Marcus (DM Donna) Tuesday February 26th, 2002 12:07:27 PM
After Arien gets finished speaking, the spymaster's face looks quite grim.
"I had the same dream," he says simply. "And I don't think it's a coincidence." Renik speaks his mind as Marcus pulls out his coin of communication and speaks into it, bidding somebody to bring the cleric.
"Never underestimate the power of dreams," Marcus says with a bit of a grimace, "But it would be just as wise to not put TOO much stock in them, either. I'm having a... fellow dreamer being brought to you. He will introduce himself when he gets here, but suffice it to say that his dream... isn't quite the same. He'll be joining with you in your research to find out which of the two different dreams is true." There is a knock... but it isn't exactly at the door. Marcus snaps his fingers.
"That reminds me... I've gotten together the personnel and... props for your cover business. You will all be running an import/export shop," he tells you. "It will take a week to get all the 'stock' in place, so you'll be able to give Chenna your notices... although it would probably be best if not all of you left her employ--you never know where your best bits of information can be found."
Renik (Spot the subtle reference) Tuesday February 26th, 2002 1:14:13 PM
Renik looks around, looking for the source of the knock.
At Marcus' words Renik grins. "Sounds like fun. How does 'Universal Exports' sound as a company name? Suitably vague, and it seems to fit, somehow... This may call for a new disguise."
He loses himself in contemplation of yet another flamboyant alter ego.
Draax Tuesday February 26th, 2002 6:45:21 PM
"Long have I waited for a chance to save our old friend Damocles. The sacrifice that he and Qancis made was too grave, much too grave."
Lost in thought the big half-elf takes stock of his equipment and decides his sword could use some attention. Taking out a worn and well used whetstone the veteran warrior begins to work on the edge of his blade. Obviously thinking of Damocles his eyes have an edge that needs no sharpening.
Ferrak Tuesday February 26th, 2002 6:48:03 PM
"A strrange dream, yes," says the feral gnome, his manner grave. "Dreaming of the machine is not a good omen."
"Grrr," he grumbles for no particular reason.
The Dreamer Tuesday February 26th, 2002 7:08:05 PM
Without warning, the door opens quickly and a small figure crosses the floor. She is stout, wears a dark blue cloak and has long red hair all done up in a bun. Her features are obviously gnomish, although she looks quite exhausted. The muffled knocking is now joined by the sounds of a whinnying horse. The gnome waddles across the floor and, seeing Marcus, approaches him. She nods her head and whispers something unintelligible. Rubbing her tired eyes, she looks about the room smiling, then frowns and sighs impatiently.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday February 26th, 2002 11:59:54 PM
Bill listens to Arien's dream. "Wait - what did Damocles do into the darkness? Call? Recede? I missed what you said he did there, Arien. Well, never mind that, I suppose. At least he's alive -- they're alive! I mean. Well, we've gotta figure out ... Marcus, do you know anybody who knows much about portals, gateways, that sort of thing?"
As did Renik, Bill also looked around for the source of the knocking. He stifles a laugh at Renik's suggestion of a name, juxtaposed with the dream Arien reported, then feels embarrassed that he found humor in the whole export and univer... he shakes himself to return his attention to what the others are saying.
That there was an entrance through the door was not entirely unheralded, albeit with a sound from somewhere else. He marks in his mind the location of the knocking sound, and compares that to the location of the sound of the whinnying horse.
But he must not forget hospitality. "Welcome to our dwelling," Bill says to the new guest in gnomish. Then, in common, asks, "Would you like some tea or hot chocolate? Perhaps some cakes, some cheese? Oh, and you, as well, sir?" he inquires of Marcus. If either answers in the affirmative, Bill scoots to the kitchen to put a kettle of water on to boil, and scurries back in quickly so as not to miss too much.
Hospitality? Sweet! (DM Donna) Wednesday February 27th, 2002 6:24:39 AM
The female gnome smiles tiredly at Bill.
"Tea, please," she replies.
"Where's Hobbes?" Marcus asks rather impatiently.
"He has to tie off his horse, sir," the female gnome tells the chief of Plateau City security. "He'll be here in just a moment." The "knocking"--now that the door to the house had been opened and then closed--is not occurring on the door to this house, but rather on the house next door... in fact, it isn't knocking--it's hammering, as though somebody were pounding nails into wood.
"The tentative name of the establishment is 'The Motley Lot'," Marcus addresses Renik, "But if you come up with something you'd prefer, we can easily repaint the sign." Then he looks at Bill. "Nothing for me, thanks."
Renik Wednesday February 27th, 2002 6:40:45 AM
"A pleasure to meet you dear lady, it is not often that we have such beautiful guests. Please, take a seat," smarms Renik, bowing and smiling.
"Um, this Hobbes, he doesn't normally tether his horse by nailing it to doors, does he?"
(OOC: Universal Exports was the name of the cover company that James Bond worked for whilst carrying out his secret missions. When asked what the company did he would always reply "Oh, Imports, Exports...". Seemed appropriate in the circumstances!
Draax Wednesday February 27th, 2002 8:06:03 AM
Taking the time to be polite, Draax puts his blade down for a moment to say hello.
"You are a dreamer," the half-elf states. "What does that mean, have you had the same dream as Arien?"
Ferrak Wednesday February 27th, 2002 8:11:32 AM
The feral gnome does not function well around other members of his true race. It is an obvious reminder that he is not really a wolf. This and the fact that the gnomish woman reminds him of his late mother sends the feral gnome off running. Unaware of what is going on around him, Ferrak can see only his mother's face as she hid him in the dark hole where the wolves later found him.
She gave her life for him. It's just too much.
Hobbes Wednesday February 27th, 2002 1:36:07 PM
The door creaks open slowly. "Damocles is dead," utters a voice from the doorway. Outside the final pounding from next door accompanied by the subdued neighing and hoof-shuffles of a startled horse can be heard a bit louder now. The source of the voice is a tall, rather fetching-looking man suited entirely in black plate mail armor. From his neck hangs a small silver circlet, in the form of what appears to be an eye gazing out. The breeze from outside tosses a jet black cloak with fantastic silver lining about him.
He slowly steps into the room letting the wind blow the door shut and walks toward Marcus, a very large scythe in his right hand which he uses like a staff as he walks. The blade is quite long, although the length of it has been clamped and covered protectively so it is not exposed.
With a solemn look upon his face he steps up to Marcus and bows his head. "My apologies for my tardiness, sir. We arrived as quickly as we could. My gratitude to your worthy assistant for bringing me."
The man reaches into a pouch and pulls out a silver coin. His eyes look about the room briefly then spy who he is looking for. He walks over to the gnome, bends down, places the coin in her hand and gently closes it. He then straightens up and turns back to Marcus.
With a grave look upon his face he says, "I now realize why I was called here."
K'isst Wednesday February 27th, 2002 6:30:37 PM
K'isst totally absorbed in her pushups, realizes slowly that something has changed. She stops, sweating slightly and stands one hand on her trident.
Realizing some of what was said earlier she moves over by Arien and whispers, "New location? Why? What's wrong with this one?"
Arien Thursday February 28th, 2002 12:23:46 AM
"Ah yes, Bill, I stumbled on my tongue for that part, hope that doesn't happen much more as that could be a problem with spell casting. As for what he did into the darkness, you've pretty much guessed it, except it was more of a fading than a receding."
Arien's eyes are drawn to the eye hanging about the man's neck and then to his dress in whole. "Even those who follow the Lord of the Underworld should know that dead does not mean gone, especially those who follow him should know that it is quite the opposite. Just because the pleasures of the flesh no longer belong to Damocles does not mean he is not out there, still fighting against Marteaus." Arien lets his breath out slowly and then begins to speak again, "But forgive me stranger, you didn't say that he was gone, merely dead. Perhaps I reacted too harshly, let me formally introduce myself."
Arien draws his own black cloak with its silver threadwork that formed into a web about him and bows to Hobbes. "I am known as Arien Silverbow, I am a practioner of the wizardly arts and a procurer of treasure."
Then whispering to K'isst, "I'm not exactly sure what you mean but we are moving our business front to here for simplicity sake. We might also going to Ravenloft to retrieve a certain machine that when used will allow us to reap vengeance on the Dark Lord." Arien was also there when they brought back the water ring of ascension and the memories of how the ring had came to be in Marteaus' grasp had burned themselves into his mind. "Indeed K'isst we will bring him down, vengeance for you who suffered at his hands and for all those who suffered more recently, and most of all, for Domi."
Bill Troublefinder Thursday February 28th, 2002 1:55:26 AM
The halfling was in the adjacent kitchen when the tall man entered. Tapping his foot, waiting for the water to boil, he idly wonders if there isn't some way to speed things up in the heating process. At the sound of the door shutting, he sticks his head into the room. "Hobbes, I presume? Marcus, aren't some introductions in order? Who died? I was in the kitchen, and couldn't quite hear." He is not quite sure whether he ought to offer his name, but trusts Marcus to offer a nudge of guidance on this. "Tea's almost ready." He brings out a plate of seed cakes and biscuits, and bowls of jam, raspberry and blackberry.
[OOC: As an aside, Bill would have repowered his psicrystal, 'William', upon returning to home base in the evening, replacing the five power points spent.]
Rond Thursday February 28th, 2002 2:37:43 AM
Allowing the others of the team to make and take greetings for the group. Rond follows the information as it's passed about in the room. When Hobbes addresses Marcus, Rond waits to hear if Hobbes has more on the subject of Damocles. Realizing that there's information about Damocles and Marcus's wife, Rond watches Marcus, to see his reaction.
[ooc Hobbes is not a striped tiger, is he. ;) Where's Calvin, his human sidekick? ;) ]
Marcus Explains It All (DM Donna)(...well...MOST of it, anyway...) Thursday February 28th, 2002 6:59:30 AM
Marcus looks around at the party members, his eyebrows coming together as he thinks hard before speaking.
"The cover business will be run by others whom I employ," the spymaster says positively, "You'll be listed as employees of the establishment next door, but this will free you up to concentrate on your research to find this gateway that may exist." Marcus nods gravely in the direction of Hobbes.
"This cleric of Gargul has had a dream that is at once just like the ones both Arien and myself have had--yet it is also quite different," he tells the party. "I will let Hobbes himself explain what his dream was." Marcus once more inclines his head towards the newcomer, inviting the priest to speak.
Renik d20+2=15 Thursday February 28th, 2002 11:36:50 AM
Damocles dead? That is bitter news. But as Arien says, for those with the means, death is rarely final. If they can find his body...
But first things first. They still must find the portal. How can they do that? If such a thing exists perhaps there is mention of it in some history of the city? Perhaps libraries hold the answer. Or perhaps they can try to find out if anyone else has visited this 'Ravenloft', and how they got there. Don't they say the Gold Dragons have visited other worlds? Perhaps Ravenloft is among them. Except that the Gold Dragons have vanished and been declared outlaws. Hmmm. Who else might have that sort of knowledge? The Sages Guild? Another Dragon group? (Rolled 15 for untrained Knowledge check). Well, perhaps some of his sources over at the Beer and Bath can point him in the right direction.
Lost in thought the lean rogue awaits Hobbes' continued explanation.
Rond Thursday February 28th, 2002 4:38:16 PM
Hearing the Arien's tale Rond's jaw drops as he realizes that Damocles may still be alive. When everyone last saw Damocles, it was with the understanding that his mission was suicide. Just the slight hint that he may still live and be rescuable, gives Rond a new found hope. One that he hadn't known he needed.
Draax Thursday February 28th, 2002 5:39:33 PM
Returning to the edge of his sword, Draax continues to work on it with renewed vigor. Not saying anything but listening intently to what the newcomer has to say. Draax soon has his sword gleeming with a deadly sharpness but somehow it doesn't satisfy the big warrior.
Taking out the other various weapons of his trade, it is apparent that Draax is determined to be ready for the coming adventure and the chance to save his friend.
Hobbes Thursday February 28th, 2002 5:44:54 PM
Hobbes bows his head slightly to Marcus. "I must begin by saying this... dream I had... may or may not tell of things to come or things that have come," begins Hobbes in a low tone, "and this Damocles, as your commander here calls him--I fear for his soul--for what I saw of him is very grave indeed. I know not what your dreams told of his fate."
Hobbes leans his scythe against a wall very gently, removes a gauntlet from his right hand, and turns to Arien. "And you are correct, sir," he continues, "death is not a finality, but merely a doorway into a soul's next realm of life. But in this case..."
Hobbes steps over to the mage and looks him in the eye. "Your friend has been stolen from his destined realm by an evil force, I fear."
Hobbes removes his other gauntlet and sets them both down on a table. He turns slowly, trying to recall the details in his mind, "There was a woman... elvish nature... with a --with a man, a cleric of Alemi, that which your master here calls Damocles. Around them... and beside them, all about them was darkness, a distinctly evil place... and a device. Yes a very unusual mechanical looking device they were after. This machine... they began casting spells at it and..." Hobbes squints to recall more and seems to be drawn back to the place in his telling, "It shrieked... and fell to pieces. Then, the noise seemed to attract two horrible figures, dark creatures of nightmares and evil that immediately fell upon them. Their wings and claws and horrid teeth mauled and rended the pair until it was over. They fell dead as victims of their unfortunate quest as their final chapters were written. But as sure as the final period was written the two were stolen from their resting place and began to rise. Their eyes opened and they stood, the blood still flowing from their open wounds, shock and surprise on their faces!"
Hobbes opens his eyes slowly, panting slightly, then turns back to Arien. "This is what I saw... and your poor friends seem... to be now merely toys for some dark force which has claimed them. I weep for their souls... and this dream has plagued me since it occurred, but only now do I have a clearer grasp at its meaning." He looks thoughtfully at the mage and then at Marcus, "And as my calling has brought me here, so will I fulfil it to the best of my ability to assist you in helping your friends be laid to their rest and rid of the evil which has performed this abomination."
Ferrak Thursday February 28th, 2002 5:47:17 PM
In a dark corner somewhere, the feral gnome hides his head from the world for a while. Flashes of his earliest memories on the earth keep coming to him. The unpleasant images of his mother's death. As the tears streak down his face, Ferrak longs for the oblivion of sleep.
A deep mournful howling can be heard somewhere in the city.
Arien Thursday February 28th, 2002 10:50:58 PM
"Still despite what you say I believe there might be at least some hope in the matter, if not to retrieve the machine and bring the Dark Lord down then to rescue the souls of Damocles and Qancis, there is no more worthy a cause than to save friends from the clutches of evil and I say that we find a way to Ravenloft and do just that. Whether the machine can be salvaged or not we can see there and if it can than we shall bring it back and see what we can do from there."
