Arien Tuesday November 28th, 2000 7:15:49 AM
Removing a small paring knife and an apple from one of the many pockets in his cloak, Arien carves a few pieces and offers them to the others in the carriage. Then, idly munching on a slice himself, he relaxes back into the seat and lets his mind wander while he pays some attention to the conversations drifting about him.
Damocles Tuesday November 28th, 2000 6:50:45 PM
"Like a hydra this group seems. When one is gone two shall fill its place." "Greetings to you, Sunblaze," says the priest, bowing deeply and smiling as he does so. "I hope that you shall be welcomed into this adventuring fold as readily as I was... I'm probably not the one you want to direct questions to for now... And I might mind my words around Bill as well. I am new and he seems..." Damocles trails off for a moment. "It is not my place to say, I would suppose." "In any case, welcome to the fold, I am glad your travels brought you here, as my travels led to the same point."
Sedar Tuesday November 28th, 2000 7:37:25 PM
Struck by the lyrics and tune, the 1/2 elf steps over to meet the singer of songs. "Well met my dear lady. Beautiful, that was, if I may say so. .... Sedar of Windhorn ...... The pleasure is mine. I would gladly hear another. It makes the day seem brighter. Hearing such melody."
Draax Wednesday November 29th, 2000 12:26:32 AM
Draax shakes his head in agreement with Sedar about the songs. "Yes, I would enjoy hearing another. I am Draax and it is a pleasure to meet you."
DM Kim Wednesday November 29th, 2000 1:00:25 AM
After introductions are made all around, the impatient voice of Fipps interrupts, "Well, get on. We don't have all day to sit and chatter. There's a road ahead!"
Sunblaze and Bill board the 2nd gilded carriage. The drivers command the horses, and the journey resumes. Half a mile beyond the cliff, those looking out the window note that, while the speed and rhythm of the coaches feel about the same as before, the landscape appears to be dashing by at an inordinate rate of speed. It seems to pass by more quickly than a bird can fly.
Herald, in the lead carriage with some of the party, points out a crystal sphere. He speaks a phrase into it. Now those in the lead can hear the conversation from the next carriage. And again he speaks, and from a similar sphere in the 2nd carriage the people there can hear those in the first. "Hello, there. This is Herald. Sunblaze and Bill, I'm a bard in the service of the High Lord Mayor Sturdavent. On the ride up to this plateau, I suggested that your friends tell me more about themselves. I'm interested in details of your adventures since Hiram Veril brought the initial group together. But it might be helpful - as we yet have a few days more of travel - to use the time to hear about your backgrounds. So, personal histories, recent or not -- let them be the order of the day."
The bard takes a breath, and adds, "If any want to change carriages, I'll let the drivers know. The third carriage has good sleeping accommodations, of course, and the fourth, good food. Oh - under the seats there also is food. Some breads, sausages, cheeses, wines, even sparkling water. In the shelves above, blankets and small pillows for your comfort. Later we'll stop at a guesthouse for a bit so that personal needs might be addressed."
Herald also repeats his offer to attempt to identify one magic item for each story told. "With what I've heard so far, that's one for Rond, and one for Sunblaze."
Arien Wednesday November 29th, 2000 7:45:07 AM
"Personal histories hmm? Well I suppose the events leading up to my arriving in Wyndhorn and then joining this adventuring party would do. Well let's see, back in the city I used to call home, I'd rather not name it at the present time, I was part of a... business venture with some folks. Well after a while some of the profits from the... business venture went missing and the finger got pointed me. Well these folks I worked with weren't the very tolerant types... or intelligent for that matter and decided they'd ask me where the money was. Well not knowing where it was and not really looking forward to being questioned I skipped town. Long story short, I wound up in Windhorn and got caught up in the furor of the missing Sentinel Head and here I am now."
Rond Wednesday November 29th, 2000 12:16:53 PM
"Hmm. If memory serves, Sedar is the only one from the very beginning. Though Bill is a close second, after he decided he was on the losing team." You can hear in Rond's voice that he is teasing Bill. "Others here were picked up afterwards, though I'm not sure what you," indicating Herold, "know already."
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday November 29th, 2000 12:41:03 PM
The halfling chuckles at Rond's remark about Bill's being 'on the losing team.' "Well, it was Hiram who sent me to join that 'losing team' - the Sons of Dread. He said he needed someone who could infiltrate that misbegotten group, and help keep him apprised of what they were up to. As one of their official 'thugs,' I wasn't privy to as much as I would have liked, but did manage to slip into the shadows here and there and eavesdrop on at least some of their plans."
