...SUDDENLY ( yet again!!!)... - DM Donna Monday June 24th, 2013 9:00:52 PM
The humming of the crystal bell grows ever louder, cutting off any further argument...the crop-circle-effect on the ground directly beneath it suddenly becomes a circle of etched stone that bears writing that spells out in Common:
COURAGE BEFORE CHAOS
Between the now-unbearably loud humming and the warnings issued by the heroes of Bryn Baraz, the townsfolk (and Rousecor and Barta) back away from the bizarre spectacle, while Anrete and Garret actually moves in closer to it, squinting curiously up at the large bell floating a good ten feet above the newly-minted stone circle. Before Barta and Rousecor can do more than draw back a few yards, the Bell lets out an ear-splitting siren call and falls to the ground in the middle of the inscribed stone circle with a great "crrrrrraaaAAAAACK!"
Now there is a huge bell in the middle of an inscribed stone circle and a crack in one side that snakes up from its rim (now resting on the ground) about eight feet or so before hooking around and cracking back down to the ground again.
You know...if anyone was brave/foolish enough to tap the crystal, that cracked part is likely to break apart and leave some sort of rounded-doorway-shaped hole behind...
Every member of the party capable of casting any sort of spell suddenly feels goosebumps all over their body...and all of the heroes become aware that the bell is now surrounded by five robed, hooded figures:
The first wears a red robe and clutches an ironwood staff topped with a large ruby in their right hand.
The second wears robes that are pearly white and bears a staff in their right hand that appears to be made entirely of mother-of-pearl.
The third, dressed in robes of iron gray, is different from the others in the group because they not only have a sword with a sharp steel blade in their right hand, but that hand is clearly one that's made of iron.
The fourth robed figure is dressed in forest green and holds a gnarled wooden staff in their carved wooden left fist.
The fifth figure seems to be the most menacing of the group, for the hood of their black robe completely overshadows their face, hiding it from view. In fact, even this person's hands are hidden by the extra-long sleeves of their robe, though this one leans upon their straight staff of solid onyx.
All five newcomers ignore the townspeople, though: their attention is completely captured by the Bell that now rests beside the Allgods Temple, inspecting it with freakishly synchronized movements. Then all five figures draw together, with the figure in white throwing back their hood to reveal the face of an elderly human woman, who smacks her lips and fixes canny green eyes upon Alexi.
"We are the Circle of Crones," she says, sounding as though five voices were speaking through her mouth, "And I am Lady Wisdom. We have followed the Chaos Bell to this place because it is a power that does not belong here. The Southern Continent is a place of Chaos, but the Northern Lands are a place of Law, and this artifact must not remain here, or it shall wreak such changes as your lands cannot stand!"
The Circle of Crones stand silently, awaiting the questions from the heroes that they surely must wish to ask...
(And anyone who makes a successful Knowledge check {History, Geography and/or Religion} versus DC5 can Highlight to display spoiler: {: You remember the following legend about the Circle of Crones... The Crones of the Gateway Downs
Legends say that there are five Crones (a.k.a. the Circle of Crones), supposedly picked from the ranks of the people who populate Gateway Downs, although nobody can ever recall why this particular idea is part of the lore. Regardless, the Crones (when seen in "mortal" form) have distinctive prostheses that mark them as such:
Lady Watcher: considered to be the youngest of the Crones, Lady Watcher always has a large ruby where her left ear should be. She hears all that is said in her presence--even thoughts--and her range of "hearing" is a LOT larger than mortal hearing. She almost never talks out loud, but when she does, her voice is clear though otherwise unremarkable.
Lady Wisdom: besides having a missing left ear, this Crone is prone to smacking her lips, which can be a bit unnerving to those who may come into her presence. People who claim to have met her have sworn that she doesn't possess the tongue of a mortal, but one that appears to be carved from mother-of-pearl. Her voice is also alternately harsh or dulcet, according to whether or not she is disputing the truth of what is said in her presence. Lady Wisdom is usually (but not always) the only one to speak.
Lady Justice: this Crone not only has a missing left ear and never speaks, she also possesses a right hand of enchanted cold iron. This hand always holds a longsword with an ever-shifting blade. The weapon is called the Allsword, and legend says that the weapon is effective against any sort of being--supposedly this is why its blade appears to change from being a Flaming sword to a Crystal blade to an Energy saber and so on.
