A New Valley (DM Cayzle) Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 12:42:32 AM
The party passes through the portal, and you find yourselves on a small island in the middle of a lake. The island is covered with soft grasses. Overhead it is night, but the moons are bigger and brighter, offering much more illumination than usual in a Woldian Night.
Surely you are still in one of the Valleys of Twilight that make up Maab's realm.
The island is only a few dozen feet in diameter. The shores are muddy. There are marks in the ground where the lake waters lap at the island.
A few hundred feet away is a shore. The far shore is a forest right up to the waters' edges.
Draax Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 2:16:15 AM
As he exits the portal, Draax looks around at their new surrounding. He figures that they were delivered here to have to be able to access the forest on the far shore, but he waits to see what the others think. The changes in nature make it unwise to step in unfamiliar water without investigating first. Walking up to the edge of the island Draax looks into the water to see what he can see.
Feng Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 8:44:26 AM
The large half-orc stepps forward, armor gleaming in the moonlight. His face shows none of the nervousness that he feels though that is betrayed by pulling his weapon from his back. Feng turns in a slowl circle, scanning everything around them, marveling in the pure beauty of it all.
Monthor Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 10:33:10 AM
"What! More water!" :: Monthor sighs deeply. ::
" What wouldn't me give for some nice mountains or better yet, a nice tavern... of well. "
" Well little buddies? Do we walk across?
ooc> Hey DM, how does this 'land' affect items' abilities per day? Does time work the same here?
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 10:47:54 AM
The brothers pass through the portal onto the island. Seeing the water, they walk up to the edge, sinking slightly into the mud. Each dips their head to the water and begins lapping up the water.
Once they've drunk their fill, they walk back toward the party. Sarigar runs his muddy hands through his hair, slicking it back and out of his eyes.
They sniff the air and look around the area. It looks and feels better than the misty areas here, but it's still not right. The balance they're used to isn't right here. Not enough to put them on edge, but enough to make them keep an eye, ear and nose out.
Tratain Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 12:56:54 PM
Tratain will read the scroll of Find portal again if the others want and then try to open the next one an enter it if there is no way out of Queen mabs realm found where they are.
Arien Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 1:23:15 PM
Arien walks up to the edge of the island and stands near the water. "Thanks to the Hydrae I can change into a water animal, if you would like me to scout the lake I could do so. Perhaps as an animal whatever is in the water would ignore me."
Renik d20+14=21 Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 2:36:51 PM
"It may come to that, Arien, but let us see if there's another portal on the islet first. Tratain, where does your spell suggest we head?"
Beneath the sepulchral glow of twin moons the rogue does his best to keep an eye out for danger, but he is well aware that this sort of half-light can generate illusionary apparitions, as well as concealing a multitude of sins (Spot 21).
Melody (DM Cayzle) Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 5:30:12 PM
Draax steps up to the edge of the water. It is crystal clear and still as a mirror. He sees his reflection, and through his image, he sees that the water is only a few inches deep.
Feng takes in the entire vista. He notes that the lake is narrow and long. Maybe 600 feet wide, in a direction we'll call east to west. The party is on an islet at the south end of the lake. The lake extends out of sight to the north. It IS beautiful, but there is something else ... some sense that reality is askew ...
Sarigar is even more sensitive to it. The water tastes fine, but the droplets that fall into the still waters plink and plink and plink again. In fact, even after the waters are still once more, you hear the plink plink plink of the droplets. The sound changes in tone, stretches out, becomes a melody. The music of the lake is very alien, as if made with instruments never heard in the Wold. The melody is beautiful and haunting.
Sarigar notes footprints -- odd footprints -- in the mud at the shore.
The islet itself is solid ground, covered with short grass and a few wildflowers. Monthor looks down and sees a small vial at his feet next to a flower. It has a label -- "For Monthor, one potion of Enlarge Person." [OOC: congrats on your lotto win.]
Tratain reads the scroll, and it tells him that the only portal is to the north. There is no portal on the islet on which you stand.
Arien is tempted to swim, but when he looks, he also takes note of the extreme shallowness of the water, so far as you can see.
Renik peers into the twilight. Does he sense creatures in the woods on the far shores? Is there movement? A glimmer as of moonlight on sharp edges of weapons?
Meanwhile, the melody continues.
[OOC: Time is funny here. It is a new "day," and has been since you were refreshed in the Queen's Court. In fact, now that you think of it, the Queen's care has healed you of all hurts. New spells, too.
Monthor Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 7:23:47 PM
:: Monthor bends over and picks up the potion ::
" Enlarge person?..... hummm.... maybe if I shared some with the Princess... and he used it to grow some bigger {cough, cough }.... Nah, never mind. "
:: Monthor shrugs and puts the potion in his belt pouch. ::
" Again with the lollyllagging! Come on girls, let's get going. "
:: Monthor leans his axe up against his shoulder and starts making his way across, towards the North. ::
Draax Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 8:21:20 PM
Draax smiles at the dwarf's constant ribbing. He joins the short fighter as he makes his way into the water. Readying an arrow in his bow, Draax watches the shore as they travel towards it.
Renik d20+14=26 Wednesday August 24th, 2005 11:42:14 AM
The rogue is rather more wary than his companions. The curious effects when Sarigar created drips in the water have triggered the rogue's danger sense. The valleys of the Fae are likely to hold hidden dangers.
"Wait, disturbing that water may cause unforseen effects!" the rogue warns, a little too late. Reaching into his pockets he finds a stub of candle or similar soft substance, and rapidly fashions some rudimentary earplugs, which he stuffs into his ears.
"Arien, do you have a Silence spell you can cast on me if the need arises?" asks the rogue as he rises 10 feet into the air and flies off after his companions, closely scanning the treeline (Spot 26).
Arien Wednesday August 24th, 2005 11:52:34 AM
"If I were a bard or priest I could cast those on you. As I am not normally you would be out of luck. However I just happen to have a couple of scrolls here of Silence that I believe Tratain could cast." Arien passes the scrolls to the cleric.
Feng Wednesday August 24th, 2005 2:38:33 PM
Its a rare sight, one that he will not forget. Still he wonders why the Queen sent them here and what their purpose could be.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+16=25 d20+20=31 d20+16=20 Wednesday August 24th, 2005 4:08:56 PM
The otherworldly music perks up the brothers ears. Though it's strangely beautiful, the ominous undertones have them ill at ease. Though not as troubled as in the mist, they become noticably agitated.
To help them focus away from the music, the brothers turn their attention to the footprints they picked out. Sarigar examines the footprints in the mud to try to figure out what they might belong to (Knowledge: Nature 25, Survival: Tracking 31). Black Paws dips his nose down to them and takes a few good sniffs to allow him to begin tracking them if needed (Survival: Tracking 20).
As they determine a direction, they begin following the footprints each sniffing the air from time to time to try to detect any possible unseen prey.
Tratain d20+10=21 Wednesday August 24th, 2005 7:15:41 PM
Tratain keeps an eye out for anything out of the ordinary while walking with the others towords the location of the next portal. (Spot 21)
Wade (DM Cayzle) Wednesday August 24th, 2005 9:21:04 PM
Monthor and Draax wade off north. Renik, urging caution, is suspicious of the music. Arien reassures him that the group has access to magical silence.
Feng wonders about the meaning of it all, while Tratain keeps a wary eye open.
Sarigar finds that the tracks belong to bipeds -- either in soft boots or just maybe bare feet with no toes? Every once in a while he sees a hole, like a poked finger, or maybe a round stick, next to the footprints. The prints came from the west, came to the isle, then went off east, about a few hours ago.
Up ahead, after some more wading, you see another islet. The lake continues north. The melody waxes and wanes with time. The sounds of your wading through the shallow water weave into the music you hear.
Renik Thursday August 25th, 2005 5:22:25 AM
Renik alights on the second islet, wary of his surroundings. This place is unreal, and rather spooky.
"How much farther on is the next portal, Tratain?" he asks.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+20=28 d20+16=24 d20+16=18 d20+16=17 d20+16=21 d20+16=27 d20+16=19 Thursday August 25th, 2005 10:19:18 AM
Finding the holes rather curious, the brothers examine them a bit closer. Carefully sniffing at them for the smell of anything living (Survial 28/24, best I can think of for sniffing, basically tracking). If he can find one, Sarigar uses a small twig, narrower than the hole, to probe how deep it is. He strains his memory for what these holes might be used for, perhaps looking for some shore dwelling, burrowing creature, like a clam (Knowledge: Nature 18).
If nothing comes to mind, they'll take another good look around to see if the makers of the footprints are close enough to see (Spot 17 (nat 1)/21). Once done, they move to catch up with the party, but stay a little ways behind them so their sounds don't muffle other sounds too much (Listen 27/19)
Feng Thursday August 25th, 2005 11:08:53 AM
"Yes for some reason this place bothers me. It doesn't feel real. Perhaps nothing will happen while we are here but I will sleep better once we are away from wherever here is."
Tratain Thursday August 25th, 2005 12:56:52 PM
Tratain says "I don't know how far it is to the next portal, I can only tell its direction."
Tratain continues to lead his comrades towords the next portal and if they reach it will use the scroll to open it and step through.
Draax d20+6=7 Thursday August 25th, 2005 4:51:17 PM
Draax continues to move with the others. He tries to stay alert for any signs of danger, but the eerie sound of the music mixing with the sounds of the water keeps grabbing his attention (spot check 7).
Monthor Thursday August 25th, 2005 6:04:15 PM
Monthor drops back to where Renik is and then moves with the rest of the group.
