Spectrum's Comments: The Company is reunited and back at the Temple of Ehlonna. The Priestess tells them that Ehlonna has a special reward for dealing with the Zombie Master and restoring the forest back to its natural state. Meanwhile a misunderstanding has arisen and has been perpetuated that Omni and Eliza are more then just practicing with their swords.
Sword of Doom # 32
The long day at last comes to an end. A day that has seen many practice sessions and various other affairs come about.
Morning comes at last and the Company has its morning meal. The horses are prepared for the journey ahead.
The Priestess watches you from the door into the temple. Once you are ready to depart, she approaches.
"You have done great good in this forest. I and my patron do wish you well on your travels. The best of luck on your quest. I give you the gift of thanks from Ehlonna."
The Priestess gestures and a fine mist seems to surround the Company. It thickens and the range of your vision rapidly drops to a few feet.
The Priestess finishes cast her spell and the mist before her fades. The courtyard before her is now empty.
She smiles to herself and her form shifts. In the spot the old woman stood now stands an attractive young woman. She whistles and a magnificent stallion trots to her side.
Mounting up, she rides towards the front gates. The gates part of their own according allowing her exit. They close behind.
She rides into the forest and slowly fades from sight.
The mist fades from around the Company and you discover that you are now longer within the walls of Ehlonna's Temple or any other building for that matter.
You discover that you are on a cliff-side road. To the left is the cliff and a 200' drop off. The cliff rises 100' feet to your right.
The road you are on is wide and well worn. It is 30' wide so there is little danger of falling if one is careful.
You also notice that it is colder then it was before. Not dangerously colder, but slightly uncomfortable.
From this vantage point, you have a magnificent view of the valley below. Far in the distance, to the Southwest a ranger will be able to determine, is a small city. It is over 30 miles distant.
Turning to the direction that you were facing, you see that the road continues to the north. About 100 yards ahead is a huge stone building. Castle or fortress is a much better description! The highest tower reaches 150' into the sky!
You cannot see any activity in any windows of the fortress.
As you near, you see the entire fortress is surrounded by a sheer drop on all sides. The road ends before the castle entrance.
A huge drawbridge allows entrance but it is currently up. The drawbridge is 60' wide and 90' long!
GM Notes:
As noted, this place is huge. Everything you can see appears to be 3 to 4 times larger then human sized. Thus a regular 2' x 4' window appears to be 6' x 12'!
You also note that Berek did not reappear with the rest of you.
Everything is quiet and you notice no activity from the huge building.
Spectrum's Comments: Yes, the old Priestess was Ehlonna herself. I bet Jon regrets badgering her so much when they first met! And as you might of guess, Ehlonna's gift was to transport the party to the front door of Karn's Keep. The Company's quest is near an end! No, no really... Berek had dropped out of the game and so I just had him sent elsewhere. An easy way to write him out.
SUBJ: "All ours!" (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 03/01/91 S#: 417978
Omni emerges from the mist disoriented, not entirely sure what has happened but quite stunned by the result. He looks around at the immediate surroundings, and is at a loss as to where he is. The warrior can't help but wonder what happened to Berek.
"Does anyone know where we are? If not, first thing is first; let's find out who's castle this is, and the name of that town, for reference if nothing else. As far as Berek...there's not much we can do now, except trust in Ehlonna that he is safe."
This stated, he waits for a response from the party and continually observes his new environment, looking for some sort of activity.
SUBJ: Drakkor FROM: Troll 3a 03/01/91 S#: 804790
Drakkor speaks for the first in days "Its giant I do not like the looks of this." I pull my two-handed sword out and tap my mount forward toward the castle slowly then stop." I have a very bad feeling about this it does not look safe."
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 03/01/91 S#: 448001
"Argent is it possible to spy on the inside of that castle with your ball?? Apparently Ehlonna sent us to this place for a reason, I venture a guess that this maybe the keep that we are seeking."
"Does anyone have a length of rope, at least 50 fts worth. One of us could fire a arrow, with rope attached, across the canyon and see if we can either pull the bridge down, which I highly doubt, or climb across. Which I would gladly volunteer for."
