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The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome.

Posted by DM BadCatManFor group archive 3
DM BadCatMan
GM, 137 posts
Sun 18 May 2008
at 04:22
  • msg #369

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

With diligence and care, the scholars of the party inspected the stone ring, taking notes and drawing their conclusions about it.

Jorn explained the ring's construction was surprisingly good for non-dwarven work, and especially so for elven, who so rarely worked in stone. Wood would have been more likely, but this ring had been built to last for the ages. And it had done so, fairing remarkable well, with no ground-slips, subsidence or breakages to disturb it.

The carvings however had been less fortunate. Elven script was too curved, too flowing and fancy for stonecarving; good and solid dwarven Dethek runes were far more suitable, as Jorn was quick to point out. And so the letters had crumbled, eroded and faded away. A few scant curves and whorls remained, to hint vaguely at their mysteries.

Authiel puzzled over them for a while. Logically, they should be Elven, probably Espruar letters, but too little remained to be recognized. Jorn helped out, tracing out the faded indentations with dwarven skill, and completed several letters and a few words. So Authiel was surprised to realise that their were in fact two languages represented here. One was Elven, and written in Espruar. The other Seldruin, written in Hamarfae, a variant of Elven that was the ancient language of the legendary Elven High Magic - not one she'd ever had the need to learn. This ring was ancient and powerful indeed.

But what did it all mean?

Alessandra supplied the clues. On each menhir, she'd found signs of stars and moons, common symbols of the night sky, but none of her own faith, that of the sun. Also, there were several spiraling shapes, common symbols of portals and gateways to other worlds, as well as musical notes. The whole circle was a portal or another world, likely the star elf realm of Sildeyuir.

So Jorn drank his special potion, and the broken Elven and Seldruin carvings danced into his comprehension. Sadly, too much was faded to get a complete understanding, but what they learned by other means filled in a few gaps.

He saw the Seldruin script mainly controlled the High Magic at work here; he found it fascinating and intriguing, but too fragmentary and beyond his current talents to offer any arcane insights. Amazingly, the spell seemed to take the form of a song, by singing the words of power, the ring bored a hole from this world to another, the demiplane of Sildeyuir, and formed a portal there. The way would be open only during the hours of darkness, when the stars were bright - gateway to the stars... when the stars aligned... powers reach down... It also mentioned arcane rods that acted as keys to power and unlock the portal at other times; a surviving sketch showed a short stick, with a loop at one end and a crystal mounted on the other.

A small footnote, presumably intended for elven mages, mentioned something about spells of sound and song and how they would be more powerful.

The Elven language was less technical, intended for the common elf, but also more fragmented. Fortunately, the important parts were present. Welcome... the Citadel of Tir'in'tiral... Sildeyuir... home of the Tower Arcanum... Mourel Duskwalker... Enjoy your stay...

OOC: I rolled Jorn a Knowledge (The Planes) check: 7 :(
Allessandra: Just one will do, but I'll take your best rolls.
Actually, let's use that Comprehend Languages potion. :)

If you want to change your spells, do so now. The [sonic] descriptor gets an as-at-unknown bonus. I'll say you have the time to change your spells now.
Allessandra
player, 30 posts
Init +0 AC 15/15/10
HP 23/23 Saves +3/+1/+6
Sun 18 May 2008
at 15:14
  • msg #370

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Allessandra sits down and ponders on what she knows about the demiplane Sildeyuir. The thought of moving to other planes of existance worries her, all her studies so far have indicated that other planes are quite dangerous, some are filled with fire, some have no air to breath, some are filled with horrific monsters.

<Orange>
08:11, Today: Allessandra rolled 20 using 1d20+7. knowledge planes on Sildeyuir.
<Orange>
DM BadCatMan
GM, 138 posts
Sun 18 May 2008
at 15:39
  • msg #371

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Obviously elves lived there, and sought peace and harmony, so the demiplane of Sildeyuir surely couldn't be too hostile or weird. Presumably, they would be safe, at least from the basics.


OOC: I've explained plenty about Sildeyuir before, and apart from that tidbit about [sonic] spells, I can't say much more about the mechanics that you can do much about or without spoiling the surprise. :)
Iodaem
player, 30 posts
HP 42/42, F:4/R:4/W:3**
Init: +1, AC 16 FF15 T11
Sun 18 May 2008
at 15:46
  • msg #372

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

"Stars and moons, but no sun?  Might want to wait until night falls, see if anything happens then," Iodaem suggested with a shrug, looking at Authiel to see if she would approve of his idea, knowing that she was much better at making plans than he was.
Gurgun Nightwhisper
player, 58 posts
HP 46/47 AC 19 FF 16 T 18
Init: +3 F/R/W: 7/7/8
Sun 18 May 2008
at 17:34
  • msg #373

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

The hobgoblin stows away his notebook and quill, contemplating the glade they were in.

