A Northern interlude
Subject A northern interlude
Acer sits in the cell. He can not tell if it is dark in the room. He can not tell if the ground is damp or cold. He can not sense anything living around him. His shackles have been pinned through his forearms. The manacles would not hold the normal way now, not with his hands gone. He tries to swallow but the swelling from where his tongue once was makes it almost impossible. He thinks he can see the image of an afterimage of the sun in his eyes but knows better. His eyes were the first thing they took. He tries to concentrate on changing from, but whatever potion they are giving him makes that impossible. He lifts a silent prayer to Obad-Hai that the Council would listen to his commands and send no more druids.
He hears a commotion outside the cell and the lock on the metal door bangs open. "Acer" cries an anguished voice. He recognizes Sephira and his despair only grows. "What have they done to you?" she asks and is answered by the voice he has come to dread. "Nothing we have not done to the rest of your type." The voice is cold and almost with out passion. A dead voice. A dead man. The voice continues.
"Nothing we will not do to you." This time a little passion escapes into the voice. Acer's ears fill with the horrifying sounds of Sephira's screams. Obad-Hai., Acer prays, please let the Council send Salix and his friends, or the Woods is lost.
Northern Interlude thoughts, Council talk
Subject Northern Interlude
(ooc - Lucky for Salix he's still in ignorance of this. *I* on the other hand am pretty scared for the party. I mean whatever this is must be pretty damn powerful if it can do *this* to the Stormfather.)
From: Karl
Subject During the Council
"What precautions, if any, were the other Wealdwards instructed to take in investigating this problem? Knowing this might help us anticipate the danger since apparently all precautions they *did* take were insufficient.
"Also, you mentioned that Stormfather Acer left a long note with you before he left. May we see the note? It could have some clue that could be useful."
From: Karl
Subject Northern Interlude
And who knew Mark has such a dark streak in him. That's a genuinely disturbing scene.
From: Kevin
Subject Northern Interlude
I knew.
I tried to warn you guys, but you did not listen.
"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."
From: Mark
Subject Council talk
A different Father speaks. "They were told to use the usual precautions. Stay in the woods. Use the woods as your ally. They would have talked to the local animals, maybe contacted some of the local forest creatures, the like."
A third Father then takes over. "Acer's message was one of warning. He said that he felt something evil from that part of the forest. That it had been growing, like a cancer. We who follow Obad-Hai do not stand much on ceremony or rank, but acknowleged and respect ability. Acer was the best of us. He was the head of this council. His note covered many topics, most of which I will not discuss with outsiders. However, two parts concern you young Salix."
"First, he says that he has a premonition that the druids would not be able to defeat this incursion on their own. You do not know what an uproar that caused. The druids do not ask for help easily. The StormFather felt that this incursion was aimed at the power of the druids. He expressed his concern for sending you into this danger but also his confidence that with the help of these outsiders, you might succede where the others have failed."
"Second, he warned us about wanting revenge. Of reacting with anger. He reminded us that the forest can be vicious but it is not cruel in the way normal people think of it. The death of a young one to a predator is not cruel, but nature at work." The old man stops, looking at the party.
From: Karl
Subject Council talk
"If something has corrupted the woods to this degree, then communing with it is probably unwise," Salix muses out loud. "I believe I should avoid direct communion with the trees and animals there, but that would mean no way to contact this council. You would then have no way of knowing our status or progress. Knowing beforehand that we will not send word until/unless this problem is squelched, you should not assume from our silence that we have suffered the same fate as the others, at least not at first. Perhaps we should set a time by which you will expect to hear something, either of our success or at least our progress. If we are able, and have not yet fixed the problem, perhaps I could return far enough from Bodentown to be able to communicate without interference from the corruption.
"On the other hand, if you do not hear from me within that time, I strongly urge you to get in touch with Captain Angelwing. There are dark forces on the move in the world at large and I fear this problem may be related, though at this point I couldn't say how, exactly.
"I understand not wanting to speak of sacred things in front of those not of our circle. Is there something this Council would like to say to me in private? I want only to remove this threat and hopefully bring the Stormfather and the others back to us, but the task seems daunting. Any information, assistance or encouragement you could provide would be welcome."
From: Porter
Subject Northern Interlude
Ooh! There are all kinds of cool monsters to kill in Dante's Dungeon!
From: Porter
Subject Council talk
"No offense or nothin'," Mund says with uncharacteristic civility, "but this is an awful lot to ask us to do. It's eve more to ask when you're not telling us the whole story. Maybe you don't think that most of what Acer said concerns us, but you don't really know, cause-of you don't got no idea what's going on out there and what's concerning us."
"I figger that we need to know everything that was in Acer's message before we even think about going."
From: Mark
Subject Council talk
Howls of protest come from the assembled druids at Mund's request. ForestFather Bindle holds up his hands and faces the druids. "We are asking these to sacrifice for us, maybe even their lives. He does not ask too much." Another druid speaks up "It is forbidden to outsiders." Several others voice support for this view when MountainFather Flint speaks up. "Friend Mund, would you accept this compromise. We inform Salix of all of the content and we let him decide what is relavent to your needs. In his travells outside the woods he has come to know what concerns you might have."
