A New Direction - DMJK Monday October 28th, 2002 9:15:31 AM
Marcus lets everyone chat for a moment. Then he nearly shoves everyone out the door claiming that he has urgent business to take care of. Once everyone is out, he locks the door and disappears inside.
After that... nothing happens. For all its hustle and bustle, Plateau City seems to be a relatively peaceful place. There are no assassinations, kidnappings, trade wars, dragon attacks, or mad priests. Heck, there aren't even any robberies, muggings, or murders that the local constabulary can't figure out. It's enough to drive a seasoned adventurer stir crazy.
Then one morning a letter arrives at the residence addressed to "Bill Trublefinder."
Renik Monday October 28th, 2002 6:16:15 PM
The rogue nudges his companion in a good humoured manner. "Well Bill? Aren't you going to open it?" he says through a mouthful of scrambled eggs. He shovels in breakfast, hoping that the letter contains some urgent plea, some desperate cry for help. Anything to help take his mind off that accursed Prelate Marshall.
Draax Tuesday October 29th, 2002 12:49:54 AM
Draax cuts his eyes over at Bill trying to act like he is not really that interested, but he is very curious about what the letter contains.
Hobbes Tuesday October 29th, 2002 2:13:55 AM
Outside a loud whinny and neigh is heard with a familiar heavy clip-clopping. The door opens to reveal Hobbes standing there, his helm uncharacteristically absent from his head revealling a course tuft of black hair with sideburns.
"Ahhhh. Nothing like a brisk ride to attune the senses. Quick to business. Is there a need of our assistance yet? I am eager to work this day."
Feng Tuesday October 29th, 2002 2:53:06 AM
Feng is glad that things have gotten better. He uses the time to brush his warhorse and give him some exercise. He's been busy as of late and has been neglecting his friend.
the letter (DmJK) Tuesday October 29th, 2002 9:25:10 AM
Mr. Bill, I shure hate to disterb you while you are in the big city, but there has been truble here in Windhorn Hamlet. Theres been all sorts of weird goings on at the semitary by my farm. Mostly odd stuff at night. I even herd something tryin the door last nite, but I keep it lokt. I wasn't too terrible worried until this morning though. I went to see Elmo -he has the farm by mine - but he weren't home. It looked like something busted in his place and tore it all up. I'm terrible worried something bad happened to Elmo. I been to the courthouse and there just doin an investigation into Elmo's disaperance. They ain't worried bout the semitary. Say I'm a supersticious coot. I hate to bother you but I don't know who else I can ask. Don't have no kinfolk around. I hope you can come have a look. If you can come, I'll be stayin at the Hearthfire. I ain't staying out here at nite no more. -Edmond
Bill Trublef ... Troublefinder Tuesday October 29th, 2002 1:35:35 PM
After the interview with Davenport, Bill hurries himself over to the new temple of Gargul to see how their comatose compatriot is doing, and to see whether he might render him some further assistance. If the Gargulian mucky mucks are too busy, he will check in with the church of Alemi, explain the situation (well, not the whole situation - just the poisoning and coma), and see what might be done.
He also touches base with the elf girl, Shianna, who was saved by Domi, and her parents, Frellin and Kianimar. He takes her a silly cartoon he drew.
The busy halfling also checks in on his normal round of bookstores, to see if any interesting new volumes may have come in. His funds, of late, are a bit tight, so he will only pick up a couple or three new books, if he can afford them.
On the morning he receives the letter, Bill first answers Renik, "Yes, right after my toast." He then reads the letter to himself.
"Hey, guys, listen to this. Remember Elmo? Not the poor fellow who passed away whose gambling establishment we recently visited. I mean - well some of you wouldn't remember, 'cause you're not from Windhorn Hamlet - but he has a farm over there, and I mentioned him when we were trying to figure out who Elmo was when we got that token? OK. Well, his neighbor, Edmond, just wrote me this letter. And Draax, I saw you trying to read over my shoulder! OK, here it is." And he reads the letter aloud.
"So hey, what do you all think? Not much is happening around here, except our store is starting to do a little better. Mechina can handle that, and we'll need to find someone to watch after Ferrak's little garden, but how 'bout we take a trip to Windhorn Hamlet, and see if we can't help our hometown friends out? Well, I know it's not everyone's here hometown - but we could show you 'round the place. There're some fun folks out there! And my mom makes great pies." The halfling smacks his lips at the mere thought.
