Spectrum's Comments: The Seekers have tracked Wendy to an abandoned mine. There they encountered and defeated the Mountain Monster, a bizarre monster golem created by her father. Right after slaying the beast, Wendy hit the group with a fireball, killing several members. Then she rushed back into the mine. The Seekers are forced to wait while an Entangle spell in front of the mine entrance is active.
The Frontier #31
Long minutes pass waiting for the Entangle spell to cease function. Raeden casts CLW on Finrod, Dar, Araduin and Arathron, raising them to 7, 8, 6 and 7 hit points respectively.
Araduin searches what little remains after the effect of the fireball. Cereld holds his battleaxe in the air and says a prayer. Shortly after that, everyone gets a warm feeling about them.
Finally, the Entangle goes down. Cautiously, the Seekers re-enter the mine. Dar can easily follow Wendy's trail. Drops of blood can be seen ever few feet. Finrod's dagger is found laying on the floor a short distance down the shaft.
Tense minute pass as your penetrate deeper into the mine. Suddenly, Dar shouts for everyone to get out of the way! From further up the tunnel, a ball of fire is rolling towards you!
Dar dives for cover in a side shaft. Most everyone seeks shelter along the sides of the tunnel, taking only minimal damage. However, Cereld is hit by the ball of fire itself. Wendy is spotted further up the tunnel. Stephanie rushes to Cereld's aid. Braving the flames, she pulls the cleric to safety.
Finrod, Dar, Araduin and Arathron rush the mage. Seeing their approach, Wendy stops concentrating on her Flaming Sphere.
Wendy gestures and those with Spellcraft can see that a Magic Missile is forthcoming. She gets the spell of before they can attack. Three missiles shoot out towards Finrod. However, at the last second, the missiles are sucked into his Broach (of Shielding).
After a moment's hesitating, Fin continues on, driving his blade into the wench.
Wendy starts to gesture once more. Observation reveals that a Necromantic spell is in progress. Everyone attacks, striking her with their weapons. Wendy falls to the cave floor and is unmoving.
GM Notes:
Looks like the wicked wench is dead!
Party Status:
| Araduin | 3 of 8 |
| Arathron | 4 of 7 |
| Cereld | 13 of 28 |
| Dar Thaltus | 8 of 17 |
| Finrod | 4 of 18 |
| Raeden | 19 of 24 |
| Stephanie | 15 of 43 |
Now what intrepid adventurers?
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 03/15/90 S#: 812865
"This was a foul affair, most sure. So much sacrificed to help one so treacherous. May her soul writhe in that place to which mortal spirits fly."
Time to search this traitorous wench.
"Do you think she had time to set up a lair in this place? What say you, Dar, Finrod, is there a tale to be told by the signs in this place?"
SUBJ: Never trust a Female... FROM: FINROD 03/15/90 S#: 434745
"I learned a long time ago, beware the wiles of wenches..." :: Looks uncomfortably at Steph, smiles weakly:: "Uh... Present company excepted, of course..."
Finrod quickly flips through the pages of Wendy's spell-book. If FEIGN DEATH is one of the spells in the book, he will immediately bind Wendy like a trussed hog...
"Trust me on this folks, I know what I'm doing. By the time we can get decent rest, the wench will be awake, and ready to be interrogated. I feel certain that she is under the effects of Feign Death."
He directs his next words at the Mage: "Wench, I know you can hear me. you may as well cancel the spell now, and face us, because waiting will not get you anywhere. We are going to keep you under guard until the duration wears off. Did you think you were dealing with children? I have spent long decades in Apprenticeship to some of the finest elven mages... when one of your capabilities collapses after casting a necromantic spell, I know what is afoot! Now, will you be reasonable, or are you going to make me cut off your toes? They may not hurt now, but they would be most painful when once you rouse from the spell."
::Casts a glance at Stephanie to reassure her that he would never actually COMMIT such torture, but Wendy does not know that...::
--Finrod the Interrogator.
PS: of course, I could be mistaken, in which case, in a few hours the body should start to bloat, proof positive that the mage is indeed deceased, whereupon Fin will apologize to everyone for the false alarm. I don't think I am wrong, though. A little info from this pathetic person might be a big help.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 03/16/90 S#: 110675
"Well thought, Finrod. Let me see if I can verify your suspicions."
I'll apply my Spellcraft skill to attempt to determine if Finrod is correct.
