The three men wander through the darkness, feeling their way, until they emerge into a dimly lit room that seems like dusk compared to the absolute darkness from which they emerged.  The trio had little time to react however, as the air was suddenly filled with the sticky strands of a spider web and was followed by an  arrow.

  Calis and Father Rys, instinctively stepped aside from the magical net that stretched from the ceiling to the floor, but the more heavily armoured knight was not so fortunate, finding himself entangled in the sticky mess.  Immediately after the web, an arrow sang through the air, bouncing off the knight's heavy breastplate.

  Peering into the darkness, the trio could see, recessed into the back of the room, a pair of spiders, or what appeared to be spiders, their heads were missing, replaced with the half-bodies of men or fairies or some dark skinned creature that could not truly be discerned!  There was a low, dull, clicking being emmitted from them as the one armed with a bow raised its weapon again, while the other began to wave its hands about in arcane gestures...

OOC:  Roll for initiative!  20 to break out of the web, or 25 to use escape artist :)


This message was last edited by the GM at 22:01, Sun 19 Dec 2004.

Initiative 18

19:24, Today: Father Rys rolled 11 using 1d20. initiative.

Calling on his training from the druids, Calis called a ball of flame into his hand and waited to use it.

OOC: Not sure how many spell points a 1st level spell would cost me....

OODM:  Initiative Order: Calis, Pedivere, Father Rys, bad guys :)

  I'll let you post your actions and then...I get to go...hee hee hee

  Calis, you can cast 2 first level spells, but I couldn't find the spell you're describing on the 1st level spell lists

Pedivere struggles vainly against the webs that hold him, only managing to entangle himself further in the sticky strands.  As he finds that his efforts are futile, he calls out to those behind "Can somebody fire these webs?"

Attempt to break bonds (fated) = 14


OOC - arrrghhhh 1d20+3d6 = 14????!!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! :(

"That's why I created this ball of fire, my friend." Slowly his friend used the ball of fire to burn the webs around his friend.

Saint's preserve us
Fr. Rys draws his mace and waves his hand in front of his body in a circular motion.

   The three men confront the spider-beings before them, fierce looking monstrosities out of some horrid nightmare.  They lurked in the shadows of the eastern side of the workshop, only outlines in the torch light.

   The room was suddenly filled with a sudden burst of light as Calis called upon the mystical energies of the earth, drawing forth a flame in the palm of his hand and touching the web about them.  It lit quickly, sizzling and whining as it was set ablaze, setting their teeth on edge with the heat and burns it inflicted on the trio.

   Freed of his bonds, the knight began to act...


  OODM:  Damage to Calis, 2, to Sir P, 5, to Father Rys, 4, please roll a concentration roll to cast your spell Father Rys :)

05:45, Today: Father Rys rolled 22 using 1d20+6. concentration check.

Pedivere, now free moves forward towards the enemy, casting the flaming brand at his feet and unslinging his shield.  "Creatures of Darkness know forthwith that your lives are now forefeit!"

 Initiative = 18

         AC = 25
       flat = 22
      touch = 15

       Free = Drop Everburning Torch in front square
        MEA = Move forward
       Free = Unsling and Ready shield as part of MEA
    Partial = Attack defensively (-4/+2) creature without bow
              Attack hits AC20 for 5 damage

         FX = DR 2/Ignoble
              6 damage suffered
              -5 Strength

This message was last edited by the player at 23:38, Wed 22 Dec 2004.

The knight dropped the torch and advanced on the pair of monsters, signs of burns on his normally polished armour.  His slash draws yellow blood as he cuts into the one that so recently entrapped him in a web.  It screeches in pain, skittering to one side.

   Father Rys can be heard mumbling something himself, standing in place and watching the fight unfold.

   Seconds later, Colm and Chrissa emerge from the black cloud covering and surrounding the passage way, their presense a welcome sight...

Fr. Rys advances on the same creature Sir Pedivere attacked and attacks it

22:07, Today: Father Rys rolled 16 using 1d20+2. attack.
22:07, Today: Father Rys rolled 0 using 1d8-1. damage.

Colm, seeing the things that have attacked his friends, springs into action firing two arrows at his foes and moving as best he can to afford himself a clear line of sight.  She... is 'me slender small love... my flower of beauty fair.... he sings in his deep, untrained baritone.

  The spider-being that so recently felt the bite of the knight's blade, could be seen frothing at the mouth, white spittle gathering at the corners of its mouth before raising it's hands and flicking a black substance in the air at him.  The drop sparkled and disapeared in mid-air.

  The knight felt a dizziness come over him for a moment before he blinked and the feeling of sleep left him as quickly as it began.

   The companion of the thing's bow twanged again, but it's arrow sailed harmlessly away from the priest, striking the wall behind him and landing with a clatter.

   Help arrives to the trio in the form on their new companions.  The yeoman and the hermit were a welcome sight.


