Spectrum's Comments: Once more the Seekers have attacked the army besieging Gateway.
The Frontier #66
In the entrance to the tent with the evil liquid, Claudius pulls out his Wand of Lightning. Activating it, he unleashes its magic on the advancing hill giant. His aim is true and the energy drives the giant down to one knee.
Finrod advances, preparing to finish the job. Approaching, he notices his blade start to glow a soft blue. One single sword stroke ends the giants' life.
Inside the tent, Claudius goes to work. The sound of bottles smashing fills the air.
Finrod turns and sees a virtual wave of goblins rushing towards the camp. He wisely seeks shelter in the tent.
The rest of the Seekers pursue the goblins on horseback.
Zynara continues to use the Wand of Fear creating more panic among the retreating enemy. Many goblins are caught from behind and permanently removed from the combat.
Looking back, the Seekers see the force from Gateway riding closer. They number several hundred and only spur the goblins on faster.
You notice that General Logan leads the charge himself. Riding near him is his aid, Captain Shea. The High Priests of Gateway, Selinda of Azrella, and Durn of Heironeous, ride close by. Also near the front of the group are Cereld, Araduin and Dar!
Flying over the battle scene is a flying carpet. On the carpet you spot Sharadin and his daughters, Terry and Sherry. The trio of mages continues to bombard the goblins with magic. A Cloud Kill blows over them, leaving death in its path.
The carpet veers off, flying over the leaders camp. Several Fireballs later, the will of the enemy is completely broken. The Priests break into a frenzied retreat.
The advancing riders only increase the speed of the enemy retreat.
Finrod and Claudius emerge from the tent and aid in the final conflict.
It is almost nightfall before final victory is declared.
Cereld, Araduin and Dar rejoin the group and tell of their adventures. When separated from the group, they realized that they would never make it to the meeting point. Instead, they fled to Gateway and made it inside. The found the situation in Gateway to be grim. The mind-numbing liquid and been introduced into the water system. It seems that the leaders of the city received special attention and they had the liquid given to then by spies.
Cereld stumbled across the solution to the liquid. Briefly, the process involves purifying and then blessing the poison itself. Properly treated, the liquid is it's own cure.
This task taken care of, they were able to cure the spellcasters and get Gateway back on its feet. They were preparing a surprised attack on the goblins when they saw the Seekers already engaging the enemy. The rest is history.
"Go into Gateway and rest", Cereld says. "We shall return shortly. I have a promise to keep."
With that Cereld, Araduin and Dar ride off with a squad of men from Gateway towards the ruined city.
General Logan approaches the Seekers.
"I have heard of your adventures. It appears that we owe you a great debt."
GM Notes:
The war is over!
The Clerics of Gateway will see to everyone's injuries. Consider hit points to be at max.
Xp's will be posted next week.
Take it away! :D
Spectrum's Comments: And that's the end of the war and what happened to Cereld, Araduin, and Dar. All three players were gone from Q and did not return. This was the final appearance for all three here in the Frontier. Will we ever find out what happened to them next?
SUBJ: Hunting FROM: Zynara 11/17/90 S#: 398171
Once the fighting is done, I quickly find Blod. Once I have found him, I see to our wounds. When the clerics come around and offer healing, I accept. I also ask them if they can do anything about the metal gloves Blod wears. I explain what type of magic I believe to be involved and what the gloves make him do.
Once the gauntlets are taken care of, I will grab Blod and head for the city (Maybe we shall rest, then again maybe we won't. :D)
SUBJ: FINROD (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 11/18/90 S#: 397476
OOOPS! :)
I always wondered what would happen if your telephone link were severed in the midst of sending a post to Q. Now I know! :) Kinda neat, and I bet it had you all wondering... :)
"Well! Looks like this war is gonna be short-lived after all! I guess time flies when you're havin' fun! Seems like only yesterday we were facing overwhelming odds... I guess it was too good to last!"
