The Frontier #91
The undead Beholder has been defeated, but Zynara was accidentally Hasted and proceeded to give birth!
It was quickly decided to vacate the lower caverns and return to the Fiend's lair. Zynnie herself is asleep, her limp form having been taxed almost beyond human endurance. The beholder is covered in oil and then set alight. It burns quickly and remains lifeless.
Blod carries Zynara back to the shaft. Stephanie follows carrying their son.
Validar, Armon and Arocken all stand guard, but no threats present themselves. It's a slow process, but the Seekers make their way to the upper cavern.
Arriving upstairs, you find that Bernice is alone. She relates that Vonte took up Thundron's body to give him a burial in the forest.
Pad proceeds to test out his theory with the Elder Pillar artifact. He casts a spell upon the pillar bearing the Elder Rune for Gateway. The whole pillar formation begins to glow with the pillar on which the spell was cast glowing the brightest. He steps into the grid and disappears.
Several hours pass and he has yet to return. Not wishing to wait any longer, the Rod of Security is used and the Seekers enter the pocket dimension.
SUBJ: GM Notes FROM: GM Mad 05/07/91 S#: 833663
Hmmm, wonder what happened to Pad??
How many days are you going to spend in the Rod Dimension?? Zynara sleeps for the next several days. Only waking for 10-20 minutes at a time to eat and drink. The child is doing nicely.
Current Hit Points:
(Before using the Rod)
Arocken - 44 of 49
Bernice - 25 of 38
Blod - 12 of 36
Finrod - 25 of 36
Mercy - 21 of 22
Stephanie - 40 of 60
Validar - 48 of 63
Zynara - 1 of 19
Also, Vonte did not return in time to go into the pocket dimension with you. Not surprising, since he has left Q for a time. ;)
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 05/07/91 S#: 802445
(Off the record: I've discovered that this Pillar thing is really the entrance to a trans-dimensional massage parlor. See you in a few days. ];> )
Spectrum's Comments: In this, and the next several posts, there are public parts and private parts that were all lumped into one file. The private parts dealt with those who used the Pillars to go back to Gateway and were done either by E-mail or in a buried post.
Below is Pad's response to an E-mail I sent him about what happened to Pad after he left the ruins. He arrived back in the Pillar room underneath Gateway and set off an alarm in the process.
Mail From: GM Shifty Date: Tuesday 7-May-91 20:51 EDT
re: Grid travel
Well, I've set off someone's alarm, that's for sure. And I don't particularly want to Jump myself back to the room in the Fiend lair. I didn't spend enough time studying it.
So, first step is to go topside and inform the power-that-be that I was the one who set off the alarm, assuming it's theirs. Even if it wasn't, they still should know. After that, it's back to the mansion. Inform the servants to be expecting a child when the others return. I'll then do a spell cycle and study several Magic Mirror spells. I'll use one of them to check on the current whereabouts of Validar and crew. If I can't locate them, I'll assume they went into the pocket dimension. Using the picture in the mirror as a coordinate, (unless it shows the pocket dimension of course)
I'll Teleport myself to the party or the Fiend Lair if I couldn't locate the party. By T-porting to a place I can "see" directly I should be in the best jump category.
If I end up jumping to the Fiend room instead of the party, I'll hide out in a Rope Trick waiting for the party to reappear.
New spell list is:
Magic Missile, Shield, Comp Languages, Color Spray, and Message, Web, Invis, Rope Trick x 2, Magic Mouth Lightning Bolt, Fly, Dispel Magic, Prot Evil 10' rad, Non-detection Ot's Resilient Sphere, Poly Others, Magic Mirror x 2 Sending, Teleport x 2, Wall of Stone.
Hmmm, scratch the Invis and give me 3 Rope Tricks. That gives me 11 hours of hiding space.
Other actions if I don't 'port to the party: Set a Magic Mouth on the floor of the roof to call out "Announcing the great and powerful Wizard Padraig." if someone of Finrod's general description enters the room.
Cover the hole into the downstairs with another Wall of Stone. Try casting a Sending to Finrod, "This is Pad, I'm safe. Can't jump back immediately, but grid is safe. Will try to be there to see your return from the Rod."
