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11:19, 19th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Episode 1: Gateway.

Posted by ZhorrFor group 0
Zhorr
NPC, 1 post
Messenger of the Gods
"Mark my words!"
Mon 22 Oct 2012
at 10:24
  • msg #1

Episode 1: Gateway

The ascent was harder than Zhorr had expected, and his armor, light as Celestial Plate was, wasn't really helping. What was funny was that he could have flown all the way to the top, rather than clinging to an icy wall of rock.

Still, he was not supposed to, so he didn't. He also didn't do any of the other things he could have done instead of stubbornly climbing to the mountaintop in the hopes to find what he was looking for.

In the end, his stubbornness was rewarded.

Always shrouded by clouds, the top of the mountain was not visible from afar, but once you reached it you realized that it looked like the very top had been sliced off with a clean cut, leaving a flat floor of solid rock, dozens of yards across in either direction.

At the center of it, a monolith, the same color as the midday sky, lay waiting for him.

"Here I am. There it is. What do I do now?" He asked to the skies.

A moment later, a pale ray of light descended from the heavens, touching him. The power of the gods struck him, and his next purpose was revealed.

He sighed lightly: "Wait and see. Splendid. Well, at least I can make myself comfortable..."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:24, Mon 22 Oct 2012.
Zhorr
NPC, 3 posts
Messenger of the Gods
"Mark my words!"
Wed 14 Nov 2012
at 17:47
  • msg #2

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

At long last, the four guests were standing on the mountaintop. A cold wind was blowing, but they did not seem to notice, protected from the chill by the power of their arts.

Their arrival had been almost simultaneous, despite the variety of means they had chosen to travel by: they had appeared at the precise time the gods' invitation had mentioned.

They had barely had the time to look at the surrounding scene, when a ray of light, barely brighter than the pale sunlight, descended from the heavens, and quickly took the shape of an equally pale, wiry man, wearing what looked like some hastily sewn-together trousers and shirt, made of plain grey cloth.

Without opening his eyes, he turned his head to face each member at the assembly of venerable figures facing him, and greeted them in a voice that sounded like a melange of many others: "Honored, respected, beloved guests, thank you for accepting our invitation."

Then he opened his eyes and continued in a more normal voice: "My name is Zhorr, I have the honor of being be the Messenger."

He took a couple of steps forward, and the ground shook lightly as he did.

"Archmage." He intoned formally, bowing briefly at the stern figure of Baron Sider: "In the name of the Lady, I thank you for your presence." There was the slightest hint of awe in his voice... For the deeds of a past gone but not forgotten?

He moved on to the graceful venerable lady on the archmage's side: "Grandmother. Thrice blessed. Thank you for your presence." The tone was respectful, but there was a trace of emotion that was difficult to identify.

Zhorr hesitated just a moment before addressing the pale, grey-haired man in front of him, then, gently but firmly clasping a hand on the shoulder of the third guest, he greeted him with only two words, suited to a man who did not like needless formality: "Miner. Welcome."

Finally, he addressed the grandmotherly woman who was gently floating a palm above the ground: "Savior of the North Star. Thank you for your presence." Then he could not stop himself from adding in a conspiratorial tone: "And for the cookies."

A soft rumble of thunder came from the skies, as if a god had just cleared his throat... Which might possibly have been the case, considering.

He took a step back and raised his arms to his sides: a brilliant aura engulfed him.

The four guests wondered for a second about the reason for it - since the aura, who would have awed and terrified lesser beings, was about as effective on them as a summer breeze - until the sheer power emanating from the man dispelled the cloaking of a little creature (which all guest immediately recognized as a gnome) who appeared to have been writing furiously on a little book until a moment earlier. "And a chronicler of the Society... I do not believe you were invited, but welcome, nonetheless. You shall have what you seek. For now, however, you must be tired. Please, take a nap."

The gnome tried to protest, but a moment later he was snoring on the ground. Zhorr's aura disappeared, and the subtle effects that had accompanied his performance (the ground shaking under his steps, the amplification of his voice when he spoke, the general awesomeness of every small action) subsided.

