Threshold, Cliffport, and Heranmar (DM SteveK) Thursday June 13th, 2013 1:48:12 PM
The treasure is gathered up (I won't ask you THIS TIME how you are transporting the treasure) and distributed among the heroes enough to satisfy transportation and wealth requirements. All told, the magical scrolls, the coins, the finely crafted items, and the non-magical just plain expensive green stone can be cashed in to ensure every hero has 65,000gp total wealth.
Beri keeps the treatise and lithograph, as they are neat non-monetary reminders of the adventure and learning more about the past of the Southern Continent.
Wyaar announces he will stay in Threshold, taking over Trella's house, and dedicating a shrine to Ma'ab. The paladin parts with the group both with a heavy heart and a renewed sense of purpose to shepherd these strange sheep of Threshold.
Valla suddenly decides to stay with Wyaar and patrol the forest as the paladin will take care of the town.
At Cliffport, a coastal schooner is in port and Sir Maran can't wait to climb down the long and ricketty cliff stairs to the waiting ship, signing on as a marine for the journey back to his home. Zane also says farewell, citing the need to return to the Tauric Isles and Imod City; there are famlial obligations and explanations that must be made.
Also at Cliffport, Bosk is able to find a waggon load of the local delicacy Stingroot. The vendor has so much of the stuff, he lets it go for a song, the same price as an equal number of trail ration meals. .....................
Near 2 weeks of travel, a reduced group of Iron Adventurers arrives at the South Gate of Heranmar. The four heroes, Bosk, Zeoll, Restlin, and Beri, see the welcoming city where beds, someone else cooking the food, a general store, an entrance to the Catacombs, and Peerimus still in the wings awaiting a meeting with the Iron Adventurers awaits!
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 18/17/16 CMD: 19 HP: 62/62 (Spells) Thursday June 13th, 2013 3:12:14 PM
Two weeks. Restlin slept on the ground, battled off insects, and sweat a little too profusely for two weeks while having a scroll in his pouch that would have given him a nice place to stay for an evening.
That, friends, is willpower.
Excited to be back in the city, Restlin addresses those still with him.
"I've got an appointment with the catacombs, a hot meal, and a soft bed. I know we need to see Peerimus, but surely we can arrange to sleep in civilized surroundings tonight?" Restlin turns and walks towards the entrance to the Catacombs. "I'll see you at...whatever that inn we stay at is called...in a few hours."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) d20+4=9 ; Thursday June 13th, 2013 5:39:49 PM
Beriothian revocers on his journey home, and learns a little history from reading through the Treastie i agree, I have a few things I can't wait to get my hands on in the catacombs
ooc: I claim that we smacked Bosk with the clapper to turn him into a creature with unlimited carrying capactiy more coming later, only have a few minutes
Bosk AC: 26/12/24 CMD:22 HP 72 of 72 Spells d20=18 ; Friday June 14th, 2013 7:50:20 AM
Bosk packs up the heaviest of the items and places them in his bag of holding. He then ties as much of the rest of the loot up as he can in his bedroll and large blanket so that it can be carried in one large bundle that he can carry on his back, a load that becomes even heavier when he adds some additional stingroot the pack in town. As they travel Bosk talks with Sir Maran about his experiences with the fist, expressing his interest in possibly joining the organization in hopes of brining honor to his name and stories that will be told for generations to come. As Sir Maran and the Iron Adventurer's prepare to split up and go their separate ways Bosk pulls out a few sets of brass figures, statues of the Iron Adventurers carved in great detail, and gives them each a set to remember their time together by.
Once again Bosk takes the roll of Head Cook on the trip and makes a variety of stews, roasts, and sting root depending on what the group can find. The meal if fit for a king, and the horned cleric can hardly believe how well the food has turned out on this trip (I don't think I rolled a cooking roll under 18 this adventure) and serves everyone a large helping.
Back in Hook City Bosk spends several days training at the WLA and honing his skills. Every day he feels lighter on his feet and quicker with his sword. On his way out he pays his fees and stops by the catacombs and several local stores for supplies replacing all the items he used on their journey and custom ordering some more carved figures of the group.
ooc: We will miss everyone who is leaving. We had some great adventures.
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 Friday June 14th, 2013 8:03:41 AM
As the diminished party walks back to Heranmar, Zeoll remembers being in other adventuring groups -- groups from which members would depart from time to time. Once, his group ended up dissolved. He hopes this is not going to happen again.
