Conti ued from On the Road to Shevnia


The elemental stares blankly at Syvanus...
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:54, Sun 06 Mar 2022.

"The last known owner of the rod was a Shevnian wizard... Estrevan. Name ring a bell with any of you?"

[Private to GM: ooc: Can I make a Current Events (People) roll to see what I know about Estrevan?]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Wed 02 Mar 2016.

In reply to Oren (msg # 2):

"I don't know, but Estrevan and Esteban sound kinda close"

Can you sit so we can fix your leg  and set the basket down then please .

OOC - Syvanus has the wand... obviously

PM

[Private to GM: Does Oren know who Esteban is? I, as a player, was gone for awhile so I don't remember.]

"Almost certainly the legendary king himself."

Interesting ... and a bit disconcerting... if he was a lich ... arrows should not have done much injury...

"No, the dead wizard... most likely not the legendary king. Just someone who ended up with his wand. If we had a necromancer we could ask how, I suppose."

He gave the body a good going over, looking for any clues or anything valuable.

[Private to GM: Search-15. Rolled a 12.]

Stringfellow examines the body closely, is he completely dead, or still alive at all?

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 9):

The mage is quite dead, an arrow deep in the chest.
 He has a few silver coins... one is a match for Kalvo's  coin.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:23, Mon 07 Mar 2016.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 10):

"Looks more like our Traitors accomplice than the lich who lost the cash."

He sets about fixing the elementals leg.

"Well then it sounds like we should head back. With the number of elementals we now control, I expect we'll be formidable opponents to anyone trying to waylay us. Kirpich, maybe if you have the capacity you could alert your priesthood to send a representative to make a bid for the item once we're back?"

In reply to Danos (msg # 12):

"Wait... why would he have both a coin from the
treasure <I>and </>Esteban...Estrevan's wand?"

"Because it would appear that our traitors somehow stumbled upon Esteban's stash," Oren said, speculatively. "This map might lead us to treasures far greater than a missing payroll. It could lead us to the legacy of the lich king."

ooc: Overconfidence self control roll passed.

"We must decide, gentlemen. Do we press on to unimaginable riches? Or be content with what we have?"

He studied the map to determine how much further they had to go.

I am less sure we have all the dots connected.  *IF* they have found this treasure, they may have moved it ... and given the number of agents we have found, we should certainly expect more. Kalvo seems most interested in what we do, which may suggest that they have found the treasure, but cannot deal with the protections and only have recovered small portions of it. Marina, can you tell how old that map might be? Perhaps it is recent and meant to send us to where Kalvo or his boss wants us...

"You should wish that be the case," Oren said. "Kalvo is far less dangerous than whatever defenses Esteban has in his tomb. That golem is just one example. Besides, if he knew where we were going he wouldn't need to send a spy to leave a trail."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Mon 07 Mar 2016.

Or perhaps he knows where we are going, but wants to follow our progress? I suspect those coins can be found magically. But why would Kalvo's accomplice crush Kalvo's other accomplice?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Mon 07 Mar 2016.

"Perhaps they're not allies. Perhaps they don't know of each other. Perhaps they oppose each other. Perhaps Kalvo didn't tell him there was a spy, or who exactly the spy was. Or perhaps it's something else entirely. Perhaps Kalvo isn't one of the traitors, or the squashed mage isn't."

"Adventuring is full of unknowns."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:57, Mon 07 Mar 2016.

So it indeed seems

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 19):

"I have been thinking. Seek earth would find silver
quickly. If the payroll thieves stashed this prize, they didn't just chuck it in a well; they put it not where it couldn't be found, but where no one would want to look."

In reply to Marlena DuBois (msg # 20):

Kirpich listens while shaping and hardening another foot for the golem.

[Private to GM: Shape Earth, 8 under, Earth to stone, 6 under, what other spells are needed to heal him?]

"So, what... inside the Golem?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 22):

"Or, like most dictators, raise the army that refused to fight to protect it for eternity...how far does the map say we have to go?"

"With that rod the golems would not be able to refuse to fight for them." Oren studied the map.

In reply to Oren (msg # 24):

"Golems, or elementals?"

"Elementals. The legends are unclear when it comes to golems, but the words in Shevnian are very similar." He paused. "Though if one thinks about it, if you use magic to control an elemental or other spirit at all, you are enslaving it."

In reply to Oren (msg # 26):

"Yes, which is why the Church of Grom would want the item. I will be heading to my church in the mountains to inform them of this before returning to Northport, though perhaps after getting the treasue, I would hope you would come with me, as that is likely where you will get the best price for it."

"I won't be heading out without a firm offer," Oren said, "But I'd be willing to wait a few days while you go yourself and make the case. Or just send them a letter, I suppose."

In reply to Marlena DuBois (msg # 20):

You think the treasure is inside this creature?

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 29):

"No. I think the treasure was hidden in the lich's tomb
In order tpo keep treasure hunters out, and this joker,"
she points at the dead mage,
"Entered it to get the rod, and took some coin on the
way out."

Oren studied the map, to see how far they had to go to get to the tomb.

In reply to Oren (msg # 31):

the X on the map looks to be two to three days out at your previous rate of travel. without the mule, people are even slower with all the remaining food.

"We're a few days out from our destination yet. But it's further yet back to Northport. If you would like to continue on, we can do so. Head back... we'll run right into the enemy that pursues us."

"What's it going to be?"

Well since we know they are behind us, we don't have to run into them... we could skirt around and let them come here to find out what happened.  What's with Snorri?

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 34):

Snorri is still badly wounded, and at the moment only semiconscious. he is also covered in mud.

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 35):

Marlena turns her attention to the mud covered provisions, and sets about magically cleaning them.

"Wherever we go, we bring Snorri. He betrayed us, but he admitted it. I want to give him the chance to earn back his honor."

Fair enough, so long as he ceases leaving markers for Kalvo & Co.

"Syvanus, is hunting as we travel an option? I'd rather not weigh ourselves down with food if possible."

It's an option, but one that would slow us some... Kirpich's way is faster, if perhaps a bit less appetizing.

"If he says it is okay to bind elementals to our will using magic to enslave them, I won't argue."

I was talking about his creating food... as for using the elementals, his God sends them to him, I don't see where asking this one to aid us is different.

"Yeah, that's a theological question I suppose. But for now, let's let Kirpich act as a food dispenser, and if he dies we can rely on hunting."

And go between with his God and the Elementals... this large one could assist us greatly.

Oren investigates to see what other supplies besides food have survived.

"I am afraid I do not see why the large elemental cannot help carry our supplies, once its foot is repaired.  The small elementals were able to help that way, why not the enormous one?"

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 46):

"The small elemental still is able to assist. I cannot agree with any enslaving elementals though. We should work with them."

He finishes fixing its foot.

No one said enslave... we want their help...

"Then release them from your control and see if they stick around," Oren suggested. "Anything less is slavery."

"What about finding a spot near here, but away from the signs of the fight, where we can cache a portion of the food that we need for the return journey, but is just additional weight now?"

He looks at the pile of recovered supplies.  "We really only need enough to get us there and back to here, with a day or two of reserve."

