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Post by Daos on Nov 16, 2010 14:02:10 GMT -8
Session 01 - Out Through the Kitchen
[JadedDM]: Reapember 13th, 350 AC; Palast at 17 bells. A warm autumn breeze rules the great Vallenwood trees of Solace. The great road that wanders through the trees blazes in the bright colors of autumn. The richly stained buildings of Solace rest cradled overhead in the boughs of the trees. The Inn of the Last Home rests in one such tree. Warm laughter tumbles from the Inn this evening. The worn steps wind around the heavy trunk up the familiar carved door. Amala, Gaffleknot, and Lirian climb these stairs now, the scent of Otik's famous spiced potatoes wafting down to them.
[Gaffleknot]: "I'm so glad to be back home!" the plucky kender says.
[JadedDM]: Amala looks around as they climb the stairs. "This place doesn't seem to have changed at all," she comments. Her eyes narrow. "Except for the goblins we saw on the way in, that is."
[Lirian]: The half-elf's smile is strained. Not all was well at home. Nevertheless, she could understand Gaff's sentiments. She glances at Amala. "Indeed. Things below the surface seem very much changed." She shakes her head. She needs to talk to Gimak.
[JadedDM]: The trio finally reach the top and step inside. The Inn of the Last Home never changes. The polished wooden bar weaves about several living branches. An old man in mouse-colored robes with a bent hat weaves stories in the corner and delights the crowd gathered about him. The delicate windows of stained glass behind the bar are being polished by Otik Sandath, the barkeeper. He turns and waves, smiling at the trio, and motions toward the table in the back where the Companions would usually sit.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf scurries over to their table.
[JadedDM]: Amala follows after the kender, her helmet tucked under her arm. Several people look over to her with an expression of distrust or even outright dislike at the sight of her Solamnic armor. Hurrying onward, ignoring the people's voices and the clatter of tableware, Gaf arrives at the back table. Two young men are all ready seated there. The first is Barlemus, big as an ox. He doesn't look like he's changed at all the past five years. He sits at the table in anticipation, a fork and spoon in hands, as he waits for food to be brought to him. The other man sits in the purest of white robes, a hood over his face and a strange staff at his side.
[Lirian]: Lirian takes the time to greet Otik before joining Amala and Gaf.
[Gaffleknot]: "Barley!" Gaf cries, spreading out his hands for a big hug. "And Daos!"
[JadedDM]: Otik: "Well met, Lirian. You haven't changed a day in five years, I swear."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus looks at the kender in surprise and then grins boyishly. Standing up, he lifts the kender off his feet in a hug. "Gaf! You made it, you little devil!" Daos, however, only inclines his head slightly toward the kender, making no move to greet him or stand up.
[Lirian]: "You seem much the same to my eyes, as well," Lirian says, winking. "Business has been well?"
[JadedDM]: The bartender nods. "Well enough, as you can see. The house is about packed. There are unpleasant rumors going about, but hopefully they are just that."
[Lirian]: "Good evening to you then, Otik," Lirian says, making her way to the Companions' table.
[Gaffleknot]: (Pick Pockets) [1d100] => [21] = (21)
[JadedDM]: Barlemus is oblivious to the fact that Gaf has just taken his waterskin. The warrior puts down Gaf and then turns to Amala. "Ut! Look at you," he says, thumping her shoulder. "I didn't know they even let girls into the knighthood. Then again, maybe they didn't know you were a girl? Haha!"
[JadedDM]: Amala frowns and shakes her head, but does not answer. Rather, her eyes focus on the white robed man.
[JadedDM]: Meanwhile, Gimak, Kendra, and Marik make their way toward the inn. "Lass," Gimak says. "Best let me hold the staff. I'm old enough people will dismiss it as a walking stick. A young girl carrying a staff around is a bit suspicious, though."
[Kendra]: Kendra wrinkles her nose at Gimak, looking a little hesitant to give it up, "...All right," she says, relenting to the dwarf as she hands the staff to him.
[JadedDM]: Gimak accepts the staff and pretends to lean on it. They continue toward the inn, Marik pushing open the door for them. The inn is packed this evening, but Kendra spots Otik at the bar right away.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus then turns to Lirian. "Hey, wow. You look the same as you did when you left. Don't you ever age at all?" he asks.
[Kendra]: Kendra smiles cheerfully, and waves to Otik. Overall, she seems to be in good spirits as she searches the inn for her old friends.
[JadedDM]: Otik smiles back, and gestures over to the back table where the Companions used to gather in the old days.
[Lirian]: Lirian shrugs at Barlemus' comment. "Do I age? The passage of time does not affect the elves as it does for humans, though I can feel change affect me over the years."
[Lirian]: "It's good to see you, Barlemus," she says. Lirian notices the hooded shape in the corner. "And you, Daos."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Oh, yeah. Kind of like Daos," he says, jerking a thumb back at the wizard. "Hey, sit down. We were just talking about the Seekers. Some of them tried to confiscate Daos' staff on our way into town."
[JadedDM]: Daos pulls his staff a bit closer at this comment. It is topped with a bronze dragon claw holding a crystal orb. "It has been a long time," he says.
[Gaffleknot]: "Were they goblins?" Gaf jumps up, taking a sip of water from a waterskin. "Oh, we just had the greatest adventure, just outside!"
[Kendra]: "Thanks!" Kendra rushes towards the back of the inn, spotting Barlemus right off the bat. With a grin, she walks up behind the big man, and tries to place her hands over his eyes. "Guess who!"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Goblins? Where are goblins?" he asks, reaching for his sword. "Ut!" he claims in surprise as Kendra blinds him.
[Lirian]: "But who is this?" Lirian says. "Kendra? And Marik? You've both grown so much!"
[Gaffleknot]: "Gimak!" the kender rushes over to give his favorite dwarf a hug.
[Kendra]: Kendra stands on her toes to look over Barlemus' shoulder to Lirian. "I don't know how you can tell with this big one blocking the way," she says playfully.
[JadedDM]: Marik saunters over and nods to Lirian. "Long time no see," he says.
[JadedDM]: Gimak backs off, holding the staff out as protection. "Whoa, there. Don't touch me, or else I risk losing everything on my belt. And probably the belt, too."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus looks to Kendra and blinks. "Ut...wow, you grew up," he says, looking her up and down.
[Kendra]: Kendra smiles brightly. "Thanks," she says, turning her eyes to Amala. "Oh wow," she says in surprise. "Amala? You're a knight?"
[JadedDM]: Amala fidgets slightly. "Kendra...it's good to see you again. Solace has treated you well."
[Gaffleknot]: "Gimak," Gaf says, crestfallen. "I haven't seen you in five years. Gimme a hug, ya big lug!"
[Lirian]: "It's good to see you, old friend," Lirian says warmly to Gimak.
[JadedDM]: Gimak harrumphs. "Keep your sticky fingers to yourself, Furrfoot. I'm too old for hugs anyway." The dour dwarf nods to Lirian. "Good to see you again, too, lass. All of you."
[Kendra]: "The world has treated you well too, Amala," Kendra says, walking over to the woman to give her a hug which proves to be difficult with the armor and all.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Well, let's all sit down while we wait for our last member. Have a bite to eat. I'm sure we all have a lot to discuss."
[Kendra]: Kendra moves to sit down at the table next to Marik. "So...all of you have to have some great stories," she says, looking to each and every one of them expectantly.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Yeah. I clobbered so many goblins. Oh, and Daos here took a quiz."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Test. The Test of High Sorcery at Wayreth Tower."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "That's what I said, ain't it?"
[Lirian]: Lirian sits down next to Gimak. "Daos, you've taken the Test? And passed?" The half-elf looks quite impressed.
[Kendra]: Kendra giggles lightly at the two.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Of course. Had I failed, I would not be here now. To fail yields death. But to pass, as I have...true arcane power is now mine."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Neat. So can you still do that trick where you make the coin spin on its own?"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf climbs onto a spare seat. "Goblins! You fought some too? Oh, Barlemus, I just fought off an army of goblins. It was amazing!"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "I can do much more than simple parlor tricks," he grumbles.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Goblins? Where? This close to Solace?"
[Lirian]: "You mean, you didn't see them?"
[Gaffleknot]: "They were kind of hard to miss."
[Kendra]: Kendra continues giggling. "It is very impressive, Daos," she says, trying to control herself before sobering up. "Goblins have been in Solace for about a year now."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Why? And why are they allowed here? A group attacked us right outside of town, demanding some 'blue crystal staff.'"
[Kendra]: Kendra shifts a little nervous in her chair. "The goblins are working for the Seekers, and they have all but taken over. They have been bothering everyone about this...staff too."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Barlemus and I ran into some Seeker guards who were also looking for a blue staff of crystal. I wonder why they want such a thing?"
[Lirian]: "When we left five years ago, the Seekers were wise men in Haven. How can so much have changed?"
[JadedDM]: As they are talking, a barmaid approaches them. Something about her seems familiar. The flaming red hair? The intelligent glint of her green eyes? The ample...bosom? The young woman smiles at the group. "Hi, everyone."
[Lirian]: "I'm sorry, miss, but you... look familiar. I can't seem to place you, however."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Nay, no longer. The Seekers have taken over most of Abanasinia by this point. Gateway, Haven, Solace..."
[Kendra]: "Hi Tika!"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus grins up at the young woman. "Hi there. Dang, they sure didn't make barmaids as cute as you back when I used to come here." He chuckles slightly until Kendra calls her by her name. Then he freezes and turns red. "Ut...L-Little Tika?!"
[Lirian]: "Tika! You say that I haven't changed a day. I say, you've all changed too much! Except for you, Gimak. You haven't changed a whit," she says, smiling.
[JadedDM]: Tika crosses her arms and harrumphs. "I'm not little anymore, Barlemus!"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Yeah...I can see that," he says, incredulously.
[JadedDM]: Amala sharply jabs her elbow into Barlemus' ribs. "Stop staring," she whispers.
[Kendra]: Kendra starts giggling again. "Oh, I missed you guys so much."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf whispers in Barlemus' ear. "Come on, Barley. Say something. Women like conversation."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus snaps out of it, and then fidgets in his seat. "So, hey...uh...you should have seen me a couple of weeks ago. I totally crushed this one goblin's head in with my warhammer. Brains and guts everywhere. It was pretty awesome."
[JadedDM]: Tika stares at the warrior. "That's...that's great, Barley." Snapping her eyes to the old dwarf, she hands him a scroll. "This came for you today, Gimak. Now, can I get anyone something to eat or drink?"
[Kendra]: "Who is it from, Gimak?" Kendra asks, nodding her head towards the scroll.
[JadedDM]: Gimak, puzzled, unfurls the scroll. Reading it over, he says something rude in his own language and crumbles the note up. "Damnation!"
[Kendra]: "What?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Marcus isn't coming. He says he found work with some warlord and won't make it. That's it! The oath has been broken. Bad luck, bad luck on us all."
[Kendra]: "Hey, don't say that!" Kendra says in a huff. "We don't need more of that."
[Lirian]: Lirian's expression darkens. "Bad luck? Don't be so superstitious," she chides.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "That Marcus would break the oath does not surprise me. He was never the honorable sort."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "He's kind of an ass anyway," the rogue chimes in.
[Gaffleknot]: "He was too tall," Gaf agrees.
[Kendra]: "He was still one of...us though," Kendra points out.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Aww, Marcus wasn't so bad. He's just misunderstood."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Really? Remember that time he held out his foot and tripped you, and you nearly fell off the bridge to the ground below?"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Heh, heh. Yeeeahhhh. Good times."
[Lirian]: "Can I see the letter, Gimak?"
[JadedDM]: Grunting, the dwarf picks up the crumpled up letter and hands it to the ranger.
[Kendra]: Kendra takes a moment to look around the crowded tavern.
[Lirian]: Lirian smooths out the crumpled scroll and reads it. Sighing, she hands it back to Gimak. "Well. That's that."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Anyway, did you guys have any luck on your search? I went down to the Kharolis Mountains. Killed me some gobos. But never found any proof of the gods."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "I sought answers in Solamnia, but only found the ruins of my home and my father's sword and armor..."
[Kendra]: Kendra clears her throat, and turns her attention to Marik.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "I searched the libraries of the Tower of Wayreth, and spoke to many wizards. But I learned nothing. Not about the gods, at any rate."
[JadedDM]: Marik clears his throat and leans forward. "Well...I did find something," he says cryptically.
[Lirian]: "The elven sages have no answers. Every true cleric disappeared almost three hundred years ago."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Dang. Guess the whole thing was a failure, then."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "I said I found something!"
[Kendra]: Kendra nudges Barlemus. "I think you might be going a little deaf."
[Gaffleknot]: "What'd you find, Marik? Tell us!"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "This staff," he says proudly, gesturing to the beaten up, old wooden staff that Gimak is carrying.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "And...where did you find this...stick?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Well...I don't remember, actually."
[Lirian]: Lirian looks at the staff. Then, at Gimak. Then, at Marik. "You're going to have to explain."
[Kendra]: "It is more than just a stick," Kendra says softly.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Well, I can see by your faces you are skeptical. Perhaps a demonstration is in order then. Gaf, I see you got a little roughed up on the way here." Snatching the staff from Gimak, Marik stands up over the kender. "Prepare to be amazed." He then bonks the staff on the kender's head, which has the predictable result of smarting a bit. But nothing miraculous happens.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Amusing. But hardly impressive."
[Gaffleknot]: "Ouch!"
[Kendra]: "Oh, really Marik?"
[JadedDM]: Marik looks at the staff. "Oh...well, that's not what is supposed to happen."
[Kendra]: "Would you like me to do it?" she asks curiously.
[JadedDM]: Marik frowns, but hands the staff over to her. "Okay, fine. Since you're the 'Chosen One' and all, apparently."
[Lirian]: "Chosen One?"
[Kendra]: Kendra shrugs at Lirian. "Don't ask me. Marik came into town, carrying this staff. He was all sorts of sick, and when he saw me...he said I was the chosen one and handed me the staff," she explains as she takes the staff from Marik. "And then, it did something like this," she adds, touching Gaf with the staff.
[Lirian]: "Wait!" Lirian says, having realized the implications.
[JadedDM]: Suddenly, the image of the staff melts away to reveal it is made of a beautiful and glowing blue crystal. A soft light envelops the wounded kender, and he feels a warmth and love flow through his body, reminding him of the days when his mother would carry him as a baby. Inexplicably, his wounds begin to heal over by divine magic.
[JadedDM]: (Cure Light Wound) [1d8] => [4] = (4)
[Lirian]: "How did you do that?" Gaf gasps. "That was amazing!"
[JadedDM]: The entire inn goes dead silent as everyone stares in astonishment. Slowly, the light of the staff fades.
[Gaffleknot]: "Kendra, do it again! Can you do it again?"
[Kendra]: Kendra looks around the inn as it becomes silent. "Um..." she starts, looking nervous at this point.
[Lirian]: Lirian casts a glance for any of those goblin or Seeker guards that were asking about the blue crystal staff.
[Gaffleknot]: "Kendra! Kendra, come on, can you do it again?"
[JadedDM]: The old man with the beard stands up then. "That's the blue crystal staff, the one the Seekers have been searching for!" he exclaims, pointing at the party.
[JadedDM]: Daos stands up. "Healing magic? Impossible..," he whispers.
[Kendra]: "I...I don't think now is a good time, Gaf," Kendra says as she stands up.
[Lirian]: Lirian curses. "Kendra, we need to get you out of here."
[JadedDM]: Tika comes forward. "The Seekers and the goblins have been searching for that staff. There's a huge reward for anyone who brings it in," she informs them. Looking over her shoulder, she spots a couple of people slip out the door in a hurry.
[Lirian]: "And now they've identified all of us as holding it. Damn!"
[Kendra]: Kendra shifts on her feet, looking at the others. "....They will search all over Solace for it."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Maybe we should head somewhere else. Somewhere less public? Maybe Gimak's place?" he says, standing up.
[Kendra]: "Now would be a good time."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Let's go through the kitchen," he suggests.
[Lirian]: "Everyone knows we live there. We need somewhere else."
[JadedDM]: Tika hands Lirian a key. "Here, this is to my place. Head there and lie low for a bit," she says softly.
[Lirian]: Lirian nods. "Thanks, Tika. Let's go!"
[Kendra]: Kendra takes in a deep breath and follows after Lirian.
[Gaffleknot]: "Yay! Ten minutes in, and we're already on an adventure!"
[JadedDM]: Amala frowns. "Run away? From goblins?"
[Kendra]: Kendra looks over her shoulder to Amala. "For me?" she asks.
[JadedDM]: Amala sighs. "Very well. I will defend you. Let us be off then," she says, putting her helm back on.
[Gaffleknot]: As she goes to the kitchen, Lirian says to Gimak, "How's retirement treating you, old friend?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak harrumphs. "Far more dangerous than I assumed it would be."
[JadedDM]: Inside the kitchen, they find a trap door in the floor with a line of rope running down to the ground. Usually, it is used for lifting and lowering barrels of ale and other goods from the ground.
[Gaffleknot]: "Ooh! Fun!" Gaf takes the rope and climbs down.
[Kendra]: "You want me to go down that?!" Kendra says, looking rather skeptical about the rope.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Yeah, it's easy enough." He goes next, after the kender.
[Kendra]: "But, I've never..."she says, trailing off.
[JadedDM]: Daos holds his hand out to Kendra. "Come with me then, if you cannot climb."
[Kendra]: Kendra takes Daos' hand quietly.
[JadedDM]: To her surprise, Daos' hand is cold as ice. It's like holding hands with a corpse. There is no warmth to his body whatsoever. "Do you trust me?" he asks as they inch toward the trap door.
[Kendra]: Kendra shivers at the half elf's touch. "....Yes," she says as she stares down at the ground below them.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Good," he says with a smirk. "Then do not let go," he instructs, and with no further warning, he pushes his weight toward her, knocking them both down into the trapdoor. Before falling even five feet, the crystal orb on the top of his staff bursts into a soft grey light and they slow suddenly, like a feather gently floating down.
[JadedDM]: Marik watches as they hover down to the ground. "Show off," he mutters, and then proceeds to climb the rope nimbly.
[Lirian]: Lirian looks on. "True arcane power. I see. Your turn, old friend," Lirian says to the dwarf.
[Kendra]: Kendra's eyes widen, and she starts to scream but it catches in her throat as she clings to Daos for dear life.
[JadedDM]: Gimak nods. "Getting too damn old for this," he says. He spits on both hands, and then starts to descend.
[JadedDM]: Daos certainly holds no objection to the young woman clinging to him. After a few moments, they touch down on the ground as gently as a feather, and the staff's crystal orb dims again.
[Kendra]: Kendra stands there just hugging on to Daos for a few seconds. "That...that is some power," she says, her voice quivering a bit.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "As you can see, your staff is not the only one with magic within it."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Go on, Lirian. I'll cover you."
[Kendra]: "Not sure I really want to call this my staff," Kendra says as she lets him go.
[Lirian]: Lirian knew better than to argue with a knight in holding the line of retreat. "See you on the other side." She drops through the trapdoor and climbs down the rope.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf looks up at the floating pair. "That was amazing! I want to try that next! Daos, take me next time!"
[JadedDM]: Amala goes last, climbing down after the half-elf. Once all are down on the ground, Marik leads the way. "Come on. Tika's place is this way, I think."
[Kendra]: Kendra follows after Marik, occasionally looking over her shoulder to make sure no one is following them.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf closely follows Marik.
[Lirian]: Lirian keeps the rear, with Amala.
[JadedDM]: The group of eight scurries across the ground. Luckily, it is late and the sun has gone down, providing them with some cover. The white and red moons are out, waxing, and this provides enough light to see by. Leading the way, Marik brings them up another staircase to the home of Tika. Putting in and turning the key, the door swings open. "Everyone, inside."
[Kendra]: Kendra quickly moves inside Tika's house.
[Lirian]: Once inside, Lirian is all business. "We need to decide what to do. Kendra, your parents will be worried, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Seekers start their search there."
[JadedDM]: Once everyone is inside, Marik closes and locks the door behind them. He pulls the curtains down and peeks out them.
[Kendra]: "Well, I can't very well go back there if they are going to search my house first," Kendra says.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "The staff is proof of the true gods return. You all saw it, right? It healed Gaf like the clerics of yore were said to be able to do."
[Gaffleknot]: "Yeah! That was amazing! How did you do it, Kendra?"
[Kendra]: "I don't know how I do it."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Let us assume it is proof of the gods. What should we do with it?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "I don't know. Take it to Haven, maybe? The Highseekers might know what to do with it."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "I would say it would be better to take it to Solamnia. The Knights can put it to good use."
[Lirian]: "The Seekers? No, take it to the elves. They have much lore regarding true healing."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "The Tower of Wayreth is a better choice. The wizards there have many records we can consult."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "I agree with Lirian. The elves sound better than the Solamnics, Seekers, or mages, at any rate."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus frowns. "Oh, man...I just realized, we never got to eat our dinner."
[Gaffleknot]: "The elves! I've never been to see the elves! That sounds so exciting, Kendra!"
[Kendra]: Kendra's eyes widen as everyone starts making suggestions. "Exciting?! I never wanted anything like this....ever! Now you are all suggesting dragging me off to who knows where."
[JadedDM]: Ignoring Kendra, Daos says, "The elves? Lirian, you of all people should know they won't just let us waltz into their homeland."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "I haven't had Otik's spiced potatoes in five years...five years! Now I may never get to eat them again," he laments.
[Gaffleknot]: Lirian's expression clouds. "Perhaps not with open arms, but an artifact of such import..." Yet, even she looks uncertain.
[Kendra]: Kendra lets out a small sigh, and sits down in a chair looking rather miserable.
[JadedDM]: Marik continues to peek out of the curtains, to check if anyone is coming. "What do you think, Kendra?" he asks, over his shoulder. "You are the Chosen One, after all."
[Kendra]: "Stop calling me that," Kendra snaps. "I...I don't know where to take it. I don't even want it!"
[Lirian]: "For now, we need to think of a way to not get arrested."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "What does he mean, 'Chosen One'"?
[Gaffleknot]: "Marik, tell us the story again!"
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Crystalmir Lake is to the west. If we had a boat, we could cross it. Or there are the Solace East woods. They might provide us cover to escape."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "There's not much to tell. I don't remember much of it. I somehow found that staff. A voice spoke to me. She told me to take the staff to the Chosen One, the one who could wield its power. I wandered for many days, trying to escape...something. It was...terror on wings. Night with fangs." He shudders. "I don't know. Somehow I found my way back to Solace. Gimak found me, and Kendra healed me with the staff. She is the Chosen One, I know it."
[Lirian]: "Crystalmir Lake?" Lirian looks amused at Gimak's suggestion. "But I would assume Kendra would rather not be a fugitive. We just need to lie low, and perhaps we can explain things to the Seekers..."
[Kendra]: "They don't listen to reason," Kendra says to Lirian.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Terror on wings...night with fangs? Hmm, interesting."
[Kendra]: Kendra looks over to Daos with a shake of her head.
[Lirian]: "We've gotten out of worse spots before," Lirian says, though she looks doubtful. "Where did you find the staff, Marik?"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Hey, do you guys think Tika keeps any spiced potatoes here?" he asks, looking around.
[JadedDM]: The thief shakes his head. "I don't remember. Ruins. Of some kind. I'm not sure where. The fever I had did a number on me."
[Gaffleknot]: "Let's go see," Gaf says to Barlemus. He is feeling hungry, too.
[Kendra]: "I would take the staff back to the ruins, if we knew where they were."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "No, no, no...that's a bad idea. Didn't you hear what I said? Something terrible dwells there. Something out of a nightmare. Or maybe it is a nightmare, a living one."
[Kendra]: "Maybe so, but if the staff came from there," Kendra points out. "There might be more in those ruins."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "But first, we need to learn where these ruins are. Until then, we need a plan. We obviously cannot hide out forever in Tika's house."
[Kendra]: "I say I give the staff to you guys, you guys do your adventure thing, and I stay here."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Teach us how to use the staff ourselves then."
[Kendra]: "But I don't know how to use it."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "You used it before. And Marik says you healed him with it. How is it activated? A command word? A somatic gesture?"
[Kendra]: "I just touched it."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Kendra, may I?" she asks, holding out her hand.
[Kendra]: Kendra hands the staff to Amala.
[Lirian]: Lirian looks on as they inspect the staff.
[JadedDM]: Immediately upon leaving her hands, the blue crystal staff transforms back into an ordinary stick of wood.
[JadedDM]: Frowning, Amala gently touches Lirian on the shoulder with the staff. Nothing happens. The knight closes her eyes, concentrating. Still, nothing.
[JadedDM]: Daos observes this. "There must be more to it then. A simple touch is insufficient."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "It's because Kendra is the Chosen One. The staff will only work for her."
[Kendra]: "No, I'm not!" Kendra says, obviously in denial here.
[Lirian]: "So it seems." Lirian looks at Kendra.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Shh!" he says. "Someone's coming."
[Gaffleknot]: "There are only a few loaves of bread here," Gaf says. "Tika must eat at the Inn."
[JadedDM]: Outside, they hear the sounds of heavy footsteps on the wooden balcony outside. Someone pounds on the door loudly. "In the name of the Seekers, if anyone is home, open up immediately!"
[Kendra]: Kendra freezes in her chair, staring at the door with wide eyes.
[JadedDM]: Marik quietly steps away from the door, making no noise at all. Barlemus and Amala both place their hands on their respective sword hilts.
[Lirian]: Lirian stays still, her hands hovering over the hilts of her swords.
[JadedDM]: After a moment, they hear a pair of voices. "Guess nobody's home," says the first. "Bust it open then," says the second. "We cannot let that staff get away from us."
[Gaffleknot]: A dagger is instantly in Gaf's hand, gleaming in the darkness.
[JadedDM]: There's a loud bang, and the door swings open. Five Seeker guards burst inside, each carrying a long sword and small shield and wearing Chain mail.
[Kendra]: Kendra jumps up from her chair, clutching the staff in her hands.
[JadedDM]: (Note: Anyone without infravision suffers a -1 to hit and -1 to any saving throw based on dodging unless someone makes some light.)
[Lirian]: Lirian draws her swords, facing the five guards.
[JadedDM]: Seeker Guard: "You are all under arrest in the name of the Seekers. Throw down your weapons and surrender," says one.
[Lirian]: "Well, they sure found us quickly," Lirian says wryly.
[Kendra]: Kendra gulps, not moving from her spot.
[JadedDM]: Everyone hesitates, not sure what to do. The guard repeats himself. "I said, throw down your weapons and surrender. Failure to comply will result in us taking you by force, understand?"
[Lirian]: "Kendra? Go with them? Or fight?"
[Kendra]: "...I...I don't know," Kendra admits timidly.
[JadedDM]: Marik draws both of his blades in the flash of an eye and steps before Kendra. "Seeker scum, you won't touch her."
[JadedDM]: The Seeker guard frowns. "Fine then. Take them by force," he says to his men.
[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 1?)
[Kendra]: Kendra simply freezes in pure fear as the guards move to take them.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf throws a dagger.
[Lirian]: Lirian attacks.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d10] => [8] = (8)
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [2] = (2)
[JadedDM]: Round 1: Daos' turn.
[JadedDM]: Raising his staff in the air with one hand, Daos grabs a something from a pouch on his belt with the other. Flinging a handful of what appears to be sand at the guards, he shouts, "Ast tasarak sinuralan krynawi!"
[JadedDM]: (Sleep) [2d4] => [4,3] = (7)
[JadedDM]: One of the guards suddenly passes out, dropping to the floor into a deep sleep.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: Lirian dashed at the first guard and slashed at him with both swords.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [12] = (12), [1d20] => [9] = (9)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [3] = (3)
[Lirian]: Lirian's blade scratches the cheek of one of the guards.
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: Amala, her green blade at the ready, charges the second guard with a battle cry.
[JadedDM]: [1d20-1] => [15,-1] = (14)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [7,6] = (13)
[JadedDM]: The quivering blade slices through the man's armor as if it were butter, cutting into him deeply. He takes a step back in shock, covering himself with his shield.
[JadedDM]: Gaffleknot's turn.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[JadedDM]: (Figures the kender would get the game's first critical.)
[Gaffleknot]: (It had to happen.)
[Gaffleknot]: (Had to.)
[Gaffleknot]: [2d4] => [4,4] = (8)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf flings a dagger at the guard Lirian is fighting, and it embeds itself deep within the man's belly. The guard howls in pain.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: Hefting his two-handed axe, the dwarf charges the third guard with a bellow.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [14] = (14)
[JadedDM]: [1d10+3] => [2,3] = (5)
[JadedDM]: With an overhead slash, the axe head bites deeply into the guard's shoulder, causing him to cry out as blood splatters from the wound.
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn.
[JadedDM]: Marik slips in behind the guard Amala is fighting and strikes twice with his twin blades.
[JadedDM]: [1d20+1] => [11,1] = (12), [1d20+1] => [5,1] = (6)
[JadedDM]: However, he is not accustomed to fighting in the dark and both blades miss their mark.
[JadedDM]: Seeker Guards' turn.
[JadedDM]: First Guard: [1d20-1] => [3,-1] = (2)
[JadedDM]: Second Guard: [1d20-1] => [5,-1] = (4)
[JadedDM]: Third Guard: [1d20-1] => [20,-1] = (19), [2d8] => [5,6] = (11)
[JadedDM]: Fourth Guard: [1d20-1] => [13,-1] = (12)
[JadedDM]: The guard engaged with Lirian attempts to counterattack, but the half-elf nimbly parries the blows with her whirling blades. The second guard likewise tries to attack Amala, but finds her heavy armor too difficult to pierce. The third guard is far luckier, however. Although a smaller target, he manages to get in a good strike against the dwarf. The fourth one engages Barlemus, but is blocked by the warrior's dented shield.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus' turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20-1] => [8,-1] = (7)
[JadedDM]: Barlemus strikes back at his opponent, but the guard parries.
[JadedDM]: (End of Round 1. Gimak has been wounded, but he is still up and kicking. Kendra does not act this round, frozen in horror as she watches her friends slice up these people. Actions for Round 2?)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf throws another dagger.
[Lirian]: Lirian finishes off her guard.
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [2] = (2)
[Gaffleknot]: [1d10] => [10] = (10)
[Kendra]: Upon seeing Gimak wounded, Kendra seems to snap out of it a little bit. She sneaks up on the third guard, and tries to smack him with her staff.
[Kendra]: [1d10] => [2] = (2)
[JadedDM]: Round 2: Kendra's turn.
[Kendra]: [1d20+1] => [8,1] = (9)
[Kendra]: Kendra comes up behind the guard, but still overtaken by her fear she misjudges how close she needed to be to hit him.
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20+1] => [13,1] = (14), [1d20+1] => [2,1] = (3)
[JadedDM]: [1d6+2] => [5,2] = (7)
[JadedDM]: Marik stabs the guard fighting Amala from behind, drawing blood.
[JadedDM]: Daos' turn.
[JadedDM]: "Kalith karan, tobanis-kar!" the wizard chants, creating two purple lights that soar across the room.
[JadedDM]: (Magic Missiles) [1d4+1] => [3,1] = (4), [1d4+1] => [1,1] = (2)
[JadedDM]: One strikes the guard fighting Gimak, the other strikes the one fighting Amala.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [1] = (1)
[Lirian]: (Interesting.)
[JadedDM]: (That's quite a contrast.)
[Lirian]: [2d8] => [5,1] = (6)
[Lirian]: Lirian takes a slice off of the guard in front of her, but in her haste, drops her other blade.
[JadedDM]: Seeker Guards' turn.
[JadedDM]: First Guard: [1d20-1] => [20,-1] = (19)
[JadedDM]: [2d8] => [5,6] = (11)
[Kendra]: (I don't think I've seen so many 20s in one battle before)
[JadedDM]: Second Guard: [1d20-1] => [18,-1] = (17), [1d8] => [3] = (3)
[JadedDM]: Third Guard: [1d20-1] => [8,-1] = (7)
[JadedDM]: Fourth Guard: [1d20-1] => [19,-1] = (18), [1d8] => [5] = (5)
[JadedDM]: The guard fighting Lirian lashes out, catching the half-elf off-guard when she drops her blade. He cuts into her side fairly deep. The second guard manages to scratch Amala, while the third one misses Gimak completely as the plucky old dwarf tumbles aside. The fourth guard manages to get a cut across Barlemus' arm.
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20-1] => [14,-1] = (13)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [4,6] = (10)
[JadedDM]: Roaring in rage, the knight slams the point of her green blade into the man's chest. Putting her foot upon him, she kicks him off the blade and he slides to the ground, still.
[JadedDM]: Gaf's turn.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [18] = (18)
[Gaffleknot]: [1d4] => [1] = (1)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf throws another dagger, and it thuds into the guard's shoulder.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [8] = (8)
[JadedDM]: Gimak swings again at his opponent, but the blow is parried.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus' turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20-1] => [20,-1] = (19)
[JadedDM]: [2d8+6] => [8,5,6] = (19)
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Hey...you cut me! That does it!" he shouts, and throws his full weight behind the blade, nearly cutting the guard's arm off completely. The Seeker collapses to the ground in a bloody heap.
[JadedDM]: Aside from the sleeping guard, there are only two remaining. And both are quite wounded. "Pull back!" cries one. "We need reinforcements!" The two guards turn and run for it.
[JadedDM]: (Anyone who wishes may try to attack them once more as they flee. They'll receive a +2 bonus to hit for back attacks.)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [15] = (15)
[Gaffleknot]: [1d4] => [1] = (1)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [7] = (7)
[Kendra]: Kendra watches as the guards make a run for it before turning to Gimak. "...Is everyone okay?" she asks, her voice shaking.
[JadedDM]: Daos is fine. He did not even get any blood on him. Barlemus has a slight cut on his arm and Amala a mere scratch. Marik is covered in blood, but none of it his own. Gimak, however, has seen better days. "I am getting too old for this crap," he mumbles, holding up a hand to stanch the flow of blood from his wound.
[Kendra]: Kendra reaches out with her staff, and touches Gimak on the shoulder.
[Kendra]: [1d8] => [2] = (2)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf throws another dagger, and it lands deep in the fleeing guard's neck. He drops.
[Lirian]: Lirian dispassionately stabs another fleeing guard in the back, as he turns to flee. He falls like a sack of potatoes.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Reorx bless me," he says as the wound stops bleeding but does not heal completely. "True healing. I never thought I'd experience it first hand."
[Kendra]: "We need to get out of here. I don't care where we go, just as long as it away from here."
[Lirian]: "Crystalmir Lake?"
[Kendra]: "...Okay, I guess," Kendra says with a shrug.
[JadedDM]: Amala checks the guards. "They all still live, but not for long. Save the sleeping one." She looks to Daos. "You could not do that before."
[JadedDM]: Daos smirks. "I told you, I have achieved much power since we last met."
[Gaffleknot]: "Wow, Daos, you should show us some more magic tricks!"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "They are not 'tricks.'"
[Kendra]: Kendra looks down at the guards and goes pale.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus picks up an old apron lying on the counter and uses it to wipe the blood from his blade.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf begins gathering his daggers and looting the bodies.
[JadedDM]: The old dwarf looks about the bodies of the dying men. "Let's go then. The more time we waste here, the more likely more will find us."
[Lirian]: "We'll need a boat. Gimak, Kendra, are you prepared to travel? Once we leave, we will likely not return for a long while."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Aye, I'm always prepared. Old habit, I suppose."
[Kendra]: "I...I don't think I exactly have time to buy supplies for something like this," Kendra says. "So I guess I'm about as prepared as I'm ever going to be."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Don't worry, Kendra. You can borrow some of my rations and water." He reaches for his waterskin. "Ut, that's odd. It was right here earlier..."
[Gaffleknot]: "Don't worry, you've got us with you!" Gaf takes a long swig from a water skin.
[Kendra]: "...Thanks, you guys."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Let's get going then. Crystalmir Lake it is. Follow me."
[Gaffleknot]: "Need food, too!" Gaf grabs whatever food Tika had in her house. Then, he follows Marik.
[Kendra]: Kendra follows after the thief quietly.
[Lirian]: Lirian follows the rest out the door.
[JadedDM]: The party returns to the ground and makes a dash for the lake. Those with infravision help lead the way for the others. After about a mile of travel, the lake comes into view. The black of the night sky darkens on the deep stillness of the lake. Looking into it is like looking up into the starlit sky. The soft forests of giant Vallenwood border the serene waters on the east, south, and west shores. To the north, a patchwork of fields stretches toward the distant purple mountains.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Now we just need a way to cross. Spread out and search."
[Lirian]: "Someone stay with Kendra."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "I will."
[Gaffleknot]: "I once built a boat. But it wasn't big enough for everyone that wanted to get on it, so it was very wobbly."
[Kendra]: Kendra looks to Marik in surprise. "You've never been protective of me before," she says softly as she starts her own search for a way across.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Well, you're probably the most important person in this world right now."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Over here!" he calls, waving. "There's an old fishing boat here!"
[Kendra]: "That isn't a lot of pressure or anything," Kendra says. She turns in Barlemus' direction.
[Lirian]: "Good work!" Lirian rushes over to the sound of Barlemus' voice.
[JadedDM]: The party quickly gathers over where Barlemus is. The boat seems sturdy enough, and big enough to take them all in one trip. The warrior starts untying the rope to cast it off. "Everyone hop in."
[Kendra]: Kendra climbs into the boat, looking a little unsure on this whole idea.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf climbs aboard the boat.
[JadedDM]: Once everyone has gathered in, the party casts off. Barlemus and Amala take the oars and start paddling westward. Once they are a good distance out, Daos looks up and gasps. "The sky...look, the constellations are missing!" He points to two black gaps in the sky. "The Platinum Dragon...and the Queen of Darkness, both missing."
[Lirian]: Lirian looks up at the sky. "What does it mean?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "I don't know. An ill omen, to be sure. Chaos...war...death." He shakes his head.
[Kendra]: Kendra looks up at the sky for a couple of seconds before turning her attention back to the staff resting in her lap. "Can't mean anything good," she mutters.
[Gaffleknot]: "Maybe the stars fell to the ground, like little rain drops."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "In the old days, those constellations were meant to represent the gods. Thak the Hammer, sometimes called Paladine by the humans. And Tamex the False Metal, better known as Takhisis, the Dragon of All Colors and None."
[JadedDM]: Marik shudders. "Creepy."
[Kendra]: Kendra shivers.
[Lirian]: "Let's worry about the stars later. For now, we need to get to the other side."
[JadedDM]: (We'll go ahead and call it a night here.)
