Spectrum's Comments: While on their way to Kairn's Fortress, the Company passed through a warped forest to reach a temple.
Sword of Doom # 12
The Company current is resting within the almost abandoned Temple of Ehlonna. After eating, the Priestess of the temple presents the Company with some magical items.
While the Company decides to split up these items, the Priestess goes to her quarters to rest.
A few minutes after she leaves, the wolf cubs come running into the room, looking for someone to play with.
GM Notes:
I'll post a major update on Sunday if you can get the items handed out by then. What's your next move after that?
To refresh your memory, here is a list of the items.
1 Mace
1 Longsword
1 Longbow
15 Arrows
1 Shortsword
1 Broadsword
2 Potions of Extra-Healing
2 Bracers
1 Quiver
1 Dagger
1 Leather Armor
SUBJ: Tristan (R) FROM: FrankP25 10/11/90 S#: 844787
As far as the magic items go, I would appreciate getting one of the following items: longsword (really), shortsword, or the long bow.
I will thank the Priestess for the Scroll and will ask for guidance about what to do next from Ehlonna.
I say that we have to get to the quest as soon as possible. This GREAT temple must not be destroyed and shall prevail.
With any remaining time, I will play with the cubs.
TRISTAN
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Zynara 10/12/90 S#: 398275
Magic items: As I mentioned before, I am proficient with none of the weapons offered. Give them to those that can use them. Some time in the future, I may wish to learn one of them but right now, I wish to stay with what I am good with. I do suggest we give the potions of healing to those that do not have the ability to heal with the blessings of their god or goddess. That way, in an emergency someone can do some healing. I may be interested in one set of bracers but only if no one else wishes to have them. In simple words, I don't want any magic unless no one else wants it then I will take it for safekeeping. :)
When the pups come out to play, I let the priest play with the cubs and go out into the courtyard and practice with first my nunchaku then the katana. I will stop practice when the daylight begins to fade. Once it is dark, I will go out into the court yard and practice once again with my weapons but this time, I will be doing it with my eyes shut using the training my father taught me, to do my best not to hit anyone or any creature that comes out into the court yard near me.
SUBJ: Omni (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 10/13/90 S#: 402903
Omni bows politely as the priestess excuses herself, an tries to maintain a 'dignified' manner when the cubs come out to play, instead just smiling. After a few moments he comments, "I hope the priestess will be all right when we leave. There's not much we can do about it, though..."
He quickly shakes himself out of his thoughts, and turns to the party, speaking:
"Distribution of the equipment! Schar will have the mace, and a healing potion. Merri gets the longsword. Tristan receives the longbow and short sword. Selarin receives the arrows and the other potion. Arathnasis receives one set of bracers, and Argent the other set. The leather armor goes to Ronin. I'm sorry if you didn't receive something you wanted; your requests will have priority over others next time. The broadsword, quiver, and dagger were unclaimed. Anyone can claim them- whoever claims it first gets it. If they remain unclaimed, I'll carry them for the time being."
"Now I suggest we make any last minute preparations to go after the Zombie Master. Anyone NOT ready, or have strategy suggestions?"
As far as future treasure distribution, I'm keeping track of all the characters personally (who gets what, etc.) and after Mad's next XP Update (no rush on that, GM) I'll have a more thorough listing, showing level, magical equipment, and time with the party for all the characters. These factors, along with requests, will help determine future treasure distribution.
SUBJ: Johnathan (R) FROM: Stretch611 10/13/90 S#: 457719
Knowing that animals are sometimes better judges of people I will play with they small cubs. A will get some rags if possible to wrap my arms knowing my fragile nature and the rough nature of playing pups. I will rough them to their hearts content or until I am injured.
As far as the magic items I will pass any claim on them until I learn more of our hostess. In any amount of time I will request to talk with her, to get any weaknesses of undead, resistance to spells, and other bits she would be willing to pass on to an untrusting guest.
To party leader and all magic users, what is the situation of spells. Should I take several offensive spells or should I take Detect Undead.
To party leader and GM Mad spells to be memorized
1) Detect Undead X2
2) Detect Undead Chill Touch
3) Chill Touch X2
The decision is up to the current party leader on which of the three since I will not be able to get on until after the next GM post, so we may be leaving the temple before I can choose. Depending on the offensive spells needed have the party leader choose an option. If for some reason he/she is not able to post a selection use number 2 as the default.
