Spectrum's Comments: In the caves underneath Gateway, the Seekers have met several new adventurers and encountered the strange Gatherer of Souls.
The Frontier #73
The Seekers have found the mysterious 'Gatherer of Souls' and the missing boy. They approached the armored figure, only to have it try to disintegrate Finrod! Validar calls for the Seekers to attack and the fun begins!
Padraig acts before anyone else has a chance. He casts a Magic Missile, sending a barrage of missiles at the Gatherer.
Seeing a fight begin, Claudius goes for his Wand of Lightning.
Armon goes into the room, intent on rescuing the comatose boy.
Validar attacks with his longsword put two holes into the armor. As he attacks, he notices the blue glow is gone from the creatures' eyes.
He pulls his blade back to find no blood, or anything else, on it. Is there anyone inside the armor??
The Gatherer punches Validar with his armored fist. Val flies about 10' through the air before crashing to the ground.
Stephanie and Blod move into attack. Claudius holds off using his wand, in fear of striking an ally.
The two warriors strike the armored figure and it collapses. It lies in a heap on the floor, unmoving.
You notice the newcomer, Vonte, at the entrance to this strange place.
GM Notes:
Now what?
Yep, more new faces. :)
| Name | Hit Points |
|---|---|
| Validar | 39 of 53 |
Spectrum's Comments: Vonte was another new player and one that wasn't very popular. He wasn't a bad character or a bad player. Whenever a new player joined the game, I asked them to do two things. One, download the game pack I had created and stored in one of the libraries. It contained game background and what information I needed from them for their characters. The second was to go back and read as many of the old files as possible. (Typically the last 2-3 months worth of posts were up before being deleted.) Apparently, he didn't bother doing this and that led to all kinds of problems.
SUBJ: Vonte 1 (R) FROM: Vonte 01/01/91 S#: 824719
After seeing Validar thrown clear of the battle I will rush to his side and check out his wounds.
:with my back to the party:
The party will see my hands fall and rise in a circular motion, and finally rest my hands on Validar.
SUBJ: Vonte 2 (R) FROM: Vonte 01/01/91 S#: 824774
After Healing Validar. I will stand and face the rest of the party.
*"I am Vonte, cleric of Ehlonna": pausing: "Never have I seen such a group adventurers dispatch one such as "tin-britches" so quickly. I have tracked you from the city and wish to join your quest"
Remembering Validar on the floor, I turn to him offering assistance in rising.
Whispering to Validar
I await the parties' response...
Spectrum's Comments: Of course he had no idea that Validar hated to have spells cast upon him, but the incident certainly started him off on the wrong foot.
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 01/01/91 S#: 825352
The young boy speaks from behind the lines, "I suggest you do a little more damage to that suit of armor. Something of that sort might decide to get back up again. You clerical types might want to think about desecrating his 'altar', it's probably the seat of his power."
SUBJ: Armon (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 01/02/91 S#: 826198
The bard sighs in relief as the walking tin can falls, then examines the boy.
"Cleric? Cleric!! I'm going to need some help over here with the boy!"
Armon looks the child over for apparent wounds, his eyes occasionally straying back to the fallen figure. He looks uneasily at the uninviting shadows, wondering what they hide.
SUBJ: Mercy (R) FROM: Mastiff1 01/02/91 S#: 826624
Reacting too slow to help engage in combat, Mercy moves to help the little boy. "I will see what I can do for him Armon."
Mercy will examine the little boy, and do all he can for him.
SUBJ: Claudius... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 01/02/91 S#: 477989
Claudius looks around the battlefield, surprised by how brief the fight was, but certainly not displeased.
He scowls at Padraig as he gives his advice, but relaxes. "The boy has a point..", he says, placing a slight emphasis on the second word.
"After we desecrate his temple, I think we can return. We wanted the boy and we have him."
He stops then, and adds more quietly, "I'd still like to know what pounded those goblins."
SUBJ: Bernice FROM: Merri2 01/02/91 S#: 482100
Bernice, as if moved by a force not under her control, opens the door. Before taking in the whole situation, she sights Val, Fin and Steph. "Hey you guys! We've been..' The sentence is left unfinished as the pillar disintegrates. She stands still in shock, letting others pass by her into the fray. She definitely does not like this underground adventuring. If she knew the way back she'd be leaving right now.
