Sword of Doom # 40
The Company goes their own way and begins to explore Karn's mammoth fortress. Rathis has been looked after and is doing well.
Schar approaches Crandor and casts a Dispel Magic on him. She succeeds and Crandor is released from Ariel's Charm.
While tending the horses, Crandor later finds another unconscious man in the courtyard. Rathis recognizes him as Gathis, another of his ill-fated band. He is an Invoker (and another new PC).
Argent leads her band of spell casters to the Wizard Locked door. Arathnasis, Mastiff and Ashes, and Selarin watch on as she casts a Knock and the door silently swings open.
Behind the door is an enormous (60' x 150') room. A great portion can be recognized as an area from magical training and magical experiments. Spiral staircase is in each of the far corners. Between the staircases, 3 30' square areas have been converted into living areas. Flimsy wood frames and curtains were used to separate the areas. A forth but much smaller living area is found behind one of the staircases.
The mages give the area the once over but find no magic items or equipment out of the ordinary. The living areas merely contain clothing and personal effects. Nothing of overly great interest.
Both spiral staircases lead up to the same room. (Both also continue up another level.) This room is as large as the room below it.
Bookcases line the walls of this huge room. Literally thousands of books must fill this room. In the middle areas are tables, chairs and desks. A large map appears to be inlaid in the floor in the middle of this room.
The explorers' attention is caught by a stand with a glass covering. Inside, on a bookstand is a huge book. It is approximately an equal distance between the staircases. One door is noted in the east wall.
Argent enters the room and begins to look about. Suddenly, she rises into the air and floats back to the stairs! She felt something carrying her but nothing could be seen.
Anyone else who tries to enter the room has the same thing happen to them.
And now, the ten-cent tour of the fortress.
Level 2:
Above the armory is a 60' square meeting area. The walls are lined with maps depicting war strategy between Keln and Cynalon. Several other maps are seen, but they are not familiar to anyone.
Another 60' x 90' barracks area is on this level. Access to the balcony is on this level. Doors lead to hallways that surround this level. The balconies themselves are connected via an area over the front entrance. Each balcony has a door leading into a 30' x 90' hallway.
Eight doors are on this level are locked.
Level 3:
The tower with the armory and meeting room continues up to this level. However, both entrances are locked. (1 from the meeting room, 1 from level 3 itself.)
Most of this level has been converted into storage. It would take days to take stock of this area.
Level 4:
A huge barracks area is the first thing you see on this level. From this room is a trio of ways to go.
One leads to a huge prison area featuring 30' square cells. One room in this area is used as a torture chamber.
The second area leads to an area that is slightly better then the cellblock. You get the feeling that the rooms in this area (each 30' x 60') are "luxury cells".
The last area leads to 6 doors. Each of these doors is locked.
And now, going the other way...
Basement:
Going down the stairs noted when you first arrived here you enter the basement. Several huge chambers fill this area and the stairs also keep going down.
One area holds a capped well, another a trash pit. The rest of the areas are used for storage. It is damp and musky down here, so the items in storage are probably not perishable.
Sub-Basement:
The stairs end at a hallway as huge as all the others. It leads into a huge 120' square room.
In the center of this room is a formation of six pillars. Each pillar is 8' tall and flat on the top. Each bears mystic sigils and runes.
A passage leads out of this room, but it is chocked with rubble and is impassible.
SUBJ: GM Notes (R) FROM: GM Mad 04/25/91 S#: 488159
That cover the portions of the fortress that you can get to right now.
Mastiff attempts to learn Phantasmal Force, but doesn't understand it. (Blew your roll, guy.)
Also, I need spell lists from Perrel, Jonathon and the rest of Tristan and Selarin's spells. If you didn't see my note last post, you both didn't include your spells gained from high wisdom.
Current Hit Points:
Eliza 17 of 37
Spectrum's Comments: The pillars discovered in the sub-basement do indeed tie in with the ones found under Gateway in the Frontier. Also Argent is very much in her element in these posts. She's getting bossy again.
