Spectrum's Comments: With all the side issues seemingly out of the way, the Company completely explores Karn's Keep which lead to one of my longest posts ever.
Sword of Doom #48
The exploration of Karn's Keep continues...
Omni, failing to gain access to the areas above the library, attempts to see how large an area it is. His best view would either be from outside or the tower along the outer wall. He can determine that one tower goes up two more levels, each level approximately 60' square. The other tower goes up one more level, three all together, and is also 60' square. After the library level, both towers have no connections to the main keep.
Mastiff assists Argent in examining the stand with the illusionary book. It is determined that the glass cover over the book was coated with a contact poison. The stand itself was not trapped. Within the stand are four books. The books are in a metallic holder that completely surrounds the books and locks them together.
Before her Detect Magic spell gives out, Argent is able to determine that the books are magical and they radiate Alteration magic. She also notes a strange looking sigil on the lock mechanize, but her spell pops out before she can analyze it further.
During the next week or so, you are able to completely explore the keep. Once more here is the grand tour with more details this time. As a group you locate 4 more crystal daggers during this search. You now have all six of them.
The first level of the keep holds the Grand Hall and the Temple, dedicated to Tymora, Azrella and Mystra. There are also 2 separate barracks areas, the kitchen and the armory. The minor mage lab/sleeping area is on this floor.
The second level houses the library. The doors can be removed once their magic is Knocked. You can get to the library with no difficulty now. The hatches up the towers are another matter. Due to their construction, you are unable to remove them without doing major reconstruction work.
Many types of books are found. A sheer 70% of the books are written in the Keln language. Twenty percent of the remaining books are in other known languages; Cynalonian (called Common in this world, Elvish, Dwarvish, etc.) The rest of the books are in totally unknown tongues.
The subjects of the books range from poetry, minor construction, myths and legends and strange lands the most of you have never heard of. A series of volumes details the land of Celestia. Another deals with the Island of Everwinter.
A large amount of texts deal with magical spell casting and spell research, but none are magical in themselves.
SUBJ: Page Two (R) FROM: GM Mad 06/19/91 S#: 440853
More tomes on geography are found. Strange lands such as the Savages, the Sea of Blood and the Blasted Lands.
Several bookcases are reserved to Kelnish history. These tomes are difficult to read at best. They are written in such as way as to present the Keln Empire is the best possible light. It is the evil Kingdom of Cynalon who is responsible for the war, or so the books claim.
A few books deal with ancient history. Others cover demi-human history.
Another large barrack area is on level 2. The six locked doors on this level each lead to private quarters. Each room is 30' x 60' in size. The first seems to have been shared by a man and a woman, both human. The next, a male dwarf, then a human male. The fourth room by another man, the next by either a short woman, possible human or 1/2 elf. Maybe even a full elf. The last seems to be the quarters of a priest of Hextor.
All the rooms show signs of being searched, although by the amount of dust, it must have been a very long time ago.
On level 2 of the third tower is a large meeting area. The room is dominated by a huge table. Many maps line the walls, each depicting the lands of Keln in various scales.
Level 3 is mainly used for storage. A huge area, 90' x 150', is filled with crate after crate of dried goods.
All three towers have a room on this level. Each is only accessible from the level below.
Above the meeting room is a huge study. This appears to be the study of Lord Karn himself. Large windows lookout over the fortress. The view is quite breathtaking. Here he has a collection of model ships. A few sailing mementos line the room.
In one of the desks drawer you locate a diary. The diary seems to cover Karn's live. It begins as the son of a minor baron in Keln. It tells of his early adventurers. The conquering of this Keep from the Lich Varalla. After searching the keep, he found clues leading him to the Sword of Doom.
Things get more hazy after that, less in detail. You get the feeling that as time when by, Karn became more and more paranoid.
Using the Sword, he gained the attention of the Emperor himself. He preformed many voyages for the Emperor aided by the Sword. He journeyed to many fantastic places, returned with wondrous cargos.
