Perchance to Dream... (DM Donna) (OOC: this post applies to Minotaurs AND Centaurs) Monday October 2nd, 2000 6:35:45 AM
The sky boils with thunderclouds, the wind howling its angry lament as the waters of the Safety Channel churn with unrepentant fury. Up from the sea erupts an island, complete with trees and animals, sandy inlets and a few craggy peaks. In the very middle of this brand new isle there is an idyllic grotto--in the very middle of the grotto stands a figure of midnight black, indistinct in shape, yet you immediately identify it as one of your own kind.
The figure's own howl of anguish rises above the sound of the storm. You watch in horrified fascination as it rips open its own chest. The lances of lightning from the storm explode nearby, revealing that the mysterious figure has naught but an empty, bloody hole where its heart should be.
Suddenly there appear two glowing spots--one to the north of the new isle, the other to the south. You are instantly aware that one is centered on your own home island...while the other is centered on the hated native soil of your race's ancient, mortal enemy! What could this be..?
The two points of light glitter with a brightness that outshines the lethal lightning bolts and disperse the storm. Each light rises, arcing in a lazy yet unwavering path towards the dark figure on the central island. As the two glittering globes near each other, you suddenly recognize both of them--one is the Heart of the Stag...and the other...the Heart of the Beast!
The two halves merge, momentarily bedazzling you with their intense luminescence...and the ancient artifact of legend is once more whole.
The newly-healed heart lowers gently into the empty cavity of the dark figure, who sighs with relief and happiness. Dark figure? Nay...it is the epitome of your race's patron deity, who smiles upon you with gratitude before adopting an urgent look upon his face. He points directly at you, and says in a voice that is so loud and undeniable that you awaken, gasping for breath, his command still ringing in your ears:
"*You*...MUST...quest..!"
The Awakening (DM Donna) (OOC: this, too, applies to the Centaurs & Minotaurs) Monday October 2nd, 2000 6:46:29 AM
Sleep doesn't come easily to you after this, and the next morning you find--upon speaking to the others of your race, that EVERYONE had the same dream as you did...except for the ending. Are you the ONLY one commanded by the deity to quest? And WHAT are you supposed to quest for, you wonder?
The village crier comes bearing the following proclamation: "Questors must accompany me--NOW!"
(A male crier will take Minotaurs to the Sanctuary of the Soul; a female crier will take Centaurs to the Clearspring Temple. Identify your character and include the name of your destination in the "Post Name" section--for example, Flat-top would put: "Flat-top (Clearspring Temple)" in the Post Name section, while Mordengast would fill it in like this: "Mordengast (Sanctuary of the Soul).
Neither the PC Centaurs nor Minotaurs will have reached the intended destinations yet, but you will see the other PCs of your type and be able to officially introduce yourselves to each other on the way to those places.)
Meanwhile, on Wemic Island... (DM Donna) Monday October 2nd, 2000 6:59:05 AM
The strangest dream comes to Zeoll in the night--one that disturbs him, and yet gives him hope. (OOC: the same dream all the other Taur races have had, only Zeoll saw a Wemic as the key figure, and he recognizes two of the islands as being Centaur Island and Minotaur Island.) The young Priest of the Ceaseless Hunter meditates upon it, and apparently comes to a conclusion:
Having failed to protect his family, Zeoll said to himself, he now had no direction in life, no one to guard. A black time of grief and rage had fallen on him after he returned from a hunting trip to find that ruin and death; shadows still lingered in the recesses of his head.
Zeoll stood on a cliff high above the surf, looking into the rising sun. The dirt was warm under his feet, and sun's rays blinded him. He raised his swords, crossing them, so that the shadow cast by the intersecting blades shielded his eyes from the rays. A golden voice spoke from the east:
Step on the path from the hinterland Follow then where it will lead. Stranger will offer a stranger hand Welcome all that you don't understand Search for an answer beyond the strand Then may the Wemics be freed.
The early morning light cast a golden-rosy glow, limning the sails of the small trading ship that was in the midst of preparations to sail east again, laden with the exquisite handcrafts made by the numerous members of the other beleaguered prides of Wemics upon this island that had been the home to their race for more than four hundred years.
Zeoll was not a sailor...but he just knew that this ship could not leave without him...
Zeoll (Racing Shipwards) Monday October 2nd, 2000 8:55:19 AM
Zeoll bounded down to the shore as quickly as he could without breaking his neck. He ran to the wharf as fast as his four lion-paws could carry him.
At the ship, the Liontaur looked for someone with authority. He thought about how he could convince the Captain to let him aboard. Perhaps the few gold pieces he possessed would suffice for his fare. Perhaps he could sign on as a healer, guard, or entertainer. Perhaps he could work for his passage.
And in the back of his head, Zeoll wondered amazedly at his recent dream and -- what? -- vision? visitation? Yet he welcomed these marvels, which eased his anguish somehow. The deaths of his family and pride were still strong and dark in his heart, but the future did not seem so bleak.
Seagulls wheeled overhead, and their skrees were lost for a moment in the sound of the sea. "And I can't even swim!" Zeoll thought.
Flat-top (Clearspring Temple) Monday October 2nd, 2000 9:58:05 AM
Flat-top awakens, damp in a sweat from head to hoofs. The Dream is so real, as he wipes his body dry. When a voice out side the hut cries,"Questors must accompany me----NOW!" The dream, Yes , the dream , Dark Figure! NO! NO! Its *DOMI*! "I must go, I must QUEST??" said Flat-top. Now he pick up his gear and out the of the hut, to The Centor (town crier), telling her " I Must Quest!" said Flat-top, and follows her.
Kenisha (Clearspring Temple) Monday October 2nd, 2000 12:44:06 PM
Kenisha awoke with a start. It was still late at night but she found that she couldn't not get back to sleep. She was loathed to wake up her greataunt, Minisha, since she was quite old. So as quietly as she could she began to gather up those things she thought she might need.
'I will need to go to town.' she thought to herself. 'Surely one of the druids will be able to tell me more of my dream.'
When Minisha came out of her room an hour before the crack of dawn, she was not at all surprised to see Kenisha standing there with her pack ready and on her back. She merely nodded and enquired, "Eaten? Good. It's long past time for this to start. The winds of change are blowing, my dear. Seek what is to be found."
Knowing that Minisha disliked long goodbyes, she made hers brief and took off at a fast pace towards town. Every centaur she met, they all had the same dream, but they were not called to the quest.
Then she heard the town crier and the reply of a male centaur (Flat-top). Trotting up she announced, "As must I. I too am a Questor." Turning to the male she adds, "I am Kenisha."
Mordengast (Sanctuary of the soul) Monday October 2nd, 2000 3:16:40 PM
For Mordengast, sleep did not come easily. Finally, he had given up and gone to the small buildings chapel. He needed guidance in this. Why the dream? What was it's portant? And what had those centaurs to do with it?!
He almost wished he knew the secular more intimately. Then he could have woken one of the patriarch or such. Surely they would have had the answer.
The morning was just as futile. Even by the time he'd finish his ablutions and equipped himself, no answer was forthcoming. Everyone had had the dream, and all save him seemed to dream the same ending? So it had to be important that he Quested. But for what?
The crier's cry outside just about puzzled him even more. Questors? Many where chosen? Somehow this made sense. Imod sought champions. He murmured.. "In your name my Lord. May I prove worthy of thy choice."
(Raising his voice and striding forward) "Hold Crier! I come!" And lo and behold, he was soon in a group making its merry way to the Sanctuary. He turned to the others. "Greetings. I am Mordengast, Chosen of Imod. How was your sleep?"
Thiel(sanctuary of the soul) Monday October 2nd, 2000 3:25:04 PM
Upon waking from "the Dream" Thiel is consumed with an eerie sense of calm , the feeling of purpose. His true destiny revealed. He is sure that he must quest just as the dream commanded. He packs his backpack, thanking his god that he chose not to drink the night before.Dresses in his vestments and dons his heart of Imod pendent.gathers his weapons and slips out of the temple. "No one will ever miss me" says the missfit priest."I will miss this place , My home for these many years. mayhap to return one day." Thiel headed for the sanctuary to meditate his next move. when he heard the crier declare that all questers must follow him. Thiel raised his arm and declared "AYE, I have been chosen. Lead on, I Thiel accept, with gladness i my heart, the summons of the great god Imod. TO QUEST!"
Kale(sanctuary of the soul) Monday October 2nd, 2000 6:21:40 PM
i must of drifted off, Kale thinks to himself when he wakes up startled from the dream. steadying himself, he quickly picks the lock to the baker's door, and moves inside silently, to do what he has to do. once he is done, he exits the bakery. while returning to report to the Kuo-Toth, he hears the cryer, and something inside him compels him to follow the taur to their destination.
Holleb (Clearspring Temple) Monday October 2nd, 2000 11:01:38 PM
~§~ As Holleb awakens, he wonders where he is... his hand is clutching his spear tightly as his dark brown eyes dart from side to side.. until he realises that he is still in his own house... breathing a sigh of releaf, he hears the town crier's yells, and gets up, walking calmly out of his house... after a few minutes, he realises that he is one of the "Questers" and he shoulders up his gear, stepping out the doorway of his tree home and walking down the street, inwardly wondering if he will ever sleep in his own bed again ~§~
Holleb (clearspring temple cont) Monday October 2nd, 2000 11:12:12 PM
.. As Holleb walks down the street in the direction of the crier's movement, his eyes move from side to side, spotting the other "quester"s, Flat-top and Kenisha, and, as he nears them, he salutes them with his feathered lance, "Good day... as you have answered the summons, I can only assume that you, too, had the dreams last night?" .. his voice is kind.. although the things he has seen in his former career as a soldier have made him a little gruff...
On the Way to Clearspring Temple (DM Donna) Tuesday October 3rd, 2000 6:07:20 AM
"All of our kind had the dream," the messenger filly addresses Holleb with a respectful nod, "I was ordered by the elders of Clearspring Temple to lead 'the Questors' to them...and that the Questors would know who they were. I've cried out in all the coastal hamlets and villages, and you three are the only ones who've come forward." The dark-maned female shakes herself all over.
"I, myself, think it's some foul Minotaur plot," she says firmly, "But the temple druids are most insistent that this all portends to great things for Centaur Island." She shrugs and begins to trot along the road.
Journey to the Sanctuary of the Soul (DM Donna) Tuesday October 3rd, 2000 6:15:05 AM
The short, squat bull who'd been tapped to discover the Questors bowed to the paladin, then to the others as they approached.
"The Priests of the Sanctuary send ye greetings, Questors," the young one says in a voice whose slight squeaking gives his adolescence away, even as his comparative size may have done, "They ask that ye all come with me as fast as yeer hooves may hie ye there."
Wharf at Wemic Island (DM Donna) Tuesday October 3rd, 2000 6:23:25 AM
Zeoll reaches the trim merchant vessel in time to see a tall human bellowing orders to his crew. A short, wiry half-elf spots the waiting Wemic and shouts in Common:
"Oy, Cap'n Parsons--furface a-lee!"
With this, the human looks to his left, turning as he does so, and regards Zeoll with surprise.
"You wish to trade?" Parsons asks in passable Wemic.
Zeoll (Wharf) Tuesday October 3rd, 2000 8:51:13 AM
When Zeoll heard the sailor say "furface," he half-unconsciously rubbed his jaw, running his fingers through the short, curly, soft hair of his beard. But he suppressed the flare of anger he felt at the clean-shaven two-legger, not wanting any trouble.
Instead, he bowed low and addressed the tall human in wemic. "Yes, Captain Parrsons, I wish to trade -- for passage. I must board your ship and travel away from my homeland-in-exile. I can offer you some gold, but I would rather trade in kind. I am a priest, so you will find me useful to heal wounds, bless the crew, and purify your food. I am also a warrior, as are all Wemics, so I will help if you are attacked. And I have a few skills as an entertainer, to relieve the voyage of its tedium."
The Liontaur looked expectantly at the human.
Flat-top (on the way to Temple) Tuesday October 3rd, 2000 10:38:34 AM
On the way to the Temple, Flat-top meets with a beautiful filly,and replies" I also must quest, and I'm called Flat-top." When they hear another Centaur, turns his head and reconnising him(Holleb)from the milatery. Greets him with a raised mace, saying " Greetings, We are also Questers, COME This WAY..." Thinking to himself,*Minotaurs, Hmmmm, plot, Hmmmm, Intresting.....*
Kenisha (Clearspring Temple) Tuesday October 3rd, 2000 12:34:52 PM
Kenisha shakes her head sadly at the crier's suspicions. "I think not. But I shall say no more."
Turning to the newest joined Questor she introduces herself. "I am Kenisha, and you are?"
Thiel (journey to the sanctuary) Tuesday October 3rd, 2000 1:15:24 PM
As the three make their way down the road toward the sanctuary, Thiel turns and introduces Himself to the others. "It seems that the omnipotent Imod has thrown the three of us in together. I am Thiel and Who might I have the pleasure of traveling with today?"
Holleb (Clearspring Temple) Tuesday October 3rd, 2000 5:35:30 PM
~§~ Holleb bows ever so slightly to Kenisha, his lean, strong arm clutching his spear moves across his chest as he does so ~§~ "My name is Holleb, former soldier and worshipper of mother earth." ~he then hears the messanger's suspections, snorting ever so slightly and muttering~ ".. when will my people come to understand that both centaurs and minotaurs, as well as humans, elves, and dwarves are all peoples of free will.. and as thus are not bound to be either 'good or evil' by race......"
Kale(santuary) Tuesday October 3rd, 2000 6:32:20 PM
hiding deep in his robes, so that no one can see his facial features, Kale says "Im Kale, and it remains to be seen if we will be traveling anywhere yet." then he looks into the distance. "Though it would be nice to get out of here."
Mordengast (Sanctuary of Soul) Tuesday October 3rd, 2000 7:49:51 PM
The big minotaur smiles. And bows. "Now. Now Hooded One. And my pleasure to meet you. Surely we have not been conveened to the sanctuary just so we can talk dreams with the Wise Ones."
He rubs his hands in boyish glee. "This is a quest. And we WILL be together! For in his immense grace Imod as chosen us! Surely tis to be a GRAND quest! One of many battles!"
On the way to Clearspring Temple (DM Donna) Wednesday October 4th, 2000 7:25:45 AM
As you follow the town crier, an older centaur--very much older, to judge by her wrinkled skin and graying coat--greets you.
"Hail, my sweet colts," the matron draws close, smiling with a rather vacant look in her eyes, "'Tis the end of the Wold, y'know. Ah, aye...'tis the end of the Wold." For such a dire pronouncement, the old female doesn't seem to be very concerned...and her eyes, for all that they are vacant, seem to have an odd light glowing within them.
"Grandam!" a young male calls out, galloping up to the elderly centaur, "You had me worried! Stallion Surefoot was asking about you, and you weren't at the pasture..."
"Oh, there, there, coltling," soothes the grandam, "I was only...only taking a canter hereabouts..." When the grandam casts a puzzled look at you, her eyes are clear and brown and dark--no odd light in them anymore.
"Come along, grandam--lean on me!" the boy offers, clearly fond of the old centaur, who happily accompanies him away from the road.
"Hmmph!" the town crier says, switching her tail. "Almost as weird as everyone dreaming the same dream...oh, well--let's continue on, shall we?" With this, the female continues to trot the way to the Temple.
Journey to the Sanctuary of the Soul (DM Donna) Wednesday October 4th, 2000 7:32:38 AM
"Oh, I wouldn't know WHAT the Elders at the Sanctuary want with you..." the town crier--barely out of calfhood, really--says breathlessly, "...all I know is that it is VERY important--and that there is something that they wish to show one of you." The youth eyes all of you curiously.
"They didn't say WHICH one of you, though."
Wharf at Wemic Island (DM Donna) Wednesday October 4th, 2000 7:46:55 AM
Parsons looks Zeoll up and down, his eyes taking on a calculating gleam.
"Priest, you are?" he replies. "And anxious, too, to go upon the sea..." The grizzled captain purses his lips then nods. "We can find a use for your services, I think, yes." Then Parsons wheels about and bellows:
"BUCKO!!!"
Immediately the half-elf who'd called out about Zeoll scampered down from the ship.
"Aye, Cap'n?"
"You show our newest crewmember where the quarters be," Parsons orders in Common, "And mind your tongue--he'll be either blessin' your food or cursin' it, depending on whether you're of a mind to learn things." The half-elf's face grew ruddy, but his only response was:
"Aye, sir!"
"And your name, my good cleric..?" Parsons asks in the Wemic tongue, looking expectantly at the Liontaur.
Flat-top-(Clearspring Temple) Wednesday October 4th, 2000 10:10:51 AM
Flat-top gallop to the village Gramdam, and adds"Here lean on me and we'll take you with us." Motion to Kenisha and to Holleb for some help, wispers to them *Grandam is a little confused, let's take her to the temple...*
Zeoll (Wharf) Wednesday October 4th, 2000 10:18:10 AM
The Liontaur ducked his head briefly in embarrassment. "Forgive my enthusiasm, good Captain," Zeoll said in wemic. "I am Zeoll, Student to Shaman Frith, Warrior to Pride Nonowla, and Son to Clan Aene. I am pleased to be at your service."
Zeoll went where the captain directed him.
Kenisha (Clearspring Temple) Wednesday October 4th, 2000 7:25:58 PM
Kenisha shakes her head with a smile. "I don't think she's confused at all, Flat-top. Let her go which way she will. Either home to her well deserved rest or to the temple if she so desires."
Kenisha smiles and bows to the grandam, awaiting her word.
Mordengast (Sanctuary of Soul) Wednesday October 4th, 2000 8:25:18 PM
The Chosen looks at the young calf in surprise. "Really? Now isn't that a little strange. Just one of us? When they ask to see all of us? Now THAT worries me a little. Its passingly strange."
He shake himself off with good humour, laughing. "Of course these days strange things seem to be commonplace."
He turns to the other. "Maybe afterwards if we are still together we can introduce ourselves better."
Thiel(journey to sanctuary) Wednesday October 4th, 2000 9:09:13 PM
"Worry not my red eyed companion. Our father has not chosen us out of ignorance. I hold in my faith in Imod. Purpose is in all of us and he has seen it in each of us." Thiel looks thoughtfuly at the horizon. "What purpose each of us serves and when that purpose will be played is out is for Imod alone to say. I will wait to see what path Imod has set before me and hope that I see what Imod has seen in me."
Holleb (Clearspring Temple) Thursday October 5th, 2000 1:41:51 AM
He nods along with Kenisha's comment... "Leave her be... sadly, she may well be one of the most sane people out here.. besides.. to interfere would be to interfere with whatever the goddess has planned.." and with that, he continues walking down the road
Kale(santuary) Thursday October 5th, 2000 3:41:42 AM
when he hears that they priests what to show one of them something, Kale gets extremely worried, thought the others only notice that his hand falls to the hilt of his scimitar and grasps it tightly. "I cant imagine why the would want to talk to me, it has to be one of you two." he says to his companions.
On the Way to Clearspring Temple (DM Donna) Thursday October 5th, 2000 6:37:56 AM
The eldest centaur eyes Flat-top in alarm.
"I need no escort to the Temple!" she insists. Her grandson snorts angrily in agreement.
"The Herd Surefoot takes care of its own!" the lad says, pushing at Flat-top. "We don't need your help!"
"Ranly! Stop acting like a minotaur and come along--our Stallion has summoned me!" the grandam chides the colt, who scowls and withdraws. The older and younger centaurs canter off, their tails switching in agitation.
"Well! *That* was interesting!" muses the town crier, who then turns to Flat-top with a grin. "Are you always this charming, or do you have minotaur blood in you..?" She winks and then begins to lead the group towards the Temple again.
Journey to the Sanctuary of the Soul (DM Donna) Thursday October 5th, 2000 6:45:54 AM
The young crier shrugs.
"I do my duty to the Soul of Imod," he says, "I don't ask questions like some Silly Centaur..." He looks about, then adds in a whisper: "...my friend Jonces says that this is all some kind of plot hatched by the Centaurs, you know...but *I* think that Imod will kick their tails for presuming to influence Minotaurs!"
Wharf at Wemic Isle (DM Donna) Thursday October 5th, 2000 7:13:05 AM
Parsons nods to Zeoll, smirking a bit.
"Well met, Zeoll," he says in Wemic, "I am honored to have the services of your clan. The man I've assigned to aid you is Bucko...he is to show you to your quarters."
"C'mon, fur--" Bucko starts to say, then cuts himself off. "C'mon...this way."
Zeoll is led belowdecks to a cramped area that sports four hammocks and four footlockers.
"This is where ye'll be staying, if'n ye choose." Bucko says in Common, adding in a mutter: "It's here or th'deck--and I HATES the smell of wet fur!"
Zeoll (Belowdecks) Thursday October 5th, 2000 8:08:30 AM
Zeoll hung his backpack on a peg and set his shield on the floor under it, leaning against the floor.
"Thanks," he said to Bucko in accented common. "It's tight down herre -- I might be betterr off on deck. But how can I help you? I want to do my sharre of the worrk."
The Liontaur smiled at Bucko in what he hoped the two-legger would take as a friendly fashion.
Flat-top-(Clearspring Temple) Thursday October 5th, 2000 11:00:14 AM
"As you wish Grandam, I just want to see you safe." Then winks at the others, LOOKs down at the grandson snorting colt. "Graaaahhh! YES I'm part minotaur." then Flat-top stomp a hoof on the ground. Turning to the others, and says " He'll make a fine soldier some day."
Kenisha (Clearspring Temple) Thursday October 5th, 2000 12:19:57 PM
Kenisha had to clench her teeth together as Flat-top played the age old game of "Mighty Minotaur" with the young colt. She wanted to chide the grandam and the crier as well for their berating of the minotaurs. *Now I understand why Minisha rarely speaks to other centaurs.* she mused silently to herself.
But she held her tongue. In the case of the grandam, it was due to respect of her age. For the other two it was purely out of a desire to get to the temple without further delay. That and if her unpopular beliefs were aired, she might not be allowed to go on the quest.
Thiel (sanctuary) Thursday October 5th, 2000 9:05:01 PM
Thiel smiles at the young crier. "I would hope that you are not led by the nose ring as easily as your friend.It is always easy to blame the centaurs. It may be a plot set closer to home. wars have ben waged over missconceptions and rumor in the past and will be again in the future. Believe me young bull one does not need centaurs to create fear and mistrust. there is plenty of that and to spare already these days. listen less to your fears and imbrace Imod. He will see us through all.
Holleb (Clearspring Temple) Friday October 6th, 2000 12:24:19 AM
Holleb smirks and rolls his eyes at the young colt's show of aggression, but holds himself in check, out of respect for the grandam's age, and marking the young one's arrogance as being due to the stupidity of youth.. although he can never remember being so impudant as a child. At this thought, he merely shrugs his broad shoulders and turns his attention back to walking, his feathered spear held in one hand, the shaft resting on his shoulder, holding back the temptation to snort at the mention of being a soldier, bringing back all his memories.. memories that he would rather have stayed forgotten and unthought about as he travels with the group....
Kale(santuary) Friday October 6th, 2000 1:08:22 AM
hearing Thiel's comments, Kale shakes his head and continues on toward the santuary
Mordengast (Sanctuary of Soul) Friday October 6th, 2000 7:52:28 AM
The big hulk smiles at the young one's comment. Turning to Thiel. "Well we certainly make a fine crew. A Voice, a Sword and something in between."
He turns pensive for a moment. "Do you believe in omens? I have the strangest feeling. LIke my life at to lead to this point. As it happens I suddenly find myself at a point where Questing and leaving here could be done without difficulty. But Imod works in strange ways."
On the Way to Clearspring Temple (DM Donna) Friday October 6th, 2000 7:55:57 AM
Flat-top's bravado is sufficient to cause the two other centaurs to hurry away as fast as their hooves can carry them.
The female crier continues to trot towards the location of Clearspring Temple, nodding greetings to the occasional passerby as she leads on.
Journey to the Sanctuary of the Soul (DM Donna) Friday October 6th, 2000 8:09:55 AM
"I'm Koshua," the youth introduces himself somewhat shyly to all, but is clearly concentrating on the good-looking Paladin of your group, "I am an initiate of Hesparus, the High Priest of the Sanctuary of the Soul. He's *always* saying that Imod works in mysterious ways, too."
It's clear to see that young Koshua has taken to Mordengast as the crier leads you all towards the Sanctuary.
Aboard the Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Friday October 6th, 2000 8:27:44 AM
Bucko's expression leaves Zeoll no doubt that the half-elf did NOT expect the wemic to understand his speech. Now that he's been made aware of his ignorance, the sailor's face grows dark.
"You can help me by stayin' out of my way for the rest of the voyage...prrrriest!" The last word is sneered, the rolling of the "R" obviously intended to be an insult.
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) Friday October 6th, 2000 9:17:17 AM
Zeoll shrugged and bent to pick up his pack and shield. "Probably not wise to leave my belongings unguarded," he thought to himself.
Then he turned, still without saying a word to Bucko, and went abovedecks. The liontaur felt too confined in the dim hold, and he felt that he was in clear danger of a concussion -- the ceiling was clearly not meant for folk standing seven feel tall.
Thiel (sanctuary) Friday October 6th, 2000 9:58:49 AM
Thiel finds Modangasts comment uproariously funny.while laughing and cluthing his side thiel says "Thats... all fine with me but...but I think you will find it hard to get our friend Kale here to accept...to accept the the position of voice."
Flat-top (Clearspring Temple) Friday October 6th, 2000 11:47:20 AM
Flat-top watches the both of them trot down the road. Then turns to Kenisha and Holleb saying,"Crier! lets go on with the Quest, to where ever it leads us." Then trots along behind the Crier.
Kenisha (Clearspring Temple) Friday October 6th, 2000 1:02:16 PM
Kenisha ignores Flat-top and keeps on trotting behind the crier. She calmed herself by humming a little sea tune. She didn't dare sing the words that went along with it. Not that there was anything wrong with them, but she had never really liked how it translated into Centaur and to sing it in it's native language would definitely get her in trouble.
Holleb (Clearspring Temple) Friday October 6th, 2000 6:03:48 PM
Holleb walks, listening a little to Kenisha's humming... knowing he's heard the tune before.. but he just CAN'T place his finger on where.. and just glancing at her tells him that he really, REALLY shouldn't ask.. well.. at least not in front of those who might disagree with his viewpoints, not wanting to cause an arguement within the group.. 'well.. at least not yet anyways...' me muses silently to himself, smiling softly, knowing that they must all be in for something big as they follow the crier, hooves clip-clopping down the cobblestoned road... staying silent for the most part, merely nodding to the passersby.
Mordengast (Sanctuary of Soul) Sunday October 8th, 2000 11:44:20 PM
The minotaur looks at the crier. "Really? I met him once you know. When they have us presented to the order there's usually some husle and busle and we end up with a father confessor of sort for a chat. I think he was mine. Has a habit of scratching an ear and knows some goiod jokes (and a lot of bad ones). That High Priest Hesparus?
Clearspring Temple in Fort Stag (DM Donna) Monday October 9th, 2000 6:18:53 AM
Soon you all see the massive tree that houses the Clearspring Temple of Fort Stag. The mighty whishtal towers a good 300 yards into the sky, its trunk about 200 feet around. The sense of timelessness hangs heavy in the air, even as the groups of butterflies, hummingbirds and other colorful winged creatures that flit here and there about the rough-barked structure paradoxically lend the temple a bright, fresh appearance at the same time.
"Follow..." the town crier says, breaking into a determined gallop and leading the way to the huge hollow that is the entrance to this temple of Domi. As she slows to a stop in front of the soaring, naturally-wrought archway, a pair of large, husky centaurs present large spears.
"Halt--who would enter the Clearspring Temple?" one of them--a palomino--intones in a deep voice.
"I bring the Questors, guardian." the crier responds.
"Advance and announce yourselves." the other guardian--brown with one white sock on his left hind foot--orders. Both guardians hold their spears at the ready.
Sanctuary of the Soul at Fort Beast (DM Donna) Monday October 9th, 2000 6:35:35 AM
Koshua thinks for a moment.
"That sounds like High Priest Hesparus, Questor," the youth agrees, nodding, "Though he hasn't been in a joking mood of late." Before anyone can ask about this comment, the bend in the road takes you to the gates of the lavishly-built ironstone temple dedicated to the glory of Imod.
The Sanctuary of the Soul is a building about 200 feet square and about five stories high. Built of ironstone that took one hundred years to fashion into the edifice, it houses those who pass the kalebs of initiation into the clerical circle of minotaur life. The building is adorned with life-sized scenes of battle carved below and above the rectangular windows set symmetrically along its sides.
Koshua leads you to the wide steps at the front of the ancient building and bows deeply before the pair of paladins that flank the 20-foot-high double doors.
"Initiate Koshua, bringing the Questors commanded by High Priest Hesparus to appear here." the town crier says. The paladin guards exchange glances and one of them nods to the calf.
"You may enter, Initiate Koshua," he says, "As may the Questors who advance and give their name." Both of the guards wear heavy breastplates and have the standard two-handed axes in their hands, which they have hefted up and are holding at chest height as they look at you.
The Merry Mermaid at Sea (DM Donna) Monday October 9th, 2000 6:45:28 AM
Zeoll hears the dark muttering of the half-elf behind him as he goes back to the deck, where the sails have now been unfurled and the crew is hustling smartly in their duties to trim the sails and get the ship underway.
The wind picks up and the sails fill with the power of the moving air. Wemic Island shrinks in the west as the rolling of the waves rocks the ship in its rhythmic embrace. The seabirds call a shrill farewell, although a lone bird, gray but for a single blood-red blaze upon its breast, follows the ship, circling its mainmast as the Merry Mermaid heads implaccably out to sea.
Mordengast (Sanctuary-Fort Beast) Monday October 9th, 2000 10:51:38 AM
Mordengast's heart leaps has he sees the fort come into view. How long has it been since he first came here? A hand of years? More? So much had happened then, before he was sent to the Chiosen compound. But his hearth still sang when he saw the building.
He can't help but frown a little had the youth's comment. The High Priest worried? Now that was not a good sign.
At the challenge from the sentinal he steps forward. Unslinging his axe and holding it one handed by the middle of the shaft, the weapon parallel to the ground and held like a barrier between the two. The traditional "this is my weapon" salute. Then he begins the ceremony.
"Zaah Gerjaht! (ooc: greetings brothers). I am Mordengast, Errant Chosen of Imod and now it appears Questor. I seek entry to the Inner Chambers and the wisdom of the High Priest therein. Do you challenge my right or may I pass?"
Kenisha Monday October 9th, 2000 12:09:55 PM
Kenisha stepped up towards the guards. She raised her hand in greeting before bowing to them. The sunlight gleemed on the white hair on top of the rest of her brown hair. The beads and feathers woven in to her thin braids jangled and swayed with the movement. "I am Kenisha, called to The Quest."
Flat-top (Clearspring Temple) Monday October 9th, 2000 12:32:08 PM
Comming into view is the those Mighty Towers and the rest of the View is so beautiful, he feels so free and at the same time so small. That Flat-top is (for once in his life)speachless. "Follow..."the town crier said. Flat-top follows her in a gallop, all the way to entrance of the Temple of Domi. She stop in front of an archway, There he meets a pair of the biggest centaurs that he has ever seen, and armed with the largest spears. If he was not speachless before, HE is now. "Halt..."said one big Palomino..."I bring the Questors, guardian..."said the Crier...(Guardians these are Guardians, and we were chosen to Quest? Domi must know what she's doing)..."Advance and announce yourself..."said the other Gardian, this one was brown with one white sock on one hind lower leg. Both of these guardians hold their huge spear at the ready...(I better find my vouce in a hurry.) They watch this darkskin,piebald hide,with white hair/main/tail, his eyes were ice-blue,step forward and putting his palm together, and say"My name is Flat-top and I was in the Safety Squad. I had this dream and followed the Town crier here. Now I'm proud to be of service to Domi."
Holleb (Clearspring Temple) Monday October 9th, 2000 1:16:48 PM
Holleb returns the guardians' challenge with a slight bow and a salute with his spear.. "My name is Holleb, and although I do not worship Domi, I, too, had the visions as the others did.. great things are happening as we speak.. I can feel it...and I am to be a part of them..." Holleb says loudly in greeting, walking between the guards even as he speaks.. his deep brown eyes glancing from side to side, giving away his curiosity at the place, his tail swishing from side to side a bit...
Thiel(sanctuary) Monday October 9th, 2000 1:32:21 PM
Upon hearing that the high priest was worried thiel has a shiver run up his spin. Thiel had seen the hish priest many times during his time as an initiate. He had never met "The Old Bull" in person but he had always been told he was very jovial. Thiel was not very excited about seeing the sanctuary building again.He was never fully accepted here, possibly that was why at the first opportunity,Thiel left the sanctuary.He really only returned when there was something he felt he needed Imod's guidence. or for those rare occasions when there was a need for the entire heart to convene. After Mordangast announced himself.Thiel stepped forward and placed both hands overhis heart, gave a slight nod ,careful not to lose eye contact,and announced himself."I am Thiel initiated fifteen years past and made priest seven years later. I seek the knowledge, wisdom, and courage of his heart. today I also quest in his name. Passage is my right and I repectfully request, that you stand aside.
Zeoll seasick and musing (on the Merry Mermaid) Monday October 9th, 2000 5:16:42 PM
Zeoll tried to laugh as he heaved his guts over the side of the boat, but all he accomplished was to splash vomit on his forepaws. Still, it amused him to contrast the vision of his dream -- a hero sailing from the isle of his birth on a quest for his people's salvation -- with the reality of the acrid stench in his nose.
"The high shamans say Tomi first brings low those he later elevates," Zeoll thought to himself, "so as low as I am now, He must have great heights in mind for me!"
Stamping his feet and wiping his mouth on his sleeve, the Liontaur paced back to the huge pile of rope on which he had been sitting. He thought once more about the hell hounds that killed everyone else in his pride, including his parents and the shaman who had been his mentor. His tail lashed.
Having failed to protect his family, Zeoll said to himself, he now had no direction in life, no one to guard. A black time of grief and rage had fallen on him after he returned from a hunting trip to find that ruin and death; shadows still lingered in the recesses of his head.
But he had dreamed his way back to hope and purpose. He forgot his churning stomach, and the curses of the sailor mopping the deck faded as he entered pondered his visions, dreams, and hopes.
"Then may the Wemics be freed." He quoted softly to himself the Voice he had heard.
"Perhaps it was merely a phantasm conjured by my wishful mind," Zeoll mused. But he took odd comfort in remembering his dream as the ship tilted back and forth, carrying him far from his island home.
Clearspring Temple (DM Donna) Tuesday October 10th, 2000 7:53:44 AM
The guardians to the Temple entrance nod to you as you each present yourselves.
"Questors--enter the Temple of Domi," they tell you, standing aside to allow you into the gigantic tree.
You all step into the spacious entry chamber. The young town crier has disappeared, it seems, for the room is empty save for the naturally-formed bas-relief that adorns the living walls and the four pedestals that hold 2-foot-diameter globes from which emanates the soft, natural light of the thousands of fireflies that appear to be in each.
There is a telltale clip-clop of approaching hooves. Emerging from the wide doorway directly opposite the exit to the outside, you see the filly who'd led you here... and she's accompanied by a broad-chested centaur with a silver-gray coat and black mane and tail. He wears a silver holy symbol around his neck--a large pendant engraved with crossed swords--and looks at you with grave dark eyes.
"I am Hollyhocks, assistant to Winnowill, the High Priestess of Domi," he says. "Follow me, and we shall speak of important matters." He retreats back through the doorway from which he'd emerged.
Sanctuary of the Soul (DM Donna) Tuesday October 10th, 2000 8:19:51 AM
The guards at the door immediately shoulder their weapons as each of you sounds off.
"Ak'ish annar!" bids one.
"Ak'ish Imod!" adds the other.
Go with honor. Go with Imod. Earnest, formal greetings both. This MUST be a very serious matter.
You enter a long, wide corridor segmented by carved arches into five sections. Each section has the classic scenes of battles carved into each side of the hallway--Imod defeating a legion of demons, Imod besting a horde of centaurs, Imod bearing the Heart of the Beast and presenting it to the very first High Priest of the Temple...
Koshua is at the end of the corridor.
"This way..." the initiate beckons you forward, "...this way to meet Hesparus."
The Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Tuesday October 10th, 2000 8:31:55 AM
"Here...chew on this." a voice behind Zeoll says in Common. You turn and see a very tan human with sun-bleached short-cropped hair--wiry and missing his left ear. He looks to be in his late teenage years. He holds out a trio of leafy sprigs.
"It's Fairy Lace," the lad tells you. "Chewing on it helps t'settle the stomach. Mah Granny tole me that."
He continues to hold out the herbs.
Thiel (sanctuary) Tuesday October 10th, 2000 9:38:06 AM
Thiel follows the young initiate. The gravity of what is going to happen down the corridor begins to set in on Thiel.
Kenisha (Clearspring Temple) Tuesday October 10th, 2000 11:30:37 AM
Kenisha follows behind in contemplative silence. This was the first time she had ever been in here before and she didn't want to do or say anything to offend.
Flat-top (Clearspring Temple) Tuesday October 10th, 2000 12:15:56 PM
Follows Hollyhocks, to the back and through the doorway, quietly.
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) Tuesday October 10th, 2000 1:40:07 PM
Zeoll reached out and took the leaf from the young human.
"Thank you, young frriend," Zeoll answered. "You are most kind to a strrangerr herre. But let me be strrangerr no longerr. I am Zeoll, a prriest of Tomi, herre to serrve on this ship in exchange forr passage."
The Liontaur chews the herbs slowly and thoroughly. Then he bows low. "I am at yourr serrvice," he tells the lad.
Holleb (Clearspring Temple) Tuesday October 10th, 2000 6:55:19 PM
Holleb follows after Hollyhocks, the only sound escaping him is the sound of his hooves striking the ground... his dark brown eyes searching the area around him as he walks, following his two companions.
Mordengast (Sanctuary) Tuesday October 10th, 2000 11:10:12 PM
Only a raised eyebrow shows Mordengast's surprise at the greetings. Truly things ARE of great import.
With determination, the young questor steps forward (after putting his axe away of course). Time to meet the priest.
Center of the Sanctuary (DM Donna) Wednesday October 11th, 2000 6:54:29 AM
Incense hangs heavy in the central chamber, which is about 25 feet in diameter and carved into a round shape. The bas-relief here is painstakingly detailed and even painted in realistic colors, and--as in the corridor--depicts the victories of Imod and those inspired by him.
Opposite the entrance into this rotunda is a dais, upon which stand two figures. One is a bull whose gray-dappled dark brown head and slightly-striated horns indicate his extreme age. The other is a heifer with cream and russet coloring and the usual hornbobs atop her smaller set of horns. Both wear the robes of the Soul of Imod.
"Advance, questors," the female bids in a voice that is gentle yet irresistible, "Come pay homage to Imod's representative on Wold, the High Priest Hesparus." She bows as she speaks the male's name and steps to one side.
As you approach, you see that--as old as Hesparus must be--his obsidian eyes shine with inner strength and wisdom. Clearly this old bull has a good score of years left to him unless he is blessed by Imod to be struck down in battle.
