In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 729):

Shorty wanders over into the stands and leans over and whispers.  "Hullo.  What picture youse draw"s?  Do it hurt think so hard?  Shorty head hurt when do.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 730):

"I am writing, thinking is very calming, maybe you are not doing it right.  Your friends are calling you back."

Shorty will see the group waving for him to join them again.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 731):

Shorty returns to the group.

Several minutes later a stillness sweeps over the area, trees stop rustling, background noises seem to diminish.  The World Council's mood even appears to change, almost like standing to attention; but with heads/trunks slightly bowed.

As you look on and wonder what is happening you notice a giant ant come around the edge of the Council on the puma side.  The ant is about 2' long and is a strange color for an ant, a sort of silver but slightly tarnished.  The ant comes around in front of the council and as he passes each member, they bow!  First the puma, then the unicorn and then the bear.  The ant stops in front of Alannon, who also bows, as do the 3 trees.

Alannon makes some chittering noises and the ant responds.  After which the ant turns to face you.

Alannon speaks. "I would like to introduce to you Charles.  Charles is a legendary Humble Ant."

A gasp of glee comes from the stands where the robed figure sits.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 732):

Warwick bows to the ant, somewhat unsure.  Straightening, he says, "I have never heard of a Humble Ant.  What does that mean?"

In reply to Warwick (msg # 733):

Morteft watches on with interest but clearly unable to fully comprehend what is going on.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 732):

Shorty looks over at the robed figures outburst.  "Me tells you tinking hurt.  Nows youse know better."

Shorty returns his attention to the front and watches the Ant.  He does his best to bow really low like everyone else.  Then he looks at Alannon and says.  "Neber see one so big.  Bet him smarter den me toos."

Shorty then takes a knee and says. "Hullo Charles.  Hows be your day?  Me ne Shorty.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 735):

To answer Warwick, Alannon speaks "The Humble Ant, besides being legendary is one of the rarest things in the multiverse.  Very unique in power that it is one of the few things that can disenchant an artifact, or any other magic item for that matter just by trodden on it.  Which he will soon do to the black items here."

The ant regards Shorty, you think, it chitters a little and then "Hello Shorty." in a soft tenor like voice.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 736):

Warwick looks on in horror, flinching backwards.  "Oh my.  No offense, Charles, but I'll keep me treasured magical items away from ye, just in case."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 737):

Charles turns his head slightly toward Warwick, it chitters a little and then again you hear it say. "Do not fear Warwick, it is not a mindless thing we do, removing a magic item, it is a conscious decision.  I have no intention of harming yours."

You all begin to realize that you are not sure if the ant is actually speaking or if the words are just appearing in your mind.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 738):

Warwick sighs.  "That is good to know.  I figured ye weren't mindless, but wasn't so sure about yer gift.  Didn't need it to be like a rust monster.  And I'm glad yer here to deal with that stuff that Shorty's been carrying around."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 739):

sHORTY SMILES AT Charles.  "fIRSTUS TIME ME EVER UNNERSTAN LIKE DRUDS DO.  bE NICE.  mE GLAD TO MEETS AN BERRY GLAD YOU TAKE AWAY BAD MAGIC." sHORTY BACK OVER TO STAND WID HIS FRIENDS.  hE LOOKS AGAIN AT THE FIGURE IN THE STANDS.  "hIM HEAD ALL BETTER NOW?  nOT TINK SO HARD NEXT TIMES.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 740):

The man in the stands ignores Shorty

"It is my pleasure to assist." responds Charles  "Disenchanting an item I do not take lightly; however in this case it is necessary."

Again you are not sure if Charles is speaking or the words just appear in your minds.

Alannon 'interrupts' "Well I think that is all the introductions and all is ready.  Charles, in your own time."

Charles turns and nods at Alannon.  He then looks at the items before him, walks in a circle around them and then stops on one side of them.  Charles then slowly walks over each one of the items.  The Vambrace, the gauntlet (de-magicked already), the Breastplate and lastly the sword.  After he passes over each item you would swear the item became more dull.

Charles then walks in front of Alannon.  "It is done.  The gauntlet was normal already but I did feel a strong malevolent residual presence. Does not present any danger."

Alannon bows, "Thank you Charles.  Will we see you at the Coronation?"

