The Frontier #12 -
While the party carries on their discussion, Flint checks the cave system for the mining prospects. He returns disappointed. The soil would make excellent farmland, but contains nothing else of value.
After the conversation between Cereld and Raeden and laying to rest the dead, the party rides on for the rest of the day.
Near the end of the day, the party makes an ominous discovery. A large path crosses the trail they are following. Hundreds of footprints can be clearly seen on the other path.
Those of you with tracking skills can identify the footprints as goblin. The prints themselves are weeks old. The number of goblins walking past this point must have been tremendous to still be visible after this long.
A quick search of the area reveals no goblins or other creatures. The party sets up camp for the night. Before turning in, they divide the treasure. Later, Wendy speaks, having made a discovery in the diary.
"I believe I know where we are. There is mention of a crossroads in the diary. If we follow the trail we've been following, we'll reach Whispering Hollow in two days. However, there is much danger ahead. He mentions that the citizens of Whispering Hollow are simple folk, but there is a small temple to Hextor there! Complete with goblin guards."
GM Notes:
After healing, Stephanie is at 15 of 19, and Flint is 11 of 20.
Where is the treasure to be divided, just to refresh your memory:
4000 cp
1000 sp
3 gems: a Topaz, a peridot and a piece of Amber
A Tiara set with Sapphires
A platinum bracelet
A blanket made of owlbear feathers
The armor from the Elf and a potion. Both of which are magical.
Dalliance has added Hold Portal and Gaze Reflection to her spell book.
Spectrum's Comments: Not to worry, the goblin army will turn up again in the future.
Mail From: Lanceson Date: Sunday 29-Oct-89 21:47 EST
Here is Cereld's spell list.
3 CLW, and one detect magic (which he will have used on the armor/potion)
Chant
Spiritual Hammer
Silence 15'Radius
In case you want to put it in the post, Cereld has decided to give the armor to Dal, and have her identify the potion before he gives that to anyone. All other treasure will be kept in one pot until they return to town. (By the way when Cereld gives the armor to Dal he would say something corny like, "This armor was made for an elf to wear, and who would be more worthy than the beautiful and wise Dalliance to wear this."
Spectrum's Comments: Secret mail from Cereld. Looks like yet another one smitten with our lady elf!
SUBJ: Dwaladin FROM: ICwhatUmin 10/31/89 S#: 394326
::slipping out of the shadows::
"Boy, can you people put up a fight! Say, how about if I hold the gems for you?"
SUBJ: Ti-Cat (R) FROM: JPtigercat 10/31/89 S#: 791216
"Cereld, I was wrong. If this were the king's army, you could have me flayed for dereliction of duty. But it is not the army, and I must tell you this: from this day on, once I have told you I would do a thing, I will do it, and not fail."
"But do not ask me to guard that fool Raeden. He enrages me with his contempt for us. What does he know of Validar's strength, of Dalliance's courage, of... of anything? If I could not bear the thought of... my friends being killed, what knows he of that? He sees only bloodlust and greed, and it sickens me."
"I am no murderer, but I swear if he goads me, I cannot answer for my actions. For the sake of all of us, keep me from him, or send me away."
(Perhaps Ti has more in common with Validar than he likes to admit.)
[An aside: please note new screen name. Thanks! :>]
Spectrum's Comments: That Raeden sure has a way to make friends and influence others...
SUBJ: Dal (R)FROM: Random0 10/31/89 S#: 838586
"First, my companions, all of you, I would have it known that I feel very strongly about the things we have been discussing. We are at a point of decision: Are we a band of common free-swords, or are we a group of adventurers united by a common quest to fight for good (and have some adventure and possibly, if it so happens, better our economic situations)??? If we are the latter, then perhaps we should do some deep thinking about our pride, and whether that Pride is more important than our common goal. Acting as a unit is not an option here. If some of us are not able to follow the sensible orders of a leader, then they should seek a different path, truer to their nature. We are not children, to follow our whims without thought of consequences! Surely the warriors here are capable of controlling their valiant bravery enough to carry out orders! I am fathered by a great fighter, and though I share my warrior nature with the more studious nature of a mage, I, too, wish to be at the fore of every battle, testing my skills and courage. But my father always taught me that the sword without the mind is empty, and will never be a force to bring good to the land. I see not emptiness in you. Surely such as you can see beyond the clear-cut needs of battle to the more difficult needs of duty. For what we do IS our duty; to free the land of evil, that all may live without fear. At least, that's how I see it, and none will turn me from that belief."
