This is for Larry's side adventure.

--DM2

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

One by one your training instructors get tired of you and tell you that you are done.   It is late in the day when you wander into the library to relax, get some food, and catch up with each other.  The last to enter the library is Ez’ard who has just returned from an overnight trip to Arcturus.

Ez’ar drops into a chair and pulls out a coin.  He begins to roll it from finger to finger… making it disappear and reappear.  He seems a little better at it that before.  He looks up from his play and says.  “Shorty has some crazy mission for his Goddess.  Said he would check in with us in a couple days.  Something about protecting some women out in the forest somewhere.  Shorty stuff.”

Dualis walks in a few minutes later with Art on his heels.  Dualis pauses to look around the room examining each of you.  “Too many hard battles and then your instructors worked you hard.  You all look worn out.  I think before we discuss another mission, I think you all need to go out and relax for a night.”

Art seems to perk up ath the mention of going our for a night.  Dualis looks at him and shakes his head.  “Not you Art.  We have a dinner to go to and politicians to win over.”

Art turns away from Dualis and pretends to gag on something.

Dualis looks at you and says, “I will see you at noon tomorrow for a lunch meeting.  That should give you time to sleep after your adventures tonight.”

Art waits till Dualis leaves the room and comes over to stand before you.  He is suddenly all smiles and looks excited.  “He is right.  You little people all look stressed.  You need to have more fun in life.  Luckily for you, Art is here to take care of you.”

Art motions you to lean closer and he begins with a mock whisper.  “While the lot of you have been slaving under your instructors, I have spent the last few nights surrounded by the most incredibly beauriful women in Delith.  They were all very impressed by my tales and of course my… well, by my just being me.”

When no one seems as impressed as he would like, Art shakes his head.  “Close your eyes and imagine pale blond hair, blue eyes, perfect skin.  Or if you prefer.. flaming red hair, green eyes, amd ,pre [erfect skin.  Lots of skin.  And each of these women delivers the finest brews I have ever tasted.

Finally seeing some signs of interest, Art gives you a sly wink.  “I found this new tavern on the edge of the capital.  I swear it sprang up overnight.  But it is the most popular place right now.  Long lines.”  He pauses to shake a finger at you.  “Not to worry little buddies.  I know a barmaid there.  Blond hair down to her ankles, sky blue eyes, and when she miles… Wow!!  Lissel always saves me a table and since I am being punished tonight.  You can all go and blow off some steam in my place.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 2):

Warwick shrugs.  "I don't feel any particular need to blow off some steam, Art, but if ye others want to, I'll come along to keep an eye on ye."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 3):

OOC: Sorry, I have to throw this in since you are at HQ.

Celestron flies by, "Yes, please do. That little scamp" he waves a claw at Ez'ard "made a complete mess of aisle 36B. Take him to another place he can mess."

--DM2 ;)

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 4):

Morteft looks tired. His hair is longer and he has nearly a full beard. "I could use a break. I have been working non-stop for the last few weeks." You see all his fingers are colored by various inks. "I could probably use a bit of time in a bath and a day spa, but a drink sounds lovely."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 5):

Trysk stretches and nods, "R&R sounds good to me. Maybe we should invite Trinny, too?"

In reply to Trysk (msg # 6):

Morteft chuckles. "How you two can be infatuated with someone after so little time escapes me."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 7):

Trysk looks at Morteft quizzically, "What's that supposed to mean? Are you trying to start a rumor that Trinny is infatuated with me?"

In reply to Trysk (msg # 8):

"Hahaha!" Morteft laughs. "No, I am not."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 9):

Art chuckles at the biplay.  “Sorry Trysk.  Trinny is a part of the treaty negotiations team.    You can ask her if she is interested when the treaty is signed.”

Art describes a fountain not far from the tavern that you can teleport to.   “I will have a friend of mine meet the lot of you small folk in the courtyard I described.  He can lead you to the tavern.  Buy Tzar  a drink in payment and he will make sure you get past the bouncers.

You all head outside to the grassy knoll before headquartersh.  Everyone looks to Ez’ard.  With a touch of snark he reminds everyone that the Arch was destroyed.  Everyone  looks at each other waiting to see who is going to do the teleport.  Finally, Morteft mutters.  “The drinks had better be as good as Art said they were.  He then casts teleport.

You arrive in a small courtyard paved with cobblestones. The fountain that Art described to you  rests in the  center of the open area between 3 large apartment buildings.

The fountain was gurgles merrily.  Water flows from an urn held by a rather curvaceous statue of a young woman.  She is fully clothed as this is a kid friendly courtyard.

A man is sitting on the edge of the pool at the base of the fountain.  As you appear, he stands and walks towards you.  Hr is a tall human a bit on the young side, He is wearing  smokey grey plate mai.  A bow pokes up over one shoulder.l, You can also make out the rim of a shield that is strapped to his back.  As he walks confidently forward, two things stand out.  A golden bracer is attached to his belt not far from the golden hilt of his sword.

OOC:  Who swings first?

In reply to Shorty (msg # 10):

Trysk lets the party diplomat take the lead. That's Warwick... ;^)

In reply to Trysk (msg # 11):

Warwick strides forward.  "Greetings.  I presume ye must be Tzar.  Art sent us for a night of rest and recreation."

Ez’ard joins the rest in the teleport to town and carefully appraises the young human at the fountain. Ez’ard has switched his appearance during the teleport to be that of a moderately well off businessman that could be found within the town. His daggers and wands are not seen.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 13):

Morteft watches and waits.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 14):

OOC:  Heading to bed.  Got a 101 fever.  Finish your introductions and we will move on the the tavern in the morning.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 15):

Feel better, Larry!

In reply to Trysk (msg # 16):

Yikes!  I hope you feel better, Larry.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 17):

Rest well, Larry!

In reply to Warwick (msg # 12):

The handsome young man, he is about 6'3" and has light brown hair with blue eyes, looks you all over, narrows his eyes at Trysk, before answering Warwick with a smile "You presume rightly my good, dwarf, right, Warwick is it?" he seems a bit uneasy while talking to Warwick.

He looks over at Ez'ard "Um, Art said that there would be 4 adventurers, uh, who is this ponce, wait, what's the word .." he pauses starts to nod his head and say "right, gentlemen?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 19):

Trysk meets Tzar's narrowing eyes and just grins.

He raises an eyebrow at Tzar's jibe toward Ez'ard, but says nothing and continues to let Warwick speak for the party.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Sun 19 Feb 2023.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 20):

OOC:  Not sure which kid brought the flu home but its not a lot of fun even with my flu shot.    Will wait a bit before moving on as I am still not sure this isn't going to involve weapons.  LoL

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 19):

Ez’ard grins and gives a slight head nod/bow and lets the young human assume what he wants. Always best to keep unknown persons off balance.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 22):

Morteft asks, "Are you a paladin?"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 23):

"Yes, I'm Warwick.  Good to make yer acquaintance.  Morteft over there in the robes.  Trysk there trying to not look menacing and Ez'ard there, trying to look like...  Well, I don't know what he's trying to look like."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 23):

Tzar laughs a bit at Mortefts question.  "Good gosh no.  I'm just a country boy."  Tzar will follow Warwicks introductions. For Morteft his eyes widen slightly and he flips his hand in a wave "Nice ta meetcha Mr Morteft mage sir." to Trysk he says "Hey." and to Ez'ard "Hello Mr. Merc".

He then leans down to whisper to Warwick "So you don't know what he is either, a spy perhaps, maybe we should bind him before he makes trouble?"

--Ron, Tzar

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

"No need for that Tzar.  He's got the ability to change his appearance.  I know he's Ez'ard, I just don't know why he's changed his normal appearance.  How about you lead us to this new tavern that Art's mentioned?"

In reply to Warwick (msg # 26):

Trysk says, "Speaking of which, how do you know Art?"

OOC - Oops...Art, not Al.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Sun 19 Feb 2023.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 27):

Tzar nods his head at Warwicks answer and before Tzar answers Warwick Trysk asks his question, Tzar stares at Trysk and stands full.  "We met at one of the bars.  There was a bit of a tussel, we became back to back, then we turned and we each gave the other a right smack on the noggin.  He didn't budge nor did I.  We exchanged smiles and then cleared the bar.  He's a good ole boy Art is."

Back to Warwick, "The bar is down thisa way." he begins to turn and then back to Warwick. "Oh Art said that your a lord or something?  So how do you little people address one of them?"  there is only honest curiosity on his face.

--Ron, Tzar

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

Ez’ard puts on his glasses and looks at Tzar. He gives a snort and then puts them away. He says, “We going to have a drink or two and relax or are we going to stand out here all macho and slapping our gums?”

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

Warwick looks confused.  "Address one of whom?  Another dwarf?  By name, of course.  And, yes, I'm a Lord and a General.  But, I'd rather forget about titles tonight, if ye don't mind."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 30):

Tzar gets a little red in the face. "Well, yeah, a dwarf lord thingy or even a dwarf.  I never uh travelled with anyone smaller than an elf. So, Warwick then?"

Tzar will lead the group to the bar.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Warwick (msg # 30):

The rather strained introductions seem to come to an end and Tzar points to the street outside the courtyard.

Your guide seems to know the quite a few shortcuts through the bowls of the capital.  He darts through alleys and side streets without hesitation.  The path is convoluted and you cannot be sure if you are going in circles or not.

The finally alley opens up onto a main road leading out of the city.  The air freshens noticeably as you leave the closed spaces behind.  The building across the street is built entirely of wood, unlink most of the stone buildings nearby.  The architecture is range but beautiful.  Small, light colored strips of wood are woven together to create a pattern that is somehow soothing.  A large wooden shingle hangs between two large posts out before the building.  The name Suomi is painted in colorful letters.  Below the name is a picture of a land dotted with many lakes.

A long line of hopeful patrons comes down the steps and snakes down the street.  Two very large men stand guard at the door.  Their complexion is rather dark and their noses look a bit hooked near the end.  Both are a bit on the ugly side, but seem very competent at their job.  A third man walks up and down the line, occasionally removing people from the line and sending them on their way/

Tzar leads you around to the back of the tavern to a small door.  He gives a rather theatrical rap on the door.  It is opened seconds later by a milling young woman that matches Art’s description perfectly.  Her face seems to fall when she sees the group.  “Art.  You made it.”  The cheerful smile fades when she see that Art is not with you.”

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

"Aye, lad.  Calling me Warwick is fine.  I don't need the fancy titles."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 32):

Tzar will say "Hey Lissel, yeah Art can't make it tonight; but he wanted his squad to make merry." he turns so she can see the others. he adds "The big guy would appreciate it." he flashes a smile.

--Ron, Tzar

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

Lissel looks uncertain but nods her head.  “Lem will be disappointed.  He so loves to listen to Art’s stories.”  She finally takes a moment to study the group.   “Wait.  Are these the ones Art tells all the cute little stories about? “  She looks around the group and begins to point.  “You would be Warwick.  And you are Trysk.  And that is Morteft.”  She stares at Ez’ard.  “You do not look like any of the people Art talks about.  And where is the big one that gets into so much trouble without trying?  Such a strange name.  Shorty is it?  Lem really wants to meat him someday.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 35):

Tzar shrugs "Don't know about Shorty, haven't met him.  But that ponce over there is Ez'ard, Warwick vouched safe for him."

--Ron, Tzar

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

Warwick bows to Lissel.  "Ma'am.  I apologize, but Shorty is not available tonight.  Ez'ard, maybe ye should assume yer regular likeness."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 37):

Morteft says, "Might I suggest we not tarry here since someone may notice us avoiding the line?" He smiles. "I am very thirsty as well."

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

Ez’ard gives a hard look at Tzar and replies, “That is about enough of your mouth that I and I believe the rest of my friends here are going to take. Keep it civil or just leave. We are here to relax, not to be verbally assaulted by a stranger.”

To madam Lissel Ez’ard replies, “I am indeed the venerable Ez’ard at your service.” offered with a moderately well off businessman’s bow. He let’s go of most of his altered appearance leaving his daggers and wands hidden and the businessman’s evening cloak evolve into a more subdued/simple cloak.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 38):

Lissel waves a finger at Tzar.  “No more mean words country boy.  Next time you cause a problem, Lem will ban you.  You do not want that.”

Lissel winks at Morteft.  “Not to worry.  The boys watching the front are easy to manipulate.  After Lem, the ladies rule here.  A little pout and the men folk fall all overthemselves to make us happy.”  She giggles and steps back from the door.