"Sorry about that, but... Well, there is a prophecy. More than one, actually, and you know how these guys are when prophecies are involved. It was decided that letting one of them through would be more practical."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:05, Wed 14 Nov 2012.
Mirelinda
player, 66 posts
Starsoul Sorceress
They call me Grandmother
Wed 14 Nov 2012
at 22:56
  • msg #3

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

The woman known only as Grandmother among her people smiled at Zhorr. She was dressed in the vibrant silks of the Varisians, and wore enough gold jewelry to buy a small village; a fact made quite apparent by the fact that much of it was still in coin form, pierced and hanging from a heavy gold chain serving as her belt, as well as from a necklace and several bracelets.

"How could I decline such an invitation ? The opportunity to travel where no woman has gone before, and to face new challenges...

So, what's the plan, young man ?"

This message was last edited by the player at 13:16, Thu 15 Nov 2012.
Pale
player, 24 posts
Thu 15 Nov 2012
at 10:40
  • msg #4

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

The man titled as 'Miner' but known to most as Pale simply nodded and waited to hear more. He was garbed in a plain grey robe and stood as still as the stone floor.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:36, Thu 29 Nov 2012.
Baron Sider
player, 43 posts
Human male 70 yrs old
Wizard 20/Cleric 1
Thu 15 Nov 2012
at 12:48
  • msg #5

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

Wearing white robes of the Archmage and carrying an ornate staff in his right hand, the shear amount of magic radiating from Baron Sider would blind someone that was to try detecting it.

Baron Sider returned the bow from Zhorr, gave one in return to the ladies that were assembled with a nod in recognition to the other males. "Greetings all, long have I sat at home enjoying retirement. Thank you for the invitation to once more go forward to serve the Lady. What task does the divine beings have for us? he asks
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:36, Thu 29 Nov 2012.
Zhorr
NPC, 4 posts
Messenger of the Gods
"Mark my words!"
Thu 15 Nov 2012
at 13:12
  • msg #6

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

Zhorr chuckled: "Young man... It's been a few decades since I've been called that, I suppose it will take some getting used to. I am going to explain some things now, while our chronicler is sleeping: bards are usually pretty good at keeping their stories epic, but there are some details that may just be too practical for him."

They had been invited, not summoned: Zhorr explained that the distinction was going to be important eventually, though at the moment it appeared irrelevant.

The monolith at the center of the clearing was a gateway - a one-way one, at that - to a different plane of existence; the rules were supposedly not unlike those on the Prime Material, but the plane was new and undeveloped, and needed somebody to bring life to it.

They had been chosen because their abilities and natural inclinations made them most apt to help the new plane in a good direction. Unfortunately, a side effect of the travel was that all worn items, and all magical effects over a certain power, would be removed from existence.

"So... It's a one-way trip to a brand-new plane of existence, where we don't know exactly what we are going to find, and we will all be naked on arrival. On the plus side, it was generally agreed that this kind of thing requires the wisdom of age and the strength of youth: if you decide to accept, your bodies will be restored to a physical age of about twenty."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:14, Thu 15 Nov 2012.
Pale
player, 25 posts
Fri 16 Nov 2012
at 03:49
  • msg #7

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

Pale was visibly unmoved by the promise of youth and the certainty of nudity. When he heard of the new plane, his eyes widened noticeably and he looked at this speaker with interest. "A new plane? A new planet? One young and in the prime of its lifetime..."

The grey-skinned figure stepped forward. "I would see this world. I will go."
Mirelinda
player, 67 posts
Starsoul Sorceress
They call me Grandmother
Fri 16 Nov 2012
at 10:17
  • msg #8

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

"More travel, and a brand new world to explore... Count me in, count me in !

And I wouldn't mind being young again either. Perhaps then I can stop being the revered and respected Grandmother, and live a normal life again !"

Zhorr
NPC, 5 posts
Messenger of the Gods
"Mark my words!"
Tue 20 Nov 2012
at 20:26
  • msg #9

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

"Very well. We have about a day to prepare, although I am fairly certain that Archmage Sider will help us make the most of that time." Zhorr smiled at the venerable wizard.