Rond Tuesday October 29th, 2002 3:16:59 PM
Rond cleans up after the latest round of adventuring. Trying to figure out what to do next, Rond listens in while Bill updates the group about his letter.
"We'll have to check out with Marcus to make sure we can get away from the city. But I for one could use some time out in the field." There is a certain gleam to Rond's eyes as he looks forward to the possibility of being out on the road again, away from the city for awhile.
Renik Tuesday October 29th, 2002 5:36:35 PM
"A trip into the countryside? Why not? It's been too long since I saw open fields, forests and a clear sky away from city lights. A shame Ferrak can't join us, he's have loved this idea!"
Renik heads off to pack his gear for the trip, whistling to himself. The thought of time away from the city has lightened his mood.
Feng Tuesday October 29th, 2002 10:16:48 PM
"If something is preying on farmers then we must leave at once. It's apparent that they can't deal with this creature. Some choose not to believe it. Even though we don't know what it is, time can only make the situation worse."
Draax Wednesday October 30th, 2002 12:06:15 AM
Draax tries not to show his enthusiasm toward returning to Windorn Hamlet, but a big smile has suddenly appeared on his face. "I have not given my horse his head to run in a very long time, I think a trip back home is just what me and my horse needs."
Hobbes Wednesday October 30th, 2002 4:00:00 AM
The refreshment in Hobbes' face fades as a dull sunset vanishes behind a thick clump of trees until nothing remains but a dark stare filled with grim purpose. He steps across the room and through a door, is gone for but a second, and then emerges his scythe held strong in his hand.
He looks about, "then let us be off to check out this...sem-i-tary."
Preparations (DMJK) Wednesday October 30th, 2002 10:08:36 AM
Apart from taking along weapons, like a good trusty scythe, what preparations need to made? What is the mode of travel? What is the route? What provisions need to be brought along? What time of day will the departure be?
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday October 30th, 2002 2:34:28 PM
Bill takes out a piece of paper, and begins to write a list. As he does so, he remarks on what he writes down.
"All right. Sounds like we may be dealing with undead. We may need to see about some sort of healing potions - or a wand of curing. Maybe an antidote to paralyzation. Hobbes and Feng ought to be good at helping us against the undead, if such we face. It's a cemetary, after all.
"Should someone run on over to the Catacombs to pick up a few supplies?
"Shall we get some horses? Maybe we can ask about those carriages that brought us here - what was that, about a year and a half ago? They were kind of neat!
"And we'll want some snacks for the road. And make sure we have money to pay for the lifts down from the plateaus.
"I used to be able to take people from one place to another pretty quick - did that for Sunblaze a while back. But something happened, and I can't do that anymore. Of course, if there were a teleportal from here to there, then that would be a fast way of going.
"Probably, though, the highway we came over on is the best bet. It magically increased our rate of travel, remember? Hope it still works that way.
"So, what do ya all think? Rond, when you check in with Marcus, why not ask him if he's got a way of getting us there quickly? Teleportation, or carriages, or a swift boot in the rear?" The halfling laughs at his own last silly suggestion.
Renik Wednesday October 30th, 2002 5:56:20 PM
The rogue prepares weapons, armour, clothing and rations, then listens to Bill's suggestions.
"Oh, you think we could get carriages? That would be ideal, I'm not a great fan of horses myself. Yes, travel in luxuary, I like your thinking Mr T. Even a wagon with some cushions would be preferable to plodding about on some great smelly horse..."
He stops, realising with shock what he is saying. If his poor father could hear these words... he sounds like some pampered city type, afraid of a bit of honest country air... how his few short years in the big city have changed him, and quite possibly for the worse.
"...though I suppose it might be fun to get back to basics. Experience nature as it ought to be experienced and all that" he finishes smoothly.
Renik chips in his fair share of whatever travel costs are required, but draws the line at a trip to the Catacombs. "If we need magical supplies I'm a Fargunian" he grins at the halfling. "Can we really be out of everything again so soon? Well, if the team want to get it I'll pay my share, but someone else can go stand in line. My feet still ache from last time!"
Hobbes Thursday October 31st, 2002 3:02:28 AM
Hobbes frowns, "I speak for myself and probably for Feng. All I need is my trusted horse and I'm off. I would rather we all travel on horseback as the ride would be brisker and less troublesome, but if we must, choose the swiftest carriage you can find. As for the luxury, that should come out of your own pocket. We may need the rest for the villagers we find there. In the meantime I shall go to the temple and see what concoctions they have available for the trip. I shall return in the morning and we shall be off then hopefully."