But not before taking care of her best buddy, Validar. Seeing the new cleric bending over him, Bernie rushes to Val as fast as her furry little feet will take her. She taps the cleric on the shoulder. When he looks up, she stares at him sternly and says 'No harm comes to this man through you, or you'll answer to me!' She draws herself up to her full 4 feet and taps her short sword.
She leans over to whisper in Validar's ear. 'Don't worry, Val I've got him covered' and she winks.
A halfling to reckon with, Bernice
Spectrum's Comments: As noted before, Bernice can be quite fierce when riled up.
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 01/03/91 S#: 831233
"That was pretty easy. Perhaps too easy."
I'll keep a leery on Tin Britches. Noticing the commotion over near Validar, I approach.
"Well, defended Bernice! Alas, I fear that may not be necessary."
I then turn to the newcomer.
"Welcome, Vonte. I would strongly suggest that you leave Validar's wounds go. Not that we don't trust you, but Val has a great dislike of clerical healing. It would be in your best interest to let him be. I believe the boy could use your assistance."
Joining with the others, I hear about Padraig's appearance.
"Kinda short for a mage, isn't he?"
;> [And no, I don't want to be turned into a newt!]
Spectrum's Comments: Steph was stepping in trying to avoid yet another argument. She seemed to do that at times, having been through all of this before.
SUBJ: Vonte 3 FROM: Vonte 01/03/91 S#: 510666
Noting the fuzzy persons disrespect and Stephanie's warning:
I will investigate the child's injuries and cast Cure light upon him "IF" he needs it.
Turning to the party
"I see that the party does not trust me...trust is the bond that hold ones such as you together...maybe I should"
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 01/03/91 S#: 423617
The young boy scowls slightly at Claudius' emphasis on his age, and then turns to engage Stephanie with the same look when she comments on his stature. "Now that we seem to have a free moment, and more of your party has arrived, permit me to formally introduce myself."
Drawing himself up to his full height of 5', he bows slightly to the assembled party. "I am Padraig. Wizard & Invoker, Defender of the Invisible City, Defeater of Rishrac, and member of the Companions who slew Baulgruel and cast down his empire."
"I seem to have been propelled to a land far distant from my own by some magical mishap. While I am here, I humbly offer you Seekers my services."
He then turns to look Claudius square in the eye, with just the tiniest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
];>
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther4 01/03/91 S#: 833018
Validar is just slightly surprised by the force of the blow. He is also concerned with the ease with which the Seekers downed the mysterious enemy. As he is about to rise, another figure comes in and kneels over him.
Validar is about to object to the casting of any spell on him as soon as he recognizes it for what it is, but seems to be cut off by both Bernice and Stephanie. While the two of the admonish the newcomer, Validar regains his feet, but doesn't sheath his enchanted blade yet.
"Thank you for your 'rescue', Bernice. I don't believe that I was in any danger, but your concern is touching."
Turning to the newcomer:
"Vonte, Stephanie here is essentially correct in her assessment of my desires. Do not take it as a personal slight; I would not consent to such spellcasting upon my person by even the most trusted member of the Seekers. Also, I must point out, your desire to help is appreciated, but under the circumstances, you may have simply overdone it. In any case, the Seekers ARE in the process of accepting new members to our illustrious band. We would be willing to give you the same opportunity as any other who wished to join us."
Stepping away from the discussion, Validar approaches the fallen suit of armor.
"I ALSO do not feel comfortable with the apparent demise of this construct, or whatever it is. If any of the mages have a DETECT MAGIC, I would like you to use it on this armor. Also, if each of you would make a cursory examination of it to try and learn the workings behind it, or if it was indeed some creature. I want to be sure we will not have to deal with its menace again. Blod and Steph, be prepared to smite the creature while the mages do their examination."
Validar will point out the felled goblins in this room to Claudius.
"It appears that this THING is your mysterious goblin killer. Unless I miss my guess, they are from one of the tribes that attempted to assault Gateway through the underground tunnels. They must have encountered this thing on their way in, or perhaps even managed to release it. Obviously, there has not been any commotion like this caused except recently. I wonder what else there is down here."
Satisfied that the situation is currently under control, Validar will address the newcomers to the group.
