Gaxx (ac 8, hp 41/62) d20+4=8 d20+11=27 Wednesday June 9th, 2004 8:05:04 PM
Once Gaxx can move again, he joins Renik in trying to disable the machine. (Disable Device-27)
ADM Jim Wednesday June 9th, 2004 8:08:40 PM
ooc: I'll get this going again once I get some information :)
Sarigar (AC19, 75HP), Black Paws (AC17, 32HP) Thursday June 10th, 2004 12:11:17 AM
Not really knowing what just happened to him, Sarigar just stands there, dazed and confused.
ADM Jim Saturday June 12th, 2004 9:24:11 AM
Despite the best efforts of all, nothing you do seems to have any effect on the machine. The cloud still remains as well.
When the coin is tried, there is still no response.
(anyone passing through the red cloud must make 5 will checks DC 27) (Tratain, make a will check DC 25 to avoid falling asleep when you pass through the statue room to retrieve Setanos' body)
Tratain d20+14=26 d20+14=31 Saturday June 12th, 2004 7:40:08 PM
Tratain makes his way to Setanos and brings his friend's body back to the room with the machine in it. (made saves for traveling between the statue room twice)
Tratain says "I think Arien should teleport to the War cathedral with Setanos's body and have them prepare for the rest of us. Those of us who stay here should attempt to disable the machine and maybe make sure this place is clear."
Renik d20+6=23 d20+9=21 d20+9=12 d20+8=18 Sunday June 13th, 2004 5:27:01 AM
"No, I'd rather we stuck together for now. The machine still needs to be disabled, and we have at least one enemy still alive who could be in the vicinity, We may need Arien here before this is over. I think we need to take care of business before we call on the War Cathedral. To that end we need to work out how to take this machine down."
"Gaxx, you seem to know your way around machinery. Keep trying to disable the device." The rogue also continues to hunt for a sensitive component to remove which might disrupt the functioning of the device (Disable Device 23).
Assuming this fails he hunts through the cavern for anything that might give a clue to how the machine might be powered. He looks behind the machine and around the cavern walls for any hidden tunnels (Search 21). Then he moves to the table in the corner of the cavern where he first entered and examines the papers he saw scattered around the desk. He hopes to find some clue as to how to shut the machine down (Search 12, Decipher Script 18). If there is anything on the parchments he cannot understand he passes them to Arien to see if the mage can make anything out.
As he works he ponders the ralationship between the machine, the rune covered base, and the shattered statue. Clearly the three worked in tandem to leech the life essence of the Sons' victims. "I guess the statue was the recepticle for the life essence, the place it was stored. The rune-covered base is the gatherer, which does the actual leeching, which is in turn a sort of remote component of the larger device, seperated by some distance from the main machine simply to protect the operator from its effects. I'm not sure how much that helps us, though. The bottom line is that our mage friend had some method for switching this thing on. We need to find that in order to switch it off. Then we can start to think about dismantling the construction. Arien, perhaps you could even teleport chunks of it back to the War Cathedral where they might destroy it properly."
To those outside the red mist he calls; "We are in a tactically dangerous position with our forces split like this. We still need to get rid of these accursed red clouds. Those of us in here will need to get back out somehow. I don't fancy trying that rock walking trick again in a hurry. If anyone can think of a way of dispersing them shout out. Failing that we need to secure the perimiter. Someone take guard over the tunnel entrance."
Draax Monday June 14th, 2004 8:53:59 PM
Not willing to risk chancing the cloud, Draax feels a little useless. He decides to go and guard the tunnel entrance to keep his mind from thinking about what he cannot do.
ADM Jim Monday June 14th, 2004 11:41:56 PM
Tratain has no trouble fetching Setanos's body.
Gaxx continues to try and figure out a way to disable the machine but so far he has had no luck.
Suddenly, Renik, Draax, Tratain, Arien and Feng hear a voice whispering in their head. After a moment, they recognise the voice as belonging to Kiriana, a Cleric of Domi in Plateau City. "Greetings. What is your status? Have you stopped the machine?"
Disabling the Machine - DM Marcin Tuesday June 15th, 2004 6:45:14 AM
The Communication Coin remains dead silent. Gods only know what that might mean.
The heroes, separated by the deep, red mists, stand unsure of what else can be done. Arien, who dared to enter the vapors, finds out that the Fixer was not taking any chances - there are, in fact, five Mind Fog spells hanging there in the same place! When one passes through them it feels almost as if one was leaving part of his mind behind.
The Hamleters stand angered and frustrated. There are no more enemies to fight, and the Machine continues humming, seemingly impervious to physical blows and magic attacks.
Finally, after several minutes have passed and it becomes obvious that their foe is not coming back any time soon, the heroes busy themselves with other activities.
Tratain goes off to fetch the body of Setanos. On his way through the room with the shards of the statue he finds that both the rune of sleep and the draining effect are still active. It is a good thing indeed that he manages to overcome the sleep magic both on the way down and on his way back or he might have met a quiet death at the hands of the evil artifact. A few moment after departing the cleric is back, the body of Setanos slung over his shoulder.
The Machine chamber is thoroughly examined for secret doors, hidden passageways, illusions, and such. None are found. This seems to be indeed the heart of the School and the very end of the upper level.
Then it is time to deal with the devourer of the souls itself. Renik, Tratain, Gaxx, and Arien set to work looking for moveable parts, control panels, levers, or any other means of controlling the thing. At first glance the Machine seems to be a self-contained whole, just like a masterwork gnome clock. It is only after examining the pages scattered around on the floor that some clues are revealed.