Lady Mercy: the physical oddities for this Crone are: missing left ear, never speaks, a missing right hand...and her left hand is apparently carved from wood. Sometimes the wooden hand "sprouts" a bloom, leaf and/or twig that the Crone harvests and gives to special recipients. When she does this, the item is always magical in some fashion, and will often confer a permanent magic effect of some sort when consumed by mortals.
Lady Sorrow: considered the oldest of the Crones and the leader of the Circle, this Crone is the most mutilated of the group. Although most documented encounters with the Crones often have them appear as old ladies wearing hooded robes, Lady Sorrow's robes always appear to be rather voluminous, so that the sleeves always fall over her hands and her hood always covers her face...at least, they do when she is first sighted. The few who have actually come face-to-face with Lady Sorrow (and not gone mad) claimed that this elderly woman has no eyes--she throws back her hood with handless stumps at the end of her forearms to pin a person in the all-seeing and unblinking gaze of two large and fathomless black opals. Rumors claim that Lady Sorrow can see the future, and peer into the souls of men to confront what lies there. It is said that evil men whom have locked eyes with those black gems have fallen dead a moment later...aged 100 years in the blink of an eye!
These five old ladies have remained faithful whereas the citizens of The Gateway Downs have not. These handless, tongue-less, deaf, and blind ancient women have stood on the field of battle outnumbered 100 to 1 with only their sisters to protect them and have emerged from the piles of dead without a scratch. Whereas they should spread hope and courage amongst the citizens of the Gateway Downs, they have instead seemingly increased the fear and loathing of this region. The Crones, despite being perceived with dread by the people of the area, have repeatedly saved the Downs from threats both internal and external.}
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) d20+5=20 ; Monday June 24th, 2013 10:11:07 PM
If the situation wasn't so, strange?, Alexi would have seen Sesha's defensiveness as humourous. Alexi manages to squeeze out a smile at Sesha, though.
"I don't dishonor a guest by warning them of possible danger do I?"
He turns to Barta and politely asks, over the increasing noise of the bell, "Lady Barta, have I dishonored you in trying to insure your safety and keep Bryn Baraz in your good graces?"
But then the bell falls and lands on stone pavement and cracks and the five figures appear.
Knowledge (Religion) +5 = 20
Recognition from his studies only months before, Alexi shivers in his armor when he sees that the five are the Circle of Crones. He quickly sends the knowlege to all in their telepathic link.
When Lady Wisdom turns and eyes Alexi and speaks, it takes all his wits to keep still and not falter or simply feint.
Alexi tries to clear his throat and manages to stammer "Welcome, Lady Wisdom. It is a great honor to have you and your Sisters visit us in Bryn Baraz. We have no means here to properly treat such Guests as you." He bows and after streightening up, continues, "But what does this hot, dusty, little place we call Bryn Baraz have to do with this Chaos Bell? What is it here that drew it so far away?"
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] d20+18=23 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+17=28 ; Monday June 24th, 2013 11:30:32 PM
[OOC: Keela scoffs at DC 5 Knowledge checks. "Scoff, scoff," she says scoffingly. I rolled them just for fun. Geography 23, History 20, Religion 28.]
Seeing Alexi bow, Keela follows suit with a curtsey. "And do you know how to remove it from here?" she adds to his questions.
Else is overwhelmed to see such powerful luminaries among the backwaters of Bryn Baraz. She places a respectful hand over her heart, eager to hear their answers.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:7/12 CMD: 30] Tuesday June 25th, 2013 9:18:03 AM
Garret receives the note from Alexi and nods, letting the others speak directly to the new arrivals. In the meantime, his curiosity gets the better of him, and he moves towards the bell, hoping to examine the crack that has appeared (assuming none of the crones is directly guarding the crack).
Three "SUDDENLY"s in a Row??? - DM Donna Tuesday June 25th, 2013 10:13:02 AM DM OOC: Moving the story along here....
Lady Wisdom opens her mouth to speak, allowing Alexi a brief visual confirmation that there is an object of pearly hue in it--the mother-of-pearl plate that has been spoken of in legend. No doubt the power of the artifact was what allowed that particular Crone to speak in the voices of all five members of the Circle simultaneously. This will certainly be a tale to tell an audience at the Giggling Ghost Tavern some time...