Bill stretches his short arms as he continues. "I told Hiram about Mengor's medallion, and the plot to blow up Windhorn Hamlet with the dead mage's body. But, the more I think about it - I'm still wondering whether that wasn't just a diversion for some other plot they had in mind. It's hard to say. But there are some pretty smart minds at the head of that group. Twisted, sure, but still smart. Come to think of it, I remember one of the wizards asking another something about some books they were looking for. Sedar, Rond - either of you know anything about that?" Bill meanwhile makes himself a cheese and sausage sandwich, and drinks some sparkling water.
Damocles Wednesday November 29th, 2000 6:55:39 PM
"My story is remarkably brief. After a time in my youth wherein I studied the monastic arts (as the youngest son of a noble I was expected to do nothing else), I decided to leave the parish and become a pilgrim of Alemi's order. I came into contact with the group when I answered a missive for aid that the halfling sent to the Red Wyrm Inn (and quite an interesting way of sending a message it was... the projection looked so life-like...). Now I am providing this group aid in whatever ways are necessitated, while trying to serve my church in some respects... My order before my life." On that, the priest smiles, attempting to defuse the seriousness of his last statement. "Anyway... I'm interested in hearing the stories of the rest of my fine companions." Damocles straightens out his chain mail and the tunic he wears over it, while at the same time fidgeting a bit and looking pensively out the window.
Sedar the First Wednesday November 29th, 2000 7:46:17 PM
"Yes Rond I guess I was the First. There have been so many who have been on this journey. Wardd be with us all." Then sitting back and thinks for a few moments, the mage begins with a light voice .. "A short tale ... let's see .... yes .... The Battle for the Hammer that freed Atomos .... yes .... It was down a path that should not be strayed from, a dark path with evil about it. Shadows lurked as we made our way. A temple of evil was at its end. A temple of blood and death. The brave Brother Branze led the way, a will of granite he had, ready for action. The party spread out behind him to find those that called that evil place sacred. Suddenly a mighty seadevil and his cohorts stepped out to meet the challenge. Arrows flew. Swords clashed. Darts zinged. A mighty battle began. The assault came from all sides. Many were wounded, but the Hamleteers survived the onslaught. The hammer became ours. But the evil was not undone yet. The temple cracked. Its last gasp against a victorious enemy. With no way out and the rubble begining to fall down about them. A rash, but fortunate choice was made ... praise Wardd .... we dove into the water and made the way through to safety. ... at least temporarily ..... a short but important battle that was." The 1/2 elf then again becomes lost in thought as the past comes to life in front of his eyes.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday November 29th, 2000 9:22:45 PM
"Projection!" Bill says as Damocles' comment about his visit to the Red Wyrm Inn sinks in. "That was no projection. That was me, myself! Life-like, indeed!" He looks at his left pinkie, recalling how he lost the tip to the disputed Ring of Water... but how it later grew back. "I'm really glad you came to help us, Damocles. I know you haven't had the chance to see much action yet. No doubt, we'll all see some more."
"Well told, Sedar." He raises his glass of sparkling water at the mention of Branze Bones. "Fierce man. Domi, bless his name."
"How about you, Arrisa? It was so good to see you and Arien show up on the Island of the Temple of Sekola. You really helped us out there. But you don't talk much about yourself. Hey - where did you disappear to when we got back to Windhorn?"
Sunblaze Wednesday November 29th, 2000 10:05:26 PM
Sunblaze laughs and speaks slowly. "Magic items I have none other than the one which you may find out about later. But may I hold ye to that later my new found friend." Sunblaze hears the mention of food and and she grabs whatever she can from under the seat. She eats and eats for about 5 minutes, eating quite a bit in that time. Then with a mouthful of meat and crackers she speaks "Have..y...you an...y ale." She finishes her mouthful then says a bit louder. "Or perhaps I shan't have any at the moment, but another story... or at least a poem is in order." Sunblaze awaits a confirmation to sing or tell a story.
Sunblaze Thursday November 30th, 2000 12:30:39 AM
(OOC: Sorry song wasn't with first post, but wasn't at home computer so I couldn't access the one that I wanted to post.)
IC: Sunblaze finishes off the last bits of food in her mouth. She streches a bit and readies herself. Then she clears her voice. "This isn't one of the best I have sung, but it is ok."
"The Archer The young man liked to play with arrows and his bow. The barn wall was his aim; and no one else would know. One day the King rode by, his army at his side; on the way to war again; his fame was far and wide. He stopped his column by the barn, and looked upon the wall. The King was most impressed by the wonder of it all. The boy was quickly sent for, to meet the mighty King. 'But why, Your Majesty, to me this honor bring?' 'I marvel at your barn; the wall is nearly full. All those arrows spent; and every one a bull! You must practice long and hard, with aim as sure as this. I need you in my Army; you must never miss! You are such a marksman, though still so young a boy; help me teach my archers the method you employ.' 'The method's really easy, simple and sound. I shoot my arrows into the wall; and draw the circles around.'"
