Izen Wednesday December 27th, 2006 11:13:57 PM
The halfling looked back up to the cliff. With a clear look of misgiving, he said, "I suppose that someone should go back up and retrieve the mounts. After that--" he glanced meaningfully at his compatriots. "We should be moving on. We draw far too much attention to ourselves."
Draax Wednesday December 27th, 2006 11:37:52 PM
Draax takes his horse from the soldier and waits for the others to complete anything they are doing. "Yea, I agree with Izen; time to get going."
Arien Thursday December 28th, 2006 1:23:55 AM
"I say that we take a look at this waterfall before we go. That is the reason we left the city in the first place after all. Since we are nearby we might as well head there now." Arien flies a little in the direction of the waterfall, an inquisitive look on his face.
Juliander Thursday December 28th, 2006 3:21:18 AM
Feeling less then useful at the moment, Juliander takes his cue from Izen and retrieves the mounts, bringing them down to join the rest of the group.
The waterfall - DM Marcin Thursday December 28th, 2006 3:42:15 AM
The waterfall does not, unfortunately, look anything like the one on the painting. There is a small orchard of trees growing on the banks of its pool, but no particular tree stands out as special. After a moment of observation from his vantage point high above it Arien concludes that this is not the place the party has been trying to locate. Three is the charm then - what is left is the fall between Trojemaret and Golpherand.
Some voice the opinion that the party should waste no more time and move on. The day is still young and the group could still travel a long way today. The map shows that there are two roads to choose from now: West towards Edenmoor and North towards Windhorn Hamlet.
Izen Thursday December 28th, 2006 5:55:05 PM
"West road, right?" Izen looked at Horvis. He straightened his pack on his back and reflexively tied a slip knot in the pony's bridle as he waited.
Jova Thursday December 28th, 2006 9:02:49 PM
Jova walked down with the soldiers and the mounts. The village, if it could be called that, was uneventful. He follows the others, no desire to stay here.
Monthor Thursday December 28th, 2006 9:48:24 PM
Previously...
"On that note, exactly who are you? I believe you haven't given us the name of your group?"
Monthor: " We were formally the Windhorn Hamleteers. We were also known briefly as Monthor's Angels. Now... we wish to be called the company of the Grey Knights. "
" I'll have my men patrol Goodlamond at night for the next two weeks. If you could stay here for a week or two I'm sure everybody would feel much safer. "
Monthor: " Unfortunately, we are already on another mission. We cannot stay. "
"I hear magic can see the future, maybe it could tell you if we should expect a return visit."
Monthor: " Tratain? "
Monthor: " We need to get back to the rest of our company. Me thinks that you'll need to deal with that mayor of yours before he gets more people killed. Me don't like his style. A dwarf needs to have his hands bloody before he can lead. Me doubt that that one ever held an axe in his hand for more then cutting wood. Good luck. "
Draax Friday December 29th, 2006 2:25:08 AM
"Yea Izen, I believe you are right about the west road. ::Looks over at Hovis for confirmation.::
"I guess that narrows down the available waterfalls left to investigate. The question is, do we want to check it out now since we are so close or wait until we return? Either option is OK with me."
On the road - DM Marcin Friday December 29th, 2006 3:39:39 AM
The party gives some final words of warning to the captain of the fort, mounts their horses, and then leaves Goodlamond behind.
The western road leads in the direction of Edenmoor and, very conveniently, near the third waterfall, so the Grey Knights won't have to make a detour to examine the place depicted on the painting. The old Saferoad is very busy - with the traffic up and down the Plateaus blocked at Goodlamond a lot of travellers had to turn back and seek ascent to the Second Plateau elsewhere. Even though the road is wide and generally well maintained it's impossible to take full advantage of the speed offered by the horses, at least not for the first twenty miles.
The sun reaches its zenith and then begins its slow descent to the horizon. The day is a bit chilly, just as predicted. The Brinkwater is a constant companion of your journey, always to your right. The lands around the road show some signs of cultivation, but it would be enough to enter the forest on the other bank of the river to find yourself in the wild. Game can be seen grazing peacefully on the edge of the woods.
By the late afternoon the party reaches the outskirts of Trojemaret. The settlement sits on the very edge of the cliffs of the First Plateau. The houses and cottages are huddled together in a chaotic fasihon, creating a small maze of zig-zagging passages and narrow alleys - not a town yet, but well on its way to becoming one. Columns of white smoke rise from many chimneys instantly bringing to mind the smell of freshly baked bread. The village peacefully goes about its business. The only unusual feature is a queue of travellers waiting for their turn to descend from the First Plateau to the Lands Beyond. It is, I'm afraid, more than half a mile long.
Arien Friday December 29th, 2006 5:54:33 AM
"Well I don't know about you but I vote that we stay the night here and resume the journey in the morning, I certainly don't feel like waiting in that." The elven mage indicates the long line with a nod of his head. "Also the last waterfall is here, perhaps we can find out some information regarding it, see if there has been some unusual activity and such in the past."
Arien knees the horse to a canter and heads into town looking for an inn and a stable.
Izen Friday December 29th, 2006 8:47:16 AM
Izen shook his head slightly. "What does a waterfall have to with our mission?" he asked, only partly rhetorically.
He eyed the descent. "Many of us made it down the previous cliff without a lift. Perhaps we could again."
Draax Friday December 29th, 2006 10:14:47 AM
Draax narrows his eyes at Izen until he remembers that Izen did not know about the oak tree. He smiles as he says, "The waterfall has nothing to do with our mission; it is a personal curiosity for a few of us. A few of us are part owners of an estate in Plateau City. We did a favor for Queen Maab and when we returned to our home we found an eighty-foot tall oak tree that magically appeared on our estate. Shortly after the discovery, a gnome appeared selling paintings and one of the paintings had a waterfall with an oak tree that was a twin to the one that appeared on our estate. The gnome did not remember painting the tree and did not know how it appeared in his painting. So we decided to see if we could find the waterfall with the tree and see if it was connected to us in some way. During our search and a couple of side trips, we became acquainted with Lord Arrak which led to us being here. We put the search for the tree on hold for now, but we still plan to find it."
To the comments about whether to stay or try to make it down without using the lifts, Draax says, "I am gamed for staying a night here, unless we can somehow get our horses down too."
Horvis Friday December 29th, 2006 9:31:29 PM
The centaur (for Horvis returned to this form for the journey) looks curiously at the long line of travellers ahead of them.
"This story of the oak tree and painting is interesting. Maybe we should seek out one more knowledgeable of the fey?"
As he listens to the debate about descending tonight or on the morrow, Horvis shrugs.
"As Izen said, it is no matter to me. I can descend quite easily on my own and take one of you with me when I do."
Apologies. I neglected to get a sub for the Christmas week, thinking that I had more time to do so.
Jova Friday December 29th, 2006 10:00:24 PM
Jova remains silent, but attentive. Not used to travelling with these people, he keeps to himsaelf.
Izen (illegal second) Saturday December 30th, 2006 11:56:31 PM
"Ah," Izen nodded at Draax's explanation. He shrugged, pursed his lips, and inclined his head toward the line to descend, as if to say, If you want to go chasing waterfalls, I won't stop you.
Tratain Sunday December 31st, 2006 1:18:59 PM
Tratain says "Arien is Probably Right in his suggestion we should spend the night here. Who knows what time we will actually get down the plataeu and find somewhere to stay the night on the bottom. I think I will go find out what's causing the backup though."
Finding an inn - DM Marcin Monday January 1st, 2007 3:53:40 AM
As the Grey Knights enter Trojemaret the village welcomes them with a bouquet of smells commonly associated with civilization. In this particular case the most prominent motives are pumpkins and potatoes with a hint of goat.
It's not hard to guess that Trojemaret makes most of its gold by catering to travellers. There are more than ten inns ranging from posh ("Plateau Palace") to downright seedy ("Ffarr's Room and Board"). There are stables too, of course. In fact, it seems one could trade in his horse in exchange for a beast from the stables of Golpherand. The same service is being offered for oxen, donkeys, and even carts. Kids tug at the coats of heroes offering to hold a place for them in the line.
The cliff of the First Plateau is by far the highest of the three. It would be the most difficult to scale were it not for the fact that here, between the two towns, its slope is much gentler than anywhere else. There is no single lifting contraption; instead Trojemaret and Golpherand are connected by several winding, zig-zagging paths, some of them hewn in the cliff face itself, some leading over wooden platforms and bridges. The travel through most involves going up or down many stairways. One of the paths seems to be wide enough to be used to move horses down to the Lands Beyond. This is the one that is most crowded. A part of the cliff face nearby has been reinforced with wooden logs creating a crude slope that is being used to haul cargo up and down the cliff. The overall impression one gets when looking down on this feat of engineering is that of a handful of threads hopelessly tangled up together. People are moving up and down the paths all the time. The backup seems to have been caused by the capacity of the horse path being exceeded.
