Rond Wednesday August 16th, 2000 5:01:23 PM
Seeing that there is nothing else to this little hole, Rond looks up when he hears Kissts' scream. As Rond sees her closing, he begins to close also.
DM Kent d20=18 d20=18 7d6(2+5+5+5+5+6+2)+8=38 Thursday August 17th, 2000 5:47:35 PM
With a flick of his wrist, Marteus' staff swings up and deftly deflects K'issts strike.(Hits AC -10) With another flick of his staff his return strike catches K'isst in the side (AC -10 for 38 points of damage) and sends her crashing back the way she came from. With a light sneer on his face, Marteus says, See, once again she shows her evil side attacking without provocation and during a time of truce.
As Arien and Draxx land in the temple grounds their lassitude passes and they wake.
Rond is halfway back across the road when he sees K'isst flies back the way she came and crumples to the ground with a scream of pain.
Bill hands his packet to Sedar and as he vanishes you here him yell NOoooooooo.
K'isst Thursday August 17th, 2000 10:41:34 PM
K'isst does a sideways flip as the staff catcher her in the ribs. "Ack!" She cries out in pain. The shot knocks her against a stone fireplace nearby and she collapses unmoving in a heap.
Dm Kent (Part 2) Friday August 18th, 2000 7:17:24 PM
As Bill vanishes Sedar sees something red and shiny fall to the ground. At closer inspection it he sees that it is the ring, and lying next to it is the small tip of Bill's little finger. Just about this time Arissa comes bolting inot the temple grounds as if she appeared from out of thin air.
Arrisa Friday August 18th, 2000 9:20:50 PM
Arrisa skids to a stop and blinks. "Okay, so what has been going off here while i've been away?". She turns Marteus and blinks again. "Oh! Have I been gone that long?". Arrisa then turns to the group. "Where's Bill? What's wrong with Kisst? It looks like I've missed a lot!". She runs over to Kisst and checks to see is she is still alive.
Arien d20=11 Friday August 18th, 2000 11:14:20 PM
Yawning hugely, Arien sits up in time to see K'isst go flying. Noting who was responsible he throws himself into a backwards sumersault, when he comes upright his bow is in one hand and an arrow is in the other. (succesful tumbling roll)
K'isst Saturday August 19th, 2000 5:42:06 PM
K'isst continues to lie unmoving.
Sedar Saturday August 19th, 2000 5:42:07 PM
"Billlllll ..." As his friend disappears. "Nooooo !...." He leans down and deftly picks up the contested ring. The mages allows his expression to run between rage and worry for his friend. Turning to his evilness he sees K'isst fly backwards. "what is this cursed thing that you seek. And what has it done to Bill T" As he looks down at the severed finger that his little friend left behind."
[RWI] Bill Halfling-In-Pain, Finger-Bleeding-On-the-Table Troublefinder Sunday August 20th, 2000 6:38:40 PM
Bill, sans fingertip and Ring, arrives at the place he visualized - on top of a table near a fireplace in the Red Wyrm Inn, in Plateau City, perhaps a hundred miles from tiny Windhorn Hamlet.
He had sensed something, or someone? helping give him a boost in his attempt to teleport to the place he thought to gain assistance. A corner of his mind plans to express his gratitude, when and if he discovers whom to thank. He hadn't expected the Ring to remain behind, but, in hindsight, sees a pattern. It earlier popped through his chest when he had swallowed it, then teleported only ten feet away.
[In the Inn] *POP!* "-CH! Ouch-ouch-OUCH-ouch-ouch. Owie!" The patrons sitting at a table not too far from the fireplace hear this intense tenor vocalization coming from a three-and-a-half foot tall hobbit standing with his eyes closed at the edge of their table, holding a bleeding finger. He opens his eyes. "The Ring! It tore me again!" he declares. "Help! Marteaus is trying to get the Ring of Waters! Clerics! Wizards! Fighters! Gods above! Heed my words, before it is too late! It's the Dark Lord!"
[Perhaps it goes without saying that the adventuring troupe back in Windhorn Hamlet are not privy to Bill's whereabouts and actions. Posting here per Jerry &Kent's guidance, as well as in the Red Wyrm Inn.]