Sunblaze makes a laugh at her song, for hearing it over and over doesn't demean it. "So what did ya think?"
Arien Thursday November 30th, 2000 4:23:07 PM
"Actually Bill that was Akhum who accompanied Arissa. Sadly I believe he perished, if I remember rightly one of the statues at the shore line bears his visage."
Sedar Thursday November 30th, 2000 5:40:45 PM
Coming out of his daydreaming, the half-elf listens to the humorous song. "Terrific song Sunblaze, terrific," as the 1/2 elf laughs a deep hearty laugh. "Draws circles around them, .... that's great." Smiling as he goes over the song in his head again. "Thank you."
Rond Friday December 1st, 2000 6:10:06 AM
Rond smacks his lips in the face of the droll Bard. (;) ) Then Rond will pull out some of the muffins, and such fare as he can find, and begin eating also.
Bill Troublefinder Friday December 1st, 2000 9:17:26 PM
"Oh! You're right, Arien. Sorry, I got mixed up." He pauses. "Wish we coulda gotten to know Ahkum better." Bill sighs, and drinks some more of the bubbly water, then burps. "Oh, excuse me. Hey - hey Herold - you said you'd identify magic items, right? Guys, listen everybody - we've got all these things from Atomos, and elsewhere. Let's divvy them up before we get to town. And it might help if we knew what they were, y'know? Before we go too far, I'd be interested in this bag here. It holds lots of stuff, but doesn't weigh more even if you put a bunch of things in it. I bought this box," which he pulls out of the bag, "and put some of the darts in it." He pulls some rocks out. "These are for target practice. Anyhow, let's figure out what all we've got, and talk about how we as a group can be helped by, say Sedar using one thing, and Arien another, and Rond something else, and so on."
He reaches again into the bag, and pulls out a scroll tube. He draws a quill from it, and some sheets of vellum. From his knapsack he gets a little pot of ink, and dips the quill in. "Okay, I'll write down what we got. Just let me know what you remember, and I'll write it here. There's the three rings Sedar has - Sedar - why don't you show Herold those rings? Then there're these bracers I'm wearing, and the five darts, and ... well, you all just tell me what you remember, and I'll write..." He listens, and scribbles down his friends' input, as well as additional items as he recalls.
Sunblaze Saturday December 2nd, 2000 10:50:58 AM
Sunblaze watches the group divide their treasure and smiles. It seems they have gotten more magical items in their last adventure then Sunblaze has ever owned in her life... but she has gotten access to a little bit. Sunblaze makes a laugh and then as if awakening from a dream stops abruptly, to see what the group has gotten. "Nice, and you got that all in a single trip... wowsa..." Sunblaze now watches with complete interest as they go through the magical items.
Arien Saturday December 2nd, 2000 11:31:42 PM
"Well I picked up a couple of magical arrows from those dead fellows on the beach, you know right around the time that giant crab attacked us? If I remember correctly someone else grabbed a shield from them too, do we still have it? I believe Sedar grabbed a dagger and Rond also retrieved a quiver, both of those were from the chest where Atomos used to be. That's all I can think of for the moment."
Bill Troublefinder - Treasure Inventory - Time to Divvy? Monday December 4th, 2000 4:40:50 AM
"Okay, here's what I've got written down," announces Bill. "Three water breathing scrolls. Six water breathing potions. Two airy water scrolls left from the four the sea elves gave us. That signet ring that was on the hand we found in the shark's gut. Looks like it has some sort of noble's emblem on it. We got 30 gold pieces, and 3 silver spoons from the sharks, too, and ten gems. From the two dead men on the giant crab beach: A helm - it has a little dent, but looks okay - no rust or anything - maybe magical. A magic scroll from them, wrapped in a piece of greased vellum paper. A small shield - the one you mentioned, Arien. It has a little dent, but looks okay, too - maybe it has a little magic. Two magic arrows from them - Rond got those. A small dagger with jewels on it."
Bill looks up, and as he speaks, there is a little choke in his voice. "K'isst, um, she found some gold candle sticks, and some sort of scroll in Sekola's temple ... so she'll keep those." He looks down sadly at his lap for a minute.
