DM Jan Thursday March 8th, 2007 12:49:58 AM
After the big celebration, the castle has that 'empty' feel to it. Even the hallways seem enormous, and sound has a rather shocking habit of bouncing off the stone walls and rattling around in corners like a couple of battling brooms.
The Platinum Dragons find themselves suddenly knee-deep in the mundane - castle accounts, restoration and upkeep proposals that need signing off, the usual pile of 'Dear Sirs, please can you save my cat' (and similar) requests from the citizens of Plateau City (usually in wobbly scribble), invitations, marriage and business proposals, reports from outlying areas, mainly from the Adventurers Guild and the Star Council; personnel issues, so on and so forth.
There are piles of papers, all stacked together like dozens of baby birds, their mouths wide open, clamouring for food and attention. It's a far cry from the killing fields.
As for Ve Mundr's room, on his return, the guards observe protocol and don't say anything, but the looks on their faces are saying What the heck have you got in there? This suggests the evil staff has not been sitting idle while the celebration ran its course. Opening the door he gets the feeling of long etheral fingers pulling sharply back, like someone has been caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
The kitchen porters get the news first, they being the ones at the market at the crack of dawn, and in touch with street level talk. There's a huge, frightning, metal monster approaching the City. It is accompanied by two scruffy-looking (nerf herding) halflings who apparently wish to speak to the 'Gold Dragons'. The use of the word 'Gold' suggests they are out-of towners and not up to date on all the news.
Fabersham brings this news to the Platinum Dragons at breakfast.
Valdor Thursday March 8th, 2007 12:57:34 AM
Valdor asks Cori if she wants to share his bath and asks the servants to prepare a hot bath. He is actually fidgeting a little, as though he is a bit nervous, as it's been a long time since he thought of such things. He feels like a teenager again. He sleeps in and decides to, for once, skip his morning workout...well, in the gym at least.
Mordrid Thursday March 8th, 2007 1:28:04 PM
At rise, Mordrid makes his way down to the study in hopes of attending to the hungry birds. Pulling a chair up to the pile of documents, he strikes a match. Then lighting two table lanterns to either side, and placing a pair of round spectacles upon the bridge of his nose; the old adventurer gets to his office duties.
He removes the first document from the pile and examines it carefully. This proceedure takes the better part of the morning and afternoon.
Mordrid will accept any visitors that come to the castle for an audience.
Ve Mundr Thursday March 8th, 2007 3:59:24 PM
Ve nods to the men flanking his door as he passes. Just before closing it, he dismisses them. Other than the word dismissed, he says nothing and the door shuts. Busy little bee. What have you been up to busy little bee? Ve looks about the room for a moment or two, before pulling off his robe and tossing it onto the bed. It would soon be time to destroy the staff. It didn't get tired, it would never fatigue and it would never repent. Ve steps into the invisible gateway and disappears within the grand mansion. A mental command brings the unseen servants and his gear. Tonight he would stay within the mansion fully armed. Tomorrow he would prepare himself to destroy the vile weapon. Ve spends the rest of the evening in prayer, meditation and going over his family affairs to ready everything for the move to the Floating City.
In the morning he sends a page to Valdor to deliver a message. Valdor, I am removing the staff this morning from the castle to destroy it. I expect to return by midday. Ve Mundr of Domi
Ve will then retrieve the staff and head out the balcony and away from the city upon the flying carpet.
Corialote Thursday March 8th, 2007 7:24:00 PM
Cori smiles as she follows along with Valdor. She can feel the butterflies in her stomache and the way that he is acting...he is feeling the same. "Well it would save water and time." Her flashing eyes and the grin on her face tells the true story.
The bath is nice and the activities later, much better...though it does lead to the need for another bath.
When the morning comes she wakes to find herself in a different bed than her own but still comfortable. The better part of that morning is not spent in study of spells or training of anykind...it is spent on more pleasureable activities.
At last she sits up and kneeds the muscles of Valdor's shoulders with her dexterous fingers. "So...feel like something more like breakfast or are you full from all the desert?" She cannot hide her smile as she sighs in pleasant happiness.
Dahlia Thursday March 8th, 2007 8:30:14 PM
Having spent most of the Celebration at the Giggling Ghost keeping a surrepticious eye on Valdora as she cavorted across the dance floor with that Dandy of a pirate from Ailsidur, she was pleased to see that the young lady had presented herself well and not gotten into anything she couldn't have handled herself. Making sure to spend a few hours with her each day while they were around Dahlia planned on honing her beginning skills with the dagger and moving around unnoticed.
With Sheri and Cori now both attached to their beaus, Dahlia is begining to feel a bit out of place in the castle and once again when not involved in other things spends a lot of time in the city watching and collecting information, as well as making sure noone is stealing the people blind.
Nick Thursday March 8th, 2007 10:11:53 PM
Back at the castle, Nick goes straight to bed. The celebration, followed by all the goings-on at the Giggling Ghost have left him quite exhausted and he sleeps like a log.
He's up early the following morning, and after prayer, he figures he'd better have a meeting with the head cleric at the Cathedral of Light and let him know what transpired.
On his way out he catches a glimpse of Mordrid tackling some paperwork. "If you need some help, I'll be back mid-morning," he offers.
Valdor Thursday March 8th, 2007 11:09:27 PM
Valdor sleeps little all night and...well, we'll leave that to the imagination. Upon awakening, he says to Cori,"I'd like to just stay in bed all day. It's been so long since I just enjoyed a single day...well, I'd really like to go shopping too. We can take Valdora and you two can pick out some girl clothes, but nothing too racy for her, please. That's a battle I'm not prepared to fight yet, but I know will soon be coming.
I guess we should see how everyone is feeling this morning and I'll need to help Mordrid with the stack of papers, if he hasn't already finished them. He always did start early. So, let's get cleaned up and have breakfast then see where the day leads us."
Standing up and stretching, he notices how his muscles feel much less tense from the massage and stretches himself out a little, before realizing he's completely naked. He shrugs and goes to wash himself off before dressing and heading downstairs."
DM Jan Klaatu Barada Nicto and nasty monkeys! Friday March 9th, 2007 2:13:35 AM
Mid morning.
While in one part of the city, an official parade marches through the streets, honouring the Emerald Dragons, another impromptu, completely unofficial parade, and no less well attended, is heading toward the castle.
Out on the streets, Dahlia catches sight of people running to see what all the fuss is about. The cobbles vibrate with a THUD THUD THUD. And the source of all this excitement? A huge metal monster. A construct. A golem. It is not attacking anyone. It is merely walking through the streets at a ponderous pace. In it's shadow, two halflings appear to be accompanying it. These two seem fairly young, are dressed in a very plain manner - scruffy by Plateau City standards - and are sticking close to the monster. Their eyes look wary of the crowd, a mob really, which is growing by the minute.
In contrast, the metal golem appears to have been fashioned from the finest metals. It is highly polished and has a strange look about it, as though someone has thought a great deal about it's design. In fact some of it's sweeping curves and sharp angles seem nothing like anything ever seen before.
A couple of kids are throwing stones at the thing. It does not deviate from it's course.
Nick is halfway across the bridge, on his way back to the castle; Ve Mundr is also on his way back after having to listen to every plea in the book - the staff appears to have been quite terrified of being terminated and has gone all-out in the pleading dept; Mordrid is currently listening to a plea from one of the local beggars - a one legged dwarf named McNab who has a particularly nasty monkey on his shoulder - "You see, this place is a tourist attraction, so o' course it's a good place to stand and well, y'know, ask for offerings, like. But yer guards keep chasing me away. Only trying to make a livin' an' it don't seem fair, if you get me meaning." Yak yak yak, blah blah blah; Valdor, Cori and Valdora are just about to head out shopping, when -
- what now amounts to a huge crowd of folk, grind to a halt at the outer castle gate. The golem is now motionless, the guards are on full alert. The halflings have taken their caps off, and are asking for an audience. One of the captains comes running inside to tell the Dragons.
Valdor Friday March 9th, 2007 10:09:48 AM
Valdor tells the captain to allow them entry, completely unaware of the chaos outside.
Mordrid Friday March 9th, 2007 3:29:07 PM
Having dealt with the one legged dwarf, and diving into yet a third pile of documents (bills no less), the ranger's attention is drawn to a glass ful of water, sitting on a stand next to the desk. The clear water ripples in circular spasms, matching a rythem and time that reminds the ranger of a slow motion gate, that of say... a giant?
The ranger quickly stands, and darts at full speed toward the windows. Throwing open the curtains, he takes in the full view of the castle gates.
Dahlia Friday March 9th, 2007 4:46:11 PM
Behind the scenes, The dark halfling does her best to get the citizens to stop harrasing the construct and its escorts and to disperse with the least amount of fuss.
And once they make their way to the the castle she walks up to the halflings after they sent their message in and simply asks as if it were a common every day occurance, "So, what brings you here to day, looking up at the construct?"
Corialote Friday March 9th, 2007 11:13:18 PM
Cori smiles as she has a bath and then changes into the normal clothes that she wears. This attire is a simple sleevless shirt, pants and high black boots. She slowly makes her way downstairs to get a bite to eat with Valdor. "Shoping you say." She arches an eyebrow and wonders what kind of clothes Dahlia and her could get for Valdora. She tries to keep in mind that he said something about conservative. She fights to hold back a smile as she eats and shakes her head.
She makes herself present after breakfast, though it is well past that time, for any help that she can be around the castle. The arrival of somekind from somewhere prompts her to move outside and to the gates though. "So...what do we have here?"
Ve Mundr Saturday March 10th, 2007 1:48:50 PM
The staff destroyed, Ve comes across the city rooftops and easily enough spies the construct. Since it is not tearing things up as it goes, Ve merely alters course to take a fly-by look and then continues to the castle. Coming over the gates his gives Mordrid a semi salute, catching the man in the window and then takes the carpet to his own balcony and lands.
Ve goes inside and heads towards the audience chambers, guessing that is where at least Valdor and Mordrid will be shortly if not already.
Nick Monday March 12th, 2007 3:26:18 AM
Nick dashes up to the outer gate. He can see Dahlia in the middle of the throng, Ve arriving back, and Mordrid up at the window.
What in Alemi's name was going on? Were they having a statue delivered, he ponders, on seeing the big metal thing. Didn't look like anyone he knew...
He'll try and catch up. For the love of all the Gods in the Wold, how come, now he was in this ancient state, had he to do more running around than ever before?
DM Jan Monday March 12th, 2007 4:03:18 AM
Distracted by the arrival of a man on a carpet, the mob don't put up much of a protest as they're shooed off and the odd visitors are allowed inside.
One of the halflings attempts to answer Dahlia as the guards escort them inside. He doesn't look old, although his eyes make him seem as though he had the entire weight of the Wold on his shoulders. "We're... in a bit of a fix," he says, an inflection of relief in his voice at seeing another halfling in Dahlia. "Well actually, the whole Wold is in a bit of a fix, but it wasn't our fault. Well it might have been, but we didn't do it on purpose." His companion rolls his eyes. Cori is greeted by the sight of the big construct, shiny and gleaming in the light filtering through the front door. It's companions and Dahlia seem inconsequential alongside it. It says nothing, and finally as all three visitors stand before the Platinum Dragons, although the two halflings bow deeply, the construct remains unmoved. It either cannot bow, will not bow, or perhaps the thought never occured to it.
For a moment, not a word is said, then the one who was talking to Dahlia starts with - "Greetings great heroes, my name is -" He's stopped in mid sentence by the other, who steps forward and blurts out - "We're from Dirt City, we've done something really bad, and we need your help."
Posting Report For Monday March 12th, 2007 7:48:43 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week od March 5,2007
Name*****MTWTF DM Jan***XOXOX Valdore**OOXXX Mordrid**OOOXX Fr,Nick**OOOXO Dahlia***OOOXX VE Mont**OOOXOS Coralote*OOOXX
Adm Ceil - BOY are they having fun at the Giggling Ghost!
Dahlia Monday March 12th, 2007 7:28:33 PM
rolling her eyes at the drama of it all, Dahlia moves around to join the other Plats and listens with amused eyes.
Corialote d20+10=15 d20+34=40 d20+39=56 Monday March 12th, 2007 10:41:20 PM
Cori arches a single eyebrow at the idea that these halflings have done something wrong. The fact that they have come to them for help does not bode well either. "Boys and their toys." She cannot help mutter this phrase as he looks over the golem more closely. For an instant she wishes that she had Amarth with her but his assistance would not be needed at least right now.
[appraise[for type of metal] 15, knowledge(arcane)[for details to creation or the like] 40 and spellcraft[for the spells used in creation] 56]
Valdor Tuesday March 13th, 2007 12:46:25 AM
Valdor smiles at Cori and almost says something when she makes her comment. He stifles a chuckle, and returns his attention to the matters at hand. He says,"I have some friends in Dirt City and do not want them to be in danger. Get to the point and slowly, with detail, tell us what exactly you have done...and why this monstrosity is in front of our castle...please."
Nick Tuesday March 13th, 2007 1:20:23 AM
Nick watches quietly, sure that the visitors would be intimidated enough without him adding to the interrogation. What do they mean, he wonders. After all the Dragons had been through recently he's hard pressed to imagine what on earth could possibly be wrong.
DM Jan Tuesday March 13th, 2007 2:00:31 PM - and why this monstrosity is in front of our castle...please."
At that comment, the golem's head swivels in Valdor's direction. "Er, I don't think he really meant that," one of the halflings tells it.
The two diminutive residents of Dirt City start to tell their tale. To the dragons, they look too young to be any kind of major pickle, have wide, open faces, and sandy hair that sticks up in tufts, and it would be hard to tell them apart but for the fact that one wears a red neckerchief, the other, a blue one. An odd note - their clothes. They're torn, dishevelled, but they seem to have been constructed out of superior fabrics. One of them wears a brocade waistcoat that must have cost a lot of money. It now sports a rather nasty tear on the left side.
"My name is Tommy," says the one wearing the red 'kerchief. "This is my brother, Wenty." "Wentworth." "Right. Anyway, we er... invented a thing that let us travel forward, it time, if you see what I mean. We kept it secret, like. We used it to go ahead, see what was in store. I mean we were curious! We did it lots of times. It did no harm." "Used it to bet on the rat races an' all," pipes in Wentworth. "Made a lot of money." "Did you have to tell him that?" "Yep. He said he wanted detail." Tommy gives a sigh. "Anyway. We have a friend. A wizard by the name of Crow. And we got to drinking one night, told him about our machine. He said he wanted to come along. Well - we figured it'd be okay. We figured it might cheer him up. Man's just lost his wife you see, well, few months ago anyway.
"So. We used the machine, hopped forward a bit. Thing is, Crow didn't want to come back." Tommy shrugs. "He seemed happy, so we left him. We didn't think it would do any harm." "We shouldn'ta come back without him. We shouldn't," says Wentworth. "No, we shouldn't," agrees his brother.
What comes out next, comes out in a rush. "Because when we went forward again, further this time, orchards are better further on, did you know that? Apples are huge! Well no, you wouldn't know I suppose, but when we went - everything's gone. Orchards have been cut down. There's big holes in the ground. Place looks like one big blacksmith's and there's all these things - like Config, here - walking around, and everyone's a slave, all digging and pulling and hauling, and there's no more magic, and there's no more Gods, and there's pictures of Crow all over the place, and honest we really didn't know. "And now the machine's stuck and it'll only go to one place, and - " "Show it to them, Tommy."
The halfling wearing the red neckerchief named Tommy, pulls out what looks like a large pocket watch from his pocket. It seems to be made of brass, has a lot of wheels and cogs that move silently and quickly within it's casing. Tommy places it on a nearby table.
Cori's examination of the metal golem gives her the following:
- the 'structure' of magic present in it's construction seems fairly standard, although it looks to be 'written' in a different hand. Like someone has changed the 'font'. It's style is unusual, lacking in the usual curliques and flourishes. New.
- the creature is listening. In fact anyone paying close attention to the construct will note faint inflections and movements of it's head.
Dahlia d20+30=43 Tuesday March 13th, 2007 9:41:42 PM
Shaking her head in disbelief, both at the story and at the naivite of her fellow halflings, She takes a closer look at the construct. Did they actually call it a name? Config, or something like that? as she continues watching it she catches the subtle movements of the thing as it seems to be apparently actually listening. {i] Can that thing actually be alive?[/i]
"Ummm, No disrespect intended, but you seem to be indicating that this,... ummm, Config here, is alive and sentient. If this is so and it does appear that it is listening, can it add anything to this, ... hmmmm, for lack of a better word, problem you bring before us?
Ve Mundr Tuesday March 13th, 2007 9:44:07 PM
Ve listens to the two men his face twitches a bit and his right hand flexes at his side. No magic, the gods destroyed or mayhaps only abandoned. Surely this one lone wizard could not have unmade the known Wold quickly. Ve finds his voice first. "How far ahead do you go with this Crow and I need to know everything you know about him. Everything."
Corialote Tuesday March 13th, 2007 11:32:57 PM
Cori is both fascintated and appalled at the sentient possibilities of this construct thing. But what she has heard otherwise is even more disturbing and she wonders if this will be their last mission. "Ve is right...we need to know everything you can tell us about this Crow...especially about the magics that he has access to." A wizard to mess with time would need great power, great luck or a little of both...neither a great combination.
Nick Wednesday March 14th, 2007 3:31:26 PM
Nick crouches down to get a closer look at the object on the table. "Could you go forwards and backwards in time with this?" asks Nick. He stands up and rubs his chin. "It's a strange concept to ponder over, but perhaps going backward might fix things. If this object itself could be fixed. It's stuck you say? Broken?"
DM Jan Wednesday March 14th, 2007 6:39:08 PM
Tommy frowns for a moment to himself as the questions about Crow come forth. "Well, lets see," he says after a moment. "He lives - lived, in the Trade Quarter. We're talkin' 'Below', here. You familiar with Dirt City? Not too far from our place in the Halfling Quarter. We used to see him in the local tavern. He always had lots of stories to tell, and he was able to get me and Wenty pieces of metal sometimes. Things we needed. Typical wizard, I suppose. His place is amazing. Full of stuff! The only weird thing - he had lots of dead things lying around, and he was always tinkering with them." He laughs nervously. "Said he was trying to bring them back to life. O'course we never believed any of that. That's priests work, that is. And it costs a fortune. Not for the likes of us who live Below, thats for sure. "As for his magics, I dunno. You'd get a better idea if you looked at his place, I think. There's stuff written on the walls and everything. Funny really, in an odd sort of way. When his wife died, we didn't see him for weeks, then he turned up in the tavern, all forelorn like, so we told him about our machine and he got all excited. Seemed to cheer him up straight off, it did."
As for the journeys themselves - "He asked if we could travel forward about half a year. So thats what we did, and thats where we left him. Then we went forward thirty years. See, someone developed an orchard, up near the tomb of Violet and Arturo. And a proper garden. it's not there right now, but it will be. "But this last time, it wasn't there. Everything's horrible."
The diminutive Wentworth approaches Father Nick as the cleric looks at the strange brass instrument. "I could never get it to go backwards," he says. "Only forwards. What happens is - you set that, there, then press that - and forward you go. When you want to come back, you press that again, and everything resets itself and you come back to when you started from. Trouble is, now it'll only go forward to a certain point. Thirty years. No more. No less. Don't know why."
And the construct? "Talked the hind leg off a donkey all the way here," mutters Tommy to Dahlia, "but now it hasn't said a word for ages." And with that, the golem gives out a long sigh. The sigh carries a scent that all those who've dealt with elementals before will recognize - fire and iron, water and earth, heat and chill. It's voice is a low rumble. "This monstrosity. I control it," it growls. "Others of my kind were not so lucky. They are slaves to abominations such as this, trapped inside rattling cans, and ugly, fleshy creatures. It cannot be allowed to go on. We will fight to the very end. We will destroy them all. Only then will we have peace."
Valdor Thursday March 15th, 2007 12:41:22 AM
Valdor listens to it all shaking his head. When the golem turns its head, he says,"My bad." He doesn't want it getting loose in the city for sure. He then says,"This is all beyond me. How could this wizard change the future so much? Where are the Dragons? Where is Sturdevant and...where are we? Why would he want to travel only six months into the future? Because we are retiring about then and he didn't have us to battle?
Did you travel to other areas around New Elenna, or just Dirt City when you went forward thirty years? And what happened to make that device only go thirty years and why thirty years? Magic items don't just quit working properly. Someone changed something on it. Can you create another one? I'm sure you have the plans from when you built this one."
Mordrid Thursday March 15th, 2007 3:55:51 PM
The ranger stands by, not knowing what to make of all this. Too much new information to really have a point of view on the subject.
Corialote Thursday March 15th, 2007 6:50:02 PM
Cori looks to both Ve and Father Nick as she steps a little closer. "I will need to see this place of his...if I can get a better idea of the location, a good description that I can take some of us there easily." Looking to Ve she nods her head to him. "If noone objects I will take Ve and maybe Dahlia...if she is interested with me." She glances to Dahlia to get her opinion as she continues. "I believe that the three of us should be able to get enough details and information there to at least assist us." She glances to the halflings that have given them so much and smiles. "Undead is not just the place of clerics my friends...we wizards have uses for them as well." Sending out a mental command, she calls out to Amarth to meet her just outside the front doors of the castle.
Ve Mundr Thursday March 15th, 2007 8:49:26 PM
Ve nods at Cori, "As soon as you are ready. I don't want to speculate until I see this place of Crow's." All of Valdors questions were perfectly legitamite but there was no reason everyone had to stand about to hear the answers. He and Cori, mostly Cori needed to get to Crows and check out th place. He could keep her safe enough and really the less people that went, the fewer he had to keep an eye on and that was all the better in Ve's mind.
Nick Thursday March 15th, 2007 9:25:12 PM
One Valdor's questions inspires another in the cleric's head. He stands and asks - "If this wizard wished to travel six months ahead, and that's where you took him, what's to stop someone from simply waiting until six months have gone by, then lie in wait and grab him as he appears? After all, the trouble doesn't really begin until about thirty years later, am I right?"
He shakes his head, trying to grasp the concept. "Whatever we do, Cori's right. It would seem prudent to take a look at this fellow's dwelling if nothing else."
Dahlia Thursday March 15th, 2007 10:41:25 PM
Nodding to Cori as she makes her suggestion, Dahlia is already tallying what she might need to take with her.
Valdor Friday March 16th, 2007 1:42:58 PM
Valdor says,"My head's spinning from all of this. Let's check out the guy's house, then we can decide what the next step is."
He turns to the halflings and asks,"So, am I understanding that golems and machines are in control in thirty years? Or whoever is controlling them is in control? And there are good and bad machines? Or did I not get that part?"
DM Jan Friday March 16th, 2007 5:44:07 PM
Little Tommy looks up at Valdor. "We don't know how Crow did it. Doesn't even seem like he'd do something like that. But that's his picture, his face that's everywhere. I tell you it's everywhere - drawings, paintings, carvings. "As for dragons? I dunno. We didn't see any dragons, or heroes like you. As for any other place than Dirt City, we don't know. There's no magic. Can dragons live if there's no magic?"
It appears that the halflings don't have much in the way of answers beyond their own experience and Dirt City location, present OR future. Perhaps the wizard's residence would provide more clues.
Nick's question gets a reply from the construct. "You don't have six months," it says flatly, "the destruction has already begun. The fabric between what you see as 'real', and our realm, is already beginning to tear under the strain."
Wentworth comes to stand alongside Valdor and wrinkles his nose in thought. "I wouldn't call this construct, or should I say the elemental inside it 'good', as such. I don't think they know what that means. But they don't like what's happening, thats for sure. "Know how you can tell the difference? The ones who can exert some control over their construct shell - they talk. Something me and Tommy learned real fast. If it doesn't talk - duck and run, fast as you can."
As for the time travel thingy. "I could try and fix it," says Wentworth, "but I think it got damaged. We've been in all sorts of scrapes, and some of the pieces are irreplacable. If I start tinkering I may never get it to work again. Seems to work fine if I leave it alone. But now we can't vary the time. It's either thirty years and back or nothing."
((OOC - is everyone going to Dirt City? or just some of you?))
Mordrid Friday March 16th, 2007 8:24:35 PM
"I'm going upstairs to get equiped. Let me know if some of you leave. I will meet you right back here."
The ranger proceeds upstairs to get his armor, and grab his weapons. He seems a bit naked at the moment.
Stopping he turns and asks the construct, "what kind of elemental are you?"
Valdor Saturday March 17th, 2007 11:06:39 AM
Valdor says,"Well, something we need to consider if we go into the future then, is that our clerics and mages may not have access to their spells. It's harder to believe the gods wouldn't be there to power the spells, but it could happen I suppose. And what of our magic swords, armor, and such? We must be prepared to walk and assume our magic items won't work well, if at all.
Let's all go to this mage's place. I don't pretend to think I can figure anything out from it, but the more of us we have, the better our chances. We leave in ten minutes."
He turns back to the construct and asks,"Do you and the other constructs feel pain? You are obviously an intelligent being and if there is a fight coming, I would like to know what we are facing. I have no desire to fight you, or any who will either help or stay out of the way, but it is good to know what an opponent is capable of. And are there 'constructs' of different sizes an speeds there?"
Ve Mundr Saturday March 17th, 2007 12:47:47 PM No Magic, none at all it would seem. It has been a very long time since I have been without the blessings of Domi Ve looks to his longest known friend Father Nicholas. How do I keep you from going? Should I keep you from going
The inner unspoken question pulls at his mind for a bit. He had about 10 minutes to decide and with that he headed quickly upstairs to grab a few last minute items.
Valdor Saturday March 17th, 2007 6:46:48 PM
Valdor adds,"And my next question would be, if we take magical items, will they cease to function? If so, would it be temporary or permanent? The time device, which sounds crazy to me, seems to have continued to work, but now it is messed up. Would the same happen to my sword and armor?"
Coming over the dragon network Saturday March 17th, 2007 10:48:49 PM "Valdor, Ingrge Nightseer here. Just thought you might want to be made aware that Nickoli, the red dragon you let go, has decided that the New Elenna is a nice place. He paid our tower a visit during the ceremony, killing around a hundred or so and making off with quite a bit of magic. We currently have to go save the Star Mage Tower, which has somehow been over run, but will attend to your red friend when we return."
Valdor Saturday March 17th, 2007 11:39:02 PM
Valdor replies to Ingrge,"He's no friend of mine. I wouldn't kill even a red dragon that was defenseless. What do you mean, 'a visit'?"
Corialote Sunday March 18th, 2007 1:29:46 AM
Cori feels the tightening of the noose around her neck as she catches the bits of news. Her magic was everything for her and without it she would be little use to the group. She swallows hard as she tries to get her breathing back under control.
Trying to get Ve's attention she moves off to the side and away from the group a good distance. "Without my magic I will be of little use to the group...I will be a distraction and may cause the deaths of many of us." She cannot help it, though she tries to take the sting out of her voice. "I cannot even pull my weight in a fight like you can." Desert the group when they need her most or possibly get them all killed...she is not even aware that she speaks her last thoughts. "Some choice."
Ingrge Sunday March 18th, 2007 12:32:30 PM By friend, I meant the red dragon you let go without killing when we were dealing with Lathiese. By visit he killed a bunch of elves under our protection as well as our household managers, tore up the tower and looted the place. In any case I was just informing you that your kind deed in letting him live seems not to have transferred to the beast. In any case when we return from freeing the StarMage guild tower we will put an end to him..
Nick Monday March 19th, 2007 12:25:18 AM
Seeing some of the others dash off to get ready, Nick thanks the construct for it's answer then sets off to his room to get ready.
What did the thing mean by destruction? And what was all this about no Gods? To Nick, that was worse than the 'destruction' part. No Alemi? Unthinkable. Or was it? Nope. Unthinkable. What if Alemi was in some kind of trouble? Hard to imagine, but.... If that was the case then he HAD to go and put this right.
And was he afraid? Supressing a shiver, he gets his gear together.
Posting Report for Monday March 19th, 2007 9:00:27 AM
Game # 1 the Platinum Dragons For the week of March 12,2007
Name-----MTWTF DMJan H--XXXOX Valdore--XOXOXS2 Modrid---OOOXX Fr.Nick--2OXXOS Dahlia---XXOXOS VE MONT--OXOXOS Coralote-XXOXOS
Adm Ceil - Pretty good for a fading breed!!
~~Jan~~ We rock! :)
Valdor Monday March 19th, 2007 10:52:35 AM
Getting the news about the elves, Valdor's mouth goes dry and he rocks back on his heels. He says to Mordrid,"You decide what to do. I need to be alone for a few minutes."
He turns and heads back inside, heading to his room. He's a bit in shock, but gaining anger. The noise from his room in incredible. There's all kinds of noise coming from it. Things breaking, metal objects colliding with other things...like walls.
He sits down finally and asks himself,"Why did you let him go? For the sake of all that's right, you should have killed him, helpless or not. He's a red dragon, dang it...you should have known this would happen sooner or later you idiot. Their blood is on your hands and head. Killing Nikoli isn't the only answer, but it's a start."
Mordrid Monday March 19th, 2007 1:55:55 PM
As Mordrid makes his way back down stairs, he catches Valdor's command, "I will do as you command Valdor." But first Mordrid makes his way to Valdor's room.
Knowing full well, after hearing the dragon network (?) broadcast, what Valdor must be thinking. Speaking thru Valdor's closed door, "Valdor my friend. It was important that the new group learned a great lesson. They did. The teacher has many ways to teach, some are harder for the student, some are hardest for the teacher. Alemi has bestowed a great responsibility upon you, to dispense death when it is needed. It is upon you as a mortal man, to make the decision when and where. You're not perfect. If you were perfect, you would be a god; and Valdor my friend... you are no god. You're just a really good guy who loves pancakes. Shake it off and get ready to go."
Ve Mundr d20+16=33 Monday March 19th, 2007 2:53:52 PM
Nothing much ever slips past Ve Mundr and Cori's look towards him is no exception Ve nods and unobtrusively alters his course to come into the room she moved to from a different direction. Instead of going upstairs. He has a good idea of what she must be thinking as a Drow Wizardess she has been at one with magic for for much longer than Ve has been alive or would live for that matter. That thought suddenly triggers another on her and Valdor. To her in all too brief a time, she would watch the man she loves die. He pushes that conversation away as he enters the room with her and walks close enough to be able to talk quietly.
Ve listens with compassion on his normally stoic olive features. "I have been thinking about Father Nicholas and just such an issue and I have also been wrestling with the halfling's words. Parts are contradictory to me. Elementals and the continuing function of the timepiece to return to our time suggest it is not all together banished from the Wold. But more importantly, I do not agree with your self assessment. Your skills and worth are not wholly controlled by your magical skills. You are brilliant, a problem solver, I would wager quite good with a light blade and bow and have natural sences far more keen than I. " Ve puts his hand on the smaller woman's shoulder, "You would be no mere distraction that put any other in danger. For the immediate future you will be invaluable. Let us see and learn what we can before deciding on the final journey." Ve gives her a small nod and a pat, then he bounds upstairs, putting 3-4 of the steps behind him with each running stride.
DM Jan Monday March 19th, 2007 4:26:00 PM
The metallic head swings Mordrid's way. "I am earth," it tells him, "fashioned and purified it might be, but I am at home in this metal. That is why I can control it." "Pain?" it asks Valdor. "Is that the fear of destruction?"
As for questions about magic items, Wentworth tells the Dragons that the halflings had a bag of holding on their first trip into the '30 years hence' timeframe, and they lost all their provisions. Tommy had folded up the bag, put it in his pocket, and on returning, they tried it out and discovered that it was working again.
In the midst of preparations to visit the wizard's abode in Dirt City, the shocking news comes over the ether about the turncoat Nikoli and what has happened to the Emeralds. A good deed never goes unpunished, so it seems, and now both Dragon groups are left to struggle with priorities.
Decisions have to be made. Hard ones.
Dahlia Monday March 19th, 2007 9:21:32 PM
Having run up to gear up, Dahlia returns looking ready to go.
"So, are we taking our magics with us or leaving it behind, or what?
Corialote and Amarth Monday March 19th, 2007 11:47:36 PM
Cori nods to Ve and then lays a hand upon his shoulder. "You are right of course...it is hard to think of losing something so personal." For a few seconds something flickers through his face...fear. Still when she leaves the small room she is once again a master of herself and heads for her room. If magic works to a point she will go armed for the worst.
She returns to the front of the building some time after. Amarth is already there seated upon the golem with a cocked head. She is not sure but they might be talking.
Nick Tuesday March 20th, 2007 12:04:52 AM
Nick comes dashing down the corridor, having heard the commotion. "Did I hear something about that dragon?" he asks, approaching Mordrid. If he did hear correctly, he knows this is devastating news, for all of them, but for Valdor in particular.
Valdor Tuesday March 20th, 2007 12:41:22 AM
Valdor's door swings open...and his room is a wreck. Chunks of wall have been taken out, a couple of warhammers are lying on the ground, and he has tears streaking down his face. He bellows,"You think I don't know?! Of course I'm not. But I killed those elves with my action! Me! I will go into the future, if that's what we decide upon, but know this brother, that when we return, if the Emeralds haven't killed that lizard, I will! I swear it on my own life that I will not let him live!"
He begins to don his armor and gather his weapons. He makes sure that he has a couple of real torches, instead of his magical one. He gets 50' feet of rope and coils it over his shoulder, then makes his way down stairs.
Ve Mundr Tuesday March 20th, 2007 9:43:52 PM
Ve comes down stairs with his journal, tucking it away and stands ready at the front door for the others. They were going to this wizards place, Crow. currently no need for other precautions beyond the ample power they all had with them. Once the wizards house was researched they would know more and then he would start making the more difficult desicions. The dragon was of secondary imporrtance and he knew if he engaged Valdor on that topic he would merely infuriate the man. What was done was done in that regard.
DM Jan Wednesday March 21st, 2007 1:10:09 AM
((Eeeek, sorry this is late, guys.))
Although the construct remains visibly impassive, the sight of the Platinum Dragons loaded up and preparing to leave gives Tommy and Wentworth cause to glance nervously at one another. There was a gathering of power here - mighty, unstoppable, and given a keen edge by the bitter rage emanating from Valdor's sword.
((Guys, let me know whereabouts in Dirt City you want to arrive, if you want to be seen, or would rather keep a low profile, etc.))
Dahlia Wednesday March 21st, 2007 9:40:22 PM
Walking up to the two nervous nellies, Dahlia puts forth all the charm she posses and asks the two halflings a few questions.
"So, Tommy, Wentworth, who's running the Knives these days? And are they still at odds with the Wolves? Is this wizard's place belowdirt or abovedirt? If Below, is it anywhere near the Blue Barrow?"
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday March 21st, 2007 9:53:42 PM
Cori moves down to stand near Dahlia and nods her head. "Yes, I will need some precise directions to get us there...though I am not sure how secretive we are going to be." She glances to Valdor as he has shown up and quirks an eyebrow at him, waiting for some idea.
Amarth has flown down and landed upon his Mistress's shoulder. He is currently preening his feathers as he waits for something else to happen.
Valdor Wednesday March 21st, 2007 11:53:48 PM
Valdor manages a nod to Cori, but is unable to look at anyone in the group. He simply listens as the group decides.
Nick Thursday March 22nd, 2007 12:53:52 AM
"Secrecy could well be a problem," adds Nick. "If everyone is sneaking around spying on everyone else. Like this we'll stand out like a sore thumb, unless that doesn't concern us. Maybe if we don't tarry too long, and we might have to consider bribes."
DM Jan Thursday March 22nd, 2007 1:00:50 AM
Tommy looks at Dahlia with astonishment. "It doesn't pay to mention the Knives and the Wolves in the same breath. They're always at odds with one another. Knives wnat the few rules we have upheld, and well, I'm sure you know what the Wolves think about rules. "Crow's place is Below, Trade Quarter. That's how we know him, seeing as Trade is right next door to where all the halflings live."
Wentworth adds, "It's getting toward lunchtime. Halfling Sewer tunnel will be quiet. Everyone's eatin! It'll be busy in Trade, though."
"Wonder why I was so hungry," says Tommy sadly.
For those who've been to Dirt City before: Dirt City Info
Mordrid Thursday March 22nd, 2007 11:36:39 AM
Mordrid eyes each person as they speak, sizing up the situation, especially Valdor's melancholia.
"We're the Platinum Dragons. We go where we like, when we like. No skulking about. That's my vote."
Valdor Thursday March 22nd, 2007 12:19:31 PM
Saying nothing, Valdor nods his head at Mordrid's assessment.
Ve Mundr d20+16=19 Thursday March 22nd, 2007 5:37:48 PM
Ve chews his lip a bit with Mordrid's comment, but says nothing. He knows what the man means. Instead he speaks to Cori, "So we need an accurate image then or do you know a location at the Trade Quarter where we can come in. I can scry in if you haven't prepared such today if it would help.
Ve catches teh looks on the halflings faces and a different stray thought moves through his mind. A charade on thier part. He keeps the thought to himself, no need to muddy the waters. If it is, they would be in great deal of trouble.
Nick Thursday March 22nd, 2007 6:11:45 PM
"Fair enough," says Nick. He looks down at his white robes. Not exactly blend-into-the-background attire.
Corialote and Amarth Thursday March 22nd, 2007 6:13:12 PM
She goes over her mental list of spells and shakes her head. Having taken the time this morning, during some free time, she had learned her spells for the day. "I did not think to memorize a scrying spell...though I always have a couple of teleports ready. But I will need a good picture of the place that we are to arrive at." She looks the the rest of the group. "Unless someone wants to find out what being a wall is like or a different person...though it would most likely kill you shortly." She will confer with Ve and come up with a location that is suitable to the group and then cast her spell.
Once everything is ready she will prepare the circle for their use. "I will need about six guards to watch the circle after we leave and make sure that it is not disturbed...so that we can use it to come back and prepare fully." She figures that one of the others can set this up while she lays out the circle.
[teleportation circle set up in an out of the way area of the castle yard]
Dahlia Thursday March 22nd, 2007 7:01:29 PM
Listening carefully to the halflings as they speak, Dahlia nods, Stares at them for a few seconds and then adds a few things.
"For now I will ignore the fact that you only answered half of my questions but don't think, I won't be getting an answer for those real soon. Now, while it has been awhile, actually before I met up with Valdor and crew, I, uummmmm, She quickly looks over at Nicholas and then at Cori, spent a bit of time below, which is why I asked. I think that teleporting in just under Halfling Sewer entrance will put us nearest to where where we need to be to get to Crow's place. Unless things have changed drastically, which is unlikely seeing how those below don't much like change. I am certain I can provide a suitable landing spot. The other options are the crescent moon market or Waard's temple. But those two would mean a bit longer of a walk."
DM Jan Friday March 23rd, 2007 12:39:31 AM
Cori's instructions are carried out, and the teleportation circle is made secure.
For some reason, Dahlia's term 'under Halfling Sewer entrance' has been translated quite accurately by the teleportation spell, and the group step from a nice, sunny, late morning in Plateau City, into a much darker environment.
Everyone finds themselves standing on the metal gantry that runs halfway up and along the actual, circular Halfling Sewer PIPE, that runs directly below the Halfling Sewer Tunnel. There's a reasonable amount of room, and no one gets their feet wet. As for the attendant aroma, everyone has smelled a whole lot worse than this before today. Here, about 10 feet below the gantry, a fairly robust stream of water runs out toward the sea. In fact the distant boom of waves against rock can be heard behind the much closer running water.
There is a little light provided by an occasional gas lamp attached to the wall. It's augmented by pools of light that shine down from what look like hatches to the tunnel above. Each hatch has a ladder, and they seem to run at 50ft intervals.
The group discover they are not alone. There is a man leaning over the gantry railing. He appears to be dangling another man by the ankles, with the intention of dropping him into the water below. "So, are you gonna pay, or whu- " The man stops in mid speech and looks stupified at the gathering of newly arrived heroes.
And it is this, along with a loud *CLONK* - as the construct hits its head on the curving ceiling, that greets the Platinums.
Welcome to Dirt City.
Ve Mundr Friday March 23rd, 2007 3:01:10 PM
Ve speaks to teh man doing the dangling. "I suggest you very carefully hoist that other person up and set him safely upon the gantry." The cleric then looks to the pair of Halfling, "Point out the way." Ve simply assumes the crimminal could possibly be stupid enough to not obey his earlier command and has already dismissed the other pair of men in his mind.
Dahlia Friday March 23rd, 2007 10:25:13 PM
Seeing where they are, Dahlia immediately reaches for several sets of double weapon band and quickly binds her weapons, or at least the look bonded to anyone further away than several inches. Forgetting that many of the Plats may not have been here, The little halfling quickly explains the policy of peace bonding all weapons while "Under."
Valdor Friday March 23rd, 2007 11:09:11 PM
Valdor looks at Dahlia and says with a nastier tone than he means to,"I'll kill every scumbag down here if they try to peacebond my weapons."
Corialote and Amarth Saturday March 24th, 2007 1:01:02 AM
Cori starts to laugh as she looks around. "You know...sometimes magic is too literal." At least they are close to where they are suppose to be. She does not spend much time with the guy being dangled or the one doing it. Right now that is not her problem and she is interested in finding this guys place.
Cori looks to her rapier at her side and shrugs her shoulders. She easily slips scabbard and all of her belt and without much ceremony slips the whole long thing into the right pocket of her pants. "Come now dear...surely your hands will suffice to pummel someone into seeing things your way." Her only other visible weapon is her bow that is currently strapped to her pack.
Valdor Saturday March 24th, 2007 2:54:32 PM
Valdor immediatley regrets his harsh tone and replies,"Probably so, but that's not the point of it. I guess I'm too spoiled to calling my own shots. Not to mention that the only ones with usable weapons are the ones you really don't want to have weapons at all."
Mordrid Sunday March 25th, 2007 2:26:27 PM
"Mordrid does a 360 takes of the scene, then steps forward, "I guess we need to get out of here."
Mordrid indicates to Ve that he is ready to boost the war priest up to te next level.
To Dahlia in all seriousness, "Do the authorities here carry unbound weapons?"
Posting Report for Monday March 26th, 2007 6:38:42 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragon For the week of March 19,2007
Name-----MTWTF DM Jan---XXXXX Valdor---XXXXXS Mordrid--XOOXO-S Fr.Nick--XOXXO Dahlia---XOXXX VE Mont--XXOOX Coralote-XOXXXS
Adm Ceil - Still the best players around.
Dahlia Monday March 26th, 2007 12:44:18 PM
Turning to Mordrid and Valdor, " Well, unless things here have drastically changed since I was here last it was realy the only bad no no. The Policy was for only "Clean Opps" down here, so all weapons are supposed to be bound, under penalty of permanent expulsion or worse. These two here are likely to be able to tell us if things have changed, though from the looks of the above situation, I think that threating with a blade would have been easier than holding him by his ankles."
Turning to their two host halflings, she quickly asks them. "Clean Opps" and weapons bound, still in force down here?
Nick Monday March 26th, 2007 5:09:15 PM
Huh. Old and withered, and yet his stomach seemed to weather the teleport spell much better than before.
Rather pleased that he, for once, didn't feel like throwing up, he checks his own weaponry and ties up the flail he never uses. As for the staff, well that was just a stick, wasn't it, to help him along.
Glancing over the railing and looking at the waters below, after witnessing this little display of coercion, he wonders how many citizens have ended up in the ocean via this particular route.
"We go up, I assume?" he asks.
DM Jan Monday March 26th, 2007 5:40:31 PM
There's a bit of shuffling and pulling before the man, dangling head first toward the drink, is pulled back onto the gantry. Both men are now staring like chastized owls at the Platinums, their own quarrel temporarily forgotten. The 'dangler' steps back and inclines his head toward Ve Mundr, while the 'dangle-ee' attempts to answer Dahlia's question. "Er, clean ops, yeah." His head is cocked to one side, like an inquisitive parrakeet. Halfling or no, you're not from round here, are you. "Weapons are against the law down here." "Unless you're a Wolf," snorts the other, regaining a little of his composure.
Tommy and Wentworth head for the nearest rung ladder. "This will take up up into the Halfling Quarter and then on into trade," says Tommy.
Amazingly enough the construct manages to squeeze through the hatch.
At the top of the ladder, the Halfling Sewer Tunnel runs to the right and left. There's no one and nothing about except for the scent of cooking and baking - savoury pies and freshly baked tarts, that would make the most commited ascetic drool at the mouth. The curved walls are well lit, and are painted with scenes of the forest here, rolling hills over there, and quaint little houses. It's a tunnel long portrait of pastoral scenery; an artist's attempt to deny the underground.
Off to the right - a main junction that leads to the Trade Quarter, and this is where the two young halflings lead the party. Immediately, the many people there, going about their own business, suddenly turn their attention to someone elses, part the ways and let the party through. They stare quite openly. Some abruptly disappear into the crowd, knowing they could get paid well for this information.
The Platinums are not approached. This isn't Plateau City, but it isn't Osto, either. With the exception of the golem, they know who this group is.
The Trade Quarter is a labyrinth of store fronts, caged birds, vegetables, spices and cloth of all qualities. The ceiling here is painted blue and grey, in an approximation of sky and clouds, and the obligatory shady tunnels and alleys lead off in all directions.
It is down one of these shady tunnels that Wentworth leads the group. About 30 ft off the main drag, next to a small store selling owls, jackdaws and tiny red finches in cages, is a slightly warped green wood door. There is a dead mouse on the doorstep.
The group have been followed. Two dwarves in mis-matched but functional armour are standing a little distance away. Dahlia will recognize these two as a patrol from the Tower of Knives. It's their duty to keep the peace down here, after all.
Dahlia Monday March 26th, 2007 8:50:04 PM
Speaking up at the former Dangleee. Actually, no, weapons are not illegal down here, just unbound ones. As for the "Puppies" I've a "Keen" enough mind and know how to deal with the likes of those mangy curs.
Following Wentworth and Tommy up the ladder, Dahlia looks around a bit savoring the view and momentarily remembering her time down here and the freedom of having few responsibilities. Perhaps she would come back here for a little while after the Plats retired.
As they arrive at the shop, Dahlia takes a moment to step back and greet the patrol and assure them that they weren't up to no good.
Mordrid Monday March 26th, 2007 9:36:17 PM
Mordrid stands outside the green door, with a nod to Dahlia to do what is necessary; however hard entry may be (uninvited as the dwarves watch).
The ranger makes a show of binding his sword and unstringing his bow, knowing full well that there are people in the group that can do alot of damage with what's in their mind alone.
Looking at the dwarves as to say, 'there! It's all legal.'
"So Tommy... is this green door the place we seek."
Mordrid bends over and examines the dead mouse. Fishy or not?
Valdor Monday March 26th, 2007 11:02:21 PM
Valdor waits until everyone is out before climbing up. He hasn't 'bound' his weapons, nor does he plan to. He smiles politely at the crowd, his anger from earlier subsiding a bit as he now has a purpose and is moving. He's unconcerned about the gathering crowd and nods to the guards.
He says to Mordrid,"Many years ago, maybe even before you were with me, or maybe you were and it was Rossko who had travelled in your place, I came here and we got attacked with our weapons bound. I'll not see that happen again, old friend. But, I don't want to be seen as thinking I'm above the rules and arrogant, so I'll remove several of my weapons."
He undoes his sword belts on either side and removes his baldric of daggers in the front and on the back. He places them all into his backpack of holding. His dragonslayer, however, remains in its sheath, standing above his shoulder. He touches the handle and tells it,"Do not worry, noone will bind you."
Ve Mundr d20+16=19 Tuesday March 27th, 2007 10:34:00 AM
Ve looks at the dangler and jets his head to one side in a silent statement of 'run along.' He then binds his hammer at his side and while not saying anything to Valdor it is obvious he wants to. Ve takes a breath and dismisses the idea as not one of the better ones to come to his mind.
Following the others, namely Dahlia and the halflings, Ve takes in the surounding buildings and keeps a sort of mental map. A habit of days long ago while moving on patrol through hostile towns. Knowing how to fall back and to where is the most imporatant skill you can learn captain, his Sergant had said upon entering the war torn city. Like many other things, his old friend was quite right.
Ve's eye catches the mouse and then moves to the doors on the left and right of the green door. What precisely did it seem that the neighbors did?
Dahlia had the patrol, but now Ve feels compelled. "Valdor, that is exactly what your are saying. You are broadcasting that with personal power comes exception to the law and you have enough to ignore whichever ones you choose."
"I am not your coinscience and I am not your judge, but as a Platinum Dragon I speak so you can not delude yourself. We are here on personal business, having made no special arrangements with the rightful authorites. By not following the laws we state that they do not apply to those with sufficient power to slay any who might object."
Nick Tuesday March 27th, 2007 2:07:15 PM
Nick spends most of his time during the walk through the Trade Quarter trying to get his breath back and making it look like he wasn't winded. No way he was going to ask for help getting up that step ladder, though. He was going to have to figure out some way of making his armour lighter. Maybe if he bored it full of holes... Dear Alemi.
Ah, no matter. There were more serious problems to consider, if problems they were. He is a little concerned about Valdor, knowing perhaps only a little of how upset his friend must be after news of that half-wit dragon. The creature had to be stark raving mad to do something like that, especially after it's bretheren were slaughtered so effectively on the battlefield. Eh, perhaps the hands of fate were pushing them all this way and that across the board. Who could tell?
As for the dead mouse at the door - "Perhaps the wizard has something other than a lock to protect his abode, and this little fellow tried to go somewhere he wasn't supposed to?" he offers.
CDM Jerry Tuesday March 27th, 2007 2:25:08 PM
Greetings Dragons!
It is now time to do a thorough evaluation of all games that are 8th level and higher to see if they have what it takes to join the Consortium. We'll do this on the Breakfast Nook board.
Head over and see if you have permissions. We won't start until everyone has posted there.
I'll be in charge of this.
DM Jan Tuesday March 27th, 2007 8:24:50 PM
Back by the tunnel intersection, the two dwarven members of the House of Knives listen to what Dahlia has to say. "So long as nothing unlawful's done, and no one gets their skull split open, we don't care. So, what's your business? Someone higher up will want to know."
Outside the green door, Wentworth nods at Mordrid. "Yep this is the place. Tommy, give me the card, while she's keeping the Knives busy." "Do you think it will still work?" asks the other halfling, handing over what looks like a battered playing card. Wentworth takes the card and holds it up in the air in a certain position only inches from the green painted door. A rune appears amidst the green paint, then disappears. There's a click, and the door opens about an inch. Both halflings grin, and without further ceremony, they both push open the door and disappear inside.
As for the neighbours, at the far end of the tunnel, about twenty yards down, is a door that has been barricaded shut. There's a sign nailed to the barricade - CONTENTS REPOSSESED KEEP OUT The nearside neighbour - the birdseller, a tiny, skinny man wearing a dirty apron - pops his head furtively out of the store. "Interest you in a bird of prey, sir?" he asks Ve Mundr who appears to be taking an interest. "Got the owl, here, and a nice red-tailed hawk. Hey, can I have that dead mouse?"
The fact that Tommy is inside, lighting a lamp, and knowing where the tapers are, suggests strongly that these two have been to this place before. The room is cluttered. There's an unmade bed, a wash stand, piles of books line the walls, stacked in an haphazard manner, and there's a table crammed with pouches, bottles, and a stack of journals. Nailed to the wall is an official scroll from the Star Tower, revoking his membership. The fact that it is displayed prominantly for all who enter to see, suggests that it's recipient might well be proud of it. There are arcane scribblings all over the walls.
And there is a door to the rear. It's closed. It looks to have a fancy lock on it. And there's a slight odour of rot, salt and alcohol coming from beyond it.
Still prickly, Valdor's sword passes on to it's wielder a sense of distaste.
Mordrid Tuesday March 27th, 2007 10:58:15 PM
Mordrid steps inside quickly, but with a gentleness too.
He takes in the room, as dark as it may be, even with Tommy's effort at lighting it up. The journals are of surpeme note, and he points it out to the others. The locked door on the other hand demands his attention, and he points it out to Dahlia.
The scent reminds him of encounters of days past, and he immediately gets to restringing his bow. He shrugs sheepishly at Dalhia, regarding the fact that his bow was unstrung for maybe two minutes. "Didn't stay alive this long by being foolish."
Valdor Tuesday March 27th, 2007 11:58:56 PM
Valdor smiles at Ve and replies,"You are right. However, I still refuse to do it. It's not my problem if they have to deal with others that refuse. I simply will not bind my sword, nor would it work for me any longer if I did, anyway. For too many years I have been overly concerned about others' thoughts and have always put others before myself. I removed almost all my weapons. Let that be enough for them. We won't be here long anyway, and if they think less of me for it, that's their choice."
He shrugs his shoulders and then states,"I'll stand guard out here while you smarter ones check out the buildings' contents."
Corialote and Amarth d20+10=27 d20+39=52 d20+14=18 d20+2=20 d20+12=15 Wednesday March 28th, 2007 12:30:43 AM
Cori slips into the room and lets her eyes take in all the stuff lying around. She smirks at the scroll on the wall of his dismissal from the Star Mage. "Proud of that, this one." She slowly moves around but not before tapping one of the runes upon her lower left arm. Her eyes blaze blue for a few seconds and then it becomes a dull blue glow.
Amarth is looking around the room as well. He has been around a mage for so long that he knows what to look for and what not to touch.
Dahlia d20+29=45 d20+29=47 d20+29=42 d20+40=49 d20+40=58 d20+40=50 d20+29=37 d20+29=39 d20+32=46 Wednesday March 28th, 2007 6:39:08 AM
Letting the observing dwarves that they are here at the request of her two cousins to find their missing uncle who was the mage who owned that residence/shop, She waits for a moment to see if they have any questions and then bids them good day and rejoins her companions ter the residence.
Taking a quick look around, she is now sure she doesn't like this guy very much and What is that awful smell. At Mordrid's motion Dahli looks at the door and the lock and smiles. She then makes a very pracitce approach to the door looking for any trap, presssure plates, tricks or other things that might be associated with the door.
Search DCs 45, 47, 42
Disable device DC 49, 58, 50
When she is sure that there are none she approaches the door. and takes a closer look at the door and the lock. when satisfied she begins working on the lock.
Search DCs 37, 39
Open Lock DC 46
Nick Wednesday March 28th, 2007 2:19:59 PM
Hopefully lending some legitimacy and authority with his white Alemi robes, Nick stands alongside Dahlia as she parlays with the two dwarven guards. He'll keep his mouth shut however, unless it becomes necessary to join in with the conversation, knowing full well Dahlia probably had it covered.
Ve Mundr Wednesday March 28th, 2007 5:13:36 PM
"I am not concerned with what others think of you. I am concerned with what your deeds santion others to do, but you are right. We will not tarry and we will be inside and out of sight soon enough." To the shop keeper, Ve gives a brief shake of his head and removes his attention from the man and his shop. The Cleric, glances at the halflings as the door opens. Without another word, Ve leans into the room. He scans the area and casts True Seeing.
Valdor Thursday March 29th, 2007 12:02:06 AM
Valdor smiles at Ve and nods, understanding quite well how he feels and where his thoughts lie. Another day, he probably wouldn't have been so stubborn or openly rebellious, but he's just not in a good mood after the news he got and doesn't feel like acquiescing to anyone's demands right now, much less to a rule he feels is stupid anyway. Anyone who has heard of him knows he wouldn't use his weapon unless forced to do so. He stands watch patiently, watching the shadows to the sides and above, not missing anything.
DM Jan Thursday March 29th, 2007 2:02:32 AM
Inside:
Both Tommy and Wentworth get out of the way as the tall, imposing, wolf-cloaked figure of Mordrid enters, and their eyes follow his gestures toward the door and the journals.
Those same eyes light up as Dahlia enters and begins to work on the door. Here was something they knew a little about. Here was a chance to learn, or maybe see what these Platinum Dragons were really made of, on their own terms.
Meanwhile, Cori and her feathery familiar check out the room. If anywhere were the likely place to harbour the radical, the illegal, the nonconformist - it was a place like Dirt City. And as far as nonconformity went, the scribblings she sees on the wall are completely off the charts and unlike anything she has seen before. Written explanations and paths through a spell, although they seem to arrive at the same conclusion, they also take an entirely different route to get there. It's lateral thinking to the extreme. There's part of a Dismissal spell scrawled there, it's method of delivery innovative, (faster?). Other scrawlings don't seem to make any sense at all, or they stop part way and lie unfinished. It seems to be the work of a madman. A brilliant madman, but a madman nonetheless.
However, both Cori and Amarth reach a similar conclusion - most of what's written relates to the fields of summoning, polymorph, and transformation. There's other stuff written there - it looks almost clerical in style.
Ve Mundr's spell enables him to see the room for what it is, and as it turns out, his ordinary eyes are not decieved. No deliberate magical enhancements. Perhaps more disturbing to him, or maybe not, are recognisable cleric spell symbols here and there as part of the wall of scribble - regenerate, restoration - mixed in with the arcane, as though someone has been trying to combine the two catagories. Heresy? It would be to some, for sure.
Another note - what is essentially a 'batchelor pad' has one or two feminine touches here and there. A velvet pillow on the bed. A painting of a dark-haired human woman on the wall next to the outer door, and a pencil drawing of the same woman on a frame on the desk next to the journals.
Tommy and Wentworth are crouched near Dahlia, watching her every move. And then - as there is a click, and four nasty-looking blades slice out of the door lock, leaving Dahlia unscathed, and the door pops open - "How did you - ? Did you see how she did that? Mother's apple pie, that would have chopped my hand off for sure, how did you do that?" Both halflings are aghast, and both are grinning.
The smell from the dark interior of the room beyond is that of a charnal house.
Outside:
The dwarves appear to be satisfied ( or indifferent so long as blood isn't being spilled) and turn toward the gathering crowd who are starting to push forward. "Nothing to see here! Move along!" they call out sternly.
No one pays the slightest bit of attention, for what stands in the smaller tunnel is a sight indeed. Some important-looking Alemi cleric by the looks of it, but that wasn't anything in itself. For there was a huge metal monster stood there - hulking, enormous, nearly filling the small tunnel, and - A group of kids have pushed their way to the front, a ragged, urchin assortment of human and halfling. "Told you," one of them says to the others, their eyes all wide and round like an owl's. "That is Valdor." They gasp in unison.
Ve Mundr d20+22=34 d20+14=22 d20+13=18 d20+22=35 Thursday March 29th, 2007 11:51:08 AM
Ve smirks in return to Valdors grin. "Fighters." he throws a exaggerated eyeroll and smile in return.
Ve takes out his journal, he does not ask if Cori is grasping what she is looking at. Of Course she is. Ve begins taking notes, "Don't go in there if you please." He says as the door is opened and the odor wafts out. [Know rel 34 Know planes 22 Know arc 18 Spellcraft 35]
"Our friend has quite a wide sweeping field of study." His eyes flick up from the book to the wall and then down again as he continues making notes. "What do we know of his late wife? Religion, also a spell caster perhaps?" His eyes again leave the page to take in a section of the wall, though his hand never stops sketching and moving. "There is a premise here most certainly. Our wizard was not interested so much in the dead, but how to achieve immortality and possibly beyond that something I have deemed True Immortality. Not only to live forever, but the actual inability to die."
Dahlia Thursday March 29th, 2007 8:40:07 PM
As the trap is evaded and disarmed, and the lock picked, Dahlia mutters, Wee, that wasn't too bad now. Then as the two ask how she did that, she turns to them and with a wink in her voice says, Practice of course, and I wasn't always a Platinum Dragon."
As the door cracks open and the smell wafts out, she quickly covers her mouth and nose and step back. And as Ve states his warning, Dahlia grins back at him, "Oh, I have done my part, now this helpless little girl will gladly step aside and let you burly men folk have your fun. Besides it smells kind of gross in there."
Corialote and Amarth Thursday March 29th, 2007 8:50:51 PM
Cori shakes her head as she takes in the writing on the wall. "Summoning, polymorphing and transformations...I think this could be the way to bring about our big metal friend out there. That is in greater quantity than would normally be possible in a short time." Her eyes flick to Ve and she notes him taking down all the stuff from the walls and she nods her head. "I would like a copy of that when you are done...further study will be called for." She can see she will be spending a lot of nights with Ve and Father Nick in the forseeable future going over all that stuff.
Moving towards the doorway she pulls out five copper coins and calls upon a little of her power to give them light. She then tosses all five into the room so that they will spread out and give more light.
She glances back to Ve and nods her head. "The things that I noted could have been used to bolster himself for just such a ritual as well." She does move back over to the journals and leans in a little closer to have a look without touching them. "What do you see here Ve?" Her own detection spell does not seem to note magic around them so they might be safe.
[detect magic] [light on five coins]
Ve Mundr post II Thursday March 29th, 2007 9:26:55 PM
"Regeneration, Restoration, the rhudamentary learnings of ressurection is mixed in as well. A definate attempt to blend far more closely the arcane and divine. Far more so than they who study Thuergery." he answers as he continues to write and sketch. "Of course, and Father Nicholas, you will have a chance to copy this as well."
"To the True Sight I cast, I see nothing. We should be able to inspect some of his books without problem. Though Dahlia, why don't you put those extraordinary skills to work again about these books shelves."
Dahlia (supplemental post) d20+26=41 d20+26=42 d20+26=42 d20+40=47 d20+40=49 d20+40=57 d20+30=36 d20+30=45 d20+30=40 d20+32=48 d20+32=44 d20+32=38 Thursday March 29th, 2007 9:57:02 PM
At Ve's request Dahlia moves over to the shelves and any desk in the area and again gets to work.
(OOC: Jan I am out of town until Sunday with 110 5th graders on an overnight field trip and will not be able to post tomorrow.)
Nick Friday March 30th, 2007 3:11:29 PM
For the moment, Nick stays outside, hoping to help with crowd control if that becomes necessary, although it seemed that most were spellbound by the fact that Valdor was here, and were not going any further as to ask why.
DM Jan Friday March 30th, 2007 3:25:34 PM
The subjects of books in this room look like an eclectic mixture of wizardy, sorcery, spell componants and where to get them, dragons and other magical creatures, geography, geology, astronomy. However - biology and creature anatomy predominate. Some contain gruesome illustrations of dissection.
On the table lie the journals. Four battered volumes of drawings, poems, more gruesome drawings, notes, diary entries. The topmost volume's final written page pops open easily. There's a date, a few weeks old, and -
Transition went well, the flesh seems stable. This will take some time, a few months. All I have to do is wait, my beloved. Ah, this dreaded interminable waiting.
Cori's coin bounce on the floor of the inner room. There are large, liquid-filled jars stashed there; there is a table by the looks of it, endess shelves, and the room seems to extend to the rear for about 30 ft or more. There is magic in there, stabilised, holding, continuous. it carries a trail of both arcane and divine, so whatever Crow had been working on - he appeared to have been successful, to some extent.
As Ve and Cori study the symbols on the wall, some of it starts to resemble a more stylized version of that woven around the construct.
Outside, the dwarves are having a job holding everyone back.
Valdor Friday March 30th, 2007 8:14:06 PM
Valdor grins at the children when he hears them. He tells Nick, "You've got the door, I'll be right back."
He walks over to the boys and squats down next to them. He smiles warmly and says,"You are correct...I am Valdor. I am pleased that you brought your friends here. You know, I wasn't known by anyone when I was your age. I was just another boy who learned early on that one person can make a difference. I didn't become the Dragonslayer in one night, one month, or even one year. It took me some time. Anyone can become a hero. It's all about how you live that matters.
Just think, ten years from now people could be looking at you and saying your names. But, it takes hard work and the desire to do good and help others. I was from a poor family and my parents died early in my life. I was probably about your ages. Now, I've got to go, but remember, I believe in you and you must believe in yourself to be great. Noone will do it for you. Have courage and make a good difference in the Wold. I'm counting on you in this! You must have courage and always remember I need you to do this. It's your first mission."
He musses up their hair with his large hand and gives them a smile. He then gets that stern look on their face and turns back to the crowd. He says out loud,"We're just doing some research, nothing big is happening here. Thanks for coming out, but there's really nothing to see."
Ve Mundr Sunday April 1st, 2007 8:33:10 PM
Ve glances over the last journal entry. "Which he did he he shot into the future. he was certainly trying to bring back his wife. though I most certainly do not think that is all he brought back."
Posting Reports For Monday April 2nd, 2007 7:24:29 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the weekof March 26,2007
Names-----MTWTF Dm Jan H---XXOXX Valdore----XXOXX Mordrid----XXOOO* missed 3 postings Fr.Nick----XXXOX VE Mont----OXOXO* Missed 3 postings Ve posted Wednesday March 28th, 2007 5:13:36 PM
Coralota---OXXXOS
Adm Ceil - Only two bad boys.
Ve Mundr Monday April 2nd, 2007 5:28:17 PM
Ve finishes up and steps to the doorway of the room beyond, scanning it with his improved True Sight. Knowing Cori would be there shortly he casts Detect Magic and steps inside. "I think we should both go through the auras present Cori so don't worry about offending me by casting similar spells."
Dahlia Monday April 2nd, 2007 10:09:16 PM
finishing up her search of the shelves and desk, Dahlia ponders her discoveries.
Corialote and Amarth Monday April 2nd, 2007 11:59:44 PM
Cori taps the tattoo on her forearm again and the magic takes effect just as fast. She walks in on Ve's heels and starts to scan the room. "We can compare notes as we go along here." She cannot help but wonder about what this man was trying to do. "He does show promise and ingenuity." There is an almost envious and jealous tone to her voice as she speaks.
[detect magic]
Nick Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 12:32:38 AM
Nick stays where he is and watches Valdor with the kids. As far as he could see, his freind and leader was the focus of their attention - a good thing. No one was asking any awkward questions, although that might change if anyone more official arrived.
He glances up at the construct, to see if it is doing anything of note.
Valdor Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 12:36:05 AM
Smiling, Valdor returns to Nick's side and whispers,"You never know when the right words will turn a child into someone special for the Wold."
DM Jan Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 1:31:16 AM
INSIDE:
As Dahlia looks at everything in this room - the books, the journals, the pictures of the woman, the highly intelligent, mad scribblings - if Ve was correct, then why go to all this trouble? Resurrections were possible. Not easy, and they were expensive, and not every temple would grant them. But they were possible - and this was Dirt City. The usual objections - morals, exclusivity perhaps - would hardly apply here. Maybe it was down to hard cash and the lack of it. Or maybe there was another reason why no one wanted to resurrect this woman.
Wentworth and Tommy, curious as only halflings can be, follow Cori and Ve Mundr into the foul-smelling room beyond the inner door. "Ugh, is that someone's arm?" exclaims Tommy, pointing at one of the jars on the floor.
This room appears to be part morgue, part taxidermist, part butchers shop, with a small collection of metallic sculptures pushed rudely into one corner. All the jars contain liquid (smelling of alcohol) and some body part or other. There are buckets containing stacks of bones; pieces of flesh are spread out and tacked on the walls, with notes scribbled alongside. Open top crates also lie on the floor, full to the brim with salt.
The benches aligning each side of the room glitter with magic - surrounding what look like experiments on yet more body parts. There's a forearm with the hand still attached - the hand's fingers twitching of their own accord. A pair of eyes, attached to metal spindles, move, following Cori as she steps past. All kept alive by magical means. There's a table with nothing but bloodstains all over it. And a little further back into the room is a narrow bed covered in blankets. There's an imprint, suggesting that at one time, a body might have been laid there. But it's empty now.
OUTSIDE -
The words 'Have courage' ripple through the crowd. Some folk start to drift off, but the kids are grinning. One of them mentions Domi to the others, and they nod sagely to one another. They've heard of Domi. They've met Valdor. The dwarven Knife guards start to relax a little now the mob is starting to drift off a bit.
The construct appears to have been watching Valdor's interaction with the crowd, it's head swiveling slightly. So far, it hasn't uttered a word.
Mordrid Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 11:36:44 AM
If Mordrid is aghast at the contents of the room (which he is), you wouldn't know it. The ranger pushes on into the room, watching closely where he steps. Towards the rear, he searches for yet another door; perhaps leading to somewhere even more sinister.
Along the way he tries to indicate the time of vacancy by gauging the dust accumulation on the tables and floors. Footprints?
CDM Jerry Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 4:44:10 PM
No posts in the Breakfast nook today. Suggest you make it a habit to post there before here, until the habit of posting there is created. More you post, the faster we can be done with this.
Ve Mundr Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 5:05:01 PM
Ve gazes about, not pretty and not for the light hearted. He dismisses Cori's comment in his mind, he is too busy controlling the urge to incinerate this entire sacriligious area. Ve turns to regard the halfling his eyes hard and cold and his right hand gripping his own holy book so tight and the hard leather cover is starting to buckle. His voice is controlled, though not by much, "What do you know of this man's wife?"
Corialote and Amarth d20+10=28 d20+14=26 d20+2=10 d20+12=13 Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 7:07:38 PM
Cori wanders for a few minutes through the assortment of oddities that lay about. She touches nothing until she has a chance to get a better idea of what is here and what auras are present. "Reanimation of just parts...very interesting." She is not aware that this might be seen as a violation by the clerics of the group. To her, all magic is fascinating...even if she would not attempt any of it herself.
As she moves around she also tries to spot any hidden areas or doors so that they can see how far this goes.
Amarth lets out a low whistle as his head swivels to take it all in. His own senses are tuned to things that his Mistress might miss.
