| Post/Author/DateTime | Post |
|---|---|
| #1shatteredtowerSep 20, 2004 0:11:47 | This thread is restricted to the following players (though anyone else is always welcome to read along): Your Heroes
**** Spell Use (spells in red have been cast) Codrian (save DC = 13/13 + spell level) Level 0 Cleric (5/5): create water, cure minor wounds, light, light, resistance Level 1 Cleric (4/4): bless, command, divine favor, shield of faith Level 2 Cleric (2/3): hold person, spiritual weapon, silence Level 0 Sorcerer (4/5): acid splash, detect magic, mage hand, prestidigitation, ray of frost Level 1 Sorcerer (6/6): comprehend languages, expeditious retreat Level 2 Sorcerer (4/4): scorching ray Maelut (save DC = 11 + spell level) Level 0 (3/3): create water, detect magic, light, prestidigitation, purify food and drink, read magic Level 1 (2/2): cure light wounds, grease, unseen servant Tagg (save DC = 12) Level 1 (2/2): endure elements, hide from animals Threfdil (save DC = 12) Level 1 (2/2): create water, endure elements Special Items: Codrian: ¤ antitoxin (1 vial) ¤ scrolls of cure light wounds (x2) ¤ wand of magic missiles (10 charges) ¤ wand of cure serious wounds (22 charges) ¤ consumed item: scroll of lesser restoration) Maelut: ¤ potion of cure light wounds ¤ wand of cat's grace (6 charges) Tagg: ¤ daggers (6) ¤ wand of cure light wounds (10 charges) Threfdil: ¤ daggers (two, plus one masterwork) ¤ scroll of lesser restoration and protection from evil |
| #2shatteredtowerSep 23, 2004 19:46:51 | OoC: This post isn't notice that the players have to cut their preparations short. It just serves to advise that the thread is open, and that they're free to begin posting into the adventure when they're ready. Near the end of the third day of travel, the group finds themselves at the edge of a sharp slope. There is a well-worn pathway down into the desert from here, one that even a mule or pony could likely navigate safely, but it might be best to avoid making the attempt in the fading light. |
| #3zombiegleemaxSep 25, 2004 7:46:01 | Thref looks down at the desert, knowing that he'll be entering it soon. "Oi'd loike ta thank ye all again fer comin' wit' me on this journey. Oi 'ope it doesn't prove too dangerous." He helps make camp, and volunteers to take the first watch. ST: You might want to add the scroll that Gottrisdottir gave me... |
| #4zombiegleemaxSep 26, 2004 1:24:15 | Maelut helps the group pitch camp, unrolling his sleeping gear beneath the canvas awning they erect to protect them from the rain. Turning to the issue of dinner, he has everyone bring out their rations, and then proceedes to cast a small spell on each one of them, supplemented by some herbs he produces from the battered pouch at his waist. "I know it's not what we've gotten used to, but I think it would be a bad idea to start cooking things out here. The Gods know what waits for us in that desert, no point in giving it a head start on finding us." Maelut volunteers to take the last watch. "Might as well do something useful while I stare at a pile of rocks. I can get breakfast ready for everyone so that we'll be up and moving as quickly as possible. Just make sure to leave the rations with me, and I'll fix something that'll get us through the first part of this arid wasteland." Edited to add Watch information |
| #5codrianSep 26, 2004 4:39:28 | It'll be some time at the night the watch for me then? Okay, but just to make sure that you remember, I need an hour or so of time in the morning to pray and prepare for the day. |
| #6taggiivSep 26, 2004 8:58:33 | Tagg sets down his pack, and once their small shelter is finished, and Maelut enhances his rations, he begins eating. "Hm, I never thought I'd taste rations that taste like food!" Once he is done eating, he stands up and tends to Brie. He unloads the mule's packs, gives it its feed, and lays out the bedroll he took from its back. "I'll take any watch, just nudge me when I'm needed. ...Or if I'm already up just tell me. ;)" Tagg sits down on the mat, and rests his back on the pile of gear at the head of the bedroll. |
| #7shatteredtowerSep 26, 2004 11:32:25 | The night is thankfully still, with nothing more noteworthy than the occasional flash of a shooting star on the horizon. Descent into the basin requires some patience with the animals, but they're eventually coaxed down the path, with some relief to all at the end of the task. |
| #8zombiegleemaxSep 26, 2004 13:17:44 | Thref looks around the desert basement for a moment. "Tagg...There's a 'uman in 'ere somewhere that Oi need ta speak to. That's really all Oi know about the beginnin' part o' this quest. Ye got any ideas o' 'ow ta foind 'im?" |
| #9zombiegleemaxSep 26, 2004 13:18:55 | "Come on, boy. Just a little further. You're doing great there, almost done. Here we go now, just a few more steps, and we're down! What a good mule!" Maelut scratches behind Big Kitty's ears, and takes a small handful of feed out from the bag. Putting a tiny sprig of Cowgrass, a tangy herb not to the liking of most humans, into the oats, he feeds the gentle beast as a reward. "Well, we're in the deep of it now. Where do we go from here? It doesn't look like there's any signposts." |
| #10taggiivSep 26, 2004 13:34:33 | Tagg pats Brie on the head as it makes it to flat land again, and then turns to listen to the others' words. The ranger looks around, scanning the horizon and the ground. "Huh... you didn't get any other instructions...?" Tagg frowns and thinks for a bit. Vast, open desert.. what a great place to search.. well if this guy got so far in, he must have left signs of a camp or something around... "Well I'm betting he didnt bring a wagon of rations, he must have been following along by places he can subsist off of.." Tagg starts to move out, searching the land for signs of the contact. He tries to locate and check along more carefully areas that might hint towards an oasis or other area of growth to see if the man had passed there, as well as keeping a close eye for simply ground-based tracks. "If any of you guys know more about the geography of this specific area, feel free to butt in." |
| #11codrianSep 26, 2004 14:01:26 | [OOC: Ahem... it is not sand desert, per se... but more of gravel one. I think we can assume we others have told you those bits about the desert by now.] Stands still, looking at the horizon. It's going to be a hot day, no doubt. There should be a number of ponds in ravines and like in this part of this desert. Maybe if we'll run across some of the nomads living in here, we can ask if they've seen an outlander traveling the expanses. Points at one craggy tor jutting up from the gravelly ground, about a mile distant perhaps. Maybe we just could head approximately west or north-west... looking for signs of presence of at least someone capable of sentient conversation. |
| #12zombiegleemaxSep 26, 2004 17:40:21 | "Oi suppose when ye come down to it, there is a bit more...for what worth it may be. She tol' me Oi 'ad to walk...into...the desert. Oi don' know whether this would count 'r not, 'r if'n we 'ave ta walk further in." Thref casts about hopefully, plainly hoping that the journey through the desert won't be a long one. |
| #13zombiegleemaxSep 26, 2004 19:36:55 | Feeling the day's heat already descending, Maelut tugs uncomfortably at his armour. "Codrian, perhaps now might be a good time to use those spells you were telling us about, unless they wouldn't last long enough..." |
| #14codrianSep 27, 2004 3:14:45 | They will last until next morning... but I can cast it only on two persons. |
| #15zombiegleemaxSep 27, 2004 12:58:38 | "Perhaps you could cast it on those of us wearing the most armour. That way we could wear it without a problem, in case we encounter any trouble. Otherwise, I'm not sure how long I'll last in the heat with this chain shirt of mine." |
| #16codrianSep 27, 2004 13:38:10 | Looks at others and then chuckles. Maelut, I think that making a decision based on that is slightly difficult... as three of us are wearing more or less similar armours. Thref has the plate mail, but he has similar prayer of his own to use I recall. Looks serious again. So, that means that one of us will go without. Straws? The one who gets the shortest goes without today, and from thereon we'll rotate on the following days? |
| #17zombiegleemaxSep 27, 2004 15:11:56 | "No need to draw straws. I can put my gear onto Big Kitty to lighten my load, and I'll just go without the help today. I'll take off my armour to avoid getting overheated, but I'll keep it on the top of the packs so that I can put it back on if it looks like there's going to be trouble. You two go ahead and use the spell." |
| #18codrianSep 27, 2004 15:54:40 | If you want so then... any objections Tagg? |
| #19taggiivSep 27, 2004 18:30:22 | Tagg watches as a drop of sweat falls from his face onto the ground, and turns to Codrian. "...No objections." Tagg raises his hand to his chest, and closes his eyes momentarily. A small pulse of pale blue emanates from it through his body, and the shiny coat of perspiration that covered him seems to all but disappear. |
| #20zombiegleemaxSep 27, 2004 19:35:10 | [Celestial] Agathalos, grant me the power to ignore the heat and cold of the desert to thusly aid my search for my missing companion. [/Celestial] A moment later, Thref shakes his head slightly as the heat feels slightly less. "Oi 'm taken care of. Ye see to the others, Codrian." |
| #21zombiegleemaxSep 27, 2004 20:52:58 | "Ah...it seems that Tagg can use the prayer too. I didn't know your magic was so advanced, Tagg. Codrian, if you are able to cast the spell twice, then you can protect both of us. That would mean that none of us have to do without the protection, and we can all wear our armour." |
| #22codrianSep 28, 2004 3:06:23 | Frowns and then proceeds to cast Endure Elements both on himself and on Maelut. When he casts it for himself, Vareanin lands on his shoulder for a moment. |
| #23taggiivSep 28, 2004 19:24:06 | Tagg nods. "That is good.. certainly a load off..." He settles back to the task of locating their mystery contact, finding it much easier to focus without feeling the heat beating down on him. |
| #24zombiegleemaxSep 29, 2004 6:18:46 | "We will still 'ave ta look out fer the animals, since they aren't affected...but we cin go on ourselves." Thref moves into the desert a bit further, casting about for a clue, any clue, as to where they need to go beyond what Tagg and Codrian had already mentioned. |
| #25shatteredtowerSep 30, 2004 1:22:27 | Two hours into their trek, Tagg spies something unpleasant ahead -- the carcass of a burro, left too long in the sun, and slowly being picked clean by scavenging birds. Drawing closer, the group determines that it's in fact only half a carcass -- there's no sign of the animal's hindquarters anywhere. |
| #26codrianSep 30, 2004 12:46:14 | Uh-oh... that doesn't look too nice. What could have spirited away a full half of that? |
| #27zombiegleemaxSep 30, 2004 14:44:21 | Big Kitty snorts unhappily at the wretched pile of white bones, and begins tossing his head around, as if frantically trying to shake himself out of a dream. "Whoa there, boy. It's alright, I won't let anything anything like that happen to you." Maelut turns to his companions. "What sort of thing out here could carry off half a beast this size? And more importantly...is it still around? Tagg, can you see any sign of where this thing might have gone? Then again...these birds don't look too friendly." Casting his gaze upwards, Maelut scans the sky for any sign of a bird that might have attacked the former burden beast, as he searches through the stories from Nobody's about the desert, trying to remember anything useful. OoC: Bardic knowledge check on desert creatures |
| #28zombiegleemaxSep 30, 2004 17:44:33 | Thref swallows deeply as he looks at the carcass of the animal. His thoughts flit to Honor briefly, but he forces them out...at least the image of Honor in the same position as the unfortunate beast in front of them now. Remembering himself, he looses his sword in its scabbard, just in case. |
| #29taggiivSep 30, 2004 20:24:43 | Tagg's face becomes twisted with disgust as they close in on the carcass. Holding his hand to his nose for a moment, he recomposes himself and tries to take a more careful look at the situation. Signalling Brie to stay there (not that he needed to do much persuading), he proceeds. "I dunno... must've been something big, though, it hasn't been sitting long enough for these birds to do away with that much since its only partially decomposed..." He takes a few silent steps towards it, but before going too close he eyes the area immediately surrounding it; more specifically, deliberate signs that whatever did this did it recently, and subsequently if it is still likely to be close by (and not wanting to walk straight into the swarm of birds..). |
| #30shatteredtowerSep 30, 2004 22:33:30 | Maelut has heard stories of great birds, of dragons, of great worms that filled the sky when they broke forth from the soil. He can't be sure what caused this, though. Tagg's search of the area indicates signs of a scuffle in a few places. From the look of it, the animal was either carried aloft and dropped or hurled twenty or more feet several times by whatever attacked it. He can't find much indication of what did this, which suggests to him that it came from the sky. There's also a sign that something heavy was dragged (not carried) away from here, heading further into the desert. It doesn't appear to have been the rest of the burro, since there's no blood or other indication of carnage along this path. |
| #31taggiivSep 30, 2004 23:12:57 | After searching the carcass and nearby land, he glances cautiously at the sky and walks back over to the others to relay his findings. "Looks like the sun might not have been the only force responsible for killing this... it looked like it was tossed around quite a bit by something, I don't think any scavenger would be so violent with its food. "I think whatever was thrashing it around was attacking from the air, I don't see any signs of it on the ground here. ...Although, something rather large was dragged away from the site, and it wasn't the rest of the animal." "I'm not confident exactly when this happened, but it can't have been too long ago, the tracks are fairly fresh and the animal obviously wasn't dead all that long." Tagg is quiet for a moment, and mulls over the puzzling situation. A bit unnerved by the whole thing, he tentatively opens his mouth, a new theory popping into his mind. "Say... donkeys are common pack animals, aren't they... Y'know, people take them with them to carry their things... you don't suppose there might have been someone accompanying this one?" |
| #32codrianOct 01, 2004 3:03:26 | The whatever cut that to halves... played with it first? Like a cat plays with a mouse before eating it. |
| #33zombiegleemaxOct 01, 2004 16:53:40 | "I'd imagine that this poor fellow certainly had companions. Mules wouldn't go wandering off into the desert by themselves, right? Of course, if something was strong enough to carry off half a mule, it was more than strong enough to carry off any human owner. We should keep moving...whatever did this could still be around." Maelut tightens up his armour, thankful for the protective magic of Codrian's prayer. Keeping his eyes open, he checks the sky and horizon for any sign of what could be responsible. |
| #34shatteredtowerOct 01, 2004 17:40:23 | The sky appears to be blessedly devoid of great, winged beasts of terrible doom at this moment. |
| #35taggiivOct 02, 2004 20:49:42 | Tagg nods at Maelut's words. "Indeed. ...Whatever it is, and whatever happened, the only way we'll find out any further information is by following these drag marks..." .oO(Hrm... I... don't suppose the man we're to rendezvous with took a burro with him...?) The ranger starts to walk alongside the only lead they have at the moment, keeping his eyes open, and the same time racking his memory for any kind of animal that might fit the glove of whatever did this. OoC: knowledge (nature) check |
| #36shatteredtowerOct 03, 2004 0:27:47 | There are birds large enough to accomplish this, but this just doesn't seem like their work. One of them probably just have grabbed the burro and carried it off whole, rather than knocking it about for awhile and leaving half as carrion. A large cat might be more likely to do this sort of thing, but Tagg is almost certain that it would have left more sign of its departure, especially with half a carcass. He's pretty sure that they aren't following the attacker either, since the few tracks he can find suggest something humanoid, walking backward and straining to drag a heavy load of some sort. Something like the tiny, brown-robed figure up far ahead. OoC: And when I say far, I'm talking outside of hailing distance or the range of a bow. Beyond that, I'm not going to be specific. |
| #37zombiegleemaxOct 03, 2004 9:25:31 | Thref sees the figure ahead as they approach, and pauses to look at the others. "Per'aps this is 'oo Oi'm lookin' fer?" It's obvious he doesn't feel to comfortable about that possibility, but he urges Crimechaser forward at a slow trot...just enough to eventually catch up with the figure in front of them, while giving his companions ample time to inform him of anything additional they may sense. |
| #38codrianOct 03, 2004 10:17:09 | .oO(Might be miles away.) Walks at normal speed, not wanting to weary himself out by trotting in the heat. He might be, or then not. |
| #39zombiegleemaxOct 03, 2004 12:44:04 | "Remember about the desert natives...they aren't supposed to be terribly friendly." Maelut removes the crossbow from his shoulder, nocks a bolt into it, and holds it at his side as a precaution. "Come on then, at least we outnumber him." |
| #40taggiivOct 03, 2004 12:53:56 | "Hrm.. well, whoever it is, I don't think he'd try to attack four of us armed. Plus, if he's been dragging whatever that is around in the hot sun (I would assume he doesn't have the same magic as us) all day... He shouldn't be much of a threat." "What I wonder is, if he was with that burro, why did whatever attacked it leave him alone?" Tagg walks along at a moderate pace with the others. |
| #41codrianOct 03, 2004 13:03:23 | Humans might be too stringy. |
| #42zombiegleemaxOct 03, 2004 15:49:51 | Maelut squints his eyes ahead at the figure in the distance. "Do you think we should try to approach him quietly, or maybe get his attention?" |
| #43codrianOct 03, 2004 16:32:46 | Looks around. Well, we can't even tell if he's moving away from us or not. And if we can see him, so can he us. |
| #44zombiegleemaxOct 04, 2004 17:19:43 | "Oi say we approach slowly enough ta not raise 'is suspicions, but quickly enough that 'e canna get away if'n 'e wants to until we talk ta 'im. We should be able ta catch 'im." |
| #45shatteredtowerOct 04, 2004 17:28:50 | As Threfdil rides ahead, he can determine that the figure ahead of him is probably human, robed and hooded as protection against the heat, and dragging something heavy within a large tarpaulin or the like. The figure stops, apparently see the halfling approach, and stands as though waiting to see his intentions. He does not appear to reach for any sort of weapon. |
| #46zombiegleemaxOct 05, 2004 23:25:43 | Thref continues to approach, stopping within hailing distance but far enough away to convey the fact that he has no hostile intentions. He looks back at the others for a moment, then looks at the man again. "Oi... This may sound odd, but Oi was tol' ta foind somebody in this 'ere desert. Oi think it was ye. Do ye..." [Celestial] "Do you happen to speak the language of Agathalos?" [/Celestial] |
| #47shatteredtowerOct 06, 2004 0:44:08 | The figure scratches his beard and stares at the halfling for a long moment before answering. "You're right. That does sound odd. [celestial]Even were you to have asked in the blessed tongue, it would have sounded peculiar.[/celestial] But what does that have to do with anything?" |
| #48zombiegleemaxOct 06, 2004 18:32:13 | "Ta be 'onest, nothin, except ta make me more sure that ye were tha one Oi seek." Thref turns to his companions. "Oi'm going ta speak in Celestial fer now. Not tryin' ta keep anythin' from ye, but Oi foind it easier ta speak of the quest there." Back to the figure in front of him. [Celestial] "I am seeking a fallen companion. One who was a most faithful mount in life, but fell protecting this world from evil. I was told by one who augered the information that you would be able to aid me in this quest, but that you would have a quest for me in return. Does this happen to be true of you?" |
| #49shatteredtowerOct 06, 2004 20:08:29 | "Uh... well, you can help me get this load back home for starters. That ought to cover it. Well, that and telling me about yourself and your companions." |
| #50zombiegleemaxOct 06, 2004 22:56:24 | "Oi cin probably 'elp with that. What be yer load?" |
| #51shatteredtowerOct 06, 2004 23:43:50 | Throwing back the tarp, the man says simply, "Wood." He reveals a large amount of wood in fact, no piece more than a foot long and none of it shaped for carpentry. |
| #52zombiegleemaxOct 07, 2004 9:54:22 | "Gentlemen, maybe we cin split the burden up amongst our mounts and ourselves?" Thref suits his words, approaching with Crimechaser, ready to put some of the load on his mount. |
| #53codrianOct 07, 2004 10:42:34 | Helps with loading the wood on mounts. .oO(What is it with firewood? Is it a metaphor for something else?) |
| #54zombiegleemaxOct 07, 2004 11:39:11 | Maelut loads up Big Kitty with some of the firewood, looking inquisitively at the robed man. "Where did you get all this wood from? You must have been collecting it for quite some time." |
| #55shatteredtowerOct 07, 2004 19:46:31 | The man shakes his head. "Not just me," he says. When spread between the animals, the load hardly seems so much, though Big Kitty does protest briefly. The man leads them further into the desert. He is quiet for long stretches, but every now and then a comment or question escapes him. (OoC: Moving things along a little, but trying to leave you openings for questions and answers and discussion along the way. "You said you were told to come here for what you sought. Who gave you that advice?" he asks Threfdil. "What obligations bring an elf into the desert?" he says to Tagg. Darkly, he adds, "It is a clime your people generally avoid as much as possible, with the exceptions best not spoken of." To Codrian, he observes "You've the guise of a wanderer, but you appear to have found roots. What makes this journey yours?" Unexpectedly, Maelut is asked "What do you know of trees?" As the day wears on to evening, he stops and addresses them all. "Say I can direct you to what you seek. Say you find your fallen companion. What then? Will you return this way if another is lost? Will others do the same?" He looks all around him, slowly spinning once. "This used to be green once, a place of bountiful farmlands in a faraway time. Now it is a wasteland. There is but one thing here worth having, and your presence jeopardizes it. What is it?" |
| #56zombiegleemaxOct 07, 2004 22:03:52 | Unexpectedly, Maelut is asked "What do you know of trees?" Startled by the abrupt comment, the chef looks quizzically at the man before stopping to think about his response. He mulls it over in his head for a few minutes, but not coming up with any clever or insightful comments, offers the plain answer. "I know a little about fruit trees, my family had a couple in the garden outside our old home. An apple and something else, I can't quite remember now. There's an ancient tree that grows outside of the inn my parents run...my friend was very fond of it. It gave her some comfort while we were getting through some troubled times." Maelut pauses as he remembers the heart-wrenching image of Angelique shivering beneath the tree, her piteous expression wracked with the confusion and turmoil that had ultimately led her to leave the cook's company. A sigh escapes his lips, and a brief smile as he remembers her puppets. "It seems a strange question from a desert-dweller. What do you need to know about trees for, other than gathering firewood?" |
| #57taggiivOct 07, 2004 22:52:23 | Tagg looks over at the strange man at his address. "...I belong to, as well as these other fellows, an adventuring guild back in the city, and was asked to come along. I probably wouldn't come out to the desert otherwise, though, I suppose..." As they walk along, Tagg decides to ask the question that has been gnawing at his mind for a while. "I have a question of my own. We followed your trail from back a ways, from half of a dead burro. ...What happened?" |
| #58codrianOct 08, 2004 2:38:03 | To Codrian, he observes "You've the guise of a wanderer, but you appear to have found roots. What makes this journey yours?" Codrian is quiet a time before answering. I felt I should do it. Takes a sip of water. More accurately, I can't say. It just felt the right thing to do. |
| #59zombiegleemaxOct 08, 2004 16:06:25 | You said you were told to come here for what you sought. Who gave you that advice?" he asks Threfdil. Thref looks at him for a moment. "The mistress of novices the church Oi frequent 'n' resoide in. She tol' me that she consulted with Agath'los 'imself...Oi think. Per'aps Oi just assumed that was what she did, but she seemed sure of 'erself 'n' 'er advoice. Oi trust 'er." "Say I can direct you to what you seek. Say you find your fallen companion. What then? Will you return this way if another is lost? Will others do the same?" "Oi canna speak fer others, but Oi 'ave 'opes that Oi will not lose other companions. It is not somethin' we wish ta 'ave 'appen too often, ye understand. But if'n it should occur, Oi believe that it is only information we seek 'ere, not me companion. Information only needs to be taken away once, Oi believe." Thref thinks of the second question for a long while. "Are ye speaking of yer privacy, per'aps?" |
| #60shatteredtowerOct 08, 2004 17:19:17 | The man nods at the answer Codrian gives, seemingly satisfied with it. His response to Threfdil in regard to who sent him meets with a similar reply. He takes care in trying to answer Tagg's question. "It had the body of a lion and the head and the wings of a hawk. Thalos shielded me from its sight, but could not do the same for the animal I brought with me, alas. Without its sacrifice, though, I might not have escaped." He considers Maelut's inquiry, and simply says, "That's a fair question," before continuing on his way. He listens carefully as Threfdil elaborates on what exactly they seek out here. When the halfling speaks of privacy, he replies. "Isolation, actually, but little enough difference." Looking around the group once more, he lowers his hood to scratch the back of his head, then speaks again. "All right. Tomorrow, I'll take you to someone who may be able to help. Saves me some trouble anyway." |
| #61zombiegleemaxOct 08, 2004 18:51:02 | "You say Thalos protected you from the beast. Are you a priest of some kind? I must admit, it seems strange to find priests this far out from the city." In response to the man's aprupt answer, Maelut decides to take a slightly different tack. "Have you always lived in the desert?" |
| #62shatteredtowerOct 08, 2004 22:13:13 | The man shrugs in response to Maelut's first question, paying no mind to the rest of his insights. For the second question, he has one of his own. "Haven't we all?" And as if this is answer enough, he beings walking away again. |
| #63zombiegleemaxOct 09, 2004 14:35:54 | Maelut shakes his head, and realizes that he won't get much out of the man by simply asking questions about abstract things. He decides that perhaps this might be an opportunity to speak about something on which he has a decent amount of knowledge. "Sir, I apologise if I seem a little inquisitive, but perhaps I could ask you something more...down to earth. I'm a cook by trade, and one of the reasons I came to the desert was to learn about what sort of things you eat out here, hoping to add the recipes to my repetoire. Would you mind if I asked what you do for food this far out in the wilderness?" |
| #64codrianOct 09, 2004 15:27:25 | While they walk, Vareanin drops down from the sky and alights on Codrian's shoulder. Digs out a pine cone from his coat pocket and offers it to the familiar. The nutcracker starts to take the pine cone apart with his beak. |
| #65shatteredtowerOct 09, 2004 18:50:52 | "Thalos provides," Maelut is told in a stoic tone. "Thalos provides." |
| #66zombiegleemaxOct 09, 2004 22:23:35 | Shaking his head, Maelut moves back into the group. .o0(He doesn't seem very communicative.) After a few minutes, he taps Threfdil on the shoulder. And whispers quietly to him. "This chap doesn't look like he wants to tell us much of anything, and we've already given him a lot of information. Maybe he's just being careful, but his evasiveness is starting to worry me." |
| #67taggiivOct 09, 2004 23:14:29 | Tagg watches curiously at the man's speech with the others while pondering about the man's description of the attack further back. .oO(Head of a lion, body of a hawk... strange combination. I wonder what such a monstrosity could be... The hawk element would explain its method of attack. But what I'm more interested in is what it could have gone to. I doubt it gulped down the entire burro on the spot, perhaps it took it to its home, if it has one. I wonder if a half lion-half hawk has a landbound den or a nest somewhere.) Tagg eyes toward the sky for a moment, not really expecting to note a giant hawk-lion, then brings his attention back to the ground, and the man. .oO(Well, its just gone. There's no purpose or need really to do anything further regarding it I suppose...) The elf looks side to side at the vast endlessness of the desert, then to the wanderer. "Er, if I may ask, do you... have a destination?" |