That should cover things.
SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 05/08/91 S#: 802438
Armon helps guard the retreat from the cavern, then watches in interest as Padraig tries his teleport trick. When the mage does not return shortly, his concern begins to build. The bard considers his options, then speaks to Validar.
"Val, I think Pad's been gone too long. If I'm able to translate the runes on the pillars myself, and find the teleportation within my limited ability, may I go after him? I'm certainly expendable enough, yet not exactly helpless...", the bard grins.
"This is all theoretical, obviously. I may not be able to puzzle out the Elder writing, and I'm certainly not on a level with Padraig. But I just think I should do...something."
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 05/08/91 S#: 454232
When the party enters the pocket dimension of the wand, there are some things to consider...
What are we going to do with the horses?
What are we going to do about the open door leading into the Dragon's cave, and thence to the wilds?
Who is going to keep watch out for Padraig's return? When and if he comes back, he may need immediate care.
I would say we could turn the horses lose to roam for a day or so (they won't stray far from humans), and seal the doorway, but I have no wizard-lock memorized today.
Therefore, I propose that Myself and one or two others of the less-injured stay outside the pocket dimension, to tend the horses, look after guarding the returning-spot of the party, and be alert for a returning Paddy.
--Finrod Fasthand
-Mercenary Multiclass
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 05/08/91 S#: 798986
"I will stay outside the dimension with you Fin. My strength is almost back to normal, and should be shortly. and my skill in wooded areas may come in handy."
The remaining time in the dimension Arocken will just eat drink and sleep. Preparing himself for what is to come.
SUBJ: Backing up... FROM: Merri2 05/08/91 S#: 454491
Just a little. To before everyone went down the shaft. (Have you changed the day the post closes Mad?)
Bernice beams up at Validar, 'Me, in charge? I'll do my best.' She's a little disappointed to see just about everyone go down the shaft. 'Aw, well, guess I'll just have to do it myself!' She gathers all the gold into one pile and starts counting. 'One gold, two gold, three, four...' Once in a while a gold slips into her pocket.
She hears a loud boom and looks toward the shaft nervously. When she hears a scream she bolts up and peers down the hole. Hearing nothing more, she goes back to her counting. 'Drat, I lost count. One, two, hope they're alright, three, four...my poor brave Vally ::sigh:: (remember no one's there to hear her.) Lost count again...one, two...' She keeps trying to count and looks nervously toward the hole.
When Validar comes up, she wraps herself around his knees and gushes 'You're alright! I'm so glad! I was SO worried. I should have never let you go down there alone.' She stops when she sees the baby.
'What? How? A BABY?', the little thief is speechless. When it's explained to her and she gets over the shock, Bernice dotes. 'How PRECIOUS! Are you sure he's OK? Have you got a name, Zynara? Can I hold him?' Seeing this little person, smaller than her, melts Bernice's heart. All is forgiven and she'll never call Zynara 'that snake-woman' again. But keep Sheba away from her.
Auntie Bernice
SUBJ: Mother FROM: Zynara 05/09/91 S#: 489511
(Do I get a Mother's Day present Mad? :D )
I spend most of my time dreaming about happy things. In one of those moments when I am awake, "Blod. Blod. How does Ross Blod sound for our son's name?"
At another point when I am awake, "Steph. Would you be my son's godmother? I would be honored if you would be. You may want to talk to Blod about who his godfather is going to be. I trust your judgment." Yawn. "Night."
Any time I am awake, I wish to hold my son for at least a few minutes. Since I am wiped out, I hope someone is coming up with some way to feed the child. Since boys don't mature as fast as girls, I don't think he is ready for the solid food we have access to. (Mad, I am hoping that I can at least supply him some milk.)
Spectrum's Comments: Of course she got a Mother's Day present. I let her live through Fin's mistake!
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 05/11/91 S#: 805257
When the time comes to go into the Rod-world, I will definitely go.