The creator of the machine has been taking notes in black ink with shaky, spidery letters. He didn't bother to write up a complete user's manual, but his remarks on how the machine has been calibrated gives the heroes a vague idea on how it might be uncalibrated. After hanging on a big cogwheel with all their weight for some time the heroes finally manage to achieve some results. The Machine starts to vibrate - slowly at first, then quicker and quicker, until finally it starts to shake violently. The hiss of escaping steam turns into loud whistling, and finally, with a long sigh, the device shuts down. Several smaller cogwheels continue to spin for a while until everything comes to a complete stop.
The Machine is off.
After about half of an hour has passed the red mists disperse. It is now safe to approach the artifact for everyone.
[If you have an Intelligence of 12 or more and make a DC20 Intelligence check you can read the first paragraph. If you also make a Spellcraft check DC27 please read the second paragraph, too.] Highlight to display spoiler: {A slight distortion of light can be noticed right in the air in the cavern with the underground lake. A scrying sensor!} Highlight to display spoiler: {The spell being used here is Scrying.}
A whisper arrives in heroes' heads even though the coin remains inactive. The Hamleters recognize the voice of Kiriana. There is lots of urgency and emotion in her words:
"Greetings. What is your status? Have you stopped the machine?"
[If you make a Spellcraft check DC20 read the passage below:] Highlight to display spoiler: {The whisper seems to be transmitted through a Message spell.}
[I would like to apologize to everyone for how things fell apart during my absence. I will do my best not to let that happen again.] [Regarding the use of a hero point to reroll the whole batch of d6's: I will ask on the DM board and let you know what is the official interpretation so that we know in the future.] [No map.][1:23]
Renik d20+2=6 Tuesday June 15th, 2004 8:44:25 AM
Renik, exhausted by the lengthy battles and struggles to shut the machine down, takes a moment to close his eyes and let the tension flow from him (Int 6).
His reverie is interrupted by Kiriana's anxious voice. "Is that you, milady? Why do you not speak to us through our usual communication device? You'll forgive me if I ask you to prove your identity before we proceed. Can you tell me what we were to discuss upon our return, and where we were to discuss it?"
Feng Tuesday June 15th, 2004 6:19:58 PM
He finally approaches the machine when the red mist vanishes. For a long while he thought it would never leave. The machine might be off but it could be repaiired.
"The machine may be off but how do we make sure that it never works again? Surely whoever built it can easily fix what was just ruined?"
Gaxx quickly looks around. "Ooooooo somebody scry-spy on us!" He turns to look at Renik, who is talking to the voice the voice in Gaxx's head. While he listens to Renik talk to Gaxx's head voice, Gaxx absent mindedly tries to work one of the pretty cogs free of the machine.
Draax d20+1=12 Tuesday June 15th, 2004 9:27:25 PM
When he hears that the machine has stopped, Draax turns his attention away for the tunnel and looks at the machine. Noticing that the cloud has disappeared he begins to move toward the others, but continues to keep an eye on the tunnel entrance.
When he hears Kiriana voice, Draax starts to answer her until he hears Renik's challenge. His nods his head in agreement reminding himself that it is always better to be cautious.
Arien (Extended Mage Armor) AC 21, 38/41 hp d20+6=21 d20+18=35 d20+18=34 Wednesday June 16th, 2004 3:39:24 AM
Arien looks at their handy work at stopping the machine and knows it is still not enough. The Fixer had escaped and he knew how to make another, the peices of this machine were still mostly intact and someone could likely piece it back together. It was clear to Arien what had to be done. They had to destroy this machine completely and then hunt down the Fixer before he had another chance to start another stronghold like this one. When Arien notices the scrying spell and the voice Arien becomes suspicious, remembering that someone had scryed on them almost all the way to the stronghold and was possibly scrying on them now made him wonder if even the Fixer was a pawn for some more powerful mage. Arien listens to Renik and waits for the voice to respond before even considering answering.
Sarigar (AC19, 75HP), Black Paws (AC17, 32HP) Wednesday June 16th, 2004 9:52:02 AM
Fearful of the red mist, Sarigar and Black Paws take up a guard position in the tunnel.
Once the mist subsides, they continue guarding, but move closer to the group and the dreadful machine.
A voice from far away - DM Marcin Wednesday June 16th, 2004 3:49:10 PM
The female voice continues to whisper:
"What were we to discuss?... Your future employment, that is what you are referring to, right? And, if memory serves me, mister D'Acour, you expressed interest in the barmaids of the Plateau City?"
The voice remains deadly serious. There is a short pause.
"There has been a series of massive dragon raids all over the country. A very strong attack has been centered on the Plateau City. The casualties are staggering. The man I entrusted with the coin at that time has perished. The coin is missing. The city is in chaos."
"What is it you have just said about the Machine? Have you found it? Is it disabled? Who are these two people? What happened to Setanos? And where is Rond? What is your status? Is it safe to teleport in?"
Gaxx plays with the cogwheels of the machine and gets a mild electric shock as a blue spark jumps to his finger. The cogwheel still sits firmly in its socket.
A gentle draft brings in the smell of rot.
[No map.][1:24]
Tratain Wednesday June 16th, 2004 4:36:52 PM
Tratain listens to the conversation between Renik and Kiriana, content to let Renik settle the matter of finding out if it truly is the priestess sending the group the message. Tratain is surprised though at the mention of the Dragon attack.
He says to the others "Why would the Dragons attack the City and the country in general? and aren't the sentinals supposed to keep them out? I don't know much about them but I didn't think the dragons could bypass them to attack anyone."
Draax Wednesday June 16th, 2004 8:25:05 PM
Draax lets Renik or one of the others answer the priestess' questions while he ponders the news that she brings them. "The sentinels were stolen before I guess someone could destroy or steal them again." He hopes she can give them more detailed information when she gets here. He stays on his guard, scanning the area in case the enemy decides to reappear.