Rond Sunday August 20th, 2000 11:01:00 PM
skidding to a halkt, Rond quickly gets confused. Looking at Arrisa, " I don't know how long you've been gone. All I know, is that Kisst is down, and we've still got some time left before we have to make final decisions. How is Kisst?" When Rond sees Sedar pick up Bills finger, Rond says, "hmm, Bill has not had much luck with that ring." Rond will move closer to Sedar, to inspectthe Ring.
Draax Sunday August 20th, 2000 11:11:31 PM
Draax wakes up and at first he thinks that he is still sleeping. He looks around and wonders how did he get to his current location. He remembers climbing on the top of the head and going to sleep. He looks around for the head and does not see it, but sees K'isst lying on the ground and Rond closing on Marteus. He sighs, readies his shield and draws his longsword. He looks up into the sky and says "I guess this is good a day as any to die." He starts moving toward Marteus slowly at first to wake himself fully and get the feeling back into his limps. He increases his pace and begins to charge Marteus.
DM Kent (Charge of the Light brigade, or Custers last stand?) Monday August 21st, 2000 8:40:12 PM
Marteus shakes his head solemnly and with a grim look on his face splits his attention between Rond and Draxx and takes a quick glance at Arien. Now I realize that it is a fine day, but do you really want to die? All I want is that ring. I might even consider bringing your (dripping with sarcasm) friend back to life as part of the deal. However, you have to make the decision now as I tried to be nice and see what happened.
DM Kent (The Inn) Monday August 21st, 2000 9:01:55 PM
Sweetie Pie
Her attention to Figment's next surprise is redirected at Bill's shouting. She sighs, gets up, and walks with a slight limp over to his table. "Honey, we're watching a spectacle right now. Can't whatever you're hollering about just wait? If you'll get down from the table top, I'll see if I can get you something to ... oh, you're bleeding." She looks at the six burly porters surround the table on which Bill stands. "You'll have to forgive him. He's excitable, you see." She puts her hand on the two men who were splashed by the halfling's blood. "We'll get you all cleaned up." And looking at Mr. Troublefinder, she says. "Hop on down, and we'll have someone bandage you. Okay?"
Ida Feat
Ida hears Sweeties call for bandages and quickly hurries over to her and the halflings aid. Looking at the halfling's wound he gives a low whistle. Now that is what I call a clean wound. I dont think I have ever seen a wound quite that smooth and clean cut before. And so even too. How did you ever get such a wound? Whoever was wielding the blade that did this must have been a Master. With this kind of precision he might have cut just about anything he wanted to. After speaking he grabs Bill's hand, and with a quick, "This is gonna hurt." pours some liquor on it and proceeds to bandage the finger and hand.
Kisst Monday August 21st, 2000 10:22:35 PM
Kisst lays motionless on the ground. A beetle begins crawling over his limp form and settles on K'isst's nose, inspecting it.
[Red Wyrm Inn] Bill Troublefinder Tuesday August 22nd, 2000 12:01:49 AM
"But ... oh ... no thank you Swee ... sorry ... It's the DARK LORD! ... not now," he says to Sweetie, the porters, the crowd, then Ida, as the half orc somehow manages to pull him off the table against his will. "Ring, not blade." When Ida pours the alcohol above the remaining joint of his index finger, Bill has a sharp intake of breath, then his cheeks puff out, his lips fighting to keep from expelling the sound he feels like making. Instead, small whistling sounds, almost kazoo-like, as when someone holds a fine paper against a lady's comb, and hums, come through his lips. His face red against the bags under his eyes, Bill finally resorts to hyperventilation.
Sedar the Mage Tuesday August 22nd, 2000 12:01:50 AM
"HOLD !" crying out to his friends. A queit calm settles over the mage as he fiddles with the Ring. With a quick glance he compares the Ring to the others that he wears. Casual showing Rond the Ring when the fighter moves along side, but makes sure he can"t take it. "You have not answered my questions evil one !" with a firm voice, as he stands awiting the evil ones attention.
Rond Tuesday August 22nd, 2000 3:36:20 PM
"and we have not reached the time deadline you had given us."
