You follow the stone golem and pass through a illusionary cliff face and you find yourself in a large cave, about 30' high and 70 feet wide.  Warwick notes that the walls have been excavated probably to make it as large as it is.  The floor of the cave is fairly smooth, probably shaved a bit there too.  You see up ahead a bright light, it is a steady light suggesting a magical nature.
   You continue to follow until you enter a large cavern area.  Here the ceiling is about 80' high and the room is roughly circular about 200' diameter.  There is one large exit, about the size of the cave you came in, almost opposite of where you are and 4 smaller caves that the stone  golem can fit thru.  There is a large semi circular table made of cherry wood, just before you, with 5 chairs with one apparently for Shorty as it is about twice the size of the others.  The room is lit by 2 large chandeliers from the ceiling.  The walls are dotted with precious stones and flakes of precious metals that create a sparkling array with the light from the chandeliers.  Two giant snail shells 'guard' the other large cave mouth and there are several trolls skins on the walls as well.
   There is also another stone golem, this one with a female form.  The male one tops and says:  "I will inform her ladyship that you have arrived, please make yourselves comfortable.  If you would like some refreshments or other then Sandy will attend to you."  the female stone golem says "Hello, I am Sandy."  The male golem moves off down the other large cave.

Actions?

--DM2

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

Shorty waves and says "Hi Sandy.  You nice.  Him grump."  Shorty then wanders around looking at the walls while he waits.  He checks out the troll skins.  Shorty still doesn't like trolls.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 2):

Warwick wanders as well, but more to inspect the work done to enlarge the cavern.

Aztar takes a seat in one of the chairs and waits patiently.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 3):

The walls were excavated by a combination of magic and manual means.  Warwick can definitely see signs of dwarves in the excavation process.

--DM2

In reply to Shorty (msg # 2):

Sandy: "Hello Shorty, is there anything you would like to eat or drink?"

--DM2

In reply to Aztar (msg # 4):

Rocky doesn't return for several minutes, he emerges from the cave he went down.  He says to you all, "If you will please have a seat, her ladyship is about to arrive."

He waits till you all get settled.

He then speaks deep loud, his voice echoing, "Introducing her Ladyship the Mighty Mistress of the Mountain!  Lady Penny."

A few seconds later Penny sticks her head out of the cave and slowly moves into the cavern.  It takes her almost 30 seconds to fully enter and she sort of curls her way around.  She faces you about 20' from the table.  There is something different about Penny too; but it is difficult to pinpoint.

Aztar does some quick mental math and decides that Penny is about 10% bigger than he last time you met; which wasn't that long ago ... relatively speaking.

She looks at you all in turn and speaks, her voice is fuller than before as well "Welcome to my home, it is a pleasant thing to see you again."

You notice a carpet has materialized beneath her, the pattern, is a mountain of gold coins.

At this point Sandy comes in with your drink orders.

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 7):

Shorty gets up and heads towards Penny.  "Friend Penny.  Me miss see you fer so long.  you miss big fights wid Troll King and funny cloud dat not cloud and me almost dead.  We loose Rigel Dragon cause king be sneaky."  Shorty smiles happily.  "Me bring lunch fer you. Baby say hi.  Him happy you promises helps teach him be good smart dragon.  Me bring big horse.  Him outside so not get scairt an pee in cave.  Horse be like dat some time."  Shorty moves forward to give Penny a hug.

<OOC:  This is NOT my fault.  The GM has set me up.  Shorty is just this way all the time.>

Aztar sits silently no observes penny's reaction to Shorty, hoping it will tell him some about the changed world.  He's definitely curious as to how she could be larger than before considering the same amount of time had passed.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 8):

Penny eyes Shorty as he moves around the table, and as he makes his way around the last corner Rocky steps in between Shorty and Penny.  "Please sir, sit down till all formalities are observed."   Penny's heads elevates to about 25' above the floor.

Actions?

--DM2

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

Warwick stands and bows to the dragon.  "It is good to see ye, Mistress of the Mountain.  This is a fine home ye have."

