CHAPTER 02
Mallard Pond, Astraena
Two hours prior to midnight one fortnight and two days after August's first full moon

The P.A.R.T.Y.'s journeys thus far have been a remarkably blend of sheer skill and dumb luck, ultimately landing them to a clearing nestled in the gently rolling woodland hills that compose the mid-southeastern part of the continent.

We find our heroes comparing notes back at camp, after a painful separation that lasted nearly 120 minutes.  Despite all that has happened, the night remains relatively young -- leaving plenty of time to discuss the early evening's adventures before setting watch and turning in for the night.

Notable features of the clearing include the pond itself, a pile of Blackarm weaponry, and a couple corpses from the conflict.

[Crossroads Moment]*

* In the future, this tag will be used to indicate times where the story will not move forward until everyone has posted something.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:32, Thu 03 Oct 2013.

Zuriel smiles and raises his hand in greeting, clearly happy to be reunited with the party in the clearing, to say nothing of the ducks. Noticing the piles of weapons and a battered Maeve wrapped in her blanket, he raises an eyebrow. "Did you guys have company while we were gone?"

In reply to DM (msg # 1):

Maeve has no sooner bedded down for the night then the other half of their party at long last stumbles back into the clearing where they've made camp. There's a brief moment where the two groups simply stare at each other for a time.  She imagines that they rather look a sight.  Despite the fact that she feels better after Boreas' healing potion, she's still battered and bloody and Lyriel is sporting a colorful bruise on her cheek from the blueband's magic missile.  There will undoubtedly be questions in the very near future but right now she has one of her own.

Where the *hell* have you been?

Zuriel notices Lyriel's injuries and rushes over "You're hurt! Here, let me help"

The paladin closes his eyes, and he takes a deep breath as if centering himself, praying, or both. When his eyes open, they are suffused with holy light. His palms glow, and he gently traces the outline of Lyriel's injuries with the fingers. Healing energy washes over the bruised skin, clearing and revitalizing her wounds. Zuriel steps back, the glow fading, and smiles smugly. He is clearly pleased with himself. "My turn to heal."

He then turns to Maeve and repeats the process, healing the rest of her injuries before channeling the remaining energy into himself.

[private to Lyriel Vesper: Zuriel's ministrations to Maeve, while gentle, seem markedly more businesslike and impersonal.]

"So,", he asks, having finished his healing, "What happened here?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:21, Thu 03 Oct 2013.

Maeve snorts in amusement as Zuriel rushes past her to tend to Lyriel's bruise before returning to her to heal her rather more substantial injuries.  The Sultan's military cleric would have something to say about the paladin's questionable idea of triage.

As you correctly deduced, we had company she says, and gives a brief account of the fight that ensued--explaining how Maeve and Lyriel were injured fending off the blackbands, how Boreas took the brigands by surprise by shooting arrows from the trees, and concluding with Lyriel calling down the wrath of the Emerald Flame upon their attackers and them subsequently fleeing into the woods.

[Bluff 9]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:37, Thu 03 Oct 2013.

Seems some of the displaced Blackarms - one Blueband too - stumbled upon us and felt like letting off some steam.  Hell of a fight.

[Bluff (Aid) 9]

"So let me get this straight," the paladin says, turning to Boreas. "You were attacked by a small platoon of bandits, which very nearly murdered Lyriel and Maeve, while you hid in the bushes shooting arrows? And then Lyriel called down fire and they fled? Is that the way of it?"

Yes, more or less.  What would you recommend?  I charge in and smite them mightily with my bow?

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 8):

Lyriel touches her cheek then looks up at Zuriel, I didn't know you could heal. She blushes smiling, Thank you.

Then chiming in to the conversation she adds, No worries, Tassada showed her displeasure most heartily, while we were injured it wasn't that bad. And Boreas does have a point, it is kind of difficult to charge with a bow,she shoots him a slightly disappointed look, still, I think it would have been nice for you to distract them a bit.

I tried.  They displayed a bit more focus and fire in their bellies than I anticipated.

Also, glad to see you made it back alive, Keef.  You too, Giles.

And especially you, Chubbs.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:02, Thu 03 Oct 2013.

Zuriel scoffs. "Hardly. But to hide behind the women seems unchivalrous, to say the least." He turns to Keef. "Hey Keef, do you remember all those tales of mighty heroes slaying dragons and righting wrongs from the bushes? How about the one where the brave Knight takes cover behind his lady love to avoid arrows meant for him?"

Keef shakes his head mutely. "Yeah, me neither," he replies, hint of a smile on his face. "Well, with any luck the bandits that got away will spread tales of the fearsome Boreas the Brave far and wide, such that any future bandits we encounter will tremble in your mighty and august presence. That is, provided they can see your fearsome visage from behind the nearest skirt."

Unable to control himself any longer, the paladin bursts into laughter, completely forgetting the party's incomplete and rather suspicious explanation as to the lack of prisoners.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:02, Thu 03 Oct 2013.

I'm glad you find your own jokes so amusing.  No, I'm afraid the bandits I dealt with won't be spreading any tales.  They're dead.

Changing his tone entirely, he turns to the wolf,

And who are you, my friend?  I am Boreas.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:12, Thu 03 Oct 2013.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 12):

Shep takes a break from romping around the clearing and winding himself around Giles's legs to glance at Boreas.  He yips a few times, then trots off toward the fire to sniff at the discarded spit.

[Private to Boreas Highwind: "I'm Shep, faithful companion of Sir Giles Thistleworth.  Surely you've heard of our grand exploits? But I did not realize Alpha traveled with another beastmaster.  Do you have an animal compa-- ooh, meat!"]

[Private to Giles Thistleworth: Boreas seems to be able to verbally communicate with Shep, though the wolf does not seem agitated by it -- nor does your control of the beast feel threatened. Your empathetic link indicates mostly hunger on Shep's part, followed by excitement at the discovery of the meat-caked spit near the fire.]

Pleasure to meet you, Shep.  Enjoy the meal.

Boreas turns to Zuriel.

You look a bit the worse for wear, yourself.  What have you all been up to?

Finished with making jokes, Zuriel recounts the tale of the fight with the evil toad thing, with Giles and Keef filling in for the parts where Zuriel was unconscious.

Concluding his tale, he says "So I think it wise to check out the cave tomorrow, provided we are heading that direction still. Boreas, does your compass still indicate there is evil to the south of us? I get the feeling that there were more inhabitants of the cave lab than were present there tonight."

It still bears the same heading.  Even if you cleared out the evil denizens, the place may still be imbued with dark magic.  We should investigate, but carefully.

Zuriel nods. "Well, today was an interesting diversion, but I feel like we are no closer to finding the Godstone than when we set out this morning. Perhaps now would be a good time to ask the book? If so, how should I phrase it? Maybe something like 'Where is the Godstone in these woods located?'"

Zuriel sits down on the grass and opens his book of answers, quill poised as he waits for agreement from his fellows on what exactly to ask.

Boreas sits nearby, both to get a closer look at the book and to help Zuriel formulate the question.

Magical things love being tricky in these cases.  We should consider carefully.

He begins to discuss the book with Zuriel, motioning the others over.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 17):

Lyriel ponders Zuriel's question. That is a thought, but you know that whatever the book says it will be in rhyme, it may not necessarily be literal either...She looks away deep in thought, Perhaps you should ask for literal directions from where we are now? I'm not sure if that will be any better, but it could be worth a try.

Zuriel nods at Lyriel's insight. "Yes, that's another way to go about it. I hadn't thought of that. We could ask for cardinal directions from this point and hope Boreas and Giles can keep us on course until Boreas' compass picks up a magic source. We would know less about the actual circumstances of where and how it's being held, though we would have a more precise bead on its physical location. What do you all think? Precise location or more detail as to the nature of its guardianship?"

As to whether or not Boreas' actions were chivalrous or not, we're all here and in one piece now, so let's just let the matter rest. Maeve says after a few minutes of Zuriel's gentle mockery.

I have little knowledge of magical devices, but it seems to me that it would be better to ask for directions.  I feel that the book would necessarily be less cryptic than if you asked what enemies guard the Stone.

She idly reaches out to scratch Shep behind the ears.  The wolf gives a warning snarl, and she wisely decides to wait and make friends until after it has finished its meal.

[Handle animal 7]

Speaking of Boreas though, we've not mentioned the discoveries we've made regarding your. . .um. . . .eye magic.  You should tell them; maybe Zuriel has heard of such abilities before.

For the first time since you've met him, Boreas looks a bit uncomfortable.  Reluctantly, he explains what he's discovered about his eye gem.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 22):

Keef returns with Giles and Zuriel visibly exhausted, but brimming with excited energy.

He loudly and repeatedly recounts various portions of the fight, particularly the grievous wounds survived by Zuriel and the brave and valiant charge that Sir Giles lead against the great frog beast and it's horde of bear servitors.

When talk turns to how to proceed the next morning, Keef wanders off to answer nature's call, swinging his waster at imaginary monsters all the way.  After a few moments you begin to wonder if the youth has gotten lost along the way, only to find him collapsed face-down and clothed on his bedroll, sound asleep.

Chubbs sits on the back of Keef's left boot heel, looking rather pleased with himself.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 11):

"Such strong words from the noble paladin who slept through our last treacherous encounter, while the young master keef was able to defeat both his own fears and a magically agitated beast with only a sandwich.

As is so often the case with heroism and tales of intrigue, the truth exists on a prism of easily distorted optics."

"I am familiar with the location of the Fey vaults, and would suggest we proceed there with haste, in deference to your own objectives, the agitation of the spirits, and the state of somewhat utter destruction I left that despicable den of evil in when I bravely ignited the foul concoctions which were inhabited therein.

True heroes do not go seeking danger or evil merely for the sake of its presence; are you on a quest, or are you the new wardens of these woods, sent to impose justice based on the divine whims of a compass purported to apparently point at "evil"?

My own reasons for championing the cause of the ignored and unprivileged have benefited from a more pragmatic and polychromatic view than what you are espousing. Ah, but I am simply a companion here, new to your group and its decision making structures. Pardon my boldness in suggesting potential flaws in your plan; after so many successful adventures and acts of heroism, I do consider myself somewhat of a subject matter expert on such things, and tend to overstep my bounds.

(Sir Giles bows humbly)

My apologies, sincerely.

With that, Sir Giles makes for the meat skewers, a positively gleeful Shep ambling after him. Both man and beast eat as though they have not seen food in quite some time.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:18, Thu 03 Oct 2013.

Since you're asking, we are searching for some sort of divination-related rock.  Heard it was called a Godstone.  As much as Zuriel here would like it, we are not, in fact, here to police the forest.  As far as 'seeking evil' goes, we're not going toward the source of magical evil for the sake of snuffing it out.  We're headed there because it seems like the most likely place that someone would have hidden a magical artifact.  Unless we get any better ideas.  Now what's all this about 'Feyic Vaults?'

To Shep: Hope you're enjoying your meal.  We'll talk later.

Boreas addresses Chubbs:

Also, a pleasure to meet you properly.  I'm Boreas.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:49, Thu 03 Oct 2013.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 25):

And while we're clarifying police matters, and far be it from me to question the report of a servant of Tessada, I'm struggling a bit with the description of the raid on the camp.

While I can clearly see the ubiquitous pile of corpses (Sir Giles thumbs toward the bodies), the spoils of war don't seem to match up. There seem to be an unequal amount of weapons in relation to the bodies. Now one could simply attribute such things to the variability of life- perhaps one mook carries more or less weapons. Gods know I'm carrying more than one instrument of destruction.

Sir Giles makes his way over to the pile of weapons, thumbing through them.

"Based on what I know of the composition of the bandit groups and what you've described, it would seem there should be at least (Sir Giles pantomimes mathematics) two more swords here? Now it's possible that two of your assailants chose to approach you unarmed, but based on your descriptions, it seems similarly plausible that not all the miscreants you encountered are currently present.

(slapping his hand to his forehead)

"Oh of course, Lyriel! As a servant of Tessada, you have performed last rights on these men and already begun the burial process. A kind and noble service!

Could you directly me to the burial sites? While these men were enemies to the noble purposes of their brothers and sisters, they were among my counterparts and compatriots, however briefly; I would stand by their graves and pray that they have found the direction and noble cause in death they could not find during their lives"

[Private to DM: Sir Giles, to Shep- Make new friends all you want boy, but he cannot, and will not, know our secret. Should he discover it, you are aware what must be done. Choose your allegiances carefully. (Sir Giles rubs Shep's belly and feeds him some meat from the spit). Not that you need to be reminded. I'm glad you're ok. My fury at what was done to you has been far from quenched. The man who inhabits that cave WILL pay for what he has done to you; I swear by it]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:59, Thu 03 Oct 2013.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 25):

Chubbs blinks twice and does a maneuver that looks very much like a bow.  He then produces a rapid succession of small articulate croaking and grunting noises.

Somehow you get the sense that he was, in fact, introducing himself.

When Chubbs falls silent, he settles back down on the back of Keef's boot and half-closes his eyes as if he is utterly bored with everyone and everything.

