al people we are looking for! With luck by our side, and with me around you know it is, when we go to knock on the Basement of Embracement the priest who opens the door will tell us all we need to know and we can go on to find our people. With even more luck their speed will be hindered and ours will be hastened!" Dokenor begins to address the entire crowd, "With the Warrd shining on us Luck will awaken our ability to lead fruitful lives. To live enjoyable lives. He will share with us his ability to run all the gambling joints around out of buisiness! Let's hear it for Wardd!" Dokenor will try to get the crowd happy for Wardd, and if they cheer or at least make a little bit of noise, he will bless them all. If, however, they grumble or luck at him funny he will curse them all and say, "You shall all be needing much luck soon, I suggest you plan accordingly!"
ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:51 PM
Dok I expect your luck to help us. I would just prefer to not be so obvious about what we are doing
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:52 PM
"Don't be a simpleton! Luck is what a man wants when he doesn't want to work for anything! He doesn't prepare, he just lies down to die while waiting to be saved! You can't take life for granted! Your god isn't going to save you! He's given you all the tools you need to save yourself! If you don't use them, or you don't try, you deserve what happens to you! Donyra teaches us to respect danger, and fight fate! If you don't take your own destiny in hand, she sometimes has to be harsh and put a lightning bolt on your butt! We don't need slackers! We need people who take responsibility and DO something!" Shad is shouting now.
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:53 PM
The hooded head of the hunchback swung towards Doken, then Shad. The black bristly beard jerked as the fighter hissed at the two of them to be quiet..."SHHH! This not time for debate! Modo must tell Glocken Modo drafted by Parnoth! Glocken not like THAT, Modo know! Loud friends only make things worse for Modo--" The hunchback snorted a correction: "--for *all*." Then Modo addressed Olana directly: "Traders come...bring their guards...tribute caravans stay here--also bring their guards. Pub not bad--unless it's right after guards' payday--then can be BIG pain!"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:54 PM
Fluet jumps at the argument. He had been in sort of a daze while they were walking. Just in his own world of thoughts. He looks around and is confused as to why everyone around him is arguing and not working on a plan to help with the job they were all recently given.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:55 PM
A serving wench comes up to Modo and hands him a piece of paper. It has a strange seal on it.
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:56 PM
Modo grows still upon viewing the seal--quickly he opens the missive, scans the page--and strides quickly over to the fireplace in the western wall, wadding the parchment as he goes. Then he pitches the ball of parchment into the flames, watching as they burn to a cinder. "We go now." he says enigmatically, turning back to the others. "Very important. Go now, yes?"
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:57 PM
Dokenor's face has an interesting pale of red to it, his face is curled up in a scowl, *Ahem*, he clears his throat, "I suggest we take up this debate at a later date. In a time and place where neither of us can reflect our gods negatively to others." With his jaw relaxing he looks over Modo's hump, "Whatcha got there? Luck is already with us I bet! Surely it is a clue!"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:58 PM
Scowling at Modo, "you just brought us here and now you want us to leave again as soon as we get here?" What is/was so important about that paper you just burned? Im not sure I "go now" without some explanation.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:23:59 PM
The cleric of Donyra scowls back at the Cleric of Wardd. "Obviously something not meant for 'everyone' to know::Shad jerks a thumb at the inn patrons all around them::We can talk outside." Shad leads the way out of the tavern.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:00 PM
Having entered the Inn with the others, Olana gives the place a once-over, sincerely hoping that it wasn't the guard's pay-day on this particular evening. That sign above the entrance had made her shiver - it reminded her of a branding iron. Then she see's Modo, throwing something into the fire and then asking everyone to go. She walks over to the wood elf, who seems no too pleased, and looks at him questioningly. Then she looks to Modo. "Something's happened? Already?"
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:01 PM
The hooded face turns full upon Ingrge, so that--for the briefest of moments--the elf can see the glitter of hazel eyes more green than brown...then the human nods curtly, the edge of the rough brown robe once more shadowing the fighter's upper face. "Reasons needed, yes--Shadrach right, though--reasons to give outside...in private. Trust Modo for now, yes?" It's a question, yet the tone does not plead--the query is offered with firm sincerity.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:02 PM
The wood elf's scowl lessens, but only slightly. "Hmm......alright. Let's step outside and get this little mystery out of the way." He then moves toward the door, and back outside.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:03 PM
Mystified, but intrigued and inquisitive, Olana follows the others outside.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:04 PM
Dokenor follows the group outside, "So what did it say?" he quizzes Modo.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:05 PM
He follows the group outside. "This is getting really weird." Then he starts to mumble about dragons and their strange requests.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:06 PM
He waits til they're outside off to the side, then whispers in Modo's ear. "Nice disguise. You very nearly had me fooled, til I saw you read. No one who talks like that could read." Stepping away, speaking normally,"So. What's gone wrong now?"
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:07 PM
Stumbles outside mumbling about not even getting a drink before leaving.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:08 PM
The night is clear and the smells of the forest surround you. All is peaceful. The first moon is two days past full and the second is rising. An owl hoots nearby seeming to say that all is well.
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:09 PM
The hunchback gave Shadrach a quick look, but turned around and looked over the immediate area before addressing the entire party: "Note from Modo's friends--very important we go to Domino's tailor shop now. VERY important! Trust Modo...we go to Domino's now, yes?" The fighter looks around at the people in the group, ready to lead them to the place in question--*if* they choose to follow.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:10 PM
"Hmph," mutters Ingrge. "A tailor of all places." He steps back a little in the moonlight and frowns with impatience. "Very well then, lets go and see. I hope this isn't some wild goose chase."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:11 PM
The ranger steps back outside, breathing the night air in deeply and giving a smile to the moon. But she also listens carefully to what Modo has to say. "By all means lead us there," she says, eager to discover what the tailor knows.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:12 PM
Shad looks around. "It's too quiet out here. There's probably something lying in wait in the bushes. Just waiting for us to go for a walk in the moonlight." Shadrach morosely follows the rest, clinging to his trident, and occasionally looking back.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:13 PM
"I knew it was something helpful! Ha! Already we are drowning in luck." Dokenor boasts of his luck as he follows the group to the tailor's.
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:14 PM
As Modo led the way to Domino's, he warned in a low tone, "Careful--Domino's neighborhood not very nice." Inwardly the fighter was echoing Ingrge's sentiments in hoping that they weren't on a wild goose chase...
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:16 PM
"Figures." The cleric seems gloomily satisfied.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:17 PM
The night is unusually dark and quiet as you make your way to the talior shop. Once you reach there Modo leads you around the back and knocks on a small door.
Voice Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:18 PM
A gruff voice comes from behind the door. "Who knocks so late, and wakes me from my sleep. What bussiness do you have at night?"
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:19 PM
Leaning toward the door, Modo speaks only one word: "Gray."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:20 PM
Whispering to the others, "What kind of answer is that....I mean 'Gray'?" He shakes his head in question as to the severity of confusion that seems to have taken hold of this favor they are all on.
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:21 PM
Wondering why you would need a password to enter a taylor's house, Cargo asks Modo in a low tone, "What kind of place is this Modo?"
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:22 PM
"Who cares what kind of place this is as long as we get an answer. And we all know that is what we are here to get!" Dokenor seems rather uppity as he looks around, "Besides, this is pretty damp ghetto."
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:23 PM
The back door squeaks open. A light shows itself for just a moment illuminating, for a moment, a rickety staircase on the right leading down. There is also an inner door to the left of the stairs which is padlocked.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:24 PM
Shad looked grim. "They're your friends, Modo. You ought to do the talking."
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:25 PM
"Inside. QUICK!" the hunchback says urgently, stepping within the room himself. As the others of the party enter the room, Modo looks about to see if there's someone behind the door--if there isn't then it's obvious that magic is at work here...
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:27 PM
The wood elf steps inside behind Modo, his frown deepening for a moment. "Let's be careful shall we? This could well be a trap." he peers inside, noting the stairs and the locked door.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:28 PM
Olana enters carefully, along with the others. Walking through this neighbourhood had made her feel jumpy, and she smiled listening to Dokenor, wishing she held his optimism. Inside, she took in the new surroundings, the stairs, the door, and beyond, looking for whoever let them in.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:29 PM
Squeezing in behind the others, he commented,"Cramped in here. Down?" Muttering to himself,"just like entering the belly of the beast..."
Modo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:30 PM
Nodding at Shad's statement (and hoping it wasn't prophetic), Modo agreed: "Down--Modo first." The fighter went down the stairs...if it hadn't been for him, the others wouldn't be here now, so if anything happened, he would bear the brunt of it.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:31 PM
As the party comes down the stairs they enter a warm room lit by candles and a small fire. A dark robed man sits in an over plush chair. There are chairs set all around the room in a simi-circle, facing in toward the man. He leans foreward and scratches a lap dogs ear as he speaks.
Man Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:32 PM
"Hello, Modo, dear ...um ... man, hello friends. Welcome to the tines."
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:33 PM
Ingrge descends with the others and studies the robed man warily, not failing to note the man's slight confusion toward Modo. Remembering those eyes he caught a glance of earlier, he stares at Modo for a moment, before turning to the robed man. "Hmph," he says, and nods as a greeting. Then he remains standing, even though there seem to be chairs for them all.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:34 PM
Climbing down the stairs with the others, Olana see's the robed man seated in what looks like a very cosy room. She smiles and gives him a short bow, Then, to Ingrge who was standing next to her she whispers, "What does he mean - the tines?"
Modo..? Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:35 PM
Modo advances to the middle of the room, sighing heavily. "That's all right--Shadrach has seen through my disguise, anyhow." The voice that issues from the hunchbacked fighter is articulate, clear and decidedly feminine. Even more startling is the metamorphosis Modo undergoes...the barely five-and-a-half-foot-tall robed hunchback straightens up to almost six feet in height while removing both the battered brown robe...AND the black bristly beard! Standing there is now a human female wearing a forest-green overtunic and buckskin-colored leggings. Her skin is fair, her eyes are hazel and her chestnut-colored hair is bound up in a black fillet. "My name is K'Nara..." she introduces herself with a bow, "...pleased to meet you all."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:36 PM
"I was wondering where you went." He looked at K'Nara. He nodded to the seated man, and gazed around the room, looking for the traps and hidden assassins that must be there.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:37 PM
Deciding that this whole situation has become extremely screwed up, Fluet decides to take a seat in one of the chairs. "You don't mind if I have a seat?" As he sits down he lets out a small sigh since he had not sat comfortable for he didn't know how long. "Hey...ummm...K'Nara? Could you show me how to do that, that was really neat!"
Man Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:38 PM
The man leans back and begins to speak. "Please be seated friends, you are in no danger here. My name is Red and I am a member of the "Tines". we are the force that woorks to keep order in this land and make sure that Parnoths ambition and greed do not destroy the people that live here. We are the tines that hold the emrald kingdom in place. You, dear friends have come to our attention and we have a favor to ask and an offer to make."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:39 PM
Rolling his eyes, Shad looked at K'Nara. "Maybe you should tell us more about these people before we go promising to do more *favors*." Probably want us to kill the dragon, he snorted to himself.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:40 PM
K'Nara folds up the brown robe, which everyone notices has a hump sewn into it, thus explaining the "hunchback" effect, stuffs the robe and the beard into her backpack and then sits down, saying to Flueterflam that she'd be happy to share her technique with him later. Then she addresses Shad directly: "I doubt the Tines would ask of us something that is clearly impossible...at least for the present, it's impossible." She turned to Red. "I've seen Parnoth--and he is one HUGE dragon...but we're digressing--please, what did you want to offer us...and what do you want to ask of us?"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:41 PM
Olana watches Modo/K'Nara's transformation with wide eyes and a chuckle. Then she slips quietly into one of the chairs, determined to listen and discover more about these "Tines" people. For if what Red said was true, then surely they could be of help to her own tribe in times of need. As for this new favour, well - she would listen at least.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:42 PM
The wood elf looks up at K'Nara with an exasperated frown. "I knew it," he mutters. Then he looks straight at the fellow called Red. "I think you'd better explain yourself," he says forthrightly, silently agreeing with Shadrach.
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:43 PM
Not in complete comprehension of the transformation just beheld,Cargo passes it off along with all the rest of the recent strange happenings. Following example, he sits down in a chair to await whatever.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:44 PM
"Oh great! One favor leads us to another. Why don't we just do everyone in the entire kingdom a favor and maybe they'll stop asking." Fluet says all this with ever decreasing patience. "Well, what is this one?"(with a sigh)
Red Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:45 PM
Red laughs good naturedly and leans back. "I would never ask you to do anything without explaining all the risks dear friends. The favor is simple. Joe and Gray, two very powerful elfs from New Elinnia, are being chased by 'The Hands of Love'. Their purpose for being here is unknown to us; however we know that Joe's and Gray's presence here can only be good for the people of the Emrald Kingdom. The favor is this: find Joe and Gray BEFORE the 'Hands of Love' and warn them that the 'Hands of Love' find them and kill them."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:46 PM
On hearing what Red has to say, Olana turns to face Ingrge, who is stood behind her. "Do you hear that?" she whispers to him. "Joe and Gray - they're elves!"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:47 PM
Ingrge looks down at Olana with obvious impatiance. "Yes, yes - but there are elves, and there are elves." He strokes his chin for a moment, before looking at Red. "Well, I haven't heard anything that's likely to get us in trouble with the Dragon so far."
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:48 PM
The newly-revealed female fighter frowned contemplatively. "I wouldn't EXACTLY say that, Ingrge--Parnoth wants Joe and Gray OUT of the Kingdom, as well as this 'Hands of Love' organization pursuing the pair." K'Nara looked at Red. "Parnoth decreed that we are to...um...'find these two groups within the kindgom, convey the message that both groups are not welcome in The Emerald Kingdom and then to back up that message by forcing their expulsion'..." she quoted, then she gave a single nod of her fileted head. "...however, the Big Green did NOT say in WHAT ORDER we had to kick 'em out of the Kingdom..."
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:49 PM
Dokenor watches the metamorphosis of Modo with wide eyes, "Well I'll be!" he exclaims, "He is a she!" He looks at the female, "I was rather liking that man, but having another woman to watch is just dandy with me!" He then turns his attention to Red, "Well I'm all for it. The more complicated things get, the more luck has to do with the out come, and more fun they become."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:50 PM
"Well if you're soo lucky, then why do you need the presence of another woman? If you have all the luck you've been braggin' bout, then you should have no need for so many." He chuckles to himself. "Also, will someone tell me why elves seem to be so important to everyone? I seem to be at a loss for why everyone else is so intrigued about this little fact." ....wait...I know what it is, he begins to think. They can all change into little hunchbacks with black beards. He begins to laugh out loud.
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:55 PM
After laughing at Fluet's rather humerous joke, Cargo terns his attention to Red.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:56 PM
"Modo, excuse me, K'Nara, you're being awfully free with information. Neither you nor he ::points at Red:: has bothered to enlighten us what 'Tines' are. Or why we should trust them with our information. It might have been a better idea to come here by yourself if you DIDN'T want to tell us anything about these people. Part of my job as a Cleric of Donyra is to listen to the gossip. And what I've heard here in the Emerald Kingdom is that Parnath has a spy network. Possibly even these 'Tines'. Operating his own resistance would certainly help in ferreting out the traitors. This could be a test of loyalty. How long have you known this man? Secondly, why would these ELVES Joe and Gray be good for the kingdom? What proofs can you present? There's a lot this kingdom needs; but why them especially? Oh yes. We CAN stay within the dragon's desires by warning them; going after the Hands; and then, finishing with those two. Now. What are you offering?"
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:57 PM
The tall human blinked at Shad's rather judgemental conclusions, but she answered him in measured tones: "I am Tine. The Tines work for the good of the people in the Emerald Kingdom. I trust the Tines...and I've decided to trust you all, too, Shad...besides, if you MUST know, the message I read and destroyed spoke of information that was important for ALL of us to know." K'Nara's hazel eyes shifted to Red once more. "Please, tell us what you asked us to this place to hear."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:58 PM
Taking in what the others had said, Olana leans forward and asks Red, "I'd like to know what Joe and Gray are doing here in the Emerald City." Looking at the others, she adds, "We need to know this, yes?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:24:59 PM
Ingrge takes in the conversation, from K'Nara's forthright statements, to Shadrachs talk of possible spies, and scowls as he thinks of all the possible dangers that lie ahead. One thing was certain. They needed information, and soon. The thought of adding to the current debate inrritating him beyond measure, he stays silent instead, and stares at Red, waiting for answers.
Red Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:00 PM
Red sighs at all the questions and concerns. He smiles slightly and waits till everyone is calm again. "Friends," he says "please, I know that your lives have been altered greatly, and now we are asking you to put faith in us, the 'Tines', without being able to answer all your questions, so allow me to answer to ones I can. First, the 'Tines' are the force that keeps the emrald kingdom out of darkness. We keep Parnoths greed in check, by fighting for the good of the people. Joe and Gray are two great heros from Plateau City. They have come up against Partnoth before and been a great thorn in his side. The 'Hands of Love' mean to kill them and we hope that by asking you to save them instead of remove them that they will see that the 'Tines' would welcome their help in helping to balance Parnoth. That is the favor we ask, the gift I can give is to ask you all to join us. join the 'Tines', help save the Emrald Kingdom from Parnoths greed." With that he leans back and waits for the groups many questions.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:01 PM
Shad looked unhappy. Which wasn't too much different from what he normally looked like. He bit his lip, obviously thinking. "So, how long have you been a Tine?" he said to K'Nara.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:02 PM
"We'll, we're getting nowhere arguing about all this, I say we might as well. But you need to help us find out where we can locate the 'Hands of Love'." He smiles knowing that he greatly decreased all the time that they all would have been arguing.(hopefully)
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:03 PM
The wood elf listens to Red, a dour but thoughtful expression on his face. Not prone to run off and join crusades on a whim he delays his decision for a moment. Looking to Red he asks, "Before we choose between the devil and the deep blue sea, I think we're entitled to a little more information. What do you know about the Hands of Love? And what are they, and Joe and Gray doing, that would upset Parnoth so much?"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:04 PM
The elf ranger sighed and leaned back in her chair. Join the Tines, the man said. Her own decision of course, would be based on entirely what was best for her tribe. To hold back Parnoths greed would indeed be a good thing, for everyone, she had no doubt about that. To Red, she says, "If we do what you ask, it will have to be done carefully. If Parnoth finds out......."
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:05 PM
"Ohh let's just do it!" Dokenor looks at his companions, "It shouldn't be too hard! Besides, what harm can become of us?"
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:06 PM
While waiting for K'Nara to answer, Shad said quietly, "Don't be so quick to make decisions, everyone. If we help or become Tines, we sign our own death warrants with Parnath. Take that as fact. I think I'll help Red here out by admitting that if PARNATH doesn't want them here, we've got good reason to help this Joe and Gray out, whoever they are."
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:07 PM
Speaking up for a change, Cargo announces to his companions: "I don't want to divide the party here but what if Shadrach is right. We would ALL be killed. Parnoth doesn't want those elves running around doing good deeds, nor does he want 'The Hands of Love' killing two heros from annother country. That would make the Emerald Kingdom look bad. Loyalty is the question here. We can die for the greater good or we can live by simply asking some people to leave E.K. I know my choice. Cargo sits back in his chair with a sigh and shakes his head gloomily.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:08 PM
Ingrge looks around at her new company and then settled he stern eyes on Reds face. "Several things occur to me, first that, Parnoth probably Knows about the Tines, and dispite that recruited one of them to be in our party, so he cant be overly worried about that. Second, Parnoth did not tell us how to do this job, just that we were to do it. so he is looking for results more that method. Thirdly, No one said we have to join the Tines at this moment and even if we dont, we could just as easily warn J&G about the HoL AND Parnoths decree, and then go find/stop the HoL from doing what ever it is that they are doing and deliver Parnoth's message to them as well. My biggest question is why do the HoL seek the deaths of J&G
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:09 PM
The tall human female looks directly at Shadrach. "I have not been a member of the Tines for long...a few weeks at most...but I DO know that they are a good organization..." She bobs her head in Ingrge's direction. "Ingrge is right--you don't HAVE to join the Tines if you don't wish to. It would be suicide to flout Parnoth directly, too--so the plan to find Joe & Gray first, talk to them and then find the Hands of Love and talk to them, too is the one that sounds the best to me..." Her hazel eyes dart around the room. "...all we need now is that information to help find them..."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:10 PM
Listens to both Ingrge and K'Nara and thinks for a moment. "Well, she says eventually, "that sounds good to me."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:11 PM
"I'm not opinionated. But I will say that we should stop wasting time. Why don't we have a majority vote on what we do, if you all have differing opinions. Whatever wins, we'll do. Let's just stop arguing. He gave us a choice between a year's service and this deed. If we keep disagreeing, then it'll take longer than a year. Doubtful, but still possible. I just assume get it over with. So anyway, anyone against K'Nara's idea? If not let's start on finding the info that we need to finish this." Takes a deep breath. He's glad that he didn't become an orator.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:12 PM
"Thank you for your trust, K'Nara. I agree, I'll follow K'Nara's plan, too. But I won't make any oaths to the Tines, yet, I'm afraid. I hope you can appreciate my caution. All we need do now is find them." And worry about everything else later, he added to himself.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:13 PM
"Well I certainly am not going to join a gang. My loyalty lies fully with Wardd, not with Parnoth or any other crazy lizard." Dokenor looks at Red, "I, like any other member of the Emerald Kingdom, wish that all of its population would be prosperous. If that is what you say Joe and Gary are looking to do, then I am all for helping them." He then turns to the others, "If worse comes to worse we can always fake our own deaths right?"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:14 PM
"I wouldn't chance that any day. There is no guarantee we wouldn't found out. I say we do everything as close as possible to the instructions we were given. If we need to slip through a gray area of the instructions for a higher reason, then so be it." He looks around gloomily. Then he turns towards Red, "Another person always knows what you're doing," in reference to no specific person, "but do we want to chance that that person is not on our side?" He then wonders if everyone understood what he just said. "In other words, let's help Joe and Gray, only if we know we won't die from it."
Red Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:15 PM
Red leans foreward again, "Let me see if I can help here. First the "Hand of Love are a group of men who say their purpose is to spread love by segrigation. In truth they are out to kill the huminoid races. Joe and Gray have had dealings with Parnoth in the past and they are a thorn in his side. Next: Parnoth knows of us, and while he dosen't know all of our membership he does know about most of us. We could not opperate so close to a dragon if he didn't. He allows us to exsist because we make no move against him directly and we make the lives of his people better which in turn incresses his treasury. Now, there are nobles that would kill us in an instant, but they are not dragons. As far as Parnoth not letting Joe and Gray be killed by the "Hands of Love" ther is nothing he would like better. They would be killed and he could be rid of them, he could then exceute the "Hands of Love" and be a hero. Two birds with one stone. I can lead you to Joe and Gray, or atleast where they were. hbowever with out your oath I am hesitant to do that. Joe and Gray are considered friends of the "Tines" and we would NEVER do any thing that would knowingly hurt them. If you join the "Tines" we can offer you a mesaure of protection from Parnoth, for instance this will be the last "favor" you are ever asked to do for him. I understand your hesatation, and you do not have to take any oath right now, and if you live through this you will be welcome to join latter, however without your oath I will not be able to help you now. I am sorry for that, but I will not be the ones who put Joe and Gray in danger.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:16 PM
Shad crossed his eyes slightly trying to figure out Flueter's statement. After they straightened he widened them at Red. He turned to look at the intrepid band he'd come with, eyebrows raised and questioning. He shrugged as well, indicating a desire for input from the others.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:17 PM
Ingrge looks at Red and snarls. " Just what does this oath entail? A first born child?, A 50 % tithe? Undying loyalty to the Tines? Or perhaps miy right arm? I am lothe to take any oath that I do not know about ahead of time and am less likely to uphold it if it is something I disagree with or am coerced into doing." I have no problems going against the HoL and helping J&G, and having never to do another "favor" for Parnoth sounds good but.........
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:18 PM
"I'll take any oath if that helps any. No offense Red, I don't care about them either way at the moment. If they die, don't care, if they live, great. But I'm just here to finish the 'favor'." Just then his stomach rumbles and he starts to feel hungry. "I'm hungry too, ya got anything good to eat here?"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:19 PM
Olana sits upright at Red's statement, looking as uneasy as some of the others. "Well...... I could only ever voice such an oath, if I was sure that my loyalties to my own tribe would not be compromised." The ranger runs a hand through her hair, her normally smiling face now troubled. "Would that be possible, I wonder?"
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:20 PM
Hearing someone mention food, Cargo opens his bag and pulls out a handfull of raisins and peanuts and starts to eat them one by one pondering the current situation. After finishing his snack, he says to Red "I think i want to know what this oath is about." Cargo then speaks to the group; "I think we should get all this business overwith as quickly as possible."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:21 PM
Shad quirked the corner of his mouth. Ingrge was saying all the things he wanted to, but was trying to hold back on. Oh well, he sighed. "We can't just *go along*. Red wants an oath from us that we not hurt this J&G. Parnath wants them out, and/or dead. If we take an oath with the Tines, we are going against Parnath's orders. We MUST make a choice here. And we can't go with *majority rules*. Every one of us must swear if we are to get the Tine's information. Those who cannot so swear will go their own way, no longer with those who take oaths with the Tines. So what's it going to be? We swear, and become outlaws to the Dragon, or we try to find them ourselves, and make our own decisions?"
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:22 PM
"You guys are all tied down with morals and life and death and right and wrong" Dokenor refrains himself from beginning another gospel, "You have heard my decision once, and you'll hear it again, who cares what Parnoth knows or doesn't know, my duty is to help the people. My loyalty is to Wardd, while the oath proposed and the oath I have already pledged are of very different circumstances, I am an one oath kinda guy. Because of this, I refuse to pledge on something other than Wardd. But if it helps any, I'm always going to do what is best for the poor and noble((minded not wealthy)) of the Emerald Kingdom." Dokenor looks to the amulet and says to Red, "I despise the self-righteous, powerhungry, scaly bastard. He is nothing but greedy." and with luck, someday, sometime, somebody will kill him and set up the richest casino the Wold has ever seen."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:23 PM
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:24 PM
Lowering one eye as if thinking, "If I did take this oath Red, then can you guarantee my life? If not, I'll leave here and search on my own, if so, I'll follow whoever else takes the oath."
Red Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:25 PM
Red says "Guarentte you life how Flueterflam? The oath is this 'I sware to aid the people of the emrald kingdom in anyway so long as I breathe. I swear to protect and defend my brother tines for the good of the kingdom. I sware not to aid the dragon if it hurts the people. I sware to watch for the comming. I sware this before (your god) for ever and ever.' Thats the oath."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:26 PM
Olana listens to the Oath. "Well," she says after a little deliberation, "those words are similar to my own tribal oaths, and as we are part of the Emerald Kingdom, then I see no wrong in swearing it, for myself." Looking around, she adds, " If Parnoth knows of the Tines, and tolerates them, and it is only by swearing this oath to them that we are able to get information with regard to our task, then surely he cannot object. Can he?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:27 PM
I also will take this oath. It is one i can live with. However I will not protect any Tine that is doing evil to the people. And What Is this "COMING" you refer to??