SUBJ: Johnathan FROM: Stretch611 03/01/91 S#: 795741
I apologize for the distant look in my eyes the past few days, I was in the mystical land of Total Confusion in Worchester, MA I have just returned for a great convention.
I thank the leaders for the wand and will use it sparingly. The wand will give me a greater selection of spells as I will not need to memorize magic missile. If the quarterstaff is still unclaimed I am not well versed in the staff being a mage but it is my weapon of choice.
The mist is disorienting but I try to recover my wits as quickly as possible, not having much experience with this type of thing I am at as much a loss as the next person.
I have not used my Spectral Hand spell for very long and am not aware of all its properties. My range is 150' and it may have the dexterity to either knock on the drawbridge or if a lever is seen to grasp it and pull. Of these options I am just guessing. Aside from this idea I have none others.
Spells
1st Level: Chill Touch, Color Spray, Chromatic Orbx2
2nd Level: Spectral Hand, Choke, Ghoul Touch
Additional Proficiency - Weather Sense
SUBJ: Tristan FROM: FrankP25 03/02/91 S#: 398668
After wandering out of the mist, Tristan regains his bearings.
"I say that we send a couple people up to the gates to see what this place is, while a couple spy, or try to get in otherwise. The rest can wait to see what happens. We have to approach this cautiously, or we could be in for a heck of a night."
Spells: 2*CLW, Hold Person
SUBJ: Schar (R) FROM: Schar 03/02/91 S#: 814185
Like the others, I too am surprised what I see when the mist parts. I also feel the chill in the air. I gather my cloak around me for warmth.
"That was some gift!"
"Perhaps he's right.. [Sorry, don't remember who said it :(]... Perhaps this is the fortress that we seek. That would be a most precious gift!"
I follow the others as we ride towards the front of the castle. I ride near the rear of the group.
I feel frustration when we can't seem to find a way in.
"My current spells are off no use in this situation. It is clear to me that we should not spend the night outside and exposed on this cliff-side road."
SUBJ: Crandor (R) FROM: GM Falcon 03/03/91 S#: 401108
Crandor will remain QUITE still when the mist fades. He watches the fortress almost blandly. Magic is not his most favorite tool, and here we have demi-magic..no, he corrects himself, this world would probably simply refer to it as gods-magic.
He will sit on a handy log, and watch the party work, simply because he has no current ideas on the situation.
He will keep watching Eliza, hoping she will come over for that 'talk'.
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 03/03/91 S#: 500579
Thoroughly disappointed that Schar couldn't remember it was he who made the comment about this possibly being the keep they seek, Arath will sulk about looking to gather up some rope.
O.K. I'm done sulking now! :)
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 03/03/91 S#: 517739
Back at the temple:
I'm almost stunned with what Arathnasis says to me after he sits beside me.
'Pardon??'
He called me beautiful!
'I, uh, was just thinking... With all the romance in the air I was thinking of Mon... And feeling lonely. I'm glad we're leaving tomorrow, I don't think I could take another day of this.'
Once we arrive at the fortress:
'Sorry, Arath, the Crystal Ball doesn't work that way. It only tracks individuals and the success of my scrying is depends on how well I know the person. I doubt that I know anyone inside that place.'
I think intensely for a few moments trying to come up with a solution to this problem.
'Wait, Arath! A rope may not be necessary! Lord Omni, let me try to cast a Knock on it. It's one of the new spells I learned for the ZM's book. It suppose to unlock doors and raise barriers. Perhaps I can use it to lower the drawbridge. With your permission?'
SUBJ: Selarin FROM: GrooToo 03/03/91 S#: 828596
Producing a length of rope from my pack, I'll walk over to Aranasis and volunteer to climb it." As I and trained in the arts of climbing and stalking I probably have a better chance to make it that you do. Plus Argent can keep an eye on me with her crystal ball in case I get into trouble." Waiting for Arathnasis's response I'll wait until answered, then if the answer is yes I will pray to Tymora for her luck in this endeavor. If no, I point out that so far I haven't been much of a contributor and that I would like to take this time to start.