"Should you have any requests that are best done while the eyes of history are not looking at us, please ask now." He concluded, looking meaningfully at the sleeping gnome.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Tue 20 Nov 2012.
Pale
player, 26 posts
Wed 21 Nov 2012
at 23:33
  • msg #10

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

The prospect of a new world seeming to blot out all others, Pale barely responded to Zhorr's question and gave a shake of the head.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:35, Thu 29 Nov 2012.
Zhorr
NPC, 6 posts
Messenger of the Gods
"Mark my words!"
Fri 23 Nov 2012
at 18:02
  • msg #11

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

"Very well, as usual the gods chose wisely... Time to wake up our friend, we wouldn't want him to miss the arrival of our next two guests." Zhorr made a sweeping gesture and the gnome stirred.

"Time to wake already?" He asked with a yawn... Then: "Hey! Wait a minute..."

Zhorr reactivated his aura, and the gnome cowed slightly: "Yes, friend, and thank you. It is indeed time to wake, to properly welcome our last two guests."

A pale ray of light not unlike the one Zhorr had materialized from appeared, but this one kept growing brighter and brighter, until it looking at it almost hurt the eyes. From it, two angels materialized. Well, maybe they weren't angels, but they sure looked like it: one of them was male, with white hair and brazen skin, and the other was a young woman who looked like she was made entirely out of gold.

"Heavenly knight! Welcome, and be welcome. Thank you for being here. And of course-"

The young woman interrupted him: "Dee? What- Is it.. Dee!!!" She ran at him and jump-hugged him... And apparently she was heavier than she looked, as they both ended up on the rocky ground.

"Ow... Um... Hi, Lee. Long time. Uh..." Zhorr pointed upwards, and a moment later another rumble of thunder came from the skies... Except this one was halting, much like a laughter.

"Oh! Whoops?" She looked around, somewhat chastised.

"Yes, you could say that." Zhorr replied with a smile. "This is Lady Lareth, Lord Dekar's companion in battle. Uh, Lee, do you think we could stand up now? It... would help."

"Yes Oh, yes, sorry.. Here, let me help you..." The girl helped Zhorr to stand, almost lifting him bodily from the ground with astonishing ease.

Zhorr cleared his throat: "Very well. Um... Where was I?"
Dekar
player, 44 posts
Heavenly Knight
Dragonrider
Sun 25 Nov 2012
at 05:29
  • msg #12

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

Dekar had to chuckle, considerably, as his noble companion proceeded to pounce Zhorr bodily into the ground. Of all the ways to get tackled...he doesn't want to think of all the injuries he'd have suffered from those if the ambient damage wasn't being reduced by his years of noble service.

"I was told I would be needed on this mission to a new world. The Gods were not kidding when they said it would have to be conquered, after all, and it will not take too long before the others will have need of my arm."

And beyond that...

He heard the laughter of the gods. Who says divine beings don't have a sense of humor? They do. Oh, they do.
Mirelinda
player, 72 posts
Starsoul Sorceress
They call me Grandmother
Sun 25 Nov 2012
at 12:25
  • msg #13

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

Mirelinda smiled at the exuberance of the young woman. She remembered a certain young Varisian who might have done just the same, years and years ago...

And so she held her temper and waited for the messenger of the gods to get back on track.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:35, Thu 29 Nov 2012.
Zhorr
NPC, 7 posts
Messenger of the Gods
"Mark my words!"
Mon 26 Nov 2012
at 19:36
  • msg #14

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

"Yes, ah, yes." Zhorr tried to shoot an exasperated look at Lareth - and failed. Somehow, the kid had managed to take a place in his heart - for some 25 years now - that let her get away with pretty much anything...

He took a deep breath and continued: "In order to get through the portal, a specific star alignment is required, which will start in 40 hours; for the following day, from midnight to midnight, we shall be able to send through up to one person - and their familiar, if they have one - every two hours. We have about a day and a half to prepare for the journey... Although, what is time, to a wizard?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Wed 28 Nov 2012.
Baron Sider
player, 47 posts
Human male 70 yrs old
Wizard 20/Cleric 1
Tue 27 Nov 2012
at 13:15
  • msg #15

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

The Archmage looked at the others and nodded in agreement. "Time is an illusion, just like anything else. With the right magic, people that have been dead for centuries can come back to life. I  have seen planes where time changes little and others where a day can be years later on another plane."

