The Frontier #70
The Seekers find themselves in the tunnels beneath Gateway, searching for a lost servant. Six tunnels are found and the Seekers split up into small groups to search them. Meanwhile Thundron's wolf is lowered into the underground cavern.
Finrod and Stephanie cautiously travel along one of the tunnels. It twists and turns as the pair slowly continues on. Before long, Finrod sights some movement up ahead in the tunnel. It seems to be coming their way.
The lone figure steps into the light. Dressed mostly in black, a humanoid stands a few feet away, somewhat wary of the approaching two.
Meanwhile, Bernice and Claudius take another of the openings. This passage is basically straight, with a few minor turns. Eventually, the light from Claudius' torch shows a large cavern up ahead. The two move closer cautiously and peer into the large natural room.
Amongst the rocks and stalagmites are the numerous bodies of dead goblins. Upon examination, the bodies do not appear to have open wounds upon them, but rather were smashed or somehow crushed.
Validar's tunnel is filled with numerous twists, along with a few side passages. Otherwise there are little features along his path for some distance. This soon changes however, as the noble warrior is met with a change in scenery.
"Interesting."
Two of the newcomers, Armon and Thengor, travel down yet another of the underground passages. Eventually, their tunnel meets with the one taken by Arocken and Starkin. They continue together and eventually opens into a large cavern.
Surprisingly, the room appears man-made. After passing through an archway, the group enters the circular room. Inside, they see a number of large pillars in an octagonal pattern in the center of the room.
Finally, Blod and Zynara follow Thundron and his wolf, tracking the scent of the lost boy. After a few turns, the tunnel branches in two directions. The wolf seems to have the scent and leads the trio to the right.
Up ahead there is a light shining from around a turn in the passage. They round the corner and see Validar standing in front of an interesting site. A constructed wall, disguised to appear as part of the natural tunnel system has been smashed outward. On the wall can be seen some odd symbols, which glow eerily in the torchlight. The wolf seems to think the trail leads through this opening.
Only Zynara can understand the Elder language written on the wall. It states: "Disturb ye not, the Gatherer of Souls..."
>>All yours!<<
Spectrum's Comments: Anyone think that this may somehow tie into that goblin writing that Raeden found on the cave wall way back in Frontier #7?
SUBJ: Armon (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 12/15/90 S#: 427720
Armon explores the passage with Thengor, carefully noting their surroundings and still holding the dagger. When they meet up with the others, he quickly exchanges words with them:
"We have found nothing yet; have you?"
When they continue along the passage and enter the chamber with the strange pillars, Armon stares at them mystified. Finally after a moment or two he advances towards them curiously, still holding the dagger in his hand....only gripping it tighter now.
SUBJ: Starkin FROM: Halthron 12/15/90 S#: 844866
Thinks that this room looks a bit creepy, but won't let his fear show. Heck, he isn't even admitting it to himself! ;D
"Everyone be REAL careful. Critters aren't the only thing in places like this, there are traps also." He then cautiously makes his way around the room, noting everything, and touching nothing.
SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Schar 12/15/90 S#: 811000
I let out a small gulp upon seeing the figure.
"Wh--who are you?"
I'll only attack if the figure attacks. We can't be sure that this is the one responsible for the missing servant.
SUBJ: Claudius... FROM: GM Falcon 12/15/90 S#: 795781
Claudius looks at the goblins with a certain grimness. "Serves them right.", he mutters.
He quickly searches the goblins for clues as to their identity (part of the invasion force, perhaps?) then look on.
"I vote we go on.." (if possible) "This may not be anything, but I'd sure like to know what killed these gobs. Thank them at least.." He grins.
SUBJ: Zynara FROM: Zynara 12/16/90 S#: 790347
I look on the writings and read them to myself. As I finish the last word, "Fellows. I think it is time to run back and get the others as well as some better equipment. This message, (Pointing at the words as I read them aloud), does sound like we may be in for some major problems. I admit we may be able to save the boy's life if we go in now but then again, we may be to late and this creature sounds like it may add us to the souls it is collecting if we are not fully prepared."
I await the response of the others.
SUBJ: Thundron FROM: Dark2 12/16/90 S#: 484736
I totally agree, Zynara. We should gather up the others and whoever doesn't have their full complement of equipment should return to their place and get it. I, on the other hand, have all my equipment with me. Fenris and I will stay here and watch this area for anything else that might happen. Hurry back!
