The Frontier # 88

The Frontier #88

XP's as of last post:

Name	Class/Level	AC/HP's	XP's
Armon	B/5*	8/31	10213
Arocken	R/5	5/49	22832
Bernice	T/6	6/38	26550
Blod	F/5	0/36	25571
Claudius	INV/5	8/24	26163
Finrod	F/5	2/36	21546
	M/6		52393
	T/6		23146
Mercy	F/2*	5/22	2839
	C/3*		3189
Padraig	INV/11	10/56	398961
Stephanie	F/6	-2/60	46792
Thengor	F/3*	5/32	4315
Validar	F/7	-2/63	76141
Vonte	C/4*	5/31	11449
Zynara	CON/5	7/19	34549

*New level gained

Pad changes into a giant owl and flies into the caves. Nothing happens and he arrives before the entrance to the cave with the shaft. Changing to humanoid form, he casts a Wall of Stone and seals the cavern off. Opening his vial of continual Light rocks, Pad spreads these around to illuminate the cave system.

The group enters the caves and searches. No traps or dangers are discovered.

The cave believed to have been the Fiend's lair is searched. Bones litter the floor of this roughly 30'x30' cave. Hundreds of unsuspecting adventurers must have fallen prey to the Fiend.

Coins, gems and equipment are noticed among the debris. Mercy casts a Detect Magic and numerous items begin to glow in the cave. In fact, seventeen of them. (See notes for a run down of items and money.)

The pillar formation is closely examined. Each pillar, there are six of them, is 8' tall and flat on top. Each bears runes of magic and sigils. Only the top 1' of each pillar is different. Here, each pillar bears a single word in Elder. The words are: Sokob, Magos, Wolde, Radle, Cruth, and Lenic.

Only Zynara places the words. (Of those who could have, you all blew your skill roll.) They are the names of Elder Cities/locations that she has read about. She believes that Magos would correspond to the place where Gateway is now.

Those studying the runes and sigils all reach the same conclusion. Each pillar says: "Magic is the Key."

GM Notes:

Sifting through the debris the following is found:

2292 cp, 1289 sp, 6079 gp, 624 ep, 904 pp, 8 tiger-eyes, 1 topaz and 8 bloodstones.

The coins are of Cynalonian mint, others of Kelnish mint. Some are very old.

The following detected as magical:

5 steel bottles holding liquid
1 longsword
3 scroll cases
1 morningstar
1 wand
1 suit of plate mail, human sized
1 small ebony statue of a dog
1 suit of chain mail, elf-sized
1 dagger
1 suit of studded leather, halfling sized
1 brooch

There is also other non-enchanted equipment, daggers, longswords, etc. Most are old and show signs of age. Many weapons are broken.

Hit Points:

Arocken 40 of 49
Bernice 25 of 38
Blod 12 of 36
Mercy 9 of 10
Stephanie 40 of 60
Validar 44 of 63
Vonte 9 of 16
Zynara 10 of 19

SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 04/17/91 S#: 446664

Steph is disappointed to hear that quicklings are evil creatures.

"Aw! I shall then slay one without question should I come upon it. Unless it is thyself of course."

I'm disappointed that no dangers present themselves in the caves. Oh well, can't always be excitement.

I'll make myself useful and help out as needed.

SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 04/18/91 S#: 407321

"That's My Steph! Always eager for action, even when injured!"

Fin clasps her in a quick, and maybe too earnest embrace.

"Val, ol' buddy, How 'bout if we distribute these Items, and press on? I am eager to face a foe, and wipe out the memory of that last ignominy!"

"I think the Halfling-armor is obviously best-used by Bernice, and no doubt Claudius could make good use of the scrolls. Most of us who have been here long are rich in magic, but I don't think Bernie has anything except the sword I gave her, and Claude has shown himself a valiant and valuable asset."

"What, ho, everyone, let's be quick about this, and gather the cash into one of the chests of security, divvy this loot, and push on!"

