Sword of Doom #49
The Company prepares to use the pillar formation.
Omni locates a packet of maps, but cannot read them. He takes them to Argent in hope that she can understand them. They are in Kelnish, which Argent can understand.
The first map is the ocean map. It is labeled as the Endless Sea. The ocean fills most of the lower right hand portion of the map. An unidentifiable continent is in the northeast. A large island is in the northwest corner. A huge blot on the map is labeled "The Jungle of Lost Ships". An "x" is marked within the Jungle of Lost Ships. The island is Everwinter. The continent unlabeled.
The second map is a much larger map of Everwinter. It is a large, somewhat "z" shaped island. A few cities are indicated. The largest of these is called "South Port", at the southern tip of the island. In the middle of the island is a huge plateau. An "x" is indicted there.
A continent is noted to the east and north of Everwinter. You will recognize it as the continent where Keln and Cynalon are.
The next map shows the northern tip of a large continent. No cities or ports are indicated. It is labeled "The Savages". The "x" is several dozen miles inland.
A mountain range is the prominent feature of the next map. It is labeled "Heaven's Spire". There are no other markings, save for an "x" on the highest peak.
The last map is labeled, "Celestia". Many cities are noted, the largest being Celtan. "This is where the "x" is marked.
Selarin finds very few additional details on the Jungle of Lost Ships. The place is a graveyard of ships. Hundreds of vessels are believed to be marooned there. Gold and other booty are there for the taking, or so the books say. It is believed to be to the West and South of where you are.
Equipment and supplies are located for your journey. Winter clothing, strong tents, snowshoes and other supplies are found.
Arathnasis finds many throwing daggers and plenty of arrows. Finally, Arath volunteer's to go through the pillars so that Argent can them scry where the pillars go to.
SUBJ: GM Notes (R) FROM: GM Mad 06/27/91 S#: 796646
Use this post to complete final preparations for your journey. There is more equipment here then you can carry. The tents will sleep 4 in comfort. There are plenty of arrows available. Post how many you take. Also list how much food and water are going along. Going to take the mounts??
All spellcasters, post new spell lists for this trip.
New Mage Spells learned:
Arathnasis - Mount, Jump, Feather Fall, Change Self, Flaming Sphere, Invisibility, Melf's Acid Arrow, Ray of Enfeeblement, Strength
Gathis - Magic Missile, Shield, Color Spray, Enlarge, Shocking Grasp
Argent - Protection from Evil, Flaming Sphere, Mirror Image, Deep Pockets, Invisibility, Strength, ESP, Protection from Normal Missiles, Wraithform, Melf's Minute Meteor's, Leomund's Tiny Hut, Infravision, Haste.
All yours!
Spectrum's Comments: The above is another case of something changed since I originally did this. The Island of Everwinter was moved and shrunk considerably in the present stuff. What was called the Island of Everwinter is now the Isle of Dawn. The reasons are a bit complex and don't really have any affect on what is going on here.
SUBJ: Selarin (R) FROM: GrooToo 06/27/91 S#: 508001
Seeing as we are going to go I will carry 40 arrows (two quivers),3 extra weeks of rations(four weeks total), and my share of the cold winter clothing. That's about all I can carry so I want to leave the rest up to you guys.
SUBJ: Crandor.. FROM: GM Falcon 06/28/91 S#: 397110
"Hold it..", Crandor rumbles.
"All signs point to the jungle of ships being the final home of the sword. Maybe we should skip all the interim points, head for the shore, hire a boat and crew, and head right for it."
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 06/29/91 S#: 787755
The fighter nods to Crandor as he speaks. "That's an option. However, we probably still need to send someone through the teleporter...it was set up for a reason, and its destination may not be easy to find for someone not going through it. Everyone make sure you have at least 3 weeks of supplies, regardless."
Omni personally makes sure he has roughly 40 arrows also, and, if the tents are available, he makes sure the group has at least 4 available. When preparations are finally made, its decision time.