OODM:  Ok guys, I hope everyone's Christmas was wonderful. :)  Thank you for your patience in waiting for posts.  The initiatives are in this order...Calis, Sir Pedivere, Father Rys, the bad guys, Colm, Chrissa.   I will use the rolls for attacks that Father Rys and Colm rolled next round. That is...if they're still alive....Mwah hah hah hah. (Sorry couldn't resist!)  :D

Seeing the ball of fire seemed to work partly, Calis flung it towards the one that was firing arrows at the group to try to burn it.

13:20, Today: Calis rolled 11 using 1d20+4. Ranged attack for the ball of fire.

  Calis throws another tiny ball of fire in the direction of the spider-beings, hoping to injure it and prevent its continuing arc of arrows.  The ball of fire falls short, flashing out a few feet before the the thing's long legs, only eliciting a snarling hiss of anger, nothing more.

   Sir Pedivere, ever resolute in the fight, continued to slash at his foe.  His blow is not critical but nevertheless draws yellowish blood.

    Father Rys, rushes to the fight, swinging his mace and striking, causing a bruise to the fiend as it returns the attack with its own.

    Slashing and biting the two men are grateful for their armour as the thing's attacks scrape across their coats of mail, protect them.

    While the padre is engaged in the fight before him, the archer reaches out her hand swats him, cackling triumphantly as the priest cringes in pain, a jolt of dark energy shocking his body.

    Colm's bow sings as he sends arrows whistling towards the archer, both striking with visible and audible results.  A growling hiss of pain and hate being directed back at the yeoman.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:27, Thu 30 Dec 2004.

"Be damned!" Calis cursed as he tried again to hit the creatures with the ball of flame since he didn't have a range weapon and he really didn't want to get up close and personal.

Colm smiles as his arrows hit home in the foul beast/man.  He wastes no time letting two more arrows fly as he sings My flower... o' beauty fair

Colm's grin becomes a beam the second the bow string is loosed.  He knows, he's dead on.  Both arrows solidly thunk into the beast, one, hitting in a critical spot.... (OCC:  Yippie!  Crit.)

  Calis calls forth a ball of flame again, and again, it falls short of its intended target, falling in splatter of flame.

  Sir Pedivere hears the priest's cry of pain but presses on with the fight, hacking at his advesary, nicking it again with his sword.


OODM:  I'm just waiting for Chrissa, and Father Rys to post before I finish this post. :)

OOC: Sorry all, computer went belly-up for a bit from a DoS attack.

IC: Dear God in Heaven, that hurt!
Fr. Rys staggers back (5' step) from the attack from the creature and lays a hand on his side.

20:57, Today: Father Rys rolled 11 using 1d8+3. cure light wounds.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Sun 02 Jan 2005.

    Father Rys withdraws from the grabbing hand of the red-eyed fiend.  Whispering a prayer to God for help, he feels his call for help answered, health and vitality returning to his body.
   Sir Pedivere's foe bites and slashes at him with two wicked looking black bladed daggers.  One of the slashes produced sparks as it left a streak across the knight's polished breastplate.
   The other could be heard murmuring something before an object is cast into the air.  It extends it's hands in the direction of the priest. He feels a sudden stiffness in his limbs before it goes away just as quickly.

   Colm is quick to take advantage of Father Rhy's movement away from his target, allowing him a clear shot.  The first arrow flies true and straight, lodging itself in the abdomen of the thin body of the beast, the other, cuts a nick, yellowish blood spills onto the floor.  The monster screamed in terrible agony as the group's other healer stood back, letting the more martially trained fight...

Colm frowns.  Either of those shots would have killed a normal man.... but this beast was, of course, not normal.  Through gritted teeth, he continues singing as he lets two more arrow fly From the whiteness of her pritty' teeth, to the shin'in of 'er hair....

OOC - is the drider casting spells within reach, and if so, is he casting on the defensive, coz otherwise he's opening himself up to an AoO from me.

Pedivere continues to attack the creature, droping his defensive stance for a more aggressive one, his blade biting into the spider-creature with vigour.

 Initiative = 18

         AC = 23
       flat = 22
      touch = 11

       Full = Attack with Power Attack -2/+2
              Attack 1 hits AC23 for 7 damage
              Attack 2 hits AC6

         FX = DR 2/Ignoble
              6 damage suffered
              -5 Strength

Fr. Rys steps forward to attack the creature again.

03:59, Today: Father Rys rolled 3 using 1d20+2. attack.
That's a natural 1

21:32, Today: Father Rys rolled 19 using 1d20. fumble check.

He tried one more time and threw the ball at one of the creatures that was harming them.

  The song singer became a successful spell-slinger as the ball of flame he created and flung at his target finally exploded on target.  A horrible sizzling and cry of pain could be heard, quickly followed by a nose wrinkling smell.  The spider creature crumbled in a heap, eliciting a roar of protest from its partner.