"What IS the Bell doing here, this far North?" demands a compelling voice and everyone turns to look at the speaker: some itinerant wizard or the like, if his dusty, travel-stained robes were anything to judge by. He was tall and powerfully-built, and the odd grimace on his face somehow made the man appear intimidating and yet sad at the same time. Fluttering nearby, singing a children's song in a loud and off-key voice is an imp. Everyone in the party suddenly recognizes the person amongst you even as Lady Wisdom names him in all her voices:
"Gargul, Lord of Life and Death!" All five Crones bow to him in synch. "You already know what we were about to tell this warrior of Domi: the Chaos Bell, by its very nature, goes where it wills, with neither explanation nor apology--such IS the nature of Chaos. We sisters but followed the Bell when we felt it disappear from the Southern Continent."
"The darn thing hasn't had a thing to eat in ages," the imp stops singing long enough to pipe up, "The Bell's gotta be hungry as hellooooOOOOOOO, baby!" The little bat-winged creature spots Keela and leers at her. Gargul ignores the imp's boorish behavior and addresses the Circle of Crones once more:
"Gimp has a point," he agrees, "The Chaos Bell hasn't had an influx of energy in...a very long time...and it won't go away until such hunger is satisfied." The Crones nod as one.
"Aye, My Lord," Lady Wisdom's voices agree, and all five Crones point at the inscription on the outer rim of the stone circle. "And this inscription--these are the instructions...the Bell demands its due of courage before its Chaos can be appeased enough to leave things be." Gargul frowns--a stern sight to behold, then glances at Keela.
"The Chaos Bell is a thing from before the Wold came to be," he says, "None may command its loyalty, The best we can hope to do is to stabilize the changes it's already wrought by...feeding the bell."
"After this is done," adds the Crones' simultaneous voices, "Then may the Circle persuade the Bell to return to its normal haunts--the Southern Continent, where Chaos is expected..."
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Tuesday June 25th, 2013 11:12:39 AM
Confused by the entire affair, Anrete stands aside as he observes the proceeding. Anrete has absolutely zero knowledge in geography, history nor religion.
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Tuesday June 25th, 2013 2:25:13 PM
"Courage," Keela repeats to herself. She's feeling a bit queasy. Come to think of it, she's been feeling queasy off and on for days. She wonders if she's getting sick.
"I suppose that means we need to go through that door thing and deal with whatever's on the other side?" she says.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Tuesday June 25th, 2013 2:54:10 PM Not every day one gets to meet a god. Patting her hair into place, Cyniq mosey's on over, and bows to Gargul and the Crones, Courage? What need has chaos for courage?
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Tuesday June 25th, 2013 4:15:20 PM
Alexi has yet to pay attention to the crack in the bell as his attention has been on the crones, then on Gargul. His first encounter with Gargul several years ago when the group travelled to his plane to petition the return to life of several Ahote was a bit dicey, so Alexi makes no point to indicate they've ever meet.
Of course, Gargul isn't going to forget anyone he's met before, but Alexi is just as pleased to not be reminded of their 'acquaintance'.
"Oh wise Sisters, and Gargul. How does one feed such an ancient artifact? It Wants Courage? There is plenty of Courage here in Bryn, but does it mean to suck out all our courage? Would that be enough? What would happen to Bryn if all the Courage is sucked out?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:7/12 CMD: 30] Tuesday June 25th, 2013 5:32:41 PM
As Garret continues to creep closer to the bell to examine it, Gargul appears and mentions feeding the bell. Garret stops in his tracks and look to Gargul and then back to the bell. He nods vigorously when Alexi asks how one feeds an ancient artifact. He tries not to walk too close, but he keeps peeking towards the crack to see if he can see inside the bell.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Tuesday June 25th, 2013 7:09:34 PM
OOC: Look ma, a new character sheet link!