Omni finally speaks up to the rest of the group, feeling they should know what he does before taking that final step. "Before we take any final steps...as in, going through any type of teleporter...I think you all should know something. Argent and I have discovered notes that give us reason to believe the Sword of Doom is a ship. I realize some of you may have already suspected this...others may not have. We can't be certain...but this still puts things in a new perspective. If anyone wants out...to give up the quest now...I'll understand."
After this has been said, and assuming no final objections or events occurs, Omni will approach Arathnasis. "Are you ready, yet? I want the two of us to go through first...to make sure we aren't sending everyone into a death trap. You volunteered to, and I'm not prepared to have anyone do something I'm not willing to do myself. Once we've teleported, Argent can scry for us to insure we're well. At that time, we can signal to her our priorities...whether or not to bring the horses, imminent danger, climate, and whether or not it's a one way trip."
"Anyone else feel a need to speak up before we give it a try?"
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 06/29/91 S#: 828600
I give Crandor a look as he mentions bypassing the quest and going right to the sword location. 'I seem to recall offering the same suggestion a few days ago.'
When Omni requests opinions, I do have one to offer. 'I still believe that we should by-pass the pillars. You read Karn's diary. The man was extremely paranoid when he hid the sword. He probably laid many traps along the way. We know that the pillars will take us to Everwinter. That's between us and the Jungle, a step in the right direction. Once on the island, let's do as Crandor suggested. Travel to a city, hire a ship and set sail in search of the Jungle. That makes more sense to me then hopping around the world looking for keys to activate the teleporter.'
And when Omni mentions what we believe the true nature of the sword to be: 'The fact that the sword may not be true blade changes nothing for me. Regardless of it's form, what must discover what it is and if it can be useful to us.'
I'll quickly go over our system of communication with Omni and Arath go through the teleporter. Before they go, I'll set up the crystal ball, using a pile of clothes to form a base. I'll attempt to locate them after they disappear.
'Omni, Arath... Please be careful.'
Spells in memory for the trip:
1st- Magic Missile x2, Shield, Detect Magic, Alarm
2nd- Flaming Sphere, Web, Mirror Image
3rd- Lightning Bolt, Fly
SUBJ: Gathis FROM: RAD DWEEBE 06/29/91 S#: 803077
Gathis gathers his 3 weeks rations together, and then looks for any other staves around that are of better make than his own. He then rushes back to the library and breaks open the books again. When the company leaves, Gathis packs 1 or 2 books along with his gear.
SUBJ: Eliza (R) FROM: Tora 06/29/91 S#: 439525
I gather 4 weeks of dried rations for myself. I will store this away then help carry the tents when we move out.
When talk of side stepping the quests comes up, I smile then remember a saying my father told me which I repeat out loud. "Those that jump the ravine may find themselves in the bottom for not wanting to walk to the bridge a few feet away."
Since everyone is looking through the weapons, I take a look for a Wakizashi (The shortsword that goes with a Katana.). If I find one, you will see a very happy lady.
SUBJ: Arathnasis (R) FROM: Wildchilde 06/29/91 S#: 805218
"Omni, I think it best you stay with the group. If something should happen to me, the group still needs you. I am fully prepared to undertake this by myself. I will have my spells ready, and my blade will be keen. Stay here, if something goes wrong, find the Sword of Doom and bring glory upon our names."
Arath will pack up about 2 weeks worth of rations, take a few lengths of rope, flint and steel, and a few other necessities, in addition to cold weather garb.
Spells in memory: Magic Missle * 2; Flaming sphere
He will be wearing his Cloak of protection and Bracers of Defense. He will take his chain mail with. When he goes through the teleporter it will be with sword drawn and shield in hand.
"Are you ready Argent??"
SUBJ: Raith FROM: Samuel L S 06/29/91 S#: 505200
"Well, I has come again, I time for decisions," Raith say to himself quietly.
With no care for any around him, with tears in his eyes (he loves to cry), he prays, "My Great Lady of Magic and Mystery, guide me on this noble quest for the Sword of Doom, is it of your will that I follow them, or that I leave on my original purpose. To find those without magic and faith, and tell them the story of the Lady of Mystery."