From: Porter
Subject Council talk
"As long as you leave Salix free tell us whatever he thinks is important, whenever, then sure. Problem is, that boy is so gol-durn honerable," Mund spits out the bad-tasting word, "that if'n y'all tell him he can't tell, he probably won't, even if it might get him killed. You've gotta leave it free to his judgmentation. Are y'all willing to do that?"
From: Karl
Subject Northern Interlude
Yeah, you gotta kill a three-headed dog just to get in!
From: Karl
Subject Council talk
OOC - Salix's part about talking in private with the council can be taken as coming in response to Mund's comments.)
From: Karl
Subject Council talk
Salix cowers inwardly at the brusqueness Mund displays before The Council, and in The Grove of all places! But he says nothing and tries not to show his discomfort to Mund. He was what he was and The Council should be wise enough to see beyond the rough face of things. They've had badgers at the dinner table before, after all, and their manners are even less polished.
From: Derek
Subject Council talk
Allistair nods in agreement. "My brother is right. It shows bad faith to ask us to go where several of your most powerful members may have already been killed, and then withhold pertinent information from us, sacrosanct though it may be. If you cannot agree to divulge the information directly and completely, then you must also give us your word that you will give Salix no order or compulsion not to tell us whatever information he thinks is important. Surely you can trust the judgement of Salix, who has had much more experience in dealing with outsiders such as us."
From: Randy
Subject Council talk
Ranthir nods at Allistair and Mund's comments.
He and his companions were a formidable force but if the head of the Druid order had been unable to overcome the problems that were facing the North Woods then could this group have more hope? Possibly. The Stormfather suspected that the danger was focussed on the druids.
"If this danger is primarily affecting the druids then should Salix be accompanying us at all? Based on the events we have been told, he is taking on a very great risk by taking this mission. Salix is a true friend and a powerful companion and I should not like to lose him as either."
Ranthir hopes that Salix is not offended by his comment.
From: Karl
Subject Council talk
Salix quickly responds, "If the Stormfather asked for me, he would not have done so for a trivial reason. I cannot say why he thinks I have a hope of succeeding where others have failed, but I could not stay behind knowing he has requested my help." He says this, trying desperately to hide the skepticism he has at his own words. What was the Stormfather thinking? If *he* could not stand against this evil, how on Earth could Salix? But then again, they did not know that the Stormfather had fallen or been taken captive. Perhaps he sensed the evil influence on the woods around Bodentown and simple does not have a way to contact them. That was probably the case, of course. He is waiting for the aid from Salix and his friends and he will be with them when they confront this evil. "For what it's worth, he may even now be waiting for us. There are many reasons short of failure that he might not be able or willing to communicate directly with our circle."
From: Jason
Subject Council talk
Ragnar, after consulting briefly with Harp (and assuming he agrees with what follow), says "Our order has its own reasons for needing to contact Stormfather Acer, and we would do so despite any risk we may have to undertake. Whatever information you can give Salix will be appreciated. I do not speak for others, but those of us with duty to the Order of the Silver Sword will accompany Salix to seek out and assist the Stormfather, and any who are held with him, even if we must rely solely on the mercy of Heironeous to guide us."
From: Kevin
Subject Council talk
Harp does agree.
OOC: I will write more later today or early tonight.
Just got really busy here and cannot write more now.
From: Randy
Subject Council talk
"I will leave that decision to you my friend. I will, of course, be more than willing to continue with you on this journey."
From: Kevin
Subject Council talk
Harp sits quietly as he listens to the discussions of others. This he was used to. Harp had had his taste of command and he had not enjoyed it. He was content to listen, learn, and follow his friend, even if it was to his death.
Harp feels a tap on his shoulder and then Ragnar leans over and whispers a few short words in his ear. Harp nods, knowing that even if their quest was tied up with the Stormfather, he would have gone with Salix anyway, barring a direct order to the contrary. He was lucky that wasn't the case here. There was little he could add in the planning or discussions, but he could add his sword and his strength to the cause. With Heironious's support, he would not fail.
From: Ashley
Subject Council talk
Surin listens intently to the goings on, smiling at how well Salix was handling the situation. He had some good ideas, and wasn't afraid to stand up for them. The conversation winds down but Surin can't help feeling ansy about the situation. If he was expected to go into this freaky area, he at least wanted to be well armed with information. "Have your people ever had serious altercations with these people before? Do you have any idea what we might possibly expect if we make it to Bodentown, other than angsty townsfolk? Is there anything we should try to learn about the area before going in?"
From: Karl
Subject Council talk
"On that note, I hesitate to suggest this, but maybe if there's some way I could hide my druid allegiance I and the others might be able to make it into town without arousing suspicion of the true nature of our visit. Any suggestions on how to do that? I'm loath to hide like that, but in this case it might be best. Obad-Hai will know my heart."
From: Kevin
Subject Council talk
'If Mund and me can get into town, we might be able to pick up on any local gossip. This might be a case where my background works to our benefit - I bet no one will look twice at me up there, if I can learn some more orc from Mund on our way up there."