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther4 12/17/90 S#: 430752
"It is not the equipment that does the work, but the man beneath it. I have no fear of the Gatherer of Souls that my armor will allay. Anyone who wishes to return to the surface is welcome to, but I shall go on."
"We cannot turn back until we know that the boy is in no danger or beyond saving. Only then can I make the decision to return. Only then will I."
Validar will then thrust his light through the opening and peer into the space beyond.
SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 12/17/90 S#: 506766
" WWHHHOOO?"
"Not you,she is talking to me."
"Hello, Lady my name is Mercy, and who may I ask are you and your companion?."
If given a reply "I am down here trying to find the lost boy who was taken. Maybe we could join together to look for the child?"
If accepted as a companion he will introduce both of them to Bright Eyes the Owl perched on his shoulder.
Spectrum's Comments: The figure that was approaching Steph & Fin was a new PC. Mastiff already had a character in Sword of Doom as well. He wanted to play a full blooded drow and I wasn't ready to allow such a thing into the game. So we compromised and Mercy is Half-Drow.
SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Schar 12/19/90 S#: 396161
"Uh, hi there. I'm Stephanie and this is Finrod. We are looking for the boy too. I guess that joining forces wouldn't be a bad idea. Right, Fin?"
SUBJ: Zynara FROM: Zynara 12/19/90 S#: 401597
"Thrundon(?) and Val, you are both mighty and brave warriors but let us do some thinking first. If we go in there and the Gatherer of Souls returns and cuts off our escape, how are we gonna be able to tell the others where we are?"
"Now let us say that we go in there and we find the boy alive but the creature is gonna kill the boy. Are you two gonna rush in there and throw away your lives for one boy that still ends up dead or would it be better to go get the others to insure the boy receives a decent vengeance with no one else getting killed?"
"I know we don't know what the creature is but we do know some things about it. First it was sealed in this chamber a very, very long time ago. The language written here is so old, very few still remember it. Fortunately I had the chance to learn it. We know that the creature is strong enough to break through a solid stonewall. A feat I would be happy to watch one or even both of you try to do. We know that the creature is after souls not flesh. It just happens that the flesh contains the soul. I will let you talk to the priests on how strong a creature must be to take souls."
"Now that we have thought it through, doesn't it sound like it would be a good idea to go back and get the others? As for me having to go back for equipment, I have what I need. I have my components and Blod. With those I fear nothing but I am not stupid enough to trust in good luck. We have had our good luck in finding the lair of the creature in the maze of sewers down here."
"As for the comment that one or more of us stay behind, that is as foolish as going in now. Those left behind would be weaker then they are now because we won't all be here."
Waiting for Val to try and talk his way through this logic. Also want to see these guys try and break through a wall. :D
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther4 12/20/90 S#: 468783
"First of all, let me say that I am not looking for a debate. We can waste precious time by doing so. However, since you require an explanation, then you shall have one."
"I am not concerned with this Gatherer cutting off an escape route, as there are many tunnels to this complex and impossible to determine where they all may lead. Also, I do not consider the mere presence of this creature to be a deterent when it is unknown just what this creature is capable of doing."
"I also have no intention of throwing away my life. It seems that many who have been associated with this group over the months seem to think that I simply act without thinking. Rest assured that this is not a matter of unplanned mayhem on my part. I have already died once, so I am told, and I have no desire to do so again. I am simply supremely confident in my skill and the strength of my good right arm."
"All I am saying is that we are here now. Waiting may cost the boy his life when a decisive action could prove the difference. I have no intention of turning this into a sacrifice. Besides we have no way of knowing whether any of the others are further along than we are. If this Gatherer burst through one wall, then it could have burst through any."
"Obviously, none of us here possesses the strength to duplicate this feat, but that does not make us any less dangerous. Unless you have forgotten, my dear sorceress, we have defeated a dragon, a goblin horde, an orc stronghold, Hextorite temples, and giants. Do not underestimate the power that we have assembled."