The Brinkwater crashes down the cliff face not far to the right. Its waters start their journey down as rapids of a kind only to accelerate and end their descent in Golpherand as a magnificient waterfall.
The prices are a bit high, but it seems one can pay for the stables, queue holders, stay at inn, meals, and the going downward tariff with 5 gold per person - or up to 10 if one wants to stay in a finer inn.
[If the party agrees to spend the night in Trojemaret please decide what quality of accomodations you prefer and what each of you would like to do in the evening.]
Monthor Monday January 1st, 2007 9:17:35 PM
Monthor doesn't really care about the quality of the inn. As long as the beer is good and the food passable that's all that really manners. The dwarf's bruised back side could use a bit of comfort however ( DARN PONIES!!) and he suggests a middle of the road tavern. Too poor of a place and the flees may well eat them alive. Too rich, and they will all likely be kicked out. After all, Monthor isn't exactly know for his manners and quiet demeanor.
Izen d2=1 d2=1 d2=2 d2=2 d2=2 d2=1 d2=1 d2=1 d2=2 d2=1 d2=1 d2=1 d2=1 d2=2 d2=1 d2=2 d2=1 d2=1 d2=1 d2=2 Monday January 1st, 2007 10:04:07 PM
Izen followed the wishes of the group, indifferent as to waterfalls, inns, and anything else that was not of their mission. It was fairly clear that was how he felt, as well, although the flipping coin was the same as ever. (Results above)
Tratain Monday January 1st, 2007 11:40:05 PM
Tratain agree's with Monthor and Follows the Dwarf to the inn he chooses.
Night in Trojemaret - DM Marcin Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 4:10:46 AM
The party spends an uneventful evening and a quiet night (well, relatively quiet - the gnome next door has been snoring like a dragon) [overall cost: 7 gp each]. Getting up early in the morning the Grey Knights find that their mounts have been already led down the slopes by the hired help. The queue for those not burdened by horses is much shorter and shortly after dawn the heroes find themselves standing in the long shadow of the cliffs of the First Plateau. The morning is brisk and cold; the breath of everyone can be seen in the air. Morning mist is slowly rising, lingering only near the pool of the waterfall. The voices coming from the people working on the cliffs are muffled by it to some degree, but it's not hard to guess that Golpherand and its sister Trojemaret seldom sleep in late.
Horvis Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 8:39:14 AM
The centaur rouses early, ready to meet a new day. After looking out at the frost on the grass, Horvis wraps a cloak around his human torso. The morning suggests that it will be warmer once the sun is up so he doesn't dress in anything more. Besides, more clothing would simply get in his way if he had to fight. Fortunately, Aquila seems to feel the same way about the day. For the eagle cool clear weather is a good time to hunt for rabbits or other small game.
The descent down the cliffs is a nice warmup for the day even though Horvis is forced to join the line of people leading animals down. Since Horvis tends to relate better to animals than many people, he doesn't mind over much. Once he arrives at the bottom of the cliff, he mvoes to find his companions.
Draax Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 12:13:24 PM
Draax gets up in the morning and gets a quick breakfast before getting in the line to head down. Once he is down and reunited with his horse, Draax looks towards the waterfall before turning his attention to his companions. "We will most likely return this way if we survive our current adventure, so it does not make any difference to me if we checkout this waterfall now or on our way back when we will have more time to concentrate of the mystery of the tree. If you guys want to us to at least look and see if this is the right waterfall; I have no objections."
Draax looks to the others for their decision, but looks mostly at the members formerly known as Hameleers.
Izen d2=2 Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 2:36:57 PM
Izen flipped his coin once more (result:tails), then nodded in the direction of the waterfall. "Come on, let's get this mystery of yours solved and over with," the halfling said. "There's no sense continuing on our mission with half of the group distracted."
Jova Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 6:50:51 PM
Jova is preoccupied still. He follow the others around. Follows, ehen did he become a follower? Odd.
Juliander Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 8:59:20 PM
Silent up to this point, so as not to attempt to sway the established group one way or the other, Juliander is happy nonetheless that they have decided to proceed onward come morning. It is clear however, that the bard has an interest in the waterfall, as well as their current mission.
Monthor Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 11:04:38 PM
:: With a mug of beer in hand (likely taken without the inn owner's knowledge) Monthor offers up his 2 cents. ::
"Let's go to the falls then. Me need to have a pee anyway. The flowing water always inspires me. "
Tratain Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 11:15:58 PM
Tratain says "Aye, Lets follow the river to the waterfall. Its not that far out of the way, and we are here now anyways. Lets go take a look."
Windhorn Posting Report Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 11:20:48 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday December 29th
M T W R F DM O X X X X Tratain O X O O X Jova O O O X X Monthor O X O X O Izen O X X X X Arien O O X O X Horvis O O O O X Draax O X X X X Juliander O O X O O
Good Job from Marcin, Draax, and Izen on thier perfect posting over the holidays, the rest of us need to match that now that the holidays are over :)
Arien Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 3:24:21 AM
The elven mage looks at Monthor for a moment following the dwarf's comment about bodily functions and replies, "Might I suggest that you refrain from doing so near the waterfall? If this area has any link to Queen Mab I highly doubt she would appreciate dwarf urine in her water. I also doubt you'd want to spend the rest of your life as a cabbage should you anger her." Arien chuckles a bit at the last part and digging a bit of carrot out of his pack, gives his horse a snack.
The waterfall - DM Marcin Thursday January 4th, 2007 5:12:21 AM
The party recovers their horses and ponies and, once Horvis manages to get down (which takes him a bit longer than the rest, but doesn't have to involve using the horse trail, as he, not being so easily spooked as the horses, is quite capable of using the pedestrian path) goes to investigate the waterfall.
The roaring of the falling water grows louder and louder with every step. The air is filled with tiny droplets that cling to hair and beards and dampen clothes. The mist hangs densely over the small lake that has been hewn from raw stone by the weight of falling water. Its surface is emerald green with white foam, constantly rolling and boiling like a cauldron of an insane witch. For some reason a smell of marsh vegetation hangs in the air. This particular spot does not seem to be too frequently visited by people, probably due to the deafening roar of Brinkwater.
Those who previously took a closer look at the painting get a strange feeling - the spot seems both very much alike the one painted by the crazy gnome and, at the same time, quite unlike it.
And then the difference becomes manifest - a huge gaping hole in the ground where a massive tree must have stood not long ago. It is entirely gone, not a single broken branch or severed root has been left behind. The overgrowth nearby is fresh and unmoved, so it couldn't have been dragged away. Tiny blades of grass already started growning in the upturned earth.
It would seem that what the Grey Knights got in their couryard is the real thing.
At the edge of the pit is what looks like a small altar built out of a few stones [Druids or Knowledge:Religion DC10 Highlight to display spoiler: {A place of nature worship that hasn't been used by druids for a while. It seems that the villagers have taken to leaving small offerings of food at the spot.}].
A fox is sitting nearby on the edge of the pit, watching the approaching party without fear. It scratches itself in a very dog-like fashion and then yawns.
Izen Thursday January 4th, 2007 8:50:13 AM
Izen wiped the spray from his face and looked at the spot. "Why, it's a hole," he said, his voice dripping as much as he was.
Horvis d20+17=22 d20+12=14 d20+7=8 d20+11=23 Thursday January 4th, 2007 10:03:17 AM
The centaur looks around as he and his companions approach the waterfall. He debates, for a moment anyway, shifting form to something more suited for this wet and slippery environment. Whatever the benefits of hooves, they aren't well suited for clambering on wet, moss-covered rocks. Horvis has learned that the more capable forms are sometimes frowned upon by people in settled areas.
When the group reaches the gaping hole, Horvis' attention is drawn to the altar. After looking at it for a moment, the centaur looks at the nearby ground to get an idea of who has been leaving offerings at this shrine to nature. Or coming for the food left here, besides that fox. Survival = 22, Knowledge Nature = 14, Knowledge Local = 8 (natural 1) to spot and recognize tracks.