" Bunch of lolligaggers. "
In Dreams (DM Cayzle) Thursday August 25th, 2005 8:50:48 PM
Sarigar sees that the footprints and the round holes look like someone walking with a stick and poking the ground as they walk.
Everyone wades north towards the islet ahead. Feng is suspicious. Draax keeps alert -- he notes that small mists rise from the lake from time to time (are they shaped to vaguely suggest human forms?)
Tratain expects the portal to appear any time now. Prematurely, it seems. There's no sign of it yet.
Monthor keeps with the group.
Renik, whose common sense urged the group not to upset the water, shows no sign of restraint as he lands on the next island.
The rest of the group sees Renik land and freeze.
Renik, please make a Will Save vs DC20.
If you make the save, then you alone Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see and watch as in an enthralling vision a nobleman sitting in a vault counting gold. The corpulent aristocrat is chortling as he counts. You may move normally after two rounds watching.}
If you fail the save, then you alone Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Your reality changes. You are Baron Toplat Dimgharm IV. You are enjoying counting your gold. They say the blood of dragons runs in the Dimgharm line, and though your grandmother was indeed a sorcerer, you think that your inheritance is a love of gold. Indeed, you revel in it! You love to count your riches! 5,345 ... 5,346 ... 5, 347 ... When you get to 10,000, you can put it in this chest and place it with the other 10,000 gp chests in the 10,000-gp-chest-vault! Suddenly a chill runs down your back, like someone stepped on your grave. What do you do, Baron Toplat? Please place your answer in spoiler tags.}
Arien Thursday August 25th, 2005 8:55:25 PM
Arien watches Renik freeze narrows his eyes in suspicion. Arien waits a moment and to see if Renik is ok, if he still does not respond Arien will cast detect magic to see if anything is effecting Renik of a magical nature.
Draax Friday August 26th, 2005 1:45:42 AM
Draax feels a little uncomfortable as the mist plays tricks with his eyes. His attention is drawn to Renik when the rogue freezes. Draax stops and waits to see if Renik begins moving again or remains frozen. Draax hold up his hand to get the others' attention and then points at Renik. "Can anyone tell me what just happened?"
Renik d20+7=19 Friday August 26th, 2005 2:13:08 AM
The rogue desperately tries to fight off the freezing effects, but feels himself becoming overwhelmed by the powerful magics (Will 19).
Fror DM only:
Highlight to display spoiler: {5,348, 5,349... A slow grin spreads over the baron's lips. Can there be any finer pastime than this? Oh beautiful, beautiful gold! He holds coin number 5,350 between his pudgy fingers as he feels the shiver crawl up his spine. Is someone here with him? Have ghosts come to claim his lovely gold?
He slams the lid of his coffer down hard and spins around, hand flying to the dagger at his belt. He waves it nervously about in front of him crying "Who's there? Begone from this place, interloper, there is nothing for you here!" }
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+16=27 d20+16=25 d20+16=20 d20+16=17 d20+26=33 d20+17=27 Friday August 26th, 2005 10:42:02 AM
The brothers walk around the party as they stop. Sure, Renik stopped, but they don't see anything wrong. Maybe he's just spotted something, he's almost as keen eyed as the brothers.
As they come within a few steps of the new shore, they scan the area trying to pick out what Renik might have keyed in on (Spot 27/25, Listen 20/17). They begin to creep out of the water so as not to scare off whatever's got Renik's attention (Move Silently 33/27) and move toward Renik to find out what's going on.
Feng Friday August 26th, 2005 1:01:54 PM
"Well this is an interesting twist. He's not that far on shore. Maybe we could drag him back to the water and see if he can move again." Feng suggests.
Tratain Friday August 26th, 2005 3:52:24 PM
Tratain says "I'm not sure what happened to him, It may not be safe to go near him until we figure out whats wrong with him. Can anyone use some rope to tie a Lasso? We can try and rope him and pull him back. If that fails, I can try casting a Protection from Evil spell on someone and they can try and drag him back here."
Monthor Friday August 26th, 2005 6:45:20 PM
Monthor, having stopped walking shrugs his massive bulging shoulders then unshoulders his cross bow.
" I could always shoot him? "
Monthor then playfully takes aim about 5 feet away to the left of Renik.
" That would shut him up. "
Magic Indeed! (DM Cayzle) Saturday August 27th, 2005 3:27:23 AM
Arien, casting his spell, senses overwhelming magic, of a strength beyond mortals to create. It covers the islet and drowns out all other auras nearby.
Draax seems confused and asks for an explanation. Feng and Tratain do not know, but they ponder ways to drag their friend back off the islet. Monthor has an idea, but then again, a crossbow is not a harpoon.
Sarigar, meanwhile, approaches the islet with Black Paws, sniffing. They hesitate before stepping onto the islet ... something smells funny about it ... as if there were someone else on the island, someone old and fat ... but that smell comes from Renik! But then they move towards their friend.
Renik comes out of his stupor, but something about his posture is odd -- he moves as if he were wearing very armor or carrying a heavy load. One hand moves to his belt. He says, (to Sarigar?) "Who's there? Begone from this place, interloper, there is nothing for you here!"
Sarigar and Black Paws, please make a will save vs DC20.
If you make it, then Sarigar Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see Renik standing on the grass and flower-covered islet, and superimposed on this you also see as in a vision a fat old man in rich dress standing where Renik is. The man stands next to a table covered in piles of gold coins.}
If you fail the save, then Sarigar Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Your reality changes! You are no longer yourself. You are a thief, and Black Paws is your attack dog. You are here to steal the Baron's gold. You are in a treasure chamber, filled with chests, and the Baron is right there at his counting table, which is covered in coins. He has stood and, hand on dagger, challenges you. What do you do, thief? Please respond in spoiler tags.}
Renik, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Baron Toplat, here is the intruder! A thief with an attack dog! Here no doubt to take your gold! This is horrible! Your belly and jowls quiver with indignation and fear. What will you do, Baron? Please respond in spoiler tags.}
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+5=21 d20+5=23 Saturday August 27th, 2005 9:56:34 AM
As the brothers set foot on the islet, they pause for a moment. Renik's obvious non-recognition of them and the strange double image they see of Renik has them cock they're heads to the side in confusion (Will Save 21/23).
They continue moving closer, no longer concerned about they're stealth. "Who's that fat guy around you Renik? Looks almost like you're wearing him. Take him off, that's icky.
They continue pressing forward, seeing his obvious agitation, Sarigar lowers his hands to his sides, plams open toward Renik. Black Paws stays a step or two behind and to the side of his brother. Still walking up to his packmate, Sarigar makes no obvious threatening moves toward him, fearing he may bolt like a scared rabbit or charge like a cornered badger.
Feng Saturday August 27th, 2005 1:17:36 PM
"Well this makes some sense. I think a ghost as possessed Renik's body. If that is true then we have a real problem. Ghosts aren't so easy to turn and it may be even harder to get him out."
Draax Saturday August 27th, 2005 10:06:01 PM
"Ok I am clearly out of my element. If what Feng says is true, I wonder if getting him off the island as Feng suggested earlier might help. It does not look like the wolf brothers were affected so maybe it is just one ghost, but I think we should stay off the island at least until we see what happens when/if we remove Renik from it."
Rummaging through his backpack Draax pulls out some silk rope. "I have the rope but I do not have the skill to lasso him."
Renik Sunday August 28th, 2005 3:23:53 AM
The rogue remains in the grip of the enchantment, incapable of wresting himself free.
Highlight to display spoiler: {From the gloom emerges a shadowy character, a common cutpurse or burglar by his shabby garb. The gall! For such a lowly cur to enter the domicile of a man of such standing and culture! It makes his blood boil. And by his side a slavering, growling hound! Ooh, it just dripped its horrid spittle all over his beautiful parquet floor! Disgusting! But the floor is the least of his worries; he must protect his gold at all costs.
Then the advancing thief speaks. "Who's that fat guy around you Renik? Looks almost like you're wearing him. Take him off, that's icky."
Toplat's sweating brow creases in confusion. What bizarre ruse is this? The bandit speaks in tongues! Or more likely is completely derranged. Oh Gods, not only a thief in the night, but an insane thief to boot!
The Baron waves his bejewelled dagger in what he hopes is a threatening manner and retreats behind his desk, scooping handfulls of coins into his pockets as he does so.
In a voice intended to be commanding and forceful (but in fact quavering and laced with panic) he says "You pair of mangy dogs! Vile thieves! Get out of my home at once! This is mine, you hear? Mine!"
In a high pitched, effeminate shriek he yells "Guards! Guards! To me! Intruders in my bedchambers!"
He eyes the intruders warily, desperately thinking for a way to protect himself against these dangerously insane criminals.}
Tratain d20+3=7 d20+10=17 d20+5=10 d20+3=4 Sunday August 28th, 2005 5:23:08 PM
Tratain Pulls some Silk Rope out of His Haversack and attempts to fashion a Lasso, but does poorly. He will then attempt to Rope Renik. (Ranged Attack of 17, second attempt lower if its even allowed) If he manages to snag Renik he attempts to pull him towords the Party but can't seem to budge him.