To lift his spirits, ands maybe those of the group, he sings a cheery song as he walks along:
And who are you, the proud lord said, that I must bow so low? Only a cat of a different coat, that's all the truth I know. In a coat of gold or a coat of red, a lion still has claws, And mine are long and sharp, my lord, as long and sharp as yours.
[OOC: Lyrics from "The Rains of Castamere"]
Heranmar Arrived (DM SteveK) Friday June 14th, 2013 10:02:20 AM
The four adventurers, companions, and (dare says the narrator?) friends enters the gates of Heranmar. It is still 2 weeks walk from the glorious city of Hook City and its idyllic weather. In the month and a half that the heroes have been gone from their Iron Tower, they have had heat and cold, dry and wet, darkness kept at bay with firelight, winds and clouds and even a storm that played lightning across the sky. Yes, much different than the ever partly cloudy sun of the Hook!
Yet, before the Iron Adventurers are completely done, there are still two loose strings to be tied up... The Clapper of the Chaos Bell, and meeting Peerimus.
A day in the INN at Heranmar is welcome from the road, yet even Chester the Innkeeper's fare tastes bland compared to Bosk's elegant meals! What Chester does provide is all the hot water and large tubs the heroes could want, and the best BEDS with CLEAN sheets. A luxury none have even seen in a month!
The General Store is open along with their Catacombs access, and Restlin immediately takes advantage.
The morning dawns, and by mid-morning, Chester escorts two burly dwarfs to where the Iron Adventures are taking a relax. Looking prosperous and covered in scars, they both have light chain shirts and hand weapons, but nothing like a full fig. They also look alike enough to be brothers, which is confirmed when the elder of the two bows and introduces themselves. "Hi, I'm Durgan and this is my brother Kazak." (The names and faces are immediately recognizable at two of the retired Children of Chaos!) "I run the militia training here in Heranmar and Kazak has ownership of the stone quarry to the north of town. Since we both live in town, Peerimus asked us to keep an eye out for the Iron Adventurers. Chester sent a runner yesterday that you were in town, and we thought that a day of rest was in order before introducing ourselves."
Kazak gives a belly laugh. "Yah, sure am glad those days are behind us! Much rather chase the wife around the bed than godly avatars around the continent! You young ones are welcome to it!" The words are merry, as if the dwarfs and the Iron Adventurers share a bond of comradeship that erases any differences of time and space.
Durgan holds up a finger. "Before anyone talks too freely, Peerimus asked that whatever you were doing would be better spoken of in his grove." The burly dwarf shrugs. "Anytime you are ready.
Bosk AC: 26/12/24 CMD:22 HP 72 of 72 Spells Friday June 14th, 2013 7:35:43 PM
ooc: Did Bosk have time to go to the Catacombs as well?
DMSteveK: sure do!
Zane Stormfront Friday June 14th, 2013 8:58:22 PM
just wanted to say its been a blast, Zane isn't done in the Wold yet, he was just getting interesting and ready to kick butt. Been fun gaming with ya all, even though some are in BBL too. Given the choice, I'm starting fresh with a level one when BBL retires. Zane might return in the future, once my problems are over(may be months or even a year) Maybe I'll be back....
see ya all around the Wold. John C,
Aztyr (BBL) Carver (AoF) Zane Stormfront (limbo)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 18/17/16 CMD: 19 HP: 62/62 (Spells) Friday June 14th, 2013 9:39:13 PM
"Yea, best not to mention the final resting place of the Great Whosit of West Watchikatella," says Restlin with a nod and his best sage-y voice.
"Friends, a soft bed and warm bath have given me the strength to face the grove again. I'm ready to be off when the lot of you are. Oh hey, Bosk! Look what I found!"
Restlin motions to his efficient quiver, hand crafted by the minotaur with images of his battle with the blue dragon. "Turns out it was in my pack! Who'da thunk..."
***
John, I hope to see you back soon. Good luck with whatever's going on....
Bosk AC: 26/12/24 CMD:22 HP 72 of 72 Spells Sunday June 16th, 2013 12:13:33 AM
A grin creeps across the clerics face when Restlin produces the long lost efficient quiver. That is wonderful to hear. I put everything I had into making it, and I fear I may not be able to produce another. It is truly a one of a kind work of art. The blond taur stares at the items flawless craftsmanship and wonders that he could ever have produced such an item and what cruel twist of fate caused his muse to abandon him. Perhaps someday he will find his inspiration again. (I am beginning to regret losing that feat after the APG rollback for RP reasons)
When Durgan introduces himself Bosk extends his hand for a firm handshake. Any friend of Peerimus is a friend of ours. I am about ready to head out, I just need to make one quick stop. I would regret it I came all the way to the Heranmar and the Gateway Downs and failed to pick up some Rockhome Ale. Somehow it tastes better when purchased in the region rather than having it imported.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Sunday June 16th, 2013 1:17:06 PM
After weeks of combat and countless miles of travel Beriothian can think of nothing he'd like more than a long soak in a hot tub. After a day of recuperation he joins the others in meeting Durgan and Kazak.
