HEAR YE! HEAR YE! - DM Donna Monday May 13th, 2013 1:46:44 PM
The business side of adventuring is still being tended to by the various heroes, but life (as always) goes on even as they do so. For all the past week or so, the word has been spread throughout the area about a Very Important Town Meeting that is to take place at the All-Gods Temple this very evening. It is very easy for the adventurers to discern that something Very Important is going to be the topic of discussion, because the notification for all the citizens to attend this meeting has been broadcast using not only posters but also handbills, town criers and even a few messengers on horseback!
Cyniq has at least a healthy suspicion about what the topic of this Very Important town meeting is to be, since she had (quite logically) offered to help build a proper Court of Law/Justicar's residence by utilizing some very useful magic she has in her spellbooks, but the Dwarven Contingent of the Town Council has told her to belay her plans, as they (and the Stonehelm Company that sponsors Bryn Baraz) have plans of their own that are soon to be revealed.
Today is the day of the meeting, and Hope (the Innkeeper's daughter) is serving up a nice supper before everyone is supposed to go off and see what all the mystery is about. This would be the perfect time for Cyniq to share what little she knows (if she feels like it...)
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Monday May 13th, 2013 2:58:46 PM
OOC: I've decided to forego the belt upgrade for now and opt for a wand instead. Going back to the catacombs. Will post there.
IC: Alexi spends time with the temple clerics and visits with Ravael and family, making sure they are being properly taken care of. He also sends a few young men out to the range to make sure it and the animals are being seen too, fed and watered and such.
He then steps into the portal to the catacombs with his bag 'o gold.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Monday May 13th, 2013 4:58:02 PM Isn't Hope the name of the innkeeper daughter in Cthonia?
Dusting some pencil shavings from her drawings, Cyniq heads for the inn and a long overdue meal before the town meeting.
She takes her time walking to the meeting place, taking the opportunity to listen to the small talk of the town folk.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Monday May 13th, 2013 7:21:49 PM
OOC: perhaps, but Hope is also the name given to the innkeeper's daughter here by the previous DM.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Monday May 13th, 2013 9:12:36 PM
Alexi pops back from the Catacombs carrying a narrow rectangular box with a fancy stick in it. At supper, he shows the wand to his friends.
"I've purchased us a Wand of Resist Energy. With this magic, I can protect us a bit from such spells as the gnome kept sending us."
Between bites he asks if anyone has heard what all the whooplah is all about to bring every one to a meeting. "I've never seen anything like this before. Must be something big. Real big."
Keela Monday May 13th, 2013 11:52:24 PM
[OOC: Yes, Hope is the name of the innkeeper's daughter in both Cthonia and Bryn Baraz. Because that's not confusing at all.]
Keela eats supper with her husband, but they come to the inn afterward for a mug of ale and a heaping helping of gossip. Keela doesn't hear anything new, though. Big meeting, things to discuss.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Monday May 13th, 2013 11:54:40 PM
Else yawns as she trundles down the stairs of the inn, having enjoyed a very restful night's sleep. She smiles at the smell of breakfast wafting through the common room and seats herself at the table. "So any guesses as to this super-secret-hush-hush meeting? I think they are going to announce Bryn Baraz is now an anarchistic commune. What do you think?"
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Monday May 13th, 2013 11:59:01 PM
Sesha spends her week in the company of various people. When company is offered, she accepts. When it is not, she spends her time in quiet communion with Pot-Pot and Little Spirit.
On the morn of the town meeting she finds a spot near the meeting place and waits, wondering who she might run into first.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Tuesday May 14th, 2013 12:00:04 AM
ooc:Else, with Anrete's modification to his request, could you have finished either the major or minor head band?
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 34), DR2] Tuesday May 14th, 2013 2:41:39 AM
Anrete spends his time at the kitchen giving comments and advice on Hope's cooking, generally making a nuisance of himself among the kitchen staff.
However, the big sword strapped across his back tend to keep the complaints to the minimum.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Tuesday May 14th, 2013 8:14:10 AM
ooc: @Sesha - Since Anrete amended his request from an amulet of NA +3 to an amulet of NA +2, that drops the crafting days from 8 to 3. That gives me a maximum of 7 days of crafting, so I could have finished a lesser Vedik's circlet of focus in that time. Sounds fine to me.
Old Business, New Business - DM Donna Tuesday May 14th, 2013 12:52:45 PM OOC: @Else: Please confirm exactly what you've managed to craft at the end of the down-time period by posting on this board.
The last of the captured booty has been sold off and/or given to the town's militia for their use, and Alexi shows off his newest Catacombs acquisition with no small amount of pride. The group's newest member, Else, also has items to display, proving that she is a very industrious sort of companion.
The scuttlebutt about the town includes the following snippets of gossip:
"Madra had a baby last month...but the child has blue eyes while both of the official parents have brown..."
"Jillian (the miller's daughter) has been seen in the company of Barran (the grocer's apprentice)..."
"Noises can often be heard coming from the Vynnyls' cottage at night. They fight like cats and dogs..."
"There has GOT to be a water elemental supplying the spring and stream that run through the town!"
"Valdor Dragonstone is coming to Bryn Baraz--but keep it quiet...it's a secret!"
"The Stonehelm Company is being sold to another mining conglomerate. We're all gonna be replaced with slave labor...!"
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Tuesday May 14th, 2013 4:31:18 PM
ooc: I am listing the actual elapsed time in parentheses for the magic item creation.
I have upgraded an amulet of natural armor +1 to an amulet of natural armor +2 for Anrete in 3 (1.5) days.
I have crated a lesser Vedik's circlet of focus for Sesha in 5 (2.5) days.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Tuesday May 14th, 2013 10:11:07 PM
Alexi pays little attention to the gossips and chuckles at the mention of a water elemental supplying water for the stream. He has seen the underground rivers of cold, cold water beneath the mines and all the original townsfolk saw them too.
The 'fight like cats and dogs' story reminds him how marriage can turn out to be and Alexi shudders a little, thankful its not him, yet.
"Yeah, I bet Stonehelm sold it to Al Mathir, just for grins," he mumbles.
He pulls out a couple of other things he got at the general store. "This Tanglefoot Bag may come in handy when we meet that gnome again, and I got another Thunderstone and a couple of acid flasks.
After supper, Alexi pollishes his armor a bit then heads over to the temple. He finds a spot in the back.
Keela Tuesday May 14th, 2013 10:32:07 PM
"Jillian...and Barran?" Keela says. "Well, there's no accounting for taste, I suppose."
She dismisses out of hand the notion that Valdor Dragonstone, for Alemi's sake, would be coming here. Although she does wonder how that one got started.
She chats with her friends and waits patiently for the meeting to start.
Come On Down..! - DM Donna Wednesday May 15th, 2013 4:28:00 AM DM OOC: thank you, Else. Anrete and Sesha may consider their items as available for immediate use and should put them on their character sheets as soon as possible. If you're keeping your Poison potions, you may put them on your own CS as well.
Even as the ebb and flow of conversation both mundane and fantastic swirls about the heroes, the atmosphere within the Victory Inn is heavy with anticipation. Many of the patrons are also trying to guess what the subject of the meeting is all about. Everything from becoming the newest trading center in the Wold through to the town acquiring that water elemental to make sure that the stream never runs dry is suggested.
The unmistakable sound of a bell interrupts the various speakers: it is the bell housed at the All-Gods' Temple, summoning the citizenry to the announced meeting. Everyone at the public room of the inn streams outside, quickly making their way to the stone building, greeting friends and neighbors as they go. Soon the interior of the temple is jam-packed with people, all of them looking to the dais at the eastern end of the great hall. A familiar figure steps up to the simple stone podium--Garth Turnbuckle, the flinty but fair wagon-master-turned-unofficial-mayor of Bryn Baraz. He speaks of the events that have shaped the town:
Since winning back their territory from the Al-Mathir, Bryn Baraz has been steadily growing. The Stonehelm Company has been able to send at least one more major caravan so that the population of the settlement is now about nine-hundred-thirty people. The company even managed to arrange for an official justicar--here Garth waves a hand in the direction of Cyniq--as well as a contingent of sages from their respective guilds to come to Bryn Baraz, that the budding town can have officially-adjudicated legal procedures and even teachers to staff a school for the local children.
"Naturally, with all these new people," Garth points out, "Bryn Baraz is about bursting at the seams here--so the engineers at the mine have drawn up plans to excavate livable quarters from within the rocky cliffs that surround the town. We have Basal Quartzkin, here, who will oversee the excavation project..." The burly speaker yields the spotlight to an equally burly dwarf, who speaks brusquely.
"I need at least ten people to start with," Basal states, "Five people per shift, working two shifts during the daylight hours of each day. Anyone signing on to start this off will get first pick of any chambers we dig out of the cliffs." The murmur that stirs at this announcement buzzes around the crowd for a few moments after Basal has taken his seat again. Garth holds up his hands to silence the hall.
"Now, there are a few more announcements," the man says loudly, "The Sage Guild members will be using this temple to conduct classes beginning on...uh...when was that again..? Next Monday, right...?" After getting confirmation from Adelia Keepace, the new leader of the Sages Guild faction, Garth goes on:
"Anyhow, all non-adult members of the various races will be required to attend our new school," he booms out to the assembly, "We will be starting with a fairly light school week--three days a week at first, then up to five days a week once we can get the school its own location in the town. Those children who are apprentices to a craftmaster MUST have their master meet with Professor Keepace in order to provide proof that such apprentices will not benefit from schooling...and be warned: the Professor is considered by me to be the final judge of whether or not apprentices are excused from schooling. I do NOT want to have a lot of whiny craftspeople complaining to me because you think YOUR apprentice 'don't need no education'! We want Bryn Baraz to have the smartest citizens as well as talented ones!" There is earnest applause as many of the citizens nod and agree with this announcement.
"Now...are there any questions about the schooling or volunteering to do the excavation..?" Garth asks, looking expectantly around the great hall.
DM OOC again: this post is a bit earlier than normal. If any of the PCs have questions about the announcement, you can post them on the board. Right about 1pm Eastern time, I will make a "Part 2" post to address the questions and advance the plot a bit.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 34), DR2] Wednesday May 15th, 2013 9:57:58 AM
Hearing the announcement, Anrete hurried off to the general store and purchased some miner's equipment (an everburning torch, a pick, and a shovel).
"Anrete is all ready to dig! Anrete hopes to find some big bad beast to fight while digging caves! But Anrete not so sure about school thou."
OCC: Anrete wish to make one last trip to the catacomb and upgrade his greatsword to adamantine.
DM OOC: No problem. Don't forget to email me your receipt.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Wednesday May 15th, 2013 1:28:36 PM What about mine? I have it posted last Friday, Amulet of Natural Armor +2, adding +2 Int to headband.
Cyniq steps forward, and nods to Basal I would be happy to lend my magic to this endeavor Master Quartzkin.
Turning to address Garth, I would like to take a moment and announce my services since we have so many here.
DM OOC: as long as you have your finances settled and note the changes on your CS, your items, too, are available to you in the upcoming adventure.
Wrapping Up the Meeting - DM Donna Wednesday May 15th, 2013 1:37:43 PM
After a bit of post-announcement questions and answers, Garth declares the meeting adjourned and offers everyone a free draught of the barley beer he's brought for the occasion, which practically everyone takes him up on. Basal Quartzkin approaches your group, specifically addressing Cyniq before Garth can respond to her.
"So, now ye know," the dwarf says to the justicar, "We'll be working on the north wall of the canyon to start with...there's an area near the mill we've already staked out to begin excavations. We'll be using manual labor at first--we're still not a hunnerd-percent sure that the mithril isn't in that part of the valley. We figure we can put forth a few exploratory tunnels to confirm that there's no mithril there. Once we're sure, we'll be happy to let you carve out your own courtroom and quarters."
"Pardon me..?" a voice politely interrupts. You turn to see a human male, perhaps in his mid-20's, with dark hair and eyes. He is pointedly looking at Basal.
"Yes?" the Stonehelm liason prompts.
"I'm Mark Avin," the young man says. "I want to sign us up for your excavation detail." He turns and beckons a pretty half-elf female over. "This is my fiancee, Petra Wittmoor. Her father is an archeologist back at the Floating City--we met while working on one of his dig sites." Basal turns to your group.
"Well, if you'll excuse me, then, I got business to tend to..." The dwarf nods and moves off with the couple, discussing the details of the excavation-to-be. Now the party can take Garth up on his offer of free beer! The evening ends on this upbeat and social note.
DM OOC: has everyone taken care of their downtime activities?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Wednesday May 15th, 2013 4:30:25 PM
Garret wanders around, watches and listens quietly as the town announces their plans. He whispers to Alexi, "You know, there's an awful lot of nasty things that have been stirred up around this town when people go cutting into the rock. I don't think this is going to end well... on the other hand, if this goes well, the town will grow, and I suppose we could just head out and be on our way somewhere else, eh?"
Keela Wednesday May 15th, 2013 5:06:10 PM
As the meeting is breaking up, Keela moves up to speak with Basal.
"I'm afraid I wouldn't be much help digging," she says with a little smile. "But I have a spell that might help carry the rubble away, if you're interested."
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Wednesday May 15th, 2013 7:36:45 PM
Smiling at Keela, Cyniq joins in, Master Quartzkin, you may not realize, but transmuting the rock to mud would leave any mithral in place. And mucking mud out of a drift would be considerably easier, and safer, than drilling out solid rock. If the ground is unstable, then only mud gets squished by a cave in. In addition, I have a spell that can shape rock to reinforce and fill in any crevices, or cracks,a s well as compressing the walls to add structural integrity.
Cyniq pulls out her journal, eager to show her work, see, I spent several years studying arcane applications, including a year under Jaret Jamesun at the Star Tower. In fact, finding the page she wanted to, she folds out a drawing of her idea for a temple to Pantheon, which happens to second as a judicial building, and some modest personal rooms for herself, I'm writing my fourth book, I'm thinking of calling it "Arcane Engineering: A Study in the Transmutive Properties of Modern Build Materials." I'm hoping that the practical experience here will give me the last bit of data I need to complete the textbook.
The drawing she displays has a carved entry several stories in height for the temple and judicial building, with several interior rooms, a library, and a full courtroom. Above and to one side she displays a much smaller set of rooms facing the cliff with her idea for a small residence, which is similar to a generic residence she whipped up for mass development. Here is a water cistern, with some minor adjustments, this can be set to fill from any rainfall that comes down on top of the mesa, as well as these channels on the face of the cliff draw any additional runoff into the cistern. This cistern should easily support about 100 people for a month. This can also be refilled with a decanter of endless water. Notice the paired piping throughout the complex. One line, this blue one, provides fresh clean water to each residence, while this other line can carry waste to a collection pond outside the wall. Good fertilizer for the farmers there.
Sliding out another sheet, she unfolds it, here you can see how the cliff face can easily accommodate several small vertical gardens that will provide both supplemental food and aesthetics to the town.
Flushed after having an opportunity to express her ideas, she eagerly looks at Basal for his reaction.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Wednesday May 15th, 2013 8:51:45 PM
OOC: Here's a question_ Skill points are fixed and only gained at leveling. If one were to spend time with a dwarf digging and learing tunneling, or with a sage studying a Knowledge subject, could a PC be awarded a +1 circumstance bonus on such skill to reflect that learning?
For example: Alexi will probably not go up any more as a Cleric and would prefer to spend skill points on warrior skills, but if he could get another +1 on some Knowledge subjects through study instead of spending a skill point, it would be great.
IC: Alexi ponders those words and thinks of the possibilities of having their headquarters embeded in the rock. Then the Earth Elemental comes to mind and realizes nothing is safe anywhere unless fully encased in lead. On the other hand....when would they ever find the time to do such digging? And he just barely started learning the wisdom of Domi and hasn't even scraped the top of the secrets of the planes and such, spenidng time with the sages sounded intriguing as well.
He'll have to ponder what to do in what off time they get. For now, he doesn't know.
DM OOC: hmm...interesting point. I shall take it up with the Powers-What-Is and let you know presently.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Wednesday May 15th, 2013 11:20:10 PM
ooc: It's been a crazy few days. We're buying a house and moving. Sorry for lack of substantial posting.
Else listens carefully to the conversation, noting that her magic could be of great help in shaping the earth and stone near the town.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday May 16th, 2013 12:14:10 AM
Seshsa is intrigued by the notion of humans living in rocks and tunnels. Her blood kin, the Drow, they had done it for centuries and had thrived. This announcement was unexpected, but she too could help in this matter.
She does not however, volunteer that aid. She is content to observe for now.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Thursday May 16th, 2013 8:45:36 AM
The digging and tunneling into the rock doesn't interest Garret much. As the others talk about the various types and ways that the rock can be moved, Garret slips over to a high point on the walls to look out over the plains around the town. He watches the grass flowing in the breeze and looks to spot any birds flying around the area.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 34), DR2] Thursday May 16th, 2013 11:52:37 AM
"Anrete wants to be paid for his labor!", the barbarian snorts.
First Impressions - DM Donna Thursday May 16th, 2013 3:17:46 PM
Cyniq remembers seeing Basal before--when she first apprised the Stonehelm contingent about what she wanted to do to create the area that would hopefully become Bryn Baraz's court (and her quarters.) He is supposed to be the youngest of the dwarves from the mining company. As she recalls, he looked rather bored during the meeting and she assumed that he'd slipped out sometime during her talk because he wasn't there when she finished.
However, today he listened to her more detailed outline and blinked when she produced her drafts.
"A moment, if you please...?" Basal says to Mark Avin, who nods and moves a few steps away. The dwarf turns to the justicar.
"I'm going to be honest with ye," he says, "I would rather be mining the mithril that we know about in the southeastern mining site...but...I was given the duty to make sure that this excavation project to make more dwellings for Bryn Baraz isn't going to come across more mithril. Any mithril in this area is to be mined by the Stonehelm Company only. I am supposed to assume that I'll be finding mithril, even though our own strata experts are danged sure that it's probably not in that particular section of the canyon. My clan's tradition says that we are supposed to explore an unknown area using our own physical labor...no magic. I am going to do the initial excavation without using magic." Once again he eyes the plans and formulas on the parchments Cyniq has presented.
"However...this is danged impressive, lass..so I'll make ye a deal...if, in three weeks, I find no signs of the mithril vein in the excavation site, I'll be satisfied that there's none there at all and report as such to the company. After that, anyone in Bryn Baraz can dig into that wall of the canyon with our blessing...and I'll get back to mining mithril like I'm s'pposed to be doing." Basal then switches his attention to Else.
"As I told the lass here," he repeats, "My clan tradition says no magic until we know what we're likely to find in a new mining area. Three weeks from now, I'll be happy to let ye both use all the magic ye want."
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Thursday May 16th, 2013 5:42:21 PM For 50 gold, you could have a masterwork tool giving you a +2 circumstance bonus. Can ye craft the tool? Don't see why not, though it is mundane. and may take a bit of time.
Your suggestion is in line with how those tools are supposed to work. For the stated price, you have written, copied, borrowed a written document that covers Dwarven Mining Techniques. This tool provides a +2 circumstance bonus on anything related to dwarven mines. Another 'book' might provide the bonus on Know:geography as a text on "The Great Plains: The Dirt and Rock Under." Another might provide a bonus to Know:planes/elementals, that one is called "The Dummies Guide to Elementals. How to avoid denizens of the four elemental planes." Know:Nature gets a bonus from "Flaura and Fauna of the Arete. What not to eat."
Keela Thursday May 16th, 2013 6:14:38 PM
Keela tries not to let it bother her that the dwarf had replied to Sesha and Cyniq, but not to her. She tries again.
"Well, digging is one thing, but hauling is something else again. I have a spell that could help with the hauling, if you are interested."
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Thursday May 16th, 2013 9:52:53 PM
Anrete eyes the dwarf before remarking, "So dwarf no use enchanted tools?"
The barbarian strokes his enchanted greatsword lovingly.
OOC: DM Donna, just emailed u Anrete new purchases from catacomb. Not a new sword, but new armor spikes and glamered enchantment for his armor.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Thursday May 16th, 2013 10:21:11 PM
Alexi looks at Garret and says in a fake shock of surprise, "You mean that it is possible that Bryn get too big for its britches and just put us out to pasture?" He then belts out a good laugh. "You don't like crowds, huh. We'll, I don't like them all that much either. All thse new folk don't know how it was in the beginning and the young ones will soon forget Al Mathir."
He ponders that thought for a moment then snaps his fingers. "We need an annual Al Mathir Day, with a parade and a re-enactment of the battle to remind everyone what happened for generations to come. We can use our Hats of Disguise to resemble the Al Mathir lizards and mock duel's like you did on that fateful day.
YES! THAT'S IT! I'll go see Garth about picking a day and declaring it Al Mathir Day!"
Alexi is off at a brisk pace and catches Garth and makes his proposal.
OOC: By the way, did I send you the piece where it states that Garth is the representative of the other mine investors? Durak owns 40% of the mine, Garth represents the other 60%.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Thursday May 16th, 2013 11:43:23 PM
Else gives a sheepish grin and a slight shrug. "I don't know much about caves and mining. While as a druid I'm committed to loving and caring for all the wonderful variety of nature, there just aren't that many growing things down in the belly of the earth. Mostly mushrooms and fungus, and they tend to be a grumpy sort. You would think that they would have all sorts of deep wisdom and insight. They live for a really long time, since they don't depend on sunlight. But no, they are just mean and impatient when anyone tries to talk with them." She shakes her head. "But anyway, I don't think I will be much help, since they are keen to not use any magic. But I think I can help out these townfolk in a different way."
Else walks to the center of Bryn Baraz and looks around in a circle. "Right about here should be good." She rests her staff against her shoulder and cracks her knuckles. Taking her staff in both hands, she raises it vertically as far as she can reach and speaks aloud. "Ako motawag sa mga panalangin sa kinaiyahan sa ibabaw niini nga yuta. Hinaut nga ang yuta nga tabunok, aron ang mga tanom nga lunhaw, ug ang mga tubig nga putli." She drops her staff to the earth with a sharp thud. Her eyes crackle with green lightning and a pulse of pale green light explodes from her like an expanding bubble, washing over Bryn Baraz and dissipating just as quickly. She smiles and wipes her brow. "Whew! That one's a doozy. Things should be a little easier around here come harvest time. My magic will help their crops to grow much more quickly than with sunshine and rain alone."
ooc: Else casts plant growth. The spell effect targets plants within a range of a half-mile, raising their potential productivity over the course of the next year to one-third above normal. It should significantly improve their food-stores.