Arien (Extended Mage Armor) AC 21, 38/41 hp Wednesday June 16th, 2004 10:08:50 PM
Arien sneezes lightly as the smell of rot drifts over to where he is standing and out of irritation speaks before Renik. "Its as safe now as its going to be. We've disabled the machine for now but more permanent measures will need to be taken. As for the current state of our group it may be best for you to simply teleport in, then we you can see the situation for yourself and explain what has been going on out there while we've been out here."
Renik Thursday June 17th, 2004 3:39:54 AM
"Aye, it would probably be for the best if you came in person. However you should be aware that we are being scryed upon." He turns to his companions. "Is there anything we can do to block that scrying spell?"
Sarigar (AC19, 75HP), Black Paws (AC17, 32HP) Thursday June 17th, 2004 12:31:47 PM
Sarigar begins looking frantically about, looking for the voice he's hearing. He thumps the sides of his head lightly as if trying to shake some cobwebs loose. He even goes so far as to wiggle his fingers in his ears trying to clear them.
Ack! I'm hearing voices now!
He looks about some more then looks confusedly at Renik. What is...scry-ying?
Kiriana arrives - DM Marcin Thursday June 17th, 2004 1:13:56 PM
There is a <pop> and the familiar figure of the Cleric of Domi materializes right in the middle of the group. Kiriana's face looks very tired. Her shoulders are sagged. She looks as if recently she has been through a lot. She looks around, approaches Setanos and kneels. After a brief examination she stands up and shakes her head. "How did this happen?..."
"The scrying spell has been cast by me. It was the only way of contacting you I could think of. I would do that sooner but recently all of our resources have been devoted to healing."
"I have no idea how an attack on such a scale could have happened without a warning. It is as puzzling to me as it is to you. Frankly, right now we are still picking up pieces and doing damage assessment. The organization has been hit pretty badly. Several teams have been cut off when the coin went missing. I will not say more while we are in this place."
Her gaze drifts to the machine. She looks at it for a moment as if trying to figure out its workings.
"So, you got the machine. What about Lemmar and the library? Tell me what is the situation. And who are these two?" - she asks, glancing at Gaxx and Sarigar.
[No map.][1:25]
Renik Thursday June 17th, 2004 6:08:02 PM
"It would seem things have been hard on both of us" says the rogue gently, his face still wan and drawn from the tender ministrations of the dread machine.
He looks down at Setanos, and emotion tugs at his voice as he continues "He fell as he lived, doing Domi's work. Courageous to the last. He went before his time, victim to the evil spellcasters that infest this place."
Tearing his gaze away from Setanos' blackened and charred body he looks instead at the cleric. "Lemmar escaped us. We hurt him badly, but he was able to use his magics to evade us. As for the Library, we have yet to search the majority of this place. We have not come across it in our explorations thus far. That said I think we have flushed out most of the scum that made this place their own. It is just a shame that the only one to escape us was Lemmar himself."
He tries to raise his mood by introducing the newcomers. "These fine fellows have been invaluable in assisting us. This is Sarigar, a man of the wild, and his companion Blackpaws, and this is Gaxx, a dwarven follower of Wardd. I would ask that you extend to them the same courtesy you would grant the rest of us."
Feng Thursday June 17th, 2004 7:25:45 PM
Feng approaches Kiriana and Renik. He's exhausted as they all are but there was work to be done. There always was.
"I'm glad you are here lady Kiriana. Perhaps a fresh set of eyes can help us with this problem. The machine is disabled but it can be fixed. Which is our dilema."
Draax Thursday June 17th, 2004 10:13:00 PM
Draax cannot stop himself from smiling at Sarigar's remark. He stays alert while listening to the others talk, but is very concerned about the state of affairs in Plateau City. He hopes that Kiriana can think of a way to permanently disable the machine or at least move it from this place.
Draax begins to think that his life is going in circles because he seems to alway be dealing with a soul draining machine or dragons. As he waits to hear any suggestions the priestess might have about the machine he says out loud what he is thinking so the others can hear. "I wonder if the dragons are disguising themselves as humanoids again. They surprised us the last time they walked among us, but at least then they were fighting with themselves."
He goes back to standing guard while silently pondering the information that Kiriana brought them.
Tratain Thursday June 17th, 2004 11:23:37 PM
Tratain says "The Battles here have been difficult. Is there any way you can help us to revive Setanos? Also like the others said, the machine is only turned off, we need to find a way to disable it permanently or move it out of here. We also need to conclude our search of this place."
Gaxx Friday June 18th, 2004 7:12:07 AM
Gaxx sucks on the ends of his burnt fingers and gives the cog a good swift kick for sparking at him. A soft pop causes him to look around in surprise then blink in confusion as a woman appears out of nowhere. Since noone else seems upset at her appearance, and she sounds just like the pleasant voice in his head, Gaxx begins to climb down off the machine. When the woman inquires about him, Gaxx puffs out his chest and stands as all as he can. "Me Gaxx Ogre Slayer!"
Sarigar (AC19, 75HP), Black Paws (AC17, 32HP) Friday June 18th, 2004 12:01:23 PM
Sarigar backs a little ways away from everyone else then crouches to all fours and watches them.
Kiriana sketches out a plan - DM Marcin Friday June 18th, 2004 2:25:35 PM
The cleric of Domi takes a long, deep look into the eyes of Gaxx and Sarigar. Then she nods. "I am Kiriana, a servant of Domi. It is an honor to meet you, brave ones. On behalf of the Plateau City I thank you for your help in the battles that took place in this accursed place."
"Do not feel bad about the escape of Lemmar. I know that it is extremely difficult to corner a mage who has access to travel magic."
"You say you want to bring Setanos back? This might be dangerous..." Kiriana examines the fallen hero once again.
"Well, in this case every minute is dear. Gargul only knows how far his soul has already wandered into the realms of the dead."