From: Porter
Subject Council talk
"From what I know of Bodentown, nobody will look twice at any of us less'n we don't got enough money to pay or iff'n we look like we've got enough money to rob. Hell -- they'll even let," Mund stops himself short of saying the word elves "well, anyway, the whole group should be as welcome as anybody else."
Council talk, the council concludes
Subject Coucil talk
(OOC - Mark, what is the racial makeup of the Druids of the Great North Woods. I believe you said the druids of the south are largely Elves, but I've been working under the assumption that most of the GNW druids are human, with a sprinkling of other races and few if any Elves, or perhaps that the Elves among them are (for various reasons) Elves only racially and not really culturally. Salix is half-Elf, but knows almost no Elvish and very little about Elvish culture. If there were many Elves among the GNW druids, that probably wouldn't be the case.)
From: Mark
Subject Council talk
It is mainly Humans and a few halflings. There are a scattering of 1/2 elves, mainly those abandoned by their human monther because of racial tensions.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I was waiting to hear from Josh, but if nothing is in by lunch I will write something up then.
From: Josh
Subject Turn
OOC: I've been avidly reading everything that's been going on, I just haven't had anything for Kal to do in particular.
From: Mark
Subject The council concludes
The druids talk amongst themselves for a few minutes and then turn to the party. Bindle speaks again. "As loathe as we are to do so, we accept your conditions. We will tell Salix all that we know and then we will count on his discretion as to what information you will need. We thank you for your assitance." This last bit is said with a forced tone of voice but the druid is able to get it out. It is obvious that the druids are not used to asking for help when it comes to their forest.
Before the rest of the party leaves Bindle answers Surin's question. "We have not had any serious problems with Bodentown, any more than we do with a dozen such towns all around the Woods. They are a bit more agressive than most, probably because they are a free city, beholden to no lord or King. Any agreement we make with them only lasts until the next "Mayor" takes power." He takes a breath and continues. "What to expect? You have just come from Gorn, right?" Surin nods his head. "Well, take everything you know about Gorn and turn it upside down. Bodentown is much like the depths of the forest, the strong survive and grow, the weak do their best. The only differnce is that the forest does not enjoy what happens there, and the people of Bodentown seem to."
"Now we will hold private council with Salix and on the morrow your party will depart."
The meeting is over and Flint leads them back to a series of tents/huts where their gear has been stored. Several hours later Salix joins up with them for dinner.
OODM: I will be filling Karl in on the meeting and he can pass along what he likes.
From: Porter
Subject The council concludes
Mund had something he wanted to say before the council was over. How shall I write that up?
From: Kevin
Subject The council concludes
Harp, with Ragnar's consent, will ask Salix if the Druids might be able to part with any supplies they might think useful in the woods. (He is thinking along the lines of antidotes to any well know poisionous animals or plants or such. While the Druids will be familiar with these creatures, most of the rest of the group is not).
From: Porter
Subject The council concludes
As Salix is leaving to the "private council", Mund pulls him aside.
"Hey. I don't figger they'd wanna hear more from me, but when you're palavring with them, can you see if you can get any healing potions or somesuch from them? Without the scrolls and spells given to us the first time, we might not have made it out of that place alive. The same might be true here."
What is it? and a classic line
Subject What is it?
Harp will also ask Salix if there is any way the Druids can help identify any of the stuff they found in the caravan. The group would probably be willing to trade some of the stuff, assuming the Druids have any desire for any of the stuff.
From: Karl
Subject the council concludes
Salix leaves the Council circle but does not head directly toward where his party is tented. Instead he heads off in practically the opposite direction, returning to the party about an hour later wearing new leather armor the most striking feature of which (to the party at least) is the absence of the symbol of Obad-Hai embossed over the heart of his old leather armor. Indeed, this armor had no religious symbols or even artistic embellishment at all. In fact, aside from being new-looking, it was rather humble.
"Well, you can rest your heads. The council didn't really know anything much more than we already do at this point. Far be it from them to let *outsiders* think they've show all their cards, though. The StormFather's "other information" really didn't have anything pertinent to our mission."
From: Porter
Subject The council conludes
Once Salix is back, Mund proposes a question. "Alley -- do you know any way to magick up some answers that these druids might not be able to do?"
From: Derek
Subject What is it?
Allistair thinks for a moment. "I might, since I did learn a spell that allows me to view people from a distance. However, it requires a very special and expensive mirror: one that I haven't been able to afford yet. On the other hand, I am sure that the druids here are able to perform a similar type of magic, and they already said that all attempts to scry the disappeared druids had failed. I don't see that I would have any success where they had failed. Being able to view the person is easier with a more personal knowledge of the subject, and these druids certainly know each other better than I do. Still, while we are here we might as well look into it, and also see if we can identify these magic items we obtained from the ogres."
Allistair asks Salix or another druid representative if they have pearls they might sell so that we could identify some magical items to better prepare ourselves, and if they have specifically used the scrying spell or would have a silver mirror they might loan or sell so that Allistair could try scrying.
From: Mark
Subject What is it?
They have some pearls that they can trade for.
They do not have the silver mirror. Their scrying spell requires a pool of water
From: Porter
Subject What is it?