"I'll need to help tend to the boy. Be careful, Fin." :*
Once inside, I'll help watch the boy with Bernice's eager aid, taking turns with her. Realizing that he will be unable to consume solid foods, and being reminded by Zynie herself, I'll go about the task of crushing the fruit to make a juice for him. When Zynie asks me to be his godmother I am very touched. I give her a big, but gentle, hug.
"I would be honored. Come Blod, let her rest. Perhaps you would like to feed your son?" (Not to mention clean up his messes! ];D
SUBJ: Claudius... FROM: GM Falcon 05/11/91 S#: 818921
Claudius will note Pad's disappearance with growing concern. As the hours pass, he will pace the hall, then later the rod's dimension.
When Finrod suggests that a few go back, he'll jump at the offer...and offer to watch the pillars, and wait...
(More in mail)
Mail From: GM Falcon Date: Saturday 11-May-91 11:20 EDT
If Claudius was close enough to notice that Pad used a Reduce spell on the pillar (Spellcraft), then, assuming Pad doesn't come back very soon, he'll walk up, *magic missile* the Gateway portal...and if it begins reacting correctly, walk into Pad's massage parlor.
Spectrum's Comments: And Claud joins the hidden post gang.
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Bl Panther 05/11/91 S#: 846700
"We will spend two days in the Rod's dimension. If Padraig is able to return, he will do so in that span of time. We will have to make any further plans about our actions at that point. If the teleport is indeed safe, then that would be he best way to go. Otherwise, we will have to wait a little longer until Zynara is physically able to travel."
"Armon, I would not suggest that you go after Padraig. We have absolutely no way of knowing whether his calculations were correct or incorrect, and whether he is in any danger whatsoever. I expect that he has been able to handle whatever situation he has found himself in and will return to us if he is able. I will not stop you from going on after our comrade, but I would not advise it."
"Finrod, and anyone else who wishes to go with him, you may stay out and tend to the horses and await the possible return of our wizard, if you wish. It would be helpful if there was someone to meet Padraig here should he return. Although, we could simply take our horses into the Rod with us, as we had been doing on the journey here."
"Anyone who is going to remain with Finrod should make their decision now. Those who enter the Rod will be there for the next two days. No one in and no one out. There is no reason to waste a charge of the Rod."
Previously, upon having a certain halfling lock herself about my knee...
"Your worrying was unnecessary, Bernice. Surely you know by now that we are not so easily threatened. But your concern is touching. Have there been any problems up here while we were gone?"
SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 05/12/91 S#: 414426
Mercy is quite nervous about Pad's delay in returning. "Where is that mage?" he says a numerous amount of times.
Seeing that Zynara has plenty of help, Mercy will stay outside the Rod with Finrod. "He may need my help when he gets back."
Spectrum's Comments: Below is one of my secret posts for Pad, Claud, and Armon. It was buried in an older post where no one would notice it.
SUBJ: Post #91 Secret Parts ;) FROM: GM Mad 05/12/91 S#: 824615
The world fades around Armon. He reappears in darkness. He wanders about for a moment and runs into what feels to be a cave wall.
Suddenly, the whole area is illuminated as Claudius arrives. Claud lights one of his torches so that you can look around.
You find yourselves in the caves under Gateway. An opening leads to the chamber of the Seeker of Souls. As you peer in, you are both shocked to hear a screeching sound! Looking you see what appears to be a human skull hanging in mid-air! Light is coming from its eyes and mouth! The skull disintegrates before your eyes. No one is around down here. Looking about you see that all the openings have been sealed with stone.
Time passes and one of the openings is now suddenly open! Looking you see Pad and Sharadin in the opening.
"This is getting monotonous", Sharadin says.
***************************************
For Pad: While relaxing at the mansion, Sharadin enters and relates that a second Skullwatch has gone off. He asks that you accompany him down there.
***************************************
Please put your responses behind this post here. No one should notice it. ;)
SUBJ: Claudius... FROM: GM Falcon 05/12, 91 S#: 476912
"You're alive!", Claud beams at Pad. "Then the teleporter works?" He grins and all but bounces up and down.
"We have to go get the others!", he announces. "Where've you been?"
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 05/13/91 S#: 817954
Tsk, Tsk....