"On the other hand, we can't just leave the Machine sitting here. Good grief. Let me think."
Kiriana crouches down, closes her eyes, and starts to rub her forehead. This lasts for about three minutes.
"All right. Here is the plan. I'll go back to the temple now and return as soon as possible - in about an hour I think. I will bring along another group of our operatives. These will be folk of skill lesser than yours, but since you have already disposed of most of the foes they should do. I will tell them to bring along a Horn of Blasting and seal up the Machine under tons of rock. They will explore the rest of the dungeon and do a mop-up operation. Then we just keep watch here until we have more time to think about how to dispose of this device more properly."
"Meanwhile, you will be needed at the temple. It is better when friends and companions of the fallen one are present and can petition Gargul personally on his behalf. As for your new friends" she looks at Gaxx and Sarigar "I would like to invite you to come with us. Would you accept the hospitality of the Plateau City?"
"There is, um, one problem. With so many recent deaths in our ranks we have run out of material components for spells that bring back the dead. I will need to send someone to buy the appropriate amount of diamonds from city jewelers. I will cast the spell for free, but I'm afraid you will have to pay for the gems. I can use Raise Dead, which requires 5000 gp in diamonds, or True Ressurrection, which requires 25000 gp."
"How does that sound? Are we agreed? And what is your choice of spell?"
Tratain Saturday June 19th, 2004 11:07:44 PM
Tratain says "We will have Setanos True Ressurrected. Do you have mages available to Identify some Items for us? We already have the pearls, we just need someone to cast the spells for us. If none are available on short notice I will sell My Warhammer and Cloak to pay for the components for the spell."
Renik Sunday June 20th, 2004 6:07:27 AM
When Kiriana tells them there may still be time to plead for the soul of their fallen companion before Gargul it feels like a lead weight has been lifted from his heart. Setanos may yet live!
The rogue nods in agreement with Tratain. "Aye, if we are to do this thing let it be done properly. I have an adamantine dagger and this rod we took from the spellcaster back there. I'm sure they should fetch a pretty sum. I also have some cash if needs be. Keep your cloak and hammer, Tratain, I'm sure we can gather the required funds by using the items we have found in this place.
What say the rest of you?"
Sarigar (AC19, 75HP), Black Paws (AC17, 32HP) Sunday June 20th, 2004 12:27:02 PM
When Kiriana turns to ask if he would come to Plateau City, Sarigar timidly nods, not too fond of cities, particularly large ones.
As for the question about ressurection of Setanos, Sarigar can do nothing but look confused. He's never heard this word, let alone seen such a thing done.
Draax Sunday June 20th, 2004 8:24:05 PM
When asked about reviving Setanos, Draax says, "If he can be brought back the only option is to do it. I agree with Renik's assessment about raising the money. Lets see what we can get for the items we found and then donate whatever else is needed."
Arien Monday June 21st, 2004 4:07:24 AM
"Aye, I'm sure that we might raise the required funds for the ressurection from our fallen enemies' belongings. Only fitting that those whom took his life will be key in bringing it back."
Feng Monday June 21st, 2004 6:38:24 AM
"It is only fitting that they pay for his ressurection. Whatever that doesn't cover we will find a way to pay."
Bringing back Setanos - DM Marcin Monday June 21st, 2004 11:36:26 AM
Kiriana listens carefully to what the party has to say.
"I don't know if any of our mages has an Identify spell standing by, but you needn't worry about that right now. This is an emergency and we won't be bothered with petty coin counting. If the local jewellers wish to remain in good standing with us they will agree to be paid with a delay of a few days. I agree to your proposal that any treasure found in the Academy should go to this purpose. Of course, any items belonging to the Catacombs will be returned to them first. Today, we raise Setanos. We can do the accountancy tomorrow; we'll see then if you owe something to the Temple's treasury or if there is anything left over for you to keep."
As Kiriana says that her cheeks suddenly flush with red.
"I am genuinely embarassed that in such circumstances I have to act as if I served Ffloy, not Domi. Alas, the decisions on how to spend Temple's money are not entirely mine to make. There were lots of worthy folk who have perished in the dragon raid. We have spent almost all of our resources on healing and, occasionally, raising. As the True Ressurrection spell is beyond me or any other cleric currently at our temple we will have to use a scroll I have stashed up. The diamonds you are paying for will actually be used to help other people."
"Are we all set then? Guard the Machine! Do not let it fall into enemy's hands! I will take the body of Setanos with me and have the preparations started. Expect me in an hour!"
Kiriana intones a short prayer to Domi. Like a wraith, the cleric phases out, taking the slain hero with her.
An hour passes by. A long, dreadful hour that seems to draw into an eternity. Without Sun it is hard to measure the passage of time. The Hamleters are left standing among the dancing shadows, facing on one side the ink blackness of the underground lake, and on the other the hellish device. Somehow the Machine seems to be even more intimidating now that it rests still. One gets a feeling as if one was looking through a window into the dark Oblivion. And, when you gaze long enough into the void, the void gazes back.
The hour seems to draw even longer than your DM's descriptions.
Finally, with the characteristic <pop>, a small crowd of people arrives in the cavern. There is Kiriana as well as six other figures. Five of them, wearing dark cloaks with hoods drawn on their heads, arrive with weapons and wands drawn, but a few seconds later stand down. The sixth, a young blonde half-elf, stands out from the crowd. Dressed in a colorful, even flamboyant way, he is carrying a virtual arsenal of weapons. There are about eight swords of different kinds and sizes all around his person, as well as a multitude of daggers and what looks like an overgrown pitchfork. He is wearing a ring on every one of his fingers. He arrives with two daggers in each hand, strikes a pose, pushing out his well shaped chin with nicely trimmed goatee, and says: "Fear not, m'lady, the spawn of this hellhole shall trouble you no more!"
