Milo Friday December 1st, 2000 10:33:45 AM
Focused on the task at hand, Milo waits until the incantation is complete, and then after confirming with Figment that it is safe to proceed, he moves quickly to Olana's side and attempts to start removing armor.
DM Jan (The rescue Part 1) Friday December 1st, 2000 11:07:28 AM
Clegg blinks at Shad for a moment, and then leans back in his chair and bursts out laughing. The man was obviously in a good mood at the prospect of getting his money back. "Hey, I never said I was an honest man," he chuckles. "Okay, so he caught me trying to steal one of his nags. A 'customer' of mine wanted a white mare. And ya know my customers never want to pay full price if you know what I mean. "The thing is, I'm good at what I do. Clegg's the name, acquisition is my game. Don't know how he caught me, but we made a deal, then he ratted on me." He then leans forward and whispers. "You know what I think? I think that wizard has got his fingers in a whole lotta pies. A WHOLE lotta pies. And the scaly one don't know anything about it." His eyes flit back and forth as he speaks. "Them beetles. Spies I reckon. They get everywhere. He has tanks full of 'em. All different kinds." He then grunted, and looked down at the table. "This map's about done. I need to get some sleep."
In the other room, Figment casts the spell, and sees the words fade from his spellbook. Olana's armour comes off easily now. The trauma of this reawakens the elf. Those stood nearby can see that her naturally thin elven physique looks almost stick-like. (STR/CON -4)
On a 24 hour clock, it would now be approx 2AM. Outside, except for the occasional patrol, and a few rats scurrying about, all seems quiet.
Olana Friday December 1st, 2000 11:09:47 AM
Awakening as the armour comes off, Olana curls up into a ball. "Not my armour, please... not my armour," she pleads, and starts to cry.
Figment Friday December 1st, 2000 11:56:36 AM
The mage closes his book slowly and moves back as the others pull off the armor. "This is a powerful item. I suggest we rid ourselves of it as soon as possible.". After a moment of reflection he smiles and says "Hey, this may not be a total loss. We could always trade it to the evil mage for some of his potion and in that way avoid a fight - maybe...".
Flueterflam Friday December 1st, 2000 2:08:46 PM
After they pull of the armor, Fluet feels guilty for having things get as far as they did. The bard feels responsible, though he really had nothing to do with it. To help in his own way, he lays next to Olana and comforts her. "Are you ok?"
Dakar Friday December 1st, 2000 5:43:17 PM
"TRADE?!" The dwarf's voice booms with anger, resonating throughout the small room. "We cannae TRADE this! It is pure evil to the touch. The only possibly recourse for this item is to destroy it, utterly and completely. I suggest we bring it to a priest of Alemi as soon as possible. I am sure the god of Good would be more than satisfied upon rendering this object of evil to dust." The dwarf looks to Olana. "It is for your own good girl, ye cannae have the blighted thing back."
Ingrge Friday December 1st, 2000 7:14:15 PM
With a noticeably loud sigh of relief as the armor is removed, Ingrge walks over to Figment and solemly looks at him in the eyes and simply says, "Thank you." At Dakar's outburst, Ingrge turns and very quickly adds his voice to the discussion. "For one of the first times, I fully agree with our esteemed dwarf. This piece of evil needs to be destroyed."
Shad Friday December 1st, 2000 9:26:05 PM
"We'll all need to rest up before this one." He got up and spoke to Cherry. "Our new friend Clegg needs a room. We'll pay for it." Lowering his voice, he added, "One without any windows, if possible."
K'nara Monday December 4th, 2000 6:07:37 AM
Upon seeing the sorry state of the elven ranger, K'nara's pained face went completely blank.
"That armor goes if I have to destroy it with my bare hands." she said in a flat yet resolute voice. "To the temple of Alemi, I suppose...though 'twas the priests of Alemi that gave me a clean bill of health for this armor the last time Figment and I took it there..." The leader of the Emerald Talons turned to the human mage.
"Figment, have you any way of securing either the armor or Olana herself, so that Olana may be protected from any possible...telepathic persuasions it may try to tempt her with? Such an artifact as this will not easily let go of any victim its begun to bond with, I suspect."
Figment Monday December 4th, 2000 10:10:41 AM
The mage nods to Ingrge, not wanting to make too big a deal out of his loss. He frowns and the lines on his face deepen at K'Nara's question. "I'm afraid I do not possess any magic that could help our friend resist the armour. That ranges more into a clerical or divination magic I simply have not studied. I would venture to guess that the best thing to do is get it as far away from her as possible. Let's ask Cherry if there is a Temple of Alemi here in this city. If there is one near I would recommend we take it there now - and that I be the one who carry it. When we first acquired it I was able to handle the armour and resist its pull - at least for a short time. I would expect with that experience under my belt that I would be the one most able to escape unscathed from its magic - and even if they don't see anything wrong with it as the others did, it will at least no longer be our problem to deal with. I would also strongly suggest that we hurry. The spell I cast was powerful, but this item is more so. It will not be dampened for long."
DM Jan (The Rescue Part 1) Monday December 4th, 2000 10:50:20 AM
Cherry nods at Shad and goes into the kitchen to find the Innkeeper. Returning shortly, she says "There's a room that will do upstairs. I'll sleep on the floor outside the door if I have to. C'mon you," she adds, beckoning to their new 'friend'. Clegg breaks into a grin. "Hey no need for outside the door. Stay in the room with me. That way you can keep a real good eye on me there." His raucous laugh is interrupted as Cherry gives him a sharp kick. Cherry leads the man upstairs to a room with a 'very' small window. The map is left on the table.
Elsewhere - Fluet comforts the sobbing Olana and the others discuss what to do with the offending armour. Emerald Kingdom natives remember there is indeed a temple of Alemi - up in the centre of the City where all the visitors tend to stay. However - is IS late, and being on the streets might draw unwanted attention. The Innkeeper shuffles past. "Don't you lot ever rest?" he asks wearily with a yawn.
Milo Monday December 4th, 2000 12:20:59 PM
Starting from dozing off, as the innkeeper passes, the halfling shuffles over to the man, "I could use a room with a soft bed good sir... and a nice hot bath in the morning." Milo produces a pair of gold coins, though from where is a mystery... then looking to his friends, "I think perhaps we could settle this in the morning after we've all had time to let sleep clear our minds and refresh our bodies." With that, assuming the innkeeper gives him a room, the weary halfling trudges off to bed.
Figment Monday December 4th, 2000 12:25:20 PM
The mage looks concerned but then relents, I'd say it too risky to be seen wlking to the temple this late. We must guard this armor, monitor Olana - in a separate room, and our criminal partner in the other room. And speaking for myself, I must also rest to replentish my spells. So, my good innkeeper, would you please show us to our rooms?".
Flueterflam Monday December 4th, 2000 3:30:52 PM
Fluet nods off. The stress and late hours combined to knock the bard out.
Shadrach Monday December 4th, 2000 6:03:50 PM
Shad picked up the map and stuck it in his carryall pouch. He settled himself to sleep the night outside Clegg's room.
Ingrge Monday December 4th, 2000 8:59:38 PM
I don't really need any sleep just about four hours to collect my thoughts so, put that armor in a cloth bag tie it shut. Put that bag in another bag and then give it to me. I will make sure it gets to the temple and I will not be seen. I will use my last potion to ensure that I am not seen.
K'nara Tuesday December 5th, 2000 6:32:50 AM
The human bladesinger frowned, then shook her head.
"As long as Olana remains secured in one room and the armor in another, that appears safe enough for now." she said firmly. "We must not only get rid of this accursed armor but cure Olana of its influence as well, and we might as well do both at the same time--save ourselves the extra trip AND your potion for a time when we may truly need it." Here K'nara went to sit down in the chair by the small desk.
"I will stay here with Fluet and Olana. When...if...he sleeps, I shall be awake to make sure our ranger doesn't escape her bonds and tries to act on her...Drow-like tendencies." the redhead told the others, sighing and scrubbing her already-tired face with both her hands. "I'd appreciate it if someone could relieve me after a few hours, just so that I, too, could get some sleep."
Olana Tuesday December 5th, 2000 11:37:35 AM
Someone was missing. Like a best friend, a mentor - just up and gone. Leaving a hole. It was confusing because she mourned their loss, but also her head felt clearer, her body less drained. What was going on?
DM Jan (The Next Day) Tuesday December 5th, 2000 11:56:36 AM
The night rolls on. Through his door - Clegg can be heard snoring loud enough to wake the dead. Everyone else has the opportunity to get 'some' sleep at least. Luckily Olana seems too exhausted to make a break for it, giving any who guard her a quiet night.
As dawn breaks a stranger who was sleeping in another room, walks out and almost trips up over Cherry and Shadrach. "Folks sleeping in corridors," he mutters. "Standards are definitely dropping in this place." He shuffles off downstairs.
Anyone who spent the night within a 10' radius of the armour, may be coming around to the idea that perhaps it would be a good idea to sell, rather than destroy - or hey, maybe try it on. I mean look at the workmanship, the obvious skill that went into it's construction. It was unique. Such a pity to destroy. ((Those within 10' roll save against spells))
Figment d20=13 Tuesday December 5th, 2000 12:09:33 PM
The mage is not affected by the armor - but even so makes sure it is as far away from the others as possible knowing what is going on. He then rememorizes his spells.