Monthor Monday August 29th, 2005 1:47:16 PM
" You girls want me to grab him and dunk his head in the water a few dozen times? Maybe that'll smarten him up some? "
Arien d20+23=40 Monday August 29th, 2005 5:01:21 PM
"Beware the isle, it is riddled with magic that has apparently ensared Renik." Arien concentrates on the auras trying to determine what was effecting Renik. (Spellcraft 40)
The Dream Ends Abruptly (DM Cayzle) d8=6 [Wis damage to Renik] Monday August 29th, 2005 11:32:03 PM
Sarigar tries to be as gentle as possible with his confused friend, Renik, but the rogue is clearly in the grip of some madness!
"You pair of mangy dogs!" Renik shouts in a strange voice, "Vile thieves! Get out of my home at once! This is mine, you hear? Mine!"
Then, in a high pitched, effeminate shriek he yells "Guards! Guards! To me! Intruders in my bedchambers!"
To Arien it is clear that this is an enchantment, but he senses that there is a foreign mind at work, somehow, that Renik has intruded on another's thoughts.
Monthor considers rushing in and grabbing Renik. How the insane rogue would react to that is a mystery, as is the possible consequences for the headstrong dwarf.
Feng is concerned that a ghost has possessed Renik. A reasonable theory, but will it hold water after the coming moment's events?
Draax tosses a rope over Renik. The toss is poor, but to Renik, the appearance of any rope at all is a wonder! His eyes goggle, and you see him pinch himself.
The islet sinks under the water abruptly, leaving Renik and the wolf brothers in shallow water. Renik's vision fades, and he is himself, although shaken by the experience (take 6 points of wisdom damage). The islet is no more.
Renik has the oddest sensation, as if he had just woken from sleep, as if it had all been just a dream.
The portal beckons, northwards.
Cayzle OOC Monday August 29th, 2005 11:35:10 PM
Kudos (and 500 xp) to Carl for fantastic role play on the islet. Friends, please feel free to go back and read the hidden posts.
Feng Tuesday August 30th, 2005 10:32:44 AM
"I'm liking this place less and less. We need to get to that portal as fast as we can. At least in a violent land you know where you stand with the natives. Here who can be certain of anything."
Tratain d4=3 d4=4 d20+15=19 Tuesday August 30th, 2005 10:58:42 AM
Tratain walk over to Renik and examines him to make sure that he is alright (Heal check 19).
If he can determine that something is amiss with Renik or Renik can communicate that something is wrong. Tratain will Cast Leser Restoration on Him from a scroll (Removing 3 points of Wisdom Loss). If that seems to Work he will cast another Scroll of Lesser Restoration on Renik. (Healing the Wisdom loss completly.)
After everything is settled he will point the way towords the Next portal to the North and begin Traveling that Direction with his comrades.
Draax Tuesday August 30th, 2005 2:40:35 PM
Draax sighs in relief when it looks like Renik has finally shaken off whatever if was that took over him. Draax puts away his rope and then says in a calm voice as he tries to pretend that he was not as concerned as he actually was, "That was interesting. For a minute there I was thinking that we were going to have to let Monthor shoot you."
As they walk in the direction of the portal and if it looks like Renik has recovered some Draax will ask him. "Hey Renik, do you remember anything that just happened to you? And if you can, please enlighten the rest of us. You were saying some crazy things while under the influence."
Monthor Tuesday August 30th, 2005 2:41:19 PM
"Humph, me guess that the Princess' perfume finaly go to Renik. Send him right over the edge. Poor girley girl. "
"BWHAHAHAHAHA!"
After Tratain is done with the first aid, Monthor walks up to Renik and gives a slap on the back before helping him up to his feet.
" [ooc> By helping, Monthor means grabbing him by the belt and lifting him off the ground and back on his feet. OUCH! I can just imagine the wedgie! I know, It doesn't say that Renik is down off his feet but the imagery is quite funny don't you think?]
And there we be me friend..
Points to himself
" The good... "
Points to Renik
" The crazy... "
Points to Feng
" And the ugly... "
" Together we are.... THE SMELLY TRIO!!! "
[ooc> Is that 6 points of wisdom damage taken by Renik 6 hp of damage or lost 6 off his wisdom score? Just curious. ]
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday August 30th, 2005 6:06:39 PM
As Renik snaps back into his own mind the brothers find it difficult to shake the "mangy dogs" comment.
Sarigar steps up and sniffs Renik in various places to be sure it's really his scent. Black Paws follows close behind him and nudges him enough with his snout to push him back a few feet to see what reaction he gets.
Even if all the scents are right and he doesn't try to attack, Sarigar still give him a raised eyebrow of confusion. It's obvious that the brothers aren't completely sure he can be trusted now.
Mysteries Deepen (DM Cayzle) Tuesday August 30th, 2005 11:34:01 PM
Renik is quiet after his strange experience, but accepts his friends' attentions. Tratain quickly assesses the damage done to the rogue, and restores him (that was not hp damage, but actual points of Wis lost).
Monthor offers moral support, in his own way.
Sarigar and Feng remain suspicious and watchful.
Draax tries to lighten the mood and then asks Renik about what happened.
The group continues to wade north, watching as they go. The music, which never faded, continues. As you walk north a ways more, you see three more islets. It would not be much of a detour to go around them, but them you would never know what would happen if you set fot on one!
Renik Wednesday August 31st, 2005 5:41:13 AM
"That was the strangest thing" mumurs the rogue. I dreamed I was someone else, someone who loved gold even more than I do. I didn't think that was possible!"
He thanks Tratain for his spells, apologises to Sarigar and Blackpaws for his odd behaviour, and silently castigates himself for his rashness in landing on the islet. As they approach the next islets Renik says to Monthor "On you go old son. Hop onto that one and we'll see what happens. Oh, can I borrow that crossbow before you go?"
He winks at the dwarf cheerfully.
Tratain Wednesday August 31st, 2005 1:15:31 PM
Tratain says "Hold on a minute Monthor, I think it would be best if someone stronger willed went if we are going to do this. I only have two scrolls left that will cure the same type of Ailments that Renik was inflicted with. I will go, I think i'm the most Likely to be able to fight off the enchantment if something does try and possess whoever steps foot on the island."
Monthor Wednesday August 31st, 2005 1:18:36 PM
The Dwarf shrugs his shoulders...
" Fine, fine, fine... Tratain, ye go. Me'll cover your skinny behinds as always. "
" And no Renik, ye can't have me cross bow. Ye'd likely shoot yerself in the foot, or worst, shoot ME in the foot."
Feng Wednesday August 31st, 2005 2:02:20 PM
"I'll got his time. If something does happen at least Tratain will be free of mind to try and do something about it. Besides they might not like being a half orc any more than they would a dwarf."
Draax Wednesday August 31st, 2005 3:52:29 PM
Draax silently congratulates Tratain for restoring Renik to his former self. Draax is a little skeptical about Renik's story about someone liking gold more than Renik does, but he figures that possession might make a person believe in the impossible.
At first he cannot believe that the group is contemplating stepping on another island, but he realizes that they might pass up some valuable information if they do not try. He still would rather by-pass the islets.
"If we are going to do this lets tie a rope around the person so we can pull them off the island if needed. We have no idea what pulling them off the island will do but it is worth a try if you ask me."
Pulling his silk rope out of his backpack again, Draax gets ready to tie it around the body of the one that is going on the islet.
Arien Wednesday August 31st, 2005 4:26:22 PM
"Perhaps, for the sake of saving time we should investigate more than one at a time? I can investigate one island and Tratain another. If either of us gets in trouble someone can haul us off the island and out of the thoughts of whatever is directing this magic."
Sarigar and Black Paws Wednesday August 31st, 2005 4:32:03 PM
Aa the party approaches the next islet, the brothers keep to the rear of the party, keeping a close eye on Renik.
As the others stop and begin discussing what they're going to do, the brothers have half a mind to just walk right up and onto the island, but that would mean turning their back on Renik. Instead, with a substantial splash, Sarigar plops down into a sitting position in the water. Black Paws quickly follows suit. Together, they both watch the antics of the others.
Telepathically talking to each other (in wolf): Highlight to display spoiler: {"If they're that worried about it, best thing to do is just go around, right brother?"
"Yep."
"/sigh Things were so much simplier with the tree lady. Hunt, eat, sleep, play. Oh well, this is our pack now."}
Experimenting (DM Cayzle) Thursday September 1st, 2005 7:30:39 AM [This is the Wednesday DM post.]
Renik makes brief explanation. Monthor volunteers to try stepping up. Tratain takes his place, but not before Draax ties a rope on him. Feng looks on alertly. Arien considers trying another islet at the same time; in the privacy of their own thoughts, the wolf brothers ponder the opposite course.
Tratain steps onto dry land. Please make a Will save vs DC20.
If you make it, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You watch as in a vision, a small child huddled in a bed alone in a dark room. There is a thumping under the bed, and you see a huge claw emerge from under the bed and wave at the child, who is terrified. You may choose to stay and do something, or you may leave the islet.}
If you fail the save, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Your reality changes. You are no longer Tratain. You are Tory, a little boy aged 5. You are in bed alone at night, and there is a HUGE Ka-THUMP under you. You peek and see a giant sharp, scary claw emerge from under the bed! What are you going to do, Tory?}
The Hamleteers watch Tratain stand still on the islet.
Tratain d20+16=21 Thursday September 1st, 2005 9:45:19 AM
As Tratain steps onto the Island he is able to keep the enchantment at bay and looks on at what is going on instead of being drawn into it.
Not sure if the magics of this strange place make what he is seeing real or not he calls out to the Boy and attempts to move a little closer "Come to me child if you can see and Hear me, I will Protect you."
He says to his friends "I see a room with a small boy in it, something is emerging from underneath it."