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 50):

"That is probably a good idea, Stringfellow. Chunky is carrying a tent, mainly, which we can probably do without if I make stone huts, and I can provide food as well. But I won't be coming back: I will be continuing on once we have the treasure to my bretheran to let them know about this abomination."

"We've wasted enough time here, one way or another. Gather what you can from the supplies, and let's move on. We don't want our pursuers catching up with us."

In reply to Oren (msg # 52):

The wounded warrior stumbles back to consciousness.
"It that mountain still here?"

"It's our mountain now."

Syvanus points the wand at the giant elemental ...
You are released from my service... we ask that you help us, but not as a slave to our wants.

He then hands the wand to Oren

Oren takes the wand, ready to use it if the giant elemental goes nuts as they often do.

Keeping an eye on the elemental, Stringfellow packs up all his gear and remaining  supplies.  He then takes stock of the recovered group tools and equipment that now need to be carried.  What all survived? "What equipment do we need with us?"


OOC: How long has it been since we started?
Stringfellow can carry another 24lbs of supplies/gear and remain at med encumbrance
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Thu 10 Mar 2016.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 55):

The mountainous elemental  rises, testing it's  rebuilt leg
gingerly at first, and leans over to prod at the still
unconscious fist of Grom.  It rumbles something gravely, and points at the smaller elemental, and then at Kirpich.

In reply to behemoth (msg # 58):

Kirpich heals the fist of Grom next, while trying to understand the larger elemental.

"Chunky, did you understand him?"

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 59):

The fist of Grom shifts slightly, looking very poorly.
Chunky isn't looking so good either.

In reply to earth elemental (msg # 60):

Kirpich will go to town healing both elementals.

[Private to GM: Major Healing, 6 points each (1 fp), rolls under skill, 5, 9, 6, 12, 10]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 61):

The large elemental nods at this.

In reply to behemoth (msg # 62):

Marlena looks thoughtfully at Snorri.
"Let me see those magic coins; I can tell if they are.
I think we could pass them to our large friend, and let him
go his way. If they are tracking them, he will lead them
away."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:03, Tue 15 Mar 2016.

Marlena, we could tie them to rabbits and get a similar effect...

"Rabbits are more apt to get rid of them, and more apt to stay in the same few square miles." Oren said. "No, I think Marlena's plan is the best. Traveling around with a giant mountain is conspicuous as hell. And frankly, leaves me a bit uneasy. Elemental spirits are... fickle..."

In reply to Oren (msg # 65):

"My friend the club of Grom can carry them away reliably..."

"Yes, I don't think getting rid of our giant companion just before we expect to be attacked is a good idea. He seems to appreciate our freeing him, and also appreciate our good priest's efforts restoring him and his newfound elemental friends. I trust him far more than I trust Snorri at this point."

"You do realize that he's very visible from quite a ways away?" Oren asked. "But more importantly, he makes things easy. Never trust easy. Easy is just the pause before the other shoe drops..."

He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fine. Forget it. Ride on his shoulders for all I care... but don't say I didn't warn you."

"Pack up and let's get moving."

In reply to Danos (msg # 67):

"If our prsuers meet him, they have their own problems. Snorri said a bunch of cultists
and some duelists and the were lion. I think our friend can squash the lot."

"That's why I think we should send it off," Oren nodded to Melinda.
"But first. Kirich Rockson. Ask the elemental itself what it wants to do. After all...
 it is an ally, not a slave, and unless we use the rod we cannot force it to do anything."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:14, Tue 15 Mar 2016.

Syvanus makes sure he has everything, including such supplies from the mule that he can use...

My experience has been different Oren, things that fall into place are meant to be, and those that require inordinate effort are not meant to be ... forcing an issue frequently brings undesirable effects.

Grabbing additional supplies, Stringfellow adds his two bits. "My dear companions, let us set aside this conversation for now, and instead focus on moving.  If the elementals choose to accompany us or not, it matters little in the end if we stay here just arguing and waiting for more enemies to fall on us. We need to keep on the move.  If you would rather stop and hash out differences, then let us prepare defenses in case we are found."

Shouldering a bundle of rope, he adds, "It is not as if having a giant elemental alongside us would throw our pursuers off our trail or anything, seeing as how we are so well known for consorting with the enormous creatures, of course our enemies would think of us right away upon spotting him..." He rolls his eyes.

"That's why we give him the magic coins they're tracking and send him off in a different direction. They follow him, they catch up, he squashes them."

He turns to the big elemental and calls up to it in Shevnian. "I don't know if you can understand me big fellow, but you're free now. You can either accompany us, or we can give you the coins our enemies are using to track us, and you can lead them away. The choice is yours and yours alone."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:52, Tue 15 Mar 2016.

In reply to Oren (msg # 73):

"Chunky, please convey to him he is free, and ask him what he wants to do. Meanwhile, club would you be willing to head off in another direction with the magic coins to act as a decoy?"

He checks that chunky is able to continue on.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 74):

Chunky indicates that he can carry on, but is still a bit weak. Club, also weak  doesn't have fine manipulators, and is
not guaranteed  to remain on this plane much longer.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:08, Wed 16 Mar 2016.

In reply to earth elemental (msg # 75):

"I see. And the big fellow?"

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 76):

The massive elemental grumbles for a bit in its gravely
voice. Chunky translates haltingly that while very happy to
See its little brothers not permanently harmed by its fall,
and is grateful  for both the healing and the release from
its captor, it would like to return to the mountains.

"Let's give him the coins then, and send him home," Oren said.

In reply to Oren (msg # 78):

"And perhaps the rod?"

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 79):

Marlena's eyes widen. "Then he would self rule!"

"I'm not interested in giving the rod away for free, Kirpirch. And by the terms of our contract, I'm bound to make the best effort possible in selling it."

I concur... it is not free. It has cost us and we will need to recover our expenses and a profit. None of us work for free.

"I have to agree with the others about our contract. While I don't personally want to see something that may trend towards cruelty being sold to just anyone, I also agree that giving it away breaks our signed contract.  Not to mention that anything could happen to the elemental in the mountains and the rod would be left defenseless for whoever to find and use. If your order wishes to make a fair offer for the rod, I am willing to consider selling it to them, otherwise it goes back to Northport <edit correct location, lol> for sale there."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Thu 17 Mar 2016.

"We can deal with the rod when we return to Northport," Oren nodded. "For now, let's give the big guy the coins, send him off, and be on our own way."

He went to get the coins from Snorri.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 82):

"Nobody is suggesting we give it away, but selling it to a church that wants to see its use stopped is the best way to insure we don't incurr additional costs after the sale. I mean, if we sell it to someone like this prick, how much will it cost us in compensation if they start laying waste villages or towns? Our participation by empowering someone to do that will also make us financially liable, and that needs to ne factored into the best price for the item.

I am fine in giving him coins, but since the order is in the direction he is headed in, and he is highly motivated to see it taken there, he would be trustworthy to carry it. My order would compensate us later."

"We're not sending the rod off without a firm offer," Oren said. "Just because you think they'd probably pay for it. For that matter, they're only getting the rod if they offer us more than anyone else."

In reply to Oren (msg # 86):

"Even if giving it to others costs innocent lives?"

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 87):

"What other fabled items were supposedly in the keeping
Of Estrevan the, er, lich?"