GM Update:
Shortly after being bound, Wendy does indeed return to 'life'. She struggles mightily for a few moments, shouting unladylike language. But finally stops, appearing exhausted. She has many wounds that openly bleeding. It doesn't like she'll be around much longer without medical attention.
Congratulations, Fin! You're beginning to think like me... Scary thought!
Spells in Wendy's book:
1st Level: Affect Normal Fires, Charm Person, Comprehend Languages, Friends, Hold Portal, Magic Missile, Mending, Read Magic
2nd Level: Detect Evil, Detect Invisibility, ESP, Leomund's Trap, Flaming Sphere
3rd Level: Feign Death, Fireball, Fly
I'll be posting new XP's in Thursdays post. Almost everyone has gone up a level.
Spectrum's Comments: I gave Fin some bonus XP's for figuring out that Wendy was trying to trick them again.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 03/17/90 S#: 441868
"It seems you come to be able to anticipate this foul one, Finrod. I say we leave her be, and let nature take its course."
SUBJ: Stephanie
'I have not the stomach for this.'
Still a little stunned over the recent turn of events, Steph walks away.
Outside, she will begin the task of grave digging. A grim look comes over her face as she digs. Her thoughts her own.
SUBJ: Bandage FROM: FINROD 03/19/90 S#: 41430
Finrod will bandage Wendy's wounds to try to stabilize her condition. The ropes will not be loosened, but she will be made comfortable and treated for shock. If she should survive, I have some "pointed" questions to ask her.
Wendy's spellbook I will place with my own in the chest of security, for safekeeping until we can go over it and scribe spells at our leisure.
--Finrod the Nurse,
--Finrod the Interrogator.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 03/20/90 S#: 115066
"I suppose you felt you had to do that, Finrod, but now what do we do with her? She is a danger as long as she lives, and your actions have ensured that her life will continue for some time to come. What will you do if she escapes and kills more of our companions? It would have been far better to let nature take its course."
Mail From: Lanceson Date: Wednesday 21-Mar-90 22:05 EST
I am going to try and post for Cereld, but the link is giving me trouble again. I will mail you this in the chance that I don't make it to post.
Cereld will walk up to Wendy, turn and face the group and say, "Wait. Before we just let her die, let us think a moment. Heironeous has spared her life so far, perhaps there is a reason."
Turning to Wendy, "Well, little woman? You have tricked us, killed our friends and tried to kill us too. Give me one good reason why I should save you. And speak quickly, your life blood is spilling rather fast onto the floor."
If Wendy gives him suitable reason, he will use a CLW on her (I'll leave it to your discretion what you think Cereld would consider suitable.)
The Frontier #32
Party XP's:
| Name | XP's | Class/Lvl | AC/HP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Araduin | 7603 | M/3* | 2/11 |
| Arathron | 3937 | R/2* | 2/18 |
| Cereld | 15295 | C/5* | 0/36 |
| Dar Thaltus | 4451 | R/2 | 5/21 |
| 4641 | C/3* | ||
| Finrod | 5759 | F/3 | 2/22 |
| 6063 | M/3* | ||
| 6900 | T/4* | ||
| Stephanie | 11307 | F/4 | -2/43 |
*Gone up a level
Both Mages can now cast 2nd level spells. The following is a list of 2nd Level Spells on hand.
Bind
Continual Light
Darkness 15' Radius
Detect Evil
Detect Invisibility
ESP
Flaming Sphere
Fool's Gold
Leomund's Trap
Web
Wizard Lock
Also, many of you have gained additional Proficiencies. Send me the new slots ASAP!
Outside the mine, Stephanie locates a shovel and begins to dig graves for the fallen Seekers.
In the mine itself, the others have captured Wendy.
Cereld walks up to Wendy, pauses a moment and then turns to face the group.
"Wait", he says. "Before we just let her die, let us think a moment. Heironeous has spared her life this far. Perhaps there is a reason?"
"Well, little woman? You tricked us, killed our friends and tried to kill us too. Give me one good reason why I should save you. And speak quickly; your lifeblood is spilling rather fast on the floor."
"I will not grovel for you, villain", she hisses. "You've already murdered my father, finish the job you started!"
SUBJ: GM Notes (R) FROM: GM Mad 03/22/90 S#: 484261
Is she telling the truth? Is she lying? Are you all paranoid yet? :)
What will you do with Wendy?
SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Schar 03/22/90 S#: 128893
Glad that she isn't inside the mine, will continue to dig. If I finish before the men return, I'll find a comfortable spot and rest. I am curious as to what is taking them so long, but will not re-enter the mine.