| #68shatteredtowerOct 09, 2004 23:46:23 | "I do," he answers the elf, "And it's not far from your own. If you find acceptance there, we may see you afterward as well." |
| #69zombiegleemaxOct 10, 2004 9:32:47 | Thref listens to Maelut for a moment, then shrugs. He says a silent prayer to Agathalos, and concentrates on detecting the taint of evil, should it exist, in their new companion. |
| #70shatteredtowerOct 10, 2004 10:15:29 | "You seem rather distracted, halfling," says the wood carrier, while Threfdil concentrates, finding no evil in his vicinity. "You haven't forgotten to take your fill of water today, have you?" |
| #71zombiegleemaxOct 10, 2004 18:24:36 | "Jest me inward thoughts, sir. Oi've bin easily distractible since 'Onor died. Please forgive me." Thref gives a small grin. "'Ow far do we 'ave ta go 'afore we deliver the wood?" |
| #72shatteredtowerOct 10, 2004 20:16:33 | "Mmm-hmm," the man mutters noncommitally. "Thalos should still have a good view of things by the time you're done. You're lucky, really. You won't have to go out of your way for this. Quite the opposite." |
| #73zombiegleemaxOct 11, 2004 19:20:36 | Thref just grins at the mans response, realizing that he saw what was happening. He just shrugs at Maelut, and continues to follow silently, looking forward to the horizon. |
| #74shatteredtowerOct 14, 2004 8:08:15 | On the afternoon of their second day with the man, who calls himself simply Slate, he takes them to the edge of a lake. A hill rises out of the water several hundred yards from the shore where they stand. "Here you are," he says, pointing toward the hill. "Lake's shallow, but don't drink the water. If you can't swim that far, I can help, but I can't get all seven of you all the way across. You'll have to manage the last few minutes on your own or else leave an animal behind." |
| #75zombiegleemaxOct 14, 2004 11:51:35 | Thref looks out at the lake, wondering how such a thing could truly occur in a desert. He just stares for a long moment. "Why do we need ta go ta the oiland?" |
| #76zombiegleemaxOct 14, 2004 11:58:33 | "I can swim alright...but why do we need to? Going to an island in the middle of the desert just seems a bit...odd." |
| #77shatteredtowerOct 15, 2004 2:57:34 | "I can't provide what you seek, but you'll find the answer here. The tunnel isn't hard to find, and it's not very long. Just remember that you'll need to take the wood with you." |
| #78codrianOct 15, 2004 11:26:36 | Vareanin flies towards the island while Codrian stands with others on the water's edge. Looks at Slate. You can get some of us across without dropping to water? |
| #79zombiegleemaxOct 15, 2004 22:13:51 | Maelut does a double take, trying to understand the man's instructions. "Wait a second. Tunnel? Wood? What is going on here? And there's no way I'm leaving Big Kitty to get eaten by whatever attacked you. I can swim just fine, you use whatever magic you've got on him." |
| #80shatteredtowerOct 16, 2004 7:50:55 | "No," says Slate to Codrian. "You will still get wet. You just won't be in danger of drowning." To Maelut, he replies, "Those are not my questions to answer. As for your mule, very well." He looks as though he is going to say more, but shakes his head, then bows it to chant a few words, moving from person to person and animal to animal, skipping over only the cook. "Don't let the animals drink here. You're going to have a hard enough time convincing them that they can't drown, but they'll get used to that. I can't promise this won't make them overconfident, however, so don't let them drink." |
| #81zombiegleemaxOct 16, 2004 15:31:33 | Maelut removes his armour and backpack and places it in Big Kitty's saddlebags. "Tagg, could you keep an eye on Kitty and make sure he doesn't drink any of the water? I'll be pretty busy trying to get across safely myself, not having any magical help." He drops his voice and mumbles to himself. "The water is safe to swim in, but not to drink? If I end up poisoned again...I swear, I'm just going to quit adventuring and hide under a big saucepan until the world goes away." |
| #82zombiegleemaxOct 17, 2004 11:24:25 | Thref stares out at the lake, with the island in the middle, wondering just what the spell was. To be safe, he gets help removing most of his armor, before slowly wading in, pulling Crimechaser behind him. He looks back at Slate for a long moment, gauging whether or not the spell would be truly effective, then sets out with a tenative dog paddle. |
| #83codrianOct 17, 2004 12:29:36 | Takes his chainshirt off and makes a nice bundle off his stuff. Ties couple of pieces of wood to it and then tests that it stays afloat without too much of trouble. .oO(Good, I wouldn't want some things to get soaking wet... or I'll be casting something very odd from those scrolls.) Wades then into water after others. Swims forth, holding the bundle in front of him and kicking on with his feet. |
| #84taggiivOct 17, 2004 19:58:12 | As they reach the lake, Tagg frowns and puzzles over the man's queer indecisive answers. Hardly fulfilled but having learned with their days together he will not get any clearer, he holds his tongue. He nods at Maelut, and pulls back all the animals away from the water, and keeps careful watch on them to make sure they don't drink any. Tagg watches the others swim into the water, mulling over in his mind what on earth it could be. He doesn't really want to treat the others as guinea pigs or anything, but the mules do need tending. Yes that is it. >_> |
| #85zombiegleemaxOct 18, 2004 13:21:39 | A little ways into the water, Maelut turns and sees Tagg standing on the shorelline with the animals. He reaches his feet down to rest on tiptoes on the rocky bottom of the pool while he yells. "Come on, Tagg. Unless I missed something, the man used that magic so that they could swim with us. All you need to do is get them across and make sure they don't drink during the crossing. So hop on in and hurry up." |
| #86zombiegleemaxOct 19, 2004 0:11:59 | With one last push off the waterlogged base, Maelut kicks out, swimming hard for the other side. He swims as quickly as possible without splashing too much, keeping his mouth firmly closed and eyes focused on the other side. Turning around briefly when he makes it halfway, he realizes that the others are still a little behind him. .o0(Well, one of use has to check out the shore. Might as well be me.) With renewed vigor, he swims onwards to the other side. |
| #87shatteredtowerOct 19, 2004 4:33:10 | "They don't even need to swim," Slate assures Tagg. "You could even walk across right now." As the others move further from shore, they discover that the lake isn't all that deep. As Maelut reaches the middle, he gets the impression that it's probably no more than twelve feet from the surface to the bottom. OoC: Maelut has privately informed me that he's left his armor with his mule, but where are the rest of you storing it? |
| #88zombiegleemaxOct 19, 2004 11:31:02 | OOC: I meant to put that in, sorry...storing on Crimechaser for the duration of the cross. Thref continues to swim across, worrying that he might still be too poor a swimmer to make it. Regretfully wishing he had learned how to swim in the past, he continues onward as best as possible. |
| #89zombiegleemaxOct 19, 2004 12:31:52 | When he gets to the other side, Maelut hurries out of the water, basking in the feeling of the warm sun on his wet clothes. After a moment, hands on his knives, he looks around and checks for any immediate danger. .o0(I wonder what that chap plans on doing, now that we've gone off with his wood.) Maelut turns around and calls out to him across the water. "Oy! What're you planning on doing while we go traipsing around on some amphibious adventure?" |
| #90taggiivOct 21, 2004 15:18:56 | Tagg raises his eyebrow at the walking comment, but as he sees the others get across safely he shrugs. He tentatively puts his foot down first onto the water to see what happens, and tries to walk across with the animals as the man said he could. |
| #91shatteredtowerOct 21, 2004 19:47:33 | While the water is still shallow enough for him to keep his shoulders out of it, Codrian can tell that his arrangement for floating his gear simply isn't going to work. He just can't arrange an assortment of wood large enough to support the armor. Can't respond to Maelut yet. No one's gotten that far. |
| #92codrianOct 22, 2004 2:20:34 | .oO(Oh well, it was an idea.) Shrugs and maneuvres then so that his feet touch the bottom. Then proceeds forth carrying the bundle normally. |
| #93zombiegleemaxOct 25, 2004 19:56:44 | Continues to make his way across the lake, moving as fast as he safely can. Silently praying to Agathalos the entire way that he make it easily. |
| #94shatteredtowerOct 28, 2004 20:45:29 | It takes some coaxing to convince the animals to swim across. Tagg is thankfully up to the task, but the effort of staying afloat and guiding them proves to be quite the strain. It would be easier if they simply walked along the bottom as Codrian does, but his example unfortunately makes no impression on them. Maelut is the first to find his way across after close to an hour, despite pacing himself to conserve strength. Codrian turns out to be not so far behind him when his head finally rises above the surface once more, the half-elf giving no sign that the journey was an unpleasant one, despite having endured an odor subtly reminiscent of rotten eggs the entire time. By the time Tagg and Threfdil struggle ashore, Maelut has already scouted the perimeter of the island, finding it little more than a circular ridge around a steaming pool that spills over into the lake. After carefully making his way along the rough, often slippery stone, he discovers the location of a tunnel where the ridge is highest. Unfortunately, the tunnel is almost entirely submerged, save for a foot of clearance. Getting the mules and pony through this seems much less certain. OoC: Despite the Endurance feat, Tagg takes 2 hp of non-lethal damage. Threfdil, on the other hand, takes 5 hp of non-lethal damage. For reasons that are not yet clear to me, Maelut takes no damage at all. And Codrian, despite how it might appear, was never in any danger at all. Crimechaser and Big Kitty each also take 2 hp of non-lethal damage. |
| #95zombiegleemaxOct 28, 2004 22:55:27 | .o0(Gosh, that swim was a lot easier that I thought it would be. Guess those times of swimming in the river by my parent's lodge must have made things easier on me.) "I've found the tunnel, but it looks like it'll be tight going. What are we going to find down here anyway?" |
| #96codrianOct 29, 2004 2:40:53 | Takes few deep breaths after scampering up from the lake. "Quite vile smelling water that. Everyone okay?" Puts his armor back on and checks that the scrolls are not ruined. |
| #97shatteredtowerOct 29, 2004 7:40:03 | The seal on the tube has thankfully remained watertight. |
| #98codrianOct 29, 2004 9:04:40 | .oO(Good, the spells on those scrolls may come very handy later on.) Frowns as a thought comes to his head. .oO(Wait a moment... how come that lake didn't affect me any way?) |
| #99zombiegleemaxOct 29, 2004 20:35:00 | Thref sits down at the edge of the lake for a minute or two, trying to catch his breath after the long swim. "Oi never was too good at swimmin'. Lets take a bit o' a rest, let the animals 'n me recover a bit. Thin we cin go down this 'ere tunnel... But fer now, what does it look loike in there besoides the size, Maelut?" |
| #100zombiegleemaxNov 03, 2004 21:03:06 | "I can't see very well, it looks like it's mostly underwater. I'll go in and take a closer look, since I don't feel too tired from the swimming. Before I do, though, I should probably make sure that I can see where I'm going." Focusing on a small piece of leather on his shirt, Maelut weaves a simple spell to make it glow with unquenchable brightness before he ventures into the cave. He indicates that the others should follow if they wish. "Come on, let's find out what's in there." He walks, swimming when necessary, into the cave to explore where it goes. |
| #101shatteredtowerNov 04, 2004 0:09:06 | Maelut finds that the water is shallow enough to let him keep his head above it if he stands on his toes, and it becomes steadily more shallow as he works his way in, dropping roughly three quarters of a foot for every five he travels until he reaches dry ground in a chamber that is has been expertly carved into a room roughly fifteen feet in diameter and ten feet in height. Without approaching too closely, he can see that the a section of the walls across from the entrance, roughly four to seven feet from the floor, has been covered in writing. There is also the matter of the six statues, three to each side as viewed from the tunnel, all the height and general build of dwarves. Though they are differently attired (and half appear to be female), they all have one other thing in common: each holds a flaming mace. The fire that surrounds each mace is curious, for it appears to be very real, shedding light and flickering as a true flame would, though how it can burn stone (and not consume it) is a mystery. OoC: I've assumed that Maelut and Threfdil went in alone, because the matter of what's to be done with the animals has not been resolved yet and since no one else has stated an intention. Again, sorry to rush you folks, but it's been a few days since the last post, so I thought it couldn't hurt to move things along just a little bit. ;) |
| #102zombiegleemaxNov 04, 2004 0:31:05 | Maelut walks over to the wall, hoping to be able to read some of the writing on it. "Check out those maces. Wonder what they're here for...any ideas Threfdil? Maybe we're supposed to take them or use them or something. Or...maybe touching old dwarven statues with magical enchantments would be a bad idea?" |
| #103shatteredtowerNov 04, 2004 1:29:30 | The lettering is as delicately wrought as Elven, yet unfamiliar to Maelut. |
| #104zombiegleemaxNov 04, 2004 8:57:46 | "Whoi don' ye stay 'ere fer a bit. We'll be back if'n we foind anythin'..." Thref follows Maelut through the cave, finding himself in the room with the dwarves. He too tries to identify the writing, hoping that it will aid in his quest. |
| #105codrianNov 04, 2004 11:00:44 | Helps Tagg to get the animals to the dry ground and looks at the elf. No way we can get them inside that cave. Any suggestions? |
| #106shatteredtowerNov 04, 2004 15:12:07 | Threfdil recognizes the writing as Celestial, and reads:When you find yourself in dark places, yet must you look to the Sun, for it has carried our Lord this way before and it shall do so again. |
| #107zombiegleemaxNov 04, 2004 17:21:06 | While Threfdil reads, Maelut steps back from the wall and walks slowly around the room, looking for an exit. He runs his hands appreciatively over the walls, but is careful to avoid the statues, regarding them with a measure of distrust. Pausing briefly by one of the finely made statues, the human moves his hand near to the flame, wondering about its nature. |
| #108shatteredtowerNov 04, 2004 22:34:02 | Maelut is unable to locate any other exit to the chamber in his investigation. He discovers that the flames do not give off any heat. OoC: I'm assuming that at this point, Maelut is taking a round for each Search check, rather than two minutes. Threfdil would still have time to finish his reading even at the faster rate, after all, with some time left to ponder the setting as well. |
| #109zombiegleemaxNov 04, 2004 23:01:05 | Maelut jerks his hand back from the cold flame in surprise. "Threfdil...these fires are cold. Something's very weird here. Why would statues need to be able to see all the time? These flames must be here for a another reason. Religious meaning, maybe?" The cook pauses for a moment, looking around curiously. "It doesn't look like there's any way out of here...but there must be something I'm missing. No point in building a hidden chamber with nothing in it but cold fires and pseudo-elvish writing, eh?" |
| #110zombiegleemaxNov 05, 2004 9:21:42 | Thref translates the writing into common, shouting it up at his friends on the surface so they can hear too. He then aids Maelut in looking around the room; particularly paying attention to see if any suns can be found. About the fires, he thinks for a moment. Knowledge Religion check to see if they have any religious significance? |
| #111shatteredtowerNov 05, 2004 10:26:57 | OoC: It might be meant to represent the sun. Then again, a light source just may be nothing more than a light source. And you're going to have to do a bit more than shout to communicate with the others. ;) Threfdil can find no images of the sun anywhere in the chamber. |
| #112zombiegleemaxNov 05, 2004 11:05:42 | "It sounds like a riddle. Maybe we're supposed to do something with these weird maces...or something simple like saying that phrase at the end out loud...in whatever language it's written in." |
| #113zombiegleemaxNov 05, 2004 12:49:00 | Blast. I hadn't realized we'd climbed that far down. And it's a pain recognizing spells personally but knowing Thref wouldn't, let me tell you. Thref continues his examination of the room. He pauses in the middle, thinking about the sun. This causes him to look upwards, where he examines the ceiling...as best as he can from 12 feet below. Realizing he has to get a closer look, he calls for Maelut's help. "Me boyo, see if'n ye cin lift me closer ta the ceilin'. Oi want ta look toward's the sun from down 'ere." |
| #114zombiegleemaxNov 07, 2004 13:52:02 | Maelut boosts Threfdil up to examine the ceiling, and wonders what they're supposed to do with the maces. "Maybe the maces are important...might be that we're supposed to use them. A place like this wouldn't put traps on things that visitors were supposed to use, right?" |
| #115shatteredtowerNov 07, 2004 16:54:28 | The ceiling still appears to be unadorned to Threfdil, even from atop Maelut's shoulders. The maces appear to be part of the statues themselves, carved from the same stone. |
| #116zombiegleemaxNov 07, 2004 17:40:09 | Maelut lets Threfdil down to the floor gently after he completes his examination. Realizing the the maces are merely decoration, Maelut thinks back to the riddle Threfdil read. "That whole poemy riddle thing keeps talking about a "he". That has me thinking that maybe Sun means Son? It would be a clever play on words, and might make more sense. And it sounds like we're supposed to face in a direction and say that thing at the end...?" The chef trails off uncertainly. |
| #117zombiegleemaxNov 07, 2004 19:36:05 | "Aye, that's what Oi was thinkin' too. Oi was jest troin' ta rule out other thin's. Let's get the others down 'ere first...Cin ye do that so's Oi don' 'ave ta swim again?" |
| #118shatteredtowerNov 08, 2004 5:54:20 | Helps Tagg to get the animals to the dry ground and looks at the elf. "You go on ahead," Tagg replies to Codrian. "I'll watch them for now and give a shout if anything happens." |
| #119codrianNov 08, 2004 8:32:39 | Okay. I'll go take a look what they've found. Sends to Vareanin that he will be out of sight for a moment and then walks into the cave. |
| #120shatteredtowerNov 08, 2004 18:17:49 | While Threfdil and Maelut are discussing ideas, Codrian rises from the water behind them. |
| #121zombiegleemaxNov 08, 2004 19:22:05 | Maelut jumps at the sound of water moving behind him and spins around, drawing his knives. "What the...? Codrian! You scared me, I thought you were staying outside. Everything alright out there? We've found some interesting things in here." Maelut points out the engravings and the strange cold fire. |
| #122codrianNov 09, 2004 1:39:46 | Sorry, hard to talk while submerged. Tagg said he'd be fine, nothing happening out there. I decided to come look what you two are doing. Climbs up from the water and looks at fires and engravings. [OOC: Applicable Knowledges if needed.] |
| #123zombiegleemaxNov 09, 2004 8:25:07 | "It is me thought that a certain phrase spoken in a certain way is what we 'ave ta do." Thref gives the translation of the writing. "But Oi'm loathe to do it if'n we aren't all together." |
| #124zombiegleemaxNov 09, 2004 13:41:30 | "Well, we can't leave the animals out there by themselves. They'll probably get eaten or drink the water or something. Try the thing you think will work; if we need Tagg's help it's not too far to swim back and get him." Maelut lowers his knives, but still holds them at his sides, not certain what will come next. |
| #125zombiegleemaxNov 09, 2004 17:54:56 | "Very well, then...Oi 'ope that if'n it works Oi'm not left alone..." Thref walks towards the far end of the room, where the writing is on the wall. He pauses, steeling himself, then looks upwards. [Celestial] "Oh Agathalos, Guide Me." [/Celestial] Thref steps forward, trusting and believing that he can step through the wall. If it fails, he backs up a step, then tries again, closing his eyes this time. |
| #126shatteredtowerNov 14, 2004 4:17:46 | Although the stone remains as solid looking as ever to those watching Threfdil, the halfling nevertheless passes through it as though he were a ghost. The room's light proves unable to follow where he walks, however, so Threfdil is unable to determine much of this surroundings. He can feel the stone beneath his feet and to his left as his hand brushes a wall, but they feel wrong, somehow, as though he was numb where he touched them. OoC: Sorry about that. Somehow, I missed this post. I've taken steps to prevent that in the future, so it won't happen again. Threfdil is currently out of sight of his companions. He is also safe, though it will be up to them to determine that or him to indicate such. Right now, he can't see a thing because of the darkness where he is, but is otherwise unhindered. |
| #127codrianNov 14, 2004 5:05:52 | Thref? You there? Where did you go? |
| #128zombiegleemaxNov 14, 2004 11:05:54 | Maelut jumps back when he sees Threfdil disappear, and lets out a stifled yelp. "Where did he go?" Turning to Codrian, Maelut asks if he could explain how to say that phrase in the strange language. He then turns back to the wall, hand stroking the luminescent part of his cloak, and mimics Threfdil's actions. |
| #129codrianNov 14, 2004 11:28:10 | Looks at the strange writing and frowns. .oO(I wonder what language that is. Celestial perhaps?) Concentrates for a moment and then says an arcane phrase. Looks at the writing again. [OOC: Cast Comprehend Languages.] |
| #130shatteredtowerNov 14, 2004 12:05:35 | Although he is unable to pronounce the words as Threfdil has done, Codrian is now able to read the passages with ease, and it is just as the halfling explained, though a little easier to comprehend without the small man's accent. Based on what he'd said before leaving, the writing could suggest a means by which to follow him. |
| #131codrianNov 14, 2004 12:39:01 | Okay. I think we might be able to follow him... by reading this and stepping through the stone, as absurd as that sounds. It's a maybe. As... I can't really speak the words correctly, while I now understand what each one is about. But it could work. Holds up his hand. But before we try, in case if we get through we can't come back, we should go get at least some of our supplies from outside. Our packs are still tied to the animals. |
| #132zombiegleemaxNov 14, 2004 15:42:57 | "I don't think we should leave him alone, wherever it is that he's gone. There could be problems in there, and we don't know if he can get out the same way or not. Why don't I try to follow him, in case he needs help. Besides, my knives make better weapons in these tight spaces than your bladed pole, so I could most likely be of more use." Maelut sheathes his knives, and runs his fingers over the wall with the writing, carefully running his eyes over each of the characters despite not being able to understand them. Then, with slow deliberate movements he looks up to the heavens as Threfdil did, and steps towards the wall, believing that the powers which let Threfdil pass through it will also operate for him. |
| #133codrianNov 14, 2004 15:47:02 | Wait! Wait... You have to say this, listen... Tries to say the "Oh Agathalos, guide me" in Celestial as well as he is able to. |
| #134zombiegleemaxNov 14, 2004 15:50:28 | Maelut stops just before his nose reaches the wall, and then backs away quickly. Listening carefully to Codrian, he makes him repeat the phrase several more times. Finally, he steps up to the wall and repeats the entire ritual again, with the added verbal phrase. [Pseudo-Celestial] "Oh Agathalos, guide me!" [/Pseudo-Celestial] |
| #135zombiegleemaxNov 14, 2004 16:24:32 | Noting that he is completely in the dark, Thref slowly counts out five minutes to himself, while trying to see if his eyes adjust to whatever light may exist. If he finds that he still is unable to see, and he has not yet been joined by any of his companions, he moves his way backwards, trying to move back into the other room. |
| #136shatteredtowerNov 14, 2004 19:44:20 | Maelut may as well be trying to speak Abyssal for all of the good it does him. Threfdil pops out not long afterward, not content to wait in the dark forever. |
| #137zombiegleemaxNov 15, 2004 8:50:55 | "Well, it seemed ta let me through, though it was a bit dark in there fer me ta see. Don' know where it leads, so Oi could use some help. Any oidea 'ow ta get everyone down 'ere?" |
| #138codrianNov 15, 2004 10:12:43 | While Maelut's banging his head to the wall, wades back outside to fetch their bags. Once by the animals, pulls Tagg bit aside and explains to him that there isn't really a way to get the animals down into the tunnel and forward and that one needs to stay behind to guard them. After a short consideration the elf agrees to do this and helps Codrian to offload Thref's and Maelut's packs from the mules. Struggles to carry three bulging backpacks, but after few wobbly steps lowers his weapons and own pack on the ground. Makes thus two trips to get everything into the cave where Maelut and Thref are. Before heading down with his own stuff says to Tagg. Take care. If we get anywhere, we'll try to be back as soon as possible. Then wades back down to Maelut and Thref. Looks at them. Vareanin sits on his shoulder and expresses its distaste to enclosed space through the emphatic link. I talked with Tagg and we decided that it would be best if stayed behind to watch the animals. In case we even can all get anywhere from this cave. |
| #139zombiegleemaxNov 15, 2004 19:00:57 | Maelut looks oddly at the bird, its attention seemingly preternaturally intent on the walls surrounding them. .o0(Mages and their animals...I'll never understand it.) A few grains of loose rock shake loose from his hair as Maelut dusts himself off after the abrupt encounter with the wall. Turning to Threfdil, he poses a simple question. "How'd you do that, eh? Didn't seem to want to work for me." |
| #140zombiegleemaxNov 17, 2004 8:50:53 | "Oi simply spoke the words it told me to. Look ta the sun, 'n speak tha words O Agath'los Guide me. May'aps it doesn't 'ave ta be spoken in 'is language though? Try it in common." |
| #141zombiegleemaxNov 17, 2004 14:45:38 | "Alright, I suppose I couldn't hurt. But if I bang my head against the wall again, Codrian has to take over." Stepping up to the wall, Maelut speaks forcefully in Common while looking up to the ceiling, a silent prayer darting through his mind. "Oh Agathalos, guide me!" He steps towards the wall, leading with his feet instead of his head this time. |
| #142shatteredtowerNov 17, 2004 15:47:14 | Feet pass through stone as through it were air, though Maelut's eyes still register a solid surface before them, right up until he passes completely through it into the darkness beyond. |
| #143zombiegleemaxNov 17, 2004 15:53:31 | "Well, it seemed ta work. Codrian, 'ow do ye think we should go about this? Tagg is still above, but Oi don' wanna leave 'im behind if'n the...warrens...the loine speaks about are too large. Cin you see any way ta bring the animals with us?" |
| #144codrianNov 17, 2004 16:54:14 | Shakes his head. We might get them down... with enormous amount of work. Would probably take rest of the day, at least. And then it would be highly probable that we couldn't get them along, look now how much trouble even we have in passing that wall. Anyway, I talked with Tagg before bringing our packs down here and he agreed that he'd stay behind to guard the animals. |
| #145zombiegleemaxNov 17, 2004 17:45:08 | Maelut feels around the room, trying to determine where he is. With careful, deliberate motions, he mutters an old prayer he learned in Sorat Arlon, while simultaneously casting a spell on his knife to make it glow in the darkness. [Elven] "May the gods stand between you and harm in all the dark places where you must walk." |
| #146shatteredtowerNov 17, 2004 17:59:16 | A light fog seems to surround Maelut on all sides, though he can see through it easily, finding himself in a space roughly an armspan wide, with a ceiling he can reach by stretching. The space extends nearly fifteen feet in front of him, but there's no visible exit anywhere. OoC: Threfdil, please disregard the request for an edit made in my last PM; Codrian's post should handle the situation. |
| #147zombiegleemaxNov 17, 2004 18:40:51 | Maelut looks around curiously. .o0(There must be something I'm missing here, why on earth would someone go to all this trouble just to hide an empty room behind a fake wall in the middle of the desert?) In an attempt to put himself into the right frame of mind, Maelut begins muttering to himself in Dwarven. [Dwarven] "Hiding something in the desert, lots of dwarves and flames. Strange fires and magical walls...but wouldn't want to base everything off magic. Dwarves love their stonework. Maybe a false door somewhere?" With care, Maelut walks along the edge of the walls, running his hands over the stone to detect any irregularities. |