"B'Imod annar." the High Priest bids as you all come before him, nodding his head and causing the large silver holy symbol worn about his neck to swing from the braided chain it is suspended by. By the honor of Imod.
Heart of the Temple (DM Donna) Wednesday October 11th, 2000 7:08:54 AM
Hollyhocks leads the way into a chamber whose size and shape instantly remind all who enter of how a little carver-beetle must feel after boring into the interior of a large pumpkin!
The chamber is a good 75 feet around--laterally as well as vertically! The vast room has bas-relief scenes of Domi's greatest battles and those struggles of the various heroes who've been recorded in legend as being Domi's chosen. The three-dimensional tableaus almost pulse with a life of their own, the shadings of the wood are just SO realistic.
Opposite the archway through which you've entered is a dais topped by a thick, curved bower of ivy and trailing flowers. The bower frames a female centaur clutching a gnarled ironwood staff and wearing a silver holy symbol of Domi.
"Hail, Winnowill--" Hollyhocks calls, "--I bring the questors!"
"Welcome, children of Domi," the High Priestess greets affectionately, smiling, "Welcome to the Clearspring Temple!" As you advance, you see that her smile--for all its genuine warmth--doesn't completely hide the appearance that the middle-aged palomino is a bit worried about something.
"...and you all would be..?" prompts Winnowill, her chocolate brown eyes looking from one face to another.
Aboard the Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Wednesday October 11th, 2000 7:19:37 AM
The blond boy gapes at Zeoll.
"Goldang it!" he breathes. "Ya shore talk purdy!" Then, recovering, the young sailor grins self-consciously, holding out a hand in greeting.
"Sorry--Ah lets mah lips flap afore Ah lets mah brain think!" he admits sheepishly. "Mah name's Elwood, but Cap'n Parsons a-calls me 'Beckn'...tha's a-cuz he says Ah be at his 'beckn call'...onna count as Ah be th'cabin boy." Beckn rolls his sea-green eyes in a droll manner. "Ah thinks its a-cuz th'Cap'n likes 'B' names. He renames ever'one aboard the Merry Mermaid...an' we alls come out with 'B' names." The human pauses, looking over the wemic with curious eyes.
"Ah don' r'collects none o' yore kind takin' t'sea afore..."
Thiel Wednesday October 11th, 2000 9:52:18 AM
Thiel approaches the Dais and kneels on one knee. He places his shield on the floor beside him puts his hands together as if to pray and says, "Bless me highness for my time from here has been long. A summons sent by a dream bids me quest. For what, I am unsure, but it is of paramount import to all minotaurs, of this I am sure. I, Thiel, a humble servant of the great Imod and questor in his name seek guidance from one whom Imod has showered with his grace and approval."
Flat-top - (Clearspring Temple) Wednesday October 11th, 2000 10:54:17 AM
Flat-top steps forward a few paces, then bows (as only a centaur can do)and puts his hands together,"Hail, My name is Flat-top of the Guards, now I had a dream and was brought here to Quest. Bid me, Your Highness, and I your servant. Please tell us what Domi want of us all." Lowering his eyes, but still has his hands together.
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) Wednesday October 11th, 2000 12:20:06 PM
Zeoll smiled at Elwood. "I was taught yourr language by a human barrd who once visited my land -- perrhaps he did not teach me the same dialect that you speak. He also taught me to make music."
"And yes, it is trrue that we liontaurrs seldom leave ourr home. But an omen came to me, and I knew I had to be aboarrd this ship. Wherre is it going, by the way?"
Holleb (Clearspring Temple) Wednesday October 11th, 2000 1:57:31 PM
Holleb steps forward, his hooves clip clopping on the wooden floor. As he nears the woman, he bows a little, then salutes her with the tip of his feathered lance. "I am Holleb, former soldier and now druid, and I, too, had the dream, and so I followed, awaiting to see my purpose in the great events of the Wold." Holleb's voice is clear and unwavering, not intimidated by any of these surroundings or people....
Mordengast (Sanctuary of Soul) Wednesday October 11th, 2000 3:39:43 PM
Before stepping closer to the dais, Mordengast stop at a nearby brazier. There, he appears to warm his hands then makes a gesture as if washing himself with the flames. Those in the know recognized the ritual as a form of purification, letting the flames of valor burn one's sins away. Obviously he does not wish to contaminate the temple or the high priest with an uncleaned aura.
He then steps forward and bows. As a Chosen he'd learned long ago to stand up as a warrior. Although he'd like to join Thiel, the figure on the dais generating that much power. When he speaks it is softly and with respect.
"Hai High One. I am Mordengast the Chosen. I salute you and come seeking your wisdom on a strange dream, and on a call to a quest that only we seemed to have received."
Kenisha (Clearspring Temple) Thursday October 12th, 2000 1:07:28 AM
Kenisha followed behind Holleb, bowing deeply. When she speaks, her voice is calm and almost melodious. "I am Kenisha, schooled in the ways of magic by my great-aunt, Minisha. I too was called to the Quest."
Kale(santuary) Thursday October 12th, 2000 6:18:22 AM
Kale, lost in his musings and worries, has remained silent. Even when challenged at the gate, the only thing that has escaped his lips was a whisper, stating his name. Once in the old priest's presence, he steps foward, but only a few steps. He bows, but it's clear he's nervous, and scared.
Sanctuary of the Soul (DM Donna) Thursday October 12th, 2000 6:42:11 AM
Hesparus inclines his head, ears twitching.
"Clothilde...this one would be..?" he asks his assistant.
"Thiel, master," she replies quickly, "One of the Soul of Imod." The female genuflects by crossing her heart.
"Welcome, Brother Thiel." approves Hesparus. "And what do my old eyes see before me...Morgangash, is that you?" The old cleric's eyes spark with humor as he addresses the paladin of your group.
"Mordengast, as you well know, master!" Clothilde corrects automatically, not having quite the same kind of humor the High Priest possesses.
"Indeed I do, prelate, for was he not one of the brightest and most honorable of our Chosen?" Hesparus says, his amusement at his assistant's stodgy response evident, as is his pride in seeing Mordengast after all this time.
"And here..?" Hesparus turns curious eyes to the silent, red-robed figure who failed to introduce himself when asked.
"The guards tell me this is Kale, master," Clothilde answers, her nostrils flaring a bit in distaste as she adds, "Apparently a member of the Kuo-Toth." It is clear that such a guild does not meet with the younger priestess's approval.
"Ahhhhh..." Hesparus nods sagaciously, then gestures to all of you, "Rise, then, please...tell me what you see behind me...all of you."
"But, master, only the Chosen was to--"
"Prelate!" Hesparus rebukes the female's protest sharply. "I am using the wisdom granted to me by Imod--ALL of them will look and tell me what they see." Clothilde nods acquiescence, bowing her head and remaining silent.
High Priest Hesparus steps to one side, and all of you look to see a round sandtable with pebbles arranged on it in a pattern that reminds you of the symbol for Imod...a pair of swords, crossed. However, there seems to be something not quite right about it--if only you could put your finger on it...
Clearspring Temple (DM Donna) Thursday October 12th, 2000 7:23:57 AM
Winnowill's blonde head nods acknowledgement as each of the questors speaks right up. Hollyhocks's tail lashes at the mention of Minisha, but he is silent.
"Domi has chosen well, it appears," the priestess says. "Dedicated followers to support the righteousness of the centaur cause! Your quest will be completed successfully, I'm sure!"
"What of...the omens, mistress?" asks her assistant. "The ones that seem to--" A snort from Winnowill causes the junior priest to subside.
"Tell me, my children," the High Priestess says to you all, "Have you seen anything or heard anything...strange, or not quite normal...on your way here to the temple..?"
The Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Thursday October 12th, 2000 7:51:14 AM
"We be headin' for the port of--" Beckn begins to tell Zeoll, but the sudden screech of a nearby seabird startles both the young sailor and the wemic he's talking to. You turn your head and see, perched on the ship's rail not five feet away, that gray bird with the red splotch on its chest.
"Heh--loud cuss, ain't he?" Beckn says, then goes on with his original subject. "Anyhoo, we be headin' for Ca--"
"Screeee! Screeeeee!" the bird cries again.
"Shoo! Go 'way!" Beckn waves a hand at the avian, who flies up into the air. The young human frowns. "Ya'd think his mamma'd a-taught him better manners!"
The bird screeches from on high.
"We be going north an' east, preacher," Beckn informs Zeoll, "We be goin' to Castle Violet--" Once more the shrill call of the gray bird sounds from beyond the height of the main mast, "--it be on Min'taur Island."
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) d20=3 Thursday October 12th, 2000 8:50:26 AM
Zeoll put his finger to his lips. "Hush, Elwood, and let the birrd be. It mostly scrreeches when you trry to tell me ourr destination. Perrhaps this is a sign."
The liontaur watched the bird intently for a moment. He pondered the wisdom of casting his Bless spell on it. He wondered about its strange marking.
Flat-top Thursday October 12th, 2000 11:39:21 AM
Thinking about what the High Priestess has ask, he replies, "No, not that I... wait a second... I do remember a Grandam on the road, with vacant eyes saying something about the End Of Wold." Turning to Holleb and Kenisha with a questioning look on his face, asks of them, "did I imagine her?"
Kenisha (Clearspring Temple) Thursday October 12th, 2000 12:26:42 PM
Kenisha laughs as she replies to Flat-top, "No, my friend, you did not. I remember that when she spoke, her eyes were vacant and yet they seemed to glow at the same time. Then she snapped out of it."
Thiel(sanctuary) d20=10 Thursday October 12th, 2000 12:44:51 PM
Thiel rises from his kneel gathers his sheild and approaches the table. The pebbles seem to make the symbol of Imod. Perhaps there is something extra... more, but on second look maybe something less... missing. Certainly there is something queer about the pebbles and the symbol they form. Thiel turns to the high priest and says, "While I see the oddness of this arrangement highness, perhaps Imod does not wish for me to penetrate its meaning. Perhaps I have only hid the obvious from myself."
Mordengast (Sanctuary of soul) Thursday October 12th, 2000 1:33:24 PM
The bulky figure looks at the table. And looks. And keeps looking. Finally with a loud sigh he turns to the priest.
"Well I might love puzzle for the mind but this puzzle for the eye mistifies me. Or its so obvious I can't place it. My apologies."
Kale(santuary) d20=7 Thursday October 12th, 2000 6:14:16 PM
though hes still scared, especially after Clothilde's comments, he still stares into the sandtable. within moments he catches something out of place(made perception check)
Holleb (Clearspring Temple) Friday October 13th, 2000 1:34:02 AM
Holleb nods to Kenisha. "Yes.. she was definately real.. and her words seemed to me to be most unnatural... she spoke of the end of the wold.. yet she spoke of it lightly, as if she were discussing which apples were best this year.. most unusual.. and her eyes tell me that she was not entirely.. there... if you take my meaning...." Holleb's eyes roll slightly at the word there', to help illustrate his point.. his voice a bit gruff, but respectful.
The Dream Interpreted {Sanctuary of the Soul} (DM Donna) Friday October 13th, 2000 6:27:08 AM
Both Thiel and Kale realize that the pebbles laid out on the surface of the sand in not quite the right way: first of all, the crossed swords of Imod are broken, and, secondly, the circle that encloses and highlights the image of the crossed weapons is, itself, depicted in several disjointed lines rather than being its customary unbroken, eternal circle.
All of these things Clothilde points out in a low, urgent tone, adding:
"...This sandtable is never disturbed, as it is a meditation display. The guards have never reported anyone touching it--yet for the last three mornings, the pebbles have been rearranged thus whenever the Master has come for his morning prayers."
(OOC: everyone make a Wisdom check with a -2 penalty.)
"Clearly Imod is trying to warn us of something," Hesparus says, frowning, "Though I have no real idea of what it may be." The old bull shakes his head. "No matter--there is something else which commands our attention...something that only you can do, as only you--of all our people--where chosen of Imod for the task." The elderly cleric looks about and moves over to the carved, throne-like chair that occupies the dais and sits in it, as Clothilde leaves the dais and the chamber. The High Priest looks at the party with a particularly grim expression on his face.
"By now you know that everyone on this island has dreamed the same dream." he says gravely. "I am here to tell you that the vision in the dream has begun to come true--the fishermen of the town have all returned, reporting the emergence of a new island in the very middle of Safety Channel...one complete with fully-grown trees and animals on it--some even claimed to see a giant insect of some sort capture a deer at the edge of its jungle...but that doesn't matter. What DOES matter is THIS..." The High Priest draws in a shaky but determined breath before continuing:
"All our people had the very same dream--" he says, "--except for you...and me. My dream ended with Imod commanding me to gather the chosen questors together and to give them...our most precious artifact." Here Clothilde, returned from whence she'd gone--presents a box for your inspection--it appears to be a clear glass box, and within it is the Heart of the Beast. You all gasp, for this is THE most precious possession in your entire culture--the only thing in the Wold that matters more than even Blue Wine!
"You are to take this to the new isle, questors--there you will find the other half of the Heart. You are charged with reuniting the two halves, that the Heart may be whole once more. There is a ship awaiting your departure upon the turn of the tide--which is within the hour. You have enough time to browse through the equipment assembled at the other end of this chamber and to choose those items you deem necessary for such an expedition." With this, the High Priest nods towards the area in question.
"If you have any questions of me, ask them quickly. You must equip and go. Clothilde will choose the person to be the one charged with the honor of bearing the box with the Heart in it."
The Dream Interpreted {Clearspring Temple} (DM Donna) Friday October 13th, 2000 6:39:16 AM
Winnowill and Hollyhocks exchange glances at the sound of this news.
"Obviously a portent of some kind," Hollyhocks insists, nervously flicking his tail, "Though Domi only knows if it is to be taken literally or not." The superior cleric nods, frowning a bit, then pointedly waves a hand towards a side exit. As Hollyhocks goes towards that door, Winnowill looks at the party with a particularly grim expression on her face.
"By now you know that everyone on this island has dreamed the same dream." she says gravely. "I am here to tell you that the vision in the dream has begun to come true--the fishermen of the town have all returned, reporting the emergence of a new island in the very middle of Safety Channel...one complete with fully-grown trees and animals on it--some even claimed to see a giant insect of some sort capture a deer at the edge of its jungle...but that doesn't matter. What DOES matter is THIS..." The High Priestess draws in a shaky but determined breath before continuing:
"All our people had the very same dream--" she says, "--except for you...and me. My dream ended with Domi commanding me to gather the chosen questors together and to give them...our most precious artifact." Here the returning Hollyhocks presents a box for your inspection--it appears to be a clear glass box, and within it is the Heart of the Stag. You all gasp, for this is THE most precious possession in your entire culture--the only thing in the Wold that matters more than even Blue Wine!
"You are to take this to the new isle, questors--there you will find the other half of the Heart. You are charged with reuniting the two halves, that the Heart may be whole once more. There is a ship awaiting your departure upon the turn of the tide--which is within the hour. You have enough time to browse through the equipment assembled at the other end of this chamber and to choose those items you deem necessary for such an expedition." With this, Winnowill indicates the area just behind her, beyond the bower.
"If you have any questions of me, ask them quickly. You must equip and go. Hollyhocks shall determine who is to be charged with the honor of bearing the box with the Heart in it."
Another Omen..? {The Merry Mermaid} (DM Donna) Friday October 13th, 2000 6:54:54 AM
Zeoll knows that he lacks the experience to attempt interpreting casual omens, and yet the appearance of this bird, at this time, and its well-timed screeing during Beckn's speech leads the neophyte priest to one inescapable conclusion:
The dream that motivated him to take this voyage featured a figure with a bloody hole in the middle of his chest--the same area on the gray bird that was marked by its crimson feathers. The bird's screeches objected to Beckn's statement of the ship's destination, so this meant that--regardless of where the Merry Mermaid took port, Zeoll's destination was NOT going to be Castle Violet.
"YOU!" the snarl of Bucko interrupted the wemic's reverie. "Cap'n says yer butt is supposed to get to the galley now--breakfast needs blessin'!" The half-elf almost spits the words at Zeoll, then Bucko's baleful eyes turn Beckn's way. "And YOU are s'pposed to be waitin' on the Cap'n now, too--so haul away, b'fore I have ya keelhauled for loitering!"
"Aye, sir." the cabin boy responds flatly, then prods Zeoll gently. "Ah c'n show ya to the galley. Follow me." The lanky lad scampers towards the hatchway that leads belowdecks.
Zeoll works and Prays (Merry Mermaid) Friday October 13th, 2000 7:40:43 AM
Zeoll followed Elwood to the galley, making a conscious effort to push the omen away from the front of his mind for now. He entered the galley, adding to its crowdedness considerably.
The liontaur cast his Bless spell as directed, invoking the power of Tomi with greater feeling in his heart than usual. He was glad he had not cast the spell on the bird. No doubt it had already been blessed by noble Tomi, in spades.
But after the prayer, Zeoll couldn't help but ponder the omen again. If the sea bird was the figure on the dream, and in his dream the figure stood on the new island, and the bird did not want him to go to Castle Violet, then it made sense that maybe it wanted him to go to the new island. Perhaps the bird would lead him there. Or if the bird did not appear again, perhaps he should talk with the captain about landing him on this new island.
Zeoll resolved to speak of it to the captain as soon as possible. In the meantime, he prayed silently for guidance.
Flat-top (Clearspring Temple) Friday October 13th, 2000 10:25:14 AM
Flat-top, after hearing the interpretation of the Dream and about this island (with monsters). " Please choose Kenisha or Holleb, for I am a fighter and to rough to handle such a delicate glass box. But I will defend that Carrier Centaur to the death of me." Then to Holleb he wispers,"I wonder what Domi has in mind? We better equipped ourselves well." Flat-top approaches the Table.
Thiel(sanctuary) d20=2 Friday October 13th, 2000 11:42:50 AM
ThielFeels sure that the pebbles have ben moved by "someone" and feels no omen or message from the sand table.Thiel is also absolutly petrified of the heart he has never even seen the real talisman itself muchless been in aposition to hold it. To be placed as one of its protectors is a dream in the mind of every firs year initiate but one none ever really expects to be fulfilled. to hear the high priest say that they would be carrying the heart to the new island almost drops Thiel to his knees in astonishment. Thiel must ask " Are you sure highness? Surely we can go and retrieve the other half and bring it here to be reunited. Such a talisman out for anyone to possibly have access. not to mention there are certainly to be others with interest in the new isle. And some with not the same intentions as ours. I do not question your wisdom sire but I feel three is not a true vangaurd for something of such importants as the heart of Imod. Thiel thinking he has gone as far as he might in the face of his superior quiets himself and turns and heads for the table with the offerd equipment. He then stops and turns to the high priest and asks "Highness i know Ihave asked many things in one breath but if you would allow me one last. This new isle does it have a name?"
Mordengast (Sanctuary of Soul) d20=4 Friday October 13th, 2000 12:28:58 PM
For Mordengast this is a day of wonder. Looking at the symbol, now that's it been pointed out to him, he can see the difference. He is so busy observing it that he almost fails to follow the others to the chair. What follows however shakes him to the core. An island? Insects? Batlle?!?!
When the Heart is brought how however, AND the revelation on what is going to happen to it he almost feels the weight of the world on him. A small impish part of him can't help but think : Imod. What will change color now?::
He looks at the people and his ears are moving constantly, a sure sign of agitation. "Great One I see the need if such is Imod's Will but surely there must be better than us (apologestic look at the others) to carry this out. I mean this something to precious to leave in our hands. Must you?"
The look given by the priest is clear enough. With a sigh he looks at the others. "I humbly request that one of you bear this honor. I am not worthy of carrying it and would fare better defending the Bearer with my life. My own sins should not be thrust upon it."
Then he looks at the priest. "High one? I just realized something. Its about the symbol..."
Holleb (Clearspring temple) Friday October 13th, 2000 1:55:35 PM
Holleb looks from side to side for a moment, taking in their mission, then silently clip clopps to the table, looking at the equipment on it, concidering what to take, muttering under his breath, "as I thought... this IS going to be hard.... it sounds too simple.. but gods know it won't be.." He finds himself both hoping that he is charged with the precious object.. yet he also finds himself thinking that he is not worthy of the honor... so he says nothing on the subject, and just keeps looking over the objects on the table.
Kale(santuary) d20=16 Friday October 13th, 2000 6:15:43 PM
(missed wisdome check) what have I gotten myself into, Kale thinks to himself. wanting to be anywhere else in the world but here, Kale none the less moves forward to get a closer look at the fabled heart
Kenisha (Clearspring Temple) Monday October 16th, 2000 12:39:08 AM
Kenisha remained silent after the others had spoken. But to herself she thought, 'To reunite the two halves. This truely is what Minisha has been waiting for all these years.' She sent a silent prayer for their success then moves to look at what was on the table.
Sanctuary of the Soul (DM Donna) Monday October 16th, 2000 7:15:03 AM
Both Thiel and Mordengast immediately grasp the meaning of the altered design on the sand table: some great--possibly catastrophic!-- event will involve not only Domi and/or his followers, but (as suggested by the broken circle surrounding the damaged swords) perhaps the entire Wold! Could it be that this mission is far more important than even the questors are guessing..?
"My dear children of Imod," Hesparus says firmly, "I have had a good seven-score and eleven years to develop the skill to interpret signs, omens and dreams...Imod wills that you three--and you three ALONE--bear the Heart of the Beast forth to this unnamed new island and discover how to reunite our half with the other. We must trust in Imod's wisdom."
"Come--you must choose which of these items you will have." Clothilde says, leading the way to the heavy oak table that has six items on it.
"You may each take a potion," the prelate tells you, "They are healing draughts made by my own hand. But you must decide amongst yourselves which of you will benefit from the remaining three choices..." Clothilde puts the glass box down and points to each item as she explains:
"This golden token is to be presented to the temple armory--it entitles the bearer to have his weapon of choice replaced with one that is enchanted for better accuracy and heavier damage in battle.
"This iron nosering provides a small measure of magical protection when worn.
"This large kite shield is also enchanted to endow its bearer better defensive capability than normal." Here the heifer turns to face you, adding sternly:
"Choose well and choose quickly, questors--these gifts are a result of hastily-provided donations by the children of Imod, and your ship leaves within the hour!"
Clearspring Temple (DM Donna) Monday October 16th, 2000 7:32:20 AM
"I made the rounds personally when Winnowill revealed to me her interpretation of her dream," Hollyhocks tells you as he goes over to the living shelf that houses the equipment that you will be choosing from, "I gathered monetary offerings from everyone in the immediate area--as well as a VERY generous donation from the weaponsmith down the trail a bit--and we were able to procure these things to aid you in your quest:
"The weaponsmith has offered to give one of you your choice in his stock of magic weapons--you may be needing that edge when you get to that new island. Just return this signet ring to him and he'll trade you the magic weapon for your normal one.
"I was also able to purchase this nice round shield from an armorer--it's supposed to be magic, too.
"And then there's this ring--" the temple assistant points to the silver ring with the small round malachite stone set in it, "--it's supposed to protect you...at least, that's what the merchant who removed it from her own finger assured me." The dark-maned priest turns to you.
"You will each get a flask of Blue Wine decanted just last night in the temple's holy ceremonies," Hollyhocks says, "They will heal whatever wounds you sustain when you drink them. Now, hurry--make your choices, because there's no time to waste!" The centaur prances in place a bit, anxious for you to start your quest.
The Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Monday October 16th, 2000 7:59:40 AM
"Thank ye, Blesser!" Captain Parsons speaks his appreciation out loud after Zeoll performs his contracted duty. "Now, the rest of you lubbers eat your fill an' get back to work!" The Captain then leaves the mess with Beckn in tow.
"Blesser, eh?" a rotund human near the Wemic chortles. "Parsons likes ye, priest, to give ye a name already!" He takes a deep drink of the tankard he has in one hand then belches, adding: "By th' way, I'm Blimpy, though the gods only know why!" This generates raucous laughter from all around.
"Well, the gods only know why we have to tolerate freaks aboard the ship!" growls Bucko, whose statement cuts the laughter short.
"Ye be callin' me a freak, halfbreed???" roars Blimpy, standing up with a speed that belies his bulk. Another human--tall and, amazingly, female--stands and makes herself heard.
"Belay that, navigator!" she yells in a commanding voice. "The Cap'n don't tolerate fighting amongst the ranks! Besides...we all know that Bucko's name should be 'Blowhard', instead." This draws even more laughter than before, and the half-elf's face grows dark. His venomous glance at Zeoll leaves the wemic with no doubt that Bucko clearly blames the priest for his own embarassment.
"Aye, aye, Brand." Blimpy says, grinning. As he sits down, he turns to Zeoll and adds apologetically: "Sorry, there, priest--sometimes I let my temper get the better of me."
"As well as your appetite, eh, Blimpy?" somebody else calls out. Everyone--including Blimpy--laughs again.
"Beats being skinny enough for a trade wind t' blow ye away, Beanpole!" retorts the navigator.
"So, priest--" the female crewmember called Brand addresses Zeoll directly, "--how are you finding your journey so far?"
Thiel(sanctuary) Monday October 16th, 2000 9:16:18 AM
Thiel turns to his companions and says, "All of these are fine weapons and I would be happy to carry any into battle. I feel that we shall learn to trust one another in time and we will need each others' strengths this adventure. I chose the shield. If either of you wishes the shield for himself you need only say so.
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) Monday October 16th, 2000 9:25:59 AM
Zeoll bows to the tall woman and the assembled crew members. "I am still getting used to the motion of the boat on the waterr, so please, enjoy yourr meal, and forrgive me forr not joining you today!" The Liontaur smiles broadly.
"But yourr warrm welcome gladdens my hearrt and makes me forrget the churning of waves and stomach," Zeoll continues, "so thanks to you all."
"I am Zeoll, Student to Shaman Frrith, Warrriorr to Prride Nonowla, and Son to Clan Aene," Zeoll continues in his thickly accented Common. "Although I underrstand that the custom on boarrd herre is to adopt use-names bestowed by the Captain. By any name, I am pleased to be at yourr serrvice."
"I know alrready Beckn and Bucko, Blimpy the Navigatorr, Brrand, and Beanpole." He nods to each in turn. "And I look forrward to getting to know you all."
"How long will ourr jourrney be to the Taurr Isles?"
Flat-top (Clearspring Temple) Monday October 16th, 2000 3:23:04 PM
Flat-top watches the items the says,"I would like to see Kenisha take the ring, with it she'll be stronger and cutting down on damages. As for the shield and your lance,Holleb, you would make a mighty FOE, As for me... I'm an up close fighter, the sword would be a weapon of choise. What do you say to this one plan? Kenisha ? Holleb ?" Waiting for a better suggestion.
Kale(santuary) d20=18 Monday October 16th, 2000 6:46:11 PM
"Ill take the ring. I do use a shield, but that one is too big for me." Kale says as he walks over to the box and picks up the ring. he holds it to his eyes and examines it carefully(misses appraising check)
Mordengast (sanctuary of soul) Monday October 16th, 2000 8:51:16 PM
The Chosen manages to looks completely downcast at the High Priests remonstration. His ears are downcast and he looks much like a scolded child.
"Yes High One. I meant no offense on your abilities or any lack of faith. It's just that… well.. you know… If I'd studied to be an apprentice merchant I think I'd feel the same way if I was given the keys to the kingdom's vault my first day on the job. Like someone is pulling a HUGE joke."
He nevertheless makes his way to the table. Listening to the instructions and the choices made he looks at the other two. "Well I am Kayled trained with the axe and I need two hands for that. How about I take the weapon? My armour is good enough and that way you have the shield and the ring can goes to the other. That way everyone uses the item most efficiently. The wepons to the fighters and the protection to the spellcaster. Who should by the same token carry the Heart."
Holleb (Clearspring Temple) Monday October 16th, 2000 9:36:44 PM
Holleb looks thoughtful for a moment, then nods silently to Flat-Top, speaking, "..that sounds like a good idea, Flat top... being a lancer, a sheild sounds appropriate for me.. and Kenisha using the ring seems like a good enough idea.." .. His eyes look over at Kenisha, as if awaiting her approval.. or possibly a better idea....
Sanctuary of the Soul (DM Donna) d20=12 Tuesday October 17th, 2000 7:29:20 AM
Kale notices nothing especially fancy about the ring--it seems to be a plain ol' nosering like any other.
Clothilde fairly beams at the paladin when he speaks his wisdom, quite obviously charmed by his attitude and words.
"I know who will be honored with bearing the box, Chosen..." she says in a silky voice that warrants a polite cough from Hesparus, who is otherwise silent, for all that his dark eyes dance with amusement. The prelate visibly schools herself into a more serious expression.
"Yes, well, er, ummm...the box, then..." Chlothilde goes on in a rushed tone, picking up the box and stepping over to...
"Brother Thiel, guard this with your life, honor and soul!" she charges the warrior priest, holding out the box to him.
Clearspring Temple (DM Donna) Tuesday October 17th, 2000 7:36:25 AM
Hollyhocks nods as all the details are worked out amongst the party members.
"Very good! Nicely justified--" he says, picking up the box with the Heart of the Stag in it and going over to Holleb, "--you are the one who is to bear the artifact, Holleb...guard it with all that you are and ever hope to be!" With these words, Hollyhocks thrusts the precious container towards the other centaur.
The Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Tuesday October 17th, 2000 7:49:54 AM
"Hmmm, well..." Brand muses, calculating, "...we'll put into Castle Violet tomorrow afternoon, I reckon--isn't that so, Blimpy?"
"Aye, ma'am," the navigator nods, then gulps down his drink, lurching to his feet, "I'd best be relievin' Boyd of the wheel, though, so's he can stuff h'mself. Nice t'meetcha, Blesser!" The roly-poly human nods to Zeoll and bounces away.
"But I saw a wreckbird!" blurts out a young crewmember--a redheaded halfling. "You know what THAT means!" Murmuring and nods and a wave of apprehension follow this announcement.
"A wreckbird???" Bucko echoes. "When? Where?"
" 'Twas circling the ship this morning, it was!" the halfling babbled. "Thought it even *landed* on the railing for a bit, too! Right near Beckn...and Blesser, here..." The murmuring and apprehension goes up a few levels.
"I knew it!" Bucko cries angrily, jumping to his feet. "Bringin' a furface aboard has ALWAYS been bad luck! He'll get us sunk for SURE!" The other crewmembers excitedly and anxiously talk to each other about evil eyes and omens and making sacrifices to appease the gods. Most of them eye Zeoll as they speak.
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) Tuesday October 17th, 2000 9:38:09 AM
The liontaur's eyes widened as he heard the name given his bird of omen. "I MUST speak with the Captain NOW," he exclaimed.
Zeoll turned and left the galley. He brooked no opposition, calling out, "Captain Parrsons! Captain Parrsons!"
It is difficult for two legged folk to halt a liontaur in full roar. When Zeoll found the captain, he launched into an excited speech.
"Captain, forrgive my urrgency, but I must speak with you now," the liontaur said.
Then, (either where he found him or in privacy) Zeoll told Captain Parsons about his dream and vision. And he told him about the wreckbird with the strange marking and the way it interrupted Beckn whenever Beckn tried to tell Zeoll the ship's destination. And the liontaur told the human about his intuition that this was an omen, and that if there were now a new island between those of the centaurs and minotaurs, that it was Zeoll's duty to go there.
"I fearr forr yourr ship, Captain. I do not want fate to wrreck yourr boat just to deliverr me to my fated destination. So I beg you to veerr slightly frrom yourr courrse. See if therre is a new island, as I foretell. If so, land me alone on that island and then go on your way."
"I deeply apologise forr the distrraction this causes you. But it was not my intent to trrouble yourr voyage."
Zeoll looks somewhat abashed after his outburst, and he waits patiently for the Captain's response.
Flat-top (Clearspring Temple) Tuesday October 17th, 2000 11:03:11 AM
Flat-top stands there with head bowed. As Hollyhocks slow walks around them. Flat-top keep praying that he would not be the one chosen,anybody be him. When Flat-top hears that Hollyhocks is giving Holleb the Heart of the Stag,or is he? It's going to be...? Flat-top lets out a sigh of releif,it's not Him (Flat-top) then leting out a pray to the Goddess*Yes, you have chosen well. Now we are ready to do your will.*
Thiel( sanctuary) Tuesday October 17th, 2000 9:40:15 PM
Thiel is truly in awe his hands shake and his breath comes in short repetition. He holds the box as if it will break or at any moment strike him dead.he quickly hidesthe box deep in his backpack inside and empty sack.Thiel then falls to hes knees and as if talking to the cieling he exclaims "GREAT IMOD, I WILL NOT FAIL YOU. I AM YOURS AS BEFORE AND FOREVER. MY LIFE BEFORE DISHONOR." Thiel rises from his knees and says to Hesperus "Thank you for all your help this day. Our charge is great and we are few. but I ... "Thiel looks to his companions and then says " We will not be turned from our purpose." Thiel then asks Mordengast and Kale " Where to now my new found friends? The glory of Imod awaits."
Holleb (Clearspring Temple) Tuesday October 17th, 2000 11:12:09 PM
Holleb bows and extends both hands to gently take the precious relic from the hands of Hollyhocks, his hands shaking a little, barely noticable. He speaks in a low, humble voice, "I am honored to be chosen to carry out such an important task.. I shall guard it with my very life." And with that, he carefully, oh so gently wraps the glass container in a woolen towel, then slips it into his saddlebag for safekeeping, again bowing low, his arm holding his spear sweeping before him as he does so, and after he rises, he backs away a few steps.
Kenisha (Clreaspring Temple) Wednesday October 18th, 2000 2:16:08 AM
Kenisha gives Holleb an encouraging smile and nod as she takes up the ring. Putting it on her finger she studies it for a moment.
Sanctuary of the Soul (DM Donna) Wednesday October 18th, 2000 6:21:03 AM
Clothilde smiles a rather smug smile and nods to the properly-humble Thiel.
"Take up your token, then, Mordengast," she bids the paladin, picking up the magic shield and giving it to Thiel, "I will show you to the armory where you may trade in your weapon of choice."
The prelate takes you out of the main chamber, down another hall and down a flight of three steps. After turning into another corridor, Chlothilde continues down the well-lit passage to where it ends with a wall-to-wall carved marble counter about four and a half feet up off the ground. The opening above the counter is also wall-to-wall, runs from the height of the counter to the ceiling twelve feet above--and is covered by heavy iron grillwork.
"Bovin Weaponsmith!" she calls out. "We are here with a sanctioned token. The servants of Imod need you now."
"B'Imod annar." comes the reply in a deep voice--far deeper than that of Hesparus, even. Into your view stomps a burly, well-muscled bull barely the height of Clothilde, but whose bulk immediately lets you know that he is the smith dedicated to this temple of the god of battle and courage. "Show me the token, that I may admit the worthy into the treasure room of the Soul of Imod."
Clearspring Temple (DM Donna) Wednesday October 18th, 2000 6:36:45 AM
Hollyhocks beams with approval at Holleb's humility.
"Come, now, I will show you to the blacksmith who so generously donated his goods to the service of Domi!" the temple assistant offers, prancing a bit as he leads the way out of the temple. "We must get you armed and on your way to that new island before--" Here the druid stops speaking, ostensibly to greet some of the faithful as they salute the passing party.
"Here it is..!" Hollyhocks canters up to a large tree with spreading arms and a lush green canopy--a chesnut, old and dignified for all that it lacks the gigantic stature of the towering whishtals that dot Fort Stag.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! The unmistakeable sound of metal being tempered rings through the air, and you see a heavily-muscled centaur pounding the living daylights out of what looks to be the barely-formed blade of a greatsword. The male--a chestnut himself--turns and plunges the metal back into the heart of a large, oven-like structure beside the trunk of the tree, while a pair of very young centaurs (obviously apprentices) stoke the fire and tend the bellows.
"Cant Smithson!" Hollyhocks greets the blacksmith. "I have brought the person who has your signet--please transact your business quickly."
"Aye, aye--the signet, if y'please..?" the smith nods, trotting up to the party and holding out one of his broad hands for the token.
The Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Wednesday October 18th, 2000 6:54:05 AM
Zeoll interrupts the captain just as he's finishing up his breakfast. Parsons listens to the intensely earnest priest as he nods and smokes a small white pipe that appears carved from ivory. Beckn remains in the background, listening with wide eyes.
"Hmmm...mmmmmm..." the commander of the merchant vessel nods, contemplating, "...I'm glad to see that you hold the safety of the crew t'heart the way you do. Makes us of a like mind...on that." Here the human clears his throat, inhales deeply of the pipe and lets out a stream of faintly-cherry-scented smoke before continuing.
"I'm not one to believe omens an' dreams, myself, Blesser," Parsons says firmly, "Though I must admit to seein' many a strange occurence in my ten and six years upon the sea. We be on the wrong side of the Taur Isles t'tell whether this new island between the pair...and we have cargo destined for delivery to Castle Violet that I gave my word would be there by the week's end." He shakes his head in refusal of the wemic's request, but then there's a knock on the door.
"Come in." Parsons orders. Into the room steps Brand. "What is it, mate?"
"Bucko's big mouth been stirring up the crew, sir." she tells him flatly. "I quashed most of it, but I thought you ought to know...in case Bucko decides to blame our priest here for anything that goes wrong."
"Aye..." Parsons nods his thanks, "...'tis a sterling good first mate you be, Brand."
"Thank you, sir. May I go?"
"Dismissed, Brand." Parsons waves her away, then turns to Zeoll. "You be dismissed, too, Blesser...and take Beckn with you--I have charts I have to study." With this, the captain sits down and begins to ponder a set of navigational charts he's pulled from a shelf behind him.
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) Wednesday October 18th, 2000 8:46:08 AM
The liontaur's tail drooped somewhat at the captain's gentle dismissal. "Thank you forr hearring me out, Captain," he said.
Turning to leave with the boy and Brand, Zeoll waited until they had left the room. Then he turned to the first mate.
"I apprreciate yourr good wishes, and I am eagerr to be of use. Please put me to worrk in whateverr capacity you see fit." He follows the first mate's orders diligently.
Secretly, however, as the day goes on, Zeoll tries to pinpoint the location of any lifeboats.
Kale(santuary) Wednesday October 18th, 2000 8:56:03 AM
mouthing the word "sucker" to Thiel, but making no sound, Kale once again shakes his head. "I feel like ive been recruited by a press gang." he says quietly to himself
Flat-top Wednesday October 18th, 2000 10:18:51 AM
Flat-top Trots beside Holleb, saying" they pick the right Centaur, and we,Kenisha and I will be right in front of you. Helping you protect that precious heart." They all canter to that large tree, and listens to Cant Smithson.
Thiel(sanctuary) Wednesday October 18th, 2000 10:48:11 AM
The mouthings of Kale have no effect what-so-ever on the feeling that fills Thiel at that moment. He knows that the likes of a... thief hold nothing above material wealth. and as a result would not understand the spiritual. He simply makes the sign of Imod in the air and winks at Kale. as Thiel falls in behind Chlothilde and Mordengast he makes a mental note to watch that one closely. his purpose as of yet has not been revealed and Thiel is sure when Imod calls on him he will... must obey the the will of Imod. Thiel Knows from his time as a street child that trust is earned and he will allow kale to show himself other than someone that can be trusted. Still " To go blind into the forest one is sure to hit a tree." Thiel does not plan on hitting any trees today.