Cyniq's Question Answered - DM Donna Tuesday June 25th, 2013 9:32:20 PM
The Bell (still remaining crystal for the moment) is clear, although the designs etched into its sides make it hard to see if there is anything inside it. Both Garret and Anrete can tell it is a large device--it stands almost fifteen feet tall and about ten feet in diameter--but there appears to be nothing inside. This close to the Bell, however, makes the crack outline appear to be about as tall and wide as a single doorway...if the crystal within the outline were gone, that is.
"The Chaos Bell's thirst for courage has always been," Lady Wisdom's multiple voices answers Cyniq's very logical question. "The why's and wherefore's have been lost to time. The history of the Gateway Downs in the Southern Continent has been shaped by the Bell's quest for courage."
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Tuesday June 25th, 2013 10:52:54 PM OOC: DM Donna using her favorite sock puppet here...
"And there was a town called Threshold..." Else speaks up, "...I remember coming across their story early in my training...Threshold was a town in the Southern Continent that was actually a very good example of how a determined people can establish a successful town in the midst of a chaotic wilderness. However, as successful as they were, the townsfolk were fearful of sharing their success. The Chaos Bell had come to their area but their own fear resulted in the destruction of the land all around. We must do what we can to make sure that this Chaos Bell leaves Bryn Baraz as soon as possible, or two rival trading interests isn't going to be the only thing to worry about around here..."
Keela, Alexi & Garret's Issues Spotlighted - DM Donna Tuesday June 25th, 2013 10:55:54 PM
It is Gargul's imp sidekick that answers Alexi's and Garret's concerns:
"Clearly you're gonna have to go through that doorway when it opens..." the other-dimensional jokester says ironically. Gargul arches his eyebrows and the imp shuts up.
"As the sisters of the Circle have said," the deity turns towards Alexi and the others as he speaks, "The Chaos Bell is a powerful force that will continue to wreak havoc as long as it demands its due. Only the most courageous among you will be able to appease it by entering its portal. When you are ready to leave Bryn Baraz, the first of you should touch the outlined doorway to open the portal and then, one by one, pass through it." Gargul's grimace flashes once again.
"I remember the Ahote for whom you petitioned, warrior of Domi," Gargul says. "You possess more than adequate courage for this task...but the decision to become the ones to appease the Bell is you and your companions' alone."
Sesha [AC 26 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Tuesday June 25th, 2013 11:49:48 PM
Sesha stares at the crones for a while, never letting her grasp of Barta free. She finds it odd that Gargul and the crones would be working together. Most rumors named the crones as witches... and Sesha still vividly remembered her last meeting with Gargul.
He pointed a threating finger at her and said .. "I have ONE problem wirh you. YOU'RE A WITCH!!...then there was the burning agony of her body re-taking her soul.
That these bodies were working together suggested a true problem.
With a sigh, Sesha turns and smiles at Barta.
"It was good to see It'lal, even if for a moment."
Sesha approaches the Crones, then bows before both them and Gargul.
"I am ready to leave as soon as necessary. I will also pay whatever price that this portal requires... but.. I would ask... The Little Spirit.. who is she? She flits about vision in the world of shadows, always where I am not looking. I perform service to her, but hear little back. She is like.. a sitter without a voice."
Sesha kicks dirt around with her moccassins, then continues.
"Who is she? How can I know more of her?"
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Tuesday June 25th, 2013 11:57:41 PM
Else shakes her head. "My place is here, Lord Gargul. I will stay and help Bryn Baraz to flower in the prairie. They need a protector."
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Wednesday June 26th, 2013 5:19:31 PM
Cyniq considers how her companions are choosing before walking off towards the general store. Quickly writing three letters she seals them and pulls a few coins from her pocket.
Please see these delivered to Float City. Cyniq hands over envelopes addressed to the Star Mages Guild, WLA, and the Temple of Pantheon.
Each letter contains the same short missive, An incident involving a limping red devil and his has occurred that indicates my services will be needed further South. I expect to leave Bryn Baraz immediately, and arrive at my new destination as quickly. The clock's tolling brings Chaos that may not be ignored. Expect further word to be delayed. A hand of strumpets calls my attention, as they muse with the all seeing eye.
Cyniq returns to the field, I place my trust in ye, blind courage ye ask for, and blind courage ye get.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Wednesday June 26th, 2013 8:00:45 PM
"Ye talks alot for a bunch of old women.", Anrete grumbles as he kicks at the outline of the door. "OK! Open up, crystal bell thingy!"
