DM Kim - Someone's coming Tuesday October 31st, 2000 4:08:10 AM [Draax, Bill, and anyone who wishes to can get a small supply of standard weapons and adventuring supplies from Ruthat's store. Bill only gets 40 darts.]
Sundown comes the end of the second day after the party talks with the town council. Soon, several children come running down the western road into town. "They're coming, they're coming! Horses, and little cottages with big wheels! Whee! Someone's coming!" As citizens of Windhorn Hamlet come out of their homes, out of inns and pubs to see what the commotion is about, a trumpet sounds a royal tatoo. "Make way, make way! The royal emissaries!" cries out the trumpeteer between blasts, his voice clear, penetrating. Immediately behind him rides a man tall in the saddle of a magnificent warhorse. The handsome man wears a set of gleaming silvery plate armor, helmet under left arm. To his right, a halfling rides a pony. He wears a steel breastplate, with an engraving of balance scales visible in the torchlight.
Behind them are two magnificent carriages, each drawn by a team of twelve large matched horses, tufts of hair waving just above the backs of their hooves.
Mayor Lothar comes out. "Welcome, welcome to Windhorn Hamlet. Stay, enjoy our hospitality. What news bring you? I am Lothar, mayor of this fair place. You just missed the Renewal of the Sentinel. Nevertheless, please, we have plenty of good things to share with our honored guests." He looks to Capt. Bearclaw.
"I am Bearclaw. Who are you?" he asks, arms folded. Then his arms unfold. "Bolderhusk? Bolderhusk!" He strides forward, standing to the side of the tall horseman. Capt. Bearclaw roars, "You son of a sword, you. How long has it been?"
The man the captain called Bolderhusk dismounts, grabs Bearclaw's arms, then embraces him for a moment, giving his back a resounding slap or two, which Bearclaw returns. They look like dancing bears.
The halfling looks at the greeting, and pipes up, "Well, are you going to introduce me?"
Bolderhusk turns and smiles goodnaturedly. "Mayor Lothar, Bearclaw, Fipps. Fipps, Bearclaw, Mayor Lothar." He turns to the mayor, offering his hand to shake. "Bolderhusk, a paladin, your honor, in service of the gods, in service of New Elenna, and sent by His Lordship the Most High Mayor of Plateau City, Sturdavent." He inclines his head in a dignified manner. "His Lordship received a message from someone by the name of Bill Troublefinder. We understand there were some problems here in and around the town, and wish to speak with the Windhorn Hamleteers." He looks around. "Things are well in your town?"
Mayor Lothar (DM Kim) Tuesday October 31st, 2000 4:28:34 AM
"Oh, well, quite well, thank you," Mayor Lothar replies. "Very pleased to make your acquaintance, Paladin Bolderhusk, and good cleric Fipps. We did have some sea devils try to disrupt our ceremony this year. Sadly, we did lose some good men in the attack. But the militia under the good captain here, and yes, a competent group of adventurers helped fend them off, and the ceremony went off without a hitch, once that matter was resolved."
Fipps (DM Kim) Tuesday October 31st, 2000 4:51:03 AM
"Hello, your mayorship. Your captaincy," Fipps says. "So, where are the adventurers?"
DM Kim d20=4 Tuesday October 31st, 2000 5:25:39 AM
Rond notices young Merik among the gathered crowd, putting something small and round into one end of a reed. He brings the reed up near his lips. Merik is about 25 feet away from the ranger.
Arrisa Tuesday October 31st, 2000 11:21:17 AM
After her day and a half in the wilderness, Arrisa returns to the village as she spots the caravan entering the village. Arrisa lets out a slight sigh and looks down at herself. She is totally covered in mud and leaves, and seems totally unconcerned about this. Entering the village, she wanders towards the group of people. Seeing K'isst, Rond, Bill and the others, Arrisa stops and gives a small wave. Unconcerned about the affairs of civilisation, she leans on her staff and watches the prodeedings from a distance, pushing her slightly mud-cakes hair behind a pointed ear...