  The roar was cut short by the slash of the knight, hacking at it with his polished blade.  The blade cut again, doing a better job than his compatriot the fighting priest Father Rys, who swung wildly, missing his target completely.
   Colm's arrows flew across the room, slaying the beast with terrible finality, a gurgle becoming all that was left of the creature's ferocity...

   The blackness that covered the doorway suddenly vanished, leaving the web-strewn room, suddenly quiet after so much clashing of weapons and casting of spells...


    OODM:  What a gooey mess!  :P

Chrissa leans heavily upon her staff.

"'When the wicked, euen mine enemies and my foes came vpon mee to eate vp my flesh; they stumbled and fell.'"

She closes her eyes briefly, giving thanks, before regarding her companions.

"Thanks be to God for his deliverance... and to you that did battle.  I'm afraid that yonder creatures were unaffected by the power that repelled the giant spiders.  It is well that ye defeated them."

Chrissa sways slightly.  She looks quite fatigued, despite her relative lack of activity during the most recent battle.

"Does anyone desire healing at this time?"

Fr. Rys breathes a bit heavily

Well, that was fun.

He looks around to see what is in this room.

"And may your dark souls never trouble this world again!" proclaimed the knight.  Quickly, he cleaned the blade and resheathed it as he moved over to where he dropped the torch.

"Is anyone injured?"

Calis laughed as the body dropped. "Ha! Finally! I think I can spare some healing as well if needed."

Nae all, I'm right a rain. says Colm.  He does not rest up his vigillance, however.  He keeps his bow knocked and begins to slowly move into the room, looking to and fro for signs of foes.

  As the party gathers itself together, the smell of the battle continues to hang in the unmoving air of the workshop.

   Looking around in the light of the lantern and the torch, it is discovered that the workshop also serves as the wizard's bedroom.

   The group's eyes are drawn, now that the threat has passed, to a figure encased in web and prone on the floor on the north-west side of the room.  It does not appear to be moving.

   On the south-west wall, there is a large, comfortable looking bed, it seems undisturbed.  At its foot, a large wooden chest, bound with bands of steel with a key in the lock.   In the north-west corner, there is a large spider web.  In the centre of the room are is a large wooden table with four chairs around it, one lays on its side.  There is a open space on the floor adjacent to the table.  The space is covered in arcane symbols and blackened sections on the floor.  To the south of the symbols is a large stone table.

    Upon the table are various vials, and flasks, bottles and jars.  There are animal skeletons and bunches of dried plants and instruments of various kinds.  Also there are a few books and sheaves of scrolls.  The table is organized chaos.
    To the east, are the bodies of the dead monsters and a door in the south-east corner...

Fr. Rys immediately moves over to the body and to see if the person is still alive.

Fillian?

Colm, sees the body and begins to move toward it, but when the much more capable pastor moves to it he stops.  No place fer a fool like ya' Colm.  Let the padre take it.  He thinks to himself.

He decides, although the locked trunk would be a good place to put his skills, he'll not do so when there is a chance the owner still lives.  Rather he moves to the web in the corner, carefully, bow at the ready, and prepares to inspect it for danger or, better yet, treasure.

As the priest kneels down to check on the figure, he sees a grey haired man who's countenance has seen better days.  Withered and dehydrated, the face's eyes are closed and the face is sunken. The priest presses his lips together to keep his composure, realizing the group was too late to help this man.  If it was Fillian his soul has long since departed.

  Colm's inspection of the web finds a rat entwined and now dead.  It's body covered in the thick, white, guazey web.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:32, Sat 08 Jan 2005.

Colm looks carefully at the web and environs.  He reaches out with his knocked arrow and pokes the rat slightly.  Convinced nothing is amiss, he continues to move around the room, searching and wary for enemies.

Whoever this person was, Fr. Rys begins to conduct Last Rites.

The ministrel also looked around the room after snuffing the spell, if it hadn't already expired. He tapped the floor, walls, and ceiling with the ends of his spear to see if there was any echoes or the like that might show a hidden entrance or what not.

  Calis slowly moves about the room, checking the floor and the walls for signs of secret passages.  The passage through which they entered and the heavy banded door on the east wall were the only obvious places of egress.

  The priest knelt over the body of the fallen man, praying softly and making holy gestures in the air over him and occasionally touching the body, administering Vaticum.

  Colm, Chrisa and the knight stood close by each other, the torches in scones in the north wall, remained dark...

With the owner of the place, departed, and their only clue to a cure residing somewhere in this place, all things must be considered.  Colm turns his attention to the chest.  He inspects it carefully for traps and signs of danger.

Pedivere moved over to the door, grabing the handle with his free hand and attempting to open it.

"Do we have any idea whether that unfortunate soul is Fiallan?" he asked Father Rys.