"Would you ask a merchant selling swords the same question?" Oren asked. "Or one making catapults?"

[Private to GM: Regarding Marlena's question: Hidden Lore (Magic Items) roll passed by 4.]

In reply to Oren (msg # 89):

"Catapults and swords can ve purchased on every street corner. This is a uniquely powerful item capable of far greater destruction than thousands of catapults and swords. Do not shirk your moral responsibility with feigned ignorance."

"No," Oren shook his head. "It's just loot. It's only enchantment is the transformation into coins.

"My moral imperative is to get us back to Northport alive and ideally very rich, Kirpich. I won't ask you to share the ethics of my profession, but I will ask you to respect them and to abide by the contract we all signed. If you don't like it, you're welcome to forfeit your share and leave."

Syvanus just nods in agreement.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 92):

"Hmmm, you demand respect for your ethics, but have none for mine. Still, actions speak louder than words. Regardless, you are still responsible for what is done with what you have gained, even if you wish to shirk that responsibility. That at least makes your position clear to me."

"I respect your morality, priest, but I do not share it and it does not govern this expedition. We set out for coin and whatever glory comes with it, and that is the principle that guides us."

He sighed. "You will have to come to understand that respecting your beliefs does not mean giving you what you want."

In reply to Oren (msg # 94):

"What I want is to see it destroyed, and I jave not asked for that. However this item allows unscrupulous individuals to abuse Groms gifts to their own ends, meaning it dishonours everything I believe in by its existence. All I ask is that you do not dishonour my god by selling it to such unscrupulous individuals. Doing so dishonours my god and me, and does not show respect for my beliefs at all. Neither I nor Grom need your lip service.

But lets go get the treasure, and then find out what my order is willing to pay for it before we discuss it further. It may be they can sate your greed and avoid you becoming listed as one of their enemies."

"I don't think Estrevan used "Grom's Gifts" to create the rod," Oren said thoughtfully. "I think it was... Gokka the Yellow? The legends are unclear, but Gokka would make the most sense. He's the Earth God who teaches that elementals are nothing more than tools to be exploited.

"Though it could just as easily be entirely secular magic. Not all magic comes from the gods, nor do all elementals, and even when they do, it's not all from the same Earth God."

In reply to Oren (msg # 96):

"Grom would never have allowed his servants to create such an abomination, and I never claimed all elementals were from him. You may yet make other divine enemies as well. But Groms gifts are elementals nonetheless and this rod does, as I said, allow unscrupulous individuals to steal and use them for their own ends. Think about what I said if you must, but lets discuss it on the way to complete the mission."

Oren rolled his eyes. "Listen. Priest. The Lich was rumored to have other artifacts as well... a silver crown of some sort, and something called a Ring of Shadows. These, too, are of immense worth... so when we tally up the value of what we have, and split it between us, you can add your own share to what your church is willing to offer for the rod. Okay? That might give them the edge they need to beat out whatever other offers we receive."

He turned to the others. "The Lich was said to have the Rod of Builders to excavate the tomb of an even more ancient wizard, Jedovatý. So we could find even older and even more ancient treasure."

In reply to Oren (msg # 98):

"That was what I had in mind. Still, I find your lack or morality...disturbing. Lets get moving."

"I am a very moral person, Kirpich. It's just a different morality than your own, and I take it just as seriously."

In reply to Oren (msg # 100):

"We shall see."

He asks chunky to ask the large elemental to carry word back to his order regarding the rod, then checks the health of everyone, healing as is necessary.

"Ready to move on?"

"Hold on, let's get Biggun the marked coins." He went to collect them from Snorri.

In reply to Oren (msg # 102):

Once Oren has the coins, Marlena runs her hands over them.
"He wasn't lying. These do have some magic about them."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:56, Fri 18 Mar 2016.

"Okay, let's give them to the elemental," Oren said. "At the very least, it'll buy us some time."

In reply to Oren (msg # 104):

The massive elemental accepts the pouch of coins and stomps away west, shaking the ground as it goes.

ooc: Did we get a list of what was salvageable and what was broken on the donkey?

Well his neck, hips, legs and back seem to be broken ....

ooc: No, I mean gear. What can we salvage, and what has been ruined?

In reply to Oren (msg # 108):

Hmmm, some donkey steaks perhaps?

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 109):

The tack, harness, saddle bags and 2 weeks of rations are good, thanks to Marlena.

Oren sighs, picks up one of the saddlebags and fills it with rations, then slinging it over his shoulder.

ooc: Taking 8 days rations. That, plus the weight of the bag, should be just below my next encumbrance level. There are another 6 days rations left.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Sat 19 Mar 2016.

Syvanus should be able to carry them, given what he has consumed so far...

"Let's be off."

Lead on Stringfellow

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 114):

Moving a little slower, especially with Snorri being wounded,
You gead further east. You don't   get too far before  its time to bed down.

Survival rolls please

"The only other thing I know about this wizard the lich was investigating was his nickname," Oren said. "The Venemous."

ooc: Does terrain matter for Survival rolls? Passed regardless.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:36, Sat 19 Mar 2016.

Syvanus points out a possible spot...


[Private to GM: 19:34, Today: Syvanus rolled 11 using 3d6.  Survival Woodlands.   by 3]

Stringfellow also spots what looks like a decent location to camp.


Ooc:  I thought there were tools and other items on the donkey too.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 118):

Kirpich does not get involved in the discussion about setting up camp.

Once a site has been selected, he creates a large hut, complete with a stone drinking font, by shaping earth and hardening it to stone, before creating some food and water. He then heals Snorri some more before resting.

[Private to GM: All rolls under skill. Twice shape earth, the earth to stone.  Two create food, one natural roll of 17, skill 20 ( critical failure on 18 only if skill >18, right?). Three major healing with Snorri, including a natural roll of 4, skill 20.]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 119):

The hut is assembled.  Snorri is fit, although both
elementals could be better...


The cookpot is dented, the prybar is miraculously ok,
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:04, Mon 21 Mar 2016.

Syvanus walks slowly around the hut, apprising himself of where things are and looking for anything of interest, potential threats etc.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 121):

The area seems fairly safe, make a survival  roll

In reply to Narrator (msg # 122):

Before resting, Kirpich will use all his strength to heal the two elementals, resting between castings to recover.

[Private to GM: Major Healing, rolled 12 under, 13 under. All but 1 fp, so 9 both castings to heal 18 points of damage. Recover Energy after each casting. Create food is all good?]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 122):

Syvanus is alert to the surrounds and sees things many would not.

[Private to GM: 13:27, Today: Syvanus rolled 11 using 3d6.  Survival. by 3]

Oren looks at his club with a sigh. "First thing I'm buying when we get back is a decent sword."

In reply to Oren (msg # 125):

The campsite has reasonable comfort and a vantage point, but
it is elevated and not concealed. Dusk is settling in.

Given the elevated position of the camp, Danos offers to take the first watch. His telescopic vision will go a long way, though he won't be as helpful if the night gets fully black.

OOC: What's the moon like? Is there much light?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 126):

Is it defensible?

Oren goes about his normal camp routine. At one point he calls Syvanus over. "You seem more... diligent than usual. Do you have a reason to believe that there's more danger in this area than normal?"