You walk into a small but complete kitchen.  Several more gorgeous women buste around the kitch making food.  They do not seem that busy for a tavern this size.  Lissel waves her hand around the kitchen.  “If you are hungry, we can fix most anything.  But most of our customers come for the drinks and not to dine.”

She walks across the room and opens a swinging door that is panneled in light colored woods.  There is an image on the inlade into the wood.  You catch a glimbse of a large sleigh pulled by two horses before the doot swings open.

Lissel motions you forward and you step into a large tavern space.  It is well lit and clean.  The furnishings are all of a light wood that looks almost delicate in nature.  There are probably 30 tables in the room and more seats at the bar.  Every table is packed except for two that are conspicuously empty.

Lissel motions to a another women with long read hair and sea green eyes.  The second woman comes over and the two ladies begin whispering.  The red head keep leaning over to stare at you.  Lissel ends their discussion with.  “Make sure Lem knows they are here.”

Then she turns to you and says.  “This is Ryanna.  She will be taking care of you tonight.”  She points to the two empty tables in the back.  “The table in the Corner is Art’s normal table.  The one over by the office door is Lem’s table.  I am sure he will be stopping by to check in on you tonight.  Maybe you can tell him how you manage to srurvive all your adventures.  Art never seems to have an answer to that question.”

Lissel goes back into the kitchen and Ryanna leads you to your table and waits for you to otder.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 40):

OOC: As a country boy Tzar sees Ez'ard is dressed as a ponce therefore is described as a ponce.  Ez'ard is being the aggressor.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Shorty (msg # 40):

Trysk heads in with everyone and take a seat at the table. He says to Ryanna, "I'll take a glass of mead, please. What do you recommend from the kitchen?"

In reply to Trysk (msg # 42):

"Thank ye, Lissel," says Warwick with another bow.  When he gets to the table, he orders a dwarven ale and asks if there are any dishes that the establishment has developed a reputation for.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Mon 20 Feb 2023.

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

OOC:  Eveen a country boy would know the term is insulting and.  Using it to someone's face or to describe themn to a pretty young lady would be considered crude and lowborn.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 42):


Ryanna flashes a couple of hand signs towards the bar and then turns back to Trysk.  “The ladies are really good with fish.  It was somewhat of a staple when we were young.  We gave most of the local fish available.  And Lem always has some Salmon on ice for those who enjoy it.”

Another stunning young lady with strawberry blond hair walks up carrying a tray.  She places large tankards in front of Warwick and Trysk.  The tankards are especially generous for a tavern.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 45):

Morteft says, "I would like a flight of your finest ales, please."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 45):

"I'll take some fish, lass.  How do ye normally serve it?"

In reply to Warwick (msg # 47):

Morteft says, "Do you have fish and chips? It is a wonderful dish especially if you have vinegar."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 48):

Trysk nods, "The fish sounds fine."

Trysk takes a quick assessment of their surroundings, including patrons, exits and sounds."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 48):

Ryanna signals and Morteft's drink is soon on its way from the bar.

Ryanna smiles at Trysk.  "We fry our fish in butter and lemon.  Most refer it heavily spiced.  Not many in this land have the fortitude to handle our spices.  When the fish is crispy on the dges, it is served over rice.  But that is our way and we will cook its as your wish Sirah."

She turns a puzzled looks to Morteft.  "I do not know this chip you speak of.  The chips I know are those the customers yse when they play cards.  But Lissel might know them if you want me to ask.  The kitchen and food are her demesne."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 44):

OOC: Totally incorrect, that is the term used to describe that type person, that is how Ez'ard was dressed then that's how he gets described.  Ez'ard was being deceitful too, the two who the group was described, he did not fit the description and therefore the action should have been condemned.

--Ron
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 20:39, Mon 20 Feb 2023.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 50):

Trysk nods, "That sounds good to me. I'll take a side of mixed vegetables, too."

Ez’ard doesn’t make it obvious but he ends up sitting away from Tzar. If there is an extra chair he will claim it as a place for Sharak to sit. He asks Ryanna for a glass of wine and some cheese and bread. He also asks for some raw end scraps (bits of meat) for Sharak.

He then turns his attention to the rest of the room trying to get a feel of the tavern.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 52):

Morteft says, "Ah nevermind, it is a unique dish in Savron. The fish is fine but no rice. Please bring some bread."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 54):

"I'll have the fish as ye've described, lass.  It sounds delicious."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 55):

The drinks are really good.  Surprisingly so.  Ryanna keeps them flowing and the room takes on a warm glow.   One of the ladies shows up with a perch and leaves it behind Ez’ard’s chair.  They have dealt with mages and familiars before.  The food comes after about 15 minutes.  You can see bits of different peppers and a few spices you do not recognize sprinkled over the fish.  It is crisp around the edges and flakey in the middle.  The first bite brings tears to your eyes.  Ryanna was right about the spices.

After about the third round, a tall, very handsome man with deep, red hair enters the room through a door near the only empty table in the tavern.  He pauses for a moment to study each of you.  His fingers go to his long handlebar mustache and stroke the ends.  A smile crosses his lips.

He nods to you as he walks past your table on the way to the bar.  Two of the young barmaids rush forward to meet him.  The first hands him a glass filled with a golden liquid.  He raises it to the room and then quickly drains the glass.  He hands the glass back to the girl and pats her on the cheek.  The second young woman hands him a triangular shaped box with strings acoss jts front.

The tall man begins to pluck at the strings.  Beautiful bell like tones fill the tavern and the crowd hushes quickly.  He begins to sing along to the music.  His voice is rich and carries the tune well.  The song he sings seems to shift from Common to Elvish to a language that none of you recognize.  The parts you are sure of have to do with the ‘Land of Heroes’ and something called the Kalevala.  The song goes on for about ten minutes before he lowers the instrument and hands it back to the woman  with a bow.  She blushes and scsmpers away.

The singer turns and walks towards you with a broad smile on his lips.   He bows when her reaches your table.   “My name is Lemminkäinen, but most just herecall me Lem.  elcome to the Suomi.  Friends of Art are always welcome here.”
This message was last edited by the player at 18:35, Tue 21 Feb 2023.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 56):

Trysk nods to Lem, "Greetings, the name is Trysk. That was quite the performance there. Will you be performing again later?"

In reply to Shorty (msg # 56):

Warwick hops off his chair and bows back to Lem.  "Ye honor us, sir.  I'm Warwick.  That's Morteft, Trysk, Ez'ard and our new acquaintance Tzar."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 58):

Lem  smiles broadly. “Ah, the intrepid heoes that I have heard so much about minue one.”  He glances over at Tzar.  “And the country bumpkin who is not so unknowing as he likes to pretend he is.”

Lem glances around the table as if evaluating each of you.  “May I join you for the evening?”

Ez’ard welcomes the bard to the table and thanks him for the delightful performance and asks will there be another song before the night is over.

He turns to Sharak and asks what he thought of the performance.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 60):

Morteft nods. "Yes, feel free to join us."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 61):

"Aye, please do so."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 62):

Trysk adjusts the position of his chair to make room for Lem to join their table.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 63):

Sharak squawks softly in response to Ez’ard’s question.  Lem begins to chuckle as he steps to his own table.  He pulls a somewhat larger chair from his own table and slides it into the space that Trysk has made for him.

He takes a seat and Ryanna rushs up with a glass of the same golden liquid that Lem drank before he sang.  He takes a sip this time and looks around the table.  “So how have the adventrures gone recently?  Art has been telling me about some of your older adventures.  Quite amusing.  But one must always listen for the truth when Art is spinning tales to entertain the ladies.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 64):

"What has Art told ye?" asked Warwick.  "He honestly didn't tell us much when he recommended yer fine establishment.  Morteft, Shorty and I were some of the folks that helped save Calator a while back.  Since then, we helped save a world, fought off the frost giants to save me homeland and just fought off a lich and his friend from summoning back an archdevil."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 64):

Ez’ard listens to Sharak and nods. Ez’ard’s says to Lem, “How about we swap tales? I’d be interested in the tale behind that ancient song.”

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 66):

Lem takes another sip of his drink.  “Art regales us with takes of your battle with the minions of Set or, as he was known long, long ago, Seth.  Art has entertained us many nights with your stories.  He tends to make many of your adventrures sound somewhat bumbling.  Especially the Champion of the Forest Lady.  But I believe there is much to your team that Art lets on.  Perhaps he has spent too much time away from the bleeding edge of adventuring to remember its difficulties.”

Lem turns an interested eye on Ez’ard.  “And why would a youngster like you be interested in the old tales of Mistress Louhi and the heroes that stood against her?  Her time and theirs is far in the past of the risen world.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 67):

Morteft sips his ale. He says offhandedly, "Art seems to have a big mouth. In war, divulging information is a big mistake."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 68):

Trysk sighs and drinks his mead while surveying their surroundings in the tavern.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 69):

Warwick nods.  "It's not that we don't appreciate the congratulations, Sir, but we're fighting an enemy who seems to have eyes and ears everywhere.  And telling them about ourselves just makes it harder."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 70):

Lem shakes his head and sighs.  “You are a serious lot I see now.  Art tells only of your past missions.  Never anything that you are currently working on.  He is not that foolish.  And truth be told, from some of the information I have heard from other sources…  You yourselves have provided your enemies quite a treasure trove of information.  My sources indicate that important players have slipped through your fingers on more than one occasion.  I believe that there is little Art could say that yur enemy does not have firsthand knowledge of.”

Lem sips his drink and continues.  “Pardon my bluntness, but your stories interested me greatly.  And, a successful tavern owner has many sources of information.”

Lem motions to Tryanna and points to his office.  She darts to the door and disappears inside.  She returns quickly bearing a tray with an unusually shaped jar, a set of fired clay cups, small plates, and a set pf what look like large toothpicks.

Lem smiles broadly at you all.  “Our discussion grows too maudlin.  My brewing must not be up to my own standards.  I must make up for ruining your evening with a special treat.”

AsRyanna places the tray on the table, you can see odly shapped lumps floating in the jar.

Lem takes the bottle reverently in his hands and opens it.  “This is Lakkä,  Made to my Mother’s exacting standards.  It is a treat that few have the opportunity to enjoy.  Share it with me as a thank you for the entertainment you have provided to a bored man.”

He opens the jar and begins to pour liquid into each of the clay cups.  Several of the lumps plop into each of the cups.  He sets each cup carefully on a plate along with one of the large toothpicks and slides them before each of you.  He takes is own toothpick and stabs it into one of the lumps in his own cup.  He lifts it out and you can see it is a strawberry, somewhat darkened in color.

Lem takes a bite of the berry before continuing.  “The berry ages for a year in the Lakkä.  It provides the Lakkä with a delicate flavor.  At the same time, the natural sugars in the fruit ferment as it absorbs aomw od rhw alcohol from the Lakkä.  This is a drink fit for the Gods and the heroes that serve them.  Drink my friends.”

Lem takes a large sip from the clay cup before eating the rest of the strawberry he stabbed.  Then he motions with the empty stick towards your own cups.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 71):

Trysk takes a clay cup and swirls the liquid, before sniffing it.

He takes the large toothpick to stab a strawberry in his cup and tastes it.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 67):

Ez’ard replies to Lem, “One can often learn from the past so as not to repeat the same mistakes. And I like human lore, part of me I know little about.”


Ez’ard tastes the strawberry liquor and nods his approval. “I’ve dabbled with strawberry, blueberry and watermelon but I favorite is with lemons. A great after dinner drink to aid with the digestion.”
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Wed 22 Feb 2023.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 73):

Lem nods and refills the clay cups.  He motions for Ryanna to bring another bottle.  Then he looks at Ez’ard.  “”Misress Louhi controlled the norther domain of Portia.  She had two beautiful daughters that she used as bait for the greatest singers in our land.  Louhi did not care for the land or the men who toiled to make it rich.  She cared only for her own comforts.  Heroes performed many feats to win the hands of the maidens and Louhi grew wealthy and Kalevala suffered.   It took the heroes a long time to come to their senses.  They took back the treasures from Louhi and gave them to the land and then the people prospered.  Louhi tried to punish the land.  The songs of the heroes kept her at bay.  That is the tale.  But it is not the song.”

Lem takes another drink.  “The song tells the story of the bravest of the heroes.  He sung a boat into existence, sailed north, and took the eldest daughter as his bride.  But she was a viper and betrayed him.  The song tells of his lonliness and his search for another love.  He even sought out the younger daughter, but she was no btter than her sister or her mother.  He was alone for a long time.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 74):

Trysk comments, "The women sound like drow matrons."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 75):

Morteft drinks the fruit drink. "Thank you, it is very good."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 74):

Ez’ard only takes small sips and after a bit says, “You must be a true hero. I hope your loneliness wasn’t too terribly long before true love was found.”

