Author	Message
GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 118 Location: Erie, PA	Posted: April 19, 1990      Post subject: The Frontier #36
	The Frontier #36 Validar has mysteriously returned from the dead, and as per his nature, things have gotten real interesting! Spotting his killer, Wendy, Val makes a beeline towards, intent upon returning the favor. Finrod moves to intercept him. Icy stares and words are exchanged. Validar moves past Fin and Fin begins to cast a spell. Val is faster then he expected, hitting Fin with the flat of his blade, disrupting the spell. Following Cereld's guidance, the other Seekers move back to give the combatants room. Swordplay follows for several moments. The combatants seem evenly matched, neither side gaining an advantage. Their swords get tangled, and they struggle to free them. As this is happening, Wendy acts. She rushes towards the fighters. 'Stop this! There is no need...' And then fate intervenes. The warriors turn, their blades both point in Wendy's general direction. She trips over a small rock, falls forward, and impales herself on their blades. Virtually everyone is stunned by this event. Wendy falls to the ground, severely wounded. She mumbles some inaudible words and passes from this plane. A look of peace forever etched on her face. Val and Fin half-hearted attack each other, but are easily pulled apart by Stephanie and Blod. A few hours later, the Seekers break camp and hit the road. Based on the opinions of his companions, Cereld decides to continue to travel rather then hunt. The party makes good time, even though they are slowed by a few having to ride double. By mid-afternoon, you come to an obstacle. Coming over a hill, you come to a large valley. From this vantage point the entire valley can be seen. Strangely enough, the goblins trail goes around the valley. A small path does lead into the valley and it appears easy enough to navigate. Going around the valley probably delayed the goblins for a day. A visual inspection of the valley, you can see a large cave near the middle. No activity or creatures can be seen.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 119 Location: Erie, PA

Posted: April 19, 1990      Post subject: GM Notes

GM Notes: Now what? Take the long way or the short cut? I deliberately left what happens after the death of Wendy vague for you to resolve via posting. The trail of the goblins appears to be 3-4 weeks old. Thousands of the creatures walked the path. It appears that all the new players are now in. Here is a revised roster of the Army of Seekers. Characters with a * have gone up a level. Name Race Sex Class Level AC HP Araduin* Elf Male Mage 4 2 14 Arathron* Half-Elf Male Ranger 3 2 23 Arocken Elf Male Ranger 1 5 11 Bernice* Halfling Female Thief 2 6 14 Blod Human Male Fighter 1 5 9 Cereld Human Male Priest of Hieroneous 5 0 36 Dar Elf Male Priest/Ranger of Ehlonna 2/3 5 21 Demonslayer Elf Male Fighter/Mage 1/1 5 6 Eagle Human Male Priest of Hieroneous 1 3 7 Finrod Elf Male Fighter/Mage/Thief 3/3/4 2 22 Kaan* Human Male Bard 2 6 11 Kamreill Human Male Paladin 3 2 10 Rathin Human Male Thief 1 7 6 Stephanie Human Female Fighter 4 -2 43 Telinos Human Male Ranger 1 5 11 Valgirn Human Male Bard 1 3 6 Validar* Human Male Fighter 5 -2 42 Kaan is now able to learn MU spells. The Seekers have an open spell book policy and here is a list of spells to choose from. Kaan, you can select up to four of these. List the top ten choices that you would like to try to learn. I'll roll the dice and see which ones you can understand. Demonslayer, you can also add new spells to your own book from the following list. Again, list which ones you want to attempt to learn and I'll relay which ones you understand. Affect Normal Fires, Alarm, Armor, Burning Hands, Change Self, Charm Person, Color Spray, Comprehend Languages, Detect Magic, Enlarge, Friends, Gaze Reflection, Hold Portal, Identify, Light, Magic Missile, Mending, Mount, Phantasmal Force, Read Magic, Sleep, Tenser's Floating Disk, & Unseen Servant