"Mercy, Padraig, and Vonte, greetings. You are each welcome to join our mighty band, if that is indeed your desire. We offer much battle, honor and glory in our future travels."
SUBJ: Validar (cont) (R) FROM: Panther4 01/03/91 S#: 833185
Having greeted those just met, Validar will address Padraig directly.
"It appears to me that there is more to your situation than meets the eye. Firstly, the places, people and events of which you mention are quite unknown to me as having happened anywhere near our lands at any time in the past. I do not profess to understand very much of the workings of magic, but I do indeed have some small experience. However, this 'accident' may be greater than you realize based on your story. I do not doubt that what you say is true, as you seem convicted in your words. But you may well be quite far from these lands you speak of, they are NOT known to us, even in legend."
"Also, I am quite certain that the magic that you displayed is quite beyond the talents of a 'normal' boy of your apparent age. Perhaps you would like to clear this discrepancy for me?"
Finally, for those of you joining us recently, Validar stands just over six feet in height. His is adorned in a white military outfit, with the normal rank replaced with a badge of his coat-of-arms: an ebon griffon on a field of blue and silver. In normal adventures, he wears a gleaming suit of plate mail covered by a tabard in the colors of his coat-of-arms.
His shield also bears this symbol. His weapon of choice is a fine longsword of excellent quality and adorned with a gem in its pommel.
Validar wears his brown hair short and neat and has a mustache, as well. His bearing seems to suggest someone who is used to commanding others and expecting them to comply, although he is not overbearing.
SUBJ: VALIDAR (yet again) FROM: Panther4 01/03/91 S#: 833223
[ As far as turning me into a newt, Padraig, I'd like to see you try! ;) ]
Mail From: GM Shifty Date: Thursday 3-Jan-91 21:47 EST
re: Pad's normally carried spells.
I was cleaning up Pad's file today and I realized that I never corrected the number of spells he can cast each day for the jump from 10th to 11th. So, here's an updated list. It also takes into account his new lack of magic items.
1st: 2x MMissile, Shield, Color Spray, & Enlarge.
2nd: Stinking Cloud, Mirror Image, Invisibility, Knock, & Levitate.
3rd: Fireball, Lbolt, Dispel Magic, Fly, & Slow.
4th: Ice Storm, Polmorph Others, Polymorph Self, Otiluke's Resilient Sphere.
5th: Cone of Cold, Cloudkill, Wall of Force, & Teleport.
I just announced to the party that I was a wizard. But I think the manner in which it was done will make them think it's a joke. ];>
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 01/03/91 S#: 473407
When the armored figure aims it's gaze of destruction his way, Fin leaps aside, narrowly missing being sent to another world. In the dive, however, he bangs his knee forcefully into the stone floor, and is momentarily stunned.
Even stunned, however, his mind assimilates the flurry of magic missiles ripped off by the diminutive redhead in the doorway. No doubt about it... boy or not, the kid has significant skill at magic.
Fin's blue eyes light with pride when Steph leaps to the attack. Surely there is not a greater warrior this side of the border than His Lady Stephanie. The quick demise of the Gatherer of Souls is no surprise when Steph is allowed to attack.
Picking himself off the floor, the handsome elven multiclass limps around the room twice, examining the columns and walking off the stiffness in his knee. He then stops to examine the fallen figure of the Gatherer. From where he crouches over its form, he speaks up when the two newcomers are suffering from persecution complexes.
"Padraig, hail and well-met. You must agree, your form is somewhat small and young-seeming, but your magical skill has already shown to belie such appearance."
"And you, young cleric...though you have yet to offer your name... Your healing skills are much needed by our group. No doubt the trust of which you speak will grow in time. Until then, will you not join forces with us and earn that respect?"
"Welcome, both of you to the Seekers. I am Finrod Fasthand, mercenary multi-class of some repute, and this is my wife, Stephanie, the finest warrior in all Gateway. Her words are as harsh as her steel, but her heart is both noble and pure."
Finrod offers his hand to each of the newcomers in turn.
"Validar, I would like to examine this strange chamber at length, but no doubt the lad should be gotten aboveground where he can be given proper healing and rest. Can you allow two or three of our number to remain here with me while I learn what I can and make sketches of what I cannot myself understand?"
