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| Anatal |
22/4: Rest in Onhir. Amdor chats up Feani after his knob is repaired.
23/4: Travel to Grove of Serenity with Feani. Meet Captain Zangrin.
24/4: Thuruar communes with Athena. Cross the mountains, meet giantesses. Reach Anatal at sunset.
6:59pm 2015-12-03 Smon Has entered the room
6:59pm 2015-12-03 Kjato Ragfoot Has entered the room
Smon: Hi Kjato
Kjato Ragfoot: Hello Smon
Smon: Just reading over end of last week's blog... wow, that Amdor is awesome.
Kjato Ragfoot: He must have fallen in a cauldron with pompous speech as a small child.
7:03pm 2015-12-03 chris107 Has entered the room
Smon: Amdor's growing into his role as destined saviour of the World.
Smon: Hi Chris
chris107: Hi Simon, Kjato
Smon: Any sign of G?
Smon: (As they say in 'House of the Dead 2' on my Wii)
7:05pm 2015-12-03 Amalric Has entered the room
Smon: Speak of the G!
Smon: Full house!
chris107: Hi Graham
Smon: GM: >>Kjato Ragfoot: That they worship the Black Sun and are masters of the undead. chris107: grrrr Kjato Ragfoot: That they are zealots who wish nothing but death as revenged for perceived wrongs. chris107: (If H perishes, picking up Amdor to play could be great fun ) Smon: LOL Smon: Cuchulainn nods. "This accords with the rumours we have heard, from the West. We will give you a guide, and letter of introduction to Anatal and Chacban. The dwarves of Chacban lie closest to the Gate Castle of the Black Sun. Their realm is almost surrounded by New Nerath, now." Smon: "Now, let us feast."<<
chris107: Feasting is always good.
Amalric: good evening
Smon: GM: The Elf Prince of Onhir entertains you to a sumptuous repast in his dining hall - the food - Athenian grapes, boar meat from the Fogbound Forest, exquisite but also satisfying.
chris107: Yum! H is enjoying his time among the elves.
Smon: Sora sits at the high table with the Prince, you to their right with Lord Macluir and Kirilis, a beautiful half-elf warrior priestess of Cilborith, patron god of the Elves. During the meal, Onhir's military commander the Lord Macluir summons over a female elf Scout, who looks at you all rather shyly, perhaps having had few dealings with Men.
Kjato Ragfoot: Thuruar will greet her with a stern nod.
Smon: Macluir: "This is Feani. She is young, but a good Scout. She knows the lands west of the mountains, and can guide you to Chacban." Feani - http://obsoletegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/World-of-Warcraft-Cosplay-Blood-Elf-Rogue.jpg
7:12pm 2015-12-03 chris107 Has exited the room
Smon: Kirilis - http://orig07.deviantart.net/c544/f/2009/300/4/2/elven_princess_by_hal001.jpg
Smon: Hakeem answers a call of nature...
7:13pm 2015-12-03 chris107 Has entered the room
Kjato Ragfoot: Oha, Feani is quite ... open minded for a shy person.
Smon: (No one wears much clothes around here, unless it's armour) Feani nods to the group: "Lord Macluir, masters."
Smon: Macluir: "Sit with us Feani, tell us of the Western lands." Feani sits at your table, looking a bit nervous.
Kjato Ragfoot: A true elven scout? I have heard marvels about your abilities to navigate the wilderness.
Smon: Feani: "Nerath's reach grows daily. They control the docks at Halafic, from where Chacban must send their goods for export. The road from Anatal leads to Halafic... But I know another way." She nods to Thuruar, gulps. "I hope not to disappoint you."
Kjato Ragfoot: Why should you?
Amalric: "I am sure you will not!" remarks a grinning Rey. "You certainly have not thus far."
Smon: Feani: "North-west from Anatal, a secret road leads north-west through the Laer hills, to the tower of a Conclave - the Laer Conclave. From there a path goes on to Chacban..."
Smon: Thuruar & Rey make Cha checks
chris107: That sounds like our path.
Amalric rolls 1d20+3 and gets: 11, (+3) = 14
Amalric: not sure what my bonus is, dont have the page up yet
Smon: s'ok
Kjato Ragfoot rolls 1d20+2 and gets: 11, (+2) = 13
Smon: Feani smiles at Rey's words, still nervous: "Th-thank you - I try not to disappoint." She turns to Thuruar. "I..."
Smon: Macluir interjects: "There was an ambush, some months ago. Nerathi, we think. Feani's mentor Rythalin was killed."
Smon: Feani nods, eyes downcast. "We were with the Altanian rebels near Halafic. The Nerathi attacked our camp. I got away..."
Kjato Ragfoot: Ah. I see.
Kjato Ragfoot: Good that you did, otherwise you could not have reported on that occurance.
Kjato Ragfoot: This way, you ensured that nobody else will fall in that trap.
Smon: Macluir nods: "Aye, Prist Thuruar. So you see, Feani has reason to aid you - and to prove herself."