Selarin
SUBJ: Arathnasis (R) FROM: Wildchilde 03/04/91 S#: 455111
"Argent has a Valid point, I say try the spell if that doesn't work we can always look for another way."
---------
To Selarin: "Do not worry about your feelings of not contributing, we have all contributed and shall continue to do so,"
SUBJ: Arath, Backtracking FROM: Wildchilde 03/04/91 S#:416717
Back at the temple:
"Argent, I did not mean to embarrass you, it is just that being an elf I have lived many a day, and seen many a thing, none of which compares to the beauty both exterior and from within that exudes from you being. I do understand about missing lost friends, Montegue was a fine man and a good leader, let us only hope the gods are with him and watch over him."
Having said his piece he will get up to leave.
Exiting backtrack mode. :)
Spectrum's Comments: Surprisingly, nothing ever really happened between Argent and Arathnasis. Perhaps she's not interested in elves?
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 03/04/91 S#: 823419
I stand there slightly chilled, for all the clumsiness of armor; it does have the advantage of helping to keep one warm.
I ponder the problem of getting in there, until the knock spell is brought up. Once I see that everyone else has the problem well in hand, I start doing some stretching exercises. Partially just to stay limber, but mostly just to stay warm.
"Next town we're in, I'm buying a nice cloak or something to keep me warm." I mutter softly, wishing that Priestess had given us some warning, so I could have procured something warmer, other than silk shirts.
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 03/04/91 S#: 514597
"Thanks for volunteering Selarin... first, however, let's see if Argent's spell will work. After all, knocking is much more polite than sneaking in or something. Does anyone recognize that town down there?"
SUBJ: Selarin (R) FROM: GrooToo 03/06/91 S#: 836335
Listening to Argent, Arathnasis and Omni Selarin sits back and waits. To Omni's question. Boss I Don't have a clue.
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Zynara 03/06/91 S#: 828226
When the mist envelops the group, I relax and let my other senses tell me what is happening. When the mist clears enough to see, I immediately go on the defensive with my Katana. Seeing no trouble, I relax and look towards Perrel. Seeing him limbering up, I look around to see what everyone else is doing.
Seeing Crandor sitting off to the side, I move over to him while keeping Omni and Perrel in sight so I can see them if trouble arrives.
Once near Crandor, "You should keep moving. The weather is not favorable for resting. We don't need a fine warrior like yourself getting ill do we? Since everyone is looking towards the castle, let us walk and keep an eye down the trail towards the village."
I then offer him a hand up. I will still keep an eye on Perrel and Omni in case they wish to have use of my sword.
Spectrum's Comments: Eliza and Crandor also seem to be getting closer, but nothing really happens here either. Oh well.
Sword of Doom # 33
The Company has appeared on a cliff-side road. A large fortress looms before them.
[Note: None of you have ever seen this place or the town down below. If this is Karn's Fortress, the town would be Northending.]
As Arathnasis and Selarin contemplate climbing over to the drawbridge, Argent suggests using a Knock spell instead.
She works her magic and everyone waits. A few beats pass and slowly the drawbridge begins to lower. It takes one full minute for it to come down.
With the drawbridge down, you can cross over to the fortress itself. Oddly enough, still no activity inside. No guards are seen. Is it abandoned??
The portcullis still bars your way. It is far too heavy to be lift or it's bars bent. Each bar is as thick as a man's leg!
Selarin has no trouble in climbing up the outer wall of the keep to the gatehouse windows above. Once inside, he is able to raise the barrier giving you access to the inner courtyard.
As you enter, you notice that the outer protective wall is 30' high and 25' wide. Doors on either side of the entrance allows you access to the gatehouse. You note several other doors going into the outer wall.
Sixty feet ahead of you is the main entrance to the keep itself. The doors are 20' high and 15' wide! Smaller, normal sized doors are set in the larger doors.
Before you are able to look around further, a strange noise reaches your ears. It is a series of loud screeches.
Turning, you see a group of 5 large bear-like creatures coming towards you. Each is over 8' tall and has bird-like qualities, feathers and a beak. They are brown to black in color with a yellow beak and piercing red eyes. They look hungry...
