The Short Ugly Man and Spire and Yel'kno and EVERYONE (Guest DM Cayzle) Friday June 28th, 2013 6:23:14 AM
Keiki reads the scroll, mastering with ease the magic that is beyond his usual grasp. And as the scroll is read, the short squat fellow reaches up to grab Spire's elbow and Yel'kno's elbow, tugging them like errant balloons toward Keiki.
"Welp, that does it, yes it does," he says.
As the scroll is complete, a portal to another plane of existence appears. Within, it looks just like the Wold, except greyish and washed out. And there are rivulets of a dark red glowing liquid flowing across the landscape. And inside the doorway, Keiki, Coer, Shemska, and Jozhur see Yel'kno and Spire, flanking a short squat ugly fellow who is holding on to them by their elbows. Their dead friends are slightly see-through.
"Well, you want to see the Master," says the short fellow, "then come on in and we'll see if he's available."
Keiki (SteveK) AC 16/ Touch 16/ Flat 10/ CMD 16(18) HP 15/32 Friday June 28th, 2013 9:01:55 AM
Keiki finishes the last words on the scroll and closes his eyes, willing... something to happen.
At hearing a strange voice, he opens his deep brown eyes and stares in amazement, not expecting this at all!
For years he has controlled his smallest sound for fear of punishment, and this prevents him from uttering any of a number of innane or unintelligable mutterings. Instead, his rises to his feet and, with a glance to the other Lionfish Heroes, walks through the portal to follow the gnome and the shades of his rescuers.
(Mark) Coerator AC 17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 43/47 Friday June 28th, 2013 9:09:48 AM Keiki... Jo... What's happening?
Assuming he is told, Coer walks slowly towards and through the doorway.
(Brock) Jozhur AC18/14/14--CMD 16--HP 36/36 Saturday June 29th, 2013 12:16:11 AM
Jozhur reaches up and grabs the taur by the shoulder, "Looks like we're going to see Gargul again."
Shemeska HP 54 - AC 19/15/14 - CMD 22 - F+5/R+11/W+2 Saturday June 29th, 2013 8:25:32 AM
Shemeska thinks for a moment, then nods his head. "I was the one who killed him, so the least courtesy I could provide is to assist in bringing him back to life. I will join you." He shoulders his bow and steps through the portal.
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 13/13/11 - CMD 14 - HP -10/13 - DEAD Sunday June 30th, 2013 10:34:12 PM
The elf bites his lip, thanking Gargul that his message got through.
The Short Ugly Man and The Dead and the Living Before Gargul's Throne (Guest DM Cayzle) Monday July 1st, 2013 10:33:26 AM
Last time the party visited Gargul, there was a line, and the afterlife was busy.
This time the short fellow leads you all to an isolated hill on a featureless plain. There is no one to be seen but for the heroes and the short impish fellow.
On the top of the hill is a stone throne. Empty.
"Ugh!" says the short guy. "Not here yet. Well, that's fine. We got time. Just watch yourself! The Master has been super busy lately. Those five old bats in the South have been pestering him. Peck peck peck. Poke poke poke. Half-dead old crones. And that stupid bell. What a mess."
"So anyway, in case he is grumpy when he arrives, you be on your best foot forward, got it?"
The imp plants a tall pole on the ground, and a banner, or a tapestry, hangs on it, still in the breeze-less air. It may remind you of the Tapestries in the Giggling Ghost, for the images on them move, and as you look closer, you can also hear what is going on as you watch. There are two sides to the banner, and there are different moving images on each side. On one side, there is a mountain town. On the other, the interior of a ruined chapel.
"Go ahead, take a peek, if you want," says the impish guy.
OOC: Gimp is here referring to very recent events in the Uncharted and Hook City games. I highly recommend reading both games for more insight, just follow those links.
You might wonder, "Wait! that pole and banner is at least four times taller than the short guy. Where did he get those from?"