SUBJ: Perrel... (R) FROM: Count Kill 04/25/91 S#: 844147
When the other stranger shows up, I'll do a CLW on him, and put him with Raith to get some rest.
"Hmmm...Omni, I wonder if any more of that party survived. Maybe we should send out some scouts to check out the area and see if anyone else survived and hasn't found their way here yet. Crandor and myself would be good for that."
If Omni agrees, I'll round up Crandor, and head out to look for other survivors.
If not, I'll just stand about, trying to decide what to do, when I hear a loud crashing noise. I seem to remember some folks talking about opening a door, and so I head in the direction of the noise.
I come across the others in this large area, and I decide that since I haven't anything else to do, I might as well give them a hand.
When we come across locked doors, I'll pull out my lock picks, and open as many of them as possible.
"I learned this trick opening chastity belts." I say jokingly, but ONLY if Schar isn't around, otherwise I say nothing as I open them. ;)
SUBJ: Raith...(right spelling) (R) FROM: Sam92 04/25/91 S#: 402826
(By the way, for those of you like to imagine things, my PC's name is pronounced somewhat like wraith with more of a 'r' sound.)
Slowly but surely Raith comes out of his emotionally drained state and begins to help around only after he has the chance to memorize CLM and Bless for his priest spells and Magic Missile for his wizard spell.
He thanks all those who showed him kindness, especially Selarin (great role-playing!) and the other priests.
"I never thought humans could be this kind. I thank all of you and I feel from my Lady of Mystery that I should stay with you, for however long I feel with help the faith. I also must admit that I always wondered what it was like to be a member of a adventuring party."
I will go with all expeditions through the castle (I am there when (and if) Perrel makes his joke. I start to laugh, but barly hold it back realizing my lack of respect for someone I don't know.).
When the new my friend from the ill-fated party arives, I run from my rest to greet him praising Mystra all the way.
"Brother!! Dear Brother Gathis!!, you are alive! Praise to Mystra and all the Gods of Good and...law (said quietly in the presence of Tymorian priests)."
"Gathis, what happened how did you escape, is there any others that could have lived, I only saw us getting slaughtered?"
SUBJ: Selarin FROM: GrooToo 04/25/91 S#: 429883
As the door to the room swings silently I marvel at how the party's powers are increasing. Following closely and observing the reaction to Argents move to enter the room I pull some parchment from the testing room downstairs and attempt to sketch the map. When the group rejoins and news of the other maps reaches me a will ask around and attempt to combine them. Looking at the book in the glass I suggest to Argent and Aranth, " We could throw something at the glass and attempt to break it. I don't think that "force" in there could react in time to the throw and maybe breaking the glass would stop the "force". Any other suggestions?"
For spells I would like enthrall and silence 15' radius ok GM Mad?
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 04/27/91 S#: 413844
Staring with amazement, as Argent is place back down beside him by the unseen force Arath feels he must try this himself, He to is place back where he started.
"When I begin to move across the floor and the thing grabs me, the rest of you make your way towards the glass."
Arath will then proceed to walk toward the glass. Assuming he gets picked up he will draw his daggers and stab at whatever is holding him.
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 04/27/91 S#: 482830
Argent is impressed at the size of the mages area of this place. The power of the mage corp. that Keln must have command is staggering.
'It seems to me that this is a minor lab/practice area. The sub-rooms suggest that several apprentices lived down here. Obviously, four of them. The masters must have lived in the towers.'
Casting my sight at the spiral stairs, I slow proceed up. I use Spellcraft and my knowledge of things magical to look for mage traps along the way.
The sight of the huge library staggers my mind. All that knowledge, just waiting to be unleashed. 'I could learn to like this place' I mumble under my breath.
Walking into the room, I suddenly find myself carried back out. Arath tries to go in and the same thing happens. Both he and Selarin present ideas.
'Wait! Let me think about this.'
I'll try to use Spellcraft to learn what this invisible thing is. If possible.