"There is no doubt that this creature, whatever it may be, is old. But along with that fact, it may have gotten weaker over the centuries, as well. Or it may not be at its full strength having recently awoken from a slumber. I am not counting on this fact, but it is a possibility. As is the truth that creatures are often given cryptic names that somewhat exaggerate their abilities. We do not know that this being can eat souls. But whether it can or can't is not the issue. If we must fight the creature, then woe be it to it as much as to us."
"I don't wish for anyone to remain behind, but I cannot order anyone to go forward if they will not. I will lead whomever is following me to the best of my abilities."
"Finally, I do not believe in luck. One makes his own fate by his skill, strength, might and the decisions he makes. I have never gone into a situation with the intent of hoping circumstances win the day. I intend to grasp victory myself in whatever way it is required and I have the confidence that I will."
"Now, are you all with me or not. I am going to continue on with one, or all,....or none."
SUBJ: VALIDAR (Cont.) FROM: Panther4 12/20/90 S#: 486866
Okay, here is just a bit of housekeeping. I am curious as to the role that everyone expects me to play as the group leader. I'm not going to change my personal outlook for any reason, but I would appreciate some input regarding my duties as leader.
I personally resent the idea of being told what to do all the time by the party leader and have been trying to make my suggestions not seem to heavy handed. I am certainly quite capable of doing such myself and it appeared there came a time during the attack on the goblin horde when that was warranted. If things had continued as they were, we could have squabbled about that for weeks more. I felt I had to take complete charge and just decide a course of action.
Simply put, I do not want to dampen anyone's enjoyment of the game, so would like everyone's input, brief though it may be. I am willing to fulfill this role in whatever manner we all see fit. Thanks for your time.
Spectrum's Comments: For whatever reason, Zynie seemed to have this bad habit of making some argument with Validar and then not say a word about it when Validar responded to her. If she thought she was right then perhaps she should have stood up for her ideals and instead of just letting the matter drop and if she was just going to wilt in a discussion, why bother push the point in the first place?
The Frontier #71
In the tunnels underneath Gateway, the Seekers have made some discoveries...
Claudius and Bernice examine the goblin bodies that they have found. As Claudius suspected, they are indeed part of the army defeated a few short months ago.
Continuing on, the pair notes that they have left the rough tunnel passages. The walls are now worked brick. They see a light in the distance and several familiar figures. The pair enters into the torch light of a second group of Seekers.
This group, Armon, Starkin, Arocken and Thengor are exploring a large room. In the middle of the room is a series of ornately engraved pillars. The pillars are arranged in an octagonal pattern. They appear to be centuries old.
Apart from the pillars, the room is featureless except for the iron door set in wall and the two entrances used by the Seekers.
Elsewhere, Stephanie and Finrod have encountered Mercy. Together, they continue on.
Before too long, their passage leads them to a hole in the wall and several Seekers locked in conversation.
Validar, Zynara, Blod and Thundron note the trio's arrival.
Validar thrusts a torch into the opening and enters. A huge room lies before him. Several ornate pillars support the roof. Each pillar emites a soft blue glow, providing an eerie light to the room and making the torch unnecessary.
Several unmoving bodies are scattered on the floor. They appear to be goblins.
You spot the boy laying on a stone slab. He is unmoving, his eyes closed.
Thundron's Wolf lets out a bark as he senses the other occupant of the room. A large, black armored figure stands near the stone slab, between two of the pillars. The figures arms are thrusted out, each touching a pillar. The strange blue glow seems to crawl up the figures arms before fading.
The figure appears to be either unaware of your presence or is ignoring you.
GM Notes:
Now what?
Bernice, Claudius, Arocken, Armon, Thengor and Starkin are in the room with the 8 pillars.
Validar, Blod, Zynara, Thundron, Stephanie, Finrod and Mercy have found the boy... and his kidnapper... Also, this is looking into the room; you have yet to enter it.
