Spectrum's Comments: Thanks to an unexpected gift from Ehlonna, the Company has reached Karn's Keep.
Sword of Doom # 35
The Company has arrived at Karn's Fortress. Surviving an attack by strange bear/owl-like creatures, they next encounter Corley and Ariel. They present themselves as being trapped in the keep by the creatures.
While Omni and Crandor speak to the pair, Arathnasis goes to see where the bears came from. He proceeds in the direction that they came from.
After traveling 240 feet from the battlesite, he reaches the west wall of the keep. A short distance up the wall is an opened, giant-sized door. The bear tracks are in such abundance here, that even those unskilled in tracking can figure out that they come from the opening.
Peering in, Arath discovers that the door leads inside the outer defense wall itself. In the middle of the wall is a large, giant-sized passage. It leads off to his right and left.
Straight ahead leads to another giant-sized door that is ajar. Peering in, Arath finds himself inside a large 60' square room. This room appears to be the creatures' lair. Numerous twigs and pieces of straw fill the area giving him the impression of a large nest. On the left hand side of the room a normal size spiral staircase leads up.
Back out front, Perrel finds it impossible to get a look inside. Corley and Ariel have not moved from the doorway itself.
Ariel's nervous is replaced by a slight flare of anger.
"That is our tale, believe or do not. You must be hungry. Let us prepare you a meal."
The pair turn and re-enter the keep, but leave the door open.
You follow them after a few beats. Beyond the door you find yourselves in a wondrous room. Its sheer scope makes you all feel small in comparison. The far wall is 240' away from you. The sidewalls are 180' apart. The doorway that you are in is in the middle of the wall. Looking up, you see that the arched ceiling reaches its peak a mere 90' over your heads.
The floor and walls are stone gray in color. Huge tapestries line the sidewalls of the room. Two separate balconies, 30' overhead are on the left and right sides of the room. Huge iron posts supports the balconies. A normal sized spiral staircase leads to each balcony.
No outside light penetrates the room, but looking you can see almost a dozen, floating glowing globes that provide light.
In front of the far wall, a huge giant-sized throne sits on a dais. The seat of the chair is over your heads. There are several exits from the grand hall. There are two giant doors on the right hand wall, three on the left hand wall. There are 30' wide openings at the top and bottom of the far wall.
It is in the left hand opening that you see the mysterious pair that you "rescued".
"Relax and look around if you wish. Be careful, numerous traps from the previous owners abound. We shall have a meal prepared shortly."
They turn and walk from your sight.
GM Notes:
Now what gang? We'll be entering exploration mode with this post. Which means if you're going to check an area out or explore beyond a doorway, I'll get a note up on what you find ASAP. By the next day at the very least. As always, if you are separated, your character would not be aware of what is going on with the others.
Spellcasters won't be able to regain spells until the rest for the night.
Hit Points:
Crandor 46 of 62
Eliza 28 of 37
SUBJ: Selarin (R) FROM: GrooToo 03/21/91 S#: 410172
watching the pair depart I'll look around at the tapestries and see if the hold a story about this keep or its occupants. If the pair have not returned by then I will start opening if possible a couple of the doors and seeing what's beyond. If I get a glimpse of a library or armory I'll go and Investigate after that I'll start down the hall our "hosts" took being careful to stay quiet and hide in the shadows. (Utilizing my boots of the elvenkind to the fullest).
SELARIN
SUBJ: Eliza (R) FROM: Zynara 03/21/91 S#: 813699
Eliza follows Perrel and Schar trying to give them what privacy it appears Perrel wants with Schar. When others start questioning the story of the two, I begin to wonder what will happen next.
Maybe it is the uneasiness of the others that has me on edge as we enter the castle. My senses are fully alert to what is going on around me. I try to keep close to Perrel and Schar so if we come under attack, they will be within reach so I can defend them. As we go in further, the stories of the graveyard come back to me. The stories about creatures unaffected by normal weapons. 'Maybe those bears could only be effected by magic? Maybe I should use something other than my Father's sword? Who knows what else we may encounter down here. Then again, maybe they were the only such creatures and then I would have a weapon I only familiar with.'