SUBJ: Speak, Wench! (R) FROM: FINROD 03/23/90 S#: 109190
Finrod approaches Wendy...
"What do you mean 'we've already murdered your father?' We have slain no Male Mages lately, though I daresay if he were to presume to cross us, we'd do him the same as we have his daughter! If you truly believe that we have killed him, speak up! If you are mistaken, we may yet have common cause, for there could be another group around who did. And you can forget any thought you had of an easy death...I intend to keep you very much alive, and bring you back to town to face trial for what you've done to our poor, dead companions."
"Cereld, I feel certain that there is much knowledge, treasure, or both hidden in these mines, and I think we should explore them thoroughly and get all the information possible. Wendy should be kept alive for more reasons than just to stand trial for the murders of our fellow Seekers, and I think once you see the information we get from her you will see why. I think she will be more cooperative in the morning." ::Gives a knowing smile::
While we rest and heal overnight (I hope), Finrod will assist Stephanie in burying our comrades. I am not a religious man, but I will mutter a prayer to whatever gods will listen to watch over their souls and guide them in the afterlife--even poor Validar, victim of his own noble upbringing, and bearer of all the sins of his caste. I would wish even him rest in the afterlife...perhaps he will even come to realize the error of the oppressive ways of his people. :)
When he has the chance to memorize spells, they will be 2 X Charm Person and 1 X Con Light...
Any guesses whom the charms are meant for? :)
Cereld... I think we should consider where the Magic Items of our dead comrades would best be placed in the party. You seem to place them wisely, so wherever you decide, I will abide. I know it is a crude thing so soon after they are laid to rest, but it IS something we have to deal with, and better sooner than later.
SUBJ: Araduin (R) FROM: Deslock 03/23/90 S#: 4787
"Finrod, I agree that there may well be items of value in these mines, but do we have the time? Remember, there is a band of goblins heading for Gateway; we must arrive there first. As far as returning this traitorous one to the town for trial, who will try her? This town was only just liberated by our actions; I don't think they'll have a legal system more complex than the working end of a hangman's noose. Even were they to attempt a trial, this again would delay our departure."
When time permits, I shall study the various spell books we've acquired in an attempt to learn the following new spells:
1st Level - Comprehend Languages
2nd Level - Detect Invisible, ESP, Flaming Sphere, Continual Light, Bind, Darkness 15' Radius, Web, and Wizard Lock
Will also be looking to acquire the Weather Sense skill.
Once done with that, I'll study the spells Sleep, Magic Missile, and Web (or Flaming Sphere, if I fail to learn Web).
Completing these tasks, I'll again study the Ring I recently acquired, attempting to learn its nature.
SUBJ: FINROD (R) FROM: FINROD 03/24/90 S#: 501687
You bring up two good points, Araduin, in that we must be hurrying back to Gateway, and that the new-liberated town is less than likely to provide anything approaching a real trial.
However, We will need to be here overnight, anyway, in order to get prepared for the road back, and those of us in something approaching good health may as well spend the time insuring these tunnels are cleared...I doubt it will take long.
Also, the trial I was hoping to bring Wendy to would be at Gateway, where a system of justice is no doubt in place, and where they are surely more levelheaded about meeting out proper punishment than we in our rush of resentment could ever be, here and now. If death is her just desert, then she will no doubt receive that in Gateway.
I, however plan to use the time of our travel to pump her for any information she may have concerning the movements of the things of evil that she so obviously cooperates with. Remember that we are all but new-come to the Frontier, and cannot afford to turn down any source of information.
SUBJ: GM Notes (R) FROM: GM Mad 03/24/90 S#: 56062
"My father lived on in his creation, his child... my brother... You destroyed them!" Is it the glare of the torchlight, or is there a crazed look in her eyes?
Exploring the rest of the mine takes a few hours and provides little in information. From what you can tell, several shafts were dug, but the mineral veins quickly died out.
You do locate a large cavern in the rear of the mine. In one corner is a large pile of bones and refuse. On the other side of the cave is Wendy's small camp.
Entering the cave causes the hairs on the back of Fin's next to rise. The odor of magic is strong here. Spellcrafting reveals that a powerful Alteration spell was in effect in the cave.
The bodies of the dead were laid to rest. The matter of their magical equipment still up in the air.
Once the citizens of Whispering Hollow learn the monster has been slain, the group is honored as great heroes. A feast is quickly arranged. They don't have much to offer other than their thanks. The owner of the general stores says that you may take whatever supplies you need. However, his selection is limited.
