The Guardians (DM Cayzle) Monday July 18th, 2005 8:01:20 PM
The group discusses plans and walks forward toward the Gate.
At length, you see that the canyon walls draw in to a close, and that there are seven amazingly tall oaks at the very far end. The trunks are very closely spaced. Even from this distance (200 yards), you can see a blinding light behind the trees -- very narrow sheets of light stab out from between the trunks.
You see seven hooded and robed human-sized figures each standing in front of a tree. A large animal of some sort lies at the feet of each figure.
[OOC: If you have any last minute actions (invisibility wand, etc), now's the time! Good Luck]
Monthor Monday July 18th, 2005 9:14:30 PM
Draax's attempt at humor does not fall on deaf ears.
" Yes, me get it. 'Monthor, keep quiet'. 'Monthor, don't get us killed'. Me get it, don't worry. "
ooc> BTW, Monthor would/did put the rock with the silence spell on it in his Heward's Handy Haversack, left side pouch.
Arien (Mage Armor, Fly) Monday July 18th, 2005 9:16:55 PM
Arien stays in the middle of the group, to help disguise himself. Arien keeps quiet, while he may be able to speak sylvan, speaking like a grig was something else entirely.
Tratain [Extended Magic Vestment; Fly] d20+10=25 Monday July 18th, 2005 10:58:47 PM
Tratain moves to the Center of the group and looks at the guardians and thier companions trying to make out anything that may be usefull. (Spot 25)
Draax Tuesday July 19th, 2005 12:39:26 AM
Draax holds his silence-coin ensuring that it cuts out any sound before putting it in his pants-of-panty. Draax smiles at Monthor comments before moving in among the grigs and remaining silence.
Feng Tuesday July 19th, 2005 2:02:22 PM
Feng takes a deep breath and says a silent prayer to the gods to help them through this. He doesn't believe that these guardians will be fooled by the illusion and seeing how many of them there are, the success of their plan looks minimal.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 142 of 145) Tuesday July 19th, 2005 2:42:51 PM
Sarigar moves close to his brother and focuses on moving faster. A moment later, he and his brother are filled with energy enough to do just that (casted Longstrider, share spell to Black Paws).
Once done, Sarigar stays close to his brother and tries to be like the other grigs near him. He whispers to the ones within reach, "Hold on to brother if people start fighting, he'll get you to the portal fast."
From that point on, he remains as silent as a hunter with its prey in sight. He knows his speaking will just cause problems at this point.
Renik d20+17=22 d20+17=25 d20+17=30 d20+17=29 d20+17=34 d20+17=25 Tuesday July 19th, 2005 7:38:48 PM
Sizing up the opposition the rogue sighs. These guardians are blocking the entrances very effectively. Short of flying over them there looks to be no way around. He whispers to Tratain "If you have Winswalk memorized we may be able to slip past that way".
He hopes that diplomacy does the trick, because he has a feeling these guardians are going to be no pushovers.
He casts invisibility on Feng, Monthor, Tratain, Arien, Draax and Sarigar. It may help or hinder, but if it comes to a fight it should give a slender advantage. (UMD made X 6). Then he takes a deep breath and steps forward with Serent and the other grigs.
What Is Your Name? What is Your Quest? (DM Cayzle) Tuesday July 19th, 2005 10:02:24 PM
You walk closer to the gate, and when you are about 50 feet from the trees, you come to a halt when one of the Guardians speaks.
You see that the trees are very close-set. No more than a few inches seperates one trunk from another. The light beyond the trees is blinding. At either end of the line of trees, the space is equally tight between the vertical canyon wall.
The seven Guardians are about elf-sized. Their hooded robes look like silk, dyed brown. The animal before each Guardian is an Ape.
The Guardian in the middle speaks in Sylvan. Highlight to display spoiler: {"Welcome, cousins. Tell us who you are and why you have come here."}
The Guardians to the right and left of the speaker chant in unison and cast a spell. If you can make a Spellcraft check vs DC20, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {They are casting Telepathic Bond, seemingly to join all seven in thought.}
The Guardians to the right and left of those also chant in unison and cast a spell. If you can make a Spellcraft check vs DC21, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {They are casting Greater Heroism on themselves.}
The Guardians on the far ends chant, each casting a different spell. If you can make a Spellcraft check vs DC21, for the Guardian on the far right, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {This Guardian is casting True Sight.} If you can make a Spellcraft check vs DC21, for the Guardian on the far left, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {This Guardian is casting Analyze Dweomer.}
Even if you do not have training in Spellcraft, it is clear that six of the Guardians have cast spells, and that none of the spells had any obvious effect. Also, no one in the party has any sense of being under magical assault.
Draax Wednesday July 20th, 2005 1:12:40 AM
Draax get very anxious when the hooded figures begin casting. He looks at the distance between the group and the gate and wonders if the group could out run the apes. Not knowing what they cast he figures that young Daisymum advice is the best idea. He waits for Renik or Serent to answer the guardians but his stays ready to retrieve the coin from his pocket if needed.
Arien (Mage Armor, Fly) d20+23=36 d20+23=29 d20+23=30 d20+23=33 Wednesday July 20th, 2005 12:05:53 PM
Arien remains motionless as he notes the spells (Spellcraft checks 36, 29, 30, and 33 rspectively) being cast by the guardians, to communicate what spells were case would alert the guardians, though that would likely be done anyway in a few moments.
Tratain [Extended Magic Vestment; Fly; Invisible] Wednesday July 20th, 2005 12:20:23 PM
Tratain gets very nervous when the guardians begin casting spells. DId they know something Already? When no one seems to be under attack right away he relaxes a little waiting for Renik and Serent to speak up, though not knowing what spells the guardians have cast worries him.
Monthor [Invisible?] Wednesday July 20th, 2005 2:41:00 PM
Monthor holds his breath, says nothing and waits to see what happens.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 142 of 145) Wednesday July 20th, 2005 5:37:55 PM
Black Paws stands in the middle of the group with grigs all around him. Serent is likely directly in front of him with Renik not far away as they are the speakers for the group at the moment. Mainly, he just stands there acting, wolfie, paying attention to the talking as well as any animal might.
Sarigar stands about 10 feet from his brother, a bit behind and on the left. He watches the scene unfold and knows this will be tense, to say the least. He watches the guardians as they cast their spells ready to jump should any such spells be agressive. As it turns out, they are not and he relaxes ever so slightly.
Renik Daisymum d20+12=15 d20+12=23 d20+3=11 d20+14=21 Wednesday July 20th, 2005 7:07:25 PM
"GreetingsCousins!" Renik replies in rapid Sylvan. Though all the casting is getting him rather nervous he figures that they are too far in to back out now. He plunges on.
Renik pauses for breath, and sizes up these Guardians carefully. Do they believe him? Do they have a prayer of getting past? Now is the time all hopes and plans will finally be tested.
He examines each of the figures before him, sizing them up as potential opponents. He figures that if this does turn into a fight the apes will close and try to grapple the party, whilst the elves (if elves they be) will hold back and cast spells, defending the pathway between the trees. Patience, he chides himself. Time will tell if force of arms will be called for.
(Bluff 15, Hero Point spent, 23. Sense Motive 11, Spot 21).
(OOC: What distance separates the two most distant Guardians? How close are they to one another?)
Feng (Invisibility) Wednesday July 20th, 2005 7:10:09 PM
Feng shares similar thoughts to his companions. He wonders what just happened and how much trouble they are already in. Part of him wants to back out now but they need to get past the guardians no matter what.
Serent Wednesday July 20th, 2005 7:59:41 PM
The Grig leader nods and adds a little to the conversation.
Right. Off you go. (DM Cayzle) Wednesday July 20th, 2005 8:13:22 PM
[OOC: Let me give a clearer verbal map, and I'll try to post a real map later.]
The canyon narrows and narrows, until it is 70 feet wide, wall to wall. At the end, the way is blocked by seven trees, each about ten feet in diameter. Mere inches seperate the tree trunks. Behind the trees there is a bright blinding light -- sheets of light pour out from between the trunks.
A Guardian stands within 10 feet of each tree. An Ape sits on the ground ten feet before each Guardian. So you have Tree, Guardian, and then Ape. Maybe none or one five foot square is between each Ape, space-wise.
The Guardians listen to Renik and Serent. The one who spoke before bows. There is silence for a moment.