So saying, I turn to Raeden....
SUBJ: Dal.... FROM: Random0 10/31/89 S#: 819778
Gazing off, into an unseen distance, I pause a moment. Then, with a shake of my head, I speak.
"Raeden, my friend, you may not know how deeply I respect your feelings, and even, truly, admire them. To carry the burden of such pure Good is surely more than I could bear. But I would ask you to consider: The land is beset by Evil that uses every tool at its call to bring the forces of Good to its knees. Force, violence, is a great tool in its foul hands. Though we long for peace from fighting, only by fighting can we counter it. It may not be....Nay, it surely shall not be that the battle between Good and Evil will won by force of arms alone. But every minion of the Dark Powers that we slay is one less to prey upon the weak and helpless. And his "Bloodlust", or "Battle-lust", whatever it be called, it is merely the joy of using the skills the gods gave us to fight Evil, and the victory of our calling to do Good over our fears of the terrible foes that the Powers of Darkness send against us. Do we seek to fight any we chance across, do we beset the innocent, do we slay the helpless creatures of nature wantonly in this "battle-lust"?? Nay, and never shall we. And we shall oppose any who do! It is not given to all to be Paladins, yet even the Paladins of the gods must draw arms against the attacks of Evil. We of lesser virtue must fight as we can, and hope for the salvation of our deeds by the vessels of the gods, such as you are, and your guidance against this loathsome but powerful foe."
Hope, pride, and entreaty are written clearly on my face, tears moistening my cheeks, as I gaze into his eyes.
"Do not desert us, Raeden, but seek as ever you have, to guide us. We cannot win this battle alone, and we need such as you to give us the strength to fight Evil without shirking, or fleeing from it."
As the last words leave my lips, I feel as if a great burden has been lifted from me, and I turn away, with one last look into his eyes. Then, exhausted, I sink to the ground. I will rest awhile, as the others decide in their hearts what is most important to them.
Spectrum's Comments: Even Dalliance realizes that he's not Neutral. Ever hear of a druid burden by 'pure good'?
SUBJ: Stephanie
When it comes time to speak, Steph is noticeably tense. She holds on to Fin's hand as she speaks, as if drawing strength from that union. Her muscles tense and her knuckles turn white as her great strength is applied to Fin's helpless hand.
'I confess that I understand little of the concepts that you speak of. I'm a simple, backwards farm girl. I've had no formal education; words on a page have no meaning to me. My only advantage in life was being blessed with a strong sword arm. I've worked for whatever I got since I was very young. The concepts of good and evil have little place working in the fields. Day to day survival took precedence. I have little use for people who give orders for jobs that they themselves wouldn't do. That was my father's way. He'd give you work and then join right in with you. That's what I've become accustomed to in a leader. Not someone who sits back and gives orders, while others do his bidding and then he has the gall to complain when his orders are not followed. How can anyone respect a leader like that, I ask you? As for greed, that is a matter of opinion. I confess I had a poor childhood. Not as a poor as some others, but I went without quite often. If the slaying of beasts brings me riches, so be it. If improving one's station in life is considered greedy, then so be that. That is the way that I am. I will not change. That does not mean that I will slay everything that I encounter for its lot. A full purse would make me a wealthy woman back home and a happy woman. I intend to return home this fall and share my riches with those not so fortunate and those who cannot gain riches for themselves. Is that greed? Some of you speak of Good and Evil, as if there is a clear difference between the two. There is none. Any action can be viewed as good or evil by the viewer. I do what my heart tells me is right. It is right to help Wendy regain her father. I lost my mother at an early age. I know the pain that she suffers. It was right to slay the worms in the pit. Their next unfortunate might not have had the power to survive the encounter. If we gained gold and trinkets in the aftermath, so much the better. As for Raeden, I must side with Ticat. He has yet to get his hands dirty in combat, and yet he judges us. How can I respect such an opinion from such a weakling? I will not change because someone more backwards than myself wishes it. That's all I have to say.'