Late in life, Karn become so paranoid that he decided to hide the Sword. So that "they" could not find it. He sailed it to where he originally found it and hide it in the Realm of the Gatherer.
SUBJ: Page Three (R) FROM: GM Mad 06/19/91 S#: 413905
Upon return to his Keep, Karn then hide the items needed to travel to the Gatherer's Realm.
Not to long after that, Karn's Keep fell.
Stairs lead up to Level 4 of this tower.
Level 3 of the shortest of the three mage towers is split into two large rooms. One is a private lab; much better stocked then the one below. The other area is a richly furnished reception area. Stairs lead up to another secured hatch.
The other tower holds what appears to be a private reception area. The furniture here is very comfortable. The walls are lined with books and scrolls on a wide variety of subjects, including ocean life, the lands to the far east, (an area similar to Kara-Tur), the outer planes, recipes, Philosophy and the nature of other cultures. Stairs lead up to the ceiling. There is no hatchway here or any hidden access.
Level four holds another barracks area. The level is divided into 3 sections. Cells, secured rooms and guest rooms. The guest rooms were all sealed when you searched up here before. You are able to open all six rooms. Each room is 30' x60'. They appear to have been used by the adventurer's who searched for the sword earlier. Each room had two occupants.
Room one was shared by a man and dwarf, room two by a man and a woman, and room three by two men. One of the men kept a diary. It told of their discovery of the crystal daggers and the pillars. They deduced that they activated a teleporter that would lead them towards the Sword. They used the daggers, entered the teleporter and never returned.
Room four was shared by a man and a woman. One of them was a priest of Azrella. Room 5 and 6 were also shared by a man and a woman. A priest of Hieronomous lived in room 5, a priest of Tymora in 6.
The area above Karn's study appears to be his private living quarters. This area has been thoroughly searched in the past. Nothing of interest is found here.
The top floor of one mage tower opens up into her private quarters. It is easy to tell by the furnishings and wardrobe the owner of this tower was indeed a woman. The entrance to this level is also Wizard Locked. The room is luxurious and richly furnished in thick velvets and comfortable fabrics.
The top two levels of the remaining tower appear to have no normal access.
SUBJ: Page Four (R) FROM: GM Mad 06/19/91 S#: 415134
Level five of Karn's Tower appears to be his trophy room. Hides of many strange beasts line the walls and floors. The heads of numerous monsters line the walls. Cases hold many strange items and what appear to be weapons. Some of them are like nothing you have ever seen. Against one wall is a portrait of Lord Karn on deck of a ship.
Going the other way, the basement is mostly used for storage. Items that will not rot or spoil are down here. There is also a well and a trash pit. Down in the sub-basement is the pillar formation.
While exploring the basement, Selarin notices a secret door. Beyond the door is a passage that winds it's way down the mountain. It final emerges after about half a mile near the shore of a small mountain lake. A large dock is near the tunnel exit, but no vessels can be seen.
SUBJ: GM Notes (R) FROM: GM Mad 06/19/91 S#: 426416
PHEW!! The covers the Keep in-depth. If you happen to have the Castle Boxed set, check out the map to Darkhold. It is the same as Karin's Fortress. Do not assume that the contents are the same!!
Now what are you going to do???
By now, everyone is back to max hit points.
Also, the Keep itself is not in bad shape. It needs to be cleaned more then anything.
You can find virtually any item available in the Players Handbook here in large quantities. Common sense applies here, so you won't find any livestock or boats. There is also numerous clothing in the living quarter areas.
No magic items will be found, nor much in the way of money. The Keep has been searched several times in the decades since it has fallen out of use.
ID'ing the items from the trolls, and you discover that you have a Potion of Healing, A potion of Water Breathing, and a mage Scroll. Spells on the Scroll are: Fist of Stone, Lasting Breath, Protection from Paralysis, Past Life and Wizard Sight. All are from the Tome of Magic, levels 1,1,2,2,3.
