As you watch Shorty take a few steps towards Orkex and start to wonder if half-ogre brains taste any good to an ilithid, you hear some noise behind you like rock heavily hitting more rock.  You turn around and see Dualis and a stone golem.

Dualis:"Hello all, welcome to my home.  Please be careful I just had the floor washed."  he smiles.  "How is it going?  Have you gotten what you need yet to go get the Orb?"  he pauses and pulls out a battle axe.  "Oh, Warwick, I believe this is yours and yes it was your ancestors axe Troll Carver that was reforged to be Giant Cleaver in honor of what was done in the dragon wars.  There is a new book in the library if you want to read about the axe."  he then motions to the stone golem.  "This here is Rocky, he can help if you need some heavy lifting.  Now is there anything else you need to get ready?"  he sees the Chest.  "Ah, I see you have met chest.  Nice little thing, can be a bit temperamental though."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 1):

Shorty shakes his head and says.  "Not posed toos be Talking in head.  Only Shorty do."  Shorty then sighs and looks longingly at the wiggly things and imagines how much fun it would be to tie them in different knots.  He then turns and say "Hullo Dullis.  What kinds trouble you makin dis time?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:42, Sun 07 July 2013.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 2):

Dualis:"Ha ha, it seems you have found a sense of humor Shorty.  Well I see you met the gang.  Orkex here is trying to get Joe's mind right so he can help you all out on this little jaunt.
   Aztar, I'm surprised you haven't gone to your lab."


--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 1):

Warwick bows to Dualis and then takes the axe.  "Thank ye.  That does explain some of the inconsistencies.  When we go back to the library, I will read about it."

- Warwick

In reply to Warwick (msg # 4):

Morteft bows to Dualis. "Well met, Dualis. I hope all is well with you. We are nearly prepared, I think."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 5):

Dualis"Warwick, Morteft, I trust you are finding your visit satisfactory.  Now, what do you have to do before we go over some final prep?  I'll need to 'speak' with Orkex about Joe."  he pauses  "If he is fit, would you like him along with you?  I wouldn't want you to think I'm pushing him off on you."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 6):

"I'm thinking we'll need all the help we can get.  Ye and yer people have been generous beyond belief, but the task is still going to very difficult."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 7):

Morteft says, "I think we are ready. Can Warwick borrow the book to read as time allows? It would be nice to get going."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 8):

Dualis considers the question. "I suppose that would be a problem.  There would be no automatic updates however.  I suspect once you get there you won't have too much time for that; but you never know."

--DM2

In reply to Warwick (msg # 7):

Dualis:"It may or may not be difficult your encounters prior to the vault may be quick.  The vault is the tough part, and unfortunately very little is known about the guardian.  Joe should be able to help, more with the golems I suspect.  The Chest should also provide a very good storage center and perhaps more.  It will be good for it to 'stretch its legs' to coin a phrase."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 10):

Morteft says, "The chest will prove extremely useful just for the carrying capacity alone. That should help ease our minds and give us a lot of resources. I would still like to pick up some more healing ointments and what not just as a backup."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 11):

Dualis:"That shouldn't be a problem, Xezetl should be able to make a few for you."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 12):

Morteft smiles. "Thank you so much."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 13):

"Glad to help." says Dualis "By the way, I also believe my special amulets will work inside the vault.  I won't be able to come to your aid.  But I could be called on for information or perhaps research something you find."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 14):

Morteft nods. "That is very good to know. Can we transmit images of what we see with them? If so, that will help even more so."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 15):

Dualis:"Yes it would be and yes you can."  he smiles.

--DM2

Aztar shrugged, "Just trying to formulate a plan.  The idea of the rust monster potion for the golems isn't going to work if they're all Mithril and Adamantine, so still trying to figure out the best use of the time dilation to make something useful."

"Trying to figure out if there is a device that will help us override the teleport/dimensional locks so we can use our stuff.  Or, at worst, a permanent version of dimensional lock so that their traps can't teleport us away from each other."

"Really hoping some divination magics will help us choose the right path through the maze so that we only have to fight through the minimal number of guardians to get to the vault."

In reply to Aztar (msg # 17):

Dualis ponders Aztars dilemmas for the moment.  "I suppose we could come up with a detection device that will warn you before you enter a teleportation zone."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 18):

"Dualis, I hate to ask, but do ye have any high level clerical scrolls?  I'm not advanced enough to create any of me own, but we may find some use for mass healing and resurrection spells."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 19):

Dualis:"Those are things that are not in my wheel house.  However the library may have some, you can ask Celestron about it.  You know, come to think of it I believe Korial is also a priest, perhaps he could help .. if you ask nice.  Have you ever addressed a Ki-Rin before?"