Draax Tuesday August 22nd, 2000 4:16:28 PM
Hearing Marteus words Draax still continues his charge until Sedar calls for him to hold. Draax stops short of the dark one and looks around in confusion. "Can someone tell me what is going on here? And what happened to K'isst? Is she dead, asleep, or what?" He keeps an eye on Marteus and lowers his sword, but keeps it inlined with the dark one. He stands there calmly, glad that he heard Sedar's call. He continues to keep his eyes on the man and knows that he would be dead now if he did not stop. He also hopes that his nervousness is not showing on his face.
K'isst Tuesday August 22nd, 2000 7:20:12 PM
The beetle begins to chew on Kisst's left nostril. She pulls a small chunk of flesh off of her face and begins to go it's merry way. A few buzzards begin to spin in the air above the scene. Kisst remains motionless.
DM kent Tuesday August 22nd, 2000 8:47:21 PM
Marteus Looks at Rond as he has the termerity to ask for the extra time. Yes The extra time I alloted you is not up, but then i did not attack you. Rather it was you who attacked me. Hence I find it more than resonable that I demand a response and a decision NOW!
Turning to Sedar, as for your questions, I have know idea where your friend went or what he caused the ring to do to him. however, I would say off hand, little smile, that the ring chose not to travel with him. I think it shows decidely good taste, on the part of the ring, if you ask me. as for me being evil as you say. What evil thing have you seen me do or have I done to you?
[Red Wyrm Inn] Bill Troublefinder Tuesday August 22nd, 2000 9:21:40 PM
Getting his pain under control, Bill says to Ida, "Thanks, I'm Bill." Normally, he would stay around to chat and find out the name of the fellow who helped him, but an urgency burns within the halfling, and he runs, dodging and sprinting toward where he sees the larger group of people gathered. "Hear me, all. Marteaus, the Dark Lord, enemy of much that's good, enemy even of Gargul of the afterlife, seeks power."
He climbs up on a nearby table, and repeats himself, then continues, "And he covets a Ring. The Water Ring. The Ring of Water. He is at this moment back in my town, Windhorn Hamlet. Our people are dead. He offers them life, in exchange for this Ring." Bill holds up his bandaged left hand. "Moments ago, I held the Ring on the tip of this finger, trying to bring it here. But it remained in my town, from whence I teleported."
He sees the clerics wearing a modified symbol of Gargul. "Marteaus opposes you. He will kill my friends. We returned the Sentinel Head, but need many people to help it again protect us from the Dragons." Though the skin of Bill's face shows prolonged exposure to water, and the bags under his eyes show lack of sleep, his eyes burn bright with passion.
"Who will help us? Who can help us? I call upon the people of this Inn. I call upon the Gold Dragons and the Lord High Mayor, who own this fine establishment. I call upon the Gods of goodness, the Gods of power. Beware Marteaus. Help us oppose him. Who will stand? Who will help?" Bill's right hand rests over his heart, his wrist just above a bandolier holding several darts.
Sedar the Mage Tuesday August 22nd, 2000 9:21:41 PM
"what evil you have done to me. The simple threat of death surely is not a good act. I tire of your banter lets be done with this. .... My answer is this ... you will not be given this ring." he then draws himself yp and stands queitly. 'wondering why this great evil hasn't just taken it, perhaps he can't. What would happen if he put on the ring, hmmm'
Arrisa Wednesday August 23rd, 2000 2:38:59 AM
Arrisa stands up after listening to the conversation. "Well, Kisst isn't standing up anytime soon. At least, not unless someone can restore life to the dead.". She turns to Marteus. "What is this ring? I thought it was a simple ring that let me breathe water?"
Draax Wednesday August 23rd, 2000 11:32:35 AM
Noticing that no one has answered his questions, but he thinks he figured out what is going on by listening to the conversations. Draax looks over at K'isst's body. He whispers to himself "Dead?" He slowly backs away for the dark one and moves over to K'isst pushing away the beetle and checking for vital signs that he knows he will not find.
Rond Wednesday August 23rd, 2000 2:18:50 PM
"Having not participated in the conversation, I am not sure what you may or may not have said, that would cause Kissts' reaction. With the ease in which you dispatched Kisst, and the fact that you still haven't taken the ring, as you have said you will, I wonder why you even bother with this game? I wonder if the ring might have to be given over to you, and you cannot take it by force. Because as Bill has demonstrated twice now, it seems the ring may have a mind of its own."