Somewhat surprised at her own long-windedness, releases Fin's hand and apologizes for her crushing embrace. Steph will again ask for the bracelet, but will not make an issue of it.
Spectrum's Comments: There's Stephanie's background and the speech I mentioned in the previous file. Also got the chance to get back at Fin just a little bit. That's what happens when you mess with a woman bigger and stronger than you are! ;D
Mail From: Random0 Date: Thursday 2-Nov-89 23:25 EST
From Dalliance:
What do I learn from examining the armor and the bottle? And, aren't you glad we got into a big discussion about duty, and Good and Evil?? This will be sure to speed things up! Actually, I'm sorry if I've caused any long delay in the action, but gee willikers, sometimes you just got to speak your mind!
Spectrum's Comments: Private mail to the GM From Dalliance.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 11/03/89 S#: 808570
- This group certainly has spirit. Such a diversity of viewpoints is good; it ensures that all facets of a problem will be considered. -
"Excuse me. I am new to your group, and do not know the details which lead up to your disagreement. However, I would voice this one opinion. A plan is fine, as far as it goes. A battle is not a static environment, a plan devised before the fact cannot cover all eventualities. A leader must trust those under his command to react to the unexpected as it arises."
I'll be carrying a Sleep spell for now.
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 11/04/89 S#: 420439
"I find agreement in the words of Tiger-Cat, Araduin, Stephanie, and in part, Dalliance. I feel I must add a point in the direct discussion involving the druid. We are in the Frontier Lands. This was not long ago the domain and realm of Evil!"
"We are not back in our homes, safe and comfortable. This adventure was conceived with the express intention to bring battle to the remnants of the hideous evil that held this land in its powerful grip for so long. Anyone who has no stomach for battle has no place here. That is a simple fact."
"I also feel that I may have made a bad example for this group to follow on our first battle. I'm not saying that I would change my actions giving the opportunity again, but its timing may not have been the best. I simply did that which I thought would be the best for everyone, myself included. I'll not deny that I was looking for personal glory and will continue to do so. That is my nature and my training. I will continue to 'free-lance' if it means that I feel I can better help my companions at arms. If anyone has an objection to that, then perhaps my services would be better placed with others."
"In this short time together, we have shown the beginnings of true camaraderie. It has been my experience that a successful team, whatever their task, is best made by utilizing the particular talents of each of the individuals and combining them, not by trying to make changes. This does not create as great a team."
"I agree that a leader and orders are a necessity. I, much as some of you wrongly believe, do not charge wildly into battle at the least provocation. However, there are times when the actions of one or two can turn the tide of a battle. If I see that opportunity I WILL take it. If that is a problem for any of the rest of you, speak this now, and I shall ply my talents were they will be better appreciated."
Spectrum's Comments: By this time Muskateer, and probably many others, were fed up with Raeden. He only refers to him as 'The Druid' by now, not wanting to utter his name!
SUBJ: Cereld (R) FROM: Lanceson 11/04/89 S#: 420549
Cereld after listening to the words of the others smiles, "Now my friends I feel we know each other a little better. This is good. I think now I understand what it is you expect of me as a leader and also what I expect of you. Araduin, your opinion is quite correct in stating that any leader who expects his charges to follow orders during an ever-changing battle is a fool and I hope that I am no fool. I hope everyone feels free to do as best they see fit if any given situation changes since I have given any orders. The day I try to think for all of you is the day I give up these robes.
And one more thing, about Raeden, please everyone try not to be to hard with your judgments. Yes his ways are different, and yes he sees the world in a different way, but I feel that perhaps we can learn from him a great deal. Although we may not feel what he thinks is in our hearts, perhaps with his constant guard on our souls, we will never feel those things.
