Spectrum's Comments: The Company has traveled to the Island of Everwinter, arriving high up in the mountains. Unfortunately a white dragon bars their path while the situation between Eliza and Crandor deteriorates...
Sword of Doom #53
Perrel and then Omni step in to break up the impending duel between Crandor and Eliza.
Having listened to all ideas presented, Omni decides to attack while the group still has an advantage.
He creates three attack forces. The first will sneak around and attack from behind the dragon. This group consists of Crandor, Tristan and Arathnasis. The second group will go directly for the dragon, more then likely drawing its breath weapon. Omni instructs Schar to cast her Resist Cold spells on this group.
The last group, everyone else, will follow in and attack from range using spells and weapons.
The plans set, the Company of the Sword march to the dragon lair. Crandor's group goes in first and edge their way along the wall. Omni's group goes towards the dragon.
Suddenly, the dragon is awake and moving!
It breathes is awesome breath weapon, a cone of intense cold. It catches Omni, Drakkor and Arath fully. Each is protected by Schar's spell but still feel the coldness. Unexpectedly, the rear end of the cone catches Schar and Jonathon. Both remain standing.
Groups one and two rush to the attack. Group three prepare their ranged attacks.
As you approach, a strange fear swells up in each of you. Most of you can conquer this fear. Arathnasis, Drakkor, Gathis, Mastiff, Schar and Tristan can not.
Argent, flying overhead, casts a Lightning Bolt at the dragon. It hits and the dragon lets out a small cry of pain.
Selarin fires two magic arrows, but both merely bounce off.
Jonathon fires two Magic Missiles from his wand, further wounding the dragon.
Omni reaches the dragon and promptly misses with his great sword. Eliza scores two hits with her Katana, creating deep slashes in the dragon's hide.
Consumed by dragon fear, Drakkor gives a half-hearted swing and misses. On the other side, Crandor connects with his longsword creating another wound. Tristan and Arathnasis miss.
Slightly confused by being attack from a variety of sides the dragon pauses. Several of the Company act.
Argent fires off a trio of Magic Missiles. Mastiff adds one of his own and Jonathon two more from his wand.
Crandor hits with his longsword again. Another deep, bleeding slash in the dragon's hide.
Eliza strikes once more, increasing the size of the wounds by her.
A roar of enragement and pain fills the cave. Suddenly, the dragon beats it's huge wings knocking all from their feet. Or back across the cave in Argent's case.
The dragon takes to flight and flies out one of the large openings. It is quickly gone from sight.
A few minutes pass and all remains quiet...
SUBJ: GM Notes (R) FROM: GM Mad 07/31/91 S#: 474158
Where did the dragon go??
Current Hit Points:
Drakkor 31 of 42
Eliza 37 of 48
Jonathon 3 of 14
Omni 40 of 51
Schar 30 of 41
Now what??
Spectrum's Comments: As I recall, the dragon wasn't all that old. Age catagory 4 or 5 at most. Just a kid.
SUBJ: Crandor.... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 08/01/91 S#: 825225
Crandor hisses when Perrel steps in, and storms off without another word.
When the attack begins, he follows as ordered. When the dragon awakens, he rushes to melee. The dragon fear wars momentarily, but loses quickly to the ranger's senses.
When the dragon leaves, he does not feel the sweet emotions of victory. He remains tense, waiting.
Finally, eyes still on the sky, he falls back to Omni: "I don't like this. We have defeated it, there is no point in staying."
SUBJ: Eliza (R) FROM: Tora 08/01/91 S#: 810025
When the dragon takes off, and doesn't return immediately, I wipe my blade clean and smile upon my father's blade, "Once again you struck true. Each time you spoke, the dragon felt your words. Hopefully the dragon has learned the meaning of fear and you will not need to speak again."
I then move to the edge of the cavern, keeping my senses at full, awaiting the return of the dragon. If I am relieved of this guard duty, I will search out Master Perrel. Once I find him (Probably with Schar), I ask, "May I have a word with you Master Perrel in private?"