Spectrum's Comments: Well that was a long one! As noted above, the base version of the Keep appeared in the Castles Boxed set. Quite a few clues about the quest were given out as well. Will anyone notice them?
SUBJ: Selarin (R) FROM: GrooToo 06/20/91 S#: 493727
Finding the docks and the secret tunnel that leads to them I report it to Omni so that he can deal with it. I will spend the rest of my time praying, practicing with my longsword, mace and bow and reading history texts in the library. In reading I will attempt to find out anything about the tapestry pictures or where they could likely be. If this takes me to other texts ok. But if I can find names or places to look that would be great. As for the towers anybody got a passwall spell?
SUBJ: Gathis FROM: RAD DWEEBE 06/20/91 S#: 504737
As the mages search the library, Gathis comes upon the books of other cultures. He is fascinated with anthropology, and stops right there to read or have them read to him.
He then walks around the keep for a while, taking in whatever he might see. Gathis soon becomes tired, and retires to a room to rest.
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 06/21/91 S#: 487442
Omni is pleased with the results of the more thorough search, if not a little overwhelmed. He gives the weapons that are found a once over, hoping to spot something resembling a long bow. If he doesn't, he loses no sleep.
"Now that we believe ourselves much closer to activating the teleporter, the question of making this our permanent base can take a backseat...seeing as it really won't matter for awhile. The main question now has to be...mages, how long do you need to be fully prepared for a fight?"
Omni takes the time to make sure their food supplies are in order, and the horses are tended to. If he has time to kill while waiting on the spellcasters, he'll take a closer tour of the rooms, looking at the larger ones that might appeal to a warrior.
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 06/22/91 S#: 409610
The week passes so quickly. After seeing so many rooms that were used to live in, I decide that private quarters would suit me better. Probably one on the top floor with a nice view.
Many hours are passed happily as Perrel and I explore our love for each other. Late one night, as I lay my head on his chest....
"Perrel, my love, what wonderful feelings you give me. I've always given of myself, always gave to those in need. Helping others gives me such a warm feeling deep down inside. You give me the same feelings. I would have never believed that anyone could have given me such feelings. You are a very special man to me. When I am in your arms I feel safe. Secure. Not a care in the world. But I fear that we shall soon be in danger again. Omni plans to use the pillars to continue the quest. What lies beyond for us? Will we feel the same way?"
I look to Perrel for reassurance.
I help in the explorations as much as possible. I make my spells available to those in need. I shall try to dispel any magicks brought to my attention.
One afternoon, I approach Omni....
"Omni, if we are going to be using the pillars, then we are going to need preparations. If the land we are going into is in winter, then we will need furs and other special equipment. I should be able to use a Locate Object spell to find the keys to activate the pillars to the next location. Azrella has made Continual Light available to me. I can cast it upon our lanterns so that we will not need to fear our light sources being extinguished. I also have access to a spell that will allow several of us to resist the winter's chill. I cannot protect the entire Company this way, but it could be of help. Is there anything else that I can do to help?"
I'll take the time to search the clothing found for something more suitable to wear then my adventuring wardrobe. I find a dress that's a little small for me, but I can squeeze into it. Locating some wine and cheese, I prepare a surprise snack for Perrel one night. I wait in our usual spot for him to arrive. My dress is light blue and frilly. It is cut far too low on the chest for my tastes, but I believe he will like it. I cannot wait for him to arrive....... ;D
Spectrum's Comments: Ah, young clerics in love...
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 06/22/91 S#: 423597
Argent follows the exploration of the keep closely. She'll examine every detail. Something nags at her, some detail that we are overlooking. But, it eludes her for the moment.
Upon learning that the scroll is of mage work, I ask Omni: 'My I attempt to learn several of the spells on the scroll?' If he answers yes, I'll attempt to learn Fist of Stone, Protection from Paralyzation, Past Life and Wizard Sight.
When I learn that Omni is ready to move on through the teleporter, I approach the mages and suggest that they try to learn any new magicks now. An arctic setting will make study most difficult.