The Elven multi-talented mercenary seems to be almost too cheery and vivacious... is it possible his attack of yellow-bellied spinelessness when faced with the Fiend has touched him deeply? Naw... nothing has touched those steel-gray eyes deeply in a hundred years, except perhaps that they shine brighter when they light on his beloved Wife.

SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 04/18/91 S#: 805783

Pad calls out to the party ranger, "Hey, Arocken. Assuming one were to stand in the center of those pillars, if you faced towards Gateway, would you be facing the pillar that Zynara thinks corresponds with Gateway's location?"

Speaking with Zynara, "This might be some form of Teleport grid. It would make an interesting means of getting around if we could figure out how it works. Wonder if there's any more clues to how it operates?" Pad casts Comprehend Languages and begins reading everything in sight.

Upon hearing Fin, Pad glances over at him, "I don't think you should count surviving a fight with a greater baatezu ignominious. There are many who wouldn't make it that far. Everyone falls victim to things like that creature's aura of fear once in a while. Be glad you weren't resisting something more lethal."

When Fin speaks of dividing up the treasure and moving on, he gets Pad's full attention. "Don't tell me you're foolish enough to play with magic before you've determined what it does," he cries in disbelief. "With all the cursed pieces of magic floating around loose, I'd never hand someone an item before doing some work to identify its properties first. This may sound like paranoia, but it kept my old party alive."

"I'd suggest we retire into the rod's pocket dimension and spend a few days healing and going over these items. I'm sure our clerics have various divinatory spells that they can use to weed out some of the more obvious traps. And myself and the other mages have other spells we can use to gain information from the items. Most importantly, I know an enchantment that can lift most curses if they fall upon one of the testers."

Then Pad chuckles, "Besides, the only way to go is down, and I don't have another Dispel Magic handy to remove the wall of stone."

SUBJ: Zynara FROM: Zynara 04/18/91 S#: 444006

I spend most of my time deciphering the writings within the cavern. When talk starts of dividing the magic items and Pad speaks out of waiting, "I agree with Pad. Handing out items before their powers are known could release something that wouldn't be too pleasant.

I personally have no spells that could help in gaining the knowledge but I can help in other ways."

When talk of retiring to the pocket world is started, "If we go to the pocket world, we won't be able to research the writings and other things within this cavern. I suggest we hold off on using the wand until we have learned everything we can from the cavern."

To Pad, "I do not know directions well. One of the rangers will have to answer the location problem. As for your idea of this being a teleport grid, that sounds very probable. The only thing is, the first one we found had the Seeker in it. In this place we find that demon. Before we go about testing an of these things, might I suggest we make sure we will get it write the first time. We may end up fighting another evil spirit of some type and possibly alone. With this in mind, might I put forward the suggestion that all stay clear of the pillars except for those doing critical research?"

SUBJ: GM Notes FROM: GM Mad 04/19/91 S#: 840173

It will be pretty easy for Arocken, the only ranger, to determine that the pillar believed to go with Gateway is in fact the one closest to Gateway. It is due west in the pillar arrangement.

SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 04/19/91 S#: 421486

Armon is excited to see the new treasures, but really doesn't see too much that excites him. He's happy to see a magic dagger, as they are his favorites.

"You sure it's magic?? Good!! I love daggers... hey Val, can I have it? It's all I see I really need... I mean, I'm far, far too vulnerable right now, but I don't see much that would help me as far as that is concerned. The chain mail might be too small..."

Armon pokes around, but quickly becomes bored. "Sure, being hurt is fine for the warriors...and healing them is fine for the clerics... and examining our new prizes is fine for the mages...." he grins, "...but what of the bard?"

SUBJ: Blod... FROM: Blod 04/19/91 S#: 438165

Not seeing anything of real interest, Blod will rest against the nearest wall and wait for everyone to make up their minds about what to do.

"All this talk of tele.., telep.., whatever makes my head hurt. Just let me know when you are ready to do something. I'm gonna rest here awhile."