He then coughs a couple of times. "Sorry. All right, there was the treasure that Atomos left for us: A really nice axe. A staff - Arrisa - you got that, right? A quiver with 12 arrows – I think Rond got those, too. A crossbow. There were also a dozen potion-type tubes. Six inches long each, an inch and a half in diameter, filled with different colored liquids. Each has a cap on it - looks like you unscrew it, maybe? I already mentioned the silver bracers," and here Bill holds up his forearms, "and the five darts," and he shows some of the darts on the bandolier across his chest, "and this bag. Sedar has the dagger with the carved dragon's head pommel. Sedar is carrying the three rings - do you know what any of them are, Sedar? We gave the Crabman chief the carved ivory wand. Now he has two wands! Remember that one that turned the sahuagin into jellyfish and, what, a lobster?" Bill opens his knapsack and pulls forth a folded ashen grey colored cloak. "Nobody's tried this on yet." And he holds up a small pouch. "This has three stones in it." He reaches in and pulls one of them out. It is a white stone. "Watch this." He holds it in his closed hand a moment, then opens his hand. It starts orbiting about his head, barely missing the walls of the carriage behind him. "There's also a lavender one, and a rose-colored one." The halfling hands the bag to whoever else wants to try a stone. "Don't know what they do, except fly around in circles. We also have five sealed scroll tubes. Someone take a look. Now, Arien picked up a bunch of stuff after the last battle with the sahuagin at the Ceremony Grounds in Windhorn. He found six arrows, right? A couple of nice swords, a trident, two really good nets."
After looking over the list, he asks his friends, "So, does anyone here know how to tell if something is magic or not? That might be a good starting point."
Rond Monday December 4th, 2000 4:57:11 AM
Getting a twinkle in his eye, Rond points out, "That stone circling your head seems to be magic. That crystal ball thingy in the middle of the coach seems to be magic..." Rond pauses, "Oh, you mean as we don't already know? Nope, can't help with that."
Tour guides (DM Kim) Monday December 4th, 2000 5:49:08 AM
The caravan continues to move along swiftly. The bard explains that this is due to the magic of the ancient Teucri, "The same people who made your Sentinel, to protect against the dragons. You'll want to see this," says Herold. "Look out to your left. The Floating City is over there - see, floating in the middle of Turtle Lake? That, my friends, is a six story city floating there. Giant turtles ferry goods and people back and forth every day from city to shore. Amazing, eh? Starting from the top level downwards, the six levels are named: The Open Air Level, the Gold Level, the Merchant Level, the Barracks Level, the Fence Level, and the Trash Level.
"Maybe sometime you can visit there, but no time for that now. We'll be coming to the Crater Town, and up to the next plateau real soon."
A few hours later, the carriages pass through Crater Town. There is another cliff, with elevator rafts to carry the entourage up another 5,000 feet. During the ascent, Bolderhusk says, "This next area is pretty wild. It is declared a Forest Preserve. Once in a while some groups are sent in to deal with problems, but for the most part, the creatures - many of them magical - hydras, griffons, treants, cyclops, and so on, live, thrive, fight each other, help each other..."
"Yeah, yeah," interrupts Fipps. "It's full of flitty flighty annoying little fairies. Can we just drop it, Husk?"
The paladin smiles at the prickly halfling. "Well if they have questions, I won't refuse. But I know it's not your favorite place, Fipps."
Tactful Fipps (DM Kim) Monday December 4th, 2000 2:01:28 PM
Impatient, Fipps says, "What are you people, lazy? Ignorant? Stupid? None of you has the spell detect magic? What a bunch of losers. Even I know that spell." He blows a raspberry with his lips. "I'm gonna get some rest." Then he closes his eyes. And lays his head on Arrisa's lap.
Sunblaze Monday December 4th, 2000 6:13:26 PM
(Is Sunblaze in the same place as Fipps? Well if not please delete this post.)
"And what makes you think that nobody else has Detect Magic, you never even asked me. Well I can tell someone here is not in the best of moods." Sunblaze smiles, as if hiding something from the rest of the group, such as perhaps her magical skill.
Arien Monday December 4th, 2000 9:16:49 PM
"Yes well...when we do get around to identifying whats what here I will be able to help out. I had thought we would do that in Windhorn but well you guys showed up and we know where that led us now don't we."
DM Kim (where are we?) Monday December 4th, 2000 10:43:38 PM
[OOC: In partial answer to Sunblaze's question: At the moment, you are about three thousand feet above the plateau below, and two thousand feet below the plateau above, ascending on a large platform. The wheels of the carriages are tied to the platform. Five hundred feet ago, a descending platform of equal size, and a group of soldiers, plus a pair of farm carts, passed you on its descent.]
Sedar Tuesday December 5th, 2000 1:48:45 AM
To the tactless Fipps, "No doubt you are much better prepared than the rest of the waking world. Luckily, we have kept it intact for you. I am surprised that you even keep such lowly company as us Hamleteers." Also visibly showing his anger at the insult, he continues. "If this is the greeting we will be getting from his lordship. I will take my leave immediately." The 1/2 elf will then move to another compartment to get away from the arrogant little man.