Sorry I forgot the party leaders name or I would contact him directly.
SUBJ: Tristan (R) FROM: FrankP25 10/14/90 S#: 806491
As far as the unclaimed items go, I'll claim the quiver. The broadsword and dagger should go to those who could use magic items (i.e. MU get dagger etc.)
I will continue to talk to the Priestess and pray more to Ehlonna for guidance and support.
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 10/14/90 S#: 108334
"Fair lady of Ehlonna, and my fellow party members who have the gift of their chose gods...It would seem to me that we should try to 'cure' these undead trees that we 'met' on the way in. It would increase the safety of this holy place and also when we return we should have to then worry about them. What would happen if we cast a bit of holy water upon them, or a well placed bless spell? my knowledge of such things is little."
------------------------------------
I will then remove my chain mail armor and pack it away on my horse I will don my newly acquired bracers
------------------------------------
Memorize: Magic Missile
SUBJ: Berek Demonslayer FROM: AREION 10/14/90 S#: 460851
"The axe and two-handed sword are my prefered weapons, I won't forsake them for another, magic or otherwise."
Still a little disappointed that he didn't get to actually battle any of the undead trees (sorry priestess) Berek wanders ouside where he'll pile some straw from the stable against a wall for a makeshift bed. When night falls he'll retire here, under the stars.
SUBJ: Schar
Graciously accepts the mace from Omni.
"I and my patron do give you thanks, Sir Omni."
Giving a silent prayer to Azrella, I replace my mace with the enchanted weapon. I smile as the cubs play with the others.
"Be careful, Jonathon! They are stronger then they look!"
When Jonathon asks about his spells, I move to the conversation.
"Excuse me, while I may not be a mage, I have an opinion to offer. Jonathon, it would seem to me that you should select offensive spells. I suspect that most of the creatures we shall be encountered will be of the undead variety. Choosing to Detect Undead would limit the options available to the Company."
When Arathnasis speaks of curing the trees by cleric magic, I again speak.
"I strongly agree with your sentiments, but I fear that freeing the trees is beyond our power right now. Since I was able to repel the trees, they are now truly undead. Holy Water would burn them! A Blessing has not the power to revert the transformation. I fear that I am at a loss on how to cure these noble trees."
"I respectively submit, Sir Omni, that we need a plan of attack. The power of the Company, while numbering many, is still relatively weak. We have little experience in fighting evil. We know that we shall be fighting undead. More then likely zombies. Such creatures are very slow. They may be of some use in the battles to come."
Once the conversation has ended, I'll retire for the evening. Praying for success for the company in the morn.
GM Notes:
The wolf cubs play tirelessly. Finally they tire, curl up in any convenient lap and fall fast asleep.
The items have been given out.
How do you plan to proceed now? The Graveyard, on horseback, is about 1 hour ride away.
SUBJ: Argent
'Thanks, Omni.'
The mage puts the bracers on. After having her fill of food and drink, she will go to one of the bunkhouses the priestess mentioned earlier. Not exactly the best accommodations, but it's better then the ground I guess.
SUBJ: DRAKKOR (R) FROM: Troll 3a 10/15/90 S#: 839251
I will polish my sword and then go out to the wall to observe the trees once more comes back and talks to omni "great leader I know i am but a lowly warrior but I haft come to thee conclusion that our force will not stand against the undead sir, we must ask the goddess for more help or well shall, I fear, all perish in the noble cause of the crown!!!!!!!!!"
SUBJ: DRAKKOR (R) FROM: Troll 3a 10/15/90 S#: 793718
He decides to ask omni about the dagger kind sir I am skilled with the dagger if no one else wants it I could use it as a secondary weapon kind sir."
Drakkor lazily goes back and eats some more and works with his two-handed sword carefully avoiding the ninjas weapons as not to slice them to bits or break my weapon!
SUBJ: Perell... FROM: GM Kill 10/15/90 S#: 799548
I wander outside to enjoy the night air before retiring for some sleep, and find Eliza out there practicing.
I start to open my mouth, but then smile a devilish smile instead.