*****

What do you expect, Validar? When you are married to a beautiful egghead, you pick up some words here and there. :DDD

SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 04/19/91 S#: 413919

Quickly ascertaining the direction of gateway. "Gateway is just due west of this Pillar, which happens to be the closest to gateway, Glad I could be of help"

To Armon. "Well Friend do what bards to best, sing us a tune, or tell us a tale."

SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 04/19/91 S#: 481069

After the Seekers are set for camp, Mercy goes about Healing all who are hurt.

Hearing Pad's thinking on testing the Items "I could cast an Augury spell, that might be of some assistance." Mercy goes back to the dragon and gathers some of it bones to cast in the Augury. "How convenient!"

*********

Mercy will memorize CLW*2,Detect Magic, Prot. from Evil, Hold Person.

He will also concoct the potion for Zynara morning sickness.

SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 04/21/91 S#: 824060

"Indeed, Paddy, it has always been our policy to attempt to Identify items before actually using them, and I personally have had notable success with my Identifications... something to do with an overlap from my --er-- scouting skills, no doubt. But Swords are quite straightforward, as is armor... perhaps the single best method of testing those types of items is actual use."

"Your prudence is well-founded where the scrolls and wand are concerned... I would not try to use them before IDing them--but I have a policy: "Never voluntarily weaken yourself in the field." This means that I for one do not conduct IDENTIFY spells anywhere except in a secure rear area. That means no ID until sometime later."

"As for pressing on... Most of us have more than two-thirds of our spells and/or life energies remaining... it would be overcautious to stop now. The Horizontal wall of stone presents little difficulty... it sits over an opening like a lid on a pot... no doubt some vigorous blows with one of those great big dragon ribs will suffice to crack it, and then we can move it aside. Remember, we have some right powerful fighters in our midst, especially My Steph (and especially with her strength magically enhanced, as it currently is by my STRENGTH spell)."

"I repeat; 'let us move on!' "

As an aside, when others are occupied with other things: "Pad, the Ignominy to which I refer is my own lack of spine when facing the creature... a sort of inveterate invertebrateness that indubitably invokes ignominious feelings with me. (Though I would not put it that way to any less educated than yourself, of course... Loving Stephanie has taught me the values of the common folk)"

At another time, when Validar is occupied and not listening: "You newer folk would do well to refrain from shortening Validar's name... it irks him no end, and those of us who call him Val do so to pick at him in a friendly way. But when we do so, it is our long friendship with him that keeps him from handing us our heads with dinner. Make no mistake...I fought him once in earnest, and though we fought to a standstill, with neither gaining the upper hand, I would not wish to cross blades with him a second time... and you would do well to avoid it entirely. He IS a nobleman, after all, and although he is the only one of them I have ever met who was worth a tinker's dime, he has the Stuffed Shirt

Formality common to all of that ilk. Save us all some hassle and don't shorten his name, OK?"

SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 04/21/91 S#: 402867

To Fin, "Speaking of shortened names, I think I mentioned I prefer Pad to Paddy."

"Fin, I think you've missed something about your running away from the baatezu. The fear you felt didn't have anything to do with your personal courage. The emotion was the result of a magical aura the creature generates."

"As to pressing onward, I don't agree. We just scraped through that fight. I'd hazard to guess that anything else we find in here will be roughly equivalent to the baatezu. I'd also point out that the protective spells I put on various people were depleted by the baatezu and had they not had them, we'd have more than one dead. I didn't tool my spells heavily towards combat today to start. Given a chance to cycle spells, I'd be a lot more helpful."

On the subject of Identify's, "See, that's the difference between a real mage and a dabbler, Fin. A temporary reduction in our hardiness is not as big a deal to us as it is to someone who also expects to melee."

SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 04/21/91 S#: 800365

Steph is shocked when Fin's speaks such words to Pad. (The big ones that she does not understand. ;D )

"Finrod Fasthand!! What nasty language!! I apologize, Pad. I can't believe that he said something so terrible to you."