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 119 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: Now here's what really happened. All during the time that Validar & Finrod were trading posts, they were also talking via Instant Messages as well. Basically they worked out how they wanted to resolve this situation and relayed it to me: Mail From: Panther13 Date: Wednesday 18-Apr-90 02:55 EDT Well, it looks like you missed all the action tonight. Something did happen after all. Here's what's going on: Fin and I are going to post our apparent actions on the board, but you need to know the whole story to write this. We decided that the only way to resolve this would be to have Finrod let Validar kill the wench, but without anyone else knowing he's letting me. So, we worked out that he would let me know his feelings through some actions and the battle would rage for a moment or two. I would knock Fin off-balance and kill Wendy, and then we would struggle some more and lock blades for a moment. That would give someone (Steph perhaps) the opportunity to step in and stop the whole thing. Later Fin and Validar will discuss the thing in private, much the same way we discussed it between players tonight. Well, what do you think? Mail From: SGT STONEY Date: Wednesday 18-Apr-90 03:03 EDT When Validar forces the issue, Finrod will scatter his sand as if to cast color spray, then curse, as if the spell failed. I will not try TOO hard to stop Val from killing Wendy, but will attack ferociously at Val's blade (much clanging and cursing) and not put up TOO much fight if the others break us up. All this assumes, of course, that Val read my nonverbal signals correctly, and is also making a good show of it... if not, I am dead meat. If so, and his first blow does not fell the wench, perhaps my sword could slip in the close quarters struggle, and help her along a little ... :)This is the best we could come up with. It requires that I trust him... I hope he doesn't screw me.--Jim Based on that, I wrote the post that everyone read. Sometimes what goes on behind the scenes is just as interesting as what is happening on camera!

Arathron Ranger Joined: 11 Dec 1989 Posts: 16 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: April 19, 1990      Post subject: Arathron
	Arathron I think we should go the short way, personally, I hate doing things longer, but i must go along with the leaders

Finrod Fasthand Servant of Steel Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 64 Location: By Stephanie's Side

Posted: April 20, 1990      Post subject: Finrod

Finrod As Steph pulls me away from Validar, and Blod does the same with my opponent, I put up only token struggle. Looking down at the Mage, her face so peaceful in death, and then at her blood staining my sword, an unreadable series of emotions pass across my face. My gaze locks once more with Validar's, but the fury is gone from my ice-blue eyes. After a moment I speak, quietly, and to Validar alone, as if only he and I exist in the entire world. "Perhaps it was for the best. May our blades never cross again. I am glad you are back... arrogant noble or not, you are a true companion, and a fierce foe." Turning my sword point-down, I drive the blade deep into the earth at my feet. Slowly, tentatively, I move forward, and extend my hand to Validar. When we arrive at the valley, I will advocate cutting across the short way. "No doubt the goblin leaders had their reasons for skirting this dell, but I think we had best make use of the opportunity to gain ground on them. After all, we are a much smaller group, and may hope to pass quickly and unnoticed through, while they had no such hope. Also, there are many things in this sphere that would be a threat to those of evil intent, but would offer no harm to champions of good such as ::sigh:: we must be, since we can no longer hope to claim Mercenary status, in light of our recent actions." "Then, too, we have an advantage of mobility that the goblin army lacked. It seems to me that we have many chances to make good by taking the shorter track, and few for coming to poor ends by it. Cereld, Steph, Val, I say we take the short cut. What say the three of you? And most especially you, Cereld, wise leader?"

Blod Warrior Joined: 01 April 1990 Posts: 6 Location: By Zynara's Side	Posted: April 20, 1990      Post subject: Help
	Blod "Me agree with Fin. We should go short way, but we better be extra careful. We might run into more flying turkeys or even worse..." To Validar, "Me glad to meet you, Vali..uh, Val...uh...You look like a man to me so I think Val is wrong name. Me call you Sir Clang." ::grin::

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 120 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: Sir Clang was one of many Blod-isms.

Eagle Priest of Heironeous Joined: 31 March 1990 Posts: 4 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: April 20, 1990      Post subject: Eagle
	Eagle Eagle looks at the path the goblins took and the short path, and with a sigh says "I vote for the short path, I didn't want to live that long anyway".