[Cori - search 28 and spot 26] [Amarth - search 10 and spot 13]
Nick Wednesday April 4th, 2007 1:23:52 AM
Nick nods at Valdor. "Well, if anyone can impart that message, you can. It probably doesn't do any harm for people to see a hero every now and then." He's about to add especially here , but stops himself. An easy thing to say, but an insult to the good people who lived in Dirt City. They wouldn't all be villains. "I wonder what the others have discovered?"
DM Jan Wednesday April 4th, 2007 12:04:17 PM
INSIDE:
The ranger's further examination of the room tells him that this place has not been neglected for long. Dust isn't all that prevalent; some liquids in containers appear to have evaporated which suggests that it as been days, weeks at the most, since it was occupied. Neither he nor Cori can see any further suggestions of rooms, closets or hideyholes. This is it, which isn't an unreasonable assumption in a cramped, tunnel layout such as this city below ground. Space is at a premium here.
Both halflings, Tommy and Wentworth exchange glances when Ve Mundr asks them about Crow's wife. "Well, not that we like to talk ill of the dead," he begins, "but -" "She wasn't very nice," interrupts Wentworth, the more outspoken of the two. "We used to bring Crow back from the tavern sometimes, when he could hardly walk. She always met us at the door. Never said nothing. Never gave us nothing. Not that we wanted anything, but not even a word of thanks. Just dragged him in and slammed the door. I don't think she went out much, either. Not from what folk in the tunnels said." "Maybe she didn't like halflings," Tommy says quietly to Dahlia, his tone incredulous.
OUTSIDE:
As more people break from the crowd and go back to their own business, the construct swivels it's head toward Valdor and Nicholas.
"This metal seems happy here," it says abruptly, it presumably being the elemental encased inside the large metal golem. "It smells it's master."
Dahlia d20+26=42 d20+26=35 d20+26=41 d20+26=41 d20+26=41 d20+30=32 d20+30=39 d20+30=39 d20+30=31 d20+30=34 Wednesday April 4th, 2007 5:55:45 PM
Getting bored with the obvious, The little halfling starts looking for the not so obvious, sectioning the room off and checking out each section rather thoroughly for hidden rooms, compartments, doors, trap doors in the floor or ceiling or anything else that seems odd or out of place.
Valdor Wednesday April 4th, 2007 10:20:47 PM
Valdor replies to Nick,"I don't know all that about a hero, but most of them will be good people...if they are given a chance to be. Most people who grow up stealing, murdering, and so on, grew up watching parents and adults who did these things. It's all they know. Eevryone, including clerics of Alemi and assassins like Korrig, have the potential for good or evil, but many simply choose based on their life experiences. Or rather, they don't choose, they just live like everyone they've seen and known from childhood.
Everyone needs to have hope."
When the construct talks, Valdor's head whips around. He had basically forgotten it was even present. He says to it,"Come again? Can you explain what you just said? Is this metal inside you? Is it a part of you?"
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday April 4th, 2007 11:53:01 PM
Cori looks to the halflings and then to Ve. "It could have been possible that his wife was the one most interested in the things me are finding down here." Shaking her head she is trying to come up with a new idea through what she has found out. "Could it be that he sought to continue her work?"
Mordrid Thursday April 5th, 2007 1:09:51 PM
Leaning over the googling pair of animated eyes, "Fascinating," glancing up at Cori, "I believe you are correct. This would appear to be the wife's cloister."
Standing up straight, "Now if we can get the golem in here. We may be able to get some questions answered."
"So, Wentworth, just how much of a drinker was Crow?"
Mordrid allows Wentworth to answer the question, meanwhile the ranger examines the paintings of the female. Were they signed by the painter, and if so who was the painter. The ranger makes note of the name, the script, and the penmanship.
Ve Mundr Thursday April 5th, 2007 5:29:27 PM
Ve agrees with Cori, "That is seeming more and more likely. It may not even really be the wizard that is the true crux of the future issue, but his wife." Ve looks over towards Dahlia, "You might need to stay in Dirt for a piece. Do you think you could find the minds and tongues to get us a better picture of the wizard and wife. More first hand accounts would be better." Ve inhales through his moutha nd slowly exhales through his nose as he looks about some more. "I am going to stay here a few days at least, see what I can see."
"The future is not going anywhere. We will arrive when we do to a specific time it would seem. Whether by magic or sheen passage of time, we will get there. A few days or even a week should not matter in the slightest." Ve takes a last look about, but there is nothing for him in this laboratory and he moves back to the more personal quarters of the house.
Nick Thursday April 5th, 2007 8:20:27 PM
Nick watches cautiously as Valdor addresses the construct, and his eyes will attempt to spot any body language that might mean that the thing was about to attack their leader.
This was an 'odd' creature, if creature was the right word, and Nick has little experience with them.
DM Jan Thursday April 5th, 2007 9:15:44 PM
INSIDE:
By the time the others come back into the other room, Dahlia's already rifled carefully and quickly through all the drawers, cupboards, shelves; she's looked under the stained carpet, checked the ceiling and the walls, and behind the furniture. Fascinated by her methods Tommy and Wentworth are all agog while trying not to make it look obvious to Ve, Cori and Mordrid.
"Drinker. Er - " Wentworth tears his attention away as Mordrid asks him a question. "Well, he probably wasn't much of one. Not by Dirt City standards. Some people can drink quite a lot in this town," he says, nodding sagely to himself. "But Crow, well, he seemed to get drunk fast enough. Not the best constitution, I'd say. Probably shouldn't have been drinking at all, Although after what we've just seen in here..."
Dahlia can't find anything out of the ordinary, other than what she has already seen. There isn't much in the way of anything other than what Crow appeared to be working on. Any other clues Dahlia come across seem to point at the wizard's past, perhaps. Furniture and belongings are sparse and worn, but they look expensive. Table legs are ornately carved. The few pieces of clothing in this dwelling are well tailored. That velvet pillow - beautifully embroidered. Rich people fallen on hard times?
Mordrid examines the illustrations of what must be Crow's wife. A narrow, elegant face with high cheek bones looks back at him; brown hair pulled back severely, the facial expression just short of a frown, and there is no laughter about the eyes. The painting on the wall has her dressed primly, in dark colours with a high neckline. And the artist - Augusto Mya Gallo, Plateau City - the very man to go to if you're extremely rich and want to be fashionable in that particular town.
OUTSIDE:
The construct shifts slightly, so as to better face it's questioner. "The will of this metal object's creator is somehow embedded into the skin of this thing," the elemental imprisoned within says levelly to Valdor. "I assume that is how I am supposed to be controlled. It is like a child, simple, at ease with basic commands and proximity to it's master. I am supposed to be an energy source, nothing more." And here, both Valdor and Nick detect some emotion - satisfaction? - in the construct's voice. "but in this case, the slave is now the master."
There is a shift in the dwarven gaurds' body language. And not because of this giant talking tin can. Head and shoulders above and to the rear of the small crowd of halflings and children, is a man dressed in dark grey. A hat of a similar colour shades his features. "Oh great," mutters the dwarves. "Didn't think it would be long before the bloody Wolves showed up.
Dahlia Thursday April 5th, 2007 10:46:11 PM
getting bored and tierd of the indoor activities Dahlia quickly answers Ve on her way out the door. Yeah, I am sure that I still have a few contacts that can be persuaded to help us." That said Dahlia steps out to see what Valdor is up to and where he has gotten himself to.
Ve Mundr d20+16=20 Friday April 6th, 2007 5:46:05 PM
Ve notes the trappings, furniture, clothes and such. "There was money here, once. Perhaps hers, and he started selling it to further her or his work. Dahlia when your digging about, perhaps the fences or where ever here passes for a place to sell belongings." Ve picks up the pillow and turns it over in his hands and then heads back into the room to where the body once apparently lay. he goes over the area carefully searching for hints of hair and dandruff or perhaps a bit of wrapping. maybe the smell of the imprint will trigger a thought as to what was used to preserve the body and maybe provide more information to how long ago it was moved, or left this spot.
Search take 20 for 22 Heal check 20
Corialote and Amarth Friday April 6th, 2007 11:04:19 PM
Cori follows back out and into the normal room. She has seen enough from the other room and a lot of it seems to be clerical in nature.
She moves over to the journals again and picks up the first one. Braceing herself she opens it to the first page. "It very well could have been his money and she planned to use it for her own experiments." Flashing a smile at Ve and Mordrid. "That is why I am thinking of getting married to Valdor." If you did not fully know her, you might believe her but you have seen the two together. What she feels is most definitely love and she must have money of her own.
Amarth leans close to her ear with a roll of his eyes. "You are mean Mistress." He perks back up and pecks her upside the head. "You did not have to tell them the truth." He suddenly goes sullen, like he is mad.
Mordrid Sunday April 8th, 2007 2:46:18 PM
Mordrid reads aloud, "Augusto Mya Gallo," for those that might find the fact... interesting.
Responding to Cori in the same baited tone, "I've never questioned your womanhood."
Turning, "So Wentworth, the time machine is broken... and will only allow us to go ahead in time thirty years?"
Posting Report For Monday April 9th, 2007 6:45:34 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons The week of April 2,2007
Name-----MTWTF DM Jan H-XXOXX Valdor---XOXOO Mordrid--OXOXO Fr.Nick--XXXXO Dalia----XOXXO VE Mont--XXOXX Coralota-OXXOX
Adm Ceil - WoW in posting.
Valdor Tuesday April 10th, 2007 12:04:39 AM
Valdor's mouth drops open for just a second and then he thinks he realizes what the construct means. He asks,"So you are two beings in one, and you have basically conquered the one who made you? He never intended you to have a mind or will of your own, but to simply fuel the shell that surrounds you? What are you made from...or what is the metal around you made from?"
Seeing the crowds reaction and then hearing the guards, Valdor says to the guard,"This is none of their business. If they interfere or come against us, I will be forced to fight them and I do not wish that to happen. You might tell him that so they don't make a mistake."
Nick Tuesday April 10th, 2007 12:15:51 AM
Seeing Dahlia come outside, Nick breathes a sigh of relief, however short-lived that relief is likely to be, as both Valdor AND Dahlia could be volatile when they wanted to be.
"Dahlia," he says quietly. "The guards say that man over there is one of the Wolves." he points at the man lurking out in the main market area of the tunnel entrance. "Is that one of the Houses? What should we expect from them?"
DM Jan Tuesday April 10th, 2007 12:49:10 AM
INSIDE -
A further examination of the pillow, and the bed back in the other room reveals a long strand of dark hair on the bed; both pillow and bed smell lightly of human body odour, the bed has a slight aroma of alcohol, too. Both scents are faint. Ve has stayed in inns where the previous guest's smell on the bed was far stronger than this, which suggests it's been a while since anyone has slept, or been laid here.
Journal 1, Page 1 -
(dated almost a year ago) Site found. Ideal. I'll move her tomorrow. Pay landlord - PROMPT!!!! ~~spell scribblings, an awkward arcane translation of a restoration spell~~ Will this stop the rot? Need to find energy source. ~~drawing montage, split into quadrants of fire/earth/air/water!!!
Wentworth stares up at the much taller ranger. "Thirty years," he affirms. "or so we reckon. At least the return journey seems steady."
OUTSIDE -
The dwarves nod solumnly toward Valdor, their jaws now set with new resolve. "No one shall pass," one of them says. Out in the main tunnel, visible to Valdor, Nick and Dahlia, the man standing there leans against a wall and appears to roll his eyes. He looks to be settling in for the long haul - watching, waiting, and obviously wanting to be visible about it.
"You are correct," the construct says smoothly to the Dragonstone. "I am an elemental, dragged from the elemental plane, to be used as a source of power for this creation - a dull-minded, walking sculpture that seems to have no plan other than to create more of itself. It's metal is from ore, dug from the earth. I too, am from the earth, which is why I can move beyond most of it's constraints.
"Some of my kind have managed to break away even further. Alas, this has led to a rending of the barrier between our two planes. If it continues, this tearing of barriers, then everything here, and there, will be destroyed. Already it has begun."
Dahlia Tuesday April 10th, 2007 9:26:24 AM
Looking up as Nick makes his comment about the Wolves, the little halfling smiles a moment, and it isn't a very nice smile either, and then she answers her favorite priest.
"Nick, they are the lowest most disreputable house below Dirt that can be found. They are more often than not walking the wrong side of the Opps. And their leader Ajax Canis is possibly one of the most powerful, vile, conniving, self-serving, intelligent, wicked men I have ever met."
"Valdor, shall I see what our puppy friends want or shall we just let them watch?"
Valdor Tuesday April 10th, 2007 1:52:38 PM
Valdor replies to Dahlia,"Nah, he's just making a show is all. If he or his house come against us, we'll do what we must, but otherwise, let him watch."
He turns back to the construct and says,"So these metal objects are programmed to build other ones and elementals are used to power them with their life force. Do you have any idea who is responsible and, if we go forward to that time, will you be able to locate the one responsible for all of this? And lastly, I think, if a fight broke out, whose side would you be on? I mean, can you resist the construct's possession in your time?"
Ve Mundr d20+16=25 Tuesday April 10th, 2007 7:33:38 PM
Ve exits the room, "Body has been gone some time ago, but I did find a hair on the pillow. Might be able to use that. What have you got their Cori?"
Ve moves over and looks over her shoulder into the book. His eyes then shift to the construct outside,
"I would say he found a power source." Ve picks up part of that conversation, "and did it just say elemental rift?"
Mordrid Tuesday April 10th, 2007 8:10:18 PM
Mordrid, not knowing what else to do here, makes his way to the door to stand guard (between the divided group).
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday April 10th, 2007 10:20:46 PM
Cori glances to Mordrid with that smile and laughs. "That is what I love about you Mordrid...no matter how I pick on you, you always take it so calmly." She quirks an eyebrow and then blows him a kiss. "Maybe I have set my sights and fell in love with the wrong Dragon." Her eyes twinkle and the smile upon her face never leaves.
She turns ever so slightly to Ve who has come up behind her. "Seems she died and he decided to try and figure a way to bring her back without a petition to Gargul...or it was her work and he continues it to bring her back." Either way it looked really bad and Gargul would not be pleased in the least.
Nick Wednesday April 11th, 2007 11:15:22 AM
Nick glances over toward the man as Dahlia lets him know who he is. "Well, I suppose they'd be very interested to know why we're here, on their territory." He shrugs, sharing Valdor's assessment. No need to butt heads unless absolutely necessary.
He asks the construct, "So, you're saying that the longer we leave it, the more chance there will be that the Wold will be destroyed? How do we stop it? Find this crow presumably, but then what?"
DM Jan Wednesday April 11th, 2007 12:27:48 PM
So. As Cori and Ve try to pull a few more pieces of the puzzle together with what lies inside the wizard's house, the man out on the street stays where he is, partially in the shadows, watching. He's let his presence be known. Maybe that's what his aim was. He nods at Mordrid and Dahlia, and makes a show of lighting his pipe. The journals in Cori's hands are packed to the gills with scribblings and notes. Maybe further reading would help.
Wentworth and Tommy have moved to the doorstep and are watching some of the Platinums talk to the construct. Tommy is looking nervous. "If we're going back," he says to his brother, "we should pack. Sandwiches. Maybe bring a pan and some sausages. And a coat. And -" "Shh!" says Wentworth. "I'm trying to listen to the construct."
The metal golem's finely wrought head shifts between it's questioners. "The man, the human who lived in this house - it is his magic that surrounds and binds me and the creature together. As for finding him, he is at the center of things. I've been there. It was where I was brought into this plane. "The fight has already begun. It is a battle of the will. it is a battle inside and out. We cannot pull ourselves away from these things without rending a hole between planes. And those who are in control battle those who are subject to the will. "If you could destroy the will, then we would be free, without the need to use so much destructive energy. I have control of this metal creature. In some ways it becomes more difficult when it is closer to it's creator, but it can be done. "As for sides... I think I understand the question. I would not set out to harm you if it was your intention to free us. The danger to you, from me, lies in another direction. For if I find a way to wrench free of this thing, I will do so. This might cause a rift, and may injure or destroy you. This creature is happy and complacent in this place, and part of me is looking for a way through, to slip by it's defences. "But is it wrong? Wanting to be free?"
To Nick, the thing says - "This time, and future time, march along at the same pace. The longer we stay here, the longer and more dangerous, the fight in the future becomes. "As for the Crow, bring him back here and destroy him. it is that simple."
Valdor Wednesday April 11th, 2007 5:30:11 PM
Valdor tells the group quietly when they exit,"Well, it seems that the wizard has trapped the elemental inside this metal shell. He says the only way to stop this mess is to go find Crow, bring him back here and kill him. I would imagine if there's a fight, our swords and arrows won't work so well on metal objects. I'll need to get a warhammer. And, if anyone has a pet rust monster we can take with us, that would be great.
Did you all find anything inside to help us?"
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday April 11th, 2007 10:06:27 PM
Cori flips through the next few pages, but takes the time to read each one. She looks back to the table to see how many more books there were that might hold clues. "Seems we may have to do a little light reading to figure out some ideas." After going over those few extra pages she closes the book and then turns to Ve. "You were going to stay here or come back." It seems that they will need to hurry at least a little but if she can, reading some more would be a good idea.
Dahlia Thursday April 12th, 2007 8:24:21 AM
Can any of you mage types scry. That would be a great way to find him. Then she pauses a moment, looks over at the wolf and then turns to Valdor.
"You know what Valdor. This enterprise of Crows seems like something the Wolves would be very much interested in. And as it looks like Crow hasn't had much cash in quite a while So where do you suppose he was getting the funding for all the materials he was using?"
Ve Mundr d20+16=17 Thursday April 12th, 2007 12:31:59 PM
Ve answers Cori, "I was planning to stay, but if what the construct says is true, then the time might not be affordable." Looking to one of the halflings, "OK you two, A few things. You ain't coming with us. Second does the time thing always move 30 years ahead from now. or to the same point 30 years in the future. Construct there seems to think the former."
Ve moves to the bookshelves and scans quickly across the titles for a dominant religion, but he's distracted and nothing leaps out at him. [spot nat 1]
He then moves back to Cori and in a low voice, "When we leave here Nothing must remain of this place."
Valdor Thursday April 12th, 2007 1:57:27 PM
Valdor looks at Ve and says,"With all respect my friend, they have some experience with things in that time and have knowledge of the wheres and whats in that time. Not to mention that they are also partially responsible for what has happened. I think they should go to at least give us a guide. If we can avoid a fight and avoid detection for a while once we are there, it might help our cause greatly. Do you not agree?"
Nick Thursday April 12th, 2007 2:46:59 PM
Nick is still struggling to make sense of what the construct is telling them.
"So... let me see if I get this straight. We have to capture this Crow fellow, then bring him back here, then kill him." He turns to the others. "Sorry, I'm thinking aloud, trying to make sense of it all." Then back to the construct - "If we kill him there - it doesn't change what has already happened? We'd have to drag him back here, into his own time frame and then stop him from carrying out his work. That way, this particular future won't happen?" He rubs his temples. "You know I'm not sure if actually killing him is on the cards. Maybe if he realizes what will happen, that'll be enough to get him to drop his work. Maybe."
"Valdor, if we're planning on a little more shopping, I'll get some extra herbs, bandages, and the like. I daresay this City, having a port, will have a good selection."
DM Jan Thursday April 12th, 2007 3:44:50 PM
Cori starts reading through the journal, and in doing so gets more of an idea of Crow's mindset. Everything seems to be written on the page in chaotic bursts. Notes on magic are mixed in with the mundane. The beginnings of spells are written down, crossed out, only to turn up once again on later pages. This appears to be journal #1 in it's entirety. However, journals #2 and #3 appear to have a more order about them. Parts of #1 appear once more, but this time combined within a more logical progression. Summoning, restoration, resurrection - snippets of all these spells are written in, and intertwined in a complicated triple helix. Links and paths between the three are everywhere. Just looking at it is probably giving her a headache. This is going to take some time to make sense of. Step by step, some re-writing, unscrambling, other notes of her own....
Both halflings are craning their necks toward Ve Mundr and Valdor. "We jump ahead thirty years from now," asserts Wentworth. "If we were to go tomorrow, then it would be tomorrow there, too. Only thirty years on." He brings the amazing little device out of his pocket and looks at it. "We're not afraid to go," he adds. That last remark earns him a jab in the ribs from Tommy. "We're afraid," says his brother, but we want to help."
-------
At the end of the alley, across the other side of the tunnel, Feyd draws deeply on his pipe, holds for a moment, then blows out the perfect smoke ring. All part of the nonchalence he is trying to portray.
Inside, his gut gives a slight twist as the dark-skinned halfling looks his way. Oh yeah, she knew who he was. Did she also know he had to be here?
This was partly Wolf turf. If a representative of his House hadn't shown up at something this big, then the other Houses would have been all over them, sensing weakness. So, yeah. That was his official reason, and it was true enough.
Of course, the Wolves had another good reason to pay attention. That crazy old wizard had wanted body parts, and hey - this was Dirt City, and if you knew the right people... In this particular case the Wolves had been the right people. And now.... No sign of the wizard and the place was swarming with a Dragon group; the Dragon Group. What in the blue blazes did they want? What was a group of heavy hitters from Plateau City doing at old Crow's place?
Surely it wasn't about the body trafficing? Didn't they have bigger things to think about? Mind you, one look at the priest in the flowing white robes, that was the morality police , right there. Alemi? Good gods... And backed up by Valdor, Mordrid, oh yeah he recognizes those two, then another big bruiser that looked like a Domi worshipper, that mean-looking halfling, and some kind of exotic drow witch. What was she - sorceror?
Nice. All about to come tumbling down on Feyd if things went the wrong way. How come it was always his turn to put his neck in the noose?
Well, all he could do now was do his job. He had a chain of messengers strung out all through the tunnels. One signal and the word would get back to his superiors - time to get out and lie low. And if Feyd got out with his head still on his shoulders, he was going to ask for more pay.
Take another drag of your pipe, Feyd old boy. Stay calm. Look tough. Put on a good show. The whole of Dirt City is watching.
Dahlia Thursday April 12th, 2007 6:02:17 PM
Dahlia looks up as the wolf looks her way and quietly signals that she wants to chat with him. Waiting a moment for an answer she wanders over.
"I seek the Way of Peace, Wolf." I am not here to cause any trouble unless forced to. Tell your Pack Leader Canis, greetings from Dahlia of the Platinums."
Pleasantries over, she looks directly at him and continues.
"So is there anything you can tell me about Crow the mage who lived here? It seems that he has been delving into thinkgs best left alone and now he has endangered the entire Wold. We need info and need it quickly. Any help you can give us will be appreciated and noted by the Platinums. Just imagine what status that appreciation might bring you in the Pack?"
Corialote and Amarth Thursday April 12th, 2007 8:47:08 PM
Cori shrugs her shoulders and shakes her head. "These journals are going to be a pain...it will take some time to piece it all together and figure out how everything was done." Looking to Ve she taps the books lightly. "These will have to be studied and a way to prevent what has happened from being done again." Looking to the rest of the room she nods her head in understanding. "Well, fire would be the best way that I could think of next to disintigrating everything in here." She mulls over the options as she waits to see what idea he might have.
Amarth is keeping his eyes on the outside. He does not like to leave his Mistress without all the information and that leaves him to be her eyes. Not a bad job with all the perks really.
Mordrid Friday April 13th, 2007 1:59:24 PM
Mordrid, backing up Valdor's plan to bring the halflings, "We have always been too quick to trust people. It might be good that the halflings are with us. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
Ve Mundr Friday April 13th, 2007 7:05:05 PM
Ve concedes, "Very well then." he states plainly. Oblviously not being vested enough to belabour the point. Ve begins collecting volumes from the shelves that appear to have seen the most use and is putting them in his Haversack. His mind however is going through options on erradicating the area when they leave. nothing can be left and without destroying a vast portion of Dirt City itself. He has not thought of the anser to that yet
Posting Report for Monday April 16th, 2007 4:50:34 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of April 9,2007
Name-----MTWTF DM Jan H-OXXXO Valdore--O2XXO Mordrid--OXOOX Fr.Nick--OXXXO Dalia----OXO2O VE Mont--OXOXX Coralote-OXXXO
Adm Ceil _ Hmmm! getting ready to leave. But still intresting.
Nick Monday April 16th, 2007 6:13:32 PM
Nick looks at Cori and Ve. "You're planning to torch the place? You know, a fire underground... you're both joking, right?"
DM Jan Monday April 16th, 2007 7:46:53 PM
On a perch between Crow's dwelling and the birdseller next door, Amarth has a good view of Valdor, Mordrid, Nick, the halflings and the construct. Dahlia appears to have disappeared beyond his vision. Directly below him, two bright yellow finches are twittering their indignation on being locked in a cage.
Ve collects the more well-read books of Crow's collection. Amongst them is a battered copy of 'The Environment and Mount Bone - Flora and Fauna bathed in Evil.' by Edgar G Sprout.
Across the way, Dahlia appraoches and introduces herself to the Wolf representative. For a moment, he looks uncertain, and a 'What, who - me?' look flits across his features. But only for a moment. The man draws again on his pipe and nods toward the alley currently filled with all kinds of Platinum Dragons and metal monsters. He clears his throat, and smoke drifts and curls out of his nostrils. "Well, I think it's safe to say he was insane." He shrugs. "We had dealings. We supplied him with materials he needed. Unusual materials, flesh and the like. He did the occasional job for us. No questions asked on either side. You know how it goes. I'd say he was pretty much a recluse. Not a violent man. Had a wife so someone must have liked him. I never had the occasioan to meet her, though." He glances toward the alley. "So, what's the story? How can a crazy old guy like that do the damage you suggest?"
And so, the clock is ticking. What next for our heroes?
Ve Mundr Monday April 16th, 2007 10:02:40 PM
Ve looks darkly at Nick, a conversation the two have had before. Ve has never crossed the line in his war against evil or to save the greater Wold. Father Nicholas knows however that Ve firmly stood in the camp of the needs of the many. If forced, he would raze 49% of the planet to save the other 51%.
"I am trying to think of a different solution my friend, but our time is limited and the more seconds that expire the greater the danger to all."
Valdor Monday April 16th, 2007 11:51:11 PM
Valdor leans over to Ve and says,"Why don't you ask Cori to fireball whatever is in there, then one of you cast a water spell or cice storm inside there? Then it will be destroyed on the inside, but not the outside. Just a thought."
He looks at Mordrid and shrugs his shoulders as if to say,"It sounds good anyway."
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday April 17th, 2007 12:02:23 AM
Cori walks back into the building and looks around one last time. She is noting the size of the room and how well constructed it is. With that in mind she moves back outside and looks around. She is noting the closeness to other buildings of note and what materials they are made off. "I have an idea but it will take percision on my part and maybe Ve." Depending on what she can tell quickly she will start to gather together what she will need to make this work.
She moves over to stand closer to Ve. "I will be needing a wall of force or something of that nature that will stop a cloud from spreading beyond this building. It will need to be erected just shortly after my own spell which will be to create an acid cloud inside of this building." As she goes over her thoughts a little more she frowns slightly. "You did not see anything that would explode in there...something really big that may cause major damage to the outside?" She is already thinking of useing her own spells as a wall of force would be best as it would contain all that.
CDM Jerry Tuesday April 17th, 2007 12:57:18 PM
Just a reminder to post in the Breakfast Nook.
Ve Mundr Tuesday April 17th, 2007 5:25:50 PM
"Simple, a Fireball is not destructive enough." Ve nods at Cori though, "Yes an acid cloud. That's what I was trying to get. Acid should not start a fire and I believe a pair of clouds from us should last long enough to complete the task once we do some prep work."
Ve heads back into the room where the more gruesome experiments took place. He takes a breath casts Protection from Acid and Fire and then sets about the rather unpleasant task. Pulling his war hammer if its a container with something in it, he destroys it.
Dahlia Tuesday April 17th, 2007 9:05:14 PM
Watching and listening to the lone wolf, Dahlia quickly replies.
"He was using powerfully illegal and unhealthy magic, dealing with time. So you never had any dealings with him where he might have mentioned places he was interested in seeing or going to? Even if they sounded farfetched and impossible, I want to know."
Mordrid Tuesday April 17th, 2007 10:04:43 PM
The ranger steps out of the home, as Ve and Cori go about the task at hand.
He hopes that it does not get out of hand, however he does not care how they plan to do their work.
Mordrid has never been one to condone wide spread destruction, as it pertains to nature. Yet, this was not nature. He does not really know what it is inside that strange home.
He's also been around the block a few times before, and there's no standing in the way of righteous men when they have their mind set on something. Thus he has no intention of interferring with Ve's directive. The ranger sees no need. He trusts the groups newest man of god. His instincts as of yet... have been spot on.
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday April 18th, 2007 12:17:20 AM
Cori steps to the doorway as Ve goes in and waits for him to start the work. Once he is pack inside of the main room and not in the back room she will begin her first spell. She will place her firs acid fog spell inside the back room and then back out further.
"You can lay your acid in the main room Ve and then I will seal it all off." After he is out and she has the opening she will put up a wall of force that will contain the acid fog from exiting the house. Hopefull it all will go off without a hitch.
Nick Wednesday April 18th, 2007 1:46:04 AM
Listening to Cori and Ve's plans, Nick concedes. Whatever that wizard had been working on, if what the halings said panned out - it was better off being destroyed.
He steps back, and pulls the two brothers, Tommy and Wentworth with him.
DM Jan Wednesday April 18th, 2007 2:16:18 AM
The Wolf named Feyd glances down at the tiny smouldering embers in his pipe as Dahlia plies him with more questions, and he raises an eyebrow at the sound of continual smashing glass that carries across from the alley. "Illegal and unhealthy? In Dirt City?" he gives Dahlia a wry grin and nods toward the alley. "I take it you're making sure whatever it is, doesn't get in the wrong hands, then. As for places..." The man takes another drag from his pipe. "From what I gather, he stuck fairly close to home. If he ventured out - " he shrugs, " - I heard someone say he's been seen traveling on the north road. That's not unusual. Everywhere is north of here, unless you want to travel by sea."
Bottles and jars shattered, glass crunches under Ve Mundr's boots as he completes his task. In the aftermath, Cori's spells both eat away at the interior, and protect the exterior from the resultant noxious fumes. There's a slight change of air pressure in the alley way as the force field goes up, and everyone has to pop their ears.
It is done. Apart from what the Platinums bring out with them, Crow's work and knowledge is destroyed.
Valdor Wednesday April 18th, 2007 10:34:40 AM
When Cori and Ve finish their work, Valdor says in his earring,"Time to go. The longer we wait, the worse it will be when we get there...not to mention I have a dragon to kill."
He gets the ring ready and will pass it to everyone once thy are ready.
Nick Thursday April 19th, 2007 11:13:08 AM
Nick steps twoard Valdor.
"Are we going back to the castle to make some final preparations?"
He's assuming so, for travel to wherever this hell hole containing Crow will need the halfling's contraption.
((OOC - DM Jan)) Thursday April 19th, 2007 11:14:40 AM
((Guys, I'll post this afternoon, and leave you time to get some more posts in. We need to step things up a bit, though. I'm assuming it's still spring break mayhem out there?))
Valdor Thursday April 19th, 2007 11:54:49 AM
Valdor nods 'yes' to Nick.
Mordrid Thursday April 19th, 2007 1:00:01 PM
Mordrid accepts the ring, placing on his finger and passing it to the next in line.
Corialote and Amarth Thursday April 19th, 2007 1:36:40 PM
Cori comes back over and shrugs her shoulders. The place is destroyed on the inside and the outside is in good shape. No harm to the city that she can see, so that is also a good thing.
Moving to stand near Valdor she leans in close. "You realize that I left a portal open in the sewers we entered and their are guards on the other side to keep it open." She does not mind going back a different way but she hates to leave a mess.
She will let the others use the ring and then she will retrace her steps to her own portal. Passing back through will shut it down and stop that from being a problem.
Valdor Thursday April 19th, 2007 2:26:44 PM
Valdor slaps his forehead and says,"Sheesh, I forgot. We'll go that route then. After you, my dear."
His eyes linger on her as she goes in front of him and he smiles.
Dahlia Thursday April 19th, 2007 6:06:19 PM
Nodding a polite good day to Feyd, Dahlia joins the others on their way back shaking her head softly as Valdor forgets about the open portal.
Ve Mundr Thursday April 19th, 2007 9:14:13 PM
Ve gives a satisfactory nod at the completeness of the work and heads out with the others and back to the castle.
Once there "I am going to try and locate the owner of this hair and these tomes. Won't take to long to make the attempt. Do we plan on jumping forward today or tommorow. I ask because just because the halflings saw no signs of magic does not mean it doesn't exist. Elementals and animated constructs rquire magic to a degree."
Nick Thursday April 19th, 2007 11:19:47 PM
Heading back toward the portal down in the sewer (yep, he'd forgotten about it, too), Nick is making mental notes - what he's prepared, what else he might need.
DM Jan Friday April 20th, 2007 1:21:20 AM
And so, the Dragons make their way back through the trade section, across the main Halfling Sewer tunnel, and back down into the sewer proper, and the portal home.
One of Feyd's accomplices steps up to his superior. "So what was all that about?" The skinny lad runs a mucky hand through dirty blond hair. Feyd shrugs and taps the remnants of his pipe bowl against a roughly plastered wall. "I'm not sure," he answers, watching with wry amusement as the two dwarf guards mutter and curse as they attempt to barricade the door to Crow's place. He straightens. "Don't you have pockets to pick?" The boy frowns. "Yeah but you told me -" "Then I suggest you get on with it." Feyd watches the boy slip into the crowd and disappear, and then turns his attention to the direction those adventurers had taken. In amongst the traders and shoppers he sees investigators from both the Teeth and the Darts approaching. Ha-haa, you're too late, boys and girls. Show's over.
It was time to go. He had one heck of a report to make. The whole town would be buzzing about this later. It looked like his House was off the hook, anyway. Folk got a little twitchy about body trafficing, and Warrd only knew what that crazy old man was doing with that stuff. Well, it sounded and smelled like everything had been destroyed, so that was the end of that.
He makes a point of catching the eye of the Teeth guy, who's currently heading toward the alley, no doubt to question the guards. He gives the man a smug smile, and then disappears quietly and efficiently into the shadows, just as a Wolf spy should. ---------------
Down in the sewer tunnel, the Dragons are met with the sight of two young boys running rapidly away from the vicinity of the shimmering portal, their small feet clattering on the metal walkway. The answer as to why becomes evident as they return to the courtyard of the castle in Plateau City. The ground is littered by a small assortment of pebbles and stones. "The portal kept spitting out stones," explains one of the guards, who sounds a little mystified as to why a portal should do that.
Fabersham is nearby to help out with whatever the Dragons require. "Can we get some food?" asks Tommy.
The construct angles it's polished head toward the Dragonstone. "Where do you intend to arrive?"
Jerry Friday April 20th, 2007 12:55:53 PM
Just a reminder to post in the nook and help with this. Remember your legacy will fade if future groups do not keep the reputation of the Consortium sound and intact. So jump in and help.
Posting Reports for Monday April 23rd, 2007 7:07:15 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of April 16,2007
Name-----MTWTF DM Jan H--XXXXX Valdore---XOX2O Mordrid---OXOXO Fr Nick---XOX2O Dalia-----OXOXO VE Mort---XXOXO Coralota--XXXXO
Ve Mundr Monday April 23rd, 2007 9:29:31 AM
Ve suggests arrival to a location that is well known and that would not likely be a seat of power. "Perhaps 10 miles north of the castle." Ve pauses and then brings up another thought. "What about us in 30 years. I do not know of the rest of you, but I have plans to still be alive. Cori, certainly would be barring the unthinkable. Should we avoid ourselves or does the timepiece solve this possible issue?" The question is aimed squarely at the two halflings.
Valdor Monday April 23rd, 2007 12:41:57 PM
Valdor asks the halflings,"I believe we covered this already, but didn't you say that in your trips to the future, all the problems centered around Dirt City? And that you hadn't come to Plateau City? I wonder if Plateau City is severely affected in the future. An, if magic isn't working properly, we will have a long walk to Dirt City if we go forward in time to Plateau City and that's not where we need to go.
So, after all that, I say we go to Dirt City about five to ten miles outside of town. Unless anyone disagrees, of course."
Mordrid Monday April 23rd, 2007 4:19:20 PM
"Well I for one, am not likely to be around in thirty years."
The idea of going into a magic free area unsettles the ranger. (OOC: Why is it that whenever a DM wants to give us a challange, the first thing they do is strip the party of magic? I guess that's why it's time for us to retire).
Corialote and Amarth Monday April 23rd, 2007 8:42:59 PM
Cori pats the guard upon the shoulder as she takes down her portal. "Just kids tossing rocks." She has found a respect for all the guards here as they seem to not take every one of her spells as witchcraft.
As she listens to the others she would have to agree. "If our magic is not useable on the other side we would be best to land close to our destination." It has been a long time since she has used any of her less delicate weapons. She pulls out her rapier and gives it a couple of jabs, though she is nowhere near happy with the results. "I think future training is in order." The rapier slips back into its sheath with an audible click and she shakes her head.
Nick Monday April 23rd, 2007 9:04:25 PM
"I think the outskirts of Dirt City is a good idea, too," says Nick before dashing off to stuff pouches with more herbs, bandages and wotnot.
DM Jan Monday April 23rd, 2007 10:24:40 PM
"Well, that explains that," says the guard as Cori offers up an explanation for the stones. "Dang kids. Pardon my language, ma'am."
Interesting questions are raised about the destination of this latest adventure, as the group make their final preparations. Tommy and Wentworth look baffled. Tommy chuckles. "Bet you'd have a fat belly in thirty years, Wenty." Wentworth gives an exaggerated sigh and rolls his eyes. he looks at Ve Mundr and Valdor. "It's something we didn't really think about, but then again we didn't actively seek ourselves out, either, so, I don't know what would happen."
Portaling to a site outside Dirt City before attempting to use the halflings' time machine appears to be a sound plan.
((OOC - guys let me know if you're adding anything major to your equipment that might help you?))
Fabersham has brought some packs of food. He's about to say something but is suddenly distracted by his uncanny sixth sense. "We have visitors?" he wonders aloud and heads for the main door.
Ve Mundr Tuesday April 24th, 2007 8:23:45 AM
Ve, "Dirt City Then. Though if I were Crow and in the process of taking over the Wold, I would assume a grander seat of Power." Ve looks over to Fabersham. "We need horses and provision to set a camp. Tents, bedrolls, rope, torches, oil..." Ve seems to have an extensive list of equipment and provisions. He stops partway through, apparently realizing he is putting together a ration set for a very extended stay for a good deal of people and turns to the halflings again.
"How much equipment and men can this timepiece move do you think?" And what is the reset time before it can be used to bring us back?"
Looking to the other Platinums, "I need to bring as many adamantine weapons and projectiles as we can. It will be our best offense. Domi's hammer is, but I will need to get some bolts for my crossbow and perhaps an additional melee weapon."
Valdor Tuesday April 24th, 2007 2:42:16 PM
Valdor nods to Ve and says,"I would tend to agree with you about the seat of power. That's where one of us would go. But from what the halflings told me before, they never ventured from Dirt City. And while Nick and I were outside in Dirt City, the construct said it could feel the 'nearness' of its master.
Cori, is there some kind of natural weapon or something called a 'tanglefoot' something? If there's not any magic, although I think there will be, then that could come in handy.
Ve, I used to have a Maul of the Titans, that I wish I had back now. That would work well if there's a fight. I could take down a castle fairly quickly with that thing...if I was mad enough. You would have liked it. If you have an extra warhammer, I would like to borrow it. I doubt if Jandar is anywhere around. I could always steal his, it's adamantine."
Nonam Tuesday April 24th, 2007 6:51:23 PM
Nonam walks in with a book in his hand and says, "Well, this doesn't look like a very good place to study." He starts to turn around and walk back out, but he pauses in the doorway and asks, "So, what's going on?"
Mordrid Tuesday April 24th, 2007 8:57:16 PM
"We'll, if constructs are involved... that is a sad omen indeed. Fore their hides are impermiable to critical wounds, and my arrows will surely bounce off their hides. If I could locate an adamintite bastard sword, I would feel like a young man again. We also should grab some light sticks."
The ranger turns toward the armory, "Valdor, would you care to join me? I need a sword, and you need a hammer. I thought we might go to our armory and see what exists their."
"We also need a healthy amount of rope. As I remember, I was once handy with a rope. The bigger they are the harder they fall."
The ranger is at once concerned about his ability to pull back his bow with out the added strength of magic, but figures that over the years his strength has increased to a level that's adequate to draw a mighy bow. However, it may be somewhat different than he's used to. [Mordrid's added strength from level gains has placed his strength over 18, even without his gauntlets of ogre power.]
Nick Wednesday April 25th, 2007 1:35:30 AM
Nick rejoins the group. "Okay everyone, I've got some potions in here, natural ones. Some of which are poisonous in large doses, so if I go down, don't just take a swig of these things without reading the - hey Nonam!" He grins. "Good to see you!"
DM Jan Wednesday April 25th, 2007 1:55:09 AM
Nonam arrives to find the other Platinum Dragons busy getting ready for 'something'. There is much commotion and talk of armories, adamantine, poisons, and constructs. They appear totally distracted in their preparations.
Talking of constructs - there is a large 8ft, polished metal golem stood in the room, along with two halflings Nonam hasn't seen before. On seeing him, the halflings stop telling Ve Mundr - "Anything within in a certain area you can get a hold - " and back away slightly.
In contrast, the big golem takes a step forward. It's head twists slightly, regarding the wizard with apparent curiosity.
Jus Wednesday April 25th, 2007 4:33:26 AM
Jus stops outside the room and listens. Yep, he thinks. Sounds like a lot of them are in there, along with some I haven't heard before.
Jus slips in, trying not to make too much noise, but knowing there is no way he won't be seen. For once in his life with these people, he keeps his silence and stands against the wall to watch and evaluate.
Onrad Wednesday April 25th, 2007 9:19:35 AM
Onrad comes downstairs.
"Well so much for a grand entrance."
He gives Jus a big hug. "Missed ya friend."
Then he aproaches Nonam. Pauses for a second, and then with a, "Why Not?" gives Nonam a hug, a kiss, and messes up his hair...what's left of it.
"Valdor, The Three are ready to ride one last time. We're back, if you'll have us. Gareth is having health problems...or woman problems...probably both. So he won't be returning."
He puts an arm around both Nonam and Jus. "Did you ever think you'd see these grizzled old men again?"
Nonam Wednesday April 25th, 2007 11:05:24 AM
Nonam nods at Nick and then looks at Onrad with a hint of irritation after having his head rubbed and mutters something about not being old.
After that, he appraises Ve Mundr, the halflings, and the golem, "I'm most pleased to meet all of you, I'm Nonam Firstorlast... the great swordsman. Surely, you've heard of me?"
He grins wryly at the last as he stands there in his robes with a noticeable lack of muscle tone and no apparent weapons visible save for a solitary dagger at his waist.
Ve Mundr d20+16=34 d20+16=31 Wednesday April 25th, 2007 11:43:54 AM
Answering Valdor, "I have no extra Adamantine weapons I'm afraid. I mispoke, what I meant to say is that I think it is prudent that all of us aquire a few melee weapons crafted of Adamantine as well as projectiles. If we enter combat with constructs, we will need them."
Looking at Mordrid, "Precisely my thoughts."
Ve finds himself stepping into the golems path out of habit than any conscious desicion. His eyes pick up on Jus' entrance and that of the concern almost scared body language of Tommy and Wentworth. [Spot 34 Sense Motive 31] Though fairly certain nothing could happen so fast as to cause real harm to nearly any present, Ve keeps his guard partially about him.
The Cleric of Domi passes an eye over Onrad, Jus and Nonam. He had heard the names before, but really knew next to nothing about them. Or at least no more than any commoner might know. Minstrel, Wizard and warrior, summed up his knowledge in three words. So he turns to face to Nonam, the man had after all introduced himself, "A pleasure," with a slight nod of his head. "I am Ve Mundr, Heirophant and Protector of Domi."
Ve is of Olive skin with dark hair, a slightly large nose and deep set brown eyes, Vé Mundr stands right at 6' tall and weighs a respectable 200 pounds. Though the latter is exceedingly difficult to tell as he is wearing full Platemail. Emblazoned upon the breast is the hammer of Domi, wreathed in white flame. The shoulders carry the high Woldian symbols for Domi upon them and Vé Mundr's personal seal, the pillar is set in the abdomen region.
Mordrid Wednesday April 25th, 2007 11:47:44 AM
Mordrid is noticably absent, as he has gone to the armory.
[OOC: welcome back guys! Jan, let's please take care of this equipment issue so we can move forward, and I can say hello to the 3 in person.]
DM Jan phyrbalxl5@aol.com Wednesday April 25th, 2007 4:32:02 PM
((Good idea, Scott.
Guys, just email me a list of what you want to take that might help in a non-magical arena. We'll do it off the board. Anything reasonable, justifiable (ie. put a good spin on it) I'll accept. Hopefully that should speed things up a bit.
In character - 'whathisname goes to the armoury' should take care of it. And we should tell Onrad, Jus and Nonam.))
Valdor Thursday April 26th, 2007 12:42:45 AM
Valdor joins Mordrid in their visit to the armory. He tells Mordrid,"Your Sunsword should do the trick. Or, you can have one of my other magical swords. I carry the two, but would like to take a bludgeoning weapon...just in case swords won't help us much."
When they head back downstairs and he sees Nonam, Jus, and Onrad, and Onrad asks his acceptance, Valdor says,"What kind of nonsense is that? Even though it means having Nonam wearing me out constantly, of course you are welcome...and always have been. But, I don't know what you mean by one last ride? I'm not going anywhere...I'm in my prime!"
He turns to Jus and says,"Glad to see you old friend. You have been missed. However, your arrival has come at a very good time."
He then shifts between the three and says,"First, let me introduce everyone. You have met Ve Mundre, a cleric of great power and skill. He's a bit headstrong, but that fits right in with this group. Then, our other new member, the extremely hot drow elf there, is Cori, a wizardess of great power, and, hopefully, soon to be my wife, assuming we live through this mess. Cori and Ve, this is Nonam, Jus and Onrad, also members of the Platinum Dragons.
Which brings me to the siuation of the golem and halflings. Apparently, the diminuitive(he glances at Nonam and smiles at the big word) ones have managed to create an artifact that will let them time travel. However, they took a wizard with them who stayed and has caused all sorts of problems in the future and has created several golems, using elementals inside them as an energy source. So, elemental within, golem on the outside. We have no idea how many he has created, nor how many are on our side or how many are against us. We do know that the device has malfunctioned and can only go to thirty years into the future now, which is where we must find this wizard, Crow, and bring him back here. If we kill him there, everything he has done apparently will remain in our future. Clear as mud?"
Nick Thursday April 26th, 2007 1:51:23 AM
Nick smiles at the good humour in Onrad's declaration. The cleric is happy to see these three. He's a little apprehensive about this latest task ahead of them, so the more support, the better. The spectre of 'no Gods' is still something he's having a difficult time with. Alemi, without you, I'm nothing Something he'd have to deal with, just like the others. Best not to dwell on it. Perhaps a better thing to worry about was the validity of the halflings' strange time contraption. Then again...
Distracting himself, he listens to Valdor, and points and mouths the word 'headstrong' at his fellow cleric and friend, Ve, while nodding in mock solemnity.
DM Jan Thursday April 26th, 2007 2:48:25 AM
Tommy and his Dirt City brother watch in awe as the heroes gather in the salon at the castle, and preparations are made. Their nervousness in the presence of this particular company would be shared by just about any ordinary citizen in the Wold.
"He's not a swordsman, is he?" Tommy whispers to his brother, while staring at Nonam. "Well, obviously not," Wentworth replies, rolling his eyes. "Well hadn't we better tell him about the no magic and the -" "Shhh. Valdor's talking." Silenced by his more taciturn brother, Tommy resorts to fidgeting.
Stood alongside them, the construct is now as still as a statue, with the exception of slight inclinations of its head, moving between Onrad, Ve Mundr, Nonam, and Jus, giving the impression it is taking everything in, and missing nothing. There is nothing on the outside of this creature to suggest that an entirely different entity with a will of its own resides within it. Its uniqueness lies within the swathe of magic that flows and folds over its joints, visible to any practiced magician. Symbols and runes in a style very different from the norm.
Jus Thursday April 26th, 2007 4:27:19 AM
Jus looks around the room. The wood he can see gives him some discomfort, all cut up and dead. He's surprised at how much he's gotten used to forests, tents, and caves. I bet the food is good, though, he thinks, pulling his thoughts to another topic as his mouth begins to water.
Valdor hasn't seemed to change much. For some reason, Jus always thought Valdor would find himself a family and settle down. Perhaps someday. Of course, there's Nonam. Should be able to still trust him. Onrad isn't around, but...
Jus' thoughts are interrupted as Onrad practically bounces in and gives Jus an irritatingly long hug. At least Jus was spared a kiss. As Onrad moves on from his unreciprocated attention, Jus thinks Ironic, this, a few years ago, that may have been my behaviour. It seems so childish now.
Still, Jus has to smirk a little at Onrad's behaviour and Nonam's swordfighter proclamation. They don't seem to have changed much.
Jus listens to Valdor's speech, chuckling when he mentions a soon-to-be wife (He's not reading my mind, is he?), and nodding to Ve and Cori as they are introduced. As Valdor continues, talking about the future and constructs, Jus takes time to look over Ve, Cori, the halflings and the Golem, trying to keep his eyes from moving into their customary cautious slits. How trustworthy are these friends of Valdor? For that matter, how trustworthy is Valdor anymore?
That explains the talk of Adamantine weapons," Jus thinks towards Valdor. After a moment, Jus realizes that once again he is not being audible. After a quick -- audible -- curse, Just tries again.
"That..." Jus pauses. His voice is a little steadier than when he first spoke in the Catacombs, but it is still weak -- and sounds so very foreign to himself. He'll just have to get used to hearing his voice again. "That explains the talk of Adamantine weapons. I take it that, with Onrad's pronouncement and your response, it would not be entirely out of the question for us to accompany you. It might be a good break from the stress of life. Besides, it'll give me time to get to know all of you again." That last sentence sounded a bit forced, Jus thinks to himself.
Continuing on with the hopes that nobody noticed his discomfort, Jus asks "Would this golem be one of those from the future? And are these two the ones that created these havoc-dealing golems in the future?"
Nonam d20+35=54 Thursday April 26th, 2007 10:14:11 AM
The wizard raises an eyebrow at Ve, "A priest, eh? I hope that you're open to debate about the worthiness of the gods for worship as opposed to one of those who insists that his interpretation and only his interpretation is the correct one."
Nonam then turns to look at the golem, using his arcane sight, to see just what he can determine.
While studying it, he absentmindedly asks, "Are all of the golems the same as this one, or are there different types? ... and what's this about no magic?"
(Arcana check=54 for the look at the golem)
Onrad Thursday April 26th, 2007 12:37:28 PM
"No magic, huh?"
Onrad slides over to the golem.
He mutters under his breath.
"Sounds like paradise."
He stands on his tiptoes and examines the golem. He then pokes him in the chest.
"You in there?"
He turns to look at Valdor and sees that he has his full "serious face" on.
He thinks, ::OK then, no time for shananigans. Time to get serious.::
He listens carefully.
"Is there no magic at all? Or just no spells? Will items work? If not, should we even take magical items with us? I think we should, but I'm just throwing out the idea. I'd hate to return and find that they have been all drained of magic.
"BTW, Nonam is a mage. Jus is both fighter and mage. I am a Fighter/Duelist. Well met. He bows."
-------
OOC: Just in case you didn't know:
Nonam is JK Franklin. Jus is John Klinger. Onrad is me, Jerry Phelps.
We, along with the PC Gareth, were a part of the first online group here called The Three, which later became the Storm Dragons and now, due to the merger, the Platinum Dragons.
These characters began back before we had a website when we were still playing via email.
Just so you know who we are. :)
Ve Mundr Thursday April 26th, 2007 1:42:41 PM
"well met Onrad and Nonam." A smirk crosses his face breifly at Nonam's comment. "I am not open to that particular debate in the slightes good wizard." he starts to turn away and then stops to add one last thing. "The preimse of your debate is flawed assuming only the two sides and sinse I am on neither of them, we can not debate that."
Ve then with a small chuckle looks to Onrad, "As far as we know, the Wold is complete devoid of magic, both arcane and divine. Though," he adds, "the information comes from a narrower perspective then the entire Wold. they only visisted Dirt City and no they did not create the golem Nonam. A gifted man of Dirt City called Crow, we believe is the architect and craftsman."
Jus Thursday April 26th, 2007 4:00:49 PM
"So it's possible that this Crow person is monitoring us through his Golem than stands before us?"
Corialote and Amarth Thursday April 26th, 2007 9:10:13 PM
Cori takes in each of the new faces with a smile and a short bow. She has only been with the group a short time or that is the way it seems to her. "Will arrows tipped with adamantine heads be of any use." She is loath to go into a melee battle with anything but her current rapier and how much good would it be to get one of that strange metal. "I might be better to the group with a bow and from a distance...I doubt I would stand up too long in a physical fight." If not she will be interested in a rapier made of adamantine and if the arrows would be of use, she would be interested in them as well.
She reaches an ebony hand up to lightly scratch the head of the raven that sat on her shoulder. Her purple hair was in a braid that layed gently over the other shoulder and she had a confidence about her. It would be obvious to most she was a spellslinger.
[Wanted to check upon the arrows first before taking this to email or anything.]
Valdor Friday April 27th, 2007 1:03:46 AM
Valdor smiles at Cori and says,"I know we've had this discussion already, but this might be different if you haven't your magic to protect yourself with. So, you don't have to worry about getting hurt too badly my dear. Plus, with these three(he indicates Jus, Onrad, and Nonam), we are much stronger than we were a few minutes ago. They are all extremely capable at what they do."
He turns back to Jus and Onrad and replies,"Of course we would like you to join us. We have been and always will be friends and allies. I wouldn't dream of you guys missing this adventure. We've none of us ever faced anything like this and it will be something the bards will sing about for centuries to come. The last adventure of the Platinum Dragons! Not to mention that I enjoy Nonam's constant badgering.
And lastly, we aren't for sure whether or not magic works in this future. We have only the words of these halflings and their time travel device seemed to work and there is magic enough for this Crow to weave a golem and an elemental together, so I'm thinking we'll have some...I hope we do at least."
Nick Friday April 27th, 2007 1:36:48 AM
"I believe these young men have taken magic items with them," Nick says in answer to one of Onrad's questions," and although the items didn't work in this terrible place, on returning, they resumed their magical enhancements. "This is just a theory of mine, but to me that suggests that magic out there is dormant, rather than there being some malevolent presence hanging in the air, killing it off."
He shrugs. "My biggest dilemma is the lack of magic relating to the divine. And I don't want to even think of the reasons for that."
He holds up a bag, one he carries on his travels that seems heavier and packed tighter than usual. "Medicine. Tools. Splints. Bandages. And I pray to Alemi I will not have to use them to any great degree."
DM Jan Friday April 27th, 2007 2:04:20 AM
As Onrad approaches the metal golem, he can't help but note the sleek precision of it's construction. Poking it give his senses a good impression of of its solidity. "Yes," says a featureless voice - that of the elemental, in answer to his question, and the thing cocks its head curiously.
Other questions appear to have piqued its interest, and it shifts slightly. "Crow does not care what happens to this metal shell. It seeks the comfort of his presence. I feel no reciprocation. As for others, of course there are others. Metal, flesh and stone. My kind have been drawn into them all."
Nonam's scrutiny reveals more or less the same results as Cori's did back in Dirt City. The construct is impressively built. Its design is unusual, sleek, suggesting new methods of manufacture. The magic woven around it is 'written' in an extremely spare manner, without the usual serifs and curliques. The runes and symbols seem pared down and simplistic. Some might say it reeked of laziness, or shorthand, but anothers might call it extremely efficient. There are divine symbols mixed in with the arcane, also.
"How much longer do we stay here?" it asks?
Onrad Friday April 27th, 2007 4:00:19 PM
Onrad falls back on his butt as he gets totally surprised by the voice inside.
All he can do is drop his jaw and stare.
Nonam Friday April 27th, 2007 6:44:56 PM
Keeping his eyes on the golem, Nonam says, "If constructs are walking around there, then magic works. It may have limits or constraints, but it's not gone."
Then the wizard turns to Ve, "So, I've proposed two sides of debate - that gods are either worthy of worship or that they are not, but you claim to hold an entirely different supposition. I do hope that you'll enlighten me in regard to your views because you're statement intrigues me and sounds as if it will be a most interesting discussion. If, on the other hand, you'd rather avoid such academic discourse entirely, then I'm sure that you'll find my personality to be acerbic - just like Onrad and Valdor do."
Corialote and Amarth Friday April 27th, 2007 8:08:00 PM
Cori stretches and then moves to go to her room and gather the last of her stuff. She is debating the idea of taking some of her stuff and changing it around. To this idea she drops most of her stuff into a normal pack, hoping that at least some of it will be useful. "I hate the idea of losing my magic...it actually helps to define who I am." Her familiar seems to be worried himself.
"What about our attachment Mistress...do you think it will still be there on the other side." His words hit a chord in her and she now has something else to decide upon. Should she leave Amarth behind to protect him or bring him along in case he is needed.
Posting Report For Monday April 30th, 2007 7:24:23 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of April 23,2007
Ve Mundr Monday April 30th, 2007 1:58:01 PM
"I'll be ready to leave immediately. I too would suggest we plan for our magic to function and prepare for it to fail us." The cleric seems quite at ease on the prospect as a whole. "The sooner we depart the better. A few miles outside of present day Dirt City."
Ve arches a brow to the wizard, "Ah I believe I misinterpretted your original statement then. My position revoles around the idea that the gods do not deserve worship. At least not in the traditional sense which is why I refrain from using the term. This, of course explains some of why I hold such low rank within the church. I hold that one should build a relationship with the gods. As that develops it may become a covenant, if you will, and from there even to a kinship. I see Domi as my teacher and mentor more than anything else."
Nonam Monday April 30th, 2007 3:41:31 PM
Nonam blinks his eyes.
[I'm waiting for my turn, but I don't want an O from Ceil.]
Mordrid Monday April 30th, 2007 6:31:45 PM
Re-entering the room, Mordrid adds his two cents (matter of factly as if the "three" never left - it's back to business); "Lets not forget that Crow's dabbling in this new science is directly related to the preservation of his wife's dead body. Lichdom? Or some new form of necromancy. They may not be related. But it appeared to me that he has dedicated his entire life's work to reuniting with his departed love. He would have no time for things such as this," thumbing over his shoulder at the golemm, "unless it was directly related in form and art."
Dahlia Monday April 30th, 2007 10:24:13 PM
Unnoticed and curled up in a chair in the back of the room Dahlia watches the newcomers with curiosity. She has heard of them all of course Particularly the one called Nonan, though the last time she had heard his hair was always changing color.
The darkskinned halfling has been pondering and thinking hard about the upcoming journey, unsure of what she can add to the mix, if their magic doesn't work and they are fighting these constructs then her other primary skill is moot as well.
She had spent some time in the armory going through the weapons trying to find something and finally found a couple of servicable blades, but still what good was a halfling rogue against all these metal constructs?
Figuring she had spent enough time in the background, the little halfling separates herself from the dark leather chair and moves forward to join the group and to introduce herself.
Nick Monday April 30th, 2007 11:14:47 PM
"Well, I'm as ready as I'll ever be," says Nick with a sigh. He reaches down and gives Dahlia's hand a squeeze before they set off. "Think an old man like me will be okay out there?" he asks her with a grin. "If I lag behind, just give me a push."
DM Jan Monday April 30th, 2007 11:27:11 PM
((Guys, I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to push us forward a little bit, so we can get into the story. You're all taking your magic stuff with you, right?))
By the time the group teleport over to the outskirts of Dirt City, it's late afternoon. To the south, the upper towers of Dirt City can be seen, and there's a cobbled road leading toward the towers general direction, winding like a grey ribbon across stone and moorland grass.
Sunlight twinkles on the surface of the distant coastline, the wind has dropped to a mild breeze but still carries with it the smell of the sea. It's a pleasant afternoon, what's left of it. The cobbled road disappears into low, partially clad hills to the north. East and western views share the same terrain.
With the exception of the group, there doesn't seem to be anyone else around at the moment.
Both halflings look nervous. Wentworth slowly takes out his small magic device. "So - we're going to do it? Now? I think we need to get closer together."
Valdor Tuesday May 1st, 2007 1:48:00 AM
Valdor arms up with his normal gear plus some extra rope and a couple of real torches. He makes sure he has an ale skin or two and water as well, along with some iron rations...just in case.
When they arrive, and Wentworth makes his statement, he says,"Make sure you get it right, my friend. Group hug time."
He kisses Cori in case its their last chance to do so. This is really something they haven't done before. He mutters,"Nick, you might want to be asleep for this. If teleporting messes you up, no telling what this will do. And Cori, just to see if it works, cast some duration spell on me like Cat's Grace. Something not too powerful, in case your magic does work, we don't want to waste a powerful spell."
Jus Tuesday May 1st, 2007 4:03:59 AM
Jus shoulders his pack, wondering how much of it will be ruined from this trip. He's become quite attached to his swords and bows.... If something does happen, somebody would have to die a slow...
Jus catches himself before his thoughts go to far down that path. The fighting won't be that that unfamiliar, but the future sure will be.
"Valdor," Jus asks, "if we have to fight these golems, as I expect we will, did the small fry give an indication if it'll be in closed quarters or open space? I ask since it will affect our preparations."
Jus Tuesday May 1st, 2007 4:15:01 AM
Jus turns and asks the construct, figuring the halflings will listen and answer if they have one. "Golems tend to be resistant or impervious to some magics, impacted by others, and even healed by yet others. Are you aware how the various Golems of Crow are affected by magic?"
He then asks Valdor if any of his compatriots has a Mace of Smiting.
Ve Mundr Tuesday May 1st, 2007 8:52:12 AM
Ve chuckles a bit at Valdors statement as he moves in to the group hug. "Valdor there are more active spells upon us as a whole than most see in a lifetime I would wager. I alone have about eight at present and that doesn't take into account intelligent weapons like your sword or everburning torches. I'm pretty sure we will immediately know if the future is like an anti magic field."
Ve reaches over and puts a steadying hand upon Nick's shoulder and gives him a slow and purposeful nod of his head. Have Courage my brother, I will keep you
Ve empties his HHH into a regular pack, but is taking the HHH as well. The regular pack has some food, water, oil rope and the like.
Valdor Tuesday May 1st, 2007 11:02:55 AM
Valdor replies to Jus,"I'm afraid we don't. We have little information on what we will be facing. These halflings are the only source of information we have and they didn't fight any. You know as much as we do about this. I really hate going in basically blind, but that's all we can do."
He laughs at Ve's comments and says,"I guess you're right. Sometimes we take for granted what we have around us."
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday May 1st, 2007 3:27:38 PM
Cori returns the kiss with as much passion as she can put into it, but does not go too far. They would need cooler heads once they are on the other side. "I have made some minor changes to my equipment, just in case." She would have gotten an adamantine rapier from the armory if they have one and some arrows with adamantine heads(maybe).
Amarth on her shoulder snuggles her cheek. He has chosen to brave what may come and help out as best he can. Both just hope on the other side he is able to retain the qualities he has now or he might be lost to her.
[Still wondering if adamantine arrows will be of any use. Will they still have their normal properties, even if it is only the arrow head that is adamantine?]
Nonam Tuesday May 1st, 2007 5:52:05 PM
Nonam absently rubs his hand over his bald pate once they arrive. Then he uses his arcane sight to see if he still can and if so how everyone's magic items look, "If magic doesn't work at all here, then I'm afraid that you've all yoked yourselves to nothing more than a tall, bumbling bald man who likes to read books."
The wizard appraises Ve and smiles, "Your position on the gods seems a reasonable one to me. Personally, I've met Domi, and while I fond him to be an agreeable sort, he didn't exactly inspire me to bend the knee."
Then he turns and stares hard at Jus, "Before I forget, is your... friend with you or someplace else? I won't do anything to him if he's here, but I don't want any suprises if whatever magical home he's living in suddenly stops working."
Dahlia Tuesday May 1st, 2007 6:32:00 PM
Seeing as no one really seems to be answering Jus, Dahlia makes the attempt.
"Well as I understand it there is an overlying problem in that these constructs, aren't just Golems, as they are each powered/inhabited by an elemental of some sort. The one with us here, seems to have been able to somehow take control of its shell and is looking for help."
Nick Wednesday May 2nd, 2007 1:17:35 AM
"I'll be okay," says Nick. He looks down at the halflings. If they could go back and forth with this thing, and they seemed sound enough - should be okay. Right?
Into the Future
DM Jan Wednesday May 2nd, 2007 1:56:27 AM
"The small, dark one is correct," says the construct, answering Jus. "But 'affected' by magic. I do not understand."
The breeze coming in from the sea picks up a little as the diminutive Wentworth takes out what looks like a large pocket watch. Cloaks and robes ripple slightly in the wind; the metal golem stands perfectly still.
Suddenly - it goes dark! Not completely dark, but the sky changes. There are clouds overhead, of a thick, turgid grey colour, making it difficult for sunlight to get through, and so eyes have to adjust after being thrown into instant twilight.
The first breath taken catches at the back of the throat, a feeling similar to being in a small, overcrowded tavern containing too many pipe smokers. There is a warm, metallic smell in the air.
The second breath taken heralds a rather strange sensation, and it's different for everyone - the fading of magic. Weapons and armour cease their subtle thrums and vibrations of enhancement, magical auras break up and drift into the air like loose threads and are soon lost. There is no dying shriek from anything sentient, merely the feel of retreat, or of sleep.
For the clerics, it feels as though a presence, or a connection is gone.
Right now, Cori's Amarth is perhaps feeling a little weaker, but the reason why evades him. The connection with his companion is still strong. Conversation won't be possible, but he won't know that yet. But the connection, the bond established between any humanoid and animal is unaffected, anything he's learned through body language and training will remain.
The wind has dropped. The surrounding grasses appear to be wintering and dormant. More of the bare rock is exposed, and in the gloom it looks like bones, poking through the skin of the earth.
To the south, the towers of Dirt City can be seen, but they appear to be in darkness. There is no torchlight visible. The cobbled road looks a little overgrown.
Apart from that, the surrounding terrain appears to be the same, except for one strange exception - about 10 feet away, to the north, are two parallel lines of metal (about 3 ft apart from one another), that have been laid along the ground, supported by flat pieces of wood. These lines stretch on into both east and west horizons.
Welcoming committee? Nothing so far.
Onrad Wednesday May 2nd, 2007 11:05:48 AM
"That was fast. Someone try a cantrip or something. Let's see what we got here."
He looks expectantly at Jus.
Afterward, he quips, "Going to check our rears. I won't get out of sight."
Onrad trots in the direction away from the town about 100' or to the nearest small rise and takes another glance around.
Ve Mundr Wednesday May 2nd, 2007 6:17:21 PM
Ve takes a third deep and slow breath, exhaling long and soft through his nose. The situation has landed fully on the worse case scenerio. He looks at Nick and slowly shakes his head a few times, answering the unasked question. Ve looks to the odd infinitely long metal bars, "Perhaps a wagon road?" Then glancing towards Dirt City, "From here at least, she seems abandoned. I would suggest we start there. Create a base camp and there could still be supplies available even if the city is relatively unoccupied."
Looking to Onrad, "I can tell you my Haversack is non functional and my spells have been nullified. Though perhaps we can still recreate it."
Ve tries a message spell. "Valdor? Can you hear me now?"
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday May 2nd, 2007 9:46:08 PM
Cori can feel her magic still there, but it seems to be asleep. "The magic is still there...but it feels bound or asleep." She can still feel her connection to Amarth but something even about that feels different. Shaking her head she calls upon the easiest of her spells...one that should conjure four small bouncing lights. She is already starting to feel the fingers of fear clutching at her...then there is uncertainty. Her eyes are what reveals the inner turmoil that she is going through right now.
Amarth feels different as he sits atop his Mistress's shoulder. He does not know what but he feels weakened himself.
[dancing lights]
Mordrid Wednesday May 2nd, 2007 9:51:22 PM
Never being one to be overly sensitive towards nature (as far as rangers go), Modrid feels an overwhelming feeling of emptiness.
The sensation manifests itself as a deep groan, that the ranger tries to contain. He lifts his eyes to the sky, knowing too well that it was beyond odd to see skies such as these this time of year. And the smell; the odor of smithy or archanist, out here in the open wind. A truly troubling time was upon them.
He traces the metal path off to the east. It was something new indeed. Mordrid moves to it, kneeling over to more closely examine it, with tracking skills that are apparently out of time and place.
"We are too late I fear. It would take a thousand years, with every smithy in the wold to make such a thing." He points longingly down the path toward the east, where home lies; or once did.
"Valdor, we should attempt to communicate with Sturtevant." The ranger covers his eyes as he realizes that any deed could be catastrophic. WE would have to be careful how we dealt with the present, as we were the past.
Mordrid has grown far away from his times of skulking about. It had become tiresome with the found glory of heroism, yet at this moment his instincts were yelling to cloak himself, and his companions.