If you can make a Spot check vs DC30, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see a hint of a smile deep concealed under a hood.}
The Guardian speaks again. "Your mission sounds important. You know, however, that only fey may pass through the gate. Your big wolf friend must stay behind. We will take good care of him for you, until you return."
The Guardian's voice is has a fair rustle sound to it, half like a beautiful woman's, half like wind through leaves.
"The rest of you all are free to pass. The space between the trees is tight, so you may have to squeeze. Take your time and you'll be fine."
If you make a Sense Motive Check vs DC20, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You sense that the Guardian thinks this is funny.}
For a tiny creature, an escape artist check vs DC10 lets you squeeze betwwen tree trunks and pass through. For a small creature, a DC20 check gets you through. For a medium creature, a DC30 check gets you through. A large creature may not pass. You may take 20 on the check.
Note: Int check 12 to realize that Highlight to display spoiler: {the Guardian spoke in Common.}
Renik d20+14=17 d20+3=13 d20+3=12 d20+12=23 d20+3=10 Thursday July 21st, 2005 7:57:36 AM
Renik is starting to get a very bad feeling about the way this is going (Int 12, failed others). Why are they speaking in Common? The point about no non-Fey going through is worrisome, not least because he knows Sarigar will be going nowhere without BlackPaws. And those tiny gaps... this whole thing smacks of a setup. Wait for them to get stuck between the trees, then strike when they are vulnerable and shown to be larger than they appear. Caution is called for here.
Raising his hand to indicate no-one move forward he says in griggish Sylvan:
Monthor d20=14 d20+4=21 Thursday July 21st, 2005 9:09:00 AM
Monthor finds it weird that the gardians are now speaking Common [int check 14].
{ Darn feys this be funny [ sense motive 21 ]. Me smell something bad here and it ain't Feng. } Monthor thinks to himself. However he remains quiet and waits to see what happens next.
Feng d20=13 Thursday July 21st, 2005 9:47:07 AM
Feng believes a battle is coming so badly that he almost wishes that it would happen so at least all this tension can go away. And be replaced by that immenant death feeling. He glances to his companions to see if they have the same feeling.
Arien (Mage Armor, Fly) d20+7=23 Thursday July 21st, 2005 5:44:22 PM
Arien notices immediately that the guardian had spoken in Common and wondered if the disguise was useless. Knowing that he can't make it through the trees without some magical assistance Arien simply waits, watching the Guardians.
Tratain [Extended Magic Vestment; Fly] d20=15 d20+6=23 d20+10=28 d20=2 d20+3=19 Thursday July 21st, 2005 7:42:43 PM
Tratain watches the guardians and thier surroundings carefully for any signs of impending attack but sees none. (Spot 28)
When the guardians speak Tratain looks at the tiny spaces between the Trees and thinks to himself Those spaces are small even for the Grigs to fit through, I don't think the rest of us could squeeze through at all. And then Realizes that the Guardian Spoke common and he now understands why the guardian seemed to think telling everyone to fit through the tree's was funny. (Sense Motive 23, Int Check 15)
Almost before he realizes it a laugh escapes from him. He walks a little closer and cancels the invisibility spell on himself. And says "Arien, would you be kind enough to cancel your Veil spell so we can talk to these Fellows plainly, I'm pretty sure they can see through it anyway."
After the Spell is lifted he says "It's good to see you have a sense of Humor. We apologise for the deception, we tried to enter the Valley here without it but were attacked by some very big earth creatures almost as soon as we entered. We had no desire to fight any more Fey on our way here so we thought the deception spell would be best."
He continues "I'm not sure what Renik said to you but we all swore Oaths to go see the Queen together, we all go or no one goes. Its Very Important that we speak with her. We have Questions about the Re-Awakening of the Fey King and after talking with the Pixie Lord and the Platnum Dragons it seems Queen Maab may be the only one who may be able to tell us more."
(19 Diplomacy)
Draax d20=12 Thursday July 21st, 2005 10:04:59 PM
Draax realizes that something is wrong when he hears common coming from the guardians. Even without Renik gesture, Draax had no intention of going forward. He is caught off guard by Tratain appearance, but nods his head in agreement to his words. The way things stand, the only way they are getting pass the guardians is to be let pass or a fight. Draax does not think the group will be able to defeat the guardians and do not think they should ask the grigs to try.
Serent (Not the DM Post) Thursday July 21st, 2005 10:11:57 PM
"ItIsTrueWhatTheySay," the head cricket-taur adds. "WeDidSwearAnOathWithOurFriends."
"WhyNotLetAllOfUsPassPlease?"
Disguises Discarded (DM Cayzle) Thursday July 21st, 2005 10:19:31 PM
When Renik mentions "MrGuardian" and Tratain says "Fellows" there are audible bursts of laughter -- feminine laughter -- from the Guardians.
As Tratain reveals himself, they remove their cowls, showing themselves to be incredibly striking beauties. They are dryads, as their wood-tone skin and leaf-hair shows, but so amazingly beautiful that it takes the breath away. It is probably just as well that their complete forms remain concealed under shapeless robes.
The beautiful dryads, listening intently, nod as Serent speaks. The one who had spoken before speaks again.
"Alone, without a fey escort, we would surely have killed you for daring to come here. But these good grigs vouch for you, and we have stayed our hands. Now you shed your disguises, which is also well."
"But if it is true that you are agents of the Queen, then you should have the Word or the Token to testify to it. The grigs, of course, are of the Blood, so they may yet pass. As for the rest, oath or no, the Rule requires the Word or the Token."
"Otherwise only Fey may pass the Gate."
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 142 of 145) Thursday July 21st, 2005 10:45:44 PM
Seeing the guardians reveal themselves as dryads, Sarigar is taken back in time to his one time teacher. Without thinking, he blurts out, "OOoooo, tree ladies. Do you know the tree lady in Clubber Woods? I tried to save her once, but she saved me, see? He pulls down the neck of his armor to reveal the rather nasty scar from when he was held fast in the maw of a worg.
"She also taught me things about the forest and gave me this." He pulls out his old tarnished symbol of Mittiri for the guardians to see. "She was a really nice lady, helped me bunches, but had me leave with the pack. Said she'd taught me all she could and that someday I would be a true Lost Child of Mittiri. Dunno what she meant by that."
He pauses for a moment as if he's lost his train of thought, Black Paws looks back at him and give a little woof. Sarigar perks back up and says, "Oh ya, maybe, if you're like my tree lady, you'll be nice too and let us go talk to Maab. We really gotta talk to her, umm, well, they need to talk to her, I don't talk so good. Maybe I'll just listen."
About this time, he realizes that he's been...running at the mouth, looks to the ground kinda of embarassed, and let's out one last syllable "oops..."
Tratain d20=15 d20+7=12 Thursday July 21st, 2005 10:49:55 PM
Tratain begins to Try and think if he remembers anyone mentioning a Word that was needed. (Int Check 15, Knowledge Religion 12.) He also tries to remember if if Find the Path Spell provided that information to him.
He says "Anyone Have any Idea's? I'm not sure If I recall any word, but Joe Hand did give us something before we left. Maybe thats the Token?"
Renik d20+3=12 Friday July 22nd, 2005 8:34:44 AM
Renik is temporarily struck dumb by the astonishing beauty of the dryads. He suddenly becomes aware that he is staring, and looks away.
"Aye, Tratain, Joe Hand gave Feng a small skull, but my understanding was that is was some sort of escape route from Gargul's realm. It certainly can't hurt to try it though, Feng.
As for a Word, I remember no suggestion of one from either the Pixie Lord or the Platinum Dragons" (Int 12 to recall anything pertinent).
He turns back to the Dryads. "Fair ladies, I apologise for addressing you wrongly earlier. It the Pixie Lord and the Platinum Dragons that sent us; they bade us speak with Queen Maab at all costs. But no mention was made of a Word or Token. We met with Serent and her party of grigs who had felt the call of the Queen, and we banded together in common purpose."
He looks to his companions. "Can any of you think of anything we're missing here?"
Renik is strangely reminded of arguing with the bouncers outside the Green Tortoise Club, and exclusive establishment in Plateau City.
"But I'm with the band!" "If your name's not on the list you're not getting in."
Feng Friday July 22nd, 2005 10:00:28 AM
Feng retrieves the object given to him by Joe Hand from his pants o plenty, holding it out for the guardians to see. This can't be the token they speak of for that would be too easy. Nor can gaining an audience with the Queen. They are not Fae so he can't imagine why the Queen would meet with them.