One of the cloaked figures removes her hood, revealing a face of a rather plain looking woman, and rises her eyes. "Look brother, for the last time: you are NOT Valdor, you do not LOOK like Valdor, and you do not have his charm, so cut the act and let's get to work."
Kiriana interrupts. "No time for introductions. Sharri, you have been briefed. I'm leaving this place in your competent hands. Come friends, your turn to let the magic carry you to the city."
The cleric motions for the heroes to gather round. Then, when everyone has formed a circle, she carefully unrolls a scroll and invokes its power.
The Wold goes dizzy and hazy. It is as if a white cloud of fog suddenly descended into the dungeon.
The vision clears.
The party is standing in the main hall of the Plateau City's Temple to Domi. The place is empty. Lots of books, pages of parchment, and other items are scattered on the floor. The main door has been unhinged. Stained glass is gone from several windows. It is only through these signs that one can try to imagine what has been going on in these otherwise somber halls only a short time ago. Looking out of the window one sees pillars of black smoke rising over the panorama of the ravaged city like fingers of some demonic hand.
The body of Setanos, clad in snow white robe, rests in the middle of the main altar. A small group of lesser clerics is gathered around him. Two of them hold burning incense.
Kiriana does not waste any more time.
"Stand around and be still."
One of the silent men hands her a wooden tube. She breaks the seal and takes out an ancient looking scroll.
There is a moment of silence as the cleric studies the writting with a look of utmost concentration on her face. Finally she waves her hand. The group of her lesser brothers intones a tune without words. Low, sad humming fills the temple.
Kiriana starts to speak, carefully pronouncing every syllable, every word. With each sentence the hum of the clerics picks up speed, until her recitation turns into singing. Somehow, though the words are incomprehensible, their meaning is clear.
These mist covered mountains are not yet for him For his home is empty and their hour is grim Some day he will return to them, their valleys and their farms And they'll no longer long for their brother in arms! Through the fields of destruction, baptisms of fire They've witnessed his suffering as the battle raged higher And though others did hurt him in the fear and alarm They shall not desert him! His brothers in arms!
Black void opens in the center of the altar. A ribbon of thin, silver road leads into the unknown. Setanos's body is suddenly lit from the inside with a strange white light and starts to drift into the blackness.
"Let those who dare to face Gargul and plead for the soul of Setanos step into his court!"
Tratain Monday June 21st, 2004 12:01:43 PM
Tratain nods his thanks to Kiriana and the other clerics and follows his fallen friend's body into the black void to Gargul's court.
Draax Monday June 21st, 2004 8:43:05 PM
Draax stands around Setanos body and bows his head ready to pray to Gargul for his comrade's soul. He does not really understand the significance of the black void until Kiriana's words finally register to him.
Watching Setanos' body and then Tratain go into the void, Draax realizes that he will have to actually talk directly to another god. The last time he had a talk with a god all hell broke loose. When they talked about bringing his friend back he thought that all they would have to do is say some kind words about him and poof he was alive again.
For some reason getting ready to step into the realm of the gods brings back a familiarity, but he cannot grasp why it feels like he has done this before.
He takes a look at Kirana, nods his head in thanks, and steps into the void.
Gaxx Monday June 21st, 2004 10:22:21 PM
Gaxx does as he is instructed. With a little effort, he manages to pull himself up onto the alter and proudly step into the black hole.
Renik Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 2:33:18 AM
It is with growing trepidation that the rogue follows the instructions of the priestess of Domi. By the time of the ritual he is a bundle of nerves, and when the portal opens up into the lands of the dead he just wants to turn and run. "Just remember, you do this for Setanos" he mutters to himself, but he is able to do little to calm his fears. He goes to face a God! A God!
He wishes fervently they had had time to stop off at a tavern before they got into this.
Arien Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 3:13:56 AM
Arien smirks a moment when the priestess tells them to enter the void. Nothing was ever simple where it could be helped where the gods were concerned Arien had noticed; and it seemed that this would be no exception. Arien casts a final look at Setanos' body and says, "See you soon Setanos." Then Arien steps into the void.
Feng Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 5:05:40 AM
The half-orc walks into the darkness without hesitation. He serves all the good gods of the wold, Gargul included. Perhaps this means nothing to a god but Feng shall soon find out.
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 6:18:09 PM
Upon arrival in the temple, Sarigar drops to his knees and almost heaves the contents of his stomach onto the floor. Once he regains his composure, he joins the others in gathering around Setanos for the ritual. All the while, his nose crinkled from the unfamiliar smells in the area.
As the void opens, he hesitantly pokes at it a few times, then dips his hand into it, then finally, reluctantly, enters it himself.
Departing to meet a god - DM Marcin Thursday June 24th, 2004 9:56:36 AM
One by one, the Hamleters step on the narrow patch leaving the familiar surroundings of the temple. Everything is quiet and still in this strange, dark world. A feeling of solemnity hangs in the air.
[E-mailed Jerry about the delay.]
The Land of Rest [DM Jerry] Thursday June 24th, 2004 12:12:00 PM
[sorry for the delay.]
Darkness. A sense of falling and being turned inside out. A passing or stopping of time.
Then a fresh smell. Flowers. Trees. Fresh air. And finally light.
A field. Glorious green grass, flowers, and trees. So real! Taking a step you feel the "blades of grass" stab your toes. Then you take in a glorious breath of the fresh air and the pain fades.
It is if the Wold you live in is but a pale shadow of the reality of the Lands of Rest. A temple, roofed like an old park bandstand is nearby. The black quarter-sphere roof makes the area within dark.
A young imp approaches. "Come with me. You will see."
He moves off towards the temple.
"Coming master. Coming faster!"
Tratain Thursday June 24th, 2004 1:26:43 PM
Tratain follows the imp towards the temple taking in the sites of Gargul's realm. Tree's and Flowers were not what he expected in the lands of rest.