Rond Friday March 1st, 2002 2:56:02 AM
"We have had several run ins with Marteaus. None of them have meant well for the world. Having a two fold chance at both saving friends and poking at Marteaus, are worth the effort in my head. Though I'd let others comment at this point."
ooc Kim, Character sheet is on the way
Got it - thanks! -Kim
Bill Troublefinder Friday March 1st, 2002 5:04:14 AM
"Tea's ready!" Bill announces, and pours cups for whoever wants it - but first for the gnome. Since Marcus hasn't gotten around to introducing anybody, but didn't seem to object to Arien's self introduction, the hobbit figures it's about time he made himself a bit more sociable. "By the way, my friends call me Bill," he tells the tired gnome. "If you don't mind me asking - oh, here is the sugar bowl, and a spoon, and some cream, and some jam, if you like that in your tea. Some people do, you know. My aunt used to ask for six spoonfuls of sugar. 'But don't stir it - I don't like it too sweet,' she'd say, like a little joke. Anyway, with all your dreaming, does that make you pretty tired?" he asks her. "Did you have the same sort o' dream as Arien and Master Marcus and, uh, this gentleman, Mr. Hobbes, here? But here, drink some tea, take your time."
Bill goes to the corner where his pack lies and pulls out his writing kit and journal. He thumbs through the pages, then opens up to some sketches. "These here are drawings of the scroll printer we got from the Sons of Dread. The first one is a perspective drawing, then flat on from the side, and the top, and the back, and the front. The other side's the same, except for this handle - I just sketched where it was different." He turns the page. "Ran outta room - this page shows it from the bottom. So, if it's broken, we know what it's supposed to look like in working order. The machine was sentient, too, and Damocles told us it had an evil presence. At least, I think he said something like that. Or was it Qansis?"
A moment later, he asks, "Where'd that Ferrak get off to? Darkfang, Gruff ruff, woof woof, ruff!" ('Go look for Ferrak, bring him back - tell him we need him with us!') To Draax, Bill says, "I worry about him sometimes. Ferrak, I mean."
After everyone is served tea, Bill pours himself a cup, and stirs in some honey, which he had forgotten to bring out earlier. As he stirs the cup, he ruminates and listens to his friends and their guests. Then he says, "All right - we have this business that Master Marcus asked us to look into. I think that deserves some attention. Then there's Damocles' appeal - and the rescue of the souls of him and of," and his voice drops, and he quietly adds, "of Qansis." He sighs, takes a deep breath, which he holds for a moment, then goes on. "And the recovery of the scroll maker. Doing the latter means we need to find a portal somewhere. Yes, Renik, the Gold Dragons have been there before - we already know that. They may know of a portal or two. I'm wondering if a portable hole might not be useful to help carry the scroll maker. It's pretty big. Anybody have one of those?
"Say, Mr. Hobbes, from what you said - it sounds like something or other turned our ... friends." He stops, breathes in and out through his nose, his lips pursed. "They were turned into undead. Undead of some sort. What a horrible thing!" The halfling shudders. "Marteaus here, Marteaus there -- we need someone who knows more about all this religious stuff, and ascension, and usurpation, and the, excuse me, sometimes idiotic games of the gods. Games which make for far too much suffering for poor souls here." He looks up to Hobbes. "What does Gargul say of all this?"
Renik Friday March 1st, 2002 5:34:10 AM
Renik sips his tea and smiles as Bill slips into overdrive. Indeed it does sound as if their ill-fated companions have joined the dread ranks of the undead, a fate Renik would not wish on anyone.
"I assume we're all agreed, we need to rescue them if we can, and give them the release of oblivion if rescue proves impossible. Hobbes, you say you saw the machine destroyed by their magics. Unless our foes have rebuilt the device, we will need to collect all the parts and reassemble it. Bill, your diagrams may come in very handy indeed. As for a portable hole, it sounds like a good idea, but aren't they awfully expensive? Could we shrink the thing small enough to fit into one of your special pockets?"
"And the question still remains, how do we find this portal? Marcus, do you have any ideas, or should we get out and start doing some digging ourselves?"
Bill Troublefinder Friday March 1st, 2002 6:22:11 AM
"Into one of my pockets?" Bill replies to Renik's suggestion. "Oh, no, indeed, no. At least, I don't think so. Could we? Or maybe into a really big bag of holding. Reminds me, I want to buy another tarp or two."
[OOC: Am subtracting 10 gp for two large tarps from CS. Don't want to role play buying two canvas tarps, if that's okay.]
K'isst Friday March 1st, 2002 11:15:16 AM
K'isst shudders as this talk continues and the horrible memories of their first encounter invade her mind. Her death. The pain! The laughter as The Wold faded from her view and her breathing ceased.
She screams! "Damocles!!!" She runs to Bill. She grabs him up by the collar, not noticing that she is pulling him up off of the floor when she does so. "Must go!!!" Tears flow unbidden from her face.
She realizes that she has put on quite a scene--the exact kind of scene her dad had her whipped for when she was younger.
She places Bill back on the ground, straightens his clothes and goes over to sit by herself, shivering.
Hobbes Saturday March 2nd, 2002 6:50:51 PM
Hobbes slowly looks down at the somewhat ruffled halfling in front of him. "What does Gargul have to say? Why any Eye will tell you, such an act is most blasphemous."
He bends down and sets a hand on either shoulder of Bill. "When we drink of the sweet still water of death, it melts through us as the warm sun melts away the clouds in the sky. But to create this...this unlife is to create violent waves in the still pool. A drink which is most acidic."
Hobbes gazes at the halfling and down to his notepad. "But as for this machine, I know not what to make of it. I have never spied such a thing, nor know what it does." He says stroking his chin, "There's something about it though...and of my dream which should spark something else in my mind...." He shakes his head, "but I cannot for the life of me think what it is."
He turns to the woman K'isst, now noticing her tears. He smiles solemnly, "And fear not woman. By the scythe of great Gargul I will see to it that Damocles and Qansis are returned to death's gentle embrace." He looks at her from head to toe noticing her attire and rough demeanor, an odd sight indeed for his eyes, then readdresses Bill, "But this machine... I'm assuming it be evil in nature otherwise your good friends would not seek to destroy it. And indeed if they have rightly done so, why would you wish to repair such a thing?"
Bill Troublefinder d20+18=24 Saturday March 2nd, 2002 10:17:56 PM
"Whoa!" Bill exclaims as K'isst lifts him off the ground. He sees, however, how upset she is, so just kind of hangs there in mid-air, waiting to see what she's going to do. Very quietly he asks, "Must go where? To rescue Damocles?" He sincerely hopes she is not about to run off as Ferrak did a few minutes back. He blushes as she straightens out his clothes. She's just too beautiful!
When, not a moment later, the cleric of Gargul rests his hands on Bill's shoulders, the halfling suddenly feels even more uncomfortable. "Sweet still water of death..." he echoes in a quavery voice. "... acidic. Um hmm."
When Hobbes asks why they might wish to repair the machine, Bill answers, a little less rattled now that he's not in such close proximity, "Well, you heard what Arien said -- oh, but you got here after he told us of his dream. In his dream, Damocles told him, right, Arien? that," and Bill quotes verbatim Arien's words, "'the scroll machine that we stole from the Sons of Dread can be used to unmake what it has made, to take back that which is the basis for the Dark Lord's power. He tells me that we must come and find him as he and Qancis are powerless there in that realm of evil. That to stop Marteaus from winning we must find the portal and come and get the machine. Then he begins to,' uh, oh yeah, fade 'into the darkness and calls out one last time to come and get the machine or, as he puts it, as sure as bones break Marteaus will prevail.' That's what he told us about his dream. So, the dream Damocles told us that the machine can unmake what it made - but I'm just thinking that if it's going to unmake what it made, it'd better be in working order."
Then, looking out the window, the hobbit muses, "Maybe some good clerics can help us remake it, so that it's imbued with goodness, rather than evil." As an afterthought, he says to Hobbes, "Oh, yes, it was evil. Definitely evil."
Lastly, he turns to Marcus. "Sir, were you going to let this lovely lady," and he nods to the gnome with red hair, "tell us her dream? She looks like she could use some sleep."
Rond Saturday March 2nd, 2002 10:51:18 PM
"The machine made scrolls that affected people's minds," Rond tells Hobbes. "It killed people who were strapped down on it, and got power to make the evil scrolls that way."
Marcus Musing (DM Donna) Sunday March 3rd, 2002 5:17:35 PM
Darkfang goes to find his grieving brother and nuzzles him gently, sensing that Ferrak is recalling what was.
This kind of sadness you show makes me glad that I don't have the burden of yesterday to weigh my mind down, big brother. says the wolf with the directness of his kind. I was sent to fetch you, but if you wish to mourn, then I will howl with you and mourn, too...
Meanwhile, Marcus is thinking (to judge from his furrowed brow)...and he finally says out loud:
"I'm fairly sure that one or the other of these dreams is a message," the spymaster says firmly, "But as to which one is the truth...I can't be sure. If Hobbes here dreamed a misleading message, then we'd have to ask why him? He didn't know either Damocles or Qancis, so that would seem to indicate that his is the one with the truth in it. However, both Arien and myself had the same dream--if our dream was the truthful one, then we're being helped by those dear to us...can we afford to ignore their counsel?" Marcus rubs his chin.
"You all have acquired that building that has a very good basic research library in it--my suggestion is start there. Any clues that you may glean from the reference books that the old wizard possessed can be followed up at the research facilities at the Black Genie Center*."
Marcus stands up, placing his hat upon his head and looking like a less-than-successful street vendor. The gnome who guided Hobbes to the house also seems to look different--like a raggedy street urchin who'd be in the company of a less-than-successful street vendor.
"One thing seems to be sure, though--we need to find that gate and see for ourselves which one is right."
With this, Marcus and his female operative go to take their leave.
* Everyone in the party must make an Intelligence check versus DC15 to see if their research turns up any clues. The party won't have to actually GO to the BGC board for a second check roll--but you must post your PC going there to use the facilities if you want to roll for that check a second time. The BGC roll will add +4 to the second check (versus the same DC15), but cost each PC attempting it an additional 10gp for the assistance of an archive aide from the BGC.
Renik d20+2=5 d20+4=16 Monday March 4th, 2002 5:02:00 AM
"The wizard's library? That's worth a try. As to which dream is true, well I guess we have no way of finding out until we get... there. So best not worry about it." The unbidden thought of this Ravenloft place sends an uncharacteristic shudder down the lithe spy's spine, which he does his best to disguise.
Sadly Renik's examination of the wizard's books proves entirely fruitless. "A recipe for glazed bat? How to prepare chocolate coated ants brains? The ingredients for Humble Pie? What is this?" He examines the cover of the book he has chosen, which reads "Adventures in Moderne Magikal Cookinge", and would seem to be at least 200 years old. He tosses it on the discard pile, finally losing patience.
"This is pointless! These books are all rubbish! "A History of Basket Weaving in the Century of the Fruitfly"? "Decorative Barkskin for Beginners"? "Scrying; a Voyeurs Guide"? This isn't a library, it's a junkshop!"
Nonplussed he gathers up his things, changes into his Gullion guise, and heads off to report for work over at the Beer and bath. Once there he tries to use his contacts to find out anything he can about portals to other worlds, or to determine who might know about such things (Gather Info 16).
Draax d20+1=7 Monday March 4th, 2002 5:43:38 AM
"Even the slightest chance that Damocles is alive is enough for me," Draax says with finality, ready to start down the path to finding out what really has happened to his former comrade in arms.
Not above looking through a few books, Draax does his best to help find any clue leading to gates to other worlds. Unfortunately he has very little luck in his studies.
Upset with his failure, the big half-elf slams quite a few doors on his way out of the Wizard's house.
Ferrak d20+1=7 d20+5=22 Monday March 4th, 2002 6:46:32 AM
Darkfang finds Ferrak hiding from cruel memories, sleeping a troubled sleep in an alley, the feral gnome dreams.
The screams of villagers fill his ears, as the smoke of fire burns his nose and throat. He can hear the pounding of his mother's heart as she races into the cover of the forest. Thump... thump... thump.
There is a scream... he's drowning in the red wetness of his mother's blood... shadows follow them as he screams... falling... swallowed by the blackness his mother's hand is the last thing he sees before all is dark.
A star appears in what is now the night sky. Others follow as darkness tries to consume him. Forming in the shape of a ferocious wolf the stars come together in a snarling lupine constellation of fury. Ripping at the darkness, rending it like inky black fabric, the light and darkness are spread out into night sky. Looking up, Ferrak sees his mother's face in a moon so full it rivals the sun. Morphing strangely the face slowly changes into that of a wolf. His mother, 'the mother', grows bigger in his mind's eye as he reaches up to touch her face.
Waking up with a start it takes a moment for Ferrak to realize that it's Darkfang in front of him. Bursting into tears, the small boy inside 'the feral gnome' embraces his adopted wolf brother as he sobs uncontrollably.
When he finally calms down he responds to Darkfang. "Thank you brother, but I should not mourn for her, she is all around me. It's just that sometimes it is hard to see her here in this place," he explains as he kicks at the alley garbage he had been lying in. "Let's go."
Ferrak, having as much luck as Draax with the research, decides to go do some more work on his garden. Inspired by his ordeal, Ferrak does a grand job. (Wild Lore=22)
K'isst Monday March 4th, 2002 1:07:07 PM
K'isst, unable to write, takes a different tack. She heads to the Red Wyrm Inn looking for mage types, and experienced looking adventurers to talk to. Her style is not that subtle. She simply walks up to such people and stubbornly says, "I must go to the Vague lands. A place of evil and horror. How do I get there?" [I'll let you make the rolls since it is probably not an intelligence roll for my methods.]
Bill Troublefinder d20+4=15 d20+8=25 Monday March 4th, 2002 1:43:32 PM
Before Marcus and the mystery gnome depart, Bill says to the spymaster, "Let us know what you'd like us to do regarding the grocery list. I had thought you might have looked it over before leaving."
'Do you plan to keep your name a secret, then?' he asks the gnome/now street urchin before she gets out the door via a telepathic message. 'I'm Bill, and you now know my friends' names.'
Bill, along with his friends, spends some time looking through some of the materials the wizard left behind. "Renik - it's not all rubbish. And there may be something useful in the book on scrying, there - despite the apparent concupiscence of the author, judging by its title. Hmm - this one is interesting, in a weird sort of way. 'Voyages in Chaos' by Relf the Sorcerer." Bill spends some time exploring that and a few other tomes. He follows up with a visit to the Black Genie Center, which appears to pay off even better. [Int check at Wizard's house DC 15; at BGC DC 25 -- subtracted 10 gp from CS.]