| #148shatteredtowerNov 17, 2004 22:09:47 | It is as though Maelut's hands were numb when he touches the walls -- except that they aren't numb at all, merely conveying a sensation of touch that suggests such a thing. Following the wall to the far end of the room, however, he finds that there isn't even that much of a feeling of resistance. His fingers simply pass through the stone. |
| #149zombiegleemaxNov 17, 2004 22:37:53 | As his hand passes through the stone, Maelut gulps and pulls it it back, rubbing it against his torso to reassure himself that he is still corporeal. Moving back to where he came from, he sticks his head through the original wall and looks out at Codrian and Threfdil. "Come on, you two, let's see where all these false walls are leading. It's a little eerie, but rather exciting." |
| #150zombiegleemaxNov 20, 2004 1:55:42 | Thref nods when Codrian says that Tagg will stay on the surface with the animals. Maelut returns briefly, and Thref just nods. "After ye, sir." Sorry for the long delay guys. I tried three times over the last 3 days to do this, and kept getting server errors...hopefully this one works. |
| #151zombiegleemaxNov 20, 2004 22:49:41 | Maelut leads the other two through the wall, to the back of the room where it seemed to become insubstantial. Then, bracing himself, he steps through the illusion to see what lies on the other side. |
| #152codrianNov 21, 2004 3:57:43 | Before they move forth, stops for a moment to say a short prayer which results the tip of his halberd to start to glow softly. [OOC: Cast Light to the halberd.] |
| #153shatteredtowerNov 21, 2004 8:07:42 | Repeating the ritual once more, the trio make their way into a large, hemispherical chamber, bare save for the presence of an iron structure at the center. The structure supports a bell as large as Threfdil, and it is illuminated by a coil of fire that appears to hang from the clapper. |
| #154zombiegleemaxNov 21, 2004 13:06:53 | Thref scans the outside of the room briefly, looking for any exits other than the one through which they entered. If he finds none, he moves to investigate the bell. |
| #155codrianNov 21, 2004 14:09:58 | Bell room. There doesn't seem to be any other entrances - so is this some kind of puzzle as well? Lifts the halberd to illuminate the room bit better. |
| #156zombiegleemaxNov 21, 2004 15:24:57 | Looking quizzically at the bell, Maelut lowers his knives slightly. With a quick glance, he scans the room for danger. Finding none apparant, he approaches the bell, bringing his hand close to the flame to test if it is warm, or whether it is cold like the magic on the dwarven maces. |
| #157shatteredtowerNov 21, 2004 16:06:48 | The room is unfurnished aside from the bell, though it is worth noting that the bell is untarnished and the rope attached to it gives off no more heat than did the maces in the previous room. Also worthy of note is the chimney in the ceiling above the bell, easily wide enough to allow all three of them passage at once, if there was only some way to reach it. Not even Codrian can see where it ends. OoC: And in anticipation of the question, it's at least thirty feet to the ceiling at this spot in the room. |
| #158codrianNov 21, 2004 16:56:34 | Messages to Vareanin through the link that he would like the bird to fly up to see what's there. |
| #159shatteredtowerNov 21, 2004 18:02:52 | Codrian takes a few moments to express his curiousity about what's above, needing to actually point in the direction he wishes the bird to take before Vareanin takes flight to explore the area. The familiar returns very soon thereafter, purchasing on Codrian's shoulders. Though Vareanin cannot explain what he saw, the half-elf reads no anxiety or fear from his companion, nothing to indicate that it sensed any danger in the area. Finishing their examination of the rest of the room, the others notice no other exit aside from the way they came and the space directly above the bell. OoC: There's only so much you can learn on from communication on an empathic level, I'm afraid. |
| #160zombiegleemaxNov 22, 2004 8:39:24 | Well, there seems ta be only one way onward...and a long shot at that. Should we all stand near ta the bell and give it a ring? |
| #161codrianNov 22, 2004 9:26:59 | There isn't anything dangerous up there, I think. We could try ringing the bell. Maybe someone will answer. Digs to his coat pocket and pulls out a nut for Vareanin to work on. [OOC: I know that emphatic link is limited, but just wanted to make sure there wasn't any scary critters hiding up there.] |
| #162zombiegleemaxNov 22, 2004 9:45:24 | Maelut regards the bell warily. "Hmm...can't say that I'd normally go around ringing enchanted bells in dwarven caverns. Especially creepy ones like this with all the crazy walls. But nothing's hurt us in here so far...I'll stand by you as you ring it." |
| #163codrianNov 22, 2004 11:36:31 | Can it get any weirder than it is now? |
| #164shatteredtowerNov 22, 2004 11:37:12 | Soon after the bell rings, a mellifluous feminine voice chimes through the room. Though the source of the voice is not visible, it sounds as though it was coming from within the room, rather than above it. "Be so kind as to place your weapons on the floor," the speaker commands the trio, "and then we shall discuss the reasons behind your visit." |
| #165codrianNov 22, 2004 11:41:10 | Okay - I was wrong. |
| #166zombiegleemaxNov 22, 2004 12:45:43 | Thref tries to identify the source of the voice, but does as it asks. He removes his greatsword off his back, placing it at his feet, and similarly removes the daggers from around his waist. He ensures that he is near to his sword should it prove to be a trap. |
| #167zombiegleemaxNov 22, 2004 13:00:53 | The voice echoes around the room and into Maelut's ears, making his head jerk around as he tries to determine its origin. He shakes his head at the request. "Well guys, I really don't like this. We're in the middle of the desert, alone, and now we're supposed to remove our weapons? Something smells mighty fishy...and it's not my cooking." With careful motions, Maelut lays his knives down on the ground, next to each other with the handles pointing towards him. He looks around and calls out to the speaker. "Why is a disembodied voice scared of cooking knives?" |
| #168shatteredtowerNov 22, 2004 16:51:04 | Maelut's last comment earns a quiet chuckle from somewhere above. "Let us just say that there are occasions for prudence," he is told. "Now, why have you come here?" |
| #169codrianNov 22, 2004 17:50:38 | Lowers his halberd and crossbow to the floor. .oO(I still can burn possible enemy to cinders.) |
| #170zombiegleemaxNov 22, 2004 18:40:33 | "Oi come seekin' knowledge. A man we met outside told us this was where we could foind it." |
| #171shatteredtowerNov 22, 2004 21:22:22 | "I must ask you to please be more specific," says the voice. "What was the man's name? What knowledge do you seek?" |
| #172zombiegleemaxNov 23, 2004 8:23:34 | "'E, um...Oi think 'e said 'is name was Dust. But before that, Mistress Gottrisdottir tol' me this is where Oi could come. Not specifically, but she directed me ta 'im. And the knowledge Oi seek is of 'ow to find me dead companion." To be on the safe side, Thref focuses his will on detecting the taint of evil around him. |
| #173shatteredtowerNov 23, 2004 10:20:12 | The voice is silent for a space before it replies. "I know of neither a Dust nor a Mistress Gottrisdottir. I shall need to know more of them before you leave here, but first, tell me more of your companion. It is rare that anyone comes this far into the wild to seek the dead." As she speaks, Threfdil becomes aware of an evil presence somewhere in the area. OoC: Threfdil has completed the first round of the divination for the direction in which he has detected evil, sensing its presence, but not the number, power, or location of such auras. |
| #174zombiegleemaxNov 23, 2004 10:53:14 | "Oi would know to whom Oi speak 'afore Oi give any further information. If'n ye would be so kind?" Thref continues to concentrate, and edges ever so slightly closer to his weapons, trying to get the message to the others with glances. |
| #175shatteredtowerNov 23, 2004 11:13:11 | "Until I have determined whether your presence merits further attention -- and back away from your sword, sir; let there be no misunderstandings between us -- my name is not a luxury I can afford to give you. Now, either explain yourself, so that I may see if I can help, or be prepared to depart with empty hands, once I have assured that you will not disclose this location to anyone... unworthy." |
| #176zombiegleemaxNov 23, 2004 21:26:54 | Remaining quiet, Maelut allows the conversation to wash over him, until one small factoid finds a crack in his brain and wedges its way into his conciousness. "You said people don't usually come out this far to speak with the dead...so you're dead? A ghost or something? You sound much more eloquent than any of the dead that I've seen. Although admittedly, they weren't in a hidden room in the middle of the desert...maybe that makes a difference." |
| #177shatteredtowerNov 24, 2004 2:39:38 | "I am not, nor did I say such a thing. You have come seeking the dead, according to the halfling -- is this not correct?" |
| #178zombiegleemaxNov 24, 2004 8:02:18 | Thref continues to focus on the source of the evil...particularly if it is coming from the direction of the voice. He remains silent at this time, looking as if he is pondering an answer. This should be the third round, no? |
| #179zombiegleemaxNov 24, 2004 11:26:27 | "Sorry...my mistake. Guess I heard the word "dead" and there was a disembodied voice, and I sort of made an assumption. And yes, that's correct. And well...we're not seeking all of the dead. That would be scary. Just one in particular, his friend." |
| #180codrianNov 24, 2004 12:02:06 | Remains silent, listening to what others say. |
| #181shatteredtowerNov 24, 2004 12:18:21 | "You're stalling, mortals," the voice replies to Maelut's statements. "and you now will tell me why the halfling needed you to buy him time. Explain yourselves at once or I shall be forced to treat you as hostile." Threfdil finally locates the source of evil -- only one and a faint one at that, but the source is a more troubling one than he had anticipated. It's Codrian. |
| #182zombiegleemaxNov 24, 2004 15:45:02 | Maelut nudges Threfdil. "Come on, we're here for you. Tell the voice what it wants to know." |
| #183zombiegleemaxNov 25, 2004 9:27:46 | "Oi, um...." Thref is quite obviously flustered at this point, and seemingly struggles to get his thoughts in order. "Oi was attempting ta assure meself that this was not a trap. Protection must be taken on both soides, roight? Me friend...me companion. 'E died whist in me service, as granted ta me by Agath'los. Oi was tol' that Oi could seek 'im out in 'is natural 'ome, and...do...do something. Oi don' know what, but Oi need ta foind 'im." |
| #184shatteredtowerNov 25, 2004 12:10:19 | "I see..." the voice says. "Yes, I see. My apologies, little one -- prudence in an uncertain situation is no vice." "She" is silent for a few moments, then speaks once more. "What you ask, if I understand you correctly, is not an insignificant thing. Are you prepared for the trials you may face in pursuit of your goal?" |
| #185zombiegleemaxNov 25, 2004 22:12:00 | "Oi would not be undertakin' this quest if'n Oi was not ready. Oi 'ad some toime ta think it over afore me first direction was given ta me." |
| #186zombiegleemaxNov 25, 2004 22:15:24 | At this point, Maelut decides to offer his vocal support to Threfdil. "And we're here to stand with him. Wouldn't be proper for him to go traipsing around into the wild unknown without some friends to rely on." |
| #187shatteredtowerNov 25, 2004 22:48:36 | "Indeed?" the voice asks. "The let us find out. Since your companions seem willing, they may assist you, but let neither weapon be drawn nor spell uttered, lest I be required to respond in kind." A brown bear appears before the halfling, towering over him on its hind legs. "We shall wrestle, you and I," she says, revealed at last. "If you win, I shall take you where you wish to go." |
| #188zombiegleemaxNov 26, 2004 8:42:17 | "Wrestle to what end? When shall the competition be over?" |
| #189shatteredtowerNov 26, 2004 11:28:00 | "You haven't been paying attention at all, have you?" says the bear, lunging at the halfling. OoC: Codrian's action will come before the result of the bear's attack on Threfdil. Initiative: 1. Codrian 2. Bear 3. Threfdil 4. Maelut |
| #190codrianNov 26, 2004 16:58:47 | .oO(Not good... without weapons and spells I can't do anything. Is that bear even real?) Lunges towards the bear, but pulls short before actually attacking, hoping to distract the "bear" enough to allow Thref to defend himself better. [OOC: Aid Another, to give Thref +2 AC if possible. Spellcraft perhaps to see if the bear is real or summoned? ] |
| #191shatteredtowerNov 26, 2004 17:17:58 | Codrian is nearly able to push Threfdil out of the way of danger, but the bear compensates for the movement at the last second, squeezing Threfdil in a crushing grip. OoC: Threfdil takes 8 hp of non-lethal damage. I'd just like it noted that the attempt to aid another was nearly enough to protect Threfdil this round. |
| #192zombiegleemaxNov 26, 2004 18:10:47 | Reacting slower than he would have liked, Maelut moves quickly onto the other side of the bear from Codrian. With a shout, he leaps towards the bear, grabbing it by the scruff of its neck and attempting to pull it to the ground. [Joining grapple, attempting to start pin] |
| #193taggiivNov 27, 2004 20:37:04 | Tagg leans his weight onto Brie, as he keeps a loose hold on the animals' bridles. As the time passes, the elf curiously begins to kick a few pebbles on the earthy ground into the odd water. Hm. I wonder what's up with this water. The whole island I suppose as well. Mighty queer for a lake to be in the middle of a desert. And it looks just like ordinary water, why wouldn't the animals be able to drink from it? He continues to ponder and stare quite blankly around him as he waits with the pack animals, stopping this deep concentration only to take a drag of water from his flask. Tagg eventually turns around and glances in towards the caves inquisitively, wondering what the others are up to and how long he would stand sentry. Hmm quite a nice cave. ... Indeed. ... Wonder what the others are doing right now. But, whatever it is, it cannot involve somemthing as fun as pebble scuffling. As if to accent the point of his thoughts to himself, he scruffs a few pebbles with his boot into the lake again. [OoC: Ehh..Listen and Spot checks to try and detect anything of remote importance in the cave. lol.] |
| #194zombiegleemaxNov 27, 2004 21:06:05 | "Oi was payin' attention jest fine...ye never stated the conditions of victory." Thref delays until Maelut's turn, allowing the two of them to go for the pin at the same time. |
| #195shatteredtowerNov 28, 2004 0:35:21 | Any answer the bear might give is cut off as Maelut leaps at her, only to be shrugged off despite Threfdil's best efforts to provide a distraction and ignore the weight crushing down on him. Threfdil takes another 7 points of non-lethal damage, for a total of 15. |
| #196codrianNov 28, 2004 3:18:53 | Sends to Vareanin to look around for any additional dangers. Moves then bit closer the bear and tries to kick it. |
| #197shatteredtowerNov 29, 2004 7:31:17 | The bear lets out a grunt as Codrian places his kick and Vareanin flies off to look around the room. |
| #198zombiegleemaxNov 29, 2004 8:52:07 | With a frustrated shout, Maeut attempts to jump on the bear again and help Threfdil get out of its grasp. |
| #199zombiegleemaxNov 29, 2004 10:31:39 | Thref just does his best to escape from the grasp of the bear. |
| #200shatteredtowerNov 29, 2004 17:08:10 | Maelut does his best to get a grip on the bear, but can't manage to maintain a solid grip, nor does Codrian's next kick manage to achieve anything. And though Threfdil struggles mightily, there is little he can do when the bear practically lies down on top of him! "Are you prepared to concede that this is hopeless?" she asks him. |
| #201zombiegleemaxNov 29, 2004 19:01:19 | Taking a different tack, Maelut tries to pry Threfdil up from under the bear, hoping to release him from its grip. |
| #202zombiegleemaxNov 29, 2004 22:51:00 | "Nothin' is ever hopeless. One must always strive to acheive your goals." Thref tries to free himself again. |
| #203shatteredtowerNov 30, 2004 11:24:26 | The group may as well be trying to move a mountain, for the results would be no different -- until the mountain seems to shift on its own, rising to its hind legs and beginning to glow softly. "But when does the cost become too great?" she asks in a voice that is both gentle and sad. |
| #204codrianNov 30, 2004 11:46:53 | After second kick, stands few yards away and glares at the bear. .oO(I certainly can't do anything to that creature.) |
| #205zombiegleemaxNov 30, 2004 11:55:25 | Maelut does his best to drag Threfdil to safety as the glowing mammal rises up. "What are you? You're not an enemy, since you could obviously have killed us if you wanted to. But a strange friend, to test us in such a way." |
| #206shatteredtowerNov 30, 2004 12:16:07 | The bear shrinks before their eyes, taking a more human form -- tall, but with graceful features. The light around her grows brighter, making it hard to distinguish her features, but it is hard to overlook the feathery, dove-grey wings that sprout from her back. "Would it not be a poor friend who would allow you to wander into danger unprepared?" she asks. "There are likely to be trials more demanding than this ahead of you. I cannot choose your path for you, but I can withhold aid if I feel it would only assist you in meeting your doom. "Now, let me ask again: what price is too high to achieve a hope of success?" |
| #207zombiegleemaxNov 30, 2004 12:33:28 | Maelut's eyes grow wide at the sight of the wings, and he quickly drops his eyes before the beautiful creature. "My most humble apologies, whoever you are, I did not mean to doubt your motivations. I was simply...confused." He looks around at the group before offering his response to her question. "Of course, I cannot speak for the others. But as for myself, I would not have hesitated to wrestle your form to my last breath. I have offered my aid to my friends. Like my father taught me, you never back down on your word." .o0(Even if you realize you're in way over your head. Better brave and dead than cowardly and dead, I suppose.) |
| #208zombiegleemaxNov 30, 2004 15:08:14 | "But a month past, Oi would have said there was no cost too great fer this particular quest. There 'as bin toime ta reflect, 'owever. 'N such as it may be, Oi don't believe 'Onor would wish me ta kill meself 'r friends troin' ta foind 'im. But if'n there were any way around 'r through an obstacle short o' that, Oi don' believe there is too great a cost. And if'n ye don' moind me sayin' so, ye were obviously not tryin' ta harm us too greatly, so there was no point ta givin' up." |
| #209zombiegleemaxNov 30, 2004 18:38:26 | Hearing Threfdil's words, Maelut breathes a silent sigh of relief. .o0(Glad to hear that.) |
| #210shatteredtowerDec 01, 2004 22:00:59 | The angelic figure looks first to Maelut, then to Threfdil, and then to Codrian, gently rubbing one shoulder as she looks to the last. "A sensible view in all regards," she admits to Threfdil. "And the loyalty of your companions speaks well for you -- and of them," she adds gently, scrutinizing Maelut carefully. She takes a moment to pause, as if considering her next words. "I sense no evil in any of you. Were it otherwise, I would not only have refused you aid, but I'd also have been obligated to destroy you in order to preserve the sanctity of this place." Again, a pause between words, followed by a troubled look. "The realms of the dead are vast, so vast that you might spend a lifetime there and never find the one you seek. Even if I can secure you passage, how were intending to locate your friend?" |
| #211zombiegleemaxDec 01, 2004 23:16:47 | Thref gets a decidedly confused look on his face for a moment, but shakes it off to answer the lady's question. "One step at a toime, me lady, if that be what it takes. Oi was 'opin' ta be able ta get some startin' point from somewhere, though." |
| #212shatteredtowerDec 02, 2004 0:00:39 | "You are fortunate indeed, then, that you came to me," she says. "I may be able to help you with both of your obstacles, though there may be some personal risk involved in dealing with one of them." |
| #213codrianDec 02, 2004 8:51:11 | When she rubs her shoulder, raises his eyebrows and a moment later turns to look behind him. .oO(Huh?) |
| #214zombiegleemaxDec 02, 2004 21:51:30 | "Oi am most willin' ta lissen, me lady, if ye are willin' ta tell." |
| #215shatteredtowerDec 03, 2004 20:53:03 | "I keep many records here," she begins, "exercises in devotion and contemplation as well as parables and tales of faith. Among them is the story of a pious, but poor, couple whose only child perished in a distant war. "For years, the pair spent each morning and night in prayer, requesting some means by which they could find the remains of their offspring, so that they could bring him to rest closer to home. Their dedication earned them an answer in time, though they had to put in much effort before they could finally understand it. "Finally, the day came that they were ready to put what they learned into effect. Their efforts nearly killed them, leaving them sick with longing for their lost son until they at last found his corpse on the site of a forgotten skirmish. "The means they used to find the boy have been carefully recorded, but they carry a risk to the searcher, bringing out a degree of longing that sometimes carries the bereaved away with it." Pale eyes carefully watch Threfdil's expression. "The strain grows with each day you search and I cannot say how long that will take. The couple who devised this method of divination could already narrow down the distance to their son's fall within a few dozen leagues. They weren't seeking him beyond the mortal plane. "Risk or no, it seems to offer you the best chance of success. Mortals who stay too long in Agathalos' realm usually find that themselves unable, perhaps even unwilling, to return. Time is therefore almost certainly of the essence. "I realize you may be tired of this question, but the answer is often relative to what you know of a situation. Are you prepared to take this risk to find your fallen friend?" |
| #216zombiegleemaxDec 04, 2004 10:05:22 | "Oi 'ave no 'esitation." Thref turns to his companions. "Though Oi would understand if me friends...if'n they don' wanna take tha risk." |
| #217codrianDec 04, 2004 11:05:19 | Is still trying to find out if there was something behind him that requires attention. |
| #218shatteredtowerDec 04, 2004 18:52:12 | Codrian finds nothing that would merit such attention. "I'm sorry, I haven't been clear," he hears the winged one tell Threfdil. "The dangers of the ritual would be yours to carry alone, even if they did share any other risks involved in the journey itself." |
| #219codrianDec 05, 2004 2:57:08 | .oO(Weird, what was that about.) Turns back to face her. |
| #220zombiegleemaxDec 05, 2004 14:09:39 | "Oi believe that is even better. Oi would not want them ta 'ave the conseqences." |
| #221zombiegleemaxDec 05, 2004 14:59:22 | "I can speak for myself on this. While it is not my place to shoulder the supernatural risk that Threfdil must face, I will gladly help him in what ways I can." .o0(Though I hope that we can avoid wrestling agressive bipedal forest animals. Bet I have fleas now.) "And I've been friends with Tagg for quite some time. Danger never seems to bother him too much. We'll stand by you, Threfdil. Hopefully those darker consequences will be avoided by our success, eh?" |
| #222shatteredtowerDec 05, 2004 17:38:37 | "I shall need a few hours to prepare first, after which we both require the better part of a day for us to perform the ceremony. You may wish to rest in the meantime." |
| #223zombiegleemaxDec 05, 2004 17:49:28 | Maelut turns to Codrian. "Perhaps we should return to the surface, and let Tagg know that we're safe?" |
| #224codrianDec 05, 2004 17:57:13 | You do that, I'll follow you soon. I need to think a bit first. Hands Vareanin couple of nuts to work on, before sitting down and closing his eyes. |
| #225zombiegleemaxDec 05, 2004 18:27:44 | Nodding, Maelut turns back to the winged being. "With your leave, I would like to check on our friend. He is standing on the surface taking care of the animals that came with us. I would like to take my knives and return to ensure his safety. Losing a friend this early in our trip would be best avoided." |
| #226shatteredtowerDec 05, 2004 19:18:50 | "Of course," she says with a nod. "It could be a very long wait for him otherwise. It's probably best that I don't begin until tomorrow in any event, judging by how long it will take me to prepare. Get some rest and I will see you here in the morning." |
| #227zombiegleemaxDec 05, 2004 19:20:15 | "Thank you." Maelut quickly picks up his knives and walks back up to the surface, looking for Tagg. |
| #228taggiivDec 05, 2004 19:39:49 | Tagg continues his vigorous watch-routine of pebble shuffling as he waits for word from the others. As Maelut approaches the mouth of the cave, Tagg turns to greet him. "Oh, hello! So, what's all going on down there?" The ranger notices that Maelut has his knives in hand, but alternatively notes the lack of any blood on them. "Where are the others?" |
| #229zombiegleemaxDec 05, 2004 19:42:35 | After quickly ascertaining the absence of danger, Maelut sheathes his knives and walks over to Big Kitty. Running his hands over the fine silky fur behind the mule's ears, Maelut recounts the story of the secret rooms beneath the desert. "...and that was when she said that it would be alright for us to leave. We're supposed to go back down there tomorrow, and she'll cast that spell on Threfdil to help him find his friend. What's been happening up here?" |
| #230taggiivDec 05, 2004 19:59:18 | Tagg tries his best to think of something important and interesting to report that rivals Maelut's, but comes up only slightly short. "Er.. uh.. I found a mighty large tick on Brie." As the cook stares blanky at him, Tagg quickly continues. "...That's quite a story. Tomorrow, though, huh?" Tagg looks back into the cave. "Either way I suppose we need to go back down there to retrieve them, or one of us at least, as someone will need to stay with the animals here. Or are they planning on coming up to meet us soon?" |
| #231zombiegleemaxDec 07, 2004 16:40:59 | Thref takes a few moments to take in all he had learned in the past few minutes. Once this is absorbed, he manages to take stock of himself again. There was a conversation he had to held. However, Thref decides to first see if his earlier sensitivity was thrown off somehow... [Celestial] "Agathalos grant me the sight to see what only you can know." [/Celestial] Thref casts Detect Evil, focusing his scan towards Codrian for as long as is necessary. |
| #232zombiegleemaxDec 07, 2004 17:42:03 | "They should be returning to the surface soon. We'll all want to rest tonight after that weird bear-thing. And I'll imagine Threfdil will be in need of some healing. Perhaps we ought to start making a shelter and get a fire started for the night? I hear it can get very cold around here, even though it's sweltering right now...I wonder if the wood we brought across the water might be useful for the fire?" Maelut begins looking around the island for something that could be used as the basis of a shelter, and for some smaller sticks to start a fire with. |
| #233taggiivDec 07, 2004 18:40:37 | Tagg nods. "That would be a good idea. And I suppose it would, if that odd man allows us to use his wood..." He accompanies Maelut, lending his efforts towards locating a suitable shelter, on the way perhaps assessing the land to discover any kinds of animals that might inhabit the area that he could gather for a meal later. [OoC: Now that I think about it.. whatever happened to that odd man?] |
| #234shatteredtowerDec 08, 2004 12:34:12 | Threfdil is unable to sense any evil at all this time, certainly not within Codrian, at least. === Back on the surface, the best Maelut can find for shelter on the rough and rocky terrain is the inner slope. There's no real cover to be had, but it would at least offer some protection from the wind. Meanwhile, Tagg's own search is hard-pressed to find anything more than lichen in this place, and it would take him awhile to procure enough to count as "seasoning" for a meal, rather than an entire meal for everyone by itself. Given a few hours, he might be able to dredge a few things up from the pond as well and he has seen a few stringy birds in the area that could be added to the provisions. OoC: In response to Tagg's question about the odd man, he sent them across the water with the cargo of wood he'd been transporting, but he didn't come himself. |
| #235zombiegleemaxDec 08, 2004 13:26:31 | Thref eyes Codrian for a while, a bit absent-mindedly. Eventually, he finds an out of the way spot (probably in the dwarf-torch room) where he can relax in relative comfort, and begins a long silent prayer in Celestial to Agathalos. Once he has finished, he finds Codrian again. "Per'aps we should return to tha surface 'n see 'ow the others are gettin' along?" |