Smon: Priest
chris107: H nods his approval
Smon: The main course plates are cleared away, and servants bring the dessert, a kind of nut sorbet.
Smon: Tasty if you like nuts.
Smon: Amdor tucks in happily, Laara seems to enjoy it too. Alicia Scarnetti picks at it.
chris107: Hakeem loves it but imagines it would be better with a haunch of Beef
chris107: (H doesn't really understand pudding)
Smon: Eventually the meal winds down, and you are shown to guest chambers - one for the priests Sora & Thuruar, one for Rey and Alicia, one for the great wizard Amdor, one for the Altanians Hakeem & Laara.
Kjato Ragfoot: Nuts are great.
Amalric: nut sorbet? interesting
Amalric: Rey laps it up
Smon: In the priests' room, Sora turns away from Thuruar as she removes her breastplate, puts on a white nightgown, then turns back. "Thuruar, in the morning I will depart back to the Temple."
Kjato Ragfoot: Thank you very much for guiding us here and introducing us.
Kjato Ragfoot: We would not have come that far without your help.
Smon: Sora nods: "Thank you - but it is not true. You have grown much in power since you finished your training - and your companions are strong. Be... be careful."
Smon: "You... you are going to face great Evil. Beyond anything you - or I - have ever known."
Smon: "Sleep well." Sora gets into bed.
Kjato Ragfoot: Indeed, we will face great evil - but someone must. And I am sure you will pray for Athena's guidance for our mission.
Kjato Ragfoot: Sleep well, too.
Amalric: "You face a horrible and terrible fate that will torment your soul for all eternity - SLEEP WELL!!" LOL
Smon: Sora nods: "Aye. Athena guide you." ...Rey spends an enjoyable night with Alicia beneath clean silk sheets, while Laara slips into bed and is soon snoring gently, leaving Hakeem troubled by thoughts of his faraway bride and unborn child.
chris107: hehe
Smon: 22/4/4446
chris107: yes I was looking up dates earlier
Kjato Ragfoot: (Remind me to somehow father a child before we reach Nerathi-country, so that we can play the children of our heroes in a couple years).
chris107: 3 months down, 6 more to go.
chris107: 17/1 was conception I think
Smon: >>somehow father a child<< hint - involves a person of the female persuasion.
chris107: (Nice idea Kjato.)
Kjato Ragfoot: (Oh. Why didn't anybody tell me sooner?)
chris107: H just needs to kill this Mor person, defeat the Nerathi in the field, kill Oriax and find out who is dad is
Smon: (Thuruar is maybe too fussy with the choice of lady)
Kjato Ragfoot: (No, that is more Kjato being extremely clueless on the topic)
chris107: (Opposite of Rey in so many ways )
Amalric: (You guys can play the main characters, and I will play Rey's host of progeny of all shapes, sizes, colours and creeds )
Smon: (also not good for reproduction) Next day dawns bright, hot and clear.
chris107:
Smon: (cluelessness I meant)
chris107: Hakeem looks forward to some more slaying.
Smon: After breakfast, you assemble in a white marble courtyard, where Sora bids you farewell.
Smon: Sora: "Hakeem, thank you for saving me. I was careless... I am in your debt."
chris107: "Thank you for your fine hospitality. I shall take fair words regarding the elves back to my people."
chris107: "Sora, the blessings of Athena be upon you. We could not have made it this far without you."
Amalric: "Fare thee well, Sora, and safe travels. Until we meet again."
Smon: Prince Cuchulainn nods cordially to Hakeem. Sora smiles, blushing slightly. "I fear I was but little help... Athena's grace go with you all."
Smon: Sora and her guards mount up and depart.
Smon: Cuchulainn: "Hakeem, Thuruar, Lord Rey - you are welcome to stay another day, until your wounds are fully healed. Priestess Kirilis can attend you."
Kjato Ragfoot: Let's hope they return home without problems.
chris107: agreed
Smon: (wandering chimerae would be a problem, yup)
chris107: H is eager to get along the secret path to the dwarf hold.
Smon: If you leave today, currently Hakeem is down 1 healing die & 16 hp, Thuruar 8 hp, Rey 17 hp.
Amalric: "Another back rub would be nice."
chris107: Do we need any further information from the elves?
Kjato Ragfoot: Let us rest, we will need our strenght. If we face Nerathi, we are better in top shape.
chris107: H agrees restlessly to another day among these fine folk.
Smon: Amdor nods: "Aye! And I should consult with the fair Feani..." he wiggles his bushy eyebrows rather suggestively.
chris107: Filthy old goat
Smon:
Kjato Ragfoot: Amdor, you should prepare yourself for a journey through the wilderness, fix your staff and everything.
Kjato Ragfoot: Not that we accidently lose a part of your great magical power on our way, before you can bring it to bear against the NErathi.
Kjato Ragfoot: Meanwhile, I will prepare the journey with Scout Feani.