The ranger draws his hood, and calls upon old skills that enable him to melt undetected into the countryside.
Dahlia Wednesday May 2nd, 2007 10:51:11 PM
feeling the weightof her gear for the first time in many years, Dahlia sighs and moves to the middle of all the others at least until she knows a bit more about hat they will be facing.
Valdor Thursday May 3rd, 2007 12:02:22 AM
Valdor had braced himself for thw worst and it seems that is where they have landed. He was pretty much expecting this, so he's not in shock...merely surprised a bit. He says quietly,"We must not be seen yet. We have to scout and find out what's going on and what we are up against. We don't even know if there are people here in the future.
Contacting Sturdevant could be a problem as we are now many, many miles from Plateau City. He may be dead now, as may we for all we know. What I do know is that we must avoid a confrontation or battle if possible. We should get off this road and find a way to get close to town without being seen so we can observe and know what we face. Only then can we plan any actions. Dahlia, can you scout the opposite direction from Onrad?"
He turns to the halflings and asks,"Do you have any allies around here from your last visit? And are there people still around? And what are these things of metal and wood that go on forever it seems?"
While he's talking, he pulls out his travelling cloak and pulls it on to cover the armor he wears.
Jus Thursday May 3rd, 2007 12:38:49 AM
As everyone realizes that magic is not mundane, Jus watches the Golem amongst them. Jus' suspicious nature has the better of him. "Could the Golem be pulling the magic for itself to survive? There are enough identifiable arcane symbols to be suspicious. Is it affected in any way?" Jus wonders to himself.
He also openly eyes the halflings. Valdor talks as if they are friendly enough, but so our thiefs when they feel out their marks.
Even though he's trying to ignore the lack of magic, Jus is worried. Not casting doesn't bother him, but it's been quite a while since he's been without his magic gear and aids. A thought occurs to him: "Perhaps we should be careful casting spells. Since magic is quiescent, any attempt to bring it forth may be detected by those that have suppressed it."
Nick Thursday May 3rd, 2007 1:13:15 AM
Nick's throat becomes dry as Ve's nod confirms the worst. No Alemi. No Domi. What in all the Gods names could have happened? He looks around, taking in the gloomy landscape. Izen had never been the prettiest region on the peninsula, but now...
Trying to keep his voice level, and panic at bay, he looks up at the construct. "What happened here? What catastrophe befell the Wold, that the Gods would leave us?"
DM Jan Thursday May 3rd, 2007 2:05:16 AM
Atop the nearest small hill, and still in sight of the others, Onrad gets a better view of the land and the northern horizon. The wilds of Izen stretch out and undulate before him, the terrain similar to his immediate surroundings. However, on the horizen is a thin, glowing band of light. Campfires? Maybe, but they'd have to be big campfires.
Ve and Cori try out a few spells. They both know the commands, and the subtle movements of the fingers. Nothing. It's like whistling in the wind. They can tell immediately, and of course Valdor fails to hear the magical spoken word.
Dahlia discovers the company of both Wentworth and Tommy, as the two other halflings cluster around her, considering her, more than the others, a kindred spirit. They're both a mixture of fear and curiosity. "We saw those lines before" exclaims Wentworth, stretching his neck for a look but not wanting to venture too near. " But we didn't know what they were for. Tommy, what do you reckon?" His brother shrugs while rubbing his arms, as if he's cold. "I dunno, but I think we'd better take cover, just in case more of those things come." The halfling points toward the construct. "It's our only friend. Everything else just chased us." Tommy then takes a step toward Valdor. He points toward Onrad stood on the hill to the north. "If you carry on going that way - thats where we saw the slaves, and all those holes in the ground. There's bad things in the City, too. Might look like there's no one home, but there's golems and teams of slaves, collecting things. We reckoned they were scavenging metal."
The construct seems busy, appraising every direction. The lack of magic everywhere else only seems to highlight the power within the 'creature'. Felt, rather than seen or heard, like a low vibration. Nick's question appears to have it baffled. "I do not know," it says. "You all speak of a world of magic and gods, and yet all I find is imprisonment and slavery, and these shells, who's only aim is to keep on reproducing, stealing more of my kind in the process."
Stood closer to the metal lines, Mordrid is the first to hear it. The lines start to hum - quietly at first, like they have some kind of continuous voice. The sound becomes gradually louder, more high pitched, and the planks start to vibrate a little.
Nonam Thursday May 3rd, 2007 12:40:05 PM
Nonam considers trying to cast his own spells, but sees that Ve and Cori are unable to do so. He spends a few moments watching the golem to see if does anything or looks different at all upon arrival here.
After being quiet a moment, he leans upon his staff and looks at the group, "Magic is still here, so your gods are here too. Something is blocking the connection. We just have to figure out what that is and then stop it. I'd suggest we start out by going over and looking at those two lines, and we need to find out as much as possible about this Crow. We should probably also approach this as a recon mission and keep our presence here as secret as possible. I have a feeling that to fix this, we'll need to go forward in time and stop the problem before it starts, but to do that, we need to figure out what starts it and when."
Then Nonam blinks in suprise for a moment, and addresses the golem/elemental, "I apologize for my lack of manners. I've been treating you as a construct, but you are clearly a sentient being. Might I inquire as to your name? Also, any information that you could provide about how you came to be imprisoned or why you have been able to reassert control when your brethern have not could be useful. Information about your sensory abilities could also be most helpful. For instance, how far can you see and hear? Can you smell or have the sensation of touch and feeling?"
Ve Mundr d20+11=29 Thursday May 3rd, 2007 12:52:17 PM
Ve first tries to help his friend, "Father Nicholas, I do not think the Wold abandoned, I think it shifted or hidden. Perhaps much in the same manner the Cradle was hidden so long with the Fey and has only recently been awakened. Now the lands of Rest and the Wolds Blood have been pushed beyond our reach." he turns to regard the construct and the halflings.
Then wonders more to himself than any other, but in standard fashion, Ve's musings are aloud. "To what final purpose would you create a construct whose sole goal is recreate itself? The eventual extinction of all other life and a world complete unto its maker?" Ve breaks the train of thought as the metal bars begin to hum and a puzzled look crosses his face. "Mordrid? You do something or did that just start?"
"I am thinking an exit from the road a good idea. We need to create a base camp Valdor and we need to do is soon." Ve scans about for anything resembling a natural shelter. "I don't have the best knowledge of the area, what we need is a low lying area where we can set up and talk."
[spot 29]
Dahlia Thursday May 3rd, 2007 5:27:05 PM
Sure Valdor that is at least something I can still help with here. Onrad, which way do you want to go? Any preference? The little halfling moves over to the Duelist and awaits his thoughts.
Onrad Thursday May 3rd, 2007 8:08:43 PM
Onrad trots back to the group.
"No preference. We don't know enough to make a good decision yet. That's what we need. Knoledge. So I'd say some group scouting and finding some informants is the plan for the day. There are some rather large bonfires that way."
He points back in the direction he came from.
He looks to Valdor for a sec, wondering what his burden was like in situations like this and then goes to Nonam and Jus.
"You guys ok friends? I knew we'd be challenged again, but I had no idea it would be like this. If things goes badly, forgive me. However, once again, I expect all of us to rise to the occasion and succeed when it is near impossible.
"To be honest, I'm excited. I know that sounds brash, but...."
Nick Friday May 4th, 2007 12:54:35 AM
Nick's eyes dart between Nonam's and Ve's reassurances. Not gone, not abandoned, just blocked. Yes, he could deal with that.
The sound from the metal rails interrupts his thoughts.
"What is that?"
Jus Friday May 4th, 2007 7:02:00 AM
Jus hears the increasing noise and fears the worse. Have they set off a magical alarm -- no not magical, it must be mundane. Out of habit, Jus pulls his bow and gets ready for combat. With a grimace, he wonders how effective he'll be against anything from this foreign land.
As he waits for something to happen, Jus thinks about Nonam's question. Jus won't answer, at least not yet, but it is curious why Nonam would concern himself about Jus' "old friend".
Valdor Friday May 4th, 2007 11:51:45 AM
Valdor looks around at the companions and says,"I don't like being visible. We need to find cover and quickly. We don't know anything so we need to stay hidden until we know what we are dealing with."
He turns to the construct and asks,"Back in our time, you could feel the nearness of your metal's master...can you feel his direction now?"
DM Jan Friday May 4th, 2007 12:05:34 PM
While everyone tries to decide on the best course, the elemental attempts to answer Nonam's questions, but not before young Tommy answers one of the wizard's other musings. "I think we started it," he says glumly, "by taking Crow into the future." As for the elemental - "My name is - " there is a strange whining sound, metal grinding on metal, "The halflings cannot reproduce that sound and call me Config. I am imprisoned by some kind of magical spell imbued into this metal shell. The spell is activated, by me. I am its, and the construct's power source. It is my own energy that imprisons me." It hesitates for a moment before continuing. "I have control of this metal because we are both from the earth. The earth speaks to us both. Fire, water and air would not be able to accomplish this. I do not fully understand your sensory abilities. I do know that this metal shell is distressed because it cannot identify its master. It knows there are others of its kind approaching."
Taking a look around, with the exception of a few dips in the ground, Ve can see that the land is pretty bare. The only shelter as such, appears to be the distant Dirt City.
About the time Onrad returns to the others, the 'singing' sound reverberating through the metal lines is louder, and there is a rhythmic sound - the-rum, the-rum, the-rum, also getting louder. From the east - torchlight, traveling fast and it's getting closer by the second.
Nonam Friday May 4th, 2007 4:21:03 PM
Nonam crouches down and looks to Valdor, "Others of Config's kind approaching means let's get out of here." The wizard starts heading for Dirt City. "Unless another course of action presents itself quickly, I suggest we aim for the water and maybe a boat."
Corialote and Amarth Friday May 4th, 2007 7:22:49 PM
Cori would not normally be worried but without one of her normal weapons she feels ever so small now. It is true that if given time she might be able to figure a way out of most things...she doubts she will have that time.
She pulls the rapier that she is carrying and tests the feel till she is satisfied. Then she bends her will to finding a way to unlock her true might. "I am ready to move when the rest are." Still being able to feel the magic inside of her she is seeking a way to unlock it...maybe a backdoor to it that is not barred.
[Not sure if any rolls are needed or if so what ones might be useful. Will go with the DMs discretion on this.]
Valdor d20=18 Saturday May 5th, 2007 12:02:11 AM
Valdor, realizing the speed with which the torches are approaching, glances at them, then towards the city to gauge whether they can make it or not if they run. He says,"Time to move out. Halflings, I'll carry you. Config, keep up if you are able."
He snatches the halflings up under each arm and takes off running towards the city. He's really nervous about the approaching creatures. He wants little part of a fight or confrontation until he knows what they are up against. But, anything that can move that fast and if it's made of metal...
(Intelligence check to judge distance versus speed 18-modify as you see fit)
Jus Monday May 7th, 2007 4:40:28 AM
Jus has no problem heading to the city instead of fighting with dead weapons. He certainly doesn't want to join them. Doing the best he can with his non magical speed, Jus heads for the city.
Posting Report for Monday May 7th, 2007 6:49:50 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of April 30,2007
Nonam Monday May 7th, 2007 3:39:31 PM
As the group moves, Nonam elaborates on his rationale by pointing out that earth elementals in metal bodies are probably poor swimmers.
Ve Mundr Monday May 7th, 2007 8:57:26 PM
Ve agrees on heading to the city, after all he suggested it. "I think Dahlia should find a good spot to stay and observe whatever is coming up on us on those metal bars."
Ve does his best to hustle away from the area and towards what was Dirt City.
Nick Monday May 7th, 2007 11:07:35 PM
"You guys just have to run everywhere, don't you," mutters Nick, setting off after the others. The comment is in jest. He has no desire to be caught off guard by whatever is coming, either, and so he runs as fast as he can.
Valdor Monday May 7th, 2007 11:10:14 PM
Valdor tells Nonam,"Yes, but unfortunately, water elementals swim fine and we at least can see the earthen ones. Let's try the city first."
He isn't strained by carrying the little ones. At least his strength and endurance is real and not increased by magic. He thanks Domi that he's spent so much time in the gym every morning while most were still in bed or eating breakfast or memorizing spells.
DM Jan Monday May 7th, 2007 11:50:45 PM
And so, as the noise and torchlight approaches from the east, the group sets off south at a dash toward Dirt City. The halflings are light in Valdor's arms, and both appear to be enjoying the journey.
The metal construct, Config, stays where it is, however. Moments later, a line of linked carriages flow past. They are flat bedded and linked together, and each are carrying about 20 passengers, all of whom appear to be sat down with the exception of those on the front carriage. This front carriage is a hive of activity, where men appear to be alternately pulling and pushing, up and down, with some kind of lever that rocks back and forth. The wheels appear to run smoothly on the metal rails, giving the impression of gliding on air. The whole carriage train is running along at a fair clip, torch flames horizontal and flaring. There is no acknowledgement of Config stood alongside the track, and in moments, the train becomes a diminishing speck in the distance to the west.
When the carriages have gone, the construct turns and makes large strides to catch up with the group.
Dirt City looms. Shadow is beginning to get the upper hand as twilight descends. The nearest Tower looks slightly misshapen as the group approach, and appears to be in disrepair. In front of it is a large statue - a humanoid possibly, although it's head seems to have fallen off.
Buildings beyond the Tower are dark shapes in the growing gloom. One of them, slightly larger than the rest, appears to be host to a number of bats, although their flitting and their shape is unusual, and their substance is also questionable.
Cori's attempt to connect, to reach toward the power she is so perfectly able to manipulate, is left with the feeling of emptiness - physical emptiness, as opposed to an emotional sense of loss. Something fundamental appears to be missing. The other spellcasters will feel the same.
Mordrid Tuesday May 8th, 2007 3:43:52 PM
Mordrid stands up and becomes visible within the moon shadows. Standing next to the track, he watches as the carriages disappear into the west. "People... that's a good sign."
The ranger wishes he had never seen such a wonderous invention. Now when he returns to his own time, contingent upon surviving this, he will be haunted by its image; and the agony of locking away such ideas in his head.
The ranger races after the rest... towards the city.
Nonam Tuesday May 8th, 2007 5:39:21 PM
A bit irritate with not being able to use magic, Nonam looks at the halflings when the group slows down some, "I think it would have been easier if we had gone back in time and dropped the two of you into some dark hole instead of going forward in time to fix the things you broke."
Dahlia Tuesday May 8th, 2007 10:55:05 PM
Running as hard as she can, Dahlia has a hard time keeping up with the long legged folk but does her best and eventually catches up.
As she catches her breath and stares after the rolling machine, she looks around at the others. Hey has anyone tried anything that had stored magic in it like a wand or something?
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday May 8th, 2007 10:57:27 PM
Cori feels herself sinking deeper into a pit of despair. For all these years she has been defined by her ability to work the weave effortlessly and now she was without that. The others may not understand, at least those that do not know the weave as intimitely as she does. She does glance to Amarth but finds him to still to be unresponsive, in fact something is different with her friend...this bothers her even more.
Valdor d20=20 Tuesday May 8th, 2007 11:14:22 PM
When the carriage goes by, Valdor slows down and then even stops. He says,"I don't like this. One of the benefits to doing all of our adventuring is that we have means of travelling that others do not have. If everyone can travel thus, then what good is all of our magic. And why did we risk our lives for these things?"
He turns to Nonam and says,"Somehow it got semi-broken where it will not go back in time...only forward, except back to the time where they found us. And only to this time we have arrives in. We are unable to change anything past, unless we find this Crow and take him back to our time. Clear as mud, eh?"
He looks to his new love and can read her concern, no, her distress, written across her face. He leans in close to her and hugs her. He says,"Were my ability with the sword lost, or my strength, I would know how you feel. But know this my dear:we have never failed in our time together as a group and we will not fail now. You will find your magic again, I promise. I will help you search for the answers and we will fix this, or I will die trying."
Nick Wednesday May 9th, 2007 1:49:42 AM
Out of breath, Nick follows the trajectory of the strange wagon train for a while, then turns his attention to what lies ahead.
"No welcoming committee," he says, sounding relieved. "Unless there's something hiding in the gloom."
He ventures toward the statue, curious.
DM Jan Wednesday May 9th, 2007 2:01:50 AM
"We didn't do it on purpose," Tommy says as Nonam registers his displeasure.
The sound of the wagon train has gone now, leaving only the sound of distant waves meeting the shore at the far edge of the City. The City itself still seems eerily quiet, and dark.
As Nick approaches the statue, he can see that the head has bull's horns. In fact there's a carved plaque at the base of the statue. Part of it has crumbled away. It says "Bull. Defender of - " and there looks to be a date.
Amarth's natural instinct has his full attention on the flitting things outside the larger building. Food? No. Something that makes him want to fly away. He should warn his companion. But how?
The construct catches up with the others, about the same time as Dahlia. it stands, waiting.
Jus Wednesday May 9th, 2007 8:18:47 AM
It's hard to shake the image of the machine that flew by. Jus has seen halfling and dwarven creations before, but nothing so large and fast as that wagon. It appeared to require much work to maintain, though -- much more than needed with magic.
"A minotaur?" Jus says when they approach the statue. With a sideways glance at Valdor, Jus adds, "For some reason, I expected it to be our high and mighty Valdor."
Jus is still discomforted by the nearby golum (hopefully the adamantium weapons they got from the armory will still help with that). Jus keeps expecting the golum to begin attacking at any moment. "Perhaps my recent like is making me jumpy," Jus wonders to himself. "And now we have more unknown creatures to deal with.".
While examining these new oddities, Jus thinks about what could have caused so many changes and this absence of magic.
Out of curiosity, Jus tries a spell he hasn't used in many, many years back when his group went to Myth Drannor [see http://tinyurl.com/332svp]. Myth Drannor was the polar opposite of this place of barren magic, but the spell Jus was taught touched magic at its most primal level. Perhaps...
Jus attempts to cast Weave Mythal, hoping, without much true expectation of success, to use the spell to touch even the faintest traces of magic that may still exist. Even if the spell succeeds, Jus has no idea what will happen.
Ve Mundr Wednesday May 9th, 2007 11:45:29 AM
Ve watches with interst as the carriages hurtle by and upon spying the people, he pays more atention to them. Race, general dress and build and so forth and most especially if they appeared to be passangers or captives. Ve moves the to statue and blows upon the stone where the date seems to be, trying to get a better read of it. A small glance and grimmace is sent Jus's way upon his comment, but Ve dismisses it. More history then he cared to know most certainly.
Squinting into the gloom about Dirt City and more directly towards the shapes flitting about a building, Ve retrieves a hooded lantern and proceeds to fill and light it.
Nonam Wednesday May 9th, 2007 1:44:57 PM
Nonam watches Jus and says, "That's a good idea, but I've been thinking about the Woldsblood. Maybe something has interrupted the flow. Even if that is the problem, I don't see how we can do much to fix it."
Valdor Wednesday May 9th, 2007 2:11:54 PM
Valdor looks at Jus and asks,"Have I offended you in some way in the past? Your comments tell me I have, but I fail to remember it. If you have a problem with me then air it out. If not, then we have enough problems without your constant jabs at me."
Nick Wednesday May 9th, 2007 7:46:29 PM
Nick looks on as Ve Mundr attempts to uncover more of the date on the statue. "Wasn't there a minotaur cleric called Bull, here?"he asks the others. "I thought we met someone like that when we fought here a long while ago. Just before we rescued Parnoth?"
He shrugs, memory not being what it was.
DM Jan Thursday May 10th, 2007 1:55:42 AM
Ve only caught a glimpse of the passing carriage, but it was enough to tell him that the passengers were human, and dressed very plainly. Some appeared to have chains around their ankles.
A crust of dust, years in the gathering, crumbles away from the plaque at the base of the statue, revealing the date. Based on the date back at the castle, before travel, this date is 205 years into the future - and the statue looks old.
Jus has another attempt at activating a spell, using another method. Nothing. The casting of it felt right. But there was no power to bring it to life. Power meant Woldsblood. Did Nonam have the right idea?
The Protector of Domi's torch lights up the immediate area.
Straight ahead is the Tower. Middle right is a broad path that leads into the upper part of the City. Far right is the large building surrounded by the flitting 'things'. A large keystone above it's doorway is carved with a giant eye.
The ground on the approach to both the path and the Tower suggest foot traffic. There is none in the direction of the large building.
What next for the Dragons?
Jus Thursday May 10th, 2007 6:04:24 AM
Jus, surprised at Valdor's reaction to his comments, looks at the others with a bit of confusions and starts to say that nothing's wrong.
Then he stops.
Perhaps there is something that has been bothering him. The "old Jus" would've had no problem speaking out, laughing, and forgetting... even in a place like this. Maybe it'll happen again after he's been around these people for awhile. Besides, Jus only has suspicions about who was responsible for a particular deed, and he certainly will not ask direct questions about it. He will, however, have to be more careful to keep his unconscience from tainting his words.
Besides, as Valdor so succinctly put it, there are enough problems to deal with in the here and now.
"My apologies," Jus says with a slight bow towards Valdor. "It was not my intent to slight you with those words. I intended to reflect my believe that many statues have been and will one day be erected in your honor."
Perhaps that will be enough; being that it is also the truth should help. It's a little disappointing though, that even leaving for a short "vacation" won't let Jus relax and have fun anymore.
Something seems to have released in his mind. Jus' mind starts racing along many paths.
"You are likely right, Nonam," Jus admits. "It's been too long since I've seriously studied magic, but the absence of Woldsblood would be an obvious tie to what's happened here."
"Once, long ago, the Three of us where in a land full of Woldsblood. I remember the draw of it, the pull to touch a stream... even just one drop..." Jus' eyes drift as he remembers that time, that yearning. Although its been years, he still feels that desire when he thinks about it. But now there is no Woldsblood around. Maybe.
"Witches carry Woldsblood, don't they?" Jus walks over to the Golem and looks at it closely. "We know it can be contained and used for spells, possibly to control life and death."
"People are still born and die here, don't they?" Jus asks the halflings as he walks around the Golem, stopping once again at its front.
"Do you mind?" Jus asks, with his hand poised over where its heart would be. If the Golem doesn't seem to object, Jus slowly brings his hand closer and closer to the Golem, trying to feel anything drawing him. If nothing happens, Jus then touches the Golems chest.
Valdor Thursday May 10th, 2007 10:49:40 AM
Valdor responds to Jus,"My apologies. I misread what you were saying. Maybe we're all just too tense. I really never thought about any statues with me on it. Anyway,I think the unused tower is a good place to start. Plus, there's obviously a reason there are no footprints approaching it.
Mordrid, can you cover our tracks up to the building so noone wonders why someone went in it?"
He turns and walks as lightly as possible towards the unused tower. He holds his hand out to Dahlia, inviting her to check for traps. While they wait for her to do their thing, he says to Jus, Nonam, and Onrad,"I think you should know that Latheise is dead and before we could kill him, he killed Lady Solara. I know you all knew her, and even though she was a black dragon, she cared about Floating City and was a pretty good person."
Nonam Thursday May 10th, 2007 1:36:05 PM
Nonam sits and thinks about Woldsblood and Jus. He mutters to himself a good bit and seems on the verge of saying something a time or two, but he never says anything about it.
Dahlia d20+25=42 d20+25=40 d20+25=37 d20+25=47 d20+25=41 d20+25=37 d20+35=54 d20+35=46 d20+35=40 d20+35=39 d20+35=53 Thursday May 10th, 2007 11:30:22 PM
Making her way to the tower she periodically checks for things on the way and once there carefully inspects the entry and the surrounding area immediately infront of the entry. If she finds anything she will move everyone else back as she attempts to disarm it/them.
Search checks: DC 42,40,37,47,41,37 Disable checks: DC 54, 46, 40, 39, 53
Nick Friday May 11th, 2007 1:38:53 AM
Nick looks at Ve uneasily as the date on the statue becomes apparent. He stands, walks up to Valdor, and says quietly - "That statue's date is over 170 years ahead of where we're supposed to be, and it's covered in the grime of ages past. If that date is correct, we are not 30 years ahead, we're much, much more."
DM Jan Friday May 11th, 2007 2:15:20 AM Lathiese AND Solara. Both parents now dead. No wonder Keiran was having nightmares.
The construct makes no move to obstruct Jus as the elf approaches. The metallic shell feels slightly warm to the touch. There is indeed an aura of magic surrounding it. The polished, elegant metal head looks down. "Can you feel me? Embedded in this creature? Do you want my energy, too?" asks the imprisoned elemental. "Others have tried the union, I think. They did not survive. Better that you find this 'woldsblood'."
"What are those dark things?" Wentworth asks, pointing toward the building that Dahlia is carefully approaching. And in answer to that -
Dahlia can see nothing suspicious as she approaches the old building that has the huge eye carved above it's doorway. Right now, hers are the only footprints. Gargul's eye seems sightless as she steps closer, and its perfectly reasonable to assume there will be no magical traps, either. However, about five steps from the doorway, the shadows descend. All those small flitting things, previously wheeling like bats, now converge on the halfling en masse. They touch - drifting past her fingers and cheekbones and suddenly she knows. They are the dead. And although they seem harmless, and Dahlia suffers no pain, they are overwhelming, blocking out sight and hearing with their clamour for attention.
Loss, fear, anger, hopelessness, despair, these souls of the dead, having no way to reach the Isles of Rest, are crowded around this tomb, around Gargul's place of worship, for where else was there to go? People are born here, yes, and they die. Oh yes...
To the others, she looks to be under attack of some kind.
Amarth takes flight and starts squawking in alarm.
Ve Mundr Friday May 11th, 2007 9:01:56 AM
Ve returns Nick's look and his jaw tightens and his lips thin. Ve will move to stand with Nick as he talks to Valdor. Ve adds, "Not to sound petty, but I do not wish to set up base camp at a former temple to Gargul." Commotion from the location catches his attention and Ve is moving towards Dahlia as quickly as can.
Ve ignores the spirits and thier meaning for the time being and simply moves through scopping Dahilia up and using his body as a shield to exit the area.
Valdor d20+37=52 d20+32=50 d20+27=31 Friday May 11th, 2007 10:54:43 AM
Valdor replies to Ve,"Me either, but what better than a place noone enters? If we can find another place, then we will. But for now, at least noone should bother us while we search the town for clues on how the Woldsblood has been silenced."
When the shadows "attack" Dahlia, Valdor draws his sword and moves in to attack while Ve gets her away, forgetting that his weapon porbably will have no effect.
Onrad Friday May 11th, 2007 11:11:09 AM
Onrad tumbles forward to protect Ve's flank. He draws his rapier and backs up with them.
"What is that?"
Jerry Friday May 11th, 2007 12:47:34 PM
We're winding up in the Nook folks. So please go post and let everyone know your preferences for who we invite, in what order, and how.
Jus Friday May 11th, 2007 3:47:08 PM
Jus begins to draw his sword and go fight the creatures that are attacking Dahlia. Then he realizes that due to their sheer numbers and the thickness of their cover, Jus may hit Dahlia instead. Besides, like gnats on a hot summer day, it is unlikely a swing of the sword will disturb them much. A bow seems even less useful against so many that are so little.
Perhaps just our numbers may help drive them off. Jus gets closer, with the others, but stays a little behind. Instead of fighting, Jus draws his bow and keeps an eye out for someone approaching. If anyone is nearby, there's a good chance they'll notice the bats are no longer at the top of the tower.
Nonam Saturday May 12th, 2007 12:57:58 AM
Nonam hopes that the shadows have the capacity for communication and says, "We're here to help find a way to get you to the Lands of Rest, but we don't know what's keeping you from there. Do any of you know? If you can help us, we can help you find the place where you belong."
Posting Report for Monday May 14th, 2007 7:00:32 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of May 7,2007
Mordrid Monday May 14th, 2007 11:00:28 AM
As commanded, Mordrid atempts to cover any trace of their passing. It comes as a much more physical task than he is used to, without the aid of god in nature.
He stops short when a visual commotion comes all around Dahlia; yearning to aid her, but not really knowing how. He could only pray that they weren't feeding on her.
Onrad Monday May 14th, 2007 1:04:45 PM
Onrad continues to guard Ve's flank, not that he needs it.
He keeps wide eyes on the souls before him. Hoping they will respond to Nonam.
Ve Mundr Monday May 14th, 2007 3:54:00 PM
Ve, with Dahlia, moves away from the building 30' before depositting her and spinning in place to fully access any pursuit. The souls moving about the tower, things have taken on a far greater importance and far more dire consequences to failure. Nonma is trying to communicate, and perhaps he will succeed, Ve says a small prayer.
Dahlia Monday May 14th, 2007 5:04:14 PM
Startled at first by the sudden onset of the shades as they surround her, she starts to go for her weapons when she realizes they aren't attacking her. She is trying to gather her thoughts and try to communicate with them when Ve charges in and carries her off.
Nick Monday May 14th, 2007 6:37:02 PM
"Dahlia!" Nick exclaims, as the halfling almost disappears, surrounded as she is by these things. He gives a sigh of relief as Ve wades into the fray.
DM Jan Monday May 14th, 2007 7:17:43 PM
The small form of Wentworth is staring up at Valdor and Ve as they discuss the merits of entering the Gargul temple. "Gargul is scary," he offers, "but if there's no one inside, we'd be able to get Below in there without being detected. There's always access between Above and Below, even if there isn't supposed to be. Everyone has a back doo - oooooh!" He grabs the arm of his brother and stands and stares, as Ve, and then Valdor dash toward the doorway of the temple, quickly followed by Onrad.
Ve pulls Dahlia away from the cloud of dark, flitting things, and in doing so, he too, along with Valdor and Onrad, become briefly surrounded as the things swirl like large insects around them. It feels creepy and unnerving to be surrounded by the dead, despite their innocuous form. And their agitation and distress can certainly be felt. At the edge, Nonam, Mordrid, Nick, Cori and Jus also get a taste of it. Little wonder there is no foot traffic at this particular spot. Everyone finds their heads full of whispers, of longing, of despair, of hopelessness, and above all - why, why, why?
Nonam's attempts at communication appear to bear no fruit, although... his attention keeps being drawn beyond this picket line of the dead, toward the entrance of the temple.
Jus stays on watch, bow at the ready. Right now he can see no movement coming from the other, larger tower, or the wide alley that leads into the Above part of the City. However, it's beginning to get dark, and the shadows are deepening.
Mordrid is doing a fine job of covering the trail, or at least he was, until the skirmish involving getting Dahlia away from the floating dead souls.
Corialote and Amarth Monday May 14th, 2007 11:17:42 PM
Cori's hand drops to the hilt of her rapier but she does not pull it. She looks to poor Amarth and tries to get him to come back to her. His sense to things that are not natural are much higher than most and she fears for him even more now, than before. "I am not sure that Amarth will survive this." Her words are spoken more to herself than anyone else.
[Been fighting a nasty case of sinus cold, medication and maybe a migraine all rolled into one.]
((~~Jan~~ Sorry to hear that, Jim. I thought your comp had blown! ))
Valdor d20+18=31 Monday May 14th, 2007 11:35:51 PM
Seeing there is no danger from attack, only of standing still, Valdor tells the shades,"If you'll let us pass and then keep everything else away, we'll try to find a way to get you to the Lands of Rest. I'm going anyway, but you will help yourselves by staying here and being sentinels for us."
He sheathes his swords and walks toward the entry, understanding their distres, but thinking about his group's well being and his concern for Cori and Amarth overcoming any despair those souls might impart to him.
Jus Tuesday May 15th, 2007 12:49:00 AM
Jus keeps watching guard, but makes his way towards the Golem. Jus glances at the Golems eyes, or what seems to be them, looking for any sign of the life trapped inside. "It's quite strange knowing you are alive, trapped in there. Your words and the constructs actions appear to be two separate wills."
Jus stands beside the Golem, looking around and glancing up at the tower. Nodding towards the door, Jus asks, "If Valdor can't get through the door with all those souls flitting about, would you be willing to try?"
"Oh, one more thing," Jus says to the Golem, or, truly, to the elemental within. "What is this merge you talked about earlier?"
Ve Mundr Tuesday May 15th, 2007 2:31:16 PM
Ve visually goes over Dahlia, she seemd unhurt, he himself was not physically hurt and so he goes with the assumption his visual scan of her on her condition. "Access to Below is likely what we want Dahlia." Ve starts towards the tower and offers, "Any ideas on How to locate Crow? It's a much bigger Wold nowadays."
Nonam Tuesday May 15th, 2007 3:58:31 PM
Nonam follows Valdor toward the temple entrance. He tries to ignore the spirits as best he can and focus on the entrance itself.
As he goes, the wizard remarks to no one in particular, "You know, I rather enjoy this. It's more of an academic exercise than what we usually get. It's gotten me thinking a bit about the nature of magic."
Then Nonam shifts trains of thought and asks, "Config, do you have any experience with damage to the shell? If Valdor cracked your prison, do you think it would lose it's hold over you? For instance, and don't take this the wrong way, if he hacked at this shell with an admantium blade, he might cut through your cage enough that you could escape."
Onrad Tuesday May 15th, 2007 4:12:58 PM
Onrad rolls his eyes at Nonam's comment and takes the rear guard with Mordrid since Ve Mundr and Valdor have the front well in hand.
He nods at Mordrid and grins walking in backwards after the rest follow.
"Uh, Mordrid? Is this what being a Dragon is all about?"
Mordrid Tuesday May 15th, 2007 5:55:40 PM
Mordrid continues at the task of covering their tracks, when Onrad approaches the rear. He responds, "in essence... minus power and all the other stuff."
He jigs back at Onrad, after over-hearing Ve, "maybe you should tell them that Crow's home might be a good starting point."
Dahlia Tuesday May 15th, 2007 9:48:02 PM
"Well that was interesting." As Ve asks his questions she thinks for a moment. Well I am fairly sure I can find our way down. As for finding Crow, I say we ask Config. He said he could sense him."
"Hey Config, You mentioned before that you could snse the creator of your shell before. Do you sense him here and now and if so where?"
Nick Tuesday May 15th, 2007 11:07:49 PM
After giving a sigh of relief about Dahlia, Nick approaches the two halflings. "When you said we were to go ahead thirty years - were you sure?" He points. "That statue back there..."
Mordrid Tuesday May 15th, 2007 11:32:21 PM
"I don't think these two know anything," as the ranger thumbs back towards the daft haflings.
DM Jan Tuesday May 15th, 2007 11:49:50 PM
Wentworth and Tommy cast an uneasy glance back toward the decapitated statue as Nick asks his question. "Well, we assumed it was thirty years," says Wentworth. "It was a bit of a guess, maybe there's an exponential element in the equation. But we saw all this when we came before." "Will you speak common, please?" Tommy grumbles at his brother.
Amarth flies down and settles uneasily on Cori's shoulder as the group advance. His eye dart about, and his feathers are pulled tightly in around himself, so that he looks about half as big as usual.
"I see no obstacle that prevents us entering this building," Config answers Jus. " And the merge? Do you mean the union between Elemental and and a humanoid?" Dahlia's answer is in the form of a gesture, as it's arm and metallic fingers point back out into the wilds, back toward the rails, and to the north west. But what actually lies in that particular direction? Most of the Dragons should know. All these questions are fielded as the construct follows everyone toward the temple. Until Nonam suggests damaging its metal shell. It grinds to a halt and regards the wizard for a long movement. "You would be prepared to do this?" it asks. "Destruction of this metal shell would free me. Communication between us after this would be difficult, however."
As the group approach the temple, Ve's torch illuminates the entrance and to a lesser extent, some of it's interior. Inside there appear to be stone columns, what could well be an altar, with a figure slumped at the foot of it, clutching a book.
Nonam Wednesday May 16th, 2007 9:39:27 AM
"Config, I am able to speak the terran language of earth elementals. My knowledge of it is largely academic, but if you have the capacity to speak terran in your natural form, then I should be able to understand you. Even with a communication barrier, I wouldn't want you to be enslaved longer than you have to, and I appologize that I didn't think of this sooner. Plus having a free earth elemental with us could be of immense benefit. I assume that you would still wish to help us free the rest of your people. How much damage would we have to do to the shell?"
Onrad Wednesday May 16th, 2007 1:09:08 PM
Onrad nods at Mordrid watching the area casually.
He smiles at Nonam's wisdom and benevolence. He gets wistful.
::I guess we've grown up in spite of ourselves.::
Ve Mundr d20+11=17 d20+13=32 Wednesday May 16th, 2007 5:21:07 PM
Ve moves into the room and towards the figure, torch out and just above his eye level in his right hand. His hammer is stowed and his shield in his left hand. Ve strides to about 15' and then slows to smaller steps and slightly hunched, bringing his posture to the mans level, seeking out his eyes with his own. "I am Ve Mundr, preist of Domi and Protector of Wold's people." Ve sets the lantern down and slides onto his haunches. With his right hand he lifts the visor on his full helm to better see the figure and ascertain his condition. [Spot 17]
If alive but hurt, Ve calls Father Nicholas forward and begins triage. [Heal 32]
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday May 16th, 2007 10:17:26 PM
Cori gently caresses the feathers of her familiar with tender love. She was not liking this at all and the fact that she brought Amarth was starting to weight heavily upon her. So much so that she was not catching all the conversation around her. Though she does have the sense to follow the group as they move.
Valdor Thursday May 17th, 2007 12:35:59 AM
Valdor makes sure they close the door upon the group entering. He follows Ve up to the figure with the book. His hand is on his sword hilt, but he's really not concerned about the cleric's health. He knows he can fend for himself. He looks up at the ceiling and all around the room while Ve tries to figure out if the figure is dead or alive.
Nick Thursday May 17th, 2007 12:55:25 AM
Nick nods at Mordrid and has a hard time preventing himself from rolling his eyes. Alemi only knew 'when' they were, right now.
It feels odd walking into a Gargul temple. It was normal to feel a presence in any temple, but now...
Pushing his unease away, he helps Ve attend the fallen figure.
DM Jan Thursday May 17th, 2007 1:37:04 AM
Right inside the entrance of the temple is an open, plain set of double doors (which can be closed), and the vaulted room beyond reveals nothing in the way of embellishment. It is typical of a Gargul temple, where the very idea of ornamentation seems at odds with the fundamentals of life, death and their aftermath.
A plain stone carving of an eye looks down at everyone from the altar at the far end. There are a few benches at either side. To the right looks to be an open doorway to an anteroom. Shadows hide the remaining features of this place - shadows that look particularly deep beyond the altar.
As Ve's lantern light bathes the face of the fallen figure, it reveals a desiccated, hollow-cheeked visage. The man's body is curled slightly, as if, in life, it has fallen asleep. There is no obvious evidence of harm. The corpse seems intact. Fingers of bone, partially covered in skin are lovingly cradling what looks like a parchment journal.
The dead souls have not followed the group inside.
Config's heavier footsteps throw up low clouds of dust. "A significant amount of damage - the removal of the head and a limb or two," says the construct, answering Nonam's question. "It may try to defend itself. If I help, there is a danger I will wrest myself from the creature's magic of my own accord. This might cause a rent between planes. Which we must avoid." Despite the flat vocals, there appears to be an inflection of interest in the golem's voice, that wasn't there before.
Both halflings are cowering behind the wolf-cloaked ranger, his apparent derision nothing compared to how they feel about their current surroundings. "This place is creepy," says Tommy.
Jus Thursday May 17th, 2007 1:49:28 AM
Jus enters, if there is room left on the other side. He half expects the flitting souls to follow the group inside.
Noticing Onrad's smile, Jus has to say, with a smile of his own, "Not quite the flaming madman he used to be, is he?"
Nonam Thursday May 17th, 2007 12:27:15 PM
Without magic to occupy himself, Nonam speaks to everything and everyone at once. To Onrad and Jus, "I don't recall ever supporting slavery, and I'm still for dropping the halflings in a hole. I quite agree with Mordrid on their utility." To Config, "The head? Are you willing to risk that?" And with a gesture toward the parchment, "Is someone going to read that?" He walks over to take it, "I hope the corpse doesn't jump off the table. I hate when that happens."
Onrad Thursday May 17th, 2007 12:42:49 PM
Onrad solemnly nods at Nonam. "Yes, my friend. I know."
Onrad scampers towards the altar and the far end of the main room to check it out, looking for danger and failing that, things of interest.
"Someone check out that anteroom."
Dahlia d20+30=37 d20+30=35 d20+30=42 d20+30=42 Thursday May 17th, 2007 4:50:08 PM
"I've got the Ante room Onrad." Dahlia answers as she heads off that way to see what there is to see.
spot DCs 37,35,42,42
Nick Friday May 18th, 2007 12:26:46 AM
"I wonder what happened to him? I wonder who he was?" Nick muses aloud about the dead man. As a matter of habit, a prayer is on his lips before he realizes it may not be heard. He attempts to take a closer look at the man's garments. Was he a Gargulian priest?
DM Jan Friday May 18th, 2007 1:35:46 AM
the dead man is draped in rotting fabric. The remains of a robe, which suggests either a cleric or a wizard. If touched, the cloth crumbles like dried leaves.
As Dahlia takes a look inside the anteroom, she can make out another doorway to the left of her, and straight ahead, the beginnings of a stairwell leading down. The light from Ve's lantern only ventures so far.
As Onrad takes a look at the rear of the altar, the wall behind it seems to recede into blackness, and he feels a slight breeze blowing toward him.
One of the corpse's hands snaps off at the wrist and falls with a clatter as Nonam retrieves the parchment journal. Lantern light reveals solid, steady script on the final page -
Blessed Gargul, what has befallen us? We failed to stem the tide of Crow's madness, and were ill equipped to escape the web of evil, spun so deftly by the denizens of Mount Bone. How firmly it held us, and how far-reaching it was, until the entire Wold languished in the embrace of that terrible war. That both these horrors were born on Izen soil drives a poisoned dagger into my very soul. How did this land become so cursed? Cursed enough for Marteaus to unleash his own brand of madness.
Did we deserve this? Did the Wold? Did you deserve to be shunned in the aftermath? We tried to keep faith alive. We all did. But our people were deeply wounded, and renounced us all and enacted their revenge. Few of us managed to escape the burnings. Has this lack of faith been the cause your slumber? And what of magic? Why did it fail so soon after your silence?
I see you have left the way open. Ah, I am old, I am weary, and I need to rest. I will start the journey on the morrow. And we shall talk of faith. And I shall bow before you.
Onrad Friday May 18th, 2007 10:23:10 AM
Onrad, puzzled about the look of the wall behind the altar, decides to add some light to the situation.
He looks around for some sconces and torches. He'll pull torches out of his own supplies if needed and lay torches around on the floor if he can find no place to put them properly. He holds off on lighting them for a sec, thinking of a first step.
"Would someone with darkvision check out this back wall please?"
Satisfied that someone will come, he continues his preparations for lighting the temple. Once the back wall is checked out by someone with greater ability than he, he starts lighting torches, etc.
Ve Mundr d20+11=13 Friday May 18th, 2007 12:13:34 PM
Ve reads over Nonam's shoulder the parchment aloud. "I wonder if he started and made it this far, or if he never began. I think we should assume he began and the trail took him here. We will pick it up and continue for this opening mentioned." The fact that is stared in Izen does not sit well with Ve as his conclusion is Borden and the ill concieved ressurection that brought the orc back. That particular thought, however, Ve Mundr keeps to himself.
Ve glances over at Onrad, none of them were dwarves, there would be no darkvision, but this would occur to the man soon enough. No need to publically embarrass him by mentioning it.
"Father Nicholas? perhaps we can determine how long ago he passed." Assuming Nick has more skill than himself, Ve Aid's him. [Aid Another Heal 13 adds +2 to Father Nick's Heal Check]
Nonam Friday May 18th, 2007 12:29:21 PM
Nonam reads the message and says, "He was pretty flowery for a guy who was dying. I assume that he was speaking of the trail to the afterlife. Did he kill himself? Anyway, it won't hurt to look for a physical trail... So, where's Crow, what did Marteaus unleash, and what was it the people did? And what happened to the magic? And why are we trying to fix the future? Didn't they have some heroes of their own?"
Does Nonam's darkvision work? It's permanent, but he received it through magic.
Valdor Friday May 18th, 2007 2:21:01 PM
Valdor makes sure there are no windows around the temple where lights could be seen shining through. If there are windows, he'll point that out to Onrad before he lights very many torches.
After Nonam reads the material on the scroll, Valdor says,"Well, Crow is either living underground here, or possibly in Mount Bone, from the sounds of it. How bad will it be if Marteaus is still around and his followers still have access to spells, but none of the others are still around t help us. They would rule the Wold for sure. We should search below first, then, if we can't find him, we should head to Mount Bone.
But, first we should get this shell off of our friend here. However, we should move deeper into the temple before attempting it, as it's likely to make a lot of noise and e don't want to attract any unwanted attention to ourselves."
Taking a torch, he moves back towards the back of the room.
Nick d20+19=29 Friday May 18th, 2007 7:06:20 PM
Heal Check DC 29
Nick crouches alongside the body and examines it as best he can, while the others discuss the writings on the parchment. He looks at face, eyes, skin texture, hair, clothing, any obvious wounds, tears, nearby daggers or poison bottles. He's not an expert at examining the dead, but he does his best.
"There's only one thing Marteaus is good at, and that's disease," he adds to the conversation at one point, "maybe that's what happened to all the heroes."
Jus Saturday May 19th, 2007 6:36:37 AM
"Config," Jus asks, "would you survive being released? Unless Crow trapped all the elementals, wouldn't any of those left seek to free you?"
Jus nears the darkness behind the dead priest, trying to pick up the breeze Onrad felt, and its possible source. He awaits Dahlia's report, although heading farther into the temple isn't as tempting as entering the darkness that the priest seems to guard.
Jus glances around, surprised that he didn't notice any of those lost souls flitting in with them. When the door opened, he expected them all to pour in.
Dahlia d20+23=42 d20+37=47 d20+29=37 Saturday May 19th, 2007 3:22:18 PM
Finding the doorway and the stair, Dahlia makes a quick report back via her bluetooth.
Valdor, guys, I have found another door and a stairway down in here. I am now checking out the other doorway.
Search DC 42 Disable DC 47 Open Lock DC 37
Mordrid Saturday May 19th, 2007 5:29:11 PM
Stepping into the conversation, "It may be wise if Config stayed inside his shell for now. If released, he could be sent back to his plane, or worse he could be summoned to serve somewhere else, and our guide would be lost; not to mention it has made mention several times to the possibilty of catastrophic failure if two planes merge."
Corialote and Amarth Saturday May 19th, 2007 10:03:58 PM
Cori perks up and heads in the direction of Onrad. "My darkvision is naturally a part of my heritage so it seems to be fine." She will glance to the wall and beyond, reporting what she sees to the man that is standing there.
She had not been privy to the scroll as she had not read it and was not listening too well if it was read outloud.
Thinking back to something that she just said she wonders if her given abilities still work here. Without a thought she tries to use a simple spell that almost all drow can use...prestidigitation to clean up an area of the floor.
Posting Reports for Monday May 21st, 2007 6:01:08 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of May 14,2007
Name-----MTWTF DM Jan H-XXXXX Valdore--XOXXX Modrid---XXOOOS Fr.Nick--XXXX2 Dalia----XXOXOS VE Mont--XXXOX Coralots-XOXOOS Nonam----XXOXX Jus------XXOXOS Onrad----XXXXX
Adm Ceil
Onrad Monday May 21st, 2007 11:50:00 AM
Onrad nods seriously at those who are examining the mysterious far wall.
Then he hears Dahlia and trots over to assist her.
He glances at the body, sees all the dragons examining it and discussing it and thinks...
::plenty working on that. not my area of expertise. keep assisting where you can, onrad. keep moving and then you don't have to think about these circumstances too much. I don't think we know the half of what we're going to face here yet. you're talking to yourself again. I know.::
Ve Mundr Monday May 21st, 2007 4:22:26 PM
Ve agrees with Mordrid, "I recall Config mentioning the destruction of planes and everything as well. As much as I would like to 'free' him, doing so might free us all."
DM Jan Monday May 21st, 2007 10:35:13 PM
Torches in the sconces on the temple walls have rotted and fallen to shreds and splinters, so Onrad has to array a set of torches of his own, in order to give everyone more light.
In the meantime, Cori, Nonam and Jus approach the wall at the rear of the altar. Jus feels the dry breeze, carrying a faint scent of decay, and it comes from the direction of the wall, as though there were a gap in it, with a breeze from outside coming through. Nonam's darksight isn't as sharp as he'd like, suggesting the enhancement is dormant. Still, there's a sense of space ahead. Cori's natural vision is able to pick up an area in the centre of the wall that is vague - incoherent - there's a roughly circular portion of the wall that just isn't there. The boundry of that circle, roughly 8 feet in diameter, is ragged at the edges, where stone appears to have crumbled. A tunnel? With the exception of the breeze and total darkness, nothing ventures forth from it.
Valdor checks for windows. There are none, and the doors are now closed. Onrad lights his torches and goes to help Dahlia search the anteroom and beyond. The stairwell Dahlia intitally discovered in the anteroom appears to lead down to a cellar and/or the City 'Below'. To the left of this room, Dahlia and Onrad discover two smaller rooms, and going off the decrepit furniture contained within, it's probably a good estimate that these two were used for sleeping, food prep, maybe bathing. There are no exits from these particular rooms.
Back in the main hall, dried flesh crumbles against Nick's hands, and the entire skeleton of the corpse is now threatening to collapse into a pile of bones. A two-hundred year old lich would be in better shape than this. This man, whoever he was, has laid in death at the base of this alter for many years. None of his bones are broken, and there are no weapons in evidence, or poison bottles. He appears to have died peacefully, going off what's left of his facial expression.
Config's head switches between Ve, Valdor and Mordrid. The halflings are also hovering close by, figuring that in a spooky place such as this, then Valdor, Mordrid, Ve, Nick and the construct are very good company. "If I remain dormant, and do not try to give aid in this attempt to free me, then it is unlikely that a breach of planes will occur," it says with its usual lack of emotion. "Would your decision to free me now change as I tell you that while in control of this metal casing, I may able to decieve other constructs? This may be useful to you, or it may not. I want to be free of this. It seems a choice has to be made."
It now becomes obvious that part of the rear wall of the temple is missing. The flickering blaze from the torches gives everyone else a better view of their surroundings, not to mention a little heat - a boon in a darkening night that is growing cold.
And there, carved in stone, the giant eye on the altar looks down, reminding everyone just exactly what this place is.
Valdor d20+11=23 d20+11=13 d20+11=17 d20+11=15 d20+11=25 Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 12:00:19 AM
Valdor thinks for a minute and replies to Config,"I would like to see what happens upon your release, but you bring up a great point. We will leave you as you are, unless it hurts you to stay as such. It is quite possible that you will be able to aid us in our task better in your current state."
Valdor "feels" the eye as though its upon them and says,"Well, Gargul, if you still are able to hear us but you just can't respond, you are really going to owe us after this one when we succeed. If you could make some +5 long swords appear that will work in this time it would help. Or, just look around at your empty temple."
He checks around the bottom of the altar to see if it moves. Even if he can't see anything, he'll make an effort to push it in each direction, just in case it moves one way but not another.
Mordrid Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 1:03:43 AM
Ve agrees ; Config adds ; Valdor decides ; Mordrid adds a point on it...
"And empathizing with Config, I was not prepaired to enter this plane as a baby; nor am I so prepaired to leave this plane as an old man. Somehow our spirits are not so willing to leave one plane for the next."
Mordrid turns around to the casters in the group, "so remember that the next time you try summoning something."
The ranger can't help but notice the majority of the group is drawn towards the darkness at the front of the temple. This causes hair on his arms to rise. These are worthy people that are capable of sensing things beyond his senses.
He steps aside to get a better angle, to lay fire support for his venturing friends.
Dahlia Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 6:26:07 AM
Having checked out the rooms Ingrge informs the others.
"Ok All, we have the way below, you want Onrad and I to scout it out or are we all going together?"
Nonam Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 9:24:31 AM
Nonam looks at Mordrid, "I have no skill in conjuration magic. It is in opposition to the transmutation I specialize in. I've never summoned so much as a boot."
Then to the rest of the group, "Gods know, I'm not usually one to pronounce moral judgments, but leaving Config encased is wrong. We can let him out, and we should do so. Plus, wouldn't you like to know what happens to one of these bound elementals when you damage their casing. Suppose you have to fight one? Will you tickle it with feathers? You all brought those adamantium swords for a reason. I can only assume that you planned to fight these enslaved sentient beings that have seemingly been dubbed "constructs." Will you lop a limb or two off of the first one you engage in combat? That has a greater liklihood of merging planes than attempting to release Config now."
Onrad Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 10:38:32 AM
"Dahlia, my thought is that we do not want to get too spread out. What do you think?
Onrad begins to borrow torches from the others. "I think I'm getting a torch obsession." He starts lighting the side rooms for something to do and to help secure the stairs.
"I guess we just became the most competent basic guards in the Wold, Dahlia." Onrad deadpans the statement.
Onrad picks up on pieces of the conversation with the elemental.
"Valdor, assure our elemental friend that we will release him when the time is right. Give our word on that. And make sure he knows we do call him friend. It is a decision."
[Private note: Steve Hott, I sent you an email about our Consortium plans and results several days ago. Please check and respond. ;)]
Ve Mundr d20+13=29 d20+13=21 Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 1:15:16 PM
Ve leans back on his haunches at the Gargul Priest. "Probably before the fall of Dirt City then which makes the open gateway mentioned in the journal most irrelavent as it likely no longer exists." Ve stands and picks up the lantern and motions his head towards the hole in the back wall. "Shall we then?"
Unlikely a breech will occur Not the most resounding of confident statements in the mind of the cleric of Domi. Ve moves to the gaping hole in the wall and thrusts the lantern through near one side by the floor. It had to go somewhere. He wasn't nearly on edge as some of the others he felt. The abscence of magic and the precense of Domi was certainly keen on his soul, but the precepts and a life of living by those teachings kept him more calm than he might have imagined. This was a land devoid of magic both arcane and divine. Which actually made him feel more secure, WYSIWYG. A strange phrase he had once heard, but it seemed to apply here quite well.
Looking over to Nonam, "The earth elemental better serves the Wold within the construct and for the betterment of the Wold, he should remain there until that ceases to be true." Ve turns back to the whole with that said and steps through to the next area of the temple, assuming of course the lantern revealed a floor to step too.
As he moves the cleric begins talking out loud agin to no one, but himself "Need to find the scroll vaults or some more writings to corroborate whatwe just found. Our little jump just became enormous. We are not 30 years or even 300 years from where we were yesterday. We need to get this Crow and return to our time. Now Armies and wars scoured the entire Wold. Crow is not in that ramshackle of a house in Down Below and has not been for 300 years if the building still stands. I very much doubht it does. We need more current information and the historical record up to the fall would provide that. If IT even still exists seeing as the city fell hundreds of years ago. Winners tend to rewrite things but even that would be better than nothing."
The cleric moves about the new area witht the lantern hoping to light up something of interest in this regard. spot 29
Nick Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 11:36:02 PM
Nick stands up slowly. "It's almost as if he died in his sleep," he says. "No obvious signs of violence. He did write that he was weary..."
He trails off, blinking in the torchlight.
I see you have left the way open.
Just what in Alemi's name did that mean?
DM Jan Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 1:04:40 AM
Three paths appear to await the Dragons -
Below - Mount Bone - the yawning hole behind the altar. Which of these will yield answers? All of them? None? One? Maybe two?
The stone altar refuses to bow to Valdor's considerable strength. It sits there, stubborn and solid in this crumbling place, a testament to things long gone. Or does it merely wait? Resolute in it's faith that all is not yet lost?
Config lapses into silence, seemingly ambivalent about it's immediate future. And yet its inability to convey much in the way of emotion makes it difficult to tell just exactly what its true feelings are on the subject of its own freedom.
Taking his lantern, Ve Mundr steps into the mouth of the hole in the rear wall. What is he expecting to see? The logical answer would be the one he has already voiced - records - books, scrolls, historical scripts that might give more clues.
But what he sees before him defies that logic. For the tunnel extends ahead into the gloom, perfectly round, it's walls of the same crumbled rock. Everyone has seen the exterior of this building. It had a set of finite dimensions, and yet - the lantern's light suggests the tunnel ahead goes on beyond, into a darkness that is not the upper part of the City.
But where does it lead? It doesn't make any sense. Or does it?
Mordrid Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 1:07:08 AM
The ranger nods in agreement with Ve, regarding the immediate future of the construct. When Ve further expounds upon the groups current place in time, Mordrid points to the north.
"Mount Bone."
"Although it would appear there may be information straight ahead."
"I would think twice before allowing the construct to go beyond the gaping hole behind the alter."
The ranger knows too well the dimensions of the building. Two planes entering a third sounds alarming.
"Config... stay here for now."
Valdor Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 11:44:58 AM
Valdor nods at Mordrid's assessment and says,"I think it would be a good idea for him to stay with our two halfling friends here. If someone enters and you have to hide, then enter it. We'll face the consequences then...if there are any. However, let's examine this location thoroughly before we go to Mount Bone. If we are ineed several hundred years into the future, then how is Crow still alive? There is oviously still some magic here."
He turns his thoughts back to Config and asks,"Can you feel any pull toward the hole here? Can you feel Crow's presence at all? And lastly, have you seen any other elementals removed from their shells by force and, if so, what happened to them?"
Onrad Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 12:51:13 PM
Onrad shrugs at Mordrid showing his ambivilance about which location to choose.
He stays by the side chamber and watches the others, ready to help if needed.
::yawn::
Nonam Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 1:34:44 PM
Nonam scowls and waits for Valdor to decide what to do.
Ve Mundr Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 2:18:42 PM
Ve glances back to Mordrid, a smile in his eyes and lips, though the latter is disguised by the helm the Protector wears. He and the ranger had come a long way in understanding, really all of them. Such was the usual way, the cleric mentally noted, regarding heroes of long careers. Roads are often strewn with many boulders in the first few months. Ve turns his full attention back to the hole and with a silent prayer to Domi, Ve strides through and down the tunnel.
Jus Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 3:33:38 PM
Jus listens to everyone voice their thoughts and concerns. He leans towards going into this hole that shouldn't be, so is glad to see others start that way.
Dahlia Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 8:26:24 PM
Dahlia shrugs as Onrad mentions not getting to spread out and then thinks again.
"You know with our magic not working, you're probably correct. Of course that may be why Valdor hasn't responded to us, because the earings aren't working. well shall we head back and report to them then?"
Nick Thursday May 24th, 2007 1:33:36 AM
Nick approaches the two halflings. "Valdor's probably correct. We don't know what's down there, and if it's some kind of planer barrier, then we really need to be careful." He looks at Config. "Will you three be all right while we investigate?"
Turning The Power Back On
DM Jan Thursday May 24th, 2007 2:03:47 AM
"I sense nothing about that hole," Config answers Valdor. "Crow is still somewhere in a north western direction. The elementals - " The metal head shifts briefly toward Nonam and Mordrid. "They would be free, and almost always return to our native plane. We are not harmed by third party intervention. The harm comes if we free ourselves."
"But, but - what if you don't come back?" asks Tommy nervously as Ve Mundr disappears from view down the tunnel.
Surrounded by lantern light, the Protector of Domi is about twenty paces down the tunnel when he starts to see light ahead. It's a faint lilac glow. A few more steps and there appear to be small veins of lilac in the rock below his feet. The tunnel roof sweeps away abruptly. Directly ahead is a great cavern. More pale light is in evidence, radiating from the cavern floor, as those tiny veins grow in width and connect along the way ahead. These veins appear to contain some kind of liquid, and in the far distance there is a great lake of it. And silhouetted, straight ahead (approx 50 yards) - a natural, raised dais of rock, upon which rest four tombs. One of them rests below something that looks like a giant spider, it's eight legs are like bars, surrounding - either trapping or protecting it.
For an instant, there is a momentary flash of light from another source. High above - a spark of light travels from somewhere beyond the lake, swoops toward and high above Ve Mundr's head, and is gone.
Jus Thursday May 24th, 2007 7:49:03 AM
Jus starts rocking back and forth, waiting for someone to do something. He may know these people, but he still feels like an outsider due to his time away. Finally Ve Mundr heads off, and Jus doesn't stay far behind.
Even though the others are talking about planar annihilation, Jus still has a strange feeling that Config should follow them. No matter, he's going ahead with Ve Mundr and will let the others decide what to do about Config.
Seeing the streams, Jus gets close. Not too close to touch it, but close enough to attempt to see what their made of.
Jus tenses as the spark of light quickly approaches Ve Mundr, and just as quickly disappears. "Pray tell, what was that," Jus mumbles, adding a nervous chuckle as he realizes his choice of words in this godless world.
Jus slowly walks toward the tomb that is farthest away from the spider. "Surely this isn't tombs of the gods," Jus says. "Jancassis popped into my mind when I saw that spider. Not the most pleasant thing to think of."
A chill runs down his spine as the death of magic and possibly the death of the gods becomes a little more real.
Jus tries to get close enough to see any writing or symbols on the other tombs, but manages to keeps a bit of distance until the others of his party join them. He doesn't have a torch with him (Idiot didn't buy any Jus silently chastises himself), and can only see by the lilac glow of the liquid.
Onrad Thursday May 24th, 2007 10:26:05 AM
They are just around the corner, Dahlia. Next room over. See?
He looks around the corner and sees Ve and Jus disappear through the back wall.
"Wow! Come on!"
Onrad does a forward flip and rushes towards the others, his eyes bright with excitement.
He hesitates as he sees the hole in the wall, and pivots towards Nonam.
"What's up with the hole?"
Valdor Thursday May 24th, 2007 11:18:39 AM
Valdor tells Tommy,"We won't go far without you, I promise. If you have any problems, come running down this tunnel. I'll leave you a torch, just in case you need it."
He then tells Config,"We will release you from your prison soon. Please protect these two while we're gone for a few minutes."
He then makes sure everyone is together and heads down the tunnel behind the others.
Ve Mundr d20+13=22 d20+9=26 d20+24=29 Thursday May 24th, 2007 1:21:33 PM
Ve stoops to look closely, but not touch the 'liquid'. "Wold's blood perhaps. Faded and losing power, but still here." he replies to Jus. ve looks up at the light flash and towards the tombs, "Where others fear to tread." Ve mumbles as he moves closer to the lake and dias rock.
As the light flash vanishes, Ve responds to Jus, "Pray might be the most appropriate of phrases Jus." Ve then sets the lantern down, the light of the lake and rivlets providing enough light and he starts taking slow steps up the dias towards the 4 tombs. [Spot 22, Listen 26 Know Religion 29]
He keeps his eyes about for signs of danger and his ears home in behind him. Ve will eventually make his way fully up the dias and search the surface of the tombs for symbols and sigils. [Search 22]
Nonam Thursday May 24th, 2007 2:42:12 PM
Nonam follows Valdor into the opening. As they walk he tells Jus, "Do you remember when you laughed and joked about everything? You seem to have forgotten how now, but I'll bet you can remember if you try."
On seeing the spider and the liquid, he closes his eyes and listens to determine if the liquid is in fact Woldsblood.
Corialote and Amarth d20+31=50 d20+36=49 Thursday May 24th, 2007 11:49:28 PM
Cori has been following along feeling of little use right now. Sure she has her natural abilities and some of them work but it seems that even her natural spells are failing her.
She comes to kneel near the liquid and studies it closely but does not touch it. If it is indeed Woldsblood than it would be a mistake to take the chance right now.
[knowledge(arcane) 50 and spellcraft 49]
Nick Friday May 25th, 2007 2:05:52 AM
Nick is drawing all sorts of conclusions about the scene before him, and as the group advance, he finds his heart racing. He wants desperately to dash forward toward that dais, his mind having some fanciful notion of what he will find there.
He's oblivious of the lilac veins, their convergence, the lake beyond, and what they signify. If that was Alemi in one of those tombs....
Dahlia Friday May 25th, 2007 7:03:15 AM
Moving back with Onrad as he rushes to the others, Dahlia takes another look at things from the other direction to see if anything come to her. As she catches up to the others she moves her way to the front in order for her to help scout the way.
Breakfast of Champions! [DM Jerry]
A Short Time Before [DM Jerry] Friday May 25th, 2007 10:08:48 AM
A short time before, brave readers, before the current adventure, during a time of planning, celebration and rest, our heroes carried out some very important business. This tale needs to be told, so with a tip of my wand I take us back in time to watch these bold events that led to everything.....EVERYTHING....that was to follow.
-------------
Yes, as you can see brave reader, the Platinum and Emerald Dragons are meeting to see who is worthy to invite to join them in the Consortium! Dozens of groups are looked at. Many interviews are held. Eventually the Consortium assemblage has narrowed the field down to two incredible troupes of adventurers.
The first group is a brave lot from Aisildur. They have alliances with the Emperor of Aisildur and stand with him against the Priesthood of Ga'al. They also hold friendship and receive much respect from the Pirates of Jack and those allied with them. The Swords of Redemption have proven themselves worthy in every way! They are heroic, generous, and brave. They care for their own and lay their lives down daily for each other as well as for all the things they believe in!
They are:
THE SWORDS OF REDEMPTION!
The second group, are true veterans. Long time adventurers recently having come into a new incarnation of themselves. They protect the northern frontier of the Kingdom of New Elenna. They are lauded from Plateau City to the Scab. From Culverwood to their home town of Windhorn Hamlet. They are noble and generous to a fault, giving to those who are not as blessed by the gods as themselves. They are heroes of children, a grand compliment indeed!
They are THE WINDHORN HAMLETEERS!
A decision is made brave readers. The Dragon Consortium will ask both groups to join them. The usual "weeding out" period will be effect if they accept to see if the Consortium is right for them as well as well as to prove their ability to stand beside the Emerald and Platinum Dragons.
So, the leaders of the two active Consortium groups, Valdor and K'nara, set out to invite them to the "Breakfast of Champions" the next morning, when they will be asked to become members of the Dragon Consortium.
Now, let's go to the action, friends. Our heroes now join the Emerald Dragons in their fevered preparations for the breakfast, which will be held somewhere in their tower--or should I say castle under construction: Emerald Castle!
--------------
[OOC: This is a flashback so that we can handle the invitations. We will resume the action of DM Jan's adventure as soon as this concludes. K'nara and Valdor are sending out the invitations on the Hamleteers and Redemption boards this day. I've already posted their lead in and appearance. Monday, their "transportation" will arrive for them to bring them here.
All posting after that, beginning Monday-Tuesday will be on this board! It will be a busy place!
You, may now begin posting on the Emerald Dragon board and help them prepare for the breakfast.
Post as many times as you need to folks to be ready.
Have fun!
Send any questions to me via email please.
Now you have preparations to make in character to prepare for about 30 guests for breakfast on the Emerald Dragon board. Whew! Can you meet this challenge? {evil grin}
Again, since I may have been confusing. Start posting on the Emerald Dragon board starting now, which is when you should be starting to start, even now--now is the start.
Onrad Friday May 25th, 2007 10:13:11 AM
Onrad passes around the ring and the party disappears, appearing just outside the Emerald Dragon Castle.
Posting Report for Monday May 28th, 2007 7:04:32 AM
Game # 1 Tha Platinum Dragons Foe the week of May 21,2007
DM Jan Friday June 15th, 2007 12:05:01 AM
((I'll post tomorrow morning (Fri), getting us back into the swing of it for next week.))
Turning The Power Back On... Contd.
DM Jan Friday June 15th, 2007 8:59:49 PM
(( OOC - The group are currently at some distant point in the future, investigating what lies beyond the altar in a temple of Gargul on the upper level of Dirt City. They appear to have found an extra-dimensional space, and have ventured forth, leaving behind their accompanying NPCs Tommy, Wentworth and Config.))
There is no echo accompanying the group's footfalls in the cavern as they make their way toward the tombs, perhaps giving cause to wonder if this was indeed a cavern at all. Steps have to be deliberate and careful as they negotiate the cracks in the ground filled with the pale, lilac fluid.
Jus, Nonam and Cori pause for a moment. Was this Woldsblood? It's apparent viscosity would suggest so - a thick liquid, although it lies still, and it's usual clamour is silenced. However, concentration brings forth the suggestion of something. The sound of slow breathing, or maybe a gentle wave moving back and forth against a shoreline. Alongside it is a tiny glimmer, a slight pull from magic items and weaponry, but the sensation is weak. Looking ahead, all these cracks, streams and rivers of lilac appear to run into one another, finally forming a great river that flows into the lake beyond. And beyond that? Darkness, with a hint of hills or mountains. It's difficult to grasp the scale, here, in the dark.
Up at the dais, Ve is the first one to get a closer look at the tombs. There are four, spread out in a semi-circular pattern, facing inward from left to right, and there is a humanoid form laid atop each one. The tomb on the far right lies within eight tall spider legs, and the spider's body and head hover high above, perfectly still.
As Jus shifts away from the spider, he can see it carries a long tail, held aloft behind it like a rather nasty, giant scorpion would. As he approaches to tomb on the far left, he can see that something other than a humanoid rests on top of it. Something like a cat? Or a monkey?
Ve's lantern, left directly below the dais, acts as a beacon for Onrad, Dahlia, Nick, Mordrid and Valdor.
Each tomb bears a symbol.
Far left, tomb #1 - a man lies here, on his back, big, broad-shouldered, in plain, rough clothes. His face is in repose - calm, resigned to sleep. Some kind of strange creature is sat at his feet. It too appears to be asleep. The symbol on the tomb is that of a large eye.