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:28 PM
"I mean, that if Parnoth doesn't want us to do this, and finds out that I am. Are you able to keep me safe from him killing me?" He realizes he's talking about his death, and being too extremely young to be prepared for it. He shudders enough to make the others in the room see his distress.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:29 PM
Listening to the oath with removed interest Dokenor speaks, "It sounds like have already told you that we agree with the given ideals, the only problem seems to be the fact that an oath is a powerful thing. And you are a stranger, and some of us have previous commitments. Why not just let us tell you that we can and will help you. Obviously the dragon thinks we are trustworth enough." Paul
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:30 PM
Shad had been watching the others' reactions carefully. Listening to Red's description of the oath, he made his decision. "I can take this oath. I would like to help the people of the Emerald Kingdom, and if helping J&G against Parnath is it, then so be it! As long as the Tines fight for the good of the people, I would be proud to call you brother! Even if we DO all get killed!" Shad seemed to have worked himself up to a martyristic fervor.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:31 PM
Olana turns and smiles at Fluet. "Please - don't be afraid. If we all stick together and look out for one another, then I'm sure everything will turn out all right." With a grin, she adds, "I think it should be quite exciting, don't you?"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:32 PM
"Well, I guess, but I'm still too young to die. Do you want us to repeat it word for word, or should we just tell you that we accept this oath?" He looks over at Red's action intently.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:33 PM
"So all of you are up for the pledge except for me." Dokenor looks to his comrades, "Well great! That should make it so that I basically *have* to follow the pledge without really taking it to stay with the group right? Doesn't that make sense Red?"
Red Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:34 PM
Red leans back and laughs softly to himself. "K'Nara dear, you do pick your companions well. I believe that you are all people of outstanding character. Neve have I witnessed such a group of peopl that were so careful of steping on someones toes. I do not need your pledge to the tines any longer to give you the information I have, your promise that joe and Gray will remain safe is good enough. However, if any of you do wish membership with us simply stand before the fire, look into the eyes of the portrait of the chossen one, ans say 'I so do sware by what ever god you choose, it is a magicaly binding oath, the magic will let others of the tines know that you are loyal and if you ever break your oath, as you will know them. i am tired now and must retire." He stands and walks toward a door no one noticed before. "Oh I almost forgot, the package there on the table is for you, use it wisely. Joe and Gray were on there way to The Tree when they left here. The Hands of Love have an 8 hour head start on you. Good Luck." With that he walks through the door. As it closes you see it vanish, becoming a part of the wall again.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:35 PM
Olana blinks, watching Red's departure. "Well, that seemed to solve a moral dilemma with us all didnt it." She moves to open the package, inquisitive as always. "I suppose we need to move.........and quickly if the Hands of Love have such a lead on us, yes?"
Dokenor the Dapper Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:36 PM
Dokenor looks rather confused for a second and then lets out the biggest smile he can possbly fit on his face, "What luck I say!" he then looks the package, "I say let's just pick it up and run towards the Hands.......but where exactly are they?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:37 PM
ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:38 PM
He speaks of the Tree of Parting I believe. I have some knowledge of the Tree due to the fact that iwas raised there for several years. It is overseen by an old blind elf and several elf maydens that the clan sends to assist him. If we are going we should leave soon but i suggest that we see what is in this package first.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:39 PM
The tall human female sighs at the disappearance of Red and then turns to the package he'd indicated, finding that the elven ranger had beaten her to it (naturally! ;D) "Olana, if you'd please do us the honor of opening the package, then we can decide what to do with it and be on our way..."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:40 PM
Shad stepped forward, moving around the chairs. He stood in front of the fire, looking at it, looking for a portrait or something. He took a deep, shuddering breath, and said, "I so do swear allegiance to the Tines, by my Lady, Donyra."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:41 PM
"How is it that we'll get there faster, when they already have 8 hours on us? Hmmmmm?" He is beginning to like sounding like a pessimist. Although he's not. "Either way, we need to leave soon right?" He waits for the others to decide.
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:42 PM
Waiting for the rest of the party to crowd around table, Cargo approaches it slowly not with lack of interest, but without an overwhelming joy towards having to chace aroung elves and some gay Hands of Love killers.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:43 PM
The package contains 3 potions of healing, 200gp for supplies, and a map showing the three routes to the tree. First, the road travled by most, (Very muddy this time of year). Second a small river traveling right through emrald city and the Tree of Parting. Third through the plains on horse back. (Clearly the fastes and the most dangerous, that is the Dark Lords teritory.
Portrait Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:44 PM
As Shadrach approaches the fire he sees a portrait of a person in a laughing mask. This mask seems to be a mask of great joy, however the eyes behind the mask hold untold sorrows. Upon looking at this painting one is not sur weather to laugh or cry. As Shadrach looks into the eyes of the person he can feel the power and the love in those eyes. This is a man to be feared if he chooses to be your enemy and to be protected as a friend. Shadrach speakes the oath and a light breeze carrys through the enclosed room smelling of roses. A voice from no where comes."
Voice Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:45 PM
"Thank ye mine friend, thou will never again serve the Dragon as long as thou remain loyal to thine brothers and sisters. Thank ye." Then the voice wispers "Watch for meeeeeeeee"
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:46 PM
The priest of the goddess of storms was motionless, as if turned to stone. He looked uncertain for a moment, and an expression strange to him, looking almost hopeful, crossed his face and was gone. His doleful mask firmly in place, he turned to the others. "Oh, we'll probably be too late in any case. No turning back now, though. We're doomed for sure." A faint tone, almost of satisfaction leaked into his voice.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:47 PM
Turning from the table for a moment, Olana also stands before the portrait, "I do so swear, by the the Blessed Earth, the Spirit of the Trees, the....." quietly going through all the forest deities she holds dear.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:48 PM
Doke looks and listens to the party talk to the portrait and amongst themselves. "Well that is just great Sad! We can travel past the Tree of Parting and refresh ourselves on the way to the Hands! Boy this mission is just getting easier and easier!" And looking absolutely in ecstacy he kisses the fourleaf clover on his necklace.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:49 PM
When Olana swares her oath the painting seems to chuckle as the smell of the forest after the rain drifts through the room.
Voice Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:50 PM
"Thankest thee my forest daughter, mine heart will always hold thine home dear. Watch for meeeeeeeee."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:51 PM
Shad looked at the mess of stuff on the table. "Um, I'd agree with taking the fast route, but I don't have a horse. And that's not enough money to get us all horses." His expression said this was no more than could be expected. "Since we can't all get horses, could I get 20 gold out of that?" He sighed. "We should find a place to sleep tonite or get started. Either is fine, I suppose."
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:52 PM
K'Nara takes the portrait and, smiling, makes sure nobody else wishes to swear the oath. Once everyone is obviously finished, she stows the picture away in her backpack. "Of us all, I am the only one with a horse, I believe...and, even then, the horse isn't really MINE, but a loan from a friend..." She thinks for a moment. "Dokenor should hold onto the potions for now, I think...and we might consider hiring a wagon to take us out to the Tree--it's a popular enough destination that there are scheduled runs to it all the time. If we do this, we may possibly get to the Tree before both the elves AND the Hands of Love do, especially if they're on foot."
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:53 PM
Before the portrait is taken from the wall Ingrge steps up to it and up to the part where he is to mention a god he has no problems at that time however it almost seems as if he stumbles a bit and ends his oath with "so I swear by my dead parents". Ingrge then looks over at K'nara and says a wagon would work but why not see if we could purchase passage on a river boat. shouldnt be much more expensive and should be quite a bit faster '
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:54 PM
He looks around, thinks, then opens his mouth. Thinking better of it, he closes his mouth. Then he raises an eyebrow in question to his own thoughts. "Well, I'm up for the easiest way there, I also think we should take the river." He frowns, then smiles, then he looks around confused.
Voice Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:55 PM
As Ingrge swares a warm breeze blows. "Thank thee, mine hope if that thy new brothers and sisters mayhap heal thy heart of pain. Watch for meeeeeeeeee....."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:56 PM
Olana smiles at K'Nara, and then the others. "Well, whichever is the quickest. We need to get to the elves before the Hand's do." Looking down at the table, she asks "Shall I keep the map then?" She then checks her weapons and provisions, and once done, waits quietly for the others, eager to be away and on the trail.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:57 PM
Shad yawned suddenly. "I can't believe we've spent a whole day in the dragon's castle. Oh yeah, and walking here. K'Nara, you've been here longer than anybody here. Why don't you take the money and see about travel arrangements? In any case, let's get going."
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:58 PM
Dokenor looks towards K'Nara in confusion, "Why do you think I should be the one to hold onto the potions?" And as has been happening since the beginning, his face dramatically changes to excitment, "By Wardd, you think that if I hold them we won't need them! You guys might be learning something yet!"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:25:59 PM
At Dokenor's comment Fluet bursts out loud laughing. "I'm ready to go too." (After he has calmed down from laughing) He waits next to Olana for the rest of the group.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:00 PM
Tilting her head, the human female reasons out loud: "The Tree of Parting is about twelve hours away if we take the swiftest way...but that would mean that we must either hire a teamster immediately or get ahold of someone willing to sell us a wagon and another horse. The teamster option is cheaper, but to find one THIS time of night will not be easy--not IMPOSSIBLE, but not easy, either...getting the wagon and second horse would be a little easier, but it will eat up all of this money for supplies, I'm pretty sure..." K'Nara looks around for other people's opinions...
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:01 PM
"I am for the quickest way."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:02 PM
He looked physically pained at Doken's remark. He listened to K'Nara, and nodded sadly. "Yes, a cheap wagon and horse would take all of that. I doubt we could afford the teamster willing to go through the Darklord's territory. We could, of course, turn around and sell the extra horse and wagon once we got there." He said, his voice turning thoughtful.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:03 PM
For the first time a hint of a smile reaches ingrge's lips at doke's comment. then Ingrge looks at K'nara and says 'a wagon will slow us, lets go wake someone at the animal pens and just buy 7 horses we have more than enough for that and some left over as well that way we wont need to worry about roads as much and getting stuck and being bounced and jarred all over and we can make our own pace.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:04 PM
The ranger nods, listening to Ingrge. "It would be far quicker if we were all to have our own mounts, thats for sure."
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:05 PM
Doke simply nods his head everytime somebody mentions a horse or wagon or path to take.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:06 PM
"What do you mean by that, Cargo?"
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:07 PM
He looked confused. "Where I'm from a simple riding horse goes for 75 gold each. I doubt we can get seven for this."
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:08 PM
Dokenor scoffs at Shad's remark, "If we all pool our money together I gaurantee you that we can all afford horses after a couple of hours." He starts shaking his head, "You never have to worry about money matters when there is a mandicant around! Don't you guys and gals know that@!?"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:09 PM
Smiling and thoroughly caught up in Dokenor's enthusiam, Olana looks to the others. "Well, surely we can enquire about the cost at the very least. Let's see if there's a nearby stable, where we can ask."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:10 PM
"Well, it wouldn't surprise me to find out you all are as poor as I am. I have all of a gold and some copper, and I'm NOT giving that up on a horse!"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:11 PM
"Well, I'd be more than willing to ride with someone. Especially considering I have actually had little experience with riding." He looks around wide eyed, hoping one will volunteer to partner with him.
Riverboat Captain Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:12 PM
From a few blocks over, you hear a distant the sound of a foghorn and a voice ringing out, "All aboard! All aboard for ,Villden, The Tree and places beyond! All Aboard!" The foghorn sounds again..."Voowhooooo!"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:13 PM
"If you mention anything about luck, I'll slap you." He threatens as he walks over to where the amazingly well timed boat seems to be.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:14 PM
The tall woman grins at Flute. "Then *I'll* mention it--what marvelously GOOD LUCK!" With a wink and a nod, K'Nara heads quickly for docks. "Come on...if we hurry, we can make it!"
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:15 PM
"We'll probably be too late, or the ship will be pirates in disguise...." Nevertheless, Shad moves quickly up the stairs and out into the night.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:16 PM
Doke looks towards Fluet with a confused scowl and follows the rest of the gang.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:17 PM
Ingrge looks over to Flute. "I'm glad you said that and not me. though I too am am tired of his so called luck theme. Ah well shall we go entrust our selves to the whims of the river? I'll even put up with travelling on water to get back to the Tree"
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:18 PM
Up on the staircase, you hear an indignant,"What's wrong with traveling on water?"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:19 PM
The elf ranger runs alongside the others, glad to be on the move by whichever means possible. A riverboat sounded exciting, and was going their way. This would be a new experience for her, and secretly she was quite looking forward to it. As they hurry toward the boat however, Olana makes sure to observe the surroundings. After all - an ambush wouldnt be very nice now, would it.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:20 PM
You all arive a t the river docks, a man meets you at the head of the dock, a large boat is tied to the end, it is difficult to see in the darkness. "How many and where to?"
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:21 PM
The female fighter smiles at the man. "There are seven people...oh, and a horse, too, if you've the accomodations...and we'd like to get to the Tree of Parting." Meanwhile, K'Nara is calculating that, if she can't take her horse along, she'll have to leave some money so that the mount will be cared for by the livery where he's stabled.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:22 PM
Doke looks at K'Nara and looks at the boatman, "I'm one of her seven humans." And with that he continues to stand around.
River Captain Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:23 PM
"Verry well, 10 gold a piece to the tree, 10 extra for the horse, we leave in 5 minutes."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:24 PM
He looked at K'Nara. "It's decent. You gonna get your horse?" He looked over what he could see of the vessel critically.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:25 PM
"Five minutes? I'll be right back!" K'Nara zooms off to the stable where the dark brown mare is being looked after and grabs all her gear as well as the mount, tossing a copper to the stableboy as she departs with her animal. "C'mon, Poki!" the tall human leads the horse to the boat and pays the captain the 80 gold for everyone. "I'll secure the horse if you can have one of the crew show me where, Cap'n...?" K'Nara trails off questioningly, hoping that the man would tell her his name.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:26 PM
Olana nods gratefully to K'nara for arranging passage on the boat, and gives the captain a beaming smile. She then approaches Doke, and looks up at him, her pointed ears quite evident. "Seven human's?" she whispers in mock horror, before breaking into a light-hearted chuckle. She then hops aboard the boat, intent on a quick look around, if that will be possible.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:27 PM
"Gee, what LUCK, not only does this boat find us at the greatest time, but we even have money to spare...." he says sarcastically, and then mumbles on about favors, again. Then he suddenly is hit by a new thought. Fluet shakes his head and shrugs it off. He looks around, and into the sky, for a sign. He doesn't know what, or even why he's looking, though.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:28 PM
The captain does not give his name but takes the horse and tie it to the stable post. The whole boat is simply a long flat bardge with jerry riged benches here and there, the only unusual feature is the carved dragon leaning over the prow. Its wings are spread as if in flight and the carving radiates magic. The only other three people on the boat are an old man, his wife and a second mate for the boat. (Perception checks all)(thats a 1d20 under youe Wis or Int, which evers higher.)
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:29 PM
Doke digs through his pouches at pulls out six gold pieces, "This is all I have mate, any chance I can get on with this?" He then stands there and looks around. ((Rolled a 11, which passes))
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:30 PM
"Doken, K'Nara already paid for us all!" Shad looked at the barge with deep distrust. ((Rolled a 16, failed by 1.))
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:31 PM
((Rolled 8 for Perception check)) K'Nara leans over to speak softly with Dokenor. "I'm holding the supply funds until we get a chance and a more private place to split it up amongst us. After paying for passage, there's about 120gp left." Then she looked more closely at Doke. "If you'd rather hold it, though, I can easily give you the bag it's in..?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:32 PM
Ingrge looks at the barge with obvious distaste. " Boats are bad enough, but this..... its hardly more than a plank with oars. i wont be suprised if 5 minutes after we take off we aren't swimming to the tree. She makes her way on board and moves as close to the center as she can and sits down on the deck. (perception rolled a 10)
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:33 PM
After a quick look around, Olana returns to the others. "What a strange vessel," she whispers to the others. "I hope the horse will be alright." (Perception rolled a 7)
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:34 PM
Dokenor replies to K'Nara with an "Ohhh? Wow, thanks." and puts out his hand, "I'd be happy to take the gold and double it over."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:35 PM
(Rolled a 7 on Wis)
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:36 PM
After everyone is on board and settled, the old man goes forward to the dragon's head and whispers something in his ear. The head glows green for a moment and the raft takes off upstream at a comfortable pace. As the barge leaves the lights of the town the 2nd full moon of Wardd lights up the sky and the cultivated landscape. The forest's wildness has been tamed by the elves showing off Parnoth's vision of a safe, non-threatening cultivated forest ruled by dragon. (Think country club golf course.) The raft passes a group of these elves working silently in the night. They seem to have lost their joy of life as they cause the forest to lose the same in their cultivations. They stare at the boat with empty eyes, carrying the weight of their atrocity in their forlorn eyes and posture. To the untrained eye, the pastures and trimmed trees hold a strange unWoldian beauty. To the elves of the party and others who have seen the joy of the elves in the forest, though, it is a thinly disguised horror!
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:37 PM
Shrugging, K'Nara gives the bag to Dokenor, then goes to check on Trixi. Seeing that the mare is secure and unconcerned with the magical nature of the barge, the human fighter sits down on the deck, settling herself against the post Trixi is tied to. "We should probably use this opportunity to get some sleep, people." K'Nara points out aloud, then, with the ease of someone who's learned to snatch sleep when they can, the auburn=haired fighter nods off. Some inexplicable something wakes her up in time to view the less-than-enthusiastic elves tending the forrest--doubtless on Parnoth's terms, to judge by their subdued demeanor. K'Nara frowns, even scowls a bit. Nobody should have to live like that...hopefully, someday, nobody in the Emerald Kingdom would.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:38 PM
Fluet sits down and takes out his little guitar. He then begins to play a slow sleepy song. After a short while, he stops playing and lies down to sleep. Dreaming about elves and dragons, and the future.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:39 PM
Finding a good spot to sit, he turns back to the party to see K'Nara handing Doken the sack. He doesn't say anything as he watches the boatmen start their magic. Going up to one of the men, he asked,"How long til we reach the Tree? Does anybody stay up and watch?" Afterward, he sets himself to watch the water and shore. Taking off his quiver and bow to lay beside him next to his trident. He says a short prayer to Donyra to have mercy on this journey.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:40 PM
Doke just look around, finds a comfortable seat and sleeps under the shine of Wardd.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:41 PM
Restless, Olana sits to one side of the barge. As they pass the manicured grounds,she looks in abject sorrow at how nature has been twisted so. She wipes away a tear and shudders, watching those elves at their work - wondering whether that was what Parnoth meant by a year of service.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:42 PM
Once seated in his spot, Ingrge just sits and stares in an elven resting trance, not really aware of specifics..... but aware. As the time goes on and the working elves are passed one might notice a slight hardening around Ingrge's eyes..then again maybe not.. Sitting there, not watching the world....its almost a relief
Captain Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:43 PM
The captain looks at Shadrach and answers his questions as curtly as possible. "We reach the tree at sun up, we watch."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:44 PM
He nodded. Stripping off his chain mail, he laid down on the raft next to his weapons. He watched the stars until he dozed off. *Probably kill us in our sleep* he thought....
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:45 PM
Turning away from the sight at the riverbank, Olana sits and attempts to get some rest as they sail.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:26:59 PM
ZZZzZZZZzzzzzzzzz.......
The Dream
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:00 PM
As you all fall asleep you begin to dream. You dream of the Emrald Kingdom and it used to be. Splendorus and wild. Ruled by the elves, beings and nature living in balance. The land thankful for the peoples protection and the people thankful for the land providing. You dream the dream of peace and prosparity. Then a dark cloud hovers over the lad, a cloud with glowing green eyes. A cloud that reshapes the land and takes away the people. The cloud grows claws and the claws rip into the earth causing great bleeding gashes. Out of these gashes the great green claws pull gold and gems. They pull welth and fortune, then dust over the wounds they have created, not healing them, but tring to hide them. Then you all see a man coming out of the north. Those of you who are "Tines" don't even have to see him. He is the chossen one, the one for whom you watch. He smiles and the light from it melts the claws. He laughs and the cloud is blown away. He cries, and where his tears fall the land is healed. He stretches his arms out to you in a warm embrace and . . . his chest explodes outward in a burst of blood, A bright orange blade where his heart used to be. You awake.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:01 PM
"GAAH!" Shad threw himself up, grabbing for his trident. He looked around and relaxed. "Oh, Lady, why these visions of death? I don't understand." He sat back down and took a better look at where they were now. He put his hands together and rested his forehead against them. The priest prayed silently.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:02 PM
whlie in his trance visions cross his inner sight and a tear forms at the coener of his eye ..As the man's chest explodes ingrge's eyes open, a deep frown forms on his face and slight moan comes from deep inside. Immediately he looks around to see if anyone noticed his moment of weakness and if it apears they have he will feign a coughing fit in order to cover his slip.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:03 PM
Torn from her reverie by the nightmare, Olana gasps in distress, her eyes flung open in momentary horror. It takes a long moment to get her bearings. Breathing shallowly, she looks around, noticing that as least two of the others seem a little disturbed, at the very least. Never had she had such a dream turn into such a nightmare. Regaining her composure as best she can, she stays awake for a short while, glancing at the others, wondering if they'd ALL had this dreadful vision.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:04 PM
The horrible vision of the lethal orange blade cause K'Nara to jerk violently awake with a gasp of shock. Blinking wide hazel eyes, she looks about, being momentarily confused between the dream and the reality. Olana's eyes also had the look of someone who'd just had a nightmare. "Bad dream I just had--how about you?" the human asks the elf.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:05 PM
oops btw suprise roll is a 4
Shad's player Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:06 PM
Oops. I forgot too. Rolled 7.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:07 PM
Olana looks toward K'Nara. "Yes....such a terrible thing. I wonder what it means."
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:08 PM
K'Nara's surprise roll is 7 on a d10.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:09 PM
Doke rubs his eyes as he looks up to Wardd, "I had the same dream as well, how incredibly lucky. A twist of the expected I say. What does it all mean?" ((Passed suprise))
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:10 PM
(Rolled a 9 for surprise)
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:11 PM
Almost simultaneously, two things are observed by our sleepy party. First, a bridge approaches, about 4 minutes (rounds) away. Men hurriedly lower a huge rope net big enough to stop the barge from it down to the river. They shout and point at you as the barge comes around a bend in the river and increase their pace. Second, the old man and woman on the barge have closed on the Ship's 2nd, the woman holding a red hot pan and the man with a drawn sword.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:12 PM
Round 1. (1st Initiative goes to the enemy.) The old woman swings the red hot pan hitting the ship's second in the head rolling a 17 and doing 4 points damage. The sailor staggers nearly losing consciousness (40% chance--rolled 53%.). The old man is revealed, his disguise hanging half off of his face(failed a perception check-a ability check of wisdom or intelligience which ever is better) revealing that he is neither old nor a man. She attempts to push the ship's second overboard and and fails rolling a 4. The net continues to be secured on the bridge upstream and the barge continues to magically move toward it.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:13 PM
(The party now has second initiative.)
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:14 PM
He goggled for a moment at the woman who looked like a man, breaking off his praying. Hurriedly snatching his trident up, Shad rushed over to stick one of the women in the back.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:15 PM
As Ingrge notices the attack on the mate. He quickly rises and starts casting a sleep spell, taking one segment of time, with the three of them centered inside. Ingrge realizes that the mate will be caught as well... but hey
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:16 PM
Seeing the attack on the second mate, Olana pulls a dagger and hurls it at the leg of the attacker weilding the hot pan (rolled a 12 +2dex adj/ 1 damage +1str adj) . Leaping to her feet, she draws her longsword and, noticing Ingrge muttering what sounds like spell, moves toward the sword weilding attacker - but not too close.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:17 PM
Immediately, K'Nara crouches and then launches herself at the fry-pan swinger, intending to knock her from the barge and into the water...but the woman heard the fighter's heavy footfalls and managed to spin out of the way! ((Rolled a 7 to hit)) "eeep!" K'Nara squeaked, barely managing not to trip over the edge of the barge and into the river...however, the tall chestnut-haired warrior was within range of that red-hot and potentially deadly frying pan..!
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:18 PM
Dokenor looks around at the commotion going on around him and quickly wishes the best of luck for all of his teammates, in effect, he blesses them all.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:19 PM
Startled by dreams and then by loud noises, he groggily opens his eyes trying to discern the situation. Once he sees battle his attention is quickly alerted. Next he sheaths his long bow and takes a round to aim at the person with a sword.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:20 PM
The Thugs are AC6. (Sorry, I should have given out that information before the party's first initiative. See we all make mistakes :)Shadrach rolls a 12 barely missing Thug #1. Ingrge successfully casts his Sleep Spell causing both thugs, the ship's second, and Shadrach to fall to the deck asleep.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:21 PM
Round 2. 1st intiative goes to the party. The bridge and the net is now 3 rounds away. Actions?
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:22 PM
Seeing that the two disguised passengers are asleep (as well as Shadrach the paranoid elf), K'Nara immediately snags some rope from nearby and starts to tie up the person formerly brandishing the frying pan. "Someone tie the other one up--someone else wake up Shad...and where in the 666 levels of the Abyss is the Captain of this barge??? CAP'N!!!"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:23 PM
Seing that his spell was sucessful and realizing that one of his compagnions and the mate were caught in it, Ingrge checks to see how far the bridge is and runs over and shakes shad awake and then moves to the mate. After wakening the two good guys Ingrge then calls to the rest of the group " Uhm.. I think we might need to work on a little bit ob battle strategy if we are going to work well together"
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:24 PM
"SNORRRRRRRRRE" "Uh, hey, go 'way....sleepin'"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:25 PM
Seeing his target fall unconcious, Fluet eyes the bridge. Seeing the net he aims for one of the men on the bridge. "Either we have to get off the barge, or kill those guys with the net," he yells to the others, still aiming at a man on the bridge. When he feels ready, he lets an arrow fly. (rolling a 17)
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:26 PM
On cue from K'Nara, Olana ties up the other attacker. Looking up to the dragon at the prow and then back, she says, "I'll look for the captain. We need him to stop this thing, yes?" She then searches the barge for the captain, her intention to ask him to stop the barge from its relentless drift toward the bridge. Passing Ingrge on her way, she smiles. "Isn't chaos wonderful?"
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:27 PM
Drawing out her short bow and swiftly nocking an arrow, the female fighter addresses Fluet: "We either gotta stop the barge or pick of those guys on the bridge, yes..." Eyeing the men on the bridge, she directs her next question to the now-awake mate: "Can you stop the barge? It would help a lot!" As the man with the frying-pan-induced headache responds, K'Nara makes sure that her arrows are ready for the next round of battle.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:28 PM
Dokenor looks towards the jumbled movement around the ship and listens to the talk of the would be net throwers. "I'll take the one on the left." he says as he angrily stares at the net. He curses the two net throwers.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:29 PM
Shad finally wakes up enough to realize what's going on, and runs over to get his own bow. Moving as fast as he can, he aims and fires at the net-throwers.((1st shot missed, 2nd h15/ac5/d1, not sure what the range is, might be a minus or too))
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:30 PM
Round 2. 2nd intiative goes to the thugs. The bridge and the net is still 3 rounds away. The thugs on the bridge finish tieing off the net and ready long bows.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:31 PM
Round 3. 1st intiative goes to the party. The bridge and the net is now 2 rounds away. The thugs have drawn long bows and begin to take aim. There are 5 as far as you can tell. Actions? (Only one action each please)
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:32 PM
Realizing that the bridge is farther than his bow can shoot, Shad dropped the bow for the moment and pulled his chain shirt over his head. "Anyone feel like trying to operate this thing?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:33 PM
Ingrge will get behind anything that will provied some cover and allow him to use his short bow which he is readying
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:34 PM
Readying her own short-bow, Olana thinks over what Shad has said. "I think it's going to take a spell to stop it.....maybe." Forehead wrinkling a little in frustration, she addresses the magical icon. "Please, stop the boat," she says to it, in the albeit unlikely chance that the thing would respond to simple requests and commands.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:35 PM
Dokenor realizes that something has to be done about the boat and runs towards the steering wheel of the barge. ((Running is his turn)). If he makes it before the round is over he will swing the wheel as fast as he can to the right.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:36 PM
Fluet takes out another arrow and nocks it on his bow. Then gets behind part of the ship to aim at one of the 5. "You guys, we will all have to aim really well to come out of this happy."
