Spectrum's Comments: The company has split up into smaller groups. One group remains at the Zombie Master lair, another returns to the Ehlonna temple, while a third tries to reach Waypoint.
Sword of Doom # 28
Upon learning of the Feign Death spell in the Zombie Master's spellbook, several of the company rush to make sure that his death was not a ruse. You find the ZM right where you left, quite lifeless.
Jon proceeds to make sure that it is not a trick and cuts into the body.
The various affairs in order, the Company splits up to handle a variety of tasks.
Ronin turns towards the party and speaks:
"Our task here is complete. The time for me to move on has come. Farewell."
With that, the druid departs.
Crandor, Perrel and Schar:
The unlikely trio rides east from the graveyard towards Waypoint. Travel is slow since none know where Waypoint is.
After an hour of riding over hills and through forests Crandor's keen eyes spots a trail in the distance.
Once on the trail, travel speed increases. Another hour passes and he believes that you are now close to your destination.
The group comes to a halt when they see a commotion in the road ahead.
A group of 5 goblins are leading a prisoner in the same direction you are traveling. At this distance all you can tell is that the captive is a man.
The goblins seem to unaware of your presence.
Arathnasis, Argent, Jonathon, Selarin, and Tristan:
This group bears the ZM's treasure arrives at Ehlonna's temple without incident. They notice that the forest is not quite as menacing as it looked early. Not normal yet, but will be before too long.
The priestess greets the group at the gate.
"A job well done. Where is the rest of your band?"
One quick explanation later...
"I see. Enter and rest yourselves. No harm shall befall you in this temple. You must get word to your comrades. They all must return to this temple. Ehlonna has a gift for you all."
Berek, Drakkor, Eliza, Omni:
All is quiet back at the graveyard. Several hours have passed and you have not seen another soul, living or otherwise.
GM Notes:
Crandor, Perrel and Schar are approximately 70 yards away from the goblins. They are also on the trail.
Arathnasis, which items are you going to attempt to ID?
Argent has added Alterself, Chill Touch, Darkness 15' Radius, Erase, Hold Portal, Knock, Levitate, Spectral Hand, Tenser's Floating Disk, and Wizard Lock to her spellbook.
Spectrum's Comments: With Ronin's player gone, I just wrote him out of the series by having him just leave. The goblin's prisoner is a new PC.
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Zynara 02/02/91 S#: 453091
When Omni request that Eliza stay and help guard, she smiles, "I would be greatly honored Sir Omni. Your request is my bidding."
With that, I gather my equipment and start patrolling all the paths we know keeping an eye open for anything we missed. (It doesn't hurt to keep looking when you know nothing is there, especially when you are on guard duty. :) )
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 02/03/91 S#: 522238
Omni guards the crypt dutifully (even if with boredom), and is happy to see the others are also doing a good job. He's satisfied to know that those with Arathnasis are safe and that Perrel will CERTAINLY have enough sense to avoid any trouble on the way to the city.
Let's wait until Arathnasis has IDed some of the treasure before divvying it out. For those of you that were interested in some of the treasure, please go ahead and say what if you haven't already...I can't read minds, and there's no sense in waiting for it to be IDed. I'd like to put this business of graveyards behind us sometime this month. ;)
SUBJ: Schar
To Selarin: "My patron is Azrella, the goddess of healing. My aims are to heal the sick, cure the diseased and protect life. I seek to counter the goals and schemes of Nerull, the death god, and Incalubos, god of disease. You serve Istus, do you not? The Lady of Fate?"
I'll talk to Selarin on this subject for as long as he wishes. I do not attempt to push my beliefs on him. If he does seem interested I will continue in that vein otherwise I'll discuss religion in general.
I feel much better once away from the graveyard. However, I can feel the tension in the air as I ride between Crandor and Perrel. I listen to their comments, realizing their underlying tone.
To Perrel: "Yes, it is a glorious day. We the defeat of the Zombie Master this area shall return to its full beauty."