Hobbes d20+5=19 d20+4=16 Monday March 4th, 2002 3:36:51 PM
Hobbes cocks a dark eyebrow toward Renik. "Not worry about it? It could very well be the key to who is behind this and what they have planned. Indeed Master Marcus' insights are ones that have crossed my mind as well."
Hobbes inclines a finger into the air, "One moment good sir Marcus. Could you answer one question for me? Just how is it that you knew I had this dream. I see no affiliation with Gargul on your person and he is usually very choosy about whom he reveals himself."
He ponders his original statement some more, "As more whether one is truthful, let us consider each possibility in turn. If the dreams of Marcus and Arien spoke of truth and mine was false, then the machine is still intact, the status of your friends is completely questionable and the reason I was given this vision is either coincidence or folly. On the other hand, if my vision is truthful then your friends have already been lost to themselves and the machine is still in evil's hands but inoperable." He looks down at the silver eye on his chest and gently takes it in his hand.
"And the visions seen by you two sirs," he indicates, "were possibly concocted by that evil which has taken your friends as a ruse to ensnare the rest of you and it was by Gargul's wisdom that I received the truth. This choice seems to follow logic's course more clearly."
"Still," he considers as he retrieves his gauntlets from their resting place and begins to put them on, "Damocles' cry for help is a call I cannot turn from. If any truth be in the two other dreams, it might be that he did indeed have but one chance to say something before his soul was swallowed by whatever monster lies in that Raven realm of which you speak. I must meditate on the matter."
After the meeting Hobbes retrieves directions from the others of this Wizard's library but does not follow. Instead he finds a shrine that which will put him most in tune with his deity. He kneels down and prays for guidance and thanks the great watcher for this opportunity to serve the land in his name. He questions his god for guidance to finding a gateway to this land and searches his memory regarding types of undead with powers similar to those he saw in his dream and indeed that can create undead like that. (Knowledge undead roll 19) Also he considers which evil gods might be sponsoring such an atrosity and finally regarding evil sentient machines like the one these folk spoke of. (Knowledge religion 16)
Arien d20+4=24 Monday March 4th, 2002 8:34:41 PM
Being a mage himself Arien had made it his business to familiarize himself with the previous resident's library. This knowledge comes in handy as he quickly searches through any relevant books, leaving the more mundane (or not) tomes for Renik to browse.
Bill Troublefinder d20+5=8 d20+5=22 Tuesday March 5th, 2002 2:47:31 AM
[Additional rolls for knowledge, religion - 8; and knowledge, the planes - 22.]
Pieces to the Puzzle (DM Donna) d20+7=27 Tuesday March 5th, 2002 6:44:29 AM
Marcus pauses, then nods dismissively to the unnamed female gnome, who exits the building--though not without winking at Bill and imparting to the halfling that formal introductions will be made later, when the cover business has been established.
"I knew about your dream, Hobbes," the chief of Plateau City security tells the cleric, "Because you told your fellows at the monastery about it, and your superiors immediately relayed it to my network. I recognized its relation to my own dream and knew that I had to bring you into this group of my operatives because of it." The man produces yet another Hat of Disguise and gives it to Hobbes.
"As you are dedicated to Gargul," Marcus says firmly, "You are now affiliated with me. I have been in touch with your superiors from the temple of Gargul, and they agreed that your services and loyalty are mine from now on. Do your best to find the truth that I don't doubt Gargul wishes us to know." (OOC: Hobbes would obviously wish to confirm that he is now "officially" in Marcus's employ, and checking in with the staff of the monastery and/or his masters at the temple of Gargul WILL confirm this: the priests all agree that Hobbes must now ally with and help Marcus and the Hamleteers, for helping them will advance Gargul's cause.)
Various clues crop up during the efforts to find out more about the Archway Gate that Damocles alluded to in the dreams:
Renik (in his Gullion identity) happens to overhear a tipsy cleric of Wardd mention something about some stupid butcher in the Nightmare District of the City who keeps hounding him about "exorcising" his shop... it seems that some of his customers keep claiming to get "the creepy-crawlies" when entering the place. This information was the usual drivel that Gullion hears when on duty--but there's something about the way the "creepy-crawlies" are described--as well as the fact that the entrance to the butcher's shop is a realistic-looking "skeleton gate"--that catches Renik's attention.
K'isst--utilizing her unique brand of Intimidation (OOC: VERY effectively, too... I rolled a natural 20 for the half-trog!)--manages to gather even MORE information from the various sages she encounters: the Gateway Arches used to be commonplace, but practically all of the knowledge about them was lost over the last millenium. Any Gateway could lead to any other Gateway as long as the person possessed the proper key to a location--and the "keys" were usually based on unusual sonic energy. Anything from a particular sound effect to a special phrase to the singing of a specific song could trigger an Archway's magic. All such Archways radiate an aura that is distinctive even under a basic Detect Magic spell.
Bill manages to find a clue in the book by Relf--a reference to a metalworker who had reportedly been to 'Koshe-Marr' and back during his days as a mercenary. This scrap of info sends the psychic halfling off to the Black Genie Center, where one of the archive aides--after hours of plowing through tomes so old that they are just about falling apart with their age--helps Bill to uncover the journals of the dwarf Wulannok.
Wulannok, influenced by the Plane of Dread, was convinced that he had to have access to that place, and thus constructed an Archway (which he convinced a mage friend of his to enchant so that it was keyed to Koshe-Marr), that he may be able to come and go from there as he pleased. Forged by his own hand from iron, Wulannok placed the Archway within the bowels of his underground home. He called it "the Bower of Bones."
Gullion (Renik) d20+4=17 d20+4=8 d20+4=12 d20+4=21 Tuesday March 5th, 2002 7:58:49 AM
Still in his Gullion disguise, Renik reports back to the group, and lets them know his findings. Could it be that the bone entrance to the butcher's is the gateway they seek?
Hearing what both K'isst and Bill have turned up he ponders "Hmm, well it should be easy enough to tell if the bone gate is one of these portals. Anyone with 'Detect Magic' care to accompany me for a little visit?
Hearing about Wulannok's iron gate gives him pause; this can't be the same gate he has discovered, surely. They need to find where this metalworking dwarf lived. "Perhaps tax records? Is there any sort of Plateau City census we could examine? Or would the Metalworkers' Guild have information about him? Or if he was famous, perhaps a history of significant metalworkers may hold the answer." Gullion follows up whichever leads seem promising, trying to find out more about where the dwarf once lived (Bluff 17 to get at government records, Gather Info 8 once there, Gather Info 12 Metalworkers' Guild, Gather Info 21 book research).
"Of course," frets the resourceful rogue, once his enquiries are complete, "by the sound of things just finding the gateway won't be enough. We will need to find the correct sonic 'key' also. What's the betting it's the sound of two human thigh bones being knocked together?" From his wry grin it seems Renik is only half joking.
K'isst d2=2 Tuesday March 5th, 2002 2:44:39 PM
"Let's go." K'isst walks to the door and opens it. "Men first."
She leers at them grinning.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday March 5th, 2002 4:12:07 PM
"Yeah, I can detect magic, and stuff," Bill answers Renik. "Say, do we go in disguise, or as ourselves?" he asks before departing. Whichever is decided, he obliges. At K'isst's instruction, Bill waits for the men to go first. "Let's see, that would be Rond and Renik. Okay, K'isst, who's next? Gnomes, or elves, or half elves, or hobbits, or wolves, or troglodytes?" He smiles at her, and jumps through the door, hoping to avoid a swat on the rump.
On the way to the place Renik told them about, Bill talks to Rond. "If there's any chance we are going to have to go to where our friends are, do you think we should see about getting some sort of protections from undead, and evil, and draining, and such? I still don't see us as a group doing a great job of coordinating things. Any ideas?"
Once they get to the butcher's shop, Bill uses detect psionics (/magic) on the bone 'gate'. He spends several rounds looking it over. (Information accumulates from round to round.)
Rond (Kim) d20+1=3 d20+1=5 Tuesday March 5th, 2002 4:32:26 PM
Rond, after some desultory glances through a book or two, decided that was not how he wanted to spend his time. Instead, he chose to go for a walk and see what is happening around the town. The walk was interesting, but he didn't pick up any outstanding information about the topic at hand.
So, he returned to the house, and learned what others picked up. A suitable time having passed, allowing Marcus opportunity to read the message behind Bill's 'grocery list,' Rond communicates with Marcus via the coin, asking whether he wants the party to take any action regarding that information, or just to focus pursuit on the latest topic. "Unless I hear otherwise, we shall look into the distant matter," he tells Marcus.
Smiling at K'isst, Rond says, "Ladies should go first, but if you insist," and steps out the doorway. "Lead on, Renik."
Draax Tuesday March 5th, 2002 9:43:00 PM
Draax listens to everyone and starts heading towards the door at K'isst's suggestion to leave. Using the hat of disguise Draax changes his appearance to that of a human male and smiles at K'isst as he exits.
Arien Wednesday March 6th, 2002 12:24:08 AM
Frustrated with his lack of success with the library Arien grabs a book at random and sprawls out on a chair while the others are out and about garnering information. Holding the book in one hand he bounces a shiny bauble connected to string from the other to keep Kiki entertained. Later when Renik asks about detecting magic he shuts the book and places it on the nearest stand. "Well I suppose that would be my field of expertise eh?"
With a snap of his wrist he catches the bauble and slips it into a pocket while motioning for Kiki to get in another. Once the party arrives at the destination he casts the relatively easy spell for detecting the presence of magic and starts to examine the outside of the building, namely the skeleton gate. Should nothing prove magical there he attempts to penetrate the building with the spell, hoping that the walls aren't too thick to block it.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday March 6th, 2002 1:36:59 AM
Also on the way to the butcher's shop, Bill asks Arien, "Say, how many 2nd level spells do you have in your book these days? If you'd like, I can pick up maybe two or three more for you to transcribe. Any druthers?"
Hobbes Wednesday March 6th, 2002 4:24:41 AM
Hobbes listens intently to Marcus' words and upon the end kneels before his new master, scythe in hand and intones, "Look upon the Eye before you, your servant. The Eye which will give you sight and provide council whene'er it is needed. The allegiance I swear today binds me to you and each one who I shall ride with this day." He looks up into Marcus actual eyes, a morbid fascination about him. "This I promise unto death."
He stands very bluntly yet carefully lest his scythe prove too efficient in its task, "And now master, please forgive my ignorance but I need to be informed of the operation within and without these four walls," he begins a bit less grandiose, "And this... hat. I am unfamiliar with its use although I sense its power radiating. Am I to cover my true form?"
After the final decree from Marcus, his new master, is given, Hobbes departs the shop and rides like the wind to the temple of Gargul, a new fire burning within him. How could this be a coincidence? His life's work being pulled straight to his destination... no... it is Him. A gift from Gargul himself. There is no other explanation. IT must culminate to this. The patriarch must remain dead. That much is certain. As Hobbes arrives at the city and the grim dark fire within burning, even now Hobbes seems more frightened of his course and slowly leads his horse through the gate.
"Stay," he commands, rubbing the beasts' nuzzle and a forlorn stare.
The high priests he meets there are quite succinct about his task. That he must follow this Marcus as leader and master, "for it has been Gargul's decision to send you on this your chosen path", that much they tell him.
"But to what end?" inquires the young priest, "Surely the significance of the patriarch has not escaped your notice! I know this. This is some revelation, that which I was most unprepared for... yet what I should hope for... a chance to further the great Gargul's name, his direct spirit into one act... an act which he has yet to reveal to me. I ask, dear brothers, nay, PRAY for your guidance."
Hobbes listens as the elders give Hobbes his final advice on the manner, advice which Hobbes takes to the bone before taking his leave of them. On the road back to the meeting place of the house of wizardly books, Hobbes scribes a note on a scroll, that which reads "Until death... Hobbes" a favorite "farewell" saying of his to the monastery elder where he spent so many spiritually nourishing years under the old monk's watchful tutelage. He finds a courier in town and drops him a silver to ride to his old monastery with the message, before finally meeting the others at their final destination of the butcher shop, a stone look upon his face. And there he senses something now brewing which he sternly gazes into the room and utters some strange phrases which crept into his head long ago. It has begun.
Ferrak d2+50=52 Wednesday March 6th, 2002 5:22:31 AM
"Mmmm... Skeleton ggates, Bowergs of Bones. Sounds ggood," the pavlovian gnome says with a bit of drool sliding down the side of his mouth.
Ferrak`s previous mood all but forgotten as his stomach starts to take control, the feral gnome turns to his brother. 'They said we are going to a place where they cut meat, and that the gate is made of bones!!!'
These words out of his mouth, Ferrak makes a dash for the door, determined to be one of the first to reach this fantastic paradise on earth. His collar on, the german shepard is a blur of motion.
"WOOF!"
A Visit to the Butcher Shop (DM Donna) Wednesday March 6th, 2002 7:00:06 AM
Hobbes gets his confirmation (and a crash-course in the art of living a double life) and settles into his new role as "clerk by day, spy by night." (OOC: expect an email from me about that, Matt.)
Sharing the information gathered does seem to conclude that seeing the butcher shop couldn't hurt, and thus the party is off to the Nightmare Quarter to go pay a visit to "Chuck's Choice Cuts"...
Ferrak Wednesday March 6th, 2002 8:04:17 AM
Racing to the gate when he finally sees where the place is located, Ferrak has visions of ham bones dancing in his head.
Assuming Darkfang is with him he barks. {Can you smell it yet brother, my nose isn't as keen as yours.}
Hustling up to the gate he smells it to get an impression of it. If it isn't obviously pulsating with evil power he might even gnaw on it a little bit.
If the gate doesn't seem at all appetizing then the feral gnome heads for the butcher shop with a nose for MEAT.
K'isst Wednesday March 6th, 2002 12:17:50 PM
K'isst steps through first, her trident on her back.
She turns red from the attention.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday March 6th, 2002 11:22:10 PM
Since his friends are in disguise, in an alley along the way he ducked in, changed himself to look like a rather scrawny specimen of a dwarf, continued to the other side of the alley, then rejoined his friends a few blocks later.
The diminutive nomad looks up at the bone arch. [Detect psionics / magic.]
Draax Thursday March 7th, 2002 12:15:04 AM
Disguised as a human, Draax walks to the shop with the others. He lets his mind wonder about the weapons he will need for the their trip and hopes that he will have enough time to get the needed equipment before they depart.