Which also tweaks his attention. Acting on a hunch, Horvis motions to his companions to keep back as he moves slowly towards the animal. Then he speaks to the fox in Druidic using the form reserved for addressing another of unknown power. Wild Empathy = 23, to influence animals reaction. Treat as Diplomacy
"Hakk-hok blekk, brppp. Gabble-gabble blrpp?" For most of his companions, the sounds don't seem too much different from what Horvis sounds like when eating or digesting a meal. Some others might speak Druidic and they would understand him to have said: Highlight to display spoiler: {"Well met, sir fox. Do you understand me?"}
If there is no reaction to this, Horvis will cast Speak with Animals and repeat the above greeting and question. Then he will continue, "What can you tell me about this spot?"
Draax Thursday January 4th, 2007 12:17:25 PM
Draax walks over a looks at the hole, "Well, that explains where our tree came from, but it just adds more to the mystery." He shrugs his shoulders. "I guess it back to a lot of speculation about the tree, the painter, and if it actually was sent by the queen."
Before he can say anything else, Draax watches Horvis goes over to the fox and begin making sounds. Not knowing much about Horvis or centaurs, Draax wonders if centaurs eat foxes.
Juliander Thursday January 4th, 2007 8:10:43 PM
Though puzzled by the extreme lack of tree, Juliander remains silent. Nature is not his forte... or even his cup of tea as it were.
Monthor Thursday January 4th, 2007 9:26:13 PM
Monthor crosses his legs ( he does need to pee after all ) and waits to see what happens next.
Tratain Thursday January 4th, 2007 11:36:51 PM
Tratain examines the Hole where the Tree once stood. When Izen speaks Tratain ignores him, the Halflings chaotic and mercinary attitude is starting to rub the Protector the wrong way.
Tratain sits back and waits for the outcome of Horvis's attempt to speak with the Fox. He says to the others, "perhapse on the way back we should bring a sapling here and plant it where the big tree used to be, I have no idea how the tree could have been moved, but I think we should replace it when we have the time."
Arien Friday January 5th, 2007 12:40:14 AM
"I wonder if there isn't something special about the tree itself. Maybe if we have a chance to stop for a day or two, I could teleport at least some of us back to our house and take a look at the tree." Arien looks about as he talks trying to see if something catches his eye.
The fox - DM Marcin Friday January 5th, 2007 3:34:14 AM
The absence of the tree only adds more elements to the puzzle. The party looks around a bit, but no more relevant details are revealed. The tracks around the altar are mostly human. All come from the direction of the nearby village. There are several pawprints indicating that small animals have taken interest in the offerings left on this spot.
Horvis addresses the fox. The animal tilts its head and blinks. The centaur has to resort to his magic to get a reaction.
The fox stands up, opens his mouth and starts to cough. For a moment it looks as if it was desperately trying to throw up. What comes out instead are badly misarticulated words of the Common speech.
"Was tree. Big. Old. Alive. Was good. Feed bones. Kill fear. Safe. Fox rest. Deer rest. Bird rest."
"Come old. Take tree. Is not."
"Come dark. Hunt tree. Find not."
"Food?"
Monthor Friday January 5th, 2007 7:30:38 AM
:: Monthor excuses himself and goes to find a nice secluded place to do what dwarves that have to cross their legs do. ::
Horvis - Speak with Animals d20+11=24 Friday January 5th, 2007 12:45:22 PM
The centaur looks over at the fox then pats his haversack. Horvis is searching for something suitable for a fox, maybe some dried meat.
"I suppose that I could find something for you in here."
After finding a portion of a trail ration, Horvis will kneel and extend a hand to the fox. If it won't come, the scrap will get tossed to the animal.
"Did you see the 'old' that took the tree? Or did you mean something else?"
"My companions say they they know where the tree is now. They would be interested in who took it."
As the fox eats, Horvis will try to get it to elaborate on it's earlier statement. He is particularly interested in whether the fox fed the tree bones, or if the fox simply found bones there. The mention of the tree being a safe place to rest is also interesting. Wild Empathy = 24
OOC - Is the fox actually speaking Common so that everyone can understand it, or is it only Horvis that can understand it?
[The fox is actually speaking Common and everyone can understand it - M.]
Izen d20+8=26 d20+9=23 d20+1=6 Friday January 5th, 2007 1:06:14 PM
Izen watched the centaur and fox converse for a few moments, then moved across the slippery rocks (Balance check 26!) effortlessly until he found a comfortable perch near the pool's edge. He reached into his backpack and pulled out a fishhook, a flexible stick, and some twine. He quickly and nimbly assembled a workable fishing pole from the lot. (Craft-Trapmaking, to create fishing rod from hook, line, and trapmaking materials, 23!)
Placing a bit of jerky on the hook for bait, he cast the line into the water, held the pole, and slowly drew the line back to shore.
(Fishing check--don't know what skill applies, so using a WIS check--6. Not very good!)
Draax Friday January 5th, 2007 6:45:12 PM
Realizing that the centaur and the fox are communicating, Draax becomes fascinated by the exchange and continues to watch the two.
He looks over at Tain as he hears the protector's suggestion of planting a sapling in the hole. "Actually that sounds like a good idea. I wonder if we could grow one from the tree at our place."
He thinks a moment about Arien's suggestion, "If we get a chance to stop for a day or two, that might not be a bad idea. We only had a short time to look at the tree before we left, I wonder if anything about it changed since we have been gone."
Draax turns his attention by to Horvis and the fox to see if the centaur is making any progress.
Arien Saturday January 6th, 2007 8:01:49 PM
Arien waits at the edge of the pool as the centaur and the fox talk. For a moment Arien considers diving into the pool for a good swim but sits down on a nearby rock instead to wait.
Juliander Sunday January 7th, 2007 11:49:10 PM
Seeing that Horvis is speaking with the fox, Juliander waits patiently for the outcome of the odd conversation.
Fox news - DM Marcin Monday January 8th, 2007 7:34:43 AM
"Old. Old mans. Forest old." - the fox has visible difficulty communicating complex concepts with its limited vocabulary. "Tree good. Feed bones. Feed flesh. Make good."
The animal snatches the morsel offered to it and, distracted by something, turns around and vanishes in the overgrowth.
The party is left none too wiser. It appears that whatever mystery the tree holds it won't be discovered at this time.
The morning is still very very young. The birds only start to wake up. The waterfall drowns out most background sounds, including the occasional snort of a horse and splashing of Izen's sinker.
Horvis - Speak with Animals d20+12=24 Monday January 8th, 2007 11:32:40 AM
The centaur turns to his companions and rumbles a comment.
"Well. That was enlightening."
Those looking closely will notice that Horvis' mouth is in a tight grin. Then the shifter shrugs and moves to leave.
"Interesting, at least. Right? How often do you get a fox speaking in the human tongue? It could have talked to me in it's own tongue but chose not too. Did you want to stay and investigate this mystery or continue with your journey?"
Horvis will follow along with whatever his companions have suggested. But he is trying to remember, as best he can, the unusual nature of this encounter for he is certain that this is somehow connected to the changes in the Wold that occurred during his wandering. Knowledge Nature = 24
Draax Monday January 8th, 2007 1:48:13 PM
Draax looks and listens as Horvis finishes the conversation with the fox. "I say let's continue on for now. The sooner we find out what the dreads are up to, the sooner we can continue this busy with the tree." ::Draax looks directly at Izen.:: "Since the tree is only of interest to a few of us, let's lets continue the mission and the journey that has brought all of us together."
Draax waits to hear what the others have to say.
Izen Monday January 8th, 2007 2:01:21 PM
Izen nodded his agreement to the notion of continuing on. Whether he recognized any sarcasm in Draax's comment was not clear from his usual, distant expression.
He scratched at his facial stubble and made his way back to his pony. There, at least, his distaste for the animal was apparent.
Juliander Monday January 8th, 2007 8:04:27 PM
Disappointed that they have to put off the tree investigation, but recognizing the need to move on with the more pressing concern, Juliander shoulder's his pack, and silently stands, ready to press on.
Monthor Monday January 8th, 2007 10:29:12 PM
The illmanered dwarf comes back from his constitutional and joins the others...
" What did me miss? "
:: Monthor's ready to go too. ::
Welcome to Edenmoor - DM Marcin Tuesday January 9th, 2007 7:53:45 AM
And so the journey continues.
The old Saferoad goes on and on, winding its way through the fields and meadows of the country that is sometimes called the Lands Below. The sleepy village of Vandiset passes by, and then the party moves by the high walls of Idol City, its towers glistening coldly in the sun. The heroes pass by many a man and beast on the road, most of them peasants and their beasts of burden. The sun slowly moves on the sky; the Saferoad seems to somehow dilute the passage of time, as if it stood outside of its influence. After a while a nagging feeling of deja vu comes, growing stronger with every passing tree and hill. And then there comes the shore of the Lotiphagi Ocean and an opportunity to let its waves wash over weary feet. The shore accompanies the Knights for a while, as the Saferoad picks its way alongside it. The day winds to an end and an uneventful night is spent camping in a small grove of trees. The morning of the next day finds the group on the move once again, until the heroes finally reach the ferry at the mouth of Peasblossom. The emerald green waters of the river mix with lead waves of the ocean. Turning North the group advances along the shore of the river. Shortly after noon the party reaches the outskirts of the town of Edenmoor.