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Post by Daos on Dec 4, 2010 4:07:00 GMT -8
Session 02 - Lost in Darkenwood
[JadedDM]: Reapember 13, 350; Palast at 21 bells. After crossing Crystalmir Lake, the party hid the boat they 'borrowed' among some shrubberies and searched the area. A small cave was found, just large enough to shelter them. Setting up their camping gear and starting a small fire, the group made camp and now discuss their next move.
[Kendra]: Kendra sits on the ground, hugging her knees to her chest as she stares at the fire in front of her. The Blue Crystal Staff sits beside her. She looks at it occasionally.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "So now we need to figure out what to do next. Marik, you've spent a good deal of time here in Abanasinia. What say you?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Well, if we are going to the elflands, there are two basic routes." He unsheathes his blade and uses the tip to draw in the ground. "We can take the road to Haven, and then head south to reach the elves." He demonstrates this by drawing a half-circle. "Or, we can take the road to Gateway, and head south. But that requires crossing much more wilderness," he says, drawing another half-circle.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Why not just go straight down the middle?" he asks.
[JadedDM]: Marik pales. "Are you mad? That's Darkenwood. It's haunted."
[Lirian]: "Haven is a Seeker stronghold. That might be dangerous."
[JadedDM]: Daos smirks. "After killing several of their men, I doubt the Seekers would welcome us with open arms."
[Kendra]: "If it is haunted, that means that no one would follow us," Kendra says, deciding to speak up.
[Gaffleknot]: "I don't care where we go, as long as it's fun!" Gaf's ears perk up at Marik's admonition. "Haunted?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "It's...much safer to stay on one of the main roads."
[Kendra]: "How is it much safer to stay on the main roads?" Kendra asks curiously. "Goblins and who knows what else is hunting down this staff, which means they are hunting me down."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "She's right. The Seekers patrol the roads."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Ah, darn. Guess we aren't going to see the elves after all."
[Kendra]: "I'm not too fond of the idea of going through the haunted forest, but I would rather deal with ghosts than goblins who are trying to kill me."
[JadedDM]: Marik frowns. "Kendra...nobody has ever gone into Darkenwood and returned to tell about it. It's suicide."
[Lirian]: "Goblins and men are flesh and bone. A good blade can take care of them. The dead...? I'm less certain."
[Kendra]: "...Then how did the stories of it being haunted come into play?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Well, they...i-it's just common sense! Everyone knows it's haunted. Just ask anyone."
[Kendra]: Kendra shakes her head, turning her attention to Lirian. "Which just means we will leave a nice trail of bodies for the Seekers to follow, and I'm not too fond of the idea of...killing anyone. I feel bad enough for leaving those men to die back in Solace."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "If we go to Darkenwood, then we'll be the ones to die. And probably rise again," he adds with a shudder.
[Kendra]: "Sometimes stories are just that...stories, Marik," Kendra points out. "Darkenwood provides us with cover, and those stories are probably going to keep others from following us," she explains. "Plus, it looks like a pretty straight shot. The other ways will take longer."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Well, I'll go along with whatever the rest of you decide to do. But if we stop at a town first, we can at least pick up some more supplies."
[Kendra]: Kendra looks to the others. "I'm new to all of this, so what do the rest of you think?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Both options, the road or the wood, have their upsides and downsides. It all depends on what kind of risks we're willing to take. We can risk being caught by the Seekers or we can risk that the stories in Darkenwood are true. If we do go into the woods, though, we need to be careful not to become lost. Even without the supernatural, a dense forest can be dangerous."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Ut. Whichever way has the most gobos in our path, that's the way I want to go."
[JadedDM]: Amala, who has been standing guard at the mouth of the cave this whole time, does not contribute anything.
[Lirian]: "A party of eight will be easily noticed and difficult to hide near a town."
[Kendra]: Kendra smiles lightly to Barlemus. "I like your...enthusiastic approach to killing goblins, but I think it is a good idea to avoid them right now."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Aww, that's no fun."
[Gaffleknot]: "The wood sounds awful interesting. Maybe there will be dead goblins for you, Barlemus!"
[JadedDM]: The warrior frowns. "Ut. What's the point of killing 'em if they're all ready dead?"
[Kendra]: "I guess we are leaning towards the woods, so I guess we go that way," Kendra says.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Wh-what? But...but what if we get lost or run out of supplies, like Daos said?"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Aw, don't fret, Marik. Lirian can use her elfy senses to find food and the right direction."
[Lirian]: "... Yes. My 'elfy' senses. I should think that all the times we all went camping, it might have rubbed off on all of you."
[Kendra]: "Marik, don't forget that I have this staff too. It...it might be able to protect us from whatever might be in there."
[JadedDM]: Daos smirks. "Barlemus is lucky he can find which boot goes on which foot, nevermind finding his way in a forest."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "This...is a really bad idea. I just want to go on record of saying that."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Well, if that's settled, let's eat and get some rest." He pulls out his rations and waterskin. The others do likewise.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Hey...I think I must have dropped my waterskin during that fight," he says, digging in his pack.
[Gaffleknot]: "That's so careless of you, Barlemus!" Gaf says, taking a sip from his own waterskin.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Just go dunk your head in the lake and have your fill."
[Kendra]: "Um, I don't have any food," Kendra points out.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "I can't drink lake water! That's where fish...do their business."
[Gaffleknot]: "Kendra, we can share some bread I got from Tika!"
[Lirian]: "I thought you went to war. You must have had worse to drink than that."
[Kendra]: "Thanks, Gaf," Kendra says with a smile to the kender in appreciation.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "I draw the line at fish pee."
[Lirian]: Lirian shrugged. "Suit yourself."
[Kendra]: "Hey Gaf, can I have some of that water too?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Sure, you can have this extra water skin I found." Gaf hands over the waterskin.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Say, Gaf...can I borrow some water, too?" he asks innocently.
[Kendra]: Kendra takes the water skin from Gaf. "I'll share with you, Barlemus."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus beams. "Thanks, Kendra!"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf giggled. "Go right ahead." Gaf whispered in Amala's ear. "I fill my water from the lake! Tee hee!"
[Kendra]: Once Kendra has had her share, she hands the water skin to Barlemus. "So...how does this sleeping in the outdoors thing work?"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Well, we all have our sleeping bags, right?"
[Kendra]: "I don't do this stuff, so no."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "The solution is simple then. Whoever is standing watch, Kendra gets his or her sleeping bag."
[Gaffleknot]: "A bundle of leaves will do in a pinch!" Gaf chirped.
[Kendra]: "So then who is standing watch first then?"
[JadedDM]: Amala: "I will," she calls from the cave mouth, still standing guard.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Second watch?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "I will. I need to study my spellbook anyway."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Okay, that's settled. The rest of us, let's get some rest."
[Kendra]: Kendra stands to grab Amala's sleeping bag so that she can get some sleep.
[JadedDM]: The party rests and nothing bothers them throughout the night. Everyone save Barl and Amala regain 1 HP from a full night's rest. Daos replenishes his spells and the Blue Crystal Staff regains one charge.
[JadedDM]: The following day is cool and cloudy. After breaking camp, the party leaves the cave and head south.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "I'm not taking the lead. Someone else should."
[Gaffleknot]: "Me! Me! Me!"
[Kendra]: "Lirian, why don't you?" Kendra asks.
[Lirian]: Lirian smiled. "Very well. I shall take the lead. Gaf, you stay at the back, with Gimak."
[Gaffleknot]: "Aw..." Gaf scuffed the ground with a soft leather boot.
[JadedDM]: Gimak doesn't appear too happy with that arrangement, either. He grunts and crosses his arms.
[Kendra]: Kendra giggles lightly at Gimak and Gaf.
[JadedDM]: (So Lirian up front, Gimak in Gaf in the back. What's the rest of the marching order?)
[Kendra]: (Kendra would stick close to Barlemus and Marik)
[JadedDM]: (So how does Lirian, Amala and Daos, Kendra and Marik and Barlemus, Gimak and Gaf sound?)
[Kendra]: (works for me)
[Airellian]: (cool)
[JadedDM]: Gimak is the slowest of the group by far, weighed down with numerous objects. The others are forced to slow their pace to accommodate him. The flaming colors of fall surround them, and an autumn breeze ripples through their hair. To the southwest, the white-capped outline of Prayers Eye Peak soars in the distance. Barely visible from here, a sharp crack splits the peak as though two hands were pressed together. Finding a suitable pass, Lirian leads them through the mountains and south toward the mystical Darkenwood.
[Kendra]: Kendra takes on a more mystified look as she walks. "It is so pretty out here," she says softly.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "These are the Sentinel Peaks," he explains. "That mountain over there, they call Prayers Eye Peak. For obvious reasons."
[JadedDM]: (Anyone who wants to know more about Prayer's Eye can make a Religion or Ancient History check, if they have those nwps.)
[Kendra]: (Religion Check) [1d20] => [11] = (11)
[Airellian]: (nope)
[Kendra]: "Gimak told me a story about how Paladin led Huma Dragonbane through there in the form of a white stag," Kendra says thoughtfully.
[JadedDM]: Gimak nods. "That's right, lass. Thak the Hammer, or the one humans called Paladine, was said to have taken many different forms, including that of a platinum dragon."
[Gaffleknot]: "Who's missing from the sky! That's weird, isn't it? Stars just disappearing?"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus looks around. "Well, I don't see any white stags now...so maybe it's just a coincidence."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Perhaps only those who are worthy can see the white stag."
[Kendra]: "Who would be considered worthy?"
[JadedDM]: Amala looks to the white peak. "Only the gods would know, I suppose."
[Kendra]: Kendra looks to the staff in her hand. "Hmmm."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Hey, slow down! Reorx, all this running around is going to open up my wounds again," he grumbles, trying to keep up.
[Kendra]: "Gimak, I can try to heal you again," Kendra offers, looking over her shoulder to the dwarf.
[Lirian]: "Perhaps we should rest then," Lirian said, concern furrowing her brow.
[JadedDM]: The dwarf grunts. "No need to waste your power on an old dwarf like me, lass."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Perhaps if you were not carrying so much gear, Gimak..."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "I'm fine! There's still sunlight left. Let's keep moving until nightfall, at least."
[Kendra]: "Nonsense, Gimak," Kendra says, falling back to touch Gimak with the staff.
[Kendra]: (Cure Moderate Wounds) [1d10+1] => [10,1] = (11)
[JadedDM]: Once again, the illusion of the wooden staff melts away to reveal the blue crystal staff. In a soft glow of azure light, all of Gimak's remaining wounds heal completely, not even leaving any scars behind. "Bless my soul," the old dwarf whispers, astonished.
[Kendra]: Kendra smiles lightly as she looks over the dwarf. "I think I might be getting the hang of this," she says.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Is the power of the staff growing?"
[Lirian]: Lirian stands impressed once again at the miracle of true healing.
[Kendra]: "Maybe?" Kendra says, looking over to Daos. "I don't really know how to describe it. I know what I want to do, and then the staff just does it."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Fascinating. So different from High Sorcery."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Let us move on. Daylight is burning."
[JadedDM]: The mountain valley Lirian leads them through runs eat and west between Prayers Eye Peak and a second ridge of mountains. Tall aspens, still green well into autumn, shiver in groves about the valley. The vale itself is carpeted in tall, soft grasses. Both exits from the valley, to the southwest and to the east, lead into the dimness of deeper woods. It takes the rest of the day to reach the edge of the forest. Wary of entering a supposedly haunted wood at night, the party makes camp right outside the forest.
[Kendra]: Kendra sits down next to Daos. She hesitates for a moment, before finally saying. "May I ask you a question?"
[JadedDM]: As the others make a small fire and set up camp, Daos nods and sits down. "Of course."
[JadedDM]: Meanwhile, Barlemus approaches Gimak. "Hey, old man, you are slowing us down. Can't you pick up the pace any? We'll never get there at this rate."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "You big ox, you want me to speed up. Then you can carry my backpack from here on," he says, shoving the pack into the warrior's hands. "Harrumph."
[Kendra]: "I've been meaning ask, but we got kind of busy. Why are you so cold to the touch?"
[JadedDM]: Daos looks up to the red and white moon in the sky. "Everything comes with a price. Even power. No, especially power. You would do well to remember that as your own power grows."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf busies himself with cooking what little food the party possesses.
[Kendra]: Kendra nods in understanding. "So...that was the price for the power you wield?"
[JadedDM]: Marik keeps a sharp eye on the forest itself, as if expecting deathly abominations to fly out, shrieking, at any moment.
[JadedDM]: Daos nods. "By completing my Test, I became a full magus and my power grew. But in order for my body to become more...acclimated to my cold-based spells, my body itself grew colder. A small price, I think, for greater power."
[Lirian]: "We're not even in Darken Wood yet. Stay calm, Marik."
[JadedDM]: Marik starts slightly. "What? Calm? I'm calm. Calm as a...really, calm thing."
[Kendra]: Kendra gently reaches out and touches Daos' hand, as if she was testing out the ice on a frozen pond. "Do you feel warmth?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Just barely. You are so warm, I can actually feel you a little."
[Lirian]: Lirian smiled. "You've been through a frightening ordeal."
[JadedDM]: Marik frowns. "I'll be fine, I just...the dead give me the willies. And beside that," he adds softly, "I don't think I can protect her...not from ghosts."
[Kendra]: Kendra smiles slightly to the mage. "So does this mean as your power continues to grow, that you'll get colder?" she asks curiously. "I don't really know how any of this works."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf hummed to himself as he sampled the warm meal he cooked up. "Cooking is like building. But with food."
[JadedDM]: The wizard shakes his head. "No, I don't believe that will happen. But what about you? Call my cynical, if you like, but I have a feeling the power this so-called goddess has given to you will not be for free."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "What are you making, anyway?" he asks skeptically.
[Gaffleknot]: "Tika only had some bread, and I had some rations, and I took some water from Crystalmir lake. I'm making Crystal bread stew!"
[Kendra]: "I don't know the answer to that question," Kendra admits as she runs her fingers over the staff. "I never asked for anything like this, and to ask something of me so suddenly doesn't seem...right to me I guess."
[Gaffleknot]: "Want some?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Uh...I don't know." He sniffs at the concoction.
[Lirian]: "You've grown," Lirian said, a nostalgic look on her face. "I think I like this change in you."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Perhaps, perhaps not. It's hard to see what exactly this god has in mind. Hopefully, the full picture will be given to us when we find the answers we are seeking."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Thanks. I guess a lot can change in five years, huh?"
[Gaffleknot]: "I got the original recipe from some mercenaries out east. They took me with them when they went pillaging, which was interesting. I added some of my own bits to the recipe."
[Lirian]: "As every year passes, it is a new world."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Pillaging? Figures. Harrumph." The dwarf takes a spoonful of the stew to test it.
[Kendra]: "I wonder how big of a price I would have to pay to bring true healing back to the world?" Kendra says thoughtfully. "True healing is a big deal after all."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "It is incredible power. And incredible power must come at an incredible price. That is what worries me most."
[Gaffleknot]: "Yes, they weren't very nice. Every army I tagged along with seemed to do a good deal of pillaging. Hmm."
[Kendra]: "Worries you?"
[JadedDM]: Daos looks her in the eye. "Just what would you sacrifice for this cause, Kendra? Your life? Your soul? To bring back true healing to the world, and faith in the gods...how far would you go?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak coughs and sputters. "Agh, what is this? Are you trying to poison an old man?"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf looks wounded. "Is it that bad?" He takes a spoonful himself. "Mmm. Just the way I like it."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "You were always a better musician than a cook. Speaking of which, you still got that flute you used to play?" he asks.
[Kendra]: Kendra opens her mouth to answer, but shuts it as her eyes drift off to the stars. "One life to save others," she says thoughtfully. "Not that I would want to give up my life, but if it meant helping you and so many others..." she says, trailing off.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "It's something to think about, at any rate."
[Gaffleknot]: "Yes!" Gaf fishes out a flute. He plays a note, then adjusts it a little, then plays another note. He continues adjusting it just so, until he looks back up and says. "Any requests?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak sits down by the fire and tries to warm up, rubbing his hands together. "You lot all remember that poem I taught you way back? Canticle of the Dragon?"
[Kendra]: "Hmm, thanks Daos," Kendra says, giving him a friendly kiss on the cheek before turning to Gimak. "I remember."
[JadedDM]: Daos blinks in surprise. "Err, yes. I also recall it."
[Lirian]: "I remember, friend."
[JadedDM]: Gimak gestures for everyone to gather around. Then, taking a deep breath, he begins. "Hear the sage as his song descends like heaven's rain of tears and washes the years, the dust of the many stories from the High Tale of the Dragonlance. For in ages deep, past memory and word in the first blush of the world when the three moons rose from the lap of the forest, dragons, terrible and great, made war on this world of Krynn."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf provides appropriate accompaniment.
[JadedDM]: Marik continues, "Yet out of the darkness of dragons out of our cries for light in the blank face of the black moon soaring, a banked light flared in Solamnia; a knight of truth and of power who called down the gods themselves and forged the mighty Dragonlance, piercing the soul of dragonkind, driving the shade of their wings from the brightening shores of Krynn."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Thus Huma, Knight of Solamnia, Lightbringer, First Lancer, followed his light to the foot of the Khalkist Mountains; to the stone feet of the gods; to the crouched silence of their temple. He called down the Lancemakers, he took on, their unspeakable power to crush the unspeakable evil; to thrust the coiling darkness, back down the tunnel of the dragon's throat."
[Lirian]: Lirian intoned: "Paladine, the Great God of Good, shone at the side of Huma, strengthening the lance of his strong right arm, and Huma, ablaze in a thousand moons, banished the swarm of her shrieking hosts back to the senseless kingdom of death, where their curses swooped upon nothing and nothing deep below the brightening land."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf took his lips from his flute and said, "Thus ended in thunder the Age of Dreams and began the Age of Might, When Istar, kingdom of light and truth, arose in the east, where minarets of white and gold spired to the sun and to the sun's glory, announcing the passing of evil, and Istar, who mothered and cradled the long summers of good, shone like a meteor in the white skies of the just."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Yet in the fullness of sunlight the Kingpriest of Istar saw shadows: At night he saw the trees as things with daggers, the streams blackened and thickened under the silent moon. He searched books for the paths of Human for scrolls, signs, and spells so that he, too, might summon the gods, might find their aid in his holy aims, might purge the world of sin."
[JadedDM]: Solemnly, Daos continues, "Then came the time of dark and death as the gods turned from the world. A mountain of fire crashed like a comet through Istar, the city split like a skull in the flames, mountains burst from once-fertile valleys, seas poured into the graves of mountains, the deserts sighed on abandoned floors of the seas, and highways of Krynn erupted and became the paths of the dead."
[Kendra]: "Thus began the Age of Despair. The roads were tangled. The winds and the sandstorms dwelt in the husks of cities, the plains and mountains became our home. As the old gods lost their power, we called to the blank sky into the cold, dividing gray to the ears of new gods. The sky is calm, silent, unmoving. We have yet to hear their answer," Kendra finishes gently.
[JadedDM]: Gimak nods. "Well done, kids. Well done."
[Kendra]: "We should probably get some rest," Kendra says, suddenly feeling a little uncomfortable.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Aye. I'll take first watch then."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "I'll take second," he says. "Doubt I'll sleep anyway," he mutters under his breath, glancing to the woods.
[JadedDM]: The party eats and rests, and luckily nothing comes out of the forests to haunt them. Everyone regains 1 HP from a full night's rest. Daos replenishes his spells and the Blue Crystal Staff regains one charge.
[JadedDM]: With Barlemus carrying Gimak's backpack, the party moves at a bit faster pace, although the warrior complains a lot. As they press onward into the forest, the canopy of leaves thickens; the sunlight dapples, dims, then fades altogether. The trunks of the trees are gnarled and knotted, their bark almost black. Ahead lie deeper and deeper shadows.
[Kendra]: Kendra falls back a bit closer to Marik as the shadows grow. "This...I understand the stories now," she says softly, as if she was going to wake up whatever might be hiding in the trees.
[Gaffleknot]: Immune to fear, Gaf takes in the creepiness and mistakes it for wonder.
[Lirian]: "Stay close," Lirian warned, as they forged deeper and deeper into the forest.
[JadedDM]: As the party progresses, they hear something up ahead. But rather than something strange or horrifying, strangely enough it sounds like celebrating. There are whoops, cheers, and laughter up ahead.
[Kendra]: "Does everyone hear that?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "That seems...rather out of place for a haunted wood."
[Lirian]: "Should we send a scout ahead? Check it out?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Ooh! Me! I'll do it! Pick me!" Gaf said in a loud whisper.
[Kendra]: "Just to be safe, I think so Lirian."
[Lirian]: "Very well, Gaf," Lirian said patiently. "But I will go with you as well."
[Gaffleknot]: "Aw..." Gaf scuffed the foliage with a soft leather boot.
[Lirian]: The pair melt into the trees as they go off to investigate the sounds of merriment.
[JadedDM]: (I'll need Hide in Shadows and Move Silently checks from both.)
[Lirian]: (Hide in Shadows) [1d100] => [10] = (10)
[Lirian]: (Move Silently) [1d100] => [23] = (23)
[Gaffleknot]: (Hide in Shadows) [1d100] => [37] = (37)
[Gaffleknot]: (Move Silently) [1d100] => [17] = (17)
[JadedDM]: The two sneak forward quietly and eventually come across four creatures partying in the woods. They are not human; rather, they resemble a strange cross between goats and men. Lirian recognizes them as Satyrs. The four satyrs are drinking from wooden goblets, singing, cheering, and dancing about. One of them has a set of panpipes that he plays throughout. The reveling beastmen don't seem to notice either the ranger or the kender yet.
[Gaffleknot]: "They don't look like ghosts," Gaf whispers to Lirian.
[Lirian]: Lirian gives Gaf a short shake of her head.
[JadedDM]: Gimak draws his axe and looks antsy as he waits for the others to return.
[Lirian]: Lirian signals to the kender to move back toward the party.
[Lirian]: The pair make their way back.
[Kendra]: "So what is going on?"
[Lirian]: "It is just as it sounds."
[Gaffleknot]: "Satyrs! Who would have thought?"
[Lirian]: Lirian looks askance at the interruption. "Yes. Nothing sinister."
[Kendra]: "What do we do then?"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Say-ters? What are those?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Are they dangerous?"
[Lirian]: "No more than any other being defending his home. They may know a way through Darken Wood, though."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Do you believe they can be trusted then?"
[Airellian]: (What's the lore on satyrs?)
[JadedDM]: (Pretty standard D&D satyrs. Love of women, wine, and revelry. They shouldn't be a threat, as long as the party doesn't threaten them first.)
[Lirian]: "Perhaps not. Still, night is coming, and soon we may regret not asking."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "All right then. Lirian, you should do the talking."
[Kendra]: Kendra takes a deep breath, waiting for Lirian to lead the way.
[Lirian]: Lirian nodded. "Very well. Let us go."
[JadedDM]: The party follows the half-elf back to the satyr's party, this time not engaging in stealth. Despite the noise the satyrs are making, they hear them approach. "Ho!" calls one in greeting. "Who dwells here in our land? Ladies! Ah, ladies, come join us! Well, the men can, too, I suppose. If they don't mind sharing!" he adds with a wink.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Those guys look like goats," he points out to the others.
[Kendra]: Kendra covers her mouth as she begins giggle.
[Gaffleknot]: "I know, right!"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Your powers of perception are just staggering. Really."
[Lirian]: "Greetings, forest-dwellers. My friends and I are seeking a way through this wood."
[JadedDM]: "Well, you came to the right place," says the satyr with the panpipes. "This is the place to be in Darkenwood. Come, drink and dance with us! The dryads may join us later," he adds enticingly.
[Kendra]: "While I'm sure most of us would love to join the party, we really can't right now," Kendra says.
[JadedDM]: "Aww, why not?" comes the chorus of complaints among the four.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Yeah, why not? These guys seem to be having a good time. What's the harm in relieving some stress?"
[Kendra]: Kendra looks to Marik. "Did you forget about our little...quest?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Even great heroes of destiny need a little relaxation now and again, right?"
[Kendra]: Kendra tries to counter the logic, but comes up with nothing. "Hmph," she says, blowing some of her hair out of her eyes.
[JadedDM]: The lead satyr, the one with the panpipes, approaches. "I am called Bacch. Welcome to Darkenwood." Taking Kendra's hand, he softly kisses it. "Care for some wine? It's way better than that slop humans brew, I promise."
[Lirian]: "Truthfully, we would love to stay, but we have pressing business elsewhere. We are traveling to the elflands, and we cut across the wood in hopes of a shortcut."
[Kendra]: Kendra looks to the others for a second then looks back to Bacch with a smile. "Well, a sip or two couldn't hurt."
[JadedDM]: The satyrs cheer, and Bacch takes her by the hand and leads her over to the others. Another satyr, this one with red fur, hands her a wooden cup. "We call it Feywine. All who wish may partake some!"
[JadedDM]: Marik steps forward. "I'll have some."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "I'm not in the business of accepting strange drinks from strange men in a strange wood."
[Kendra]: Kendra takes the wooden cup, and looks over the wine curiously. With a shrug, she takes a sip.
[Lirian]: "Thank you, but no."
[Gaffleknot]: "Ooh, I'll have some, too!"
[JadedDM]: Even with only a single sip, Kendra feels all the tension and stress melt away from her. Drinking this 'feywine' as they called it, is like drinking the nectar of the gods themselves. Her whole body feels warm and pleasant, and her head instantly becomes light.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "I'll...abstain."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "This is probably the strangest thing that has ever happened to me. But okay, what the abyss."
[Lirian]: "That's enough, Gaf."
[Gaffleknot]: "Aw." Gaf scuffs a tree with a soft leather boot.
[Kendra]: "Oh wow," Kendra says, her smile widening. "This stuff is great!"
[JadedDM]: Bacch: "Yes, drink up! Sing, dance, have fun! Life is far too short to do anything else!"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "We don't have time for this..."
[Kendra]: "Seriously, you guys really need to try this stuff," Kendra says as she takes another sip. "It is like...well, there is nothing that can describe it."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus takes a cup and downs it one go. He smacks his lips, tasting it. Then his eyes roll into the back of his head and he promptly falls over.
[JadedDM]: Marik brings the cup to his lips, but immediately pulls it back when he sees Barlemus. "Uh..."
[JadedDM]: The satyrs laugh and guffaw, slapping their knees. "Poor boy can't hold his drink!"
[Lirian]: Lirian sighs and holds the bridge of her nose with her fingers.
[Kendra]: Kendra does a bit of a double take as Barlemus falls. "He has never done that before while drinking."
[JadedDM]: "He has probably never had anything this strong before," says the two Mariks in front of Kendra.
[Kendra]: Kendra uses a hand to rub at her eyes, and then blinks as she tries to focus on Marik. "When did you get a twin?"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf darts forward to look at Barlemus' fainted body.
[JadedDM]: The kender notes that the warrior's chest moves slightly, as he snores very softly.
[Gaffleknot]: Unfortunately, his hands are also busy pilfering the warrior's pouches, surreptitiously.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Foolishness. We may as well set up camp here, since we apparently won't be going anywhere soon."
[Gaffleknot]: "He seems okay!"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Kendra, do you feel okay?"
[Lirian]: "I imagine a few sips are different from an entire cup all at once."
[Kendra]: "I feel great!" Kendra says as she slowly starts to spin around in a small circle in time with the music.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf stands up, pouches suddenly heavier, and he takes out a flute to accompany the satyr's panpipes.
[JadedDM]: Daos, Amala, and Gimak set up a campsite not too far from the satyrs. Barlemus remains passed out. The rest of you can party with the satyrs or stay in camp with the others.
[Lirian]: Lirian grabs Gaf, so she can keep an eye on him, and drags him to the campsite with Daos, Amala, and Gimak.
[Kendra]: Kendra takes a couple more sips of the wine, deciding to enjoy it while she can.
[Gaffleknot]: "Awwww...." Gaf's feet drag across the ground and a deflated noted rises from the flute.
[JadedDM]: The rest of the night is a bore for those who stay in camp, and a blur for those who do not. The following morning, the 16th, a chill breeze begins to blow from the north. Kendra awakens sore and with a splitting headache. The satyrs are gone, as are all evidence that they ever existed. However, she finds herself curled up next to a sleeping Marik and Barlemus, lying between the two.
[Kendra]: Kendra turns over as if about to go back to sleep, but jumps up as her arm wraps around Marik. She looks between the two men, as if completely embarrassed.
[JadedDM]: Marik yawns and rubs at his head. "Oh, man...that was some night," he says, sitting up.
[Gaffleknot]: "Rise and shine!" Gaf's grinning face can be seen as the trio awake.
[JadedDM]: "Ut," Barlemus groans, sitting up. "Not so loud..."
[Kendra]: "I...what happened last night?"
[JadedDM]: Marik chuckles. "What didn't happen? I didn't know you had it in you, Kendra."
[Kendra]: "Huh?" Kendra asks, turning a couple of shades of red. "What did I do?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "The satyrs, for one thing. Really, you were insatiable. I guess it's always the shy and quiet ones that surprise you, eh?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Ooh, tell me! Tell me!"
[Kendra]: "I...I didn't...you can't be serious!" Kendra says, covering her face with her hands.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "The last thing I remember...is my mom telling me to not play in the river, or else I'll catch cold."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Barl, that was ten years ago."
[Lirian]: "That's enough you four," Lirian says from a distance. "We need to get ready, and move again."
[Kendra]: Clearing her throat, Kendra pushes herself up in which she stumbles a bit. "Never...ever again."
[JadedDM]: Marik unsteadily gets on his feet. "Hey, never say never."
[Kendra]: Kendra wrinkles her nose at Marik. "Why not?"
[JadedDM]: "Hold!" The broad torso of a bare-chested man suddenly rises above a head-high bush. He looks down from at least two feet above eye level. His muscular arm poises, spear in hand. "Ye be trapped. Come with me to the judge of the forest, or be judged by my lance and those of my fellows." Stepping out, the man reveals himself to be half-man, half-horse. Lirian recognizes the being as a centaur. Seven more of the creatures step out of hiding, surrounding the group. Four wield clubs, two have bows, and two have lances.
[Kendra]: Kendra suddenly falls back down on her butt, her eyes wide as she looks up at the creatures. "Oh my..." she starts.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Am I still drunk? Because now I'm seeing horse-men."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "If they offer you something to drink, say no," he advises the Kendra.
[Lirian]: Lirian looks warily at the interlopers. "Judge of the forest, you say? What is the test?"
[Kendra]: Kendra gives Marik a small shove.
[JadedDM]: Centaur: "That is for the Forestmaster to decide. Come with us, and we will take thee to her. She has been expecting visitors from outside of Darkenwood. Ye be the wielders of the Blue Crystal Staff?"
[Gaffleknot]: "That's you, Kendra! They're talking about you!"
[Kendra]: At the mention of the staff, Kendra takes hold of the staff in question. "Thanks, Gaf," she says in slight annoyance. "What does this...Forestmaster want with the staff?"
[JadedDM]: Centaur: "Nay, it is not the staff she wants. It is the staff's wielder she wishes to speak to."
[Kendra]: "Oh...wonderful," Kendra says, standing up once again. "Goblins and Seekers hunting me, now a Forestmaster wants to talk to me."
[JadedDM]: The centaur lowers his lance and approaches her. "Come, ride us. We shall take you there quickly."
[Lirian]: "It seems we have little choice. We will go with you, as you asked."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "R-Ride you? Like horses?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Oh, that sounds like so much fun!"
[Kendra]: Kendra looks unsure, but she nods to the centaur.
[JadedDM]: With some more reluctant than others, the party mounts the centaurs. At one, the creatures take off at a frightening speed. The wind whips through their hair as they ride, darting between trees and leaping over fallen logs. The centaurs seem to know where they are going, however. Soon, the dense oak forest suddenly opens into a forest glade. Soft green grasses carpet the floor up a hillside, at the top of which sits an outcropping of rock. Atop this overhang stands a majestic unicorn, its head raised high and proud, but a strange sadness in its eyes. Its fur is silver and green vines seem to creep about its body, as if somehow part of it.
[Kendra]: Kendra looks around the glade with wonder before her eyes fall upon the unicorn. She lets out a small gasp, having never seen such a thing before in all her life. "How beautiful," she says softly.
[Gaffleknot]: The kender's eyes are like saucers, and he is temporarily rendered speechless.
[JadedDM]: The centaurs lower themselves, allowing the party to dismount. As the group approaches, the unicorn speaks. "I am the Forestmaster. You have entered my Great Forest: I grant you passage and the aid of all creatures while you remain within our borders."
[Lirian]: "Why is it you wish to speak with us?"
[Kendra]: "Thank you," Kendra says. "Though, might I ask why you are granting us this?"
[JadedDM]: Forestmaster: "Because you hold the hope of this world in your hands. You are the wielders of the Blue Crystal Staff. It must not fall into the hands of evil."
[Lirian]: "Hands of evil? What evil?"
[JadedDM]: Forestmaster: "An army of darkness is slowly swallowing the lands of Ansalon. Not only men and goblins, but strange new creatures known as draconians. But what makes this army particularly dangerous...is that it has dragons at its command."
[Lirian]: "Dragons!"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "They still exist?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Dragons! Wow!"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Ut!"
[Kendra]: Kendra eyes widen as she listens to the Forestmaster. "What am I suppose to do with this staff? Why was it given to me of all people? How is it going to...stop an army?!"
[Gaffleknot]: "Just like the Canticle!"
[JadedDM]: Forestmaster: "The staff is more than what it seems. It is a symbol; a symbol of hope and faith. With it, you can return faith to the people of Ansalon, and restore the balance. For you see, one of the old gods has all ready returned. A goddess of evil and corruption. And she leads the army of darkness. Without the gods of light, nothing will stop her conquest. Even this forest will be destroyed."
[Lirian]: "What must we do? And why us?"
[Kendra]: Kendra looks down at the staff in her hands. She looks terrified as she slowly starts to comprehend what the Forestmaster is saying.
[JadedDM]: Forestmaster: "Why you were chosen, I cannot say. The will of the gods is a mystery even to me. As for what you must do, you must fly straight away across the Eastwall Mountains. Within two days, you must be within Xak Tsaroth. There, if you prove worthy, you shall receive the greatest gift given to the world."
[Kendra]: "If we prove worthy?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Xak Tsaroth? I've heard of it. An ancient city to the east...but it was destroyed in the Cataclysm."
[JadedDM]: Forestmaster: "You must be strong in faith, Kendra Fallenmoon of Solace. You must harbor no doubt, or else all of Ansalon could be destroyed."
[Lirian]: "How are we to get to Xak Tsaroth within two days' time?"
[JadedDM]: Forestmaster: "I can offer you transportation there, if you desire."
[Kendra]: "I...I need to sit down," Kendra says softly, stumbling a bit until she finally sits down on the ground.
[JadedDM]: Gimak puts a hand on her shoulder for support. "All right there, lass?"
[Kendra]: "I just...I need a minute."
[JadedDM]: Forestmaster: "Rest then. When you are ready, I will have my friends take you to Xak Tsaroth, if you choose."
[Kendra]: "How do I become....strong in faith?" Kendra finally asks.
[JadedDM]: Forestmaster: "Your heart is full of compassion and love, Kendra Fallenmoon of Solace. It is why your friends are so loyal to you. That friendship and loyalty will help you in this quest. Believe in it, and believe that good will triumph. Commune with the gods. The staff will show you the way."
[Kendra]: Kendra lets out a soft sigh, glancing at her friends.
[JadedDM]: (Okay, we'll go ahead and call it a night here.)
[Airellian]: (okay, it was getting more and more difficult to concentrate)
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Post by Daos on Dec 10, 2010 0:12:47 GMT -8
Session 03 - Watch Your Step
[JadedDM]: Reapember 16, 350 AC; Misham at 13 bells. The party is in Darkenwood, having just met with the Forestmaster and told they must head to the ancient ruins of Xak Tsaroth in order to "receive the greatest gift given to the world."
[Kendra]: Kendra sits on the ground, still reeling from the information they were just given.
[Lirian]: "I guess we better go to Xak Tsaroth."
[Gaffleknot]: "How do we get there?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak pats the young girl's shoulder comfortingly.
[JadedDM]: Forestmaster: "When you are ready, I shall have my friends take you there."
[Gaffleknot]: "I'm ready!"
[Kendra]: Kendra takes a deep breath. "I guess we don't have a choice."
[Lirian]: "You have a choice, Kendra. We all did."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "If people will suffer unless we go, then it is our duty."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "If dragons have really returned and are allied with the forces of darkness, then this whole world could end if they succeed."
[Kendra]: "I can't let the forces of darkness take over the world, Lirian. There might be a choice, but it isn't much of one. I'll do what needs to be done."
[Lirian]: Lirian smiled. "Then, let's go."
[JadedDM]: Forestmaster: "If that is your decision then..."
[Gaffleknot]: "Yes! Let's go!"
[JadedDM]: Up above, eight pegasi descend from the heavens, beautiful and powerful animals that circle overhead and land with feather gentleness in the nearby grasses.
[Gaffleknot]: "Wow! Will we be flying? Actually flying!"
[Kendra]: Kendra's eyes widen at the sight of the pegasi. "Really?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Such creatures exist?"
[Lirian]: Lirian is not unfazed as well. "Legends above. The stories are true, after all."
[JadedDM]: Forestmaster: "Mount and ride these pegasi, and they shall take you to the forgotten city of Xak Tsaroth. Do not fear. They know the way and will not let you fall."
[Kendra]: Kendra pushes herself up, and moves to climb up on one of the pegasi.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf hurriedly scrambles atop one of the majestic beasts.
[JadedDM]: One by one, each of the Companions mounts a pegasus. The majestic creatures then hurdle into the air, their wings whispering on the wind and soar above the glade. The Forestmaster remains standing proudly on the outcropping. "The greatest gift given to man awaits you--carry the peace of my home within your hearts--soon it will live nowhere else," she calls out.
[Kendra]: "That isn't really a comfort," Kendra says softly to herself.
[JadedDM]: As they are leaving the forest, a drowsy state falls over each of the Companions. Despite how they may fight, each one drifts off into a peaceful sleep as they fly to the east.
[Gaffleknot]: "I'm not... sleepy...."
[Kendra]: Kendra seems to welcome the sleep.
[JadedDM]: When the party comes to, it is later in the day and the pegasi are beginning to land. Before them, they see a forest of ironclaw trees stretch eastward to the Newsea. Beneath an umbrella of branches, the streams of the Forsaken Mountains crawl through a spongy swamp. Still waters encircle islands of soggy ground. The landscape extends into the swamp and its darkness.