DM Kim Tuesday December 5th, 2000 4:24:51 AM
There is room for eight normal-sized folks [what's normal?] to sit together comfortably in one carriage. In the first carriage are most of the party members, as well as Herold. Bolderhusk (who, during the trip, sometimes rides his horse, sometimes sits in one of the carriages to chat) is at the moment in the second carriage with Bill, Arrisa (who seemed to want to be where there are fewer people), newcomer Sunblaze, and Fipps. Fipps has a pony, but prefers the comfort of the carriage. The people from the two carriages can easily talk back and forth.
Fipps (DM Kim) Tuesday December 5th, 2000 4:30:37 AM
The mouthy Fipps yawns, and smacks his lips, apparently unaware that Sedar's remarks are directed to him, or unconcerned. Hard to tell which, really.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday December 5th, 2000 4:32:55 AM
Bill mouths to Arrisa, pantomiming, "*Do you want him in your lap like that?*" Bill is ready to take action against his fellow halfling if Arrisa gives him the signal.
Bolderhusk (DM Kim) Tuesday December 5th, 2000 4:36:52 AM
For the first time, Bolderhusk's face darkens as he looks down at his friend Fipps. Two strange words come out of his mouth: "Ippsifaby, ixinaby."
OOC - DM Kim Tuesday December 5th, 2000 8:36:58 PM
[Did anyone know that xp can be gained by posting regularly here? Make a contribution - it will come back to you.]
Arien Tuesday December 5th, 2000 10:12:44 PM
"Hmm...yes well," Arien mumbles while mulling over the list of loot in his head, "I propose that we find out exactly what's what then we distribute the items where they will do the most good. Tell me Herold, how long until we reach our destination? I find that unanswered mysteries often nag at the mind and would like to put this one to rest as soon as possible."
Sedar Tuesday December 5th, 2000 11:00:01 PM
"I think we'll find time to identify and discover the magics later. I don't have the spells to do that now," as he settles himself for the rest of the lift. Still disturbed by the arrogant little nuisance.
Rond Tuesday December 5th, 2000 11:38:43 PM
"Yes I have the arrows. That's all I had time to grab, when we came thru the 1st time." After Fipps's comment, "And I'm sure the world is perfect for you, too."
Draax Wednesday December 6th, 2000 12:02:40 AM
Draax sits back and enjoys the view, he laughs openly at Fipp's comments and shakes his head. "Typical."
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday December 6th, 2000 2:19:05 AM
Since Arrisa hasn't reacted one way or the other to Fipps, he's not sure whether she wants help or not. Out of the corner of his eye, his keeps his eye on the halfling and the elven ranger. Meanwhile, he asks, "Hey, Sunblaze - can you detect magic on these things? Or maybe identify a couple of 'em?" He holds out a dart for her to look at. "Like, without throwing it - because I don't want to just waste it if it's only good once - could you tell what it does? I'm pretty sure it's magic, but don't know how strong, or exactly what kind."
DM Kim Wednesday December 6th, 2000 1:09:18 PM
Bolderhusk answers Arien's question. "Should be there tomorrow, early afternoon."
The platform reaches the top. Twin castles stand at the top, to the left and right of a heavily guarded roadway. An honor guard salutes the adventurers, and the journey continues into a road through a heavy forest. Trees have been cleared to thirty yards on either side of the twenty feet wide roadway. The road has red and white stones embedded the whole way. About every half mile the road crosses a bridge, or passes through a tunnel. Herold explains, "These are monster crossings. Oh! If you look down to your left," he points out as the carriages reach another bridge, "I see - are those displacer beasts? Yes, yes - see the tentacles on their sides? They can make you think they are somewhere else - a few feet away from where they really are, so can be very hard to hit. As the old fighter Criskin would say, 'You gotta hit 'em where they ain't.'" The sharp-eyed among the party can see two large and two smaller black cats. The animals don't even look up at the carriages... but do come alert. Out of the blue, a pack of cream-colored dogs appear next to the cats, and a fight ensues. The dogs attack, then seem to pop out of one spot, and show up in another a few feet away. Tails, tentacles and teeth are the last impression of this scene as the carriages roll along. "Blink Dogs!" Bolderhusk exclaims.
"By late this afternoon, we'll pass through Gnowsy Vale. Good grapes. Some of the best vintages in the Wold come from there," Herold says.
Arrisa (Kim for Neil) Wednesday December 6th, 2000 1:16:05 PM
As the loathsome Fipps lays his head on her lap, Arrisa carefully gathers the saliva in her mouth, then lets it fall warmly into the halfling's ear.
Fipps (DM Kim) Wednesday December 6th, 2000 1:20:51 PM
"Aa! Aaa!" The halfling sits up straight, and with his finger tries to get the spit out of his ear. "Why'd you do that?! Why'd you do that?" He takes the corner of his cloak, and cleans out his ear. "Gross!" Fipps hops down from his seat, and gets out to ride his pony for a while.