[You may select items costing 20 gp's or less listed in the Players Handbook. There are limits on how many of an item is available.]
Next morning, after a full nights rest and a round of CLW's, the party is as follows:
Araduin 11 of 11
Arathron 11 of 18
Cereld 18 of 36
Dar Thaltus 13 of 21
Finrod 14 of 22
Stephanie 22 of 43
After using his healing powers, Raeden has an announcement.
"The path that you have chosen to follow is not my way. I have found a place where I belong. I shall remain in this village, to rebuild the faith of those who dwell here. Farewell."
Finrod casts his spells, including a Continual Light on a coin. He casts the Charm Persons on Wendy. She does appear to calm down.
Araduin has added the following Spells to his book: Comprehend Languages, Continual Light, Bind, Flaming Sphere, Web, Wizard Lock, Esp
After years of practice, he also feels that he can predict the weather;)
By closely studying his ring, he believes that it is a Ring of Protection.
Spectrum's Comments: This is something you're going to see a lot more of. Me writing my posts or my characters posts online as opposed to writing them offline, printing them out, and then typing them back in again. Since I was a GM by this point, money was not an issue any more, so I just did things once instead of twice. I just made a rough outline of what was to happen and worked from that. Really not all that different from the way I write files nowadays.
SUBJ: Traveling stuff (R) FROM: FINROD 03/24/90 S#: 123141
As we get ready to move back through the uncivilized areas toward Gateway, I will be friendly toward the townsfolk, but people always make Fin a little uncomfortable. He turns to Steph to help him through that...He figures if he just hangs out near her, people will talk with her, and not really ask him to say much.
As to supplies from the general store, they cannot cover Fin's most immediate need... a bow to replace his destroyed one. He will settle for a couple of throwing daggers for now, and some traveling rations.
On the road back, Fin will take the time to talk to Wendy...not asking specific questions, just encouraging her to ramble, as with a friend, and he'll keep a sharp ear out for tidbits of info. If she asks why she is trussed, Fin will explain that she is not well, and the party is taking her to "get help".
Now that the Charms have been cast, and a light source has been made, Finrod will memorize his travelling spells.
Color Spray , Web
Sleep
Ready for the Road, Folks?
"Pssst, Cereld: don't you think it's about time we redistributed those magic Items? I know YOU understand that I only wish to make sure the party is as capable as possible, but the others might not understand. Next time, YOU need to bring up the subject. " ;)
SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Schar 03/25/90 S#: 513481
'Be brave, Fin! I'll protect you from those nasty villagers!'
Once our comrades are laid to rest and we return to the village, my spirits return. It is my feeling that we should wait until we are fully healed before attempting the journey back to Gateway. Recall how difficult it was when we had twice the numbers? To attempt it now and in a weakened condition does not seem wise.
Steph merely smiles at Raedens announcement.
'No great loss.'
Since I'm letting my feelings be known, no sense in stopping now!
I feel that the enchanted items belonging to our late comrades should remain with them. It does not seem right that we should take their property. Taking possession of equipment from slain foes of evil is one matter, but I cannot do that to those I once called friend. You all may do as you wish, but I will not partake in this act. I will take none of the items.
Likewise, you may deal with the witch as you please. I want nothing to do with that affair.
It is also my feeling that with the exception of the gems and jewels, the monies found should remain here. Its extra weight would only slow us down on the way back to Gateway. We already have a tidy fortune awaiting us. No sense in getting greedy! I smile at Finrod when saying that. Although, I do have some interest in the various jewels found.... ;)
For supplies, I will select arrows and food.
I will also spend some time with Finrod away for the people, thanking him for his assistance in mastering the bow. I am now well versed in its usage.
When we finally do get underway, I'll take a position near the front of the party. With all due respect to the others, I'm the only real front line warrior now that Validar and Ti-Cat are gone. I need to be in a position to protect the men.
Now that is a switch!
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 03/25/90 S#: 84349
"If you are referring to that creature we had to destroy, let me remind you dear Wendy that it was you who brought us here with deception. Perhaps if you were more honest with us, things would have been different. But now I can see by the look in your eyes that rational thought has little meaning to you. Such a pity that one so skilled can go so wrong." With that Cereld will heal Wendy so that she does not die.
"Now as to the division of our departed members equipment, for those of you that are new to the Seekers, we have already discussed this matter. Stephanie is correct in her belief that what is theirs WILL REMAIN THEIRS! I am shocked to even hear that you care so little for your friends as to ask for their equipment as soon as they have left us. The only exception that I will make of this rule is the same as last time. If any of them promised you something, let me know and you may have that before we bury everything else with them.