GM Notes:
Now what Sword Seekers? The creatures are 120' feet away. They will cover this distance in 1 round.
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: Count Kill 03/08/91 S#: 424447
"By the four leaves of the clover!" I exclaim loudly when the creatures come at us.
I quickly move over close to Schar, without even really giving it much thought, my attention mostly diverted by the creatures.
"Protect the spellcasters!" I shout while drawing my Rapier. "I don't know what these things are, but they sure look nasty!"
With that I ready myself for the fight, using the granted abilities of luck, subtracting one from my THAC0 each round if we fight.
"Grant me your blessings, my lady."
If we fight, I'll stand up front fighting, but will quickly move to Schar's defense if necessary. If I drop down to 3/4 my HP's, I'll hit myself with a CLW, and do so again if necessary.
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 03/08/91 S#: 408777
Omni crosses the drawbridge slowly, a combination of curiousity and awe etched on his face. He enters the courtyard carefully, and his eyes never stop moving in an effort to take in everything at once.
"Nice work, Selarin. Let's have a look at-"
Enter beasties. As the noble warrior hears the abominations coming, he pulls his massive sword and brings it up to guard, turning to meet their advance.
"Mages!! Fall back!! The rest of you, stand fast with a blade or spread and flank with a bow. Let them come to us- if they want us so badly, they'll have to come past our steel, first."
The aspiring knight then follows his own instructions, striking as soon as one of the creatures comes in range. If one of the others appears to be in a tight 'squeeze' with the creatures, he'll move to cut them out.
SUBJ: Crandor FROM: GM Falcon 03/09/91 S#: 449876
(Aspiring knight? Gods, another world where the ideals of chivalry have their limits :'( )
Crandor looks at the abominations as they approach, frowning. "Maybe I can try and calm them...", he begins. He walks forward, and tries to calm them down.
Once mauled, the ranger hisses with confusion and anger, draws both weapons, and moves to imitate the 'dance' he was conducting with Eliza.. ..with a vengeance.
SUBJ: Selarin FROM: GrooToo 03/09/91 S#: 805934
Seeing the approach of these creatures I'll dive do a open side or back up just behind the hand-to hand line and draw my bow. As I steady my self for my first shots I breath a prayer to Tymora," Lady of Chance guard your servant in his time of need." Then I will fire my arrows (normal) until I am forced to melee or someone needs a CLW, that includes myself. If I am forced into melee,(by people falling back or falling down.), I will draw my mace and fight. But In doing so being very careful to attempt to avoid those claws. If these things are even remotely bear like in attitude they will hit pretty hard.
Selarin
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 03/09/91 S#: 398790
'Yes, good work Selarin. That did not look easy.'
Once inside, I turn as the things come to the attack.
'My mistress told me about such creatures. What did she call them? Bear-owls?'
I'll cast both my Magic Missiles and the follow up with Color Spray once they get closer. I'll keep hitting one of the bear-owls until it goes down.
Spectrum's Comments: Naturally, the rest of the group started to call the Owlbears, Bear-Owls.
SUBJ: Mastiff FROM: Mastiff1 03/09/91 S#: 503678
Standing behind Perrel, Mastiff begins to speak arcane words of a Sleep spell. He will cast it so that he will no get any of the party in it area of effect. When spell has been cast he will defend himself with his Quarterstaff.
SUBJ: Schar
"Oh my..." is about the only thing I say when things come on the run. I feel a little better when Perrel places himself between and danger.
"The best of luck to you, Perrel." I say in a whisper.
I pull my mace out of my belt, but will use it only for defense. From behind the front line, I'll use my healing talents to aid those who seem in the worse shape.
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Zynara 03/10/91 S#: 849791
When the drawbridge comes down, I quickly move back towards Perrel.
As we go in, I keep my mind on the fact that this may be a hostile place for us. With that in mind, I don't pay much attention to the awesome construction.
When the bears announce their presence, I move to protect the spell casters of my squad. When Perrel gives the order to protect the spellcasters, I smile and think, 'I am getting pretty good at guessing what he wants done.'
When Omni calls for those with swords to form a line to intercept the bears, I think, 'Well, I am going to have to do better. Didn't expect that order.'