Second Impressions - DM Donna Friday May 17th, 2013 1:20:29 PM DM OOC: my apologies to Keela--I'm sure that Basal would have noticed and replied to her the first time she spoke--his lack of response is an oversight on the DM's part, I assure you!
Sesha looks on as the conversation continues.
"Ye have a point there, lass," Basal agrees with Keela, then glances Anrete's way, adding: "Hauling the excavated stuff away can be considered a separate task, and, yes, my race does use magic to make mining easier--it's just that my clan has a tradition to start all our excavations without using spells or enchanted items...not until we are sure about the traits of the dig. That part will take a mere three weeks at most. Now...if ye'll excuse me, I have some labor to recruit..." With this, the excavation manager gives a nod and a bow and goes to speak to young Mark Avin.
Garth listens to Alexi's idea about commemorating the heroes' victory over Al Mathir and nods in approval.
"Sounds like a great idea...we need to make that the topic of the next town meeting..!" he says enthusiastically, extending a hand and offering Alexi a tankard of beer.
OOC: @Alex: no, I had been under the impression that the town and the mine were sponsored by the Stonehelm Mining Company alone. However, the town charter does state that, within the territory designated as Bryn Baraz, the dwarf contingent representing Stonehelm have the first pick at mining or excavating whatever there may be.
Else's show of magical prowess draws "ooohs", "ahhhhs" and applause from the townspeople attending the meeting.
And last (but not least) Garret's sightseeing is calm and serene.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Friday May 17th, 2013 1:35:12 PM
Else questions her companions, the townsfolk, and the dwarven miners [and the DM]. "Does anyone in Bryn Baraz have talent in crafting traps?"
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Friday May 17th, 2013 1:53:22 PM
Anrete returns from his catacombs trip without his signature plate armor. Instead, the usually heavily armored barbarian is now attired in a some-what tattered looking robe with bits of furs and bones sticking out. However, his massive zwei-hander "Pazzy" aka "Cake-cutter" is still slung across his back.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Friday May 17th, 2013 1:55:04 PM "Anrete can prepare the baits! Anrete is very good in whipping up tasty treats for traps!", Anrete nods wisely.
"But Anrete can't build traps."
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Friday May 17th, 2013 2:18:23 PM With a little time, I could do a passable job on some traps. If you want something really elaborate, best seek a professional. I hear kobolds are pretty good at them. Cyniq adds as she folds up her drawings and plans.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Friday May 17th, 2013 3:27:01 PM
Garret watches Else's show with interest. When she is done, he quickly looks over to the grass to see if it has grown any. Then he turns back to Else and asks, "But what of your large flower-friend. Would this be like a special dessert or a large mug of ale to her?"
When Garret spots Anrete, he steps over to him and looks him up and down. He says, "What? No armor? Perhaps you are coming around to the wise ways of battle, no?" He smiles and winks.
When Alexi talks of Al-Mathir day and gets all excited, Garret just smiles and watches him run away to get it all set up. Garret again thinks of the small town and how much the town has grown. He takes a short walk outside the gates and around the walls, looking back at the town from the outside, but he looks again back to the wide open spaces and starts to wonder if it is time to move along and wander more. He doesn't seem fit to stay in one place for such a long time, and indeed, not since he was small has he stayed so long in one place; not since his times as a boy in the Windbourne Hills...
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Saturday May 18th, 2013 2:50:14 AM
Sesha is surprised by Alexi's declaration of an Al-Mathir day. It is however, a good idea.
"That is a great idea Alexi. The young should always try to learn what they can of their blood-kin. That helps them decide if where they come from should be a part of who they are. It took much learning of the Drow before I decided that they had some claim to my soul."
When she has the time, Sesha decided to make a small visit to the camp of the Sages. She looks for their leader and asks a question.
"I know a little of the Sages guild. They have a settlement in It'lal I believe. I understand that there are certain of you with specialties in a given field of study. Which fields of study are represented here? "
Keela Saturday May 18th, 2013 11:59:35 AM
Keela is impressed by Sesha's show of magic. "A whole year?" she says. "None of my spells last that long. Well, except that some of them are permanent. But this will be a big help to everybody."
When the excavation project starts, Keela is on hand to cast and direct Unseen Servants to haul the rocks away.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Saturday May 18th, 2013 9:20:03 PM
OOC: The Stonehelm Mining company is the owner, and Durak is a member of the company, a 40% share owner. Garth was sent with the caravan by the other dwarven owners, the other 60%, and as such represents them in all matters, particularly with respect to the town. He doesn't get invovled with the mine, as such, as he doesn't know much of mining. I can pull the quote up for you if you need it.
IC: Alexi is elated that the town will now have their first celebratory occasion marked.
When the digging starts, Alexi approaches Cyniq with an idea. "When the homes are actually started being carved into the mountain, make plans for secret escape tunnels leading into the mine proper. That way, if necessary, the people in the homes can be evacuated to that chamber under the mines that has that underground river. That is where we evacuated the people the first time.
He then takes Cyniq to the mine and asks permission for a tour to the water pool chamber.
OOC: DM's, if you need the referrence for this part of the mines, I'll post it.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Sunday May 19th, 2013 4:06:11 AM
Anrete smiles at the halfling monk and taps on his robe. Clink clink His robe is feels like a pretty tough piece of metal.
"Anrete berserker! Should not look like knight like Alexi."
And the Beat Goes On - DM Donna Monday May 20th, 2013 1:13:44 AM
Garth, after hearing about Basal's insistence about not using magic in the exploratory excavation project, shrugs philosophically.
"I heard some of them dwarves have their own set of superstitions," he says as you all stand by the keg dispensing the drinks. "Some clans insist on having their cleric bless the site first, and some clans insist on having a ceremony to hang up 'lucky goblin ears' or some such before they start mining. Basal's lot never use magic until they're sure they know what's in the area. Go figure."
The rest of the evening is full of socializing and gossipy townsfolk. A good time is had by all and everyone goes home feeling like the town is on the cusp of great new things. The heroes spend the next few days finishing up their personal projects and checking in with Basal every once in a while to see if he's changed his mind about allowing magic help with the excavation, but the dwarf holds fast to his superstition.
One morning, days after the town meeting, there is an urgent knock on the door to each hero's quarters. A harried-looking town guard looks at you and says:
"You need to come see Garth--now!"
The messenger looks quite earnest and agitated.
DM OOC: in case your PC isn't quartering at the Victory Inn, the messenger would likely be knocking on your cabin's door--basically, each PC has been woken up/interrupted just before breakfast time.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Monday May 20th, 2013 10:12:56 AM
Alexi notices Anrete's new 'clothes' and a passerby chuckles as he tells Alexi that he overheard the barbarian's comments on not wanting to look like an armored civilized knight.
Alexi grins and pulls out and dons his Hat of Disguise, making himself look like a wild, dishieveled, buck-toothed, animal skin clad, hairy, warty barbarian.
"Anrete, what you not like way I look? Dey ain't nutting wrong wiff me. I look fine 'n dandy.
After a bit more fun he puts the hat away and goes back to looking like his normal self.
Alexi is already getting up when the insisten knock on his door brings the word from Garth.
Expecting some discontent from the diggers due to Durak's overbearing personality, Alexi grumbles as he heads towards Garth's office, "Do I need to bring my knoggin'-bonker? Can't people just dig in peace?"
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Monday May 20th, 2013 11:54:12 AM
(ooc: See my saturday post please all mighty Donna!)
Sesha, who usually keeps late nights and late mornings, sighs loudly as she is woken by the messenger. Flipping blankets off, she rolls out of bed and dresses hastily. Pattering downstairs she waits for the others before setting off with the group.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Monday May 20th, 2013 12:41:53 PM
ooc: DM DONNA - I sent you an email. Did you see my post about finding a trapmaker? Thanks.
DM OOC: sorry about that--I forgot to add that nobody in town has come forward to admit that they can craft traps for a living (yet.) Perhaps it is because Else is still a rather new arrival in spite of her very public show of support for the community.
Keela Monday May 20th, 2013 1:31:58 PM
Keela and Jack are just finishing breakfast when the messenger arrives.
"Just leave the dishes soaking in the sink," Keela says, kissing Jack good-bye. "I'll do them when I get back."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Monday May 20th, 2013 8:47:10 PM
As soon as the knock is heard, Garret is quickly and quietly on his feet. He opens the door as the messenger is starting to knock a second time. He receives the message with a simple nod of the head. He checks to be sure that the others in the Inn are awake and headed out before he moves along with them towards the mining operation.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Monday May 20th, 2013 9:09:00 PM sigh, fine, I'm coming! grumbling to herself, Cyniq opens the door, where? before breakfast I take it? Give me a minute. Without waiting for a response, she closes the door and quickly dresses. glad I don't need to don armor...
Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she buckles her sword belt as she heads off.
Mornin' Garett, any ideas?
I Have Called You All Here Today... - DM Donna Tuesday May 21st, 2013 3:18:58 AM
As soon as everyone arrives at Garth's humble cottage, the burly human dismisses the messengers. Once he and the party are the only ones in the room, he turns a harried-looking face towards you.
"I've just been informed that one of the excavators on the project has turned up dead at the site," Garth tells you without preamble, "Apparently the morning crew arrived for their usual shift and discovered the body already there. Right now I have guards at the excavation site so that nobody on that crew is unsupervised and the crime scene remains secured. I need for you to quickly, quietly and--above all else--thoroughly investigate the matter."
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Tuesday May 21st, 2013 3:27:03 AM
Anrete grins and nods approvingly at Alexi, "Ye looks better warty and dirty! Better than almighty ramrod knight!"
~
"Why ye wake up Anrete? Anrete is no investigator! Anrete just bash people! Find Anrete when ye find some criminal for Anrete to slay!"
The barbarian grumbles as he rubs the sleep from his eyes.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Tuesday May 21st, 2013 9:53:30 AM
Batting her eyelashes, Cyniq looks up at Anrete, well I for one would love to have a big hunky basher of evil watching my back while I investigate. Think of it as a protective detail? Cyniq smiles and turns to Garth, what do you know about where and how far in they had been digging?
Official(ish) Responses - DM Donna Tuesday May 21st, 2013 10:59:49 AM DM OOC: Just advancing the story a teeny bit...next official DM post will be tomorrow.
"At this point," Garth responds to Cyniq's questions, "You know about as much as I do. I was awakened by the frantic knocking at my door. It was Jillian...she's the miller's daughter, you know...she had been delivering bread when Basal interrupted her and gave her this parchment to deliver to me..." He holds up the piece in question.
"All he told her was that she had to run and give the message to me because it was a matter of life or death...so she ran here as fast as she could and gave me the letter." Garth hands it to Cyniq, who unfurls the parchment to read (written in strong strokes):
The morning shift has arrived to find a dead body in one of the new tunnels. I will keep everyone in the site tent, but you must send guards to make sure the body remains undisturbed until the Justicar can assemble a team of investigators to probe the scene.
Basal Quartzkin
"I sent Jillian to fetch me the officer on watch," Garth says as the letter is inspected, "He is supposed to have dispatched some guards to the site so that everything there is secure."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Tuesday May 21st, 2013 11:22:12 AM
Garret nods at Anrete and says to Garth, "Why would you call us? Is there reason to suspect anything wrong? Perhaps the fellow died from natural causes or a simple accident. Is there more to this than you're letting on? We're not going to be happy if you've got us walking into something that's more dangerous and you know about it..."
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Tuesday May 21st, 2013 12:12:01 PM
(ooc: Asked a question about the sages guild to whoever can answer. What studies are represented there? Do they have a specialist for every field listed in their organisation chart?)
DM OOC: specific studies haven't been detailed for the Sages Guild--but this is because the DMs haven't worked it out (yet). Their mission here is to record the history of Bryn Baraz as it unfolds, to study any artifacts and/or phenomena that are found in the area and to give the local children basic education. Is there a specific field of study you have in mind..?
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Tuesday May 21st, 2013 3:16:03 PM "You mean Durak let these people dig unsupervised? These people are farmers, ranchers, bakers, and such. What do they know of digging tunnels? Sounds like the old Durak to me. More interested in the mine than the ones that feed him.
Well, the only way to know if some pebble fell from the ceiling and killed him or some other natural or unatural event is the cause is to go see the place. Let's just keep from tromping all over the site. Maybe one of us with good eyes can slowly fly through the tunnel first and look for tracks."
Keela Tuesday May 21st, 2013 6:01:18 PM
"We don't know for sure that this fellow died in the mine," Keela points out. "It's always possible he died elsewhere and was brought there for some reason. But it looks like we won't know much of anything until we go investigate."
Keela makes sure to cast her extended Mage Armor spell before setting out.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Tuesday May 21st, 2013 8:02:36 PM
(ooc: Well, I would like for Sesha to start learning a little about the Little God. It would be nice if a religious instructor was there who might be able to help her find out about Serenbeth, even though Sesha doesnt know her by that name. Also she is a skilled Alchemist, and might consider joining in such a capacity.)
DM OOC: I have no doubt that there are at least one or two Sages that can help Sesha with her personal goals...after the current adventure.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Tuesday May 21st, 2013 9:26:39 PM Assumptions get us nowhere, lets go see the body. We will have to check the mine shaft. Have we a cleric to facilitate learning anything from the deceased's spirit? Cyniq nods to Garth, thank you for not disturbing the site. We'll head there now.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Tuesday May 21st, 2013 10:55:33 PM
Alexi follows Cyniq to the tunnel entrance. "If he was killed and then brought in, there should be signs of that, so take care where you tromp."
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Tuesday May 21st, 2013 11:10:42 PM "If you would pardon me, I will go meditate and prepare a spell that may be useful. It will allow me to speak with the earth itself to aid us in our investigation. It is a costly spell, and I will only use it if necessary."
ooc: Meditate for spells and swap stone tell.
(Some of You) To The Cave! - DM Donna Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 3:05:28 AM
"One of the clerics at the temple might have that spell handy," Garth responds to Cyniq's inquiry, "I'll get in touch and ask them as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you had best go start your investigation."
Else opts to leave the initial investigation and go meditate for spells. DM OOC: Else will be unavailable for the next hour in-game. Don't forget to post her revised spell list in a DM Only post. (Oh, and the other spellcasters of the party should also post what spells they will have available to them for this part of the adventure.)
Everyone else hastily makes their way to the excavation site on the northern wall of the canyon. As you approach, you see that there are a number of sawhorses arranged in front of the cave-like entrance into the site itself. A lone guard stands by the entrance, too.
"The workers are all in the tent," the guard tells you, nodding to the large, square shelter set up nearby. "I'm keeping the excavation itself secure--there's another guard in the tent with the workers." This, however, is the extent of any knowledge of the specifics of what has happened so far, as Garth gave him orders to do nothing more than keep everyone else except the heroes out of the excavation site.
Inside the tent is another member of the town guard, who nods acknowledgement and reports the following:
"Garth ordered me to keep everyone here under surveillance. Nobody has spoken to me nor to each other while I was here." At this point, Basal stands up from where he was sitting by a desk.
"As soon as it became apparent that there was a body in one of the tunnels, I ordered everyone out of the site. I happened to see that miller's girl making her deliveries and I told her she needed to deliver a message to Garth right away. We all came in here, where I dashed off the letter. She left with it, but we have all been in sight of each other (and the cave entrance) until the town guards arrived." He looked around at the other excavators.
"Nobody has been allowed to speak to each other for all this time," Basal says firmly. "So...what do you want to do first?"
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 5:49:16 AM
Anrete smiles broadly at Cyniq, "Ok. Anrete be bodyguard for pretty elf-girl!"
The wiry barbarian in robes stands close to the elven justicar as she begins her investigation, giving menacing growls as needed.
----------------------------------- OOC:
Anrete is a skinny and short barbarian with a very big sword. So Cyniq should be looking down at him instead of up. Haha. He is only 5 feet 7, while Cyniq is 6 feet.
Keela Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 11:02:20 AM
"I'll check for magical auras," Keela says. She doesn't expect to find any, not after so much time had elapsed, but she feels she should at least look.
She casts a Detect Magic and checks the mine entrance, and the tent, for magical auras.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying d20+16=24 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+16=26 ; Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 1:40:50 PM
Cyniq smiles at Keela, thanks, Keela. Let's set up a table over there. I'll interview each of you one-by-one. After the initial interviews I may have additional questions. While I am doing that, would you take a look at the body Alexi?
Cyniq takes another look around, we'll have them wait over there after my first interview. Gesturing to Anrete, I will be focusing on the interview so I will need you to watch my back, and I thank you.
Cyniq settles herself down at a table and summons an unseen servent. Handing a journal and pen to the servent she instructs the servant to record each conversation. She then unbuckles the holy symbol of Pantheon from her jacket and lays it on the table before her. Once the first person is brought out, Hello, my name is Cyniq al'Iyz, Justicar in the service of Pantheon. You have the right to be heard fairly. you do not have the right to silence. Placing her hand on Pantheon's gavel, she invokes the Test of Truth and begins her questioning.
Each is asked:
State your name and occupation. Date of arrival in Bryn Baraz. Prior place of residence. When did you come on shift? What did you observe last night. Have you seen anything else unusual. What was your relationship with the deceased? Were you aware of any problems with the deceased? How did the deceased get along with the workers? What question have I not asked that I should have?
And my sense motive rolls for Truth Test: (10 rolls)24, 20, 31, 17, 36, 19, 23, 29, 20, 26.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 7:11:12 PM
As the others set up for the questioning, Garret speaks to Alexi and says, "Guess we can go take a look. I'm guessing its just an old fellow whose heart gave out and we're wasting our time here."
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 8:55:51 PM "Well, Garrett, if it turns out to be that simple, then that would be most unusual, as around here the odd things are most common.," Alexi replies.
At the entrance, Alexi takes out his Everburning Torch and inspecs the ground in the first ten feet, notting the number of different footprints.
"Walk along the edge of the path so we know exactly where we've stepped," he comments to Garrett.
Take 20 on Perception to note the different boot/shoe/foot prints: 28
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 11:29:26 PM Meditation... meditation....
ooc: DM - Please let me know when one in-game hour has passed.
Also, can Sandy fit inside the tunnels?
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday May 23rd, 2013 2:53:44 AM
Sesha tags along behind Alexi and Garret, wondering which would prove to be correct. Considering how hectic her first day was, she wasn't sure she wanted a difficult misadventure quite yet.
Separate Ways - DM Donna Thursday May 23rd, 2013 3:59:28 AM
Keela's spell reveals no magic at the entrance to the excavation.
Garret and Alexi confer a moment about what might be the situation, then carefully enter the excavation site, accompanied by Sesha. The first ten feet of the tunnel going in features rough-hewn walls and ceiling that are about ten feet wide and between ten to twelve feet in height. The ground is strewn with very grainy sand and numerous tracks that include humanoid footprints, wheel tracks from some sort of cart and/or wheelbarrow, and the hoofprints of a horse or mule. The tracks variously enter and exit the tunnel. The tunnel runs north about sixty to seventy feet before ending in a T-intersection that has tunnels branching off to the west and to the east. Every fifteen feet or so an iron bracket holding a burning torch has been set into the wall of the tunnel, alternating east and west to the end of the tunnel. There is an opening about thirty feet from the entrance that looks to be another tunnel in the east wall of the passage.
(For a visual, go to the excavation site document and look on the second page of the document. NOTE: the diagram there is NOT to scale, but it should give you a good idea of how the excavation is laid out.)
None of the investigating trio hear, see, smell or feel anything unusual...so far.
Anrete magnanimously stands guard as Cyniq prepares to question the people assembled and her Unseen Servant is poised with pen at the ready. Just before she can indicate the one she wishes to interview first, Basal Quartzkin holds up a finger.
"Ah, pardon me, Justicar," he says, "Do you think it's wise to speak to us with everyone else present? I took the time and trouble to make sure that none of us spoke at all to the others in order to prevent anyone from possibly...um...'tailoring' their testimony...you know...so that the guilty party--IF they are amongst us--can't 'fix' their own alibi by using the statements of the others to hide their guilt."
"Hey! What are you saying, dwarf???" one of the males demands angrily, his cobalt eyes flashing. "We don't got nuthin' to hide!"
"I have never been anything other than honest!" complains the only gnome in the group.
"It's...it's bad enough h-he's g-gone..." sobs a woman who looks familiar to the party members, "...but you don't...don't...have to be s-so...m-m-mean..."
Perception Roll for everyone in the tent: beat DC12 to recognize the half-elf female as the one who had been one of the first to sign on to the excavation detail after the Very Important Town Meeting last week.
Basal ignores the outbursts and looks pointedly at Cyniq, waiting for her response.
Back at her quarters, Else quickly falls into her meditative state.
DM OOC: yes, I will let you know when Else's meditation is over. Expect some email from me about Sandy.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] d20+21=37 ; d20+21=28 ; Thursday May 23rd, 2013 9:40:42 AM
As the group steps into the tunnel, Garret starts to get a little more nervous. He does move along the sides of the tunnel, almost unintentionally slipping into the shadows (stealth: 37). He lets Alexi take the lead and he whispers, "Actually, this doesn't seem so innocent now," as he eyes the darkness and shadows carefully (Perception: 28).
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] d20+16=33 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+13=16 ; Thursday May 23rd, 2013 12:19:59 PM
"Guilty until proven innocent! Anrete be watching!", Anrete bellows at the crowd as he stands beside Cyniq awaiting her instructions.
----------------------------------------------- Perception: 33 Sense Motive: 22 Intimidate: 16
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying d20+18=24 ; Thursday May 23rd, 2013 12:43:52 PM I guess I wasn't clear that 'over there' was away from the others, based on your map (what are you using to make it?),
DM Response: I've edited the Excavation Overhead map on Google Docs to include the answer to that question.
over there would be the other side of the mine shaft from the tent, at least 50' from where the group is held. Now for a fix... (just how many people are there to interview?
Quite right Mr. Basal. I just needed to know which one to interview first. I think that one, the one sweating would be a good start. Cyniq points to one of the miners and stands up to move to where she will actually conduct the interviews, having already gotten a first impression from the miners. Those protesting the loudest will wait the longest.