Rond Wednesday December 6th, 2000 4:46:43 PM
"What has happened to make Mr Fipps so grossed out?!"
Arrisa Wednesday December 6th, 2000 6:54:33 PM
(OOC: I couldn't of done better myself Kim! :))
Arrisa chuckled slightly at the Halfing that seemed to be grossed out. "Maybe that will teach you not to lay your head in someone's lap without permission.". For the first time, she smiled very slightly and turned to Bill. "Me? I lived in the wilderness and studied the ways of Mittri under the watchful eyes of our village ranger. Eventually, he realised that I would need to go and learn about the world...and so I left in search of adventure. That pretty much sum's up everything. I learned of the troubles that Windhorn had, and so I decided to try and help. That is what led me to you all. As for your staff...". Arrisa tapped one of the staff's that was sitting next to her "I have it right here.".
Sunblaze Wednesday December 6th, 2000 7:37:50 PM
Sunblaze shares a chuckle at Fipps, but then stiffens. "Why sure, I probably can do it. But not at the moment, doing spells while moving often destroys some of their power." Sunblaze looks and watches the Displacer Beasts with a smile. "Those things are damn annoying, no point in using magical weapons against it, they will just miss and then ye shall be pissed. Blink Dogs? What might they be?" Sunblaze is totally bewildered at the mention of them.
Sedar Wednesday December 6th, 2000 10:22:45 PM
Having settled in for the ride. He only jumps to the window to see the mysterious beast. Then settles down for a nap. "So many interesting things about here. So many ....."
Arien Wednesday December 6th, 2000 10:33:03 PM
"Well from the way they are attacking each other it would appear that the two are natural enemies. As for the dogs I would suspect they are named so because they seem to be using the blink spell." Arien leans a bit out the window to get a last look at the fight and then settles back into his seat wondering what strange sight would greet them next.
Damocles Thursday December 7th, 2000 1:24:09 PM
The priest hums to himself as the carriage rolls along. "I really expected the voyage to take much less time than this.. it seemed like the walk only took me part of a day from Plateau city to the Hamlet... but perhaps that was all it was meant to last." he turns to the group and smiles. "Regardless, I suppose it takes as long as it takes..."
Rond Thursday December 7th, 2000 7:28:56 PM
Rond relaxes and watches the scenes pass by.
Draax Thursday December 7th, 2000 7:57:36 PM
Draax sits back and takes a mental note of everything that passes back as he half listens to the conversations around him.
Sunblaze Thursday December 7th, 2000 8:38:41 PM
Sunblaze watches it all go by and then realizes the quiet is scaring her. She begins to shiver but then starts to sing.
"The Wish among wishes, to live beyond death is granted the undead, when they give up their breath. So all this is, about what humans dream, to life forever, or to become all supreme? Is this a good thing, or is it all bad? Well, whatever it is, it makes me so sad. To wish for a curse seems stupid to me, but perhaps the humans thinks it's their destiny? Immortality in itself means loneliness forever, but do the humans know this? No, they will never, accept this greatest gift, the gift of life, because they fear it will end, with the stab of a knife."(I did not write this but who did's name escapes me.)
Sunblaze finishes her song and is now not so scared. "Sorry if that disturbed anyone, but the silence is scary..." Sunblaze blushes slightly after this comment.
Arien Friday December 8th, 2000 1:24:25 AM
Arien leans back in his seat and strikes up a conversation about nothing in particular with anyone willing to discuss such an interesting topic.
DM Kim [the late] Friday December 8th, 2000 4:06:50 AM
As the carriages continue their journey, the adventurers witness a flock of harpies flying overhead; a herd of creatures that hop high and far with their strong legs and long tails; a lone griffon / gryphon / griffin diving down to strike something obscured by intervening trees; monkeys swinging through trees; a beautiful unicorn lying in a meadow; one stand of trees whose tops are perhaps five hundred feet above the forest floor; and other flora and fauna.
As the light fades, the group passes through Gnoswy Vale. In one village, the caravan stops at an Inn to stretch and have a meal. As you prepare to continue on the way, the gnomish innkeep and his wife give three dozen bottles of an assortment of fine wines to the group.
It is night by the time the lift to the third plateau is reached.
"Well, shall we rest here overnight, then up the cliffs first thing in the morning, or shall we request a night-time lift?" Bolderhusk asks the party.