Near left, tomb #2 - a man lies here, narrowly built, resting on his side, relaxed in sleep. This man looks old, and long hair sweeps off his face, finally coming to rest on the surface of the tomb. He is dressed in long, plain robes. The symbol on the tomb is a design of three interlocking circles.
Near right, tomb #3 - a man lies here, on his back, powerfully built, and his muscles look slightly tensed. His face looks troubled, as though sleep was a long time in coming and didn't come easy. He is dressed as a monk. The symbol on the tomb is of two triangles, one inverted, so they form a diamond.
Far right, tomb #4 - a man lies here, on his side, curled fitfully in a half-fetal position. His youthful face is etched with either pain, or fear. He wears the clothes of a minor noble. Rearing directly overhead is the form of a giant spider; a spider that carries the tail of a scorpion. Both these figures appear to be sleeping, just like the others. The symbol on the tomb is of three crescents clustered together, their convex sides facing way from one another.
Valdor Saturday June 16th, 2007 12:29:12 PM
Valdor says, loud enough for all,"Touch nothing yet people. We don't know what we face here yet. We will solve this puzzle soon, but we need to secure the area first and make sure we don't miss anything. Dahlia, can you make sure there are no traps around those coffins, or tables, or whatever there are? Cori, with your vision, can you examine the area around the spiders and make sure there aren't more up higher? The rest of us need to spread out in here and look for any clues as to why they are asleep."
He moves around the perimeter, torch in hand, being very careful not to step in any of the liquid.
Dahlia Sunday June 17th, 2007 8:42:45 PM
(post in progress)
Dahlia d20+30=46 d20+30=45 d20+30=39 d20+30=44 d20+26=52 Monday June 18th, 2007 10:20:35 AM
Nodding a response to Valdor as she moves forward to inspect things she gives them a once over before getting closer in order to think where she might place things were she trying to protect the place.
Spots: 46,45,39,44
She is about to move in closer when she stops again and stares at each coffin again for a moment.
"Valdor, you do recognized those symbols, yes? They are the symbols for Gargul, Alemi, Domi and Marteus. You don't suppose..."
Her voice trails off as the impact of the coffins hits her.
Taking a deep slow breath, Dahlia begins moving slowly forward again and approaches the Domi coffin first and does a thourough search.
Search 52
Valdor Monday June 18th, 2007 10:30:38 AM
Valdor says,"I'm not assuming anything. If they are coffins, then we can figure out how to bring them back. Even if we don't, when we return to our time, we can figure out a way to protect and prevent the Woldsblood from being accessed in the future so none of this will happen. With this knowledge, Nick and Ve could commune with their Gods and warn them of what we've found and maybe they could then prevent it. We have options, but finding this menace and stopping him here would be the best one."
Ve Mundr Monday June 18th, 2007 3:16:26 PM
Ve stands right where he is on the dias at the foot of the apparent grave of Domi. "If these are the actual gods, who put them in repose?" he wonders aloud. Ve leans in as Dahlia goes over the area. They seemed to be the actual bodies, not sculptures. Ve diverts his attention elsewhere for potential threats to his smaller charge as the halfing moves about.
"Knowing the outcome of unknown events will not help prevent those events." he muses in answer to Valdor. "We have to hope the conductor of this catastrophy is still about. If this dimesional gate is still open and elementals and constructs still exist, then some form of magic is as well."
Nick Monday June 18th, 2007 7:28:11 PM
Nick's hands are trembling as he approaches. The implication of what lies here is horrifying.
"That - " he takes a deep breath and glances to the others before continuing. "That writing back there. In the hands of the dead cleric. He mentioned something about slumber and a lack of faith."
He kneels a short distance from what looks like the figure of Alemi, bows his head, and starts to pray...
Onrad d20+26=29 d20+26=42 Tuesday June 19th, 2007 12:49:51 AM
Onrad finally enters the strange area behind the altar.
Looking around, he doesn't understand what's going on yet. So he simply looks and studies.
[Spot of 29---bah!] [Listen of 42]
DM Jan Tuesday June 19th, 2007 1:44:30 AM
The lantern still shines, enabling Onrad to see some of the others gathered in silhouette around the dais up ahead. Dahlia's initial search of the tombs and their symbols confirms her suspicions. Gargul. Alemi. Domi. Marteaus. A closer look at the Domi tomb. Ve is correct. The man laid on top, in troubled sleep, does not look to be carved in stone. He looks... real. The immediate surroundings, on and around the dais, appear to be safe. Or do they? Valdor sees and senses nothing untoward. He sees what he sees. No traps, pits or hidden assailants. The Platinums appear to be the only persons currently alive and kicking in this entire area. No other sound except for the groups own movements, discussions and prayer.
Another spark of light appears from the gloomy hills beyond the lake. As it passes high over everyone's head, it illuminates the scene below for a brief moment.
And the body on top of the tomb decorated with the three connecting circles begins to stir...
Jus Tuesday June 19th, 2007 6:43:37 AM
Jus looks around, his wide eyes filled with shock and wonder as those distant thoughts about Woldsblood are stirred in his memory. There's no manic calling this time, but a deep curiosity seeps into Jus' mind. He begins wondering about the streams of Woldsblood, going so far as to consider emptying a potion and filling it up. Maybe....
Jus looks to see where the others are, then notices the symbols. Like the others, Jus immediately makes the connection. No.... No possible way.... Jus haltingly thinks. All the previous thoughts of the Woldsblood have gone, as Jus approaches the center two tombs.
He's never quite believed in gods. No, that's not right. He's never actually worshiped any of the gods, though he knows for a fact that they exist. If anything, strangely, they've felt like family always watching over his shoulder. Some, like Gargul, have been the black sheep of the family (Although he did give me my life back, once. I give him that.). Then there is Alemi, who's always felt like a father-figure. And Domi, of course, like a close Uncle. Jus smiles, imagining how crazy his thoughts would be to the others. Perhaps even blasphemous, Jus wryly imagines.
But as he thinks about families and the lose of what could be the gods before him, something breaks inside of Jus. His silent laughter begins to fill with tears. Dropping to his knees, he weeps for these two before him that he has silently trusted and believed in. His sorrow swells as the tears release the innermost pain that's he's pushed down. He doesn't care if the others see right now. He's tired, tired of the pain and sadness. Tired of seeing so many die, so many slaughtered, so many things that shouldn't be. Perhaps that's why Alemi's comfort is like a father to Jus. Alemi the comforter.
Wait. Asleep. Valdor said they were asleep. Looking up with confusion stirred slightly with hope, Jus sees one of the bodies stir. His heart feels like it stops as his eyes widen in shock once again.
Valdor Tuesday June 19th, 2007 10:23:05 AM
Seeing Alemi's body respond to Nick's prayer, Valdor, making sure not to kneel in any Wold's Blood, does the same and prays to Domi, who he was once a cleric of. He sees and hears Jus and deeply appreciates the man's sorrow. He motions for Ve to do the same.
"Domi, come back to us. Your sleep looks troubled and we have need of you in this dark hour. Maybe your followers of this time have forgotten you, but we haven't. We hold faith that you will come back. We...have courage, because you told us to and it is right. Now you must be the one to show US that courage."
Dahlia d20+26=42 Tuesday June 19th, 2007 8:40:14 PM
Not really sure what she is seeing, Dahlia continues to do what she does best and moves on to the next coffin and begins to search around it sending out, as she always has a quick thought toward Wardd to wtch over her and guide her hands in their search for a bit of luck.
Search 42
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday June 19th, 2007 10:20:40 PM
Cori feels oddly detached at this time and place. She has always believed in the gods and goddesses but she has never had a particular use for their worship. Still she feels a slight connection to Gargul the most as it is his substance, Woldsblood, that she draws her power from.
Her eyes scan each sleeping person with a feeling of dire loss. She cares too much for the Wold itself, let alone her friends like Ve and Nick who loyally serve and follow these very men.
The movement catches her eye and though she had not even realized it, she has drawn the adamantine rapier that she had gotten before she left. It still felt heavy and clunky to her but it was some comfort. In her heart, she knows that these men are needing in the Wold...not just the one they come from, but this one as well.
Ve Mundr Tuesday June 19th, 2007 10:48:07 PM
Ve continues to watch Dahlia and now more particularly the light that flashed overhead. Behind him, he hears Nick in Prayer and Jus as well. He was a soldier and his very life has always been forged on one concept and that was the teachings of Domi. Have Courage Two simple words but he has found in all his days, they are amongst the hardest words to stand by. Courage required a great many things and ususally the courage of flesh and steel were the least of them.
Ve hears Valdor and catches his movement from the corner of his eyes. His heart tells him otherwise, it would seem to Ve that in the long years of strife that Domi himself had failed to stay upon the demanding path. Domi's courage had left him. In the long years, Ve could not begin to fathom what it must have been like. failure upon failure of the people upon those teachings. Would he have lasted. The cleric would like to hope so, but he was realistic as well. No he would likely have not.
Ve takes two strides and then a knee at the head of the assumed being of Domi. Stealing himself, he places his hand upon the figures forehead.
"Domi, through the long endless years I have come. Your strength, your teachings, your spirit fuel my purpose and my being. You had shown me long ago the true tests of courage, honor and sacrifice. I, we, would now complete the circle for our hearts are undaunted, our courage unmatched. Take heart in our strength and find your will once again."
Nick Wednesday June 20th, 2007 1:30:18 AM
With his head bowed, Nick doesn't see any movement, but he hears the others, and that gives him the conviction to continue. Somewhere, deep in his gut, something built of panic, fear and anger is rolling back and forth. It had merely been words before this, and halflings crazy stories. But now, the profundity of it all was sinking right in. A terrible blow had been delivered.
DM Jan Wednesday June 20th, 2007 2:13:36 AM
Where is Warrd, Dahlia may be thinking as she moves along the tombs, and some of the others for that matter. Only four of them, here, unless the spider suggested another...
Faith. Trust. Belief. Intangibles that suddenly appear to take on power and shape.
Ignited by prayer, something pulls at Father Nick, Valdor, Jus, and Ve Mundr, but it doesn't stop there. It gathers momentum, clawing at everyone - Cori, Mordrid, Nonam, Dahlia and Onrad, drawing energy, roaring through the body with a fear-inducing hunger. For a long moment it leaves everyone breathless, until it finally subsides.
What remains is a slight tingle in the air; recognisible, but the beginnings of a divine power that this future Wold had forgotten.
Alemi rises into a sitting position slowly, as though awakening from an ordinary night's sleep. He blinks, takes in the faces before him, and smiles.
In contrast, Domi suddenly sits bolt upright, that single movement pushing Ve Mundr's hands aside. That troubled expression develops instantly into a loud, angry roar - a bitter war cry that is hard for the ear to bear. Then he too blinks, suddenly aware of his surroundings.
Alemi looks across at his dear friend and breaks into a grin. "I told you someone would come," he says.
Across at Gargul's tomb, the creature sat at one corner of it begins to move slowly.
Valdor Wednesday June 20th, 2007 10:05:08 AM
Valdor comes to his feet with a shocked look on his face. He moves over to Alemi and Domi and goes to a knee. He makes sure he's not stepping or kneeling in Wolds Blood and just stays there. He hasn't found any words to speak as he is completely shocked. The only thing he does is reach to his sword to see if it has any feeling of magic to it.
Ve Mundr Wednesday June 20th, 2007 3:13:54 PM
Ve looks to Alemi and a realization comes to his mind and his stomach turns as it does. Alemi must have conviced Domi to this course of action. Domi's faith, courage, honor and all he stood for was unwavering unfoundering. Very unlike that of his servant now upon his need at the head of the platform. It would never happen again. Ve's mailed hand snaps to his chest, "Lord Domi, I am yours to command as you will." he says in strong and unfettered voice, his head bowed.
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday June 20th, 2007 9:48:16 PM
Cori feels the power surge that is flowing into her body. It is intoxicating and in such a fast pace that it feels corrupting. As her very skin tingles she fights to keep a lid on the emotions that are warring inside her.
That little dark seed that had been nurtured by the thing in the pit is stirring as well. It whispers to her and strokes her ego, along with all her other desires that cannot be put aside so easily. She growls lightly as she keeps her eyes closed, not trusting herself to look upon anything right now.
The battle is more exhausting than the actualy influx of power and when she finally opens her eyes, she finds herself swaying on her feet. Laughter erupts from her and she is not sure how long she will be standing.
What a way to die...in another time...in front of four of the gods of the Wold...and most likely in a pool of Woldsblood to boot.
DM Jan Thursday June 21st, 2007 2:04:05 AM
((Guys, I'll post tomorrow morning. I guess I need to rally the troops.))
Jus Thursday June 21st, 2007 2:57:04 AM
Jus is shocked when Domi and Alemi move. Both elated and humbled to be in the presence once again. When he sees movement to the side, he realizes that all the gods could be here, in other forms than those lying on the tombs.
Jus' mind can barely comprehend the idea of all of the gods together, here, so easily accessible. Yet no one came.
No one but the Platinum's, that is, Jus thinks with a wide grin.
Dahlia d20+26=30 Thursday June 21st, 2007 6:55:07 AM
continuing with her work Dahlia moves on to the next coffin. search DC 30
Nick Thursday June 21st, 2007 11:45:51 AM
Nick lifts his head. He dares to look. To be in Alemi's actual, physical presence is overwhelming, familiar though it is. He forces himself to his feet, but keeps his head bowed. "Forgive us our intrusion, my Lord, but we come in times of trouble."
DM Jan Thursday June 21st, 2007 12:40:09 PM
Both Alemi and Domi slide off the tombs and get to their feet. Alemi selfconsciously flicks a piece of imaginary dust from his robe. Divine power is growing by the second, emanating from both Gods. It is a strong, positive force, and in such close proximity it is intoxicating. One could move mountains.... vanquish the worst evil... heal millions...
Alongside it runs an entirely mortal sense of - awkwardness? embarrassment? Cori's laugh gives it more of an edge. Both Gods look at one another, then -
Domi is the first to speak. "Please, rise, raise your heads. Perhaps it is we that should bow. We knew that things would change, for the better, but we did not know from which quarter. To see you all stood here fills me with such - ah, I lack the words. Joy and elation doesn't seem enough. And I recognise you. All of you." At this moment, that troubled look on his face appears to have entirely gone.
Alemi adds "Bless you. Bless you all. It is by your belief that we have been able to rise. How did you find us? Marteaus's plague left everything scattered to the winds."
Throughout the group, divine magical items are awakening, becoming stronger, giving out a sense not unlike pins and needles after bloodflow has been cut off from a limb. As yet, arcane items still appear to be dormant. There is no sensation other than a quiet yearning, so close to the power, yet unable to touch.
While all this is going on, Dahlia continues her search. This tomb is surrounded by tall, thin spider legs. The man here still sleeps, curled up, troubled and fearful. It would be a handsome face, if not for the scarring and the current lines of apprehension traced across it.
At Alemi's mention of Marteaus, the others see Domi's face cloud over once more, and see his eyes shift angrily toward the spider-protected tomb. At that moment, Dahlia sees something else. Her stature has her own face level to that of the sleeping man. And at the mention of his name, his eyes flick open, staring, wild, looking straight at her.
One of the spider's legs shifts slightly.
Mordrid Thursday June 21st, 2007 2:51:06 PM
((OOC: sorry. I was lulled to sleep at the corination. I'm back now.))
Mordrid stands well behind the group in silence, watching his faithful friends.
The ranger feels apprehensive as the gods awake. Usually this is when the wrath of god comes. He hopes that the land and its people will not suffer too badly... this time.
The ranger gets disconnected at times, when he sees the gods as vain and petty.
Dahlia Thursday June 21st, 2007 7:49:28 PM
Swallowing silently as she finds herself the object of inspection by Marteus' eye. She feels a nervous giggle bubbling up inside of her. Waving the fingers of her left hand at the god, she drops a curtesy and whispers. "Good Morning Lord."
Ve Mundr Thursday June 21st, 2007 8:09:40 PM
Ve remains on one knee as Alemi and Domi fully awaken. The power rises witin him, his armor, shield, the brilliant warhammer at his side. the voice of power too, begins to rise, but thier is nothing for Ve to listen to. Recent events have only strengthened him against such desires. Ve will allow Valdor to answer for how they found thier way here, though it does touch in the back of his mind that it seemed terribly easy to do. Perhaps the area around Dirt City is and has been for some time a terribly dangerous place. they had the fortune and foresight to move to Dirt City before travelling forward.
Ve looks up and stands tall as Domi asks them all to not bow. Shoulders back, face set, Ve keeps the full look of a soldier at dress. then the spider shifts. Ve is spinning across the platform Domi was just upon and his hammer is coming to his hand. The Protectors feet hit the floor and he coming around fast to get to Dahlia. The fact that the rogue does not seem to concerned does not seem to register with him as he moves.
Mordrid Friday June 22nd, 2007 12:17:06 AM
Upon seeing the architecture (spider leg) shift, Mordrid crouches and goes for his bow.
However, he relaxes and rises up. Without arcane aid, they were at the whim of the gods. (He can feel their divinity flow thru the room. Yet it was their's alone.)
All there was left to do is accept the situation like a man. These were the very fathers of fate. At times the Platinums have been known to alter fate, but the circumstances were quite different. All the godly gifts they have received over the years were conveniently missing, placing them fully on their knees, which Mordrid somehow forgot to fall upon.
There were characters here who were strong of faith, who could properly see this thru. Mordrid however, only had stroke in the realm of mortal men.
The gods could bend his will at the drop of an eyelash.
Valdor Friday June 22nd, 2007 12:44:48 AM
Valdor follows Domi's gaze and sees the anger there. He whispers,"Were I able to, I would rid the Wold of his presence."
He turns back to Alemi and says,"My Lord, let us just say we have travelled in ways and places never travelled before that we know. But I dare not speak of it now."
He casts a meaningful glance towards the Usurper as he can hear what is being said. He doesn't want Marteaus knowing or he might use it to further his own desires...again. He says,"Where are the other God's? Surely the rest have gone to sleep as well. And I must prepare you...the Wold is not what it was when you went to sleep. There are none loyal to you but us. But maybe it will be enough. We still have a job to do. We were not even aware of your predicament when we set forth upon this road. We are looking for the man who began all of this mess. His name is Crow. And we must find him and bring him down, else all magic and all believers will be gone forever."
Dahlia Friday June 22nd, 2007 3:15:56 PM
After her immortal meeting, face to face with the god of pain and suffering. With every step she backs away from the now awake god, she bows her head, not in submissiveness, but high respect for his power, however much she despises him. She moves to join the others, somewhat stepping behind Valdor or Mordrid, to defelct his burning gaze on her, whichever is closer.
DM Jan Friday June 22nd, 2007 5:29:08 PM
Alemi catches Valdor's glimpse toward the awakening Marteaus, nods in understanding, and he gives a sigh. "The other Gods are sleeping, somewhere. Crow is known to us. He became a factor at some point in the war. An alliance with the necromancers in Mount Bone. The battle for Izen and beyond drew everyone in, from every realm. Mortal, magical. It began against the orcs, then moved into the Emerald Kingdom, Culverwood and beyond. The fight was bitter. Many lives were lost. We, of course, were pledged not to interfere directly. But then - "
Domi, face like thunder, a man of action rather than words and obviously at the end of his patience, finishes off Alemi's sentence. " - but then along came Marteaus -" he growls. The God of Courage turns and steps toward Marteaus's tomb and stabs an angry, accusing finger at the facially scarred man rising to a crouch. " - and killed everybody! On all sides! With the exception of a few - complete and utter genocide!"
Ve Mundr has moved quickly, reaching the other side of Marteaus's tomb just as Dahlia starts to back away. Right beside him, a metamorphosis occurs at terrifying speed. Spider legs and scorpion tail contract, and the form of the body shifts, leaping down to stand directly in front of Marteaus, blocking Domi's advancement. Jancassis is impressive. Seven and a half feet tall, long legs, muscle wrapped in matte black leather; a face like stone, and pale eyes that would freeze the very marrow. Those eyes flick behind her for a moment, taking in the dark-skinned halfling and the Protector.
And here, two things becom apparent -
1) Jancassis is protecting, rather than imprisoning Marteaus.
2) A misread of intention, in the midst of the fog of awakening. The Goddess of Revenge wastes no time. Her eyes snap straight toward Mordrid. She does not say anything. Nevertheless, he hears.Move! Do NOT let them interfere! The ranger's thoughts are directed toward Dahlia and Ve Mundr.
"You wish to continue where we left off?" she asks Domi in a deceptively mild voice. "Call off your pawns."
Marteaus peers out from behind Jancassis's right thigh. " You'd rather they had just chopped and blasted one another to death, instead? They were all going to die anyway! Of their own accord! Like animals! With no higher thoughts than bloodlust and the hacking to pieces of their opponants!" His voice is a near shriek.
Things are heading south. Rapidly.
Over at Gargul's tomb, the small creature called Gimp is jumping up and down on his master's chest, in an effort to awaken him.
(Ve and Dahlia are not trapped. There's room to head around the opposite side of Marteaus's tomb and rejoin the others.)
Valdor Saturday June 23rd, 2007 2:16:59 AM
Valdor watches the Gods' banter and threats and then booms out,"Be silent! Everyone! You sound just like us mortals and all of our problems! You'd still be asleep had we not come, so listen carefully. Whatever happened...happened. It's past and gone. I'm sure the Usurper wiped out thouseands, but that doesn't change the predicament we are in now. And you are right there with us! You have been asleep for several hundred years at our best guess and noone serves you now! NO ONE! Where will your power come from if we don't change what has gone before? For that is why we came.
We must find this Crow, who is in Mount Bone if our guess is correct, capture him, take him back to our time in the past and stop this madness from becoming truth. If we do, then none of this will have happened. No war, no disease, no genocide, no Gods going to sleep because there is noone to worship them...NOTHING!
S, while I both respect and honor you Domi, and have my entire life, I must say let it go! This Crow fellow is the one we must stop, then Marteaus won't have the chance to kill all of those people.
Now, you may want to strike me down, and maybe you can do so. Try if you want to, but we are your salvation, not the other way around in this case. Let's get a plan to find the other Gods, wake them up, find and capture Crow and get back to our time. And if you can't remember us, we are the Platinum Dragons, and I am Valdor, the Dragonstone."
His hand is on his hilt, waiting for one of them, or all of them, to attack. He knows he will possibly die, but he will at least get some shots in before he does. His breath is coming in ragged, raspy sounds. He's scared and nervous at those in front of him, but he's also extremely angry, which is the only way he can stay in front of the Gods.
Ve Mundr Sunday June 24th, 2007 9:19:22 AM
Ve puts Dahlia behind him and squares off his shoulders to make himself as wide as possible. Marteus, of course, was again responsible for the massive devstation. If he killed everyone, well most everyone. It would explain as well how magic and the gods were forgotten. Over hundreds of years of just surviving the few left would be concerned with other things. Ve motions for Dahlia to begin moving around, the Protector stays directly between Jancassis and her.
Just give the word Domi, but as Valdor speaks Ve feels his own anger rise.
"Wake the others? What in the name of Shadows for? We want Crow. We have found Domi and Alemi, the others are not needed, nor missed or desired."
Ve's eyes flick to Gargul, "And Gargul. You hear me Gargul. Your abscense has not stopped death and many are gathered outside of this very place in hope that you will usher them to the lands of rest. Your duty calls you."
Ve then shifts back to Jancassis, "The most unfortunate issue of all is that we will prevent all this and by doing so allow you and the others to continue."
Jus Sunday June 24th, 2007 7:31:58 PM
Jus watches, still amazed at what he sees. He is almost as shocked at Valdor's words as stumbling across the slumbering gods. If it was anyone else, Jus is sure that a pine box would soon be needed.
There is so much going on, yet the Woldsblood has yet to awaken. Perhaps the other gods need to awaken first. Or, perhaps the restless souls from outside must enter.
Ve's words echo Jus' thoughts. If the souls can get into this chamber, Gargul would surely have to awaken.... not that having Gargul around would be a particularly great thing, but he does fulfill an important purpose.
Seeing the small creature bouncing on Gargul, Just waves it over. It is likely sentient, after a fashion, and might be convinced to try to bring the souls inside.
Posting Report for Monday June 25th, 2007 7:10:13 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of June 18,2007
Adm Ceil - Very good for old timers (I would have made it more colorful, But Jerry would'nt let me>:-)
Onrad Monday June 25th, 2007 12:53:26 PM
Shaking his head out of his stupor, he looks around shocked. Then when Valdor stands up to the gods, he can only smile and grin.
Leaping up on a pedestal, he points at Valdor and proclaims, "And that is what being a DRAGON is all about!"
He finds Ve.
"Ve, it felt weird, all prickly to me when Domi and Alemi awakened. I think the magic has returned. Can someone check? If the rest of the gods can be awakened, it might get stronger."
Onrad looks around for Wardd.
Dahlia (sub) Monday June 25th, 2007 7:58:39 PM
She willingly steps behind the Protector, but she tenses her finely tuned muscles to respond to any type of situation. With legs trembling with the rush of adrenaline, hands on hilts of weapons and in a cat like crouch, she waits for a word from the others to spring to action.
Mordrid Monday June 25th, 2007 8:13:06 PM
The ranger winces as Jancasis pulses into his brain; a command that rattles his core, yet falls on ears that will not yield to such a misplaced request.
Valdor's display of guts invigorates him.
Narrowing his eyes, he mentally pierces back at Jancasis, 'I WILL NOT. I have fed you too many times over the years, without a blessing in return.'
Mordrid motions to Ve and Dahlia with an outstretched hand, to avoid seperation and join the main group. Maybe in an off-handed way he WAS assisting Jancasis in getting his friends out of the way.
He glances at Valdor and nods in support.
Corialote and Amarth Monday June 25th, 2007 9:45:47 PM
Cori shakes her head as she can feel the power that flows but none of it would do her any good. If anyone was to get their powers back from this it was the clerics and she wished to have her birthright back as well. "It would do us all good to bring them all around...I for one can feel the pulse of energy, as you all must." Her next words are an audible growl as she glares down any that would dare to argue with her. "But the arts that I rely upon are still dormant...I will have what is mine as well..." Her eyes flash to the gods as if they can answer her unspoken question and maybe the can. "If it is possible." Despite the feelings to physically lash out at something she keeps her anger in check, but she cannot keep her hands from clenching and unclenching.
If she thought that she could get away with it she is almost on the verge of rushing the slab that Gargul still lays upon. Maybe a more feminine touch would bring him out of his stupor...though what she has in mind is nowhere near feminine.
Nick Monday June 25th, 2007 11:12:20 PM
Nick begins to feel the power returning and he cannot help but smile. Now he was of some worth, of some use, and feeling better at not having to rely on layman's medicine. It would have helped, but for the kind of scrapes they usually got into, he suspected that it would have been woefully inadequate.
Domi and Marteaus, then Valdor's outbursts have him reeling, and present his imagination with all kinds of future scenarios, none of them good.
"Alemi, please give us your guidance," he asks his deity, stood before him. "We came here to undo, all that was done."
DM Jan Tuesday June 26th, 2007 12:11:14 AM
The Dragonstone's words bite deep, and all eyes turn upon him.
"He's right, brother," Alemi says quietly. "I know it still feels like only yesterday, but the Wold outside bleeds like a wounded animal, and we have left it for too long." Domi takes a step back and gives a sigh. "You're right, of course." He nods toward Valdor. "My apologies." There's still a fire in this God's eye, that suggests this argument with Marteaus is NOT over. That he will NOT drop it. But for now it is shelved. For another time.
Emboldened, and draped in some kind of twisted righteousness (enough to give Ve and Dahlia a suitable glare), Marteaus drops to his feet and comes to stand alongside Jancassis, chin out, arms folded across his chest.
Jancassis looks.... slightly disappointed. If she's heard or felt what was said to her by both Mordrid and Ve Mundr, she's not letting on. It's unlike her to miss anything, however.
Jus has managed to catch Gimp's eye, and the creature leaps off Gargul's chest and bounds over toward him. On his way he passes Cori and smiles. "Don't worry," he says to her, "he's awake now, and they're coming. Watch your feet." The creature continues his journey across the stone and leaps up onto Jus's shoulder, reminding the elf of another, familiar burden. "Do you see her?" Gimp whispers into Jus's ear, while pointing at Jancassis. " She hopes for the turmoil to continue. That's what gives her her power. She was able to outlast all of us, when we finally had to lay down and rest, purely on the strength of what Domi and Marteaus had to offer."
And yes, it appears that Gargul is finally awake. The God of Life and Death sits up, blinks, then climbs down from his resting place and, broad-shouldered and solidly built, shakes himself like a bear. Onrad - closest to the tunnel - hears a shriek, possibly from one of the halflings. Moments later, hundreds of tiny black shadows come hurtling through the tunnel opening. Hundreds, hundreds, and hundreds more, like a massive plague of insects. They pour out and immediately sink to the ground.
The ground begins to light up. The purple liquid channeled there starts to glow, becoming red; brighter and brighter, it starts to flow toward the dais and beyond.
Cori and Nonam feel it first - energy. In their rings, their staffs and wands, in their minds. The Woldsblood is screaming, filled to the brim with thousands and thousands of souls, who've had to wait, and wait, and wait, and their impatience and sense of initial outrage is singing out for the spellcasters to hear. Soon, everyone is reeling. By the time things have settled, Gargul has had time to walk to the edge of the dais, look outward toward the Lands of Rest, frown and shake his head, turn, then approach and face the Platinum Dragons. Not one to waste time on social niceties, he simply asks - "So, there is a plan?"
Dead souls continue to pour forth from the tunnel. And there is still no sign of Warrd, Ga'al, or any of the other Gods who appear to be missing.
((OOC - I'd like to give a quick welcome to Buzz, who's running Dahlia while Kent is on holiday.))
Valdor Tuesday June 26th, 2007 12:44:39 AM
Valdor replies to Domi,"There is nothing to apologize for, my Lord. It is I who spoke in anger, but I meant what I said." He chuckles at Gargul's directness and holds his index finger implying to wait for just a second. He turns back to Marteaus and Jancassis and says,"Although you are Gods, you are not perfect as witnessed by your situation here. And while I know your ambition exceeds my understanding, remember what it is like to have no worshippers. You are unnecessary without those who worship you. So, killing all of us mortals isn't very smart. Something to digest for a few years, I hope."
He turns his attention back to Gargul and says,"The plan? Well, I would assume that this 'Crow' will sense magic coming back. What can you all tell us of his powers? We found hints of necromancy and cleric spells as well when we began this mission. We must find him and take him back to a time long before this one if we are to stop this future from happening. I would assume you should find the rest of the Gods, presumably your personal allies, and hope we succeed, or there will still be noone to worship you in this time."
He turns back to the others and asks,"Any other thoughts? And yes, Ve, we should make sure the others are awakened. My daughter's mother is one of them, even if I despise what she has become."
Ve Mundr Tuesday June 26th, 2007 9:32:52 AM
Ve slowly pivots as Dahlia moves to keep himself between Jancassis and the rogue. To Marteaus, Ve does not give an acknowledging glance or nod. He has no place for him in his world. As Gargul rises, Ve does nod in his direction, "Welcome back m`lord." He states simply and evenly. The souls rush in and Ve mentally steadies himself, but the cacophony keeps rises, the crescendo seems to be limitless and Ve finds his mind screaming back and soon after the stone floor rushes to meet him. At the last moment he gets a hand out and knee bent to take the brunt of the impact. Seconds after that, he is pulling himself upright and swinging about to see if any others are in need.
Of Course they are not perfect, they are ascended mortals. Ve thinks. What an odd thing to say, though the mighty do need reminding of that on occasion he concedes. Ideas? "Ideas, yes I have one or two. First and foremost, We do not discuss anything in the presence of Marteaus and his servant. Much of what we plan should not be directly known by the enemy, which this one would no doubt send his errand boy in a rush to do so."
In private outside of the temple ...."NO. We do not go looking for and wake the others. They serve no purpose. We don't encourage them getting awoken by anyone else and your daughters mother was precisely one of the ones I was thinking of when I said it. Valdor with all due respect I think you've completely lost your senses in this regard. They relish the environment of the Wold as it stands now. Depression, death, hopelessness, loss, temptation, the need for order, the list of tragedy is nearly endless. Bad enough the god of Revenge and the god of Disease is presently rebuilding their power bases in this mire of a near dead world. We need to get Crow and return. Doing that, takes care of everything else. Or at least that is our assumption."
"Also we move fast. Cori has her connection back as well as myself and Father Nicholas. Crow will likely be feeling it as well. Before he formulates a why and ramifications of his returned magical power, we need to be on him. Barring interference I can locate him within 10 minutes. Failing that we should go immediately to Mount Bone."
Dahlia (sub) Tuesday June 26th, 2007 10:47:20 AM
The rogue relaxes when the tension subsides. Her natural curiosity once again over riding her survival instincts. She wonders if she should attempt to hide in shadows, but with such powerful immortals around, she wonders if she is really that good? Instead she goes back to serching areas she hasn't yet, until she is needed for something else.
ooc: Glad to be here, thank you.
Mordrid Tuesday June 26th, 2007 1:24:24 PM
In response to Gargul, Mordrid says flatly, "Mount Bone."
Onrad Tuesday June 26th, 2007 3:26:55 PM
Onrad uncharacteristically falls clumsily to his seat as he watches the souls flow out in a stampede.
"Woah! Check this out!" he yells.
Valdor Tuesday June 26th, 2007 4:14:21 PM
Valdor turns to Ve and replies,"No disagreement about their intentions. However, if the Jericho thought them worthy, then who are we to go against him? And, when we return to ourtime, they will still be there anyway, is my guess. But, we are not Gods, hence it isn't our place to decide their fates. Otherwise, I would have slain Marteaus and Jancassis while they slept...were I able to anyway. There will always be evil and destruction, regardless of our actions. Better the evil we know, than the one we don't is my philosophy. But, I'm less concerned about that for now than I am in finding Crow. Do your thing and find him. I feel sure he's at Mount Bone, but we need to know, then we can get there quickly and hopefully wrap this up."
Ve Mundr Tuesday June 26th, 2007 9:37:30 PM
Ve nods to Valdor, "I went a little left of my point which actually was since we are going to get Crow and stop all this." he gestures vaguely with one hand. "Taking the time to locate the rest seems a bit futile. More than that though, I am concerned that Marteaus and Jancassis might try to work against us as now that they are awake. The Wold outside is ideally suited for them to gain tremendous strength. We simply do not need the added challenge."
Ve adds with a smile then, "We can debate the rest back home over a good dinner and fine port."
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday June 26th, 2007 9:55:11 PM
Cori can feel the sudden pulse, the flood, the overwhelming intake of power that flows into her body. This makes her feel even more drunk than the divine powers of the gods had earlier.
It is further amplified by the sudden awakening of her magical items and the dance of spells in her head. Her eyes flash as she embraces the power that has been denied her for so long here.
Turning to Valdor, she does not pay much attention to anything that is going on around her. "I do believe that we have a quest that needs completing?" It will take her a few more minutes to make sure that all the spells she had tried to learn before the came are still in her mind...but at least some of them are there.
Amarth cocks his head and looks to his Mistress. "Well that was an odd sensation." You are not sure if he means the returns of his Mistress's magic or his loss of powers.
Nick Wednesday June 27th, 2007 12:39:29 AM
Nick has no other thoughts, other than being happy that none of the Gods are going to take Valdor's head off, Nick's attention switches to the area where they came from. Souls.... thousands of them...
He takes a step off the dais. "Onrad? Are you all right?"
DM Jan Wednesday June 27th, 2007 1:44:59 AM
Gargul's brow wrinkles. "Crow's power is... unusual. We sensed that it wasn't particularly attached to him, at all. Which doesn't make sense." He glances around a cavern that is rapidly becoming something greater. "But you can bet all the dice in Warrd's pocket that whatever it is, will have more power now. That reminds me -" Gargul turns to the others of the pantheon, and all discussion of who is awakened and who stays asleep becomes moot. "Marteaus. Find the others, find a way to awaken them. They're out there, somewhere. Jancassis, go with him. We need to re-establish the status quo." Both Gods nod, and fade from existence.
To Domi and Alemi - "See what has become of the Wold. Marteaus didn't kill everybody. Give whoever is left hope. These good people have opened the door, let us tarry no longer." The two Gods look at one another and nod. Domi looks toward Ve Mundr, the Valdor. "Use me," is all he says. Alemi walks over to Father Nicholas and places a hand on the man's shoulder. "Something has crept inside and made you believe it has stolen your life. It is a lie. Have faith, and deny it." Both deities fade, leaving the group alone with Gargul.
The God beckons the group forward to the far edge of the dais. Here is the best view of the massive lake of blood, also known as the River of Souls and the Lands of Rest and Unrest beyond. Distance all around appears to have grown somehow, laterally and vertically, and here stands the Shadowlands in its full glory. Death in the form of tiny souls still continues to flow past Onrad. They do him no harm. They now have a place to go.
Gargul folds his arms and glances sideways at the Platinums. There is a look of dry humour on his face. "I have heard you rail against us, on occasion, on how you are dependent on the mercy of the Gods. Is it irony then, that we, in turn, are dependent on you?" He shrugs, and points outward. "Watch," he asks. After a few moments, a tiny spark of light appears in the far distance. It hurtles toward the group, high in the air, and passes by. "See. A new life," announces Gargul. "A new life, but from the wrong place. Such things are not supposed to come from the Lands of Unrest. The question is - how long has this been the case? Hmm?" He raises a heavy eyebrow. "Those who, by the right of their terrible deeds, should not have been reborn, are out there now, no doubt engaged in the very deeds that sent them to the Lands of Unrest in the first place. This I must put right here, while you face these 'reborn ill' out there in the living Wold. Be wary. The wolves now lie among the sheep."
He turns about. "Your way out is changing, but do not fear. I'll leave the path clear until you are free of this place."
Dahlia (sub) Wednesday June 27th, 2007 12:07:09 PM
Dahlia gives up the search. With all that is happening, she is to caught up in the events. As they all walk to the dias, she looks out over the landscape and shudders.
"Is there a way to tell the wolves from the sheep, besides their behavior, if they are encountered?"
Valdor Wednesday June 27th, 2007 12:10:05 PM
Valdor bows to Domi and Alemi just before they fade and then listens carefully to Gargul. He looks a bit confused by all of the recent talk of unrest and souls coming back and such. He bows to Gargul and says nothing, still surprised to have his head attached. Of course, he was so frustrated at the banter that he didn't care, but now, after reflecting...he lets out a sigh and exits the way Gargul motioned to. He makes sure not to step in any Woldsblood on the way out.
Jus d20=7 Wednesday June 27th, 2007 3:16:35 PM
Jus listens to Gargul, surprised to hear him give directions to the other gods. Someone had to take charge, but Jus expected Alemi or Domi to step in. Still, Gargul seems to have kept his head better than the others -- at least for now.
As the souls continue to flow in, Jus watches the Woldsblood recover. Licking beads of sweat off his lips, Jus does his best to ignore the call. Thoughts flit through his mind again on how to take some Woldsblood with them, and how it could be used to help defeat Crow. Its not an easy task, but Jus manages to listen to Gargul and his story of the Unrested.
"Yes, as Dahlia asks, is there a way to find or identify these wolves?"
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday June 27th, 2007 7:25:47 PM
Cori has been listening as she goes over things in her head as well. Two tasks that she has come to be able to do rather well. "The other question would be...what happens to these people if we succeed in defeating Crow?" She does not believe for a second that everything that Crow has done will be undone...but the asking seems to be needed.
She will wait for somekind of answer and since she cannot think of anything else to ask...will follow along with the others to exit this area. For now the Woldsblood is not the problem but that same little dark voice that has been trying to inch it's way into her mind.
Onrad Thursday June 28th, 2007 12:00:09 AM
Onrad, still seated on his rear, seems eternally stunned. "Gargul is boss?" . . . . . . . . . . . "Wow." he whispers.
Nick Thursday June 28th, 2007 1:29:40 AM
Nick looks with astonishment at his deity. He then stares stupidly down at his wrinkled hands. By the time he looks up, Alemi is gone.
Gargul's explanation of what's happening out by the Lands of Rest sets a frown on his face. "Does this mean that some very bad people are walking about, out there?" he asks, keeping his voice respectful and polite.
Ve Mundr Thursday June 28th, 2007 11:07:43 AM
Ve nods as Gargul speaks, it is obvious Gargul holds a special place with the Protector. His thoughts are disturbed however, his fears that the gods of testing will seek to claim more power in this dire time and directly combat thier efforts weighs heavily on him.
To Domi, Ve drops to a knee and his fist snaps over his chest. Ve rises wordlessly a second later and looks at Valdor, his face all business.
Exiting with the others, Ve thinks to the flashes they saw while in the chamber. In thier breif time they saw two of them. How long had it been going on? There could be thousands of power vile creatures now reborn into the Wold and if history was a lesson, they would be pulled together and the Platinum Dragons were in for a rough time.
Ve, as usual speaks aloud as he works through the recent enlightement from Gargul and ramifications as he sees them.
"Souls from the Land of Unrest returning? Yes I think we should assume the more powerful souls are the ones able to do this and therefore yes. there are some very bad and dangerous creatures out there. Ancient enemies, like Flame, the fallen Dragon group members."
Ve breaks the thought and shifts gears,
"Crow's power not attached to him, I wonder. He was creating a vessel of sorts when we went through his notes and home. Blending divine and arcane in a far differnt way then merely the study of both fields. Perhaps he created a kind of repository a phlactery if you will and it was self sustaining. Pulling magic towards it, feeding off residual affects of the great war that descimated the Wold. A source he could then tap at will. The loss of magic eventually came to pass, but the repository still contained its own power and he could still use it."
"Thus the Constructs, but over the centuries that too slowly started to wane, thus Config and some others coming back into thier own control. Now we have awkened the gods, restored the Wolds Blood and the engine likely has fired up again. An automatic reset if you will."
"First thing first." As the group clears further from Gargul's temple. Ve inhales deeply through his nose and lets out a blast from his mouth. Reaching into his pack he extracts a book that his suspect Crow had written in and concentrates upon the tome. His eyes seem to glaze over and his hand slowly traces circles above the book, murmuring softly, "Domi grant me sight, Domi grant me knowledge, Domi grant me sight..."over and over for 10 minutes the Protector stands chanting.
[Cast Discern Location for Crow, former possessor of the book]
DM Jan Thursday June 28th, 2007 1:57:54 PM
Gargul gives a long sigh as he regards Dahlia, Nick and Jus. "In all honesty, I cannot say. They could resemble old men, milkmaids, monsters or children. Any magical knowledge they had, would have been latent, up until now, and some may have remembered, some may have forgotten. Just be on your guard. Expect the unexpected. Expect madness, due to the awakening. Take no one at face value."
To Cori, he says, "The survivors of this terrible era are in for a tough time. Evil will walk the land, though in what form, I cannot say. But with the help of Alemi and Domi, heroes like yourselves will arise, just as they always have. Maybe your own actions out there will inspire others, also. All lives return here, eventually. I will see that balance is restored." He looks about to continue, but then stops. This we must do. In case you fail. To everyone, he says "It appears a tough challenge awaits us all. A heavy burden lies on your shoulders and nothing I can say will lessen it, other than this. You will be remembered."
Gargul is boss? If Onrad gives pause to consider the rationale behind that question, maybe the answer lies in his immediate surroundings, changing rapidly, growing stronger, and brighter for every second that passes by. The Shadowlands - the transition between life and death, a place where everyone must walk, in some form or another and submit to Gargul's judgement. Perhaps the others have deferred to him because they are on his turf. Maybe if circumstances were different, then one or another would come to the fore. Maybe. The Gods had always danced to their own tune and their own set of rules, so in the end, who knew? Only feet away, the crumbling remains of an undead skeleton struggles to come alive. It, like everything else, has slept long enough.
The tunnel back into the temple is a tunnel no longer, and those who have passed this way before recognise the shifting mists that are the transition from the Shadowlands and the living Wold beyond. The doors to the temple have blown open, and a decidedly more orderly line of souls is now drifting through, their clamour now approaching something like joy, now they have somewhere to go.
Config is stood waiting, and doesn't appear to have moved.
Tommy and Wentworth run over as the group emerge. "What has happened?" they ask with wild eyes, both terrified and curious.
Divine and arcane magical feels as it should, to the entire group. Weapons are signing with renewed power, armour is strong, and shrouds of protection lend an aura of invincibility. Learned spells have not been forgotten, but now comes the assurance that they will work. Those who have detect magic permanently cast, will note a few glowing areas on the dead cleric's body, over by the altar.
And so, then - Ve Mundr gets a certain amount of satisfaction from the meditation of his spell. The result, however -
It is as though he is on the back of a dragon, high in the sky at night. Below him are pin points of light, hundreds of them, all throughout the Elennian Peninsula. All these pin points are Crow. All are Crow? Or pieces of him? It shouldn't be possible. And yet there it is. However, the largest cluster of them is at Mount Bone. To the Southern side of it's slopes.
All the Madmen Came Today......
Dahlia (sub) Thursday June 28th, 2007 8:34:03 PM
She is lead away by the others as they leave. She looks back over her shoulder once, as if the dead would be following them somehow. She longs for the days of gems a jewels scattered on a cavern floor again. She sighs deeply and settles on the present.
Mordrid Thursday June 28th, 2007 9:14:58 PM
As the group exits the shadowlands, Mordrid notes aloud, "Gargul has lost control of his domain. Souls are leaving against his will. The gods have lost control."
"Never again will I underestimate the power of mortals."
At some point, Mordrid will find a moment with Ve. "Jancasis called on me to stop you back there. Just thought you should know."
Corialote and Amarth Thursday June 28th, 2007 9:28:36 PM
Cori watches the procession of souls as they continue to pass through the now opened gates. With spells already being cast she feels no reason to do any herself.
She does take the time to swap out the adamantine rapier for her old one. It now feels as light as a feather in her hands and the magical humm is back. This brings a smile to her face and she goes about checking over her other gear as well.
Amarth, perches still upon her shoulder, seems more relaxes and he once again nuzzles the cheek of his Mistress. "We seem to have an almost impossible task before us." To this Cori just smiles and shrugs. "Were would be the fun if it was too easy." She waits to see what will be learned and what their next move should be.
Ve Mundr Thursday June 28th, 2007 10:03:43 PM
Ve reports what his divination reveals with more than just a touch of concern on his face. "The fact that it showed me all of that as Crow, would mean all of those pieces were him and that means he lives somehow farctured."
"I wonder if Crow somehow pushed pieces of himself into the constructs? It did not show me Config, but Config is beyond the control, perhaps having purged himself of Crow?"
To Mordrid he nods an understanding, there was much in the rangers past Ve did not know, but know he knew a little more. Ve responds calmly and friendly to him, "I was just moving to Dahlia, perhaps too aggressively for his liking, but striking at Marteaus or Jancasis had not entered my mind." He adds after a small pause and a smile, "Well of course until Domi seemed inclined. Even then my foremost thought was our friend Dahlia. I may be bit exhuberant in my desires to put evil down Mordrid, but I am a man who knows his limits." he finishes with a slight chuckle and gives mordrid a freindly pat to the shoulder.
Looking to Valdor, "To the south slopes of Mount Bone then?"
Valdor Thursday June 28th, 2007 11:53:23 PM
Valdor watches his brother and listens in. He says,"I noticed you chose a side, and while I would have expected what you did, I am eternally grateful. I thought I was a dead man back there. And Ve, it DID cross my mind. They could probably read my mind or at least my intentions. If Domi or Alemi had but nodded, I'd probably be in little pieces right now from trying.
And yes, I think the Southern slopes of Mount Bone sounds as good as anywhere else. How far is it on foot? We could always teleport."
He waits for everyone to get together and makes sure the halflings and Config are there, as well. He caught Alemi's comment to Nick, but didn't understand it. He says,"Father Nick, is there anything I can do to help you in this matter, my friend? Any more monsters in your dreams to destroy?" He's grinning when he says it, but his eyes show much concern.
Onrad Friday June 29th, 2007 1:09:42 AM
Onrad gets up. But all this is just too much to handle and he's amazed that the others just take it in and move on.
He begins stretching. That always was a calming thing for him.
Eventually he looks at Valdor and simply says, "Let's go."
Dahlia (sub) Friday June 29th, 2007 11:06:25 AM
The rogue slides her hand through Ve's and wraps her arms around his. In a coy, damsel in distress manner, "My hero", eyes blinking.
She waits for the others to decide how they transport themselves.
Jus Friday June 29th, 2007 4:37:08 PM
Ironic, that Jus found comfort from his own troubles with Nick, and Nick may have troubles of his own. Not knowing what else to do, Jus squeezes Father Nicholas' shoulder as the group leaves.
"Well, little one," Jus says to Gimp, not knowing his name. "Are you to follow us or stay here with Gargul? Whichever you decide, I thank you for your words and the comfort of your weight." Few may understand Jus' last comment, but Gimp's few moments on Jus' shoulder did bring back memories of simpler times.
Jus listens to the others as they head out. When they reach Config, Jus asks, "are you still with us? Do you feel any different?"
Ve Mundr Saturday June 30th, 2007 3:24:54 PM
Ve looks to Onrad and decides he has seen that look before, "You either just roll with it, or curl up in a ball trying to sort it all out and go mad." Dahlia takes him a bit by surprise and thus the normally unshakable protector uncharateristically just blurts out, "Just doing my job ma`am."
Corialote and Amarth Saturday June 30th, 2007 8:30:31 PM
Cori stands ready to leave with the rest, though with the splintering of Crow...the task does seem to have gotten a lot harder. "So he may have fed alittle of himself into each constuct that he made...that should make taking him back a whole lot harder." Just finding the original might not be enough to solve the problem and now it seems they will have to see about getting all the pieces of Crow back together.
Looking to Valdor she nods her head that she is ready when he is for the teleportation. She would not attemtp this one herself as she is not that familiar with the location.
Valdor Sunday July 1st, 2007 11:48:18 PM
Valdor chuckles at Dahlia's effect on Ve. He says,"She has a way of unnerving a man. So, do we need to find all of the pieces of our quarry first, or go straight to the source?"
Posting Report for Monday July 2nd, 2007 7:49:28 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week on June 25,2007
Adm Ceil _ Tha Old Dragons are still going strong.
Dahlia (sub) Monday July 2nd, 2007 11:30:47 AM
Acting all sweet and innocent, she jumps straight up in the air and taps her protector on the back of the neck. "The same would have happened to Jan and her whipping boy if they had tried anything on me." Dahlia is not one to need to be protected, but it was nice to see in any case. She waits for the others patiently. The scenery, although, is anything but beautiful, it is a rare enough sight to catch ones attention while present.
Nick Monday July 2nd, 2007 12:26:03 PM
Still stunned, Nick nods at Jus as they leave the Shadowlands and head back into the living Wold. To Valdor he says "I think Alemi just told me that this - " he gestures toward his bald head and the wrinkles and liver spots on his skin, " - is all in my head. And I haven't the first idea how to deal with it."
The cleric sounds baffled, but positive.
"I'm all for going to the south slope of the mountain," he adds. "And might I suggest caution. We don't know what we will find."
DM Jan Monday July 2nd, 2007 12:58:43 PM
The creature named Gimp stays on Jus's shoulder, right to the 'gate'. "I'd like to come with you. It sounds exciting," it says, "but the Lands of Unrest are not for the faint of heart, and Gargul will need me. Go out, all of you. Embrace life." Gimp leaps off the elf's shoulder and returns to the dais, where Gargul looks out toward the lake.
Back in the land of the living -
"This metal casing feels stronger, and has more energy," the elemental inside the construct tells Jus, "and I am still in control of it." It's head moves this way and that, as Crow is discussed, following the conversation. "All golems have a wish to be near Crow. They make images, which they stare at," it says. "The images contain life."
As for distance, for most of the Platinums, knowlege of the local geography will be remembered. They had been here, after all, on more than one occasion. Mount Bone from Dirt City - days of hiking on foot, over rough, ankle-breaking terrain; teleport - instant.
Little Tommy is biting his nails. "Mount Bone. We were told never to go to Mount Bone. Bad magic underground, or somesuch." His brother gives him a nudge. "Stop it. You're being soft."
Suddenly, there is movement, outside, beyond the blown-open doors. A small crowd of people, gathering, their faces filthy, their clothes torn, peering in astonishment toward this armour-clad and grandly dressed group of adventurers the likes of whom they'd never seen before. For the Wold had been awakened, and the ensuing jolt had been more than enough to bring folk out from their hidey-holes.
((OOC - I'll play it by ear during the holiday week, and yes, I know I'm British, but I'm taking Wednesday off ;) ))
Valdor Monday July 2nd, 2007 11:42:43 PM
Valdor looks at Nick, puzzled, and asks,"Do you not believe your God? Where is your faith that I have witnessed for so long? He can bring the dead back to life through your belief that he will. You can do miracles in his name. Why is it so hard to believe he can reverse the age you have shown recently? You have been a source of strength for this group and now your own body needs that faith!"
Seeing the people and having his magic back, the large warrior smiles and strides out into the street. He looks around and says with a booming voice of authority,"Today is a day you should always remember. We have brought back the use of magic and have brought you the Gods who have been asleep for so long due to the people of this time's lack of faith! They are real and should be worshipped, or at least respected. They can give food on the table, life, and even power!
Their names are Alemi, the God of Justice. Domi, the god of Courage and strength, and Gargul, the God of the Dead. This building is one of Gargul's temple. These men(he motions to Nick and Ve) are their clerics...their most devout followers who do their will. You can see their strength of character and know that I tell the truth. These(he motions to Cori and Nonam), can weave magic and perform amazing tasks. They can create, or they can destroy. These people are the result of years of dedication to understanding that which you have not had because of one man. His name is Crow.
Live your lives right, believe and trust in these Gods, and your lives and your children's lives will be the better for it! We are the Platinum Dragons and we are here for your freedom!"
Mordrid Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 12:27:42 AM
The ranger trods out of the land of dead, meaning to talk to Valdor; but all the people about are a pleasant suprise.
Standing just behind Valdor's right shoulder, Mordid smiles as his leader resolves his speech;soflty saying(with all due conviction), "well spoken my brother."
"You know Valdor... most of us have been dead now for many years." The ranger's wrinkled eyes lift higher following this spirited jab.
Turning and raising his voice for the party to hear, "There is no need to hunt down all the aspects of Crow." The ranger can be so smug when he feels he is right. His past as a tracker/hunter/assassin pushes this point further.
"It is simple. We lay seige upon Crow's avatar, and his aspects will return to protect. As it stands... we aren't looking for Crow anyway. He is a thrall. I wouldn't be suprised if something hasn't got him trapped in a cocoon somewhere."
Dahlia (sub) d20+30=45 d20+17=36 Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 1:20:43 PM
The rogue steps through and for a moment is disoriented, but it quickly clears as the crowd gives her renewed strength. She will let the others do the talking, but her mind is still set on the ones Gargul warned her about. They may well be here also.
Spot: 45 for suspicious persons in the group. Sense Motive: 36 on anyone she thinks is Suspicious ooc: Not sure if the spot was necessary for the sense motive or not.
(ooc: I am back Buzz, thanks alot you did very well.)
Ve Mundr Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 5:22:04 PM
Ve gives a deep nod as Valdor mentions him. he could be amongst these people for a fortnight, but there was pressing business. He cast a glance to Father Nick, "We should do something for them, but I do not want to take the spotlight too much. Also assuming we suceed, this all never happens right?"
Ve looks unsire on the last statement. Gargul, Alemi and Domi all seemed to imply that this Wold would indeed continue regardless of thier success or not. The thought started to lead Ve towards multiple time lines and such. Something that while he knew of the basic theories he certainly had never studied them in depth. Perhaps Cori..."Cori, could this time line continue regardless and therefore need us as well?"
With that thought, regardless of Cori's answer, he had decided he would indeed act to bolster the courage and belief of these people.
Onrad Wednesday July 4th, 2007 1:50:43 PM
Onrad grins at Ve, after thinking on his words about rolling with the punches of all these amazing sights.
"Yaknow Ve, your words are very true. Very true. However, there is also something to the fact that when you've seen everything, it all seems normal and you might lose something important about being mortal: the struggle. Ursis used to say, "Beware, too much acceptance of the amazing as normal will rob you of your emotions and....stuff." No, that's how he said it.
As my friend Jus used to say, 'It's not the one with the most toys that wins, but the one who has the most fun.'
"I might change the word fun for adventure, but the point is still true. Let the amazing be amazing."
Later he mumbles. "Crow is a cool name, huh?"
And later still, "Let's move this thing. We're slower than Valdor's molasses at breakfast."
Valdor Thursday July 5th, 2007 10:21:50 AM
Valdor smiles at his brother's words and replies,"We may be, but these people need hope while we are here. It's not much, but it's all we can do forthem. They may live in the future, they may not, if we succeed. But, we can't control that, all we can do is give them some hope for the now that they live in.
They've been hiding for so long, that they don't probably know joy, happiness, contentedness, or any of those satisfying feelings. Even if we change the Wold enough that these people don't remember this day, maybe today they will enjoy it."
Mordrid Thursday July 5th, 2007 1:46:36 PM
"Hey Onrad, I've been working on a book. 'Valdor Breakfast Metaphors Volume 2.'"
Nick d20+13=31 d20+19=31 Thursday July 5th, 2007 1:59:21 PM
Nick stands and stares at Valdor for a moment. He smiles, and then gives out a long sigh. "You're right. I know. It's just.... a shock, I suppose."
Outside, he pushes it all to the back of his mind as the people appear. Thankfully, Valdor is a good orator and can work a crowd, so, Nick concentrates on looking like the benevolent servant of Alemi that he is, and his eyes scan the throng. Could be that there were those in need of healing. These were hard times, and although he nods at Ve's suggestion that this all might go away, it was difficult not to live in the present. Another glance at his fellow cleric gives him the impression that Ve is perhaps feeling the same way.
spot 31 heal 31
DM Jan Thursday July 5th, 2007 2:09:55 PM Death. Only to be born again. Then another death. And another. All without power, without magic. Grubbing in the dirt, dying of starvation, or from whatever was left of Marteaus's pestilence, or having the skin flayed off for use by the golems, or possibly the worst of all - old age. Over and over, running and hiding from these stupid constructs. Living amongst these ordinary people, who are SO unworthy. And now.... power runs in the land, once more. And spells, yes - a piece here, a piece there, coming together in this ten year old brain. Come on, you canny little ferret. Start to remember. Oh, how good it feels. Yes. But wait. They say someone is here. Are they the reason? Must go and look. I wonder...
But no, it can't be! It cannot be! No!! I killed you. And you! Seven of you to take me down and I took most of you with me......
From the looks on faces in the small crowd, it is obvious that no one has ever seen such a man as Valdor before. Or any of the others for that matter, and they stand listening, spellbound in their torn clothes and weary masks of downtrodden exhaustion. Until the name of Crow is mentioned. "Freedom? Is that possible? " a man toward the front asks. "We are at the mercy of those things!" he points toward Config.
Both Nick and Ve see undernourishment, malnutrition and weakness. It overshadows any other ailments they might have been suffering from. Life here has not been easy. On anyone.
Hard not to stay and help these people, but then, it could be that the entire Wold looked like this.
Dahlia scans the crowd with a practiced eye. Practiced enough to see murderous intent beneath an opaque layer of utter shock. One of the crowd - a young kid, hard to tell how old he was beneath all that grime, turns and runs back into the City. But that look.... on someone so young...
Onrad Thursday July 5th, 2007 3:40:30 PM
"Do not forget, comrades, that we are here to prevent this timeline. We all feel sympathy and want to reach out, but we are here to prevent this, to let them all be born in a different future.
"So the best way to help is to quickly put an end to all of it.
"Again, I say let's go."
Corialote and Amarth Thursday July 5th, 2007 6:25:48 PM
Cori has been thinking about all that has been said and some things that have not been said. She listens to Ve and then wrinkles her brow. "There are so many theories on time...alternate worlds...alternate timelines...but I would venture to guess that whatever changes we make here will change this future to something else. Things will continue here but on a different path than it was originally on." She glances to the rest and smiles, hoping that she was not talking about something that they could not at least grasp the concept.
As Onrad speaks she nods her head. "He is right, we are wasteing too much time here. We need to move and as Mordrid has said...attack the head and all the little ones will come back." Of course she is only guessing but it does make sense in so many ways. She is just worried about what is behind Crow.
[Sorry for missing two posts. The 4th took me away for a longer period of time than I wanted. Was not sure if I was going to make it back today either. :)]
~~Jan~~ Webber, you party animal :)
Scott Thursday July 5th, 2007 9:47:42 PM
OOC: I will be leaving for Aruba at 4:00AM Saturday morning. I will be gone for seven days. And you thought Webber was the party animal. Im the original party animal.
~~Jan~~ Aruba! Yet more confirmation that all the wild ones post on this board.
Mordrid Thursday July 5th, 2007 10:34:55 PM
Mordrid turns around to Ve, "Is there anything we can do to feed these people?"
The ranger sees a small shape run thru his peripheral, into the shadows. Nothing to cause immediate alarm, so it seems.
Valdor d20=19 Friday July 6th, 2007 12:49:17 AM
Valdor, watching the crowd, gauging their reaction, nods to Dahlia to "disappear" and keep lookout. He nods at Mordrid's comments and turns to Onrad and says,"We don't really know, my friend, what will happen. But, if we can at least bring a small comfort to these people, it is the right thing to do.
I've always believed it wasn't killing the dragons that made me feel good...it was helping the poor people when their homes were flooded by the fey king's return. It was really helping rebuild Shantytown with my strength, not my money. While the other actions are necessary, sometimes it's the actions we think that are small that really make the difference. We can spare a few minutes, I think."
Ve Mundr Friday July 6th, 2007 1:45:09 PM
The cleric nods to Mordrid. "There most certainly is." To Cori and Inrad the cleric adds, "We are only wasting time if we don nothing and leave. You can waste all the time you like. I am staying."
Ve moves towards the crowd, "Freedom is possible with courage my friends. We are here to show the way, but our time is short. So you must follow and continue." Ve says a short prayer to Domi, "Bless them, feed them and allow me to show them the wonders of the Wold." [Ve casts Heroes Feast]
"Come, sit and enjoy. From here you will build the Wold again. From here the sound of hope will ring out. From here the people of the Wold will again be free."
If there are more people than 22 in the crowd, Ve will ask Father Nick to cast one as well. If he cannot then Ve will cast Miracle to duplicate a second Heroes Feast.
"Father Nick, Do you happen to have the appropriate materials to create a Hallow site?"
Dahlia Friday July 6th, 2007 5:58:07 PM
shocked by what she sees in the youths eyes she pauses for just one moment she calculates how far away the youth is and then if in range whips her rope of entanglement right at him hopefully bringing him down before he escapes.
DC 20 strength or escape artist to escape
Then following Valdor's instructions she vanishes from sight.
Posting Report for Monday July 9th, 2007 6:30:23 AM
the # 1 Game the Platinun Dragons For the week of July 2,2007
Name-----MTWTF DM Jan---XOOXO Valdore--XOOXX Mordrid--OXOXO *Going to Aruba Dalia----XXOOX Fr.Nick--XOOXO VEMunt---OXOOX Coralots-OOOXO Jus------OOOOO Onrad----OOXXO *The only one that posted on a Holiday.
Adm Ceil - What can I say? It rain in Texas.
Nick Monday July 9th, 2007 12:40:44 PM
Nick smiles to himself on hearing Valdor's words. Yes, it was important to keep moving, but how could they just leave these people? Nick knows he isn't one that can make that kind of tough, cold decision. Healing is his life.
He assesses the crowd. If Ve Mundr's spell won't cover it, he'll cast his own Heroes Feast spell. Ten minutes. They had ten minutes, right?
"What's on your mind?" he asks Ve, as the Protector asks him about the Hallowing. "I've got the necessary incense, but it'll take a day and a night to work it."
DM Jan Monday July 9th, 2007 12:52:45 PM
There is a crowd of thirty two gathered before the adventurers, and all now stand staring at the two magnificent, laden Heroes Feast tables before them. There is a moment, as they stand mesmerized, then one of the younger ones breaks forward and reaches for the food. After that, they're on it like a pack of starving wolves. The scene is at once gratifying, desperate, and heartbreaking. That all of the Wold has been reduced to this.
An older man manages to extract himself with some difficulty from the feeding frenzy. He gives the group a bow. There are tears in his eyes. "We've never seen such things," he says, "other than what we hear in our myths and legends, where there were Gods, and light, and where things were good. All we have ever seen is the dark - and the monsters that, if they catch us, make us dig holes for ore, till our hands are worn to stumps; where they take our children and strip their skins, so they can build more of the flesh ones. And this food tastes so good...." He wipes his eyes on a filthy sleeve. His accent is deep tunnel Dirt City, hard to understand initially. "These Gods... will they help us all? Can we help you?"
Dahlia sees the kid run, notes the direction. He's going down Below, down the Tower steps. The rope would have been on the edge of it's range, and the crowd.... too many people in the way. She vanishes out of sight. Another miracle, and no one notices, such is the allure of fresh food presented before them.
Tommy steps forward. Food and halflings. Wentworth grabs him. "We've got our rations," he tells his brother.
Minutes tick by.
Dahlia Monday July 9th, 2007 4:50:15 PM
Valdor, we have a bolter, you want me to let him go or take him into custody? (she quickly relays what she saw of the boy and his attitudes and eyes, etc?)
Corialote and Amarth Monday July 9th, 2007 8:59:17 PM
Cori shrugs as she was not sure how she could help anyways and watches the feeding frenzy. Shaking her head she cannot wonder about the things that these people have been through.
She does catch the conversation with Dahlia and nods her head. "If you want we might be able to track him down...though it might be hard." More or less she is offering to help Dahlia with the search if it is given the go ahead.
Amarth nods his own head as he speaks up, something that he rarely does. "I can help out by adding eyes in the sky." He spread his wings as he waits to see what will happen.
Valdor Tuesday July 10th, 2007 12:04:21 AM
Valdor smiles as Nick and Ve take care of the people...even if it's for nothing. He yhen replies to Dahlia,"Stay invisible and follow him. He may lead you somewhere we need to know about. But take no unneccessary risks. We do not know what we face yet."
Onrad Tuesday July 10th, 2007 2:58:31 PM
Ornad shrugs and jumps into the crowd of feeders and begins giving each a single golden coin. He tells each one, "This is for your families. For food."
DM Jan Tuesday July 10th, 2007 3:11:36 PM
And so, as Ve, Onrad and Nick see to the needs of the immediate local population, and Valdor, Cori, Mordrid, Nonam, and Jus decide the next course of action -
Dahlia slips invisibly after the kid who ran. The Tower - what used to be the Key Tower - is in extreme disrepair. Trash and falling masonary litter the stairwell, and the tunnels below look partially block. At Below Level, it looks as though some areas have been blocked on purpose. It's dark, smelly, and she knows it's a complete rabbit warren down here. Weird, that only days ago the whole group were strolling through this city, when it was truly alive. Now it looks dead - it's past worn down by collapse and gloom.
There are sounds down here, also. Distant banging and clashing. With no indication of what or who they belong to, echoing through the tunnels beyond. There's a decision therefore, for Dahlia, too. Follow the kid and get swallowed up in the gloom. Or rejoin the others.
So, what's next for our heroes?
Dahlia Tuesday July 10th, 2007 5:14:42 PM
Valdor he entered the tower, sounds like a metal works. You want me back or to do a bit of scouting?
Valdor Tuesday July 10th, 2007 7:42:38 PM
Valdor replies,"If you know where he went, come on back. Don't want us too separated and, if something happened, we wouldn't know the way to where you are. We should probably search that place after these people are fed and get back into hiding."
DM Jan Wednesday July 11th, 2007 4:48:25 PM
Config turns to Valdor.
"There will be constructs like me down there, with slave teams of them," it points at the people eating, "they need metal. And it is quicker to scavenge and melt down, rather than extract from the ground."
Onrad Wednesday July 11th, 2007 5:14:37 PM
Onrad begins encouraging those who have food and a coin to go back to their homes.
"It is not safe yet. We'll do our best to change that, but for now, go home. Be safe. Help others."
The words vary, but he truly tries to begin clearing out the crowd. It would be very hard to protect such a group if something happened.
He watches hard to see if anyone is being a bully with the money or the food.
Dahlia d20+24=39 Wednesday July 11th, 2007 6:42:13 PM
On my way back thens she makes her way back, Dahlia takes advantage of her invisibility to really take a look at things on the way.
spot 39
Valdor Thursday July 12th, 2007 12:34:09 AM
Valdor nods to Config and says,"We may be getting company soon that we don't want. Cori, Nick, Ve, and Nonam, be prepared to cast some defensive spells on us like stoneskins and such. We don't know what we will be facing, but we need to be ready."
He moves to the area that Dahlia would have followed the boy and waits, sword in hand.
Onrad Thursday July 12th, 2007 9:49:15 AM
Still dealing with the people, and a longing in his heart growing to compete with his anxiousness to be on with the task, he works quickly.
"Yes, we'll be back to help again if it is possible.
"No we will not leave you in the lurch. We are hear to help.
"OK folks, we think that there will be some bad company coming soon, so off with you. Get to safety. Pray for us. Yes it does make a difference."