Perc: 24
Keela Thursday May 23rd, 2013 1:51:13 PM
Having checked the entrance, Keela moves to the tent, discreetly scanning the crowd to see if anyone bears a magical aura.
DM OOC - DM Donna Thursday May 23rd, 2013 4:45:02 PM
(Not an "official" post, but one to clarify previous posts.)
First: no, "over there" isn't good enough for the DM to read your mind that you meant somewhere outside the tent. Now that Cyniq has stated a completely separate location is to be used, you may have the following information:
Basal gives Cyniq a rough map of the excavation site. The map indicates that there is a fifteen-foot square chamber that branches off the entry tunnel (it's the opening halfway down the passage that Garret and Alexi are currently looking at; the excavation site diagram has been updated.) All Cyniq needs to do is to indicate if she is going to use the tent for her interrogations or will she relocate to the chamber?
Second: the five people to be questioned are as follows:
Basal Quartzkin, male dwarf; compact in build and sporting a chest-long beard. His hair is iron gray and his eyes are obsidian.
A male gnome; he has wide ash-gray eyes. His fine, fly-away, chalk-white hair is worn in a style that reminds you of a drifting cloud. He's got a moustache. He is short and has a graceful build. His skin is white. He has a bulbous nose and high cheekbones. (He was verbally protesting.)
A male human--although he might have some elven blood in him. He has large green eyes that are like two clumps of moss. His thick, curly, shoulder-length hair is the color of mahogany, and is worn in a low ponytail. He is very tall and has a broad-shouldered build. His skin is ruddy. He has thin lips and a neatly-trimmed goatee.
A half-elf female with eyes the color of chestnuts. Her hair is clipped so that a mop of short curls cluster atop the crown of her head, with the hair practically shaved to the skin on the back and sides of her skull, exposing the pointed ears that mark her as one with elven blood. (As stated earlier, if your PC beats DC12, you recognize her as being one of the first people to volunteer for the excavation detail.)
Another human male; he has cobalt-blue eyes. His silky, straight, black hair is worn in a style that reminds one of a cascading waterfall. He has an angular build. His skin is cream-colored. He has large hands. (He was verbally protesting.)
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) d20+8=19 ; Thursday May 23rd, 2013 9:00:17 PM "A bit skittish there, Garrett?" Alexi chuckles.
Having had a good look at the footprints and wheelbarrow marks, Alexi continues down the tunnel untl the tunnel splits, carefully looking at the prints. What he is looking for he's not sure, but any anomally in the prints might mean something. A drag mark, even short one, might mean something too. Or a print that's in the tunnels but not at the entrance certainly would mean something. So he keeps looking, glad that he has his Everburning Torch, a steadier light source than the flickering torches on the walls.
Perception +8 = 19
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Thursday May 23rd, 2013 9:26:24 PM Continues meditation...
Clues and Interviews - DM Donna Friday May 24th, 2013 2:41:57 AM
Everyone in the tent with Cyniq and the ever-alert (and dangerous-looking!) Anrete is waiting to hear if the interviews are to be conducted in the tent...or in the man-made cave..?
Keela's spell to see if anyone in the tent has any magic or spells going only reveals that Anrete and Cyniq are showing up red-hot on her radar...the excavators (and the town guardsman standing over them) are all non-magical.
Garret, Alexi and Sesha continue to see, hear, smell and feel nothing unusual within the stillness of the tunnel they are carefully traversing. When Alexi draws abreast to the opening in the tunnel wall, he glances down a passageway that is a lot like the one his little group is walking: rough-hewn, about ten feet wide and also ten-ish or so feet tall. The torch behind him gives off enough light that he can see that the east-running passage goes about 25 or 30 feet before widening out into an unilt space. He will need to take his light source with him if he chooses to follow this passageway and check out what may lay beyond for sure.
Else has been meditating for ten minutes so far.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Friday May 24th, 2013 11:05:45 AM I thank you for the offer of the tunnel, however, I believe that is part of the active crime scene. If you could point to where the body is? I think just setting up a couple of chairs and a table under the cliff will suffice. It would probably do well to send for some refreshments. After I have conducted an initial interview, I am sure everyone would like something to drink while they wait. I would prefer no additional contact with those waiting for an interview. Cyniq qill hold the map up so Basal can indicate the location on the map. Cyniq will not mark the map however. She is not interested in conducting the interviews in the tunnel.
Once we move past this, the questions I posted previously would be asked of everyone in the first round.
Keela Friday May 24th, 2013 11:31:29 AM
Her spell still active, Keela follows the other investigators into the mine. She stays well back from them, so she doesn't walk on evidence, but she continues to check for magical auras.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Friday May 24th, 2013 6:18:51 PM Meditating...
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Friday May 24th, 2013 8:27:24 PM
OOC: I presume Basal told us where the body is? It would not seem likely that he would send us in to hunt for it. Alexi will take whichever branch that leads to the body.
DM OOC: Never "presume" anything. Nobody in the group bothered to ask where the body's exact location was before dashing off to the excavation site proper. Right now the investigators in the tunnel have two choices: pick a direction and explore, or go back and ask where the body is. 8D
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d20+21=40 ; d100+20=34 ; Saturday May 25th, 2013 2:38:09 AM
Sesha continues on with Alexi and Garret. As the tunnel branch outwards and lead them farther from the others, she decided a little precaution never hurt anyone. She casts a barkskin spell, since it will last several hours anyways. She pauses long enough to bend the ley energies needed near her, then quickly scampers to catch up with the others.
[1] Bend Leyline 40 vs DC 20. [2] Ley check 34 vs DC 20.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Saturday May 25th, 2013 12:37:10 PM
Garret jumps at a noise Sesha makes coming up behind them, but then settles down and continues with Alexi down the tunnel.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] d20+13=25 ; Saturday May 25th, 2013 1:18:57 PM "Does ye wanna Anrete to keep watch at this bunch?", Anrete indicates vaguely at the remaining miners.
"Or ye wanna Anrete to stand behind and chop off head?", the battle-scarred youth waves at the miner Cyniq just picked for her interview.
--------------------------------- Intimidate: 25
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Saturday May 25th, 2013 9:59:46 PM
OOC: I guess Basal Quartzkin is far denser in the noggin than he appears if he's going to call us from our slumber to hurry to him to investigate a death and not bother tell us where. But, such is the personalities of NPCs. :}
Do I HAVE to Draw You a Map??? - DM Donna Sunday May 26th, 2013 12:05:38 AM DM OOC: I will have to work on making sure that I am clear about exactly what is said and done by the NPCs, and players should always make sure that their PCs have the information they need to post their actions. Bottom line: if you, as the player, have NO idea about the answer to a specific question, either email the DM or have your PC post that they are making sure about (fill in the blank.)
For now, Alexi, Garret and Sesha still have to decide if they are going to go back to the tent for directions, or if they choose to explore the tunnels on their own.
Basal shows Cyniq the map of the excavation site, (OOC: scroll down to the last page of the document to see the newest diagram of the excavation site) explaining as he points to particular areas of which he speaks:
"We were working on the eastern tunnels yesterday, and we were going to continue work there today..." the dwarf's blunt finger circles the part of the diagram that shows where the inked layout of the tunnels turn into a hastily-scrawled addendum in charcoal, "...I knew something was wrong as soon as we reached this area, because we hadn't dug that far when work was done for the day yesterday. We followed the new tunnel eastward and found a body where I marked that X there. I checked to see if the man was only injured, but I saw that he was dead...and that he was Mark Avin...the senior member of my morning crew." Basal's explanation is cut off by sobs from the only female crew member in the tent.
DM OOC: Else has been meditating for 20 minutes now.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) d20+8=15 ; Monday May 27th, 2013 12:43:31 AM
OOC: Sorry about the confusion. You are correct, we didn't ask where the body was. In my mind it seemed obvious he'd tell us. No problem, we'll find it.
IC: Alexi slaps his forehead. "That lunkhead didn't tell us there were intersections to deal with. He lead us to think we only had one passage to deal with. The dufus!" Alexi exclaims.
Then he chuckles and takes the passage that headed east. "Hey Garrett, there's no torches that way and though dwarves can work well enough in the dark, most of us can't. I'll bet we'll find the body by following the torch light."
Continueing on, he holds his Everburning torch forward and keeps looking at the tracks in the dirt.
Perc +8 = 15
Interviews and Clues - DM Donna d20+2=8 d20+2=19 d20+2=9 d20+2=4 d20+2=14 d20+2=12 d20+2=14 d20+2=19 d20+2=9 d20+2=9 Monday May 27th, 2013 3:36:40 AM
Outside the site entrance, at the table where Cyniq questions the morning crew while Anrete continues to look suitably intimidating:
Cyniq settles herself down at a table and summons an unseen servant. Handing a journal and pen to the servant she instructs the servant to record each conversation. She then unbuckles the holy symbol of Pantheon from her jacket and lays it on the table before her.
None other than Basal Quartzkin emerges from the tent and crosses over to stand in front of the table where the justicar sits.
"There wasn't anybody who was exceptionally 'sweaty,' so I volunteered to come first," the dwarf explains.
Hello, my name is Cyniq al'Iyz, Justicar in the service of Pantheon. You have the right to be heard fairly. You do not have the right to silence. Placing her hand on Pantheon's gavel, she invokes the Test of Truth and begins her questioning:
State your name and occupation. "I am Basal Quartzkin, journeyman miner and appointed overseer to the excavation project."
Date of arrival in Bryn Baraz. "I arrived in Bryn Baraz after the town was reclaimed from Al-Mathir."
Prior place of residence. "I lived in Floating City."
When did you come on shift? "I came to the excavation site an hour before the shift started--that's about five of the clock at this time of year...an hour before sunrise."
What did you observe last night. "Last night I led the second shift crew in testing the newest tunnels discovered in the site. They are safe to traverse...but I observed that something other than our crew members had actually made them, and I still have no idea exactly what that may have been."
Have you seen anything else unusual. "Whatever made the new tunnels is able to carve out the smoothest passageway I've ever seen in all my years of mining."
What was your relationship with the deceased? "Mark Avin is...was...the senior member of the morning crew, a very able excavator and...and I was on the verge of making him my assistant overseer."
Were you aware of any problems with the deceased? "Out of everyone working on the excavation project, Mark is...was...the most like a dwarf. He followed the rules and made sure that the others did, too...it's the main reason I was about to make him my assistant. But...Mark had a bad habit of taking his mining gloves home with him rather than leave them at the excavation site like he was supposed to."
How did the deceased get along with the workers? "He may have had some trouble with Rogy and Margon because those two are the least like dwarves--they were horsing around when they should have been paying attention to their work, so Mark reported their infraction to me. Other than that, though, I believe that just about everyone on both crews rather liked him."
What question have I not asked that I should have? One of Basal's bushy eyebrows raises in surprise.
"I am not a justicar, ma'am," the dwarf points out, "But the only question that it seems to me that you haven't asked is: what happened? So far, none of you investigators have asked the first thing that popped into my head when we found poor Mark."
Cyniq notes that her Holy Symbol has remained dark all through the interview.
Inside the tunnels, Alexi, Garret, Sesha and Keela continue into the excavation, basically ignoring the unlit tunnels and sections in favor of following the "trail" of lit torches in the excavation. They find themselves at another intersection with the lit torches and two directions to pick from: go to their left (west, and unlit) or go east, which has at least another torch or two.
EVERYONE IN THE TUNNEL MUST MAKE TWO PERCEPTION CHECKS.
And, last but not least: forty minutes have passed for Else.
Keela d20+2=15 ; d20+2=8 ; Monday May 27th, 2013 12:29:33 PM
Keela continues concentrating on her spell, looking for magical auras. Her intent concentration leaves her with little attention to pay to her surroundings.
[Perceptions 15 and 8]
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) d20+8=18 ; d20+8=25 ; Monday May 27th, 2013 6:06:45 PM
Alexi spends some extra time studying the tracks at the next intersection as he gets the feeling he's getting close to the end. He looks over the first 10' in the unlit direction for tracks, then in the lit direction.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Monday May 27th, 2013 11:12:14 PM Meditate... meditate... I wonder what has been going on this whole time?... Meditate...
DM OOC: Careful, there, Else--if your mind strays too far afield, it isn't "meditating"...
;D
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d20+7=14 ; d20+7=22 ; Monday May 27th, 2013 11:59:14 PM
Sesha peers down the two intersections, glad that at least she has Darkvision even if the others do not.
Perception 1: 14 Perception 2: 22
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] d20+12=17 ; d20+16=32 ; Tuesday May 28th, 2013 4:45:48 AM
Anrete digs his nose as he listens on to the interviews, while his eyes scan carefully for anything suspicious.
------------------------------------------ Sense Motive: 17 Perception: 32
DM Donna Tuesday May 28th, 2013 6:39:51 AM
Waiting on Garret's & Cyniq's posts.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] d20+21=36 ; d20+21=40 ; Tuesday May 28th, 2013 11:19:17 AM
As the group reaches the intersection, Garret peers both directions (Perception: 36, 40). He nods to Alexi and replies, "Indeed, we may as well follow the lit area first. I don't imagine they'd find a fellow dead off in the dark, would they?"
OOC: Sorry about no post yesterday, I forgot it was a weekday, what with the holiday and all! :)
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Tuesday May 28th, 2013 12:27:35 PM Backing up just a second
"...found a body where I marked that X there. I checked to see if the man was only injured, but I saw that he was dead...and that he was Mark Avin...the senior member of my morning crew."
Did the other's ask where the body is?, Cyniq can't help smiling when she learns that they went into the mine without knowing where exactly they were going.
A simple incantation and she sends a message to Alexi: skip the first right, then two more rights to the body of Mark Avin, head of morning crew.
+++++
I am not a justicar, ma'am," the dwarf points out, "But the only question that it seems to me that you haven't asked is: what happened? So far, none of you investigators have asked the first thing that popped into my head when we found poor Mark.
You would be surprised at what I find out with that one question. So, what happened? You have no exact idea what made the tunnels, but you suspect, what?
Scene of the Crime - DM Donna d20=6 ; d20=15 ; Tuesday May 28th, 2013 5:45:04 PM
INSIDE THE TUNNELS:
Alexi suddenly receives a magic message from Cyniq, who tells him where to find the body, as well as the identity of the deceased: Mark Avin, whom Alexi vaguely recalls was one of the first people to volunteer for the excavation project when it was first announced.
A rather acrid odor hangs in the air as the party approaches the area beyond the last lit torch on the walls of the tunnel. A few yards beyond the last attached torch lies the body of an excavator lying face down on the ground.
Everyone's first Perception rolls were good enough so that you all can tell that the body is that of a male human with dark hair, and that he's lying in a puddle of some sort--the puddle is what smells particularly acrid. (DM OOC: Garret's player will be getting an email from me soon.)
The second Perception roll will apply when (if) the party examines the body. Should you choose to do this, yet another Perception roll must be rolled--but everyone gets to add a +2 circumstance bonus because Alexi is carrying an additional light source.
OUTSIDE, AT THE INTERROGATION TABLE:
Anrete continues to exude his bristling sort of charm, noticing nothing except that Basal looks less-than-thrilled with the kind of "mining" the barbarian is doing during the interrogation.
Cyniq continues to listen as Basal answers her follow-up questions:
"A couple of days ago, the morning excavation crew discovered that there were existing tunnels in the area we were exploring," the dwarf tells the justicar. "I could tell that these new tunnels were not dug by the usual manual methods because their surfaces were far too smooth. Although I am more experienced as a miner than just about any non-dwarf in Bryn Baraz, I have to admit that I cannot even guess as to what created the discovered passages."
Cyniq will have to make two more rolls to see if her Test of Truth results in her holy symbol lighting up or not. (Don't forget to roll once for each question/topic that results in an answer from whomever you are questioning.)
DING!!! Else's period of meditation is over and she may now return to the excavation site to see how the investigation is going.
Keela d20+22=33 ; d20=3 ; Tuesday May 28th, 2013 6:40:38 PM
Keela maintains concentration on her spell, checking to see if there are any magical auras on or near the body.
If there are any, Keela's Spellcraft check to identify them is a 33. [I will roll additional checks if needed; let me know.]
If there are no auras, Keela instead turns her attention to the acrid-smelling puddle, and tries to determine what it might be. She gets a 20 to a Craft: Alchemy check or a 21 to a Knowledge: Nature check; if it needs to be anything else, let me know and I'll do the math on that awesome 3 I rolled.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d20+29=39 ; Tuesday May 28th, 2013 8:57:07 PM
Sesha looks at the body for a moment, then peers down at the acrid smelling puddle. Her body goes stiff, and the young drow intakes a sharp breath while stepping involuntarily backwards. Shuddering, she violently shakes the memory of her first death from her mind.
"Pot-pot!" she whispers. "Do you detect anything? Spirits, Undead, anything?!" [840 ft detects witches, spirits, and undead.]
Trembling visibly, she swallows hard and kneels down and pulls an empty potion vial from her backpack. She mutters the words to a cantrip, detect poison, before attempting to gather some of the stuff in her vial.
Finally, she attempts to identify the liquid as best as she can, using Pot-Pots help.
(I'm on the move for vacation starting tomorrow. I'll try my best to keep up on posts!)
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) d20+5=8 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+8=22 ; Tuesday May 28th, 2013 11:18:44 PM
Alexi suddely holds his E-Torch up and says, "Halt. Cyniq just send me a message. She says that the body is right over there, where that body is. His name is Mark Avin."
He sniffs around for a second and then asks "Anyone else smell what I smell? It's not Anrete, he's back out there. Seems familiar..."
Alexi takes a moment to take a whif from one of his acid flask to see if smells similar.
"I'll go forward and check the body. Garret, watch the tunnel the way we came. Sesha, keep an eye on dark tunnel past the body. Keela, keep an eye on me." Alexi grins at that comment then steps forward, carefully, to the body and examines it.
Previous roll: Roll 2: Perc +8 = 25 +2 for extra light = 27
New Perception roll (checking the body) +8 = 22
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Tuesday May 28th, 2013 11:20:33 PM
OOC: I started my post, got distracted, then posted. Keela and Sesha beat me, so ignore Alexi's comments to those two, I guess.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Tuesday May 28th, 2013 11:53:48 PM
Finished with her meditations and eager to rejoin the group. She approaches the interrogation table in front of the caves and hails Cyniq and Anrete. "Ho, there! What did I miss?"
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying d20+16=25 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=34 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=18 ; Wednesday May 29th, 2013 1:06:21 AM Here's my last two SM rolls, both 25. plus another 25 for my last question for Basal.
We're just starting the questioning. You're welcome to sit and watch here, or keep an eye on those still needing questioning or those already questioned. Cyniq turns to Basal, Thank you for your cooperation and information. One last question, where were you last night?
After he answers that question, I'll move to the next miner.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] d20+12=28 ; d20+16=35 ; Wednesday May 29th, 2013 9:07:47 AM
Anrete yawns as he removes a dagger from his boots and begins sharpening it as he continues his vigilance.
------------------------------------ Sense Motive: 28 Perception: 35
Cyniq's Session - DM Donna d20=11 ; Wednesday May 29th, 2013 11:28:04 AM OOC: This isn't the "official" post from me for today--I'm addressing how Cyniq's session with Basal went. The Official DM post will occur around 6pm Eastern time, so that everyone in the group will have had 24 hours since my last Official post to respond.
"Last night I finished transcribing notes on the excavation before leaving the site around 8 o'clock or so," Basal responds to the justicar's final question. "From here I went straight to the mithril mine and, after a late supper and a few rounds of dice, I went to my own quarters and slept until I got up to come to the excavation site this morning."
Cyniq can clearly see that her holy symbol remains dark during this round of questioning.
"The justices who oversee clan law don't allow for spectators during their initial investigations," Basal says, looking rather intrigued, "I...I would stay and witness your procedures as long as you are kind enough to allow me this opportunity." He steps to one side of the table to await the arrival of the next person to be questioned.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] d20+21=36 ; d4=3 ; d20+23=40 ; Wednesday May 29th, 2013 2:30:55 PM
As the group prepares to examine the body, Garret cries out, "Hold a moment." He reaches out and touches the walls and says, "Look at these walls. These are not the same. Look how smooth they are. These were not made the same way as the others. These were not made by dwarven tools, but something else."
He looks down and continues, "And look here. That body was dragged over there... from right about here. There's a wheelbarrow track and footsteps here that lead off to the west. Do you see them? I think that fellow was killed somewhere else and dropped here for some reason."
He looks back west to see if there's any chance of following the footsteps, then slowly and carefully heads over to the dead body to take a look. (Perceptions: 36 & 40 Wow).
The Copper Drops..!..? - DM Donna d20=3 d20=5 d20=10 d20=11 d20=6 d20=16 d20=4 d20=18 d20=7 d20=4 Wednesday May 29th, 2013 10:28:31 PM INSIDE THE TUNNELS:
Keela still sees nothing arcane in the area, but her examination of the puddle makes her practically certain that the liquid creating the puddle is acid--acid that is now rather weak even though it definitely still smells acid-y.
~There are no spirits nor other such beings in your area,~ Pot-pot informs Sesha. The bad-smelling liquid is neither magical nor spiritual in nature.~ The liquid does not seem to be poisonous. Something else about the body catches Sesha's eye, however...
Alexi probes the area, seeing the disturbed ground around the perimeter of the puddle but it isn't until Garret announces the specifics that he realizes that there are, indeed, indications that the body was likely dumped here, rather than supposed killed by someone or something with acid.
However, the kicker of the scenario is something that both Sesha's and Garret's super-sharp eyes have been able to spot: the back of Mark Avin's head is oddly flat--as though he'd been struck from behind by something with the approximate circumference of a dinner plate...
OUTSIDE, AT THE JUSTICAR'S TABLE
Anrete's barbarian intuition seems to agree with Cyniq's pronouncement that Basal Quartzkin has nothing to hide.
The guard that had been stationed at the excavation entrance goes to the tent and brings back one of the other crew members--the half-elf female. Cyniq once more introduces herself and commences to questioning:
State your name and occupation. "My...my name is Petra Wittmoor. I am an excavator on this project, but I was working as a farmhand on one of the homesteads outside Bryn Baraz before I signed on."
Date of arrival in Bryn Baraz. "Mark and I came here with the first caravan. We were also evacuated when the Al-Mathir took over, but we both came back when they were defeated."
Prior place of residence. "I lived in Floating City."