He will then lower his head and meditate deeply for about 15 minutes, after this he stands and gets a few things he needs. Winter clothing, 4 weeks worth of dry rations (or iron rations if they are there).
He still is in a state of silence during this time, and will not respond to any questions, he will simply open his hands and shake his head to any questions made.
(Note to GM: Did I miss something, or did I just didn't get any new spells???
If I still have a chance, I will try for some. Also, what are my current spells in memory.)
SUBJ: Tristan FROM: FrankP25 06/30/91 S#: 811902
First, I'm sorry I haven't posted in awhile but my life has been upside down lately. I've had A LOT of things happen at once. Trying to join in from here, I guess I'll grab a quiver full of arrows; about 4 weeks rations and I will carry whatever else is needed.
Once again, I'm really sorry.
SUBJ: Crandor.. FROM: GM Falcon 06/30/91 S#: 802335
"Did you?", the ranger asks, glancing at Argent, "My apologies.."
He turns to Omni: "Ship, sword, whatever. If your 'Cynalon' can find use for such an artifact, then I don't see any reason to stop now."
He glances at the map: "I agree with Argent. Teleport to Everwinter, and if we can find some people to help us: Hire a ship."
He readies all equipment and such (rations, weaponry repair, etc) silently.
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 07/01/91 S#: 440283
I get my cold weather gear ready, and then stand about listening to everyone argue about whether to take the transporter, or boat over.
I ready my gear, and move over by Schar. I have winter clothes, 3 weeks of extra rations, and my normal equipment.
I kiss her lightly on the cheek, and look deeply into her eyes.
"Remember, no matter what happens out there, the only important thing is that we have each other." I say to her softly, before taking her in my arms and kissing her passionately.
When Arath and Omni discuss who's going, I step forward.
"Omni, Arath's right. You're needed here more than in some desolate wilderness. If anything I should accompany Arath, this way we have my healing spells if neccesary, and I'm more capable of defending myself than any of the other priests in the group."
"And you can stay here, doing what you must do, which is leading this group, and calling the shots."
"I trust Tymora to see me through all right, do you?" I ask him with a smile.
SUBJ: Schar (R) FROM: Schar 07/01/91 S#: 820826
Having gathered my belongings, I join the rest of the group at the pillars. I have some concern about having scouts use the pillars but make no remark about it.
"They are right, Omni. You should not go, just in case. I'm not saying that Arathnasis is lesser then you, but you are the brains of the group."
I give a look of shock when Perrel says that he should go instead of Omni.
"What?! If you're going, then I'm going to? After all we are going to test this thing. Also, if we are going to hire a ship in Everwinter, then we are going to have to take the horses with us. They'll die if we leave them behind. I will have no part of such cruelty."
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 07/02/91 S#: 445147
"No Schar, the whole point of me going through is to avoid injury or death to the majority of the group. If you would accompany me through the risk becomes greater to the party, which is something that just cannot be!"
Addressing Perrel "You have someone here that will need you more than I will, stay with her, just pray your god protects me during my journey"
Arath has pretty much reserved himself to the fact that he is going alone, any one that volunteers will get a swift rebuttal.
To Argent: "Do your best, fair lady, I would hate to be trapped in a distant land without hope of ever seeing my friends again. Till our minds meet." He bows deeply and enters the formation.
SUBJ: Omni (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 07/02/91 S#: 822005
Omni shakes his head in disbelief as half the party argues over who gets to go through the gate and who doesn't. Finally, he resigns himself to staying behind. "Arathnasis...go. Everyone else stays here...including me. If something goes wrong over there, and you need help, I'll go after you. Is this acceptable to everyone?"
SUBJ: Drakkor (R) FROM: Troll 3a 07/02/91 S#: 846538
"Aye it is ok by me!" He finally pipes up after the days long silence (sp). He will run get 4 weeks rations and a quiver and a tent. After this I will pickup and carry as much food as I can carry. I don't want the party to run out of food.