'No, Selarin, don't throw anything at the case. It may be mage trapped and could possible destroy what is inside the case. Now we wouldn't want that, would we?'
'This thing is a guardian of some sorts. Presumable set by the masters of this tower to guard this library. It could be an Unseen Servant, but my instincts tell me that it is not.'
'I have an idea, if you are all willing. Mercy, would you be so kind as to run down to the kitchen and retrieve a bag of flour? Arath, go in like you planned. Once you are carried back, we'll throw the flour coating our invisible guard. It will be much easier to deal with once we can see it. From there we can use our spells to destroy it. Agreed?'
If this does work, I'll hit it with a Web to keep it from moving around. Then I'll hit with my Magic Missile, encouraging the others to do the same.
SUBJ: Gathis Ahrla (R) FROM: RAD DWEEBE 04/27/91 S#: 454845
As Gathis stumbles into the courtyard, he falls down, exhausted by his long walk/crawl from where his group was demolished. He is in great pain, and falls into the soothing darkness of unconsciousness.
When he awakes he feels much stronger, and mutters something as he rises from the bed. As soon as he gets his head up, the world spins, and he goes unconscious again. When he finally wakes, he looks at his surroundings, and looks for help, if any can be found.
When his companion runs up to him, a huge smile reveals his joy in seeing he was not the only one who survived. He talks feebly as he tells of the battle he lost when his staff broke on the head of an assailer. After it broke, He was helpless. One Creature struck him, and he fell. As he was almost dead, he cast an Alarm. It frightened the creatures, and they fled." I awoke, and all I saw were mangled bodies, and torn flesh. I vomited more than once as I remembered the scene." He pauses for effect." I made the trek here, and now I am with friends, both old and new.
Spectrum's Comments: Gathis was another victim of the troll attack on the other party. The trolls would soon be visited by our heroes.
SUBJ: Eliza (R) FROM: Zynara 04/27/91 S#: 786702
Eliza is cautious when the new person arrives. When he is vouched for by the other new person, I just shake my head and trust Lord Omni and his wisdom.
Unless Omni has me running as a guard with others, I will be in the main hall with all the tapestry. I will either be practicing with my broadsword, blindfolded and unblindfolded, or I will be studying the seaweed picture in as much detail as I can. If asked what I am looking for, I just say, "I find this picture of interest. Nothing special about it. I just think it is very interesting and it seems we shall be going there soon. I might as well learn all I can from it before we get there."
If it is decided to attack this invisible creature, I will approach Omni, "Please let me enter and attempt first blood. My senses are finely tuned and I may be able to sense it's approach. Even the silent owl makes a noise as it passes through the air. You just have to be aware of what to listen for." Only Omni looking into my eyes can see the plea in my eyes to let me do the job. Beyond that I show no interest in going in first beyond what was said.
Since this castle seems loaded with these magical creatures, I will go in with broadsword drawn and senses fully alert if Omni okays the job.
Spectrum's Comments: Unknown to anyone, Eliza is on a personal quest to regain her family honor. The tapestry she keeps staring at ties into this quest. This was all set up when the character started play, but hasn't turned up until now.
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 04/28/91 S#: 801846
"I agree, Perrel. We do need to scout the surrounding area for any more survivors...or dangers. However, it could be a little more dangerous. An entire band was slaughtered, after all... so see if a few others will go along. Maybe take Raith or Gathis also, to see if they can show you where it happened."
"Eliza, I don't believe the force that moved Argent to be hostile in nature...however, you may have first shot at it on one condition: consent to being healed first. There is no dishonor in it; I allowed myself to be attacked from behind, hurled off a balcony, and...and I somehow feel that witch did me damage that none of our clerics will ever be able to repair. Yet I let them heal me. I would rest easier knowing you are unharmed."
"Gathis, welcome among us. I'm sorry the conditions which brought you and Raith to us couldn't be happier."
Omni concentrates his explorations on the pillars in the sub-basement, intrigued by them. Hopefully, he'll have someone with magical arts with him who can fill him in on their nature.