The settlement sits mostly on the eastern side of the river. Thatched cottages make up most of the houses, but there are several inns that have been erected from more sturdy materials, all of them built with defense in mind. The party passes a patrol of mounted guards, armes as if for war and alert. There is a stockade surrounding the main part of the settlement and several watchtowers keeping guard over the area. This is a frontier town, a town sitting right on the verge of Red Hills. A dozen or so of ogre skulls mounted on pikes alongside the trail allows one to guess that this is not a very friendly neighborhood.
There are no more Saferoads leading in the direction where the Knights decided to go. This is where the rough part of the journey begins...
Draax Tuesday January 9th, 2007 4:24:19 PM
Seeing that the group is going to start traveling into very dangerous territory; Draax pulls up and raises his hand as he bids the others to stop also. "I suggest we ride in a marching order that best suites our little band. I am only familiar with half of this party, so my only suggestion is to have Arien ride in the middle with two people that are used to melee combat flanking him. I am as good with my bow as I am with my sword, so I can ride in the front, back, or at the sides.
Let's hear everyone's preferences and suggestions of where they would serve best and/or of a suggested marching order."
Draax waits to what the group decides.
Izen Tuesday January 9th, 2007 8:58:16 PM
The halfling sniffed and scratched at his stubble. "Shouldn't we ask in the village about boats heading upriver?" He inclined his head in the direction past the ogre skulls.
Juliander Tuesday January 9th, 2007 10:06:07 PM
"I am far more proficient in ranged combat then in a hand to hand fight, so I do mind taking up the rear. Perhaps we should employ one of the local inns for a night's rest before proceeding further?"
Monthor Tuesday January 9th, 2007 10:46:50 PM
" Me got point. Izen, why don't ye go find out about a boat if ye want to. Good idea by der way. Let's find some guards and ask them about this area. Like what do we need to be looking out for. "
Tratain Tuesday January 9th, 2007 10:59:59 PM
Tratain Nods "A Boat would certainly be a good idea if any are heading in our direction, it could save us a great deal of time. Juliander also has a point, it would probably be best to rest here tonight and go out refreshed, its not safe beyond these roads."
Posting Report Tuesday January 9th, 2007 11:05:08 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday January 5th
M T W R F DM X X O X X Tratain X X - X O Jova O X - O O Monthor X O - X X Izen X X - X X Arien O X - X X Horvis O X - X X Draax O X - X X Juliander O X - X X
Entering Edenmoor - DM Marcin Wednesday January 10th, 2007 4:06:53 AM
As the group nears the outermost cottages the intensity of the characteristic smell of gutted fish reveals that Peasblossom provides Edenmoor not only with food, but also with its primary export good. There are lots of small boats tied to piers running along the shore, but hardly any could comfortably accomodate a centaur, let alone a mounted party of eight. The only one that seems to be capable of this feat is used as a ferry to carry travellers between shores of the river and doesn't seem like it could move upstream with any reasonable speed.
The locals shoot an occasional glance in the direction of the party, but the arrival of the Knights doesn't stir up much interest. This is, after all, a crossroads of two busy merchant trails.
There are several inns available, none of them too crowded at this time or too posh. Other notable buildings that catch the attention of the party is a small temple dedicated to the Wold Gods and a trading outpost of the Catacombs, as well as some walled-off residences, probably belonging to the wealthiest memebers of the community.
[Asking about: Gather Info rolls, please. Specify what questions exactly you would like to have answered.]
Horvis Wednesday January 10th, 2007 10:16:06 AM
Teh centaur looks at his companions before tossing his tail about.
"Hmm, looks like we'll have problems finding boats. If you want to keep your horses, that is. Don't worry about finding space for me, though. I can change into something smaller."
Before they enter town, Horvis wants to make arrangements to meet.
"I have some shopping to do before we enter the wilds. Where should I meet you? Or are some of you also coming to the Catacombs? Someone else should ask about conditions and dangers upriver, too. I'm not the best with people."
Horvis then pauses for a moment.
"Maybe we should find a place to stay before scatter across town."
Izen d20=18 Wednesday January 10th, 2007 11:18:52 AM
Izen nodded at Monthor and Horvis. "I'll go ask down by the docks. I'll come find you at one of the inns or in the store."
The halfling made his way down to the docks to ask around. Were there any boats going upriver that could accommodate seven or eight passengers, no cargo? And, assuming that there were--would there be a place upriver to purchase new mounts?
Surely, the halfling reasoned, in a trading outpost and fishing village, there would be someone willing to make a profit on such a trip.
Gather Information, untrained, 18.
Draax Wednesday January 10th, 2007 12:53:50 PM
Draax agree with the others, "Sounds good to me, let's find an inn closest to the docks while we wait for Izen, Horvis and anyone else that has something they need to take care of." Draax waits for confirmation from the others before heading towards an inn.
Juliander d20+7=20 Wednesday January 10th, 2007 7:52:52 PM
"Meet us there Horvis," Juliander points out a homey looking inn, and heads that direction, with the intention of scouting out accomodations for the group, and asking a question or two of his own. (OOC: Juliander is interested in finding out if any groups similar to theirs have been in town of late and where they have gotten off to. He is also interested in knowning more about the flora and fauna surrounding the area, both natural and otherwise. Gather Information DC 20)
Tratain Wednesday January 10th, 2007 8:50:38 PM
Tratain walks with the others towords the Inn Juliander has pointed too. After Getting something to eat and his needed rest he wanders about town observing the readyness of the guards and the towns fortifications. If there is a Temple of Domi in the town he stops in to greet the Priests there.
Monthor d20+1=2 d20+1=12 Wednesday January 10th, 2007 10:15:18 PM
Monthor, being the thirsty ill-manered dwarf that he is, follows Tratain and the others to the inn and orders a round of drinks (of course, he drinks them all himself. You didn't think he'd share did you? )
After a few brewskies, Monthor tries, unsuccessfully so ( matural 1) to ask some of the locals about the local skuttlebutt, then he tries to engage some of the local guardsmen into conversation. He tells them what general direction the party will be going in and asks what dangers they should be looking out for (GI role 12).
Arien Wednesday January 10th, 2007 11:02:25 PM
Arien follows to the inn and asks if they have baths, if so the elven mage will soak for a good while before ordering a light dinner.
Exploring Edenmoor - DM Marcin Thursday January 11th, 2007 5:34:34 AM
The party quickly finds a decent inn, the Silver Trout. The horses and ponies are stabled, meal is ordered, and those who value personal hygiene can even take a bath. The cost of the lodgings and meal comes down to 2 gp per person. Now that the group is sure they won't have to look for each other all over the town they can wander off to take care of their business.
The Catacombs outpost is here for those who wish to make any transactions. It seems that this is the last chance to do so for a long while. [If you purchase something let me know you are taking a Catacombs parcel with you. Its contents will be available once you complete the transaction.]
As Tratain strolls over to the town's temple he takes a closer look at the guards. The men go about their business in a no-nonsense kind of way. While they wouldn't be a match to a seasoned adventurer they do look tougher than your average town halberd holder. Some in fact carry themselves in a manner suggesting a mercenary past. The temple itself is a small and rather dusty building, dedicated collectively to all of the Wold Gods, with each one having a separate altar. The largest belongs to Flower. The resident priest is a small, elder fellow, who, once he recognizes Tratain's status and his standing with his god immediately gets very impressed and shy.
Juliander is told that there are usually several groups of adventurers passing through Edenmoor each week, but most of them consist of hero wannabees and are usually not heard about ever again. No groups of renown have passed through the town in the previous two weeks. Practically all of those who leave do so by one of the Saferoads. The questions about inhabitants of the nearby lands are usually answered with a curse directed at the beasts of the Red Hills. Right now the city has problems with several tribes of ogres who settled to the North and simply don't understand such concepts as private property. There are goblins and trolls further North, too. The Red Hills in general have a reputation of a harsh and unforgiving land, and many a monster calls it home. Wyverns are occasionally seen from the watchtowers of Edenmoor, and rangers tell tales of all kinds of predators and vermin. The Culverwood is another story. There aren't many who can offer a reliable account of the flora and fauna there, because hardly anyone has the courage to venture that far North. The locals believe that the wood itself is a sentient being, resenting intrusions and defending itself with a host of creatures and strange magic. Most of what is told sounds like typical folk stories, with men getting lost in the wood only to find that a hundred years have passed when they finally get back to their homes.