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

Shorty looks at the rock man with a puzzled expression.  "Rock man bein silly.  Penny be friend.  Friend get big hug.  Nots like me ken squeezes to hard.  Penny know Shorty.  Me always give hug.  Penny know me be momma to dragon.  Me momma for baby."  Shorty shakes his head and looks up at Penny.  "Wants me put rock man in udder room so we ken visits?  Not no formy thingie.  Me just be ogre. But me know how be friend."  Shorty sticks his tongue out at Sandy and waits for Penny to respond.

This is kind of funny because Rocky is at least 2' taller than Shorty and probably weighs about 3 tons.

Penny seems to sigh.  "Please Shorty, be seated for a little while longer.  Protocol must be observed.  It is proper and right."

Further Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 13):

<<OOC:  Shorty has moved bigger Ogres that this.  Besides... how's he to know how much rocky weighs."

Shorty pauses and looks up at Penny.  "Hows come Penny bein mad at Shorty?  What be dis call thingie?  Me not unnerstan.  Me bring lunch and udder guys bring gift thingie a gold.  Penny me no not need gift.  Penny me no unnerstan friend be best gift ta have.  Not wants Penny teach baby be dis way.  Me member Penny dat fights wid Shorty save world.  Penny ferget?  Penny ferget dat all ways posed takes care a peoples dat be smaller?"

Shorty sighs and turns away.  As he walks away from Penny he looks at Warwick and asks, "What Dullis do?  Why save world if friend all be not nice no more?  Dis be why people fraid Penny now?  Not talks nice bout her?  Maybe us jes needs save Rigel Dragon by selves."

Shorty goes back to the table and ignors the chair and sits on the floor.  "Me just ogre.  What me no?"

In reply to Shorty (msg # 14):

Morteft says, "Well met, Mistress of the Mountain. Thank you for meeting with us without proper notice."

Aztar frowned a little and stared sadly at shorty and glanced at Penny to try and make sense of the situation.  He might not be showing it, but he felt almost the same way as shorty about this formal experience of meeting her.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 14):

Warwick shrugs at Shorty.  "I don't know, lad.  There are things we don't understand.  Best to not get upset about it until we know more."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 17):

Morteft nods in agreement. "For the greater good is how it goes. Certainly thousands and maybe hundreds of thousands of lives have been saved, but things have changed. The troll menance is less than it was, but we have a new threat that has moved in. I suppose much has changed...." He gives Shorty a strange look for a moment.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 18):

He gives Shorty a strange look for a moment.

Shorty shake shis head.  "Me not break nothin."

Penny nods her head in Mortefts direction and Rocky moves back a bit.  "Think nothing of it Sage Morteft, it is a welcome respite to receive such splendid guests and old friends."  She gives a dragon smile and stares at Morteft, a few seconds later tilting her head.  She appears to be waiting for something.


--DM2

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

To Morteft, Shorty and Aztar, Warwick sends via the mindlink, *She's wanting her gifts, now.  We got the horse, what else are we giving her?*

Aztar, still perplexed by the need for the formality, takes her pause as the time for him to stand.  Producing a small wooden box from a pouch in his belt, he steps forward to the stone golem.  "A small gift for the Mistress of the Mountain."

He bows his head and presents the box, opening up the lid as he does so.  Inside the small box is a ring of obvious magical nature and a few gems.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 22):

She exclaims in a bit of mock surprise "For me! Oh that is very kind of you all; you shouldn't have gone to all that trouble."

Rocky takes the box, walks in front of Penny and opens it as he presents it to her.  She nods and he closes the box and walks away.   "You may now present your business."  she smiles, sort of, the lights brighten and the golems bring out large trays of food and a couple of kegs, one placed in front of Warwick.  Everyone gets a large mug.  Penny lowers her head folds one forearm up and rests her head on her claws.  "So tell me what you have been up to since I last saw you.  It seems so long ago."  she looks over at Shorty.  "I can take that hug now."