Are they going to give us those pearls because they appreciate to much our help, or are they going to be gold-grubbers?
From: Derek
Subject What is it?
Alright. How many magic items do we need ID'd, and how many scrolls were there? Do we have enough GP to buy enough pearls?
From: Mark
Subject What is it?
Jesh Send a guy on a quest to save the world and he wants everything given to him. :)
From: Porter
Subject What is it?
Hey. If they don't really care if we go or not, they can always so so...
From: Mark
Subject What is it?
Nothing like a little blackmail huh? :)
From: Porter
Subject What is it?
Blackmail's an ugly word. I prefer extortion. ;)
Oh, let me say that I'm not having Mund imply extortion. At least, not yet. ;)
From: Mark
Subject Classic line
He's shocked, shocked he says, to find out that gambling is going on here. ;)
From: Porter
Subject Classic line
I can't believe you got my M*A*S*H reference.
From: Karl
Subject What is it?
Salix will convey these request to whomever is most accessible in the Druid community.
From: Mark
Subject Classic line
BZZZZZZ. Wrong answer.
It was a Casablanca reference first.
From: Karl
Subject Classic line
ROTFL
From: Porter
Subject Classic line
So it was.
What it was
Subject Turn
Sorry I did not get anything out yesterday. I will try and get something out this afternoon.
From: Mark
Subject What is it?
It is late afternoon when Salix rejoins the party. He fills them in on what the Council had to say. At Harp's and Allistair's request to get some pearls, he leads them, and any who want to follow, to the local quartermaster. Allistair tells the Brother about what he needs and the man frowns. "7 pearls of that size? That's a small fortune. Let me look at my supplies and see what we have." Then the young boy who is assisting the man speaks up. "Yes young sprout, what do you have to add to this conversation that you are not supposed to be listening to?" The rebuke goes right past the teenager as he is bursting at the seams trying to hold in his thoughts.
"Brother Anthony, I think I might have a solution." The boy's speech tumbles out at a rapid fire rate, with hardly a space between the words. "When I was growing up, in Freng, that's the capitol of Bhyo you know, that's where I'm from. The druids there saw how much I liked the woods when they kept catching me in them. I was always in trouble.." A cough from the Brother gets the boy back on track. "Oh yeah, where was I? Oh yes, Freng. My dad's uncle's cousin ran a magic shop and he used to do good business identifying things for people like these, adventurer types." He looks at the party with a mix of awe and fear.
"And?" the older druid says. The young man continues "Well, I spent one fall there helping out, you know cleaning and stuff and he used prepare these scrolls ahead of time, because you know the spell that he used to identify things took over an hour to cast and his big spiel was that he could identify things while you wait." The young man turns to the party "That was his big selling point. Had a big sign and everything." He turns back to the Brother. "Well, I was just saying that if theses fine gentlemen were in a hurry that they should use a scroll." He stops talking and looks triumphantly at the Brother.
"That's all fine and dandy" the Brother replies "But where are we going to get seven scrolls with a magic users spell on it? We're druids. We do not depend on the fickle fate of chance, but on the sure hand Obad Hai?" The boy bows his head, a bit shamefaced. "And" the Brother continues "We do not have any of these arcane scrolls anyway." At that statement the boys head snaps up and he blurts out "But we do. That was what I was trying to say."
The Brother looks at the boy, mouth hanging open. "We have some of these scrolls?" The boy nods his head. "I found them the other day when you had me doing the inventory. They were listed as miscellaneous supplies. They look really old. Here, let me get them." The boy runs to the back of the shop and digs around in a large storage chest. A few minutes later he comes out with a handful of scrolls. He dumps them out on the table that everyone is sitting at and one rolls towards Allistair. He picks it up and looks at it. It looks like a standard scroll except it has some very faded writing on the side. It looks like the writing says "Identify".
The next half hour is spent haggling over the price of the scrolls. It is obvious to all that the Brothers heart is not in it and they get ten scrolls for only 100 gold. The party hurries back to where they are staying so that Allistair can identify the items from the ogres. It is dinner time when the get back and Father Flint is there with their food. "You should eat quickly and then go to sleep early. The Council has decided to use one of their more powerful prayers to use the trees to transport you to where you need to go, or actually close by. If you are to get there at sunrise you need to leave here a few hours after midnight." Salix and Allistair nod agreement but most of the others look confounded. Flint then leaves them to their food.
After dinner Allistair takes the items and the scrolls and heads to his room. He returns a little later.
OODM: I will let Derek report what he found.
From: Ashley
Subject What is it?
If there is any downtime, would it be possible for Surin to get some healing potions? Totally forgot about this back at Gorn :).
From: Porter
Subject What is it?
Just a reminder -- Mund has 2 healing potions on him. One is from the council (he never used his) and one was found in the training grounds.
From: Derek
Subject What is it?
Allistair comes back an hour later with the items in his sack. "Well, these items are nothing spectacular compared to what we got from Lothnar and the Order, but they might be useful. And even if not useful, we can probably sell them next time we're in a town. Maybe even in Bodentown. It would give us a beleivable cover story as to why we are coming into town. Anyway, the items are:
+1 heavy steel shield.