Monthor gets the same information from those patrons who feel crazy enough to talk to a dwarf while he's drinking. General message is that of "when you enter Culverwood you're as good as gone". The conversation later turns to dryads and nymphs who supposedly make the forest their home.
Izen finds that practically no fisherman ever goes as far North as to reach the border of Culverwood. The forest is treated by the locals with respect and mostly left alone. There would be no place to get new mounts between here and the Cinnamon Valley.
Eventually someone says: "Well, there is one fellow crazy enough to go into the Haunted Wood. His name is Jhae, the Godless Jhae. Trouble is, he's been in a fight and right now he's locked up in jail."
Izen Thursday January 11th, 2007 9:10:22 AM
Izen found the others at the Silver Trout and reported his findings. "No one sails the river north to the Culverwood. They consider it too dangerous. If we wished to take advantage of the river, rather than travel by path through the Wood, we would need to purchase a keelboat, either from a fisherman or from the store. Either way, it's not inexpensive--probably 3,000 gold. Otherwise, it's overland through the Culverwood from here." He looked at Horvis curiously.
"Maybe we should find this Jhae and talk with him."
Horvis Thursday January 11th, 2007 11:16:27 AM
The centaur waits patiently at the Catacombs as he purchases armor. After some time, he returns to the street and makes his way to the Silver Trout. He isn't much interested in Edenmoor, or any other city. He's been in cities before and studied the few varieties of living beings to be found there. As he walks, he summons Aquila to perch on his pack, not wanting the bird to get in trouble with the humanoid inhabitants of Edenmoor for catching and eating one of the small animals that they keep as companions.
Horvis ducks to enter the common room of the Silver Trout and carefully makes his way to the table where Izen is sitting. Fortunately, none of the patrons are so drunk as to fall beneath his hooves. Standing beside the table, Horvis gestures for a pot of ale.
"Doesn't matter to me, either way. Hills and giantkin might be interesting. River might be interesting. Culverwood might be very interesting."
Draax Thursday January 11th, 2007 4:34:57 PM
Draax sits down with the others, "I do not know enough about the land to have a desired means of travel, but as long as we are able to take the horse, I am for whatever is decided. Like Izen suggested, it might be a good idea to talk to this Jhae character before we decide."
Tratain Thursday January 11th, 2007 9:16:56 PM
Tratain sits with the others and listens to the suggestions. He says "I agree, talking with Jhae might yield so usefull information at the worste, possibly a guide at best. It sounds like the boat really isn't an option. If we bought one we'd probably only use it this once. Lets just talk with Jhae and see what we can learn, and head out by horse after."
Monthor Thursday January 11th, 2007 9:26:18 PM
Monthor sits next to Draax and takes the opertunity to have another drink or three.
" Won't be so easy to talk to Jhae if he's in jail. We'll need to find out what he's in for. If it's something petty, we should clear up his debts or pay his fine. Then, he owes us. "
" Let's split up again. Half go look for a boat and half go look for Jhae. Me going on the Jhae team. Who's with me? "
Juliander Thursday January 11th, 2007 9:49:16 PM
"I'll accompany you to find the godless Jhae, Monthor. Perhaps a tale or two from his experiences might enlighten us."
Boats and dungeons - DM Marcin Friday January 12th, 2007 4:17:44 AM
Those who go to inspect the docks and look for a large boat soon find that Edenmoor does not even have an anchorage for such a large ship as a keelboat. With Maduow being the only other large settlement that is reachable by the navigable part of Peasblossom there simply isn't that much river traffic going on. Besides, the fishermen are quick to mention that there are rapids not far to the North that a 20 meter ship couldn't hope to navigate. The best vessels the party could hope to acquire here would be large rowboats, capable of holding about four humans each.
The quarters of the town watch are easy to be found: a square, ugly building complex, surrounded by thick walls and hosting a small round keep inside. Those who go in search of the guide are directed to the acting captain of the guard residing in that keep. The middle aged man is a foreigner, something that can be easily told by the golden shade of his skin and his strange accent.
"Godless Jhae? Aye, I had him locked up. Don't like him one bit, never did. A troublemaker, and cunning one at that. Up to no good all the time. Has a nasty habit of picking fights with drunks and then crippling them for good. This time he shattered the knee of our blacksmith; the man will be walking with a limp for the rest of his life. Self defense, he claims, but I've seen Jhae's work before and know he's got a nasty tongue and picks the fights himself. Enough's enough; I've planted him in the dungeon. If he keeps at it that's where he'll be spending most of his life. If you Lords have business with him I'll show you to his cell."
The prison block under the keep is not very large. The characteristic smell of unwashed bodies fills the low, damp, and dark passageway the heroes are led through. There are cells to both sides, all with a tiny window. Through iron bars one can see that about one third of them is occupied. Finally the guard points out one of the prisoners.
"Here's your man, Lords."
On a bench by the wall of the small cell sits a small, frail looking human. He must be very old, in his eighties maybe; with a slight hunch, poxy marks on his face, completely bald head, and a toothless grin he looks harmless and quite incapable of walking away from a fight of any kind, much less crippling a man in his prime. As the party approaches he eyes the heroes with a calm stare. There is something in his features that suggests a distant elven heritage. Mischevious fires start to dance in his eyes - or maybe it's just the reflection of the torchlight.
Draax Friday January 12th, 2007 12:09:07 PM
As the group looks at the prisoner, Draax moves over to Tain and whispers in his ear. "Do you think that your healing magic might be able to help the blacksmith if we need to use it as a bargaining tool to get what we want from Jhae?" No matter what Tain's answer, Draax will let one of the more charismatic members speak to man behind the bars.
Arien Friday January 12th, 2007 12:38:52 PM
"There might be a spell that can help us cross through the Culverwood much faster," Arien says as an idea occurs to him. "There is a spell known as Shadow Walk, I do not know the spell but I can cast it if we can purchase scrolls of the spell from the Catacombs. The spell creates a path along the edge of the Material Plane and the Plane of Shadow. On the path travel is much faster, we could in eight hours travel four hundred miles. When the spell ends we would be scattered a bit which could potentially cause an issue but not one that I think we can't overcome. If anyone is interested in this option I can head to the Catacombs to see if they have any scrolls of the spell in stock."
CDM Jerry Friday January 12th, 2007 2:16:44 PM
Dave T. (madjack):
Check your emails daily please.
Horvis Friday January 12th, 2007 9:02:04 PM
The centaur ears perk up when he hears Arien's suggestion.
"I can also cast a spell that would allow us to travel very quickly, quicker than that even. But I could bring four people with me, not all of us."
The centaur does not want to bother descending the stairs into the dungeon of the jail. Nor does he want to bother with turning into a form that is more able. So he waits on the street, outside the Watch's quarters.
Tratain d20+7=20 d20+1=13 d20+1=11 d20+1=13 d20+7=13 d20+7=12 d20+7=8 Saturday January 13th, 2007 9:02:37 PM
Tratain tells Draax "I should be able repare any damage he has done to the blacksmith's knee, its a very powerfull healing, but I can do it, If we are here tomorrow morning I think I will do it regardless if it will help this man out or not."
He says to everyone present, "Lets hear what he has to say, and then I intend to ask around town about him. The Captain says this Man has crippled people before, and I have no reason to doubt him. If, when I talk to the rest of the guard and some townsfolk after hearing what this man has to say I find that this behavior is indeed common for him, I will not be a party to helping him in any way, nor will I travel with him."
When the guard lets the group speak to Jhae Tratain says "My companions and I are going to be traveling to the North, possibly through the Culverwood, we have been told that you may be able to provide us with information regarding what we may expect there. It is possible that we could help you out, speak with the captain and see if we can help repair the damage you have done in the fight that got you thrown in here, but I would know about what happened in the fight you were in before deciding on any aid we give to you. The Captain has told us that you crippled the Blacksmith, and that he is not the first person you have done that to, is this True?"
After listening to what Jhae has to say Tratain will head out around town and ask the guards, the blacksmith and other inhabitants about Jhae. If what Tratain learns confirms that this man just likes to fight and hurt people for fun Tratain will not help him. If the stories are not true or there is some reason behind his actions and there is a possibility of rehabilitating him Tratain will help then.