No, just feeling edgy... finding a traitor amongst us was unsettling.

Oren nodded. "I understand."

He took the time to study the map, looking to see what was between them and their destination, and how much longer the trip would be.

Stringfellow settles into the camp, he tries to keep spirits up by telling a few stories. After eating he relaxes and tries to get some sleep before his turn at watch.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 132):

Kirpich spends much time resting and recovering his strength. Dismissing the club of Grom before going to bed, he tries to summon another next morning, as well as creating one before recovering his strength after creating breakfast.

[Private to GM: Rolled 17 to summon elemental, 3 under skill,and 10 for create club and create food, both 10 under.]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 133):

Kiprich is unable to summon another elemental, but is able to create one. Ooc: 17 becomes simple failure

The moon is waxing, but only just past the half, so not a great deal of light. Kirpich made something fairly
defensible, a doorless earth building. You are approximately
Three days out from the x on your map at your prior rate of
travel, which might have been slightly faster than your newer rate.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:41, Mon 21 Mar 2016.

ooc: What's the terrain like between here and there? Anything interesting? Villages? Etc?

In reply to Oren (msg # 135):

There is a small village about a day out of your way, two days out.

"Three days to our destination," Oren said. "But there's a small village here. We can take an extra day and drop Snorri off there, where he can rest and recover while we continue on.

"What say you?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 137):

"Sounds good to me.'

"Probably for the best."

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 139):

The evening quickens into near dark.  Distant growls echo over the plains.

In reply to Oren (msg # 137):

The night passes without further incident. Snorri seems quite
 fit. After Kirpich last healed him.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 141):

Kirpich creates some breakfast and rests before being ready to move on.

[Private to GM: Create food, 8 under, create water, 10 under, recover energy...]

Syvanus again looks at the surrounds in some detail, seeing if anything is different or any new threat has appeared.

Oren packs up and is ready to go.

"Snorri. We will give you the chance to redeem yourself, if you want to press on with us."

In reply to Oren (msg # 144):

"Aye. Kalvo bought a debt I owed, and fronted the money I put in for the mule. I don't feel I owe that bastard, any
more, You saved my life, so all the way, even into the lich's
Lair."

"Fair enough," Oren said. "Let's be on our way."

In reply to Oren (msg # 146):

The day is cold and a bit misty, but not as foggy as yesterday. The giant elemental  is nowhere to be seen..

Stringfellow keeps everyone's spirits high with some soft musical selections.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 148):

Kirpich keeps everyone fed and watered, and the ground solis beneath their feet, recovering energy as needed to maintain peak condition.

ooc: What kind of food?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:15, Fri 25 Mar 2016.

MRE's no doubt... and all of them Spaghetti w/ meat balls ... the only one he learned to cast ;-)

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 151):

Magically created food unaffected by flavor enhancing spells
or critical success has a bland texture and is nearly without
 flavor, unlike the panforte iron rations of dried fruit, suet and hazelnuts  and the occasional side of jerky.

Oren eats his rations and drinks his water.

In reply to Oren (msg # 153):

Spaghetti without meatballs, just melted cheese :D

Noodles with american cheese melted on them... yup, that's what the narrator was talking about...Blah food!

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 155):

Tofu cakes

Oh Gross...

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 157):

With moving rice...

Rice that moves and wiggles is called Maggots.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 159):

Exactly. High in protein, good for you, but not exactly appetizing...

Stringfellow sticks to the food he brought, enjoying the dried fruit, cheese, and meat jerky... whichever meat it may be.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 161)

Kirpich eats heartily the created food, not understanding others preference for packed food.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 162):

You can see ravens again, circling  a mile or so away.

Oren couldn't understand how Kirpirch could stand to eat the terribly bland and boring "food" his magic created. It was like... why bother?

"We should probably take a look over there, it will give us an idea about what potential dangers are in the area.  It may be the results of the giant elemental and wizard before we dealt with them, or it could be something new."

Oren shaded his eyes and looked. "Could be a hunt, could be a battle. Could just be migratory birds flocking. Most likely nothing to do with us, but we should send a scout to go check it out. Syvanus, you interested?"

I'll go, I'll meet you up by yon wood in a few hours time ...    Syvanus starts off moving carefully.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 167):

After about ten minutes, Syvans comes upon an odd scene of carnage. Ravens circle around an
area where the ground is quite torn up, and bits of fur and entrails are scattered about.
No actual bodies remain, but bits of rusty armor and a broken spear lay about. A variety of
tracks coat the area.

Syvanus looks about for signs of what animals or creatures fought here ... and what seems to have happened, as it is a bit unusual to have pieces parts strung around like this.

[Private to GM:
12:33, Today: Syvanus rolled 12 using 3d6.  Perception.  by 1]

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 169):

There are two types of paw prints and a set of boot prints.

Syvanus looks closely atthem to identify who has been here...


[Private to GM: 11:45, Today: Syvanus rolled 9 using 3d6.  IQ - Memory.  by 3]

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 171):

Lion tracks approach and seem to have been very active. There were several gnolls here,. apparently fighting with the lion, and then there is one set of boots, that followed the lion
tracks, circled around, and then left, followed by the gnolls and the lion.  The gnoll tracks
 leaving seem to be dragging a bit and do not seem even in their steps.

Interesting ... so whomever followed the lion in, was followed out by the lion and the gnolls ... which seems odd in terms of timing...

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 173):

The gait of the gnolls as they departed seems odd to you.
Ravens  pick at the stray bits of gore.

Which way do these tracks lead off? still shaking my head ... do the gnolls seem injured (dragging a leg or blood drops?)

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 175):

They head off to the southwest, away from your easterly
destination, and the gnoll footseps show signs of injury and
maybe fatigue?

I rejoin the group and pass along all I have seen.

"Wounded and heading away, then?" Oren said thoughtfully. "Well. Fortunate for us. Nothing to do with us, and further, nothing that we'll come across. We have our own business to attend to."

In reply to Oren (msg # 178):

"Agreed. Sounds like someone raided the raiders. Justice done, lets keep moving."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 179):

You trudge on for a few hours, moving on to rockier ground.
The terrain is uneven, but oddly regular, and you find
 yourselves climbing over rises a yard or so wide that have dips a few yards accross between them.

IQ rolls at -4, -2 only for Kirpich and Danos

Syvanus comments on the odd and regular terrain...



[Private to GM:  08:01, Today: Syvanus rolled 9 using 3d6.  IQ  -4. ... missed by 1]

"What?" Oren asked. "Sorry, didn't catch that, Sylvanus, what'd you say about the terrain?"

Danos, focused on their surviving equipment, doesn't take notice of the terrain.

12:14, Today: Danos rolled 16 using 3d6.  IQ -2.

In reply to Danos (msg # 183):

"Almost like a cemetery..."

[Private to GM: Iq roll 8 under...]

If so, it's a big cemetery...

"The only remaining sign of an old battle, would be my guess.   But not too old, or the mounds would be more worn away."

"Let's avoid treading on the graves as best we can, but we may be close to our destination."

Syvanus nods and steps off the one he is on ...  We need a priest to cast eternal rest here...

"Can't go around wasting spells on every dead Tom, Dick, and Harry."