Monthor Friday July 22nd, 2005 12:21:47 PM
Monthor goes up to Renik and whispers in his ear:
{ Me thinks this may have something to do with that story the Hydrae told us. Ye know, the one about the king and the 6 foot tall halfing... Axe... yes that was his name... Axe.}
Arien d20+7=26 d20+22=38 d20+15=29 Friday July 22nd, 2005 3:51:17 PM
Arien drops the spell when Tratain asks and stands tall. When a mention of a word or a token is made Arien tries to recall if anything would fit what the Guardians are talking about.
(Int 26 to remember, Knowledge: Arcanna 38, Knowledge: The Planes 29)
Draax Friday July 22nd, 2005 4:31:55 PM
Draax tries to think of anything that was not already mentions by the others. He cannot recall any mention of a word or token. If it was mentioned it most likely is something related to the queen. To the others he says, "The only thing that I can think of that are related to the queen are, the title that she bestowed on Valdor which is Dragonstone and the fact that we were sent by the Pixie Lord."
The Rule of Gargul (DM Cayzle) Friday July 22nd, 2005 10:22:54 PM
Sarigar's enthusiasm is contagious, and if Black Paws does not mind, he will find that two of the dryads are happy to pet him.
The leader of the Guardians tells Sarigar, "Many of our sisters live in the Culverwood. I am not surprised that one befriended you, for you are a Child of Mittri, lost or found."
"But it is not for me to let you and your friends pass. It is a matter for the Rule."
"The Rule admits only Blood, or Word, or Token."
As the other Hamleteers add their voices, the lovely dryad shakes her head. "To hear that the Pixie Lord has spoken with you ... well, in other times I would be surprised, but these are surprising times in many ways. Did he not give you a Token? Maybe he has lost or given all of his away."
"And the Dragons are known as friends of Maab. In fact, I have heard that she is very familiar with some of them. but even they would not pass without Token or Word. Of course, maybe Maab has given them a Token? But it seems they did not give one to you."
When Feng displays the miniature cyclopean skull, the dryad's eyes open wider still. "Interesting! It is clearly of Lord Gargul, but it is not the Word, unless it will speak?"
She listens to the skull, but the object says nothing.
"You see, Lord Gargul suffers this short cut to the Lands of Rest only because the fey races are native to Maab's realm, and are only returning home. But he will not allow mortals to bypass his minions in the Realm of Shadows. It is Lord Gargul's Rule that only Fey may pass. The only exceptions are those who carry the Queen's Token, or who speak the Word of Gargul."
"You carry a Boon of Gargul, but you cannot gift it to us because we are not Eyes of the Lord of Death."
"Maybe if a Minion of Lord Gargul were here, before us, you could use your Boon to ask the Minion to speak the Word?"
Arien, your knowledge reveals more. Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You recall that Gargul jealously guards his right to traffic souls to the Afterlife, and almost never lets living mortals enter the lands of Rest. Witches earn his wrath when they bypass his minions to speak with the dead, for example, and druids make him angry when they reincarnate souls without leave, or into ignoble or base bodies. You are not surprised that it is Gargul who only lets Fey go back and forth.
Feys and celestials and elementals and outsiders (demons and angels) all fit in the same category. Gargul calls them "soulless" and some followers of the Lord of Death make it their business to hunt down the soulless and make them leave the mortal Wold.
As for the Minions of Gargul that the Guardian mentions, you know that Gargul's servants sail the River of Woldsblood that surrounds the Lands of Rest. They fish souls out of the River and bring them to their destinations in the afterlife. You have heard that on rare occaisions Gargul sends these Minions on errands to the Wold, sometimes in answer to a call.}
Arien Saturday July 23rd, 2005 1:46:21 PM
Arien tells his friends what he as recalled in hope that it would help a solution to come forth. After a moment of consideration Arien also speaks to the guardians. "We met servants of the Fae King called Hydrae and they asked us to share blood with them to help the birthing of some creatures called Fairypusses. I shared my blood with them and the creatures were born, in exchange I was healed and gained the ability to change into some types of water animals. Since there are Fey that share my blood wouldn't that mean that I am of the blood?"
Monthor Saturday July 23rd, 2005 10:38:36 PM
Monthor shrugs his shoulders...
" I got nothing. "
ooc> Back in a week boys. Have fun and try not to get me killed.
Renik Sunday July 24th, 2005 11:05:20 AM
All this talk of Gods and realms of death is rather out of Renik's league. Give him a foe he can charm, outwit or dice and he's happy. This news of begging boons of Gargul is all a little intimidating, not least because the last (and only) time Renik stood before the living incarnation of the God of Life And Death the rogue near throttled his brain with his own spinal column, so shaken and terrified was he.
He looks to his companions in concern.
"Well, what are our choices here? Arien, you could teleport back to the Pixie Lord and beg a token from him. But he seemed pretty dismissive of us by the time we parted. He might not welcome a second meeting, nor be inclined to favour us with gifts.
Or we could try to become of the blood. Arien, as you say you may already qualify. As for the rest of us I can't see an obvious way to achieving that. I assume magical transformation, even if we had the ability to do it, would not qualify?" he asks of the guardians.
"And then there's the Word. It would seem all we need for that is a Woldsblood sailing Eye of Gargul to be in a good mood. Have any of you others ever known an Eye of Gargul to be in a good mood?" asks the rogue, thinking back to his erstwhile companion Hobbes.
"Anyone have any suggestion as to how we might "Call" such a fellow?"
Tratain (By Carl: please ignore if Joe gets back in time to post) d20+7=25 Sunday July 24th, 2005 11:21:24 AM
Tratain thinks carefully for a moment, attempting to recall everything he ever learned of the Minions of Gargul, their lonely vigil upon the Rivers of Woldsblood that surround the Lands of Rest, and how they might be called upon. (Knowledge Religion: 25)
He remembers that Joe of the Hand did mention they could reach the River themselves if needs be. What was it he said?
"As for the traditional route, first get into the Realm of Shadows, with a Plane Shift or some other magic ethereal travel, or by going through a thin spot, like in a haunted graveyard."
"Once in the Realm, you'll see these many trickles of Woldsblood on the ground. Whatever you do, DON'T touch the Woldsblood! That stuff will carry your soul out of your body, leaving behind an empty shell. Then something else might come and fill the body! Roaming spirits abhor a vacuum, I always say."
"And don't lose your minds when you hear the voices of the unborn calling. Ignore them, and also ignore the harmless dead that you meet. The harmFULL dead you'll want to keep your weapons sharp for. You all have ghost touch weapons, right?"
"Follow the trickles of Woldsblood as they meet and become streams, then rivulets, then finally coming to the River. Don't Touch the WoldsBlood! Find a way across the river to Maab's land. Good luck with that! I never tried it, myself."
"And here's a get-out-of-jail free card that might come in handy."
He looks to Feng, as a follower of all the Gods of the Wold, to see if he has any further insights into this matter.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 142 of 145) Sunday July 24th, 2005 12:13:27 PM
When the guardians confirm that he is a Child of Mittiri, a feeling of deep pride and happiness comes over Sarigar. Although he doesn't really have any understanding of who or what Mittiri is/was, something deep inside him stirs and he feels connected to something important.
When they still refuse him and the others passage, he frowns disappointedly, but his spirits dip only slightly with his new confirmation.
As the others talk about ways to call upon an Eye of Gargul, his impulsiveness breaks through once again. "An Eye of Gargul? I don't think that guy that made Tratain breath again would like us to us his eye like that. I've been poked in the eye before, it hurt, lots. I don't wanna think about what it would feel like to have one pulled out."
Draax Sunday July 24th, 2005 2:20:35 PM
"Unless we have someway of calling upon or summoning a minion of Gargul, we can go to the Rivers of Woldsblood and ask for assistance; or if Arien does pass for the blood, we could wait here and let him and the grigs take our plea to the queen."
Tratain (Addition by Joe) Sunday July 24th, 2005 8:27:20 PM
Tratain says "I can attempt to summon one of Gargul's Agents tomorrow if the Guardians will allow us to spend the Night here."
If the guardians will allow the Party to rest in the area then tomorrow Tratain will Memorize another Find the Path spell, as well as a Planar ally spell and cast them in that order and try and get the Word from one of those spells.
Feng d20+5=24 Monday July 25th, 2005 10:56:53 AM
Feng thinks deeply, wracking his brain for anything that may help. (religion check: 24) Unfortunately this situation falls outside of normal religion into areas that he hasn't studied much.