[Kendra]: "This doesn't look like a forgotten city," Kendra says as she rubs at her eyes.
[JadedDM]: Marik frowns as he dismounts his winged horse. "This place..."
[Lirian]: "Nor any place I've seen."
[Kendra]: Kendra looks over to Marik. "Do you remember it?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "It does seem...familiar. Like I had a bad dream about it."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "It looks like something out of a nightmare," she admits, dismounting.
[Gaffleknot]: "Where are the dragons?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "According to history, there was once a great city in this swamp. But when the Cataclysm struck, the Newsea was created. It washed away most of the city, killing everyone who lived there. Or so the tale goes."
[Kendra]: "I don't think I would be too eager to meet a dragon, Gaf," Kendra says as she moves to stand beside Marik.
[JadedDM]: Once everyone dismounts, the pegasi take back to the air, flying off back west. The party is on their own now.
[Lirian]: Lirian looks at Daos. "Then, I guess we must go towards Newsea."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Ut. We'll have to watch our footing. Ground looks more water than land," he says as he wrenches one of his boots out of the muck.
[Kendra]: "Well, who wants to take the lead here?" Kendra asks.
[Gaffleknot]: "I'll do it!"
[Lirian]: "Gaf, stay in the back." Lirian's tone is quite firm.
[JadedDM]: The ranger takes the lead, gesturing for the others to follow. The exposed roots of the Ironclaw trees twist into the mud and swamp water. Vines, trees and ferns block vision beyond a few feet. The ground is soaked and spongy. All is in shadow: the sun shows only a brief glimmer through the jungle overhead. Occasionally, ruined items jut from the underbrush: broken foundation stones, shattered urns, ancient carvings, etc. Loud insects chirp as the party pushes onward, trying to remain on solid ground. There are several solid islands in the muck. To the southeast, there is a vine bridge leading from their current island to another.
[Lirian]: "I hope this bridge is stable."
[Gaffleknot]: "Lirian, I can test it out!"
[JadedDM]: Thick vines, woven into strong ropes, stretch like a long spider web between two sections of land. Each end is knotted around several ironclaw trees. Slimy mosses cover the ropes.
[Lirian]: "That may not be a bad idea."
[JadedDM]: Gimak smacks his own nose, trying to kill a mosquito that is pestering him. "Don't fall off, because I'm not fishing you back out," he grumbles.
[Gaffleknot]: The kender simply gives a laugh and nimbly traverses the vine bridge.
[JadedDM]: (Roll a DEX check, -5 penalty)
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [11] = (11)
[JadedDM]: The surefooted kender has no problem crossing the slippery bridge.
[Lirian]: "I'll go next."
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [5] = (5)
[JadedDM]: Lirian, crossing carefully, makes it across, as well.
[Lirian]: "Keep a sharp eye out, Gaf," Lirian says once she's on the other side.
[JadedDM]: Amala goes next, looking at the bridge dubiously.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [2] = (2)
[JadedDM]: Carefully inching across, she makes it without slipping.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Okay, here goes nothing."
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [10] = (10)
[JadedDM]: Holding on to the ropes, the rogue manages to get across and join the others. Only Barlemus, Gimak, Daos and Kendra remain.
[Lirian]: Lirian called out to the others across the bridge. "Kendra, Daos, you come next."
[JadedDM]: Nodding, the wizard crosses next.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [10] = (10)
[JadedDM]: Refusing to let go of his staff, the unsteady half-elf has trouble. Once he's about half-way across, he slips and splashes into the muck below with a curse.
[Kendra]: "Daos!" Kendra calls out.
[Lirian]: Lirian curses. She wades through the muck until she is where Daos is splashing around.
[JadedDM]: Daos flails about in the muck, trying to keep his head above the water. The ripples in the water gather the attention of something else, however. Eight spiders, each one at least six feet in diameter, begin approaching from the south. They step on the water as if it was solid ground, and they head right toward the two half-elves.
[Gaffleknot]: "Daos! Lirian!"
[Lirian]: Lirian curses some more, but doggedly swims towards the mage.
[JadedDM]: (Kendra, Gimak, and Barlemus are on the west side of the bridge; Gaf, Amala, and Marik are on the east side. Daos is in the muck, and Lirian is swimming toward him. Actions for Round 1?)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf slings a stone at one of the spiders.
[Kendra]: Kendra looks over her shoulder to Barlemus and Gimak. Finally, she decides to wade out into the muck to help keep the spiders off of Daos.
[Kendra]: [1d10] => [6] = (6)
[Lirian]: Lirian swims towards Daos.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d10] => [1] = (1)
[JadedDM]: Round 1: Barlemus' turn.
[JadedDM]: Drawing his shield and sword, he steps in front of Kendra to protect her. "Don't worry, they won't get past me," he says, oblivious to the young woman's intentions.
[JadedDM]: Huge Spiders' turn.
[JadedDM]: The spiders come closer, stepping within ten feet of the half-elves.
[JadedDM]: Kendra's turn.
[Kendra]: "I'm not the one that needs protecting right now, Barlemus," Kendra says as she moves to walk around him to get to the two half elves.
[Kendra]: [1d20] => [16] = (16)
[Kendra]: [1d8] => [6] = (6)
[Kendra]: Once close enough, Kendra swings her staff at one of the spiders. The wound bleeds a little and the spider hisses at her.
[JadedDM]: Gaf's turn.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[Gaffleknot]: [1d4+1] => [4,1] = (5)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf plants his hoopak in the mud and slingshots a stone directly at a spider, giving off a solid thwack.
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Daos!" Her blue eyes filled with worry, the would-be knight charges into the shallow parts of the muck, her green blade shimmering.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [5,6] = (11)
[JadedDM]: With a single thrust, she impales one of the spiders with her blade. Its legs curl up under it as it dies.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: "Damn it! Stop rushing in, doorknobs!" he calls out, but to no avail. Grumbling, he pulls out his crossbow, loads a bolt and fires.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [10] = (10)
[JadedDM]: The bolt flies by a spider, missing it by a hair's breadth.
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn.
[JadedDM]: Drawing an arrow, he fires his bow.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [3] = (3)
[JadedDM]: The arrow sinks into the muck and vanishes, to the rogue's chagrin.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: "Daos, calm down! You're going to drown if you keep flailing about!" Lirian lends the mage a steady arm.
[JadedDM]: Taking hold of the mage, Lirian starts to drag him to the eastern side of the bridge while the others distract the spiders.
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn (2nd).
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[JadedDM]: [1d8] => [2] = (2)
[JadedDM]: Marik fires another arrow at a spider that gets too close to Lirian. It is but a flesh wound, but it distracts the spider long enough for the two half-elves to get away.
[JadedDM]: (One down, seven to go. Actions for Round 2?)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf slings another stone.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d10] => [1] = (1)
[Lirian]: Lirian drags Daos to the shore.
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [3] = (3)
[Kendra]: Kendra starts to back away now that Daos is safe, keeping up her defense like she was taught.
[JadedDM]: (Kendra goes into parrying mode, boosting her AC by 2 points.)
[JadedDM]: Round 2: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [16] = (16)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [4,6] = (10)
[JadedDM]: Amala starts to back up, covering the two half-elves. She slices at another spider that tries to get too close, severing one of its eight legs.
[JadedDM]: Huge Spiders' turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [5] = (5)
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [1] = (1)
[JadedDM]: The spider fighting with Kendra is joined by an ally. They both bite at the woman, but she keeps them at bay with her staff. The second one even stumbles and sinks half-way into the muck, leaving it open to attack.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [14] = (14)
[JadedDM]: [1d6] => [4] = (4)
[JadedDM]: (Amala) [1d20] => [1] = (1)
[JadedDM]: Two of them fight Amala. While she is blocking the bite of one, the second manages to bypass her heavy armor. She cries out as the venomous fangs sink into her flesh.
[JadedDM]: The other three continue chasing after Lirian and Daos, trying to catch up. However, they are still quite slow while walking on water.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: Lirian continues to drag Daos towards the shore.
[JadedDM]: The two half-elves reach the shore where Marik remains with his bow. The three spiders continue their chase.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus' turn.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Kendra! Dang it!" He watches her from the shore. After a moment of hesitation, he steps in the muck...and promptly sinks to his shoulders. "Agh!"
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[JadedDM]: [1d8] => [5] = (5)
[JadedDM]: Taking aim, Marik scores a hit in the thorax of the spider he winged earlier.
[JadedDM]: Gaf's turn.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[Gaffleknot]: [2d4+2] => [4,4,2] = (10)
[Gaffleknot]: Another stone flies, this time splattering spider brains everywhere.
[Gaffleknot]: "I got one! Lirian, I got one!"
[JadedDM]: Daos' turn.
[JadedDM]: Flopping on shore, his white robes now a disgusting greenish-black, he manages to get to his feet and backs up behind Marik, coughing up some swamp water.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [12] = (12)
[JadedDM]: [1d4] => [3] = (3)
[JadedDM]: Gimak fires again, this time catching a spider in the flank.
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn (2nd).
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [16] = (16)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [4,6] = (10)
[JadedDM]: Amala, furious, slices the spider that just bit her in half, her green blade singing as it slices through the hard shell.
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn (2nd).
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[JadedDM]: [2d8] => [5,7] = (12)
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Get away from her!" he calls to the stupid beasts. Taking careful aim, Marik breathes slowly and then lets loose an arrow. Flying through the air true, it sinks into the skull of one of the spiders attacking Kendra. The creature splashes about, its legs curling up under it as it sinks into the muck.
[JadedDM]: (Four down, four to go. Actions for Round 3?)
[Lirian]: Lirian turns back and launches an attack at the oncoming spiders.
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [9] = (9)
[Kendra]: Kendra's eyes widen as one of the spiders falls in front of her. She takes a moment to look up, and smiles towards Marik. Feeling a little more confident, she continues to back up, but also attacks with her staff.
[Kendra]: [1d10] => [5] = (5)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf takes his hoopak out of the muddy ground and spears one of the spiders.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d10] => [10] = (10)
[JadedDM]: Round 3: Barlemus' turn.
[JadedDM]: The warrior retreats back to dry land, having to fish his boot out of the muck when it gets stuck.
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [3] = (3)
[JadedDM]: Amala backs up to the shore, slicing at her opponent again. However, it just barely misses.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[JadedDM]: [2d4] => [3,4] = (7)
[JadedDM]: Taking a slow breath before pulling the trigger, the dwarf lines up his sights and fires. The bolt splatters against one of the spiders chasing Lirian, but the blasted creature refuses to die.
[JadedDM]: Kendra's turn.
[Kendra]: [1d20+3] => [10,3] = (13)
[Kendra]: [1d8] => [7] = (7)
[Kendra]: Kendra takes another whack at the spider in front of her. It rears up and hisses at the girl again, but it still doesn't die.
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [8] = (8)
[JadedDM]: Marik fires, but misses.
[JadedDM]: Huge Spiders' turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [10] = (10)
[JadedDM]: The one on Amala strikes, but the warrior blocks with her shield, keeping it at bay.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [11] = (11)
[JadedDM]: [1d6] => [2] = (2)
[Kendra]: (Saving Throw) [1d20] => [14] = (14)
[JadedDM]: The one fighting Kendra bites her left arm. She feels the burning sensation of the poison, but it only lasts a moment before fading.
[Kendra]: Kendra lets out a small cry of pain as the spider bites into her.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [7] = (7)
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [15] = (15)
[JadedDM]: [1d6] => [1] = (1)
[JadedDM]: (Need a save from Lirian.)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [18] = (18)
[Lirian]: Lirian grunts as the spider takes a bite out of her.
[JadedDM]: The last two spiders gang up on the half-elf, angry she robbed them of their meal. One manages to bite her foot, but her boot protects her from most of the damage.
[JadedDM]: Daos' turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[JadedDM]: [2d8] => [1,4] = (5)
[JadedDM]: With a loud thwack, Daos swings the Staff of Magius at one of the spiders fighting Lirian. There is a flash of light, and the critter crumbles to the ground, its flesh smoking slightly.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [7] = (7)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [8] = (8)
[Lirian]: Grimly, Lirian slashes at the spider that bit her foot, slaying the ghastly creature.
[JadedDM]: Gaf's turn.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [16] = (16)
[Gaffleknot]: [1d6+2] => [6,2] = (8)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf gores another spider in its many eyes with the copper head of the hoopak.
[Gaffleknot]: "Two!"
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn (2nd).
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [12] = (12)
[JadedDM]: [1d8] => [4] = (4)
[JadedDM]: Marik fires an arrow at the last spider, the one attacking Kendra. It strikes it from behind, knocking it aside. The creature splashes wildly before going still and sinking down into the muck.
[Kendra]: Now that the spiders are dead, Kendra quickly gets out of the muck. "I'm still not sure why all of you like this...adventure stuff," she says, looking down at her ruined clothing.
[JadedDM]: Daos mutters a minor cantrip, cleaning the muck from his robes. Amala sheathes her blade, hurrying over to him. "Are you all right?"
[JadedDM]: The half-elf nods. "I'm fine. And the rest of you?"
[Lirian]: "Just a little spider bite. Hope its venom isn't too strong."
[JadedDM]: Amala pales. "I don't...feel too good," she says, suddenly breaking out into a sweat.
[Lirian]: Concerned, Lirian goes over to the knight. "Perhaps you should lie down."
[Kendra]: Kendra walks over to the bridge so that she can get across to the others.
[Kendra]: (DEX Check) [1d20] => [14] = (14)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf goes over to a spider and kicks its carapace.
[Kendra]: And promptly, Kendra falls back into the muck.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Kendra!" He leaps into the muck and goes after her.
[Gaffleknot]: "Hmm…spider venom, you say?" He fishes out a dagger and begins digging around. "Not too good with spider anatomy, but I do think their venom sacs are... Here!"
[JadedDM]: Amala curls up on the ground, her whole body wracked with pain.
[Lirian]: "My knowledge of herbs is not as adequate as those expert healers in the elflands, but I can provide some comfort." Lirian takes out her dripping pouches in dismay. "I may need to forage for ingredients."
[Lirian]: "Let me see if I can salvage enough to help you, Amala." She begins inspecting her pouches.
[JadedDM]: Daos helps Amala lie down and remove her armor so Lirian can treat the bite mark.
[Kendra]: Kendra struggles to push herself up in the muck. Seeing Marik come her way, she holds her hand out to him.
[JadedDM]: Marik fishes the girl out of the muck and helps her to the other side of the bridge.
[Lirian]: "Daos, you know your herb lore, yes? Help me get what I need."
[JadedDM]: Deciding to avoid the bridge, Barlemus lifts up Gimak on his shoulders and starts trudging his way through the muck.
[Gaffleknot]: (How many spider sacs can Gaf salvage?)
[Kendra]: "Thanks," Kendra says to Marik. Quickly, she gives him a kiss on the cheek, before looking to see what the others are doing. "What's going on?" she asks.
[Lirian]: "Amala has succumbed to the spider's bite. I am treating her now."
[JadedDM]: Too late, Amala bites back a scream as the poison does its work. Fortunately, Amala is a very hearty young woman, and is able to fight it off. (She takes 15 damage.)
[Lirian]: "Wait!" Lirian hits her forehead with exasperation. "I forgot. The staff!"
[Lirian]: "Quickly, quickly!" Lirian motions to Kendra.
[JadedDM]: (At least two spiders made it to the shore, if I recall. The rest sank into the muck after dying. So I would say two spider sacs, both containing A-type poison.)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf carefully stores the spider sacs away in a pouch. Wiping his hands with mud, he goes over to where the others are. "Uh-oh! What happened?"
[Kendra]: Kendra pushes herself up, and rushes over to Amala's side. She looks down at the young woman, not use to seeing her in such a condition. Closing her eyes, she touches the knight with her staff.
[Kendra]: (Cure Moderate Wounds) [1d10+1] => [1,1] = (2)
[JadedDM]: The staff's glow covers Amala, but it seems to weaken and flicker as the woman's faith wavers with it. Amala's pain subsides slightly, but not by much.
[Lirian]: "Such a miracle," Lirian murmurs. She continues to berate herself. "I didn't even consider it, and delayed too long."
[Kendra]: Kendra frowns, more at herself than the power of the staff. "I'm sorry," she says, sounding disappointed.
[JadedDM]: Amala grimaces, but she smiles slightly. "It's okay. I'm all right. The pain is starting to fade now."
[Kendra]: "Still, I should have been able to do more."
[JadedDM]: Daos and Barlemus help Amala to her feet.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Well, now we're all filthy and stink to high heaven."
[Lirian]: Lirian stands as well. "Let's go. We still have to get to Xak Tsaroth."
[Kendra]: Kendra tries to wipe some of the muck off of her, but she only manages to spread it more.
[Lirian]: "Will you be alright to walk?" Lirian asks Amala.
[JadedDM]: Amala nods. "I'm fine, really. Don't worry."
[Lirian]: "Then, we should move quickly."
[JadedDM]: Moving on, the party continues to the east. The soaked ground slopes into thick swampwater. Here, a giant Ironclaw tree has fallen, spanning the waters to another section of the ground. Thick green moss drapes the log.
[Lirian]: "Wait..." Lirian scans the environment for any hiding creatures.
[JadedDM]: (Make a WIS check.)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [7] = (7)
[JadedDM]: Looking carefully, the half-elf sees a hint of movement on the other side of the Ironclaw tree. Was it someone lying in wait? Or perhaps just a bird or small animal?
[Lirian]: Lirian's eyes are far distant. "I see something. I'm not sure. Could be a small animal. Could be another giant predator lying in ambush."
[Kendra]: "Then what do we do?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "There's nowhere else to go, unless we cross the muck."
[Lirian]: "I don't think we have a choice. This is the only way forward. I'll go across and check it out."
[Gaffleknot]: "Me, too! I want to go, too, Lirian!"
[JadedDM]: Gimak draws his axe. "Stay close to me, lass," he says to Kendra. "Lirian, be careful."
[Lirian]: "Not this time, Gaf. After what happened last time, I don't want you caught. At least I can make back across if it's something nasty."
[Kendra]: Kendra keeps a tight hold on her staff, and moves closer to Gimak.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf frowns at that, but he stays put.
[Lirian]: Lirian checks to make sure her swords are secure, then leaps across the log.
[JadedDM]: Ironically, the fallen tree proves to be easier to cross than the man-made bridge. The ranger has no difficulty in keeping her footing. Once she's about half-way across, however, her worst fears are confirmed. Four creatures emerge from behind trees and shrubs, ready to attack. Standing over six feet in height, they are covered with bronze-hued scales...but resemble men in appearance. They have large wings and long swords strapped to their belts. These lizard-like men are completely alien to Lirian. She has never even heard old tales describing any such thing. One of them shouts something to the others, and then they attack.
[Kendra]: "W...What are those?!"
[JadedDM]: The four creatures are about fifteen feet away from Lirian, on the other side of the bridge. Actions for Round 1?
[Lirian]: Years of battle instinct take over her reeling mind at seeing something so alien. All Lirian knows is that she is being attacked, so she reacts. She draws her swords and counter-attacks.
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [1] = (1)
[Kendra]: Kendra sticks close to Gimak for the time being, unsure on what to do.
[Gaffleknot]: "Lirian!" Gaf slingshots one of the strange creatures.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d10] => [4] = (4)
[JadedDM]: (Kendra gets a bonus 2 points to her AC while in parry mode.)
[JadedDM]: Round 1: Daos' turn.
[JadedDM]: "Kalith karan, tobanis-kar!" he cries as two beams of purple light emerge from his fingertips and fly across the bridge, striking two of Lirian's attackers.
[JadedDM]: (MR) [1d100] => [48] = (48)
[JadedDM]: (MR) [1d100] => [22] = (22)
[JadedDM]: [1d4+1] => [4,1] = (5)
[JadedDM]: [1d4+1] => [4,1] = (5)
[JadedDM]: The missiles strike their opponents, knocking them back a bit.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[Lirian]: [2d8] => [7,8] = (15)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [8] = (8)
[Lirian]: Lirian slashes violently, rupturing the throat of one of the scaly attackers, and producing a long gash on another's arm.
[JadedDM]: The creature grasps at its own throat before falling to the ground. It seems these strange beings can be killed after all! However, immediately after something strange happens. The creature's skin shrivels up, leaving only the bones behind. The bones then explode violently, striking Lirian and her second target.
[JadedDM]: [1d6] => [5] = (5)
[Kendra]: Kendra jumps back upon seeing the bones explode.
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn.
[Lirian]: "Aah!" Lirian cries at the creature's death throes. "What bewitchment is this?!"
[JadedDM]: Drawing her blade, Amala leaps atop the log and rushes across to aid her friend.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [11] = (11)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [3,6] = (9)
[JadedDM]: With a warcry, she slices the second creature's head clean off its body. However, the same thing happens as before. The creature's skin shrivels and its bones explode, hitting both of the women.
[JadedDM]: [1d6] => [2] = (2)
[JadedDM]: Monsters' turn.
[JadedDM]: The two remaining creatures face off with Amala and Lirian. However, two more suddenly come out of hiding from behind Kendra and the others. Marik shouts out a warning as the two creatures begin waving their talons and chanting in some strange language.
[JadedDM]: The two creatures on the east side of the Ironclaw tree chant, as well. Suddenly, webbing, like that of a spider, crops up all around Lirian and Amala. (Roll a saving throw.)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[JadedDM]: (Amala) [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[JadedDM]: Both of the women jump free of the webbing, but then the other creature does the same thing. (One more saving throw.)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [18] = (18)
[JadedDM]: (Amala) [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[JadedDM]: (Okay then. Both girls escape from the webbing. Let's see how the others do. I need saves from both Gaf and Kendra.)
[Kendra]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[JadedDM]: (Marik) [1d20] => [13] = (13)
[JadedDM]: (Barlemus) [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[JadedDM]: (Daos) [1d20] => [8] = (8)
[JadedDM]: Gimak [1d20] => [9] = (9)
[JadedDM]: Barlemus, Kendra and Gaf manage to avoid the webbing, but the others are not so lucky! The last creature does the same thing, so one more saving throw from Gaf and Kendra.
[Kendra]: [1d20] => [2] = (2)
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [18] = (18)
[JadedDM]: (Barlemus) [1d20] => [13] = (13)
[JadedDM]: Only Gaf avoids them this time.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: Gimak struggles to break free of the webbing. "What is this? Some kind of magic? Daos! Do something!"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "I'm...working on it!" he calls back.
[JadedDM]: Gaf's turn.
[Kendra]: Kendra struggles desperately in the webbing, but finds she isn't having the best of luck.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf fires a stone at one of the monsters.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [16] = (16)
[Gaffleknot]: [1d4+1] => [4,1] = (5)
[Gaffleknot]: The stone sails towards the monster, but its scales take the brunt of the damage.
[JadedDM]: (Everyone but Gaf, Lirian, and Amala are trapped in the webbing. One must have a STR of at least 13 to even attempt to escape. Actions for Round 2?)
[Kendra]: Kendra continues to struggle, but she can't break free.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf turns his attention to the two monsters that ambushed them on this side of the bridge. He spears one of them.
[Lirian]: Lirian wants to help her friends, but is loath to leave two spellcasters at her back. She attacks them, hoping to finish them off quickly.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d10] => [7] = (7)
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [1] = (1)
[JadedDM]: Round 2: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [7] = (7)
[JadedDM]: Amala engages one of the two still on her side, but it quickly draws its own sword and parries.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [14] = (14)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [8] = (8)
[Lirian]: [2d8] => [8,6] = (14)
[Lirian]: Lirian strikes fast and true, piercing the creature's heart. She grimaces, waiting for its inevitable death throes.
[JadedDM]: Kaboom! [1d6] => [3] = (3) (This hits Amala, Lirian, and the remaining draconian.)
[JadedDM]: Monsters' turn.
[JadedDM]: The last one on the girls' side is engaged with Amala, and swings with its sword.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [14] = (14)
[JadedDM]: The knight blocks with her shield at the last minute, though.
[JadedDM]: The other two on the other side start gathering up the captured Companions. One picks up Gimak and Kendra, tucking one under each arm. The other one grabs Marik and Daos. Barlemus shouts out a warning. "Hey! Stop! Guys, they're taking them! Ut!"
[JadedDM]: Gaf's turn.
[Kendra]: Kendra lets out a scream once she is picked up. "Let me go!" she cries out.
[Gaffleknot]: "Kendra! Daos! Barlemus!" Gaf attacks one of the monsters.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[Gaffleknot]: [2d6+4] => [5,5,4] = (14)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf screams and gores the monster's shoulder with much force despite the kender's small size.
[JadedDM]: The creature howls in pain, but decides to ignore the kender and follow after its companion, holding on to its prisoners.
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn (2nd).
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [10] = (10)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [4,6] = (10)
[Gaffleknot]: "Lirian! Amala! Help me! Let them go, let them go!"
[JadedDM]: Amala cuts through her opponent, badly wounding the draconic creature. Risking a glance over her shoulder, she hears the kender's shouts. "What? No!"
[Lirian]: Lirian curses at her friends' being rounded up. "Go, Amala. I'll take care of this one."
[JadedDM]: (One drac, badly wounded, continues fighting Amala. The other two run off with their companions. Actions for Round 3?)
[Lirian]: Lirian attacks the last monster on this side.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf continues his attack, relentlessly.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d10] => [2] = (2)
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [1] = (1)
[JadedDM]: Round 3: Gaf's turn.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [16] = (16)
[Gaffleknot]: [1d6+2] => [3,2] = (5)
[Gaffleknot]: The kender lets out of great cry as he charges the fleeing monster. The hoopak rams into the monsters, sliding between the ribs and puncturing a lung.
[JadedDM]: Ignoring the pesky kender turned out to be a mistake on the creature's part...a deadly one. It, too, exploded, as it dropped Gimak and Kendra to the ground.
[JadedDM]: [1d6] => [1] = (1) (Gimak, Kendra, and Gaf all suffer this.)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf covers his eyes as it explodes, but bone shards still strike the kender.
[Kendra]: Kendra lets out a grunt from hitting the ground and from having bone explode at her. Though, she still can't move due to the webbing she's stuck in.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: Lirian glares at the remaining monster on her side. "Who are you? What is your purpose in capturing us?" She continues to relentlessly attack the monster.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [14] = (14)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [8] = (8)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [8] = (8)
[JadedDM]: The creature speaks, "Our purpose is...hurk!" he gasps as Lirian stabs him with both blades. He, too, then explodes.
[JadedDM]: [1d6] => [3] = (3)
[Lirian]: Lirian winces as it explodes. "Damn. Got a little too hasty there."
[JadedDM]: Amala, ignoring the stings from the bone shards, rushes back across the tree. However, the final creature has managed to disappear in the brush, taking Daos and Marik with it.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus tears off the webbing that held him, then he uses his sword to free Gimak and Kendra.
[Kendra]: "Daos! Marik!" Kendra cries out as she is freed from the webbing. "We've got to go after them!"
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Daos...no..."
[Lirian]: "Agreed." Lirian goes back across the bridge, looking for signs of the creature's passage. "He'll be slowed down, carrying two extra."
[JadedDM]: Gimak gets to his feet. "Hold on! We can't just go trampling off into the wild. It might be a trap. We have to be careful here."
[Kendra]: "This was the trap. They wanted to capture us."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Ut...what were those things?"
[Lirian]: "Gimak, old friend. I don't care. I'm going after them." Lirian slips through the brush where the monster left.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "And what are the rest of us supposed to do? Sit here on our hands and wait for you?"
[Lirian]: Lirian ignores the dwarf's cries and instead concentrates on tracking the monster and her friends.
[Gaffleknot]: "Lirian," Gaf cries softly. "What do we do?" he says, looking at the others.
[JadedDM]: (Make a Tracking check.)
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Well, is anyone badly hurt?"
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [15] = (15)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf shakes his head. "Only when they exploded at the end. What was that? Daos would know..."
[JadedDM]: The ranger finds the creature's strange tracks. They are deeper, indicating it is carrying something heavy. The tracks lead to the north, and then vanish when Lirian comes to more muck. The creature either went into the muck...or perhaps used its wings to fly away.
[Lirian]: Lirian curses. Like so many times in her life, she feels powerless, not knowing what to do.
[JadedDM]: Amala, ignoring her wounds, sheathes her blade. "Well, we can't just stand around here."
[Lirian]: "Come out and fight, you gods-forsaken.... AGHH!!"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "No fair, using magic and all. Otherwise, we could have taken them. Hope Marik and Daos are all right, though."
[Gaffleknot]: "Gimak, what do we do?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Those creatures, whatever they were...they were sure trying hard to take us alive. That means Daos and Marik are probably okay. For now, anyway. Maybe we can find that creature's base or lair. Then we can rescue them."
[Kendra]: "Then we need to get moving," Kendra says.
[Gaffleknot]: "Lirian's the only one who knows how to track, though. How are we going to find them?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Well...uh...maybe we'll get lucky and find some clues?"
[Kendra]: "These creatures are smart. They'll probably find ways to avoid being tracked, but Daos and Marik might have dropped some clues," Kendra says hopefully.
[Gaffleknot]: "I guess all we can do is walk to where Lirian headed off, and hopefully run into her."
[Kendra]: Kendra nods in agreement with Gaf, and moves to walk in the direction Lirian disappeared to.
[JadedDM]: Lirian left the way they originally came, so they double back. They don't have to go far, before they spot the ranger standing at the northern shore of the island they just left, staring off at the horizon in frustration.
[Kendra]: "Why are you just standing there?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Lirian!" Gaf says, relief in his voice. "Are you okay?"
[Lirian]: "I lost them," Lirian says, her voice very small. "Fifteen years, and I lost them in as many seconds. I'm so stupid!" Lirian angrily slashes at nearby brush.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Here now, lass. Don't beat yourself up. We're in unfamiliar territory with strange, magic-using monsters. We're out of element here, all of us."
[Kendra]: "Lirian, calm down," Kendra says gently, walking over to the half-elf to place a hand on her shoulder. "Isn't there another way to look for them?"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Ut. What if they were taken to that place...the one we're going to? Zack Sarath?"
[Lirian]: "The trail ends here. Either they used the mud to conceal their tracks... Or they flew." Lirian laughs bitterly.
[Kendra]: "Could that thing fly with two people weighing it down?"
[Lirian]: Lirian shakes her head. "I don't know." She takes a deep breath. "Everyone spread out. Look for tracks, if you can. Deep indentations. Broken brush. Any sort of sign. If you find it, give me a shout." She shakes her head. "That's all we can do."
[Kendra]: Kendra lets out a small sigh, but she begins looking for anything that might be a clue that leads to Daos and Marik.
[JadedDM]: Everyone spreads out, hoping to find something. However, after several minutes of searching, nothing comes up. Even the sharp-eyed kender comes up empty-handed.
[Kendra]: "All right, maybe Barlemus is right."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Yeah! Wait, I am? About what?"
[Kendra]: "About that creature going to Xak Tsaroth."
[Lirian]: "If he did, he went the wrong way, perhaps to intentionally fool us."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Oh, yeah. That." He looks up at the treetops. "Too bad we still don't have those flying horses. Then we could see better."
[Gaffleknot]: "What a dirty trick!"
[Lirian]: "We must press on, and hope that Barlemus and Kendra are right. Judging from the Forestmaster's words, we have little time as it is."
[Kendra]: "If that is the case, we need to head back the way we were going. It is really the only other option we have left here."
[Lirian]: "Then, let's go." Lirian says, securing her swords, her face hard.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf looks worried at the half-elf. "I'm ready."
[Kendra]: "Lirian, lead the way."
[Lirian]: Lirian goes back the way they came, back towards the ironclaw bridge.
[JadedDM]: With the ranger leading the way, the party heads back to the ironclaw tree and crosses it. On this third island, the party finds that one, not two, but three bridges--all leading to different islands. One to the northwest, one to the northeast, and one to the east. The northwest and eastern ones are slick rope bridges, like the first one they saw. The northeast bridge, however, is different. It's made of wood. It seems the party has a choice to make.
[Lirian]: Lirian inspects the wooden bridge. "Gaf, take a look at this."
[Kendra]: Kendra looks between the bridges. "Well, I fell off the rope bridge once all ready, so I say we go for the wooden bridge. Besides, it is different from the others."
[Gaffleknot]: Eager to be helpful, Gaf goes to Lirian. "What is it, Lirian?"
[Lirian]: "You work with wood, what can you tell me about it?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Hmm..." The kender looks at the bridge.
[JadedDM]: The bridge's ornate wooden latticework, carved to resemble vines, is broken in many places.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf relates the information to the party.
[Lirian]: "Sounds like a bridge to the old city, while these vine bridges may have been set up by those creatures to traverse the swamp."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "That might explain why it looks about ready to fall apart. It'd be pretty old."
[Kendra]: "So what do we do then?"
[Lirian]: "We're going to Xak Tsaroth. That's the best chance we have of getting back Daos and Marik."
[JadedDM]: As they are discussing this, the half-elf notices some movement on the other side of the bridge. It's starting to get dark now, but her vision is still pretty good.
[Lirian]: Lirian hisses. "More of them across the bridge. Barlemus? Amala? We're rushing them." She carefully unsheathes the sword, hoping the creatures don't notice that she's noticed them.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus draws his blade. "What? Where? You sure?" he whispers.
[Lirian]: "More than anything. You two, on my signal, charge across the bridge."
[JadedDM]: Amala draws her own sword, ready.
[Lirian]: Lirian raises a fierce war cry, draws her two swords in a flash, then charges across the bridge.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf, bewildered, scans the other side for any hostile enemies.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus and Amala rush right after her. The two guards on the other side of the bridge are tall and cloaked. They do not seem to be expecting trouble, and are almost caught off guard at the sight of the three charging warriors. They draw their blades, and one of them throws back his hood, revealing reptilian features. He looks similar to the ones that just attacked the party, but different somehow. Slightly smaller in build, for one thing.
[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 1?)
[Lirian]: Lirian attacks the guard with a cold fury.
[Kendra]: Kendra stays back with Gimak, remaining in defense mode for the most part.
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [2] = (2)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf fires a few stones across the bridge.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d10] => [9] = (9)
[JadedDM]: Round1: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [2] = (2)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [8] = (8)
[Lirian]: Lirian's anger blinds her, causing her to miss both her targets by a wide margin.
[JadedDM]: First Guard's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [8] = (8)
[JadedDM]: Startled by her ferocity, the lizard-like guard strikes at Lirian with his blade, but she crosses her own weapons, blocking it.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus' turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [9] = (9)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+3] => [2,3] = (5)
[JadedDM]: Barlemus engages the second guard, his blade cutting into the creature's left arm.
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [6] = (6)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [1,6] = (7)
[JadedDM]: Amala joins Lirian, her blade singing softly as its slices into the beastman's flank.
[JadedDM]: Second Guard's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[JadedDM]: [1d8] => [7] = (7)
[JadedDM]: The second guard strikes at Barlemus, catching him in the right thigh with its wicked blade.
[JadedDM]: Gaf's turn.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [15] = (15)
[Gaffleknot]: [1d4+2] => [4,2] = (6)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf swings his hoopak over head, gathering great speed. A whining sound, like a bull roar issues forth, then a stone flies overhead, crushing the guard's skull.
[JadedDM]: The guard falls to the ground, unmoving. Stifling a yelp, Barlemus throws up his shield to protect him. However, instead of exploding like before, this creature simply turns into solid stone.
[Lirian]: Lirian doesn't have time to notice this strange new development, as she is actively engaged with the other guard.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[JadedDM]: [2d4] => [4,4] = (8)
[JadedDM]: The creature freezes suddenly, then tumbles forward, a bolt sticking out of the back of its neck. It instantly freezes into solid stone, as well.
[Lirian]: Lirian looks grimly at the statue. "That would have trapped our weapons, had we issued the killing blow. A dangerous hazard during battle."
[Kendra]: Kendra moves forward once the danger seems to be gone, obviously looking for Daos and Marik.
[Gaffleknot]: "Everyone okay?" Gaf moves across the bridge as well.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf looks disappointed at the statue, as there is nothing to collect when they've turned to stone.
[JadedDM]: The creatures dead, the others come across the bridge. Not far up ahead, even the human party members can see the light of torches.
[Kendra]: Kendra looks around, then moves towards the light cautiously.
[Lirian]: "Perhaps we have found Xak Tsaroth after all. And our friends." Lirian has difficulty keeping the hope out of her voice.
[JadedDM]: Gimak grabs hold of Kendra's hand. "Whoa, not so fast, lass," he whispers. "Best we scout it out first, to be safe."
[Gaffleknot]: "Ooh, that sounds like a job for me!"
[Kendra]: Kendra looks over her shoulder to Gimak, then lets out a sigh.
[Lirian]: "Aye, Gaf. So it does. Come along."
[Lirian]: Lirian looks back over to Gimak. "If we're not back in twenty minutes, something went wrong. I'll leave it up to you to decide what to do, old friend."
[JadedDM]: As the others wait, Gaf and Lirian sneak forward, keeping to the growing shadows and behind whatever cover they can find. Up ahead, massive ruins break the jungle undergrowth. Small broken towers rise through the cover of trees. Ferns and bushes sprout through a flagstone plaza surrounded by small shacks and lean-tos, and a bamboo cage where two people are trapped inside. A huge bonfire blazes at the plaza's far north side. Beyond the fire, set in the remaining half-shell of a crumbled dome, a huge black dragon stands, its wings outfolded!
[Airellian]: (Can we end here? I have work tomorrow.)
[JadedDM]: (All right.)
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Post by Daos on Dec 18, 2010 1:35:05 GMT -8
Session 04 - The Greatest Gift to Man
[JadedDM]: Reapember 16th, 350 AC; Misham at 20 bells. Night is quickly falling on the swamps as Gaf and Lirian scout out the draconian camp. Aside from the creatures milling about, there is a large bonfire, a bamboo cage with prisoners inside, and perhaps most startling, a massive black dragon with wings outfolded!
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf gasps in surprise, but manages, somehow, to contain it.
[Lirian]: Lirian grimaces, and breathes in sharply at the sight of the massive wyrm.
[JadedDM]: However, after a few moments of observation, they notice the dragon does not move. It holds perfectly still, maintaining that pose. The draconians wander around the camp, chatting to each other and keeping a look out, ignoring the beast altogether.
[Lirian]: Lirian studies the situation, then taps Gaf on the shoulder.
[Gaffleknot]: The kender looks at the half-elf questioningly.
[Lirian]: Lirian points out the bamboo cage to the kender and jerks her head towards it.
[Gaffleknot]: Realization dawns on Gaf, and he quickly scampers through the underbrush, moving closer to the cage while trying to remain unseen.