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 77):

Lem laughs at Trisk’s comment.  “That is not a bad comparison my friend.  Mistress Louhi would have fit in well you’re your Drow Matrons.  But most of our women are as you see here.  Beautiful and kind.  And they know how to dance.”

Then he turns to Ez’ard and winks.  “That tale was long ago my young friend and I am just a tavern owner with a penchant for song.”

Then he waves his hand at the table.  “Drink my friends.   It has been a long time since I celebrated with Lakkä.  Tell me something of interest about yourselves.  Something that will not endanger your war.”

Ez’ard returns Lem’s wink with a sad smile but then brightens and says, “I saved a town by breaking Shorty out of jail; they were going broke just trying to keep him fed.”

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 79):

Lem laughs and tells the group that their drinks are on the house tonight.  It is the least that he can do for such valiant heroes.  The Lakkä and any other drinks the party wants are brough upon request.  More strawberries are served.  At some point, Lem has his instrument brought out and he plays.  Several of the girls perform dances that you have never seen before.  The rest of the patrons cheer.

The girlts offer to teach each of you to dance if you are interested.  It is quite a party.

And then…..

OOC:  Add in any questions you might want answered along the way.  I will post the next sequence in about an hour or so when I get back home.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 80):

Warwick wakes up slowly.  Something, no, many things are not right.  His tongue feels thick and his head is pounding.  He has never felt this way in all of his dwarven life.  Well, he thinks.  There was that one time but the human ale had been very poot quality.  Swill would have been a compliment.

Warwick realizes his bed is hard.  And it tastes like… dirt?  There is a loud and most annoying noise in the background.  Warwick realizes it is leaves fluttering in the breeze.  He sits up suddenly and regrets it.  It makes his head hurt more.  Warwick cracks his eyes open.  There are trees all around.  The canopy is think and little light comes through.  What does is bright and annoying.

Warwick rubs his eyes and takes a good look around.  All of his equipment is stacked neatly beside him.  Axe, shield and mace.  Just past that, Morteft lies spread eagle on the ground.  A few feet past that is Trysk, curled in a ball.  To the other side, Ez’ard is wrapped around the trunk of a tree.  Sharak is on a branch over his head.  It seems ready to defend Ez’ard.  Again, a few feet further away, Tzar lies with his shield over his head.  There is a strange round white mark in the ceter of the shield.  Based on the loud snores from beneath the shield, Tzar is fine.

Actions?

In reply to Shorty (msg # 81):

Warwick casts a cure hangover spell on himself and everyone as he wakes them up.  :-)

In reply to Warwick (msg # 82):

Trysk awakens and checks his inventory. Assuming everything is there, he summons Alexander and has him fly high above them so that Trysk can get an aerial view of their location.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 83):

Morteft sits up. "I am going to burn that tavern to the ground when I get back to Delith. Nah, that is extremely. I will kill him after I find out why he did this. If he would do that to us, he would do it to anyone."

Ez’ard stirs, realizes he’s been had, and swiftly inventories his possessions. He spots Sharak on the tree branch and asks what happened. He knows he did not have that much to drink. If he hasn’t reverted to ‘normal’ appearance he does so now. He sees the rest of the group nearby, all apparently recovering as well.

He asks everyone, “Anyone got a clue?”

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 85):

"We're not going to kill him, Morteft.  We're going to let Dualis interrogate him while we watch."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 86):

"Ok, fair enough, but then we kill him." Morteft replies.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 83):

Trysk finds that everything he started with is there as well and several days rations that he does not recognize.  Trysk has to walk around for about 5 minutes to find an opening in the canopy large enough for Alexander to launch through.  Alexander can only see two things.  Trees and a small lake just west of your position.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 88):

Everyone seems to pulls themselves together exceot Tzar who is still under his shield.  The breeze which has been steady from the north begins to shift and is soon coming from the west.  First Trysk and soon everyone notices a smell on the breeze.  The first few whiffs make your stomachs rebel.  But after a moment they settle and actually growl.  The smell is reminiscent of your meals last night.  Fish frying and it smells heavily spiced.

Ez’ard reports to everyone else what he learned from Sharak. “It was definitely Lem’s going. I knew I didn’t drink enough to pass out. It was the last pieces of fruit that were drugged. Lem transported us here and gave Sharak the option to join us. Looks like he gave us rations. Anyone have a note or anything explaining why he would deposit us here?”

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 90):

Trysk searches his person for any notes.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 91):

While searching himself, Trysk will mention that the only other thing besides forest is a lake. He suggests that they head there unless someone had a better idea.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 92):

No one finds any notes on their person or in their possessions.  The smell of fish os quite noticeable now and your stomachs are beginning to rumble.

Actions?

Ez’ard responds, “Anyone want to see to sleeping beauty (Tzar) over there? I can go invisible and check out the frying fish in the mean time.” Ez’ard sends Sharak out ahead of himself. He casts invisibility and then using his ring of flight starts maneuvering out the lake side opening.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 94):

"Any reason we just don't teleport back home?" asks Warwick.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 95):

Ez’ard replies to Warwick, “Call it curiosity but I think someone should probably try that as well, maybe to return Tzar for medical attention.”

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 96):

Warwick harummps.  "I'm a cleric."

Warwick goes over to T'zar and picks him up.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 97):

OOC:  Ron has been on multiple times.  Waiting for him to do something here in the thread.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 97):

Trysk comments, "Ez'ard, you better get Sharak to come back. There are quite a few large flying creatures up there, including one headed towards the lake."

This message was deleted by the player at 03:50, Thu 23 Feb 2023.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 99):
Ez’ard responds to Trysk from his vantage point outside the opening, “he sees them and so do I. And it seems one of them sees me even while invisible. I am backing to the opening.” As he returns to the ground he asks Sharak if he spotted whoever was frying the fish and to make sure he seeks safety in the tree instead of trying to attack the larger flying creatures.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 97):

OOC: really busy this week, been focusing on private messages as those precede this.

Tzar dreamily says 'Casandra..'

He feels Warwick nudge him, he sits up, yawns and looks around then gets a sour face "Ugh, fish, I hate the smell of fish."  he starts to collect himself and notices his shield and then gets an angry face and starts looking around again. "OK, who the heck did this?  Where is that poncy fellow?!" he looks around but does not see him "I ...."  he notices the trees, anger leaves him and then a quizzical look "Um we're in a forest?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Trysk (msg # 99):

Trysk comes back from his link to Alexander to find that Ez'ard is gone

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 101):

Ez'ard never saw anyone or even a fire on the edge of the lake.  Now he is finding that there is another problem.  Trees and leaves all look the same from up above.  He cannot find the small opening that he came through.

OOC:  Three plus inches of snow last night and more coming down.  The old guy is heading out to clean up.  Might be lunchting before I post the next round of privates.  Several of them take some careful crafting.  Tzar can continue to get his bearings and others can decide what they are going to do.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 104):

Trysk sends out telepathically, *The flying creatures are rocs. Basically, really big birds. I think we're fine beneath this canopy unless one of you guys want to go hunting.*

In reply to Trysk (msg # 105):

*Again, I ask.  Why aren't we just teleporting back?* asks Warwick.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 106):

Trysk asks, *Weren't you supposed to try and let us know if it worked?*

In reply to Trysk (msg # 105):

Ez’ard sends to all, *yeah they are Rocs alright, I’ll be back down in a moment.*

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 108):

Ez’arddoes not return in a moment.  He does not return at all.  Trysk stares out into space and begins to turn a bit green around the edges.  Warwick is again ignored.  Tzar is looking bewildered at the trees.  He is also a bit green as the smell of the frying fish fills the air.  Morteft stands there and shakes his head at it all.  After about 10 minutes, Trysk bends over and spews.  He shakes his head and trys to stand and then releases anoterh torrent of bile and acid.  That is more than poor Tzar’s stomach can handle.  Apparently fish and vomit do not smell good together.  Tzar begins to empty his stomach as well.  Warwick backs away staying well out of range.  He has no clue what is going on but he thinks maybe teleporting home is not a bad plan.  Morteft, who is upwind of the vomiting, begins to snicker.

At this point, Alexander comes back through the opeing above.  He lands on an overhead branch and begins to arrange his wing feathers.  There is blood on his beak and on his talons.  There is also blood from several places where feathers are missing.


<<Actions?>>

Ez’ard descends from the tree tops to the unsightly mess below and heads over toward Morteft to avoid the explosive mechanizations of Trysk and Tzar.

Once everyone has sufficiently recovers Ez’ard will go on to explain the voice he heard and the only vague word, “Trypery” or some such. There is a lake a couple hundred yards to west and large Roc birds patrol the skies.

He turns to Trysk and says, “Did you know Alexander could grow? One of those Rocs came close by and he darted up and as he was flying up to engage he kept growing until he was the same size as the Rod. Quite the aerobatic battle to see. They were tangled together and plummeting downwards. And just before crashing into the tree tops he strategically shrunk back to his normal size and darted out of the way! The Roc is either dead or severely injured from the fight and the crash.”

“So, has anyone tried to use their amulet yet?” Ez’ard mentally shouts at Art, “Hey Art! What the heck you get us into?”

“Hey Morteft, you hungry?  We can scout on the ground which would be much easier than from above that’s for sure. That fish smells real good.”
This message was last edited by the player at 21:20, Thu 23 Feb 2023.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 110):

When Ez’ard tries to reach Art, all he hears in his head  is the rustling of leaves in the trees and an occasional gagging sound.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 111):

Trysk cleans himself up and replies to Ez'ard, "Yeah, I knew, but never saw him in action until now."

He says to no one in particular, "Ok, let's find that person cooking fish and figure out how to get home."

Trysk starts walking towards the lake and the fried fish smell.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 111):

Ez’ard says, “seem that the mental connection isn’t working, so the portal function is probably useless right now too.”

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 113):

Trysk suggests, "Morteft, maybe try your Cubic Gate."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 114):

OOC: Sorry for the delay. Had to go downtown for work and was hela-busy!

Morteft opens the cubic gate back to Calator.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 115):

Tzar stops wretching, wipes his mouth, looks around again, sees Ez'ard, the only one he has not seen before but sort of matches Art's description and the Tzar takes a straight line at Ez'ard, he does not look happy ...

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 116):

Morteft steps between Tzar and Ez'ard and says, "You need to be careful, Tzar. We have all literally been to hell and back together and you probably don't want to make an enemy of any of us."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 117):

Warwick pulls Tzar aside.  "Go sit down over there."  He points to a spot on the other side of the clearing.  "Take some time and clear yer head.  It was yer friend Lem who did this, not any of us.  And if ye ever insult any of us again, like ye did Ez'ard last night, I'll take ye over my knee."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 118):


OOC:In order up to a point then we wait while I hope Ron replies to my email.

Morteft opens the cubic gate.  His side of the opening is right in front of him.  The far end of the gate opens in the exact position where Morteft woke up.

Tzar stands up and wipes the spital from his mouth.  He see Ez’ard and lunges for him.  Morteft who is standing next to him steps in the way.  Warwick, who had stepped back from the vomiting, is so far to reach Tzar and pull him aside.  The best he could do is fly into him from behind.  Tzar must choose to go through Morteft of stop in his tracks.


<<Actions?>>

Ez’ard calmly watches the theatrics but does not react. After things calm down a bit he says to Trysk, “Maybe you should see to Alexander, I think he took some damage fighting the Roc.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:54, Fri 24 Feb 2023.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 118):

OOC: Too many to reply to so it will just be general.

Tzar will not run over Morteft.  "What is wrong with you all.  He brought us here." pointing at Ez'ard "He comes here tricksy, is rude in manner.  Art is a little raw but you people take the cake, never met such an ill-mannered bunch.  Lem was never a friend, he always seemed off to me, and Lem and Lissel seemed pretty chummy with your friend there." pointing at Ez'ard, he shrugs off Warwicks grab.  "The only ones rude are you all." he looks at Warwick "If you try it little one you might not have a knee left.  We will not stand for your buffonerificness." he has a little trouble with that last word.

"Maybe you are all tricksy, like those doubleganger things."

He takes some steps back keeping you all in front.  He looks ready to defend himself.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 121):

"Lad, ye threaten me or me people again, and ye won't like the results," says Warwick.  "There's four of us and one of ye."