Rond d100=50 Tuesday October 31st, 2000 1:19:30 PM
[Is he gathering the object, or placing it away? After putting it into the reed, he brought it to his lips?! huh?! :) ] Rond will attempt to move silently up behind Merik, in order to observe what he's doing. [character sheet not on me, it's close as to whether I made my MS or not]
Merik (DM Kim) Tuesday October 31st, 2000 3:57:38 PM
[It looks like Merik is getting ready to blow on the reed, shooting out whatever it is he put into it - in the general direction of the halfling on the pony. 3 - 2 - 1 - ]
Rond (without further adieu) d20=18 d20=10 Tuesday October 31st, 2000 4:36:38 PM
Rond then steps in and attempts to grab the reed, pushing it down towards the ground. Somewhere, though, there was a rock with Rond's name on it. Stumbling (but not falling (dex check)), he says, " Just what are you doing young man!" [If I'm still sneaking, then no move in, but I will clear my throat, and speak as indicated]
Draax Tuesday October 31st, 2000 9:53:46 PM
Draax looks over the items and picks out all the items that he wants. "Ok what does this come to?"
K'isst Tuesday October 31st, 2000 10:24:52 PM
K'isst is so lost in her thoughts that she doesn't even notice the coaches go by her on the highway. She gets up, started by something and heads out into the woods looking for supper. Later she returns to her camp, unable to find inner peace, but perhaps a bit closer than she was the day before.
Sedar Tuesday October 31st, 2000 11:48:02 PM
Engrossed and obsessed with his search, he almost misses the caravans' entrance to the town, the mage finally calms down as he finds what he seeks, "ahhhhhhhhhhh"
Arien d100=11 Wednesday November 1st, 2000 12:37:24 AM
Drawn by the commotion, Arien tries to see whats going on but due to the fact that he is a good bit smaller than the humans his sight is blocked fairly effectively. After a moments thought Arien scales a nearby building and sits at the edge of the roof, happy with his new and quite good view.
ADM Todd Saturday November 11th, 2000 9:26:48 PM
Will post, and get things rolling for Kim if nothing heard by Monday afternoon. Sorry about the delay folks.
Fipps (ADM Todd) Monday November 13th, 2000 1:10:17 PM
"I take it this creature," as Fipps sniffs, "must be K'isst?"
Boulderhusk (Adm Todd) Monday November 13th, 2000 1:30:12 PM
Sighing inwardly, "I see you two will be needing some time to talk. I will leave a coach behind, and you are to catch up as soon as you can."
Looking at the rest of the party, Boulderhusk announces, "We will retire for the night, and see the rest of you in the morning." As he hurriedly disappears with Fipps indignantly in tow.
Wedding discussion (ADM Todd) Monday November 13th, 2000 1:32:52 PM
Those left behind watch as Bill and K'isst quietly leave the building, to go discuss their current situation.
Next Morning (ADm Todd) Monday November 13th, 2000 1:46:08 PM
As the party emerges outdoors prior to the sun rising, they sense, rather than see, that the caravan is a bustling center of energy.
Shortly after the party members emerge, Boulderhusk comes over to them. "Greetings adventurers, and Praise the gods, that another day has come. Do any of you have any traveling preferences? Please figure out what equipment you will need while traveling. Any equipment that is awkward to carry inside of the carriage, needs to be placed here," pointing to a spot on the ground, "so that it can be packed among the carriages."
<I will e-mail everyone that I have posted here, and that things are on the move, later tonight. If you have any things that need to be addressed, that cannot be resolved here, e-mail me at solutions.now@usa.net> <I reserve the right to make more posts for today, as I work on picking up the reins ;)>
Arrisa Monday November 13th, 2000 7:17:13 PM
(At the mayor's house)
Not sure what to make of the information Judith just gave her... or how she knew her name, Arrisa just nods. "You mean I'm going to find another female ranger not so wild as myself. That should prove interesting..."