Hobbes gallops over to the Temple of Gargul and stables Bradbury his horse. He strides in and immediately seeks out Father Jonno and tells him of his latest task of heading to protect the village of Windhorn Hammlet and the need for possible potions (healing, etc) and scrolls (especially cure, remove paralysis, and neutralize poison).
After conducting business he spends the night praying in the temple, performing restoring rituals to his spirit and receiving the blessings of Gargul culminating in the acquisition of a new selection of spells.
No Marcus (DMJK) Thursday October 31st, 2002 11:28:10 AM
When Rond goes to check on Marcus, he finds a closed sign hanging on the Motley Lot's front door. The door is locked and no one seems to be around.
After a quick survey you discover that the cost of renting a padded coach and driver for a oneway trip to Windhorn would cost everyone 15 gold each. A round trip would only cost 20, but you'd have to guarantee the driver that he wouldn't have to wait more than 5 days for the return. It seems that rented luxury is cheaper than purchasing a horse for everyone. Of course, a horse you already own is cheaper than a carriage ride.
Draax Thursday October 31st, 2002 10:51:11 PM
"My horse could use the exercise, so I would like to ride him back to the hamlet."
Bill Troublefinder Friday November 1st, 2002 12:29:24 AM
Bill tells Hobbes when the latter mentions leaving in the morning, "Hey, it'll take more than a day to get there, by horse or carriage. Let's leave no later than noon, or maybe just after lunch today. Maybe we can get to the end of this plateau by the end of the day."
Regarding the Catacombs, he says, "Well, I guess we can just take off without shopping."
He kicks in 45 gp for the carriage. As soon as the balance is paid, he says, "Okay, Draax, Hobbes, Feng - you ride your horsies, and we'll rough it in the carriage. Let's go!"
Feng Friday November 1st, 2002 8:48:41 AM
Feng slides and straps the studded leather barding in place. The armor looks odd in comparison to the others. Still it's a ritual that has saved Feng and his horse many times.
Feng smiles as he swings up into the saddle. He runs a hand along the side of Degg's (the horse) neck. Degg stomps his hoof in anticipation. He'd been in the stables for far to long. Longer than he used to. Degg is an impressive white stallion. Standing almost 18 hands, a most impressive sight.
"This is Degg, my fiend. A most impressive war horse, is he not? He showed up shortly after I swore my service to the gods. Degg has saved my life many times. He's great at taking watch and fearless. Sometimes I think that's a bad thing. Nobody to let us know when we are both in over our heads." Feng says with a chuckle.
Renik Friday November 1st, 2002 9:18:28 AM
Renik settles back against the carriage cushions with a sigh. "Ah well, forced to travel in style. Never mind!"
He chips in with his payment, and peers out of the window as they head out of Plateau City. Before long the motion of the carriage lulls him off to sleep.
The Journey (DMJK) Friday November 1st, 2002 9:48:35 AM
Carriages and horses set out on the journey. Before very long, you arrive at the Hoomwix lift down to the second plateau. The line is horribly long. There seems to a great deal of foot traffic, but there are a number of carriages and horses as well.
As you join the line, a lift employee wearing an official looking green lift comes up to your group. "1 carriage and 3 horses? Is that correct, gentlemen? That will be two trips down. The carriage and its horses in one trip will be a full load. The 3 horses will go in the next, and we will load some foot traffic on with you. Is that acceptable? You're looking at a 30 minute wait."
In the meantime, you're all able to catch some of the view from the top of the plateau. It's magnificent. Looking off to the northwest, all you see for miles is the treetops of the Blackheart Woods. The leaves are just beginning to change colors in the early fall weather. It's like a luscious sea of deep gold and red. Right through the middle and nearly straight north two deep lines have been cut. One for the River Brinkwater that sparkles brilliant blue in the morning light, and the other for the Safe Road that will lead you toward your final destination.
Rond Friday November 1st, 2002 12:54:11 PM
After spending so much time within the city, even with its sights, Rond is happy to see the countryside coming back into view.
