The Frontier #50
The Seekers near completion of their tasks before departing the ruined city. The magic items are given out. (See last post.)
The evil armor worn the by High Priest is destroyed. (Holy Water would have been faster guys! ;))
Arocken and Renard locate their missing pets.
Upon hearing of Cereld's suggestion, Jason thinks for several moments.
"You are a wise man, Cereld. I cannot disagree with the facts that you present. If Gateway is indeed under siege, then we shall only be in the way. Therefore, we shall remain here in the ruins, having your word of honor that you shall return with help. However if 3 weeks pass before your return, we will begin the trek ourselves."
More information about the map is learned thanks to everyone's knowledge of history. Unfortunately, only Validar and Zynara can read the writing on the map. (It's in Keln)
Best guess would place the Vault somewhere to the North East of Shadow Keep, the evil fortress of Keln himself in the very heart of the Frontier.
Zynara also notices something odd about the door down in the dragons' lair. She determines that the mysterious runes are written in Elder script.
(Elder is an older, less known language believed to be used by those who walked this land before the coming of Cynalon and Keln.)
The message is basically a warning. Proceed no further or suffer the gods wraith sums it up.
Meanwhile, Bernice plays with her magical rope. She discovers that, upon command, it will move under it's own power and secure itself where desired.
In another part of town, Zynara tests the Rod. She holds it before herself, says the command word, and vanishes!!!
GM Notes:
The healing efforts continue. At the present, only Validar is wounded, assuming that he allowed no further healing. He is now 34 of 53.
Traveling with the mules, it will take 7 days for the group to reach Gateway, 220 miles distant.
Without the mules, it will only be six days.
Also, what of the treasure will be taken and what will be left behind.
Pet Notes: With all the dogs and snakes about, I thought I would include this. Basically, I consider a PC's pet to be part of his character. That is, it up to the player to handle his pet, including their actions, if any, in their post.
Now what?
Mail to Zynara:
This goes along with the new Frontier post.
After activating the power of the Rod, you find yourself in a strange, but beautiful place. There is a large glade with a stream running through it. Several trees hold fruit and many vegetables are growing.
[To simplify matters, you are within the area created by a Rod of Security. As far as the others can tell, you've disappeared. You can dispel the effect, if you wish, and re-appear when you post. Make'm sweat for a few days! ;)]
Spectrum's Comments: A private mail I sent to Zynara explaining her characters disappearance.
SUBJ: Renard FROM: Ailoth 07/27/90 S#: 462187
Wow, well this'll be my last post for a while... so.....
In case of any encounter along the way, GM, I'll attack the first round with my shortbow, as soon as I'm within medium range, and then rush into the melee with my longsword and my war dog :))
I say we take the mules, in case we are in desperate need of supplies :)
So, farewell then from Renard :)
Spectrum's Comments: Actually, it's not his last post. He keeps adding to this one!
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther 29 07/27/90 S#: 809264
Validar will indeed decline any more magical healing, however if those with natural healing are willing to ply their trade, he will accept that.
"I believe that the one day that we save by not taking the mules with us, may be enough to make a major turn in the battle for Gateway. Unless of course we are already too late, which may be the case. Regardless, we need to leave here as soon as possible."
"The door we found may prove an interesting diversion some time in the future, but I agree that its importance is highly minimal at this time."
When Zynara disappears, Validar asks the magic-users in the party whether they believe that this was some sort of spell effect, or if they fear she may be in danger. Validar has seen and heard of various magicks that may have resulted in this disappearance, but he does not recognize them by sight.
SUBJ: Blod (R) FROM: Begal 07/28/90 S#: 449610
"Me agree with Sir Clang. We not have a lot of time, so we should leave now."
Before we leave, I will change into my new chain mail, but will keep my old set.
After Zynara disappears, Blod will run around screaming, with tears streaming from his eyes: "Zyn!!! Where are you!! NO!!! Come Back!! You Can't Leave!!!"