Arien Monday July 25th, 2005 9:01:48 PM
Arien waits for a response from the guardians before he does anything else.
Helpful Guardians (DM Cayzle) d100=95 d100=30 d100=54 Monday July 25th, 2005 11:27:47 PM
The Guardians are skeptical about Arien's claim of fey blood. "A fey-friend you may well be, else we would not have suffered your approach, but friendship is not blood. Perhaps the most potent of magics could transform you to fey, but we suspect such is beyond you, friends."
Renik brainstorms but is not sure how to call a follower of the Lord of Death.
Tratain wracks his brain for what he knows of Gargul. He considers that a spell he knows may do the trick.
The Guardians try to explain to Sarigar in simple words that an "Eye" of Gargul means a "follower." Those in the pack of Gargul are called "Eyes" -- they are lesser brothers.
Draax considers the long way round -- going deep into the Realms of Shadow to talk to a Minion of Gargul. But it seems worth a try to first call a minion here.
Something occurs to Feng: Please Highlight to display spoiler: {One of the mortal followers of Gargul he has heard of called Grim or Soulseekers might be able to help. Of the immortals, he has heard of a lesser minion called a Boatman that knows the tricks of travel to and from the Lands of Rest.}
The Guardians are pleased to allow the group to stay the night, if they will just move off a short ways away.
Monthor (Stan) Tuesday July 26th, 2005 1:14:10 AM
With nothing to contribute Monthor lets the others do the talking. The guardians seem friendly enough but if they are going to spend the night here, Monthor think someone should still stand guard.
"I will take the first watch and let you ladies get your beauty sleep."
Draax Tuesday July 26th, 2005 1:19:38 AM
"I think we should spend the night and give Tratain a shot at contacting a rep of Gargul."
If the group agrees to spend the night, Draax volunteers for the 2nd watch."
Renik d20+12=21 Tuesday July 26th, 2005 9:44:42 AM
"That sounds like a promising plan" agrees the rogue, impressed at Tratain's prowess. The more you learn, he muses to himself, the more you discover you don't know.
Once plans have been made for the night and the sun has sunk over the horizon Renik approaches the Guardians once more, this time bowing low before speaking in Sylvan.
"Efflorescent ladies, I beg your indulgence; might we talk a while?
In my youth I had the rare privilege to converse with dryads, but that was some years ago. In truth I had all but forgotten the true purity and beauty of your people, for how can something so transcendent live on in so base a vessel as a human memory? I beg of you, sweet ladies, indulge me that I might luxuriate in your verdant ambience a short while.
Perhaps I might divert you with the telling of tales, of news of the world of men, or by recounting some of my own adventures? Or perhaps you have tales you wish to tell me? I would love to learn what you ladies do for entertainment on the long winter evenings in these parts".
The rogue, as is his wont, is flirting furiously once more (Flirt 21).
Feng Tuesday July 26th, 2005 9:51:11 AM
While Renik keeps the Guardians occupied Feng speaks softly hoping that the guardians do not overhear.
"Gargul has many mortal followers. Those known as Grim or Soulseekers might be able t help us. There is also a creature known as a Boatman that knows how to navigate the lands of rest. Its possible we may be able to pay this creature to take us to Queen Maab."
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 142 of 145) Tuesday July 26th, 2005 11:37:05 AM
Hearing the explanation about the Eyes, Sarigar seems less confused. Although he'd much rather stay with the guardians through the night, he and his brother join the rest of the party.
Through their watch, they are honestly of little good as they pretty much stare at the guardians, remembering their younger days with the tree lady. Perhaps its infatuation or a shared connection to nature that draws out these feelings, but right now, the brothers are surprisingly happy and calm.
Tratain Tuesday July 26th, 2005 12:43:09 PM
Tratain moves off with the others and listens to what everyone has to say before resting for the night.
In the Mourning, Tratain Prays for spells. He casts his Extended Magic Vestment like normal. He then gathers everyone together.
He first casts Tounges upon Himself, incase who he summons can not speak common. And then he casts Planar Ally, requesting A Boatman, one of Lord Gargul's Minion's.
If/When the Boatman appears Tratain says "Greetings Servant of Lord Gargul, we would like to humbly request that you relate to us the Word the guardians require so that we may pass through the gate here in the Valley to Queen Maabs Realm."
He turns to Feng and says "Feng Please show him our Token."
Be careful what you ask for! (DM Cayzle) d4=3 d100=44 d100=81 d100=28 d100=12 d20=15 d20=14 d20=15 Tuesday July 26th, 2005 4:05:58 PM
That evening Renik pauses to dally with several of the dryads. Three seem quite amused by his banter, and reply in kind.
If Renik wants to focus on gathering information, then look to option A, below. If he is mostly interested in conversation and social intercourse, then look to option B. Pick only A or B.
Renik's option A: Gathering info -- Highlight to display spoiler: {Renik learns that traffic through the Gate has been heavy lately. Many fey are seeking Maab's court. And those who are wise enter with a guide of some kind ... either with a creature who knows the way through Maab's valleys, or with a kind of a magic compass or map.}
Renik's option B: Dalliance -- Highlight to display spoiler: {The three dryads find Renik vastly entertaining. In fact, one seems to offers him an illicit peek. "Ooo! These heavy robes are so hot! You would not mind if I got a little more comfortable?" The other two dryads are just shocked, shocked! "Naughty sister! That's no way to behave in front of a friend!" Pick B1 or B2.}
Renik's option B1: -- He does not mind! Not at all! Highlight to display spoiler: {The two more shy dryads run off, and the forward dryad is a little more than somewhat indiscreet. If Renik thought her face was fair, well! The indescribable beauty affects him as it would any mortal -- please make a DC 17 Fortitude save or be blinded permanently as though by the blindness spell. If Renik make the save, then the dryad invites him to spend the night in her tree. Otherwise she laughs and lets him wander sightlessly back to his friends.}
Renik's option B2: -- He decides to be a gentleman! Highlight to display spoiler: {The forward dryad laughs but seems disappointed, and pouts as she strolls away. Her sisters seem relieved, though, and compliment Renik. One says, "Clever man. Our sister is tricksy, but you were wise not to indulge her. Here, as a reward, let me tell your fortune." She looks deeply into his eyes, and seems to spend a full minute counting the flecks of color in his irises. The proximity to the beautiful dryad is an experience not to be forgotten, and Renik smells a heady mix of wild flowers and leaves that is also somehow very arousing. The dryad leans back and recites, "The Queen is troubled and unsure. She sees three ways to brave the King. The King she always will deplore. She knows not which she must endure. Perhaps this mortal man can bring ... An answer that will prove a cure." The two dryads seem taken a little aback at this fortune-reading, and leave Renik for the night.}
While Renik provides a distraction (or is himself distracted!), Feng, Draax, Arien, and Tratain plot tomorrow's Calling.
Sarigar seems content to loll about and gaze toward the dryads and their trees.
With Monthor, Draax, and several grigs to keep watch, the night passes uneventfully. If you make a Spot check vs DC15, then you notice that Highlight to display spoiler: { The dryads retire *inside* their trees at night.}
In the morning, Tratain prepares his spells and casts his Planar Ally spell. The dryads and grigs stay nearby, about 50 or 60 feet back. Tratain casts his spell, and calls for a Minion of Gargul, a "Boatman," to answer the call.
The spell takes effect, and the Wold wavers for a moment as reality is warped. Then, where a second ago there was nothing, appears two celestial beings.
[OOC: I am assuming that you cast Planar Ally, not Lesser Planar Ally. First, remove 250 xp from your character sheet. Second, note the spell description: "You request your deity to send you an elemental or outsider (of 6 HD or less) of the deity's choice." For Planar Ally, that's actually one outsider of 12 HD or two totalling not more than 12 HD. Third, you are aware that a fee is expected -- please reread the spell for standard rates. Fourth, note that summoning a representative of your deity is serious business, not to be done lightly.]
The two beings are five foot-tall humans with massive muscular builds and bulls' heads, like minotaurs. They shed a faint holy light around them, and the dryads and grigs flinch away from it. Each carries a shield with an anvil emblazoned on it. Both are carrying flaming war hammers.
The first Celestial speaks directly to Tratain: "How dare you."
The second Celestial looks him in the eye: "Who do you think you are?"
The first: "Do you think you may tell Domi who to send to you?"
The second: "Or, Protector of Domi, do you wish to reject your god and ally with the Lord of Death?"