We wait for the night, good. Gurgun will help prepare food; we better be rested and well-fed before leaving this plane.

He decides to look around for some slingstones.

19:41, Today: Gurgun Nightwhisper rolled 12 using 1d20. Search.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:42, Sun 18 May 2008.
Slove
player, 68 posts
+9 Int AC 20 / 15 / 15
HP 34/34 Sa: +7 +7 +3
Sun 18 May 2008
at 17:42
  • msg #374

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Slove is quite happy to let the others looks at stones and work out how they are used.  Arcane magic never really was something he wished to get to understand much.
This most likely arcane and not divine.

He turns his skills to searching the area around stones for anything useful.

OOC:
18:42, Today: Slove rolled 6 using 1d20+5. search.
DM BadCatMan
GM, 139 posts
Mon 19 May 2008
at 01:27
  • msg #375

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Gurgun found 6 small pebbles that would serve as adequate sling-stones.

Slove found the wheel-ruts left by Tulin Fairweather's wagon and the signs of his camp; they were pretty obvious, and made a right mess of the forest area to the ranger's lament. Unfortunately, the churned up earth and broken foliage made looking for tracks and subtler clues all but impossible.


OOC: Of course, Slove can still try to look for tracks if he wishes.

I'm assuming no-one has actually stepped inside the stone circle yet. But if anyone does...
Jorn Brightcaller
player, 62 posts
Init +2, AC 16/12/14
HP 23/23, Saves +5/+3/+3
Mon 19 May 2008
at 13:46
  • msg #376

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

"Wait until nightfall it is, then." Jorn settled back against a tree, and opened his journal, making notes while all was still fresh in his mind. Once his notes were done, he would lean back and try to snatch whatever rest he could. OOC: No changes to his spells.
Allessandra
player, 31 posts
Init +0 AC 15/15/10
HP 23/23 Saves +3/+1/+6
Tue 20 May 2008
at 06:04
  • msg #377

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Allessandra unpacks her saddlebags and begins stuffing her possessions into her backpack in the likely event they will be transported away from here come moonrise.  She is troubled by the fact that the portent of leaving this plane of existence will be the rising of the moon, as opposed to the rising of the sun and she says her prayers to The Morninglord.

[Private to DM BadCatMan: sorry about not remembering the planes information before.]


0th level: Read Magic x 2, Detect Magic x2
1st level: Bless, Obscuring Mist, Resurgance
2nd Level: Bull's Strength, Spiritual Weapon
Granted Spells:
Lvl 1: Endure Elements
Lvl 2: Heat Metal

Granted Spells:
Lvl 1: Protection from Evil
Lvl 2: Aid

Iodaem
player, 31 posts
HP 42/42, F:4/R:4/W:3**
Init: +1, AC 16 FF15 T11
Tue 20 May 2008
at 12:19
  • msg #378

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

As they waited for nightfall, and whatever might happen then, Iodaem and Authiel sat down outside the stone circle.  One of his hands wrapped around her back, holding her close to him, Iodaem couldn't help but wonder what they were getting into - and if it wouldn't be safer to walk away - but no, it seemed like this was their destiny, as if they were meant to do this...  the best they could do, would be to do it well, he thought.
Authiel Hannasiel
player, 42 posts
Init +2 AC 17/16/12
HP 23/27 Saves 2/3/4*
Tue 20 May 2008
at 14:06
  • msg #379

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

As she leaned against Iodaem, Authiel had no misgivings, no qualms about what was most likely going to happen that night.  She ate some of her rations, sharing with her dearest and closest friend.  Authiel still suffered from grief, but as usual Iodaem was somehow able to make everything seem better.  When she had finished eating, she cuddled up closer against him for her reverie, knowing that if he chose to lay down and sleep he would simply take her with him.
DM BadCatMan
GM, 141 posts
Thu 22 May 2008
at 12:30
  • msg #380

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

The day wore on, and the adventurers had little to do but wait. It became more than a little frustrating and annoying that the portal would only work at night. More worrisome was the chance that the ancient gate might not work at all, or would be unreliable at best.

They spent the day training, preparing, practicing spells and praying. The last seemed the most appropriate.