Kisst Wednesday August 23rd, 2000 4:21:16 PM
Kisst remains motionless. The beetle races back to pick up the piece of flesh that it drops when it is pushed away. Then it continues on it's merry way. One of the vultures ventures a low dive over Kisst's body, but hurredly regains altitude as one of the big folk approaches its prey.
DM Kent Wednesday August 23rd, 2000 10:14:49 PM
Turning to Sedar, Marteus chuckles and then says I am sorry you feel that way truly I am Though in my defense, I never threatened to kill anyone, I believe my words were something like this.
"Now then, you have just about 2 hours to make your decision and then the first of you will die. After that one will die every 5 minutes until you give me the ring or you all are dead and I just take it. Let's see, just so you have something to look forward to, the boy will be the first to die."
To Arien, The ring is, what it is. I myself am not truly, totally sure of what it is. I suspect of course, but that is my business and not yours.
Looking down at K'isst and then over to Rond, As I have said before I made the offer to you, so you would feel as though you were getting something for the ring. As for the ring having a mind of its own, my, that is an interesting thought and one that I will explore at length.
As Bill continues his tirade, he attracts several of the inn's patrons around his table including one of G'aals, red-sashed priests. The others look more like typical for hire mercenaries who smell a possible payday of some sort. In fact one of them asks, Wut's inet fer us, wot?
[Red Wyrm Inn] Priests of ... And beanplosion Thursday August 24th, 2000 2:50:03 AM
The dark robed priests with the "classic" version of Gargul's eye as a holy symbol throw back their hoods. The leader speaks with a real forked tongue. "Ssooo Bill isss itss? And you'zzzz been hiding thingssss from our masssterr Marteauussss?" At this, all gets very quiet and more than one sword's peacebond is broken.
However, immediately something else happens that sorta distracts everyone from killing the cultists in their midst. See, Figment's messing with the bean curd causes a bubble to pop, a small little bubble that caused a slightly larger bubble, say about 20' across that was every so boldly holding about 3000' cubic meters of steaming bean curd at bay, to pop. All hear the pop. Then "Brooooommmmmbp!!!" It explodes. Bean curd explodes out all the holes dug into the volcano showering all inside the Inn and leaving bean curd covering everything. Good quality been curd, but bean curd. Yuck!" In fact, the word "yuck" seems to be quite a popular word for awhile.
[Red Wyrm Inn] Bill Troublefinder Thursday August 24th, 2000 2:53:55 AM
"In it for you?" Bill asks, bewildered by the question for a moment. His attention is then drawn toward the priest. He seems fascinated by the unusual tongue. "Your masssterr?" he echoes, rather accurately producing the sibilant tone and timbre. Bill's eyes almost cross as he leans forward to focus on the face of the leader. Bill pulls back, opens his mouth in indignation, and finds it suddenly full of bean curd. Except for his right shoulder and head, the priest protected him from the neck down from the rest of the bean blast.
Bill sits down on the table abruptly, then rises again, a dart in his right hand, coughing and spitting curd upon the head of the priest of Marteaus.
Sedar the Mage Thursday August 24th, 2000 1:02:06 PM
A sense of fear rises in the 1/2 elf as he contemplates sliding the ring onto his finger. 'will being a mage make a differnce .. it hurt bill when he tried .. ... if it is so powerful that Marteus wants it what could it do for me. ... ' he looks at the two rings he already wears and wonders about something that was said it the breif past. he moves the Ring to witin a hair of his finger,at the last moment he looks up at the Evil one, to see his reaction.
Kisst Thursday August 24th, 2000 10:50:55 PM
The worms crawl in...the worms crawl out. Hey look! There's one crawling into her mouth! [sorry, you can only do beetles and vultures for so long. I'll be better. I promise.]
Bill Troublefinder Thursday August 24th, 2000 11:55:53 PM
[Sedar - Bill took off the ring from your right finger. See Bill's Aug 12th post.]
Arien Friday August 25th, 2000 11:27:56 AM
Keeping an arrow trained on Martaeus, Arien slowly walks over to join his companions. He whispers to the group, "Could Atmos help us out in this situation?"