Question, GM: Would it be possible to tie off the hatches. Could we drive spike into the floor and tie the hatch open? I know, I know, try it and see. If the ropes fail to hold, then I'll look for stronger materials. Any chain about?
Argent is greatly intrigued by the upper levels of the mage towers. She spends many hours wandering their expanses. (Provided the hatches can be tied off.)
I am concerned about the magic around the books in the stand. Spell books I hope!! That sigil shouts mage trap to me. I'll attempt to Dispel the sigil an hopefully whatever trap they put on the books. If that succeeds, then I'll knock the device holding the books together. If the Dispel fails, I'll take the books to an area where there is nothing else around. The courtyard should do for this purpose. I'll knock the device, standing at the edge of spell range. This way any trap should go off and affect no one. I pray that they were not foolish enough to use Fire Trap!!!
The invoker disappears for hours at a time in the private quarters of the lady mage. This woman had style, even if she was foolish enough to serve the enemy. I try her clothes on and find that they are close enough to fit comfortably. I regularly appear in different dresses. Each show off my attractive features. If the hatches can been circumvented, then I'll claim the lady mages tower as my quarters.
When I prepare to move on, I'll search the lady mages closets for winter clothing.
Between research and cooking in the kitchen my days are full. Sleep comes easy at night. Until one night. I suddenly sit bolt upright. 'That's it!', I shout. Pausing only long enough to throw a housecoat over my nightgown, I rush to find Omni.
'Lord Omni!! Did you not catch what Karn said in his diary?? The part where he was hiding the sword??'
SUBJ: More Argent FROM: Enchantres 06/22/91 S#: 420430
'I quote: "He did sail the sword to it's hiding place": unquote.
'Sailed the sword?? I have the horrible feeling that the Sword of Doom is a ship! I know it sounds strange, but consider. There is a hidden dock on a mountain lake. It would be impossible for a ship to make use of such a port. But there it is. Sailing memorabilia is all over his study. His portrait was taken on a ship. He used the sword on many voyages for the Emperor. A ship was featured on the third tapestry. The one that showed the conquests of Lord Karn. There is also one in the last tapestry. The one with the sword in the middle. There is a ship off in one corner. The Sword of Doom is not a sword at all!!'
'Keeping all of this in mind, then the library would be the wrong place to look for the locations of the tapestries. Perhaps Karn hide navigational charts in that room with all the maps. Maps could be the key, not books!'
Weary from all this mental work, I sit down next to Omni.
'If this is all true... Then I.. I don't know what to make of all of this. A ship was the key to his power? Or has this been exaggerated over the years since? Been transformed into something far more powerful then it should have been.'
I look at Omni for a long moment.
'It is late and I am weary. I shall investigate more in the morning. Good night, my lord.'
Spectrum's Comments: Argent is correct in her guess. The Sword of Doom is the name of a flying (Spelljammer) ship. Its one of those things where the myth and legend far surpassed reality. The story of the Sword took on a life of its own and was blown out of proportion.
Its also another case of something that was extraordinary at the time, the idea of magically flying ships in this world, that turned out to not be quite as special later on down the road. Such a thing is a staple in the Jylsera portion of the game world that occured several years, real time, after the Q stuff. There are other instances in this material that were changed or rearranged by future events. We can't all be perfect!
SUBJ: Perrel... (R) FROM: GM Kill 06/23/91 S#: 519554
The next couple of weeks pass with Schar and I strengthening our bond for each other, as we spend many passionate nights together.
On the one night when she asks her question, I lay there contented, while softly stroking her hair.
"True, there are hardships ahead of us. But, they're hardships for a good cause, and shared with good friends." I say softly, and reassuringly. "And as long as we don't doubt our feelings for one another, how can any hardship come between us?"
"You are very special to me, Schar. Far more special than anyone in my life, except Tymora, has ever been. And I just want you to know, that no matter what happens, I do love you." I say, before leaning my head forward, and kissing her on the forehead lightly.