With that thought, I move to Perrel, "Excuse me. Do you think we will encounter more creatures such as those bears we fought earlier?"
If he says yes, I thank him and put my Katana away. I then draw out the broadsword that I have been practicing with. Then spoken aloud to the sword, "My Father's blade never failed him. You are a gift from a goddess. May you never fail me either." With that said, I go back to keeping a sharp eye out.
If Perrel says no, I will continue my watching with the katana drawn. 'Better to have a weapon you know how to use than one you are only familiar with.'
When (And if) we are given the food, I will decline as nicely as possible. I will stand off to the side, keeping my guard up unless Perrel or Omni order me otherwise.
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 03/22/91 S#: 443469
Arath will make his way back to the group and reveal his findings.
"I believe I have found the lair of the beasts we just met in combat. Would someone like to join me in a search of that area?"
Regardless of whether or not anyone does Arathnasis will make his way back to the room and give it a search, Then he will proceed up the spiral staircase.
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 03/22/91 S#: 502791
Omni smiles in open friendliness at his hosts, although he's not feeling anything close to it in truth. He smiles and nods at them as they excuse themselves. "We'll look forward to seeing you in a little while."
Once they've left the area, he'll pull Crandor and Drakkor aside.
"Listen... there are obviously some holes in the story these two just gave us. But I can't avoid eating without making it obvious I don't trust them... I'm the mouth of the party, after all. That's why I want you two to wait until right before dinner, and excuse ourselves...say you need to make sure the horses are tended or something. Just don't necessarily make yourselves obvious. Wait a little while, and if all appears well, come on back- just think of yourselves as our way out if this is a trap of some sort."
Once he's said this, Omni smiles reassuringly, and moves away. When he hears Arathnasis's discovery, he'll follow him eagerly, wanting to see where the creatures came from to make sure there aren't anymore. Later, he will also check out the upstairs. Omni will take any opportunity he gets to examine the defenses (or what's left of them) of this castle, and maybe poke around in an old armory.
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 03/23/91 S#: 394189
The Invoker is in awe at the size of this place.
'Man, I'd hate to have to clean this place...'
When Arath returns, I respond to his query.
'I'll go with you. Lead on!' ;D
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 03/23/91 S#: 458797
Arathnasis leads Omni and Argent to the Owlbears Den.
A quick examination of the nesting area turns up nothing but trash and junk.
They climb the spiral stairs till they reach a trap door in the floor. Opening the trap door, they find themselves in another 60' square room. It contains sumptuous furnishings and quarters, including a bed and bath. A small study and library. The books are on general subjects. The spiral stairs continue up.
The 3rd and top level of this tower is also 60' square. The main features of this level are a dining area, a private kitchen and hearth. The many windows on this level offer a magnificent view of the valley below.
The furniture is old and dusty. No food is found in the kitchen.
Back in the Grand Hall, several of you examine the tapestries. There are 4 on each wall. Each tapestry is 40' long and 50' high.
The 1st tapestry depicts a tremendous battle between a small army of men and a magic-user of some kind. The mage, sex is difficult to determine, appears to be undead. Leading the charge is a large, muscular man in field plate.
The 2nd tapestry shows a man in field plate having a small crown placed on his head by another man. (Several of you will recognize this man as Emperor Keln himself!) A huge crowd watches.
The 3rd tapestry features what appears to be the same armored man in a series of adventures. Many strange and fantastic creatures are on this tapestry. Some that none of you have ever seen before. A glowing sword is depicted in the man's hands. A galleon floats in the lower left hand corner.
The 4th tapestry features a snowy, mountain landscape. A dagger made of ice is prominently displayed in the middle.
The 5th tapestry shows a dismal swamp. A warped wooden stick is in the middle.
The 6th tapestry shows a large city. A silver key is shown in the middle of the tapestry.