| #236codrianDec 08, 2004 14:33:31 | Opens his eyes and stands up. Yes, it's getting late. Dusts his clothes. How are you feeling, Threfdil? |
| #237zombiegleemaxDec 09, 2004 8:31:37 | "Oi've 'ad better days. Oi'm not so sure the vision granted me by Lord Agath'los wasn't actin' up earlier today." |
| #238zombiegleemaxDec 09, 2004 9:40:27 | "Well, looks like we're going to be roughing it out here...might make more sense for us to spend the night down there. Not sure what we can do about the animals. Once the others get up to the surface, I'd suggest that we try to get everyone, four-legged included, down into that cave for the night. I'd rather not wake up tomorrow looking like the old man in our village with the purple toes." |
| #239codrianDec 09, 2004 11:32:19 | Stays standing at the spot and looks at Thref. You were unsure of her? |
| #240zombiegleemaxDec 09, 2004 16:03:47 | "Not o' 'er, no. She didn' sense as evil at all. It..." Thref pauses for a long moment before continuing. "Oi sensed evil in the room when she began speaking, so Oi focused in on it. It was only a faint one, moind. But when Oi narrowed it down to one spot...it was on ye. Oi don' know what it means, or per'aps Oi should say meant. Ye sense clean now. So Oi don' know what is goin' on with that. Any oidea's on yer part, me boyo?" |
| #241codrianDec 09, 2004 16:27:42 | Looks more than a bit confused. On me? How? I have no idea what that could be. Probably there was something to distort the spell. .oO(Or was it someone looking at me?) |
| #242zombiegleemaxDec 09, 2004 22:08:47 | "As Oi thought. Per'aps Oi cin figure it out meself later. No 'arm done so far." Thref leads the way back to the surface. |
| #243codrianDec 10, 2004 6:07:37 | Trails bit behind Trefdil. .oO(Lord, pray tell me, if there's a shadow, lurking near me, threatening me, that I can have courage, and strength to resist.) |
| #244zombiegleemaxDec 15, 2004 8:20:43 | After getting back to the surface, Thref pats down Crimechaser, making sure the pony is ok. "Well, Oi guess we should get some rest. Oi cin take tha first watch if'n the rest o' ye wanna get some sleep." |
| #245zombiegleemaxDec 15, 2004 8:40:57 | "Actually Thref, I was thinking it might not be a bad idea to make camp inside the cave...assuming we could convince the animals to join us. We don't know what's out there, and we'll probably be better insulated from the weather down inside the rocks. What do you say?" |
| #246shatteredtowerDec 15, 2004 22:03:35 | OoC: It might not change your mind, Maelut, but I would like to point out that you folks haven't had anything in the way of shelter before now on the journey either. |
| #247zombiegleemaxDec 16, 2004 8:31:40 | "Well, if'n we cin convince the animals ta do so, it wouldn' be a bad oidea. Wouldn' 'urt ta troi, Oi guess." Thref moves to assist in convincing the animals to do as they're told. |
| #248shatteredtowerDec 16, 2004 20:07:45 | Under Maelut's supervision, the task only requires two hours, most of the time spent dealing with frustration and a generous serving of bruises before the animals finally reach room of statues. Only exhaustion dulls the stink of sweat and the water in these closed quarters. It occurs to them that this might not be enough space to comfortably share with the two mules at night, nervous as they are after all of this effort. |
| #249codrianDec 17, 2004 3:59:50 | Some of us have to sleep either outside or in that other room, apparently. |
| #250zombiegleemaxDec 17, 2004 22:58:04 | "Hmm...well, this didn't work out like I intended." Maelut looks around sheepishly, realizing that it is entirely his fault for suggesting they move the animals. "Well, at least we know that they won't be in danger from whatever it was that attacked the old man. Perhaps two people could sleep in here, while the person on watch stays outside? They could retreat in here quickly if anything happened." |
| #251codrianDec 18, 2004 3:15:43 | Maelut... there's four of us. |
| #252zombiegleemaxDec 18, 2004 8:03:38 | "Erm...sorry about that. That weird ghost-lady still has me shaken up a bit, and I sort of forgot to count myself. Okay, so three of us stay here while the other holds watch outside the cave. Three plus one. Four. Yes, good. On the other hand, my ideas haven't been the greatest so far...maybe someone else has a suggestion?" |
| #253zombiegleemaxDec 18, 2004 12:07:45 | "Oi think that is an excellent suggestion. As Oi said before, Oi will take the first watch. If'n no one objects, that is." |
| #254shatteredtowerDec 21, 2004 8:35:31 | Watches go by uneventfully, with the foursome changing rooms over the course of the night. Requiring by far the least amount of rest, Tagg maintains the last watch through the early predawn hours. None of the others are certain when their host arrives, for she appears quite suddenly within the inner chamber, saying, "I thought there were four of you. Is something wrong?" As I'm unsure if one or two of you would be out with the mules at any given time, I've posted it this way. That gives you all some leeway to decide where you are at this moment (first come, first serve -- at least one of you is going to have to be elsewhere briefly) and we can work from there. |
| #255codrianDec 21, 2004 14:59:42 | At dawn, heads outside to be able to pray to rising sun. |
| #256taggiivDec 21, 2004 22:24:55 | Tagg sits at the mouth of the cave, looking at the sky and surrounding on his watch, as the sun slowly rises. He spends some of the motionless hours of early morning reflecting, and to keep himself occupied he tries reading the sky of anything foreboding. [OOC: Prepare endure elements and hide from animals. Also, I'll use a Survival check to try and predict the weather.] |
| #257zombiegleemaxDec 22, 2004 8:41:53 | "Ah, me lady. The others are outside. Oi cin fetch them. A moment." Thref goes outside to track everyone down and bring them inside. |
| #258shatteredtowerDec 22, 2004 13:40:07 | Tagg steps out into a very light fog, but he anticipates that this will not last long into the sunrise. Nothing in either the wind or the sky suggests that conditions will be other than calm today. When Threfdil returns with the others, they find their host moving about the room, carefully consulting a tome as she draws a series of chalk lines on the floor. "Mind the diagrams," she tells them. Maelut and Codrian both examine the markings, but neither is able to decipher their meaning or intention. OoC: I anticipated the Spellcraft checks with that last sentence, just so you know. ;) The first post has also been updated, but if anyone has anything they wish to add at this time, let me know. |
| #259zombiegleemaxDec 22, 2004 21:28:42 | Recognizing that the magic is beyond his comprehension, Maelut steps to the back edge of the room. Leaning up against a wall, he peers with faint interest at the tome the practitioner carries. .o0(Book mages. Can't they just do it by gut like me? It'd save so much studying, and you'd never have to bother referencing anything. Your own way is always right.) |
| #260zombiegleemaxDec 23, 2004 8:02:40 | Thref lowers himself to the ground while watching their host for a bit, muttering prayers to Agathalos under his breath while he waits. |
| #261codrianDec 23, 2004 12:20:02 | .oO(Some sort of spell probably.) Digs out a pine cone from his coat pocket and hands it to Vareanin. |
| #262taggiivDec 23, 2004 18:32:34 | Tagg finds a spot to look at the symbols, and puzzles over it shortly. However, minding his ignorance in these types of things, stays back and lets the more magically-minded try and make heads or tails out of it. Instead, Tagg looks over at their host, and after getting a fair glimpse averts his gaze back to the symbols, even if he is doing nothing to actually interpret them. .oO( I wonder what we're supposed to do with these. Very curious. ) He is tempted to inquire further, but seeing Threfil and Codrian in their doings, he figures the rest of his party is not finished yet. |
| #263shatteredtowerDec 23, 2004 23:26:51 | Finally, it seems that their host is done. She directs Threfdil toward one of several stylized circles she has drawn on the floor and provides him with directions. "You'll start by facing toward sunset, which corresponds with the overlapping circles to your left. Once I have completed the Proclamation, there's a series of phrases you'll need to repeat at that time, starting with the Lamentation, each line of which ends with the name of the one you seek. You will recite the first five verses, then wait until I have completed the first line of Winter's Heart before performing the sixth verse, then alternating with me for the final verse. "After this, I will make my way to the second stage--" She demonstrates by walking from one diagram to the next. "--while reciting the next three lines. When I reach this stage -- and one of the others will have to signal you, since you'll be facing away from me at the time -- you are to begin the Sleepless Prayer, continuing even after I have concluded my own piece. I will then move to four other stations and you will recite the fallen's name as I reach each of them. Again, one of the others will have to provide you with a signal to let you know when that occurs. "I will respond to you on the fourth call, which is when you will turn to the Fulgorous Dawn--" She points to another circle, pierced by eight evenly distributed jagged lines. "--and offer the Prayer of Intercession." She stops, taking in Threfdil's expression. "I realize that a lot of this means nothing to you at the moment. There is no cause for alarm; before we begin, I will introduce you to the specific lines and we'll practice them until we're both satisfied that you're comfortable with them. Right now, I'm just giving you a general idea of what you can expect." She then steps away once more, walking from one diagram to the next. "After I have completed the Hymn of Reception, you are to conduct the Recollection, giving examples of memories of your time with your friend, turning to face each of this stations in turn as you offer a new memory, then repeating the cycle until I cut in with the Admonishment. You will then turn back toward the Fulgorous Dawn and return to the Lamentation, except that this time, you will add the phrase, [C]'There could be no search without the light that guides me,'[/C] between each line. "When you have completed this, I shall recite the Acceptance, and you shall begin the Cycle of the Fast, turning to speak briefly of your fallen friend at each of the stations that you passed through during the Recollection, except that you will conclude the cycle by facing the Sunset Station and reciting the name of your friend and the words [C]'Where are you?'[/C]" Walking to the other side of the room, she follows a circuit of diagrams that lead from the Sunset to the Fulgorous Dawn once more, explaining as she moves through the path. "You will then turn to each of these stations in turn, repeating the name again and the phrase [C]'I will find you,'[/C] at each before turning to the next until you reach the Fulgorous Dawn once more, but you will face this last position in silence. When I turn away from you, repeat the circuit once more, following the same procedure as last time until you come back to face me once more. I will turn away again, and you will repeat the circuit and ceremony a third time, but this time I will not turn from you when you have reached the end. "The next several hours are more easily explained, but will equally taxing in their own way. You will turn from station to station, offering some thought or memory about the fallen, and I will show how this demonstrates virtue to Agathalos. Try not to repeat yourself at all, if possible, as it may complicate the process, with the risk of failure if it occurs too often. "When you reach sunset, say [C]'I cannot continue my search without the light'[/C]. I will respond by saying [C]'Turn to me,'[/C] and you complete the cycle by saying [C]'I shall find you by the light'[/C] and the lost one's name at each station, with me reciting [C]'Turn to me,'[/C] each time before you turn to the next. "At Fulgorous Dawn, offer your thanks to Agathalos, and then repeat this cycle again and again until we have received our sign, which will appear here." She points to a single plain rectangle sketched midway between Threfdil's position and the symbol of the Fulgorous Dawn. "I will say, [C]'I have found him,'[/C], whereupon you will turn to each station in turn, including sunset, and you will say his name once. At sunrise, offer his name and your praise to Agathalos and repeat the process until you have completed the circuit eight times. Be warned that this part of the ceremony can prove exceptionally dangerous, even deadly! Do not allow yourself to hesitate here, no matter how difficult you may find it to speak or even stand. "I shall then recite the Conclusion, whereupon we will both almost certainly require rest. After that, we shall all make our way to the Celestial Sea. I will stay long enough to make sure that you arrive safely, but you will need to make the rest of the journey alone. The bond between you and your friend will guide you from there, but I will remind you again that the strain may consume you if you take too long to complete the journey. "Now, before we rehearse your part in this, do you have any more questions? Do any of you you have any other concerns you wish to address at this time?" OoC: [C][/C] tags indicate phrases spoken in Celestial. |
| #264zombiegleemaxDec 27, 2004 9:45:19 | "'Ours? Oi was 'opin' fer something a little shorter... Quoite a ritual. But if'n it is what it takes, then it is what Oi will do." Thref looks around at his companions briefly, and studies the room he is in "Ye say the one part is extremely dangerous if'n Oi 'esitate. 'Ow so?" Drawing on my admittedly limited knowledge of such things, can I make any conclusion as to whether I will be able to hold my Detect Evil active while undergoing the ritual and/or whether that would be dangerous? |
| #265taggiivDec 27, 2004 21:41:58 | Tagg looks in concentration at their host. Alright. I got this. We walk towards the sun, and then the Initiation begins. Then we say some things, I believe "da-wah-joo," and we begin the next phase. We hop 3 times and say "fal-a-bij-lum" before balancing on one foot, drawing a diagram perpendicular to the moon, and summon Threfdil's companion by saying "lem-jah-eth." Wait, the hopping goes before the Evocation phase. Hrm, I didn't mention an Evocation phase... or did she say the Summoning phase? Tagg looks around at his other companions. Did anyone else write this down? -,-;; |
| #266shatteredtowerDec 27, 2004 23:32:13 | The angel smiles gently at Tagg. "Not exactly," she says. "Only the halfling needs to go through the procedure, though we'll both need you to cue him when it's time to turn, since he won't be able to see me offer him directions when he's facing away from me. "And his other friend won't be summoned here. No, what will happen is that the bond between the two will be magnified to a degree that nothing mortal was meant to endure for any length of time." She turns to Threfdil with a look of unearthly compassion. "The tugging on your heart will hurt in ways you'd not have thought possible. It could very well kill you eventually, perhaps even at the very moment you first feel it. Be assured that you will not be alone when it first hits you -- I too will be open to that initial pang, and it is no less dangerous to me. "Doubts and hesitation are not the same as caution -- they can prey upon your resolve if allowed to accumulate. Paradoxically, the best remedy for this may be to remember to take your time with each answer. Often, it is when we try to rush ourselves that we stumble over our words. "I realize how long this ritual must seem to you. We'll go over it in sections now, since it will likely seem less daunting that way. We can write out the sections you think will give you the most trouble and rehearse with those as well, making sure that you'll use them in the correct order. "Furthermore, since there are four of you, three of you can each be held responsible for assisting your friend in certain ways. One of you will have to make sure he turns at the appropriate times, and he may even need the occasional prompt to turn even when he can see me, since the fatigue may make him forgetful after awhile. "Someone else can keep the written records straight, to hand to him at the appropriate moment. As long as you remember to avoid actually stepping on or over any of the diagrams, there will be no concerns; otherwise, we may need to start over. "The three of you might even read passages for him to repeat at the appropriate moment. I see no reason why he can't prepare a list of memories in advance and have one of you read them off to him at a signal from him, should it prove necessary. You might wish to strike any from the list that he gets on his own, however. "I can give you some time to work out such duties and review them with you all individually when you've sort that out, if you wish. There's no hurry to get this started." Very good question, Threfdil. He will be able to maintain detect evil during the entire process, though concentrating on it will require a move equivalent action. Fortunately, the actions he'll be expected to perform are no more involved than maintaining a second move equivalent action -- and more frequently, a free action -- so there won't be a problem. Just remember that it still takes three rounds to get the full impression of any direction you scan. |
| #267zombiegleemaxDec 28, 2004 8:35:54 | Thref gives a wry smile. "Oi think Oi cin come up with me own memories at the appropriate toime...but Oi would be most glad ta be 'avin' some 'elp with the other recitals. Me memory fer ritual phrases 'as never bin the best." |
| #268shatteredtowerDec 28, 2004 9:12:04 | He is rewarded with a gentle smile. "As you would have it," the angel says, before flitting around the diagrams, as if to review her work. |
| #269zombiegleemaxDec 29, 2004 8:17:29 | Thref waits for her to finish her preparations, then has her go over the lines of the phrases he must be speaking. "Anyone got somethin' ta write this down with?" |
| #270codrianDec 29, 2004 14:42:11 | Digs out a piece of paper and a piece of charcoal. Hands them to Thref. Here. |
| #271codrianDec 29, 2004 14:50:05 | (OOC:Double Post) |
| #272zombiegleemaxJan 04, 2005 14:06:48 | "Thanks Codrian." Thref sits himself in a comfortable position away from the diagrams. "All roigh, me lady. Whenever ye're ready, Oi'm ready ta roite it down." OOC: Sorry for the delay...holiday celebrations and all. |
| #273shatteredtowerJan 09, 2005 17:32:22 | The angel dictates in slow, careful tones, repeating words frequently to make sure that Threfdil has all the time he needs to write things down properly. She makes a few suggestions for where the others can stand during the ritual while she waits for him to finish with longer sections and once the halfling is finished, she gives him time to review the notes until he looks like he is prepared. "Is everyone ready?" she asks. |
| #274zombiegleemaxJan 10, 2005 11:00:00 | Thref takes a deep breath to steady himself, then calls upon the sight that lord Agathalos grants him to detect evil. .oO(Better safe than sorry.) "Oi believe Oi am ready." |
| #275codrianJan 10, 2005 14:16:25 | I think we others are ready as he is ready. |
| #276shatteredtowerJan 10, 2005 22:09:16 | "Very well, then. I'll begin." And she does, reviewing the book from time to time as she goes, even as Threfdil reviews his own notes. The length of the ritual makes much of it tedious to those watching, but there is still gravity in the proceedings, especially when Threfdil is expected to speak of his loss. As time wears on, this loss becomes an almost tangible weight to everyone in the room -- but to none more so than the halfling, to whom the sensation is much like trying to hold lead weights within a fragile glass body. OoC: I'll continue this later, but I felt you all might want a chance to describe your own impressions and actions during the course of the hours it takes to perform this rite. |
| #277codrianJan 11, 2005 10:15:20 | .oO(Losses... we've all encountered them in course of our lives. Some more often than others. I've seen so many men die. Pass to other realms. Few have killed so many.) For a while his thoughts are just a jumble of incoherence. .oO(That fight, dragons, wolves and those dwarves... dead, gone, gone... And then those Jackals on the first foray to Benelvir's lair and to kill that necromancer, Patkifen. Good men, dead now... buried, near forgotten. I shan't forget...) He stares with unseeing eyes at the roof. .oO(He was as much a companion to Thref as some men. Even more perhaps... It was different. From others. And yet the same. Loss... of life.) |
| #278shatteredtowerJan 15, 2005 22:14:09 | Finally, it ends. Threfdil nearly collapses at the last, feeling like he is about to die from the grief. The others notice that the tear stains on his cheeks are red. They also notice that the ritual has taken its toll on the other participant, now pale and likewise bleeding. "It is finished," she says, gasping. "Give... me an hour to collect myself... and... we'll be off. Your friend..." She points to Threfdil. "You had best make sure he is all right." OoC: Threfdil takes 38 hp of damage. He also suffers a -1 penalty to Constitution and Charisma. The first post of the thread has been adjusted to reflect the effects of these penalties. |
| #279taggiivJan 15, 2005 22:47:32 | Seeing his companion explode into agony upon completing the ritual snaps Tagg from the mental lethargy he has accumulated over the long process. He hesitates from acting however, waiting for the angel to complete its thought. Once the being dismisses them, he hesitates no further to get to the halfling's side to assess his wounds. "Quite a hit you took there, it would look..." Once the ranger determines the severity of the damage, he sets about trying to relieve it. "It looks like you should be alright in time... just try and relax." He offers a curt comment of consolence and continues about the grim task. Ever since his earliest travels, since looking into the eyes of those on their way to death and even one already there, Tagg has always been somewhat more sensitive to those injured. Even so, knowing his friend is not in mortal danger, the initial shock has passed and the elf becomes more slow and methodical. [Applicable Heal checks.] |
| #280codrianJan 16, 2005 2:58:55 | Walks to where Thref is lying and Tagg trying to help him. Taps the elf on shoulder. I can probably help him better. Says a prayer to Thalos and presses his hand on Thref's forehead. [Convert Silence to Cure Moderate Wounds.] |
| #281taggiivJan 16, 2005 16:32:29 | "Oh, right.." Tagg says under his breath, and steps back somewhat embarassed, forgetting a cleric in their midst. |
| #282shatteredtowerJan 16, 2005 20:18:09 | Tagg has enough time to determine that Threfdil will survive his injuries, but that it would ordinarily take him a few days to recover. He's also able to determine that the halfling is still under some sort of strain, but doesn't have time to determine the precise nature of it before Codrian steps in. The half-elf's assistance is enough to calm Threfdil's breathing, but he is still a long way from his best. Meanwhile, their host stands with closed eyes, as if concentrating on her own condition. Color slowly returns to her skin, but she still bears a weary look when she faces them again. "I must make a few preparations," she says, gathering a few items up as she does so. "Is there anything you might need before we set out?" OoC: Threfdil recovers 12 hp, leaving him with 24. |
| #283codrianJan 17, 2005 2:33:03 | Only thing would be that he needs some rest, I would say. .oO(Perhaps I could use that to help him.) Opens the scroll case and pulls out one rolled up sheet of parchment. Unrolls it and eyes the spell stored within. .oO(It should be able to remove many conditions one's suffering.) Reads the completive phrase from the scroll and again lowers his hand on Thref's forehead. [Use Scroll of Lesser Restoration on Thref.] |
| #284zombiegleemaxJan 17, 2005 9:04:24 | His breathing ragged, Thref continues to think of Honor. The first time they met, there was no clue of the bond that would come. The bear was caught in some bushes, and Thref did what he could to save him. It was only later, when he saw him again and felt the bond being given to him from Agathalos did he realize the depth of what was coming. Honor had got along well with his family on one of his trips back to Brannon's Run. Of course, that was probably as much for the rabbits they had fed him as for the bond that existed between them. The bear was truly an honorable companion. Willing to sacrifice his own life for others, just as Thref had done. And in the end, it had cost the bear more than it had cost the halfling. That, more than anything else, what was pained Threfdil the most. That his companion had paid the ultimate cost rather than himself. He was willing to do anything at all possible to repay that debt, even if... He feels himself collapse, and barely hears the angel mention the end of the ceremony. He passes out, he's sure of it. The dreams he has are red and yellow, and all focus on Honor. The bear, his life's companion...for a brief moment, he's sure that the bear is right there beside him, alive again. But then he's gone, waiting for him where he has been since he died. His companions, willing to come with him as he completes this quest. Why should he think of them now, when Honor is so near? Right, because it was with their help that he'd retrieve the bear. He must remember them when he awakes. Honor would not have it any other way. The empathic link still functioning then? No, just an example of how close they'd become. Thref wakes up, still in intense pain. He feels a tear running down his cheek, and brushes it away, only to notice his hand comes back red. Crying blood then. And the tangible feeling of grief, like he could reach out and grab it...mentally he does so. His connection to Honor was in this grief. It would lead him right. He takes a deep ragged breath, willing himself to calm down. Keeping himself still, but focused on the grief. The tears still come, but they feel cleaner somehow. He knows that until he is reunited, the tears will be freer than they have been since Honor first died. He holds back a sob as he sees his companions hovering nearby, and feels the flow of energies coming into him from Codrian. "Oi... Oi thank ye, me boyos, fer yer help. Both in the ritual 'n what is ta come. Oi only 'ope it will be enough." Sorry for the long silence. I was trying to compose my thoughts on what to do with this...I guess moving on was enough to inspire me. ST-I hope you don't mind the liberties I took describing what and how I was feeling. |
| #285codrianJan 17, 2005 12:22:13 | Squats there beside Thref and holds out a flask of water to the halfling. How are you feeling? And do you know what will happen next? |
| #286shatteredtowerJan 22, 2005 12:36:24 | After the foursome have had several minutes to discuss Threfdil's status and speculate on what is to come next, the angel returns, moving more steadily than she was at the end of the ritual. She examines Threfdil carefully. "If you require further assistance with your injuries, I will do what I can. I shall also offer you some advice about where it is you intend to go. "The Sea's vast reaches extend to almost incomprehensible dimensions; it could easily swallow this world entire within its depths. Though it is where Agathalos' most faithful reside in their final rest, it is also place with its own share of trials, especially to those visitors who would travel between its many islands. Open water can still be a dangerous place to the unprepared. "As visitors, you will be expected to perform some service for any assistance you require. Such tasks can occasionally be very time-consuming; I advise you to explain your own situation before you enter into any bargain, as the consequences may otherwise be unsatisfactory for either party. "If you have any more questions or matters to which you need to tend, now is the time to bring them up for discussion. Otherwise, join hands with one another and we shall depart at once." |
| #287zombiegleemaxJan 22, 2005 12:43:34 | "Well, Oi've felt better. 'N Oi feel a bit weak...which yer touch from Agath'los didn' 'elp at all. Seems it's somethin' Oi'll 'ave ta deal with fer the duration. I could use another bit o' somethin' fer the bleedin' Oi think, but Oi'm foine other than that." Thref looks around a bit at everyone as he regains his footing slowly and cautiously. "Thank ye all fer 'elpin'. Oi greatly appreciate it. 'N thank ye missy fer the advoice. Oi will take it ta hoart." Thanks, ST. That's what I figured, but I had to check. |
| #288shatteredtowerJan 22, 2005 13:40:12 | OoC: It didn't. |
| #289codrianJan 23, 2005 15:30:21 | Thinks for moment if there's anything he'd need to do. I'm ready. I have all the gear I need in my backpack. Hoists the heavy pack to his back. |
| #290shatteredtowerJan 25, 2005 10:35:30 | "Now, join hands," the angel says when everyone is ready. Noo sooner have they complied than they find themselves standing on golden sands beneath a blue sky. To one side of them is a calm sea, while to the other stands a thick forest. Gulls cry out faintly overhead. As Tagg attempts to spot them, he realizes something peculiar: there is no sun to be seen, though the sky is clear and as brightly illuminated as midday. "We have arrived," says their guide. "I must return very soon, however. From here, you will have little trouble determining which way you must go to find your friend." It is true, Threfdil finds. The paladin can feel something tugging at him from off to his left, somewhere out to sea. |