Going to the stable, I scoop up a big pile of hay, and then take the long way around behind her.
Then, I creep close, not close enough to be hit with her weapon mind you, and throw the hay on her.
When she stops, and looks at me, I try to keep a straight face, but wind up chuckling instead.
"Eliza, we need to be well rested for tomorrow, not worn out batting at phantoms in the night. So, don't you think you should hit the hay?" I say before moving quickly inside, chuckling as I go.
Once I get inside, I quickly find a place to get some sleep, and bed down for the night, after I ask Omni what the watch schedule will be.
SUBJ: Tristan FROM: FrankP25 10/16/90 S#: 37498
" I think we should wait until morning to leave. We have to have some sort of plan, we are weak as it is, and with no plan, we are even weaker."
" The trees are beyond our help. As much as it pains me to see them, there is nothing we can do. Ehlonna may give me some way to help them, but as of now there is, unfortunately, nothing we can do."
"Thank you Omni, for your graciousness in dealing these weapons."
Tristan then curls up and gets full nights sleep. If there is time in the morning, I will pray one last time for any help and support Ehlonna can offer.
SUBJ: ready (R) FROM: GrooToo 10/15/90 S#: 793529
Selarin looks over the arrows and the potion (sniffing it but NOT tasting it and carefully packs them for easy use but safe handling. I then go and rest and pray for luck and skill in the upcoming events and memorize clw*2
In the morning I thank Omni for the arrows and potion and ready my bow, I also look around the compound for various herbs to ward off undead or heal disease. Then I check my hose and pull my holy symbol out so I may call upon the luck of my god at a moments notice.
Selarin Rylin
SUBJ: Merri FROM: Merri2 10/16/90 S#: 43031
Merri thanks Omni profusely for the sword. She grew up in poverty and never in her wildest dreams did she imagine having a magic sword. She walks outside with it, holding the blade in front of her testing the edge, feeling the perfect balance of the blade. She'll join Eliza in testing her new weapon in the yard.
She notices Berek setting up his bed in the straw. "Wonder why he'd rather sleep out here?" she thinks aloud. Merri finally tires of testing the new sword and goes to the bunkhouse. She dreams of fighting zombies with her new sword, blade flashing.
SUBJ: Omni Tuens FROM: Omni Tuens 10/16/90 S#: 795216
"All of you are welcome, but there is no need to thank me. I merely distributed the items; I did not give them to you. Thank the goddess Ehlonna for those. As for the watch, I doubt much will be needed in the sanctuary of this temple. However, better safe than sorry. Arathnasis, if you could please see to it that at least one member of your group is on watch at all times this night, it would be much appreciated. I'll leave it to your discretion as to exactly how many, or who. If you need anymore company members to assist in the watch, please say so. After this, each group will take turns handling watches Perrel's group tomorrow night, and so on. When dealing with a plan of attack, we must consider that we do NOT know the lay out of the graveyard, the strength of the enemy, nor their tactics.
Therefore, we must go on the assumption that the clerics will be our most valued weapon against the Zombie Master's minions. For this reason, make sure that the clerics in your subgroups are defended at all times- if they offer a suggestion on how to deal with the undead, take it. Besides that, I'm afraid it's impossible to set up further battle plans until we know more. Unless, of course, someone wants to volunteer to scout ahead."
With this Omni becomes silent, fiddling the ornate ring on his finger and waiting for any response.
---------------------------------------
I won't order any of you to send your character out there...all of them are far too weak and it's extremely dangerous. However, if any of you want to volunteer to recon ahead.... The broadsword is still unclaimed.
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 10/16/90 S#: 407792
"Omni, My group will be happy to take guard duty tonight, I myself will take first watch, you other my chose which you will take. As for a scout I will volunteer. It would be nice if one of the stealthier members came with. (i.e. Ranger or Thief) This way if something does happen at least one of us can make it back, (Hopefully) Any volunteers???"
SUBJ: "Arathnasis.." (R) FROM: Count Kill 10/17/90 S#: 43898
"I guess I'll take point with you, if you don't mind. I'm probably the quietest person here, since I don't burden myself with that cumbersome bother that you call armor."
"Besides, it might help you to have a priest along."