Later, after being set straight on what he really did say, I'll apologize to Fin as those who are married do. :*

"Aye, I agree with the boy-mage. Let us rest up before continuing on. I'm starving! Slaying fiends gives me an appit... er, appet... makes me hungry! Well, Validar, what shall it be."

In the meantime, I'll help Bernice guard the loot. I'm being careful noy to take any of it, recalling how fierce our halfling can be. ;D

SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Bl Panther 04/21/91 S#: 847700

After listening to the various opinions put forth and taking the time to make his own decision, Validar finally offers forth a solution to the matter at hand.

"Personally, I see no reason to stop our progress simply based on our current states. I do not consider the battle we just completed to be "scraped through." We had a much more difficult and challenging time the first time we were in this place, what with the assault on the combined orc and Hextorite forces and the green dragon which rots outside. We are physically capable of another such battle in my estimation."

"I do understand that a few of us are injured, but only Blod is wounded seriously. Also, I can understand the frenzied interest in this new Elder artifact we have uncovered here. They are both reasonable reasons to stop our exploration right here, rest, regroup and continue on when we have recovered and researched this situation and the magickal items further."

"Finally, there is the fact that a number of us may be wishing to blow off some steam after having felt somewhat less than effective during the combat with the fiend. I know that if that were my feeling, I would not wish to put an end to this day on such a sour note."

"Therefore, weighing all these various factors together, I have decided that those of us who wish to do some further exploration and possible combat will proceed for a relatively short perusal of the area where this shaft leads. Those who feel they are too wounded or vulnerable or who have interests her in deciphering the Elder writings and magickal items we have found are welcome to remain here until we return. Then we can all return to the Rod's world and recover our strength. All of this is of course on the assumption that Padraig's Wall of Stone can be circumvented."

"Assuming that it can in fact, who of you Seekers are choosing to accompany Finrod and myself in further exploration? Once we have decided how our numbers will be split, I will make a decision as to who will be in charge of those remaining here. And before anyone even mentions the fact that splitting the Seekers into two groups would be foolish and expose us too much, do not bother to waste your breath. Our numbers are great and we are not relatively injured regardless of what some person's impressions happen to be."

"I would dare say that Finrod and myself alone would be a capable match for anything that we may encounter in the depths below. That is not a foolhardy or rash statement, but one spoken with the confidence of knowing what our capabilities are. Adding any and all who wish to join us only make this subgroup that much stronger, as each us assembled here is possessing considerable skill or would not even be here. And surely whomever does not choose to go down the shaft...

SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Bl Panther 04/21/91 S#: 830262

...can defend themselves from whatever would happen upon them."

"Finrod, as it was your idea, I'll delegate to you to organize the removal of the barrier. I would like to observe our mages in their research of this these pillars and the magickal items for a while."

"Armon, if our mages do determine that dagger is not cursed, then it is yours. Does anyone else offer a preference at this time for any of the items? I would like to know your opinions before making any such decision."

"Now, any questions?"

SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 04/21/91 S#: 417938

After his little chat with Fin, Pad goes back to studying the writings in the pillar room under his Comprehend Languages spell. After reading a particular passage, he looks up suddenly. He then gets his journal and a charcoal stick out of his pack and begins making notes and writing magical "equations" at a furious rate. Some minutes later, he yells for Validar.

"Validar, I think I might have this thing figured out. If I'm correct, this is indeed a teleportation grid. We could visit all these sites by operating it in the correct manner. I'd like to try an experiment and teleport back to Gateway. I could even take our fallen compatriot with me for proper burial, as well as anything else we wish transported back there."

Spectrum's Comments: Pad does indeed have the pillars figured out. There was some out of game conversations between me and him about them. The pillars are a teleportation grid of some type.

SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Bl Panther 04/21/91 S#: 839733

"If you feel as though you have deciphered the workings of this artifact, then you are welcome to test your theory, Padraig. I suggest that most of us vacate the immediate area, just to be on the safe side, however."