Cereld Priest of Heironeous Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 49 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: April 20, 1990      Post subject: Cereld

Cereld When Wendy falls on the two warriors swords, and the fighting is finally over, Cereld steps forward, "It appears that the all knowing and wise Heironeous has granted us his verdict in the fate of this girl. I believe it may be he who is also responsible for the return of our friend that we thought to be lost forever. Perhaps this is a sign from him that we have many important things in store for our fate, and we must be strong and united in order to meet the challenges we will face. Finrod, Validar, everyone, it is time to close all wounds and heal the sickness of disharmony. Together we stand strong, and can accomplish many great deeds. Divided we are but feeble reeds blowing loose in the wind. Now it is time to move on and deal with the tasks that mighty Heironeous may bestow upon us. Let us ride onward and stop this plague of goblins at Gateway, before it may enter the free realms beyond." *************************************** When it comes time to choose between the path through the valley and around, Cereld will listen to the words of his friends and respond; "I too feel that we must brave the valley in order to close the gap between us and the goblin army. They have a tremendous lead on us, and I fear that we may already be to late in our journey, but we must still try and reach Gateway as soon as possible in order to help defend its inhabitants. Although the valley may contain danger, as the lack of familiar animal noises suggests, we have no real choice in this matter. Let us be wary of yonder cave however. It has a rather ominous look about it and I feel that we would be much better if we did not find out if there are any inhabitants within."

Kamreill Paladin Joined: 06 April 1990 Posts: 4 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: April 20, 1990      Post subject: Kamreill
	Kamreill ::mutters insignificant prayer to Heironeous:: I say the Valley, even though it's against my better judgment. Evil ones might spot us from the tops of the valley, and might easily trap us.

Telinos Ranger Joined: 18 April 1990 Posts: 2 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: April 20, 1990      Post subject: Telinos
	Telinos ::At Wendys death I stare at the combatants and wonder why people are always so foolish and then turn away disgusted:: "As far as which path to take it does not matter to me and I don't feel I have been a member of this party long enough to vote on a decision as important as this."

Stephanie Swordswoman Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 45 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: April 21, 1990      Post subject: Stephanie

Stephanie Eyes the battle between her friends with aroused curiosity. While displaying radically different fighting styles, they appear to each be holding their own. I sigh in relief when the wench dies. One less thing to worry about. Seeing the boys go at it again, I shout to Blod to help me stop this. I come in and easily carry Fin, even though he's squirming like a little devil! 'I don't believe this! What do the men in my life have to act like such children? The matter has come to an end!' I'll release Fin after trying to shake these facts into him. Literally. ;) At the valley.... 'Seems reasonable to me. Tactics are not my strong point, but even I can see the quick path to the day-long path. We should proceed with caution.' 'Friend Telinos, you degrade yourself needless. Riding with us alone gives you a voice in any decisions we make. Your point of few, everyone's point of few is important. Do not be afraid to speak!' 'I say, Cereld, perhaps we should send some of us ahead of the main group to ferret out possible danger?'

Validar Noble Warrior Joined: 23 Aug 1989 Posts: 48 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: April 21, 1990      Post subject: Validar to Valgrin
	Validar "What is it you wish to know, my friend? I believe that I can tell you most of what you wish to know."

Arocken Ranger Joined: 11 April 1990 Posts: 6 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: April 22, 1990      Post subject: Arocken

Arocken I think that sending a small group forward would only succeed in dividing our band, and due to unknown danger that may lie ahead I think that our strength lies in numbers. Regardless of the choice made I will volunteer to walk in the front and I will try and Identify tracks that I may find looking for anything out of the ordinary with regular forest type creatures. I also think that the cave is better left for a returning adventure.

Araduin Elfin Mage Joined: 26 Oct 1989 Posts: 41 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: April 22, 1990      Post subject: Araduin

Araduin - The witch dead, perhaps now we can get on with the job at hand. - "Might I suggest that we web shut the opening to the cave, rather than wait to see what comes out. Even if the webbing does not hold back the inhabitants, it could slow them, gaining us valuable time. If we decide to adopt this plan, then sending scouts is probably a wise course. Although I have not the training in stealth of some here, I have the benefit of my races natural abilities in this area, and volunteer to go ahead and cast the spell." For spells, I shall be carry Sleep, Magic Missile, Mount, Web, and Flaming Sphere. Prior to moving out, I shall cast the Mount spell, attempting to call forth a mule with riding gear for Bernie. "We need to make our best possible speed across this valley, perhaps this can help."