+1 ring of protection
+1 large great club
+1 large hide armor
arcane scroll Protection from Chaos
Divine scroll: Bull's Strength, Bless weapon, Obscuring mist.
"I'll hang onto the Protection from Chaos scroll, and let Harp, Salix and Ragnar decide what to do with the other three scrolls. If anyone wants to use any of these items they are welcome, although I can use the ring of protection if no one else does. I'll keep anything else that no one wants in my bag until we are ready to get them out."
From: Josh
Subject What is it?
Kal approaches Allistar,
"Are you planning on copying that scroll to your spellbook? " (I'll assume allistar says yes). "I would like to copy it from you afterwards. In fact, when we get the chance we should copy any spells from the others book that we don't have."
From: Porter
Subject What is it?
OOC: OK, who uses a shield in this party besides Mund?
From: Jason
Subject What is it?
Ragnar does, but currently has a Heavy Wooden Shield +1. Given that they're essentially the same thing, and more importantly, given that Ragnar's shield has his holy emblem engraved on it... he'll pass on this one :)
From: Derek
Subject What is it?
Allistair is a little surprised a Kal's amiability, since Kal had never really spoken to Allistair since that incident with the grimlocks. "Sure, I think that would be a good idea. Of course it will need to wait until we have a few days to rest. For now I'll hang on to it, if it's alright with you."
From: Derek
Subject What is it?
As Ragnar and Mund are discussing the metal shield, Allistair points out that it way be wise to do as Salix is doing and not overly advertise thier allegience to dieties. "From what Mund has been saying about this place, I think perhaps that openly proclaiming to be a priest of Heironius may be almost as dangerous as proclaiming to be a druid for Obad-hai. Discretion may be the best course of action until we know what we are dealing with, or whatever it is we are looking for becomes aware of us. What do youthink, Mund?"
Who gets what, Bodentown
Subject Who gets what
AT hearing Father Flints comment that they would be leaving soon, Harp speaks up.
"Sir, there are many supplies that I left back on my horse. My need for sleep is substantially less than most others. Would you mind sending me a escort who can take me back to where our horses are being kept so I can pack up what we might need?"
Mark, I currently have 3 of the 10 CLW potions Harp bought on him, but the rest in his saddle bags and pack. If we have time, Harp will ask Allistair if he can borrow his bag to put some of this stuff in. There is nothing large, some extra rope, a collapsible grappling hook, stuff like that from the Arms & Equipment Guide. The others might not have spent any time or money on getting additional adventuring gear when they were back in Gorn , but Harp spent almost his entire 1,000 g.p. - 500 g.p. on 10 CLW potions and the rest on basic gear. I have to go back and check the list I wrote up, but there is nothing esoteric about what he bought.
From: Mark
Subject Who gets what
Flint nods and summons an acolyte. The young man, almost a boy, shows Harp where the horses are being kept. Harp takes a look at the horses and sees that they are in good hands. They have been wahsed and groomed. The shoes have been cleaned and the damaged ones repaired. His own warhorse, Bloody Stupid, looks at the 1/2 orc with wondering eyes. It is obvious that the horse likes it here.
Harp quickly gathers the gear that the others had said that they needed and returns to the party.
From: Karl
Subject Who gets what
Salix is aware of the discussions about pearls, scrolls, and magic items, but is largely uninterested. He is far more worried about what tomorrow will bring, and whether he will be able to meet up with and assist the StormFather. At dinner, he is mostly quiet and thoughtful, not quite brooding, but certainly not cheerful.
(OOC - nothing more to add until next writeup.)
From: Randy
Subject Who gets what
Ranthir listens and is not interested in using any of the items.
All he wants to do is get some rest before they have to be on the move once more.
From: Ashley
Subject Who gets what
Surin wouldn't mind having the ring of protection, since he wouldn''t get much use out of anything else. :)
From: Porter
Subject Who gets what
What about Harp? Does he use a shield?
From: Porter
Subject Bodentown
"Well, worshipin' the gods ain't nothing big. Lots of folk worship the gods out in the Wildlands, as you well know. Bodentown might not be as pious as the rest of the wildlands, but nobody's gonna look at you cross-eyes for praying."
"But being a godsfolk, maybe that's a different story. Most Wilders ain't got much use for people telling us what to do, as godsfolk have are like to do, no offense to present company. Add to that the fact that the Salix's type of godsfolk are maybe getting killed already, and I think it's probably a good idea to cover up y'all's holy symbols and such."
From: Derek
Subject Bodentown
Weren't there some trade goods as well with that caravan? If we wanted to, we could probably pose as traders fairly easily, though we might need a wagon (we could sell it as soon as we get there) to pull the look off.
From: Karl
Subject Who gets what
With all the talk of healing potions and such, Salix does tell the group that The Council gave him some more hurtloam. "And this stuff seems much more pure than the hurtloam from MtnS Sephira," he adds. "She must have mixed hers with some sort of filler to better fit the purpose of a travel aid. The Council's hurtloam is as good as a healing draught, and they gave me a fair bit." (eq. 30 CLW)
"It's probably not the best option in the heat of battle, since too much of it will put you to sleep, but it should be a great help if the need arises."