If he grants the audience and we have moved off to the side, I will say loud enough for Perrel and no one else to hear, "Master...Crandor has once again called my honor into question. The first time, I was in agreement with him. The second time, he called my actions to regain my honor foolish. As was explained, my life is nothing without my honor. I now understand that this concept is very strange to those within the group. Lord Omni and I have discussed this and may have worked out a solution that won't endanger anyone else. This last time though was out right dishonorable. If I had left Crandor alive in my father's country or around my family, I would have been dishonored. If I had died, I would still be dishonored for right always triumphs. Lord Omni has told me to give pause but my honor is still in question. Unless he recalls his questioning of my honor, I must kill him to regain my honor in my own body. I will wait until a place of safety has been reached before I complete the challenge. That should be long enough to even satisfy Lord Omni. If you have any questions, I will try to answer them within reason."
With that, I await his response with head bowed but senses at full. (even off duty I await an attack from some unknown enemy.)
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 08/01/91 S#: 487619
Omni is quite surprised when the dragon leaves. He waits a moment for it to return, then lowers his blade when it doesn't.
"I don't like this. Argent, can you check the cave entrance before your fly spell wears off? If not, I'll send some of our stealthier companions. Crandor, take Tristan, Mastiff, and Raith and backtrack to get the horses with our supplies...but don't bring them out in the open until signaled to. Everyone else, fan out for a look around- Clerics, please heal who you can."
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 08/01/91 S#: 514313
An odd fear overcomes me as we advance on the dragon. I feel the coldness of it's breath surround me. Numbed and terrified out of my mind, I fall to the ground and cry.
After an unknown amount of time, I feel someone touching my arm. I scream and open my eyes.
"Perrel! Help me please!! I'm-- I'm-- afraid!!"
I lunge myself forward and get a death grip on Perrel, crying the whole time.
Much later when the fear has gone, I dry my eyes and try to heal the wounded. When I see that Eliza wishes to speak to Perrel privately, I walk off to check on my patients.
SUBJ: Perrel. FROM: GM Kill 08/03/91 S#: 499494
I go into the battle reluctantly, as up to now our foes were just that, as they had attacked us first, it was hard to call them anything else.
But, this had more the earmarks of an assassination rather than a battle, and the priests of Tymora never raised me to be such.
Yet, because I know that my companions and the one I love, are depending on me, I join them in their action.
When I see the fear strike Schar, I quickly move to her, and am somewhat surprised at her reaction. I just hug her tightly, and run my fingers slowly through her hair and down her face, while softly talking to her and reassuring her.
I also take the opportunity to heal Schar, as I see the extent of the damage the dragon's breath did. I just hold her until the fear wears off and she calms down, my own pulse racing slightly as I worry about her. Only when she finally calms down, do I calm down some as well.
"Are you okay?" I ask.
When Eliza asks to speak to me in private, I give Schar a quick kiss, ask her if she'll be all right without me for a little while, and then move somewhere with Eliza.
I stand there quietly listening to her, and pause a moment to think before I reply.
"Eliza, I understand that you're from a foreign land, and thus our ideas of honor are somewhat different from what you are used to."
"But, what Crandor said didn't dishonor you...it dishonored himself."
"You may have acted a little rashly when you marched on the trolls, but your heart was in the right place, even if your head wasn't."
"No one here will discount either your skill or courage, as you've proven your valor many times to us."
"So, when Crandor says you are anything less, we know him to be lying, and thus he dishonors himself by doing so."
"In your land you have wise men, I presume? Well, would they constantly fight at every slight, ill chosen comment, or lie?"
"Of course not, because that's not wise. They would be constantly fighting, and would never accomplish anything."
"Honor is a fine thing to have, but it has to be tempered with patience and understanding, it can't stand on it's own."
SUBJ: Gathis (R) FROM: RAD DWEEBE 08/03/91 S#: 800311
Awe comes over young Gathis, and suddenly leaves as soon as it came. He
realizes he could have been killed in seconds if he were in a different group. He quickly goes to the chosen door of escape, avoiding the hole the dragon went up.
SUBJ: Perrel cont. FROM: GM Kill 08/03/91 S#: 507820
"Remember, when Crandor insults you, he's dishonoring himself, not you."
"Your reputation and honor are secure with the rest of the group, and when Crandor says otherwise he proves EXACTLY what he is."
"Approach him with patience and understanding, just as would any wise person."
Once I finish talking to Eliza, I wander back over by Schar, wrap my arm around her waist, and pull her close for a kiss.
"Did you miss me?" I say with a sly smile.
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 08/03/91 S#: 17077
I too am surprised when the dragon goes on the lamb. 'Not good. This is not good.'