Feng Thursday June 24th, 2004 7:05:02 PM
Feng takes a moment to smell the flowers. This is an incredible moment, one that he shall remember forever. Feng sees the imp depart and hurries to follow before he loses the trail.
Draax Thursday June 24th, 2004 9:07:21 PM
After stepping through the void Draax takes a look at his surroundings. He is very surprised at what he sees and wonders if what he sees and smells is real or some type of trick. As he follows the imp he realizes that it makes no difference if this is real or their imagination, the only thing that matters is petitioning for Setanos' life.
Gaxx Friday June 25th, 2004 1:17:50 AM
Gaxx looks around, his curiousity peaked by what he sees. He becomes alarmed for a moment when an imp appears but apparently the imp is supposed to be here and wants him to follow. No one else seems surprised to see an imp so Gaxx follows along after the others.
Arien Friday June 25th, 2004 3:55:38 AM
Arien takes only a brief moment to take a look around before hurrying off after the imp. They had a mission to acomplish here and the sooner the better as far as Arien was concerned.
Renik Friday June 25th, 2004 4:02:40 AM
Renik somehow finds the overbright, hyper-real surroundings even more disconcerting than the bottomless darkness. This isn't natural. It's too intense, too sharp, and it disturbs the rogue greatly. His sense of foreboding at facing the God of Life and Death continues to grow, but his desire to see Setanos restored to them forces him on.
He follows the imp, jaw set.
Facing Death [DM Jerry] Friday June 25th, 2004 11:03:12 AM
The Imp skips ahead until they near the temple. He then stops, straightens his shirt, and walks with a dignified step into the shadows within.
As you follow inside, the air takes on a majestic sense. Important. Inside it still looks like the inside of a clam shell opened, but all is dark. Many doors are in the walls of the "shell" and at the rear of the place is a great throne.
Before it stands a god. Nuff said. He is huge, and somehow, the magic of the Lands of Rest let you stand in his presence without running.
The God of Life and Death is dressed in black leathers as if for travel. His face is etched with time and experience. Gargul's mouth looks as if it couldn't smile if it had to. His eyes peer through the body to the soul and you realize all your deepest secrets and thoughts are revealed to him.
The imp bows before him and steps aside.
The god speaks.
"STATE YOUR PLEA, HEROES OF WINDHORN!"
Sarigar and Black Paws Friday June 25th, 2004 12:57:05 PM
Sarigar and Black Paws roll around on the grass for a few moments. Even after the brief time they were in the temple, they were happy to be rid of the city smells and sites. Once the imp arrives to guide them, they follow, almost playing tag with each other until they see...him.
Neither completely enters the veranda, standing just on the very fringe. Despite the Land's influence, the feeling of dread and foreboding they get from Gargul makes them both sullen and on guard.
Sarigar makes it a point not to look directly at Gargul as every fiber of his being tenses.
Feng Friday June 25th, 2004 7:33:24 PM
Feng steps forward and drops to a knee before Gargul. He served Gargul as much as he served the other gods of the wold.
"We wish for our friend to be restored to life. He fell in battle trying to prevent evil from doing it's work." Feng says as politely as he can. It would be insulting to think that Gargul didn't know everything about their situation already.
Renik Saturday June 26th, 2004 8:12:51 AM
Following the big half-orc's lead Renik drops to his knees before the living God Gargul. Unlike his companion, however, Renik seems incapable of untangling his tongue or attaining any level of composure. His eyes are wide open in a mixture of terror and awe, his mouth is dry, and his stomach feels like it's trying to escape his body through the soles of his boots. The normaly eloquent rogue is stuck dumb in the presence of divinity.
Though he he says nothing, his mind is racing, his head filled with competing thoughts.
This is a God! A real God! And not just any God, the God of all Life and Death! The One All Must Meet! What if he overheard that "By Gargul's Goattee" crack you made? Aargh! Shut up! He can hear your thoughts you idiot! He's probably listening in right now! Um, hello Mr Gargul. Sir. Mr Gargul Sir?!? What kind of way is that to address the Lord of all the Lands of Death?! You poltroon!Just. Shut. Up. Um hello, we come to plead for the return of the soul of our companion, the brave and valiant Setanos Feng already told him that, stupid!I know, I know, just shut up and let me think who fell battling evil. I know a great many souls must come to you in this way, but I believe Setanos fell before his time. He had great works to do in the service of Domi Fool! Why mention Domi? What if Gargul and Domi don't get along? What if Gargul hates Domi's guts and you've just doomed Setanos to an eternity of suffering?Shut up! You're blaspheming you moron! You can't think stuff like that in the presence of a God! At this rate you'll be the one doing the eternal suffering! and we'd like him back to complete them. Please. Um, sir. That was SO lame!I won't tell you again: SHUT. UP. Good grief, I hope he is listening after all that. No wait, I hope he isn't. Or do I? Yes.No. Aaaarrgh!
The rogues mouth works soundlessly as his mind ties itself up in knots.
Tratain Saturday June 26th, 2004 10:31:01 AM
After Renik, Tratain steps forward, bows to Gargul and begins speaking, a Little Nervously at first but more confident at the end.
"Lord Gargul, we come before you to ask the return of our fallen sword brother Setanos, who fell in battle doing Domi's work. He died so that others would live, we ask that you return him to us. It is a time of strife and there is still much work for all of us to do together."
Arien Saturday June 26th, 2004 4:15:04 PM
Arien thinks about his words a moment before speaking up himself. "The machinations of the Dark Lord, you know of whom I speak, threatens all the souls of the Wold. He would have his servants construct more of these soul draining machines to increase his own power. Those souls trapped in the machines may never have the chance to come before yourself. We desire nothing more than to destroy these machines but we are crippled without our friend. We are like a body without an arm, a machine missing a key cog. I beg of you to return our friend to the realms of the living so that we might destroy the corrupted priest of Alemi and the knowledge of the machines with him." Arien bows deeply as he finishes and steps back to allow others to speak.