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 121):

Ez’ard goes back over the information he shared with the others while Tzar was still recovering. That being Lem is the culprit behind this. The last dish of fruit that was passed around was drugged.

Ez’ard had never met anyone from the tavern before last night and was just being polite with the conversation. He also adds that he often will go in disguise into unknown territory as a safety measure. Most people ignore the average businessman and a pickpocket would never succeed.

And finally he adds to look at it from our perspective, you (Tzar) are the only unknown to us so how do we know it wasn’t you in cahoots with Lem? He quickly adds he does NOT believe that and wishes that we just figure out what is going on and be done with it.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 122):

"Who threatened who first little one.  You made the first threat and are still making them. Four on one is what evil does.  We have the strength of ten, or is it eight, one of those for We fight for right."  he continues to back away slowly keeping an eye on you all.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 124):

"Ye did, by threatening Ez'ard.  Go sit down over there and clear yer head as I suggested.  And stop trying to rewrite history."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 125):

Morteft sighs. "Let's move and find out what is holding us here. Obviously, the air is blocked, teleports and gates are blocked so let us walk. Let's head toward the lake."

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 123):

A voice echoes throught the trees.  It seems to be talking more to itself than anything or anyone else.  “Typerys.  The lot of them.  I telled Lemminkäinen to wait, so I did.  Do not bring the bumpkin along.  Wait for Mielikki’s champion to join them.  No,  he has to take second best.  Wants to do Ilmater’s bidding as soon as possible.  Such a mama’s boy.  No matter.  My debt is paid even if the Typerys kill each other and feed the trees.  Maybe the falcon and the hawk will eat my food.  They are certainly smarter that the rest a that lot put together.”

Then the voice fades away.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 125):

"Oh so you can attack me unawares.  You evil bast.. nasty .. I don't even know what you are."  he backs away more till he has cover and can still see all 4.

OOC: I do not remember what area we are in, is it all forest or is this a clearing

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 128):

Trysk tells Warwick, Morteft and Ez'ard, "Just leave him be. We have bigger fish to fry."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 127):

Tzar looks around for the origin of the voice and seeing none he says "Demons? Thats it!" Tzar grabs the golden pommel from the gold bracer and flame erupts from the pommel into a 3' blade of fire.

He stands there looking looking around expecting an attack to come.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 130):

"Aye.  Let's leave him to his own devices, then.  Ready to move out, then?  Do either of yer birds need healing?" asks Warwick.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 131):

Sharak is fine, Alexander looks to have lost a few feathers. There is only a couple hundred yards to the lake so this stranger has to be closer than that. Seems he might be slightly more unbalanced than…. Ez’ard moves towards the west headed towards the lake but stops at the edge of the small clearing they are currently in and peers into the trees trying to see anything.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 131):

Trysk shrugs and continues walking, "Alexander will be fine."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 133):

Morteft says, "Neat sword." He starts walking toward the lake. As he goes, he casts wizard eye and sends it forward looking for any threats or the source of the voice.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 128):

OOC:  Tzar might have caught the discussion of a lake just west of where you are.  In the direction of the breeze.  There is a shoreline clear of trees.

OOC2:  Trysk will know by now that Alexander heals no faster than anyone else on this plane.  One his own plane, his healing is remarkably quick.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Fri 24 Feb 2023.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 130):

At Tzar’s cry of demons, the voice comes back from the direction the group minus Tzar are now walking.  “Demon?  Ye should be so lucky.  Typery!”  There is a short pause and the voice continues.

“Three times have I so named you, so mote it be
For all your days it shall haunt you, just wait and see”

Ez’ard says, “I have no idea what nonsense this person is saying. Do any of you have any ideas?”

He starts advancing into the trees in a westerly direction keeping his eyes peeled for anything unusual. He calls to Sharak to come down and scout ahead.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 137):

Tzar soon stands alone among the trees with his sword in one hand and his shield in the other.  There are no visible threats.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 138):

The pipe stem jabs in Ez’ard’s direction.  “Ye ask questions.  But also make assumptions.  Do I carry a sword or an axe?  The boon I ow is a small one.  Feed ye and send ye in the right direction.  Get you to she who can answer your questions.  Especially if the kääpiö with the attitude and the axe can learn to smile.  Fighting is for heroes.  Not for those who play tricks on tapery like that one.”

The pipe stem points up into a tree to the east.  Suddenly Tzar darts around a tree trunk.  His arm comes up and he experty bats away a tiny falling branch like the tree itself had dropped on him.  He stands there with his back to you.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 139):

Morteft nods. "We are opposed to Set and would have helped if we had been asked. I am willing to help, but you should tell Lem to enjoy his boon while he can. Which direction is this person? I would rather not tarry."

He ignores the food.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 139):

Warwick sits down and takes a plate of the fish.  "Very well, Häirikkö of the Menninkäinen.  Our complaints will be taken up with the lady you reference.  I still don't like being abducted.  If someone wanted our help, they should have asked nicely, not stolen us away.  Set isn't our troublemaker.  He's not of our making nor our choosing.  We're just dealing with his intrusion on our world and we went to help when another world when we were asked."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 140):

Trysk will likewise avoid any food or drink. He regards the small man, "Greetings, Häirikkö of the Menninkäinen. If you need our assistance then please also tell us more about this troublemaker."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 139):

Ez’ard says, “Thank you for your assistance then.” He looks over at Tzar and shakes his head in amusement. Back at Harry he adds “Ants add a bit of fun as well.”

After everyone has had a chance to eat (even Tzar) Ez’ard will speak with Harry again, “And now for the last bit for ye by sending us to she that is in need.”

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 143):

Häirikkö taps out his pipe bowl as he stares at each of you.  “Askin gives ye the option of sayin no.  He could not do his mother’s bidding if ye declined.  So he played the game by the rules.  Rules that I am a thinkin you do not understand.”

He pauses as if looking for words to teach a child.  “The game is simple.  If ye are fairly caught, you ow a service.  The harder the capture, the more demanding the service can be.  I was caughtalone by one more skilled in trickery that I am.  That meant I owed a small boon.  My boon was to send ye in the right direwction.  Had he waited for you in my stead, you would have been more stubborn that ye are.  Five of ye, skilled in battle and magic, were caught fairly.  A less difficult capture than it should have been… but still fairly done.  A greater service can be demanded of you.  But it is one to which you are well suited.  Stop the two minions and set the sea monster back where she belongs.  More than that you must learn from she who sings.”

He looks then to Morteft and points with the pipe South East.  A village lies a day and a half that direction.  They are sorely pressed and their champion is old.  She you seek fights at their side.  Save them and she can send you to your final destination.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 144):

Morteft bows. "Thank you. Is there anything else we should know?"

In reply to Shorty (msg # 139):

Tzar will quickly turn to face you all.  He stands there a moment, you may see his lips move and then he slowly walks toward the group.  If anyone makes a quick movement he will stop.

He will continue till he is about 20' feet away and looks you all over stopping at the little pipe smoker giving a disapproving face.

The back to the others  "By this, uh, " he indicates the 'host' "ones confession it appears you are not blame for this gross ill conduct in bringing us here and are not even an accomplice to this miscreanting.  For believing you were we apologize." he bows his head slightly  To the Häirikkö he says "You Hä .. Hairy .. friend of Lem, will answer for your deeds along with Lem.  But it will not be me who makes the call.  Now Set was mentioned so it is right we at least look into the trouble." He looks up "You said South East, yes?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Morteft (msg # 145):

Häirikkö shrugs the he gestures to the sky.  “The bigs ones up there work for your enemies.  They have been promised the domain of air.  If you meet a Sääksisäätiö, what you might call a fish hawk, they still serve the will of Ilmater.  The rest you will learn if you save the town.”  As <arteft turns to leave he gestures with the pipe stem at Tzar.  “That one would make a fine play toy should you decided to leave him with me.  If you take him, do not let him get you killed.”

In reply to Morteft (msg # 145):

Trysk sits down and says, "No. If Lem wants my aid, he will ask it of me and I will grant it; however, I will not be bullied into it because we lost a game we never agreed upon playing."

Ez’ard gets up and nods towards Harry before heading southeast in search of the troubled town.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 147):

Tzar straightens "I won't stay with you trickster, your way is a path to evil that I won't join.  I go to this town you say needs help, maybe another trick but I can't ignore said need. If these go too then we share a path maybe not as one but shared the same.  If these ask for help I'll give it and no one dies on my watch.  But if somehow one does fall, the blood is on your hands Har .. friend of Lem."

Tzar turns and heads off to the South East.

OOC: I have some work to do today so not much time to post.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 149):

Häirikkö  Looks to Trysk.  “Lem as you name him will not show up here.  By the standards of our culture, he has not mistreated you.  Jn his eyes, you now owe him a debt.  I suspect he is off creating other problems and concerns for Seth.  It is what he excels at.”

Then the small man turns to Tzar with a smile and offeres him a plate of fish.  “Trickster is an interesting term.  I find I like it.  But be knowing this typery.  My kind have never been evil.  We serve the Gods and Goddesses of light as they intended us too.  We make the paths of evil once as difficult as we may.  And when those of the light grow too full of themselves, we trip them up and help them to remember that their egos have no place in the service they give.  The one who fairly captured you is no fiend of mine, but he fufills his role in the greater balance as do I.”

Häirikkö snaps his fingers and the fire and frying pans disappear.  He turns and begins to walk towards the trees.  He oauses and adds one more line.  “Sometimes, the most important victories come from the smallest of acts.  From doing what must be done even when you do not like it.  And for what it is worth, do not turn your back on the shadows in this.  My magic senses danger lurking in those shadows.”

Then he disappears.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Sat 25 Feb 2023.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 151):

OOC:  Larry, you keep using the word, "typery"   What does it mean?

In reply to Shorty (msg # 151):

Trysk snorts after Häirikkö leaves, "He uses culture as if that's reason enough for Lem to do what he did to us. I'm sure Set things by the standards of his culture that he hasn't mistreated the people of this or any other world that he's attacked, too."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 153):

Trysk will eventually cast a few spells on himself and Ez'ard. He then begins to lead the others SE while invisible.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 154):

The party begins to move through the forest with Trysk to the frong.  Trysk is levitating and trying to keep his wings from hitting the heavy tree trunks.  Motreft, Warwick, and Ez’ard are in a group keeping Trysk in sight.  Lagging behind the group is Tzar.  He also stays just in sight as you doge back and around the trees.  Birch seems to be the predominant growth in the ara.

There are occasional glimps of sunlight through the canopy but never a clear enough view to guage direction very well.  From time to time one of you sees the track of an animal, but they seem somehow larger than you would expect.

After about two hours, Trysk is no longer sure he is heading in the right direction.  He waits for the group to catch up.

OOC:  Still need a plan to maintain course.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 155):

OOC - Trysk would have been walking if we were staying under the canopy.

BIC - Trysk waits for the others to catch up to discuss the best way to get to the village.

Ez’ard has sent Sharak up over the treetops to keep track of the right direction

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 157):

Sharak goes up through one of the openings.  But returns a few minutes later.  He can not see the group through the canopy so has no way to direct Ez’ard’s travel.  He can tell what direction he is traveling in but not which way Ez’ard is facing.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 158):

Moreft sighs. "Warwick, can you get out your rod of lordly might and use the compass?"

In reply to Shorty (msg # 158):

Ez’ard sighs and floats up and just sticks his head up over the tres to get a fix on the direction. He will float back down maintaining the correct orientation so everyone can position off of him and keep moving forward. He will repeat this periodically to ensure they stay on track as they dodge tree trunks in the direct path. He keeps a wary eye out for the other Rocs.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 160):

Warwick fumbles with his backpack and pulls out the rod of Lordly Might and pushes button number six.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 161):

Tzar comes up closer noticing you all stop, confer and Ez'ard goes vertical.  He says "Is there trouble or just resting?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Warwick (msg # 161):

You figure that there is a slight difference between north based on the sun and north based on the rod.  But you now have a fairly good idea of which way you are going.  Tzar is now up beside you.

OOC: exact marching order from here please.  I assume everyone is walking unless you indicated otherwise.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 163):

OOC:  Same marching order for the four of us.  Tzar is ignored when it comes to where he is.  We don't care and won't factor him into our reaction.  Sorry, Ron.


Warwick relays the direction to Trysk.  He politely answers Tzar's question.  "Trying to figure out where we're going.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 164):

An invisible Trysk simply says, "Roger." and quietly moves out.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 164):

OOC: No problem, Tzar will not be factoring you guys either :p

Tzar will say "Ah, I think it is this way."  he points toward where he is going and he walks on, he gives a look up to find Ez'ard before going on.