--DM2

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

Shorty looks at Penny in surprise.  He stands up and looks at her in concern.  "What wrong wid Penny Dragon?  Why need box with Silly box?  Why need stuff to bees nice?  Penny needs help Shorty always come.  People in town talks bad, Shorty sticks up fer Penny.  Why Penny need present to be friend?  Makes Shorty unnersand?  Why Shorty gots to give gift to be friend?  Dat what me needs no."

Shorty holds his place and glances at his companions.  "Not buys help fer Rigel.  Me save Rigel Dragon n all udder dragon fer free.  Eben if dem not member what friend mean."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 24):

Penny looks at Shorty.  "I am not sure I can make you understand, it is complicated.  You are here in an official capacity, ambassadors if you will.  It is a courtesy and sign of respect for the gifts to be brought to the host.  But of course you are somewhat displaced in time, you do not fully understand what has transpired and the new ways.  You are also here as friends; but the officialness must take precedence."

--DM2

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

Warwick clears his throat. "Las, Lady Penny, I mean.  Ye know what transpired?"

Aztar raises an eyebrow at penny's statement and nods slightly at warwicks statement, 'I wasn't aware that you knew of the events that transpired and the fate of us who were close to it.   I also wasn't aware that we were here in an official capacity.   Dualis said you may be able to present some insight as to how to help Rigel.  What is the diplomatic purpose we are here for?'

In reply to Warwick (msg # 26):

Shorty continues to look confused.  But he does look a little less upset.  "Us not here fer Dullis.  Us here fer Penny Dragon.  An to help save Rigel Dragon.  An Dullis say rock dat take Rigel maybe hurt all dragon.  Shorty gots stop dat."

Shorty wanders closer to Penny keeping an eye on the rock man.  Shorty whispers up to Penny.  "Me not likes him."

Penny looks at each as the questions fly.  "So many questions, but understandable.  Yes master Warwick, I have a sense of what transpired.  Dragons are kind of timeless so we can maintain some idea of what happened in the previous timeline. Plus I was closer to the event than most dragons so I have a little more memory than most."  over to Aztar  "This is a very official visit Aztar as what you are about to do is of great interest to all dragonkind and especially the dragon council, of which I am a junior member; so all the ceremony in the beginning was extremely important.  I wasn't sure how much information Dualis was going to provide; but sometimes being thrown in the middle is the best way to learn.
    The freedom of Rigel is of secondary import, the greatest concern is that you will be interacting with the Dragon Orbs."  she says with a bit of acidic tone.  "This is of no light undertaking and Dualis had to assure the council the Orbs would remain in their prison."  then she lowers her head to Shorty and whispers, "Rocky is ok, he's just doing his job, otherwise he is a very nice golem."

--DM2

Shorty sticks his tongue out at Rocky again.  "Penny need help dat make her laugh.  Be more funner dat way.  Rigel be bery portent Penny.  Rigel gets caught helpin save world.  Not right leave hims stuck in marble.  How come Penny not tell Shorty bad marble be in Shorty city.  How me posed protect Penny n friends if me not know be trouble."

Aztar sits silently, absorbing the information and a bit annoyed that there has obviously been a lot going on behind his back that he didn't understand.   The whole situation with the orb just didn't sit right with him and he hadn't expected the retrieval of Rigel to require talking with a dragon council or diplomatic processes to need to be followed, and ones he didn't even understand at that.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 30):

Penny: "The Golden City is very very large Shorty.  Further the Orbs are a closely guarded secret, you, all of you were never supposed to know about the Orbs.  The Troll King forced our claws.  Of course with a little introspection, perhaps we forced his."  she pauses and sighs  "You must understand what a great honor this is for you and that the dragon council even considered allowing you to make this journey.  Your recent service to dragonkind has been greatly appreciated."  she bows her head slightly to you all.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 32):

Shorty thinks hard for a moment.  "Me no city be big.  But it not gold.  It be green like moss now.  But me wander hole city make sure no new smell.  Me not let troll or black elf come no more.  If noed where special place be, me would keeps mo watch."