And a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mighty Chubbs.  I am certain we will become fast friends.

Boreas walks over to Giles.

I apologize.  We didn't make ourselves adequately clear earlier. The barest notes of sarcasm and indignation are apparent in Boreas' words.  These are the bodies of the slain Blackarms.  After Lyriel called down fire and I planted arrows in a couple of them, the rest threw down their weapons and fled.  Seems one or two kept their weapons with them.  A wise choice.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:17, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

Quite.  Maeve stifles a yawn.  And do you know what else is a wise choice?  Getting some sleep.   The night's not getting any younger,we  have much to accomplish tomorrow morning, and I've been feathered with arrows more times today than I would have liked.

Lyriel and I will share first watch.  Boreas will take the last watch.  Assuming Keef is up for it he can share watch with Boreas, but I'd just as soon let the lad sleep.  Sir Giles, you shall share the middle watch with Zuriel.  And Chubbs and Shep she looks at the party's animal component, wishing she has Boreas' ability to speak with them. Um. . . share watch with whomever you please.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

If you two noble beasts seem so inclined, Boreas says to the animals, I will share the watch with you.  That way, Mighty Chubbs, we can let your protegé get some rest and discuss ways to make sure he stays alive.  What say you?

"There is still the matter of the book. Are we agreed that we should ask for cardinal directions? 'Which direction is the Godstone in these woods from this clearing?'"

Agreed.  Perhaps the distance as well?  Or is that too much?

"I don't know. I think it only answers one question a day. If we ask two, it may answer one randomly, or none. We can experiment with it later, but for now I recommend we keep it simple. Direction it is. If we don't encounter it tomorrow, we can ask about the distance then."

Zuriel dips his quill in the small portable inkwell, and writes 'Which direction is the Godstone in these woods from this clearing?' Then he looks up at the party.

"Here's to hoping."

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 28):

And what more plausible explanation could there be, right Lyriel?

While I cannot speak to the location of your Godstone, I can tell you that while I was staying with the bandits, I did become aware of 2 of the places of power within this forest, known as Feyic vaults.

While the first was raided by Lucas and his bandits, and was discovered to be filled with elven mystery, verdant surroundings and Sylvan guardians, the second tomb remains unexplored, though its outward appearance shares none of the inclinations of hospitable inhabitants or surroundings the first's appearance portended.

The location of this place is known to me, and while I cannot state it has what you seek, the likelihood seems high that something of interest lies within.

We could perhaps make for the Vault in the morning, and if the Compass of Trueseeing does not agree with our course, we can continue our exploration elsewhere, but as we seek the unknown in all forms, any omen of fate seems better than none as to our P.A.R.T.Y.'s direction?

The vault seems the most likely place to find our stone.  If the book agrees, then we will follow you there, Sir Giles.  And what is it you would seek there?
This message was last edited by the player at 04:55, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

Stifling a yawn, Zuriel wanders over to the fire, pausing to cover Keef's sleeping form with a blanket, taking care not to disturb Chubbs. He then rolls out his own bedding, and lays down listening to the rest of the conversation with drooping eyelids.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 35):

At this moment? Nothing more than the aid of my temporary traveling companions. Should my actions results in the appeasement of some angered forest spirits and the continued betterment of these woods for all its denizens- bipedal, quadrapedal and otherwise, and should that story become the subject of a handsome tale- so be it.

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 37):

The rest of the evening passes uneventfully, with idle chit-chat giving way to blissful slumber -- punctuated, of course, by sentry duty at the appointed hour.

Morning dawns bright and early, and the P.A.R.T.Y. awakens feeling refreshed and ready to tackle a new day.  Breakfast is taken by the remains of the fire, which is then expertly extinguished while bedrolls and blankets are secured once more to your traveling gear.

It is unseasonably hot and humid, the air hanging heavy with moisture, and a choir of songbirds seems determined to remind you that the day has begun.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:18, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

Zuriel stands up and stretches, opening the Book of Answers to check for the day's guidance.

[private to DM: you can assume I read it aloud and then copy it onto a separate sheet of parchment from what I've written the questions regarding my parentage on.]

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 39):

The paladin reads aloud from the Book of Answers while Boreas readies his compass.

"Your treasure lies both south and west / as your companion may have guessed
Beyond a gate of twisted trees / warded well against all thieves
Seek ye out corrupted ground / where vengeful spirits can be found
Access there yon feyic vaults / the forest trove that Veilspire haunts"
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:28, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

In reply to DM (msg # 40):

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 39):

Keef springs out of bed with renewed spunk and ferver.  His bedroll and belongings are packed up before anyone even has the time to notice he's up.

He then vaults into a morning routine which, in all fairness, is routine only in the zeal with which Keef applies himself and the frequency with which he abandons and switches activities.

Keef does several push-ups then climbs a tree and attempts to grab a bird.  Finding no success, he instead practices his aim by throwing rocks at it from the ground.  This evolves into throwing rocks at the tree, which breaks down into Keef swinging his sword energetically at his own shadow for several minutes.

From there he finds a nice spot with soft moss to lie on his back and read from his books.  He points at this page and that, making comments to Chubbs.

When he has grown bored of this, Keef starts crawling through the underbrush on all fours, ostensibly to capture a squirrel.  This keeps up until he is distracted by a large anthill.  He applies several tools to this, including his dagger, lockpicks, a fork and Chubbs but apparently does not accomplish whatever goal he had in mind.

From there he bounces back to his books and then alternatively to the scrolls found the other day.  He seems to be talking to himself and Chubbs and nodding appreciatively.

Finally he readies his weapons and tools, puts his bag beside the fire and sits down for breakfast.

Anyone actually paying attention sees a blur of random energy and probably gets tired watching.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

Breakfast eaten and camp packed, Maeve is eager to set off.

Well, it sounds as though we have our marching orders for the day.  If the path forces us into single files, let's keep the same formation but we'll put Giles at the back of the group.  It makes sense to have our two most experienced woodsmen in front and back.

She stands patiently waiting for the rest of the group to fall into line.

And on the way there, we can discuss what we think the book means by "vengeful spirits."

Zuriel gathers his things and makes ready to leave the clearing.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 42):

Keef, after his time rifling through the scrolls, rolls up two of them and offers them to Zuriel and Lyriel.

I read the scrolls, well Chubbs helped with grammar, and I think these two are for you.

Keef smiles warmly It's just like in the tales, something for everyone!

The remaining 3 scrolls Keef takes to a corner of camp and sits down with, spell book open and working.  He seems to have forgotten that everyone else is prepping to leave.

[Private to Lyriel Vesper: The scrolls are for Hold Person and Hold Animal, each of which are Level 2 divine spells.  You can cast spells above your level by rolling against DC=spell level +1, so in this case, 3.  Essentially you only fail if you roll a 1.  Note: if you DO roll a 1, scrolls have been known to cause feedback...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:44, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

In reply to Keef (msg # 44):

Lyriel accepts the scroll from Keef smiling, Why thank you Keef, I do believe this will come in handy. Ruffling the hair on the boys head and nodding to Chubbs Lyriel turns to gather the rest of her things, still relieved that her companions had taken care of Giles's questions from last night. She just isn't that good at fabrication, no matter how close to the truth it may be. Frowning slightly she joins the line of her companions somewhere near the middle thinking to herself, somehow I think this is going to be a long day, a very long day.

In reply to Keef (msg # 44):

After an awkward series of minutes during which Keef's scribblings dominate the other sounds of morning, Keef snaps his spellbook shut and joins the others near the southern trail.

The group sets off at a jaunty pace, spirits high after a restful night's sleep.  An hour along the path brings you to a large oak tree, which forces the trail to circle around it.  About a mile later, you encounter a remarkable cave set into the side of a gently rolling hill.

The scene is different from the one Zuriel, Keef, and Giles left behind.  The air hangs heavy with the scent of smoke and burning herbs, and the rocks within the cavern seem thoroughly charred.  Broken glass and bits of burned wood litter the floor, which is carpeted by singed and wilted moss, but there is nothing of value to be found.

Strangely, a table and two chairs seem carved into the stone to the left, while empty bookshelves have been carved into the stone to the right.  An empty iron ring is affixed to the central wall, where chains once hung.

There is, however, one feature new to those who have been here before: a horribly stained bearskin rug, which is affixed to the wall above the empty chain rings by a dagger that seems to have been plunged into the stone itself.

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: You can't be sure, but you think there's a sapling near the mouth of the cave that wasn't there last night.  (Nice 20 on your perception, btw)]

[Crossroads Moment]
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:55, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

"It would appear somebody has been by to tidy up since last night. I think we should pay this person a visit. I dislike the idea of leaving a mad alchemist loose in this forest." Zuriel looks at the remains of the bear sadly.

He points to a sapling at the mouth of the cave. "Keef, Giles, was this tree here last night?"

[Private to Keef: You don't think it was.]

[Private to Giles Thistleworth:
You can't recall; you were too busy being pissed at the condition of the bear and of Shep.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:58, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

Boreas begins examining the scene of the conflagration.  Judging the cave to be safe enough, he begins to search inside.

[Perception (TAKE 10) 16]

He finds a small parchment attached to the bear pelt, attempts to read it, and turns to the others.

What... happened here?  I imagine this note explains, but I don't read Sylvan.  Any of you happen to?

Indeed.  Thought I doubt he or she will be terribly pleased by our visit as they've left us the world's least subtle warning. Maeve nods toward the bear.

It seems as though our best course of action is to continue toward the southwest.  If that region is imbued with evil, I think we can safely assume that the alchemist responsible for this lair can't be far away. What do you all think?

She peers a bit more closely at the dagger affixing the bear to the cave wall but does not touch it.

I'd also be very interested to know more about this dagger that can plunge into rock with ease.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 49):

Keef shakes his head.  I don't remember a tree... and the bear, We let it go, like O'lega of the Green Veil, merciful-like.

Keef studies the dagger and the bookshelves.

He climbs up on top of the hill somewhat to look around.

So this is where you all were last night? Curious place. Walking around she inspects the seats carved into the rock then comes up to the bear. Poor fellow. Was this a seemingly normal bear? Perhaps you could answer this Boreas, I thought that bears didn't typically attack someone unless they felt threatened or were protecting something.

Not usually, no.  Wait, I bet Giles, Keef and Zuriel would know better.  This must be the cave Drue was talking about.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 52):

It wasn't the bear's fault really, I don't think it had a choice.

Keef jumps down from the berm and points at the broken glass.

There was some sort of... thing in it's neck, that maybe made it so mad.  Maybe more of those frog-things, maybe a wizard.  Whatever it was, it wasn't nice to force that bear to attack... and we let it go... maybe it had cubs...

Keef makes a confusing gesture.  Chubbs hops up on top of the stone table and croaks.

Yeah, so we should find out who did this and make sure they can't do it again.  There might be more... places like this, more animals.

In reply to Keef (msg # 53):

That is indeed strage Keef. But yes I agree, whoever must be doing this is obviously not a nice person. She pauses contemplating, Do you think it would be worth it for me to try to see what kind of device they were using? Perhaps we should just be on the lookout, We could get into some trouble later and I may have more desperate use of my magic.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 54):

Giles heads over toward the sapling that Zuriel was talking about, Shep loping faithfully at his heels.

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 55):

Zuriel, Giles, and Shep stand outside of the cave, pondering a sapling that may or may not have been there last night.  Keef stands in the mouth of the cave, having just jumped down from its berm.

Lyriel, Maeve, and Boreas have formed a semicircle of sorts around the bearskin rug, keenly interested in its existence, the dagger, and the Slyvan note, respectively.  Chubbs makes his way to the table, hopping on top of it with the sort of general apathy that only a toad can properly exhibit.

It is at this moment that things get interesting.

Outside the Cave

Zuriel, Giles, Shep, and Keef spring back in surprise as the sapling transforms before their eyes, compacting itself into a humanoid form almost immediately.

Where a tree once grew now stands a woman dressed in clothing made from leaves, vines, and animal hides.  A thin cord is coiled beside her waste, and she leans gently on an unassuming staff of pine.  Though beautiful, her eyes are narrowed in indignant rage.

"I was hoping you'd return.  You see, the master wants to speak with you.  Privately."

She smirks, then utters words of power: "Ven'kirp!"

Suddenly, the charred remains of moss inside the cave shimmer with a dull gray light, and it becomes clear that they have been arranged in a specific pattern.  The air around the mouth of the cave glistens, and where an opening once stood now appears a sheet of solid rock several feet thick.

In moments, the P.A.R.T.Y. once again finds itself divided as before.

Inside the Cave

You are torn from you observation of the bear pelt by a commotion outside, but only catch a quick glimpse of a strange woman jeering at Zuriel before the ground glows with a dull gray hue, causing the mouth of the cave to solidify into a sheet of rock.

Boreas, Maeve, Lyriel, and Chubbs look at each other grimly as they come to a dawning realization: In a manner of speaking, they have been buried alive.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:18, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

In reply to DM (msg # 56):

Boreas's eye glints with a faint emerald light as he looks around the pitch-black cave, noting nothing new.  He produces a bow just the same, turning in Maeve's direction.