Bill Troublefinder d20+13=30 d20+18=27 d20+5=11 Saturday November 2nd, 2002 1:40:27 PM
Too excited to remain in the carriage at the phenomenal viewpoint, Bill assures the liftman that the wait will be just fine. He wants to take advantage of the chance to soak it all in. [2nd roll - autohypnosis 27 - to memorize the scene.] He pulls out a piece of parchment and draws a quick sketch of the lay of the land before him.
Once the time comes for the second load to be lowered, Bill leaves his bag and most accoutrements with Renik in the carriage, and the psicrystal William, as well. "I'll see you guys at the bottom!" he says cheerily. He lets them go on ahead, remaining above to watch them descend for a while. He works on making sure that all his clothing and such are well secured, his boot laces double knotted and firm on his feet.
A ways off to one side, he takes a running start, and leaps off the mile-high cliff (taking advantage of his boots of striding and springing to assist him in his leap outwards - DC 30). "Weeeeeee! Yip-yip-yip-yippee!" he hollers as he descends swiftly. When he falls through the air, he tries to see if he can affect his direction of travel a little by the position of his body, arms and legs. He times his leap so as to reach the same altitude as the descending platform when it's about 400 feet above the ground below, and triggers feather fall, his rate of descent slowed to 10' per second until he lands softly on the ground. "Hey! Hi guys!" the hobbit laughs when he is just above them, waving on his way down. He hopes he doesn't get in too much trouble for his shenanigans - but it just looked like too much fun to pass up!
He wipes the moisture from his wind-whipped eyes, and rejoins the carriage as the journey continues northward, then asks Feng if he can ride on the back of his beautiful horse for a little while, just for fun [Ride: 11]. "Degg is so strong and handsome! How did you two get together?"
Renik Sunday November 3rd, 2002 8:14:19 AM
The rogue's gentle snoring accompanies the coach on its downward journey, as the snoozing rogue manages to completely miss the breathtaking panorama and spectacular voyage down.
Draax Sunday November 3rd, 2002 11:36:26 AM
Draax stand in line next to his horse, gently patting it on the head. Being in the city for such a long period of time, he knows how anxious his horse is to stretch its legs. He double checks his saddlebags ensuring he has enough feed for the long journey, removes an apple and feeds it to the horse. He smiles as he thinks of seeing the hamlet again.
Hobbes d20+8=18 Monday November 4th, 2002 12:10:44 AM
Sitting upright on his pale grey horse Bradbury, Hobbes looks out at the impressive view decked in his full black plate mail (helmet included) and his black and silver cloak.
"My word, Draax, I've never seen this site before. And you're from this area? A quite satisfying gaze. I wonder perhaps how this travel fairs against brigands or darker things of the night. Know you of any troubles?"
He peers over at Degg. "Feng your horse is as proud and valiant a beast as I've ever seen. I've not seen its equal."
He continues to peer around, keeping watch at both the magnificent view and the beings which encircle it. [Spot check 18 to see...anything unusual or otherwise]
The Way down {dmjk} Monday November 4th, 2002 12:13:39 PM
When the lift employees see that Bill is about to jump, one of them shouts, "We have another jumper!" There is a mad dash to stop the halfling that the rest of the party would probably find quite comical had they not already descended. Bill has barely enough time to evade capture, and he leaps over the edge. He has just enough time to hear one of the employee's shout, "It's a magic free zone!" as he plunges over the edge. . . . . Down . . . Down he goes . . . Faster . . . Faster and faster . . . He's catching up to the platform . . . trying to cast that spell . . . Fortunately for Bill, the guy manning the lift above was having a bit of fun with the jumper, and the spell works. The daring halfling floats to a gentle rest on the descending platform.
The rest of the ride down is somewhat uneventful. Though, the view is breathtaking. However, once Bill's platform hits the ground, the group discovers 5 armed guards waiting. "That's a 5gp fine, Mr. Daredevil. What if some kid tried to emulate you and plunged to his death? Think that would be funny?"
Bill Troublefinder Monday November 4th, 2002 1:22:24 PM
Bill doesn't feel too panicked by what the man yells. After all, he's not using magic, per se. It's psionics! Nevertheless, he considers his options a bit quickly. Aha -- it worked! Hurray! He really is happy upon landing safely.
"Nope," replies the halfling to the guards. "T'wouldn't be funny." He pays them 10 gold pieces, his ears burning red with embarrassment.
Feng Monday November 4th, 2002 6:40:55 PM
"Sure, climb on up. I doubt Degg will even notice." Feng says and helps Bill up. "He showed up one day. Shortly after the gods put me through a test."