If you are so hungry for magic, perhaps you would care to search Wendy's 'room' before we leave here. If what you say is true, perhaps you had better watch out for illusions though. If Finrod asks her real nice like, perhaps she will share any secrets with him before we leave.
As to the money, in that case I again agree with Stephanie. Let us take the gems and jewels and leave the rest in Raeden's capable hands to disperse on this village as he sees fit."
Cereld will see to it his friends are properly sent on their way to Heironeous.
When they get back to the village, Cereld will address the biggest crowd of villagers; "Heironeous has helped us reclaim your village for you. Do not forget this and try not to let evil sink in its ugly teeth again."
As for supplies, all Cereld asks for is enough food and water to make it back to Gateway.
"Although we are in a hurry, I think it would be best to rest here for a couple of days and finish healing before we head back. It is best that we take these few days than never make it back at all."
(The only other thing that Cereld will do during those two days, besides rest and cure everyone will be to cast a Know Alignment spell on Wendy. He wants to know if she is just mad, or evil as well.)
Mail From: Lanceson Date: Sunday 25-Mar-90 12:28 EST
Cereld's spells when they leave for Gateway.
3- Prayer
2- Silence, Spiritual Hammer x2, Wyvern Watch, Strength
1- Santuary, Magic Stone, CLW x3 (This party is going to need) Also his new proficiences are Hammer and Elven(which he learned from Dal)
SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Schar 03/25/90 S#: 476501
'Well said, Cereld!'
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus..... FROM: Kazaroth 03/25/90 S#: 115713
smiles briefly in Stephanie's direction. "Perhaps you are indeed well suited for front line duty...but I strongly suggest that I be placed at point position as I am much more capable of dealing with obstacles of any kind with stealth and or force as necessary."
"As to the various magicks left behind by our brethren, I too believe that they should be left with our fallen comrades."
Having said his piece, Dar will return to his wound tending, using his spell, healing and herbalism profs to the utmost. As is his way Dar will assist veryone else first then tend to himself after the others have been brought back to full health. During the night in the cave Dar will make a small camp for himself away from the others, somewhere in the depths of the woods around the lair. He will take the time there to meditate and pray for a blessing upon his fallen comrades. Dar will then ask Ehlonna's Favor in granting his spells for the next day. He will take as his traveling spell list the following: Cure Light Woundsx2, Entangle, Magic Stone, Flame Blade, Obscurement. After this has been accomplished Dar will watch over the others from his vantage point as is normal for someone of his station.
In the morning Dar will return to the others silently and once more state his intention of being the party scout. Assuming he is given the assignment, Dar will go forth and do what he does best, fading into the natural growth and taking up a lead position at least 90' ahead of the main group. Whatever the destination chosen by the others, Dar will take great care in making sure that they, and he, run across nothing without being fully aware of what it might be.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 03/25/90 S#: 484811
"You're probably right about delaying our departure, but I still resent the delay."
In town, I'll attempt to pick up one weeks dry rations, a waterskin, backpack, flint & steel, and some rope.
When I get the chance, I'll speak privately to Finrod.
"I do not fully comprehend why you so strongly desire to bring Wendy back to town. Still, you are the one who saw through her subterfuge; therefore, you are entitled to control her fate. Although she seems cowed by your spell now, we must keep close watch on her. She is stronger willed, and there is a real danger that she could shake off the effects of the spell."
Having identified the ring (hopefully correctly), I'll commence wearing it regularly.
SUBJ: Finrod FROM: FINROD 03/28/90 S#: 519076
Finrod carefully removes a page from one of his spell-books, sharpens a pen, and begins to write. In his bold, flowing script, he pens:
"I, Finrod Lightningrod, being of sound mind and strong will, do hereby bequeath unto any surviving members of the 'Seekers' adventuring company, any and all worldly belongings which might survive my own demise. They are instructed to utilize these possessions to pay for the returning of my Spirit to Physical form on this world. In the event it is impossible to accomplish this task, they are instructed to divide my belongings as they see fit, and to burn my body on a large Pyre at dawn. Only my spellbooks are to be kept from the division, and are to be donated to the Mages who run the Training Academy in Gateway."
--Finrod Lightningrod
Warrior,Wizard,Scout
:)
Spectrum's Comments: Strangely enough, Finrod gave his last name as Fasthand later on. Either one somehow seems appropriate. Next time out some new players join the ranks of the Seekers!