I nod in Omni's direction when he asks me to scout the tunnel out. I fly after the dragon. If I should happen to run into it, I'll fire my remaining Magic Missile and the run for it.
Once I do return: 'This is not good. The dragon knows this area far better then we. It could ambush us anytime in our journey south. This could get messy.'
I'll take the time to examine the ice pillars. Try to get an idea what is in them, without breaking them open.
SUBJ: Arath. FROM: Wildchilde 08/03/91 S#: 10506
Rather upset with himself for faltering under from the fear of the dragon, Arath will wander about he cave rather disgusted. He will go to a treasure filled pillar and begin to chip away with his dagger trying to get at what is inside.
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Tora 08/03/91 S#: 6989
When Master Perrel finishes his explanation of the honor everyone else goes by, I gain a puzzled look. "I was raised not to bring dishonor to myself. Not only do you allow dishonoring one's self, you let the person live long enough to disgrace his or her family name. If I dishonored myself, I would take my own life or tried for a feat that would bring back my lost honor rather than soiling my family name. You are all backwards. Then again, since I am the outsider, I may be the backward one. This is going to take some great meditations to work out. I will not kill Crandor for the time being. I will follow yours and Lord Omni's wisdom. I will have to talk to you two before I take offense of my honor. Everything is all messed up and I don't understand it."
With that, I either move to guard duty, help with preparations for leaving or go meditate on what was said. My mediation will take the form of slow weapons practice with the broadsword. This will keep the cold from effecting me but keeping me rested and ready for a fight.
If someone asks to join me in my practice, "Thanks but I must pass. I have a problem I must think through and I wouldn't want to injure you by accident because my mind was on the problem rather on where the edge of my sword is."
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 08/04/91 S#: 46255
I slowly feel better as Perrel holds me.
"I'm alright now. Thank you."
Later, I listen as Argent speaks to Omni.
"The mage has a point, Omni. As the saying goes, there is nothing more dangerous then a wounded animal. We wounded the dragon. He will be back. I think we should go to the nearest town or use the artifact to go back to the castle."
Later when Perrel returns.
"Of course, I missed you!"
:* ;D
SUBJ: GM Notes: FROM: GM Mad 08/04/91 S#: 54964
Eliza meditates on what she's learned. Her mind clears and she feels more at ease. (Made meditation roll.)
Argent explores the dragon's escape route. After 50 yards, the tunnel turns to the right. 80 yards after that it opens to the outside. However, the passage is on the side of the mountain itself. Argent would estimate about 60 feet above the ground. The storm has died down, but all she sees around the mountain is seemingly endless hills of snow. The dragon is nowhere to be seen.
The priests do their thing and everyone is healed back to max HP's.
Examining the pillars, you discover that 6 are empty of objects. 3 hold coins: silver, platinum and copper. One type of coin to a pillar. Another ice pillar holds 3 bottles and a scroll case. One pillar holds five pieces of hold, each roughly the same size. The other 7 pillars hold bodies in various states of mutilation.
SUBJ: Selarin (R) FROM: GrooToo 08/04/91 S#: 519485
As my arrows bounce from the monsters hide I sigh. Upset in the fact that I am not A stronger fighter I heal those that I can. and turn to the pillars. noting the content of each one I go to Omni. "Omni, the treasure is small and that dragon might return at any time I suggest that we move on. The souls in the pillars are beyond our help and we could be easily destroyed by that dragon when it returns. Those are my thoughts on this."
Turning to Eliza "Lady your swordsmanship impresses me a great deal. I would learn from you if I could so that I could improve my feeble sword skills." Then I wait for Omni's plan and Eliza's reply and think of ways to improve my helpfulness to the group.
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Tora 08/04/91 S#: 789484
When Selarin asks about teaching swordsmanship, I smile and say, "The only sword I have mastered well enough to teach is the katana. I could teach the basics with the broadsword but that is all I know about that sword. I am still working at mastering it. All I can say about learning any weapon is to practice whenever you can. When you practice by yourself, move as slow as possible. Feel the weight change with each swing or block you do. Imagine your opponent but move very slow. Feel the way the sword moves and the range you can reach moving slowly. When in combat, your range may increase an inch or so but depending on that can get you killed. Just use it for extra damage for when your weapon does hit. This evening, I will be happy to spar with you if you wish. Or you are welcome to watch my slow practice."