Draax Friday August 25th, 2000 12:16:02 PM
Seeing that K’isst is indeed dead. Draax turns his attention back to Sedar and Marteus.
Kisst Friday August 25th, 2000 3:36:47 PM
::dead::
Rond Friday August 25th, 2000 4:20:50 PM
Rond keeps quiet to follow the current action. Rond is concerned for his safety, but since no all out attack has happened yet, by Marteus, he wonders what it is, that is not being told. He wonders about the time dilation, about the cellar where Marek was, and why he should still be alive, and whether the effect might be only ground level, or not. Since it was unsure whether Marek was in the cellar (below ground level), or at ground level (which happened after we pulled him out of the cellar)
Bill Troublefinder Friday August 25th, 2000 5:57:11 PM
"Oh, excuse me!" the halfling says quickly to the priest. "The curds are tasty, but they filled my mouth rather too quickly." Bill raises his sleeve so as to wipe off the priest's forehead, but appears to think better of it, and instead carefully steps back so he is about 2/3rds of the way across the table away from the religious leader.
He raises his voice. "These folk here follow the Dark Lord Marteaus. They are afraid of having things hidden from their 'Masssterr.'" He shrinks back, looking fearful. "Their tongues are forked. Do they spew venom?" The diminutive orator holds his left hand before him, as though to ward a spray of venom from his eyes. "If this is what becomes of the followers of Marteaus, what does that say for the Dark Lord himself? Shall we support such a one? One who gives out snakey tongues?" Bill sticks his tongue out of his mouth and wiggles it up and down. "I would invite those here to show them all the hospitality they deserve. But, unseemly behavior is not necessary."
He calls across the room, "Oh, Master Franklin? Is a Gold Dragon here? Is the Lord High Mayor nearby? I crave their counsel. Great Dis Gruntle? Would you care to show these fine gentlemen how gifted you are in sculpture?" He keeps his eye on the priests, ready for action if necessary.
[Red Wyrm Inn] Bill Troublefinder Friday August 25th, 2000 6:02:41 PM
[OOC: Oops. The heading for the previous post should be replaced with the heading from this post.]
DM Kent (Marteus Ponders) Friday August 25th, 2000 7:05:14 PM
Looking at each party member in turn, starting with Ahkum, passing over Arissa, Arien, Draax, and Rond. Well, the five of you need to make a decision before your numbers dwindle any further. You now have 4 dead, the boy is dying and one has abandonned you. I wonder how many more of you will die before you decide that you want to bring life back to your village. Truly I weary of our banter decide now of I will take the ring and you will get no payment.
Sedar the Mage Friday August 25th, 2000 7:05:15 PM
With a weary sigh of helplessness. Sedar tosses the Ring to Marteus. "Take it then, we seem to have no choice in this matter."pausing for a breif moment, before adding "now its your turn. Our friends and towns people await" Sitting down in utter disgust of the of the bargain. "what bind will we be in next, ... Wardd, your luck could be more helpful if its was good."
Draax Friday August 25th, 2000 10:31:04 PM
Draax looks on in disbelief as Sedar tosses the ring to Marteus. He lowers his sword and gives a big sigh as his lowers his head in defeat. He wonders why he was brought here and not left at the head. As he remembers the head he thinks to himself, since he is not needed here, maybe he should go back and guard the head. Draax take a last look at K'isst's body and then turns and walks back to location of the head.
[Red Wyrm Inn] Sitting down (DM Jerry) Monday August 28th, 2000 1:12:07 AM
The priests of Marteaus decide to choose the table Bill is standing on. Surrounding him, they sit and stare. Their leader says, "We'll take a glassssss of Emerald Sssssparkling Wine." He grins crookedly, "You do carry imported winezzzz don't you?" They continue to stare at the halfling on the tabletop.
[Red Wyrm Inn] Bill Troublefinder Monday August 28th, 2000 1:16:49 AM
"Franklin asked so nicely, but I'll not get down from this table yet," Bill says, his piping voice projecting above the din of clattering dishes. "I want to tell you what my friend Rond said. As Marteaus approached us, my friend said, 'It only takes one to make a stand.'" Bill stands in the center of the table, and turns in a circle, looking at each of those seated around him. "Do you believe that Marteaus keeps his word? I do." He pauses. "When it suits him."