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:37 PM
"If the captain of the barge isn't around, then perhaps the second mate here--" the female fighter looks pointed at the *conscious* man, "--can kindly stop or reverse the boat's course...?"
2nd Mate Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:38 PM
"Oh no maam! I'm not even allowed to touch it! The captain said "he" would know if I did. I do know he caresses it and whispers to it to make it go and stop."
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:39 PM
Round 3 results: Dokenor reaches the wheel and gives it a huge spin. The barge begins to angle across to the right side of the river. It looks like the current will carry the barge under the bridge before it reaches the right shore.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:40 PM
Round 4: The barge is one round away. The party has first initiative. The five netters, satisfied with their preparations duck down behind the railing of the bridge (-2 to hit for cover.) You also now notice some figures in the branches of some trees to the right and left of the area just before the bridge. (The AC of the opponents is 8. If you are not using your standard AC listed on your sheet email me. Dokenor, send me your AC for the first 5 rounds.)
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:41 PM
Satisfied with his armor, Shad picked up his bow and aimed and fired at roughly the same area Fluet was aiming for. "If anyone has some big spell they don't want us in, now is the time to tell us." With a slight smile, he said,"Y'know, things could always be worse, thank Donyra."
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:42 PM
Searching for some cover from the missiles that are bound to be incoming, K'Nara snorted. "Figures!" she rolled her hazel eyes and spoke to the second mate directly: "Go find the captain, then--but try to keep from getting shot, eh?" Crouching down by the ex-frypan wielder, she hauls the other woman up and roughly shakes her awake. Once the captive's eyes begin to flutter open, K'Nara shifts her grip to the woman's neck. "Why in the Nine Circles of Hell do you and your comrades want to stop this barge so badly? And I'd advise that you NOT make me mad, suspicious or even nervous, or I promise you that you'll die before I do..!"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:43 PM
Olana pulls back her short bow and fires to the right of the barge, toward a target in the branches (rolled a 12 +2dex and 4 dam +1 str), figuring they would make an easier hit. She then ducks low against the side wall of the barge in order to nock another arrow.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:44 PM
Having taken the time to carefully aim at a guy on the bridge, he's positive he'll hit. (rolled 12, dam 4) Not taking time to see what happens, Fluet ducks behind part of the ship and pulls out another arrow.
ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:45 PM
Ingrge takes aim at one of th figures on the bridge and lets fly rolled a 16 (hits ac 4) and a 12 (hits ac8)(-2 for hidden target,+4 dex,race bonus) and sticks two arrows within inches of each other in his intended target doing a total of 9 points of damage. Ingrge then pulls another two arrows out for the next attack.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:46 PM
Doke pats around his body and a frown comes on his face, "I don't have any ranged weapons, darnit! But I DO have the power of the Lucky Wardd!" He turns and faces the hidden tree people on the left, "I curse you, you sneak bastards! Your children's children's children will be cursed with obesity!" Paul
Shad Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:47 PM
Shad's shots go wild. (Rolled 5-ac15, 5-ac15)
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:48 PM
The bardge will hit next round. The thugs seem to be waiting for something. None of the act this round.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:49 PM
The party has first initiative, last action before the bardge hits the net.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:50 PM
"I don't know about you guys, but I'm not going to be here to get stuck in the net!" With that, the big ugly sailor/priest grabbed his trident from the ground and hopped into the water, his chain mail causing him to sink swiftly. He didn't seem worried at all....
DM Jerry Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:51 PM
The second mate draws his short sword and prepares for battle taking up a position near the wheel. The captain is found dead with a dagger in his back amidst some of the cargo. The prisoner finally clears her head (weak grin and ducking all the blows) and answers by flipping them a card from the suit of Hearts with a strange symbol on it: an open hand. Further pressing causes her to reveal they were hired by a rather strange priest of Caeroldra to slow down the night barge. (Does that help?)
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:52 PM
"Gee, we seem to be in a fix, not to mention the fact that now we'll be LATE!"
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:53 PM
Doke yells to his swimming comrade, "You realize they have NETS don't you?" He shakes his head in obvious disapproval. Aside from mumbling to himself Dokenor looks towards the other half of the netters and curses them. "Damnit, everybody who isn't on this barge, is going to be hurting after a bit...." Adn with that said and done he plays with the wheel some.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:54 PM
Olana looks in shock as Shad jumps over the side. On seeing the card she frowns. "Are these people the Hands of Love? I wonder why they are waiting and not sending arrows our way." Seeing that any targets are going to be difficult to hit, she draws her longsword and studies the oncoming net. Maybe there was a way of cutting it, once they got close enough.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:55 PM
Shadrach is pushed under water by the current to the net where he is held by the current. The prisoner ries to throw herself off the boat, (STR chk by 15) She flips backwards off the bardge and floats into the net. Then the bardge slams into the net stoping the boat. (Dex chks -2 everyone to keep your feet, fail and you land on your rear, fail by more than 10 and you wind up in the river.) After the bardge has been stoped 4 men begin to repel on to the boat from above 3 more swing on to the boat from the trees to the side. (AC 6 Thac0 20) The men position themselfs in a circle, surrounding you.
Thug #1 Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:56 PM
"Surrender now and you will be spared, we have no wish to kill you but the Hands pay well. Fight and we will kill you."
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:57 PM
It is the party's initiave.
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:58 PM
Cargo comes out of hiding where the cargo is near the leader and backstabs the leader with a short sword rolling an 18 and does 8 points of damage. He shouts, "Miss me anybody?" He then takes his chances and disengages running back to hide in the cargo.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:27:59 PM
K'Nara determinedly pulls a bastard sword free from the scabbard on her back, revealing an artfully-rendered blade--one that looks good enough to be the product of an elven blacksmith. Gripping the oversized handle in both hands, the female fighter scowls at the ultimatum given to the party by one of the boarders. Her expression grows even more disapproving when Cargo's sudden appearance (and its result!) leave them with no choice but to fight. "Looks like we live to give the Hands of Love the *finger*!" she quips, striking a pose with her sword. Then K'Nara starts to...dance?...whirling her blade before her and using the most intricate and graceful choreography to attack the thug standing next to the speaker. (To hit: rolled 14 +3= 17; one-handed damage: rolled 4 +3= 7...K'Nara will parry the first attack that she sees coming at her.)
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:00 PM
"Well it looks like I have a whole lot of say in this matter!" Dokenor screams in rage as he sees his fellow party members attack without thinking, "You know violence can kill you! Gosh darnit!" Dokenor proceeds to pull out his mace and start pounding away at the nearest thug. ((Str check passed(9), Hit w/mace (18), Caused 3 Dmg))
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:01 PM
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:02 PM
having kept his balance when the barge hit the net (rolled a 16 -2) Ingrge fires off his next two arrows at the right net climber hitting him once in the back and sending the second arrow through his right leg (rolled18,17 +4 r,d for a total of 11 points of damage) Ingrge will then qucickly grab two more arrow to fire the next chance and then grab her sword
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:03 PM
(Dex rolled a 2) Not quite expecting how large the jolt would be and already leaning forward, Olana gets pitched over the side into the water, toward the net. With a surprised squeak, she tries to grab at the net, sword in hand.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:04 PM
(rolled an 11) Stays on the boat, but loses his footing a little. Then, what Fluet would describe as chaos breaks out, he stands there stunned. What should I do, he thinks to himself.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:05 PM
(Results of Round 5: party's 2nd initiative.) The leader who was repeller #1, falls over dead from Cargo's backstab attack. Repeller #1 gets no chance to hit Cargo as he disengages because she is dead. K'nara's opponent, Repeller #2, staggers under the mighty blow, then grimly sets herself to fight on. Dokenor attacks Repeller #3 who still stands. Ingrge does indeed hit his opponent Repeller #4 twice, but not in the back as they had already surrounded the party during their part of this round. The first attack hit him in the chest. He falls over dead. Olana disappears beneath the surface of the water.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:06 PM
(Round 6: Hands of Love gets 1st initiative) Repeller #1 is dead. Repeller #2, quaffs a potion giving herself a chance at life. She then prepares do defend herself. Repeller #3 attacks Dokenor hitting with a 17 for 5 points of damage. Repeller #4 is dead. Swinger #1 attacks Fluet rolling a 16 for 2 points of damage. She roars in triumph. She challenges you, "What, no song to sing before you die? Come on Bard, give us a tune to fight by. I might let you live!" Swinger #2 attacks K'nara missing her rolling a 4. She spits in her general direction and says, "I hate elves." Swinger #3 closes on Ingrge to prevent more of those deadly bow attacks and hits him rolling a 17 for 4 points of damage.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:07 PM
(The part gets the 2nd Initiative of Round 6.)
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:08 PM
Without missing a lethal beat, K'Nara continues her dance of death...grimly ignoring Swinger #2 to weave her sword with an accuracy calculated to be fatal (To Hit: 13+3=16; Damage: 8+3=11)--targeting once more Repeller #2. Neither joy nor lament show on the tall human's face as her artfully-crafted blade bites deep.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:09 PM
Glub, glub......
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:10 PM
Having previously been kneeling while shooting his bow, Ingrge aknowleges the accurate flight of his arrows with a nod. As he reached for his next set of arrows he sees Opp.#3 coming towards him and striking him with his sword. Knowing he cannot stand and grab his sword in time Ingrge swings his bow at #3's feet and then lifting the bow as #3 tries to evade, hoping to entangle his legs in the bow and string and cause him to fall (roll nat 20 hits ac-1 only using str bonus ac-4 if usingstr/dex. and as damage was not the point no dam roll) Ingrge will then use next bit of time of grab sword and prepare to attack
Olanna Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:11 PM
Having some how managed to retain hold of her sword as she went overboard, Olannatakes the first few moments to let her eyes addjust and to get her bearings. looking for bubbles to see which way they are going see now knows which way is up. Sheathing her sword, Olanna makes moves to get to where the bubbles are going ..up. once on the surface she will make her way to the barge and climb aboard using her daggers as climbing tools.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:12 PM
Dokenor retaliates being hit with SMACKING Repeller #3 over the head with his mace((Rolled a 19 and then a 6!)). "You will fall!"
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:13 PM
Cargo springs out once more to attack Swinger #2 so that K'nara is not double teamed. He rolls a 9 missing. He does his best to draw any attacks away from the deadly bladesinger and to himself so she can be more effective. He smiles shyly at K'nara at his fumbled attempts to help her.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:14 PM
(Results of Round 6: 2nd initiative, Party's actions.) K'nara slices Repeller #2 in half his top portion flying off into the water, killing her. Olana reaches the edge of the raft and begins pulling herself back on board. Dokenor kills Repeller #3 bashing the side of his head in. Shadrach emerges from the water on the left shore and races toward the bridge and the top of the net. (I was sent Shadrach's info by email and decided to go ahead and include it here.)
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:15 PM
(Round 7. The party gets first initiative.)
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:16 PM
Not sure of the status of the opponent in front of him swinger#3(hoping that SW# is entangled in bow and on ground) Ingrge has grabbed his sword and stabs at sw3 trying to avoid his bow if possible(rolls a 13 +1 str hits ac6 for 3 points dam)
Olanna Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:17 PM
Having made it back on board, Olanna, trys to sneak up behind the nearest bad guy
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:18 PM
Having had to swim and run for a while to get here, Shad stops and unlimbers his bow. Aiming carefully (called shots -4) so as not to hit his companions by mistake, he lets loose 2 arrows. One goes *flit* into the boat(r7/ac17) but the other barely glances across Repeller#1's neck, but seemingly hitting something vital (r16/ac8/d5).
K'nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:19 PM
thouroughly caught up in her dance K'nara is just aware of cargo's attempt to rid her of swinger#3,she is so caught up in her dance tht she is almost enaware of the attack she focuses on sw#3 until she feels a satisfying jarring as her sword strikes home once again(rolled19 hits ac1 dam 7)
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:20 PM
Dokenor looks saddened as his opponent falls, "Well you weren't supposed to Die! Gosh darnit! I'm greatly sorry that I did that....!" He seems to be incredibly saddened by the fact that he just killed this person. So saddened in fact, that he doesn't seem to be paying any attention to the rest of the barge.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:21 PM
Since the attack left Fluet stunned for a round (emotionally and physically) he get pretty angry. So mad the he swings with just his bow at Swinger #1.(rolled a 9) "I'll sing a song about your loathsome death." Gritting his teeth in anger.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:22 PM
Swinger #3, #1 and Repeller #1 all fall down dead. The rest of the thugs seeing what short work the party made of their companions flee for their lives, leaving the party out of combat, intangled in a net, wondering where the captain is.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:23 PM
The battle over and their foes scattering away, K'Nara falls to one knee and uses the tunic of one of her opponents to wipe clean the blade of her sword. "May Domi advocate thy spirit before the judgement of Gargul, warrior." she murmurs the traditional posthumous blessing for a respected foe. Then she stands, looking for those of the party who'd fallen or jumped from the barge. "Come now...we have to cut this barge free--" she announces to all, "--it seems the Hands of Love are responsible for this attack..." The tall female frowns at the card one of the ex-prisoners gave her. "...we have to continue onward as soon as possible."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:24 PM
"Hold a moment, K'Nara. If I can untie this net from this bridge, we can drop it into the river. Or you can cut a hole in it for the boat." Shad then proceeds to see if he can do just that, looking for any bandit loot in the bargain.
INGRGE Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:25 PM
After seeing the last of the attackers either flee or die, Ingrge spits on the dead foe at his feet "Now you have a reason to hate elves". At which point Ingrge collapses on the deck and starts trying to staunch her wound with a field dressing. "while working on his wound the others can hear him chastising himself. " #%$&* you know better to let someone charge you with no weapon ready you are going to get yourself killed." At least you can say you went down fighting but....."
Olanna Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:26 PM
Having finally gotten back on board Olanna sees that the attackers have been vanquished so slowly makes her way up front searching bodies as she goes. As she passes the first mate she says " well you have just been appointed Captain so I suggest you find some way to control this termite buffet of a barge since we seemed to have just saved yours and everyoneelses bacon." when she gets up to the front she will help with the cutting of the net.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:27 PM
Dokenor bends down and looks at his fallen foe. "My deepest apologies to you and your loved ones." He gives a short, silent prayer and gets up. Dokenor trundles over to K'nara and just idles around, pretty much silent.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:28 PM
"Do you need me to do anything?" to anyone who might need his help. "If not, then I'm gonna start writing a song, that was really inspiring," with a snicker.
1st mate Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:29 PM
"Well folks I can make the boat go, but someone needs to find a way around this net, and if my ears don't decieve me, we had better do it soon, I think I can hear them comming back."
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:30 PM
Sounds of a large force,20- 25, preparing for something can be heard not to far away.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:31 PM
The tall human female eyes the net, thinking that either the net had to be cut from the bridge, or a hole for the barge had to be cut from the net...or the party had to abandon the barge altogether. Quickly she compared the outcomes of the three different actions...
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:32 PM
having done what he can to stop the bleeding of his wound, Ingrge says let those with bows prepare to repell boarders and the others climb up and cut the net from there
Olanna Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:33 PM
after finally making her way up front Olanna readies her bow and looks to someone to make a decision
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:34 PM
The sounds are becoming more ordered and the sounds of spells being cast can be heard.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:35 PM
'_None_ of the three options are very good ones!' K'Nara thinks to herself with a grimace, then moves forward, toward the net, raising her wickedly-sharp blade in both hands. "SHAD! Get your butt down here--climb down the net--and help me hack the boat free! Everyone else should follow Ingrge's advice--people with missile weapons should keep their eyes peeled for whatever else those would-be boarders might be coming back with...the crew members can help us cut the barge loose." So saying, the female fighter hacked at the net. "It might help, Dokenor, if you tried to catch the ear of Wardd...we can certainly use luck right now!"
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:36 PM
Shad obeyed immediately, leaping off the bridge in an acrobatic roll that brought him to his feet on the barge (Heh heh, rolled 6 on tumbling). He proceeded to assist K'Nara in slashing the net in a driven sort of way.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:37 PM
Ingrge retrieves his bow and sets it on the deck next to him and sets out 6 arrows he then drags the bodie of the slain and stacks them for use as a barrier then focussing on where the noise is coming from, He readies a spell all but the last word for when he sees the other spell caster then he waits
Olanna Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:38 PM
Olanna nimbly climbs the net to a hieght of about ten feet and then working backwards starts slicing the net so that i becomes like a parted curtain and allow egress past the bridge.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:39 PM
Dokenor looks up to the taking charge K'Nara, "Sounds like a plan Modo.....errr, K'nara." he says as some color begins to flow back into his face.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:40 PM
He takes out 3 arrows sets 2 down. Readies the third and waits for whatever to get closer. Then Fluet looks around and wishes for anything better than this to happen(soon). Although he does all this with a fresh idea to a new song still lingering the abstract boundries of his mind.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:41 PM
Ding! The lightbulb turns on. "If we really get can't get the net cut in time, couldn't we summon that beast to help us?"
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:42 PM
Those cutting the net get it halfway down while the noises continue to get louder and more distinct. The number approaching seems to be many. The archers stand ready. Ingrge has his components and spell in his memory ready to begin casting (see email). The boat begins to tear the net as well as the magic of the dragon's head pushes it against the net with force.
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:43 PM
Cargo comes out of the crates with another dead body in his hands, throws it down with the rest and begins working on the net.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:44 PM
Shad throws a look over his shoulder and tries to cut faster. He panted as he slashed, "I wonder how many times we can summon the Beast?"
Olanna Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:45 PM
Working next to Shad and hewing rope as fast as elvenly possible, she looks over at him and between heaving breaths says" I would be more worried about whether or not that little beastie is controllable or not."
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:46 PM
Having set up his arrows, bow ans gotten his spell components ready Ingrge takes a moment out to dig in his pack and with a nauseated look pulls out a sealed vial of putrid green liquid,wondering at the same time why something that heals looks and tastes so god awful. He then carefully wedges the vial amongst the bodies stacked in front of him so it is within easy grasp andlooks around to see what every one else is doing and how close the raft is to being free
K'nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:47 PM
Feeling the net starting to free, K'nara tells everyone get ready now the raft is almost free just a little more now. be ready to get back on board as soon as the raft is free
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:48 PM
He looked confused. "We ARE on board," he said.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:49 PM
"She just thought you might be having an out of body experience!" he chuckles, throwing of the dire feeling of impatience. Then he looks around, and crosses his eyes at the 1st mate. After doing this he returns to his state of readiness.
Cargo Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:50 PM
Cutting with knives in both hands, he says, "I think we're breaking free! Hold on everyone!" Then more quietly, "Ya know, we could hold off now with only a few more ropes to cut and see who this enemy is. Might prove useful. Better the enemy you know than the one you don't. Could be they are the following type and we'd have to fight them later on their terms. We're fairly ready for combat right now."
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:51 PM
The sound of the oncoming hostiles, seem about one round away. Only 3 main ropes remain to be cut. You see dark figures moving on the far side of the trees lining the river running for the bridge on the right bank. They are not attempting at all to hide their presence, but actually seem to be making noise on purpose.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:52 PM
Doke attempts to join in the cutting of the rope by bashing his bloody mace against the fibers.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:53 PM
"I heard spells being cast. One fireball would really ruin my day. And sitting in the open on a barge waiting for 20 guys to show up ISN'T being prepared for battle," Shad said nervously. He slashed at the remaining lines. "Unless one of you mage types recognized the spell?"
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:54 PM
Gritting her teeth, the female fighter hacks at the remaining bond with all her might. "Olanna...has a...point..." she grunts between slices at the net, "...I don't want...to be...responsible...for calling up...that...THING...unless we have...ab...solutely...NO...choice!"
Olanna Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:55 PM
noticing that the others are finishing off the remaining ropes, Olanna joins the others on the deck and readies her bow and arrows.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:56 PM
Ingrge, having made what preparations he can for the arrival of the party guests, strains to hear what might be being said on shore by the approaching fingers of the so called hands of love.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:57 PM
"Careful, they're probably trying to distract us. Keep your eye out all around, up, and maybe even....in the water." As he says this, he looks up in the sky, then looks down in the water to see if anything strange is happening. After this, he turns around 360 degrees, not paying heed to the dark figures.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:58 PM
As all but one rope is cut free the (new) captain rushes foreward and wispers something into the wooden dragons head. The boat gives a jerk foreward and frees itself, moving up the river at an impressive rate of speed. As the boat pulls away from the bridge, invisable archers appear on the bridge, fireing their bows. Arrows imbed thimself throuout the deck of the ship, luckily missing everyone except the dead bodies. Everyone feels something pull at their minds as if someone was tring to control their thoughts and then the feeling fades and the party is away.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:28:59 PM
He lay on the deck, breathing heavily. "Good call, Fluet," he gasped. He turned his head to see what K'Nara wanted next and suddenly became highly distracted by the sheen of sweat on her skin.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:00 PM
Breathing heavily from the combined exertions of the combat and the hacking the ship free, the tall chesnut-haired warrior looked around at her companions, grinning as she slid her blade back into its sheath on her back with subconscious ease. "Well fought, everyone...and Shad's right, Fluet--you're quite clever for thinking of such possibilities." K'Nara went to poke around ((i.e. search)) at the corpses left on the barge by the fleeing mercenaries, glancing oddly at Shad and doing a quick B.O. check to see if her deodorant was still working... ((;D))
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:01 PM
after the barge gets under way, the arrows hit the deck, and as K'nara makes her way to to the pile of bodies he has piled in front of him Ingrge puts away his vial, arrows, sheathes his sword. As K'nara arrives he will assist her in unstacking the bodycade and laying them out to be searched
Olanna Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:02 PM
As the rain of arrows pours down on the deck as the barge rapidly moves out, Olanna turns back towards the bridge, sticks out her tongue and mutters "barely hit the side of a barn" Thank the spirits" and then wanders over to see if she can be of assistance to K'narra
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:03 PM
after helping move the bodies Ingrge is feeling quite weak and notices that his wound has reopened and is bleeding profusely yet again. After removing his previous bandaging and recleaning the wound Ingrge, retrieves his little green vial and with a distasteful look on his face tosses back the entire contents(rolled 6 on a d8 heal potion) in just a few moment where there was a gaping hole in his shoulder there is only the pink scarring as if from an old wound. "Gods that tastes nasty. Why cant they at least make those with out taste"
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:04 PM
Dokenor puts away his mace and states, rather calmly, "And luck would have it we are free and happy once again." He rubs his chin, "But what on the Wold was that all about?"
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:05 PM
Shad grinned at the trees before turning to the others and asking,"So. Anybody want healing?"
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:06 PM
In answer to Doke's question, K'Nara explains aloud to all as she methodically goes through the pockets and/or backpacks of the recently deceased: "One of the prisoners--just before she somersaulted away, the acrobatic little minx!-- flipped me a card from the suit of Hearts with a strange symbol on it... an open hand...she said that they'd been hired by a rather strange priest of Caeroldra to slow down the night barge..."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:07 PM
Fluets sits down, and takes out his guitar. With a rather fast paced melody, he plays and words form in his head, "dragons, nets, and arrows....."
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:08 PM
As the party searches through the belongings of the dead thugs they find nothing of value, the weapons, clothing, and equipment is poor indeed the only thing of intrest is the small hand stiched piece of cloth that each thug carries somewhere on him or her. Each one is sitched with black thread to look like a wolfs head in silouite. The other strange thing is a letter found in a back pack.
Letter Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:09 PM
To Alkazar of the Mindwolf Clan From Jakazr the avenging hand of love As per our agreement here is assignment. 1) Allow no trade to pass the river for seven days. 2) If we are followed by anyone, give them the card and kill them. 3) Destroy all signs of them and bring and prisoners to us we are traviling along the river by day, we will hang a white flag by the river to mark our campsite. 4) Have your BEST healer read this spell from this note if no one comes at the end of seven days. Kckcorifnsc PRGKwgvmogWgwk wRGKWOG%TWLgGP%PK<,v,ppgwWP,g wPT,gw5G);wg<WG<VP"PREWPW<PWtp wPW<GG<W)<<W))#<T)_<G$<G)GPRPG The hands protect The hands enlighten The hands purify The hands Avenge Jakazr</BIG">
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:10 PM
On reading the letter, the human female sniffs thoughtfully. "Hmmm...marked by a white flag, eh? My, my, my...an unscrupulous party would doubtless take shameless advantage of this information!" She lifts twinkling hazel eyes to her comrades. "What say you all--feel like being _unscrupulous_...should the occasion arise?" K'Nara's accompanying grin is *not* nice...
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:11 PM
"Hmmm" Shad peered over K'Nara's shoulder at the parchment (Can he understand what the spell is?). "There is that..'Course this could be a decoy for if they get caught, then we'd be going to an ambush..Wonder what the Mindwolf clan is?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:12 PM
Ingrge looks up at K'nara's remark and grins a grin that would scare most normal people. " I think should the chance arise perhaps we might, but may I make an additional suggestion. I believe we ought to take these "badges" for our use as well and perhaps hand them an even bigger surprise.
Olanna Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:13 PM
Olanna looks at both K'narra and Ingrge and states " you two think positively evil thoughts, I do so like that. With that said she starts collecting any arrows that are of usable condition
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:14 PM
He stops his song and looks at the others. "This keeps getting better and better," with a smile, "I think I'll have to write a song about this 'favor' after everything's over."
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:15 PM
Doke still doesn't seem to be his usual self as the note is passed around. "Everything seems to be working out for us, ehhh? Ward is definately sharing his light tonight." Doke looks up to the moon(s) and his eyes glaze over, he stares for a few moments and proceeds to sit on the deck.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:16 PM
"Moon? Funny, I thought it was dawn..." He handed out Mindwolf patches. Shad settled himself and his weapons to watch the shoreline while eating some rations. "Anybody want fish for lunch?"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:17 PM
The ranger takes the patch from Shad and smiles. "Fish sounds wonderful." She examines the patch for a while, and then walks over to Dokenor. "You alright Doke?"
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:18 PM
It is still late in the evening, and the sun has not risen. Those of the party that study the spell soon realize that who ever cast this spell was a cleric of name indeed, it is so complex and specific that only the owner of the message could have decifered it. Only two or three clerics in this area are capabale of such a thing. The Hands of Love must be powerful indeed.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:19 PM
Shad shook his head over his own lack of observation. "I wonder if that spell is one of transport...Not something I want to try. Don't get your hopes up, anybody, I'm a sailing priest, darnit, not a fisherman!" Nevertheless, he pulls out hook and line, resolved to give it a try.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:20 PM
Taking his patch from Shad, Ingrge crosses over towards the rail to help in the fishing, stopping momentarily to look at doke and say, " Doke look at it this way You and your opponent were playing a card game and he picked the death card. It was just the luck of the draw. You got lucky he didnt. Thank your Warrd for that and move on.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:21 PM
Doke seems to be listening to all of his teammates comments as his eyes lose their glassy cover. "You are all correct. Let us move on." he pats the boat and awaits ideas.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:22 PM
Shadrach catches a big trout, and he wasn't even using any bait.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:23 PM
Olana chuckles as Shad lands the fish. Standing toward the rear of the barge, she looks this way and that - scanning the sides of the river on the lookout for movement, and signs that they are being followed. Having had a look at the spell and, of course, having understood none of it save the reactions of the others, she finds herself wondering just what the heck is going on. What, in the first instance, seemed to be a fairly straight forward task, was now becoming more complex, not to mention more dangerous by the minute. Bands of marauders - and now powerful spells, and what looked like another clan to deal with. Turning to the others she says - "I'll be glad when we find some answers, then at least we will know what we're up against." Looking at the patch, she adds, "So - are going to attempt to impersonate these people? Actually, that could be quite good fun couldn't it?" Optimism once again to the fore, she smiles and begins to clean her weapons, subconciously in preparation for more "fun".