When did you come on shift? "I came to work at the usual time--just a little before six o'clock in the morning."
What did you observe last night. "I...I didn't see much of anything unusual last night...Mark and I went to our hut and ate dinner and I went to bed after we cleaned up the dishes. Mark stayed up to study the newest maps of the worksite."
Have you seen anything else unusual. "No. Nothing at all." Cyniq's holy symbol glows at this statement, which Cyniq can tell has evoked disapproval and/or some anger in Petra.
What was your relationship with the deceased? "Mark is my...was...my fiance. We were going to be married as soon as we had settled into a permanent career here."
Were you aware of any problems with the deceased? "Mark's overblown sense of honor would get him into trouble with other people." Cyniq can again tell that Petra's attitude of disapproval/anger is coming into play here.
How did the deceased get along with the workers? "Mark was the best man in the world!" Petra's voice is getting raggedly, as though she is fighting back tears. Once again, however, the gavel glows.
What question have I not asked that I should have?
"WHYYYYYYYY????" Petra howls, now in a full-blown emotional breakdown. "Why did this happen??? How am I going to live without him???" The young lady buries her face in her hands and sobs. Basal looks rather embarrassed at the emotional outburst, and Cyniq sees that her holy symbol did not glow during this declaration.
And Else comes along with her own question:
"Ho, there! What did I miss?"
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Wednesday May 29th, 2013 11:52:09 PM "As much as I love a good interrogation, I think the folks in the tunnels are waiting on me. I'm interested in knowing the personality of mithril. I'm guessing it's like silver, but a bit more pretentious. You would be surprised at the vanity of inanimate objects if you spoke with them."
Walking down through the tunnel to the group, Else sees them investigating the scene. Her heart goes out to the poor woman. She leans in and asks softly. "This may seem like an odd question, but does anyone see any mushrooms or other fungi nearby?"
Keela Thursday May 30th, 2013 1:32:18 AM
Quietly, Keela slips out of the mine and heads to the tent where Cyniq is conducting her interviews. When Cyniq has a moment, Keela steps up to speak with her.
"Ask them if they use acid for any of their mining processes," she says softly. "We found a puddle of acid near the body, and I'd like to know where it came from."
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying d20+18=21 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=24 ; Thursday May 30th, 2013 3:50:49 AM
Nodding in acceptance of Basal's request, you may observe, but you must sit there to one side. And you must not speak. If you have something to add, wave a hand and I will get back to you.
After Petra's first line of questions, Cyniq has one last question for Petra, 'Tis not my intention to cause undo pain. Though I must know the truth. By Pantheon's will I find that you have been less than fully honest with me. You have seen something unusual, no matter how trivial it may seem now, it may be important. For now Cyniq will leave off on following up on Mark's character with Petra. Cyniq does look for any signs of abuse.
Thank you Else, I am sure they will need some additional assitance there. With Anrete I expect no problems here. Cyniq listens to Keela and gestures to Basal, he would know.
I wonder if there is a spell, compulsion, probably, that would let me delve into a subject's mind and find the answers, much quicker than this tediousness. But then... probably better not to go down that road... Cyniq muses to herself while waiting for the next miner.
Perc: signs of abuse= 18; sense motive for Petra's last question= 27; SM's for next interview= 31, 19, 32, 29, 19, 27, 18, 32, 18, 24
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] d20+12=16 ; d20+16=24 ; Thursday May 30th, 2013 8:33:41 AM Finally something interesting.
Anrete cracks his neck as he leans back to enjoy the drama unfolding.
--------------------------------- Sense Motive: 16 Perception: 24
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] d20+21=39 ; Thursday May 30th, 2013 10:48:02 AM
Garret points out the body and says, "This isn't right. This is starting to look like a someONE and not a someTHING. Perhaps someone had a grudge against him, or this was a quarrel over money or love. But still, these tunnels concern me. I wonder what made them."
Garret examines the tunnels further, exploring just a bit past the body (Perception: 39).
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday May 30th, 2013 11:35:09 AM
Sesha straightens herself sighs, then stretches out her arms. Looking at the others she takes a few steps away from the group and kicks the hard stone. At least there's not another Dragon here she thinks... last time I saw acid I was dead.
At least, she thinks, I found an interesting spell component. It's not everyday you find weekend thats it thats been soaking in dead person.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) d20+8=19 ; Thursday May 30th, 2013 10:03:54 PM "Hmmmmm.....," Alexi ponders. "I was thinking more in terms of one of those gelatinous slimes. But one of those would have dissolved the body."
Alexi looks over the body in detail looking for signs of blood and signs where the acid made contact with clothes and skin, looking for a pattern. Perc +8 = 19
While he does that, he asks out loud, "where's the blood? A head bashed in like that would leave a lot of blood."
He looks up, "The real clues will be where he was killed. We need to follow that dark tunnel and look for any specks of blood ont he walls of floor. The culprint may have been a little careless and left something we can go on. But let's not forget also, that if he fell backwards and hit his head hard, it would leave much the same inprint."
If everyone's done here, Alexi will take the lead down the dark tunnel, his Everburning Torch in front. Or actually, when everyone's done here, he will do that.
Insert Drama Squirrel Here! - DM Donna d20=17 Thursday May 30th, 2013 11:04:52 PM
OUTSIDE THE TUNNELS Cyniq acknowledges Else and the druid continues into the tunnels to find the others, passing Keela as the wizard exits the passageway. Meanwhile, Petra sniffles, looking rather dismayed.
"Mark...he was so...so..." the half-elf draws in a shaky breath and her temper flares a bit. "...so bloody honorable!!! Whenever he thought something was wrong, he always HAD to go make it right! He was always ticking off friends and neighbors because of it. He didn't get along as well with Rogy and Margon because he informed on them to Master Quartzkin--" Here Petra nods at the dwarf nearby.
"Last night..." she continues a bit reluctantly, "...last night, just as I was going to bed, our neighbor Gordon came by to return some tools he had borrowed and he told Mark that he'd seen Keeri with a swollen face. Mark got angry and stormed out of the hut...he just couldn't leave well enough alone..."
The justicar sees no physical signs of abuse on Petra...and now the holy symbol of Pantheon remains dark all through Petra's newest testimony.
"Indeed, justicar," Basal adds, "Mark Avin was very lawful. I never thought of that being a problem with anyone, because we're all supposed to be lawful..."
As far as Anrete can tell, nobody is giving any indications that they're trying to pull something over on Cyniq. Then Keela speaks to her colleagues, telling them of the acid found near the body in the tunnels.
DM OOC: holding off for a bit before another crew member is trotted out for questioning to give those present a chance to react to the new info.
INSIDE THE TUNNELS:
It is easy enough for Else to follow the trail of lit torches to where the rest of the party is located inside the excavation proper. As she arrives, she greets them and asks after the presence of fungi in the tunnels.
Sesha is beginning to get a most uncomfortable feeling of deja-vu.
Alexi and Garret share their observations out loud, because it is beginning to look more and more like someone killed the man in the tunnel and then tried to make it look like some monster or something was the culprit. Both of them perceive that this is very unlikely because they find that there is absolutely NO acid on the back of the body--not even the head.
Even as Alexi follows his instincts and starts to backtrack the telltale marks on the ground, Garret makes a discovery:
There, at the very end of the tunnel, is an opening that had been hidden from view before--it, too, is smooth (practically circular) and it leads north...at a bit of an angle downward...
DM OOC again: HERE is what Garret has discovered (scroll down to the last page in the document to see the latest discovery.)
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Thursday May 30th, 2013 11:38:27 PM "I can ask the stone to tell us who passed through here, but I can only do so once today. Would anyone like to investigate through mundane means first?"
Keela Friday May 31st, 2013 9:59:57 AM
Not sure what else to do, Keela lingers for a bit in the tent.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Friday May 31st, 2013 12:22:06 PM Well Master Quartzkin, just as with many things in life, it is possible to be lawful to a fault, to forget the intent of the law and only consider the letter of the law. This often leads to suffering and injustice on a moral scale.
Sighing that she hasn't had an opportunity to get to know but a handful of people, she asks Keeri is?...
Considering how she can use the assets available to her, Keela, you've been here for a while. Take a look in the tent please, if you know any of those inside, I will ask you after the initial interviews for some background information on them. If you don't know them, then we will see if we can get that information later. My thanks for your assistance.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Friday May 31st, 2013 3:35:09 PM
Garret says, "Something just isn't right here. I mean, you can see here where the body was clearly dragged here. And look at the barrow marks. But this acid doesn't make any sense. I wonder if there are two different things going on here. Could someone have dropped the body off, perhaps after accidentally killing him? And then perhaps whatever it is that's making these smooth tunnels showed up? This tunnel is beyond what the dwarves signed up for. I'm not sure we want to find what made them, but that might be more important right now than figuring who killed this fellow and left his body here. I think we need to check out this new tunnel and see what is leads to."
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) d20+8=13 ; Friday May 31st, 2013 9:01:55 PM "I agree, Garrett. There could be two things going on. I was about to suggest that someone used acid to cover up any clues he or she left behind. That new tunnel suggest something else came by. Let's look for evidence of an acid trail."
Alexi mesures the dimensions of the newly discovered tunnel.
"Well, before we go exploring anything, we need all of us together. I, personally, would rather find where he was killed first. Are there any sings of acid back the other way? If not, then this new tunnel is probably made by some undeground critter that makes its way through rock using acid, thus the smooth walls.
Alexi goes back to the last intersection and looks for drag marks and signs of acid in that first 10' into the dark tunnel.
Perc +8 = 13
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 d20+22=26 Friday May 31st, 2013 11:55:08 PM
Else assists in investigating the new tunnel.
Perception 26
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Saturday June 1st, 2013 9:20:52 AM
Anrete frowns when he heard about Keeri's swollen face. He waits patiently for the justicer's decision.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Saturday June 1st, 2013 2:32:28 PM
Sesha is considerably troubled by the smoothed out tunnel. She whispers a quick and fervent prayer to the Little Spirit.
"Often I do as you ask tiny one. You are fickle and playful, and I find that I enjoy our relationship,though I know little of you. Please keep us alert and safe, if you can. I do not wish a second death by acid!"
'I agree with Alexi. Lets not go near that tunnel until we are full force. We may have to pry Cynique away from her interrogations."
She then sits away from the hole so that no sudden line of acid might disintigrate her a second time. She sits down and hugs and knees, staring at the hole as if she expects a dragon to pop from it any minute.
[Ready Action; IF a dragon DOES pop out, her first reaction will be to cast energy resistance, acid.]
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Saturday June 1st, 2013 2:33:29 PM
(ooc. 2nd major storm in my state of Oklahoma has me posting on phones. Please be patient and know i may miss a day or so. If combat arises, Tanner would you keep me up in the rounds? You've played witches before.)
Sure thing. -Tanner
And Then...And Then..? - DM Donna Monday June 3rd, 2013 11:55:38 AM OOC: Sorry about the missed post, people. Real Life interfered.
INSIDE THE TUNNELS:
Else offers the use of her spell to further the investigation.
Garret offers up the information that his keen perception has discovered and advises that the party explores the newest tunnel that appears to descend into the depths.
Alexi agrees with Garret's advice, but points out the wisdom of having all of the party do such exploring. He opts to do a quick backtrack to where the intersection of multiple pathways occurred, with Else using her own Perception to help him.
Sesha is still feeling more than a little paranoid, but makes sure she's ready...just in case...
Alexi's examination of the marks on the ground don't appear to uncover much except that the trail seems to come from the tunnel to the immediate west of where the body was found.
However, Else happens to notice that the trail not only goes to the end of the tunnel, but also that the western tunnel has some telltale blood splatter, making it the most likely spot where Mark Avin was killed.
OUTSIDE THE TUNNELS:
Keela pays attention to the scene transpiring since nobody has proposed any actions yet. DM OOC: by the way, Cyniq's table was set up to the east of the entrance into the excavation--the crew members are in the tent.
Anrete makes a note of the report about Keeri, his disapproval evident.
Cyniq muses about the possibility that Mark may have gotten carried away in his zeal to uphold the law, then asks after Keeri's identity, as well as bidding Keela to check out the people waiting in the tent to see if there's anyone there she knows.
Meanwhile, Petra is the one who answers Cyniq's question:
"Keeri...Keeri Vynnyl--she's Rogy's wife."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] d20+21=31 ; Monday June 3rd, 2013 1:49:23 PM
Garret keeps a careful watch down the smooth tunnel while the others continue to investigate the murder scene. (Perception: 31).
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Monday June 3rd, 2013 2:48:17 PM Keela, Anrete, anything you would like to ask? Both of you have lived here longer than my one night.
If not, then Thank you for your cooperation Petra. My condolences on your loss. If you can think of anything else, please let me know.
Seems a little convulated to off him over a domestic dispute, but I can come back to that later.
DM OOC: actually, a little over two weeks have passed since Cyniq, Sesha & Else's arrival to Bryn Baraz.
Keela Monday June 3rd, 2013 5:09:58 PM
Keela steps into the tent to find Basal Quartzkin. "Excuse me," she asks, "but do your miners use acid for any of their processes?"
She also looks around inside the tent, making a note of which people she knows, so she can give Cyniq more information about them. For example, she passes along any information she knows about Keeri, her husband, and the victim.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Monday June 3rd, 2013 9:54:53 PM
Else points out things in the darkened tunnel that Alexi missed and the cavalryman rubbs his chin. "Good place to use that spell of yours, Else. See if you can shed any light on this matter."
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Monday June 3rd, 2013 11:39:44 PM
Else bends down and brushes away dust and pebbles from an area large enough for her body. She lies down, spreading her arms out and laying her cheek against the stone. She whispers, "Tell me your secrets, you beautiful cave."
ooc: Cast stone tell. Casting time 10 minutes. Duration 11 minutes once cast. How many questions can I ask in a minute, DM? One per round?
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Tuesday June 4th, 2013 3:42:30 AM
Anrete isn't a very sociable person and are only familiar with the kitchen staff. He provides whatever information he could to Cyniq.
The barbarian is getting restless with the lack of activities. His fierce demeanor indicating his indignation at the lack of action and bloodshed.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Tuesday June 4th, 2013 2:08:57 PM
As Else lies down, Garret starts to say, "They're rocks, they don't..." then he stops and watches...
DM Donna Tuesday June 4th, 2013 2:13:23 PM
I'm giving Sesha's player until 8pm Eastern to post. Hopefully the Internet will be accessible to him by then.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Tuesday June 4th, 2013 8:44:52 PM
( Thanks DM. Any chance I can count this vial of muted dead person acid Sesha gathered as a Tinker with Magic component?)
Sesha watches from her vantage point outside the mouth of the cave, still feeling very vulnerable and very small at the moment. She goes as far as taking Pot-pot off of her back and holding the cauldron in her lap.
"Be careful Else!" she calls out, before quietly continuing her prayers to the Little Spirit.
DM Donna d20=15 ; Tuesday June 4th, 2013 9:22:42 PM
INSIDE THE TUNNELS:
Garret maintains a vigil by the easternmost passageway, utilizing his Perception to its utmost. He detects nothing unusual, except that Sesha is very quiet and very jumpy.
Alexi appreciates the sharp eyes of the druid and asks her to do what she can to uncover any more clues.
Else gives the earth in this area a nice, big hug and bids the surrounding sandstone to tell its secrets.
DM OOC: We'll play the interrogation of the surrounding terrain by ear. I'll let you know when the 11 minures are exhausted.
Oh, and sorry, Garret--Alexi and Else are now at the western end of the western tunnel on this side of the map--you can't see them, so you can't be fascinated by the way the druid is conducting her part of the investigation. Go to the bottom of this document to see where everyone inside the tunnels is located...
OUTSIDE THE TUNNELS:
Cyniq opens the floor to questions from either Anrete or Keela, but neither of her fellow adventurers seem to have anything to ask.
"Thank you, justicar," Petra says, her voice husky with unshed tears. "I...appreciate your sentiment." She slowly makes her way back to the others, following Keela into the tent.
Keela asks her question of the excavation overseer, and the doughty dwarf shakes his head in response.
"No, we don't use acid until we see indications of certain mineral deposits," he says firmly, "And there haven't been any such deposits at all."
The Rock Whisperer - DM Donna Tuesday June 4th, 2013 9:26:04 PM
After about ten minutes, Else hears a rumbling sort of voice in her head:
~...seeeeecrets..? Nooooo seeeeecrets have I-I-I-I-I-I...~
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Tuesday June 4th, 2013 9:54:09 PM
ooc: I'm moving right now and living out of boxes. Very rushed. Party members are encouraged to ask questions through Else like a sock puppet. Only for today.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Tuesday June 4th, 2013 11:09:30 PM
Alexi watches Else go through her ritual, the seriousness of the situation keeping the fighter from belting out a good laugh. He patiently waits, trying not to hum to himself, for the rocks to speak.
DM OOC: As Else's player has stated: any questions you may think to ask the stones will be relayed by Else to the stone, so if Alexi has any bright ideas, feel free to ask.
What Keela Knows - DM Donna Wednesday June 5th, 2013 6:06:38 AM DM OOC: sorry about that, Keela--I addressed the first part of your action and completely missed the rest of what you were doing. Here is what Keela is likely to know about the people left to interrogate:
The male gnome in the tent has wide ash-gray eyes. His fine, fly-away, chalk-white hair is worn in a style that reminds you of a drifting cloud. He's got a moustache. He is short and has a graceful build. His skin is white. He has a bulbous nose and high cheekbones. Keela recalls that his name is Hexbolt (can't recall his first name) and that he's been with Bryn Baraz since the first wave of settlers. She also has the impression that he is a typical gnome in that he likes to keep busy. He looks none too happy with all this "sit and wait until you're called" stuff going on now.
There is a male human--although he might have some elven blood in him. He has large green eyes that are like two clumps of moss. His thick, curly, shoulder-length hair is the color of mahogany, and is worn in a low ponytail. He is very tall and has a broad-shouldered build. His skin is ruddy. He has thin lips and a neatly-trimmed goatee. Keela really can't even recall his name, although she remembers that he has hit on her at least once and fancies himself the gods' gift to women.
The other human male excavator present has cobalt-blue eyes. His silky, straight, black hair is worn in a style that reminds one of a cascading waterfall. He has an angular build. His skin is cream-colored. He has large hands. Although he appears vaguely familiar to Keela, she really can't even recall his name, much less where she may have seen him or when he came to Bryn Baraz.
DM OOC again: Keela is free to try to cudgel her brain into recalling more about each of these other people by rolling a Perception check for each one.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] d20+16=21 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=32 ; Wednesday June 5th, 2013 9:20:30 AM
Anrete peers at the remaining miners, racking his brains for any useful information so that he can start shedding blood.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Wednesday June 5th, 2013 12:14:49 PM
Garret watches the darkness, but when nothing appears, he says to Sesha, "So, you talk to that pot a bit. Does it talk back to you? I'm not very familiar with many workings of magic."
Keela d20+2=7 ; d20+2=16 ; d20+2=11 ; Wednesday June 5th, 2013 7:43:25 PM
Keela passes on the information she does recall. "The gnome over there is called Hexbolt," she says. "He's a tinkerer; likes to keep busy. The tall guy with the ponytail and goatee will hit on you. He hits on everybody."
Perception checks to recall more:
Hexbolt: 7 Handsome: 16 Pale guy: 11
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Wednesday June 5th, 2013 7:54:19 PM
Having no idea how rocks can tell who or what passes through or near them, he indicates to Else to give the rock Mark's description and ask how far he made it down the tunnel.
"He may have been killed here, but his murderer may have been further down the tunnel."
1 question, 1 round?
DM OOC: If you have anything you'd like to know that the stone of this area may have been able to "witness", then go ahead and ask the question. I'm not parceling out the questions with "one question = one round of time". If you ask a short question, it will only take a few seconds to ask it. The answer is likely to be as short, but if anything seems to require longer, more convoluted answers, it will take up more time to ask the question.
Just ASK something.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying d20+16=35 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=21 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=36 ; Wednesday June 5th, 2013 9:46:43 PM Keela, why don't you ask one of the miner's to come out, your choice which one. I'd like to get these initial interviews over with quickly and compare my notes before proceeding on.
Cyniq will ask each the same set of questions she has been using.
Mining for Clues - DM Donna Wednesday June 5th, 2013 10:23:35 PM
INSIDE THE TUNNELS:
Garret strikes up a conversation with Sesha, although he remains watchful. However Sesha may answer the monk's questions, Garret's vigil reveals that the descending passage remains empty and silent.
Alexi's external musings give Else the idea for her first question to the Stone in the area:
"We are trying to find out if one of our people was killed or attacked right here. Have you seen anything like that happen?" she asks. The Sandstone sort of rumbles (probably the rock equivalent of a person going "hmmmm...") and answers:
~Recently there were two people here. Loudly they yelled. One thud ended the argument.~
Else relays the answer to Alexi.
DM OOC: Else asks her questions out loud in Common, so Alexi can hear her end of the conversation. The Stone can only be heard by Else, so she has to repeat the answer back to Alexi in order for him to know what was said. The question above, its answer and Else's repetition of it took about 30 seconds altogether. That means there are 10 and a half minutes of the spell remaining.
OUTSIDE THE TUNNELS:
Keela can't recall much of anything else about Hexbolt, nor can she recall even the name of the pale guy. However, she does remember that the "smooth operator" had introduced himself to her with the name "Margon" and had used a cheesy line about whisking her away to a casbah before she blew him off many moons ago.
Anrete's powers of observation tell him that Mr. Goatee is giving Keela the eye now, clearly trying to think of something to say that may allow him to pick her up. Both the gnome and the other human in the tent are looking impatient, but the human is scowling his displeasure as he shifts around on the crates he's sitting on.
Cyniq gives Keela the word to pick someone for the justicar to interrogate.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Thursday June 6th, 2013 9:50:50 AM
Anrete discreetly maneuvers himself to block off any route of escape as he grins at the goatee pathetic attempt at flirting.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] d20+21=31 ; d20+21=37 ; Thursday June 6th, 2013 10:37:37 AM
Garret takes another look down the long, dark hallway (perception: 31). He takes a quick step down towards the darkness, thinking he might see something. He turns his head to listen and whispers to Sesha, "Did you hear that? I thought I heard something. I guess it could be water or something dripping, but I don't think so. Something is down there. I'm going just a little ways down there, not far."