Now on to other matters. First about the division of the treasure. Steph you seem to be admiring this bracelet almost as much as Lightning. Very well it is yours. As to the armor, there is but one choice. Since the armor worn by an elf, the only one I find worthy of wearing it is someone as beautiful and wise as an elf. Dal, here this is yours. May it protect your body even while you protect our spirits."
As Cereld gives the armor to Dalliance, you all notice that Cereld is shaking. At first you think it might be a chill, but you notice that the air is quite warm tonight. After a brief moment, Cereld turns away from Dal and continues, "Ok now as to our next move. To walk into the village like this would be in my opinion quite foolhardy. We are on a mission to learn about the whereabouts of Wendy's father, not destroy everything we see, so I think cunning is needed here not rash actions. I propose we enter this village as travelers seeking adventure. Perhaps we can learn a few things while we are there, not only about Wendy's father, but also of the big meeting later on.
Wendy, what does the diary say that your father did next after the village? Perhaps this will help us plot our next course of action. I have many misgivings of this plan and welcome everyone's opinion of it. But if we must enter this village I must do something."
There is a long pause as Cereld removes the symbol of Heironeous, which hangs from his neck and places it in his pouch. "Forgive me Heironeous. I must conceal my loyalty to you for a while."
SUBJ: Raeden (R) FROM: Belrek 11/04/89 S#: 87442
(Raeden pauses after Dalliance's words for a moment then responds)
"I thank you for your words, but I am not worthy of such a title, for I am but a confused fool attempting to keep the ideals. I wish the elders were here to provide me with guidance for the confusion I feel now is worse than ever before. Nonetheless, I will try to live up to those ideals, even while I attempt to understand the others and gain tolerance for their methods. I am sorry if my ways have offended you and the others, but they are all that I know."
(As Dalliance goes off to sleep, Raeden turns to the others)
"First of all, Ti-Cat, I too, must apologize. I judged you under a false assumption that was taught to me long ago, but you must understand that even as I am ignorant to the "Way of the Warrior" so are you and the others ignorant to my ways. I pledge to attempt to understand and try to accept your methods, if you will at least attempt to understand mine."
(Turning to Stephanie) "I have misjudged you all, and it is true what one may call Evil may just be survival to another and what one might call Greed may just be Equality to others, I have much to learn. But you must also understand that my ways, apparently the ways of a coward to you, are all that I know, for unlike you who at least knew your mother, I know nothing of my parents other than they were killed soon after my birth. My fathers were the Fathers of Nature; therefore, their way is the only one I know and their beliefs were the only ones I was taught.
(to the others in general) If I have offended you, then I am sorry, but just as you request that I not force you to change your fundamental beliefs and training, I request that you not ask me to change mine. I will tolerate and attempt to understand your ways, but I will not praise them. I will henceforth, keep my criticisms of your ways silent, and I ask that you do the same in regard to mine. I will continue on to help this girl find her father.
(to Cereld) Perhaps it would be best if some of us go in while others stay out of the village, for if it is controlled by the dark priests, we might need "back-up". The decision is yours, but if you choose to send in a scouting party, I request that I may be chosen to go as one of them. I wish to do this, not to appease those that call me coward for that is their choice, but rather to "restore myself" in mine own eyes and those of my lord Obad-Hai. I will abide by the decision of the party, whatever it might be."
Spectrum's Comments: Raeden backtracking a bit...
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 11/04/89 S#: 830704
"I agree that we should not enter 'in force'. If we call as little attention as possible to ourselves, we will have more time to find Wendy's father. This many entering all at once might draw too much attention. Perhaps if we were to split into two or three smaller groups?"
SUBJ: Dalliance FROM: Random0 11/04/89 S#: 833523
Refreshed, clad in the armor of my dead 'kinsman' (my old chain packed against future need), and satisfied we have all aired our feelings and the group remains strong, I turn to Cereld.
"I agree with the thoughts of Validar. There is naught to lose, and much to gain, by entering the town separately, or in small groups. If you have no objections, I will circle the area and come in from a different direction. It would seem wise to try to space out our arrivals, too, so that we do not all come at the same time. Can we set some place, an inn perhaps, to 'meet up' at? Strangers would be common at such a place."