[So, go to the Catacombs, Draax. Soon! I'll wait on you there. - Kim]
Hobbes Thursday March 7th, 2002 4:38:09 AM
Hobbes dismounts his horse as he arrives at the meeting place of the Butcher's Shop. But something is odd. There is a strange vibe in the air and strange people about. Hobbes is surprised by the unfamiliar faces of the dwarf and other human.
He approaches Draax and Bill, "Forgive me sirs. I was looking for some associates of mine. Have you seen them?"
He keeps his hand on his scythe.
Gullion (Renik) Thursday March 7th, 2002 6:07:29 AM
The disguised Renik approaches the butcher's shop, peers through the window, and surreptitiously studies the doorway, waiting for his companions to study the thing for any magical properties.
He whispers to Rond and anyone else in earshot, "Hey, if this thing does prove magical perhaps we could offer our services as freelance exorcists? The butcher was complaining about creepy crawlies, perhaps we can use that. That would give us the butcher's lowdown on the problems he's been having, and he might let us stay overnight to study the thing for any signs of activity? Just give me the nod if you want me to try and blag it."
Roger / Rond (Kim) Thursday March 7th, 2002 10:41:53 AM
"Hmmm," Roger initially responds to Renik's suggestion. "Let's say 'investigators' who will see what we can do to resolve the mystery. I don't want us guaranteeing we can 'exorcise' something, Gullion."
K'isst Thursday March 7th, 2002 10:47:17 AM
::waits stamping her feet for the others to enter the location::
Borgo the Dwarf (Bill T) Thursday March 7th, 2002 10:50:19 AM
"I am Borgo, son of Thimli," the scrawny 'dwarf' says to the cleric of Gargul. Mentally, Hobbes receives a message. 'It's me, Bill, Hobbes, and Draax, in disguise.' Then, again speaking aloud, 'Borgo' tells him, "Ah, but I see that thou art a follower after the Lord of the Dead. Mayhaps thou wouldst be of a willing heart to assist us in our current endeavor. It seemeth there is a 'haunting,' according to the shopkeeper. We look unto this archway to divine what clues we may."
:: waits stamping his feet to find out what the detection power is revealing before entering the archway ::
Renik (Some useful info!) Thursday March 7th, 2002 11:18:47 AM
"Guys! Sorry, what with all the planning and all it clear slipped my mind but... I learned some useful stuff researching that metalworking dwarf.
"Apparently Wulannok Irontemper (according to old Metalworker Guild records) used to have a very popular blacksmith shop located in the Trade District... but he died two hundred years ago and his estate was sold off by his surviving clan members. But listen to this: Wulannok's shop had an arched entrance he forged himself from high-grade iron and fashioned to resemble bones--"orc bones" according to the late smith himself. His artsy gate was also sold off for a decent amount of gold. Of course there was no record of who bought the gate in the Metalworker Guild archives. But who wants to bet a certain well heeled butcher wasn't the ultimate recipient of that gateway?"
Hobbes Thursday March 7th, 2002 1:41:35 PM
Hobbes lowers himself a little and peers closely into the dwarf's eye.
"Marvelous," he whispers then looks down at the hat tied to his belt.
He then straightens up, "Aye, sir. I was called in because of people complaining about various disturbances within this shop here and asked to determine the nature of them."
He stands back and gets a good look at the house structure as a whole, noting anything odd, then takes a few steps toward the gate and lifts his silver eye slowly to his forehead, his eyes closed tightly.
"Keeper of the underworld," Hobbes intones, "Reveal to me the spirits from beyond the grave who have lost their way. Give me the sight to find these troubled souls!" (Casting Detect Undead)
Detecting in Broad Daylight (DM Donna) d20=14 d20=17 d20=3 Friday March 8th, 2002 6:55:06 AM
(OOC: still having trouble with getting that web page updated with a map; suffice it to say, though, that Chuck's Choice Cuts is a decently-sized butcher shop located on Nightmare Road in the Nightmare District of Plateau City. On The City map of this area, it would be the larger square property just north of the big, L-shaped building towards the bottom of the map--it is also east of the roughly-pentagon-shaped property located on Nightmare Road, too. The Archway in question faces Nightmare Road from the center of the shop's west-facing wall.)
None of the local traffic seems to pay the group any mind as they scurry about on their own business.
Bill's ability to sense magic (as well as psychic energies) comes in quite handy as he eyes the rust-covered, wrought-iron arch forged of large bones that wind upwards, framing the stout, rectangular wooden doorway into Chuck's Choice Cuts. The metalwork glows with an arcane aura of dull scarlet hue.
Hobbes casts his own spell, but nothing undead is indicated in the immediate area.
And The Wold continues to turn...
Ferrak Friday March 8th, 2002 7:25:11 AM
Torn between his stomach and his duties, Ferrak runs from the alley to the gate and back again a few times before he decides upon a course of action.
Running up to to the disguised Bill, he barks, "Woof?!?" 'Can I eat it?!?' After thinking for a moment, he adds, "Woof, woof... woof?" {If not, should I check the garbage for um... clues?'
His tongue is nearly dragging on the floor at the sights and smells this place is providing.
K'isst Friday March 8th, 2002 10:41:55 AM
K'isst tries to enter through the gate to the store on the inside.
"Want meat."
She slaps some silver into her hand and offers it.
Borgo the Dwarf (Bill T) Saturday March 9th, 2002 12:00:03 AM
Indicating the archway, the scrawny dwarf tells Hobbes, "Yes, in my very bones I sense the arcane emanating from these bones. Dull scarlet aura, I aver."
Looking at the shepherd dog, the dwarf growls, "Woofy, gnaw not these bones. Thou wilt find those inside have more palatable marrow." Borgo steps through the archway, into the butcher shop.
Hobbes (Detect Undead) d20+4=8 d20+5=16 d20+4=22 Saturday March 9th, 2002 2:16:03 AM
Hobbes' concentration is broken by the barking and scampering of the large dog in front of him. He lowers his Eye symbol, satisfied that nothing unnatural is about. He cocks an eye to Dorgo, "Pardon me, is this your dog? I'm not sure this is an appropriate place for him."
He steps toward the gate, but keeps an eye on the dog for both curiosity and safety's sake.
Reaching the gate, he leans closer to look at the bones to determine their type. (Heal Check DC 8) He also looks closely for any particular runes or writing (Spot Check DC 16)and rolls over and over in his mind, thinking which god might be connected with such a creation. (Knowledge Religion Check DC 22).
Gullion (Renik) d20+2=18 Saturday March 9th, 2002 3:09:30 AM
"My good sir! 'Tis your lucky day an' no mistakin'!" Beams Gullion, striding over to the butcher and shaking him warmly by the hand.
"It has come to our attention (don't ask me how, thass one of them wossnames, professional secrets, like) that you an yer shop here 'ave been experiencin' what one might call 'Difficulties of a Spooky Nature'. Rest easy! Panic no longer! All is well!" He leans in close and continues conspiratorialy, peering around to ensure no-one is listening in on their conversation.
"Me an' my companions 'ere, we're what you might call Investigators into the Unexplained. We tackle the jobs no-one else dare touch. You got ghouls in yer attic? Mysterious night-chills? Creepy crawlies invadin' yer place o' work? We're the ones ta call. Now, I know whut yer thinkin', a service like that, carried out by highly qualified wossnames, professionals, "pheweee!" Thass gonna cost me plenty!
Well thass where yer wrong, fella! First off, we offer a no-fix, no charge policy. Not one copper bit!
An when we do fix the problem (an' believe me, sir, we will) our charges are based purely on the ability of the client ta pay. A government job, we might charge a bucket full o' gold. Fer a wee shop like yer own (an don' get me wrong sir, 'tis a wonnerful shop an' all) well, we couldn't charge more'n 50 gold, all in. Well now sir, does that sound fair ta you?"
Renik grins, places his hands on his hips, and prepares to haggle.
(OOC: Bluff check 18, 20 if you allow a +2 Perform synergy bonus).
Dorgo, son of Thimli (aka Bill T) Saturday March 9th, 2002 7:59:00 PM
Dorgo squints up at the cleric. "Woofy is a fine dog," he answers in a gravelly voice. "He rarely biteth anyone. Heel, Woofy, Heel!"
''Woofy' is one of us, Hobbes - a gnome in disguise,' Bill tells the man telepathically.
To Ferrak, he sends a missive, 'Friend, pretend to be obedient dog. I apologize in advance.'
On entering the shop, he sees K'isst holding her hand out, and observes the latter portion of Gullion's masterful negotiation. He sets a suitably dwarfish scowl upon his face, pointing with great authority to Woofy, and telling him, "Sit, or thou gettest no meat, ya beast!" He turns his attention to whatever is on display.
Roger (Rond) (Kim) Saturday March 9th, 2002 8:10:42 PM
Roger, leading from behind today, sighs, holds out a hand indicating that Hobbes and Draax should go first, then enters the shop after them.
Draax Sunday March 10th, 2002 11:32:11 PM
Draax, disguised as a human enters the shop and tries to look serious as Gullion talks to the store owner. He looks around the shop as he waits to see if the butcher buys Gullion's cover story.
Arien d20+6=24 Monday March 11th, 2002 12:27:59 AM
Arien also examines the bone and metal creation. He searches primarily for runes or some other type or writing. (Spot Check DC 24) Should he find some and should they prove to be unreadable he will cast Read Magic in an attempt to decipher them. If even that proves futile he'll hold a piece of paper over the area where the writing is and run a piece of charcoal back and forth over it to capture the runes on the paper.
Hobbes (Detect Undead) Monday March 11th, 2002 2:23:15 AM
Hobbes looks back from the dwarf to the dog and sighs, wishing he had a list of all the field operatives that may me out there disguised as old women, trash cans, or peddlars. He turns his attention back to his investigation of the bone gateway, completely oblivious to Rond standing behind him.
Woofy/Ferrak Monday March 11th, 2002 6:20:39 AM
Relieved that someone is finally communicating to him in a way that he can relate to, the wolfish warrior sits quietly beside the disguised hafling, tail wagging.
We Interrupt This Daytrip for a Trip of Another Kind... (DM Donna) d20-2=12 d20+2=22 Monday March 11th, 2002 6:50:24 AM
Suddenly--the Hamleteers seem to find their minds gripped with an echoey voice...one that sounds familiar--the kind of voice one might hear in a dream:
"He who has ears, let him hear the words of Valdor, formerly known as the Dragonslayer, now known as the Dragonstone.
"My brothers and sisters of the Wold, it has been given to me to contact all of you, and I have thought long and hard before sending you all this message. My companions, the Gold Dragons of Plateau City, and I have witnessed a great many things recently that led us to send this message. These words I speak, I speak with knowledge and understanding. I am sure that you all have seen and heard many unbelievable things over the last few weeks and months. I know of no other way to say this, so listen carefully. My known and unknown friends, war is coming! A terrible war against the most powerful of opponents. The one known as Marteaus gathers his armies now and is preparing to strike at all of our lands and homes. No where on this Wold is safe or beyond his reach. There is no hole deep enough nor a cave dark enough to hide from him. He has assembled an army of hideous creatures to attempt to wipe us all out at once. It is time to fight. We must fight for our lives, our families, our lands and our Gods. This evil will not go away if we turn a blind eye to it. We have witnessed the horrible things Marteaus has done and the abominations he creates. He must be stopped and his army must be destroyed. We will be outnumbered and many will lose their lives in the coming war. But if we do not start now and fight, we will all die, and everything we know will be ground under his heel into dust. So it is time to stand for what we know is right and good, and strike. We must strike at his temples and Caeroldra's and Ga'al's as well, since they are the ones behind all of this. Whether you use stealth or strength of arm, these temples must be destroyed. Do not fear angering a god, as they have begun something they should not have. When the war starts, each of you will have to kill at least 50 of the evil army to have a chance. For myself, well, I've been around a bit longer than most, so I'll aim for 100. Each of you must look to strengthen the defenses in your own town and country. You must have your people ready to fight to the death, if necessary. We must strike the temples now! If we can scatter their followers or at least disorganize them, it will delay their plans and make them alter their plan of action against us. I am no assassin, but I am charged with bringing together an army to defeat what I have seen. Do not be afraid, for we have 15 ancient dragons on our side and all of the Dragon groups of good as well. We must find alliances with all who would protect against the evil Marteaus has brought upon us. Seek the Dwarves, the elves, the halflings, the minotaurs and liontaurs. We must have an army to fight back and you are all the best in the land. We are the only hope in this dark time, but as long as one single candle is lit, the darkness will flee from it. When we face the Dark Lord, I will ask him how he thought he could possibly win with orcs and goblins fighting his battles for him. Stand up now for all of the Wold, for the love of our fellow good beings and all that is right and just. There will be great rewards for all who fight and survive this war! I will know of your deeds and will honor you in front of all who live. Some of you may earn the title of Dragon, others may earn valuable weapons and armor, but all will earn honor. When the time comes we must gather for the final battle, so be prepared. We know not when nor where, but be ready. We will win this fight, by all the good Gods, I know we will. I am Valdor the Dragonstone, and I will not accept any other end. Stand tall and proud and fight to win. It begins..."
Valdor's last words are barely a whisper, but all can feel his anger, but with no hate. And his pride is evident, but not necessarily in himself as much as with everyone he's relaying the message to. His words ring complete truth to any who can feel such things, and there was no hesitancy at all. It is spoken with complete authority, but also as a plea. Again you hear his last words, "It begins...."
Bones Be Me Business (DM Donna) d20-2=12 d20+2=22 Monday March 11th, 2002 7:23:03 AM
As suddenly as the dream-voice invades the minds of the Hamleteers...it's gone, leaving behind only the conviction that what you heard was, indeed, real--and it underscores the imperative of this particular mission.
Anybody taking a closer look at the archway framing the entrance into the butcher shop can see that the archway is a bit rusty, but it is most excellently crafted of iron that looks to be very old but of top quality. The "bones" that make up the archway are anatomically correct in their details--of proper proportion and shape. The overall archway is a grisly but realistically-recreated arch of humanoid bones.
Arien finds no runes or writing on the archway itself.
Inside the shop, the smell of freshly-butchered meat overwhelms those who enter, but the scent is such that--while intense--is not tainted with the foulness of decay or disease. This is a clean butcher shop for all that it is located in the Nightmare Quarter.
Behind the counter of the shop are two people...one is male, the other female. The male--who was in the middle of slicing apart some lamb chops when the party first entered--is tall and quite solidly built--his sandy hair is thinning on top and his ears appear to be oddly-shaped for a true human. (OOC: Spot check versus DC10 to realize he's got some Orc blood in him.) The woman is a few inches shorter than the man, has salt-and-pepper hair and is obviously human in descent.