"Holler if you need help."

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 166):

With directions figured out, the group continues forward.  Tzar is leading Warwick, Ez'ard, and Morteft.  Trysk is not in sight.  The next two hours go fairly smoothly with Warwick adjusting direction from time to time.  Tzar seems to be staying fairly on track as he goes.  It is around four in the afternoon.

Tzar.  Please roll a d20.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 167):

Warwick, Ez’ard, and Morteft see Tzar slip between two trees about 20 feet ahead.  The ground below Tzar suddenly disappears.  Tzar, in rather nimble fashion twists to the side and grabs the side of the pit, one hand locked tightly on a tree root.  His feet dangle in space.  Before Tzar can pull himself out, three figures carrying spears come rushing up on the far side of the pit.  They look vaguely like goblins, only much scruffier if that is possible.  Their complections is more greyish that the yellow color Warwick would consider normal.  The three begin to babble.  Its hard to tell which is speaking at any given time.

“Not a piggy~”  “Peikkoja do not eat those”  “Broked our trap.”  “Wot us gonna eat fer dinner now?”  “No eat.  Chief gonna be very mad.”  Wot us should do?”  “Punishes it?”  “Okay.”

One of the three throws its spear at Tzar’s back.  It actually hits but the speartip shatters on his plate armor.

“Uh Oh!”  “Broked my spear.”  “Wot now?”  “Runs?”  “Runs fast!”

The three scream in fear and turn to run away.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:00, Tue 28 Feb 2023.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 168):

Tzar will climb back out of the pit, and give an loud 'argh' sound.  When out he will get to one look and look where the offending voices are coming from.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 169):

Trysk continues to move onward.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 169):

Tzar sees three goblin like creatures turning to run in fear.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 171):

Tzar yells out to the goblin-like creatures "Hold there .. little ones!"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 172):

Trysk pauses to watch the interaction.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 173):


They all squeal in fear at Tzar’s words.  The one in the lead actually trips over his own spear.  There is a small pile up with lots of shoving and blaming each other.  They do not appear to plan on waiting to be killed.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 174):

Tzar yells again "Hold, I just want to talk with you!"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 175):

Ez’ard says as loud as necessary (depending on distance between he and Tzar), “Ask them if they are from the village we are looking for and that we are here to help.”

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 176):

Morteft casts sleep on the trio.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 177):


Tzar’s second yell causes increased panic.  The three sort themselves out and are about to bolt whe Ez’ard yells.  The three look back at the rest of the group.  Their eyes lock on Warwick.  The one in the center pees himself.  Moteft’s spell goes off and all three crumble to the ground.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 178):

Warwick chuckles.  "Goblins don't much like Dwarves.   Feeling is mutual."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 178):

Tzar looks over at Morteft "Always amazed a what you wizards can do."  he walks around the pit and over to the trio.  He shakes his head when he sees the one who wet himself. "Not much grit in these."  he peers at them "Sort of look like goblins but a bit different." he looks over at Morteft "How do you wake them up again?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 180):

Trysk sighs and waits for the others to stop playing with their food. ;^)

In reply to Trysk (msg # 181):

"We can wake them easily. I would suggest Warwick hold one, we wake it and then try to talk to it. They seem harmless and probably not evil, but they may be able to give us some useful information about threats in the area. Alternatively, we could just move on, but I would be concerned a predator might find them sleeping so if we go that route, I can cancel my spell."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 182):

Tzar looks at Morteft "That is what we were thinking that they might know about some other traps or dangers in the area." he looks at the 3 "Sounded like one was the leader, could you tell which one?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Morteft (msg # 182):

Warwick wrinkles his nose and then floats over the pit to pick one of the goblins up, pinning its arms to its body and then he floats over the pit again.  "Okay, ready to wake it up."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 184):

Tzar gets a suspicious look on his face "Is this the way you ask questions, by hanging them over a pit?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 185):

"I'm hanging here with him.  This way, he doesn't try to run."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 186):

Tzar screws up his face "Perhaps." he says slowly "I'd say your hanging is a bit different than his.  They seem the panicky type, he may just go nutsy."

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 187):

Morteft releases the one goblin from his spell.

The goblin wakes up and stares down into the pit.  His eyes go wide as he realizes he is flying.  Then the tiny creatures cranes his head around to see who is holding him.  He sees Warwick up close and emits a high-pitched scream of terror.  “Kääpiö eats poor little Peikkoja”  Then he pees himself too and faints.

Ez’ard says, “can we try again with the one that hasn’t wet himself? Let me cast a hold spell and then a friends spell on him and then wake him up. Warwick you willing to hide for a moment?”

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 189):

"Aye," replies Warwick.  He flies to the other side of the pit and hides behind a tree.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 190):

Tzar looks to Warwick "Can you bring the little fella over here please?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 191):

Warwick sighs and flies the goblin he's been holding over to Tzar and hands him off before going to hide behind the tree.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 192):

Morteft will detect evil with the rod of alertness.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 193):

"They are neutral with mischievous tendencies. Let's see if we can get some information from them and if not, let's move on after releasing them." Morteft says.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 192):

Tzar takes the goblin off Warwick's hands "Thank you"he says and then site the goblin down propped against a tree and watches it.  Gives a couple light pats on its cheek.

After hearing Morteft about their personality Tzar shakes his head "More miscreants, is it the way of this world.  The trials of life."

Tzar continues to watch the little guy for signs of consciousness.

--Ron,Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 195):

Ez’ard casts his friends spell as Morteft releases this one from its sleep.  The small creatures smiles up at Ez’ard and then looks around with a look of concern.  “Kääpiö gone?  You chase bad ääpiö away?  He not gonna  eats this poor little Peikkoja”

Aboutt that time the one Tzar is shaking wakes up as well.  It gulps as it see Tzar leaning over it, but its attention seems more focused on everything else.  Especially the pit.  It twists and turns looking everywhere, even behing the tree.  It keeps whispering to itself “Where is the evil ääpiö?”

Ez’ard smiles replies, “Hello friend, we are all good friends traveling through these woods looking for the village that we have been tasked by the gods to help protect. It is supposed to be in this direction (he points in the general direction they were traveling). Is that your village? What evil monster has beset it?”
This message was last edited by the player at 14:18, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 196):

Tzar will say in a pleasant voice "Hello, I don't want to hurt you.  Sorry about me falling into piggy trap.  The uh, aapio will not hurt you while I am here.  Can you show me where more of the piggy traps are so I don't fall into them and I will help you catch a piggy, ok?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 198):

The little goblin near Tzar glares at him.  “Only one trap for piggy and you broke it.  Now Chief will make us fix it.  It will be two more years till we catch something again.  Two more years of eating fish.  Yuck!”

Ez’ard’s discussion is a little more fruitful at first.  His goblin smiles and when asked about his village, he is asked about his village he points NE back towards what you might imagine to be the dge of the lake you left behind.  “Peikkoja live there on edge of lake.  Trap here cause catched a  piggy here once. ”    The goblin looks in the direction Ez’ard points and gets a worried look on its face.  “Oh do not go that way.  Not yet.  SHE is going to destroy the peoples there.  Then SHE promises to give the Peikkoja…”

The goblin in front of Tzar barks at the goblin Ez’ard is talking to.  “Hush fool.  No tellin secrets!”
Then the argument begins.  “Not a secret.”  “Is too.”  “Is not.”  “She will eat you.”  “Oooooh!  SHE has more sharp teeth than the Kääpiö.”  “Then hush.”
Ez’ard’s goblin looks at him sadly and whispers.  “Do not go.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 199):

Hearing this, Trysk turns his ESP on Ez'ard's goblin to see the image of SHE.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 199):

Tzar replies "Why two years before you can catch something again? Doesn't piggy walk around here?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Trysk (msg # 200):

Trysk gets an impression of many, many large teeth.  But he can determine that this one has never see SHE.  He just knows the stories.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 201):

The goblin shakes his head.  “It has been two years since the last piggy was caught her.  And this time we gets you.  That is why only the youngest get sent to watch the trap.  At least there is fruit around here.  Better than fish.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 203):

"I see." says Tzar "How long will it take to fix the trap.  Also where is this fruit you mention?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 204):

The little goblin gets up and walks over to the trap.  He carefully rolls back the thin grass mat and stares at the sticks that use to support it.  About a dozen have fallen into the trap.  At least 4 snapped under Tzar.  Then he looks at the other two goblins.  One still asleep and the other fawning over Ez’ard.  “Takes me most of tonight all by nyslef.  Going to be hard to get the sticks out without getting stuck down there.”

He waves his hand off to the south.  “Berry bushes are that way. Do not eat to many.  They will give you a terrible stink.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 205):

Tzar will look at the pit checking its condition.  He nods at the little guy as it speaks.  He then looks around for any long branches that may be nearby.  Tzar then points, "Fruit is that way."  and then he says "I will help you fix the trap, so it won't take as long."  Tzar will first move back into position any of the current branches of the trap that are left and gather some branches he has seen to replace the ones he broke and help with the mat.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 206):

Finding long branches is not hard.  Fishing some of the ones from the bottom of the pit is a bit more challenging.  With your help, the pit is repaired by dark.  If anyone opens the rations that you found in your packs, they each of dried fish with spices, journey bread, and dried strawberries.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 207):

Tzar will wrinkle his nose at the fish, he will taste some of the bread but will not try the strawberries due to recent tricksies.  He says to the little guy "I'm with you, fish yuck." then the asks "Are there any large animals here that hunt at night?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 208):

The goblin that Tzar helped looks at his meal.  “You have to eat fish too.  Sorry.”  But when he sees Tzar npt eating most of his meal… the little guy volunteers to ehelp eat the rest.  The bread is good.  Buts are baked in and there si a strong taste of honey.

Tge goblin beside Ez’ard looks at the meal and then looks to Ez’ard hopefully.  The third goblin is still sleeping on the ground.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 209):

Tzar will offer some of his bread and some of the dried strawberries to the gobby with him.  Tzar will also draw on the ground next to the pit the word 'pit' with an arrow pointing to it.  "Don't want someone else breaking the trap." he then asks "Any other big animals around besides piggy's?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Shorty (msg # 209):

Ez’ard sighs and splits his ration with the befriended goblin.

After the goblin is happily eating he will ask it to describe the people living in the village to the southeast. He hopes he will be too busy eating good food to remember to not talk about the ‘secret’.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:21, Thu 02 Mar 2023.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 211):

Morteft pulls any rations out of his gear that he didn't already have and gives them to the goblins. He will eat some iron rations instead.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 210):

The goblin gobbles down the bread and strawberries ith no ill effects.  It watchs Tzar make marks on the ground and asks,  Is that magic to make the piggys come again?”

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 211):


The small goblin eats happily.  “He sort of whispers so the other goblin can not hear him.  “Peoples live there.  Nasty, mean, big peoples.  They live in castles and have all the food in the whole world while the Peikkoja have only fish.”  He shews and swallows and whispers even lower.  “SHE is going to kill the peoples.  SHE promised to give their lands and castles to the Peikkoja when they are gone.”

Assuming Trysk is stil following the goblins thoughts…  Trysk catches two images.  The castles he sees in the goblins mind are wooden structures and one larger one that might be of stone.  The goblin also thinks about its own villate.  Trysk sees broken down huts and lean-tos on the bank of a small lake.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 214):

Trysk summons Alexander and asks him how far he could see those structures from.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 213):

Tzar smiles at gobby and says "It is more like magic so somebody won't break the trap."  Tzar will try a dried strawberry.

Is it dark now or more like dusk?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 216):

It is dusk but seems much darker under the trees.  The strawberry is just a piece of fruit.  There is no hint of lakkä in its flavor.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 217):

Tzar looks around at the retreating light, he then goes around and starts gathering firewood for the night.  He then looks for a good spot away from the trap to set up, one of the clearer areas - fire safety.

He then asks gobbo, "Are you heading back to your village or staying here the night?"  Tzar will set a stick pile, breaking branches as necessary.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 218):

The goblin shakes its head in disgust.  “Do not normally sleep here.  But…”  He points to the one goblin still sleeping from Morteft’s spell and the one that is playing best friends with Ez’ard…  “Cannot just leave them behind.  Chief will pin my ears back if I come back alone.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 219):

"What is so bad about here?" Tzar asks

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 220):

The goblin shakes its head and mutters… “Peoples.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 221):

Tzar nods his head "Ok, so and peoples don't get along.  Hmm, well if you want to go home you can give your sleeping friend some slaps in the face to wake him up."