Feng Thursday September 1st, 2005 10:18:45 AM
"What if each of these islands is the life or perhaps dreams of a living person? Maybe Renik got pulled into the dream or life and now Tratain is seeing someone else. That could explain why they don't seem to notice the observers."
Monthor Thursday September 1st, 2005 10:29:23 AM
Hearing that something is emerging from under the child's bed, the Dwarf taps his axe, flamming the blade. Monthor takes a defensive position.
" Me got yer back Tratain! Just tell me where ta swing!!! "
Renik Thursday September 1st, 2005 3:40:41 PM
"I was only kidding..." says Renik in some surprise as Monthor and the others take his playful offer seriously. "If I were you I'd stay off those islets, they're weird!"
He is relieved to see Tratain shrug off the effects of the enchantment and report on what he sees. And Feng's comments make a greatr deal of sense.
"Hold, Monthor, I think Feng might have it. This lake could be likened to the universal state of the Wold's sleep, and each of these islets could be the individual dream of any given sleeper. This must be a Valley of Dreaming. But if that is true... Sweet Alemi's pate!
If this place truly does represent the entirety of the Wold's Dreaming it is a place of inconcievable power! Think of it; from here we could concievably step into the mind of anyone in the Wold as they slept! If only there was a way to determine which islet represented which sleeper. Gods, if we could determine that think what we might do!"
Pacing back and forth the rogue is lost in excited speculation. "Think of those we might influence to do good, appearing as messengers in a dream! Or what of death? If you are killed in a dream do you die in life? Could this be the ultimate place of assassination? Just think, the one place where you are defenceless, incapable of fleeing; in your dreams! What if we could enter the mind of murderers, dictators, depots? What if we could enter the sleeping mind of Parnoth, and catch him where he was alone and without retreat? What if..."
The rogue goes glassy eyed for a moment as his brain catches up with his mouth.
"What if we could enter the mind of the Fae King himself?"
He shakes his head, dispelling this wild flight of fancy. "No, no, this is too wild a supposition. We have no idea if this really is a place of universal dreaming. We have no way of seeking out the dreams of individuals even if it is. And even if this place did hold the dreams of the Fae king, we can be sure his mind would be a thousand times stronger than the petty dreams of a miser or the night-terrors of a small boy. Come, let us find the way out of this place."
Sarigar and Black Paws Thursday September 1st, 2005 6:18:04 PM
As Renik goes on his mental whirlwind, the brothers watch him carefully. He might not be himself again. When he finally shakes himself loose and suggests they all move on to the exit, the brothers rise to their feet and begin trudging through the water and in the direction of the portal.
Draax Thursday September 1st, 2005 6:38:19 PM
"I agree with Renik's finally assessment. Let us find our way out of this place. Could you image the godlike feeling that would come over us if we starting directing the affairs of the wold through dreams. Although we would have good intentions, we would be no better than the Fae king himself for not thinking about the consequences of our actions. We do not have the right to intentionally invade the dreams of others without a very good reason. I know how I would feel if someone invaded and tried to alter my dreams."
Draax waits a second to see if what he said sinks into the others. "That being said, I would have no problem going into the mind of the Fae King or Parnoth. His inner thoughts might be the only way to reach the king's conscience or at least show him what his actions are doing to the wold. Too bad we have no way of locating it."
Draax waits to see what happens with Tratain before head in the direction of the portal.
Feng's Insight (DM Cayzle) Thursday September 1st, 2005 10:32:44 PM
Tratain relates his vision -- a boy threatened by night-monsters. He calls out to the boy, offering protection. The boy hears his friendly voice, and leaps down from the bed. There is a roar from under the bed, and the boy is surprised by it! His eyes blink, and as he awakes from his dream, the islet sinks and Tratain's vision fades.
Feng has a clear insight that immediately seems correct. Surely these islets are dreams, and Renik's name sounds true. This is the Valley of Dreaming.
Or at least, a Valley of Dreams. Could it be that the dreams of all mortals can be entered here? The dreams of dragons? The dreams of kings? The dreams of Ebryon, the Fae King himself?
Well, probably not him. After all, he just woke up, and he is not likely to go back to sleep right away, you guess.
Anyway, there does not seem to be nearly the number of islets you would need for every dreamer that sleeps. But who knows? Such mysteries are beyond you. All you know is that your path to the portal lies to the north.
But before you can begin again, you feel unsteady on your feet. An islet is a-rising, directly under your boots! Do you choose to stay on it, or try to get off?
Feng Friday September 2nd, 2005 9:32:10 AM
"We cannot hope to avoid all of the islets on our way out of the valley. We must learn how do deal with them. There is no other way." Feng says and stands firm.
Draax Friday September 2nd, 2005 4:02:12 PM
Draax moves to avoid the incoming dreams but then he considers Feng's words. He takes a hesitant step and then stop. Looking at Feng he says, "OK, but I hope you know what your are doing." Draax stand firm with a very unsure look on his face.
Arien Friday September 2nd, 2005 4:57:42 PM
"Feng, these are the dreams of the people, what if our learning to deal with them as you say, scars some child for life? Indeed what if we are in one of these dreams and something here attacks us? What if these dreams have a keeper? I say we avoid them as best as possible. If we wind up having to traverse one, we shall deal with it then. No sense to seek trouble out before it is forced upon us."
Renik Friday September 2nd, 2005 6:20:35 PM
Renik's first instinct is to fly upwards, away from the islet. But something about Feng's comment and the rising of the islet pursuades the rogue. He stands firm with the paladin and says
"No, once again I think Feng's instincts are correct. He reads this place well. Maab gave us a route out of her realm, but led us here on the way. We can only assume she did so for a purpose. I'm inclined to see what this place wishes to show us. This dream, in a way, has sought us out rather than us intruding on it. I say we stay and see what it has to tell us. No, really. Sarigar, Black Paws, please stop looking at me like that."
Tratain Friday September 2nd, 2005 8:01:34 PM
Tratain says "I agree, it may just be random but it may also be something important for us to learn. The Queen did say to look for her in our dreams, maybe she ment this?"
Monthor Friday September 2nd, 2005 8:54:35 PM
Monthor looks like someone just cancelled his birthday.
"Okay then.... but do I get to bash anything?"
Monthor follows the other's lead.
Sarigar and Black Paws Saturday September 3rd, 2005 2:30:43 PM
Seeing as they were already on the move in the direction of the portal, as the island begind to rise, the brothers quicken make a modest leap to avoid it. They then turn back to see what happens to the others.
Arien Saturday September 3rd, 2005 9:48:06 PM
"Very well then, let us see what this dream has to show us." Arien stands and lets the dream come.
The Queen's Dream (DM Cayzle) Sunday September 4th, 2005 9:17:06 AM
[OOC: This is, I am ashamed to say, the Friday DM post. There may or may not be a DM post for the American Labor Day Holiday on Monday. There will definitely be a DM post on Tuesday. Thanks!]
The islet forming under your feet is not a normal islet. It quickly spreads out, growing larger and larger. It spreads out, absorbing other islets it meets. In a very short span of time, in fact, there is no lake! Just a meadow stretching from side to side of the valley, and north and south as far as the eye can see.
There is, after all, no avoiding it. The isle's vision sweeps over you. There is no avoiding that, either.
You recognize the setting immediately -- Maab's Court, a beautiful garden. You are all watching through the eyes of the Queen's servants. She is meeting with Someone.
The Someone's smile is both indulgent and condescending. Both emotions fail to register in his handsome eyes, however, as though the eyes knew the true odds.
"All this time," he began, "I knew you'd cling to that crown. My dear Queen, did you think I would not anticipate this? Did you entertain the foolish notion that I would come meekly? Be your puppet?"
The Someone is in the form of a Large Satyr, and he gives a sharp stamp of his cloven hoof. Nearby branches veer away fearfully, only to return, swooning, as the Satyr stretches wide his arms. The Garden centers on him.
"See the power I have! See nature's love for me! You have neither the right, nor the strength to deny me!"
He turns slowly, his arms still outstretched, his fingers beckoning. Energy gathers there at those fingertips -- a wisp of flame, a tiny cloud of sand, drops of moisture, and a tiny perfect little whirlwind.
And with such small gestures, the entire Wold comes to rest -- no wind, no rain, no fire, no tremors of earth.
The elements gather around their King, cloaking him in a strange mist.
"You want me tame and compliant, my Queen?" comes his voice through the billowing cloud. "Then first, you must catch me."
The blast comes with no warning, bringing with it a power that only Maab can withstand. Across continents, dwindled fires burst to life again, blasting outward. Seas and lakes thrash, the earth quakes, and howling winds tear at everything in their path.
Fragments burst from the cloud, being the essence of Satyr King, torn into a multitude of pieces, are carried away by the elements.
In moments, it is over. The King is scattered across the Wold. But not before the Queen acts swiftly, gathering light into tiny, dazzling stars.
"Show me," she commands. "Show me the King. Show me Ebryon."
Hot on the heels of the fragments of the King, the stars hurtle outward. "You can't hide," the Queen whispers. "Not from me. Now, show them. Let your own power betray you."
It takes slow seconds for each pin point of light to reach it's destination, and once done, change trajectory and converge ...
Within the walls of the Cathedral of Light, in the middle of Plateau City, the Room of Artifacts suddenly bursts into life. The source? Ebron's orb, so recently brought back, at great risk and loss of life, from a time gone by. Colours and shapes reflect on the walls, and light surrounding the orb grows outward, becoming the great disks of the Wold. Pin points of brilliance flicker here and there, scattered across the Land.