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Wednesday June 26th, 2013 8:06:49 PM
Keela looks mournfully at the bell with its door-shaped crack.
"I have breakfast dishes soaking in the sink," she says, somewhat incongruously.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Wednesday June 26th, 2013 9:43:04 PM
Alexi eyes Gimp the Imp rather annoyed. "Clearly, you need to live out here as a mortal for a while," Alexi mutters under his breath.
Alexi now sees the crack that indeed has the shape of a portal.
Acknowledging Gargul, Alexi bows his head then replies "Thank you for your consideration of the Ahote people. As you know, they grow in strength under Muata's guidance. However this bell is not going to stop at destroying Bryn. It will keep going until all the lands about are destroyed, is my guess and I'm not about to let the Ahote suffer any more because of our presence here. Had we not been here Al Mathir would have passed along without even noticing the Ahote. Without us here, this cursed bell would not have shown up. I gave my word to the Ahote when we first met that I would risk my life to protect them and have proven that many times. This will be one more time, if not the last.
I will go through it, and May Domi send me where my Fate awaits."
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Wednesday June 26th, 2013 10:52:26 PM
ooc: checking in
Ready...? - DM Donna Wednesday June 26th, 2013 11:10:47 PM
Gargul's eyes turn towards Sesha and, for an instant, she vividly flashes back once again to the last time they had met.
"It is my duty to make sure that those who are dead remain in the Lands of Shadow--none are supposed to leave unless I give them my express approval. Too many witches take it upon themselves to meddle in that natural order of things. They arbitrarily tear the essences of those souls that inhabit that area...and I judged you by their behavior. For this I feel I must...apologize. I shall judge you in the future on what you, yourself, have done rather than by the many abuses of power conducted by your kin." The deity's characteristic grimace flashes briefly.
"I don't like witches because they constantly flaunt my authority. However...your Little Spirit will be your best ally to make sure you stay on my good side...be sure to listen to her advice."
Sesha, Highlight to display spoiler: {Gargul's attention turns back to where the Crones address themselves to Else's declaration that she cannot enter the Bell. However, Gimp hovers by one of Sesha's ears, and he says in a conspiratorial whisper: "Pssst...that 'Little Spirit' of yours is dead, you know...she was once a goddess in the Wold, but was done away by that dust-up ol' Marty-the-Farty started a while back. She wanted to help people in the Wold so much, though, that Gargul gave her special permission to lend her old powers to one candidate--an' that's you, Toots! Bone up on your old Woldian an' you'll probably figure out who she is...or she'll let you know herself some day." Gimp's leer is directed at Sesha as he looks her over and then winks. }
"All heroes must enter the Chaos Bell," Lady Wisdom's multivoice announces and Else can feel the gaze of all five Crones weigh directly upon her. "The Bell will settle for no less than the entire group." Before Else can protest, the Crone in red holds up a hand.
"Child," Lady Watcher says, her voice only being a single one, "I have seen much in the decades I have occupied my position--the Chaos Bell is still a mystery even to the Circle, but I cannot stress enough that it is the courage of you and your colleagues that drew the Bell here...it will not leave if you attempt to thwart it."
"Your fate is to enter the Bell," Lady Wisdom's five-voices-in-one add as her hooded head bobs and she smacks her lips again. "However, not all who enter the Bell are consumed. Most are relocated to other places that need them. Some mystically reappear in the very place they left. And some are whisked away to the Shadow Lands, to be judged by the Lord of Life and Death. But the Bell is pure Chaos, and nobody in the Wold can say for sure which outcome will effect you."
Keela snatches at the comfort of a mundane non-sequitir, while Cyniq and Alexi both prepare to keep the Bell from destroying the lands that surround Bryn Baraz. It is Anrete's action, however, that results in an other-worldly screech and the sound of shattering glass, both loud enough to roll like thunder across the canyon and out to the plains beyond...
The portal into the Chaos Bell stands open, oddly dark and depthless in spite of being an opening into a crystal-clear bell...
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Thursday June 27th, 2013 10:02:39 AM
Garret nods as the crones explain what will happen when they enter. He looks over to Anrete, standing next to the doorway with him. He shrugs and says, "Well, let's go, then!"