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 07/28/90 S#: 470012
"Finally, we're on our way. Since it seems that we are not taking the mules, perhaps you would again do me the honor of riding with me, Bernice? Unless you're planning or trying our one of the horses?"
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus (YES it is me!!) FROM: Shaunnessy 07/29/90 S#: 796294
Just for a short time...I think ;)Anyway...gametime...
Dar awakens from his healing slumber amid the multiple magical efforts and flashes a brief gratuitous smile then slips back into unconsciousness. Once fully healed Dar quickly offers his healing and herbalist abilities to Validar in an effort to assist him in regaining his complete health as well.
Looking to Cereld with a grin Dar chuckles ruefully..." I hadn't intended taking on that greenie alone I must confess...but what else could I do at the time?" He gratefully accepts the armor and shield storing them away for now until he gets a chance to remove whatever traces of the Hextorites remain on the armor. When the symbols, paint, etc are fully destroyed Dar will then don the chain and heft his shield. He then lapses into his characteristic silence and watches on.......
A word of apology and explanation... I recently moved from Philly to Jax, FL and spent much time relocating and what not...hence the name above :)
I AM back and look forward to taking a more active role...BTW...thanks for the collective efforts to keep Dar alive...he thanks you heartily ;D
SUBJ: Backing up a bit... FROM: Modesty1 07/29/90 S#: 473294
When Araduin offers to put her deeds in the battle to song, Bernice sputters 'A song! Well, maybe things didn't hap... Um!' A little calmer now 'No, no I seek no fame. Just doing my part. Yep. Just my part...' And she wanders away, shaking her head.
And when Validar asks if something's bothering her, she'll (assuming they are alone) burst into tears. After a few comforting words from him, she'll confess ...(you know what Val), and tell him it was a brief moment of weakness. A weakness she didn't know she had. Then she'll ask his advice on what to do now.
On to this post.
Bernice will shuffle her feet, kicking up dust on the way to saddling up to go. But when Araduin offers to let her ride with him, she smiles broadly and agrees. 'Come on, everyone. It's time to GO!' She hasn't quite lost her distaste for battle, but is looking forward to the ride. ;)
Spectrum's Comments: Okay, Musky, what's the story here? I assume that Bernice pocketed some of the stash, but I don't know the exact details.
SUBJ: Stephanie
Like the others I am stunned when Zynara vanishes.
'What should we do, Cereld? Validar? We can't go riding off to Gateway without her!'
Not truly understand what is going on, Steph will help Blod search for Zynie.
Welcome back, Dar! [[*]]
SUBJ: Cereld (R) FROM: Cereld 07/30/90 S#: 5075
"Terrific this is all we need now. Ok, Validar keep loading up the horses with the others. Araduin, Eagle, Dar, Finrod and Claudius, come with me. Maybe we can figure out what has happened to her fast. We have got to get moving soon." When they get to the place where Zynara disappeared, Cereld will ask, "Anyone have a detect magic spell handy?"
SUBJ: About Zynara... FROM: Modesty1 07/30/90 S#: 457426
Bernice is not too upset she disappeared; in fact she sniffs "Hope she took that darned snake with her. Never liked the looks of either of 'em anyways."
Your favorite halfling thief,
(the only one, but don't tell her that)
Bernie
Spectrum's Comments: Somehow, I'm just not surprised that Bernice would feel that way.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 07/30/90 S#: 457504
What's this Cereld? Hmmm... Has anyone tried calling her name? I suspect that the rod she has been given is a rod of invisibility. As to your question, sorry, I don't normally memorize a Detect Magic, so I can't help out there."
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 07/30/90 S#: 483227
Hmmm...