Milo Tuesday December 5th, 2000 4:47:45 PM
Stretching as high as his diminutive frame will go, Milo comes lightly from his room, looking for the innkeeper to provide him the bath that he asked for before going to bed... and breakfast as well...
Shad Tuesday December 5th, 2000 5:49:16 PM
Looking a little rough, Shad put on his outer things to be ready for anything. With a sigh, he waited for Clegg to come out.
Ingrge Tuesday December 5th, 2000 7:31:15 PM
Ingrge shrugs his shoulders at K'nara's pronouncement and merely says, "Ok but don't look to me for answers if it takes someone else over while we sleep." "That," indicating the armor, "took over the mind of an elf. Not a halfling or a human, BUT an ELF, but if you say we sleep with it ok. I will relieve you in a four hours." With that said Ingrge finds a quiet corner in the inn and drops into his reating trance.
K'nara Wednesday December 6th, 2000 7:18:19 AM
The tall redhead watched over Olana, her resolve to cure the elf of the malady K'nara unwittingly visited upon her foremost in the human's mind.
Ingrge relieved her after four hours, but sleep was still hard to come by for the bladesinger. K'nara managed a three-hour nap before her instinct to go train prodded her awake again. She communicated with Greymalkin via the ring he left her, telling him of her friend's transformation as she went through the motions of a simplified version of her routine--it was very hard to do the leaping, twisting movements of the bladesong style when you had to train inside the room of an inn, so the Maulk was putting her through the paces of close-contact defensive melee...while also having her practice some strange hand movements.
What's with the waggling fingers and invisible swirls, master..? she mentally asked the elf, who told her to never mind the questions, just practice the hand movements, too--once she got them right, their purpose would be revealed to the human trainee.
So K'nara did as she was told.
Olana Wednesday December 6th, 2000 10:36:18 AM
Olana pushed herself up into a sitting position, watching K'Nara, watching Ingrge, watching the sleeping Fluet. She felt confused and disoriented. Thinking about her armour just made her want to cry, so she tried not to think about it. Even so, she felt unprotected and vulnerable, but at least her stomach didn't feel as queasy.
They'd tied her up. But why? She'd only been trying to protect herself. "Untie me?" she asked weakly.
DM Jan (The Next Day) Wednesday December 6th, 2000 10:55:31 AM
Breakfast smells waft from the kitchen, and some of the other patrons descend to eat a hearty plateful of eggs, bacon and beans.
Clegg bursts out of his room. "Gods, I could eat a horse!" he announced, giving Cherry a cheeky grin and Shadrach a wink. "Let's go." On the way into the tavern main room, he whispers - "So whats the plan? Eh? Eh?"
Milo's bath is in a small room dominated by a large tub filled with hot soapy water. The room is obviously used by other patrons, some of whom keep banging on the door. "C'mon will ya? We gotta be on the highway by midmorning!" yells a voice, followed by some talk in a hushed voice. "So anyway - slaughtered like pigs in a butchers I heard." "Naaaw.. you're puttin' me on." "Well, thats what I heard."
The tavern main room is abuzz with frantic but hushed conversation. "I thought they were invincible...?" "Obviously not. I reckon it was Parnoth. They'd displeased him somehow..." "Funny though - you'd think there'd be guards all over..." "Exactly... thats gotta mean the dragon did 'em in.." ".. tried to cover it up, but the lads at Hengors stables saw 'em trying to clean up the mess..." ((Sending the map sometime today))
Figment Wednesday December 6th, 2000 2:30:41 PM
Feeling somewhat refreshed from at least a little sleep, the mage makes sure the armor is very well wrapped. He leaves it and goes downstairs to eat. Spotting Cherry and the others he seats himself with them. "So, Cherry. We must begin this day with a visit to the Temple of Alemi. Other than that, I'd say we need to work at concluding our business with Clegg here and then afterwards we can discuss what we need to do next.". The mage eats his food and quietly listens to the banter around the inn - not at all happy that the news about their little altercation last night is already on the street. And VERY disturbed to hear that there is no change in the guard activity. He thinks to himself..."Something is wrong. If this action is known, and the dragon isn't responding, then he must be trying to find us without us knowing it - or he already has found us...". The mage begins casually glancing around for anyone that might be 'looking' for someone.
Flueterflam Wednesday December 6th, 2000 4:53:11 PM
Fluet wakes disoriented. He rubs his blurry eyes and looks around as though he doesn't remember anything. For several minutes he listens to the patrons outside of the room he occupies. "Hmm... wonder what all the fuss is about!?" Then the bard looks over at Olana. It all felt like a dream to him. "You ok?" Turning his head towards the group's ever fearless leader, "what are we gonna do now?" After a response Fluet turns back to the elf, "Olana, do you understand what happened? Do you have any idea about how you were plotting to kill everyone? Does that ring a bell? Well.....even if it doesn't, just be glad that we don't hold it against you." He cracks a slight smile.
Shadrach Wednesday December 6th, 2000 5:59:14 PM
Shad's bloodshot eyes kept roving around the common room. "We need to go to a room to talk. Not out here."
Milo Wednesday December 6th, 2000 6:28:08 PM
Luxuriating in the hot bath that seems almost like a pool to someone Milo's size, the diminutive burglar pays very little attention to the grumbling outside the door, whistling loudly while he bathes. Once he is certain that every ache has disappeared under the ministrations of hot water and strong soap, the halfling emerges from his bath, drying and donning leather armor and fresh clothing, which is all black, though comfortable and clean. Slipping his satchel over his head, Milo makes it a point to be sheathing his sword just as the door is opening for him to leave. Nodding to the grumbling crowd outside the door, he continues to whistle as he proceeds to the common room. Sitting right next to Shadrach the halfling looks up at his bleary eyed friend, winks, and smiles at the Bonze, "Why Shadrach... you look like Donyra himself... or is it herself... the gods are a confusing lot aren't they?" Turning to the rest of the table... "So, what's for breakfast?" then conspiratorially under his hand to his friends, "If you look miserable, and suspicious, folks will suspect you." The halfling nods, and places an order with the waiting staff for some of those eggs, bacon, and beans.
Ingrge d20=6 d20=18 Wednesday December 6th, 2000 6:41:07 PM
Having relieved K'narra, Ingrge sits and watches his stricken companion with a worried look. Every now and again he feels the niggle of the armor trying to insinuate itself in to Ingrge's mind. *Hmm, maybe we don't have to destroy it. Maybe it should be given to a temple for study?*
Shaking his head as if to clear it, Ingrge realizes that perhaps he is not as focussed as he should be and once again starts thinking about their upcoming mission and their newest party member.
As people wake and start going about their morning chores, Ingrge suggests that they have breakfast sent in to their rooms and not go in to the public room.
K'nara Thursday December 7th, 2000 6:02:38 AM
The leader of the Tines returned to where Olana was being guarded in time to see the ranger wake up, confused and weak.
"We will eat breakfast and then help you with your armor, Olana." K'nara told the bound elf, then nodded to Fluet. "Untie her and let's go." She turned and joined the others for breakfast, not talking much either to the gregarious Clegg or to the others of her group, anxious to get them over to the temple of Alemi as soon as possible, that the cursed armor be properly taken care of once and for all.
Olana Thursday December 7th, 2000 10:38:00 AM
The elf holds out her hands and feet to be untied, looking somewhat bewildered at Fluet's comment about killing everyone. Smiling weakly at K'Nara, she says - "I'll be alright.. I'll be alright."
DM Jan (The Next Day) Thursday December 7th, 2000 10:57:10 AM
Breakfast over with, Cherry beckons everyone into the room where Olana, K'Nara and Ingrge are - and makes sure everyone knows where the Temple is situated. She then disappears momentarily into the kitchen, returning with a big plate of sausages for those who havent eaten. Clegg pokes Shad in the ribs and exclaims "You look how I feel!" "We need to pay a visit to the wizard," he says then to no one in particular, an evil grin appearing.
Cherry is concerned that Olana doesn't have an elf tag. "What if she's caught in the streets?" she exclaims.
Out in the tavern, Fig didn't notice anyone paying any interest to his own group. They were too busy gossiping and wondering and gossiping some more. There is a lot of to-ing and fro-ing in the tavern now - as people walk past carrying bundles of their belongings, ready to move on.
Cherry's directions to the Temple coincide with what Emerald locals remember. It's north west on the main thoroughfare alongside hotels and stores used by visitors. In fact they passed it by as they moved further into the City on their way to the Stinking Hole.
Outside, the City is already bustling as people start to go about their business. It is a sunny day - and the air is fresh after the previous night's rain. Behind the tavern, cries can be heard coming from the docks as boats are manouvered here and there.
Figment Thursday December 7th, 2000 11:20:42 AM
Once done eating the mage returns to the room and mentions to everyone "I think we have a problem. The locals know of the raid last night and there is no additional guard activity in the city. I fear the lizard knows of us already somehow and is tracking us - or is looking for a way to track us without us knowing. Any ideas on this? Perhaps we should ask those we are going to meet with if they can detect if we are being watched?". Turning to Cherry, "Do you have any friends where we are going this morning - our first destination I mean?".
Flueterflam Thursday December 7th, 2000 12:00:01 PM
Fluet begins untieing her. He was hesitant because he wasn't sure if it was ok with everyone else. But when K'nara told him, he felt more assured that things were getting better. While untieing Olana, "I'm really sorry about all this. Maybe I can tell you sometime after all this is over with. I think you'll be more likely to understand better then. And please don't be mad at us. We only did it to protect all of us, including you." For the next few hours, Fluet appears somber and even guilty looking. The bard appears as if he blames himself for everything that happened.