Keiki (SteveK) AC 16/ Touch 16/ Flat 10/ CMD 16(18) HP 15/32 Monday July 1st, 2013 12:35:09 PM
Having never attempted nor been a part of this strong a magic in his life, Keiki can only follow and watch. He shivers despite himself at the sight of the empty throne, fearing the One who wil occupy it. The gnome's words mean nothing, almost nonsensical about old bats flying about a bell...
Still, the half-elf looks in on the two sides of the tapestry, honing in on the interior of the ruined chapel. "There is a minotaur in the Chapel", he says aloud giving Coer something to think about other than his blindness. "And another creature, the upper body of a human and the lower body of a lion. I have never seen such a strange creature!"
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 13/13/11 - CMD 14 - HP -10/13 - DEAD Monday July 1st, 2013 1:27:35 PM
Spire gazes up at the empty throne, unable to tear his eyes away from it. "It sounds like a Liontaur, Keiki," he mutters, still staring at the place he has seen Gargul sit.
Shemeska HP 54 - AC 19/15/14 - CMD 22 - F+5/R+11/W+2 Monday July 1st, 2013 3:25:36 PM
Shemeska looks in wonder at the ethereal realm. "I would have thought there would be more... dead people. Perhaps today is a peaceful one in the Wold." He kneels down in the grass and places his hands on his lap, waiting patiently for the Master of Death to arrive.
DM Donna Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 12:00:47 AM
Just posting because I am supposed to as the DM. I have nothing to DM (just yet), because the party needs to see whether they can persuade Gargul to help them out.
Good luck, adventurers!
8)
(Brock) Jozhur AC18/14/14--CMD 16--HP 36/36 Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 4:59:46 AM
Jozhur stares at the banner as he silently awaits the heroes' turn to see Gargul.
--------------------- Trying to move this week so I'm going to be pretty swamped, I'll try to keep up on here.
Yel'kno (Jon) AC 19/14/15 CMD 17 HP -12/31 -- DEAD Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 3:34:29 PM
Yel'kno turns to his companions with a faded smile. "Thank you my friends for our time together. And for coming here on my and Spire's behalf... But I've no wish to meet him again". He says with a gesture towards the empty throne. "Or for you to go in his debt in exchange for my life. Farewell and good luck. Take care of the Lionfish!"
And then he lets go of Gimp and fades away.
Yel'kno (Jon) AC 19/14/15 CMD 17 HP -12/31 -- DEAD Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 3:56:06 PM
Ooc: I am still in the game, just will be with a different PC
Gargul (Guest DM Cayzle) Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 3:57:39 PM
Some watch the banner -- one side or another.
Keiki watches an aged liontaur carrying a big shield. Suddenly the taur is yanked into a huge ghostly bell. And a small humanoid follows after!
"Hey! That's me in there!," shouts the small impish fellow. "Me! Me!"
The small squat fellow pauses and ponders for a moment.
"How can I be there ... and here ... at the same time?" He looks puzzled.
The ghost of Yel'kno, meanwhile, breaks its silence. It speaks, and you see that the dead can feel emotion just as do the living. Yel'kno says goodby, and faces away, drawn deeper into the afterlife by the pull of Woldsblood.
You watch and wait for an infinity, or a moment, in a featureless place where time seems not to matter at all.
You wait and watch.
And then, like the casting of a magical light, suddenly there is a PRESENCE. All turn to the throne above you on the hill. A worn, tired tall, strong man is there. He is wiping his hands on a leather apron. and resting as if after some exertion.
"It never stops," he says wearily, contemplating the lot of you.
"Come here." he says to you. "Tell me, why have you come? and why should I stir from my labors for your mortal concerns."
Keiki (SteveK) AC 16/ Touch 16/ Flat 10/ CMD 16(18) HP 15/32 Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 6:03:44 PM
Keiki isn't sure what to make of the grizzled man on the throne, other than he knows this one holds the power of death and life in his hands.