I quickly move to stand beside Omni with my Katana in hand. "Shall we see what they are made of Lord Omni?"
SUBJ: Tristan (R) FROM: FrankP25 03/10/91 S#: 841710
Upon seeing the creatures, I will draw my sword and prepare to attack. If I or anybody else gets in trouble, I will cast CLW.
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 03/10/91 S#: 514890
Arath will fire 2 Magic Missiles at the creature and then move in with long sword to finish the job.
"strike fast and hard, lets finish this now!"
SUBJ: Johnathan FROM: Stretch611 03/12/91 S#: 434293
I find myself at a loss, why should I retreat. I do not need protection. I must bring this up with those who think so when this battle is done.
1st order of business, keep an eye open to see if they are controlled beast and I can see the controller. If someone is seen by me and is concentrating or casting a spell, use wand of Magic Missiles.
1st round Yellow Chromatic Orb at bear
2nd round Choke spell
3rd round Spectral Hand
4th round Chill Touch
5th+ attack with Chill Touch from a distance
If a creature attacks me use last Yellow Chromatic Orb then color spray.
Sword of Doom # 34
Outside the strange fortress, the Company is being attacked by 5 bear/owl like creatures.
Crandor attempts to calm the creatures but only succeeds in getting himself clawed. Disgruntled, he joins Perrel, Omni, Eliza, Drakkor and Arathnasis on the front line.
As the creatures approach the Company attacks them at range.
Selarin misses with his arrows. Argent and Arathnasis both hit the bears with Magic Missiles. Mastiff throws a sleep spell at the creatures, but it has no effect. Jon hits one of the bears with a Yellow Chromatic Orb, blinding the creature.
The creatures reach hand-to-hand range, all except the blinded one, which ran into the castle wall and bent his beak.
Mastiff swings his staff but misses. Jon casts Choke on the bear he blinded causing it to make strange squeaking sounds. Argent follows up her first attack with another Magic Missile. Arathnasis does likewise.
Eliza swings her katana, hitting once and severely wounding her enemy. Tristan pokes at the enemy with his swords, but does not hit. Lady Luck shines on Perrel this day and he wounds a bear with his rapier.
Not to be out done, Omni attacks with his 2-handed sword. Two swings and 1 shower of gore later the "bear-owl" lies on the ground in pieces.
Crandor hits the lead creature with his longsword, but it is still up. Selarin fires an arrow into the blind, choking bear. With one mighty swing, Drakkor slays the bear that had been Magic Missile by Arathnasis and Argent.
The bears strike back. Crandor is clawed and bit. Eliza gets ripped into, being clawed twice and bit. She barely avoided being scooped up by the creature and being held in a crushing embrace.
Jonathon conjures up a Spectral Hand while Schar comes up behind Eliza and heals her wounds.
The bears attack again with ferocity. Both Crandor and Eliza are bit again.
The blinded bear has made his way to the battle site. He tries to claw Omni but misses badly.
Arathnasis draws his sword and attacks the blinded bear. Between him and Perrel it goes down.
Mastiff aids Eliza, but both miss. Omni lends a hand and slays the creature.
Schar comes up behind Crandor and casts CLW on him.
Tristan and Crandor land sword thrusts on the last creature but it still refuses to go down.
Two arrows from Selarin settles the issue.
All during the battle, Jon failed to notice any apparent source of control for the creatures.
Several minutes pass as the Company recovers from the battle.
You're attention is drawn as the smaller door in the front door slowly creaks open. A plain looking man and woman in ordinary clothes appear.
"Ah... Th-thank you", the man says. "Those dreadful creatures had us trapped in this strange place."
GM Notes:
Now what gang?
Hit Points:
Crandor 46 of 52
Eliza 21 of 37
SUBJ: Schar (R) FROM: Schar 03/14/91 S#: 476052
Not really noticing how the battle goes, I rush back and forth healing Eliza then Crandor.
After the conflict, I head back to Eliza since she appears to be the worst off.
"I have one more cure left. Will you permit me to cast it on you?"
When the strangers appear, I do nothing, but keep a careful eye on them. Don't know what to make of these two. I'll prepare to cast Hold Person just in case.