Here lies Ebyron. Here. And here.
Back in the Valley, the Fae Queen Maab uncurls her fingers and looks down into the palm of her hand. Three small acorns lay there, all three enscribed with a unique rune - ATONE, SLEEP, DIE.
"The choice you should have made, will now be left to others," she says, her voice tainted with a raw sadness and exhaustion. "Let the runes grow where they may. Let mortal heroes find each fragment and use each rune. Let them decide. I have done all I can. I can do no more."
The three acorns dropped quietly from her hand, where the ground swallows them, and their power spreads.
The dream fades, the vast islet sinks, and you are again standing inches deep in the shallow lake.
[OOC: Feel free to post often in discussing this.]
Renik Sunday September 4th, 2005 3:27:29 PM
Renik blinks and looks around at the others as the dream fades. A foggy part of his mind recalls that orb, and a voyage into the distant past to retrieve it. But the memory is so vague he cannot be sure if it his own or part of Maab's dream.
"So, she has faced him. He seems drunk with power, out of control. If I understand this dream correctly the king has divided into many parts but has been tracked by Maab. Are we to seek out one of these fragments of the king? And then somehow use these acorns she speaks of to determine his fate?
And if that is the case, which should we choose? Atone, Sleep or Die? Perhaps that is a choice each of us will have to come to ourselves.
For now we must find that portal to leave this place. We have a clear path now, to seek out the fragment of the Fae King. I suggest we waste no time."
Draax Monday September 5th, 2005 2:02:10 AM
When the dream/vision/sending ends Draax gives Feng an apologetic salute. "I guess you did know what you were doing."
"I guess we should start in the Room of Artifacts in the Cathedral of Light. What was that thing the the orb of Ebron or Ebron's orb? We can see where that leads us."
Tratain Monday September 5th, 2005 4:36:22 PM
Tratain says "Yes, that Orb we saw does seem to be important, but we may need the Platnum Dragons to get it. I very much doubt that we could walk into the Cathedral of Light and ask for it and have them hand it over. Either them or we could try and speak with the War Cathedral and see if they can make the request for us. We also need to find those Acorns or whatever it is that they represent. They look to have been scatered around the world as well, we need to find them."
Draax Monday September 5th, 2005 6:27:29 PM
"If I remember the dream correctly, the orb created a map of the wold on the walls and pinpointed the location of the fragments. If we can get access to it we might be able to learn the locations of the fragments without have to remove the orb. As for the acorns, I have no idea where we need to start to look for them, but like Tratain suggested, the Platinum Dragons, the Green Man or someone else might be able to give us a clue."
Monthor Monday September 5th, 2005 7:11:50 PM
:: Monthor leans on his axe ::
" Me will follow ye where ever ye decide to go of course. Me have to keep all of ye alive after all. Me would suggest that if we be going back to the civilized people that we stop somewhere for gear. Me needs a back pack, some grub and some beer... at the very least. "
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday September 6th, 2005 10:30:12 AM
Seeing Ebryon's lack of care for the world in that dream, the brothers' view of him shifts rather dramatically.
"She made him sleep once. Now he's awake and he don't care what he does or who he hurts, even the animals. If he goes to sleep again, he'll only wake up and do this again. I say he needs ta die this time."
A look of conviction comes over the brothers' faces. Although it may have sounded like his comment was impromptu, the look suggests he knew exactly what the consequences might be.
Wading North (DM Cayzle) Wednesday September 7th, 2005 12:34:49 AM
There is only one way to go, so as you talk and ponder, you also move north. You bypass islets that you see (unless you want to walk on one -- if so, make a Will save vs DC20 and let me know). You wade around and at last, after many isles and much wading, the valley narrows to the north.
Up ahead, you see something shiny in the moonlight -- and the moons have not moved since you arrived. The music continues in the background.
If you make a Spot check vs DC20, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see that the shininess ahead is the glint of moonlight on weapons. And there are mists, too. That's about 250 feet ahead. Hard to say with the mists.}
Draax d20+6=14 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 1:04:59 AM
Draax hates to admit it, but he agrees with Sarigar's assessment of the situation. It might be necessary to kill Ebryon to prevent him from coming back and doing it again.
Traveling north Draax tries to see if he can identify what he sees in the moonlight, but cannot make it out (spot 14).
In a low voice he says, "Does anyone see something shining up ahead or is it just my imagination?"
Renik d20+14=19 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 8:19:02 AM
The rogue peers into the swirling mists but cannot quite make out the light source up ahead. His eyes seem to be playing tricks on him.
"I'm not sure, Draax, perhaps it is the portal we seek. It seems to be in the right direction. Come on, I'm sick of trudging about in this gloomy place and filling my boots with water."
The rogue strides off towards the light, impatient to find the way out of this Valley. He is lost in contemplation of the fate of the Fae King. Mortals shall decide his fate, Queen Maab said. But what fate should they decide? Clearly he can not be allowed to continue on his path of destruction. But could he truly be made to atone? Could one as mischievous and fickle as Ebryon ever truly change? The rogue is doubtful.
And so his choice is between Death and Sleep. Sarigar certainly has a point; he has awoken and wreaked havoc. Who is to say it will not occur again? Would returning him to sleep merely delay the inevitable? Is Death the answer?
But whilst his reason draws him in one direction, his instinct takes him in another. He started this quest to see a return to the status quo. That state of balance, of nature in harmony with civilisation, is what he seeks. That was the state of affairs when Ebryon last slept. That is what he wants to return to. Who is to say what impact the death of a creature as powerful as the Fae King might have?
No. His head might be saying Death, but as ever Renik Dacour follows his heart. If he gets the opportunity, he tells himself, he will vote for Sleep.
Monthor d20-2=12 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 8:34:10 AM
"Hummm, something shiny, but me can't make out what it is (12). A beer keg maybe? Nah..... Like me Pappy always says " Not all that's shiny be good ore to mine. " It may be a good idea to send somebody stealthy up ahead to scout."
:: Monthor nudges Renik ::
"Hint hint hint.... "
Feng d20=20 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 9:45:17 AM
The dream was disturbing to the young paladin. The King seemed to be more or less the god of nature and everything it entailed. Would killing him draticly affect nature itself? They might have to let the King sleep just so they don't have to take that chance. His deep thinking is broken by the glint of moonling.
"We may have trouble. Light glinting off of blades up ahead." Feng says and draws his double axe.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+16=22 d20+16=22 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 10:43:39 AM
As the party move along to the north, the glint of moonlight off weapons ahead catch the brothers' attention (Spot 22/22). Both freeze up immediately. Black Paws spreads his fore legs a bit, dipping his head and begins growling. Sarigar crouches low, the rustle of the water hiding the sound of his claws ripping through the skin of his fingertips. Both brothers look like they could pounce at any moment.
Hidden within his own low growl, Sarigar alerts the others, "The mist is back. And weapons too. That way." He points at the closest target he sees.
With nowhere to hide the brothers set themselves to fight or flee as needed.
Arien d20+9=16 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 4:22:14 PM
Arien looks ahead when Sarigar growls but fails to see anything within the mists. Arien goes on guard though, ready to defend himself and the others if something proved to be in the mist.
Tratain d20+10=29 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 5:08:12 PM
Tratain says "This is a very tough decision, we may want to consult with others before we go looking for one of the Runes, I don't think sleep is an option. That would just be inflincting this crisis on someone else along time from now, it wouldn't really resolve anything. I don't know how nature would respond if we choose Die, but I think I would be against it anyway. Right now I'm thinking the best choice would be for him to atone for what he has done and act as an agent for good in the Wold."
Tratain is silent after that lost in his thoughts as they walk. He is jolted back to reality when he see's the Mist and the glint of weapons not too far off. (Spot 29)
Tratain casts Mass Bears Endurence (+4 Enhancement to Con) on everyone in the party, and pulls out his warhammer and shield.
He says "The mist made me uneasy before, and now I too see weapons up ahead. Better we be safe than caught unaware."
Spears and Spirits (DM Cayzle) (round 1) Wednesday September 7th, 2005 7:41:31 PM
[OOC: Just in case, let's treat this like combat, with Tratain's casting of Mass Bear's Endurance counting as round one.]
Several keen-eyed Hamleteers see that there is *something* up ahead. The lake's northern shore, for sure. The trees are thick at the edge of the lake, and there are creatures hidden in the trees (with cover). Plus it is misty (20 percent concealment means you can hide easily and concealment cancels sneak attacks.)
You are between 150 and 200 feet from shore. Please state your distance in your next post. Wading in the water slows you down -- you can move and double move normally, but you cannot charge or run.
The treeline is ten feet past the shore.
Renik at least goes closer. He can tell that there are creatures with pole arms in the trees. Some of the mist seems to form the shapes of things with arms and legs.
The music provides an eerie soundtrack to the moonlit scene.
Is that a path through the trees, due north?
[OOC: I'll have a map by this time tomorrow or earlier, for sure.]
Feng Thursday September 8th, 2005 10:32:36 AM
Feng holds his axe so the flaming head is primary, unless they were fortunate enough to cun into giants in this place. Not sure what the plan is, Feng moves toward shore matching pace with the others.
ooc: Feng is 163 ft from shore
Tratain d20+10=19 Thursday September 8th, 2005 11:09:22 AM
Tratain calls out "Hello on the shore, My name is Tratain, would you identify yourselves please. We mean you no Harm, we just wish to travel to the portal up ahead."