Holleb (Clearspring) Wednesday October 18th, 2000 10:43:50 PM
Holleb nods silently to Flat Top, whispering to him. "Thank you.. but I think the smithy is awaiting you to return his ring...."
Kenisha (Clearspring) Thursday October 19th, 2000 1:06:18 AM
Kenisha nods in agreement. "Yes, I think we should get started."
The Temple Armory (DM Donna) Thursday October 19th, 2000 6:07:13 AM
Clothilde nudges Mordengast.
"Present Bovin with the token and the weapon you wish replaced with the magic one," the prelate tells the paladin, "He will then go and get the magic weapon and give it to you." Then the heifer smiles at Thiel, and, lastly, frowns sternly at Kale. The thief gets the unmistakeable feeling that if Clothilde had her druthers, she would be taking a few of the magic weapons available and severely pummeling him about the head and shoulders with them.
Beneath the Spreading Chestnut Tree (DM Donna) Thursday October 19th, 2000 6:11:31 AM
The village smithy stands, with his hand out, still waiting for the person who wants the magic weapon to give him the signet ring.
"The ring, please--an' the weapon you want me to replace." he says a bit impatiently.
The Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Thursday October 19th, 2000 6:22:20 AM
"The Cap'n don't believe in signs an' such." Beckn says. "An' he's been a sailor as long as Ah've lived...if there's anythin' to yore dreamin' and such, well...Ah'm sure he'll pull th' ship through." Somehow, though, Beckn's voice lacks conviction.
"The Merry Mermaid won't suffer, Beckn," the first mate says firmly, "But I have to say that I'm not as sure that our priest friend here will be as safe...Bucko is a narrow-minded and vindictive sort--you'd best keep an eye on him, wemic--" Brand addresses Zeoll directly, "--I don't trust him as far as I could toss a clay golem, but he's prized as a master of rigging, which is why Parsons lets him sail with us."
Mordengast (Sanctuary of Soul) Thursday October 19th, 2000 6:39:17 AM
Mordengast looks at the young one practically yelling the roof off in his devotion. He casts him an appreciative glance. At the heifer's direction he picks up the token. On the way over there he asks the prelate.
"My apologies prelate but do you know if we will have the time to pray and meditate before we leave?"
When he arrives at the smith he smiles at the IMMENSE amount of weapons here. Ah if he but had the time to window shop.
When asked for the token he somberly presents it, as well as turning is axe over to the smith as requested. "And Imod's Honor on you also Weaponsmith." He takes out a much used axe, a little sad. "There you go girl. You served me and Imod with honor but now it's time for you rest a while." He looks at the smith questionningly, waiting to see where he should put it.
Thiel(sanctuary) Thursday October 19th, 2000 9:09:21 AM
Thiel is getting thirsty A draught of wine would do nicely about now. perhaps they can get a drink before or when they get to the ship and some herb chicken ooohhh... There has to be some food around somewhere. Imod will understand if I get a sandwich on the way to werever we're going. It has to be atleast early afternoon. Thiel wakes up from his little daydream and admires all the fine weapons inm the temple armory and his ears get hot and twitch when clothilde smiles at him. Thiel admonishes himself " a questor of Imod set on edge by The smile of a heifer."
Flat-top ( Chestnut Tree) Thursday October 19th, 2000 2:01:32 PM
"Oh! yes, the ring" Flat-top hands the Smithy the ring and with his other hand, gives him his mace (almost like loosing an old friend)But this is his sacrifice. "Here you are."
Kenisha (Chestnut Tree) Thursday October 19th, 2000 2:33:53 PM
Giggling softly behind her hand, Kenisha watches Flat-top's antics with the ring and mace.
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) Thursday October 19th, 2000 2:44:29 PM
Zeoll answered Brand's courteous words with his own. "I am grrateful forr yourr warrning, Brrand, and I will keep it close to the top of my mind. And it is good to know that eyes otherr than my own arre on watch. Thank you."
The liontaur continued, "Now put me to good use. I want to earrn my passage." But as he said this, his mind wandered for a moment.
As he said the words "eyes otherr than my own," an image had popped into his head -- of bird eyes. Zeoll decided that tomorrow he would pray for an Animal Friendship spell, in the hope of befriending a seabird to act as a watcher, spy, and scout. "I may need a second set of eyes in the troubled days ahead," he thought in his native tongue.
The Temple Armory (DM Donna) Friday October 20th, 2000 6:50:34 AM
The short weaponsmith hefts the ax in his oversized hands, snorting contemplatively as he swings it. Then he shakes his head as though to scare off invisible gnats from around his ears.
"Not the best craftsmanship..." he muses, "...but I've seen far worse--and there's decent momentum you can get behind its blow. All in all, quite the decent weapon." Then he looks Mordengast over with a very critical eye, lowing to himself as though calculating something. Then, with a final snort and a nod, Bovin steps back from the window.
"Enter the Armory of the Sanctuary of the Soul, questors." he bids you. Suddenly the wall with the barred window in it begins to rise, disappearing into the ceiling, and giving you access to the area beyond...
Beneath the Spreading Chestnut Tree (DM Donna) Friday October 20th, 2000 6:59:28 AM
The blacksmith puts the signet back on his pinky--you can see it bears a carving of the very tree you are all standing under. Then he suddenly and intensely inspects the mace given to him by Flat-top, fingering its haft and head and even swinging it experimentally.
"Hmmph." Cant says, flicking his tail. "Strictly off-the-shelf goods. I'll do ya better." With this the weaponsmith trots off towards the rough-built shed that stands to one side of the forge area and goes inside. You hear the clatter of metal as the centaur apparently rummages through his stock. Then Cant reappears with a different mace in hand.
"Here ya go--guaranteed to help you hit and hurt." he announces, handing the weapon to Flat-top. "Now go knock the brains outta some minotaur for the honor of Domi!"
The Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Friday October 20th, 2000 7:08:17 AM
Brand's lips quirk in a grin.
"I'm sure there's a mop 'n' bucket we can find for you, then!" she assures the priest and proceeds to secure said items. "You and Beckn can keep each other company while you swab!" With this, the first mate goes on her way to perform her other duties.
"Swabbin' th' deck...again..!" Beckn sighs, then immediately gets to work. "Well, at least it ain't just me...tell me what it's like where you're from..?"
Thiel(armory) Friday October 20th, 2000 9:13:38 AM
A little startled by the wall rising sudennly to the cieling Thiel jerks with suprise. after seeing that everything is O.K. he waits for Mordengast and Clothilde to Enter then he follows them in as well. He also begins to consider asking this Bovin if there is aplace he can put his old shield.he will not need both.
Flat-top (at the Spreading Chestnut Tree) Friday October 20th, 2000 11:04:35 AM
Flat-top watches the weaponsmith as he down grade his old weapon. Then watches the weaponsmith trots off in to what look like to a shed and hears what sound to Flat-top rummaging through a junk bin. All the time Flat-top prancing nervusly and a worried look on his face. Then the Cant reappears, he (weaponsmith) has a mace in his hand, and gives it to Flat-top. Flat-top examens the new mace, and give it a really good going over."Hmmm" said Flat-top.
Holleb (at da Chestnut Tree) Friday October 20th, 2000 2:15:44 PM
Holleb watches everyone silently, contemplating his being chosen to bear the great artifact, his tail swishing.
Kenisha (Chestnut Tree) Friday October 20th, 2000 2:33:27 PM
Kenisha sighs at the blacksmiths remark about bashing minotaurs. "If that's all? I think it best if we get going."
She wanted to say more, but antagonizing him and her fellow questors was definitely not a good idea right now.
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) Friday October 20th, 2000 5:38:05 PM
The liontaur vigorously swabs the deck with his new friend, once he gets the hang of it.
"Those of my kin are mostly hunterrs and herrderrs," Zeoll tells the boy. "We rroam ourr island tending flocks of goats and sheep, and hunting forr prrotection and meat. The hills rroll, but not like this water over which we trravel!"
Mordengast (Sanctuary Armory) Sunday October 22nd, 2000 8:04:47 AM
A little startled also by the receeding wall Mordengast nevertheless enters. When he gets in however you can almost hear the glee in his voice.
"Now THIS is proof that Imod inspires us all!" Everywhere weapons and armour. So much to do. And no time to really visit. He turns to the prelate and the smith, obviously waiting for permission or something.
Temple Armory (DM Donna) Monday October 23rd, 2000 7:01:48 AM
The squat weaponsmaster leads you through the various displays of imposing armor and lethal weapons.
"Thank you for the sentiment, paladin!" Bovin says sincerely. "I like to think that Imod smiles down on my work, humble as it is. Ahhhh...here we are--" He stops in front of a wall display, putting Mordengast's used weapon down on a nearby table and gesturing towards a large ax that is hanging nearby.
"--here is the weapon that should help you slay all who would oppose Imod's will!" Bovin tells the paladin. "Take it down and test its heft...if I'm right about your strength and expertise, I doubt you'll find a better weapon unless the Warrior God himself made one for you."
The ax Bovin offers to Mordengast, you all see, is almost the same size and close to the same configuration of the paladin's original weapon. This ax, however, looks as though it is all a single piece of fine steel, with specially-molded handholds on its shaft and Imod's own crest--a pair of crossed swords--carved in the flat of the axhead. The blade of the ax fairly glows with lethal sharpness.
"A proud boast, Bovin..." Clothilde's voice reproves the weaponsmith, then warms a little bit as she continues: "...but one that--in your case and about this weapon--is likely true, however impious it sounds."
Beneath the Spreading Chestnut Tree (DM Donna) Monday October 23rd, 2000 7:08:35 AM
(OOC: Now that everyone has accepted the items, please note the following additions to your Character Sheets: Holleb now has a +1 Shield; Flat-top now has a +1 mace; and Kenisha now has a +1 Ring of Protection.)
"Pass inspection, does it?" Cant asks rhetorically, knowing that it would. "Good journey to yas all, then!" The smith turns back to oversee his apprentices.
"Follow me--I'll lead you to the harbor and to your ship...time is of the essence!" Hollyhocks urges, starting off at a canter that develops into a gallop.
The Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Monday October 23rd, 2000 7:17:56 AM
Beckn grins.
"Not so diff'rent from mah home, then." the lad tells Zeoll. "Ah come from farm country--not so many rollin' anythin's, but the goats an' sheep all wander 'round, an' they's need watchin' ALL th' time!"
A familiar sound comes from the main mast. Zeoll looks up to see the gray bird with the red marking perched at the very top of the mast.
(OOC: Make an Intelligence check, Zeoll--you get a bonus of 2 to the roll.)
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) d20=7 Monday October 23rd, 2000 9:06:16 AM
Zeoll turns from his new friend and looks up. He sees the creature that he thinks of as a bird of omen, and notices something.
Kale(santuary) d20=15 d100=38 Monday October 23rd, 2000 9:15:23 AM
Kale stares back at Clothilde for a moment, then follows everyone inside the armory. as the wall slides back, Kale tries to figure out how the mechanisim works for future reference(missed both perception check and find/remove traps rolls) not able to figure it out, he shrugs his shoulders and waits inside the armory
Flat-top (Chestnut Tree) Monday October 23rd, 2000 10:53:36 AM
Flat-top inspects the Mace, and knows that this weapon is nothing he has ever seen before, it is very special indeed. Whispers to Cant, *yes IT does, thank-you.* "Thank you and NOW for the Quest." Turns and follows Hollyhocks, all heading for the ship.
Thiel( sanctuary) Monday October 23rd, 2000 11:38:15 AM
Thiel admires the fine weapon Thiel says to Mordengast "Fine weapon Mordengast. Pity the enemies of Imod that cross your path Today."
Kenisha (Chestnut Tree) Monday October 23rd, 2000 2:19:17 PM
Kenisha follwed behind Flat-top, turning the ring on her finger as they made their way to the ship.
Mordengast (Sanctuary) Monday October 23rd, 2000 11:19:31 PM
Mordengast looks at Thiel, surprised and seemingly startled out of his revery. He also appears to be blushing. Looking back at the weapon he seems to address it.
"You're not made to be here. Something like you deserves to serve Imod's Will better than by sitting here quietly. Maybe together we can do just that."
And with that he reaches out and snatches the axe. For a moment he looks surprised at how it feels. But soon he is testing the heft of it. His expression clearly shows that it's not what he expected. Although his smile shows it's a nice surprise.
Exit the Temple Armory (DM Donna) Tuesday October 24th, 2000 6:38:14 AM
Bovin grins, but Clothilde's repressive clearing of her throat causes the weaponsmith to cough and then salute the questors.
"The quickest way to the docks is the sunless passage," he tells the prelate, then goes back to his work. The heifer nods and then beckons to you.
"Follow me," she says sternly, going to a corner of the room, pressing one of the segments of stone, and then stepping through the portal that yawns open as a result.
You find yourselves in a labyrinth--what fun! There are no lights in the tunnels made of hard-packed earth and the occasional set of stone supports, but then, as you are all children of Imod, you don't need them... your darksight and your sense of smell are enough to guide you.
"There is one very important point that Hesparus neglected to mention..." Clothilde says suddenly as she leads the way into the passages that smell more and more of the seashore, "... and that's the fact that we suspect that our hereditary foes may also be sending a party of their own to go to the new island. In fact, it is my conviction that the centaur spies--equipped with their own Heart of the... Stag--" She says the word rather sneeringly, "--are on their way as we speak... and I'm relatively certain that they plan to try to ambush you and steal our precious artifact from you."
Daylight appears at the end of the tunnel. Clothilde advances into an area just below the docks south of Fort Beast. As you all climb up onto the dock proper, the prelate points to a sleek, sturdy sloop.
"You will embark upon your mission aboard Imod's Pride," she tells you, "When you get to the island, you must find the enemy party, kill them and take their artifact. The children of Imod will fulfill their destiny and be the ones to reunite the heart!"
The Docks of Fort Stag (DM Donna) Tuesday October 24th, 2000 6:50:02 AM
Hollyhocks slows to a canter as the long, imposing figure of a galley comes into view, docked at the longest of the piers of the Fort Stag harbor.
"I must give you this additional warning, questors," the temple assist tells you in a low but urgent tone, "We have reason to believe that the minotaurs are sending a strike force to the new island! Not only that, but the information seems to indicate that they're bringing along their own half of the heart, in the hopes of being credited with instigating its reunion. You have to make getting their half your top priority! Seek them out, slay them, and get their half of the heart, or they will surely hunt you down and do the same." By now you all are approaching the galley, which bears the name Spirit of Domi on it.
"We are the offspring of Domi," Hollyhocks says with utter conviction, "And the keepers of his one, true way! It is only fitting that we centaurs be the ones to reunite the heart! Now, go, and fulfill your mission..!"
The Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Tuesday October 24th, 2000 7:01:16 AM
Zeoll notices that the bird, although the wind comes strongly from the southwest, is not facing into the breeze, as would be natural for a bird to do, nor was it facing the east-northeasterly direction that was where Parsons' intended destination--Castle Violet of the Minotaur Island--lay.
The bird faced north. Dead north.
"Ahhhh...Blesser, there y'are!" Parsons' voice cuts into the priest's reverie. Zeoll turns to see the captain approaching--with another wemic in tow. "Just remembered about Blastem, here--" The human gestures to the second wemic and then to Zeoll.
"Blastem, this here is Blesser," Parsons introduces in his stilted Wemic, "Blesser, this here is Blastem...who signed on b'fore you arrived, only I forgot to mention it. Ah, well...you can get acquainted now--I got to get back to th'charts!" The captain swaggers off, his rolling gait as one with the movement of the ship.
(OOC: as you may have guessed, "Blastem" is Parsons' name for Ashrad, our newest player.)
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) Tuesday October 24th, 2000 7:54:01 AM
What with the double whammy of wreckbird and wemic, Zeoll can only stand agoggle for a moment. He finds himself stammering thanks to the captain's back, and he looks over newcomer.
Zeoll holds out his hand to the new liontaur, speaking his native tongue. "I am Zeoll, Student to Shaman Frith, Warrior to Pride Nonowla, and Son to Clan Aene. As you can see, of course," he says, ducking his head and indicating the beads woven in his mane that signify his family descent, clan, and priest status.
Zeoll stands seven feet tall and weighs 745 pounds. His mane is auburn, his fur is tawny, and his skin is light brown. He wears leather armor, and carries a greatsword, a longsword, and a wooden shield.
"Please, tell me your name. And how is it that one of my own kindred has joined me on this voyage?"
Flat-top Tuesday October 24th, 2000 11:02:13 AM
As they trots to the Ship "Spirit of Domi", Flat-top listens very closely to what Hollyhocks is telling them about the Minotaurs are trying to pull off a hoax, and totally dishonor Domi. As Hollyhocks finishes with 'Now, go, and fulfill your mission..!' Flat-top rears up and shouts "ON WITH OUR QUEST!" then trots onto the ship.
Thiel(Imods pride) Tuesday October 24th, 2000 4:28:16 PM
Thiel turns to Kale and Mordengast and says " Imods glory today and forever" a simple blessing for those about to enter battle. "The haert shall be reunited on our terms.In this we will not fail. Thank you for all your help this day." Thiel then turns and anounces himself to the ship and asks permission to board. All the while thinking to himself." Centaurs of-course they would be there. but are they our true enemy on this voyage."
Kale(santuary) Tuesday October 24th, 2000 7:17:34 PM
as they walk through the maze, Kale tells Thiel "I dont really like anyone that much, but I REALLY hate centaurs. I dont really want to go on this quest, but if we get to spill a little centaur blood, it night not be so bad after all." he says with a chuckle
Holleb (Spirit of Domi) Wednesday October 25th, 2000 1:59:44 AM
Holleb holds back his desire to snort at the idea that the "big bad minotaurs" are trying to cause them dishonor. He keeps silent for the moment, not wishing to cause upset.. not this soon in their adventure. He walks onto the ship, looking around, from time to time one hand moving to his bags, checking by feel if the heart is where it should be. He always seems releived when he knows that it is ok....
Kenisha (Spirit of Domi) Wednesday October 25th, 2000 3:02:38 AM
Kenisha wanted to scream. This was her worst nightmare come true. She was being sent not on a mission of peace, but an act of war. 'Perhaps it need not be.' she prayed to herself. 'Maybe the true meaning of the Dream will be realized before it's too late. Even if I have to force the issue.'
With that thought in mind, Kenisha went over in her head the spells she knew.
Ashrad (Merry Mermaid) Wednesday October 25th, 2000 12:49:39 PM
Grinning in delight to have found one of his own on his journeys Ashrad bows his head slightly and excepts the offered hand.
"Ashante brother. I am Ashrad Moonseeker. Lore keeper and shaman apprentice." wincing the lithe Wemic continues abit ashamed and saddened... "I am a banished one. I have no teacher, nor family nor tribe any longer. That good Zeoll is my tail complete and how I came to here. I am wandering the world a free spirit, if not a lonley one. It seems the stars have lead me to you brother. I consider this a boon and a sign indeed. Tell me of your mission you mentioned, and how I may assist you in it."
Ashrad is also seven feet tall but slender (a mere 700 lbs). He wears no armor and carries only a weathered handmade staff in his right hand. You can also see upon him a plain traveling vest, a bandolier across his chest with a knife sheath and several pouches attached to it. He also has a satchel and two botas. His dark mane is tied back with several cords and he has many small fetishes braided within it. His hide is light tawny color, typical of the deep savanah tribes.
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) Wednesday October 25th, 2000 3:27:11 PM
Zeoll grips the liontaur's hand warmly. "You are most welcome and well met," he tells Ashrad. "And we have tragedy in common, for I too have lost my pride. My folk were cruelly slain by the Hell Hounds that plague us, and so I also now wander."
Zeoll tells the newcomer about his recent experiences [ooc: read all that went before].
Ashrad (Merry Mermaid) Wednesday October 25th, 2000 4:58:07 PM
With a grim nod Ashrad says to his brother Wemic. "I am sorry for your loss brother. I would ask you tell me the tales of your pride, and I will record them down in my book and tales. I will add them to the history that is the story of our people. Your ancestors and friends will be remembered and honored."
With a far of look to his eye Ashrad is obviously moved by the tale of the prophecy. "You are a blessed one indeed brother Zeoll. I would consider it an honor to travel with you and record your adventure, so that the people will know how their saving came to be. May I be your historian Alat(Prophet)?" As he says this Ashrad bows deeply before Zeoll, his pouches and satchel rattling as they tumble forward on his bandoliere.
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) Wednesday October 25th, 2000 5:27:22 PM
Zeoll stands flummoxed for a moment. Then he reaches out and lifts Ashrad upright.
"No, Ashrad, do not so name me. The will of Tomi drives, and we are only carried along. I deserve no more recognition than a leaf in the wind, or a twig in the flood. Especially here at the beginning of events. And where He will leave us, we cannot say."
The liontaur laughs. "But come! Let's not speak of portentious events yet, but rather let us enjoy them! The wind blows the mane, and we have a ride ahead of us!"
Ashrad (Merry Mermaid - Weather Sense) d20=20 Wednesday October 25th, 2000 5:54:44 PM
Sniffing the wind and squinting abit the Wemic scholar shudders abit, and then snorts.
"Bulli (weather spirit)is keeping her actions a secret from me I see. It is hard for me to enjoy being on the water my brother. I do not believe our people take to it well at all, and I am no exception by any means. But I am merry with your company, as merry as this rocking back and forth allows me to be." chuckling Ashrad readjusts his gear and tries not to show off too much of his comtempt on being at sea, but his tail is willing to tell a different story as it switches back and forth, in obvious aggitation every time the boat pitches.
All Aboard the Imod's Pride (DM Donna) Wednesday October 25th, 2000 6:58:36 PM
The all-minotaur crew hustle smartly, hoisting the sail and ushering their honored passengers to their berths belowdecks. Just before you disappear from her sight, Clothilde urges you once more by shouting from the dock:
"Guard well your charge, Brother Tiel! And all of you--keep the honor of Imod at the forefront of your thoughts...always!"
Then the lurching of the ship tells you all that you are underway--heading for only Imod knows what...
On board the Spirit of Domi (DM Donna) Wednesday October 25th, 2000 7:07:38 PM
Hollyhocks escorts you as far as the quarterdeck, then exhorts you one last time:
"The burden you are entrusted with is priceless, Holleb--its safety is paramount...even to the expense of the rest of your party!" The temple assistant looks quite grave and most earnest. "Do not let it fall into minotaur hands--you all MUST do your utmost to achieve your objective! For the honor of Domi!" Hollyhocks gallops off the galley and the rows of centaurs at the oars of the ship put their backs into rowing the great ship out of the harbor, using the priest's last words as a chant to keep their strokes in cadence:
"For the honor of Domi! For the honor of Domi!"
Aboard the Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Wednesday October 25th, 2000 7:11:26 PM
"As long as you feel like swappin' stories, Blastem..." Brand interrupts the two conferring wemics, thrusting a mop into the mage's hand, "...how's about swabbin' as you do so..?" With this, the first mate goes back to overseeing some of the crew in the rigging.
Ashrad (Merry Mermaid) Wednesday October 25th, 2000 7:32:57 PM
Grabbing the strange staff from the gruffy sailor Ashrad gives Zeoll a look of confusion. Shrugging, he finds a good place to put aside his staff and tries the new weapon out. He finds that the weight of the rope braids on the end maybe handy in a good bash but over all throws the balance and useability of the staff completely off.
[Wemic] "Well brother. It was nice of the woman to offer me this staff, but it just is not to my liking. I do not wish to insult her by rebuking her gift." I see she has given one to you too." shrugging the wemic scholar ponders the ins and outs of propiety of this particularly odd situation.
Thiel(Imods Pride) Wednesday October 25th, 2000 8:08:52 PM
Thiel feels the urge to be alone. He moves to the bow of the ship and stares off into the oncomming horizon. His charge as protector of the heart weighs heavily on him. He reaches his hand deep into his backpack and touches the sack containing the heart. he is not sure howmany are intersted in the island and the events which will pass on its shores hut not being one to jump to judgement Thielhas yet tyo decide who are the real enemy in this voyage. Kales wispers in the tunnel of the sanctuary serve to remind Thiel that he will have other issues to deal withwhen they reach the isle." oh great Imod what have you in store for your unworthy servant? "
Flat-top (the Spirit of Domi) Wednesday October 25th, 2000 10:07:47 PM
'For the Honor of Domi!For the Honor of Domi! as the chant goes on, an empty feeling is in the back of his mind. Flat-top turns to his companions and tells them,"I've got to do something, I'm getting some weird ideas, There's got to be something more, I have to talk to the Captain, About rowing, Got to keep those images out of my Head..."then trying to walk strait, off he goes to see the Captain.
Holleb (Spirit of Domi) Thursday October 26th, 2000 1:37:01 AM
Holleb finds himself standing on the deck, wondering just what he has gotten himself into. He then mutter, mostly to himself, "I hope the rest of the group is not as bent on killing the minotaurs on sight as Hollyhocks was... mayhaps this is why Domi chose me.. because I know better then to blame everything on the minotaurs...." His voice trails off, although anyone who had been trying to listen to him likely heard bits and peices of it. Holleb checks on the heart one last time, his fingers reassuring him that the glass case is safe as he follows Flat-top as he looks around.
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) Thursday October 26th, 2000 9:17:45 AM
Zeoll showed his new comrade how to work a mop. "Perhaps we should first attend to our duties, before continuing our conversation," he suggested, with a smile.
The big liontaur swabbed the deck with great enthusiasm and little skill.
The Imod's Pride (DM Donna) Thursday October 26th, 2000 9:31:59 AM
The expertise of the crew is quite evident as the great ship skims the waves with impressive speed. You will reach the new island in no time, you are sure of it. Meanwhile the scent of the salt air, the rhythmic sway of the ship and persistent cry of a seabird make the journey pleasant.
(OOC: Everyone make a Perception check.)
The Spirit of Domi (DM Donna) Thursday October 26th, 2000 9:39:45 AM
The persistent pound of the cadence kettle and the simultaneous chanting from the rowers has the galley sailing along the Safety Channel with alacrity, even though the salt-kissed wind is blowing persistently from the southwest. The sunlight dances off the azure waters, sparkling vividly in counterpoint to the mournful, harsh cry of a seabird gliding high overhead.
(OOC: Everyone make a Perception check.)
The captain is at the wheel, a commanding figure with his completely black coat contrasting the pure-white blaze in the middle of his barrel chest.
The Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Thursday October 26th, 2000 9:49:15 AM
"Brand likes to take advantage of all free hands when it comes to swabbin' th'deck." Beckn says sagely.
(OOC: Make a Perception check.)
Ashrad (Merry Mermaid - Perception check) d20=18 Thursday October 26th, 2000 10:03:19 AM
Nodding to both his brethren Wemic and the sailor's comment Ashrad picks up on the fact that the 'staff' is actually a cleaning implement and starts to mimic Zeoll's actions.
Thiel(Imods Pride) d20=2 Thursday October 26th, 2000 10:08:42 AM
Content to ride the waves Thiel sits back and continues his meditations to Imod.
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) d20=20 Thursday October 26th, 2000 11:29:08 AM
Absorbed in his work and hoping to set a good example, Zeoll was oblivious. He wrung out his mop with great enthusiasm, blind to the greater world.
Kale(imod's pride) d20=1 Thursday October 26th, 2000 4:58:35 PM
having stayed below deck for most of the journey, Kale comes up for a few minuets to get some fresh air. peering over the rail, he notices something "Whats that?" he mutters to himself(made perception check with a 1)
Flat-top (Perception check) d20=3 Thursday October 26th, 2000 9:41:33 PM
Flat-top advances to the bottom of the bridge, where the Captain is at the wheel. Flat-top calls at the Captain,"May Domi be with You and Your Ship, My I ask you for one little favor..? May I, Flat-top, be able to row with your crew...so that I can keep my arms and chest in shape?" Still feeling uneasy.
Holleb (spirit of Domi) d20=12 Friday October 27th, 2000 1:37:56 AM
Holleb stands a few feet behind Flat-Top, looking around with a slight note of boredom.. his hand reaching back from time to time to check on that precious box.
Mordengast (Imod's Pride) d20=12 Friday October 27th, 2000 6:21:14 AM
Mordengast snorts at the mention of centaurs. "If they come, they come. But they will find themselves hard pressed should they attempt to take from us!"
And with that the Chosen simply turns to keep an eye out over the bearer of the Heart, keeping a respectful distance away but making sure that he is safe.
The Imod's Pride (DM Donna) Friday October 27th, 2000 6:33:04 AM
Practically simultaneously, Kale and Thiel look up at the lone bird that calls persistently in the sky--neither of them have ever seen such a bird before in their lives: gunmetal gray with a blood-red patch in the middle of its chest.
The bird's call seems to be particularly urgent, too...as though in warning...but in warning of what..?
The Spirit of Domi (DM Donna) Friday October 27th, 2000 6:42:19 AM
As one, both Holleb and Flat-top look up at the single avian in the sky, and each of them is suddenly struck by the oddity of the plummage of this bird: gunmetal gray with a blood-red patch in the middle of its chest.
Even more odd--and vaguely unsettling--is the feeling that the seabird's calling is an attempt at communicating with them, the questors, specifically...
The Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) d20=16 Friday October 27th, 2000 6:52:16 AM
Beckn helps the wemics swab the deck--nobody in the trio notices anything untowards about their surroundings as the cabin boy speaks of his former home.
"...an' then there was th'time that my Maw done baked a couple apple pies for a harvest fest..." here the sunbleached lad chuckles in remembrance, "...she left 'em on the windowsill to cool, but they was gone when she sent me to check 'em. Ah heard a weird sound under th'window, though--an' there on the ground was the dangedest li'l critter you'd ever hope t'see! Looked like a little bitty dragon, it did--only it got big ole butterfly wings an' a big ole bulgy stomach..." Beckn laughs out loud. "Danged li'l fella was a-just lyin' there--couldn't do nothing on account o' he done et both o' them pies!"
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) Friday October 27th, 2000 8:24:21 AM
Zeoll laughed at the boy's story.
Kenisha (Spirit of Domi) Friday October 27th, 2000 10:57:02 AM
Kenisha was pulled out of her ruminations when she noticed both Holleb and Flat-top looking off in the same direction. "What's up? Is something wrong?"
Flat-top (Spirit of Domi) Friday October 27th, 2000 1:35:00 PM
Flat-top looks up in the sky at the odd looking bird, then looks down the long row of rowers to where Holleb and Kenisha are standing. Points to the bird(who is circling the ship)with a questioning look on his face.
Ashrad (Merry Mermaid) Friday October 27th, 2000 1:52:39 PM
Shaking his braided Ashrad quietly smiles at the young boys story, only understanding abit here and there of the tale.
Thiel(ImodsPride) Friday October 27th, 2000 3:20:29 PM
During his meditations a bird appears overhead its shriek seems to call out Thiel as it comes closer to theship Thiel sees a queer marking on its chest. a blood red patch.the patch seems to remind Thiel of something, but what Hes not sure. is it the color, or the bird, or... Its the dream. AN OMEN FROM IMOD! Thiel turns and sees that Kale also sees the strange bird.Thiel goes to stand next to Kale he says in a quiet voice "It is Imod he is speaking to us. he has sent us an omen. We must get its meaning. I do not think anyone else as seen it. I dont know if they are ment to." Thiel then goes to stand with Mordengast. He asks his friend quietly "Do you see it? There above the ship a bird with a blood red patch on its chest. It is the dream is it not? I believe Imod has sent us another omen.We must decifer its meaning. It seems to speak directly to us. Do we follow it? Should we speak with the captain about it? My gut says yes. lets ask Kale what he thinks."
Holleb (Spirit of Domi) Saturday October 28th, 2000 2:25:18 AM
Holleb finds himself staring at the bird, his years of studying nature telling him that a bird of this type should not be here... an unussual sign indeed. His eyes remain focused on the bird, watching it carefully.
Kale(imod's pride) Saturday October 28th, 2000 12:14:46 PM
seeing the bird, Kale stares at it until Thiel comes over. "It seems to want us to follow it," he says to Thiel, "But how are we going to convince the captain to follow a bird? And the real question is do we WANT to follow it. I reconize it from my dream, but what if its a trap?" then he waits for Thiel to return, drawing out his bow just in case
Mordengast (Imod's Pride) Sunday October 29th, 2000 11:25:55 AM
Mordengast looks at the bizarre antics of his companions before Thiel comes over and for a moment the chosen wonders if his companions are somewhat "quest fevered". Then, he looks at the bird itself and must admit that it does seem to be an odd one. And of odd behaviour.
For a moment he looks ashamed, muttering "Ah Great One. Why have you chosen one as dense as I for this?" Then he looks back at Thiel. "I don't know. You look at it longer than I. Have you noticed if its trying to steer us somewhere or if it's just telling us to hurry? If it's guiding us then the captain should be appraised. Whereas if it's telling us to hurry.. well.. maybe the captain should be appraised of that to. After all it's his ship."
Eye of the Storm
The Imod's Pride (DM Donna) Monday October 30th, 2000 6:45:04 AM
Even as you all look up at the bird and realize that it isn't acting at all like the usual sort of seabird, a shout from one of the sailors brings something else to your attention...
"The sky! Look at the sky!!!"
All eyes lift and a collective bellow can be heard as--where it had been as clear and deep a blue as a prized sapphire--the skies were now gray with ominously gathering clouds...clouds that concentrated upon circling the Imod's Pride in a motion similar to the bird that...
...that has now completely disappeared from view.
"All hands batten down the ship!" roars the Captain over the rising moan of the wind. The water churns with the coming tempest, causing the ship to rock violently.
(OOC: Everyone make a Dexterity check or fall to the deck in doubtlessly less-than-graceful positions.)
The Spirit of Domi (DM Donna) Monday October 30th, 2000 6:57:54 AM
All of you look up at the bird, which begins to demonstrate other-worldly origins by suddenly losing its crimson coloration. As you look on, the grayness of the bird seems to grow and expand, impossibly appearing to "leak" into the color of the sky...
"Cap'n! Cap'n! Look to the sky!!!" A voice shouts in a panic. By the time the crewmember's words are comprehended and all eyes turn upward, the sea is roiling about the ship, the sky is now completely gray with darkening, swirling thunderclouds...and the bird is gone from view.
"Secure the ship! Storm conditions--secure the ship!!!" yells the ship's captain as the vessel pitches about in the stormy waters.
(OOC: Everyone make a Dexterity check or fall down on the deck/against a ship's feature.)
The Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Monday October 30th, 2000 7:10:52 AM
Suddenly there's a hullabaloo to the port side of the ship.
"Sounds like it's comin' from one o' the lifeboats..." Beckn comments idly, stepping over towards the commotion.
"Cap'n Parsons!!!" shouts Brand. "Cap'n, sir--it's a stowaway!" The Captain strides up to the group of crewmembers who are just completing the task of hauling out their uninvited guest from the recesses of a lifeboat...it's a wemic! To judge from the expression on the liontaur's face and the hasty blinking of eyes, the wemic was just rather rudely awakened from a nap.
"Explain yerself!" Parsons growls to the surprised-looking stowaway in Wemic. "How come you to be--"
"By the Sisters--storm approachin'!" screams out someone from atop the crow's nest before the newly-discovered wemic can answer Parsons. Even as the sailor's warning is sounded, the Merry Mermaid's languid rolling suddenly becomes choppy and violent, causing everyone aboard her to brace themselves against the rocky pitch.
"Batten down the hatches! Secure the ship! MOVE IT!!!" bellows Parsons to his crew.
(OOC: Everyone make a Dexterity check to be able to remain on your feet.)
Thiel(In the storm) d20=9 Monday October 30th, 2000 9:14:27 AM
Staggered by the waves that crash into the ship Thiel fights to keep his balance. At one point he is holding to Mordengast in another he is thrown toward the gunwall, it's all he can do just to stay in one spot. All the while Thiel is concerned for his new companions, trying to make mental notes of where each was when the ride began.
Ashrad (Merry Mermaid - In The Storm - Dex Check) d20=10 Monday October 30th, 2000 10:23:28 AM
Tail swishing violently in the air, Ashrad struggles to keep his balance. Discarding the cleaning staff he has been pushing around, he quickly retrieves his own trusty staff and aproaches the group of sailors and the new Wemic. In a soothing voice, often broken by the unhappy Wemic scholar's attempts to keep both his footing and his last meal in him, Ashrad walks into the group trying to diffuse the situation.
[Tauric]"Please, good people, please. He may not understand you. Let me speak to him in our tongue and solve this quickly so we can prepare for the storm. Surely that is more important right now."
Working his way to the stunned Wemic, Ashrad offers a hand in greeting.
[Wemic]"Ashante brethren. I am Ashrad. These men are very disturbed to find you upon their ship. Tell me your tale as quick as you can so that I can appease them and we can get this boat secured. I do not like this storm brethren and I think we are in for a bad spot."
Flat-top (Spirit of Domi(the storm)) d20=9 Monday October 30th, 2000 10:51:56 AM
As the sky grows darker and the waves are crashing up and almost over the railing. The Captain is yelling orders and the thunderclouds are crashing. Flat-top can hardly keep from being toss this way and that way, with a great effort Flat-top grabs the mast, and holds on to the ropes for dear life. All the time trying to see if his companions are all right,*Oh! Domi what can we do for you...* And hopes he answers soon before we go over board.
Kenisha (spirit of Domi) d20=8 Monday October 30th, 2000 1:55:11 PM
Kenisha was staggered for a few moments before she managed to grab on to one of the large heavy barrels on deck. She had barely seen the strange bird before the storm hit.
Seeing that Flat-top had found something to hold on to as well, Kenisha searched for Holleb. Even if she had to give up her hold on the barrel, she knew that she had to make sure that Holleb and his precious cargo was safe.
Kale (Imod's pride) d20=7 Monday October 30th, 2000 4:51:54 PM
Kale easily keeps his footing, as if he's encountered such action before. Moving swiftly, he pulls out a rope and moves toward the main mast. As he moves, the wind blows off the hood of his robe, revealing his face, which is covered with tatoo runes and no horns.
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) d20=3 Monday October 30th, 2000 11:17:15 PM
Unusually graceful, Zeoll keeps his footing despite the supernatural and sudden storm. His first inclination is to grab a rope and hold on for dear life, but then he thinks about the divine nature of this particular squall. He looks around, ready to help the other liontaurs or humans. He decides to accept whatever fate and Tomi hand him, and he begins to pray.
Holleb (Spirit of Domi) d20=1 Tuesday October 31st, 2000 12:53:40 AM
Holleb stands his ground, seeming almost to be heald in place by some mysterious force.... perhaps his closeness to nature allows him to face the storm... or maybe the gods themselves are watching over him.... who knows, but he moves calmly to the barrels that Kenisha is clinging to and holds onto them with her, his face betraying an odd calm and scerenity despite the raging storm.
The Imod's Pride (DM Donna) Tuesday October 31st, 2000 7:16:17 AM
The ship's rocking gets worse, the storm intensifies and the masts creak and groan as though they were being tortured.
(OOC: Everyone holding onto something must make a Strength check or lose their grip; everyone not holding onto something must make a Dexterity check with a -2 penalty or fall down on the deck; then everyone must make a Constitution check or become seasick.)
The Spirit of Domi (DM Donna) Tuesday October 31st, 2000 7:18:40 AM
The ship's rocking gets worse, the storm intensifies and the masts creak and groan as though they were being tortured.