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Zynara 10/17/90 S#: 429161
When Perell throws the hay at me, I respond as if the hay is the enemy. Once that is done, I stop and shake my head at Perell. When he suggests I quit practicing, "Perell. I will have plenty of sleep tonight. Do not worry. As for practicing, that needs to be done. My skill with my weapons is better than average for someone of my age but I am a long way from becoming a true master of the weapons. Experience, which I have a feeling I will have plenty of tomorrow, is the best way to become a master but practice works when there is no true threat." I will then go back to practicing but it won't be as long as I had planned.
When no one claims the broadsword, I speak up, "That weapon may come in handy at some point. Even though I am not proficient with it, I would be honored to carry it. If my weapons cannot do the job, I will switch to it and do my best with it. Hopefully I will not be to clumsy with it and cut my own leg with it."
When we take any breaks, I will practice with the broadsword carefully.
Sword of Doom # 13
The gifts from Ehlonna have been given out among the Company.
The night passes quickly and uneventfully; although several members of the Company are awaken rather suddenly when licked in the face by the wolf pups!
In the morning, several volunteers go to scout out the graveyard. Mounting up, they race their horses out of the temple, past the trees and down the road.
The trees present no threat during the trip; they are far to slow to bother the fleet-footed horses.
In due time, the scouts reach the graveyard. As you might suspect, it is a dark and eerie place. A worn wooden fence surrounds the graveyard, but it is only 3' high.
It is square in shape, perhaps 100 yards wide. There is an opening in the fence in the middle of each side. Many freshly dug graves cover the landscape. Tracks cover the whole graveyard.
A large mausoleum dominates the center of the graveyard. Paths from each entrance lead directly to the building.
When closely approached, zombie after zombie methodically shuffles out and pursues the scouts.
The horses easily gallop away and the zombie fall out of sight.
The trip back to the temple passes quickly and uneventfully. The scouts wearily return to the temple.
GM Notes:
The mausoleum is approximately 40' square, with doors on each side. About thirty zombies were seen.
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 10/18/90 S#: 49856
After relaying the information that we uncovered I will suggest that we have a plan of attack. Any suggestions??
SUBJ: Eliza (R) FROM: Zynara 10/19/90 S#: 56304
"Well, I have no idea on what to do. I am not even sure which of my weapons would be the better weapon to use against zombies. Would the smashing effect of my nunchaku work better or the slicing edge of my katana? Or should I be using the broadsword?"
While the scouts are out, I will practice with the broadsword. I will also check with my leader (I forgot who it is and can't find where I wrote it down.) and see if I and maybe a few others could prune a few of the trees outside the walls. If yes, I will go out with my katana and see what I can do. I will retreat back in if I take any major injuries or I have been hit to many times.
If the answer to the pruning is no, I will stand guard on one of the walls and see what I can from there.
SUBJ: graveyard (R) FROM: GrooToo 10/19/90 S#: 813213
Hearing of the zombies I advise a two-pronged attack. First the fighters should approach the mausoleum and drawn the undead out of hiding, then the clerics could move forward and turn as many as possible, and then withdraw to allow the stronger fighters to destroy the ones not turned. The mages and those with adequate missile weapons could provide good cover fire and hit any tougher undead (if any) which show their faces (including the zombie master, I would love to get a shot at him if my god would allow it). I believe blunt weapons are most effective against the zombies. After explaining my idea to my leader Arathnasis, I pray to my god for luck and skill in the upcoming fight it looks to be a good one.
Selarin Rylin
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 10/20/90 S#: 409566
"Selarin's suggestion is one option. Another is to gather all company members and try to force our way in the front door, but I don't see that working. Yet a third, and more probable plan is to have one group attack the graveyard from the front. The zombies will go after them mindlessly. The group will then carefully withdraw, letting the zombies follow them, but not catch them. If what the scouts said is true, they should attempt to follow. In the meanwhile, the other two groups could penetrate the graveyard from the sides and assault the mausoleum. With the zombies out dealing with the other group, it shouldn't be too hard to get there. Does anyone else have suggestions, or a preference as to our plan?"