Slove busied himself scouting the clearing in which the henge lay. The signs of the Fairweather's caravan were all too clear: wheel ruts and bootprints had churned the earth, the surrounding branches, grasses and foliage crushed and broken by their blundering. Finally, the rain had eroded the soil and washed out the ground. It was difficult work, but Slove was keen-eyed, well-trained and at home in the forest, more than most elves. [Slove: Survival 22]

The merchants had made camp on and around their wagon, nothing out of the ordinary. They'd walked around the circle a few times in curiousity, but true to their word, had not set foot inside, and probably hadn't even touched the stones. But there came a lot of scuffling about as they searched for the missing horn the next morning. The signs stayed true to Tulin's story.

But Slove looked closer and more carefully, seeking the signs that lay hidden beneath the bootprints of the merchants and teamsters. There! A light, four-footed creature and a much heavier two-footed one had exited the circle, approached the camp with little delay, and returned the way they'd come. They hadn't entered or exited the ring at any other point; they'd arrived through the portal itself.

So the adventurers had no other choice but to follow if they wished to find the Grail of Shargrailar the black dracolich, or to find out what horrors and evil lay beyond.

The ranger cast about for a clearer print to help him identify the creatures. At last he found some, fortuitously covered by large leaves. One was a dog-like paw, long-clawed, too small for a gnoll: a wolf, or the creature from Dynn's nightmare? And another one. It was heavy, and big, like a hand-print but as wide as a dinner plate with short stubby finger-toes.

And so the day dragged on, long and slow and filled with tedious waiting. At one point Iodaem took a test step into the ring during the day, but nothing happened and he left soon after.

Eventually the sun set and night fell; the sky grew darker and the wind blew a cold chill with a soft murmuring whisper. They waited until the first stars began to wink in the twilight sky, a few lonely points of light in the blue darkness. The moon drifted overhead, a thin arc of light like a descending dagger.

The stone ring was illuminated in the starlight, almost as though it were glowing. And, they realised, it was. The gate to the stars was open.


OOC: Okay, just step in whenever you're ready.

I keep trying not to say Star-Gate. :)
Jorn Brightcaller
player, 63 posts
Init +2, AC 16/12/14
HP 23/23, Saves +5/+3/+3
Thu 22 May 2008
at 13:32
  • msg #381

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Jorn had spent the last part of twilight getting his gear restowed and ready, so once the gat opened, all he had to do was shrug into his pack and pick up his axe. He looked at the portal and asked, "Anyone want to be first?" He waited to see if there were any volunteers, but if not, he would lead the way, a volamtar prayer to Marthammor on his lips, asking the Finder of Trails to lead him and his companions on the best path.
Authiel Hannasiel
player, 43 posts
Init +2 AC 17/16/12
HP 23/27 Saves 2/3/4*
Thu 22 May 2008
at 13:35
  • msg #382

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Glad that she had already rested and, thus, felt more prepared now, Authiel left Iodaem's side and said quite simply yet firmly, "It should be me, of course, an elf."  For many reasons that seemed like the smartest move all around.  She would have suggested Slove accompany her right away, but sadly with his scarring his presence might jar anyone who might be wherever the group would arrive.  Best to see a tiny little, nonthreatening elf at first.
Jorn Brightcaller
player, 64 posts
Init +2, AC 16/12/14
HP 23/23, Saves +5/+3/+3
Thu 22 May 2008
at 13:44
  • msg #383

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Jorn bowed and stepped aside to allow her to go before him.
Iodaem
player, 32 posts
HP 42/42, F:4/R:4/W:3**
Init: +1, AC 16 FF15 T11
Thu 22 May 2008
at 14:17
  • msg #384

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

"If you're going first, I'm going with you," Iodaem replied, in a tone that told Authiel that it was most definitely non-negotiable.  Taking her hand in his, he gave it a soft squeeze, a worried look in his eyes as he looked into hers - he wasn't willing to take the risk of her going through the portal without him, he cared far too much about her to be able to do so.
DM BadCatMan
GM, 142 posts
Fri 23 May 2008
at 14:22
  • msg #385

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Hand in hand, Authiel and Iodaem slipped between the menhirs and into the ring. The air was still, calm, and cold. They could feel their skin prickle with the anticipation. Slowly and carefully, they made their way to the centre.

...And nothing happened.
Jorn Brightcaller
player, 65 posts
Init +2, AC 16/12/14
HP 23/23, Saves +5/+3/+3
Fri 23 May 2008
at 16:59
  • msg #386

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Jorn hesitantly followed them in, racking his brains to think of what they might have missed. Knowledge (Planes) check : 24
DM BadCatMan
GM, 143 posts
Sat 24 May 2008
at 02:01
  • msg #387

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Still nothing.