Gullion's schpiel catches the man's attention for a moment, but the woman speaks up hastily:
"Oh, now, Sam--don't believe a word this man says...he's up to something, I can tell!" The man frowns, but then K'isst's show of currency causes him to gesture to the potential customer.
"Customer, Alliss!" he points out. The woman frowns, obviously not trusting Gullion at all...but goes over to K'isst and asks what kind of meat the other female would like to purchase?
"I be Sam Chuck," the butcher turns back to Gullion and crosses his arms over his barrel chest--the cleaver he'd been creating the lamb chops with still in his right hand, "Meat 'n' bones be me business--but business be bad lately, an' it's a-cause o' some ghosties, I just know it! If'n you be who you say, then show me proof." He falls silent and eyes the disguised Renik, the cleaver in his hand dulled somewhat by the blood still streaking it, obviously waiting for Renik to show that he's for real.
Gullion (Renik) d20+2=21 d20+4=22 Monday March 11th, 2002 10:39:56 AM
Inwardly cursing his luck that the fellow's sharp witted wife has seen through his ruse, Renik attempts to rescue the situation as K'isst distracts the woman.
"Proof? Why, you are faced with livin' proof afore yer very eyes, fellah!" Grins Gullion, outwardly showing no sign of consternation at the wife's words.
"Assembled 'ere are some of the sharpest, keenest minds in investigatory wossnames yer ever likely to encounter" he gesticulates impressively at the assembled group, then continues "Trained in the arts of detection an' defense against the dark arts, like. Now a group like ours, Mister Chuck, ain't the sort of organisation ta go carryin' cards an' suchlike. The only real proof we can offer ye is results, an' like I said before, if we don't get none, we don't charge."
"Now ye say business is bad of late on account o' some ghosties. Why don't ye tell old Gullion all about it, an' we'll see what we can do for ye eh? Now I know I may 'ave given the wife a wee shock" (he nudges Sam Chuck, winking) "whut with all that talk o' ghouls an' the like. But ye'd be amazed at some o' the things we've come across. Hauntings, possessions, ancient curses, all sorts. An' sometimes what looks like a bona fidey case o' wossname, unholy manifestation o' ancient evil, well, it just turns out ta be a bunch o' kiddies 'avin' a lark."
Gullion looks the butcher up and down (Spot 22) and continues "But I can tell by lookin' atcha that you ain't the sort ta get easily spooked. 'Ard as nails, I betcha. Don't take no guff no-how, am I right? So let the wife do 'er frettin' (after all, thass what they're for eh? Eh?)" (more nudging and winking) "an let's you an me see if we can get ta the bottom of this wee mystery o' yours." (Bluff 21)
Draax d20+3=21 Monday March 11th, 2002 7:16:35 PM
Draax stands perfectly still for a second as he digests Valdor's message and its meaning. After the voice leaves, Draax unconsciously stands a little straighter and puffs out his chest. He feels pride as he recalls Valdor marking him as one of the best in the land. "Wow," Draax says out loud and then coughs to cover his outburst.
Bringing his thoughts back to what's happening in the butcher shop, Draax listens to the disguised Renik haggling with the owner. Looking a little closer at the owner he can see that the man has some orc blood in his system. He remembers Valdor's words about the dark one recuiting orcs and wonders if just a coincidence or if it really means anything.
Realizing that he would only get in the way if he tried to help convince the butcher, Draax goes over to the owner's wife and orders some meat when K'isst is finished with her order. "Can I get two legs of lamb wrapped separately, please?" He smiles as he thinks about Darkfang demolishing one of the choice cuts.
Hobbes (Detect Undead) d20+8=27 Tuesday March 12th, 2002 12:31:08 AM
As Hobbes stoops over examining the doorway, he begins to hear words echo in his head, noble words from a great and powerful warrior off in the distance. He shakes his head for a moment and places his hand to his temple to ward off any spirits, then relaxes and looks gravely toward Arien and Rond, looking to see if they show signs of hearing the voice too.
As the voice continues, he solemnly drops what he is doing, clutches his holy symbol with both hands over his heart, closes his eyes tightly, and prays to Gargul, thanking him for the obvious sign he has given to him and takes in every word this Valdor the Dragonstone utters. As the last words echo in his head, he bows his head solemnly then strides forward through the door. Not a moment goes by, however, when the final words are uttered again, "It begins..." and, standing just inside the doorway of the shop, Hobbes bows his head again in deep respect, his dark cape and armor covering the lightness of the day outside.
He then opens his eyes and eyes those present and taking a deep breath announces, "I do sense a presence here... a manifestation. Something not right." He steps up behind Guillion. "Good, I see my associate has been briefing you. I am most relieved you and your lady have not been harmed," says Hobbes in a very serious tone, "It makes the exorcism that much more difficult when the owners of the haunted places are turned into spirits as well." (Intimidation roll 27)
(OOC: Still waiting on the results of a Knowledge Religion check on the door (rolled a 22))
Dorgo, son of Thimli (aka Bill T) d20+18=22 Tuesday March 12th, 2002 2:55:30 AM
Bill memorizes the message send by Valdor [Autohypnosis, 22].
Then, commanding Woofy, "Stay!" He harrumphs as he takes a step forward. "We did deal with ghosts in Gladiator Park, sir. I have faced a vampire, and she did flee. He talketh much, but thou canst believe nine tenths of what he claimeth," says Dorgo, nodding toward Gullion. "We shall take this task, if thou wilt agree.
"If we can not succeed, then am I not Dorgo Thunderlegs!" he boasts, hands on hips for a moment.
Then, turning, he says, "Someone buy some meat for our mutt," he says. "Outside shall I be." He says to Roger/Rond, "Come. Important thought."
Should Roger come out of the store with him, Bill quickly summarizes the message he heard from Valdor, but stops his summary if Roger indicates he heard it, as well. "Look thou, Master M may have heard as well. Ask him if this changes our plans. Ask now, if thou canst."
Woofy/Ferrak Tuesday March 12th, 2002 6:18:01 AM
Momentarily stunned by the dream in his head Ferrak tries to digest all that the human says in his mind.
When the feral gnome sees & smells all of the meat through the open door, the fleas on his back suffer through quite an earthquake as he forces himself not to move.
A large glob of saliva is collecting in his mouth.
Sam's Story (DM Donna) d20-2=1 Tuesday March 12th, 2002 6:50:44 AM
(OOC: sorry, Hobbes--I didn't notice that you'd done such a check on the Archway...but, no, the configuration of the door seems to hold no particular Religious connotations to cleric of Gargul's memory.)
Since K'isst is obviously still thinking about the meat that she'd like to get, Alliss immediately switches her attention over to Draax, ripping off a piece of butcher's paper and plucking up two rather nice legs of lamb and displaying them on the countertop for the man's approval before wrapping them up.
"If you'd like these, sir," Alliss says politely, "They are 2 silver a pound, but we serve only the choicest cuts here, as our sign decrees." The weight of the pieces comes to a little over ten pounds total, so the purchase for the lamb will cost Draax 20 silver pieces.
Sam, meanwhile, rubs his chin and works his expressive eyebrows, his brain laboring to sense Gullion's motive...and the butcher nods, obviously deciding to give the fast-talking "ghost-buster" a shot.
"Aye, well--since you're offering for free unless there are results..." Sam says, "...I guess it won't hurt to give ya a try." The butcher suddenly slams his cleaver into a nearby block, the sharp utensil jiggling ever so slightly with the aftershock of being abruptly sunk into the rock maple.
"Me troubles started a month ago," Sam tells Gullion, "Some ragamuffin beggar came to th'door and--dissatisfied with the scraps Alliss give 'im--starts ranting about how them metal bones outside me door be cursed, an' how they'll bring naught but fear an' madness to any who pass through 'em to get here. I run 'im off...but ever since then, me customers complain of getting chills an' willies...and, just last week, poor old Coggins come in for his weekly ox-tails and kidneys...when he suddenly throws a fit, falls to th' floor, a-foamin' at th' mouth he was! Poor old blighter--he be deader 'n' a doornail afore Alliss could open the door to run for the bone-priests 'round the corner..!"
(OOC: everyone listening to Sam's story can make either an Intelligence check or a Knowledge, Religion check [whichever is the greater bonus for you] versus DC15. Those who make it figure out that Sam is referring to the clerics of Gargul whose temple is down the street and around the corner from the shop.)
"Me business since then has been down to nuthin'." the butcher concludes.
K'isst d20+3=14 Tuesday March 12th, 2002 1:45:12 PM
Hearing Sam's comment that business has been off, she concludes her perusal of the meats through the glass and says to the woman, "Nice meat. Give me 10 pounds." She points to the most expensive meat in the place.
To emphasize her finances, she adds a sack of gold to the counter. She smiles at the woman in a friendly manner, one of her engaging smiles. (charisma check of 14.)
Roger/Rond Tuesday March 12th, 2002 3:46:59 PM
Following Thorgo outside, Roger listens in to his message. As he gets started on the details Roger holds out his hand, " I have received the same message. I will check and see whether anything has changed. Keep an eye out while I check."
Assuming things are in check, Rond then uses the coin to check in with Marcus, "Have received silent message within the moment. What if any thoughts come from command?"
Woofy/Ferrak Tuesday March 12th, 2002 6:40:29 PM
Drip...drip...drip as Ferrak's wolfy spittle makes a small pool outside where he is sitting.
A slight whimpering can be heard as the fleas continue to hold on for their lives.
Thorgo, son of Dimli (Thwap! It's Dorgo, son of Thimli!) (aka Bill T) Tuesday March 12th, 2002 9:09:35 PM
Dorgo keeps an eye out. The underweight dwarf looks at passersby with dark suspicion, crossing his arms and tapping one foot. He looks this way, then that way. This way and that. Have you ever seen a Dorgo, a Dorgo, a Dorgo; have you ever seen a Dorgo, look this way and that? Look this way and that way? Look this way and that way? Have you ever seen a Dorgo, look this way and that?
Draax d20+1=4 Tuesday March 12th, 2002 11:20:35 PM
Draax pays the woman the 20 silver that she charged for the meat. "Thanks, the meat looks great." He waits for the woman to wrap the meat before going outside the store. Draax smiles to himself, knowing that K'isst just made the shopkeeper's day with her display of wealth.
Not knowing how the woman would react to him giving the meat to a dog. Draax waits until he and Woofy are out of the woman's sight before giving the disguised gnome one of the legs. He almost gives the gnome one of his packages still wrapped before he remembers that Ferrak in his dog disguise is not supposed to be able to use his hands to unwrap the meat. He stops himself and unwraps the meat before giving a leg to Woofy. "Here ya go boy, enjoy. This other one is for your brother when we get back to our home."
He checks the other wrapped leg to ensure that it is wrapped tightly before putting it in his backpack.
Hobbes (Detect Undead) d20+4=24 Wednesday March 13th, 2002 3:19:55 AM
Hobbes' eyebrows raise at the fat man's words. "Why didn't you say you took him to Gargul's great house?! Who did you speak to there, woman, answer! What had the Eyes to say of this?"
(Still using previously rolled Intimidation roll of 27. The 24 was my knowledge:religion check)
(OOC: Btw, it was Borgo in your original post, Bill. I accidentally mistook it for Dorgo and you kept that ever since. :) hehe )
Sam & Alliss Inside the Shop (DM Donna) Wednesday March 13th, 2002 7:05:21 AM
Alliss gasps in surprise--the wild-looking female certainly does not look the type to be able to appreciate--much less afford--Chuck's Choice Cuts most expensive meat.
"Ten pounds of dracon will cost you 200 gold total, ma'am..!" Alliss tells K'isst in an awed voice. "It's just about all the dracon we have in stock, too--but...are you SURE you want to buy it..?" The butcher's wife eyes the sack of gold, nodding slightly as she judges that, yes, K'isst can afford the meat if she still wishes to obtain it.
Meanwhile, Sam details that the man who died had been a regular customer, but the word about how the man had simply dropped dead spread like wildfire and--since the incident--the shop had seen only a handful of people come in.
"You all be the most people in here since then." Sam says with a thoughtful scowl. "The priest that come--she were called Morphia--prayed for the blighter an' had 'im took to the temple. He be buried just the other day."
"Sir..." Alliss adds, "...Morphia DID say that--should any of her brothers or sisters of The Eye inquire, you could see her at the temple."
Rond, The Name-Changin' Dwarf & Woofer Outside the Shop (DM Donna) Wednesday March 13th, 2002 7:34:53 AM
Marcus assures the leader of the party that "the grocery list" has been read and is now in the middle of being resolved. Then he goes on in a voice that causes those listening to feel a frisson of foreboding:
"I've gotten reports that there have been thousands of orcs and orcish-like dragon...things massing around Bone Tower and being corralled into two huge armies. In fact, the eastern army has hit the towns around the plateaus with the forces splitting about Madvow...one group sweeping clockwise and one counter-clockwise around the plateau. My couriers have confirmed that they have quite easily wiped out all the towns located in that area. Edenmoor, Madvow, Dourscale..." Marcus's voice is stone, yet there is something to the tone of it that sends a precognitive chill down the spines of Rond and Bill. After the foreboding pause, the Chief of Security continues roughly:
"...even Windhorn Hamlet. It--it isn't officially confirmed, but...I'm pretty sure that, if the Hamlet isn't destroyed by now, then it will be by sunset." The unspoken apology in the spymaster's voice makes his words gruff. "The invaders are heading down the eastern coast. The other half of the army is reported as plowing through Idol City, Vandiset, Gorpherand, Xardmouth South Harbor, and Red Colt. It looks as though this part of the Dark Lord's army plans to march on Promorey, and probably recombine with the first half. The Promorey defensive forces there, however, will collapse the lift on the invaders before allowing it any more ground. Already, however, there are refugees fleeing before the hoardes of the Dark Lord. I don't doubt that it will be a matter of days before all lifts and roads are collapsed in an effort to halt their advance--New Elenna will thus be isolated and no one will be able to travel up and down off of the 1st plateau to the ground level without teleport or some such device." A raspy sound that reminds you too much of Marcus's nearly-insane bark of laughter at the time that Domi was murdered sounds over the Coin of Communication.
"I daresay that Marteaeus's intentions will definitely be clear to one and all now...not that there is anything much we will be able to do about it." Marcus says wryly, then his voice switches to steely determination:
"Find out if that gate is real--and get your hands on that machine! It may be the only way to save the groceries...ALL of the groceries, if you catch my drift!"