'so, if the council are the ones that put the orbs there and they don't want us to disturb them, is there someone that can get in there and release Rigel?  I don't care about the orbs or their location.  I just made Rigel a promise and I intend to keep it.'

In reply to Aztar (msg # 34):

Penny:"The council did not put the Orbs there.  That was done by your kind, those of the Golden City.  The council would like them to remain buried.  The men of the old kingdom placed many protections around."

--DM2

'Ah.  I see.  I was actually able to scry the orb and saw part of the cave it's in.  Something came along and then suddenly by scrying was blocked.'. Pausing a moment, still trying to put the pieces together, he continued,'So, besides being here to ask for help on getting to the orb, what is the diplomatic reason we are here?'

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 35):

Shorty looks to Penny and asks, "If be pertected, how King get Marble out?"

In reply to Aztar (msg # 36):

"It is all about having access to the Orbs.  It is a very delicate subject between dragons and the bipeds.  You were probably able to scry it while time was reordering itself."

To Shorty: "The troll kings were powerful and he also had help, the cloud you mentioned."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 38):

Shorty shakes his head.  "Needs kill cloud thingie.  How us gonna keep cloud thingie from do gin.  Him get nudder bad people and go get marble gin.  How stop?"

In reply to Shorty (msg # 39):

"Indeed," rumbles Warwick from his tankard.  "That cloud handled everything we threw at it.  If not for that powerful spell that affected the time stream, Shorty and I would likely be dead."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 40):

Penny: "If Dualis speaks the truth then the cloud will not be the issue as it was just a manifestation of the god Set.  They tend not to do that type of thing too often.  Your main concern should be the vault of the Orbs; which is where you'll need to go to free Rigel."

--DM2

Aztar nods and stands up moving closer to penny, 'So, it sounds like we've already been given permission to approach the vaults as long as we leave the orb there.  Do you have information that can help us get in?'

In reply to Aztar (msg # 42):

Penny: "Yes, that is correct, permission has been worked out already.  Information is the main reason you are here.  I will tell you about the Orbs, the vault and the building containing the vault as well as known dangers.  The main building itself is massive over 500' on a side and 100' high; but is fairly easy to reach.  It is protected from magical transport into the area out to 100' from the building.  The building itself is heavily trapped both magically and mechanically as well as constructs.  The vault is in the middle of the building, itself being 200' in diameter.  The entrance is highly magiked and can only be opened by a key held by one of the guardian constructs.  You must find and defeat that construct to have any chance to enter.  Any questions so far?"

--DM2

Shorty shakes his head.  "No gots thief fix trap.  Gots find thief.  What be guard Penny Dragon?  What me gotta fights?"

In reply to Shorty (msg # 44):

Penny: "Mostly you will fight whatever is in the underground city but once inside the building it will mostly be golems.  A thief may help with the mechanical traps but they wouldn't be a necessity."

--DM2

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

Morteft says, "Is there a time limit to finding the orb? We may have to camp there after we find a place we can secure. I wonder if we can teleport in and out or get to other dimensions once inside. Do you know?"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 46):

Penny:"The whole complex is secured against any magical displacement such as teleport, dimensional or planer travel.  Once you have the key you have an hour to get to the vault or it is reset and you have to find the new golem."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 47):

"Is it known how the King and the cloud managed to get the orb?  That might help us.  'Cause this don't sound like it's going to be easy."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 48):

Penny: "Well you have a troll king and an Avatar of a very powerful god, a pretty potent group."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 49):

Shorty scratches his head.  "Not tink be any bad tings left in City.  Me spend lotta day makin clean.  Better keep Baby safe if bad stuff all be dead."

'We will have to fight what's in the city?  Wouldnt we be able to teleport close to the building and then go from there?'

Aztar seemed a bit lost in thought absorbing the information and trying to formulate a plan.  It was much more than he was anticipating and was trying to figure out alternatives that might help him get to Rigel.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 51):

Morteft says, "Aztar, do you have a cube of force or Daern's instant fortress or something like that we could use as refuge in there? This may be a long campaign and I am wondering how we can protect ourselves."