SUBJ: Crandor FROM: GM Falcon 07/02/91 S#: 433550
Crandor humorlessly puts his hand on Omni's shoulder: "No, it's not okay."
"If Arath gets in trouble...we all go after him. Or at least I'm coming with you." He smiles faintly.
SUBJ: Arath. FROM: Wildchilde 07/02/91 S#: 503484
Clasping Omni's Hand. "Thank you my friend. You to Perrel, and all the rest! Lets get on with this"
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 07/02/91 S#: 826610
::Flashing teeth at Crandor::
'It's quite all right, Crandor. Ideas are free for everyone. It would be a dreadful world if people couldn't copy good thoughts. As I assume it did to you, it appeared obvious to me.'
I'm about to voice my own opinion when Omni settles the issue. As I say my goodbyes to Arath, I grasp his hand tightly. 'Don't do anything stupid! Remember I'll be watching you.'
Caught up in the emotion of the moment, I give Arath a quick hug and whisper in his ear. 'Be careful! I wouldn't want to see anything happen to you.'
Once I regain my composure, I'll kneel down before the crystal ball. 'I am ready.'
SUBJ: Perrel... (R) FROM: GM Kill 07/03/91 S#: 423197
"I know I have someone here I care about deeply, in fact I have a number of people here that I care for, but that's no excuse for not doing my part in this party, or for shirking what needs to be done. And I resent your insinuating that I would."
"You don't know what's on the other side, so would it hurt to have someone along to heal your wounds if necessary?"
"Stop trying to play hotshot for once, and let someone try to help you keep yourself from getting killed."
When Omni voices his decision, I nod, and move back towards Schar.
"Well, Arath, looks like you get what you wished. May Tymora be with you."
I then help Schar get the horses prepared, getting them ready for the cold weather.
SUBJ: Mastiff FROM: Mastiff1 07/04/91 S#: 799649
Mastiff prepares himself for the adventure ahead.( Winter clothes, 4 wks of food, etc...)"This stuff is heavy!" he says to himself as the group argues over who goes and who stays.*Maybe we should go with Arath? Six eyes are better than two, Ashes.*
**Yeah right!(heavy sarcasm)**
Mastiff will shake hands with Arath before he goes. "Be careful my friend."
Mail From: Mastiff1 Date: Thursday 4-Jul-91 00:50 EDT
Hello Mad,
Mastiff's spells: MM, Phantasm Force
Skills: pp:45, ol:45, fr/t:45, ms:35, hs:35
Sword of Doom #50
The Company prepares to test the pillars.
Eliza, after seeing other members of the Company locate rare weapons, goes in seek of weapons from her father's homeland. She turns up nothing in the armory, but noting Perrel's success in Karn's Trophy room she tries up there.
Eliza is rewarded to locate two complete sets of Samurai Armor. Both sets have matching Katana/ Wakizashi swords.
It is finally decided to have Arathnasis go through the pillars first to see of the arrival location is safe.
Placing the crystal daggers into the pillar activates the artifact. Miniature bolts of blue lightning arc around the pillars. A soft hum fills the air. Arath walks onto the platform bearing the pillars and vanishes.
Argent then goes to work with her Crystal Ball. A scene appears within the globe. Arathnasis can be seen standing in the middle of a different formation of pillars. It's hard to see as it appears that he has materialized in the middle of a blizzard!
SUBJ: Arathnasis (R) FROM: GM Mad 07/04/91 S#: 395614
After the initial shocking of being teleported subsides, Arath finds himself in the center of another group of pillars. A driving snow covers the area limiting his vision to ten yards.
The area around the pillars appears to be atop some high point. Perhaps a small mountain or hill. A circular area surounds the pillars. A natural rocky wall surround the arrival point.
Peering behind the wall is useless. The blizzard is too intense to see anything. All you know is that you've appeared someplace high and that you're in the middle of a blizzard.