Ve Mundr Thursday July 12th, 2007 12:32:44 PM
Ve nods to Father Nick, "I know the spell takes a day, but I was going to perform a Miracle. These people need hope, they need a symbol to rally around and I think Gargul's temple, the site where word will spread from wher it all began is the best place. I would still need the insence though. I can Extend it and Enlarge it to cover the entire area for 2 full years. I was thinking Daylight as the embedded spell."
Ve looks to the man who asked what they could do and he moves to stand with him. "You can spread the word of this place and of Gargul, Lord of Life, Domi Lord of Courage and Alemi Lord of Health." Ve takes his personal journal and writings of Domi from his Haversack and hands it to the man. "This will help you gain understanding and I hope fuel your spirit and mind. Read it, think upon it and follow what your heart feels is right after reflection. Stay here and eat and drink. Alemi and Domi have blessed us with an abundance to provide, but you must partake of it for 1 hour."
Dahlia's report and Valdor's mention of company brings him around after a final smile and compassionate hand to the man's shoulder. Ve moves to stand near Valdor and whispers "The people will gain nothing from the magical feast if they do not partake of it for a full hour. We need to buy a great deal of time. If the golems are harvesting metal with slave teams, why would they cease to come after us though?" The last is mused aloud, "We might be jumping the assumption cart to soon."
Valdor Thursday July 12th, 2007 6:09:46 PM
Valdor replies,"I didn't say they were coming, but that they might be. I will buy you your time at any cost, however, so continue with your plan. Nothing will bother these people while I draw breath."
He removes his cloak then flexes his arms for good measure and begins to warm up. With his armor revealed, he smiles, draws his swords and starts through his motions while the clerics do their work. All the while, though, he keeps an eye on the entrance where Dahlia went.
Corialote and Amarth Thursday July 12th, 2007 9:08:40 PM
Cori comes to stand near Valdor, a smile upon her face. "I was wondering if we would have a little fun." She is feeling better with her magic back and is ready for what may come.
Amarth, perched on her shoulder, says nothing but seems like he would like to say something.
[Spell list to come.]
Nick Friday July 13th, 2007 1:33:26 AM
"Ah," says Nick, and reaches into a belt pouch. He carefully hands Ve Mundr a small stick of incense in a glass vial. "A good idea. We've no idea what the future holds for these people, and I'd rather assume a continuation, and do something, as opposed to doing nothing. I'll join you in prayer."
DM Jan Friday July 13th, 2007 1:46:20 AM
The hour passes. Those not involved directly with the people or preparing the temple might do well to follow Valdor's lead and stay on guard.
Dahlia finds nothing else of particular interest on her way back up to the surface, other than bearing witness to how neglect and time have battered this place into a pale shadow of it's former self.
Nothing threatening follows her back up the stairs. Valdor's sword is jittery with renewed power and nothing to bite into. Cori's companion Amarth catches distant light moving to the north, and not long after, one of those strange trains passes by in the distance, heading north west.
At the end of the hour, Valdor gathers a crowd. Most have heeded Onrad's words, but others - five men, two women - "We want to fight," they tell the Dragonstone. They're empowered, invigorated, by the Heroes Feast spell.
The old man has taken Ve Mundr's journal and is hugging it close, as though it was the greatest treasure he has ever been given.
Onrad Friday July 13th, 2007 2:11:44 PM
Sighing that most have gone home, he looks around for a good defensive position or a crow's nest to see something approaching.
Valdor Friday July 13th, 2007 8:22:27 PM
Valdor addresses the seven and says,"What we do is dangerous. Deadly to some. As long as there is evil abroad, however, good people with strong hearts must stand together to fight it. You should examine yourselves and find your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest about it. Work together to become stronger and help and protect those who cannot help themselves."
He spends a few minutes explaining what each member does and how they work as a team. He gives several examples of how they protect each other even while fighting. Finally, he pulls out a long sword, a short sword, and two daggers from his backpack. They are non-magical, but these people don't know that.
He says,"These weapons are my gifts to you all, who have shown the strength and heart to do more than the others. Keep these hidden from prying eyes. Until you can use them well, you will be a target to the constructs and the slavers. Also, as I have owned them for many years, I am attuned to them by magic and will know if they are used for anything but good. If I ever sense that they are used in an evil way, I will return and destroy whoever does so.
My name is Valdor and I am known in my land as the Dragonstone and Dragonslayer. Take these and do good with them. And always...have courage."
He says a prayer to Domi that they will have the courage to use them well.
Posting Report for Monday July 16th, 2007 6:28:43 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of Jule8,2007
Name-----MTWTF DM Jan H-XXXOX Valdor---O2X2X Mordrid--OOOOO Fr.Nick--XOOOX Dalia----XXXOO VE Mont--OOOXO Coralot--XOOXO Nonam----OOOOO Onrad----OXXXX Jus------OOOOO
Adm Ceil - ???Three no post for this week?
Onrad Monday July 16th, 2007 12:41:43 PM
Onrad, obviously antsy for some time now, climbs up on top of the temple to watch and get away from what he views as speeches and posturing. Deep inside he knows this is the role of the heroes, to imspire and such, but that has always been something Onrad had avoided, dating back to his days as a child in the noble Onrad household.
He has a quick flashback to his father making him do the area circuit of towns to appease and listen to the rantings and demands of the local mayors. It causes his temper to flair thinking of it even now. He escaped all that to become a man of action, an adventurer.
Now he sees it coming full circle. He could stand feeding the people cause he could do it quickly. But all this organizing, waiting, posturing, it just frustrates one.
So relax, stretch, and watch, Onrad. Gods, I'm talking to myself now.
Dahlia d20+26=38 Monday July 16th, 2007 5:09:02 PM
Back with the group Dahlia passes the time by juggling a half dozen or so daggers Reflex dc 38 and watches Valsor deal with the group of foolishly brave citizens.
Jan OOC Tuesday July 17th, 2007 1:29:34 AM
Sorry guys! Horribly busy day today (then I was bad and watched Posh Spice AND Hells Kitchen.) I'll post tomorrow morning. Promise.
Nick Tuesday July 17th, 2007 12:01:37 PM
After helping out with Ve's spell preparations, Nick watches the group gathered around Valdor. Seven weapons were woefully inadequate for what these people faced, but if the Dragons could break the back of Crow and his mob of constructs, then perhaps others would join in the fight.
DM Jan Tuesday July 17th, 2007 12:01:55 PM
The seven gathered around Valdor listen intently. Their faces are grim, but their new strength and vigor has put a spark of resolve in their eye. Hope and possibilities flow from these new visitors and the locals are soaking it up like sponges.
Onrad's new vantage point atop the temple gives him a good view, despite the fact that it is still nightfall. The sea to the south twinkles and shifts in the moonlight. It's relatively calm out there, no traffic. Hard to say if there is any shipping at all. To the north - that faint glow on the horizon, particularly to the north west, one that tells him there is activity up there, either that or a huge forest fire.
It's the Woldian equivalent of about 1 AM. Dahlia and the others can almost feel the adrenalin exhuding from those who took advantage of the feast spell. Doesn't feel sleepy time at all.
Time to move?
Mordrid Tuesday July 17th, 2007 1:03:38 PM
The ranger enjoys watching his brothers and sisters render aid.
When the peasant steps forward to thank the adventurers, Mordrid asks the man, "are there any horses nearby?"
If there are, the ranger will take the logical steps to secure the usage of the horses.
There was a lot of ground to cover between Dirt City and Mount Bone. He does not consider teleportation as an option, because the travel time on horseback would allow them to better access what they were approaching. Mordrid ponders the rudeness of teleportation, that somehow always puts his skill-set at a disadvantage.
Ve Mundr Tuesday July 17th, 2007 2:42:08 PM
Ve thanks father Nick for his foresight and his assistance with the Hallowing of Gargul's temple. Calling upon the power of Domi, Ve extends his hands over the area. "Lord Domi work through me to bless this place and mark this land as the new beginning. Watch over and guide these people. This worlds brave new hopes. The first sparks of courage." Ve will wrap both Enlarging and Extending power into the Miracle of the Hallow. Afixed within the now sacred location, Ve places a Bless spell for all those of Good alignment.
Ve will also add to Valdor's gifts his own dagger, crossbow and 20 bolts. Looking to the man to whom he has trusted his journal, he places a hand on his shoulder and directs his attention to the seven before Valdor. "You will be thier guide. Serve them well"
Moving to stand near Father Nick, the hierophant wears a smile. "The stone has been set to motion my friend." Noting Mordrid moving he nods, "Yes we should be moving I suppose."
Dahlia Wednesday July 18th, 2007 8:17:43 AM
Putting away her knives, the dark halfling looks around at the others. " So we going to Mount Bone again or shall we go after the one I was following first?
Nick Wednesday July 18th, 2007 11:46:27 AM
Nick's smile carries an aura of satisfaction, of being settled, and grounded, as Ve's spell comes into being. If he was to think on it, the lack of Holy presence had been more unsettling to him than he realised, and so to have it back, and to feel it here, on the land...
He steps toward the construct. "Config," he asks politely. "Can you lead us to this Crow fellow?"
Onrad Wednesday July 18th, 2007 4:22:42 PM
Onrad tried to deterine if he's seeing Mount Bone at this distance, or if the glowing is something else.
He glances down at the others, to see what's up and continues scanning.
Then he yells down. "There's something in the distance to the NW. Miles away I think. May be Mount Bone. Might be a forest fire. But it's big."
He points.
DM Jan Wednesday July 18th, 2007 8:15:07 PM
The temple building beneath Onrad's feet acquires a positive aura, as Ve Mundr's spell comes into being.
Weaponry, plans and tactics move back and forth between Dirt Citizens and Dragons alike.
The older man raises an eyebrow toward Mordrid. "Horses?" he asks. "I take it you've ridden such a wonderful beast? I heard there are wild ones to the far north, but they're rare. I've never seen one. Only drawings." He glances up toward the duellist perched on the roof. "That glow he's yelling about belongs to the mines up at Mount Bone. If you're going up there - be careful."
Config nods in the affirmative to Father Nick's question. "Yes. In fact now the magic is back, the bond is stronger than ever."
Ach. A scratch to his hand as he had dashed through the ruins of Below. Had there been someone following him? Possible. He hadn't been totally sure. No matter. What was a little spilled blood? Now where - ah, yes. The bag, containing herbs, foul-smelling oils, a couple of reliqueries, ruby dust, gold dust, wood splinters, string, chalk, teeth and oh yes - exceedingly rare - feathers. Not many of those around these days; dragon scales - still fewer of those. A few other packets and potions he's collected over the long years. Not everything, but it will have to do. The staffs are hidden; were hidden. Well, we shall see. Time to go. Assuming Crow is still alive, his power over these constructs will be useful against the enemy. And with the Woldsblood alive, full of souls and lending him power, that little fortress of Crow's should be an easy egg to crack. Don't get ahead of yourself. The staffs, first.
TELEPORT Into an old, familiar darkness....
Valdor Thursday July 19th, 2007 12:19:34 AM
Valdor smiles at Mordrid and pats his shoulder. He says,"I know you prefer to travel that way, but we don't know the terrain, nor what we will encounter along the way. Of course, we don't know what we will find when we teleport either. I don't relish running that far and we need to make haste, but I'm fine with whatever. Shoulds we sleep briefly, or head on now? Of course, should we travel on foot, we can hopefully find a place to make camp. Or, it may be barren all the way and we'll be out in plain sight for all to see.
Any thoughts? Onrad, how long of a walk is it by your best guess?"
He's kinda rambling, still thinking about this group they have started down a path.He's getting sick of giving speeches these days, but they have to have hope and he feels he needs to prepare them somewhat for a new life...or will they even have that life if the future they are in is changed? His head wants to explode thinking about all this stuff. He could use some jabs from Nonam to re-focus his thoughts on just finding his quarry and killing it, instead of all of this other stuff.
Config (NPC) Thursday July 19th, 2007 2:21:16 PM
"There is also the train. I am a construct. You are my slave team. Although... a problem, you look different from the usual human passenger."
The golem's shiny head moves this way and that.
Ve Mundr Thursday July 19th, 2007 5:20:32 PM
Ve stands and listens, "Sounds like getting horses would be more arduous than walking there in the first place. Which leaves walking and the train and teleport. Config senses the magic, everyone remotely connected to it would as well. I think the longer we wait, the greater advantage we give up."
Ve casts Status and reaches out to include all the Dragons present and looks specifically at Valdor. "Teleport is the smartest option. No one will know precisely where we are going to start, though I have no illusions that they do not know we are coming. " Ve stops short, then looks at Config and the halflings and frowns. "Potential problem most certainly." as he regards them. "They would not be exactly safe here without at least one of us, but I do so not want to take them." Ve voice drops and then he looks to the halflings and locks thier attention to him. "You Two will stay right behind me and do what I say when I say it."
"I am still for teleport, hopefully the ring can take Config."
Valdor Thursday July 19th, 2007 6:17:57 PM
Valdor gets a confused look on his face and asks Config,"What's a train?"
Onrad Thursday July 19th, 2007 6:43:20 PM
"I'm getting bored up here. Someone make something interesting happen please or decide we can go!
"Just saying...I mean adventuring is not supposed to be stand and talk about it all.
"Pleeeasssseee?"
Corialote and Amarth Thursday July 19th, 2007 11:44:13 PM
A low growl starts in the back of Cori's throat at the mention of being slaves. Even if it is pretend she will not go along with it. Her eyes flash with unconcealed anger as she scans each person in turn. "Teleport me there...but don't expect me to be a slave." She literally hisses through her clenched teeth as she speaks.
Amarth shivers at the venom in his Mistress's voice, as it sends chills up his spine. He knows a little about his Mistress and this is the way of her people, to keep slaves. No female would ever allow herself to be a slave to anyone...she would die first.
[God am I sorry. Forgot all about posting here. I am a very bad player.]
~~Jan~~ Bad, Jim! Bad! :)
Nick Friday July 20th, 2007 1:57:11 AM
Nick looks out toward the north. "Well, despite that fact that my stomach hates to travel instantaneously, I think speed is of the essence. And besides, If we don't get a move on I suspect Onrad will explode with impatience."
He approaches Valdor and says quietly, "You did very well with those people," he says. "We have no idea what will happen to them if and when our task is completed, but we couldn't just leave them."
DM Jan Friday July 20th, 2007 2:12:16 AM
A long metal arm comes up and points to the north as Valdor asks the construct a question. "The train of carriages, on the metal rails," the elemental says, it's voice flat. If it senses Cori's anger, it shows no sign.
Tommy and Wentworth take Ve Mundr quiet literally and cluster behind him as they sense a journey into danger is imminent. The Protector becomes 'aware' of those around him as Status is cast.
And so - teleport seems to be the general consensus? If so, the group need to gather, the destination given, the spell cast. As for what to expect, perhaps the absolute worst, and suitable preparations are in order.
Onrad Friday July 20th, 2007 5:28:45 PM
Onrad tumbles down the roof and falls to the ground touching the wall every few feet.
He sprints to Valdor and grabs his wrist.
Then he looks up at the leader with expectation in his eyes.
Serious for a few seconds. All business.
Then he smiles.
Then serious.
He thinks: ::come on now::
Mordrid Saturday July 21st, 2007 11:59:40 AM
Mordrid will accept the ring of teleportation in due turn.
[OOC: for some reason my last post failed to post]
Posting Report For Monday July 23rd, 2007 6:45:16 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of July16,2007
Valdor Monday July 23rd, 2007 10:30:06 AM
Valdor says,"Since we don't know what we face, before we teleport, we need to prepare any spells that last a while."
Hearing Cori's anger, he immediately adds,"Don't worry my dear, noone would expect you to act like a slave. He just meant, I think, that with us following him, it would look like we were his team. We don't have to be servants. I wouldn't be able to act as such either. I'd rather just have a big fight as to act like such. Could you casta stoneskin on me before we go? And anyone else, should they feel the need?"
Nick Monday July 23rd, 2007 3:22:07 PM
"Gather close," Nick implores everyone before they set off, while reaching for a tiny metal box in a pouch on his belt.
"Blessed Alemi, grant us your power. May your strength protect us in this dark time."
Casting SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 AC, +4 saves, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.)
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 224 Monday July 23rd, 2007 7:13:58 PM
Vemoves to Father Nick. The spell would not aid him, but it felt right to hear his friend pray for thier well being. Ve checks his own pride on the conversation of pretending to be slaves or not. It would serve no purpose but his own ego to make point of it. So he remains silent.
Ve will drink a potion of Barkskin and cloak himself in a Protection from Energy Fire. "I can cast two more similar energy protections if we wish."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick]
Corialote and Amarth [shield of law] Monday July 23rd, 2007 8:58:39 PM
Cori moves over to stand near Nick and receive his blessing with the others. She glances to Valdor, the pricklings of anger still linger in her eyes, and nods understanding. "I have use of the stoneskin spell twice more...who is interested?" She will take the time to cast the spell upon Valdor, but after she pulls a rod out the pocket of her pants to enhance it. "I also have a number of spells that will be useful in combat...but we must be close for me to get all of us with them." She is ready when the rest are and she seems to have cooled down since the whole slave thing.
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3) 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange, time stop(2) *used spell
[extend stoneskin(Valdor): 150 damage or 1200 rounds]
DM Jan Monday July 23rd, 2007 10:08:39 PM
Incoming......
Crow
DM Jan Monday July 23rd, 2007 10:26:36 PM
((OOC - making a couple of assumptions, just to keep it rolling, based on what was discussed before. Let me know if I got it horribly wrong. We're in combat - spells, AC and HPs in the header, merci, gentlemen.))
A few of the locals watch, as the group gather together and declare the rituals of protection and travel. There is an audible 'POP', and they've gone, leaving behind a slight cloud of dust that soon settles.
SOUTH SLOPE OF MOUNT BONE -
The Dragons, and their charges - Config, Tommy and Wentworth - suddenly find themselves stood on uneven ground. Everyone's senses are assailed by heat, smoke, the yellow/red flare of fires.
Directly ahead, to the north, behind more of those rail way tracks - a crazed, ramshackled multi-leveled dwelling rises up, lights pouring out of various holes (windows? doors?). Behind that, Mount Bone rears up, black, lightless, accompanied by it's usual levels of dread.
The ground left and right in the near distance is pockmarked with HUGE holes. That's where the fires and smoke are coming from.
Immediate surroundings - huts, pens, people dashing about in apparent panic and yelling.
And behind, to the south? Something pulls. It is a feeling that can be overcome, but it is a horrible sensation.
Onrad d20+26=45 Tuesday July 24th, 2007 3:30:01 PM
"Wow."
::cough::
Onrad pulls a cloth shirt out of his pack and starts ripping it up and handing it out to put over the mouth like a bandanna.
He turns instantly to the south to see if he can figure out where the pulling is coming from.
Shaking his head to clear it, he decides that the only way to make things better is to do something about it.
So he goes total defense and begins heading toward the ramshackle building to look at it more closely. He won't get more than a round or two's sprint away from the group.
Spot of 45.
----------
Existing effects:
SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, +4 resist bonus to saves, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.)
[No time to look this up. What type of bonus(s) is this? Need to know if it stacks with what I have.--Thanks Daniel]
Shield of Law Tuesday July 24th, 2007 4:56:51 PM
Shield of Law: gains a +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves. Gains spell resistance 25 against chaotic spells and spells cast by chaotic creatures. If a chaotic creature succeeds on a melee attack against a warded creature, the attacker is slowed (Will save negates, as the slow spell, but against shield of law's save DC
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 224 d20+16=27 d20+16=33 Tuesday July 24th, 2007 6:06:02 PM
Ve motioned with his arms to the two halflings to move in behind him as he looked about. his hammer still at his side, his shield on one arm, "Thank you." to Onrad as the man handed hima scrap of cloth to put over is mouth. initial investigation of the fortress and surrounding area was for others in the group and so Ve waited to hear what they would discover. For his part he stared mostly to the south [Spot 27] to see what he could see.
The people racing about were of secondary importance to him, but what they were saying was. Ve kept a very well trained ear to that, even as he stuffed the scrap of cloth into his arm pit to free a hnad and slide his full battle helm over his head.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick]
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law) d20+13=28 Wednesday July 25th, 2007 12:17:33 AM
Nick takes Onrad's temporary handkerchief and nods his thanks.
He looks around. "Where is Crow?" he yells at no one in particular.
Spot DC 28
Corialote and Amarth [HP: 171/171 - AC: 42] [shield of law] Wednesday July 25th, 2007 12:52:42 AM
Cori finds herself jerked along by the teleportation spell but is less effected by it than the others. As they come out the other side she wrinkles her nose at the smell and feels the pull. Still she is more of a mind to take the face cover from Onrad and ties it around to cover her mouth and nose.
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3) 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange, time stop(2) *used spell
Can anyone else really make use of the last two stoneskins? I would have cast them for you before we teleported.
DM Jan Wednesday July 25th, 2007 2:17:46 AM
As Onrad and Ve turn their attention to the south, the reason behind the panic becomes evident. Carriages, like those seen to the north of Dirt City, whizzing by on metal rails, are here, and overturned. There is a small crowd close to the wreckage, including the glint of metalized limbs. Directly above them - a dark, elongated hole, about 20ft high, rimmed with fire, drawing in smoke and light. There is something terrible and dreadfully wrong about it, and the initial pulling sensation becomes something more recognisible - hunger. The subconscious urge to get away from it is hard to resist.
Onrad's cloths help a little with the smoke, and the two halflings stay well within reach of the Protector of Domi. They look scared out of their wits.
Nick's question gets a simple gesture from Config, who points in the direction that Onrad has just taken - to the north, toward the 'fortress'. There looks to be some kind of entrance ahead, partially obscured by smoke and wooden buildings hastily put together. Onrad can see movement, near the entrance. Figures, possibly.
Ve Mundr hears something at odds with the current scene, somewhere off to the left. Someone laughing.
Ve Mundr - a brief note Wednesday July 25th, 2007 9:09:52 AM
If no one stepped forward Ve Would gladly accept a Stoneskin spell
Onrad d20+26=43 Wednesday July 25th, 2007 2:20:28 PM
"I suggest putting the stoneskins on our mages," Onrad quips quickly.
But his attention is on the hole.
"So hole or house? Anyone wanna try a dispel on that hole?"
Onrad, still in total defense mode (AC58) continues to head north to the house, but again, not leaving the vicinity of the group.
He looks for guards of the house, lookouts, and anyone distinctive that is watching us with intent.
(spot of 43)
---------------
Existing effects:
SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, +4 resist bonus to saves, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.)
TOTAL DEFENSE (AC58)
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 224 d20+16=19 Wednesday July 25th, 2007 9:34:13 PM
Ve looks hard at teh great consuming maw in the sky and one thought comes to him and he speaks it aloud, "The creature of the pit in Osto." his attention then shifts with his gaze towards the source of the laughter, but it is hard to pinpoint [Spot 19]
Hearing Onrad, "I don't think that could be dispelled, I think it is a creature. Valdor we should move on the fortress and be away from that." he gestures to the thing in the sky and begins to move north towards the fortress.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick]
Corialote and Amarth [HP: 171/171 - AC: 42] [shield of law] Wednesday July 25th, 2007 10:17:20 PM
Cori has to agree with Ve on this one as she shivers. Very few things have given her pause in her life but to face what they met in that pit again. "We may well have to deal with it later...but Crow must come first." Her voice cracks a little as she speaks but on the outside she seems to be cool and collected.
Amarth continues to keep his perch on her shoulder as he keeps a look behind her and around her for trouble.
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3) 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange, time stop(2) *used spell
[i][stoneskin(Valdor, Nick, Ve): 150 points of damage or 6000 rounds]
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Stoneskin, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance) Thursday July 26th, 2007 12:06:32 AM
(OOC:Sorry, I got a computer virus and have been fighting it since last week. A nephew borrowed my computer for his "Myspace" and somehow got my system infected. Norton, Mcafee, and Ad-Aware can't get rid of it...)
Valdor activates his ring of Elemental Resistance against fire and nods to Ve. He heads toward Crow's stronghold and asks Config while they are moving,"Do you know what is happening and what is in that pit?"
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law) Thursday July 26th, 2007 12:56:30 AM
At Ve Mundr's assertion that what lay to the south could be another of those pit creatures, Nick casts a look behind him and stares in horror. It was enough for him to bear that he hadn't quite reconciled what happened in the last encounter, never mind a new one appearing. "I'd rather we went in the opposite direction to that!" he says to Onrad, and follows the duellist toward the fortress.
DM Jan 10d6(1+6+2+4+6+5+6+2+3+5)=40 Thursday July 26th, 2007 1:39:57 AM Overhead View
As the group make their way through the smoke toward the fortress, Config informs Valdor - "The pit, as you call it - is a breach. There lies a tear in the fabric of the Wold. There must have been a fight - a battle between a construct and the elemental contained within it, and the elemental was successful - devastatingly so. Do not go near it. You will be drawn in. "You will die," it adds matter-of-factly.
Light comes from the glow of the massive excavated chasms in the ground, off to both left and right, and the distant sounds of hammering can be heard from their depths.
Onrad, taking point, can see the entrance to the fortress about 100 feet ahead, and yes - there are guards - 4 metal constructs about the size of Config.
There's a lot for everyone to take in.
In the immediate vicinity - hastily built huts lie on either side of the broad pathway that leads up to the fortress entrance, and on the side of nearly every building, there is a painting - a likeness of a human male. "Hey that's a picture of Crow!" yells Tommy, trying not to trip over Ve Mundr, he's keeping that close.
Also, about 20ft ahead, off to the right, is a human female, stood calmly, solomnly, paint brush in hand, painting yet another portrait on the side of a glorified shed. The female looks familiar, expecially to Mordrid, who saw her likeness back in that Dirt City hole in the wall that Crow used to call home.
Unlike the area near the rail tracks, the approach up to the fortress is more orderly, with no one scurrying about. However....
That laughter - Ve glances, sees a shift in the smoke, and suddenly there is a huge fireball, that any respectable spellcaster would be proud of, hurtling toward the party from the left.
Aimed at the entire party except Onrad who's slightly ahead. Flat footed if applicable. Damage to each character = 40 Reflex for half DC 28
Jus AC 49, 150 HP, 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement d20+18=36 Thursday July 26th, 2007 5:54:20 AM
Jus sees the fireball approaching and dives to the side. WIth the help of his now-magical-again ring, he manages to avoid all damaging affects of the spell (ring of evasion).
Jus casts Displacement before heading North, after Onrad.
Active Spells: SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Stoneskin (110 hp) Displacement (11 rounds)
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 224 d20+17=24 Thursday July 26th, 2007 3:25:06 PM
Ve spots the incoming spell and instantly realizes his oversight. He tries his best ot protect the halfings and hopes that Father Nick's spell saves thier lives. As soon as he see to thier safety and corrects that oversight, he'll worry about the opponent. Ve pulls a cube from his haversack and activates it. [Cube of Force 10' Keeps out magic]
Jus is proceeding towards Onrad, Good "Cori, Valdor Mordrid! Move on the spell caster. I'm taking the halflings to the tower after Onrad."
If the caster was evil Alignment Ve suffers no damage as he recieves a +4 bonus and wears a ring of Evasion. Also there is the slight chance of the 25 SR working.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Onrad Thursday July 26th, 2007 6:38:53 PM
Onrad, concentration ahead of him sees the four metal constructs.
He's about to engage, when he hears the shouts from behind him. He turns to see the fireball go off.
He thinks, ::Someone doesn't know the power of this group to be throwing that at them. Looks powerful though. Perhaps it was an attention getting ploy::
He's about to run and find out, when he hears Ve giving orders.
He thinks, ::Ve's the combat general? No, he's just first to react. Good for him!::
He looks to see if the halflings are still moving. Then turns to face the four constructs.
"Ve, don't bring the halflings too far this way. We got more trouble here if these baddies decide to join in the fray."
He makes no offensive actions, but drops his Total Defense and grits his teeth in concentration. He watches intently to see if anyone comes out of the building to help, or the guards move forward to attack. He readies an action to attack any hostile coming towards him, expending one attack on each as they go by to get their anger up and cause them to want to stop and fight Onrad instead of continuing past him.
Corialote and Amarth [HP: 151/171 - AC: 42] [shield of law] d20+25=29 d20+13=33 d20+14=15 d20+12=15 Thursday July 26th, 2007 11:28:37 PM
Cori growls as the fireball envelopes the area that she is in. Though her natural reflexes allow her to avoid a lot of the damage, she is already weaving a spell of her own. She wants to catch the group before they break up, so she hurries. After her spell she starts moving towards the caster, but keeps her eyes open for others as she does.
Amarth is in even better shape as he was protected by his Mistress's protections as well as his own and nothing touches him.
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3) 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Valdor, Nick, Ve): 150 points of damage or 6000 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 480 rounds; +4 Con]
Valdor d20+28=48 Friday July 27th, 2007 10:07:54 AM
Valdor spots the incoming fireball and immediately realizes the halflings are likely to get fried. With all the experience of twenty years of combat, he snatches the halflings behind their collars and dives, attempting to avoid the fireball completely. He knows he could escape harm, but tries to remove them from the area as well.
(Used evasion and rolled a natural twenty on the attempt to keep the halflings from the blast)
He tries to time the explosion and rolls over to cover them in a bear hug just in case he misses getting out of the area of effect. Immediately, he stands and looks for the source of the spell and the laughter.
Onrad Friday July 27th, 2007 12:51:21 PM
Onrad continues to stay put, watching the constructs and for anyone coming out of the house. He'll use his ready action to be a barrier between the group and anyone coming going south.
His body tenses and stretches with the intensity of his vigilance. He grits his teeth.
"Come on. Make my future," he whispers.
[couldn't resist. :)]
--------------
Existing effects:
SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, +4 resist bonus to saves, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.)
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) d20+12=26 Friday July 27th, 2007 1:04:07 PM
Nick moves. Fast for him, but not fast enough. He sses others moving faster, particularly toward the halflings. By Alemi this was madness, but not altogether unexpected. If the spell resistance wasn't enough, he'll move immediately to to cast Cure Crit on the halflings.
DM Jan Friday July 27th, 2007 1:24:09 PM
Massive flames explode around the party, dancing like wild snakes over armour, hide, wool and flesh. The halflings scream as the fire, and an instant after that, the bodies of Ve Mundr and Valdor move in quickly to shield them. The fire skitters and bounces off everyone like water on stone. No burned flesh. Nothing. The spell resistance appears to have worked. But the air is hot and catches in the throat. One of the small surrounding huts catches alight. Everyone has white spots in front of their eyes after the blast to the retina.
Valdor can see Cori moving closer to the source of the firey spell, off to the left. The dark elf's sharp eyes pierce the gloom and spot what looks like a human male in ragged clothes, standing between two of the huts, about 20 ft away. His eyes, and hair, are chaotic and wild. "I can do this!" he shrieks at her. "I can do this! I can do it!" And promptly shoots another Fireball, straight at her and Amarth.
(Same stats as before, SR is 23)
Up ahead, Jus moves to join the battle-ready Onrad and the four advancing metal constructs. They are now in melee range. And through the wall of moving iron, Onrad spots four more, leaving the building and advancing quickly.
Oddly enough, off to the right of Onrad and Jus, about 15 feet away, and without batting an eyelid, the lady painting Crow's image on the wall of a hut is continuing to do just that, despite everything else going on.
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 224 Friday July 27th, 2007 4:45:24 PM
Ve says a small silent blessing that Father Nicks Spell saved the pair. "I've got them Valdor, you worry about the big guys about to challenge us from the fortress." Ve then smirks and answers the unasked, "Cause there always are big guys at a fortress entrance."
With that, Ve taps the Cube and activates the side that keeps out everything. "Let's move." and he heads further towards the fortress [Cube of Force 10' Keeps out Everything] Cori could handle the pyschopath and Onrad could surely handle the woman painter. It was the unknown enemies he was mostly concerned with. That and how to be effective with his two charges. As much as it gulled him, he might be esentially sitting this entire thing out.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Corialote and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance] d20+25=26 d20+13=27 d20+12=23 24d6(1+6+6+6+1+5+2+2+2+3+4+6+6+6+4+5+3+5+5+1+2+6+6+3)=96 d20+20=29 d20+24=34 Saturday July 28th, 2007 12:03:23 AM
Cori once again is able to slip away all the damage thanks to the spell from Nick. She launches into her own spell and points her hand in the direction of the enemy caster. Shooting from the white crystal, that flashes green for a second, is a line of acid...much like a polar ray. A smile has appeared upon her face as she starts the duel for good. "You will need to think that way."
Amarth keeps his eyes peeled for other trouble that might come his Mistress's way. He looks to both sides and behind her to warn her of unexpected attacks as she has a mage duel.
[acid(polar) ray: 96 damage, SR 34, touch attack 29]
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3) 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Valdor, Nick, Ve): 150 points of damage or 6000 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 480 rounds; +4 Con]
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Stoneskin, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance) Saturday July 28th, 2007 1:43:03 PM
Valdor says into his earring,"Cori, you've got that I'm sure. But, if you need help, let me know."
As he sprints towards Onrad and Jus, he glances around for Config to see what he's doing. He draws his swords as he runs.
Mordrid (Shield of Law) d20=20 d20=19 Sunday July 29th, 2007 9:12:55 PM
Mordrid pops into existance just in time to hear the crackling of an incoming fireball. Ducking and rolling, he avoids the effects of the intense heat and following explosion.
The party begins giving commands well before he fully comprehends what is going on.
Charging after Valdor, he attempts to "aid another." Drawing his sunsword, he fends off any incoming attacks on Valdor, allowing the groups leader a +2 bonus to hit. (Valdor +2 to hit : Hits AC 53, a AC10 hit required to "aid another")
The ranger looks for ranged targets.
Posting Report for Monday July 30th, 2007 6:57:14 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of July 23,2007
Adm Ceil - I don't Know about this bunch, They are too hight They Know all the tricks about posting??
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) Monday July 30th, 2007 5:45:25 PM
Nick looks across at Ve Mundr and nods, reckoning the two halflings will be a safe as they ever could be under the Protector's custodionship.
Looks like there'd be plenty for him to do also as he sees some of the others lining up against the oncoming threat, and so he moves up behind Jus, Onrad, Valdor and Mordrid, ready to heal, if and when it came to that.
Jus AC 49, 150 HP, 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement d20+39=41 d20+34=48 d20+29=40 d20+39=45 4d8(6+5+3+8)=22 8d6(6+4+2+4+2+5+3+1)=27 Monday July 30th, 2007 5:45:41 PM
"Uh, oh," Jus quips as he sees four more Constructs emerge. Four constructs could be fun for he and Onrad, but eight is an entirely different manner. And until Jus reaches Onrad, whether four or eight may be moot. Since no Dragons have yet attacked, they may be after whomever cast the fireball, but Jus isn't going to take that chance with Onrad's life.
Unsure he can reach Onrad before the first four constructs do, Jus tries to pull a couple of them off of his friend. Jus stops in his tracks and fires a full volley at two of the constructs.
If within 30': hit AC 43, 50, 42, 47 If > 30': hit 45, 52, 44 (no fourth attack) Damage: 35, 30, 29, 31 (includes 2d6 Construct Bane damage)
Active Spells: SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Stoneskin (110 hp) Displacement (10 rounds)
DM Jan d20+35=48 d20+35=53 d20+35=55 d20+35=55 d20+35=37(ignore) d20+35=47(ignore) d20+35=55 d20+35=54 2d10(3+9)+11=23 2d10(9+6)+11=26 2d10(4+9)+11=24 2d10(7+7)+11=25 2d10(10+8)+11=29 2d10(4+3)+11=18 Monday July 30th, 2007 11:35:44 PM
Cori's ray of acid hits the crazy spellcaster right in the chest. "Urgh...." says the man, before keeling over dead. There is a smell of burned flesh. Amarth sees folk running about in the gloom beyond the wooden huts, but right now, no one is approaching directly.
Meanwhile! The four metal golems are right on top of Onrad, who's on the forefront of the vanguard, and they waste no time in taking multiple swings at him. (Jerry, you had a readied action, and I'm not sure of your current AC. Just factor it all in and I'll incorporate it. Results below may well change.)
#1 hits AC 48 and 53 for 23 and 26 Dam #2 hits AC 55 and 55 for 24 and 25 Dam #3 stunned #4 hits AC 55 and 54 for 29 and 18 Dam
Jus's arrows hammer home, ringing like bells against the metal surfaces and causing sparks. Construct #3 takes a step back. It looks stunned. It's head swings in Jus's direction.
Under different circumstances, these metal monsters could well have been a delight to behold - polished steel, extraordinarily engineered joints, works of art; their body panels are scrawled with runes, their movements are smooth, efficient and effective. And they appear to have a spring in their step. Much more than one would expect....
Valdor and Mordrid step up, swords at the ready and are now in melee range with the 4 constructs, this next round.
Valdor glances back and sees Config currently alongside Ve Mundr and the halflings, but stepping up to join them at the battle line. He's an extra round away, moving at a slower pace. Config points toward the female painter and says to Ve - "The painting will help me." "Is Config going to fight?" asks Wentworth, partially hidden behind Ve's coat tails, his brother alongside, eyes like saucers.
Going off the current pace, the OTHER 4 metal golems will arrive at the melee in two rounds.
Mordrid sees vague movement in a window of the fortress, second floor.
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 224 d20+16=19 d20+16=30 Tuesday July 31st, 2007 5:09:43 PM
Ve hands Wentworth the cube, "Soon as I leave push this side." indicating the side that keeps everything out. Ve deactivates the cube and heads towards the woman painter. Weapon at the ready and his wits about him. No way he thinks is he going to able to just waltz up and pick of a painting for Config. Heck he has no idea how it will help the construct elemental creature, but a great deal has not made too much sense in recent days. So Ve puts on his 'Yessir' soldier attitude and moves out. The rest are not too far and Ve casts a widened Prayer after moving 20' towards the woman and the painting.
[Prayer 80' radius +1 Morale bonus to Attack/Damage/save/Skills checks. -1 to opponents Will DC 24]
Eyes and ears alert for danger [Spot 19 Listen 30]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Corialote and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance] d20+14=34 d20+12=14 Tuesday July 31st, 2007 10:06:29 PM
Cori shakes her head as the mage goes down smoking and laughs lightly. Into the earpiece she calls out to see who is in need of help. "Anyone in need of assistance...seems my mage was a pushover." Her eyes continue to scan the area, though she is relying more upon Amarth right about now.
Amarth is keeping his own eyes set for those that might have ideas of hurting his Mistress.
[spot(Cori/Amarth): 34/14]
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3) 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Valdor, Nick, Ve): 150 points of damage or 5999 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 479 rounds; +4 Con]
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) Wednesday August 1st, 2007 1:41:32 AM
Figuring he can risk getting close enough to Onrad, Nick steps forward and casts HEAL on the duellist and hopes nothing tries to knock his head off.
150 hps.
DM Jan Wednesday August 1st, 2007 1:43:55 AM
((OOC - guys, I'll post tomorrow morning - much as I like pummelling the life out of Jerry's character a few more posts from you lot would be nice. Dan and Jim have turned up, I'm assuming Steve's comp is on the blink. Anyone else with any probs?))
Valdor(AC37, HP 326, Stoneskin, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance) d20+39=55 d20+38=45 d20+34=50 d20+33=43 d20+29=45 d20+28=34 d20+24=38 d20+23=41 Wednesday August 1st, 2007 11:46:07 AM
(Sorry, got rid of the virus finally, but have no internet at home)
Valdor, seeing Onrad beset with the creatures and knowing his brother is beside him, charges into the fray ton Onrad's side and takes on one of the constructs. He hammers away as if attacking any other creature confident that his swords are up to the task.
He yells out,"If we take one of these out, it may cause one of those crates, so be ready to move away if we do destroy one of these things. Config, if those paintings help you, doesn't it help these others as well?"
[OOC: scott: steve did you add your to hit bonus provided by Mordrid?]
(Steve:Yes, I remembered. But, without being able to access my email, I'm winging it a bit, but his stats haven't changed in so long, I'm pretty sure I've got them right.)
DM Jan d20+35=48 d20+35=44 d20+35=53 d20+35=49 d20+35=47 d20+35=46 2d10(8+3)+11=22 2d10(8+7)+11=26 2d10(7+7)+11=25 2d10(8+1)+11=20 2d10(10+9)+11=30 2d10(6+8)+11=25 3d6(2+3+3)+20=28 Wednesday August 1st, 2007 2:40:31 PM
Current state of play:
In melee range - Onrad, Valdor, Mordrid, Ve, Nick - can reach painter and 4 constructs Ranged attacks only this round - Dahlia, Jus, Cori, Nonam - can reach above + 4 other constructs, and fortress
As Cori scans the area, she can see Valdor and Mordrid, Onrad and Nick, all lined up against 4 of the metal constructs.To their right, she can see Ve Mundr, having left the halflings clutching the cube, walking toward the lady painter. And behind the melee group - 4 other constructs are approaching, ready for battle the next round. Like Mordrid, Amarth spots movement in one of the upper windows of the weird fortress building.
Valdor's attack knocks Construct #4 flat on it's back. (Steve I need your damage rolls. Don't know if it's dead yet.) (Still don't know Onrad's HPs - need results of readied action, attack, damage from constructs and healing from Nick) Construct #3 looks dented but now has its wits back. Construct #1 and #2 are still good to go.
And as always, the empire strikes back -
#1 stays on Onrad, swinging two, mightly polished arms that gleam in the firelight. Hits AC 48 and 44 for 22 and 26 DAM
#2 and #3 switch to the new threat of Valdor (aided by Mordrid), and both make a valiant attempt at bashing the Dragonstone's brains in - #2 hits AC 53 and 49 for 25 and 20 DAM #3 hits AC 47 and 46 for 30 and 25 DAM
Meanwhile! As Ve approaches the painter, he gets a better look at both the lady, and the painting itself. He's seen her face before ( Can he remember? INT DC 14). Her face is smooth, her skin looks soft and flawless.The painting is quite detailed, and, if it is a true likeness, going of this he should be able to recognise Crow if he sees him in person. Odd though, how something is moving, wriggling in the painting's top left hand corner. Looks to be something nailed there, like a worm on a hook, although it looks more like a sliver of skin. On his approach, she turns, her face is totally lacking in emotion. "Sha may, neh umbra neh," she whispers and points toward him. Immediately a cloak of dread wraps itself around the Protector, searching, searching, for a way into every pore. This is death, and it is more than eager to live up to its name.
Painter cast FINGER OF DEATH - SR 32 Fort Save DC 20 gives 28 DAM instead.
As for Config - the answer to Valdor's question - why yes it does help them, also. Config will arrive to join melee next round.
Corialote and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance] d20+12=29 Wednesday August 1st, 2007 3:09:59 PM
Cori slowly moves towards the battle, her fingers going through another complex series of symbols of power. She has no time to think about much of anything else and only vaguely realizes the movement that Amarth sees. Her spell finished she flings a small amount of crushed gems into the air to cut off the fast approaching constructs, that seek to hit the group from behind. "Amarth, keep an eye out for more trouble from those windows and such...my attention is going to have to be turned to other things." She starts to draw a wand from the pocket of her pants with a grin. "Dragons, more constructs behind you...though an invisible wall may slow them down." She giggles into her earpiece after she is done talking. Actually she is enjoying herself a lot right about now.
[spot(Amarth): 29] [wall of force: range 85', 24 rounds]
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Valdor, Nick, Ve): 150 points of damage or 5998 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 478 rounds; +4 Con]
Jus AC 49, 150 HP (+10 with glove, +42 with bear's endurance), 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement Wednesday August 1st, 2007 4:37:45 PM
Valdor's words echo Jus' thoughts exactly. If these constructs are weakened, it's a safe bet that the trapped elemental will try to escape. Lets just hope the resulting explosions, or whatever happens, can be survived.
Jus activates his Wings of Flying, and flies upward to a better vantage where he can target all 12 constructs, and the painter, should that be necessary. He scans the area to see if there is anything else the Dragons should worry about, reporting what he sees through his earpiece.
Active Spells: SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Stoneskin (110 hp) Displacement (9 rounds) Bear's Endurance (+4 Con)
Onrad Wednesday August 1st, 2007 6:17:23 PM
Onrad staggers gravely from all the attacks, a muchy blob of forming bruises. One eye is nearly shut. He appears critically hurt and about to drop.
He quickly activates his boots of speed and his cloak of displacement.
"Stupid!" he shouts at himself.
He goes total defense again to try and survive until a healer arrives, though he's aching to attack back, holding the line is more important until more help arrives.
"Healer please!"
Onrad sees Valdor running and positions himself to the left of him.
"Thanks buddy."
Then turning to his combatants, he screams.
"That all you can do! Bring it!"
Onrad is a blur as he moves, spins, and tumbles around his opponents, berating them all the while.
----------- [AC was 52 Jan with my Fighting Defensively up. Now it is higher.]
hit points--76 current (223 was full) AC60 -total defense Haste active 1 of 10 rounds Cloak of Displacement 1 of 15 rounds (50% miss chance)
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) 3d8(6+1+7)+15=29 Thursday August 2nd, 2007 4:32:16 PM
((Could be wrong, but I think Nick's Heal for 150HPs on Onrad was missed. If not, I'll cast that instead of what's below.))
Watching Onrad, able to move like that after taking such a clubbing, Nick is astounded, and realizes that he's in a much more vulnerable position. Not to worry. It all came down to trust and teamwork in the end, and he had to stay where he was.
Assuming Onrad gets the 150, Nick casts a Cure Serious on Valdor (29 HPs)
DM Jan d20+35=43 d20+35=50 d20+35=49 d20+35=39 d20+35=45 2d10(9+9)+11=29 2d10(1+4)+11=16 2d10(7+1)+11=19 10d6(5+2+1+1+6+5+5+2+5+6)=38 d100=43 Thursday August 2nd, 2007 5:11:47 PM
Current state of play:
In melee range - Onrad, Valdor, Mordrid, Ve, Nick - can reach painter and 4 constructs Ranged attacks only this round - Dahlia, Jus, Cori, Nonam - can reach above + 4 other constructs, and fortress
The oncoming 4 constructs in the background suddenly come to a screeching halt, as Cori's Wall of Force comes into play. They line up against the barrier, about 15 feet way from the melee, and watch.
As for the melee itself:
Onrad recovers from the beating, and his face takes on a better hue as Nick's Heal spell goes to work (150 hps)
Valdor swings down, and in a mighty shower of sparks, decapitates Construct #4. The metal head bounces and rolls across the ground, coming to a standstill this side of the force wall. A tiny burst of fire escapes from the neck of the fallen golem, and like a floating, stemless torch, it moves, 6ft off the ground, and hovers in front of Config. The Dragonstone's weapons meet the steel hide of Construct #3. Metal hammers on metal, leaving a significant dent in the construct's chest. Nick's healing gives him 29 hps.
((Holding action with the painter and ve Mundr till tomorrow. Painter is still on offer as a general target, however.))
Tommy and Wentworth are crouched close on the ground, under the protection of the cube.
Jus has swept into the air to get a good look around and is able to report the following -
Ahead and below, hidden behind a few of the huts, closer to the fortress, he sees two dozen small, dirty faces rise in unison, watching him from below. Children, enclosed in a pen.
Behind, there are 5 other metal constructs, leaving the train wreck and the disruptive tear in the air, and are on the approach toward the battle. Probably five rounds away.
And straight ahead, someone leaning out of a window in the fortress.
The enemy bites back: (Constructs and Painter are currently AC 35) (Displacement call 0 -50 miss, 51 - 100 hit)
#1, no doubt dizzy with the duellist's manouvres, takes another swing or two at Onrad -
Hits AC 43, 50, both miss
#2 and #3 stay on Valdor. #3 has a damaged arm and can only take one swing - #2 hits AC 49, 39 for 29, 16 DAM #3 hits AC 45 for 19 DAM
And from out of that window in the fortress! Along comes a rather swift LIGHTNING BOLT, whistling through the air and aimed straight at Jus! DAM 38, displacement 43 Reflex DC 21 for half - Misses!
Valdor(AC41, HP 326, Stoneskin, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance) Thursday August 2nd, 2007 7:20:43 PM
(stoneskins have 5 hp left)
Valdor yells,"Forget what I said about destroying the huts with wide range spells! There are children kept in a pen back there and we can't kill them!"
(Sorry Jan, with Nick's Shield of Law, Valdor actually has a 41 AC)
~~Jan~~ oh, LOL~ I'm forgetting my own character's effects!
Onrad d20+39=57 d20+34=46 d20+29=30 d20+24=38 d20+40=56 d100=72 d100=8 d100=59 d100=12 d100=69 3d6(4+1+6)+14=25 3d6(1+6+4)+14=25 Thursday August 2nd, 2007 8:56:56 PM
Onrad, somehow getting the effects of the heal spell late (grin), goes back from a total defensive stance to just defensive. "Thanks Nick!"
Onrad then attacks one-handed with his rapier.
1st attack: hits AC57 (displacement hit of 72) for 25hpd. 2nd attack: hits AC46 (displacement miss of 8) 3rd attack: hits AC30 (misses) 4th attack: hits AC38 (displacment miss of 12) 5th attack: hits AC56 (displacement hit of 69) for 25hpd. [Total damage is 50]
"This is going to take awhile Valdor, buddy. They have displacement, they don't crit, and they don't get tired--Woah! Watch out Jus!"
---------
hit points--223 current (223 was full) AC52 - fighting defensively Haste active 2 of 10 rounds Cloak of Displacement 2 of 15 rounds (50% miss chance)
~~Jan~~ Guys, sorry for the confusion, but the constructs don't have displacement, but two of the characters have. If I'm attacking those characters I need to roll, don't I?
Corialote and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance] d20+14=17 d20+10=29 Friday August 3rd, 2007 12:40:42 AM
Cori sees no more immediate threats to the group and heads for the main body of the group. When she reaches Onrad, Nick and Valdor; she starts another spell that should lend even more aid to the group. "Jus, can you take care of the mage in the window?" She just spots the arc of lightning as it slams near the him but does not take the time to trace it that well. She drinks down a potion as she moves, but knows that it will not last long.
Luckily for her, Amarth is still at his job and he places the mage rather well. "Mistress, he is there." His eyes focus upon the window and allow her a good view of the mage.
[spot(Amarth): 29]
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Valdor, Nick, Ve): 150 points of damage or 5997 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 477 rounds; +4 Con]
[wall of force: range 85', 23 rounds]
[haste(Cori): 5 rounds]
Valdor(AC41, HP 326, Stoneskin, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance) d20+39=57 d20+38=47 d20+34=51 d20+33=38 d20+29=49 d20+28=39 d20+24=36 d20+23=42 d8+17=21 d8+17=20 d8+17=24 d8+17=20 d8+16=19 d8+16=22 d8+16=18 d8+16=24 Friday August 3rd, 2007 10:32:50 AM
Valdor smiles at Onrad's comments, an odd thing to do while in the middle of a battle. But, he doesn't lose focus and asks,"Mordrid, can you take out that painter since Onrad's back to his full health?"
He attacks his construct again and tries to finish one and start on the next. He says to noone in particular,"Where is Dahlia?"
(hit all eight for 21, 19, 20, 22, 24, 18, 20, 24-don't know how many it took to knock out #3)
Jus AC 49, 150 HP (+10 with glove, +42 with bear's endurance), 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement d20+41=46 d20+41=61 d8=7 d6=5 d6=1 d6(6+3)+2=11 2d8(6+1)=7 10d6(3+2+6+2+3+1+5+6+6+2)=36 2d8(4+7)+40=51 4d6(5+6+1+2)=14 Saturday August 4th, 2007 12:08:01 AM
"Consider them toasted," Jus replies to Cori's question.
Jus must be a sight to behold to those children below, who have never seen magic before today. Lets give them a bit of show. Jus thinks.
With his magical wings keeping him in the air, Jus carefully steps through the incantations to produce a Fireball. However, towards the end of his spell, he pulls out one of his Bestow Curse arrows, imbuing the spell upon the arrow. Taking careful aim, Jus launches the arrow at the person in the window. His careful aim is aided by his bow, since its Seeking capability makes the mage's cover useless.
When the arrow strikes its target, a thunderclap sounds at the same time that the fireball erupts. Jus raises his eyebrows in a pleased shock. That went much better than he expected.
Hits AC 46 - uses hero point. Hits AC 61 (natural 20), 62 if within 30'.
Special Effects: DC 15 Save or deafened permanently (Thundering) Special Effects: Save vs. Will or Bestow Curse (inaction 50% of the time) Possible Effects: Fireball in a contained area
Possible Effects: +11 hp damage (if target is a construct)
Active Spells: SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Stoneskin (110 hp) Displacement (8 rounds) Bear's Endurance (+4 Con)
OOC: Family is back from a 2 month vacation. If I miss a day next week, I'll activate my Glove (if it is not yet activated).
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 224 d20+22=23 d20+22=39 10d6(1+5+3+1+2+6+5+3+4+3)=33 d20+28=45 d20+23=26 d20+18=33 d20+13=18 d8+10=13 d8+10=18 d8+10=18 d8+10=17 2d6(4+6)=10 2d6(3+6)=9 2d6(2+5)=7 2d6(3+6)=9 2d6(4+2)=6 2d6(5+1)=6 2d6(4+4)=8 2d6(3+5)=8 Saturday August 4th, 2007 12:29:26 PM ooc Sorry sorry sorry all
Ve sees her turn and also what the painting may be constructed from and he knows this might take some more doing than the mad wizard Cori just dealt with. her spell stirkes and for a moment he feels his heart stop. Odd feeling, but it leaps back to life in a moment. Save natural 1 good old die roller the following is all an if.
If Ve has a hero point, when created no one said I did. the following happens:
A gesture as he closes to the painter and a Searing Light strikes her. It is followed by the Protector's Brilliant energy weapon. {Hit Touch AC 45/36/33/18 Dmg 13/18/18/17 If Chaotic dmg +10/9/7/9 If evil dmg +6/6/8/8
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) Saturday August 4th, 2007 11:11:04 PM
Nick winces as the battle continues, and watches his friends fighting the constructs very closely. Jus's news via the earpiece is not good.
"With those other constructs coming up from the rear, may I suggest we cut around those ahead of us somehow and get to the door. Sooner we're in there, sooner we're out. Config! Do you know Crow's whereabouts in that building?"
DM Jan d20+35=53 d20+35=41 d20+35=43 2d10(8+9)+11=28 2d10(8+3)+11=22 2d10(4+6)+11=21 d100=8 d100=59 Sunday August 5th, 2007 12:14:12 AM
Current state of play:
In melee range - Onrad, Valdor, Mordrid, Ve, Nick, Cori - can reach 2 constructs Ranged attacks only this round - Dahlia, Jus, Nonam - can reach above + 4 other constructs, and fortress
Onrad and Valdor (aided by Mordrid) continue with their assault on the constructs blocking their path. Onrad seems to be making headway, although this construct in particular (#1) seems to have a VERY hard shell. Dents and dings all over the place, sparks flying, but still it keeps on swinging.
#1 tries to flatten the duellist: Hits are AC 53, 41 (displacement a hit, and a miss) For 28, and 22) Only first one hits for 22 DAM
Valdor is making better progress. Construct #3 falls battered and bent to the ground, and again, something rises from it, this time like whisp of air. The whisp joins the firey light alongside Config. Construct #2 abruptly finds itself without the use of an arm, but lashes out with the remaining one:
Hit is AC 43 Dam = 21
Cori casts haste. As she does, her companion looks on as a rather spectacular explosion takes place in one of the windows of the fortress - the one from where the lightning bolt had come from. It lights up the sky for a good three seconds, enabling the bird to see Jus suspended high in the air.
From the elven bowman's point of view, he can see a window blown apart and a fiery corpse drop down with a distant thud. The children below watch the fall, and then their eyes are immediately back on him.
(Dan, yes you have hero points). Over by the hut wall, Ve Mundr fights off the terrible effects of the painter's spell. His reply is equally horrific, and her fragile, child-tender skin shrivels. She lets out a heart-rending wail and drops to the ground, dead. Even in death her face looks familiar - the portrait on Crow's wall......
Tommy and Wentworth are still huddled in the same place. Config now has two other elementals with him. Beside him, that tiny little wriggling thing nailed to the corner of the painting continues to squirm.
And behind everyone, the ground vibrates as five more of the metal monsters approach. Now only 4 rounds away.
Edit Sunday (forgot to answer a question) -
Config's answer to Nick's question about the location of Crow is in the form of a gesture. The metal golem points directly to the top section of the fortress.
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 224 Sunday August 5th, 2007 9:30:40 AM
Ve grabs the entire painting, he is pretty sure Config is only interested in the attached thing, likely a fragment of someone and Ve really does not want to think any further on that. It was evidence of Crow's vileness to him, necromantic evil at its blackest. Into the eapiece Ve says to Father Nick "Get Wentworth and Tommy to drop the cube and stick close to you. I will be there in moments." Just before Ve turns to move to Config, he thrusts his hammer towards the constructs closest to the fortress and erects a second Wall of Force.
This one runs perpendicular to the first down the far right side. Cutting off the ramshackle shack from the constructs all the way to the fortress proper. [Spont. cast Wall of Force with Earthquake]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Posting Report for Monday August 6th, 2007 7:14:12 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of Jule 30,2007
Corialote and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance] d20+14=17 d20+10=21 Monday August 6th, 2007 11:34:13 PM
Cori smiles as she pulls a rod out of the pocket of her pants with her free hand. Her voice is once again raised in spellcasting that she aims for Valdor. With the completion of her spell all those around Valdor, dragons all, find their movements hastened. "Ok, so we push for the fortress?" She slowly moves in that direction as well, letting Amarth keep eyes out for more trouble.
[spot(Amarth): 29]
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Valdor, Nick, Ve): 150 points of damage or 5996 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 476 rounds; +4 Con]
[wall of force: range 85', 23 rounds]
[haste(Cori): 4 rounds]
[haste: 48 rounds, everyone withing 30' of Valdor up to 24 people]
Mordrid (shield of law) d20+30=32 d20+30=41 d20+25=40 d20+20=40 d20+15=26 d8+10=14 d8+10=12 d8+10=13 d8+10=12 d8+10=16 Tuesday August 7th, 2007 2:35:04 AM
ooc: sorry guys, my life is crazy. Hehe... I am engaged to be married though!
Mordid moves in tandom with Valdor, until the moment is right to strike.
The ranger begins to wade thru the final remnants of the construct front line with his Sun Sword.
[Attack 1: hit AC 32 for 14 dam] [Hasted attack: hit AC 41 for 12 dam] [Attack 2: hit AC 40 for 13 damage] [Attack 3: automatic hit for 12 damage] [Attack 4: hit AC 26 for 16 damage]
Upon seeing that his sword play was weak against this enemy... the ranger quick draws his bow and focuses on the entrance to the fortress.
Jus AC 49, 150 HP (+10 with glove, +42 with bear's endurance), 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement Tuesday August 7th, 2007 3:46:37 AM
"Someone near Config ask him what's up with his friends," Jus communicates via his earpiece. "That sure looks suspicious."
Jus activates his Glove and moves towards Config and the others. Why would the elementals be going to him?
Active Spells: SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Stoneskin (110 hp) Displacement (7 rounds) Bear's Endurance (+4 Con)
OOC: Not doing much this turn while waiting for other to post.
DM Jan OOC Tuesday August 7th, 2007 12:13:45 PM
((Guys, we're struggling right now for various reasons. No worries. I'm going to move things on a little bit and keep the story flowing. I'll post in one hour. If you can get one in, in the mean time, please do. :)
Scott, congrats!! ))
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance) d20+39=54 d20+38=47 d20+34=36 d20+33=47 d20+29=35 d20+28=31 d20+24=39 d20+23=35 d8+17=21 d8+17=19 d8+17=24 d8+16=20 d8+16=21 Tuesday August 7th, 2007 12:30:51 PM
Valdor nods to his brother and says,"Let's finish these and mow a path to thecastle, my brother! Dragons, time to storm the keep!"
His swords spin and slice in an effort to clear this last one out of the way and when it's down, he starts to sprint towards the castle's door.
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 Tuesday August 7th, 2007 1:12:50 PM
Ve moves back to Config and hands the construct the painting. Ve is then towards the back of the group. "I'll see to our rear guard."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) Tuesday August 7th, 2007 2:16:40 PM
Nick listens for a moment and then turns quickly to the cowering halflings under the cube's protection.
"Okay, you two, let go of that, it looks like we're moving out, and we need to be quick, before reinforcements arrive. Stay VERY close."
He'll attempt to keep Tommy and Wentworth in the centre of the party.
DM Jan Tuesday August 7th, 2007 2:56:22 PM
Valdor, Onrad and Mordrid finish off the immediate threat, and two other (what look to be) fire elementals rise from the inanimate tin cans and join Config. The construct is now surrounded by three fire elementals and two air elementals, one of those having risen from the inert form of the painter.
Ve hands the rumpled piece of parchment, with it's tiny, grisly attachment, to the construct. "A piece of Crow," states Config, and after a few beats of hesitation. "The others want me to destroy it. And they want to come with you. With us."
In the aftermath of this battle, certain things become clear - - When attacked and immobilized by a third party, the elementals trapped within were able to escape without damaging the planer fabric of the Wold. - The painting carries a piece of live flesh. Do the paintings aid the constructs in some way? Config says so, but it was hard to establish that during the melee. - The painter - a flesh golem presumably, as an elemental form escaped from it - had a remarkable likeness to the portraits of Crow's wife (on the wall of Crow's Dirt City house).
Cori casts HAste on the group within 30ft of Valdor.
With the immediate opposition down, and the second wall of force up, the group is able to make their way toward the fortress entrance uncontested. The view from outside:
The fortress rises approximately 5 storeys in haphazard fashion, as though the upper levels were added on at different times, with no thought to what was built below. Each of the five levels look to have a few windows, and light shines from them all. Wide, rough steps lead inside, and there is no one to contest the entrance right now. Inside, straight ahead, is a wall, with another painting of Crow upon it, and some stairs. There is also a scent, that brings forth a memory of Crow's old dwelling back in Dirt City. It wasn't pleasant back then, it isn't pleasant now.
Just off to the left of the entrance, lies the pen containing the children, who look upon the group silently, their eyes wide but wary.
Onrad Tuesday August 7th, 2007 4:28:05 PM
Onrad sighs relief that none of the children were hurt in the battle. He starts toward the children. Then he stops. They might be safest just right there for the moment.
He doesn't want to get their hopes up yet either by promising. They might panic.
Tortured, he tries to keep his battle mind in place and moves forward to the steps and climbs, determined.
-------
[Sorry folks. Truly am. Just too many things going on. Setting a widget alarm to post. Perhaps that will help. I promise to get consistent or I'll drop. There. Said it.
GRATZ SCOTT!!!!!]
Mordrid (Shield of Law) Tuesday August 7th, 2007 5:58:34 PM
Mordrid advances with the others toward the entrance of the fort. During his jaunt to the gate, the ranger fires a "flame" arrow at the mouth of the entrance; hopefully to provide illumination to whats inside (as they approach).
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 Tuesday August 7th, 2007 7:32:45 PM
Ve holds his hand out for the parchment back, "That you can not do. Please?" Assuming config returns the parchment, "Valdor, everyone. Seems my divination was spot on. Bits of Crow are attached to all the paintings. If we need to bring them all back?" Ve lets the question hang.
As for the elementals wanting to come with and help. That could get very busy, very quickly. "Not sure bringing them is the best idea, but it is more gut feeling than anything else." Is all Ve can add to the conversation concerning the elementals.
During all of this, Ve moves as the rear guard for the group, as they close on the fortress.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Corialote and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance, true seeing] d20+14=24 d20+10=28 Tuesday August 7th, 2007 8:13:26 PM
Cori enters the fortress on the heels of Valdor, Onrad and the rest that are following along. Her own eyes search the area but she is starting to not trust all that she is seeing. She quickly falls into more casting and channels another spell through the rod in her hand.
Amarth joins his eyes with his Mistress's and both are now aided by a new spell. One that shows things as they truely are.
[spot(Cori/Amarth): 24/28]
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing* 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Valdor, Nick, Ve): 150 points of damage or 5995 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 475 rounds; +4 Con]
[wall of force: range 85', 22 rounds]
[haste(Cori): 3 rounds]
[haste(extended): 47 rounds, everyone withing 30' of Valdor up to 24 people]
[true seeing(extended): 480 rounds]
Jus AC 49, 150 HP (+10 with glove, +42 with bear's endurance), 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement Wednesday August 8th, 2007 3:55:21 AM
"I had the same thought," Jus tells Onrad when Jus sees his hesitation. Jus looks back towards the pen again. "We can't leave them, but letting them free to roam here will lead to their deaths."
"Valdor, can we take the kids to the city we just came from? Will the teleport ring take them all?"
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance, Haste) Wednesday August 8th, 2007 10:27:26 AM
Valdor replies to Jus,"If we remove them now, we won't be able to ensure their safety, my friend...unless someone stays behind. We won't leave them once we have found Crow. We also will have to destroy those paintings that creature was painting, just to make sure we have removed as much of Corw as possible."
Then, to everyone in the group, he says,"Remember, we need to take him alive. We need him immobilized where he can't escape."
He continues into the building, taking the front. He tells Cori,"If you have any more Stoneskins, I'll gladly take another one. Those constructs did an efficient job of removing the last one from me."
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) Wednesday August 8th, 2007 4:39:05 PM
Nick pulls the two halflings close as they enter the building. This wasn't the safest place, he was sure - but where was? He'll protect them with his life if necessary.
DM Jan Wednesday August 8th, 2007 4:56:36 PM Haste. He would have preferred more time, but that was a luxury he couldn't afford right now, not with those adventurers on the loose. Back door, then teleport to where he remembered. They'd been allies once, unwittingly on Crow's part, of course. The old madman would never have signed on if he'd known the necromancers true goals, but it had been fun for a while. Fun and enlightening. Crow was a genius, and dangerous - a lateral thinker in an ordered, linear world. Here. Second floor. Oh Gods, the stench. That, he remembered well. As a six year old, he'd been skinned alive here, once. Those flesh golems had to look pretty, didn't they. Have to put that memory away. Have to get to Crow, get his books, find out how he gets these things to worship him. All right, lets put these 10 year old feet to use. Too quick for the metal constructs, stay away from the ladies, and we're good, up to the third floor, fourth, @%$#^& - duck, too close, okay, eat this you #&^%$#!, ah... inelegant 10 year old temper, okay, fifth. Where are you Crow? Ah, there....... dear Gods, what have they done to you?
Mordrid's arrow precedes the group into the building, where it bounces off a wall, sets the painting there on fire, and then skitters to the floor burning and giving off light. Onrad and Valdor get the first look at the immediate surroundings. Glimpses of fires in adjoining rooms, the smell of hot metal. Metal sheets, blocks, metal arms, legs, are all stacked neatly against walls. Cori catches traces of magic in these rooms, a glimmer of runes her and there, tied to objects, rather than persons. A wide stairway (10 ft wide), curves upward, and that's where the charnal house stench seems to be coming from. There is light. Oddly enough, there isn't anyone, or anything here to greet them.
However, there are sounds of metal feet on stone steps, coming from the stairwell, and they sound to be heading UP, rather than down. And suddenly, also from above, the sounds of a commotion, a distant hiss, and something tumbling. The sliver of skin on the parchment in Ve's hand continues to wriggle.
Outside, the construct and the elementals have stopped, and appear to be having some kind of silent conference. Nearby, the children in the pen look on. They have not called out, appealed for help. That wariness in their eyes is perhaps keeping them silent.
Onrad d20+26=45 Thursday August 9th, 2007 9:41:02 AM
Onrad, glances up the next stairway as he hears the sound of someone ascending.
Urgently he whispers, "Up!"
Then going total defense again, he starts racing up the stairs, putting his boots of speed to use.
::Lightly now::
::skipping two, now three steps at a time::
[tumble check of 45]
----------- Shield of Law Cloak of Displacement 4 of 15 Boots of Speed 4 of 10 Total Defense: AC60
Mordrid (Shield of Law, Long Strider) Thursday August 9th, 2007 4:10:25 PM
Mordrid casts "long strider" before bounding up the stairs to support Onrad.
The ranger can't help but think what Crow must look like now strips of flesh have been removed from his body.
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 Thursday August 9th, 2007 5:11:30 PM
Ve jams the scrap into his Haversack and moves to stamp out the fire on the Painting. He then looks for another similar scrap. If found, he pulls it free and places it in his Haversack. Heavy footfalls ascending? "Someone else has penetrated the tower in front of us and the defenders are moving."
The question of who else could be after Crow would likely create a list of near infiinte proportions. Even narrowing it by capabilities would still leave a long one over the last few hundred years of the terrible evil creatures that have been reborn into the Wold. AS onrad and then Mordrid begin to double time up the staris, Ve looks to Valdor,
"We form two groups. I will see to those you can not keep pace. Go with Mordrid and anyone else who can match thier speed."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) Thursday August 9th, 2007 7:38:07 PM
Nick is in agreement with Ve Mundr. "And try not to get seriously hurt until we get there," he adds. "As for you two," he says to the halflings, "don't touch anything, don't go anywhere on your own."