"Uh, Cereld... I've never heard of a Rod of Invisibility, and I do have a fair knowledge of such things. [Spellcraft x2 ] I have, however, heard of Rods that allow one to travel as though using Teleport-variety spells. If it IS one of those, then perhaps it is of the lesser-powered variety, and she is somewhere close hereabouts. If she does not respond to calling her name, I suggest you split us up into teams of two, and we search the ruined city here quickly but thoroughly. If that does not turn her up, then I feel we should be on oour way. After all, it is not as if ALL of us are leaving; since we are leaving people here, then if she makes her way back then she can link up with them. If she is gone, then more searching would be of no avail, and there is no sense wasting valuable time that could mean lives later in a fruitless search.
"So, there it is... a bit long-winded, but true. We must be off, but let us spend at least a few minutes in search for Zynara."
--Finrod the Fair
--Elven Philosopher
Spectrum's Comments: I also used a fair amount of original magic items. So knowing what rods exist in the DMG is not necessary a big help.
SUBJ: Could it be.... FROM: Ailoth 08/01/90 S#: 806335
A rod of Security?
Spectrum's Comments: Didn't he leave?
The Frontier #51
While preparing to depart the ruins, Zynara was testing the Rod she was given and disappeared. Word quickly spread out amongst the Seekers and a search began.
After searching for half an hour, still no sign of Zynara has been found. She is apparently not invisible, nor currently in the city.
GM Notes:
Going to proceed on or continue to search for Zynara?
As I have it now, the general party consensus is to travel without the mules. The journey to Gateway will take only 6 days.
There is a game information file now in the Treasure Chest Library. 'Game Info - GM Mad'. The file contains much information, including game world history.
Included within is a method to construct your own map of the Frontier lands!
Spectrum's Comments: I always loved short posts... Made my life easier!
SUBJ: Returning (R) FROM: Zynara 08/02/90 S#: 495808
As everyone gets ready to move out after a search of the area, Zynara returns as suddenly as she disappeared.
"OH! Paradise is a great place to be but I have returned. Where is Blod. He would be just the man for me in paradise. Got kinda lonely there with just Sheba."
When asked where she has been, "It was the most peaceful place I have ever been. Food was plentiful. The air was clean and fresh just like it is after a spring rain. It was almost paradise. I bet Bernice would love it there. The trees and grass remind me of the stories I have heard about halfling villages. I am sorry I took so long, I just lost track of time. Is everyone ready to go?"
SUBJ: Renard FROM: Ailoth 08/02/90 S#: 495992
(I guess it was a rod of security :D) Wow, well, head 'em up, move 'em out! (Aka... let's go :))
SUBJ: Blod FROM: Begal 08/03/90 S#: 46310
Upon Zynara's return, Blod will catch her in a fierce, but gentle, embrace, lifting her completely off the ground. With tears still streaming from his face, he says, "Zynnie!!! Me thought you was gone!! Me not want to lose a girl as pretty as you! Never leave again, 'Kay?"
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus... (R) FROM: Shaunnessy 08/05/90 S#: 508468
spots the sudden reappearance of Zyn then smiles as he sees Blod's affectionate reaction. Dar murmurs under breath to no one in particular... "Perhaps now we can move on to Gateway and stem the goblin tide." Dar then moves ahead of the party taking up his customary position at point.
SUBJ: Response to Blod (R) FROM: Zynara 08/05/90 S#: 47705
When Blod picks me up and give me a hug, I return the hug will equal or more vigor. When he asks me not to leave him again, I give him a great big kiss. After, "Blod, I missed you also. I couldn't think of being in paradise without you so I came back. Otherwise I may have stayed. Now can you put me down so we can go catch up with some goblins?"
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 08/05/90 S#: 28838
The usually verbose and friendly elf is uncharacteristically curt and impatient apparently the strain of all these delays seems to be wearing at him.
"Zynara, the time for experimentation is in the evenings in camp, NOT during the process of saddling up for move-out! Let us be on the road!"
He spurs his horse after Dar as they begin to move down the road.
Last post for me for the next three weeks. I'll be running around the North Carolina woods playing soldier. This evaluation means a lot to me, so wish me luck, all!