To Crandor: "I can here of my own choosing. I joined the Company to combat the Zombie Master. With the completion of that task, I decided to continue to aid them in their quest for the Doomsword. Many lives could be saved if we were to locate this weapon instead of the Hextor forces. Preventive healing you may say. What of yourself, good sir? From what little you have spoken off I gather that you are not from this area. I understand if you wish not to speak of it, but my offer from before stands. Sometimes the deepest wounds are those that cannot be seen."
I continue to ride along, listening to the guys' barbed conversation until I cannot remain silent.
"Gentlemen, please! This is the kind of behavior I expect from small boys, not grown men! I do not understand this rivalry that has developed between you two. I hope that it does not involve me in any way. As I stated before, I do not need to be watched over like some helpless peasant. My powers and my faith will carry me through."
When we spot the goblins, I come to a stop.
"How shall we proceed from here?"
Spectrum's Comments: Schar states the basic beliefs of the Azrellan faith.
SUBJ: Perrel.... (R) FROM: GM Kill 02/04/91 S#: 59543
I look at Schar innocently as she accuses Crandor and I of some rivalry.
"Crandor and I fighting? No..we are merely talking. Why would we fight? I'm at a loss to explain how a few innocent comments sounded like fighting though, we were just discussing was all."
"And if I were to fight with someone, it would not be over your ability to handle yourself, as I know you are more than capable of doing that."
"If I were to fight with someone over you, it would be about your beauty, as I feel no words can do it justice." I say warmly with a smile. "And no, I'm not trying to make you blush, I'm just stating a truth."
When we see the Goblins...
"Crandor, can you get around in front of them without them noticing? I'm never certain what you Rangers can do." I ask Crandor, trying to sound very friendly lest Schar think we're feuding again.
"If you do, I have a plan to keep this battle short and simple, in our favor."
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 02/04/91 S#: 5550
(Sorry, had to step away from the computer for a moment and got one of those 5 min warnings.)
"I know, why bother with the goblins at all? Well, I wouldn't bother them if they hadn't obviously bothered that captive they have. If the positions were reversed, I'd certainly want us to save me. Wouldn't you?"
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 02/05/91 S#: 494446
"Well any volunteer to go back and advise the group to return to Ehlonna's temple. I will also speak to the Priestess.
"Fair lady, we need your guidance in something, what is it we shall do with the Zombie Masters Evil lair, it has been the topic of many a conversation and we have yet to come to a decision, I was hoping you could consult your most generous patron and inquire for us."
::Bowing Deeply::
I will start Iding the weapons first, then move to the armor, bracers etc.
Actually it doesn't matter to me just start and keep working away until I get them all done. or until I die of old age:) sure wish I could find some help with this darn IDing. ;)
SUBJ: Argent
Argent is quite pleased to be away from the graveyard. Once back at the temple, I secure my stuff in the barracks and turn my attention to the items we have found.
'I'll gladly help identify items, Arathnasis. Not till the next morning however, since I do not have that spell in memory. It seems to me that we do not need to identify weapons or armor. They are obviously magic and their properties are a boon in combat. The only thing we should worry about is determining is whether they are cursed are not. In my opinion the only things we should worry about ID'ing is the potions, the rings, the wand and the boots. Anyone have a Detect Evil?'
If not, I'll then approach the Priestess.
'Excuse me, Prietess. Could you possibly be off assistance in helping us ID the magic items we found?'
Later that night I'll attempt to use the crystal ball. My goal will be to look in on the rest of the Company. Specifically Omni and Perrel.
Next morning I'll memorize: Identify*2, Magic Missile, Web and Levitate
SUBJ: Crandor... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 02/05/91 S#: 17028
Crandor looks at Schar, feigning astonishment. "Us? Feud? No...We were simply talking." He nods as Perrel jumps in.
When she explains that she can take care of herself, signs of an ancient injury appear in his eyes. 'Sure you can..', his eyes retort, and he finally takes point.
"I come from Doomara..", he'll later say. "Have you heard of it? There was an evil emperor destroying the world for his own gain..the elvish forest had been burned, for example. We defeated him, but at a great price..there is at least one realm in the universe without the benefits of magic now."
(At the goblins)
"Aye..", Crandor will nod. "Anyone of good faith would have to interfere here." His tone is carefully neutral. "And I can indeed try to sneak around. Envelopment?"