He pauses as the bell shrieks, but then steps forward into the opening.
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Thursday June 27th, 2013 11:36:57 AM
"It looks like the best way to protect Bryn Baraz is to accept the Bell's invitation," Keela says to Else.
Gripping her staff more tightly, she adds, "The way to 'finished' is through 'begun.' Let's go." She follows Garret through the door.
Sesha [AC 26 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday June 27th, 2013 12:49:33 PM
Sesha stands frozen, looking into the untold possibilities of the Chaos Bell. As Gimp whispers into her ear, she trembles slightly. Furthermore.. a god .. had apologized to her?
She couldn't begin to understand how that made her feel!
Patting pot-pot affectionately, Sesha steps through the portal.
Hook City co-DM SteveK OOC Post Thursday June 27th, 2013 2:04:59 PM
Uncharted Heroes... as soon as you post that you are entering the portal, you may begin posting in Hook City and here simultaneously. This is to ensure everyone has permissions for the Hook City Board.
SteveK
Set... - DM Donna Thursday June 27th, 2013 4:57:33 PM
Even as the heroes of Bryn Baraz make their preparations to step through the portal that Anrete has revealed within the Chaos Bell, Gargul raises his quarterstaff.
"The courage you show in the face of the unknown is no less than what the Chaos Bell demands," the deity declares, "Take my blessing with you...should the Bell choose to end your lives, I will release you into the Wold once more without the intercession of any clerics..." Here he glances over at Sesha, "...or even witches."
"Know that your sacrifice will allow the Circle of Crones to relocate the Chaos Bell back to the Southern Continent once more," Lady Wisdom's multi-voice reminds you all. "We cannot change the two dimensional doors that connect Bryn Baraz to both It'lal and to the Floating City, but they will become permanent once the Bell is gone from here. Bryn Baraz will be free to prosper from their newest bounty."
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Thursday June 27th, 2013 4:59:10 PM
Cyniq hoists her pack onto her shoulders and tightens the straps down. Drawing her hand crossbow, she loads a bolt holds it raised as she steps upto the bell. Figuratively knocking the dust from her boots she steps into the darkness of the bell without a glance behind her.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Thursday June 27th, 2013 9:40:16 PM
They say you can't take anything with you when you die, but in this case, Alexi quickly gathers up his stuff and prepares to enter the bell. Just before he goes in he spots someone in the crowd and heads toward her.
"Hope, this is the Fate of Heroes. If I am spit out, I'll ask your father for your hand. If I'm not, I am sure you will find another brave Bryn-ite to be by your side. Take courage and make Bryn a strong, prosperous place."
He then gives her a kiss. He then stops by Garth and gives him a slap on the shoulder, a strong hand-shake, tries to say something, then turns and enters the bell.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Thursday June 27th, 2013 11:55:02 PM
Else shrugs her shoulders. "If I must go, then I must go. Come, Sandy. It is time for a new adventure." The enormous plant creature lumbers toward the bell with the human druid cradled in its arms and steps through, the portal wavering in the air as the magic accommodates the different proportions.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Friday June 28th, 2013 11:53:42 AM
"To infinity, and beyond!", Anrete gives everyone a nod and charge through the portal, waving his greatsword wildly!
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Friday June 28th, 2013 12:14:46 PM
As Garret steps into the portal, he hears Anrete. He turns his head back as he continues to walk forward and says, "Infinity? Where's that?"
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Friday June 28th, 2013 1:33:43 PM
"I suppose we'll find out," Keela replies.
...GO..!!! - DM Donna Friday June 28th, 2013 8:27:46 PM
The ringing in your ears starts softly, even as your other senses are assailed with surreal sensations. You idly think to yourself: 'So this is what pure Chaos is like...'
...smell that chocolatey goodness...a nursery rhyme whistled just slightly out-of-tune...so this is what outer space tastes like...it'scoldhotwetdryticklish...
Are you flying? Are you floating? Are you swimming? Are you walking? Somehow, you are doing all of these things and yet none of them, all at the same time. You are here in this infinitely light and depthlessly dark place, and yet you know you are not here.
It is Chaos.