SUBJ: Mastiff FROM: Mastiff1 04/28/91 S#: 421630
Mercy? Who's that? :)
Upon hearing Argent idea, Mastiff runback to the kitchen and gets the flour." I hope this works, I would hate to have all those books go to waste for another couple hundred years!"
Before getting the flour:
Mastiff will enter the room with Ashes in hand.
*I wonder what it is that is moving us?*
**I don't know, your the wizard.**
Upon the return trip to the door, Mastiff will give the room a good looking at.
*See any Symbols, Ashes?*
SUBJ: GM Notes: FROM: GM Mad 04/28/91 S#: 821992
A few points need to be cleared up here...
Okay, only Argent, Mastiff, Arathnasis and Selarin are aware of what is going on in the library. The door to that area is Wizard Lock and resealed itself 10 minutes after Argent knocked. Thus, Omni and Eliza would be completely unaware of what is going on up there.
Because of the Wizard Lock, Mastiff would not be allowed to leave the area to fetch flour. Argent will have to Knock the door for any of the group to get back out of this area.
Argent doesn't note anything with her Spellcraft. However, those with sharp senses will not a slight "whoosing" sound in the room.
And Selarin, you need two more 1st level spells, not second. :)
SUBJ: Johnathan FROM: Stretch611 04/29/91 S#: 809018
Since the excitement has slowed down I will memorize the full compliment of my spells.
1st: Child Touch, Color Spray, Chromatic Orb.
2nd: Choke, Spectral Hand.
Once the job is done, I will stay with the largest group of explorer's. Always on guard against evil and willing to help wherever needed.
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 04/29/91 S#: 413058
In her excitement over the library and the possible wonders that it offers, the Invoker forgets a few things about magic. Particularly the workings of Wizard Locks and such. ;)
'Hold on a minute guys. I have only 1 Knock left and we'll need that to get out of here. Perhaps we can ask Schar to try and Dispel the magic on the door. Regardless, let us leave here for now and inform Omni of our findings. Perhaps they may have another idea on this situation.'
Once we are ready to leave, I'll Knock the door and shoo everyone out before the door seals itself again.
SUBJ: Schar (R) FROM: Schar 04/28/91 S#: 797300
When the subject of an expedition comes up I approach Omni.
"If they're going out to search for more possible wounded, then I am going with them. They will need my skill."
If not, then I'll make myself as useful as possible.
SUBJ: Perrel... (R) FROM: GM Kill 04/28/91 S#: 790897
"Okay, I'll get right on it." I say to Omni, when he okays the scouting.
Then, I go round up Crandor, and Gathis and Raith if they've been healed completely.
When Schar first mentions about going, I start to object, fearful for her safety. But, I quickly catch myself, and mentally berate myself for thinking incapable of taking care of herself.
"Sure Schar, having some extra spells along could never hurt."
With that, I'll head us out, and have Gathis and Raith lead us back towards where they were attacked.
"Crandor, take the point, and I'll watch the back. And be careful everyone, those nasties might still be about."
SUBJ: Raith FROM: Sam92 04/28/91 S#: 809806
"I would strongly suggest against going after those creatures (a shiver goes up Raith's spine), they were horrible, but I am having second thoughts about my first assumption that they were planar creatures, but I don't think we should be taking the risk."
"By the way, who leads this band? As far as I am concerned, I will follow you all were ever you go. I will admit, I have a slight interest in revenge. (Raith's eyes are alight with a wild look as he finishes his sentence).
(GM, did I get my spells??)
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 04/30/91 S#: 818423
"Argent, since we are here let us just explore this a little before we go. Now everyone just do like I said before, I don't think whatever this is can take us all at once so if we keep it busy we may be able to get to the book."
Arathnasis will move towards the glass motioning the others to follow him.
Sword of Doom # 41
The exploration of Keln's Fortress continues...
Perrel puts together a small group to investigate the possibility of other survivors from the group Raith and Gathis were in. Adding Crandor and Schar to their ranks, the group departs.