Jus AC 49, 150 HP (+10 with glove, +42 with bear's endurance), 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement Thursday August 9th, 2007 8:56:12 PM
Jus looks for Config, to see what he is doing. He then follows the others up the stairs. Whenever he passes a window, Jus takes a moment to look outside. His concern for the children is a big motivation for it, but he also wants to know if any danger is heading their way -- including the constructs they left behind.
Corialote and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance, true seeing] Friday August 10th, 2007 12:01:42 AM
Cori takes note of the magic and then sweeps her head to take in the rest of the building. "Seems that a lot of the objects in here are magiced in some way." Glancing to Valdor she nods her head and through the use of one of her magical items, recalls a spell. She touches Valdor's shoulder as she intones the words, her other hand going through the gestures. "That will hold for awhile." She glances to those that have started to race up the stairs and shakes her head. "I could seal off that way up and buy us time." She waits to see what Valdor would like done before she goes along with the rest.
Amarth keeps his eyes open for more trouble and lets his Mistress handle the rest right now. His eyes scan the kids, especially with the spell his Mistress cast...he wants to make sure they are all what they appear.
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)***, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing* 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Nick and Ve): 150 points of damage or 5994 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 474 rounds; +4 Con]
[wall of force: range 85', 21 rounds]
[haste(Cori): 2 rounds]
[haste(extended): 46 rounds, everyone withing 30' of Valdor up to 24 people]
[true seeing(extended): 479 rounds]
[stoneskin(Valdor): 150 points of damage or 6000 rounds]
DM Jan Friday August 10th, 2007 1:59:30 AM
Onward and upward!
Level Two - the air is humid. Open doors reveal steamy interiors and the smell of blood and rotting innards. Neat piles of bones are stacked up just inside the doorways - a pile of skulls, a stack of femurs. There would be a need to venture and explore to discover more.
Level Three - air is drier, scent is cleaner, fresher. Windows on the landing, and possibly everywhere in the building, are open. Open doorways here reveal a glimpse of what look like huge vats covered in runes. Magic spilling from them is of tremendous power.
And here, the stairwell is blocked. Onrad, Mordrid and Valdor are the first to see a tangle of flesh and metal golems on the stairway leading up to Levels Four and Five. Someone has set off an incendiary cloud, and it's edges spit out and throw firey embers onto the Level Three landing. Some of the constructs have apparently fallen down the steps in the mad scramble to move to one of the higher levels, and are trying to disentangle themselves. The stairs are completely blocked.
Out of the window - Config is still at the Fortress entrance with the elementals. However, the four blocked by Cori's wall of force have figured it out and are now walking back toward the entrance. The five constructs striding up from the train wreck are approaching the other side of the force wall. So far, the kids are okay.
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance, Haste, Stoneskin, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of Invisibility) Friday August 10th, 2007 9:58:26 AM
Valdor smiles as he sees the mess on the stairs. He says,"Catch up when you can. I've got to beat this other threat to Crow or who knows what will happen. You guys are the best."
He kisses Cori on the cheek, activates his Cloak of Arachnid, goes out of a window, latches onto the wall and starts moving. He will activate one of his rings and disappear as soon as he's outside. He heads up as far as he can, going directly to the top floor window.
(Jan, with the haste and his proficiency with such maneuvers, I'm not sure how much of this he can do, just let me know-SteveH)
( To Scott:Congrats!!!!!!!)
Onrad Friday August 10th, 2007 12:28:37 PM
Onrad, seeing Valdor scurry outside to go up smiles. He pauses, pops a Spider Climb potion, and tosses one to Mordrid. Then he crawls out onto the ledge and begins to follow Valdor up the wall.
"Hold up Big Guy! Wezza comin'!"
Then...
"Can't let you hog all the glory this time...Hey! where ya go?"
"Oh."
Ummmph.
::Ok, be careful Onrad. You know how you hate to fall.::
As an afterthought, to conserve abilities, with a thought, he drops the cloak of displacement and the boots of speed effects.
-----------
Shield of Law Cloak of Displacement: cancelled for now Boots of Speed cancelled for now Total Defense: AC60
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 Friday August 10th, 2007 5:22:15 PM
Ve takes out his flying Carpet, "I think we all should exit stage left" he explains. "No one is coming down these stairs." and with a focused effort Ve conjures a terribly thick Iron wall across the level three landing. 10' per side and 25" thick. [Spont cast Wall iron for Disrupting Weapon]
The carpet it 5x10 and can hold 800 pounds the Protector explains. "Cori, Father and you two" pointing to the halflings and stepping on. "let's get going."
Jus has the fly right? and I'm not forgetting anyone?
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance, Haste, Stoneskin, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of Invisibility) Friday August 10th, 2007 6:43:34 PM
Valdor chuckles at Onrad's words...an odd thing to do with all the craziness going on. He says from somewhere above,"Now how are you going to know where my swords are flying? And I don't want to hog the glory, not all of it anyway."
He's still laughing as he climbs.
Corialote and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance, true seeing] Saturday August 11th, 2007 12:03:55 AM
Cori accepts the kiss from Valdor and kisses him back quickly before he is gone. She moves towards Ve as he calls for them to ride his magic carpet up. She does glance around to the others to make sure that everyone is going to be able to make it. "If someone else needs, I have other ways of getting up there." She offers her spot to anyone that cannot fly on their own.
Amarth keeps his lookout going as his Mistress makes herself ready to go. He does not want to stay here too long as he does not like all the weird magic that is around and with his shared sight...it is weird and he can see it.
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)***, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing* 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Nick and Ve): 150 points of damage or 5993 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 473 rounds; +4 Con]
[wall of force: range 85', 21 rounds]
[haste(Cori): 1 rounds]
[haste(extended): 45 rounds, everyone withing 30' of Valdor up to 24 people]
[true seeing(extended): 478 rounds]
[stoneskin(Valdor): 150 points of damage or 5999 rounds]
Posting Report for Monday August 13th, 2007 8:06:48 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of August 6,2007
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) Monday August 13th, 2007 2:41:01 PM
Nick herds the two halflings on to the carpet, and then climbs aboard himself, reassured he has something like a feathfall spell somewhere.
He keeps an eye on the stairs going up, just in case anything in that tangle of constructs turns its attention on them.
DM Jan Monday August 13th, 2007 2:41:19 PM This will take some time... unless I want to kill him, and I don't want to do that, just yet. All right, smile at the man. Rescue you? Yes, yes, that's why I'm here. Now wait a second. Wall of Force should hold the door, but I don't like the look of those windows.... There, and there, just in case. Heh, casting spells of this caliber isn't doing much for my current 10 year old form, but needs must. Now, beatific smile, shhhh, calm now. Let's get you out of this infernal machine. I'll need to cut...
Things start to happen fast.
Valdor makes easy work of climbing the outside wall of the fortress, with Onrad in pursuit. Past the fourth floor windows where remnants of the Incendiary Cloud can be seen through the window here along with a further tangle of constructs trying to climb the stairs to thefinal, fifth floor.
The Dragonstone is approx 15ft below the fifth floor windows (Onrad is 25 ft below the windows), when two enormous eight legged arachnids appear. They're huge, of gargantuan size. One of them starts spinning a web across the windows. The other seems... distracted, and starts to move rapidly downwards.
Ve Mundr's carpet hovers outside the third floor window, with he, Nick, Cori, and the two halflings on board. - Looking down, they can see 8 metal constructs approaching the building. - Looking up, they can see Onrad, 30 ft up, climbing up the wall, (No sign of Valdor unless you can see past Invisibility) AND - two ginormous spiders guarding the fifth floor windows. And ooh look! There's Onrad, about 25 ft below that window - and one of the spiders is climbing down to meet him (in melee range of the duellist next round) - Looking in - The lower edge of the third floor stairwell is now blocked by the wall of iron, so at least no one is likely to come up. However - two of the flesh constructs and extracted themselves from the tangle, and are approaching the window. Both of them look eerily like the portrait of Crow's wife, and going off previous encounters are unlikely to be friendly.
2 spiders now in melee range of Valdor and Onrad, ranged to everyone else. 2 flesh golems in ranged attack range for everyone except Valdor and Onrad.
Mordrid, Jus, Dahlia - on the carpet, on the third floor, still, flying outside, climbing wall? Let me know.
Onrad Monday August 13th, 2007 7:27:16 PM
Onrad, cursing, uses his action to active his cloak of displacement once again. Staying total defense, he begins backing down the wall again to the room he was in yelling at the spider hoping to lure him into a better place to fight it.
"Can't fight it on the wall. Need hands and feet on the wall or I fall. Would be cool though. Don't ya think? Pulling the spider back inside if I can.
"Wow, he's "Ginormous!" Exactly how big is Ginormous I wonder?"
Onrad pulls back into the room retracing steps and then awaits the spider, hoping that spiders hate noise and will follow.
---------
Shield of Law Cloak of Greater Displacement 5 of 15 Boots of Speed 4 of 10 (not activated) Total Defense: AC60
Mordrid [Shield of Law, Long Strider, haste?] d20=20 d20=4 d8+15=22 2d10(10+9)=19 d6=5 d20=3 d8+15=21 d20=5 d8+15=21 d6=1 d6=6 d20=8 d8+15=16 d6=6 d20=9 d8+15=23 d6=3 d20=10 d8+15=18 d6=5 Monday August 13th, 2007 8:09:59 PM
Mordrid is about to swallow the potion of Spider Climb that Onrad passed, but is haulted when he hears Onrad just outside the window... "Ginormous!"
The ranger sticks his head out the window. Looking up he sees the culprit, and Onrad intellegently luring the creature.
The ranger unloads a flight of arrows at the giant spider. (+5 arrows of flame / full action)
[Arrow 1: natural 20 / hits AC 63 and AC 47 for 22 x 3 = 66 damage plus 19 freezing blast and 5 fire damage = TOTAL 90 damage]
[Arrow 2 (feat): hits AC 46 for 21 damage + 1 fire damage = TOTAl 22 damage]
[Arrow 3 (speed) : hits AC 48 for 21 + 6 fire damage = TOTAL 27 damage]
[Arrow 4: hits AC 45 for 16 damage + 6 fire damage = TOTAL 22 damage]
[Arrow 5: hits AC 41 for 23 damage + 3 fire damage = TOTAL 26 damage]
Arrow 6: hits AC 37 for 18 damage + 5 fire damage = TOTAL 23 damage]
Corialote and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance, true seeing] Monday August 13th, 2007 11:26:12 PM
Cori smiles as she can see that Valdor is far enough up the tower to allow her to be of help. She also can see Onrad luring the spider down or at least trying. "Onrad...move to the side quick....Ve, make sure we are not under that spider." She falls into the motions with her free hand, gesturing out the complex movements of a spell. Her voice is even and steady as she intones one of her simpler spells. With a thrust of her hand at the exact spot the spider is crawling on the wall, grease sudden coats it.
Amarth keeps his place on his Mistress's shoulder as he does not want to break the connection he has with her. His head swivels around to watch for more enemies but he holds out on the few spells he has.
[grease: 24 rounds, 10' area, Reflex DC 22]
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2)*, floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)***, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing* 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Nick and Ve): 150 points of damage or 5992 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 472 rounds; +4 Con]
[wall of force: range 85', 20 rounds]
[haste(extended): 44 rounds, everyone withing 30' of Valdor up to 24 people]
[true seeing(extended): 477 rounds]
[stoneskin(Valdor): 150 points of damage or 5998 rounds]
Jus AC 49, 150 HP (+10 with glove, +42 with bear's endurance), 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement 6d20(1+11+15+3+5+17)=52 d20=14 d8+19=27 d8+19=25 d8+19=23 2d6(3+3)=6 2d6(3+6)=9 2d6(3+1)=4 2d6(2+4)=6 2d6(5+4)=9 2d6(1+4)=5 d8+19=23 d8+19=27 d8+19=26 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 5:40:29 AM
Jus leaps out of the window, twisting around and head upwards with his wings providing a rythmic flight. As he twists back towards the tower, Jus sees Mordrid lean out and send a group of arrows into the first spider.
"Capture or Kill Crow?" Jus urgently asks in his earpiece. He sure wishes he remembered which, but the heat of the moment has driven this from his mind.
Heading higher, Jus attempts to see past the the spider and the web that is being built into the room beyond. If he sees anyone in the room, he launches a few special arrows into the room. The remaining fly at the spider by the window.
Full Attack w/ activated Glove: Reroll fumble. If people can be seen beyond the web, inside the tower: First three attacks at figures inside hit ac: 60, 52, 51 Damage: 6 (holy damage if evil), 9 (holy), 27 First two arrows are Tanglefoots: -2 attacks, -4 Dex, save DC15 or cannot move. If save, half speed. Third arrow is Bestow Curse: save vs Will or inaction 50% of time. If nobody can be seen beyond the web: First three attacks at spider, hit ac: 59, 51, 50 Damage 27 + 6 (holy), 25 + 9 (holy), 23 + 4 (holy) Whether people are seen or not Last three attacks at spider, hit ac: 33, 30, 62 Damage: 23 + 6 (holy), 27 + 9 (holy), 26 + 5 (holy)
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance, Haste, Stoneskin, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of Invisibility) Tuesday August 14th, 2007 11:41:46 AM
Valdor sees the spiders and decides to enter the room through the window that Onrad's spider has just vacated. With his cloak, he can traverse any web, so he's not concerned overly much. He looks into the window first to get his bearings and see how many foes are in the room. He whispers into his earring,"Crow must be taken alive! We have to take him back to undo all of this."
Valdor moves into the room and along the ceiling, recalling when he first had met Nick and had to go into Ga'al's temple to extract him from the clerics grasp. He makes a mental note to have a room dedicated to his cloak when he retires.
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 d20+22=26 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 5:38:16 PM
Seeing the golems coming up behind Mordrid, Ve frowns slightly. "Capture." he says quickly to Jus. He can't really assist at the moment needing to stay with the carpet and really it is quite aggrevating to him. Ve calls for the carpet to move 30' horizontally away from the tower. He will keep an eye on the golems and if one casts a spell he will attempt to counter it. [Spellcraft 26 lvl 11 or less]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) Tuesday August 14th, 2007 8:20:47 PM
Nick sees the two constructs behind Mordrid.
"Mordrid, look out!" he calls, trying not to fall off the carpet in all the excitement. Keeping himself steady, he casts SHIELD OTHER on Mordrid.
Onrad d20+22=24 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 9:17:53 PM
"No, it's ok Cori, we got it....WOAH!"
Onrad, dives inside the window he'd returned to last round.
[Jump check - 24]
"Ow! Stubbed my toe.!"
He picks himself off the floor with his second move and flexes his foot to be sure he's ok.
"Mordrid, remind me to never mess with Valdor's girlfriend."
--------------
Shield of Law Cloak of Greater Displacement 6 of 15 Boots of Speed 4 of 10 (not activated) Total Defense up until further notice: AC60
DM Jan d20+18=32 10d6(5+1+4+6+2+5+5+5+3+3)=39 10d6(5+5+3+2+5+5+1+5+6+1)=38 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 9:25:08 PM
((As specified in last post, spiders are gargantuan, not that it's going to do them any good by the looks of it, LOL. And being the size of a barn door, their AC is 18))
Outside on the wall, Onrad beats a hasty retreat back toward the window below. Is the creature following? You bet it is. Right above him now and descending fast. Then, he sees Mordrid's arrows hammer into the beast, and the wall suddenly takes on a shine. Sprouting arrows like a porcupine's spines and spitting ice and fire, the beast starts to slip on Cori's Grease spell and fall right toward him. The halflings on the carpet (now shifted away from the window) both scream - "AAAAHHHHHH!"
Can he get out of the way, or will he end up being knocked down to the ground, three storeys below?? Onrad REFLEX save DC 22
More arrows fly through the air, courtesy of the airborne Jus. He can't see into the room yet. He'll be level with it next round. No matter. All six projectiles hit heavily into the spider still by the window. The creature slips, and hangs twitching just below the window.
Another yard and those arrows would have parted Valdor's hair. The Dragonstone 'feels' the percussive THUDTHUDTHUDTHUDTHUDTHUD as Jus's arrows embed themselves in the spider that was edging toward Valdor, having felt something on it's web. The attack is effective, leaving the spider alive but helpless. A quick examination of the web. Enough strands to block someone of his size, although one single cut (AC35, hps 15) and he's through. And the room beyond -
Light, from a lot of small torches. Benches along the walls, their surfaces containing strange metal instruments. A table in the centre - wooden, bloodstained, empty shackles at either corner, a man laid partially on top of it. The man is dressed in a loincloth. His limbs are covered in dozens of red welts and scars - grafted skin, cut off and regrafted. Again and again until his skin looks like patchwork. But his face - going off the portraits, it can only be Crow.
There's a boy with him. The boy doesn't look in the best of health, either. His skin looks grey, shadows the colour of stone lie below his eyes. Funnily enough, he looks a little like one of those who were gathered around the adventurers back at Dirt City, after they'd reawakened the Gods. The one Dahlia had taken after. But if it is, he looks like something has wrung the very life out of him. Ah, and the eyes above those shadows. They're not like a boy's eyes at all. The kid looks to be wearing a wizard's robe. Quite grand but ill-fitting; the sleeves are bunched and rolled up, suggesting it's use is something other than sartorial elegance.
The boy is facing the window. He's using Crow as a shield. He has a narrow blade already stuck about a quarter inch into Crow's throat. "Hello.... cough... hello Valdor, I can see you" says the boy. "Don't come any closer."
Crow is looking around wildly. "Help me!" he's screaming. "Help me!"
Meanwhile!
Back on the third floor, Mordrid suddenly finds himself being approached by two flesh golems. He's seen the portraits back in Dirt City, in the present time. Both of them look exactly like her. Crow's wife, right down to the handsome as opposed to pretty face.
((Still working on this latter part, but I can't post till I get back from fencing tonight. Jerry - look up - I need a reflex from you. I'm sure you'll make it.))
----------------------------- Edit. 10.30pm pacific. ((Okay, back, now where were we? Ah yes! Third floor, Mordrid, Crow's wife x 2:
"Leh feh una, fora-mah" they say in unison while raising their hands. Immediately, two powerful LIGHTNING BOLTS shoot from both golems' fingers, lighting up the third floor landing with a blinding flash, and power toward the ranger.
32 check result Overcomes SR via shield of law Damage 39 and 38 Reflex DC 17 for half damage. However, Ve Mundr's counterspell check on one of these attempts is more than adequate. Able to counter? Shield other gives +1 on save, half damage to Nick.
Crow and boy in Valdor's melee range, in Jus's ranged attack range.
Flesh golems in Onrad and Mordrids melee range, in Cori, Ve, and Nick's ranged attack range.
Onrad d20+18=25 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 9:33:00 PM
Onrad barely dodges the falling spider while diving inside.
[Reflex save of 25]
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance, Haste, Stoneskin, Cloak of Arachnid, Ring of Invisibility) d20+39=55 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 4:09:14 PM
Valdor isn't very surprised that this kid is here. He knew Dahlia had chased off after someone. He figures Crow is probably dead if he doesn't do anything, so he decides to do what he's always done...attack! He uses all of his attacks and strength on one focused shot...tothe wrist holding the knife at Crow's throat, hoping to catch the boy offguard and knock his hand back, or, if he's lucky, take it off at the wrist.
Whether the attack is successful or not, he throws his body in between the boy and Crow using his size and strength. He prays to Domi silently that this works and that he hasn't ruined their chances to undo all of this, but he knows the boy will kill Crow anyway and then try to escape.
(If he gets any bonus for using all eight attacks in one, I'm not sure. Also, Valdor will use all of his five hero points if neccesary to save Crow.)
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 5:06:56 PM Lightning bolts Ve foregoes countering either spell. Mordrid was more than capable of dodging the attacks and surviving. Ve orders the carpet upwards, climbing for the highest window. The fifth floor window was the important one. Mordrid would be fine.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Onrad Wednesday August 15th, 2007 7:46:36 PM
The spider now hopefully far below, Onrad once again tries to ascend the wall to join Valdor above.
::second time turns the prince into a frog again, so careful::
He climbs to the lip of the window above and peeks in to see what there is to see through the spider webs in the window.
He stays silent for the moment.
-------------
Shield of Law Cloak of Greater Displacement 7 of 15 Boots of Speed 4 of 10 (not activated) Total Defense up until further notice: AC60 Potion of Spider Climb active
Corialote [shapechange: ] and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance, true seeing] Thursday August 16th, 2007 12:26:04 AM
Cori watches as they pull away from the wall and the spider falls. She leans over the carpet slightly as they rise to keep an eye upon it. In her right hand is a wand that she rolls lightly as she watches. "Well at least it did not take anyone with it." For a few seconds she had feared that she had sent Onrad down with the creature. The spiders were secondary targets, the real target had to be Crow. With no immediate threat in range she starts another spell, her free hand going through the gestures and draconic flowing freely.
Amarth flaps his wings a couple of times as he feels magic once again being cast and he knows what his Mistress is upto.
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2)*, floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2), displacement, haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)***, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing* 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange*, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Nick and Ve): 150 points of damage or 5991 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 471 rounds; +4 Con]
[wall of force: range 85', 19 rounds]
[haste(extended): 43 rounds, everyone withing 30' of Valdor up to 24 people]
[true seeing(extended): 476 rounds]
[stoneskin(Valdor): 150 points of damage or 5997 rounds]
[grease: 23 rounds, 10' area, Reflex DC 22]
[shapechange(Cori): ]
Jus AC 49, 150 HP (+10 with glove, +42 with bear's endurance), 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement 3d20(16+5+20)=41 2d6(3+3)=6 2d6(3+4)=7 2d6(1+1)=2 2d6(1+4)=5 2d6(2+6)=8 2d6(5+6)=11 4d8(7+7+5+7)+7=33 4d8(6+2+6+3)+7=24 4d8(8+2+8+1)+7=26 d20=13 Thursday August 16th, 2007 3:15:08 AM
Jus flies towards the window, attempting to get inside to help Valdor. As he flies, Jus releases three arrows, aimed for Crow.
If he was superstitious, Jus would be crossing his fingers. The arrows are designed not to hurt, but Jus has no idea if his bow's abilities will come into play. Hopefully this works. In case it helps, and since Crow is immobile, Jus aims away from critical areas.
Jus fires three Cure Critical arrows at Crow. They are designed not to do damage, but unless Jus can turn off his bow's abilities for the round, they may cause damage (shown in stats below).
Hit AC: 58, 47, 55 (natural 20 Hero-Point rerolled to avoid Thundering). Note: Precise Shot Feat. No penalty for shooting into melee. Possible Damage: from Holy: 6, 7, 2 (15 hp damage if Crow is Evil) against constructs: 5, 8, 11 (24 hp damage if Crow is a construct) Healing: from Cure Critical: 33, 24, 26 (83 hp healed)
Active Spells: SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Stoneskin (110 hp) Displacement (4 rounds) Bear's Endurance (+4 Con) Glove (6 rounds)
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) Thursday August 16th, 2007 11:28:44 AM
Nick's breath whistles between his teeth at that jolt of lightning. Feeling the carpet rise, possibly taking Nick out of range of his shield other spell on Mordrid, Nick casts AIR WALK.
His aim is to get between floors, and close to the outside wall, trying to keep in range with as many of his fellows as possible, and it would give Ve and Cori a little more freedom, even if they had the halflings on board.
He explains to Ve and Cori what he's doing, then takes that first step off the carpet. Don't look down, Nick..
DM Jan Thursday August 16th, 2007 11:29:17 AM
Incoming....
DM Jan d20+20=21 Thursday August 16th, 2007 12:29:49 PM
Leaving Mordrid in the delightful company of the two Mrs Crows on the third floor, everyone else moves upward toward the fifth floor.
During his particular climb, Onrad comes face to face with the remaining humongous, dangling spider, still helpless, courtesy of Jus's arrows. It snaps it's powerful beak-like mouth at the duellist as he climbs past toward the window.
Nick is a little further below him, hugging the wall, attempting keep in range of Mordrid.
Ve Mundr's carpet rises to the the level of the fifth floor windows, joining Onrad and Jus. Cori becomes absorbed in weaving her latest spell. "Eewwwwww!" exclaim the two halflings as they pass the dangling spider.
Far below, at ground level, a fight has started between Config and the free elementals and the 9 metal constructs seeking entrance into the fortress.
Inside on the Fifth floor (visible to all except Mordrid and Nick):
Valdor springs forward and knocks the knife out of the boy's hand. A rather spectacular arc of bright red arterial blood springs from Crow's throat. Crow lets out an accompanying blood curdling scream. Crow screams again as Jus's three arrows enter the room, zipping about a foot over the top of Onrad's head. They hit Crow like a battering ram, pushing him hard against Valdor and the boy. One in the shoulder, two in the thigh. The arterial bleeding stops abruptly. The crazy paving on the man's skin starts to look a whole lot better. The arrows, however, are still embedded, their entry points haloed by angry red flesh.
Pushed up against the far wall, the boy cackles. He looks sickly, his skin is flaking and grey due to the ravages of high level spells manipulated by a body so young. Too much power, far too soon. It's a fundamental lesson, one that every apprentice in the Star Tower knows via the strict discipline of their tutors. The boy's eyes however.... calculating and old, old as the mountain itself. The pupils are dilated, as black as midnight. They flick past Valdor to the window outside. He raises his hands. A supplicating gesture. His chest rises and falls, slightly out of breath. "So, now what?" he cocks his head. His tone is not mocking, and those black eyes now glitter with calculation and curiosity.
Meanwhile!!!!
Back at the third floor, Mordid is not being neglected.
Mrs Crow #1 attempts to hit the ranger with a POLAR RAY. (Oh, for crying out loud, a natural 1 on the touch attack!!!) The floor suddenly becomes icy cold and brittle. And the struggling pile of constructs trying to get up the stairs slows considerably. Metal limbs and chests start to dull with a layer of frost.
Mrs Crow #2 has turned her attention to the wall of iron blocking the lower stairwell and is twirling her hands.
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance, Haste, Stoneskin, Cloak of Arachnid) Thursday August 16th, 2007 2:44:26 PM
Valdor knows that Crow is almost finished when the arrows thud home. He yells,"No, dang it! We need him alive!!!" The large warrior has no idea that the arrows were actually beneficial. He keeps his earpiece active so that everyone knows where he is and what's going on.
He is about to kill the youth, when he realizes that this boy is just a shell being used...abused, more like it, and that killing the boy won't help anything. He addresses the youth and says,"You knew my name and could see me even though I was invisible. Who are you? And I don't mean your outer shell either. Who are YOU?"
Onrad Thursday August 16th, 2007 8:55:58 PM
Onrad, coming to the same conclusion as Valdor yells out the window to Jus, "Can someone cast something that will stop a possession. This kid is possessed! Looks that way anyway. If not, we gotta kill him."
"And can someone help Config? If not, say so and I'll jump down there."
With that Onrad enters the room through the webs in the window and stands by Valdor just in front of the boy, confronting him. He readies an action to disrupt any spells cast by the boy.
His eyes are as cold as his steel.
----------
SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Cloak of Greater Displacement 8 of 15 Boots of Speed 4 of 10 (not activated) Total Defense up until further notice: AC60 Potion of Spider Climb active
The ranger evades the close quarter electrical storm with an almost extra-planer step. [EVADE feat 9th level]
Hair on end, the ranger internally sighes as flesh golem one blunders on her potentially deadly second attack.
Golem two turns toward the barrier and begins to cast; Mordrid decides that this pointless third floor fight [worthy of bailing], was not so pointles after all.
[Just realized that Constructs are a favored enememy + 2 ; adding also the feat "Bane of enemies"]
The ranger unleashes a full volley into the construct's back, in an attempt to do enough damage to interrupt the spell. (+5 flaming arrows)
[ATTACK 1: Hits AC 50 for 26 damage plus 3 bane of enemies and 6 fire damage = TOTAL 35 damage.]
[ATTACK 2 speed: Hits AC 55 for 25 damage plus 12 bane of enemies and 6 fire damage = TOTAL 43 damage.]
[ATTACK 3 feat: Hits AC 59 for 23 damage plus 4 bane of enemies and 3 fire damage = TOTAL 30 damage.]
[ATTACK 4: Hits AC 50 for 25 damage plus 6 bane of enemies and 5 fire damage = TOTAL 36 damage.]
[ATTACK 5: Hits AC 46 for 23 damage plus 9 bane of enemies and 3 fire damage = TOTAL 35 damage.]
[ATTACK 6: Hits AC 41 for 26 damage plus 8 bane of enemies and 2 fire damage = TOTAL 36 damage.]
Corialote [shapechange: ] and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance, true seeing] d20+24=33 Thursday August 16th, 2007 10:05:01 PM
Going on the fly and not really having much time to prepare herself, she once again falls into spellcasting. Her sights narrow on the young boy and her hand comes up in the air and then she closes it tight.
Amarth continues his observation of the surrounding area as he has nothing that would be of much use to the party right now.
[hold person(boy): 24 rounds, SR 33, Will DC 23]
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2)*, floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2)*, displacement, haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)***, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing* 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange*, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Nick and Ve): 150 points of damage or 5990 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 470 rounds; +4 Con]
[wall of force: range 85', 19 rounds]
[haste(extended): 42 rounds, everyone withing 30' of Valdor up to 24 people]
[true seeing(extended): 475 rounds]
[stoneskin(Valdor): 150 points of damage or 5996 rounds]
[grease: 22 rounds, 10' area, Reflex DC 22]
[shapechange(Cori): 2400 rounds]
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 d20+21=29 d20+24=41 Friday August 17th, 2007 9:23:42 AM Things look fairly secure. But let's not have you going anywhere just yet. Ve points a finger towards Crow and a green beam of emerald hue flies into his chest. [Dimensional Anchor Touch AC 29 penetrate SR 41]
"I have Crow contained." Ve says calmly into his earpiece
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Jus AC 49, 150 HP (+10 with glove, +42 with bear's endurance), 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement Friday August 17th, 2007 3:57:40 PM
"The arrows heal, not harm," Jus says as he enters the room through the window. "Embedding in Crow was an unexpected outcome." Quickly evaluating the situation, he sees that the others seem to have things under control. For now.
Jus moves on the periphery, over to the stairs heading down. He stays away from the boy, trying to decide if he is indeed possessed as Valdor and Onrad seem to suspect, or simply trying to exact his revenge. Either way, he could be dangerous, especially since most here would have qualms with killing him outright.
Maybe the boy could be moved to a better location. The recently opened temple, perhaps.
Jus casts Feeblemind, holding the touch long enough to give the boy a chance to answer Valdor. He's sure one of the others could restore the boy later.
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance, Haste, Stoneskin, Cloak of Arachnid) Friday August 17th, 2007 8:07:05 PM
Valdor keeps his eyes on the boy, not even blinking and asks Onrad,"What kept you? A little spider and you fall behind."
He grinning somewhat, but is still focused on the boy.
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) d20+15=17 Saturday August 18th, 2007 6:12:11 PM
Pressed against the outer wall, in between floors. He can't feel any other damage comething through via his shield other spell, so it looked like things were in hand on the third floor. The only other scream he could hear had come from a stranger. Not a voice he recognized.
So, all in all, so far, so good.
He looks down, makes sure no mischief is brewing down below.
SPOT DC 17 gee whiz
Earpiece: "Who's screaming up there, and do they need healing?"
DM Jan Saturday August 18th, 2007 7:10:05 PM
((Guys, my apologies for the lateness. I just couldn't get a 'window of calm' to post last night. Cops, helicopters, chasing some guy outside. Don't think they caught him, either.))
Third floor:
Mordrid's arrows stab viciously into the construct's (#2) back. The creature bounces off the wall of force at the top of the lower stairwell and falls on the ground, flames beginning to consume the flesh. The scent of barbeque begins to waft forth and out of the window. The fire starts to melt the frost from the polar ray. Construct #1 moves slightly, splinters of ice begin to fall from her arms, but she looks sluggish.
Fifth Floor:
The boy's eyes look, unflinching, at Valdor. "Two hundred years ago, maybe, you came out of retirement, especially -" frown "- although... you look younger now. I assume you've been reincarnated, like I was, but what I don't understand is -" cough, "-rumour had it, only the evil ones were able to come back. Have you been a bad -"
He stops, abruptly, as Onrad arrives. Someting in the duellist's body language, perhaps. Cold eyes meet those of stubborn defiance. There's a pause. Then all manner of spells kick in, or peter out.
Cori and Jus's spells hit the boy. The boy smiles. "Heeee......" he gurgles. His face now slack. Outside, the strung up monster spider disappears. Inside, someone, or something, immediately starts pounding on the door that leads to the stairwell. Pounding so hard that it starts to splinter and crack.
Ve's spell hits Crow. Still sprouting arrows, the man raises an arm, looking amazed for a moment at his new green aura. "Oh! You can do things like that now..." Then his head turns this way and that rapidly. Eyes roll wildly. "Does it look like I'm going anywhere!!??" he howls, on the verge of hysterics. "Someone help me! Stop this madness!"
Outside, Nick can't see anything of any consequence below. He does see the spider disappear, however.
On the carpet, Wentworth tries to get Ve's attention. "He looks scared. Can we help?" "You're not going to kill him, are you?" blurts out Tommy
OOC: Scott Saturday August 18th, 2007 7:55:44 PM
OOC: Jan, can you please recap the various floors, and the barriers between them, and perhaps what opponents are on what floors? I've lost track.
~~Jan~~ Certainly. :) Outside Entrance: currently guarded by Config and air and fire elementals.
Level 1: Metal storage, metal parts. No opponants in the stairwell. Accessible to Level 2.
Level 2: Flesh and bone storage, stripping and curing. No opponants in the stairwell. Accessible to Level 3. And level 1.
Level 3: Rooms containing mysterious vats, covered in magical runes. Opponants in stairwell - 1 remaining flesh construct with ice damage. Stairs inaccessible to above - jammed with constructs trying to reach the fith floor. Stairs inaccessible to below - block by Ve Mundr's wall of iron.
Level 4: Room contents unknown. Access to both Levels 5 and 3 blocked by constructs ascending stairs.
Level 5: Crow's room. Access to Level 4 blocked by constructs in stairwell.
Onrad d20+32=49 Saturday August 18th, 2007 9:29:53 PM
Onrad, not sure what just happened to the boy, sees his face go slack. Not willing to chance not acting, rushes forward to grapple him.
[Grapple attack hits DC49]
[10+1Str+21BAB=+32 bonus on grapple attacks. NO penalty due to being a Duelist.]
"Valdor, tie him up and gag him if I can hold him down. Quickly!"
---------- SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Cloak of Greater Displacement 9 of 15 Boots of Speed 4 of 10 (not activated) Drops Total Defense. AC44 Currently with Shield of Law up. Potion of Spider Climb active
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 Sunday August 19th, 2007 10:37:39 AM
Ve commands the carpet in through the window. He glances down at the pair of halflings and then back to the room the carpet is entering. Ve Mundr does not saying anything in responce form within his full visored battle helm.
Ve steps off the carpet to the floor, his attention to Crow. The others would handle the boy and the door. Ve pulls his war hammer and closes on Crow. "I will take you down, you will not panic and then we will leave."
Towards Onrad and Valdor, "Given his reaction, I would say Cori's Hold spell was successful."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance, Haste, Stoneskin, Cloak of Arachnid) Sunday August 19th, 2007 11:07:05 PM
Valdor nods at Onrad's work and replies to Ve,"Probably, but we just can't take any chances and we've got to move out. Can anyone block that door to the constructs trying to get in? Crow, do you hold any sway over them, or is someone else pulling their strings now? And Tommy, no we aren't going to kill him...unless he gives us a reason to do so."
He talks while he is binding the boy tightly, if Onrad's hold is working, of course. If it's not, Valdor will strike to subdue to boy.(Jan, you can roll if necessary)
As he works, he says quielty,"I think this is Korrig's soul, although he couldn't cast spells before. So I'm really not sure, but he asked if I'd turned evil." He chuckles at this and then replies to the boy,"No, whoever you are, I have still never committed an evil act in my life. And you thought wrong. We have magic that you haven't seen before now and we have stayed young all these years." It's just a little lie, but it will give the soul pause that is inside the boy maybe.
Posting Report for Monday August 20th, 2007 6:42:34 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of August 13,2007
Jus AC 49, 150 HP (+10 with glove, +42 with bear's endurance), 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement Monday August 20th, 2007 4:53:17 PM
When the boy's face goes slack, Jus says "Crap! Sorry guys, I might have accidently touched him. Meant to hold that Feeblemind for a minute or two." Jus feels for the spell to see if he's still holding the charge, letting the team know if it did indeed go off.
After Valdor's comments about the boy, Jus suggests, "Those kids outside are probably intended for more of the dead's souls. Who knows how many are out there already? Any ideas on how to identify them, if we need to?"
Jus casts Grease on the steps above the Constructs, hoping to slow them down.
"You're call, Valdor," Jus says, "what do you want to do now? I think we still have one or two downstairs fighting."
Active Spells: SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Stoneskin (110 hp) Displacement (2 rounds) Bear's Endurance (+4 Con) Glove (4 rounds)
Corialote [shapechange: ] and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance, true seeing] Monday August 20th, 2007 5:48:51 PM
Cori slips off the carpet and shakes her head. "I am not sure which spell got him for sure." She just smiles as she moves to stand near the stair that Jus had just greased. Her eyes are trained in that direction as she does not see any reason to worry about the window right now. "If we were all together, I could get us out of here easily enough..." She needs to say no more as they are not all together.
Deiciding on a different course of action she moves towards the window. "I will get the others and bring them here." She blows Valdor a kiss as she starts to shift her form.
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2)*, floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2)*, displacement, haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)***, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing* 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange*, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Nick and Ve): 150 points of damage or 5989 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 469 rounds; +4 Con]
[wall of force: range 85', 18 rounds]
[haste(extended): 41 rounds, everyone withing 30' of Valdor up to 24 people]
[true seeing(extended): 474 rounds]
[stoneskin(Valdor): 150 points of damage or 5995 rounds]
[grease: 21 rounds, 10' area, Reflex DC 22]
[shapechange(Cori): 2399 rounds]
[hold person(boy): 23 rounds, SR 33, Will DC 23]
Onrad Monday August 20th, 2007 10:01:29 PM
Onrad, still holding on to the boy until he's sure he's tied, says, "Do we have all those lil pieces of crow? All of them? I don't think it would be good if we left any pieces behind."
Onrad deactivates his cloak of displacement to save the rest of its daily use for later. ---------- SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Cloak of Greater Displacement 9 of 15 (not activated) Boots of Speed 4 of 10 (not activated) AC44 Currently with Shield of Law up. Potion of Spider Climb active
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) Monday August 20th, 2007 10:31:04 PM
Nick holds his position outside, using airwalk and staying close to the wall. He'll move when Mordrid's got to safety.
He can't see any spells going off upstairs, and the carpet has just gone inside, so he's thinking everyone has upstairs under control.
Mordrid Tuesday August 21st, 2007 12:44:37 AM
Deciding that enough is enough, Mordrid turns and jumps out the window; he acticates his Armor of the Celestial Battalion, and flies upward.
It is good to see Nick there waiting.
"Come on Nick. Let's join the others."
DM Jan Tuesday August 21st, 2007 1:23:40 AM
Onrad grapples the boy, pinning him very effectively. There's no resistance, due to the Hold. His eyes are still black, but they look dull, and flat, and his mouth is slack. Double checking, Jus finds that his Feeble spell discharged, right after the boy stopped talking, in fact.
(My bad if I interpreted that wrong, John.)
But, who is he?
Crow still looks paniced until the carpet arrives with someone who he recognizes. On seeing the two halflings he trembles and bursts into tears.
Both Tommy and Wentworth scramble down from the carpet and run over to the crazy old wizard. "We're here to rescue you and save the Wold!" states Wentworth. "And we brought the Platinum Dragons!" exclaims Tommy, jumping up and down with excitement until he sees the arrows embedded in the wizard's flesh. He gasps in horror.
Crow blinks as the helmed Protector speaks. "Panic?" he sobs, battling hard to regain some kind of composure, "can you really get me out of here?"
He sits up painfully, no longer shackled to the table. "I thought I recognized some of you, from a long time ago. A long time ago." "Ohh..... I haven't had control of the constructs in a long, long time, I'm afraid, " he answers Valdor. "Part of the magic. It gave them too much independance. But they kept me alive. Skin, transplants. Needed me, I suppose." He scratches his head. "They just kept on going, and going, building for no reason..... ouch, these hurt... But wait! We can't leave! The equipment! It needs to be dismantled!" He rolls his eyes, looks around, and then points at the trussed up kid. "Where are we going? Who is he?? How did he know I was here? He wanted my secrets!" Crow's manner suggests that the old man may have gone a little crazy, and he begins to ramble. "Talked to me like one of them..." laugh, "... Parnoth kidnappers at one time... so THEY claimed. Never believed it... powerful, I'll give them that..." sniffle. He stabs a finger toward the boy. "Well you're done in, now, aren't you! They brought heroes! With the machine!" Then his eyes shift back to the halflings. "You did come through the time machine, yes? Why didn't you come sooner? I waited..." he starts to cry again.
Something keeps on hammering at the door. Right now, the grease spell doesn't appear to be making any difference, although it might, if the door was breached. One particular hard blow tells Cori that the door won't last too long.
In fact, as she looks through the window, and sees Nick and Mordrid floating up to join the group, there is a loud CRACK, and a solid metal fist manages to punch through the heavy wood. Constructs appear to be crammed together at the top of the stairwell, with more behind, shoring up the line.
Onrad Tuesday August 21st, 2007 4:53:29 PM
"We need to get this boy out of here. Crow too."
He thinks a second.
"Valdor, I suggest now getting these two out of here with all the children. Then come back for the machines.
"Staying to fight at this moment might put these two at extreme risk. There's no reason to fight these constructs at this time."
----------
SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Cloak of Greater Displacement 9 of 15 (not activated) Boots of Speed 4 of 10 (not activated) AC44 Currently with Shield of Law up. Potion of Spider Climb active
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 Tuesday August 21st, 2007 9:44:39 PM
"No Onrad, we definately do not have all of the pieces taken from Crow. I have two and saw dozens, maybe hundreds in my spell. As for leaving, some of us should take the children and the halflings back for certain. I would not leave Crow unguarded, nor this 'boy'. Personally I do not think him possesssed, but a reincarnate. Possibly Korrig as Valdor suggests. Possibly not and some other evil escaped from Gargul's reach."
Ve is moving to assist Crow and pauses for a moment as the door cracks. Concentrating for a moment he lays a wall fo Force across the wall and door the constructs are trying to get through. [Spont cast Wall of Force for Firestorm]
"That should hold them well enough for us to be away." Ve's attention then turns back to Crow. "Equipment? What equipment and where is it kept?"
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Corialote [shapechange: ] and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance, true seeing] Tuesday August 21st, 2007 10:18:53 PM
With the arrival of the others she holds on her shapechange and then turns to regard Crow. "Ve is right...where is this equipment." Her eyes flash as she is not happy with the whole mess. They still had pieces of Crow all over the place and evil souls brought back to do more evil.
She tries to remember if there are any more levels to this place that she could tell. Maybe another window up further that they did not need to go to.
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2)*, floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2)*, displacement, haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)***, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing* 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange*, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Nick and Ve): 150 points of damage or 5988 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 468 rounds; +4 Con]
[wall of force: range 85', 17 rounds]
[haste(extended): 40 rounds, everyone withing 30' of Valdor up to 24 people]
[true seeing(extended): 473 rounds]
[stoneskin(Valdor): 150 points of damage or 5994 rounds]
[grease: 20 rounds, 10' area, Reflex DC 22]
[shapechange(Cori): 2398 rounds]
[hold person(boy): 22 rounds, SR 33, Will DC 23]
Mordrid [Shield of Law, Long Strider, Shield Other, Cats Grace] Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 12:29:42 AM
In regards to equipment, "I saw equipment in the levels down below... I assume to make constructs. We need to raise this place down to the foundation."
Mordrid casts "cats grace" as he draws his sword, advancing to the entance to this level; Ve's wall in front.
[All Defense AC 37]
"I advise we retreat to Dirt City, with all in tow... in this time period."
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance, Haste, Stoneskin, Cloak of Arachnid) d20+29=36 d8+37=38 Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 1:28:32 PM
(OOC:Sorry gang, I just moved into a new home and have not had internet cause I have used my vacation for this move. I'm up and running at home now though.)
Valdor says,"Onrad, bring the boy. Ve, you and Cori still have the halflings to look after. The carpet can carry Crow. Mordrid, you and Jus make sure our way is clear up front. I'll handle these in the rear. We go to move the children, then someone can destroy this building and all the equipment. Crow, who is in control of these machines? Are they, themselves now in control? Is that what you are saying? They take you apart, then heal you, over and over?"
He gently picks Crow up and carries him like a child and sets him on the carpet. He turns and waits beside the door for the next fist to come through, and will promptly attempt to remove that fist from the wielder's arm.
(Power attack for one attack)
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) d20+19=33 Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 2:13:52 PM
Once up in the room, Nick approaches Crow and shifts into healer mode. Crouching down on the carpet - "I can take out those arrows, it's going to hurt. But I can heal you right afterwards."
Providing there's no objection from the wizard, he'll work as fast as he can, bringing out his healers kit, borrowing a dagger and getting the old guy to bite on the handle while he pulls out the arrows, then hitting him with a Heal spell.
"Which way are we moving out?" he asks.
DM Jan Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 2:54:32 PM
As discussion takes place on what to do next, another massive punch, and the door cracks wide open, it's pieces, and the pile of constructs behind it, coming to a halt only inches from Valdor's, Jus's and Mordrid's faces, kept back by the Wall of Force. There is some stumbling back there at the top of the stairwell, as some of the constructs lose their footing on the slippery steps. Tommy and Wentworth are back, hiding behind Ve Mundr again.
Crow doesn't wince or cry out as the arrows are removed. He has dulled senses, or - he's used to a heck of a lot of pain. The heal spell seals the puncture wounds very effectively. "The equipment," he says, taking a long breath, "is on the floor below, and the floor below that."
Cori remembers that the third floor, at least, appeared to have some large, strange items, magically empowered, in some of the rooms, although it was only a quick glance. As for another floor. There was only one way to go, and that was down. No more upper floors.
Crow nods at Valdor. "Yes, they kept me alive by replacing what failed. And they took parts of my skin on their travels. It gives them peace, to be close to me, you see... it's in the magic, for them to need me." He looks down at his hands. "I gave them all my knowledge on anatomy, empowered them.... I wanted them to help me bring back my wife," he stifles a sob. "I had no idea they'd become such monsters. I am over three hundred years old! Look at my skin! How many children's lives has it taken to keep my skin so smooth?"
Mordrid's comment hardens his voice. "Yes! Destroy everything! Burn it all down! Once the magic disrupts and fails, this will all stop! Then you must kill me! I deserve to die, for what I've done!" He starts to cry once more. "I only wanted to get her back.... that's all I ever wanted...."
In contrast, Onrad will note the mysterious boy, bound securely, is placid, mute, and glassy-eyed.
Mordrid [Shield of Law, Long Strider, Shield Other, Cats Grace] Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 9:57:05 PM
"It looks like Ve's wall is going to hold."
Acknowledging Valdor's request, the ranger jogs back to the window. He leaps out, armor activated, and makes his way down to the group's next stop... the pen full of children.
Onrad Thursday August 23rd, 2007 12:33:21 AM
"So there are pieces everywhere of Crow. That doesn't help. Do we need to find every piece? How will we know when we have them all, if we do indeed need them all?"
Onrad picks up the boy like a sack of potatoes, and heads to the ledge, preparing to descend.
He looks down to see where the spiders are now.
"Hmm...I'd bet that the gods in the temple can guard these two while we return to mop up things here. I bet Marteaus could be a very good babysitter if he was properly motivated. What'cha think? Offer him 5 copper an hour?"
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance, Haste, Stoneskin, Cloak of Arachnid) Thursday August 23rd, 2007 2:13:37 AM
Valdor didn't see the Wall of Force, so he clangs his sword, then figures out what happened. He chuckles and says,"Onrad, five copper would be way overpaying him, I fear. Do you think a dragon can be reincarnated? Maybe that's Parnoth inside the boy. Who knows. Crow says we can destroy the machines by destroying the building, so that's our task now. We get the kids clear, then someone throws an earthquake on it, or something like that.
Once the machine's magic fails, I would bet that the pieces of Crow's skin won't hold the magic anymore, so they will be useless, except maybe to him. I doubt he'll care from the looks of him. Let's try that and see. We can always dig back up the machines if it doesn't work."
He's covering everyone's exit at the back, just in case the constructs somehow break through.
Jus AC 49, 150 HP (+10 with glove, +42 with bear's endurance), 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement Thursday August 23rd, 2007 2:50:41 PM
Jus recasts Displacement, then follows Mordrid out the window, heading downward.
As he passes windows, he reports back to those above the numbers of opponents he sees inside, as well as whatever he sees waiting outside.
And now that he's away from Crow, Jus speaks through the earpiece, "Could Crow be a construct, himself? I did not expect those arrows to stick into him, but my bow does have an affinity for hurting constructs."
Active Spells: SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Stoneskin (110 hp) Displacement (11 rounds) Bear's Endurance (+4 Con) Glove (3 rounds) Spells Remaining: 6/6/7/6/7/3
Corialote [shapechange: harpy] and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance, true seeing] Thursday August 23rd, 2007 5:24:21 PM
Cori moves back over to the window, her form rippling as her spell does it's work. When she reaches the window she now wears the form of a harpy and she literally throws herself out the window. Her mind is racing over the spells that she has available and how best to use them in the destruction of this place.
Amarth has flown out the window already as he does not like to stay on his Mistress's shoulder when she is doing the flying. He wheels around outside and keeps a look-out for anything that the group should know about.
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2)*, floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2)*, displacement, haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)***, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing* 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange*, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Nick and Ve): 150 points of damage or 5987 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 467 rounds; +4 Con]
[wall of force: range 85', 16 rounds]
[haste(extended): 39 rounds, everyone withing 30' of Valdor up to 24 people]
[true seeing(extended): 472 rounds]
[stoneskin(Valdor): 150 points of damage or 5993 rounds]
[grease: 19 rounds, 10' area, Reflex DC 22]
[shapechange(Cori): 2397 rounds]
[hold person(boy): 21 rounds, SR 33, Will DC 23]
Onrad Thursday August 23rd, 2007 7:33:10 PM
"Cori? Ewww! Why did you pick that form?"
Onrad shivers at the sight.
Onrad nods at Valdor's decision.
"Some well placed Greater Dispels or Disingrate might help too. Heh, listen to us! Like we know anything about magic."
and does his best to work the boy to the ground by climbing down the wall. He will not endanger the boy, though. If he falls, he will position himself so that he hits the ground.
Nick Valentine (AC 36, HP 147 Shield of Law, Stoneskin from Cori) Thursday August 23rd, 2007 10:55:56 PM
Nick will help Crow to his feet. Hopefully the heal spell has put a spring the the wizard's step. "Let's get you to the carpet," he says. "Assuming there's room."
Jus's suggestion has him wondering. Part construct, at least? crow was certainly odd. he'd lived a lot longer than he had a right to.
DM Jan Friday August 24th, 2007 12:04:51 AM
Right now, the constructs have a singular purpose - to get to Crow - and that purpose appears to make them utterly ignorant of any other course of action. Again and again they struggle against the Wall of Force, giving the Platinums ample time to clear out.
Mordrid, Cori (in harpy form), Amarth and Jus are straight out of the window and into what's left of the night. Below them is what looks to be a minor firestorm at the entrance of the fortress, making the doorway impassable. Fire, whipped up into a column of heat, with the lone form of Config standing in front, up against nine other metal constructs.
Not too far away, two dozen small heads turn and look up toward the flying man, elf and harpy bearing down on them. Amarth is a mere speck beside them. The children crowd together in one corner of the pen. After all, what could this be, other than another form of death? Their eyes are flat, the inevitability of what is to come sucking away any pretense of emotion. They already know what lies in store for them.
Crow is a little shaky, but only to glad to climb onto the carpet as Nick, Valdor and Ve get ready to leave. Tommy and Wentworth climb up alongside. Both halflings are shaking, frightened out of their wits. This is a far cry from the Halfling Quarter in Dirt City.
Onrad has the boy on his shoulder. The lad is putting up no resistance. The duellist has a close up view of the boy's clothing now - a black robe, obviously stitched to fit a much taller person. Runes have been embroidered upon it in dark grey thread. It is fraying slightly and smells musty and old. It feels like there are two short lengths of cane, or rods tucked away inside, past the boy's shoulder - and something else, a large curved object on one of the pockets. Maybe a horn.
Mordrid Friday August 24th, 2007 12:00:29 PM
On his way down to the pen, Mordrid ponders Jus' puzzle, "The arrows stuck in his body. What did you expect an arrow to do? Am I missing something?"
Once the ranger lands, he secures the area around the pen. The children were so frightened, the grizzly man of the forest didn't know what else to do.
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 Friday August 24th, 2007 2:24:54 PM
"They seem bent to get to Crow, Which means when we exit the Tower or where ever we take him, they will pursue in the most direct path possible." Ve moves to the Carpet, "We can't take Crow to Dirt City."
Ve orders the carpet exit and continue upwards over the tower. "I have no spells for the Tower, I used my Earthquake and except for entering personal combat with the constructs I have little there as well I'm afraid."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Jus AC 49, 150 HP (+10 with glove, +42 with bear's endurance), 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement Sunday August 26th, 2007 2:43:28 AM
As Jus flies down to the kids, he explains his comment. "The arrows were blunt and padded, imbued with Cure Criticals and were not supposed to do harm or puncture. My bow has Construct Bane, which could have had an impact on the results. Then again, Crow's patchwork skin may have just been too tattered and worn to keep the arrows out."
I'm full of questions -- much like my old self, Jus thinks to himself. Through the earpiece, he asks, "What do we do with the 'Evil Souls' and their vessels?" Jus suspects he knows the unfortunate answer. "And do I remember correctly that the cube teleports only so many times a day. I can teleport 5 kids at a time to the temple, 15 with 3 trips, if needed. "
Jus has more questions, but stops talking as he lands just outside of the pen, on the other side away from the kids. "We're here to free you," Jus tells them calmly. "We can take you somewhere safe, away from this madness, if you are willing." He keeps himself away, trying to stay nonthreatening, hoping to allow them to stay calm and decide for themselves to trust the Dragons. Tentatively, he adds, pointing to the Constructs at the tower, "We don't have a lot of time before they notice us again."
Active Spells: SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Stoneskin (110 hp) Displacement (10 rounds) Bear's Endurance (+4 Con) Glove (2 rounds) Spells Remaining: 6/6/7/6/7/3
Onrad Sunday August 26th, 2007 8:12:31 PM
"Jus, hold up a sec. There's some stuff here on the kid. His clothes are for an adult. There are some rods or short staves here too. And this hornlike thing. Can you check this?
"Valdor, I can't take him down because of the mess down there. Which way to go boss? Should we go ahead and take out these constructs?
"Can we put the kid here on the carpet with crow, so I'm freed up to fight?"
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance, Haste, Stoneskin, Cloak of Arachnid) Monday August 27th, 2007 1:05:05 AM
Valdor frowns at all the options they have to decide from. All of a sudden he smiles and says,"I think the machines are what gives the constructs their magic to locate and follow Crow. Onrad, remove his items and put him on the carpet. Ve, Jus, Mordrid, Nick, and the halflings go try to get the children a safe distance from here. Cori, Onrad, and I can make sure this tower comes down around their ears. Once you move off with Crow, we may find it a bit easier to move through the structure and destroy what needs to be destroyed without constructs all over us.
Jus, I think that those children haven't been used yet in that manner. They just need to be moved a little distance. Try to see if one is older and a leader of the others. That might help them trust you more. I'm going back in the fourth floor. And keep an eye on that boy we caught. Now that I think about, it may be Parnoth's soul. Who else could cast high level spells like that? Who knows. We won't figure it out until we get this place dismantled."
He starts to head down the outside wall using his cloak and heads for the windows to the fourth level.
Posting Report for Monday August 27th, 2007 6:40:52 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of August 20,2007
Nick Monday August 27th, 2007 4:13:29 PM
Nick nods at Valdor, and cast another airwalk. he'll head down to where he can see Jus and Mordrid below, near the children's enclosure.
DM Jan Monday August 27th, 2007 4:42:56 PM
The carpet heads out of the window, with Ve, Tommy, Wentworth and Crow on board, and shifts toward the other side of the tower, toward the close, forbidding slope of Mount Bone. Off to the east, a narrow strip of light is forcing its way above the horizon.
Immediately the constructs stop their assault on the doorway onto the fifth floor. They're turning around, retreating back down the steps. Nick begins his 'walk' back down to the ground. Valdor heads toward the fourth floor window and is able to see construct movement downward.
((I need to know what's being done with the boy. Does he go on the carpet? Onrad still got him? Anyone checking his stuff?)) ((Cori - on the carpet or with Onrad and Valdor still at the tower?))
On the ground, Mordrid sees a shift over by the tower entrance, too. The attacking constructs seem to have broken off and are heading around the back of the tower. Config and two fire elementals are now striding directly toward him.
At the pen, as soon as Jus speaks to the children, two of the small humans push their way to the front of their group. A boy, and a girl, the girl slightly taller. They both spread their arms, a gesture of protection toward the others. All are now looking toward Jus, all a bundle of rags and dirty faces. "Come close, I kill you," the girl snarls, completely human, utterly feral.
Onrad Monday August 27th, 2007 6:52:45 PM
Onrad pulls the items off the boy and hands them to Jus. He then hands the boy off to those on the flying carpet.
Then having done all he can do for the moment, he prepares to follow Valdor to destroy the machines.
"Let's do this Valdor."
----------
[Jan, if I did too much, no worries. Just deny a step.]
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 Monday August 27th, 2007 9:21:39 PM
Ve Continues to push the carpet further up and away from the tower. Having the boy does not make him terribly happy, Wolf in sheeps clothing the boy was only held and well it was no boy. Ve keeps an eye on him, there was not much room on this with so many aboard. Ve leans in close, he was only held so he would still be able to hear. "I will not think twice if you try anything." and he leaves it at that.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Corialote [shapechange: harpy] and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance, true seeing] Monday August 27th, 2007 10:11:28 PM
Cori, hovering in the air, in her harpy form watches the ground before her and the tower. Into her earpiece she calls for confirmation to her questions. "Are all the innocencents out of that tower yet and are they far enough from the tower to take it down?" She plans to make us of her spells to at least make a go at it.
Amarth continues to fly around, making a circuit of the tower and giving his Mistress the bird's eye view of the surrounding area and the tower itself.
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2)*, floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2)*, displacement, haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)***, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing* 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange*, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Nick and Ve): 150 points of damage or 5986 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 466 rounds; +4 Con]
[wall of force: range 85', 15 rounds]
[haste(extended): 38 rounds, everyone withing 30' of Valdor up to 24 people]
[true seeing(extended): 471 rounds]
[stoneskin(Valdor): 150 points of damage or 5992 rounds]
[grease: 18 rounds, 10' area, Reflex DC 22]
[shapechange(Cori): 2396 rounds]
[hold person(boy): 20 rounds, SR 33, Will DC 23]
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance, Haste, Stoneskin, Cloak of Arachnid) Tuesday August 28th, 2007 12:18:53 PM
Valdor nods to Onrad and smiles at Cori saying,"We will make sure this device or machine is disabled and destroyed, then bring down the building."
He enters the window and begins to search for the machines Crow talked about.
Onrad Tuesday August 28th, 2007 5:01:30 PM
Onrad follows at Valdor's heels watching their flanks and the rear as they proceed.
His visage shows grim determination. He bounces a bit as they go to keep loose.
Nick Tuesday August 28th, 2007 6:34:07 PM
Nick arrives at ground level and approaches the pen. "Are any of you sick? I can heal you" he asks the kids, as calmly as he is able. "We mean you no harm, but we need to get you away from the tower. Where you'll be safe."
He looks for a way to unlock the pen.
DM Jan Tuesday August 28th, 2007 7:02:08 PM
((OOC - thanks for helping me get my ducks in a row, guys. I was cross-eyed with abdominal pain yesterday. We think it was the green tea ice cream at the chinese restaurant, night before last. Hit us both like a freight train. That'll teach us to be adventurous.))
In the air:
Amarth wheels around the roof of the tower. North of the bird, and higher in the air, against the back drop of Bone mountain, is Ve Mundr's carpet. Directly below, construct appear to be stumbling out of the tower entrance and also heading north. Are they trying to get to Crow, who is on the carpet? it would appear so.
Aboard the carpet, Crow, Tommy and Wentworth are huddled together, across from the Protector, with the boy slumped and hog-tied in between. The boy's eyes look vacant. "Ever been inside that mountain?" Wentworth asks Ve.
In the Tower - 4th floor:
Constructs heading down the stairs pay Valdor no mind whatsoever, and by the time Onrad joins him, the Dragonstone has discovered four rooms, completely filled with tanks, vats, pipes, and other strange contraptions. Pipes loop and sink into the floor, suggesting there is more below. In one of the rooms, standing within a frame, completely motionless, is what appears to be a naked female human; her eyes are closed. She does not appear to breathe. And yes - she looks exactly the same as the others. Her arms have some clear pipes attached, and fluid of various colours seems to be rushing back and forth, in and out of the body. The metal surfaces of the tanks and bowls are covered in runes - carved on by a delicate hand. The runes are lit up. A standard magical glow. No sign of any prisoners, children.
Hovering outside, Cori is able to note two things: 1) the entire fortress is top heavy, each floor in some way, seems bigger than the last. 2) the fire elementals, while they were guarding the entrance, appear to have set fire to it.
Down on the ground:
Config and the fire elementals come to stand alongside Mordrid, facing the building. At the entrance, through a halo of flames, constructs are pouring out and heading, literally, for the hills. Crow, their whole raison d'etre, was out there somewhere.
Nick finds a heavy lock attached to the gate of the pen. Two short wizard's staffs, and what looks like the tip of a dragon claw (?) attached to a leather necklace, are on the ground nearby, awaiting further inspection.
The children aren't coming any closer. They are still unsure of who stands before them.
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 Tuesday August 28th, 2007 9:47:51 PM
Mount Bone, Ve had never been, perhaps one of the reasons he was still alive. His Company had been sent long ago and not a single man survived the mission. He had been pulled at the at last minute to replace the main healer of the 32nd who had been KIA. Since the 15th had two other besides him, he was picked to move. Ve shakes the thought and answers with a simple, "No Wentworth, I have not."
"It would appear we are the target for the constructs. Luck is with us then." he says to switch the subject. "Nick, I will lead the constructs off. Get the children to safety."
Ve turns the carpet away from Mount Bone and maintaining his height, starts to put land between himself and the Tower. "Wentworth, Tommy. This carpet is very easy to command and the cube can fully protect you both and Crow..." the Protector begins in solenm tones to the pair of halflings. They would need to be prepared.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Corialote [shapechange: harpy] and Amarth [HP: 171-171 - AC: 42] [shield of law, mass bear's endurance, true seeing] Tuesday August 28th, 2007 9:55:17 PM
Cori laughs as she listens to the ongoing stuff through the earpiece. Taking note of the tower she shakes her head, then speaks into the earpiece again. "You guys might want to get out of there soon...this place is on fire and the construction is shoddy...this tower is topheavy." Still through the earpiece she sighs and then gets a little upset. "It might be a good idea to let me know when everyone is clear...I would hate to crush anyone." This is followed by a bit of laughter as she clears her throat. Cycling through her spells she nods her head again and then starts a simple set of gestures and intones a new spell in draconic...leaving the very last unspoken.
Amarth is busy relaying all the information that he is getting to his Mistress and then moveing away from the tower. He wants to have a safe distance when his Mistress starts.
SPELLS 0th(4): acid splash(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2)*, floating disk(2), ray of enfeeblement(2), expeditious retreat 2nd(7): glitterdust(2), web(2), blur(2), mirror image 3rd(7): dispel magic(2), hold person(2)*, displacement, haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)***, wall of fire(2), greater invisibility(2) 5th(3): hold monster, wall of force(3)* 6th(6): greater dispel magic, chain lightning(2), mass cat's grace, mass fox's cunning, true seeing* 7th(6): greater teleport, summon monster VII(2), extend mass bear's endurance*, reverse gravity, phase door 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): summon monster IX, shapechange*, time stop(2) *used spell
[stoneskin(Nick and Ve): 150 points of damage or 5985 rounds]
[extend max bear's endurance(everyone): 465 rounds; +4 Con]
[wall of force: range 85', 14 rounds]
[haste(extended): 37 rounds, everyone withing 30' of Valdor up to 24 people]
[true seeing(extended): 470 rounds]
[stoneskin(Valdor): 150 points of damage or 5991 rounds]
[grease: 17 rounds, 10' area, Reflex DC 22]
[shapechange(Cori): 2395 rounds]
[hold person(boy): 19 rounds, SR 33, Will DC 23]
Valdor(AC41, HP 310, Shield of Law, Fire Resistance, bears endurance, Haste, Stoneskin, Cloak of Arachnid) Wednesday August 29th, 2007 12:12:40 PM
Valdor tells Onrad,"I would think that we have an explosion coming. That flesh golem obviously has something to do with what's happening. Let's start destroying stuff. I really don't want to get covered in goo so I'll upend the vats of stuff last."
He takes out the adamantine warhammer he brought and decides to attempt to destroy a machine that has runes on it.
(Jan, do I need to roll attacks and structural damage? I wish he still had his Maul of the Titans that Jerry made me sell off years ago:) )
Onrad d20+39=54 d20+34=42 d20+29=44 d20+24=36 d20+40=58 d20+39=55 d20+29=39 d20+40=49 3d6(6+5+2)+14=27 3d6(3+2+2)+14=21 3d6(6+5+4)+14=29 3d6(3+3+5)+14=25 3d6(5+2+5)+14=26 3d6(2+5+2)+14=23 3d6(2+3+1)+14=20 Wednesday August 29th, 2007 7:25:36 PM
Looking at the woman, "Is she alive? Construct? Somewhere in between? I can't just kill her until we know."
Then he nods, Valdor having made a decision. He knows and respects the need to have a leader in such situations.
Refusing to attack the girl directly, Onrad in an instant, draws his rapier and strikes out at the tubes and other things connected to her.
Attack #1 hits AC54 which is a possible crit. The crit try is AC55. Damage is
Attack #2 hits AC42
Attack #3 hits AC44 which is a possible crit. The crit try is AC39. Damage is 27 if there is no crit. Damage is 77hpd if it crits.
Attack #4 hits AC36. Damage is 21hps if it hits.
Onrad is careful to avoid getting hit with the liquids and other things in the tubes.
--------------
AC42 if Shield of Law is still up. Spider Climb potion active.
Nick d20+1=6 Wednesday August 29th, 2007 9:52:14 PM
Glancing back toward the tower, (earpiece) "Cori, wait a sec. I'm trying to get these children loose. There's a lock."
He looks at the enclosure. If he thinks the children are able to climb over it, he urges them to do so, and tells them to run away from the fortress. He'll use his rope if it will help. Otherwise it's down to brute force and ignorance on the lock.
STR roll 6 (ick)
If he gets chance afterwards, he'll cast STATUS on as many of them as he can.
(Earpiece) "Ve. Onrad took what looks like a dragon claw from that boy. I haven't examined it yet, but if it's what I think it is - be VERY careful with our prisoner. What's his alignment?"
DM Jan Wednesday August 29th, 2007 10:33:00 PM
((OOC - to save time, I'm going to assume that Nick gets help from Mordrid and Jus with the kiddies))
On the ground, with the help of rope, one by one, the children and haul themselves over the wall of the pen and start to run in a southerly direction, downhill, away from the fortress. There's quite a crowd of flesh and metal constructs, heading in the opposite direction, although some of them appear to be faltering.
In the air outside the fortress, Cori in harpy form hovers, her spell prepared. Amarth realizes it's time to move and flies some distance away from his companion.
Still in the fortress, there's a loud *CLANG* as Valdor's hammer gets to work. A dent. Another. And another. Part of the metal splits, right across one of the engraved runes. It's glow falters and fails, so does the glow of the next rune, then the next one. Each rune in turn starts to lose power, going down like a stack of dominoes. The glow begins to fail on the next piece of equipment, too. And the next.
Onrad's rapier slices neatly through some of the tubes attached to the female. There's a sudden stench of formaldehyde and something sweet. An orange fluid splatters to the floor and begins to pour from the slashed tubes. The female's head slumps.
Up in the air, away from the tower, on the carpet, Tommy and Wentworth are trying their best not to look down. Crow, in comparison, seems fairly relaxed. "This is like the story of the rat catcher, isn't it," he says to Ve Mundr after glancing down toward the ground and the distant specs that can only be the line of constructs trying to follow. "The one who can lure them to their deaths with his pipe. Only the townspeople don't pay him for his services so he takes their children. "Speaking of children, what are you going to do with him?" He nods toward the tied up boy. "You know it wouldn't bother me if you pitched him over the side. He did try to kill me."
Valdor Thursday August 30th, 2007 2:02:39 AM
Valdor says to Onrad,"Nice smell, eh? I think our work here is done my friend. Lets head down one more level just to make sure."