See 'Ya in three weeks, in the meantime, slay some humanoids for me! :)
SUBJ: Stephanie
'If the excitement's over, then let us be on our way by all means.'
Stephanie will mount up on Thunder and wait for the Seekers to move out.
SUBJ: Claudius.. (R) FROM: GM Falcon 08/06/90 S#: 436220
Claudius notes the disappearance, then reappearance of Zynara with some surprise. He listens attentively to her story, always eager to get more information.
When Dar Thaltus mentions goblins, Claudius' ears perk up. He, also, immediately gets ready to go.
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Cereld 08/06/90 S#: 50555
"Easy Fin, Zynara did what she thought was best. We may be coming to one of the biggest challenges that the Seekers have faced so far at Gateway, yes even greater than that great fallen beast over there. It is best that we now know what the wand could do. If it were a 'weapon' of some support, I would have liked to know what we have before we go charging into battle.
Zynara please tell us all of this place, but wait until we are on the move. We have much time to make up, and must get going as fast as possible."
As to what treasure we are taking, Finrod can put all of the jewelry and gems in the chest for safety. We will fill our saddlebags with 5000 gp, no more. The rest of the room will be filled with food and supplies we may need on our 6 day journey.
SUBJ: Bernice... (R) FROM: Modesty1 08/07/90 S#: 519376
Bernice watchs Zynara's return and Blod's reaction with disdain. 'Well, she's back. That outta make everyone happy.'
She listens to Zynara's description of 'paradise' with interest. When Zyn mentions her name she tries to cover her reaction with a scowl, but doesn't quite succeed.
She holds on to Araduin tightly, with a pleased look on her face, whenever we finally hit the road.
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 08/07/90 S#: 819378
::Gathering up equipment and preparing Kortul for travel::
"Zynnie it is nice to have you back! Let us begin this ride"
SUBJ: Blod FROM: Begal 08/09/90 S#: 413247
After putting Zynara down, Blod says, Me would like to visit paradise with you, Zynnie. It sound like a fun place!! But, me thinks it is time to stomp goblins!!"
The Frontier #52
At last the Seekers depart the ruins.
The next 5 days pass quickly, as the party travels towards Gateway. The journey is for the most part, uneventful. Several minor encounters occurred with wolves and other forest creatures. They were easily driven off or fled when seeing such a large party.
It is the morn of the fifth day. Best guess would place you approximately 20 miles from Gateway.
Ominously, the sky is filled with smoke to the west... Towards Gateway...
GM Notes:
You are at coordinates 0,2.
The party would be able to travel the 20 miles in about 3 hours. More if you leave the road.
Looks like it's time for the main event!
SUBJ: Arocken (R) FROM: Wildchilde 08/09/90 S#: 801124
"Come on Seekers, let us move these beasts on which we ride to speeds that they knew not possible, it appears Gateway needs us now!"
With that Arocken Spurs his mount to greater speed.
SUBJ: Claudius.. (R) FROM: GM Falcon 08/10/90 S#: 517314
Claudius gapes at the signs of trouble, and an unconscious shiver runs through him. "Damn..", he swears softly.
"Speed is of the essence..", he states, speaking up, "But so is stealth. Let us ride as fast as we can until we sight the city, then dive for cover. Whatever can take on a whole city, is too much for us to take alone..."
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 08/10/90 S#: 46274
"I agree haste is of essence, but bolting blindly onto the battlefield is unlikely to do anyone much good. We must get close, and then scout out the situation."
"Well, Bernie, are ready for the main event? I fear the battle for Gateway will make our adventures with the dragon seem like a holiday."
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus... FROM: Shaunnessy 08/11/90 S#: 9577
approaches the party and seeks Cereld out. " Cereld....this is a time for careful planning I believe.... we should have some small amount of time for I doubt that Gateway would crumble too easily. And if it did...." Dar's words trail off ominously.