::Sigh::
Fin will gladly accept healing from the town's clerics. And any other reward the inhabitants care to render, too! :)
Well... except for one reward. For the first time in his over one hundred thirty years of life, Finrod refuses the attentions of any grateful maids wishing to reward the Saviors Of The City. He has eyes only for one beautifully scarred, bloody, and bedraggled Queen of a human. What is it about her that draws him so? Perhaps the gusto with which she squeezes life for all it is worth? Or perhaps the shared glory of the battles won? Who knows... Who cares? For the first time in his life he is in love with something other than battle and himself.
Amid the bustle of cleaning up after the fight, he seeks her out, and gathers her into a heartfelt hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. "We did it, Steph! We came through it!" His eyes sadden for just a moment. "We lost some good men, but we came through OK. I hope we can continue to share this."
Once reinstalled in the Party's mansion, Fin will hire extra servants to tend to the needs of the fellowship, such as butlery, valetery, and hairdressing, etc. He secretly sends one tastefully dressed girl he encounters out with several gold to fetch a dress for Steph suitable for her triumphal return to the city, and then arranges to have it readied for her when she emerges from her first bath back in town.
After the party's first dinner back in the mansion, he seeks to go out for a walk with Stephanie in the moonlight. He has questions on his mind. ;)
Seems we all have a lot of training to catch up on, and not much time for it, if we hope to stop the Hextorite Midsummer Sacrifice Party. Guess we'll have to knuckle under soon after our return and get to our studies. No rest for the wicked. ::Sigh::
While we are here, Fin's spells: Detect Magic, Identify, Identify, Wizard lock, and Leomund's trap.
As you can guess, every spare.. (Hit F1)
Spectrum's Comments: On Q there was a line limit for each message you posted of 80 lines, which is why these responses sometimes run over into multiple posts.
SUBJ: MORE FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 11/18/90 S#: 412760
As you can guess, every spare moment not spent in study will be spent attempting to nail down the exact attributes of the party's magic items.
Well... HOPEFULLY not EVERY spare moment... ];)
--Finrod Fasthand
--Elven Mercenary
Spectrum's Comments: Below is a private mail that Finrod sent Steph.
Mail From: SGT STONEY Date: Sunday 18-Nov-90 03:44 EST
If Finrod succeeds in getting Steph alone for a while, he stammers a little, not at all his usual eloquent self. Then he finally comes out with it- almost.
"I, uh, reckon you're not the marryin' type of girl... But, er, I'd sure like to spend the next century or so in your, um, company, if you know what I mean?"
Well, it's as close to a proposal as you are gonna get outta THIS Elf. And he makes it plain he'd settle for MUCH less than THAT kind of commitment...
Fin looks intently into Steph's deep eyes in the moonlight, waiting he knows not for sure what for.. ;)
GM Notes:
Selinda, the High Priestess of Azrella listens to Zynara explanation of Blod's problem.
"I understand. I've heard of such cursed items. I believe I can be of service."
The Priestess chants a spell and Blod finds that he can remove the gauntlets!
The Seekers receive a hero's welcome as they ride into Gateway. Damage from the war can be seen, but it is not too severe. It will be repaired in the weeks to come.
Finally, the Seekers arrive at their manor house.
(A note here for the newer players, which with the exception of Validar, Stephanie and Finrod, you are all in this category. When the Seekers choose to work for the Crown, the received a manor house as part of their pay. The building, as were all the manors, needed work on it and had no furniture or other belongs. The Seekers back them bought the basic furnishings and hired caretakers: Mr. and Ms. Calhos, a young couple.)
The caretakers greet the Seekers upon their arrival and listen to the tales of their adventures in the Frontier.
"Welcome home! But, so many did not return..."
Selinda speaks up at this time.
"I shall hold a special service for those who did not come back. All are welcomed to attend."
There is plenty of room in the mansion for all the Seekers. You can find a place to put your gear in the rooms used by those lost Seekers.