"Still have that torch on you?"

To Lyriel, he nods toward the wall.

"Can the goddess can help us with that?"

Chubbs croaks, indignant, and Boreas turns in his direction, as well.

"Keep an eye out in case anything new appears, Chubbs.  Sentry duty is important, too."

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 57):

Inside the Cave

Chubbs glowers at Boreas, narrowing his eyes.  He croaks long and slow, clearly accusatory.

Outside the Cave

What? Keef looks around.  He runs up to the solid rock wall and presses against it.

With calm determination he steps back and takes several breaths, then draws his waster and leaps to the attack!

CRACK, CRACK, BANG!  Keef swings with great enthusiasm but to no avail.

Zuriel's hand grips his longsword at his side, though he does not draw. Struggling to control his anger, his voice is level and monotonous as he replies. "Whoever you are, know I do not respond well to threats against those I care about. Free my companions, and I will come speak with this master of yours."

Maeve lights the coldfire torch and takes stock of her surroundings.  Upon realizing with whom she is trapped, she smiles humorlessly.

Well, this is turning into something of a tradition, isn't it?

In reply to Maeve (msg # 60):

I'm not sure if my goddess does stone walls...this isn't looking too good. Maybe I can try something though.

Lyriel wanders up to the wall and casts [detect magic]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:55, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 59):

Outside the Cave

"M-m-master sees who m-m-master wishes!" a high-pitched voice squeaks out, seemingly from nowhere.  The air shimmers next to the woman, and soon a short, squat figure appears beside her. [Private to Zuriel Silendril: Evil.]

He looks to be a gnome of some sort, wearing a light tunic and breeches along with a comically conical hat adorned with embroidered stars, leaves, and berries.  His complexion, however, is anything but typical -- ashen and gray, with pale, unnatural eyes that dart this way and that.

"D-d-don't make d-d-demands of the master.  Good m-m-master. Nice m-m-master."

The gnome seems lost in this train of thought, a moronic grin spreading across his face as he presumably contemplates how good and nice the master may or may not be.

The woman nods and jerks her head toward the southward-leading trail.

"Yes, yes, Binkles.  Good, nice master.  Now let's move it," she snaps, turning her back to you in order to lead the way.  "Keep your weapons.  They hardly matter."

Inside the Cave

The coldfire torch shimmers to life, bathing the room in a semblance of daylight.  Little has changed physically save the edifice blocking your escape.

[Private to Lyriel Vesper: The wall of stone is clearly magic, as is the moss that seems to have triggered it.  A dotted line of magic runs in a circle toward the center of the newly made wall.

The dagger jutting from the stone also radiates with magic.  Everything else looks mundane.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:19, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

In reply to DM (msg # 62):

"Do not presume to order Sir Giles Thistleworth as you would a common lackey.  Nor should you dismiss the might of his bow so readily."

Shep growls warningly at the pair while Giles unslings his bow.

"I have no intention of walking into what is clearly a trap while leaving my erstwhile allies here to starve.  If you do not fear martial prowess and the courage of a warrior born, why not invite us all to meet your master?"

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 63):

Outside the Cave

The woman laughs softly at this, as if privy to a secret joke, and blinks her pretty green eyes at the hero.

"'Sir Giles Thistleworth'.  Right.  And threatening a lady?  What's a girl to do?"

The gnome hops around the clearing with reckless abandon, spewing nonsense as he goes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:08, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

In reply to DM (msg # 64):

Inside the Cave

Boreas allows himself a tiny smile as Lyriel's eyes glow with divine power.

"What do you see?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:17, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

From what I can tell the only magical items in this room are the wall, which seems to have been triggered by the moss, and the dagger. She indicates each in turn. It also appears that there is a strange line of magic running towards the wall in a circle formation. She traces an outline. Honestly that is all I've got. If I am lucky I may be able to find out a bit more about one particular thing...do you have any suggestions?

OOC: This was updated at 3:23 in case you got an earlier version
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

See what you can determine about the wall, Lyriel.  The dagger is interesting, but it's not our immediate concern now.  Also given what we know about this cave's former resident, I rather suspect that it's cursed.

Maeve holds the torch up toward the back of the cave to see if she can see anything of interest or, for that matter, even discern the back of the cave.

[Perception 11]

I wonder how far back this goes?

In reply to Maeve (msg # 67):

Inside the Cave

The cave is quite shallow; there's not much to it than what you can see.  Lyriel continues to concentrate on the wall, while Chubbs croaks nervously.  Boreas simple stands vigilantly off to the side, letting the cleric continue her work.

[Private to Lyriel Vesper: Further focus upon the wall leaves you confident that the circle indicates that you're not dealing with a "wall" so much as a "door", and that area represents the "keyhole".]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:40, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

Zuriel crosses his arms. "We will be able to have a much more productive conversation with your master if we aren't worried about our companions suffocating. Besides, if he is as powerful as you say, why should a few more people matter?"

[Diplomacy: 19]

In reply to Maeve (msg # 67):

Now that I think about it, while the dagger may not be of interest it is lodged in the stone, perhaps it can cut stone...which would make our lives a whole lost easier at present. I could be completely off base though. I swear I remember reading about spells that could create walls like this before I left mage school. Aha, I remember, I think that circle of magic is like a keyhole! Now what would we use for the key...maybe the dagger?

Maeve brightens at Lyriel's reply.

That's a good idea Lyriel!  That said, I'm still not convinced that the dagger isn't cursed.  If Zuriel were here, he'd be able to tell.  Or maybe everything in here is so saturated with evil that he wouldn't be able to distinguish the dagger from everything else in here.  Without knowing that, I don't want to risk any of us trying to tamper with it.

She taps a finger thoughtfully against her lip.

At home there was a soldier in my father's regiment, Fintan.  He traveled extensively and once told me that animals had an inate ability to sense if an item was cursed, or dangerous.. 

Feeling rather foolish, she looks at the P.A.R.T.Y's resident toad.

Chubbs?

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 69):

Outside the Cave

The woman appears to consider the paladin's words.  After a moment, the gnome chimes in, tugging on the woman's cloak and speaking in a very, very loud whisper.

"Do you see? Did you hear?  The Emerald F-f-flame.  Sir Giles T-t-thistleworth.  Master not know.  Should know.  Should g-g-go!"

His companion blinks, suddenly uncertain as she gets a better look at who she's dealing with.

"What do you mean?  You can't fall for every single ranger's tiresome boasts, we've been over thi..."

She trails off, seeming to take in Zuriel's tabbard for the first time.  She then looks at Giles's dashing figure, eyes darting down toward Shep, and then back to Giles.  Keef she ignores entirely.

"...this," she finishes, licking her lips nervously.  "Binkles, I don't say this often, but you may be right.  The master needs to know what he's dealing with."

"Is this what he meant when he was talking about your rash?" the gnome asks, looking up at the woman innocently.

"Being rash," she corrects.  "Probably.  Shush."

The gnome cackles with glee, bouncing into the air and disappearing into a bevy of chromatic sparkles.  A sound accompanies his landing, though you cannot see him, and erratic footsteps tear off into the forest.

The woman takes a step back and places her palm against a nearby tree.

"Send me, maybe?" she grins, blowing a kiss toward Giles.  "Cel'tish."

The woman's form blurs and merges with the tree, leaving you once again alone.

Inside the Cave

Chubbs blinks, unused to being the center of attention.  He croaks several times, then hops over toward the wall that was once the mouth of the cave expectantly.

"Er, he believes we should leave, because he's hungry," Boreas translates.  "I agree with him."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:07, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

Well given our present situation I think I am just going to go for it. Lyriel walks over to the dagger and offers up a silent prayer for protection to Tassada before grasping it and attempting to pull it from the wall.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 73):

Inside the Cave

The dagger slides free effortlessly, leaving no mark in the wall.  The bear pelt falls to the floor in a heap.

In reply to DM (msg # 74):

Lyriel holds her hands out and does a quick once over on her person. Well I still feel normal, so lets hope this works. She walks over to the wall and attempts to plant it firmly in the place indicated by the magic.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 75):

Inside the Cave

The wall of stone shimmers and fades to nothingness, allowing the blinding light of morning to filter into the cave once more.  The dagger clatters to the ground.

Zuriel's gaze darts around, looking for any signs of the druidess. Finding none, he rushes back to the wall, calling out to his trapped companions on the other side. "Can you guys hear me in there?!"

As he leans into the wall to listen for a response, the wall suddenly vanishes, and he collapses into a startled Lyriel.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:31, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 75):

Keef stops attacking the stone wall, panting and agitated.

Inside the cave, Chubbs croaks once, then kicks the stone wall for emphasis.

In reply to DM (msg # 76):

Lyriel lets out a large breath, not realizing that she had been holding it. Then smiling nervously she says, Well that appeared to work. Let's try to find our friends. Do you think we should take this with us? As the words were escaping from her mouth she falls directly into Zuriel's arms. A look of surprise appears on her face as she leaps back a bright blush spreading across her countenance.

Get a room Maeve mutters, moving nimbly past Zuriel and Lyriel, who are trying to sort out their entangled limbs.  Outside, she stops to let her eyes adjust to the sudden brightness of the forest.

Zuriel steps back and coughs embarrassedly. "I ah...well I see you lot are all okay. We might have a potential complication." The paladin then explains with Giles and Keef about the evil Druidess and the demented gnome.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 80):

As Keef stands by with eyes wide, Chubbs regards the spot where the wall had been and nods knowingly.  'Clearly it was the amphibian kick that did it in' he seems to say.

In reply to Keef (msg # 82):

(AUTOFOLLOW)

Boreas listens intently to the happenings outside the cave, then shrugs.

"Doesn't change much, considering.  We'll need to keep our eyes open as we follow the trail since they'll be expecting us, but we should have been doing that already.  Is anyone hurt?  If not, we should press on to make the most of the daylight."

Zuriel nods. "Agreed. I would like to bring these Druids justice, but I don't think chasing after them wildly will avail us anything. As much as I hate to be pessimistic, I don't think we've seen the last of them, and when our paths cross again I fear it will still be on their terms. Perhaps we can ask the book about them tonight."

He makes ready to leave the cave and get once again underway.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 83):

The P.A.R.T.Y. regains its standard formation and continues down the southern path, swapping stories and keeping a vigil on every rock, tree, and shrub with a tenacity that borders on the ridiculously paranoid.

Nothing leaps out at you though, visually or physically, and before long the sun has risen to its apex in the sky.  The heat and humidity continue to be noticeable, particularly for this time of the year, and sweat drips from your bodies and soaks into your clothing as you clamber along the winding, seemingly endless trail.  The air has grown largely still, contributing to the weather's unpleasantly stifling nature.

Around 1 p.m., you reach a small clearing at which the path forks off into three distinct trails.  One leads southeast, another southwest, and the third directly south.  A signpost stands in the center of the clearing, but there are no words upon the three signs attached to it.

The first points southeast, and bears the symbol of a maple leaf.  The second points southwest, and bears the symbol of briar.  The third points directly south, and bears the symbol of a drop of water.

[Crossroads]
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:08, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

One thing I'd like clarified Maeve says as they resume the hike.  is who the, eh, tree-lady meant when she said that her master wished to speak with you "privately." Did she mean all of us?  Or just you two in particular?  She smirks.  Not a jilted paramour of yours I should hope, Sir Giles?

Though she could have meant you as well she says, turning to Zuriel. You've been attracting an undue amount of attention as a devotee of the Emerald Flame.

In reply to DM (msg # 85):

(AUTOFOLLOW)

Boreas pulls out the compass and frowns.

"Magic to the southeast, evil to the southwest.  Thoughts?"

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 87):

Lyriel blushes as she hears Maeve's comment about Zuriel. I thought the book said the Godstone is to the south and west...so perhaps we should go Southwest?

Zuriel scratches his head and wipes the sweat from his brow. "Well, if we haven't overshot our objective, we should continue heading southwest, towards evil to reach the Godstone, as Lyriel says. But perhaps it would be wise to investigate the source of magic? Though our recent experiences seem to indicate otherwise, this forest can't be inhabited solely by beings of foul nature."

The paladin shrugs. "I vote we check out this source of magic in case it helps us prepare for whatever evil lies ahead. I'm tired of knowing nothing about what is going on in these woods."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:14, Fri 04 Oct 2013.

Not really the sort of attention I meant, Lyriel" Maeve says as she sees the cleric color.  I was talking about more of the "let's kill you and also your companions" sort of attention.

I agree with you though that we should continue to the southwest.  The Godstone was our initial goal, and I'd like to go ahead and obtain it.  If there are evil creatures in the area, we might be able to beat some of them into submission and demand an explanation as to what is going on in the forest, Zuriel.  Or we could pick Baldwin's brain when we deliver him the stone.