| #291codrianJan 25, 2005 15:34:07 | Bows slightly towards her. Thank you. Looks then at Thref. Where to now? |
| #292taggiivJan 25, 2005 20:17:17 | Tagg scratches at his chin as he looks at the sky, pondering at the odd illumination of this place. How strange. I wonder what else is different here... Tagg probes the ground in front of him with a boot, thankful that at least the basic physics he is used to still apply. |
| #293zombiegleemaxJan 27, 2005 6:56:37 | Thref looks around the new environment for a brief moment, before staring out to sea. "'E's in that direction. Oi think we need a boat. Is this water under tha same guidelines as that around yer cave?" |
| #294codrianJan 27, 2005 13:35:35 | Yes, a boat would indeed be helpful. To get off this island. Walks bit around on the beach. |
| #295shatteredtowerJan 27, 2005 18:25:41 | "The water here is perfectly safe for you to drink," Threfdil is assured. "Indeed, you will probably never find a fresher source of water anywhere, even if you search for the rest of your life. "You shall have to make your own way from this point. Even if I move with the utmost haste, it may take several days for me to get home." "Several days!" exclaims Maelut. "But Big Kitty and the others--" "Big Kitty?" The angel inquires, arching a brow. "My mule. We left her on your island and--" "You left a mule behind alone?" "Well, not exactly alone, no..." "Oh?" says the angel, concern apparent in the question. "No, we brought more than one mule, you see..." "And you didn't mention them before now?" "Well, it... didn't..." "It didn't occur to you?" "... No, that's right." "This won't do at all, you know. One of you is going to have to come back with me. Had I known about this before, I may have been able to bring the animals as well, but now... well, it is too late for that now. Let us hope that we will not be too late to prevent something worse from happening to them. Now, who is coming with me?" "I'll go," says Maelut. "I brought it up, after all, so I should take care of it. Sorry, Threfdil. I hope you find what you're looking for. Best of luck to all of you." "May Agathalos guide you," the angel offers. Then she places a hand on the cook's shoulder and both are gone. OoC: Unfortunately, Maelut informs me that he is unable to devote any time to this game in the foreseeable future, so I have arranged to write him out of the adventure at this point, for the most likely reason I could find, rather than have the character carried along in NPC status. From hereon in, it's all Codrian, Tagg, and Threfdil. My apologies for any difficulties this may present; if you have any concerns stemming from this decision, feel free to contact me about them by PM. |
| #296zombiegleemaxJan 27, 2005 22:11:56 | "Thank ye fer yer help, missy." Thref pulls himself away from staring across the water, turning to Codrian and Tagg. "'oo wants ta 'elp me make somethin' ta travel on?" |
| #297codrianJan 28, 2005 7:32:18 | Goodbye Maelut, see you back in the city after all this. After Maelut has departed with the angel looks at Thref and Tagg. Some sort of raft possibly? I wonder is anyone going to get mad if we fell a tree or two from that forest for our purposes. |
| #298taggiivJan 28, 2005 22:21:11 | Tagg bids Maelut farewell, then turns his attention to the situation at hand. "Hmm.. a raft would probably be good a try as any, we don't have too many options. Does anyone have some rope?" |
| #299codrianJan 29, 2005 16:08:58 | Points at Tagg's bag. I think we could start with that piece you have, no? Looks at the trees. Too bad we don't have an axe with us. |
| #300taggiivJan 30, 2005 15:58:29 | "Oh. Right. I see." Tagg turns his head around to see his backpack. He shoulders it off and takes out his supply of rope. I wonder what else is hiding in there... "Yeah, too bad. I suppose swords will have to do. . ." He sounds disappointed, obviously not wishing to use his blades for woodchopping if it wasnt at all necessary. "Except for that giant halberd you carry, surely that is as good as an axe??" He questions. |
| #301zombiegleemaxJan 30, 2005 20:57:49 | Thref mutters a quick prayer to Agathalos to thank him for leading him this far, and then listens to his companions think about building a raft. He looks at his sword, wondering how useful it would be for chopping wood...then decides to just be about it. "Oi'll use me sword. This is my quest, after all." He then fits his words by starting to cut at a nearby tree. |
| #302codrianJan 31, 2005 8:47:45 | Nods to Thref's decision, and then speaks to Tagg. While my halberd would probably cut the wood better than a sword, Thref's sword is unlikely to be ruined by cutting down a tree as it is more than just a clump of metal. And the halberd and the crossbow are only weapons I carry with me, so losing the halberd would rob me of my only melee weapon. |
| #303shatteredtowerFeb 02, 2005 19:27:49 | It takes Threfdil several minutes to find a tree that would make a promising section for the raft, once it has been properly trimmed of branches. Several more backbreaking minutes are all that's needed hack it down with his magical blade. By his estimate, they're going to need another dozen or so of similar size to this one. OoC: Surprisingly, it only takes about three minutes for Threfdil to bring the tree down. Of course, trimming it is going to take a bit longer, but one thing at a time. I'm just letting you how progress went on the first one, on the chance that you might wish to change your approach, based on what it took to cut the first one down -- regardless of how unrealistic it might seem under the conditions involved. Never underestimate a halfling paladin in the middle of his quest to restore a fallen comrade. ;) |
| #304zombiegleemaxFeb 02, 2005 23:34:55 | Having taken down one tree, Thref moves on to find another that would be suitable for their purpose. |
| #305codrianFeb 03, 2005 4:17:45 | How are you doing Thref? Offers a flask of water to the halfling. |
| #306zombiegleemaxFeb 04, 2005 9:31:35 | Thref takes a quick drink, and continues his work. "Whatever it takes. 'Ow many do you think we need?" |
| #307codrianFeb 04, 2005 12:58:11 | Maybe a dozen of similar size. |
| #308shatteredtowerFeb 06, 2005 0:19:15 | While Threfdil is preoccupied with his efforts, Codrian and Tagg catch a glimpse of movement off to his left. Silently, slowly, a wolf is making its way through the forest toward the halfling, taking obvious effort to avoid being spotted. |
| #309codrianFeb 06, 2005 3:29:59 | .oO(If we shout to him, it might pounce.) Motions for Tagg to be quiet. Sends Vareanin to fly over the wolf and make noise for Thref to notice. |
| #310shatteredtowerFeb 06, 2005 3:38:04 | Threfdil is as oblivious to the bird as he is to the wolf. The other animal seems to pair careful attention to Vareanin for nearly half a minute, however, before finally moving toward its original goal once more. |
| #311taggiivFeb 06, 2005 8:20:49 | Tagg watches as Varaenin is unsuccessful, and then turns his attention back on the wolf. Not sure how much time is left before the wolf tries to make a move, he silently takes out his bow and takes a final look at Codrian for approval before trying to take a shot. how far away is the wolf in feet? |
| #312codrianFeb 06, 2005 13:28:29 | .oO(I feel that we shouldn't be eager to fight anything around here... if it dies, it has nowhere to go.) Instructs Vareanin to go rouse Thref then. Whispers to Tagg. I am not sure we want to start fighting here. Can't you try to calm it some way? Seeks cover behind some nearby object. |
| #313taggiivFeb 06, 2005 14:20:03 | Tagg lowers his bow at Codrian's words, and admits he is not sure what happens with death in this place. And yet, he does not want to experiment with Threfdil. While he waits for his companion to get behind cover, Tagg studies the immediate surroundings for an ideal way to approach the animal. OoC Distance would still be helpful. ^^ |
| #314shatteredtowerFeb 06, 2005 14:25:29 | OoC: Tagg is roughly 90 ft from the wolf, while it is roughly 50 ft from Threfdil. And how is Codrian delivering his instructions? Empathic communication won't suffice for this purpose, which leaves him normal speech, since Vareanin does not have the speak with master quality. Vareanin keeps pace with the wolf, flying ahead to the next tree with every so many steps it takes, but still Threfdil doesn't seem to notice. By now, the wolf has stopped moving and simply seems content to watch Threfdil for the moment. |
| #315codrianFeb 06, 2005 14:31:57 | .oO(Hmm...) Tries to get Vareanin fly back to where he is. |
| #316taggiivFeb 06, 2005 14:39:37 | Tagg locates a fairly straight path through the wooded area, and begins to move. He does not take great precaution to do it stealthily, but at the same time keeps his eyes open to step around dried leaves or branches. Once he gets to within comfortable sight of the wolf, Tagg attempts to get the attention of the animal if it did not already see him coming. Keeping his eyes locked, he tries to convey soothing emotions through a base inexplicable skill of rangers. OoC double move, attempting move silently at -20. once at 30' initiate wild empathy |
| #317shatteredtowerFeb 06, 2005 14:51:58 | It takes two tries, but the nutcracker eventually responds to the signal. Meanwhile, Tagg's movement soon earns the wolf's attention. It makes no move, but instead simply turns its gaze toward him. |
| #318codrianFeb 06, 2005 14:56:57 | Once Vareanin is close enough, speaks quietly to it. Fly to the small man. Points at Thref. Get his attention. [OOC: Maybe this would enough to get him to fly to Thref.] |
| #319taggiivFeb 06, 2005 15:11:52 | Tagg loosens up a little bit, relieved that the wolf did not jump for his small intestine upon contact. Feeling the initial connection established, Tagg begins to speak in soft notes of Elven while sending friendly signals through their bond in an attempt to improve its mindframe towards Threfil and himself. |
| #320shatteredtowerFeb 06, 2005 19:08:09 | Er, just to make sure we're on the same wavelength here, Tagg, wild empathy is closer in nature to a Diplomacy check than a Vulcan mindlink, right? ;) Vareanin does his best to carry out Codrian's directions -- by landing on Threfdil's shoulder and pecking at his ear. The wolf looks quickly to Codrian, then back to Tagg before vanishing suddenly. |
| #321codrianFeb 07, 2005 9:15:21 | Observes as Vareanin pecks on Thref's ear and nods. Then quickly looks at where the wolf was before and blinks. .oO(Err... where did it go?) Looks at Tagg to see if he did something. |
| #322zombiegleemaxFeb 07, 2005 10:01:51 | Thref brushes at the bird absently for a moment before realizing that it was indeed a bird...the one that always hangs around Codrian. He turns to look back at his companion to see what is up. |
| #323codrianFeb 09, 2005 5:21:51 | Tagg, where did it go? |
| #324taggiivFeb 09, 2005 12:15:03 | To clarify, that was a vanish as in poof, not vanish as in ran away right? Tagg looks around blankly. "Uhh.. not sure.. I was thinking to ask you the same thing." Tagg shrugs and starts to walk towards the others. "I guess.. um... nevermind." What could have happened... I know this is supposed to be a good place but I dont like the fact all the laws of nature seem to not apply. |
| #325codrianFeb 09, 2005 13:24:15 | Walks over to where the wolf was and looks around. Thref... here was a wolf stalking you, but it sort of... vanished. |
| #326shatteredtowerFeb 09, 2005 22:13:10 | OoC: The wolf's disappearance was too sudden to feel natural. It wasn't as though it moved to cover; it was as if it was simply no longer there. By now Threfdil has nearly completed his task, halfway through the last tree, but the work is taking its toll on him. He knows he's likely to need at least a few minutes after he's done chopping before he'll be ready to help fasten things together. |
| #327codrianFeb 10, 2005 4:27:10 | .oO(This was certainly odd...) Says some arcane words. OOC: Cast Detect Magic and spent couple rounds scanning the environ around the spot of disappearance. |
| #328shatteredtowerFeb 10, 2005 7:08:43 | Codrian's examination of the area confirms the use of magic where the wolf had been, but the aura is so weak that its source has almost certainly been expended. The nature of whatever magic was used eludes him, however. Widening the source of his investigation reveals no further signs of other magic. |
| #329codrianFeb 10, 2005 8:52:40 | As it looked like, it did use magic to disappear. |
| #330zombiegleemaxFeb 10, 2005 9:03:34 | "Well, Oi'm not too worried about what may be 'ere. Per'aps it was another paladin's mount." Thref takes a moment to catch his breath, and continues onward. |
| #331codrianFeb 10, 2005 9:33:57 | I don't like creatures appearing and disappearing around us... After Thref has rested for few minutes, helps the halfling with trimming and binding the trunks. |
| #332shatteredtowerFeb 10, 2005 16:08:18 | Finally, the logs are gathered and bound to the satisfaction of the trio, though the knots are all placed on "top" just to be sure they can be easily secured. |
| #333codrianFeb 13, 2005 15:20:02 | Looks at the sea. Before we proceed, let's test that this one float and stays together while we're aboard. We need to drag it to water. |
| #334zombiegleemaxFeb 14, 2005 8:39:29 | Thref nods, and helps Codrian drag it to the water. |
| #335shatteredtowerFeb 14, 2005 13:35:11 | While it floats, some attention needs to be made to the knot work to hold the thing together -- tedious work, since the wood tends to roll toward a pile if it's not fastened properly. If there was some other way to hold the logs in place against one another, the task might be much easier, but without such means, the best method the group appears to have involves having Codrian and Tagg do their best to hold things together on one end while Threfdil attempt to bind it securely, then shift to the other end and do the same thing. After the first few false starts, it becomes obvious that this is going to prove to be a very difficult, time-consuming task, likely to take hours at the rate they're going. |
| #336codrianFeb 14, 2005 14:18:34 | As they flounder in the water. This will take a long time... Shall we continue for a while now, then drag it on the beach and eat something. And then continue again. The raft needs to be durable... it wouldn't do for it to dump us into water out there. |
| #337zombiegleemaxFeb 14, 2005 18:16:06 | "Perhaps a cross log of some sort?" Thref helps bring the raft back ashore. "Or maybe there was somethin' about that wolf ye saw...." |
| #338codrianFeb 15, 2005 2:12:43 | Well... it's gone now, so it can't help, whatever you were thinking. |
| #339zombiegleemaxFeb 16, 2005 6:37:22 | "Well, we are in the land of Lord Agath'los. Per'aps there are some rules 'ere that are different from what we know..." Thref spends a little bit of time concentrating on being 'over there' to see if it works. |
| #340shatteredtowerFeb 16, 2005 10:09:19 | Unfortunately, it does not. |
| #341codrianFeb 16, 2005 13:07:29 | Seems like those rules can be bent by those who live here... |
| #342zombiegleemaxFeb 16, 2005 14:31:33 | "It was worth a try. Why don't ye guys stabilize the raft, 'n Oi'll go get us some oars fer the trip. Don' really feel like paddlin' with me hands the 'ole way." |
| #343codrianFeb 16, 2005 15:05:52 | Alright. Continues to work at the raft with Tagg. |
| #344zombiegleemaxFeb 23, 2005 19:58:07 | Thref goes back into the wooded area to search for appropriate limbs to use as oars. |
| #345shatteredtowerFeb 23, 2005 21:55:05 | Though he searches for close to an hour, Threfdil finds nothing that looks like it would function very well as an oar. It might be different if poling the raft was an option, but he gets the impression that the water is likely to be too deep for that. Nevertheless, he continues his search for something that might suit his needs. His sword was handy enough for felling trees, but it was never designed to shape wood into an oar-like blade. As he continues to look around, he notices lights up ahead, balls of fire maybe eighty feet from where he stands, floating several feet above the ground. He can see nothing supporting them. |
| #346shatteredtowerFeb 25, 2005 3:01:44 | Codrian and Tagg continue their work for some time before something attracts their attention. It takes a minute to realize that the ball of flame hovering over the water is not the sun, that it's movements are a bit too erratic for this to even be possible. It occurs to Tagg that if this was the case, he'd currently have a shadow. |
| #347codrianFeb 25, 2005 4:14:45 | .oO(This place keeps getting weirder and weirder.) Looks at Tagg. What do you make out of that? [OOC: Knowledges?] |
| #348zombiegleemaxFeb 25, 2005 8:38:31 | Thref approaches the ball of fire in front of him very slowly. When he is close enough to it, he speaks. [Celestial] "Are you a native of this place?" [/Celestial] |
| #349shatteredtowerFeb 26, 2005 20:53:46 | [Celestial]"Of course,"[/celestial] comes the reply, in a voice that sounds to Threfdil like a bell. Another chimes, [Celestial]"Aren't you?"[/celestial] |
| #350zombiegleemaxFeb 27, 2005 20:21:29 | [Celestial] "No, I am not of this place. I seek a friend who is from here, however. My companions and I lack means of transportation." [/Celestial] |
| #351shatteredtowerFeb 27, 2005 21:57:02 | "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh...!" chorus the floating lights, almost in harmony. "How far do you have to go?" asks one. "Can't you fly?" asks another. "You don't look well," says a third. "Are you hurt?" |
| #352zombiegleemaxFeb 28, 2005 8:27:00 | [Celestial] "I don't really know how far I have to go, just what direction. I cannot fly, that I know of, and I'm not really feeling well. The pain of his loss is hurting me, and will get worse until I find him. Can you help?" [/Celestial] |
| #353shatteredtowerFeb 28, 2005 20:12:14 | "Did you want us to find him for you?" |
| #354codrianMar 01, 2005 2:57:19 | Looks at the ball of fire. Is about to ask Vareanin to go fly by it, when notices that the nutcracker has strayed to the forest to eat. He's somewhere happily emptying pinecones from seeds. .oO(Certainly odd phenomena. Maybe it's some sort of sentient creature.) Shrugs. Wades bit closer to the ball and speaks. Hey. Ahem... are you something? .oO(That was just brilliant...) |
| #355zombiegleemaxMar 01, 2005 13:46:22 | "Did you want us to find him for you?" [c] "I...it would certainly make the journey easier. His spirit returned here when he died where I am from, so I seek him to make amends. I don't know what you can do, but anything you are able to do to make the journey easier would be greatly appreciated. I miss him dreadfully." [/c] |
| #356shatteredtowerMar 01, 2005 23:54:21 | The word "Yes," rings in reply to Codrian's question. "What are you doing?" another voice asks, curiousity evident in the question. == "Ohhh..." chorus several voices as Threfdil explains his situation. "We can't do much about that," says one sadly. "We don't know how to find the dead," says another. "But is there something you need that would help you find them?" |
| #357codrianMar 02, 2005 3:52:03 | Presently, trying to figure out why a ball of fire is talking. As for that project over there, aiming to produce a suitable vessel, videlicet a raft that stays together and doesn't capsize right away. |
| #358zombiegleemaxMar 02, 2005 9:02:14 | [c] "A mode of transportation. We attempted to make a raft, but it doesn't seem to be staying together well, nor can I find anything to move it. Not very good at these sort of things, I guess. Lots of water to cross, no way to get there. That's my biggest problem at the moment." [/c] |
| #359shatteredtowerMar 02, 2005 14:39:41 | "Ohhh...." the chorus sings to Codrian, before breaking off into individual voices. "You must be very smart to be able to make something like this." "Very skilled too." "Adventurous as well. ==== Again, the chorus replies to Threfdil, "Ohhhhh...." "We can't build a raft for you." "But we might be able to find something to move it." |
| #360codrianMar 02, 2005 14:44:02 | .oO(Skilled... yeah.) Shekes his head. Well, it is not that yet, hence the trying. And we weren't too wise, as we forgot to take an axe with us. Just adventurous, I think. |
| #361zombiegleemaxMar 02, 2005 18:52:49 | [c] "That would be helpful. Do you want me to wait here?" [/c] |
| #362shatteredtowerMar 02, 2005 23:23:37 | "It looks big enough to hold you," one of the lights tell Codrian. "But he said it won't stay together." "But it's got ropes around it!" "Yes, but... um... maybe logs don't stay flat together with rope. Maybe they roll up?" "Ohhh..." After a silence, another light asks, "So... um... what if you tied them all to something else going the other way?" === "Was there some place else you would prefer to wait?" the closest light asks Threfdil. |
| #363codrianMar 03, 2005 4:31:28 | Yes, they bunch together if tied just with a rope. Of course, we have only so much of rope, so that's not so easy. .oO(This is not indeed what I usually do, building rafts.) Looks at Tagg. Was there anything left from Thref's cutting that could be used to tie crosswise to other pieces of wood? |
| #364codrianMar 06, 2005 5:42:32 | While Tagg searches, looks back at the speaking balls of fire. Excuse me for asking, but what are you exactly? |
| #365shatteredtowerMar 06, 2005 5:51:39 | After a silence, one answers, "Most people just call us the lanterns." Looking at them hanging in the air, it isn't hard to see why. |
| #366codrianMar 06, 2005 6:07:43 | Okay, I can see where that's coming from. Quite evident. Lanterns it is then. Can you tell me what to make out of a wolf that just disappeared to thin air? |
| #367shatteredtowerMar 06, 2005 9:34:33 | "Uhhhhmmm..." "An invisible cloak?" one guesses. |
| #368codrianMar 07, 2005 5:21:51 | Wolves don't usually wear cloaks, do they? |
| #369zombiegleemaxMar 07, 2005 9:15:40 | [c]"I think I will wait on the beach. I have companions there with me, and I don't want to go missing too long. Is that all right with you? I do thank you for your help. I hope I can return the favour someday." [/c] |
| #370shatteredtowerMar 08, 2005 2:12:38 | "But you can make a cloak out of a wolf," one answers Codrian. --- "The beach?" Threfdil is asked. "Okay. We'll find you on the beach." "Back soon!" And they are gone. Just the ones with Threfdil, that is. Not the ones with Codrian and Tagg. |
| #371codrianMar 08, 2005 2:35:14 | Looks slightly befuddled for a moment. Uhh... yes. You can make cloaks out of many things... creatures. But, never mind... Could you perchance then tell more what is this place like? |
| #372zombiegleemaxMar 08, 2005 8:23:01 | Thref gets a confused look on his face for a moment, and then heads back towards the beach to join back up with Codrian and Tagg. |
| #373shatteredtowerMar 08, 2005 10:04:45 | OoC: Odd. I was sure I left a post here last night. "It's... nice." "Very nice!" "Very!" "Always bright too" "Even when it rains!" "And everyone is so nice..." "The djinn aren't always nice." "That's right." "Yeah, they can be bossy sometimes." "But that doesn't matter, 'cause we can just leave when they get too bossy." Laughter tinkles like crystal bells around the pair. |
| #374codrianMar 09, 2005 3:39:53 | .oO(Creatures of heaven... graced with minds of children? Lord, I am confused.) Are there any sudden storms? For something like that would severely hamper our traveling. The djinn? |
| #375shatteredtowerMar 09, 2005 20:04:07 | "Sometimes there is rain, but I've never seen a storm." "Nor me." "Me neither." Denials echo all around. |
| #376codrianMar 10, 2005 3:18:53 | Nods. That's good. .oO(Assuming they can remember past yesterday.) What was that about djinn? |
| #377shatteredtowerMar 10, 2005 7:50:12 | "They're meaaaaan..." "Not always!" "No, not always." "Bossy, though." "Sometimes." "Yeah, sometimes..." |
| #378codrianMar 10, 2005 15:02:11 | Alright. Bossy, sometimes mean... but what are they like? If one would come across, it would help to know it. |
| #379shatteredtowerMar 10, 2005 23:07:06 | "Oh, you'll know..." "They'll tell you." "Very proud of who they are." "They look a lot like you two." "Only bigger." "Darker too." "And less hairy." |
| #380codrianMar 11, 2005 3:55:12 | Bigger, darker and bald? Alright. What other beings can we expect to come across here? |
| #381shatteredtowerMar 11, 2005 4:01:43 | "Um... not many." "Fish people, maybe." "Tritons." "Oh, right. Tritons." "They live in the water." "You probably won't see them, though." "They might." "Oh, sure. They might, but probably won't." "Probably not." |
| #382codrianMar 11, 2005 4:06:01 | Okay. So, it's you - the lanterns - and djinns, and the fish people, tritons that inhabit these parts. And I would assume fish people stay were the fish are, viz. under the water, and thus we won't be seeing them as we are not planning to go there. Thanks for your help. |
| #383shatteredtowerMar 11, 2005 7:37:43 | "You're welcome!" they sing, before one asks "Is that little person with you?" Looking around, Codrian and Tagg can assume the lantern means Threfdil, who is coming their way. |
| #384codrianMar 11, 2005 14:05:30 | Turns back to lanters. Yes, he is. How so? |
| #385zombiegleemaxMar 11, 2005 20:06:08 | Thref smirks to himself briefly as he sees the lantern things have been talking to his companions too. He waves as he approaches. |
| #386shatteredtowerMar 12, 2005 7:23:39 | "How so what?" the lantern asks Codrian, sounding confused. |
| #387codrianMar 12, 2005 12:48:21 | I mean, what about whether or not he is with us. |
| #388shatteredtowerMar 12, 2005 20:34:28 | "Oh. I didn't know if you knew him or not." |
| #389codrianMar 16, 2005 12:34:53 | Ah, alright. .oO(Why am I feeling I've sometimes had as meaningful chats with Renna.) Stares out to the sea. How far is the next island? |
| #390shatteredtowerMar 16, 2005 23:03:06 | "Umm..." "We don't really know?" "We just sort of pop over there." "It's just faster that way." "Sorry." |
| #391codrianMar 17, 2005 3:41:14 | Alright. Excuse me for a moment. Turns again to look at Thref. Doing so, sees Vareanin flapping towards them from the woods. Satisfied with knowing that the nutcracker is nearby, looks at the halfling. Did you find anything? |
| #392shatteredtowerMar 17, 2005 4:33:09 | The nutcracker flits from tree to tree, looking all about. Codrian can sense curiousity and hunger, but it is not of the demanding variety -- the bird is content to do its own foraging for the moment. |
| #393codrianMar 17, 2005 5:33:24 | OOC: Oopsie, I meant to talk to Thref. |
| #394zombiegleemaxMar 17, 2005 8:51:57 | "Some more 'o them, actually." Thref nods at the lanterns. "They tol' me they'd foind somethin' that cin be used as an oar... unless they cin just 'pop' over there 'n take us with them?" |
| #395codrianMar 17, 2005 9:07:36 | I don't see that happening... as we are quite unlike them. |
| #396zombiegleemaxMar 23, 2005 19:36:31 | "It was just a thought. Oi thought they moight be able ta take us. Ah well. We cin wait fer the oars then." |
| #397codrianMar 24, 2005 15:50:53 | You asked them to find us oars? Motions at the raft. If you could help, let's try to tie some lenghts of wood crosswise to these others, maybe that'd make it more stable. |
| #398zombiegleemaxMar 25, 2005 8:03:27 | "O' Course." Thref moves to the raft to attempt to help tie a crossbeam on. |
| #399shatteredtowerMar 25, 2005 22:48:03 | Three people make the task much easier, though its takes awhile to get any results -- and even those fall far short of professional standards. Nevertheless, it looks like it will hold by the time several lanterns return, a single oar appearing on the ground in front of them. "Badiat says she'll meet you on the way," one says. "So you can pay her for the oar," another explains. "She's a djinni," a third provides helpfully. "But she was in a good mood when we asked her," the second responds. "Yeahhhh..." the third replies, sounding a touch uncertain. |
| #400codrianMar 26, 2005 3:08:32 | Looks at the oar. Thank you. Uhh... did you happen to ask what this one will cost us? |
| #401shatteredtowerMar 26, 2005 12:46:38 | "Yes, but she wouldn't tell us." "Don't worry too much. The djinn aren't wicked." "Sometimes they're mean, but no, they're not wicked." "But they're tricky." "Oh, yes. They're very proud of being tricky." "They think it's a game." "It's a very hard game sometimes." "Very hard. We can't always understand the rules." "That's no fun, so we usually don't play." "But you seem smart, which means the rules might make more sense to you. She'll like that." |
| #402codrianMar 27, 2005 3:59:33 | Uh-oh. |
| #403taggiivMar 27, 2005 13:56:08 | .oO(So that ball of fire isnt actually a sun. Hmm.) Tagg blinks, and as if snapping out of a trance brings himself back to the current conversation. He looks down at the oar, and then up to the lanterns. "So these djinni... they aren't cruel, though, are they? What's the worst that could happen? We're in heaven, after all, right?" He looks around for some kind of assurance. |
| #404codrianMar 27, 2005 14:00:08 | Sighs. They still can slow us down significantly. And things here are different for us than them... for them a day can be as much as a year or decade for us. |
| #405shatteredtowerMar 28, 2005 22:14:27 | "Was that okay?" asks one of the lanterns. "It was the only place we knew that might have what you wanted," another explains worriedly. |