Next morning, General Logan comes to call.
"We have a few matters to clear up. The council has settled upon your reward for your service to the Crown."
"A sum of 50,000 gold will be placed into your account here in Gateway. You may use this money in any fashion you see fit."
"The merchants of Gateway will permit you to purchase equipment at a much reduced price, 75% off."
"Your mages may use the lab of Sharadin, High Mage of Gateway in their furtherance of their studies."
"Your priests may increase their abilities at the locate temples."
"The Crown will identify the items you have found for you, if you wish."
"A feast will be held in your honor five days hence."
When the subject of the Hextor Sacrifice is mentioned, General Logan smiles.
"Much has happened in the months since you left on you mission. You and the other adventuring companies have delivered a tremendous set back. Our resources now tell us that the ceremony was been canceled. The Hextorites have lost many of their priests and the items needed to perform their evil ritual. Next spring, we plan to march on New Keln and settle this issue once and for all. Of course, the Seekers would be must welcomed to ride with us in this crusade."
GM Notes:
Updated XP's:
| Name | AC/HP | Class/Level | XP's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arocken | R/4 | 5/38 | 15837 |
| Bernice | T/6 | 6/38 | 20447 |
| Blod | F/5 | 0/36 | 17828 |
| Claudius | INV/4 | 9/21 | 14191 |
| Finrod | F/5 | 2/31 | 16667 |
| M/4 | 18514 | ||
| T/5 | 17988 | ||
| Starkin | F/2 | 0/23 | 3298 |
| Stephanie | F/6 | -2/60 | 35940 |
| Validar | F/6 | -2/53 | 50912 |
| Zynara | CON/5 | 7/19 | 20546 |
Send new Prof's and NWP ASAP.
Upon entering a new spell level, both Claudius and Zynara gained a spell in their area of specialization.
Claudius - Stinking Cloud
Zynara - Flame Arrow
SUBJ: Stephanie
Steph is more relieved then anything that this ordeal is over. She returns Finrod's hug with one of her own.
Silently, I ride towards Gateway. It has only be a few months since we first left. How much my life has changed since them. This naive, simple country-girl now returns a powerful warrior. It is more then she could have ever hoped for. Once in the company of strangers, she returns with friends.
Once back home, I settle Thunder down in his stall. I greet our caretakers, taking their words to heart.
"We lost many good friends in our journey. But found good friends too."
Tired and not wishing to talk any longer, I seek out my quarters. I wash quickly and then collapse in my bed.
My thoughts go out to those who did not come back. Make no mistake, I did not like some of them, but I did most.
Dalliance... Arafel... Flint... Ticat... Dwaladin...
I quickly drift off to sleep.
I awaken many hours later. The smell of a home cooked meal draws me too the kitchen. The cook shoo's me out. Dinner's not done yet.
I head toward the tub, intent upon removing the rest of the dirt and grime from my body. After soaking for a long time, I dry off and go to redress.
Much to my surprise, my clothes are gone! In their place is an elegant, satin gown. I stare at it dumbfounded for several moments. I finally decide to try it one.
A young girl enters, one of the new servants she says. She assists me in getting the dress on. It seems I has trying to put it on backwards. The dress is baby blue in color and fits me to perfectly. I don the matching slippers. The girl then ties several ribbons in my hair, accenting the whole thing.
I stare into the mirror in shock. Is that really me? Am I really that pretty?
Still somewhat dumbfounded, I wander down to the dinning room. The looks on everyone's faces is priceless. They are just as surprised as I am.
The dinner breezes past and I soon find myself outside with Fin. We talk and...
The rest is for us to know and you to find out!
Spectrum's Comments: Some of the Seekers used this post to recap the events in their lives since they first left Gateway way back in post #8. Below is Steph's response to Finrod's marriage proposal.
Mail to Finrod:
Steph is, understandably, stunned by what is said.