The first: "Who is the supplicant here?"
The second: "Who is asking for a favor?"
The first: "Why have you called for aid?"
The second: "What will you sacrifice?"
Arien Tuesday July 26th, 2005 9:05:02 PM
Arien watches with interest as the creatures confront Tratain, Arien is ready to pull Tratain's bacon out of the fire if it came to that.
Monthor (Stan) Tuesday July 26th, 2005 9:11:51 PM
Monthor watches Renik flirt with the guardians and have to give the rogue credit for being so bold.
When the summoning is completed, Monthor looks at the impressive creatures and waits to see their reaction to the group's request. Not sure what is going to happen, he tries to stay ready for anything.
Draax Tuesday July 26th, 2005 9:20:15 PM
Draax shakes his head in amusement as he watches Renik talk to the dryads. His mother has warned him about such creatures, but his father told him that a man who mates with a dryad will at least die with a smile on their face.
Did not know what he expected to arrive from the summoning, but the two creatures standing before Tratain is not it. For some reason Draax expected them to be larger. Like the others Draax waits to see how Tratain handles the pair and he is curious about what sacrifice the group will have to make.
Tratain Tuesday July 26th, 2005 11:25:09 PM
When the two Celestials Appear and begin thier interogation Tratain stands tall, His Patron is the God of Courage, he will not let Fellow Servants of his Diety intimidate him. He returns thier gazes levely for a moment before bowing as a sign of respect and answering thier questions.
"My Name is Tratain Zeerakoth, I serve our God Domi as one of his Protectors. I wouldn't presume to tell Domi anything unless it was something he really needed to hear, but the Boatman was most likely to have the information that we require so I asked for him, I wasn't sure if Domi held sway over any so I figured it wouldn't Hurt to ask."
When they ask if he wishes to Turn away from Domi Tratain ignores them and goes on to the next set of questions, but he is visibly angry. His look and Body language convey an "I Can't Believe you Dared say that to me feeling"
He continues "I have summoned you here to request a Favor, as you know doubt know, the Fey King has awakened. Conflict on a Grand scale seems inevitable. We have been tasked with Speaking with the Fey Queen Maab, in hopes of finding more information about the King and perhapse find a way to co-exist with him if possible, or find a way to put him back to sleep if that seems more prudent. If it comes to War with the Fey King Many Innocents will die. His Followers are Not evil, and normally we would have no conflict with them. But they will defend him I'm sure, just as i would fight for any cause championed by Domi. We require either a Word, or a Token to pass the Fey Guarding the portal to the Queens Realm. That is the Favor that we request, Please tell us or Find and Tell us the Word Required by the guardians here in the Valley."
"As for what I will sacrifice, we have Gold and Gems if you wish those for yourselves or we can donate them to the Place of your chooseing. I will perform a Task for you in Return, if you wish that instead. I will not commit my companions to anything without asking them first, but they are good men, and would fight for a just cause. If you wish equipment, anything that I have that you feel would be adaquite payment is yours if you ask for it."
Tratain (Addition) d20+3=21 Tuesday July 26th, 2005 11:29:40 PM
(Diplomacy Roll if it Helps) = 21
Renik d20=15 Wednesday July 27th, 2005 8:50:38 AM
Ever a slave to his lascivious instincts, Renik struggles very, very hard to keep him mind on his mission.
Voluntary WIS check vs following results:
20-18: A 17-13: B2 12-1: B1
Battling against his baser urges, Renik just about manages to restrain himself when the playful dryad propositions him. He is by no means sure that he has done the right thing as he watches the dryad leave him.
But when her sisters read his fortune as a sort of "reward", his spirits lift somewhat. He takes his leave and returning to camp does his best to sleep. This proves difficult to say the least, as thoughts of what might have been torture and tease him into the early hours.
In the morning, bleary-eyed, the rogue quietly recounts the fortune telling to the party.
"The Queen is troubled and unsure. She sees three ways to brave the King. The King she always will deplore. She knows not which she must endure. Perhaps this mortal man can bring ... An answer that will prove a cure."
When the Celestials appear and speak Renik is alarmed, but Tratain holds his ground well. He stands with his companions, eager to see if Tratain's brave words have the desired effect.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 142 of 145) Wednesday July 27th, 2005 2:25:03 PM
With the celestial beings appearing, the brothers are notably intrigued. They've seen a couple minotaurs in their travels and in the "ugh" cities, but they've never been so close to any. Making them even more enticing is the glow about them.
The brothers circle slowly around the servants, studying them from every possible angle. A few times, Sarigar steps close enough and looks as though he might touch one, but holds back.
Down To Business (DM Cayzle) Wednesday July 27th, 2005 9:40:38 PM
Renik relates his odd fortune. Then all eyes are on Tratain and the bull-headed beings he has called from the celestial realms.
The first Celestial cracks a smile: "Bravely spoken."
The second has a twinkle in his eye: "Good poise, Protector."
The first: "So you need a pass word?"
The second: "We don't know it"
The first: "You think a Gargulite knows it?"
The second: "We've got no hold over them."
The first: "We could find a Gargulite."
The second: "Maybe even bring it here."
The first: "You think you can make a Boatman talk?"
The second: "What claim you got on one of them?"
Monthor (Stan) Thursday July 28th, 2005 2:31:50 AM
Monthor approves of the way Tratain stood up to the bull-headed beings. He relaxes a little since it looks like there will be no violence at the moment.
Draax Thursday July 28th, 2005 2:34:22 AM
Draax starts to get a little dizzy as he tries to keep up with which creature is speaking. He decides to just listen to the conversation and see where it goes.
Feng Thursday July 28th, 2005 8:15:51 AM
Feng pulls out the small cycloptic skull and shows it to the boatman. It was good that they were moving in a direction.
ooc: sorry for not posting yesterday in this crucial time but work left me with a nasty headache.
Renik Thursday July 28th, 2005 9:12:08 AM
Raising an immaculately trimmed eyebrow (just how does the rogue maintain his dapper appearance after sleeping (badly) on the ground in the middle of the wilderness?) Renik watches Feng proffer the skull.
"Feng old fellow" he says kindly "I think we had better wait for a Boatman to arrive before we go offering him any skulls."
He turns to the bull-headed Celestials and with a small bow says "Though Feng has answered part of your question, if I might be so bold. The skull he holds, gifted to us by the Platinum Dragons, is a Boon of Gargul. With this we seek to petition favour from the Boatman."
Tratain Thursday July 28th, 2005 10:28:12 AM
Tratain says to the Celestials "If you could bring one of the Boatmen here, I think we could get it to tell us the Password. We have been given a Gift by Joe Hand of the Platnum Dragons that may gain us a favor from a Gargulite. What Payment would you require in return for bringing him here? Do you wish Coin? or a Task in return for doing this? Also when should we expect your return with the Gargulite?"
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 142 of 145) Thursday July 28th, 2005 10:43:34 AM
As the words keep flying, the brothers quickly grow bored. Knowing that they're likely to say the wrong thing, they opt to go talk with the tree ladies again.
"Hello tree ladies. They talk too much, so we came over to wait with you."
Black Paws nuzzles up to one of the dryads that pet him the day before while Sarigar sits down to shown that he has no intention to try to get past them without their say.
Arien Thursday July 28th, 2005 4:30:55 PM
Matters of the Divine were beyond Arien and when it became clear that the creatures weren't hostile Arien loses some interest in the scene. Arien walks over to the Dryads with Sarigar. After a moment of consideration Arien poses the question, "So, provided that we do obtain the means to pass by you, what sort of things would we have to expect on the other side of this portal?"
A deal is struck! (DM Cayzle) Thursday July 28th, 2005 9:32:39 PM
The Celestials take a close look at the miniature cyclopean skull, but do not touch it. They listen to Feng, Tratain, and Renik.
The first Bull-Fellow says, "Huh!"
The second says, "Maybe you guys do have half a chance!"
The first says, "We could go take a look for a Gargulite for you!"
The second says, "I met one at the Gods of the Wold company picnic last year."
The first says, "Yeah! That guy who played fifth base at the godball game. He was a good chap."
The second says, "Take us a few hours, though."
The first says, "We'll bring him back by nightfall."
The second says, "BEFORE nightfall. You don't want to talk to these guys in the dark."
The fist one coughs. "And the sacrifice? We'll take a donation."
The second one says, "We'd let you drop it off yourself, but what are the chances you'll be coming back? Let us drop it off at a temple for you."