After Fr. Rys is finished conducted Last Rites.

I know not. I don't recall Jeremiah ever giving us a physical description to off of.

Looks over at the fool

Did you ever meet him?

  Sir Pedivere approached the heavy wooden door, he lifted the latch and pushed it inward.  It creaked softly as it swung all the way back, a little of the room's light spilling in to give rough outlines of the furniture contained within.

   Father Rys looks back in the direction of the corridor for the fool but he is not there to be seen...

Pedivere again draws his sword and moves forward, blade in his right hand and magic torch in his left.  Soon he will have to put an end to this and rest, both for himself and his companions, but for now duty and honour demand he continues.

Colm, bow drawn, follows behind the knight.  He abondons his search of the chest at this time.

Sir Pedivere's taking of the torch from the other room halves the light in the workshop, leaving it far darker than it was just a moment before.

    The knight lifts the torch high to discover what lies within.  His eyes first fall upon a door opposite the one in which he, and the yeoman, Colm, now stand. The door is much like the one just opened, only it is latched and barred.  Made of dark, oiled wood, it seems solidly constructed but only a test of it would allow for that to be verified.

   Beside the door is a wooden closet, standing upright and closed, it too is made of the same dark, oiled wood.  The handles are simple upon it, and it has no lock.

   Next to the closet is a chest similar to the one that rests at the end of the wizard's bed, large and wooden, it is otherwise unremarkable.

   Across from the other two pieces of furniture, is a simple wooden bench.  An empty torch scone is nestled into the wall above the bench, presumeably to provide light for the room....

Think to self as Sir Pedivere walks away

Brash and headstrong knight! He may very well get us killed one of these days.

Fr. Rys then follows after he and Colm.

Calis, of course, followed his friend and companion while thinking pretty much the same words of the Father since Calis has been in more scrapes and mischief with his friend then the rest of the others knew.

Finding nothing immediately dangerous in the other room, Pedivere turned back around, surprised that everyone was right behind him.  "We should secure this door and rest.  Does anyone have pitons?  Or can we rig something from what we have here?"

Hearing Sir Pedivere's words, Calis shook his head. "Nay, friend. I don't have any pitons or anything that I can think of that we could use to secure the door. But I  do agree that this would be a good time to rest. Many of us also are fatigued from using the magic of the Old Ones, or the magic that is granted by Christ. So let us spend the night here and continue on the morrow."

Pedivere nods, closes the door and then, pulling the dagger out from his sheath, wedges it underneath the door blade first, kicking the hilt slightly to wedge it tighter.

"That should hold somewhat.  We should remove the bodies of those beasts from this room if we can, and rest in here, allowing the lady Chrissa to make use of the bed.  Colm, Calis, would you assist me in cleaning this room somewhat?"

Pedivere then handed the flaming brand back to the priest, thanking him for the use, before heading over to the dead monstrosities.  Grasping one by a thick, chitinous spider leg he began to try and pull it from the room, back to the corridor and small room beyond the darkness.

Are we to abandon our mounts outside this tower?

OOC - d'oh!

Pedivere shakes his head and sighs.  "I fear the venom may have addled my senses.  Thankyou Father for reminding me of our valuable friends that await us upstairs.  No, I think we shant abandon them, and shall return to rest under God's sky and stars."

With that, he leaves the body where it fell, and makes ready to depart, leaving the dagger underneath the door to wedge it still shut.

agreed  Colm travels back with the party to the mounts.

  The party retires to the landscape outside the wizard's tower.  The day is still bright and the sun, high in the sky.  Although it seemed like time dragged during the battles they fought.  They were brief indeed, lasting moments only.

  The horses are in fine shape, grazing contentedly.  Aeron however, is not to be found.  The bells of his cockscomb are not heard jingling on the breeze.

  OODM:  You have several hours of daylight before the sun even begins to set.

*before the party leaves where they are*

Would someone help me carry the deceased? He deserves a burial...not to be left down here entombed in web.

Colms shakes himself for you lack of thought about this and hurries to the pastor's side o'carse, Father.  O'carse I will.  he puts his bow away to carry the body outside.

Thank you Colm.

Colm and Fr. Rys carry the deceased outside.

While I can't say for certain that this is Fillian, my heart tells me it is. He should be buried somewhere nearby his tower.

Fr. Rys looks around for a likely spot for burial, preferably a shady spot out of the way. While looking he notices that the fool is gone completely.

When was the last time anyone saw Aeron? He wasn't downstairs, and he isn't here.

The priest and the yeoman readily find a nice oak tree under which to bury the thin body of the deceased man they discovered.  It is shaded and nearby the tower.

  Colm then remembers the tools he discovered in the tower's dungeon...