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 20):

Orkex bows to Dualis and then walks back the way he came.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 20):

"We met him a littler earlier.  I hope I didn't offend him by my greeting.  What is the proper way?"

In reply to Warwick (msg # 22):

Dualis: "They are one of those noble races,  formal greetings wold probably be best.  I doubt you offended him, he was just busy."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 23):

"Well, I hope that's the case.  How would I found him?  He found us, earlier."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 24):

Dualis:"He is probably in an experiment at the moment.  He should be out in a little while."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 25):

"Aye, then, I'll wait."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 26):

Shorty looks around impatiently.  "Go sees Joe nows?  Sees fin him feelin better.  Maybe takes flower n sumfin ta eats.  Dat makes joe better."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 27):

Dualis:"Right, I'm sure it will Shorty.  He is down that way and is the third door you get to on that wall."  Dualis points indicating the direction.

--DM2

In reply to Warwick (msg # 26):

About 30 minutes later Korial and Xezetl can been seen coming from the other side of the lab.  They are walking towards the group.  Morteft starts to go to the west side of the lab over towards where Dualis indicated Joe was.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 28):

Shorty digs into his precious marble bag for a pretty marble and hurries off to see joe with a gift in hand.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 30):

Shorty gets to the area that Dualis indicated and he sees 4 doors against the wall, each about 10' apart.  Another 50 feet away further north is a door but there doesn't seem to be a wall attached to it.

Morteft is also there he is at the last door you get to that is on the wall.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 31):

Morteft says, "Tell Joe I said hello."

He opens the door, goes in and closes it behind him.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 31):

Shorty stares at the door without a wall and is drawn forward to look.  He gives it a light shove to see if it falls then he reaches out to twist the nob.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 33):

Shorty cannot push the door over, but he is able to open it.  The door opens and Shorty sees a forest beyond.  The trees are large and tall.  There is some grass and shrubs but not much.  Shorty cannot see an end, either left, right or straight ahead.

--DM2

Seeing shorty go to talk to Joe, Aztar seems Interested as well and silently follows behind him.

When he gets curious about the other door,,the alchemist stops and waits for his curiousity to be taken care of before opening joes door.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 35):

Shorty seems bewildered by the scene before him, he stands motionless.  Several minutes pass after which time Morteft exits the door just beyond Joe's room.

Aztar notices something different about Morteft; but it is not a physical difference.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 29):


Korial and Xezetl stop just before the group.

Xezetl: "Have you found anything of interest or need any assistance."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 36):

Morteft will walk over to Shorty and says, "Nice, isn't it? Do you want to see Joe now?"

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 37):

Warwick bows low to them.  "I have been told, master Korial, that ye are a powerful priest.  If it's not asking too much, would ye be able to provide me with high level clerical scrolls?  Me own abilities are meager and I don't have the ability to craft such scrolls."

Aztar cocks his head slightly and stares at Morteft trying to figure out what's different since he was only gone a minute or so,,he wonders what could have happened.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 39):

The Ki-Rin looks over Warwick for a moment.  "I can do so Master Forgemaker.  My experiments are done for the day and I can assist you on this noble quest.  What did you have in mind?"

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 41):

"I was thinking of blade barrier, flamestrike, mass healing, and anything else ye could suggest that might make sense.  I have not studied many of the higher order spells since they are still far out of my reach."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 42):

Korial replies, "Yes I can do those if you would like.  We shall use one of the private rooms and I can go over those with you and maybe some others as well."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 43):

"Thank ye very much.  That is most kind of ye."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 44):

Warwick and Korial go off to a room to work on spells.

Shorty is still fixated on the wilderness.

Aztar watches him and Morteft, giving Morteft a slightly quizzical look.

Artharlian continues to laugh, *snort*.

Dualis converses with his lab manager.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 45):

Morteft sighs. "We should get going or is there something we can do?"

'Are there any specific items I should make?  I was going to make the rusting potion but if the golems are mithril and adamantine, then it won't be of much use.  I can work on a planar lock item to make sure we don't get separated, but beyond that I'm just not sure of any specific item that might help.'

'I can figure out the best way to load chest and would be ready to leave after potions and items are complete.'

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 34):

Shorty sees the forest and mutters "Lady's House.  Drud always say bees good an ken comes here.  Maybes elf lard bees here too."  Shorty steps forward into the wood and reaches for a tree to say thanks."

Ooc.  Sorry a little slow moving my fiancée from Kansas to Vermont

In reply to Shorty (msg # 48):

OOC: Congrats, Larry on the engagement! No worries, I figured you were busy.