He checks the machines in the other rooms, just to be sure, then will head downstairs for the same attempt at disabling it.
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 Thursday August 30th, 2007 5:02:23 PM
Ve looks down at Crow, "You do not talk." he states flatly and with complete authority.
Ve continues to bring the carpet towards the ground and away from the tower and the others, leveling off at about 50'.
(earpiece) "Dragon claw you say, Nicholas? Yes I will be careful. Just a moment and I will have more information" Ve Casts Detect Evil, and turns the spell against the 'boy'.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori] Detect Evil
Onrad Thursday August 30th, 2007 11:45:13 PM
"No, the woman is still here and hurting. I don't know whether she needs killing or saving."
Onrad pours a Cure light Wounds potion potion down the woman's throat to start closing wounds and continues to slice and dice at the tubes on her.
If he can get them all, he'll pick her up and carry her following Valdor. If not, he stays and continues to attack the tubes.
Valdor Friday August 31st, 2007 1:11:13 AM
Valdor replies to Onrad,"I think she's dead, my friend. Your compassion does you credit, but she wasn't breathing and looks just like those other replicas of Crow's wife. I am fairly certain she is a flesh golem. But check on her just in case. I believe you are right in that."
As there doesn't seem any immediate danger, other than his love's desire to roast the building further(he grins at that thought), he goes about his search down below on the next level.
Nick d20+12=20 d20+12=25 d20+13=17 Friday August 31st, 2007 12:50:56 PM
Assuming his STATUS spell is keeping tabs on where the children are running off to, Nick turns his attention to the items Onrad left.
He's talking while examining. Earpiece ( everyone to hear):
"Valdor, Mordrid. we have what might be a dragon claw here. Remember when we rescued Parnoth a while ago from this mountain? We left a piece of him behind..."
If he can't determine anything from the claw, he'll pass it to Mordrid. A ranger would surely know more about creature anatomy.
DM Jan Friday August 31st, 2007 1:29:47 PM
At some distance away from the Fortress, Ve's carpet levels off and holds. From here, there'll be a grand view of the fireworks.
That thin band of light on the horizon is starting to grow. The dawn light is now beginning to reveal the ruin of the surrounding land. Nothing green, endless pits and mine shafts; a land stripped of what little glory it had in the first place. Mount Bone, most of it still hiding in the folds of its own shadow, appears to be gloating over it all. Crow's fortress looks like an ugly little appendage at the base of it. Just to the south east, the fracture between planes glows like a firey wound. However, it does look smaller. A trick of the light?
After Ve Mundr's stern admonition, Crow has lapsed into a miserable silence. His head is slumped, as though he can hardly bear to look at the surroundings. Not so the halflings. "Look!" cries out Tommy. The distance between the carpet and the fortress is being covered by a marching column of constructs, eager to get to Crow. How many? A hundred? More? A formidable number, although... some appear to be falling, or just grinding to a halt and standing still. As for the boy, still slumped and glassy-eyed on the carpet - evil - not so much on an initial study, but there's something dampened, latent, something of immense power embedded in the child.
At the Fortress, Cori catches a glimpse of Onrad and Valdor moving to the third floor. The flesh construct had looked perfectly human, perfection honed after years and years of construction, and mile upon mile of skin and entrails.. More pipes, vats, metal cauldrens on this floor. Pans bubbling with foul smelling brews. But here too, the magic is failing, rune by rune, as though it is all connected, and just one breach is enough to disrupt it all. On the ground outside, stood beside Mordrid, Nick and Jus, Config abruptly pitches forward and falls on its face. Beneath it's metal shell, the dry, barren earth starts to shift.
Examination of the items reveals the following:
1 staff of power 1 staff of necromancy Both staffs give off a dark, brooding sensation that suggests intelligence, and a less than stellar alignment.
The 'claw'? Non magical. It is the sharp tip of a dragon claw, from a green dragon, threaded onto a knotted length of leather like a huge trophy, to be hung around one's neck.
Valdor Friday August 31st, 2007 2:11:14 PM
After banging a few more runes, seeing that their work is done, Valdor yells to Onrad,"Time to go my friend. It's done down here. I'm on my way out before Cori brings this building down on our heads." He dumps over a couple of the vats, holding his breath as he does, just for good measure.
He sprints down the stairs and makes a quick glance on each level to make sure there is nothing he's missed. His Fire resistance ring is still active, so he's not concerned with the fire downstairs.
Posting Report for Monday September 3rd, 2007 6:06:33 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of August 27, 2007
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 d20+15=33 d20+17=36 d20+17=28 Monday September 3rd, 2007 12:35:40 PM
"The boy is evil, or rather a deep seeded evil is within him," Ve reports across the earpiece. Ve slows and lowers the carpet to the ground. Ve nods to Wentworth, "Yes something like that story. Except we lure them to their doom instead."
With the Constructs failing, he knows he has the distance to stop. About 3' off, Ve hops down and grabs the boy. Pulling him off and lying him on the ground. It is a long shot but Ve knows it is worth it. Touching the boys forehead and calling on Domi's power that was offered earlier, He casts Break Enchantment CL 33
Ve looks towards the constructs coming his way and then back to the boy and those in his charge. It should be over soon, but there was still plenty of time for things to go quickly wrong or get dangerous. Ve remains alert. [Spot 36 Listen 28]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori] Detect Evil
Valdor Monday September 3rd, 2007 3:35:00 PM
Valdor pipes in on the earpiece,"We pretty much have this machine destroyed. Hey Ve, if the constructs are still blindly following Crow, you could always lead them over a cliff or a really deep crater with your carpet safely under you. Just an idea. Whew, it stinks in here and is getting warm!"
Mordrid Monday September 3rd, 2007 6:53:41 PM
Mordrid looks at the ancient claw, "I don't know how common dettached green dragon claws are, but I bet that is the very claw that Parnoth lost in Mount Bone."
"If so... I gather he would be thrilled to see it returned. Even it has seen the decay of over three hundred years."
Mordrid moves to coach the children away from the tower, "this way! Come on! To safety."
Nick Tuesday September 4th, 2007 3:16:00 PM
Nick nods after receiving Ve's news.
Earpiece: "Ve, we rescued Parnoth a few years ago, from three necromancers who held him in this very mountain. It wasn't easy. Shirri had to chop one of the dragon's toes off in order to get him out - which is why he wears a gold prosthetic today. "This claw came out of the boy's pocket. It could well belong to Parnoth. Mordrid concurs. "Valdor, I think that boy is one of the necromancers. And going off what happened here, and the trouble that's been caused, I suspect we've only solved part of the problem. "At some point - when we get back home - one of the dragon groups is going to have to go into Mount Bone. We can't afford to let that power build. "Oh - and Config has just fallen over. The ground is moving...."
He backs off, while keeping his eyes on the ground.
DM Jan Tuesday September 4th, 2007 3:38:43 PM
((OOC - Both Jerry (Onrad) and Jim (Cori) are having connection problems, so we're a bit thin on the ground. I'm going to make a few assumptions to keep things moving))
Valdor overturns a vat containing a bile-like substance. It gives off a bitter, acidic scent as it splatters on the floor. As soon as he and Onrad are out of the window, Cori lets loose a few incendiary spells. Coupled with the fire at the entrance, things start to burn pretty quickly.
On the ground, about 50 ft from the entrance, alongside the fallen metal construct, the ground rises and coalesces into an earth elemental. "There," says Config, "I have been released." At it's shoulders, two whisps of flame hover.
The children are running full tilt away from the fortress with Mordrid right behind them. Some of them are screaming, some are laughing.
A short distance away to the west, Ve Mundr brings down the carpet. Crow, Tommy and Wentworth watch silently as he brings the tied up boy onto the ground. The boy mutters as the spell runs it's course, but it doesn't appear to change him in any way. Jus's feeblemind spell still holds sway. it's going to take a Heal, or somesuch, to bring him out of his stupor. As for the marching column of constructs - all of them are now standing still. Some of them have flaming lights dancing around them, others appear to be releasing tiny wind funnels, that drag up detritus from the ground, flinging it in the air.
There's an explosion, from deep within the fortress, enough to make the ground shake. A huge plume of flame escapes on of the upper windows. It's time to get away. Quickly.
Onrad Tuesday September 4th, 2007 4:56:34 PM
Onrad takes a last look at the beautiful woman...construct.
"So beautiful."
He then shakes his head and races out of the building before it falls upon his head.
He jumps from the building and uses tumbling to soften his fall.
"Ugh!"
Then he's on his feet and running away from the building.
---------
[will be posting from work for a few days. Bad modem...I think. NTS is supposed to hook me up with a new one if that is the problem.]
Valdor Tuesday September 4th, 2007 11:59:40 PM
Valdor hears all of the discussion from Nick, and it all makes sense. He approaches Config, as he's just exited the building. He says,"You have been an enormous help. We could not have done this without your help. I know it helps you and your kind be free again, but I do appreciate it and will remember you."
He bows low and runs to join up with the group again, looking around for other constructs and making sure that the danger from them is past. He says,"I hope this works. The Wold doesn't deserve to end up like this. All the beauty gone. When we get home, I'm going to find a place to just lounge around and enjoy the sand of a beach somewhere. Hopefully I'll have some company, though."
He glances at Cori and winks. He then says,"I think it's about time to go home my friends."
(OOC:Scott, I found all of my Magic cards if you still want them. My email at home is jacked up so email me at stevehott@herbeasley.com )
Ve Mundr AC 45 HP 196/224 Wednesday September 5th, 2007 10:37:22 AM
Ve looks at the boy and then back to Crow and the halflings. Ve unties the boy and scoops him back up and then moves to the carpet, "We are on our way, be there momentarily." Stepping onto the magic carpet he commands it to fly back towards the others.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori] Detect Evil
Nick Wednesday September 5th, 2007 3:45:05 PM
Nick picks up the two staffs and the dragon claw, and starts to run, following Mordrid. "Config, you scared me there, for a minute," he says.
He's easily overtaken by Valdor.
DM Jan Wednesday September 5th, 2007 8:46:48 PM
Down the slope, on past the railway tracks. Three groups are now able to watch the fireworks -
1)The new bouldersandearth form of Config acknowledges Valdor. "We will try and fix the tear in the fabric of the Wold," it says, in its usual matter-of-fact, no-frills manner. And off it goes, trailed by lots of firey wisps and tiny tornados, toward the ugly fire-rimmed hole to the south east of the fortress.
2) Directly south, the Platinum Dragons have now regrouped, along with Crow, Tommy, Wentworth, and the mysterious boy.
3) About 60 ft away, little ways to the south west, the two dozen children are huddled together, watching the Platinums warily.
What's left of the fortress goes up with a few spectacular bangs. During it's final death throes, a window frame and part of a roof, land twenty feet away from the group. They're afire, but the flames die down in seconds.
It is now dawn. There are no birds singing. No rabbits up from their warrens. Growing daylight is having a hard time getting through the thick clouds in the sky.
Onrad Wednesday September 5th, 2007 10:37:10 PM
Onrad finds himself restless and not knowing what to do with the lull in the action after the explosions.
"Uh, so what now?"
and
"Wow."
and
"That was intense."
Valdor Wednesday September 5th, 2007 11:32:16 PM
Valdor shrugs at Onrad's question and replies,"I guess we should see how many of these children have parents here at these mines. Then, however many are left, we should take them to Dirt City and turn them over to those stout hearts who showed an interest in adventuring and let them see them to their homes. It would be a good first adventure and a chance to bond without too much danger now that the constructs are destroyed."
He pauses and sighs before continuing,"And I guess then we have to decide what to do about the boy before we head home. But, I could use some sleep first."
Mordrid Thursday September 6th, 2007 1:54:09 PM
Mordrid stands dumb founded. It just occured to him, the odd duality of the group's last two adventures. One, the unbridled release of the power of nature; the second, the imprisonment of the elements. Strange.
Mordrid listens to Valdor's assessment of the children. Walking up to the group of children, "What would you like to do? Where would you like to go?" The ranger reaches in his pack and brings forth whatever food and water he can muster.
Bending over to bring his face closer, "Your wish is my command."
Ve Mundr Thursday September 6th, 2007 9:37:10 PM
Ve looks at the boy, "We should leave him with a good man and woman in Dirt City. to care for him the remainder of his days as he is now. Perhaps a life of simple rest will allow his soul to recognize his earlier follies. I see two other options to place a mark of justice upon him that he take no life or contribute to the taking of any life or cause harm to any he meet. Or we destroy him and return his soul to Gargul's care."
"We have what we came for" he gestures to Crow. "We take the refugees to Dirt City and then away to home to finsih this business."
Valdor Thursday September 6th, 2007 11:43:50 PM
Valdor, a little unnerved around children and a bit confused about where their parents might be, simply shrugs again and leaves himself out of this decision. When Ve mentions the bot, however, he says,"I wonder if we took him back to Gargul's temple, where the souls of the dead were, if somehow the soul possessing this lad's body would be taken away, back to where it should be. It's worth a try, and I couldn't kill a boy this age, no matter how evil. It just wouldn't be right."
Nick Friday September 7th, 2007 12:41:56 AM
Nick listens to Valdor and Ve's assessment about the boy. "I can't condone the killing of him, either. I suppose a lot depends on whether he's possessed, or a reincarnation. If he's reincarnated, and someone figures out how to heal him, then we're leaving these people with a psychopath they'll be ill equpped to deal with. Just something for us to consider."
He'll join Mordird and break out his own rations for the children.
DM Jan Friday September 7th, 2007 1:38:19 AM
As the group discusses the next step -
The children back off as Mordrid approaches, their eyes taking in the man, the weaponry, the cloak of a dead beast they have never seen. Like the others stood behind him, he is exotic, and frightening. However, misgivings can be overcome, and when presented with food and water - The ranger finds himself being jostled in the sudden mad rush to get at his rations and canteen of water. Father Valentine is treated to the same fate.
As for where they want to go, some of them point toward the yawning holes and pits that surround the now destroyed fortress. And there, at the edges of the pits, there is movement.
Drawn by the light, their captors and overseers incapacitated, they are free to rise. Their ancestors may have been farmers, Dirt City folk, sailors, soldiers, adventurers, tradesmen, but the descendants of such have led a vastly different life. Some of them look so pale that it is likely they have never been above ground. Ever. Both men and women are lean and sinewy. Musculature is sharply defined, evidence of the back breaking work that had to be performed under ground - digging, dragging, filling, tunneling, pounding, hauling. Only the strongest could survive that, and here they are - mostly human, with a few pointed ears and the occasional tusk scattered amongst their pale features. All are dressed in rags. Most are blinking sharply in the morning light. Others are looking toward the party in utter astonishment.
Ten rise from the pits, then ten more, and ten more. The number grows until a rough count would estimate around two hundred of them. One of the children appears to spot someone she recognises, and runs toward a tall, stern woman in the crowd.
The atmosphere is charged with wonder, expectancy, as they gaze upon the Dragons. Until one word brings it spiralling down into something darker. One of the men is pointing toward Ve Mundr's carpet. "Crow!" he howls. Eyes collectively narrow. Someone picks up a rock.
Valdor Friday September 7th, 2007 12:17:56 PM
Seeing these come out and their reaction, Valdor moves quickly to the front of the group, his mithril armor shining and snaps out both swords. He booms out,"Stay your hands! Their will be no stoning here today. He was not the one who did this to you! Those responsible just used his name and his body to futher their evil and made him look like the one who was behind all of this. We came here to kill him, but discovered the truth and have destroyed those who were responsible.
We have also destroyed the magic that sustained and created the constructs who have held you captive for so long. By the grace of the good gods, Alemi and Domi, we have come to you and they are back as well. Instead of filling your hearts with a desire for vengeance and killing, you should replace those feelings with appreciation that your ordeal is over. You should have learned by now that hatred is no answer.
We have come so that you may have freedom. We didn't come so that you could kill someone. I implore you to find your children and try to find a life for yourselves that doesn't involve hate, jealousy, bitterness. Find peace, comfort, happiness. I know you have been through so much pain, but that is gone now...and this man was not the one who caused it.
Find the Gods Alemi and Domi, for they are here. If you search for them in your hearts and actions, you will find them and they will help you and bless you. I am Valdor of the Platinum Dragons and you are now free to find your own way in the Wold."
He whispers into his earpiece,"Ve, put Crow inside that cube of force, just in case my sermon doesn't work."
Ve Mundr Friday September 7th, 2007 2:47:30 PM
Ve responds to Valdor "Way ahead of you." as he activates the cube, keeping out all non living matter around the halflings and crow. Ve orders the carpet to rise a foot or so, if need be, he could whisk them away. His Bracelet could then pull most of the Dragons out.
"Lovely speech sir, may I suggest next time performing it without the weapons in hand." Ve whispers into the earpiece. "I am concerend with what will happen to these folks. For a very ling time they have been hunted and forced to labor. Likely they have no means of feeding or truly caring for themselves. Establishing dependance is the first step in Dominance. But we can not stay here for the rest of our lives. Those in Dirt City will learn and slowly spread the word."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Protection from Elements Fire 220 minutes Status 22 hours Shield of Law [Father Nick] Stoneskin [Cori]
Onrad Friday September 7th, 2007 3:42:01 PM
Onrad flips a gold piece at Valdor. With a straight face he says, "I repent sir."
Then he is off to help unite children and parents. He is very careful to see that both children and parents are recognizing each other. No funny business allowed.
Valdor Friday September 7th, 2007 6:23:43 PM
Valdor suppresses a laugh and replies where only the Plats can hear,"The weapons were to make an impression and to intimidate a bit. I didn't want anyone to get an idea they could throw rocks. And, being a cleric of Domi previously, I like to fight while I preach."
Jus AC 49, 150 HP (+10 with glove, +42 with bear's endurance), 110 Stoneskin, 50% Displacement Sunday September 9th, 2007 9:00:13 PM
Jus steps back and allows Valentine to take care of the kids. They obviously need healing, which isn't exactly Jus' strong point (as he remembers the arrows embedding in Crow).
Jus is heavily distracted when the boy's belongings are handed to him; he isn't even sure who gave them to him. He doesn't move, and seems barely aware things. It's nothing like a curse -- "Jus" is still there. But he's not paying attention to his surroundings. The kids leave and the tower is brought down. Still nothing but Jus' eyes move; flitting around, landing on nothing for but the briefest of moments.
The loud crash of the window and roof pulls him back to reality.
Parnoth, they said, Jus thinks, as the last few minutes of conversation begin registering with his brain. Regardless of which dragon the claw came from, it already stirred Jus' memories. Jus misses his friend, and practically his son. Being apart now by time as well as distance makes it that much harder. Jus can't imagine that he's dead in this world, no longer to be seen. Still, there is a chance that with the magic restored....
With a distant feeling of embarrasement or chagrin, Jus closes his eyes to ignore the others and "thinks" as strongly as he can. It's worked before, it may work again.
Keiran!!!
Active Spells: SHIELD OF LAW on group. (+4 deflection to AC, SR 25 on chaos spells, block possession.) Stoneskin (110 hp) Displacement (5 rounds ???) Bear's Endurance (+4 Con) Spells Remaining: 6/6/7/6/7/3
OOC: Sorry for my missed posting. I'm on a business trip to Boston and will not have continuous Wold access. I hope this post fits well. It was my (Jus') first thought when I read about the dragon's pendant.
Posting Report for Monday September 10th, 2007 5:55:51 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of Sept 3,2007
Names-----MTWTF DM Jan H--OXXOX Valdore---XXXX2 Mordrid---XOOXO * Fr.Nick---OXXXX Dalia-----OOOOO * VE Mont---XOXXX Coralot---OOOOO * Onrad-----OXXOX Jus-------OOOOO *
Adm Ceil - * Has missed 3 post or more.
Mordrid Monday September 10th, 2007 10:37:27 AM
Mordrid lends Valdor his support. Rocks in hand... swords in hand. It was fair.
"I like the idea of taking the boy two the temple at Dirt City. It is likely we can get him back to where he belongs."
[OOC: I'm having flash backs of Mad Max - could Mordrid have been the next Captain Walker? I will be in Reno until Thursday morning. So likely to miss more posts.]
Nick Monday September 10th, 2007 4:22:57 PM
Nick isn't surprised at the reaction of those risen from the pit, but he is surprised at their numbers. Who would have known there were so many down there?
Seeing Onrad stride off toward the mob does nothing to quell his already growing apprehension.
Alemi, let this not end in violence.
DM Jan Monday September 10th, 2007 5:15:47 PM
((OOC - well, we've had Steve moving house, John and Scott traveling, Jerry back at 'skool', Jim's online service kaput, I'm assuming Kent's mad busy in his other games, and yet we're still rolling. We're not doing so bad under the circumstances. Good work, everyone.))
For a long moment, aggression taints the air as both sides square up.
Then, one of the taller men pushes to the front. He has a wide jaw, uneven, fang-like teeth, and possesses shoulders the width of a barn door. He raises his hand. "Enough!" he growls at the others. "See! He wears the sign!" The raised hand lowers and points - straight toward Valdor's chest plate. The rock is dropped.
Both Valdor and Mordrid see hard eyes looking them over, for these people have no experience with the kind of adventurer's magic that both men can weild, no idea at all what danger the Dragons could represent. Cori and Jus's perception is perhaps is similar, although, having not made any aggressive moves as yet, are not subject to the same hard scrutiny.
"So!" booms the big spokesman, "we are free to roam because of you?" A wide grin breaks into his face. "Then if you are hungry we can offer shelter and food by way of thanks. But Crow now belongs to you. He is your responsibility. I am Kalder, I bid you welcome."
People are beginning to edge forward. Curiosity is taking over and the tension lessens to practically nothing. Onrad discovers that most of the children, particularly the younger ones, have gravitated toward the same woman, giving him the impression that perhaps the social orgainzation of this group is rather different to what he's used to. One of the girls shows the woman a piece of the rations she's been given.
Over by the carpet, Ve will note that while the two halflings are terrified, Crow seems accepting of the hostility toward him; resigned, maybe fatalistic, which does not bode well for the man's overall state of mind. The boy is still lying on the carpet, bundled up in his robe. Moisture drips from the corner of his mouth. Occasionally he sighs, or says something unintelligable. From what Ve can see of the crowd, there were no angry glares aimed in the boy's particular direction.
Jus's thoughts turn toward his distant companion. Dead? Like everyone else? A mental dip into the magical ether will tell him the worst, just as it would Cori, if she sought out a similar question, or indeed any of the magic users. Metaphorically, arcane magic was like a stormy sea in the mind - pulled and pushed by the tides, drawn into a frenzy by the winds. It's multitude of users and uses substituted for the moons and the winds, and it was rarely at ease, always churning. But now - nothing. Except for a mere ripple emanating from the group, it is a calm, untouched expanse. Never has anything felt so still. There is immense power out there, and none of it is being used. Where were the wizards, the sorcerors, the mighty purple worms, the dragons, the displacer beasts, and the beholders? Akin to loneliness, it is not a good feeling.
Valdor Tuesday September 11th, 2007 12:53:09 AM
Valdor's swords snap back into their sheaths at the man's words. Valdor nods an understanding to him and then replies,"He is indeed our problem. However, he is not evil and is a complete wreck emotionally. I doubt he will recover."
Valdor shrugs his shoulders and says,"We have come from another time...one long past...to retrieve him. He and the constructs will bother you no further, I assure you. Have you seen or heard of other places like this one? Are their other people around the countryside like you all? There used to be a huge city called Plateau City. Have you heard of it and do you know if it still stands?"
Valdor says to the group,"Before we go home, I would like to see what has become of our city and the area there. Any objections? If these were the only beings alive, Alemi, Domi, and the others would have shown up by now."
Onrad Tuesday September 11th, 2007 9:23:19 AM
Onrad introduces himself to the woman who seems to be "mom" to all these kids hoping to find out more.
"Greetings woman. I am Onrad. It is good to meet one that children respect so much."
Ve Mundr Tuesday September 11th, 2007 7:38:05 PM
Ve remains near the halflings and Crow. Nodding his agreement with Valdor. the mission was a success as far as he was concerned, the rest was now to the rest of them. In particular he felt his old friend Nicholas would be interested in being amognst the people and helping where he may. Given the offer of the Kilder, Ve was a bit hopeful they would be moving on though. This was not a people with much to spare, and certainly none of them were in need.
"we should thnk him for the offer and be away. Perhaps Father Nicholas could stay for some time to assist where he may. I will be able to keep him safe, even from Plateau City
Corialote Tuesday September 11th, 2007 9:33:30 PM
Cori slowly moves forward to stand near Valdor as she loops her arm through his. "Well...we do have a lot of pieces to pick up Dear Heart." She leans against him and lets her mind wander to find out if Amarth is ok. She does so hope that he was not caught in the explosion as she did truely love him.
She watches the people and then just resigns herself to leaning against Valdor. She can easily feel the void that has been left in the land and the amount of magical energy that could be harnessed. She might be able to do that herself but right now she feels no inclination to do so...the voice is silent for now at least.
[Just an FYI. My internet is still not a whole lot better. I have not gotten the disk to make the change over to my phone companies internet. My current provider is still bugged and I still have to fight to get on. Will try to get back into the swing of things.]
~~Jan~~ No worries, Jim. Good to see you. Post when you can.
Nick d20+19=27 Wednesday September 12th, 2007 1:24:14 AM
Nick stands unthreatening and smiling as the people approach. He is, however, watching them with a practiced eye, looking for signs of malnourishment, and physical cruelties that might have been inflicted, disease, etc etc.
Heal Check DC 27 (sheesh...)
DM Jan Wednesday September 12th, 2007 2:44:57 AM
As the fire dies down to embers around the fortress, the mine people start to mingle, openly staring at Cori's purple braid, Nick's white robes, Jus's narrow features, Mordrid's cloak, Ve Mundr's armour and weaponry, Valdor's sword and that massive 'V' on his chest.
And Onrad? "You're short for a man," the woman says to him with a rather alarming candour. "Although, if you were strong enough, they'd have let you live. All the children were given to me, while the others worked. You come from a place with no metal men? What do they do with children where you come from? One of the boy children milling around her points. "What's that? he asks, his gesture indicating Onrad's rapier.
Kalder looks puzzled for a moment, then whispers to another one of the men stood nearby. That man walks toward a low building where one of the Crow posters are pinned. Cori's crow Amarth flaps away, having been caught pecking at something there. The disgruntled bird lands on its companion's shoulder. The man rips the poster off the wall, turns it around, places it on the ground and starts to scribble on it with a sliver of charcoal taken from the back pocket of his ragged trousers. In the meantime - "There are other places such as this," Kalder says. "We know that much because they brought others in on the rail way in times gone by, and they had stories. And we've seen many, many of the metal men climb on that train and head to the east. To other mines, we thought. I don't think any of us has heard of a place called Plateau. But that - he points at the letter 'V' "That stands for hope. That message came, from a city somewhere, our ancestors say, before most of us were born. And this - " He hesitates as the man with the poster rejoins him and holds up his handiwork. "This is even older," says Kalder. "It's a message on part of a carved tablet someone brought in from somewhere. We have the piece hidden below. Some of us are sworn to defend it with our lives." On the rear of the poster, in dusty black lettering, are the following letters -
g o n C o n s o r t i
ENDURE !
"Now, we know what endure means. That's what we have been doing. Resistence killed many. But now we do what we're told, we eat the specified foods in the right order, we work, we give up half our children. In the belief that whoever wrote this knew there would be an end to it." He shrugs. "And yet none of us knows what gonconsort-eye means. Do you know?" There is a tag of skin hanging from the corner of the poster, which is starting to look rather like turkey jerky.
None of these people get to close to Ve Mundr's carpet, not wishing to go anywhere near the man who was the legend who brought so much misery. "When do we get to go home?" Tommy asks the Protector miserably.
Nick discovers that most of these people, beneath the dirt, appear to be in reasonable health. Their eyes are clear, no obvious lesions on the skin, they have teeth.
So, what next for the dragons? Stay awhile? A trip east? Or back home?
Valdor Wednesday September 12th, 2007 10:40:34 AM
Valdor smiles at Kalder and takes the charcoal and poster from the man. He writes the letters 'Dra' at the front and the letters 'um' at the end and says,"We are known as the Platinum Dragons, the lead group of the Dragon Consortium. Our main objective is to keep peace in the Wold and take care of problems that others cannot handle. We fight if we must, but only if we must."
He points to the pile of constructs that they destroyed upon arrival at the tower nd continues,"All of us have sworn to stand against evil and to protect those who cannot protect themselves...the good people of all races. To become a Consortium member, one has to be exceptional in battle and prove to us with their lives that they are the kinf of people that we need and that we can trust. I can't believe that the Consortium could have allowed this situation to get so out of hand like it is, but we came to fix it."
Valdor then holds his hand out while appraising the man before him and says finally,"We got off on the wrong foot earlier, I am Valdor of the Consortium, and it is good to meet you." Somewhere in the back of his mind, Valdor wonders at the man's size and the similarity in the name structure to his...
Onrad Wednesday September 12th, 2007 4:57:46 PM
"Welllll...
"The birthing mother and the male who fathers the child bind themselves together and raise their children together in a group. We call it a family. The children learn from both the father and the mother about life until they are grown. Then they leave to bind with another in love or pursue their own goals. It is pretty simple really."
"But as long as the children are loved and cared for, and it appears that they are, then all is fine. :)"
-----------
Onrad excuses himself and goes to Jus, the smartest man he knows. He calls Cori over too. And Ve. He talks softly.
"Hey, is this enough to change the timeline back or should we head east?
"See I'm worried. These people have a right to live and enjoy their newfound freedom. However, if we go back, then the timeline reverses and these people will never have been, right? Or am I confused. I'd hate to know that they wouldn't get to continue on.
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday September 12th, 2007 9:17:27 PM
Cori moves over to stand with Jus, Onrad and Ve as a discussion is started on this time. Looking to the others she reaches up to rub her temples. "We have had this arguemnent at the Star Mage Guild at least a hundred times. Now as to if we are done here...that is a different matter altogether. This is just a guess but if the magic that was binding the elementals was working through the small pieces of skin from Crow. Then our work here could be done as the machines were destroyed and the skin looks to be deteriorating." She continues to rub her temples as the next part was what causes the true headaches.
Glancing to Jus and Ve, though she does not know Ve's thoughts on this or Jus's for that matter. "This timeline depends upon a number of things. Is this an alternate reality and if it is it should continue on when we are gone, though it should have changed for the better. If this is part of our Wold's future, than these people will most likely live on but in different ways when we get back to our time and our time catches up to this period in the Wolds' history." She is giving herself a major headache and she expects that the others might have arguements to what she is talking about.
Amarth is chuckling upon his Mistress's shoulder as she drones on. Bringing his beak near her ear he whispers to her. "Brilliant, maybe you should write a thesis for the Guild on this." It is a joke but one he hopes his Mistress will get.
Mordrid Wednesday September 12th, 2007 11:12:40 PM
Mordrid is plagued by Valdor's keen interest on other matters of this time period.
"Valdor, my brother, with all due respect... It is a dangerous path that we tred here in the future. I would advise that we not tamper with it any longer. We should make our way home... if you truly feel this job is done. It matters not what the state of Plateau City currently is. It will all be undone."
The ranger's sense of time and nature is accutely aware of meddling.
Nick Thursday September 13th, 2007 5:23:04 PM
At some point, Nick wanders over to Ve Mundr. He says, quietly - "The boy's fate troubles me. I don't like the idea of leaving him here, and yet - what do we do with him when we get home, IF we take him with us? It seems to me that the Necromancers in Mount Bone will eventually become a serious problem if left unchecked, and this future incarnation will have all kinds of information that might help us. There are probably some who'd pull his arms off to get at that information if he doesn't talk, and we can't exactly condone that, either. What do you think we should do? Was it Mordrid that suggested we take him to the temple while we're still here? But what then?"
DM Jan Thursday September 13th, 2007 5:45:26 PM
Kalder shakes Valdor's hand. "I don't know what to say, or how to express our gratitude, other than to let you know that you have it, thrice over. I would definitely say that you've 'fixed it'. We have livestock and water down in the pits, and there are crop fields not too far distant to the south. The metal men were very thorough in making sure we were 'fully functional'," he says with a wry smile. Examining his features more closely, Valdor may well come to the conclusion that there is a touch of orc in his genes.
Close by, some of the others are examining the completed sentences and are trying to remember other things their ancesters might have told them. They are also looking on the Dragons with renewed awe. Some have gathered by the fallen constructs and are pulling them apart. One holds up a chest panel and holds it against himself with a grin. Some of his comrades slap him on the back and laugh.
"We did our best to do the same," the woman tells Onrad, and a tinge of sadness enters her voice. She shrugs. "Things will change for the better now, yes?"
There's no telling how things will develop in this community. All of them seem very erudite and intelligent, and physically well-built. They can obviously read, write, and they possess a good vocabulary. Somewhat of a contrast when compared to those who emerged from the ruins of Dirt City.
While certain aspects of this adventure are discussed by the group, the beleagered Izen slowly strives toward full daylight, or what passes for it under this cloudy sky. The land is damaged, but now the mining and smelting production has stopped, perhaps things will start to mend. As a backdrop, Mount Bone is the only naysayer, brooding as it always has, enveloped in its own miasma of doom.
As for the discussions themselves... who knows for sure? Maybe no one does. Most explanations so far seem valid.
Onrad Thursday September 13th, 2007 8:29:07 PM
Onrad, his eyes growing wet says, "I kinda wish I could stay. But that would probably mess things up. These people touch me. Very noble."
He turns and starts walking towards Dirt City. Then stops.
"OK, where's that stupid machine."
Ve Mundr Friday September 14th, 2007 12:49:29 PM
Ve listens to Cori with a thoughtful look. "Iagree it seems the work and original supositions of getting crow will end the immediate threat to the Wold is complete. the rift is gone, the elementals freed and the constructs neutralized. We have Crow and have every indication that the final step is to return to our own time and end the possible future threat he poses and place him upon final judgement. As to what happens here upon that?" Ve's head moves a bit side to side, "As you have said, we've had lengthy discussions and everything is suposition. My personal belief is one to the bent of parallel existance."
When Nick speaks about the boy, Ve moves off a short distance. "Father Nicholas my old friend. He is a reincarnated evil. One that escaped during this folly of Crows from Gargul Punishment. The easiest thing would be to return him to Gargul's keeping." Ve's eyes are serious as is his tone and Nicholas knows Ve would not dwell on the execution of this plan were he to carry it through. "But he is not an evil entity, merely a soul bent to the wrong path and I would prefer reconcilliation. The spell upon him is pernament unless Healed or similar powerful magic is applied. Something I do not think will be available to the peoples of this Wold for a very long time. With love and caring of other humans, he may change in the interim. One thing I believe is that we can not take him back. He is of this time, not ours. I believe my friend that he is turned to loving people here or Dirt City and here seems better and they will care for raise him and show him love. We take a precaution and place a Mark of Justice upon him as well and we pray."
Ve then adds to Mordrid's thought to the rest. "We should be going home right after the reincarnated soul in the boy is decided... I still see only two real options." Ve does not elaborate as this discussion is not one to have in front of the newly freeed peoples about them.
Onrad Friday September 14th, 2007 5:04:03 PM
"The machine that takes us back. It that with us?"
He looks around to see if anyone knows.
Ve Mundr Saturday September 15th, 2007 12:56:56 AM
Ve nods to Onrad, "Yes the halflings have it."
Jus Saturday September 15th, 2007 10:27:53 AM
Jus smiles as Onrad approaches and begins the discussion. Many times, Onrad has done the same; bringing up the very topic that is on Jus' mind.
"I too, have been considering this... line of time. My heart wants to stay and train those willing in magic, arms, and what it means to be a defender of the Wold."
Jus shifts, showing his discomfort. "I know there are others here better suited to do so, but it is a task that harmonizes with my heart."
In much quieter words, he finishes, "Still, I do not wish to throw my remaining years into the ether if this Wold will be 'never was here'."
Jus gives a weak grin and shrugs. His thoughts race madly towards a solution he doesn't see. And, once again, a melancholy mood sets in as he is once again reminded how life isn't always what you wish it would be.
Valdor Monday September 17th, 2007 1:46:53 AM
Valdor nods at Mordrid's words and replies,"You are right, my brother. I would just like to view our home in this time...to see if our castle still stands, or any of the city."
His brow furrows up and he says,"I'd like to think that by coming into the future to do something good and to help people, that we haven't completely destroyed their existance." He shakes his head, giving Mordrid one of those 'this is giving me a headache' looks. He has no idea of how this will change future events and people's lives, but he knows they had to do it.
Seeing that so many are intelligent, and hearing that they can obviously grow food, he says to Kalder,"My new friend, therer are other people who live in the city down these tracks. They are those who have escaped the rule of the constructs, but haven't fared as well as you and these have. They have little food and seem to be less schooled as you all have been. I would ask you to seek them out. We are going back there and will tell them of you as well. One last question I must ask. Where were the constructs assembled and where are the metals used?"
Posting Report for Monday September 17th, 2007 7:57:28 AM
Game # 1 The Platimum Dragons For the week of Sept 10,2007
Names-----MTWTF DM JanH---XOXXO Valdor----OXXOO Mordrid---XOXOO Fr.Nick---XOXXO Dalia-----OOOOO * BAD BAD! VE Mont---OXOOXS Coralot---OXXOO * BAD BAD! Onrad-----OXXXX Jus-------XOOOOS * BAD BAD!!
Adm. Ceil
DM Jan Monday September 17th, 2007 11:02:56 AM
((OOC - just got back from the track, I'll post this morning.))
Nick Monday September 17th, 2007 3:31:58 PM
Nick nods at his friend and colleague, declining to say much more about it at this point. 'Return to Gargul' of course meant a death sentence for the boy. And Ve was correct to be reticent when the others were out there, working hard, talking to and reassuring the surviving population. This problem would need subtlety.
DM Jan Monday September 17th, 2007 4:03:00 PM
Onrad and Ve's short conversation about the 'machine' has Wentworth suddenly patting all his pockets. "Oh, please don't tell me you've lost it!" implores his brother Tommy. A frantic few seconds later and Wentworth gives the thumbs up. "Don't scare me like that," grumbles Tommy.
The current situation holds quite an allure. There's a lot a good man or woman could do, here. Especially with the high level of skills held by this particular adventuring group - magic, martial arts, survival, politics, the ways of the gods, history, geography, commerce, debate, a myriad of professions and skills.
Right here is the beginning of a new way of life for all the survivors. Many paths can be taken, some better than others. And the young boy currently drooling on Ve Mundr's carpet is one example of what could happen if the wrong path is taken.
In this particular area, life WILL be hard, just as it always has been. Bad weather, stony ground, and Mount Bone, sentient and dreadful in the Dragons' time period, is already, quietly, slowly, brewing malevolence now that the Wold's magic has returned.
"We will make sure to seek these people out, and welcome them," Kalder tells Valdor. "It's a new world, isn't it. We shall need new ways." As for the constructs and the metal - "The metal for the constructs, and the ore from which it is extracted, is down in the pit. So are the componants and tools. we made the pieces, then they were brought up here to be built." Kalder points at the destroyed fortress.
Over to the east, a shaft of sunlight has broken through the clouds. It's a natural sight after a daytime storm, but to the eyes of these people - something wonderous, and they turn and stare.
Right now, for the Dragons, hard decisions have to be made. Crow has to be returned to the present. Something must be done about the boy. Is there time for a trip over to Plateau City? Theoretically, yes. So long as nothing happens to the group's primary objective.
Onrad Monday September 17th, 2007 5:12:44 PM
"OK, let's get the boy to Dirt City and see if the gods can help us with him there. Then, probably the less we know of this time, the less we will feel the pain of leaving here.
"If I can't stay, I need to leave.
"Can we set up the teleport to DC?"
Onrad motions for everyone to join in a circle and get the ring passed.
He grins sheepishly as his need to "get things moving" when they are not.
"I hate sitting still. I do."
Jus Monday September 17th, 2007 7:26:15 PM
Jus stands next to Onrad, amused by his incessant movement. "I bet they have a name for the bug in your pants -- the one that prevents you from staying still."
This, in turn, reminds him of Nonam and Gareth. It is a shame that the two of them couldn't make it on this trip. They would have loved it. Nonam especially. To be one of the only magic users in the land would have been intoxicating to him.
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday September 18th, 2007 12:16:44 AM
Cori moves over to stand now by the larger group of her fellow adventurers. She waits to see if the will check out anything else in this world or go back. Truely she is looking forward to the time that she can retire. This past few months have been aging to her, though she shows no outwards signs of it.
Turning to Valdor she shrugs. "Your decision...do we see to the boy and then go home...or do we see to the boy and then sightsee?" If it is the later at least she will be with her dear heart and they can hopefully take it easy.
Valdor Tuesday September 18th, 2007 2:13:14 AM
Valdor rubs his chin at all the thoughts as they are discussed. He laughs aloud at Onrad's assessment of himself, then says still chuckling,"And everyone always accused me of rushing through things without thinking them through. Next time I see Mycroft, I'll have to tell him I go in slow motion compared to old Onrad here!
Well, while I would like to see our old stomping grounds, I don't want what we see to affect how we feel about things and change what we do once we get back. We know what's right and we must take the boy to Dirt City. Now that magic is back, once someone gets strong enough in priestly magic to heal the boy, they won't know what's inside him and that evil soul that is probably one of Marteaus's necromancers, will be released into a world not ready to combat him.
Any wizard of great power could be a king here...or more, and I don't like the idea of leaving him in case someone heals him later. We should seek out guidance in Gargul's temple, much as it turns my stomach to say so. Or in Alemi's or Domi's, if Dirt has a temple to them. Of course, our clerics could rest up and memorize some kind of Commune spell or something similar and tomorrow cast it to ask questions.
Doesn't really matter for the moment...we need to get moving I guess."
Valdor turns back to Kalder and says,"It is a new world, and it's up to you and yours to make sure that you do things differently than those like Crow. Also, I would immediately start reforming that metal into materials to build houses, swords, armor and things like that. You should destroy any written designs of those things so noone can begin again what we have stopped. As I said before, seek Alemi and Domi, the greatest of the good Gods and ask their guidance. With faith, and I assure you that they exist, you will be amazed at what good you can do. Take care my friend and lead these people well."
Valdor hooks his arm in Cori's and heads back to the carpet.
Onrad Tuesday September 18th, 2007 4:48:35 PM
"Can we pass the ring now daddy?" Onrad gives Valdor his best bratty kid look.
Nick Tuesday September 18th, 2007 8:20:35 PM
Turning his attention to those who emerged from the pit, Nick whispers a prayer and watches as Valdor imparts advice on their leader.
Alemi take care of thes people. lift their spirits. Guide them true...
He then joins the others, ready for teleportation.
DM Jan Tuesday September 18th, 2007 8:27:38 PM
Teleportation back to Dirt City brings the Platinum Dragons back to the area they left, ie. right outside the Gargul Temple.
The immediate area looks slightly different in daylight. The air is more fresh due to a breeze blowing in from the sea. The top level of Dirt City looks dilapidated, overgrown and rundown, but decidedly more cheerful now there are no lost souls hanging about.
There's an elderly woman sweeping detritus and leaves from the temple doors, who will offer no comment, if the adventurers step inside.
Ve Mundr Wednesday September 19th, 2007 3:15:17 PM
Ve's face remains impassive to the fate of the boy. The final three, two really, possibilities were all that really mattered. Ve had made up his mind on this, but would carry ou either as the desicion was handed down.
Appearing at the Gragul temple, Ve scoops up the boy, steps off the carpet and moves past teh woman to the interior.
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday September 19th, 2007 5:14:18 PM
Cori keeps her arm laced in Valdor's, even during the teleportation. Once on the other side she take the time to act like she is having trouble standing, just so that she can be closer to him. Her smile and flashing eyes tell all though when she looks to her dear heart. "I have to agree with Onrad on a few things. We could make a very good life here and the good we could do..." She lets it hang as that would not be retirement and she has her heart set on doing something other than fighting. She shakes her head and laughs lightly. "No...Valdora will be needing us and we have a business to start, her and I." Still the day is too nice to waste and she does not relish the idea of entering the temple anytime soon.
Amarth seems amused from his position on his Mistress's shoulder, but wisely keeps his beak shut. He got away with the earlier comment and will not chance his luck again...so soon.
Valdor Wednesday September 19th, 2007 11:59:42 PM
Valdor takes great comfort in Cori's closeness and relaxes when they get back. He asks Nick and Ve,"Are there any temples to Domi or Alemi here and can either of you ask your God's questions relating to this boy's fate? I don't want the boy to die, but the soul who has stolen the body has to go. I wonder if the boy's real soul is in there somewhere? And would he have control if the evil soul is somehow removed from his body? We could use a rest anyway and then take care of him, then get back to our own time."
He listens to Cori, happy with her resolution. He never for once considered staying, but understands where her thoughts are. For if they stayed, taht means all the decades up to this point were still in place and the havoc wreaked upon their children, grandchildren...no, it must end this way.
Onrad Thursday September 20th, 2007 1:03:04 AM
As they arrive, he somehow ends up with his arm wrapped up in Valdor's.
"Eww."
Then he looks at Cori and Valdor's "intertwinings."
"When we get back, I'm getting the two of you a room and locking you in for a week!"
Then he follows the others into the temple.
Nick Thursday September 20th, 2007 1:39:53 AM
Nick thinks for a moment after Valdor's question. "Alemi didn't have a big presence here, from what I remember, although I'm sure there is a shrine, or what's left of one, somewhere in the interior. "Valdor, I'll be honest. If I have my thoughts straight about the boy, then our decisions regarding his future will fall solidly on Gargul's territory. "My own faith sees cruelty, when I look upon that boy. Cruelty draped about our shoulders, for leaving him in this feeble state for so long. Both faith and training bade me to heal the boy, and yet..."
He trails off. Yes, heal him, Nick. Unleash the monster. A monster that, despite all misgivings, is still just a boy.
DM Jan Thursday September 20th, 2007 1:55:17 AM
The old lady with the brush looks to have been busy inside the temple. The floor is clean, and there is no sign of the dead priest. The altar exhudes power and gloom, but this time, the rear wall is solid - the way into the Shadowlands is now as it should be - blocked - to all except those who have the power to open up the way.
A small creature sits atop the altar. Gargul's companion, Gimp, appears to have been waiting...
Ve Mundr Thursday September 20th, 2007 10:23:01 AM
Ve stops as Valdor speaks of the boy. "Valdor with all due respect I don't believe you are grasping the true aspect here. The boy is evil, the soul did not steal this body, it is not possession, it is reincarnation. The evil escaped and has been escaping Gargul for hundreds of years. Being reborn just as the righteous have always done. There is no other, he simply is as you and I are. He is of this time, and can not go back with us." Ve then turns and heads towards Gimp.
Valdor Thursday September 20th, 2007 11:27:06 AM
Upon hearing Onrad's statement, Valdor smiles and replies,"Works for me. But let's make it two weeks." He stops and then laughs aloud saying,"Can you imagine going two weeks without having to chase a dragon, time travel, wipe out an undead problem, find lost cities, stop an army, or smething else like that? I will be bored silly if I went two days without Sturdevant calling on us to go somewhere and do something."
He turns more somber at Ve's words and says,"I wouldn't advocate taking him back with us. I just feel we should try to make sure there's not a ten year old boy's soul trapped in this body somewhere before we let him be destroyed. And, I wouldn't consider leaving him in this state forever...that's worse than torture and wouldn't be fair to whoever had to take care of him. We take him to Gargul's temple, put him on the altar and pray to Gargul to take his soul peacefully to his realm. Whatever happens...happens."
Onrad Thursday September 20th, 2007 3:15:29 PM
Onrad moves forward, his hand on his sword in its hilt as he has little good feeling left in him for Gimp.
None in fact.
His flippant manner leaves him and he's all business once again. Intent and alert.
Mordrid Thursday September 20th, 2007 5:39:13 PM
"I don't agree with everyone's usage of the word 'die'. In and of itself, changing forms is not as bad as you think. Why then do we not dress in black and mourn as each Fall approaches?"
His attention is redirected toward Gimp. "I bet this little guy has the answer."
Corialote and Amarth Thursday September 20th, 2007 9:04:45 PM
Cori continues to keep her arm intwined with Valdors and nods her head when he laughs. She is glad to see him happy for awhile at least. She looks to Onrad and gives him a wink. "If you lock to the door, do not come back to try and open it...for it will be locked by more than meer steel." Her eyes twinkle but she would also relish the idea of being along with Valdor. As he goes into the ideas of going crazy with all that free-time she laughs a little more. "Oh, I think that I could find something to keep your mind busy. Besides, I could easily kidnap you if I needed to." She doubts that she would have to try very hard to do that but it would be possible.
As the thoughts and needs to turn to the child and the use of the word death. She once again becomes all business and she does glance to Mordrid as he speaks. "Yes, let us think of it more as a rebirth. This soul needs to go back were it belongs and maybe the soul that once inhabited this body can be reborn. If not into this body, than maybe another to a gentle woman and man." For such a long-lived race it is hard to observe death as a permanent thing. In fact she has felt on many occassions that she has been something else before she was Cori the drow...flying is one of those rare pleasures. Maybe she was once a bird or something else that was able to fly.
Nick Friday September 21st, 2007 11:27:24 AM
Nick approaches the altar and gives Gimp a solemn bow. "With respect, we seek an audience with Gargul," he begins. "We have brought a young boy, someone who exhudes evil, and believe him to be a reincarnation from the Lands of Unrest, who does not belong here, but we need guidance."
DM Jan Friday September 21st, 2007 12:02:03 PM
Gargul's companion shifts to the right hand edge of the altar. "Let me see him," the creature says.
Assuming the boy is placed on the altar, Gimp crouches over the feebleminded boy's prone form. The creature's eyes, like bright stones, then regard the party. "Gargul still roams the Isles of the Dead. There is much to put right there, such as the likes of this boy, if what you say proves correct. "In order to be sure about this one, I will need to look into his soul. You will see things. Things you may not like. Things about you and what could be. Are you ready?"
Is it everyone's imagination, or did the temple abruptly take on a more somber air? Do the walls feel to be closing in, shutting out the Wold and the joys of life it contains? That shiver down the spine, maybe it's just cold in here...
Valdor Saturday September 22nd, 2007 12:20:31 AM
Valdor hears Gimp, and gets that 'feeling'. He says aloud,"If what he says is true, those who fought against that pit monster must hold true to themselves now. This will not be real, my friends and we must remember who we are."
He nods to Gimp to proceed, still remembering diving in front of Gimp to take that sword thrown by Marteaus...
Ve Mundr Saturday September 22nd, 2007 10:30:32 PM
Ve steps forward and places the boy on the altar by Gimp. The cleric then just steps back a few paces, his war hammer slipping from its hanger and into his gauntleted hand.
Posting Report for Monday September 24th, 2007 7:10:53 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of Sept 17, 2007
Names-----MTWTF DM Jan H--XXOXX Valdor----XXXOOS Mordrid---OOOXO * Bad Boy! Fr.Nick---XXOXX Dalia-----OOOOO * Bad BoY! VE MONT---OOXXOS * Coralot---OXXXO Onrad-----XXXXO Jus-------XOOOO *
Adm CEil
Nick Monday September 24th, 2007 4:31:55 PM
Nick's eyes flit toward Valdor as he mentions that thing in the pit. Well, they'd stared death and all sorts in the face before.
He takes a breath and tries to remain calm.
DM Jan Monday September 24th, 2007 5:59:20 PM
After a few moments, there is an abrupt drop in temperature. Gimp becomes merely a shadow. Everyone else, with the exception of Cori, Jus and the boy, appear to fade in varying degrees.
Valdor, Nick, Mordrid, Ve and Onrad feel a sensation not unlike a cloak of gauze dropping around their shoulders. This cloak brings strange thoughts -
Nick - candlelight and the smell of wax; a dull pain; voices murmuring in prayer; a glimpse of Plateau City from a window; men, women, dressed in white, moving about the room.
Onrad - his niece's face, looming above, trying to smile, to reassure; a door opening and closing, bringing with it childrens voices, and the breath of autumn.
Ve - a cloudy sky and distant thunder; a gentle rocking, and the sound of a slow, tentative oar cutting through water; someone humming a tune; it hurts to breathe but the air feels moist.
Mordrid - the scent of moss and blood; wet leaves and cold ground beneath the hand and against the face; a bug's eye view of the trail ahead, and a voice, "Mordrid. Mordrid," growing fainter.
Valdor - the sound of steel, ringing on steel; a howling storm of pain, held back by a stubborn wall of anger; darkness and shifting forms; a cavern and the smell of sulpher; the sword, singing, ingniting the will; a dance, abruptly snatched away.
Jus's form stays whole and three dimensional, but it shifts, and now he is seated, crosslegged, his eyes are closed. His own perception is of somewhere else, somewhere cold. Far from here. A massive, still form, covered in black scales is curled around him. Concentration. He breathes, once every five minutes. His heart beats, once every five minutes. Not as slow as the dragon, not yet. Not yet.
Cori also retains substance, but her palor shifts to a sickly grey. Red welts cross her arms and torso. Her eyes burn with a fearsome, cold, rage. There is a wand in her hand. There is no sign of Amarth. Everyone can see an arm reaching out and pulling her toward the altar. It is the boy - the boy grown to a man. His face longer, thinner, he looks tired, ravaged with disease. The ruin of the Wold is written upon his face for all to see. This one is the killer of thousands. "I'm not going alone," he whispers. Cori's hand sweeps down, strikes him with the wand, but there is nothing left. She lets out a cry of rage and frustration. Steel flashes in the firelight as he pulls her close. She drops the wand and goes for his throat with her hands, and squeezes as he stabs her again and again. "I'm not going alone..."
And then it is gone, leaving behind a strong punch-in-the-gut disorientation.
Gimp and the boy are on the altar, as they were before. Cori and Jus are both as they were. "I can't kill him," says the creature, looking solemly at the group. "I cannot physically interfere. But he belongs with us. He should not have been reborn."
Close by, Crow is sobbing quietly, and Wentworth is staring into space, a look of horror on his face. His brother Tommy also looks to be in shock. He has pulled out his fruit paring knife and is advancing toward the altar with vacant eyes.
((OOC EDIT - something I might not have made clear. The vision is of the current past, but in your own time, it would be a vision of the future. Eeek. Hope that makes sense. It's kinda in between then and now.))
(OOC: SCOTT: This is as far as I've read so far. Jan, simply brilliant. You do not fail to amaze me.]
((OOC ~Jan~ Thank you :) ))
Corialote and Amarth Monday September 24th, 2007 7:52:09 PM
Cori swallows hard as she is still trapped within the nightmare. Though it is in her mind she can still feel the knife as it buries itself into her again and again. The feeling of death is heavy on her shoulders as well, but she cannot force herself to move...to run.
Finally, after aganizing minutes have passed she slumps to the floor. Her head is in her hands and she finds herself crying. The weight is still there and she feels that she has been called upon to do something vile.
Ve Mundr Monday September 24th, 2007 10:37:28 PM
Ve closes his eyes as the feeling fades. Not what he expected. One hand moves to wipe away the imagined rain from his face. He hadn't failed and that was solice. He looks down towards his feet and wiggles his toes inside his boots and then raises his gaze to Gimp and then the boy. His right hand clenches harder on his glowing warhammer and he states quite flatly without emotion that sends chills down his own spine to hear the words, "I can."
Nick Monday September 24th, 2007 11:04:23 PM
Nick gasps audibly. What was that? My own death?
Seeing Cori drop, he steps quickly to her side and examines her vital signs. He's hoping it's just a faint. He was darned near passing out himself. Gimp did warn them. "Cori," he says softly, cradling her head, devastated by her tears. Alemi help them all.
Glanncing up he spies Ve near the altar, and he looks then toward Gimp. "We will not be judged?" he asks, his tone perhaps a little more stern than it should be.
At this moment he hasn't noticed Tommy.
Valdor d20=14 Tuesday September 25th, 2007 1:13:40 AM
Valdor groans out loud as he has his vision, but he's completely unaware he's making any sound at all. He finally comes out of it and shakes his head. Never has he trusted magic...except where Cori is concerned. He hears Gimp and then Ve. He says much more quietly than most have ever heard,"Ve, my friend, you are a cleric of Domi. This you should not do. I may face judgement, as Father Nick has wisely voiced, but nothing like you will for killing a boy. I will take no joy from it, but I see now that it must be done. Do you agree?"
Onrad Tuesday September 25th, 2007 4:12:16 PM
Onrad, slow to come out of his vision, thinks about his family. What he would want done if this boy was his...
An untidy task. Needs doing. Not drawn out. Don't think. Do. Suffer later.
Fast as lighting, draws forth his rapier and 5 times stabs into the chest of the boy.
As he does do, he shouts in anguish, as if he can feel the pain. He falls to his knees, unable to breathe. Uncharacteristically, his rapier clanks loudly to the floor.
----- [Jan if you need to hits and all that, let me know. This seems like a roleplaying situation.]
Jus Tuesday September 25th, 2007 5:08:05 PM
Jus watches his vision, trying to stay distant, trying to picture it as a dream. It is too real, however, too much like what could be. As the visions fade, Jus realizes the longing in his heart for his friend.
He looks up and watches everyone else return from their own visions. As Valdor speaks, Jus gives a resigned nod. Several times now, Jus has been tempted to pull out a dagger and off the boy. But Jus kept quiet and let the others deal with this in their own way. It sounds like Valdor has finally decided.
Which makes Onrad's sudden actions all the more shocking....
DM Jan Tuesday September 25th, 2007 11:39:24 PM
What must be done...
It hangs there, heavy in the air. Responsibilty, consequence. The taking of a life.
The folded and refined steel of Onrad's blade slashes through that moment, and enters the boy's black heart five times; back and forth. Those stood close are spattered in blood - warm, bright red and oxygenated. In seconds, it's over. Over and done.
"This is now as it should be," says Gimp, looking down at the still form of the boy. "And you will not be judged. In fact there may well be a boon, although I cannot say for sure."
Tommy the halfling is stood staring at the altar. A thin line of crimson is painted across his face. He has dropped his paring knife. "I want to go home," he says miserably.
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday September 25th, 2007 11:57:10 PM
Cori looks up as Nick's voice fills her head and not that far from her. Her eyes are anguished and she cannot bare to move at this time. She looks to the boy upon the altar and then the sudden movements of Onrad.
With a shiver she realizes that she could not have done it. Things from her past that she has tried to hide from, to run from would have caught up with her. The blackness that she feels in the pit of her stomach and heart, is part of her past as well as the thing in the pit. "I...I could not...it would have killed me." That part of her that she holds so dear would have been lost in the instant she killed the boy.
Now she realizes that all along she has been wrong. She has been running from something that she can never escape. To confront her past, embrace her past and then move on with the life that she leads now...that is the answer. "I must accept my heritage...what I have witnessed and done..." She slowly stands up, though she allows Nick to help her and she leans on him...but not a lot. "I must stop running."
Looking to Valdor she knows that it is true. If they are to have a future, she must settle her past first. Maybe a trip home is in order...one long overdue.
Valdor Wednesday September 26th, 2007 1:06:32 AM
Valdor's sword appears in his hand as Onrad attacks. He almost...almost, parries the blows, not wanting anything bad to happen to his friend. Always has he been willing to take the wrath of a dragon, or even the Gods for his friends and his family, the Dragons, but he really doesn't want to stop Onrad. Even though it sickens him, it is right, he believes.
Seconds later, Gimp echoes his thoughts, and he sheathes his sword. He looks around the room, then to Cori as she seems so lost. He says gently,"Well, you have no reason to run anywhere, my love, for if anything is pursuing you, it must first pass me and I promise it will have to pass my dead body first. And I have accepted your heritage and don't care what has gone before, so you should as well. Of course," he adds with a smile,"you'll have to accept a person who is only part elf and part human. Whatever you must do, we'll do it together."
He looks at Ve and says,"I guess Onrad beat us to it, eh? He's just mad that I got past those spiders first. Let's go home."
Onrad Wednesday September 26th, 2007 12:53:05 PM
"If there is a boon, Gimp, it goes to Valdor. He's our leader. He made the decision. I carried it out.
"If there had been a consequence, I didn't want it sullying the name of our leader. The people back home need him. Need him to be strong forever. I still don't trust you. Never had. Never will. So I acted to prevent harm to others."
Onrad then stands, does a cursory wiping of his shirt, and walks away to be alone, trying to hold it all in for some later time.
Nick Wednesday September 26th, 2007 2:32:15 PM
Nick lets Cori go to Valdor, stands, brushes down his robe and takes stock, looking at the faces of his companions. It never got any easier. And when they thought they could shoulder the load, other, heavier burdens came along and were heaped on top of the ever growing pile. The strain showed on every man and woman here. Weary faces, haunted eyes. It wasn't just the fighting. It was the sheer, horrific scale of it all - thousands of lives held in the balance, heartbreaking decisions. Just the act of standing before the Gods was like standing in the face of a hurricane. He turns his attention to the halflings. Two little mischief-makers from Dirt City. They'd been exceptionally brave, but they had witnessed far too much. Their lives would be vastly different now, if not shattered beyond repair. Alemi bless and strengthen those caught in these terrible winds...
He crouches in front of Tommy. "It's all right, now," he says quietly. "Pick up your knife. It's time to go home."
Ve Mundr Wednesday September 26th, 2007 2:42:09 PM
Ve is angry and it shows. What also is very clear is he is not entirely sure why he is angry. Jaw clenched and eyes fixed upon Onrad but standing in such a way that Gimp is clearly within his peripheal vision. The Warhammer still glowing and still held tighlty. Ve breathes in and out in low slow purposeful breaths as his nostrils flare on each exhale. Valdor's tension breaking comment slides off without affect and the Protector doesn't even seem to acknowledge the man has spoken. It is the klink of Tommy's knife that causes his gaze to shift and his jaw line to slacken slightly.
Ve turns and moves to Crow, his left hand siezes him about the shoulder and half pulls half drags him into his wake as Ve exits the temple
Mordrid Thursday September 27th, 2007 1:09:30 AM
'Who have I failed?" the ranger squeezes as he takes his last breath. Mordrid's heart pounds with a maddening ache. Just don't close your eyes! If only by will alone.
And back again into more madness. Onrad is stabbing the child. In stasis, between seconds, he moans..."NO."
Actions like these were best left for 'lost souls.' Not Onrad. Not one so such. He would never wish the burden on one so much. Should have been left to the lost souls.
And if things couldn't get stanger; Ve just walked out with crow... and he didn't look happy.
Out of Darkness, Into Light
DM Jan Thursday September 27th, 2007 1:29:44 AM
As the group make preparations to go home, there appears to be no doubt in Crow's mind that he's about to suffer the same fate as the boy. "I know I deserve it," the old man says, struggling to keep upright as Ve drags him outside. "But you'll make it quick, won't you? Please, please?"
Gimp says nothing to Onrad, choosing merely to wrinkle his nose and look on indifferently as the duellist walks away. The creature sits there with the dead boy as if it were the natural thing to do, apparently content.
Outside, the sun has gone back behind the clouds and the sky seems heavy. Rain appears to be imminent. The old lady with the brush re-enters the temple as everyone leaves. There is no sound, except for the distant crash of waves against the city quay. Everything looks overgrown, forlorn and in disrepair.
With everyone together, young Wentworth pulls and twists on his little pocket-sized machine.
-------------------------
Time shifts abruptly, and with it comes startling contrast.
Bright sunlight. The faint scent of horse dung, woodsmoke and sea salt. Voices - gasps of astonishment as the Dragons and their charges appear a short distance from one of the Towers that mark the perimeter of Dirt City. Folk traveling in toward town stare at the group, while some of the Tower guards are readying their weapons, a purely reflexive gesture.
Gone is that acrid bite of pollution in the air. There is grass - stubborn, vigorous tufts of it on the ground, crop fields not too far away, chickens pecking at the ground, and people. The free people of the Wold, going about their business as they always have. The tower and surrounding buildings, including Gargul's temple look to be in good repair.
The Platinum Dragons are now back in their own time.
Valdor Thursday September 27th, 2007 1:37:25 AM
Valdor looks at Onrad and says,"Thank you. What you said back there was noble and I appreciate it. I hate that it had to happen that way, but you have my sincere appreciation."
He turns to Crow, held tightly in Ve's grasp and says,"Well, now, the question now comes...what to do with you and that time device that the halflings possess."
He moves to Wentworth and holds out his hand, waiting for the halfling to hand it over.
Onrad Thursday September 27th, 2007 7:30:35 AM
Onrad turns to Ve and in his anguish and frustration shouts at him angrily. "If I did wrong, then use that thing on me and end the pain in my heart!"
Then as if a dam brakes, he collapses again and is wracked with sobs.
---------
::that melodramatic enough? [weak grin]. I've noticed that you guys like to be dramatic. So....well....there ya go.::
~~Jan~~ LOL. You're in with the big guns, now. It's how we roll. ;)
Mordrid Thursday September 27th, 2007 11:48:39 AM
Mordrid grabs Onrad under his arm to lend support, if not tough love.
"No you don't. Get up. The only way to be free of this heaviness on your heart is to stay busy and focused. No groveling allowed. You did nothing wrong."
Ve Mundr Thursday September 27th, 2007 2:14:42 PM
Still with a near vise like grip on Crow, Ve wheels on Onrad. "Did Wrong!? You damned noble bastard! I am a Protector, blessed by Domi to shield those about me from harm. To make sure others get home to thier loved ones safe and sound! Body AND Soul. And you, you step in, and well to the Shadow realm for all it." Ve is animated his arms moving and waving about with Crow nearly forgotten but still gripped relentlessly in hand.
Ve drops to a knee next to Onrad and puts a hand on his shoulder and says much softer and calmer. "I was not angry at what you did. I was angry that YOU did it. It should not have been a burden you or anyone else but me should have been placed under."
Ve Stands, still gripping Crow
Corialote and Amarth Thursday September 27th, 2007 8:14:59 PM
Cori is emotionally drained from the experience back in the Gargul temple. She has come to a conclusion and it now seems like the best idea. For no reason she moves over and kisses Valdor, bits of a smile upon her face. Still she looks haggard and worn out from all the stuff they have been through. "It is good to be home." Looking to Crow she shakes her head and then nods as Valdor goes to collect the little trinket from the halflings.
"How many more loose ends do we have to tie up." Looking to the rest and a true smile playing upon her face she laughs. "I am getting too old for this work." It is just good to be home and she reaches up to scratch the head and back of the one partner she has trusted the longest.
Amarth leans into the scratches and brushes his body against the side of her face. There is a deep rooted honor and pride in his heart to be a part of all of this. But mostly it is because he has seen his Mistress grow into an even more formidable woman.
Nick Friday September 28th, 2007 1:36:15 PM
Biting back the usual nausea he feels on these abrupt traveling occasions, Nick attempts to keep the halflings close and together, concerned as he is for their welfare.
"Let him have the device, Wentworth. It's for the best," he advises one of them.
DM Jan Friday September 28th, 2007 1:54:49 PM
The poignancy of this moment is not lost on the local populace, who have begun to drift closer and are standing in small groups, watching, listening and talking quietly amongst themselves. The guards have put their weapons away.
"Hey, isn't that old Crow?" one of the guards says in low tones to another. "Who's he?" "Old guy who disappeared from the Trade Quarter a few weeks ago. His lodgings were destroyed a couple of days ago, too. Burned down." "Wonder if he knows?" "What?" "That he doesn't have a roof over his head no more." "Dunno. Hey, look at the weapons on those guys. Look at that sword. I wish I could afford a blade like that. Bet you could kill the tarrasque with a blade like that." "What's a tarrasque?" "Never mind."
Crow has lapsed back into silence and his eyes shift between Ve Mundr and Valdor. If his last moments are to be shaken like a rag doll in the hands of a warrior of Domi, then so be it.
The diminutive figure of Wentworth looks down at the small, intricate device in his hand. He looks at his brother, Tommy. They both shrug, then Wentworth steps forward and drops the item gently into Valdor's outstretched palm.
As for Crow, yes - a decision needs to be made.
Amarth's beady eyes flit here, there, and then up toward the sky, where a flock of similar avians are wheeling high in the air. Yes, clear sky and sunshine. And birds. There were no birds in the other place.
Valdor Saturday September 29th, 2007 3:17:38 AM
When the halfling places the item in his hand, Valdor says gently,"You two are amazing. I have never been so impressed with anyone's dicovery or invention in my life. I simply fear that eventually someone evil would find out and search for this and take it from you to use it for completely evil things. Always would you have to be secretive and be in hiding. Always would you have to look over your shoulders and jump at every sound. No, it's best this way. I don't fault you for what you have done. The Wold and its people just aren't ready to handle this responsibility yet."
He tussles their hair and gives them a smile. After a second, Valdor turns to Ve and says,"Please, Ve, we are gathering quite a crowd. Not to mention that I, also, didn't fully understand your role as a Protector of Domi. You are the first such that I have met, my friend, so I didn't know. I can't speak for Onrad, but he did what he felt was right and what's done is done. Let's take Crow back to Plateau City and decide in private what to do."
If everyone is in agreement, Valdor says his goodbye to the halflings and bows. He then places the teleport ring on his finger, then passes it around. When it gets back to him, he whispers to Cori,"It might be time to consider a different kind of ring on that finger my love." He winks, then, after everyone says their goodbyes to the halflings, he teleports them back to the castle.