When ready, he will go into the forest and do an end-round around the goblins (Hide/Shadows, Move/Silently), and when ready, show up in front of them with drawn weapons...(LS/SS combo) If his 'cover' is blown, he will abandon his end-round effort and charge to melee.
SUBJ: ... FROM: Mastiff1 02/05/91 S#: 444607
"You stupid, idiotic pig faced son of a Dragons butt, let me go!" Comes form the captive as he struggles to get free.
Spectrum's Comments: Meet Mastiff. He's around in just about every game from here on out. He actually had a quartet of Champions characters, including one that I based Rad of the Freedom League on.
SUBJ: Johnathan FROM: Stretch611 02/05/91 S#: 465378
Seeing that we may be here many days, I will help in identifying the items. Due to my low constitution, I will be able to memorize only 1 a day.
Spells 1st: Chill Touch, Identify, Magic Missile
2nd Choke, Spectral Hand
I will concentrate on the rings and other items most needed by the mages. If we are here long enough I will then try the items missed by the other mages During my recovery between spells I will study the books brought back to decide which ones I want to take along and those I will leave behind.
Being a little more trusting I will be friendlier to our hostess. Even talk with her to some extent.
Once we decide to leave my spells will be as follows
1st: Chill Touch, Magic Missile, Color Spray
2nd: Spectral Hand, Choke
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: Count Kill 02/06/91 S#: 474366
"Okay, here's my idea. Crandor, we'll give you a few minutes to get around in front, then Schar and I will ride up to say about 50 yards or so from them."
"Then we'll get their attention. We won't move any closer though, so they'll have to come to us. I doubt they'll drag the prisoner with, so he'll probably be left behind with some guards."
"As the goblins advance, I'll hit as many as I can with Hold Person. Schar, what spells do you have prayed for? If you have a Hold Person, then we can both cast one against them as they approach."
"This way we can hopefully stop most of them before engaging them, and Crandor can take out what few guards they leave on the prisoner easily enough."
"Also, once Crandor frees the prisoner, he can come give us a hand, or when we finish with the goblins, we can give him one." "How does that sound to you two?"
If it sounds fine to both of them, that's what I'll do.
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 02/06/91 S#: 486904
"The plan sound fine to me Perrel. Unfortunately, I do not have Hold Person in memory at this time. In fact my current spells will be of little use in the battle. Azrella is the patron of healing, not combat. Other then curing those who maybe wounded, I fear that I will be of little value in this battle. Surely, you two big, strong men can easily defeat the goblins?"
Right before we ride up, I'll cast Barkskin on myself. During the fight I'll only attack if I myself am attacked.
[Sorry to be on the wimpy side guys, but I am forbidden to intentionally take lives. :( ]
Sword of Doom # 29
Crandor, Perrel and Schar:
Seeing the goblins and their prisoner, the group stops and plans on how to attack. Crandor sneaks off into the forests.
The clerics wait a few minutes and then continue riding on.
The strategy works and 3 of the 5 goblins approach the riders. Perrel casts his Hold Person, freezing the three in their tracks.
Crandor comes in from the rear. He easily defeats the remaining goblins.
Graveyard Group:
Your watch continues, uninteresting as before.
Eliza did find another hidden passage, but it only led to a secret exit in the graveyard.
Temple Group:
The Priestess listens to Arathnasis speak.
"Forgive me for being blunt, but the fate of the graveyard is out of your groups hands. It existed long before any of your group was born and more then likely it shall out last you. It is true that the forces of evil momentarily held sway over it, but that is now over. More followers are on their way to this temple. We shall return the graveyard to its more peaceful ways."
Arathnasis begins to ID the magic items, starting with the weapons. The longsword is +2, the 2-handed sword +1.
GM Notes: 2 items down, 16 to go!
Also, welcome Mastiff, the new PC to the game.
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: Count Kill 02/07/91 S#: 476519
While the critters are held, I'll ride up and quickly disarm them, throwing their weapons into a pile by Schar, their valuables going into my backpack for later distribution.
"I'm afraid luck favored us this day, not you. But, we're willing to give you another chance at having good luck. You see we could take you to Waypoint and leave them to judge your fate, or we could set you loose weaponless and see if you ever make it home alive." I say before pausing just a moment, long enough for them to think about it, but not long enough for them to say anything.