Smacking himself in the middle of the head, Colm lets out a groan of frustration Och, Lard' donna strike dan' yer servant for bein' a bloomin' fool.  He shakes his head.  Father, I clean fergot 'bout the tools we I found in the dungeon.  I donna suppose any of us should go travelin' alone, 'specially with the fool, disappeared.  Will any'a ye follow me down to get the tools?  We may wanna' spen' a few minutes huting for the fool as well.  Like as not he's gotten imself in trouble.

Calis also returned to help out however he could, while also keeping track of his mount to make sure it was fine. Looking up at the sky, the druid basked in the light that still poured down from above. Lightly whispering to himself, so the others couldn't hear, he sent a small blessing up to the sun god to watch over him and the other's on thier journey even though most of his companions followed the One God.

An excellent spot. Now let's see if I remembered to bring a shovel with me.

Hmmm, yes, you probably should go back and retrieve those tools. As for the fool, I am concerned about his disappearance.

Chrissa? Did you ever encounter the fool in your prior meetings with Jeremiah? If so, is he prone to just wander off?

Or perhaps he was just sent to lead us hear and, having led us here, has now left to return to Jeremiah?

Pedivere starts to strip from his armour.  Exhausted he leans against the side of the tower, his steed, Thunder nuzzles the side of his face, concerend that its master may be hurt or injured.

"Chrissa.  Might I trouble you to further inspect this wound.  It still pains me and saps my strength" he indicates the puncture wounds caused by the monstrous spider.

  Father Rys and Colm ducked back into the tower, carefully picking their way through the entry way and the great room to the trapdoor and stairs to the dungeon, retrieving the spade and pick.

  Returning outdoors, they began to dig while the hermit Chrissa softly prayed over the knight's wounds, her mature features, kindly and warm as she regarded him.   The knight's wounds knit together but the strength of his limbs continues to be greatly diminished.

   "I shall see what the woods will yield and I will concoct a healing potion for you sir knight."she gathers her robes about her to seek out the ingredients she requires in the surrounding meadows and woodlands.

Colm labors over the shovel, but quickly notices the padre goining in.  Colm looks at Fr. Rys and shakes is head  Nae, Father.  This is a job fer the likes 'o me.  Ya needen't feel obliged 'ta help me in the diggin'.  Yer time is bes' spent praying for this poor lad and fer' me, the Lord's humble servant.  That he'd have mercy on one such as I.

Colm worked steadily switching from the shovel to the pick and back again, as the terrain called for it.  Though not a particularly strong man, his efforts began to pay off with the sod being turned over and the hole ever deepening and lengthening.

   The man's body remained wrapped in the web of the spiders, dried and partially preserved from the lack of moisture contained within.  Father Rys stood nearby, quietly praying.

   Calis stayed close by to his friend, Sir Pedivere, whom was convealescencing quietly under a tree while the hermit worked her way through the woods, trying to find what she needed to restore some of the vigor to the the knight's limbs.

   The fool, Aeron, was no where to be found...

Once the body has been interred in the earth, Fr. Rys walks over to Sir Pedivere and lays his hands on him.

God Most High, please restore this knight's strength to him.

22:58, Today: Father Rys rolled 4 using 1d4. lesser restoration.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 03:59, Wed 19 Jan 2005.

The flush of colour returned to the young knights face with the administration from the Priest.  "Thankyou Father." comments the knight, before raising back to his feet and starting to reapply his armour.

"Now that I am whole once more, shall we re-enter the tower?"

Colm labored, glistening with sweat.  The hole he dug was barely covered over when the call came to depart.  As ye say Sir
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:30, Wed 19 Jan 2005.

  With the burial of the man found in the tower and the funeral rites said, Sir Pedivere armours himself again and proposes that the group return inside.  They had not yet found the critical ingredient of the potion needed to save the King of Norway.  There was still time in the day to continue their quest.

  Colm regained his weapons, putting the shovel and pick aside for his bow and blade again.  Chrissa re-emerged from the woods with new herbs in her medicine bag and quickly discovered that the knight, thanks to Father Rys' prayers, was feeling much better.  Calis, having spent some time alone in prayer and supplication, was now with the group, confident that the horses would be safe while they were away.  Only the fool remained a source of question, he was no where to be found.

Pedivere again asked the priest for the loan of his magical brand.  Then, armed with the torch in his left hand and sword in his right, he began to travel the paths the group had already traversed.

Past the broken doorway of the tower past the dead spiders and down the trapdoor into the depths below.  In what was most likely Fiallan's bedroom where he and his companions had vanquished the half spider, half faerie beasts of darkness he approached the door where his dagger had been wedged at the opening, to prevent it from being forced.

"Colm, ready your bow.  I will open the door."

With that, Pedivere handed the torch back to the priest and stepped forward, kicking at the hilt of his dagger to loosen it, before he placed his foot over it and drew it backwards.  Once the blade was free, the knight used his free hand to grip the handle of the door and open it.