Gaxx Sunday June 27th, 2004 8:59:15 AM
Gaxx waddles forward next. He starts to bow like the others did but over balances and falls on his face. He immediately bounces back up, grinning until he sees Gargul again. The smiles slowly fades from his face when Gagul doesn't smile back. Growing a little nervous now, Gaxx takes his amber holy symbol in hand and shuffles from one foot to the other as he tries to remember why he's here.
"Oh yea! Say, Mister Gargul, Gaxx come here cause Mister Setanos, well, he be just about da unluckiest fellow Gaxx ever do meet. Yes Sir, he certainly unlucky cause he ruuuuun forward an stop right where dere be dese two fireballs, big ugly flamy fireballs at dat, he stop right where dey land and den dere be dese lightin' bolts, tree or four o'dem dat shot right where dat ole unlucky Mister Setanos be standin'. Now I dunno bout you, but if ole Gaxx here be standin where a couple o fireballs and a bunch o lightin' bolts all hit, well, I do believe dat I would be dead too. Only, Mister Setanos, he not supposed to be dead, nosiree, he just be unlucky. So iffin you could see it in yo heart to be sendin him back wit us, I's promise to teach Mister Setanos how to be much mo lucky, cause Mister Setanos, he not supposed to be here yet." Gaxx seems to finally run out of words.
Draax Sunday June 27th, 2004 4:00:13 PM
Draax feels nervous in the presence of the god and wonders what he should say, but he feels much more at ease as he watches Gaxx's antics. Looking up at Gargul Draax realizes that the god probably already knows what they are going to say. While listening to the others Draax decides to say what he feels because he thinks the god already knows it. He performs the most formal and respectful bow he know before he begins to speak.
"Like my friends I am also here to ask that our friend and comrade Setanos is brought back to life. I believe that he still has much to accomplish in life. I will not pretend that I know anything about life and death or who should deserve to live or die, but Setanos' life being taken away from him at this time just does not feel right with me. This is not something that I know, but it is something that I feel in my heart."
Draax begins to say more, but then realizes that anything else he says will not make a difference. Either what he said here will influence the god's decision or it will not.
He performs the bow again. "I add my plea along side the others for our friend and comrade Setanos' return."
Gargul (DMJK filling in) Friday July 2nd, 2004 12:05:59 AM
Gargul looks at each of the party members with a soul-searching gaze when they speak. Then he plays with his goatee for a moment, "He fell in battle doing Domi's work? Why wasn't he out doing my work?"
Renik Friday July 2nd, 2004 4:26:51 AM
Unlikely as it may seem, Renik's face manages to turn an even whiter shade of pale than before. Beads of sweat stand out on his forehead, and a barely perceptible moan escapes his lips as the God speaks. In his mind's eye he sees himself cast screaming into a pit of eternal damnation, closely followed by a very angry looking Setanos who for some reason is wielding a large and weighty-looking cane.
"You moron!" cries the plummeting Setanos, "He was going to let me go! See what your insufferable foolishness has wrought!" And as they tumble endlessly down into the darkness Setanos sets about Renik with the cane.
THWACK!
THWACK!
Thwack
thwack........
The rogue blinks furiously, trying to clear his head. Get your imagination under control, man! That's what got you into this mess in the first place! Say, did Gargul have that goattee a moment ago?For the love of Flower, not again! QUIET, you numbskull! Mr Gargul sir, I apologise if my thoughts are somewhat... chaotic. Unaccustomed as I am to being in the presence of divinity What is this, an after dinner speech? Where's the port and cigars and comely serving wenches? Mmmm, wenches...Final warning; one more peep out of you and I'll throttle you with your own spinal column!Ooh, touchy... I'm finding it difficult to remain focused. No kidding. I do not know why Setanos chose to serve Domi rather than you. These things only he himself can know. All I can tell you is that Setanos was a good man, a strong man, and that he chose his path and followed it with honour. He deserves a chance to see that path through, not only for himself but for us, his companions, and the innocents his renewed life will surely save. Hallelujah! About time, you dope!Amen.
The rogue looks up, and for the first time meets Gargul's eyes.
Tratain Friday July 2nd, 2004 11:29:22 AM
Tratain looks at Gargul for a moment confused as to why he would think that a devoted follower of one god would be doing the work of another instead of his own.
Tratain considers his words and says "Setanos, like myself chose to follow Domi. I do not know why he chose the path he follows, that is something that only he can tell you. The mage school we attacked was run by the Son's of Dread to train wizards in dark magic and necromancy. We laid many undead to rest and captured thier machine to create more and empower them, but I will not insult you nor dishonor myself by saying that we did this for you. I could say we were doing your work in laying to rest the dead who still walk the wold and capturing that machine, but Setanos and I fight in Domi's name with powers granted to us by him. Even though it could be considered your work we do things for the god we follow. Lastly, if you will pardon my bluntness Lord Gargul, we were not out doing your work because we were not asked."
Sarigar and Black Paws Friday July 2nd, 2004 2:24:51 PM
His discomfort being in this place and especially his proximity to the one the other call Gargul, Sarigar begins gritting his teeth, balling up his fists, and almost begins trembling in frustration.
Body still tense, eyes still focused low, he responds in a growling sort of voice, Don't know why we're here. Setanos died, I howled, it's time to move on. Don't like this place, much less "him." He bobs his head in the direction of Gargul. I don't feel right. Skin's crawling. This place isn't right.