Looks like things have stabled out as far as new PC's go. Here is the current Seekers Roster:
| Name | Race/Sex | Class/Level | AC/HP's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armon | H/M | B/1 | 8/5 |
| Arocken | E/M | R/4 | 5/38 |
| Bernice | 1/2L/F | T/6 | 6/38 |
| Blod | H/M | F/5 | 0/36 |
| Claudius | H/M | INV/4 | 8/21 |
| Finrod | E/M | F-M-T/5-4-5 | 2/31 |
| Mercy | .5DRW/M | F-C/1-1 | 5/10 |
| Starkin | E/M | F/2 | 0/23 |
| Stephanie | H/F | F/6 | -2/60 |
| Thengor | D/M | F/1 | 4/12 |
| Thundron | H/M | R/1 | 4/11 |
| Validar | H/M | F/6 | -2/53 |
| Zynara | H/F | CON/5 | 7/19 |
SUBJ: Claudius FROM: GM Falcon 12/20/90 S#: 497907
First, a comment: Validar, you're doing a FINE job as PL..you know when to bring us together, and when to leave us alone..that is the sign of a true (Party) leader. If I have a problem, it's that you're playing like a paladin and you're doing too good a job at it too :/ :D
Claudius looks around. "Another mystery..", the mage comments. He looks around and almost purrs to himself. "Always loved mysteries.."
He turns to the others. "Can anyone read these runes?" He then walks to the iron-door in a roundabout fashion. He carefully examines the door, using what he knows of ancient history if it will help unlock the puzzle. "Bernice, any traps?", he asks softly.
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther4 12/20/90 S#: 397044
Paladin, me? Never been accused of being a paladin before! :D But thanks for the vote of confidence.
Validar doesn't care much for the sight before his eyes. He casts his torch aside, fixing his grip on his shield. Steeling himself for combat, Validar steps into the room, sword first.
Validar moves slowly toward the creature, trying to get as close as possible without being noticed. (As much as possible for one in plate mail!) I will try to move to the side of the scene to see if the boy is still alive.
When noticed, or within sword distance, Validar will address the armored figure.
"Who are you and what do you think you're doing with this boy?" If there is even the slightest indication of aggression, then swing my enchanted blade with all my strength and skill.
SUBJ: Thundron (R) FROM: Dark2 12/20/90 S#: 513400
I quietly follow Val towards the dark figure. I unchain my wolf to allow him free access if combat ensues. I draw both swords and prepare for combat. Wispering to my wolf, "Move slowly and carefully. We don't know what this guy is up to yet. Don't hesitate to attack if he makes a sudden move, though."
SUBJ: Arocken (R) FROM: Wildchilde 12/21/90 S#: 478804
Examining the Iron Door. If Bernice sees no traps I will attempt to open it. I will also look around at the pillars.
SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 12/21/90 S#: 459021
Armon squints at the pillars, hoping he might be able to puzzle out some of their meaning. He also glances at the door, wondering what might be on the other side, and also wondering if he really wants to know. The dagger is still held in one hand at his side, almost as if it were the bard's only lifeline. He listens carefully to tell if he can hear any noise coming from the far side of the door, hoping to tell what's over there. If he doesn't pick up anything, Armon starts to softly whistle a tune in order to break the silence in the dreary surroundings.
SUBJ: GM Notes FROM: GM Mad 12/22/90 S#: 444765
Claudius studies the strange pillars, but cannot decipher their strange runes. Bernice examines the iron door and concludes it to be free of traps.
Armon glances at the runes and finds that he can understand them. "It's the Elder language", he says.
As he looks, the pillars begin to glow. Soft, almost unnoticed at first, they become bright gold in color.
Everyone moves away from the pillars as they brighten.
Electricity cackles among the pillars and strokes of lightning strike the area center to all the pillars. After one tremendous burst of lightning, you notice a figure in the center of the pillars.
The lightning ceases and the golden color fades away.
Standing before, somewhat confused, is what appears to be a young boy. He is under 5' tall with wild, uncombed red hair. In fact, it appears the a comb has never been introduced to his hair!
He is dressed in a dull reddish/brown robe. A staff is in one hand and a knapsack is slung over his shoulder.
Age wise, you would guess that the boy is in his early teens.
>>All Yours!<<
Spectrum's Comments: The boy was another new PC. More on him in a bit.
SUBJ: Arocken (R) FROM: Wildchilde 12/22/90 S#: 787523
Offering the boy an Open hand I introduce myself as Arocken of the Seekers. If he appears to understand I will ask who he is. I will move slowly and methodically making sure not to scare him.
Unless he gets violent then pound the sucker.:)
SUBJ: Bernice (R) FROM: Merri2 12/22/90 S#: 468001
Bernice tosses her hair and squares her shoulders. 'Of course I'll check for traps, I was just getting to it.' (She's ba-ack!) Humming quietly to herself and doing a bad imitation of an orchestra conductor, she feels around the edges and center of the door. 'Nope, no traps here. Open it up boys.'