He pauses again. "Hear me, friends. Or not-my-friends. Marteaus carries with him the stench of death." Holding his hands about four or five inches apart, he says, "He has black fingernails this long. And the ashen skin of death. I asked him if he were Gargul's Emissary. He answered, 'Why, Gargul is nothing but a washed- up has been do-gooder.'" He raises his hands. "At this very moment, my friends are facing him, refusing to give him the mighty mysterious Ring of Waters. But their lives are forfeit if they refuse. I appeal for help. I don't know what to do. But here I stand, at a table with my enemies. Who will stand with me? Who has a spark of creativity to solve this puzzle? What will the Dark Lord do if given such a Ring? Time is short, oh so short!" Bill figures he is about to die.
[OOC: If for no other reason, than talking too much... :-)]
DM kent Monday August 28th, 2000 10:26:38 PM
Marteus watches almost in disbelief as Sedar tosses the ring to him. As the ring reaches it's highest point in the arc of the throw Marteus raises his staff and a band of red flashes at one end of the staff as the ring descends he intercepts it with the staff and as it touches the staff there is a flash of blue and the ring vanishes. For a moment though, there appears to be a blue shimmering band on one end of the staff and a fiery red one on the other. With a satisfied chortle and a glance at the group he disapears.
DM kent Monday August 28th, 2000 10:50:26 PM
Surrounded and Surrounded (DM Jerry) Aug 28, 2000 21:08 The priests of Marteaus stand at Bill's insult to their leader's integrity and their hands to go their weapons. However, about this time, an adventuring group all dressed in grey leave their table and surround the priests. "We believe you halfling. We have dealt with this water ring ourselves in the past at a Sahuagin City far in the south. We are at your service!" The priests look a bit worried, but try to act tough and brave. They draw their weapons. Mostly sickles and serrated daggers. "Sssss...." The leader flicks its tongue inches from Bill's face.
DM Kent Aug 28, 2000 23:03 The priests, realizing that the numbers are no longer in their favor quickly pick up their bottle of wine and their glasses and while not looking happy about it head of to another table, but not before the red sashed leader looks a Bill and whispers "we sill meets again halfling and you will be JOINED to our causssse. The speaker of the Grey cloaked party looks at Bill and quietly says "we can ride in the morning there are a few things we are needing. We can be in Windhorn in just under two days.
Arrisa Monday August 28th, 2000 11:33:02 PM
Arrisa slowly shook her head. "I don't know what else we could of done, except ignore him and die. Let's see if he keep's his word...though I doubt he will."
[Red Wyrm Inn] Bill Troublefinder Tuesday August 29th, 2000 3:45:06 AM
Bill's eyes cross as he follows the tip of the tongue towards his face. He does not answer back the cleric's threat. With relief and gratitude he welcomes the support of the grey cloaks. Din's words he acknowledges with a nod and a weary smile.
As the clerics slither off, Bill takes in the faces of those who offer their help. "I thank you, good lords. My name is Bill." He hops from the table top to chair to floor. "You have seen the Ring with the Sahuagin? It is from them we obtained it." He looks around. "Perhaps we could spend a few moments to discuss options?" He sees the head waitress. "Sweetie Pie, could we have a private room for a short time? Oh, and, a pie cart? And whatever else you think we'd like. And - if the Most High Lord Mayor or a Gold Dragon should come, send 'em in!" He awaits the exchanging of names for the private room.
Rond Tuesday August 29th, 2000 3:41:52 PM
sighing," I had thought we had some kind of stand-off. He hadn't outright attacked us, which I suspect that there was more going on then he told us. Plus, one never knows what Bill is upto"
Sedar the downtrodden Tuesday August 29th, 2000 3:41:53 PM
Glumly he looks about at his friends. He then remembers the packet that bill tucked away for Sedar. Wondering just what it was he removes it and opens it. 'could Bill have switched them. I hope I guessed right' the mage mumbles to himself.[
K'isst Tuesday August 29th, 2000 8:06:38 PM
::dead::
LOG ON