Trembling but obedient, the half-elf approaches, but can barely bring himself to speak!
"I used to be a slave to pirates for over 20 years. Spire there has done the first good things with his life that I've ever seen. I, I... I would like him to be a part of more of that. Please, mighty Akua..." and the quiet Keiki stumbles to a halt.
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 13/13/11 - CMD 14 - HP -10/13 - DEAD Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 7:11:40 PM
Spire stares up at Gargul, his mind buzzing with a thousand different thoughts. Yel'Kno... is gone... he thinks depressedly. Shaking his head, he tries to rid himself of such thoughts. He did not move on simply so you could mope around. Speak now or forever hold your peace.
"My Lord," the elf begins. "My allies and I have stood before you once before, on behalf of Aziekiel Hoofstomper, your faithful servant. You brought him back to life so that he may serve you in the mortal world. Since witnessing your power, I have taken you on as my patron deity. I..." The wizard falters for a moment, thinking back to his time with his family.
"I have dedicated my life to the arcane arts, but I find that they do not... they do not fulfill me in the same way piety has. With your permission, I wish to return to life as an Eye of Gargul, I will dedicate myself to you and become a cleric." The elf opens his mouth to continue, but finds himself at a loss for words. He simply bows his head instead.
(Mark) Coerator AC 17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 43/47 Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 8:03:52 PM
Coer finds his senses assailed as he is blindly led into the domain of the dead. His vision is still lost in this other world with the exception of flashes or streaks of light. Then the captain gives his farewell and a new light appears in the darkness, growing in intensity before fading to nothingness. Coer knows that Yel'kno is now truly gone.
When the voice of Gargul fills the air he listens as Keiki and Spire present their cases.
Coer kneels and adds"We ask that Spire be allowed to return with us. He is a good man and he offers himself to your service. If a higher price is needed... we shall seek it."
DM Donna Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 10:24:26 PM
A brunette woman with a lot of silver in her hair watches the tableau from afar, eating hot buttered popcorn and being extremely interested in whether or not this bunch of adventurers are going to tick off a certain god of life and death...
Shemeska HP 54 - AC 19/15/14 - CMD 22 - F+5/R+11/W+2 Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 11:48:42 PM
Shemeska genuflects and bows his head. "Great Gargul, King of the Dead, Lord of Afterlife, Harbinger of Twilight. I also beseech you to return life to these souls." He pauses for a moment, then whispers, "I also happen to have killed one of them in the first place, which I don't suppose you hear very often..."
Gargul (Guest DM Cayzle) Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 7:34:42 AM
With a look that suggest he simply cannot help himself, Gargul rolls his eyes, as if to say, "Mortals!"
Gimp leaps under the throne when he sees that look.
The god sighs.
"Okay," he says, speaking slowly, as if to a small child or doddering grandma. "I asked each of you two things. First, what do you want? Second, why should I grant it?"
"Keiki, you did not say what you want, but I deduce that you want Spire here raised. So far as I can make out, I should grant this raise because you want him to do more good things. Is that your final answer?"
Gargul pauses and twists his mouth as he ponders Keiki. Is that a frown? A smile? It is hard to tell. Gimp pokes his face out from under the throne to see and hear better. "I will say, young witch, that I think you do not know me well. Are you aware that I am no friend to witches? Are you aware that very few petitioners have ever appealed to me for the sake of good deeds? ... I am not known for my love of good deeds."
Sense Motive DC25: Highlight to display spoiler: {You sense that Keiki has managed to amuse Gargul.}
"Coerator, your desire is clear. You believe that I should grant your request because Spire will serve me. But it is easy to say 'Please do this because my friend will foot the bill.' And you mention a higher price. What of yourself, then, Coer? What price would you pay? Do not seek to bargain with me. Simply tell me what you would pay, were a price asked of you."