The 7th shows a range of mountains. Something appears to be on one of the distant peaks, but it is too small to make out. A stone arrow is in the middle of this tapestry.
SUBJ: GM Notes Continued: (R) FROM: GM Mad 03/23/91 S#: 496978
The last tapestry shows you a great Sargasso afloat in some ocean. It's like a great, floating green jungle. Hundreds of sea-going ships are in the picture. On the right and in the distance, a strange green structure rises above the Sargasso surface. A glowing sword is featured in the middle of the tapestry.
The two doors on the west side of the hall lead into a long corridor running the length of the hall. At the far end it ends at another door and opens into a room on the left. Behind the door is a large armory. A smithy takes up one corner of this 60' square room. Numerous weapons line the racks in this room. (For simplicity sake, any weapon costing 50 gp or under can be find in this room. Any armor under 75 gp can also be found.)
A back door in the armory leads out into the courtyard. A spiral staircase leads up.
The side room is a huge barracks area. The room is 120' long and 60' wide. A spiral stair leads up and door is on the east and south walls. The east door leads into the kitchen, the south door back into the grand hall.
[The openings in the north of the grand hall lead into the same corridor. Off of this corridor are 2 doors.]
Selarin enters the huge kitchen. It is 90' x 60'. It contains huge cooking vats, bins of flour and other ingredients, a smoke room, multiple hearths and large supply of wood.
Selarin feels Ariel's eyes on him. He feels something compelling in those eyes. He fights this feeling and leaves, slightly confused.
The doors on the East wall are explored. The 1st on the left leads into a huge chapel. It is 90' square. The room is slightly disturbing to the priests, even though good patrons are worshipped here. The east wall is devoted to Mystra and Tymora. The north wall to Azrella, and the South wall to Heironeous. [You get the feeling that the chapel was converted from an evil patron.]
SUBJ: Still More GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 03/23/91 S#: 484350
The middle door leads to a corridor. Immediately on the right are giant-sized steps leading up and down. The corridor ends at a door and turns right. The door is locked.
The last door leads into another barracks. This one is 60' x 120'. A back door leads into the hallway mentioned above. The whole thing winds around the Grand Hall and connects to the kitchen.
And that is most of the 1st floor! ;>
Spectrum's Comments: Yes, the tapestries are very significant to the next portion of the quest.
SUBJ: Arath FROM: Wildchilde 03/23/91 S#: 433458
Smiles when Argent volunteer to come with. "Follow me, folks."
After a thorough search of the rooms He will suggest that we rejoin the group.
SUBJ: Mastiff FROM: Mastiff1 03/24/91 S#: 470993
Mastiff opens his spellbook to Argent, for her to copy any spell she wishes. Later when Omni get back, "Omni, remember that potion that you gave me it is a potion of ESP. I could use it upon our host if you wish."
If Argent lets him Mastiff will try to copy: Magic Missile, Identify, Detect Magic, Chill Touch
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 03/24/91 S#: 428323
"Oh my... It's gigantic... Surely, giants must have built this place. It's not totally functional for humans!"
I find myself staying near Perrel, feeling slightly afraid. I smile when I see Eliza tagging along.
Upon locating the chapel, that fear goes away. I walk to the Azrella portion of the room, get down on my knees and give a silent prayer to Azrella.
Later, I look at the great tapestries in the huge room.
"Omni, I have the feeling these tapestries mean something. I'm not quite sure what though. Also, I do not believe we should eat their meal. Perhaps we should confront them and get this over with."
Keeping my Hold Person ready!
SUBJ: Perrel... (R) FROM: Count Kill 03/25/91 S#: 522128
I stay close to Schar, and notice Eliza stay close at hand. At first I wonder why, but then start thinking of her, and her devotion to any she considers a superior.
When she asks me her question about the creatures, I pause for a moment of thought before answering.
"I don't know, this is a large place. Any number of odd creatures could be hiding here. I'm afraid I don't know much about animals and their lairs. You could ask Crandor though, he would probably know more about it."