"As far as weapon choice, it shouldn't matter too much against zombies. But if you can, use a blunt weapon against any skeletal forms we come up against. However, just use whatever you're most comfortable with to start with; I'll be using my two-handed sword." This last is said with a fond pat of Omni's elegant sheath.
He then adds once conversation ends... "Are we ready to go?"
SUBJ: Schar
"I would point out, good sir Omni, that Selarin's idea does have merits. First, the normal zombies themselves are merely cannon fodder. The true threats lie with the tomb itself. I would suggest removing their threat as rapidly as possible. Perhaps luring them into a trap? One group draws them along, while the others wait with torches? I feel that we should not divide our forces at this time."
Regardless of our plan of attack, I stand ready to begin this mission.
SUBJ: Ronin FROM: Silent 10/20/90 S#: 394029
"Omni, the three prong attack would be good if we were sure that the zombies will attack the group in the front of the tomb. Maybe the would have split up if there had been two groups." I also would like to point out that there is an intelligence behind the zombies so they will probably attack with so sort of strategy"
Ronin will prepare himself by donning his "borrowed" armor and praying to his god for guidance, for the tree problem, and the graveyard. When I get to the graveyard I will cast *Shillelagh*on my staff when the fighting breaks out.
SUBJ: DRAKKOR FROM: Troll 3a 10/21/90 S#: 489995
"I believe we should take out the zombies in an frontal attack of priests and flank them with our fighters, with the mages standing back and firing bows or crossbows not spells, to conserve on spell power which we will need inside!" I say with a cunning grin. After saying this I pray a lot to the gods of war and law and practice with my two-handed sword.
SUBJ: Tristan FROM: FrankP25 10/21/90 S#: 404306
"Omni's idea sounds like the best plan of attack. I can attempt to turn as well as fight (C-R). Omni, where would you want me to attack?"
Otherwise, I will wait patiently for the time of attack.
SUBJ: Perell... FROM: GM Kill 10/21/90 S#: 58775
While scouting...
"Arathnasis, look at that. All those zombies coming after us."
"Think they're friendly?" I say with a grin before I quickly jump up onto my horse and ride off.
Later...
"Well Omni, I agree with you. You're plan allows us to possibly slip past the hired..well, created help and get to the real root of the problem without losing too much energy doing so."
"Besides I'm not partial to toe-to-toe fighting with undead unless necessary."
"If you want I'll lead the team that lures the zombies away. I'd say we need no more than 2 or 3 people for that. So, me and another person skilled in horse riding could do the job adequately."
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 10/21/90 S#: 437705
'Your plans sounds fine to me, Omni. Tactics have never been one of my strong points. My spells stand ready.'
Once the action begins, I'll stay near the middle of my group seeking protection.
SUBJ: Johnathan FROM: Stretch611 10/22/90 S#: 792512
I have several problems/suggestion after listening to the previous suggestions.
1) Who is willing to leave several score enemy behind them as they assault the mausoleum? They need to be destroyed while we are fit and ready for them, not when we are wounded and out of spells, possibly fleeing a greater threat.
2) If the Zombie Master is as powerful as he is rumored to be, and I believe he is, then he knows we are here already. I say we spend a day or two learning all we can about the zombie creatures. I have one or two spells I would like to try against them in safety and not in a life or death combat, for example, Color Spray, is it effective against undead? By spending a day or two, killing the zombies in several raids, it will give us a chance to work together, and try different things. I know it will alert him, but I feel that he is alerted and we should take this time to learn.
3) But as always I bow to the groups decision, but I may have problems leaving undead behind.
4) Spells memorized
- Color Spray
- Chill Touch
Exception if we discover Color Spray is ineffective against them then I will memorize Chill Touch X 2
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 10/22/90 S#: 522815
"Methinks that we may be approaching this incorrectly. We need not slay the Zombie Master in our first attack. I feel that we should whittle down his forces little by little. Launch an offensive, complete a goal and then return to the temple to recover our wounds. We should be healed and back to full strength before the Zombie Master could re-strengthen his guards."
Just a thought! :D
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 10/23/90 S#: 36196
I hate to disagree, but I think we should make this an all out assault. If we hit and run the zombie master can simply reanimate the creatures again.