Crandor has no trouble following the Raith's and Gathis' trail down the mountain.
After riding for 1 hour, you come to an intersection in the mountain road. The right hand path leads down into the valley, towards Northending.
The left hand path leads back up into the mountains and (according to Raith) the lands beyond Keln. The group rides on this path.
Again the road is wide and appears to be safe. Almost another hour passes before you reach the sight of the battle that you've heard so much about.
While you were prepared for the sight of mangled bodies, you are momentarily stunned to find none. Only bloodstains on the path indicate that there even was a battle fought here. The ground is soft and somewhat muddy making tracking easier for Crandor.
"They came back after you two were gone. They dragged the bodies off. I wouldn't count on any of them surviving. You were attacked by mountain trolls."
SUBJ: In the Library... (R) FROM: GM Mad 05/01/91 S#: 412546
Back within the Keep, the mages ponder the question of the guardian of the library. Argent does come up with an idea, but forgot about the Wizard Locked door to this area allow them one entrance and one exit.
Ashes peeks out of Mastiff's backpack and looks about.
*"Smells funny. Bad wind. We go now?"*
Arathnasis decides to put his plan into action before departing. While he rushes into the room, the others will make for the glass case.
Arath runs towards the middle of the run and sure enough he gets lifted into the air. While that is going on, the others make a run for it. Using his dagger, Arath takes a swing at what is carrying him. He swings through air. Apparently, the guardian is not pleased with this hostile act and it THROWS Arath down the stairs!
The others reach the glass case to see the cover of the large book within. In Kelnish it reads. "Spells: Level One to Four"
Suddenly, whirlwind surrounds the three and they are given a sudden ride down the stairs. This group is not harmed like Arath was.
Deciding to leave this area, Argent Knocks the door and the group reports to Omni.
Meanwhile the rest of the group wanders the Keep. Those examining the Pillar formation in the basement note that the top of one pillar has openings in which objects can be placed. In one of the "holes" is what appears to be a crystal dagger. There are enough holes to insert 5 more crystal daggers into the pillar.
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 05/02/91 S#: 457470
Welp, now what gang??
Crandor, Perrel, Schar, Gathis and Raith are out in the mountains. The rest of you are back in the Keep.
Current Hit Points:
Arathnasis 9 of 16
Eliza 17 of 37
SUBJ: Selarin (R) FROM: GrooToo 05/02/91 S#: 822953
Holding the crystal dagger before me I attempt to walk into the room if that doesn't succeed maybe a mage could try it also I throw Clw*2 on Arath. " I don't think it liked that at all Arath maybe you should relax and wait for a better answer." If my first attempt does not work I want to try something else. Going outside I get a handful or two of slightly wet soil and then attempt to enter the room. When I get picked up I will throw the soil in a fashion to cover whatever is holding me. Maybe then we can see what it is.
SUBJ: Eliza (R) FROM: Zynara 05/02/91 S#: 832357
Eliza continues the study of the tapestry. When not studying the tapestry, she is practicing with her weapons.
If Omni wanders by, "Lord Omni, would you care to practice with me? I need to continue to improve if I am going to succeed in following your orders in the future and you do give me a definite challenge."
SUBJ: Omni Tuens (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 05/02/91 S#: 505294
Omni listens impassively to the report the mages bring back, waiting until they're done to speak.
"Spells certainly aren't my territory- I shall leave it to your collective judgment on whether or not to go back into the library. Just don't take unnecessary risks. Also, I'd like to encourage everyone with knowledge of the mystical arts to take a look at the pillars in the sub-basement."
Omni then smiles and turns to Eliza. "Certainly I'll practice with you, Eliza. I must admit to feeling a little helpless with the others off searching for survivors and those of us here involved in magical research. However, aren't you afraid of aggravating your wounds?" If Eliza is still interested in practicing, Omni will allow her to pick the weapons.
Later, Omni will partake in the continued exploration of the manor, looking for any areas the Company has previously been unable to reach.