Dakar Thursday December 7th, 2000 1:08:14 PM
"I dinnae like any of this" states the dwarf, breaking his long silence. "I dinnae like it at all... Magic, guards, prisons. Things bode ill, but now I sound too much like the Bonze, do I not?" he forces a chuckle and looks down, obviously troubled.
Milo Thursday December 7th, 2000 4:06:13 PM
After eating a good sized breakfast for someone his size, Milo seems thoughtful, though untroubled, "If my opinion counts... I think that 'you-know-who' doesn't know a thing... I think he is waiting for us to slip up." Quietly... "Its not like we left anybody breathing back there... if the P-man wanted to catch us... he is waiting for us to get cocky, stupid, and sloppy... so lets just be as careful as usual... and we should be just fine.." Milo's thoughtful expression grows troubled, "I have some theories about our current circumstances, but I don't want to speak them in our present company." Milo looks hard a Clegg, and then reaches to grasp his rope back from Fleuterflam.
Ingrge Thursday December 7th, 2000 7:15:08 PM
Kind of glum and quieter than usual, Ingrge eats and listens, not really saying anything and continually looking more and more pensive.
Shadrach Thursday December 7th, 2000 7:48:10 PM
Still keeping a worrisome eye on Clegg, Shad went to K'Nara. He whispered to her, "What about the stuff we picked off those guys? A Locate Object spell could detect something from that stash if it's unique enough. There could be plain clothes Obsidian looking through the streets. To say nothing if one of those things was like those scrying amulets old Greenie gave us last time. I say we leave the junk somewhere til we're ready to leave."
K'nara d20=4 Friday December 8th, 2000 6:23:02 AM
K'nara ate many of the sausages, knowing she was going to need the energy. Then she raised her eyebrows at Figment's information.
"Mmmm...it will pay to be cautious." the human bladesinger said, nodding. "We'll just have to make sure that Olana looks VERY ill, since we are taking her to the temple of Alemi to be...cured. Come here, Olana...I can work with some of the stuff that's lying around here..."
Using strips of cloth made from one of the pillowcases, K'nara "bandaged" Olana's head, using her skills to Disguise the elf. (OOC: made the Disguise skill check by 12.)
"All right, then..." the female fighter said, standing, "...we'll 'carry' our injured ranger to the temple, finish our business there as quickly as possible...and then pay a lovely little visit to that wizard. Nice and social. Ready? Let's go."
Olana Friday December 8th, 2000 10:41:52 AM
Still puzzled at what Fluet says, the elf lets herself be bandaged till she looks like a skinny human child with malnutrition and head injuries. Still, she felt better than she had for a while - sort of calm and lightheaded, although there was just some nagging feeling in the back of her mind... "My armour!" she exclaimed. What about my armour?"
DM Jan (The next Day) Friday December 8th, 2000 11:08:30 AM
Cherry looks toward Figment. "At the Temple you mean? Hmmm... I don't think so. There are no Tines there for sure." She offers to stow some of their gear while they're away. "I presume you're coming back here before going to the prison?" she asks.
Clegg "borrows" a cloak from some hapless traveler, wrapping it around himself to hide most of his features. His chatter becomes intense as he walks along. "Jail's easy once you get past the top level. Goes down in a spiral. Hardly anyone about. They're all up top feedin' their face in the guardroom." "Wizard's another matter. Goes by the name of Robas. One o' the top men in Parnoths high falutin' council. Heh."
In the streets, people go about their business, and apart from the occasional patrol, there's no evidence to suggest a manhunt is on. This may or may not be strange depending on one's interpretation of what was going on. Was Figment's paranoia well founded? Or maybe Milo was on the right track.
The streets near the Temple show evidence of more wealth, as people there wear better clothes, and some ride in carriages. It smells better too. Strange accents are heard, as merchents from other cities haggle amongst themselves. The Temple itself is set back a little, at the top of a dozen marble steps, between what looks like two better class hotels.
Figment Friday December 8th, 2000 1:22:08 PM
The mage winces as Cherry mentions their destination and the Tines. "My dear, please refrain from referring to our company or specific destinations as someone may be listening. Paranoid, perhaps, but I think justified in the case. Please write down a rendevous point for us to meet after we conclude the efforts with our friend here (glancing at Clegg).". Making sure to shield Clegg from seeing it, the mage makes sure it is seen by all in the party, and then destroys it. When Shad speaks to K'Nara, the mage mentions "There may be wisdom in Shad's words. Perhaps our destination will be able to aid us with our need.".
Shadrach Friday December 8th, 2000 6:25:16 PM
Shad walked along officiously, as if he were hired to guard these people.
Ingrge Friday December 8th, 2000 6:29:29 PM
Looking more and more nervous and uneasy as the group heads out, Ingrge finds some point to pull K'narra aside and in a very quiet voice says, I think I may have messed up. I didn't think it was wise to leave it behind, and I was careful that nothing else including myself was seen and it has been packed away since then but I may be the reason there is no search party looking for the culprits that attacked the obsideon.
Milo Monday December 11th, 2000 10:35:54 AM
Packing his rope away into his backpack, and securing his other possessions, Milo gives his pack to Cherry to hold onto while he is out and about... to Cherry, "Could you have the washing person here clean these for me..." Milo hands Cherry his dirty laundry rolled into a tight ball and tied at one end. Without further ado, the halfling falls in behind his friends, and quietly trails their progress through the city.
Olana Monday December 11th, 2000 10:56:25 AM
The elf wanders along with the others in a daze. How did she get here? What were they doing? It's like she had been in a dream world for a while. She stuck close, feeling a little agrophobic.
DM Jan (Out in the City) Monday December 11th, 2000 11:05:32 AM
Cherry had nodded at Figment back at the Heated Cross and had scribbled on some paper - 'HC - look for 2 lamps in upper right window.'
On the steps of the Temple is one of the priests, who is talking to a poorly clad elf sweeping the marble stairway. He is a middle-aged man, wearing pale robes, and has a red jewel hanging from a chain around his neck. On seeing the party he smiles and approaches. "Greetings," he says. "Have you come to pray?"
Figment d20=10 Monday December 11th, 2000 11:31:08 AM
The mage smiles at the priest and looks at the jewel on his neck. He compares it to the one around the neck of the female priest they met back in the elven village to see if it identical or similar (i.e. the marker of Alemi - Int by 8). Either way he looks around and hopes they can move inside quickly and get out of the street. He looks to K'Nara to speak the priest.
Flueterflam Monday December 11th, 2000 7:11:42 PM
Fluet twiddles his thumbs, lost in his own thoughts.
Shadrach Monday December 11th, 2000 9:07:27 PM
He frowned, wondering if the priest would squeal to the authorities once he noticed Olana's lack of tag. Something to ask that elf about, maybe.
K'nara Tuesday December 12th, 2000 6:50:34 AM
The tall human female stepped forward, bowing.
"We would ask that you see what ails our young friend here...mayhap it is a curse of some kind that only your order may remove..?" K'nara said, then shrugged. "I know not--but I do think that such a possibility is better explored in private, holy one...if you'd please."
Olana Tuesday December 12th, 2000 4:00:50 PM
Olana starts to look back and forth. What were the priests going to do? Maybe she should make a run for it. And where was her armour? She felt naked without it. Trust - it was something that seemed to ebb and flow....
DM Jan (In the City) Tuesday December 12th, 2000 4:15:36 PM
"A curse?" says the priest with a raised eyebrow. "Oh dear, oh dear...." Beckoning to them, he adds. "Come with me. Let's see what we can do," and leads them up the steps.
The elf sweeper watches them pass, curiosity etched on his face.
"What are we doin' 'ere?" grumbles Clegg, shuffling from one foot to the other. "Bunch o' charlatans this lot are anyway. Priests. What did priests ever do, eh? Eh?"
At the top of the steps are two pillars and a pathway which lead to a quadrangle with a fountain in the middle. Fern-like plants grow here and there - giving the place an aura of quiet and calm. Somewhere, the quiet murmurs of praying can be heard. There is a smell of incense.
"Now," said the priest. "Who is the troubled one?" Figment noted that the man's holy symbol was remarkably similar to what Lorna wore, back at the elven village.
Figment Tuesday December 12th, 2000 4:43:57 PM
The mage watches as the priest moves around. He keeps a close eye on the goings on around the temple. He guides the priest away from the others - specifically Olana and Clegg - and in a low voice so those 2 cannot hear says "My dear sir, we have discovered an item which this poor soul (glances back at Olana) wore that has been imbued with the soul of a drow Matron. It nearly took her over but we were able to get it off her. Now, it has left her mind scarred. We respectfully request two things of you: That you check her for residual effects and cure her if she has any, and to take the armour from us and dispose of it as you will. We will be more than happy to make a handsome tribute to Alemi in return.".
Dakar Tuesday December 12th, 2000 6:20:58 PM
"Alemi is a just and fair god. Surely you can do something to help her. May the light of the gods of good shine upon the places and shadows that you walk in." States the dwarf. He seems a bit hesitant lately, more prone to say nothing when he cannot be pleasant... Or when he simply doesn't know what to do. "Argh, human lands... I shall never get used to them."