(In the morning)
Arrisa wanders downstairs, a little cleaner than yesterday, but bits of mud, twig and leaves were still stuck to her clothing. She listens to what Boulderhusk has to say and nods. "Yeah, I prefer to walk rather than ride." Arrisa stands with her arms folded, holding her quarterstaff to her chest. She silently awaits his answer.
(OOC: Sorry about the length of time from my last post. Things became a little busy, but all seems well now :) )
Sedar Monday November 13th, 2000 11:53:38 PM
Having some new spells to work over, the Mage comes out to the caravan looking like he had little sleep. "Who's riding with who?" looking about for his fellow companions. Adding lastly as he sees the Paladin, "Not much to carry but my sachel of things, so I'll just find a home in one of these carriages. Thank you."
Rond Tuesday November 14th, 2000 1:08:39 PM
Gathering his stuff up in the morning, Rond meets everyone outside. Shown where to put his backpack, Rond heads for a carriage. "It doesn't matter to me who sits with me."
Arien Tuesday November 14th, 2000 9:22:50 PM
After stowing his luggage in the appropriate area Arien hops up into the nearest unoccupied seat. "Ah, the road," he murmurs to himself, "I wonder what new surprises it holds for us this day."
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday November 15th, 2000 4:47:25 AM
[Back up] When Bolderhusk suggests leaving a carriage behind, Bill says, "Oh, we can catch up faster without the carriage, I expect."
Draax Wednesday November 15th, 2000 7:49:40 AM
Draax places his longbow in the spot indicated for items that cannot ride in the carriages. Looking at Boulderhusk Draax says. "If you have an extra horse I would prefer to ride along side the carriages, if that is OK, if not anywhere in the carriages will be fine."
Boulderhusk (Adm Todd) Wednesday November 15th, 2000 2:04:40 PM
"I can understand your personal preferences for your mode of travel. But his Lordship is pressed for time, and thought that this would be more suited for the Heros of the Hamlett"
Fipps (ADm) Wednesday November 15th, 2000 2:05:48 PM
You hear a loud sniff from somewhere in the dark, "Not to mention, bad form"
Boulderhusk (Adm) (backsup) Wednesday November 15th, 2000 2:08:22 PM
Replying to Bill, "But his Lordship wants to recognize your achievements here in Windhorn. You would wound his sensibilities, I think, if you did not ride."
ADm Todd Wednesday November 15th, 2000 2:10:26 PM
OOC sorry for delay. College! Post for conversation, more tonight. (when Kim comes back, this message is marked for deletion)
Bill Troublefinder Thursday November 16th, 2000 2:53:20 AM
Bill replies over his shoulder to Bolderhusk, "We'll ride in the carriage, we'll ride, when we catch up. No offense to you nor his Lordship. Take the carriages, that way the second won't be behind the first." Bill will engage in no more conversation on this topic.
Adm Todd Friday November 17th, 2000 9:53:42 PM
(marked to delete) Moving on.
Adm Saturday November 18th, 2000 2:04:39 AM
The carriages set out from Windhorn Hamlet, amidst cheers and huzzahs from the local citizens. The entourage follows the road westward, threading its way through farmland and rolling hills, passing the occasional isolated dwelling, with people coming out to see who is going by, as well as passing through some wooded areas. The group's herald, who goes by the name "Herold," is a bard, and, as he speaks charmingly and engagingly with the members of the adventuring troupe, explains that it is his responsibility to suitably present the group's history and accomplishments before the High Lord Mayor and his council.
Arrisa Saturday November 18th, 2000 8:35:27 PM
Arrisa lets out a long sigh as she sits in the carriage. All the way she mutters to herself and she didn't seem to appreciate the bard trying to make her feel better. Right now, she wasn't even bothered if she left mud stains from her clothes inside the carriage...