(OOC: Everyone holding onto something must make a Strength check or lose their grip; everyone not holding onto something must make a Dexterity check with a -2 penalty or fall down on the deck; then everyone must make a Constitution check or become seasick.)
The Merry Mermaid (DM Donna) Tuesday October 31st, 2000 7:25:46 AM
The ship's rocking gets worse, the storm intensifies and the masts creak and groan as though they were being tortured.
"DON'T tell us what to do with OUR prisoners, furface!" yells Bucko, shoving Ashrad back--or, rather, lunging at the wemic as the mage attempts to pacify the situation. Instead the half-elf slams directly into Captain Parsons, who is--as a result--shoved headfirst into the side of the lifeboat the newest wemic had been pulled out of.
"CAP'N!" screams Brand as she drops to her knees and checks on the man, turning him over to reveal the human's ashen face, closed eyes and some blood trickling from the corner of his mouth as he lies eerily still...
(OOC: Everyone holding onto something must make a Strength check or lose their grip; everyone not holding onto something must make a Dexterity check with a -2 penalty or fall down on the deck; then everyone must make a Constitution check or become seasick.)
Zeoll (Merry Mermaid) d20=5 d20=16 Tuesday October 31st, 2000 9:09:14 AM
Zeoll kept his footing and made it to the side of the ship where the Captain fell against the dinghy -- just in time to grap the rail and dry heave. "Thank Tomi that I skipped breakfast," Zeoll thought.
And as soon as he recovered, the priest bent over the captain. He spoke the words of his plea in Tomi's name, and channelled the healing energy of divine magic into the human's wound.
"And I'm glad I chose to pray for that Cure spell," he thought.
Thiel(Imods Pride dex chk/con chk) d20-2=4 d20=5 Tuesday October 31st, 2000 11:02:06 AM
The lurching back and fifth of the ship sends Thiel to his back side with a "oof!" thiel is thankfull that he is able to hold down his lunch (He hopes.) Now sure that Imod is speaking to them, Thiel Calls out to his god "GREAT IMOD I BESEECH THE. WE ARE HUMBLED IN YOUR PRESENCE. CALLED TO SERVE TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES IF NECESSARY. YOURS IS THE GREATEST... THE ONLY CAUSE THAT CONCERNS US. PLEASE YOUR MOST HUMBLE SERVANT BEGS YOU HEAR OUR PLEA. YOURS IS THE ONLY GLORY WE FOR WHICH WE QUEST. PLEASE DO NOT PUNISH THOSE WHO BRING US TO OUR GOAL FOR THEY KNOW NOT TO WHAT THEY BRING US. ONLY THAT THEY HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO DO SO. PLEASE LORD OF ALL GRANT US PASSAGE TO THIS NEW ISLE. GRANT US OUR LIVES THAT WE MAY REVEL IN YOUR GLORY AND BRING SOULS AND HEARTS TO YOUR ALTAR. " Etc...
Flat-top (Spirit of Domi) d20=6 d20=18 Tuesday October 31st, 2000 11:02:56 AM
Flat-top holds on for dear life, and manages to up chuck the food he had eaten earlier in to the wind. Flat-top look down the deck to see if they (Kenisha and Holleb) are alright, Flat-top will yell some advice to them, "don't up chuck into the wind, it will only hit you back in your face!". The ship motions is worse, the storm is worse and now the mass is creaking. Flat-top prayes to Domi, "Domi we are answering your call, tell us what more we can do?"
Ashrad (Merry Mermaid - In The Storm - Dex Check - Con check) d20=6 d20=7 Tuesday October 31st, 2000 11:09:30 AM
Finding his rythm in the rolling motion of the ship, Ashrad is too distracted by the violent treatment to pay any attention to his queezy feelings.
Holding his staff up in a defensive posture, and finding that it actually helps keep his balance in this postion, Ashrad lowers his ears and focuses on the crew, addressing Bucko...
"It seems good sailorrr that you have not learrned that violence neverrr begats a good end. Now back off and let us assist as we may. Besides a storrm is not a time forr this type of exchange now is it."
[Wemic] Never taking his eyes off the crew Ashrad addresses Zeoll "Bretheren Zeoll, how fares our good bennefactor? If he is in a bad way we may need to fight. A choice I do not relish."
Mordengast (Imod's Pride, Dex-2, str and con chk) d20=10 d20=7 d20=2 Tuesday October 31st, 2000 8:18:27 PM
The chosen only had time to look at the sky before the storm hit with its ferocity. When he looked back down the Heart Bearer is more or less secured. With some hesitant and not so gallant step he manages to approach Thiel, who choses that moment to go into worship mode.
For Mordengast, things seem a little different. He doubts that Imod would send a storm to sink them. Perhaps foul magic or some ennemy seek to bar their path. Nevertheless now is not the time to debate but he nevertheless sends a heartfelt ::Great Imod. Ward thy servants from arm, that they may at least great death in glorious battle!:: before suddenly grabbing hold of the cleric and bringing him near the mast, uncertain as to where to go on a ship for safety.
He yells. "Anybody as a good spot to hide him don't wait to raise your hand." Despite the spray and the lurching you could almost swear he is enjoying himself.
Caern (Str check, Dex Check, Con Check) d20=12 d20=3 d20=8 Tuesday October 31st, 2000 10:22:17 PM
Trying to maintain a grip onto the lifeboat which he was just awakened in, Caern is stunned as he looks around at his surroundings, absorbing all that he can in as quick of time as possible
Kenisha (Spirit of Domi) d20=7 d20=10 Wednesday November 1st, 2000 1:19:19 AM
Kenisha deliberately re-griped the barrel after Holleb joined her there, making sure that if needed she can grab hold of Holleb if he should slip.
'Probably won't need it, considering how easily he walked over here. Domi truly must be walking with him this day.' She thought to herself.
Kale(imod's pride) d20=4 d20=8 Wednesday November 1st, 2000 4:08:08 AM
grasping the main mast, Kale manages to hold on. griping his rope, he lashes himself to the mast(made dex check to do it). then he pulls out a dagger, just in case he needs to cut himself free quickly. "IMOD'S NOT LISTENING AT THE MOMENT, SO YOU HAVE TO SAVE YOURSELVES1!!" he yells out
The Imod's Pride (DM Donna) Wednesday November 1st, 2000 6:53:01 AM
The seasoned crew of the ship rushes about the violently-rocking vessel, securing all manner of sails, rigging, hatches and the like in the face of this strange and sudden storm.
The captain appears to yell something at you, but you can't hear it above the shrieking wind. He gestures to something that is apparently in the sky behind you, the expression on his face that of fear and disbelief...
(OOC: Everyone holding onto something must make another Strength check at a -2 penalty, anyone not holding onto something must make another Dexterity check at a -4 penalty--Kale is exempt since he's lashed himself to the main mast--but everyone MUST make another Constitution check with a -2 penalty to continue to keep seasickness at bay.)
The Spirit of Domi (DM Donna) Wednesday November 1st, 2000 6:55:36 AM
The seasoned crew of the ship rushes about the violently-rocking vessel, securing all manner of sails, rigging, hatches and the like in the face of this strange and sudden storm.
The captain appears to yell something at you, but you can't hear it above the shrieking wind. He gestures to something that is apparently in the sky behind you, the expression on his face that of fear and disbelief...
(OOC: Everyone holding onto something must make another Strength check at a -2 penalty, anyone not holding onto something must make another Dexterity check at a -4 penalty, and everyone MUST make another Constitution check with a -2 penalty to continue to keep seasickness at bay.)
Oh, sorry...it IS an AMBUSH!!! (DM Donna) d20=9 d20=5 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 6:53:02 AM
Thiel and Holleb rush forward to grab the precious artifacts that they were entrusted with--
Suddenly--as the two questors get within ten feet of the boxes, the ground between them and their mutual goals veritably explodes in front of them!
Up from the ground rises not one but two fifteen-foot-long, brownish-yellow, multi-legged worms. Their legs end in sharp hooks and their powerful mandibles look capable of snapping a small tree in half with a single bite! Their glistening black eyes orient on the minotaur cleric and the centaur warrior priest, lashing out them with their hooked appendages--and just barely missing!
(OOC: Lesson to players--never assume even a simple action like picking up a box is a done deal! ;D Anyway, you must all roll a d10 to see if you're surprised {a 1 or 2 means that you are}...and the minotaurs can't use their ordinarily-allowable surprise adjustment this time. All those who are not surprised may act in this round.)
Zeoll (not surprised) d10=5 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 7:33:19 AM
Zeoll, after quietly watching events develop, is not surprised by the sudden appearance of the worms. Quickly, he casts a light spell on the eyes of the nearest worm.
Ashrad d10=9 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 7:39:27 AM
Although shocked by the appearance of the huge worms, Ashrad is not stunned into in action. Immediately he takes a deep centering breathe and focuses in ward. Anyone who is listening becomes aware of the fact that the wemic is humming/growling to himself, pitch and volume growing louder and louder. As the gutural sounds become quite audible over the clamour of the ensuing ambush Ashrad brings his full focus of attention upon the worms and starts to wave his arms in a hypnotic pattern, his torso bobbing back and forth, not unlike a cobra wanting to strike. Then in a voice that is strangely empowered he chants,
[Wemic] "Be there Sun or be there Moon, I COMMAND you to begin a swoon. Your mind and will must leave the fray, Upon the ground I WILL you to lay. From your mind alterness must seep, Now I command that you must SLEEP!"
[cast sleep spell]
Ashrad releases the intent of the spell upon the area where the worms are, but hopes to keep his new found companions awake, if possible.
Flat-top d20=15 d20+1=15 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 12:08:52 PM
Flat-top lets Thiel run pass him, but Flat-top is not at ease. Suddenly the ground trembles and explodes, then those worms attack with their hooked legs and snapping jaws. Flat-top will attack the one that is not asleep and try to push the worm away from the Minotaur Cleric and Holleb. Flat-top will fight with Shield and Morning Star +1.
Holleb (very surprised) d10=1 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 3:43:02 PM
Holleb, having come so close to the boxes, suddenly looks up, jaw dropping and his eyes go wide at the sight of the huge beasts, the likes of which even he, having lived in the forest, has never seen before. His lance is in his hands, but not doing him any particularly great amount of good at the moment.....
Kale d10=10 d20=12 d6=4 d20=7 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 7:43:45 PM
expecting an attack, Kale isnt surprised, though hes startled at the source of the attack. turning his bow from the centaurs, he trails it on the nearest worm, hitting AC 8 for 4pts of damage. quickly he loads another arrow, but his aim is off. then he backs up a few feet, trying to put some more distance between the worms and him
Mordengast (look alive mate!) d10=4 d20=18 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 8:18:59 PM
For Mordengast, who was a little leery of seeing the boxes suddenly pop up the appearance of the creature is just the icing on the chocolate centaur. Of course had he been a less scrupulous taur he'd let the strangers to their fate... but... he was Chosen and that was that.
Barely stopping for a breath he steps forward, taking the axe out. His eyebrows nearly reach his mane when he holds the axe. When he first took it it felt odd.. Now, in battle it felt ..alive.. It almost seemed to urge him forward. With a yell he was on the nearest beast, trying to put himself between them and the others. He swung... (hitting AC=2 at least)
Caern d10=5 d20=9 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 8:58:39 PM
Caern, quickly realizing his foe at hand, draws his falchion and heads toward the one closest to the Minotaur. If he is quick enough, he makes a slash, but is unsuccessful.
Thiel(#$%@) d10=4 d20=6 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 9:23:47 PM
Thiel is taken aback but still able to pull his mace free and attack the nearest worm. He narrowly misses the beast.he curses to himself and while he wants to pull back . he seems to feel kaylebed to do battle for the boxes notwanting the boxes to slip through his fingers. He readies himself for an attack
Kenisha d10=8 d4+1=4 Thursday November 9th, 2000 1:31:11 AM
Kenisha gasps as the worms erupt from the ground, her instinctual reaction is to cast a Magic missile spell at the closer of the two worms for 4pts of damage. (OOC- I'm not sure which that will by so I'll leave it up to the GM ;)
Worm Attack, Round Two (DM Donna) d2=1 d6+3=8 d2=1 2d6(6+6)+3=15 d20=12 d20=17 3d6(1+1+1)=3 d4=1 Thursday November 9th, 2000 7:57:28 AM
Faced with the mutual enemy, all the Taurs spring into action...except poor Holleb, who very nearly gets struck by Worm #1--but the timely casting of Zeoll's Light spell saves the startled equinoid from becoming giant worm food (literally!)
Neither of the huge monsters seem to be effected by Ashrad's sleep spell...but Holleb falls to the ground, softly snoring, as does poor Thiel!
Worm #2 snatches up the minotaur cleric and tries to dine on Thiel, dripping yucky acidic drool all over the valiant bovinian--who is awakened by the pain inflicted on him. (OOC: 5hp damage total to Thiel--and you still have your mace in hand.)
Worm #1 flails about blindly, hitting only some overhanging branches and showering Caern and Flat-top (and the slumbering Holleb) with some of the leaves. (OOC: Worm #1 is hit by the centaur for 8hp damage.)
Worm #2 continues to gnaw on Thiel, not being distracted in the least by Kale's ineffectual arrows, nor by Kenisha's Magic Missile spell, but the paladin's mighty blow causes it to drop Thiel to the ground. (OOC: Worm #2 suffers 19hp of damage.)
Zeoll Thursday November 9th, 2000 12:41:37 PM
With his nose burning at the acid fumes in the air, Zeoll blinks and looks keenly at the melee, sizing up the action. First, he looks for the precious artifacts, the two halfs of the Heart of God. "They MUST not be harmed," he thinks to himself.
If they are in danger (from acid, for example), the liontaur's first priority is to try to rescue them, bringing them to safety.
If they are not in danger, Zeoll's second priority is to drag the sleeping Holleb out of the combat and to wake him from the magical sleep.
If Holleb is awake or out of danger, then Zeoll will don his shield and attack the blinded worm with greatsword and claws. He will circle around quietly and pounce from behind, hoping not only to gain the usual tactical advantages from a rear attack, but also to have a better chance to avoid the monster's acid.
Thiel(inpain but alive) d20=10 Thursday November 9th, 2000 12:54:40 PM
Thiel rolls from under the large beast the pain of the acid searing through him. He attacks the worm #2.Unfortunatly the pain makes it hard to focus and thiel has ahard time striking the ugly rolli polli.
Flat-top (Getting Mad) d20+2=11 d6+3=4 d20=13 d20=17 d6=6 d6=5 Thursday November 9th, 2000 1:25:45 PM
Flat-top Is getting mad now and swing at worn #1again (for 4pt of damage?), it seems to hit but Flat-top is not too sure. He (Flat-top) rears on his hind legs and hooves the worm hitting the worm twice for at least 4 and 5 points of damage. Then holding his shield high to protect the others in back of himself and try to protect the ones either fighting #2 worm or the ones trying to save the sleeping Centaur and the hurt Minotaur. But will attack again the next round.
Caern d20=8 Thursday November 9th, 2000 4:45:33 PM
Caern, seeing how deadly his foes are indeed, takes another swipe at his enemies.
Mordengast (worm steak anyone?) d20+3=11 2d6(2+2)+6=10 2d20(18+13)+3=34 2d6(5+2)+6=13 Thursday November 9th, 2000 11:15:47 PM
Mordengast looks at his opponent. The opponent looks at Mordengast. Someone blinks... and the fray his joined again. With a swing the chosen lands a blow on the nearest worm. Seeing has to how his companions appear incapacitated he yells and moves a lot, hoping the worms will perceive him as the threath. On the reaturn swing he lands another solid blow to the menace. (total: 23 damage...).. Ichor splashes everywhere.
Holleb (Sleeping) Thursday November 9th, 2000 11:29:01 PM
Holleb, being the great and mighty warrior that he is, bravely SLEEEPS through the round... now THAT takes talent.....
Ashrad Friday November 10th, 2000 12:15:18 AM
Wincing at the ill effects of his spell Ashrad leaps into the fray to rescue the fallen Holleb calling out to Zeoll...
[Wemic] "Prophet Zeoll, help the others as you may. I am in effective in this fight but I can drag that poor creature that I put into harms way out of danger."
Kenisha Friday November 10th, 2000 2:13:15 AM
Seeing that Holleb has been removed from immediate harm, Kenisha quickly makes her way to Thiel's side and takes up a defensive stance. She is ready to defend him if the worm attacks again, even if it means pushing him out of the way and getting taken herself. "Are you alright?" she asks as she readies her sling with a bullet.
(OOC- I'm assuming that it will take her this round to get ready to use her sling and that she will be able to use it next round.)
Worm Ambush, Round 3 (DM Donna) d2=1 d2=2 d20=19 d6=6 d20=3 d20-4=2 Friday November 10th, 2000 7:50:22 AM
The wemic priest has to squint through the chaos of battle, but he sees that the boxes that are of such concern to both minotaur and centaur are safely beyond the upheaval. Ashrad gathers up Holleb and attempts to haul the sleeping centaur away from harm, but the equinoid's weight requires Zeoll to help him, so the two of them wrestle with that task.
Thiel's blow misses the wounded Worm #1, and--while Mordengast's axe glances off the hardened chitinous hide of the twisting giant monster, it appears to do no damage. (OOC: sorry, Mord--11 isn't good enough to hit. Try again.) Kenisha carefully readies her sling--but, suddenly--the worm-like monster lets out an ear-splitting shriek and topples forward. (OOC: Thiel, Mordengast, and Kenisha make a Dexterity check or suffer a glancing blow from the falling body for 4hp...however, you get a bonus {-2} to your roll.)
One of Kale's arrows sticks out of one of the behemoth's eyes, obviously responsible for finishing Worm #2 off. (OOC: Kale hit AC1 for 6hp damage & finished off the worm.)
Flat-top and Caern continue to combat Worm #1, the barbarian missing his target once more, while one of the centaur's hooves connects with the pinkish-yellow underbelly of the huge beastie (OOC: 5hp damage to Worm #1, whose damage total is 13hp.)
Worm #2 strikes out at Flat-top, but its hooked appendages whistle harmlessly over the centaur's head.
Zeoll (three misses!) d20+1=2 d20=6 d20=3 Friday November 10th, 2000 8:53:04 AM
Leaving Ashrad and Holleb, Zeoll says, "Wake him," before entering the fray against the blinded worm.
Unfortunately, the liontaur serves only as a target, since he misses completely with his sword and claws.
"Gosh darn it!" Zeoll declares, as he realizes that he as missed as badly with his sword as ever in his life.
Kale d20=13 d20=8 d6=1 Friday November 10th, 2000 9:33:21 AM
drawing a bead on the remaining worm, Kale once again lets loose with two arrows, one hitting AC 7 for 1 pt of damage, but the other one flies wide of his target
Caern d20=17 2d4(4+2)+4=10 Friday November 10th, 2000 9:34:51 AM
Caern, seeing the fallen beast, is energized with a new fury. He lashes out with his Falchion, and deals a great blow.
Flat-top (NOW Seeing RED) d20+2=5 d20=5 d20=16 d6=4 Friday November 10th, 2000 10:41:04 AM
Flat-top, mad at himself for missing with his weapon and not doing too well hith his hooves, Turning his head and tells the Wemics, "hit him on the rump, that should wake him up." then braces himself for the counter attack. Flat-top will repeat the battle plan, until the end.
Thiel(dexcheck,attack,dam) d20+2=8 d20=2 Friday November 10th, 2000 3:58:20 PM
Even with the pain of the acid Thiel easily sidesteps the falling worm, but in the unsure footing of the sand he nearly trips over his own feet. and apears to do some sort of pirouette while flailing out wildly to attack the last worm.needless to say he doesnt even come close to hitting the foul beast.He cries out in pain and disgust "AAARRRRGHHH AM I BUT A CALF WHO HAS NEVER HELD A WEAPON BEFORE? "
Ashrad (Waking Holleb) d20=9 Friday November 10th, 2000 5:32:56 PM
Grinning a sly feline grin Ashrad follows Flat-tops advice and gives Holleb a whack on the ol' tuccus with his staff. Nothing damage dealing, just enough to smart a little.
"Rrrrrise and shine Centaurrrr. Yourrr frriends need yourrr aid."
Holleb (roused?) d20+2=10 d20+2=4 Saturday November 11th, 2000 1:18:23 AM
Holleb awakens and quickly scrambles to his feet racing into the fray with his spear raised, thrusting at the living wurm and missing, the tip grazing off the scales as he withdraws and thrusts at it again, cursing under his breath as it just rolls off again.
Kenisha d20-2=14 d20=17 d6+1=5 Saturday November 11th, 2000 3:37:56 AM
Just barely managing to avoid the falling mass of the dead worm, Kenisha takes aim with her sling and lets the stone bullet fly towards the remaining worm. (OOC-The shot would hit AC 3 and if it hits, does 5 pts of damage)
"Timmmmberrrrrrrr!" (DM Donna) d2=1 d2=2 d2=1 d2=2 Saturday November 11th, 2000 7:34:59 AM
Zeoll's hefty swing of his greatsword only manages to firmly embed the blade into the trunk of a nearby palm tree, which will need a little time and/or strength to pull free. (OOC: make a Strength check to free your weapon, Zeoll.)
Ashrad succeeds in awakening Holleb.
Kale's arrows, Thiel's mace, Holleb's lance and Mordengast's attacks all either miss or bounce harmlessly off the armored hide of the huge worm-like monster.
Caern's falchion bites deep into the underbelly of the beast, however, ripping a satisfyingly deep hole into it.
Flat-top--who's been fighting toe-to-toe with the monster from the beginning--finds that one of his own hooves connects soundly with the worm once more.
Finally, however, it is the well-aimed sling shot from the centaur mage that seems to do the struggling behemoth in...Kenisha's non-magic missile strikes the worm between its eyes and, with a shudder that shakes the ground around you, the gigantic monster falls to the ground, unmoving--and exploding in a shower of worm goo!
(OOC: Everyone makes the following checks in this order: Perception check, Dexterity check to avoid another 4hp from the falling "worm" body, and another Dexterity check to duck the flying worm goo.)
Zeoll (Str, Perception, Dex1, Dex2) d20=8 d20=20 d20=2 d20=7 Saturday November 11th, 2000 12:27:12 PM
Zeoll pulls mightily at his sword, and, after a moment, frees it from the palm tree trunk. But the sudden release surprises him, and he falls backward -- just in time to avoid the body of huge worm as one loop of its noxious form falls right where he had been standing.
"Wow!" he exclaims in his native tongue, "Praise Tomi!" The liontaur kneels to give thanks, and a final gobbet of acidic flesh passes right over his bowed head, landing with a sizzling plop not five feet away.
"Well, what could possibly be next?" Zeoll murmurs, too amazed at these events to notice much of anything else.
Flat-top (icky poo poo) d20=20 d20=1 d20=17 Saturday November 11th, 2000 2:59:09 PM
Flat-top is looking at Holleb and ask "Are you alright? Holleb." Then tells Thiel," We better get some thing on your burns." Suddenly the big fat worm is coming down and hoofs it out of the way. But that worm GOO Really - Really FLIES, Flat-top is covered with the glop and will head for the beach and the water To wash it off.
Mordengast (per dx1, dx2) d20=11 d20=8 d20=9 Saturday November 11th, 2000 4:34:55 PM
The chosen wisely decides not to let the falling worm feel the awesome might of his "glancing blow as it falls". He manages to, however barely, avoid the worm goo. Well not that he'd mind but a chosen should be slime free..
He looks around for anything else ready to pounce on them (made per check)...
Ashrad (bob and weave) d20=16 d20=19 d20=19 d4=3 Saturday November 11th, 2000 8:40:14 PM
Ashrad ducks (and gets hit by the falling worm for 3 pts - uff)parries, and twirls (right into some flying worm goo).
Sighing he says in Wemic... "Once again I show my ineptitude at being a hunter. Is it no wonder my pride banished me."
Hanging his head low and dispondent the young mage works his way down to the coast to also rinse the hated goo off himself.
Holleb d20=3 d20=3 d20=9 Saturday November 11th, 2000 11:17:41 PM
Holleb looks up, seeing the falling worm type thinga-ma-jigger and artfully sidesteps, ducking the wad of.. goo?... that comes flying at him... finding this whole even to be... interesting.
Kenisha (per, dex1, dex2) d20=19 d20=9 d20=8 Sunday November 12th, 2000 3:30:14 PM
At first, all Kenisha can do is stare in amazement as her sling bullet hits the worm squarely and the great behemoth starts to fall.
Then, deciding that being some distance from her current spot would be a good idea, she gallups as fast as she can away from the falling worm. When she hears the corpse hit the ground, she turns just in time to see the goo go flying!
Thiel(perc,dex,dex) d20=17 d20=6 d20=13 Sunday November 12th, 2000 10:14:16 PM
Thiel while missing the great worm completly and spinning to one side he is already clear of the worm when it falls to the ground. As Thiel steadies himself after getting so dizzy from spinning he feels the wind of a great glob of goo as it barely misses his face. he then remarks to everyone." We have to do better my new friends...at this point we arent much challenge to a rotten sack." thiel then gingerly makes his way over to the fallen worm and sits on the beast.He begins to hum to himself as he waits patiently for Flat-top to keep good on his offer to help with his burns.
Kale d20=13 d20=16 d20=20 Monday November 13th, 2000 4:20:29 AM
(i was away from the worm, so im not sure if i needed to make the 2 dex checks. if i did, i missed both). after the giant worms fall to the ground, Kale walks around and picks up his arrows, though he constantly watches who is behind him because hes still not sure what to think of the others(made perception check)
Perceptions & Baths... (DM Donna) Monday November 13th, 2000 6:23:20 AM
(OOC: You're right, Kale--you [and Kenisha, too, actually! 8] were far enough away from the monster to not have to duck...but you get "slimed" since you failed THAT roll.)
Mordengast, Holleb and Kale all notice that Caern's savage disembowelment of the creature resulted in something falling out of the monster's opened belly...some goo-covered something that now lies between the barbarian and the dead "worm".
Those who go to wash off the worm goo find the water warm and pleasant...and the fish all seem VERY appreciative of the impromptu snack, too.
Mordengast (near the sea) Monday November 13th, 2000 6:46:49 AM
Mordengast looks at Thiel and Holled.
"Careful. I just saw something fall out of this... fisherman's nightmare. It landed right.. here. Did the other one have one too?"
With that the taur tries to scoop up the bauble with is axes, at least till its out of the goo area. Afterward he'll go clean his boots and weapon.
Holleb Monday November 13th, 2000 9:32:40 AM
Holleb walks over to the bauble that Mordengast moved out of the slime, peering down at it, trying to make heads or tails of it. Even moreso, he studies the now dead creatures, trying to figure them out as he has never seen the likes of either of them, musing to himself that he seems to have gotten himself into quite an interesting perdicament this time.
Thiel Monday November 13th, 2000 9:43:37 AM
After Thiel sees to his own wounds his thoughts return to the boxes and the heartHe begins to look for them and will take up the heart of Imod As soon as he finds it and return it to its place in his backpack. When Mordengast says "Look" Thiel pays attention to him and also sees the itembt will continue looking for the heart and let Mordengast decifer what has fallen from the belly of the beast.
Flat-top (to the Sea and Back) Monday November 13th, 2000 10:33:16 AM
Flat-top washes as fast as he can, and it seems as though the fishes around here love this stuff. Flat-top was a former marine, remembers that his sergeant once told him that sea weeds help with burns and bruises. So Flat-top will pick an arm full and trots off to put the sea weeds on Thiel. "Hey Thiel, lets put some of these seaweed's on your burns. My Dam said it was good for burn hide. And those fishes really like that worm goo."
Ashrad Monday November 13th, 2000 2:23:54 PM
the thought of going back into the wretched water made the Wemic feel ill to his stomache. His tail flashing back and forth, a sign of pure aggitiation on the liontaur's part.
Looking down at the goo dripping from him, he wrinkles his nose at the mess, and with a look to the heavens, he sighs and slumps into the water. Eyes shut, and a scowl on his face Ashrad washes off as quickly as he can.
Bounding out of the water, he sets to work preening his coat back into shape. Often casting a cold glance over his shoulder at the hated water.
Finally the liontaur deems that every hair is back in place and the ordeal over with wanders back towards where the party has gathered. Watching from abit of a distance he sees them all prodding in the goo of one dead worm.
Revolted at the thought he finds himself a nice sunny spot on the beach and awaits the party to finish with their nasty work. Warm, clean and not dead the liontaur enjoys the sun onhis hide.
Zeoll Monday November 13th, 2000 7:28:56 PM
Zeoll takes another look at the Halves of the Sundered Heart, just to be sure they are safe.
Then he walks over to Thiel to look over his wounds. Speaking to the minotaur, he says in Tauric, "How arre yourr wounds? May I have the honorr of offerring you God's healing?"
Caern Monday November 13th, 2000 7:42:42 PM
Caern, seeing the puddled mass on the ground, forgets the ooze upon himself and reaches for it, wondering what it could possibly be. He attempts to remove as much goo as possible from it.
Kenisha Tuesday November 14th, 2000 2:30:37 AM
Since it looked like Thiel was being well taken care of by others, Kenisha looked about to see if anyone else was injured or needed help with the goo.
Kale d20=18 Tuesday November 14th, 2000 3:33:52 AM
seeing the effect that the worm's blood has on the others, Kale empties one of his waterskins and approaches where the thing fell out of the worm. taking out a dagger, he tries to scoop as much of the blood as he can into the empty skin
It's My Bag, Baby! (DM Donna) d20=3 Tuesday November 14th, 2000 7:01:15 AM
Mordengast picks up the item--a large pouch of suede-like material--and finds himself quite convinced that it belongs to the wemics. He turns and gives the pouch to Caern, who shakes the worm guts (yucky!) off the pouch and sees that the container has a stylized lion's head embossed on it. He, too, is seized with the notion that whatever lies within is meant for the wemics of the party.
Holleb, though, finds that a vague spark of memory persists at the back of his mind--the creatures that the party just fought are usually referred to by scholars as "ankhegs"...very nasty and large predators that resemble giant, multi-legged worms, only with chitinous and quite tough armored plating on its segments.
The two boxes continue to lie side by side on the beach/jungle boundary just beyond the gooey remains of the monsters, the sunlight glinting off the glass they are constructed of.
Thiel(unsure but determined) Tuesday November 14th, 2000 9:25:57 AM
Thiel seeing that boxes still lie in the sand says to Holleb " Shall we try again? I am Kayleb bound to recover the box and unite it with its mate. Perhaps we should see if they fit together into one piece." With that Thiel turns and moves to get his half of the heart. He hopes that holleb is doing the same.
Ashrad Tuesday November 14th, 2000 11:26:50 AM
At the mention of the item being meant for the Wemics, Ashrad's ears perk up and he opens his slitted eyes wide.
Gradually rising from his warm spot, he stretches as he saunters towards Caern.
[Wemic] "Breathern Caern, may I see that item? it is my humble duty to be a scholar from our pride and I know a bit about our peoples history and may know what that bag is about. If you please?"
Ashrad holds out his hand towards Caern.
Flat-top Tuesday November 14th, 2000 12:15:01 PM
Flat-top seeing that Thiel is going for the boxes again, now puts down his armload of sea weed, and tells Thiel and Holleb,"Alright I'll pick up my arms again and back you two up." Now hefts his shield and get the Morning Star ready, dig in his hoofs and braces for another attack.
Caern Tuesday November 14th, 2000 7:14:26 PM
Turning to Ashrad, he speaks [Wemic] "Certainly, my friend wemic. However, let us distance ourself slightly from the others." After motioning for the other two wemics to follow about 15 feet from the other party, he opens the bag himself and glances at the contents before showing it to the others.
Zeoll Tuesday November 14th, 2000 11:24:01 PM
Seeing that Thiel seems to be fine without healing, Zeoll walks over to the other two liontaurs. He watches the proceedings.
"Perhaps this challenge was a test set for us by Tomi," he says in wemic. "Peraps, having passed the test, this is a sign."
Kenisha Wednesday November 15th, 2000 2:20:54 AM
Noticing what Thiel and Flat-top were saying, Kenisha worried her lower lip while readying her sling, just in case.
Button, Button, Who's Got the Button..? (DM Donna) Wednesday November 15th, 2000 6:45:02 AM
As the waves continue to lap gently at the seaward edge of the beach, the wemics of the party discover within the pouch three round, flat, button-like stones. Chiseled into one is a stylized sword. Another has a stylized shield carved into it. The third has an "x" scratched into its surface...or, it could be a "+" if one turned it at a slightly different angle...
All three stones are very warm and seem to glow a little bit.
The ever-alert Flat-top doesn't detect any threat from the surrounding area.
Zeoll Wednesday November 15th, 2000 8:55:36 AM
"Thanks be to Tomi," Zeoll prays in tauric, "forr he has given us these tokens of his blessing in this quest."
Then in a less sonorous voice, much softer, and now in wemic, he says to his two fellow liontaurs, "It seems clear to me that these chads are intended for us. The centaurs and the minotaurs each brought a half of the Holy Heart to this quest. It must be that these buttons are integral to our contribution. Perhaps they will prove necessary to the healing of the Sundered Heart."
"Since there are three of these chads and three of us, each of us should carry one until the time that we use them to complete the quest. Since the holy symbol of Tomi is crossed swords, and since I am one of his priests, I would carry the sword token, with your consent. Each of you should take one of the others. How does this sound to you, my brothers?"
Zeoll shows Ashrad and Caern that he places his token in his Sacred Totem Bag, the holy repository he wears around his neck.
Kale Wednesday November 15th, 2000 9:06:57 AM
after gathering the worm's blood, Kale moves a few feet away from everyone else. his bow is in his hand, an arrow knocked. he seems to eye everyone, including his fellow minotaurs
Ashrad (Ancient History Role) d20=8 Wednesday November 15th, 2000 10:19:21 AM
Seeing the contents of the bag, Ashrad nods to both of his liontaur companions.
[Wemic]"I agree Zeoll. These are meant for us in some way. Give me a moment to see if I may divine anything of there nature."
Breathing a deep breathe, and centering his being as he exhales.
Humming a growling hum he circles the stones and bag with his hands over and over again. In a low growling voice he chants....
"Oh keepers of the a hidden thing, show mine eyes what power these bring. Have they a hidden power prize, let them glow to mine eyes."
[Cast Detect Magic]
After the chanting Ashrad will examine the bag and stones carefully to see if they look familiar in anyway from his studies. [Ancient History roll above].
Flat-top Wednesday November 15th, 2000 10:45:27 AM
Flat-top is allert and trying to sence the ground, hoping Not to meet with those worm again. Flat-top turn his head and tell Holleb and Thiel( in tauric)"I'm ready for anything, go get your Holy Relicks. Kenisha, see if you can hit a soft spot, if you can find one?"
Mordengast (to boldly go..) Wednesday November 15th, 2000 7:06:28 PM
After washing his hands, boots and weapons, the Chosen makes his way back to his companion. There he assume a defensive stance while they advance on the box.
"I stand by you... follow me."
And with that he trods forward.
"Oh.. and Great Imod... make the next one bigger yes?"
Thiel Wednesday November 15th, 2000 9:03:45 PM
Thiel strides forward carfully with Mordengast at his side.(left) he advances on the boxes with holleb and Mordengast as a cat with a mouse sure that the mouse will see him and bolt at any moment.He wispers to Mordengast as they move closer ever closer."glory to Imod Friend, and to those who worship him."
Holleb Wednesday November 15th, 2000 9:04:52 PM
Holleb, lance in hand at the ready, walks with the others, advancing until he is right over the boxes, then, hopefully without event, he stoops over and takes up his party's box.
Kenisha Thursday November 16th, 2000 1:28:38 AM
Kenisha continues to watch and wait with her sling at the ready.
Magic Buttons (DM Donna) d20=1 Thursday November 16th, 2000 6:38:33 AM
Ashrad's eyes go round and wide as he realizes that these tokens are, indeed, very old and powerful magic.
The token with the sword on it would transform a chosen weapon into an enchanted one; the shield button would likewise bolster a normal shield; and invoking the "plus" button would generate a small bit of permanent magic protection by transforming the button into a wearable item like a ring. All the wemic would have to do is choose one of the tokens and utter in Tauric: "I invoke thee" while holding the weapon or shield to be enchanted...or just merely the plus token in the case of the last button.
(OOC: yes, my pretties, you Wemics get to choose who gets a +1 weapon, a +1 shield and a +1 Ring of Protection. This way everyone in your party will get a fancy new "toy". ;D)
As Mordengast makes his warrior's exhortation to Imod, the ground trembles once more.
Holleb (slightly aggitaged, but who cares?) Thursday November 16th, 2000 9:16:11 AM
Holleb just kinda stops and sighs at the feeling of the trembling earth, and he mutters in Tauric to Mordengast, "oh.. you just HAD to ask for more, didn't you?" Holleb then shouts to the others, again in tauric, "Get back everyone, whatever it is, I'll throw vines around it first, then we can attack." At that he starts working the words in his mind, asking the very powers of life in the earth to help him silently when he asks...
(preparing his Entangle spell)
Ashrad Thursday November 16th, 2000 10:33:32 AM
As the ground trembles, Ashrad quickly dictates to the group what he has discovered about the tokens.
As Zeoll has properly chosen the weapon token, Ashrad looks at the remaining two.
[Wemic] "Caern, I do not use a shield, so I would take the token of magical protection and offer the shield token to you. I would also like to keep that bag. I find it athesticly pleasing. Let us get ready brethren, it seems these others have summoned forth more of these demon worms."
If there is no argument from Caern, Ashrad will take the plus token and return it to the lionheaded bag, and then quickly the bag in his satchel. he holds out the shield token to his Wemic companion.
Flat-top Thursday November 16th, 2000 10:35:42 AM
"Have you covered, Holleb, you two get your boxes. The most important thing right now is to get your relic back into your hands",said Flat-top(in Tauric). Now he stand at the ready for anything that will come out of the ground or bushes.
Caern Thursday November 16th, 2000 5:37:50 PM
[Wemic]"I understand your dillema, but I do not use a shield either. But, do as you wish."
Thiel Thursday November 16th, 2000 8:55:15 PM
Thiel says to Holleb "Here we go again." As Thiel readies his mace He says to Mordengast " It is a good day to die but I have no plans for that today Lets get the box and be out of here." With That Thiel makes for the boxes hoping that his speed will be enough to get him to the boxes and out again. If Holleb does not follow Thiel decides he will get both and thhan they will see what happens when the two halves are reunited.
Kale Thursday November 16th, 2000 10:48:23 PM
Kale continues to watch the party chat together like they were old friends. he hangs in the back, about 50 feet away from everyone else, isolating himself from the group. how can they all just forget centuries of hatred, he thinks to himself, all the murder and wars that have happened. Ill have to guard myself. I cant trust any of them, including Thiel and Mordengast. this might all be a trap
Zeoll Friday November 17th, 2000 12:02:50 AM
Zeoll readies himself for combat. "Great Tomi," he prays in wemic, "We place ourselves in your hands as we prepare for this challenge."
Kenisha Friday November 17th, 2000 1:51:12 AM
Kenisha looked about, looking for foes as well as looking at her fellow Questors. Everyone looked prepared, but she was a bit concerned that Kale remained withdrawn. 'If we are to succeed, we must be united in our endeavor.'