Ingrge Tuesday December 12th, 2000 7:00:58 PM
Walking along side of K'narra, Ingrge stays quiet as they talk with the priest.
Shadrach Tuesday December 12th, 2000 7:15:21 PM
Shad delayed outside and approached the elf the priest had been speaking to. "Excuse me, will you speak with me?"
Milo Tuesday December 12th, 2000 11:17:38 PM
Not having a great deal of practical knowledge regarding religion, Milo remains silent throughout the dealings with the priest of Alemi. Though being naturally curious, he remains close at hand, observing everthing that goes on.
Flueterflam Wednesday December 13th, 2000 1:30:02 AM
The bard wonders around the general area. He's just looking for something else to do. The whole priest thing just wasn't him.
K'nara Wednesday December 13th, 2000 7:00:06 AM
Keeping a steadying--and firm--grip on the ranger, the leader of the Emerald Talons left the explanations of their presence to Figment and Dakar, instead turning a sharp and rather glacial eye upon Clegg.
"We shall tend to YOUR business soon enough," she reminded him in a low voice, "We are here in order to make sure that--when we go do so--we'll be able to go meet your...former employer at full strength."
Olana Wednesday December 13th, 2000 11:20:01 AM
Olana starts to wail. "I don't wanna go.....let me out...please..." her eyes shift toward anyone she thinks might help her, Fluet in particular.
DM Jan (In the City) Wednesday December 13th, 2000 11:49:31 AM
The priest nods at Figment and Dakar. "Drow you say? Ah... a sorry part in the history of the elves. Would that we could help mend the breach, but alas the elves have always considered that to be their problem to solve, and their territory." He looks behind him for a moment and beckons. A moment later, two more priests arrive, younger and more able-bodied. "We'll deal with this the best we possibly can. As for donations - of course we ask for nothing, although all donations are very gratefully received. Our work must go on."
He gives a bow and then takes the armour, leaving the two other priests to take the crying Olana from K'Nara and follow him into the gloom of the temple.
Meanwhile - outside on the steps, the elf sweeper looks up at the imposing human bonze, before glancing around. He has that 'what have I done wrong?' look on his face. "What do you wish to know?" he asks. At that moment, a fat, shiny green beetle buzzes past lazily - disappearing into the crowd in a southerly direction.
After a while, the priest returns, along with Olana. She certainly looks a whole lot better, although the white streaks in her fair hair remain. The priest beckons to Figment and Dakar, leaving Olana with the others. "Your elf was indeed rather ill," he says quietly. "However - blessings and healing can work wonders. I think you'll find her demons have gone now. A few hearty meals and she'll be as right as rain." He hesitates for a moment before continuing. "The armour however. Hmmm... interesting. We could detect no evil upon it, in fact it was difficult to discover anything about it whatsoever. That's unusual I'd say. Maybe part of it's magic includes an extremely good shield. To most - it seems as harmless as that plant over there. Very interesting indeed. I would ask that we keep it here, under lock and key of course - for further study. Something is obviously wrong if it affected the elf in that manner." He shrugged. "If all else fails - then maybe we shoud destroy it. That's if you don't mind."
Stood next to K'Nara, Clegg rolls his eyes and then says to the warrior - in a put on naughty boy tone - "Okay - can we GO now?"
Shadrach Wednesday December 13th, 2000 1:15:25 PM
"Are the priests of Alemi sympathetic to the elves here?" Shahd asked the elf, his eyes tracking the beetle.
Figment Wednesday December 13th, 2000 2:37:56 PM
The mage bows to the priest. "We thank you for helping our friend. The armour is indeed powerful. I would strongly suggest you keep your initiates clear of it as it casts spells. It tried to get to me last night but I resisted it's charm. Your fellow priests might not be so fortunate. I would also strongly recommend you destroy it immediately and not try to understand it. Perhaps a prayer to Alemi or one of his minions might allow you insight into how to proceed? As for our friend, your help is appreciated a great deal.". The mage offers a bag of 20 gp to the priest. "Alemi is good in ANY locale, we hope our small gift allows you to further his work in this place. We have one other request of you before we leave. We feel as if we are being watched. Maybe even scryed upon. Is it possible for you to detect such things and if so, would you? We do not wish trouble in this town, but we fear we may be the focus of an attack of some kind by some unfriendlies. Perhaps an item we carry or something we've touched recently has left an aura...". The mage trails off his words and lets the priest form his own conclusions.
Flueterflam Wednesday December 13th, 2000 2:46:42 PM
Hearing the priest talk, Fluet barges into the conversation, "Feel free to destroy that thing at any time. I don't think any of us will miss it or it's effects." Then the bard strolls over towards the elf. He appears happier and much more friendly, in general, when she returns obviously better. "You look kinda cute with those streaks." The bard winks at her rather sexually, and then walks over to Shad to see what he's talking about.
Ingrge Wednesday December 13th, 2000 7:46:41 PM
Keeping toward the fringes of the group and the going ons and only steps forward when Figment profers the donation. "Here let me take care of that My friend. Moments later Ingrge profers a bag of his own. After giving the bag to the priest, Ingrge steps back toward the fringes watching Clegg and K'narra.
Milo Wednesday December 13th, 2000 10:37:32 PM
As everybody else seems to have concluded there business with the priest of Alemi, Milo steps humbly up to the human and asks if he may speak with him privately for a moment. Assuming the priest agrees, the halfling speaks, "I see more and more these days that the gods play a prominent roll in the lives of those who I've come to call my friends... I was wondering, if it wasn't too much trouble, if I might ask of you a boon? I would like any book that you may have that explains Alemi and his role in the grand scheme of things. If I had the time, I would just stay and learn in person, but I have important business to settle just yet. I would be willing to make a generous donation to your church..." With that, Milo produces, from his satchel, a ruby (OOC: value 500 gp) but holds it so only he and the priest of Alemi can see.
K'nara Thursday December 14th, 2000 6:28:53 AM
The warrior woman all but ignored Clegg as she turned to Olana, her hazel eyes searching the elf's wan face.
"There--I told you we would take care of your armor, did I not?" she asks of the ranger with an ironic smile. "How are you feeling? Clegg is impatient to get his payment, and I would like to see him get his due as soon as possible...but only if you're feeling up to it, Olana."
Olana Thursday December 14th, 2000 11:07:37 AM
Olana nodded at K'Nara and smiled apologetically. "I'll be okay. Honest. And thank you." Glancing at the others she said. "I.. I'm not quite sure what really happened. But I know I became a problem, and I'm sorry." She gave a solemn bow to the priest and then set to - checking herself over, reclaiming any weapons etc, and getting herself ready to be part of the team once more. "Cute, huh?" she said to Fluet, cracking the first grin in days.
DM Jan (In the City) Thursday December 14th, 2000 11:34:44 AM
While K'Nara talks to the rejuvenated elf, the priest accepts any donations given to him graciously. At Figment's comment about being watched, he looks around for a moment before answering. "You must be new to our fair City," he says guardedly before glancing pointedly at Ingrge. "Our protector The Dragon watches over us all. It is something we get used to after a while, although it must seem strange to a visitor." Addressing everyone he says - "You have the blessings of Alemi. May you tread carefully, and witness many sunsets. As for the armour - I will see to it's destruction."
With that he moves off, only to be stopped by Milo. "I think we may have such a tome," he replies. "And your donation is 'most' generous. If you wish to join the priesthood you must come and talk with me some time." A small book, covered in ancient cracked leather is found and handed to the halfling.
Outside, the elf leans on his broomstick. "It's better than most places," he says in answer to Shad's question. "You get fed, and you don't get beaten." Shad notes that the beetle buzzed off vaguely in the direction the party had all come from. They are joined by a fidgeting Clegg who's eager to be off.
Shadrach Thursday December 14th, 2000 4:20:42 PM
Shad gave the elf a gold. "Thanks!" He joined his companions inside. "I think we should go. I saw one of those green beetles heading the way we came."
Figment Thursday December 14th, 2000 4:23:26 PM
The mage smiles and nods at the priest knowing that they will get no help from them on the scrying. As they leave the mage says "I guess we'll just have to take our chances. Let's get this over with. It's good to see you more yourself, Olana. I missed your cheerful smile.". The mage, however, keeps a close eye on her progress. Especially as they leave the armor behind since she heard it was going to be destroyed.
Figment Thursday December 14th, 2000 5:13:46 PM
When the mage hears about the beetle he says "Did it see Clegg? I'm sure they'll be out in force looking for him. Which way did it go?".
Milo Thursday December 14th, 2000 7:29:13 PM
Milo gets a queer expression on his face at the mention of joining the priesthood, "Thanks... I'll keep that in... mind." Carefully placing the aged book into his satchel the halfling rejoins the group, though he has an introspective look on his face...
K'nara Friday December 15th, 2000 6:27:07 AM
The female fighter glanced around at her comrades.
"If we're all done here now," she said to them, "We've got work to do. Let's get going." Now K'nara turned to Clegg and gave him a short bow. "G'head...show us the money...or, rather, the way to the wizard's." She followed the escapee out of the temple.
Olana Friday December 15th, 2000 10:48:17 AM
The elf thanks everyone and smiles. "I'm going to be okay," she assures them all. As they travel through the City, she will look out for somewhere to buy a set of leather armour. She stays huddled in her cloak as they travel however, and whispers to Ingrge. "How did you get that tag? I suppose the less I show myself the better. I need some more armour. I've got money, but I don't know whether I should buy it or not. What do you think would happen if I'm seen without a tag?"