"But, since I doubt you three would really behave, I guess we'll have to leave you at Waypoint, where you could play that fascinating game "Law and Order!" I say with a wide smile, while keeping my weapon trained on them at all times.
"Now, if you all want to turn around, and move over that way." I say while motioning to an area about 30 feet from Crandor. As they move that way, I'll give each one a little poke in the behind with my Rapier, just to discourage them from getting any bright ideas.
While Crandor and Schar tend the prisoner, I'll keep a careful eye on the goblins.
"So, you all read any good books lately?" I ask the goblins. "Do you all even read?"
Once the captive has been tended too...
"Nice to meet you, the name's Perrel. I certainly hope these brutes didn't cause you too much distress."
"Well, shall we move on to Waypoint? So we can leave these doers of nefarious deeds with the local law. Their odor is enough to make me long for the sweet smell of an outhouse."
I'll then mount up, and ride right behind the Goblins as we go.
As we ride, I look at Crandor with something almost like respect in my eyes. He did do a good job against those goblins. Maybe, just maybe, he's not so bad after all....Nah! ;)
SUBJ: Arathnasis (R) FROM: Wildchilde 02/08/91 S#: 449050
"Forgive my ignorance fair lady, I should have known."
::Bows deeply::
"We shall keep guards posted there until more followers arrive."
I will then retire and prepare to Identify more items.
(This is going to take forever unless some other spellcasters help out here!!)
SUBJ: Mastiff (R) FROM: Mastiff1 02/08/91 S#: 821855
"Ah, thank you for rescuing me. I am Mastiff, and would advise against going to Waypoint. I was trying to leave it. Why you ask, because it is over running with goblins, that's why!" Mastiff will thank all who saved his life with a bow, and a handshake. "May I join you? I would feel safer with companions, and I would have some people to talk too.
SUBJ: Tristan FROM: FrankP25 02/08/91 S#: 495109
To Priestess
"Thank you for all your help. We are honored to be able to help out in the way we did, and we hope and know that the fight will be triumphant. If there is anything I can do, I will be at your service."
I would try to help ID the weapons, but all I have memorized are CLW. I will asap.
After that, I will pray to my Goddess Ehlonna.
FrankP25
SUBJ: Crandor... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 02/08/91 S#: 847812
Crandor listens as Perrel speaks to the goblins, and frowns slightly at first, but then reconsiders. Best to let the law handle it, he agrees to himself.
He goes to the prisoner, and releases him as he introduces himself. "Hello Mastiff...", the ranger responds. "I'm Crandor, the lady is Schar...and he is Perrel." He frowns slightly at the latter, but this too fades, for Perrel didn't exactly do shabbily in the fight either.
When he hears of Waypoint being overrun, he'll look at Schar and Perrel. Mastiff is free to listen in, but he'll try to be out of hearing range of the gobs (who somebody has hopefully bound)
"I think I'm going to try and scare our friends..", he murmurs. "I don't think Ehlonna will mind so long as I'm bluffing. You might want to take the lady out of hearing range." He'll look back at them, and then continue. "Then we disarm them and let them leave. I know it's not a great proposal, but the alternative is taking them with us. If Waypoint has been overrun, then we, hopefully, will be working to resieze it.
He looks at Schar and Perrel closely. "Once we do whatever we're gonna do with these prisoners, please take Mastiff back to Omni, and ask that he come. If Waypoint is surrounded by forestry, then maybe I can at least scout out their exterior defenses."
After hearing responses, he'll go to the goblins. Without going into details, he'll be rather malevolent, taking a very threatening posture, causing minor pain (pulling their heads back by their hair etc) and so on in an effort to learn of the Waypoint overrun, and so on. He will NOT torture them though.
Unless the clerics have a better idea, he'll release any who talk (weaponless)..and slay those who don't, reminding himself to try and find a High
Priest later.
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 02/09/91 S#: 506747
The noble warrior continues his vigil in the graveyard, oblivious to events occurring elsewhere. He'll take the time to practice his fighting technique with any of the others that are willing. As the day grows old, Omni wonders to himself if he remembered to mention to Perrel, Schar, or Crandor that Waypoint is not a human settlement.