Smon: Amdor nods. "Aye! I shall seek out the elven master smiths, that my Staff might be reforged!" OK you rest up, the priests heal you while the elven smiths fix the wobbly knob on Amdor's staff.
chris107: hahah
Smon: Thuruar goes to consult with Feani in the map room. Feani: "I'm sorry our maps of the western lands are crude, at best..."
chris107: H hones Bloodletter and polishes his shield.
Kjato Ragfoot: Maps can only help that far. More important: What do we have to prepare for? Weather? Monsters?
Smon: "Our first step is from here to the Grove of Serenity, ten leagues north-west, where the Rangers under Zandrin patrol the mountains. This time of year the weather should be good, but we must beware the Flying Vampires, the Mirthful Servants of Sakshastra, the giant vultures..."
chris107: (OOC - Gulp! )
Kjato Ragfoot: Those are strange beings, I have never heard of them.
Smon: "Once we reach Anatal the going will be easier. There is little danger in the Laer hills, save for the Crazed Cultists of Kungli Mang."
Kjato Ragfoot: Hmm. Crazed Cultists are never a good thing.
Kjato Ragfoot: Hopefully we will not meet them.
Smon: "Their main temple-fortress is to the south, but some bands roam the hills.Still, once past there we will reach the Hall of the Laer, an ancient palace where Karakhan wizards dwell, allied with Chacban. It was once a temple of Hanuman, dwelling of the Crazed Cultists you see... hence the trouble."
chris107: H shrugs
chris107: Cultists, Vampires, Vultures. All will fall.
Kjato Ragfoot: Ah. At least we should not accidently run into the cultists stronghold then.
chris107: And the secret path leads us this way?
Kjato Ragfoot: I heard rumours somthing is amiss in this realm. Can you point out what is wrong, so that we won't make it worse?
chris107: (or maybe we should kill what ever it is that ails the place while we are here?)
Amalric: "You'd think a scout might find an easier route," says Rey in jest
Smon: Feani nods. "Yes. And the dwarves of Chacban should welcome your quest. I know one, a Scout like me... Wrong? You mean the disappearance of Princess Valadai?"
Smon: Feani glares at Rey, sets her jaw. "If you wish to take the main road to Halafic and face the soldiers of Nerath, be my guest."
chris107: "When and where did this Princess vanish?"
Smon: Feani: "Around three weeks ago, I think."
chris107: "Under what circumstances?"
Amalric: "I only spoke in jest, I apologise if you took offence, I did not mean to cause any."
chris107: "Our quest is urgent. But if rescuing this lady will strenthen the arms behind us?..."
Smon: To Hakeem: "She was given to wandering alone in the forest... She did not return."
Smon: To Rey: "I... I'm sorry, forgive me."
chris107: "Thur, you guid or strategy. What say you? I can not in good faith leave this woman lost."
Smon: "Perhaps slavers took Valadai. There have been many attacks recently."
chris107: H scowls deeply at the mention of slavers.
Kjato Ragfoot: There were rumours the Nerathi struck against the princess. Rescueing her might actually be a strike against Nerath already.
chris107: "Your scouts found no trace?"
Smon: Feani shrugs. "I do not know what Anatal's scouts found. I serve Onhir."
chris107: (All we need to do to get Rey on side is find out if she is pretty )
chris107: H nods
Kjato Ragfoot: Oh. It seems there is some competition between Anatal and Onhir?
Smon: Feani shrugs. "Prince Cuchulainn of Onhir and Queen Cildarith of Anatal are allies, and friends."
chris107: "So we need to speak to the scouts of Anatal without delay?"
Smon: Feani shrugs. "As you wish."
chris107: Find where this fair princess went missing and find her."
chris107: The simple logic of Hakeem's slow mind makes it all seem so easy
Smon: GM: The long day passes. Towards evening Amdor returns from getting his knob fixed, and attempts to engage Feani in conversation.
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 19,
Kjato Ragfoot: Where is the woods the princess got lost in?
Smon: heh
Smon: Feani: "The north woods I think. Excuse me..." Feani goes off with Amdor to the water gardens...
Kjato Ragfoot: (Heh. Good that we sent Amdor to make himself pretty. Otherwise he would not have rolled that well)
Smon: Anyone want to save an elven maid from an old goat, or skip to next morning?
chris107: North woods sound like a good place to start. Perhaps with the scouts from Anatal?
Kjato Ragfoot: Everyone has to make his own mistakes and this specific one should not cause to much trouble.
Kjato Ragfoot: Except perhaps for a pompously speaking half-elf in a couple year.
chris107: yup
Smon: LOL
chris107: hehe
Smon: 23/4/4446 Next day dawns hot and clear again, and you rendezvous to depart, your wounds healed.
Amalric: Rey will go check on Amdor
Amalric: oh too late, shame
Kjato Ragfoot: (BTW, Thuruar will exchange "Protection from Evil" for "Inflict Wounds" on the prepared spells)
Smon: Feani & Amdor arrive late in the courtyard looking flushed and happy - Amdor particularly happy.