"Now there are THREE missing. They seem determined to leave me as the only capable remaining mage."
Finrod carefully watches all that Claudius and Armon do, as he did Paddy. However, he is in no hurry to repeat their experiment. He is content to rest and guard the area, regaining spells and Recovering Hit points.
Spells Memorized:
1st Level: Burning Hands, Color Spray, Sleep, Charm Person
2nd Level: Strength, Web
3rd Level: Fireball, Haste
Also... Fin removes the offending chain mail, and gives it to Validar before the party goes into the Rod Dimension.
"It is most assuredly not Elven Chain. Distribute it as you see fit."
"You folks have a good rest in there. I know I'm gonna have a good one out here."
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 05/12/91 S#: 479195
"One would assume that your own state of life would be assurance enough that the grid was functioning safely, Claudius. Unfortunately, we can't go back today without a certain level of risk, which I would prefer to avoid."
"It seems that the grid on this side only references a single destination on all of the pillars. Not knowing anything about your Elders, I didn't feel like going on the assumption that the grid would be taking me back to the party's location."
"I also failed to get a sufficiently good lock on the other Pillar room to use it as a basis for my own Teleport spell. I am planning on waiting until tomorrow and studying a few spells that will allow me to make the Teleport a much safer prospect."
"Shall we retire to the mansion?"
The Frontier # 92
Pad, then later followed by Claudius and Armon, have used the pillar format and disappeared. Fin, Arocken and Mercy have decided to wait for their return. Everyone else has retired to the Rod Dimension.
The hours drag pass for those on the outside. Night eventually arrives and still no sign of those missing. The rest of the night passes uneventfully.
Morning comes and no one has yet to return.
Fin gets the odd feeling that he is being watched, but cannot tell from where. Looking around he can't detect anyone about.
Unexpectedly, Pad appears close by! But no Armon or Claud.
The day after that, those in the Rod Dimension return. Pad is back, but Claudius and Armon are still missing.
I'll let Pad tell his own story... ;) )
SUBJ: GM Notes FROM: GM Mad 05/14/91 S#: 851157
Current Hit Points:
Bernice - 37 of 38
Blod - 24 of 36
Stephanie - 52 of 60
Zynara - 8 of 19
Zynnie, your STR and DEX have increased during the stay. Both are now at 2.
With all the recent comings and goings/here is the official group roster:
Armon
Arocken
Bernice
Blod
Claudius
Finrod
Mercy
Padraig
Stephanie
Validar
Zynara
Also, Pad, Armon and Claud, check out the other spot for another new note leading up to this post. ;)
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 05/15/91 S#: 799936
"Hi ho, Fin. Nice to see someone 'waited up for me'. The grid works precisely as I expected. The only drawback was that the one under Gateway only names a single destination on all its pillars. I didn't want to take unnecessary risks, so I decided to wait until today and use a scrying spell so I could teleport back on my own with maximum safety."
"By the way, who let those two yo-yos use the grid without knowing how it worked? I thought the whole idea of someone going first was not to risk more than one life. I sent them to their rooms for playing around with magic that they didn't understand."
"So, when's the rest of the group due back from Rod-land?"
SUBJ: More Secret Stuff FROM: GM Mad 05/14/91 S#: 850854
After being let out by Sharadin, you all retire to the Seekers Mansion. The servants prepare a meal for you all and you get the chance to sleep in your own beds.
Preparations are already underway for the arrival of Zynara's child.
Next day Pad prepares to return to the main group of Seekers. Using a large mirror, he casts a spell and the image of Finrod forms in the mirror. He is currently in the Fiend's cave. Arocken and Mercy can also be seen.
Casting another spell, Pad disappears.
A split-second later, he reappears within the scene in the mirror. The mirror slowly goes blank.
***************************************
Okay, Pad is now back in the main post while Claud and Armon are back here. ;)
SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 05/15/91 S#: 432329
Armon is a little confused at first after his teleport, then astonished as Claudius appears after him. "Hey! You made it too, huh? Is it just me, or does this seem familiar..."