He carefully and quietly sneaks just a short distance (Stealth: 37) down the tunnel, not out of sight of Sesha, but trying to take a look down the tunnel.
Keela Thursday June 6th, 2013 2:56:26 PM
After some thought, Keela brings Margon over to talk to Cyniq.
"I just know you'll be able to help," she says on the way. "You're so smart, and you notice things. And," she drops her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "I think the Justiciar likes you. Now's your big chance to impress her."
Totally OOC: Yeah, I just knew there was a reason why I really like Keela...
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Thursday June 6th, 2013 8:02:11 PM
Else conveys that there were two at the spot and an argument errupted. Who was the second? How does stone convey such details?
Alexi asks Else to ask the stone: 1) Were the two males or was one a male and the other a female? Maybe the stone can tell the difference by the difference in voice pitch, males being lower and females being higher. 2) How long was the first one there and what was he/she doing whe the second arrived? 3) Can the stone give general appearances (hair length, body height, body size, foot size)? If so, tells us.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Friday June 7th, 2013 1:39:22 AM
Cyniq cocks an eyebrow at Keela before gesturing to Margon Have a seat please.
And then Cyniq leads into her retinue of questions.
DM Donna d20=1 ; d20=4 ; d20=6 ; d20=8 ; d20=15 ; d20=13 ; d20=1 ; d20=5 ; d20=16 ; d20=8 ; Friday June 7th, 2013 2:18:10 AM INSIDE THE TUNNELS:
Garret remains in the 60-foot-range of Sesha's vision, carefully exploring the tunnel, which continues to remain still and dark, with neither any obvious clues nor any creatures jumping out at the monk. You might think that it's like the tunnel is waiting for everyone in the group to be there all together before anything happens...
Alexi asks a few very logical questions, and Else does a bit of explaining to him before asking the Stone to answer them: in this case, the Stone can be considered blind, as it possesses no eyes with which to see. It also cannot distinguish between genders since rocks don't really have a gender themselves--and, besides, this is the first time since its creation that the Stone has been asked to recall precise pitch between two foreign creatures. It really can't recall there being a big difference between the pitch of each person. However, the vibrations from creatures that walk are what tipped off the fact that there were two people here, as well as the vibrations from a loud exchange and the vibrations of the "sudden thud" that ended the conversation between the pair. To that end, the Stone cannot give out a physical description of the two different people other than to say that the both of them have traversed the passageways being opened in the rock before.
The Stone recalls that there was only one person in this area at first--the person was here for quite some time before being joined by the second person and the loud conversation ensued. After the conversation-ending thud occurred, the person remaining ran to fetch a device that rolls and returned here with it, filling it with something else and rolling the load away to the east where "the pesky parasite" was having lunch.
This whole part of the conversation takes another minute and a half, so now there are 9 minutes left to the spell.
OUTSIDE THE TUNNELS:
Anrete enjoys the very entertaining show as Keela charms the charmer while leading him to his session with Cyniq. The following ensues:
Cyniq once more introduces herself and commences to questioning:
State your name and occupation. "I'm Margon...Margon Jandrish...and I am totally occupied with you..." This last line is accompanied by the flash (leer?) of almost unnaturally-white teeth.
Date of arrival in Bryn Baraz. "I hitched on with this gig after the town got rid of its...lizard problem."
Prior place of residence. "I lived in Floating City."
When did you come on shift? "I got to work around six o'clock or so."
What did you observe last night. "I observed the deep violet eyes of one of the professional ladies at Mama Belle's...but now I only have eyes for you."
Have you seen anything else unusual. "I see that you have no man in attendance--" Margon's eyes flicker Anrete's way. "--none that can give you what you need, that is..."
What was your relationship with the deceased? "Mark was someone I worked with."
Were you aware of any problems with the deceased? "He was okay--although he can be SUCH a stick-in-the-mud sometimes. He ratted on us when Rogy and me cut up once in the tunnels." Again Margon flashes what he must believe is a seductive smile at Cyniq. "I find that most women appreciate a man with a sense of humor."
How did the deceased get along with the workers? Here Margon shrugs. "Okay, I guess--except for that one time he got all 'Mister Safety First' on me and Rogy."
What question have I not asked that I should have?
"You didn't ask when I'm available to escort you to the casbah, where I can make all your dreams come true..."
All through the interview, Cyniq's holy symbol remains dark.
DM OOC: I fell asleep waiting on everyone to post. One more DM post for this week--I plan to post it just after midnight Eastern time today.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Friday June 7th, 2013 3:43:36 PM
Garret stands, hands on his hips, looking down into the dark tunnel. He whispers back to Sesha, "Now I'm sure there's something down there. I'm also sure we do NOT want to know what it is. I am also sure that if our group doesn't get down there and find it, it will come back up and find some innocent villager. I wonder how well Anrete can swing his weapons in this small space."
DM Donna Saturday June 8th, 2013 7:40:01 AM OOC: once again, I miss my self-imposed deadline. Oh, well--here is the next bit of exposition:
INSIDE THE TUNNELS: Garret knows that the descending tunnel must be explored, but he wisely reasons that the exploration must occur with everyone in the party all together. Hopefully the party will soon gather either inside the tunnels or outside, so that they are all in one place and able to proceed together.
OUTSIDE THE TUNNELS: Margon continues to smile beguilingly at Cyniq, apparently completely oblivious to the fact that he's supposed be the current target of the justicar's investigation. He seems to be maddeningly sure of his own charm.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Sunday June 9th, 2013 11:34:07 PM
OOC: Sorry for the delay, RL stuff, like sleep, wife, cat, inlaws, sleep...
IC: The information gained by their questions are revealing to some extent. It had not occured to Alexi that rocks don't have eyes. Of course, it also had never occured to Alexi to ever have to put rocks on the witness stand.
Clearly the culprint was up to something. Whether it was just goofing around or something more sinister the rocks won't really know.
"Another question please. What minerals does this area contain inbedded in your 'body'? It sounded rather greedy to ask, but it could mean something if the culprint had found something he thought valuable and wanted to abscond with it.
It occured to Alexi that the rocks won't know what is valuable and what is mundane, but he hoped the rocks could describe every sort in some fashion to give him an idea, at least.
Keela Sunday June 9th, 2013 11:40:10 PM
Aside from rolling her eyes behind Margon's back, Keela stays out of Cyniq's questioning session. More and more, it seems as if they should just go investigate the mine for themselves.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Monday June 10th, 2013 12:32:22 AM Make sense to anyone else to fast track this module and consider how we are retiring/killing/regressing our characters?
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Monday June 10th, 2013 8:18:38 AM
ooC:
sorry. me too. I am cool with anything. How about we are framed and got imprisoned and sent back to the gallows at hook city?
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Monday June 10th, 2013 10:33:40 AM
ooc: Sorry again. Internet should be stable now.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Monday June 10th, 2013 10:49:45 AM
ooc: Are we losing levels on this xfer? If so, I'm going to probably just roll anew and move Sesha back to It'lal.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Monday June 10th, 2013 11:57:53 AM
Garret starts to call out to the others, but then pauses as he looks down the long, dark hallway once again.
DM Donna - posting via tablet Monday June 10th, 2013 1:13:36 PM
TOTALLY OOC - I am waiting for my brother as I type this, but I strongly urge any Meta-game discussion take place in emails.
However I will also add that the current adventure your party is conducting is one that has been adjusted so that it will end by the given deadline. I had been hoping that the PCs would have gone on to check out the descending tunnel (for a quick safety check, at least.)
8D
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Monday June 10th, 2013 1:16:31 PM
ooc: I'm back. Please pardon my absence. That is an excellent question, Sesha. Are we losing levels?
Else will 'track' the second figure who murdered the miner by asking the stone/earth every thirty feet which direction he went.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Monday June 10th, 2013 8:33:08 PM
OOC: and of course, Alexi's question on the mineral content of the rocks in that area. :)
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Monday June 10th, 2013 11:09:08 PM
Sesha continues to follow the others, keeping them in range of her dark vision.
Keela Tuesday June 11th, 2013 12:19:50 AM
"I'm going to go see how the others are getting along," Keela tells Cyniq and Anrete. After a moment's hesitation, she adds, "Maybe we should all go and see what's going on there. There's something odd about all of this."
Something Happening Is [DM Jerry] Tuesday June 11th, 2013 1:12:29 AM
Else is shocked when the earth and stone around her refuses to answer her. The ground rumbles for a second. Then the rocks speak.
"SOMETHING HAPPENING IS."
The ground rumbles a second time.
Further inside, Garret, having paused, hears the rumbling. A few small rocks fall from the roof and a layer of dust rises within the tunnel making it hard to breathe.
Outside the tunnels, a soft bell begins to toll--ghostly.....with a strange sort of reverb.
"Bong...."
"Dong...."
With each sounding of the bell, it grows in volume and substance.
--------------
Sorry for the short post folks. Things are in flux. If you would all describe where exactly you are and what you are doing in your posts to help me figure things out. :)
I'm also waiting on some replies from several folks to confirm our plans for the merger which we will act out "in character."
Stay in character as much as you can. Take the OOC stuff to email please. Include me and I'll answer your questions. :)
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) d20+8=28 ; Tuesday June 11th, 2013 10:10:54 AM
Alexi's head jerks up at the sound of a bell. His first thought is that it is the alarm bell, but upon the second sounding, he realizes that it is different, deeper, more ominous!
"This isn't right! Has Al Mathir broken it's word and returned?"
'Drat! One crisis after another! Can't we get one solved before start on another? Do these things always have to come in pairs, triplets?' he fumes.
"Looks like we'll need to finish this investigation later on. That bell sounding has an urgency to it!" he blurts.
He calls the group together at the intersection and urges them to head back out, taking up the lead. Once at the entrace again, he pauses and looks out.
Perception +8 = 28! N20
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Tuesday June 11th, 2013 10:32:28 AM
Anrete smiles at Margon, and blow a kiss with his dagger, "Charmed. Lucy want to know ye!"
PS: Lucy is his dagger.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Tuesday June 11th, 2013 11:29:27 AM You're not my type, and you're excused. Cyniq refrains from shuddering, barely, at the shallow come-ons. Anrete will show you out.
Cyniq looks down at her list and shouts, Next!
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 42/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d20+21=37 ; d100+16=115 ; Tuesday June 11th, 2013 1:30:23 PM
Sesha moves with Alexi, running to keep his pace. As he stops, she skids to a halt behind him. She feels a familiar tingling come over her as Pot-pot casts his protective wards. [1]She pulls her broom from it's strap and casts her own spell, reaching into the shadows of Bryn Baraz to channel the magic from it's woldsblood.[2]
She finds ample energy, more than enough to power the spell completely without tapping her own reserves. Her own method of flight prepared, she waits for the others to catch up.
[1] Intelligent cooking pot casts Divine Shield. [2] Bend Ley Lines: Success 37 vs DC 20; +16 to next Ley Check [3] Ley Check 115 vs DC 20, no slot expended.
[Spells in effect: Barkskin, 0/110 minute;, Divine Shield, 0/11 minutes; See Invisibility, Permanent.] [Spells Remaining]
Sesha has used 0/5 Healing Touch Pot-pot has used 1/3 Divine Shield.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Tuesday June 11th, 2013 5:23:18 PM
Garret takes a last look down the dark tunnel as he hears Alexi call out; then he runs towards the entrance, right behind Sesha.
Keela Tuesday June 11th, 2013 5:40:35 PM
Uncertain what that ringing sound might mean, Keela calls out, "Cyniq? Anrete? I think we'd better go investigate that."
She goes to investigate that.
Powerful Insistent [DM Jerry] Wednesday June 12th, 2013 12:02:12 AM
Seemingly not wanting to be ignored, the bell rings again...
Powerful.
Insistent.
Magic tendrils of light move into the mines, grabbing one and all as the shaking within the minds increases. Those grabbed are carried through the air towards the entrance ending the questioning and concerning many as they scream and writhe in horror.
As Alexi begins to move towards the entrance of the mines, tendrils of magic reach out for him lifting him from the ground and carrying him in the direction he wishes to go...assuming that direction is out.
Anrete and Cyniq are picked up together in a macabre dance spinning and dodging support beams as they are carried towards the entrance.
Sesha moving after Alexi is seemingly ignored. However, one last magic tendril gently lifts her carrying her with respect in a sort of chair. The tendril shows intelligence as it seems to respect.....the witch.
Garrett runs after Sesha in a mad game of triple chase: Alexi being carried roughly followed by Sesha in her throne of light, followed by Garrett running behind, seemingly ignored. [Garrett make a grapple check of 15 to grab the back of Shesha's throne before she gets out of reach.]
Keela is tapped upon the shoulder by a tendril which then grabs her around the waist carrying her away pell-mell through the mines towards the entrance.
The screams intensify as the tendrils of light seem to treat different people with different amounts of "respect?"
Dong!
Dong!
The bell chimes again. The mines begin to collapse.
[Reflex saves of 20 or you take 4d6 damage from collapsing rocks; save for half.]
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 d20+8=12 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; Wednesday June 12th, 2013 12:17:44 AM
Else comes up short in escaping the collapsing rock, taking a heavy blow to the shoulder as she flees (11 damage, current 112/123)
There is a definite edge of panic in her voice as she calls out to no one in particular. "By the gods, what is going on here!?"
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Wednesday June 12th, 2013 9:32:34 AM
Cyniq was not in the tunnels, she was carried toward them?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] d20+14=18 ; d20+12=20 ; Wednesday June 12th, 2013 9:52:55 AM
Garret puts on a burst of speed as Sesha is picked up, and he jumps up, grabbing ahold of the throne of light that has Sesha. As the mines begin to collapse around them, he squirms around the throne, moving and dodging all the rocks that start falling (Reflex save: 20, improved evasion). Amid the crashing, he yells out, "Good thing we didn't go down that tunnel, huh?"
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d20+9=23 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; Wednesday June 12th, 2013 10:35:13 AM
Sesha grits her teeth and covers her head as a large rock crashes towards her, only to be rolled out of the way at the last second by her "escort." She is grazed, but not terribly hurt. She looks in wonder at the strange tendrils, unsure what it is she is looking at.
She feels a slight pull, and turns to see Garrett riding along with her. She smiles and scruffles the halflings hair.
"Have the protectors of Bryn Baraz seen this before? It isn't a terrible way to travel, but I still prefer my broom."
She clutches her broom in her hand, unsure if it would continue to follow her when she is being whisked along by these tendrils.
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] d20+8=23 ; 4d6=21 ; Wednesday June 12th, 2013 12:07:47 PM
"Oof!" Keela is caught off guard by the grasping tendril, but she is able to escape the worst of the collapsing rocks [Reflex save 23].
"No," she replies to Sesha. "No, that's never happened before."
Because things look like they're about to get weird, she casts a Telepathic Bond on the group.
Active Spells: Mage Armor (approximately 20 hours remaining) Telepathic Bond (110 minutes remaining)
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) d20+12=16 ; 4d6=18 ; Wednesday June 12th, 2013 9:32:21 PM 'What Madness is THIS! Were we getting too close to the Murderer?' Alexi tries to yell out, but he is too busy tryin to fight off the tendrils and dodge falling rocks.
Ref +12 = 16, dmg = (I guess I'll also roll my own damage) 18
His efforts to break the tendrils prevent him from dodging rocks and he gets pounded upon.
Remembering the villain that was Zeph's dad and wonders if this is his doing as revenge, he grits his teeth, about all he can do as his arms are wrapped up in the supernatural tendrils.
"Just don't ask who the bell tolls for!" he belts out.
It Tolls For Thee [DM Jerry] Wednesday June 12th, 2013 11:38:17 PM
A last minute tendril of light grabs Else and pulls her out of the mines at incredible speed. [Fortitude save DC20 or you lose your breath and are "staggered[condition]" for the next two posts.
Cynic and any others outside are still picked up by the tendrils and drawn away from the mines. There, in a field about halfway between the mines and town is the cause of the chaos and the source of the tendrils of light. A huge bell, at least 20' in diameter, glows--floating in a ghostly form above the wheat field. Underneath, a forming crop circle constantly moving with designs. Words appear in the grasses and disappear as if reality is changing.
Sesha and Garrett are pulled out of the mine opening and they also see the bell, just as it sounds again.
Dong!
Dong!
Keela's spell catches everyone as the group is reunited outside the mine, all being pulled to the bell floating in the field.
The words carved into the field change faster and faster. Then a giant ghostly scythe wipes the crop circle clearing the "canvas" as if it was an etch-a-sketch. New wheat grows over the course of a couple of seconds, and the whole process begins again. The harvested wheat is bundled and stacked. You see the same thing happening throughout the countryside.
Within another few seconds, the party is gently deposited just outside the newly growing crop circle looking up at the bell.
Your hair fills with electricity as a massive tendril shoots out and SLAMS the mine opening up the entrance and hillside beyond making it look as if the opening is a giant maw of some unspeakable monster.
As the hail of rocks land and the dust clears, the sight beyond is amazing! Veins of mithril, showing exactly where to mine, are revealed. The miners are deposited a safe distance away from the mine, but their cheering carries to you after a few seconds.
Dong.
Dong.
----------
Sorry, one of my problems was figuring out where everyone was.
Really Jonathan? One more of those and it WILL "toll for thee!" ::grin::
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday June 13th, 2013 12:24:29 AM
Sesha looks at the others, confused.
She starts to speak, but just sighs and flops onto the ground. She gently touches her telepathic link with her spirit familiar.
"Pot-pot, anything? Any idea what just happened?"
She continues looking at the bell, her hand on her broom. She finally speaks, answering a question she was asked some time ago.
"You asked me about my cauldron, Garret. It's not much different than a wizards familiar or a druids companion, I suppose. The Witches of the Ga'alin, and I suppose other Witches, should they exist and Alexi has hinted that they do, have an ability to connect with a spirit from the realm of shadow. Something just pulls us together, whether fate or whimsey or curiosity. Then we bond. It's permanent, unless I sacrifice him for one cause or another."
She continues.
"The spirits are incredibly unique, able to inhabit the bodies of animals, weapons, or other objects. They can also detect other spirits, undead, or witches withing a long range. Mine was bound to this Cauldron. He's rather sore about it, and refuses to tell me his name until I make him a glorious weapon or a powerful animal. Until then, he is simply Pot-pot."
She points at the bell.
"And I have asked him if he has any idea what in the Wold THAT is."
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Thursday June 13th, 2013 9:44:52 AM
ooc:
So does Anrete needs to roll for reflex? Cuz he, Cyniq, and Keela were not in the mines.
IC:
Anrete blinks in confusion. Magic isn't his strong point.
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] d20+22=34 ; Thursday June 13th, 2013 10:51:04 AM
Keela watches in astonishment. "What was that?" she asks.
[Knowledge Arcana or Spellcraft 34]
Active Spells: Mage Armor (approximately 20 hours remaining) Telepathic Bond (110 minutes remaining)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:8/12 CMD: 30] Thursday June 13th, 2013 12:49:09 PM
Garret looks around in amazement, further confused by the unreality of it all when Sesha continues their conversation as if they had not just been whisked away by an incredible supernatural power and into a giant circle just below a huge bell. He looks around, checking to see who has been transported to the bell and them moves quickly to the edge of the circle, testing to see if it is possible to move outside the circle and out from underneath the bell.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Thursday June 13th, 2013 10:01:34 PM
OOC: Alexi is well known for his quips. :)
Confronted by the bell, it is clear to Alexi that It is the cause of this mayhem. He had seen nothing like it before. Nor had he ever seen anything like a floating mountain dozens of square miles in size either.
Well, one thing for sure is that it wasn't Zeph's father seeking revenge, nor Al Mathir returning.
Then the Bell opens up the side of the mountain showing the veins of mithril.
"This can't be good. Every scumbag of a dirt digger will be flooding the Uncharted Lands in search for more places like this. What have we done? The chaos this will cause in these fragil lands will destroy the balance forever. The Ahote were right. We should have never come. They are doomed," Alexi blurts, dismayed.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 d20+12=31 ; Thursday June 13th, 2013 11:42:01 PM
ooc: Fortitude save 31, successful.
After being whipped through the air and deposited unceremoniously on her tush in the midst of the field. Else watches in bewilderment as the bell lashes out at the mountainside. "This is... bizarrely helpful. And what of these crops? Does this represent time? Life and death?"
Bizarrely Helpful [DM Jerry] Friday June 14th, 2013 1:46:36 AM
Pot-pot answers Sesha. "Power. Chaos. Creation. Destruction. I am scared. Something's coming. Something's going. The writing in the crop circle tells the tale, but it changes faster than it can occur. I will tell you no more. I hates you. I loves you."
Anrete stands outside the crop circle just like the others. Some grass grows quickly up past his ankles and tickles his legs. They braid themselves and separate.
Keela realizes through her skills what her base observation has already told her: The bell is causing everything that has happened. It is beyond artifact in power. Creation level like the Legendary Forge in the Oshirr House. But different. Uncontrollable.
Garret looks up and around. He realizes he is outside the crop circle, not in its center. The pattern of the crop circle seems to change, yet there are patterns there. Symbols. Some in Old Woldian. Words even in some of the baser languages such as Dwarven and Gnomish.
Alexi sees the miners removing their hats as if hypnotized by the transformation of the mine. They just stare and wonder.
Else realizes that the key phrase just came out of her mouth as if it was bidden to do so: "bizarrely helpful." It is as if the bell wants to help, but doesn't know how. It did pull them out of danger. It did harvest enough crops to last for years in just a few moments. It did open up the mine to reveal amazing veins of precious mithril. But the way it did this? Bizarrely helpful.
A farmer's boy comes running up with his sister. Both say one thing only, "Cool!" Then they run into the crop circle chasing the moving lines. Laughing and playing. Not sensing any danger or showing any hesitance.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Friday June 14th, 2013 4:20:07 AM
Cyniq tugs on a braid of hair and just watches.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:7/12 CMD: 30] d20+50=67 ; Friday June 14th, 2013 9:37:00 AM
Garret looks up, down, then sideways as he tries to tell what is going on. He moves closer to the bell and jumps up for a closer look...(Jump: 72 -- that's straight up 18 feet).
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Friday June 14th, 2013 10:05:24 AM
Anrete shrugs and walks towards the bell. Clang clang The brashful barbarian raps his knuckles on the artifact.
"Anyone home?"