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:24 PM
Shad hurriedly pulls out a sack to hold the fish, a little surprised that he'd got one so quickly. "So much for all those stories about it taking hours. I'm a natural!" Rather than mess with his luck (tho he won't admit it to Dok) Shad continues to fish without bait.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:25 PM
He takes a patch from Shad. This bard is so utterly bored that he starts talking to himself IN HIS MIND. After a conversation or two he laughs out, and begins to tell a ludicrous story(out loud this time).
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:26 PM
Having gotten his patch and looked at the note, Ingrge Sits down leaning back against his pack and looking around at his cohorts, says If you need me give me a call I'm going to get some rest, And with that He drops into a slight trance
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:27 PM
K'Nara turns the patch she's been given idly over in her hand, then she seeks out the body of the ex-captain of the barge in order to check exactly what and/or who killed him...afterwards she intends to ask the new captain exactly what will happen with the barge now that the only person who knew how to stop it (or at least slow it down) is dead...
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:28 PM
Shadrach catches yet another fish with out using any bait. The river captain is found at the back of the boat driving. He has no idea how hes going to stop yet but he says he will figure it out by the time you get there."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:29 PM
Fluet looks around trying to find something to do. Then he stands up and walks over to the dragon's head. Hehehe, he thinks, what if this thing does more than just control the boat. He begins to conjure up phases and ideas that might enable the dragon's head to do more than it's doing right now. "Breathe fire" he whispers, making sure to stand away from the mouth. All the while crossing his fingers in hope.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:30 PM
Shad frowned. He looked suspiciously at Dokenor. Since his water breathing would last a few hours yet, he decided to take a look underwater to see if there was a line of fish waiting to jump on his hook. If nothing looked odd, he decided to catch enough fish for the whole group.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:31 PM
Olana sits back and listens to Fluet for a while, until he walks forward to talk to the dragon artifact at the front of the barge. Noticing that Ingrge has decided to get some rest, she realises this is a good idea and slips into an elven reverie of her own.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:32 PM
Flueterflam walks forward and wispers into the dragons ear and nothing happens, however he does notice a soot caked inscription on the side of the dragons neck. Shadrach, dipping his head under the water sees four fish lined up waiting to "take the bait".
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:33 PM
Through his boredom, a discovery like this is monumental. Fluet proceeds to wipe as much soot away as possible, in order to make out the inscription. At the same time, he wonders if a genie might pop out as he rubbing it. Although he knows it's doubtful.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:34 PM
"Ummm," Shad pulled his head out of the water with a splash, "I'm not one to be an alarmist, but...someone's sent one fish for each of us to bite my hook. They're right there under the water."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:35 PM
Deep within her reverie, Olana's face takes on a slight smile, dreaming of fish for breakfast
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:36 PM
While he's trying to wipe away soot, he thinks back to the letter. Then asks anyone who's awake, "Do any of you think it's strange that the beginning of the letter said 'To Alkazar of the Mindwolf Clan', and we all, well me at least, felt a weird sensations on our minds, just before the boat got free? Well I for one do!" He then continues to wipe away soot as he waits for any input from the others.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:37 PM
Flueterflam's rubbings simply seem to push the soot further into the inscriptions.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:38 PM
He looked from face to face. Everyone was either sleeping or didn't think fish lining up was such a wierd thing. Muttering to himself, Shad threw the line in again.(Continue til done)
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:39 PM
The rangers continues to dream. Her eyelids flicker slightly, and the previous smile disappears, as the dream shifts, influenced by the spirits of the trees, and troubles that whisper through the leaves. A slight frown appears, as she dreams of the horrors of having to wear plate mail.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:40 PM
Getting discouraged Fluet starts thinking of any way that he could remove the soot. He then goes over to the side of the boat, and reaches over getting some water in his cupped hands. Then he brings it over to the inscription. There he splashes the water on the inscription and tries wiping off soot again.(hopefully w/ more luck)
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:41 PM
Shadrach continues to fish until there is one fish for everyone, how fortunate that seems. Flueterflam brings some water to the inscriptin which seems to help, if only there was something to gently scrape, or brush it out with, and what is a thick layer of soot doing on the prow of the ship?
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:42 PM
Shad continued to mutter to himself as he fileted the fish expertly. He looked around to see if there was a stove on the barge. He glanced at Flueter's efforts and remarked, "Got some smoke damage there, looks like. Maybe you should ask one of the girls for a brush."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:43 PM
Olana breaks gently out of her reverie. Blinking and looking around, she sees Shad and his pile of fileted fish. "Oooh, all those? You must have a way with the lore of the river, Shad." Standing and stretching, she takes a quick look around, and notices Fluet. Watching him for a short while, she then glances around quickly and then brings forth her thieves picks from a pouch in her belt. "Try these," she whispers carefully, "but gently now - you don't want to scrape too hard and distort what is carved there."
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:44 PM
After several hours of trance/rest, Ingrge opens his eyes to....the barge..."dang I was hoping it all was just a really bad dream brought about by something i ate". Oh well" Ingrge will take the next hour or so to re-memorize the spell he used,
Flueteflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:45 PM
Fluet glances over to Olana and smiles. He casually strides over to her and gently takes the tools from her. "Thank you," as he smile and rushes back over to the inscription. Then he turns back to Olana, "Oh yeah, I'll give them back when I'm done." Fluet then focuses his attention back to the task at hand. As quickly and gently as possible he begins wiping away bits of soot at a time.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:46 PM
As some of you begin to prepare the fish over a small stove the captain brings, Fluet begins to gently scrape the soot from the inscription. When Fluet is done there are five things inscribed there. 1)Jakazar - pace 2)Katazar - stall 3)Timizar - more 4)Lackazar - less 5) To be I, see as I, be I, use Iz.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:47 PM
Dokenor snaps out of his staring contest with Wardd and walks over to the rest of the group huddled around the inscription. "Can anybody make any sense of it? It looks like some sort of cryptogram but it seems rather curious to have such a clue on a ship. Perhaps it is how to control the dragon? It is all very odd he seems." His moments of silnced must have added up for he was talking very fast and very sporadic.
Flueteflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:48 PM
Already having figured out what the inscription means, he is stumped by all but the last direction. At the same time he gives back Olana's tools mumbling something unintelligable, but sounding almost like thanx. Returning his full attention to the dragon immediately thereafter. Not wanted to talk out what the possible consecquences might be with the others, he blurts out the only part of the directions that stumps him "To be I, see as I, be I, use I".
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:49 PM
Shad came over and gawked with the others, unable to resist. He wrinkled his forehead at Fluet and the prow. "Don't you mean 'Iz'?"
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:50 PM
Having taken an impromptu nap (;D), K'Nara wakes up in time to hear the discussion about the cryptic directions on the prow of the barge. Stifling a yawn and stretching a bit, the tall female asks, "Hmm? What was that about 'eyes'?"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:51 PM
Taking the picks, Olana slides them away quietly, back into their hiding place, then she nods at Fluet. Looking at the others she smiles and then chuckles mischievously. "I wonder what would happen if we uttered one of those words?"
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:52 PM
As Fluet gains his corage and takes a deep breath he blirts out the passage and . . . nothing happens.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:53 PM
"Maybe you're right. I thought I just missread it." Fluet looks at the inscription one more time to make sure he says the right thing this time. "To be I, see as I, be I, use Iz."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:54 PM
He shrugged. "Looks simple enough to me. Go, stop, faster, slower. Except for that last one. I wouldn't mess with THAT." He finished in a tone that promised dire doom for those who rash enough to do so.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:55 PM
The tall human shrugs. "Ah, well, then--riddles are NOT my strong suit...I think Shad has a point about not messing with the barge, though." K'Nara rolled her shoulders and finished stretching. "We should let the new captain know about these...ah...directions, though--and we should have someone keep their eyes peeled for that white flag that is to mark the camp of the Hands of Love while the others catch some shut-eye. Any volunteers for first watch..?"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:56 PM
"I can take first watch, or if not, then second," says the ranger, a little distracted. Staring up at the figure of the dragon, she wonders, and then hops up to examine the eyes of the carved thing a little more, without going so far as to touch them. "I wonder," she mutters, more to herself than anyone else.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:57 PM
Doke, still bent over the inscription, answers to the calling, "I'll take first watch." His mace hangs loosely at his side, "You all get some sleep."
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:58 PM
As Fluet takes another deep breath he blirts out the passage and . . . nothing happens, again; however when Olana looks at the dragons eyes she notices a small flaw that incircles the eye, it almost looks as though it would push inward.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:29:59 PM
Shad's eyes widen at K'Nara's agreement with him. Unconsciously, he pulls back his shoulders and swells his chest. With a silly smirk on his face, he finishes his fish and stretches out on the deck.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:00 PM
"Don't worry nothing happened. But I had to try, what if it did something useful?" With this Fluet goes over to a small corner of the boat and sits down. All of this wonderment put him in a drowsy state. In less than five minutes he's fast asleep.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:01 PM
Spell rememorized, Ingrge turns his concentration to whats going on at the front of the boat. On seeing the inscription, he frowns. "I think it's right not to mess with it, too. Just think - what if this is one of Parnoth's tricks, just another way of spying on us? Anything could happen, and so far most of what's happened has been bad."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:02 PM
Jumping back down on deck from her examination, Olana smiles at Ingrge. "Well, maybe you're right but - " She beckons K'Nara closer, along with anyone else who is still awake. "I examined those eyes - they look as though they will push inward. What do you think would happen if I tried? Maybe it would invoke more magical properties, in terms of that last line of inscription.. You know maybe - if we had known, when we were at the bridge back there, we might have been able to get this thing to have flown over the top of it. What do you think?" She looks at them all, bright-eyed, imagination running riot in her head.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:03 PM
Dokenor's ears perk up as Olana mentions her findings. "Well why not push them in? It can't hurt." He gets up and walks over to the dragon. He pushes the eyes in.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:04 PM
The right eye dose not move, however the left eye slide inward and you hear a 'click' wit that a spring loaded pannel on the back of the dragons head flips out ward, and four spurs spring out of the sides, two on each side, one pair low and the next pair at chest level. Inside a light comes from two holes in the dragons head that you can't see from the outside.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:05 PM
"YYYyyyaaaawwwwwwwwnnn." Shad rolls over onto his stomache, still with a small smile on his face.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:06 PM
"You all might want to come and see this. This is a fairly cool contraption." Dokes attention seems to be focused on the light eminating from inside the dragon.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:07 PM
"Oooooh! Look at that! Look at that!" exclaims the excited elf, bouncing on her toes. "Go on then Doke - see what it does!"
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:08 PM
The female fighter quickly puts a hand on Doke's shoulder. "Wait! Let _me_ try it, first--you're our only cleric--as far as I can tell, that is--while I'm a fighter and more easily replaceable." So saying, K'Nara pops her head into the dragon's head, hoping that she hasn't leaped from the frying pan into the fire...
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:09 PM
Ingrge scowls at the ranger." It's not THAT exciting. This could be dangerous." Then he turns and gives Doke a look that seems to ask the question 'Okay....now what are you going to do?'
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:10 PM
Shad has a bad dream in which K'Nara is disparaging his priestly abilities and frowns in his sleep.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:11 PM
K'Nara finds it difficult to place her head into the drgons with out standing on the lower protusions and using the upper as hand holds. Shadrach's nightmare continues in which everyone begins to forget he's a priest.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:12 PM
K'Nara steps up to the dragon's-head prow, stepping onto the lower protusions and using the upper as hand holds, idly recalling as she does so that Shadrach, too, is a priest. "Let's see what this dragon sees, eh?" the female fighter says aloud, putting her head in the correct position to do so.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:13 PM
As K'Nara places her head into the Dragon prow she notices three things. 1st there are some more words carved in here. 2nd when she looks through the eye holes the river ahead looks diffrent some how. 3rd The pro seems so perfectly balanced that if she shifted her weight slightly she could swing the prow around to face the other direction, or any direction.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:14 PM
"Snerk..." Shad mumbles in his sleep.
Fluetflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:15 PM
"zzZZzzzzzZ.....Wha..." shaking almost enough to wake himself up.(dreaming of a strong entity leaving his presence) Fluet then mutters something and falls back into a deep sleep.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:16 PM
The ranger stands on tiptoe, near the dragon and K'Nara, her eyes gleaming excitedly. "Oooh! Does this mean you can steer the boat with this thing? Wonderful!"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:17 PM
Ingrge watches K'Nara closely. "Hmmm........might be an idea for a few of us to master this thing. That way we can, between us, keep this thing under control for when the next load of trouble comes around the corner." He then bows to the sleeping Shad, takes a piece of the fish, offers another to Olana, and then goes to stand at the side of the barge. There he eats, and watches the bank of the river carefully, expecting the aforementioned trouble at any moment.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:18 PM
Doke just stands idly by and mumbles something about "...woman...man....bossy"
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:19 PM
Shad continues to sleep.....
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:20 PM
As the others, if any, look in Fluet's direction, they see him flopping like a fish. Yet he is still sleeping. After a few moments he slowly begins to stop and goes on sleeping peacefully as if nothing happened.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:21 PM
As everyone plays with the Dragons head they find out quickly that it does not steer the boat.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:22 PM
Out of character issue. Hi yall it's Anthony. I guess you all know about Jerry leaving by now? I hope it dosen't effect game play much but I know it will. I need to know if anyone is quiting, or if we will let this be as small a hiccup as we can. I need you all to send me character sheets and e-mail addys please. That way jerry dosen't have to worry about it. Also please e-mail me directly with any questions you might have. I plan to keep this game going for as long as you all wish to play in it. I hope you all have my "Parnoth" address if you dont please find it and e-mail me ASAP. I also have the same name as my screen name should any of you want to say HI. Ummm I think thats it for now. Good luck on the rest of the boat trip.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:23 PM
DON'T STOP POSTING!!!!
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:24 PM
The ranger has her turn with the dragon thingy, and on stepping away says "Did you notice there are more words inside? I'm not sure if I can make them out or not." She then looks around for Fluet, as he seemed to have done a good job at making the other inscriptions more legible. Seeing him doing a rather strange fish impersonation in his sleep, she ponders whether it would be wise to waken him.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:25 PM
Continues sleeping and dreaming........
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:26 PM
Dreams that this boatride will never end....
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:27 PM
Dokenor trundles over to Fluet and gently wakes him up, "Mod...errr, K'Nara wants you."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:28 PM
"Hhhuunnhhh..." Fluet opens his eyes rather drearily and squints at Doke. "Whaat..was that?" after somewhat orienting himself with the land of non-sleepers.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:29 PM
as Olanna steps down from the head, Ingrge steps up pacecs his feet on the lower spurs his hands on the upper spurs and places his head where it would natuarally fit, tries to read the other inscriptions, and then says "To be I, See as I, Be I, Use Iz
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:30 PM
The ranger stands there for a moment, thinking. "You know - maybe those words on the side of the dragon are used for steering, and the words inside the head are used for "seeing". Maybe the dragon's head has enhanced vision." She then turns to the awakened Fluet, and smiles at him brightly. "Want to borrow my picks again? There are words on the inside too, and you did such a good job last time"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:31 PM
"Oh, that's why I was awakened. I'll give it a try. Could I borrow them, just in case?" With that he goes over waiting for Olana to give him her tools. At the same time looking at the head and wondering if he can reach whatever's inside the dragon's head that everyone on the boat seems to be occupied with.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:32 PM
Ingrge realizes that the two words inside the dragons head are "see" and "thee".
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:33 PM
seeing that nothing has happened and that Fluet has be awakened to look at the head. ingrge climbs down and tells him " your turn, i hope you have better luck than i did. the words see and thee are written on the inside. I dont know why or what they might mean
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:34 PM
Olana looks at Fluet a little apologetically. "Oh, maybe that's all there is to see, then" she says as Ingrge tells them the words. "Oh well - lets hope they can help us out if we run into any more trouble." With that, she stands to one side of the barge, on watch.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:35 PM
Shad wakes up for just a moment, looks up and says,"Is it morning yet?"
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:36 PM
Doke walks over to an open area on the deck and just sits down. "Does anybody think there will be any more attacks on our lives?"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:37 PM
"Well, I'll look anyway." With that Fluet walks over to the head. Then he takes a look inside.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:38 PM
Shadrach looks up and realizez that he has only slept for an hour. Fluet sees the eye holes and the words.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:39 PM
Fluet has a sudden realization. Then he turns to the others, "Does anyone know where we are? or how close we are?" After saying this, he looks back though the eye holes and replies, "See". If that does nothing, then he says "Thee". And if neither of those do anything, he says "See Thee".
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:40 PM
As Fluet looks through the eyes of the Dragon he speeks the command word "See". Slowly the world seems to take on an intresting color. He can see the level of strength from the trees. He can tell which are the strong ones and which are weak. The as he turns the head around he sees his friends. He can tell that K'Nara is a strong fighter with no talent in magic. Shadrach is a wonderfuly competent in priestly magics but has no skill in thiefly matters. Then as the Dragons Head spins out over the water he speaks the secont command word "Thee" white fire beltches out of the dragons mouth, spewing all over the water. The speaking both command words together causes the eye sight back to normal and fire again spews across the water.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:41 PM
The ranger gasps in amazement as the flames shoot out onto the water. She laughs and claps her hands. "Well well, Fluet - you do seem to have a way with dragons. Knowing this will help us a great deal if we come up against more trouble yes?" With that she turns, gives Doke a reassuring smile and then goes back on watch.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:42 PM
Just as he is getting ready to sit back down and rest a bit, The fire shoots out from the dragons head. "In the name of all thats holy!" Ingrge yells as he dives for cover. Just about the time he gets down, he realizes what is going on and looks up a little sheepishly amd then looks over at Fluet. "A little warning might be nice next time, my friend." As Ingrge gets back to his feet, the second gout of flame shoots out across the river causing him to flinch yet again. Shaking his head as he hears Olanna's laughter, Ingrge has to chuckle himself, looks over at Olanna and says, "you are right that might just come in handy, But....Let us hope it won't be needed.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:43 PM
"Bloody...!" Shad rolled quickly, coming up. He stared at the dragon's head. "Be careful where you aim that, please!" He lay back down, restlessly. "Sheesh..."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:44 PM
"Sorry about the little warning," he chuckles. Then turning back to the others he asks again, "Does anyone know where we are, or how close we are to our destination? Or how far past we might be? What about the 2nd mate? Where'd he go?"
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:45 PM
Doke watches the Dragon do its thing with a little awe. "It seems that we have yet another ally that we can call apon in our journeys. This is just awesome. Talk about luck. Soon we will have an entire army at our call." He rubs his chin, "I thought I saw the second mate run off to do his captainly duties. He got promoted remember?" Doke nods towards the body of the former captain.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:46 PM
As Ingrge watches the flame shoot across the water he notices a white flag just ahead tied to a tree ovehanging the river.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:47 PM
Hey all speak of the devil. lookey there--pointing towards the white flag-- what do you think? pass or have some fun.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:48 PM
Olana looks toward the flag, on hearing Ingrge. "I don't know about fun...but we might get some information from them.,...valuable information. Maybe we should take a vote, and I vote we give it a try."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:49 PM
"Oh, this is a bad idea...I feel badness all over coming on.." Shad sits up and stretches. "Okay these people, the Hands of Love? The only people they expect to see are the Mindwolf Clan bringing prisoners. We ain't got no prisoners..Maybe better, we be real quiet like, and just drift by, and maybe somebody can go sneak up on 'em later! Cause I really think they might be too many for us all together!"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:50 PM
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:51 PM
"Let's stop the boat and watch first. That way we can decide and not make any bad decisions. We can spy on them, and not pass too far by." Who said compromise was bad? Fluet values his conscience in high esteem.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:52 PM
"I agree that we should speak with them....but there is currently no reason to spill blood...so I also must agree that we should drift by them. This is indeed quite a conflict. Perhaps we can just do as our captors were to and with luck they will simply offer us a job that we could do that doesn't conflict with our other duties."
Captain Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:53 PM
The captain speaks up, having some how snuck up behind you all. "Stop or go you all just let me know, by the way tahnks for figuring out how to open that. Thats how we check to see if an passangers or boarders are going to be much of a problem. Lets you know just how strong a foe is!"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:54 PM
On hearing the captain, and being an expert at pointing out the obvious, the ranger says, "Oooooh, well...when we get nearer, lets point this dragon thingy at the bank and see what we can see!"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:55 PM
"Olana....you never fail to amaze me with your logic." Smile.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:56 PM
Shad glared at Dok. "They ordered these MindWolf guys to KILL any people traveling on the river. They think anything other than pure human blood is bad. And they want to kill a couple of guys who might be the only hope this kingdom has of getting free of Parnoth. NO WAY will I EVER work for them!"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:57 PM
"I don't believe he was suggesting that we work with/for them ..just talk too/with them. I mean after all that is part of our job. We are supposed to get them to leave the emerald kingdom. I mean if there is a problem we can alway loose the pendant on them. Why dont wee stop anchor off shore and ask for 2-3 representative to come abord to parley. While they a rowing out we can check them out with the dragon..." What do you think?"
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:58 PM
As the party continues to debate, the whit flag slips closer. It't seems that you will reach the flag in two or three minutes.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:30:59 PM
Olana nods excitedly at Ingrge. "That sounds like an excellent idea to me. I suppose we'd better prepare for the worst though." With that, she checks her weapons and winks at the others. "Ready for a little more excitement?" then, " "I hope I can manage to stay on board this time"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:00 PM
With some issues decided, Fluet runs to find the 'new' captain. Once Fluet finds him, he asks the captain to anchor(or stop or whatever) nearby. After they do this, Fluet, taking authority, steps over by the dragon's head, and says "See," while moving the head to see around. He's basically looking for anything other than the members of the group(and captain too).
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:01 PM
Shad didn't look happy about the idea but didn't protest anymore. He went and got his weapons, donning his chain, and getting ready for the worst.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:02 PM
Having been lost in deep thought for quite some time, the fighter blinks when Fluet manages to activate the dragonhead's powers: "WHOA! Now THAT is what I'd call *dragon breath*!!!" She also has a point to make about the new captain's comment: "Take care to always use the head correctly, sir--I think perhaps your former captain forgot to..." and with this, K'nara throws a pointed glance at where the ex-captain's body lies. Then, turning to the rest of the group, she says: "Our original intentions were to get to Joe & Gray first...we should probably do that, I think." Once more, K'nara addresses the captain: "Can you get this boat to go top speed--I don't want to tempt fate--or the Hands of Love--if I can possibly help it."
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:03 PM
Doke's gentle face turns to shock when his teammates begin to refuse negotations, "All I want to do is what was demanded of me without killing a bunch of people! My job is to save people for crying out loud. I help the homeless and the sick and the rather unlucky. I don't go around pulverizing people, whether they want to take over the Emerald Kingdom or not." Doke's face is starting to turn darker as he vents his frustration, "If you let the stupid beast out then who knows what kind of destruction it'll cause. It'll just kill every Hand of Love member it sees, even the 10 year-old Hand of Love trainees. So you guys don't want to stop and talk to the Hand members, that is fine, but don't let that beast out!"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:04 PM
At the outcry, Fluet looks around rather uncomfortably. Then he asks, "What's going on anyway?"
Captain Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:05 PM
The captain looks at you all and says, "Hey I think you all should be making up your own mind before asking me to stop or move the boat, don't cha think?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:06 PM
Ok lets keep going but lets see what we can see with this here head. And Doke I would and will recommend the use of the pendant only as a last resort. I too do not care for unnecessary death if it can be avoided. However, I will choose colateral deaths before i will acept the deaths of myself or anyone in this party. Having said his piece, Imgrge will string his bow just in case.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:07 PM
"Let's keep going, if I'm correct, then most if not all the people in the camp are sleeping. That means they won't notice us go by." He shudders at that thought of a recent image, still fresh in his mind. Then just to the new captain, "Who are you, and how close are we to our original destination?" He asks this with no harshness, just curiosity.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:08 PM
The ranger smiles brightly. "Alright, we'll try and sneak past them. Perhaps you're right - we don't need anymore bloodshed."
Captain Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:09 PM
"I'm the captain and we should be there in a matter of hours."
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:10 PM
Every one who has looked notices that the "dead" captain's body is no longer there and neither is the pool of blood that lay undernieth him.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:11 PM
Every one who has looked notices that the "dead" captain's body is no longer there and neither is the pool of blood that lay undernieth him.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:12 PM
"Let's just keep our course. And Where the heck did the body go?!!!???"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:13 PM
The ranger has a close look around the boat, to see if she can find any clues as to what happened to the dead captain.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:14 PM
"What body?" Dokenor looks to Fluet for an answer, "Ohh." he notices everybody looking in the direction and turns that way, "THAT Body. Wardd have mercy on that sucker. He is gone!" Dokenor walks over to the site where he remembers the body laying and examines the floorboards.
Captain Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:15 PM
"What body are you looking for? Noe one has died but the thugs we sent over the edge."
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:16 PM
As hard as you look, there is NO trace of the body.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:17 PM
::turns towards the captain:: "have you named a new first mate yet? if so we would like you meet him.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:18 PM
Dokenor just watches the newfound captain to see if he will fetch a new first mate.
Captain Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:19 PM
"This vessel carrys no first mate, onward ho then." Whit that he speaks something into the dragong head and the dragons head closes up and the boat speeds up.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:20 PM
Olana gathers the others together, a little way from this new 'captain' and speaks to them in a low voice. "I don't like this - I mean what could have happened to the body, unless maybe he's done something with it?" With an uncharacteristic frown, she adds, "Maybe he's a spy or something. I think we'd better be careful."
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:21 PM
"I don't know what the deal is exactly, spy or not though, something isn't right." Dokenor looks back to the captain, "Whatever the plan though, we should do something, he reeks of bad luck."
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:22 PM
As the captain closes up the head ingrge walks up to him and asks. " Uhm Captain where is the fellow that was assisting you earlier in the trip. proceeds to describe the first mate to him or the origional captain depending on which one this is
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:23 PM
Not completely sure what to think, Fluet goes over by the head and looks through the eyes. "See," he says, and then proceeds to look at the 'new' captain.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:31:59 PM
Ingrge engages the captain in conversation and is quickly convenced that the Captain is either crazy or is lieing. The Captain seem to remember no one else on th boat except those who are here now, and the thugs you all repelled. Flueterflam approaches the Dragons Head, and sees that the command words are no longer there. As he runs his hand over where the words used to be the ship shudders, and purrs plesantly as if alive. This is not a normal boat.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:00 PM
"Gadzooks!" Dokenor jumps up and yells, "Did the boat just purr?!"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:01 PM
Olana looks at this new captain warily, and then shivers a bit as the boat gives a sign that it maybe alive. Looking ahead, she checks to see if they're going in the direction they should be, thinking okay - so the boat and its crew are a little strange...but if they get us to where we want to go - what the heck. Smiling at the others, she keeps her eyes toward the water, on watch. As a joke, she turns and looks at the serious Ingrge, and says, "You know - maybe this thing will fly if the captain tells it to."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:02 PM
Somewhat startled, Fluet takes a step back. He then wonders if he can do it again. So instead of searching for the inscription, he just 'pets' the dragon's head. Then he whispers 'hi' in its ear, thinking it may respond if it's alive.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:03 PM
The boat again purrs under Fluets hand and it seems as if the Dragons haed moves against Fluets hand, as if asking, Scratch me here, behind the ear.