Unless of course you don't wish them pestering you later...

"Thousands die every day without anyone casting such spells, and thousands don't rise from their graves," Oren said dismissively.

Thousands don't lie near great riches or a presumed liche as well   Syvanus replied curtly

"I've only ever seen that spell cast as a ceremony on single bodies," Oren said. "And even then, a single casting wiped the priest out. I really don't think it's a practical option."

"Besides, I don't think Kirpirch is that kind of priest."

"It is definitely not an option on this kind of scale. From everything I have heard about it, it would take every cleric in the city a year to cast that on every grave here."

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 194):

"Yes, creating elementals to dispatch them would be more efficient."

"Unless they're ghosts. Elementals can't do jack against a ghost. Or really anything spectral. I guess we're boned if we have to deal with any kind of spirit."

"Then let us continue moving and get out of the area more quickly."

"Well, nobody's suggesting a picnic. But on that note, shall we stop for lunch?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 198):

"Prefer to snack on the move myself..."

Let us vacate this place... then eat.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 184):

Kirpuch looks back over the area traversed. Not a cemetery,
More like defensive earthworks that have been greatly eroded.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 201):

"I don't sense the dead put to rest here though. More like the site of an old battlefield."

"Can you do that?" Oren asked. "Sense the dead? Because honestly, that would be tremendously useful."

They continued on, following the map.

In reply to Oren (msg # 203):

"I can sense spirits, and I can know the location of a dead body, so yes, indirectly I can sense the dead. I can also give them a final rest, but it would take weeks with the entire battlefield."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 204):

Scattered amongst the soft edged trenches and fallen
barricades are building stones, which seem to allbe scattered
Not as if dropped, but like they were flung. Most are mossy,
but some of the moss is dead, as you pregress, there is less green visible.

Battlements or not, this is a place of death it seems.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 206):

"Or corruption, to be more exact..."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 207):

The uneven terrain continues like this for a stretch, with
Pits interrupting the pattern of fallen barricades and
trenches.

Ooc: a cartography check for the map holder please, and a per plus iq roll for all, Danos has +2

Danos thinks he may have spotted something.

15:43, Today: Danos rolled 11 using 3d6.  IQ +2.

Oren consults the map, looking up and around periodically.

ooc: Cartography, IQ, and Per all passed.

[Private to GM: 14:46, Today: Secret Roll: Oren rolled 13 using 3d6.  Per 15.
14:46, Today: Secret Roll: Oren rolled 9 using 3d6.  IQ 15.
14:46, Today: Secret Roll: Oren rolled 9 using 3d6.  Cartography Default IQ-5 = 10.]

In reply to Danos (msg # 209):

Looking at the stones scattered about, Danos recognizes them
to be in a pattern; they are outflung in a near circle, and
he can see that there is a central point to in in the field, as if there had been a tower that exploded outward... a long
time ago.


As Danos points to this area, Oren puts his finger on the X.

Oren sighed and put the map away. "Okay, this is it. Or rather, this was it. The tower itself is gone, but let's see if there was a basement that survived... otherwise, we'll have to see what we can scavenge from among the blocks."

In reply to Oren (msg # 212):

"This is where the treasure is, or was?"

"The tower, yes."

Syvanus looks around ...


[Private to GM: 14:50, Today: Syvanus rolled 6 using 3d6.  Per.
14:50, Today: Syvanus rolled 8 using 3d6.  IQ.  Passed both comfortably]

Oren leads the way to where the tower was before it exploded, looking for a basement or trapdoor or something.

Syvanus takes one of the tools and starts trying to scrape away a bit of soil to see if he can find anything like a door or stairway (assuming it isn't flat obvious).

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 217):

Kirpich simply shapes the earth out of the way.

[Private to GM: Rolled 12 under shape earth.]

Syvanus stands back... OK, well be like that...

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 219):

Ahem.
 As you approach the area that seems to be the epicenter
of centuries old explosuon, you can see the remains of the
corner of a wall. Rubble is strewn about, and a number of the
stones have a charred look to them.
There is more rubble about and some of it looks unstable.

"Kirpich. Does your god provide you with magic that can find empty spaces under the earth? Like, say, a dungeon or basement under the tower?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 221):

"I can seek a particular item, or I can ealk through earth. Does that count?"

"Let's be careful, in case there are any more materials that might explode left around here..."

"If they were going to explode, I assume the actual explosion would have set them off," Oren said, searching through the rubble carefully. "But who knows with magic?"

ooc: 09:50, Today: Oren rolled 8 using 3d6.  Search-15.

Carefully maneuvering through the rubble, Stringfellow looks for anything that seems interesting or unusual. But nothing stands out.



11:20, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 13 using 3d6.  Search 9.

Danos assists with the searching, and keeps his eyes out for any suspicious materials that may have been left after the explosion. Unexploded mines and munitions, especially magical ones, could be very dangerous!

14:58, Today: Danos rolled 8 using 3d6.  Search 14.

In reply to Danos (msg # 226):

Marlena chants, and green sparks erupt from her hands.
"This entire area has a magical aura about it."

[Private to Kirpich Rockson:make an IQ roll]

In reply to Marlena DuBois (msg # 227):

Snorri picks through a pile of rocks,
"The pay train went missing forty years ago, so whatever was hid, only been hid since then."

[Private to Danos:You find a piece of old board poking out from under some of the stones]

"The pay pales compared to what treasure we might find belonging to the lich king."

Stringfellow heads to what looks like the center of the area and begins to dig next to the largest remaining stonework there, on the side that would have been the interior.

Danos bends down and tries to clear the dirt away from a board he's found without moving the board. He's trying to excavate it while leaving it in place before doing anything rash.

09:09, Today: Danos rolled 7 using 3d6.  Traps 14.

In reply to Danos (msg # 231):

The board Danos uncovers is accompanied by several others;
Together they cover a stone rimmed pit or well. They are also
Dryrotted and would have caved in.


Stringfellow finds his way through some debris to a flagstone
Flooring. Amidst the rubble he finds a skull.

"Hey, I think I may have found a way in. Or at least a well.

"Good priest Kirpich, do you have an ability to make light at all? If we could light a pebble we might be able to see what's down here."

In reply to Danos (msg # 233):

"Sorry, I don't do light."

[OOC Rolled 7 under IQ]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 234):

"Ah, but I do."
Green fire crackles on her hands as she casts a spell on a
 pebble. The pebble stake on a strong green tinged light as
bright as a torch. She holds it over the well.
"Shall I drop it, or do you want to tie it to something?"

Danos bows, "Why thank you, Marlena. Always good to have a wide range of magical talents around."

Fishing his 3/8" thick rope from out of his backpack, he attempts to secure the lit pebble to the end of it without blocking too much of the light.

"If I had been thinking, we could have just lit the end of the rope!"

Assuming he is able to get something put together, Danos lowers the light down the well to see what might be down there.

Oren, meanwhile, seeks for something to anchor the other end of the rope to so they can climb down.

If you'd prefer, I can make a less bright light that I can float down there...
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 14:48, Fri 15 Apr 2016.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 238):

"Maybe I can shape a tunnel diagonally down to intercept with the bottom...will take time, but allow us repeated access..."