---------------------------------------
Welcome aboard, Mastiff!
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Zynara 02/10/91 S#: 506314
The spur of excitement of finding another secret tunnel quickly burns out as the final opening comes into view. "I wonder how many more of these secret tunnels are present? If this complex has been around for a long time, then maybe we have a few more to find. Oh well, back to guard duty."
When Omni asks for a sparring partner, I smile my most innocent smile I can come up with, "I would be honored to try and give you a challenge to practice with."
If Omni accepts me as a sparring partner, I will use my katana. I will do my best to give him a challenging fight while not landing any blows. If he appears to be holding back beyond what someone would do in practice, I will attempt to land a blow with the flat of my blade against his shield arm and respond, "If you wish to practice, practice. For as you practice I learn. If you don't practice right, I will not learn right oh great and understanding leader."
SUBJ: Schar
I smile seeing the goblins being thwarted so easily.
"Nicely done, gentlemen. Are you injured Mastiff? If so then I offer to heal any wound you may have. Of course you may join up with us!" :D
I listen as the men discuss the situation. Upon learning of Crandor's method of gaining information, I'll willingly move away.
"Waypoint held by goblins? Most discouraging. I do agree that we should go back and warn the others. I Crandor believes he can safely scout out the village then I say let him. We best be off before night sets in. Please be careful Crandor!"
I'll ride with Perrel and Mastiff back to the graveyard when they are ready.
GM Notes:
As Crandor menaces the goblins, they speak back but not out of fear.
"No one lives there! We stay for a time and then get moved out. We come back. Been like that many winters. No people, lots of goblins. Come visit. You no leave!"
Perrel may recall from the briefing that Sharadin gave you many moons ago that the status of Waypoint was unknown. It's regularly seized by humanoids, an adventuring band drives them off and they come back. It has not been a regular settlement for sometime now.
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: Count Kill 02/11/91 S#: 478075
"You're welcome Mastiff." I say when he thanks me. "I'm just glad I could be of help. And you're certainly welcome to join us, but we're in the middle of a quest, so think carefully before you agree to go riding with people who may be getting into lots of trouble." I say with a smile, and a chuckle.
"And if you do intend to travel with us, it would help if we knew what you could do. Are you a warrior, mage, priest, or a thief?"
"As for Waypoint, what exactly do you mean by "It's overrun with Goblins."? Do you mean they've invaded? Immigrated? Or what?"
"I'd hate to get the others, charge in there, and find that the Goblins are there for a picnic."
"Hmmmm...I wish I had Omni's wisdom for these things. If they are indeed in charge, I guess we'll just have to figure out something else to do with these Goblins."
"We could always let them go, they'd head straight for Waypoint, and could take the message we intend to deliver to the town, so we could just head back now. It would save us some time."
"Of course, they should suffer some for what they did. And I'll just bet that these big strong goblins would be fairly embarrassed to go back to town naked and shaved bald. Just imagine the humility they would learn from the lesson." I smile wickedly as I say it, with a sly wink to the others.
SUBJ: Johnathan (R) FROM: Stretch611 02/11/91 S#: 427651
Between casting Identify and reading the Necromancy books, I will try to find time to enjoy with the wolf puppies. I will be doubly sure that it is not durring the hours following the casting of the Identify. The fun could kill me.
Besides these three activities I will sleep, as this should fill the many hours of the days ahead.
SUBJ: Crandor... FROM: GM Falcon 02/11/91 S#: 837628
Crandor stalks back to Perrel and Schar. "They say they're there to live, and come every winter. Perhaps it's true...I can't say, never having been there. Can you?"
He looks at Mastiff, then back as Perrel makes his suggestion. "No, I say we let them go weaponless...if I remember what my masters said about goblins that will be enough to embarrass them. Suggested change of plan:"
"Wait here and prepare to camp. I'm gonna scout. If I come back by first watch, then we know this is relatively peaceful, and we'll just go elsewhere."
"If I'm not back, I'm either captured or trying to sabotage the enemy. Ride back, and bring the cavalry. For peaceful settlers, they sure like taking prisoners..." He glances at the newcomer again.