"I volunteer myself as part of an advanced scout group, perhaps a few others would accompany me?" He glances at Bernie and smiles. "We could find out what/where the action is and report back. I'm sure a small group of us could slip around without attracting any attention just long enough to gather important info. I doubt the goblin horde will be looking behind them much anyway. By the time the Seekers arrive en masse we should have a fairly good idea of what you can expect and you can then deal with it accordingly." Dar readies his equipment then himself for the upcoming battle while the others mull over his idea.
Spectrum's Comments: Well that was a horrifically short post! That also explains why there are four posts in this one file! They were tiny!
The Frontier #53
As the Seekers near Gateway, the ominous sign of smoke in the sky greets them.
Deciding to send a scouting party on ahead, the main group of Seekers slow their pace while Dar, Bernice and Finrod go to reconnoiter around Gateway. Spurring their mounts on, they speed off towards Gateway.
After almost two hours of hard riding, the scouts come to a halt. Best guess would place you two miles from Gateway. The city itself can be seen in the distance over the trees. Some fire damage can be seen, but the whole appears to be solid.
However, what first grabbed the scouts' attention is a roadblock. You managed to ride off the road without apparently be spotted.
Ahead in the road is a barricade of trees and rocks. You count ten men in leather armor behind the barricade. They are armed with short swords and short bows.
GM Notes:
Not much for the main group to do in this post... You are about 2 miles behind the scouts. At your current pace, you'll cover that ground in about 40 minutes.
The barricade is 140' ahead of the scouts.
By now, everyone is at max hp's.
Post away!
SUBJ: Wondering FROM: Zynara 08/16/90 S#: 797642
As I ride beside Blod, "Blod, what do you think the others will find? Do you think they will bring trouble back to us?"
Most of the trip, I keep near Blod and pet Sheba's head. Otherwise, I am ready to defend myself as best as I can.
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus.... FROM: Shaunnessy 08/18/90 S#: 820528
spots the manned obstacle ahead in the road and quickly veers off to the side, guiding the others over to the side in the process. He is heard to mutter a curse or two at this unexpected matter. "Hope those guards are a little on the lax side." He says this to no one in particular as his eyes keep a constant vigil over the actions or possible reactions of the men ahead.
SUBJ: Blod (R) FROM: Begal 08/19/90 S#: 435004
"Me don't know what they'll find, Zynny. Me just hope for more fightin'. Me wanna hack some goblins!!" While Blod is talking, he will flex nervously and keep a worried eye on Zynara.
SUBJ: Goblins FROM: Zynara 08/19/90 S#: 43500
"Blod, you will keep me safe from the goblins won't you? The only thing I have fought were my brothers and that was fist fighting. You aren't nervous are you Blod? You are much bigger and stronger and even smarter than any goblin I know of."
SUBJ: Stephanie
Stephanie rides silently after the scouts leave. Her thoughts are on their safe return. Her longbow is ready in case of an ambush.
SUBJ: GM Notes
The guards did not appear to notice you riding up. They are very relaxed, as if not expecting any trouble.
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 08/20/90 S#: 106426
Validar's thoughts have been his own since the departure from the orc stronghold. He has kept mainly to himself, his mind on the coming battle. As the Seekers approach Gateway however, Validar suddenly comes to life in a flurry of hooves, armor and weapons.
Until this point, Validar had been riding toward the rear of the group. However, after the scouting party leaves on their mission, Validar will ready his weapon and shield and don his great helm, although leaving the visor up for greater sight. With a very purposeful motion, Validar spurs his horse to the front of the Seekers and will ride in the lead for a while, his colors flying majestically from the point of his lance.
Once the Seekers reach the point two miles from the scouts, Validar will drop back slightly to converse with Cereld.
"I understand that you have an inventory of the magicks which our band has assembled for use in our rescue of Gateway. Perhaps you should share such information with myself. I have been thinking about the condition of our friend Jason's companion. The conclusions which I continue to arrive at are troubling at best, but we may make the most of them."