"Also, on an unrelated matter, I can understand your desire to not share your spells with the entire group, but I find it of much more strategic value as leader of the Seekers to know all of the capabilities we have. I do not doubt your personal judgment in using your own spells, but would appreciate having access to such knowledge, even on a confidential basis."

SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 04/22/91 S#: 494352

"Aye, Validar I am willing to join you on further exploration, my ring has done a fine job of restoring my health, and I would like to lend my blades to another battle for this day!"

As for the magic Items Arocken makes a request for the long sword. Citing his proficiency in the weapon and his lack of a magical weapon. (That is assuming it turns out not to be cursed)

SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 04/22/91 S#: 450898

After examining the pillars and grid, Mercy will check upon his patient Blod.

In response to Validar's question for continuing on. "I would like to go, but Blod is under my care, and I cannot leave if he is to heal properly and quickly."

"As for the Items we found, I would like the Morning Star, for it is the weapon that I am proficient in."

SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 04/22/91 S#: 449308

"Oh, yeah, Padd...er- Pad. You did mention that you didn't like Paddy as a nickname... beats me why. Toughest cop who ever knocked me around in the old days was named Paddy... heck of a fella, it was a shame I had to end his career so precipitously." :)

"Validar, I would like to volunteer to test the Elven Chain that we found by wearing it into the next combat... This would not imply that I laid claim to it, merely that I believe it the best way to evaluate its capabilities. If it hampers my thieving skills to too great an extent, then it obviously is not of My Ancestors' making. Their Chain was of unsurpassed excellence, and hinders the roguish skills little.

After I have evaluated the armor, using combat experience and later an IDENTIFY, then you can decide who best to give it to."

Steph's apology is quickly accepted, in the fashion of all marital spats. "Not to worry, Darling: your vocabulary is quite large enough to get your point across, and the fact that you don't put on airs, like some more educated folks is part of what endears you so to me. That, and your lovely hair and eyes. And..." ;)

As to circumventing the Wall of Stone- the stone is but 2 1/2 inches thick. Fin removes his backpack and takes the chest of security out. Opening the chest, it is obvious to all from the wide array of supplies he removes getting to what he needs that the money he spent in gateway was not squandered. In particular, he sets to one side a pickaxe, two hammers, a pair of chisels, some spikes and a 100' length of rope. It should take little time for the powerful warriors (and Lithe Finrod, too) of the party to create a hole two and a half feet in diameter in the stone. Then a pair of spikes can be driven into the floor over in a corner.

To these the rope, doubled over for strength, may be attached, and those who wish to press on may slide down to fight whatever has come to investigate the clamor and clangor. "The method is called 'fastroping' in mercenary circles," Fin quickly explains. "You just slide down the ropes like a fire pole. Keep your hands in close to your chest, and your elbows out, and use the insteps of your feet as an additional guide and break. Nothing to it, really!"

The Blue-eyed Steel-cultist cheerfully descends first, to demonstrate for the others.

--Finrod Fasthand
--Felicitous Fastroper

SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 04/22/91 S#: 442956

"Well, if you want to go ahead with the exploration, Validar, I'll go with you. I'd prefer not to split the party overly much. It's an old habit, and one I don't want to break. I can try my experiment with the Teleporter later."

"Sorry about not making clear what my spells were. I guess I picked up a penchant for secrecy from the lich when I sucked its mind dry. If you really want to know, I'm carrying Magic Missile, Shield, Shrink, Web, Mirror Image, Levitate, Lightning Bolt, Wraithform, Wall of Ice, Polymorph Others, Cone of Cold, and Teleport."

"Now, let's go down the hole, and hope you're right that there isn't anything too nasty down there. After we get back, I can try my experiment. I might even be able to take us all back to Gateway."

SUBJ: Vonte FROM: Vonte 04/22/91 S#: 830012

After the remorse has diminished a bit over our lost Friend, and hearing of party members trying on armor and grabbing morning stars and daggers.