When the light show starts, Bernice gradually backs up. If you're watching it looks like she is trying to merge with the wall. She lets out a small yelp when the boy appears. If he makes no threatening moves she'll gradually approach, but she's on guard.
Back tracking. A warm congratulations to her good friends Stephanie and Fin on their marriage. A rather stiff and formal congratulations to Blod and ::sniff:: Zynara. (She may have almost forgotten the eating remark, Zyn, but she ain't NEVER gonna forget that snake in the bathtub.)
To the newer members of the Seekers. Bernice, Bernie to her friends, is a rather homely halfling. Since arriving at Gateway, she wears a rather gaudy yellow cloak. She wears a plainer (but expensive) brown cloak while adventuring. The cheap brooch holding the front of her cloak together is 'A family heirloom.' which she'll be glad to tell you about. She'll also give you her version of any battle the Seekers have been in since she joined the group. Just don't compare her version to anyone else's story. And don't get her started on Zynara's snake (Sheba?).
Your favorite halfling thief,
Bernice
One last thing, Val. When Bernice joined the Seekers I thought you were a paladin too, 'til Mad posted a party member list!
SUBJ: Armon Flamehilt FROM: Omni Tuens 12/23/90 S#: 469770
"Oh. Is THAT what the runes said."
Armon instinctively backs up a few steps when the indoor electrical storm erupts, quite startled and rather unsure what to make of it. When a boy appears in the center of it, he allows his curiosity to overpower his discretion and starts moving towards him....making sure not to point the dagger in any hostile way. The tune he was whistling is now just an occasional, questioning note, which slips out from his lips.
"Greetings...I am Armon Flamehilt. I am afraid I'm unfamiliar with you... a fault which is entirely my own, I assure you. Would you be so kind as to introduce yourself to us?"
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 12/23/90 S#: 850024
As Arocken and Armon approach, the young boy shifts his staff into a defensive pose and cocks his head as if listening intently. He then says something that sounds like, "Aigh. Tisn trocious axend. Daya hay mublz enyer mowt?"
After several minutes of sorting out accents, the boy accepts Arocken's hand. "Greetings, I'm Padraig of the Invisible City. Where exactly are we?"
Spectrum's Comments: Meet Padraig and GM Shifty. Shifty ran a whole slew of D&D games on Q, three message based ones I believe. His oldest game, Company of Thieves, was in the 200's before I even started up the Frontier. It might have reached the unbelievable level of 400 posts!
The character was Padraig and he was an 11th level mage. He transfered in from the same game that Crandor had come from. He had quite a bit of backstory from that game that will be revealed in posts to come. In short, a Potion of Longevity had aged him back to being a boy. Actually he was a very powerful mage and spellcaster. He knew his magic too. I learned a few tricks from him.
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 12/24/90 S#: 437646
"We are in the tunnels under the city of gateway. What has brought you here my friend??"
I will inform him of what brought us here and ask him if he wishes to join us.
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 12/24/90 S#: 456773
"Gateway? Now, that's not a name I'm familiar with. Where exactly is this in relation to the Invisible City?"
"What brought me here? I can't really answer that just now. This isn't where I wanted to end up, that's for sure. But, magic has been a little unstable because of the vacuum we created destroying Baulgruel."
After their search has been explained, Padraig says, "As long as I'm here, I might as well pitch in. It will be a pleasure to face something as normal as a goblin."
SUBJ: Blod... FROM: Blod 12/25/90 S#: 792859
When Validar enters the room, Blod will start edging around in the opposite direction. He will try to keep himself between Zynara and the mysterious figure.
SUBJ: Armon (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 12/25/90 S#: 793082
The bard quickly buries his fears someplace appropriate in the tunnel system, and eagerly starts a conversation with the mysterious boy.
"I'm sorry Padraig, but I'm not familiar at all with the Invisible City. I've only recently come to Gateway to be totally truthful... could you tell me anything about where you came from, or where you were going, or why?"
Armon quickly coughs in embarrassment as he realizes the multitude of his prying questions. He does his best to correct the error.
"You'll have to excuse me, my friend. I have a rather strong curiosity, and as I earn my living by the telling of a tale, I'm very eager to learn a new one. Would you mind telling me yours?"