DM Jan (In the City) Friday December 15th, 2000 11:03:01 AM
The elf looks at the gold in shock, and thanks Shad profusely.
It is now around lunchtime, and the surrounding streets are busy. People are on foot and in carriages, making progress difficult in this particular area. Clegg ducks and dives, leading everyone through the throng in a northerly direction. There are plenty of stores around.
After about half an hour's walking, after the main street heading out of the City is crossed, he leads everyone through the garden district, and into what is obviously the better part of town. Here the houses have three storeys at least, and are of better construction. High walls surround many of them. Clegg's swagger becomes less noticable, and he seems to becoming more nervous at every step. "Er.... maybe we need a plan," he says, stopping at a junction. "I'm open to suggestions."
Figment Friday December 15th, 2000 12:30:26 PM
Seeing Olana move on from her old armor, the mage smiles. He whispers back to her "I would recommend against entering a store, my dear. I doubt they allow elves to arm themselves here anyway. I think we should move on and get this done, and maybe we can find you something to cover up your ears with along the way.".
Milo Friday December 15th, 2000 4:21:59 PM
With the light of an idea filling his eyes, Milo steps quickly over to Olana... "Here, take this, it only works once a day, but I think it'll do the trick..." Milo is holding up his ring... "You have but to concentrate for a moment, and you'll be invisible... Take care what you do after that however... Any hostile action will dispell the enchantment, and the ring will be useless until the next day..." With that, Milo takes a firm, but gentle hold of her hand, and slips the ring on her finger... blushing, "Um... you can borrow it till we get outta here... " The halfling turns to slink off to the back of the group.
Dakar Friday December 15th, 2000 5:48:04 PM
"I am, as is well known, Never adverse to sheer force of arms" Smiles the dwarf. Happily things are turning out well for him... He seems to be reattaching to the world around him, and slowly merging into the city... although an air of disgust still surrounds him
Ingrge Friday December 15th, 2000 7:51:38 PM
As Olanna asks him about his tag, Ingrge looks down at it and with a light frown on his face says, I had it placed there legally. It seems that I am in reality right now someone else. At least according to the tag. I will see what i can do to find one for you.
Flueterflam Saturday December 16th, 2000 2:30:45 AM
Fluet waits around for a decision on where to go. He whistles merrily to himself.
K'nara Saturday December 16th, 2000 7:45:06 AM
The leader of the Emerald Talons eyed the wizard's domicile, frowning in concentration.
"Milo...Fluet...you're probably the best ones to try to case the joint." she said firmly. "Go see what you can discover about it--you know, points of entry, anything that looks like it may be some kind of security precaution...the usual--and, especially, the UNusual." Looking around at the surrounding area, K'nara went on to add:
"We could try to ask the locals about what they know of the wizard...whether he goes out or has something delivered to him on a regular basis...or something that we might be able to use to our advantage." She glanced at Clegg.
"However...I think that Shadrach and Olana--with her hood drawn--should stay out of sight, along with Clegg...in case there's a patrol or something that may recognize either Olana as an untagged elf or Clegg from the jail."
Flueterflam Sunday December 17th, 2000 3:21:35 PM
Fluet nods to K'nara. Fluet waits for Milo to be ready, then heads off in the direction of the wizard. "When we get there, let's split up for about 20 minutes and meet somewhere and try to tell if either of us missed anything."
Olana Monday December 18th, 2000 11:03:10 AM
The elf nods at Ingrge and Fluet. "I suppose I'd better keep a very low profile." As Milo gives her the ring, she smiles. "Thank you Milo," she says. "This means a lot. I'll try and use it as a last resort - say if we're stopped and I'm likely to be a danger to everyone. I'll let you have it back as soon as we're through this."
DM Jan (In the City) Monday December 18th, 2000 11:27:28 AM
Clegg points out the building belonging to the wizard, which lies at the end of the street. "People won't talk to the likes of us round here," he tells K'Nara. "we're too scruffily dressed - except for him maybe." The man looks at Figment and then wrinkles his nose.
Those who go to look the building over find the following - A three storey house with no entry way or windows on three sides of the building on the ground floor. The fourth side however is enclosed by a 10ft high garden wall. Here - there is a very ornamental wrought iron gate, with shiny green metal beetles worked into it's design. A shiny brass plaque is also stuck on the front. Etched into it's surface is the following -
'A pox on hawkers and streetsellers! Tho'if you solve this riddle, maybe you have what interests me.'
'Voiceless it cries, Wingless flutters, Toothless bites, Mouthless mutters.'
below this - four symbols are carved which would be recognizable by a wizard as the signs for earth,fire, water and air.
Across from the front gate, are a row of charming little shops painted in jolly colours, displaying their wares in the windows - a sweet shop, a tailor, an entomologist, and a tobacconist.
Meanwhile, Clegg is still talking. "They say he never goes out. No one's ever seen him come outta that gate. I reckon he has a secret way, but I've never found it."
Flueterflam d20=3 Monday December 18th, 2000 12:37:38 PM
Fluet reads the plaque. "Hmmmm...sounds like wind or somethin'." He notes to himself the riddle and moves on to look for anything else. Find the gate to be the most prominent feature of the building, the bard finds his way to the opposite side. Speaking quietly to himself the whole while, "now if i was a wizard, i would do one of two things to get out unnoticed. Use a spell, or make people believe that where i leave, is opposite of where i really do. therefore, this side," as Fluet reaches the noted side, "must be the most obvious for some kind of secret or trick." He stands about at the center of the wall, resting his back upon it. He looks directly away from the house trying to note any strange things in the distance that stand out. (voluntary per, passed)
Dakar Monday December 18th, 2000 3:44:23 PM
"Seems quite simple to me." states the dwarf. "It's air." The dwarf points a chubby finger towards the symbol, tapping it slightly. "That's obvious for anyone to see that has a head on their shoulders..." He chuckles to himself and shakes his head, obviously in a more jovial mood.
Figment Monday December 18th, 2000 4:32:52 PM
The mage nods at Clegg's perception of the Talon's lack of fashion. "You may be correct in that, Clegg. However, I do not think asking the locals about this guy will yield too much information, unless they have seen him leave by means other than the fromt door. I also do not believe announcing ourselves at the front door will be very effective either - even if we guess his riddle correctly. I suspect we should be looking for a secret door, or figuring out how to fly over his place to look at it from the top. I'm afraid I do not have that magic as of yet. Tell you what, I'll walk around the shops and see if I can get any ideas from the store owners. Also, keep your eyes out for those green beetles.".
Milo Monday December 18th, 2000 5:39:51 PM
"Wind is definitely the answer... I think I had a cousin who had that riddle posed to him at one time... Anyhow, its my experience that wizards have there place well guarded... Look at the green beetles in the iron here... More than likely he is using those as some kind of magic sentry..." Milo puzzles over the entire structure, as he is moving back from the wrought iron gate, and examining the entrance... He also looks at the streets around the house for possible entrances into some kinda sewer system... He mutters to whomever is listening, "Perhaps he doesn't go in from this way at all, but from above..." he looks up to the roof, "Or below..." and continues his purusal of the grounds around the building.
Ingrge Monday December 18th, 2000 8:10:53 PM
Standing in the shadows, Ingrge plays with one of his belt pouches and awaits orders.
K'nara d20=13 Tuesday December 19th, 2000 7:04:00 AM
The female fighter stared at the inscription, barely able to read the fancy script. As for fathoming its meaning, K'nara shrugged. (OOC: missed her Intelligence check by 4.)
"I don't do riddles." she said aloud. "However, your answers that agree upon 'air' as being the right response...that DOES seem to make sense." The chestnut head tilted to one side as she sifted tactics through her nearly-overtaxed brain.
"If guessing that riddle manages to open the gate, I suppose that's the best way for us to go inside." she added, frowning.
Figment d20=1 Tuesday December 19th, 2000 10:53:25 AM
The mage evaluates the guesses and carefully considers the riddle himself (Int by 17!).
Olana Tuesday December 19th, 2000 10:57:51 AM
Keeping her cloak tightly around her, and useless at riddles, Olana instead keeps her eyes on the streets for any trouble and glances in the shop windows to see if anyone is peeping out and watching.
DM Jan (In the City) Tuesday December 19th, 2000 11:21:02 AM
Fluet's perusal of the rear of the building reveals nothing out of the ordinary. The wall he leans on seems smooth and impenetrable, and the street ahead of him seems to contain nothing but other houses with similar walls.
Looking up, Milo can see a few tree tops perching over the garden wall, and beyond that - the house - where all the windows seem to have their curtains firmly closed. The roof looks like - a roof. At ground level - the street looks tidy and well swept. There are no grates or manholes nearby.
As Figment crosses to the little shops, he sees the following in the shop windows- The sweet shop has a colourful display of gumdrops and jelly beans in tiny baskets. The tailor has a rather grand looking men's coat draped on a mannequin, worked in navy blue silk with ivory lace peeping from collar and cuff. The entomologist has a display of beautiful butterlies, beetles and other strange insects, mounted and displayed in tiny glass-fronted boxes. The tobacconist has a rack of wonderfully carved pipes and there is rich aroma of pipe tobacco coming from the door.