Captain Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:04 PM
"Ohhhh, welll........ It seems as if I am discovered. My, my, my. Well I guess it's time I introduced my self." With that the captain seems to become one with the boat, melting into the wooden planks. With that the Wooden Dragon head comes alive, twisting around to face Fluet. The Dragons head changes to look more like a large wolfs head. The Wolfs head reaches out and licks Fluet from toe to head. A miniture black man appears from a sudden opening in the bace of the neck of the beast. "Hello friends, we are Jerimia, and we are in your debt." With that he bows and the head yips twice like a puppy.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:05 PM
having decided that the captain was either lying or crazy. Ingrge saunters off a few feet and unstrings his bow and replaces his arrows in his sheath. just about that time Fluet makes his exclamation about the head purring at him. Ingrge grins, shakes his head and mummbles Ithink you are hearing things my friend. just as ingrge gets these words out of his mouth he watches Fluet pat the head again and hears the head ask to be scratched below the ear. Ingrge shakes his gead as if to clear out the cobwebs just intime to hear and see the captain do his melting trick. Ingrge walks over to Fluet, and says well my friend i wont doubt your feelings again. and then turns to the little guy and the head.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:06 PM
Watching from the corner of her eye as Fluet talks to the boat, she stares in complete astonishment as the captain disappears and and the dragon becomes a wolf and gives Fluet a thorough bathing.. "Oh my goodness", she exclaims. "I've never seen such a thing before." Hoping that this indeed a good omen, she resumes her watch, some mysteries now solved, only to be replaced by other ones. But wasn't that the way of things?
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:07 PM
He is somewhat startled by the sudden dousing and transformation. "I just have one question, why were you disguised, and how did we help you?"
Jeramia Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:08 PM
"We are a joined pair, a symbiote and a host if you will from a land far, far to the south of here. When we were attacked by the thugs, one of their number had great mind powers that seperated the intimate link we share. We were helpless, you saved us. We are in your debt. We had hoped to stay hidden but my companion here could not let us stay hidden and desprately wanted to show off for you, so hence the fire trick. Now I know you are in a hurry so we will hasten this trip." With that he wispers in the "Wolf-Like" ear and the boat begins to travle down the river at an amazing speed.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:09 PM
The ranger hangs on to the boat as best she can as it begins to speed along. "Wheeee! This is fun!" she giggles, hanging on with both hands.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:10 PM
"Well, things always seem to turn out for the best," Fluet says as he smiles.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:11 PM
Hearing Fluet's comment, Ingrge, fighting a smile, turns and says " now dont tell me He's, indicating Doke, got you spouting and believing all this "luck" stuff. Then looking at Olanna and shaking his head Ingrge looks to find a quiet place to take a nap
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:12 PM
"Don't worry, optimism and luck are two completely different things." He winks at the fighter.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:13 PM
Dokenor looks toward Ingrge, listens to Fluet's response, and responds himself, "Luck is a major part of the picture, Optimism and Pessimism both use luck to hope for the better. Without luck there would be neither. How can you hope for something to happen when, without luck, everything is already predestined?" "DON'T you all doubt it. Luck is keeping us alive on our journeys!" Doke stands up next to the dragon/wolf-like head, "And it is Luck that will keep us alive for the future!"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:14 PM
"I'm sorry I didn't see the relationship, I'll try harder next time," he snickers. Fluet shrugs and laughs a little, hoping that Doke realizes the he's just messing with Doke.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:15 PM
As the party enjoys the fast trip down the river the sun begins to rise. Suddenly Jeramia speaks in a strange gutteral language and the "Boat" which had been playing with the party changes back into a boat. At that moment the river bends and the party sees the tree. The Tree of Parting is huge. It must stand hundreds of feet tall. It must be fifty feet across at the base. As the party gets closer they can see many structures in the brancher of the tree it self."
Jeramiha Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:16 PM
"Welcome to the Tree of Parting friends." as he docks the boat.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:17 PM
Olana looks up at the Tree of Parting with a broad grin on her face. "Oooooh, look at that," she says. "You know I've heard such tales about this place from other members of my tribe - but I've never seen it myself before. Isn't it wonderful?" She then turns to Jeramiha and gives him a formal bow and one of her brightest smiles. "Thankyou for getting us here safely. The journey was one of the best I've ever taken. Tell me - will you stay here now? Or must you journey on?"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:18 PM
"Thank you very much," Fluet smiling. Then turning he looks at the others, somewhat seriously. "Hey...shouldn't we get to work finding J+G?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:19 PM
Looking a bit nostalgic as he veiws the tree for the first time in the many years since he left. Ingrge looks around at the others and at olanna as she makes her comments. " I guess that it is a pretty wonderful place, but that is not how I remember it. Truly, I recall being told i was constantly underfoot and in the way. Though I probably was. There were good times too. And I do call the tree my first home. Or at least the first I remember.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:20 PM
"I take it you know the area around here best Ingrge, so perhaps you could show us around. And with luck J&G will walk to us rather than us walking to them!"
Jeramia Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:21 PM
Jeramia bows deeply "Thank you frinds, we shall be safe. If you are ever in need of a friend on the river, do not hesitate to find us." With that the strange boat and captain fade into the early morning fog. The the sound of leathery wings is heard gently flaping over your heads.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:22 PM
The ranger hops lightly off the "boat" with a wave. "Wasn't that amazing?" she exclaims to the others, looking up into the sky for a moment. "Let's go and explore this place," she adds. "Maybe you'd better lead the way Ingrge. The Tree must be well known to you, yes?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:23 PM
Ingrge looks first at Doke and then at Olanna, shakes his head, and then says I suppose I'm as familiar with the Tree as a 4-8 year old would be familiar to some place he hasnt been in many years....... but yes at least I can guide the way for a bit. Gathering his belongings and indicating that the rest should do so as well Ingrge heads to the Trees entry.
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:24 PM
La,la,la,la,la, dumm, de dumm,dumm, dum.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:25 PM
Fluet is silent, gathering in all that his surroundings have to offer. He follows wherever his companions lead.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:26 PM
The ranger skips along with the others, her eyes on the Tree, her head full of stories and legends.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:27 PM
Doke follows behind the group...
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:28 PM
The Wold waits patiently for the characters to do something.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:29 PM
The ranger enters the Tree of Parting along with the others. Pausing for a moment to glance around and establish what the place looks like. She will then look for the proprietor or one of his assistants to enquire if there are rooms available for them all. Whispering to the others, she says - "I suppose we had better see whats what here, before we start asking any questions. What do you think?"
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:30 PM
The tree of parting is an amazing place. Around the huge tree is a strange town, at first it seems normal but on a second glance you notice that all the buildings on the ground are temparary, and colapsable. It seems as though the building are capable of being moved easily. The entire town seems to be centered around making as little impact to the forest and the tree itself as possible.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:31 PM
(under his breath) "What a contrast to the elves we saw tearing down trees."
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:32 PM
Looking around Ingrge gives a big sigh. My things certainly have changed around here. I do hope that i can find Folbre's Inn. Ah well, every one shall we find some where to stay and use as a base of operations. There should be some more stable structures inward. With that said Ingrge strides towards the tree looking for a welcoming inn, a good meal and a decent nights sleep.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:33 PM
Whispering to the others, the ranger asks "Do you think the two elves we seek will be here?" And the looking around, she adds "They could be just about anywhere around here."
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:34 PM
Everywhere you go you see well made temporary buildings. You would love to meet the engineer who came up with such sturdy, temporary works. There are quite a few inns to choose from. The golden gable, Troys folly, The dragong bite, and one that just says Inn. Elves are everywhere.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:35 PM
Stopping a nearby elf, Ingrge says. " Excuse me, we have just arrived and are looking for a place to eat and stay, a friend of ours named Grey suggested an inn to us but we now realize that we cant remember the name of it. So we were wondering if you could recommend an inn that might suit our purposes?"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:36 PM
The ranger steps beside Ingrge as he asks the question of the elf, offering one of her best cheery smiles to help things along a bit. With all these buildings, inns and elves, she reckoned they were going to need all the help they could get. Glancing about, she gets an excited tingle down her spine. What a wonderful place this was.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:37 PM
He takes out his guitar and plays through a few song he knows while they're all walking through the city. As they stop to ask the elf some questions, Fluet adds, "And do you know any sources of good music around here. I've been looking for a new song or two."
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:38 PM
Doke pops his head into the conversation by asking to poor fellow, "Have you realized the full power of Wardd and Luck?"
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:39 PM
Shad suddenly broke out of his stupor. "Don't forget: choices can damn you as well! That's why Donyra warns us to look for the dangers in life, and be prepared!"
K'nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:40 PM
The tall human female with the group turned to Dokenor and Shadrach, throwing a companiable arm around each male's shoulders and giving them a friendly but firm squeeze. "Now, now, fellas--we're not here to convert the locals...let's let Ingrge find out where our friends have gone and leave it at that for now, hmmm..?" K'nara's smile was also friendly and firm. Very firm.
Elf Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:41 PM
"Yes I can guide you to a good place to eat. My fathers tavern is just beyond that cluster of rose bushes. It is currently called "The Thorn" he has some of the best soups in the Wold. Also mention my name and tell him you are looking for a place to stay and he will let you some spare rooms at a reasonable price. My name in Alia."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:42 PM
Shad started with surprise and pleasure at the proximity of K'Nara. He slid his arm under hers around her waist. "Sure, wouldn't want to be a bother. Thanks!" He followed the elf's finger.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:43 PM
Thanking the elf and making sure he knows the way to the inn, Ingrge starts to turn to leave but suddenly turns back to the elf for one last question. "uhmm, Would you happen to know of an old blind elf, used to run an inn, by the name Folbre??
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:44 PM
Olana bows in thanks. "The Thorn sounds a nice place to stay, thank you Alia." She then sets off with the others to find the place, hesitating slightly as she hears Ingrge's other question.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:45 PM
Dokenor listens to the young man's response, "What a great happening! We will rush to your father's tavern immediately!" Dokenor raises his arms up to the sky in exclimation. As he turn around towards the inn he winks to the elf and slyly adds, "Just realize that luck gave your father 5 rich patrons that will spend lots of money on his food and services!"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:46 PM
To the elf, "Don't mind him, he's a little obsessive about luck." As he is turning to leave, one last thought stikes his mind. "Oh yeah, and is anyone at the inn familar in elven tunes? I've always wanted to learn one."
Alia Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:47 PM
"Everyone knows old Folbre, He's still around somewhere. He closed up his Inn when the Old Man in the Tree asked for his help scrying the bad lands to the south. As far as elven tunes go, well there are not many places in the Wold with this many travled elves present, I am sure you will find what you seek."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:48 PM
"Why would he close his inn? And who's the Old Man? You don't mean..." Shad blanched at the very thought of Parnath.
K'nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:49 PM
Seeing the sudden loss of blood in Ingrge's face, the warrior-woman went to the elf and placed a hand on Ingrge's shoulder. "Whoa, there, Ingrge--steady! You all right? Why should the mention of an Old Man in a Tree upset you so?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:50 PM
Startled at K'nara's hand Ingrge focuses in on what she is saying... Old MAn in the Tree? I know of no such man.. I just find it hard to believe that Folbre would have sold his Inn. That was the first home that I truly remember. Looking at Shad and seeing his Pale features, Ingrge asks Shad are you all right? Is something wrong?
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:51 PM
Looking around for a moment, the ranger then gives a sigh. "Did you mean Parnoth, Shad? Surely the dragon won't have too much influence in a place such as this." She sets off walking again. "Come - let us find this Inn. It sounds a decent place, and maybe we can find out more from there, yes?"
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:52 PM
After listening to the group chatter on about memories and the future Doke just trundles on after them, following them whereever they happen to lead.
Alia Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:53 PM
I have to go, but I don't know who this Parnoth is. Bye"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:54 PM
"Let's stop wasting time and just head for that inn. We have to start somewhere, and unless someone knows a better thing to do now's as good a time as any." With that Fluet heads in the direction that the friendly elf pointed them.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:55 PM
Olana heads for the Inn also, along with the others, whereupon one of the first things she will ask for there, is a bowl of the recommended soup, as all this wild excitement as really made her rather hungry.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:56 PM
Doke takes in the scenary as he walks towards the inn with his fellow Parnoth helpers.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:57 PM
Shad followed along, wondering when K'Nara was going to notice his arm around her. He pretended to be in a daze so she wouldn't notice too soon....
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:58 PM
Lost in his thoughts, Ingrge follows along to the inn. Where like Olanna he will start with something to fill his aching belly. Then perhaps, something more filling like locating Folbre, or...::sighs:: ...even locating these Grey and john guys. ...Who is this old man in the tree guy and why does that name bother me so much.....
K'nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:32:59 PM
The tall auburn-haired human walks boldly towards the Inn, scratching at her waist where Shad's arm still is in spite of the fact that K'nara had released him earlier. "We should probably order something first and keep our eyes open in the Inn," she said aloud, absently tweaking Shad's wrist with her finger & thumb and nonchalantly removing his arm from around her, "If one of us should see anyone or anything likely to help out with locating Joe or Gray, speak up...we'll have to figure out how we'll proceed from there..."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:00 PM
"Ow.." Retrieving his hand, he rubbed it absently against his pantleg. "Umm, I wonder how far this place is..."
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:01 PM
Once Fluet reaches the inn, he'll ask someone working there what the menu is. Then look around at whoever might look fitting enough to have some musically background.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:02 PM
On her way with the others, Olana glances around occasionally, watching to see if their arrival had aroused undue interest, and that someone could perhaps be following. After the happenings on the river, she wasn't taking any chances, and so she took careful note of passers by.
Doke Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:03 PM
((I know, I know; no non-game messages allowed here. I apologize. That said, are we going to reach the inn?))
DM Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:04 PM
AS THE PARTY ENTERS THE INN!!!!!!! ... The inn is a box room with round tables set all about. There is a long plank set on two tall stumps lining one wall, serving as a bar. Two exits leave the inn / tavern, the one you just came through and another behind the bar in which serving women and men go. The inn seems to be fairly busy, with only one or two empty tables left. Most of the patrons are elfs and almost all seem to be eating a wonderful smelling stew and some even better smelling bread.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:05 PM
Takes in a deep breath. "Mmmmm.....something smells really good." Not wanting to wait too much longer to try some of the wonderful looking food that others seem to have, Fluet takes a seat at one of the empty tables. He eagerly waits for someone to come serve them.
K'nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:06 PM
Sniffing the air appreciatively, K'nara grins, nudging Ingrge. "Perhaps you should order...and see about putting out feelers for Joe and Gray. Meanwhile..." here the warrior woman sits down beside Fluet, "...I'll have whatever the house specialty is."
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:07 PM
As Ingrge enters the inn he looks around, taking in the sights, smells and sounds almost as if in a trance. At K'nara's nudge, he comes back to full awareness, shakes his head and Mumbles some sort of answer sounding like an ascent and wanders up to the bar to look for whomever appears to be in charge.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:08 PM
Doke puts his bags on the floor as he takes a seat. "I don't care what I drink, I just want some major food. My stomach hasn't been this empty in some time!"
Girl Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:09 PM
A serving girl comes to the table and waits for the orders, not hearing anything specific she says ... "Right, three house plates." She shortly returns with a round bread bowl full of stew and the rest of the bread, buttered and hot. As you dig in it could possably be the best meal you have ever eaten.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:10 PM
Entering a little after the others, Olana stops the girl and asks for a plate of stew, mentioning that she will be sitting with the others. She then takes a seat at the group's table.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:11 PM
Realizing he forgot to ask for some food himself, he asks the girl, "Could you make that two?" Fluet then turns to the others while he's waiting, "Where do you think we start after this?"
K'nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:12 PM
K'nara smiles at the serving girl, tells her to get six orders of the stew & bread, then immediately attacks her own portion of the order when it comes. When Fluet asks his question, she considers it a moment and then responds: "I don't know--it depends on whether the elves around here don't hold grudges like the 'Hands of Love' do." She rolls her eyes and says the name of the cult rather sarcastically. "I can only hope that we can find Joe and Gray before that cult does."
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:13 PM
Once at the bar Ingrge will try to attract the tender and ask, quite bluntly, about Joe and Grey, and then he will ask whether any members of the Hands of love or of the Mind Wolf clan have been nosing about.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:14 PM
The ranger follows Ingrge to the bar as back up, just in case his questions and blunt manner provoke an adverse reaction.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:15 PM
Finding himself lost in a daze again, the human hurries after everyone else. He made a dash for an empty space and looked at the table hungrily. "Uh, are we sure we have enough money for this?"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:16 PM
"Don't worry, I'm sure we have the luck of Wardd working for us," he snickers. "I'm sure we'll be able to find enough money to pay."
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:17 PM
Doke's face lights up when the name of the god to whom he prays is mentioned, "You bet we have luck on our side!" His mind gets side tracked quickly and yells to the nearest helper/server/waiter, "I there a Gaming center in this town?"
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:18 PM
He looked at Fluet morosely. "I'll settle for knowing the price of this quality food." He followed the waitress with his eyes.
DM 1/11 - 4:15 Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:19 PM
The names Joe, Gray, and the Hands of love get no response but, when the name of the MindWolf clan is mentioned the Inn goes dead silent. A few elves in the back make the sign of the evil eye and leave their food unfinished, exiting quickly.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:20 PM
Shad blinked at the silence. "Um, they attacked us...." He found his voice very loud in the inn right now.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:21 PM
Fluet laughs at Shad's comment. When the inn goes silent, he looks at the others rather suprised. "Do you think they know something? And do you think it's worth following them?" With that he waits for the others to respond.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:22 PM
The ranger looks about the tavern and then back to Ingrge. "Well, that got quite a reaction, didn't it" Quickly, she moves to the rear of the tavern, hoping to catch one of the elves that left so hurriedly. If she finds one she will ask - "Please - what do you know?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:23 PM
Ingrge's jaw drops as she watches all the elves leave at the mention of the mindwolves..."was it something i said?" Looking at the tender " so what exactly is the problem here?
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:24 PM
"I tell ya!" Doke says munching on his hearty mealy, "First they ignore my question about a gaming center and now they just go dead silent and are starting to leave us!" He throws his hands up in the air, "I've met rude people before but never a rude town!."
DM 1/12 4:34 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:25 PM
The few elves that left were to fast to catch but as it is reveiled that you were attacked by the clan the inn breaths a sigh of relief and conversation starts back up. As Olana reaches the back of the Inn calling out after the leaving elves she trips ove a table leg and sprawls out toward the floor. At the last second a huge, beautiful, male elf catches her.
Destiny 1/12 4:34 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:26 PM
As the elf catches Olana he sets her up right, looking deeply into her eyes he says "Let your mind go and your body will follow." Then he laughs deeply and warmly. "let those old fools go little lady, I can tell you what you need to know about the wolves. Please sit." As he begins to sit back down he smiles and holds his hand out in greeting. "I am Destiny, pleased to meet you."
K'nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:27 PM
The warrior woman makes it a point to finish her food first before addressing the question posed by Shadrach: "Unless the price of stew--excellent as *this* stew is--has gone up considerably, I'm willing to *wager*--" here she winks at Dokenor, "--that we can afford to eat here." The sudden silence and the subsequent reaction of the tavern's patrons K'nara *definitely* finds interesting...as does the fact that Olana seems to have "bumped" into a boyfriend...
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:28 PM
"You never know," he answered K'Nara darkly. He promptly grabbed a bowl and dug in hungrily, making little pleased sounds.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:29 PM
Having pciked his jaw up off the counter, Ingrge wanders back to the table sits down and eats, while keeping an eye open and a sword loose as Olana is approached by the strange elf.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:30 PM
Fluet begins to eat after the inn has returned to normal. He doesn't much pay attention to the other companions. Nothing every gets done on an empty stomach anyway.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:31 PM
A little flustered and embarrassed, Olana brushes herself off a little as the male elf helps her to her feet. "Oooh, thank you," she says, blushing a little, and giving him one of her best smiles. " 'Very nice' to meet you too, Destiny. My name is Olana." She gestures toward her companions. "We have had a little run-in with the MindWolf Clan ourselves." Then she lowers her voice. "But we are searching for two others, by the name of Joe and Grey. Would you have heard of them, perhaps?" Looking at her companions, she beckons to them.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:32 PM
Shad notices Olana's waving and gives her a 'are you crazy? I'm eating!' look. Then he waved, since his mouth was full, assuringly at her, in a 'whatever you do is fine' way. Having exhausted his pantomime language, Shad dug in as if he were starving.
Destiny 1/13 8:16pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:33 PM
Staring into Olnas eyes he seems startled back into reality with the end of her questions. "Oh, um, Joe and Gray hu?? I think I have heard those names before. I believe that they have heard that two elfs through here with that name. Ummmmm perhaps latter tonight Dark Leaf will come in and we can discuss this with him??"
K'nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:34 PM
The tall human female stands, stretching, then beckons the serving girl over. "I'll be joining my friend and her new companion--" she nods her chestnut head in the direction of Olana & Destiny, "--just so's you know I'm not trying to duck our dinner tab." Then K'nara takes a step, turns back for a bowl of stew, some flatware and some bread, then strides over to where the above couple are sitting. "Dinner is served, m'lady!" she says, bowing and placing the dinner in front of Olana. "Now...if I may be allowed to join this tryst..?"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:35 PM
At Shad's comment Fluet nods in agreement. Then he keeps eating. While he's eating, he looks around to see where the life of the inn is. Hopefully to find a place to have a few laughs with strangers after his meal.
Dokenor Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:36 PM
Doke continues to munch away, looking up occasionally to see what the elf with the funky name is doing. "Who is dark leaf? And why do you seem so unsure?" Doke manages to ask the fellow.
Destiny 1/14 5:30pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:37 PM
The striking elf tares his gaze away from Olana long enough to look up at K'nara "Please be seated Lady" It's dificult to tell but his eyes seem to do a double take on the sword the Warrior woman carries. In response to Dokenor's questions he replies. "Dark Leaf is an ancient elf that comes in som evenigs for a warm mug of spiced wine. He hears alot and forgets more than most will ever know. He keeps track of the commings and goings around the tree. If anyone would know anything about these men, he would."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:38 PM
He leaned back from the table, sated, and linked his fingers over his beltbuckle. He looked around for the waitress. "Now, an ale or two wouldn't be amiss right now. What say, think we'll be here awhile?"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:39 PM
The ranger nods solemnly. "Then it appears this elf named Dark Leaf would be of help to us. Providing he wishes to do so. Tell me Destiny, and please forgive me for so many questions, but what do you know of the Hands of Love?"
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:40 PM
After finishing his meal, Fluet looks around at who else is in the in. Wanting to take a short break from there search, he gets up and stretchs. Then he walks over to the table that looks like it's having the most fun. Here he introduces himself and asks if he may sit down and join them for a few laughs.
Destiny 1/15 5:46pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:41 PM
"No worrys lady," he says falling back into Olana's eyes, while the waitress brings out the ale for Shadrach. "I have heard that name many times of late and know a bit about them. What would you like to know?"
DM 1/15 5:46pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:42 PM
Flueterflam approaches the table that seems to be having the most fun and askes if he may sit. He is welcomed with large smiles and pats on the back. One of the elfs says "Good to have you stranger, Elyna was just about to finish a joke, Go on El" Another elf nods and then speaks. "OK, so the leaf farmer walks in in the morning ad upon findin his daughter and the adventurer on the floor of the loft says, 'Well I guess I won't be neading that batha worm!'" The table then roars with laughter.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:43 PM
Somehow Fluet doesn't seem to see what's so funny about the joke. He assumes you have to be around from this area to understand. So with that he laughs anyway, so that he doesn't spoil everyone else's good time. Then he starts to think what a joke might be that he could say.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:44 PM
"Thank you, miss." Shad knocks back a draught, savoring the feeling. He edged his chair around to listen and see Olana's table better. He looked utterly contented.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:45 PM
The ranger thinks for a moment. "Well, first of all - do you happen to know if any of them are in the vicinity? And do you consider them friend, or foe?" She gestures to her friends. "We'd like to learn as much as we can, after all, forewarned is forearmed," she says, while smiling sweetly, and then adding, " metaphorically speaking of course."
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:46 PM
Sitting with Shad and finishing her meal and ale, she too turns her chair slightly to get a better view of Olana's table and to comit this Destiny guy's face to memory, something about him just doesnt seem right, "Shad, don't you think he came forward just a bit quickly to offer help? and just where did he come from I dont remember seeing him earlier?
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:47 PM
"Aww," he muttered in Ingrge's ear, "He's just trying to make Olana interested in him. He'd'a found something else to talk about if it weren't for you telling the whole bar what we wanted to know. I didn't notice him before either, but so what? He's nothing special.." Shad eyed the strange elf critically, seeking something shabby about him.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:48 PM
Shad scooted his chair forward next to Olana's table. He flashed a grin from his ugly mug. "Don't mind me, we're together. We heard that these 'Hands of Love' people are after a couple of elves named Joe and Gray. Do you know of any reason why the 'Hands' would want to kill these two elves?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:49 PM
As Shad scoots his chair over to the new table, Ingrge also stands and carries his stool over to the new table. As he sat and placed his ale on the table. He stares musingly at the forks on the table and outloud, wonders "Who decided how many "TINES" were to be used to make up a fork?? Hmmmm? ::looks at Destiny:: "Oh I'm sorry, I am called Ingrge."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:50 PM
The ranger tears herself away from the rather splendid-looking elf for a moment, to grin and acknowledge the others who have arrived at the table. "These are my friends", she tells Destiny. She looks to the elf as they ask their own questions, but glances at Ingrge as he mentions the word 'Tines', wondering what reaction it would provoke. One thing she was fast realising about Ingrge - he didn't mess about. Oh, no. Straight in there. Although in this instance, directness was probably the best course, as time didn't seem to be exactly on their side. Trying not to register anything other than a polite smile, she waits for answers.
Destiny 1/19 8:16 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:51 PM
Destiny smiles as he is inindated with questions. When everyone has arived he stands and bows deeply. K'nara notices something about him that she just can't place. Something about the. . . what is it? Destiny sits back down and it is gone. "Well friends, I know the hands of love are a group of religious bigots. The preach racial segregation in public and racial extermination in private. If the's peopleare after this Joe and Gray then I worry for them and instantly consider them friends."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:52 PM
He slid a look over to Ingrge. "Hmmf." He looked the elf sidewise in the eyes, wondering if he recognized him or not. "Why are the Hands of Love blocking off the river? I guess the Mindwolf Clan is working for them, but why that?" He took another thoughtful drink, resigned to a long wait for this Darkleaf person.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:53 PM
Fluet finally thinks of a joke, and just hopes that they will all find it funny. So he turns to the elf that told the previous joke, "What did one dandelion say to the other dandelion?" Then waits for a few seconds, "Take me to your weeder!"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:54 PM
Olana notices that some of the others are looking at Destiny with a little suspicion. Trying to clear away her starry-eyed outlook, she attempts to see him as they see him. Although his answers seemed benevolent enough.
K'nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:55 PM
The chestnut-haired fighter's hazel eyes narrow. What *is* it about this elf called Destiny that seemed so familiar? It was something she would have to ponder later, because right now her group had to decide whether Destiny was trustworthy or not. 'Well, if in doubt, the truth usually works out, as my mother used to say.' thought K'nara. She addressed Destiny directly: "We had a bit of a run-in with the Mindwolf Clan, you see--and we believe they are in the employ of this cult...the so-called Hands of Love."