From: Karl
Subject Bodentown
(OOC -- I bet Surin is getting downright giddy with the thought of all this disguising and sneaking in and stuff.)
From: Ashley
Subject Bodentown
:D
From: Mark
Subject who gets what
He can use one but he usually uses a buckler so he can use his bow with out dropping the shield.
From: Mark
Subject A couple of notes
A couple of notes.
First, if you could make sure that Anthony's e-mail address is no longer included. He has left the game and I do not want to fill up his mail box with our stuff.
Second, Hurtloam is a healing mud. It is put on wounds to heal them. In certain conditions it can be dried and the remaining dirt/dust can be used in other ways, such as helping to remove fatigue and exhasution. This second method is how the party made the long journey so fast.
From: Porter
Subject Who gets what
Mund says to the group "I wouldn't mind a little more protection, if nobody else wants to use this shield. Of course, I've got this really great darkwood shield that fits my torch perfectly. Salix -- I hear you druidfolk don't like metal armor and stuff. Would you like my shield?"
From: Karl
Subject Who gets what
(OOC - what's the rules with shield? I know druids can only use wooden ones, but how does that affect divine casting? )
From: Karl
Subject Who gets what
"I'd hate to take it from you, but if you are not going to be using it, perhaps I could borrow it for this trip."
From: Porter
Subject Who gets what
No amount of armor affects divine casting in general.
Druids lose all of their special abilities if they use metal armor.
From: Porter
Subject Who gets what
"Well, you put a lot of work into it. Here. Take my shield, with my torch. Although I've got to say, I'll miss carrying a shield so light. I hope you appreciate it," Mund says with a smile.
From: Karl
Subject Who gets what
So Salix can hold a shield and scimitar and still cast divine spells? No penalty?
From: Karl
Subject Who gets what
"I thank you, Mund. You are a true friend. May Obah-Hai bless you with abundance."
From: Porter
Subject Who gets what
Mund barely restrains himself from making a crack about Obah-Hai, and instead accepts the blessing as it was intended.
From: Mark
Subject Who gets what
I will check. There is a difference between an armor check penalty or spell failure chance and not having a hand free to cast a spell. I do not think a person can do the somatic components with hands filled with weapons.
For example, let say a cleric takes two weapon fighting. I would not let them cast a prayer with a weapon in two hands.
Sheathing a weapon is a move action that provokes AOO. But then so is casting a spell in a threatened square.
Lets say Salix is not in combat but has his shield and scimitar out and in hand. He wants to cast a prayer. He takes his move action to sheath his sword and then his standard action to cast the spell. The next round he wants to attack. He pulls his sword as part of a move action. Pulling a weapon does not provoke AOO.
From: Kevin
Subject Who gets what
Harp looks longingly at the big shiny shield. Boy, what he wouldnt' give to have that strapped to his arm. But, he was sure that he wouldn't be able to use his new bow very well, if at all, with it, and while he had not done so well the first time he had tried to use it, he was pretty sure he could get better with it.
Maybe when he got back he could look into getting an enchanted buckler.
From: Derek
Subject Bodentown
Allistair agrees. "I think posing as a small caravan might be a good idea. We could claim to be the remnants of the caravan we encountered earlier, and even if they suspected us of robbing the caravan it probably wouldn't be that big of a deal in that sort of place."
Turn, e-mail server, who gets what, the night passes
Subject Turn
It is a wonderful day here in Dayton. Bright, sunny, mid 70's and so the wife has roped me into painting the fence pickets that we have had in our basement since the project started last year.
So I will get a turn out tonight when she has gone with the oldest boy to a band competition.
From: Josh
Subject Turn
Sucka!
From: Derek
Subject E-mail server
OC: Is kalevan mail server messing up again? Things that I sent to the kalevan@strobelight.ca are taking over 24 hours before they appear in my inbox. Has anyone else noticed this?
From: Jason
Subject E-mail server
Well I haven't yet noticed a 24 hour delay, but yes I have seen some fairly significant delays.
From: Mark
Subject e-mail server
I have notice a small delay but not 24 hours.
Can all of you make sure to take Anthony's e-mail off when you reply to all?
It is the AOL addy.
From: Mark
Subject Who gets what
I just want to confirm who has what.
The only thing for sure that I can find is that Mund is taking the +1 large steel sheild and giving Salix the small darkwood shield.
Who is getting the other stuff? I need this cleared up pretty soon as the party is about to head off in to dangerous lands.
From: Mark
Subject The night passes
In the shade of the trees the party eats a hearty meal. If the druids know one thing, it is how to cook. Even Mund, a little leery of some of the dishes tries a few and finds them wonderful. MountainFather Flint passes around a drink that every one tries and all like. He tells them that it is distilled from the waters from the deepest part of the mountain and is very rarely given to outsiders. As the party sits around, stomaches full, they feel their eyes grow heavy and several acolytes lead them to where they will spend the night. Several of the party members do not remember even getting to their beds.