Smon: Amdor: "My friends, today is a great day! The next stage of our Quest!"
Smon: He raises his mighty Staff.
chris107: "Yes! Stuff to kill, Princesses to rescue!"
Kjato Ragfoot: It seems your worked powerful magic tonight, Amdor.
Smon: "With the aid of the Elvenfolk, success is assured!"
Smon: Amdor nods to Thuruar, bows gracefully. "Indeed."
Kjato Ragfoot: Success is never guaranteed, and can only be achieved through skill and luck.
chris107: And a sharp blade
Smon: Amdor shrugs: "As you say." You all mount up, Prince Cuchulainn and Lord Macluir come out to bid you farewell.
Smon: Cuchulainn: "Cilborith's blessing go with you. Is there anything else you need?"
chris107: H smiles his thanks
chris107: OOC Healing potions? Elves are good at that stuff I think
Smon: You can ask.
Amalric: magic bows?
Amalric: eagles?
chris107: (or those nice elven cloaks and boots )
Amalric: teleported?
Amalric: ooh nice one Chris
Kjato Ragfoot: Definitely Lembas.
chris107: "Our path is dangerous mighty lord. Do you have magics that will aid us?"
Smon: "My power is but meagre compared to my mother, I fear... But what do you require?"
chris107: "We have a mighty priest but things to heal or wounds would be most welcome in the dark places we are to travel."
chris107: "Also anything that can aid our secrecy and passage."
chris107: (If not Lembas would be good )
Smon: "We have healing salves... Kirilis?" The priestess brings forth healing salves (as potion, 4 to each of Hakeem Rey Thuruar)
Smon: /roll d6x2
Smon Rolls 1d6x2 and gets:
5 = 5
2 = 2
chris107: "A fine gift. Your help in defeating the Nerathi will be long remembered."
Smon: Macluir: "Waybread, from the stores." He distributes elven waybread, giving you each enough food for several weeks.
Smon: Macluir: "And to aid you passage, this lodestone." - he passes Hakeem an arrow-like stone on a piece of string.
chris107: We have done well to find such allies.
Smon: "It always points north."
Kjato Ragfoot: Oh. That is useful indeed.
chris107: "Mighty magics indeed!"
chris107: "many thanks."
Smon: Macluir & the Prince nod and smile. Cuchulainn: "Thank you. And fare well."
Smon: GM: Feani leads you north-west through the Elven city and out of Onhir, the road leading out onto rolling meadowlands.
chris107: OOC - So we are going to find the princess?
Kjato Ragfoot: (Yes)
Smon: Feani: "Thirty miles to the Grove of Serenity - best spend the night there, that we might cross the Erad Perack in daylight."
Kjato Ragfoot: (What kind of heroes would we be if we did not at least try to rescue a princess in distress?)
chris107: "We are pleased to have your help Feani."
chris107: (Ones like Rey )
Smon: Amdor has esconced himself behind Feani, on her horse with arms round her waist. "Mmm... excellent, my dear. Excellent."
Amalric: (brb)
chris107: quick glass of water then. Tickly cough
Smon: I'm thinking Amdor is Gandalf (well, Rincewind) played by Leslie Philips.
Smon: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01680/leslieweb_1680068c.jpg
chris107: haha that's perfect
Smon: GM: Ten miles west the road splits, one way heading west into Fogbound Forest. Feani takes the northern route.
Smon: You pass a few elven travellers and signs of habitation, but soon the country grows wild. the peaks of the Erad Perack looming to the west.
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 4,
Smon: !
Amalric: whatwhatwhat
Kjato Ragfoot: (No random encounter? The dice gods are with us!)
Smon: No wandering monster! After thirty miles or so, that afternoon you reach the Grove of Serenity, an elven temple set amid light woodland, beech and oak.
chris107: yay!
Amalric: Kjato Ragfoot: (What kind of heroes would we be if we did not at least try to rescue a princess in distress?) chris107: "We are pleased to have your help Feani." chris107: (Ones like Rey )
Amalric: tsk tsk!
chris107: hehe
Smon: Feani leads you a wandering path through the woods, avoiding the many traps, until you reach the banks of a small, glittering spring.
Smon: Feani: "The Spring of Serenity..." A grey cloaked female elf of great age emerges from the trees, nods to you. "Welcome. If you seek atonement for your misdeeds, here you may be forgiven."
Kjato Ragfoot: (True. Rey would definitely go after the princess, because he would assume she is well endowed).
chris107: H is very respectful
Smon: The old priestess looks at Feani, who blushes, and Amdor, who smiles broadly.
chris107: (H has a clear conscience )
Kjato Ragfoot: We should all atone before we go on a difficult quest like ours.
chris107: can't harm
chris107: H will prey for malenn and his child
Smon: Feani: "M-Mistress Alysanda, is Ranger Captain Zantrin with his camp?" Alysandra the old priestess nods.
chris107: But will accept the old birds attonement and advice.