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:56 PM
"Run-in" he says, looking at K'nara. We had a chance to obliterate them but.... we passed that opportunity by. ::looking at Destiny:: "you say all the right things and my companions seem to be leaning toward trusting you, But why should we believe you are not a member of the HOL or the MWs?'' "Of course you could be this Joe or Grey fellow too for all we know. Heck you could be Parnoth in disguise for that matter." You know you could be this guy i had a dream about as well, but he was kind of killed. All I'm saying is that we don't know you from anyone else why should we trust you and wait for your friend, whoever he is?"
Destiny 1/23 10:11 am Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:57 PM
"Wow all the questions, Ok then, one at a time. First, why are the Hands of Love blocking off the river? The weren't as far as I know, we have recieved many bardges over the past few days. The Mind Wolf clan has been tring to take some of those bardges for supplies and money. They are a group of thieves and thugs led by a very powerful man and his wife. I don't know if or why they are working for the Hands of Love. As far as wether or not you should trust me, well I just caught the beautiful lady when she fell and offered to answer some questions. I am also not used to strangers that I have just met being rude to me when help is offered." Whit that he stands, leans down and takes Olana's hand and kisses it. He wears a strange ring on his finger, It's the head of a dragon with a golden gem in it's mouth. "My dear lady it was good to meet you." With that he turns to leave.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:58 PM
Fluet looks over to his companions once in awhile, just to keep up to date with their situation. He notices the concerned looks and the elf Destiny. So he turns back to his new table of friends and asks anyone at the table who may know, 'Who is that guy?' Hoping maybe he can find out what the locals know about him.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:33:59 PM
On seeing the ring the elf wears, the ranger becomes more intrigued than ever. A dragon.......... Parnoth? Standing also, she says "Please Destiny, don't go yet. We don't mean to be rude. It's just that we've experienced our share of treachery on the journey here, and we're more than a little wary." Smiling brightly at him, she hopes she isnt doing the wrong thing.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:00 PM
"Yah. Ingrge here wouldn't know tact if it bit him on the butt. You noticed what a subtle guy he was with the bartender. You gotta just ignore him, really."
Destiny 1/24 12:15 am Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:01 PM
The giant elf sits mack down smiling. "No offense taken, I understand your caution, there has been a great deal of double crossing going on all over lately. I'm just tring to protect my friend Dark Leaf.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:02 PM
The ranger smiles and nods, feeling optimistic that nothing bad could happen in such a public place. Relaxing a little, she nibbles at some of the food on the table, while they wait for this other elf who could give them the information they seek. Only the sight of the dragon ring, and the ominous sounding name 'Dark Leaf' gives her slight cause for concern.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:03 PM
He leaned forward, elbow on the table, relaxing with his drink. "We saw some odd things on the way up here. Elves pruning bushes, acting like a bunch of gardeners. Seems wierd, its so clean and pretty here, but everybody's so afraid. What do you think of what the Dragon has done for the Emerald Kingdom?"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:04 PM
Looking at Destiny, I was not intending to be rude, I am just suspicious by nature, I mean what better way to get on the good side of an enemy than to help one and then offer to answer their questions? Not only could one get on the inside that way but one could also find out just what they doo or do not know. I have not stayed alive by being incautious and over trusting. I truly DO hope you are as you seem, but can you blame me for having reservations??
Destiny 1/25 5:28 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:05 PM
"I understan..." and with that the inn goes silent, with everyone turning toward the door.
DM 1/25 5:32 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:06 PM
An ancient Elf enters the inn. He is older than anything you have ever seen. He is stooped over a staff. His long white hair is pulled back with a solid gold clasp. He wears all black except for the inside of his cape wich is an amazing work of patchwork, looking like a rainbow of many colored patches. He crosses to your table and sits beside Destiny. As he sits the inn comes back to life again. The old elf survayes the party and then in a gravel like voice he says. "Welcome friends, it's about tine you got here."
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:07 PM
"" He gasped. "I knew it all the time!" He elbowed Ingrge for emphasis.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:08 PM
Seeing the elf enter the inn, and the reaction it caused, Fluet decides to get up from the table of elves. He quickly walks over to the rest of his companions hoping not to miss any excitement. "Just the fact that he's here doesn't help us much. We don't have much time I assume, so lets start askin all the questions we came here for." Then he looks over at the ancient elf. "Oh yeah, I'm Flueterflam, you can call me Fluet."
K'nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:09 PM
Looking over the elderly elf, K'nara gets to her feet and approaches him. Once she is directly in front of him, she executes a very graceful and particularly complex kind of bow--the kind that one elf would make to another. "Greetings..." she says, straightening up to tower over the ancient one, "...one could say that we took our own sweet *tine* to get here."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:10 PM
The ranger gives the elder elf a gracious bow, and then a welcoming smile. His mention of the word 'tine' causes her to relax a little more."Thank you for joining us," she says, "and please forgive any questions we may ask - but our quest is to stop the Hands of Love getting to Joe and Grey, so anything you know of the whereabouts of either party would help us a great deal"
Dark Leaf 1/26 5:39 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:11 PM
He smiles at the party. "I think I should tell you something first, the ones you seek, the prey, are being hunted by the ones you run from. The prey is being hunted by a Mage, Priest and Thief, as well as some small dogs. They plan on killing those you seek and can do it for Joe can not leave untill after night fall tonight. Destiny can lead you to the prey, as for the hunters, here they are." He points toward the door.
DM 1/26 5:43 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:12 PM
Bursting in at that moment are three white clad men that seem to instantly match te decriptions made by Dark Leaf. They survey the room and the mage flys over head.
DM 1/26 5:45 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:13 PM
The Mages booming voice shakes the walls of the temporary inn. "We are looking for the Elfs known as Greymalk and Joe of the Hand. They are wanted for crimes against the state of New Elinia and will be brought to bear. Those that help will be rewarded, those that stand in our way will face JUSTICE." With that the "thief" draws a short sword that throngs with magic, your attention is pulled into it and you know that if it were pointed at you you could do nothing but tell the truth. Tearing your sight away you notice something else, Dark Leaf is gone.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:14 PM
Not being in the mood for interuptions, just as they were about to have some questions answered, Ingrge stands, looks at the halfling and says, "I am an elf and my name is Joe, what is it that you want of me? Then she casts magic missle.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:15 PM
"Boy,"Shad chattered, "that Darkleaf talked wierd, knew *exactly* when the bad guys would show up, and then disappeared! He must be an oracle!" He grabbed his trident and stood up. "I'm Joe's brother! Who're you? What crimes are you talking about?"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:16 PM
Olana blinks for a moment, realising Dark Leaf is no longer there, and her smile is quickly replaced by a look of determination. That mage flying overhead was going to be a bother, for sure. Seeing that Ingrge and Shad had already flown into action with magic, bluff and outrage, she quickly pulls a dagger and hurls it straight at the mage, and will leap on the table to get nearer, sword drawn, as soon as Ingrge's spell has done its work.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:17 PM
Not wanting to get into a confrontation at this moment, Fluet runs back over by the table of elves he previously sat with. He's not running from his companions, just waiting until he's not noticed by their 3 new enemies, or at least not considered a threat.
DM 1/27 5:10 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:18 PM
As the party launches into action they hear a curse from Destiny, it sounds like "greenhorn something or other" The magic Missile flys toward it's target and is suddenly sucked into a whirling stone that seems to be floating around each of the hands of love. As the dagger flies through the air the Mage reaches out and catches it in his bare hand. He winces a little as he caught it on an edge and a drop of blood hits the floor.
DM 1/27 5:10 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:19 PM
As the party launches into action they hear a curse from Destiny, it sounds like "greenhorn something or other" The magic Missile flys toward it's target and is suddenly sucked into a whirling stone that seems to be floating around each of the hands of love. As the dagger flies through the air the Mage reaches out and catches it in his bare hand. He winces a little as he caught it on an edge and a drop of blood hits the floor.
Rath 1/27 5:16 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:20 PM
The priest at the entrance shouts "Hold!" The Mage and the Thief suddenly quit their retalatory actions and fall in beside the Priest. The power that surrounds them crackles through the air. "Well we have a few pegions here that might know where the hawk is." With that he taks the sword from the thief and begins to approach the party.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:21 PM
Shad lowered his trident into a fighting position. "You didn't answer our question, friend. This isn't New Elenia, and you'd better reveal some authority or we're gonna mop the floor with a couple of lawless vigilantes."
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:22 PM
Seeing Destiny looking a bit displeased, she turns and climbs back down. "We may lack finesse, but we make up for that with our enthusiasm," she whispers with a grin. "Stay behind us, we'll try and keep ourselves between you and that sword." She then turns towards the offending party and their menacing bluster, still smiling, sword still drawn.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:23 PM
Moving forward past Shad and the trusty trident, she says to the priest. "You know it's really rather rude of you to burst in on all the patrons like this, frightening all the women and children. It just won't do at all. How's your swordsmanship?" With that, she attacks with a strong cross-swipe.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:24 PM
As Olanna attacks the priest, hopefully with Shad's support, and drawing their attention, Ingrge quickly removes her cloak, and holding it as if it were a net takes a running leap, using a table as a spring board, to leap over the heads of the intruders trying to capture the stones which are circling above their heads, within her cloak.
DM 1/28 4:43 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:25 PM
The priest reaches for a amulet at his neck, everyone save at - 5 vs. spell (hold person)
Destiny 1/28 4:45 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:26 PM
"Awwwww for the love of the chossen, Amatures." With that he draws a blade from no where, and sheds his dark cloak. K'nara instanly places that nagging feeling, Destiny is a blade singer.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:27 PM
As he is leaping thru the air, Ingrge feels the tingle of magic (rolled a 17 - 5 = 12 need a 12 to save) and continues on his way to try and catch the stones
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:28 PM
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:29 PM
(rolls a 16 - 5 = 11) Didn't make the save, but isn't yet attacking. Fluet will wait to decide his course of action until the spell wears off. Although he, under cover of the table readies his long bow and nocks an arrow.
K'nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:31 PM
(rolled a 16 - 5 = 11)
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:32 PM
(R8-5=3,Fail!) Shad opens his mouth and takes a step forward and freezes..just like that.
DM 2/1 6:23 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:33 PM
The party feels themsels freeze solid. The Priest begins to stride foreward swinging the sword back and forth, smiling. As he passes the frozen Destiny you all see the most amazing thing. He leaps out slicing down accross the Priests face and then back up catching the necklace on the tip of the sword. In the same instant a spell that he had been casing in his other hand goes off. A globe of power flies from his fingers flies out and strikes the necklace in mid-air. The necklace explodes and everyone finds they can move again. The priest lifts his face half of which has exploded in a spry of blood and bone. "GEEEETTTTSS THEEEEMMMMMMSS" he screams. At the same moment Destiny screams at the party. "RUN!"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:34 PM
To her utter horror, Olana freezes in mid-swing
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:35 PM
With a gasp, the priest could move again. He stared a moment in horror at the priest who'd Held them all. "Ladeez and gents, we are out-classed here! I suggest we vamoose!" Shad looks for a door to flee through, at all speed.
Shad Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:36 PM
Shad is running to the serving door all those other elves fled through earlier, barreling around or through anyone in the way.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:37 PM
Released from the spell, Olana wastes no time following in Shad's wake through the back door, hoping and praying the others are doing the same. But what of Destiny? It didn't seem right just to leave like this, even if they WERE outclassed as Shad said. She will watch for the elf following close behind as they make their escape.
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:38 PM
Recovering from his leap, and now behind the three, Ingrge takes a quick look to see where Destiny and the others are, and trying to see if he managed to wrap up or knock down any of the circling stones. If the stones are not viewable, he will cast another magic missile on his way out the front door.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:39 PM
So he doesn't feel that he nocked his arrow for nothing, Fluet shoots his arrow at the priest. He doesn't take too long to aim, just enough so it either hits him, or gets pretty close.(rolled 11 if hit, rolled 2 damage) But he also doesn't wait to see where it goes, it's probably a good idea to run, so he runs for the nearest exit hoping somehow his companions and himself will meet up soon.
DM 2/3 4:40 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:40 PM
Destiny seems to be holding them all off with his sword. His blade seems to be deflecting spells left and right, however it is clear he can't hold them forever. He turns and shouts at Olana. "RUN!!!!! check your pockets!" With that he turns back to the priect and his thugs. As he sees the party fleeing he begins to fall back toward the door.
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:41 PM
'Check you pockets'???? Olana wonders, as she hurtles out of the door. Once outside, she looks around for the others, while her hands search every pocket she has
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:42 PM
The priest made it through the back door first, and continued pellmell down the stairs. He noticed Olana pausing to rummage in her pockets. "Olana, come on! Time enough for note-passing later! We gotta get outa sight!"
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:43 PM
Ingrge Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:44 PM
Seeing as most of the others seem to have gone out the back way, Ingrge, after leaving thru the front will make his way around to the back so as to meet up with the rest of the group.
DM 2/4 6:21 pm Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:45 PM
As Olna jams her hands into her pockets she feels the familiar crumple of paper. It seems that something inside the inn is keeping the priests ocupied.
Flueterflam Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:46 PM
'I wonder who that guy really is' Fluet thinks as he runs out of the inn following where the others left.
Shadrach Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:47 PM
Panting, looking back to see if there were any pursuers, "Well..we seem to have a moment's grace anyway..Where do we go from here?"
Olana Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:48 PM
Looking relieved to see the others come out of the Inn unscathed, Olana says "I'm not sure where we should go. I think Destiny was supposed to take us somewhere. Hang on - lets just see what this is, in my pocket" She then takes out what feels like a note, opening it up for them all to read, if indeed a note is what it is.
K'Nara Sunday January 31st, 1999 9:34:49 PM
K'nara found herself paralyzed by the priest's powerful spell for a moment, then freed as Destiny's surprise attack on the cleric took place. At her fellow bladesinger's exhortation to "RUN!" she scrambled for the door, hesitating only to give a sharp whistle to the barmaid who'd served the party their meal. "Thanks for the service!" she yelled, tossing a pair of gold coins towards the elf maiden. "Keep the change..!!!" Then the tall warrior woman hoped she wasn't underpaying the establishment as she, too, sprinted from the tavern. "Come on!" she said to the others, who'd stopped briefly in order to get their bearings...and to look at something Olana had. "Let's go get my horse and make for the opposite end of this burg!"
Ingrge Saturday February 6th, 1999 9:31:59 PM
Just as K'nara gets out the door and Olana is fishing in her pockets Ingrge pps around the corner of the in rejoining the rest of his party. Hey uhmm, Just who were those guys anyway? I mean other than the enemy. Ingrge, is keeping an eye out for anything that might be following from the front side of the inn.
Shadrach Sunday February 7th, 1999 7:37:59 AM
"Beats me. This isn't New Elenia, but they seemed powerful enough to not care. Boy, that Destiny is a pretty tough customer to take them on,huh? Hey, Olana, what is it?" Shad followed K'Nara.
DM Monday February 8th, 1999 2:34:59 AM
Olana opens up the note and reads it quickly.
Note Monday February 8th, 1999 2:36:59 AM
"Dear lady, I am sorry that we must part this way, but Gods willing I will see you soon. Dark Leaf and I will meat you 10 miles north of the tree in a "special" clearing, you can't miss it. The Hands of Love will follow you so hurry, we must make plans."
DM Monday February 8th, 1999 2:38:59 AM
K'Nara is amazed at the Bladesingers work, and the barmaid looks VERY pleased with the money that was thrown her way.
Olana Monday February 8th, 1999 10:19:59 AM
Olana runs after the others after a quick read of the note. "Hey everyone! Look at this! I think this is where we need to go next" With that she runs along with them, hoping that the one they left behind will be quite alright, and will meet up with them as planned.
Shadrach Monday February 8th, 1999 8:16:59 PM
Shad huffed as he ran, "I guess we just grab K'nara's horse and try to hide our tracks as we go north! Anybody good at that? I don't know a darn thing about landlubbing stuff.."
K'nara Monday February 8th, 1999 8:19:59 PM
After getting the information from Destiny's note, K'nara adjusts her heading accordingly--only detouring long enough to snag her mount before continuing northward. "I suspect that our friend Destiny is accomplished enough to...disentangle himself from the tavern." she said aloud. "Let's just say that...he has a certain style that will more or less assure this."
Ingrge Monday February 8th, 1999 9:38:59 PM
Ingrge listens to what the note says looks to see if everyone is there and then suggests that they move out asap. cause with all the attention we have attracted, being circumspect is probably out of the question. as the group moves off, some might hear Ingrge mumbling something under his breath. Dragons and Mindwolves and Hands oh my Dragons and Mindwolves and Hands oh my.... It's off to find the clearing,The clearing that's north of the tree. Destiny and Dark Leaf will meet us there and that is a wonderful thing. it's off to find........
DM Tuesday February 9th, 1999 2:26:59 AM
As the party begins to move northward they hear a loud bang come from the Inn and purple and red smoke begin pour from all the cracks in the building. Everyone inside begins to move outside, quickly.
Flueterflam Tuesday February 9th, 1999 2:57:59 AM
Thinking to himself 'Whatever just happened probably looked pretty neat, but I'm sure glad I wasn't in there when whatever it was happened.' For the remainder of the trip he keeps to himself.
Shadrach Tuesday February 9th, 1999 3:51:59 AM
"Doesn't it make you feel important that they're after us?" Shad seemed unaccountably cheerful at this.
Olana Wednesday February 10th, 1999 2:59:59 AM
The ranger looks back in horror at all the "stuff" coming out of the Inn. What terrible things could have happened, she thinks. Resigning herself to going north, she jogs along - following Shad, K'Nara, and the others - glancing at Ingrge now and then, wondering if he is quite all right.
Flueterflam Wednesday February 10th, 1999 4:16:59 AM
"What should make us feel even more important Shad, is the fact that we have a few allies out there. Even if we don't know who they might be."
DM Thursday February 11th, 1999 4:43:59 AM
The group continues to jog to the north making good time for about an hour when they notice a clearing ahead.
K'nara Thursday February 11th, 1999 6:29:59 AM
The female fighter trotted along with her comrades in arms, approaching the clearing with some caution. "Hopefully this is *the* clearing that was indicated in the note." K'nara said aloud. "I hope that Destiny will be along soon..." She glanced at Olana. "...don't worry, I'm sure he was able to get away."
Ingrge Thursday February 11th, 1999 4:39:59 PM
Listening to K'nara, Ingrge frowns and softly says, "whgy dont you just announce to the world that that is where we are going? As far as we know Destiny was captured and made to tell where we were going. We could be walking into a trap you know. I suggest we continue past the clearing and then double back to inspect our rendezvous spot, and see if by any chance WE were followed as well.
DM Friday February 12th, 1999 1:56:59 AM
As the party enters the clearing they see Destiny standing over Dark Leaf. Dark Leaf sees the party and stands. As he stands his apearance changes. Suddenly he stands there, a much younger elf. Long white hair tied back in a gold clasp, dressed in black, with the exception of a red hand print over his heart. "Welcome friends, I am Joe of the Hand and this is Greymalk the blade singer. Joe smiles at the party. Graymalk seems to be VERY upset though. He yanks his sword free and leaps at K'nara, screaming. "YOU, FALSE ONE WILL PASS THIS TEST OR DIE!!!!" Joe just mutters under his breath. "Gray, not now don't you think we have more important . . ."
Olana Friday February 12th, 1999 8:16:59 AM
Nodding at Ingrge, thinking that he might have a good idea, she is amazed to see the elves already in the clearing....... and is astounded at the transformation of Dark Leaf. She breaks into an excited grin, only to become alarmed and confused at Destiny/Greymalk's sudden actions. She takes some steps forward with her hand raised and says "No....wait! Surely there must be some mistake here?"
Flueterflam Saturday February 13th, 1999 6:31:59 AM
Of course! We're stuck in a tale of tragedy, Fluet thinks to himself. We're supposed to kill(or at least exile) the very people who saved our lives. Then at the out break takes a step back. Then lifts one eyebrow in confusion. "Who's false? and what test?" By this time Fluet is willing to do or say anything to get someone's attention. Since he has started feeling as though he has no real part in the situations that have recently arised. Then his mind races back to the present, "and why are you two just standing here in the clearing. What's going on?"
Shadrach Saturday February 13th, 1999 10:55:59 AM
"Don't be ridiculous, Ingrge, if somebody could hear us, they'd just follow us...." Shad followed along into the clearing. He looked extremely smug when Joe revealed himself. "I knew it! Didn't I, Ingrge?" He looked shocked at first at Darkleaf's attack, diving away. "Oof!...Hey! Is this some kinda Elvish thing? Or Tine thing? Somebody mind giving the rest of us a clue?"
K'nara Sunday February 14th, 1999 1:41:59 PM
K'nara stands impassively as Greymalk (the elf formerly known as Destiny) launches himself at her--and for a moment it looks as though the female fighter is about to become only half the woman she used to be! But at the very last moment, she literally dances away from the path of Greymalk's attack. "I don't want to fight you, because--in spite of the task we are being forced to perform for Parnoth--you are *not* my enemy..." she says, "...but, if you *insist* on combat, neither will I stand around while you carve me up like a holiday goose!" With this, K'nara draws her sword from her shoulder scabbard and bows, elven style, to Greymalk. "Shall we dance, sir..?" she asks, striking the pose that her compatriots recall the auburn-haired fighter using when they first faced the Mindwolf clan bandits on the barge...
Shadrach Sunday February 14th, 1999 5:05:59 PM
Shad crawled out of the way and stood up, brushing himself. He walked over to Joe, watching the duel. "Uh, do you know what's going on? They've never met before have they? He ain't some ex-boyfriend?"
Greymaulk Sunday February 14th, 1999 6:29:59 PM
Greymaulk lunges in at K'nara sword hand, (rolls a 11 - 4 disarm + 2 special move kit = 9 hit AC -4) K'nara's sword flies out of her hand and across the clearing. "Pick it up woman and defend yourself properly, you pretend to be one of us, then do your dancing master honor. PICK UP YOUR SWORD!"
Olana Sunday February 14th, 1999 9:32:59 PM
Olana backs off quickly, seeing that K'Nara would probably be able to give a good account of herself. But what was going on? She hears Shad's question to Joe, and hopes a satisfactory answer is forthcoming. Baffled, she waits with the others.
ingrge Sunday February 14th, 1999 11:47:59 PM
As K'nara steps over to collect her sword, Ingrge, scowling almost more than normal, steps between greymalk(destiny) and K'nara, faces The blade singer and says Whom are you calling a false one oh ye attacker of those who coe to aid you and yours. We have done nothing to warrant you attacking any one of our group and should you continue to persist, you will face at least 1 more sword. So saying Ingrge draws his sword and steps back awaiting an answer.
Flueterflam Monday February 15th, 1999 1:27:59 AM
Noticing that Doke hasn't said anything for awhile Fluet looks around to find him. A little luck never hurt. ::Ding:: The lightbulb turns on. Smiling, "So what ever happened to those guys who were at the inn? Did you get rid of them, or just stall them?" Then he walks over to Shad, still awaiting an answer, and looking around for Doke. Once he reaches his destination, he whispers in Shad's ear,"you know, if they got rid of the others, then we could call that beast right now and be done with our adventure." After saying this he looks to see Shad's expression.
Joe Monday February 15th, 1999 1:56:59 AM
Joe sighs as he talks to Shadrach, "No he is not some ex-boyfriend. He is the first of his kind to walk the Wold in a long long time. Blade singers are like Elven Knights. They live by a strict code. Graymaulk is the first so he has taught only a few, but it seems that someone broke that code and taught this human girl. In his eyes she may be an abomination, or a miracle. We won't know until he kills her or spares her life. Oh by the way, your friend, standing there between them? I would tell him to move quickly before he gets himself killed. I once saw Graymaulk kill a dragon, single handed."
K'nara Monday February 15th, 1999 2:04:59 PM
A flash of dismay clearly crosses her face when K'nara finds herself so easily disarmed by Greymaulk. She gathers her rattled wits about her as Ingrge issues his ultimatum to the original bladesinger, scooping up the sword that her mentor had given her and then gently placing a hand on Ingrge's shoulder. "My friend, your loyalty is admirable, but this is something I must settle with the Greymaulk myself." she tells her compatriot. "As hard as I know this will be for you--please do *not* interfere." Once more, K'nara falls into the artistic stance taught to her not even the span of a year ago. "Gemsmith said there would be days like these!" she sighs aloud, then started her own attack, her grace evident in the delicate, deadly steps... (Rolled 8 +2 specialization bonus +1 kit bonus = 11 hit AC 6)
Shadrach Monday February 15th, 1999 5:02:59 PM
Muttering to Fluet, "I guess this is some sort of duel of honor. She has to prove her right to 'be' something or other...Interfering won't help her prove herself. And I got a feeling the ONLY way we could beat these two guys are with the Beast, yeah. But do we want to? One is a Tine, and they are supposed to be able to *change* things here. Do you REALLY want Parnath in charge forever? Remember the elves on the river." Shad looked doleful. "Remember the dream we all had? Where the sad-eyed man was stabbed in the back? Was it a prophecy? Were we the ones who backstabbed him?"
Ingrge Monday February 15th, 1999 10:51:59 PM
At K'nara's comments Ingrge glances at her and then at Destiny, shakes his head and waves k'nara into the fray. As K'nara starts her dance Ingrge wanders over to Fluet, Shad and Joe and says "well if she wants to die, ::shrugs:: who am I to tell her no?? Ingrge then proceeds to sit down and take out a full wine skin.
Greymaulk Tuesday February 16th, 1999 3:53:59 AM
Greymaulk defends the blow easily and steps aside. As he parrys each blow sent by the female fighter he begins to cast a spell one handed.
Joe Tuesday February 16th, 1999 3:54:59 AM
"Now Grey, do you realy think it's fair to use magic, she hasn't even hit you yet."
Olana Tuesday February 16th, 1999 4:00:59 AM
Glancing occasionally at the spar between the two bladesingers, Olana patrols the edge of the clearing, for while all this was going on, their enemy could surely take advantage.
Flueterflam Tuesday February 16th, 1999 5:43:59 AM
A shiver runs down Fluet's back. "Well I hadn't thought of it that way. We still should remember that it's an option though." He turns to the watch the duel.
DM Tuesday February 16th, 1999 6:31:59 AM
Olana dosen't hear anything . . . . . (yet)
K'nara Tuesday February 16th, 1999 8:07:59 AM
The human female's elegant blows were parried time and again with contemptuous ease. This elf was good--even better than Gemsmith, her own trainer. 'Who *is* this guy, anyway???' the warrior woman thought as she continued to try to pierce Greymaulk's defenses, with no luck whatsoever. 'He introduces himself as Destiny, then turns out to be Gray of the duo _Joe and Gray_ that we're supposed to be looking for...no, wait...Joe says he's GrayMAULK...' K'nara's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden realization that now this Graymaulk was about to cast a spell... 'Damn! I forgot that bladesingers are spellcasters, too...' she fumed at her own dull-wittedness, '...I have to hit him or that spell of his just might _hurt_..!' Pressing her attack, the human bladesinger whirled her sword to great effect...(Rolled 16 + 2 specialization +1 kit = 19 -- K'nara is AC 2, not 6)
Ingrge Tuesday February 16th, 1999 2:18:59 PM
Having tossed back a little wine, Ingrge hands the skin to Shad saying I'm going to join Olanna in sentry duty. Ingrge then strings his bow nocks an arrow and head to the edge of the clearing nearest the road. Once there, he motions to Olana to show that he is going upward to watch. resheathes his arrow hangs his bow over his shoulder and climbs a tree with a good open view of the road. He will then set up a firing line of arrows and sit back to watch.
Shadrach Wednesday February 17th, 1999 12:30:59 AM
Shad was completely absorbed in the battle, and jumped when the skin was handed to him. "OO, hey." He drank a little, eyes still glued. "Want some, Fluet?"