Herold (DM Kim) d100=67 d100=63 d100=2 d100=8 d100=85 d100=19 d100=68 d100=88 d100=28 d100=69 Friday December 8th, 2000 4:30:31 AM
Herold has taken the time to evaluate some of the magic items. "Ah, a fine, very fine axe of cleaving this is! (+2). This signet ring - I dare say it is related to the Duke who was visiting your town. Not his exactly, but quite similar. Ah, Arrisa - your staff has a very nice ability. Mages call it a 'Staff of divergence.' Any lightning approaching the one who holds the staff will be diverted away - generally it grounds itself downwards when it's several feet away from the staff. It also has some good whacking power (+2). Nice helmet, nice shield (both +1). I know someone in town who can take care to remove these dents, to be sure. I'm not sure about these darts. Magic, certainly, but ... well, I haven't seen quite their like. This crossbow has a bit of magic (+1). And the rings: This brassy one affords good protection to the wearer, both from magic and blows (Protection +2). This next ring - well, there are a few possibilities, but I don't recognize the mark on this one - see the pair of swirls? Oh, the third ring is very useful to one who wishes to hide, to blend in. They call it the 'Ring of the Chameleon.' The chameleon, you see, is a creature which can change its colors to blend in with the background. Could be handy indeed! Now, Bill, that stone twirling about your head ought to be an ioun stone. I don't know the properties of the white, but a friend had a lavender just like that other one in the pouch you have, and he could breathe anywhere, any clime, underwater, up on a mountain. In a smoke-filled room, he claimed the smoke was no trouble at all. Each ioun stone has a unique property. The gray ones are generally burnt out, spent. Although rumor has it that sometimes the grays can augment psionic powers - that is, certain mental powers, but few possess such abilities these days." Herold yawns. "I'll take a look at some of these other things tomorrow, maybe. But most of what Bill laid out does seem to register magic. Not the signet ring, though, that I can tell."
Bill Troublefinder Friday December 8th, 2000 3:42:41 PM
"Yeah, Sunblaze. It can be hard to feel real lonely." Bill ponders for a moment. "I'm thinking that somehow some part of us is going to last, though. I mean, what a waste if it doesn't, right?"
"Let's get up there now, I think," Bill answers Bolderhusk. "We wanna see the city soon!"
"Thanks, Herold," the hobbit says. "That's real helpful."
DM Kim Friday December 8th, 2000 6:55:37 PM
The caravan continues forward. A castle guards the base, and lights can be seen fixed upon the sheer cliff, spaced about sixty feet apart vertically until disappearing in clouds perhaps halfway up. Bolderhusk and Fipps approach the night guard. There is some discussion, and raised voices. One soldier goes into a small stone building, and a minute later, he accompanies a man wearing a robe over nightclothes. The robed man carries an air of dignity, despite his late night attire. He and Bolderhusk exchange a complicated handshake. A few minutes later, the paladin reports, "They'll be ready to take us up in just over an hour. Captain Espadin here says they had been advised of our approach, and that baths are drawn for those of you who care to use them. Go with Corporal Yibs here if you want to take a quick bath. [Just mention in your posts if you wish to take advantage of the bath.] Otherwise, you might want to get some sleep. I want to warn you all, too, that sometimes people get headaches once they reach the third plateau. Some say it's not quite three miles above the level of the sea. You should adjust in a few days or so. Oh, at the top, we've fresh teams of horses to take us to the city."
Fipps, next to Bolderhusk, grouses. "I have a headache already." He glowers at the people in the second carriage.
The half hour passed, the carriages are pulled on to the large raft, and the ascent begins. Herold lets you all know, "If all goes well, we should be in Plateau City just after the markets open. Get some sleep if you want. You'll meet the Lord High Mayor himself on the morrow." He takes out a lute, and plays some gentle tunes as the raft rides toward the sky.
At the top, forty five minutes are spent changing horses. For any still awake, twin keeps guard the top of the lift. Finally, a portion of the caravan is once again underway. Only the two lead carriages continue on, as there were not enough fresh horses available for the others. Fortunately, aside from regular challenges at the passage near and through a few towns, met without difficulty by the escort, the remainder of the trip is uneventful.
The dawn awakens. "Hour and a half to go! Hour and a half to the castle!" announces herald Herold.
[Roll versus system shock twice. If you fail twice, you'll have a fine headache. If once, the more rarified atmosphere makes you feel lightheaded. If you succeed, you do note the need to breathe more deeply to get adequate oxygen, but otherwise do not seem to suffer. A note: The Wold is more disk-shaped, rather like the European pastry called a Berliner (like a classic flying saucer, with a hemispherical bulge at the top and bottom, and thinner at the edges). As a result, 15,000 feet of altitude on this part of the Wold would be approximately like 10,000 feet on earth. Rarefied, but livable.]
Bill Troublefinder - Splish Splash d100=100 d100=74 Friday December 8th, 2000 7:31:01 PM
Bill takes advantage of the bath, and peppers Corporal Yibs with questions about the castle, and the lift, and what it's like to work here, and how long he's been a corporal. He scrubs the accumulated grime and detritus from his skin, soaps and cleans his hair, splashing happily in the warm tub, then towels himself off with vigor, returning refreshed to the caravan.