Smon: "Aye, but High Priestess Deeladiel is in Trance and not to be disturbed."
Smon: Alysandra: "If you truly seek atonement, then drink and be forgiven." She leans on her staff.
Amalric: Rey is about to object when Alicia nudges him in the ribs, hard, and he concedes
Kjato Ragfoot: Thuruar will do so.
Smon: GM: If you drink, let me know what you're seeking atonement for.
chris107: H is genuine, his thoughts on his wife and unborn child. He drinks and attones for any wickedness he may have done.
Kjato Ragfoot: Thuruar wants to atone for his lust for revenge after the attack on Priestess Sora, that almost let him forget his true quest for a moment.
Smon: Feani pauses, then dismounts and cups water from the spring and drinks, alongside Thuruar.
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 12,
Smon: Thuruar hears Feani whisper: "Cilborith, forgive my cowardice, for I fled the battle..."
Smon: Smon: Thuruar hears Feani whisper: "Cilborith, forgive my cowardice, for I fled the battle..."
Smon: brb
Kjato Ragfoot: (Hmm. Interesting)
Smon: Is Thuruar whispering any prayer?
Kjato Ragfoot: Yes. He prays for Athena to guides his thoughts, so that he remains faithful to her path while keeping his empathy.
Smon: Is Rey asking forgiveness for anything? Hakeem seeks generic forgiveness?
chris107: (H will prey to Bondorr for forgivness for not been able to save the old dwarf and the fat bowman)
Amalric: forgiveness for not being honest
chris107: (and for loosing and not yet recovering bhis father's blade from Oriax)
Smon: Hakeem feels a sense of relief, Thuruar a sense that he is on the right path.
Smon: Rey doesn't feel anything much - nice water, though.
chris107: hehe
Smon: Feani: "Let us be on. Lead your horses."
chris107: H does so. Whispering brief thanks to whatever spirits have eased his soul.
Smon: You lead your horses on a little way. As dusk is falling, you see in the distance through the trees faerie lights spring up around the Grove itself, and a procession of grey-clad elven pilgrims assembling there.
Smon: But Feani leads you on to a small wooden fortress that seems to merge with - or emerge from - the surrounding trees.
chris107: (nice imagery)
Kjato Ragfoot: (Very elfy)
Smon: Feani: "They are the Seekers of Tranquility..." she knocks lightly on a small postern gate.
Smon: The Gate is opened by a hooded elf warrior clad in greensward, who beckons you in and ushers you to a central courtyard, where water flows from a dragon-shaped fountain...
Smon: Possibly bringing back bad memories for Thuruar & Hakeem.
Smon: A tall Elven Ranger emerges from the shadows, hood back to reveal a gaunt face and oddly haunted eyes, silvery hair.
chris107: Nothing but fond memories of a fine fight!
Smon: Feani bows. "Captain Zantrin. I bring the Questers. Tomorrow we will pass the mountains - if all is well?"
chris107: "First we must rescua the princess."
Smon: Zantrin surveys you all. "By night the Mirthful Servants roam abroad... the Vampires pluck travellers from the road to their doom... You seek the Princess Valadai of Anatal?"
chris107: "We do. We believe the Nerathi may have a hand in her disappearence."
chris107: "It will strip from them another victory if we can bring her back. And pay some of the debt we owe the elven kingdoms."
Smon: Zantrin nods. "It is likely. Morthor Coff, it is said, needs sacrifices for his Black Sun... a Princess would have great power. Most likely she is dead."
Amalric: "Let us hope not."
chris107: OOC - Can Thur Commune now to find out?
Smon: Zantrin sighs, rubbing his eyes - he has the look of a man who has not slept in days. "Valadai was always foolish, roaming alone beyond Anatal's perimeter."
Kjato Ragfoot: You still must have searched a lot for her, as you look tired.
Smon: He yawns. "Aye... across the mountains. We aided Anatal. No sign."
Kjato Ragfoot: (Thuruar can Commune, but that only answers three Yes or No questions)
chris107: "Mayhap we will find her in Morthor Coff's dark halls?"
Kjato Ragfoot: (But we could ask whether she is still alive, whether she is hold by Nerathi or their allies, and whether she is still in the forest or something like that)
chris107:
Smon: "The Undead of the Mountains are far more aggressive of late... of old they did not roam abroad so. Evil rises..."
chris107: It's nice having a High Priest along
Smon: Zantrin: "We shall talk more of this over dinner."
Kjato Ragfoot: The Nerathi are disturbing the balance between live and death, that might cause the raising of the undead.
Kjato Ragfoot: I won't say no to dinner.
Smon: GM: Zantrin has you escorted to spartan quarters, quite unlike the royal guest chambers of Onhir, where you can freshen up prior to a modest meal that evening in the Ranger Hall.
Smon: You dine with Zantrin and 30 other elven Rangers. He listens to Thuruar's suggestion.
Smon: "Mmm... Aye. That makes sense."
chris107: Fine company indeed
Kjato Ragfoot: If we have a day, I could meditate and try to access Athena's wisdom on the topic.