Draax Tuesday November 5th, 2002 4:48:22 AM
Draax watches Bill's leap of faith with a surprised look on his face and smiles at the end results, wondering if that is what the halfling planned to do.
To Hobbes he says, "There are a few brigands along the road, but only the stupid or very organized ones will attack an armored party as big as ours. The Son of Dread followers are still out there, but I have not seen any since the world changed. We have been in the city so long, who knows what changes have occurred, there a probably a few new threats that we are not aware of. I just hope the Sentinel Head is still in its place, the last thing I want to worry about is dragons."
Onward to Brinkwater (DMJK) Tuesday November 5th, 2002 10:52:53 AM
After paying Bill's fine, the group is able to continue on its way. The day is nice. The air is crisp and cool, and the safe road that runs through the Blackheart Woods Monster Preserve provides an easy means of travel.
Nothing exceptional happens during the rest of the day's journey. No robbers or monsters cause trouble upon the magical saferoad. You arrive in Brinkwater upon the beautiful banks of Lake Wellogy in midafternoon. Then the road turns north. It follows the border of the lake for several miles, and you are able to see a few fishermen out on boats. It looks like there are a few folks out on the lake for some simple rest and relaxation too.
Pressing on, the road moves back into the Monster Preserve. Heading steadily northwest, the group finally makes it to Tincrow. It's dinner time, and Belle's Inn looks like an inviting place to stop. Of course, trail rations are an option, and you could hit Baenville before dark. Either way, you likely won't be to take the Baenville-Zidiac lift down to the next plateau until morning.
Renik Tuesday November 5th, 2002 11:08:20 AM
Stretching and aching from the rough ride of the carriage, Renik says "Is that an Inn? Oh, I would kill for a roast supper and a good glass of wine. Who wants to stop here?"
After the long journey the rogue is ravenous, and eager to stretch his legs.
Rond Tuesday November 5th, 2002 11:25:37 AM
Coming out of the carriage and joining Renik in the stretching routine, Rond looks wistfully at the inn. "I wouldn't mind to stop, but I'm not sure I really have the funds."
Feng Tuesday November 5th, 2002 6:09:58 PM
"Don't worry about it Rond. I have enough to cover your meal and bed. It would be a good idea to rest while we can. We don't know what lies instore for us back at the Hamlet." Feng says from horseback.
Draax Tuesday November 5th, 2002 10:15:19 PM
Draax gets off his horse and joins the others in their stretching routine. His mouth waters at Renik's suggestion of a roast for supper. "The inn has my vote and I definitely vote for that roast."
He begins to walk his horse toward the inn and will see his horse settled in and feed before going into the inn.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday November 6th, 2002 2:42:55 AM
"Belle's Inn!" exults Bill. "Looks like a good place to rest our buns," he says after riding a good part of the day. After he dismounts, he looks up and says, "Thanks, Degg! Thanks, Feng!" Turning to all he says, "Let's find out what all they've got to offer." At some point, he surreptitiously slips Rond 20 gold pieces.
The halfling walks into the inn, looking around, and clapping his hands once in joy.
He orders a big bowl of soup, and a variety of fruits if they have them, today's best bread, and some decent ale to wash it down.
"I realize maybe it wasn't a good example to any kids who might've been watching," Bill, rather contritely, tells his friends as they sit around the table, referring to his leap. "It was kinda fun, though," he allows. "Hope we can help our Windhorn friends. Say, Hobbes, do you have a prayer you can say for them?"
Belle's Inn Wednesday November 6th, 2002 10:09:37 AM
Belle's Inn is a typical sort of country inn. A lot of the locals seem to be in to have a bit of dinner and conversation. The common room is quite crowded, but the diners don't appear to be too rowdy. You quickly discover that the inn is apparently named after the proprietress, a beautiful human woman in her early 30s. Flipping her long, dark hair over a shoulder she greets the group, "Welcome, friends. Room and board costs one gold each. After that, the hospitality of the house is yours."
The food is excellent even though the fruit is somewhat poor. Belle does manage to scrape up a fair quantity of grapes and some tart apples, but there seems to be little else in this meat and potatoes environment. Still there is good thick meaty stew, roast pork, corn, and potatoes for everyone. The bread is a dark loaf with a crust coated in marmalade, and Belle serves up a brown ale that would do a dwarf proud.