Morteft says, "If there will be more time, then I might make something too or maybe more scrolls."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 48):

OOC: Yes, congrats

Shorty walks thru the door and to the nearest tree.  It is close to 6' across and over 100 feet high.  The tree doesn't respond.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 50):

Shorty pours some of his water at the base of the tree enforce leaving.  "Be gift fer unicorn lady."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 51):

The water disappears into the ground as the roots suck up the water.  "That is very kind of you."  says a deep voice, somewhere in the forest.

--DM2

In reply to Morteft (msg # 49):

Dualis:"Do you have any item in mind you may want to create?"

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 53):

Morteft says, "Maybe an ioun stone or a magical helm. Something like that."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 54):

Dualis:"I have not made a study of those actually.  Do you have one you do not really need?  I can use it to break down the properties and then reverse magik it.  What kind of helm did you have in mind?"

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 55):

Morteft shakes his head. "No, but I have seen them before and know what they can do. As for helms, I was thinking either one of brilliance or telepathy. I think the brilliance would be nice offensively but very expensive."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 56):

Dualis:"Hmm, yes either one would take some time.  Brilliance would take the most time, effort and expense.  I hate putting on all those gems.  Telepathy I think is unnecessary given the items you have already.  Do you have any other ideas, I'm guessing you have about 1 month to work on the item before you depart."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 57):

"Maybe one of teleportation then?" he says.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 52):

Shorty looks up in surprise at the voice.  He quickly sniffs the air for a scent he recognizes.  "Be right ta honers Lady.  Her teach take care a trees.  Me lives long time in woods.  Be portent.  Who you bees?  Me be Shorty"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 58):


Dualis: "Well, I think that is doable; but it will not help you on this quest as you will not be able to teleport once at the complex."

--DM2

In reply to Shorty (msg # 59):

"Ahh, then Lady is a wise and noble women and you have learned well."  says the voice
Shorty sniffs around but there is only the smell of the forest in late morning.  Then he hears a rustling from where the voice seems to come.  A tree is moving toward Shorty, about 30' away.   "I am called Hicks, guardian of this forest.  You are a friend of Dualis."  the last bit is more statement then question but Shorty might not pick up on the subtle difference.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 60):

Dualis will have Xeztel help Morteft create a helm of telepathy.  "We have all the necessary ingredients to create the helm, it should be done before you are ready to leave."  says Dualis

Shorty is still in the 'floating' door.  I am assuming Aztar is figuring out what he can load in the trunk.

Warwick and Korial work on scrolls.

OOC: Keith, let me know what cleric scrolls you want to make.


--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 61):

Shorty shrugs.  "Bees nice meet youse.  Me called Shorty.  Dullis bees ok.  Him bees Bert bossy.  Thinks him so smarts.  Drud tells bouts talkin tree afor.  Me never sees.  How you walks?  Me always listen lady.  Me gots medal.  Gonna be Lady'S night some days I'd bees good."

Aztar was waiting to see Joe, but shorty got distracted and then Aztar also got a bit distracted...

In reply to Shorty (msg # 63):

"I walk by moving my roots like you move your feet.  It is quite an honor to be a green night.  Hello Shorty, are you here to help?"

--DM2

In reply to Aztar (msg # 64):

Aztar walks over to the door to Joe's room.  He opens it.  It is a bight room with simple furnishings, a small table and chairs.  The walls are colored a light blue, on one wall is a mural of of a lake and forest at the foot of a mountain.

Joe sits in the chair, just looking at the mural.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 62):

OOC:  I'll try to check tomorrow when I'm home and can consult a list of clerical spells.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 65):

Shorty shrugs.  "Me was lookin fer joe ta give present cause him sad.  But me kin helps.  What want me do?  Ken me see root move?  Youse knows how ta be night?  Drud n elf lard say be think ta do cause me posed ta takes care things Lille Dan me.  But dem not say hows ta do.  Just gives pretty neck chain."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 68):

Hicks will move his roots a little so he can shuffle back and forth.  "This is how we move."  he pauses briefly "I don't know a Joe."  pauses again "It seems you don't know our plight; but I suppose many worlds are burdened." he pauses again  "To be a Green Knight is to be appointed, or chosen.  After that you are then trained.  I know part of the training, but not all."

--DM2

Aztar moves into the room but remains silent as it seems like Joe is almost in meditation and the alchemist doesn't want to disturb him.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 69):

Shorty looks a little confused.  Not know dis plight thingies.  Sounds like fight.  Me good at fight.  Me helps you after save Rigel dragon.  Him in jail in gem.  Me helps you.  Me hasta save whole world lotta times.  Dull is always needing help.  Maybes me helps you an you teaches me night stuff ta helps lady.  What think?"

In reply to Aztar (msg # 70):

Joe turns his head and just looks at Aztar.