Smon: Zantrin: "Evil comes from the Matmata Caves... My own family threatened... *yawn*"
Kjato Ragfoot: Your family?
Amalric: Rey sits smiling, taking it as a positive sign that drinking the holy waters and not being smited means that he had nothing to really seek forgiveness for
Amalric: (having a WIS 9 helps that way)
chris107: hehe
Smon: Zantrin: "My family... the prophecy... "
chris107: So Commune on Princess, Matmata caves if not?
Smon: "...That my most beloved ones will be laid low. I sense that it is coming together..."
Kjato Ragfoot: Zantrin, you are tired and overworked. In your current state, you won't be able to do much good for your family. You need to rest, regain your strength.
Kjato Ragfoot: Share your worries and troubles with friends, so that they can ease your burden.
chris107: (nice )
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 4,
Smon: Zantrin shrugs. "Little to tell... Evil from the Matmata Caverns... ten leagues south of here in the mountains... do not go there..."
Smon: He slumps forward, head resting on the table.
Smon: "~zzzzz~"
chris107: (Mmmm can't see them on the map)
Smon: Feani: "The Caverns extend for many leagues, west of Fogbound Forest, north of Lemur Peak."
chris107: ten leagues iss a long way out of our way. We have tough choices to make. But ones that may give hope to those we leave behind.
Smon: She nods. "The trail we passed this morning goes that way. But I am taking you straight west, to Anatal."
Smon: Two Rangers pick up their Captain and carry him to bed.
Kjato Ragfoot: But we have questions to ask. If we can spare the time, I would pray for Athena's grave to Commune with her in the morning. Would we still reach a good resting place if we started about an hour later?
chris107: So?
Kjato Ragfoot: Athena's grace, not grave.
chris107: I agree
Smon: Feani nods: "It's a little over twenty miles to the Pass. With fresh horses we can start an hour after dawn and still cross the Pass by nightfall. Anatal is some forty miles from here, where the mountains descend west, and the three streams form the headwaters of the Laer."
Amalric: good enough
Amalric: those caverns sound like a place we should check, if we were not on a mission (from God)
Kjato Ragfoot: Definitely.
Kjato Ragfoot: That is why I would like to Commune to figure out some questions.
chris107: We should do all we can to build our power before we face the final battle.
Kjato Ragfoot: Any idea what exactly to ask for? It must be questions that can be answered "Yes" or "No".
chris107: Well we need to know if the princess lives?
Smon: GM: You retire to your rooms and most spend a peaceful night - except Amdor & Feani, to judge by the noise, are keeping pace with Rey and Alicia.
Smon: Next morning Thuruar can use Commune in the fountain courtyard.
chris107: If she is in the caves ?
chris107: or if she is with Morthor Corr?
Kjato Ragfoot: OK. "Is Princess Valadai still alive?" is a good question.
Smon: Thuruar settles down and begins to Commune... he finds himself walking beside the Goddess beside a mirrorlike lake...
Smon: Athena looks down at him, nods. "Yes."
chris107:
Smon: A gentle wind ruffles her bronzed locks.
Smon: Athena looks out across the lake to trees on the far side, sunlight glittering on her silver spear tip.
Kjato Ragfoot: Is the princess held in the Matmata Caverns?
Smon: She shakes her head. "No."
Kjato Ragfoot: Is the princess held by the forces of Nerath or their allies?
Smon: Athena pauses, then shakes her head. "No."
Smon: The vision fades.
chris107: mmmmmmmmm
Amalric: (assume Thuruar passes that on) "Well, that is good and also troubling."
Kjato Ragfoot: Thuruar will relay the answers to group and rangers alike.
chris107: Maybe she is still free and in the forrest?
Amalric: "One more question would have been good - is she held by allies...."
chris107: ahhhhh cunning old Rey
Smon: Zandrin: "The woods were thoroughly searched... Even Anatal scouts would have found her there."
Kjato Ragfoot: Oh, that is a good question. A pity I have not thought about it, I would have used it instead of the one about the Caverns.
Kjato Ragfoot: At least we know that she is still alive and could be rescued.
chris107: "Well we must be realistic. If we can not aid the princess or the ranger's family, then we must press on with our quest."
Smon: Feani turns up, dirk girded on. "The sun is high. We must depart."
Kjato Ragfoot: That is true.
Kjato Ragfoot: I hope our answers at least soothed your troubles a little, Zandrin.
chris107: "Let us make haste Feani."
Kjato Ragfoot: Always remember, we often make prophecies true because we fight them to hard.
Smon: Zandrin shrugs: "Mm.. a little. Fare well."
Smon: He nods to Thuruar.
Kjato Ragfoot: Good bye and good luck! Thanks for the hospitality!
chris107: "Indeed our thanks are with you."
Smon: You mount up, leaving the Ranger fort and the Grove of Serenity by another winding route, eventually returning to the main road that runs west towards the looming mountains and a high saddle pass between bleak peaks, snow-capped even here, almost on the equator.