The paladin shakes his head, unconvinced. "Look, I will be the first person to step up and smite some villains, but I think there is just too much we don't know here. We know that the Godstone is in the Feyic vaults and protected by vengeful spirits. The name Veilspire has come up. That doesn't sound like somewhere we can just waltz in and out of. Giles and Keef, you know the tales of this forest better than I.
Aren't there good entities living in this realm that might be able to help us? I just don't think we should charge headlong into trouble before we know more. You didn't see the Druidess in action, but she could walk into and out of trees, and might very well be able to teleport. That sort of power isn't something to be trifled with, especially if for no better reason than impatience."

(END AUTOFOLLOW)

I suppose we can investigate the source of magic first.  It's worth noting that the area isn't radiating good or evil, just magic.  We might find something or someone helpful there, but I wouldn't raise my expectations too high.  It shouldn't take more than a few hours to get there.  If it takes any longer, we can just double back and head for the evil place.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 92):

"It seems excitement is predestined to follow you quite everywhere"

Very well then, magic is it.  Hopefully we'll find some answers to our questions and, just possibly, magical protection to boot.  At the worst we'll enjoy some sparring practice before venturing into the realm of evil.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 94):

I suppose you do have a point, perhaps we will find something useful. To the magic then.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 95):


Keef stops assaulting saplings and squirrels for a moment.

Veilspire is... was a corrupted druid who lead the Defilers.  VERY evil.  He and his band were defeated long ago. If there's new evil... a hero would have to stop it... but we ARE on a mission...

"Our mission may end up being one and the same, Keef. That Druid was definitely evil back at the cave. I don't know what the Defilers of old we're trying to accomplish, but I would certainly say that alchemical experiments on wildlife is certainly defiling nature. And it sounds as if the spirits of the forest are upset... I would hear more of this on the way, Keef."

In reply to Keef (msg # 96):

This does indeed some intertwined young Master Keef. The vault of which I spoke was reported to be a decaying place of corrupted lands and crumbling masses.

(emphatically)

I would have words with these druids.

(To Keef) A true hero never forgets when he has a score to settle, and for what these defilers have done to this forest, and to my faithful ward- my words will be few, and my arrows will be swift.

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 98):

Having decided to follow the southeastern fork, the P.A.R.T.Y. presses onward.  Over the next hour or two, the foliage gets slightly thicker, and almost imperceptibly greener, until finally the trail dead-ends before what can best be described as a wooden gazebo, which is surrounded on all sides but the entrance by berry bushes and honeysuckles.

A picnic table has been built into the center of the structure, upon which the symbol of a maple leaf has been etched into the wood itself.  A wooden plate rimmed with golden paint sits in the center of the table, directly on top of the maple leaf symbol.

Most notable, however, is the orb of energy that hovers above the plate - a pastel green mass of light bobbing slowly up and down.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:47, Sat 05 Oct 2013.

This is definitely where the compass was pointing.  Clearly there's something interesting about that glowing green orb thing.  Keef or Lyriel: any insight?  Something strange about these bushes too.  There are different kinds of berries growing on the same plant.  Don't know what it means, though.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 100):

"It's unlike anything I've seen [Private to DM: Knowledge Nature 11], but I do not feel as though it intends us harm, or if it does, it's certainly being coy about it"

(Sir Giles cautiously approaches)

Spirit- we come here in peace, looking to not to plunder but to purge the evil from these woods. Let me, Sir Giles Thistleworth, humble Hero to the unchampioned, be your instrument of innervation of retribution.

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 101):

Giles's fair words are met with no response.

Zuriel scans the clearing, looking for signs of foul auras.

[Detect Evil]

Boreas approaches the orb as well, addressing it in Highborn:

If any spirits of the forest live here, we come as allies.  My fate is somehow entwined with yours, though I know not yet how.  Lend us your guidance or aid, if you will.

"There doesn't seem to be any evil here."

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 105):

The area remains quiet, relaxing, and peaceful, with birds chirping in the distance and the frageance of berries, honey, and wildflowers dancing through the air.

Speaking to the orb produces no visible change, regardless the speaker or the language chosen.

As you loiter and linger, a squirrel scurries over to the gazebo and peers at those gathered curiously.    Flicking its tail dismissively, it zips over to the table and places a pair of acorns into the plate. It then sits back expectantly.

The orb lowers until it covers the plate completely, and then slowly rises.  The plate now contains a single acorn, which glows witha dim light.  The squirrel chirps its thanks and scampers off, darting up a nearby tree and vainsihing into the canopy.

[Crossroads]
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:43, Sun 06 Oct 2013.

In reply to DM (msg # 106):

Keef begins to scour  the nearby area for acorns, mushrooms, ants, fruit, etc, grabbing two of each type.

Chubbs doesn't budge, seemingly rolling his eyes at the boy.

Maeve watches the proceedings with great interest.  The others seem to have no success in their efforts to speak with the magic orb, but she does not make an effort to do so herself.  Magic has never been her strongest suit.

The squirrel however, presents a solution to their failure to communicate.

Well Boreas she says am I to presume that you now speak squirrel as well?

Lyriel takes in the scene with the squirrel curiosity written all over her face. Perhaps I should see if I can detect anything.

[Detect Magic]

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 109):

It would seem our furry friend was making an offering to the forest spirit.

Boreas, perhaps you have something of nature and interest to offer?

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 110):

Once he has accumulated a variety of twinned natural foods, Keef begins placing them on the plate, muttering about place settings as he does so.

Chubbs looks on with great sceptisism.

Boreas looks for another animal in the vicinity.  If he finds one, he asks My friend, would you mind telling me - what is this place?

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 112):

Keef tosses a variety of objects into the plate, pair by pair, beginning with two plump-looking blueberries.  The orb shimmers and lowers itself over the plate, then rises to reveal a single blueberry that glows with a dull light.

The boy hurriedly places the other objects he has collected into the plate, but the orb seems content to remain stationary -- even when Keef tosses another pair of berries into the plate.

Boreas's public entreaty to the woodland creatures is met by a burst of chattering from somewhere in the canopy.

[Private to Boreas Highwind: "Nature's temple.  Put something in the offering plate, get a blessing back.  Only works once a day."]

Hold, Keef.  My friend here says it only works once a day.  But that might be once a day for each of us.  'Place something in the offering plate, get a blessing back,' she said.

So what does each of us place?

Boreas approaches the orb, takes four arrows from his pouch, and places them on the plate in two stacks of two.  He bows slightly and backs up.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Sun 06 Oct 2013.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 114):

The orb lowers slowly, consuming the arrows in a flash of light.  When it rises, a single arrow remains, tinged in the same dull glow that has accompanied the berries and acorns.

In reply to DM (msg # 115):

Keef et al, is the arrow magical now? Have we perhaps found a Sylvan enchanter?

Regardless, I suggest we no longer tarry here. It is clear the orb means us no harm, and we still have a date with a defiler's destiny.

Maeve takes two of the bows that the P.A.R.T.Y lifted from the bandits and places them on the plate below the little orb.

Fascinating she breathes as the bows are [OOC: presumably] consumed in the now-familiar glow.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 117):

The bows vanish, replaced by a single bow that glows faintly in the same hue as the other objects.

Zuriel approaches the orb, bows, and kneels reverently. From his sheath he draws his longsword, and from his pouch he takes the magnificent autumn leaf and his remaining three gold coins. He places the sword in the offering plate, laying the autumn leaf and gold coins on top. Then, speaking in Highborne, he intones "This I offer to the spirits of the forest in reverence, with a tribute of the gold of the city folk that while fair, yet pales in comparison to the gold that nature herself provides."

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 119):

The orb falls over the plate, lingering longer here than it has before.  When it rises, the coins and leaf have vanished.  The sword remains the same, save for the hilt, which now exhibits a gilded maple leaf that glows prominently near the handguard.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:41, Sun 06 Oct 2013.

Zuriel admires the sword respectfully before flourishing it and returning it to his sheath. He bows to the orb and backs away from the gazebo. "Many thanks to you for this blessing."

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 121):

Walking up to the gazebo, thankful that she does not have to face it alone, Lyriel removes two rings from her fingers, one a gift from her parents for her coming of age ceremony, and another plain gold and slightly larger, more reminiscent  of a mans ring with a single emerald set in the center, and places them on the plate whispering some words to the orb in elvish. She then steps back head bowed waiting.

After the majority of the P.A.R.T.Y has made their offerings to the orb, Maeve says Sir Giles, did you--or I suppose Shep and Chubbs--wish to offer up something to the orb?  If not, we should make for the southwest as soon as possible.  I don't know how long the orb's blessing will last on our items and assuming the boon is a temporary one, I would like to take advantage of it while we still can

I agree, Maeve.

Boreas squats down to get closer to eye level with Chubbs and Shep.

Chubbs, Shep.  Would either of you like to make an offering and get a blessing from the Nature Spirit before we move on?

Boreas stands and begins preparing his gear for departure.

Once this situation is sorted out, we should return and see what else this spirit is capable of.  For now, once Chubbs and Shep have made their offerings, we should be off.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 117):

Chubbs narrows his eyes at Boreas, then hops dutifully over to the table and up beside the plate.

For several seconds, Chubbs sits patiently beside the plate, beady eyes focused on it like lasers.

Chubbs then croaks loudly and hops down off the table, apparently ready to depart.

Keef shrugs and inspects his berry.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:26, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

In reply to Keef (msg # 125):

The orb accepts Lyriel's offering as well, whisking away the feminine ring and leaving the more masculine one in the plate with a faint glow.

Neither Giles nor Shep seem particularly interested in the plate or its bounty, and so the P.A.R.T.Y. finds itself marching in the only direction possible: back the way it came.

Another hour and change puts the group back at the three-way intersection, the sun climbing high in the afternoon sky and radiating significant heat for the time of the year.

The signpost stands as before, unexplored directions indicating a droplet of water to the south and briers to the southwest.

"While I am curious what lays down the path to the water, I think Maeve has a point. We can't be sure how long these blessings will last." Zuriel smiles, hand on the hilt of his longsword. "Let's go punish some evil deeds."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:53, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Boreas nods, checking his compass and confirming that the bearings remain the same.

I agree.  About time to deal with this... 'master.'  Shep, keep your nose open.  It's going to get dangerous ahead.  Let me know if you smell anything.

Boreas readies his bow, prepared to set off.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 128):

Keef takes the cue from his companions and draws his sword and swing it back and forth in anticipation.

I'm ready! he cries excitedly.

Chubbs ribbits twice.

Well, yeah, there is that.

In reply to Keef (msg # 129):

Having resumed its usual traveling formation, our band of unlikely heroes strikes off to the southwest.  The trail winds its way up and down, until the hills give way to a flat landscape tinged with humidity.  The vegetation here displays the traditional colors of autumn, with oranges, golds, and ambers dotting the sprawling canopy with vibrant color.

Around 5 p.m., the ground begins to feel damper than usual, and by 5:30, every step is accompanied by the squelching sound of mud and muck.  Vines twist around the trees here, making it all but impossible to leave the trail even if you wanted to, and the sounds of birds have been replaced by the croaking of frogs and the buzzing of insects.

At right around 6 p.m., the trail comes to a halt and proceeds no farther.

The path opens up into another clearing of sorts, this one more uninviting than the rest.  A large gate made of twisted vines and brambles stands just a few meters from the trail, stretched between two large oak trees that stand sentinel on either side.  In the center of the gate, the vines have shaped themselves into the image of a woman, hands pressed to her face as if mid-scream.

The gate is maybe two meters thick and more than six meters tall, and is quite impossible to see through.

[Private to Boreas Highwind: Your emerald eye is throbbing gently, sending subtle bursts of discomfort through your head.  You get a sense of trepidation that you can't seem to shake, and along with what sounds like a word (Sylvan, perhaps?): "Fel'oam".]

[Private to Giles Thistleworth: There's definitely a key involved, not that you were ever able to locate it.  There might be a password too; the stories have not been very reliable.  You happen to know how Lukas planned to get in: burning down the gate with magical fire.  You're not sure if that will work or not, but you ARE aware that hacking at the gate with a bladed weapon is decidedly not the way it's done.  Not after what happened to poor Sampson...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:55, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Cozy.  Very welcoming place Maeve says, trying to ward off the shiver that goes down her spine with an attempt at humor. No need trying to sense evil, Zuriel.  I think we've found the place.  Though I wouldn't say no to a prayer to Tassada right about now.

I wonder.  Have those vines grown in that form by magic. . .or is there some poor woman trapped in there?

[Perception 15]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 131):

Keef peeks out from behind Boreas, holding Chubbs aloft in one hand so that he can see too.

It looks like the 'Weeping Woman', doesn't it?  I think it does

When nobody responds Keef rushes on, From the enchanted island, the one with the lepers and boat full of snakes... that Sir Greenheart visited?

"What's that Keef? Do you think you know of this place?"

[Detect Evil anyway]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:40, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Zuriel gasps and hisses in pain, clutching his eyes. "This place is...desecrated. I've never seen an aura so dark. Where are we?!"

Told you Maeve says simply, as Zuriel reels from the sheer evil-ness of the place.