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Friday June 14th, 2013 2:47:38 PM
Keela is stil trying to figure out what this all means, when Anrete starts knocking on the artifact. It doesn't strike Keela as a good idea.
"Anrete," she says, "do not taunt the Happy Fun Bell."
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Friday June 14th, 2013 3:22:19 PM
Cyniq ponders the origin of The Golden Bell of Crop Circles.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Friday June 14th, 2013 9:49:47 PM
The Ghostly Bell and all the Happenings make Alexi wonder if this is some very powerful Dream Sequence of the Ahote, brought upon by the Ahote goddess instead of having to inhale the smoke of the herbs, and she is trying to tell them something.
Else continues to stare, mouth agape at the proceedings. "Well... could you build some homes, O Great Divine Bell? Is that within your will?"
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d20+7=10 ; Saturday June 15th, 2013 12:43:17 AM
"It's had quite the reaction on my spirit familiar. It's a giant conundrum to him. Pure Chaos. He says the writing in the crop circle tells the tale, but it moves too fast. The words "Something is going. Something is coming. Creation. Destruction." were thrown around."
She stands up and pulls her broom with her, unsure how to proceed. She hops on her broom and calls to Garret. who is jumping up and down.
"You've got good eyes, Half-man Garret. Come with me? Try to see the story in this chaos. And it's easier than bouncing."
She will circle the bell once on the broom, then ascend above it and try to pick out something of relevance from the images in the crops.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Saturday June 15th, 2013 4:23:24 AM
[ooc: Sorry, d20 was perception, which Sesha is terrible at.]
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Sunday June 16th, 2013 7:31:40 PM
OOC: Ken spotted my reference, but for some reason his You Tube link isn't working properly. Here is a tamer link that might work better.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:7/12 CMD: 30] d20+21=24 ; Monday June 17th, 2013 12:29:05 PM
Garret nods to Sesha and rides the broom around the bell, trying to see, well, anything? (Perception: 24).
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Monday June 17th, 2013 2:46:32 PM we still checking in here?
DO NOT ASK FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS...
SUDDENLY...! (DM Donna) Monday June 17th, 2013 3:41:22 PM
CLANG..!
The bell rings out, prompting more tremors that sweep the entire town of Bryn Baraz. The children cavorting with the appearing/disappearing writing of the circle squeal and giggle--they haven't had this much fun in ages!
CLANG..!
Another knell from the bell sounds, and a crack appears to either side of the excavation entrance in the north wall of the canyon that surrounds the town. Will the stone itself break apart and cause an avalanche...?
CLANG!!!
The cracks explode outwards with a roar that deafens, giving nobody any time to run or even duck...however, paradoxically, there is no dust or debris...only the presence of two more entrances into the canyon wall now.
As that final toll of the alien bell reverberates into silence, the town militia man who'd been tasked with guarding the suspects in the headquarters tent hustles out, half-dragging/half-carrying a sobbing human male with wild cobalt-blue eyes and his formerly-cascading-straight-black hair now wildly askew as he babbles incoherently.
"Whatever spell you all just cast," the town guard says, looking around in wonder, "It made ol' Rogy here fall to his knees and confess that he killed Mark Avant. Says Mark caught him ripping off gems from the excavation an' so Rogy just clonked him on the head to keep his secret." Once more, the guard looks around, giving a low whistle.
"I think you have your hands full, though," the militia man says wisely, "I'll take this guy off to the holding level in the mines so's we can secure him for a formal trial." With this, the murderer of Mark Avin is hauled away...
...and the party is left with THREE cave entrances into the canyon's north wall and a group of now-disappointed children who all have the same reaction to the suddenly-inanimate crop circle (now strangely devoid of runic writing):
"AWWWWWWWWWW, darn...!"
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Monday June 17th, 2013 7:39:25 PM
Keela spares a thought for the breakfast dishes, still soaking in the sink. Then again, the odds are pretty good she'll still have an Unseen Servant left by the end of the day.
She looks at the kids, most of whom she knows. "You don't want to be late for school," she says. "We're lucky to have one."
She looks at the three cave entrances. "Any thoughts?" she asks her companions.
DM Donna Monday June 17th, 2013 8:29:38 PM
Oh, silly me--here's a bit of a visual for the players....
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) d20+8=25 ; Monday June 17th, 2013 11:27:55 PM
OOC: My guess is the bell vanished(?)...
At least Alexi was on the right track when his question to the rocks about what minerals were in the rocks around the area of the murder was interrupted. :)
IC: Alexi is completely puzzled by the whole purpose of this entire thing. The only solution to the puzzle lies in finding out what that darn bell is. Someone in Floating City or Plateau City might know but it would take days or weeks to get to either. An answer was needed quickly.
Since the bell brought the entire citizenry out, he approaches Garth and asks him to contact the mine's shareholders and describe the bell and what it did. The mine shareholders can then do the research on their end.
Meanwhile, there are openings that need to be secured, er, explored. Such good things as the new mineral vein probably came with a price.
"This gift, so to speak, is probably not free. We must investigate these openings and make sure they don't harbor some guardian or other creature to test us."
With that, he gathers up his gear. Armed and armored, he approaches Entrance 1. With the light of his Everburning Torch, he peers in.
Perc +8 = 25
DM OOC: No, no--the Bell has not disappeared. It is still there, floating above the "crop circle" next to the All-Gods Temple. It's just that the Bell is no longer ringing.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Monday June 17th, 2013 11:51:04 PM
As Alexi quickly sets himself into a plan, Sesha smiles. Sometimes, it was good to not the be Blood Witch of the Ga'alin. Sometimes... it is good to simply follow another and bask in their confidence.
She escorts Alexi throughout his business, confident in his decisions. The young drow taps Alexi on his breastplate before he enters the mine, and looks up at him.
"I am glad to have found you in my travels Alexi. I hope that we shall be acquainted for a very long time."
She gives him a thumbs up, then enters behind him, using a small cantrip to light his sword before he enters.
She looks back to the others.
"Do any of you wish to have your sizes changed? I can do this for you."
She takes her own offer and taps through the woldsblood for another small cantrip. After a few moments, her size is reduced, and she is smaller than even Garret. (Though not by much.)
[1] Light: Alexi [2] Enlarge Person/Reduce Person whomever wants it.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Monday June 17th, 2013 11:54:24 PM
Else approaches the second entrance into the mountain face and regards for a moment. Picking up a stone from the ground, she whispers a brief spell and the stones flashes and shines light around her. She holds it up high to peer into the darkness, then looks toward the others. "I can look in this one."
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Tuesday June 18th, 2013 1:22:00 AM
Cyniq follows Alexi, well let's see where door number one leads.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Tuesday June 18th, 2013 10:26:15 AM
Anrete shrugs and follows after the rest. The world has gone crazy!
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:7/12 CMD: 30] Tuesday June 18th, 2013 12:16:48 PM
Garret takes one last look at the bell and turns to follow the others. "I don't like the looks of this...."
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Tuesday June 18th, 2013 4:55:13 PM
Alexi declines the offer of changing his size with a smile, "I like me as big as I am, for now, at least." Then he blushes, stammers a little then clears his throat before calling out to Else, "We all go into the same one. We'll not split up."
Unless Else sees something that seems more interesting than what Alexi sees, Alexi starts carefully into the Entrance #1.
I'll Take What's Behind Door #1... - DM Donna d20=14 ; d20=20 ; d20=3 ; d20=4 ; d20=8 ; d20=19 ; Tuesday June 18th, 2013 9:24:51 PM
As tempting as splitting up the party (again) would be, the wisdom of Alexi prevails and the heroes make sure that there are light sources with them before they cautiously explore Tunnel #1. Garret glances back at the bell, and notices something odd about it:
Wasn't that bell made of bronze before..? Now it seems to be silver...
The party advances about fifteen feet down the rough-sided tunnel when they suddenly find their way blocked by a pair of large, arched double doors--teakwood bound in iron with a pair of iron rings as the handles by which to open them.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Tuesday June 18th, 2013 10:52:58 PM
Else approaches the doors, looks back at the party, shrugs, then lifts her lifewood staff and raps firmly on the door. "Hello?"
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Tuesday June 18th, 2013 11:07:42 PM Keep in mind that we don't have to speak aloud if we don't want to, Keela reminds her friends over the Telepathic Link.
She waits to see whether Else's knock is answered.
Active Spells: Mage Armor (approximately 20 hours remaining) Telepathic Bond (100 minutes remaining?)
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Tuesday June 18th, 2013 11:24:36 PM Is it yuletide? This is rather interesting.
Sesha [AC 26 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Wednesday June 19th, 2013 1:08:46 AM
Sesha, now magically fun and pint size, continues on behind Alexi. For some reason, she feels it important to be near him.
Her thoughts continue to drift towards the bell, the tendrils, and everything else that has happened. She shudders, thinking into the telepathic bond.
"I can't help but feel like we are about to do something incredible. Does anyone else feel the same?"
What IS Behind Door #1...? - DM Donna Wednesday June 19th, 2013 2:44:33 AM OOC: Yeah, the post is way early, but why leave you all in suspense when you've knocked politely at the door..?
Else knocks upon the wood--and the doors yawn open, away from the party. Standing on the other side of the now-open portal is a very surprised-looking female about five feet tall, with pearly-white hair, lavender eyes and a short sword in one hand. Even more surprisingly, there is a fully furnished office in the room beyond the door--complete with bookcases full of thick tomes, a large desk with unfurled scrolls and paperwork scattered on it, and an ornate set of scales that are prominently displayed on the desk.
ROLL FOR PERCEPTION (and Sesha gets a whopping +10 on her roll, too):
Beat DC10 and Highlight to display spoiler: { you are just SURE that the chamber belongs to a very busy and successful merchant of some kind.}
Beat DC15 and Highlight to display spoiler: { not only are you sure that this has to be a merchant's office, but the obvious craftsmanship of the furnishings and decorations would seem to indicate that it's a VERY rich merchant.}
Get 20 or more on your check and Highlight to display spoiler: { hey--this isn't JUST a rich merchant--it's an Official rich merchant...most likely from It'lal...}
In fact, as long as Sesha doesn't roll the dreaded Natural 1 on a d20, she can also Highlight to display spoiler: { Sesha can tell that this is THE Official Office of Trade & Commerce for It'lal...and the Drow female is the newest Junior Trade Minister!}
OOC: just moving the story along, my next Official post will be around 9pm Eastern time.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] d20+16=30 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2013 9:38:33 AM
Anrete rises an eyebrow but remains silent - it seems there is little need for his blade to speak.
Sesha [AC 26 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d20+17=28 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2013 10:00:41 AM
[ooc: Is portal being used to describe a magical effect, or as a lesser used word for door?]
Sesha blinks twice, then gently tugs on Alexi's belt loop to slow him so she can slip ahead. As she does so, she dismisses her reduce person spell. She smiles at else and stands next to her.
Peering into the doorway, Sesha calls out.
"Blood-Kin, I am Sesha, formerly of the Shadow Dragons of It'lal, friend to Larien, Eclip, and Gilin. If you are surprised now, just wait! Bryn Baraz is full of them it seems."
Sesha looks back to the others.
"This one is a very important merchant for It'lal, the home city of the surface Drow. This is her office. And her office, when I last left it, was in It'lal as well!
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] d20+2=14 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2013 12:49:27 PM
Keela looks at the office. It does seem to belong to somebody important. Sesha seems to think she knows it.
Are you sure? she sends through the link.
Active Spells: Mage Armor (approximately 20 hours remaining) Telepathic Bond (100 minutes remaining?)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:7/12 CMD: 30] d20+21=38 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2013 12:53:59 PM
When Garret sees the doors in the cavern hallway, he has a sense a de-je-vu. He looks around that the others to see if anyone else has a passing thought of the last time they came upon a nice set of doors in the middle of an underground cavern. He steps back as Else knocks.
When the doors open (perception 38), Garret looks as surprised as the female on the other side of the door. Before he can babble his incoherent thoughts, Sesha introduces herself. He looks back and forth fro Sesha to the woman, unable to speak as he tries to comprehend the massive magic at work. He looks back down the hallway towards the settlement to see if anyone else has wandered into the hallway.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying d20+18=27 ; d20+16=29 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2013 1:32:18 PM Interesting decor, interesting place for a portal. I think that the gods have decided Bryn Baraz no longer has need of our services.
Cyniq takes the opportunity to step forward giving the point of the shortsword a raised eyebrow that she then quirks at the drow. Stepping past she walks over to a bookcase and giving the tomes a closer look, I wrote that one. Her finger trails across the spine of Racial Prejudices and Market Growth.
Turning back to the drow, she plops down into one of the chairs in front of the desk, so what does It'lal need with Bryn Baraz?
Perc=27; Know:local for It'lal=29
Greetings - DM Donna Wednesday June 19th, 2013 2:29:19 PM OOC: This is lovely! So many people posting--I'll move the story along a little further again:
The Drow female eyes Alexi and his sword a bit warily, but then her attention is snagged by Sesha's introduction.
"Sesha..?" she echoes in wonder, her short sword sliding back into its sheath. "I know that name! I am Barta...Barta Selio of House Mylyl. I am a probationary Junior Trade Minister for It'lal, working to restore my House's good name." Indeed, now that Barta has stated her house, it is easy for Sesha to notice the coat-of-arms on the brooch that is pinned to the young woman's left shoulder: the seal of House Mylyl.
"And...we are in It'lal," Barta insists. "I...I just heard the sound of a bell ring out and this set of doors appeared in my office. I heard you lot on the other side and opened the doors..." Here her lavender eyes peer at the rough-hewn tunnel that leads from the door to the exit outside. "Hey...that rock isn't the same as the stone that surrounds It'lal! Is...is that actually the rock in the southern plains area that you were sent to explore, Sesha...?"
Even as Barta's dialog unfolds, Cyniq's vast store of Woldian trivia tells her that there is, indeed, a marked difference in the stone that makes up the floor, walls and ceiling of the room that Barta stands in and the tunnel the heroes occupy. She also recalls that It'lal--a colony of Surface Drow who are trying to live down their race's megalomaniacal image by developing fair trade practices with their neighbors--has been sending out parties and individuals with an eye towards starting diplomatic ties to the various countries, settlements and towns in the area. Sesha had even mentioned as such the first day she'd met the other heroes. No doubt the people of It'lal would just LOVE to trade for a supply of pure mithril...
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) d20+8=13 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2013 3:13:14 PM
Perc +8 = 13 pffft....
OOC: all these posts popped up while i was writing mine. :P
BTW, Alexi doesn't use a sword much anymore. His primary weapon is his flail, but no biggy.
IC: Alexi is just to flabbergasted at the weirdness of the whole thing to notice much and Sesha tugs at his belt, she easily passes him by as he offers no resistance.
None of what she says makes much sense, or any sense. It is quite clear that the doorway, or the whole tunnel, is a portal of some sort but that's about all Alexi has time to digest.
Sesha [AC 26 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Wednesday June 19th, 2013 7:36:25 PM
Sesha smiles at Barta then looks down into the doorway, and tentatively steps through it. Assuming she hasn't been blasted into another dimension, she quickly crosses the room towards the Junior Minister.
She turns to her side and introduces the rest of the party.
"These are good people. When I arrived in Bryn Baraz it became clear it had a number of guardians already. These are they. First there is Alexi, he is their leader of sorts. Then there is also half-man Garret. Much like half-man Giovanni, he is brave and reliable. Then there is Anrete. He likes stew and fighting, though I suspect there is more to him than he lets on."
She takes a deep breath.
"There is also Keela and Else, both excellent companions. Somewhere around here there may be a walking tree, it follows Else. Finally, there is Cynique. She is trustworthy, not like the Elves I was asked to read about when I moved to It'lal from the plains tribes. There is no atrocity against my blood-kin in her heart.
Sesha grins.
"Cynique, everyone..welcome to the City of the Drow! " Sesha motions out the door to the tunnels. "Barta...welcome to Bryn Baraz, the land of mithril, some hundreds of miles away!"
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Wednesday June 19th, 2013 10:43:55 PM
Alexi simply bows slightly, trying to fathom what kind of magic could do this in such a grand scale. It would not be unusual for the gods to do something like this, but the question then would be why?
Is there something in this library that may hint at the evil the Ahote Dream Sequence gave them several years ago perhaps?
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Wednesday June 19th, 2013 11:49:23 PM "No, no, this isn't right. I shouldn't be here..." Else starts back-pedaling, keeping her lifewood staff raised and warding off the sight of the merchant's office as she slowly heads back the way the party came.
Mithril, You $$$ay??? - DM Donna Thursday June 20th, 2013 6:24:32 AM
Barta nods and smiles as Sesha introduces everyone, but when the witch mentions "mithril", her lavender eyes light up.
"Mithril?" the ivory-maned Junior Trade Minister echoes. "Would you be so kind as to show me? It'lal has been seeking quality raw material for a while now...if this mithril that you mention is now only a mere magic passage away, I can practically guarantee that the citizens of Bryn Baraz can name their price if they would agree to trade with It'lal for it..."
As Barta eagerly asks permission to enter Bryn Baraz, Alexi silently ponders what information about Ahote legends may exist in the Drow archives and Else gets rather nervous at the possibility of getting cut off from Bryn Baraz and starts to retreat back out the passage.
Even as the druid begins to withdraw, however, she hears voices raised in anger just outside the tunnel...on the Bryn Baraz side.
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] d20+22=40 ; Thursday June 20th, 2013 10:07:06 AM
"Well, we'd be thrilled to have a visitor," Keela says, "but I don't know how stable this portal is."
She looks at the portal, trying to figure out whether it will be there for a while.
[Spellcraft or Knowledge Arcana 40]
Active Spells: Mage Armor (approximately 20 hours remaining) Telepathic Bond (100 minutes remaining?)
DM OOC: very good point--as far as Keela can tell, the magic that has created the portal is disturbingly Chaotic...who knows how long the present link between It'lal and Bryn Baraz will last...?
(And, yeah--there's at least 100 minutes of Telepathy left in the spell Keela cast.)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:7/12 CMD: 30] Thursday June 20th, 2013 2:02:53 PM
Garret moves with Keela -- despite knowing next to nothing about magic, he stands at the line where the tunnel ends and the room begins. He looks carefully for the exact point at which the two change, hoping to understand the magic that powers this idea.
Sesha [AC 26 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday June 20th, 2013 6:49:27 PM
Sesha looks back to see Else stepping backwards away from her and Barta. Concerned, the young dark elf steps towards Else with her ebon hand outstretched.
"What's the problem Else? This isn't normal, but what is these days? Spirits are at ill-rest everywhere and ..."
Hearing the commotion, Sesha puts her hand to her mouth to shush Barta. She quickly feels for the darkness, something she has always been able to do, and summons a patch of the stuff behind her to cover the doorway to It'lal. If there was trouble, she would not let it see her blood-home. Barta and anyone else with Darkvision wouldn't have a trouble seeing through it.
Stepping forward past the studious Keela and Garret, she lightly taps them both with a finder and points the direction of the angry voices.
Then she follows the tunnel towards them, curious as to what could be happening now.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Thursday June 20th, 2013 8:02:31 PM
Cyniq nods when she is introduced, but otherwise settles back into the chair and just observes.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Thursday June 20th, 2013 8:17:17 PM
Alexi starts to put a few things together as the new revelations start to congeal.
Justice, Law, was servered when the murderer suddenly babbled his guild. Law - chaos.
The new vein of mithril ore suddenly appears just as a new market that would pay extremely well for the ore. Law - ?. The chaos part would be the instability of the portal.
He was right. All things come with a price. He didn't think Bryn was ready to pay such a price, whatever it was. Bryn was too young, still going through groing pains. It's organization is still, well, chaotic. The funds that could make Bryn grow strong and well organized threatens to bring lawlessness and chaos if the town gets too greedy.
"I agree with Else. This isn't right. Something is bound to go wrong. If this portal is that unstable and we are trapped in the, wherever this is, are we to be helped to get back to Bryn? It could be weeks, rather months, or even years." Alexi starts heading back but then the entrance goes black.
"What tha... blazzing blackness is .... going on!" He blurts, getting angry.
Sesha [AC 26 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday June 20th, 2013 8:34:03 PM
[ooc: Might have been unclear. She only blotted out the doorway itself. Nothing further back in the tunnel. Of course, if there were any of us in the office, they might have to deal with that. heh]
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Thursday June 20th, 2013 11:50:52 PM
Else seems torn, obviously not wanting to stay on the side of the portal leading to the drow's office, yet somewhat fearful of the angry voices behind her. She stands near Alexi as the two of them face going back the way they came.
Canteloupe Watermelon Canteloupe Watermelon - DM Donna d20=2 ; d20=3 ; d20=16 ; d20=17 ; d20=9 ; d20=10 ; d20=20 ; d20=3 ; Friday June 21st, 2013 12:00:07 AM
The experienced spellcasters can deduce from their skill(s) at Spellcraft that the magic that has clearly exposed more mithril and created the connection between Bryn Baraz and It'lal is Chaotic in nature, and that it is reasonably stable for the moment...however, it is natural logic that prompts the question of: if this be Chaos magic that started this whole thing, then how stable will it prove to be over the long run?
Alexi feels a hand snag the hand in which he bears his flail--or, more accurately, the grip of fingers encircles his wrist of that hand. He is tugged forward, into the darkness...and past it, to exit the tunnel with everyone in the group who go to investigate the hubbub outside.
"--dare you all keep the discovery of an even bigger deposit of mithril from us???" a booming basso demands stridently. "You have a binding contract with the Floating City!"
The party can see there is an ever-growing crowd of townspeople who are ogling what looks to be a glowering contest between Garth Turnbuckle and a shorter, wider and much-more-richly-attired round human that none of you have ever seen before. The stranger is looking very angry, as is the wagon-master-turned-unofficial-mayor. However, the mustachioed Garth spies the heroes emerging from the tunnel.
"Will you lot help me talk sense into this nitwit???" he asks, aggrieved. "This here is Otto Rousecor...he's Floating City's trade councilman. Apparent that magic bell-thing opened up a tunnel that leads straight to his office, and he--"
"YOU, there!" the imperious rotund man flicks a dismissive hand at Alexi. "You seem to have the bearing of a man in charge--I order you to arrest Turnbuckle for breach of contract! He's obviously trying to hoard this newest discovery of mithril so that only he profits from it!" His beady little eyes fall upon where Alexi's wrist is being held--by Barta, who was the one kind enough to make sure that the human cleared out of the sudden area of darkness without hurting himself. The Drow female releases Alexi's arm when Rousecor gives a rather high-pitched squeal of outrage.