"I-- I don't know what to say. I mean... I don't know what I mean. My live has changed some much in such a short time."
I lower my head, not knowing what to say. She thinks of those who did not come back again. Fearing that one-day she may be among them.
"We live dangerous lives. The next battle may be our last. We both have strong feelings for each other. It would be a pity for us not to discover them. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I would be fortunate and honored to have such a worthy man for my husband."
Steph lifts you into her arms and plants a big one on your lips! :*
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 11/18/90 S#: 417888
Entering the city with a bit of awe. Upon arriving at his new home he will stow his gear and go to the nearest weapon maker. "I wish you to make me the finest Long Sword and Broad sword that the world has ever seen!" I will pay the man handsomely for his endeavors and ask when I can pick them up (New WP Broadsword) I will then purchase a new outfit composed of green and brown leathers. I will also go to the Armorer and ask for his finest set of Leather (preferably in the aforementioned colors). Paying him, I will return to the manor and bathe washing my long blonde hair. Upon emerging from his room Arocken looks like you have never seen him his blonde hair flowing well past his shoulders the braid on the left side adorned with feathers wearing brand new leather breeches and a tunic, he simply radiates the elegance of his race.
He will then proceed to join the group in festivities and the ceremonies.
NWP's -- Tracking
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 11/19/90 S#: 843978
As Validar leads the Seekers on to the final assault on the Hextorite camp, a fierce pride swells up in his armored breast. For but a brief moment, as he charges his loyal mount to the attack, his mind wanders back to that of his childhood. He sees the image in his mind of his father, fighting in the Great War. Then he snaps back to the present as he takes his father's place. With an intense vigor, Validar continues his fierce attack on the enemy. The Baron would be proud if he could see his son.
Upon seeing the final remnants of the enemy forces routed and destroyed, Validar will pull up the reins on his warhorse and look at all the carnage about him.
"This is what I was born for.", he says to himself. He then turns to his comrades and thrusts his blade into the air triumphantly! "The war has ended, my friends! Gateway has been liberated!"
Upon seeing Cereld, Dar Thaltus and Araduin, a broad grin crosses the armored warrior's face.
"It is good to see you all well, my friends. I had hoped that you each survived the Hextorites' foul clutches." Validar will grasp each of their hands in a firm handshake. "At least you didn't miss out on all the action."
"When you return, we must exchange our stories. Fare well, friends."
Upon meeting General Logan again:
"It pleases me to see you and the other prominent members of Gateway well and good, General. When we learned of the plan of the Hextorites, it crossed my mind that each of you were in great danger. It did my heart good to see the attack of you and your soldiers."
"There is much to discuss, General Logan. We have learned information that is of no small value. I think it best that we meet, ... at least once we have had a few moments to relax. It has been a glorious, yet taxing, battle."
Validar will ride into Gateway basking in the cheering crowd. He will sport a regal pose as his warhorse, Havok, strides purposefully to the manor house of the Seekers. Once at the stables, Validar will personally see to the removal of his steed's armor and will have the stable hands care for his three mounts.
To Blod:
"It seems that we should now have the time to teach you the ways of the lance, my friend. And since it seems that I have an extra warhorse, I would present it to you. This is a fine horse and you will need such if you would learn how to use such a weapon."
Validar will greet the staff upon entering the manor, and introduce them to our new companions and vice-versa. When the subject of all the fallen Seekers comes up, Validar says simply, "Be assured that those who have passed on did so as heroes....."
Spectrum's Comments: Actually, Validar is referring to his grandfather fighting in the Great War. His father was only seven years old when that war ended. Still, no doubt that his father would be proud of him.
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 11/19/90 S#: 825099
"...We shall certainly miss them all." And Validar cannot help but think about one fair maiden in particular. He pauses for a moment, both his speech and physically. "We shall miss them all." Then he quickly composes himself, looking around at the manor.