The eager bard seems to have forgotten his current surroundings in his infatuation with the prospect of a new story.
SUBJ: Padraig (R) FROM: GM Shifty 12/25/90 S#: 479508
"Never heard of the Invisible City? Come now, everyone who survived Baulgruel's mad war knows of Lord Spinks and the Invisible City. Of the Northern powers only the Invisible City, Cleanon's kingdom, and the Clanking City of the dwarves survived in anything approaching one piece. Even the Elven Forest was burned to the ground in the war. How could you not have heard of it?"
SUBJ: Claudius... FROM: GM Falcon 12/25/90 S#: 793451
Claudius glances at Padraig. "I'm afraid I must join him...I don't know of the Invisible City either, sir, or of any war except for the one between Cynalon and the Keltar Empire. Could it be that you refer to, friend?"
He shrugs then. "No matter..we will help you find your city if you're lost...we just read these runes here, and you appeared. A spell of some sort perhaps.."
He constantly pries Pad for questions, being even worse than Armon in that respect, asking about this city and the Clanking City of the dwarves, and so on.
SUBJ: Stephanie
Out of Character: Like Claudius said, you are doing a fine job as PL, Val! Keep up the good work!
"What is that thing?"
Not getting an answer, I'll just follow everyone into the room. I'll draw my sword and advance. I'll space myself out away from the others just in case tin britches as any unexpected attack forms
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 12/25/90 S#: 794931
"Keltar? Cynalon? Never heard of them. I must be really lost here. Well, I'll figure it out later. Let's see to finding this missing boy of yours. I'm not big on Divinatory magic, myself. But I can hold my own in a fight."
The Frontier #72
Underneath Gateway, the Seekers have encountered two, very different beings.
Arocken, Armon, Bernice, Claudius, Thengor and Starkin survey the strange formation of pillars. A strange lightning-like effect came over the pillars and a boy calling himself Padraig appeared.
Discussion followed and everyone has realized that Pad is not from anywhere around this area.
Meanwhile, Bernice has opened the strange iron door in the rear of the chamber. The room beyond is filled with a strange glow....
Validar leads the other half of the Seekers into the room containing the boy and the large armored figure.
Val, Blod and Steph move out and surround the stranger.
The figure still does not appear to notice them. It's hands still in contact with the pillars, the strange blue glow covering him.
Validar approaches to sword range and attempts to speak to the stranger. At first, the stranger ignores the words. Suddenly, it releases the pillars and lowers it's hands.
It turns towards Validar. Val notices that where the eyes should be there is a blue glow.
The stranger scans the room, seeing the Seekers around it. It settles on Finrod and stares at him.
Suddenly, twin blue beams of energy shoot out towards Finrod! Fin is nimble enough to avoid the beams.
They strike a pillar behind Finrod. To everyone's astonishment, the pillar is completely gone! No trace of it remains.
At that moment, there is a creaking sound from further back in the room. Bernice pokes her head into the room. She sees the strange armored figure and the rest of the Seekers.
GM Notes:
Now what? Everyone is now reunited with a few new people sprinkled in both groups.
>>All Yours!<<
SUBJ: Claudius... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 12/27/90 S#: 799267
Claudius peeks through as Bernice opens the door, and blinks at the scene.
He had seen a blue flash, but not the source. He looked at the man and fallen boy suspiciously.
"Validar? What is this?", he asks, stepping into the room and drawing his wand. Some inner instinct is telling him that something is very wrong..
He looks back. "Might want to keep the new boy back...I think we may have a problem."
SUBJ: Armon (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 12/27/90 S#: 799294
The bard's attention is quickly redirected as the door opens to reveal a mysterious and deadly scene. He strains to look in past the others, and that dagger Armon is so fond of holding is once more in his hands and clutched tightly.
"What's going on in there? Anyone hurt? That's a good idea...kid, you better stay back. We don't want to see you getting hurt or anything if he starts throwing nasty looks over here."
Armon stands near the doorway, cautiously ready to take action if the others do so. If the thought occurs to him, he'll quickly sheath his dagger in favor of his bastard sword, prepared for the worst and not liking any of it.