It's good to meet the two of you. I understand the desire for caution when talking about such things, and am ready to head out when the rest are. Has anything eventful happened in our absence?
ooc: good luck John, hope to play with you again some day
Heranmar Visited (DM SteveK) Monday June 17th, 2013 9:10:11 AM
Restlin, Bosk, Beri, and Zeoll are able to visit every shop they wish in Heranmar without incident. So too, Durgan and Kazak are amiable companions and hosts, providing the news of the day-to-day events of Heranmar. Turns out that nothing much has happened here. There was one long-voyaging ship that came and went, and another trade delegation of the merfolk that met personally with Peerimus. Other than that, the quiet provincial town's biggest news was when Sanda threw Bolo out of the house and followed it with every piece of furniture that she could lift! Boy was she mad!
Finally, though, it is about time to go see Peerimus in the Grove. Durgan and Kazak lead the Iron Adventurers out of the north gate (heading east). Kazak points out the ruined Chapel on a low hill to the south. "That's where the adventuring group called the Northern Lights first found the Chaos Bell and became the Children of Chaos. Me brudder and me weren't with them then, but Trace the Ranger was and he told us about it." The older dwarf shakes his head. "Nuttin but a curse it was." And Durgan nods his head.
As if that was a signal, the Clapper flies out of Bosk's possession and streaks towards the ruined Chapel!!!
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 Monday June 17th, 2013 11:29:49 AM
Zeoll listens to Durgan and Kazak, storing up news and lore. He is a little in awe of being in the company of such storied adventurers.
He manages to ask them if they ever met Sly Foxx or Luke, the members of the group he himself met long long ago.
And then it is time to visit Peerimus. Zeoll wonders if the group has succeeded to his high standard.
When the Clapper flies away, Zeoll is off like a shot to follow it. "Come on!" he calls.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 18/17/16 CMD: 19 HP: 62/62 (Spells) Monday June 17th, 2013 1:15:59 PM
Restlin has a bad feeling about this, but they worked hard to get that thing & he figures he better do something about it.
"Right behind ya," he shouts to Zeoll before giving chase.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Monday June 17th, 2013 5:37:52 PM Bosk, I thought you were holding onto that thing! Beriothian also chases after the clapper, wondering what could possible be driving the clapper to that location. Despite trusting that the bell is safely guarded far away there is a nagging fear that the clapper is somehow attempting to ring the bell... after all, what else would a clapper be going to a church for?
Bosk AC: 26/12/24 CMD:22 HP 72 of 72 Spells d20+7=9 ; Monday June 17th, 2013 8:20:10 PM
The cleric thinks merrily about his recent purchases, not the least of which is a gallon of Rockholme Ale. For the first time he feels his muscles begin to relax and doesn't feel the need to constantly look over his shoulder for something hunting him, Bosk is as shocked as everyone as the clapper flies out of his hand and immediately reaches out to grab it, but the occurrence is so unexpected that it is already out of reach by the time he can react (Reflex Save = 2). Bosk charges towards the chapel with the others, his mind reflecting on what Beri just said. Did I just ring the Chaos Bell because I my grip was too weak and my reflexes too slow? No! Gargul was guarding the bell. If it is rung it is because it is my destiny, a fate willed by the gods. It is my destiny to shape history. The Wold bends to me, not the other way around.
The Ruined Chapel (DM SteveK) Tuesday June 18th, 2013 11:05:06 AM
The heroes, followed more slowly by Kazak and Durgan, race after the Clapper. Not even Zeoll's speed can catch up to it, but the liontaur doesn't fall behind either, and soon the group can all stop, for the Clapper has stopped moving as well. There, hovering over the ruined entrance of the Chapel is the Clapper, bristling with arcane and divine energies. About the Clapper, a ghostly image of a great Bell is forming, and other images seem to be hovering about as well.