One portion of this area is wider. A hole in the ground is located here. Checking this out, Arath notes that it is a passage leading down into the mountain. It looks navigatable, but is on an angle. With the ice covering the rocks here, it will be tricky to navigate.
No one or thing is around. Only the roar of the wind can be heard.
Spectrum's Comments: More than likely, the above private post to Arath was buried somewhere else on the board. It was something I frequently did to private things like this.
SUBJ: Arathnasis (R) FROM: Wildchilde 07/04/91 S#: 495793
Arath, steps tentatively into the pillars and is gone in an instant. Arriving some distance away in the middle of a Blizzard! I will secure the area, making sure that no other creatures are around then await the arrival of the group.
++Before I leave I will take one of the Katana sets, assuming that Eliza has no objections.
SUBJ: Omni (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 07/04/91 S#: 507769
Omni waits eagerly for Argent to finish with the crystal ball, anxious for Arathnasis. Once he's been filled in on what she saw, he turns to everyone else. "That's it then, Company. Get as much heavy clothing as you can...including plenty of extra clothing. Everyone get an extra week's rations, at least. Crandor, you're good with animals...and more worldly than the rest of us. Do you think the horses could survive in that environment? Argent...did the storm show any sign of subsiding soon?"
SUBJ: Crandor... FROM: GM Falcon 07/05/91 S#: 478187
Crandor wanders over, and mutters to Omni: "She has another katana.." He doesn't elaborate.
When asked of the horses, he'll speak: "Well, I would say 'No'...but let me see." He will proceed to check the horses.
(Mad- Using ranger skills, etc....could they survive?)
SUBJ: GM Notes: FROM: GM Mad 07/05/91 S#: 522376
It won't be easy, but it would be possible for the horses to survive in the environment that you are heading.
SUBJ: Selarin (R) FROM: GrooToo 07/05/91 S#: 502866
I will just keep with my previous post and bring only as much extra rations, clothing and supplies as I can additionally carry with my regular gear. There being only one exception I will pack extra spikes and rope in case we need to do some climbing at an extremely high altitude. I also remind everyone to keep fingers and toes wrapped up to prevent frostbite.
Selarin
(BURRRR!!)
SUBJ: Perrel... (R) FROM: Count Kill 07/05/91 S#: 473851
I stand there anxiously waiting, wondering if Arath is all right or not, hoping that he didn't teleport into something dangerous.
My anxiousness abates when Argent tells us of his condition, and where he is.
I get ready for the trip, piling lots of warm clothes on me, and checking my gear and such.
"Rasafrassin!" I can be heard saying as I pile the clothes on, dreading how much these things are going to encumber my fighting.
Once I'm completely ready, I wander over by Schar and cast a spell on her, that spell being Tymora's Favor.
"There you go love, now you'll have two goddesses looking over you." I say with a wide smile, before scooping her in my arms and kissing her.
"That should keep me warm for quite awhile." I say when I pull back from the kiss, while giving her a wink.
Then I stand by Schar, and wait for Omni to give us the word to go through.
Perrel's new spell list...
1st: CLW*2, Command, Log of Everburning, Light.
2nd: Charm Person, Hold Person, Aura of Comfort, Aura of Comfort.
3rd: Create Campsite.
This may change depending on how things work out over there, but this is it for now. :)
SUBJ: Trithereon FROM: FrankP25 07/06/91 S#: 800255
Sitting there wondering what is going to happen, Trithereon heaves a noticeable sigh of relief at the fortune of his comrade. He will continue to carry what was listed in the previous post.
Spectrum's Comments: Actually, that was supposed to be Tristan. Trithereon must have been a character he played in a different game.
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 07/06/91 S#: 815064
Omni nods when he gets the word on the horses. "We'll try it, then. Let's get some extra wood onto a few of them, and use them mainly for supply carrying until we see just how bad it is over there. Besides, I doubt they would survive if we just left them here or cut them loose."
OOC: The time for last words is over, people. Let's do it.