Renik d20+12=24 Wednesday November 6th, 2002 12:51:34 PM
Renik tucks in heartily, winking at Belle and making flirtatious small talk.
"A fine establishment, dear lady, and fine food, but I fear I can appreciate neither fully; your radiance blinds me!" (Bluff (Flirt) 24). He continues in this vein for some time, his mood content, though he will back off should it turn out that Belle has a partner.
Draax Wednesday November 6th, 2002 5:14:56 PM
Draax rolls his eyes and smiles as Renik flirts with Belle. When he is able to get the innkeeper's attention he will order some roast pork, corn, potatoes and a glass of ale.
Rond Wednesday November 6th, 2002 10:02:43 PM
Being able to put aside the worries of the spy game. Rond enjoys the company of his fellow adventurers as they all sit down to meal in the countryside. Rond decides to take a look around to see the health of the area, after the latest round of spy games.
Feng Wednesday November 6th, 2002 10:52:43 PM
Feng takes the time to enjoy his evening. He doesn't mine traveling but a warm in, good food, and fine women to watch make an evening. Not normally one to drink ale, Feng finds Belle's suprisingly satisfying.
A Splendid Evening (DMJK) Thursday November 7th, 2002 10:04:05 AM
Belle flirts with Renik a bit too, but she quite obviously receives the attention of most of the men in the place, so nothing happens beyond some harmless flirting.
The evening was entertainment filled. There was a travelling bard in for the evening that played a mean set of pipes and cited a fine rhyme. He wasn't as good as some of the performers that you've seen in the city, but the crowd here loved him. They sang along with all the songs and cheered at all the appropriate parts in the stories. The aura of mirth was contagious, and you all found yourselves having a good time.
The local residents all seemed to genuinely like each other, and there was no fighting and no signs of potential trouble. During the course of the evening Rond had a chance to interview some of the patrons. He found that most everyone is either a local farmer or merchant, but there were a couple of rangers taking a break from patrolling the Blackheart. In each case, he learned that the past year was a hard one for everyone, but since all that "God stuff" is over and done with, things have been steadily improving. The rangers were especially helpful as they pointed out that the monster population in the forest is steadily returning to its normal levels, which is to say that there are more monsters than during the trial of the gods. Apparently many of the forest's monsters had left and joined the forces of evil, but now they are returning. The rangers seem to think that is an improvement.
The entertainment slowed down a bit earlier than you were all accustomed to. It's harvest time though, and while the farmers like to play at night, they still have work to do early in the morning. And at three hours til midnight the inn was nearly empty. Only those staying the night (your own party, the bard, a grain merchant from Plateau City, and a pair of rangers) remained.
Heading in for the night, you found that the rooms were simple and inexpensively furnished, but they were also clean and well maintained. The next morning, you all awoke to the smells of cooking from downstairs. Belle was already up and at work, though you are quite certain that she went to sleep sometime after your group went up. Places are set for everyone. Bacon, eggs, potato hash, and some fresh biscuits are waiting. The rangers are apparently already gone, but the Plateau City merchant is having breakfast with the bard and a few of the merchants from town that you recognize from last night.
All in all, you find that some people are still able to live in peace and harmony without fear of dragons, demons, monsters... or spies. It's almost enough to make you wish for a different sort of life, but you also know that these people have the rangers to help protect them. Without protectors like yourselves and the rangers, people in towns like this, and Windhorn Hamlet, wouldn't be able to know such peace and contentment.
The road awaits.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday November 7th, 2002 4:35:10 PM
Bill enjoys the hearty breakfast, and stuffs a few fresh biscuits with other ingredients, like bits of bacon, hash browns, eggs, for later snacks on the road.
"So, good mornin', all. Say, Hobbes -- have you figured out a good prayer yet for the folks we're goin' ta help? And while we're talking - mind if I try ridin' along with you for a while?"
If Hobbes lets him ride along, he'll do so for a few hours, then switch back to the carriage.
Feng Thursday November 7th, 2002 7:12:24 PM
After breakfast Feng heads out to brush his horse and make sure he was fed. Degg was a massive horse and ate like one. Once that was done he saddled him and packed up his gear. "I'm all set. We should probably head out soon."
Draax Thursday November 7th, 2002 11:04:41 PM
Draax eats a healthy Portion of the breakfast and then follows Feng's example and sees to the feeding of his horse too. He gets himself and his horse ready for the road and does an inventory of his weapons ensuring that his bow is easily accessible while he is on horseback. He nods his head in agreement with Feng's statement. "Yea, an early start would be best."