"Sound good?"
Unless someone has a better idea, he'll make sure the goblin weapons are confiscated, and then release them. Once they're out of sight he'll trail them in the forest, scout out Waypoint, etc etc etc
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 02/12/91 S#: 414009
"Well, to be honest, I know we passed through a town on the way to the temple, but I don't remember much about it. I know, that'll teach me not to pay attention, I shouldn't have let Schar's beauty distract me so." I say with a smile in her direction. "But, I don't think it was Waypoint."
"I have a better idea though, instead of making fools of ourselves, why don't we just set the Goblins free with our message for Waypoint and head back to Omni and the others."
"We're only a short whiles away from the mausoleum, and this time the trip should go quicker since we know where we're going."
"Then we can leave it to Omni's judgment, since I believe he knows the area better than us."
"Of course, if you have your heart set on scouting, go ahead and follow the Goblins back. Then you can meet us at the Mausoleum, because there's no point in us setting up camp when we're so close to the mausoleum."
Then I saddle up, taking the goblins weapons and valuables with. (If they have any valuables, if not, just the weapons.)
"Mastiff, mayhaps you would be best riding my horse, while I ride with Schar. Since we're both fairly light, our riding together shouldn't put an unnecessary strain on the horse." I say calmly, while inside I'm going...
"Yeah! Yeah! I can ride with Schar! Yeah! Take the dratted horse already, so I can ride with Schar." I THINK TO MYSELF.
Did the Goblins have Mastiff's stuff? If not, I'll ask him if he can use any of the Goblin weapons? If he can't I'll ask him if he can use either a Rapier or a Stiletto?
Spectrum's Comments: The group passed through Gerald's Fort after leaving Gateway. The next known town was Waypoint based on the information given, but its current status was unknown.
SUBJ: Keep Going FROM: GrooToo 02/12/91 S#: 420412
Watching Aranthesis work on the magical items I pull my wine flask from my pack and offer it to the exhausted spellcasters. Then I carefully write down the Items powers as Aranthesis Ids them. When they are involved with the casting I go introduce my self to the new member of our party.
Selarin
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 02/12/91 S#: 505983
::Sigh::
'Can you not hear with those pointed ears of yours, Arathnasis? We will help Identify the goodies, but first we have to have the spell in memory! That won't be until tomorrow morning! So relax, it will get done!'
Gets ready to do some scrying as per last post. :)
Spectrum's Comments: Arathnasis' complaining about not getting help in ID'ing stuff after people told him they would as soon as they learned the proper spells just got on Argent's nerves.
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 02/12/91 S#: 802166
The fighter practices with Eliza readily, realizing little real fighting will happen soon, as his player is undoubtedly the only PL online talented enough to effectively knock himself out of a game. At first he considers holding back, but at her reprimand he chuckles and duels heartily.
"You fight well, Eliza...but wouldn't you prefer if we dueled with more similar weapons? You may choose them, if you wish.... seeing as we have little to pick from."
SUBJ: Crandor... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 02/13/91 S#: 401497
Crandor shrugs, and takes off into the forest.
The reason for this decision remains unknown, perhaps the ranger simply wanted to be alone.
He will go to Waypoint, and find out if things are friendly or hostile. Either way, he'll stay long enough to be sure, then retreat to the mausoleum to report.
SUBJ: Mastiff FROM: Mastiff1 02/13/91 S#: 845641
"Thank you Schar, but I am not hurt." he says smiling. When Perrel offers him the use of his horse he accepts "Thank you Perrel, I would be honored to ride your horse. "he says winking at Perrel with a big grin on his face. Mastiff will get all his stuff that the goblins took, and prepare himself to ride.
To Perrel's question on what my profession is "I am a Magic user/Expert Treasure Hunter (Thief)."
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 02/13/91 S#: 488753
Seeing that Mastiff is unhurt and that a decision on the goblins has been reached, I mount up and prepare for the ride back to the graveyard.
I listen as Perrel offers his horse suggesting that he and I are light.
"Very well, Perrel you may ride with me. However, watch where you place your hands! I know exactly how many coins are in my purse!" ;D
"Again, be careful Crandor. Shall we ride gentlemen?"