You're right Keef, this does look familiar.  It reminds me of the tale of the Witching Grove from the '2000 Tales of Griselda the Gregarious.' She is met with nothing but blanks stares.  Don't tell me  you've never heard of Griselda the Gregarious?!  Gods, what to you read to your children at night?  Maeve shakes her head and mutters something about ignorant westerners.

Well, it looks like we have some options.  We can hack through the gate. . . .we can go over it. . . .or, seeing as we're expected, we could simply announce our presence.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:10, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 135):

Lyriel frowns, I really don't like the look of this.

Zuriel blinks, rubbing away tears. "Well, just because we're coming to call on an evil master doesn't mean we can ignore etiquette. I say we knock. Besides, I'm sure they already know we are here. Climbing over or hacking through will just serve to get us sweaty and muddy."

He looks around. "Er, sweatier and muddier. Why does evil always have to live in a swamp? For once, I think it would be a refreshing change of pace if an evil master decided to take up residence in a nice country cottage, maybe next to a pleasant stream or brook."

"A blight such as this can only be purged with righteous fire," Giles says with his typical conviction.

"I could not agree more with your assertion that we knock, and I suggest that knock involves a flaming sword right through the heart of this abominable creation."

Shep yips his assent, baring his teeth and bristling the hairs along his back.

"Evil such as this knows only the language of violence, Giles concludes.  "I suggest we communicate in kind."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:43, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Boreas rubs at his eye with a grimace on his face as he surveys the "gate" of sorts.

If we liked the looks of it, I imagine we'd be in the wrong place.  Anyway, I don't think this is the kind of gate meant to keep us out.  Why not go with Zuriel's plan?  Let's announce ourselves and be done with it.

He mutters under his breath, to himself,

What's a Fel'oam, and why is it running through my head?

Boreas winces as another pulse of light shines in his gem briefly.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 139):

At the words "Fel'oam," the gentle breeze stained with the stench of decay stirs to life, carrying with it dead and dying leaves.

The vines twist and turn, writhing slightly in a manner that seems to animate the image of the screaming woman.

The figure's hands move away from her face, settling on her hits as her expression changes to one of curiosity.  Twin dots of faint red light appear where her eyes should be, and a hoarse, airy voice addresses those gathered in Sylvan.

"Sh'loam felar'i neist canganmi Mi'driel?  Pan'est.  Fel'oam, kertier? "

She folds her arms over her chest and adopts a smug expression as she waits for a response.

[Private to Boreas Highwind: You have no idea what's being said, but the word "Fel'oam" continues to resonate within your mind.]

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: The figure does not have an aura that is distinct from the surroundings.  Seems to be part of the gate.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:15, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Terribly sorry, um, ma'am.  'No hablo Bizarro...'  All I've got is this 'Fel'oam' thing.

Zuriel clears his throat and speaks a few harsh, unintelligible words. "Επιτρέψτε μας απόσπασμα!"

[private to DM: Infernal - Allow us passage]

Zuriel spits the words as if they leave a foul taste in his mouth.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:27, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Maeve decides to try the doorkeeper in Common.  She steps forward, unconsciously adopting a military stance.

I am Maeve of Gaelia, and I stand here with my companions, two in the service of the Emerald Flame, one whose fate is bound with the spirits of these woods, and the estimable Sir Giles of legend.  Not to mention the bold Keef she adds.

We are known to the master of this place and seek to parley with the spirit that holds sway here.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 142):

The figure's smug expression turns cold at Boreas's lack of comprehension, then turns inquisitively toward Zuriel.

"Το πρόσωπό σου δεν είναι γνωστό σε μένα. Ποιος είσαι και γιατί είσαι εδώ"

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: Translation: Your face is not known to me. Who are you and why are you here?]

To Maeve, the figure simply grins and shakes her head.

"You have reached the gates of the Fel'oam, final resting place of Veilspire.  The Master is charged with protecting this hallowed ground, and none shall approach him save through me.  Flamebringers are not welcome here."

She eyes Zuriel suspiciously.

"Κρατάτε παράξενο συντρόφους για κάποιον που μιλάει την αληθινή γλώσσα τόσο καλά."

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: Translation: You keep strange companions for one who speaks the true tongue so well.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:29, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Zuriel turns to address the woman directly. Continuing in the same harsh language, he speaks, "Έχω μιλήσει πάντα ο γέροντας γλώσσες, τόσο οι γλώσσες των πιο αγνή φως και απόλυτο σκοτάδι. Είμαι ένας ιππότης της φλόγας σμαράγδι. Ο πλοίαρχος ζήτησε μιλάμε μαζί του, και εδώ είμαστε, though I would prefer to do so in a language we can all comprehend."

[private to DM: "I have spoken the elder tongues since birth, both the language of purest light as well as utter darkness. I am a Paladin of the Emerald Flame. The Master bade us speak with him, and so we come, though I would...]

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 145):

The woman looks puzzled for a moment, then shakes her head.

"Interesting though you are, Flamebringers are not welcome here."

The vines grow still, ceasing the animation and freezing the figure in place with a smug expression and arms folded defiantly over her chest.  The twin pin-pricks of light within her eyes remain, however, glowing dully against the foliage.

Zuriel's eyes narrow. "Να είστε ότι όπως μπορεί, ο πλοίαρχος επιθυμεί, ωστόσο, να μιλήσει μαζί μας. Θα ήθελα να προτείνω περνώντας κατά μήκος παρουσία μας σ 'αυτόν. Θα ήθελα να αποφευχθεί η άσκοπη βία, ει δυνατόν, και το θέμα δεν φαίνεται να είναι"

[Diplomacy 21]

[private to DM: "Be that as it may, the Master nonetheless wishes to speak with us. I might suggest passing along our presence to him. I would like to avoid needless violence if possible, and the matter did seem to be urgent.]

Lyriel listens intently to the conversation, she swears she has heard this language spoken before, she just can't place where...

[Knowledge Religion: 5 except not]

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 147):

The image's mouth moves once more in response.

"Θηκάρι το σπαθί σας στο έδαφος στα πόδια σας, αφήστε το εκεί, και εσείς και μόνο μπορεί να εισέλθει."

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: Translation: Sheath your sword into the ground at your feet, leave it there, and you alone may enter.]

Zuriel draws his sword, and contemplates for a moment. He points the sword at the ground, pauses, and then levels it at the gatekeeper. "Πρέπει να μειωθεί σεβασμό πιο ευγενικό προσφορά του. Oh well. Can't say we didn't ask nicely."

He nods at Giles. "Looks like you were right."

[private to DM: I must respectfully decline his most gracious offer.]

Boreas takes out a flask of lantern oil, uncorks it, and pushes a bit of cloth inside.  Just in case.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 151):

Yep, EXACTLY like the `Weeping Woman`.

Keef looks at his companions.  Seeing at least some of them readying weapons, he similarly draws his waster and does some finger warm-up routines.

Chubbs shakes his head at the group and hops through the mud around everyone's feet.  When he is at the front of the group he addresses the thorny woman with a loud polite but forceful croak.

Boreas looks to Zuriel, nods, then quickly lights the oil-soaked cloth, lobbing the makeshift grenade at the gate.  The bottle shatters on the woman-shaped mass of thorns and brambles, oil pouring into the crevices and whipping into a blaze.

[50% chance to ignite: High is good: 79]

[Damage 3 fire]

The orange fire starts lapping at the animated but dead twigs forming the body of the gate.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 153):

The figure springs to animated life as the flames lick around her form and tear into the gate itself.

"You dare crash against the Master's gate?!"

At these words, a large vine rears up from the center of the gate, unsigned and waving around angrily.

Combat Setup
You are all within one move action of the gate, and it is impossible to get more than one move action away from it without returning down the trail from which you came. None of you are within a five-foot step of either enemy. The vine appears to have a reach of at least 10 feet, and does not appear to be on fire.  The rest of the gate, however, is smouldering with flames.

~~ Initiative ~~

Keef 20
Maeve 19
Lyriel 16
Giles 15
Animated Vine 13
Boreas 10
Fel'oam Gate 6 (On Fire, HP:19)
Zuriel 3
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:16, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Boreas shouts:

That should get us started!  Zuriel, Maeve - get to chopping down this gate.  You're the only ones who can!  The rest of us will deal with the vine.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 155):

Keef, clearly startled by the vine, gives a yell and puts his hand up reflexively.

Reddish flames spring from Keef's fingers.

The vine is quick and avoids some of the burst [Damage 2: catches fire?]

Maeve's guisarme crashes against the door, sending some chips of wood flying.

[Damage 2 (7-5 for hardness)]

In reply to Keef (msg # 156):

The vine smoulders as Keef's fiery fingertips stab into it, but the flames seem to go out on their own accord.  The attack doesn't seem to have slowed the vine down at all, but it certainly irritated it into whirling around more violently.

Maeve's approach to the gate, while effective, is not met without resistance, and the vine's barbed coils lash out at her as she moves toward her target.

[Attack of Opportunity: 20]

The coils strike home as Maeve executes her trademark maneuver of leading with her chin, raking painfully against her skin.

[Damage: 6]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:23, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

In reply to DM (msg # 158):

Lyriel draws her sword and launches an attack, which to the surprise of her companions, was quite graceful and well executed for someone of her ilk. Unfortunately she just manages to give the gate a good thunking.

[damage: 0 5-5]

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 159):

"That's more than enough of that foul foliage!"

(To Shep- Guard the boy! Shep nods his approval and places himself directly at Keef's side, readied against any attack)

If you hadn't seen it with your own eyes, you wouldn't have believed it happened. Sir Giles drops sword and bow, sprints toward the attacking vine, and using Maeve's frame as a springboard launches onto the vine.

[Grapple 18 vs 13]

Sir Giles wraps his legs around the vine, grabbing the end of its length and tucking it between his flexed bicep and taut pectorals.

[Damage 4]

"Heel!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:05, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 160):

The vine remains tied up in knots for but a moment before surging back into control, wrapping its powerful coils around the hero's frame and tightening them mercilessly.

[Opposed Grapple 31 vs 5]

The coils begin to crush the life out of Giles's body with great relish.

[Damage: 6]

A rustling sound can be heard around the clearing, and swampy tendrils rise up from the ground itself.

[Reflex (Boreas, Keef, Lyriel, Maeve, Zuriel): 25, 18, 13, 21, 6]

Each of member of the P.A.R.T.Y. displays almost supernatural nimbleness except for the faithful Zuriel, who in his zeal to determine the best way to go about smiting the gate has quite forgotten about his footing.  A tendril snags his foot and winds its way across his ankles, leaving him Entangled.

The writhing tendrils cover the entire area before the gate, though the trail appears unimpeded.  Even those of you who managed to avoid capture must step carefully to avoid further ensnarement.  Fortunately, even at half speed you can still reach the gate or the trail in a single move action.

OOC: If Entangled, you can break free and move half your normal speed by using a full-round action to make a DC 20 Strength check or a DC 20 Escape Artist check. If you make your Reflex check (as all but Zuriel did), you are not entangled but can still move at only half speed through the area. Each round on your turn, the plants once again attempt to entangle all creatures that have avoided or escaped entanglement.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:30, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Boreas backpedals around whipping tendrils as the energy in his gem begins to crackle.  He sets the vine cleanly in his *ahem* sights and prepares to fire when it is free from the grapple.

Breathe.  If you shoot now, you'll just as likely hit that damn fool.

[OOC]Moving out of the Entangle area, ready action to eldritch blast the vine when it's free of the grapple.[/OOC]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:39, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 162):

Flames continue to eat away at the gate, and the conflagration spreads to the edges of its tangled vines.

[Damage (Fire): 4]

The red pin-pricks of light in the charred image's face flicker, but remain present as they observe the combat with interest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:49, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Zuriel looks down at the vines wrapped around his boots, and then considers taking a shot at the vine with his bow before discarding the idea as too likely to hit Giles. Instead, he struggles vainly with the ground in an attempt to disentangle himself. He swears in frustration.

That was the exact worst thing Giles could have possibly done he thinks to himself.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:54, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 162):

"Keef, make sure when we start working on the tale of Sir Giles and the Violent Vine, you highlight where Boreas watches the heroic Sir Giles Thistleworth almost get juiced to death without helping.

But highlight that my resolve has been strong, my confidence and will to survive indefatigable. My belief in my impending victory- Absolute.

[Profession (Hero) 20]

Sir Giles braces confidently, flexing his muscles against the vice binding his body and will.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:05, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 164):

Combat Setup
You are all within one move action of the gate, and it is impossible to get more than one move action away from it without returning down the trail from which you came.  The ground is covered in entangling vines with writhe about the area, dropping your speed by 50%, and the only place free from them is the trail itself.  The gate is smouldering and looks damaged indeed, though the vine looks hale and healthy.

Lyriel and Maeve are in melee range of the gate, while Zuriel is stuck about 15 feet away from it. Giles is grappling with the vine, and though he is losing the test of strength, he certainly looks heroic doing it.  Keef is standing back near the trail, protected by Shep and Chubbs, while Boreas has maneuvered himself almost all the way back to the trail in order to escape the grip of the tentacles.