Because of the reflection of daylight in the windows, Olana cannot see whether anyone is looking out or not.
At the gate, Clegg hisses urgently to Dakar "Noooooo!! Don't touch -" and then " - oh!" as the door swings open silently. With a nervous twitch he adds, "I tried that - blew me straight across the street. Heh. Must have pressed the wrong thing. Heh." He winks at K'Nara and cranes his neck - trying to look beyond the gate.
Figment Tuesday December 19th, 2000 11:47:08 AM
The mage pleasantly smiles at the shopkeepers as he passes. When done he goes to the gate with the others and follws them through.
Flueterflam d20=18 Tuesday December 19th, 2000 11:48:31 AM
Fluet, seeing nothing unusual, turns toward the wall. Though it seems impeneratable, he decides to search it anyway. He places his hands against the wall first, to get the feeling of the wall. Then he runs his hands along it, just to make sure that looks aren't deceiving. Anything that seems just slightly out of place, he studies for a few minutes, just to see if his mind was playing a trick on him, or if he really found something strange. (voluntary per check failed)
Flueterflam Tuesday December 19th, 2000 11:55:53 AM
After the bard checks the wall and is thoroughly satisfied he didn't miss anything (although he might have!), he walks over to the vendors. Fluet doesn't associate with any of his party, acting as though he were by himself. He takes note of the vendor with the beetles, but moves on to the tobacco vendor. "So, I hear some strange things have been taking place. I just arrived in town a few days ago and was wondering if I could catch up on the news around here." While he waits for a reply, he glances at the entomologist to see if the man is watching the gate and his party.
Ingrge Tuesday December 19th, 2000 5:25:24 PM
As Ingrge watches the others, and plays with his pouch, a satisfied smirk touches on his mouth. Hoping that he hasn't caused any major difficulties for anyone, he strolls up to K'narra a smile flirting with his lips. So, who gets to be the Bad Cop this time?
Milo d20=8 d100=18 Tuesday December 19th, 2000 6:22:09 PM
Stepping quickly past the open gates, Milo examines his immediate surroundings for any sign of an ambush (OOC: Int roll at 8). Then, continuing to remain alert to his surroundings, Milo slides off into the shadows, and looks about for any obvious entrances to the main building structure.
K'nara Wednesday December 20th, 2000 6:43:23 AM
"We'll wait and see, Ingrge--" the human female replied to the elf, "--who knows...from Clegg's description of the wizard, we may have to both be the Bad Cop." She winked and then gestured for everyone to go through the open gate.
"Might as well enter like peddlars," K'nara said, stepping through, "After all...we ARE coming to collect on a debt owed...to Clegg here, that is."
Olana Wednesday December 20th, 2000 11:11:28 AM
The elf moves forward as K'Nara beckons. "That shop selling those insects... don't you think thats kind of strange?" she says, with a puzzled expression. "I mean who'd be interested in that kind of thing except for -" She makes a gesture toward the house they are entering.
DM Jan (The Wizards House) Wednesday December 20th, 2000 11:35:59 AM
None of the shopkeepers are outside their stores or near the windows. Most of them have signs in the door that say "OPEN" - but their doors are shut, and its difficult to see inside because of the surrounding daylight. ((Figment,Olana, and Fluet - roll under INT, to notice movement inside one of them.))
Occasionally, there is the clatter of a horse and carriage passing the end of the street, but other than that - it's very quiet.
Just inside the gate of the wizard's house - is a 10ft x 10ft stone square, inlaid with two strange patterns, one on the left, one on the right. This has to be stood on, in order to enter the garden. Beyond that - the path extends straight toward the house. It is coloured in horizontal stripes - alternately green, then yellow - about a foot wide. At the end of the path - 4 steps rise to the door - and there, sat either side of the door are two huge - HUGE - stone dog statues wearing spiked collars. On the left- a dog wears a green coloured tag - the other on the right - a yellow.
Surrounding the path is a mass of squat green shrubbery with nasty spikes. There are also fruit trees here and there, rising up out of the tangled ground cover. Clegg is getting more nervous by the minute.
Figment d20=19 d20=17 Wednesday December 20th, 2000 12:23:07 PM
The mage does not notice anything in the stores (Failed Int). He moves on with the others. "I suspect we are detected at this point so I would suggest that we parlay before we 'encourage' cooperation.". The mage examines the patterns to see if he can make out what they are (Int by 1).
Dakar d20=12 Wednesday December 20th, 2000 4:58:18 PM
"I don't see anything here." States the dwarf (failed int by 3). "Let me take point, whatever's thrown out won't be tough enough to level me." He hoists up his axe and trundles forward, past the stone dogs, seeming to address this as he would any other dungeon crawl.
Ingrge Wednesday December 20th, 2000 6:17:21 PM
Hey Dakar, Hold up a moment I think that our friend Clegg here ought to take point as he has been here before and besides it is his money we are here to help him collect.
Shadrach Wednesday December 20th, 2000 6:59:37 PM
He shrugged as K'Nara ordered them forward and kept pace with Clegg. "Ugly tile pattern. Wish I prayed for magical detection this morning. Anybody see a doorbell? Maybe we don't HAVE to beat him up."
Flueterflam d20=11 d20=8 Wednesday December 20th, 2000 9:59:23 PM
Fluet is close enough to notice whether any action is taking place in the shops. (Made INT by 3) The bard decides not to join the group, and walks inside each of the nearest stores, one by one. He looks around, acting interested in the wares, BUT taking careful notes any strange behavior from the shopkeep. (vol per , made by 6)
K'nara d20=5 Thursday December 21st, 2000 7:01:55 AM
K'nara frowned in concentration when she digested Olana's observation.
"D'you think that there may be something this bug-seller may have to tell us about those kinda-magic green bugs that we've been coming across..?" she asked, then scanned the pathway--AND those huge stone dogs--with sharp hazel eyes. "THIS wizard sounds like the type to have at least one or two magic safeguards in place...IS there some kind of doorbell around here..?" She looked around, fighting the urge to draw Lucia from its scabbard on her back.
Olana Thursday December 21st, 2000 11:12:40 AM
The elf nods at K'Nara. "That's what I'm guessing. He could even have part ownership in it or something. You see I would have expected a jewelers maybe, in an area like this, not a bug store." Seeing Fluet go in the stores, she hisses "Careful!" at him.
DM Jan (The Wizards House) Thursday December 21st, 2000 11:33:09 AM
Neither at the gate, or by the door, is there any sign of a doorbell, or anything else that might obviously attract the house occupant's attention.
As Figment examines the patterns on the stone, he sees hidden within them a couple of sigils, possible safety wards, only identifiable by a wizard who spends hours studying these things. Clegg rubs his chin. "Ya know come to think of it, when I came here last I saw him crouch down and draw something on those - oh %%$#&!!!! (<---well known human expletive)." For a moment he stands bug-eyed, then hides behind the tall figure of Shadrach, clutching the bonze's robes like a frightened child.
The reason for his fright becomes apparant. Ingrge's warning comes too late as Dakar steps forward, his feet landing on the yellow tiles, then the green - there is movement up ahead by the door. The huge stone animals open their eyelids to reveal the blackest of eyes, and they begin to move. ((You have 1 round until they are upon you - fight or flight time. If you choose to fight you have init, but it's missile combat only until the next round.))
Across the street at the stores - When Fluet enters the Entomologist, he finds a tall, slender man stood there, with long grey hair and wearing a long navy blue apron. He had been standing at the window looking out toward the house. On seeing Fluet, he narrows his eyes and peers snootily over pince-nez, perched on the end of his nose. "We're CLOSED!" snaps the man, before hurrying behind the counter. He disappears quickly through a door, slamming it behind him.
Dakar Thursday December 21st, 2000 2:24:49 PM
"AH HA!" yells the dwarf. "And thus, the fray is joined!" He grins and drops into a waiting position, imposing himself between one of the dogs and the rest of the party and gesturing to it with a look of sadistic glee on his face. "I shall turn you into rubble, mindless one, fear the wrath of the battle god!" A brief chant, and a halo of energy surrounds Dakar as he invokes the blessing of his god around him (protection from evil).
Milo Thursday December 21st, 2000 3:32:43 PM
Milo remains to the rear of the group, staying hidden in the shadows as the dogs animate. The burglar swears silently to himself for not noticing so obvious a trap, and silently draws his short sword, prepared to help his friends out, though staying put in the hopes that he might be able to get at the backs of one of the mage's guardians.
Figment Thursday December 21st, 2000 3:56:33 PM
The mage scowls at Clegg. "You might want to remember those kinds of details a little more quickly next time.". He turns, prepares to use his wand, and allows the fighter types to pass him (i.e. get between him and the dogs). He fires at the dog with the green collar using the fruit trees and the house as anchors. He makes sure not to block the door with it.
Flueterflam Thursday December 21st, 2000 5:12:51 PM
Fluet quickly takes off in pursuit of the man. "If you take a second to talk to me, then we both may be better off!!!"
Shadrach d8=1 Thursday December 21st, 2000 11:43:29 PM
"Never would've expected a wizard to guard his house magically!" Shad commented sarcastically. He bowed his head and whispered a prayer to Donyra (Aid, +1 to hp).
K'nara Friday December 22nd, 2000 6:41:05 AM
(OOC: are we doing this as 2nd Edition or as 3rd Edition? We never DID get the call to convert our characters to 3ed, you know...)