As I have Magic Missile and Sleep ready, I have no fears about wandering the town alone.
SUBJ: Dalliance FROM: Random0 11/04/89 S#: 419012
Having noticed Cereld's shaking, I cast a look of puzzlement in his direction and move as if to speak to him. Then, as if thinking better of it, I move away, to speak in private with a few of my comrades before we make ready to enter the town.
The private conversations will be held by Email, to preserve the nature of privacy. :)
Spectrum's Comments: Not sure what Dal said and to whom she said it as Steph did not get a mail.
SUBJ: ti-cat FROM: JPtigercat 11/05/89 S#: 439732
(to Raeden): I... spoke hastily. I am sorry for my insult to you. Some kill for gold, some for glory, some for good... Please recognize that we are not all alike, and perhaps we can understand you, as you understand us.
::Ti sees Dalliance and Cereld talking, and moves away to polish his bow. ::
SUBJ: Hope yet. FROM: FINROD 11/06/89 S#: 409957
There May yet be hope that we can forge an effective team. I think we all have gained some understanding from this interlude, myself included. By appropriate discipline I never meant that we needed to be a pack of mindless undead or magical constructs enslaved to our leader's will, only that we consider each action before taking it, and when faced with a choice of actions to choose the one which most benefits Cereld's overall plan.
Most surprising of all, Validar, I think I could get to like you, in spite of your air of noble pomposity. :)
I think the idea of two small groups checking out the village, while the remainder wait outside town ready to react to trouble would probably serve best. Cereld, I am, as always, ready to execute my skills as you command. What' the breakdown, guy?
Mail From: FINROD Date: Monday 6-Nov-89 01:06 EST
Hey, no problem about the hand. I know how much it must take for you to make a speech like that one. I am honored that you value my friendship and support. I'll always be here for you.
:* []
Spectrum's Comments: Private mail to Steph from Fin about the hand crushing incident.
The Frontier #13
The morning after their discussion, the party continues their ride to Whispering Hollow. According to the diary, it was there that Akbar made his discover. 'Something of immense value', he wrote. What exactly this means is open to speculation. The entries are fuzzy after this.
The diary does make mention of a tower, but it's location is not given. Later entries suggest that he was working on a vital project, but again, no real information is given.
Two days pass quickly and you find yourselves on a high bluff over looking the village of Whispering Hollow. The village itself is nestled in a valley. High mountains rise to the north. There are foothills to the south. Many stately elm trees cover the landscape.
The village is quite small, perhaps four dozen buildings. Most of the buildings appear to farms. Corrals hold livestock, while planted fields abound.
A river flows through the valley, forming a small lake at the center of the valley. A millhouse sits along the river's edge.
An inn came be seen from this distance, the Inn of the Whispering Elms.
The entire scene appears peaceful and tranquil. It is then that the Temple of Hextor is spotted on the far edge of town. A eight foot high stone wall surrounds the offensive building.
Three roads lead into Whisper Hollow. One from the north, one from the east and on from the west. Your current position puts you between the north and east roads. From this position, you can also observe the village with little chance of being spotted.
It is late in the afternoon. Night will be in three hours.
Gm Notes:
Well, you made it to Whispering Hollow. How do you intend to go about entering?
The temple is a 120' square building and is two stories high.
SUBJ: Flint FROM: Sir teske 11/06/89 S#: 447724
"May I suggest we wait here until nightfall? Then proceed around the town and attack the temple from the rear. The thieves could scale the walls and make their way to unlock the door so we can get in.(Can I use my mountaineering ability to climb buildings?)
Spectrum's Comments: Dwarven beserker indeed!
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 11/07/89 S#: 395478
I am still of the opinion that we should make a thorough reconnaissance before committing to any course of action. So far we KNOW nothing of what is going on down there.