"If he doesn't snap your head off for asking him." I THINK to myself.
When I find the wall dedicated to Tymora, I smile widely, and touch the wall with my holy symbol while offering her a prayer.
I watch Schar pray, and think to myself about how beautiful she looks when she's being pious.
(I know what those tapestries mean, think Quest! ;) )
SUBJ: Johnathan FROM: Stretch611 03/25/91 S#: 489748
Knowing the danger of small groups, I will stay with the largest group unless ordered differently by the leader.
Since most of my spells were used up in the battle I will conserve them in future battles. I will use the to save the life of a party member or to break up a large concentration of hostile creatures.
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 03/26/91 S#: 465717
Omni takes a deep breath as he looks out a tower window at the tremendous view of the valley.
"This is incredible... If you have no objections, Arathnasis, I'll remain here a few more moments. I need the breathing room, I guess you could say. Feel free to go on back, though. I'll catch up."
He smiles at his friend, and then turns back to the window, obviously distracted by...something.
SUBJ: Selarin FROM: GrooToo 03/26/91 S#: 488585
After leaving the kitchen, I will stumble back to the armory and pull a longsword and two daggers from the rack. I'll put the daggers in my boots and the sword I'll strap to my pack so that maybe later I can learn to use it. Maybe Omni or Arath will give me lessons. I'll also grab a few handfuls of caltrops if available and put them where I can easily reach them. Returning to the main hall I will sit down and concentrate on what just happened between that woman and myself. If After examining my self (mentally) I can't determine anything unusual I will go and pray at the temple the others discovered, maybe that will clear my head. If I feel like someone attempted to charm me I will thank my elven side. Then I will go tell Arathnasis and Omni (when they get back) about what happened between myself and Ariel. "Um excuse me Arath but that woman Ariel, there is something strange about her." and then go on to explain myself for the charm theory explaining in depth what happened. Finishing up with "you are a mage and are more experienced, so maybe you can clarify this. After all I know this isn't anything like a love or like but it bothers me ya know? I Think like I said before she tried to charm me but I just don't know. Any Ideas???" Then I will wait with him for his reply or an event that interrupts me.
Selarin
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 03/27/91 S#: 789179
"One thing before I leave you to your thoughts Omni. Our spellcasters have been heavily depleted in the battle against the Owlbears, I think It would be wise for us to set up camp of the night soon. I don't like the thought of hanging around here in the dark but we must get our strength back. We should regroup and post double watches. In the Morning we can search the remainder of the castle."
"Shall we leave Omni to his thoughts" Arath whispers to Argent. Upon leaving Arath will speak to Selarian.
"Well friend, I am not sure what to tell you, It could very well be that she tried to charm you, I myself have some suspicions about these two. I suggest that you avoid her at least for now, and don't stray to far from the group, at least not alone. That holds true for everyone" (Arath, The demon mother figure) :)
"Perrel, I believe you are correct in the assumption of the quest, we should search the remains of this keep then depart with the Tapestries in hand."
Sword of Doom # 36
The Company of the Sword explores the expanses of Karn's mammoth fortress and ponders its mysterious occupants.
In the armory, Selarin stocks up on equipment. He locates a longsword that suits his taste. When you remove it from the rack, he discovers something hidden behind it.
Looking, it appears to be a dagger made of either glass or ice. It looks remarkably like the one in the tapestry.
In the Grand Hall, most of the Company ponders the huge tapestries. After a time, Ariel comes out.
"Dinner is almost ready."
Her cold eyes scan the group and lock in on Crandor.
"Would you mind helping us?"
Crandor moves forward slowly, stiffly.
"Sure", he says.
They walk back to the kitchen.
GM Notes:
And the psychological drama continues...
As a public service, here is what I have for the rest of your spell lists still in memory.