"SonuvaB--" the female fighter began to swear, then cut herself off as she immediately reached over her right shoulder for her sheathed sword, addressing the halfling in the party: "Milo--we'll try to keep these...things...engaged--you skirt around the battle and see if you can't open the door into the house--the rest of us will fight for as long as we can and either run for the doors when you open 'em...or out to the street if these dogs kick our butts too hard..." K'nara's bastard sword cleared the tooled scabbard and she automatically fell into her combat-ready stance taught to her by her elven mentors.
Domi, guide my hand... the human bladesinger thought to herself as the stone creatures drew closer and she readied for battle.
Ingrge d20=12 d20=20 d20=5 d6=2 Friday December 22nd, 2000 9:55:14 AM
(Actually Donna, we did get the call but we havent all complied it seems so I would guess we are still 2E at the moment.)
With a heavy sigh as the Dwarf wades in to the obvious protected area, Ingrge draws his bow and quickly fires off 2 silver arrows at the green collared one (AC 1 & AC -7 for 4 & 8 points)
Olana d20+1=4 d20+1=9 Friday December 22nd, 2000 11:09:26 AM
The elf frowns as the dogs animate and approach. Taking her bow, she fires 2 arrows at the beast with the yellow collar, only to see them whistle past. "Fluet's not come out!" she exclaims while re-loading.
DM Jan (The Wizard's House) d100=64 d100=42 d20=12 d20=18 d8+1=6 Friday December 22nd, 2000 11:54:40 AM
(It becomes 3rd Edn when I say so. Don't worry - you're about to get the call. We'll try and switch this thing over Christmas.)
The canine stone guardians lumber forward. Their hard, stone hides (AC 2) gleam in the sunlight, and Dakar is near enough now to see they are covered in runes.
The yellow collared one rears up, swiping at the dwarf with massive paws, connecting with one of them for a bludgeoning 6 DAM.
The green one is stopped in it's tracks by Figment's web, but by sheer weight, it's gonna break outta there in 2 rounds. Ingrge's arrows hit the beast well, but after 2 'dink dink' sounds - the arrows fall to the ground, leaving the stone with hardly a scratch.
Because of the tight prickly foliage, there's no way Milo will get around with cutting his feet to ribbons. Clegg is hanging on to Shad for dear life, yelling - "Why are they fighting?? Why aren't we running??"
Meanwhile - over at the Entomologist - Fluet follows the man into a back room. This room carries the sound of buzzing and skittering, and the bard see's cage after cage of a myriad of different insects. The is no sign of the man, but off to the left is a curtain. It's moving slightly as though someone passed throu.
Figment d20=12 Friday December 22nd, 2000 12:13:36 PM
The mage moves over to the green symbol on the 10' square and attempts to decipher it and figure out a way to dispel or 'turn off' the creatures (Int by 6).
Flueterflam Friday December 22nd, 2000 12:26:57 PM
The bard jumps through the curtain, yelling. "WAIT!!!!!!!!!! It's IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!"
Ingrge d20=17 Friday December 22nd, 2000 2:58:05 PM
Watching as his arrows bounce off the now living statue, Ingrge mutters "I was afraid of that. Dropping his bow Ingrge takes a moment and casts "Blindness" on the green collared one.
Milo d20=19 d20=3 d6+1=3 Friday December 22nd, 2000 7:51:47 PM
"No can do boss... the plantlife is too conveniently placed here," As Milo steps suddenly out of the shadows, striking at the nearest dog's flank with his shortsword. (OOC: AC -2 for 3hps)
Bellowing with pain the dwarf swings his axe in two broad strokes (AC -1, ac 5, 14 and 8 damage respectively) hoping to chip away at the stonework while beginning his dwarvish battle chant.
Shadrach d20+3=19 d6+5=8 Sunday December 24th, 2000 8:10:38 PM
The big Bonze laughed and stepped forward, swinging strongly at the yellow-collared dog on Dakar(AC-1, D8). "'Cuz adventurer's like a bull! Adversity just makes him more determined!"
K'nara Monday December 25th, 2000 8:34:40 AM "Lucia!!!" yelled K'nara, causing her sword to spring to flaming life. Then she stepped forward, intending to cover Figment as the mage pondered the way to possibly shut down the stone sentries. (OOC: I do believe that the dogs aren't within melee range just yet, so she'll wait for that.)
Olana d20+1=6 d20+1=9 Monday December 25th, 2000 12:20:51 PM
The elf fires two more arrows at the yellow coloured stone beast, growling with disappointment as they fly straight past again. Obiviously she was not yet back up to full strength and her usual accuracy. Then - "I'll be back in two shakes of a lambs tail! I'll just stick my head around the door of that shop - make sure Fluet's alright." she yells, leaping toward the shop door across the street.
DM Jan (The Wizards House) d20=19 d20=17 d8+1=2 d8+1=4 Monday December 25th, 2000 12:36:25 PM
Milo's, Dakar's and Shad's attacks all make a nice *dink *dink *dink sounds against the creatures, and very slight chips are made in the stonework. There is also a crunching sound, as the massive green-collared stone dog starts ripping its way out of the web. (One more round - and it's out.) The yellow dog lashes out with two heavy stone paws - clipping Milo for 2dam, and Dakar for 4dam.
Ingrge is unable to tell if his spell has worked as yet. As Figment crouches to examine the left sigil - he notices slightly beyond it, on the first green horizontal stripe on the path ahead - marks have been made in chalk and then rubbed away.
Olana can see no one in the shop - but a rear door is open, and the sound of buzzing is coming from beyond it.
Meanwhile - beyond the door, and the curtain in the back room of the shop, Fluet sees steps going down into the gloom. There is also a faint smell of sewers.
Shadrach d20+3=21 d6+5=11 Monday December 25th, 2000 9:49:01 PM
Whistling cheerfully, Shad whirled and hit the yellow-collared dog on the other side (AC-3,D11).
K'nara d20+4=19 d12+4=11 Tuesday December 26th, 2000 6:10:36 AM
The leader of the Emerald Talons danced up to the yellow-collared giant dog and whacked at it with her flaming blade (hit AC -3 for 11hp damage).
"Milo--try to get the front door open--and be careful..!" urged K'nara once more. Then she returned her attention to the magical statue with which she was engaged in combat.
Dakar d20=19 d10+6=10 Tuesday December 26th, 2000 1:41:06 PM
Dakar again swung heavily into his adversary, landing another chipping blow on it, while diving deeper into his song of battle. "Mayhaps we should... Retire from this combat if we make no more headway in the next few strokes?" the dwarf suggests. It obviously pains him to do so, but then his eyes gleam momentarily. "I shall stay here to cover your retreat. I will fend off these hell-borne creatures til my last breath." His eyes alight with inner fury, and he seems briefly renewed, his song crescendoing to new heights as the blood streams from his wounds. "TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO DIE!"
Figment d20=2 Tuesday December 26th, 2000 11:59:46 PM
The mage quickly looks around for any sign of a piece of chalk as he opens his pack. He rummages through and pulls out his quill and ink well (assuming he sees no chalk), and begins to carefully retrace the sigil as exactly as possible (Int by 16!).
Milo d20=16 Wednesday December 27th, 2000 3:10:47 AM
Feeling both heroic, and stupid, Milo sheaths his weapon, and attempts to charge past the stone dog in a series of cartwheels and flips. (OOC: Made my Tumbling roll by 1)
Ingrge d20=7 d20=12 d20=8 d20=20 Wednesday December 27th, 2000 8:59:35 AM
After casting his spell Ingrge, knowing he has little else that can help in this situation, starts looking around for a possible way of turning these guys off. (Looking for anything that might possibly be a trigger or switch etc. if anything similar is located will try triggering it with something other than my hand and from a short distance away. 3 perception rolls all made and one to hit roll if necessary.)
Olana Wednesday December 27th, 2000 10:50:33 AM
The elf runs into the back of the shop, sword removed from its scabbard, looking for clues as to where Fluet has gone.
DM Jan (The Wizards House) d20=10 d20=1 Wednesday December 27th, 2000 11:08:13 AM
Shad, K'Nara and Dakar attack the yellow collared stone dog as it rears yet again, preparing to strike. Small chips are made in the stone and K'Nara's sword leaves a decorative sooty mark on its flank.
There is a loud RIIIIIIP!! sound as the green collared stone guardian finally breaks free of the web. It steps out, its heavy paws rearing to strike. Then something strange happens. As Figment traces the sigil on the green stripe, the creature grinds to a halt, and finally freezes, reared up on hind legs. It is now as still as a statue.
Milo rolls right into it, and will have to crawl through its legs to get beyond. He is now out of range of the yellow collared dog.
Ingrge can see another sigil within the pattern on the right side of the stone square, and has noticed what Figment did on the left side.
Old Yeller(-collar) twists and swipes at its other attackers - K'Nara and Shad - barely missing K'Nara, swinging wide of Shad, but preparing to deliver more blows.
While all this is going on, the brave Clegg is crouched by the gate - jibbering merrily - his former swagger somewhat subdued.
Meanwhile - in the shop - Olana also sees the massive insect collection in the back room - skittering and chittering in their small cages, and catches the sight of Fluet disappearing beyond the curtain.
Shadrach d20+3=9 Wednesday December 27th, 2000 11:54:31 AM
Shad accidentally jabbed the tile and missed the dog. "Er, I'm not sure we're doing anything here. I hit him pretty good already and so has Dakar!"