The knight's desisive action is not without reward.  Pushing on the door, he finds it stiff.  There is a smell of earth in the air with the first push.  A second push brings with it the smell of grass and weeds.  Throwing his whole weight against the door, Sir Pedivere bursts through the door, as it swings outward, it is revealed the exterior surface of the door is covered in sod.

   Bright sunlight streams into the antechamber, increasing the ability to see considerably...

Pedivere moved through the door, surprised by the swiftness of which the sunlight came, and moreso by the fact that it now appears he again stands outside the tower.

  The knight steps through the door and onto the base of the hillock.  There was no path at the door's entrance, just tall grasses, wild flowers, and weeds.  The soft breeze the caressed his face, blew into the dungeon too, clearing the musty air and making it entirely more breathable.

Fr. Rys hands Sir Pedivere his torch

Fr. Rys follows Sir Pedivere as he goes back into the tower.

Fr. Rys tries to gather his bearings and looks around to see where the tower lies.

This is an interesting ruffle

Turning around and looking to the top of the hillock, he can see the tower directly behind him and looming above.  The man-sized door was obviously another way out of the tower, but it was concealed by the sod and overgrown folliage....

Calis followed his friend, of course, and once the sun came through the door he squinted. After getting his sight back, he to also looked around, shrugged, and then looked at the others while enjoying the light and being outside.

Colm stood in the brightness, and relaxed his bow string.  He squinted from the suddenness of the whole thing.  As soon as his eyes adjusted to the light, however, he began looking about for tracks.

  Colm kneels down, running his hand over the tops of the long grass, scanning for signs of passage.  He finds no broken blades of grass, no disturbed flowers immediately outside the doorway, but his instincts carry him forward.  Carefully walking, kneeling frequently to check what his instincts are telling him, he traced his way around the hillock.  After a few minutes of searching, he found the source of the bend tops of weeds and broken shafts of grass.  He found a set of tracks, he found them moving about the doorway and back to where the donkey tracks were, before they disapeared and the donkey tracks deepened, heading off in the direction in which the party came...

Colm looked up from his tracking.  dinnae the fool ride a dahnkey? said Colm gesturing the way they came Somone lef' here and went back t'ard our camp ridin' a dahnke.  We 'as best follow the trail. with that he continued following the trail.

This is decidedly odd...and disconcerting. The wizard we were sent to find is, more than likely dead and the fool sent to guide us has disappeared. And we still need that dragon scale for the antidote.

Sir Knight, this quest was charged to you by the King. What do you suggest?

  Gripping his bow, Colm jogged along after the tracks, the passage of the donkey quite obvious to his trained eyes.  He trots across the green meadow for several moments, the trail leading back into the woodlands.  The others remain behind on the hillside, considering what to do next.

Colm looks at the tracks and gestures in the direction of the hermit's home, along the path he's found for the donkey tracks Hmmmm... Seems as the fool 'es gone back the way we come towar' the hermit's house.  Dammed fool thin' 'ta do an' not tell us!  Still, he may be in dangr' or mayhaps he jus' returned to the hermit

OOC - have we searched the entire tower now?  I'm a tad confused, not hard to achieve btw... Once I know that, I'll post.

OODM  I haven't read any posts recently that indicated a character was searching anywhere in particular since Colm found the garden tools and clothing.  The common room, entry room, workshop and antechamber all remained largely unexamined. :)

OCC:  MY opinion.  It appears that the fool has returned back home.  Assuming he is safe, there is no reason we should not explore the rest of the tower.  We've found no clue about the dragon we were looking for, and I'm sure our brash young knight would not leave until we are sure there is none to be found.  There were a couple of unexplored chests, as well.

Chrissa is quite fatigued, but she is quietly dragging herself around as best she can... :)

Calis did the same as he watched the others.

OCC:  Sorry, team.  I'm not catching the hints.  Are you saying that you still feel we should rest, cause your spells are low?  Since we feel the fool is likely safe, I have no problem with that course of action.

"It is still hours before dark.  We should give this tower one last look before we bed down.  If there are those of you that are too tired to continue, then we will return to set up camp and I shall investigate the remains of the tower alone.  Unfortunately, duty demands I continue."

"Of course I shall continue with you, my friend. I just hope we don't run into anything that we need magick to attack or have more wounds that need healed."

"'So likewise yee, when yee haue done all those things, which are commanded you, say, We are vnprofitable seruants: wee haue done that which was our duetie to doe...'"

Chrissa gently smiles through her evident weariness.

"If you proceed, then I shall as well."

"'God girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way vpright...'"

Colm nods. Aye, I'm right a rain.  Lets go. he grins.

 The intrepid band of adventurers re-traces its steps into the antechamber through the secret door on the hillside. It takes a few moments for the group's eyes to readjust themselves to the shadows. The sunlight is helpful, but torches are still required to see the interior. After their eyes adjusted a familiar sight re-appeared before them.