Greymaulk Wednesday February 17th, 1999 1:54:59 AM
Grey's spell goes off and colors stream from his fingers. (save vs. spell)
K'nara Wednesday February 17th, 1999 8:05:59 AM
K'nara grit her teeth, and danced for all that she was worth...(Rolled 13 + 1 ring +1 cloak = 15...failed)...to no avail--the color spray still managed to hit her in spite of her fancy footwork. She bit back her cry of pain and redoubled her efforts to try to hit Gray...or Maulk...or Graymaulk...whoever this dancing elf was...
Olana Wednesday February 17th, 1999 8:45:59 AM
Acknowledging Ingrge, the ranger nods and patrols the area downward from the clearing, so hopefully they have it covered between them. Quietly, she will keep her eye on the Greymalk/K'Nara situation too.
K'nara Wednesday February 17th, 1999 1:36:59 PM
K'nara continued her duel with Graymaulk, following the lethal choreography with grace and precision, but the obviously-experienced elf continued to avoid what should have been direct hits (rolled 14 + 2 spec + 1 kit= 17). She didn't stand a chance against him, yet she knew that she couldn't *not* fight him...as an elven bladesinger, he obviously didn't like the thought of a human knowing the techniques that Gemsmith told her were the province of elves alone for hundreds of generations...indeed, the elves themselves had considered the bladesong a lost art until one amongst them rediscovered the mortiferous skill...Gemsmith's beloved teacher, Maulk. K'nara stiffened, pausing in her dance. "Gray...maulk? Maulk? THE Maulk..?" she gasped, blinking amazed hazel eyes as the copper finally dropped: she was fighting THE expert bladesinger in the Wold...and he would settle for no less than an honorable duel...to the death.
Shadrach Wednesday February 17th, 1999 8:47:59 PM
Muttering to himself, "No, no, CHARTREUSE Maulk...who care's what kind of Maulk he is?" He looked confused.
Flueterflam Thursday February 18th, 1999 12:54:59 AM
Fluet jumps at Shad's offer, but accepts the skin. He takes a drink. "Well obviously it means something to her." He looks over to Joe,"Lemme guess...you're some fancy something or other just like him? Figures, but why doesn't he just train her? That way she'd at least have a better chance. I'm not complaining though, it's just constructive criticism."
Joe Thursday February 18th, 1999 2:32:59 AM
"Thats a darn good idea, I wish I had thought of it. Yes I am something fancy, I currently the most powerful mage in the relm." With that he crosses over to K'nara and cast a spell upon her. The effects of the color spray are instantly gone. He then takes a black cube from a pocket and throws it at Greymaulk, as it flies through the air it grows in size. Joe mutters some word under his breath and the cube turns translucent. As it envelops Greymaulk he freezes in space. Joe then looks at K'nara. There young lady. He is now helpless, he would have killed you for nothing less than being who you are. You may take his life." With that Joe sits down and takes a pull from the wine skin they are passing around.
K'nara Thursday February 18th, 1999 7:00:59 AM
The warrior woman stood, breathing hard and eyeing the premiere bladesinger in her world. Thanks to Joe, Graymaulk was helpless--frozen by some kind of magic and prey to the bite of her elven-wrought steel...she could kill him with impunity. She *ought* to kill him, for he certainly was capable and more than willing to kill her. K'nara lifted her bastard sword so that the point of the blade was poised over the paralyzed elf's heart. "You're the Maulk my master Gemsmith spoke of," she said gravely, "He witnessed me defending myself one day and came to me, saying that he saw...something in me that made him feel that he could teach me the way of the bladesong...all it involved, he said, was my willingness to learn, and to pledge myself to always try to help the people of the Culverwood. I accepted his terms...as, I suspect, he already knew I would. If I killed Graymaulk now, like this, I'd be breaking that promise, because we all know that you, Joe, and Graymaulk are here to help the Emerald Kingdom, despite the 'Hands of Love'...despite the Green Dragon that rules our land..." K'nara puts up her blade and sheathes it. "I canNOT kill...either of you. I said so before, and I'm sticking to that...even though it may mean my death."
Olana Friday February 19th, 1999 12:06:59 AM
Olana gives a sigh, nodding to herself as she listens to K'Nara's words, thankful that Joe put a stop to what was becoming a nasty situation. To the elf, things were getting a little blurry, for it seemed to her that those they had come to aid were behaving a little like those who would stop them. This raised quite a few questions in her mind, but for the moment she kept them to herself, quietly guarding her share of the perimeter.
Shadrach Friday February 19th, 1999 5:47:59 PM
"What if he still wants to kill you, K'Nara? Are you going to sacrifice yourself just so that-that *BIGOT* can hold true to his twisted view of reality? He's no better than the Hands of Love pursuing them! They both are bigots!" Shad's voice started soft, but rose angrily.
Joe Monday February 22nd, 1999 1:49:59 AM
Joe waves his hand and the cube shrinks, releasing the suspended Grey. Grey crashes to the earth striking downward. If the female would have still been ther it woul have split her from head to toe. Grey swirls around and finds K'nara.
Grey Monday February 22nd, 1999 1:58:59 AM
Grey approaches the girl and thrusts his sword into the earth. "Well its about time you proved yourself. I thought I was really going to have to kill you for a minute there. Boy oh boy did Gemsmith ever do a botched job with you. Here," Grey takes a ring off his finger and thrusts it into K'nara's hand. "This will allow me to talk to you anywhere in the wold. You will use it EVERY morning to continue your training. If you fail to talk to me even one day your life becomes forfit and I will know you for a dog and not a dancer. I will not have the first of your kind profane my art. Now lesson one." He swipes at her hand disarming her again. "Your grip is all wrong, it should be more like this!" Greys teachings will be hard but true.
Joe Monday February 22nd, 1999 1:59:00 AM
OK now that that's settled, I assume you have some questions for me."
Flueterflam Monday February 22nd, 1999 3:47:59 AM
"Well, now that you mention it. Do you know other people who have such power as Grey and yourself?" Fluet looks around quickly. "And why are we in this clearing anyway?" At this point his mind swells with questions, but he decides to keep it short and waits rather impatiently for a reasonable answer.
Shadrachp Monday February 22nd, 1999 9:00:59 PM
He slumped in relief. "Gimme that skin back!" He took a desperate slug and sighed deeply. "What about those Elenians? Why are they after you?"
Ingrge Monday February 22nd, 1999 9:20:59 PM
Glancing out of the tree and over his shoulder, Ingrge sees that the combat has ended Signals and attracts Olana to let her know that he will remain on watch unless the powers that be signify it is unnecessary, and that she should rejoin the group.
Ingrge Monday February 22nd, 1999 9:22:59 PM
Glancing out of the tree and over his shoulder, Ingrge sees that the combat has ended Signals and attracts Olana to let her know that he will remain on watch unless the powers that be signify it is unnecessary, and that she should rejoin the group.
Olana Tuesday February 23rd, 1999 1:22:59 AM
Olana catches Ingrge's signal and moves back into the clearing with the others, keeping out of range of the fracas between Greymaulk and K'Nara, even though it seemed to have just beome a training session now and not as hostile as before. After all, she didn't really want her ears chopping off in the middle of it all. Still - at least things seemed more positive now. "What are we going to do about the Hands of Love?" she asks. "I presume they are still a threat."
Joe Wednesday February 24th, 1999 4:36:59 AM
Joe turns to Flueterflam and begins to answer questions. " 1st: No, I know of no one who has any where near the power that Grey and I possess. 2nd, I have an appointment with my wife here this evening. 3rd, the hands of love and parnoth want us dead because of what we represent, we are begining to pull the elves back together for the first time since the first age. This balance of power could destroy Parnoth and would destroy the Hands of Love. Lastly, yes the hands of love are still a threat and they are on there way here. They travel with a High Priest, a High Mage, and a Master Thief. They also travel with many thugs and retainers. Now friends, here is where you choose. One, use the beast now killing Grey and I. Two, run before they arive and save yourselfs before they arive. Three, make a stand with Grey and I, probably dieing in the prosess. I can not leave. If I wish to see my wife tonight I must stay in this clearing, Grey will not leave my side, we are brothers. That leaves you."
Olana Thursday February 25th, 1999 2:21:59 AM
The ranger listens quietly to what Joe has to say before answering. Then she stands up straight and sets her jaw firmly. "Well - I choose to stay and fight, and put a stop to the Hands of Love. I swore an oath, and I firmly believe it is the right thing to do." Before returning to continue her watch, she winks at Grey. "You had us worried there for a moment. But I for one will be glad to see that blade on our side"
Shadrach Friday February 26th, 1999 12:12:59 AM
"Maybe," he glared at Greymaulkin. "Parnath and the Mindwolves or Hands of Love might come after us regardless. We might as well all die together, which we probably will...We can take care of the evil henchmen, while you two handle the evil leaders!"
Flueterflam Friday February 26th, 1999 9:57:59 PM
"Couldn't we ambush them? I mean, you two could leave the clear and find a safe place they wouldn't find you, and we could summon the beast to destroy just them. That way we'd accomplish two things, destroying the Hands of Love, and helping you in your cause. If you don't think that'll work though, then I'll stay and fight to the end anyway."
K'nara Saturday February 27th, 1999 7:31:59 AM
K'nara blinks, dazed by the sudden about-face in Gray's attitude, slowly extending her hand and taking the ring he offers, and placing it on the middle finger of her right hand. A few practice bouts with the other bladesinger show her that Gemsmith's approach and Gray's are vastly different. After picking up a few pointers from the elf, she added to the present conversation with Joe: "Listen...our mission was to get the Hands of Love AND you & Gray out of the Emerald Kingdom...and we had already more or less decided that we would get rid of the Hands first, by any means necessary--so I would say that you've got our help and we have yours for this particular fracas. Now all we have to do is survive the encounter!"
Joe Saturday February 27th, 1999 8:43:59 PM
"I can't leave this clearing if I wish to see my wife tonight."
Flueterflam Sunday February 28th, 1999 1:25:59 AM
"Why, is this the last time you'll ever be able to see her?"
Ingrge Sunday February 28th, 1999 1:33:59 AM
Continuing his self assigned lookout duty, Ingrge tries to make sure he can in no way be seen, easily from the road, then while watching he occasionally glances back into the clearing and sees that the group seems to be having some sort of discussion. "hmm I wonder what they are deciding my fate will be? Ah well I made my choice and for ill or weal I will end the reign of terror of Parnoth and destroy the Hands of Love, or i will die in the attempt."
Olana Sunday February 28th, 1999 7:24:59 PM
On her way back to her position on the edge of the clearing, Olana whispers to Fluet. "Maybe Joe's wife is a member of the Hands of Love. Who knows. If she is, that makes him vulnerable. Just something else for us to watch out for."
Shadrach Monday March 1st, 1999 12:24:59 AM
"Well, let's set up our ambush shall we? My suggestion is that us weaker types spread out and surround this clearing. Joe and Grey will draw fire just because of who they are, and we don't want to be right next to them when some massive spell goes off! I'll go get Ingrge's ideas..." Shad waited for everyones' response, before going to speak to Ingrge.
Flueterflam Monday March 1st, 1999 4:11:59 AM
"Sounds like an idea. I'll go up in a tree around this clearing, and ready my bow. That is, unless anyone needs me somewhere else?" Waits for any feedback before he journeys over to a tree in the distance.
Defending Dragons
Olana Tuesday March 2nd, 1999 9:32:59 PM
Olana gives a thumbs-up sign, and gets ready for the attack, shortbow at the ready.
Joe Wednesday March 3rd, 1999 12:47:59 AM
Joe looks at Flueterflam and says, "No i see her once a year, here in this clearing. I am Joe of Platue city. King Claudia was my wife. She is dead. The Hands come now." he points toward the south, Gray crosses to him, and Joe begins casting a spell over he and Gray.
DM Wednesday March 3rd, 1999 12:48:59 AM
Ingrge hears the Hands coming through the forest from the south, they do not seem to tring to hide there progress.
Flueterflam Wednesday March 3rd, 1999 1:22:59 AM
Fluet is in the process of climbing the tree as he sees the Hands approaching. Once he reaches a sturdy branch, he unslings his long bow. Takes an arrow and nocks it in the bow. Then he aims for the whites of their eyes(literally).
Shadrach Wednesday March 3rd, 1999 10:24:59 PM
Pausing to whisper the plans so far to Ingrge, Shad runs for the side of the clearing opposite Fluet. He decided he wanted to be fairly FAR from Joe and Grey for when the big spells went off. He unlimbered his bow and set his trident against a tree. Crouching behind some trunks and bushes he took aim. (Cast bless on my arrows)
Ingrge Thursday March 4th, 1999 5:09:59 PM
Having heard the hands approach and seeing that they are not trying to hide their approach Ingrge nocks her first arrow and makes sure her next 7 are ready at hand and easily accessable. When she knows that they are within her strike range she will aim athe the halflings throat.
Olana Thursday March 4th, 1999 8:45:59 PM
Olana moves toward the edge of the clearing, to a position at the northern edge, but with a clear aim to the south. Arrows ready, she will listen to the north - just in case someone is sneaking around to surprise them.
Flueterflam Thursday March 4th, 1999 11:10:59 PM
Hmmm....I wonder where Doke went, he would be of some help right now. Fluet, while still aiming his arrow, prays for Doke to suddenly do something. He hasn't heard Doke speak for quite awhile now.¾±k
DM Friday March 19th, 1999 8:20:59 PM
After listening to the sounds of the ones approaching for a few seconds, the very careless sounds cease. All goes quiet. For the first time you can notice the beauty of this wondrous meadow. Butterflies are everywhere! Especially on a rock sitting in the left center of this meadow which has thousands of them flitting about on it. The lazy sunshine of the warm afternoon brings a slight sweat to your face. The grass blows gently in the breeze. Birds chirp in the trees. A deer darts into the clearing near where Shadrach is hiding behind a tree, then darts away. This tranquil scene has no hint of the carnage that is soon to be visited upon it.
Shadrach Saturday March 20th, 1999 7:28:59 PM
Shad nocked an arrow to his bow and sighted down the path. He waited for movement and sound to give away the enemies' position.
Flueterflam Saturday March 20th, 1999 8:47:59 PM
As the meadow becomes quiet, Fluet begins to think about the Hands of Love. From what it sounded like from Joe and Grey, the battle might be his last. He starts to shake since this is really the first time he's ever faced death. Every good memory that he's ever had flashes through his mind. Then he looks over to the rock with butterflies on it. He concentrates on their beauty, as a single tear flows down his cheek.
Ingrge Saturday March 20th, 1999 10:45:59 PM
The suddeness of the disapearence of the noise coming from the HOL and crew is a litte disconcerting, but Ingrge had never thought these guys were stupid, just not very choosy of who they hired. Keeping still in the tree with his bow ready to draw and fire, Ingrge scans the horizon from side to side, moving only his eyes. Seeing the deer pop out, He focuses in that direction to see if something forced the deer out or if it was just wandering. After checking that area out ingrge continues his visual sweep.
Olana Saturday March 20th, 1999 11:08:59 PM
As all goes quiet, Olana concentrates, trying to listen for anything out of the ordinary, her eyes still scanning for movement to the north of the clearing.
DM Monday March 22nd, 1999 7:07:59 AM
Three figures arrogantly walk down the path and into Ingrge's line of sight. Shortly after that, Fluet hears the rustling of leaves as several clumsy feet circle around clockwise to the rear. As they approach the meadow, the thief whispers something quietly to a ring on his necklace and disappears.
Grey Monday March 22nd, 1999 7:08:00 AM
Grey turns to K'nara and says, "The Hands of Love are for Joe and I to battle, help your friends." Then looking at her strangely says, "You 'should' defeat them easily. Then, if you can, please help distract the Hands."
Joe Monday March 22nd, 1999 7:10:59 AM
With a magical whisper Joe says, "Brave ones, take these potions. They will heal you so you can fight longer. My soul couldn't take it if any of you died for my sake." Potions of Healing (2d4 + 2) quickly float out from Joe's hand to each of you following a disguised route so as to not give away your positions.
Shad Monday March 22nd, 1999 4:39:59 PM
Shad blinked at the bottle floating his way. He put it near him but out, figuring this was as good a place as any. He waited for the enemy to make themselves known to him.
Ingrgre Monday March 22nd, 1999 5:01:59 PM
Still wondering how he managed not to entrap those circling stones above the 1/2ling thiefs head at the inn, Ingrge draws a bead on the thief just as the whispering voice and potion arrive at his side in the tree. quickly stashing the flask in a crook of a bough, Ingrge remembers he has two more of those in his pack which is beside him. and with grim determination he waits for the thief to get closer so that there is les chance of him hearing and dodging the arrows as they fly.
Olana Monday March 22nd, 1999 8:55:59 PM
A little startled at first, as the potion arrives, Olana nods to herself, and places it in one of her pouches. Then she resumes her concentration, arrow nocked and ready. Had she heard something? Over toward Fluet? Was this the beginning?
Flueterflam Tuesday March 23rd, 1999 12:13:59 AM
Hearing the rustling, Fluet knows someone else is around. He does not make much, if any noise, as he turns to see what caused it. Suddenly the potion comes to him. He shakes from fear, as not to move any more and rustle the leaves on the tree he's in. He assumes that the potion is good, as he is too far away to hear what Joe and Grey said. He puts it away. Then he nocks his bow and searches for what made the noise.
K'nara Tuesday March 23rd, 1999 12:19:59 AM
Thinking, that after all this time to be back in training again, Ah but what a master to serve. Looking both chagrined and relieved, as if grey was reading her mind, K'nara nods her understanding and acceptance of Grey's comments and quickly and quietly, as only a bladesinger can move, she heads southeastward, across the meadow to the large rock, so she can ready herself for the upcoming conflict. As the potion arrives at her side she acknowledes it and places it on the ground next to the rock, loosens her sword in its sheath and readies her short bow and sets up a firing line of arrows in the ground in front of her.
DM (The Rock Near Fluet) Tuesday March 23rd, 1999 5:21:59 AM
All of a sudden a Brown cloaked figure appears to Fluet's south standing on top of a huge rock. He throws back his hood revealing a hideous boil covered face. The face hideously begins to laugh and laugh and laugh. Muhhaaaaaaahaaaaa! Hooooheheeheeeehaaahaaaa!
DM(The Hands of Love) Tuesday March 23rd, 1999 5:27:59 AM
The two visible Hands of Love, who are the priest and the mage, suddenly blink out and then appear right in front of Joe and Grey. The cleric wields a huge 2-handed Mace while a Ebony Jewel Encrusted Staff floats in the air in front of the Mage who holds the Sword of Justice in his two hands. Joe screams in pain and stumbles as the thief appears backstabbing Joe with a blood red dagger.
DM (Greymalk) Tuesday March 23rd, 1999 5:31:59 AM
Greymalk spins dancing toward the thief neatly severing the muscles in the thief's upper forearm with a neat slice that rips the dagger out of Joe and causes it to fall to the ground. He then spins and parries attacks from the mage's staff with loud cracking sounds that echo through the meadow. He grins with ferocious glee!
DM (Joe) Tuesday March 23rd, 1999 5:37:59 AM
Joe recovers his battle stance and casts, his arms weaving an intricate spell of incredible complexity. When done, an opaque dome of shimmering, multi-colored light 20' in diameter forms around the 5 powerful combatants enclosing them all inside of it causing them to all disappear from view inside the scintillating sphere. As it forms, a magical whisper comes once again from Joe: "Don't touch."
DM Tuesday March 23rd, 1999 5:56:59 AM
(Shadrach, please make a perception check. That's Wis or Int, whichever is best for you. K'nara and Olana may make one at -6)
Shadrach Tuesday March 23rd, 1999 8:25:59 PM
Shad didn't even think about touching the rainbow sphere. Sometimes pessimissism is the best way to go! His senses did not betray him as he watched and listened. (R9, under both, thankyou:)!)
Ingrge Tuesday March 23rd, 1999 8:54:59 PM
Seeing the HOL pop right by without giving him the chance to take a shot at them, manages to really piss Ingrge off. As he sees the globe form around J & G & the HOL, Ingrge send a prayer of luck towards their new compatriots and once again turns his attention towards those he knows accompanied the HOL.
Olana Tuesday March 23rd, 1999 9:39:59 PM
((Rolled a 0 after the -6))
Flueterflam Tuesday March 23rd, 1999 11:56:59 PM
The laughing gets to Fluet almost immediately. He knows he must kill whatever the thing is, to help in the battle, but even more so, to stop the laughing. With his arrow already nocked, he aims and lets his arrow fly (rolled 11 if hit, damage 8) Not waiting to see the result, Fluet pulls out another arrow, nocks it, and shoots it (rolled 11 again if hit, damage 8 again). He hopes that all this happened swiftly enough not to alert the monster as to his whereabouts.
K'nara Wednesday March 24th, 1999 1:39:59 AM
K'nara rolled an unmodified 3 which tranlates to a 9 so she is just barely prceptive and realizes that the sphere was most likely created by Joe and that she should not touch it. So she keeps her ears and eyes attuned for any approaching targets.
DM Wednesday March 24th, 1999 5:54:59 PM
(Results of Party actions)Flueterflam's first arrow strikes the creature on the rock and immediately with a slight gust of wind, the thing is revealed to be an illusion. At this same time, Shadrach, Olana and K'nara's perception check (which was not for what Shadrach and subsequently everyone else thought it was for--grin) succeeds and all three spin around amongst all the distractions to see 10 brown cloaked figures approaching Shadrach's position from the east. They are 60' away. When Shadrach meets their eyes and both recognize the other as enemy, the 10 thugs break into a run screaming vile things that their mothers should spank them for.
DM (Round 1) Wednesday March 24th, 1999 5:56:59 PM
(We are now in combat.) The party (barely after two ties) wins first initiative. (Remember the scale on the map for your movement.) The thugs AC is 6.
Shadrach Wednesday March 24th, 1999 7:29:59 PM
Shad's eyes goggled to see so many sneaking up on him. Deciding discretion is the better part of valor, he dropped his bow and arrows, grabbing his trident and the potion. He then took off running full tilt for the trail, south of the Prismatic Sphere. "THEY'RE RIGHT BEHIND ME!"
Dokenor Wednesday March 24th, 1999 7:33:59 PM
Dokenor, who'd concealed himself behind the bushes south of butterfly rock so cleverly even his own party didn't know he was there, chuckled to himself. He waited til the thugs chasing Shad came into view before cursing them. "Don't worry everyone! Wardd's luck is with us today!" (Curse thugs)
Ingrge Wednesday March 24th, 1999 8:42:59 PM
Hearing the yells of the enemy and Shad's screaming, from an unexpected area, startles Ingrge a bit, causing him to turn and fire more quickly than he would like to have, causing both of his arrows to seemingly hit their intended target a bit off center, causing his target to spin around so that he is now facing away from the clearing. (#8, Rolled an 16 and a 15, with mods, hits ACs 4 and 5 respectively for a total of 13 pts damage) Ingrge Will quickly ready his next round of arrows.
Flueterflam Wednesday March 24th, 1999 11:59:59 PM
Just my luck, Fluet thinks, the illusion by me. Hearing Shad shout, He looks over in the direction where the monsters are coming. Figuring the tree he's in probably isn't the best place to help, Fluet jumps down. Not to tire himself out before the main battle, he jogs towards the monsters, past the sphere. Once he is about 20'-30' away, he stops and nocks an arrow to shoot.
Olana Thursday March 25th, 1999 12:42:59 AM
As the thugs appear, Olana moves quickly, a little way to the east and south, so the prism does not obstruct her aim. She lets fly two arrows, only to see them miss, as the targets hurtle toward them all in a somewhat haphazard manner.(2d20 results =3&12 after mods) Determinedly, she pulls out another two, ready for the next round, frowning at the language used by these horrible barbarians.
K'nara Thursday March 25th, 1999 2:19:59 AM
K'nara realized what was making her itch was the fact that enbemies were closer than she thought and quickly fires off two arrows at #9 seeing one of them strike well though she lost sight of the second (rolled a 17 an 14 with mods hitting ac3 and ac6 for a total of 2 and6 pnts damage} at which time she will drop her bow and prepare to dance.
Spirit of the Butterfly Thursday March 25th, 1999 10:15:59 AM
The party continues to be 'Blessed' by Shadrach, and the Thugs will be cursed as Dokenor holds his spell till they all are within his sight or he decides to drop it and do something else. Ingrge hits #4 twice dropping him. He lets out a gasp of surprise and pain as one arrow hits in his neck and the other in his abdomen. Flueterflam overestimates his movement, the shimmering dome possibly affecting his distance perception, and stops northwest of the dome. K'nara hits her target, causing him to lean up against a tree, barely able to stand.
Thugs (Last initiative for Round 1) Thursday March 25th, 1999 10:41:59 AM
The thugs, being fired upon, carefully advance through the forest skirmish fashion drawing their own bows. Thug #1 a big bulky fellow, advances SW nocking an arrow and firing twice at the retreating Shadrach missing with a 10 and hitting with a 17 for 3 hpd. "That's Right! Run you coward!" Thug #2, a tall, thin human, follows suit lining up beside #1 and also firing at #2 twice missing with an 8 and hitting with a 16 for 2hpd. "Heh, heh. This is gonna be easy!" Thugs #3 and 4 move quietly and carefully SW Towards K'Nara and Ingrge. #3 fires at K'nara hitting with an 18 for 5 points of damage and missing with a 1 (will miss next attack). #4 fires at Ingrge missing with an 8 and hitting with a 16 for 3 points of damage. They immediately duck behind trees preparing their bows. #5 circles NW flitting from tree to tree, silent as only a thief can be. #6 and #7 move SW firing their bows competently with obvious experience. #6 fires at Ingrge hitting with an 18 for 3 points of damage and missing with a 5. #7 fires at K'nara missing with an 11 and a 9. #8 and 9, evidently hearing of K'nara's reputation with the sword do not move any closer firing at her with their bows in a cowardly fashion. #8 misses with a 6 and a 14. #9 misses with a 14 and hits with an 18 for 1 point of damage. Both also duck behind trees after firing. #10 follows #5 flitting from tree to tree to the North, but making quite a lot of noise. The butterflies, almost as if they are they represent the spirit of this meadow, all land on Butterfly Rock and sit perfectly still. The breeze in the trees increases, causing those adept in such things to notice subtle deceptions in the exact direction of sounds and smells. It seems the presence of Culverwood is making it's presence felt in protest to this intrusion of it's tranquil spirit.
Spirit of The Butterfly Thursday March 25th, 1999 10:42:59 AM
(The party once again narrowly wins initiative for Round 2.) (Note my email accompanying the map today for concealing modifiers which we will add starting this round.)
Ingrge Thursday March 25th, 1999 4:16:59 PM
Ingrge still up in his tree, Takes much more careful aim at his intended targets of #9 & #8, But suceeds only in making them keep their heads hidden for a while longer (rolled a 3 & 4) Ignrge then takes a moment to quaff healing potion #1.
Dokenor Thursday March 25th, 1999 4:36:59 PM
He decided to wait only one more minute to curse. Then "Curse! Curse! CURSE!"
Shadrach Thursday March 25th, 1999 4:40:59 PM
"Ow!Ow!" Shad cursed his pursuers with Donyra's wrath in a more non-magical way and kept going to round the sphere. Once the big rainbow ball was in the way of him and the archers, Shad promptly pulled the stopper on the potion with his teeth and sucked it down.
K'nara Friday March 26th, 1999 5:11:59 AM
Zig zagging thru the trees as quickly as she can with sword in hand, and still be as concealed as possible, K'nara makes her way toward the rear or #8 & #9 position.