He turns to Penny. "Does that mean that items of holding, portable holes and the like won't work or will they work since they are bound to the item?"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 52):

Shorty looks at his friends.  "Shorty gots house in city.  Big tower.  Lotta more room.  Smell little bit like dragon sometime when Shorty ferget clean up.  Buts not too bads."

In reply to Aztar (msg # 51):

"Yes, you can get within 100' of the main building but there still may be things skulking about."

--DM2

In reply to Morteft (msg # 52):

Penny:"I have heard that dimensional items such as those you mention, tend to, well sort of implode when activated within the main building."

--DM2

Aztar frowns at the mention of holding spaces.   'This may take considerable time and planning before we begin this task.  I don't believe I'm equipped with what we might need to penetrate defenses of this nature.'

'We'll have to collect all the information we can and discuss, but it could be months before I'm ready to try to gain entrance to a place like this.' 

In reply to Aztar (msg # 56):

Penny:"It may not be as tough as you think Aztar; but that is only main building.  The vault itself has it's own dangers and probably the worst.  The inside of the vault is guarded by an abomination.  Then each individual door is guarded, one for each Orb and finally is the Orb itself."

--DM2

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

Shorty looks curious.  "What be bomitble?  Me not see one dem afore."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 58):

Warwick shakes his head.  "Why can't the owners of the Orbs just release Rigel?  They must know about the Troll King.  Surely they can see it's wrong to hold him."

'I'm also curious about the figurine that Rigel is tied to if there is a round about way to pull him from the orb since while he is a dragon, he is also living in another dimension and the magic that bound him was near artifact level itself.'

Penny looks at each of you and goes back to Warwick.  "Master Warwick, the owners, if there could be such a thing for the Orbs, are long dead.  That complex was built thousands of years ago, the only thing left are their mechanizations."
over to Aztar
"Unfortunately in this case the artifact is king, plus nothing dimensional can get thru.  Clecko was powerful; but the power of an artifact and the power of the golden age mages is awe inspiring."
then over to Shorty, Penny gets a dark look.  "The abomination of which I speak is an experiment of those same golden age mages.  They wanted to make a formidable guardian and they succeeded.  Combining dragon,  ancient beasts known as dinosaurs on some worlds and a bit of themselves they created a creature with the form of a dragon.  The creature has many powers of a dragon; but also characteristics of the others.  Dragonkind curses the mages that did this and we have vowed to destroy any we find."  patooey - she spits a bit of acid on the far wall.

--DM2

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

Shorty looks a little concerned.  "Bomitble be old Penny?  Me hadda kill 2 dragon afore cause be killin friend.  Dragon get old, get berry berry hard kill.  Me lose lotta friend dat fight.  Ifn bomitble be old, it gonna takes long long time kill."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 62):

Penny:"Yes, it may be very much older than me.  However it is unclear how many the mages created and if more than one has guarded the vault."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 63):

Shorty nods and asks one final question.  "Ifn Penny be worry bout marble, Penny gonna come too?  Den ken watch marble an says hi to Baby.  How bouts dar fer good idear?"

In reply to Shorty (msg # 64):

Penny: "I am sorry Shorty but no dragon would want to be within a mile of the Orbs.  Maybe after your quest is done."

--DM2

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

Morteft asks Penny. "Do you have advice on what we should take with us in order to be more likely to succeed in that place?"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 66):