"We shall have to do something about these spartan arrangements. I think it would not take long to make these halls presentable. We were slight on funds when first we left these halls, but that is no problem now."
Validar will proceed to his own chambers then, to remove his armor and clean the filth of war from his body. Upon seeing his room again, memories flood the young warrior's mind. The extra amenities that he had furnished the place with in comparison with the rest of the manor made him think on how much things had changed since last he stepped foot in this room.
He was rash and brash then. Concerned more with himself than his fellows. Some would say that things hadn't changed. It all seemed so long ago, and yet like yesterday. Validar's mind floated through their adventures as he went about the tedious task of removing his armor. And he thought on those who were no longer with them.
Tigercat who was both so humble and noble. Validar hoped that somehow he was still alive. Dalliance, poised, skillful, and oh so exotic. The dwarves Dwaladin and Flint. The young mage, Merlin. Validar couldn't help but laugh as he thought of the 'discussion' with Cereld after the poor mage's death. And he felt bad that that was how he would always be remembered.
There were many that he had barely gotten to know. And many that he would have liked to know better. And always there was the vision of the young beauty. Her emerald eyes sparkling as she laughed. Arafel would remain young and carefree forever in his mind. And he wished it wasn't so.
It the days to follow, Validar will have someone see to the task of upgrading the living conditions at the manor. He will also meet with General Logan to discuss their findings. In addition to training and also showing Blod the technique necessary to wield a heavy lance, Validar will have the city's finest armorer begin work on a suit of armor, field plate. It was something Validar had wanted since he was a young boy.
And now, it seems that we have some free time on our hands.
SUBJ: Claudius... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 11/20/90 S#: 400132
Claudius emerges from the tent with a certain grim triumph. "Now they can't use...WHAT?", he cries, looking around.
A literal army pours onto the fields of Gateway, with the goblins and others in flight before them. Claudius smiles grimly as he sees the rest of the Seekers in the middle of the charge.
When he gets home, he is overwhelmed by the manor. Though it's not opulent (yet), it is certainly better than the lonely tower where he had learned the ways of the magi.
He spends the weeks that follow settled in his room, content to sleep late, going out only to train, or to conduct one of numerous research projects in the libraries until the officials have to eject him at sunset.
Those who see him during this time see a content man, enjoying his newfound leisure.
(Perhaps more later, I have to find my char sheet right now :/)
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 11/20/90 S#: 471205
Finrod and Stephanie return from their walk, hand in hand. Finrod seems to glow with and inner light, and Steph is flushed and beautiful in her new dress. Finrod calls for everyone's attention over the hubbub of the revelry over the return to Gateway. Once every-one has quieted somewhat, Finrod hops his small-but-powerful frame into a chair.
"Steph and I have an announcement to make... We're going to be married! I hope you will all join in the wedding ceremonies. We've set the date for the 1st of August, which should allow all of us to complete our training."
As soon as the noise of the reaction to this announcement begins to die down, Finrod grabs a goblet of Meade from the table beside him and holds it in the air.
"Now, I'd like you all to join me in toasting the woman who has made me the happiest person in the domains tonight! May I have the strength to always live up to Her greatness!" He drinks deep, the bright blue eyes glinting as he looks over the top of the goblet into Steph's deep dark ones. *Tonight I am truly the luckiest being in Gateway.* He thinks to himself.
;)
SUBJ: Blod... (R) FROM: Blod 11/20/90 S#: 795794
After the battle, Blod is strangely quiet. Retrieving his sword,(for the millionth time :D), he leans heavily upon it, weary of battle. When Zynara approaches, he takes her into his arms and sighs heavily, taking care not to lean on her too heavily. After the clerics do their healing, Blod feels somewhat refreshed, but desperately needs to be alone with Zynara.
Not understanding a word Zynara says to the Priestess about the gauntlets, Blod merely stands there and nods. When they finally come off, Blod reaches for Zynaras hand, as if he will never have the pleasure of holding it again. He then takes the gauntlets and places them in a sack, "Me have a good idea what me wanna do with these!"