OOC: The spell may have ended by now, lasts about 75 minutes and Friends only about 20 minutes.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 222):

OOC:  Yes the spell has ended.  But this is the first one that lost bladder control.  He is rather afraid still.

Ez’ard sends Sharak aloft to keep track of Alexander. He will follow Sharak up and stay just above the treetops as he flys as quickly as he can to help however he can. He tries to keep an eye on the skies as he follows Sharak and Alexander and Trysk.

To Morteft, Warwick and Tzar he sends, *if you plan on flying stay as close to the treetops as possible but watch for any Rocs. Otherwise make what haste you can. Let each other know if you can teleport and arrive where Trysk is once he calls.*

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 224):

Tzar cannot 'hear' this as he has no amulet of Dualis.

Tzar will keep watch on the 3 remaining team, as Ez'ard flies back up again, and see if the gobbies will head for home.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 225):

Just before nightfall, Tzar’s goblin takes his release and hurries towards the sleeping goblin.  Before it can be slapped or kicked, it stops faking sleep and jumps to its feet.  Both run into the darkness.  When Ez’ard rises through the treetops, his little friend wimpers softly and then runs after his two companions.  T’zar and Morteft remain alone near the fire.

Ez’ard can see the moon and stars and makes a best guess as to SE as he flies along the trees.   Sharak informs him that he will not be able to find Alexander.  (OOC: neither bird is a night hunter)  Ez’ard [raus that Rocs are not night hunters either.  After about 4 miles of zipping along the treetops,. Occasionally hitting the upper branches of taller trees, Ez’ard can see a glow to the left of his present course.

OOC:  I assume that Warwick and Trysk are still below the trees moving at their best pace?  Morteft may be snoozing.  T’zar is unsure where everyone disappeared to.  He has not seen Trusl somce the group left the lake.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 226):

Warwick, since he has infravision, finds his companions and quietly moves towards the village.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 226):

Ez’ard makes a course correction and sends to Trysk, *Sharak couldn’t follow Alexander but I can see a glow now so should not be long in arriving. You’re going to have to drop the invisibility if I am to find you. Or you can have Alexander squawk and maybe we’ll hear it.*

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 228):

Trysk asks Ez'ard, *You can see the village building that's on fire? *

In reply to Trysk (msg # 229):

Ez’are sends to Trysk, *not close enough yet to see the building but I can make out a fire in the distance.*

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 230):

Trysk replies, *We should still try to get there tonight.*

Trysk looks for the light source.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 230):

Ez’ard and Sharak adjust course and fly for another 15 minutes.  The glow gets brighter as you get closer to its source.  Ez’ard realized the trees are no longer below him when the stop whacking him in the feet.  There is a dark open space before you.  You can see lights coming from indows towards the center of the village.  One building to your front right looks to have been burning for a while.  You can make out some black shapes in front of the fire but cannot make out any details.

OOC:  I have hand drawn map that I will email out when there is enough light for you to see the layout of the village.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 226):

Tzar sees everyone has left except Morteft and he says to Morty, kind of rambles  "Looks like it is time to move out.  I haven't seen the dark one in a while, is he your scout?  By the way, it was neat how you stood between me and that triksy doer of crookery.  Not sure how many would do that, especially a mage.  I wasn't going to hurt him, well, not with intent, just wanted answers, figured he was in on it.  Anyway he seems a low character type,  met people like him before .. huh, oh right." he gives a weird smile "I was going to head out are you going to hang here or move on?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 233):

Morteft looks at Tzar and says, "You shouldn't judge a book by the cover nor generalize too quickly. You will learn that eventually if you live long enough. I suppose I will go. I am going to fly. Do you wish to have a ride?"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 234):

In other places, Ez’ard lands on what feels like cleared land.  There is a raised bump every foot or so that runs in a line towards the middle of the clearing.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 234):

Tzar shrugs "First impressions, it's all he has shown really." he gives Morteft a sideways look "Ride? On what?"

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Shorty (msg # 235):

Trysk reaches out to Ez'ard, *I'm off course. Let me know when you arrive at the village and I'll Teleport to you.*
This message was last edited by the player at 04:30, Sat 04 Mar 2023.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 237):

Morteft says, "First impressions are just that. There is a space between that first impression and your reaction. Within that space is a measure of your wisdom. As for the ride, we will fly. I will turn into a giant owl and you will ride on my back. Just hold on tight since I will have to do some maneuvering around the trees."

Morteft polymorphs into a giant owl. Once Tzar climbs on board, he flies through the trees. Once he finds a gap, he flies above the trees and heads toward the lights.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 238):

Warwick matches the owl's flight.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 237):

Ez’ard replies that he has made it to the village and sends everyone an impression of where he is. He asks Sharak to stay in the air and fly over the village to see what he can.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 240):

The giant owl loses a few feathers forcing his way through one of the gaps.  Tzar’s armpor rings with the sound of branches smacking off it.  Warwick finds it easy to fly through the hole left behind.  Once at a reasonable altude, the owl can see the fire in the distance.  Warwick can also make out the blaze with his heat vision.  To Tzar it is a pale glow.

Both flyers turn towards the blaze and make a beeline for it.  It is about 6 miles.  As you get closer, neither the owl or the dwarf can make out much near the blaze.  The light and heat are too intense.  Further away, you can see building layed out in circles around a central building.  There appears to be carts and wagons and even futniture stacked in the gaps between the buildings.

Standing near the edge of the forest is a lone heat source.  Morteft can see it is Ez’ard,  He is about a half mile from the village acrss a large cleared field.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 238):

Tzar listens to Morteft and then climbs aboard.  A little while he will say "So what you are saying if I never react to an individual then I'm the wisest?  Hmm, that just doesn't sound right.  I was always taught to try to put your best arm forward when meeting someone as first impressions are important.  Can take a while to change it."

Later when they get closer to the town. "Looks like a party, I remember some of the bonfires we had, good times."  and closer  "Maybe it isn't a party."

--DM2
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:11, Sat 04 Mar 2023.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 241):

Trysk teleports to Ez'ard using his Amulet of Dualis and moves closer to the village to survey the fire.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 243):

*Ok, Warwick. How do you want to handle this? Introduce ourselves to the villagers of wait out here until they're attacked again?*

In reply to Trysk (msg # 244):

Morteft will land, shake off Tzar and turn back into himself. "I am going to scout the village, but it looks like they are entrenched with a makeshift wall. I will communicate what I see via the amulet."

He turns and looks at Tzar. "No, that isn't what I said. Maybe someday you will learn that everything isn't simple although I suppose if you yourself are simple then you will always see the world that way."

He turns into a regular owl and flies to the village.

OOC: He will relay everything he sees to the group.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 244):

*Have they been attacked, lad?  Do ye know what's caused the fire?  I can't make heads or tails out of what's going on.*

In reply to Warwick (msg # 246):

The group gathers on the edge of the forest in what appears to be a field that has recently been planted.  The one building that is burning appears to be a lost cause.  In the light of the fire, you can see large bodies from time to time.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 245):

Tzar says "Thanks for the ride."  listens to Morteft and Tzar shrugs again, "Our weapons master and captain says things are simple, it is people that make things complicated."  Tzar looks at the fire "That doesn't look good, are those people who are trying to escape the fire?" he begins moving forward toward the burning building.  "They may need help."

OOC: Are there any other structures that looks like they may be burning not as much?
The drawing, are we coming in from the bottom?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 248):

OOC - We have a map???

In reply to Trysk (msg # 249):

OOC: should have been sent by email. I got it but it went into my spam folder for some reason.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 249):

OOC:  Everyone should have a PDF attachment in their EMail.  I used the Nolan email that you use in Savron.  Hope that is okay.  If you do not see it, check Spam.  Gary likes to Spam all my messages these days.

You are in the corner opposite from the lake.  There appears to be a second fire going and I thought I labled that burning vice burnt.  But it does not appear to have caught on the house at this point.  You are not close enough to make it out.  Tzar sees pretty much nothing but the fire in the darkness.  The rest of you see building s with lights and a few torches within between buildings.  The large and small fire.  What you do not see are any heat signatures outside of the village.  But you do notice shapes with fire in the background.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 251):

OOC - I didn't see anything and nothing in spam mail. Can dungeons please forward?

BIC - "I vote for waiting until daytime to make contact with the villagers. I suggest we at least do some reconnaissance and set up watches during the night."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 252):

OOC: Again, I will state that Morteft turned into a regular owl and flew to the village see what is going on.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 253):

OOC - That's OK, Trysk was getting closer to the burning building to inspect it while invisible.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 250):

Resent the map.  Apparently I had two addresses for you.  Tried the second one this time.  Multiple private messages sent.  Actions anyone?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:46, Sun 05 Mar 2023.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 255):

Trysk reports, *There's something large near me with no heat sig, but seems to be searching by smell. What do you want me to do, Warwick?*
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Sun 05 Mar 2023.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 251):

Tzar hesitates as Morteft is apparently gone.  Tzar will take a wide arc, around towards the lake, to see if can get a better look into the town area without having to see thru the fire.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 257):

*There are several large creatures that may be attacking the village. There is a humanoid fox-like creature that seems to be protecting the village. At least, I hope so. I am going in to find out.*

In reply to Morteft (msg # 258):

Trysk responds, *I'll follow it for now until I can determine its intent.*

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 257):

Tzar stumbles off into the darkness going clockwise or counterclockwise? Around the village.  Crossing furrows and planted fields in the darkness is not an easy task.  He can see little except the distand lights from the village and the fires.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 260):


*Turns out the fox-like creature is the leader of the creatures trying to destroy the building. I am hoping I can get her to talk a bit, but if not, I will be there shorty.* Morteft says.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 261):

*No time. 3 of them evil just heard a voice. I'm about to engage...*

In reply to Trysk (msg # 262):

*The dark figures are evil?" Morteft asks.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 263):

*Yep. Fire in the hole!*

Ez’ard sends, *I am not exactly prepared for a firefight as I was not figuring to be out except for a drink today. I have my wands for offense but that is about it. Warwick I will advance with you. I have a couple spells that might work, and I don’t want to start throwing fireballs and cause more fires.*

When Ez’ard gets within spell range of the foxlike leader he will cast feeblemind on it.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 265):

*Okay, lad.  I've got lots of weapons on me, if ye need anything.  Got me some extra daggers if ye want them and me new shortsword as well.*

In reply to Warwick (msg # 266):
Warwick, Ez’ard, and Tzar whereever he is see an intense flash of light to the left of the building that is burning to the ground.

OOC:  Please keep the mental communication off of this thread.  Not all are included in the link.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 260):

He was going off counter clockwise.  When he sees the explosion he will make more of a beeline to the right side of the burning building.  He will hi-knee it to help maintain a decent stride.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 268):

Tzar continues past the first blast of flame and turns in towards the smaller blaze that appears to have been built next to one of the buildings.  A second blast of new fire goes off near the last one.  It seems to be far enough from the buildings that it does not start a new blaze.  The fire in the badly burning house suddenly flickers and almost goes out.

<<More next Round>>

OOC:  Assuming Warwick and Ez'ard are flying and not walking...  They should ne in play at the beginning of the next round.  Just need to know which fight they are headed for.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 269):

Ez’ard is headed for the fox-like lady since she appears to be the ring leader.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 270):

The fox lady was originally near Morteft and the burning building.  She ran towards where Trysk was but she is no longer visible to anyone in this group.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 271):

Ez’ard pauses his advance into the combat area after loosing sight of the fox lady. He looks around trying to locate her and the other large creatures attacking the village.

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 272):

Ez’ard finds that that he sees little outside of the village.  There are more torches lit within the town and there are people with crossbows and weapons and even a pitchfork or two standing near the barricades.  There is also a short figure standing in the back that seems to be beating on something.  Ez’ard and others can make out a somewhat metallic melody drifting from the the village.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 273):

Visual recap for everyone.  The Village is ablaze with torchlight and people are moving around trying to see what is happening.  A strange melody drifts out from the village.  It sounds vauguely like a metallic drum.  It boosts your spirits (Plus 2 on any saving throws).

There is an explosion of flame near the building that is mostly burtnt down.  It begins to burn once more.