"We don't know how structurally sound it's going to be down there," Oren said. "So let's avoid creating excess tunnels and just use the shaft available to us."

Or at least check the area out before sinking said shaft...

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 241):

The well is made of worked stone.
Marlena's light show the yard wide well descending five yards
the surface of the walls is rough and irregular. There is water at the bottom of the well,


 Kirpich feels slightly out of touch with his God.

"You gents want to head down now, or wait until morning?" Oren asked. "Get one last night under the stars?"

ooc: About what time is it?

In reply to Oren (msg # 243):

It is an hour or two mast noon.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 242):

Kirpich tries to work out what is going on in the spiritual realm.

[Private to GM: Rolled 5, not sure what to roll against, but since it is his god he is feeling cut off from, he should have a good idea!]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 245):

Sanctity round these barts is low... -2 on all rolls..

In reply to Narrator (msg # 246):

Great. He wonders how he might sanctfy this place...

[Private to GM: Does he need to roll, or does he know?]

Oren looks at the sky. "Plenty of daylight. Let's afix the rope and head on down."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 247):

Another presense affects the agods access to this place...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 249):

Can he locate/ identify the other presence?

In reply to Oren (msg # 248):

You don't need a bath that badly... and it appears to just be a well ... little reason to go down...

"You know as well as I do that half the time the entrances to these things are down wells, Syvanus. Don't pretend like that's not true."

Truly? I did not know that ... most entrances I have seen were doors.

"Doors? Haven't done a lot of adventuring then, have you?" Oren said. "Don't worry, you'll pick it up quick. No. About half the time whenever you encounter a well in any old ruins, it'll be the entrance to whatever structures lie below.

"Other times it's shit like giant hollow trees, or sinkholes, or sewers. Sewers are the worst. Ugh. Doors are lucky, but there's nothing standing here. We're not going to find a door. Gotta have a doorframe to have a door, Syvanus. Gotta have a wall to have a doorframe. We don't have either. Trapdoor? maybe. But why on earth would you think there'd be some magical door just sitting around without a wall? Elves are so weird."

He tapped on the side of the well. "It'll probably be the well. Not 100% of the time. But it's something we should check out if we don't find anything else."

This message was last edited by the player at 17:46, Sat 16 Apr 2016.

Hmmm and I was just thinking about how stupid it is to use a well for an entrance ... trap doors are doors ... that I can see, But wells are cold wet and have no stairs ... and I didn't notice any openings in the side of this well.

"Can't get a good angle at it from up here," Oren said. "So there might be a passage we can't see. Or it might be a hidden secret door in the side of the well. Or it might be an underwater tunnel, if we're unlucky."

He looked back at where the tower was. "We were all searching the grounds of where the tower was, though, and this well is the only entrance we've found. I'd suggest someone climb down and take a look, see if there's a tunnel or secret door. If not... well, we'll have to keep searching up here."

OK, Let me try this... he concentrates and produces a small flickering light at his finger tip, much like a candle flame, he then moves it over the well and has it descend two yards, then slowly to just above the water.

[Private to GM: 12:47, Today: Syvanus rolled 12 using 3d6.  Light.  by one]

"Uh, Syvanus?" Oren pointed to the glowing rock on a rope that was still dangling into the well. "We've plenty of light down there."

So plenty of light now see any openings?

OOC - I missed where Danos actually lowered it into the well..

"It's not the light, it's the angle," Oren said. "Secure the rope and I'll climb down and take a look."

Syvanus looks around for something to secure the rope to...


[Private to GM: 16:02, Today: Syvanus rolled 6 using 3d6.  Perception.]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Sat 16 Apr 2016.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 261):

At water level, there is an opening about two feet wide,
almost up to a yard above water.

"There's a tunnel down here." Oren took the glowing stone from the end of the rope and climbed into the tunnel. "Follow me down."

OOC - Should we all say Wheeee! ? I haven't found anything to tie it off to....

ooc: I was reading the GM's comment as that had all been taken care of to the point where Oren was able to see the tunnel.

In reply to Oren (msg # 265):

Yes, due to the enhanced lighting.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 266):

"I will see you down there."

Not liking ropes, he creates a tunnel sloping down to join the opening, hardening the walls to stone as he does so.

[Private to GM: 5 rolls past for shape earth and earth to stone, then one each of stone to rarth, shape earth and earth to stone for making an entrance into the existing tunnel. Use just enough so not as to cost fp beyond that provided by skill of 20]

Once the tunnel is done, Syvanus survey's it..

Mind If I join you in it's use, Kirpich?

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 268):

One part of the new tunnel crumbles under you as you head down!


OOC  Low sanctity and worked stone apply penalties. That 15 didn't  make it. Kirpich and Syvanus  make dx rolls or take 1d-3 to an ankle

In reply to Narrator (msg # 269):

"You are welcome. Let me test it first."

Kirpich is injured as part of the tunnel collapsed. He withdraws back up the tunnel, and softens the stone to repair it. Unfortunately, shaping it goes badly, and the area around the well collapses !

OOC: Please edit the result of the critical failure shaping earth as appropriate. Note, most of the tunnel is not worked stone. Skill is 20
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:25, Sun 17 Apr 2016.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 270):

Only that last bit by the end was worked. The tunnel begins to collapse into a sinkhole! Everyone within five yards needs to look out as the entire area next to the well caves in!


OOC  dex rolls all or fall three yards as the gravel  and loose bits of bones under the sculpted area gives way!

ooc: How am I doing down in the well itself?

In reply to Oren (msg # 272):

Oren struggles to cling onto the rope while trying to dodge
Flying shale and bones


strength check to keep holding, make a dodge roll or take 1d-3

A particularly large big of shake clipped Oren on the side of the head. "Ow! What the hell are you idiots doing up there?"

ooc: ST roll passe. Dodge failed. 3 damage taken

In reply to Oren (msg # 274):

Theside of the well caves in, spilling gravel and bones into  the well.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 275):

Marlena goes sliding into the sinkhole, but escapes injury

Snorri, steps back in time.

The rest of you...

Not sure if I need to dodge or just make DX...   Having avoided the sink hole, Syvanus will assist Marlena back up...


[Private to GM: 16:39, Today: Syvanus rolled 6 using 3d6.  DX.  Made easily ... by 9
16:39, Today: Syvanus rolled 14 using 3d6.  Dodge. Missed by several ]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Sun 17 Apr 2016.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 277):

Syvanus  narrowly avoids falling into the sinkhole. Snorri
Helps lower a rope down into the pit.

When he hears the shaking and yelling, Stringfellow drops the skull he was looking at and runs over to where the others are.  He attempts to help Marlena get out of the hole.

Danos' elven reflexes react to the collapsing ground just barely in time. Once things have settled, he calls down the well to Oren: "Is the opening still clear? Can you see anything?"

DX roll success.

09:50, Today: Danos rolled 15 using 3d6.  DX for Sinkhole.

"I think so. What the hell is going on up there? What did you do?"
This message was last updated by the player at 13:59, Tue 19 Apr 2016.

The well seems to affect Oren's voice, making it sound like a completely different person before Danos realizes its just an echo.

"It seems that there's an unholy force at work here. Once you're clear I'll follow you down the rope."