Button Business Concluded (DM Donna) d20=16 Friday November 17th, 2000 6:10:06 AM
And so, having decided that Zeoll gets the sword token, Ashrad the plus token and Caern receives the shield token, the magic buttons are dispensed. Silence falls over the party and the strangeness of their circumstances strikes everyone at the same time: three groups of three Taurs--Minotaur, Centaur and Lion-taur--are stuck on a desert island all by themselves in a bid for their survival.
One could almost envision some kind of entertaining theater production of this gathering...
The trembling of the ground ceases. Nothing in the way of monsters pops up out of the ground. Only the sounds of wind and water--and the occasional screech of seabirds--breaks the silence of the morning.
Thiel, picking up his box and reaching for the other, finds himself seized by the overwhelming conviction that this time and place are NOT right ones to reunite the two halves.
Flat-top Friday November 17th, 2000 11:00:44 AM
Flat-top is at the ready, all of his emotions and strength is poise on a fight, BUT nothing happens. Still holding his breath, closes one eye (maybe I'll see better if I concentrate my vision this way). He sees nothing coming out of the ground, and he sees nothing coming out bushes. Then Flat-top mumbles to himself," I will NOT look up!"
Kenisha Friday November 17th, 2000 1:45:55 PM
Sighing with relief as the rumbling stops. "Looks like no surprises this time." she says aloud in Tauric. Smiling she looks around again at the rest of the nine.
Thiel Friday November 17th, 2000 2:55:32 PM
Thiel reaches his box and after sudenly realizing that now is NOT the time to reunite the two halves , calls to Holleb "its O.K. you can retrieve your half now. " Thiel then begins to wonder "where to from here? He looks at his new and old companions Who can I trust for now we are in this together and I will not be afriad of fear" moves toward the beach and away frm the spot that the worms appeard just in case.and he places the box with half deep inhis backpack.
Ashrad Friday November 17th, 2000 4:18:18 PM
Looking up and down the beach Ashrad states...
[Tauric] "One way looks as good as the other really, but then I was never the tracker of my pride."
Shrugging the Wemic puts the token into one of his small pouches on his bandeliere.
Mordengast (batlle fizzles) Saturday November 18th, 2000 7:54:13 AM
-- You just had to ask didn`t you? ---
With a big grin the chosen can be heard to reply with a childish and excited voice. "Yes!!"
However when the ground shakes and the very denizens of hell fail to come and confront him he looks crestfallen. "Furdles!"
When the boxes are firmly back in the bearer's care he looks around asking out loud "What's our situation?"
Holleb Saturday November 18th, 2000 10:35:29 PM
Holleb ceases preparing the spell, instead walking quickly and stooping over, picking up the precious box, lightly cleaning the dirt from it before returning it to his saddlebags. He then looks about, as if to ask "what now?"
Zeoll Monday November 20th, 2000 8:27:20 AM
Zeoll stands upright and speaks (in Tauric) in a voice designed to carry without shouting.
"My new frriends, have we all intrroduced ourrselves? I am Zeoll, Student to Shaman Frrith, Warrrior to Prride Nonowla, and Son to Clan Aene. I serve the great deity known to me as Tomi, though I know he is called by otherr names."
"Great Tomi summonned me herre thrrough drream, vision, and mirracle on a Quest to rrepairr his Sunderred Hearrt. I sense that the same is trrue of otherrs in ourr company, since the Hearrt has been brrought herre. Can we pledge ourrselves all to this common cause? To rright what has gone wrrong, and fix what has been brroken?"
"Declarre now, I enjoin you, yourr names and yourr intents."
Kenisha Monday November 20th, 2000 10:43:56 AM
Kenisha bows her head gracefully and states, "I, Kenisha, do swear that I will do what's right to mend the Sundered Heart."
Turning to look directly at Kale, she continues, "That means that I will not do any acts of violence against any of you and I pray that you will see the wisdom of this as well."
She turns her attention back to Zeoll. "Twas violence after all between the Minotaurs and the Centaurs which caused the Sundering in the first place. Before that, our two peoples lived in peace and brotherhood with each other."
Kale Tuesday November 21st, 2000 4:42:19 AM
looks at Kenisha from a distance and yells "That remains to be seen. My name is Kale, and I intend to survive."
Mordengast (on pledges) Tuesday November 21st, 2000 6:41:15 AM
With grim purpose the chosen steps forward. He appears to be more imposing now than before.
"I am Mordengast. I am Chosen. This says it all. I will do the will of Imod for I am wise enough to see His Hand in all this. But I am still Taur enough to resent the presence of those with whom my people have had bad blood for decades. Years of murders and such won't dissapear overnight. Till they've proven themselves they'll have my support... but not my trust."
With that the chosen returns to his companions, keeping an eye out for trouble.
Thiel Tuesday November 21st, 2000 10:00:28 PM
Thiel steps forward and anounces himself."I am Thiel and while I am minotaur and am a priest of Imod. I am also schooled ibn the history of our two races and know our linked past and as I see it our linked future. I am open to alliance and with the grace o our god we should realize our linked future. I know now that my life has been only premblem to this Quest and that Imod had chosen me long before my comming here maybe before birth. and I feel that the same is true of all of us. I say all of us will one day see our true purpose as servants to Imod, or however you may call him, and will , must do what he calls for when that time comes. You have my support and my skills in the realization of glory of Imod.
Flat-top Wednesday November 22nd, 2000 12:12:53 PM
Flat-top not liking what and how, Kale said. Flat-top will give him an icy glar, and relates," My name is Flat-top and I will see to the safy and completion of our Centor's mission, Do You Under Stand Me." Still giving Kale the icy glar.
Holleb Friday November 24th, 2000 10:21:40 AM
Holleb steps forward and bows as only a centaur can, the head of the feathered lance sweeping the ground before him. "My name is Holleb, former soldier and now a druid of the forests. Although I do not share in your views of Domi, Tomi, or Imod, I am here to reunite the sundered heart, and, hopefully, in so doing, I can erase the wrongs I did so long ago when I helped fuel this hatred between our peoples. My spells and my lance are dedicated to our goal, and I have no desire to harm any of you."
Thiel Friday November 24th, 2000 9:22:53 PM
Then it is done . We are to fight as one unit andseek no harm to each other. Mordengast I am wounded but it truly is only a scratch. I do not believe that anyone else has been harmed and I offer that we go forth with the blessings of all our gods.Thiel pulls out a wine skin and raises it."Would anyone care to toast our alliance ." With that Thiel throws back a bull size draft fromn the skin then offers it to Flat Top. "Wine" he says "from the cellers of an old Bull and priest friend of mine. try it. "
Flat-top Saturday November 25th, 2000 12:18:00 PM
Flat-top take his eyes off Kale and onto Thiel. Then watches him take a drink (No, a gulp,Flat-top has not seen anybody drink like that since he went drinking with his old sargent). OK if you have some wine of our own, Them takes a flask out and takes a gulp out of the wine skin, then offers it toThiel to drink. (with a smerk that says *I can out drink you any day*)
Thiel Sunday November 26th, 2000 8:18:50 PM
Thiel smile is obvious He takes the flask and says " Anyone who who drinks like you can be my drinking buddy any day "Thiel takes a nice swig of the wine offerd by Flat Top and smiles as the sweet fruit goes over his taste buds and then to his stomach. he is pleased He says " anyone else care for a drink. Flat top we should put this away for now because we may not come home if we get started ".
The Chosen Path
Wine Break is Over (DM Donna) Monday November 27th, 2000 6:31:28 AM
As Flat top accepts the return of his flask from Thiel, the breeze from the ocean once more blows stiffly, causing some of the jungle undergrowth at the edge of the beach to part and thus revealing a trail of some sort--one that clearly leads north, towards the center of the new island.
Zeoll Monday November 27th, 2000 7:49:26 AM
Zeoll smiles at his new comrades. "Clearrly," he says to all, "Grreat Tomi continues to offerr his guidance. Let us follow this new omen at hand."
Kale Monday November 27th, 2000 9:08:02 AM
not disturbed in the least from some of his companion's reaction to his statement, Kale continues to remain where he is, though his attention is focused on the trail that has just appeared
Kenisha Monday November 27th, 2000 12:58:52 PM
"I agree, friend Zeoll, but we must be on our guard. I am certain we shall be tested again before we reach our goal." Kenisha said as she eyed the newly reveiled path.
Ashrad Monday November 27th, 2000 1:11:37 PM
Nodding to Zeoll, Ashrad chuckles a deep purring chuckle.
With a humble bow to the group... "I am Ashrrrad. A mere scholar and wandererrr. It does seem that ourrr path has found us once again, new frrriends. Forrrtunately in a morre peaceful way than the last few times. Alrrready this will be quite the tale to tell our childrren's childrrren."
Thiel d20=12 Monday November 27th, 2000 8:40:53 PM
Thiel notes the path as if he knew that Imod would give them the direction. He loks to his companions and remarks This way to all those brave enough .. or fool enough."Thiel puts his nose to the air and sniffs then cautiously moves toward the trail (attempts perception check)
Flat-top Tuesday November 28th, 2000 12:50:24 AM
As Ashrad pointed out the path that was reveal. "Hmmm thats a narow path we should have a marching order. Don't you think?" and waits for an answer.
Mordengast Tuesday November 28th, 2000 6:23:46 AM
Feeling that it would be hypocritical on his part to toast the new alliance when he as so much mixed feelings about it, the chosen stands apart. Although a drink would feel great right about now.
When the subject of marching orders comes up he steps forward. "I'll be in front. And since we are so "new" to each other we should mix the group well. So I'd like a centaur (at that he makes a surprised face at what he is saying) or one of the Wemics with me. Let us travel a while like this to see how we tolerate each other. Then we will talk of thinks like leadership. What say you?"
Happy Trails to You (DM Donna) Tuesday November 28th, 2000 6:25:16 AM
Thiel--as does anyone else who begins to head for the path--is certain that the newly-revealed trail is the way the party must go in order to accomplish their mission.
The trail is wide enough for Taurs to travel two abreast...and a marching order would come in handy right about now...
Zeoll Tuesday November 28th, 2000 8:53:38 AM
"I will walk with you, Morrdengast. Therre are things we can discuss," Zeoll says, "if fate gives us the opporrtunity."
The liontaur joins the minotaur and prepares to take the lead position.
Kale d20=3 Tuesday November 28th, 2000 9:25:51 AM
heaing Mordengast's idea, Kale finally moves from his isolated spot and joins the others. "You want you and 2 of these 800lb creatures to go marching through the jungle, letting everything on this island where we are? No, we need a scout up front, and thats me. I doubt any of you know how to move quietly." he says, looking over everyone. then without another word Kale moves to the beginning of the path and looks around for any sign that it might of been used recently(made perception by 11)
Flat-top Tuesday November 28th, 2000 11:08:47 AM
Flat-top turns his head and gives an icy look at Kale. Then think to himself *Hmmm this bull has a bigger head than the mountain on this island. Some day I'm going to enjoy beating his rump.* But to his reply "Yes we are large and all muscles, we should be in frount to protect the chosen ones with the box. Don't you think? under his beath he said 'or do you?'
Thiel Tuesday November 28th, 2000 8:41:24 PM
"I am content to travel with anyone who doesnt mind listening to my ramblings. Perhaps the the druid would care to talk of healing an te uses of herbs as we walk"
Kenisha Wednesday November 29th, 2000 2:49:49 AM
"If Holleb wishes to walk with Thiel, then I shall walk with Ashrad if that's alright with you. It will mean that Caern will be alone, but with Kale rejecting companionship we shall have to make due." Kenisha smiled apologetically to Caern.
Marching Order..? (DM Donna) Wednesday November 29th, 2000 6:45:17 AM
(I need EVERYone to post their order in the march along the trail, please! So far it seems that Kale and Flat-top will take the point; Mordengast and Zeoll are next; Holleb and Thiel; then Kenisha and Ashrad, with Caern bringing up the rear..?)
The canny minotaur thief notices nothing on the trail to indicate anything or anyone else might have traveled along it recently.
Kale d100=34 Wednesday November 29th, 2000 9:54:02 AM
looks at Flat-Top with a frown on his face. "Yes, you are covered with muscles, and the biggest one apprears to be between your ears. Now be quiet and let me do what needs to be done. Follow 40 feet behind me and do your best to be quiet." and with that, Kale moves down the path, trying his best to move as silently as possible(made move silently check by 1)
Ashrad Wednesday November 29th, 2000 10:57:02 AM
Rolling his eyes at the welling hostilities. In a soothing tone, Ashrad attempts to asuade peace. "Please, please. Let us well this angerr you seem to hold forrr each otherrr. We need each otherr forr now, and should keep frrrom poking sticks and each otherr. We each arrre the chosen ones, and each arrre underrr our makerrrs touch. Equal and wonderous."
Ashrad falls into place left for him in the marching order.
Flat-top Wednesday November 29th, 2000 5:55:47 PM
"I will march with Kale and WE will show how quiet we can be. I'm sure we can gate quietly."Flat-top turn and smiles and winks at the others. Then marches along with Kale.
Thiel(third with Holleb) Wednesday November 29th, 2000 8:47:14 PM
"Well My friend Mordengast, Shall we? Lead on. We have long to travel and I feel the spirits are growing impatient with our pace." With that Thiel's head turns to the Druid Holleb and he whispers, "So do you prefer the use of herbs as a tonic or topical? I prefer to use them as tonic but I am sure you know more on this than me?" OOC Thiel is third in the order and I assume that everyone is O.K. with the order you have proposed. I only assume though.
Zeoll (second, talking with Mordengast) Thursday November 30th, 2000 12:10:03 AM
(OOC: The following dialog was carried out through e-mail today and yesterday.)
Zeoll and Mordengast tell each other their stories (OOC: as revealed in the previous turns). Then they turn to upcoming matters.
ZEOLL: Zeoll is concerned about the tension he has seen between the minotaurs and the centaurs, and he seeks to understand it. "Our mission hinges on cooperration, I deem. Is this tension going to be a prroblem? What can I do to help? And why do your two peoples hate each other so? Can I rrely on the centaurrs? Can I rely on the minotaurrs?"
MORDENGAST: For a moment Mordengast seems not to hear. When he speaks however it is evident that it's because he was giving the matter some thought. "A strange question indeed. It is never a good thing to have such a thing amongst travelling companions. Yet I am no seer. I cannot say if such a thing will come to hinder us. As for what can be done to ease it, well there is but one remedy I believe: time. Maybe as we travel together we will learn to trust each other. Who knows. Certainly today as been a day of miracles big and small so why not another one?"
He pauses. "It is not going to be easy. You see before the time of the Sundered Heart the centaurs and the minotaurs where close. Then, according to our records bitter disputes between us sundered the Hearth and split both the isle and our nations. Each blamed the other for it and made them pay dearly such defamations. We blamed the centaurs for years. And they blamed us. It would seem now that Imod never did if he decided to unite us again. It's easy to find fault in others. Not so easy to find faults in one's own heart."
He makes a face. "And just that will be dangerous enough. Some people prefer to let their hate burn them alive rather then face the fact that their hate is an unjust one. Can we be trusted? Can anyone? That's a question that each of us must face alone. I know I will do My Lord's will. And I am honest enough to confront my own deamons. But even then when the time comes and I have to decide will I be able to forgive those I once called ennemies? I hope Imod as made me strong enough for that. All I know at this point is that, somehow, I must still travel some way before this happens.
ZEOLL: Zeoll asks Mordengast's opinion about the quest. "Have you any insight as to what to expect? How can we prreparre? I value your strrategic judgement."
MORDENGAST: "Insight? None but the obvious. Since this is my... excuse me OUR Lord's quest then I'd expect some fun battles ahead. Best way to prepare?" (a smile)"don't get killed. I believe that's what we will face since he's the Battle Lord. Or is he? I wonder what is the portfolio of the one called Tomi amongst your kind?
ZEOLL: "Forr us, Tomi is the Trribal Defenderr and Ceaseless Hunterr. We liontaurrs view Tomi as the Warrriorr Who Defends the Wold, guarrding naturre," said Zeoll. "He helps us trrack and overrcome ourr prrey, whetherr that prrey is dinnerr or some otherr enemy."
"We prriests of Tomi avoid using missiles, neverr rrun frrom battle (unless it is a strrategic withdrrawal), neverr discourrage otherrs, and trry to always state things in a positive way."
The liontaur grins, exposing the canines that give him his distinctive accent. "And we enjoy a good fight!"
Kenisha Thursday November 30th, 2000 2:32:28 AM
Taking her place with Ashrad behind Theil and Holleb, Kenisha smiles at the wemic. "You mentioned that you are a scholar. What is your field of study , if I may ask?"
Let's Get This Party Started! (DM Donna) d100=09 Thursday November 30th, 2000 7:28:37 AM
Kale starts off down the path, doing what he does best--and is surprised to hear (or, rather, not hear!) Flat-top moving as silently as he himself is! The centaur warrior alternates between glaring around at his surroundings and intently watching Kale's movements, successfully walking down the trail without making any undue sound.
The others follow along, and as you advance, you all get the feeling that you are, indeed, doing exactly the right thing.
Further into the center of the island does the trail wind, revealing lush and vivid vegetation that both the centaurs and the minotaurs of the group recognize from their own islands. The scenery is rather novel for the wemics, for their own island is rather monochromatic for a tropical locale--the legends handed down from generation to generation blame the loss of the more lovely and colorful plants and animals on the incursion of hellhounds to Wemic Island.
(OOC: Kale & Flat-top roll to Hear Noise. If you don't make that roll, make a Perception check with a +2 bonus. Everyone else make a Perception check.)
Ashrad [preception check] d20=6 Thursday November 30th, 2000 8:33:02 AM
Bowing his head slightly to Kenisha, AShrad smiles. "I am a collectorrr of histories. I find the paths trrodden upon help reveal the patterns to the paths we may follow. I also study the time we are in and rrrrecord it for use by others in the futurrre. It is one aspect of many being a Shaman for my people."
Adjusting his pack and scanning the group, Ashrad smiles wider. "And it seems that I am in the midst of a grrrand tale indeed. I have been blessed."
"Now tell me of yourrrself good companion Kenshia. Tell me of yourrr worrld."
Kale d100=95 d20=13 Thursday November 30th, 2000 9:07:01 AM
from the look on his face, its obvious that Kale is not happy about his traveling companion, muttering something about twice the legs equals twice the noise, but not the less he continues on until his head jerks up. looking at Flat-top, he puts his fingers to his lips then moves off of the path and into the jungle, just enough so that hes hidden from anything comeing on the path
Flat-top d100=72 d20-2=8 Thursday November 30th, 2000 11:19:26 AM
Flat-top move silently behind Kale, thinking to himself*Hmm pretty good for a minotaur, I always though they all move rather bullish. * Marching along until Kale stops suddenly, turn and motions to Flat-top to be very quiet. Flat-top motions to the others behind him, by putting his hand to cup his ear, then to his lips.(telling them in sign -- listen -- quiet) then turn to Kale as he move off the path and hides in the jungle. Flat-top thinks to himself* That Bull sure has very good moves. *
Mordengast... scenic route.( PER check) d20=14 Thursday November 30th, 2000 6:39:13 PM
(occ: missed per check... its int right?)
Mordengast halts at the scouts request (not to say their strange facial expressions). WHo would have thought that oneday he'd be taking instructions from others than his kind.
Well at the moment they seemed to have found something. As for him... well he couldn't figure out what..
Thiel d20=9 Thursday November 30th, 2000 8:43:08 PM
Thiel and Holleb having a nice conversation then Thiel notices something he then sees Flat top signal to be quiet and he puts an arm on Holleb and puts his finger to his lips as Flat top then he turns to face Flat top and sniffs the air... something is odd.
Holleb d20=3 Thursday November 30th, 2000 10:19:37 PM
(OOC~ sorry about not posting.. comp took a nosedive off the deep end and I just had time to get it fixed today)
Holleb ceases talking, his lance in his hands as his eyes dart from side to side, silently awaiting some kind of signal, noticing, too, that something just isn't right.
Kenisha d20=1 Friday December 1st, 2000 3:05:37 AM
Kenisha grins at Ashrad's description of the Quest.
"Well... My world is an aged one. Our two isles, Centaur Isle and Minotaur Isle, use to be one island. But a disagreement between our two leaders turned tragic. It escalated from there to out and out war. The island was sundered along with our God's heart...."
Kenisha mind reeled with what she had just said. The implication of her casual words shook her. Could it be true? But then something distracted her.
"What's that?"
Jungle Clearing (DM Donna) Friday December 1st, 2000 6:48:34 AM
Kale and Flat-top both notice that the trail seems to be widening out into a clearing of sorts. When the party members halt at the centaur's silent behest, all of you can hear some idle--and rather off-key--humming.
The clearing is roughly rectangular, with the party entering from the southern end and (so far) still hidden from the clearing by the jungle growth. At the north end of the clearing--approximately a hundred feet away or so--is what appears to be a rocky crag of some type, complete with a twenty-foot-round cavern entance in the middle of it. The trail runs right up to the entryway.
Floating in front of the entryway is a large spherical object that bobs up and down as it apparently "marches" back and forth, as though guarding the cave entrance. You can all see that the spheroid resembles a giant eye with a large mouth (presently with pursed lips and whistling a tune that is rapidly getting on your nerves), with about four...antennae on top of its...um...head..?
No, wait--not antennae...other eyes...on eyestalks.
A beholder...or a derivative thereof.
A tunelessly whistling beholder-type monster is between you and where you must go with your precious artifacts.
Kale d20=3 Friday December 1st, 2000 7:35:11 AM
eyes widening with fear, Kale momentarly freezes up, until he realizes that if he doesnt act soon, hes dead. taking out the waterskin that containes the worm's blood that he collected earlier, he coats two of his arrows with the thick substance(made dex check). knocking his bow, he pops out of his hiding just enough for Flat-Top to see him. he points at the thing, then at the centaur, motioning for him and everyone else to charge the creature when he fires. then he sinks back into the jungle and takes aim.....
Flat-top Friday December 1st, 2000 10:25:14 AM
Flat-top under standing what Kale is trying to tell him, turns to the other and in sign relates to them - pointing to Kale - him (Kale) - then makes like shooting a bow and arrow - Shoot (attack) - then flat-top make like a big ball with two fist above his head - the monster - then Flat-top motion with his hand, pointing to everybody - every one - then hitting his fist, then his fist hit his chest - attack - then pointing to the entrance of the clearing - monster in the clearing. Then nods to Kale and readies himself with shield and Morning Star.
Thiel Friday December 1st, 2000 1:07:32 PM
Thiel smells trouble. He take his mace out and is ready to charge when Kale looses his arrows.
Ashrad Friday December 1st, 2000 1:53:22 PM
Seeing Kenisha's reaction to her own words Ashrad silently puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
When she looks up as the rest of the party mobilizes, Ashrad moves towards cover in the brush. With a grimace of guilt and shame on his face, the Wemic has decided to let those who can hunt to take care of this business.
Mordengast ... (clearing) Friday December 1st, 2000 8:43:57 PM
For a moment the chosen looks at his companions antic then, snorting in disgust, he steps forward under the alarmed gaze of his companions. The minotaurs soon remember that "stealth" and "sneak attack" seem to be strangely absent from many Chosen tales.
As for Mordengast he is grinning widely. One of him. One of.. it? He? She? Well whatever. Time he got to show the others that he was combattant arm of Imod, not of a sneaky god.
Making his way to the creature he boldly marches up to it. If not attacked he'll even adress it "We seem to need to go there. Do you seek to bar the way?"
Holleb Saturday December 2nd, 2000 12:46:01 AM
Holleb watches Flat-Top's signing and walks forward, motioning to everyone to stay still as he move towards Flat-Top's position, then he begins chanting slowly.
"Oh great mother earth, lend me the strength of your mighty forests, I beg of you, grow your vines about our foe!"
nd with that, Holleb points his lance at the eye-creature, centering his Entangle spell on it.
Zeoll Sunday December 3rd, 2000 8:21:17 AM
Zeoll walks up at Mordengast's side -- he too is ready for battle, but is willing to negotiate. If the liontaur realizes that Holleb is casting entangle, he will try to avoid the entangled area, urging Mordengast to do the same. If he is not aware, he will stay by Mordengast's side, about ten feet to his right.
Kenisha Monday December 4th, 2000 2:19:30 AM
Kenisha readies her sling and waits, letting those more aquainted with fighting take the lead.
You Talkin' to Me..? (DM Donna) d100=30 d20=3 Monday December 4th, 2000 7:02:47 AM
Upon the appearance of Mordengast and Zeoll, all five of the beholder-type creature's eyes widen.
"I say, old chap--not quite cricket to just suddenly come up on a fellow who's on guard duty, you know..." the creature admonishes in a cultured voice that speaks in Tauric--a very civilized accent that is distinctly at odds with the huge mouth and rows of large, pointy teeth within. Before it can say anything else, however, the plants in the area suddenly grow taller and reach up to greedily grasp at the floating monster...
"Oh, bother!" the beholder-kin gripes from within the tangle of grasses and vines, the four eyes on the eyestalks telescoping slightly and twisting and turning around, inspecting its own predicament. "I suppose this means we must fight to the death, then? And I haven't even been able to tell Mumsy about my promotion yet...oh, well..."
One of the eyestalks aims at Mordengast...the other at Zeoll...then a multicolored beam from each of the aiming eyes flares from the tiny orbs...
(Mordengast, save versus Paralysis; Zeoll, save versus Spell)
Mordengast... combat!!! (save) d20=1 d20=9 Monday December 4th, 2000 7:59:41 AM
Mordengast is a little taken aback by the strange behaviour of the floating thingy. Before he can really issue his challenge however plants suddenly entraps it and he finds himself struck by a strange ray.!!
Fearing the worst he suddenly feels his muscle stiffen.
"I do not SNEAK!"
Zeoll the Peacemaker Monday December 4th, 2000 8:37:03 AM
(OOC: The first time I tried to post, I rolled a 12 and wrote the turn below -- but then my browser hung and I could not click the submit button. Should I reroll or just keep the 12? If I keep the 12, then, since my spell save is 15 -- if I get my +3 wisdom bonus I just made it. Otherwise I am affected. Or Donna, please feel free to reroll for me. What should I do if this comes up again?)
If Zeoll can move, he will leap (as only a wemic can leap) between Mordengast and the guard creature -- even if it means leaping into the entangle.
If he can speak, Zeoll also shouts, "STOP!! Why arre we fighting? This crreaturre speaks ourr tongue and did not attack firrst! By all the names of Tomi, Imod, and Domi, as His serrvant I demand a parrley!"
If he cannot move or speak, Zeoll will think, "Gosh darrn it!"
Kale d20=10 d20=10 Monday December 4th, 2000 9:01:24 AM
seeing that Modgengast and Zeoll ruined any chance for the party to take the monster by surprise, Kale curses under his breath and for a moment thinks of just staying where he is and let the two fools fend for himself, but at the last moment he changes his mind and fires his two arrows covered in worm blood, but the combination of the two companions and the wiggling grass throw off his aim(hit ac10 with both).
Thiel d20=15 d20=4 d8=8 d8=4 Monday December 4th, 2000 10:12:58 AM
"OH BOTHER?" "What an odd creature.and entangled as well That must be my que." Thiel riss up and charges the beast and will attempt to bash in the antangled beasts ....Head?
OOC: The second rolls for both to hit and damage where in error iwas trying to type after rolling and they rolled a second time
Flat-top d20+1=3 d20=17 d20=16 d6=3 d6=4 Monday December 4th, 2000 11:13:26 AM
Flat-top look at Kale and tells him "In for a copper piece in for a pound." Then charges the entangle with his Morning Star, swings and misses. Now Flat-top rears up and hit the enemy, twice with his hoves. "Colt, am I good and I;m going to trim these hoves to a point." Flat-top yells back at Kale. (ooc: damage with hoves 3 and 4 points)
Ashrad (from the bushes) Monday December 4th, 2000 12:37:25 PM
The scholar watches with dread as the battle ensue before him.
"These chosen ones are a bloody lot. Even my Wemic brethren is hunt hungry. How can this troop be the harbingers of peace when all they see is the next thing to kill. How can wisdom help them prevail instead of braun. Oh the path is a muddy one Anestors, and I have no clear view."
Holleb (moving in) d20=13 d8+3=10 Monday December 4th, 2000 11:26:46 PM
Holleb manuevers so that he is closer in to the beast, his druidic nature making him despise this unnatural creature. He lunges in once with his lance(hit AC 5 and it's large right?)
Kenisha Tuesday December 5th, 2000 3:39:25 AM
Kenisha was unsure what to do. The others, save Ashrad seemed sure in their actions. 'But what if Ashrad is right?' she thought to herself.
Finally the decided to hold off attacking for the moment. Although her sling remained ready.
Fight! Fight! [Round 1] (DM Donna) d20=4 d100=23 d100=59 d100=87 d4=2 d100=9 Tuesday December 5th, 2000 7:33:57 AM
(OOC: First of all, Mordengast rolled a 1 versus the Paralysis, which is an Automatic Failure--the paladin is paralyzed; because of this I edited out the last part of his post.
Second, I rolled for Zeoll's save versus Spell--the 4 result above. Whenever anyone tries to roll and they see that their roll gets erased, you either roll again or ask me to roll for you OOC.
Third, this beholder-kin is about four feet in diameter--making it a Medium-sized monster.)
Suddenly Mordengast is frozen in place, unable to move for the next 8 rounds--and Zeoll finds himself knocked back about ten feet or so with 5hp damage. In the time it takes the wemic to recover, the others of the party take their actions first...
Kale's arrows fly wide of his intended target, one of them sailing serenely over the beholder-kin while the second buries itself in the magical tangle of plants that holds the floating eye fast.
Thiel's leap at the monster just barely throws off his otherwise-solid blow, so that the minotaur cleric does no damage to the beholder-kin, though he does succeed in crushing a portion of the vines and grasses that entangle the beastie.
One of Flat-top's hooves connects with the eye-tyrant's body for 3hp damage...and--incredibly--the other actually manages to squish one of the eyestalks, causing the monster to bellow with pain.
Holleb causes 10hp damage to the creature's body.
(OOC: total body damage is 13hp; one of the smaller eyes is now a crushed, bloody bit of pulp.)
Zeoll makes his leap...and his exhortation--just in time to become the target of another multi-colored ray! (Roll versus Paralysis, Zeoll)
"Oh, bother!" mutters the beholder-kin, its large central eye squinting in frustration, as it had intended to shoot Flat-top. Instead, the centaur warrior finds himself pelted with food and water--enough for six people--that suddenly materializes about Flat-top's head. The fourth small eyestalk looks Holleb's way and widens, emitting another beam that engulf's the druidic warrior's head.
Leave ye now...go in peace...you don't want to fight... The words resound within Holleb's mind, compelling in their litany... (OOC: save versus Spell, Holleb, or obey the Suggestion.)
Thiel d20=12 d8=3 Tuesday December 5th, 2000 8:59:07 AM
Thiel it appears is the closest to the beholder. and it would appear to mordengast as well " do I continue or do I pull Mordengast from the fray..?" Thiel decides that Mordengast is no threat to the beast and is therefore no longer a target. Thiel spins on the beast and attempts to crush the Beholder with his mace
Zeoll (missed again!) d20=2 Tuesday December 5th, 2000 9:25:46 AM
Zeoll groans (having missed his second save this round). He will continue to urge an end to the hostilities.
"Stop!" he shouts. "Therre is no need forr us to fight!"
Ashrad (from the bushes) Tuesday December 5th, 2000 10:37:53 AM
Ashrad watches with great regret on his face as the battle continues. Seeing many of the companions stricken already he wonders how long it will be before their are none left to walk the chosen path.
He does see that Zeoll has come around, perhaps he can stop this insanity.
"But not alone I fear. Time to go scholar, time to act and not watch."
Grabbing the stone from his pouch he holds it in front of him and states... "I invoke thee.."
Flat-top d20+1=20 d20=14 d20=12 d6+1=7 d6=3 Tuesday December 5th, 2000 11:18:03 AM
Flat-top brushes off what food landed on him, backs up a little, then charges. Hitting the Bloody Blob with his Morning Star, then rearing up and fighting with his hooves. Missing with one hoove. Then readies for another round if needed. " Now will you move out of the way???" shouts Flat-top.
Kale d20=11 d20=16 d6=6 Tuesday December 5th, 2000 12:43:44 PM
seeing how quickly the floating creature is incapacitating the party, Kale fires two more arrows at it, one missing(AC9) and the other one a better shot(AC4 for 6 pts of damage). then he drops his bow, draws his scimitar, and charges out of his hiding place. "Find your courage!" he yells out at the two just standing there. "Act now or your friends are surely doomed!"
Kenisha d20=11 Wednesday December 6th, 2000 3:21:41 AM
Cursing silently, Kenisha lets the stone fly from her sling. More cursing follows as her projective misses.
Holleb (failed save) d20=4 d20=11 Wednesday December 6th, 2000 6:34:04 AM
Holleb hears this voice in his mind, and, completely amazed that he is doing so, he actially turns to the others and yells. "Friends,we don't have to fight! If we let him go, I think he'll be our friend! He may know things about this island that can help us, and surely he does not want to fight us."
Fight! Fight! [Round 2] (DM Donna) d100=70 d100=87 d100=13 d100=99 d3=2 Wednesday December 6th, 2000 8:01:41 AM
Zeoll, to his dismay, finds that he cannot move hand nor paw, though he can shout.
Holleb, as he espouses his wisdom, turns and begins to walk away from the combat.
Thiel's blow is absorbed by the plants that continue to Entangle the floating monster.
Ashrad finds himself holding not a button but a ring of bronze metal in the shape of a lion head. Its eyes are set with dark red stones. It feels like magic to the wemic sorcerer--a very comforting, protective type of magic. (OOC: you are now in possession of a +1 Ring of Protection.)
Once more, Flat-top's expertise in hoof-to-hoof combat reigns supreme as two of his three blows land with devasting effect upon the beholder-kin: his enchanted morning star crushes the eyestalk that was causing the Paralysis in his erstwhile teammates; then one hoof smacks into the solid body for 3hp damage.
However, though Kenisha's missile arcs over all the combatants, the ichor-covered arrow of Kale dramatically finds its mark--dead center in the beholder-kin's large, central eye for 6hp damage!
"OoooooOOOOOWWWWWWWW, bloody boogers!!!" howls the creature, tearing itself free from the remaining plants and vines holding it in place and its two remaining eyestalks waving wildly about.
One of the eyestalks orients on Flat-top, bathing the battling centaur in its rainbow beam. Flat-top hears the Suggestive phrase inside his head:
Turn around and go in peace...you don't want to fight... (Save versus Spell, Flat-top, or go the way of Holleb.)
Thiel is also targeted by the remaining eyestalk...and finds water and rations raining down on him from above.
The beholder-kin is bobbing wildly up and down in the air, sometimes at about fifteen feet in height, sometimes only three feet from the ground. It has suffered a total of 22hp damage in these two rounds of combat, and two of its eyestalks as well as its central eye are out of commission.
Thiel d20=12 d8=3 Wednesday December 6th, 2000 8:35:32 AM
Thiel curses as well He is pelted with food and water. it does do its job though and he misses AGAIN !! ^#@^* THiel cant help but think to himself when I want food I cant get a scrap and when I least need it I am literaly showered init
Zeoll Wednesday December 6th, 2000 9:58:17 AM
Zeoll speaks, since it is all he can do. In a calm, clear, loud, and penetrating voice, addressing the beholder-kin, he declaims:
"Oh crreaturre, I rregrret this battle. Perrhaps you werre ourr foe -- perrhaps ourr frriend -- but my hearrt trrembles as I ponderr ourr encounterr."
"Howeverr, be comforrted, forr if you arre slain, I will do all in my powerr to honorr you in death. If you werre a serrvant of Grreat Tomi or his cause, then yourr glorry in the afterrlife will be grreat, and you can be prroud of the valorr and courrage you showed when attacked without warrning or prrovocation."
Flat-top d20=19 d20+1=21 d20=20 d20=19 Wednesday December 6th, 2000 10:59:28 AM
Flat-top comes to a stop, shakes his head as if he had a head full of sand.(OOc:made his save 19)Turn on his hooves and charges again. After Kale's attack, Flat=top come in with his Morning Star and hits his target full strenth,then rears and fight his hooves with all his might that he poseses. Trots to the side to see if Kale is alright. Then turn to see what the damage was. (OOC: weapon natural 20+1 and hoof another natural 20- the other hoof just a 19)
Kale d20=20 d20=19 d8+2=3 Wednesday December 6th, 2000 7:46:10 PM
running up to the floating monster, Kale slashes out with his scimitat, critically slashing the creature(max damage for 10 pts) his blow is so powerful, hes able to follow through with it and strike again, delivering another solid hit for 3 pts of damage. a small smirk appears on Kale's face, knowing that if this floating eyeball isnt dead, it will soon be.
Kenisha Thursday December 7th, 2000 3:37:52 AM
Realization of just how the floating eyeball was attacking, Kenisha steps back and yells, "Stop fighting all of you! This one has not used deadly force! Not even once! Leave off your attacks and let us parley with him!"
Fight? Fight? [Round 3] (DM Donna) Thursday December 7th, 2000 6:21:53 AM
The last two functioning eyes of the beholder-kin roll as Zeoll speaks to it.
"My good lion-taur, of COURSE I'm in the service of Tomi...I'm a Spectator!" it tells the paralyzed cleric. "Why, I'm only here to--"
Even as Kenisha yells out her revelations about the spectator, the combined onslaughts of Kale and Flat-top result in critical blows with damage so severe that it reduces the magically-procured guardian to a pile of goo that splatters to the ground amidst the water and rations that litter the ground.
Wow...looks like the party won this battle.
Holleb Thursday December 7th, 2000 6:29:50 AM
Holleb, having heard Kenisha's words, suddenly turns, only to see the spectator slaughtered. He opens his mouth to argue, then realises that he is just as guilty as anyone else and lowers his head, seriously rethinking his worthiness of being the bearer of the sundered heart. He soon turns and stares out at the forest, cursing himself for letting his first judgement be his guide.
Zeoll Thursday December 7th, 2000 8:26:35 AM
When Zeoll is free of the enchantment, he will treat the dead being as if it were a hero slain in the service of Tomi. After the formal prayers are over, he will speak glowingly and positively of the deceased.
"This being, the serrvant of He whom we serrve, gave his life valiantly and brravely. He honorred his oaths and his duty. I salute his courrage as the courrage of a lion. May Tomi grrant him grreat might and rrank in the battles of the afterrlife."
Then Zeoll will look around at all his companions. He speaks to them warmly, with no negativity or condemnation, although his face is serious.
"It is clearr that this being was a serrvant of ourr god. We demonstrrated grreat skill in arrms as we destrroyed it -- prraise Tomi forr ourr prrowess! Now we have have the good opporrtunity to learrn frrom this crreaturre in death."
"As cubs learrn in the fields of my home, we learrn that we must know ourr prrey. When we sprring to attack, we must be surre that we arre sprringing on the corrrrect enemy. And if we do not know ourr prrey, we must learrn about it beforre we sprring. Know yourr enemy! Know yourr prrey! This is the lesson Grreat Hunterr Tomi has given us today."
"Herre we have seen what happens when we do not know ourr prrey -- so let us all learrn this lesson anew, and find purrpose and wisdom in this crreaturre's sacrrifice."