A bright light begins to shine far to the left of the village.  For those flying, Two figures stand close together in the center of the light.  There is no rapid movement to indicate battle.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 274):

Moments after Ez'ard's warning, he appears before Warwick just out of axe range.  Tzar is standing on the far side of Ez'ard with a somewhat surprised look on his face.  "More cries of surprise come from within the village.  The two stop throwing rocks as reinforcements arrive and they begin to move forward.  A female voice cries from within the village.  "Durn fools get in here before ya get yerselves dead.  Theres three more teams out there in the darkness.
 Damn fools for attacking at night."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 275):

OOC: Does the continual light provide anymore view to the 'dark creatures' are?

Tzar sees Warwick "Are you in need of healing Lord of Warwick?" he does not really wait for a reply as he calls out to the advancing creatures in a commanding tone "Cease this destruction or feel the burn!"

Tzar readies for attack.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 276):

Warwick chuckles.  "Lad, I'm a cleric.  I'm the one usually doing all the healing.  But, thanks for the offer, I'm fine."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 277):

One of the two charges towards Warwick.  The other heads for the shiny new tin can that just appeared and yelled at it.  It must be a red neck.  It likes shiny things.

One of the smaller carts is shifted aside to make an opening in the barricade.

OOC:  New consolidated round.  I have a actions from Trysk and Tzar.  Still need the rest of you.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 278):

Warwick flies at the creature head height and then within five feet, lands abruptly in a slide bringing his weapons to attack its legs.

Ez’ard sends another fireball to a bad critter in need of attention (avoiding any good guys).

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 280):

Ez’ard slips into the camp and a few minutes later the music stops.

The first creature lumbers into range of Warwick.  Warwick stikes first but takes a blow in return.  He hits twice more and the creature drops.  It is still twitching.  The other creature rushes to meet Tzar.  It pounds his armor twice.  Tzar is not back but seems undamaged.  His sword strikes and sizzles as it cuts into the creature.  It drops after his first strike.

About the same time a fireball goes off near the burning building.  Trysk see the creature lying on the ground go still.  The one that was lumbering towards him burns but has the wherewithal to bend down and pick up a rock.  It misses.

Actions:  Morteft?  Sorry if I missed it but lots and lots of threads going.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 281):

OOC - Morteft was casting Disintegrate on the brute attacking him.

BIC - Trysk removes his Ring of Protection and replaces it with his Ring of Invisibility.

Trysk turns invisible and maneuvers to backstab the brute.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 281):

Warwick keeps attacking until his foe isn't moving anymore.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 283):

Tzar says "Uzzah."  and looks for the next nearest beastie to attack.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 284):

The only thing Tzar sees moving at the moment is the twitching body at Warwick's feet.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 285):

The disintegrate beam shoots down from Morteft to the creature below him.  It steps just far enough to the side that the beam leaves a large crater in the ground.  The rock that flies towards Morteft goes wide.

OOC:  Found the message I missed finally.  Creature saved.  I had forgotten this was an all or nothing attack.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 286):

"Impressive attack, Tzar," says Warwick.  "I sent Ez'ard to talk with the villagers.  We're being told that there were five strike teams of five creatures each and we've only fought two of the teams so far.  So, there's still fifteen of them out there.  What do ye say that ye and I hold the line here and let them beasties come to us where we can see them a bit better?"

In reply to Warwick (msg # 287):

Tzar looks over at Warwick but more at the twitching body and gives it a slice with his sword (rolled a 17, if you need damage let me know)

Warwick is not sure if Tzar is listening but he then says "Fifteen still. Do you know what these things are?  Wouldn't it be better to take the fight to them, not allow them to dictate battle?"  Tzar will look around, taking steps forward and twisting (from 10 to 2 o'clock) to illuminate the area.  He then says over his shoulder, "Do you want 8 or 7?"



--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 288):

Trysk will eventually land and rejoin Tzar, Warwick and Ez'ard, "So, what's the plan? Sounds like there's quite a few of those brutes out there, as well as the fox lady out there."

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 288):

The form at Warwicks feet stops twitching as the sword seems to burn inside it.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 289):

Tzar responds to Trysk "Seek and destroy.  For fox lady, I think she is a pawn.  These dark beasties are the big problem. " he looks at the others "All of our weapons flame, we can make short work of them."  Tzar is sounding more sure of himself and has a somewhat commanding tone - different than his normal tone.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 291):

"Yer sword seems to do a lot more harm to them than me weapons, lad," says Warwick, cautiously.  "And while I agree, I don't particularly want to let our adversaries dictate the battle, we haven't been able to see the terrain or where they are to know where to have the best place to fight.  So, I'd rather let them come to us where they can't surround us and we have all our forces grouped together than spread out.  And, if it's too much, we retreat back behind the barricade.  For whatever reason, they haven't gone through it."

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 291):


Warw9ck looks up from near the opening to see Trusk flying closer.  Morteft is not far behind.  As Morteft approaches, globes of light drop from his hand to ghe ground below.  They leave a wall of light that illuminates from the burning building to the gap in the barricade.  Two rocks fly into the air but neither comes close to the two flyers.  Tzar is still standing there.  Mostly looking out into the darkness but occasionally glancing down at his sword.  A few villagers are encouraging you to get inside so they can close the barricade.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 293):

Morteft lands and says, "They are tough but killable."

He looks for any major weak points in the barricade. "Sadly, I took wall of force yesterday instead of wall of stone. That would be useful about now."

He casts wizard eye and sends it out about 30 feet from the barricade so he can watch for any of the creatures approaching. "Anyone know where the fox creature is?"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 294):

OOC: Not exactly sure where we stand, we are near this barricade .. the opening?  I was thinking we were in the middle of town which would make us easy to surround ...

Tzar says to Warwick "Sol can dish it out especially against evil." Tzar grits his teeth "Grrr, I suppose you're right, stand our ground here then .. for now."

He then replies to Morteft without turning "I was talking with her just outside of town when Ez blipped me here.  She is not the main problem, its some Ikut something or other - the beasties belong to the Iku person."

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 295):

Morteft listens. "I knew you were a frickin paladin." He nods. "The Iku-Turso is what she told me, but she didn't indicate the creatures were not under her control. The fire drew her away."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 294):

The barricade seems fairly well built.  Now that there is lots of light, there are signs that it has been here for a while.  Possibly a week or two.

OOC:  30 feet Straight out from where the opening is?

The two that were visible in the continual light disappear out into the darkness beyond the coins.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 297):

OOC: Yes, 30 feet out from the opening. I just want to get a bit of warning should they all charge.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 298):

"Okay, so we let them come to us.  Should I bring a fire elemental to help us or are we enough?" asks Warwick.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 296):

"Tzar nods his head "Yea, that's the one, what you said and I am not a paladin, only trained by one."  Tzar notices the retreat of the beasties and he calls out "Fox lady, will you come over here please."

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 300):

There is nor response to Tzar’s call at this time.

OOC:  Who is moving into the village and who is not?  Ez’ard will relay the message about closing the barricade.  But I am not sure who is doing what at the moment.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 301):

OOC - My understanding is that the 5 of us are gathered inside the barricade discussing tactics, although I'm not sure we know where any of the brutes are skulking around.

BIC - Trysk offers, "I'm willing to be bait and flush them out. Also, they seemed to rely on smell when they were looking for me earlier."

Trysk will also adjust his Elemental Belt of Arcturus to protect vs. Earth to reduce potential damage fron the thrown rocks.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 301):

OOC:  No one.  We're all staying outside the barrier.  Ez'ard is behind the barrier to interface with the villagers, for now.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 303):

Tzar will remain outside the barricade if any other stays outside.

He seems a little disappointed his call was not answered.

--Ron, T

OOC - We are? OK, I didn't realize that. I'm assuming the barrier is right behind us so that we don't have to watch our backs?

BIC - Trysk holds up his Rod of Alertness and offers, "Optionally, we could make a stand here and make some noise to attract them. If I plant my rod it will warn us when they are approaching and from which direction."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 305):

OOC:  Yes, the barrier is right behind Warwick and Tzar.  That's where they fought the last of those monsters, I thought that was clear.

"If ye want to make some noise, we can fight them here.  And I can get us a fire elemental if we want extra firepower."  Warwick chuckles at his joke.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 306):

Trysk turns invisible, "OK, let me know when you guys are ready."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 307):

OOC: I thought were inside as well but I am ok to be outside the barrier. He won't bother with Wizard eye obviously.

"Anyone have a location on any of them?"

He pulls out a wand and drops a fireball sixty feet ahead of the party in the darkness. "Otherwise, it is recon by fire."

He will watch the fireball and surrounding areas looking to see if the light shows any of the creatures.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 308):

OOC: One correction, he will put it 80 feet out since things are tripled outside normally. If that is not the case in the game, then back to 60 feet.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 309):

OOC: Remember spell range is tripled outside, not area of effect that stays the same.

--DM2 in this case

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 310):

OOC: Ok, thanks! Then 60 feet out since the radius is 20 feet.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 311):

Tzar thinks and says to Warwick, "What happens if they all charge at once, we have no place to maneuver."

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 312):

Morteft laughs. "What happened to you take 8 and Warwick take the other 7?"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 313):

Warwick laughs at Morteft's joke.  "Then our mages toss multiple fireballs at them because they're going to be coming at us in a big pile.  If things get too bad, lad, we'll get ye over the barricade.  All of us are able to fly."

Ez’ard rejoins the group staying in the air above the barricade. He says to all, “Just don’t get cocky, these guys like to play dog pile and they beat the sh*t out of you until you are nice and squishy. I am going to try lightning next to see if it makes any difference. The villagers have been doing this for a while and would rather us survive and continue fighting another day than to grandstand and die in glory tonight.”

In reply to Ez'ard (msg # 315):

Morteft asks, "Do they only attack at night?"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 313):

The fireball goes off and reveals an empty field.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 317):

Trysk says, "I have 2 Wall of Force spells.. I can put one each side of us to create a 10' wide corridor. The barricade will guard our backs. Warwick snd Tzar can stand in the front to meet their charge."

Unless someone objects, Trysk does that.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 318):

"I like the idea, Trysk.  And the rest of ye can cast area effect spells while they wait for their chance to get at us."

"Tzar, do ye have any resistance to fire?"

In reply to Warwick (msg # 319):

Tzar stares forward for a little while.  "They are not out there." he says  "Have they retreated, regrouped."  he comes back to here "Yes if we were out there, it is the open field you can move, here we are like sitting ducks."  to Warwick "Yes I have fire resistance."

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 320):

Trysk casts Stoneskin on himself and says, "OK, let's see if I can lute some of them over here."

He heads about 10' past the Walls of Force and starts yelling, "Help! Help! I've injured my leg"

He uses his Rod of Alertness to scan for evil and gets ready to high tail or back to the others.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 321):

Tzar looks at Trysk, "Do those things understand common?"  he shakes his head "I don't like this but we're getting nowhere just waiting. Maybe we should go inside and see what the town folk can tell us and see what these things do."

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 322):

Trysk shrugs, "If nothing happens then we can talk with the villagers."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 323):

Morteft will refresh Warwick's Stoneskin.

He looks over to Tzar. "Do you want a stoneskin spell on you?"

In reply to Trysk (msg # 321):

Trysk begins his act and a dozen rocks come flying out of the darkness.  Five of them connect solidly and drop to the ground at his feet.  The others bounce off the wall.  Trysk detects evil from multiple points, but it is moving around and hard to pinpoint.  There is nothing stationary in the darkness.

OOC:  Does Trysk stay on the far side of the wall of force?  Giving Ez'ard one last chance to ask a question or relay information before I proceed.  Besides needed 20 minutes of game time to elapse.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 325):

"These troll-things are really accurate with the rocks," observes Warwick.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 326):

OOC - Especially since Trysk is invisible (msg #307)!

In reply to Trysk (msg # 327):

OOC:  Scratch the rock throwing.  Forgot about the invisible.  Sorry.  Thought Trysk was out there putting on a show.  They would not have thrown if they could not see him.  My mistake.  Moving on in the next post.  Hard to keep track with folks appearing and disappearing constantly LoL

In reply to Shorty (msg # 328):

Trysk’s attempts to bait the creatures does nothing.  He detects no evil out there.  After about 20 minutes of watching the darkness and trying to trick the creatures,  a cheerful female voice comes from about 45 degrees to your right.  Bascially from the far side of one of the walls of force.  Also fairly straight ahead of Trysk.