When I'm not with Schar, I can usually be found doing one of the following...Praying to Tymora, Exercising, Practicing both my tumbling and my weapons, or trying to get a game of cards going.
If Schar's around while I'm exercising or practicing, I'll strip off my shirt, and flex my lean muscles as much as possible while engaged in the activity.
When I find the trophy room with all the weapons, I look around for a hand crossbow, bolts for it, a sabre, and some more stilettos.
Looking through the clothing in the various rooms, and such, I look for clothes of my taste, and find most of it too sedate for me.
But, I do grab a couple of heavy shirts, a couple more sashes and headbands, a few more silk shirts, a couple pair of trousers, an extra pair of soft black boots, and a few single earrings for my one pierced ear.
Once I know we're headed for colder climes, I look about the place for winter gear, and grab some of that.
I also check out the one room inhabited by the Tymoran priest, and see if there's anything in there that might be useful to me or Selarin.
Before I go to meet Schar, I dress in nice tight black trousers, so that every lean, tight muscle in my legs shows in detail. I also wear a fine silk shirt, mostly opened in front. When I see her in the tight blue dress, my eyes open wide in appreciation, and I quickly move forward and wrap my arms about her.
"I like this dress!" I say, before kissing her passionately. "Now, let's see how long it takes to get you out of it." ;D
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 06/23/91 S#: 832874
Omni speaks to both Schar and Argent together, regarding the problem of 'seeing' where they are going...
"The main thing we seem to know is that we're headed for a cold climate, but little else. What I need to know is this: Do we have a way of seeing on the other side of the teleporter without sending a person through it? Perhaps a combination of your workings, using a lantern and the crystal ball? Argent, you may by all means scribe whatever you need from the library. Preparation is foremost at this point."
Omni is strolling alone through the courtyard the night that Argent finds him. Despite the late hour, he's still quite awake, and takes in all of what she's saying. "I hadn't considered this, Argent. But it does seem to make sense. Not that I like it." The fighter lets his head droop as he realizes all this could mean. When Argent starts to leave, he reaches out to stop her. "Argent...thank you for telling me. I'm afraid you may be right. But until we can make sure... or at least be more certain...let's keep this between the two of us. I'm not sure what this kind of revelation would do to our morale right now. I don't want to find out until it's necessary."
Once the two have parted company, Omni slowly makes his way to Karn's tower. He spends the remainder of the night examining the maps, the pictures, the diary, and any other pertinent information, needing to be certain. (Omni may not be a scholar, but he knows SOME things). Anyone he ventures up into the tower the next morning will find an unshaven, sleeping warrior asleep at a table with a burned out candle next to him.
Once awakened, Omni will say his good mornings, make sure nothing important has happened, and quietly excuse himself. Taking the secret passage to the docks, Omni will go for a swim in the newfound waters (if nothing in them is biting that is; I don't care how cold they are, he just wants to clear his head for thinking).
SUBJ: GM Notes (R) FROM: GM Mad 06/23/91 S#: 433639
Selarin searches for references to the tapestries in the library. Most the tapestries are too ambiguous to get a feel for any particular place in the world. However, his research turns up one sargasso sea. It is a place known as the Jungle of Lost Ships located somewhere in the Endless Sea.
Omni locates longbows in the armory.
Argent studies the scroll, but is only able to learn Past Life and Wizard Sight from it.
You plan for tying the hatches off works to a point. After they are Knocked, it is a simple matter to secure them. Once the Wizard Lock kicks back in, it is much more difficult. The hatch immediately tries to re-secure itself. It's only a matter of time before the rope breaks under the strain. You are able to locate lengths of chain. These prove to be much better and hold the hatches fast.
Argent works with the locked books. Her Dispel appears to have no effect. Taking the books outside, she proceeds to Knock the lock. The holder pops open, but nothing happens. As soon as Argent touches the books there is a flash of fire. She takes 15 pts of damage. Later when she examines the books, she discovers that each is a spell book; covering levels 1-4. Each spell is recorded in it's smallest form. (IE, the fewest amount of pages possible.) Many different hands worked on this book as the writing changes many times. (The books contain every mage spell 1-4 in the Players Handbook. Remember, the Players Handbook ONLY.)