Having hopefully figured out this thing about the honor in this group, I will do a little more slow practice then go to Master Perrel and see what needs to be done. Hopefully the cheerful look I now wear is enough to tell him I am fully ready with my mind cleared of all problems.
SUBJ: Omni (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 08/05/91 S#: 6634
"No one disturb more than a couple of those pillars...I'm not sure how much support they give to this cavern. As far as the dragon goes, you all have excellent points- it will be back, and it would be safest right now to leave. Notice that I said 'Right Now'. Odds are we will have to come through here again- either going to or from the teleporter- and then the dragon will be expecting us, and it won't be hurt."
"We won't wait around for the dragon, but neither will we run if it comes back. If it wishes to talk to us, fine- but it better make that clear from the start."
SUBJ: Mastiff FROM: Mastiff1 08/05/91 S#: 4614
Mastiff slinks around as he shakes off the fear of the dragon,*Ashes, it was HUGE. Holy Mother of Magic was it HUGE*
**Your right it was, but we hurt it didn't we? **
"Yeah" he says out loud "We did hurt it."
Mastiff goes around the cave looking for anything out of the ordinary.(stairs, doors etc...)
"Omni, maybe we have time to set a trap for it."
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 08/05/91 S#: 509518
"Your idea of honor is a fine one." I say to Eliza. "But, here we do not place as much emphasis on it."
"It is not that we're without honor, it's just that we don't let it rule our lives, we rule it."
"Many knights of our land have their own codes of honor, and they follow them strictly. But, if they do mess up their honor somehow, they don't do rash things to regain them. They approach the situation rationally."
"It's not dishonorable to use one's mind as well as one's muscle." I say to Eliza before she goes off to meditate.
I kiss Schar back, after she says that she missed me, and just revel joyfully in the fact that she's still alive after that Dragon's breath hit her.
"Next time I won't stay away so long." I say, while holding her tenderly, before giving her another kiss. :* ;)
"Yeah, let's get out of here. That dragon might have friends in the area he could call for help." I say when Omni mentions leaving. "And I'd hate to see what kind of friends he or she would have."
SUBJ: Tristan FROM: FrankP25 08/06/91 S#: 522982
Overcome with fear, Tristan paces upset with himself. "I think we should go, we wouldn't want to be caught from above or surprised."
Tristan waits for the rest of the party to move out.
Sword of Doom #54
The Company has managed to drive off the white dragon and not take any causalities.
The Company is now faced with several options. Among which are continue on towards one of the ports on Everwinter or return to Karn's Fortress and continue the quest via the Elder Artifact.
Half an hour has passed since the dragon has departed. Still no since of any other creatures.
While waiting, one of the horses collapses. The intense cold has greatly weakened it.
SUBJ: GM Notes (R) FROM: GM Mad 08/07/91 S#: 487416
Well gang, what's it gonna be??
In getting those post ready, I noticed a huge typo I made in my post about the ice pillars. Let's try this again:
1 pillar holds silver coins
1 pillar holds copper coins
1 pillar holds platinum coins
1 pillar holds 3 flasks and a scroll case
6 pillars are empty
1 pillar holds 5 pieces of wood. These look like the ones you need to activate the teleporter to the next location. (Yes, that was the typo!)
The remaining pillars hold bodies in various states of mutilation. Many have or hold pieces of equipment that look to be in good shape.
Now what?
SUBJ: Crandor (R) FROM: GM Falcon 08/08/91 S#: 472110
While jabbing his thumb at the pillar containing these parts of wood, he speaks: "Well, we might as well activate the artifact and continue onto the third leg."
'Nuff said.
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 08/08/91 S#: 10338
Omni nods towards the wooden pieces encased in ice. "I agree. Let's go ahead and cut those out; there's really no sense in going to a port with the animals already hurting as they are. But instead of going directly on to the third teleporter location, I want to go back to Karn's Fortress first. Our animals are dying, our priests have used their healing powers and our mages have used their best spells. We could use a break before hitting a potentially dangerous situation."
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 08/08/91 S#: 506842
I smile slightly, more because of relief when Omni makes his announcement.
"A wise choice, Omni. Come on, Perrel, let's get ready to go back to the keep. It's much more inviting then this winter wonderland."
SUBJ: Selarin FROM: GrooToo 08/09/91 S#: 488320
Looking at the pieces of wood in the Ice I decide my view on the subject. "Omni, We should continue on the way to our next objective landing point. If we return to the fortress we may have to pass though here again and a second combat would not be favorable in any situation. I believe we should continue on Immediately and see our next location, It can't be any worse than this one." With that I settle back to await the outcome of the decision.