"I feel that perhaps we could turn our discovery of these tunnels to our benefit... mayhaps you could prevail upon you friends in the ruling council to finance an exploration and mapping of these halls? No doubt the city would derive much aid to its defense with a certain knowledge of the tunnels. And there is the question of where the goblins that Bernice and Claudius found gained their entry to this area. What do you think, commander?"
SUBJ: Arocken (R) FROM: Wildchilde 01/04/91 S#: 521118
Examining the now destroyed armor. "In all my days I ain't seen nothing like it.! Maybe one of you mystical types can figure it out."
During the next few minutes Arocken seems very nervous and edgy when the suggestion of taking the boy to the surface arises he will quickly volunteer. "I have never been much for tunnels or tight places!" Says Arocken sweat beading upon his brow.
SUBJ: Mercy (R) FROM: Mastiff1 01/04/91 S#: 834944
Looking over the armor, Mercy shakes his head. "I wonder what that blue light was?
Responding to Finrod question as to who will stay with him, "I'll stay, it would be enlightening to learn more about that armor".
Mercy will introduce himself to all who do not know him yet. Mercy stands 5'7", he wears black chainmail with a shape of an owl in red, print on the front. All in all he looks normal except for his hair and eyes. His hair is stark white with streaks of black in it that go quite well with his blue eyes (cracked ice). It all fits nicely with his rather dark skin. He is a 1/2 Elf, for those with inquiring minds.
SUBJ: Thundron FROM: Dark2 01/04/91 S#: 493711
"Good work, Val! Guess you didn't need my help with that one."
I welcome the newcomers and introduce them to my wolf.
SUBJ: Claudius.. (R) FROM: GM Falcon 01/04/91 S#: 488362
Claudius, has he thinks about the battle, also begins to note the slight discrepancy in the "hail" of magic missiles unleashed by this young boy.
Man, he corrected himself. Might as well be fair about it.
"An invoker, hmmm?", the mage muses, his eyes lighting up. "Well, though I also like divination spells that happens to be my specialty. Perhaps we should compare spells." He smiles.
He will turn, and cast *detect magic* on the armor (maybe). (I remember saying I wasn't prepared for combat, I don't remember what spells Claud memorized)
(Uh, Val? Trust me, he could turn you into a newt. I remember a story about an undead sheep...)
SUBJ: vonte 4 (R) FROM: Vonte 01/05/91 S#: 837347
Looking to Validar
"Perhaps your are correct in your observation, it's just that when a fellow adventurer is injured, another should help the injured one as much as possible!"
"I am sorry if I offended you by offering assistance..."
Looking to Finrod
"You are correct in that respect is a trait that hard work establishes but, one also deserves respect when one does not know another...(gazing to Bernice)"
Looking to Validar and Finrod
"I accept your offers to join "The Seekers" as long as you accept my apology for intruding without asking first..."
:I bow my head to Validar and Finrod:
Again awaiting an answer.
SUBJ: Padraig (R) FROM: GM Shifty 01/05/91 S#: 431323
Padraig smiles broadly as Validar and Finrod speak to him. "Sir Validar, Finrod, I can see you are perceptive men. Indeed, my appearance was not always as you see it. My current form is the result of another small magical accident. In my true form, I would stand 6'5" and be in my early 20's."
"I had a small encounter with a ghost a year or so back. The meeting left me greatly aged, as often happens when humans and ghosts meet. But, I later acquired a Longevity potion. Alas, the potion hadn't been made properly, or perhaps it was purposefully made much stronger than the normal sort. Whatever the case, the results are what you now see."
Turning to Claudius, "I have nothing against Divinatory magic, of course. But I seldom prepare them unless I know I will have use for them. I find more situations can be effectively terminated with a forthright approach than by mere information gathering."
"I would be happy to sit down and discuss mutual exchanges of knowledge in a more comfortable surrounding."
As an aside, Padraig walks up to Mercy and speaks to him in a language he may or may not understand. (Best ask the GM if you recognize it or not.) ];>
Spectrum's Comments: More of Pad's backstory from the game he came from. Oh and Pad was speaking to Mercy in the Drow tongue.
SUBJ: Zynara (R) FROM: Zynara 01/05/91 S#: 839637
Zynara stands back in shock at the size of the armored creature and when it utterly destroys the column, Zynara's mind goes blank with terror. When she sees the creature collapse, she becomes aware of all the things happening around her. Seeing how quickly the creature fell and putting the words of the warning foremost in her mind, she suspects more trouble.