Kale Thursday December 7th, 2000 9:23:18 AM
wiping the goo off his blade, Kale sheaths his blade and turns to listen to everyone whine. "This creature was an obstical, and we removed it." he says simply as he goes to retrive his bow. coming back, he begins to search for his arrows he shot. "If you all cant handle a little bloodshed, go back and wait on the beach."
Flat-top Thursday December 7th, 2000 10:37:01 AM
Flat-top looks over the pile of GOO that is littered on the ground, and smiles to himself. Turns to Kale and says,"For once I agree with you, Kale, this creature made himself an obstacle, and after what he did with his magic spells. WE had no choice BUT to remove it. And that is what Kale and I do. Protect all of you, and see to it we get to our goal as safe as possible." Then turn and help Kale look for his arrows.
Ashrad Thursday December 7th, 2000 12:36:08 PM
Ashrad dons the ring and whispers... "May I be found worthy of this gift ancestors."
Sighing at the death of the guardian Ashrad turns to the warriors bravado... "Be warry of excusing your actions in simple terms. It is just these self imposed righteousness acts that have brought the delemas of your people to the state they are in now. Killing is never done lightly. A life is never forfiet without cost. Reckless battle is the path to doom, friends, and there is no glory in it nor was there any in this fight. You say your job is to protect us from harm, and that is true, but who will protect us all from the reactions to your heedless acts. We too have a job here, of equal importance to your brawn, to guide and advise. With out a head the arm shall swing wildly and be looked on as a savage."
As he says this Ashrad will go to each companion one by one and help them either regain their footing or wpe themselves clean of food and debree.
Kenisha Thursday December 7th, 2000 2:16:54 PM
"Ashrad and Zeoll speak the truth." Kenisha adds. "We shall never know now, whether or not that 'creature' had important information to impart to us. Perhaps he was an obstical to be over come. But just as easily, he could have been placed here to warn us of future dangers on our path."
"We attacked first without provocation. It in turn responded with non-lethal force. Tell me this? It was capable of trying to kill any one of u, was it not?. Yet it chose not to. Reflect upon that fact and judge your own souls."
With that, Kenisha turns her back on Kale and Flat-top.
Interlude (DM Donna) Friday December 8th, 2000 6:44:27 AM
Of all the arrows that Kale shot during this battle, two of them are unusable.
Now that the spectator no longer blocks your way to the cave, you can all see that the opening is roughly twenty feet around, and that it leads inward as far as you can see, apparently heading straight northward. It smells a bit musty and there is no evidence of any kind of light source within it nor that there has traveled through it any kind of creature...not so's the creature in question left any tracks on the ground for you to see, that is.
Thiel Friday December 8th, 2000 8:12:54 AM
Thiel rises up and says "Stop! We admonish ourselves enough. We have done hat we have done. We can not turn back the wheel of time. That ceature died a warriors death and will be rewarded in death. We must move on. Ours is much greater than any one mortal being. Even one of us the so called "chosen".
Kale I suggest you take the point again along with Flat-Top, and the rest of us assume our original order in the march. We waste our time here, now. the cave and our quest await us."
Kale Friday December 8th, 2000 9:28:25 AM
everyone's comments seem to have no effect on Kale as he picks up his arrows. "Think what you want." he says casually as he approaches the cave entrance. as he goes, he says loud enough for everyone to hear "Be careful you dont step on a worm or a roach Flat-Top. It might be in the service of Tomi and we might get lectured to death."
Flat-top Friday December 8th, 2000 2:09:37 PM
"I hear you, Kale" said Flat-top, "I wish this rag tail party would remember who really started this fight. It was the palatine who got in trouble, and ofcourse, you and I had to come to his rescue." Flat-top is mad enough to turn to Kenisha and ask her," Kenisha did you have the same dream the rest of us had? Did Domi chose me along with Kale? Why ? Is it because to help bring the two hearts together? Kale and I are here to help. Next time we run into some problem, elect a representative to talk to IT... When trouble starts then let Kale and I know, you need OUR talent..."
Zeoll Friday December 8th, 2000 10:15:02 PM
Zeoll listens for a moment to the negative words exchanged, and shakes his head.
"Now, frriends, let us see this challenge in a positive light. Our path is open ahead, and we are alive to serrve Tomi. Come, let us advance."
The liontaur continues on the path, leading if no one else will, otherwise in second place as before.
Mordengast - cave entrance... Saturday December 9th, 2000 6:36:23 AM
While the others are so busy arguing that they seem to have forgotten about him, the chosen feels his muscles suddenly loosen. It's with some surprise that suddenly his voice his heard.
"That ... will. .. be... ENOUGH!"
An angry chosen looks at them. "I have heard enough of this. I know what I did. I came and confronted the creature. I issued a challenge for his intent. Before it could respond, it seemed some of us preferred to attack it. It reacted to an attack. We defended. It died. I weep for the loss of a servant of Imod, and I take my part of the blame. As I know your parts in this."
"As for YOU stop braying and caterwauling. I am NOT going to skulk around because you are scared of every creatures you meet. We serve the god of battle. Nor will I one just because it fits some people better. You do not like it? Then enter the circle and issue your challenge. Otherwise stay quiet."
And with that, unless challenged, the paladin takes the lead.
Ashrad Saturday December 9th, 2000 9:59:27 AM
Sighing Ashrad bows his head in resignation. "Very well then, it shall be the path of blood still we tread and have no other view. I shall keep my own tongue and thoughts to myself frrom now on, forrr strrrife amongst ourrrselves leads not to ourrrr peoples salvation eitherrr. But know this clearrrly, it is my feeling that peace shall not be found with the spilling of morrre entrrrails."
Ashrad watches the party start to enter the cave and wonders how the headstrong lead warriors, full of bravado, will see in the darkening cave.
Holleb Sunday December 10th, 2000 10:36:30 AM
Holleb simply shakes his head and, turning towards the others, he steps into the line again, taking a place near the rear, trying very hard not to start anything.
Kenisha Monday December 11th, 2000 1:43:04 AM
Kenisha says nothing more, but as she takes her place beside Ashrad, she smiles a small smile. True they were not all united quite yet, but at least Flat-Top and Kale were agreeing with each other. That at least was a step in the right direction and she knows that she would have to be satisfied with that... for now.
Walk This Way... (DM Donna) Tuesday December 12th, 2000 7:31:30 AM
The passageway leads northward, into the heart of the mountain. It's a rough passage, though the darksight of the Taurs make it safe enough to traverse. There's a musty sort of smell in the air--the smell of age...the gods only know how old this place is supposed to be--and the only sounds to be heard are the semi-muffled footsteps of the party itself.
Kale suddenly stops short--the passageway is blocked off by a great door of carved and iron-clad wood. The door stretches almost completely from wall to wall, and from floor to ceiling...and it is locked.
Zeoll Tuesday December 12th, 2000 8:45:17 AM
Zeoll sizes up the door. "Do any among us," he asks, "have the skill to open this thing?"
The liontaur takes the opportunity to search the area for secrets: hidden doors, switches, cubbies, loose stones, whatever.
Kale d100=32 Tuesday December 12th, 2000 11:11:58 AM
Kale looks back briefly at the voice from behind him. "Quiet, you want to announce whatever is behind this door we're here?" he whispers harshly, then he bends over the lock and examines it for traps, but he doesn't notice anything(failed find/remove traps roll)
Ashrad Tuesday December 12th, 2000 1:49:49 PM
The scholar liontaur was heady with the scent of antiquity in the air. This was exactly the kind of place he dreamed of being in, ancient and mysterious.
Whispering to himself mostly, "Oh the wonders you must hold. Oh the stories to be told."
Taking a step or two back so he can take in the whole doorway Ashrad bows his head and starts his guttural chanting. Building no more than a coarse whisper the young scholar chants. Waving one paw in front of him, spanning his view of the doors, the other he holds above his eyes as if shielding them from the sun.
"Mighty doors ancient and old show me if hidden powers you hold. Reveal to my eyes with a dim glow whether magic through you does flow."
[detect magic]
Ashrad then concentrates his intent at the mighty doors.
Flat-top Tuesday December 12th, 2000 4:32:35 PM
Flat-top stands aside of Kale, covering his back from attack. Flat-top also is interested in what and how Kale is doing to the lock. *Hmmm that is a very useful talent to have. This Kale, even though he's a minotaur...is Good.*
Thiel Tuesday December 12th, 2000 6:13:39 PM
Thiel understands that this is work for the others of a less clerical talent and waits patiently while scanning the ceiling and walls as well as the floor for any type of movement orn anything that may be of danger to the party
Mordengast.. door? Tuesday December 12th, 2000 6:45:44 PM
While everyone is busy examines the door. Just to see what motifs if any are present. How is the door locked? How big is the door?
He breathes. Even here he smells the "ancientness" of the place. For a moment his thoughts wander to the slain spectator. Was it supposed to impart some way in to them? Unfortunately, now it was silent. SO far the "valiant few" had not earned the title of the "wise few".
He'd haver to watch that. He had failed in his challenge. He was not gonna fail again.
Holleb Tuesday December 12th, 2000 11:54:37 PM
As he stands beside Kenisha, tail swishing calmly, Holleb contemplates his existence in this group, and makes a vow to himself silently to not repeate the mistake he made outside the cave. He then whispers to Kenisha, "Perhaps now, things shall start to pull together..." And with that, he motions to how even Flat-Top admires the handiwork of the minotaur thief.
Kenisha Wednesday December 13th, 2000 2:14:08 AM
With silent laughter in her eyes, Kenisha smiles and nods to Holleb. "Twill be well worth being the focus of their joint animosity if they end up working together. Mayhaps even liking each other?" she whispers back to her felow Questor.
She pauses of a moment then continues on in a much more serious tone (still whispering), "Do not weigh your heart down too much about the combat just now past. We all make mistakes, but it is those who do not learn from their mistakes that we must pity. Unless I am mistaken, I do not count you amongst those."
Glowing Portal (DM Donna) Wednesday December 13th, 2000 7:17:34 AM
As Kale looks fruitlessly for traps--and Mordengast notes that there is the usual keyhole for a lock located beneath the handle on the left-hand side of the door--Ashrad's spell suddenly causes the structure to pulse softly and slowly with a faint but unmistakeable green glimmer.
Glowing Portal, part 2 (DM Donna) Wednesday December 13th, 2000 7:27:42 AM
(OOC: hmmm...I tried to edit my own post and the site won't let me...how odd. Well, here's something I forgot to add to the above.)
Zeoll finds nothing besides what one would usually find in an old, seldom (if ever) used tunnel...dirt, rocks and the occasional bug.
Thiel d100=27 Wednesday December 13th, 2000 8:38:04 AM
Thiel says to Mordengast quietly "There apppears to be a key hole so, wouldn't there also be a key, Perhaps we should lkook more closely for a key. maybe even the beholder was a key bearer."withThhat Thiel begins a closer search of the cave .
Ashrad Wednesday December 13th, 2000 10:37:20 AM
In a hushed tone, just loud enough to be heard over the din of the exploring group Ashrad will urge the group...
"Be warry frrrriends. This door is enchanted and I would wager protected well by those spells."
To Mordengast and Thiel Ashrad nods in agreement... "Aye to that, he was the keeperr of the gate, perrrrr say, and we did not searrrch his carrcass for anyting he may of had. Some should rrretreat back to the entrrance therrre and see what he may have carrrried. Mordengast, can you desribe what is pacularrrrr about that keyhole?"
Kale Wednesday December 13th, 2000 11:05:08 AM
seeing the door glowing, Kale backs of a bit. "I can pick normal locks with some degree of success, but these magical traps are beyond my ability." Kale admits, though its hard for him to do so
Flat-top d100=76 Wednesday December 13th, 2000 2:45:48 PM
(OOC; role to open locks) Flat-top looks and listen to the others,then asks Kale to borrow one of his arrows.Flat-top takes an arrow and start to pick at the lock.
Zeoll Wednesday December 13th, 2000 8:17:46 PM
The liontaur takes a closer look at the "great door of carved and iron-clad wood." Is the wood carved with any particular shapes, signs, or letters? Is there any crack under the door?
Zeoll addresses the group. "Perrhaps we would prrofit frrom looking and listening." He then tries to look through the keyhole to the other side. And he listens intently, trying to hear any faint sound coming through the door.
Holleb Wednesday December 13th, 2000 11:34:27 PM
Holleb nods quietly to Kenisha, thankful for her kind words that soothi his troubled mind. The chestnut centaur watches the other from his place, his particular expertice not of any particular use at this point in time, so he remains watchful.
Kenisha Thursday December 14th, 2000 12:00:42 AM
Kenisha smiles back at Holleb. "I assume that like me, you know nothing of locks and such? Maybe we should look round or at the least keep watch while the others figure out a way around this latest puzzle?"
With that she starts to look around carefully.
(ooc- Donna, tell me if I need to rool or whatnot)
Mordengast - door Thursday December 14th, 2000 6:20:25 AM
The minotaur looks at the lock then at his companions. "I am not sure. There is something about all this that is strangely familiar thought", he says scratching his nose.
ooc: ok Donna.. WHY is it peculiar? end ooc:
Stubborn Old Door! (DM Donna) d6=1 d20=9 d100=62 d100=62 Thursday December 14th, 2000 6:58:25 AM
Kale fairly winces as Flat-top mangles the arrow in his attempt to pick the lock--which, not surprisingly--does NOT open. Zeoll nudges the centaur aside and, kneeling down a bit, puts one eye to the keyhole.
Mordengast realizes that the "familiarity" that he's getting a sense of is that the door--for all that Ashrad says is magic--looks like a typical (if oversized) heavy, well-made wooden door bound with iron strapping and hardware. It has about a quarter of an inch gap on all sides of the door. Other than the greenish glow and its size and location, there is nothing that indicates that the door is especially special in any way.
Zeoll's eye to the keyhole reveals the framed vision of...a similar door located some distance away--likely it is about thirty feet or so--directly opposite the door that is presently being an immovable obstacle to the party's progress.
Thiel's search comes up empty. There seems to be nothing to hear on the other side of the portal, either.
Kale d100=95 Thursday December 14th, 2000 4:30:14 PM
gives Flat-Top a not to friendly look, but doesnt say anything. motioning them to move away, Kale pulls out a small piece of wire, takes a deep breath, then inserts it into the lock. after a few moments, he quits fiddeling with the lock and says. "The magic is preventing me from picking it. Break it down."
Ashrad Thursday December 14th, 2000 4:55:44 PM
"Wait a moment beforrrrre you do any morrre damage wherre damge is not needed. Who will join me back to the fallen guarrrrdian and see if we can find a key."
Ashrad looks to each party member as he gets ready to backtrack/
Flat-top Thursday December 14th, 2000 6:51:31 PM
Kale, and tell him "Thank you for the lock pick, Kale." Then moves away (like Kale told him to) and watches Kale every move. * BOY! Is this bull smooth, real smooth. * As Ashrad ask for somebody to go look for a key, Flat-top replies "OK! I'll go with you, see you later Kale." Thinking to himself * I better let Kale cool off a bit, I think He's mad at me.
Zeoll Thursday December 14th, 2000 7:05:07 PM
Zeoll's tail droops. He looks to Ashrad and says, in Wemic, "Let us go together. Since I said the final prayers over the creature, I should be the one to inflict this last indignity."
Kenisha Friday December 15th, 2000 2:17:07 AM
"You seem to have more than enough help, Ashrad. Unless you want me to come along, I think I'll stay here and take a closer look at the door." Kenisha answers with a nod.
Holleb d20=17 Friday December 15th, 2000 2:19:37 AM
Holleb, tail swishing a little, nods calmly to Kenisha, "Yes, I'm afraid you are right there.. I've never seen much point to a locked door. Locked doors imply that you don't trust your neighbors, which in turn invites troubles of all kinds. Let us investigate the tunnel and see what we can find." With that, Holleb turns on his rear legs and walks up the tunnel a little, eyes checking the walls for anything unusual, although he has a feeling that he isn't doing a whole lot of good.
The Key to the Door Dilemma (DM Donna) Friday December 15th, 2000 6:41:58 AM
Further inspection of the door only reveals that it is extremely well made and very sturdily made and still locked.
Anyone going back to search the spectator's remains finds that the pile of goo that used to be the creature is now completely gone...and left in its place is--nothing.
The slowly-throbbing glow of the door fades away as the Detect Magic spell wears off.
Kale Friday December 15th, 2000 8:50:12 AM
Kale stays where he is while everyone wanders off to who knows where. "Like I said, break it down, thats the only way we'll get in. he says while he pulls out his mace and prepares to give the door a good whacking
Flat-top Friday December 15th, 2000 11:18:45 AM
Ashrad, Zeoll and Flat-top Go back to where the spectator's remains are, they fond nothing but a pile of goo. Even that is gone, if it was not for track left behind by the fight, you would never know that there was a fight there. So now Flat-top will go back to the rest of the party.
Ashrad Friday December 15th, 2000 3:37:19 PM
Follows Flat-top back. Out of ideas and comments.
Zeoll Friday December 15th, 2000 8:37:21 PM
Zeoll returns from his errand with Ashrad and Flat-top with a cheerful and upbeat demeanor despite the grisly nature of the job.
He looks at the door, and then at Kale and Flat-top. He puts his hands on his hips and swishes his tail.
"Is that it?" he says to the rogues. "Don't give up! Go back to that keyhole and take anotherr crrack at it! You guys can do betterr! Keep trrying until you do yourr best!"
[Out of character: You two should spend more time and take 20 on the roll.]
"Herre. I'll even say a little prrayerr to help you along," the liontaur declares. "Which one of you is betterr at locks?"
Zeoll will say a prayer as the most talented lock-opener tries again.
[Out of character: Zeoll will cast his new 0-level Guidance spell to give a +1 on the skill roll.]
Holleb Saturday December 16th, 2000 1:39:59 AM
Holleb, unable to think of anything to say or do, mearly stands to the side and keeps out of the way.
Kenisha Sunday December 17th, 2000 10:38:49 PM
"I know little of locked doors." Kenisha says as she stays out of the others' way.
Mordengast.. waiting Monday December 18th, 2000 6:18:25 AM
The chosen merely waits for the moment, his hands gripping the axe. After all he figures that when it comes to lockpicks he has just the right one.
OOC Reminder from DM Donna Monday December 18th, 2000 9:08:46 AM
In lieu of a post today, I'm reminding everyone who hasn't sent me their character in the 3rd Edition D&D format to please do so. Remember to update it using the experience points I have awarded you and choosing any new skills and/or feats you have picked for your character.
I also need to have Kale confirm (via his next post) that he will either attempt to hack the door down, or he will try once more to pick the lock--and if he picks the lock, whether he will take 20, as suggested by Zeoll's player.
Meanwhile, if you want your characters to make comments or otherwise RP with other characters, feel free to post.
Kale d20+7=19 Monday December 18th, 2000 6:09:45 PM
"Ill try it one more time." Kale says, and bends over and tries the lock again(i dont know what "take 20" means, so im just trying my straight lock picking skill) fiddeling with it a bit, he mutters to himself "I think I got it."(rolled a 19)
Flat-top Tuesday December 19th, 2000 12:12:32 AM
"Did you unlock the door YET? Kale your pretty good at this stuff ?? If you fail, I'll borrow that arrow again ?? And I'll try ??" As Flat-top put's his hands out for the the arrow. Flat-top jerks his hand back, bacause Kale snorted at him. (as only a minataur can)
Open, Says-A-Me! (DM Donna) Tuesday December 19th, 2000 7:23:40 AM
Taking his time, Kale's expert manipulations of the large lock result in the satisfying "ka-KLICK!" of the tumblers falling into place. Voila! The door is now unlocked!
Zeoll Tuesday December 19th, 2000 9:01:34 AM
"Grreat job, Kale!" says Zeoll. "I knew you could do it!"
Turning to the group, the liontaur speaks to everyone. "With Tomi's grrace, let us now prroceed. May I suggest myself and Morrdengast in the lead?"
Flat-top Tuesday December 19th, 2000 10:20:47 AM
Flat-top turns to Zeoll and Mordengast and bows (as only a centaur can)with a sweep of his hand, motion toward the onpen door," After you My Friends.) Then looks at Kale and wispers,"This is going to be a good one, I'll bet."
Kale Tuesday December 19th, 2000 3:55:49 PM
"If you say so." Kale mutters back at Flat-Top, then makes room for Zeoll and Morr to go through, backing up a bit before they open the door
Holleb Tuesday December 19th, 2000 8:20:28 PM
Holleb shrugs, impressed by the skill, but not so much that he's going to make any big deal out of it. He follows behind, walking past Kenisha and whispering, "This should be interesting....."
Mordengast... door Wednesday December 20th, 2000 6:41:24 AM
Hwfting his axe the chosen steps forward with Zeoll.(If it should prove too narrow he will take the lead.) Taking a few steps he mutters to his companion... "Well this should be interesting".
Pick a Door...Any Door... (DM Donna) Wednesday December 20th, 2000 7:06:56 AM
Some of the party quite carefully enters the chamber beyond the door, led by Mordengast and Zeoll.
The room is roughly circular, and about fifty feet across. Looking around the obviously chiseled walls, those inside the room can see that there are a total of six doors evenly spaced around the chamber's perimeter. All of them look similar in construction to the door you just opened to gain admittance into the room.
In the middle of the floor is a five-foot-square trapdoor that also looks to be made of iron-bound wood.
(Everyone make a Perception check, please.)
Kale d20=5 Wednesday December 20th, 2000 7:26:43 AM
seeing that the door didnt explode when the first of his party entered, Kale follows through and begins to take in the scenery(make perception check). "Not a very pratical room." he says to himself
Flat-top d20=1 Wednesday December 20th, 2000 10:39:44 AM
Flat-top enters the room, examens the floor, the walls, the doors and the ceiling. "Hmmm not very fancy." walks around the trap door on the floor. Flat-top turns and ask Kale," I wonder if there's any wine in the cellar?"
Zeoll d20=14 Wednesday December 20th, 2000 4:55:08 PM
(OOC: Zeoll may or may not have made a perception check. How are we handling these under 3E rules?)
Zeoll enters the room. He looks for tracks. Has the trap door been used lately? Is there any pattern of regular traffic from trapdoor to any of the other doors? After looking at the floor, the liontaur listens at each door in turn.
Mordegast... room d20=16 Wednesday December 20th, 2000 9:39:29 PM
ooc: failed per check ... I think end ooc:
>Looks around< "Well, good place for a bunch of guards to spring out and attack the intruders by surprise..."
Kenisha d20=7 Thursday December 21st, 2000 1:25:43 AM
Kenisha whispers back to Holleb, I agree. Shall we?" before entering the room.
(OOC- is this perception check 3e or 2nd ed? If it's 3e is it actually a spot check?)
Room of Doors (DM Donna) Thursday December 21st, 2000 7:42:10 AM
(OOC: A Perception check is 2nd Edition; a Spot check is 3ed rules--everyone in the group hasn't yet sent to me their converted character sheets, which is why I said roll a Perception check.)
Kale, Flat-top and Kenisha all notice that there is a five-foot-square wooden trapdoor on the ceiling of the cave, too, set a few feet off-center from the middle of the ceiling.
Zeoll doesn't see any signs of any kind of traffic near the trapdoor on the floor.
It seems the only occupants of the room...are you.
Kale Thursday December 21st, 2000 9:17:15 AM
Kale looks at all the doors, including the two trap doors. "Well, where do you all want to go. Are your "hearts" pulling you in any direction?" he says a little sarcasticly. then he turns to Flat-Top. "Who knows? But im betting there isnt anything down here except more of those floating eyeballs."
Flat-top Thursday December 21st, 2000 10:15:46 AM
Flat-top finds that the question posed to the party is very funny. "You too, too funny...In an irritating way..."said Flat-top then turning to the rest of the party, said "After being told off by you all, lead on OH Great and All Seeing Ones..."
Kenisha Thursday December 21st, 2000 11:46:42 AM
Smiling despite being one of the brunts of the joke, Kenisha says, "My guess is that we go up."
She then points up at the trapdoor in the ceiling
Zeoll Thursday December 21st, 2000 7:06:08 PM
Zeoll looks at Kenisha, then looks up. "Good eyes," he says.
"And I like the upperr doorr as well. But how to rreach it? Well ... With a liontaurr to serrve as the firrst step, and two centaurrs as the next, a minotaurr could step up and then rreach the doorr while perrched with one foot on each centaurr's back."
"I volunteerr to be the firrst step."
Mordengast... room of doors. Thursday December 21st, 2000 7:57:53 PM
The chosen looks at ceiling door. "Well, I am no visionnary but if I was a floating eye I figure that door up there would be no problem. And these others would make a good false trail. Well I am game to try it. I always wanted to trample centaurs underfoot. :-)"
Thiel Thursday December 21st, 2000 8:20:10 PM
Thiel wakes from the coma he has been in for a week and feels that he would like a drink and says so " I'm thirsty. anyone else?" the door up there is as good as any.
Another Interlude...not! (DM Donna) d100=90 d20=5 d20=14 d20=17 d20=4 d20=20 d20=9 d20=4 d20=11 Friday December 22nd, 2000 7:04:01 AM
Now that the room is seen to be empty, the party advances into it--
ka-THUD!!!
The door that the party has entered through suddenly slams shut.
Zeoll Friday December 22nd, 2000 8:56:22 AM
[OOC: Donna, what are all those rolls for? Or are you just rolling lots of dice to scare us? :-) ]
At the thud, Zeoll snaps his tail around fast, in the instictive fear of getting it caught in the door. He quickly draws his weapons (greatsword and longsword if we are in 3E, greatwsord and shield in 2E]. His eyes roll as he tries to look everywhere at once.
If there is no immediate threat, he says, "Okay, I didn't see that coming. Let's be alerrt and sharrp, everryone."
After several minutes, if there is still no threat, he says, "Well, perrhaps we should rresume ourr orriginal plan to rreach that doorr in the ceiling."
Kale Friday December 22nd, 2000 9:16:48 AM
after hearing the thump, Kale draws out his bow. "Everyone cover a door! Be ready for anything!" he yells out as he points his bow up at the trap door in the ceiling ready to fire the moment it opens
Thiel Friday December 22nd, 2000 9:54:08 AM
Thiel spins as well ands draws his mace as to be ready for any unwanted interuptions He says to kale" I have a rope if you feel it will help Zeoll"
Flat-top Friday December 22nd, 2000 10:00:03 AM
Flat-top readies himself with shield and morningstar, as he hears Kale say cover a door. After all flat-top did not really like the idea of having Mordengast trample his big fat shank on his beautiful coat. " I'm covering the middle door," He tells the rest of the party...
Mordengast.. door picking Friday December 22nd, 2000 11:42:01 AM
LOoking at the door the taur picks one of the leftmost.
"Good idea. I'll take this one.hmmmm... wonder if I should go for what's behind door number two instead... "
Kenisha Friday December 22nd, 2000 1:56:13 PM
Not wanting to loose track of which door they entered through, Kenisha digs out her vial of black ink and puts a mark on the door. Then she readies her sling.
Which door will it be?
And then...and then..??? (DM Donna) Monday December 25th, 2000 8:49:46 AM
Zeoll's eyes dart around the now-sealed room, and Kale is very much at the ready, pointing his nocked bow at the ceiling trapdoor...which remains closed.
In fact, all of the doors remain closed, including the floor trapdoor and the door just marked by Kenisha.
After a few moments, Zeoll makes his suggestion about going up, and Thiel offers his rope into service.
All the doors still remain closed.
Zeoll Monday December 25th, 2000 9:53:05 AM
Strangly moved at how the entire group prepared to work together in the face of potential adversity, Zeoll sees it all in a very positive light.
"Well, my brrotherrs and sisterrs, let us be thankful forr the peace in this rroom," he says, "and good will towarrd all Taurrs!"
"Now, let's get up to that doorr in the ceiling!"
Flat-top Monday December 25th, 2000 11:54:14 AM
Flat-top turns and lears at Zeoll, and ask "Does this means that Mordengast get to use me for a rug??."
Thiel Monday December 25th, 2000 2:32:28 PM
Thiel moves toward Mordengast and gives him his rope. He says" I'll watch one of the walls as you open the top door and keep an eye uout for you if you should fall." Thiel smiles at his joke about falling and turns once again and faces a wall not watched. Thiel also feels enheartened by the display of unity. He also has a feeling that today is for some reason special he doesn't know why--its never been special before perhaps it should be. Perhaps it's a day to celebrate unity. Thiel's thoughts drift back to his duty and his stomach which feels the pangs of hunger once again. Thiel thinks to himself "some nice fish stew would the perfect thing right now and maybe some bird of some kind. mmmmm ooohh mmmm yeaaaa."
Holleb Monday December 25th, 2000 3:24:41 PM
(ooc note: sorry, my comp died on me. and right now I'm on a friend's comp to do this post.)
Holleb watches everyone's actions, keeping quiet as he looks at the rope and trapdoor, wondering to himself how THIS is going to work out*
Kenisha Monday December 25th, 2000 10:49:35 PM
"How do you want me to help?" Kenisha asks with a smile, "I'm not very strong, but I suppose I could lend a hand to help stabilize this 'taurish tower'."
OOC: DM Bad! (DM Donna) Tuesday December 26th, 2000 6:16:25 AM
Another rather OOC message--I just realized that I left you all with the wrong impression that the ceiling of the room is 50 feet high or so--it isn't.
The ceiling of the roughly-round chamber is only about 12 feet high at the very most--so acrobatic maneuvers will not be necessary...you would need one character to stand on top of the shoulders of another character at the very most in order to reach the ceiling trapdoor.
Mordengast... Tuesday December 26th, 2000 7:54:50 AM
"I am ready. Just let me get on someone's shoulder so I can reach it. Then if something is wrong don`t hesitate to drop me. My pride won`t suffer."
Mordengast looks at the trapdoor. Then back at the group. Then at the trapdoor again as he realizes something.
"Say I just realized something. We (indicating the minotaurs) can go there. But how easy is it to pass a horse even if only part horse through there? The wemics might even have problems."
ooc: how big is the door anyway.. end occ
Kale Tuesday December 26th, 2000 8:18:59 AM
"I dont see that there is any way that you four leggers can get through the ceiling door." Kale says. "Lets explore some and see if there is another way up."
Zeoll Tuesday December 26th, 2000 11:34:01 AM
Zeoll sees the wisdom in Kale's remarks. "Well," he says, "we liontaurrs could prrobably leap, grrab, and claw ourr way up, but the centaurrs might have a prroblem. Still, let's open that upperr doorr and look thrrough beforre we go on to the otherrs."
"Holleb, Flat-top, if you two will do us the favorr of standing side by side. I'll crrouch herre beside you. Morrdengast, please rremove yourr boots. Step onto me and then onto the centaurr's backs. You should be able to rreach the doorr. Perrhaps the rrest may be on alerrt forr otherr surrprrises."
Flat-top Tuesday December 26th, 2000 12:00:15 PM
Alright, I'll do it for you, Zeoll. BUT HE (pointing to Mordengast) better not mess my coat." Then Flal-top stands in the middle and waits for Holleb to be next to him. Thinking to himself *Oh Great Domi, PLEASE give me a reason to drop this bull on his fat rump.*
Thiel Tuesday December 26th, 2000 6:45:22 PM
"O.K. lets get going. I,m hungry." Thiel doesn't like standing around waiting to be ambushed.
Kenisha Wednesday December 27th, 2000 2:59:20 AM
Kenisha nods in agreement to Zeoll's suggestion and takes up a position from which she can watch and guard.
Holleb Wednesday December 27th, 2000 3:14:30 AM
Holleb nods and takes his position, lance still in his hands as he waits for the bull to get on his back.
Mordengast... room of doors Wednesday December 27th, 2000 6:33:40 AM
"My boots? Oh... right. I guess I did not ask but is your hide though enough for me to climb. Oh well nver you mind.. I'll remove them anyways. (does so while talking. No sense making boot prints on your rump. Pretty soon people will ask 'Say, did a minotaur just kick you?"
Looks hurt at Flat-Top's remark. (as he climbs) "I wouldn't do that. Why the only way I'd do so would be in glorious battle when I'd spill your entrails all over you."
(while he's at the door) "Great. I can just picture bards singing about this day. How a chosen entered a battle and trampled many a centaur underfoot."
(reaches for the door)
A Door...or is it more..? (DM Donna) d20=6 Wednesday December 27th, 2000 7:03:06 AM
As Mordengast receives aid from his fellow party members, he notices that the trapdoor itself is four feet wide by four feet tall, and realizes that such a dimension would allow even a centaur to pass through it--if one could get a centaur up to it, that is.
"You know...if a centaur reared up on its very hindmost legs and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d to reach it, and then was strong enough to haul himself--" Ashrad muses aloud, then throws a startled glance at Kenisha and amends hastily: "--or herself--up...well...even a centaur could get through that door. Wemics, of course, won't have as hard a time..."
Mordengast must roll to open the trapdoor.
Kale Wednesday December 27th, 2000 10:03:04 AM
Kale just stands and watches, waiting for everyone to crash to the ground
Flat-top Wednesday December 27th, 2000 10:43:50 AM
As Mordengast rambles on and on. Flat-top look at Holleb and knod towards the Meatball on their back and winks. But then get a better idea and ask of Kale,"Kale why don't you open the door next to you, while we wait for the ranger to open his door?"
Thiel Wednesday December 27th, 2000 11:08:15 AM
Thiel stands at the ready for what may come from the door. He wonders to himself how they will cctch this moment in the hall of the soul.
Zeoll Wednesday December 27th, 2000 6:45:03 PM
As he waits for Mordengast to open the door, Zeoll softly hums a little ditty his old bard friend taught him a couple years ago.
"A golden garrdinia bowed in the brreeze." "hmm hmm hmmhmmmm humm hmm hmm" "She danced in the wind of a thunderhead's sneeze." "hmm hmm hmmhmmmm humm hmm hmm" "She wondered why flowers so seldom got fleas." "hmm hmm hmmhmmmm humm hmm hmm"
Holleb Wednesday December 27th, 2000 7:43:59 PM
Holleb stands at the base of the pyramid, smirking at the bull's comment, but keeps to himself, staying still.
Mordengast ooc: roll what d20=1 d12=10 d10=1 d8=6 d6=6 d4=3 d3=2 d2=1 Thursday December 28th, 2000 4:55:08 PM
It would help if you specified WHAT kind you want ya know...
Kenisha Friday December 29th, 2000 2:32:24 AM
(OOC- sorry about not posting yesterday. Works been hell.)
Kenisha smirked at Ashrad's correction on her behalf. "I think you might be right. But let's wait to see if it's even necessary. There may be nothing up there."
More Than a Door..! (DM Donna) Friday December 29th, 2000 7:24:52 AM
Mordengast grunts with effort--the trapdoor appears stuck...but then, with a bit of elbow grease and applied muscle, the ceiling trapdoor flies open, upward into the room above--
--just as the trapdoor in the floor below the Taurian pyramid suddenly crashes open into the room!
Everyone in the party must roll d10; you're surprised on a 1 or 2 (even the Minotaurs ;D). Everyone who's surprised must then roll a Dexterity check. Failure means that your character practically jumps out of his (or her) skin...and jumpy characters making up that pyramid will fall inelegantly off the formation.
Kale d10=3 Friday December 29th, 2000 7:43:35 AM
half expecting something like this would happen, Kale isnt all that surprised that something would go amiss. "Theres your open door!" he yells to Flat-Top as the door flies open
Zeoll jumps d10=1 Friday December 29th, 2000 10:05:49 AM
Zeoll also half-expected a trick like this, but he was still caught off guard when the door at his feet flew open to reveal Mordengast!
As soon as Zeoll recovers, he jumps on the open door at his feet and sits on it to ensure that it stays open.
"Let's open all the otherrs," he says.
Flat-top d10=10 Friday December 29th, 2000 11:05:10 AM
Flat-top acting as if he was suprised, moved suddenly.(hoping to send the loud mouth Mordengast on his roump) "OH! My! two of them?" But to himself,*Thank you, Domi.* "Now let's open all the doors and see what happens then?"said Flat-top, who's looking at Holleb with a smirke and a wink.
Kenisha d10=2 Friday December 29th, 2000 12:04:00 PM
Giving a short shriek, Kenisha quickly backs away from the open trapdoor and bumps painfully into one of the doors. Wishing she could rub her sore bum, she looked around embarrassed by her outburst.
"Sorry."
Mordengast... that's me all over d20=13 d10=8 Friday December 29th, 2000 7:16:00 PM
occ: ok made a 20 roll too... so there... end occ:
Since he was holding on to the frame it was not really that much of a risk for him to fall off. It was however somewhat startling to end up on the other side... staring straight at the underbelly of the one you were standing on!
"Arumphh", (he said looking down), "And I can see me down there to.!! Why do I have the sudden impression that things are going to get more complicated from this point? Couldn't we just bash someone or something?"
Thiel d10=4 d20=1 Friday December 29th, 2000 7:24:43 PM
Thiel was sure that something would burstin to give tham all something to worry about but he wasn't expecting that it would be "How do we get out of here now?" Thiel says to the others in the parrty " We appear to be victems of some sort of illuionists joke we need one among us who can see through the illusion and show us the correct door." thiel goes to the opposite door and attemts to open it.
What IS This..??? (DM Donna) d20=20 Monday January 1st, 2001 5:48:11 AM
Indeed, even though the DM of this game did not tell any of the players so, any of the characters looking through either the ceiling door or the floor door DO see their own selves in a very disorienting point of view.
When Mordengast inside the original room looks up through his now-opened ceiling door--he sees the party--including himself!--from below.
When Thiel glances downward through the open door in the floor--he sees Mordengast there, blinking up at him.
"Hmmm...what if we DO open another door..?" Ashrad muses, then acts upon Zeoll's suggestion to do just that, advancing upon door #4 and wrenching it open--causing the door that Kenisha marked (door #1) to suddenly open inward--with "another" Ashrad standing at the doorway, even as the mage in the original room sees himself standing and peering into the open door opposite from the wemic is standing now.
"Well...I guess now we know why the door appeared to be magic..!" fusses Ashrad, frowning, at a complete loss as to what to do.
Kale Monday January 1st, 2001 9:54:37 AM
completly confused, Kale draws out his bow and plants his back at the nearest wall, threatening anyone who comes near him with his bow
Flat-top Monday January 1st, 2001 10:57:43 AM
Flat-top little joke fell a little flat, when he saw the reaction on Kale's face. "Well if nobody is giong to open any more doors, I guess I'll have to do it." With this said, Flat-top will open Door# 3, and will look to the oppersite wall.
Kenisha Monday January 1st, 2001 8:34:00 PM
Kenisha calls out in warning, "Flat-top! Mordengast still needs your support!"
Thiel(inside looking out looking down looking up... well you know the rest) Monday January 1st, 2001 9:10:51 PM
Maybe we should consider there may be an order to the doors or perhaps only one is good when all the others are closed. as things stand wewill get nowhere fast if we cannot figure a maze.
A-Mazing Grace (DM Donna) d10=3 d20=9 Tuesday January 2nd, 2001 7:00:43 AM
Mordengast feels Flat-top leave from underneath him, and instinctively grasps onto the frame of the open ceiling trapdoor in an effort to not fall ignominiously to the floor of the room. (Roll a Strength check as per 2nd Edition rules. Failure means Mord falls and suffers 2hp damage; success means Mord can choose to let go and land on his feet without damage, or make another Strength check to pull himself up and into the room "above". Going "up" will mean that Mord climbs into the room through the floor trapdoor, however.)