Kaan Bard Joined: 02 April 1990 Posts: 11 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: April 22, 1990      Post subject: Kaan

Kaan "I do not agree with your plan to send scouts ahead. Here are my reasons and a different plan. What are we to do when the scouts are attacked? Or captured? It would cost us time and might result in an unneccessary battle. Therefore I propose a trick I once heard in the inn I worked in. It saved an entire party's life! They took little peaces of cloth and covered their horses feet with them, so that they could travel soundless. I think we should do that, too. If we spot someone one of you mages could cast a SILENCE spell, so that we can avoid any enemy." After giving my opinion I will take my leather armor off. " It won't help much anyways. I will then memorize my COLOR SPRAY. I ask the mages if it is possible to use magical forces with a shield. If it is possible I will offer to buy one if one of the warriors thinks he can do without it. Kaan the Bard

Araduin Elfin Mage Joined: 26 Oct 1989 Posts: 42 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: April 22, 1990      Post subject: Araduin

Araduin "I believe your fears are unfounded, Kaan. The scouts would not be so far away that the main body could not reach them well before any could be taken hostage. Also, our group is quite large at this point. Do you have sufficient cloth to cover all our mounts hooves? And what of the time such an operation would require? In addition, should speed be of essence, their new slippers would hamper our steeds. As to silence, perhaps one of our Clerical brethren might be of assistance in that area, but I know of no mage spell which has that effect."

Stephanie Swordswoman Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 46 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: April 22, 1990      Post subject: Stephanie

Stephanie Strongly disagrees with Kaan's suggestion. 'Speed is of the essence, and as the good mage suggested, the scouting party would not be far out of range of the rest of the party. Shouting distance at best. Cereld, let me, Validar, Finrod, Arathron, Dar and Blod ride ahead. I feel that you under estimate the power that the scouts would possess. Our fears may be totally unfounded and nothing resides in yon valley. Regardless, let us decide with all due haste!'

Bernice Finder Joined: 01 April 1990 Posts: 5 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: April 22, 1990      Post subject: Backtracking quite a bit....

Bernice At the sight of Validar in the distance, Bernice squints and holds her hand over her eyes. 'Now who could that be?! Obviously an adventurous sort. Probably plenty of stories to tell!' as he approaches she says 'Ha! Looks like a tin can. Bet that gets hot in the summer. Wonder what he wants. Think he wants to join us? Hope so! Looks pretty strong.' When he finally reaches the party, Bernice looks up in awe and starts to walk forward, hand extended. But when the fight begins she yelps and jumps back, standing behind anyone with a cloak to peek around. She mutters 'Gosh, I hate this...I really hate this... two fights in one day...too many...too many.' Afterwards she walks shyly forward (if that's possible for her) and extends her hand. In a trembling voice she says I'm Bernice, an adventuring thief. Joined the party while you were gone.' That's it. No talk of adventure, Uncle Bernie, nothing. Validar notices the trembling, kind of homely halfling with an ingratiating smile. She wears a cloak, no shoes and has a short sword in a scabbard at her side. She still has a sling in her hand. She will stare at him with big eyes and avoids getting too close to him in the days ahead. When Finrod mentions the raid on the supply trains, Bernice brightens. 'Why that sounds like a job for me! Sneak in while you fighter types distract the guards. Yeh! I could do that! Gimma a chance, huh? Huh? That's the kind of thing I do best. Really, what do ya say?' And Finally, at the valley. Bernice stiffens with apprehension at the sight of all those tracks going AROUND the valley. 'But something awful big lives down there. Yes-sir-re. That big army walked clear around for some reason. Me - I'm not really anxious to find out why they did. Big trouble down there.' ::sniff:: I can smell it! Yep, big trouble....' and she contintues on...and on and on against the shortcut. An apprehensive halfling, Bernice

Cereld Priest of Heironeous Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 50 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: April 22, 1990      Post subject: Cereld