In spite of all the confusing sensory input, there is a deep-down realization of three things: you know the others of your party are here/not here with you, you know that--in spite of the paradox that you find yourselves in, the Bell is not inherently evil...and you know that there is another presence with you besides those who entered the Bell in Bryn Baraz.
~Yesyesyesyesyes! The courage to continue...the courage to keep changing...yes! This will go on, thanks to you! In gratitude for your aid, I now send you all...where you need to be...~ The nonvoice in your head sounds happy, and you feel yourself swept up into a vortex of sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings...
DM OOC: there will be a series of posts that address each of the player characters' ultimate fate, to which each player may post a reaction. On June 30th, there will be one final DM post to officially finish this game.
Else & Keela - DM Donna Friday June 28th, 2013 8:29:37 PM
The druid abruptly finds herself--and her faithful, leafy companion--standing inside the now-empty circular area that had once been occupied by the Chaos Bell. Beside them is Keela. The two human women would later wonder whether or not the Chaos Bell had even taken them anywhere, but a glad shout from withn the crowd makes Keela turn in time to get swept up into the arms of her husband.
"I thought you were lost to me forever!" he whispers fiercely, hugging her tightly and kissing her in a most passionate manner.
"Have a care how you handle your wife, mortal," Lady Wisdom's multivoice says, "The child she bears is destined to change the Wold."
The Circle of Crones don't stay long enough for Keela or anyone else to express their surprise--they are gone in the blink of an eye. When the hubbub of celebration settles down, Keela and Else are told about how Rousecor and Barta each made lucrative offers for the newest mithril vein, but Lady Wisdom exposed Rousecor's lies about living up to his end of the bargain he was making for Floating City, so Garth Turnbuckle sent the man packing through the door that led to the Big Float and shut the door firmly behind him. A pair of town guards have been set to flank that door for the foreseeable future. Bryn Baraz is looking forward to a long and mutually-beneficial trading association with It'lal.
"By the way, my lady druid," Garth says to Else, "Although we have our resident artifact helping the growing conditions of Bryn Baraz, the council of representatives has voted to ask if you'd be kind enough to remain with the town and become our..." Here he chuckles, "...our 'minister of agriculture', as it were..?"
The townspeople were sad that, of the original seven heroes to step into the Chaos Bell, only two returned to Bryn Baraz...but they didn't know what Keela and Else knew.
The Chaos Bell had linked all seven of the heroes together so that they each knew the fate of the others...
Alexi - DM Donna Friday June 28th, 2013 8:30:59 PM
Alexi finds himself standing outside a very familiar-looking building: his father's house. Even as he takes stock of himself--finding nothing missing except for his other six colleagues--the door opens and he sees Varren Carmody, one of his father's closest friend and neighbor, emerge from the dwelling. The half-elven man takes two steps and gasps at the sight of Alexi.
"Alexi!" he says, rushing forward with a hand outstretched to shake the warrior of Domi's--and pull him into a one-armed hug. "Thank the gods that you're here! You need to go inside, son...your grandfather...he died only a few hours ago. Your father has need of you..."
HOOK CITY PCs - DM Donna Friday June 28th, 2013 8:35:58 PM
A misty and ghostly Chaos Bell fluctuates with a rainbow of energy tendrils as it hovers over the doorway of a ruined chapel. Surrounding the Bell are objects; a Box, swords, a branding iron, a dagger, a wooden disc... and they all seem attached magically to the Bell. About the circle, four heroes are pulling and struggling with the objects trying to pull them away from the Chaos Bell.
An armored minotaur pulls on 2 swords, a liontaur coaxes a wicked-looking dagger, and 2 humans pull at a Box and a Branding Iron.
Standing nearby are the 5 Crones and Gargul! They seem to be watching and waiting for something, and not currently interested in speaking with mortals. It appears the best information may be coming from the four heroes around the circle...
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Saturday June 29th, 2013 2:37:35 PM The child she bears...
Well, thinks Keela, that explains a lot. The nausea, the dizziness...she's expecting. She presses a hand over her still-flat stomach and tries to find her footing in a suddenly shifting world.
Her adventuring days are over. No more chasing down enemies to fight. Although if enemies come calling, she'll be ready for them. And in the meantime, she has Senna, and Daben, and Tiegan, and Cole, and little Nila, who is not so little anymore. And Jack. And their child. Children, she corrects herself, suddenly greedy for more.