Flat-top, however, focused only on the dilemma of the doors, advances to door #3 (on Ashrad's left) and opens it...causing door #6 (to the right of the marked door) to open up. As with Ashrad, Flat-top also impossibly appears to be inside the room in the doorways of both door #3 AND #6.
"A maze..?" Ashrad echoes Thiel, concentrating. "A...maze...orrrrrr..." The mage snaps his fingers. "A magic trrrap! THAT's it! We'rrre not in an illusion, but a special kind of trrrap...no matterrr WHICH doorrr you open, it will always lead back into this rrroom." The wemic's momentarily brightened expression at making this identification fades a bit.
"Now...to figurrrre out how to disable the trrrap..." Ashrad adds, his tone of voice becoming less confident, "...that may take some time..."
Holleb Tuesday January 2nd, 2001 10:17:17 AM
Holleb looks from one door to another, frankly starting to get dizzy. He mutters something unkind about the usage of such unnatural magic and it's effects on the natural order of things. To be honest, this kind of magic terrifies the young centaur, but he is trying his best to hide it. "What now?" he asks of noone in particular, looking around, tail swishing.
Flat-top Tuesday January 2nd, 2001 12:07:04 PM
"Hmmm that's interesting,Holleb, I wonder what would happen if we open all the doors at once?" then turns and looks a the wemics and has this puzzel look on his face???
Kale Tuesday January 2nd, 2001 7:15:47 PM
still grasping his bow, Kale moves from the corner of the room and approaches the center. after looking down in the bottom trap door, he takes a deep breath and drops through it
Thiel Tuesday January 2nd, 2001 9:42:28 PM
seeing that Kale is goin to jump into the open door in the floor Thiel is too late to stop him Thiel cries " Kale no ! " Thiel is sure Kale wiil never sop falling and prepares to shut the door in the floor if kale continues to fall and cannot stop.
Zeoll Tuesday January 2nd, 2001 10:43:17 PM
Zeoll helps open all the doors and tries to wedge them open so that they cannot close by themselves.
Then he checks all the non-door floor and wall space for secret doors, hoping others will help out in this.
Then the liontaur asks, "Does anybody have any rrope I could borrrow?"
Kenisha Wednesday January 3rd, 2001 3:03:05 AM
"Sorry, Zeoll. I have no rope. Mordengast! Watch out for Kale!"
Falling...Falling...OUCH! (DM Donna) d6=1 d20=10 d20=6 Wednesday January 3rd, 2001 8:17:55 AM
Kale's wisdom is definitely in question when the thief jumps into the trapdoor on the floor.
From the ceiling trapdoor, Mordengast is knocked down and has NO chance of avoiding the damage from falling to the floor...but neither does Kale. The paladin suffers 2hp damage, while the thief manages to tumble a bit, minimizing his own damage to merely 1hp. Both minotaurs land in a heap to the right side of the floor trapdoor.
Zeoll succeeds in opening all the remaining doors, but all this results in is different views of the party from each door...the perspective is SO disturbing that everyone in the room must make a Constitution check in order to avoid becoming too dizzy to remain standing (or to regain your feet, as in the case of Mord & Kale! ;D)
Flat-top d20=14 Wednesday January 3rd, 2001 11:18:45 AM
(OOC:made my roll) Flat-top opens his door and see another side of the party. Shut the door and turn around, just in time to see Kale jump through thr trap door on the floor. When both Kale and Mordengas fell to the floor, Well the picture of them falling, was just too funny not to laugh. But stop laughing when Zeoll open all the doors. Well seeing the whole party from all those different angles, almost made him dizzy. But Flat-top could not resis ribbing Mordengas,"I see that you have a beautiful bump on your roump. HA HA HA"
Thiel d20=7 Wednesday January 3rd, 2001 11:32:46 AM
Thiel seems not to be effcted by the view of eveyone from every dirction and gives a smirk when Kale hits the floor in a heap along with Mordengast. the humor more from the rellief than from the site( well maybe a little from the site) Thiel then offers his rope to Zeoll. "It is a strong rope friend but still it is the only one we have so please careful I may need to rescue a bottle fine wine one day"
Kenisha d20=9 Wednesday January 3rd, 2001 1:48:47 PM
She knew that all the doors were open and that she could see various members of her party through each of them. However her primary concern at the moment was Mordengast. Trotting up to him she looked him over and asked, "Are you alright?"
Zeoll d20=13 Thursday January 4th, 2001 12:21:07 AM
[OOC: Made orientation check]
Zeoll says, "Thank you, Thiel."
Then he takes one end of the rope from Thiel, so that Thiel holds the other end. Keeping the rope taut, the liontaur steps out through one door and (presumably) steps in through the opposite door. Then he walks over to Thiel and, still keeping the rope taut, takes the other end of the rope from him.
Now Zeoll is holding both ends of the rope, which is held taut out one door and in the opposite. Is that right?
"How about that?" the liontaur asks.
Neat Rope Trick! (DM Donna) Thursday January 4th, 2001 6:44:06 AM
Zeoll finds himself holding both ends of the rope--if he tugs a bit on one end, the other end pulls in the opposite direction.
It's a very neat effect.
"We have to think carrrefully about this..." Ashrad says, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, "...we arrre in a trrrap most cleverrr--one that only the most powerrrful kind of magic can maintain--but I just know that the solution is a simple one..." The wemic sorcerer lapses into deep thought...
Everyone can make an Intelligence check to see if they can come up with a bit of inspiration as to how to free yourselves. Anyone with the 2nd Edition Ancient History or Spellcraft NWP can add a bonus of 2 to their roll (remember, that translates into using -2 with your check roll, since the lower the number on a check, the better.)
Thiel d20=14 Thursday January 4th, 2001 8:40:22 AM
Thiel says to himself "wow"
the truth being that he has not the faintest idea of how to fre himself and his friends from the maze." Maybe we should close our eyes and walk through a door. Perhaps our eyes play the trick on us.
Kenisha d20-2=6 Thursday January 4th, 2001 10:52:48 AM
Kenisha looking over to see Zeoll's rope trick, bursts out laughing. Turning back to give Mordengast a hand up she thinks about how to get the group out of this trap.
(OOC- made my check <g>)
Flat-top d20-2=0 Thursday January 4th, 2001 1:03:39 PM
Flat-top watches the rope trick, then ask Ashrad,"How about if I hold one end of the rope, and Zeoll hold the other end, and we walk through the door in frount of us and meet on the other side?" Then looking at the rest of the party "Can you think of something better??"
Zeoll d20=14 Thursday January 4th, 2001 6:09:14 PM
[OOC: Missed Int Check]
Zeoll ties the two ends of the rope tightly together. Holding it in one hand, he ponders the mystery of the trap doors. If you look through any of the other (regular) doors, you can [I presume] see an endless series of rooms (the same room) going on and on. But because the floor and ceiling doors are not aligned, it is harder, or maybe impossible, to get the endless vista up or down.
Inspiration! (DM Donna) Friday January 5th, 2001 7:27:54 AM
Though most of the party ponders in vain, suddenly both Kenisha and Flat-top realize that the trap wasn't sprung until ALL of the doors in the room were closed at the same time. Even though Zeoll and Flat-top had opened doors so that all of them are open now...they did so ONE at a time.
What if the party closed all the doors...and THEN opened all the doors--simultaneously..?
Kale d20=2 Friday January 5th, 2001 9:40:13 AM
after a bit of fustrating, Kale is blessed by an inspirational thought(make int. check). "What if we close all the doors then open them all at once? Though i dont know if there are enough of us to do it." he says as he looks around at the others
Flat-top Friday January 5th, 2001 10:34:27 AM
"Kale, I think your on the right track. I think it has to do with all the doors." Said Flat-top, "If we open all the door at once, there is only one problem. The ceiling door and the floor door, But if you tie the rope to the ceiling door, and a Centaur pulls open the two door at once, should do it. There is eight doors and there is eight of us. Sound good to me, Kale." Flat-top turns to Mordengast, smiles and ask,"Or do you want to climb on my back again?"
Kenisha Friday January 5th, 2001 11:20:06 AM
"Good idea Flat-top." Kenisha says, then turning to Merdengast she adds with a joking grin, "I wouldn't trust him if I were you, Merdengast, Flat-top's likely to fotget again and leave you hanging." <snicker>
"Well, lets get then doors closed first, then on the could of three we open them, okay?" With that Kenisha closes the door closest to her and then then next one at which she stays.
Zeoll Friday January 5th, 2001 3:37:33 PM
"That's a good idea," Zeoll says. The liontaur stands before one of the doors, ready to shut it and then open it with the others.
Thiel Friday January 5th, 2001 9:09:50 PM
great someone knows what the blame is going on here. wheres my door or doors. I supose 'll take door #4unless someone else say different. MMMM bacon. I love Bacon.
Open Says-a-Me, Part 2 Tuesday January 9th, 2001 7:43:45 AM
After getting the rope recoiled and all the doors closed, the party members each take a door and open them simultaneously.
Looking through each door, the party sees the same room...but NOT the one that they are in.
The room seen is actually a twenty-foot-round corridor of stone that is obviously NOT a naturally-occurring passage, but one that was built. There are softly-glowing lamps that illuminate the hallway as it stretches out of sight. The construction of neither the lamps nor the passageway appears to be exceptional in any way.
Zeoll Tuesday January 9th, 2001 9:35:40 AM
Zeoll steps through his doorway, calling out, "Follow me." He walks ten feet into the corridor and looks around to see if anyone else joins him. Can he see a door when he turns around? Then he looks at lamps. What are they burning? Are they attached?
[OOC: a "twenty-foot-round corridor"? Like we are entering a huge pipe with a 20 ft diameter? Or is the floor flat and the roof arched?
Kale Tuesday January 9th, 2001 9:42:58 AM
"Ill cover the back this time." Kale says as he waits for everyone else to move through the door
Thiel Tuesday January 9th, 2001 10:17:13 AM
Thiel move through the door that Zeoll went through and waits for the rest of the party
Flat-top Tuesday January 9th, 2001 1:33:32 PM
After flat-top shuts his door and opens it again. Then looks ahead through the open door, "WOW! It worked, it acutely worked." Flat-top trots through the open door. "Look at these walls? I don't see any doors. I wonder if they are invisible?." Flat-top will sneak ahead for about 10 feet and look around. " Wonder who build this or was it build by magic?."
Kenisha Wednesday January 10th, 2001 1:42:14 AM
Following the others out the door, Kenisha looks around. She answers Flat-top's quiestion with "I do not know, but this was obviously either build by mortal or divine magic."
Off We Go..! (DM Donna) Wednesday January 10th, 2001 7:17:20 AM
(OOC: The hallway has a flat floor--the walls and roof are rounded.)
Everyone in the party ends up in the same corridor at the same time regardless of whatever portal they chose to exit the room of many doors. Once Kale steps through into the hall, the door behind him closes abruptly.
There is no sound nor scent in the hallway other than whatever the party originates.
Flat-top's scouting reveals that the corridor continues forth in a more or less straight line.
(OOC: Marching order, please. Don't forget to include Mordengast and Ashrad.)
Kale Wednesday January 10th, 2001 10:16:18 AM
"I hope we dont have to open all the doors again." Kale mutters as the door slams shut behind him
Flat-top Wednesday January 10th, 2001 10:54:53 AM
"OK! Kale, I'll march along side of you, and of course I'll open the doors for you. But if the doors are lock, I'll borrow your arrow again."As Flat-top steps beside Kale and puts his arm around the minotaur's shoulder.
Zeoll Wednesday January 10th, 2001 4:16:57 PM
Zeoll looks over the group.
"Well, my frriends, I have a good feeling that we arre on the rright trrack! Morrdengast and I will take point, if we all agrree. In fact, to save time, let us rresume the marrching orrder we took beforre."
Thiel Wednesday January 10th, 2001 9:40:43 PM
Absolutly I still need hel[p with my herbs and natural healing Holleb has been a deep resource. he'll have me healing trees in no time .
Kenisha Thursday January 11th, 2001 1:20:18 AM
"Sounds good to me." Kenisha says as she takes her place besides Ashrad.
Oh, no--Another Door..??? (DM Donna) Thursday January 11th, 2001 7:29:52 AM
After following the dry, warm corridor for another hundred or so feet, the party comes to a blockage in their progress...a wall?
No--a door. One that stretches completely across the hallway--from wall to wall, and from floor to ceiling. It appears to be gold metal...and it has--in highly detailed bas-relief--a pair of crossed swords on it.
There does NOT appear to be any kind of doorknob or lever or floorplate to open the portal with, however.
Zeoll (pushing door) d20+1=14 Thursday January 11th, 2001 9:42:37 AM
Zeoll smiles broadly, inadvertently revealing the sharp canine teeth (feline teeth?) that give him his accent.
"Clearrly, this is a lock, but I happen to have the key!" he exclaims.
He removes the sword button token from the small pouch around his neck and holds it against the crossed swords on the door. As he does this, he pushes the door to open it. (roll 14, including a +1 from strength, against an unknown DC)
Flat-top Thursday January 11th, 2001 11:17:44 AM
Flat-top trots over to Zeoll and ask,"Do you nee any help?". Then put his shoulder to the door and pushes with him.
Thiel Thursday January 11th, 2001 9:38:34 PM
seeing that the other two are pushing in hopes of openning the door. he decides that it may be agood idae to watch behind the party for any unwanted guests. he pulls his mace out and stands ready.
Kale Friday January 12th, 2001 1:27:12 AM
Kale grimaces when Flat-Top puts his arm around him, but keep silent. then he sits back and watches the others try to open the door.
Kenisha Friday January 12th, 2001 2:35:38 AM
Kenisha chooses to wait and see if Zeoll's idea works before trying anything herself. So instead she waits and watches.
Light at the End of the Tunnel (DM Donna) Friday January 12th, 2001 7:34:31 AM
Even though there is no particular place to put the crossed swords button on the large golden door, as soon as Zeoll touches it, the portal immediately irises open.
Beyond the portal is another fifty feet of corridor, at the end of which a bright glow can be seen...and the sound of rich, rolling laughter echoes back towards you.
Flat-top Friday January 12th, 2001 11:56:20 AM
"OH! Lookie! Lookie! this hall way is very intresting. Come on Kale, I think we are going to have some fun." said Flat-top as he silently clops along...
Zeoll (laughing) Friday January 12th, 2001 12:44:36 PM
Happy at the success of his effort, Zeoll laughs with the voice ahead.
"I have a good feeling about this," he says. "Come, let us rresume ourr orrderr and enterr this jovial rroom."
Kenisha Friday January 12th, 2001 2:47:24 PM
She smiles at their enthusiasm but adds a small warning, "Let's just be careful, less the laughter over there is at our expense."
Kenisha then takes her place next to Ashrad.
Thiel Friday January 12th, 2001 5:48:44 PM
says to Holleb" come on things are getting interesting." thiel keeps his mace out and walks closely beside holleb and makes his way down the corridor
Kale Saturday January 13th, 2001 1:50:56 AM
Kale moves up to the front of the party with Flat-Top, though he doesnt seem to be as eager as the others. "Your all too eager to die." he whispers as he knocks his bow
Domi and his Taur
Abandon Hope, Ye Who Enter H-- oops...Wrong Title..! (DM Donna) Monday January 15th, 2001 6:39:40 AM
The laughter seems to surround you on all sides as the party advances into the hallway that spills out into large, round chamber.
Before, most of the stonework was passable, but this well-lit chamber is the handiwork of experts. There isn't a lot of carving or decoration that leads you to believe this--in fact, it is the fact that the walls are as smooth as glass that confirms the opinion.
This brightly-lit room--much like the corridor that leads into it--has a flat, level floor and curving walls. You all get the feeling that you are inside a huge bubble. The impression is heightened by the fact that nobody in the party can tell where the source of the brightness within the approximately 200-foot-round room is exactly.
On the extreme opposite end of the room is a figure from which the rich, warm laughter is emanating. Each of you perceive the person to be the God of War...and he's just exactly as you have always imagined him to be. He beckons you to approach him.
"Come...come, my children..." the bass voice that invites you closer does so in Tauric, "...I want to meet those whom met all the different types of battle I sent you...and triumphed!"
Kale Monday January 15th, 2001 9:20:38 AM
backs up a little bit. "Yeah, all of you go meet him, ill be right behind you all."
Zeoll Monday January 15th, 2001 9:31:19 AM
Pausing in the face of Kale's scepticism, Zeoll thinks to himself for a minute. "Well, the holy totem opened the door. And this is why we're here. Well, let Kale be sceptical -- there's a place for that. But as for me, I believe."
After a slight pause, Zeoll obeys the voice. Bowing low, he walks over to the figure.
Flat-top Monday January 15th, 2001 10:05:00 AM
"Hes right, There was a time when the Minotaur was very good at, There was a time when Cebtaur was good at, and now this puzzle is what the wemics are very good at."said Flat-top, Now Flat-top steps aside for the ones who hold the two heart peices, and the Wemics to come forward.
Kenisha Monday January 15th, 2001 11:43:13 AM
While waiting for the two keepers of the Sundered Heart to enter, Kenisha moves over to Kale and softly says in Minotaur, "Have heart, good Kale. Is it not the way of the Minotaur to confront things and not run from them? Or are you admitting that maybe we Centaurs have it right at least some of the time?" She smiles softly to let him know she does not mean any insult by her words.
Thiel Monday January 15th, 2001 9:08:43 PM
Thiel aproches the figure with head bowed. He drops to one knee and proclaims in a loud voice we have traveled from different lands and from diferent cultures. We who have been chosen. ask of us what it is you want. we are only for the glory of Imod. The dream was not specific but it was clear. Show us the power and the glory of the great Imod so we may bath in its sweetness.
More Hilarity (DM Donna) Tuesday January 16th, 2001 7:46:33 AM
After hearing everyone's various comments, the figure (easily the largest and most powerful of your race that you've ever seen) laughs even harder.
"I see that there are things that I must make clear to you..." he says, "First of all, that...ah...'holy totem'...didn't open the portal--*you* did...merely by having the courage to reach out to the unknown and touch the door. The totem has a different purpose--one young Ashrad Moonseeker here discovered...let me show you." Suddenly Zeoll finds both the button with the crossed swords and his greatsword floating in the air in front of the giant figure, who takes the totem and presses it to the blade.
"I invoke thee!" bids the speaker, and a bright golden glow surrounds the weapon in a brief, sparkly flash. Then only the greatsword remains, and it floats back over to Zeoll. "There...you now possess an enchanted weapon. It will aid you in battle to hit and hurt your enemy." (OOC: Zeoll now possesses a +1 greatsword.) The obviously-more-than-mortal being's eye falls upon first Flat-top and then Kenisha...then takes in the red-robed Kale with warm regard.
"Perhaps one who has fought for his very survival for almost all his life is, indeed, flexible enough to learn the lesson lost in the time of the Sundering." Then the giant Taur looks at Thiel, his head tilting to one side as he regards the humble cleric.
"Not specific..?" the figure echoes. "You think that my bidding you to quest was not specific? You think that my bringing minotaur, centaur and wemic together was not specific? You think that initiating battles of might, magic and wit are not *specific*..?" Here the Taur sighs. "Ah, well...the minotaurs usually are the hardest of the three parts to convince of anything..." Looking at the entire party once more, the imposing figure addresses everyone:
"Answer me my question, then, and I shall answer yours...what have you learned on your quest?"
Flat-top Tuesday January 16th, 2001 12:19:30 PM
Flat-top advances and bows (as only a Centaur can), "What I have learned, surprises even me. All my life I was taught that Minotaurs was the enemy and the evil of everything that went wrong. And You know, Domi, I have never heard of Wemic before. But I learned a lot from them. Sometimes we Centaurs were better on one thing, and other times the Minotaurs were better. The Wemics were better in the thinking of problems. Well, what I'm trying to say is, Oh! Great Domi, is what Kenisha once said at the beginning of our quest 'Don't judge too quickly, and that EVERYBODY has something to teach.' All I want to know now is what is Your Wish, Domi?" Flat-top bows again and whispers to Domi #Thank you for the opportunity back at the doors, when Mordengast almost fell off my back.#
Thiel Tuesday January 16th, 2001 9:24:07 PM
Thiel raises his head and speaks softly. I wish not to queston the great Imod . Mine is not to question, I have spent the better part of my life serving. and it is and will always be as such. My answer is that there are many parts and sides to all that is in the wold. young follows old. Peace follows War. We are all born and reborn In the wold to serve those powers that beget us. I have learned as well that fear and hate travel together. For instance we have feared and hated the centaur since the time of sundering. now that all seems so very distant and far from here.I do not fear nor hate those that travel with me and nor shpould anyone else in the wold. together we conquer all that stand in our path.
Kenisha Wednesday January 17th, 2001 2:33:16 AM
Kenisha steps forward next and bows. "I have learned that knowing the truth and living the truth are two separate things. When I first awoke from the Dream you sent to us, I was afraid. Afraid to tell my fellow Questors what I knew to be true. Afraid that I would be left behind if I did. Afraid to tell them that we would not need to kill the Minotaurs in order to reunite the Sundered Heart.
"But when we were attacked on the beach, I was not afraid. That I might die, I had no doubt, but I knew that I had to help protect those who held the two parts; least they be consumed by the great beasts.
"I have learned that you can not run from your own fears. They must be faced and vanquished if you is to be victorious"
Kale Wednesday January 17th, 2001 5:27:43 AM
"When I was chosen to journey here, I wanted no part of it. The thought of traveling with people I didnt know or trust terrified me. You seem to know my past, so you know what ive endured. But ive learned that not everyone in this world is out to get me. Ive learned that I can trust, and that that trust is returned. It is a good feeling, one I had forgotten." Kale says, though he doesnt move from his place, as if hes embarressed to say what he has just said
And What Grade Are You Three In..? (DM Donna) Wednesday January 17th, 2001 8:30:37 AM
"I learned we could all work together, too," Holleb says, then adds: "Although Mordengast almost got us killed by that eye-monster thing by just walking right up to it instead of sneaking--"
"Honor demanded that we be fair!" the minotaur paladin defends himself hotly. "One does NOT 'sneak up' on worthy foes like a silly centaur!"
"SILLY?" Holleb roars, turning red in the face and moving to stand practically nose-to-nose with Mordengast. Ashrad snorts and places a hand on the chest of each arguer, pushing them apart just a bit.
"We've come all this way and you two still don't perceive where we are...and whom we're with?" the Wemic tells them disdainfully. "I don't know what Tomi could possibly see in either of you--"
"Enough!" the God of War says sharply, cutting all three off. "You three haven't seemed to have learned to change your ways at all...you are locked into a path that will beat you if you don't try to actually *see* what you are looking at!" The deity waves a hand and the three Taurs disappear.
"There--they have returned to their homes, thinking all this to be a dream." he tells you. "You, however, remain, since all of you know better...you remain--as well as the burden Holleb carried..." The glass case that the centaur druid had in his backpack hovers in mid-air.
"The other half..?" the giant Taur's eyes fall upon Thiel. The floating case opens up as a blossoming flower would, its glass walls peeling and withering into nothingness, leaving only the free-floating Heart of the Stag as the deity looks eagerly to the minotaur cleric, waiting...
Zeoll Wednesday January 17th, 2001 8:41:05 AM
Zeoll stands in awe of the deity and stymied by his question. Momentarily dumbstruck, his mind is a swirl of memories.
He thinks about the dreams, auguries, and miracles that brought him here -- the bird of omen, the hand of water. He ponders the company in which he found himself. He thinks about the challenging and fearsome beings the group faced. He thinks over the puzzles they had to solve.
He speaks softly to the Being before him, in the Taur language common to all.
"Frrom the mirracles that brrought us togetherr, I learrned that the ways of the worrld arre wonderrous, and that the Hand of God is mighty. Frrom each otherr, and frrom the many-eyed guarrdian, we learrned that things are not always what they might seem to be."
"To defeat the acid-worrms we had to fight togetherr. To solve the doorr-puzzle we had to worrk togetherr. We have learrned to be a team."
The liontaur falls silent, feeling that his answer is less than adequate.
Kenisha Wednesday January 17th, 2001 11:16:31 AM
She is sad that three of her fellows learned nothing from their trials. 'From nine to six we go, but still balanced.' Kenisha thought silently to herself.
Looking over at Kale and Flat-Top she had to grin, 'Still there may be hope for the Taur Islands yet.'
Looking over at Zeoll she simply smiles and nods her head. 'Together we will survive. I could not voice that truth because I had already known it. I did not learn it on this journey.'
Flat-top Wednesday January 17th, 2001 11:36:56 AM
."Flat-top stares at the scene before him, noticing nothing or anybody around him. His eyes only on the free-floating Heart of the Stag. "Ahh! Oh! Weenie!" said Flat-top," I am yours to command."
Kale Wednesday January 17th, 2001 7:56:59 PM
after saying his peace, Kale remains silent, waiting to see what the deity has planned
Thiel Wednesday January 17th, 2001 9:05:37 PM
As Thiel sees the other half of the heart suspended in mid air and his companions gone Thiel is awe struck. with hands that now feel as lead bricks thiel fumbles with his pack and finds the half he has to the best of his ability protected and pulls it from the sack which has shelterd it through its jurney. " I return the heart to its rightfull place. " With that he opens the box and sets it on the floor before him.Thiel then backs away expecting fireworks and wedding bells.
Together Again! (DM Donna) Thursday January 18th, 2001 6:42:16 AM
There is no mistaking the smile on the giant Taur's face as the Heart of the Beast is freed from its own case. It, too floats upward until it is level with the first half, then the two artifacts are drawn to each other in a slow but inexorable orbiting kind of dance, each of them whirling around the other faster and faster as they draw closer and closer together, until--
--contact!
At first nothing seems to happen, then the reunited heart begins to glow...faintly at first, but brighter and brighter still until it is as though the sun itself was shining in this underground chamber. Laughter, even more rich and welcoming than previously heard, swirls around you and all present feel the warmth and joy of the being that has brought you here.
"Yes! YES! I just KNEW you could do it!!!" the voice resounds within the chamber as well as in your hearts and heads. "I am Domi...Imod...Tomi...and you are all my children! You have made me proud..!"
The chamber rumbles and the sensation that grips you is that of rushing up into the air as though to a great height--and, suddenly, the chamber you are in seems to dissolve away.
You find yourselves standing atop a large stone dome--in a circular area that is apparently an observatory of some kind, for as you look around, you realize you are in the very center of the new island and that you can see for miles around from this vantage point. To the northeast appears the unmistakeable coast of the Minotaur Isle...and to the southwest the shoreline of Centaur Isle. If you strain very, very hard, you can just barely make out the faint outline of Wemic Isle upon the west-southwesterly horizon, even.
But...something is different, you just know it...
(Everyone must roll a Spot check versus DC 10. Anyone with Wilderness Lore can add a +2 to their roll.)
Zeoll d20+6=8 Thursday January 18th, 2001 8:53:10 AM
[OOC: My +6 on the roll did not help!]
Zeoll, overwhelmed by the presence of his god and by the miracles around him, senses the world as if all were new. Something unusual is going on, but all he can tell is that wonders are in the air.
Kale d20=3 Thursday January 18th, 2001 9:33:09 AM
confused by the sudden movement, Kale fails to notice anything
Flat-top d20=16 Thursday January 18th, 2001 11:12:11 AM
Flat-top feels funny, after all Centaurs don't go up in the air without a platform. But when the chamber melts away, and he (Flat-top)find himself standing on top of a Lookout. Flat-top find the view so beautiful that he is speachless. He points to the northeast and"OH! OH!Looo..."Then he pointed to the southwest and"HUMA! HUMA!. Then he turns to the west-southwest and ask,"Thats new? But look a brand New Island."
Kenisha d20+3=14 Thursday January 18th, 2001 1:22:22 PM
(OOC- I forgot that I have Wilderness Lore so my roll is actually 16, my bad)
Kenisha is as giddy as a foal as she looks all around; prancing from one side to the other grinning. She's even so bold as to give Kale a hug and Zeoll a kiss on the cheek.
Then she stops as she notices something odd.
Thiel d20=12 Thursday January 18th, 2001 5:24:46 PM
Thiel is as flipped out and confused as a minotaur can be. H sees all the wonderful sites that a good always offers. and in his confusion thiel thinks he sees something more. maybe its the rumble of hunger once again.
And What to Wondering Eyes Should Appear... (DM Donna) Friday January 19th, 2001 7:37:13 AM
The vista from the observatory is breathtaking--especially since, to all who have made their Spot checks, you notice that the three Islands that make up the Taur Isles now have land bridges connecting them to this newest island.
"My dear children," the rumbling bass of the god's voice breaks into your reverie, "You are standing in the midst of the island that will serve as headquarters to you--my chosen ones. This island will serve as a physical confirmation of the bridge you all will be the living embodiment of...the bridge between all Taurs.
"Once upon a time, I sought to create the ultimate warrior race--one skilled in all aspects of war. Thus was born the Taur. I do not possess omniscience, however, but immortal power. I did not realize that the different perceptions of combat could fracture my vision of one perfect warrior into many different warriors...thus was born the Minotaur, the Centaur...and the Lion-taur, whom is called Wemic." A gusty sigh sounds from the deity.
"My Heart was torn asunder because I thought I had caused irrepairable damage to the Taur, weakening that perfect warrior race...but you have shown me that I did not weaken the Taur, but made the Taur stronger through diversity. Now it is up to you to prove that all three aspects of Taur can unite in spite of their differences...that all three make up a nigh-unbeatable force for good in the Wold."
When you turn to look at Domi/Imod/Tomi, you no longer see the epitome of your own race, but a large humanoid with a flowing mane and tail reminiscent of a Centaur, a broad face and upper body built much like a Minotaur, and the solid structuring of sinewy and powerful, tawny-furred lower body of the cat-pawed Wemic.
"Behold the form of your ancestor race," the god of War bids, "And know this: Bridge Island is to be your stronghold to keep and protect, as you are the first of the separate parts of Taur to begin realizing your true potential. Only those who believe that all Taurs may unite as brothers-in-arms and be a force for good in the Wold may perceive the land bridges leading to this place. Those who have the courage to walk those bridges will have earned the right to reside here with you and to keep watch over the reunited heart that will remain here."
Kale Friday January 19th, 2001 9:38:44 AM
"Well, I certainly didnt expect this to happen when I woke up this morning." Kale mutters to himself as he tries to disentangle himself from Kenisha's embrace
Zeoll Friday January 19th, 2001 10:40:01 AM
Zeoll immediately thinks about how a combined army of Taurs could wipe all hell hounds from his people's homeland and avenge the massacre of his clan. But he quells his thought. "It must be as Great Tomi wishes it to be," he thinks.
*If the deity is still present*
Zeoll looks to the immortal, bowing low and giveing voice to his question. "Patrron and Lorrd, you want us to 'prrove that all thrree aspects of Taurr can unite.' How arre we to do that? What is our firrst mission?"
Then in Wemic he adds, more quietly, "Great Lord, you know the secret desire of my heart. Could not a crusade against hell hounds serve to unite the Taur in common cause?"
*If the deity has gone*
"Well, fellow Taurr, how will we discharrge ourr mission? the Immorrtal told us to prrotect this place and unite the Taurr. How can we do that?"
"I think that forr now secrrecy will prrotect Brridge Island, since only the initiated can crross the brridges."
"Do we need to go out and prreach to the people the trruth we learrned here? How can we unite ourr folk in common cause?"
Flat-top Friday January 19th, 2001 11:30:32 AM
"OH! Great, Kenisha, you give Kale a hug and Zeoll a kiss. What about me, I saved your pretty hide too. I even listen to what you were saying about given the other fellow a chance and all that stuff. But I must admit you were right," said Flat-top, He turn to Kale and shake his hand, saying "I would like to learn some of those moves of yours, like picking a lock if you know what I mean." Flat-top trots over to Zeoll and shakes his hand, asking "What are you going to do now? After all you are a Priest of the God of all of us Now? Do we protect this spot? How can we tell if only the good comes accross those bridges? Only Zeol and Thiel are Priest and Cleric and they have to stay here?"
Kenisha Friday January 19th, 2001 12:41:02 PM
Kenisha laughs at Flat-top then canters over to him and gives him a hug too. "There, happy?"
Listening to the discussion she thinks about it for a moment. "I suppose that sinse only those who are open to the notion of a united Taur can see the bridges we could watch for a bit and see if there are any already out there willing to take the trip on their own. That way we will have fellow guardians of this sacred isle. Then we could go out to each isle and preach to the masses as it were.
"But at the very least, we must first figure out how we mean to go forward. Laws, accomodations for living and work, and things like that."
Divine Redecorating (DM Donna) Monday January 22nd, 2001 7:22:08 AM "My beloved children," the God of War intones, "You have already accomplished the first mission that I sent to you--the reunion of my sundered Heart. All that needs doing from now on is that you lead by example, following your conscience and doing your best...together." The tall Taur turns and nods to Kenisha.
"I wouldn't put you through all this and then not have a place for you to stay...behold!" Here the deity waves a hand at the south end of the observation point. There you see a set of wide, circular stairs spiraling downward. "Follow the stairs down to see the rest of Hearthold, here on Bridge Island."
Kale Monday January 22nd, 2001 7:58:51 AM
doing what the man says, Kale begins to walk towards the stairs, excited about exploring this new island
Flat-top Monday January 22nd, 2001 11:52:25 AM
"Look,Kanisha, Kale is afraid you going to KISS him." said Flat-top. Then after listening to Domi, turn again to Kenisha. "I'll follow you down the stairs and explore this new Bridge Island. Are you coming, you minataurs and wenic?"
Thiel (A Taur) Monday January 22nd, 2001 7:50:53 PM
(OOC) Couldnt post on Friday server was down. Thiel Decides at that moment that he will consider hiomself a taur from that day forward.He looks to his new friends and says " lets get to it the truth has been shown to us we must unit our races or all our races will suffer. we are strong and wise separate but together we are unstoppabl. this Island is only the beginning. "
Zeoll Monday January 22nd, 2001 8:44:20 PM
Glad to explore, Zeoll joins the others and explores Hearthold.
Kenisha Tuesday January 23rd, 2001 1:33:30 AM
Grinning from ear to ear, Kenisha nods to Flat-top and the others as she heads down the stairs. "Let's see the wonders of our new home, Taurs."
Entering Hearthold (DM Donna) Tuesday January 23rd, 2001 8:16:00 AM
Descending the stairway, the party finds themselves in a beautifully-carved dome-shaped chamber whose curving walls are divided into four sections, three of which have fifteen-foot-wide doorways. The sections with the doorways each have a single figure carved in it--a Minotaur, a Centaur and a Wemic. The fourth panel features a carving of all three races bearing arms and looking like a united force versus whatever they may be facing.
Directly in front of this section is a pedestal with a large glass case on it. The case is highlighted by a ring of fire that comes from a Continual Flame spell, illuminating the newly-reunited heart.
(OOC: everyone must make a Spot check versus DC 10; I'll be emailing a diagram of the room proper ASAP, but suffice it to say that the Heart is on the North section of this chamber; the Centaur, Wemic and Minotaur sections are east, south and west respectively. The spiral staircase is in the southeast corner of this spherical room.)
Kale d20=15 Tuesday January 23rd, 2001 9:55:42 AM
Kale walks up to the minotaur figure and says. "Ill go this way." but pauses for a second as he notices something(made spot check)
Flat-top d20=15 Tuesday January 23rd, 2001 11:07:00 AM
"Taurs, Taurs...I like that new race." said Flat-top, "We will call ourselves Taurs..." Flat-top follows Kenisha down the stairway and into the tall beautiful dome-shape chamber. Flat-top looks around in wonder and stands in front of the Centaurs Door. "Look, Kenisha, the doors are so beautiful. Let's take this one." Flat-top is about to open the door(for Kenisha of course) when he spots something.
Kenisha d20+3=23 Tuesday January 23rd, 2001 12:20:52 PM
(OOC- OHMYGOD! *LOL* I got a natural 20 on that roll!)
Kenisha ponders the doors then moves over to the panel with all three races on it. She murmurs almost to herself, "Seems a bit silly to me that we split up by 'race' at this point if we are all to be Taurs..."
Then she notices something.
Thiel d20=12 Tuesday January 23rd, 2001 2:56:58 PM
Thiel decides that he would like to take a closer look at the pedestal with the heart. as he approches the altar he notices something.
Zeoll d20+4=18 Tuesday January 23rd, 2001 5:40:11 PM
Zeoll looks closely at the heart, bowing slightly before it. Then he looks at each of the graven Taur figures in turn.
Are there actual doors? Or archways? Are the figures carved on the doors?
I Left My Heart... (DM Donna) Wednesday January 24th, 2001 7:44:41 AM
The chamber is dome-shaped with a flat, level floor and a flat, level ceiling. The bas-relief of the carved figures actually adorn the segmented walls themselves--the doors do not have that kind of carving on them and are made of solid wood, bound by shiny steel. All three sets of doors are actually double doors, and none of them have locks, though they all may be barred from the inside of the room if one got something to bar the doors with.
Those making their Spot checks and/or directly gazing into the glass case with the artifact in it see an amazing sight: the reunited Heart of Domi is beating! Once more, the deity speaks, temporarily halting anyone's intentions to exit the chamber just yet:
"Now, my children, I leave you to explore your new home," intones the voice of the God of War, "I leave you with the charge of keeping Hearthold safe for all who hope, and for all who are willing to fight for Good. Know that, for as long as my Heart beats, Domi...Imod...or Tomi, if you prefer--" here the voice of the deity chuckles briefly, "--*I* shall always be with you to aid you in your war against ignorance and prejudice. Fight well, my children..!"
The warmth of Domi's sentiment lingers long after the sound of the echoes of his voice fades away.
All that is left to hear is the strong, sure beating of the Heart, and all that is left to do is...
...pick a door--any door...
Kale Wednesday January 24th, 2001 9:33:53 AM
"See ya later." Kale says as he goes through the door with the minotaur figure over it
Flat-top Wednesday January 24th, 2001 11:48:19 AM
"Hey! Kale! Don't you think we should stick together? Don't you think it is dangerous? OH! Well" Flat-top turn and bows at the beating Heart." And prays "Praise be to you, Domi. And please help me." Turns back at the door that Kale had taken and follows him.
thiel Wednesday January 24th, 2001 8:23:22 PM
"ITseems that Kale has chosen our direction lets go. before he steals all the glory!"
Zeoll Wednesday January 24th, 2001 9:36:47 PM
"I am surre it is safe, or Lorrd Tomi would not have told us to explorre," said Zeoll. After a moment's thought, he added, "At least, somewhat safe!"
Then the liontaur opened the wemic door and peered through, although he did not yet enter.
Kenisha Thursday January 25th, 2001 1:00:58 AM
Feeling impish, Kenisha quietly sneaks up behind Zeoll and shouts, "Boo! Just kidding my friend. Shall we check out this door together?"
Exploring Hearthold
Room with a View (DM Donna) Thursday January 25th, 2001 7:17:20 AM
Kale and Flat-top (and Thiel, if he's heading that way), upon opening the door, see a large, well-lit hallway that stretches straight for about a hundred feet before ending in an open archway, beyond which is another chamber that looks to have tables and chairs in it. On his left, the wall has five doors evenly spaced along its length, as does the wall on his right.