Perrel searches the trophy level and comes across a large display dealing with Karn's expedition to Deepearth. Among the trophies is a drow made hand crossbow. A case of bolts is nearby. He finds no sabers or stilettos.
After his late night discussion with Argent, Omni searches Karn's tower once more. While poking through a pile of map scrolls, a packet of papers fall to the floor. Looking through then, he finds several maps with notes on them.
The writing on the map is in Kelnish, and Omni does not understand that language. There are five maps all together. Four show land locations, the other sea.
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 06/23/91 S#: 438796
Arathnasis' eyes will light up at the sight of all the spell in the spell book. He will yell for a cleric to come and take care of Argent, and will tend to her wounds as best he can. After that is taken care of he will attempt to learn the following spells from the acquired spell books.
Mount, Find Familiar, Jump, Feather Fall, Change Self: Alter Self, Flaming Sphere, Invisibility, Melf's Acid Arrow, Ray of Enfeeblement, Strength, and Levitate:
He will search the keep for some cold weather cloths, resupply himself with fresh arrows and try to find a few more throwing daggers. If and when he gets a chance he will practice with his blades and try to convince someone to show him the workings of the Mace. Assuming that he can find one. (new Weapon Prof.)
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Tora 06/23/91 S#: 815302
Time passes and Eliza follows Omni's orders. When there is nothing to do she sits in front of the tapestry with the ships and thinks.
The fight with the invisible guardian is a chance for Eliza to blow off some steam.
At the completion of the castle search, Eliza goes and finds Omni. "Lord Omni, I need to speak to you in private." If he refuses, then I apologize for bothering him.
If he grants the audience, I will continue when I know we are alone. "Omni, I have been doing a lot of thinking on what you said when you took my father's sword. My first thoughts were to kill you and recover my father's sword. Your joss still has you alive so you know that is no longer an option to me. What I see now, I that the honor I learned from my father is very different than yours. To me, I was willing to die with the trolls. If you had known my honor, you could have taken advantage of my return of honor to gain the surprise you wanted. But since you did not understand my ways, several people were injured that shouldn't have been. Those I took down gave me no choice. I could not let anyone stop me. To do so would have left me no option of my honor returning. Since I have my honor, barring the fact you hold my father's sword, I will not be endangering anyone until I lose my honor again. I will try not to endanger anyone ever again by talking with you where my honor is concerned. This brings me to a difficult subject."
I pause to gather my thoughts (And maybe some courage) and continue, "I loose honor in this telling but I must say it to avoid injuring anyone when the time comes. My family has been cursed. The man that cursed my family lives where the tapestry of the ships shows. To remove the curse, I must defeat this man by myself. I have no choice in this for it has been dictated by another. I trust your honor that no one else shall find out about this curse. So that you fully understand, only our family knows of thee curse. Anyone outside the family that knows of the curse must be killed before it is passed on or our family looses great honor. Please understand what trust I am placing in you."
With that I listen to Omni, the hope of fully regaining my honor visible.
Spectrum's Comments: And that's Eliza's secret and why she kept staring at the one tapestry.
SUBJ: Gathis FROM: RAD DWEEBE 06/24/91 S#: 484326
When Argent gets torched, gathis rushes out to help the Invoker, and also takes a long look at the spells.
Gathis will attempt to learn: MagicM., Shield, Wall of Fog, Spook, Color Spray,
Enlarge, Shock Grasp
SUBJ: Selarin FROM: GrooToo 06/24/91 S#: 474108
Seeing the spell books explode in Argents face I move quickly to her and cast Clw*2 if she needs it. Then I will return to the quarter's area and find a room to rest in for a while. Afterwards I will attempt to find more information on the Jungle of Lost ships or the sargasso sea or the endless sea. I will show Aranthesis how to use a mace properly afterwards. I will then retire to the shrine of Tymora and pray for Clw*2 and then retire to bed.