She quickly checks to make sure Blod is all right then she goes about studying this place. If she finds evidence that this was the Gather of Souls and not some creature assisting it, she will greet the newcomers. She will also help ensure the creature will not return from where the group has sent it.
If the creature was a minion of the Gatherer, then I will make this fact known to Val as soon as possible.
For the new people, Zynara is a Conjurer and wife to Blod. Currently she has here golden blonde hair in a bun on her head. The few strands that hang free hang below her waist. Her eyes are emerald green with silver flecks. She stands 5' 11" and weighs about 120 lbs.
When the boy mage announces his skills in magic, Zynara already knows that most of his spells would be beyond her as her spells would be to him but she doesn't put it out of her mind that they may be able to trade a few spells.
SUBJ: Claudius.. FROM: GM Falcon 01/05/91 S#: 839767
"I don't know...", Claudius murmurs, obviously taking pleasure in the possibility of a debate, "I agree that brute power has it's uses, but there is something to be said for gathering information to come up with a perfect plan."
He continues along this line for several minutes until either the recipient of his wisdom tells him to quiet down, or routs. ;)
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 01/05/91 S#: 840813
Steph stands beside Finrod as he speaks to Padraig dying of embarrassment.
"Please forgive my husband. He tends to exaggerate a great deal. I am a skilled warrior, but little more. Please forgive my remark about your size, Padraig. I have the bad habit of speaking without thinking at times. I did not mean to offend you in anyway."
I'll still keep one eye on the suit of armor on the floor. Just in case.
SUBJ: Steph again... (R) FROM: Schar 01/05/91 S#: 840825
An undead sheep?? What does it do? "Bah" menacingly at you?? ;)
SUBJ: Blod... FROM: Blod 01/05/91 S#: 496314
Seeing the figure fall so easily, (Even with the Mighty Steph furiously attacking :D) Blod stares in puzzlement. Putting his arm around Zynara, he feels her terror and tries to comfort her.
"Something is wrong here. I will stay here with Fin, if that is what is decided. We really should get the boy above ground as soon as possible."
Seeing the newcomers, Blod will introduce himself and greet each one. When he greets Padraig, he smiles and says, "Can you really turn someone into a newt? That would be neat to see! I had a pet newt once, but he got better."
Blod stands close to seven feet tall and is very muscular. He always has a smile on his face, except when he is with Zynara. Then he has a lovesick grin. He is presently wearing chainmail and wields a mighty 2-handed sword when in combat.
Undead sheep? Are they baaad to the bone? :D
Talk about Dirty Deeds done with Sheep!
Mail From: GM Shifty Date: Saturday 5-Jan-91 05:31 EST
re: Frontier
I spoke to Mercy in Doomaran, the gist of what I said was, "Excuse my curiosity, but was one of your parents a drow? Perhaps you've heard of Emperor Baulgruel, all the drow where I come from were under his sway."
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther4 01/05/91 S#: 459782
Even though the apparent danger has gone, Validar will still remain alert and ready for anything. He keeps his sword in his hand, rather than sheathing it, at least until he is satisfied that the armor proves to no longer be a threat. Although, there is a moment when Validar seems impatient at Finrod's overly gushing appraisal of his wife's admirable talents.
"I agree, Finrod, that an exploration of these tunnels is in order. I was just thinking of the same thing myself. However, I don't really see any reason for the Council of Gateway to finance our excursion. After all, there isn't very much that we would need to accomplish such."
"Since I am not satisfied that the danger here is ended, I do not want to send too many of our numbers away from here. Arocken, Bernice, and Thengor will take our servant to the surface to rest and remove him from this danger. If any others want to accompany them, so be it, but I would like to keep the majority of our number right here for now."
"Vonte, it was not your offer of assistance that I disapproved of, but the manner in which it was presented. I, as most of our band is aware, do not care for having magicks cast upon myself. I never have and probably never will. As far as an injury that the creature may have caused me, do not fear. I have my own way of dealing with such."
"Padraig, I assume that your goal then is to return to the land from whence you came. However, you are welcome to adventure with us until you have discovered a means to do so."