Zeoll (who has to roll more than a 1 on a d10 or be startled by Kenisha's playful "Boo!") and the centaur with him see an arched corridor--lit by torches in ornate wall sconces spaced ten feet apart on each wall--about fifty feet long, thirty feet wide, and twenty feet high. It ends in a pair of double doors made of iron. They are twenty feet wide and about fifteen feet tall.
Kale Thursday January 25th, 2001 7:55:17 AM
"What could be dangerous?" Kale askes Flat-Top as he moves to the left wall and opens the nearest door
Flat-top (with Kale & Thiel) Thursday January 25th, 2001 11:05:47 AM
"Listen, you Taurs, It is not wise to go off on your own without back up, that's the quickest way to get killed." said Flat-top, then adds "Even for Big, Strong Taurs like you two..." That said Flat-top turns around and asks,"Now where is Kenisha and Zeoll..?"
Thiel Thursday January 25th, 2001 9:07:51 PM
"Last I saw They were lookig at the wemic portrait." Any way we did not really go off without back-up We have Imod on our side." I Think Ill stay with Kale for now there has glory to be had here. and You or kale may have need of a priest if it is so dangerous." Flat-top do you have a pen Id like to map this place as we go"
Kenisha Friday January 26th, 2001 1:29:53 AM
(OOC- I was going to wait for Zeoll's response first, but it's after midnight here so I'd better post anyways. :) )
Kenisha canters down the hall to the double doors which she looks over while waiting to see if Zeoll decides to catch up to her.
Zeoll Friday January 26th, 2001 1:55:07 AM
Zeoll laughs, but then thinks twice about dividing the group. He tells the centaur, "Well, forr safety sake, let us join the otherrs and not split up."
What's Behind Door #4 (DM Donna) Friday January 26th, 2001 8:07:26 AM
Kale easily opens the large door, and sees that what lies beyond is a spacious 20-foot-square space with another door on the wall opposite, although it is located more towards the southeast corner of this room. There is a fireplace in the western wall. The room is carved out of the stone that makes up most of the rest of Hearthold, but the doors are heavy, metal-bound wood.
Kenisha, as she approaches the large double doors at the end of her corridor, sees that these, too, are equipped with brackets that would allow someone to bar the door from within the hallway. She can also see that the doors are opened by pulling on a pair of iron rings set into the doors, and that below the right-hand ring is a curious-looking metal protrusion reminscent of a key...the kind that one uses to wind up a music box.
Flat-top Friday January 26th, 2001 6:35:35 PM
" Look You Taurs, we are three strong and they are only three weak. Don't you think we should protect the weaker ones, after all they have no healers. So let us keep them out of trouble." Flat-top said with a smile.
Thiel Friday January 26th, 2001 9:07:30 PM
"Kale I feel That Flat-top has Point we dont want the others to have trouble because we didnt stay together. We should wait atleast a moment for them if not I will wait and will catch up to you later."
Kenisha Saturday January 27th, 2001 9:26:06 AM
Taking one last look at the double doors, Kenisha acquiesces. "I guess you're right." With that she she makes her way back up the hall and over to the door the others have gone down.
Zeoll Sunday January 28th, 2001 4:21:19 PM
Zeoll waits for Kenisha and together, if she is willing, rejoins the group. "Let's keep togetherr forr now," he says, "if only because grreat Imod said we should worrk togetherr."
The wemic looks around and then says, "This firreplace looks homey. Should we call dibs on rrooms?" He chuckles. The group notes that he seems more playful and less worried than before.
"Let's see what's behind this next doorr."
If no one objects, he opens the next door.
All for One, One for All... (DM Donna) Monday January 29th, 2001 7:15:19 AM
The group is together again, and exploring the hallway behind the western door of the Heart Chamber. Opening up the doors that line the hallway reveals identical rooms--each room is worthy of becoming the quarters of party members, though they have nothing but the most basic of furniture in them. Each room also seems to have a second door that leads to a privy area.
At the end of this western hallway is a large, domed room built much as the Heart Chamber is, except that there are large windows that circle the room from its southern-most point around to its northern-most point. There is another spectacular view of Bridge Island from here...if one looks for it, you can see not only the landbridge to Wemic Island but also the one to Centaur Island, too.
The room has tables and chairs and looks to be a banquet hall...or maybe a meeting room. The chairs are fashioned to seat not just minotaurs but quite a few of them are the chaise-like devices that can be utilized by wemics and centaurs.
There is another door south of the entryway you have come into the room through.
Kale Monday January 29th, 2001 9:35:25 AM
"Glad you could all make it." Kale says as he moves to the door and opens it
Flat-top d20=19 Monday January 29th, 2001 11:21:31 AM
Flat-top after viewing area, tells the Minotoars "Boy! what a view, let's get the others. They have to see this," then they go up the hall opening the door and peeking inside,"Look like Quarters for you guys."said Flat-top. Now going back in the Main Hall to meet the others. Flat-top excuse me for a minute I have to talk to Domi's Heart." Flat-top trots over to the pedestal and looks at the wall where the portrait are, and wonders how beautiful and at peace flat-top feels. Turns and puts his hands together and whispers "Thank-you for everything you have given us. We hope we can do you justice." (ooc I hope i made a skill check)
Zeoll Monday January 29th, 2001 6:30:05 PM
"Come, frriends," Zeoll declares, "Let us explorre every nook and crranny of ourr new demesne. Therre is still much to explorre."
The liontaur leads the way from room to room, until every door has been opened.
Kenisha Tuesday January 30th, 2001 1:28:46 AM
Looking at Flat-top with amusement Kenisha asks, "What, you don't intend to have a room as well? All these rooms seem to be very versatile."
Moving over to enjoy the view she speaks again with a laugh, "Let's keep going, I want to see everything!"
The True Heart of Hearthold..? (DM Donna) Tuesday January 30th, 2001 7:39:51 AM
Flat-top's brief backtracking to the Heart Chamber reveals nothing in the wall that has the bas-relief of all three Taur races.
The newest door leads to a thirty-foot-long passageway that opens into a very spacious kitchen area that looks more than capable of feeding a hundred people if need be.
There's a large island counter/prep station in the middle of the room that can easily have a half-dozen Centaur-sized cooks working at it. There are cupboards and drawers built into it, while pots & pans dangle from a metal rack over the island.
There are three large areas along the north wall of the room that have to do with the cooking itself: first is a long iron range with four separate oven compartments in it! Next to that is a huge fireplace with space to hang stewing cauldrons over the fire that may built there. Finally there is another large fireplace set up with a roasting spit. Near each of these cooking stations hang rows of various forks, tongs, skewers, paddles and ladles used in cooking.
Along the eastern wall are three doorways--the open doorway in the northeast corner leads to wood storage area. The middle and southern-most doorways have doors that are closed...and the middle door is not wood but stone.
Along the south wall, which has windows that look out over the Safety Channel, there's the section of the kitchen that obviously washes the dishes and pots & pans used in the preparation of meals.
Along the west wall are three doorways: the northernmost open doorway is the one through which the party entered the kitchen; the middle and southern doors of the west wall are both made of wood and are closed.
(Everyone in the kitchen roll a Spot check, please.)
Flat-top d20+1=13 Tuesday January 30th, 2001 11:36:07 AM
Flat-top finishes his prayers, turns and looks at the carving one more time, thinks to himself* I hope to live up to this new race thingie.* Then he trots off to join the others in the west wing. Trots up to Kenisha, "My ROOM will be the first one next to the big door, in the north wall. Because as a fighter, I have to go to the defense first." Telling her this while trotting after Kenisha. The others just went through the southern door, "Wait for me." Yells Flat-top, as he pick up his gate. He goes through the same door and into the kitchen area. Flat-top comes to a halt yells, "My prayers have been answered. A FOOD AREA! Kenisha let's see if there some green to make a salad?"
Thiel d20=11 Tuesday January 30th, 2001 4:18:03 PM
I will be in he fisrt room after entering the minotaur door. Thiel then follows the others into the Kitchen.
Zeoll d20+4=12 Tuesday January 30th, 2001 5:48:40 PM
[OOC: Donna, Spot check against what DC? Whatever it is, my roll is probably too low.]
Zeoll pads around the kitchen in amazement. On the plains most cookware consisted of a spit on a fire and perhaps a clay pot. Metal was too precious to use for cooking when weapons and shields were needed to fight hell hounds.
"Mighty Domi is generrous indeed!" he said. "I don't even know what all these cooking tools do!" The liontaur picked up a big knife or skewer and a frying pan and weilded them like a sword and shield. "I hope you folk arre more talented in this rroofed kitchen than I!" he laughed.
He opened and closed doors, looking in storage containers, and finally opened the two unopened doors.
Kenisha d20+3=14 Wednesday January 31st, 2001 12:37:41 AM
"Don't look at me to be the chef around here! I can fry a fish and whip up a mean salad but that's about it." Kenisha says with a laugh.
She looks about to see what food stuffs have been provided already and starts making a mental list of what they will probably need to get.
Kale d10=3 d20=7 Wednesday January 31st, 2001 6:12:09 AM
Kale doesnt notice anything, so he says. "Im getting a bit tired. Im going to go look for the sleep areas." he says as he leaves the kitchens
Kitchen Capers (DM Donna) Wednesday January 31st, 2001 8:01:48 AM
OOC: I didn't state a DC for public consumption--it's for me to know, and you to find out...or NOT find out, judging by them low rolls. ;D
The doors in the kitchen area lead to different areas...on the east wall, from the northernmost doorway to the southernmost:
The open doorway leads to the wood storage room.
The stone door leads to a very, very cold room that has greens and vegetables stored on one side and meats on the other side.
The southernmost door leads to a hallway that has several doors in it, one opposite the kitchen door and a few spaced along the north wall.
On the west wall of the kitchen, from northernmost door to southernmost:
The open doorway leads back to the dining room/meeting area.
The middle door opens to a twenty foot long hallway that has two doors in it, one opposite the kitchen door, and one in the middle of the south wall.
The southernmost door reveals a hallway that is much like the one behind the opposite door on the east wall--long hall with a door at the end and a few doors spaced along the north wall.
Flat-top Wednesday January 31st, 2001 12:05:52 PM
Flat-top is going around opening this door and that door looking for greens. "Kinisha, I'll make the salad, if I can find the greens and you can fry the fish (Flat-top look around at the others) err fishes. Boy! Domi loves hall ways and doors. "Thiel, the northern room is mine and the southern one is yours. is that alright with you?" Flat-top now goes to the east wall with the doors, opens the southern door,"More Doors and hall way". Then he opens the middle door,"I found the cold room and the greens, fish, meat and cheese. Anybody want some salad and fish?"
Thiel(hungry as always) Wednesday January 31st, 2001 7:26:46 PM
The southern room is fine with me My quadrapedal friend. And just a side note I know how to cook Food is one of my favorite things and cooking it is half the fun. give me chance Flat-top and I will make you a slave to my vegie burgers.
Zeoll Wednesday January 31st, 2001 7:48:24 PM
"What?" the liontaur roared. "Grreens and veggies?! Do none but I enjoy the taste of meat? Well, what can I expect of those kin to cows and horrses! -- No just kidding!" Zeoll laughs.
"But I would like a good haunch of meat!"
Kenisha Wednesday January 31st, 2001 11:10:32 PM
Kenisha giggles, "Don't worry Zeoll. Not all of us are herbavores. And it looks like there is plenty of meat in the cold room over there. And I guess Thiel is our chef."
Somebody's Knocking... (DM Donna) Thursday February 1st, 2001 7:15:01 AM
Even as Flat-top and Thiel decide to take advantage of their good fortune in finding the food, a great gong-like sound echoes from on high.
"What???" the voice sounds from behind one of the doors in the middle western hallway. "Oh, always when you're in the middle of a sh--" The door bursts open and into the kitchen comes a Taur...an original Taur, the one that blends all three of the individual races into one body. This Taur is almost as tall as Flat-top, though not quite. He has a black mane, tawny hide and piercing green eyes. He looks strangely familiar as he looks at all of you.
"Oh--I see you've made yourselves quite at home already, hmmmmm..?" the Taur asks acerbically. You all immediately think that his voice is familiar, too--you just KNOW you've heard that accent somewhere before.
"Well, as much as I'd love to have you all hack me to pieces again, I have to go answer the door..." the Taur says, moving over to the southernmost east door and opening it, then exiting the kitchen through it.
(Another Spot check, people, to place the voice. The DC is 10.)
Meanwhile, Back on the Other Islands... (DM Donna) Thursday February 1st, 2001 7:33:56 AM
Leets was gallantly assisting an old woman with her seaweed-collecting. Ceira and Kalon were, likewise, performing a good deed by helping some fishermen hauling in a very heavy net. Tam just happened to be practicing some combat techniques on the beach.
All four of these Taurs had been in the middle of their various tasks, when--suddenly--there appeared a swathe of land in the middle of the water!
Astounding as this was, even MORE astounding was--as they each felt compelled to walk across the newly-materialize ground--nobody else who was on the beach with them could see it!
But walk these landbridges they did, and at the end of each was an island that all of them knew had not been there before. They followed the paths and found themselves arriving in front of the base of a large fortress-like building that appeared carved out of the surrounding cliffs.
Two Wemics, a Centaur and a Minotaur, all in front of a pair of large metal doors, upon which was emblazoned the crossed-swords symbol of the deity that all three races worshipped.
Who's going to make the first move..?
Ceira Karwyn Thursday February 1st, 2001 7:48:52 AM
"Oh my! What manner of sorcery is this?" asking no one in particular. Ceira turns around to look back unto the landbridge to see if anyone else is coming. "Hmm... Looks like it is just the four of us. By the way, my name is Ceira Karwyn. You may all just call me Ceira." She eyes the Centaur in the group. Ceira lets out a muffled snort but manages to maintain her cheery smile. "Shall we see what lies beyond these magnificent doors? Afterall, we didn't come all this way for nothing." Ceira motions towards the door and will attempt to knock on the door.
Kale d20+1=11 Thursday February 1st, 2001 10:05:02 AM
"Whos that?" Kale asks the others as the taur comes out of the kitchens. seeing that hes no threat, Kale moves to the nearest chair and sits down
Flat-top d20+1=14 Thursday February 1st, 2001 11:41:00 AM
"What's that?" ask Flat-top, looking around in surprise. But when that huge Taur enters the room. Flat-top confesses, "All I took from the cold room is Greens, Potatoes, Fish and a hunch of Meat." Them watches him walk out of the door on the East side wall. " Boy! I won't want to get him mad, BUT where have I heard that voice before? Hmmm?" said Flat-top with a piece of celery in his mouth.
Kenisha d20+3=14 Thursday February 1st, 2001 11:43:53 AM
(OOC- I the player think I know who it is, but I'm not going to say since Kenisha might not know.)
Looking at Thiel and Flat-top, Kenisha speaks, "I think you may want to plan on more than just us for this meal. I'm going to follow this unknown Taur and find out who's at the door."
With that she takes off after the new Taur.
Thiel(Just when I was gonna get to eat finally) d20=8 Thursday February 1st, 2001 2:06:19 PM
Thiel says to Flat-top" still hungry friend? Me tooif you will get the fire started Ill get the foodstuffs in order. you want your veggies well done or still crispy. I prefer crispy" with that thiel startss to chop, dice and quarter the veggies and the meat. Thiel then begins to hum a tune. somthing about a heifer from nantucket.
Zeoll d20+4=20 Thursday February 1st, 2001 6:43:49 PM
Zeoll stands in awe of the Taur for a moment. Then, compelled by the sound of the voice he's sure he knows, he bounds after Kenisha and the Taur.
Mystery Taur (DM Donna) Friday February 2nd, 2001 6:51:36 AM
(OOC: I edited the rolls for Kale & Flat-top since those two originally rolled d10 instead of the d20 required.)
Those who rolled 10 or more on their Spot check recognize the voice as that of the Spectator guard that the party was forced to kill earlier in the day. The Taur speaks with exactly the same kind of Peter O'Toole-like accent.
Those who follow the Taur down the hallway find that he is opening the door opposite the one that leads to the kitchen...the door--while appearing to be a regular door from within the hall, leads directly into the short hallway that Zeoll and Kenisha recognize as the one that had been behind door C of the Heart Chamber.
Once in this new hallway, the Taur stops, shakes himself briskly, fussing with his dark head hair for a moment, then flings open the double doors.
"Welcome to Hearthold, chosen ones!" he greets the two Wemics, a Centaur and a Minotaur who are standing outside the doors. "I am Kular, the steward of this place. Please come in..!" The Taur bows low and steps back.
Ciera, Tam, Kalon and Leets see the doors suddenly open and the creature with the wemic feet and hide, minotaur build and features and centaur mane and tail answer the door as above. This is the first time ANY of them have seen such a combination of physical traits...but, in view of the dream that all of the Taur races have had and the magical appearance of this island, the combination strikes all you as being...right.
Ceira Karwyn Friday February 2nd, 2001 7:31:10 AM
Ceira stands fixated at the Taur for several minutes. She finally shakes off her trance and approaches the creature. "I'm sorry for... for staring but you... it's just that... I sort of..." Ceira is a bit intimidated by the omnipotence of the creature. "Well, you just look so... so perfect and I cannot understand why. I have never seen your type before and yet it seems like it was meant to be. Well, my name is Ceira Karwyn." She bows in respect. "And I am honored to have been invited into your home. I felt compelled to come here and I do not know why. Is it you who has called for me?" Ceira also notices a few other Taurs behind the mixed one. She puts on a cordial smile and waves her hand in silent greeting while waiting for the mixed Taur to respond.
Kale Friday February 2nd, 2001 9:35:30 AM
seeing that no one has answered him, Kale amuses himself by cleaning his fingernails with his dagger
Flat-top (in the Kitchen) Friday February 2nd, 2001 11:15:45 AM
Flat-top tried to remember where he heard the voice, But could not remember. "OH! Well, I'll start the fire and I like my veggies still crispy and my fish well done, How about you Kale? Got any spare flint? I like that little tune..." and start singing a duet with Thiel. Flat-top walks to the first top door and pickup a big arm full of wood. Then back in to the kitchen and into the stove goes the wood evenly, pile in such a way, that the fire catch quickly. "Do you want the pit fired up too, Thiel? or do the Wemic want their meat rare or raw?. Come on Kale you should know some drinking song too." Flat-top in not paying any attention as to whom that will be coming in the room...
Zeoll Friday February 2nd, 2001 6:58:26 PM
After the true Taur welcomes the newcomers, Zeoll bows low to them and greets them.
They see in Zeoll a liontaur standing seven feet tall and weighing well over 700 pounds. His mane is auburn, his fur is tawny, and his skin is light brown. He wears leather armor, and carries a greatsword and a longsword. Beads braided in his hair signify his family descent, clan, and priest status.
"Yes, welcome to Hearrthold Keep," the liontaur says in Tauric, the accent of his birth evident in his words. I am Zeoll, Student to Shaman Frrith, Warrriorr to Prride Nonowla, and Son to Clan Aene. We werre just making dinnerr -- would you carre to join us? Then we can sharre tales."
Kalon Friday February 2nd, 2001 11:59:07 PM
Kalon adjusted the strap on his wineskin and backpack as he studied the strange creature before him. What an interesting development he thought to himself, a new place to explore. Perhaps he could find what he was looking for here or maybe a clue as to what it exactly was that he was looking for.
Bowing deeply from his waist toward the creature he said,"Greetings I am Kalon. You are perhaps the most unusual creature I have ever met. No offense but of what race are you?"
Kenisha Saturday February 3rd, 2001 1:26:06 AM
Kenisha speaks up next, she is a female centaur standing about 8 foot in height although of a slighter build than Zeoll (566 lbs). Her mane is also braided with beads, feathers and shells. The most unusual aspect of her otherwise brown hair is the five locks of white that spread out from the very top of her head. Her blue eyes sparkle as she smiles in greeting.
"I am Kenisha, grandniece of Minisha and student of sorcery. There are four of you? Very good. Zeoll? Would you show them the way? I'll let Thiel know how many will be joining us. That is if you are intending on staying?"
Turning to Kular she bows. "I am very glad that Our God has seen fit to return you to the land of the living, Kular."
Get to Know Me! (DM Donna) d20=1 Monday February 5th, 2001 6:20:04 AM
"My dear lady," Kular bows to Ciera, "I am a combination of the three races present...according to the God of War, this form is that of the original Taur, before the Sundering of legend. This is probably why such a form seems very natural to you--it's what the deity originally had in mind for you and yours." He turns to Kenisha next.
"Seeing as how your party managed to pass the test of besting me as the 'guardian' to the cave," the steward informs the sorceress, "The deity had the feeling that you would be needing ALL the help you can get...so here I am!" Again, the Taur bows.
"But, no matter! Wemics, Centaurs, and Minotaurs are ALL Taurs, and you are all here to help show your various tribes this fact!" Kular shows the way to the inner hallway, pressing a hand against the wall under the torch in the southwestern portion of the passage. This opens a secret door.
"Please, all of you, follow me to the kitchen..." he invites, "...who knows WHAT mischief the rest of your party is getting into..!" Kular leads the way through to the kitchen area of Hearthold. On the way down the hallway, those returning smell...smoke???
"AAAAAAAAAAAGH! MY KITCHEN!" cries the steward as he bolts into the room. Apparently Flat-top found the kitchen's supply of tindertwigs and attempted to build a fire in the range...but lacked the skill to remember to open the damper first. (OOC: see the above roll. 8D) Smoke is filling the kitchen.
Thiel Monday February 5th, 2001 10:13:10 AM
Thiel is happy cutting the veggies when he smells smoke He says to Flat-top smells like you got the fire started and the upon turnning to the centaur Thiel sees that the fire is not just going well but the smoke is pouring into the kitchen " what did we do wrong?" he asks Flat-top
Flat-top Monday February 5th, 2001 11:44:48 AM
Flat-top is happily singing drinking songs with Thiel and tossing salads. When the Big Taur enters the kitchen and Yelled something about his kitchen. Flat-top comes to attention, telling the Big Taur,"It's Thiel, Sir! He's burning the meat, Sir!"
Zeoll Monday February 5th, 2001 4:43:05 PM
[OOC: Kalon and Ciera, are you two the liontaurs? Leets and Tam -- if they join us -- which race are each of you?]
Zeoll takes the rear as the newcomers follow Kular towards the kitchen. He is careful to close the door securely once everyone is in.
As the group returns to the kitchen, and as Zeoll sees the tumult and hears the words of Thiel and Flat-top, he cannot stop himself. He smiles broadly, revealing his leonine teeth, and laughs out loud.
Between chuckles, Zeoll remarks to the newcomers, "Prraise Imod, but therre's always SOMETHING going on herre-abouts! As you will underrstand once you have met all ourr grroup."
And turning to the two new liontaurs, Zeoll speaks more softly, this time in his native tongue, "Tell me, my kindred, how fare the wemics of our adopted homeland?" The liontaur's accent is not audible, of course, when he speaks the language of his birth.
Ceira Karwyn Monday February 5th, 2001 6:02:05 PM
(OOC: Ceira is a liontaur who is 7'-2" and 720 lbs. Her mane is long and well groomed.)
"Thank you all for inviting me in for dinner. However..." she looks at the smoke billowing from the kitchen. "I'm not too hungry right now." she finishes with a smile and pats her stomach.
Ceira looks Zeoll up and down. "Well now, it looks like we have quite a handsome one here." she winks. "As for the rest of our wemic friends, they are faring well. The fishertaurs (OOC: or fisherMEN?) had a huge haul today and I was helping them out. At least on the fishing docks. I'm not too fond of the water myself. Those fishertaurs are certainly brave. Of course, with bravery comes rewards in the form of income. Few wemics dare the open sea. Those few who do make quite a bundle from their trade."
She stops to smell the cooked fish coming from the kitchen. "I have certainly had my share of fish today. So tell me about this place. Is this some kind of magical fortress?"
Kalon the Wemic Monday February 5th, 2001 7:33:12 PM
Kalon listened as the strange guardian explained what he was then followed the group in. Looking around as he went it was quite an impressive sight. He almost felt out of place in such a lovely building. As the group entered the kitchen he could not help but smile at the reactions of those in the kitchen and particularly their guide. Not wanting to be in anybodies way he found a safe side of the kitchen and looked around for some water. Helping the other wemics haul in their nets had been thirsty work
Kenisha Tuesday February 6th, 2001 1:15:35 AM
Doing her best not to giggle too loudly, Kenisha opens the damper to let the smoke out.
(OOC- I can't remember, ar there windows in here? If so, Kenisha will open them as well to help get rid of the smoke.)
An Ultimatum (DM Donna) Tuesday February 6th, 2001 8:21:23 AM
Kular growls upon hearing Flat-top's words, then leaps forward, pulling on the damper so that the smoke can be drawn up the chimney.
(OOC: Yes, there are windows--they're on the south side of the kitchen.)
"You are all the chosen of Imod...or Domi...or Tomi--take your pick!--but I am in charge of running Hearthold!" the Taur says in a firm, no-nonsense voice. "You will NOT...everrrrrr...touch anything in this kitchen EVER again--unless you're invited. Is that clear..???"
Kale Tuesday February 6th, 2001 10:26:03 AM
"Whatever you say." Kale says to Kular. then he turns to the newbes. "How did you get here?" he asks simply
Flat-top Tuesday February 6th, 2001 10:45:44 AM
"Yes SIR."said Flat-top. Trots around to meet the new commers, he bows and stands in frount of them. Flat-top ia a piebald with dark-skined coat with white hair/mane/tail,but his best fetures are his ice-blue eyes. He weight about 1060 lbs and stands about 8'6". "Ah New Commers,my name is Flat-top, let us all go into the Meeting Room and get to know each other. Then we will show you to your sleeping quaters so you can rest."
Kenisha Tuesday February 6th, 2001 12:06:58 PM
"If it's alright with you, Kular, I'll open the windows and let some fresh ait in." Upon his approval she will open all the windows.
To Flat-top she says, "That's a good idea."
Thiel Tuesday February 6th, 2001 1:50:07 PM
Thiel says to kular" if thats the way you want it but I always fel that its better to have a real cook do the meals. and that part about telling what I can and connot touch. If it is not the property of another of this party it is a part of Hearthhold and Imod has directed that hearthold belongs to all of us. are you trying to tell me that the all powerful and allknowing great one himself would have "YOU" direct the rest of us in the interpretations of his word or is that also somehting that "YOU" hold in reseve for your right. I will not be told what i will not touch or do or say for that matter in any part of this stronghold, that is considered public space. Is the Kitchen not a public space?" Thiel; turns to the new members of the group and offers them a smile. He is a tall and very thin black allover Minotaur. The crest of the soul of Imod hangs from his neck outside his vestments. He is very obviously a member of the cloth. Thiel bows slightly and says "Welcome to the new flock of the great one, as it was before the time of the sundering. All taurs are welcome to the fold. We hear are what is left of the chosen, who traveled and formed alliance withh our old enemies the Centaurs and the wemics who before most had only heard stories. We seekm to rejoin the races into a greater society. One for good and justice. " "Do you also seek this vision?"
Kalon the Wemic Tuesday February 6th, 2001 7:50:43 PM
Kalon began to lick the back of his paw and wipe it through his very matted mane. Seeing that that wasn't doing much he proceeded to trying to comb it with his front paws. Kalon desperately needed to clean up he thought to himself. Listening to Thiel he moved abit closer stopping once Thiel began to speak to the newcomers which included himself.
"Good sir not to disagree with one of the chosen of the Great One but don't you think that in the Great Ones grace that if Kular is the guardian of this place and a servant of him that we should show Kular respect. Perhaps not touching things is the more polite and proper thing to do. Saying that you will not do as Kular says seems to mean that you will not be willing to do what the Great One wishes since Kular would seem to be a favoured servant." he stopped briefly trying to brush the dust from himself and raising a small cloud of it around himself,"As for seeking something I am seeking something?"
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday February 6th, 2001 10:47:24 PM
With the heated discussion going back and forth, Ceira gets a little nervous and takes a few steps back.
However, she still manages to smile in response to the Taurs that greet her.
Zeoll Wednesday February 7th, 2001 1:09:07 AM
Zeoll stands before the assembled Taurs and claps his hands to attract attention.
"Frriends! Frriends! We know what Domi wants! He wants us to cooperate and work together! Let us find unity in our differences, not bickering."
"Kular," Zeoll says, "surely our lord's Heart is gladdened when a minotaur wants to labor and cook for wemics and centaurs. This may be the first meal that a minotaur has prepared for other Taurs in centuries! Forgive Thiel his exuberance and encourage him in preparing this historic, if well-done, meal."
"Thiel," the liontaur priest continues, "naturally Kular is protective of the lord's stronghold. Let him teach you to find your way around the kitchen better. He just doesn't want the place burnd down before we can explore it fully!"
"Come, let us rejoice in our gathering!"
Kular Concedes...Sort of... (DM Donna) Wednesday February 7th, 2001 7:09:25 AM
For a moment or two, Kular stands glaring at Thiel, but the words of the others sink into his brain, too.
"My dear lady, you may most certainly open a window..." he says most politely to the centaur, "...and--contrary to Master Thiel's perceptions--you ARE all free to go wherever you wish within Hearthold...indeed, anywhere upon this newly-formed Bridge Island, too. However..." the Taur adds in a firm, not-to-be-argued-with voice, "...common sense should dictate that one does NOT try to operate equipment that one does not know how to operate..." Here Kular's pointed glance spears Flat-top, showing that the steward knows full well whom was responsible for almost smoking out the new inhabitants of Hearthold.
"So...I will leave it to you all to show that you have common sense." Kular says, nodding. "Now...I will be more than happy to show everyone the layout of Hearthold. It is deceptively large, actually, as I have been assured that the rest of the support personnel--such as cooks, maids, footmen and the like--are due to start arriving here soon. I suspect that they--like your newest comrades here--shall come via the landbridges that our patron deity has materialized."
Ceira Karwyn Wednesday February 7th, 2001 7:51:05 AM
Ceira breathes a sigh of relief upon hearing Zeoll's and Kular's words. "This is going to be great living here. So where will I be staying? Wait." she stops in her tracks. "You said we will have support personnel? Wow! This will be usual to have someone serve me. I grew up with a moderate amount of income from my father's small mercantile business. So I'm used to fending for myself. Well... my mother did most of the cooking though." she finishes with a slight grin.
Flat-top Wednesday February 7th, 2001 1:01:06 PM
"Come let us go into the Meeting room, in order to ask and answer questions. Be side the view is better there." Then turns to Kular and Flat-top ask," Is there a place where to take a bath and freshen up? Beside the nearest Brook?".
Zeoll Wednesday February 7th, 2001 5:49:41 PM
"That sounds like a fine idea," Zeoll says. "Perrhaps with some light rrefrreshment we could gatherr forr a meeting. Let us adjourrn."
Kalon the Wemic Thursday February 8th, 2001 12:54:45 AM
Listening to the words about a bath Kalon adds,"Yes, I do believe I could use someplace to wash up and clean the dust from myself" he pats himself again and another small cloud of dust rises from him. Trying desperately he is unable to stifle a very loud sneeze that knocks him onto his butt
"Excuse me" he says
Kenisha Thursday February 8th, 2001 1:42:44 AM
After finishing with the windows, Kenisha nodded to Zeoll's excelent suggestion of refreshments. She collected a tray and filled it with cups. "What kind of beverages do we have?" she asked as she counted cups to make sure she had enough.
Kale Thursday February 8th, 2001 3:02:37 AM
a little ticked off that no one answered him, Kale pulls out his dagger and begins carving a picture of bull's head on the table
This 'N' That (DM Donna) Thursday February 8th, 2001 7:57:41 AM
Frowning mightily at the thief's "artistry", Kular nonetheless answers Kale's question once more:
"The new arrivals walked across the landbridges that Domi has materialized--the Taur Isles are now all interconnected by these bridges. There is one bridge each from Wemic Island, Centaur Island and Minotaur Island, Master Kale. Only those with the capacity for believing that all Taurs may work together for the cause of Good can see and walk upon these bridges." Kular turns and regards Kenisha next.
"There is an assortment of liquids inside the cold storage room," he says, "But the wines and spirits are kept there--" Here the steward gestures to the middle door in the west wall, "--you go through the door, and it's the first door on the right." The Taur spreads his arms and makes herding gestures towards the northernmost door in the west wall.
"Everybody into the dining hall," he orders benevolently, "I shall bring along the refreshments momentarily." As Flat-top and Kalon pass him, Kular adds:
"For basic washing, you may order that the usual picther of hot water be brought to your room," he tells them, "For more complete bathing, I must show you to the Grotto. For now, however, go to the dining hall and get to know your new comrades-in-arms. I will fetch the Purple Wine."
Flat-top Thursday February 8th, 2001 11:13:10 AM
"Hey, Thiel"wispered Flat-top,"Don't be such a milk mouth, we're getting wine, the good kind. Come on let's meet the new comers." With that said Flat-top trots to the meeting room. Flat-top will help push tables together (in front of the big window). "Now all we have to do is choose a chair that fits our romp, and we are all set for a Meeting of the New Comers."
Kenisha Thursday February 8th, 2001 11:45:10 AM
"Thank you, Kular." Kenisha said with a smile. "I've got the cups." With that she followed Flat-top into the Meeting room.
Once the tables were moved to his satisfaction, she set down the tray where it would be convenient for everyone to reach.
Finding a suitable chair she sat down.
Thiel Thursday February 8th, 2001 4:58:33 PM
thiel wispers back to Flat-top "Milk mouth. and your a haalf a filly." Get us a good bottle for just us and maybe I can seepast it.
Ceira Karwyn Thursday February 8th, 2001 8:26:21 PM
Ceira rubs her throat lightly. "Mmm... some refreshments certainly sounds good right about now." She looks around the meeting room and helps the other Taurs with the furniture rearrangement. "So I guess there aren't any specific assigned seats? That'd be a neat idea though. Our little group would be analogous to the Knights of the Roundtable! The only difference is that we aren't all knights... and the table isn't round... So what am I trying to say? Oh nevermind."
(OOC: I'm not sure if such a tale exists in the Wold. If not, assume it is based off of a wild fantasy Ceira has in her dreams.)
Zeoll Thursday February 8th, 2001 10:41:13 PM
Zeoll takes one of the wemic-shaped seats, looks around, and smiles.
"Welcome to Hearrthold Keep," he says. "We arre herre to advance the goals of Tomi -- to rreunite the sunderred rraces and learrn to worrk togetherr."
"Who has questions?"
Kalon the Wemic Thursday February 8th, 2001 11:41:02 PM
Kalon follows the group into the dining room admiring the building as he goes. Then moves to a comfortable spot and lays down on the floor head still up so he can see everyone.
When Zeoll asks if there are any questions Kalon waits and watches to see if anybody has something to ask.
Kale Friday February 9th, 2001 4:32:45 AM
Kale moves with the others. "So what do we do now? If only taurs with our beleifs can come to this island, whats the point of guarding it?"
Leets Friday February 9th, 2001 6:17:26 AM
While the little group moves in the direction of the dining room, everybody hears the sound of hooves on the ground of the kitchen behind them. Here is a young centaur about 8.6 feet tall. Although is doesn't look that strong, his body is muscular and he looks average shaped for a centaur (about 1400 lbs). He is blond haired with emerald green eyes. His skin is quite pale, and his "horse-half" is white with blue shades. He's wearing a silver-colored chain mail with a blue tunic under it. He holds a long staff, although you can see a longsword on his side, and a shield on his back. He also seem to have some heavy stuff in his backpack, athough he doesn't look bothered by it.
The young centaur moves forward, smiling to all those new people. "Hello, my name's Leets...Kular also led me here, and I would be more than happy to talk a while with you to understand why...It's said that even the longest journey begins by a first step...Well, why wouldn't it be in the direction of a dining room? That would be a good begining!"
Leets looks around , his eyes sparkling like a child because of all those new and so beautiful things. He'll politely wait that everybody entered the room before entering himself.
One Happy Family (DM Donna) Friday February 9th, 2001 7:05:50 AM
Kular is quick in fetching the Purple Wine; he brings a tun--a five-gallon mini-barrel--of the stuff, places it on the table and pours the wine, presenting each of those present with generous goblets of the heady liquid.
"I, as the steward of this place, shall ever be at your service, Masters and Mistresses," he says as he serves, "Though not usually as a butler...but, as I said before, the rest of the support staff shall be arriving momentarily. They will consist of all manner of Taurs, but will all have two things in common with not only each other but with you all, too...
"Everyone present in Hearthold will have the ability to work with the other Taurs here, instead of--or, it may be more accurate to say--in SPITE of clashing with them due to erroneous cultural beliefs." Kular says. "They will also have that innate inner courage that the God of War strives to have bloom within all the beings of the Wold."
Thiel Friday February 9th, 2001 8:33:30 AM
Thiel waits to see if anybody has Questions and when there are none He rises and says to everyone. " Our friend Kale makes a very good point if only those who can see hte land bridge are of good potential then what are we defending the keep against?" "It would be logical to assume that we are not the only ones to see the Island and others will come to explore. However Others will come to conquer. We must be ready when that Day comes. I sugest that we first form two groups to search the rest of the stronghold. we will need that knowledge beforem battle. and also we should set some of our help to a watch. warning will also be good to have. " "Are there any objections or sugestions."
Kenisha Friday February 9th, 2001 9:13:36 AM
Kenisha nodded in agreement what Thiel said. To Kale she added, "While the bridges are safe, there is still the sea by boat, and the air by magic and arial mounts. I'd say we probably still have a few hours before we have to worry about unwanted intruders, although other like minded individuals might walk the bridges in that time. Kular willing, can probably give us ll a guided turn. If someone wants, they could use the domed obveratory above to watch most of the island until we can set up regular watchs."
Ceira Karwyn Friday February 9th, 2001 9:07:10 PM
Ceira raises her hand. "I have a question. Just who are we defending against? And why would they want to invade this fortress?"
She takes a few sips of the Purple Wine. "Mmmm... this is good stuff. I barely know you all but I am already picking up signs that this is a very team-oriented group. That is indeed nice to know."
Ceira turns to regard Kular now. "Will our support staff be at least be capable of defending themselves as well? The more the merrier!"
Kale Friday February 9th, 2001 10:21:05 PM
looks at Ceira. "We dont know. We were just told that we earned the honor of defending it, no one said against who and when."
Flat-top Saturday February 10th, 2001 11:48:47 AM
Flat-top put his hand on his chin and ponders, "Kale, did you ever wonder as to why the fiffrent tribes were on three different Island? or why we made war among ourselves? I'm just a fighter, trained to fight, you know do as your told, don't think." Flat-top pick up two cups and goes to Kenisha and the other to the Paladin Leets. Then Flat-top goes back and gets two more, walk slowly to the Wemic Ceira, them to th Wemic Kalon. Flat-top returns and picks up two more cups taken them to the Minotaur Kale handing him one cup and putting his arm around Kale's shoulder, " Here old Friend, to the those who don't want all us to unite again!"
Zeoll Sunday February 11th, 2001 10:29:03 PM
Zeoll listens intently to everybody else. Frankly, the day has been amazingly busy, and Zeoll is a little overwhelmed. He's still trying to get everything figured out. So he's just listening.
LOG ON