SUBJ: Padraig (R) FROM: GM Shifty 12/27/90 S#: 393969
Padraig snorts as the others tell him to hang back, out of fear of him getting hurt. Muttering to himself, "As if they're any safer than me from someone tossing Disintegrate spells."
Padraig crouches low in an attempt to see under or around the legs of the people clustering in the doorway. If he gets a line of sight on the plate-clad figure, and someone confirms it as hostile, he'll rip a Magic Missile into it. If need be, he'll follow up with a second and third.
SUBJ: Starkin FROM: Halthron 12/27/90 S#: 801468
After momentarily staring off into space, he shakes his head and takes in the scene. Curious, he walks over to the boy, and questions him about what brought him here. He is also keeping an eye out for disintegrator bolts. ;)
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 12/27/90 S#: 494674
Steph lets out a loud gulp as she sees what tin britches tried to do to her husband.
I shout a loud battle cry and leap to the attack.
"Have at you, tin britches! No one messes with my sweetie!"
Looks like I get to test out me new sword! :)
Mail From: GM Shifty Date: Thursday 27-Dec-90 20:23 EST
re: Frontier
For your information, here's Pad's standard list of carried spells: 3x Magic Missile, 2x Color Spray. Stinking Cloud, Mirror Image, Knock, Detect Invisible, Invisibility. Fireball, Lightning Bolt, Dispel Magic, Fly. Ice Storm, Polymorph Others, Improved Invisibility. Cone of Cold, Cloudkill, Wall of Force.
Further notes on the battle: I think I've told them enough for now by hinting I can cast 3 1st list spells.
If that thing turns towards our group, and appears to be going to shoot its eye beams again, and if I have a chance to do something before it does, (lot of if's, eh?) I will drop a Wall of Force between it and its target. No need to risk someone's character to protect my "secret".
If things go badly and I get a clear field of fire, I'll unleash a Lbolt, Ice Storm, or Cone of Cold on it, in that order of preference.
SUBJ: Claudius... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 12/27/90 S#: 494822
Once "tin-britches" is a confirmed hostile, Claudius will swing into action. He will draw his wand (of lightning), and fire once, then hold off unless the battle seems to be turning against his allies.
(:sighs: I had to admit I was unprepared for this ;))
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 12/27/90 S#: 802211
Drawing longbow I will fire twice at the creature then move to melee range using my new long sword and broad sword.
SUBJ: Blod FROM: Blod 12/28/90 S#: 498485
After Claudius uses his wand, Blod will immediately move to attack using his trusty 2-handed sword.
"Let's dust this Soulless Snot-bag!" :D
Spectrum's Comments: Blod would not forget that line.
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther4 12/30/90 S#: 513633
Seeing the mysterious creature react in a hostile fashion, Validar will return the favor. He rushes forward and swings his blade.
"We gave this creature an opportunity to avoid this combat and it chose to attack. Therefore, so shall we. Seekers! Do not hold yourselves! Attack to kill!"
Validar will continue to press his attack upon the armored figure until it falls, trying to draw it further away from the boy. Validar will then instruct someone not in melee to remove the boy from the premises. (Not Padraig, the one we're here to rescue. Haven't even seen the new rodent yet!)
SUBJ: Validar (R) FROM: GM Shifty 12/31/90 S#: 816815
(Rodent? How'd you like me to turn you into a newt? ];> )
SUBJ: Vonte FROM: Vonte 12/31/90 S#: 514424
: coming up from the rear, to notice the havoc ensuing from within the room[
[After tracking the party from the well] "What's going on here!" :drawing Longsword and adjusting shield.
SUBJ: Armon Flamehilt FROM: Omni Tuens 01/01/91 S#: 820283
Armon hears a shouted order from within the room, and peering inside sees the peril that the child is in. He murmurs something to himself as he realizes how little good he would actually do in the fight, then charges into the room to see if he can reach the lad. He keeps a careful eye on the sinister figure, hoping to avoid being fried as he attempts the rescue. Upon reaching the child, Armon pulls him to cover if its possible, or protects him if he can't do so. (If the child is deceased, he'll get himself behind some cover!) Once the child is safe or determined to be beyond help, Armon will refocus his attention upon the Kidnapper standing in the center of the room. The bard's only comment is a whispered plea...
"I hope they can keep him distracted while I aid the boy."
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: The Seekers grapple with the bizarre Gatherer of Souls...