"On one adventure, I went to a strange world where the roads were not used by people to walk on but weird metal beasts of various shapes and colors, with a great glass eye wider then my hands for most of them" he says as he outstretching his hands "that seemed to have a symbiotic relationship with their master. Their master would feed it some foul smelling liquid at the beasts back end and a metal door that acted as the beasts allowed it too ride inside the beast and not get rained on."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:34, Thu 29 Nov 2012.
Zhorr
NPC, 8 posts
Messenger of the Gods
"Mark my words!"
Tue 27 Nov 2012
at 20:41
  • msg #16

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

"What a wondrous world... It shall be a pleasure to exchange stories with you, Archmage." Zhorr looked at the pained expression of the little bard: "Alas, friend, you will not be able to accompany us, but the Archmage's familiar will surely give you a faithful account of everything that happens. And speaking of faithful accounts..."

Zhorr approached the gnome and whispered something to him.

[GM: Perception Roll to listen in, DC 18 (I do believe pretty much everyone passes this automatically, with the possible exception of familiars). Those who fail will not be aware of the text between brackets.]

["Perhaps we could ignore Lady Lareth's little... Indiscretion?"]

The little bard smiled slightly. ["Indiscretion, my Lord? I must have missed it... We gnomes are easily distracted - notoriously so, even. I'm sure something shiny caught my eye and I missed that little scuffle entirely."]

Zhorr chuckled and nodded.

"Well, shall we start our preparations?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:13, Wed 28 Nov 2012.
Dekar
player, 45 posts
Heavenly Knight
Dragonrider
Wed 28 Nov 2012
at 01:47
  • msg #17

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

(OOC:17:44, Today: Lareth rolled 37 using 1d20+23. Perception!
17:43, Today: Dekar rolled 19 using 1d20+4. Perception?

(Did I mention Lareth is my seeing eye companion? Dekar is blind to all things not obvious. Alas for no perception as a class skill.))

Surprisingly, perhaps because Lareth was mentioned, Dekar actually heard that, and smiled graciously about it.

"We should...get some preparations done. Since my weapons and armor won't come with me, I'll have to reforge them on the other side."
Baron Sider
player, 48 posts
Human male 70 yrs old
Wizard 20/Cleric 1
Thu 29 Nov 2012
at 02:28
  • msg #18

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

Baron Sider addresses the group. "Now that we are assembled, as there are some that wish to prepare for the travel, there is a demi-plane that I had found useful as a place of sanctuary and thinking. It may be a bit small at this time as its but a 20'x 20' hut that is useful as a study, It has a desk, bed and an overstuffed reading chair but it can be expanded if needed. While there, it is timeless so when we return, it will be like we never left and the bar is the best one on its plane." he said with a wink.

"What say you? If you wish to travel to it, join me in holding hands and keep any equipment firmly strapped to you as I am not responsible for any items lost on the way over there." he said with a twisted grin.

[GM: Here is a description of the demi-plane. Think of it as a secure shelter out in the middle of nowhere with much better furnishings.
40' x 40' area 10' high with an extra 10' height for each of the trees (Corners))
Alignment (Good)
Bountiful (apples, oranges, nuts, etc)
Shape (looks like a 20' x 20' hut with a patch of grass (10' in all directions) and a tree at each corner. A hammock is stretched out between a corner of the hut and a tree by the front entrance)
Time:Timeless
Magic:Enhanced (Divination spells are +2 CL)
Shape:Loops back, so if you to walk a mile or two, you would not have to do it in a circle.
Gravity:Normal
Seasonal:Normal light cycle (day/night) and Seasons.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:34, Thu 29 Nov 2012.
Dekar
player, 47 posts
Heavenly Knight
Dragonrider
Thu 29 Nov 2012
at 05:38
  • msg #19

Re: Episode 1: Gateway

"That's acceptable. We'll need to plan carefully for this anyway. Particularly as I heard 'conquering' the plane as necessary."

Dekar joined the circle.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:33, Thu 29 Nov 2012.
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