"Stephanie and Blod will continue to watch over the armor, while the mages begin their study. Meanwhile, I want the rest of you to examine this chamber and the surrounding ones to see if there are any other closed up passages such as the ones we already found."
One final note, Validar does not much care for this shortened form of his name being used. His name is Validar. Not Val, or anything like it. I let it go once or twice, but it seems to be becoming a habit recently.
SUBJ: Padraig (R) FROM: GM Shifty 01/06/91 S#: 843424
To Validar, "Well, Sir Validar, I will want to return home eventually. However, if truth be told, things have been a bit dull there since we toppled old Baulgruel. Just the occasional troll hunt, really. And the reconstruction work, of course. But, I'm not really set up to do much in the way of construction. It might be a pleasant vacation to travel with you and see the sights for a few months."
To Stephanie, "One can certainly understand a husband's pride in his wife. I'm sure your skills will live up to his words."
"No offense taken at your words. In fact, I truly expect little different from anyone I meet who hasn't heard of me before. I admit that I don't cut the standard figure one would expect from a legend."
(Yes, Pad does have a rather high opinion of himself. ];> )
To Claudius, "While I will admit the benefits of the correct bit of information at the right time, it's really a question of common applicability. When one isn't truly expecting anything, the information spells rather pale in overall utility to other more direct spells. But, I don't just mean brute force, either. Properly applied, even something as seemingly innocuous as a Feather Fall can have disastrous effects on the correct enemy."
"I've found that in day to day travel, at least half your spells should be standard attack forms. The other half should be split among defense and utility spells. Divination takes a back seat to these."
"No offense or slight intended to the clerics, but we usually left most of the Divination to them in our group. Given their combat spell capabilities, an even split between healing, defense, and divination from the clerics seemed to work out best for the entire group."
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 01/06/91 S#: 473346
As soon as *VAL* gives his orders for some to take the boy back to the manor and others to remain and examine the scene of the combat, Finrod immerses himself in just that sort of work.
Fin didn't really expect Val to go for the idea of getting the town council to finance an expedition, but his mercenary background required him to at least make the suggestion.
His only input to the Great Spell Choice Debate is a quiet statement that ALL spells are useful, just as ALL skills are useful, and an intelligent person insures he has a wide range to choose from. He then turns back to his sketching of the runes on the columns.
Later, when he has the chance, he will let the newer members have the benefit of his advice: "Validar is the leader here by dint of his superior combat leadership skills... you would all to well to follow his orders. Although he and I disagree freely and frequently, he takes advice well, and when push comes to shove, even I follow his orders. And I wouldn't try to get away with callin' him VAL, if I were you either... it's a goad I use to poke at him, but he might not allow much of it from others."
With a wink, Fin turns back to his work.
--Finrod Fasthand
--Misplaced Mercenary
Long Overdue GM Notes:
Armon and Mercy examine the boy. They find that he is merely sleeping. While he does have a few cuts and bruises, he is no worse for wear from the ordeal. He awakes a few moments later.
"That's the thing! That's what grabbed me!" He says pointing to the armor on the floor.
The boy is escorted to the surface.
Finrod casts a Detect Magic. (Based on the last list I had, Claudius did not have a DM in memory.)
In addition to the various magicks carried by the Seekers, he sees a magical aura around the Gatherer and the two pillars he was in contact with.
The magic pillars have Elder runes on them, suggesting that they are a power source. The armor of the Gatherer himself is odd. It is seamless with no apparent openings.
Further exploration of this room reveals the following:
More carvings are found on one wall, but in Keln this time. They tell the story of the founders of Gateway's encounter with the Gatherer. This place was discovered during the construction of Gateway. Many were slain by the Gatherer, who appeared to 'steal their souls' with beams from his eyes, leaving nothing behind. The town leaders overcame the Gatherer and sealed up his tomb.
In the back of the room, hidden in the shadows is another part of this chamber. The main feature is what appears to be a sarcophagus standing next to the back wall. It is huge, perhaps intended for something the size of an ogre.
Around the sarcophagus as another tunnel leading away. Two more dead goblins are found near this area. Again, they were pummeled to death.
Something odd happens to the Gatherer himself. He does not move, but a strange mist comes over the armored figure. The mist thickens to the point where you cannot see the Gatherer any more.