If you pony up enough of a sacrifice (see PHB spell description) in coin or magic items, then they pop out of existence again, in search of a Gargulite they met once. They say they'll be back before night falls.
Meantime, Sarigar and Arien talk with the dryads. The ones who are more into petting beasts are glad to cluster around the brothers. Two of the more intellectual types chat with Arien. "Well, through the gate there are many valleys. That's why they are called the Valleys of Twilight. All are different, many are treacherous. Most creatures who brave them either know the way, or have a guide, or have a Scroll or a Compass."
Joe/OOC Thursday July 28th, 2005 10:44:55 PM
Hey Cayzle, just want to make sure I have the Payment Correct. The Creatures total 12 HD Correct, and its the Hours Per level so its 500 gold per HD. So should be 6000 Gold correct?
==========
Yeah, but it's half off for non-hazardous duty, so 3,000 will be fine. -- Cayzle
Renik Friday July 29th, 2005 2:15:20 AM
Renik hands over 3000 GP from group funds, leaving 1293 remaining. It seems a fair payment, considering. He has never seen Celestials before, and is much impressed.
He keeps glancing back at the dryads though, and at one in particular, with something like regret in his eye.
Monthor (Stan) Friday July 29th, 2005 2:55:26 AM
Monthor watches the interaction between the group and the bull-headed creatures with little interest. He waits calmly for the next stage of the negotiations to begin.
Draax Friday July 29th, 2005 3:01:33 AM
If the grigs are still waiting for the group Draax will go over to talk to them. To Serent he says, "Do you know the way to the queen when you get beyond the gate or do you have a way of contacting a guide?"
Arien Friday July 29th, 2005 3:20:21 PM
Arien thanks the Dryads for the information and returns to the rest of the group, waiting for the two creatures to return with their guide.
Tratain Friday July 29th, 2005 4:25:46 PM
Tratain says "Thank you sword brothers, we will await you here for your return with the Gargulite." after the coins are handed over to the two celestials.
Feng Friday July 29th, 2005 8:39:16 PM
Feng watches the three vanish and sighes in relief. Dealing with the servants of the gods is always tricky buisness.
"Well we were fortunate that the meeting went as it did."
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 142 of 145) Friday July 29th, 2005 10:59:40 PM
Content in their little nature jamboree with the dryads, the brothers watch the goings on of the rest of the group from near the trees blocking the gate.
The Boatman (DM Cayzle) Saturday July 30th, 2005 7:00:22 AM
The party waits for the celestials to return with a minion of Gargul. The grigs seem to think that they could just wing it through the Valleys. They don't seem concerned; they don't have much of a clue either.
In the late afternoon, the two bull-headed celestials return with a third person. This creature -- as tall as a human, but with a halfling size torso and really really long arms and legs -- is dressed in black, and exudes darkness in whisps like fog.
The dryads and grigs flee back to their trees. The celestials leave without a word.
If you are within 20 feet of the celestials and you make a spot check vs. DC15, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {One celestial winks at Tratain before disappearing.}
The person clad in black stands still and looks at you.
[OOC: This is the Friday DM Post!]
Renik d20+14=31 Saturday July 30th, 2005 3:25:18 PM
Renik smiles as the Celestials take their leave. Stroking his goattee the rogue takes in the curious new arrival, with his gangly arms and legs. Then he bows and says;
"Our sincere thanks, sir, for gracing us with your presence. Rest assured that we would not have disturbed you were it not a matter of grave import. We act in the matter of the return of Ebryon; the Platinum Dragons have bid us seek out Queen Maab and inform her of current events in the Wold. In order to do so we seek entrance to her realm, but in so doing we must perforce enter your Lord's realm of death, something normally forbidden to a living mortal.
Please believe me when I say we do not make this request lightly; we would not make it at all were it not for the critical and urgent nature of our mission."
Renik asks Feng to show the skull.
"We have been given this Boon as a sign of the importance of our quest. We beg of you, tell us the Word required to pass the gate (guarded so exquisitely by these fair forest maidens) that we might seek out the Queen."
He turns and winks with a rakish grin at the dryads.
Tratain d20+10=17 d20+7=25 Sunday July 31st, 2005 7:58:26 PM
Tratain smiles and nods too the two Celestials when they reapear with the Boatman and depart again.
Tratain bows to the Boatman to show his respect and listens as Renik begins speaking for the group. He is unsure what the Skull is or what significance it holds to the Gargulites but he tries to remember anything that may be useful(Knowledge Religion 25), while he waits for the Boatman to respond.
Draax d20+6=20 Sunday July 31st, 2005 9:42:16 PM
Draax watches the grigs flee to the trees and notices the one celestial winks at Tratain before it departed. Draax wonders if that was a good or bad sign. He remains in place as he listens to Renik talk to the boatman.
Monthor (Stan) d20-2=4 Sunday July 31st, 2005 9:46:16 PM
Monthor remains within hearing range of the group members talking to the boatman. He has no idea what to expect but wants to be close if his strength is needed.
Feng Monday August 1st, 2005 8:19:47 AM
Feng holds up the skull for the boatman to see as asked. "I hope this adds a measure of truth to our words."
After their previous meeting with Gargul himself, Feng is a little nervous. He believes this boatman to be a servant of the highest order. The knowledge of traveling through the realm of the dead would be a valuable thing indeed. Something he would entrust to only the most powerful and loyal of servants.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 142 of 145) Monday August 1st, 2005 11:20:47 AM
The brothers injoy their time with the dryads. They "compare notes" about nature and their respective homes.
When the celestials arrive with the boatman causing the grigs and dryads to retreat to safer haven, the brothers step up between the boatman and their friends in nature. Claws rip from Sarigar's fingertips and fangs extend within his mouth which he bears in a menacing sneer. Black Paws' hackles rise in a flurry and bares his own far more impressive fangs. Both of the brothers crouch down, obviously ready to pounce.
Arien Monday August 1st, 2005 1:23:08 PM
Arien backs a step from the boatman, a bit unsettled. Arien listens to the others but says nothing, choosing the gaze intently at the creature, waiting for a response.
The Boatman Speaks (DM Cayzle) Monday August 1st, 2005 7:12:48 PM
The Boatman's voice has a rasp to it, like a file on old bone.
"Of Ebryon may I not speak."
When his mouth opens to talk, his breath mists like man's on a cold day -- but the mist is black, not white. And it is not cold or hot.
He takes the Boon from Feng with thin pale fingers.
"A test by combat or wit or luck this earns you all."
"One must you pick. One test."
Tratain Monday August 1st, 2005 7:59:34 PM
Tratain listens to what the Boatman says. He waits for Renik to decide what test the group will face. He does not like the Idea of a Test of Luck to decide if they will get the password or not, he would Prefer a Trail by Combat or Wit.
Monthor Monday August 1st, 2005 9:14:54 PM
Monthor flexes his right bicep before approaching Renik and whispering in his ear.
{ If by combat the trial be, then let me face him. Me be stronger then any of us. Even stronger then the Princess. But you choose me friend. Me trust ye. }
Draax Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 12:20:23 AM
Draax listens as the boatman states the test options that the group must choose from. He is a little confused by the boatman's manner of speech to be sure if he heard the creature correctly. He says in a soft voice for those near by to hear. "Does he mean a test for one person or one test that all of us can participate in?"
The Boatman (extra DM Post) Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 5:56:35 AM
"For all of the group together must you pick."
Is the voice a little annoyed?
"One test. One group of all of you. One choice."
He seems to be saying that the test will be faced by all the Hamleteers jointly.
Feng Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 12:16:22 PM
"I don't like luck because its all chance and I know my wit isn't as sharp as my arm is strong. I vote for combat."
Draax Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 3:17:38 PM
"If it was just one or two of us, I would trust Renik's luck or his, Tratain's, and Arien's wit against the challenge. As a group, I have to agree with Feng. I do not trust luck; I would be the first to admit my lack of a Sharpe wit, so combat is the only one that I feel I can contribute to. Whatever we decide I will try to contribute as much as I can."
Renik Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 6:31:19 PM
Renik turns and says to the snarling Sarigar "Calm yourself my friend. This creature is from the Lands of the Dead, but will not tarry long in our world. We must speak with him in order to continue our quest. I know his presence here alarms and disturbs you, but he will soon be gone, and with luck we too will be on our way. Be brave, Sarigar, your pack stands with you."