In reply to Jin (msg # 281):

Once Kirpich has repaired the tunnel, he assesses the situation.

"An unholy force caused an earthquake? Is that what we're up against?" Oren paused. "If our enemies can cause the ground to collapse, I think we should head back to Northport. We have no way to protect ourselves from that."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 283):

The area of the attempted tunnel repair  has collapsed into an enormous  sinkhole; there is no more tunnel to repair.

The edge of it cuts into the side of the well, and is about eight yards accross  and three or faour yards deep, and is full of gravel, loose shale and bones. All of the skull and skull fragments  are facing Kirpich.

Marlena is halfway down, and has grabbed the rope thrown by Snorri.

Oren is a few feet above the surface of the water at the base of the well, with the opening  reaching his knees. Debris
caused by the sinkhole has clouded the waters and some bits
of bone are floating.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 285):

Kirpich  calls upon Grom, and over a minute, successfully
buids a stable stone walkway down into the sinkhole and
through a well braced archway into the well. Everyone can
walk their way safely to where Oren is.

"What the hell, Kirpich." Oren seems annoyed. "Don't just... start digging tunnels all over the damn place without warning anybody. You could have killed us all."

In reply to Oren (msg # 287):

"I did suggest, but some others responded by simply jumping down the well. Since elementals are poor climbers, I had to find my own way down. So I did. They did not consider how we would be able to withdraw if we had to, did they?"

"There is a rope, Kirpich. Are you so out of shape that you can't climb a rope?" He shook his head. "I didn't ask you why you decided to start major earthwork excavations without telling anyone, I'm saying don't do it. Clearly you lack the skill to do so without killing us."
This message was last updated by the player at 18:09, Wed 20 Apr 2016.

While the stonework is still going up, Stringfellow shimmies down the rope to the opening.

As Stringfellow joins him, Oren lights a torch and starts off down the tunnel.

[Private to GM: Per-15 or Traps-15 to spot traps.]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:04, Wed 20 Apr 2016.

Well at least they'll find any traps for us ... Shall we follow?

Before they set out into the cave, Danos unties the glowing rock from the rope and carries it with him. Then he goes inside with everyone else.

Grinning while drawing his sword, "Let's proceed, but it never hurts to be ready."

Syvanus slings his bow and draws his sword as he advances into the tunnel.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 295):

The air is thick with dust from the recent disturbances.
The walls are barely a yard apart, the ceiling just above two
yards high. There are several inches of water on the floor.

Oren feels a shift in the feel of the water around his feet...

Oren leaps out of the way of whatever trap has been sprung.

ooc: DX check? Dodge?

In reply to Oren (msg # 297):

"I told you, golems can't climb ropes very well at all."

He waits for Chunky and club to come down, before following the others.

In reply to Oren (msg # 297):

Pulling his foot back, Oren scrapes it on the edge of the stone before him. It would appear that there is some kind of
 submerged pit or recess ahead.

"Kirpich. Can you tell how much stone is missing from the path ahead without collapsing the tunnel on us?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 300):

"I can walk through earth, but not see through it unfortunately. I will need a rest after if I walk through it, as it is very draining.¨

"I just need to know if you can tell how big the pit in the water in front of us is," Oren said. "If not, well. Send one of your elementals into the water and see how deep it is."

You might use the rope with a stone tied to it as the sailors do...

In reply to Oren (msg # 302):

¨Yes. Though a club of Grom with a rope tied to him may work as well, since he cannot drown.¨

"Yeah, send your club down."

In reply to Oren (msg # 305):

¨Club, please come here. Rope please someone?¨

"How much does your elemental weigh?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 307):

"Less than 200 lbs..."

"Okay, your rope should hold it."

In reply to Oren (msg # 309):

"Whose rope?"

"Your rope. Don't you... what supplies do you have?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 311):

"4 man tent, basics for a group, bandages, first aid kit, oil and Stringfellows package."

"You should carry rope. It's very useful."

In reply to Oren (msg # 313):

"Really? Can't carry everything, you know. Maybe if you carry the tent I could carry the rope..." Kirpich replied dryly, a slight scowls as he shakes his head.

"Got my own tent," Oren said. "Had more gear on the mule, but you should always carry everything you think you're going to need. Rope especially."

He pointed back towards the well where his rope still dangled. "See? Useful."

In reply to Oren (msg # 315):

"Your own tent is nice, but not useful for anyone else. I have group basics and a four man tent to help the group, not just myself. Expecting others to therefore carry extras items for the group because they dont need to carry supplies or basics is called teamwork.

Perhaps Stringfellow has some rope in the bundle he is asking me to carry for him.."

OOC: I thought we used my rope to climb down the well? If not, Danos hands Kirpich his rope.

"I'd expect everyone to bring their own supplies," Oren said. "Again, what if you were eaten by a dragon or something? And we were relying on your terrible bland magic food? And you had the only tent?"

He nodded wisely. "Always pack as if you'll be the only survivor. Have everything you'll need."

Danos, Could you please pull your rope back up out of the well and hand it down here please...

Danos happily retrieves and offers his rope.

As Danos goes to climb out of the well to go untie the rope, Oren stops him. "Don't bother. We'll need the escape route if something happens to Kirpich's tunnel."

He hands his own rope to the earth priest.

Thanks anyway Danos
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Mon 25 Apr 2016.

Danos does not untie his rope, and leaves it in the well.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:07, Mon 25 Apr 2016.

"It's about redundancy. That way if one thing breaks, we're not doomed. If the priest who can create food dies, we still have the woodsman who can hunt. If the hunter dies, we still have rations. If the tunnel collapses, we still have the rope we can climb."

Unless of course it collapses between us and the well... maybe Kirpich should create a redundant tunnel?

"I would prefer if Kirpich refrains from any magic that has the potential to kill us all if it goes wrong, actually."

In reply to Oren (msg # 326):

The elemental is lowered into the space, and sinks the pit appears to be two yards on a side, and three yards deep.

In reply to earth elemental (msg # 327):

"Most magic has the potential to be dangerous, if not lethal, if it goes wrong. But if it goes right, it is lethal for them. If you are afraid of risk, this is not the best profession for you...

Lower him until the rope goes slack, then bring him back up. allow him time to climb down the wall of the pit, so he can sense what is around him, otherwise we are wasting our time."

"You use your magic carelessly in ways that endanger everybody for negligible benefit, Kirpich. So stop doing that. Grow up. Use your god's gifts responsibly, not as some toy to create tunnels when we don't need them. Accept responsibility for your mistakes, at the very least."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:52, Mon 25 Apr 2016.

Stop proselytizing and let's get a move on ... you aren't close to perfect either. We all make mistakes.

"My mistakes didn't almost get us all killed, but if you want to defend the priest then you're more than welcome to join his church," Oren said. "And what's your hurry? We're waiting for Kirpich's rockman to finish exploring the pit."

In reply to Oren (msg # 329):

"If you were a little less selfish, you would realize I did what I did because it was the only way to keep the party together. Your short-sightedness is why I needed to create the tunnel, so I am not surprised that you cant see beyond yourself to realize that what I did was NECESSARY, not just playing games. Perhaps it is time for you to recognize your own faults in this as well. I did my best, and it did not work as planned, but at least I did my best for all of us, not just myself."