"The mages are correct in their knowledge in the manners of cursed items, but I thing I may know of a way of determining if the said items are cursed. It is my belief that cursed objects should give off a evil aura (at least I hope they do) so therefore a simple detect evil should show if the items are indeed cursed..."

"If the party sees fit to separate and adventure, I have no problem...But I would request that the newly found objects be left here, so I may determine their align-base..."

"If they are safe, then all who Validar promised the weapons to may have them, but I wish to make sure that they are safe to wield!"

"The only problem seems to be that I do not have a detect evil spell memorized, and most of my spells are depleted, I wish to remain here work on the new items determination, and care for the wounded."

"Mercy, I will care for the injured if you wish to adventure."

*******************

Mad if my assumptions are incorrect about a cursed item will put out a evil aura, please let me know so I won't make the same inference again! Thanks!

p.s. Mad have you had a chance to U/L characters yet... I will be off Q for 6 months starting about the 4th of May, so hopefully you will be able to save my character for future Q games

*******************

SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 04/22/91 S#: 404038

Armon is eager at the chance of further exploration, and immediately volunteers. "Count me in, Validar. I can always tell a legend later. Now is a chance to make them...."

Later when/if they return, Armon will show curiosity towards Padraig's experiments, and not hesitate to help any that he can.

When he gets a chance, Armon will find a way to slip a little something into the conversation. "By the way, Validar, I realize many regard me as merely someone who would dabble in magic, but I am of a different mind.

If you might be able to convince a mage or two to lay open their spellbooks to e...well...I can chant more than a song."

SUBJ: FINROD'S SPELLBOOKS FROM: SGT STONEY 04/23/91 S#: 402675

(All Three of them) are your spellbooks, Armon. Seems that you are not the only one considered a "dabbler" around here! ;)

I for one am happy to teach all that I know in any of my many areas of knowledge to whoever is interested in learning. To compartmentalize and to make knowledge secret reeks to me of Elitism. I don't like it in the Nobility, and I don't like it among Rogues, and I especially don't approve of it among Mages. If you have any questions in regards to the ways of the Steel-Cult Mercenaries, those, too, I will gladly tell. As with all men of War, I know that without Bards and Minstrels to sing of our deeds, then when we are dust, our heroics will have been for naught!

At the next camp, Fin will invite Armon over... "Here, sit a spell, and we will pull on this wineskin 'til it runs dry, and I will tell you of my brother warriors, and perhaps you can devise a rhyme or three to make them live easier in my memory! Come, share our wine with myself and my lovely wife!"

SUBJ: Blod... FROM: Blod 04/24/91 S#: 413600

"I appreciate the attention, Mercy, and I wouldn't want you to miss out on any adventures, so I will just have to join up with Sir Clang. I would not mind another healing spell though."

Blod will continue to rest against the wall until Validar is ready to leave.

SUBJ: Treasure!! FROM: Merri2 04/24/91 S#: 421341

Bernice looks eagerly at the treasure horde, and when all the magic items are revealed, she can contain herself no longer. The halfling leaps to the treasure and fondles all the money, magic items, etc. Her eyes are half closed in ecstasy and she is almost purring.

When that new mage says we should identify this stuff, Bernice turns her head and glares, coins dropping from her fingers. ::gasp:: 'Identify this stuff? Why, aren't we being care-ful?'

When everyone pretty much agrees with this point of view, Bernice will go along reluctantly.

Bernice whole-heartedly agrees with her buddy Fin that she is pretty magic poor, but just can't choose with all that magic available.

She struggles with the decision of staying or going with Fin and Validar, but finally decides the treasure needs her more. She'll talk to Validar alone.

'I thought about going with you and Finrod to explore. We do make a good team, you and I. But you need someone you can trust back here with the treasure. I'll stay.' She straightens up and winks.

Spectrum's Comments: Next time: The Seekers go down the shaft!