Smon: Judging by the map you're pretty well dead on the equator here -https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0Q_ZWIuwwrgoanl3T-nWeFhUX0pecFGqPjhAkjiwjXcyKtDOT6wHdUuADtbEsOhnF-9olqzn7P-vOHjtpXML3HXKoi2-36oXTc-xKNZQFD0TSN2C1d6mX8AYpN0umXRWvGdovMCJkeo/s1600/CSIOWilderlandsMap.jpg
Kjato Ragfoot: (A pity we do not have the time to explore those caverns)
Smon: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0Q_ZWIuwwrgoanl3T-nWeFhUX0pecFGqPjhAkjiwjXcyKtDOT6wHdUuADtbEsOhnF-9olqzn7P-vOHjtpXML3HXKoi2-36oXTc-xKNZQFD0TSN2C1d6mX8AYpN0umXRWvGdovMCJkeo/s1600/CSIOWilderlandsMap.jpg
chris107: (it is )
chris107: H's danger senses will be on full alert from here on in.
Smon: You ride west across sweeping meadows that rise up steeply towards the craggy western peaks...
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 1,
Smon: Towards lunchtime you see ahead a group of grey-clad elven pilgrims approaching along the road.
Smon: Feani whispers: "Do not disturb them. They seek Serenity, and will not speak."
Kjato Ragfoot: (The vultures heard about our arrival and wisely chose to hibernate in their lofts)
chris107: H looks for the details that may give away those in disguise
chris107: H does so
Kjato Ragfoot: Then let's pass them quietly in honour of their pilgrimage.
Smon: You pass by the pilgrims' silent procession.
Smon: Twenty miles from the Grove, it is a little past noon when you leave the Meadowlands behind, up into the bleak heights of the Pass itself.
Smon: A cold wind whips around you from the icy heights; Laara and Alicia shiver.
chris107: H keeps a close eye on Laara
Smon: Laara looks around in wonder. "That white stuff on the mountains... I have heard of it... "
Amalric: Rey tells Alicia he'll warm her up later
Smon: Alicia nods and grins, pulling her thin cloak tighter about her. Grey clouds cover the sun, it grows colder.
chris107: H hands his wragged but warm wolfskin to Laara
Smon: Laara takes the wolfskin gratefully. You are approaching a cleft between two knobbly boulder-crags, when Feani stops. "Hmm..."
Smon: She raises a hand for the column to halt, some 60' from the crags.
chris107: Hakeem grips Bloodletter
Smon: At that moment, they... move.
chris107: And grasps his shield
Kjato Ragfoot: Thuruar will prepare for battle.
Smon: With amazing swiftness the grey stones seem to unfurl, rise up, until in a moment you stare not at inanimate rock but at two mighty slate-toned giants, hefting massive clubs, great rocks in their free hands.
chris107: Bugger
Smon: Feani: "Stone giants!"
Kjato Ragfoot: Perhaps they know where we can find the princess?
chris107: Perhaps they do
Kjato Ragfoot: Is one of them female? Rey could probably get the answer out of her...
Smon: The giants look at your convoy, halted on the narrow trail between steep slopes.
Smon: /roll d6x2
chris107: H shields Laara
Smon Rolls 1d6x2 and gets:
1 = 1
1 = 1
Smon: heh
Smon: 1 in 6 each was female...:D
Smon: "Halt!" says a giantess. "Pay ye the toll, or turn back!"
Kjato Ragfoot: Rey, isn't that a giant challenge for your charms?
chris107: yeah c'mon Rey. Work your magic on thee ladies!
Smon: Feani mutters: "This isn't their road... We shouldn't have to pay!"
Kjato Ragfoot: Thuruar whispers to her: They are quite big and have rocks. It might be wise to pay them nonetheless.
chris107: If Rey can't work his H will try to scare them
Amalric: Rey will try
Smon: Feani nods bitterly to Thuruar.
Amalric: "Good ladies! We are but humble travellers seeking our way home. Surely such lovely lasses as yourselves will let us pass, showing your great wisdom and generosity?"
Smon: Amdor grasps her waist. "Never fear milady, at the first sign of trouble I and my companions will..."
Smon: The giants eye Rey. "Ye are no Elf..."
Smon: Persuasion check, DC 20.
chris107: good luck G
Kjato Ragfoot: (If you have any inspiration left, now would be an epic moment to use it)
Smon: ?
chris107: ?
Smon: You there G?
Smon: Guess I'll roll...
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 10,
Smon: +11 Persuasion, made it.
Amalric: sorry
chris107: Phew!
Smon: The giants look to each other, then to Rey.
Amalric: Rey smiles pleasantly
Smon: "Ye are a comely one... No gold or gems for two lovely lassies?"
Smon: "Ach, Brigid, he's nae Elf. Tis only the Elves have the Gems!"
Smon: Brigid shrugs, eyes the rest of the party. "I can see ONE elf..."