It is still dark out when they are awoken. The acolytes rouse everyone and let them know is is just two hours after midnight. That means that most of them have still gotten a good 6 hours of sleep. They quickly get their gear together and follow the acolytes to the MountainFather. When they are all present he starts talking.
"The Council is now at the sacred grove preparing what needs to be done to send you to the grove near Bodentown. We are going to do something we have only done once before in our recorded history. We druids have ways of using plants to move great distances. The more powerful of us may even bring others with us. However, due to the risk, we are not willing to send a druid of such power along. So we are going to do something else."
"A druid circle is forming. It consists of many powerful druids from all the aspects of nature. They will join their power and then imbue Salix with the power. He will then use this power to move your party to the druid oak grove that is closest to Bodentown. That will still be 20 miles or more from the edge of the woods and another 5 miles to Bodentown. Our feeling is that once Salix has moved the party the power will leave him and whatever is there will not notice him. You can only carry what you can put on your backs. No horses, no wagons. We will care for you mounts in hope of your return."
"Any questions before we go to the grove? Once there only druids may speak. Be quick. The night grows old where you are going."
OODM: Ask any last minute questions.
Rings and stuff
Subject Rings and stuff
OOC: What's the rules on rings of protection? One per character?
If he can wear it Kal would take the ring, but if someone else wants it they can have it.
From: Kevin
Subject rings and stuff
Harp will let Ragnar have the cleric scolls. Harp is more likely to be closer to the front in any battle and it is likely that Ragnar would have more time to be able to read one when needed (and before he comes barrelling into the fray).
From: Derek
Subject rings and stuff
Surin also said he could use the ring. Allistair is fine with Surin having it, too.
From: Mark
Subject Rings and stuff
The rules for rings: A character can only use two rings at a time, one on each hand. They can posess more rings, but only two can function at a time.
The rules for Rings of protection: Since bonuses do not stack, only the ring with the highest bonus counts. So someone with a +2 ring and a +1 ring does not get a +3 bonus.
Also rings of protection give a deflection bonus. This may not stack with other deflection bonuses,such as sheild of faith. The only AC bonus that stacks is dodge bonuses.
There are some circumstance bonuses that stack but those are on a case by case basis.
From: Ashley
Subject rings and stuff
The internet in my apartment has been down most of the week and I don't know when it will go back up, so if I can't add to the converstation I'm sorry.
"Could Allistair fit a wagon in his bag of holding? It might be moot since Allistair can hold everything we have so far in his bag of holding, I just think it would make us a little more inconspicuous if we went into Bodentown with a solid cover story."
OOC: This isn't super important, I guess, unless it's really uncommon for traders to keep their goods in a BoH (which, now that I think about it, why wouldn't they?), but he's just putting the question out there. Alos, Surin would really like the ring of protection--light armor can only give you so much AC.
Questions and through the woods
Subject Questions
No questions from any one?
I will write a turn up tonight.
From: Ashley
Subject Questions
Did nobody get the message I sent yesterday morning?
From: Jason
Subject Questions
If you meant this message, then yes I got it. A bag of holding probably would not be able to fit a wagon, though it could certainly hold some trade goods.
From: Ashley
Subject Questions
unkeeday, then.
From: Kevin
Subject Questions
Harp will ask if there is anyone person in particular the Druids have had dealings with in the past, either good or bad. Harp has learned that the Druids normally would not work directly in the city/town, but they may have made some contacts outside the town that had either worked out well or poorly.
From: Karl
Subject Questions
While this is good information to have, Salix would be against meeting with such a person until after they have discovered what was going on. As things stand, he would be suspicious of this person/contact. Why had they not contacted the circle if they had any knowledge of missing druids. Or at the best, contact with this person could be the very thing that led to the disappearance of the other druids.
From: Mark
Subject Questions
All agreements between the druids and been with the "Mayor" or who was Mayor at the time.
The local druid had some contact with some local people but the Council did not have any names. The druids would have used the local animals more than the people.
From: Mark
Subject Through the woods
Flint looks around at the party, seeing if there are any questions. Allistair asks if they can bring the wagon along so that they can pose as merchants. Flint shakes his head. "Too big, it will be pushing it sending just you eight and your animals and gear. I am not sure if we could send a horse along if we wanted." Flint then looks the group over and leads them to the druid grove.
The grove is only about a 15 minute walk away. Flint leads them in the pale moon light. It is bright enough that even Allistair and Mund can see their way along the path with out too much trouble. When they get to the clearing they see an odd site. There is an inner ring of trees that stands about 15 feet from the forest. This ring is almost 100 feet across. The trees in this inner ring seem to be of every type of tree, one each. Beech, elm. ash, oak, larch, palm, birch and more and more. In the middle of the grove stand 11 druids, forming a circle. Flint motions for the party to take its place in the center of the druids and then takes his place in the circle.
With out warning the one of the druids starts chanting. It is a sing songy chant. Salix recognizes the basic tone and most of the words. It is in the druid language, the one that is never taught to outsiders. After several bars of the chant a second druid picks up the chant, adding his voice to the first. This new voice adds a new timber to the chant, another aspect of nature. The chant continues, one voice after another adding its strength and aspect to the song. The MountainFather is the last. His deep bass voice adds the solidness of the mountains and the strength of the earth to the song.