"Note that I may ask it, minotaur."
"Shemeska, you too ask for a raise, though I see you have trouble counting the dead. You have not said why I should grant this request. And a heavy burden is on you, seeing as you killed this person. Why should I undo what you yourself have done? What reason is there in the Wold? For what reason would it be in my interest."
The god turns to the deceased. "Spire, you are dead. In essence, you are mine, and you belong to me. If I return you to the Wold, even as my own servant, then you will be less mine than you are right now. That is why I never negotiate with the dead alone. I require that the living pay a price as well. But I hear you, child, and I know you."
Gargul turns to the party member who has been silent.
"Jozhur, speak now. Tell me what you want, and why it is in my interest to grant a request."
Keiki (SteveK) AC 16/ Touch 16/ Flat 10/ CMD 16(18) HP 15/32 d20+4=24 ; d20+7=27 ; Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 10:13:01 AM
Keiki has hardly had the life to learn much of anything about the dieties and the ways of gods; but standing before Gargul lends his mind wings and he has a flash of insight that is still not enough to sense the god's purpose, but plenty enough to realize his words are nothing but the truth. And that frightens him to his bones!
Going pale and quieter than usual, Keiki responds. "Ae, yes, I am asking for the return to life of Spire, even though I am learning the ways of Woldsblood and Shadow from another who is my 'aumakua, my family's guardian, Lono." The half-elf trembles a bit while pausing.
And then the inner struggle of Keiki solidifies and he stands straight, looking straight at Gargul as the warriors of his childhood stories met death bravely. "I will not offer my 'aumakua, though it cost my life for I have made other promises. Nor do I offer my life, for I see you are the lord of both death AND life, and so my life is yours to take as you will. But I offer to give up the search for my ohana, for the Lionfish and the heroes aboard her are my ohana. Spire and these who stands before you is more important to me than any other being in the Wold."
.....................
ooc: I really don't believe it; back to back natural 20s?
Sense Motive: 24 (nat 20, but it is a skill check so...) FAIL
Know Religion: 27
Gargul (Guest DM Cayzle) Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 11:49:34 AM
Keiki's knowledge of religion leads him to recall other tales of those who come to Gargul to petition for a life. Usually, the dead soul's friends pay some price. Sometimes it is an object precious to them. Sometimes it is a service, such as the construction of a chapel. Sometimes it is a commitment to serve Gargul in some way. Sometimes the god grants a life without demanding an obvious price.
Gimp grins at Keiki from under the throne and gives him a thumbs up.
OOC: Keiki, please add a +1 circumstance bonus to your Sense Motive check due to Gimp's influence and feel free to have your character read the spoiler. Who am I to deny the 1-in-400 chance of two natural 20s being rolled?
(Brock) Jozhur AC18/14/14--CMD 16--HP 36/36 d20+25=39 ; Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 3:05:06 PM "I too would like to plead for Spire's life." Jozhur pauses for a moment,"I would shed my own blood for him. If you allow him to return as your servant, I will protect him with my own life and aid him in your service. I will assist him in any way I can."
------------------- Sense motive: should be a 23, put the DC in as the modifier. I think I need more sleep.
Shemeska HP 54 - AC 19/15/14 - CMD 22 - F+5/R+11/W+2 Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 10:49:49 PM
Shemeska rubs his chin for a moment in thought. "To be honest, I don't know what their lives are worth. Might I humbly ask, Lord Gargul, what are their lives worth to you?"
DM Donna Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 11:22:42 PM
The silver-and-brunette woman is highly entertained herself...even if she can't seem to find her Goobers...
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 13/13/11 - CMD 14 - HP -10/13 - DEAD Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 11:29:20 PM
Spire closes his eyes, his stomach squirming. What if it isn't enough?
(Mark) Coerator AC 17/16/14 -- CMD 21 -- HP 43/47 Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 11:52:55 PM "What do I offer to save Spire? I can only offer myself in your service. What would you have me do?"