Just as quickly as it came, the mist is gone. And with it the Gatherer. After a quick search you find him once more.
The Gather is now within the sarcophagus, his mailed hands crossed on his chest. He still appears inactive.
GM Notes:
Sorry this took so long to get up!
We'll be back to our regular posting schedule until further notice. New post on Thursday.
SUBJ: Blod... FROM: Blod 01/06/91 S#: 847159
Seeing the runes and strange carvings kinda bores Blod, especially since he can't read. His interest picks up when the sarcophagus is found. Having heard stories of evil creatures sometime hiding in them, he stands ready fro combat. When the strange mist appears above the Gatherer, Blod breaks out in a cold sweat and tenses for battle.
After the Gatherer reappears in the coffin, Blod relaxes somewhat but continues to stay alert.
"I've heard tell of such creatures in my childhood, back in the village.", he whispers to everyone. "This may be some kind of vampire, so I'm glad Vonte showed up. We really have need of a cleric."
SUBJ: Thundron (R) FROM: Dark2 01/06/91 S#: 523120
I walk toward Vonte and offer my hand in friendship and welcome him to the Seekers.
"Well met, cleric of Ehlonna. I am known as Thundron, ranger of Ehlonna. It is nice to meet someone with the same patron once in a while."
Thundron is tall, covered with animal skins and rather unkempt from his long-time excursion into the forests. Fenris, my wolf, has been my faithful companion for many years. He doesn't bite unless I say to.
SUBJ: Vonte(again) (R) FROM: Vonte 01/06/91 S#: 848714
Accepting Thundron's hand
"Greetings fellow worshipper of Ehlonna, I hope that we together may join forces to rid this place of the Evil that it holds."
After seeing the Wolf, I will reach into my cloak and remove- Wontz the
Weasel. Looking back to Thundron
"I too have a friend of the woods...And offers Thundron's wolf a smell so to prevent any future conflicts between the animals...his bite is not too good but he is a friendly one, and has his helpful skills."
**Taking Validar's advice I will begin to investigate the area around the sarcophagus something like that :fingering my holy symbol nervously:***
I will see if the new resting place of Tin Britches has any inscriptions and watch "T-B" very carefully.
SUBJ: Mercy (R) FROM: Mastiff1 01/07/91 S#: 849919
Mercy jumps in the Animal show and tell." This is Bright Eyes, my owl." he responds so that Vonte can hear." She is well mannered, but you have to use her full name in order for her to respond."
Mercy will take Bright Eyes to meet all the animals. When he get to Vonte's weasel "Now Bright Eyes, you leave him alone (indicating the weasel) understand??" "Whoo."
"You that's Whoo."
Mercy will look at Blod kinda of hurt, "Oh, and what am I ?" "Chopped goblin liver??" The CLERIC of Mortidus will help examine the Sarcophagus will fingering his Owl shaped holy symbol that is around his neck.
Mercy will respond to Padraig(?) if possible, if not he will smile and say "I do not know your words, but I would consider it and honor if you would teach me it. Since it seem you think I should know it, why not learn it for next time."
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 01/07/91 S#: 850011
As he studies the stone sarcophagus and it's metal occupant, Fin hums a tuneless rhyme under his breath, one that carries an odd sort of worshipful tone to it. "Whoever created this had much knowledge of the secrets of Sacred Steel, and no doubt..."
When the kids begin to introduce the menagerie around, Finrod rolls his eyes in frustration. "What are we, now, a traveling zoo? I'd not be surrounded by pets if I'd had the sense to stay with Erik's Mercenary Condotta! Cripes!"
Turning back to his work, Fin digs into the chest of security and produces a hammer and chisel. Solemnly, he kisses the steel of each, then begins to pound away at the joints of the Gatherer's armor, looking to find a way in, or at least to get a glimpse of what lies beneath...
That should produce some action!
SUBJ: Blod FROM: Blod 01/07/91 S#: 827239
"Ahhh, I beg forgiveness, Mercy. I didn't realize you were also a cleric. The undead will tremble, now that we have you as an ally!"
"Gee, Zynny. A wolf, an owl, a weasel, and a snake! Maybe we can get some extra gold opening a petting zoo. We'll have to keep the halflings out, though. Sheba might think they're a light snack..."