The power builds around the party. All of those who use mystical power of some sort can feel it, even Harp. The others feel a tingling at the nape of their neck as the power reaches its zenith. The full moon shines down on the party as Flint motions Salix forward. He lays his hands on Salix and the 1/2 elf jumps at the touch. Power flows from Flint and Salix feels as he is going to burst. "Salix," Flint says" we, the druid council, bequeath to you the grace to move through plants. We give you the power to take your friends with you. Look into my mind, see the oak grove near Bodentown, the grove you are going to." In his mind Salix sees quite clearly a large oak grove, one massive tree in particular, standing like sentinels of the forest. "Now" continues the MountainFather "take your friends hands and lead them to the oak in this grove. There, say the prayer to Obad-Hai that is now in your heart. Then lead your party through the tree to your destination."
Salix motions for his companions to follow him and he strides to the oak in the circle of trees. It is a massive tree, easily 10 feet across. He pulls out his new wooden holy symbol and chants the prayer that is throbbing inside of his head. As he finishes it he looks at the tree, and to his eyes, a wide hole has opened up, making a path through the tree and out the other side of a far away tree. "Follow me, but do not let go. It is death to be caught inside a tree with out a druid." With that he steps into the passage way, pulling the others behind him. One by one the party members follow Salix into the tree. There is a flash of blackness and then they are in the forest again.
The morning sun is just starting to peak through the woods. Salix, the power suddenly leaving him, falls to his knees. He tries to stand but falls again. Something is wrong. Something in the woods. All around.
OODM: Any actions or comments?
From: Porter
Subject Questions
"Yeah, I've got a question. Do we have any way of communicating with y'all once we go through your tree thing? Any way of asking for help? Of telling you we succeeded, or that we gave up?"
From: Mark
Subject Questions
Assume this happes before the turn I just sent out.
"If you have rescued the StormFather, you will have no problem getting word back to us. If the problem is solved, but something has happened to the StormFather, Salix should have no problem getting word to us. Other than that we are afraid to risk anything that might bring attention to your group."
From: Kevin
Subject Questions
OOC: Mark, before we left, Harp went and got his equipment from the horses. Harp can fit most everything in his backpack, but there are a few items he is going to ask Allistair to keep in the Bag of Holding - bolt cutters, 20' grappling ladder, 150' silk rope, and a tarp. These 5 items weigh a total of 56 lbs. and if Allistair needs the space Harp can work with him when that time comes.
I have updated Harp's equipment list.
From: Mark
Subject Questions
As long as it is ok with Derek it is ok with me.
His bag does have a limit as too how much it can hold and he has his own stuff to carry.
You'd think some one would invent a back pack like that. Maybe some type of haversack that was really handy.
Whose got what, through the woods
Subject Whose got what
Allistair is fine with it, but OOC the price is you have to add up the weight and find out if it is too much, because I'm too lazy. ;) Speaking of which, is Allistair still keeping any of those magical items we got from the ogres in his sack? I wasn't sure who ended up using what.
From: Ashley
Subject Whose got what
Surin still has his eye on that ring. non-armor AC is a good idea for the little guy in light armor. :)
From: Karl
Subject Through the trees
Can you tell me more specifics about what Salix is feeling?
From: Kevin
Subject Whose got what
Derek, I will add it up tonight, but I think it was in the range of 70 lbs. If I remember, your bag can hold 350 lbs. , right????
From: Kevin
Subject Supplies
You know, most military outfit their people with basic equipment - boots, clothes, basic weapons, etc. You would think that being one of two representatives of the LG Order that we would have been requisitioned some better equipment - not ours to keep as such, but ours to use to the benefit of our quest.
Harp will have to ask about that when he returns.
From: Mark
Subject Supplies
Magic swords? Magic armor? Magic shields?
You got all the basic supplies you needed, right? What is the problem?
From: Kevin
Subject Supplies
We earned those items through dangerous trials and tribulations (I mean, putting up with Mund in a closed space for that time period?? Come on).
I am not asking for anything now. I should have done that before we left. But, a better group leader who had done quests like this before would have thought this up before now.
I will just have to have Harp ask around about getting something like a bag of holding to be made into the form of a backpack and then he can find out that it already exists.
From: Josh
Subject Turn
OOC: Out for the day and part of tommorow. If anything comes up Mark can control Kal.
From: Karl
Subject Through the trees
Salix exits the tree and immediately feels sick to his stomach. Was it the sudden absence of the great rush he felt holding the power of so many high-level druids? He staggers to his feet again and great waves of nausea wash over him. He has to lean on the tree they just exited for support. Death. Dying. Sickness. The tree was even now groaning out its last gasps of tortured life. Salix would bless it, but he couldn't even remember the name of the prayer even if he had asked for that grace today. In fact, he couldn't concentrate on anything at all other than the waves of nausea that still washed over him andthe dying groans of every forest creature and plant that wasn't already dead in this part of the forest.
"This land is dying," he says aloud, leaning on the tree, his eyes closed.
"This tree is nearly dead, too. Is everyone out?"
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I know Josh is away. Any one else have comments or things they want to do?