"What??? You've allied yourselves with Drow???" the councilman asks, his face growing red. "Traitors! Backstabbers! Floating City is supposed to be your sole trading partner."
"Now wait just a minute!" Basal Quartzkin interrupts, bristling. "That wasn't in the settlement contract at all! The Stonehelm Company gave your government the maps to the known deposit of mithril at the time we sought support for the mine--we never said that we were giving up claims to any new deposits of metal, minerals, or gems that were made after the fact!"
Everyone is getting angrier and angrier...and there are a half-a-dozen armed men that have just emerged from Tunnel #3. They spy Rousecor arguing with Garth and begin to hustle quickly to the councilman's side, hands upon their sidearms...
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Friday June 21st, 2013 2:46:23 AM
ooc:
Dear all, the indonesia fire is causing the psi (Pollutant Standards Index) in my city to hit over 400 (translate to hazardous). I am semi-dead from the smog as I am asthmatic. There are cases of birds and stray cats dropping dead. It is really like silent hill here.
Not much brain juice to left to read and post. So pls do excuse me if I miss the next few posts?
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] d20+13=27 ; Friday June 21st, 2013 2:48:29 AM
Anrete breaks into a bout of coughing before glaring at the newcomers.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:7/12 CMD: 30] Friday June 21st, 2013 8:32:05 AM
Garret sees the fight brewing and moves quickly to stand between the officials and the arriving armed men. He stands, arms crossed, and holds up a finger to the armed men. He wags his finger back and forth and shakes his head, clearly indicating that they are not to proceed past him.
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Friday June 21st, 2013 3:00:50 PM
There was a time when Keela wouldn't have dreamed of wading into the middle of something like this, but that time has passed.
"All right, she says calmly, stepping forward. "We're not going to accomplish anything if we just yell at each other. Master Turnbuckle, phrases like 'this nitwit' are not helpful. Master Rousecor, breach of contract is a civil, not a criminal, matter; nobody's going to be arrested. Everyone, please remember that these portals are not stable and we don't know how much longer they're going to be open. We need to do our business as quickly as possible, and that means no yelling." She eyes the approaching guardsmen. "And no fighting," she adds.
She takes a deep breath. "For now, I think that I--and anybody else who can cast Teleport--should go familiarize ourselves with Master Rousecor's and Mistress Barta's offices, so we can help get people back where they belong, just in case. And I think Master Rousecor and Master Quartzkin should find their copies of the contract, so we can consult it and see what it says."
Sesha [AC 26 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Friday June 21st, 2013 6:23:35 PM
Sesha finds this to be a curious matter. She came from It'lal for the purpose of establishing trade, and now that the option was here it seemed the humans weren't interested.
Maybe unintentionally, maybe not, she found herself somehow standing near Barta. Her blood-kin were rarely treated favorably by others, except by more traveled and exceptional individuals. She wouldn't let Barta be berated by simple villagers.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Friday June 21st, 2013 10:19:55 PM
Cyniq cocked an eyebrow as the others left, they had just gotten here after all.
I've found that Pantheon has some interesting methods for letting me know where his services are needed. So tell me, how's trading been going?
DM OOC: Did Cyniq stay behind? If so, there is nobody in the trade office but her. If she followed everyone out of the tunnel, then please state to whom she is asking her question.
I did not see where the trader had left, so I guess she would have had to follow the others.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Friday June 21st, 2013 11:53:31 PM
ooc: Ninja'ed by DM Donna, see below.
Questions & Some Answers - DM Donna Saturday June 22nd, 2013 12:11:35 AM
Between Anrete and Garret, the Floating City guardsmen are sufficiently cautious so that they do nothing more than halt a few feet away from where the indignant Councilman Rousecor is standing toe-to-toe, glaring at each other.
"Master Quartzkin can go get the contract from his fellows at the mine," Garth says acidly, "If he feels he must. But he's right--the terms for the settlement of Bryn Baraz were that Floating City would help supply 'supporting talent' for the mine in exchange for giving the city first crack at the mithril supply that had already been indicated on the known maps. Anything new was to be considered property of the Stonehelm Mining Company and the town of Bryn Baraz."
"We didn't know you had more mithril!" yells Rousecor. "You deliberately led us astray! You're trying to keep everything for yourselves!" Garth--although he looks like he really wants to punch Rousecor in the face--instead crosses his arms and clenches his teeth.
"I told you--this giant bell suddenly showed up and began ringing," he says with very forced patience. "When it did, that's when the canyon broke open with the three tunnels--one leading to that new mithril, one connecting to your office in Floating City, and the third..." Now Garth pauses and glances over to the heroes.
"Um...where DOES that third one go to...?"
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Saturday June 22nd, 2013 12:42:09 AM
Else follows Alexi through the tunnel back to Bryn Baraz. She is dismayed to see the throng of angry and disordered people milling about the mine entrance. As tensions reach a peak, she puts two fingers to her mouth and blows a piercing whistle. "Sandy! Get over here!"
Beginning softly, then quickly growing in pace and volume, giant footsteps make their way toward the crowd. Sandy - the giant plant monster - rounds a corner and villagers scatter to make way. Else raises a finger and points at the creature. "Sa yuta nagsugo kaninyo sa pag-nga motubo ug molambo sama sa makalilisang nga sa buntag!"
With an audible hum, Sandy quickly begins to grow in size. By the time she makes it across the courtyard to Else's side, she is now fully 25-feet-tall. Else taps the creature's leg with her staff, "Up, up.", and is gingerly picked up and held at the creature's chest-height. The human druid glowers at the crowd. "Play. Nice."
ooc: Cast Animal Growth, Sandy is now Huge-sized.
Sesha [AC 26 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Saturday June 22nd, 2013 11:39:04 AM
Sesha looks up at the incredible tree, feeling impossibly small by comparison. Not leaving her place near Barta, she tears her eyes away from Sandy.
"It leads to It'lal, City of the Drow. A whole city of elves who will value your mithril greatly."
The young drow takes Barta's hand for a moment a squeezes it, then whispers.
"You may want to get some words in now. Humans rarely stop talking. Make an offer, Junior Minister, and make Mylyl proud. "
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) d20+14=17 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+7=25 ; Saturday June 22nd, 2013 9:50:17 PM
Alexi is glad his friends have grown much and learned much in the art of diplomacy. He was sorry Jet wasn't here to witness it too. That fiasco with Ma Belle's several years ago was their first experience in dealing with the people that didn't mean having to rescue them. This event was certainly several steps up from that!
Alexi stomps over to the blustering shorty. Planting his armored frame in front of the man he calmly removes his helmet, glares down at him and then leans his head back in a deep guffaw!
"Arrest Master Garth? Don't be silly. Master Garth isn't a Miner, he's the town Mayor, Captain of the Guard, and other things, but no Miner. He has nothing to do with the operation of the mine. So your charge is that he was keeping a vein of mithril from you? It's not his job to monitor the mithril.
And talking about mines, you certainly have all the right to be upset about any mithril ore veins in THAT MINE!" he turns Rousecor to face the original mine entrance and points to it.
"THAT'S the mine in your contract. Any other diggins outside the contract's perimeter, such as THIS WALL RIGHT HERE," he spins Rousecor back around to the three new entrances, "is OUTSIDE that contract. As such, it belongs to the citizens of Bryn proper, not a consortium, and the town can negotiate with whomever they wish. Most likely the highest bidder."
He then calmly steps away from Rousecor and grins, "I'd start trying to get on the good side of Bryn's city council and start negotiating before this lady leaves you behind in the dust."
Intimidate +14 (Alexi want's Rousecor to know that he means business, knows what he's doing, and won't be intimidated himself) = 17 Hero Point Reroll = 31
Diplomacy +7 (get Rousecor to realize it is to his advantage to get over it and start negotiating) = 25
...SUDDENLY (again)... - DM Donna Sunday June 23rd, 2013 10:17:45 AM
Else calls her leafy sidekick over and the townspeople (who were actually just displaying how upset the Floating City councilman's boorish behavior was getting them) recognize the druid's companion and make the appropriate room for Sandy, most of them settling down to muttering and glaring at Rousecor.
Sesha advises her fellow Surface Drow to use her skills in trade and barter to their best effect. Barta nods acknowledgement, but before she can say anything, Alexi points out to the overbearing representative of Floating City that Rousecor is being presumptuous to the point of illegality. The rotund man huffs a breath, his eyes narrowing as he finally stops talking and starts thinking.
(Thinking is a good thing...right...?)
"Look, Mommy, look..!" a child's voice pipes up in the relative quiet that settles in the aftermath of Rousecor shutting up, "The big, giant bell is really pretty!" And, indeed, the big, giant bell IS very pretty, its clear crystal structure glittering in the sun and throwing off a multitude of rainbow-colored sparkles...
...hey...wait a minute...wasn't that bell made of metal before...?
Even as the heroes (and many of the townsfolk) realize that the mysterious bell has definitely changed in material composition, a sort of humming fills the air: it's the bell--but it's not ringing...the crystal structure itself is humming...louder...and louder...and louder...
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Sunday June 23rd, 2013 1:53:41 PM
Keela turns to the townsfolk. Since things have gotten quieter, she does not shout, but she does pitch her voice to carry.
"All right," she says, calm but clear. "Let's all move away from the bell. Everybody back, please. We don't know what it's going to do."
She suits actions to words, moving away from the bell herself, and doing her best to "herd" the townsfolk in front of her.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Monday June 24th, 2013 9:53:36 AM Interesting! Anrete moves closer to have a look, while incidentally crowding out the townsfolk away from the bell.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Monday June 24th, 2013 9:55:15 AM
Alexi didn't like the bell to begin with. It disrupted their investigation. Even if the culprint confessed, it was more so due to panick rather than anything from the bell. Then opening up a new vein of mithril ore only to pit two kingdoms against each other in competition for the mineral that could potentially become violent made things worse, in Alexi's mind.
"I don't like the sound of the bell either. Everyone, do as Keela says, back away as far as you can."
He then sternely tells Barta, then Rousecor, that they should go back through their respective tunnels or risk being left behind in Bryn.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:7/12 CMD: 30] Monday June 24th, 2013 8:24:55 PM
As Keela and the others back away from the bell, Garret moves with Anrete, closer to the bell, looking closely...
Sesha [AC 26 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Monday June 24th, 2013 8:43:39 PM
Even as Alexi orders Barta, Sesha tightly grips the older Drow females hand in her own. Perhaps it's the bell, perhaps it's her unexpected happiness at seeing another Drow. Either way, Sesha slides in between Alexi and the House Mylyl female.
"This one holds station Alexi. She may not be an adventurer but she brings honor to her house by stepping through an unstable portal to a land filled with Humans who may or may not know the slightest thing about what the Drow are doing in It'lal. Knowing none but me, she risked the proverbial tar, feathers, and pitchfork even showing herself here, knowing nothing about the integrity of you and the people of Bryn Baraz like I do."
Sesha tightens her grip on her broom.
"I shall not let you tell her off like she is some ninny being somewhere she should not. It is her duty to her race, my blood-kin, to try and ensure trade here, whether through this portal or by the same overland route I used when I came here. If the portal closes, I will take her home myself. Walking in the Shadows Pot-pot and I can cover 100 miles in two hours. I can have her home in days. I would not let anyone, even Alexi of Bryn Baraz, whom I admire greatly, send her home with the dishonor to her house of not trying to use this opportunity because of a chance something might not be ideal."
The juvenile Witch scowls and points her broom at Rousecor.
"Now THAT mewling kitten can return home any time he would like and it would be none too soon, though I will not force him or anyone. He has done nothing but bluster and threaten. Barta has done neither."
The Crones and the God
...SUDDENLY ( yet again!!!)... - DM Donna Monday June 24th, 2013 9:00:52 PM
The humming of the crystal bell grows ever louder, cutting off any further argument...the crop-circle-effect on the ground directly beneath it suddenly becomes a circle of etched stone that bears writing that spells out in Common:
COURAGE BEFORE CHAOS
Between the now-unbearably loud humming and the warnings issued by the heroes of Bryn Baraz, the townsfolk (and Rousecor and Barta) back away from the bizarre spectacle, while Anrete and Garret actually moves in closer to it, squinting curiously up at the large bell floating a good ten feet above the newly-minted stone circle. Before Barta and Rousecor can do more than draw back a few yards, the Bell lets out an ear-splitting siren call and falls to the ground in the middle of the inscribed stone circle with a great "crrrrrraaaAAAAACK!"
Now there is a huge bell in the middle of an inscribed stone circle and a crack in one side that snakes up from its rim (now resting on the ground) about eight feet or so before hooking around and cracking back down to the ground again.
You know...if anyone was brave/foolish enough to tap the crystal, that cracked part is likely to break apart and leave some sort of rounded-doorway-shaped hole behind...
Every member of the party capable of casting any sort of spell suddenly feels goosebumps all over their body...and all of the heroes become aware that the bell is now surrounded by five robed, hooded figures:
The first wears a red robe and clutches an ironwood staff topped with a large ruby in their right hand.
The second wears robes that are pearly white and bears a staff in their right hand that appears to be made entirely of mother-of-pearl.
The third, dressed in robes of iron gray, is different from the others in the group because they not only have a sword with a sharp steel blade in their right hand, but that hand is clearly one that's made of iron.
The fourth robed figure is dressed in forest green and holds a gnarled wooden staff in their carved wooden left fist.
The fifth figure seems to be the most menacing of the group, for the hood of their black robe completely overshadows their face, hiding it from view. In fact, even this person's hands are hidden by the extra-long sleeves of their robe, though this one leans upon their straight staff of solid onyx.
All five newcomers ignore the townspeople, though: their attention is completely captured by the Bell that now rests beside the Allgods Temple, inspecting it with freakishly synchronized movements. Then all five figures draw together, with the figure in white throwing back their hood to reveal the face of an elderly human woman, who smacks her lips and fixes canny green eyes upon Alexi.
"We are the Circle of Crones," she says, sounding as though five voices were speaking through her mouth, "And I am Lady Wisdom. We have followed the Chaos Bell to this place because it is a power that does not belong here. The Southern Continent is a place of Chaos, but the Northern Lands are a place of Law, and this artifact must not remain here, or it shall wreak such changes as your lands cannot stand!"
The Circle of Crones stand silently, awaiting the questions from the heroes that they surely must wish to ask...
(And anyone who makes a successful Knowledge check {History, Geography and/or Religion} versus DC5 can Highlight to display spoiler: {: You remember the following legend about the Circle of Crones... The Crones of the Gateway Downs
Legends say that there are five Crones (a.k.a. the Circle of Crones), supposedly picked from the ranks of the people who populate Gateway Downs, although nobody can ever recall why this particular idea is part of the lore. Regardless, the Crones (when seen in "mortal" form) have distinctive prostheses that mark them as such:
Lady Watcher: considered to be the youngest of the Crones, Lady Watcher always has a large ruby where her left ear should be. She hears all that is said in her presence--even thoughts--and her range of "hearing" is a LOT larger than mortal hearing. She almost never talks out loud, but when she does, her voice is clear though otherwise unremarkable.
Lady Wisdom: besides having a missing left ear, this Crone is prone to smacking her lips, which can be a bit unnerving to those who may come into her presence. People who claim to have met her have sworn that she doesn't possess the tongue of a mortal, but one that appears to be carved from mother-of-pearl. Her voice is also alternately harsh or dulcet, according to whether or not she is disputing the truth of what is said in her presence. Lady Wisdom is usually (but not always) the only one to speak.
Lady Justice: this Crone not only has a missing left ear and never speaks, she also possesses a right hand of enchanted cold iron. This hand always holds a longsword with an ever-shifting blade. The weapon is called the Allsword, and legend says that the weapon is effective against any sort of being--supposedly this is why its blade appears to change from being a Flaming sword to a Crystal blade to an Energy saber and so on.
Lady Mercy: the physical oddities for this Crone are: missing left ear, never speaks, a missing right hand...and her left hand is apparently carved from wood. Sometimes the wooden hand "sprouts" a bloom, leaf and/or twig that the Crone harvests and gives to special recipients. When she does this, the item is always magical in some fashion, and will often confer a permanent magic effect of some sort when consumed by mortals.
Lady Sorrow: considered the oldest of the Crones and the leader of the Circle, this Crone is the most mutilated of the group. Although most documented encounters with the Crones often have them appear as old ladies wearing hooded robes, Lady Sorrow's robes always appear to be rather voluminous, so that the sleeves always fall over her hands and her hood always covers her face...at least, they do when she is first sighted. The few who have actually come face-to-face with Lady Sorrow (and not gone mad) claimed that this elderly woman has no eyes--she throws back her hood with handless stumps at the end of her forearms to pin a person in the all-seeing and unblinking gaze of two large and fathomless black opals. Rumors claim that Lady Sorrow can see the future, and peer into the souls of men to confront what lies there. It is said that evil men whom have locked eyes with those black gems have fallen dead a moment later...aged 100 years in the blink of an eye!
These five old ladies have remained faithful whereas the citizens of The Gateway Downs have not. These handless, tongue-less, deaf, and blind ancient women have stood on the field of battle outnumbered 100 to 1 with only their sisters to protect them and have emerged from the piles of dead without a scratch. Whereas they should spread hope and courage amongst the citizens of the Gateway Downs, they have instead seemingly increased the fear and loathing of this region. The Crones, despite being perceived with dread by the people of the area, have repeatedly saved the Downs from threats both internal and external.}
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) d20+5=20 ; Monday June 24th, 2013 10:11:07 PM
If the situation wasn't so, strange?, Alexi would have seen Sesha's defensiveness as humourous. Alexi manages to squeeze out a smile at Sesha, though.
"I don't dishonor a guest by warning them of possible danger do I?"
He turns to Barta and politely asks, over the increasing noise of the bell, "Lady Barta, have I dishonored you in trying to insure your safety and keep Bryn Baraz in your good graces?"
But then the bell falls and lands on stone pavement and cracks and the five figures appear.
Knowledge (Religion) +5 = 20
Recognition from his studies only months before, Alexi shivers in his armor when he sees that the five are the Circle of Crones. He quickly sends the knowlege to all in their telepathic link.
When Lady Wisdom turns and eyes Alexi and speaks, it takes all his wits to keep still and not falter or simply feint.
Alexi tries to clear his throat and manages to stammer "Welcome, Lady Wisdom. It is a great honor to have you and your Sisters visit us in Bryn Baraz. We have no means here to properly treat such Guests as you." He bows and after streightening up, continues, "But what does this hot, dusty, little place we call Bryn Baraz have to do with this Chaos Bell? What is it here that drew it so far away?"
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] d20+18=23 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+17=28 ; Monday June 24th, 2013 11:30:32 PM
[OOC: Keela scoffs at DC 5 Knowledge checks. "Scoff, scoff," she says scoffingly. I rolled them just for fun. Geography 23, History 20, Religion 28.]
Seeing Alexi bow, Keela follows suit with a curtsey. "And do you know how to remove it from here?" she adds to his questions.
Else is overwhelmed to see such powerful luminaries among the backwaters of Bryn Baraz. She places a respectful hand over her heart, eager to hear their answers.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:7/12 CMD: 30] Tuesday June 25th, 2013 9:18:03 AM
Garret receives the note from Alexi and nods, letting the others speak directly to the new arrivals. In the meantime, his curiosity gets the better of him, and he moves towards the bell, hoping to examine the crack that has appeared (assuming none of the crones is directly guarding the crack).
Three "SUDDENLY"s in a Row??? - DM Donna Tuesday June 25th, 2013 10:13:02 AM DM OOC: Moving the story along here....
Lady Wisdom opens her mouth to speak, allowing Alexi a brief visual confirmation that there is an object of pearly hue in it--the mother-of-pearl plate that has been spoken of in legend. No doubt the power of the artifact was what allowed that particular Crone to speak in the voices of all five members of the Circle simultaneously. This will certainly be a tale to tell an audience at the Giggling Ghost Tavern some time...
"What IS the Bell doing here, this far North?" demands a compelling voice and everyone turns to look at the speaker: some itinerant wizard or the like, if his dusty, travel-stained robes were anything to judge by. He was tall and powerfully-built, and the odd grimace on his face somehow made the man appear intimidating and yet sad at the same time. Fluttering nearby, singing a children's song in a loud and off-key voice is an imp. Everyone in the party suddenly recognizes the person amongst you even as Lady Wisdom names him in all her voices:
"Gargul, Lord of Life and Death!" All five Crones bow to him in synch. "You already know what we were about to tell this warrior of Domi: the Chaos Bell, by its very nature, goes where it wills, with neither explanation nor apology--such IS the nature of Chaos. We sisters but followed the Bell when we felt it disappear from the Southern Continent."
"The darn thing hasn't had a thing to eat in ages," the imp stops singing long enough to pipe up, "The Bell's gotta be hungry as hellooooOOOOOOO, baby!" The little bat-winged creature spots Keela and leers at her. Gargul ignores the imp's boorish behavior and addresses the Circle of Crones once more:
"Gimp has a point," he agrees, "The Chaos Bell hasn't had an influx of energy in...a very long time...and it won't go away until such hunger is satisfied." The Crones nod as one.
"Aye, My Lord," Lady Wisdom's voices agree, and all five Crones point at the inscription on the outer rim of the stone circle. "And this inscription--these are the instructions...the Bell demands its due of courage before its Chaos can be appeased enough to leave things be." Gargul frowns--a stern sight to behold, then glances at Keela.
"The Chaos Bell is a thing from before the Wold came to be," he says, "None may command its loyalty, The best we can hope to do is to stabilize the changes it's already wrought by...feeding the bell."
"After this is done," adds the Crones' simultaneous voices, "Then may the Circle persuade the Bell to return to its normal haunts--the Southern Continent, where Chaos is expected..."
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Tuesday June 25th, 2013 11:12:39 AM
Confused by the entire affair, Anrete stands aside as he observes the proceeding. Anrete has absolutely zero knowledge in geography, history nor religion.
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Tuesday June 25th, 2013 2:25:13 PM
"Courage," Keela repeats to herself. She's feeling a bit queasy. Come to think of it, she's been feeling queasy off and on for days. She wonders if she's getting sick.