"I believe that this potion that the woman was subjected to will be in us in some way in the attack on the city. Simply throwing the goblins, even a horde of considerable size against Gateway would be foolishness at best. Such a horde may be a match for the assembled swords of the city, but with the inclusion of the magicks available there, the enemy would be no more than a minor inconvenience, at best."
"Either this is a feint, with another attack coming from some other front. Or else, the Hextorites have found some way to neutralize the magical might at Gateway. Unfortunately, the potion used on Jason's companion suggests the latter and is even more foreboding a conclusion. If Gateway is without magic, then she may be at the mercy of the Hextorites and their dread horde."
"However, they will not be expecting any attack in magical form and therefore should have few defenses for such attacks ready. We may be able to turn the tables on the attacking army by unleashing the full fury of all the magical might at our disposal on the enemy. That and a concentrated attack might be enough to win this day."
"We will have to have the best plans yet conceived since the destruction of the Kelnian Empire itself. And we must all strike with all the speed and power at our disposal. This is a special day in the annals of history and we can make it ours!"
"Now, as to these plans: I think we should begin with our most powerful magicks. Where do we begin?"
SUBJ: Bernice.. FROM: Modesty1 08/20/90 S#: 430965
Bernie follows Dar's lead and, if possible, beats him to the side of the road. (Oh, I forgot she's riding with someone else.) "Boy, that was a close one," she whispers fiercely. Knowing that they need to be Quiet, Bernice says no more for several minutes, but her eyes are wide and search the area.
After a reasonable period of time, Bernice suggests exploring further in the remaining time. "Can we find a place to hide the horses, and check things out more? I'd hate to fail Cereld's trust in us." This is said in a whisper.
Quiet for once,
Bernice
SUBJ: Goblins FROM: Begal 08/21/90 S#: 819883
"Zynny, me not let those goblin dogs get you!! Me will crush every one of them if me have to! There not be a goblin alive who could kill me!
"Me not nervous, me just tired of waiting for battle. Me don't wanna see you go either. Me wanna stay close to you. Me never had a women as pretty as you call me smart before."
Blod blushes and turns his head when he speaks the last part. When he looks back at Zynara, there is a strange look in his eyes. It is a look of pure and honest Love.
SUBJ: Araduin (R) FROM: Deslock 08/22/90 S#: 797200
Falling silent after Bernice leaves on her scouting mission, I rehearse my magicks in my head, preparing for the battle to come.
- So much for lolly-gagging in the wilds. We've come home, and our home is under siege. Hopefully, we haven't been delayed too long... -
SUBJ: Dartagne.... (R) FROM: Shaunnessy 08/23/90 S#: 515585
concentrates furiously as he tries to come up with a plan to deal with the men at the blockade. Knowing that the main group won't be too far behind his mind races over multiple ideas. Finally his eyes alight as something comes to the forefront of his thinking.
"Bernice....we've worked so well together.... I now wish to entrust to you a most important role in my plan to remove those men from that barricade ahead..... would you mind if we used you as a lure of sorts??"
Dar waits for her initial reaction to die down before he continues...
"Actually I'd like you to goad as many of them into an enchanted area of brushy growth so that they will become ENTANGLED as you can...the rest Finrod and I will deal with. How does that sound to you? We can mark off a safe path for you to follow then Fin and I can slip off around behind them. I will then cast my ENTANGLE spell between you and the men and you can lead them into the trap. Be careful thought!! The plants have no mind of thier own and would just as soon entrap you as those other guys."
Once the plan is clearly understood and the safe spots for Bernice made known to her Dar sneaks around the barricade so that he is between the men and any possible retreat towards Gateway. He then casts his ENTANGLE and awaits Bernice to spring the trap from the other side......
SUBJ: Dartagne (cont)..... FROM: Shaunnessy 08/23/90 S#: 507225
Note to GM: As Dar gets closer to the men he will cast his STALK spell to make certain he is able to get by the blockade unnoticed and get into position beyond them.