--------------------------------------------- Sense Motive Check for listening to Jhae's Story - 20 Gather Information Checks to find about about Him in town - 13, 11, 13 Sense Motive for those Gather Information Checks 13, 12, 8
Izen Saturday January 13th, 2007 10:11:03 PM
Izen sized up the old man. A sly smile crept to the corners of his mouth, and he nodded silently to himself.
He remained silent ... for the time being.
Monthor Sunday January 14th, 2007 10:22:32 PM
"Gee Weez... me went from being 'illmanered' to being a 'Lord'. Must be me lucky day, right boys?"
:: Monthor leans up against a wall and waits for the others to interogate Jhae. ::
The Godless - DM Marcin Monday January 15th, 2007 6:05:56 AM
The party considers using travel magic to cross the vastness of Culverwood. That would certainly simplify the next leg of the journey a lot. What needs to be taken into consideration, however, is that counting mounts, familiars, and animal companions, the number of beings in the group approaches twenty.
Tratain's remark about healing the blacksmith brings out a huge smile on the face of the guard. "Bless you, m'Lord! I can have the man report to you tomorrow morning if you like. That would be a noble gesture for sure, as he'd never be able to afford such healing himself!"
Back in the dungeon, Jhae answers the questions:
"What's that, sonny? You're going into Culver? Written up your will already, have you? You think maybe <we are young, we are strong, we can take on anything these woods can throw at us>? Well think again. You know nothing of the Haunted Wood, sonny, if you ask me what to expect from it."
"The Culver is unpredictable. To some men sweet and caring, to others indifferent and cold, and yet others it leads to an unmarked grave. Pretty much like the dear wife of our jailer here."
"That's it, it's bread and water for you only this week."
Jhae ignores him. "There is no rhytm or reason to it, either. For me, one time it was a stroll through sunny glades and meadows, and another time I had barely made it out with my life. Only one thing is sure: the greater you are, the more ripples you make in the Wood. A simple hunter might get away with prowling its outskirts every day. But you kids, pushing into the Forest with your flashy swords and spells and magic... Oooh, the Culver is going to push back good."
"Still, some things can be predicted. You are going up the Peasblossom, right? At this time of the year that's the realm of the Star Queen. You run into fae folk in there, you take nothing from them, hear? No food, no drink, no shelter, no advice, nothing."
"As for me, I'm bad to the bone." - the old man cackles. "True, I have crippled many a man in this town. Serves them right, all of them. Each one struck the first blow. In my days kids knew to respect their elders. Good thing old Jhae's still around to serve some poetic justice, eh?"
Monthor: "Gee Weez... me went from being 'illmanered' to being a 'Lord'. Must be me lucky day, right boys?"
"Don't be surprised, junior. Around these parts the two more often than not go together."
Tratain does not sense any obvious lies in the words of the prisoner. Later, after questioning the citizens of Edenmoor a bit about him, he learns that he appeared in the town for the first time about six years ago. He would stay for a few months and then be gone for half a year or so. The man has an opinion of a nasty troublemaker who often will go out of his way just to spite someone. He has no friends or relatives anyone would know of. Regarding his fights, his victims were usually rough-around-the-edges bully types, as well as quite a few adventurers. Most claim that it was Jhae's caustic tongue that started trouble every time. The nickname of "Godless" stuck to him as he was never shy to express his disdain for all divines.
Izen Monday January 15th, 2007 2:29:07 PM
Izen nodded at Jhae's words. "Get yourself out of here, old man," he said quietly. "This is no place for someone ... like you."
He waited to discuss with the others until they were back in the Silver Trout.
"Which way?"
Juliander Monday January 15th, 2007 7:46:45 PM
Speaking to his friends, but to be heard plain as day, "He offers nothing of use, and his crimes are plain. I say we are likely done here, unless Jhae can prove his value in some other manner."
Horvis Monday January 15th, 2007 9:21:07 PM
The centaur continues to loiter outside the Watch's quarters. Towns and cities depress Horvis, with how a few forms of life far outnumber all others. Woods or meadows, the sea or the jungle, all are more interesting to Horvis.
Draax Monday January 15th, 2007 9:40:57 PM
Draax agrees with Juliander, "The advice about the fairies might come in handy, but everything else was nice to know information. I do not think he will be able to help us unless he is willing to guide us or have a map. I doubt that either of those are the case and I am not sure that I would want him with us if he was willing." Draax listens to what the others have to say.
Tratain Monday January 15th, 2007 10:01:10 PM
Tratain says "Lets leave in the Morning through the Culverwood, we've had some dealing with the Fey before. They also shouldn't be outright hostile like the clans of Ogres and Orcs and other Creatures that live in the Red hills."
In the Morning Tratain will Cast Regenerate on the Blacksmith, with a little admonishment for getting in brawls, And then head out with the others.
Arien Tuesday January 16th, 2007 1:31:19 AM
"Perhaps not violently hostile, no. That said I'd be far more cautious with the fey than I would be with an Ogre or an Orc, they won't try to trick you; just bash in your head and take what you have. I'd almost rather that we skirted their domain if possible."
Preparing to leave - DM Marcin Tuesday January 16th, 2007 3:51:21 AM
Morning comes and Tratain fixes the blacksmith's knee. The man, thoroughly grateful and praising him to high heavens, leaves in tears of joy.
Not surprisingly, less than an hour later a crowd of more than a hundred people is gathered under party's windows.
"Help me, in the name of Domi! I can barely walk and have a family to feed!" "My baby's been sick for two years now!" "Please, have mercy! I lost my arm and have to beg for food!"
A hundred faces, all of them hopeful, all of them desperate; a hundred voices, most crying out the name of Domi.
The Knights get ready to depart. The mounts are taken out from stables and saddled, the provisions packed up, the tabs settled.
[The party decided to cross the Culverwood by land while going along the shore of Peasblossom, is that correct? Which bank would you prefer, eastern or western? If you are making a transaction in the Catacombs please post that you are taking a parcel along with you.]
Horvis Tuesday January 16th, 2007 2:58:20 PM
The centaur joins with his companions at the Silver Trout. When Horvis hears of their plans to travel through the Culverwood, he shrugs. As he mentioned before, either route would be new ground for the druid and allow him to see new creatures. The stories of the fey concern him a little, but not over much.
The crowd of people outside the inn is more bothersome than a threat. Unfortunately, Horvis has not prepared any healing spells so eh cannot give the crowd what they want. From the looks of it, Tratain would be busy for weeks if he tried to heal everyone here.
Izen Tuesday January 16th, 2007 3:45:49 PM
Izen sniffed with disdain at those begging for aid. "Peasants," he muttered quietly. He was visibly relieved to be past them.
"So, along the river, then?" he asked of the others.
Arien Tuesday January 16th, 2007 6:11:59 PM
Arien shakes his head sadly at the cries for aid but knowing that they can't help everyone Arien readies to leave and suggests that the follow the Eastern shore for no particular reason.
Draax Tuesday January 16th, 2007 7:57:27 PM
Draax looks at Tain's new fan club standing outside of their inn. He feels bad that so many people's hope were raised only to be let down, but he is sure that every small town in the area is bringing people hoping to get any illness healed. He gets on his horse and heads out with the others.
Monthor Tuesday January 16th, 2007 9:00:02 PM
Monthor stands next to Arien and Tratain observing the masses pleading for help. He's seen this kind of thing before. A cleric shows up to a poor town and the locals come beging for healing. It saddens him to see this and he wonders why none of the clerical orders haven't set up shop down here.
Knowing the answer before he even asks... Monthor wonders out loud... " Could we stay a few days? Between Tratain and Horvis, we could help some of these people. "
" The Eastern shore works for me. "
Juliander Wednesday January 17th, 2007 1:32:25 AM
Juliander remains silent, as they move through town in preparation to leave. He follows whichever path the knights choose to travel.
Borders of Culverwood - DM Marcin Wednesday January 17th, 2007 7:38:49 AM
The general consensus seems to be that the party should leave. And so, on a grey morning, the Knights pack up and leave the town of Edenmoor heading off along the eastern bank of Peasblossom in the northernly direction.
The countryside is farmland at first, though most buildings are grouped together and have at least some basic defensive qualities. The cultivated stretches of land soon end, however, and the party finds itself travelling through what can be described as an overgrown steppe. The land is quiet and somehow a feeling of sadness and deep, longing sorrow hangs in the air. So much blood has sunk into the earth here that the very hills have become grim and dark.
The Peasblossom is the only patch of vivid color within eyesight, its emerald waters flowing tirelessly down to the ocean. The horses constantly slow down by themselves and need to be giddied up.
At noon the Knights can already see a thin black line at the horizon. It widens with every hour, until late in the afternoon it finally reveals itself to be the borders of the Culverwood.