Beside the door was a wooden closet, standing upright and closed, and made of the same dark, oiled wood as the door.  The handles were simple upon it, and it had no lock.

   Next to the closet was a chest similar to the one that rested at the end of the wizard's bed, large and wooden, it is otherwise unremarkable.

   Across from the other two pieces of furniture, is a simple wooden bench.  An empty torch scone is nestled into the wall above the bench, presumeably to provide light for the room....

OCC:  Dungeon Mistress, huh?  OHHHH MYYYYY

BIC:  Colm moves over to the torch sconce and looks at it... could there be a secret lever here?

Colm tries the torch scone in various directions, lifting, tugging, pushing, twisting, and nothing occurs.

Colm frowns a little at somethign he thought was a sure thing.  He then figures, at the least the sconce is convenient, and goes to find a torch to put in it to help the searchers by freeing their hands.

Heaving a sigh and shaking his head as he looked at the closed closet door, Calis stepped towards it, looked it and the handle over, and finally shrugged again before grabbing the handle. As he pulled on it to open it, he muttered, "Here goes nothing. Please, Old Ones, watch over me and don't let me turn into a living torch!"

  As the group entered the antechamber the minstrel began a search of the wooden closet.  The hinges were well oiled and it opened without a sound.  Inside were a number of shelves.  Some contained cups and bowls, plates, spoons and knives.   There was a trencher and a candleabra.  Among the bowls and spoons, one spoon lay inside a bowl glowing a fient blue.

   The opposite shelves were larger and more widely spaced.  There was a basket of nuts, clay jars containing various seasonings, herbs, a jar of honey.  There was a bowl of potatos and another of garlic cloves.   There was a jar of flour and another of barley. There was a clay jug with some strong smelling mead, another of vinegar, and a third with wine.  Save for a glowing, spoon, it was a fairly simple larder.

    Colm's examination of the room's chest found it unlocked and filled with clothing.  He and the priest knelt over it's contents as they were carefully picked through.  There were outer clothes here, cloaks in various states of wear, a coif, a pair of boots that, like the spoon, glow strangely blue.  "Enchanted;" the priest noted with a nod, prodding them with a finger as if to test if they were dangerous or even there.

"This spoon, over here, seems to be as well. Otherwise there isn't much else in here unless some of you are hungry. Maybe we should take this food and larder anyhow just in case it is needed later, at some point."

  Leaving the antechamber the group walked into the workshop abandoned only a few hours before.  Strangely, and without explanation, the weapons the spider creatures wielded before lay glowing upon the floor now too.  The two bows, the 4 daggers, made of some black metal, were now blue.  The great circle of designs in the middle of the floor glowed faintly also.

   The table contains several scrolls that are written in the spidery language of magic, Chrissa does not go near them, but the priest carefully picks his way through them, stuffing them into a handy sack for further examination later.  He murmurs something about keeping them safe from those who would use them for evil.

   Colm's exploration of the chest he started into before revealed more blue items.  An amulet and a sword of all things.

Fr. Rys peers closely at the design for a bit to try and puzzle it out.

After looking at the design, We should grab these weapons. Did someone grab the boots from the other room?

Colm eyes the glowing items with suspicion, not comfortable with the ways of magic, but finding it useful none the less.  Well, ah know me way 'roun a sword sure enough, but da' one a 'ya know more about such things as an amulet?  Seems 'ta me we should take this items as a gift from God and the deceased to avenge his death and speed 'r quest.

If there is no objections he takes the glowing items.  We should certainly collect all the would be magic.

Calis shrugged, grabbed the other items, and found a way to store them before joining the others.

Moving along, checking the nooks and crannies of the place, the glow of blue was found along the staircase.  The great belt and heavy gloves that had seemed interesting before now glow and are quickly snapped up the by their discoverer, Colm.

   The party moved upstairs and the great hall.  Strangely, the great bowl that sat atop the table glowed blue.  There was no explanation for the sudden blue light or the reason behind such an odd thing.

  The party, having explored the tower one last time settles into the great hall.  The dungeon door to the outside now barred and the animals looked after, the place offered shelter and a proper table to eat on.  Calis and Colm fetched enough logs to keep a fire going for sometime allowing for food to be heated and light inside the cavernous chamber.

    Before them were several items of note.  The blue glow had faded away but the priest assured them that they continued to be magical.  There was the bowl, and an amulet, a sword, the 2 bows and 4 daggers, the scrolls, the boots and the spoon.  Not an unexpected collection for a place that housed a mage for years. Father Rys spent a good deal of time reading the scrolls, his brow furrowed as he did.

Interesting, very interesting. These runes appear to be in the language of the fey, a language I can not decipher well. The intent appears to be an attempt to create a portal into the lands of the fey. Looks at the bodies, It would appear that the portal worked.