Onrad Saturday September 29th, 2007 7:57:29 AM
Onrad, leaning heavily on Mordrid and grins drunkenly at Ve.
"What burden?"
----------- [STEVE HOTT, PLAYER OF VALDOR! CALL ME TODAY OR EMAIL ME YOUR NEW EMAIL ADDY OR I GET TO THROTTLE YOU AND PERSONALLY DRAG YOU DOWN TO REPENT IN CHURCH SUNDAY MORNING!]
Ve Mundr Saturday September 29th, 2007 10:42:26 AM
Ve nods to Valdor as he stands, glancing about. Only then realizing in his right hand he has his Adamantine Brilliant Energy Warhammer crackling and his left holds Crow. "Aye, that it seems I have done. Sorry about that little burst. I certainly don't fault you or Onrad in that be assured. My views on many things stray from the norm. Let's get back to the castle." Looking to Crow, "It will be quick, I promise you."
Mordrid Sunday September 30th, 2007 7:40:45 PM
Mordrid silently eyes Ve. "i wonder what will become of this Crow. I hope that he doesn't have to be put down. And with that... who actually was responsible for Crow's imprisonment? The constructs?'
Posting Report for Monday October 1st, 2007 8:42:06 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of Sept, 24,2007
Name-----MTWTF DMJanH---XXXXX Valdore--OXXXOS Mordrid--OOXXO * must have been a very good Jig?? FrNick---XXXOX Dalia----OOOOO * Skip out of Texas VE MONT--XOXOOS * OOPS! Coralot--XXOXO Onrad----OXXXOS Jus------OXOOO * Posted only once??
Adm CeiL - One Oppps and Two realy Bad boys.
Valdor Monday October 1st, 2007 10:52:12 AM
Valdor smiles at Ve and understands completely. He has been in these situations way too often and the decisions seem to always get harder. He says quietly,"I think we should feed Crow and Ve, you and Nick should spend some time communing with your Gods before we make any decisions that will be extremely final. We can keep him locked up in the rooms below, where he will be safe and comfortable until we can consider this path a little further."
He then answers Mordrid,"I think he became a victim of his own creations after many years. Amazing story to be sure, but still, I think that those evil souls who were reincarnated had something to do with it as well. That's what power does to some, though. They rarely see the end result of their toying with powers they don't understand and can't control, while thinking they ARE in control."
(Jerry, my work email is stevehott@herbeasley.com . Use that for now)
Onrad Monday October 1st, 2007 12:20:13 PM
Onrad, while waiting for the trip home to begin, starts stretching and working out. That's always helped him focus in both the good and the bad times.
Nick Monday October 1st, 2007 1:47:24 PM
"Does anyone mind if I see these two halflings to their homes?" asks Nick. "I can follow on later. I won't be long."
He doesn't want to go into it in front of Tommy and Wentworth, but just abandoning them after all this, doesn't sit well with him. He wants to get them home to loved ones and then go and see if there's counselling available should they need it. A local Alemi priest, perhaps.
DM Jan Monday October 1st, 2007 7:36:12 PM
The wild scents of the coastal Dirt City are quickly exchanged by those of Plateau City as the group (without Father Nicholas) wink into existence in the Platinum Dragon castle courtyard. Here, the air is dry and carries the faint perfume of apple blossom outside the castle walls. The sounds of a city going about its business greet the ear, and in the courtyard the guards bow respectfully, and members of staff materialize to take care of the Dragons every whim.
It's a world away, from Dirt City AND that dark land of the future. The city rolls on in all its splendour, regardless of what might be.
Crow stands in the midst of the group, old and afraid. His eyes reflecting what might be, all too well.
Fabersham appears. "I can have lunch available in about fifteen minutes," he says. "We have a guest?"
Mordrid Monday October 1st, 2007 10:45:38 PM
Mordrid breathes in the familiar smells of the Plataeu.
Habit causes him to account for the group, "Where is father Nick?"
Corialote and Amarth Monday October 1st, 2007 11:08:32 PM
Cori smiles at Valdor as she takes the ring, slipping it onto her finger and passing it along. "Sometimes you have a good idea or two." She needles him a little as she watches the group. Though she has other things on her mind, she is not that absent minded as to forget what they are about.
Amarth feels content to take in the scents and sounds of the true Wold. He is happy to see birds again and even more so that the air is so crisp and fresh.
Both Mistress and familiar echo the same thought...it is a good day.
Valdor Tuesday October 2nd, 2007 11:17:57 PM
Valdor pats Mordrid on the shoulder and replies,"He did what a good cleric of Alemi should have done, he stayed behind to take care of the halflings. I'm glad he did because I didn't like just leaving them, but figured they'd be okay since they had travelled through time before. It didn't occur to me that they might be traumatized bu all that they saw on THIS trip and what their invention had turned the Wold into.
But, we couldn't all stay. We have to figure out what to do with Crow...after we eat."
He turns to Fabersham and says,"Yes, Fabulous Fabersham, as always you are quite correct. Lunch would be wonderful. And our guest will be confined in a comfortable, safe and completely inaccessible room, other than to us, of course, for a short while. He needs to rest and needs some food and water. Maybe a glass of wine as well. I'll be back after a quick clean up."
He heads upstairs to his room after making sure that Crow is in a room that noone other than the group can get to and that he cannot get out of. He figures that Ve will probably stand guard anyway, but he risks nothing with this situation.
DM Jan Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 1:58:01 AM
Plateau City -
The kitchen gets to work, and the housekeeper is on hand to order the running of baths and setting out of clean clothes if necessary.
Crow soon finds himself in one of the guestrooms on the second floor of the castle. It's secure enough if the door is kept locked. He is subdued, and wherever he is placed, is where he remains, sitting still, hands in his lap. There's no sign of an appetite, either.
Lunch is fruit, tomato and basil soup, crusty bread baked with rosemary, small roasted game hens, potatoes, asparagus, and cherry ice cream.
Dirt City -
In the meantime, Nick accompanies Tommy and Wentworth home. Two distraught parents and a curmudgeon of a grandfather are waiting. They all look immensely relieved to see the two boys.
Ve Mundr Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 9:12:40 AM
Ve nods to Valdor and escorts Crow to the guestroom. Valdor figures I'll be guarding him anyway. Wouldn't want to dissappoint him The Protector smiles inwardly to himself. A long way from the alley in such a short time. Ve enters the room with Crow and directs the man to a chair near a window. "I expect we can be civil."
Ve answers the door and directs the servant to use the small table to place the food. Ve serves Crow and then gets himself something. He lets Crow alone with his thoughts for some time and then pulls a second chair to the window and sits. "Crow." Ve speaks softly and and in compassionate tones. "Would you like to talk about it? Redemption is not beyond your grasp and the Lands of Rest could still be yours where your wife awaits."
Onrad Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 10:15:08 AM
Grasping at straws for sanity at this point, Onrad, perks up when he hears Ve's words to Crow.
"This might be interesting."
He seats himself, asks for some fresh squeezed juice and props his feet up on the next chair.
He watches Crow intently, confident in Ve's ability to handle this situation.
Valdor Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 3:01:58 PM
(OOC: Valdor's comment wasn't out loud Daniel, and Ve stood guard at Korrig's prison cell, hence his perception that Ve would probably stand guard over Crow, but he didn't ask or tell him to, nor would he attempt to order him like that)
Ve Mundr Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 3:57:08 PM
[OOC Oh I know. that was the point of Ve thinking what he was thinking. Ve was having a humerous moment. he kjknows that Valdor knows that he is going to be Crows shadow. just like Korrig. That was what the smiles inwardly part was about]
:)
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 8:35:27 PM
Cori moves off with the rest but stops long enough to move Amarth from her shoulder. She stares into the eyes of her friend for a few minutes and then nods her head. "Go have a little fun for once my friend...we both deserve it." She lets Amarth take off into the air and then moves inside the castle herself.
Her steps are heavy but she does make it to her room. Luckily there is already a hot bath drawn when she enters her room and she wastes not time in soaking it up. Her mind wanders and she knows that she has a letter to write. "My parents will flip." The thought brings a smile to her face and her laugh is in joy for once.
Amarth has taken to wing and though in some respects he is not a true bird, he flies off to have a little fun with the other birds. It is nice to be able to have a little fun for once and he plans to make good use of it.
Nick Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 11:57:22 PM
Without going into too much scary detail, Nick will try and explain to the halfling family that the boys did a very good thing. He'll also talk to boys and parents separately about what they've been through, and offer help, and a way of contacting him if necessary.
After that, he'll try and locate the local Alemi temple, or failing that, cleric, and explain the situation, asking them to keep a quiet eye on things, and also try and put it around that the boys aren't to be interrogated.
After that - he'll figure out how to get home. (And keep everyone posted via the earpiece.)
DM Jan Thursday October 4th, 2007 2:33:01 AM
Plateau City -
In a place such as Platinum Dragon castle, with its hot baths, good food, crackling fires, clean, pressed clothes and a quiet and efficient staff, it is easy to unwind and shrug off the lingering ghosts of an adventure, however troubling. Within and without, life marches on; hustle and bustle walk side by side with moments of quiet reflection.
Only in the guest room is a reminder of a possible future that could turn this life completely upside down. Tiny shards of dirt belonging to that future still lie beneath Crow's finger nails and cling to the man's thin garments. He carries a faint scent of metal and blood, a reminder of where he has come from, where the Dragons have been until this morning. Whether the man has nothing to say, is deep in thought, is in shock, or is using his silence as a shield, is anyone's guess. His eyes appear flat and disinterested until -
"My wife," he says quietly, his head lifting as Ve Mundr attempts some form of conversation. "It's all I wanted. To have her with me, again. It was the only thing I could think of - when she died. To get her back. Get her out of that... that bloody Woldsblood soup." He looks at Onrad and Ve (and any of the others who joined them after lunch). "You talk of redemption and lands of rest. You see, we never believed in any of that. Life comes and goes, and it's all tied up to the very source our power. "My wife always said that the so called 'Gargul' was the biggest lie in the Wold. I'm inclined to agree. I've met men who have been able to prolong their lives and wield immense power. Those in Mount Bone were among them. Masters of the Arcane." He sighs, although he seems slightly more animated, his eyes now have a slow fire burning behind them. His sentences seem a little disjointed. "You know, I almost had it. That so called divine magic - its like another language, but it still draws power. Had I more time.... but there's never enough time, is there. I had to make short cuts, and that's what led.... How many people did I kill? How many lives poured needlessly into the soup?"
At some point, Fabersham has mentioned to Valdor that Valdora and the twins are out, getting in some archery practice.
As for Amarth, there are rising thermals over the rooftops, endless scraps, fish heads and discarded meats to pick at amongst the markets, and plenty of territorial battles to get into with other flocks of avians. All part of a days work.
Dirt City -
Nick finds a cleric who reassures him that she'll keep an eye on the halflings.
Getting back to Plateau City proves easier and less expensive than he thought, and he is able to share a teleport with a wizard (a Star Guild member) he bumps into - oddly enough - at Crow's burned out place (where he'd been to get a last look).
Onrad Thursday October 4th, 2007 10:06:21 AM
Onrad starts to retort, but bites his tongue for the moment. Perhaps there is more to come.
But he still feels a need to communicate to Ve. So he gets a napkin and writes on it, folds it, and hands it to Ve.
The note says: ::confessed murder. getting a constable.::
Onrad then leaves the room.
He finds Valdor and any others in the vicinity.
"Crow is confessing to murder in there. I'm going for a Constable."
Onrad then runs outside, pops a flying potion, and makes a beeline for the nearby Constable Castle.
Mordrid Thursday October 4th, 2007 8:58:14 PM
Mordrid spends the afternoon relaxing and reflecting on the previous days. His responsibilities have lessened since Ve's introduction into the group. Someone else was present to be the ever watchful eye over the well being of Valdor and friends.
The ranger cleans up, and prepares to visit the palace dungeon, to check on Korrig. Maybe there would be news of his sentence?
Valdor Thursday October 4th, 2007 11:28:01 PM
Valdor enjoys a quick bath and asks the servants to prepare him another, for after lunch. He eats quietly, much apparently on his mind. He waits for everyone to finish before heading upstairs. He says,"I'm going to get some rest. My head is killing me with all of the different things we just witnessed and went through." He waits to see if Cori feels like joining him, although he really just wants to relax...for now.
Ve Mundr Friday October 5th, 2007 8:58:12 AM
Ve nods to Onrad as he quickly scans and pockets the note. "Belief is not required Crow and redemption is a temporal state as well as a divine state for those who wish to seek it. I can answer your wife's statement of Gargul. If she was implying he does not exist then, she was very wrong. If there were qualities and powers being attached through that statement, then I can not say as I do fully know the ramifications of those attachments."
"But I would ask 'What' did you almost have? You say life is all tied to the source of your power, yet you know of the Woldsblood and that souls of the dead are tied to it."
Nick Friday October 5th, 2007 4:30:00 PM
By roundabout way of conversation, Nick attempts to ask the mage about why he was showing an interest in Crow's place, while at the same time (hopefully) not giving too much away. Once back in Plateau City, he'll thank the man and return to Platinum Dragon castle.
DM Jan Friday October 5th, 2007 5:37:34 PM
To ensure that Valdor doesn't come out smelling like a rose, the staff have put essences of lavender and chamomile in his bathtub, instead. Both the scent, and the heat of the water go a long way toward putting the Dragonstone at ease and clearing his head, physically at least. A little further down the hall, Cori's pen draws precise, stylized script along thick, good quality parchment. There is a courtyard below, and from their open windows, they can both hear talk and laughter. It sounds like Valdora and the twins coming back from archery practice.
Across the hall, Ve continues his conversation with Crow after Onrad has left. The old man leans forward. "It's not just my power, young fellow, as you jolly well know. It's the power. Right beneath our feet, woldsblood, flowing beyond our eyes. And I'm not saying Gargul doesn't exist, merely that he isn't a God. Ever been in the Shadowlands? " he squints, giving the Protector a hard look. "Yes... perhaps you have. Does it sing to you? The blood? It sings to me." He barks out a laugh. "Heh! That's quite a siren song, eh? Who wouldn't be godlike after spending their life amongst all that? At the end of the day, a spell is a spell. It's the language that differs. I can give you an example of what I meant by 'almost had' if you gave me some writ - " He leans back and spreads his hands. "My apologies, you are my host, and I see you are a follower of Domi. despite what I've done, I don't consider myself to be an evil man, and I can see how this conversation might be uncomfortable for you. I've done enough damage."
Back in Plateau City, Nick doesn't have far to walk, as the Star Tower is right around the corner from Platinum Dragon castle. His conversation with the mage revealed the following: that the Star Tower had been keeping a distant eye on the old wizard, Crow. But as to why - the man wouldn't say any further. Not without a greater exchange of information. Also, the man told Nick that he'd overheard a rumour that Dirt City was under threat of an attack from the swamps. "Lizards, by all accounts. Not quite sure what to make of it, but I'm glad to be returning home. Not terribly civilized, this place. I dare say a few lizards running about wouldn't make a blind bit of difference."
At Sturtavent's Palace, Mordrid is escorted to Korrig's cell by one of the guards. There he finds his old foe to have recovered most of his wits, and appears to be in better spirits. He is clean shaven, and his hair is cropped close to his scalp. "To discourage lice, I'm told," Korrig says. "Game of chess, old man? Indulge me. I'm surrounded by buffoons." The guard rolls his eyes.
Onrad's appearence at Constabulary Castle also appears to be most welcome. At last. Some action. "How many men do we need?" asks the officer in charge. "Is he dangerous?"
As for Jus, Plateau City, the castle, lunch, and Crow are barely registering in his conscious mind. It happens occasionally, when Keiran wants his full attention. I wanted you to see this. His companion appears to be watching a lightning storm. Jags of blinding light are hitting the mountain side, and are accompanied by strong, percussive blasts of thunder. The dragon appears to be delighted at the display. You must show me how....
Corialote and Amarth Friday October 5th, 2007 7:35:32 PM
Cori worries over the letter for a good half an hour till she has what would be passable to her anyways. Setting the pen to the side she sprinkels some fine sand upon it and then shakes it off lightly. With a last look she seems a little disgusted for some reason and with a short flick of her wrist, dries the ink the rest of the way with a simple incantation.
Standing slowly she rolls up the parchment and then adds a drop of hot wax to seal it. Fidgeting with the ring upon her finger she finally stamps it shut with her house insignia. "Now to find Fabersham." She is soon down into the main hall looking for the man.
Amarth meanwhile is outside, partaking in the lower games of most birds. A few fights, a little mating dancing and finding a few new shinies to add to his nest. He returns through the open window to find his Mistress gone. So he takes the time to adjust his nest and add in the new trinkets. Maybe he would find himself a mate as well. At least he figured he could do all the normal things a regular raven could do...he would have to ask his Mistress about it.
Posting Report for Monday October 8th, 2007 9:20:24 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of October 1,2007
Name-----MTWTF DmJanH---XOXXX Valdor---XXXXO Mordrid--XOOXO *Miss 3 post Fr.Nick--OOXOX *Miss 3 post Dalia----OOOOO *Miss 5 post VE Mont--OOXOX *Miss 3 post Coralot--XOXOX Onrad----XOXXO Jus------OOOOO *Miss 5 post
Adm Ceil
Valdor Tuesday October 9th, 2007 10:38:47 AM
Valdor spends the rest of the day just relaxing. He hugs his daughter tight when she returns from practice. He decides to take her shopping after she gets ready and checks to see if Cori would like to join them. He chuckles when he thinks of the stares sure to come when he is seen walking around stores with Cori and his daughter acting like a normal person. He leaves his armor and swords, but always has his daggers within reach, strapped in a sheath around each ankle.
Mordrid Tuesday October 9th, 2007 10:44:41 AM
Mordrid asks all the typical questions of a disinterested man feigning interest. "How is the food? Is the bed commortable?"
Upon Korrig's offer to play chess, the ranger responds, "they allow you a chess board down here?" The ranger turns his head to one of the guards, raising a brow to show disapproval.
If the board is nearby, Mordrid will accept Korrig's offer; not to cure his foe's boredom, but as a display of machismo.
Ve Mundr Tuesday October 9th, 2007 12:33:28 PM
Ve smiles, a bit amused at Crow's apology. He had said nearly as much long ago and was nearly defrocked for it. Ve well understood the fevor and hard lined positions many of his comrades took. "Crow, I likely know the type of clerics and preists you have known in the past and I can assure I am of quite a different mind. Though I do think we should not start diagraming and writing again. That could lead us both to a very unpleasant place."
Ve takes a drink of the fruit juice, "Now as to the godhood of gargul, Domi and the rest. It really is a mortal creation of title to give form to a state we do not comprehend. From our understanding we are really just classsifying power. Us mortals, then Immortals, then Powers and at the pinnacle, the gods. Do not worry about offending or upsetting me Crow."
Ve pauses a moment and considers the man in front of him. Evil? Ve did not feel that, but obsessive to the point of destruction. Yes he was that. Time would heal emotional scars and the mortal memory is beautifully crafted to forget. Thus he will start down the same path. All the while telling himself, this time will be different, this time he will not allow himself to make the same mistakes. In the end it will lead to death and destruction. No Crow is not an evil man, but through him he would allow great evil to be wrought. By his own hand or those who would use him to thier own ends.
Ve quietly puts himself at ease with the decision that must be done. Another drink, "Crow you have not told about your wife. A happier topic of conversation of how you met perhaps."
Onrad Tuesday October 9th, 2007 7:23:48 PM
Onrad replies to the constable. "We'll handle any problems that arise if things get out of control. So bring whatever you would normally bring to secure a person who has confessed to murder.
"I will return and let the others know you're on your way."
Onrad flies back and starts informing people that the constables are coming for Crow and why. He does not let Crow know what is happening. No need to alert a possibly dangerous person before it is needed.
Nick Wednesday October 10th, 2007 1:47:58 AM
Nick walks around the corner from the Star Tower and toward the main gate of Platinum Dragon castle.
Earpiece: "I'm back. There was a Star Tower mage sniffing around Crow's old place, and they're playing their cards close to their chest and not giving anything away. I didn't tell them we had him. Not sure why...
Once inside, he walks up to where they have Crow in one of the guest rooms. "Mind if I join you?" he asks Ve, and Onrad if he's returned.
DM Jan Wednesday October 10th, 2007 2:59:40 AM
Plateau City - Platinum Dragon Castle
There's a moment, just a moment as Valdor goes downstairs and out into the courtyard, where he sees the twins stood beside his daughter, talking to her quietly; their manner, their expressions, utterly enthralled they are, by the young female stood in their midst. And for that moment she doesn't look like his daughter at all, but someone immensely more powerful and potentially more dangerous. If Cori is there, she is fully able to recognise the aura of a matriarch when she sees one. It's just a moment, and it's gone, and perhaps it's nothing more than a reminder of who her mother is as she runs to hug her father. The City awaits. There are a few stares, but nothing too obtrusive.
And while Amarth adds to a collection of sparkly objects that a small dragon would envy, both Onrad and Nick arrive back to the castle.
Ve and Crow are still talking. The old man has raised an eyebrow at Ve Mundr's leniency toward his observations about the Gods. The refusal to get into the workings of spells however, has left him temporarily floundering, as if his mind was utterly set on a thing, and now is struggling to change course. He blinks and shifts in his chair, until another subject is gifted to him, and then his face brightens.
"I met Ireyna when we were both apprentices at the Star Tower," he grins. "Ah, you should have seen her, she was a goddess, and I was a stumbling, stammering youth. She was brilliant. She was - " He frowns. "They were jealous, you know, at the Tower. Of her prowess, her intellect, everything. We were both thrown out on our ear eventually. Pure jealousy." He rubs away a tear. "Best thing that ever happened," he adds unconvincingly.
Meanwhile!
Four guards are on their way from Constabulary castle. And all four are full of speculation as to who they might be apprehending. It's been a quiet week. Heck, it's been a quiet month, so this little incident is most welcome. They'll be at PD castle in around 20 minutes.
Meanwhile!
As one scroll, marked by Cori's seal awaits delivery - another one arrives. It's from the Star Tower, addressed to the Dragonstone. The seal suggests some Star Tower bigwig.
Meanwhile!
The Mayor's Palace Dungeon -
Mordrid's disproval of the chess board is met with a guards apologetic, but 'anything for an easy life' shrug. Sitting down to a game in a magic-free cell - "Food's terrible, bed's uncomfortable, as it should be," says Korrig wrly as he pushes one of his pawns forward. "People get forgotten and are left to rot in here, from what I gather. Interest is lost, and so they fade." He glances up at Mordrid from the board. " Not an entirely auspicious way to end one's days, is it." There's a glint in his eye.
Onrad Wednesday October 10th, 2007 3:09:49 PM
Onrad sets up guard outside the dining room where Ve, Nick and Crow are until the constables arrive.
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday October 10th, 2007 9:37:20 PM
With her letter safely ready for delivery and in the hands of someone that she trusts, she goes to find Valdor. She is dressed simply now in a sleevless tunic and tight pants, with her knee high boots. The only bit of weaponry that she appears to be carrying is the dagger at her side.
Coming out into the courtyard she finds Valdor. As she watches Valdora she smiles and shakes her head. She glances to Valdor to see what he sees as he watches his own daughter. "She is going to command attention one day...or more than she already does." She is more than willing to accompany the two into town for a day of shopping.
As the wander through the shops she looks at a lot of different things, including a few items of more personal taste...though Valdor might like them. "So, what do you have planned for retirement." She flashes a grin as she loops her arm in his and then leans her head against his shoulder. "I wrote a letter to my parents and told them about you...I cannot wait to see how the react to the idea of me marrying you." There is amusement there as she speaks and she finds it nice to hear from herself.
Valdor d20=4 Thursday October 11th, 2007 11:54:12 AM
Valdor replies to Cori,"It would almost be humorous to see their reaction to you marrying a half elf. I think it would be good to meet them before such a ceremony. Does the drow society require approval from family in such things? Forgive my ignorance, you are the first drow I ever wanted to learn about. Most just wanted to slice me up or singe my hair with a fireball or ten."
Valdor is blissfully ignorant about the 'aura' of his daughter. He's just happy to see her happy and thriving away from her mother's temple. While shopping, he buys some necklaces and bracelets for her and Cori. He thinks ahead and pictures Cori in a wedding gown...with the stomach area cut out in it and sleeveless and smiles.
Onrad Thursday October 11th, 2007 1:13:44 PM
Onrad continues to guard. He's getting antsy though.
He struggles with the need to move around and forces himself to stand still.
::self torture::, he thinks to himself. ::I've finally lost it.::
Nick Thursday October 11th, 2007 2:08:51 PM
Nick is pacing slowly back and forth in the guest room, some way away from the window where Ve and Crow are sat talking. He's listening to the conversation, trying to figure out what is to be done. Just have him locked up and let the City decide? For what? Something the man did in the future? Something that hasn't happened yet? Is the Plateau City justice system geared up to deal with something like that? Having seen what was likely to happen if this man was let loose, Nick knows they can't just turn him out and leave him to his own devices. The man was obviously as nutty as a fruitcake.
The Star Tower involvement has him worrying, also. What did they want? Why was the mage over in Dirt City sniffing around? Were they after protecting one of their own? Or did they want to get their hands on his work? Maybe Cori could shed some light on it. She'd see the situation from a mage's point of view, and she might now more about the political machinations of that place. Every institution had them, even his own.
Was that Onrad he could hear, shifting about outside the door?
DM Jan Thursday October 11th, 2007 2:25:21 PM
The four constables arrive and are shown up to the hallways outside the guestroom. They salute Onrad. "A murderer, you say?" asks their leader. "Where's the body? Or should I say bodies?" he adds, bringing the more literal aspects of habeous corpus into play.
Cori's scroll goes out of the door via courier. The incoming scroll lies in a dish at reception.
Elsewhere in town, some of the local merchants rejoice as Platinum Dragon cash leaves the Dragonstone's hands, and at the Mayor's Palace, guards have gathered to watch two sworn enemies sit down to a game of chess.
Ve Mundr Thursday October 11th, 2007 5:11:45 PM
Ve tries to maintain a friendly countenance, but as Crow slips back into memory and reveals what lies there about himself and his wife, Ve's eyes darken. "Jealous you say? Perhaps some but surely not every wizard within the Star Mage out of jealous spite alone conspired to your down fall from the guild? Perhpas hundreds of years of wisdom beyong your own from the collective experience of the very mages works, your wife and you stood upon to elevate yourselves had taught them the road you seemed so firmly upon lead to disaster?"
Ve leans in slightly and in a far more grave tone and with darkening eyes he adds, "They were correct Crow. I have been to the end of your road. It is where we found you nearly flayed alive in a world of naught but stench of death. That was your end, so do not presume the Star Mage Guild expelled you and her over mere jealously. What lead to it?"
Ve glances at the door to the room, there was movment out there and Onrad was likely back. One eye flicks towards Father Nick. Nicholas, what to do about him? What would come would come, and Ve leaves that thought alone.
Onrad Friday October 12th, 2007 10:51:51 AM
Onrad answers the constables.
"The bodies are not here. I'm not sure we can obtain bodies. You'd better hear the story and then decide what you want to do. We will abide by your lawful decisions.
"Crow is in here."
He opens the door for the constables.
Valdor Friday October 12th, 2007 7:32:44 PM
Valdor heads back after a few hours of shopping. He heads to his workout room and has a light workout.
Cori Saturday October 13th, 2007 5:17:18 PM
Cori shrugs as she listens to Valdor. "Ultimately they really have no choice in the matter. To be honest, I was an outcast to them from the time that I could talk. Among my people they do not usually let deformed children live." Being this close to Valdor makes her feel safer than she does sometimes and the feelings she has for him allows her to be open with him. "Usually family is the deciding factor as position is a big thing in drow society and moveing up in position is prefered. I can guarantee you that they will not be happy with my choice and to be honest...I do not care." She finds that what she is saying is true. Her families feelings towards her have always been shunning and she has never really cared what they thought...she was broken to them.
Cori pays attention to a lot of the items that they pass and she even looks at a few, but she has never really been into the jewelry thing. She does allow for Valdor to buy her a lightly tooled necklace with matching earrings, that are of obvious elven make. She settles on a bracelet that is lightly accented with whirls that fit in well with her own tattooing. "So, have you told Valdora yet?" She glances to the young woman and wonders what she is going to think about all this. "I might be able to get my sister to attend the wedding...but my father will never submit to giving me away...maybe I should ask Mordrid if he would like the honors." It is hard to tell if she is serious or not...but it appears serious is most likely.
Mordrid Sunday October 14th, 2007 11:45:30 AM
Mordrid listens thoughtfully to Korrig, and counters with a pawn; trying to retake position of the center board.
"I understand how you must feel Korrig. There is nothing more I'd rather see, than you live til the end of your days, making a home and enjoying it's comforts. However, I don't really see that as an option. That's not really who you are is it?"
Posting Report for Monday October 15th, 2007 6:44:05 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragong For the week of October 8,2007
Name-----MTWTF DN Jan H-OOXXO Valdor---OXOXX Mordred--OXOOOS *OOPS Fr.Nick--OOXXO Dalia----OOOOO *OOPS VE Mont--OXOXO *OOPS Coralot--OOOOO *OOPS Onrad----OXXXX Jud------OOOOO *OOPS
Adm Ceil - The four OOPS Guys have forgoten where their PC was located??
Jerry Monday October 15th, 2007 12:46:24 PM
Checking in.
Ve Mundr Monday October 15th, 2007 8:44:21 PM
Check check
Corialote and Amarth Monday October 15th, 2007 9:50:49 PM
Checking in and trying to stay out of trouble. :)
Nick Tuesday October 16th, 2007 12:16:03 AM
Nick returns Ve's glance and offers a slight shrug. It sounded to him as though the man had varying degrees of memory about what they'd all just witnessed - OR - he was mad - OR - was exhibiting some signs of socio or psychopathy. Maybe there was a little of everything in there, all mixed in. Part of him wants to hand the guy over to Onrad's constables, although - a powerful enough mage could slip through their fingers, if he wanted to, he reckons.
DM Jan Tuesday October 16th, 2007 1:04:25 AM
At the castle -
Regret and defeat begin to re-register in Crow's countenance as Ve Mundr talks of disaster. And then he frowns. "What led to to it?" he repeats. He gives the Protector a hard look. "They didn't like where we were going. There were... incidents. Oh yes, and now you can all sit back now and congratulate yourselves. I admit, ultimately, my work went horribly awry. But - " he leans forward, focussed, intent, "- imagine. Being able to circumnavigate the so-called Gods. We're talking about life and death, and choosing one over the other. Look at me! I'm three hundred and forty two years old..." He breaks off and starts to sob.
The door opens and the four constables enter the room, followed by Onrad. They give a slight bow of deference to Nick and the Protector. They also see an old man in a chair by the window, crying his eyes out, and they look a little perplexed.
Downstairs, Valdor, Cori and Valdora have returned. Valdor heads off for a workout, and Cori and Valdora overhear two of the servants talking softly to one another as they drift past, their hands loaded with piles of laundry. "Those constables, they here for the wizard?" "I think so. What if he put up a fight, tho'? I'm glad we're down here instead of up there." Of course, Cori might remember how some of the matriarchies dealt with such things. After all, a male spellcaster? The affrontary of it. Chop of his hands and rip out his tongue, and that puts paid to that. Problem solved. "What's going on?" asks Valdora, all wide-eyed and glancing toward the stairs.
The scroll from the Star Tower addressed to Valdor is still in reception. Fabersham collects it and heads off to the gym.
At the Mayor's Palace, Lower Level, High Security Dungeon -
One of the guards craning his neck to get a look at the chess game says quietly to his comrades, "Okay, now if I were Korrig, I'd move out to the perimeter, try and control the game from the outside now that Mordrid's got the centre."
Inside the cell, Korrig does just that, his previous pawn having opened up the way for his bishop, he moves the piece diagonally toward the edge of the board. The move appears to be done in a distracted manner, while the man considers what the ranger has just said. He raises an eyebrow and looks up from the makeshift gaming table. "Home and comforts? It's certainly tempting, but no, you're right. I've never wanted to die easy after a boring, contented life. That's for merchants and their fat wives. Alas - " he leans back and strokes his shaven chin. "The fate awaiting me is probably worse. Being forgotten. It makes one wonder what all the past was for." Korrig looks back at Mordrid, in an attempt to read the bounty hunter's next move on the board, perhaps.
Complacency. Do I see it in your eyes, Mordrid? Do you think you have me? Do I look sufficiently resigned to my fate? True enough, I can't get out of here by myself, but... Time's given me most of my memory back. I'm owed. Considerably, in some circles. And there's more than one villain out there who may want to clear their debt by helping me get out of here. Of course there's the down side. If I'm left here to rot, maybe all debts would be considered cancelled. But then I'm not one for the down side, either, am I, my friend. The game isn't over, is it. Not yet.
((OOC - Guys, I'm off to the UK for a week. Jerry's picking this up in the meantime.))
Mordrid Tuesday October 16th, 2007 1:54:59 AM
The ranger nods as he leans back in his make shift chair. "To the perimeter? We're not playing checkers my old man."
The ranger responds by moving a side pawn to support the next ahead. His core pieces soundly protocting the rest from within.
"One thing you black fellows seem to forget. There are NO true friends on your side of the fence. You feed on each other when the path of resistance is too strong. You will be forgotten. If they don't testify against you first."
"Your life has been just like your last move. Outside the perimeter. Your bishop will be alone; either cut from the heard, or forced to retreat."
Mordrid eyes the man dangerously, "Chess; a fine game. The only one I know of that requires no random acts of fate; only the support of your friends behind you."
[Jan... have a fine trip, and tell those boys in the UK that we're not all bad.]
Valdor Tuesday October 16th, 2007 6:17:52 PM
Valdor stops when Fabersham comes into the gym. He smiles and says,"Have I told you lately how much I appreciate you and your hard work and loyalty? Well, I do very much my friend."
He takes out the message and reads it slowly.
Ve Mundr Wednesday October 17th, 2007 1:55:02 PM
Ve just looks at Crow, Of course we can sit back and congradulate ourselves. We were correct. It is what one does when facts bear out one's premise. Look at you indeed. The cost to circumnavigate the so called gods and what you wrought about yourself and to yourself.
"Yes Crow look at yourself. Look closely." Ve says very quietly as he sits back into his chair. As it stood now, Crow was not going anywhere and Ve had learned what he needed. Leaving Crow where he is at, Ve stands and walks to the Constables and Onrad, a hand beckoning Nick to join them.
"Not to be rude, but this man is far beyond the constables of this or any other city. The stage upon which this plays is simply too large and the Consortium should act directly here." Glancing at Nick and Onrad, Ve then looks to the other two men, "Apologies for needlessly bringing you here. Dismissed."
Ve turns his attention to his fellow dragons, assuming the men are already heading out.
Onrad Thursday October 18th, 2007 2:45:07 PM
Onrad motions for the guards to stop for a second.
"Ve, could I see you across the hall in the bar please?
"I brought the guard. I told you I was on the napkin. Did you read it? How can we supercede the law of this nation? How can we be judges for another person?"
Necessary Weaknesses [sub DM Jerry] Thursday October 18th, 2007 3:03:48 PM
Onrad talks to Ve in the bar. The servants, catching the serious tone of Onrad's voice quickly freeup the area and shut the doors shooing everyone somewhere.
The constables shrug at each other and end up waiting in the entrance antechamber.
-------
In the gym, Fabersham goes for a handkerchief and begins to weep. "Your words touch my soul, sir.
"Whatever shall I do now sir? When you are all going your separate ways for awhile?"
While hearing this Valdor reads the note.
It reads,
DRAGONSTONE,
IF YOU DESIRE, WE CAN ATTEMPT TO SET CROW'S MIND STRAIGHT WITH SOME PROCEDURES THAT WE HAVE. THEN HE'D BE FIT TO FACE THE COURTS AND THEIR JUSTICE. AT THE MOMENT, HE IS PROBABLY NOT COMPLETELY COGNIZENT. IF YOU WISH FOR US TO TRY AND HELP HIM, SEND ALONG ONE OF YOUR MAGES TO SUPERVISE OUR EFFORTS AND BRING CROW TO THE STAR TOWER.
WE WILL NOT BE OFFENDED IF YOU CHOOSE ANOTHER ROUTE WITH THIS TRAGIC SOUL.
ZACHEMETUS HIGH GUILDMAGE OF MAGICAL RESEARCH STAR TOWER
-----
In the prison, Korig retorts, "Of course, you'd even play chess as a hero. Grouping your men for mutual support, treating them as family."
"I view them as tools to get the job done."
And he moves his queen into the side of Mordrid's inner wall forcing him to kill the queen or risk his own queen, a rook or a horse. Players's choice.
"Protecting your pieces, to a fault, has always been a weakness of the Consortium. No offense. Just true. Probably a necessary weakness."
[Spot DC38 please Scott.]
----------
CDM Jerry Thursday October 18th, 2007 4:33:15 PM
I've sent out another email in the current thread about how you guys want to end up the game. Please reply and participate.
Corialote and Amarth Thursday October 18th, 2007 7:52:06 PM
Cori moves to her room as she is not needed right now. Once there she settles into an overstuffed chair and opens up a book that she has never gotten to finish. She sighs contently to at last have a little freetime to do more mundane things.
Amarth on the other hand has fallen asleep in his nest and dreams of different things. Foremost in his mind is the future and what it holds for him.
Ve Mundr Friday October 19th, 2007 7:21:22 AM
Ve moves with Onrad, nice to see the servants know when to not be around. Ve keeps silent until they are gone. "Yes Onrad, I read it. You informed me you were getting the Constables. I did not agree then and I still don't. How can we, quite simply really. We can because no other could. How can this nation hold the power of law over someone who is not her subject. Someone who committed no crime against her to which anyone can produce any evidence. It is our word against his and while I know that our word carries much I do not wish to set that prescendant in front of all. If the Dragons say you should be punished then as a lawful empire we will punish you. Too many are likely whispering about Crow already. It is our word and decision that will enact the courts as it is. Embroiling them into a charade of power in front of the people is unwise at best. I do not like to lecture or preach, but in this case I will. Crow should not be given over to authorities here or elsewhere. Like it or not we are his judges and we are the only ones who can judge him for what he has done and that we would include Tommy and Wentworth."
Valdor Friday October 19th, 2007 10:48:17 AM
Valdor walks in where Ve, Onrad, and Nick are "holding" Crow. He nods to the constables and says,"My apologies. We will bring this man to you in a short time. We still have some issues to clear up with him, however. Please return and have a cell prepared that can have no magical intrusion, entry or any other access other than one door. It needs to be comfortable for him and he should get the treatment of a noble. I will ensure that he is there in a few hours, or will send word if it will be longer."
He waits until they leave then reads the note to the others. He says,"I will ask Cori to see to this procedure and make sure they steal nothing from his mind that they could use. Mostly, I trust the Star Tower, but I rarely trust wizards...if you understand what I mean."
Posting Report for Monday October 22nd, 2007 6:59:44 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragon For the week of October 15, 2007
Name-----MTWTF DM JanH--OXOXO * going to London Tower Valdor---OXOOX * Bad Boy Mordrid--OXOOO * Bad Boy Fr.Nick--XOOOO * Bad Boy Dalia----OOOOO * Bad Boy VE Mont--XOXOX Coralot--XXOXO Onrad----XOOXO * Bad Boy Jus------OOOOO * A real Bad Boy
Adm Ceil
Onrad Monday October 22nd, 2007 11:56:27 AM
Onrad nods and then stops to think. "Yaknow, Ve, we're both impulsive. I should have consulted you when I left to get the constables instead of just doing it. You should have consulted me when I returned before just telling the constables I asked for to leave."
He stops again.
"I apologize for my part."
There is another awkward silence. Then the decision made, he perks up.
Ve, my friend, I'm going to clean up. Let me know if I can help."
He then bows and goes to his chambers.
Constables Leave [DM Jerry] Monday October 22nd, 2007 11:59:27 AM
The constables nod at Valdor and leave.
Onrad heads upstairs.
Cori reads a book.
Mordrid and Korig play chess.
What will happen next dear readers? Let us see!
[Let's get our posting going folks. ;) Sorry for missing Friday. Long weekend helping Stephen move to town from Charlie. But still my fault. Sorry.]
Ve Mundr Monday October 22nd, 2007 12:35:11 PM
Ve waits for the Constables to leave before saying anything. "I would have preferred the discussion Onrad, but not in front of the Constables. When you entered with them, I felt the best course was to dismiss them and then talk. Cooks in the Kitchen Onrad, Cooks in the Kitchen." Onrad exits and Ve looks to Valdor and reads the missive. His furrowing brow and general disdain for what he is reading is very plain upon his face.
"Face the Courts? Whose? The man has not actually committed any acts against any that we know of. That is the problem. No court should even entertain judgment over future actions. And exposing Crow to the Star Mages Guild just sits wrong. Exposing anyone to him I think a bad idea." Ve inhales and then decides to simply blurt it out.
"Crow needs to be killed. An unfortunate but necessary act."
Valdor Monday October 22nd, 2007 6:48:19 PM
A shadow creeps over Valdor's face, followed by a frown. He replies to Ve very quietly,"And what gives us that right? Are you so ready to kill an old man who really wasn't doing anything evil, he just go consumed by what he did and by others. I asked you and Nick to pray on this and cast divination type spells and I ask again. See if Domi has any answers about this and what will happen if we let the mages guild do their stuff. This is beyond us, and I will not be part of basically murdering an old man that probably has very little time left anyway."
Corialote Monday October 22nd, 2007 9:01:01 PM
Cori is snuggles in her chair reading still and enjoying herself very much. This tome is old and on a branch of magic that is long lost. It is unlikely that it will ever be rediscovered but it is kind of like a wizards fairy tale.
Once in awhile she reaches over and takes a sip from a cup of warm tea that she has at her side and nibbles on a sugar nut biscuit. For once she lets the others handle the problems of the Dragons...though she figures if she is needed, she will know.
Onrad Tuesday October 23rd, 2007 10:31:16 AM
Onrad gets cleaned up, but can't seem to enjoy it. Once dressed in more relaxing clothes, he comes back down and enters the bar.
He gets some juice and sits pensively watching what is happening in the hallway.
[Since Mordrid didn't post, there is no need for a DM post today. We'll just count this also as the DM post. Proceed gentlemen. :)]
Ve Mundr Tuesday October 23rd, 2007 7:49:26 PM
"Justice High and Low in the name of the Wold gives us the right. Like the family of a ursurper would need to be put down so the future generations would not be subject to continued aggression in the future with a illigitimate hier for those who would wish to overthrow the rightful lord could rally around. We must step forward and prevent anyone from following in Crow's footsteps. The star mages were waiting outside of the destroyed house, they now want Crow personally. Cori is not going to personally stand next to Crow for the reaminder of his natural life while the guild tries to correct him. I am not that stupid and niether are you. Human nature will take it's course and what we just did will need to be repeated. the next group might fail. It is not murdering an old man it is protecting your children and your line into the future. That future is still a very real possibility for as long as he lives. If I handed him a few books and materials he would pick right up where he left off. Domi and Alemi are not omipotent, they will not know what will happen if we turn him over. Nor do I, but I do know what the potential is."
Valdor Wednesday October 24th, 2007 10:29:18 AM
Valdor nods at Ve's words and replies,"I believe you and don't disagree. But I would still prefer, since the Gods were involved in this, for Domi or Alemi to at least give us their guidance in this issue before we kill anyone. This isn't a case where undead have erupted in part of the city and started terrorizing our citizens or a red dragon has attacked people who are our allies. Unfortunately it's not that clear cut and as we are soon to be retired, I really don't want our last act as the leading group of the Consortium to be a murder that was not necessary.
All I ask is that you or Nicholas, or both, commune with your God on this issue first, then we wil make a group decision on it and act on it. There will be no harm in waiting until you two have completed your spells and such a divination will lead us down the right path. It may be that they want us to do what you have suggested. It may be that they have another alternative that we haven't considered. I haven't asked for much from you since you came to us, but this I need from you."
Onrad Wednesday October 24th, 2007 10:34:30 AM
Onrad's mood gets him to reflecting on the past. His dad who never accepted him as equal to his older brother. His older brother who took over for dad in the winemaking business, but drunk himself to death before he was 30. His younger brother who tried adventuring, but didn't have the heart for it. His time with the Three.
--------- This counts as the DM post. Sending an email about posting.
Ahh, The Three. The precursors of the Storm Dragons. His mood changes when he thinks of how he met them....falling down a outside set of stairs right into their midst!
Gods I was clumsy back in those days!
Ve Mundr Wednesday October 24th, 2007 2:32:43 PM
Ve will agree with Valdor, he just wanted to be sure he knew where Ve was coming from on this matter. Barring divine intervention, which he is about to ask for, Crows fate is in thier hands and no one elses.
Ve will retire to prepare.
Mordrd d20=6 Wednesday October 24th, 2007 4:28:23 PM
[I am in Dallas and do not have my character sheet. I rolled a 6, and I am pretty sure that my spot check is not a 32 or better. If Jerry has my charadetr sheet, perhaps he could double check.]
Mordrid proceeds to take Korrig's queen with a knight, deciding not to risk his rooks, as they will be needed in the 'end' game.
No reponse is necessary to Korrigs rebuttle, so the ranger remains silent. Korrig did not think like a normal person.
Corialote Wednesday October 24th, 2007 8:32:45 PM
Cori sets her book to the side, after placing a bookmark in it for later. She has not been bothered for some time now and it bothers her a little. "Wonder what the others are doing." She stands slowly and looks to the sleeping Amarth and smiles.
Slipping out of her room she starts to wander the halls a little. Not really looking for anything or anyone particular, she is just checking on the others....and she is bored.
Ve Mundr Thursday October 25th, 2007 4:12:20 PM
Closing his room, Ve locks the door, recreates the extra dimensional mansion like before and enters. He takes a hot bath, has some food and drink and relaxes with his personal journal and book of Domi for a little reading before going to sleep.
Nick Thursday October 25th, 2007 11:29:51 PM
Nick's eyes shift towards Ve for a moment as his friend and colleague speaks frankly. Killed. He's shocked. By the blessed Alemi, would it come to that? Would it? The old wizard was a liability, there was no doubt about that. But killed... His hand rises toward his own face, and subconsciously, he rubs the bridge of his nose and screws his eyes shut. A familiar gesture. Well, he couldn't exactly express outrage at the suggestion, despite his own official temple mandates about the preservation of life. Not after they'd already dispatched that boy at the Gargul temple. Onrad's hand, yes, but he'd stood and watched. Killed. Kill one, save thousands. Alemi guide my hand...
He blinks and clears his throat as Valdor talks about guidance. "Well, it certainly can't hurt," he says. "I'll go and prepare, also." And off he goes.
DM Jan Friday October 26th, 2007 12:13:21 AM
((Back. Thanks Jerry!))
Cori leaves her room and sets out at a slow pace to rejoin the others. She passes various members of staff, going about their business. The smell of the earlier lunch has given way to drifting scents of wood polish, and, as she walks past a staff member scrubbing stair steps - carbolic soap. Then there's the smell of parchment and old leather as another walks by carrying a stack of books toward the library. A stack of books... She passes the doorway to the bar, where Onrad sits, a contemplative expression on his features, and, up some steps, a short distance away is Valdor, talking to the two clerics. All three look to be in a sombre mood. There is an opened scroll in Valdor's hand. Dangling from it is a broken Star Tower seal. A stack of books. Well, she was reading, earlier. Both Nick and Ve break off from Valdor and head off toward their rooms. Books. Crow's notes. From his Dirt City hovel. Didn't she still have those?
Downstairs, the constables head back outside and toward their stronghold. No magic. A place for a noble. It will be seen to.
As for Crow, he is inside the guest room. He is now stood, and is looking out of the window toward the park gardens and the gladiator arena beyond.
((Clerics, post your preparations and questions, please.))
Meanwhile! Over at the Mayor's Palace Dungeon...
Korrig leans back and strokes his clean-shaven chin as his queen is taken. Hmmm, anticipated. And you could learn a lot about a man via his chess moves. Not that he'd much else to learn about this particular opponant. Why the silence, Mordrid? Run out of bluster? What if all those friends of yours were no longer there to hold your hand? A smile flicks quickly across his face, and disappears. There were dozens of contracts out on the Dragons. Dozens. It came with being famous, one supposed. High profile. Whoever could take the likes of Valdor down, etc etc etc. Someone might get lucky, you sanctimonious XXXXX. Then what? You'd still come after me? Or would you be more amenable to negotiation? You can take a man out of Osto, but you can't take Osto out of the man. Was that how the saying went? Korrig leans forward and makes a defensive move, back toward the outside. An invitation to follow. He nods toward the guards. "Rumour has it, Valdor is retiring soon. You doing the same? Getting too old for all this?"
Valdor Friday October 26th, 2007 12:51:10 AM
Valdor watches Nick and Ve head toward their rooms and smiles. 'What a contrast,' he muses silently. 'Both are good men, great companions, but have very differing approaches to life and resolving things.'
The large warrior shrugs his shoulders and turns to go to his room. He stops, deep in thought, then turns to find Cori and show the scroll to her. When he finds her, he kisses her on the forehead and opens it for her to read. He then asks,"What do you think? Are they sincere, or do you think it's a plot to get inside his head and learn how to do some of the things Crow did?"
Corialote Friday October 26th, 2007 5:53:49 PM
Cori accepts the kiss and then takes the scroll lightly from his hands. He eyes scan it, but you get the feeling that every word sinks in no matter. "Like any organization...there are those of good bent and bad." She rolls the edge of the parchment between her fingers for a few minutes and shrugs. "It could be a bit of both...there are some in the Guild that study the darker matters and there are those that will not even touch them." As she hands the note back to Valdor she looks around and then shakes her head.
For the briefest of instants her face takes on a darker tone and bits of her old life flood back. "He could very well disappear..." Her suddenly dark eyes find Valdors and there is not joy or merriment in them. "...permanently." There is such finality to her words that for an instant it would be as if she was back among her people...the matriach speaking of keeping herself in power.
Mordrid Sunday October 28th, 2007 3:50:16 PM
Mordrid pushes his chair back. Rising to his feet, he nods to the guard that he is done.
"Well Korrig, as much as I would like to stay here and waste the day with you. I must be going. There are more important matters to attend to." Although the ranger speaks pleasantly, his words are ment to hurt Korrig.
Mordrid issues a command to the guards, "no one is allowed to play chess, or in any other way fraternize with the prisoner. Also, If I hear that he is receiving anymore news from the outside world, there will be hell to pay. Is that understood?" The ranger locks eyes with the ranking guard, until he gets an affirmation.
Turning back to Korrig, "Enjoy your stay."
On his way out Mordrid stops by the dungeon master's office. He makes a strong case that Korrig's guards should be changed.
Mordrid heads back to the castle.
Posting Report for Monday October 29th, 2007 7:40:45 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of October 22,2007
Name-----MTWTF DMJerry--XOOXO DMJanH---OOOOX Valdor---XOXOX Mordrid--OOXOOS * Bad Boy Fr.Nick--OOOXO * Bad Girl Dalia----OOOOO * A Realy Bad Boy VE Mont--XXOXO Coralot--XOXOX Onrad----XXXOO
Adm Ceil - Where did Klinger go??
Onrad Monday October 29th, 2007 10:53:33 AM
Onrad moves out into the hallway with his juice.
"What ya got there Valdor?"
Corialote Monday October 29th, 2007 11:35:53 PM
Cori glances up when she hears the voice of Onrad speaking to Valdor. It appears that he is carrying a glass of juice and she is suddenly thirsty herself.
Since Valdor appears to be thinking things over she hands the note to him. "The Star Mage Guild wants to question the mage...try and help him." She still is not sure if it is a good idea and she wonders if the mage could get lost soon. Without even really thinking about what she is doing, she pops the knuckles on both her hands as she flexes them.
Nick Tuesday October 30th, 2007 1:03:19 AM
Troubled about the fate of Crow, Nick nods at Ve and heads off to his own chambers. Once there, he prepares incense and a small bowl of chamomile leaves, and settles, going over questions he might put to Alemi during the divination. Getting into the required frame of mind comes easy despite his anxiety, after years of practice.
Blessed Alemi, having witnessed a terrible future at the hands of the mage, Crow, will that future still come to pass if we leave him alive?
DM Jan Tuesday October 30th, 2007 2:03:33 AM
The air is dry and full of static as Mordrid leaves the Lord Mayor's palace and heads back toward the castle, having made sure Korrig's security is somewhat tightened up. The atmosphere seems tight and heavy, as though anticipating a storm. Odd, really, because the sky does not carry the usual array of dark clouds. Nevertheless, people on the street seem unnerved, occasionally glancing up at the sky before heading home at a swift pace; a stray dog howls, birds fly under the eaves of houses to huddle in their nests. The only anomaly - a small cloud of flies rising from the gutter, spiralling up in perfect formation, around and up. They are joined by others in the spiral; to them the oppressive sky is something to celebrate. A ranger's eye will note the lack of moths, butterflies, bees and plant-eaters. Here are the bloodsuckers and mavens of the refuse piles - disease-carrying flies and gnats, blood wasps and the like.
Ahead, at the castle, despite the afternoon sun, everything seems so dark...
Inside the castle, Nick and Ve have just settled down to their divinations, Onrad is walking towad Valdor and Cori, glass in hand. Abruptly, the glass shatters into endless fragments that fall and skitter across the floor. Juice splatters on the polished marble. Blood begins to ooze from a small cut on the duellist's finger.
Then all heck breaks loose. There's an explosion down at the main entrance, others from elsewhere in the building, closely followed by an intense crackling, like lightning, coming from all the windows and some of the interior doors. Valdor will recognize the signs. It appears as though every magical safeguard and trap in the castle has been tripped. Through the open doorway of the guest room holding Crow, it can be seen that the room has turned as black as pitch. A large, ugly black fly drifts indolently in the darkened doorway.
In their rooms, deep in a divinitive trance and psychically vulnerable, both clerics experience a sharp jolt, and what feels like a firm, mental push from a benevolent, protective hand. No further, the hand seems to say. Danger.
Onrad Tuesday October 30th, 2007 9:23:36 AM
What in all that's holy!!??
Onrad's rapier is out and he rushes into the Dining Room where Crow is supposed to be.
----------- [nice Jan! Its what we needed.]
((Thanks, Jerry! The NPC isn't in the kitchen, tho', LOL. Pay attention, double oh, seven.))
Mordrid (Longstrider) Tuesday October 30th, 2007 3:57:56 PM
Mordrid always enjoyed the static air before the storm. It seemed to charge his batteries.
However, his envigorating walk is all together interrupted by what appears to be an ominous turn of events.
By force of will that only a ranger can match, he casts 'Longstrider' , and makes all due haste toward Platinum Castle. The strange energy at large seemed to be focusing on that area.
He takes one last look back toward the building sitting above Korrig's Dungeon; hoping this had nothing to do with the prisoner.
Corialote Tuesday October 30th, 2007 9:13:24 PM
Cori is dressed in what passes for street clothes for her, which is almost all her normal adventuring gear. With the sudden sounds of explosion, her hands slip into the pockets of her pants...coming back out holding a pair of wands. "You know...is one day too much to ask for without any problems." Despite her response you get the idea that she is still enjoying herself.
DM Jan Wednesday October 31st, 2007 12:44:54 AM
((I'll post tomorrow morning.))
Valdor d20+32=33 d20+32=43 d20+27=36 d20+22=29 d4+17=18 d4+17=20 d4+17=21 d4+17=19 d4+17=19 Wednesday October 31st, 2007 1:04:26 AM
Valdor instantly dives into the room where Crow is. Using all of his focus and abilities at fighting blind, he doesn't hesitate as he flings dagger after dagger from his magical sheath at the spot Crow is sitting. He knows that is the reason for this attack and wants to end this before Crow gets taken.
He yells out and into his earpiece for those who are not present,"They must not take him alive! Or dead, for that matter!"
(Used hero point on first attack:hit AC 43, 43, 36, 36, 29 for 97 points of damage. Magic daggers that if first hits, second is automatic, if third hits, fourth is automatic, then fifth-they magically return to sheath for next round)
Onrad Wednesday October 31st, 2007 10:56:04 AM
::will check in later::
Nick Wednesday October 31st, 2007 11:28:36 AM
Pushed back out of his trance, Nick is disoriented, but scrambles to his feet as fast as he can. An attack on the castle? Surely not? Who would dare? But what would be so powerful to disrupt his divination? What were they in danger from?
Earpiece: "Ve, you safe?"
He shakes his head, blinks, then sets off back toward the guest room holding Crow, assuming he's the reason for all the fuss.
DM Jan Wednesday October 31st, 2007 12:18:38 PM
During the time taken for five human heartbeats....
Looking out of the window, toward the park that separates Platinum Dragon castle from the gladiator arena, Crow is contemplating his future. Fear, sorrow, self-admonishment - all cry out to be heard in the maelstrom of his mind, busy, busy, busy as it is with calculations and analysis - what went wrong, what went right; questions leading to possible answers; the solution - there but elusive, like a moth on the wing in darkness.
He feels the percussive hit at the front entrance and turns, startled. Everything goes black. He starts to panic. A cry for help is ready to burst from his lips. But then his mind stills, becomes quiet, for the first time in years.
Calm yourself. I can help you. I have a place for you, a new place, a place where you can continue your work. It lies in between worlds, Crow - where you can do no harm to the living Wold. It is a place for those who seek the truth. The truth through pain, the truth through suffering. And you have never been far from pain and suffering, have you, Crow. You know what it takes, what it will take, to discover the secret, to get your wife back. I can give you everything you need. You will need to die, of course, and I can't assist you with that, but I can promise you the afterlife of your dreams, and freedom. Freedom to continue your work. Freedom to search for your wife. All you have to do, is say yes.
Crow manages to get the word out in a whisper. "Yes....."
Just in time, before multiple daggers slam cruelly into his narrow frame, into his heart, his lungs and his liver. Their kinetic force spins him around and he falls, pushing back the small table and sending a chair skittering across the room.
Through dying eyes he sees the light returning to the room, and faces hovering... He has one final breath.
--------------------
Outside, Mordrid finds grim-faced guards securing the perimeter. Their captain looks mystified. "The alarms were tripped, but no one has gone in, or come out for that matter. We don't understand it."
Valdor's instructions rattle through the earpiece.
Inside, on the corridors, some of the staff are huddled against the walls. Some look frightened, others are finding weapons, convinced of an attack. Somewhere, Fabersham can be heard, barking out instructions.
Cori can see both Onrad and Valdor disappear into darkness, then reappear as the room beyond regains its light, as though a curtain has been drawn back.
Crow is on the floor, his torso bristling with Valdor's daggers. Blood doesn't spurt, it oozes, from an already stilled heart. The old man smiles. "Koshe Marr," he whispers, and then dies.
Both Nick, Ve, and any other of the clerics resident in the castle will sense that a god has been here on this day. And all around the city, clusters and bizarre formations of flies break rank, and go on their merry way.
Ve Mundr Wednesday October 31st, 2007 3:11:27 PM
Ve pulls his hammer as he is snapped from his prayers and reading. Moving to his feet and stumbling as he does so. His body reacting more out of habit than conscious control. His mind was already onto what it only could be and he was too far to be of any matter to what transpired in the castle at this point. Should have put an end to it when he had the chance.
Hearing Nick over the earpiece, Ve responds, "No, but worry not." Picking up his equipment he steps out and dismisses the mansion and makes his way to where Crow had been left.
Entering the room, his face solem he looks at Crow and takes a knee. "Valdor, if you haven't yet, destroy the timepiece." Ve stands, turns on his heel and exits the room heading towards Father Nicholas.
Valdor Wednesday October 31st, 2007 11:31:44 PM
Looking down at Crow's body, Valdor frowns. He has no idea what just happened and isn't sure that the fight is over. He moves to Crow's body, then Ve enters. When the cleric moves to stand he says,"I guess you were right. He had to die. We need to make sure noone else is around. And the timepiece will be destroyed soon."
He doesn't really know what to do now. He says into his earring,"Mordrid, Crow is dead. I think someone or some group tried to take him, so I has no choice but to kill him. I'm standing guard with Onrad. See if there are any other rooms broken into, my brother. Then we need to talk if all is clear."
He turns his back to Onrad and Cori, but they glimpse a tear streaking down his face at what he feels he had to do.
Nick Thursday November 1st, 2007 11:14:26 AM
If Nick passes any of the staff on the way to the guestroom, he'll try and reassure them and tell them to get to safety. The sense of something godly in the air has him confused.
"Blessed Alemi, what walks among us?" he asks. (Casting DETECT EVIL)
He sees Ve leaving the room and approaching. He'll take a look in the room and notes Valdor's distress. "What's happening?"
Valdor Thursday November 1st, 2007 2:22:14 PM
Valdor takes a deep breath, then steps back, allowing Nick a view of Crow and all the puncture wounds in him. He says quietly,"It happened too quick. The alarms and traps went crazy, everything went black, and I knew that someone was coming for him to get his knowledge...so I killed him before they could get him because that was all I could do without my armor and weapons.
I heard him whisper 'yes', just before my daggers flew. Then, with his last breath, he smiled and whispered 'Koshe Marr' and then died. I killed an unarmed man who had no chance to face justice. I am an idiot."
Mordrid Thursday November 1st, 2007 2:41:19 PM
Mordrid replies, "I'll take care of it Valdor."
The ranger immediately begins recruiting whatever birds present in the area, asking them to please let him know if anything or anyone leaves beyond the castle walls.
Dashing inside, he goes straight to the foot of the main stairs to track any unknown footsteps coming or going. 'Damn Flabersham for being so effecient. The black marble floor is polished, and the red rug gracing the line of march is clean as a whistle.'
Still, the ranger spends the remainder of the turn closely checking this area.
Corialote d20+34=47 d20+34=47 Thursday November 1st, 2007 8:43:50 PM
Cori moves into the room and then to the body. There is a eerie feeling in the air, though she is not sure what from. It makes the hairs on the back of her neck stand up and she sucks in a breath as Valdor speaks. Her own voice is little more than a whisper. "Did you say Koshe Marr?" There is true fear in her eyes as only the most foolish of mages deals with the powers that are there.
She backs slowly away from the body a little bit of fear still showing in her eyes and stance. "May Alemi and Domi watch of the Wold." Her voice is still little more than a whisper and it is because of the nightmare stories of Koshe Marr.
[knowledge(arcane) and (history): 47/47]
DM Jan Thursday November 1st, 2007 11:54:02 PM
Outside and at the main entrance -
The swallows were having a field day, with flies that, temporarily at least, seemed distracted and were therefore easy to catch. Most of them having had their fill, the birds are content to line the gutterings and battlements, watching over the castle with their darting, beady eyes. Everything is in view from up here. Just inside the entrance, a large vase of flowers has been knocked over, and white plaster dust from the ceiling has scattered along the marble floor. No footsteps, and nothing in the lie of dust to suggest that anything passed and caused it to drift. Two girls in staff livery are rushing forward with brooms. They grind to an abrupt halt as Mordrid appears and stand there, their heads down, embarrassed, at the mess presumably. A short distance further in, a puzzled Fabersham tells the ranger, "Sir, the wards went off in the kitchen and in some of the upper rooms, and out at the stables, too. All at the same time. It doesn't seem possible."
Upstairs, Valdor, Onrad, Cori, Ve and Nick are in the vicinity of the guest room. Already beginning to darken, Crow's blood is slowly seeping forth and is beginning to soak into the weave at the edge of a finely woven wool rug.
Nick's 'detect evil' allows him to perceive what's left of an etheral 'footprint'. Nothing tangible in terms of shape, but it seems familiar, reminding him of his god, Alemi, only it's backwards - an opposite perhaps. Evil? Yes, and it's fading fast, its owner very likely gone.
Elsewhere it would appear there is no hint of any further mischief going on.
Valdor's utterance of the name Koshe Marr brings up some not-so-fair memories and recollections on the subject. Marteaus's testing grounds, fraught with horror and danger. Those who go in hardly ever come out, and if they do, they are never the same, never whole, as though a piece of them always remains in that awful place. A land of madness and pain, where key disciples put the unfortunate through trauma and agonies that are near impossible to bear.
Ve Mundr Friday November 2nd, 2007 8:18:30 AM
Ve gives a slight shake of his head to Valdor, "It was a being of divine power. I'm sure Father Nicholas felt it as much as I when Domi shielded me." Ve's face screws up into one of a man planning to do something very well thought of as foolish by rational thinking sentients.
Valdor Friday November 2nd, 2007 10:10:07 AM
Valdor smiles and puts his arm around Cori and says,"Oh, that place is scary enough all right. But it's not as bad as everyone thinks. Mordrid and I went there twice. Remind me to tell you about it. The seond time we killed this super powerful vampire and I almost took over his spot in that cursed realm. I grew like six arms and was doing some really weird stuff. If his spirit has gone there, then we have no fear of him coming back here."
When Ve voices what happened, he asks,"So was it the Usurper then? That would make sense, as no group of mages or clerics or warriors could have entered our castle like that. Crow with Marteaus...they deserve each other."
He finds a blanket to wrap Crow's body in, takes it down to the dungeon area, finds a bunch of hay and wood, builds a pyre in one of the rooms of solid stone that has vents for air and smoke to escape and burns Crow's body. He makes sure that it is completely incinerated, and that not even his bones are left.
Mordrid Friday November 2nd, 2007 11:46:57 AM
Mordrid scratches his head as Fabersham tries to explain the order of events.
Meanwhile Mordrid views Valdor coming down the stairs with a wrapped body.
"Funny. I didn't even know we had 'rooms of solid stone that has vents for air and smoke to escape.'" ; )
Onrad Friday November 2nd, 2007 11:48:48 AM
Onrad, finally overcoming his shock, which is a rare thing for him to be frozen like that for so long.
"I couldn't move! I couldn't act! Felt like....a god."
Silently he thinks to himeslf...
Then cryptically he adds, "So this is how it ends this time. With a bang and a mystery. Well, the Emeralds can handle things for sure.
And to be honest, I think I was under some illusion that all our problems would magically be solved at the time we left active service.
Wow."
There is silence for a moment and then:
"By the way folks, we're due Monday in the Giggling Ghost. I know some of us don't want a party for our retirement. The reminder that this is an ending hurts. And I haven't been in this group as much as most of you.
"I guess it is a final responsibility in a way...
"Well anyway, I am excited about the wedding! I wonder what dragon or demon will arrive to spoil it."
He grins at Valdor.
"We can only hope!"
Ve Mundr Friday November 2nd, 2007 11:08:03 PM
Ve nods to Valdor, "I believe so. Yes." aftera pause of thought, "Not sure I like the fact those two will be in such close contact. Valdor, I will be fully documenting my account with Crow. I will deliver one copy to the Talons and one to the Knights. They should be made aware of this case fully." He alters his mood with a smile to the man then, "If you will excuse me, I have a few other things I need to attend to as well on a more personal level." Ve gives a short bow of his head to father Nicholas and leaves.
Posting Report for Monday November 5th, 2007 7:57:44 AM
Game #1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of October 29,2007
Adm Ceil - I think that this is my last reports on the Platinum Dragons Game.
Nick Monday November 5th, 2007 12:20:33 PM
Nick certainly agrees with assertions that Marteaus has paid them a call, and he thinks the idea about passing on information to two of the other, senior adventuring groups is a good idea.
He shadows Valdor, as the Dragonstone walks away with the body of Crow, following discreetly, not wishing to get in the way. He'll offer a blessing, and pray to Alemi. The dead are dead, it's the living that concerns him.
This has been a dirty business. In matter of fact, the last few adventures have been tainted with more evil than he would have liked. But that was part of the deadly game, wasn't it. no one came out smelling like a rose.
DM Jan Monday November 5th, 2007 12:54:12 PM
Crow's body turns to ash, consumed by the flames. All that remain are Crow's notes and the small time machine. Destroy those and that particular path to the future is no more.
Other, difficult paths lie ahead, of course, just as they always have, carpeted with the raw bones of blood and death, monsters and cruelty, politics and lies. And for those who choose to walk them, or find themselves wandering along them unawares, their lives will be forever touched by what they see and do on their journey; some for the better, some for the worse. And so it goes.
As for the Platinum Dragons, on the eve of a much more pleasant occasion, perhaps it is time to step back. The paths bear the signs of their passage, where the mists of terror have been held back, where light appears amidst the gloomiest trails, and where some of those lurking evils give pause, lest it becomes their turn to run, hide, or be destroyed. And where the Dragons have gone, others will follow. Just as they always have.
Yes, time to step back and explore the trappings of a 'normal' life. Time to remember friends and family. Time to let go and find peace...
((OOC - Handing over to DM Jerry. Thanks guys, for being such great players. You make DMing a joy, as always.))
CDM Jerry Monday November 5th, 2007 2:09:54 PM
...and thus dear readers does this very rich set of tales end.
May the Platinum Dragons always be in real life, the heroes that they were in fantasy.
Selah.
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We now move to the Giggling Ghost where we will celebrate this ending.
An email is forthcoming about rolling up character sheets for the new game. I have some information for you to help you in that regard.
The first Monday after the Giggling Ghost stuff ends, we'll start the first module of the new game, titled: Fort Silence.
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