Flueterflam d20=11 Wednesday December 27th, 2000 1:24:49 PM
Fluet pauses a moment in the gloom making sure nothing was horribly out of the ordinary. (made vol per by 3) Then, after feeling comfortable nothing would kill him, he quickly begins running, following the scent of sewers.
Dakar d20=19 d20=20 d10+6=8 d10+6=8 Wednesday December 27th, 2000 2:04:27 PM
Dakar strikes again, with two more powerful blows landing on the dog (AC -4, AC -5 8, 16 damage respectively), and as he does so, he closes range with it, so that only he may be the one to bear the brunt of its strikes. "YARRRGH!" he cries, gutturally, as he drops his axe and prepares to... grapple? with the thing?
OOC: I have no idea what the multiplayer level guidelines are like for conversion and this is stymying me quite a bit... if anyone wishes to send info...?
Ingrge Wednesday December 27th, 2000 4:33:18 PM
Catching Figment's eye and looking for a nod Ingrge's hand is poised over the other sigil ready for Figment's acknowledgement. When received Ingrge immediately traces the pattern.
Milo d100=24 Wednesday December 27th, 2000 4:34:24 PM
Milo nearly faints as the dog comes to a screeching halt in front of him, but seeing that it is no longer animated, the halfling burglar steels himself, and approaches the front door, examining it for any possible traps, magical or mundane. (OOC: Rolled 24% and made my Find Traps roll by more than half)
Figment Wednesday December 27th, 2000 6:09:55 PM
The mage sees Ingrge and gives a nod. He races over to his side and applies the ink if tracing does not have the desired effect.
K'nara d20+4=23 d20+4=13 d10+4=13 d10+4=7 Thursday December 28th, 2000 6:29:39 AM
Once again the tall redhead danced by the dog, striking at the stone beastie a couple of times (first blow hits AC -3 for 13hp damage; second blow hits AC 1 for 7hp damage) as she performs her elven-inspired battle ballet.
Olana Thursday December 28th, 2000 10:43:00 AM
Olana looks beyond the curtain. "Fluet!" she whispers, and then "Darn it..." Quickly she runs back and tells the others. "There's steps leading down. I think Fluet might have found something. Maybe it's a passage."
DM Jan (The Wizards House) Thursday December 28th, 2000 11:04:46 AM
As Shad makes some fine sparks on the stone path with his trident, K'Nara and Dakar continue to make headway on the stone monster, adding to the chips already made, K'Nara's blademarks highlighting in relief the carved runes on the creature's skin.
Meanwhile, Figment and Ingrge work on the other sigil, and as it is enscribed onto a yellow stripe, the huge stone beast grinds to a halt, one of its paws in mid swipe, parking itself right next to Dakar's ear. It is now still. Clegg - seeing whats going on, stands up and brushes himself down. "Course - never doubted you for a minute," he says with a grin.
As Olana returns and tells the others, Milo who is up at the door can't see any traps as such. There is a door handle, and a brass knocker. It's strange though. The door is very very hot to touch - as though there's a fire on the other side of it. That's weird, because there are no signs of fire coming from the house anywhere else. It was almost as if the door led to somewhere else. Mind you - this WAS a wizards house after all.
Down in the tunnel, Fluet moves alongside a stone channel full of smelly sewer water. The direction he was heading seems to suggest that the tunnel leads under the house. There is a low glowing phosphorescence, but it's fairly dark and he'll have to roll under DEX to stop from stepping into the smelly water occasionally. Up ahead are some steps. In the gloom he can see that every other step is painted yellow, and there is something at the base of them.
Back up on top - there is a distant, but getting ever louder clatter of hooves. Someone is obviously coming to see what all the commotion is about.
Milo d100=61 Thursday December 28th, 2000 1:17:31 PM
Jerking back from the heat of the door, Milo's head perks up at the sound of approaching hooves, and he dashs back down the steps around the dogs to K'nara, "That door is hot as blazes... In my professional advice, I say we look for another way in. I can't help but think that opening the door will get somebody incinerated... and oh yeah, somebody is coming," and with that said, Milo attempts to duck back into the shadows. (OOC: missed Hide in Shadows roll by 1%)
Figment d20=3 Thursday December 28th, 2000 2:25:36 PM
The mage notices which store Olana came out of and comes to the realization that they are probably not doing this right (Int). "So Fluet found something over at the bug place, eh. Sounds about right. This guy making a frontal assault very difficult but making him an easy way to get in and out without having to arm and disarm all his traps. Not bad... I'd say we'd better hurry and get off the street as that approaching 'interested party' will most likely be very pleased to find us.". The mage hurries over to the Entmology store.
Dakar d8=6 d8=6 Thursday December 28th, 2000 6:02:10 PM
"Hmm. I have half a mind to pulverize this thing." states the dwarf, restrapping his great axe across his back while at the same time reaching for his warhammer. He seems fully prepared to reduce the great stone work to so much rubble, but waits a moment, reconsidering, and instead chooses to cast a pair of curative spells on himself. His bruises color to normal flesh and one can hear his ribs knitting back into place. "Ah, solid dwarven magic, reliable as the earth."
K'nara d20=2 Friday December 29th, 2000 7:03:27 AM
The human bladesinger paused en pointe for a moment, almost not believing that that the stone sentries were both halted. Then she stood down from her combat stance.
"Lucia." she murmured, extinguishing the flames of her blade and re-sheathing the weapon as both Milo and Olana made their discoveries known. After Figment added his own conclusions, the leader of the Emerald Talons nodded her cauled head.
"Everyone in that bug shop!" she ordered, making haste to follow those who'd already left. K'nara wondered exactly what they'd find there...
(OOC: don't know how far they'll get, but I rolled a voluntary Dex check in order to see if K'nara ends up stepping in smelly water...she made her Dex check by a hefty 16.)
Ingrge Friday December 29th, 2000 8:59:18 AM
Sighing with relief as the last beast is stilled, Ingrge wanders over to the hot door and inspects it, without touching it. As K'narra makes her decision, Ingrge is heard to mutter, "In, out, wizard, bugs, I wish we would do something right the first time."
Flueterflam d20=11 Friday December 29th, 2000 12:05:14 PM
(made dex by 1) Fluet, seeing the odd steps ahead, decides to step on the NOT-yellow colored ones. He decides that that is the most logical decision, as all the beetles were green, and the wizard was probably tied in with all this. THEREFORE, he concluded, there was no good reason to step on the color that most opposed green. Up the steps, the bard takes his time, making sure NOT to step on any yellow.
Olana Friday December 29th, 2000 1:37:02 PM
The elf nods at K'Nara's command. "This way," she says hurriedly. "Behind a curtain in the back, there are steps leading down. Oh.. and there's lots of bugs too." She races back across the street, into the shop, and down those steps after Fluet, hoping he hasn't got himself into a heap of trouble.
DM Jan (The Wizards House) Friday December 29th, 2000 1:48:43 PM
As Ingrge inspects the front door, he too can tell that it appears more to be the door to a furnace rather than the interior of the house, and the statue looks almost thankful as Dakar puts his axe away.
Just in time, everyone makes it across to the shop, just before a town guard patrol comes clattering along the street on horseback.
Inside the shop, the back room seems almost alive as the contents of tiny cages flap, skitter and chirrup. Down the steps, everyone is hit by a wonderful sewer smell, and K'Nara at least manages to step nimbly along, avoiding the brackish water as Fluet did before her.((Everyone else - roll under your DEX or start paddling.)) Ahead are steps upward - every other one painted yellow, and to one side something is sat at the base of them.
Ahead of the others, Fluet makes the steps without any mishap, and comes to a plain wooden door with a latch. Clegg shambles along, stepping in the water frequently, seemingly unaware of the nasty pong coming from it.
Ingrge d20=12 Friday December 29th, 2000 2:50:15 PM
Following along in K'narra's footsteps, Ingrge makes it safely to the base of the steps. and takes a look at what is sitting there.
Shadrach d20=20 Friday December 29th, 2000 5:19:59 PM
Shad followed the others, banged his head on a low stone arch, and promptly stepped into the blecky water with both feet. "Ow!"
Milo d20=18 Friday December 29th, 2000 8:42:51 PM
Padding along quietly behind the others, Milo is briefly distracted as Shadrach smacks his head on the low ceiling, then, not paying attention to what is going on, the halfling steps right into the brackish water, "Ewww..." Milo steps back for a moment, shaking the disgusting water off his feet before proceeding.
Flueterflam d20=20 Friday December 29th, 2000 11:34:24 PM
Hoping someone else has followed him, thinking specifically of Olana since he heard her yell after him just moments before, yells back into the sewers, "Do NOT step on the yellow steps, no matter how long it takes, they're evil or something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Without pausing another moment, the bard inspects the door. (failing to notice ANYTHING) Fluet then slowly unlatchs the door (or tries to) and when the door opens, if it does, he jumps into the next room screaming, "BOO!"
Figment d20=12 Friday December 29th, 2000 11:50:37 PM
The mage makes it down to the path successfully and moves along behind the others. He disdainfully notes "Seems the sewers here smell like the sewers in Plateua City. Hopefully we'll meet no large reptiles in our traverse as we did there. And maybe the house won't be full of-". The mage shudders as he remembers the dead bodies posing as marienettes and hopes he hasn't distracted anyone with his bad memory.
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