K'isst Wednesday March 13th, 2002 10:18:27 AM
Making a "pretend" shocked expression for a minute, she quickly smiles afterward at the lady. "Wow! Don't want to take all. Others will want. I'll take half." She counts out 100gp.
K'isst thinks to herself: "Something odd is going on here. I'm feeling chipper and even thinking in old... very strange." She shivers and looks around at her new friends.
Suddenly something occurs to her. She addresses the lady again.
"Say, shall we women try to solve customer problem? Everyone gets a chill when they pass by the gate, right? We must use that to our advantage. Go hire a young mage to..."
::Gods above I'm verbose today. What the Holy Donyra is going on with me?::
"...come by daily and cast freshen on your meat. Then set up a small stone oven outside and let everyone smell how great the meat tastes and give samples to the children.
"Then get the kids to spread the word about how fresh the meat is here... magically fresh even. You can even add a rumor that if you don't get too close to the gate, the chill will ease tired muscles. Put up a fence around the gate to keep people from being too close and see if it works. What do you think?"
She frowns for a second wondering at herself. Gods this is strange! What is happening to me? She quickly runs outside to Bill and says, "B-bbill! I-I'm talking. I just talked a lot! Gods, I'm doing it again!" A look of fear crosses over her face as she looks at him for help.
Gullion (Renik) (Kim) Wednesday March 13th, 2002 9:10:33 PM
Gullion claps his hands together. "See there, mate, things is lookin' up fer ye already, 'n not five minutes gone by! And the lady cust'mer even has some, wossname, plans fer augmentin' the cust'mer base. Jus' think on it! Usin' sweet children. Pure genius. That's wot it is, nuffin' more'n pure genius, wot I say. Sweet meats fer the sweet tots, 'n their dear mamas 'n papas. We'll get right on it, then, right on it, Sam, yessir." Gullion, about to go out the shop, turns and adds, "As I said, sir, today is yer lucky day!"
As he steps out on the street, he asks, "Now, me friends, wot have we learned here so far to help out, that is, help out the gentleman and his good lady wif their cust'mer problems, and the like?"
Borgo Dorgo, son of Thimli, also known as Bill Wednesday March 13th, 2002 9:26:40 PM
Borgo answers K'isst on Bill's behalf, "Um, yes, the name is Borgo. Dorgo. Borgo Dorgo, son of Thimli," he says in a gravelly voice. He thinks to himself, I've gotta get my disguises down better!
Telepathically, he talks to K'isst, 'Don't worry, K'isst. You're just getting back to your old self. It's good to hear you talk again!' She should recognize Bill's 'mental' voice in her head. [OOC: Technically, two uses of the message power, over a 12-second timeframe.]
He would like to spend more time trying to calm K'isst down, but Marcus' urgent message spurs him on. "We must break through the arch. We need the proper sound, or sounds." Borgo Dorgo, hands on hands on hips, with a wide stance, whistles the start of an old tune his great aunt used to sing about the haunting of the barrows, just to see if the arch responds to that. If there is no response, he will start making different sounds - bird songs, dogs barking, rhythmic clapping, etc. He even pulls out of his backpack the silver bell he fished off of the decorated tree at the Red Wyrm Inn, and gives that a good ring.
Draax Wednesday March 13th, 2002 11:41:44 PM
After delivering the meat to Woofy, Draax goes back into the store and talks to the owner.
"Excuse me sir, I have a question about poor old Coggins. At the time he starting going into his fit, do you remember hearing any sounds, like music, singing, bells, whistling, humming, any sound at all? Ya see, one of our first steps in our investigation is to find out if anything usually was happening at the start of your troubles. Please take your time and try to remember any sounds that you heard at that time."
Draax waits to see if the owner remembers anything before asking the wife the same question.
Hobbes (Detect Undead) Thursday March 14th, 2002 2:16:17 AM
Hobbes' grey horse perks up attentively at the sound of the silver bell. Obediently he whinneys and trots over to Borgo Dorgo and bobs his head up and down while pursing his lips. The animal turns his eye to look at Dorgo and waits expectantly.
Hobbes, still inside the butchery, nods to the butcher's wife, Alliss, "You have done well, woman. Remain here and be watchful. We will speak with the Eye Morphia."
Hobbes turns abruptly and walks out of the shop and quickly addresses those assembled outside, "We must ride to meet Morphia at the Temple of Gar--" He trails off as he sees his horse attending the dwarf.
Borgo Dorgo (Bill) d20+18=25 Thursday March 14th, 2002 4:53:04 AM
With the arrival of the horse, Borgo reaches into his backpack, and in a short time has a bag full of sugar. He opens the top, grabs a handful, then holds it flat on his hand, white grains of crystal falling between his fingers. He knows you have to be careful so horses don't bite one's fingers when offering food. Then, as Hobbes comes out the shop, he asks, "Might I give him - her?" and he double checks "- him a little sugar? He liketh the silver bell I now rang," Bill asks and explains in his gruff dwarf voice. "No apples have I today."
Then suddenly it hits him. Windhorn Hamlet hit, or soon overrun. His family. His friends. His home. Bill forces himself not to react. He reserves a portion of his thoughts to deal with this. Can they somehow get there in time to save at least some? Will getting the scroll maker be their best hope of salvation?
[On the mundane side of things, if there's enough time, Borgo would like to order about ten pounds of jerked beef before the party departs...]
Details, Details (DM Donna) Thursday March 14th, 2002 6:28:02 AM
Alliss--having packed up the thinly-sliced dracon into a neat package, then slips the meat into a large envelope-like packet and presses it closed.
"Whenever we sell dracon," she explains to K'isst as she takes the gold and hands the half-elf lass the meat, "We place it in a specially-enchanted packet--it will preserve the meat inside it until you open the package, then the magic is spent. Once you break that seal, you must either find another means of keeping the meat preserved... you know, use more magic or keep it in a larder... or you must use the meat. In the case of putting it in a larder, then you have two weeks to use the food. If you don't have ANY type of cold storage, dracon will last but six or maybe seven days at this time of the year."
None of the sounds that Bill (disguised as the dwarf) tries out seems to activate the magic of the Archway.
After thinking about it for a moment or two, neither Alliss nor Sam recall there being any strange or unusual noises during the traumatic time that poor Mr. Coggins died.
Hobbe's horse is most definitely eager to eat the sugar... he's stamping a hoof rather impatiently. The shop sells premium beef jerky for 1 sp per pound.
(OOC: Anyone buying meat from the Chucks must remember to subtract the proper amount of coinage from their character sheets.)
Woofer/Ferrak (Sorry busy beaver time for Shawn) Thursday March 14th, 2002 9:50:20 AM
"WOOF!!!" easy to translate as the feral gnome tears into the meat offered by his friend.
THANK YOU VERY VERY VERY VERY MUCH!!!
K'isst Thursday March 14th, 2002 1:16:09 PM
K'isst spins toward Bill, and her face grows more intensely worried than before.
"Windhorn!"
She sits on her rump hard on the cobblestones.
"Oh Holy Donyra!"
Arien Thursday March 14th, 2002 7:39:43 PM
Arien, leaning against the building, watches as Borgo tries to activate the archway. Leaning there he ponders about the message and the likely fall of Windhorn. He had only stayed a short while there. But he had helped save the town and who knows how much else when he accompanied the Hamleteers to retrieve the Sentinel Head from the grasp of the Sahuagin. He would morn the villagers and see that the fallen were revenged but he would not let that stand in the way of his goal.
Casting those thoughts from his mind, Arien pushes off the wall and walks over to stand beside Borgo. "Perhaps its not a sound that one must make to activate the archway but a sound that it instead generates when one knows what to do." As he says this Arien draws his belt knife and uses the hilt to firmly but not hard to strike the archway to see if the metal would ring.
Draax Thursday March 14th, 2002 11:45:15 PM
Draax thanks the couple for trying to remember any unusual sounds. "Oh well, thanks for trying, if any thing comes to you can tell us when we return."
Draax leaves the store again and sees the stricken looks on everyone face. Receiving the news about Windhorn, Draax stares for a second and then throws up his hands, "I don?t believe this. After all that we have been through and to lose the hamlet anyway. This is just so unfair." Getting a hold of himself, Draax slowly looks around to see if anyone noticed his outburst. He realizes that stopping Marteaeus is the only help he can give to his home. If not to save them maybe he can revenge their deaths. He paces back and forth for a few seconds, "As Hobbes said, maybe some of us should go and visit this Morphia and see what we can find out." He waits to see who is coming to the temple with him and who will remain at the gate. Anyone looking a Draax can see that the often patient warrior is very fidgety.
Roger Thursday March 14th, 2002 11:45:24 PM
Sighing at the news about the Hamlett, Roger ponders what next to do. Rond decides to look around, and listen, to see if there are any noises that might be produced in the street, by accident.
"Borgo, do you have any ideas of what sound or sounds might be appealing or easily rememberable by a dwarf? Maybe belching?"
Roger smiles slightly Borgo as he delivers his last comment.
Hobbes (Detect Undead) Friday March 15th, 2002 5:41:03 AM
"No time for frivolity," commands Hobbes striding forward to his horse, "We have much more pressing matters to attend. He pulls slightly on the reins, gives him a pat on the cheek, and then mounts. "When we return, Bradbury, you may have one cube, but for now we must make haste to the Temple of Gargul."
The horse continues to exhibit a little resistance. "As no formal introduction has been made," says Hobbes adjusting himself in the saddle, "This is my horse, Bradbury, and he has been a devoted steed for a long time." Hobbes looks down to the dwarf. "And you are most astute, Borgo, Bradbury was well trained to come at the sound of a small bell. Remember that well and he may do so for you in a time of need. But for now, please put away that sugar if you would. We need not the distraction it brings."
Clip-clopping to Draax next, "And you are well-visioned, Sir Draax. If you would like to climb onto Bradbury's back, we shall ride quickly there to discover what Morphia will tell us while the rest work on the sounds of the gate."
Morphia Already (DM Donna) Friday March 15th, 2002 6:24:55 AM
"No need to trouble yourself, my brother," a sombre voice says from nearby, "I am here to answer your questions." The Hamleteers look to see a petite, pale-skinned human female dressed in somber black clothing. Her hair is twisted up into a strange style that appears rather spikey--draped with a black gossamer veil, she is reminiscent of bride...only she's dressed in black. That, and she wears a matte-silver holy symbol identical to Hobbes' own. (OOC: if you've ever seen Wynona Ryder as Lydia the goth teen in the movie "Beetlejuice", you'll have a good idea what this newcomer looks like.)
(Oh, and Hobbes--make an Intelligence check versus DC10 to remember seeing Morphia at the local temple of Gargul before. If you make the check, Hobbes recalls that even the other clerics of Gargul seem to avoid young Morphia.)
"I...felt that you'd be needing my help." the female says to you all. "I am Morphia, devoted of Gargul. I see that you're here about this rather curious Archway." Her dark eyes travel the bony arc and then return to look over the various party members. "I was called here in an effort to ascertain the destiny of a man called Coggins a few days ago--and the curious magic of this gate compelled me to research its origins. I can share my discoveries with you, if you wish..?"
(OOC: make Sense Motive checks versus DC15. Anyone making the roll can tell that Morphia is here to help you.)
K'isst Friday March 15th, 2002 1:42:23 PM
"This army is dead meat!" K'isst rises, drawing her trident as if she'd attack the army from on top of the 3rd plateau. "I'll kill every one of you!" she yells at the north horizon.
::sobbing:: ::nashing of teeth:: :;renting of clothes(which reveals a bit more than it should)::
She turns her head.
"We can't help. ::sob:: How do you guys just throw it out and accept it all that fast?
"Seems wrong somehow."
Ferrak Friday March 15th, 2002 8:09:40 PM
His stomach full, Ferrak can still feel a hunger, only this one stems from somewhere deep in his spirit. In tune with mother nature, the feral gnome can tell that the balance of the Wold is tipping more and more towards evil, and destruction.
When the time is right, Ferrak will do his best to help set that balance right.
Perceiving K'isst's distress, Ferrak goes over to offer the simple support of a trusty dog.
Borgo the Dwarf (Bill T) d20+3=16 Saturday March 16th, 2002 1:58:27 AM [OOC: Sorry, folks, for not posting yesterday. Was tied up most of the day, got home, totally worn out. Did get to the Wold site, but both times I went to post here, was interrupted. Planned to take a little nap, wake up and post - instead my nap lasted until this morning. Otherwise, Bradbury would have gotten Bill's sugar!]
"Yes, that would please us greatly, Morphia," he says in his kind of rumbly voice, wiping the sugar from his hands and replacing the bag in his backpack. "Thou mayest call me Borgo. Be there a safe, private place we might talk for a spell? We truly appreciate thine offer of assistance. Oh, and pardon ye me," he says to all in general, "for a moment."
'Borgo' gets down on one knee, his head looking straight to the ground. He covers his eyes with his hand. Bill activates his power of far sight. He looks to his home, where dwell his father - Tason, mother - Kirsa, of the Pastna family, his four sisters (Sirka, Laila, Jenna and Skirra) and two brothers (Tamos and Rombi), to see if they are well, and glances inside the house, and in the area around, to see if all are nearby, and safe, or otherwise. He looks to the temple of Wardd, where the Mendicant, Hiram Veril, serves - and where, he hopes, he still wears his bright red and yellow clothes. He checks out Ruthat's shop, where he and some of his friends obtained their first magical weapons, then Ogre Grog's Inn, and Merik's home, and the Pastna family - his cousin Borbo's place, and finally the mayor's manor in Windhorn Hamlet. Next he looks within Plateau City itself, to the Black Genie Center, and specifically into Professor Dorne Abulek's office. If he finds the professor, he will center his point of view so it is a short distance from the professor's face, where he will move it so as to catch his attention. Though the psychic eye is invisible, he hopes Prof. Abulek will somehow observe that he is under observation, and perhaps seek out a mental link.
There is a low, diffuse sound in the area around Borgo - it may even be difficult to tell that it is centered on him, although his friends will recognize it as something they hear when Bill manifests some of his mental powers.
Seeing what he sees, Borgo stands up, shaking. "Bofko - Alko - Misfera - dead." His pupils now appear as glowing silver points. "There may still be time - some are alive in Windhorn. Fires. Orcs. Catapults. Ravagers. What are - dragon halfbreeds? With orcs? Battering rams. No! Don't run that way! Fires. Fires and chaos. Chaos and fires." Tears begin to well in his eyes. "If we can get some help, we may have a way to rescue some of our family and friends. We don't have much time, though." Morphia may note that though Borgo's voice is still somewhat gravelly, his more archaic style of speech has changed to contemporary. He is distracted from fully embracing this new personna by the gravity of the situation.