I think the best plan of attack is a hybrid of the 2 offered. Draw out the zombies and while they are coming after one group have the other 2 move on the Mausoleum. Then the original group with at least on cleric will attempt to turn the foul abominations or destroy them their by limiting causalities on our side. We can then proceed to enter behind the other 2 groups and guard the rear. I will volunteer to lead the group whose responsibility it is to lure the zombies.
SUBJ: Omni (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 10/23/90 S#: 466979
Out Of Character:
We currently have several options, and I'd like to see if we could agree on things before I have to decide.
1) Is to use the 2-pronged plan of Selarin.
2) Is to use the plan of luring out the zombies with one group, and then attacking from the sides with the other two.
3) Is an all-out frontal approach?
4) Is to skirmish with the zombies; test their strengths and weaknesses, while cutting their number.
5) Is to combine the first two plans: lure out the zombies and destroy them with one group, then use that group to reinforce the others who are attacking the mausoleum.
I'd like everyone's input on this as soon as possible; please try to go with one of the listed plans, as we don't need any more confusion.
Yours Truly,
That guy behind Omni
SUBJ: Tristan FROM: FrankP25 10/23/90 S#: 445544
Out of character,
I think Plan 5 is the best. If we can lure out the Zombies and turn them that is great. Then we can help the other 2 groups. That is the most logical. With the 2 groups attacking the mausoleum will be powerful enough to hopefully overcome the Zombie Master. I'm sure the zombies won't take long to defeat. After defeating the zombies, the little push from the original group could be enough to topple the Master. Therefore, Plan 5 seems the best to me.
"Let's get this Zombie Master character and just fry him. We have enough power; besides, evil is very powerful here and upsets the balance between good and evil. So, with the help of the priest and Ehlonna we should and will defeat this thing."
FrankP25
SUBJ: Assult FROM: GrooToo 10/24/90 S#: 793951
I of course favor my own plan and I would like to point out that we need to draw the zombie master into the open so our numbers will be effective. Inside the mausoleum we would be cramped and unable to take full advantage of any plan. We would be limited to a strait forward assault. Also the zombie masters power will be greatest there while ours will be weakened. If we could do damage to the mausoleum itself threaten his home he would be forced to show himself and then we could destroy him. If the vote is against me I will go along with the voted plan praying for luck in the endeavor. I will memorize Clw *2. I will also ready my mace.
Selarin Rylin
SUBJ: Schar (R) FROM: Schar 10/24/90 S#: 435191
As I stated before, I feel that we should make fortes instead of an all out attack. If we destroy the zombies we encounter with fire, them we will not have to worry about the Zombie Master re-animating them.
We have no idea what lurks within the Mausoleum and I would hate to get trapped in there!
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 10/25/90 S#: 482202
(outta character)
Omni, input been given looks like you let to cast the deciding vote. Isn't leadership wonderful :)
SUBJ: Omni Speaks... FROM: Omni Tuens 10/27/90 S#: 427112
('cause it don't look like pleadin' the fifth is an option I have!)
IN CHARACTER
---------------------------------------
Omni listens carefully to the options given by the other Company members, weighing the pluses and minuses of each carefully. He rubs his finger gently up and down his opposite hand, gently touching his family ring. Sensing the arguments are closing, he takes a breath, nods to himself in silent approval, and speaks.
"We go with the final plan; a combination assault. Arathnasis and his team will attack first from the front, drawing out the zombies and destroying as many as possible. Next Perrel's group will enter the graveyard from the side, making sure it is secure, or as secure as it could be under the circumstances. I'll then come in the side opposite Perrel's with the remaining group, and move to attack the mausoleum directly. Perrel's group will then either join mine in the attack on the mausoleum or aid Arathnasis and his group, depending on who appears to need it more. I'll leave it to the separate group leaders to edit their part in the plan as necessity dictates, so long as doing so does NOT leave another group out on a limb. One more thing- when the move is made on the mausoleum, you can count on the remaining zombies to return to defend it. We have to be ready for that, and either take out the Zombie Master fast, be ready to get out fast, or be prepared to stop them."
"Any questions?"
When the NO answer is returned, fingers crossed mode) Omni will give the order to move out....on to the graveyard.
Spectrum's Comments: Next time the Company begins their attack and things go horribly wrong. They really should have listened to Schar.... ;D