--DM2

In reply to Shorty (msg # 71):

Hicks: "A council must appoint you a Green knight before I can teach you.  Perhaps Dualis can help with those details.  If you are made a Green Knight I would be honored to teach you the way of the trees."

--DM2

'Hi Joe.  How are you doing?  It sounds like your time here has been helpful.  Are you adjusting to the abilities you now possess?'

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 73):

Shorty nods his head and sighs.  "Oh well.  Tanks few try.  Dullis gonna makes me makes lotta more promise afor him let me help lady.  Gonna hurts lots.  Dullis always makes hurts."  Shorty brightens up though.  "Hicks need Shorty ta fights somefing.  Whats me do fer you?"

In reply to Shorty (msg # 75):

Hicks:"I'm sure there will be plenty of battles to fight; but now is not the time we must gather our remaining forces, then we can fight."

--DM2

In reply to Aztar (msg # 74):

Joe sighs "I know I am an outcast, destroying friend and enemy.  I crave the glow rock like I crave food.  Dualis and Orkex say I can do some good things with me power.  Say few would have defense against it.  Say I may be able to join you.  I want to make up for what I have done, maybe helping you will do a little of that."  he sighs again

--DM2

'Yes.  There is a lot that you would be able to accomplish for the betterment of man.   Many have lost control of powers and abilities that they've come into and you only used yours in self defense.  It is tragic that lives were lot, but that is often the case in war.  It is good that they've taught you to understand your ability and control it.'

'As for being an outcast, no more so than nearly every person I've met that doesn't run a shop, or till the land.  Those that fight against evil nd crave the adventuring life are rarely considered normal folk.   So, you are certainly in good company if you're an outcast.   Your bilities just come from an unusual source.'

In reply to Aztar (msg # 78):

Joe: "I can try to help, however my ability also produces harmful effects just by being near me.  It has to be for a long time but still. "

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 76):

Shorty looks hesitantly at Hicks, "So what wants me do?  Do dis day or comes back tomorry?"

In reply to Shorty (msg # 80):

"You can come back later." Hicks says  "You ask Dualis to bring you and mention the Green Knight."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 81):

Shorty nods okay and hesitantly pours the rest of his water in the ground at hicks feet.  He then heads to the door and pauses to wave goodbye.  He then bounces into Joes room saying, "Hi Joe.  Been missin youse.  Youse be hero.  Save lotta people when us was loosin fight.  Me gots present.  Be good marble."  Shorty then hands Joe one of is better shooting gems.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 82):

Shorty bursts into Joe's room and sees Joe and Aztar.  Joe is momentarily startled and his eyes glow green for a few seconds as he looks Shorty's way and then calms down, his eyes stop glowing.

"Sorry" he says.  Joe gives Shorty a look when SHorty gives him a marble.  "Thanks" says Joe.  "I still don't feel like a hero."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 83):

OOC a recap

Shorty, Aztar and Joe are in a room chit chatting.  Warwick and Korial are in another room making clerical scrolls, Morteft and Xeztel make a helm in another room, which Dualis goes in & out of as well.  Orkex is outside of Joe's room and Artharlian has calmed down.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 84):

Morteft will keep working on the helm singing an old elvish work song as time and concentration allows.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 85):

Update:

Morteft yells eureka as he finishes the helm.  He puts it on and tries it out as Xezetl allows him to contact.  *Seems to work.*  Morteft exists the room with his new helm.  Dualis remarks "It looks good on you, hope it will aid you."

Aztar, Shorty and Joe exit their room and start toward the front of the lab followed by Orkex.  The special door is still there but closed.

Warwick and Korial exit their room and Warwick holds a number of scroll cases.

Artharlian is off to the side apparently doing some intricate dance while wielding a very large scimitar.

"The gang is all here, almost."  Dualis mentions

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 86):

Shorty looks uncomfortably at Dualis and the says in a hurried voice, "me go other door.  Meet Hicks tree.  He say me gots to tell youse bout bein night fer Lady.  Him say youse gets boss me round somes more.  Tells me what do."  Shorty sighs.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 87):

Dualis just looks at Shorty and sighs.  "I guess if I did not want you to see it I should have put it in another place.  It is alright Shorty, I was probably going to ask all of you to go there anyway.  Right now we do not have time.  We will have to get that worlds master Druid and perhaps a druid from Delith.   But it can be done.  We may be able to do so once you are done with the Orb. "  Dualis shakes his head  "Green Knight, there goes the neighborhood."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 88):

Morteft says, "Almost all here? Who are we waiting on?"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 89):

"I believe you asked for help correct?  We may have found a candidate."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 90):

Morteft says, "Ah, very good. Well, any idea how long we will need to wait?"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 91):

"Any time now."  says Dualis as he points toward the double doors.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 88):

Shorty nods and replies.  "Me like Druids."