Selarin
(Hot Chocolate anyone?)
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 08/09/91 S#: 471411
'In my heart I still feel that going to a port and by-passing the quest is the correct course of action. However, that appears to be very dangerous. If the frigid weather does not get us, the wounded dragon will. Going back does appear to be our best option. Plus I get to spend some more time in the library!' :D
'I believe that we have little choice when it comes to going back to the keep. After all, the pillar where we place the sticks is at the keep, not here. Each quest through the artifact will lead us back to the keep in the end. We shall not be returning here, Selarin.'
'Omni, should we not take what we can of the dragons horde? After all, can we not fill our purses as we seek the sword? The coins have their obvious uses and the potions and scroll could be of value. Does anyone have a Detect Magic handy? Some of the equipment could be enchanted.'
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 08/09/91 S#: 799759
When I see the horse go down, I rush over and check it. Seeing that it's still alive, I cast a Aura of Comfort on it, so that it'll warm up, and I talk to it, and coax it until I get it back on it's feet.
"I don't know where we're going, but we'd better get out of here soon, I don't think the horses are going to be able to take much more of this." I say to Omni. "Might as well head back to the fort, at least we know it's warm there."
Seeing Schar commenting about how it's too bad to be leaving this winter wonderland, I quickly get a fiendish smile, before bending down and scooping up a handful of snow.
"That's right, this is a winter wonderland, complete with...snowballs!" I say before throwing the ball of snow at her.
Spectrum's Comments: Some people just can't stay serious all the time!
SUBJ: Gathis FROM: RAD DWEEBE 08/10/91 S#: 502210
Well put crandor. I agree let get out of this wretched cold.
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 08/11/91 S#: 519845
"Fiend! Villain!"
I shout after being pelted by a snowball. Grabbing a pile of snow myself, I ran after Perrel with the intent of filling his shorts with the cold stuff. ;D
SUBJ: Perrel... (R) FROM: GM Kill 08/12/91 S#: 490848
I quickly run from Schar, when I see what her intent is, and try to stay just out of her reach.
When we're running past a large snowpile, I quickly turn, grab her, and throw us both into the snow.
I then lay there in the snow with her, laughing, as I pick up a handful of snow and throw it at her.
"You're catching on, soon you'll be as much of a fiend as I am." I say with a wide smile, and a wink. ;)
Spectrum's Comments: Love does indeed make people do strange things...
SUBJ: Crandor... FROM: GM Falcon 08/12/91 S#: 819253
"I like the way she thinks...", Crandor murmurs approvingly, smiling at Argent.
"However, there's a problem with taking these treasures. One, we're not sure how dependent this cave is on those pillars. We shouldn't have to deal with a cave-in. Two, that dragon could still come back, and without the element of surprise we'd take many casualties."
Spectrum's Comments: Yep, our dour ranger is taking a shine to the invoker.
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Tora 08/13/91 S#: 34375
Eliza stands ready for the return of the dragon while everyone else discuss what to do next. She trusts Lord Omni and Master Perrel (Even with him acting like a child around Schar) to make the right choice.
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 08/13/91 S#: 819425
I return Crandor's smile but I'm not really sure why. My mind wonders what he is thinking about and why he is staring. Anyway, I see Perrel and Schar frolicking in the snow and I shake my head.
Once the subject of the pillars is brought up. 'True, they probably support the ceiling. Let's just open two of them up. The one with the platinum and the one with the potions and scroll. That shouldn't take that long. What do you say, Omni?'
SUBJ: Omni (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 08/14/91 S#: 475773
"Fair enough, Argent. First, the wood pieces come out. Then...after we evacuate everyone we don't need to open the other pillars...we'll look at those two. Just call it an extra safety precaution. Then we can get out of this arctic 'paradise'."
SUBJ: Mastiff FROM: Mastiff1 08/14/91 S#: 835486
Mastiff sits cross-legged on the ground, with his cat in his cloak. He seems to be meditating.
*It's COLD! I hope we hurry and get out of here. Ashes, are you alright? Does the cold bother much?*
Mastiff will help with the pillars anyway he can.
*********
Spells: when a chance is giving to learn them: Magic Missile & Phantasmal Force
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: Back to Karn's Keep!