“There you are my Pretty One.  I was wondering where the nasty little Tonttu took you.  You should come back to me so I can keep you safe.  Hurry Pretty One.  Step into the darkness and drag your tail across the ground.  I want to see you light up the sky.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 329):

Trysk moves forward, but stays well in the Continual Light spells of Morteft. He calls out toward to female voice, "I'm sorry, but were you talking to me or my companion back there? Perhaps you could come into the light so that I can see you."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 330):

OOC: Sorry guys, seems I am the earliest to rise and bed

Tzar calls out to the voice "Fox-lady I must stay here and protect these fellows.  You should come here to me. I will help you get your tail back instead of this Iku whoever.  Either call off the dark beasts or let us destroy them."

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 331):

“Oh Pretty One.  Must I save you from yourself?  Iku-Turso will send the two bad ones to steal your tail too.  Now stop playing around and come to me before those with the deliscious fire harm you.  You have been stolen from me once already.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 332):

Tzar shakes his head and mutters "How do you talk to these things." and then loud "Lady, you must come to me, it is the only way."

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 333):

“There are other ways Pretty One.   Oatience my love.  I will save you and your beautiful tail.  The Tonttu and the Kääpiö  will not keep us apart.  We shall make beautiful lights to paint the sky together.”

OOC:  Next action coming just need an answer to one question.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 334):

Warwick moves closer to Tzar and says quietly.  "Okay, Tzar, we're going into the village.  If ye're willing to let me carry ye, I can lift ye over the barricade, lad."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 335):

A flurry of rocks come flying in towards the group.  They appear to be arced so as to fly past Tzar.  Most impact the 20 foot tall force wall.  The few that do make it over do not land anywhere near the group.  The group begins to move into the village.

OOC:  If Tzar goes in, I will continue in this thread.  If not, I will continue in the private thread.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 336):

Tzar will go into the village, not much happening here, he does not like waiting.

OOC: Are the gates to the barricade closed so that we have to fly over or can we just walk in?

Tzar looks a little dejected. "What a waste of a good adrenalin rush. Going in is best for now."

If need to fly then ..
Tzar looks at Warwick, "Uh, if you are sure you can carry me, I guess."  His brightly shining sword will dim to a normal flame (was Continual Light) and then the flame goes out and only the gold pommel now, he places it on the golden bracer and it sticks there.  "OK" says Tzar.

Otherwise Tzar will walk it and then stow the sword when he gets inside.

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 337):

Warwick flies a few feet off the group and holds down his hands.  "Grab me wrists and hold on tight."  He does the same to Tzar and then flies above the barricade, quickly, and lowers Tzar in an clear spot on the other side and lands next to him.

With all the group gathered together inside the barricade walls Ez’ard lowers to the ground and turns to the female dwarf.

“First let’s do introductions and then maybe you can explain things because at least I am a bit confused. My name is Ez’ard, and then there is Lord Warwick, Morteft, Trysk, and the newest member of our group and the apparent love interest of the fox lady, Tzar.”

Ez’ard waits for any possible reciprocal introductions and then the story behind the fighting. He will ask if it is a long story better told over a meal and drinks.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:38, Thu 09 Mar 2023.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 337):

OOC:  The opening was closed when the fox began to speak

In reply to Shorty (msg # 340):
OOC:  Sorry Ez'ard.  Had this typed up and ready to go while waiting for an answer on Tzar.

There is an open area inside the barricade near the next circle of buildings.  The team settles to the ground there.  Off to the left is a shorty woman, a dwarf, with auburn braids.  She is shouting instructions to a group of people hauling buckets through an opening in the barricade near where the second fire had been started.  The fire is now out and villagers with empty buckets are now pusing the barricade there back into place.

The dwarven woman stands just over 3 feet.  A larger hammer and several smaller ones hang from her belt.  Strapped to her back is what looks like a metal bowl.  It is unusual as it is not smooth.  It seems to be formed from different sizes and shapes of metal somehow interconnected.  The pieces are not even all the same material.  Warwick has a vague memory of seeing an instrument like this in a dwarvern museum when he was much younger.

The dwarf turns around slowly.  The elves and humans in the group thing she is beautiful.  Her looks are even more stunning to Warwick.  She frowns at you.  “About time ye came inside to find out what you are facing.  The Peikko are better fought in daylight where they cannot hide.  But my thanks for pulling them away to we could put out this fire.”

She begins to walk closer, studying the group.  “I am Incandessa.  My boon was to keep this village safe until the Iku-Turso is defeated.”

Forst she walks up to stand before Morteft.  She nods h45 head politly.  “Welcome Magus.  Your spells will be welcome if we can get the Firefox way from the dark ones.”

Then she moves to stand before Trysk.  A sour look come over her face.  Something seems to be going on between the two of them but the rest of the group cannot see it.    After a few moments she says.  “I do not welcome your kind here.  And no, I do not mean your reace.  I have known many Svartálfar with honor.  It is your chosen profession that I abhor.”

She ignors Ez’ard as she has already spoken to him and moves to Tzar.  “She shakes her head as she examines him.  “I do not know what you did to catch her interest, but be kind to her.  She has been alone for centuries and the land needs the gift that she brings each dark time.”

Finally she comes to stand before Warwick.  “Be ye Dvergr like me or Kääpiö as we are called in this land, it has been long since I have spoken to one of my own kin.”  She reaches out and gently takes Warwick’s axe hand in her own and turns it over.  She runs her fingers over several of his larger calluses.  “Warrior with much practice.  That is good.”  Then her fingertips move to several smaller, less thick calluses.  She releases his hand and gently tugs his beard.  “But you neglect your heart.  More time at the forge would do you good kinsman.”

She turns and waves her hand towards the brick building.  “Come.  I will poor you a mug of whe swill this village calls ale.  I will answer as many of your questions as I can.  Come daylight.  I hope that you can reduce my enemies further.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 341):

Warwick chuckles.  "Ye're not wrong, Icandessa, lass.  But, me free time is rarely me own.  Now, are any of yer folks hurt?  I'm a cleric as well as a warrior."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 342):

Morteft nods. "I can heal a bit as well if there are some injured."

OOC: What is the size of the village. The map makes it look pretty small, but I know it doesn't include scale.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 341):

Tzar looks at the dwarven lady and responds "Ma'am, that is what I am trying to do, be kind.  This Iku thing has her convinced her tail will be restored if this village is burned down. The dark beasts are Ikus and fox lady is being used to protect them from fire, I think she eats it or something. I told her I would help her get her tail back but she won't listen. Never been great talking with gals."

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Warwick (msg # 342):

She glances back over her shoulder as she walks towards the building.  “Some things you must make free time for Warrior.”

In reply to Morteft (msg # 343):

Incandesa nods.  “I will have you taken to the injured after we talk.  You need to understand what you face.  If the firefox had not been distracted, your spells would have failed and you might have died.”

OOC.  The stone building is the size of a large inn.  Each of the buildings is a combined home and craftsmans shop.  Yards are large.  A large city block at least in area.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 344):


Incandessa holds the door to the Inn open for you to enter.   She raises an eyebrow at Tzar’s words.  “You have figured that much out and your friends still used fireballs?  I must be missing something here.  She does not eat fire per say, it is absorbed into her body to power the the auroas that her tail brightens the sky with.”  She closes the door behind the group.  “And her tail would be returned to her if she completes her task.  As your freedom and my own will be granted when we have completed the tasks we are assigned.  To discard the rules is to weaken your own magic.  The Iku would not risk that.”

You enter a large tavern room lit by many lanterns.  Overhead you can see many skylight windows.  There are no windows in the walls.  Tables are scattered around with sturdy chairs.  Incandessa walks around behind the bar.  She can not be seen from your side.  Filled mugs began to slide up onto the bar.  “Tastes like piss but its all they know how to brew here.  I tried to teach them a few tricks, but the mistress of this place is old and stubborn.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 347):

Tzar replies "We weren't together at the time, fox lady er firefox met me outside the village.  That is when I found out what was going on, at least part of it."

--Ron, Tzar

Warwick chuckles.  "Lass, how much free time do ye have protecting this village?  I face a similar issue.  I'm a Lord and a General in me land as well as the leader of this group.  Not much free time of me own."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 349):

She comes back around the bar with a mug of her own.  She sips it and grimaces.  “I spend two hours each week repairing tools and weapons at Ermän’s forge.  I hold meetings as I work.  It is not easy but I do it.”   She pulls up a chainr and sits.  “What are your questions at this point?  You seem an impatient bunch so I will let you ask questions first to get them off your chests.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 350):

Trysk asks, "Who or what is Iku-Turso? It sounds like if we defeat it then we can free this land and go home."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 351):

"What more can you tell us about those creatures? Do they have any other weaknesses? How big of a force is there?" Morteft adds.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 351):

She places the mug on the table with a look of disgust.  Then she turns to the group.  “The Iku is an ancient evil that the heroes of old put to sleep in the depths of the ocean long ago.  She is what you might call a sea monster.  Related to dragons but not qute the same.  She can travel no more than a mile from the ocean.  She was awakened by two minions of the one names Seth.  They returned the third eye to her.  Since her return, she has cowed the costal villages by destroying every ship they send into the ocean  Now she used the Peikko to cow and destroy the inland villages.  No fish and no wheat.  The land will starve.”

In reply to Morteft (msg # 352):

She turns to Trysk.  “The Peikko are cunning foes.  There never used to be many of them.  Their Kind, Sëeman and a handful of others.  The villagers know how to burn them off in small numbers.  But not in attacks like this.  The first wave was just a single group of five.  We defeated that twice now.  This time there were five groups of five.  They all look exactly like Sëeman.  We think that the Iku has somehow catured Sëeman and id growing more of him.  I do not know how he fell into her clutches, but I doubt he is a willing participant.  He is too stubborn to serve her of his own free will.  As for weaknesses, fire.  As long as the Firefox is not near them.  Daylight is also an aid.  It does not harm them, but their dark forms stand out clearly in sunlight.  ”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 353):

Trysk asks, "What is this third eye and will taking it out her back to sleep?"

In reply to Trysk (msg # 355):

She reaches up and touches the center of her forhead.  “It is a stone about the size of uer mug.  It is something like a necromancer stone.  It allows her to reanimate herself when she has been killed.  If it is not removed when she is slain, she will come back.  Again and again.”  She pauses and tehn adds.  “The stone is evil.  It will corrupt if you try to use its powers.  The ancient heroes hid it thousands of years ago.  I do not know how it was found again.”

In reply to Trysk (msg # 355):

Tzar pipes in "I've tried to get Firefox away from the dark beats, but to no avail.  She sought me out me the first time but now she seems a little hesitant.  I could go to her but that would take me out of the fight.  Oh and these dark beast, you say they are cunning, which isn't the same as smart, what are their tactics, perhaps we can use those against them."

--Ron, Tzar
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:09, Fri 10 Mar 2023.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 356):

"Incandessa, if we're able to recover the third eye, we probably have a way to destroy it, but we have to first defeat her. What information can you share on how to fight her?"

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 357):


She studies Tzar.  “The village had a champion.  He was old, but he was good with that short sword.  A Storm Blade if I understood him correctly.  I watched one of the Peikko take a hit with the sword so three others could pile on top of him.  They are very strong.  They pinned him and blungeoned him to death.”

She then leans forward and crosses her arms on the table.  “Why did the Fox seek you out?  What did she want from you stranger?  She is not normally a social creature.  How did you lure her to you?”

In reply to Trysk (msg # 358):

She turns back to Trysk.  “I know of no way to destroy the stone.  Apparently neither did the ancient ones.  They simply hid it away.  The Iku is a master of water magic.  She can use if for defense as well as attacks.  You must hit her with everything you have and overwhelm her.  The problem will be the followers of Seth.  They will try to protect their tool.”

In reply to Shorty (msg # 359):

Tzar listens but does not look impressed by the creatures tactics. "That's all, I guess the old knight could not move well anymore. As far as firefox, it was weird, she wanted to be my mate and have puppies and light up the sky and such." he shakes his head "Uh, I think it is because I wield Sol."

--Ron, Tzar

In reply to Shorty (msg # 360):

Trysk looks to the past members, "Ok, so how should we tackle this? We have the 2 minions of Set, the Iku-Turso, the firefox and a horde of Peikkos. Work our way up or take out the big guys first?"

Trysk looks to the female dwarf, "Incandessa, what can you tell us about the 2 minions of Set?"

In reply to Trysk (msg # 362):

"Isolate them as best we can and take pieces off the board.  The firefox or the minions of Seth would be me choices."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 363):

"Maybe we should take the fight to them? Do we know where they are? They must have a base with a force like that. Also, we need to find the one they are cloning or regenerating pieces of and stop that before we get another large batch of them."