Smon: Feani rolls her eyes in exasperation.
Smon: Feani: "This is an Elf road, maintained by us for centuries! You giants have no right to extort from honest travellers! Let us pass!"
chris107: H prepares to center his rage
Smon: /roll d20+1
Smon rolls 1d20+1 and gets: 8, (+1) = 9
chris107: unless Rey can work some magic
Smon: The giants grimace. "Naw. The humans can go, but ye are payin'! Turn out yer pockets!"
chris107: H tries his 'scare' ability
Smon: Amdor: "I say! This is really quite disgraceful! Ladies!"
Kjato Ragfoot: No!
chris107: "She is with us. Back off!"
Kjato Ragfoot: Why is everyone getting so heated so suddenly?
Amalric: "Let me pay for her!"
chris107: Wisdom save DC 13
Amalric: says Rey, fishing in his pockets for any coin and a few small gems
Kjato Ragfoot: Surely, those two giants have a good reason why they are guarding this street. Perhaps we should heard them out first.
Smon: GM: Hakeem you are out of the 30' range, unless you spur your horse forward.
chris107: ah okay
chris107: He just looks fierce then
Smon: Rey Persuasion check.
Smon: roll
Amalric rolls 1d20+11 and gets: 6, (+11) = 17
Smon: The giants frown, but nod. "Very well. Come here, pretty one."
Smon: Brigid beckons Rey forward.
Amalric: Rey gulps, but does as asked
Kjato Ragfoot: (We should make camp, it seems Rey will be occupied for some time...)
Amalric: he offers the little gems and coins he has
Smon: Rey comes up, turning out his pockets (I bet you have no idea what if any money you have) - finding some coins from the Dragon Turtle's hoard.
chris107: (I do hope he makes a good job of it)
Smon: Brigid's great hand descends and scoops up the cash.
Smon: "Thank you. Tell your Elf to be more polite, next time. Mountains is Giant country, whatever Roads Elves put in them!"
Smon: The other giantess grins, kneeling. "Now, how about a goodbye kiss?"
Amalric: "Uhm, sure..." says Rey, puckering up
Amalric: (and no, never kept track of money in this game!)
Smon: Some time later a thoroughly Kissed Rey returns to the others...
chris107: hehe
Smon: The giants move off the trail and wave you on, counting their shiny new coins.
Smon: You ride on, the clouds part as the sun breaks through, but soon the sky reddens to evening and shadows lengthen
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 4,
Amalric: "Anyone have a cloth?" asks Rey, doused in giant saliva
chris107: hahahahh
chris107: Hakeem grins at the moist thief
Smon: By the light of the red sunset, you top a rise and see ahead of you the breathtakingly beautiful mountain city of Anatal, set in a cleft amid cascading falls where three rivers converge to form the Laer (think Rivendell only moar awesome)
chris107:
Smon: Sentry bowmen watch you from the heights above as you pass down the winding trail to the city gate.
Amalric: nice
Smon: Feani speaks briefly to the gate guard, and you are permitted entry to the narrow street beyond.
Smon: Feani points to an open structure where blue and yellow lights glimmer amidst the trees. "There is the Temple of Cilborith..." she points to the largest structure, further ahead: "And there the palace of Queen Cildarith."
chris107: H is impressed.
Smon: Feani smiles to see Rey & Hakeem impressed by the city. "Legend says Cilborith himself commanded its founding, aeons ago before the rise of Men..."
Smon: "...There was a great war that ravaged the world. The Pious warred with the Philosophers for mastery. Terrible war engines smote cities low. Cilborith feared lest his people perish... So he commanded a Refuge."
Amalric: Rey smiles and nods, looking impressed. Later he will say quietly to Alicia, "Its all mumbo jumbo to me..."
chris107: "I should like to spend time here with my wife and child. At least in happier times."
Kjato Ragfoot: (That must be the war in which those demon eggs were employed)
Smon: (OOC well spotted)
chris107: (I, could well be)
Smon: Feani: "Do you wish to seek audience with the Queen, or the Temple? Or there - the Smithy of Aenor, greatest smith in the World..."
chris107: gosh
chris107: H would like to see the great smith
Kjato Ragfoot: We should probably do pay them all a visit.
Smon: Feani smiles: "They may have the better smiths... But we have the better scouts."
Smon: ooc need to stop soon!
chris107: Okay
chris107: Nothing dead but we have moved on nicely
Smon: You could have fought the giants
Smon: ok I'll post log. Are you free Sunday, or busy?
Kjato Ragfoot: We could have, but they looked dangerous.
chris107: We could. H is learning a little wisdom perhaps?
Kjato Ragfoot: Cannot say for sure at the moment.
Amalric: busy
Amalric: as usual on Sundays
chris107: Sunday, not sure. But will try.
Smon: There'll be quite a big Xmas break so would like to get a few games in first. Could do RP stuff in Anatal for those who can make it?
chris107: Thanks Simon. Cheers Graham, Kjato
Smon: Cheers c.
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