Olana Friday March 26th, 1999 5:52:59 AM
((Rolled 4 and 12))Olana fires another two arrows at #10. Missing once more, she dives behind a tree, whispering her own little prayer to the forest, hoping it will improve her somewhat shoddy aim.
Flueterflam Friday March 26th, 1999 7:40:59 AM
Fluet keeps running to the other side of the trail. Which happens to be the same tree that Olana's hiding behind. Still carry his bow, he gets ready to shot.(letting his breath return to normal from his run)
Spirit of The Butterfly Friday March 26th, 1999 8:19:59 PM
(Results of Party 1st initiative for Round 2)Dokenor's curse unfortunately doesn't affect anyone due to the prismatic sphere blocking his view of all the opponents. K'nara moves her full movement east, trying to keep out of sight of 8 and 9. K'nara rolls a 98% on her Hide In Shadows check and not watching where she is going, crashes through a bush. #8 points at where she is with his loaded arrow.
Bad Smell of the Thugs Friday March 26th, 1999 8:57:59 PM
Thug #1 and #2 move towards Olana and Fleut a few trees and then both thugs fire at them. Thug #1 shoots twice at Olana rolling a 14(11) and an 11(8) missing both times. #2 rolls a 15(12) and a 12(9) missing both shots. #3 and #4 advance firing at Fluet and Olana before hiding behind the rock just to the NE of the dome. #3 spends his first attack shaking the pain out of his hand from the pop his bowstring game him and then attacks once rolling a 5(3)and missing. #4 fires at Olana rolling a 10(8) and a 12(10) missing with both shots. #5 as he advances west fires twice at Olana rolling a 5(2) and a 13(10) missing with both shots. #6 and 7 hold their position firing at Ingrge. #6 fires twice hitting with an 18(16) and again with another 18(16) for 2 and 3 points of damage respectively.
Bad Smell of the Thugs Friday March 26th, 1999 9:03:59 PM
Thug #1 and #2 move towards Olana and Fleut a few trees and then both thugs fire at them. Thug #1 shoots twice at Olana rolling a 14(11) and an 11(8) missing both times. #2 rolls a 15(12) and a 12(9) missing both shots. #3 and #4 advance firing at Fluet and Olana before hiding behind the rock just to the NE of the dome. #3 spends his first attack shaking the pain out of his hand from the pop his bowstring game him and then attacks once rolling a 5(3)and missing. #4 fires at Olana rolling a 10(8) and a 12(10) missing with both shots. #5 as he advances west fires twice at Olana rolling a 5(2) and a 13(10) missing with both shots. #6 and 7 hold their position firing at Ingrge. #6 fires twice hitting with an 18(16) and again with another 18(16) for 2 and 3 points of damage respectively. #7 fires at Ingrge twice rolling a 12(10) and a 13(11) missing with both shots. #8 and #9 move east to hide behind the next tree and fire at K'nara. #8 fires twice rolling a 14(11) and a 11(8) missing with both shots. #9 fires twice rolling an 11(8) and a 15(12) missing with both efforts. #9 breaks out in a slew of cuss words that would make an orc blush. #8 just hides behind the tree telling the other one to shut up. #10 continues to noisily follow #5.
Spirit of the Butterfly Friday March 26th, 1999 9:05:59 PM
(The party gets initiative for Round 3.) [rats]
Ingrge Friday March 26th, 1999 11:01:59 PM
Having just finishe watching his previous wounds almost heal from the potion (5 pts) He has to Dodge one set of arrows just in time to see his wounds all but reopen as he gets hit by another set causing Ingrge all sorts of irritation. so much so that after he hops down out of his tree, his first shot arrow bounces off the tree that the thugs are hiding behind and causes him to almost drop his bow (rolled 11(13) and 1).
Olana Friday March 26th, 1999 11:25:59 PM
((Rolled 2d20 - result 3,3))Watching all the arrows whiz by, Olana then ducks out of hiding, aiming an arrow at #1 and one at #2 seeing as they seem to be the clearest targets. Dismayed, she see's them miss their targets once more. Pulling herself back behind the tree, she gives Fluet a worried glance. This was not good. Not good at all.
Dokenor Saturday March 27th, 1999 1:45:59 AM
(Roll6-10=4-3=AC1) Dokenor starts rushing from cover to cover over by Fluet and Olana. He passes them and ends up ducking behind a tree in front of #5.
Shadrach Saturday March 27th, 1999 1:54:59 AM
(R8 for healing potion. At full hps) Shad heard the many zips of arrows all around out there. He knew his buddies needed some help. He dropped the potion and gripped his trident, trying to ignore his shaking hands. With a yell of defiance (partially to his goddess, that he would not die quietly) Shad charged back along the right side of the Sphere. Continuing to yell, hoping to distract the thugs and give his buddies a chance, Shad charged the nearest thing he saw. Thug #4 got impaled on the sharp tines of his trident (To hit:R18(+1Str,+1Bless,+2Charge,+2Heropoint!)AC1)(Damage:R6(+2Str)
Flueterflam Sunday March 28th, 1999 6:04:59 AM
Fluets shoots twice at thug #5. (rolled 14-2=12 and 13-2=11 missed both) Then he runs across the path hiding behind the second tree. But not before giving Olana a look saying 'lets keep on the move'.
K'nara Sunday March 28th, 1999 3:02:59 PM
Keeping up her Zig zag approach, Knara gives a last burst of speed and throws herself upon the thugs. Unfortunately her feet had not quite stopped and she stumbled as she went for her first strike.(rolled 1 +3 +4)
DM Monday March 29th, 1999 4:14:59 AM
(Party Results of Round 3) Dokenor, rush though he does, runs out of movement and takes cover behind the same tree as Olana. Shadrach attacks #3 (instead of #4--see emai) doing severe damage to him. #3 screams in agony as the arrow buries itself in the right side of his chest.
DM Monday March 29th, 1999 4:30:59 AM
(Round 3-Monster Initiative) #1 and #2 both move west towards Olana and fire at her. #1 fires twice rolling a 13(11) and an 8(6) missing with both. #2 fires twice rolling a 13(11) and a 4(2) missing both. Each berates and blames the other for their incompetance. #3 drops her bow and pulls her short shord attacking Shadrach rolling a 7 and missing. #5 heads west and fires at Olana rolling a 17(15) and a 10(8) missing both times. #6 and #7 fire at Ingrge. #6 rolls a 6(4) and a 16(14) missing with both attacks. #7 rolls a 7(5) and a 16(14) missing with both attacks. #8 and #9 lay into K'nara dropping their bows and drawing their swords. #8 rolls a 7 missing her head and #9 rolls an 8 missing her stomach as K'nara squirms and dodges the attacks. #10 changes Direction heading SW toward Shadrach.
Knara Monday March 29th, 1999 7:02:59 AM
Having managed to dodge her opponents attacks She begins her dance targeting both opponents this time hoping to confuse and make them get in the way of each other. As she spins on the ball of her foot to the right and as she registers the satisfying feel of her sharpened blade slicing through flesh she reverses her movement continueing her figure eight as the blade once again connects with flesh.(rolled natural 20 +3 and Natural 20 +3 and then a 14+3 and 4.. for 11, 8 & 10 pts of damage.)
Ingrge Monday March 29th, 1999 7:16:59 AM
Ingrge, suddenly feeling a little better, Takes aim at #7, so that he doesnt run the risk of hitting K'nara, lets loose with two more arrows and watches as they both find their mark in the body of their intended target ( 17, & 16 all mods and minuses included, for 15 pts damage)
Olana Monday March 29th, 1999 8:04:59 AM
Nodding to Fluet, Olana watches him disappear before she leaps out, firing with all her strength. (2d20 results 21,9 Dam6) First arrow flies to #1 and hits, while the arrow meant for #2 flies off into the trees once more. Quickly, she falls back, and hides against the next tree in her path.
Dokenor Monday March 29th, 1999 6:55:59 PM
Dokenor used Olana's tree for cover. He grinned at her. "Isn't it lucky I'm here to back you up?" He peered around the tree, trying to see 5,1 and 2. "Ha! In Wardd's name I curse you! This is your unlucky day!" (Curse!)
Shadrach Monday March 29th, 1999 7:03:59 PM
Shad thanked Donyra as he wrenched his trident free of Thug#3's stomach. Borrowing from fate once again, he thrust at the thug, hoping for a quick kill. Unfortunately, he just missed. (R12, 1 heropoint, ac8)
Olana Tuesday March 30th, 1999 12:06:59 AM
Olana smiles as Doke appears. "Lucky, indeed," she says, hoping the cursing does a bit better than her arrows.
Flueterflam Tuesday March 30th, 1999 3:08:59 AM
Nocks an one arrow right after the other, shooting both at #5. (rolled 6-2=4 and 15-2=13 both miss) Fluet curses to himself, as he just keeps missing.
DM Tuesday March 30th, 1999 6:32:59 AM
(Results of Round 4 Party's actions) K'nara's deadly dance is impressive as she dances with Thugs 8 and 9 putting nice little holes in them that are hardly even noticable. Both just look at her surprised, even though they knew what to expect and slowly topple over neatly laying side by side, and very dead. Ingrge, puts one arrow in #7's heart and one in his right eye, killing him instantly. Olana joins in the counterattack, hitting #1 in the gizzard dropping him as well. Dokenor feels the power of Wardd finally go out through his pores as the Curse takes effect.
DM Tuesday March 30th, 1999 6:42:59 AM
(Thug attacks for Round 4) #2 in a rage for his fallen comrade drops his bow and draws his sword, running at Olana, his friends killer attacking her for all he's worth. He rolls a 5(4) missing. He grits his teeth with a "We who are about to die curse you," and spits in her face. #3 attacks Shadrach rolling a 17 hitting him for 3 points of damage. #5 with a look that says, "What a stupid move," reluctantly joins #2 in attacking Olana dropping his bow and also using his short sword. He rolls a 3(2) missing as well. #5 says, "Zarett, What the !@#$% do you think you're doing?" #6 closes with K'nara trying to get away from Ingrge's deadly arrows, only to realize she just killed two of his companions. He timidly strikes at her rolling a 6 and missing. #10 shouting encouragement to the troops, closes on Shadrach delivering a powerful stroke that goes wide of her ear rolling a 5.
Spirit of the Meadow Tuesday March 30th, 1999 6:54:59 AM
All of a sudden with a tremendous pop, the multicolored dome bursts! Black charred grass extends in a circle where the sphere was. Inside the sphere three figures still stand, two facing one, also completely charred black and staggering like a boxer in the 15th round. It is hard to tell who is who. The glint of the sun on a magnificent sword reveals one of the three combatants as Grey. The dancing staff identifies one of the others as the mage. The third could be either the thief or the cleric of the Hands of Love. Two figures lay across each other to one side unmoving. Grey instinctively dances to protect the fallen body of Joe from the other two who press in that direction. In doing so he pulls an incredible maneuver where he actually tosses his sword through the left neatly blocking the dancing staff in such a way that it bounces off of the staff and back into Grey's hand once integrating itself into Grey's fluid movements. Grey screams out in agony, "Don't let him die!!!!"
Ingrge Tuesday March 30th, 1999 1:47:59 PM
Hearing Grys scream as he was getting ready to fire his next volly of arrows and seeing the spere collapse gives Ingrge his first unrestricted veiw of possible targets and quickly changes targets aiming at the Mage (is the mage's back to Ingrge?) and firing off his last two quality silver arrows (16+5, 19+5, hits ACs -1 & -4 respectively, for 6 and 8 pnts damage respectively if they hit.)
Dokenor Tuesday March 30th, 1999 5:09:59 PM
Crying out, "I shall return!" and ran straight for the sphere area. Trusting to luck to keep him safe, he ducked down by Joe. Pulling out his healing potion from his belt, Dok poured it in careful swallows down Joe's throat, trying to work the throat so that he swallowed reflexively.(R9 for healing)
Shadrach Tuesday March 30th, 1999 5:16:59 PM
His desperation growing as the odds get worse against him, Shad struck wildly at #3 and hit solidly(R19!!!) and wrenched the tines, as he grinned savagely with victory(Damg9!!!Max!)
Olana Tuesday March 30th, 1999 5:56:59 PM
Olana gives a satisfied nod as #1 drops to the ground. For a moment she is distracted as the sphere disappears, and the extent of Joe and Grey's battle is revealed. But then - her attention is drawn straight back to her own part of the battle as #2 rushes with his sword and spits at her. Stepping back swiftly, she pulls her short sword quickly, swiping out deftly at #2, letting it bit into him. ((1d20results 15, 8 dam))
K'nara Tuesday March 30th, 1999 8:14:59 PM
K'nara grins at #6 nods and fluidly continues her dance as she closes with her next opponent striking deeply (20 +3,for 11pts & then 13 +3 for 12pts).
DM Wednesday March 31st, 1999 5:07:59 AM
(Results of Party actions for Round 4) Ingrge amazingly hits the mage twice in the back. The mage spins, a look of ultimate surprise on his face as he is enveloped in whirlwind of lights and disappears. He yells, "So close! Caeroldra, where is your love!!" Grey spits and says, "I hate contingency spells." As Dokenor massages the potion down Joe's throat, his eyes slowly flicker open looking very sad. Then he comes to his knees tears flowing down his face; his face in agony. "I saw her. I was nearly with her. Oh! My beloved Claudia! What evil curses us still! NooooAaaauuuugh!" As the scream stirs the butterflies on the rock, Shadrach strikes a mighty blow at #3 decapitating him. Almost at the same moment as if they are in a line dance although separated, Olana decapitates #2. The two decapitated heads fly through the air passing each other in salute to those who bested them before landing somewhere out in the forest. K'nara, neatly pokes a hole in the heart of #6 disposing of his life force.
DM Wednesday March 31st, 1999 5:17:59 AM
(Thug actions for Round 4 besides dying) The thief looks around himself and finding himself alone, he activates the ring on his necklace and disappears. "We'll meet again Gold Dragon. And next time....." #10 addresses Shadrach. "Till next time Bonze. Beware the tines that bind." Then he bows to Shadrach and also disappears through a blue shimmering door that disappears with a loud popping sound. #5 finds himself all alone. He turns and runs....straight into a tree falling over unconscious, his eyes rolling up in his head, only to fall on the tail end of an arrow sticking up from the ground. The arrow penetrates his back killing the last of the Thugs. The party is triumphant! As if in response to the end of the slaughter, the butterflies, once again take to the air filling the blood stained meadow with renewed hope and joy. For the moment, all is right with The Wold. Joe and Grey smile at each other and hug. Grey, collapses against him falling to his knees in exhaustion. He looks down at himself and sees the bloody pulp that has become his body and grins at Joe. Then he begins to laugh and laugh and laugh!
Dokenor Wednesday March 31st, 1999 7:44:59 PM
Doke puts the empty vial down on the ground and stands up tall (well tall for him at least). "Well wouldn't ya know? We were outnumbered and maybe even out classed, but we still won. I wonder what the possible cause could have been!" A large grin comes across his face, "Well the luck could have only aided us in a well fought battle. Without the battle I could not have lent my luck out."
Flueterflam Wednesday March 31st, 1999 8:36:59 PM
Fluet makes his way over to where the sphere had been. He takes a look at his companions, seeing if any need his potion. "Does anyone need any tending to?" While waiting for a response, he just stands there, confused as to what's going to happen next.
Ingrge Wednesday March 31st, 1999 9:07:59 PM
Taking note that the baddies have been dispersed and The mage is being attended to, Ingrge starts serchig for and recovering Those of his arrows that he can. Slowly he makes his way towards J & G to see if there is anything left of his last two arrows. He will then look at the laughing Grey and offer him a healing draught.
Olana Thursday April 1st, 1999 1:59:59 AM
The elf stands there for a long moment, looking rather dazed. "Well.." she says, to no one in particular.
Grey Thursday April 1st, 1999 4:49:59 AM
Grey takes the potion from Ingrge. "Thanks my friend. I'm fine, but will always accept a gift given generously."
Joe Thursday April 1st, 1999 4:50:59 AM
"My thanks to you all for your generous help. You are all heroes in the truest sense of the word."
Ingrge Thursday April 1st, 1999 4:54:59 AM
Umm any suggestions about what we should do with these? (indicating the medallions given to them by Parnoth)
DM Thursday April 1st, 1999 4:57:59 AM
The two Gold Dragons ask the party to relax and spend the lazy afternoon with them there in the meadow and witness the opening of the door to the land of the dead. Joe uses his ring to have some more healing potions sent in from Gold Dragon Castle and also orders some changes of clothes and some wine and refreshments for everyone. The lazy afternoon passes chasing butterflies, listening to the birds, and watching the deer, rabbits, and squirrels cross through the meadow showing no fear of the noble races present. Some also spend some time soaking up the sun. As the evening comes, Joe begins to become more serious....and nervous.
Grey Thursday April 1st, 1999 4:59:59 AM
"You'd think he was a schoolboy heading for his first womanly encounter." He grins.
Shadrach Thursday April 1st, 1999 5:54:59 PM
Shad blinked at all that had happened. He'd never known that tridents could decapitate people. And that thief falling on an arrow! "I suppose luck may have been *some* help..." He stalked off retrieve his own bow and arrows.
Shadrach Thursday April 1st, 1999 5:57:59 PM
(Next day) Shad was nervous in the meadow. All the cheeriness seemed to depress and put him on edge. He kept checking out the dark shadows of the trees. "You know this isn't over. Parnath is still out there. He'll know we betrayed him. And some of the Hands survived. Fanatics always come back."
The Voice of Experience
Olana Thursday April 1st, 1999 10:47:59 PM
Olana smiles and thanks Joe and Grey for their generosity, taking a couple more of those potions to stash away for emergencies. She spends the afternoon sat quietly, taking in the splendour of the forest, although the mention of the land of the dead has her somewhat apprehensive. Looking around she noticed that Shad looked nervous too. As for the medallions, she says "Ingrge, maybe we should keep them, just in case."
Flueterflam Thursday April 1st, 1999 11:00:59 PM
Fluet just relaxes the whole day, dazing in and out of dreams. He begins to wonder later in the day what's going to happen to them. What are they supposed to do now?
Shadrach Friday April 2nd, 1999 5:39:59 AM
Shad noticed Olana grabbing a few potions for the road and follows suit. He knocked back his drink and looked seriously at Joe. "Maybe it's none of our business, but can you tell us a little about Claudia? We'd sure like to know, and sometimes it helps to talk about things."
K'nara Friday April 2nd, 1999 4:53:59 PM
After winding down from her dance, K'nara tenatively walks over to Grey, and without a word sits down and starts meticulously cleaning her sword. When the potions appear she puts two in her pack and continues cleaning.
Dokenor the Dapper Friday April 2nd, 1999 7:12:59 PM
Dokenor seems quite content at Shad's realization of the power of luck. "Parnoth can shove those medallions right up his little wanker friend's you-know-what. Sure the Dragon was a big scary thing, but I'd take him on any day of the week. I've seen the trouble he has caused the Wold, and it saddens me to see so few people trying to change it." He glances towards Joe & Grey, "Don't get me wrong. I think that every person who does some good is doing something to get rid of Parnoth, but I'd really just like to see his big, green, scaly head on a stick." Dokenor seems rather adiment about killing Parnoth.
Ingrge Friday April 2nd, 1999 9:27:59 PM
Having found 6 salvageable arrows and three more points of his twelve silver arrows ingrge rejoins the group an adds a couple of potions to his pack and then sits down to start cleaning the arrows. Acknowledging Dokes comments. Ingrge agrees and states, " I agree that Parnoth needs to be removed and I would rather not have these medallions around any more than possible but... I am not just going to throw it away so that any one, including the HOL can get their hands on them and use them, possibly on us, the Tines or Joe and Grey here. So like I asked before what do we do with these things?
Joe Saturday April 3rd, 1999 4:31:59 AM
Joe looks at Grey tears forming in his eyes, unable to speak about his beloved.
Grey Saturday April 3rd, 1999 4:39:59 AM
"I too have....difficulty speaking of her." He sits looking at the butterflies for awhile, then quickly says, "I know." He puts his ring to his mouth and looks deep into it. "Jandar? Are you there at the castle? Good. I need a flavor.....Yes we're fine. We had some help from a young band of adventurers. Yes, from the Emerald Kingdom. Yes, really. I need the Legend Scroll that Ursis wrote about Claudia. Send it through please. It will help explain some things to these brave young folk and keep me from having to voice things better left unsaid. Yes? Thanks. Yes, see you soon. What? The thief and the mage both got away. Yes the cleric is now before the throne of Gargul so to speak. I know not if he will stay there. Good days my friend. Till then." A scroll appears on top of Butterfly Rock. Grey motions to Shadrach to read the scroll. (Sent by email as it is too long to post. Readers of this game may read it in the library of this website.)
Shadrach Saturday April 3rd, 1999 8:58:59 AM
Shad took the scroll with utmost seriousness. He read it quietly before passing it to another. Oddly, he looked bitter once he was finished. He mused, "I wonder....the Dragonslayer, the Ambassador from Aisildur was named Parnoth. Just a coincidence I suppose. The Gold Dragons couldn't have met those dryads too far from here either." He took another drink and wondered why the scroll didn't mention how the King died.
Olana Saturday April 3rd, 1999 10:10:59 PM
The elf reads the scroll slowly, leaning against a tree. "Oh dear - what a sad story," she says afterwards. She then glances at the others, wondering just what was in store for them all now, sensing a little tension amongst them - Doke's outburst, and Ingrge's perceived annoyance at his questions going unanswered. Quietly - she waits,
Shad Sunday April 4th, 1999 8:39:59 PM
"We could just break them," he offered to Ingrge.
DM Monday April 5th, 1999 6:25:59 AM
That evening, at the very moment of sunset, Grey instructs the party to move to the road at the south of the meadow to observe and he does the same. The colors of the sun suddenly defract into the colors of the rainbow, and beams of every imaginable color plus some that you have never seen before hit Butterfly Rock causing a veritable shower of light over the meadow. In response the butterflies dance over, under, and through the sunbeams eventually forming into the shape of a gateway. After a few moments a feminine shape appears in the gateway and steps through. The lady no longer wears her crown, but is still dressed in her wedding dress, a beautiful diamond studded affair with a 25' train. She turns to Grey and the party, winks and softly says, "Thank you." Then all of her attention is on her husband. "Beloved. Come to me!" They embrace and kiss and in that moment, the sunlight is replaced by moonlight gloriously lighting the meadow with a different but softer more romantic light. Joe says, "Come. We should leave them now. Let us go back to town and celebrate in our own way for our victory and for the joy of our comrade, Joe." No one speaks during the return trip until all arrive, in what seems like just a very long singular moment, in the same inn. And the celebration begins! Joe commands, "Drinks are on me! We celebrate life and the conquering of evil this night! Ho Alemi! Witness our joy!"
Shadrach Monday April 5th, 1999 6:36:59 AM
Shad stares longer than is polite. He rubbed at his eyes. "Ow, got something in 'em." At the inn, he began consuming alcohol in prodigious quantities and made passes at both K'Nara and Olana.
Flueterflam Monday April 5th, 1999 8:12:59 AM
Fluet isn't really of that age to be consuming alcohol, but he looks beyond that for this one time. Within the past day, so many alien feelings had touched him, that he doesn't know quite how to deal with them all. He drinks so much that he doesn't really know what happened after he finally wakes up. Something inside tells him he doesn't want to either. Although a faint memory of playing his guitar and having a really great time keep surfacing in his memory.
Ingrge Monday April 5th, 1999 5:26:59 PM
Watching the lights and butterflies dance around the rock as the gate forms almost brings Ingrge to tears, for he has never seen such beauty, and at the appearance of Claudia,her whispered thanks and calling of her beloved, A few tears might be seen in Ingrge's eyes were anyone looking. At Grey's reccomendation that they leave them alone, Ingrge gives himself a little shake and almost gruffly says. "Yes, lets leave them to themselves. We are certainly not needed here any longer." With that Ingrge gathers his things and waits follows Grey and the others to the inn, only looking back once with a whistfull look in his eye.
K'nara Monday April 5th, 1999 5:31:59 PM
having rested, cleaned her sword and made sure that Greymaulk truely was alright, K'nara setles down for a rest while decisions were being made, chiming in only when she had something pertinent to say, and to read the story of Claudia. After reading the scroll there were two different looks in her eye. One of sadness and one of the purest, controlled cold, anger which only softened again as Claudia came through the gate. As Grey made his comment about leaving them alone K'nara started gathering her things and made sure everyone else was hustling along as well. At the inn K'nara was again kind of silent, sitting next to Grey and sipping on an ale.
Olana Monday April 5th, 1999 11:20:59 PM
Olana follows the others back to the pub - happy that things seemed to have turned out alright, and that Joe has met up with his wife. Once inside, she sits quietly, with a glass of wine, her mind moving to what was going to happen with Parnoth.
Grey Tuesday April 6th, 1999 5:18:59 AM
Grey talks small talk and hero talk with the group and seems to enjoy this all too bried moment of contentment and release from his responsibilities. After a time he turns to K'nara and then to the group. Much too cheerfully and with a mischievious grin on his face, he bows mockingly and says, "So friends, how are you going to deal with Parnoth? He hoped you'd kill us yaknow. Although I think he knew the chances of that actually happening was slim. Well?"
Ingrge Tuesday April 6th, 1999 6:17:59 PM
Well I think that with out some major help, we stand no chance against Parnoth. However, I was wondering actually if these medallions would work against Him. I mean, while we wear them we are protected but .........well It was just a thought.
Grey Tuesday April 6th, 1999 6:25:59 PM
Of course not, Ingrge, my friend. I didn't mean to imply that you should do that. What I meant is will you return and report what has occurred? Will you report to the tines? Leave the Emerald Kingdom and hope no one comes after you? Or will you do you have something else in mind?
Shadrach Wednesday April 7th, 1999 4:10:59 AM
"You overestimate my deathwish, Grey, my new friend!" Shad intoned over his ale. "But we'd be fools indeed to march up and attack his worshipfulness too. And I'd wager good money with Dokenor here that the Dragon will remember our bad faith and look to pay us back one day. Therefore, I think we should seek the aid of the Tines, to hide from the Dragon's eyes and learn of how to protect ourselves from him. If that is impossible, then yes, I feel we ought leave the Emerald Kingdom for a time."
Flueterflam Wednesday April 7th, 1999 9:52:59 AM
Fluet joins the group as they talk. But he doesn't come to add his thoughts, he begins a complex yet joyful song. He tries getting the others to join in. In his drunk stupor he doesn't care too much about what he's going to do in the future.
Grey Wednesday April 7th, 1999 9:54:59 AM
"If you don't report in some fashion to Parnoth, will he be able to use that lapse against you? That's what I'd do if I was him. What about sending a letter with a messenger or something? Just a thought." Grey then turns to listen to a halfling bard who has begin to play an old ditty that he remembers. After the tune if finished and the applause subsides, he adds, "The tines have a presence here. I'd advise against going back to Emerald City if you want to avoid an audience with it's ruler." Grey then tosses a coin in the hat of the halfling bard and sits back to enjoy more of this talented bard and his lute.
Ingrge Wednesday April 7th, 1999 5:24:59 PM
::sigh:: I would rather not leave the emerald forest at this time but i do see the possible necessity. I would like to find Folbre and chat awhile with him as he was like unto the only father I ever knew. As for Parnoth, well lets see our mission I beliee was to inform both parties to the fact that they were not welcome here and to have them leave. well I suppose that you could say that we have covered half of that mission. As for the other half, (turning to Grey), I dont suppose that you and Joe would leave the Emerald kingdom? say for a week or so? then we could say we accomplished both parts of our mission. sort of.
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