"I suppose that means we need to go through that door thing and deal with whatever's on the other side?" she says.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Tuesday June 25th, 2013 2:54:10 PM Not every day one gets to meet a god. Patting her hair into place, Cyniq mosey's on over, and bows to Gargul and the Crones, Courage? What need has chaos for courage?
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Tuesday June 25th, 2013 4:15:20 PM
Alexi has yet to pay attention to the crack in the bell as his attention has been on the crones, then on Gargul. His first encounter with Gargul several years ago when the group travelled to his plane to petition the return to life of several Ahote was a bit dicey, so Alexi makes no point to indicate they've ever meet.
Of course, Gargul isn't going to forget anyone he's met before, but Alexi is just as pleased to not be reminded of their 'acquaintance'.
"Oh wise Sisters, and Gargul. How does one feed such an ancient artifact? It Wants Courage? There is plenty of Courage here in Bryn, but does it mean to suck out all our courage? Would that be enough? What would happen to Bryn if all the Courage is sucked out?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:89/103 Ki:7/12 CMD: 30] Tuesday June 25th, 2013 5:32:41 PM
As Garret continues to creep closer to the bell to examine it, Gargul appears and mentions feeding the bell. Garret stops in his tracks and look to Gargul and then back to the bell. He nods vigorously when Alexi asks how one feeds an ancient artifact. He tries not to walk too close, but he keeps peeking towards the crack to see if he can see inside the bell.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Tuesday June 25th, 2013 7:09:34 PM
OOC: Look ma, a new character sheet link!
Cyniq's Question Answered - DM Donna Tuesday June 25th, 2013 9:32:20 PM
The Bell (still remaining crystal for the moment) is clear, although the designs etched into its sides make it hard to see if there is anything inside it. Both Garret and Anrete can tell it is a large device--it stands almost fifteen feet tall and about ten feet in diameter--but there appears to be nothing inside. This close to the Bell, however, makes the crack outline appear to be about as tall and wide as a single doorway...if the crystal within the outline were gone, that is.
"The Chaos Bell's thirst for courage has always been," Lady Wisdom's multiple voices answers Cyniq's very logical question. "The why's and wherefore's have been lost to time. The history of the Gateway Downs in the Southern Continent has been shaped by the Bell's quest for courage."
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Tuesday June 25th, 2013 10:52:54 PM OOC: DM Donna using her favorite sock puppet here...
"And there was a town called Threshold..." Else speaks up, "...I remember coming across their story early in my training...Threshold was a town in the Southern Continent that was actually a very good example of how a determined people can establish a successful town in the midst of a chaotic wilderness. However, as successful as they were, the townsfolk were fearful of sharing their success. The Chaos Bell had come to their area but their own fear resulted in the destruction of the land all around. We must do what we can to make sure that this Chaos Bell leaves Bryn Baraz as soon as possible, or two rival trading interests isn't going to be the only thing to worry about around here..."
Keela, Alexi & Garret's Issues Spotlighted - DM Donna Tuesday June 25th, 2013 10:55:54 PM
It is Gargul's imp sidekick that answers Alexi's and Garret's concerns:
"Clearly you're gonna have to go through that doorway when it opens..." the other-dimensional jokester says ironically. Gargul arches his eyebrows and the imp shuts up.
"As the sisters of the Circle have said," the deity turns towards Alexi and the others as he speaks, "The Chaos Bell is a powerful force that will continue to wreak havoc as long as it demands its due. Only the most courageous among you will be able to appease it by entering its portal. When you are ready to leave Bryn Baraz, the first of you should touch the outlined doorway to open the portal and then, one by one, pass through it." Gargul's grimace flashes once again.
"I remember the Ahote for whom you petitioned, warrior of Domi," Gargul says. "You possess more than adequate courage for this task...but the decision to become the ones to appease the Bell is you and your companions' alone."
Sesha [AC 26 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Tuesday June 25th, 2013 11:49:48 PM
Sesha stares at the crones for a while, never letting her grasp of Barta free. She finds it odd that Gargul and the crones would be working together. Most rumors named the crones as witches... and Sesha still vividly remembered her last meeting with Gargul.
He pointed a threating finger at her and said .. "I have ONE problem wirh you. YOU'RE A WITCH!!...then there was the burning agony of her body re-taking her soul.
That these bodies were working together suggested a true problem.
With a sigh, Sesha turns and smiles at Barta.
"It was good to see It'lal, even if for a moment."
Sesha approaches the Crones, then bows before both them and Gargul.
"I am ready to leave as soon as necessary. I will also pay whatever price that this portal requires... but.. I would ask... The Little Spirit.. who is she? She flits about vision in the world of shadows, always where I am not looking. I perform service to her, but hear little back. She is like.. a sitter without a voice."
Sesha kicks dirt around with her moccassins, then continues.
"Who is she? How can I know more of her?"
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Tuesday June 25th, 2013 11:57:41 PM
Else shakes her head. "My place is here, Lord Gargul. I will stay and help Bryn Baraz to flower in the prairie. They need a protector."
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Wednesday June 26th, 2013 5:19:31 PM
Cyniq considers how her companions are choosing before walking off towards the general store. Quickly writing three letters she seals them and pulls a few coins from her pocket.
Please see these delivered to Float City. Cyniq hands over envelopes addressed to the Star Mages Guild, WLA, and the Temple of Pantheon.
Each letter contains the same short missive, An incident involving a limping red devil and his has occurred that indicates my services will be needed further South. I expect to leave Bryn Baraz immediately, and arrive at my new destination as quickly. The clock's tolling brings Chaos that may not be ignored. Expect further word to be delayed. A hand of strumpets calls my attention, as they muse with the all seeing eye.
Cyniq returns to the field, I place my trust in ye, blind courage ye ask for, and blind courage ye get.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Wednesday June 26th, 2013 8:00:45 PM
"Ye talks alot for a bunch of old women.", Anrete grumbles as he kicks at the outline of the door. "OK! Open up, crystal bell thingy!"
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Wednesday June 26th, 2013 8:06:49 PM
Keela looks mournfully at the bell with its door-shaped crack.
"I have breakfast dishes soaking in the sink," she says, somewhat incongruously.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Wednesday June 26th, 2013 9:43:04 PM
Alexi eyes Gimp the Imp rather annoyed. "Clearly, you need to live out here as a mortal for a while," Alexi mutters under his breath.
Alexi now sees the crack that indeed has the shape of a portal.
Acknowledging Gargul, Alexi bows his head then replies "Thank you for your consideration of the Ahote people. As you know, they grow in strength under Muata's guidance. However this bell is not going to stop at destroying Bryn. It will keep going until all the lands about are destroyed, is my guess and I'm not about to let the Ahote suffer any more because of our presence here. Had we not been here Al Mathir would have passed along without even noticing the Ahote. Without us here, this cursed bell would not have shown up. I gave my word to the Ahote when we first met that I would risk my life to protect them and have proven that many times. This will be one more time, if not the last.
I will go through it, and May Domi send me where my Fate awaits."
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Wednesday June 26th, 2013 10:52:26 PM
ooc: checking in
Ready...? - DM Donna Wednesday June 26th, 2013 11:10:47 PM
Gargul's eyes turn towards Sesha and, for an instant, she vividly flashes back once again to the last time they had met.
"It is my duty to make sure that those who are dead remain in the Lands of Shadow--none are supposed to leave unless I give them my express approval. Too many witches take it upon themselves to meddle in that natural order of things. They arbitrarily tear the essences of those souls that inhabit that area...and I judged you by their behavior. For this I feel I must...apologize. I shall judge you in the future on what you, yourself, have done rather than by the many abuses of power conducted by your kin." The deity's characteristic grimace flashes briefly.
"I don't like witches because they constantly flaunt my authority. However...your Little Spirit will be your best ally to make sure you stay on my good side...be sure to listen to her advice."
Sesha, Highlight to display spoiler: {Gargul's attention turns back to where the Crones address themselves to Else's declaration that she cannot enter the Bell. However, Gimp hovers by one of Sesha's ears, and he says in a conspiratorial whisper: "Pssst...that 'Little Spirit' of yours is dead, you know...she was once a goddess in the Wold, but was done away by that dust-up ol' Marty-the-Farty started a while back. She wanted to help people in the Wold so much, though, that Gargul gave her special permission to lend her old powers to one candidate--an' that's you, Toots! Bone up on your old Woldian an' you'll probably figure out who she is...or she'll let you know herself some day." Gimp's leer is directed at Sesha as he looks her over and then winks. }
"All heroes must enter the Chaos Bell," Lady Wisdom's multivoice announces and Else can feel the gaze of all five Crones weigh directly upon her. "The Bell will settle for no less than the entire group." Before Else can protest, the Crone in red holds up a hand.
"Child," Lady Watcher says, her voice only being a single one, "I have seen much in the decades I have occupied my position--the Chaos Bell is still a mystery even to the Circle, but I cannot stress enough that it is the courage of you and your colleagues that drew the Bell here...it will not leave if you attempt to thwart it."
"Your fate is to enter the Bell," Lady Wisdom's five-voices-in-one add as her hooded head bobs and she smacks her lips again. "However, not all who enter the Bell are consumed. Most are relocated to other places that need them. Some mystically reappear in the very place they left. And some are whisked away to the Shadow Lands, to be judged by the Lord of Life and Death. But the Bell is pure Chaos, and nobody in the Wold can say for sure which outcome will effect you."
Keela snatches at the comfort of a mundane non-sequitir, while Cyniq and Alexi both prepare to keep the Bell from destroying the lands that surround Bryn Baraz. It is Anrete's action, however, that results in an other-worldly screech and the sound of shattering glass, both loud enough to roll like thunder across the canyon and out to the plains beyond...
The portal into the Chaos Bell stands open, oddly dark and depthless in spite of being an opening into a crystal-clear bell...
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Thursday June 27th, 2013 10:02:39 AM
Garret nods as the crones explain what will happen when they enter. He looks over to Anrete, standing next to the doorway with him. He shrugs and says, "Well, let's go, then!"
He pauses as the bell shrieks, but then steps forward into the opening.
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Thursday June 27th, 2013 11:36:57 AM
"It looks like the best way to protect Bryn Baraz is to accept the Bell's invitation," Keela says to Else.
Gripping her staff more tightly, she adds, "The way to 'finished' is through 'begun.' Let's go." She follows Garret through the door.
Sesha [AC 26 | HP 72/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday June 27th, 2013 12:49:33 PM
Sesha stands frozen, looking into the untold possibilities of the Chaos Bell. As Gimp whispers into her ear, she trembles slightly. Furthermore.. a god .. had apologized to her?
She couldn't begin to understand how that made her feel!
Patting pot-pot affectionately, Sesha steps through the portal.
Hook City co-DM SteveK OOC Post Thursday June 27th, 2013 2:04:59 PM
Uncharted Heroes... as soon as you post that you are entering the portal, you may begin posting in Hook City and here simultaneously. This is to ensure everyone has permissions for the Hook City Board.
SteveK
Set... - DM Donna Thursday June 27th, 2013 4:57:33 PM
Even as the heroes of Bryn Baraz make their preparations to step through the portal that Anrete has revealed within the Chaos Bell, Gargul raises his quarterstaff.
"The courage you show in the face of the unknown is no less than what the Chaos Bell demands," the deity declares, "Take my blessing with you...should the Bell choose to end your lives, I will release you into the Wold once more without the intercession of any clerics..." Here he glances over at Sesha, "...or even witches."
"Know that your sacrifice will allow the Circle of Crones to relocate the Chaos Bell back to the Southern Continent once more," Lady Wisdom's multi-voice reminds you all. "We cannot change the two dimensional doors that connect Bryn Baraz to both It'lal and to the Floating City, but they will become permanent once the Bell is gone from here. Bryn Baraz will be free to prosper from their newest bounty."
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 20 -- HP 65/65 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Thursday June 27th, 2013 4:59:10 PM
Cyniq hoists her pack onto her shoulders and tightens the straps down. Drawing her hand crossbow, she loads a bolt holds it raised as she steps upto the bell. Figuratively knocking the dust from her boots she steps into the darkness of the bell without a glance behind her.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Thursday June 27th, 2013 9:40:16 PM
They say you can't take anything with you when you die, but in this case, Alexi quickly gathers up his stuff and prepares to enter the bell. Just before he goes in he spots someone in the crowd and heads toward her.
"Hope, this is the Fate of Heroes. If I am spit out, I'll ask your father for your hand. If I'm not, I am sure you will find another brave Bryn-ite to be by your side. Take courage and make Bryn a strong, prosperous place."
He then gives her a kiss. He then stops by Garth and gives him a slap on the shoulder, a strong hand-shake, tries to say something, then turns and enters the bell.
ElseHP 123 - AC 18/13/15 - CMD 20 - F+12/R+18/W+17 Thursday June 27th, 2013 11:55:02 PM
Else shrugs her shoulders. "If I must go, then I must go. Come, Sandy. It is time for a new adventure." The enormous plant creature lumbers toward the bell with the human druid cradled in its arms and steps through, the portal wavering in the air as the magic accommodates the different proportions.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC32/Touch18/FF32, CMD 34, DR2] Friday June 28th, 2013 11:53:42 AM
"To infinity, and beyond!", Anrete gives everyone a nod and charge through the portal, waving his greatsword wildly!
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Friday June 28th, 2013 12:14:46 PM
As Garret steps into the portal, he hears Anrete. He turns his head back as he continues to walk forward and says, "Infinity? Where's that?"
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Friday June 28th, 2013 1:33:43 PM
"I suppose we'll find out," Keela replies.
...GO..!!! - DM Donna Friday June 28th, 2013 8:27:46 PM
The ringing in your ears starts softly, even as your other senses are assailed with surreal sensations. You idly think to yourself: 'So this is what pure Chaos is like...'
...smell that chocolatey goodness...a nursery rhyme whistled just slightly out-of-tune...so this is what outer space tastes like...it'scoldhotwetdryticklish...
Are you flying? Are you floating? Are you swimming? Are you walking? Somehow, you are doing all of these things and yet none of them, all at the same time. You are here in this infinitely light and depthlessly dark place, and yet you know you are not here.
It is Chaos.
In spite of all the confusing sensory input, there is a deep-down realization of three things: you know the others of your party are here/not here with you, you know that--in spite of the paradox that you find yourselves in, the Bell is not inherently evil...and you know that there is another presence with you besides those who entered the Bell in Bryn Baraz.
~Yesyesyesyesyes! The courage to continue...the courage to keep changing...yes! This will go on, thanks to you! In gratitude for your aid, I now send you all...where you need to be...~ The nonvoice in your head sounds happy, and you feel yourself swept up into a vortex of sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings...
DM OOC: there will be a series of posts that address each of the player characters' ultimate fate, to which each player may post a reaction. On June 30th, there will be one final DM post to officially finish this game.
Else & Keela - DM Donna Friday June 28th, 2013 8:29:37 PM
The druid abruptly finds herself--and her faithful, leafy companion--standing inside the now-empty circular area that had once been occupied by the Chaos Bell. Beside them is Keela. The two human women would later wonder whether or not the Chaos Bell had even taken them anywhere, but a glad shout from withn the crowd makes Keela turn in time to get swept up into the arms of her husband.
"I thought you were lost to me forever!" he whispers fiercely, hugging her tightly and kissing her in a most passionate manner.
"Have a care how you handle your wife, mortal," Lady Wisdom's multivoice says, "The child she bears is destined to change the Wold."
The Circle of Crones don't stay long enough for Keela or anyone else to express their surprise--they are gone in the blink of an eye. When the hubbub of celebration settles down, Keela and Else are told about how Rousecor and Barta each made lucrative offers for the newest mithril vein, but Lady Wisdom exposed Rousecor's lies about living up to his end of the bargain he was making for Floating City, so Garth Turnbuckle sent the man packing through the door that led to the Big Float and shut the door firmly behind him. A pair of town guards have been set to flank that door for the foreseeable future. Bryn Baraz is looking forward to a long and mutually-beneficial trading association with It'lal.
"By the way, my lady druid," Garth says to Else, "Although we have our resident artifact helping the growing conditions of Bryn Baraz, the council of representatives has voted to ask if you'd be kind enough to remain with the town and become our..." Here he chuckles, "...our 'minister of agriculture', as it were..?"
The townspeople were sad that, of the original seven heroes to step into the Chaos Bell, only two returned to Bryn Baraz...but they didn't know what Keela and Else knew.
The Chaos Bell had linked all seven of the heroes together so that they each knew the fate of the others...
Alexi - DM Donna Friday June 28th, 2013 8:30:59 PM
Alexi finds himself standing outside a very familiar-looking building: his father's house. Even as he takes stock of himself--finding nothing missing except for his other six colleagues--the door opens and he sees Varren Carmody, one of his father's closest friend and neighbor, emerge from the dwelling. The half-elven man takes two steps and gasps at the sight of Alexi.
"Alexi!" he says, rushing forward with a hand outstretched to shake the warrior of Domi's--and pull him into a one-armed hug. "Thank the gods that you're here! You need to go inside, son...your grandfather...he died only a few hours ago. Your father has need of you..."
HOOK CITY PCs - DM Donna Friday June 28th, 2013 8:35:58 PM
A misty and ghostly Chaos Bell fluctuates with a rainbow of energy tendrils as it hovers over the doorway of a ruined chapel. Surrounding the Bell are objects; a Box, swords, a branding iron, a dagger, a wooden disc... and they all seem attached magically to the Bell. About the circle, four heroes are pulling and struggling with the objects trying to pull them away from the Chaos Bell.
An armored minotaur pulls on 2 swords, a liontaur coaxes a wicked-looking dagger, and 2 humans pull at a Box and a Branding Iron.
Standing nearby are the 5 Crones and Gargul! They seem to be watching and waiting for something, and not currently interested in speaking with mortals. It appears the best information may be coming from the four heroes around the circle...
Keela[AC 17; HP 66/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Bond] Saturday June 29th, 2013 2:37:35 PM The child she bears...
Well, thinks Keela, that explains a lot. The nausea, the dizziness...she's expecting. She presses a hand over her still-flat stomach and tries to find her footing in a suddenly shifting world.
Her adventuring days are over. No more chasing down enemies to fight. Although if enemies come calling, she'll be ready for them. And in the meantime, she has Senna, and Daben, and Tiegan, and Cole, and little Nila, who is not so little anymore. And Jack. And their child. Children, she corrects herself, suddenly greedy for more.
Her Telepathic Bond still links her to her companions. She knows that Alexi has gone home, that Else is still here, and that her other friends, old and new, are embarking on an exciting new round of adventures.
Good luck, my friends, she sends through the link.
And as for her....she looks around, then clasps Jack's hand and smiles. "Let's go home," she says.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 102/120 CMD 26(Trip 28) Saturday June 29th, 2013 9:11:59 PM
Alexi takes Varren's hand in a firm clasp that stays firm as his friend and neighbor tells him the news of his grandfather.
"Grandfather was getting old. He told me so many times," Alexi tries to smile. "My timely return was rather unplanned and yet planned at the same time. Kind of like when I left. I hadn't planned to leave, but deep down inside I think I had planned to do so all along."
Alexi peers past Varren to the door of his home. Memories flooded back. Good memories washed over him and caused a tear to swell up and ease down his cheeck. Bad memories edged in and he had to steel himself, much like when he first saw the Al Mathir army marching on Bryn and hope seemed lost.
But Bryn survived, by cunning, quick thinking, and patience... and courage.
Courage. The Chaos Bell wanted Courage. Alexi gave it. Or thought he did. It seems that the Bell tricked him. This was the Courage the Bell wanted to feed upon. Alexi's Courage to return home and make amends with his father. Make amends must be what the Bell wanted.
Alexi's family had been very close, going back many generations. Each one had a long list of notable heroes, all Mailed Fist members. All but his generation. He was the only child. Would the tradition end with him? That was his row with his father.
That row would have to be addressed if he went through that door.
Alexi straightens up some, wipes the tear off his cheeck. puts his arm around Varren's shoulder and starts towards the old familiar door. Just then he receives a mental message from Keela. Her joy at something else bleeds through her wishes of good luck that she is expecting. Such thoughts were just too difficult to hide.
Alexi smiles a good wide smile. He is happy for her, not jealous anymore. Varren was saying something about how everyone would be excited to see him, specially his mother. They had received news of things happening in the Uncharted Lands and his name was attached to it. The Fist, he said, didn't let anything get by that was worth noticing. His mother and Crystallina...
'Crystallina?' Alexi's thoughts shot back six years. He was such a young whelp then. Crystallina was so much more mature, such as half-elves tend to be. He had completely forgotten about Varren's daughter.
"Crystallina? She's still here?"
They entered and all eyes turned toward them. Swollen eyes suddenly became softer and smiles replaced the grimness of sorrow. His mother rushed to him and they hugged a long hug. Alexi, looking past his mother, saw first his father, looking much older, and Crystallina...
He sends a quick message back to Keela. "I'm home. Things will be fine," and smiles.
Such is the way of the Chaos Bell...
The Bell Has Tolled for Thee - DM Donna Sunday June 30th, 2013 11:59:10 PM
And so life in the Wold goes...Bryn Baraz lost some of its heroes, but gained a staunch and fair ally in the country of It'lal.
Alexi went to his family home and found his future. Else and Keela stayed in Bryn Baraz and found their own future, too.
And Garret, Sesha, Cyniq and Anrete--they all found their futures in the magical place called Hook City.
THE END
Oh...and as for the Circle of Crones...
A HIDDEN GROTTO IN GATEWAY DOWNS, THE SOUTHERN CONTINENT:
"So, sisters," Lady Watcher said, "The Chaos Bell is appeased once more, yes..?"
"Aye," replied Lady Wisdom, "But I sense that this is not the end, but the beginning."
*The beginning of what, sister?* Lady Justice asked through their shared telepathic link.
*The portents do not yet say,* Lady Mercy answered, worry in her tone. *One thing is clear, however: the Chaos Bell has never been away from the Southern Continent--not since the First Division of Power.*
*Yes, sisters,* Lady Sorrow announced to the Circle, *The appearance of the Bell in the North is an omen--a terrible omen of things to come.*
"But...what comes, sister..?" Lady Watcher asked, feeling a flutter in her stomach. The black-robed Crone shook her head, her sightless onyx eyes staring off into nothingness.
*I cannot say, sisters,* she admitted uneasily, *Because...for the first time since the birth of the Circle...I cannot see...*
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