~~ Round Two ~~

Keef 20
Maeve 19 (HP: MAX-6)
Lyriel 16
Giles 15 (MAX-6)
Animated Vine 13 (HP: 16 (subdual); 20 (lethal))
Boreas 10
Fel'oam Gate 6 (On Fire, HP:8)
Zuriel 3
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:40, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

In reply to DM (msg # 166):

Keef whips his head back and forth between the burning gates, the giant vine, and his hero who appears to be arm-wrestling it to death.

He raises one hand and spreads his fingers.  A few tiny red sparks jump between thumb and pinky.

OUCH!

Keef withdraws his hand and shakes it in pain.  Chubbs shakes his head and hops back and forth to avoid the tiny vines all over the ground.

Looking around, Keef bends over and attempts to pull some of the smaller vines away from Zuriel's feet, but is largely unsuccessful and does little more than get mud on his gloves.

[Use Rope 4 Strength 6, I rolled both because I wasn't sure.  This seemed like a 'manipulate object' scenario so I thought it might be a Move action?]

Enough of this Maeve thinks.  Although the door continues to blaze steadily, her and Lyriel's weapons do no more than carve shallow gouges from it.

Rather than hit the door again, she instead uses the guisarme to slash at the vine, delivering a nasty gouge to the possessed plant.

[Damage 9]


[OOC: Forgot that it's 2d4+4 damage now, not +3]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:40, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Seeing Giles in trouble, Lyriel abandons her attempts to break down the gate and leaps gracefully over to the vine, feet barely seeming to touch the ground as she nimbly avoids the ensnaring tendrils. Her final bound brings her sword sweeping around in a blurred arc that is as deadly as it is beautiful to behold, slicing deeply into the offending vine as she lands lightly next to Maeve.

[Attack 18]

[Damage 8]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:59, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

As the vine loosens its grip on Giles, Boreas fires a blast of energy from his gem.  It streaks through the air, leaving behind a faint trail.  It strikes the vine, causing it to burst and fall to the ground in several chunks.

The whipping, twisting tendrils fall limp as well.

[Ranged Touch Attack 20]
[Damage 4]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 169):

The blows raining down upon the vine have the desired effect, and the poor plant is spewing sap from several gaping wounds all over its form.  Lyriel's stroke causes the plant to spasm slightly, then fall limp to the ground.  Boreas' blast finishes the job, leaving the defeated vine dead and motionless.

The tendrils immediately fall slack to the ground, releasing Zuriel from their clutches, and the last pieces of the gate fall the ground, burned to ash.

The fire licks around the edges of the oak trees, then dies out when it can no longer find enough smaller fuel to fan the flames.

~~ End Combat ~~

There is little to see beyond the gate itself at the moment, as smoke and burned foliage bock your view.  As these are gradually cleared away, however, you can make out a swampy clearing, in the center of which is large, hollow stump.

Twisted saplings grow in a semicircle around the stump, with an opening in the circle facing the gate.  The ground is wet and muddy, and flies buzz around haphazardly in the mire.  Resting upon the far edge of the hollow stump is a stone raven, which faces the gate and seems attached to the rotting wood by its talons.

There is no further path from here, nor anything else of note.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:16, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Zuriel helps Giles to his feet, examining the wounds he and Maeve have sustained. "Giles looks to have gotten the worse of it. Lyriel, you're much better at treating serious injuries than I am, could you please see to Giles?"

The paladin walks over to Maeve, and once again drawing on his inner strength, places his glowing hands over the worst of her wounds.

[Lay on Hands: 5]

"There. That should get you through. I have only a modicum of healing left to give, and would prefer to save it for a true emergency."

Turning to Lyriel, he says "That was impressive swordplay indeed, Lyriel. I can see Eldric taught you well. Though you exhibit a grace not even he could match."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:28, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Lyriel likewise tends to Giles, whispering an incantation under her breath as holy light suffuses most of Giles' injuries.

[Cure Light Wounds: 6]

Giles!  That was a damned fool stunt you pulled there.  I know you think of yourself as a hero of legend, but if you want to live long enough to realize that dream, you have to stop trying to be a hero.  A true hero doesn't care if his deeds are immortalized in song or not - it's the deeds themselves that matter.

I admire your bravery and conviction, but temper them with some sense.  For now though, let's see what lies ahead.

Boreas steps into the clearing, looking for anything out of the ordinary (besides the raven).

[Perception 22]

Keef, can you tell me if that raven is magical, and what kind of powers infuse it?

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 173):

(Whimsically, toward Lyriel) I could get used to being treated like this. It's like traveling with the champagne and caviar crew.

Clearly feeling innervated, Sir Giles leaps to his feet and reclaims his weapons. Shep bounds toward Giles who reciprocates by rubbing the face of the happy wolfhound.

Well met warriors. Boreas! I can tell you're new to this heroism thing. Apparently, you're eyeball shoots, was that a fire beam? You can't bury the lead. You have to sell that and brand it. Boreas the Beam. Boreas the Beamclops. You always hear about noble Shep when you hear about Sir Giles Thistleworth; he's part of the brand- people love people who are nice to animals. It's just a universal truth.

As for myself, I could only make due with my hands. When I saw the blow fair Maeve, ..has anyone seen to Maeve?

Sir Giles thumbs through his pack and pulls out a potion and hands it to Maeve.



"It's good for what ails you."[Private to DM; Maeve: Potion- Cure Moderate Wounds]

Now where was I? Right. I could only make due with my hands, vaulting over Maeve, shielding her from harm, and personally wrestling the life from the beast with my sheer force of body. Keef. Did you catch all that? We'll need to work on the flow a bit, and perhaps, a dragon too? Or some sort of Treant? Does it need more? Oh and we must work in me tending to Maeve. People need a love interest to truly connect.

You're right. I'm editorializing.

With the path to the interior cleared, shall we continue onward?

Maeve blinks stupidly at Giles' extravagant speech and mutely palms tucks the flask inside her pack, too flabbergasted to do much of anything else.

Your. . . .em. . . . .concern is greatly appreciated Sir Giles.  Truly it is.  Zuriel, however, has already seen to healing the worst of my injuries, so I shall keep your generous gift on hand for when it is more desperately needed.  Which, I imagine, will be in the very near future.

She follows the others over the remains of the gate, stepping gingerly to avoid the worst of the puddles of mud.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:59, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Right... that.  Keef or Lyriel, I believe this stump is the only way forward.  There seems to be a passage, but I can't see what lies inside.  Can you use your magic to provide us some light?

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 177):

Wow!  That was fantastic!  Those briars didn't stand a chance agains you!

Keef jumps around the smouldering entrance, reinacting the fight with his waster while Chubbs croaks a toneless tune to keep time.

At Boreas' suggestion, Keef steps forward and peers at the stump.

Chubbs hops up toward him and croaks softly.

Keef nods.

Yes I can!

Keef rummages in his pack and withdraws a torch.  He smiles proudly.

Zuriel draws his longsword once again and peers into the gloomy darkness of the stump.

"No sense waiting around any longer. Lets get moving."

Boreas looks at Keef for a moment, then over to the stump.  He nods, takes the torch, and lights it.

Well, this will do.

He drops the blazing torch into the hole in the stump and looks to see what it illuminated.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 04:18, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 180):

The torch falls for about 20 meters before coming to a stop, casting light upon a narrow tunnel leading downward as it goes.  There does not appear to be anything of note from your vantage point above ground, nor is there any obvious method of climbing down into the trunk.

The ground on which the torch now rests is dark and loamy, with scattered puddles here and there.  It appears to extend beyond the radius of the trunk, though how far is difficult to discern.

In reply to DM (msg # 181):

Keef takes out a length of rope from his bag.  He first makes as if to hand one end to Chubbs, then thinks better of the idea and ties it to a large root sticking out of the mud.

Zuriel looks down into the murky darkness distastefully. "I will reiterate, foul people don't *have* to live in foul places. Nowhere is that a rule. Ugh. After we're done here, we're going back to the path with the water. I need a bath."

Zuriel continues griping under his breath as he descends the rope into the gloom.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 183):

Think of the literal filth through which you are traversing to be a metaphorical manifestation of the evil and corruption we have to overcome and purge from this land. One would think the Paladin would be more practical about such matters of cleansing.

One more unto the breach Maeve says cheerily as she can, under the circumstances, and prepares to follow Zuriel down the rope.

The paladin scoffs. "Give me metaphorical filth any day. Metaphorical filth doesn't glop into your boots, squelch between your toes, cake into your armor, or smell like decaying feet. I will scour evil from this land with zeal and righteous fire, but then I'm getting a bath. And a nice hot cup of tea."

He takes up a defensive position facing down the tunnel as the rest of the party descends.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 186):

You find yourselves in a circular chamber of sorts, with dark walls made of wood and a carpet of loam pockmarked with puddles.  Mushrooms grow along the edges of the room. [Private to Giles Thistleworth, Boreas Highwind: The variety is unknown to you].  There is no light of any kind beyond your torch, and the only pathway you can discern is an arched doorway leading southward.

There is no door in the frame, however, and in its place are perfectly smooth columns of cylindrical wood that creates a grate not unlike a portcullis.  These bars are far too close together for even Keef to squeeze through (though Chubbs could probably manage it).

The same outline of a woman that you saw at the first gate can be found here, as well, posed in the initial 'screaming woman' position.  The outline looks as though it painted onto the bars with a high-quality stain, though given the nature of the medium, the image is far less intricate than before.

Your torch cannot pick up anything of note beyond the closed portcullis, though it does seem like a hallway extends beyond it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:31, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

In reply to DM (msg # 187):

"Might I suggest we DON'T try to hack this one to pieces as well, unless we're of the mind a recurring theme of near death experience is the bond which holds our P.A.R.T.Y. together.."

Zuriel looks at Keef. "Keef, what exactly was the Weeping Woman? Is there anything from that tale that might help us here?"

Lyriel reaches the bottom a thoroughly disgusted look on her face as she takes in her surroundings. I think I have to agree with Zuriel with regards to this dank pit we seem to find ourselves in. You would think that people would enjoy being clean regardless of their alignment. I can offer my magic to try and help us if we need.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:44, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

Ah, don't be so prissy.  This isn't the most beautiful place I've traveled by a longshot, but it's not the worst either.  For all the tactical criticisms I have for you, Giles, at least you're not afraid to get your hands dirty.

Keef, I can't seem to remember the story about Sir Greenheart where these Weeping Women appear.  What did he do when he faced them?  I can only remember something about blinking... but that might be a different story about weeping things.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:56, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 191):

When the masses begin telling the tales of the heroic Boreas Beamclops, I will more deeply consider your evaluation of my tactical successes. Otherwise, (Giles runs his hands up and down his body, denoting their attachment), the results speak for themselves.

(Sighing)

Leave it to the paladin and the cleric to not understand all the fun you can have playing in the mud.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 191):

Since beginning the climb down into the dark pit, Keef has been growing more and more excited.  He keeps muttering under his breath about "real adventures" and the like.  Chubbs, who rides down the rope on top of Keef's head as if he were a human elevator, is less impressed though he sploshes into the loam and mud with apparent zeal.

By the time Keef's boots set down, he is vibrating with joy.  He falls to one knee and sweeps his weapon at an imaginary foe.

Instead of walking, Keef scuttles along in a low tactical crouch, waving his fingers menacingly at mushrooms.

He stands up and faces the portcullis.

The Weeping Woman was very sad... mostly because she'd been there for so long.  I always thought she was misunderstood... but that didn't really matter.  Sir Greenheart showed her kindness and that was enough.

"Kindness? Altogether in short supply these days. Perhaps we can change that."

Zuriel walks over and stands before the gate. "Greetings, Gatekeeper. What is it that anguishes you so? Is there any comfort travelers such as we could provide?"

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 194):

The image remains still and silent, despite Zuriel's politely phrased inquiry.

Splatters of mud and muck can be heard echoing behind you as Chubbs splashes around the chamber, but beyond that and the crackling of the torch, all is quiet.

Boreas scratches his beard, and his gem glints briefly.

I could try addressing it as 'Fel'oam' again.

Sir Giles saunters up to the sad face, an unnerving confidence marking his expression.

"I think we all know what kindness the handsome hero showed the wailing woman.."

Sir Giles leans in and attempts to (and will do so if not stopped by the woman) passionately kiss the "woman".

"Real heroes ALWAYS use tongue. Remember that Keef."

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 196):

Let us see if there is any magical involvement here. Lyrial casts [detect magic].

Also I would appreicate it if you keep your comments about me and mud to a minimum. As it happens I played in the mud plenty when I was young; I was scolded when I did so but I did enjoy it. I just don't enjoy evil mud. It almost seems like it can seep into your soul, not good, not good at all. She frowns.

Zuriel coughs and turns away from the passionate couple. "I suppose that's one way to take care of hard wood. And it might help handle the gate too..."