SUBJ: Omni (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 03/14/91 S#: 467771
Omni lets out a sigh of relief as the last of the 'bear-owls' fall, then looks around for his own wounded. Seeing Eliza is being tended already, he'll turn to the ranger. "You all right, Crandor?"
As he talks to the ranger, his attention is suddenly diverted to the new arrivals appearing from behind a previously closed door. Intriguing...
"Greetings. I am Omni, and this is the Company of the Sword. I hope these beasts didn't harm you in anyway... If you don't mind my asking, how did you come to be in such a hostile environment? And for that matter, could you please tell us the name of this place?"
Omni casually cleans bear-gore off of his sword as he talks, not wanting the stuff to dry on his blade.
SUBJ: Selarin FROM: GrooToo 03/14/91 S#: 471993
Watching the two exit the tower I'll keep ready and make my way over to Crandor. "I've got some healing power still do you think you need it?" If he does I'll cast CLW and keep watching the people so to as avoid any spells or missiles the might cast. After all I really don't buy this trapped business.
Selarin
SUBJ: GM Notes: FROM: GM Mad 03/14/91 S#: 486802
"I am Corley and this is my wife, Ariel."
"We were caught in storm" Ariel interrupts. "We sought shelter in this fortress. Later when we went to leave, these owlbears were in the courtyard. Unable to deal with them we fled back into the fortress. It's been abandoned for a long time. From what I read it once belonged to a Lord Kairn."
The two eye the party nervously. Neither have any weapons or armor that you can see.
SUBJ: Mastiff FROM: Mastiff1 03/15/91 S#: 828383
Mastiff bends to talk to Eliza, as Schar heals her. "I am sorry that I could not defend you against the beast, combat is not what I am best at." Seeing that she is better, Mastiff jumps up with a start. He looks around wildly, totally ignoring the two people. "Ashes! ASHES! Where are you!" Mastiff will look everywhere for her.
BTW, Ashes is the black cat that he had when he met all of you at the Temple. Also, my spellbook is open to any who want a spell from it.
Spells: Read Magic, Shield, Change Self, Find Familiar, Sleep
SUBJ: Johnathan FROM: Stretch611 03/17/91 S#: 809884
Once the battle is over, the strangers exit the place of entrapment before Johnathan can inquire just what was meant by "Protect the magic users"
Seeing strangers, I will step back behind the others and watch quietly.
SUBJ: Perrel.... (R) FROM: GM Kill 03/18/91 S#: 424240
Once the battle ends, I look about to see who is wounded, and am quite grateful that Schar is not one of them.
When I see Schar tending to Eliza's wounds, and Selarin tending to Crandor's, I sheath my weapon after wiping the blood off, and get down on one knee.
I then look towards the skies, and hold my Holy Symbol aloft.
"My lady, I thank you for the luck you have brought not only me, but my friends as well, and I ask that you continue to shine your blessings upon us." I say softly in revered tones, before standing again.
Upon standing, I see the two people come forth, introduce themselves, and speak to Omni.
I become curious, but figure that Omni will tell us what is going on when he gets the chance.
I'll then move over by Schar, smiling when I walk up to her. "That was something. I wonder what those things were?"
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Zynara 03/18/91 S#: 814423
During the battle, I strike time and again at these strange bears. The bears hide proves to be just a little to much for me. When Schar heals me, I almost strike her thinking a bear got behind me. Luckily my reflexes prevent this from happening. It is with relief when I watch Omni slaughter the bears.
After the battle when Schar offers to tend my wounds farther, "I would be greatly honored if you would. It seems I did not do so well against these bears. It is unfortunate that I was not the only one wounded from my inability to stop the beasts. At least no one was killed thanks to Omni and your wondrous healing granted to you by your benevolent god."
When the two come out of the castle, I try not to bother Schar while she tends my wounds but I keep an eye on them. When Omni speaks with them, I relax but keep my katana out.
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 03/18/91 S#: 813275
"You are most welcomed, Eliza. Do not be so hard on yourself. You held yourself admirably against the creatures. There is no shame in being wounded by an enemy. The fact that you had the courage to stand in there and take repeated hits impresses me. I could not have done such a thing."