Argent - Color Spray, Web
Jonathon - Chill Touch, Chromatic Orb, Magic Missile, Ghoul Touch
Selarin - CLW*2, Remove Fear, Detect Evil
Tristan - CLW*2, Hold Person
Perrel - Light, Silence 15' Radius
Schar - CLW, Detect Magic, Protection from Evil, Aid, Hold Person, Slow Poison
Now what?
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 03/28/91 S#: 826135
After returning from the bear tower, I listen as Selarin tells his tale. And then when Ariel appears and has Crandor go off with her, my suspicions keep getting bigger.
'I'd say that it was not your imagination, Selarin. She, or whatever she really is, has innate magical abilities. She charmed Crandor right before our eyes! Omni, we've got to do something about them. And I mean right now! Perhaps lure them into a trap or something. Who knows what else those two can do. I for one don't, intend to find out. I still have a Web and a Color Spray left.'
Earlier, when Arath makes his observations on the tapestries....
'I don't think that we need to take them with us, Arath. It doesn't seem right. Remember, that other group took the same quest that we are on now. They obviously didn't need the tapestries since they are still here. This may be a quest, but I believe that we have yet to learn the nature of it yet.'
My point is further made when Selarin shows off the dagger that he found.
'Besides, I personally don't know of any region that looks like the one in the tapestry. Perhaps the answer lies within the keep itself.'
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 03/28/91 S#: 437045
"You could be correct, argent. We definitely need to continue this search of the keep. Leaving no stone unturned."
When Crandor agrees to go. Araths eyebrow raises in suspicion. "Argent, I need to go have a look to see what is going on." He will wait until Ariel and Crandor have left then proceed to follow after them as quietly as possible.
SUBJ: Crandor (R) FROM: GM Falcon 03/29/91 S#: 455184
Mind numbed (I guess), Crandor follows Ariel obediently into the kitchen, and then..
: purr?: ;D
Well, a week or so before I would have liked, but this pretty much begins my "vacation". I'll be back in late April/early May. In combat, Crandor will use both swords unless specifically ordered (or it's obvious) to use his bow. Otherwise, if/when he's in control of his faculties, he'll follow Omni. Purring at Ariel might prove interesting though... ;D
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 03/29/91 S#: 469552
Omni returns from the tower in time to see Crandor vanishing with their hostess.
The fighter is obviously surprised to see Crandor agree to help with preparations. He takes care to speak so that his words are not overheard. "You have the right idea, Arathnasis. Only go alone..." Omni then pauses. "And Eliza, I want you to follow Arathnasis. Call it a hunch...they might suspect one tail, and try to charm him also. They won't look for two."
"Argent, may I speak with you in private for a moment? Perrel, act like nothing is wrong...if our hosts are back before me and Argent, you and the others just say we'll be along shortly..."
Once he has pulled Argent a safe distance away from the crowd, he'll talk to her quietly: "Argent, can you conjure up Crandor in your crystal ball? I would be interested to see what exactly he is helping with. Let's just do it discreetly...if they don't know we have the crystal ball...well, good."
SUBJ: Eliza (R) FROM: Zynara 03/29/91 S#: 424563
When Crandor follows our hostess out the door, I stand ready to follow if ordered.
When the order to follow comes from Omni, I adjust the broadsword in my hand and place the potion of speed within easy reach. I then follow as quietly as a warrior in chainmail can. I will keep my senses fully aware of the area around me as I follow our scout. (No need getting jumped myself. :) )
If our scout gets attacked or charmed, I suddenly realize, 'Omni forgot to tell me if he wanted him protected or for me to return?' With that thought, I will drink the potion of speed and rush forward to take out the enemy before returning to Omni.
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 03/29/91 S#: 420146
"Sigh..." I say while looking about the armory. "Not a hand crossbow in sight."
I then mope my way out of the armory, wondering how whoever owned this place could call that a well stocked armory when they didn't have hand crossbows.
I make my way back to the main area, staying close to Schar as I do, talking with her about the keep and it's inhabitants.
Once in the main area, I see Crandor get up to help, when asked to...by a woman. I stand there stunned for a moment.