I favor the idea of two small groups going in openly as travelers down the north and east roads, while another small group sets up right here, ready to watch over the two groups from afar, and react in case of need. The two groups going in, of course need to arrive about an hour or two apart to avoid suspicion. They probably also need to pretend to be neutrals, NOT goods, and I don't think most of you could pull off a convincing EVIL. :)
After we are in the town, and have slyly pumped the locals for info, we can decide on a course of action. If necessary, we can pretend to leave in the morning after spending the night in the inn, then link up with the group here, and do whatever assault might be necessary.
I doubt that we are quite experienced enough yet to take on the residents of that temple, but if worst comes to worst, I am amenable to sneaking in and letting the rest in by the front way. After All, that would afford me a chance for some of that personal glory that you are so fond of, Validar. :)
I REALLY think, though, that our wiser course is to go in, find out what Wendy's father discovered here that urged him on to the rest of the journey in his diary, then move on in completing that quest. Of course, any info we gain about the Clerics of Hextor, and the other inhabitants of this valley will doubtless be of use to the forces (hopefully including ourselves) that return here to foil the evil intent of these bad boys later in the summer.
Either way, Flint, I doubt if an assault on the Temple will be needed right now.
But I could be wrong....
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 11/07/89 S#: 447068
"This is all very interesting, but I really have no idea what you people are talking about. I hear talk of storming temples, and of stealthy surveillance. What is it we with to accomplish here?"
Mail From: Jptigercat Date: Wednesday 8-Nov-89 02:27 EST
HI!
Please make sure to kill or somehow disappear Ti in this action... sad to say, I can't keep going on the Q time here... I'd rather not just STOP cold and let the party drag Ti around. Sorry I have to quit like this... I really have enjoyed it, but I can't last past the next post. Some noble death would be terrific, but so long as he isn't shot in the butt, I can live with it. Thanks!
Spectrum's Comments: Sometimes I even get requests to kill off player characters. When a player tells me he is leaving and asks for a specific fate for said character, I usually do honor it.
SUBJ: Dal FROM: Random0 11/08/89 S#: 837831
"Flint, Finrod's right. Think about it, we have to find out what's going on here, and why. A premature direct assault would probably get us all killed, and even if we survived, we still might not know anything."
Turning to Cereld, I ask, "What do you think?"
SUBJ: Cereld (R) FROM: Lanceson 11/10/89 S#: 429602
"Araduin I am sorry, I did not tell you what is happening. We are on a mission to find Wendy's father who disappeared while in this region. All we have to go by is his diary that Wendy has in here possession. It has led us to this village, but that is where the trail ends. Ok?
I agree with Finrod and Validar's plan that we should enter the village in two groups. I think the first group should consist of Steph, Araduin and Validar in charge. The second group will be Raeden, Arafel and Ti-cat. I think that Dal, Finrod, Flint and myself should stay out here with Wendy. This is because I really want to go near that temple unless it was to destroy it. I think Dal, Finrod and Flint should stay here also because if there are goblins down there, which I think it would be safe to assume there are, humans may have a chance of finding out information without getting into trouble, but goblins, elves and dwarves just don't seem to get along to well. That's how I think we should split up unless anyone has any objections. Now everyone remember, we are only looking for information. We are not going to storm the temple yet."
Cereld looks right at Flint as he says this last remark. "We are here to find Wendy's father and the only way we can do that is if we get some information, not bash heads. Validar, why don't you take your group and enter the city from the north? When you are settled, Ti-cat will take his group in from the south."
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 11/10/89 S#: 843659
"I find the plan a good one. Come, Stephanie and Araduin. Prepare what you need to and we shall ride for the north road and enter the infested village."
Validar will take both of his horses into town to better give the impression that we are travelers. Once there, we will go to the inn and stable the horses and procure rooms for the evening. This completed, I, at least, will see to a suitable meal, provided they have such. This would be a good time to try and learn as much as possible.
SUBJ: sigh... FROM: FINROD 11/11/89 S#: 453247
I think I could manage to disguise my elven nature, and appear human to them, but overall your plan is good, Cereld.
I will reconcile myself to being out of the action this time. ::sigh::
The Gods go with you all.
Bear her well, Thunder.