[Lirian]: Lirian stays put and begins counting out the monsters in the camp.
[Gaffleknot]: (Hide in Shadows) [1d100] => [34] = (34)
[Gaffleknot]: (Move Silently) [1d100] => [21] = (21)
[JadedDM]: As Gaf quietly sneaks up to the bamboo cage, Lirian counts out the creatures. She spots two of the larger, exploding types. One is wearing strange ceremonial vestments, and the other is the one that ran off earlier. There are seven of the smaller, petrifying ones milling about. The cage is guarded by a single one of the smaller beastmen, which Gaf easily avoids.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf looks to see who's inside the cage.
[JadedDM]: Peeking inside the cage, he sees Marik and Daos. Their weapons are missing, and Daos has his hands tied together and mouth bound. Marik only has his hands tied together, though.
[Gaffleknot]: (How far away is the guard?)
[JadedDM]: The guard stands at the cage's only entrance, about five feet away from it. His back is turned from the prisoners, but he does glance over his shoulder now and again. The baaz stifles a yawn every few moments, looking quite bored.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf frowns in thought, then his eyes brighten as he thinks an idea. Carefully, he unsheathes a dagger, and slides it between the cage's bars, and lays it on the ground in front of Marik.
[JadedDM]: Marik does not notice right away, as he is glaring daggers of his own at the back of the baaz guard.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf tries to catch the thief's attention by waving a hand inside the cage.
[JadedDM]: Marik notices the movement and his eyes dart down to the dagger. He almost speaks, but then decides not to. Instead, he shifts his weight so he can grab the dagger and casually starts using it to saw off his bands.
[Gaffleknot]: Satisfied, Gaf starts making his way back toward Lirian.
[JadedDM]: The kender makes his way back to the half-elf while Marik continues trying to free himself. This entire time, the black dragon has not moved an inch.
[Lirian]: Having counted the dragon-men's numbers, she has been observing the dragon the entire time Gaf was away.
[Lirian]: Upon seeing the kender arrive, she gestures towards where the others are located.
[JadedDM]: At this point, the two larger dragonmen make their way over to the bamboo cage. The one in vestments starts speaking to Marik, although it cannot be heard what they are saying.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf starts making his way back toward the others, but stops when he sees that Lirian has not moved, her attention riveted onto the cage.
[Lirian]: Lirian motions for the kender to keep going.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf nods, then makes his way back to the other Companions.
[Lirian]: Lirian fingers her swords, wondering if she should go toward the cages.
[Kendra]: Kendra looks down at Gaf once he arrives. "So what is going on?" she asks softly.
[Gaffleknot]: "A dragon! A really big one! Oh Kendra, it was such a surprise to see it, we almost gave ourselves away! And there were a bunch of those dragon-men, and Daos and Marik were in a bamboo cage, but don't worry, I gave Marik one of my knives. Lirian stayed at the camp to keep an eye on things!"
[Kendra]: "A dragon?!"
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Dragon?"
[JadedDM]: Amala: "By the gods..."
[Gaffleknot]: "A big, black one!" Gaf nods, clearly very excited.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Well, I always wanted to slay a dragon."
[Lirian]: Carefully, Lirian creeps towards the bamboo cages.
[Kendra]: Kendra's eyes widen at the very thought of seeing a dragon of all things. "What's the plan? The cage is guarded right? How are we going to get Marik and Daos' out of there?"
[Lirian]: (Hide in Shadows) [1d100] => [8] = (8)
[Lirian]: (Move Silently) [1d100] => [43] = (43)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf scrunches his forehead. "There were a lot of those dragon-men, but only one was guarding the cage. One of the small ones. Oh! And one of the big ones went over to the cage just as I left.. To talk to Daos and Marik, I guess."
[JadedDM]: Lirian carefully approaches the cage and can now hear the dragonmen speaking. "...won't matter anyway. Khisanth will be here in three days, and then you will wish you had been more cooperative," says the one in vestments in Common.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "You can tell this Khisanth to stuff it. I don't know anything about no blue crystal staff. We're just explorers who heard about the ancient ruins up here, and thought there might be treasure inside. That's all."
[Kendra]: Kendra frowns, and looks to Gimak. "You guys have been captured by things before right?"
[JadedDM]: The bozak snorts. "Likely story, ape. But even if it's true, it won't matter. We have no tolerance for intruders. I just hope you do not die as easily as those plainsmen did at our hands." He laughs.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Not by those things before."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Does Lirian have a plan? Or mention anything of one?" she asks the kender.
[Kendra]: "But by other things, and you guys escaped right?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "'Course we did. We're standing here now, after all."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf shrugs. "She didn't mention anything, no. We were trying to stay quiet."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Gaf, how many of those...dragonmen...were there?"
[Kendra]: "Which means it can be done again. We just have to wait for Lirian to get back."
[Lirian]: After listening to the leader's words, Lirian stalks off and makes her way to the rest of the party.
[Gaffleknot]: "Um…I didn't count them, actually."
[JadedDM]: Amala draws her blade. "Someone approaches."
[Lirian]: Lirian holds her hands up as she approaches the party. "I must be getting rusty if you were able to hear me. Or you're getting better."
[Gaffleknot]: "Lirian! You're back!"
[JadedDM]: Sighing in relief, Amala sheathes her blade. "What news? Gaf told us there was a dragon guarding our friends."
[Lirian]: Lirian frowns. "Yes. The dragon. It's odd though. It's almost too still. Very eerie." The half-elf shakes her head. "We haven't much time. I managed to listen to one of the leader's speaking to Marik. They're keeping both Daos and Marik alive, but only just and only until their true leader arrives. Someone named 'Khisanth'. So, we need to free them before then. And after that, we still need to get to Xak Tsaroth."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Not including the dragon, how many foes are we talking about?"
[Lirian]: "Two of the exploding types, seven of the stone ones. The larger ones seem to be the leaders."
[Kendra]: "Sounds like we may need a distraction to get them free."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "I like those odds."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "I don't. Nine of those creatures, plus the dragon. Kendra is right, we need a distraction."
[Lirian]: "I know what they're after." Lirian looks at Kendra. "The staff."
[Gaffleknot]: "It should be easy to break them out. The cage is only made of bamboo. Barley can break it one snap!"
[Kendra]: Kendra tightens her grasp around the staff with a sigh. "At this point, that isn't really becoming a surprise," she says to Lirian.
[Lirian]: "We can't let it fall into their hands."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "I say we rush them. They'll never expect it."
[Lirian]: "Nine against six isn't bad odds, but the dragon throws that right out, Barlemus."
[Kendra]: "You forget that some of them can cast spells."
[Gaffleknot]: "Lirian! Lirian! I have the spider poison! Maybe I can put it in their water?"
[Lirian]: "How are you even supposed to get near enough to their water skins, Gaf, without them seeing you?" Lirian says, exasperated.
[Gaffleknot]: "Then, what about the dragon? I can put it in its food. They won't notice that!"
[Lirian]: Lirian sighs. "Any ideas?" she asks around the party.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Just too many unknowns with the dragon involved. We don't even know what to expect from it."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "If Daos were here...maybe he could use his magic against them."
[Kendra]: "Gaf, didn't you say you gave Marik your dagger?"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus looks around. "Hey...where did he go? He was right here," he says, looking for the kender.
[Lirian]: Lirian curses. "That damnable kender!"
[JadedDM]: Gaf strikes off on his own, returning to the camp. He finds that the bozaks have left the cage and are now near the bonfire. Only the lone guard remains now. The dragon remains in the same position as before.
[Gaffleknot]: (Hide in Shadows) [1d100] => [18] = (18)
[Gaffleknot]: (Move Silently) [1d100] => [51] = (51)
[Lirian]: "Should we sit here and wait and hope he doesn't give himself away, or do we go after him, and turn the situation even worse?"
[JadedDM]: Gaf stealthily approaches the dragon, quiet as the night. However, when he gets close enough, he realizes the dragon is a fake. It's made of wicker and woven of vines and branches.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Damn lame-brained doorknob..."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Well, wouldn't this be a good distraction then, if he does something?"
[Kendra]: "Let's see if he does anything before we rush in there."
[Lirian]: Lirian lets out an explosive sigh. "Let's get closer and see if anything happens. Everyone, get ready."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf cocks his head to one side, examining the fake dragon with a fascinated air.
[JadedDM]: Closer examination reveals there is an opening in the figure at the base between its legs. The main braces for the wings are tied together just below the dragon's mouth. The mouth itself forms a funnel.
[JadedDM]: Gimak, Amala and Barlemus draw their weapons, ready for Lirian's signal.
[Gaffleknot]: Curious, Gaf scrambles into the opening, his small legs flailing.
[Lirian]: "Right. Let's go." Lirian draws her bow, testing the tightness of the bowstring, before she lopes off towards the camp.
[JadedDM]: Gaf realizes that if he jumps up and down on the brace, the wings will appear to flap. The funnel amplifies any sound spoken into it, as well.
[JadedDM]: The others follow behind her, trying to keep quiet despite their clinking armor.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf grins as he realizes what this contraption is. He begins jumping up and down on the platform and let's out a great big yawn. "That was a good nap!"
[JadedDM]: As the others approach, they hear the sound of something thrashing about, shouting, "That was a good nap!" in a deep voice. They hear dragonmen screaming and panicking.
[Lirian]: Alarmed, Lirian moves forward to see what is causing the commotion.
[JadedDM]: The camp is pure chaos. The dragon flaps his wings, shouting threats while the draconians all scatter into the swamp in panic. Marik and Daos are left alone in their cage, the rogue trying to snap the bamboo bars of his cell in vain. There is no sign of the kender.
[Gaffleknot]: "Ah, food! Bring those two here. I'm hungry!"
[Kendra]: Kendra's eyes widen as she looks up at the dragon. "Uh...now would be a good time to get them out!"
[JadedDM]: "Ah, food! Bring those two here. I'm hungry!" the thrashing dragon demands. Barlemus rushes the dragon, sword and shield ready, while Amala hurries to the cage to help the others. Gimak merely stares at the dragon, dumbfounded for a moment.
[Lirian]: Lirian knocks an arrow, but is unsure who to hit, the dragon or the dragonmen. Figuring she can clear a path to the prisoners, she fires at one of the exploding types.
[JadedDM]: (Amala) [1d100] => [9] = (9)
[JadedDM]: Grasping the bamboo, the knight rips the bars right off, allowing Daos and Marik to get free.
[JadedDM]: (Go ahead and roll to hit, +2 since it's a back attack.)
[Gaffleknot]: "Where's my food! I'm getting hungry!"
[Lirian]: [1d20+2] => [11,2] = (13)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [4] = (4)
[JadedDM]: The arrow thunks into the scales of the creature's back as it runs away. Barlemus starts smacking the dragon with his blade with a battle cry, as the dragon (ignoring the warrior), demands, "Where's my food?! I'm getting hungry!"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf gets an idea and grins wickedly. He looks into his pouches for his flint and steel.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Die fiend, die!" he cries, hacking at the dragon's leg.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "What madness is this?" he asks nobody in particular as Amala leads them back to the bulk of the group.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf hears thunks against the wicker body and laughs. "That's useless, you stupid human! Useless!! Bwahahaha!"
[Kendra]: Kendra just sort of stands there, dumbfounded. "Uh...shouldn't someone tell Barlemus that the dragon is...ignoring him?"
[JadedDM]: The remainder of the draconians flee into the swamp, leaving the party alone with the dragon who declares, "That's useless, you stupid human! Useless!! Bwahahahaha!"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf starts a fire in the wicker body, then crawls out of the dragon.
[Lirian]: "Barlemus! Let's go!"
[Kendra]: "Barlemus! We need to go now!" Kendra cries out to him.
[Lirian]: "Do you have your gear?" Lirian asks Marik and Daos.
[JadedDM]: The dragon seems to spontaneously burst into flame from within, and the fire quickly spreads. "Yaha! Consider yourself smited, dragon! Smote...smitten? Wait..," Barlemus says.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "There!" he says, pointing to one of the huts. He runs in, and then a moment later runs out carrying his weapons and Daos' staff.
[Gaffleknot]: The kender runs out from the smoke and ash. "Everyone! You're here!"
[Kendra]: "Okay, so...we need to go," Kendra says, though she looks extremely happy to see Daos and Marik safe.
[Gaffleknot]: "Oh, Liri, it was amazing--"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus joins them, beaming with pride. "Just call me, Legendary Dragonslayer Barlemus!"
[Lirian]: "Not now, Gaf. Let's get out of here!"
[Lirian]: (let's blow this thing and get out of here, kid!)
[JadedDM]: The party can go back the way they came originally, or they can continue to the north. Unless they want to risk walking through the muck, at any rate.
[Lirian]: Lirian runs north.
[Kendra]: Kendra follows after Lirian.
[Lirian]: (or is it, let's blow this thing and go home?)
[JadedDM]: The others follow the half-elf, Barlemus belting out a song. "Barlemus the Mighty, He roams through the countryside, He never needs a place to hide..."
[Kendra]: "Barlemus, now really isn't the time!"
[JadedDM]: Up ahead, Lirian spots two branching paths. There's another rope bridge to the west. Up north, there's a large stone obelisk that has been knocked down, forming a bridge, as well.
[Lirian]: Lirian pauses to catch her breath.
[Gaffleknot]: "Lirian, Lirian! It was amazing! I was inside the dragon!"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "With Gaffy as his sidekick fighting with his little stick, righting wrongs and singing songs, being mighty all day long, He's Barlemus, Barlemus the Mighty!"
[Kendra]: Kendra takes in a deep breath as they take a little break. She walks over to Marik and gives him a hug now that they seem to be safe at the moment. "I'm so glad you are all right."
[Gaffleknot]: "And I was inside, and it was so wonderful, but very eerie, and I was flapping the wings and..."
[JadedDM]: Marik hugs her back. "Me, too."
[Lirian]: "QUIET!"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Barlemus the M--," he abruptly stops at Lirian's outburst.
[Kendra]: Kendra looks over her shoulder to Lirian as she lets go of Marik. Take the time of quiet, she walks over to Daos and hugs him too. "And you too," she says softly.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf looks very surprised but is quieted.
[JadedDM]: Daos, blushing slightly, returns the hug, as well.
[Lirian]: Lirian lets out a deep breath, then rounds on the kender. "Gaf, why did you run off without telling anyone where you went?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Um..."
[Kendra]: "Lirian, he got the job done," Kendra points out. "Otherwise, we would still be back there trying to figure out what to do."
[Lirian]: "What exactly did Gaf do?"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Hey, what about my hug? I slew a dragon, after all. By myself. I was all, 'woosh' and 'slash' and it was all, 'Aggh, no, I'm dying!'"
[Kendra]: "I think he was trying to tell us what he was doing while Barlemus was singing," Kendra said, looking to Gaff. "Go ahead, tell us what you were doing," she says as she walks over to Barlemus to give him a hug. "You were very brave," she adds."
[JadedDM]: The blond warrior beams at the hug and complement.
[Gaffleknot]: "Well..." Gaf looks up at the group. "I was going to poison the dragon, so I snuck off--" Gaf cringes at Lirian's stare. "And I snuck back into the camp and I went over to the dragon, looking for what it ate, it seemed like it was sleeping and--The dragon's fake!"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "The dragon's what now?"
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Fake?"
[Kendra]: "So you were the one controlling the dragon then?" Kendra asks curiously.
[Gaffleknot]: The kender nodded furiously. "It's made of wicker and wood. Actually, it was pretty ingenious, it had a curious mechanism that I'm pretty anxious to try out myself, after all this--" Gaf cringes again at Lirian's stare. "Anyway, I crawled inside this hole, and there were braces for the wings and this funnel for amplifying the voice. Yes. I was the dragon!"
[Kendra]: "You still shouldn't have left without telling us what you were doing, but it worked out in the end."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "You were...the drag...," he mutters, dumbfounded.
[JadedDM]: Daos chuckles derisively. "Barlemus, the Mighty Wicker Slayer."
[Kendra]: Kendra gives Barlemus a gently pat on the shoulder. "You were still very brave," she adds softly.
[Gaffleknot]: "And then, I set fire to the dragon from the inside, and crawled back out. That's when I saw everyone."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Well, it was a pretty good distraction, at least."
[Lirian]: Lirian stares at Gaf with an arched eyebrow. "I'm still keeping an eye on you, Gaf. But good job," she says grudgingly.
[Kendra]: "So should we continue on, or should we get some rest?" she asks.
[Lirian]: "What can you tell us about the dragon-men, Daos? Marik?"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf smiles happily, then picks ash off his clothes.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "They're intelligent. Far more organized than goblins, certainly."
[Lirian]: "That much was clear, from the ambush," Lirian murmured.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "They told me they killed a bunch of plainsmen recently."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "However, there is no mention of them in any book I have ever read. Whatever these creatures are, they are new."
[Kendra]: "And they are looking for the staff," Kendra adds with a small sigh.
[Lirian]: "But they're different species. Two new creations? Is that feasible?'
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Yeah, their leader, someone named Khisanth, wants it."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Yes, they seem to have two subspecies. The smaller ones and the larger ones. The larger ones seemed more of an authority force, from what I could observe. The smaller ones seemed dumber, but still fairly smart. More like footsoldiers. They obeyed orders from the larger ones."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "What are they doing here, though? That's the question."
[Lirian]: "Footsoldiers... Like an army?" Lirian shakes her head. "We need this 'gift from the gods', whatever it is."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "What if these creatures are looking for the gift from the gods, as well? We must get to it first then."
[Lirian]: Lirian nods and points to the stone obelisk. "This seems like a good indicator."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf examines the stone.
[Kendra]: "Well, before we continue on," Kendra starts. She walks up to Lirian, and places the staff upon her.
[Kendra]: [1d10+1] => [8,1] = (9)
[JadedDM]: Gaf approaches the tremendous obelisk, noting it lies besides its broken pedestal base. Despite the darkness, Gaf can see strange spidery runes cover its surface. The obelisk bridges two sections of ground by swamp water.
[Gaffleknot]: "Daos! Can you read this?" Gaf points out the spidery runes to the mage.
[Lirian]: Lirian smiles gratefully at Kendra. Her energy is renewed, her fatigue washed away. "Thank you, Kendra. You may see a great burden placed on your shoulders. But your gift is a gift indeed."
[Kendra]: "Thanks, Lirian," Kendra says with a small smile.
[JadedDM]: "Shirak," he says, and the crystal orb of his staff glows with inner light, allowing the others to see. He calmly approaches and looks over the writing. "It's quite old. It reads, 'The Great City of Xak Tsaroth, whose beauty surrounds you, speaks to the good of its people and their generous deeds. The gods reward us in the grace of our home.'"
[Gaffleknot]: "Then, that means we're here!"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Those words are as true now as when they were spoken," he says sarcastically.
[Kendra]: "Then is great city should be just up ahead," Kendra says. "Or...you know, what's left of it."
[Lirian]: Lirian looks grimly at the party. "Aye. We're close. Let's go."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf skips to the lead of the party.
[Gaffleknot]: "So, Daos. One on one, you versus one of those dragon-men mages. What do you think?"
[JadedDM]: Daos snorts. "Their power is no match for mine."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Oh, so how did you get captured?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "You were captured as well, as I recall."
[Kendra]: Kendra snickers softly at Marik and Daos.
[JadedDM]: Daos' staff lighting the way, the party crosses the obelisk. Emerging from the dense jungle, a broad cobblestone street runs south and north among the ruins. A roadway branches to the west. Here, the fluted columns and relief carvings of buildings sag wearily. A large cobblestone courtyard lies to the east amid crumbling buildings. Beyond the courtyard are four tall free-standing columns: no trace remains of the building they once supported. In front of these pillars, a huge well plunges into the earth. Vapors rise from the well. To the north of the well, a single building stands whole, although time and the weather have worn its outer walls.
[Lirian]: Lirian sees the unmarked, whole building. "Strange..."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Behold...Xak Tsaroth."
[Kendra]: "This really used to be a great city," Kendra says softly in awe.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Before the Cataclysm decimated it, aye."
[Gaffleknot]: "Wow... A real ancient city!"
[Kendra]: "So....I guess we search that building over there since it is the only one left standing?" she asks.
[Lirian]: Lirian nods. "That looks like as good a place as any."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Kendra...the staff," he says, indicating the blue crystal staff. It is glowing, very faintly, as if reacting to something.
[Kendra]: Kendra looks to staff in her hands. "I guess we are close to something."
[JadedDM]: The glow fades after a moment.
[Kendra]: "I wonder what that means."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Perhaps it is a sign that we are getting close."
[Kendra]: "Well, let's go then," Kendra says, looking almost eager for a change.
[Lirian]: Lirian nods and follows after the young girl.
[JadedDM]: Before them looms the well, and just beyond, the lone building. A dark and terrible stillness lies around the well.
[Lirian]: The half-elf stiffens and her heart grows cold. She looks around, to see if anyone is watching them.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf slows his pace, wondering why everyone's stopping.
[Kendra]: Kendra hangs back near Marik and Daos as she clutches the staff in her hands.
[JadedDM]: Amala's hand unconsciously goes to her sword hilt. "Something is not...right."
[Kendra]: "Just...keep moving towards the building," Kendra suggests.
[Lirian]: Lirian unsheathes her swords. "Yes. But let's be careful."
[JadedDM]: Suddenly, a fantastic shape, huge and black, bursts from the well and unfolds its wings. This dragon is definitely not made of wicker, as evident by the deafening roar it makes.
[JadedDM]: (Everyone but Gaf must roll a save vs paralyzation to fight the dragon fear.)
[Gaffleknot]: "A dragon!" Gaf gasps, as he puts his hands to ears to drown out the deafening roar.
[Kendra]: [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[JadedDM]: (Marik) [1d20] => [14] = (14)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [18] = (18)
[JadedDM]: (Barlemus) [1d20] => [3] = (3)
[JadedDM]: (Daos) [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[JadedDM]: (Gimak) [1d20] => [13] = (13)
[JadedDM]: (Amala) [1d20] => [15] = (15)
[JadedDM]: A massive blanket of fear, almost stifling, covers the entire party. This beautiful, graceful, deadly creature is like something out of a nightmare. However, all but Barlemus and Gimak are able to steel their thumping hearts and swallow their fear. (Barl and Gimak suffer -2 to hit/damage).
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Terror on wings...the night with teeth..."
[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 1?)
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Scatter!"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf is fascinated by the lithe creature. But when he hears Gimak yell, he runs as much as his legs can carry him, laughing with exhilaration.
[Lirian]: Lirian pales upon seeing creature of legend. "Kendra! Get out of here!"
[Kendra]: "This is what you saw, Marik," Kendra says as tries to swallow her fear. Upon hearing Gimak, she does just that. She makes a beeline for the building as if that was going to protect her.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Barlemus, Amala! Cover her!" he cries, drawing his bow. "We'll hold it off!"
[JadedDM]: Gimak readies his crossbow. "Guess today is a good day to die," he says, trying to keep his trembling hands steady.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus chases after Kendra. "Crap, crap, crap, running, running, running!"
[Lirian]: Lirian's swords clatter against the ground. She draws her bow and knocks an arrow. Gulping her fear away, she aims for the terror of the night.
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [1] = (1)
[JadedDM]: Round 1: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [3] = (3)
[Lirian]: Fear gets the better of Lirian, and her arrow flies wide.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20-2] => [12,-2] = (10)
[JadedDM]: The old dwarf is trembling so bad, his bolt strikes the side of the well instead.
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [2] = (2)
[JadedDM]: Marik's luck is not much better than the other two.
[JadedDM]: Dragon's turn.
[JadedDM]: Roaring again for good measure, the dragon starts to build up speed and altitude, preparing to circle around for a better attack position.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn (2nd).
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [7] = (7)
[Lirian]: Nerveless fingers knock another arrow, but this time Lirian's aim is true. However, the arrow simply scatters a few scales.
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn (2nd).
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [14] = (14)
[JadedDM]: Marik misses again.
[JadedDM]: Meanwhile, Amala and Barlemus cover Kendra as she makes a beeline for the old building. Daos takes cover behind a pillar, while Gaf runs for cover, as well.
[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 2?)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf tries to get a good look at the dragon.
[Lirian]: Lirian fires another arrow.
[Kendra]: Kendra continues running for the building. Once there, she tries to open the door so that she and the two with her can get inside.
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [7] = (7)
[JadedDM]: Round 2
[JadedDM]: Kendra, Amala and Barlemus reach the doors, that appear to be made of solid gold. Each warrior grabs one, and starts to pull it open.
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [11] = (11)
[JadedDM]: Marik fires and misses.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [13] = (13)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [8] = (8)
[Lirian]: Another arrow scratches a bit of the dragon's skin.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [3] = (3)
[JadedDM]: Gimak's bolt is way off again.
[JadedDM]: Dragon's turn.
[JadedDM]: The dragon flies over the party, chanting in the language of magic. It's sleek, spiked tail trailing behind it. Four magic missiles emerge from its claws, striking at Lirian, Marik, Gimak and Barlemus.
[JadedDM]: [1d4+1] => [3,1] = (4) (Lirian)
[JadedDM]: [1d4+1] => [2,1] = (3) (Marik)
[JadedDM]: [1d4+1] => [4,1] = (5) (Gimak)
[JadedDM]: [1d4+1] => [1,1] = (2) (Barlemus)
[Lirian]: Lirian grunts, clenching her jaw, as she is hit by the magical missile.
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn (2nd).
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [5] = (5)
[JadedDM]: Marik misses.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn (2nd).
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [7] = (7)
[Lirian]: Lirian's arrow strikes true once again, leaving a light scratch on the dragon's forearm.
[JadedDM]: Daos' turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [8] = (8)
[JadedDM]: Daos hurls a knife made of ice at the dragon, but misses. It shatters on the ground instead.
[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 3?)
[Kendra]: Kendra rushes inside the building once the doors are open.
[Lirian]: Lirian tries to find some cover to hide behind from the dragon's magic.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus rushes inside, but Amala waits by the entrance. "Everyone! This way!" she calls out.
[JadedDM]: Gimak and Daos make a break for it.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf runs for the building.
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [16] = (16)
[JadedDM]: [1d8] => [3] = (3)
[JadedDM]: Drawing back the arrow, Marik mutters, "You will haunt my dreams no more." The arrow clinks off its scales, doing relatively little harm.
[JadedDM]: Dragon's turn.
[JadedDM]: "You..," she says in a strangely silky voice. "You were the one who took the staff from me!" Screeching, she sucks in a deep breath and releases a stream of acid.
[JadedDM]: [8d8] => [1,8,5,4,4,7,1,6] = (36)
[JadedDM]: (Marik Save) [1d20]=> [13] = (13)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf gasps. "Marik!"
[Lirian]: "Marik!" Lirian screams.
[JadedDM]: The acid drenches the lone rogue, and he screams in unimaginable pain as his skin is melted from his very bones.
[JadedDM]: Laughing manically, the dragon flies over the well, folds itself in its wings, and drops like a stone down the well.
[Lirian]: Lirian rushes over to Marik.
[JadedDM]: Marik, or what is left of him, is surrounded by a large puddle of acid that sizzles as its eats away at the cobblestones. Consequently, nobody can get too close to him without stepping in it.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "K-Kendra! Marik needs help!" she cries over her shoulder.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf looks dumbfounded at the fallen rogue.
[Kendra]: Kendra peeks out from inside the building. Her eyes widen as tears start to form in her eyes. "Marik!" she cries out as she rushes out of the building, staff in hand.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "So this is the power of a dragon." He shakes his head. "It was only toying with us..."
[JadedDM]: Gimak steps out. "Marik...no, lad. No..."
[Kendra]: Kendra stops short of reaching Marik so that she doesn't step in the acid surrounding him. The sight of him makes her want to throw up, but she can't stop herself from reaching over to place the staff upon Marik. "Please, Mishakal, please don't take him," she mutters as she prays for some sort of miracle.
[JadedDM]: The staff flickers weakly, as if trying, but lacking the power to do so. Just like when Kendra tried to heal Amala earlier.
[Lirian]: Lirian hovers over Kendra, anxious.
[Kendra]: "No!" she cries out. "I believe! I know you are there. You have to be!"
[JadedDM]: Flaring with power, the aura of the blue crystal staff is nearly blinding. There is a soft hum that fills everyone's minds, and it is uncertain if the sound is coming from the staff itself or just their own heads. When the light finally dims enough to see, Marik is whole again, lying on the ground as if asleep. The acid has been cleared away. However, the staff goes totally dead. It feels like a lifeless hunk of rock in Kendra's hands.
[Kendra]: Kendra stares at Marik as he is whole again, and relief washes over her. "Thank you," she says. "T-take him inside," she says to Lirian and whoever else is nearby as she tries to compose herself.
[JadedDM]: Daos stares at the lifeless staff in surprise. "Such power...is possible?"
[Lirian]: Hurriedly Lirian takes hold of Marik's arm.
[JadedDM]: Amala grabs the other, and the two carry the rogue through the tarnished double doors of gold and under the blue oval archways. The small room has another set of double golden doors at the other end of it.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf grabs Lirian's swords, then follows everyone in.
[JadedDM]: Once everyone is inside, Barlemus and Gimak pull the first pair of doors close.
[Kendra]: "When a god is behind the power, then yes," Kendra says softly to Daos. She slowly starts to dry her eyes.
[Lirian]: Lirian shakes her head, wiping her own eyes.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Mi...Mish...," he mutters, coming to.
[Kendra]: Kendra rushes to Marik's side, dropping the now useless staff as she slowly lifts Marik up in her arms. "...Marik?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Goddess?" he asks dreamily, blinking in confusion.
[Lirian]: "Are you okay?" Lirian says, as she props up the rogue.
[Kendra]: "It's me. Kendra," she says softly.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "I...I think so. I saw Her. She told me, She's waiting for us."
[Gaffleknot]: "Who's waiting for who now?"
[Kendra]: "She brought you back," Kendra says, taking in a deep breath.
[JadedDM]: Marik weakly points to the second set of golden doors. "There...she's waiting...right in there..."
[Kendra]: Kendra looks towards the doors in question. Slowly, she stands, picking up the staff, and walks to the golden doors to open them.
[JadedDM]: The golden doors open into the central chamber of what must be a temple of some kind. A tremendous dome rises high above the delicate tile floor. It seems as though time has stilled in this room. In the center of the circular room stands a polished statue of singular grace and beauty: the delicate form of a woman, draped in flowing robes. Her hair cascades about her shoulders and neck, which is adorned by a detailed amulet. The look on her face is one of radiant hope tempered with sadness. A feeling of warmth and love abides in this room.
[Gaffleknot]: Curiosity gets the better of the kender, and he slyly follows after Kendra.
[JadedDM]: The others follow after her, Barlemus helping Marik walk.
[Kendra]: Kendra slowly enters the room at first, letting the feelings wash over her as she approaches the statue. She seems speechless as she stands there.
[JadedDM]: The statue suddenly seems to come to life. "Welcome, my children. Welcome to my temple," says a soft, motherly voice. She sounds like a woman greeting her children after a long trip from home.
[Lirian]: Lirian almost jumps out of her skin when the statue comes to life.
[Gaffleknot]: "Whoa! A talking statue!"
[Kendra]: Kendra seems to sink to her knees the moment the statue comes to life. "This is..." she starts, still unsure on what to say.
[JadedDM]: The statue smiles warmly. "I am Mishakal, one of the Seven Gods of Light. You have all traveled a long way. I assume you wish to know what it is you have been seeking?"
[Kendra]: "That and why I was chosen to carry your staff," Kendra says softly.
[JadedDM]: Mishakal: "I chose you, child, because you have a strong and kind heart. You know and understand the pain of others, and wish to relieve that pain. I am the Goddess of Healing, and whether you ever realized it or not, you have been following my teachings in your heart your entire life."
[Kendra]: Kendra looks up to the statue. "I didn't even realize..." she says, trailing off.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Goddess...what is this truth you wish to give us?"
[JadedDM]: Mishakal: "The truth is this...the gods have not turned away from man. Man turned away from the true gods and now seeks gods who do not exist. But the end of darkness nears. Krynn is about to face its greatest test. Men will need the truth more than ever. You must return the truth and power of the true gods to men. It is time to restore the balance."
[Kendra]: "But they are not just going to take our word that the gods never abandoned us...are they?"
[JadedDM]: Mishakal: "That is why you need proof, to show our power. To gain the power, you shall need the truth of the gods. Far below this temple lie the Disks of Mishakal: circular plates of platinum that are all you need to call upon my power. You must recover these disks."
[Gaffleknot]: "Below this temple? What about the dragon?"
[Kendra]: Kendra gives a slight nod to the statue in understanding. "That is what the dragon is protecting, isn't it?"
[JadedDM]: Mishakal: "Yes. The way will not be easy. The Disks like in the dragon's lair. She is known as Khisanth among her own kind, but men often call her Onyx. To face her is to face death itself. Therefore, I will charge your staff. If you present it boldly, never wavering, then you shall prevail. Even then, your journey is not complete. You must leave here, must search for a true Leader of the People." She smiles again to them. "My children, in this room, you will be safe from all danger. Know that no matter what, I am always looking after you. We all are." With these final words, the statue returns to its original pose. The arms of the statue are curved as though they once held a long, thin pole.
[Lirian]: Lirian is silent, letting the moments of the past few minutes sink in.
[Kendra]: Kendra stands and places the staff in the statue's arms.
[JadedDM]: The Blue Crystal Staff slowly starts to regain its azure glow. After a moment, it is back to its full luster again and shimmers softly in the statue's hands.
[Kendra]: Kendra reaches up and takes the staff back once it starts to glow again. "We know what we have to do," she says, turning to the others.
[Lirian]: Lirian nods. "Yes. It's not often you get a mission direct from a goddess."
[JadedDM]: Gimak wipes tears from his face with his beard. "Bless my soul...I never would have believed it. What a great destiny to be given."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "It's true...we're going to do it. We're going to bring true healing back into the world."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Yes...but at what price does this goddess ask for such power, I wonder?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Exploring a hidden, underground city, fighting dragons, getting a priceless treasure!" Gaf gushes. "This is the best adventure ever!"
[Kendra]: "Does it matter, in the end?" Kendra asks, looking to Daos.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Ut. This is way over my head."
[JadedDM]: Daos frowns. "I hope not."
[Lirian]: "Let's get some rest," Lirian says. "Then, we can figure out what to do."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Good idea. Also, I haven't eaten all day. Also, I've kind of got lots of scars. Maybe Kendra can use her staff to heal us all up?"
[Kendra]: Kendra takes a deep breath, looking more confident. She walks over to Barlemus, and touches him with the staff.
[Kendra]: Kendra heals up everyone, recharges her staff one last time, and then moves to sit down with the rest of the group.
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Post by Daos on Feb 2, 2011 23:45:59 GMT -8
Session 05 - Gully Dwarves
[JadedDM]: Reapember 17th, 350 AC; Bakukal at 10 bells. The following morning, the party awakes refreshed and well-rested. There were no soft beds or decent food, but it was still the best sleep any of them had had since they left Solace. As Mishakal had promised, nothing at all disturbed them while they rested.
[Lirian]: Lirian rolled over and opened her eyes. She stretched out her limbs and yawned. Then, she surveyed the room and smiled upon observing the other party members awakening.
[Kendra]: Kendra stretches out. "So I guess we need to move on," she says softly as she turns her eyes to the statue.
[Gaffleknot] "Down to the bottom of the city!" Gaf says excitedly.
[JadedDM]: Amala stands and looks around. "But which way?" she wonders aloud. Aside from the middle entrance on the west wall that they used to arrive here, there are two more doors on the west wall, a door on the north wall, another on the east wall, and one more on the south wall.
[Kendra]: "Um...I assume all the doors lead to the same place, "Kendra says with a shrug.
[JadedDM]: The rest of the party breaks camp, rolls up their sleeping bags, and stows their gear. Daos examines the statue while Marik looks at each of the doors, as if searching for something.
[Gaffleknot] "Exploration time!" Gaf says.
[Kendra]: Kendra moves to join Daos as the others begin exploring. "What is so fascinating?"
[Lirian]: Lirian joins Marik. "Do you see something?"
[JadedDM]: Daos glances to her before returning his gaze to the statue. "Need you ask? We witnessed what could only be very powerful magic. What one might describe as a 'miracle.'"
[JadedDM]: Marik shakes his head. "No traps and nothing indicating which way is the right way. Looks like we just make a guess."
[Gaffleknot] Gaf goes to the north and searches the room there.
[JadedDM]: Impatient to get on with it, the kender pushes open the north door, which creaks on its ancient hinges. Inside is a circular fresco, faded and damp with age, that covers the walls of a sixty foot tall round room. A domed ceiling vaults overhead. Fungus creeps down the walls. There is nothing else of note.
[Kendra]: "I know, but that statue isn't going to provide you with any answers," Kendra points out.
[Gaffleknot] Gaf tries one of the doors on the west wall.
[JadedDM]: Gaf pushes open the northwest door. Inside he finds a small square room. The marble benches inside are coated in a thin, greenish film. Opposite the door, three figures crouch over a dais. Their robes hide their features. The figures immediately stand and turn to face the kender, dropping a scroll they had been inspecting on the ground.
[Gaffleknot] Gaf raises the alarm. "Everybody, enemies!" He then slams the door before the robed dragon-men can use their web magic.
[Kendra]: Kendra jumps slightly, looking towards the door that Gaf just slammed.
[JadedDM]: Not having been paying attention to the kender and his antics, everyone spun toward Gaf and drew their weapons at his shout. "How many? More of those dragon men?" Gimak asks. Marik steps protectively in front of Kendra.
[Gaffleknot] "Three of those robed ones!" Gaf pulls out his hoopak and skirts away from the door.
[Lirian]: Lirian spun around, drawing her swords. She nodded towards Barlemus and Amala. "Looks like we take the lead. Charge them before they can get a spell in."
[JadedDM]: The door slams open and the three robed figures burst out. They immediately skid to a halt at seeing the party, having apparently expected only to fight a lone and helpless kender. The lead creature throws back his hood, revealing his brassy scales. "Intruders! Take them!"
[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 1?)
[Lirian]: Lirian charges the enemy.
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [2] = (2)
[Gaffleknot] Gaf moves away from the three robed figures.
[Gaffleknot] Gaf also throws a dagger as he moves away.
[Gaffleknot] [1d10] => [9] = (9)
[Kendra]: Kendra remains near Marik and Daos to stay protected.