Renik Friday November 8th, 2002 4:08:28 AM
Renik awakes feeling physically and mentally refreshed. It has been too long since the group have been able to enjoy the simple joys of life. Filled with a lightness of spirit he goes down to breakfast, then dons his armour and travelling gear.
As he waits for the carriage to depart he draws both short swords and begins to shadow-fence, whirling, leaping and dodging invisible foes, his blades flicking killer blows almost too fast to follow. Once he has built up a good sweat he resheathes the blades, spends ten minutes or so unstringing and restringing his bow, then uses a nearby tree for some target practice.
All the while his mood is cheery, and he can't keep the grin from his face. Ah, but it feels good to be back on the road!
Onward (DMJK) Friday November 8th, 2002 10:48:43 AM
The carriage speeds off at just the right hour. Not so early as to rush anyone, but not so late that you feel like you've wasted much travelling time. You arrive at Baenville within an hour, and you manage to beat most of the line at the lift. Soon everyone's aboard and travelling down. The view of the next plateau is just as spectacular as the last. A grassy plain strecthes out to the edges of the large lake that houses the Floating City, and right on the edge of the horizon you can make out the blue water of Dragon Bay. The site fills some of you with glee because, as you know, Windhorn Hamlet sits at the edge of the bay.
The lift arrives at the bottom in Zidiac. The town is like a fortress to protect access to the lift. It's quite a change from the last lift you were on. You all set off on the road right away, and soon you're passing through Jessage.
By lunchtime, you are at the Lake. Beetlebug seems like a much more active town than you remember it. Before it provided little more than access to the Floating City, but it's grown into a fair sized town of its own. Probably because the rumors are true. The Floating City is gone. The lake is clear blue as far as you can see. Only a few fishing boats mar its surface.
You'd heard the rumors, but seeing is believing. Where could a whole city go?
Bill Troublefinder Saturday November 9th, 2002 5:48:48 PM
"Say, if we have time after Windhorn Hamlet, maybe we can look more closely at where Floating City used to be. How can a whole city just up and move like that? Hey - what do you guys think about going underwater where the city used to be? Might be all sorts of interesting things we could find there. What do you all think about that idea?"
Bill asks Rond if he can ride on his horse with him a little. If Rond says okay, he rides along for an hour or two before returning to the carriage.
Renik Sunday November 10th, 2002 10:59:23 AM
"It's bound to have sunk" opines the rogue, peering out of the carriage window at the till lake. "I mean cities don't fly as a rule."
He thinks about this for a moment, then says "Well, apart from Lankhmar. Anyhow, my bet is that the whole thing sank. Can't say I fancy going to check it out myself though Bill. Down into the cold dark depths of the lake to peer at thousands of decomposing corpses? Brrr!"
He thinks instead of their destination, running a whetstone over his sword and dagger blades. If they go to face an undead foe, their upcoming task will be little better.
Arien Sunday November 10th, 2002 2:25:08 PM
"I would think that if it sunk someone at least would have seen it. Besides that type of thing would make a lot of noise and unless it happened extremely quickly there would likely be survivors who could tell what happened. I think that in this case that the most likely explanation isn't the correct one. Considering the types of powers being thrown around towards the end there, you know which end I mean, that something simply shifted it somewhere else. The Floating City is likely still floating, just somewhere else. Of course its entirely possible that the floating city is right were its always been, just not on this plane. That would foil most divination spells I imagine. Of course divination spells are far from my area of expertise so I couldn't tell you for sure.
Oh and if I remember right the bodies wouldn't be that decomposed. The cold would preserve them, just like a side of beef in an ice box. More than likely though, if they did sink the flesh would have been eaten before the bodies had a chance to decompose. But that's a rather morbid line of thought, so I say we concentrate on solving what exactly is going on in the hamlet. I was only there for a brief time but I was fond of the place while I was there."
Draax Sunday November 10th, 2002 7:38:12 PM
Draax takes in the sights and enjoys the view. "If nothing else is going on after our visit to the Hamlet is over I would not mind going underwater to see what we could find as long as we don't running into anymore of those Sea Devils."
Feng Monday November 11th, 2002 2:13:37 AM
"Somehow I don't think we will have the free time to look for the floating city. Things always seem to pop up."
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