Penny: "Your wits and weapons, you will need both.  As I mentioned you will not only have to handle golems but traps of mechanical and devious nature.  The building was designed by wizards so there will probably be thought problems to get thru.  Once inside the vault you will need the amulets that Dualis gave you.  To open a door in the vault, once you get by the guardian, you need a combined rating of 67; which is a combination of your level, wisdom and intelligence.  No offense; but I don't believe any of posses those qualities to that level.  However the amulet of Dualis allows one individual to combine 1 of their characteristics with someone else who has an amulet, as a boost.  So instead of just 3 scores you would use 4 and that should push you over the top to open a door.
   To get past the guardian you should prepare as you would to face a dragon, from what I know, against one of the energy type breathers.  They are rumored to be as intelligent as Gold and have magical ability to even surpass them; so be aware of extra magical traps once in the vault.  Unfortunately you may not be able to tell behind which vault the Orb with Rigel resides.
    Lastly is the Orb itself, the one of you with the strongest will should attempt the free Rigel and Aztar, it may not be you since you do have an emotional attachment and it may limit you in some way.  Your focus must be entirely on the Orb.
   One last word of warning, if you need to open more than one door, make sure all are closed before you open one, as the Orbs can combine power as well."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 67):

Shorty shakes his head as he looks around the group.  "Me not to smart eben when use magic marble.  Me okay doin smash.  Me get close n eben dragon gonna has problem.  But me not be good usin head fer thinkin."  Shorty looks up at Penny.  "Me always uses Birdie fer thinkin.  Me outta takes Birdie fer helpin???"

Aztar sits silently and intently listens to what Penny has to say and has a puzzled look when she says he doesn't have an emotional connection,'I'm not sure I understand your statement.  I promised Rigel I'd help him and now I've let him down, so I'd think being focused on rescuing him would help direct my thoughts.   But, if you say I'm not the right one, I'll trust your judgement.'

He sighs deeply when she mentions that they don't know which door holds the orb that the group needs to find.

The alchemist seems like there is something he wants to say, but remains silent for the moment waiting to have all the facts before coming to a final conclusion.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Sun 03 Feb 2013.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 69):

{OOC: Penny said "may not be you since you do have an emotional attachment "}

In reply to Shorty (msg # 70):

Warwick sighs.  "Anyone think we can recruit some more folks to help us with this?  Every time we get more details, I get less confident that we can do it."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 71):

Morteft nods. "It seems like a tough mission."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 72):

Penny: "It is not for the faint of heart; but if you keep your heads, you should be able to keep your heads.  But if you believe you need some other to help then that would be acceptable.  Providing you are responsible for their actions in the vault."

--DM2

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

"Aye.  We wouldn't ask anyone to join us that we didn't trust.  It'd be foolhardy to do so."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 74):

Penny looks at you all to see if anyone may have another question, she then says
"If there is anything you think you may need before you embark, please do not hesitate."

Then looks over at Shorty  "When this is over after you complete this task I will come a have a visit with Baby."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 75):

Shorty nods.  "Me keep baby way from dis marble place.  Me wonder ifn birdie no way do dis."

Aztar stands and paces a bit, thinking.  "I'm not sure I have enough information to ask for anything we might need.  My biggest issue is going to be the loss of my dimensional storage while there.  I don't have any direct power but rely on the things I've built, so to have to decide what to bring in will be nearly impossible to plan for all contigencies."

"There are obviously powerful people I could ask for help and perhaps they have time now that the troll threat is lessened, but since the value of rescuing Rigel is faily minimal, I'm not sure they'd be interested."

"Although, there might be a rogue or two that would enjoy the thrill of the challenge of a place like that, I'm just not sure who to ask."

Turning to Penny, the alchemist ponders a way to get more information.  "Are there any known plans or documents of the building and its defenses?  Surely something as impressive as this structure is documented somewhere.  Even if they are protected, it would be worth the risk of acquiring those to learn how best to enter it.  Afterall, the creators surely meant for there to be a way in.  Its considered a vault, not a tomb."

Morteft says with a chuckle, "You don't happen to have a rod of absorption laying around that can be loaned do you?"

In reply to Aztar (msg # 77):

Penny:"If there are any plans no doubt they are in the same building.  Wizards are a strange lot, no offense Morteft, they might not even have plans.  Plan for golems and dragons, that is most of the battles."