[JadedDM]: Round 1: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: With a salute and a battle cry, Amala is the first to leap into the fray.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [7] = (7)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [5,6] = (11)
[JadedDM]: (DEX check) [1d20-3] => [18,-3] = (15)
[JadedDM]: The green blade cuts through the creature's robe and scales like nothing, embedding itself deeply into its body. The creature immediately petrifies, its snout open in a silent howl. Amala tugs and finds her sword is trapped in its stone body.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: Lirian dashes forward, ducks beneath the robed creature's outstretched arms and slashed twice...
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [3] = (3)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [12] = (12)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [4] = (4)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [5] = (5)
[Lirian]: Lirian's sword flashes true across the creature's throat.
[Lirian]: (DEX Check) [1d20] => [3] = (3)
[Lirian]: The half-elf slashes so swiftly, that they are not caught in the encroaching stone.
[JadedDM]: Daos' turn.
[JadedDM]: Seeing that the others have things in hand, Daos does nothing at the moment.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [12] = (12)
[JadedDM]: [1d10+3] => [10,3] = (13)
[JadedDM]: The final baaz cries out, "Wait, let's talk this out!" But it is too late. Gimak rushes in, decapitating it completely with his axe. The creature's stone head tumbles to the ground, scraping the tile floor and leaving behind a trail of grey dust in its wake.
[Lirian]: Lirian looks at the stone corpse without remorse. "He sounded like he wanted to negotiate."
[Gaffleknot] Gaf skips forward and into the dragon men's room, looking around.
[Kendra]: "Look what a good night's sleep can do," Kendra says in a bit of awe as the dragon men are taken out so quickly.
[JadedDM]: Gimak spits on the ground. "He should have spoken up sooner then."
[Lirian]: "You'll hear no complaint from me, friend," the half-elf said, sheathing her swords.
[JadedDM]: The only thing of interest the kender finds is the scroll the baaz had dropped. After a few minutes, the stone corpses turn to dust, freeing Amala's blade.
[Gaffleknot] Gaf picks up the scroll and unfurls it. Maybe it's a map?
[JadedDM]: Examining the scroll, the kender finds it is not a map. It's writing. Strange writing. In fact, the words seem to crawl about on the page, giving him a slight headache when he tries to read it.
[Gaffleknot] Gaf grasps his head and shakes it. When the feeling subsides, he shrugs and puts the scroll in a scrollcase and pockets it.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus sheathes his blade. "Dang, I didn't even get a chance to attack. I wasn't ready yet. You guys should have waited for me," he complains.
[Kendra]: "Um...doesn't waiting get people hurt?" Kendra asks curiously.
[Gaffleknot] "I'm surprised those dragon things were in the next room from where we were sleeping! I guess Mishakal must have kept them away."
[JadedDM]: "But...I wasn't ready yet."
[JadedDM]: Gimak nods. "Truly, She kept Her word. Still, we should be careful. No telling what else might be lurking about."
[Lirian]: Lirian nods. "We really should have checked all the adjoining rooms before we slept." She shakes her head, grinning wryly at Marik. "An understandable oversight to make, since some of us were dead at the time." She was still marveling at the miracle.
[JadedDM]: Marik grins. "Yeah, I suppose that could distract a person."
[Kendra]: "It happens sometimes, Barlemus. Besides, you'll get another chance."
[Gaffleknot] "More exploration!" Gaf hurries off to the south room.
[Lirian]: "Damn it, Gaf, we need to keep together!"
[JadedDM]: Before the half-elf can stop him, Gaf pushes open the southern doors, revealing a room similar to the northern one. A high domed ceiling caps the circular room. Fungus creeps down all the walls, covering frescos faded beyond recognition. To the west, five squat figures claw at the wall with stubby fingers, scraping the frescoes into a heap of wet plaster on the floor. They seem too preoccupied with this to even notice Gaf's entrance. One of them is speaking to the others in Common.
[Gaffleknot] "Ugh!" Gaf exclaims, once the smell hits him. "They're like... dwarves! Smelly, smelly dwarves!" Gaf puts his hand to his nose to protect against the odor.
[Kendra]: Kendra moves forward into the room Gaf decided to run into, and she quickly puts her hand over her nose. "Ewww."
[JadedDM]: "Claw, mates, claw!" one of them says. "We gots to get these here pictures off o' the walls! I hear tell that humans used to keep pretty treasures behind walls like these. That Highbulp king of ours down in the cavern-city might give us special favors if we brings a pretty to him." With a start, he suddenly notices the kender and human. "It's the lords, mates!" he shouts. All five of the dwarves drop like sacks to their knees. Faces pressed against the slimy floor, they grovel out, whimpering, "We didn't mean nothin' by it, your lordship!"
[JadedDM]: Gimak steps in, his axe still in hand. "Gully dwarves! Curse our luck, I would have rather found more draconians!"
[Lirian]: "Lords?" Lirian said sharply, noticing the gully dwarf's word choice. "Does he mean the draconians?"
[Gaffleknot] While everyone is preoccupied with the gully dwarves, Gaf checks the other western room.
[Kendra]: "I don't think they really care about...treasure behind paintings," Kendra says.
[JadedDM]: Gaf finds the southwestern room is a small square worship room, like the one where he found the draconians. A greenish tinge covers marble benches throughout the room. It looks as though this room has not been used in a long time.
[JadedDM]: "Spare us! Mercy, mercy!" they cry, groveling for their lives.
[JadedDM]: Gimak grimaces. "Disgusting creatures. No better than rats."
[Kendra]: Kendra giggles lightly at the gully dwarves. "Gimak, hush," she says before slowly approaching the stinking creatures. "It's okay. We won't hurt you."
[JadedDM]: The leader of the gully dwarves stops groveling long enough to look up at Kendra. "Pretty lady not hurt us? Promise?"
[Kendra]: "Promise," Kendra says with a smile.
[Gaffleknot] Gaf wanders back to the group.
[JadedDM]: The dwarves all get to their feet. The leader pulls out a stained and tattered sheet of parchment and using a piece of coal, he starts to draw on it. "I draw map for pretty lady. Go visit our king, the great Phudge Highbulp. He'll help you right straight!" he says, handing the crude map to her when he's done.
[Kendra]: Kendra takes the map from the gully dwarf. "Thank you," she says as she looks over the crude map drawing to see if she can make any sense of it.
[Gaffleknot] "But I thought we were going to go see the dragon!" Gaf says, dismayed.
[JadedDM]: While Kendra studies the crude map, the gully dwarves exit the room. They cower slightly at the sight of all the fearsome warriors and their big, pointy swords, but quickly beeline to the eastern door and push it open, revealing another set of doors. They push those open, too, then disappear inside.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Ugh...what wretches. They look like walking piles of filthy rags."
[Kendra]: "We are, but these...um...little guys might be able to help us out too," Kendra points out.
[Lirian]: "Possibly," though Lirian looked skeptical. "As it is, we better get going, lest those gully dwarves alert their masters that we're coming."
[JadedDM]: The map is not drawn to scale, the landmarks are not labeled, and it looks as if a child drew it. But from what Kendra can tell, their king is quite deep below where they are now.
[Kendra]: Kendra hands the map to Lirian. "Well, we can try to follow this," she says with a shrug. "Maybe you'll have better luck reading it."
[Lirian]: Lirian takes the map grudgingly. "Let's go."
[Kendra]: Kendra follows after the group, keeping close to Daos and Marik as always.
[JadedDM]: Following after the gully dwarves, the party enters the last room. A domed ceiling caps this sixty foot tall circular room. Vines and mosses dangle from great cracks in the ceiling. Fungus covers the walls. In the center of the room stands an empty pedestal, the top of which cannot be seen from the floor. On the west side of the room, just in front of the doors, a circular staircase, its flagstones slick with green film, descends into darkness.
[Kendra]: "This place must have been beautiful long ago," Kendra says as she looks up at the ceiling.
[Gaffleknot] "Down, down, down we go!" Gaf hums a tune.
[JadedDM]: "Shirak," Daos hisses, and the crystal orb atop his staff illuminates like a bright torch, allowing them to see where they are going. The party descends the spiraling staircase, wrapping around several times before reaching the bottom. Dim light shines up through the floor of a large chamber. A vast hall stretches to the east. The ceiling, heavily reinforced, stands solidly above, but below, the floor has fallen away in several places. Hot mists, carrying the odor of decay, rise through the holes in the floor. To the north and south are dark tunnels.
[Kendra]: "Which way?" Kendra asks.
[Lirian]: "Hmm," Lirian says, eying the floor. "Looks dangerous."
[JadedDM]: "Quite dangerous," Gimak says, eyeing the hole while scratching his beard. "I wouldn't recommend anyone get too close to that hole. Ground looks unstable."
[Lirian]: Lirian points at the northern tunnel. "Let's go."
[Kendra]: Kendra follows after Lirian.
[JadedDM]: The tunnel takes a short turn to the east after about thirty feet. Row upon row of dark and must crypts line either side of the ten foot wide hall for another thirty feet. Continuing on, they reach a room. Four archways enter a square room, well preserved but for one exception: there is no floor. Mist billows from the gaping hole where the floor once was. Only about a square yard of floor remains in the northeastern corner. A small box sits at the edge of this floor section. The floor is thirty square feet in size total. There are doors to the north, east and south, but with no floor, getting to any of them might prove challenging.
[Gaffleknot] Curious, Gaf sits down and inspects the box.
[Kendra]: "This is a problem."
[JadedDM]: Marik looks at the box from across the hole intensely, as well. "How to get to it? I don't like how it is just sitting there...tempting us."
[Lirian]: "Indeed. It looks like we'll have to turn back. Unless some of us are properly equipped?"
[Gaffleknot] "Maybe I can jump? How far do you think it is?"
[Lirian]: "No jumping!" Lirian says, reprovingly.
[Kendra]: "Maybe we should just leave the box alone."
[Airellian]: (How far is it? Does any of us have rope?)
[JadedDM]: Marik: "I don't think anyone could jump that far. Not without magic. But maybe there's another way."
[JadedDM]: (It's just under thirty feet away. Nobody has any rope that I know of.)
[Airellian]: (hmmm)
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Perhaps there is another way around?"
[Lirian]: "Yes," Lirian says. "Let's go Gaf, Marik."
[Kendra]: Kendra turns and follows the group again.
[JadedDM]: The party backtracks, through the crypt and back to the main room again. This time, they head south. Again, the tunnel turns sharply to the east. Crypts line the hallway, just as the other one. Cloaked in foul mists, a group of squat forms file into a line.
[Kendra]: Kendra lowers her voice. "It might be those...um gully dwarves again. Why are they in line though?"
[JadedDM]: Many gully dwarves slouch and stoop in line. In the distance, a whip is heard cracking. A number of the dwarves then rush through the eastern entrance to the hallway. The rest move up to the entrance. Then they stand and wait again.
[Lirian]: "Their 'lords' might be about," Lirian whispered. "This could be trouble."
[Gaffleknot] "I can go take a look, if that's alright?"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Good, I'm itching for a good fight."
[Lirian]: "Good idea. Just see how many are about, then come straight back."
[Gaffleknot] Gaf nods, then dashs off stealthily into the mist.
[JadedDM]: More than a few gully dwarves shoot Gaf a rude look, apparently upset by him 'cutting' in line, but none say anything or bother him. The tunnel opens into a chamber. Hot mist rises from two large holes in the floor, one on the north and one on the south. A tremendous black iron pot hangs from a large chain over the northern hole. The chain runs around two large wheels, crosses the ceiling, and drops through the center of the southern hole. Two brassy scaled figures stand by the pot, one with a whip. The gully dwarves are piling into the pot, and it's nearly full now.
[Gaffleknot] Gaf nods, then dashes back to the Companions.
[JadedDM]: When he returns, Gimak asks, "Well, what did you see?"
[Gaffleknot] "Two of the small ones," Gaf dutifully reports.
[Gaffleknot] "And a load of gully dwarves," Gaf says, making a face.
[Kendra]: "What were the gully dwarves doing?"
[Gaffleknot] "There was these two huge holes, and this chain, and this pot, and the gully dwarves were going into the pot, like they wanted to be cooked or something."
[JadedDM]: Gimak gags. "Who would want to cook gully dwarves?"
[Kendra]: "Why would they stand in line to be cooked?"
[Gaffleknot] Gaf shrugs. "I didn't mean that they actually wanted to be cooked."
[Kendra]: "I suppose I could just ask them."
[Lirian]: "After we handle the two guards."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "By handle, you mean fight, right?" he asks, half-drawing his blade.
[Kendra]: "That is probably what she means."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus does a little fist pump and whispers, "Yes!"
[Lirian]: "We don't all need to go in all at once. If the two see a big group coming, they'll just run and alert others."
[Kendra]: "I'll stay back," Kendra says, figuring it was pretty obvious that she would.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "I'll go. I could probably take both myself."
[Lirian]: "We'll go in pairs. Amala and Barlemus can go in first, try to rush them. Then, me and Marcus. Gaf and Gimak can bring up the rear. Daos and Kendra, you stay back and wait for our shout."
[Kendra]: "Marcus?"
[JadedDM]: "Marik," he corrects her, frowning at being mistaken for Marcus.
[Lirian]: Lirian blushes profusely. "Right. Marik. I meant Marik." The half-elf coughed. "Let's go!"
[Gaffleknot] Gaf grins at Gimak. "You and me, together again!"
[JadedDM]: A bit flustered at having been mistaken for her old lover, Marik drops the subject. Barlemus grins and ribs the thief, before gesturing to Amala to follow him.
[Kendra]: Kendra lets out a small sigh, and looks to Daos.
[JadedDM]: In mere moments, the others hear battle cries and shouts of surprise as Barlemus and Amala launch the first attack.
[Lirian]: Lirian nods somewhat embarrassedly at Marik, then moves forward.
[Kendra]: "I feel kind of bad for all of the things all of you are going through for me," Kendra says, wincing a bit as she hears the battle cries.
[Gaffleknot] After a moment, Gaf follows along with Gimak.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "You think we're doing it just for you?"
[JadedDM]: When Marik and Lirian arrive on the scene, they find chaos. The big black pot is stuffed to the brim with Aghar. Arms and legs are poking out, and a few are clinging to the side. The pot is starting to lower itself down as a result. Barlemus and Amala are engaged with the two baaz. Barlemus has a small wound, but he gave as good as he got. Amala's opponent is a bloodied mess, but still holing on just barely. She appears unwounded.
[JadedDM]: (State actions for Lirian.)
[Kendra]: "No, of course not," Kendra says, glancing to Daos. "All of this is...kind of beyond me. It isn't about just one person, but the world. That is a lot for just a few people like us to carry."
[Lirian]: Assuming that Amala and Barlemus can handle the two little ones, Lirian scans for any other dangers. Noticing the gully dwarves about to tip over, she looks for a way to stabilize the pot.
[JadedDM]: Round 2: Marik's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[JadedDM]: [2d8] => [3,6] = (9)
[JadedDM]: Marik unleashes an arrow at the baaz fighting Barlemus, catching it in the neck. The creature shouts out in pain, but does not turn to stone just yet.
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [6] = (6)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [7,6] = (13)
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [1] = (1)
[JadedDM]: Amala plunges her sword into her opponent's chest. Then remembering quickly what happens when they die, she draws the blade out before it petrifies.
[JadedDM]: Baaz's turn.
[JadedDM]: Realizing he can't win, the draconian leaps onto the pot in desperation, knocking off several Aghar who fall screaming below. The pot, now overweighed, starts to descend quicker.
[JadedDM]: (End Battle)
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Hey! Don't run away!" He makes for the hole the pot is dropping down.
[Lirian]: "Stop that pot from moving!" Lirian shouted. "He's going to get others!"
[JadedDM]: Sticking his sword blade in his mouth, Barlemus leaps onto the chain of the pot, wrapping his arms and legs around it. This only causes the pot to descend faster, dropping rapidly.
[Lirian]: Lirian curses the hare-brained dolt. Her eyes follow the chain and look to see if there's a mechanism to stop it.
[Gaffleknot] Gaf dashes through the mist. "Did we miss anything?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak and Gaf arrive in time to see all of this. "What the dang blasted hell is he doing?" the dwarf shouts.
[Lirian]: "Crashing to his death if we don't stop this thing!"
[JadedDM]: While Lirian searches for a way to stop the descending pot, a second pot rises up from the other hole. This one, however, has half a dozen brassy draconians inside. They climb out of the pot, then look at shock at the party gathered there for a moment before reacting.
[Gaffleknot] "Uh, Lirian? We've got company," Gaf says, twirling his hoopak in combat gestures.
[JadedDM]: One of the Baaz looks down at the statue of his dead companion, then at the Companions. "Shock Troops! Looks like lunch has arrived. Attack!" he cries, raising his blade.
[JadedDM]: (Actions?)
[Lirian]: Lirian curses, and charges the baaz draconians.
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [1] = (1)
[Gaffleknot] Gaf spears at a draconian.
[Gaffleknot] [1d10] => [6] = (6)
[JadedDM]: Round 1: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [8] = (8)
[Lirian]: [2d8] => [3,3] = (6)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [4] = (4)
[Lirian]: Lirian stabs a draconian deep in the shoulder.
[JadedDM]: Gaf's turn.
[Gaffleknot] [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[Gaffleknot] [1d6+2] => [2,2] = (4)
[Gaffleknot] Gaf stabs the same draconian in the face, killing it.
[Gaffleknot] (DEX Check) [1d20] => [8] = (8)
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [8] = (8)
[JadedDM]: Marik takes aim and fires his bow, but the arrow misses and deflects off the chain instead with a clink.
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [2] = (2)
[JadedDM]: Amala engages with the second Baaz, but he blocks the blow with his own long sword.
[JadedDM]: Baaz's turn.
[JadedDM]: (Baaz 02) [1d20] => [18] = (18)
[JadedDM]: [1d8] => [5] = (5)
[JadedDM]: (Baaz 03) [1d20] => [2] = (2)
[JadedDM]: (Baaz 04) [1d20] => [6] = (6)
[JadedDM]: (Baaz 05) [1d20] => [3] = (3)
[JadedDM]: (Baaz 06) [1d20] => [9] = (9)
[JadedDM]: A full out fight breaks out. Amala takes a hit, but it's only a flesh wound. The other baaz are considerably less successful. Lirian deflects a blow, Gaf nimbly evades one, Gimak ducks and Marik drops his bow and pulls out his swords just in time.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [3] = (3)
[JadedDM]: Gimak swings his axe, but the baaz sidesteps the attack entirely.
[JadedDM]: (Man, my rolls are sucking so far.)
[JadedDM]: (Okay, actions for Round 2.)
[Lirian]: Lirian attacks some more.
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [2] = (2)
[Gaffleknot] Gaf attacks again.
[Gaffleknot] [1d10] => [3] = (3)
[JadedDM]: Round 2: Gaf's turn.
[Gaffleknot] [1d20] => [1] = (1)
[JadedDM]: (Fumble! He drops his hoopak.)
[Gaffleknot] Gaf clumsily drops his hoopak.
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [4] = (4)
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [8] = (8)
[JadedDM]: Marik thrusts forward with both blades, but the baaz nimbly deflects them.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [16] = (16)
[JadedDM]: [1d10+3] => [9,3] = (12)
[JadedDM]: Gimak's axe blade cuts deeply into the baaz's left shoulder, tearing into scales and flesh. The creature grimaces in pain but does not cry out. It continues fighting, in fact.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [18] = (18)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [6] = (6)
[Lirian]: [2d8] => [8,7] = (15)
[Lirian]: Lirian sticks her swords into the belly of the draconian, and slices outwards, spilling its guts.
[Lirian]: (DEX Check) [1d20] => [10] = (10)
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [15] = (15)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [1,6] = (7)
[JadedDM]: Amala cuts deeply into her opponent's left thigh.
[JadedDM]: Baaz's turn.
[JadedDM]: (Baaz 02) [1d20] => [11] = (11)
[JadedDM]: (Baaz 03) [1d20] => [11] = (11)
[JadedDM]: (Baaz 05) [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[JadedDM]: [1d8] => [5] = (5)
[JadedDM]: (Baaz 06) [1d20] => [7] = (7)
[JadedDM]: The onslaught continues, and Gimak takes a nasty cut in the arm. Everyone else manages to evade or block, however.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn (2nd).
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[JadedDM]: [1d10+3] => [1,3] = (4)
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [13] = (13)
[JadedDM]: Gimak cries out to the gods and embeds his axe blade right in his opponent's chest. The creature quickly turns to stone, trapping the axe in it.
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn (2nd).
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [6,6] = (12)
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [6] = (6)
[JadedDM]: Amala decapitates her opponent, pulling her sword away just in time to avoid having it trapped.
[JadedDM]: Meanwhile, Daos and Kendra wait patiently for their friends to call them. Daos stares ahead, his brow furrowed. "I hear quite a bit of commotion. I hope the battle goes well."
[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 3?)
[Lirian]: Lirian attacks again.
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [4] = (4)
[Gaffleknot] Gaf continues to attack merrily.
[Gaffleknot] He draws his chapak to continue the attack.
[Kendra]: "Wasn't there only two guards? Does it usually take this long?"
[Gaffleknot] [1d10] => [10] = (10)
[JadedDM]: Round 3: Marik's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [11] = (11)
[JadedDM]: [1d6+2] => [6,2] = (8)
[JadedDM]: Marik strikes true with his first blade, but the baaz is able to muster his defenses and deflect the second one.
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [14] = (14)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [4,6] = (10)
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [2] = (2)
[JadedDM]: Amala decides to give Marik a hand. She rushes the baaz from the side, cutting him down while he is engaged with the thief. She manages to pull her blade out in time to save it from being trapped. "I'm getting good at that," she says to herself.
[JadedDM]: Baaz's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [12] = (12)
[JadedDM]: So engrossed in his battle with the kender, he does not even notice the others are dead. The baaz stabs at Gaf, who playfully dances aside.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [10] = (10)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [8] = (8)
[Lirian]: Lirian nips at the baaz's hamstrings, causing severe pain.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20+2] => [18,2] = (20)
[JadedDM]: [1d10+3] => [3,3] = (6)
[JadedDM]: Gimak comes up behind the last baaz, nearly severing his tail off with his axe.
[JadedDM]: Gaf's turn.
[Gaffleknot] [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[Gaffleknot] [1d6+1] => [5,1] = (6)
[Gaffleknot] Gaf hits the baaz squarely in the head with the axe head of the chapak, killing it.
[JadedDM]: Daos frowns. "It's gone quiet now. Not a good sign. Stay behind me. I will investigate." He starts walking forward, his staff at the ready.
[Kendra]: Kendra follows after Daos, clutching her staff in her hands.
[Lirian]: Lirian rushes to the edge of the hole to see what happened to Barlemus.
[JadedDM]: The two arrive on the scene to see several stone baaz on the ground, some already beginning to crumble into dust. Their friends are standing about, catching their breaths. Aside from some cuts and bruises, nobody is seriously hurt. But Barlemus is missing.
[JadedDM]: The chain seems to descend quite a distance. Far more than Lirian can see. However, it has stopped moving, so presumably it has reached the bottom now.
[Kendra]: "Is everyone all right?" Kendra asks. "And where is Barlemus?"
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Down there...somewhere. One of them tried to escape, and he went after it."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Fool of a Wharfman..," he says, looking down the hole.
[Gaffleknot] Gaf picks up his hoopak, and looks around the room, exploring.
[Kendra]: "Then we should get down there."
[Lirian]: "I expect the two pots act as counterweights," Lirian nods at the chain. "Unless something else is coming up, whoever goes down will be going down extremely fast."
[JadedDM]: Marik retrieves his bow. "Then we need ballast of some sort."
[Lirian]: "One of us could shimmy down, and see if he's okay."
[JadedDM]: Gimak peers down the hole. "Aye, but there's no way of seeing down there if there's anything in the other pot or not. Looks pretty far."
[Kendra]: "What about that...floating spell that Daos used before?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Yes. I could drop down after him. But I'd have no way to signal you once I was down there."
[Gaffleknot] "I could climb down, then climb back up!"
[Kendra]: "That is a long drop."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Are you sure, Gaf? It looks a long way."
[Gaffleknot] Gaf stretches his limbs. "Sure, I can handle it!"
[Gaffleknot] Gaf grasps the chain and slides down after where Barlemus last went.
[Lirian]: Lirian grabs the other side of the chain, to provide some stabilization.
[JadedDM]: (Let's see...I'd say Gaf can climb about six feet per round. So...*does calculations*)
[JadedDM]: Half an hour later, Gaf finds he is still climbing and has a long way to go. Looking down, an ordinary person might become overwhelmed with fright from the height, but kender do not know fear. His arms and legs were getting quite tired, though.
[JadedDM]: Meanwhile, the others waited up top, wondering if Gaf was ever coming back. "How much longer should we wait?" Marik wonders aloud.
[Kendra]: "What else can we do?" Kendra asks, looking around. "It seems like this is really the only way to get down."
[JadedDM]: After another half hour of climbing, the kender is really beginning to feel sore. However, he suspects he's about half-way there. Another hour or so, and he should reach the bottom. Probably.
[JadedDM]: Meanwhile, Amala paces back and forth. "We need to do something. This is taking too long. At this rate, a patrol might happen upon us or something."
[Lirian]: Lirian is still holding the chain back. "You may be right. Gaf is so light, it's hard to tell if he's still on the chain."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Alternatives, then?"
[Kendra]: "What are the chances that something is still in the other pot? We could try going down one at a time."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Seems our best bet then. Who should go first? The heaviest or the lightest?"
[Lirian]: "The lightest."
[Kendra]: "...I guess that would be me then?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Looks that way, lass. You are a tiny thing."
[Kendra]: "All right then," Kendra says. She walks over to the other pot and climbs in gently.
[Lirian]: Lirian lets go of the chain.
[JadedDM]: The pot does not move.
[Kendra]: "I guess I'm a little too light."
[Lirian]: "Daos?"
[JadedDM]: Marik hops in next. The pot starts to slowly descend.
[Kendra]: "This might take a while."
[Gaffleknot] Gaf quirks an eyebrow. "What the?"
[JadedDM]: Feeling though his arms might rip from their sockets at any moment, the kender at first wonders if he imagined the movement, but sure enough, the chain he is holding on to is slowly beginning to move. Even worse, the chain he was riding was moving back up!
[JadedDM]: Meanwhile, back up top, Amala says, "Lirian or maybe Daos should go next."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Lirian. I can use my staff to reach the bottom much faster."
[Lirian]: Lirian obliges by going down.
[JadedDM]: The pot starts moving faster now. Unless Amala and Gimak jump in now, they are likely to be left behind. "Should we stay or go?" Amala asks quickly, unsure of what to do.
[Kendra]: "You're going to get left behind if you don't."
[JadedDM]: The two quickly jump into the pot before it's too late, which causes it to drop even faster. They are practically falling now.
[Gaffleknot] "Whooooooaaah!"
[Kendra]: Kendra holds on for dear life to the edge of the pot.
[JadedDM]: The party plummets down in the pot, and the kender whips right past them, screaming on the other chain as they descend.
[Kendra]: "Hey. There goes Gaf!"
[JadedDM]: Gaf is hurtled all the way back up, and is thrown off the chain where he collapses in a heap at Daos' feet. As for the others, they hurtle toward what appears to be a lost city. Before they can take in the sights, the large black pot crashes to the ground, shaking them all up. Nobody appears badly hurt, but they can hear shouting from outside the pot.
[Kendra]: Kendra dares to peek from inside the pot now that they seem to be on the ground.
[Gaffleknot] "Oof!" Gaf shakes his head and tries to clear it.
[JadedDM]: She sees a brassy draconian in black robes, plus eight more of them, swords drawn and ready to fight. There is no sign of Barlemus, however.
[JadedDM]: Daos kneels by the kender. "Where in the Abyss have you been? We waited over an hour."
[Gaffleknot] "I climbed as fast as I could! It's a loooooong way down!" Gaf rubs his arms and legs. "My legs are all stiff."
[Kendra]: "We have trouble," Kendra whispers to the others.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "So it would seem."
[JadedDM]: Indeed, Gaf's arms and legs feel like they're made of cement. Until he has a chance to rest, he will suffer a -2 penalty to all attack rolls as a result.
[JadedDM]: "Surrender," shouts the black-robed Baaz. "Or your lives are forfeit!"
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Post by Daos on Mar 2, 2011 20:31:48 GMT -8
Session 06 - Gaffleknot's Ghost
[JadedDM]: Reapember 17, 350; Bakukal at 15 bells. Kendra, Lirian, Amala, Gimak and Marik have landed in quite the sticky situation. They are in a crash-landed black pot, surrounded by nine draconians that are demanding their surrender. Barlemus is nowhere to be seen, and Gaf was last seen hurtling back up 700 feet to where Daos was left above. The kender, arms sore, is at the mage's feet.
[Kendra]: Kendra stays ducked down in the pot as she glances at everyone. "Problem," she whispers to the others.
[JadedDM]: Meanwhile, Daos looks down at Gaf and shakes his head. "We need to rejoin the others."
[Lirian]: "Surrender?" Lirian says idly to the black-robed Baaz.
[Gaffleknot]: "Okay," Gaf heaves. "Just... Just give me a moment."
[JadedDM]: The Baaz seems taken back. "Yes, surrender! You will be taken to Onyx, and she will decide your fate. Perhaps if you are lucky, you will be sent to the mines. If not lucky...well, I hear she has a taste for elf meat."
[Lirian]: (You ever said how far away they are.)
[Kendra]: Kendra looks to Lirian quietly.
[JadedDM]: (They have the pot surrounded, and are about five feet away, their weapons pointed at the party threateningly.)
[Lirian]: Lirian looks back at Kendra, and the staff she carries, and the hope it represents to the world. "No. I don't think I will surrender." In one swift motion, she draws her swords, jumps the pot, and attacks the black-robed draconian, unless another draconian was closer.
[JadedDM]: (Roll initiative.)
[Lirian]: (The fatal flaw in my plan.)
[Lirian]: [1d10] => [1] = (1)
[Kendra]: Kendra hops out of the pot, knowing she would need to help in some way with these draconians; so sticking close to Marik, she attacks the nearest draconian with her staff.
[Kendra]: [1d10] => [9] = (9)
[Gaffleknot]: "Why... why didn't you go down with the rest?" Gaf asks, still out of breath.
[JadedDM]: Daos gestures with his staff. "I have another method of transportation."
[JadedDM]: Round 1: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [20] = (20)
[Lirian]: [1d8] => [7] = (7)
[Lirian]: [2d8] => [8,8] = (16)
[Lirian]: Lirian mercilessly cuts down the black-robed draconian with a strike to the heart, then a slash across its throat.
[Lirian]: [1d20] => [4] = (4)
[Gaffleknot]: Standing up, Gaf putting his head between his knees. "Okay. Okay, I'm ready. I think."
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [1] = (1)
[JadedDM]: Amala leaps out of the pot, but slips in the blood of the Baaz Lirian just killed. She falls on her backside, her helmet ringing from the impact.
[Lirian]: The draconian quickly turns to stone, but Lirian manages to get her swords out in time.
[JadedDM]: Baaz's turn.
[JadedDM]: Reacting quickly to the attack, the remaining eight move forward and split up. Two take on Amala, two on Lirian, two on Gimak, and two on Marik who is protecting Kendra.
[JadedDM]: Baaz 02 [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[JadedDM]: [1d8] => [4] = (4)
[JadedDM]: Baaz 03 [1d20] => [9] = (9)
[JadedDM]: (Amala takes 4 damage.)
[JadedDM]: Baaz 04 [1d20] => [14] = (14)
[JadedDM]: [1d8] => [8] = (8)
[JadedDM]: Baaz 05 [1d20] => [10] = (10)
[JadedDM]: (Lirian takes 8 damage.)
[JadedDM]: Baaz 06 [1d20] => [8] = (8)
[JadedDM]: Baaz 07 [1d20] => [15] = (15)
[JadedDM]: [1d8] => [2] = (2)
[JadedDM]: (Gimak takes 2 damage.)
[JadedDM]: Baaz 08 [1d20] => [7] = (7)
[JadedDM]: Baaz 09 [1d20] => [1] = (1)
[JadedDM]: Marik evades both blows, and the second Baaz actually fumbles his blade in the process.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [7] = (7)
[JadedDM]: Gimak swings his axe in retaliation, but misses.
[JadedDM]: Marik's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [11] = (11)
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [8] = (8)
[JadedDM]: Marik was ready to use his bow, but quickly draws his blades instead. He swings them wildly, keeping his opponents back but not scoring any hits.
[JadedDM]: Kendra's turn.
[Kendra]: [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[Kendra]: [1d8+9] => [2,9] = (11)
[Kendra]: Kendra movs around Marik for a second and brings her staff down upon one of the dracs attacking him. The staff lets off a blue glow as she smacks the draconian down to the ground. In an instant the draconian turns to stone.
[JadedDM]: Meanwhile, Daos peers down the hole and turns to Gaf. "You best hold on tight. I'd tell you not to be afraid, but I suppose I needn't worry about that," he says, offering the kender his hand.
[Gaffleknot]: "Hold on tight? What are you talking about?" Gaf takes Daos' hand, though he idly wonders if he would ever be in such close proximity to the mage again. His other hand wanders.
[JadedDM]: Daos drops down the hole, taking Gaf with him. They quickly pick up speed as they hurtle toward the ground 700 feet below.
[Gaffleknot]: (Pickpocket: [1d100] => [10] = (10))
[JadedDM]: (Looks like Gaf pockets Daos' magnifying glass.)
[Gaffleknot]: (Shiny)
[JadedDM]: Once the ground is in sight, the Staff of Magius begins to glow, and a bubble of light encases the two. Their fall slows, and they float downward as gently as a feather, landing about twenty feet behind the black pot. All fighting pauses momentarily as both the draconians and the companions see the two drop down like angels descending from the heavens.
[Gaffleknot]: "A fight!" Gaf says excitedly.
[JadedDM]: Once they touch down, Daos lets go of the kender and readies his staff. "Defend me, Gaffleknot. I will prepare a spell." At the same time, one of the Baaz fighting Amala breaks away and charges toward the two.
[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 2?)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf spins his hoopak to meet the draconian. "Right, I'll defend you! Count on me!"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf attacks the oncoming draconian: [1d10] => [2] = (2)
[Kendra]: Kendra takes another whack at the Baaz attacking Marik.
[Kendra]: [1d10] => [7] = (7)
[Lirian]: Lirian continues her fierce attack: [1d10] => [1] = (1)
[JadedDM]: Round 2: Gaf's turn.
[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [15] = (15)
[Gaffleknot]: [1d6+2] => [6,2] = (8)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf ducks under a sword swing and gores the draconian between the ribs, piercing its heart and killing it instantly.
[Gaffleknot]: (DEX: [1d20] => [13] = (13))
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf manages to pull out his hoopak before the flesh completely turned to stone.
[JadedDM]: Lirian's turn.
[Lirian]: 1st attack: [1d20] => [13] = (13)
[Lirian]: 2nd attack: [1d20] => [19] = (19)
[Lirian]: 1st attack: [1d8] => [4] = (4)
[Lirian]: 2nd attack: [1d8] => [8] = (8)
[Lirian]: Lirian kills another hapless draconian.
[Lirian]: DEX: [1d20] => [11] = (11)
[JadedDM]: Daos' turn.
[JadedDM]: "Ast tasarak sinuralan krynawi!" he chants, his words echoing throughout the darkness surrounding them.
[JadedDM]: [2d4] => [1,3] = (4)
[JadedDM]: The two Baaz fighting Gimak suddenly stumble and drop to the ground, fast asleep. The dwarf blinks in surprise.
[JadedDM]: Amala's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [17] = (17)
[JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [8,6] = (14)
[JadedDM]: (DEX: [1d20] => [3] = (3))
[JadedDM]: Getting back on her feet in a flash, Amala quickly decapitates her remaining opponent. Its stone head bounces a few feet away before rolling to a stop.
[JadedDM]: Kendra's turn.
[Kendra]: [1d20] => [11] = (11)
[Kendra]: [1d8+9] => [6,9] = (15)
[Kendra]: Kendra takes another whack at the remaining drac on Marik. Once again, the staff glows blue as she hits the draconian, and it falls to the ground with a thump just as it turns to stone.
[JadedDM]: Gimak's turn.
[JadedDM]: [1d20+2] => [15,2] = (17)
[JadedDM]: [1d10+3] => [1,3] = (4)
[JadedDM]: (DEX: [1d20] => [2] = (2))
[JadedDM]: Looking around, Gimak realizes there is only one opponent still on his feet--the one fighting Lirian. With a dwarven battle cry, he rushes up behind it and slashes downward, nearly cutting the dragonman in half. It drops dead, petrifying moments later.
[JadedDM]: (End Battle.)
[JadedDM]: Marik: "We shouldn't dally, in case more show up."
[Kendra]: "Where is Barlemus?" Kendra asks.
[Lirian]: Lirian wipes her swords, then sheathes them. "Right."
[JadedDM]: Daos looks around. "I see no sign of him. Either he escaped or was captured."
[Lirian]: (Where are the exits?)
[JadedDM]: Taking in their surroundings, the party is in the ruins of an ancient city. It is quite dark, save for the light of Daos' staff. To the north is the wall of a building, and there are roads stretching south, west and east. They appear to be in some kind of courtyard. Ruined walls sag threateningly toward the streets in any direction.
[Kendra]: "They could have taken him anywhere, or he could have gone anywhere," Kendra says with a sigh. "Also, before we continue on, is everyone all right?" she asks.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Cuts and scratches," the dwarf says, his pride more hurt than anything else that he had his opponents stolen from him by the mage.
[Lirian]: "A single scratch," Lirian says. "Let's hope Barlemus isn't captured. Those creatures mentioned the dragon."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "The city is large. We may run into more of those gully dwarves, and they may know his location. In any case, we should move on before another patrol arrives. Which way?"
[Lirian]: Lirian points east. "That looks as good a place to start as any."
[Gaffleknot]: "Eastward ho!" He begins limp-walking.
[JadedDM]: Moving quickly, the party heads east, trying not to get too close to the sagging buildings--many which appear to be ready to collapse at the slightest touch. The road takes them to a fork, a road to the north and an alley to the south.
[Gaffleknot]: "Choices, choices," Gaf sings softly.
[Lirian]: Lirian walks north.
[JadedDM]: The party heads north, moving at a respectable pace and keeping an eye on their tail. However, they eventually reach the dead-end as a building as collapsed into the road, making it impassable.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Damn! Wait, what about that map? Could that help us?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "A map by a gully dwarf isn't worth the paper it was scrawled on."
[Kendra]: "You never know, Gimak. Some help is better than no help at all," Kendra says.
[Lirian]: Lirian takes out the map the dirty gully dwarf gave her.