| #406codrianMar 29, 2005 1:26:16 | That remains to be seen, whether or not it went well. I'm just slightly bothered we don't know this djinn's terms on which she gave you the oar. |
| #407shatteredtowerMar 29, 2005 4:19:16 | "Oh..." "She wouldn't tell us." "She only said it would depend on you." |
| #408codrianMar 29, 2005 4:40:49 | Then I guess we'll be hearing from her quite soon. Looks to the sea. .oO(That one who brought us here warned of this.) And I hope her demands won't be impossible for us to meet. Shrugs. Well, no help twiddling our thumbs here - we might as well get started with it. Thref, which way? |
| #409zombiegleemaxMar 29, 2005 8:24:44 | Thref shakes his head slightly at the news of the djinn, but puts on a happy face. [Celestial] "Thank you, my friends. You did what I asked, and I appreciate it." [/Celestial] He turns back to Codrian and Tagg. "He's in that direction." |
| #410codrianMar 30, 2005 1:37:48 | Places his pack on the raft, making sure that the scrolls are still dry. Alright, let's get going then. Or do you still want to do something here? |
| #411zombiegleemaxMar 30, 2005 8:19:19 | "No, Oi think we're done 'ere. Let's go." |
| #412taggiivMar 31, 2005 23:13:18 | Tagg nods in agreement, and settles down for a journey on the raft. |
| #413shatteredtowerApr 02, 2005 21:39:25 | Lanterns bob along the shore, offering encouraging words to the sailors. They even provide an escort out until the trio appear to be safely (if slowly) underway, then vanish suddenly with last well wishings. When the raft is no more than a quarter mile to sea, Tagg spies a single cloud come into focus against the radiant sky. As he watches, it seems to become larger and more substantial with each passing second. If he didn't know better, he'd say it was coming right for them. Judging by the apprehension he senses from Vareanin, Codrian suspects that the bird must be wondering the same thing as he too notices the cloud. Threfdil, still struggling with trying to get the raft to move in one direction, rather than spinning half the time, is the last to become aware of the event. |
| #414codrianApr 03, 2005 1:27:12 | That cloud seems to be heading towards us. Another creature of some sorts? |
| #415zombiegleemaxApr 03, 2005 11:43:54 | "The djinni the lanterns spoke of, per'aps?" |
| #416codrianApr 03, 2005 16:14:35 | I don't know. But somehow I got the impression that this djinni would be something else than a cloud... Beckons Vareanin to fly close. Then continues speaking to Thref. We'll see soon enough, though. |
| #417taggiivApr 03, 2005 16:26:27 | After looking at the cloud, Tagg turns to his companions. "I suppose it might be the djinn... I mean, it doesn't look too conspicuous, but we thought the lanterns were the sun for a moment. I wouldn't be too surprised if it turned into rope any moment here judging by what we've seen in this place so far..." He keeps his eyes on the cloud and watches it. |
| #418shatteredtowerApr 03, 2005 17:59:52 | The group feels a breeze begin to stir, rippling the water around them. As the cloud draws nearer, they begin to notice how its form resembles that of a great, winged beast, one with a serpentine neck and head. |
| #419taggiivApr 04, 2005 21:12:28 | Tagg watches with both great awe and, well, some fear and uncertainty... His hands would instinctively spring to his weapons if he wasn't so sure they wouldnt be of any help to improve their current situation. He looks first blankly at Threfdil and Codrian, hoping they might have more of an idea to do something. Tagg then returns his glance to the beast and does the only thing he can do, wait for its next move which will hopefully reveal its intentions. |
| #420shatteredtowerApr 04, 2005 21:38:51 | As Tagg and the others watch the form settle in before them like a watchful fog, they hear a voice speak within their heads. "I am Badiat, shipwright without peer! It was I who granted your boon today, mortals, and now you will tell me more of the nature of your journey. Only then shall I tell you what I desire in return for my assistance." |
| #421codrianApr 05, 2005 1:58:04 | Well met, Badiat. I'm Codrian, and my fellows on this raft are Threfdil and Tagg. .oO(The thing with immortals... I doubt they have too good grasp of time. Once you live forever, there sort is no need for such as being on time or doing things in time.) We've come here in search of his companion. Motions at Thref. |
| #422shatteredtowerApr 05, 2005 3:39:25 | "I would hear more of this. Who is this companion and how did he or she come to be here? Let us start from the beginning of the tale, so that I may judge it fairly." |
| #423codrianApr 05, 2005 11:48:45 | Looks at Thref whether or not the halfling wants to be the one to tell the story. |
| #424zombiegleemaxApr 05, 2005 16:42:06 | "'E came ta be 'ere...well, Oi suppose 'e's originally from 'ere, ta tell ye tha truth. 'E was a gift ta me from Lord Agath'los, 'n' 'e bravely gave 'is life in battle ta save me own, among others. Oi seek 'is body so that at the very least Oi cin say good bye, if not bring 'im back to me. It is a simple tale, but 'Onor was no simple beast. 'E was me friend, companion, 'n comrade in arms. A great bear, 'e was." Thref finds himself sobbing at the end of even this short speech, and does his best to pull it back in, not wanting to ruin the moods of his companions. |
| #425taggiivApr 05, 2005 20:02:44 | Tagg remains silent through the introductions. After listening to Threfdil's recollection, he attentively waits for the djinni to respond. |
| #426shatteredtowerApr 05, 2005 22:28:04 | "I see. A bear of the heavens, you say? And you say he was your comrade in arms too. This has the makings of an excellent tale -- but it is still far, far too short. Good halfling, would you be able to elaborate on events if asked to relate them to a king? If it transpires that Amir Essafah ibn Nabil is sufficiently pleased by your efforts, your reward shall be far, far greater than a mere paddle." |
| #427zombiegleemaxApr 06, 2005 8:41:37 | Thref collects himself and responds. "Oi...er...yes, Oi suppose Oi could make tha tale longer if'n Oi needed ta do so. Oi jest didn' see that ye wanted me ta tell tha 'ole tale." |
| #428codrianApr 06, 2005 12:41:28 | .oO(Amir Essafah ibn Nabil, who's that?) Lets Thref to tell the tale as it's paladin's quest that has brought them here. |
| #429shatteredtowerApr 06, 2005 14:08:27 | "You would be correct. I shall hear the whole of it when you relate it to the amir. The others will doubtless seek to dazzle him with tales of great spectacles and mighty magics, but I believe he'll be more impressed with this story of unwavering loyalty that-- but it is your tale. You will be the one to tell it." The pearly fog before them solidifies into a more draconic shape borne on near-translucent wings. However, the voice that next speaks to them comes from the one who appears several feet to its right, a muscular giant of a woman, easily twice Tagg's height, with a complexion as dark as coal. She stands on the air itself, several feet above the water. "If you are ready, we shall leave at once." |
| #430zombiegleemaxApr 06, 2005 18:43:46 | "Does it 'ave ta be immediately? Oi'm kind of on a toime limit ta foind 'im, as per a ritual we performed ere we came 'ere. If'n it cin wait, Oi would prefer it." |
| #431shatteredtowerApr 06, 2005 22:00:16 | "Little man, you would dare refuse--?! No, I must humbly apologize for my outburst." She makes a half-bow before she continues. "However, there is no place you could go in that... contraption... that I could not take you far more quickly. Why, what would take you days could be accomplished in mere hours with my assistance! Is a day now too high a price for days saved later? Is your time really so short that you would refuse my generous offer?" |
| #432zombiegleemaxApr 07, 2005 9:07:16 | "No, Oi was not troin' ta refuse yer most koind offer. Oi've never met a king that Oi know of, 'n Oi would be most 'onored ta do so. It's just that Oi don' know 'ow much toime Oi do 'ave. Oi was told that the pain Oi feel would get worse and fairly quickly. But if'n ye cin save days off our journey, Oi would most appreciate it, and be willin' ta do anythin' in the interim." |
| #433shatteredtowerApr 08, 2005 15:42:16 | "Then take my hand, all of you, and we shall be off." Her touch is light for one so strong, and as cool as a morning breeze. "All you will need to do is follow me," she says, before her body turns hazy and cloudlike. They become aware of their own similar transformation seconds after seeing the effect take hold on the others as well. I've made the Spellcraft check for Codrian and this effect is not one with which he is familiar. |
| #434zombiegleemaxApr 08, 2005 22:07:48 | Thref shrugs...or at least he thinks that's what he did, and concentrates on following the djinni. |
| #435codrianApr 11, 2005 4:34:54 | .oO(I sure do hope that this will actually get us somewhere... but decisions are his, the bear was dear to him.) Beckons Vareanin to land on his shoulder, lest the bird be left behind and be separated from him. Then follows others to grasp djinn's hand. |
| #436shatteredtowerApr 11, 2005 23:18:11 | Leaving their raft behind, but not their gear, Codrian, Tagg, and Threfdil each follow Badiat into the sky, beginning an experience like no other they've ever known. It isn't just the flight, although soaring hundreds of feet above the seemingly endless ocean at speeds heretofore unimaginable is breathtaking in itself. There's also the matter of form, of being as insubstantial as mist and light as the air. Then there are also the sights along the way. Great four-legged beasts, with horns of silver and coats of gold, wade the shallows between islands. Lights, doubtless lanterns such as the ones they met before, dance playfully over the water, sometimes accompanied by leaping creatures that seem a blend of human and fish. But nowhere do they see another ship on the water, though they travel for--. Truth to be told, they've no way to tell how long the journey takes, for there is no sun by which to count the hours. Even if they did have such a resource, however, it might prove difficult to remember to make use of it. Such occasions as these have a timeless quality to them; such a perfect day in a perfect world. It is almost enough to make Threfdil forget the burden of his loss for a time. Almost. As the djinn takes them higher, the air seems to become even more impossibly radiant, making it difficult to see more than -- distances are difficult to judge in this region. They discover several clouds hiding up here, wandering on gentle, cool breezes through what seemed a perfectly clear sky from so far below. Moving toward the nearest cloud reveals yet another wonder to them. Someone has built a great palace here, with walls of pearly ice and silver, floating hundreds of feet above the ocean on a foglike material that, if it were truly fog, would be completely unable to support it. Badiat drifts along the mist toward the structure, gradually returning to a more solid appearance as she moves. "We have arrived," she says to them. "Concentrate on returning to your normal forms and it shall soon be so." |
| #437zombiegleemaxApr 13, 2005 17:28:33 | Thref carefully concentrates on his normal form, half-expecting to fall through the clouds. "This is some place. Fit fer a king, Oi guess." |
| #438shatteredtowerApr 14, 2005 0:35:46 | "Amir Essafah ibn Nabil is no mere mortal king, little one," Badiat declares in a quietly reproving tone, "and the Argentate Citadel is like nothing you have seen before. Come; I will show you." She leads them to the gates, where floating giants with skin of deepest bronze stand watch. "I am Badiat bint Maneira, a guest of He Who Rides the Spring Zephyr," she declares, "And these three are part of my entourage." "Greetings, daughter of Maneira," one of the guards, a figure whose mighty arms are banded in rings of emerald studded steel. "We seldom see their like even in this place of wonders. I am Aasim bin Jamal, Captain of the Autumn Gate. Who might you be, little ones, and what brings you so far from home?" |
| #439zombiegleemaxApr 15, 2005 17:16:26 | To their guide. "Oi meant no disrespect, ye cin be sure." To the gatekeeper. "Oi am Threfdil Proudfoot, Paladin in Lord Agath'los service. Oi 'm seeking a companion o' moine, and was told by Badiat that Oi would be tellin' the tale to a king." |
| #440shatteredtowerApr 15, 2005 23:25:03 | Aasim raises one massive eyebrow, looking to Badiat, who nods. "He means the Amir," she explains. "Ah," he says. "This will be your champion, then?" Again she nods. "And the others?" he asks. "I am Codrian Enelevin, called by the Divine Spirit to serve," says Codrian. "Also, I am here to help Threfdil in return for help he provided me, which has in turn lead to him needing to come here, as he will explain before the Amir." "That sounds like a tale itself," Aasim observes. "What of the third one? What is your tale?" OoC: Posting for Codrian, who is unfortunately unable to post to the boards at this time. I hope he'll pardon me for putting words into his mouth. Hopefully, Tagg will be able to offer something shortly, but please don't feel the need to wait on him. I may have another reply ready by tomorrow evening if he hasn't responded by then. |
| #441codrianApr 17, 2005 10:23:15 | Looks around to make sure that Vareanin is still around. [OOC: It was fine, though you missed one 'e' from the name, it's 'Enelevin'.] |
| #442shatteredtowerApr 18, 2005 0:06:17 | A tiny, cloudlike form that could be the bird flits near Codrian. It certainly looks birdlike. Codrian does feel some agitation from his familiar, but also that extra degree of awareness that comes when the nutcracker is close by. OoC: Yes, I know that Codrian doesn't gain any bonus for having Vareanin around, since he already has the Alertness feat. It just seemed the easiest way to confirm the bird's presence. Now to go correct a spelling error. ;) |
| #443zombiegleemaxApr 18, 2005 8:56:03 | "Wait a minute 'ere...nobody said anythin' before about bein' a champion. Whoi don' ye tell us what this is all about before we go see this..amir?" |
| #444shatteredtowerApr 18, 2005 19:08:57 | Badiat's expression clouds over, but she speaks with a forced air of levity. "Little one, is your memory smaller than your mortal frame? I have already explained the nature of your task: you shall relate your tale on my behalf and, if Amir Essafah ibn Nabil is pleased with it, I shall compensate you accordingly. If the Master of Two Thousand Currents should favour another over us, I will still have you swiftly delivered to your destination, as was the agreement." In the pause following her words, Tagg awkwardly inserts, "I'm Tagg," and then, "They brought me along in case they needed help." "I see," Aasim replies in a deep tone, perhaps too gravely to be truly serious. |
| #445zombiegleemaxApr 20, 2005 11:14:19 | "Me memory is perfectly foine, and ye said not a word about this story-tellin' being on yer behalf. Ye asked if'n Oi would loike ta relate me tale to a king, 'n if'n 'e was sufficiently pleased, Oi would be rewarded beyond a...'mere paddle' Oi think were your exact words. Not that Oi don' moind bein' yer champion, but such words tend to 'ave...shall we say, unpleasant connotations fer the losers. So afore Oi go any further in this regard, Oi think Oi deserve ta 'ear the 'ole plan. Any rules. 'Oo am Oi the champion fer...which is apparently ye, Badiat. What 'appens if'n Oi win, 'n what 'appens if'n Oi lose. 'Ow many other of these champions 'm Oi goin' against? Oi don' think this is too much to ask." |
| #446shatteredtowerApr 21, 2005 6:35:24 | Badiat's expression changes from displeasure to wrathful. "You DARE to insult me thus! I should--" "Hold, milady," Aasim says softly, positioning himself before Badiat and gently, but firmly, taking a rip on her raised arm. "The barbarian has obviously learned little of courtesy, but it would seem that his concern comes from a misunderstanding surrounding my choice of the word 'champion'." "But he has already agreed to the task!" Badiat exclaims. "For him to try to renegotiate now--" So deep is her fury that she cannot even finish the sentence, simply glowering. And now Aasim turns to the halfling with a deep scowl. "Do you deny the charge, Threfdil of the Proud Foot? Did you agree to tell a tale to our great amir -- may his wisdom guide us a thousand years! -- and do you now balk at the honour granted to you, here, in this public place, thus shaming your hostess? The recompense she offered was acceptable to you then, even if it was a mere paddle-" "My exact offer was that their reward would be far, far greater than a mere paddle! I also promised them a swift journey to their final destination!" "Ahh..." says the guard, looking seriously aggrieved. "Little paladin, somes word of advice: do not question the terms of an agreement after you have made it -- but if you must do so, do it discretely! This--" He waves his hand about him, toward the open air and through the open gate, wherein Threfdil and the others can see many figures, mostly djinn (or displaying a startling likeness to them) flit about. "--is no place for such a thing." |
| #447zombiegleemaxApr 21, 2005 8:29:33 | "Oi cin assure ye, Oi meant no insult. Oi was merely pointin' out that in the future, and roight now, it would be good ta know all the terms o' the bargain. As Badiat said, Oi 'ave already agreed, 'n Oi see little purpose in backin' out now...doin' so would likely only get me killed. But Oi do want to know everythin', afore Oi take another step inside. The agreement was made, but without all the information. Oi think it is only fair that upon findin' that there is more information, that Oi be told of it. Is this not true, Aisim? And Oi moight point out, it was not Oi 'oo raise me voice." |
| #448shatteredtowerApr 21, 2005 12:29:45 | "AND I WILL LOWER MY HAND IF YOU--" Badiat begins, but is cut off by a waved hand and the soothing tone of Aasim's voice. "Daughter of Maneira, had you intended any harm toward this brave knight of Agathalos when you brought him here?" "Of course not. He--" Again, the hand is raised, stilling her voice. "And is there a danger to him in this place that relates to the task you've requested of him?" "Only if the danger is one he brought himself," she growls. "Quite so, Daughter of Maneira," Aasim assures her. "Indeed, Threfdil Proudfoot, let this be a lesson in the ways of my people. While you move about within these walls, you are a guest of the amir himself -- and he would be most displeased should any of his guests come to harm." He spares a meaningful glance toward Badiat before he continues. "Now if Badiat bint Maneira has composed herself, she will escort you to her quarters and perhaps then you may hear all of the details, provided that remember to treat her in the proper manner due to one of my race. Or if this is unacceptable to you, she will remove you from this place immediately, for the djinn have little patience for mortals who lack the appropriate humility and prudence in our presence. Perhaps your feet have reason to be proud, but remember that we are people of the air!" |
| #449zombiegleemaxApr 21, 2005 13:40:15 | .oO(Lord Agathalos, please save me from overly proud beings.) "Oi am most pleased that yer Amir would be upset if'n we got 'urt. Oi will go with 'er, so long as Oi foind out what the 'ole deal is afore we get started." |
| #450shatteredtowerApr 21, 2005 20:01:02 | "Young halfling," Aasim says warningly, "that is the whole deal. Now will you continue to make a scene at the gate or are you ready to go where you may sit and discuss the matter in more detail? After what I have seen, I am quite certain that our guide is not going to bring you unprepared before our glorious amir." The hulking genie looks meaningfully to Badiat, then back to Threfdil, and then to each of his companions. "Of course, Aasim bin Jamal," Badiat replies, obviously taking great care to get her temper back under control. "Your counsel is, as ever, even mightier than your sword arm. Come, then, sirs... we have preparations to make." |
| #451zombiegleemaxApr 22, 2005 8:23:48 | "Very well." Thref follows their guide. |
| #452codrianApr 22, 2005 17:30:26 | While Thref is speaking, tries to get coax Vareanin back into material form. When, and if, the bird is able to become solid again, gives him a pine cone to work on. |
| #453shatteredtowerApr 22, 2005 20:59:46 | The incentive of food appears to help Vareanin find his way back to a more solid form, enjoying his snack as the group is guided through halls of marble and steel. Badiat leads them to a tabled alcove and bids them sit before waving over a pale, thin fellow barely taller than Codrian, who brings an assortment of dishes and pitchers. "A light meal, then we'll get you cleaned up for presentation," she tells them, then, "but while you eat, I will elaborate on the situation. Wash your hands." She nods toward the basin in the center of the table and holds one of the pitchers above it, prepared to pour. |
| #454zombiegleemaxApr 23, 2005 18:57:29 | Thref takes some time to clean up, ensuring that all of the sap he picked up from the trees on the island comes off. He then sits at the table. |
| #455codrianApr 24, 2005 15:30:01 | Bows his head, mutters to himself. Thank you for guiding us this far. Washes his hands after Threfdil and then follows the halfling. |
| #456shatteredtowerApr 24, 2005 16:15:48 | Badiat gives a respectful pause while Codrian speaks, after which a simple meal appears instantly on the plates before them, as if out of thin air. She then begins her explanation. "Please help yourself. You'll find wine in the pitchers as well. Now, as for why you are here... the Amir has decided to take a new bride and has decided to make something of a contest to it. The one who presents the best tale to him shall receive the honour that comes from wedding him. "My talents do not lie in storytelling, but I have always been resourceful. I have spent my days looking for one a worthy tale and so long as I am the one who has brought it to the amir's attention, I have fulfilled the requirements of his task. "Whether or not the tale will impress him sufficiently to earn a place by his side... alas, that is outside of my power to determine." Obviously trying to avoid an impatient expression and tone, but with limited success, she then asks, "Now, is there anything else you may need to know? I will arrange a bath for each of you before the audience. Would that I could arrange for a change of clothes, but perhaps they will add an air of authenticity -- and perhaps urgency -- to the story. Even so, there are certain measures we should take beforehand. I will see to them when the time comes -- but now, please eat your fill!" |
| #457zombiegleemaxApr 25, 2005 14:21:37 | Doing his best to maintain a respectful tone with the djinn... "Now, see, that is all Oi asked about 'afore. Ye must understand, miss," Thref takes a drink of wine. "Ye must understand that we...or Oi, at the very least, since Oi couldn't presume ta speak fer all mortals...Oi don' particularly loike bein' taken fer granted. It's not a fun way ta spend a day, if'n ye understand. These certain measures...are they all about cleanin' up fer the amir?" Thref digs in to the food while awaiting an answer. |
| #458shatteredtowerApr 26, 2005 11:59:05 | Badiat smiles, but it's all teeth, never reaching her eyes. It's the sort of smile that might remind a halfling that he is a very small fellow having dinner with a powerful creature many times his size -- a barely restrained temper. "Indeed?" she asks in a dangerous voice. "How dare you? I offered you great rewards in exchange for performing a simple task and yet even now you continue to insult me with your trivial, intolerable demands! It appears I've made a mistake. I'd be a fool to bring one who cannot mind his tongue in my presence before my amir. Hospitality insists that I allow you to finish your meal, but after that, you will pay me in full for the service I rendered to you and I will return you to your vessel to continue on your way. May you never be called to account for the full measure of your folly, which today has cost you more than you could imagine." |
| #459codrianApr 26, 2005 14:33:18 | Is somewhat surprised with the food just appearing in front of them and thus is slower to start eating. When lifting first forkful of food to his mouth hears the djinn getting angry again. .oO(Uh-oh... Thref, try to remember what she said after she had brought us to this land.) Lowers the fork back onto the plate. Please let me apologize, good Badiat, we're sorry. I profoundly sorry that we've spoken out of turn, but we're strangers in a strange land. Something that is obvious to you might not very well be that to us. In any case, I'm sure Threfdil here wasn't trying to insult you or your people. Motions at their surroundings. It is true that we're ignorant, here, in this halls. This is not Garic, or Dane, or anything there exists in normal world. We're travelers, completely and utterly on mercy of those who we meet while traveling. With luck granted by Lord Thalos I, and whomever I'm traveling with, can return to where we left - and tell a story of what we've seen. And what a wondrous story this journey might make, to the young Renna waiting me back in the city where we left. But please, forgive us for what might have happened here. We're tiny compared to you, weak where you are strong, marred by time and adversities. And now, humble, in begging forgiveness. |
| #460zombiegleemaxApr 26, 2005 16:17:54 | "Oi make no demands. Oi understand that ye could prolly smoite me inta oblivion if'n ye chose ta, lady. Oi merely make requests. 'N since we've bin in your quarters, Oi've na' even done that. Oi mean no insult. Oi never do. Per'aps Oi am overly proud. If'n this is so, Oi'm sure that Agath'los will be takin' me ta task fer it afore long. But the fact remains that the way we 'ave been brought 'ere, the way we 'ave been shuffle from place ta place...it makes a 'alflin' feel a mite bit...'elpless is prolly the best word. And 'elpless...Oi've not felt that since 'Onor died. So ye cin understand, Oi 'ope, whoi it is that Oi'm not 'appy with the way things 'ave bin going. If'n it'll make ye feel better about this, Oi offer the followin' concessions. Oi 'ave no need of riches. Oi will tell me tale, if'n ye will still 'ave me do so, and otherwise remain soilent unless asked a direct question. All Oi ask in return is ta 'ave the journey to me friend made shorter by whatever means ye may wish ta grant it. 'Onor doesn't deserve ta be alone 'ere, whatever insult ye may 'ave taken from me." [Celestial] "Agathalos guides my hand, but right now, my heart is guided by the longing for a fallen friend. My words speak with the fire of a soul ripped away from where it belongs, doing everything they can to ensure that it is returned. No demands are made, just requests to the heart you surely have inside you." [/Celestial] |
| #461shatteredtowerMay 01, 2005 23:31:10 | Badiat looks prepared to argue the point with Codrian, but she hears him out. Her mouth turns down as Threfdil begins to speak in turn, but the expression softens as he mentions the lost Honor. For a long while after he has made his offer, she is silent. Finally she looks to Tagg, as though waiting to see what he might say. When he has nothing to offer but a helpless shrug, she releases a sigh and turns to face them all. "All right. Were your need not so great, greater even than mine, I would not go back on my intent. But you have spoken well. I suspect that the Amir would be pleased if you presented your tale in the language of Celestials, based on how well you can express yourself in it. Auran would be preferable, but well-spoken Celestial is certainly an acceptable alternative in this place. She stirs her wine by gently rolling the goblet in her hand. "Let us not speak of concessions, however. If the work is worthy of an Amir's ear, it deserves to be rewarded accordingly -- and I will not be known as a miser among my people. We both know your heart's desire, but what of your companions?" Tagg wears a guardedly neutral expression, but Threfdil notices him squirm ever so slightly. OoC: I think Codrian can speak for himself, however. ;) |
| #462codrianMay 02, 2005 14:28:47 | Thinks for a moment and then shakes his head. "I'm fine as it is, helping here a friend on his quest. If I will return whence I left, that'll be enough." |
| #463shatteredtowerMay 04, 2005 14:52:01 | Badiat looks to Tagg sternly. Shifting uncomfortably, his eyes cast downward, he says, "Well, I... uh, wouldn't mind being able to afford better blades..." Looking guiltily at the others, he half-heartedly adds, "But I don't need a reward either." "That is not the issue," Badiat tells him. "This is about showing you the proper thanks, as is the custom among my people. What you do with the reward is up to you, whether it goes toward looking after your loved ones or assisting the needy. As people travelling so far from home, the least this would do is allow you to be better prepared for such trips!" |
| #464zombiegleemaxMay 05, 2005 8:33:20 | Threfdil nods, thinking it better that he remain silent at this juncture. He continues to eat, but his thoughts inevitably turn towards his fallen comrade. Before too long, he has forgotten about the food in front of him, and sits staring the direction he needs to be travelling. |