Maeve watches amused as Giles rounds second and approaches third base with the doorkeeper.

Let's hope she's a very lonely gate and doesn't take offense.  Otherwise Giles may end up with certain treasured parts in danger.

Is anyone familiar with these mushrooms?  If they're not somehow magical, they might still prove to be good eating.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 199):

Despite the wide variety of colorful efforts taking place, the gate remains stubbornly shut and the figure quite still.  Giles is able to go as far as he wants with the image, though he risks an increasing number of splinters in doing so.

[Private to Lyriel Vesper: The mushrooms are, in fact, quite magical]

In reply to DM (msg # 201):

Lyriel watches Giles with a mixture of disgust and horror. Then addressing the group she says,I have deduced that the mushrooms are quite magical indeed. But that is all...at least that I can tell. Do you think my magic dagger may help? Or perhaps you should try offering her flowers, Giles, before you hop into bed with her...

Ah well, Giles.  Perhaps you're just not her type.  That or you're not as good with your tongue as you thought.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:36, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

Zuriel smirks. "You might try employing more finesse. Talk about the weather, damp and cold as usual, bring her a bouquet of mushrooms, oh you shouldn't have, then work on your approach."

He looks over at Lyriel. "Speaking of the mushrooms, you said they were magical. How so? Can you tell? Also, do you think these broad flat ones would make a better bouquet arrangement, or the tall splotchy ones? Think carefully, this gate lady is clearly a woman of high morel standards. I wouldn't want to get it wrong."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 204):

Weren't you ever taught proper bouquet arranging techniques? Here let me show you. Lyriel selects a varied range of mushrooms and arranges them to full effect. There lovely, now lets see if I can deduce anything else about them.

[Spellcraft:12]

"You truly are a master of your craft. I would blush and swoon to receive such an arrangement. The mold coating that floppy one on the side there really accentuates the blotchiness of the centerpiece."

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 205):

(With no trace of humility) It's just as likely being a female wood spirit that she's interested in the female persuasion as she is the male. Maeve, perhaps instead of thanklessly tossing sarcastic denigration as to what is my well known and heretofore unquestioned martial prowess in the area of kissing, you could propose another option- or perhaps, try your own luck?

Very well, you do have a point.  Standing about discussing mushrooms is not going to get us anywhere.  Lyriel, perhaps we should try using your dagger? If there is a lock, we could try to pick it with the blade.

Maeve addresses Keef.

Incidentally Keef, that thing that Giles just did?  Girls tend to prefer that you ask them before diving right in.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 208):

After all the talk of kissing, and then a compliment from Zuriel, Lyriel probably couldn't turn any redder. Why thank you Zuriel, how kind of you to say. Now perhaps someone would care to try to present the woodland spirit with this bouquet?

Boreas rolls his eye.

Yes, Keef.  Given the choice on who to take advice on women from, the actual woman might be the better call.

Turning to Zuriel and Lyriel,

The bouquet is as good an idea as any.  Let's try it.

Boreas takes the bouquet and approaches the gate.  Meeting the "eyes" of the image, he silently offers up the mushrooms with a slight smile.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 208):

Giles addresses Keef, ignoring the Beamclops commentary.

Always choose your adventuring companions and their temperaments wisely; you never know when one will intimate you've sexually assaulted a door.

Lady Maeve is of course correct. With living beings, you should always request permission prior to romantic entanglement. Most of my experience with said entanglement is of the "throwing themselves at me in appreciation and thanks" variety, so I'm a little rusty on my other techniques. The real lesson as always- a true hero can not rest on just one set of laurels, for he never knows when he will require the acquisition and utility of a second, similarly important set of laurels. (Emphatically) ..Always acquire laurels.

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 211):

Presenting a bouquet of mushrooms, while creative, does nothing to impress the silent, still image upon the bars.

In reply to DM (msg # 212):

Well I guess it didn't work. Sighing she takes the bouquet back for Boreas and inspects the mushrooms a little closer. You know...these mushrooms look like they might be infused with magic, kind of like a potion...I hope this isn't one of those deals where you eat one and it makes you smaller...Though who knows what it actually does. Zuriel want to try one?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:32, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

Zuriel raises an eyebrow. "Your confidence is reassuring. Fine. But if I start vomiting and spasming uncontrollably, please try to keep me from soiling my tabard. The only thing worse than being poisoned by a mushroom would be being poisoned by a mushroom and then having to do laundry."

Zuriel takes one of the medium sized mushrooms and gingerly eats it, looking less than pleased.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 214):

Zuriel munches thoughtfully on the mushroom, mindful of the eyes upon him.  As he finishes his final bite, you notice that his eyes have become completely dilated, twin pools of black with no hint of color.

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: Your vision becomes tinged with a reddish hue around the edges, and everything looks photo-negative to you.  In this state, you can make out an intricate wooden lock between the central bars that you could swear wasn't there before.

In addition, you can now see a  large wooden key hanging on a peg beyond the bars.  The gap between the bars looks wide enough that you could fit an arm through it to retrieve the key if you wanted to.]

In reply to DM (msg # 215):

Lyriel gasps as Zuriel's eyes change to inky black pools of nothingness. Trembling a bit she asks, Zuriel, is that you?

Keef, stay back Maeve says as she sees the boy approaching Zuriel, eyes alight with delighted curiosity.  She adopts a stance in preparation to knock Zuriel to the ground if the paladin makes a threatening move toward any of them.

Zuriel starts convulsing and twitching, his eyes dark bulging orbs. His head darts around, then lock on Lyriel. He grabs her by the shoulders and begins speaking in vile sounding tones, foam frothing at his mouth. "Χαιρετισμούς θνητός, έχω έρθει από το λάκκο της απελπισίας για να φέρει τη ζεστασιά και την ευτυχία σε αυτόν τον κόσμο, με τη μορφή απίστευτα αξιολάτρευτο γατάκια!"

[private to DM: Infernal: Greetings mortal, I am come from the pit of despair to bring warmth and happiness to this world in the form of incredibly adorable kittens!]

Lyriel gives out a short cry, and before Maeve can act, Zuriel starts laughing and straightens, wiping foam from his mouth. "Yeah, it's me. Hang on a moment."

He walks over to the gate, reaches an arm through the bars and withdraws a wooden key, which he inserts with a click into a lock placed in the...center... of the gate and turns.

He looks at Giles and says woozily, "Make that into an innuendo and I swear to Tassada I will vomit on your boots."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:03, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 218):

Those who are not Zuriel are able to hear the gate click, but see neither lock nor key.  The bars on either side of the portcullis slip into the ground, leaving just the image of the screaming woman (along with plenty of space to pass through into the next hallway).

As for your companion, Zuriel's eyes remain inky and dilated, and his steps appear somewhat less graceful than usual.

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: Though you can see some things that are otherwise unseen, your BAB and Reflex rolls will be reduced by -2 for the duration.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:13, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 218):

Do the effects seem to be wearing off? Can I get you anything. Also do not ever make those noises at me again when you are in control of your faculties! She gives him "the gaze" which seems to dare him to try something like that again.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:09, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

Right Maeve says, a tad shakily.  My plan that we fry those up for dinner?  Let's not do that.  It might be worth taking some with us, but we should use them. . . .sparingly.

With Zuriel seemingly regaining control of himself, Maeve lights the coldfire torch and holds it up to illuminate down the now-accesible tunnel.

[Perception 2]

In reply to Maeve (msg # 221):

Anyone bothering to look will see that the image of the woman exists on the back of the bars as well as the front, and that there is a face on either side; that is to say, the image does not appear to be three-dimensional.

The hallway has a rather low ceiling, no higher than 7 feet, and is wide enough to permit just two people across.  It continues for about 20 meters and then T-bones into an earthen wall.

The path continues both left and right.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:44, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

Boreas  smiles and claps Zuriel on the back.

Well done.  Eating random plantlife always seems to be a wise course of action.

Boreas sidesteps as Zuriel vomits right where he had been standing,

And the paladin has a sense of humor.  Who knew?

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 223):

As they reach the T, Lyriel turns towards Boreas, any luck with the compass helping us to find the way?

The paladin shrinks somewhat from Lyriel's steely green glare. "I think I'll be fine. I appreciate your concern though." He goes to clap her on the shoulder, misses, and lurches around unsteadily down the path ahead, though his steps appear increasingly controlled as he moves further down the hall.

Boreas collects two mushrooms that look like the ones Zuriel ate.

Then, he heads down the path with the others.  When they reach the intersection, he takes out his compass and examines it at Lyriel's request, then peers down each path as far as he can.

Compass is no help.  Spinning on Evil and Magic.

[Perception 20]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

Zuriel gazes down each of the passages, his enhanced vision taking in everything at once.

[Perception: 23 Natural 20]

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 227):

Sir Giles studies the layout of the area, running his hands against the side walls and studying the intersection's architecture for clues.

Ah, I do believe I've seen something like this before

[Knowledge Dungeoneering 21] [Perception 10]

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 227):

There is nothing to see down either path, save the same squelching loam and a smattering of mushrooms here and there.  The right-hand path curves to the left after a few meters, and the left-hand path curves right after a similar distance.

[Private to Giles Thistleworth: This section of the path doesn't appear to be trapped, but you'd suspect the easiest way to go about creating a trap in this passage would be to disguise a large hole.  Perhaps around the bend?]

"Unless there are any objections..." he begins advancing down the left path, sword readied in his hand.

In reply to DM (msg # 229):

"Watch your step, lads. Were I inclined to cause you harm, a false hole leading to a bed of finely sharpened and perhaps poisoned spikes would be exactly what I would place just before or just around the path's bend. Perhaps the tracker should lead the way?"

"After you then," Zuriel bows slightly, extending his arm further down the path, and then follows closely behind Giles.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 232):

Sir Giles confidently strides down the left hand path, bow at the ready with an arrow  waiting to fire.

Here's to hoping there aren't really spiked death traps..

"Maeve, can you follow immediately behind? I'll need the light from your torch to ensure the nefarious machinations of this dungeon do not best Sir Giles on a purely luminosity based assessment."

Maeve beckons Keef forward to fall into line behind Giles and in front of her.

Hold this if you'd be so kind, Keef she says, handing the torch to the youngster.  I'll need both hands at the ready.

With the lad positioned under the watchful eyes of her and Chubbs, they continue further into the dungeon, Giles leading the way.

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 233):

The P.A.R.T.Y. rounds the bend, traveling two by two into the left-hand hallway.

After another ten meters or so, you encounter another T-bone leading right and left.

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: Peering down the right-hand path, you can just make out what appears to be a door along the right-hand wall, though the corridor continues beyond it.  The intersecting path is located as far beyond the door as you currently stand from it.]

There is nothing of interest along the left-hand path, as it hooks to the right after only a few meters.  To the right, the corridor continues straight for as far as the eye can see, though there seems to be an opening along the right-hand wall where another path may exist.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:04, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

"Odd place to have a door," Zuriel says, walking over to the opening on the right-hand wall. "Can anybody else see this?"

Boreas searches the wall where Zuriel indicated, looking for traps.

It looks clear to me.

[Perception 8]

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 237):

Zuriel appears to be standing in front of a blank wall, halfway between the T-bone intersection and the opening in the wall to the right.

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: This is a simple wooden door with a knob.  It is not locked.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:16, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

Zuriel opens what appears to him to be a simple unlocked wooden door.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 239):

So I think we can say that these mushrooms must give the person who consumes them some sort of alternate vision...Lets just hope there are no othere ill effects.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 240):

Zuriel seems to pantomime opening a door, which would be odd enough if not for the fact that a door seems to obligingly respond to his movements.  An opening appears in the right-hand wall, and you crowd around it to peer inside.

The room is adorned with neither carpets nor wall coverings nor lighting, and contains just two things: a large stone sarcophagus carved with the relief of a dour-faced man with elven features, which lies in the center of the room, and a small wooden table at the head of the structure, upon which has been placed a circlet of dead brambles.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:31, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 240):

"Aside from vomiting and demonic possession, you mean?"

Zuriel peers inside the room.

[Detect Evil]

[Perception 21]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

"Hmm. This bramble crown has been placed here relatively recently. This tomb is definitely evil. I don't have what we would need to consecrate and purify this tomb, but maybe opening it would give us a clue as to what this place is, or was?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:40, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

I'm no expert on these matters, but even I would assume that opening a tomb that is known to be evil is a bad idea.

Maeve sighs.

Which clearly means that we're going to do it.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 244):

Chubbs hops around the tomb to climb up on the table.  After several unsuccessful attempts to get up the leg, he sits and stares as if he'd never really intended to climb the table in the first place.

Keef points.

Right, maybe someone needs to wear the crown?

"Opening the grave is risky enough. I would advise against wearing anything so tainted with evil. There is a reason so many tales feature the misfortune of adventurers unknowingly falling victim to cursed evil objects. Psulian the Deranged, for example."

Maeve winced.  That was one she'd actually heard; Psulian the Deranged's end had been. . . .unfortunate, to say the least.  It was one of the most popular stories among Gaelian youngsters for precisely that reason.