Hobbes d20+1=2 Saturday March 16th, 2002 4:46:51 AM
As Hobbes turns his horse, it lifts up its front in surprise and neighs loudly, seeing the black-veiled priestess.
"Easy, boy! Fear not the Sister of the Eye," he whispers patting the horse to calm it. He peers down at her and the symbol which she bears and feels comforted. The symbol, the eye, staring out at him, ever-watchful, ever-knowing, ever comforting in his vigilance is Gargul.
"Forgive the discord in which you find us," says Hobbes as he glances down at K'isst and Borgo, "For those I travel with grip not well with Gargul's law. But our path does has indeed lead us here and next to the temple of Gargul near...but then again you know that don't you. You've just come from there as the good woman inside indicated. I was unaware that there were sisters there." Hobbes adds once again demonstrating his ignorance as well as his former reclusion.
"What we need to know is the state and nature of the curse bestowed on Coggins. Are you aware of the beggar which 'started' this curse?" he continues from atop Bradbury, "It is of utmost importance we learn of this gate's nature and usage so we may make use of it. What know you fellow Eye?"
Draax Sunday March 17th, 2002 6:28:56 PM
Draax thanks Hobbes for the offer of the ride and is about to accept Hobbes' hand to get on his mount when he hears the priestess Morphia's voice. Turning quickly, Draax puts his hand on his sword as he regards the priestess. He looks to the others for their reaction and relaxes a little when Hobbes begins to address the woman.
Looking over at K'isst, Draax can appreciate her pain and her feeling of helplessness because he feels the same way. To her question he has no answer, the only thing that lets him deal with the pain is the thought of revenge and he would rather keep those thoughts to himself.
Roger d20+3=15 Monday March 18th, 2002 2:12:44 AM
Roger turns his head to look at the newcomer. Sensing that she's really here to help. Roger flashes a smile and says, "Welcome. We could use whatever information you have found so far about this thing." Indicating the arch.
Morphia's Information (DM Donna) d20+3=23 Monday March 18th, 2002 6:28:34 AM
The dark eyes of the human woman slide over each member of the party, resting briefly on Borgo (Bill). The compassion in her expression and her voice are almost startling, given the public's perception of the Woldian God of Death.
"My condolences, sir," she says. "Between the scrying sessions and the town criers, all news of the outlying lands has been terrible--I am here to help you all keep the allies of Marteaus from flooding the Halls of Judgment with people who weren't meant to populate it yet." The pale woman pauses for a moment, gathering her thoughts, then addresses the party again--though Morphia obviously directs most of her conversation towards Hobbes.
"I've spent most of my time since Mr. Coggins' demise researching the history of this arched gate." Morphia tells you, gesturing to the metal structure. "The Chucks say that Hamilton Chuck--a great-great-great... um... an ancestor--bought the gate from Clan Irontemper about two hundred years ago and had it installed at this location. Further research shows that the maker of the gate was an ex-mercenary--Wullanok Irontemper--who developed some unusual obsessions after one particular phase of his career. He visited the fabled lands of Koshe-Marr, it seems, and became convinced that he had to make sure he could return if needed. His key to activating the gate--according to the texts at the temple--was supposed to be his favorite sound." Morphia looks a bit uncomfortable.
"Just today I was studying some of the archival tomes sent over from the Earthsons' Heritage League," the cleric continues. "And--while most dwarves appreciate the sound of a hammer on an anvil or the approval of a good stout ale after chugging a tankard... it seems that, after returning from Koshe-Marr, Wullanok's favorite sound was... the sound of bones breaking."
If anything, Morphia's face turns even paler as she makes this admission.
Ferrak/Woofer Monday March 18th, 2002 7:42:41 AM
"Woof." Ferrak barks at the disguised halfling. 'There was a good bone in the meat that Draax gave me.'
"Woof, woof." 'It's over there, I was going to bury it later.
Gullion (Renik) (Carl again) d20+3=9 Monday March 18th, 2002 8:41:23 AM OOC: Thanks Kim! PC woes are hopefully over!
Gullion grins. His earlier joke about beating two thighbones together was not so wide of the mark!
He looks about for any suitable bones and picking one up approaches the gate. He wrestles vainly with the bone, but has little luck trying to snap it. (Str check 9). Slightly shamefaced he offers it to the rest of the group, muttering, "It's a bit slippy, hard to get a good grip on. Anyone else fancy a try?"
Draax Monday March 18th, 2002 10:40:03 PM
Draax listens to the priestess' tale about the gate and is very surprised when she reveals the sound that she suspect will activate the gate. He watches Gullion attempt to break the bone.
Just as Draax gets ready to give breaking the bone a try, he stops as he thinks of something. Turning to Morphia, he asks her a question. "Before I attempt to break a bone and hopefully create the desired sound, do you have any idea what the effect will be? I mean will it activate a gate that we can step through or will we be pulled into the gate? Does this gate work both ways? I really do not want something jumping out at us. I know it a long shot, but I was wondering if you learned anything during your research."
Draax looks to the priestess not really expecting her to know the answer to his questions, but he would feel foolish if he did not ask. He waits to see if she has a answer before giving the bone a try, but he will not stop any one else from trying before she answers.
K'isst Tuesday March 19th, 2002 12:56:47 AM
K'isst forces her wracking sobs to stop and straightens her clothing realizing suddenly that it doesn't help with the clothes she's wearing.
She rises and red eyed approaches the others. She absently pets Ferrak without knowing she's doing it.
Hobbes Tuesday March 19th, 2002 1:07:42 AM
Hobbes nods to the priestess, then pauses to watch Guillion tinker with the bones. Petting the steed to stifle a neigh, he dismounts again, leaving the horse behind and approaching Morphia.
"Your knowledge comes at an opportunte time, sister. But did you find one other thing about the gate? Did you find out where it leads... and in turn... how to get back through?"
He glances sideways towards Draax, "And the swordsman speaks well with his inquiries. How will it work?"
Distracted for a second, he glances down at Woofer and forgets what else he was going to say, shaking his head, slightly amused at the "dog".
Borgo the Dwarf (Bill Troublefinder the halfling) d20+24=39 d20+18=32 Tuesday March 19th, 2002 2:03:51 AM
After communicating what he saw in Windhorn, Borgo, listening to those around him, takes clairvoyant glances into a few of the places along the road the group took some time ago to travel from the hamlet up to Plateau City. He tries to get a quick view of the progress of Marteaus' armies. Have they scaled the high walls from the first to the second plateau, or the second to third? Do any oppose them? (Concentration check 39 - to keep watching with far seeing, yet keep listening with his ears. Autohypnosis 32 to memorize Morphia's report.)
Drying his tears - Bill telleth himself that he cannot yield to the emotions he wanteth now to express, but prayeth there will be a time for that, as well. One little corner of his active mind chuckles that his grammar doth revert to older patterns. Maintaining his raspy voice, the 'dwarf' asks, "All good questions. If thy research be full, Priestess Morphia, then my question for my comrades is this: Are we ready to travel this gate? Is there aught to bring with us before we begin? Many more things we might do, but this is my thought. Time is of the essence. Let us pray that Gargul's intent to slacken the flood of unscheduled guests at his door be forwarded by our actions today. May Alemi and those on his side go with us, and may the children of Domi carry forth his courage. Was something left at home? Shall we take one hour at the Catacombs? Hobbes, Morphia, we await your further counsel. Roger, we await your command in this matter. I shall run on errand, or I shall enter, at your will. Borgo standeth ready. Who shall crush the bones? Now, or when?"
Roger Tuesday March 19th, 2002 6:03:19 AM
Roger considers the information that Morphia provides. "I think we don't have much time to consider our actions. There will be plenty of bone crushing going on sooner than we think. As a thought for the town, it would be nice to know if there were any odd disappearances. But for now let us talk a little more about this gate, if there is much more to learn."
Roger listens to what Borgo has to say about Windhorn Hamlet. "We have been forwarned that this was probably going to happen." Looking at K'isst. "We'll have to tell you more of what we've done to get where we are. I know I am more hardened towards what is happening than I ever anticipated."
Gate Details (DM Donna) d20+2=15 Tuesday March 19th, 2002 8:21:01 AM
(OOC for Borgo: while it makes sense that Bill would want to see the troop progress himself, we need to concentrate on the task for the party. Just let's say--it's all bad news that threatens to get worse.)
"The passages concerning this gateway seemed to refer to two separate gates--one here in The Wold, and the other in Koshe-Marr--that are connected to each other...thus they are activated by the same sound." Morphia pauses, once more searching her recall. "Supposedly once you, uh--" The female gulps, shooting a glance at the bone the party has available to break before going on: "--make the right sound, the gate glows and fills with light...step into the light and you're instantaneously stepping out from the other gate. Once a person goes through, though, he or she can't come BACK through unless the key sound is made at the other gate location." Once more the cleric of Gargul utilizes her memory of her research to try to clarify things for the party.
"Everything I've uncovered has indicated that there is but one sound for this pair of gates...but I don't know enough about Koshe-Marr to tell you much besides the fact that it is impossible to use any kind of divination to tell good from evil there. Apparently, the Powers That Be mean for those in Koshe-Marr to be ultimately responsible for all their actions, be they good or evil."
Renik d20+3=5 Tuesday March 19th, 2002 1:20:01 PM
"Can't get back without breaking some bones, eh?" Renik grins, and there is a faintly disturbing glint in his eye. "Well, I'm sure that we can manage that, be they ours or theirs! So, does anyone need to pick up any supplies, or are we ready to go now?"
If the party show willing to leave at once Renik struggles again with the bone that nobody took from him, but fares no better than last time (Str 5). "Grrrr! Will someone please smash this blasted bone!" he growls, waving it at his companions, feeling rather foolish.
Roger Tuesday March 19th, 2002 2:14:02 PM
"I'm thinking that we should double check with our Master strategist, and see if he can set up a time table to activate the gate, if it works. Then we know that at certain times the gate will be open. He can then stand by with a contingent of men, maybe, in order to push anything else back."
Draax Tuesday March 19th, 2002 5:16:59 PM
Draax listens to everyone but especially to the priestess. Her answers to their questions were mush more than he expected. "I agree with Biillorgo" Draax pauses for a moment hoping that no one caught his slip. "I could use a few more supplies, but I was thinking non-magical items like, stakes, silver, mirrors, and holy water. I also think that we should bring our own supply of bones to avoid any delay in returning."
Looking over towards Roger, Draax says, "Since we are going to talk to our advisor and get a few things my only question is do we test the gate now or just take it on faith that it will work? And if we do test it, how are we going to test it? Do we just activate it to make sure it works or do we send someone through and have them come right back? Which is a risk if something is guarding the other side, but I will volunteer to go through if we want to test it." He looks over to Roger for his decision.
Arien d20+1=19 Tuesday March 19th, 2002 10:56:05 PM
Taking the offered bone from Renik, Arien gives snapping the bone a try. Should his efforts succede he says to Renik, "A smaller amount of strength applied to the right area will often work better than just raw force alone."
On the other hand should he also fail he'll toss the bone back to Renik and with a shrug say, "Well I tried, maybe the sound of a wolf's jaws crunching the bone would work? Either that or we need a smaller bone."
Ferrak/Woofy the 'wonder' dog d100=55 Wednesday March 20th, 2002 3:16:56 AM
Perceiving that he has somehow raised the spirits of a goth-priest of Gargul, Ferrak is pleased. He can't however fathom why Hobbes is shaking his head, and looking at him in such a strange way, especially when the present situation is such a grave one.
Seeing that K'isst, though obviously not a 100%, is feeling a little better, Ferrak sincerely hopes that he has cheered her up a bit as well.
Now satisfied that the emotional balance of the group is stabalizing, the feral gnome moves up to the gate to see if he can't help these awkward bi-peds open a gate.
Aware that he may be compromising his cover, but sure that Renik or Bill will back him up with fast talk, Ferrak calls upon the magic inherent in his gnomish nature.
The illusionary image of the german shepard that is Ferrak, sits on it's haunches as the dog's paws start to move in odd ways. Strange and eldritch words come from it's mouth, as Woofer's face scrunches up in very un-doglike concentration.
The disturbing sound of about four human beings being crushed by something very large eminates from just in front of the gate, a grim cacophony of breaking bones to be sure. (Arcane Failure-55 for a Ghost sound.)
After the noise dies down, Ferrak barks out a "Woof." {See if that opens it.}
Hobbes Wednesday March 20th, 2002 3:49:37 AM
Hobbes look from the docile Woofer back to Morphia, a smug and very satisfied look upon his face. "You have served us well. We only hope we can perform as much in return. Please if you would..."
Hobbes turns and steps up to his horse again. He fiddles inside the dull grey saddle bags and pulls out several items and transfers them to his backpack. The items include several small bags and vials and a waterskin. Finally he closes the bag and latches it shut once again and firmly grasps his scythe from its holder and removes the clamps from its blade and places them in the saddlebag too.
A look of determination on his face, he leads Bradbury back toward Morphia, around him plans and failed bone attempts are made. All the while, Hobbes continues speaking to Morphia, "Please accept my horse into the temple and care for him. He would not fare well where we are going. Inside the bag is a small bell to which will answer as well as my vestments. If I should perish, I wish to be sent to Gargul wearing them." With a grim stare he hands the reins to Morphia under the almost alien-sounding chants from the dog near him.
"Upon my return I would like to retrieve Bradbury as I need him, but first..." he turns and quickly strides toward the butcher shop, "I should get some bones from the butcher for our return."
And as Ferrak's spell goes off, Hobbes crosses the threshhold of the gate.
Ferrak Wednesday March 20th, 2002 6:57:04 AM
A howling can be heard coming from Ferrak as he calls for his foster brother.
Glittergate (DM Donna) Wednesday March 20th, 2002 7:33:03 AM
Morphia's eyes widen at the suggestion of "testing" the gate by having only one person go through.
"I would NOT recommend that, friend," she says emphatically, "If only because there is a very high likelihood of this gate actually leading into Koshe-Marr...and the shadowlands are NO place for a solitary stranger!" Darkfang (who is still gnawing on one end of the bone given to him earlier) speaks to Ferrak and Bill:
I still have MY bone here, big brother--we could use the magic and still be able to return... Darkfang notes, adding: ...WITH the bone, of course--the marrow is the bestest part, you know!