| #465shatteredtowerMay 05, 2005 23:03:51 | When the meal comes to a close, Badiat summons a fair-haired fellow half again as tall as Threfdil. After exchanging a few pleasantries with the djinn, he introduces himself to the others as Tarkas before leading them to an impressive bath. The chamber of marble is constructed around a wide but shallow, steaming basin, surrounded by masterfully carved wooden benches. Wash cloths and towels have been considerately placed on the benches for the group. Bowing low, Tarkas excuses himself, then returns shortly with a tray bearing several jars. "Mistress Badiat requested that I bring you a selection of scented oils and perfumes to go along with the bath." He gives an overview of the wares. "This one is for the hair -- I have one for the beard as well, but that's not really an issue, is it? This lotion will ease dry skin as well as any rashes that may discomfort you. Let's see... yes, this shouldn't be applied directly -- just a dab on a damp cloth first to keep the scent subtle. Now, the oils include a mixture of--" There is a long list of ingredients, some vaguely familiar, some completely foreign, but all pleasant enough to the smell as he displays open containers to allow each of them to select their own choice of fragrance. When Tagg seems uncertain, he is quick to offer a few suggestions he feels the elf might find promising, but still careful not to force any particular choice on his charges. |
| #466codrianMay 07, 2005 3:46:31 | Vareanin tilts his head to peer at jars but apparently seeing them inedible, flies to one of the benches. Unslings his pack and lowers it to the floor. Stretches, walks over to dip his fingers to the water and then sneezes for some reason. |
| #467zombiegleemaxMay 07, 2005 9:33:32 | Thref nods to Tarkas in thanks before setting to removing his armour. Once that is done, he proceeds to bathe himself, staying mostly away from the fragrances. He does try one of them relying on Tarkas' judgement as to which would be best, deciding that it would be best to try one than to risk insulting his host again. |
| #468shatteredtowerMay 07, 2005 10:12:48 | "Just a small amount will do, Mister Proudfoot," Tarkas encourages him. "The djinn are creatures of air and enjoy a good fragrance at least as much as we'd enjoy a fine meal. There, yes, that should do." |
| #469codrianMay 07, 2005 16:21:19 | Bathes after Thref and as is toweling himself dry looks at his clothes and grimaces. .oO(I didn't think they looked that dirty and worn-out.) |
| #470zombiegleemaxMay 10, 2005 8:51:21 | "Thank ye, Tarkas. Ye've bin most helpful. Do ye ken 'ow long it is until we move on?" |
| #471shatteredtowerMay 10, 2005 13:50:24 | After pausing to give them all an appraising eye, Tarkas replies: "As soon as you've gotten dressed. The djinn like to feel that mortal visitors are not too well off, but still presentable. That way, they get to believe themselves tolerant and generous but don't have to strain too much to put up the realities so often a part of your lives. You have the air of supplicants who've made an effort for the amir, which should help immensely with the presentation, or so Badiat believes -- and I must admit that she makes an excellent point. The amir may be impressed by the courage and determination it takes for the less privileged -- that is to say, the non-djinn -- to make it to this place. Were you to come in too much finery, it could potentially be perceived as showing off or even 'acting above your station.' Some might even feel that your accomplishments were due more to luxuries you'd... er... acquired..." He looks somewhat apologetic for the use of the word. "... rather than your own ability. I don't know if they follow that thought through, but it's hard to tell. The djinn are also creatures of illusion, which may influence their attitude about perception. "But I'm can see you're almost ready. I'll go let Badiat know you'll be out soon. May today be one of good fortune and clear skies for you." He bows and takes his leave. |
| #472shatteredtowerMay 13, 2005 23:48:37 | Badiat's inspection runs longer than the one given by Tarkas. At one point, she even fusses over Tagg's hands, taking effort to get overlooked dirt out from under his nails. "That will have to do. I'll give the introductions when we are presented to the amir. Be sure to kneel when he enters the chamber and also when you're first introduced. It is also advised that you speak to him only when he addresses you first, and to include a suitable honorific when answering him." She grimaces in thought, scratching her head, then adds, "'Sire' would be acceptable for outsiders such as yourselves. As for the story..." Again she pauses to consider her next words. "Tell it as though it was the most important thing you could share with the world. Treat every word as a pearl and your tale as a priceless necklace. It is a gift to the amir and to his court -- and indeed to all his people." She hovers inches above the floor before them, apparently waiting for a word from Threfdil, though her eyes flicker back and forth across the others as well. |
| #473codrianMay 14, 2005 3:49:40 | .oO(Precious pearl lace? Awful lot you are putting weight on a story. For, once, one could indeed come up with a story of untruth, or when does a true story be too fanciful and raise the ire of the amir. What does they expect of us, to perform like a bard of great renown and skill, offering a presentation for the lord in a glorious feast - what if our skill fails to meet the standard, set unknownst of us. What if the subject is of displeasure to him, or one of speaks with wrong word. Strike us down, will he, without remorse. Stories, power may they have this time, to put us into difficult position. Uncertainty, setting from all sides. Lord, Thalos, I ask thine guidance. To shine your luck on me.) May it happen thus... Looks at Thref. Are you ready? |
| #474zombiegleemaxMay 16, 2005 17:54:17 | Thref looks long and hard at Badiat before nodding. He takes a deep breath, letting the longing he feels for Honor to fill his soul, feeling the direction in which his faithful friend lay. Oi 'm ready. |
| #475shatteredtowerMay 21, 2005 18:40:17 | Their course weaves through breeze-filled passages and chambers of fog until they reach a magnificent hall. Pale blue walls gradually deepen as they rise toward a domed ceiling high above them, shading toward the color of night, speckled by occasionally glints of light. Water gushes high from a great fountain of rose colored stone, filling a pool nearly forty feet across. The wall across the room from their entrance has been carved into the shape of clouds, a blend of ivory and grey that glow with a light of their own in places. So carefully rendered is the work that one could almost miss the throne, a grand chair shaped so that its occupant would seem to be resting comfortably on the cloudbank, looking down from a great height on the rest of the room. A great many djinn mull about the room; save for the four guards flanking the empty seat of power, all seem content with flitting about close to the floor. The trio can hardly help but notice how many glances that extend their way at times, and it is not difficult to overhear many a "whispered" comment, in degrees ranging from curiousity to scorn, about these outsiders. All becomes quiet as four more djinn, adorned generously in the finest clothing and tasteful yet expensive jewellry, drift in from between the clouds to take positions between the guards. One of them, a particularly thin fellow with a remarkably curled beard, taps the thin metal staff he carries once against the floor and announces something in a language unknown to Threfil or his companions. Fortunately, Badiat quietly translates for them: "Amir Essafah ibn Nabil, Master of the Argentate Citadel, Captain of the Lightning, and Protector of the Open Skies, welcomes all of you into his presence. Give thanks to your lord!" Codrian, Tagg, and especially Threfdil find the company around them no longer towering above them as ever djinn (as well as their few guests or servants) in the place suddenly bows low toward the throne. |
| #476codrianMay 22, 2005 2:28:14 | Follows the others' example and bows as well. |
| #477zombiegleemaxMay 22, 2005 12:18:48 | Thref decides it would be best to follow the example of the rest, and drops to one knee in a bow. |
| #478shatteredtowerMay 24, 2005 8:03:25 | "Why don't they rise?" they hear asked in a high, yet musical, masculine voice. "I've already taken my seat." Codrian can barely perceive a sigh before the djinn announcing the amir replies. "They can't see that, sire." "What? But the throne is easily visible from anywhere in the room!" "Yes, sire... but right now, you're not." "Eh? Yes, I am! I'm sitting in it, aren't I?" The attendant coughs pointedly, after which there is a short amount of murmuring before the other voice speaks again. "Oh! Goodness me, I had forgotten! A lot on my mind, don't you know? It's all right, everyone! Please rise; I'm right here." Before they are again surrounded by giants, the group manage to catch a glimpse of the speaker, a massive bronze-skinned djinn in adorned in yellow and pale blue. If he is not the amir, he is certainly sitting in the wrong seat. He is again lost from sight among the crowd, but his voice continues to ring out across the room. "Welcome, everyone, welcome! It does my heart good to see so many of you come out for this event! Now who do we have first?" Again there is more murmuring around the throne. "Mmm-hmm? Mmm-hmmm? Really? Do you think that would be a good story with which to begin the evening? Hmm? Yes, that does sound like an excellent idea. Going first is such a burden at times, isn't it? Very well, let's start things for them. Honoured guests -- in thanks for the entertainment you shall be providing this court tonight, I shall provide the first tale myself!" A hearty cheer rings out from around the room. "Now, now... I thank you for your enthusiasm, but you should really wait until the story is done to determine whether it was worthy of it. Now what sort of tale should I tell, hmm? Are there any requests?" |
| #479zombiegleemaxMay 24, 2005 8:43:39 | Thref opens his mouth to speak a suggestion, but catches sight of Badiat for a moment, and thinks better of it, clicking his mouth shut again. .oO(Oh, but for the fall of the proud) |
| #480codrianMay 27, 2005 2:28:54 | .oO(They don't meet too many members of other races, apparently.) Slowly stands up and is reminded of Vareanin's presence as the bird digs its feet to his shoulder to stay stable. Fights to keep his face neutral and not wince from pain. .oO(I need to get a leather patch sewn to that shoulder.) Sees that Thref's about to speak, so stays silent. |
| #481zombiegleemaxJun 02, 2005 20:30:00 | Thref stands as well, waiting to hear the Emir's tale. |
| #482shatteredtowerJun 08, 2005 15:09:17 | There is a clamor of requests on all sides, which seems to put the Amir in a jovial mood. Words are exchanged around the throne, unheard through the din, before he finally raises his hands in a stilling motion. When the crowd has quieted, he speaks, Badiat translating his every word. "It's only fitting I begin our round of storytelling with one of our oldest tales. I shall speak, then, of the First Words." The subject meets with great cheering from the djinn. "In the time before all time, there was only the Great Mother, alone in the Void. No one has ever known such isolation in the times since, but though it caused her unimaginable suffering, we must be thankful for it -- for without it, we would never have come to be. Give thanks to Ordemetrex the Mother, whose will shapes all of Creation." There is a respectful pause before the story resumes. |
| #483shatteredtowerJun 12, 2005 0:34:19 | Raising his eyes to his audience once more, the amir continues his tale. "The Great Mother, upon first realizing her loneliness, denied it. No emotion could hold Her captive, and none ever will! When at last it became too much to bear, She cried out Her desire to be free of it, and thus the winds were born to carry it throughout the Void. And to this day, the wind still cherishes freedom above all things, roaming where it pleases. "But though the winds raced all across the void, they could find no one to answer our Mother's call. Ordemetrex knew then that only She could bring about the change She desired and so set Herself to the task. Speaking once more unto the Void, She uttered but a single word: 'Here.' "Thus did the earth came into being, the clay from which She has since shaped so much of Her creation. However, when it first came to be, it was a lifeless thing. This brought our Mother grief, and for the first time, She wept, great tears to rival the lakes of the mortal realm. "Once again she spoke a word, a very special word, the word at the the heart of all miracles and wishes. And what do you think that word was?" The amir sits quietly, beaming as if in anticipation of an answer -- yet none of the djinn speak. |
| #484zombiegleemaxJun 12, 2005 8:25:52 | Once again, Thref opens his mouth, as if to respond, then thinks better of it. If the djinn who have heard this tale before are not answering, it is probably not a good idea for him to do so. |
| #485codrianJun 12, 2005 9:25:31 | .oO(That depends on whom you ask. And not knowing exactly how they think here of that, it's best I stay silent. There's too much stake here to upset everything by a careless answe- OOWW... Vareanin!) Jerks to side a bit suddenly as Vareanin unexpectedly shifts on his shoulder. |
| #486shatteredtowerJun 13, 2005 19:23:36 | "Please," the amir says, letting the word hang there in the silence for a few moments before he continues. "One may wonder who She made this request to, but that is the secret to making a true wish -- the power comes from the request and the will to make it so." Several djinn nod while others frown as if trying to absorb a difficult lesson. "Thus was Lord Agathalos born, his light awakening life into His Mother's creation for the first time. His smile carried across the winds and they knew themselves for the first time. It shone upon the fields -- but alas, His warmth never reached the heart of the world, planting the seeds of tragedy that was to come." The amir pauses again, allowing his subjects time to politely affect sorrow in response. |
| #487shatteredtowerJun 15, 2005 0:27:53 | "But those first days were a joyful time! Agathalos tended to the world and its first people, sharing the fruits of their labour at His Mother's table each night. Joyous times indeed... until the orcs became discontented with their lot. "'Why should we till the earth for our bread?' they asked one another. 'There must be an easier way than this!' "But when they brought the matter before Lord Agathalos, he just smiled and said, 'My children, these are lessons you must eventually learn for yourselves.' The orcs didn't understand. All they saw was how much time it took for them to do the work and how easy everything seemed when their master did it. So they plotted in secret, beneath the earth... "...And the earth, it is said, heard every word." |
| #488shatteredtowerJun 17, 2005 11:26:46 | The amir pauses again at this juncture, looking very sombre. "I shall not speak of what happened next, for it is too terrible to relate. It is sufficient to say only that the orcs lured Lord Agathalos underneath the earth for the first time in His existence, where He was imprisoned in an effort to force His secrets from Him. "Such folly could not long go unpunished, of course. When Agathalos did not return at the expected time, Ordemetrex immediately started a search for Him. She commanded the winds to find him and we rose to obey! She likewise spoke to the earth and waters and they too moved to carry out Her will. "Yet Agathalos was not to be found on the wind, though we were relentless in our search beneath the sky, nor even in the deepest seas. Nor did the earth reveal His whereabouts -- but not because He was not to be found within. No! It turned out that those charged to search the earth strayed quickly from their task, entranced by the wealth available to their appetites. How they gorged themselves! How Lord Agathalos' suffering was prolonged because of this!" |
| #489zombiegleemaxJun 21, 2005 7:55:24 | Thref listens to the tale spun by the Amir, comparing it to the stories he had heard growing up, and those delivered by the temple. |
| #490codrianJun 21, 2005 11:19:41 | .oO(I don't think most versions have it exactly like this. In fact I'm quite certain there is nothing so specific about gluttony in what most priests know.) |
| #491shatteredtowerJun 22, 2005 11:48:20 | The elements received little mention in the creation myths Threfdil and Codrian have heard, and they were not so personified as this. "This is not to say they did not find him, however. In truth, he was found very soon after the search began, but those who discovered him... changed. They had never experienced the warmth of His light before and It captivated them the way appetite enslaved others of their kind. They feared that this treasure would be taken away again if it was discovered. So they kept the orcs' secret, even going so far as to destroy any others of their kind who came too close. "But what they had done could not be kept a secret from their Mother forever. And when She found them, all the world trembled, for Her anger was as nothing seen before or since. "'Why did you go against My will?' She asked the earth children and they offered her many fearful excuses for the poor quality of their service. But those who had kept Agathalos hidden were defiant and spoke as one. "'You denied us His presence until you lost Him! How could we return Him to You, knowing we would never know this warmth again?'" The amir pauses, allowing several members of his audience time to display signs of shock and outrage. This appears to be mainly for show, though the sentiments seem genuine. |
| #492codrianJun 22, 2005 12:12:41 | Blinks slowly, and then again. .oO(I... I...) |
| #493shatteredtowerJun 26, 2005 13:42:52 | "Mother Ordemetrex's outrage became as an inferno. The orcs fled, but the earth children held their ground even as it grew hotter and hotter. They knew what was at stake and who they faced, but still they would not back down. "'You have taken that which is Mine,' she charged them as the heat warped their forms. 'I do not fault your brethren, for they are as I made them. Had you behaved as they do, Agathalos would have been returned to me long ago and your reward would have been great indeed. Instead, you shall become the very thing you desired, and I shall give you to my new son, Kakkodemmion, so that you may keep him warm. You who enslaved My elder son shall forever be as slaves to the younger.' "And it was as She said. The Efreet were born, children of earth remade into the children of fire, pressed into the service of Kakkodemmion. In time He would shape them into something greater and it would fall to us to stop them, -- but that is another tale and I shall not relate it today." The amir rises from his throne to acknowledge the applause of his guests. As it dies down, it is replaced by requests from among the audience to be allowed to tell the next tale and the competition begins in earnest. Codrian, Threfdil, and Tagg are treated to several stories, each highlighting the storyteller's cleverness and skill in spectacular (and often boastful) fashion. As the fourth such tale is drawing to a close, Badiat leans down close to Threfdil and his companions and murmurs, "We will take our turn after this next tale, little one. Are you ready?" |
| #494zombiegleemaxJun 27, 2005 9:47:13 | Thref nods to Badiat. "As ready as Oi'll ever be." |
| #495codrianJun 27, 2005 11:24:48 | Nods slowly. I'm ready. |
| #496shatteredtowerJun 27, 2005 13:35:59 | Badiat nods and begins leading the others toward the amir's throne. As the next tale draws to a close, she kneels. Words are exchanged between her and the throne in the curious tongue of the djinn use and then Badiat speaks in the Common tongue. "My lord, this halfling and his companions have come far on a great quest that I felt might be of interest to you. Please, will you allow him to relate his tale before this audience?" The amir nods and gestures graciously toward Threfdil. |
| #497zombiegleemaxJul 05, 2005 16:16:05 | Thref moves himself to a position where he is sure that as may of the djinn as possible can see him, but is careful not to go too high towards the amir. Before he speaks, he presents a bow to the amir, the turns partway towards the assembled host, and after a second to compose his thoughts, begins to speak in Celestial. [Celestial] "My Lord Amir, Assembled Djinn, I pray the honor of your ears this fine day, for I have a tale to relate. A tale wrought with hope, joy, friendship, loss, and pain. I pray you forgive me in advance for any emotions that come through, for as you will come to learn, these are beyond my control. I come to tell you the tale of myself, called Threfdil Proudfoot, Paladin of Lord Agathalos, and my loyal companion Honor. It is a fairly long tale, so I ask your patience. I received my calling early in life to follow Lord Agathalos. While the tales of his creation that I heard growing up do not compare to your own faithfully, I give to you that it is still a noble calling, one that a very select few ever find themselves following. It has not been an easy path for myself. Difficulties plagued me through my life, and one notable instance, which is a tale for another day, haunts me still, as I try to decide if I did the right thing. I go into this, as it is the beginning of my tale. I reside in a place known as Garic's City, a relatively large community. It is surrounded by a number of smaller communities, and it was as I was traveling between Garic's City and one of these smaller ones that the tale begins. I had been having doubts about my calling, about whether or not I was truly one of Lord Agathalos' most righteous servants. I had recently taken it upon myself to mete out punishment to a villain that the city was hunting, but who had not committed the crimes for which he was wanted. This had merited some punishment to my person, and as I wandered outside the city following this, I called upon my lord. 'O Lord Agathalos', I cried in the common tongue of the land. 'Help me to see the light. Have I erred too far in this latest event, or have you the power to help me with my doubts and see me through this troubled time?' I never expected the answer I would receive. As I traveled, I came across a young bear, barely into its adulthood. It had been caught in some bushes, and was effectively trapped in place. Carefully, I approached it, not knowing that it was the start of a new life for two creatures. As slowly I approached, the bear and I drew upon each other's strength. Finally, I was close enough to free it, and it went back into the wild, looking back at me just before it vanished. I moved on, joy in my heart as I completed this good deed. Thref has to pause here, as tears have begun to flow. He wipes them off, then continues. In the outlying community, I finished my journey's task, and started home. As I was making camp that night, I was startled by an unexpected visitor. A bear stared at me from beyond the fire. I stared back, and as the time passed, I became more and more certain that this was the same creature I had saved from the bushes earlier. I passed into an uneasy sleep, unsure of the bear's intentions as it continued to watch me. I was awoken some time later by the sounds of a scuffle. Some hobgoblins had come across my camp site in the night, and had presumed an easy target. But lo, the bear had defended me. I rose quickly, and went to its aid. Together we dispatched the vile creatures. I noticed the bear was severely injured at that point, and brought it back to the fire. Calling upon Agathalos' might, I healed its gravest injuries, and as it slept by the fire that night, most of the rest of them healed as well. The next dawn, the creature was still there. I shared my breakfast with it, and set out. It followed me, however, so I began to talk to it. Much to my surprise, I found that I could vaguely sense its thoughts. I had heard of such creatures coming to the aid of Lord Agathalos' servant, but never expected to find one of my own. I named him Honor, as he truly was an Honor to have with me, and we became inseperable. Here, a longer pause ensues. Thref is finally able to control his sobs enough to continue, though hiccups and the occasional snuffle mar the rest of his words. Our journeys together span some three years on my world, through which a number of adventures occured, few of which relate to my current tale. Through this time, Honor and I grew closer. I don't think that any other creature, save for perhaps Lord Agathalos himself, has ever been closer to my heart than Honor. Each of us saved the other's life multiple times on these journeys, yet we continued on. We shared warmth on cold winter nights. We shared water on hot summer days. We shared the berries of the land, the fish of the rivers, and shelter of the caves. Such a friendship, I never expected to have, and do not thing another could ever compare. One of these journeys, however, found Honor and myself accompanying Codrian here, who now becomes a somewhat central part of this tale. We developed a rapport on that first adventure, to such point that when he needed help on a new mission, he asked if Honor and I would accompany him. I consulted with my loyal companion, as I usually did, and found that the mission pleased him. Or at least the way I described it did. So we ventured out with Codrian. There was a vile druid, consorting with the evil side of nature, who had kidnapped some people from a nearby settlement. We set out to find this druid, and end his vilifications. We were easily able to find where his lair was, but it took some more time to find the beast himself. When we did, he was accompanied by a wolf of such stature that I don't think I'll ever forget it. Honor and this beast launched themselves at one another with abandon after combat began. Combat in the name of Lord Agathalos was always glorious when Honor was with me, but on this day, tragedy was to fall. For though I could sense him emotions, the attack was unexpected from either of us. The beast was able to break through the defenses of Honor, and a clamp on the throat of my companion was all it took. I felt a last sadness from him as he faded from view, my companion of these last few years. Another pause occurs, but Thref maintains his composure for the most part. He can be seen muttering to himself slightly, his eyes closed, but he remains upright. He swallows a few times before opening his eyes and continuing. We eliminated that threat, and returned to Garic's City. I was downhearted, for my most loved friend was gone, seemingly beyond my reach. I was inconsolable. Though I have heard that those who lose the mounts given to them by Lord Agathalos, this was not an option for me. If Honor was gone, I would have no other. Sadly, however, my old doubts and questions of faith began to return with him missing. I considered performing some deeds that need not be mentioned in civilized company such as this. Then, a light came from the end of a long, dark, tunnel. There was hope remaining. If I could find the place where Honor had returned to when he passed from my plane; if I could journey there, I could put him to rest and say a proper good-bye. There was even a chance that I could return him to life, return my good and trusted friend to me. I looked into this, and found that a quest was to be undertaken to do so. I asked Codrian to aid me in this, and pulled a pair of other companions as well, for I knew not how dangerous this land would be. Our journey brought us across a vast desert, where we carried firewood for a man we barely knew. I did this task with little hesitation; this man could direct us to Honor's resting place. He led us to a lake. There he bade us swim across, but not drink the water. An island in the middle would hold the answers we sought. Once on the island, we found a buried temple of sorts, the walls of which held riddles. As we solved the riddles, we called unto us a being who promised she would aid us, but at a cost. A ritual was to be undertaken. A ritual that could prove deadly if not taken seriously. She would only transport us to the proper lands if I would agree to this ritual, as otherwise, the journey would be impossible. A ritual that amplifies the emotions I hold towards Honor. I underwent this ritual, performing as I was required to perform. She then transported us to an island on this land. Once here, I could feel the direction I needed to travel. I could feel Honor. His resting place calls to me, even now. Even as I speak, I can point my hand directly at him. A quest that needs completion... Thref points in the direction Honor lies. He pauses for a few seconds as he ponders the adventure before him. Tears threaten to well up once more, but he fights them off, remembering that he is in the middle of a tale. We expored the island that we had landed on, and discovered no mode of transportation. Unfamiliar with this land, we set out to build a raft, anticipating a long journey ahead of us. Finding that we had no way to control the raft, we pleaded with some creatures we discovered on the island, lantern-like beings that seemed quite odd to me, to find a method and return it to us. They did so, warning us that the djinn who gave it to them would request payment. We set out on our journey, but it wasn't long before the lantern's warnings came true. The noble djinn Badiat presented herself before us. Our interactions with her are but a side note to this tale, but suffice it to say that through those interactions, I am here giving you this tale. It is with regret that I must end the telling here. This tale is not yet complete, yet it was the one I was requested to tell. We seek still for the resting place of my friend, companion, and mount. We seek still for the closure of this loss, and a finalization of the ritual I undertook. We seek still for a return of joy, happiness, and friendship. We seek still for a return of confidence and companionship. Until then, the feelings of loss are nearly overwhelming. I ask that you understand these emotions, and I hope that my tale has done well by these in the telling. Most noble Amir, I thank you for the privelege of speaking before you. We would move on in my quest soon, however, for I feel I may have toiled here too long. We would not refuse the hospitality given to us, but I would ask that any part I have in these celebrations be ended soon so that I may move on my quest. Thank you for your time. I hope my tale has pleased you, listeners." [/Celestial] Thref bows once more, and moves back down from the height he stood at to be beside Badiat once again. He has told the tale, and now he breaks down, as quietly as he can. Collapsing to the ground, the tears flow freely for a few minutes, as all the emotions that he held back while telling the tale wash over him. The pain of loss, the emotions that are more visible while under the effects of the ritual. He does his best to cry quietly, but occasionally, an anguished sob escapes from his lips. He finally recovers, blows his nose on a handkerchief, wipes the tears with the back of his hand, and stands up. Apologies for the long silence. It took me a while to get this to the point that I liked it. |