Gargul (Guest DM Cayzle) Thursday July 4th, 2013 11:38:14 AM
Gargul pauses in thought, and then renders his judgement.
"Keiki, you will devote yourself to your friends, not your past. And you will do a good deed. Soon you will meet one who has rendered me a service, who is coming to his homeland after being long away. Befriend him!"
"Spire, you will serve as my Eye. So be it."
"Jozhur, you will protect Spire. Very well. If he dies before you die, I will not raise you." [OOC: Void if Spire leaves the game before Jozhur. Please so note on your PC sheet.]
"Coerator, I will have you do what you should have done in battle. When comrades of yours are dying, you will first and foremost save their lives, until you have learned to do so on your own." [OOC: When any member of your party is dying and losing hit points, you will be unable to take any actions other than those intended to stabilize your friend or to bring them back to consciousness. This divine miracle lasts for a year and a day, in the Wold or in real life, whichever comes first. Please so note on your PC sheet.]
"Shemeska, you took a life and now are arrogant enough to ask for it back -- and you cannot or will not say what it is worth to you. Clearly, you need to learn the value of life. You may not kill again until you do so." [OOC: All hit point damage you do is nonlethal when attacking a living creature. All ability score damage you do is temporary. Anyone failing a save against you will have the effect reversed after a day (if it is still ongoing). This divine miracle lasts for a year and a day, in the Wold or in real life, whichever comes first. Please so note on your PC sheet.]
Gargul waves his hand, and in a flash, you are returned to the Wold. Spire is alive. Yel'kno is dead.
Keiki (SteveK) AC 16/ Touch 16/ Flat 10/ CMD 16(18) HP 15/32 Thursday July 4th, 2013 4:17:03 PM
Keiki sees Gimp and realizes that Gargul is ... amused? It only confuses the young man further, though he continues to stand as if this is going to be his last act ever. The Gray Lord's words roll over him, to live in the present and not the past, to befriend one who has done a service to Gargul. They are just words, for Keiki sees that this means Spire will live again!
Gargul waves his hand an in a flash, they are returned to the Wold.
Keiki stands, once again on the deck of the Lionfish. Coer is there (still blind), the body of Yel'kno, Jozhur, the archer Shemseka, and Spire. And the full impact of what Keiki promised and Gargul decreed comes to full realization. He gave up any search for his family.
Keiki stumbles to the bow of the Lionfish and collapses, weeping uncontrollably.
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 13/13/11 - CMD 14 - HP 13/13 Thursday July 4th, 2013 6:48:50 PM
Spire feels elated, going to say, "Thank you my Lord!" but finds himself announcing this to the deck of the Lionfish. Immediately, he feels at his chest for the holes that were once there. He feels the hole in his robe, but his skin is smooth, with nothing but a few pink scars lefts. I... I'm alive... I'm actually alive...
He turns to thank his allies, and see Keiki sobbing on the ground. His heart is near to breaking as he kneels down next to the half-elf, placing a hand on his back. "Keiki, I... I am truly sorry. I... I wish..."You wish what? That you were still dead? Spire grimaces, looking around at the others. "I am so sorry, my friends. I... I did not mean for you to all be penalized for my death. But I thank you from the bottom of my heart, thank you, a thousand times thank you. I... I swear I will help you all with the curse I have placed upon you." The elf looks down at Keiki again, tears welling in his eyes. "Especially you, Keiki."
DM Donna Thursday July 4th, 2013 6:57:09 PM
In searching for her missing Goobers, the graying brunette spectator suddenly realizes that not only is her box of candy gone, but so are the party of interesting adventurers. Darn.
The next time the bespectacled brunette posts (tomorrow), it will be to advance the story of the Bonetown crew.