Tratain moves forward towords the shore dropping his warhammer to his side showing he means no harm, but is ready to defend himself his he should be attacked. He peers into the Trees and mist attempting to make out who or what is in there. (Spot 19)
Arien Thursday September 8th, 2005 11:54:07 AM
Arien moves forward 30 feet and waits for a response for the shore, Arien is ready for anything to come out of the mist.
Monthor [AC 21 HP 123, including the temp con bonuses] d20-2=15 d20-2=1 Thursday September 8th, 2005 12:21:07 PM
Monthor, axe in hand, stands ready for battle.
" Magic users get behind me. Feng, with me. If battle it is then you and me can attack as an attack team. "
[Spot 15, listen 1, ]
Renik Thursday September 8th, 2005 1:03:44 PM
With a near-inaudible "shing-shing!" Renik unsheaths both his sword from the scabbards on his back. Holding them loosely at his sides he moves out wide, indicating to the others not to stay too close together. He nods as Tratain speaks, then adds
"We are here at the behest of Queen Maab, and do her bidding. We intend to leave your realm if you will let us."
He moves forward, so that he is 100 feet or so from the figures.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC24/21 CV193) d20+16=30 d20+16=34 d20+16=22 d20+16=33 d20+18=31 d20+16=35 Thursday September 8th, 2005 1:56:56 PM
The brothers begin flanking the group rather wide. They try to stay within about 60 feet of each other. They also try to stay within about 60 feet of any other party member so that they can dash in and help anyone should the need arise.
To anyone with a hunting background, it's obvious they're stalking their prey like a wolf pack. Looking for a weak target (Spot 30/34) and maneuvering to isolate it. Their ears open for signs of anything their eyes don't see (Listen 22/33). They sniff the air, trying to detect smells of others or perhaps what these may be (Survival: Tracking 31/35).
The hunters have come out, it's all instinct now.
Draax Thursday September 8th, 2005 7:43:40 PM
Draax spreads out moves about 20ft away from any of the others and about 130ft from shore. He readies his sword and shield but does not hold them in a threatening manner.
He waits to see if the unknown figures will response to Tratain's and Renik's calls or will they be hostile.
Valley End (DM Cayzle) (round 2) Thursday September 8th, 2005 9:56:10 PM
[OOC: This is (supposed to be) the Thursday post. I'll post again over the weekend as the Friday Post. Sorry for the delay.]
Renik and Tratain attempt to negotiate, but to no avail. The party is met with silence, but one misty figure steps out of the trees onto the shore at the water's edge.
The figure is am elf, but pale and misty. You can see through him. To all appearences he is a ghost. This creature has ghostly armor, ghostly sword, and ghostly shield. The shield is shaped like a beech leaf and emblazoned with a cloven hoof.
On the shore, the mists make the creatures in the trees hard to see. But they are short, and carry spears. There are other ghosts among them.
Map notes: -- North is to the bottom of the map. -- There are three terrains. ---- In water vision is clear, no running or charging. ---- On shore, there is no hinderence to movement, but mists offer 20% concealment. ---- In trees, movement is halved and targets in tree have standard hard cover (+4AC, etc). There is also 20% concealment.
Sarigar and Black Paws Friday September 9th, 2005 6:56:32 PM
Sarigar and Black Paws move to flank the group (about 60 feet apart from each other), not together on the same side.
[OOC Cayzle to Philip: Highlight to display spoiler: {I made your private post public (with slight edits) so you get credit for posting. Hope that's okay.}]
Arien Saturday September 10th, 2005 12:17:01 AM
"Hail Kinsmen," Arien calls when the elf moves out of the trees. "What news of the battle against Parnoth? Are our people free of the dragon? We seek passage through to lend our aid in the battle against the evil creature, will you let us pass?"
Renik (HP 81+26 (B. End), AC 26, Blinking) d20+14=31 Saturday September 10th, 2005 2:29:01 PM
The rogue comes to a halt momentarily. This ghostly welcoming committee doesn't seem particularly welcoming. His mind races; he's not sure what the small things in the trees are (Spot 31) but those wispy elves look alarmingly like ghosts. Five, at his count. Along with at least 25 of the smaller spear carriers. Not great odds.
He remembers the party's last encounter with a group of ravenous ghosts, late at night in a park in Plateau City. He doubts if these silent guardians will be as easy to fool. They need to get down that path, but the way is well and truly blocked. And, if his hunch is correct, it is blocked by agents of the Fae King. That cloven hoof certainly suggests as much. He suspects they may not be able to talk their way out of this one, particularly if the ghosts don't answer them. He hopes Arien's gambit meets with more success than Tratain's or his own attempt.
"Spread out and move forward" calls the rogue to his companions. "Feng, Tratain, Monthor, move up into a wide line level with Sarigar and I. . Arien and Draax, keep behind us."
Unsure just how his blinking ring will work against a ghost he activates it anyway, guessing it may make the insubstantial creature easier to hit, and will reduce his chance of getting hit by a spear. Then he walks forward slowly, giving the others a chance to catch up.
The terrain is working against them, he realises. Perhaps the best way to attack would be to split into two prongs and assualt the treeline. At least that way they will not be out in the opwen and exposed to missile fire. But the woods look very dense; progress is likely to be slow. He frowns, weighing up the options.
Wait, he tells himself. Let us see if this can yet be resolved peaceably.
Tratain (posted by Carl) HP 92+24, AC 25 d20+7=22 Saturday September 10th, 2005 2:44:59 PM
"Undead!" whispers the Protector of Domi as the translucent elf steps out onto the shore. His hand creeps unbidden the holy symbol hanging at his neck, a gift from the much missed Bill Troublefinder.
He realises he should not be surprised; they are in the Lands of Rest after all. They should expect to see the dead here. But he had not been aware that the dead would manifest as Undead here in Queen Maab's realms. He wonders if the turning powers he and Feng possess will work in this place (Knowledge Religion 22).
He moves forward to be in line with Renik and Sarigar. Taking in the scene he realises that in order to get close enough to attempt to Turn these creatures he will have to move into range of a very large number of spears. A dilema; they need to move forward whilst these creatures do not.
Feng AC 23, 114 HP Saturday September 10th, 2005 3:07:59 PM
Feng moves up as instructed. He really hoped that this would not be a battle. The enchantment on his axe might not be strong enough to injure their insubstantial natures. And there were many more of them.
Monthor [AC 21 HP 123, including the temp con bonuses] d20-2=16 Saturday September 10th, 2005 7:31:35 PM
Monthor activates his axe's flamming ability and moved into the position called for by Renik next to Tratain. The dwarf remains silent, keeps a keen eye (spot 16) around him and awaits...
"Traitour!" (DM Cayzle) (round 3) Sunday September 11th, 2005 5:08:49 AM
[This is the Friday DM post.]
The party braces for a fight, but does not attack just yet. Tratain perceives your strategic dilemma -- the creatures arrayed before you command the better tactical position on the field of battle, and have no reason to bring you the fight. Instead, if you wish to go forward, you must fight through them. So must the Persians have felt at Thermopylae, and look at what happened to them.
Renk activates his Blink ring -- or tries to. In fact, he finds that nothing happens. This place has no contact with the Realms of Shadows, so the effort to Blink quickly there and back again is for naught.
Arien speaks to the ghost, but it seems the spirit may know who you are and what you seek to do. The ghost speaks to Arien in an archaic dialect of elvish. It takes a bit of concentration for even an elvish speaker to understand.
If you speak elvish, then feel free to highlight the spoilers, although the dialect is still thick:
Looking directly at Arien, the elven spirit says: Highlight to display spoiler: { "Bespayke thou in sooth, Traitour! Thou wouldst forsake thy Kyng an sette the Roune of the Quene on him! Confess thy Swikeldom and Tricherie, or fordempte thee thy Soule!}
Looking at all of you, the ghost says, even more loudly: Highlight to display spoiler: {Onerly an ye all avow Grith and Pees with the Kynge, schal ye walke Franke. Elles ye schal deie!"}
The ghost speaks one last time, shouting: Highlight to display spoiler: {"Avow Pees -- or Diath! Avow it!"}
The ghost retreats back to the treeline, to X40.
Note: If you attempt to use a turn undead ability, please subtract a random 1d4 from your turning check roll. It is harder to turn undead here in the Lands of Rest.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC24/21 CV193) Sunday September 11th, 2005 9:46:56 AM
Hearing nothing but gibberish come from the mouths of the lead ghost, the brothers stand there, waiting. Should any of the others move ahead, they will press on as well. Should anyone attack, they will move up to help (against the same target a la pack tactics).
Monthor Sunday September 11th, 2005 11:10:26 AM
" Well, that didn't sound friendly at all now did it? Anyone understand what the ghosties said? "
:: Monthor shrugs ::
" Well? What;s the chance that we can either fly over them or magic our way past them? If we have to attack, anyone want to use me cross bow? "
Renik (HP 81+26 (B. End), AC 26) Sunday September 11th, 2005 6:37:41 PM
"As far as I can make out they are saying that we must swear Peace to the Fae King, or fight them. It's a bit tricky to follow though, the dialect these guys are using is archaic. I get the impression these ghosts have been dead a very long time. Which, unfortunately, probably means they are pretty powerful. Oh, and I can't Blink here, and I'm not sure if I can even hurt these things.