[Lirian]: Lirian looks quizzically at the map. "This is useless," she declares.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "We need some kind of direction. Wandering aimlessly is dangerous."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "I could make one of us invisible. They could then scout out the city in relative safety. However, we would first need a place to hold up while we wait."
[Gaffleknot]: "I could scout around for you guys!"
[Lirian]: "Standing around in the open is liable to get us caught," Lirian agrees. "We might need to hole up in one of those abandoned buildings, though Gimak would have to vouch for its integrity."
[Kendra]: "Who will scout out the city then?" Kendra asks.
[Gaffleknot]: "Me! Me!"
[JadedDM]: Gimak starts checking the buildings, rubbing at his bearded chin in concentration.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "An invisible kender...what a terrifying thought."
[Kendra]: Kendra giggles lightly.
[Gaffleknot]: "I'd be serious!" Gaf says indignantly. "I know how to scout, I've done it tons of times before."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "This one, over here. It should hold...if we don't move about too much."
[Lirian]: "Good, let's go inside, and formulate our plan further."
[Kendra]: Kendra follows the others into the building.
[JadedDM]: Stepping into the small building, they find that it is full of debris, save for the area nearest to the door. The windows are blocked, as are any other possible exits. This, at least, makes it easier to defend. There is just enough room for the seven of them to sit without touching the rubble.
[Lirian]: "Now, who to send. How long does the spell last, Daos?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "At least twenty four hours. However, if the recipient makes any aggressive move, the spell will terminate."
[Lirian]: "Plenty of time, though Barlemus may have even less. And we still have a deadline to get the Disks in time. Gaf, you will be mindful of these."
[Gaffleknot]: "Okay! I'll scout around and be right back!"
[Gaffleknot]: "Um, what am I looking for?"
[Lirian]: "A good question. Barlemus first. The Disks second."
[Kendra]: "Well, I think you should keep an eye out for Barlemus, "Kendra says.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Also keep an eye out for any draconian patrols, their numbers, location and whether they appear to be looking for us."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Or gully dwarves. They might be able to lead us to Barlemus, or at least tell us where everything is."
[Gaffleknot]: "Right. Draconian patrols. Gully dwarves. Leads on Barlemus. I got it." Gaf gives the group his most reliable smile.
[JadedDM]: Daos kneels and places a hand on Gaf's shoulder. "Remember, Gaffleknot, the spell will render you invisible, but you can still be heard. Batin dari penglihatan, itu tak'kelihatan." The kender feels a tingle go through his body, but to his disappointment, nothing seems to happen. He can still see himself just fine. To everyone else, though, the kender's image fades away like a ghost, until nothing remains.
[Gaffleknot]: "Am I invisible?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Yes. You are still here, it is only an illusion. That means you can be seen if one disbelieves. Be wary around the smarter draconians, the spellcasters. They may be able to detect you if you make too much noise."
[Gaffleknot]: "Oh, okay, I'll be sure to stay away from them. Hey! Does that mean you can see me, Daos?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "I can always see you, Gaffleknot. Always."
[Kendra]: Kendra lets out another small giggle. "Get going Gaff. We don't have a whole lot of time."
[Lirian]: "Hurry up, Gaf," Lirian opens the door. "Knock twice, then three times to let us know it's you. We'll wait 4 hours before we'll decide that something happened to you."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf steps lightly out of the room.
[Lirian]: After a few seconds, Lirian says. "Are you gone?"
[Lirian]: After several more seconds, Lirian closes the door.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf makes his way south back to the fork.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Guess we might as well make ourselves comfortable."
[JadedDM]: The alley takes Gaf south, and then curves back west. It opens out into a street that stretches north and south. To the south, the kender can hear the sound of water falling.
[Kendra]: Kendra finds a place to sit down. "What are we going to do if we have to face that dragon again?" she asks. "I'm not exactly looking forward to...well I don't want to see any of you get hurt."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf walks north.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "If the dragon is guarding the disks, then we will face her again."
[Lirian]: "Elven legends say that normal steel cannot pierce a dragon's hide."
[JadedDM]: Gaf finds himself back at the courtyard. The dead Baaz have turned to dust, and the two sleeping ones are now awake, and rubbing their heads. They speak to each other in another language. Then they both decide to head west, double-time.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf cautiously follows them.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Dwarven legends say that dragons cannot die at all. How do we separate the fiction from the fact?"
[Kendra]: "If they can't die, then where have they been?"
[JadedDM]: The two Baaz arrive at a large building, and unlike the others, this one is intact and seems to have been maintained. They open the doors and step inside. They enter a large, dark room, their footsteps echoing. From deep in the darkness comes a shrill, hiccupping sound. Another Baaz, lying in the corner, is the source of this sound. A few empty bottles lie at his side.
[Lirian]: "As well, the dragon possesses powerful magic. Can you face her, Daos?"
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Sleeping?" she guesses.
[JadedDM]: Daos thinks well on the question. "The dragon's magic is incredible, on par with an archmagius. I have only recently completed my Test. One-on-one...it is no contest."
[Lirian]: "Then, we may not be able to directly face her."
[Kendra]: Kendra takes in a deep breath. "She wouldn't have sent us to do this if she didn't believe," she says thoughtfully. "So we have to believe that we can do this."
[JadedDM]: "My brothers!" the drunken Baaz slurs.
[JadedDM]: "Sir, we were attacked by the humans. They are somewhere in the city. What should we do?" one of the sober Baaz answers in Common.
[Gaffleknot]: (The double doors are west? Can I go north? South?)
[JadedDM]: "The humans!" the drunk Baaz hiccups. "The captain an' I was havin' a little celebration when we got a bit too celebrated! I remember that a bunch of stinking gully dwarves came along and carried him off. If the humans find out our real plan...we'd be ruined! I'm pretty sure they dragged him off to the Guildhouse west of here. You should go find him...I'll join you...soon as I've had a chance to sleep...off...this..." He then passes out. The other two baaz shake their heads in disgust.
[JadedDM]: (Gaf can exit the building and head south or north, yes. There are alleys heading in both directions.)
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Maybe we can create some kind of diversion."
[Kendra]: "What kind of diversion?"
[Lirian]: "A diversion enough to lure the dragon from guarding its hoard?"
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Maybe...cause some kind of revolt among the gully dwarves?"
[Lirian]: "She came readily enough for the blue crystal staff, but I don't know if we want that kind of risk."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf waits to see what the two Baaz do.
[Lirian]: "Mmm. Maybe." Lirian muses.
[Kendra]: "I'm not sure that the gully dwarves will revolt."
[Lirian]: "It's possible, if they thought they had a powerful ally on their side."
[JadedDM]: The two converse in their own tongue a moment. Then they seem to split up. One heads south, to another room. The other heads the way he came, back through the double doors.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf follows the one through the double doors.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "More powerful than a dragon?"
[JadedDM]: The Baaz heads east, back to the courtyard, then turns south. As he jogs, the sound of running water grows louder. Torrents of water batter the rubble, hurling mists into the air, then settle into a stream running west down the street. Vines grow up the side of the cavern next to the waterfall. Ignoring this, the Baaz leaps across the stream, using his wings to glide across and land on the other side.
[Kendra]: "I think the Gully dwarves can probably lead us to the dragon, but after that we might be on our own. They...don't seem like the brave sort."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf cannot follow, so he goes back north
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "They're not. More cowardly than goblins, even."
[JadedDM]: Gaf returns to the courtyard, the remains of the dead Baaz still present.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf turns west.
[Gaffleknot]: (This feels like a MUD or something.)
[JadedDM]: Gaf returns to the building he visited earlier. He can enter again, or head north or south.
[Lirian]: "Hmm."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf turns north.
[Kendra]: "We know the dragon wants the staff, so really that is the only thing we have to work with I think. You know, if we want to lure it out."
[JadedDM]: Gaf follows the alley north, ignoring the dead-ends along the way. He again comes across a large waterfall. Water thunders down from an opening high up the cavern wall. Gleaming only faintly in the gloomy light, it tumbles over the rubble and forms a river on the cobblestone streets, rushing out of sight. The kender can head west, north, east, or south along the stream.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "So one of us takes the staff and uses it as bait, while the rest sneak into its lair and take the disks."
[Kendra]: "The staff just looks like a normal staff in everyone's hands but mine," Kendra points out.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "So the dragon wouldn't even know for sure if she saw it. We could make decoys, then."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf turns east.
[Kendra]: "Or she might just realize we are trying to distract her. Dragons are supposed to be extremely smart after all."
[JadedDM]: Only a dim light from above scatters the darkness in the cavern, shining faintly on the ruins that cover the cavern floor. The air is heavy with moisture and heat. The facade of an ancient building juts sideways from the cavern wall. Its roof lies half buried in the rubble of the cavern floor to the north, its steps now rising to the south. The delicately carved pillars that stood in front of the building now lie broken amid rubble that slopes west to a cobblestone street (the way he came). Further west, a ring of broken stones marks the foundation of a tremendous tower. The tower itself lies next to the foundation, its top buried in the cavern wall. Water pours into the cavern from several places high up the walls. Further east is another room.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "She can't be all that smart if she lost the staff in the first place."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf turns back.
[Kendra]: "You are the one that stole it from her," Kendra says with a grin.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Exactly. I'm not even that good of a thief," he says modestly.
[JadedDM]: The kender returns to the fork again.
[Kendra]: "You aren't?"
[JadedDM]: Amala: "That's not what you usually say. Didn't you claim you got that sword by stealing it from a Seeker...while he was in the middle of using it in a duel?"
[JadedDM]: Marik draws the blade and looks at it admiringly. "Well, yes, that was pretty amazing."
[Kendra]: "So I guess that means you are a good thief then. Is that something to be proud of?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Well, I'm not chosen by the gods or anything like that..."
[Gaffleknot]: From the waterfall, Gaf goes north.
[Kendra]: "In a way, you kind of are. You were the one chosen to give the staff to me."
[JadedDM]: This brings Gaf to the aforementioned tower. A broken foundation circles the area where a tremendous tower once stood. Two 10' cubes stand within the circle, apparently untouched by the catastrophe that destroyed the city. Each cube has an arched opening in its side. The openings face each other, 20' apart. To one side, the fallen tower lies on its side, its top buried in the cavern wall to the north. Inside the hollow cylinder of the tower is only darkness.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Nah...just in the right place at the right time."
[Kendra]: "When did you become so modest?"
[JadedDM]: Amala: "He's not. He just thinks he's being charming," she teases.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Thinks? I know I am."
[Kendra]: Kendra laughs. "And here I was starting to believe the whole modest thing," she says jokingly.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf goes back to the waterfall and goes west.
[JadedDM]: The catastrophe has marred once-beautiful buildings. Moss-covered rubble hides the carefully laid cobblestones of the street. Rushing through the rubble and cobblestones, an icy river surges past. There the street ends abruptly in a chasm, mist billows from the hole, and falling water crashes somewhere below. Gaf can attempt to cross the stream here, or continue following it to its source.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "The only one who possessed less modesty than Marik was Marcus."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf goes back to the waterfall and goes south.
[Kendra]: Kendra nods slightly. "I fully agree with Daos there."
[Lirian]: Lirian's ears burned red at the mention of Marcus.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "What do you think that blackguard is doing now? I'm not sure if I envy him or not. He's probably in a warm bed somewhere, while we squat in this dank cave."
[Kendra]: "Who knows what he is doing? I never thought he would just sort of abandon us to whatever he was doing though."
[JadedDM]: The shattered walls of the city bow darkly above the street. Mosses and fungus cling to the ruins, as if trying to drag the walls down. In the middle of the street that runs between the ruins, the river continues to the south. A dim shaft of light overhead centers on a great plaza to the south. To the east one building seems to have held up most admirably. Dark growth obscures the lettering above its double doors.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Really? It doesn't surprise me at all."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Nor I."
[Kendra]: "Well, I held out some hope that he wouldn't," Kendra admits with a small shrug.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "In any case, I'm sure our paths will cross again someday, if we all survive, that is."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf continues south.
[Lirian]: Lirian shifts her position, uncomfortable with all of this bad mouthing of her former lover.
[JadedDM]: A single column of light pierces the overhead mists and spreads into a vast plaza at least 120' across. Steady streams from the east and west streets flow into a large pool of water, which in turn empties into a river channeled down the street Gaf just came from. The roar of waterfalls fades to silence, the moss-covered ruins that surround the plaza recede into the darkness when a low, throaty noise rumbles from the entrance of one of the southern buildings.
[JadedDM]: A huge black creature arches like a cobra on the steps to the building. The plaza stills: it seems as though light and air flee the spot on which the dragon stands.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf involuntarily shrinks back from the sight.
[Gaffleknot]: (Crap.)
[JadedDM]: The dragon speaks in a low, hissing language from the stairs to a draconian. Behind the draconian, several dirty forms grovel in the moss, turning their eyes from the glossy black scales. The dragon whispers further to the draconian, who then turns and yells to the Aghar. "Begin the search!" While the dragon looks on, the search party and its draconian leader scurry off. A moment later, the dragon retreats south and disappears in the darkness.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf goes back north.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Once this is all over...with the staff and the disks and the goddess and all...what do you think you will do next, Kendra?"
[Kendra]: Kendra takes on a more thoughtful expression. "Well, I guess it is kind of up to me to spread the word that she is with us, that we have not been abandoned."
[JadedDM]: As the kender retreats, he overhears the draconian's voice carrying throughout the plaza, saying, "Aghar slime, hear me! If this prisoner escapes, I will be eaten alive for breakfast but not before I eat you! I want that prisoner and I want her now!" The last thing the kender hears is the crack of a whip. A moment later, a handful of gully dwarves pass right by him, searching under small rocks for something.
[Gaffleknot]: Prisoner? Her? Someone other than Barlemus? Gaf thinks.
[JadedDM]: Daos nods. "Even with the disks, the 'armies of darkness' as Mishakal called them are still out there, spreading over Ansalon."
[JadedDM]: The Aghar continue on north, ignoring Gaf altogether, as they cannot see him. The draconian is not with them, as he apparently followed a different group.
[Kendra]: "I guess there really isn't an end to it. There is a long road ahead of me."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf goes back south to see if this prisoner is Barlemus.
[Kendra]: Kendra smiles slightly. "The question is...are you guys going to travel that road with me?"
[JadedDM]: The kender returns to the great plaza. By now, everyone has left. The dragon retreated to the south, and the other two parts of the search party must have head east and west, along the rivers.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Of course. I said I'd protect you, right?"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf goes west.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Aye, lassie, if it is the will of the true gods, I will not leave your side."
[Lirian]: Lirian smiles. "Of course we'll be here with you."
[JadedDM]: A wall of water dives from an opening in the west cavern, filling the street. The only path is to the north. Before the kender can decide on whether to follow it, though, he spots movement behind the waterfall.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "I swear to you, on my honor, I will fight by your side as long as you wish me to."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf investigates the movement.
[JadedDM]: Stepping closer, Gaf sees a woman crouching in the rubble, as far from the water as she can get. She is soaked and trembling, but whether from fear or the cold, he cannot be certain. She is wearing the traditional hides of a plainswoman. Standing over her, his hand on his sword, is none other than Barlemus. He is breathing heavily. After a moment, he lowers his sword. "I think they're gone," he whispers to the woman.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "I think...I can learn a great deal by staying with you. And I am curious about what we have discovered so far...dragons, gods, ancient cities, and so forth. Yes, I think it is well worth my time to stay with you."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf bites back a gasp. The kender is immensely glad to see his friend again. "Barley!" he whispers.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus quickly raises his sword again, looking around wildly. "Ut...I...thought I heard my name." His eyes dart back in forth, watching for any movement.
[Kendra]: "Thank you. All of you," Kendra says, looking touched by their words. "I don't know what I would do without you."
[Gaffleknot]: "Barley! It's me, Gaf! I died, and I'm a ghost now!"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus pales. "Ut...Gaf? Is it really you? How did you die? What was it like? Ut, I can't believe I'm being haunted by a kender..."
[Gaffleknot]: "Don't worry about that now! I know where the others are. I can take you to them."
[JadedDM]: The woman stands up, looking around. "Who are you speaking to?" she asks the fighter.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus ignores her. "They're safe? And...alive? Or are they ghosts, too?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Though, it was an incredible story, let me tell you. It involved an army of draconians..."
[Gaffleknot]: "Yeah, yeah, they're safe and sound. Worried about you, though."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus turns to the woman. "Miss Sunstar, this is my friend Gaf. He was a kender, but he died, so now he's a ghost."
[JadedDM]: Sunstar looks around then absently waves. "Hello..."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf can't help but giggle.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "He's going to lead us to my friends."
[JadedDM]: Sunstar: "I...see. How can he lead us if we cannot see him?"
[Gaffleknot]: "The draconians have patrols out looking for you. They even got the poor gully dwarves to search for you. So you have to be careful."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "I can handle any draconians, don't worry. And you can just spook away the gully dwarves. They're dumb like that."
[Gaffleknot]: "Just listen to the sound of my voice," Gaf says as he walks away.
[Kendra]: "I wonder how mom is going to react when I tell her about all of this," Kendra says absently. "She'll be sure to point out that I'll never get married now, I'm sure."
[JadedDM]: Marik grins. "Are saviors, chosen by the gods, allowed to get married? We haven't had any true clerics in 300 years, so I don't know..."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus holds out his hand to Sunstar. "It's okay. I'll protect you. And my friends can help us rescue your friend."
[JadedDM]: Uncertain, Sunstar reluctantly takes his hand. Barlemus then turns toward Gaf, or the sound of his voice anyway. "Lead on, spirit guide."
[Gaffleknot]: "Sure thing. Keep quiet!" Gaf whispers. Then he leads them all the way back to the waterfall, careful to look out for signs of gully dwarves or draconians.
[Kendra]: "Well, I kind of hope that they won't restrict me from love and all of that," Kendra says, looking to Marik.
[JadedDM]: Marik looks away, blushing slightly.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Well, the old stories claim that Mishakal was married herself, to another god, Paladine. So maybe clerics can marry, too, eh?"
[JadedDM]: Fortunately, it seems the gully dwarves have moved on. The three are able to return to the waterfall without any difficulty.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf takes them to the alleyway before the double doors, but checks to make sure no draconians are in sight first, telling Barley and Sunstar to wait further behind.
[JadedDM]: No sign of draconians yet, but the kender does spot a couple of Aghar in the courtyard to the east, scavenging from the dead Baaz.
[Kendra]: "Would anyone want to marry a chosen one of the Gods?" Kendra asks curiously.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf puts on his spookiest voice he can. "Be gone, defilers of the dead! Be gone!"
[Lirian]: Lirian says slyly, "I can think of one."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "I suppose there would be some fringe benefits."
[JadedDM]: One of the Aghar looks up, then all around, then turns to his partner. "What you say?"
[JadedDM]: "Me no say nothing," says the other.
[Kendra]: "Who?" Kendra says, looking to Lirian curiously.
[Lirian]: Lirian laughs. "That would be telling."
[Kendra]: "Oh, now that is not fair!" Kendra says with a huff.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf is perplexed. He hadn't expected that. "It was me! The terrible ghost of Burple! Wooooo!"
[JadedDM]: "G-G-Ghost?!" says the first one, looking about in fear.
[JadedDM]: "What ghost?" asks the second one.
[JadedDM]: "Me not know...but sound scary! Scram!" replies the first one.
[JadedDM]: The two Aghar run in circles a bit, before heading south in terror.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf shakes his head. "Great idea, Barley."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf hisses at Barley and Sunstar. "They're gone."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus chuckles. "Man, they're dumb. They'll believe anything. Well, lead on, ghostly one."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Marriage is probably the least of our concerns at this point."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf leads them to the Companions' hiding place. "Was it two knocks, then three? Or three knocks, then two? Oh well." Gaf knocks twice, and then knocks thrice.
[Lirian]: "Sounds like Gaf is back." She moves to open the door.
[Kendra]: "Yeah, you're right Daos. I just was thinking about the last conversation I had with my mother," she says absently before looking to the door.
[JadedDM]: Gimak loads his crossbow. "Or Draconians."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "I doubt Draconians knock before entering," he says flippantly.
[Lirian]: "Better safe than sorry," Lirian says. She opens the door cautiously.
[JadedDM]: Opening the door, nobody is seen. However, Barlemus is a few feet away, holding the hands of a blonde plainswoman. Both are looking around, as if confused.
[Gaffleknot]: "Hi, Lirian! I found Barley! And he found a prisoner! Her name is Sunstar."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus and Sunstar turn toward the door and the former grins. "Hey, guys! The ghost of Gaf led me here, from beyond the grave."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf giggles hysterically.
[Kendra]: Kendra jumps up and runs to give Barlemus a hug the moment she sees him. "Thank the Gods you're all right," she says, sounding relieved. "Wait...ghost?"
[JadedDM]: Daos mutters something, and makes a gesture. Gaf fades back into view. "He was only invisible, you dullard."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus blushes, but whether from the hug or the revelation is uncertain. "Ut...I knew that. I was just playing along with him." A moment later, he remembers to return Kendra's hug. "Glad you're all okay."
[Gaffleknot]: "Aw, I was going to go back out and scout some more!"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "You did well, but I won't have an invisible kender among us, pilfering all of our belongings. Besides, we need to see you to properly debrief you."
[Kendra]: Kendra lets go of Barlemus and smiles to the plainswomen. "Are you all right?"
[JadedDM]: Sunstar: "Yes...but my people..."
[Kendra]: "What happened?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Everyone, everyone! I saw the dragon! The big black one that almost killed Marik!"
[JadedDM]: Daos ushers everyone inside. With the extra people, it's a bit of a tight fit. Sunstar says, "I am Sunstar of the Que-Shu. Our tribe was set upon by demons from the north. We fought bravely. But to our shame, we still fell into their hands. They brought the survivors here as snacks for the dragon. Only I am one other remain. I managed to escape, but Raven-eye is still imprisoned."
[JadedDM]: Marik gulps. "The dragon, you say?"
[Lirian]: "One thing at a time, Marik. Do you know where Raven-eye is imprisoned?"
[JadedDM]: Sunstar nods. "Yes. It's very close to the dragon's lair."
[Kendra]: Kendra moves to stand beside Marik, placing her hand on his shoulder in comfort. "Is he guarded?"
[Lirian]: "What a coincidence. Right where we plan on going."
[JadedDM]: The plainswoman nods. "Yes, by some of the demons."
[Kendra]: Kendra looks over to the others. "What do you guys think?" she asks curiously.
[Lirian]: "Did you find a way into the dragon's lair, Gaf?"
[Gaffleknot]: "No, I didn't have enough time."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "If someone needs our help, we should at least try."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "I guess one extra person would help with the dragon."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "If freeing this man is the only way she'll lead us to the dragon, I suppose we have little choice."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "I told her I would protect her, and I intend to, whatever we do."
[Kendra]: Kendra looks to Sunstar. "Would you be willing to lead us there?"
[JadedDM]: The woman thinks a moment, then bites her lip and nods. "Raven-eye and I are all that remain. I cannot leave him behind."
[Kendra]: "Gaf, how are things like patrols and stuff? Can we easily avoid them?"
[Gaffleknot]: "There were a few patrols looking for Barley. The two draconians we left sleeping went back to report to their captain. Though their response seemed a little haphazard."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Yeah, after I got separated from you guys, I sort of got lost. I found Sunstar being attacked by some draconians, so I fought them off and we ran to hide. That's when Gaf found me."
[Kendra]: "Well then, what's the plan?"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Let's go rescue Raven-eye, kill the dragon, grab the disks, and be big damn heroes!" he says, pumping his fist.
[Lirian]: "I still want to see if we can find another way in. It sounds like there might be draconian guards to the dragon's lair."
[Kendra]: "You could show her the map, Lirian."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Good point. It might have set traps or something to protect its horde."
[Lirian]: Lirian shows the plainswoman the map.
[JadedDM]: Sunstar looks at it. "I...cannot read, but...this does not look to scale anyway."
[Kendra]: "We don't have a lot of other options then."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "All right then. Big damn heroes time, right? Right?"
[Lirian]: "Our purpose isn't to get killed, Barlemus, in the process. Charging in will accomplish just that."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Agreed. If there is a way to get the disks without fighting the dragon, I'm all for it."
[Lirian]: "Marik managed to steal the staff away from the dragon's hoard and escape. That at least tells me that there must be a way in that the dragon doesn't know about."
[Kendra]: "We might have to send Gaf exploring more so he can find another way then," Kendra says.
[Lirian]: "Our best information is the gully dwarves themselves. They've lived here for centuries, I'd wager."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "A back door? Maybe..." he shakes his head. "Ugh, I just can't remember."
[Kendra]: Kendra gives Marik a pat on the shoulder. "We don't expect you to," she says with a small smile. "So we need to find the gully dwarves then."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Shouldn't be too hard. Damn things are crawling all over the place."
[Lirian]: "In the meantime, we need to keep Sunstar hidden, since the draconians are out patrolling for her."
[Gaffleknot]: "The patrols weren't that large. All of us could probably take them."
[JadedDM]: Sunstar: "There used to be many more of the demons, the 'draconians' as you call them. But many were sent to search for some crystal staff."
[Lirian]: "So there are less of them now in the city? Interesting."
[JadedDM]: She nods. "Many of the gully dwarves have run and hidden now, because there are not enough of the demons to keep them in line."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "And we've killed like...a lot of them, too."
[Kendra]: "Do you know where the gully dwarves hide?"
[Lirian]: "Okay, this could work. We could probably all safely leave this building. Make our way to the gully dwarf dwellings. Perhaps meet this gully dwarf king."
[JadedDM]: The barbarian shakes her head. "I've been locked up in that cell for most of the time I was here. But any of the gully dwarves themselves might be able to take us to one of their hideouts."
[Gaffleknot]: "I think I can lead us there, Lirian!"
[Lirian]: "You saw their dwellings?"
[Gaffleknot]: "No. But I know where the dragon is. So the gully dwarves must be where the dragon isn't."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Does that really narrow things down any? It's a big city."
[Gaffleknot]: "The dragon went south across the river. So, the gully dwarves must be north of the river." Gaf said this proudly.
[Kendra]: "It gives us a direction at least."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "So we seek out the gully dwarves for information, then go rescue Raven-eye and then retrieve the disks."
[Kendra]: Kendra nods.
[Lirian]: Lirian nods. "And if the gully dwarves turn out to be a dead end, we'll let Sunstar lead us in."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Let's move out then."
[Lirian]: Lirian moves out of the abandoned building.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf follows.
[Kendra]: Kendra follows after the rest of them.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Lead the way, Gaf, since you know the way."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf leads them to the double doors where the drunk draconian was.
[JadedDM]: So far, the party does not come across anyone or anything. In fact, the city seems too quiet.
[Gaffleknot]: "That building has some draconians in it," Gaf says, pointing at the double doors. He leads the companions through the north alley.
[JadedDM]: The party is on their guard at Gaf's mentioning of draconians. They navigate through the north alley, seeing nothing bigger than a couple of rats run by.
[Gaffleknot]: (I'm actually kind of tired. Can we stop for now and go next week?)
[JadedDM]: (All right.)
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Post by Daos on Mar 16, 2011 20:01:35 GMT -8
Session 07 - Meeting Magpie
[JadedDM]: Reapember 17th, 350; Bakukal at 19 bells. Gaffleknot Furrfoot, kender handler, leads the rest of his party, plus the young plainswoman, north through the alley. After a few snakes and turns, they arrive on a large street that runs southwest to northeast. To the north are the remains of a tower. The sound of running water can be heard in both directions of the road.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf considered which way to go. He didn't want to go closer to the dragon, he wanted to go to the gully dwarf dwellings, wherever they were. He took a moment, pausing.
[Gaffleknot]: "Let's go there," Gaf points at the tower to the north.
[Kendra]: Kendra looked around in awe. "All of this under one temple," she says softly as she follows after Gaf.
[Lirian]: Lirian has a bad feeling that Gaf didn't know where he was going. Still, she followed, against her better judgment.
[JadedDM]: The party approaches a broken foundation that circles the area where a tremendous tower once stood. Two 10' cubes stand within the circle, apparently untouched by the catastrophe that destroyed the city. To one side, the fallen tower lies on its side, its top buried in the cavern wall to the north.
[Kendra]: "Are we almost there?" Kendra asks.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "So many lives were lost when this place was destroyed," she says absently, looking around.
[Lirian]: "What is this?" Lirian said, looking at the two cubes.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus approaches them. "I dunno," he says, peering at them. Each cube has an arched opening in its side. The openings face each other, 20' apart.
[Kendra]: "Odd that these are the only two things that seem to be untouched by destruction."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Perhaps there is some sort of sorcery involved."
[Kendra]: "Or the Gods decided to preserve them, but why?"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf didn't care whether it was sorcery or magic. It looked interesting. Before anyone could stop him, he stepped forward to touch the cubes.
[JadedDM]: The cubes are made of stone, and are so cold to the touch. However, looking inside one, Gaf could swear he sees something. A dark room? It's almost like he's peering inside the doorway of a room.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf poked his head into the doorway.
[Lirian]: Lirian said sharply, "Gaf, come away from there!"
[JadedDM]: Gaf's head seems to disappear for a moment to everyone else. For Gaf himself, he sees the interior of a room. There's a counter, and several ghostly forms floating around, ignoring the kender.
[Lirian]: "Blast my eyes, that kender's going to be the death of me!" Lirian cursed. She hurried after him, her swords drawn.
[Kendra]: "Wait! You don't even know what happened to him, Lirian!"
[JadedDM]: Gaf and Lirian disappear through the arch, and find themselves in a small dark room. A long counter of chipped, dusty marble bisects the room from east to west. Against the south wall, four ghostly forms stand at attention, their weapons drawn. Just behind the counter stands another long-faced ghostly form. He turns and speaks to the kender and half-elf as they enter. "So you've finally arrived, Kathal! Well, you're the last, so pay the tax!"
[Lirian]: Lirian paled when she saw the ghostly forms. Grabbing Gaf's collar, she tried to pull him back towards where they arrived from.
[Gaffleknot]: "Who's Kathal?" Gaf chirped, as Lirian pulled him.
[JadedDM]: The two stumble backwards through the portal, returning to where they started.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Ut! How did you do that?" he asks, amazed, when the two reappear.
[Kendra]: "Where did you two go?!"
[Lirian]: Lirian shook her head. "Do not go in there. Beyond lies ghostly soldiers. They did not look friendly."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Err...ghosts?"
[Kendra]: "I think maybe we should leave these things alone and continue looking for the gully dwarves," Kendra said, eyeing the cubes a little more curiously now.
[Lirian]: Lirian arched an eyebrow. "You doubt me?"
[Gaffleknot]: "They were definitely ghosts! There were see-through, and spoke in such somber voices!"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Interesting. Some kind of magical portals. Perhaps they are connected to some other part of the city."
[Lirian]: "I doubt the gully dwarves make much use of this."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Unlikely. They wouldn't understand it." He looks at the other cube. "I wonder where the other one leads."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf obligingly walks through it.
[Kendra]: Kendra shifted from one foot to the other, shaking her head as Gaf walked through the other cube.
[Lirian]: Lirian sighed. "You had to say that aloud, didn't you Daos."
[JadedDM]: Again, disappearing, the kender finds himself in another small room. Hundreds of rotting sacks lie within the room. Clay tokens spill from their split sides. Three skeletons, two holding shovels, sprawl half-buried in the clay tokens. Their faces grin hideously. There's a moss-covered inscription on the wall by the door that is hard to make out.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf pokes his head back out. "Come see! Daos, there's ancient writing here!"
[JadedDM]: Daos shrugs to Lirian, then steps through the portal.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Daos, wait!" She runs after him.
[JadedDM]: Daos looks around the room, holding his staff up to illuminate things. Unconcerned with the skeletons, he approaches the sign. "Hmm...I do believe this is the word for 'Treasury.'"
[JadedDM]: Amala scoops up some of the tokens. "Treasury? There's nothing in here but these clay tokens."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf's eyes light up. "I've got an idea! 'mala! Help me!" Gaf struggles to pick up a sack of clay tokens.
[Kendra]: "What could they possibly be doing in there?"
[JadedDM]: Daos turns to them. "Tsarothian Culli, I assume. It was a form of currency centuries ago. Worthless now."
[JadedDM]: Amala helps the kender in lifting the sack full of tokens.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Could they be in trouble?"
[Gaffleknot]: "As much as you can carry, 'mala!"
[Lirian]: Lirian shifted uneasily on her feet. "Daos and Amala are there. They won't let Gaf get them into too much trouble."
[JadedDM]: Amala gathers up several hundred of the tokens. "What is this for, Gaf?"
[Kendra]: "Daos' can be just as curious as Gaf in some of these matters, especially if magic is involved," Kendra pointed out to Lirian. "Amala might be able to keep them both out of trouble."
[Gaffleknot]: "Something in the other room caught my attention!" Gaf herded the mage and the knight out the door.
[JadedDM]: Daos, Amala, and Gaf return to the others, Amala carrying a large, bulging sack with her.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf ushered them into the other portal, without a word to the others.
[Kendra]: Kendra opens her mouth to ask a question, but before she can even get it out the are gone again. In the end, she just sighs.
[JadedDM]: The ghost turns to them. "There you are. No more funny business, Kathal. Where is the payment?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Yes! I am Kathal! How much do I owe you?" Gaf could barely keep from giggling.
[Lirian]: "This has gone on far enough. Let's go." Lirian follows after the three wayward children.
[JadedDM]: "Five hundred," the ghost says gravely.
[Gaffleknot]: "Will this be enough?" Gaf patted the sack.
[Kendra]: Kendra looks to Marik. "You going in there, or are you staying out here?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Not if there are ghosts in there..."
[JadedDM]: Amala sets the sack on the counter, looking at the ghost warily.
[JadedDM]: The ghost nods. "Yes, this will suffice." With that, he vanishes. So do the four guards.
[Lirian]: "Gaf, stop playing around!" Lirian enters the chamber. "Wait, where did the ghosts go?"
[Kendra]: "I'll stay back with you then."
[JadedDM]: Daos looks to the kender. "What exactly did that accomplish?"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf wrinkled a nose. "I thought the ghosts would give us treasure if we gave them the money."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Well...looks like they're at peace now, at least."
[Gaffleknot]: "Maybe they were guarding it behind them!" Gaf pushes forward towards the door.
[JadedDM]: Gaf pushes open the door and emerges into a plaza. Tremendous cracked and crumbling pillars strain beneath the rock ceiling. Water from the street rushes into a river flowing west from the east wall toward a steady roar of water.
[Kendra]: "Should we really be just standing here like this?"
[Lirian]: Lirian comes back out. "Come, the ghosts are gone. Gaf has found something."
[Kendra]: "Well, come on then," Kendra says as she walks towards the portal to follow after Lirian.
[JadedDM]: The others follow through the portal. Marik looks around. "What happened to the ghosts?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "And what did the kender find?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Come see, come see!" Gaf motioned towards them, towards the plaza.
[Kendra]: Kendra moves towards the plaza. "What is this place?"
[JadedDM]: They all step into the plaza. Gimak asks, "Is this another part of the city?"
[Lirian]: "It must be. Perhaps a shortcut to the dragon's lair, and the Disks?"
[JadedDM]: Amala: "The only way to go is to cross the river," she says. "Or there," she points. It is possible to go around the corner of the building, alongside the river. Perhaps there is something behind the building they just exited.
[Lirian]: "Let's brave the river later. I doubt Gimak would appreciate wading through that," Lirain said with a smile.
[JadedDM]: Gimak harrumphs. He gives the river a long, hard look. "I'd either sink like a stone or get swept away."
[Lirian]: "I could always carry you," Lirian teased.
[Kendra]: "I won't let you be swept away, Gimak," Kendra says with a smile.
[JadedDM]: "Nobody carries a dwarf," Gimak mutters.
[JadedDM]: Marik walks around the corner of the building. "Guys, you might want to see this," he calls to the others.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf hurried over.
[Kendra]: Kendra walks over to where Gaf and Marik are.
[JadedDM]: Water rushes around columns and plunges from hanging steps into a vast cavern. Overhead, mist thickens beneath the fading ceiling. A single, dim shaft of light spreads into the vast underground area. Over 500 feet below, ruins litter the dim floor of the cavern. It is the ancient city of Xak Tsaroth! They have been teleported far above it.
[Kendra]: "Um...I don't think we are supposed to be up here," Kendra says.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Evidently, we have traveled backward."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf frowned. "Huh. It felt like going forward."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Well, it's a nice view, at least."
[Kendra]: "Very nice. Though, maybe we should go back."
[Gaffleknot]: "Aw, don't you want to go exploring?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Agreed. And perhaps Lirian should lead. She is less likely to be...sidetracked," he states, glancing at the kender.
[Kendra]: Kendra nods in agreement with Daos.
[Lirian]: "I agree," Lirian said sternly. "Let's go back."
[JadedDM]: The party returns to the tax room, back through the treasury, and into the alcove that transports them back to the ruined tower.
[JadedDM]: The party attempts to head west, but finds a fast-running and icy river flowing through the street and into a vast pit to the north. The river comes right up the Y and crosses the western segment. The only way forward is to cross the river. Otherwise, they must head south or another direction instead.
[Gaffleknot]: "South is where I saw the dragon," Gaf says helpfully.
[Lirian]: "Then, let's try crossing the river."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "I'll pass and wait here, lass. That river looks pretty swift."
[Kendra]: "Maybe someone should test that river out to make sure no one us get swept away."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "And who would be brave enough to volunteer for that job?"
[Kendra]: "....Barlemus."
[Lirian]: "I'll give it a try," Lirian said matter-of-fact.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Ut?"
[Kendra]: "Hey, you are all for facing a dragon, so what is a little river to you. Right?"
[JadedDM]: Amala looks to Lirian. "Are you sure about this? It doesn't look very safe."
[Lirian]: "I'm a good swimmer. I should be fine." Lirian stepped forward into the river.
[JadedDM]: (I'll need a STR check and a DEX check.)
[Lirian]: STR: [1d20] => [5] = (5)
[Lirian]: DEX: [1d20] => [8] = (8)
[JadedDM]: Lirian struggles against the icy currents of the river, but manages to make it to the other side without being swept away.
[Lirian]: (That's right!)
[Lirian]: Lirian surveys her surroundings.
[JadedDM]: The road continues west for some distance, leading to a part of the city that seems a bit more intact than the eastern side. Buildings are still relatively whole and there is considerably less debris in the road.
[Lirian]: Lirian runs back to the Companions. "I think I found it," Lirian calls from the other side of the river.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "You found what?"
[Kendra]: "The gully dwarves?"