Gm: what spells do I currently have memorized? I forgot thanks.
Mail From: GM Kill Date: Tuesday 25-Jun-91 01:01 EDT
Sigh...I just realized that I never sent you a new spell list. Sorry. Too much happening lately, I can't seem to keep track of it all.
Okie, his new spell list, at least until we do teleport to that colder area we're going to...
1st: No Changes.
2nd: Add "Favor of Tymora" to the list.
3rd: Dispel Magic.
One question, how many bolts in a case, and did I happen to find a quiver anywhere for the bolts? Sorry, I should've mentioned that I was looking for those on the post. Sigh...I told you, my mind's going. :)
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 06/25/91 S#: 430528
Omni is anxious when he finds the text, and extremely frustrated when he can't read it. He takes it to Argent hoping she can read it for him, while taking care that they are alone and won't be interrupted. "I found this, Argent...can you tell what it says?" He also expresses concern for her accident with the spellbook.
When approached privately by Eliza, Omni listens patiently to her, careful not to interrupt. When she is done, he speaks. "Have no fear; your secret is safe with me. As far as returning your sword...you may have it back. But do not give me cause to take it again. Try to remember the consequences of your actions...you nearly caused the death of the entire company. If unsure about a situation...ask, don't charge."
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 06/23/91 S#: 516608
'Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!' I yell at myself when the books blow up in my face. 'Some much more to learn. I hope I survive. Thank you for your assistance, Arath.'
Seeing the massive amount of spells in the books somewhat mollifies me.
(GM: I'll E-Mail you when I decide which spells I want to try and learn.)
Once I finish giving Omni my theories, I listen to his response. 'Agreed. Let us not worry the others. I could still be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time. Good night.'
Later, when Omni speaks to me and Schar. 'I don't see anyway that we can determine what awaits us on the other side of the gate. None of my scrying spells would reach that far. The Crystal Ball can only focus in on living beings. Since a lantern is not alive, that plan would not work. My concern is how do we get back from the other side?? Can we get back?'
In the meantime, I'll inform all the other mages of the discovery of the books. There is much studying to be done!
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 06/25/91 S#: 401034
I thank everyone for their concern after I'm caught in the trap on the books.
'I'm more angry with myself then at what happened. That's the one thing about magic: no matter how much you know, you don't know everything. I assure you all that I'm fine.'
As the newer mages scan the 1st and 2nd level books, I'll examine the 3rd booking looking for magicks that catch my fancy.
Later, when Omni approaches me. 'I'm all right. Selarin healed me. Good thing that we have several clerics. Schar has not been around much lately. Neither has Perrel. I wonder what is going on. What's that you got there?? Maps? Let me take a look. I am fluent in several languages.'
I'll examine the materials that Omni has, reading each out loud so that Omni can follow along. (This assumes that I can read it!)
(Still picking spells, GM. Soon I promise!)
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 06/25/91 S#: 465758
I smile widely as Perrel arrives.
"Be careful, luv. One false move and you won't be wearing pants!" ;D
When Omni summons me and Argent for our little conference, I listen intently as he and Argent speak.
"I fear that there is little that I can offer for assistance. Auguries are only good for checking the near future. Let me think about it. Perhaps something will come to me."
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 06/27/91 S#: 427571
"I offer up a feeble plan to ascertain where we would be sent by the teleportation grid. Since Argents Crystal ball only works on living beings, let me activate the grid and pass through it. With my knowledge of Magic it shouldn't be a problem. You can then check up on me through the ball. If I am in dire need of help or the way is clear the rest of you can teleport. If something goes wrong you can try to come up with something else. I know this plan is rash, but better to lose only one than to lose us all, between my spells and weapons I am quite capable of taking care of myself. I would ask no other to undertake the task, but offer myself, willingly"
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: The Company uses the pillars and takes a trip.