I'm not inclined to start swearing oaths I don't intend to stick to, particularly with ancient undead. Unless anyone can think of a way past, we will have a fight on our hands, and now. Tratain, could your Wind Walk spell get us past? Anyone else got any ideas of how we can get past without getting into a battle?
Failing that we need to get out of these killing fields at once. We are sitting ducks out here. Everyone head for the wooded areas over there (he points at around AV23) and we'll work our way through the trees. It will be slow going, but at least we will not be vulnerable to attack from all of our enemies at once."
If no-one else has any other ideas Renik will fly at top speed towards the treeline (aiming for AV23.
Tratain HP 116/116 AC 27 (M. Bears, Extended Magic Vestment d20+3=9 Sunday September 11th, 2005 7:22:10 PM
Tratain listens but doesn't understand what the ghost says, but Renik's Translation helps.
He says "We Can not swear that we will not oppose the Fey King, but that does not have to mean that he is our enemy. The time of the King has passed, we will not accept him makeing over the Wold the way he chooses. We do not accept that his vision of the Wold is the only valid one, we are not children to be told what is best for us, we will decide for ourselves. All we really wish is for the King to moderate what he is doing, consult the rulers of our lands before he changes things instead of doing it on a whim. If you attack us in his name then you make him our enemy, it tells us that any who do not agree with the way the King wishes to run things will be eliminated. You must choose now, how many innocents do you intend to kill?"
(Diplomacy 9)
Tratain waits to see the effect of his words, if they appear that they are going to attack Tratain casts Quickened Shield of Faith on himself and Moves to AJ9 if able to do anything more.
Draax Sunday September 11th, 2005 9:02:31 PM
Draax looks at the awaiting ghosts as he listens to the ultimatum. He thinks to himself about the dilemma that he finds himself in. He might have to fight what could possibly be the shades of his ancestors for the right to make up his own mind.
To the group he says, "Before we go and fight who knows how many whatever they are, lets talk about this for a second. What exactly does peace with the king means? Is it following him blindly, having to support him, or not trying to kill him? If we do not kill him that will leave us two options, atone or sleep. I can live with either one if it stops the chaos that is going on in the wold. If it means not doing anything against the king's wishes or interest then it is something that I cannot agree too. But I would like to know what it is there really want from us before we take them on. Swearing peace is a little vague."
Draax double moves to AL18
Cayzle OOC Monday September 12th, 2005 9:27:05 AM
Is Draax speaking in elven at all? Does he communicate his questions to the Ghost in any way?
Feng AC 23, 114 HP Monday September 12th, 2005 9:34:13 AM
"We might not have to fight them at all. Between Tratain and myself we may be able to force enough of them to flee for us to get past them." Feng suggests.
Draax Monday September 12th, 2005 3:11:06 PM
(OOC: Draax comments was in common and directed to the group.)
Arien Monday September 12th, 2005 10:03:21 PM
Arien replies to the ghost, "I would discuss your terms of peace spirit!" Arien calls back, "Do you wish for us to follow him blindly like the sheep to the slaughter? I will vow that I shall not harm the King unless forced to do so by his actions, does this satisfy your demands?"
An Ultimatum ... and a Very Small Voice (DM Cayzle) Tuesday September 13th, 2005 5:03:28 AM [OOC: This is the Monday Post.]
The group is undecided as to what to do. Renik urges movement and preparation for battle. Sarigar and Monthor are ready to fight, though perhaps hesitant. Feng and Draax discuss avoiding a fight. Arien and Tratain offer efforts at diplomacy.
In response to the party, the spirit has only a short shouted ultimatum in response. If you speak Elvish, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: { "Swere ye your oth in sooth! Swere ye schal nae sette the Roune of the Quene on the Kynge! Onerly then schal ye walke Franke."
[OOC: If you take this route, please recall the rules for oaths that we last used with the grigs -- an oath has three parts -- who you swear by, what you swear, and what happens if you violate your word.]}
In the meantime, each person in the party hears a wee voice in their ear, as if someone were standing right next to you. If you turn, though, you see no one. The voice is female and very high pitched, as if a small girl or a halfling's voice, maybe. You realize that the voice is singing. In fact the words fit perfectly into the mysterious music that has been in your ears since you entered this strange valley. It is as if the long musical introduction is over at last, and the song has begun. No translation is needed this time:
"If you follow my instructions You can safely pass them. Things are not what they seem Especially when you are in and out of dreaming.
"Close your eyes and drift away Nothing here can harm you As long as you do what I say, I will safely charm you.
As you listen, you feel no coercion, but you sense that if you obey the voice, then you will be protected and carried down the path unmolested. But you have to close your eyes and lie down, letting yourself drift in the water. That's the clear intuition you receive with the musical words.
Draax Tuesday September 13th, 2005 5:59:26 AM
Draax shakes his head as he listens to the words from the ghost. "Well that clears it up for me. For you uninitiated he just said that we will have to swear not to put the queen's runes on the king. At least that's what I think he said."
Draax gets himself ready for a fight that he does not think they are equipped to win, but hesitates when he hears the voice. For someone who usually does not trust the unknown Draax finds himself believing in what he hears and begins to follow the instruction before he realizes that he made up his mind.
Draax closes his eyes and lies down in the water and lets himself drift away.
Renik Tuesday September 13th, 2005 6:10:00 AM
The rogue speaks in Elvish; Highlight to display spoiler: { "I will swear no oath to you, dead thing. We do the bidding of the Queen, here in the place of the Queen, and we are under her protection. It is you and your master who have no place here."}
Renik chooses to trust the voice. Here in the Valley of Dreams it can only be the voice of Maab or one of her creatures. Looking to his companions he says
"We shall pass these creatures without fighting. I believe we can trust the Singer."
He closes his eyes, ignoring the horde of spectral enemies ahead of him, and lies down in the waters of the lake. He crosses his swords over his chest and allows himself to slip away, focusing entirely on that voice and ephemeral music.
Tratain Tuesday September 13th, 2005 10:24:15 AM
When the Ghosts reject any attempts at diplomacy Tratain is prepared to fight them until he hears the voice. He is skeptical that listening would get the party past the spirits without fighting but this is a strange and magical land so it may work.
When Renik and Draax say they believe the voice and lay down in the water, Tratain also lays down in the water, hopeing his heavy armor doesn't sink him straight to the bottom and closes his eyes and clears his mind as taught to him in the Church, and listens for the music and singing again and drifts away..
Feng Tuesday September 13th, 2005 1:33:01 PM
Not willing to swear an oath no matter what, Feng decides to trust the whispered voice. He closes his eyes and tries to drift away as the voice said.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC24/21 CV193) Tuesday September 13th, 2005 2:39:25 PM
As the voice comes to them, the brothers, as tense as they are, immediately, and rather violently, react to it. Sarigar swings his claw near his hear, trying to hit the singer. Black Paws chomps at the sound and finds nothing but air.
Needless to say, they are confused, but the melody begins to sooth them. Sarigar involuntarily retracts his claws and Black Paws hackles begin to settle.
Slowly, the brothers close their eyes and allow themselves to slump, limply into the shallow water, allowing whatever current may be present to take them where it will. The only resistance they give is to keep their heads above water to breathe.
Arien Tuesday September 13th, 2005 4:55:47 PM
Arien follows the voices instructions, he lays down in the water and enters Trance, listening to the music as he does so.
Monthor Tuesday September 13th, 2005 5:55:27 PM
" Oh what the hey. Me can only die once... twice? Me confused. "
:: Monthor sticks his arms out, closes his eyes and falls backwards into the water. ::
The Price and Prize of Trust (DM Cayzle) d3=3 d100=4 d100=92 d100=35 d100=38 d100=18 d100=8 d12=7 Wednesday September 14th, 2005 7:42:42 AM
The entire party hears the tiny voice that tells them to close their eyes and drift away. And our trusting Hamleteers do so. Later, they will find that there is a price to pay for being so blindly trusting ... each of you is missing a small item:
Monthor: Potion CMW
Renik: Potion CLW
Feng: Potion CMW
Sarigar: Rusty Handaxe
Tratain: Scroll Remove Paralysis
Draax: Potion CLW
Arien: Potion of Endurance
As you drift, you find that the gentle waves somehow give way to something soft and yeilding. When you awake, you are lying on mounds of sweet flower petals strewn over a vast flat stone. The stone is carved in a circle a hundred feet in diameter. The flat structure is raised about a foot off the ground. Around the stone is dense forest. You are lying at one edge. Near you, coming through the forest, is a path.
The circular stone slab is covered in vines. These plants have tiny leaves and flowers. The vines grow on the slab not willy nilly, as natural vines might, but creeping from the outer edge, winding inward round and round, spiralling in towards the center of the slab. Exposed stone lies between the vines as they circle inward. If you were hovering high above the slab, you imagine, you could look down and see the spiralling paths that the vines form leading to the center of the slab.
You hear the music still, but it is faint.
[OOC: This is the Tuesday DM post.]
Renik d20+14=20 d20+14=28 Wednesday September 14th, 2005 9:59:46 AM
Renik opens his eyes and looks about him. It seems they have evaded the ghosts.
With a smile he says to his companions "Are we all here? A narrow escape, I'd say. Those foes were formidable, and the terrain against us. We were lucky that someone was looking out for us.
But where are we now? Is this another of Maab's valleys, or are we back in the Wold? Sarigar, what do your senses tell you? Tratain, does the scroll indicate if there is another portal nearby?"
He stands and looks about, trying to get his bearings (Spot 20, Listen 28).