[Lirian]: "I found some buildings. It looks promising."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Great...except now the rest of us have to cross this blasted river first."
[Gaffleknot]: "What's the matter? You can just swim across it!" Gaf started securing pouches, then he plunged into the river, to the other side.
[Gaffleknot]: STR: [1d20] => [1] = (1)
[Gaffleknot]: DEX: [1d20] => [11] = (11)
[Kendra]: "Well...I guess I'll give it a try," Kendra says as she steps up to the river. She looks over the water and shakes her head. "I'm not even sure the gully dwarves would cross this."
[JadedDM]: Gaffleknot makes it across the river without incident.
[Gaffleknot]: "Come on, hurry up!" Gaf called.
[Kendra]: Kendra wrinkles her nose, and her eyes move towards the hole that the water is flowing into. "Uh...I think I'm going to stay here with Gimak."
[Gaffleknot]: "You can do it!"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus crosses his arms. "What's wrong, Kendra, get second thoughts?"
[Kendra]: "I'm the most likely to get swept away in this river, and I'm not exactly the best swimmer."
[Gaffleknot]: "Why don't you carry her, Barlemus?'
[JadedDM]: Amala: "We're separated at the moment. Should we split up then? Or stay together?"
[Kendra]: "We don't really know where the gully dwarves are, do we? They could be on the other side, but is it likely they would cross this river to get to the other side?"
[Lirian]: Lirian thought for a moment. "Gaf and I will search for a moment. See if we find any actual settlements. We'll be back."
[JadedDM]: The two head off down the road. It continues west for a while, before eventually turning south, around a large building, then dropping them back on another street running west to east. The west side is blocked by the cavern wall, so they head east.
[JadedDM]: (Can I get a 1d6, Joe?)
[JadedDM]: (Actually, make it 2d6.)
[Kendra]: Kendra steps back from the river. "Of course, there could be a calmer part of the river somewhere too," she added after Gaf and Lirian disappear to check things out.
[Lirian]: [2d6] => [3,1] = (4)
[JadedDM]: As they round the corner to the south, Lirian pauses a moment. She feels a slight breeze from the eastern wall. Inspecting it, she notices the faint outline of a doorway.
[Lirian]: "Gaf come here." Lirian inspects the outline.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf ambles up agreeably.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Those two take too many risks. Guess that comes with youth, though," the dwarf comments.
[Kendra]: "You wouldn't think crossing a river would be that big of a risk considering what we have been through recently."
[JadedDM]: The dwarf shrugs. "All right then. Unnecessary risks, then. Like walking through magic doorways or crossing surging rivers."
[JadedDM]: Inspecting around the outline, Lirian finds one of the stones in the building can be pressed down upon, like a button.
[Lirian]: Lirian does so.
[Kendra]: "Maybe Gaf is wearing off on Lirian."
[JadedDM]: With a soft creaking, the secret door slides open, letting the two into a small, ten by ten room. A huge bed--carved, rotting posts at each corner--sags in the middle of the room. Tattered hats, some of which sport shredded or soiled feathers, hang on racks lining the west wall. Caps and loud clothing of all kinds are piled about. There is a wall on the eastern side of the northern wall, closed.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "The gods help us if that's so. Still, overall, she has a good head on her shoulders, I think."
[Kendra]: "She has got us this far," Kendra says with a shrug. "I still can't believe this is the stuff you guys use to run off to do all the time."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Ah, yes. Ancient cities, alien monsters, massive dragons...it's almost old hat now."
[Lirian]: Lirian grimaces at the rotting bed. "This isn't a draconian dwelling. It must be the gully dwarves."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Actually, those are all new things to me, Daos."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Yes...thank you, Barlemus. I was being sarcastic."
[Kendra]: Kendra lets out a small laugh. "I didn't mean exactly this. I just meant the...running off to seek out dangers or goblins in Barlemus' case."
[Gaffleknot]: "Does that mean we get the others?"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Oh, yeah. I miss fighting gobbos. They were simple. Didn't explode or turn to stone or nothing."
[Lirian]: "Where are the gully dwarves?" It was troubling to the half-elf that the bed chamber should be empty.
[Kendra]: "Could you go back to your old life after this?"
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Sure, I guess."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Not sure I could."
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Nor I."
[Kendra]: "I know I couldn't."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "I always thought about retiring before. Gathering enough steel to buy a castle, declare myself lord, and lounge in the lap of luxury for the rest of my days. But that was before all this stuff about gods and war came up."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Retiring? Ha! I don't know the meaning of the word."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "No, I would suspect you wouldn't."
[Lirian]: "Come, Gaf," Lirian said. She led the kender back to the river.
[Kendra]: Kendra gives Daos a small nudge as she giggles. "So...no castle and luxury for you now, Marik?"
[JadedDM]: Stepping out the secret door, the pair backtrack to the river without any incident.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Well, I would still like those things, of course. But now, it just feels like...I don't know. There are more important things to fight for."
[Kendra]: Kendra looks down at her feet to hide a smile. "Not the same Marik," she says softly.
[JadedDM]: Amala smiles. "I imagine dying and coming back to life will change a person."
[Kendra]: "True, but I think all of this stuff that is happening is sort of life changing too if you think about it."
[Lirian]: "We found something," Lirian called out. "But we'll come over there before we discuss it." Lirian starts to swim across.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf follows.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "That's right. We're basically heralding in a new age here."
[Kendra]: Kendra turns her attention back to Gaf and Lirian as they start to cross the river once again.
[Lirian]: STR: [1d20] => [12] = (12)
[Lirian]: DEX: [1d20] => [13] = (13)
[Gaffleknot]: STR: [1d20] => [7] = (7)
[Gaffleknot]: DEX: [1d20] => [4] = (4)
[JadedDM]: The two easily cross the river and rejoin their companions.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "What did you two find?"
[Lirian]: "We found a secret entrance to a bed chamber. The clothing inside led me to believe that draconians did not live there."
[Kendra]: "So it looks like we cross the river," Kendra says with a sigh.
[Lirian]: Lirian shook her head. "We'll find another way across."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "So south then?"
[Lirian]: Lirian nodded, leading the way.
[JadedDM]: The party heads south, following the river. The shattered walls of the city bow darkly above the street. Mosses and fungus cling to the ruins, as if trying to drag the walls down. A dim shaft of light overhead centers on a great plaza to the south. To the east one building seems to have held up most admirably. Dark growth obscures the lettering above its double doors.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf jumped, trying to read the letters. "What's it say?"
[JadedDM]: Daos waves his hand, as if brushing the growth aside. The vines move aside, even though Daos isn't actually touching it. The lettering is revealed to read "Guardians of Justice."
[Kendra]: "...What does that mean?"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf pushes against the double doors with his little body.
[JadedDM]: Dark stains spot the walls. The 10' wide hall curves before the door they just entered. Mosses cover an ancient, faded mural on the east wall. There are doors to the north and south of the hall.
[Lirian]: "Gaf, come away. We're trying to find another way to the gully dwarf dwellings."
[Gaffleknot]: "Maybe there's one inside here, and he'll show us the way?"
[Kendra]: "Or there could be those draconians."
[Gaffleknot]: "What about this mural?" Gaf bounced around, settling at the mural. He began rubbing at the moss.
[JadedDM]: Removing the moss and cleaning up the mural, Gaf discovers it appears to be a map of the city itself.
[Gaffleknot]: "Look, look, I found a map! I found a map!"
[JadedDM]: Daos examines it. "So it is. About three hundred and fifty years out of date, mind you. Look, here," he says, pointing to a tower in the northern part of the city. "It's labeled, 'Treasury Tower.' Then that means," he says, trailing his finger south, "we're in this building, the 'Palace Guard Hall.'" He looks further south. "To the south of here is the 'Great Plaza' and further south is the 'Hall of Justice.' Both appear massive." He shakes his head. "That's all I can make out."
[Kendra]: "Gaf, you said you saw the dragon south, so in the Great Plaza then, right?"
[Gaffleknot]: "Maybe there's more useful stuff in here!" Gaf goes to the south door.
[Lirian]: "Is it too much to ask if there's a secret way into the Great Plaza?"
[JadedDM]: Gaf swings open the door at the southern end of the hall to reveal a 20 by 20 cell. Dark stains streak the walls. A green, slimy substance coats its ceiling. There's another door to the east.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Looks like there are three ways to the Great Plaza. From here, and another to the east and a third to the west. No secret ways that I can see, however."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "If it's secret, it wouldn't be on the map, would it?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "In any case, the Great Plaza seems to be the very heart of the city. It connects the north, south, west and east sectors."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf crept over to the door to the east and opened it.
[Lirian]: "I see, impressive," Lirian murmured.
[JadedDM]: Gaf finds himself in a 30 by 20 room. To the northeast, it opens up into a hallway. Bronze weapons, corroded and useless, hang askew from broken wall racks. This place appears to be some kind of armory.
[Kendra]: "No, it probably wouldn't be on the map, Barlemus," Kendra said in light amusement. "Did Gaf say if the dragon was still there?"
[Lirian]: "Gaf?" Lirian looked around. "Blast it, that confounded kender!"
[Kendra]: Kendra looks around. "Where did he go this time?"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf walked into the armory, looking for another door.
[JadedDM]: There isn't a door, but the room does open up into a hallway to the north. It seems oddly familiar to Gaf. There are double doors to the east, and the sound of snoring to the west. The hallway extends further north.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf sneaks past the sleeping draconian. [1d100] => [20] = (20)
[JadedDM]: The hall opens into another armory. Ancient bronze weapons dangle from broken racks on all the walls. A low ceiling, heavy with moisture, strains on sagging beams. In the center of the room, two squat shakes bat their leathery wings, chatting loudly and tugging a steel weapon between them. Three more of the figures watch on. The room opens up into another hallway to the north.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Forget him. He will return when he is ready. Let us decide our next move and continue on."
[Lirian]: Lirian sees a door left open ajar. "Perhaps you're right. Still.. He could return, with an entire squad of draconians behind him."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "He's managed to avoid patrols by himself so far."
[Kendra]: Kendra lets out a small sigh. "We need to concentrate on finding the gully dwarves. They are the ones that know this place the best."
[JadedDM]: Gimak harrumphs. "Couldn't turn around without tripping over them before. Now that we want to find them, they're nowhere in sight."
[Gaffleknot]: (Is it possible to move past them by sneaking?)
[JadedDM]: (Yes. The two are arguing, and the other three are watching. None are paying close attention. A successful MS should suffice.)
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf sneaks past the five draconians. [1d100] => [5] = (5)
[Kendra]: "Well, they seem to be across the river from what Lirian said, so we need to find a calm place to cross."
[JadedDM]: Gaf sneaks into a larger room, 50 by 30 feet. Smoky torches light the room. Broken tables lie scattered about, and a fireplace, cold with disuse, is built into the east wall. Three unbroken tables stand upright in the center of the room. There, under the sputtering torchlight, three dark shapes argue loudly. There are no other exits from this room.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Agreed. Perhaps the river is easier to cross in the Great Plaza then?"
[Kendra]: "Seems like the best choice, but we are going to have to be on guard. The dragon might still be there."
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf creeps back to the sleeping draconian.
[JadedDM]: (Need another MS then)
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Let us get going then."
[Gaffleknot]: [1d100] => [29] = (29)
[Lirian]: "Yes. We have our plan."
[JadedDM]: The kender slips past the arguing draconians without making a sound.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Lead the way then, Lirian."
[Lirian]: "What of Gaf?"
[JadedDM]: Daos: "As I said, he'll return when he feels like it. We are wasting enough time as it is."
[Lirian]: "How will he know where to find us?"
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf looked around the room curiously. He had been here before, he was sure of it. He opened the door to the east.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "He's a kender. They always seem to wind up where they are supposed to, sooner or later."
[JadedDM]: Gaf steps out into the street again. There are alleys to the north and south, and a large courtyard to the east.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf frowned. This was a circle?
[Gaffleknot]: Shrugging, he went back inside.
[Lirian]: "Very well, let's move out. Gaf can find us as he will."
[JadedDM]: The party steps back outside and heads south, along the river, toward the Great Plaza. The plaza is massive and circular, with openings to the east, west, and a massive set of stairs leading up to the south. The river flows from both the east and west, meeting in the middle, and then flowing north.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf walks back to the armory.
[Lirian]: Lirian points west. "West we go."
[Kendra]: Kendra follows after Lirian.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf walks back to the Mural room. "Hey, where'd everyone go?"
[JadedDM]: Crossing the river is fairly simple here. Although wide, it's fairly shallow and not too strong. Once the party has crosses, they continue west, eventually reaching a massive waterfall. The road continues to the north. "Hey, this is where the ghost of...err, I mean, this is where Gaf found me and Sunstar," Barlemus states.
[Gaffleknot]: "They must have decided to cross the river." Gaf went out the double doors. But he went north, to where he had originally crossed the river.
[Lirian]: "A good place to hide," Lirian remarked.
[JadedDM]: Gaf does not find any evidence of his friends here. Perhaps they have crossed all ready.
[JadedDM]: "I thought so," Barlemus says.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf crosses.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "And yet, the kender found you."
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Yeah, well...he's a kender."
[Gaffleknot]: STR: [1d20] => [2] = (2)
[Gaffleknot]: DEX: [1d20] => [9] = (9)
[JadedDM]: Gaf crosses the river with no problem.
[JadedDM]: The party continues north. Eventually, they reach a fork in the road. The road continues north, but there's a small branch off to the east.
[Gaffleknot]: Wringing the water from his clothes, Gaf looks around. Where were his friends? He walked forward.
[Lirian]: Lirian turns east.
[JadedDM]: The alley to the east continues about fifty feet. It then curves to the north. However, there is a doorway to the south. There are muddy footprints outside of it.
[Lirian]: Lirian checks the doorway to the south.
[JadedDM]: The room inside is small, 20 by 20. It is damp and chill. An old and terrible quiet rules the place, as though stunned by the past--by something unspeakable that happened here once. There is another door to the east. However, Lirian again notices a slight breeze coming from the north wall, right next to the door leading outside.
[JadedDM]: Meanwhile, Gaf finds his way back to where he and Lirian found the secret door. The door is still open, and there is no sign of anyone.
[JadedDM]: Amala shivers. "What is this place?"
[Lirian]: Lirian also shivers at whatever unspeakable thing occurred here.
[Kendra]: Kendra automatically starts hugging herself. "Something is wrong here."
[Lirian]: Lirian braved the eerie feeling and went to inspect the slight breeze.
[Gaffleknot]: Curious, Gaf went through the secret door. He listened at the other door inside.
[JadedDM]: Lirian again finds a secret door. It slides open, letting the party into a larger room. It is 30 by 40. Fungus stains and water streak the wall. Light flickers into the room through four vertical slits in the north wall. There are no other exits.
[JadedDM]: Gaffleknot listens carefully, and he can hear quite a racket on the other side of the door. It sounds like a full out battle, practically. Shouting, crying, and clattering.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf opens the door an inch, wondering what could be making that racket.
[Lirian]: Lirian tries the door to the east. Where are the confounded gully dwarves? Where was Gaf?
[Kendra]: "I really don't think we are supposed to be in here," Kendra says softly.
[JadedDM]: Ignoring the slits, the party leaves the room and heads into the next one. Brown and drying mold covers every wall, and a dull stench arises from beneath the lumpy, woven mats piled about the floor. Faint sounds rattle from each other of these mats.
[Lirian]: "This looks like where the gully dwarves sleep."
[JadedDM]: The moment Lirian speaks, the room flies into action. Fifteen gully dwarves leap from under the mats, panicking, waving their arms, and running to the door. However, the party is blocking the door, so they turn away. There are no other exits, so the dwarves just run in circles, sometimes crashing into walls or each other.
[Lirian]: "Yes, we found them."
[JadedDM]: Meanwhile, Gaf creaks open the door. Lukewarm, stinking glop flies about the room. Bowls shatter against the walls, knives clatter on the floor. Gully dwarves, at least eight of them, are settling a wild argument over dinner.
[Kendra]: Kendra blinks. "Wait...wait, calm down," she calls out the gully dwarves. "We aren't going to hurt you."
[JadedDM]: The Aghar stop panicking, turning to Kendra. One of them, a female, steps forward. "You no hurt? You not masters?"
[Kendra]: "No we won't hurt you," Kendra says with a gentle smile. "We are just looking for some help."
[JadedDM]: The woman stares at Kendra blankly. "Hair made of gold. Never saw no hair like that 'fore."
[Kendra]: Kendra glances at her friends for a moment before she takes a step towards the female gully dwarf. "My name is Kendra."
[JadedDM]: "Magpie," she says in response. "Me Magpie." She was scrawny and unattractive, for the most part. Her hair was tied up in a crude bun, and small insects buzzed around her head.
[Lirian]: Lirian nodded encouragingly at Kendra.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf shakes his head and closes the door. He had found the gully dwarves. Now to find his friends.
[Kendra]: Kendra tries to ignore the bugs buzzing around Magpie's head. "Nice to meet you," she says. "We met some others of your kind earlier, and we were directed to find the...uh…High Bulp...or I might be saying that wrong."
[JadedDM]: Magpie: "You want see Highbulp? You big shots? Highbulp Phudge is king. King of all clans. Even Slud clan," she says, gesturing to her companions.
[JadedDM]: Sunstar: "Slud? Ugh."
[Kendra]: "Slud?" Kendra asks, looking between Magpie and Sunstar.
[JadedDM]: Magpie: "Yeah, Slud. See?" She wipes some gunk off the wall, then holds it up to Kendra.
[Kendra]: "Oh...right. Well, yes we are big shots then. Uh...I'm a princess, and I have some important business to discuss with your King."
[JadedDM]: Magpie's eyes widen. "Wow. Sure look like princess. All clean and smell nice. Magpie show you to court, your highneyness." She extends her filthy hand to the young woman.
[Lirian]: Lirian quirked an eyebrow, but said nothing.
[JadedDM]: Gaf is back in the bedroom, walking among the piles of clothes.
[Kendra]: Kendra hesitates for a moment, but she takes Magpie's hand. "Thank you, Magpie."
[JadedDM]: Leading Kendra by the hand, Magpie heads back into the cold room, then back on the street. Looking around, she heads north up the alley. Turning to a door to the east, she opens it and steps inside. Torches sputter and smoke in scones mounted to the east wall. Darker than the smoke are the slits in the south and west walls. These slits are only 2 inches wide, but they are 4 feet long. Snoring is heard from the other side of the west wall. Magpie ignores it, and heads north, turning to the west. Inside a small nook are 3 sleeping Aghar guards. Magpie shakes her head. "Stupid bums. Supposed to be guarding Highbulp."
[Kendra]: "I agree they aren't doing a very good job," Kendra says in agreement.
[JadedDM]: Spitting on the floor, she continues to the west. The streaked walls of the room lie buried under tapestries and decorations almost too gaudy to be believed. The tapestries hang everywhere, some upside down or sideways. Fraying gold cloth drapes between statues of every shape and king. It is the Aghar idea of the good life.
[Gaffleknot]: Gaf pondered where his friends could be next.
[JadedDM]: Leading Kendra through another door to the west, they enter a large room, 60 by 30 feet with no other exits. Heavy, frayed gold adorns the hall. Statues line the walls, and carpets of every color and description form a patchwork across the floor. At the west end, a huge throne sits, the gold leafing peeling badly from its carved frame. A shriveled figure, nodding beneath a tarnished crown three sizes too big for him, sits buried in robes on the throne. Four armed dwarves, their heads rattling inside their helmets, stand beside their king.
[JadedDM]: The king, Highbulp, or whatever, raises his head to the party. "Huh? Who this?"
[airellian]: (I'm getting a bit sleepy. Can we end this now?)
[JadedDM]: (Very well.)
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Post by Daos on Mar 30, 2011 18:25:53 GMT -8
Session 08 - The Disks of Mishakal[JadedDM]: Reapember 17th, 350 AC; Bakukal, time unknown. It has been many hours since the party last rested. After spending the better part of a day exploring the ruins beneath the temple of Mishakal, they have finally reached the audience chamber of Highbulp Phudge I, the king of the gully dwarves. All, save, Gaffleknot, who has been separated from his companions and wanders the streets of Xak Tsaroth on his own. [JadedDM]: Magpie: "Highbulp, bigshot important humans come see you. Princess Goldilocks have things to say." [JadedDM]: The Highbulp stares blankly at the party for several moments in dead silence. Finally, he stabs his right index finger into his right nostril, and digs out a small booger. Looking around, he absently wipes it off on the helmet of one of his guards. Stretching, he says, "What want? Me busy." [Kendra]: Kendra tries to hide her look of disgust. "It will only take a few minutes of your time, your Highness." [Lirian]: Lirian hid her skepticism and approached the Highbulp. "Highbulp, we have come to ask you for a favor." [JadedDM]: Highbulp: "How many minutes? More than two?" he asks, holding up two fingers. The abrupt gesture causes his crown to slip over his eyes, and he is forced to take a moment to push it back up. [Gaffleknot]: Gaf looks around to see where he is. [Lirian]: "What we require, Highbulp, is information." [Kendra]: Kendra looks to the others for a moment. "Um, we should be able to ask our favor in two minutes," she said. [JadedDM]: Gaffleknot is standing on a street corner, having just walked out of the dirty bedroom he and Lirian had discovered behind the secret door. The street heads west, the way he came, and further extends south. [JadedDM]: Highbulp: "Hmph. Okay. No more than two." [JadedDM]: Gimak grunts and mutters under his breath, "Information? I doubt this gully even knows where he is at the moment." [Kendra]: "We are hoping you might know of another way to get to the dragon's...lair." [JadedDM]: The Highbulp's eyes widen slightly at this, as he gives the party his full attention now. "You fight'im the big dragon?" [Gaffleknot]: Gaf heads south. [Kendra]: "Well, we were kind of hoping not to fight it, which is why we are asking if there is another way to get to the dragon without it seeing us." [Lirian]: Lirian gave Gimak a look that meant Hush. [JadedDM]: The Highbulp frowns. "You sure? No like the dragon. Things not as good with her around. Dragonmen make us work. Pickings not as good. Also, they clean place up too much. Can't find nothing! You look like strong fighters. Bet you could beat dragon, yes?" [Lirian]: Lirian goes into her mercenary mode, putting on a show for the Highbulp. "Why would we do that? As you say, we're big and strong. But why would we fight the dragon for you?" [JadedDM]: The Highbulp backs up in his chair a bit, slightly intimidated. "Uh...for...uh....dragon's treasure? Has lots." [JadedDM]: Marik: "I do remember old legends about dragon's treasure hordes..." [Lirian]: "So, we fight this dragon, we get its hoard of treasure?" Lirian held up a hand. "One dragon gone. Treasure's ours?" [JadedDM]: The Highbulp nods eagerly, again knocking his crown askew. After fixing it, he says, "Dragon have lots of treasure. Me seen. Pretty gems. Shiny white coins. Also, big shiny white coins. Big as plates." [Lirian]: "You've seen it? So, you know a way in? Tell us this way. I have no desire to fight through an army of dragon men." [JadedDM]: "Gems?" Marik asks softly. [JadedDM]: "White coins? Sounds like platinum," Gimak mutters. [JadedDM]: The Highbulp sits back, tenting his filthy hands. "Me know. Me know secret way. Is secret. Not even dragon know." [Lirian]: "Then, tell us the way, Highbulp." [JadedDM]: Highbulp: "Why tell? What you do for Highbulp?" he asks. "You fight dragon?" [Kendra]: "Yes, but we need to secret way in so we can...surprise the dragon." [Lirian]: "What will we do for you? What's to prevent us from telling the dragon you hired us to assassinate her if you don't tell us?" [JadedDM]: The Highbulp looks between the two women, confused. "Huh?" [JadedDM]: Heading south, the kender comes across a fork in the road. The street continues southward, but there is an alley opening up to the east. In the southern direction, Gaf can hear running water. [Kendra]: "There is no reason to do something like that, Lirian," Kendra says before turning back to the Highbulp. "You want us to get rid of the dragon, but to do so we need the secret way in." [JadedDM]: The Highbulp considers. "You promise?" [Kendra]: "Promise." [Lirian]: "You can come with us, if you like, and watch us slay the dragon." [JadedDM]: The Highbulp pales. "Uh...no, that okay. Take word for it. Secret way behind waterfall. Magpie show you way." [Gaffleknot]: Gaf heads towards the sound of running water. [Kendra]: "Thank you, Highbulp." [JadedDM]: Heading south, the kender finds himself at the waterfall where he originally found Sunstar and Barlemus. The water pours down the street to the east, toward the Great Plaza, where he saw the dragon earlier. [JadedDM]: Magpie tugs on Kendra's hand enthusiastically. "Magpie show you, Magpie know way." [Lirian]: "Then, let's go." Lirian checks her swords. [Kendra]: Kendra nods to Magpie, and lets her lead her out. "What about Sunstar's friend?" [JadedDM]: Sunstar: "He's being held in a cell outside the dragon's lair." [Lirian]: "We'll see. The priority is the Disks, Kendra." [Kendra]: Kendra lets out a small sigh. "But I thought we said we would help her get her friend once we learned the secret way to the dragon?" [Lirian]: "If it's on the way," Lirian says briskly. [Kendra]: Kendra looks to Sunstar. "Is it anywhere near the waterfall?" [JadedDM]: Sunstar: "There are several waterfalls in the city. It depends on which one she is taking us to," the barbarian replies, indicating Magpie. [Kendra]: "Okay. Then I guess we will know when we get there. Magpie, lead the way," Kendra says. [JadedDM]: Magpie leads the party back the way they came, back into the alley where they first met her, and then onto a wider street heading south. Continuing that way, keeping an eye out for draconian patrols, they reach the waterfall in question. "Hey, this is where Sunstar and I were hiding when we found the ghost...err, I mean when we found Gaffleknot," Barlemus comments. Sure enough, up ahead, they spot a lone kender wandering around. [Kendra]: "And there he is," Kendra says, pointing to Gaff. [Gaffleknot]: Gaf is skipping rocks along the water. He looks up when he sees the Companions approach. "Hi guys!" [JadedDM]: "See, he turned up after all, as I had said before," Daos points out. [Lirian]: "We found a way into the lair, so I'm going to ignore that you basically wandered off alone by yourself, in a hostile city. Go to the back of the line, Gaf, and stay there, gods help me." [Gaffleknot]: Gaf frowns at Lirian's harsh words. "Yes, Lirian." He trudges to the back, but his face brightens when he sees Gimak. "Hi!" [JadedDM]: Gimak: "Where in the Abyss have you been?" he asks the kender. [JadedDM]: Magpie leads the group behind the waterfall to a secret door. Pushing it aside, she reveals a small room. Water seeps down the walls in the room, pools, then winds out the south door. A long stone counter bisects the room from east to west. Behind it, another doorway leads north. Magpie points ahead, to the northern door. [Lirian]: "Does it lead straight to the dragon's lair?" [JadedDM]: Magpie nods. "Yep. Come right out, under floor." [Lirian]: "Okay. You should leave, Magpie. Where we're going, there will be lots of danger." [JadedDM]: Magpie frowns. One gets the feeling she had been looking forward to watching the group slay a dragon. "Okay. Me tell way. Next room have trap door in ground. Go down, follow tunnel. Lots of cave-ins, so not get lost. Just keep going. If find cave-in, went wrong way. Go different way. Tunnel lead to dragon's room." [Kendra]: "Thank you for your help, Magpie." [JadedDM]: "Magpie wait here, in case need help." [Gaffleknot]: "Don't wait too long," Gaf sings, "we might all be dead." [Kendra]: Kendra looks over her shoulder to Gaf. "Don't say that." [JadedDM]: Barlemus opens the northern door and steps in, moving aside to let in the others. This room to the north is smaller. Rivulets of water trickle down the walls. Although a great deal of water is flooding the room, that on the floor seems to be only a few inches deep. [Gaffleknot]: "What?" Gaf looks wounded. "It could be true." [Lirian]: "Hush, Gaf. We're about to go right underneath the lair of a dragon. A little silence is warranted." [Gaffleknot]: Gaf's eyes widen into saucers. The lair of an actual, real dragon. Just like in the stories. "Just like in Huma!" [JadedDM]: Amala: "Huma faced dragons, but not alone. The gods were with him. I hope they are with us, as well." [Kendra]: "They are," Kendra says softly as she follows after the others. [Lirian]: "We can only hope and pray." Lirian pushes open the north door. [JadedDM]: Barlemus stands there, looking around. When nobody else makes any move to, he shrugs and searches for the trap door that Magpie mentioned. Apparently finding it, he hefts it open, causing what little water in the room to spill down into it. "This must be it." [JadedDM]: "Or it's one of the other trap doors in this room," Daos says. [JadedDM]: "I thought there was only one?" asks Barlemus, puzzled. [JadedDM]: Sighing with disgust, Daos shines the light of his staff down the shaft. "It appears to drop about twenty feet. It also appears, we will get wet." [Lirian]: "Daos, take Kendra with your staff. The rest of us will just have to drop down." [Kendra]: "I guess none of us thought to bring any rope," Kendra says as she moves closer to Daos. [JadedDM]: Putting his free arm around her, and pulling her waist to his, he looks to her and asks, "Secure?" [Lirian]: "Our leaving was not of our making," Lirian says wryly. "As I recall, there were several goblins after us. I'll go down first and see if there's nothing crawling around that might have a taste for mages and maidens." [Kendra]: Kendra wraps her arms around Daos to make sure she doesn't slip. "Now I am," she says with a small smile. [Lirian]: Lirian drops down through the trap door. [JadedDM]: (That's 2d6 falling damage.) [Lirian]: (Wouldn't you roll that?) [JadedDM]: [2d6] => [3,2] = (5) [JadedDM]: As Lirian drops in, Marik clears his throat. "You know...you can let go of her for now." [Gaffleknot]: Gaf drops nimbly down as well. [JadedDM]: "Ah, so I can," Daos says, gently releasing the maiden. [JadedDM]: [2d6] => [5,5] = (10) [Gaffleknot]: "Ow!" [JadedDM]: With a frown, Marik attempts to climb down the shaft. [JadedDM]: [1d100] => [66] = (66) [JadedDM]: The rogue scales down the slippery wall, joining the other two. "See anything?" he asks, realizing that unlike the half-elf and kender, he doesn't have the ability to see in the dark. He remains where he is, under the light pouring from above. [Kendra]: Kendra looks down, absently watching the others jump down the shaft, to hide a slight blush. [JadedDM]: Amala: "Are you all right, Kendra?" [Kendra]: "Huh?" Kendra looks up to Amala. "Oh, yeah, I'm fine." [Lirian]: "We all down?" [JadedDM]: Daos: "Does it appear safe?" he calls down. [Gaffleknot]: "Hurry up and stop being a baby," Gaf teases. [JadedDM]: Frowning, Daos wraps his arm around Kendra's waist again, and once she is ready, drops down with her, his staff slowing their descent. The tunnel is about five feet in height (clearly artificial), and half-way filled with water. Thus, there is no way to avoid getting quite soaked. [JadedDM]: Daos is forced to hunch over to avoid scraping against the ceiling. He keeps his staff up to light the way, however. [JadedDM]: Amala drops down next, once the way is clear. [JadedDM]: [2d6] => [2,6] = (8) [Kendra]: Kendra shivers as she hits the water, and she hunches over much like Daos as to not hit her head. "I can't see a thing without Daos' light here." [JadedDM]: Barlemus drops next with a muffled curse. [JadedDM]: [2d6] => [1,2] = (3) [JadedDM]: Holding his hands out, he calls, "Come on, Sunstar. I'll catch ya!" [JadedDM]: Gimak: "You going to catch me, too?" [JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Uhhhh....I...guess?" [Lirian]: Lirian couldn't help but smile at the dwarf. [JadedDM]: After a few moments of quiet conversation between the dwarf and plainswoman, Sunstar drops down, landing carefully in the warrior's arms. He sets her down gently, then holds out for Gimak. [JadedDM]: Gimak: "Put your fool arms down, boy. I was only joking!" [Kendra]: Kendra giggles at Barlemus and Gimak. [JadedDM]: Once the warrior steps aside, Gimak drops down with a splash. [JadedDM]: [2d6] => [1,5] = (6) [Kendra]: Once everyone is down the shaft, Kendra reaches out to touch Gaff and then Gimak with the staff to heal them up as they are looking a bit beat up at this point. [Kendra]: [1d10+1] => [8,1] = (9) [Kendra]: [1d10+1] => [10,1] = (11) [Gaffleknot]: Gaf marvels at the true healing. "Thanks, Kendra!" [Kendra]: "You're welcome. Is everyone else all right?" [JadedDM]: Water trickles into the main tunnel through gaps in the stonework. The light of the Staff of Magius reveals that north of the access shaft, the tunnel runs 30' to a cave-in. The tunnel extends south into the darkness, far beyond the 60 foot range of the light spell. [JadedDM]: Amala: "Tired, but I'm fine. I'll be better when we're out of this dank, smelling cave." [Lirian]: Lirian moves forward and lets her eyes lead the way. [JadedDM]: Barlemus: "I'm just disappointed we haven't run into any goblins yet. A forgotten city underground? You'd think the place would be crawling with 'em." [Kendra]: "We get those draconians instead," Kendra says, wrinkling her nose. [JadedDM]: Through the darkness, the tunnel runs 200' south, then turns east 340' to another cave-in. However, about thirty feet before the cave-in, light shines down above. Looking up, the party can see a sewer grate at the top of a thirty foot shaft. [Kendra]: "I guess this is it?" Kendra asks in a whisper as she looks up. [Lirian]: Lirian nods, her face anxious with worry. [JadedDM]: Daos: "I suppose...one of us should climb up there and check, to be sure," he says softly. [Lirian]: Lirian nodded. "Up I go." [Kendra]: Kendra reaches out to touch Lirian's arm before she leaves. "Be careful," she says. Now that they are apparently there, she looks all sorts of nervous. [JadedDM]: (I'll need a 1d100.) [Lirian]: [1d100] => [10] = (10) [Lirian]: "Always," Lirian says, as she climbed up. [JadedDM]: Lirian easily scales up the thirty foot shaft, finding plenty of hand and foot holds along the way. [Lirian]: Lirian pushes the sewer grate aside. [JadedDM]: (Another 1d100.) [Lirian]: [1d100] => [19] = (19) [JadedDM]: The half-elf silently moves the steel grate aside, then takes in her surroundings. A vast chamber stretches around her, 100' in diameter. The circular room rises four stories to a cracked and broken translucent dome. Dim light filters through the mists above, spreading onto the center of the rotunda. There, a glossy black dragon motionlessly straddles a pile of jewels, steel weapons and intricate items. [Lirian]: Lirian stares at the dragon, transfixed. [JadedDM]: The black dragon's stomach slowly rises and falls, indicating it is asleep. It does not otherwise move or make any sound. Looking at the treasure horde, Lirian sees that the Highbulp spoke true. There are piles of platinum pieces, likely dating back to the days of Istar. There are more gems than even Marik could possibly imagine. There are a few other trinkets of note, but the Disks of Mishakal are nowhere to be seen, at least not from her vantage point. [Kendra]: Kendra remains quiet as she waits for Lirian. [Lirian]: Lirian exhales very slowly and shifts her position to see if she can see the Disks from a different vantage point. She silently cursed herself. Gaf is much stealthier. Though, setting him loose on a dragon's hoard sent chills down her spine. [Lirian]: [1d100] => [1] = (1) [JadedDM]: As silent as a spectre, the ranger tries exploring the area. She sees a cloak, a ring, a gemstone as big as her fist. It takes a moment, but then she spots the disks she seeks on top of a large pile of platinum pieces. There look to be over a hundred disks, all held together by a ring. [Lirian]: Filled with nervous energy, Lirian approaches the Disks and picks them up. [JadedDM]: (One more stealth check, to see if she knocks over the coins while grabbing it.) [Lirian]: (wish me luck) [Lirian]: [1d100] => [7] = (7) [Lirian]: (!!!) [JadedDM]: Lirian deftly takes hold of the disks, not disturbing a single coin. Each disk has engravings on them, and looks to be 18 inches in diameter, and 1/16 of an inch thick. Just by touching them, Lirian feels a benevolent power emanating from them. [Lirian]: Breathing deeply, Lirian attempts to go back to the grate with the Disks. [JadedDM]: Tip-toeing silently, the ranger returns to the shaft. If she hopes to climb down, she'll need both hands free. [Lirian]: (How deep is it?) [JadedDM]: (Thirty feet.) [Lirian]: (Ouch.) [Lirian]: Eying the Disks, she figured they've survived centuries being buried beneath a fallen city. She drops the Disks down the shaft. [JadedDM]: She hears a faint splash and a few soft curses, as she took her companions by surprise. [JadedDM]: Barlemus: "What the Abyss? Something almost brained me," he whispers. He searches around in the water. [Lirian]: (Did we just change the course of history? The dragon wars will seem a lot different with Onyx in them.) [Kendra]: Kendra jumps a bit as she hears the splash. "What's going on?" [JadedDM]: (Don't be silly. Only a kender can change the timeline...oh, crap.) [Lirian]: Lirian climbs down the shaft. [JadedDM]: Barlemus lifts the disks up out of the water. They shine mystically in the cold light of Daos' staff. Gimak sucks in his