"Perhaps" replies Charles, he then turns to the rest of you.  "Very nice to have met you all."

He strolls off the way he came and the council again bows as he passes.

All, perhaps, is silent as he disappears.  You notice background noise of nature again.

Alannon breaks the silence.  "Who is ready for a Coronation!"

--DM2
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 09:18, Thu 13 May 2021.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 741):

Trysk responds, "I am, as long as I can get a strong drink there, too."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 742):

"Aye, I'm ready for a coronation and then a feast afterwards."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 742):

Shorty looks one last time at the items he depehded on for so long.  Then he shrugs and follows Alannon to whatever a Coronation is.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 744):

Warwick puts a hand on Shorty's forearm (about what he can reach without flying).  "Lad, we'll find ye other gear.  Ye're weapons and armor only enhance yer gifts, they don't make ye what ye are."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 745):
Shorty grins down at his friend.  "Me unnerstan.  But sword had big marble.  me likes marbles.  Not like argue wid sword.. but marble bee bestus part.  me gots udder sword not so good.   But it bees okay.  Not be end me expects fer dis äventure.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 743):

Alannon smiles "There will be fermented drink, good strong Bark & Root Beer.  We will also have Splot." he claps his hands together   "It will take a little time to prepare for the Coronation if you would like to review the magic you received from the battle."

"Yes" says Dualis "One reason why Sir Joshua is here, also gives us some time to chat."  Dualis waves Sir Joshua down, who slowly makes his way down.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 747):

Sir Joshua arrives at the group. "Marvelous, simply marvelous."  his words are very pronounced .. think of a proper English gentlemen aristocracy.

"A Humble Ant, just smashing."  he breathes  "Now there were some items that where in need further examination, is that so?" he inquires.

Dualis will interject "Yes Sir Joshua, my chaps here have come across some items I believe which you have taken notice."

"Quite"  Sire Joshua replies

"At the end of the field"  Dualis gestures

Your group acknowledges and you all walk to the end of the field.  When you all arrive at the trunks they open automatically to reveals all the items.  Sir Joshua pulls out some interesting spectacles and puts them on.  "The first object if you would be so kind?"

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 748):

"Do ye want me to hand them to ye or just point them out?" asks Warwick


    *Ring of Ruthlessness
    *Plate +4 (H)
    *Helm of War
    *Mace +4  (Cleric)
    *3 Pills of Wonder

In reply to Warwick (msg # 749):

Shorty points at the giants sword.  Ïts bees too big buts its gots magic we nots knows how ta uses.  Makes big fire.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 749):

OOC: I will take these one at a time.

Sir Joshua looks into the trunk and says, without looking up
"If required I shall pull the item in question out myself.  Right, let us start with the Ring of Ruthlessness, shall we."  He reaches in a picks up the ring, it is a platinum ring with 4 rubies embedded.  He clears his throat.

"This ring is very powerful as well as possibly dangerous dependent upon the disposition of the individual becoming the wearer.  The ring imparts significant increases to ones physical prowess in overall strength, speed and agility, constitution and as well as increased mental acumen (Int).  It results in an increase of plus 3 in each of those abilities. Now the sticky wicket, even though the ring itself is not cursed it does however cause the wearer to take on an evil disposition , if not already, and become utterly ruthless. A great boon to one who is already oriented toward an evil nature; and a 'curse' to one who is not .. at least initially given that his comrades might not look favorably on the individual after the change.  This would have been a problem if someone donned the ring in this group, yes."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 751):

"Hmmpph," says Warwick.  "I'd be in favor of giving it Charles.  Seems like something that only our enemies would find useful."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 752):

Shorty nods.  "Charles dance on its.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 753):

Sir Joshua continues as the comments are not directed at him.  He looks at the other items.  "This human sized plate armor"  he says "Who wore it, the warrior, priest or Anti-Paladin?" he does not wait for a reply "We shall see, yes"  he picks up a section of the plate and examines it.

He mutters to himself as he looks "yes" and 'hmmm' are frequent. After a few minutes he puts it down "Right, it is the Anti-Paladins armor and it has a special magical enhancement, a damage reflection capability where half the inflicted damage is rebounded back the attacker.  Somewhat of a deterrent I should think what."

--DM2