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC24/21 CV193) Wednesday September 14th, 2005 10:42:04 AM "AHHHH!!! My axe is gone!! I've had that from before I met the tree lady."
In a frantic flurry, Sarigar whips off his backpack and begins rifling through it. An obscene amount of stuff begins to fly forth and anyone behind him will likely find themself caught in a hail of various mundane items. Eventually coming to the realization that it's really gone, he sits, completely dejected, looking as if he'd lost his best friend.
Black Paws steps over to his brother and nudges him firmly enough to tip him over, bringing him back to his senses. As Sarigar begins stuffing his belongings back in his pack, Black Paws does what he can to help, bringing some of the larger items back in his teeth.
After he slips his pack back on, another look of panic washes over him as he starts tugging at the collar of his tunic allowing him to reach in and pull out his symbol of Mittiri. Oddly enough, it's returned to its former rusty and well worn self. "Whew, at least I still got that. Tree lady would have killed me for losing that, eh brother?"
Black Paws lets out a snort that sounds surprisingly like a chuckle.
Feng Wednesday September 14th, 2005 5:00:03 PM
Feng sits up but doesn't move from where he was. There was no telling what could happen if they did move. When Sarigar mentions that his axe is gone Feng goes through his things.
"I lost a healing potion."
Tratain Wednesday September 14th, 2005 7:02:00 PM
At the mention of Missing things Tratain inventories his belongings and says "I'm missing a scroll. The missing Items are a small price to pay for avoiding the battle I think."
Tratain will read the Find Portal Scroll again and direct the party towords it. If they come across it he will read the open portal scroll.
Monthor Wednesday September 14th, 2005 7:31:30 PM
At hearing that the others have lost things, Monthor looks in his belt pouche. A very sour grin crosses his face as he notices that he has lost another of his precious few items.
" DOH! So much for me healing potions. If me gets me hands on the orc lover..... ARGH!!!! "
Draax Wednesday September 14th, 2005 7:36:12 PM
Draax opens his eyes and is glad that he put his faith in the mysterious voice. At the mention of things missing, Draax looks through his belonging and discovers a potion missing. "I seem to be missing a potion also. A very small price to pay for the service."
After ensuring that the rest of his gear is accounted for Draax moves off with the others towards in the direction indicated by Tratain.
The Portal Out Of Dreaming (DM Cayzle) Thursday September 15th, 2005 1:47:22 AM
Renik wonders if the party has left the Valley of Dreaming, but the huge moons overhead, the dense forest all around, and the odd etherial twanging music playing softly in the background all suggest that this is still the same Valley.
The Hamleteers discover that they are missing some small items -- some don't seem to mind; others do.
Tratain reads again from Maab's Scroll-That-Never-Fades, and it is clear that the portal you seek is at the center of the stone slab, at the place where the spiralling vines converge.
The other spell, to activate the portal, fails -- still too far away, evidently.
So where the group needs to go is clear ... but HOW is the question. Will you take any special precautions? How are you walking forward?
Renik d20+3=17 Thursday September 15th, 2005 6:05:47 AM
"No doubt that is the same forest path we saw from the lake" notes Renik, pointing over at the path. Which means that back there somewhere are a group of angry elven ghosts and their allies. I suggest we waste no time.
So, we need to reach the center of this stone slab. Given the way these vines are growing, I wonder if that might be a little less straightforward than it appears. We may need to consider acting in harmony with the rules of this place, and follow the vines in their spiral instead of crossing them."
The rogue studies the vines carefully for a moment, attempting to work out how long their spiral paths are, and how long it might take to follow them round to the center of the slab (Int 17). Assuming his conclusion is not prohibitive he sets off along the path of the vines, following them around towards the center.
As he walks he checks his pack and pockets, and finds that one potion is unaccounted for. A small price to pay, he concludes, given the possible alternative.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC24/21 CV193) d20+16=32 Thursday September 15th, 2005 11:55:24 AM
Sarigar examines the leaves and vines of the flowers carefully (Knowldege: Nature 32) to determine if they might be harmful (a la poison ivy, carnivorous vines, etc.).
Should they turn out to be an edible or medicinal tpe of plant or at the very least non-harmful, he will hold his cupped hands under a particularly full sprig and ask "May I have some of your flowers and leaves, please? They might be helpful to my pack."
If they're dangerous in some way, he'll alert the others to be careful and avoid touching the vines in any way.
"Don't pick at them, they probably would like it. And Maab probably wouldn't either."
Tratain Thursday September 15th, 2005 1:06:04 PM
Tratain listens for the music again, seeing if it will offer the group any more aid.
Tratain Tells Renik "Don't go far enough away from us that we can't pull you out until we know how the vines will react. I would avoid stepping on them if possible as well. I see exposed stone, I suggest walking on that and not stepping on the vines at all if we can help it."
Tratain waits to see how the vines react to the party. If the attack he will try and pull Renik out, if nothing Hostile happens then he will Follow Renik being careful not to touch anything that Renik doesn't touch.
Monthor Thursday September 15th, 2005 1:40:17 PM
" This may sound dumb girlies but why don't we just fly above the vines to reach the slab? "
Monthor shrugs
" Hey, me probably missing something but it sounds like the safest plan. "
Feng Thursday September 15th, 2005 7:13:50 PM
"I'm not sure entirely what is going on but I know better than to try the straightforward approach. Something is wrong here and we need to find out what."
Arien Thursday September 15th, 2005 9:30:36 PM
"I can dimension door some of us over to the center first, study the area, come back and teleport the rest. That way we aren't actually going about these vines."
Draax Thursday September 15th, 2005 11:16:14 PM
Draax remains quiet as he listens to everyone suggestions. He has nothing positive to offer for their traveling method but speaks up able being careful. "Since they know about the runes and our involvement, the king might have some other follows waiting to stop us. They might try thing else. We should be cautious as we approach the portal."
Spiralling Shape (DM Cayzle) Friday September 16th, 2005 7:44:16 AM
The normally suspicious Renik seems inclined to trust the path through the vines. Sure enough, on inspection, there is a clear walkway among the vines -- you could walk, spiralling in, on stone all the way to the center.
That might take a few minutes, going slowly and carefully.
Sarigar attempts to commune with the plants, and he finds himself surprisingly successful -- more so than would be possible back in mrotal lands. Sarigar has a clear intuition: These vines are old and expect respect. Do not cross them -- do not pluck flowers or sprigs. But the Lost Child has the clear feeling that the plants are favorably disposed to him, and that if he treats them with honor, they will be pleased.
Tratain agrees that walking on the vines would be a bad idea, but walking on the exposed stone path would suffice.
Craax, Arien, Feng, and Monthor are more skeptical, and consider flying and dim dooring. Would the vines find that disrespectful?
[OOC: This is the Thurs DM post.]
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC24/21 CV193) Friday September 16th, 2005 1:34:08 PM "We would like to get to the center of this rock. Although we would be more than happy to follow the path you show us, if you could open a straighter path for us, that would be nice. We promise not to hurt you either way."
Should the vines open up a straighter path, Sarigar will, as graciously as his demeanor would allow, thank the vines.
Otherwise, he will simply walk the spiraling path, careful not to pull on any vines that he might brush up against. Every such time, he will apologize and carefully tuck the vine back into place.
Luckily, Black Paws, face on, isn't much bigger than Sarigar (about 6 feet tall and maybe a touch wider than a human, length gives him a good portion of his large size) and fur is not like clothing and far less likely to catch on any vines. If somehow any do catch on him, he will stop and allow his brother or whoever is behind him to carefully untangle it and put it back in place.
Once in the center, Sarigar will turn back to the vines, "Thank you for showing the way. May you get all the sun and water you need."
Renik Friday September 16th, 2005 7:02:40 PM
The rogue carefully treads the rocky path.
Monthor Friday September 16th, 2005 7:07:20 PM
Monthor follows Renik. Making sur to stay on the rocky path as well.
" Ya know Renik... ya walk like a girley... ya do ya know... with yar little behind swaying in the breeze. "
:: Monthor sticks both pinkies in the air and starts swinging his ample behind from side to side. ::
" Real girley.... BWAHAHAHAHAHAR!!! "
Tratain Friday September 16th, 2005 7:09:50 PM
Tratain follows along carefully behind the others makeing sure not to step on any of the vines.
He says "Thiers a path we can easily walk on leading to the center of the slab. No need to waste any Magic when there is no need."
Draax Friday September 16th, 2005 10:52:58 PM
Draax follows the example of the others and makes sure that he stays on the path and does not step on any of the plants. He puts his hand to his mouth to cover the smile he has after listening to Monthor's friendly ribbing of Renik.
The End of the Dreaming (DM Cayzle) Saturday September 17th, 2005 2:20:28 PM
The party carefully wends the way along the spiral stone path bordered by flowering vines that grow on the rock.
As you walk, you feel that your presence is noted and approved of. In fact, you feel blessed.
[OOC: You are all under the effect of a Bless spell with a duration that lasts indefinitely. It is not permanent, but I will let you know when the effect ends.]
At the center of the circular stone is an open space. There is nothing left to do but to read Queen Maab's scroll. The open space shimmers becoming a blinding light. You walk into that light and leave the Lands of Rest.
[ooc: This is the Friday DM Post. I would also like to give credit for the inspiration of this Valley. The background music, the tiny female voice, and many elements of the narrative were inspired by the song "In and Out of Dreaming" by Gabby Lala. If you have iTunes (a free download from Apple.com), you can hear a 30-second snippet of the song for free, or buy it for a buck.]
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