[Private to Jorn Brightcaller: There was a lot missing from the inscriptions on the henge, but Jorn didn't think that he'd missed anything too important. He recalled that that some portals, especially the older ones, took a little time to "warm up". Patience would be required here.

On the other hand, a portal this old could very well be malfunctioning, a very dangerous prospect indeed.
]
Allessandra
player, 32 posts
Init +0 AC 15/15/10
HP 23/23 Saves +3/+1/+6
Sat 24 May 2008
at 06:14
  • msg #388

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

As the other enter the stone ring, Allessandra steels herself, and steps in behind the others, taking one last look at her horse and the darkened forest.
Slove
player, 69 posts
+9 Int AC 20 / 15 / 15
HP 34/34 Sa: +7 +7 +3
Sat 24 May 2008
at 06:32
  • msg #389

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Having done a good job on working out what happened slove had waited for the night to come.  Unlike the other the elf seemed indifferent to idea of traveling into another plain.  He did not speak of it much.

He did look over to the other elf as she curled up next to the human.  It seemed to him that something was wrong about that.  However he reflected that there something wrong about wondering elves in the company of others creatures anyway.
He then looked over at Allessandra.  A thought crossed his mind which he put out of his head.  He had thought to much about things he usually did not let enter his head.  It was time get back something useful.


When Jorn Brightcaller ask who would go first Slove squared his shoulder to say he would but other elf spoke first.  For once Slove looked Authiel Hannasiel.  He wanted to join her.  Somehow he understand what she was thinking.  He could understand it would not be wise to be first across the portal.  Again his looks let him down.

A great big cassam open up between him and Authiel.  One that had no bridge to cross and no way of flying across.  She was so beautiful and so true to what an elf should be like.  Slove was so far away from that.  Some much closer to basic elf that first thought and breathed.
Slove just let it go.

He waited as all the others entered the stones.
At seeming nothing happened slove just burst out laughing.  A result of tensions inside of him.

"I thought the stones said something about need for sound?"He asked.
Jorn Brightcaller
player, 66 posts
Init +2, AC 16/12/14
HP 23/23, Saves +5/+3/+3
Mon 26 May 2008
at 11:29
  • msg #390

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Jorn raised an eyebrow at the big elf's laughter and grinned.  With a shrug, he started to walk around the inside of the ring of stones, looking for additional inscriptions or information on this side.
DM BadCatMan
GM, 145 posts
Mon 26 May 2008
at 12:21
  • msg #391

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

They waited a few breaths more, and Jorn began to inspect the inner edge, wondering if something might be wrong. Allessandra stood by the edge, while Iodaem and Authiel waited, hand in hand, in the centre.

Slove was right about the sound, though not quite about who would need to make it.

The stones had been humming since Iodaem and Authiel had stepped inside, but it took a little while for the sound to become audible, first to elven ears, then to everybody else. It was a buzzing murmur, not unlike a deep bass singer, a sound that tickled at the back of the brain.

Now they became aware of a soft ululation, an alternation of high and low pitched howls, not unlike the song of a grief-stricken elven woman. The sound seemed to swirl around the stones, first one way with a high pitch, then the other with a low. Then it went both ways, with both sounds, whirling around and around. The song of the stones was haunting and beautiful.

Starlight gathered in a cloud above the stone ring, above the heads of Iodaem and Authiel. It spiraled out to revealed a dark gulf in the centre, like the sky but somehow much darker and infinitely further away. There were stars in that void, but unblinking and unobstructed by atmosphere.

Authiel and Iodaem felt themselves tugged upwards, and their feet began to leave the ground. Together, they drifted up into the air, into that dark well, and they were gone.

OOC: Authiel and Iodaem are gone, please post in the new thread. Jorn and Allessandra will go next round, and Slove and Gurgun the round after.
Slove
player, 70 posts
+9 Int AC 20 / 15 / 15
HP 34/34 Sa: +7 +7 +3
Tue 27 May 2008
at 10:00
  • msg #392

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

Slove looked at Jorn and Allessandra and give them a wave.
"See you on other side if still have my eyes left."
" And look after her Jorn.  I not be please if she come to any harm."

Slove voice clearly say he having laugh with both of them.  He know Allessandra can look after her self and does need dwarf but thought would lighten the situation by saying it.
DM BadCatMan
GM, 149 posts
Wed 28 May 2008
at 01:31
  • msg #393

Re: The Twilight Tomb: The Rains Fell On Furthinghome

At Slove's farewell, Jorn and Allessandra were picked up by the portal, and they too rose into the air and vanished.

Gurgun and Slove were the last, and shrugging and hoping for the best, they followed.

Now the stone circle fell silent and still, with only the horses tethered in the clearing and munching grass to watch.
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