Her Telepathic Bond still links her to her companions. She knows that Alexi has gone home, that Else is still here, and that her other friends, old and new, are embarking on an exciting new round of adventures.
Good luck, my friends, she sends through the link.
And as for her....she looks around, then clasps Jack's hand and smiles. "Let's go home," she says.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Saturday June 29th, 2013 9:11:59 PM
Alexi takes Varren's hand in a firm clasp that stays firm as his friend and neighbor tells him the news of his grandfather.
"Grandfather was getting old. He told me so many times," Alexi tries to smile. "My timely return was rather unplanned and yet planned at the same time. Kind of like when I left. I hadn't planned to leave, but deep down inside I think I had planned to do so all along."
Alexi peers past Varren to the door of his home. Memories flooded back. Good memories washed over him and caused a tear to swell up and ease down his cheeck. Bad memories edged in and he had to steel himself, much like when he first saw the Al Mathir army marching on Bryn and hope seemed lost.
But Bryn survived, by cunning, quick thinking, and patience... and courage.
Courage. The Chaos Bell wanted Courage. Alexi gave it. Or thought he did. It seems that the Bell tricked him. This was the Courage the Bell wanted to feed upon. Alexi's Courage to return home and make amends with his father. Make amends must be what the Bell wanted.
Alexi's family had been very close, going back many generations. Each one had a long list of notable heroes, all Mailed Fist members. All but his generation. He was the only child. Would the tradition end with him? That was his row with his father.
That row would have to be addressed if he went through that door.
Alexi straightens up some, wipes the tear off his cheeck. puts his arm around Varren's shoulder and starts towards the old familiar door. Just then he receives a mental message from Keela. Her joy at something else bleeds through her wishes of good luck that she is expecting. Such thoughts were just too difficult to hide.
Alexi smiles a good wide smile. He is happy for her, not jealous anymore. Varren was saying something about how everyone would be excited to see him, specially his mother. They had received news of things happening in the Uncharted Lands and his name was attached to it. The Fist, he said, didn't let anything get by that was worth noticing. His mother and Crystallina...
'Crystallina?' Alexi's thoughts shot back six years. He was such a young whelp then. Crystallina was so much more mature, such as half-elves tend to be. He had completely forgotten about Varren's daughter.
"Crystallina? She's still here?"
They entered and all eyes turned toward them. Swollen eyes suddenly became softer and smiles replaced the grimness of sorrow. His mother rushed to him and they hugged a long hug. Alexi, looking past his mother, saw first his father, looking much older, and Crystallina...
He sends a quick message back to Keela. "I'm home. Things will be fine," and smiles.
Such is the way of the Chaos Bell...
The Bell Has Tolled for Thee - DM Donna Sunday June 30th, 2013 11:59:10 PM
And so life in the Wold goes...Bryn Baraz lost some of its heroes, but gained a staunch and fair ally in the country of It'lal.
Alexi went to his family home and found his future. Else and Keela stayed in Bryn Baraz and found their own future, too.
And Garret, Sesha, Cyniq and Anrete--they all found their futures in the magical place called Hook City.
THE END
Oh...and as for the Circle of Crones...
A HIDDEN GROTTO IN GATEWAY DOWNS, THE SOUTHERN CONTINENT:
"So, sisters," Lady Watcher said, "The Chaos Bell is appeased once more, yes..?"
"Aye," replied Lady Wisdom, "But I sense that this is not the end, but the beginning."
*The beginning of what, sister?* Lady Justice asked through their shared telepathic link.
*The portents do not yet say,* Lady Mercy answered, worry in her tone. *One thing is clear, however: the Chaos Bell has never been away from the Southern Continent--not since the First Division of Power.*
*Yes, sisters,* Lady Sorrow announced to the Circle, *The appearance of the Bell in the North is an omen--a terrible omen of things to come.*
"But...what comes, sister..?" Lady Watcher asked, feeling a flutter in her stomach. The black-robed Crone shook her head, her sightless onyx eyes staring off into nothingness.
*I cannot say, sisters,* she admitted uneasily, *Because...for the first time since the birth of the Circle...I cannot see...*
LOG ON