The trees stand dark, silent, and motionless, like ranks of some ancient army frozen just before battle. The air here smells different - a strange fresh aroma hangs in the air, resembling that of pine sap. The sun glistens on the leaves of the trees.
[Travelling into Culverwood: I'll need a marching order, any spells in effect on the party while it travels, any special precautions taken while moving, position of familiars/animal companions/etc, and any other relevant details.]
Izen Wednesday January 17th, 2007 8:54:39 PM
"I can ride 'point,'" Izen offered. "Although the woods are not my specialty."
Izen retained his usual, deceptively casual habits of observing his surroundings as they went (Listen, Skill Mastery, 30; Spot, Skill Mastery, 27).
Monthor Wednesday January 17th, 2007 10:01:20 PM
Active effect - Magical vestment (+4) from Tratain. - Magical Weapon (+4) from Tratain.
===================
" Me next behind Izen then. "
Juliander Thursday January 18th, 2007 1:12:19 AM
Juliander takes up a post at the rear of the party. Silently wary of his surroundings, he carries his crossbow ready and loaded in his hands.
Arien (Mage Armor) Thursday January 18th, 2007 1:25:05 AM
Arien takes a moment to cast Mage Armor upon himself then finds a spot towards the middle of the party.
The Culverwood - DM Marcin Thursday January 18th, 2007 5:08:36 AM
The trees of Culver are huge. Ten men holding hands would not be enough to surround some of them. The forest is still and full of shadows. It's easy to get a feeling that one is walking in a giant temple.
The party follows a game trail along the Peasblossom. The ground is generally firm, but every now and then there is a stream joining the river. It usually takes a better part of an hour to cross one of these and quite a few of the Knights are forced to ride with their boots completely soaked through.
Initially the only animals that can be seen are small spiders waiting in their webs high among the branches of the trees. Later, though, the party starts to notice birds: sparrows, magpies, robins, and many other.
Every now and then a large bird of paradise, glittering with all the colors of the rainbow can be seen perched high on a tree, watching the Knights impassively with its dark, beady eyes, it's ridiculously long tail hanging like a cloak of an emperor.
A few hours later the party gets the feeling that there are actually only two birds that watch their progress: one with a green and red head, the other with a blue one speckled with dots of yellow.
Night comes and the party makes camp. Sleep overtakes everyone quickly. Those standing watch can hear, when they strain their ears, a sad, haunting tune being played on pipes just on the verge of their hearing.
The morning comes and pours green light into the forest. The journey resumes.
Soon after departing the campsite the trail the party has been following leads them to two mighty trees. A huge boulder rests between them, placed horizontally on their branches, forming a giant gate. The birds of paradise are here, waiting for the Knights, one sitting on a low branch of each tree.
As the group comes closer to the spot a mouth of stone forms on the boulder and speaks out a verse in some strange tongue. The voice is feminine and pleasant to hear; the words it says sound almost like music. Somehow, as they echo in the ears of the Knights, they become a phrase in the language native to those who hear them:
"Culverwood has always been The domain of blessed Star Queen. Pay her toll to pass this way: Memories of your next day."
Draax d20+7=15 Thursday January 18th, 2007 7:19:41 AM
Draax will ride flanking Arien. He looks at and listens to the magical mouth on the boulder before scanning the local area for signs of the ones that he knows are watching them (spot check 15). While he continues to scan their surrounding, he speaks to the rock. "And what is the price of passage?"
Izen Thursday January 18th, 2007 9:33:09 AM
"'Memories of your next day,'" Izen echoed. He squinted at the stone. "And so we are to forget what happens to us the rest of the day, until this time tomorrow? Eh." He scratched at his stubble, then shrugged. "I suppose I trust myself enough. All right, I'll pay the price--I hope that price includes safe passage through the borders of the Queen's realm."
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider d20+11=27 Thursday January 18th, 2007 10:26:28 AM Please accept my apologies - I intended to post last night from home and couldn't connect.
As the group prepares to leave Edenmoor following the Peasblossom River, the centaur makes ready to travel. He intends to send a letter of complaint to the Catacombs management over the tardy service he didn't receive while in Edenmoor. He is still waiting for a delivery from the magical shop.
"I will fly overhead to keep watch on our trail, both ahead and behind." While some members of the party worry about a flying centaur hovering overhead, Horvis shifts into the form of a giant eagle. Once settled in his new form, the shifter casts some spells. His talons and beak gleam brightly after the first spell but the second spell seems to have little effect on the great bird.
"Would you like to be able to move without leaving a trail? I can do that if you like." Pass without Trace offered to companions, good for 13 PC's, companions, mounts, etc.. If you want it, include in next post.
Horvis takes to the air to fly over the party, watching for threats both airborne and on the ground. Aquila is flying somewhere close by, both hunting for food and scouting. When the party comes to the fey gate, Horvis will spiral down to land near them in order to hear the words. As he does so, he scans the surrounding area for threats. Spot = 27, including giant eagle's +4 racial bonus
Horvis had hoped to learn more about the fey creatures of the Culverwood but if that is the price of safe passage, he is willing to pay. The fey may simply confound the party or they may place dangers in their path if the party attempts to travel without paying the toll.
Monthor Thursday January 18th, 2007 11:35:23 AM
:: Monthor shakes his head and sighs deeply. ::
" Are ye all daft? We are to take nothing from the feys. Remember what the old man said? 'No food, no drink, no shelter, no advice, nothing.' We can make our own way without their help. If danger there be, then danger we face, and danger we defeat. "
Juliander Thursday January 18th, 2007 8:56:05 PM
"Dear Monthor... we do not plan to take anything... but leave something. The price of passage, if reasonable, should be paid out of respect. Here birds... what is the price you speak of?"
The Toll - DM Marcin Friday January 19th, 2007 3:21:38 AM
[Previously:]
Seen from above, the Culverwood is just a sea of deep green. The presence of such a splendid cover allows most smaller birds to spend their entire lives below the canopy of the trees. This, in turn, has forced the predators below, too, so Horvis and Aquila are quite alone up there. There is, of course, the potential risk of losing the rest of the party, too.
[Now:]
The group does not spot any hidden onlookers. The only prominent beings around are the two birds of paradise. Both are sitting calmly on the branches. There is nothing unusual in their behavior, but something in their eyes just hints at someone watching the Knights through them.
The party asks about the toll. There is a short pause, and then the stone mouth recites in the same manner as before:
"Memories of their next day Is the toll that mortals pay. All must pass through gate to seal Your agreement to the deal."
Monthor Friday January 19th, 2007 7:58:36 AM
" Me still say that taking anything from the faes, even in trade for safe passage, be dangerous. Plus, If we learn anything during this "next day" that's crucial to our mission, we won't get to remember it. Memory is a previous thing and me be concern that even a day's worth is to high and dangerous a price to pay.... Hey, that rhymed!!"
Horvis Friday January 19th, 2007 9:30:00 AM
The giant eagle settles his wings and cocks his head while listening to his companions. Horvis voice is recognizable but lisps from his beak.
"I don'th threally know whath thath Jhae fellow thold you. Gifts from the fae often twist in the hand. But the fae do keep bargains that they make though sometimes the price is greater than suspected."
"I will follow the group's decision. Without knowing what will occur in the next day, we do not know the true price of this toll. Perhaps someone can negotiate with whoever speaks through these birds?"
Arien (Mage Armor) Friday January 19th, 2007 10:40:25 AM
"I'm hesitant to pay this toll, our memories are what make us who we are and to trade them away we lessen ourselves. It may take us deeper into the wood but I would suggest simply going around the domain of the Star Queen if we can." Arien eyes the stone mouth and the birds warily.
Izen Friday January 19th, 2007 2:24:02 PM
Izen pursed his lips and crossed his arms, waiting the group's decision. His expression clearly said, we're damned either way, so make your choice.
Draax Friday January 19th, 2007 5:49:13 PM
Draax sighs, "I do not like this either. It is too cryptic and could mean what we are guessing it means or it could mean something else. Agreeing to any term without an explanation is not something I want to do. It says what we have to pay, but not how we will be required to pay it. It could be asking us to give up our memories or to tell them about everything that happens. They can take them by magic or my some physical means. If it is possible to go around, I vote we go around."
Juliander Sunday January 21st, 2007 7:31:35 PM
"There may be a way... assuming that we happen upon some critical information, that we can remind ourselves. However, we'll never have that opportunity if we don't go. I for one, am willing to take the risk."