I then cast my CLW on her.
Later when Perrel is close by.
"I am well. The creatures did not get close to me. What they are eludes me. Did you hear what that woman said? This is Kairn's Keep? Could this mean our quest is near the end??"
SUBJ: GM Notes: FROM: GM Mad 03/19/91 S#: 397388
After the battle is over, Ashes peeks out Mastiff's backpack. She purrs at seeing the giant birds nearby.
(Hmmm... Must be a Cat-Bird! ;>)
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 03/19/91 S#: 426356
Pleased that her magic was potent in this battle, I seek out Arathnasis.
'Well done, fellow spellcaster! We nearly took one out ourselves!'
When the people appear, I move behind the others and listen. After a time, I whisper to Arath.
'If they were trapped by the bears, then how did the drawbridge get raised? I don't think they are telling the truth.'
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 03/19/91 S#: 426816
When Mastiff speaks of spells, he gets my attention.
'I would like to try and learn Shield if you are willing. Here are the spells in my own book.'
1st Level Spells: Erase, Chill Touch, Alarm, Color Spray, Detect Magic, Identify, Magic Missile, Phantasmal Force, Read Magic, Shocking Grasp, Hold Portal and Tenser's Floating Disk
SUBJ: Crandor... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 03/19/91 S#: 502914
Catbird? LOL!
Crandor, also, senses something a bit strange about this pair, and will simply nod at them coolly.
He accepts Schar's magical assistance without comment, except for a muffled thank you. He will refuse other assistance at the moment, insisting that he is well enough to travel.
"Yeah, Omni, I'm okay....Thought I could calm them down, but I couldn't. They weren't animals.. they were worse!" (They were something I saw in an arcane tome called 'Monstrous Compendium' er...) ;)
Finally, seeing as the initiative is still up for question, he'll sheathe his weapons and stalk towards the two: "I'm Crandor. There are a few holes in your tale, would you like to try again?"
Diplomacy isn't his strong suit :)
Spectrum's Comments: A bit of an inside joke there. GM Falcon had the nickname of Catbird.
SUBJ: :afternote: FROM: GM Falcon 03/19/91 S#: 462607
(Crandor's also gonna play a hunch and see where disbelieving gets him)
SUBJ: Perrel... (R) FROM: GM Kill 03/20/91 S#: 510764
I smile widely while by Schar, an honest open smile, and one that seems to be echoed by my eyes.
I look at her in appreciation, pleased to be near her, feeling the soothing warmth of her closeness. A warmth that fills me completely, until reality calls me back that is.
I hear Crandor walk up and confront the two strangers, and I see their nervousness. Little alarms start going off in my mind, and I wonder just what is going on here.
"I don't know if we are near the end of our quest, it all seems to have been too easy, if you know what I mean." I say to Schar. "But, maybe I can find a few answers."
I sigh inwardly, turn and start walking away, reluctant to leave Schar's company. Then I suddenly turn, walk back, give Schar a kiss on the cheek, and turn and start walking away again.
I move towards the door the two came out of, covertly if possible, but openly if not. Once there, I'll peek my head in and take a look, hoping there might be some clues to their identity in the room. If the room doesn't look dangerous, I'll move in cautiously and look about for anything that seems out of the ordinary, but only in that room.
Waiting for the others before entering any other rooms, sounds like a good idea to me. ;)
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 03/20/91 S#: 807626
"Well met, Argent, The monsters were no match for our combined might!"
"I believe you are right, something just isn't right about this. I wanna have a look around a bit."
Arath will begin to scope the place out a bit, looking to the area from which the owlbears came.
Later he will speak to Jonathon. "Jonathon, as a fellow practitioner of the arts I do empathize with you, but protecting the mages does not mean you are weak or unpowerful in anyway, but rather, being restricted in what you may wear in the form or protective armaments, it leaves us a little more open to attack. And one well timed attack could ruin the greatest spell, as you and I both know."
Spectrum's Comments: Just who are Corley and Ariel? Are they what they seem to be? Is this really Karn's Keep? Stay tuned!