| #498codrianJul 05, 2005 16:30:33 | While Thref tells the story, tries to measure how well the audience receives it. .oO(It would be mightily useful to actually know this language... I should've used that spell to help me, but it's not an option now. I would slap my forehead now if I could.) Crouches by Thref when he collapses and helps him up eventually. Then looks at Badiat and then at the amir. |
| #499shatteredtowerJul 12, 2005 22:57:38 | No one speaks in the moments following Threfdil's heartfelt tale, as if hesitant to continue the entertainment after this. It falls to the amir to break the silence, speaking in the common tongue for the sake of his guests. "Would I be correct in assuming that one of you," he says, gesturing to Codrian and Tagg, "is Codrian?" "Uh... that would be him," Tagg says, nervously glancing about as if ready to bolt at the first sign of danger. "I... see," the amir says. "And you are...?" "Uh... Tagg, sir. Sire." "Tagg. Well then, Tagg, where you there when Honor fell?" "Uh, no, sire. I just... they just needed help, so I came." "I... see. How commendable. I believe your friend Threfdil mentioned a third companion. As he does not have any tears to spare for that fellow, may I assume that he is safe somewhere else?" "Uh... yes... sire. He, uh... that is, we left mules back home when we came here, so he went back to look after them." "Will he be rejoining you?" "I, uh, don't think so, sire. I don't think he could find us now even if he could get back here." "Perhaps it is for the best then. Three is a good number, if the three are unified in their aims." Tagg merely nods and the amir turns to Codrian. "Codrian..." he says, drawing the name out as he speaks, "perhaps you could tell us more about the events that lead to Honor's fall. I would hear more of this remarkable bear." Looking to the sobbing Threfdil, he carefully adds, "But let us not prolong your friend's suffering more than is necessary to do so, hmm?" |
| #500codrianJul 13, 2005 5:01:09 | Uhm... yes. Pats Thref on shoulder and takes few steps forward. .oO(Have to keep it short.) Ahem. I'll start from the beginning of that tale. Quite much earlier than when Threfdil and some others were with me to battle the druid, I was contacted by Jackals, who are a group of knights and soldiers working for the lords of Garic's City. Some thieves had stolen valuable items from city's palace and Jackals needed some help to catch those thieves. As I had previously worked with Jackals, they asked me to help. I agreed. We, I and two of Jackals, tracked the thieves to a woods some distance from the city. Once there we encountered first creatures of undeath, before we were captured by the druid. It appeared that we had stumbled into a fight for power between two persons, both evil to the core. On one side was the druid, Benelvir, who was twisting nature to meet his evil ends, while on the other side was a necromancer named Patkifen who was raising his army of skeletons and zombies. One of my Jackal companions was killed when we captured and our situation seemed bleak as well. Then, Benelvir got the idea that we might be of some use to him and sent us to fight the necromancer. Saying no would've meant death and probably joining his ranks of creatures made to be half-plants or something like that. Takes a small pause and then continues the story. We confronted the necromancer and were able to beat him, but this cost the life of my other Jackal compatriot. I managed to sneak out of there and make my way back to the city, woving that I would return to battle Benelvir and his hound, Geahn, for the deaths he had caused. Yes, I was motivated by want of vengeance, but I'd seen too many deaths to happen while the evil went on. Some time after I had returned to the city, I gathered a group of friends and acquitances to help me in returning to those woods. Knowing where to go, it didn't take us too long to find Benelvir's underground den, and eventually confront Benelvir himself. The fight was confusing, but eventually the druid fell. And so did Geahn, a hound bigger than I had ever seen before. Maybe it had been touched by druid's magics to make it more powerful. I was personally fighting Benelvir and thus only got to know after the fight that once again someone who had been with us had fallen. Naturally I wanted to help Threfdil with this venture, as it was my desire to avenge earlier deaths that resulted this one. After that remains silent. |
| #501shatteredtowerJul 13, 2005 8:01:18 | "I see," says the amir thoughtfully. "It is unfortunate that you did not have the same opportunity to restore your previous companions to life, as you do Honor." Codrian can sense a question hanging in the air behind that sentence. (OoC: So can Threfdil, if he wishes and doesn't feel too preoccupied with his grief to notice.) |
| #502codrianJul 13, 2005 11:20:34 | .oO(Well, they probably could've been brought back with help of a high priest, if their souls had wanted that.) Uh... yes, that is very regrettable... Situation with them was different, though. For there are, as I understand, prayers that can reach a soul of the fallen and if this soul is willing to bring it back to our normal land. Priests with the strongest connection to... ahem, selected deity can perform this sort of prayer but it requires a large quantity of valuable items. Takes a deep breath. So, I'm afraid I just couldn't amass this needed wealth for a priest to say such prayer. |
| #503shatteredtowerJul 14, 2005 22:11:40 | "I see," says the amir. "Then it would appear that Threfdil has been granted a very rare opportunity and we have been privileged to hear of it." He confers quietly with several attendants while murmurs rise from among the crowd. |
| #504shatteredtowerJul 17, 2005 2:03:45 | The room quiets as the amir stands before speaking again. "We shall hear another tale. Who would like to go next?" It takes a minute before one of the djinn steps reluctantly forward to resume the talespinning, but the event regains its equilibrium soon afterward. Threfdil and the others can see that Badiat is also anxious to know how the halfling's tale fared, but her amir seems determined to give everyone a chance to be heard before making a decision. |
| #505zombiegleemaxJul 17, 2005 7:45:09 | Thref calms himself down slowly, as the tales continue. He catches his breath, and tries to pay attention, though the occasional sob still comes through. He nods at Codrian and Tagg, thanking them for their support. |
| #506shatteredtowerJul 17, 2005 15:57:51 | Hours later, when the storytelling has obviously come to an end, Amir Essafah ibn Nabil and his attendents gather to confer. Conversations break out all across the room while the djinn wait on their amir's ruling, though Badiat remains quiet and tense. And then the amir not only stands, but rises into the air, floating above the audience. Four of his guard trail along to surround him, none flying quite so high. Badiat's breath catches as the group drifts in her direction. The others can see her swallow as the amir addresses her in the Common Tongue. "A clever choice, daughter of Maneira. The halfling's need is absolutely genuine -- of this, we have no doubt. Of his resolve there is no question either, and he is to be commended for his patience here today. The telling was a bit rough in places, but that is to be allowed for when it is one's own tale that is being related. A fine performance, Threfdil Proudfoot." He pauses, giving the others time to consider his words. |
| #507shatteredtowerJul 17, 2005 21:27:12 | "And yet such things alone are not sufficient to make this a great story," Amir Essafah ibn Nabil continues, "not yet. One would be remiss in refusing to offer the storyteller assistance in reaching his goal, but the story itself is not yet sufficiently polished to match other offerings received this day." Badiat's shoulders slump ever so slightly in defeat. |
| #508codrianJul 18, 2005 2:31:44 | Looks down at his feet. .oO(What he should've done then? We're not bards. I guess it's back to paddling the raft then.) |
| #509zombiegleemaxJul 18, 2005 8:50:06 | Thref tries his best, but is unable to let his impatience get the best of him. [Celestial] "I am sorry that my tale did not win for my host. But now that my part here is done, I would request that we be set upon our path once more." Manners do get the best of him, though, so he adds... "Unless there is something else you wish of us?" [/Celestial] |
| #510shatteredtowerJul 18, 2005 11:18:24 | "I was not quite finished, little one," the amir replies amiably, letting the sentence hang in the air to draw out the suspense. "Judged solely on the aforementioned merits, others tales we've heard would surpass it. However, this one possesses one additional element that makes it shine above the rest. We were not merely told a story. We have been granted the opportunity to become part of it -- and as a wise and benevolent ruler, it would not do for me to refuse such a gracious gift." Badiat's gasp is audible even above the rising murmur of the crowd. The amir raises his voice so that he might continue to be heard. "Therefore, Badiat, daughter of Maneira, we place you in the service of Threfdil Proudfoot until such time as he has finished his quest, after which you will return here. After all..." He drifts down to her, smiling kindly. "...there can be no wedding without the bride." There is a brief calm as word carries through the hall, after which the cheers and thundrous applause rise to a deafening level. |
| #511shatteredtowerJul 19, 2005 11:17:44 | When the chaos has died down and the amir departed, Badiat kneels before Threfdil. Despite the gesture of submission, she still towers above the halfling. "The wishes of my..." Badiat hesitates but a second on the next word. "--my amir shall be carried out at once. I am yours to command, Threfdil Proudfoot. Name your desire and I shall do my utmost to see it come to pass." |
| #512codrianJul 20, 2005 2:54:28 | Blinks, and then smiles. .oO(I was wrong, Thref did convince them.) Alarmed by all the sudden noise, Vareanin takes to his wings and escapes to circle above the crowd. |
| #513zombiegleemaxJul 20, 2005 8:24:39 | "Uh... Well, Oi guess tha first order o' business would be gettin' us as close ta where 'Onor lies as possible. Cin ye 'elp with that, me lady?" Thref is obviously flustered a bit by the recent events. |
| #514shatteredtowerJul 24, 2005 22:24:08 | "Done!" Badiat proclaims, and it is as though the palace has become a forest, with the crowds dissolving into the greenery. Birdsong fills the air, but it is as no sound the trio has ever heard a bird make before, as though someone had conveyed the idea of harmony and choruses to several avian species. But Threfdil barely notices even that. Honor is close now, so very close... There! Not thirty feet from where he stands, there-- No. The skull and other bones could be that of a bear, but it could just as easily be the clean-picked skeleton of some other large animal, for all the halfling knows of such things. Nevertheless, Threfdil is certain that this is what remains of Honor. |
| #515codrianJul 25, 2005 2:47:31 | Stumbles a bit as their surroundings suddenly change. .oO(Whoa!) |
| #516zombiegleemaxJul 25, 2005 8:43:14 | Thref stumbles a bit, and moves over to what remains of Honor. He kneels at the bones, and breaks into sobs for a few minutes. When he finally recovers, he turns to Badiat again. "Me lady. Before we continue, Oi would like to apologize for me behavior earlier. It was uncalled for on me part. Having met your amir, and experienced his kindness 'n' generosity, Oi cin see why ye would wish ta marry 'im. With that bein' said, is it within yer power ta restore loife ta me companion 'ere?" |
| #517shatteredtowerJul 25, 2005 13:58:34 | Badiat acknowledges Threfdil's words with a half-bow. "As it is your will, it is within my power." And before their eyes, bones realign and a body forms around them. For a moment, the bear is still, but Threfdil can sense life. Then, with a snort, Honor opens his eyes, radiating confusion out to the halfling as he wakes. "It is not difficult for me to anticipate what you will ask of me now, Threfdil Proudfoot," Badiat offers, "but before you do, I first request that each of you accept a personal token of my appreciation." |
| #518zombiegleemaxJul 26, 2005 10:08:49 | "Oi will most graciously accept such a token. Oi do 'ave one more request though, prior to the one ye no doubt are expectin'. Oi would loike ta attend the weddin' o' ye and the amir, if'n that is at all possible. Oi would think such an event is not to be missed." |
| #519taggiivJul 26, 2005 12:58:45 | Tagg's expression goes from stages of curiosity, relief, and happiness as Honor is restored. Eventually it settles on curious again as he watches it with his eyes, wondering its actual condition. .oO(Well, that's certainly a relief, seeing Honor is well. Alive, at least, I am not sure if he is well actually...) .oO(Hm, I wonder what kind of wedding is customary in this world? And what kind of token? Ah well, it is likely to be pleasant, I am sure.) Tagg's head is full of questions, but for fear of sounding ingracious or rude, he simply nods next to Threfdil. |
| #520codrianJul 27, 2005 2:00:43 | .oO(Quite amazing. I wonder, are the residents of this place able to shape the reality around them with far more ease than us who live in normal world?) Wanders to stand where Honor previously was. .oO(It might be just their kind. But, what determines what they can or can't change?) Looks upwards to the sky. Thank you. |
| #521shatteredtowerJul 31, 2005 22:18:36 | "Oh!" says the djinn, looking embarrassed. "I humbly ask that you pardon my lack of courtesy. Your attendance would be most welcome. I cannot take us home right away, so I suggest you make yourselves comfortable and get some rest in the meantime. However, before I forget, there are gifts for each of you." Badiat draws a ring from one finger and presents it to Codrian. "May this keep you safe from harm." Removing a chain and bone amulet from around her neck, she holds it out for Tagg. "Wear this, and your hide shall be as tough as the leopard's." Finally, she retrieves a clear gemstone from a pouch and delicately hands it to Threfdil. "If you crush this stone, a creature of air will appear and assist you. Its power is great, but it can only be summoned once and for a very short time at that -- a minute at most, probably a bit less. Unless you speak the language of the wind, however, I'd recommend using it only in battle or other circumstances in which the problem should be obvious to the creature. It is quite strong, but none too intelligent." |
| #522taggiivJul 31, 2005 22:55:56 | Tagg accepts the amulet, and admires for a moment it in his hands. Putting it over his neck, he bows to the djinn. "Thank you for the gifts, Badiat. ...And the free trip. ...And restoring Honor. Ehh..." Tagg takes a step back. .oO(I hope they dont do wedding gifts here, I don't know what we could get to make up for all of this.) |
| #523zombiegleemaxAug 01, 2005 8:47:00 | "Oi thank ye fer the gift. 'N fer yer 'elp. But now...Oi think rest is a wonderful oidea. Oi've not 'ad much in the last...'owever long it was." Thref carefully pockets the gem, protecting it as best as he can, and then goes over to Honor. Patting his friend gently, he spends the time to remove his armor, then lays on the ground beside the bear, and is soon asleep. How is Threfdil feeling now? The side effects of the ritual still there or not? |
| #524zombiegleemaxAug 01, 2005 23:07:17 | "Rest well, we return in the morning." Badiat nods genially, and settles herself on some bracken. A pleasing scent rises from the vegetation as she stretches out. Honor gazes around at the strange surroundings, then snuffles Threfdil's hair, sneezing when he encounters the scented oils. The halfling feels his breath coming easily in his chest, his sense of well-being increasing steadily from the moment he reached his friend's remains. Threfdil is back to normal, aside from lack of sleep. |
| #525codrianAug 02, 2005 4:29:59 | "Thank..." .oO(...you.) Is left holding the ring while others collapse to sleep. .oO(You should've given this to Thref, though. Well, that can wait until later.) Puts the ring into his pocket and sits down against tree's trunk. Drifts off few minutes later. |
| #526zombiegleemaxAug 09, 2005 13:04:59 | After sleeping soundly, Badiat rises and stretches. She looks around at the group, amiably tossing an acorn at the snoring Tagg. "Come, let us return! There is much to be done!" |
| #527zombiegleemaxAug 17, 2005 19:09:08 | Thref stands and stretches. Suddenly afraid it was a dream, he turns to see Honor standing and shaking himself off. Scritching the big bear behind the ears, Thref prepares himself for the coming day, ensuring his armor is shining before getting help putting it on. |
| #528codrianAug 18, 2005 16:49:53 | Yawns. .oO(I wonder how long we've been here. What time of the day it's supposed to be? Morning? Or something else?) Looks around. .oO(Vareanin, where are you?) |
| #529zombiegleemaxAug 18, 2005 16:53:18 | Badiat waits for the group with thinly disguised impatience. |
| #530codrianAug 18, 2005 17:07:50 | Stands up and tries to see where the nutcracker is. Mumbles. Where have you flown now. Few moments later feels bird's presence once again. .oO(Ah, sleepyhead. Come, we need to get going. I have food for you. Though, I wouldn't say no to something to eat myself either.) Slaps dust off his clothes. I'm ready to go. [OOC: Didn't we leave most of our stuff behind as we came to this place directly from the storytelling audience, where we had dressed to loan-clothes?] |
| #531zombiegleemaxAug 20, 2005 20:02:00 | Gathering the group together, Badiat once again leads them in cloudlike manner back to the floating city. I will take you first to the baths, that you may refresh yourselves. Garlands and baskets of flowers adorn the city, as the populace prepares for the coming festivities. As the citizens see the djinn return, with the paladin and his bear, cheers and congratulations ring out. Badiat smiles and nods in response. They reach the baths, and she promises to return for Threfdil and his companions. There is no rush, I must prepare myself as well. Enjoy! |
| #532codrianAug 21, 2005 3:15:59 | Looks around at the baths. .oO(No food. Do they eat?) |
| #533zombiegleemaxAug 26, 2005 7:21:10 | Thref, in an obviously better mood, looks around at the surroundings. "Well, Oi suppose we ought ta get ready, doncha?" He suits his words by shedding his armor and heading for one of the baths, scritching Honor on the head as he goes by. |
| #534zombiegleemaxAug 26, 2005 19:40:12 | As the young men clean themselves, attended courteously by the staff, low tables are brought in and placed on a raised area. Steaming teapots, dishes of honeyed dates, platters of cookies, fruits and soft rolls are heaped on the tables. It will be some time before the feasting begins, and Lady Badiat says you have not yet broken your fast. Please, eat your fill. Ah, will your bear require a bath, or food? |
| #535codrianAug 28, 2005 13:38:43 | Sits down by one of the tables. Thanks. Gathers a plateful of food for himself. .oO(Very good. And now to hoping these came from something natural... magical food has tendency to be separated from reality - at least in taste.) |
| #536taggiivAug 28, 2005 16:20:47 | Tagg nods at the host. He puts together a plate of food and settles himself at the table. As he starts to eat, he is relieved that the food preparation is not much different here than at home. Biting into a roll, he turns to Codrian. "Good thing they have to eat over here too, eh? Or, at least, know how to prepare food for us..." |
| #537zombiegleemaxAug 29, 2005 8:32:52 | "Ah, 'e could certainly use some food. As fer the bath, 'E prefers the natural waters, but Oi think we could make an exception this toime. Thank ye kindly." Thref goes about making himself a plate of food. |
| #538zombiegleemaxSep 05, 2005 9:47:47 | The servant, hesitating a bit, attempts to encourage the bear to enter the bathing pool. Codrian, Tagg and Threfdil find a tempting variety of both hot and cold finger foods and beverages on the tables. Cushions are brought for them to sit on, and the strains of a lute emanate from a nearby room. |
| #539codrianSep 05, 2005 11:01:34 | Eats. After the feeling of hunger has vanished, stands up and wanders around in the room. How're you feeling, Thref? |
| #540zombiegleemaxSep 06, 2005 9:32:31 | Sees the servant trying to coax the bear into the water. "Oh, Oi'm sorry, me boyo. Oi didn' mean fer ye ta try ta get 'im in. Oi'll 'andle it once Oi've eaten. But thank ye jest the same." In response to Codrian. "Oi think Oi'll feel better after Oi've rested, but fer now, Oi'm jest foine." |
| #541codrianSep 08, 2005 5:39:25 | That's good. I wonder, how long we've been away. Time might be flowing here differently than back on normal world. |
| #542zombiegleemaxSep 08, 2005 9:21:13 | "Aye, Oi 'adn't thought of that. Oi 'ope it's not too long." Thref finishes his food, and moves to Honor, to bathe the bear. |
| #543codrianSep 08, 2005 13:08:36 | So do I. It wouldn't be too pleasant to return and find that over hundred years has passed. |
| #544zombiegleemaxSep 13, 2005 21:47:58 | Thref just nods, and continues to bathe Honor. The bear obviously doesn't like the water provided, but Thref's continuous talk calms him enough so the process is completed. Once that is done, he finishes cleaning himself and then waits for his hostess to return. |
| #545codrianSep 14, 2005 14:10:00 | Watches while Thref helps Honor to bathe. He doesn't like to be washed? |
| #546zombiegleemaxSep 15, 2005 8:09:10 | 'E prefers ta bathe in streams 'imself. Usually, Oi let 'im, but since 'e's bin dead 'n all, Oi kinda want ta do it. The bathtub is botherin' 'im, Oi think. |
| #547zombiegleemaxSep 18, 2005 17:01:22 | Emerging from the water, Honor vigorously shakes the moisture from his fur, sending spray across table, food, Tagg, Codrian and servants. The servants bear this stoically, and offer fresh towels to everyone. Shortly afterwards, they present the adventurers with clean clothing suitable to be worn to a royal wedding. Perhaps you'd like to join the festivities, now? I believe the guests are assembling... suggests the attendant. |
| #548zombiegleemaxSep 19, 2005 8:56:05 | "Yes, Oi think we would loike ta do that now. Thank ye kindly." Thref follows the attendants gladly, one hand on Honor's fur. |
| #549codrianSep 19, 2005 11:30:17 | After putting on the offered clothes, looks down. .oO(I feel somehow wrong wearing these gaudy clothes. Too much is too much.) Presses his palms together for a moment. .oO(But, for now it probably is better not to offend the djinn, they seem to be possessed with a great propensity for unpredictable and temperamental behaviour. And I do long to be back on normal land.) Looks at Thref and Tagg. Shall we go then? |
| #550zombiegleemaxSep 25, 2005 6:48:24 | With a shallow bow, and a sweeping arm gesture, the attendant indicates the door. He then leads the little group to a heavily festooned hall. The scent of fresh jasmine nearly overwhelms the senses, as every available protrusion from the walls serves as a hooking point for swoops and garlands of the flowering vines. Oh, yes, I'd forgotten that Lady Badiat prefers jasmine, he says, stifling a sneeze. Here, this balcony has been prepared for you. It was thought you'd be able to enjoy the entertainment more easily from here. If you wish to mingle, of course, you're not confined. The tightly-packed crowd of djinni shuffles aside just enough to make room for Threfdil, Codrian, Honor and Tagg to reach their balcony. Tables and cushions of appropriate sizes are waiting for them, and a steaming samovar is quickly brought. Honor groans softly and settles on a large cushion of chartreuse velour, ears flattening somewhat at the combination of music and crowd noise. The feast will be starting soon, but please, have some tea while you wait. |
| #551codrianSep 25, 2005 11:02:35 | .oO(Uh-oh... I think my nose just shut down. I can taste the smell. There's a limit to everything.) |
| #552zombiegleemaxSep 28, 2005 20:59:10 | Thref rubs his nose surreptitiously, and grins as Honor snorts at the smell. [Celestial] There, boy. You're awake again. Enjoy the smells. [/Celestial] Thref helps himself to some tea, then moves to a balcony, bringing a stool with him so he can see the proceedings easier. |
| #553zombiegleemaxOct 11, 2005 12:06:27 | A fanfare of trumpets sounds, nearly deafening the crowd, as the sultan and his bride-to-be enter the room. Flower petals sift down from the ceiling as they walk in near-pavane to the thrones and take their seats. Smiling broadly, the sultan waves to the assemblage, then claps his hands twice. A sustained chiming of zills heralds the arrival of dancers, brightly dressed, spinning to the center of the hall. The crowd shifts back, leaving an open space, laughing and applauding the dancers' arrival. Doumbeks and pipes join the zills, and the festivities are in full swing. Tables heaped with platters and bowls of food appear throughout the hall, including on the balcony with the paladin and his companions. |
| #554codrianOct 20, 2005 8:42:47 | Puts his hand down to take stuff from his coat pocket, but then remembers that he is now wearing the gaudy monstrosity of clothes. .oO(Shoot. Would've been good to put down something about this. Renna will love this part of the story, I'm sure.) Sits down and looks to the floor. .oO(How long we've been away?) |
| #555zombiegleemaxOct 27, 2005 13:59:25 | Thref moves to the table slowly, still watching the gathered crowd below. He takes some food from the table, presenting it to Honor before eating himself. "Oi wonder wha' the ceremony will be loike. Oi've never seen a weddin' o' those not of our world before. Do ya thin' we should o' brought gifts?" |
| #556zombiegleemaxNov 02, 2005 21:04:56 | The revelry continues unabated, until a tocsin announces the entry of two stout djinn carrying a rolled carpet. The din lowers to an excited confusion of whispers and giggles. The carpet is unrolled with a flourish in front of the thrones, and the king and his bride rise. Hand in hand, they step onto the carpet, which rises several feet into the air. Facing each other, Badiat and the king exchange their wedding vows as the crowd listens in utter silence. As the last words are spoken, the two exchange their crowns of living flowers, and the room erupts into cheering and applause. |
| #557codrianNov 05, 2005 11:09:00 | When Thref speaks, looks at halfling after he's finished. Huh? And when people start to applaud, follows the suit and applauds as well. |
| #558zombiegleemaxNov 06, 2005 21:08:11 | A djinn unobtrusively joins the group on their balcony, and gestures them near. It is time, now. See, we have your equipment for you, and now, we go. With an unsettling span of disorientation, the group find themselves in a wooded area. The light, scents and sounds all speak to their once again being in their own world. May you walk in the Light He sketches a bow, and departs in a breeze. |
| #559codrianNov 07, 2005 8:59:53 | Looks around bit dazed. Huh? And then at the pile of gear nearby. That was certainly fast. Any idea where we are now? |
| #560shatteredtowerNov 14, 2005 7:13:31 | Their surroundings are unfamiliar to both Tagg and Threfdil as well. Fortunately, there is a river nearby, and they follow it downstream until shortly past nightfall, when they find a village. After resting at the local inn, they are able to get directions and the provisions they'll need for the trip. Even with Tagg's able guidance, it's close to a fortnight before the band lay eyes once more on Garic's City. OoC: And with that, I draw this adventure to a close. The only thing that needs to be settled is the matter of Badiat's gifts, but you can ask about that when you look to have them identified. Otherwise, you are free to resume play within the regular city threads. |
| #561zombiegleemaxNov 15, 2005 19:16:34 | "Huh...that was sudden. Ah well." Thref spends the trip back getting back in touch with Honor. |