Maeve goes to take a closer look to see if there are any significant markings or writing on the sarcophagus.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 247):

The sarcophagus is elaborately carved, but nothing on it suggests writing, words, or any intention of a narrative.

In reply to DM (msg # 248):

Zuriel, come take a look at this.  Let's see if your newfound abilities extend to writing as well.

Boreas feels along the edges of the sarcophagus, searching for traps or hidden things.

[Perception 7

Might be cursed, but it doesn't seem to be trapped.

Zuriel looks more closely at the Sarcophagus. "We gonna try to open this thing?

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 251):

(internal in italics) Crown me. The hero in the tales always has a crown.

Giles advances to  examine the crown, lifting it and inspecting.

"An interesting adornment for a defiled temple, and somewhat, biblical in the crucifixtion allusion it evokes? An evil tomb with a crown of thorns on top of a sarcouphagus. How cliche.

Giles looks at the party inquisitively.

"Have you not heard of Christianity? A religion from a far away land, of no further political commentary.

Keef, when we work on the ballad for this, we're going to have to punch up the writings. The next ballad of Sir Giles Thistleworth will not waiver in the face of tropic cliches."

What benefit could we possibly receive from opening an evil tomb in an evil dungeon?

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 253):

I can't believe we're debating the philosophy of heroism!

(Sir Giles places the helm in his pack)

Not all heroes are altrusitic Lyriel. Who knows what's in the sarcophagus! An evil mage we have to slay, or a bewejeled skeleton to borrow from. It's part of the excitement of it all.

Heroism and tales therein are not paid for by word of mouth alone. Besides. Good stories ALWAYS involve recovering treasure. When has the hero ever elected to not open the chest?

It took a Paladin of Tassada eating a potentially evil magic mushroom to hallucinate a door leading to this sarcophagus, and you want to end the sidearc with "and then we left it there, marveling briefly at the dignified repose?"

Ugh!
This message was last edited by the player at 00:29, Wed 09 Oct 2013.

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 254):

Keef seems lost in thought, nodding along with everything that's being said.

"That's a very good point about the mushroom. It would be a shame to let that delicious morsel go to waste. Giles, help me with this please." Zuriel moves to lift the lid from the coffin.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 02:28, Wed 09 Oct 2013.

Maeve shifts easily into a battle stance as she readies to slash at whatever foul creature may emerge.

Keef, be ready to hand me that torch to either me or Boreas if we ask for it.  It's entirely possible that we'll need it.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Wed 09 Oct 2013.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 257):

Giles eagerly helps the paladin desecrate the resting place of whatever lies inside, easily lifting the lid.

"I love surprises!"

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 258):

You remove the ornate lid and set it on the ground with ease before peering inside.

Within the tomb lies a mummified corpse, though it doesn't look older than a century or so.  It's elven in appearance, dressed in loose-fitting robes and a cloak all dyed various shades of green and tan.  What little hair remains is white and ragged, and the eyes are closed in gentle repose.

The body's arms clutch a razor-straight staff with a gnarled knot atop it.  This object is the only thing in the coffin that appears free from dust, dirt, and debris.  A gentle tug on the staff, should you attempt it, will reveal that the corpse seems quite unwilling to let it go, having settled into a literal deathgrip on the shaft.

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: Attached to the mummified corpse's waist is a small brown pouch.  Everything in the tomb radiates with evil.]

[Private to Lyriel Vesper: The staff, of course, looks magical, as did the circlet of thorns Giles pocketed.]

[Private to Boreas Highwind: Your gem pulses with a sudden warmth, which you have come to associate with it noticing things it doesn't like or finds interesting.  You can't tell which this is, but you have a pretty good guess.]

[Private to Keef: If this is Veilspire, it looks nothing like the storybooks described.  This body is far too frail.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:51, Wed 09 Oct 2013.

Maeve lets out a low whistle at the sight of the body within.

I'd bet a Gaelian steed's weight in gold that that staff is somehow cursed.  If either of you wants to take it, I'd caution you to wear gloves.  Remember Psulian.  They never *did* find all the pieces of him. . . .

Making sure that his hands are fully covered, Zuriel detaches a small brown pouch from the corpse's waist and peers inside.

"Point taken, though I don't recall ever hearing of Psulian's demise. Do you remember, Keef?"

[Common Knowledge: Psulian's Tale - 12]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:55, Wed 09 Oct 2013.

Boreas peers over the side of the sarcophagus, looking at the staff when he recoils suddenly and his gem flashes brightly for a brief moment.

Ah!  There's definitely something about that staff.  I'm not sure what, though.  Keef or Lyriel: can you figure out what kind of magic is at work here?

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 261):

Maeve shrugs.

It could just be a local version of the story.  The way I always heard it told was that Psulian's skin and body parts slowly and irrevocably sloughed off over time until just his bones were left. Though I heard the tale from my friend Fintan, and it's entirely possible that he put his own embellishments on it.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Wed 09 Oct 2013.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 263):

Sir Giles cocks an eyebrow

"Ah, but you have heard his story!"

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 264):

Keef peers into the tomb eagerly, but then looks disappointed.

I expected the Veilspire to be more impressive.

Keef looks to Zuriel and Giles.

The staff looks old though, if it was so valuable, why bury it with him?  Shouldn't his disciples have taken it?

Chubbs, having finally made it to the top of the table by means of shimmying up someone's leg, takes his time looking over the corpse.  He then waddles to the other end of the table and turns his back on it, clearly unimpressed.

Unless it was left here for a time of great need... that's how Sir Greenheart got the Heartblade.

Keef stretches gloved fingers.

I've got gloves, he muses.

In reply to Keef (msg # 265):

The uncertainty and intrigue is what makes this so much fun!

Come Keef, you grab the hands, and I'll tug at the staff. Zuriel- care to get your beak wet?

[Strength 21]

"It seems to be loosening quite nicely!"

(internally)Excellent. A tainted staff for the boy.

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 266):

Giles and Keef yank and tug and pull on the staff in a rather undignified way, until finally the staff breaks free of the corpse's mummified grip.  Giles holds the staff triumphantly for a moment, flashing a heroic grin before offering the treasure to Keef.

Now freed from the tomb, the gnarled staff glows with an eerie light.  This is, however, the least of your concerns, as the heavy splish-splosh of booted feet can be heard approaching from the hallway.

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: The bag contains a tarnished silver ring with no further decoration.  It does not appear to be evil.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:06, Wed 09 Oct 2013.

Zuriel moves from the tomb to the hallway, where he has more room to maneuver. "Looks like we have company, ladies and gentlemen." He draws his longsword, the gilded leaf glittering faintly in the gloom.

In reply to DM (msg # 267):

Did you all hear that, I think someone is coming, everyone ready yourselves just in case.

Maeve, who has been poised ready to spring since Giles and Zuriel began to wrest the lid of the tomb, shifts her attention to the door.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 270):

Zuriel exits the door and turns his attention toward something approaching from the right.  Though the footsteps grow louder over time, prying eyes down the hallway detect nothing of note save for the splattering of mud and muck head toward you, which slows briefly before coming to a sudden stop a few meters from the doorway.

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: Your enhanced vision detects the source of the racket: Binkles, the gnome from before.  His reckless sprint is stopped short when he notices your horribly dilated eyes, and he now stands observing you from about 15 meters away.  He puts a finger to his lips and pantomimes silence.]

Zuriel addresses what appears to be an empty hallway. "We meet again, Binkles. Out for a stroll?"

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 272):

(Whimsically) Gods those must have been some quality mushrooms.

Sir Giles readies his bow with an arrow, taking aim at the doorway.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 272):

"S-s-stupid elves, never stop talking, even when it's g-g-good for them," says Binkles's deranged voice, a hoarse whisper that echoes through the hallway.  "T-t-tomb robbers!  B-b-bandits! Thieves!  M-m-master knows.  Master sees!  Know w-w-what I see?"

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: The gnome creeps a few steps closer and grins conspiratorially.]

"D-d-dead people.  S-s-six of them!"

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: With that, Binkles leaps into the air and cackles as he races down the hallway, away from you. ] The splish-sploshes of movement resume, growing quieter and quieter until they are gone.

In reply to DM (msg # 274):

Oh I really didn't like the sound of that. Lyriel places a hand on her sword ready to draw at a moments notice.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 275):

(Pantomiming) Threats against our life and the promise of mortal terror? Check!

..Shall we continue onward?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Wed 09 Oct 2013.

Zuriel shrugs. "It's not as if the master wasn't already expecting us. Let's continue exploring. Unless there are objections, I recommend we go the opposite way from the direction Binkles was heading. Presumably he is going back to the master, and if he is then I don't want any surprises behind us when we go to face him."

A good idea.  I wonder if we should all consume some of those mushrooms before heading off.  Get the throwing-up part over with before we find something *really* nasty. . .

"We should all have some available, but I don't think it would be wise to all consume them unless we end up having to fight a bunch of invisible beings. As I'm sure you can tell, I'm not quite as coordinated right now as I normally am."

In reply to Maeve (msg # 278):

Keef sticks the torch in the ground and holds the staff reverently in two hands.  He holds it aloft, then swings it around a few times.

I'm not sure about the mushrooms... one time I ate a bunch... I was fine for a long time but then... I was in the privy for a whole day!

Probably best we don't all down one just yet.  Zuriel can spot for us if it comes to it.  But I say we let him take the lead here, since he can see everything.  I'll keep an eye out for traps.  Let's keep moving.

[OOC]I'm good to follow Zuriel until something significant happens.  Assume I agree on any choices of which way to go at an intersection.  Also, Fennell, kindly make a perception roll for me to detect traps in each new area.  Thanks.  Should streamline the process a bit.[/OOC]

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 281):

The P.A.R.T.Y. follows Zuriel's lead, heading back the way they came in order to explore the other section of the T-bone intersection they most recently encountered.

After a few dozen meters, you come to what appears to be a dead end, with a wall of earth all there is to be seen.

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: Unless you are the 'Shroom Knight, of course.  There are two impressions in the wall, spaced about a body's width apart.  If you had to guess based on their positioning, shape, and size, you'd think you were meant to put a hand in each.]

Pausing a moment, Zuriel pushes his hands into the wall up to his wrists.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Wed 09 Oct 2013.

I can't get over how bizarre it is when you do that.

Keef, do be careful with that staff.  It wouldn't do to have you shoot out beams of terrible magic that consume all of us.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:18, Wed 09 Oct 2013.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 284):

Oh indeed. One can hope he'd have the good sense to aim for you first Maeve.

"Part of being a hero is the bold and reckless embrace of the unknown, though I must admit, watching a Paladin under the influence phase shift his hands through solid walls is pushing even my boundaries of the unusual"

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 283):

Dead End

An audible click echoes throughout the hallway, and the section of the wall where Zuriel is standing spins around, reversing itself horizontally to take the paladin with it.  For an earthen wall, the soil seems quite well packed, as none is lost during this process.

The P.A.R.T.Y. is now staring at a wall that looks very much the same as the one they just saw, though their trusty paladin is nowhere to be seen.

Hidden Room

Zuriel finds himself alone in a small chamber that contains rough-hewn wooden shelves piled high with bottles, dust, faded parchment, and cobwebs.  These structures line the room's walls entirely, but far more interesting than this is a circular panel in the floor in the center of the room.

This panel seems to be made of glass, resting upon a latticework of iron bars beneath it.  Peering through them, you can make out a handful of skeletal remains scattered through what appears to be a poorly made pit.  The manacles and shackles they wear tell the sad tale of their imprisonment.

Upon closer inspection, you notice that the glass panel is not entirely flat; there is a conical opening toward the center that looks a lot like a funnel.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:27, Wed 09 Oct 2013.

Boreas approaches the dead end next to a wrist-deep Zuriel.  He turns his head in the opposite direction, takes a deep breath, and slowly tries to push his hand through the wall as well.

Yelling out to his party that he is fine, Zuriel sifts through the parchments, searching the room for clues as to who was imprisoned within, as well as any other points of interest in the room, before examining the glass funnel more closely.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 288):

Dead End

Try though you might, Boreas seems unable to pass through the solid wall.  Faint yelling can be heard, muffled, from the other side.

Hidden Room

The parchment, by and large, crumples to dust at Zuriel's touch, and little information can be found during his search.  Inspection of the funnel is more promising, however, as it seems to have become caked with residue from some sort of liquid.

Zuriel unstoppers his waterskin and pours a trickle of fresh water down the funnel.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 290):

Hidden Room

Nothing interesting happens as a result of you watering the corpses.

Zuriel examines the residue on the glass, trying to figure out what it is or was.

Confounded by the substance, Zuriel walks back to the door and spins it around.

"Hey, there is some kind of prison here. There seems to be something of note but I can't figure it out. Does anybody want to take a look?"

He stands and waits to ferry anybody who want to investigate to the other room.

[OOC: if you want to see the room, just assume I take you over and make your investigation. If nobody turns up anything useful, I suggest we move on.]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Wed 09 Oct 2013.