Cereld Listening to all the suggestions, Cereld comes to his decision. "Kaan I too have to disagree with your plan to cover the horses hooves. There are more senses than meer sight and sound that many creatures rely on, in particular smell. And if it comes down to us making a run for it, the cloth would only slow the horses down. Finrod I have to disagree with the web spell also. I don't think we want to antagonize whatever is in there, and I think they would view the spell as an attack. But if you hear something coming, and it doesn't sound friendly, feel free to cover the opening. All right Stephanie, I agree with your suggestions as to a scouting party ahead of us. I would like to make one more addition though, that is if you would agree to go with them Bernie. Your skill at stealth may be needed up ahead to help keep those noisy fighters from making too much of a racket." a large smile comes across Cereld's face as he winks at Bernie. "After all someone has to protect that group for me." "Validar, do not let your group get too far ahead of us. I don't want to be too far behind if something happens. I have no intentions of mourning over your dead body again, so don't take any foolish chances ok?"

Validar Noble Warrior Joined: 23 Aug 1989 Posts: 49 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: April 22, 1990      Post subject: Validar

Validar Backtracking.... When Validar notices the little halfling, he will regard her for a moment, then kneel down to be on equal terms. He will take the hand offered, quite gently. "Greetings, and welcome to our mighty band. I am certain that glory and honor will come to all of us and am glad that you shall share in that." "And do not be frightened of me, little one. I shan't bite you." No one can help but notice the slight grin on the warrior's face at the thief's expression. When he stands again, though, he is all business. "Let us prepare to continue on our mission to Gateway. We have tarried here long enough." "I say the plan is a good one. With 17 heads amongst us, we can certainly afford to divide our forces and not worry unnecessarily. And I can assure you, friend Kaan, whatever is in that valley is in greater danger than us." With that last statement, Validar will look over in Stephanie's direction, then to the rest of my group. "I fear that silence, what with my armored form and my mount as well, is almost impossible. I believe that a show of force may be enough to ensure our passage through this vale unhampered." "Do not worry yourself, Cereld." Validar will slam down the visor on his helm and ready his lance. "We can handle ourselves. And I have no intention of dying again! Come my friends, let us ride..."

Finrod Fasthand Servant of Steel Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 65 Location: By Stephanie's Side

Posted: April 23, 1990      Post subject: Finrod

Finrod "Yes, Validar! Let us ride! I chafe at these delays... we have much ground to make up." "Cereld, I cannot agree with you more about not webbing the cave entrance unnecessarily. 'twasn't my Idea--'twas Arathron's, I think. Worry not, I'm not so free with my spells...they're too valuable to waste." "Val, I'm sure that whatever is down there is NOT good. I only mentioned it because it is a possibility we ought to be prepared for." --Glad to be alone in the saddle once more, and free of Steph's constant watch over my passenger, though the attention was nice. :)

Kamreill Paladin Joined: 06 April 1990 Posts: 5 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: April 23, 1990      Post subject: Kamreill
	Kamreill Hmmm... Methinks egotism is plaguing the band. However, I will offer my skills as a humble paladin in the scout party, I want to die young also. ::mutters 'nuther prayer::

Kaan Bard Joined: 02 April 1990 Posts: 12 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: April 23, 1990      Post subject: Kaan

Kaan "Okay Cereld and Stephanie, it was just a trick I once heard. I was merely proposing it. It might be that I am so worried about sound, because I like it the best. I think though that webbing is a good idea, though we can wait until something comes out first. I sing a little song about the ancient king (local history?) Konarn and his mighty warriors to boost our morale. "May the gods agree with our judgment! Please help us, Lydia, your humble servant begs you for it." ************************************** Cooking dinner I will remark that we really shouldn't forget food, since it is getting harder and harder too cook something nice!

Validar Noble Warrior Joined: 23 Aug 1989 Posts: 50 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: April 24, 1990      Post subject: Validar

Validar "'Tis not egotism, friend Kamreill, but confidence. Our numbers are many and our skills are great. I know that my sword arm aches for battle and I sense that glory and honor is calling to us. Let us tarry no longer, my comrades at arms!" With that, Validar will wheel his warhorse, Havok, about and proceed into the valley at a gallop, allowing Bernice an opportunity to go ahead, if she so desires. If so, then the pace will obviously be somewhat slower. If she chooses not to accompany us, then I will spur my mount to a gallop and lead my charges into the valley, lance aimed high into the air, just waiting for the opportunity to use it.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 120 Location: Erie, PA	Posted: April 25, 1990      Post subject:
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