When we finally ride into town, Blod is awestruck. "Me never been in a city before. You stay close, Ok Zynny?"
to Validar:
"Many thanks, Friend Validar. Me will accept this warhorse with pride. Me hope to live up to what you expect and will train very hard."
When we finally get to the mansion, Blod and Zynara will choose adjoining rooms. After we rest and get cleaned up, Blod and Zynara join the rest of the group at dinner. When he sees Steph in her dress, Blod stares in utter amazement at the change. "Wow!" is all he says. His attention then turns back to Zynara.
When Fin and Steph announce their matrimonial plans, Blod congratulates them both and wishes the happy couple a long and happy life together. He then gets a strange look on his face when he turns back to Zynara...
SUBJ: Home and such FROM: Zynara 11/20/90 S#: 469121
I enjoy all the attention I get with the hero's welcome. When I discover the group has their own house, I am caught without any words.
When someone mentions the missing people that won't be coming back, I break out crying and bury my face in Blod's chest. All anyone can get from me for some time is tears. After I have fallen asleep and awakened, I am able to talk, "My brothers and I were out exploring the world before you found me. They will not be coming back either. Missing friends is bad but I am missing family as well."
I will stick close to the manor unless I am at the library doing research.
While we are here and apparently safe from harm, all my first level spells will be Unseen Servant. I will help the servants as much as I can with them as well as having them help me in my research.
The first few days, I will try to learn the following spells from the captured spell books: Wind Wall, Vampiric Touch, Fly, Gust of Wind, Invisibility 10 r', Protection from normal missiles, Slow, and secret page.
Once I am done trying to learn those spells, I will go to the library during the day and attempt to research the following spells: Glitterdust, Summon Swarm, Monster Summoning I, Phantom Steed, Sepia Snake Sigil, Strength, Haste, Hold Person, Spectral Force, and Spectral Hand. The spells are listed in the order I am researching them.
I wonder what is in Blod's mind now. Maybe it is something nice. :*
SUBJ: Bernice FROM: Merri2 11/21/90 S#: 500207
Bernice runs along behind the Seekers falling farther and farther back. 'Darn that Validar! Always runshing off...We could have waited for a minute. Just a minute to rest....' By the time she catchs up the battle's over.
Her words trail off as she spies Araduin at the head of the army. 'IS IT!? It can't be!....It is! ARADUIN!!' Bernice runs over to him and flings herself at his legs. 'I missed you so-o-o much! I thought you were ::sob:: dead! It's been terrible! Hunted down, fighting every step of the way! And I got hurt! Look!' She points to the bandages. 'Awful. And I missed you! Do you want your horse back? How are you? Gosh, it's been so lonely!' The little halfling can hardly, no, she CAN'T contain herself. Days and days of worry finally relieved. She will part from him only if he agrees to meet later in the city. She'll fuss over Dar too, but not half as much.
When they enter the city, Bernice is filled with awe. She's never seen so many buildings! and people! But she's not so over-awed that she can't appreciate the Seekers standing in the city. Bernice, in her time away from training, eats in the best inns, replaces her worn cloak with something much more expensive. She has her jewel made into a brooch, but saves the family heirloom.
At the manor she treats the servants disdainfully. She forgets their names most of the time, and runs them ragged with small errands and other demands.
When Fin and Steph announce their engagement, Bernice smiles knowingly. 'I knew it all the time. You couldn't hide it from me. This is so happy.' She wipes a tear from her eye. 'Well, give us the details. Where will the wedding be? And when? Oh, it'll be such fun. And of course, I'd be delighted to be your maid of honor. I'll have to get a new dress. What fun!' Bernice walks away, leaving bewildered looks behind her.
Your favorite halfling,
Bernice
Spectrum's Comments: The festivities continue in the next file.