The bard is too busy being cowed in the next few minutes to say much. However, he's more himself later on back at the mansion. Armon quickly helps make preparations for the new child's arrival, and basically gets things in order. If time allows, he may visit the local tavern, snoop in Claudius' spell book (if allowed), or, fail all else, act very bored.
"So um...Claudius. Play chess?"
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 05/15/91 S#: 483291
"Good to see ya, Paddy... PAD!" ;)
"I figured you'd make it back, you seem the capable and sensible type. The other two, though..." ::Shrug:: When they start payin' me like a real Merc, I'll start playin' Sergeant. 'Till then... Hey, I ain't no babysitter. Watched 'em close so's we could go rescue 'em if necessary (I know word-for-word and Move-for-move what each one did). If they hadn't got to the right spot, it would have been from some slip in the procedure, and we could find 'em by repeating their 'mistake'. Glad they made it through to you though... the network must be pretty much foolproof, if those two impetuous fools made it. Good to hear."
"The main party is due back tomorrow. Relax and fill me in on the network... I see a lot of possible Military Uses for it, and despite being a 'dabbler' in magic, as you put it, I'd like to understand its workings."
"Which reminds me... been meaning to talk to ya about the sad state of me spell-books. Any chance you might allow access to yer books to a 'dabbler'?"
"Well, sit back, relax. Nice spot to spend a couple quiet days, now that the cavern has had a chance to air. The ledge in front makes a handy place to sit and watch the horses graze. Here, have an apple."
Fin seems to have thoroughly recovered from his shattered self-respect after the fear thing. That beholder-undead was just the trick. He sits back on the front porch' and enjoys the break. He does kinda wish Steph were here to share it, though. But, she needed the healing offered by the Rod, and besides, if there's one thing all Elves understand (even renegade Mercenary Elves) it's the fascination of a baby.
--Finrod Fasthand
--Merc-on-vacation
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 05/15/91 S#: 461902
"Certainly, Fin. Now that I know I deciphered it correctly, I'll be glad to share what I know with you. You seem the sort who would be more interested in the practical applications, rather than the theory, so we'll skip that."
"The mechanics of the grid are simplicity itself. You cast a spell at the column that bears the name of where you want to go. Large area spells should be avoided. Each level of spell you put into the column powers it for approximately one person or an equivalent weight. Then you just step into the center and the grid teleports you to your chosen destination."
Replying to the request for access to his spell books, Pad says, "Of course, you can, Fin. I gave the rest of the bunch free access, don't see why I should exclude you. Just remember that I come from a background that isn't all that free with spell knowledge. Never open one of my books yourself. They have certain safeguards."
In case you didn't copy them down at the time, Fin, here's what you see in the books:
1st - Alarm, Cantrip, Magic Missile, Shield, Tenser's Floating Disk, Wall of Fog, Affect Normal Fires, Audible Glamer, Burning Hands, Change Self, Chill Touch, Color Spray, Comprehend Languages, Detect Magic, Detect Undead, Enlarge, Erase, Feather Fall, Gaze Reflection, Hold Portal, Identify, Light, Mending, Message, Phantasmal Force, Protection From Evil, Read Magic, Shocking Grasp, Spider Climb, Ventriloquism
2nd - Flaming Sphere, Stinking Cloud, Web, Alter Self, Blur, Continual Light, Darkness 15' radius, Detect Evil, Detect Invisible, ESP, Fog Cloud, Fools' Gold, Improved Phantasmal Force, Invisibility, Knock, Know Alignment, Levitate, Leomund's Secret Trap, Locate Object, Magic Mouth, Mirror Image, Protection From Cantrips, Pyrotechnics, Rope Trick, Shatter, Spectral Hand, Strength, Wizard Lock
3rd - Fireball, Lightning Bolt, Melf's Minute Meteors, Blink, Clairvoyance,
Dispel Magic, Explosive Runes, Feign Death, Fly, Haste, Hold Undead, Invisibility 10' Radius, Item, Leomund's Tiny Hut, Non-detection, Phantom Steed, Protection From Evil 10' Radius, Protection From Normal Missiles, Secret Page, Slow, Snapping Teeth, Spectral Force, Vampiric Touch, Water Breathing, Wind Wall, Wraithform.