Mail From: Omni Tuens Date: Saturday 6-Jul-91 02:15 EDT
One final thing in SoD, Mad...If Omni stumbled on a basilard in the armory or exotic weapons... Assume it's along for the ride.
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 07/06/91 S#: 459777
The Invoker sighs in relief when she sees Arath in her crystal ball. I relay all that I see. After Omni gives the order to move through the gateway, I'll carefully store the crystal ball in my backpack. Once ready, I move to the platform. With a mild look of sorrow I look back at the castle. 'One day your wonders will unfold before me. I shall return.'
I then step into the gate and arrive in a winter wonderland. Not being overly useful in the transferring of the mounts, I try to locate a place out of the wind and out of everyone else's way.
'I hate winter....'
SUBJ: GM Notes FROM: GM Mad 07/07/91 S#: 452158
Arathnasis does his best to secure the arrival point. Before too long, the other members of the Company and the horses arrive. The driving wind forces all to seek shelter quickly.
Going down the opening, you discover a tunnel sloping sharply down. After 80 feet, it leads to a huge, oval shaped cavern. One large tunnel and two smaller tunnels lead out of this cave.
You are protected from the storm in this cave, although you can still hear the roar of the winter wind.
SUBJ: Gathis FROM: RAD DWEEBE 07/07/91 S#: 455992
As they enter the portal Gathis wraps his new warm blanket around him. He stares wide-eyed into the portal; trying to glimpse it's great power. When they finally enter the cave, Gathis rests near the fire, and rests.
SUBJ: Drakkor FROM: Troll 3a 07/08/91 S#: 843980
I slowly work my way to the portal after gathering as much extra food and clothing as I can allow. I step into the portal and begin to shiver and the other side I become happier when we find the cave.
"I volunteer to explore one of the passages." I will see witch passage Selrin (grootoo dude) and will choose that one as he seems to know something about caves.
SUBJ: Schar (R) FROM: Schar 07/07/91 S#: 822387
I silently thank Azrella as Arath arrives safely. Perrel comes by and casts a spell on me. I am puzzled by his being watched over by two goddess comment. I return his affection.
"You are still a scoundrel, you know. Don't you dare change."
Once Omni gives the command to go, I nervously follow everyone into the pillars. I do my best to control my mount in the blizzard that we are suddenly dumped into. Guiding the horse is this storm is no easy matter. Once inside the safe cave, I set down to recover. I huddle near Perrel to stay warm.
"So far, so good, Omni. Wonder where those passages go to."
Should anyone show signs of succumbing to the cold, I'll cast Resist Cold on them. Otherwise, I'll safe them until needed.
Spells in Memory:
1st - Log of Everburning, Cure Light Wounds x2, Endure Cold x2
2nd - Withdraw, Resist Cold x4
3rd - Effacious Monster Ward, Dispel Magic
SUBJ: Perrel... (R) FROM: Count Kill 07/09/91 S#: 399473
Once we're plunged into the cold, I instantly start shivering, despite the heavy winter clothing I'm wearing.
"I hate cold weather. Hate it. Hate it. Hate it." I say to myself, while moving into the cave with the others.
When Schar moves over by me, I gratefully hold her close, reveling in the extra body heat.
"I've heard you can lose limbs in cold weather like this. I bet the guy who hid the sword, set that teleporter to pop us here so we'd lose all our limbs looking for that dratted sword!" I say while my teeth chatter slightly.
If anyone starts having problems with the cold, I will cast an Aura of Comfort on them, if Schar doesn't have any more Resist Cold's.
I'll also keep an eye on the horses, and use an Aura on them if necessary.
"I know you all are probably colder than we are. I'm sorry we had to put you through this. " I say to the horses as I watch them carefully.
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 07/09/91 S#: 399524
"Tis good to see you my friend, I feared I would turn to an Icicle before you could arrive."
When they get to the tunnel.
"Lets secure this area before we get to comfortable. I would hate to get attacked while resting." Arath will prepare to search the cavern area.
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: The Company continues onward in this wintery wonderland!