"The grumpiest ranger in the world is actually helping somebody without grumbling about it?" I say in disbelief. "Nah, can't be. Can it?"
"Did one of you mages cast an Illusion spell of some type?"
When Omni tells me to make it look like everything's normal, I whip out my deck of cards.
"Anybody up for a game of Eyescratch poker?" I say with a wide smile. "It'll kill time until dinner."
Inside though, I'm slightly worried over the turns of events, and I say a silent prayer to Tymora that Crandor be all right, even if he is an old poop. ;)
SUBJ: Selarin (R) FROM: GrooToo 03/29/91 S#: 492796
Watching Crandor follow our "charming" hostess away and Omni's orders to Eliza I'll step back for just a second a look the dagger I found over. I will then put it under my tunic where I can feel its pressure all the time. Walking over to where Argent and Aranth are peering at the crystal. "Could I throw a Detect evil?" I ask Arath questioningly." IF it will not disrupt her or alert them to our presence I would like to try." If its ok then fine I'll cast my spell, if not then I will follow Eliza and prepare to back her up and help to rescue Crandor if he needs it.
Did I get the daggers and the caltrops from the armory as well? Just making sure. Thanks Gm Mad
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 03/30/91 S#: 436845
'Certainly, Omni.'
I follow Omni out of the hall into the chapel. Once inside I remove my backpack and fish out the crystal ball. I hollow out a spot in the pack using my spare dress to support the ball.
I'll then try to locate Crandor and see what is going on. When Selarin asks about casting Detect Evil, I reply:
'I don't believe your spell would work through the Crystal Ball. Not to sound insulting, but the ball is meant to be used by mages, not clerics. Only the mage using the ball can cast spells through it.'
I relay to Omni what I see in the ball.
GM Notes:
Arathnasis follows quietly after Crandor and Ariel. Eliza follows shortly a few moments after Arathnasis leaves.
As that is going on, Argent conjures up Crandor within her crystal ball. As the image appears, she sees Crandor, Ariel and Corley in the kitchen.
Out in the hallway, Arathnasis watches from the doorway into the kitchen. Eliza is not to far behind him.
Corley are Ariel talk silently among themselves. Crandor stands silent and still. Corley's form shifts and alters until he looks exactly like Crandor!
Ariel tells the real Crandor to remain in the kitchen and to attack anyone who enters apart from Ariel and Corley.
Ariel exits out the door into the armory. Corley, disguised as Crandor, walks towards Arathnasis's hiding place.
Argent views all of this in Crystal Ball.
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 04/01/91 S#: 439505
I stand in the hall chatting with Perrel and those near. I watch Crandor depart with a curious eye.
"Something must be wrong. That is certainly out of character for him."
I mingle with the others while Omni and Argent depart to scry our hosts. With nothing to do while they are away, I approach Perrel's card game.
"Eyescratch Poker? Sounds dreadful! Hope they don't take to long. This place is beginning to give me the creeps."
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Zynara 04/02/91 S#: 522228
Not being aware of the actions in the kitchen, Eliza continues her observations of Arathnasis. She is also paying close attention to her surroundings to insure she isn't caught unprepared.
SUBJ: Omni (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 04/03/91 S#: 811511
"Great work, Argent. Let's get back to warn the others..."
Omni quickly hurries back to where they left the rest of the party, hoping to beat the false Crandor there. When he gets there, he does his best to fill in the others.
"Let's try to take this false Crandor alive, and see if we can get some answers. Our own safety first, however. If he comes after you, fight back... Just keep in mind we may need him in order to deal for the real Crandor."
Omni then prepares for the arrival of the pseudo-ranger...if he gets that far, passing up Arathnasis and Eliza.
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 04/03/91 S#: 443601
Assuming that I saw what transpired, beings I was following him. When he passes by I will smack him on the back of the head with the Pommel of my sword. If he continues to fight I will start a swinging. And hope that Eliza gets help quickly.
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: The real Ariel and Corley are revealed!