Herold (Adm) Sunday November 19th, 2000 7:48:29 AM
Herold takes the time to visit each of the coaches, and to try to engage the group in chat.
"So, tell me about yourselves," Herold enourages. "Your adventures. Where were you raised? What are your favorite foods? Have you fought any dragons? Tell me about the sahuagin. Do you agree with the nickname given to them - that is, 'sea devils'?"
Damocles Monday November 20th, 2000 12:39:00 PM
"I wouldn't know kind sir, I wasn't there when they fought them. But I am Damocles, priest of Alemi, and pilgrim. I wander the land, do good works, etc. The same thing as any other pilgrim I suppose." Damocles settles for the journey ahead, accustoming himself to the roll of the Carriages wheels.
The Road Moves Ever On (DM Jerry) Tuesday November 21st, 2000 2:39:14 PM
The wagons begin to roll. As you travel south, it is not but a few minutes until the 1st Plateau hazily comes into view. The coaches ride past farmland and sparse forest. An hour or so later, the 5,000 ft. plateau grows ever larger stretching up skyward looking for all intents like a huge flat topped mountain. It stretches to the east and west as far as you can see.
Soon a castle comes into view as you top a small hill. A strange rope contraption leads up the cliffside from the interior of the castle grounds to a second castle at the top of the cliff. The second castle shines bright in the morning sun.
Soldiers come to attention as you pass by into the castle. People stare as your carriages drive right by the small line of people waiting for the next "sky-raft."
About an hour later, you see a flimsy river raft attached to four 6 inch lengths of rope that must be 5000' long. "Don't worry," Boulderhusk says, "The ropes are magicked not to break or sway with the wind... so it's perfectly safe... Although the Gold Dragons were attacked by a red dragon on a "sky-raft" one time." He turns and grins mischievously.
Another hour later, the raft has finished its descent. Very quickly it is unloaded of cargo and people and the carriages are loaded, strapped down heavily, and then all is ready. With the blowing of a distant horn at the top, the raft begins to ascend. Quickly it picks up speed. Far above, you see another raft descending as this one ascends.
Rond Sunday November 26th, 2000 2:05:56 PM
To Herold. "I would have thought everyone knows of our stories all ready, or at least that's what it sounded like when Boulderhusk was talking."
Herold (DM Kim) Sunday November 26th, 2000 4:37:18 PM
"Well, truth be told, Rond, Hiram Veril recently told us quite a bit, as far as the names and some of the deeds of your group, but what I need are details. I heard that your troupe formed fairly recently, and you were one of the first members." Herold's interest is earnest. "Maybe you, and those who were here from the beginning, can tell me how it is you got together, and about your first forays. Then those who came later can add their recollections. Telling the stories of our lives is a wonderful accompaniment to travel, no? And aren't some of you just recently met?" Looking out the window as the raft ascends, the bard exclaims, "My, look at the view of the countryside!"
To encourage the so far quiet adventurers to talk, he says, "In exchange for each story you tell, I'll see if I can identify a magic item for you."
DM Kim Monday November 27th, 2000 3:46:40 AM
As the raft nears the top, the rate of ascent slows. The temperature has dropped, but only by about ten degrees Fahrenheit.
"Hah! Wait'll you see the Fast Roads," says Fipps. "Bet a couple of you get sick just looking out the windows!"
At the top, seasoned handlers help the horses pull the ornate carriages off the large raft. As they come off, soldiers stand on either side of the roadway which resumes a mile above where it left off. A captain says, "Sergeant, present arms."
A stocky man with a flat nose barks out, "Present h'arms!" And the soldiers raise swords in a forty-five degree angle upwards, thus saluting the party as it passes.
Standing just past the end of the dual line of soldiers are two figures - an elven woman, and a halfling.
Bill Troublefinder Monday November 27th, 2000 3:49:13 AM
"Hey! Hey, stop! It's me, Bill," says the halfling.