--DM2

In reply to Morteft (msg # 78):

Penny: "Unfortunately, no.  Still anything I have you could use."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 80):

Morteft says, "Oh, I was just joking. I do not mean to impose upon you."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 81):

Penny: "Not at all, I'll be glad to help where I can.  This is a very important mission"

--DM2

In reply to Morteft (msg # 81):

Morteft nods in thought. "I agree. Very well, although I would not be so bold as to ask. If you feel that there are items that would be helpful, we would be glad to borrow them."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 83):

Penny: "Actually I do have some parting gifts.  Rocky, get the items I put away for this occasion."  Rocky walks out the passage that Penny entered from.

"He'll be a couple of minutes.  This time shift thing is interesting isn't it?  It has actually been somewhat of a boon to good dragonkind."

--DM2

Aztar looks a bit perplexed  the statement about it being an important mission,'Why is that?  I understand the politics of getting permission to attempt this, but why is the retrieval of Rigel important to anyone but us?'

In reply to Aztar (msg # 85):

Morteft says to Aztar, "I think the important mission is really the orbs and Rigel is a secondary consideration."

'But as I understand it, the orbs are to be left there and resecured when we leave, so i'm just trying to understand the ultimate mission.'

In reply to Aztar (msg # 87):

Shorty sits and watches around the room.  He shakes his head at some of the discussion.  "Rigel Dragon be most portent ting to dos.  Udder stuff take care of self when Rigel be safe."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 88):

"Aye, I agree with Shorty."

In reply to Aztar (msg # 87):

Penny:"The ultimate mission in your eyes is the release of Rigel.  We also want this as Rigel in kin.  Our ultimate mission is to see the Orbs stay secure and remain stable and freeing Rigel and leaving the Orbs in their vaults will accomplish that.  As noted before any humans going near the Orbs is of import to us.  You will be the first in almost 1000 years to visit."

--DM2

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

"Shorty scrathes his head and asks, "How posed makes safe gin?  Put back in box not gonna do.  King gets in, ifnus gets in, dat mean udder people ken do toos.  How posed to make safe so no bads people gets.  How me posed pertect all dragon Penny?"

In reply to Shorty (msg # 91):

Penny:"When you leave it will be safe.  Not many can get into the vault, and only a very few probably less than 5 can actually open one of the vault doors.  The troll king couldn't do it alone, he needed the power of Set, as you need the aid of Dualis to open a door as well."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 92):

After a few minutes Rocky comes back with a large tray with a few items on it.  A scroll, a helm, a staff, two potion bottles and a ring.

Penny:"These items are on loan, I shall want them back except for the scroll.  The scroll itself is protection from dragon breath, it won't make you immune but it will reduce damage.  Since the mages creation has an unknown breath weapon we could not be specific.  You shall want to use this just before entering the vault.
   The helm is called the Helm of War.  It greatly increases strength, dexterity and constitution when worn, be careful though it can be addictive.

   The staff is a Staff vs Golems, there was an eccentric mage that figured if I make the damn things I might as well have a way to fight the buggers.  So, it is a +3 staff, +5 versus golems and does 2-16 points against them.  It also holds 1 spell, a Tenser's Transformation.  Only mages can use it.

   The potions are Oil of Slipperiness and Sovereign Glue, you probably know the Oil, the glue can fix something broken like new or get something stuck, almost anything.

   The ring is a Ring of Greater Regeneration, instead of curing one point per turn it cures 1 point per round.

Hopefully they will come in handy."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 93):

Shorty perks up.  "Bottle ken fix glove?  Glove be broke."

Shorty looks at the rest of the tray.  "Who need?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Tue 19 Feb 2013.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 94):

Morteft picks up the staff. "Can you use this Aztar? If not, it seems like a good weapon for me and will allow me to help during the battle with the golems."

Aztar listens as Penny describes the items set before them and tries to figure out how best they'd be able to be used, but figures he'll have to wait and see for some of them.

He shakes his head at Shorty's question, "Unfortunately, no Shorty.  The glue is able to fix physically broken items.  Yours has had its power removed which is quite a different problem."