breath, awed at the sight of them. [JadedDM]: (Climbing check.) [Lirian]: [1d100] => [27] = (27) [Kendra]: Kendra's eyes widen at the sight of the disks. [Lirian]: (Now I'm wondering how Kendra is going to become a cleric if she doesn't destroy the staff by presenting it boldly) [JadedDM]: Lirian easily climbs back down, rejoining her companions. [JadedDM]: Marik: "Amazing," he whispers. "It looks like several pounds of platinum." Quickly looking to the half-elf, he eagerly asks, "What else did you get?" [Lirian]: (Her mom can't give her that advice, either, as she's still alive.) [Lirian]: "Don't be silly, Marik. We came for the Disks, and that's all I took." [Lirian]: "You're welcome to the hoard yourself, if you wish to brave the dragon." [Gaffleknot]: "Really?" Gaf looks raring to go. [JadedDM]: Marik looks up the tunnel, as if considering it himself. [Kendra]: "No...no, we got what we came for. It is probably a good idea to go now." [Lirian]: "No, Gaf!" Lirian cursed her words. "Come back here! This instant!" [JadedDM]: Marik: "Starting up a new religion would be costly," he says. "Need to build new temples and all that. Could cost a pretty steel." [JadedDM]: Amala: "Don't be daft. The fact that we were able to retrieve the disks without problem shows the gods are favoring us. Let us not push that luck." [Lirian]: Lirian cuffed Marik's head as if he were a child again. "Stop thinking with greed, and start thinking of Kendra, if you can't do that. You wish to endanger us further?" [Kendra]: "I would really not like to see any of us die...again." [JadedDM]: Marik rubs at his head. "All right, all right. Geez, it was just a thought." [Kendra]: "Let's get out of here." [Lirian]: Lirian shook her head. "You children. Kendra's right. Let's go." [JadedDM]: "She could have at least grabbed a handful of gems on her way out," Marik mutters. "We haven't acquired a single steel piece on this whole adventure. We're more broke now than before we left." [Lirian]: (Prediction: dragon's waiting for us out at the plaza. You heard it here first folks!) [JadedDM]: The party treks back through the tunnels, arriving back at the shaft where Magpie waits for them. "Hello!" she shouts down. "Kill dragon?" [Kendra]: "It wasn't there," Kendra says to Magpie. [Gaffleknot]: (Who's carrying the Disks?) [JadedDM]: "Oh," Magpie responds. "Come back later?" [JadedDM]: (Assuming nobody took them from him, I guess Barl is still carrying them.) [Lirian]: "Perhaps. We're leaving this gods-forsaken place." [Lirian]: (In his pack, I hope.) [JadedDM]: (He'll need to put them in his pack to climb back up, yep.) [Gaffleknot]: "What about Sunstar's friend?" [Lirian]: "I'm sorry, but I did not see him. He must be being held by the draconians." [JadedDM]: Sunstar: "I can take you to his cell. It is guarded by the draconians, like she says, though." [JadedDM]: Marik climbs up the shaft first. [JadedDM]: [1d100] => [43] = (43) [JadedDM]: He easily scales it, then nods to Magpie when he reaches the top. [Lirian]: "Kendra?" Lirian looked to her. Personally, she wished to leave immediately, but if it was important to Kendra, perhaps they could spare a few moments to free the barbarian. [Kendra]: "We did say we would try, Lirian." [Lirian]: "Very well. But the Disks cannot be put in danger. We'll take a small team of people and follow Sunstar." [Lirian]: "Anyone who wishes to go may do so, but the Disks remain behind." [Gaffleknot]: "I'll go! I can probably unlock any cell he's in!" [JadedDM]: Barlemus: "I'll go, too. I promised Sunstar." [Kendra]: "I'll stay with the disks." [JadedDM]: (Climbing checks!) [JadedDM]: Amala: [1d100] => [44] = (44) [Gaffleknot]: [1d100] => [78] = (78) [JadedDM]: Barlemus [1d100] => [51] = (51) [JadedDM]: Daos [1d100] => [3] = (3) [Lirian]: [1d100] => [25] = (25) [JadedDM]: Gimak [1d100] => [9] = (9) [JadedDM]: Sunstar [1d100] => [58] = (58) [JadedDM]: (Okay, everyone fails but Lirian, Daos, and Gimak...oddly enough.) [Gaffleknot]: [1d100] => [38] = (38) [Kendra]: [1d100] => [19] = (19) [JadedDM]: (And Kendra makes it, too.) [JadedDM]: Daos, Kendra, Gimak and Lirian manage to climb up the shaft, but the others have trouble. Looking down at their companions, Gimak says, "Any ideas?" [Lirian]: "Magpie, do you know where to find some rope?" [Kendra]: "They can...climb on Barlemus' shoulders, and then we can try to pull them out," Kendra suggests lamely. [JadedDM]: Magpie thinks carefully. "Oh! Me know! Me be back soon!" Then she dashes out. [Lirian]: (Okay, Barlemus, let's get to it.) [JadedDM]: Barlemus: "That sounds painful." [JadedDM]: Amala sighs. "After everything else...this is how we are thwarted?" She shakes her head. [Lirian]: "Gods help her find an actual climbing rope," Lirian mutters. [Kendra]: "We'll get you out of there, Amala." [JadedDM]: After a few minutes, the gully dwarf returns. She has about thirty feet of filthy rope. It looks a bit frayed in some places, but it might hold if they only ascend one at a time. [Lirian]: Lirian unfurls the rope and lets it down. [JadedDM]: Marik and Gimak help the half-elf in holding the rope. [JadedDM]: Amala: [1d100-55] => [41,-55] = (-14) [Lirian]: "Lightest first!" Lirian calls. [JadedDM]: Too late, Amala scales up first easily enough, despite her bulky plate mail. [Gaffleknot]: [1d100] => [44] = (44) [JadedDM]: Sunstar [1d100-55] => [35,-55] = (-20) [JadedDM]: Gaf ascends next, and a moment later, Sunstar. [JadedDM]: Barlemus [1d100-55] => [38,-55] = (-17) [JadedDM]: Finally, the warrior arrives. "Whew. I was getting all pruney down there." [Lirian]: "Okay, Gaf and Barlemus said they would go help Sunstar. Anyone else?" [JadedDM]: Amala: "I will go, as well." [JadedDM]: Gimak: "Okay, so what do the rest of us do?" [Lirian]: "Very well. The rest of us will make our way to the small room where we first rested." [Kendra]: "I hope you remember where that is." [Lirian]: "I hope so, too." [JadedDM]: Daos: "And how long should we wait before deciding you were captured or worse?" [Lirian]: "No, wait, I know. We'll wait by the two cubes." [JadedDM]: Marik: "Good idea. They can teleport us up some of the way, that will save some time." [Lirian]: Lirian thought for a moment. "Two hours. Two hours we wait. After that, we will decide what to do. Is everyone agreed on this?" [Gaffleknot]: "Yes, Lirian!" [Kendra]: Kendra gives a slight nod. "Everyone please be careful." [JadedDM]: Gimak: "Right. Let's hurry then, and may the gods of light be with us. All of us." [Lirian]: "Amala, you're in charge. Keep those two in line." [JadedDM]: Amala smiles. "Easier said than done. I'll just ask myself what you would do." [Lirian]: "Barlemus, you be good." Lirian looks steadily at the warrior. [Kendra]: "You know, you are kind of starting to sound like my mother," Kendra says to Lirian, teasingly. [JadedDM]: Barlemus grins. "We'll be back before you can say 'An armful of aardvarks in Abanasinia!'" [Lirian]: "I am their mother," Lirian says simply. Lirian pats Barlemus on the head. [Lirian]: "Gaf." Lirian has a warning lilt in her voice. But she breaks, and smiles. "Don't get into trouble." [Gaffleknot]: "I'll try not to, Liri," Gaf says seriously. [JadedDM]: Daos: "An armful of aardvarks in Abanasinia..." [JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Uh, yeah, I meant...in Nerakan." [Kendra]: "We knew what you meant," Kendra says, giving Barlemus, Amala, and Gaf a quick hug before they leave. [Lirian]: "Be quick. Two hours." Lirian smiles grimly as they left, wondering if she would ever see them again. [JadedDM]: Having said their good-byes, the three companions and Sunstar left the room and headed east, past the waterfall and toward the Great Plaza. [JadedDM]: Gimak: "We'll see them again. Be sure of that," he says to Lirian. [Gaffleknot]: "Too bad we didn't get to fight the dragon, eh Barley? 'Mala?" [Kendra]: "We better go," Kendra states. [Lirian]: Lirian looks at her old friend and smiles, but it is an empty smile. "Of course we will. And you're right, Kendra. Let's go." [JadedDM]: Amala: "There will be other dragons, I'm sure of it." [JadedDM]: Barlemus: "I sure hope so." [JadedDM]: Magpie: "Everyone leaving? Guess Magpie say goodbye?" [Gaffleknot]: "Ooh, that sounds fun! Then, it really will be like Huma!" [Lirian]: "Magpie, there is a question I would like to ask you." [Kendra]: Kendra turns to Magpie, looking to Lirian curiously. [JadedDM]: The gully dwarf looks up at the half-elf. "Okay." [Lirian]: "Is there a way to the surface, without using the cauldrons?" [JadedDM]: Magpie scrunches up her face in thought. "Sewer tunnels. They slippery, but do go up." [Lirian]: "Just what we need. We can avoid the cauldrons, and the draconians on the way. Can you show us, Magpie?" [JadedDM]: Magpie: "Sure thing. Go that way all the time. Been up tunnels at least two times. No more than two." [Lirian]: Lirian nods. "Come with us, Magpie. When our friends come back, then you can show us the way up." [JadedDM]: Magpie: "Okey-dokey." [JadedDM]: Meanwhile, the other group reaches the Great Plaza. Sunstar points south, to where Gaf had earlier seen the dragon. "That way," she says. Before them are a large set of steps that leads to some kind of palace. [Gaffleknot]: "That looks promising. That's where the dragon went." Gaf says conversationally. "I would guess, that's probably the front door." [JadedDM]: Sunstar nods. "The dragon's room can be reached from here, but we'll be taking a different corridor." [Gaffleknot]: "Aw..." Gaf says. He had wanted to see the dragon again. [JadedDM]: Broad steps lead from the great plaza to a pillared courtyard. All cracked, some shattered, the pillars support a sagging stone roof. In places, the cavern wall has broken the stonework and forms much of the courtyard. A large archway leads into a huge dark room to the east. At the back of the courtyard, a set of stained steel doors stand closed. These also lead east. [JadedDM]: Sunstar points to the steel doors. "That is the way to the dragon. We will go this way," she says, indicating the archway. "Be ready, there will be guards." [Gaffleknot]: "Steel doors!" Gaf whistles, his metallurgist's mind whirling. "How much is that worth? Marik would probably throw a fit if he knew." [JadedDM]: Just at a glance, Gaf can tell the doors must be worth thousands. However, not even the brawny Barlemus could easily carry them out. [JadedDM]: Barlemus and Amala draw their blades. "Stay in the back, with Gaf. We'll take point from here on," Barl tells the plainswoman. [Kendra]: "So now that we have these disks," Kendra says. "Now what, other than getting out of here?" [Gaffleknot]: Gaf whirls his hoopak, flinging water every which way. "Oops. Don't worry, Sunstar, I'll protect you." [JadedDM]: Gimak: "Have you looked at them?" he asks Kendra. "There's writing on them, but I couldn't heads or tails of them." [Lirian]: Lirian smiles weakly. "One thing at a time. Perhaps Mishakal will tell us, if we go to the temple." [Kendra]: Kendra takes a moment to look over the disks. [JadedDM]: Moving on, they enter a large hall. Tremendous, 40' statues of ancient kings stand at the north and south walls. Their deeply carved features are masked in shadows, but they seem to watch intruders. Barlemus frowns. "Hmm...kind of forgot that Daos has our only light source." [Gaffleknot]: "I can see just fine!" [JadedDM]: Kendra sees that Gimak speaks truly. However, she has never seen the language before herself, either. [JadedDM]: Amala sighs. "All right. You take point, Gaf. But no distractions. Let's go in, save this man, and leave." [Gaffleknot]: Gaf nods and takes the lead, his expression deadly serious. But that lasts all of five seconds, and by that time, Amala can no longer see his face. [Kendra]: "I can't read this," Kendra admits, glancing over to Gimak. "So I guess that means we have to find someone that can read this?" [JadedDM]: Daos: "How odd. Why send us through all of this trouble to find proof of the gods, and then not provide us a way to read them ourselves?" [Lirian]: "All questions answered in time, I'm sure. Let's not dawdle." [JadedDM]: Passing through the hall, they turn north to another hall. Soiled walls rise thirty feet to an arched ceiling. Mosses and an off-white fungus line the hall. Ancient man-sized statues stand throughout the chamber. At the end of the hall, two of the bronze-scaled draconians stand at attention. [JadedDM]: Marik: "So when should we head to the portals to wait for the others?" he asks. [Kendra]: "Well, who is going to believe a bunch of...misfits that the Gods haven't abandoned us?" [JadedDM]: Gimak: "You have the staff. That should be proof enough, I say." [Gaffleknot]: "Careful, guys! These draconians explode! Gaf begins whirling the hoopak around his head, providing the unique bullroar sound to intimidate enemies. [JadedDM]: Hearing the sounds, the two bozaks begin chanting. [JadedDM]: (State actions and roll initiative.) [Gaffleknot]: Gaf slings a stone at them from his hoopak. [Kendra]: "For us, but for other people it could be considered a cheap trick," Kendra points out. [Gaffleknot]: [1d10] => [1] = (1) [JadedDM]: Daos: "What we need is a true cleric. One that can perform miracles without any items, like they speak of in the old legends." [JadedDM]: Round 1: Gaffleknot's turn.[Gaffleknot]: [1d20] => [20] = (20) [Gaffleknot]: [2d4+2] => [4,4,2] = (10) [Kendra]: "Where are we going to find a true cleric?" [JadedDM]: Gimak: "None have been seen in over three hundred years." [Gaffleknot]: Gaf whirls the hoopak around and slings a stone at the bozak. It knocks him hard in the head, breaking his concentration. The spell fizzles. [Lirian]: "Is that even up to us? Our quest was to find the Disks. We've done that." [JadedDM]: Marik: "That's true. So maybe we need to deliver them to whoever is supposed to use them." [JadedDM]: Sunstar's turn.[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [2] = (2) [JadedDM]: Sunstar runs up to the draconian that Gaf just beaned. She swings at it with her fist, but despite the blood gushing from its snout, it backs up and evades. [JadedDM]: Amala's turn.[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [15] = (15) [JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [7,6] = (13) [JadedDM]: Charging the second bozak, Amala nearly slices off its left arm, disrupting the spell and causing it to shriek in pain. [Gaffleknot]: Gaf cheers. "Get him, 'mala!" [Kendra]: "And we don't have any clues as to where to start looking for this person. I doubt it would be a good idea to just ask everyone we pass on the road." [JadedDM]: Barlemus' turn.[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [11] = (11) [JadedDM]: [1d8+3] => [6,3] = (9) [JadedDM]: Barlemus strikes at the first bozak, slicing it across the flank with his blade. [JadedDM]: Gaffleknot's turn (2nd shot). [Gaffleknot]: [1d20-2] => [14,-2] = (12) [JadedDM]: Gimak: "Have faith, Kendra. We'll be shown the way." [Gaffleknot]: Gaf flinches, groaning. "Just missed him!" [JadedDM]: (As both dracs has their spells disrupted, they lose their turn this round.) [JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 2?) [Gaffleknot]: Gaf charges to melee and gores a draconian [Gaffleknot]: [1d10] => [1] = (1) [Kendra]: Kendra smiles faintly at Gimak. "I think I'm just tired." [Lirian]: "The hard part's over, Kendra! We got the Disks from the Dragon. Everything else should be easy." [JadedDM]: Daos: "It has been many hours since we last rested." [JadedDM]: Round 2: Gaffleknot's turn.[Gaffleknot]: [1d20-2] => [18,-2] = (16) [Gaffleknot]: [1d6+2] => [5,2] = (7) [JadedDM]: [1d6] => [4] = (4) [Gaffleknot]: Gaf spears the draconian's neck, killing it instantly. Gaf instinctively winces, waiting for the explosion of bone. He grunts as it spikes into him. "Ouch, never going to get used to that." [JadedDM]: (Gaf, Sunstar, and Barlemus all take 4 damage.) [JadedDM]: Amala's turn.[JadedDM]: [1d20] => [17] = (17) [JadedDM]: [1d8+6] => [7,6] = (13) [Kendra]: "Should we head over to where we are supposed to meet the others, now?" [JadedDM]: [1d6] => [1] = (1) [Lirian]: "Yes, we've dawdled long enough." [JadedDM]: Amala decapitates her opponent. The body drops to the ground, its skin shrivels up, then it explodes. However, her armor protects her from most of the blast. [JadedDM]: (End combat.)[Gaffleknot]: The second one catches him by surprise. "Ow! Warn me when they die, at least. Sheesh." [JadedDM]: Barlemus wipes a chunk of bozak off of his face. "Is that it?" [Gaffleknot]: "Just the two of them. Might be more inside, though." [Kendra]: Kendra follows after Lirian to the meeting place at the cubes. [JadedDM]: Amala: "Let's move on then. Keep an eye out, Gaf." [Gaffleknot]: "Right." Gaf wipes his hoopak, then takes the lead. [JadedDM]: The other party, led by Lirian, heads east to the Great Plaza. From there, they can reach the tower by heading north. [Lirian]: "This way looks familiar. The tower should be up ahead." [JadedDM]: Gaf leads the group north to see a room to the west, the door open, and a hallway to the east. [Gaffleknot]: "Sunstar," Gaf whispers, "which way to the cells?" [JadedDM]: Sunstar looks both ways. "This way," she says, pointing to the hall. [Gaffleknot]: Gaf leads the team east. [JadedDM]: Lirian and the others head north, up the street, reaching the tower and the strange cube portals. [Lirian]: "Should we wait on this side, or the other side?" [JadedDM]: Meanwhile, Gaf and the others turn east. Cells branch north from a long hall, all seemingly empty. The hall is silent. The party passes by another room to the south. Sunstar points forward. "It's further down, I think." [Kendra]: "We are kind of out in the open here." [Gaffleknot]: Gaf nods. "I'll check it out. Make sure no draconians guarding it." Gaf coughs, then looked at Amala. [JadedDM]: Amala nods. "Be quick, but be careful." [Gaffleknot]: Gaf darts ahead. [Lirian]: "Then, we'll take it in turns. One of us will stay out to keep an eye out. The rest can rest inside." [JadedDM]: Sure enough, the kender comes across a closed and locked cell. A man hangs limply by his wrists from manacles driven into the walls. His torso is bare and stretched, showing signs of torture. He appears unconscious. [Gaffleknot]: Gaf laughs silently at any cell door that could keep him away. He pulls out his treasured tools and begins working on it. [Gaffleknot]: [1d100] => [15] = (15) [JadedDM]: Marik: "I'll keep the first watch then." [JadedDM]: With a satisfying and audible click, the kender picks the lock. It wasn't even a challenge, sadly. [Gaffleknot]: Gaf darts inside and sets to work on the man's manacles. [Kendra]: Kendra sighs and steps into the portal that once held the ghosts. [JadedDM]: Gimak and Daos follow, with Magpie behind them. [Lirian]: Lirian nods at Marik. "Be careful. I'll relieve you in thirty minutes." [JadedDM]: Marik nods, then finds a place where he can keep to the shadows while watching the road. [JadedDM]: (I'll need another roll to unlock the manacles.) [Gaffleknot]: [1d100] => [34] = (34) [JadedDM]: The kender quickly unlocks the manacles, and the man collapses to the ground with a grunt. Coughing, he looks up, surprised. "What...who is it?" [Gaffleknot]: "Can you move? We need to get out of here. Quickly." [JadedDM]: The man gets to his feet, unsteadily. "You are...freeing me? You are not one of the demons. But you are not a gully dwarf, either." [Gaffleknot]: "You don't look so good." Gaf looks skeptical. "I have friends. They can support your weight, lead you out of here. Wait here, and I'll bring them." [JadedDM]: The man shakes his head. "No...I...I can manage. Let us leave, before any of the demons come for us." [Gaffleknot]: Gaf shrugs, and darts out, back to his companions. [JadedDM]: The kender and plainsman leave the cell, heading back to the others. "Raven-eye!" Sunstar says in surprise upon seeing the man. She runs to give him a hand. [Gaffleknot]: Gaf fidgets. [JadedDM]: Raven-eye: "Sunstar...you made it. Thank the ancestors for that."[Kendra]: "I hope they are all right," Kendra says as she sits down. [Gaffleknot]: Gaf keeps a careful eye on Amala. Then, he darts west, wanderlust burning in his veins. [JadedDM]: Amala ignores the kender, checking on the man. "We have a healer, she may be able to help you." [Gaffleknot]: (I love being a kender.) [JadedDM]: Gaff heads west, back to the room he saw earlier. Inside, he finds huge chests, their wood rotted and split, spilling their contents into the room--tens of thousands of clay Tsarothian Culli. [Gaffleknot]: Gaf idly wonders how he would take the steel doors off the dragon's lair. A complex mechanical problem. He frowns at the chests of Culli. He pokes at them with his hoopak. [JadedDM]: Raven-eye: "You are our saviors. We cannot thank you enough for saving us. We are the last of our tribe now." [JadedDM]: Amala: "Thank us when we get out of here alive. We've dallied enough. Gaf, let's..." She looks around. "Gaf?" [Gaffleknot]: Gaf investigats these chests. [JadedDM]: The chests are old, rotted, and split. They are clearly very old and have not been maintained in any way. [JadedDM]: "Gaf!" Amala hisses between her teeth. Looking around, she asks the others, "Where did he go?" The other three shrug and look around. Without the kender leading them, they can barely see at all. [Gaffleknot]: Gaf goes swimming in the Culli. [Gaffleknot]: (haha) [JadedDM]: (Roll a 1d100.) [Gaffleknot]: (Wait, what?) [Gaffleknot]: (Oh shit. Did I trigger a trap?) [Gaffleknot]: [1d100] => [3] = (3) [Gaffleknot]: (I don't remember if that's good or bad) [Lirian]: Lirian shakes her head. She is sick with worry, and it is plain to see on her face. [JadedDM]: While swimming around in the clay coins, Gaf feels something cold and steel underneath. Fishing around, he pulls out a shiny shield bearing what he assumes to be the coat-of-arms of Xak Tsaroth (he's seen it throughout the city, at any rate). The shield seems brand new in appearance, without a scratch upon it. [Gaffleknot]: "Huh. Interesting." Gaf fishes around in the other chest. [Gaffleknot]: (Wait, how many chests are there?) [JadedDM]: (At least 20 or so.) [Gaffleknot]: (That's a lot!) [JadedDM]: Amala sighs. "Let's backtrack. Maybe he got tired of waiting and went on ahead," she says, although it's clear from her tone she doesn't really believe that. [JadedDM]: (Roll another 1d100.) [Gaffleknot]: [1d100] => [26] = (26) [JadedDM]: Fishing around more, he comes across a pair of throwing daggers in sheathes. They are of excellent craftsmanship, perhaps even elven in make. [Gaffleknot]: "Ooh, pretty!" Gaf fishes around in another chest. [JadedDM]: (Another 1d100.) [Gaffleknot]: [1d100] => [14] = (14) [JadedDM]: Further searching turns up a pair of leather light-weight gloves of the finest make. [Gaffleknot]: Gaf loves this new game of his. He goes searching in another chest. [JadedDM]: "There he is!" Amala says, looking into the room. "By the gods, Gaf...what are you doing in here?" [Gaffleknot]: [1d100] => [29] = (29) [JadedDM]: The kender pulls out a thin tome with a red cover. Some kind of insignia is upon it. It reminds Gaf of those fancy sigils Daos always uses. [Gaffleknot]: Gaf looks extremely guilty. "Oh, umm…I was just helping you find a new Yule present for Daos. Look, you can give him this nice spellbook!" Gaf fervently hopes what he found is a spellbook. [JadedDM]: "Spellbook?" Barlemus sticks his head in. "What else did you find?" [Gaffleknot]: "This shield, these gloves, and these daggers!" [JadedDM]: Amala sighs. "That's...very thoughtful, Gaf. But we really need to get out of here before that dragon wakes up and realizes the disks are missing." [JadedDM]: Barlemus lifts up the shield, admiring it. "Oooh, shiny." [Gaffleknot]: "Can we take the shiny stuff I found at least?" [JadedDM]: Amala: "Fine, fine. Let's just hurry!" [Gaffleknot]: Gaf gathers up the gloves, the book, and the daggers. He lets Barlemus carry the bulky shield. [Gaffleknot]: (Nooo, there was probably moooooore!) [JadedDM]: The party hurries back toward the archway, the kender leading the way. They all come to a screeching halt though, at the thunderous roar that seems to shake the entire cavern. Dust falls from the ceiling. Although it sounds far away, the roar is loud enough that they can hear it easily. [JadedDM]: Amala pales, her freckles becoming even more visible. "I think she's awake..." [Gaffleknot]: Gaf nods vigorously. "Let's hurry!" [JadedDM]: (Aaaaaaaaand, we'll end here.  )
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Post by Daos on Apr 13, 2011 16:10:10 GMT -8
Session 09 - Kendra's Sacrifice
[JadedDM]: Reapember 17, 350 AC; Brancha at 3 bells. Kendra waits in the treasury with Lirian, Daos, Gimak and Marik (who is waiting outside), clutching the Blue Crystal staff that had so suddenly changed her life drastically. Only a few days ago, she was in Solace, arguing with her mother at breakfast. Now here she was, deep in the underground ruins of an ancient city, carrying magical platinum disks that could very well change the entire world.
[Kendra]: "I can't wait to get out of here," Kendra says absently.
[JadedDM]: In the far distance, she hears a mighty roar. It sounds quite far away, but is still distinctive. The room rumbles a bit as some dust is shaken loose from the ceiling and falls to the ground.
[Kendra]: "...That doesn't sound good."
[JadedDM]: Marik suddenly appears, coming in through the portal. "They're back! But the dragon is right behind them!"
[Kendra]: "What?" Kendra says as she jumps from where she is sitting.
[JadedDM]: Lirian puts a firm hand on Kendra's shoulder. "Wait here. Daos, stay with her." She then follows Marik through the portal, joined by Gimak.
[Kendra]: Kendra pauses in her steps as she watches the others leave. She sighs softly, looking to Daos quietly.
[JadedDM]: Daos frowns. "They're all in grave danger." He approaches the portal, and then with a glance back at Kendra, defies Lirian and steps through.
[Kendra]: Kendra chews on her lip for a moment as she looks around the now empty room. "I...I can't let them do this," she says to herself before finally making her way to the portal.
[JadedDM]: Stepping out of the portal, she nearly collides into Daos a few feet ahead. Down the street, she sees the dragon approaching. Suddenly, Barlemus and Amala skid to a halt, then turn to face the dragon, their blades drawn. Gaf, Sunstar, and a young man that is probably Raven-eye, continue running forward. "Go!" Amala shouts. "We'll buy you time!" The dragon engages with the two warriors, snapping and clawing at them. Gaf and the two barbarians reach the others, crowded around the portal. Nobody has seemed to notice Kendra has stepped through yet. The battle between the dragon and the warriors is short. In no time flat, she strikes them both down with her tail, then pins them to the ground with her claws. Looking up toward the others, she roars, "Bring me the disks and the staff, or I kill them both!"
[Kendra]: Kendra's eyes widen as she sees Barlemus and Amala trapped under the dragon's claws. "...We can't let them die," she says.
[JadedDM]: Daos looks over her shoulder at her. "They are giving their lives to protect you, and those artifacts."
[Kendra]: "I know, but I can't let them do this. I...couldn't forgive myself if I just let them do this. They, just like all of you, are my friends and I should be helping."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "It's a dragon, Kendra. What can any one of us do against it? We're only men."
[Kendra]: "I don't know what we can do, Daos," Kendra says. "But, for just men, we have encountered some great things in the past few days like discovering the Gods all over again," she says thoughtfully. She looks up for a moment. "Mishakal, what do I do?" she asks, though she looks as if she doesn't really expect an answer.
[JadedDM]: In her heart, she can hear a response. "What does your heart tell you, child? Is your life not more important than those of your friends? Would you risk it to save them?"
[JadedDM]: Onyx: "The staff and disks, now!" she demands. Using one of her talons, she pries off Amala's helmet and slowly slices across her face, making a nasty gash. Amala cries out in pain. Barlemus struggles in vain, swearing. "Let her go, you big black turd!"
[Kendra]: Kendra winces as she watches the dragon. "I'm a nobody compared to these people," she admits. "And if I have to give up my life to save them, then I would do it in a heartbeat. They are doing the same for me."
[JadedDM]: "Then do so," the voice responds. "And know that I will walk alongside you."
[Kendra]: Kendra takes in a deep breath before she moves past Daos and the others to approach the Dragon.
[JadedDM]: "Kendra," Daos says softly in surprise.
[JadedDM]: Lirian turns and notices Kendra. "Kendra! What are you doing? Quickly, back inside. We have to get you and the disks to safety."
[Kendra]: Kendra looks over her shoulder to Lirian. "No. I know what I'm doing."
[JadedDM]: Lirian blinks, off guard by Kendra's sudden backbone. As Kendra approaches the dragon, the staff slowly starts to glow. Her heart fills with a sense of peace and security, and she knows Mishakal walks with her.
[Kendra]: Kendra's hand tightens around the staff. "Let them go," she says to the dragon.
[JadedDM]: Amala: "Kendra, no! Get away! We stayed behind to protect you!" she cries out, half her face covered in blood.
[JadedDM]: Onyx lowers her head to be level with Kendra. "Come closer, human, and give me the staff and the disks."
[Kendra]: "It is my turn to protect you," Kendra says to Amala and Barlemus. She moves closer to Onyx, though she does look a little fearful especially upon seeing the dragon's teeth. "Give me strength," she mutters in a soft prayer.
[JadedDM]: In answer to her prayer, the staff begins to glow more brightly. The dragon hisses. "What is this power?"
[JadedDM]: The voice in her heart says, "Strike now, child!"
[Kendra]: Kendra smirks up at the dragon for a split second before she strikes out to hit Onyx as hard as she can.
[JadedDM]: The staff shatters on impact and then explodes into blue flame. Lightning flies out in random directions, striking the massive ceiling overhead of the cavern. The dragon roars in pain as it is consumed in the blue fire, and so is Kendra. Barlemus and Amala roll away when the dragon loosens its grip. After a few moments, the dried out, smoldering husk of the dragon collapses to the ground and Kendra vanishes entirely. All that remains are the Disks of Mishakal, which clatter to the ground.
[JadedDM]: Before they can even catch their breath, the ground begins to rumble. Large chunks of rock fall from the ceiling and start crashing into the city. "Hurry!" Lirian shouts. "Through the portal!"
[JadedDM]: Amala snatches up the disks and everyone flees. Marik stands there in shock, and Barlemus must forcibly grab him and pull him through.
[JadedDM]: The party arrives in the treasury, and quickly heads outside, turning the corner and looking down at the city below. Rocks continue to fall, but finally the earth stops shaking. There is only silence.
[JadedDM]: Lirian: "She...she did it. I had no idea she had it in her," she says.
[JadedDM]: Amala looks out over the city, as if searching for some sign of Kendra.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus sinks to his knees. "When we were kids...I always protected her from the dragon. But...I couldn't protect her from the real thing. Ut..."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Her faith was strong after all. I never would have thought...she turned out braver than any of us. I wanted to rush to her side...but the dragon. I was rooted to the ground."
[JadedDM]: Daos turns away, his back to the party. Lirian walks up to him, and gently puts a hand on his shoulder. "She...knew what she was doing," Daos says, his voice strained. "We need to press on. If we die down here, her sacrifice meant nothing."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "How...? How can this be? The staff was supposed to protect her. The goddess was supposed to protect her." He looks down. "I...I was supposed to protect her."
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Let's get moving. Magpie knows a way back up. She can guide us."
[JadedDM]: Marik grumbles, "What was the point of it all? Why did I go through so much to get the staff if it was only going to kill her? What the hell kind of goddess is this, anyway?" His anger grows and stews within him as they travel.
[JadedDM]: After a tough climb up some slick sewer tunnels, the party eventually is able to return to the temple where they first met Mishakal. Marik kicks open the door and heads in, going right for the statue. "Who do you think you are? You call yourself a goddess of life and love, and yet you ask for human sacrifice? And not any sacrifice, but the sweetest..., most innocent person in...in Ansalon!" he drops to his knees, overcome with emotion. Shaking it off, he gets back up. "Barlemus, give me your hammer. I'm going to smash this damn thing into a hundred pieces!"
[JadedDM]: Gaf: "Guys, guys! Look!" he says, tugging on Lirian's shirt. He points across the room where Kendra, fully whole, lies peacefully. She is now wearing light blue vestments and has a silver medallion around her neck.
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Wh...what?" he asks, again stunned. The others rush forward, crowding around her, save Daos who stays in the back, a look of confusion and contemplation on his face.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Kendra? Kendra, wake up!" he says, shaking her gently.
[Kendra]: Kendra continues to lie still as Barlemus shakes her, as if she was in a really deep sleep.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Ut, what's wrong with her?"
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Is she enchanted? Maybe it's like in the stories, where someone has to kiss her to wake her up?"
[JadedDM]: Gaf: "I'll do it!"
[Kendra]: "No," Kendra says, opening her eyes, and turning her head to look at everyone.
[JadedDM]: She finds herself surrounded by the faces of her friends. They are filthy, covered in muck, blood, and dust. Amala's face is cut up pretty badly. But they all have tears in their eyes, and smiles on their faces.
[Kendra]: Kendra smiles and silently reaches out to touch Amala's blood stained face. "Heal what has been hurt, change the fate's design," she says softly in prayer to her Goddess.
[JadedDM]: Kendra's hand glows softly with blue light, which seeps into Amala's face, healing her wound completely. The others look on in shock.
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Bless my beard! How did you do that without the staff?"
[JadedDM]: Amala runs her hand over her face in surprise. "By the gods..."
[Kendra]: Kendra pushes herself up into a sitting position. "I'm...what everyone calls a true cleric," she says. "I don't need the staff anymore."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "There haven't been any true clerics in over three hundred years!" He sits down, obviously needing a moment to absorb all of this.
[JadedDM]: Daos finally approaches. "That symbol you wear. It is the emblem of Mishakal, is it not?"
[Kendra]: Kendra looks down at the symbol around her neck, then gives a nod to Daos.
[JadedDM]: Amala hands Kendra the Disks of Mishakal. "Here, I was holding these for you." Upon receiving them, Kendra realizes she can now read them perfectly. The strange language they were written in has changed into perfect Common.
[Kendra]: Kendra lets out a small gasp as she looks down at the disks. "I can read these now," she says almost in awe herself.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Interesting. Perhaps all one needs to read them then, is true faith."
[JadedDM]: Gimak: "Can...can you teach me, Kendra?" he asks with reverence. An interesting reversal, as it was always Gimak who taught Kendra. Now he kneels before her, in supplication, like an apprentice speaking to a master.
[Kendra]: Kendra looks down at Gimak curiously. "Stand up, Gimak," she says with a small giggle. "And of course I will. You taught me after all."
[JadedDM]: Tears in his eyes, the old dwarf wraps his arms around her in a hug. Laughing, Amala does the same. Barlemus, Gaf, and Lirian all join in, making a big group hug, all laughing and crying. Only Daos and Marik stay back, as do Magpie, Sunstar, and Raven-eye.
[Kendra]: "Uff!" Kendra says, trying to return the hugs with a laugh. "Okay you guys, I can't breathe!"
[JadedDM]: After the little tear-felt reunion, Magpie approaches. "You guys pretty neat. Thanks for killing dragon. Highbulp be really happy 'bout that. But guess Magpie better get back home."
[Kendra]: "Thank you for the help, Magpie."
[JadedDM]: Magpie: "Come back, visit someday. Save special rat stew just for you." With a wave, she descends back down the stairs.
[Kendra]: Kendra watches the gully dwarf leave, and then she finally stands up. She looks to Daos and Marik. "I...I feel like I should say I'm sorry," she says to them.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "You have nothing to apologize for. You followed your heart, and it did not lead you astray."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "I'm...just glad you're okay," he says, looking guilty.
[Kendra]: "...Why do you look so guilty, Marik?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Uh...I don't know what you mean," he says, casting a quick glance to the statue of Mishakal.
[Kendra]: "Liar," Kendra says, placing her hands on her hips.
[JadedDM]: Sunstar and Raven-eye approach. "I am not really sure I understand what happened," Sunstar admits. "But we would like to thank you, thank all of you, for saving us. We will be returning to our people, or what is left of them, and try to rebuild the tribes."
[Kendra]: Kendra turns her attention to Sunstar and Raven-eye. "Be careful out there. There is still a lot of danger."
[JadedDM]: Sunstar: "We will. Thank you again." She turns to Barlemus. "And thank you, sir, for protecting me as you promised." She steps forward and kisses him gently on the cheek.
[JadedDM]: Barlemus: "Ut, it was nothing," he says, blushing and scratching the back of his neck.
[JadedDM]: Taking Raven-eye by the hand, the two wave and depart out toward the swamp.
[JadedDM]: Daos: "Kendra, I trust this temple will be safe to sleep in once more?"
[Kendra]: "Yeah, we will be fine here," Kendra says.
[JadedDM]: Lirian: "I suggest we get some rest. We're all exhausted. Tomorrow, let's head back and figure out what to do next. "
[JadedDM]: Kendra: "Right," Kendra says. She shifts on her feet a moment before she quickly gives both Daos and Marik a hug.
[JadedDM]: Gaf: "Oh, yeah, I found you a present, Daos. Here, I think it's a spellbook," he says, handing it over.
[JadedDM]: Skeptical, Daos accepts the book. "Wait, I recognize this sigil. Relishan. He was a dark elf that was said to have once lived in Xak Tsaroth. This must have been one of his earlier spellbooks."
[JadedDM]: Gaf: "I also found these daggers and gauntlets. Can you identify them for me?"
[JadedDM]: Daos frowns. "Oh, very well. But I'll need absolute quiet. No asking me if I'm done yet every five minutes."
[JadedDM]: Kendra sits down, answering the questions of her friends and reading the Disks of Mishakal to them. No watch is needed, and eventually they all fall asleep.
[JadedDM]: Hours later, though, Kendra awakes and hears a voice. Opening an eye, she spots Marik standing at the statue of Mishakal, kneeling. "I'm sorry I doubted you," he says softly. "Please forgive me."
[Kendra]: Kendra quietly pushes herself up, and comes up behind Marik. "I think she'll forgive you," she says softly as to not wake anyone.
[JadedDM]: Marik jumps to his feet and whirls around. "Kendra," he whispers. "Uh...sorry, did I wake you?"
[Kendra]: "No."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "When I thought you were...dead, I was so angry. I wanted to destroy this statue," he admits.
[Kendra]: "Why were you so angry?"
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Because I thought...I thought I had been fooled. That I had been tricked into leading you to your death."
[Kendra]: "Mishakal wouldn't have led me to my death. It was my choice."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "I suppose. Either way, I'm glad you're okay. You mean a lot to...all of us."
[Kendra]: "Honestly, I'm the one that is glad you're all okay. I did it to save all of you."
[JadedDM]: Marik: "Yeah, well...please don't ever do that again," he says with a grin.
[Kendra]: She reaches out and gives him a hug. "Thanks for caring so much."
[JadedDM]: Marik returns the hug, holding her close. "You, too."
[JadedDM]: The following day, the party sets out. The day begins as Kendra and her fellow heroes trudge back over the Forsaken Mountains. The plains below stretch to the east. Dark clouds flash in the west—but not only dark clouds: even viewed from this great distance, the billowing darkness far across the plains is clearly something else. Smoke climbs into the autumn sky, rising from the forests of Solace.
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