Rond Monday November 27th, 2000 3:19:35 PM
"Weelll. I'm not sure what there is to tell, at least. It seems to always happen so fast. Hiriam basically formed the group, as I remember. We were to see what was going on in the tomb. We descended into the tomb, where we met K'sst's tribe. No one had told us about Troglogytes, that would be friendly to us. K'sst convinced her father " Rond rolls his eyes as he says convinced" that she should come along with us. We worked our way further into the tomb, where we got ambushed by some thugs. The thugs got ambushed by Bill, then, which helped us out of a bind. And then we fought the mages, and brought Mengor's corpse out."
While telling the story, Rond takes his time commenting about the journey, expecting that others might be able to fill in details where necessary.
Sunblaze Trith Tuesday November 28th, 2000 2:27:45 AM
Sunblaze agrees with the cleric, and when she awakens, standing near the party, she gasps. "Oh my, I never expected it to work."
When Sunblaze sees that the group from Windhorn Hamlet, she speaks, "Why Hello, I be Sunblaze... Sunblaze Trith. And I have come with Bill, to join you upon your quests, if I may." Sunblaze finishes talking and then sings a rousing tune.
"His mithril armor burnished bright, One gauntlet black, the other white. His helm alive with brilliant light, His longsword danced with flame.
"This hero faced his greatest test; This battle would complete his quest. The shield he carried bore his crest; Sir Osis was his name.
"For courage and for strength he prayed, To Domi, the god whom he obeyed. His trust and faith would give him aid; He would not fight alone.
"For honor, and for Domi!", he roared, And leapt to battle for his lord. Opposing that unholy sword, He charged to match his own.
"And locked in battle, toe to toe, He stood against his mortal foe, Exchanging blow for deadly blow, A small and savage war.
"The damage done by each was vast; He knew his health was failing fast. The next exchange might be the last; He could not stand much more.
"And yet he vowed he would not yield. He stood his ground, and raised his shield, To win or die upon this field; The fateful moment neared.
"And in his rival, there was doubt. Afraid that he might lose this bout, The man of evil's nerve gave out; The coward disappeared.
"His masquerade of honor gone, With craven guile, this evil spawn Did soon return, to battle on; Most foully did he fight.
"But at our hero's side now stood The valiant Flaming Fools, who would, United on the side of good, Prove steadfast in their might.
"Courageously, they joined the fray, And only Phillip ran away. At last the party won the day, And killed the wicked beast.
"Remember well, and heed this tale; The noble hearted will not fail. For in the end, the good prevail, And evil will be greased."
Sunblaze finishes her song and awaits to see if the gallant Windhorn Hamlet force would care for another.
Bolderhusk (DM Kim) Tuesday November 28th, 2000 3:51:15 AM
The lead carriage slows to a stop, as does the one behind that. A footman opens the door. On his grand horse, Bolderhusk in his gleaming ornate armor nods to the singer. "Well done. Bolderhusk, at your service." He dismounts, and draws near to Sunblaze. If she will allow him, he bends over to kiss her hand. "At your service, indeed." The paladin's eyes twinkle as he looks at her for a moment.
"Bill, so, you made it." He leans over to speak quietly with the halfling. "Is K'isst coming soon?"
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday November 28th, 2000 3:53:44 AM
Bill listens to Sunblaze's song. He tries to picture the battle in his mind. "Well, well. Well - I didn't know you had such a mind for lyrics!"
Bill nods to the paladin. "No. No, I don't think so. But I promised I would come." He walks up to the lead carriage. "Hey, friends, mind if Sunblaze comes along? She knows some magic, and is a storyteller."
Although Bill's voice has its usual cheerfulness, his eyes look somewhat sad at the moment.
Footman (DM Kim) Tuesday November 28th, 2000 3:54:30 AM
A footman opens the carriage door for Bill.
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