SUBJ: Raith FROM: Sam92 05/02/91 S#: 422156
"By Mystra was I wrong!" Raith mutters to himself as he is told what his party was attacked by.
Raith will insist that they search the area, and then go searching for the trolls.
"I don't know about you Gathis, but now that I know it was just trolls, I have suddenly got the urge to roast some of those dogs!"
From this point on Raith supports the pursuit and destruction of his religious order's murderers.
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 05/02/91 S#: 416792
'That does it!' I shout after seeing Arath go flying. 'We can't fight this thing right now. We are not prepared. What's that Selarin??'
I'll let him try his idea out, but I don't believe that it will work. Assuming that it does not work, I'll then lead us out of here and speak with Omni.
'Regardless of what action we take, it will not be available to us until tomorrow. Does any one else know Knock or Detect Invisibility? I have both, but we will need two Knocks to get in and out of the area again.'
'Yes, Omni we must recapture the library. There may be important information in there concerning our quest. Perhaps something to explain the secret of the tapestries.'
'As for how to defeat the libraries guardian, I feel that my first thought would be best. Gather a sack of flour and attempt to coat the creature. Perhaps have yourself and the other warriors engage it while we mages fire Magic Missiles at it. Does this agree with you Omni?'
(Assuming it does, I'll memorize my spells tomorrow as follows. Magic Missile*4, Web, Knock*2 or a Detect Invisible instead of a second Knock if someone else has Knock.)
In the meantime, I'll go see Omni's mystery pillars and try to learn what I can. Noting the places to insert the crystal dagger, I'll try to place mine in the pillar. If it does go in, I'll then try to pull it back out.
Later that night, I'll ask Mastiff to assist me in the kitchen preparing the evening meal.
SUBJ: Arathnasis (R) FROM: Wildchilde 05/02/91 S#: 843738
"OOhmmmph" is about all Arath gets out as he hits the ground. Standing and shaking off he effects of the attack he follows the rest of the group out.
"I would venture a guess that this creature may be a creation of the Element of Air. I don't know if I hurt him but I certainly angered it. As for a plan of attack on it, what would happen if we cast a dispel Magic spell on it. (That is assuming anyone has the spell to learn)."
Arathnasis will later examine the pillars and see what he can ascertain.
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 05/02/91 S#: 490930
I stand there thoughtfully when Crandor tells us whom the attackers were, and then I see the anger in Raith.
I look about at the area for a moment, before focusing my attention on the blood pooled on the ground. I stare at it for a moment before speaking.
"Crandor, can you tell me how many of the trolls there were? And which direction they headed? If there's even the slimmest chance that one of those dragged off might still be alive, we have to check."
"Tymora might have shown her blessing on at least one of them."
"Gathis, we're going to scout out the trolls and see where they are. I want you to run back to the others and tell them what's happening, and where we are."
"Bring them back here, and one of us will try to get back here to lead you to the Trolls."
"We'll try not to fight them, and just try to find out if anyone else is alive instead. But, we might wind up fighting whether we want to or not."
"Think you're up to getting the others?"
I stay close by Schar, and worry about bringing her into such a situation, praying silently that Tymora will keep an especially close eye on her.
I also slip her purse back on her. ;)
SUBJ: Crandor FROM: GM Falcon 05/03/91 S#: 848700
Crandor is also doing a slow burn. Forget that, a FAST burn.
"TROLLS! Gods, I thought I was safe from trolls. What lame-brained excuse for a deity put trolls on TWO planets? The odds.."
Snarling loudly, he does as Perrel asks (direction, number of trolls), and when completed, draws his blades. "Let's get those murderous dogs. Never again will they hunt the followers of...who did you say..ah yes, Tymora." Without waiting, he begins to stalk his newest prey.
SUBJ: GM Notes FROM: GM Mad 05/03/91 S#: 407809
Crandor figures that the troll band ranged from 12-15 in number. They headed down the path for a short distance and then up the side of the mountain. The path is not overly steep, but would be a challenge to those not skilled in climbing. In the distance you think you can make out a cave...