SUBJ: Padraig (R) FROM: GM Shifty 01/07/91 S#: 849983
Speaking quietly with Mercy off to one side, "What I said roughly translates as, 'Pardon my curiosity, but are you partially drow? Perhaps, if you are, you've heard of Emperor Baulgruel, since all the drow where I'm from were under his sway.' The language is the racial tongue of the drow. At least, we assume it was their racial tongue, they never spoke anything else."
Turning to Claudius, "One of the nice things about being an Invoker is that your mentor never tries to make you learn the Find Familiar spell. I never saw familiars as being anything but a liability. I'm glad we had only the one druid and ranger in our group. Each of them was satisfied with a single pet."
As Finrod lays into the armor, Pad steps back away.
SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 01/08/91 S#: 801686
After the child has been safely led away, the bard allows his curiosity to naturally take over, and begins prowling and poking in the nearby shadows, to see what he can see. After the mist does its little number he glances in fascination at the sarcophagus. The fascination quickly yields to boredom as the body(?) does absolutely nothing.
"Validar, I don't think there's much more to see here. Maybe we should just go back-"
Armon's comments trail off as his interest is recaptured by the prying open of the armor.
SUBJ: Stephanie
Seeing Fin approach the thing with his hammer and chisel, I let out a gasp.
"What do you think you are doing?!?"
After his explanation, I'll reply, "Just please be careful!"
::unsheathing sword::
SUBJ: Claudius... FROM: GM Falcon 01/08/91 S#: 487978
Claudius is literally overflowing with joy at the prospect of someone willing to debate with him, and also steps away as Finrod starts pounding at the armor.
"Find Familiar? Oh yes, I remember now...no, no one's ever tried to push that one on me, thank the gods. I figure living the life of adventure is hard enough without an animal to add to your misery. I have nothing against pets, but they add little to combat, and a lot to any attempt to shuttle supplies or move quickly. Maybe when I settle I'll buy something tame, like a cat, but until then.."
He continues on this tangent for several moments, keeping his wand ready in the event that the armor takes offense (IE- resurrects itself) at Finrod's pounding.
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther4 01/08/91 S#: 481291
Being able to read Keln, Validar will interest himself in the writings on the wall, as the Gatherer is not proving to be antagonistic as yet. He will be looking for the method with which the Kelnans trapped the Gatherer here the first time. This may prove much easier than destroying the construct, or at least serve until a means TO destroy it is determined.
"The way I see it, these pillars are some sort of energy source for this construct. It glowed with the same energy that these pillars issued forth. We may be able to shut this armored contraption down simply by destroying either this sarcophagus or the pillars themselves. However, it has yet to be seen how easy a task that will prove to be."
Validar will largely ignore both the discussion on the Find Familiar spell and the animal show-and-tell. His mind is currently filled with the importance of the Gatherer and succeeding in finding a way to either destroy it or render it useless.
"Armon, it is clear to me that there are indeed some things yet to be seen here. Firstly we cannot simply leave here without either dismantling, destroying, or rendering immobile this Gatherer. Who knows how much damage it could cause to the general population of Gateway if left unchecked."
"Finrod, I believe you to be correct in your assumption. Judging by the words on the pillars themselves and the apparent similarity between them and this Gatherer, I believe that we may be honored with the finding of an artifact of the Elders themselves. If such is the case, we may have to be satisfied with merely re-entombing this construct yet as the Kelnars before us did."
SUBJ: Bernice FROM: Merri2 01/09/91 S#: 454226
Bernice's head hangs lower and lower as Stephanie, Validar and Vonte speak. (After her defense of Validar.) 'Well, I just...you know...I thought...um.' She raises her head and looks at Vonte 'I'm Bernice! If Steph and Val think...I mean Steph and Validar think you're OK, that's fine by me! Welcome to the Seekers! And, er, sorry about before.' Her voice lowers. 'It's just all these flashing blue lights, people and things popping out of nowhere, and THAT snake...'
When Blod makes that crack about Halflings the thief's eyes narrow. She hisses to Zynara. 'Better never leave that snake alone where I can get to it.' She will privately tell Vonte to watch out for his weasel around Sheba. If he'll listen she'll tell him the whole story about why she doesn't trust the snake.
Bernice asks Validar 'Do we have to come back here after we take the boy up?' ::shudder::