Congratulations, adventurers--your butts are mine now...!
d20+9=27 ; Thursday July 4th, 2013 8:07:17 PM
Coer receives his orders and the lights, what little there were, disappear. The air is again salty and he feels the deck of the Lionfish underfoot, rocking on the waves.
Protect the crew at all costs. I shall take this burden.
We should head for port. Perhaps rum to get supplies? Bonetown seems to be less friendlier than we thought.
Coer heads to his room to be alone.
Shemeska HP 54 - AC 19/15/14 - CMD 22 - F+5/R+11/W+2 Thursday July 4th, 2013 11:31:12 PM
ooc: Happy Independence Day! No posting today. :)
DM Donna Friday July 5th, 2013 1:35:13 PM
It's the start of the weekend, players, and the party needs to decide exactly what they're going to do...sailing back to Bonetown is logical, but what will you do when you get there? Will you seek out Captain Annoir or go to what passes for the authorities at port?
Or will you do something else entirely...?
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC 16/ Touch 16/ Flat 10/ CMD 16(18) HP 32/32 d20=3 ; Friday July 5th, 2013 6:15:31 PM
I takes nearly a day for the half-elf to fully compose himself. When he does emerge, he looks wiser, as if pain and sorrow and recent experiences have tempered him to a greater sense of purpose. He thanks Spire for his concern, comforts Coer in his blindness, and talks with Jozhur Captain and Shemseka about what the Lionfish will next accomplish. "It is only the closing of one door and the opening of another."
The next day, at the bow, the Witch has made a very crude drawing of a circle of flowers on a burlap bag. With prayers, he drops the picture over the side and watches it as it slowly slides away. Then moves back to the others.
It is pretty obvious the ship will return to Bonetown, but the situation about Captain Annoir requires more understanding. "I don't understand. Annoir is your mentor but also contracted the ElfBloods to kill the Lionfish? Instead of directly confronting, perhaps we scout him and find out more about his true motives?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC18/14/14--CMD 16--HP 36/36 d20+4=13 ; Friday July 5th, 2013 6:18:28 PM "Glad to have you back Spire."
He stares off into the horizon for a few moments before he snaps back into reality, "I agree Coer, Rum might be a safer option for now. We need to get your sight back before we start anything else."
"I could use some help plotting a course. I'm not much of a sailor."
---------------------------------- Profession, sailor: 13 We'll head for Rum, unless anyone objects.
(Brock) Jozhur AC18/14/14--CMD 16--HP 36/36 Friday July 5th, 2013 6:21:59 PM
ooc: bah, Bonetown it is, keep things moving.
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 13/13/11 - CMD 14 - HP 13/13 Friday July 5th, 2013 9:47:32 PM
Spire spends much of his time smiling and apparently in good spirits, trying to help out in any way he can. "Annoir is..." He sighs angrily, his hands clenching into fists. "I do not wish to speak lightly of death, especially considering my promise, but... I believe he is a man deserving of it. Going to Rum will only delay the inevitable, and give Annoir a chance to retaliate. We need to strike fast and hard."
The elf looks around at his allies, his recent smile fading to the usual serious look they're all accustomed to. "I owe this man a personal debt. We all do. Because of him... we have to choose a new captain. Which we... we should get around to."
Shemeska HP 54 - AC 19/15/14 - CMD 22 - F+5/R+11/W+2 Friday July 5th, 2013 10:34:36 PM
ooc: Sent an email to Jerry and Donna.
Kane' Ma'Kai (SteveK) AC 16/ Touch 16/ Flat 10/ CMD 16(18) HP 32/32 Saturday July 6th, 2013 9:59:29 AM
Kane' knows about the town of Rum from recent discussions among his ex-captors, but he also shakes his head. "Kito and most of the ElfBloods are dead, but their ship has gotten away and has a full day's sailing start because of that magic feather. This Annoir will know they failed and already be plotting more mischief. We should go directly back to Bonetown. Leaving a snake too long alone and we will have a whole nest of snakes."
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