SUBJ: Mastiff FROM: Mastiff1 05/03/91 S#: 452254
As they return to the main group, Mastiff looks at Ashes. "It smells bad?" he says. "A stinky elemental. "He says laughingly.
Mastiff will tell the mages what Ashes says. "Maybe its some kind of Air Elemental, like Arnathisis says."
"But don't most Elemental speak, and attack?
Mastiff will help Argent in the kitchen, and he will pocket some of the herbs and spices.
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 05/03/91 S#: 439146
The healer is not quite as enthused about going along as the trip proceeds.
"Hold a moment, gentlemen. From what I've heard of trolls they are nasty beasts. What chance do we have against a dozen or more of them? Crandor is the only true warrior here. I say that we'd best return to the fortress so that a proper combat party can deal with the trolls. Crandor himself said that the likelihood of survival is slim at best. Understand that my goal is to heal those who need it, but I am not a fool either. Walking into a troll den is not our best course of action. I understand your desire for revenge, but it is our very lives that concern me. I plan to live a very long one!"
I look at Perrel with pleading eyes.
"Surely lady luck has guided us this far, but do you not consider this pushing her good will??"
[I'll also have to remember to put a bear trap in my purse for any light finger thief! ;D ]
SUBJ: GM Notes (R) FROM: GM Mad 05/03/91 S#: 412662
Selarin attempts to enter the room holding his crystal dagger before him. It has no effect and he is carried out of the room again.
(He also can't get any soil to dirty the guardian due to the Wizard Lock.)
The mages study the pillars and present their findings to Omni.
The pillar formation appears to be a teleportation grid. The Elder runes and sigils say this in a round about fashion.
Argent finds that her crystal dagger does fit into the pillar and that she can pull it out. She can also remove the dagger already in the pillar with no difficulty.
The mages believe that the crystal daggers are the key to activating the teleportation grid. Upon placing the sixth dagger into the pillar will empower the grid to act as a gateway to some other location. You would need all 6 crystal daggers to activate the gate. You currently have 3.
You also note, that the other pillars have different indentations on them. One looks like it 2 small swords fit into to it. Another 5 staffs. The next 4 arrows and the last 3 keys.
SUBJ: Selarin (R) FROM: GrooToo 05/03/91 S#: 475871
"Bummer!!" I cry as I am carried out of the room. Looking dejected because my idea didn't work I head back downstairs. Upon seeing Eliza and omni practicing I'll pull the long sword I took and head over to them. " If one of you two experienced warriors wouldn't mind I would appreciate one of you training me in the use of the sword." showing them the blade I took from the armory. "I am a fast learner and am quick. I would also be undoubtedly better trained than most with you two as teachers, so how 'bout it?" I look to Omni and Eliza hopefully waiting for there answer, hoping that one or both of them say yes.
Selarin
(Pretty please guys?)
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: Count Kill 05/03/91 S#: 420587
Seeing Crandor ignite at the thought of Trolls, I realize that he's had bad dealings with them before, and this worries me slightly.
"Crandor, the idea is to scout them out. Taking them on without the others is quite suicidal, and I'm not up to suicide today, thank you."
When Schar speaks, and looks at me with the pleading in her eyes, I wince inside, as a look of confused concern spreads across my face.
I stand there for a moment, wondering what Omni would do in such a situation, before figuring out that he would probably be standing here, wondering what someone else would be doing in this situation. ;)
"Schar, you are right, the five of us are not strong enough to take on a band of trolls alone. And I don't want to take them on."
"We know where they probably are, up in that cave there. So, why don't you go back with Gathis and Raith to get the others."
"Crandor and I will stay behind to keep an eye on the things, just to make sure they don't start heading after you three as you go back."
"Then, when you get back with the others, we can fill you in on what they've been up to, if anything."
I look into Schar's eyes, a look of forced nonchalance evident in them, as if there was nothing to be afraid of.