Tratain Sunday January 21st, 2007 11:02:28 PM
Tratain says "If we have to make this deal to pass though the forest, then the solution will be quite simple. If we're going to lose our next days memories, we just sit somewhere for the day and do nothing, that way theres no chance that we learn something we might need later and then have those memories taken away. I for one will accept, how about the rest of you?"
The gate - DM Marcin Monday January 22nd, 2007 4:06:42 AM
The cryptic words and an offer of a deal that the party does not fully understand stops the progress of the Knights. While most wish to bypass the realm of the Star Queen some are quite willing to agree to the offer and risk the passage.
The birds look on impassively. Some kind of decision needs to be made if the group is to continue on its way.
[Feel free to mulitpost if needed to make a decision.]
Horvis Monday January 22nd, 2007 11:34:31 AM
The centaur stands by while his companions discuss the price of passage.
"What do we know of the extent of the domain of the Star Queen? If we chose to detour around, how much extra distance must we travel? I suspect that we would need to leave the Culverwood and travel through the Red Hills."
Horvis abstains from any vote, allowing his companions to decide.
Draax Monday January 22nd, 2007 12:01:17 PM
Draax says. "I have no problem with giving up a day's memory. The problem I have is that we are only guessing at what we will be required to give up or how it will be taken. It might only mean that we will not remember anything that happens while we are in their land. The whole point is that we do not know what it means. Truthfully, I do not believe anything harmful will happen to us, but I do not like agreeing to blind contracts. I will go along with the consensuses of the group, but I vote to go around no matter how long it takes us."
Monthor Monday January 22nd, 2007 12:03:09 PM
" Me stand by my previous vote. We take nothing from the faye. Even if we have to give something first in return. If we have to travel further then so be it. "
Izen Monday January 22nd, 2007 1:40:49 PM
Izen shrugged. "Fine," he commented, then adjusted his pack on his shoulders. "Let's go. It's a long ride to the Red Hills."
He looked back at birds and gate for a moment, and, with a knowing half-smile, tipped his head slightly in a salute before wheeling his mount around.
Juliander Monday January 22nd, 2007 8:21:24 PM
"Whatever happened to heroic deeds done... and outwitting your opponent... and all of that good stuff? I still say we take the fey at their word and stick it to them in the end. However, if the whole of the group is against me, I'll not be foolish enough to go it alone."
Jova Kon Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 3:11:09 AM
OOC- I apologize to the group, the telephone line has been down in my area due to the cold weather. Hopefully they are fixed now.
Jova speaks from the rear of the group. "Since we are in no real rush to get where we are going, lets go around. Cryptic messages never seem to work out for the best, for the adventurer. And as Monthor says, dont take anything from the fey. So we wont get any loot for our troubles, if they come, in there."
Going around - DM Marcin Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 7:22:14 AM
With most of the party either abstaining or voting for a detour, Juliander is the only one willing to go on, but remarks that he is willing to accept the decision of the rest of the Knights.
A detour, then.
Some mention the Red Hills. If the party is to head in that direction the first leg of the journey will be easy to plot - just head East until the group exits Culverwood. But then the Knights will have to traverse the territories of the Goblin Lords.
[Right now the party is halfway between the southern edge of Culver and the settlement known as Troll. The group will need a new plan of travel. Glad to see you back, Dave!]
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 10:10:38 AM
Nodding to the group's decision, the shifter rasps out a comment after a moment's thought. "Would it not be better to return and take the road to the north coast, rather than trying the Red Hills? It does not matter to me, since a mile by air is the same in any direction, but it may to you."
After that, the giant eagle takes to the air and circles until he is once more flying over the party. Aquila joins Horvis to scout around the party as they head towards the edge of the Culverwood.
Izen Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 10:19:27 AM
Izen allowed one of the more knowledgeable members of the group lead him and his mount eastward, while he maintained his usual vigil (Listen, skill mastery, 30; Spot, skill mastery, 27). His fingers knotted and unknotted a piece of twine as they went.
"Who knows about the Red Hills?" He asked.
Arien (Mage Armor) Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 3:23:48 PM
"I'd rather not have to go the long way if at all possible, perhaps we can get more information on this deal that way we can make a more informed decision."
Arien looks at the birds and speaks directly to them, testing to see if something is truly watching through them. "As I'm sure you have heard most of us are reluctant to make this deal. Perhaps with more information we might be more inclined to accept such a bargain. I ask, how are these memories to be collected? Will we keep our memories as well or will we forget about the days worth of memories you wish? What will be done with the memories once they have been collected?"
Arien glances back at the others, hoping for an answer to his questions.
Draax Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 6:39:06 PM
Draax begins to turn his horse around when Arien begins to talk to the birds. He stop in mid turn and turn his attention to the birds; wondering if anyone is going to answer or at least make their intentions more clear. He figured since they can actually see that the group is not willing to play by their initial rules, maybe they will be willing to refine them.
Jova Kon Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 8:05:22 PM
"As Our test, i think we can gather more intel amongst the Goblin hordes, than with the fey. Seems to me a short cut is no choice at all. Jova moves his horse to leave.
Juliander Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 10:02:22 PM
Frustrated at the apparent caution of the rest of the group, which is spoiling his sense of adventure, Juliander remains silent while Arien converses further with the birds.
Monthor Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 10:18:35 PM
" Me vote for goblins too. They're less filling AND they taste great. "
" At least with the goblins it's gonna be a straight up fight. Me don't trust faes. They're worst then elves. "
One more question - DM Marcin Wednesday January 24th, 2007 4:16:37 AM
The answer to Arien's question comes from the stone mouth on the boulder.
"This deal's purpose: to defend Those who abide in this land. You shan't go to lands of Dread With Queen's secrets in your head. Pass through here today you may, But remember not next day. It's the gates that watch your mind And keep memories behind."
[Looks like there are still divided opinions on what to do next.]
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider Wednesday January 24th, 2007 9:02:18 AM
The giant eagle circles overhead when he sees that his companions haven't left. Fortunately, it's a nice day for flying so Horvis doesn't mind lingering.
OOC - Horivs has no way of hearing what the Magic Mouth said, so he is simply waiting for his companions.
Izen Wednesday January 24th, 2007 10:01:19 AM
Izen continued on with the others toward the Red Hills. He nodded and smiled at Monthor's words. "Perhaps we can trust ourselves enough to forget a day, but I agree that there's a risk of fey mischief whose significance we might realize later, at an inopportune time. Doesn't seem secure."
"Goblins, giants, and ogres, then."
CampaignDM Jerry Wednesday January 24th, 2007 10:21:42 AM
I need the ADM to post the report from last week please. Email me when this is done. I will be checking this off my to do list.
Tratain Wednesday January 24th, 2007 4:56:21 PM
Tratain listens to Ariens question and the answer it gives. He says "we have had dealings with the Fey Queen Maab in the past, it doesn't sound like the fey here mean us any harm. I'd like to know how they know that we are heading into the Lands of the Dread though. It really sounds like they are offering us safe passage through thier lands, but we won't remember what happens there. Its probably safer that way also, if we don't know they passageways through the Fey lands there's no way we could relate that information to the Dread if things go Poorly."
Tratain finishes talking to his companions and the birds watching "As long as they promise to only take the memories we have of the Fey lands as we travel through the woods tomorrow I have no problem with that and say we take them up on the offer. Thats how I feel, but will stick with what the group decides."
ADM Joe Wednesday January 24th, 2007 5:02:23 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday January 19th
M T W R F DM X X X X X Tratain X O O O X Jova O O O O O Monthor O X X X X Izen X X X X X Arien X X X O X Horvis X X O X X Draax X X O X X Juliander X X X X X
Sorry for being late again. No posts from Jova all week, my posting wasn't great either. Everyone else did really well, keep it up.
Arien (Mage Armor) Wednesday January 24th, 2007 7:28:10 PM
"Should we return from the lands of Dread safely and pass this way again might we have our memories returned to us?" Arien looks at the others and says, "It sounds like they are more interested in protecting their lands from the Son's of Dread rather than just taking our memories, if so I would not mind paying the price as it would save us quite a bit of time."
Monthor Wednesday January 24th, 2007 8:53:37 PM
" No. "
" But as usual, Me'll go with the majority. "
Draax Wednesday January 24th, 2007 10:28:46 PM
Draax is surprised that they actually answered Arien; he does not know if that is a good or bad thing. "Hmm, it goes against my better judgment, but since they somewhat explained the reasoning behind this mind wipe. I doubt if a lost day will really hurt me much. I just wonder what it will do to you guys that have spells in you head? Ok, if you guys are willing to taking the shorter route through their land, I guess I will too. The only good thing about of this is that no one will probably remember enough to say I told you so."
LOG ON