Turning back to the boatman Renik is torn. His natural instinct is to trust to luck, though he knows that Wardd can be a fickle master. His second choice is to trust to his wits, to engage in intellectual fencing rather than physical. But that his only his personal preference; he knows that this is a group decision. In this they must act together. And Draax makes a fair point; collectively their strength is in arms. He looks to his companions and says softly "Cast whatever preparatory spells you need now."
"Sir Boatman" grins the rogue, fluidly drawing his blades from twin back-mounted scabbards and activating his ring of blinking, "We accept the Test by Combat."
:: Monthor grins from ear to ear as he draws his war axe and takes a battle pose. ::
" BRING IT MONKEY BOY!!!! "
Test by Combat, Round One! (DM Cayzle) d8=8 d8=1 d20+20=37 Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 9:30:48 PM
The Boatman nods and disappears. The cyclopean skull remains behind, floating in air where the Boatman's hand had held it. It swells and gets larger.
It swings around in the air and then focuses on (rolling randomly) Tratain. A beam shoots out of the eye socket, aimed at the Protector. It hits AC 37! Tratain takes 110 hp damage from a Harm spell -- a Will save vs DC20 will half that.
No one is more than 20 ft from the floating one-eyed skull -- Except Sarigar, who is 40 ft away.
The Cyclopean Skull has hardness 20 and is AC20.
Actions!
Tratain AC 30 HP 62 [Extended Magic Vestment; Rightous Might] d20+16=35 d20+21=36 Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 10:29:21 PM
Tratain is caught offguard by the suddeness of the attack but is able to resist part of the Damage of the Harm spell (Will Save 35)
Tratain remains calm and defensively casts Rightous Might upon himself and moves foreward next to the Skull.
Renik (Blinking, AC 36 HP 81), Flanking d20+21=32 d20+15=27 d6+7=12 Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 6:54:52 AM
"Battle is joined!" yells the rogue cheerfully, feeling the undeniable adrenaline thrill course through him. He is getting to enjoy this feeling rather too much, a small part of him says, but it almost completely drowned out by the rest of him internally yelling "Smash it to pieces! Kill! Kill!"
Dropping one shoulder Renik ducks then rolls smartly directly beneath the skull (Tumble 32). Then he snaps to his feet directly behind it, (Flanking bonus to everyone closed in combat) and hammers a blow onto the top of the floating skull (AC 27 for 12hp). The strike has absolutely no effect.
"Oh not again!" cries the rogue plaintively. Why is everything so hard to hurt all of a sudden?!"
OOC DM Cayzle extra Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 10:06:44 AM
The skull with one eye is now Small in size, like a gnome, say.
Feng, AC 23, 114 HP d20+15=27 d20+10=14 d20+5=21 d8+18=22 d6=4 d8+18=22 d6=4 Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 10:47:45 AM
Feng grips his axe tightly and brings the flaming head of his axe down across the skull. He's a bit concerned that the lack of control in his attacks will cost him against such a small target but this thing needs to be destroyed as fast as possible. Luckily he manages to connect.
ooc: power attack with a 2 handed weapon, -5 to hit + 10 to damage. hit ac 27 for 22 normal and 4 fire and ac 21 for 22 normal and 4 fire.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 142 of 145) d20+17=35 d6+4=5 Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 1:16:10 PM
Although they were ready to pounce on the boatman, just out of distrust of it's unnatural feel, the brothers are caught completely offguard by the skull. After a moment of shock, they jump into the fray.
Sarigar jumps straight at the skull, gouging into it with his claws (charge, AC35/5HP). His brother quickly circles around to the opposite side (full move, if needed to get behind it, but a 5ft step away from it)
Draax AC 25 (with shield) HP 123 d20+24=44 d20+24=29 d8+12=19 d8+12=17 d8=4 Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 4:15:46 PM
Draax knows that it will take a real precise hit to damage the skull, but he can at least serve as a distraction and hope the magical attacks will do more damage. He moves to a spot around the skull that is not occupied by one of the others, insuring that the skull is surrounded and attacks with his thundersword.
When he hears the cacophonous roar emanating from his sword, he knows that his hit was perfect (natural 20, for 36 dmg and 4 sonic damage for total of 40). He suspects that the thing does not have ears so he doubts it could be deafened from the sword's special ability.
Monthor (AC 20, HP 101) d20+20=25 d20+20=37 Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 7:14:37 PM
After seeing a sample of the power that the skull possesses, Monthor decides that this battle needs to end now. However, force isn't always the best weapon in a battle. Monthor flanks and charges at the skull while removing his Heward's handy haversack from his back. Once in range, Monthor opens the bag and attempts to flip the bag over the skull. If this actually works, Monthor then closes the haversack back up again, and grins as the situation is now " in the bag ".
ooc> Now for the mechanics. As per the DMG, the haversack acts as a bag of holding. The skull, being gnome size should easily fit in the opening. Now, I'll assume that this action is similar to a grapple attack. So, Monthor gets his base attack bonus (11) plus is strenght bonus (6) for 17. I'll also assume that Monthor can do a charge attack (+2 to hit, -2 AC defence). Flanking bonus +1 (or is that 2?) Total bonuses 20 (or 21). Monthor should be able to do this while holding his axe (dwarves have big hands) but if he can't he'll drop it first while on the run.
ooc> part 2 If the attack role of 25 (26?) doesn't do it, I'll use my hero point to re role for 37.
Shards! (DM Cayzle) d20+20=33 10d10(6+7+4+1+7+10+10+10+2+2)=59 Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 11:09:01 PM
The Hamleteers lay into the skull. Feng and Draax put the biggest hurts on the thing.
But then Monthor has an idea! [DM note: It's unconventional, but I'll allow it this time -- probably not in the future.]
The dwarf acts with agility and precision. He forces the skull into his Haversack. DM Ruling: this is a non-standard action, and I'll allow it, but the enemy gets an AoO on Monthor when he tries it. The skull beams an AoO at Monthor.
It hits AC 33. Monthor takes 110 hp damage from a Harm spell -- a Will save vs DC20 will half that.
Now inside the haversack, the skull blasts at the container. Monthor feels the item swell like a balloon in his arms. Then it POPS!
Shards explode out in all directions. Everybody takes 59 damage -- please make a reflex save vs DC20 for half damage.
Those who are bleeding find that the shards cut shapes into flesh ...
the letter L the letter R the letter O
DM Extra: Needless to say, the Haversack and all its contents are lost.
Monthor - Let it stand and the let the dice role d20+3=13 d20=14 d20=5 Thursday August 4th, 2005 10:59:43 AM
Monthor gets hit by the ray from the skull full blast and then gets hit from the shards from his exploding Haversack. Monthor crumbles to the ground (save vs Will = 13, Hero point = 17, Reflex save 5+8= 13) battered and bloody.
Lifeless, the mighty warrior from Dirt City lays content that his sacrifice may have saved the lives of his friends and assist them in their quest.
Tratain AC 30 HP 117 [Extended Magic Vestment; Rightous Might] d20+10=14 d20+21=26 Thursday August 4th, 2005 1:17:35 PM
Tratain can only watch as Monthor charges in and is hit by the Harm spell. Everything seemed ok until his bag exploded and shards flew everywhere. Tratain is unable to avoid them.
Battered but alive Tratain looks at Monthor and see's that there is nothing to be done for him so he defensivly casts Heal on himself and goes to look over the fallen dwarf.
Draax AC 25 (with shield) HP 93 d20+10=24 Thursday August 4th, 2005 4:02:46 PM
Not really expecting to cause the skull any damage, Draax loses his composure for a second and takes a moment to puff out his chest and beam in self praising for his excellent hit. He is standing there in his heroic pose when Monthor bravely takes a hit from the skull dead on while encasing it in the bag. Draax is just about to pat the dwarf on the shoulder for a job well done, when he notices the sudden change in the bag. Diving out of the way just in time Draax only suffers partial damage from the explosion (reflex 24). Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs he looks over at what remains of the dwarf and knows that the sacrifice probably saved the lives of the rest of them.
Draax thinks that if they can get to the queen quick enough, they still might have time to ask the god, Gargul for another favor. The group owns the god so much as it is, it might take the rest of their lives if they live long enough to repay him.
Feng, AC 23, 55 HP d20+12=16 Thursday August 4th, 2005 5:57:59 PM
Feng was totally unprepared for what happened and took the full brunt of the exploding havardsack. He stumbled backward bleeding severely, falling onto his back. Once his vision clears he looks for the skull.