"Making sure that you have the right equipment for a possible trip to Koshe-Marr is only prudent." Morphia continues as she accepts responsibility for Hobbes' horse. "I'll keep your beast safe, my brother, but--"
Almost simultaneously, Arien's correctly-applied strength and Ferrak's spell both result in the sound of bones breaking. For a moment, it seems the entire Wold holds its breath.
Then, faintly at first, but with growing intensity as the moments pass, the interior of the metallic archway begins to sparkle with flashes of green-white light. By the time Hobbes steps through the archway, the space within the arc looks like a shimmering curtain of glitter.
Ferrak's call to his brother results in the faithful Darkfang--bone clamped firmly in his jaws--springing to the disguised gnome's side.
"Hurry! Don't let my brother face Koshe-Marr ALONE!" urges Morphia of the rest of the party.
Gullion (Renik) d20+23=35 d20+7=25 d20+7=9 Wednesday March 20th, 2002 9:40:16 AM
"Well, goodbye cruel Wold, and hello crueller one!" grins the hunched deadbeat Gullion queasily, desperately trying to inject some levity in an attempt hide the knot of fear growing in his gut. Koshe-Marr! THE Koshe-Marr! he thinks to himself. Are they MAD?!?
He draws his rapier from beneath his robe, pulls his hood up about his ears, and steps through the shimmering gateway. As soon as he is through he attempts to slip out of sight,(Hide 35) and check the area out for possible threats (Spot 25, Listen 9).
If things are calm and he has time he will then remove his Gullion disguise.
Draax Wednesday March 20th, 2002 12:23:39 PM
Draax smiles as he watches Hobbes and Renik jump through the gate. He thinks to himself, 'I guess the supplies I have now will have to do.' He readies his sword and shield while he turns his head and looks at the others, "Are the rest of you guys coming?" Without waiting for an answer Draax steps through the gate.
Borgo the Dwarf (Bill Troublefinder the halfling) Wednesday March 20th, 2002 4:51:37 PM
"Roger - let M know what's happening before thou steppest through the dread gateway," the dwarf growls.
Then he signals to Morphia to lean over so he can whisper something to her. When (and if) she does so, he requests, "Have thy sisters and brothers pray on our behalf, good Morphia, that we may succeed, that more in the Wold may not have their appointed hours rescheduled." Then the dwarf gives her a kiss on the cheek. Who knows, perhaps she smells the gum arabic which holds the false beard to his chin.
"For Plateau City, and the righteous gods, and the Wold!" he says, then follows the half-elf, Draax, through the glittering gate. He feels a foreboding.
Roger Wednesday March 20th, 2002 7:26:13 PM
Having a quick crisis of faith, Roger briefly considers whether Wardd should be his god. Or whether Wardd has something against him. He shakes his head and remembers a former bard. Roger almost steps through, when Borgo reminds him of something he should do. Briefly he announces over the coin, "Have found a way into Dream Land. Morphia, one of Gargul's, knows details. Someone slipped in by accident, following now. Probably small escort should be sent, to ensure no one comes from other side. Not sure how we'll return."
Arien Thursday March 21st, 2002 1:23:41 AM
"Well I had hoped to better prepared for this but it looks like we don't have a choice now." Arien approaches the portal, when right in front of it he pauses for a moment, turns and gives a quick salute to Morphia and any watching the proceedings and then steps through the portal.
Hobbes d20+6=18 d20+5=16 Thursday March 21st, 2002 2:01:12 AM
The images of Sam and Alliss fade from Hobbes view as he steps through the door. The light came suddenly and sharply, causing Hobbes to squint his eyes.
"Butcher, give me---", Hobbes begins and promptly stops as he realizes...he isn't in Plateau City anymore. Immediately he grabs his holy symbol and holds it before him, stepping forward to observe his surroundings, his heart racing at the land he sees. His concentration tuned now to the task in front of him, he does not see Renik coming through.
(Listen Check 18, Spot Check 16)
Ferrak Thursday March 21st, 2002 5:50:59 AM
Pausing only to pick up the left over bone bits Arien used to open the gate, the feral gnome leaps onto his brother's shoulders with a yell.
Those watching hopefully presume that the demon dogs are a part of the exorcism in progress, for soon they are one fluid motion shooting for the gate.
As they near the entrance Ferrak is surprised to find himself worrying about the seedlings he has recently planted. Marveling at the things that pop into his head in times of uncertainty and danger, the fertile gnome can only hope that it rains enough while he is gone.
Borgo (Bill) Thursday March 21st, 2002 11:41:40 PM
Bill wonders in passing whether they will be stepping through the portal into a butcher shop in Koshe-Marr.
OOC: The DM wonders, too, because EVERYONE is not THROUGH the portal yet--notably Rond/Roger, who only posted that he was notifying Marcus via the magic coin (good move, by the way!) There is a certain half elf-half troglodyte whose whereabouts are still unknown. Until her player posts, I'll be waiting...
Roger Friday March 22nd, 2002 8:11:25 AM
(ooc Yack. Sorry about confusion. :) )
Pausing just long enough to give someone an opportunity to say 'ok'. Rond follows the others through the portal.
K'isst Friday March 22nd, 2002 12:39:25 PM
K'isst growls at the receding figure of Hobbes for his rash action as her attention is brought forcefully to the present.
Hesitating, she looks around her wondering whether she'll ever see this place again and runs through trident drawn for battle!
William the psicrystal (Kim) Sunday March 24th, 2002 7:10:33 PM "Ah, we have yet another chance to show our bravery, and to do heroic deeds!" the psicrystal encourages Bill, his anticipatory pleasure palpable to the halfling.
"I Get the Feeling We Aren't in Kansas Anymore..." (DM Donna) Monday March 25th, 2002 6:45:54 AM
Fog--as impenetrable as stone yet ephemeral to the instinctively-outstretched hand--completely engulfs everyone. The unseen ground beneath your feet is rough and a bit uneven, but solid enough. The scent in the air reminds you of moist...rot, as though you were in the midst of a mist-bound graveyard. The fog muffles your voices as you speak to each other as well as the fainter sounds that may or may not indicate a settlement of some type in the vicinity.
But how close? And how large? And in which precise direction? These things that the damnable miasma swirling malevolently around you cloak are not immediately discernable. You will have to take a chance on the unknown.
You will have to move into the fog...
Everyone must roll a d20.
Borgo the dwarf (Bill the halfling) & William the psicrystal d20=16 d20+5=20 Monday March 25th, 2002 12:57:30 PM
[Requested roll: 16] Finding himself in the thick fog, smelling what he smells, and hearing what he hears (listen 20), Bill exercises his abilities to know direction (know which way is north) and know location (have a general idea where one is), and makes some assumptions. He communicates with his psicrystal, asking it to pass on some of his thoughts telepathically to his friends, as well as to the cleric who just joined the group, Hobbes.
------ Bill's fellow adventurers hear William say, in their minds, in a voice similar to Bill's, but with overtones of intrepid determination, 'We stand now in a moldering graveyard. Not far yonder lies a village.' If Bill, via the use of his powers, knows additional details of their locale, William now passes those on to the party, as well. 'Let us go forth unto the village, and learn better our whereabouts. Be ready to defend, if necessary, but give not offense unnecessarily.'
------ Bill then draws upon the power stored within the psicrystal, so that he might fly (5 power points). He extracts a length of rope, letting out about 20 feet to drag on the ground below him, the tactile feedback ensuring he does not rise too high as he flies in the fog. If he feels the rope swing freely, he lowers himself a bit until he feels it touching the ground again. His direction of movement is toward the sounds of the nearby habitation. Due to the psionic manifestation, Borgo's eyes burn like points of silver fire.
Hobbes d20=2 Monday March 25th, 2002 1:09:19 PM
Hobbes stands alert, ears and eyes keen on his surroundings. The fog swirls about his face, making it hard to see very far. Keeping ever watchful of whatever might be lurking just beyond his vision, he quickly unhooks his backpack and retrieves his EverBurning Torch.
Reslinging his backpack and holding aloft the flame, he strides forward grimly. All his reflection, all his prayers, all those lonely tireless nights within the monastery walls have led him to this point. A tiding of thanks be to Gargul for delivering his servant to this wretched place.
(D20 roll of 2. Renik, can you pick me up after I fall?)
Renik d20=11 d20+7=20 Monday March 25th, 2002 2:19:38 PM
(Hopefully) Seeing the torch burning in the fog (Spot 20: Good enough?) the rogue calls (as loud as he dares in this Gods-forsaken place) to his companions as he unfurls a length of rope from his pack. "Friends, approach the flame. In this fog we will fast become separated. Take hold of this length of rope, so that we can be sure not to lose anyone. At the first sign of trouble, just tug."
K'isstd20=17 Monday March 25th, 2002 2:50:44 PM
K'isst takes the end of the rope putting herself at the back of the group.
"Everyone whisper their name to be sure we're all here."
"K'isst."
Ferrak d100=66 d20=10 d20+4=24 d20=19 Monday March 25th, 2002 6:44:31 PM
First things first, Ferrak removes the collar from his neck, then does the same for his wolf brother Darkfang. 'That feels good eh, brother?'
Confident that Darkfang can find the others through sense of smell, the feral gnome examines his surroundings, making sure that there is no danger. (Spot and Listen 10 & 24)
When they find the others Ferrak barks a hello so that they know who is there.
Once again calling upon his gnomish powers, Ferrak calls up four points of light to better illuminate the group for the others. (Dancing lights, L/Armor Spell failure o.k.) (19 on d20)
Draax d20=13 d20+3=9 d20+3=21 Monday March 25th, 2002 6:59:41 PM
[Requested roll: 13] Upon entering the others side of the portal, Draax immediately takes a step to his right and gets in a crouching position with his shield held high and his sword pointed toward the ground in a relaxed, but ready position. He takes a moment to steady himself and try to shake off this creepy feeling that seems to have inhabited his mind. At first Draax think the feeling might be related to fear, but then he reminds himself of who he is and dismissed the thought. Believing that the feeling is just an effect of traveling through the gateway; the half-elven fighter concentrates on his surroundings thinking that the feeling will eventually pass. He smirk as he thinks, 'Me afraid? How ridiculous.'
Draax stands perfectly still in the fog as he listens (listen 9) for the other members of his group and almost jumps out of his skin when William communications with him mentally. Listening to Renik's suggestion Draax finds he way to the rope (spot 21). Following K'isst's example, he says his name in a low voice. "Draax."
Rond d20=9 Monday March 25th, 2002 8:23:44 PM
Removing his hat of disguise from his head. Rond thinks about the pickle the group could be in at this time. Trying to adjust to his surroundings, Rond feels kind of creeped out. (once again) (asked for roll 9).
Hearing William, Rond whispers, 'agreed' then hearing Renik, 'Rond'.
"Renik and Bill take lead. Hobbes your with me. Ferrak and Darkfang with Arien, K'isst and Draax last. Bill, lead the way, and do any talking on first contact."
Arien d20=14 Monday March 25th, 2002 9:42:00 PM
[Requested Roll = 14]
As the group sets off Arien sheaths his rapier but keeps his hand on the hilt. A kernel of fear assaults from within while the aura of the land assaults him from without. "Can you feel it Ferrak?" he asks his companion. "Can you feel the land, it is corrupted, tainted, almost evil in and of itself. I would despair to live in this hellish place, if indeed such an existence could be called living. I'm sure something lurks in this mist, something whose malevolence is masked from us by the land about. Something altogether unfriendly, and I fear it is watching us." With a quick motion Arien wipes a dampness from his face, though if it was sweat or the mist he had no way of telling.
Borgo (Bill) d20+3=6 Monday March 25th, 2002 10:01:46 PM
From about fifteen feet up in the air, a faux-growly voice says, "Borgo." Bill also activates elf sight, in order to help his eyes to penetrate the fog (out to twenty feet). He tries to locate his rope somewhere in the vicinity over the voices below... [Spot 6 - unless improved by his elf sight, the everburning torch, and Ferrak's four dancing lights]
Hobbes d20+6=14 d20+5=21 Tuesday March 26th, 2002 3:55:00 AM
Through the fog ahead of most of the group, seemingly emitted from the muffled torchlight, comes a low gutteral word.
"Hobbes"
...followed by slow concentrated footsteps of Hobbes making his way closer to the group, always checking all around him.
(Listen Check 14, Spot Check 21)
"But, Dorothy--The Farmhouse is Right Over There!" (DM Donna) d20+5=18 Tuesday March 26th, 2002 9:04:11 AM (DM OOC: go to http://hometown.aol.com/donnlap/myhomepage/index.html to see a diagram of where everyone in the party is in relation to each other.)
Bill hovers in place, thinking to himself that something wasn't quite right here...but what..?
Hobbes, Renik, Draax, Rond and Arien are all spooked BIG time--and not being able to see more than five feet in front of you does not help any! (Draax is sure that something is moving in the fog just beyond his ability to see clearly!)
K'isst and Ferrak growl to themselves simultaneously--both of them had been expecting something really creepy...and, while annoyingly obscuring, this fog isn't really all they'd heard it to be.
Big brother, I thought we were traveling outworld? whines Darkfang. We're still in The City...
The sound of dozens of tiny bells suddenly jangles in the heads of everyone surrounding the floating Bill Troublefinder--and the halfling suddenly realizes three things:
1. North is to his left--he is facing east. (OOC: that would be the top edge of the diagram on the web page; the entire party is actually facing east, or the right edge of the map.) 2. The party is NOT in Koshe-Marr--they are still within Plateau City! (In fact, the party has relocated to an area only a few hundred yards west of the butcher shop--in the middle of the area dubbed "The Scar".) 3. There are people whispering both north AND south of the party's present position. Bill must make a Spellcraft/Psicraft check versus DC18 to identify the casting of both arcane and divine spells--with the party as the obvious target of the spellcasting! If he makes the check by more than 5, he'll have time to shout a brief warning of sorts before the combat post that follows.
Ambush Round 1 (DM Donna) d8=6 d8=2 d4+1=3 d4+1=2 6d6(6+1+2+3+1+1)=14 Tuesday March 26th, 2002 11:57:09 AM
Suddenly the fog-bound Hamleteers find themselves in the midst of all kinds of magical mayhem:
Two Sound Burst spells go off in the middle of the group; everyone suffers 8hp damage AND must make two separate Willpower saves versus DC16 and DC15 or be stunned for one round.
Two Magic Missiles slam into Bill for 5hp damage; Bill must make a Concentration check versus DC13 in order to use any powers (assuming he isn't stunned by the Sound Bursts, that is.)
A Fireball explodes in the middle of the party--make a Reflex save versus DC15. Making the save means you suffer 7hp of fire damage; failing means you suffer 14hp of damage.
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