Feng Friday July 2nd, 2004 7:11:00 PM
Feng takes a long moment to consider Gargul's question. When he's out there he does what he feels is right. How does he know what one god considers his work.
"Mughty Gargul I try to do what I feel is right. For the good of those who can't defend themselves agaisnt the evils of the world. I cannot presume to know what any god wishes done. All I can do is hope that the gods approve of my work."
Arien Saturday July 3rd, 2004 7:55:19 AM
When Gargul responds with his question Arien responds with what first comes to mind, "And who to say that in a way he was not already doing your work. Sure he is dedicated to Domi and sends him his prayer but surely you do not approve of these soul draining machines? Would not destroying them then be something you would desire, and in doing so would not Setanos be doing your work?"
Gaxx Saturday July 3rd, 2004 10:05:21 AM
Gaxx thinks about Gargul's question and listens to the responses of the others. He thinks Arien almost has the right of it but not quite. Gaxx stands as tall as he can when he responds, "Setanos, do be doing your work in a way, yea he do. He be sending you all sorts o' souls to play wit. Only, you might say, he got too close to da edge and falled in by da accident. So we come ta asks you iffin we can haff him back so he can come wit us ta help send more souls ta you, dere by doing work fo you again."
Draax Sunday July 4th, 2004 11:21:13 PM
As Draax listens to the god and the others he realizes that this is not going to be as easy as he thought it would be.
"I agree with Arien, Satanos fell doing the will of all the gods by working to destroy that machine. I cannot say that I know much about the gods and my education is that field is very limited. One thing that I have been taught is that each god has a purpose. Whether we mortals agree with or dislike any of the purposes, they are there to bring balance. Although that balance may tilt every now and then they are still being used to counterbalance each other. Setanos fell trying to help us destroy or at least neutralize the machine that can give mortals godlike powers. I could be wrong, but no mortal should be able to get godlike powers without taking on the responsibilities that come with it. So I guess he fell working for the gods in Domi's name."
Even though everything he said was true, Draax's argument sounds hollow in his own ears.
Gargul (DMJK) Tuesday July 6th, 2004 11:55:55 AM
Gargul focuses his gaze on Tratain and snaps, "I will not pardon your bluntness. I'm a god. I tower above you mortals. I demand your respect. When you come into my realm to ask me for a favor, you should do so with bended knee. Instead, you come in praising others before me, and you're ready to argue with me? WHO ARE YOU TO STAND BEFORE ME THUS? I have the power of life and death in my hands. What have you?"
The full imensity of the god's power washes over you and you all feel his wrath like a moth too close to the flame.
Then he smiles and all traces of rage are instantly gone, "I will handle this request because I indeed do wish your task complete, but I demand that each of you attend worship in one of my temples on the next festival day, or your friend will fall over dead the day after, and if the rest of you want to someday benefit from my kindness to escape death, perhaps you should start paying more attention to my church. Attend some services. Make some donations. You know the thing. Don't ignore me and expect my goodwill."
He smiles again, "Agree and it is done."
Renik Tuesday July 6th, 2004 12:30:28 PM
Exerting near-superhuman self-control the rogue manages to keep his rebelious brain from further betraying him as he weakly nods his agreement to Gargul's terms. Relief washes over him as he realises they have very nearly accomplished their task. They have walked into the Lands of the Dead, met with the Lord of Life and Death, and will soon walk back into the lands of the living with Setanos by their side!
After the terror that has beset him since he set foot in this realm (and the abject horror he felt as Tratain attracted the Lord of Mortality's divine wrath) this sudden feeling of relaxation is near-blissful. A goofy smile appears on his face as his soul basks in the God's Holy presence. Finally he gains an insight into his old comrade Hobbes. He had remorselessly teased the stuffy old priest of Gargul when they adventured together, and had never really understood his morbid fascination with the God of Life and Death. Only now, as he kneels before Gargul, does he finally understand that divine presence which had touched the cleric. To stand before a God so selflessly, so shorn of pettiness, of vanity...
Say, I wonder how I'd look with a goattee?
Tratain Tuesday July 6th, 2004 1:13:08 PM
Tratain says, "Agreed."
Draax Tuesday July 6th, 2004 5:31:44 PM
Draax stands with his mouth opened looking at the god in shock. He thought the god would ask them to perform a difficult task or retrieve a lost item. Festival day is the only time when Draax is guaranteed to get lucky with one of the barmaid. To ask him to give it up is very cruel. He thinks that the god must have looked into his mind and noticed how much Draax was looking forward to it. He would die for Setanos, but to give up his one sure sexual encounter is asking a lot for their friendship.
Draax closes his mouth and with a frown on his face nods his head in agreement. "Agreed."
Gaxx Tuesday July 6th, 2004 6:29:35 PM
Gaxx falls to the floor due to the immensity of Gargul's majesty. He slowly picks himself back up, brushing off the dust then nods to Gargul, "Okies Mr. Gargul. I tink I can do dat."
Gargul (DMJK) Wednesday July 7th, 2004 3:01:24 PM
"I will take the silence of the others as proper awe and agreement. See to the festival days, and your friend as yours again."
The god is silent a moment, "I will see each of you again one day, but until then, this consultation is finished."
Feng Wednesday July 7th, 2004 4:48:10 PM
Feng was puzzled by the god's words. They had knelt before him as one should. Perhaps godhood isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Gargul was right on one thing, he should attend church services more. Though it is hard when they are always busy, he needs to find time to attend church services for all the gods.
ooc: Feng was kneeling as were several others if not everybody.
As near as I can tell, only Renik and Feng kneeled. -jk
Renik Thursday July 8th, 2004 5:38:17 AM You know I don't know why I never thought of it before. I nice short goattee, perhaps curling up at the end (I suppose I'll require some sort of laquer or oil to do that) for the rakish devil-may-care look. Oh yes, the ladies will love that...
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