Turning to Morteft, Aztar studies the staff, "It is an unsual item, isn't it?A weapon forge for physical combat but usable only by a wizard."  after studying it for a moment, he nods, "Yes, I believe I'd be able to use it, though I'm not sure I plan to engage in physical combat against a golem."

"I'm really not sure I'm comfortable engaging in this task with the information we've been given.  After we are done here, maybe we can go somewhere and try to formulate a plan."

In reply to Aztar (msg # 96):

"I'm tempted by the ring of regeneration, but it may be better for ye to take, Shorty."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 97):

Morteft says to Warwick, "I believe Shorty already regenerates although the helm would likely be good for either of you."

Morteft will heft the staff. "If you don't think you will go into battle, then I will. I am useless against most golems, but at least this way I can get in there and mix it up and be of use."

In reply to Aztar (msg # 96):

Penny: "What other information may you require Master Alchemist?"

--DM2

In reply to Morteft (msg # 98):

Warwick shakes his head at the helm.  "I don't want to give up me helm of flying.  And I got me axe to give me extra strength when I need it.  If Shorty's helm gives him regeneration then he should take the helm and the ring."

Aztar turns to Penny u sure of what exactly to say,'I just don't like going into a situation with inadequate facts and preparations.   Not being able to access my dimensional storage will put me at a great disadvantage, plus not having any idea what sort of traps to expect, or the weaknesses of the guardians.  On top of that, not even knowing which vault holds the orb we need just add up to too many variables to expect a positive outcome.'

'I'd rather try to locate any scrap of paper that may remain, a descendant of the original mages, spend time and money on divinations and see what else can be learned before stepping into a place like that.  If the troll king needed an avatar, it might not hurt to have the favor of a god ourselves.'

In reply to Aztar (msg # 101):

Shorty shrugs.  "Me hat jes hat.  Me not sure dis hat help.  Me already bery strong from belt.  Me not sure udder stuff neither.  Shorty tries the hat on to see how he feels.  Shorty looks at the ring.  Glove usta make hurt go all gone.  Me not sure.  Me got ring Fuzz Face give and me got ring no fall down.  Me already has take off ring no see.  Me not sure what ring posed to wear.  Me like no fall down.  Dat been bery portent."

Penny:"Sometimes my friend, you need to rely on your skills and determination.  As your plans may not always come to fruition, you know what they say about the best laid plans of goblins and gnomes.  That is all the information I have for you.  Dualis may have more for you before you start your quest.  If you think of anything else you may require I will be here."

--DM2

In reply to Morteft (msg # 98):

Shorty shakes his head. "Glove broke.  Orchestra stay now.  Butt me ken use marbe when frighten done."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 104):

If you are ready to leave, you head back to Calator.

First stop?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 105):

Morteft bows to Penny. "Thank you so much for your help. If we survive, we will bring your items back. If we fail, I hope you will forgive us."

He heads back to Calator with the group.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 105):

Shorty waves goodbye and hugs Penny.  Then he whispers....  "Not ferget.  Lunch be outside cave.  Be nice young horse.  Look berry tasty."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 107):

Warwick finishes his tankard of ale and wipes his mouth and beard free of foam with the back of his hand.  He gives her a deep bow.  "Aye, Mighty Mistress of the Mountain.  We thank ye for yer hospitality and gifts."

Penny bows her head toward Morteft.  "I shall see you on your return."

--DM2

"I won't forget Shorty, I have someone preparing it now."

--DM2

Penny bows her head toward Warwick: "May the luck of Bes be with you on your journey."

--DM2

'Thank you For the hospitality and information.   I shall see what Dualis has to add and we will go from there.'. Aztar stands and waits to make sure everyone is ready to go.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 112):

You all head out of the cave - Ole Crayon is not there, figuring Penny's servants already got the animal you worry not.  You all gather together and Teleport back to Teke's.  You appear in the dining hall, a feast has been prepared.  No one else besides you can be seen.

OOC: Moving to a new thread.

--DM2