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The flaring energies seem to have anchors surrounding the ghostly Bell, anchors that look a LOT like the Cursed Magic Items the Iron Adventurers have collected over the years.}
Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { High overhead a hawk circles, then plunges into the forest to the east of Heranmar (the location of Peerimus' Grove)}
Know Arcana DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { Below the ghostly Bell, magic is pooling and forming, as if a summoning or Gate is being cast.}
Know Religion DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { Two more ghostly images are hard to make out, as if they are afterimages from looking at the sun too long. One of the images is of Five Hooded Women. The other is the Grey Lord; Gargul!}
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 18/17/16 CMD: 19 HP: 62/62 (Spells) d20+12=25 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+10=15 ; Tuesday June 18th, 2013 1:12:11 PM
Restlin the wizard knows a gate when he sees one, and he's seeing one right now. He's also seeing that teleporter that summoned them to that little octopus girl he dropped an anchor on, as well as a few other items he hoped he'd seen the last of.
"At least Peerimus will be aware soon," he thinks as he sees the hawk dive.
"OK FOLKS! Either something's about to arrive or a portal to somewhere else is about to open. I doubt my dispel magic is going to do squat against an artifact, so we'd best prepare for the worst."
Then, Restlin does some summoning of his own. He brings forth an entropic grizzly bear to help increase their numbers should a fight be on their hands.
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 d20+6=21 ; Tuesday June 18th, 2013 2:26:16 PM
At Perception +22, Zeoll cannot fail the Perception checks. Knowledge Arcana is a 21!
Zeoll shouts: "Look! Therre's the evil poker! The teleporrtal! The assassin's knife! They arre all therre, holding it down! and underr it is some sorrt of Conjurration magic!"
"And see that hawk! It is going to get Peerrimus. Orr it IS Peerrimus!"
Zeoll steps forward, looking more closely at the magical things taking place.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) d20+18=36 ; d20+1=3 ; d20+1=9 ; Tuesday June 18th, 2013 9:00:36 PM
Beriothian looks up at the sky I see it too, but I have no idea what it means... but I don't think we should let that bell ring! Beriothian looks at the ruined entrance to the chapel, hoping the it's current state will work to their advantage. He casts Entangle, hoping to wrap the clapper in stray vines growing on the aged building. Even if it can't hold the clapper, perhaps it can at least create a soft buffer around it to stop it from striking.
Bosk AC: 26/12/24 CMD:22 HP 72 of 72 Spells d20+14=23 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=19 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2013 12:57:39 AM
Bosk charges forward calling after Beri, Gargul is helping to guard the bell, no powers of the south are going to subvert his will! The horned cleric finds himself repeating the words Gargul spoke to him as he performed the initiation rite of the Grim with Restlin, Beri, Zeoll and the rest of the Iron Adventurer's and the memories come flooding back. His initiation had been remarkable by all accounts, for it occurred in Gargul's throne room in the Land of Rest as opposed to the Realm of Shadow. Although he had been prepared to perform the ritual himself, Gargul interceded in a most unexpected way. The God of Life and Death grew to to unspeakable heights, his glowing radiance the light spawning the clerics shadow. The god then handed Bosk his cane and produced several adamatine nails which the Iron Adventures secured to his extremities with the gods own staff. The final nail was driven through the shadow of his heart by the Gray Lord himself, piercing a cursed necklace the group had brought for destruction with two souls trapped inside. Ending the old, creating the new, everything tied in a perfect balance. The god then raised his fist to the sky and shouted, "HEAR ME POWERS OF THE SOUTH! THIS GRIM IS BEYOND YOUR REACH. HIS SHADOW WILL REMAIN NAILED WITHIN MY PLACE OF JUDGEMENT. COME CHALLENGE ME IF YOU DARE!" and to this day his shadow hangs like a painting as a sign that Gargul protects his own.
Suddenly the image of the clapper comes into focus along with the bell itself. All around it he sees the energies of the cursed items the group has collected. The wickedly curved daggers used by the witches in the Sargrass, the cursed branding iron that made exploding zombies with acid blood, and the assassin's knife. He even sees the skeletal swords he collected from the Ring of Malaphaz, and they all seem to be anchoring the bell. Then, squinting slightly makes out five hooded women whom he assumes are the Crones of the South he has heard about, and beside them is Gargul!
Guys, it's Gargul! And I believe those are the Crones next to him. Bosk keeps moving forward, anxious to see the Lord of Life for the first time since becoming a Grim. As he moves he tries to look into the realm of shadows to get a better view of the god.
Perception = 23 Religion = 21 Arcana = 19 See into Shadow Realm (SU) free action
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 Wednesday June 19th, 2013 10:37:27 AM
"Gargul AND the Crones" Zeoll thinks. "Is that possible? Is this a trap?"
LOG ON