"Don't worry, Crandor and I won't do anything stupid. Neither of us has that much of a death wish. Do we, Crandor?"
(Schar, there's a good thought, then you don't have to worry about bears pick pocketing you either. ;D )
SUBJ: Crandor FROM: GM Falcon 05/04/91 S#: 845160
Crandor's desire for war eases off slightly as he realizes just how many trolls happen to be down that trail. He listens as Perrel speaks, and vigorously nods approval: "Yes, we'll wait...tell Omni we have a little fun for him if he's interested." The ranger grins viciously.
SUBJ: Gathis FROM: RAD DWEEBE 05/04/91 S#: 397328
At the sight of the bloodied clearing Gathis just walks a little ways into the forest, contemplating what he should do. Should he stay with his newfound friends, or ask Raith and any who would accompany him to destroy the troll-scum. Finally he decides on staying. He does owe these people his life.
When asked to head back, he simply replies, "Yes, that will be fine."
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 05/05/91 S#: 427226
After conferring with her fellow mages on the pillars, Argent runs in excitement to locate Omni.
'Omni! Omni! That's it! That's what the tapestries mean! Remember that those before us who came here never found the sword?? That's because it isn't here!
The tapestries are the key! Lord Kairn hide it using the pillar formation and left these tapestries behind to lead those you sought it. I wonder why he went to such complicated arrangements? Hard to say. Anyway, we must locate the other three crystal daggers. Once we have them we can activate the teleporter and it will take us to the scene on the tapestries. There we will have to find 5 staffs to power the next pillar. We'll have to keep repeating this until we get the 2 glowing swords. Once we have them, we will then travel to the sargasso sea and that's where we will find the sword. A rather sizable quest.'
Pleased with herself, Argent will then begin work on dinner.
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 05/05/91 S#: 444235
I am greatly relived to hear the men come to their senses.
"As long as you two don't do anything foolish, then I'll accompany Gathis and Raith back to the keep. Just be careful! Both of you."
As soon as the men are ready, we'll ride back to the Keep. Once there, I'll seek out Omni and inform him of the situation.
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 05/06/91 S#: 799565
"Aren't we always careful?" I say before giving her a quick wink. "Don't worry, neither of us is in a particular rush to die today."
"You be careful heading back." I say somewhat worriedly.
I watch Schar leave, enjoying the sway of her hips, the swish of her hair, and the poetry of her motion as she does.
I watch until she's out of sight, and then I turn to Crandor.
"So, where do you think is a good place to set up a watch?"
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 05/07/91 S#: 827088
Omni listens quietly as Argent's words come out in a torrent of information. He does his best to absorb what she's saying, but finds his head reeling.
"Argent, I don't mean to doubt you, but are you sure? This is all quite possible, but I'm hesitant to act on it without a little more proof...this would be a monumental task to undertake for nothing. To be honest, I have not yet had a chance to thoroughly inspect the tapestries myself."
SUBJ: Crandor... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 05/08/91 S#: 834343
"A watch? On your left wrist, or perhaps your right.." ;)
Crandor looks at Perrel, and shrugs. He leads the way to the forest edge, preferably within sight of the distant cave, and begins using what skills he owns to bring together a primitive shelter. Once done, he turns to his companion.
"I'm going to go scout.."
Ignoring the comments that follow, he responds: "I won't do anything foolish, but if we're going to chase these things, then it's nice to know what we're up against. If I'm not back, then retreat or whatever...I am expendable."
He then slinks off.
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 05/09/91 S#: 395265
I protest when Crandor mentions going off scouting, but he quickly retorts, and then heads out before giving me a chance to reply.
"Pig headed Rangers!" I say angrily once he slinks off. I then head out after him, before he has a chance to get out of sight.
I use my Move Silently to creep along after him, making sure he doesn't get himself into more trouble then he can handle.
"Sorry, Schar." I mutter softly to myself. "I thought we were both going to be sensible."
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: More fun with the trolls and the guardian of the mage lab.