"You need to accept responsibility for your actions, Kirpich. Stop deflecting your failures onto me. Any of us could have climbed down the rope into the well, but no, you had to go boring tunnels through everything without checking to see if the ground was stable enough first. You were careless. End of story. And when called out on your mistake, instead of owning up to it like a man, you whine and complain and make excuses."

Actually Kirpich didn't fail ... he had a set back, I got here through his tunnel. You however failed to realize that the rope you so hasily took was a BAD idea, that not all could use and with a very limited escape possibility in case of trouble. You are the one guilty of not recognizing your faults, which may yet get us in more serious trouble, given your hasty and ill-conceived plans. Now enough of this... Has the elemental surfaced yet? Does it need help doing so?  Let's get moving or we shall be down here for a long time I fear.

"Syvanus, did you really just say that using a rope to climb is a bad idea?" Oren asked. "Did those words just come out of your mouth?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 333):

"I keep telling you, but in your stubborn ignorance, you seem unable to understand: Neither of the elementals could climb down the rope. Let me try to say this simply to see if you can get it. NOT EVERYONE can climb ropes. You were splitting the party by assuming otherwise. How can you be so thick as to not understand that?

I admit I messed up in doing what I did, and did so ten minutes ago, but in your stubborn stupidity, you cannot seem to see that doing it was necessary, not a mistake. That is the end of your story, not your fantasy about elementals climbing ropes! I point out facts, and you are too childish to accept there is a significant detail you overlooked. What will it take for you to see that another path OTHER than the rope was necessary, and indeed still is?"

"Kirpich," Oren said kindly. "Let me first say that I'm proud of you for admitting your mistake. It takes a big man to do that, and I respect you for it. I really appreciate it, and it gives me more faith in you."

"And I do know that your elementals can't climb ropes. Okay? I never assumed they could. And I heard you when you said so. I just... don't care? They're not partners in this exhibition, priest. They're... equipment. Pack animals. You can just dismiss them and summon them again later."

"I'm sorry I snapped at you, but you almost killed me, you know that, right? I was dangling by a rope in the well when you cast that spell, and a big chunk of shale hit me right in the head. See?" He pointed at his head wound. "Your mistake almost killed me, and I'm sorry for yelling at you, but you need to be more careful."

In reply to Oren (msg # 335):

Why yes they did... because with an enemy attacking you, trying to climb a rope is a sure way to die... but you didn't think of that! We could fairly easily defend our way up Kirpich's tunnel though.

Oren looked at Syvanus and sighed in annoyance, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Very well. Syvanus thinks he knows better than I. He says my plans are ill-conceived and terrible."

He turned to the others. "As you recall, we all signed a magically binding contract that stipulates all important decisions must be voted on. This is magic. We have no choice, we are bound. Well, as the contract demands, I am going to call for a vote."

"If the group agrees that my plans - like being prepared, using a rope for climbing, and selling the incredibly valuable rod we found for more money than we've ever seen - are terrible, I shall stop making them. I will stop providing input. I will return to the surface and let you all do what you want for the rest of your expedition."

"However, if the group agrees that I know what I'm talking about, then we agree that Syvanus should shut his fucking mouth before I feed him his goddamn bow."

"All in favor of me keeping my silence raise your left hand and point back towards the tunnel mouth. All in favor of Syvanus shutting the fuck up give him the finger."

He gave Syvanus the finger.

Syvanus holds up his right hand and gives Oren the Finger back... Yes, You do need to go...

"Kindly point towards the tunnel entrance if you'd like to vote in such a manner, Syvanus." He spoke to the others. "I really don't mind maintaining a base-camp up above if it's what the rest of you prefer. It's important work, and I spent years doing it before I became an adventurer myself."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Tue 26 Apr 2016.

If you go to the surface and leave the party, you violate the pact and your rights to any of the finds ... if you are voted down, you will still work with the group under some other leader. I would ask not to be chosen, as it simply makes this problem more divisive. The belittling of people over the past days is bad enough ... we now need to work in concert to accomplish this task. I don't think you can lead us any longer.

"You are wrong, Syvanus, in this as you are wrong about everything else. Firstly, the only thing that results in a loss of a party-member's share is stealing or concealing treasure from the others."

"Secondly, the only penalty we can levy upon one another is loss of a half-share. This is after a 2/3 vote by the others declaring that this member did not pull his own weight."

"Thirdly, maintaining a base camp is a valuable service that helps the party out. I don't expect you to understand how or why, but it doesn't matter what you think. Only the entire party, with a vote, can declare that an individual member did not pull his or her own weight. And again, that only results in the loss of a half-share."

"I would also remind you that the contract stipulates that upon our return I will be the one to sell the goods we recover. I cannot leave the group. You cannot kick me out. I am magically bound to perform this service. Which, in itself, is very valuable."

"Finally, the terms of the vote have already been stated. Either I go out and maintain base-camp, or you shut up. I MUST abide by the results, and I CANNOT remain down here, because that is not what we are voting on."

"Now. Are you finished being wrong so we can get on with the vote? You shut up and let me do my job, or I go above and maintain a camp for your return. Those are the options. And you've already voted."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:02, Tue 26 Apr 2016.

How about I go maintain the base camp ... a valuable service ... and the rest can do whatever they feel is correct ...

He spread his arms. "You're an expert marksman and skilled woodsman, Syvanus. Me? My expertise is the only thing I've got to contribute here. When you say that my plans are worthless, you're saying I'm worthless. That I have nothing else to contribute. Do you see the difference here? You're saying that the only thing I have to offer is worthless."

"If you really believe that, then there's nothing I can do to help down here, and I should go make camp in the ruins up above. But you, you're useful down here even if you don't have any good ideas. Which you've admitted is the case. So it does not help the group if you go above. However, if all I have are bad ideas, then it does help the group if I go above.

"Do you see the difference?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:16, Tue 26 Apr 2016.

I see you speak crap... wipe your mouth ... and then can we get on with this effort ... and no I will not shut up if I think you may be making an error.

Oren sighed. "Then let's vote so we can get on with this. If I'm right, then my leadership is valuable, and your shit-talking just drags us down. If you're right, then I'm not contributing, and I should go be useful in the ruins. It's one or the other... I go back up, or you shut up."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:54, Tue 26 Apr 2016.

"I think we should just continue on without the arguments.  Both Oren and Kirpich need to stop behaving like children. Each made a mistake, though at least the priest admitted it. Just because someone doesn't agree with your decisions Oren, doesn't mean that you can call for a vote with no good options.  Syvanus has the right to voice concern, just as you have that same right, and have used it many times.". Stringfellow sighs, disappointedly. "Let's get past this next hurdle."

"The contract is quite clear," Oren said. "We have to vote on important decisions. And the decision before us is, "Am I a good planner?" It's not about any good or bad choice I made, it's about my capability as an Agent and as a leader."

"I say I am capable. Syvanus says I am not. If he is correct, then I will no longer attempt to lead. This is an important decision, so the group must vote."

"You will not hurt my feelings, but the contract must be fulfilled. And vote quick, because I don't want to be standing around here all day. Syvanus, we've already voted, so help me pull this elemental up out of the pit."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:16, Tue 26 Apr 2016.