As the raft approaches the summit, Bill feels very lightheaded - so much so that he faints, out cold - although it's hard to tell that he hasn't just fallen asleep.
At Herold's wake-up call, Bill does awaken. The dizziness takes a while to subside as he sits up on the seat upon which he curled for the night. In his mind, and in the midst of his whooziness, he takes a moment to thank the gods who have helped them get here for the safe journey, and the new morning.
After a few more deep breaths, the hobbit says, "Good morning, Sunblaze. Good morning, Arrisa. Good morning, Arien. Good morning, Damocles. Good morning, Andraaxius. Good morning, Sedar. Good morning, Ronderiadshel. Good morning, Herold. Good morning, Fipps. Good morning, Bolderhusk. Good morning, drivers. Good morning to all!"
Sedar d100=56 d100=2 Friday December 8th, 2000 10:42:03 PM
Taking advantage of the warm refreshing baths. The mage smiles as he hums an old tune from his childhood years. "A good hot bath before sleep. Perfection." Hearing the Herold call people awake, Sedar rises with ease. "Good morning Bill T, Good morning all. What a refreshing morning."
Sunblaze Friday December 8th, 2000 11:36:08 PM
(OOC: I will post my rolls soon, I need to reinstall Character Generator... [it sux] so until then. I bid you adieu.)
Arien d100=53 d100=55 Saturday December 9th, 2000 12:36:13 AM
With a rather deep yawn a freshly cleansed Arien returns the greetings of his fellow adventurers and resumes his seat next to a window in the carriage.
Sunblaze d100=64 d100=69 d20=14 Saturday December 9th, 2000 1:47:28 AM
Sunblaze seems to breathe easily and is glad at the mention of a bath. She gets in and just lies there for what seems to be forever. Then Sunblaze prepares for bed, but first decides to check the room. She looks around (third roll is a wisdom check, which works), if nothing is found then she gets in and sleeps. She awakens and follows the others down to the carriage, but seems uneasy as if something plagued her during her sleep.
DM Kim: Note Saturday December 9th, 2000 2:07:56 AM
[The baths last no more than an hour ... and bathers return directly to the carriages. You may sleep en route, s'il vous plait (if you please).]
Sunblaze Saturday December 9th, 2000 7:41:21 PM
Sunblaze lies down in bed, but then realizes that they are only here for a bath. She quickly gets up and dresses in her proper clothes and goes back out to the carriages. "Haha, Gees this place makes you sleeply, I almost went to bed here. Although I wish I could have stayed I am glad that we will be going. But a quick question, Where are we going?" Sunblaze smiles sheepishly while awaiting an answer. (OOC: Well, I guess sleep isn't something I really need then.)
Draax d100=77 d100=76 Sunday December 10th, 2000 1:45:21 AM
Draax takes advantage of the baths and will attempt to get some sleep in route. "Yawn, that felt good, now if I can only get some rest." He says looks directly at Fipps.
DM Kim Sunday December 10th, 2000 12:42:44 PM
The carriage seats can recline. They are well padded and quite comfortable.
Sunblaze Sunday December 10th, 2000 9:54:08 PM
Sunblaze sits in the carriage, and then moves it back. "I believe these things are called...Reculiners...or something of the sort. Please if I fall asleep wake me, for I don't wish to sleep yet" Sunblaze lies down and closes her eyes, while humming quietly.
Rond d100=7 d100=82 Monday December 11th, 2000 8:47:03 AM
Rond takes enjoys get another cleaning so quickly after his recent trevails. Once cleaned, he decides to sleep the rest of the way to the castle.
Arrisa d100=89 d100=33 Monday December 11th, 2000 7:31:51 PM
(OOC: Passed both system shock rolls)
Arrisa looks at the staff and smiles very slightly. "I suppose that will help me in the middle of a lightning storm then." She looked at her old staff for a moment and sighed. "Well, if no-one else wants it, may I have this new staff? I'd be more than happy to donate my old one to anyone that needs it."
Unlike the others, Arrisa didn't take advantage of the bath. Instead, she rested in the carriage getting as much sleep as she could. She generally kept quiet and to herself for the journey, just gazing out of the carriage at any provided opportunity...
Arien Tuesday December 12th, 2000 4:59:05 AM
Sensing the rather tired aura around most of the others Arien leans his chair back, puts his hat over his face and relaxes.
Damocles d100=48 d100=34 Tuesday December 12th, 2000 6:25:05 PM
"Ugh.. the atmosphere adjustment..." states Damocles. "I never can seem to get used to these pressure changes," the priest states, rubbing his temples, "although I'm sure it's better than coming up from underwater."
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