Arien (28hp) d20+14=33 Thursday August 4th, 2005 6:05:59 PM
Arien stands, stunned at the sudden violence. When the bag explodes Arien dives and rolls behind a rock, avoiding some of the blast. Climbing back to his feet Arien holds a hand over the worst of the wounds to find Monthor fallen. Arien curses to himself, he hated all the tests that the gods felt that they had to throw in their path. Given a choice he would almost rather live in a Wold without the interference of gods.
Renik (Blinking, AC 36 HP 81) d20+16=23 Thursday August 4th, 2005 6:40:53 PM
Renik's high spirits are shortlived. The joy of combat is rapidly replaced by the sickening wrench of its awful consequences. He watches in dumb horror as Monthor's moment of heroism turns horribly wrong, the skull's spell and subsequent explosion almost ripping the dwarf apart. He barely gets out of the way in time as fragments of the exploding skull whistle past his head (Ref 23, Evasion).
Crunching numbly over the fragments of their destroyed enemy Renik barely notices the letter burned into Tratain and Feng, but cannot miss the one smouldering on the fallen Monthor's brow. He drops to his knees, eyes stinging, and looks up at Tratain in folorn hope. "Can't... can't you help him?" he whispers, though in truth he already knows the answer. Another companion has fallen, and again, as leader, he is responsible. The weight of this terrible burden crashes down upon him, made even worse by the memory of his brief moment of levity mere seconds earlier. Monthor is dead!
Renik remains kneeling, his swords dangling forgotten in his hands. His head drops, chin resting against his heaving chest, as he fights to restrain sobs of fury and grief.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 142 of 145) d20+12=30 d20+10=28 Thursday August 4th, 2005 7:34:54 PM
The brothers are just about to pounce on the skull again as Monthor's bag explodes. With surprising agility, especially for a creature as large as Black Paws, the brothers avoid the blast (Reflex Save 30/28, Evasion for no damage).
As they roll back up to their feet, ready to dive back in, they note the relative calm of the area. Finally, they key in on Monthor, unmoving. Black Paws is the first of them to the dwarf's body, nudging it slightly with his nose. As the body rolls back limply, they know what's happened...again. Both brothers let out a howl that echoes through the valley. In the distance, other wolves can be heard returning the mournful song.
A Friend's Death (DM Cayzle) Thursday August 4th, 2005 11:19:55 PM
The party pauses in grief, although they sense that events continue to proceed apace.
The following is a description of what happens next from Monthor's point of view. His friends do not experience this, and I considered putting it in spoiler tags for Monthor alone, but on reflection I think it would be interesting to all.
Monthor feels himself escape from his broken body. The Wold turns grey. Then he can see pulsing ribbons of red-brown threading all of existence. He is drawn towards one of the rivulets of red, and is sucked away downstream.
Monthor's soul is carried fast away from his friends. The current grows stronger as streams combine and widen. At length, Monthor is washed out into a vast sea of red.
Feng, AC 23, 55 HP Friday August 5th, 2005 8:09:56 AM
Feng slowly rises to his feet doing his best to ignore the pain that wracks his body whenever he moves. He sees Monthor and sighs. It was a good idea but it was risky.
"It was a clever plan. Evrything happened so fast. There wasn't a chance to heal him. We must give him a heroes funeral before moving on."
Renik Friday August 5th, 2005 12:40:44 PM
The rogue rises, wrestling his motions under control.
"It was a valiant death" he says, his eyes closed. "If we can we must petition Gargul for his return to us upon our return from Maab's realm, but I fear we have no time for that now. We must press on with our quest with no further delays.
Let's get everyone healed, we don't know when we might face more enemies.
Did you notice those letters? One burned into Monthor, Feng and Tratain. Are we to assume they spell the Word?"
He turns to the dryads. "Ladies, are we permitted incorrect guesses at the Word, or must we get it correct the first time?"
Tratain Friday August 5th, 2005 1:08:53 PM
Tratain will heal his companions damaged by the blast. (Please List how many HPs you are down)
He says "Lets wrap up his body and take him with us, so that when we have a chance we can petition Gargul to return his spirit to us."
He says Queitly to the others, I saw the Letters, They could spell the word, but with only Three letters they may be only part of the word, or the first initials of three words, it might make sense, if the Password was Land of Rest, or something like it."
Draax (down 30) Friday August 5th, 2005 3:56:01 PM
After silently mourning the lost of Monthor, Draax finally notices the letters engraved in some of the members. Listening to Renik and Tratain, Draax is at a lost to what the letters actually mean. Is it a word made from the three, are they an acronym to three words as stated by Tratain or something else? Like the others he waits to hear the guardian's answer to Renik's question.
Arien (23/52) Friday August 5th, 2005 5:35:29 PM
Arien turns grimly away from the body of Monthor and stares off into the sky. "Another friend gone," he says to himself, "How many gone already? How many more will fall?"
Three Tries / The Boatman (Redux) (DM Cayzle) Saturday August 6th, 2005 10:49:48 AM [This is the Friday DM post]
The party mourns fallen Monthor. They also know they have to act fast to get to Maab. The Wold depends on them.
The beautiful dryads reply to Renik -- "Well, it would only be fair to give you three tries."
==========
Monthor feels his soul adrift in a sea of Red Woldsblood. At length -- minutes? years? -- he is lifted. Some creature has snared him in a net on a long pole. It is a human-sized creature with a halfling's torso and extremely long arms and legs. Its breath is black mist. It speaks like the sound of a rasp on bone.
"You wanted to enter the Lands of Rest. Now you shall. I know just exactly where to put you."
Monthor feels his soul carried far away. At last he is set down and freed from the net -- to rest on a distant shore.
Renik d20+9=18 d20+3=13 Sunday August 7th, 2005 3:49:58 PM
The rogue scowls, aware that one wrong step here will undo all their hard fought progress. Are the letters the word itself? If it is a word in Common it is no word he knows. Lor? Orl? Rol? Or are they initials? Maybe the letters only part of a word? Might other shards have become lost within the exploding haversack? If they are missing even one letter the options are enormous. More than one, and it doesn't bear thining about. So many possibilities, so few choices.
He decides to make sure they have missed nothing. Before answering he searches carefully for any sign of other letters they may have missed (Search 18). As he does so he ponders his knowledge of Sylvan, trying to work out if the letters spell any word he knows in that language (Int 13?).
Finally, assuming no other insights he turns to the Dryads and says "Very well. I will offer one of our three choices. I will speak the word in the order I first saw it."
"LRO."
If his guess is incorrect he will look to his companions to make the next guess. Before they do he will ask the Dryads their names.
Draax Monday August 8th, 2005 4:03:51 AM
Draax waits to see if Renik's guess is correct. Hopefully they are on the right track and the three letters spell out the correct word.
OOC DM Cayzle Monday August 8th, 2005 9:19:57 AM
Pals, sorry, but I just prefer not to wait three days for you all to take three guesses. Please please make a post like: "If Renik's word does not work, then I say XXX." There are only so many reasonable permutations of those letters possible! And frankly, although perhaps I ought not to say so, "LRO" is not one of them!
Tratain Monday August 8th, 2005 10:10:32 AM
Tratain waits to see the outcome of Reniks guess. If that is not the correct word, then he will guess at the Password and Say "Orl" if that doesn't work he will hope it is "Lor" and guess that.
Feng (Down 11) Monday August 8th, 2005 11:36:45 AM
Feng heals himself, his wounds almost all closing. While his wounds have healed he does not feel better. Arien was correct. Too many have fallen already and too many more will fall before things are done.
Tratain (Healing) d8+5=9 3d8(5+5+7)+12=29 3d8(1+4+6)+12=23 d8=1 d8=8 Monday August 8th, 2005 1:14:50 PM
Tratain heals his injured comrades
Feng is healed - 11 Arien is healed - 29 Draax is healed - 30 Sarigar is healed - 3
Using One 1st, Two Third, and Five 0 level spells.
OOC: Sorry been busy, I was a bad Cleric and forgot :)
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 145 of 145) Monday August 8th, 2005 2:11:12 PM
With their inability to read or write, Sarigar barely recognizes the letters as letters. He attempts to scribble the letters on the ground in various combinations. Maybe something will pop out to the others. To him, he's just going through the motions.
OLR ORL RLO ROL LOR LRO
"Hmmm, I think that's all of the mixings. Umm, do any of them say anything? They're just scribbles to me."
LOG ON