I think that's all you need.
Spectrum's Comments: As noted by Pad above, that's the gist of how the Pillar Artifact works.
SUBJ: Still... FROM: Zynara 05/16/91 S#: 510349
Still not being able to do anything but rest even after returning from the rod world, I will just lay around tending my child and awaiting his father to respond to the suggested name of Ross Blod for the child's name.
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 05/17/91 S#: 800616
Sitting in the grass and staring off into the forest, Arocken almost misses Pad's sudden return. Listening to, but not understanding, Pad's explanation of the teleportational grid Arocken asks "So, I take it you can get mother and baby safely home??"
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 05/18/91 S#: 472887
In an off-handed aside to Arocken as he points out interesting spells to Fin, "Yes, that's the general idea."
SUBJ: Claudius FROM: GM Falcon 05/18/91 S#: 455850
Claudius will shrug at Pad's words: "I thought the risk was worth it," he responds blankly.
He too will spend time helping make the preparations for Zynara's (and gang's) arrival.
When Armon asks about his spellbook, he'll consider it for a minute. then give Armon free access to it. When he asks about chess, he nods enthusiastically: Yes!!"
Mail From: Omni Tuens Date: Sunday 19-May-91 00:24 EDT
BTW, you may assume that Armon is using his Gaming Prof., intelligence, and overall charm and wit to do the sort of thing bards do best....namely STOMP Claudius at chess. ;D
SUBJ: Blod... FROM: DD Pagent 05/19/91 S#: 841736
Sorry about not posting sooner. It has been hectic here the last few weeks.
Staying with Zynara and Ross Blod, my newborn son, Blod will try to help out as much as possible, waiting upon the return of Pad and company.
Mail From: Mastiff1 Date: Sunday 19-May-91 23:49 EDT
Mad, I will pump my CLW into Zynara to help her recover. Also, Mercy will bless
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Bl Panther 05/19/91 S#: 393338
Upon returning from the Rod's dimension, Validar will welcome Padraig on his safe return and question him on his trip. Validar will also ask as to the whereabouts of Armon and Claudius. Having those questions answered suitably, Validar will offer a few more questions up for answering.
"So, Padraig, then you seem to believe that this teleporter is safe enough for our new mother and her child to travel to Gateway? I do not wish to take unnecessary risks with their well being, but if it is indeed safe, then taking the overland route back to Gateway would be the risk."
If the teleporter is indeed the preferred mode of transportation, then Validar will offer up a proposal to the group's members.
"It is quite obvious that a number of us will not be of much help in the nursing of Zynara back to health, nor in the raising of her newborn son. And if they do not require our presence to defend their journey home, there is not much reason why some few of us cannot continue with, and possibly conclude, the matter we originally set out to do."
"We are here, now, and may never get another chance to learn the secrets of this place. How say each of you in regards to continuing our quest?"
SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 05/19/91 S#: 437755
Mercy lazily lays around waiting for Padraig's return. He is just nodding off when Padraig pops into view. "Glad to have you back." Seeing that he isn't needed and hearing about the others, Mercy will sit back and wait for the return of the others.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 05/20/91 S#: 443687
"Aye, Validar. If we may, let us finish our business here. Zynara can no doubt get through safely with only one or two escorts. Then we can ourselves use the Grid to return to gateway. Unless, that is, this fine autumn weather continues, in which case I would be just as content to travel overland back to Gateway."
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 05/20/91 S#: 831556
After returning from the Rod, the first thing I do is greet Fin. I then notice Pad. Seeing him, I give him a big hug.
"Pad! You're alive! That thingamathing words then! Great!"
After Validar's talk...
"I agree. We are here and are going to be cooped up for a couple of months once winter hits. Let's make the most of the time. I'll stay to help you and Fin."
SUBJ: ::sigh:: FROM: Omni Tuens 05/20/91 S#: 490190
"You think I have a five, Claudius? HA!!!! GO FISH!!!"
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: Some of the group returns to Gateway while the others go back down the hole.