There is a map here detailing how to get to The home of someone called Tobalth...a place to the south of here in the mountains. I do not recognize the name. Mayhaps this person can lead us to where we need to go?

Sir Pedivere, what sayest thou?

"Perhaps" mutters the knight.  "I feel though that we may end up chasing our tail without a firm strategy.  At the moment, merely following scattered hints does not gain us our goal.  We need to find anything, anywhere within these walls that indicates the location of a dragon, or who this Tobalth is.  There were books upstairs, is it possible that one of those may contain further information"

OODM  I placed the party in the great hall where the spiders were fought, the entrance chamber is immediately adjacent where other books are etc. :)

I could begin to read through the collected works here, but that will take time.

Without futher comment from the knight, Fr. Rys stands up and begins to look through the numerous books in the tower to see if he can find anything on the whereabouts of a dragon or who this person may be.

Colm looked over the magical items and listened to the conversations of the learned men near him.  Setting up the camp was more along his skill set, so got up and busied himself with it.
We shoul' set up a watch for the night.  I'm happy to watch at any time, 'fer certain

  The party makes itself comfortable for the night, eating a hot meal cooked over the mage's hearth.   The enchanted items remained atop the table, with little decided about what to do with them.  The priest spent much of the evening flipping through books, discounting what was functional and of an impersonal nature.

We will need to decide what to do with these items. The weapons I think would be better served by Sir Pedivere and Colm...and perhaps you Calis? I know not what your preference in fighting is. The scrolls I would like to look at to see if I can glean anything. The amulet and boots will probably serve anyone of us well. I am most intrigued by the bowl and spoon...I wonder what they do.

These books are amazing. It appears that they've all been written by hand...a task that must have taken years!

Continues to read through the books, trying to find information

It appears that Tolbath is a mage that sent Fillian a gift. Fillian never met Tolbath, but was happy for the gift

Continues to read.

 The party beds down for the night while the priest continues to scan page after page of written text.

As soon as the party begins settling down at their current location, Chrissa gratefully lies down to rest, looking rather pale and fatigued...

After about an hour, Chrissa sits up.  Her color is better, and she looks less weary.  She checks on her companions (particularly Sir Pedivere and his injuries) and takes a bite to eat before settling back down.

Her voice murmurs softly as she again reclines...

"'Returne vnto thy rest, O my soule: for the Lord hath bene beneficiall vnto thee...'"

Calis shook his head. "Nay, Father. I use some weapons but only those that are simple to use. I can defend myself when needed but my teachings were more in using the old magick then in using weapons."

He then found a place to rest so he could regain his energy and connect with nature so she could also replace some of the energy he used this day.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:18, Thu 10 Feb 2005.

Fr. Rys volunteers to take the 1st watch. During his watch, he, reluctantly puts the books down. When his watch is over, he'll read some more for an hour or so before bedding down.

The night is uneventful.  The tower is as secure as any small fortress could be.  One watch passes into the other and to the next without anything more than the occassional chirp of a cricket.  The horses remained out of doors and did not knicker in alarm all night.  The valley, when not being assailed by spiders, was a quiet place.  It was a good bet that the presence of the spiders had an effect on the anyone or anything coming close to the tower.

  The Thursday morning was bright and warm, breakfast was a cheerful affair without the spider carcasses about.  Bodies were renewed, the night's rest was invigorating.

So, what should we do now?

While Fr. Rys waits for the rest of the party to fully wake up, he goes back to the books and reading.

The ministrel woke, looked around, and pulled out his reed pipes. After blowing a little air into them he started to fill the room with a sharp melody while wondering where the Father went and waited for the others to wake.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:11, Mon 14 Feb 2005.

The pipes of the minstrel reverberate off the stone walls, bringing the others out of their states of rest rather quickly.  The sounds of nature could be heard filtering in through the stone walls, the door to the entryway was opened and someone could be heard moving about in there.

He kept up his playing while trying to figure out who could be moving around behind the open area. Calis looked at his friend, the knight, and nodded at the open doorway and the sounds of movement within hopeing that his actions would signal the knight that Calis is interested in what is going on in that room.

Walks into the doorway from the other room.

Ah, good, people are waking up. So, what shall we do now?

"Aye," Colm says.  "Time's a'wastin'"

This message was deleted by the player at 16:52, Tue 15 Feb 2005.

Well, until everyone else wakes up, I'll go back to these books to see if I can glean any more information out of them.

Fr. Rys walks back into to read the books some more.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:41, Tue 15 Feb 2005.

Putting down his instrument, Calis looked around again and then at his companions. "You know, if you like, I might be able to gleam some general knowledge about those enchanted items..."

   As the party rouses itself, and Calis finishes his song, another song could be heard outside the tower.  The voice was distinctly female and quite pleasing to the ear.  The song was a morning song, celebrating a new day.

   It was not long before the song ceased and there was a firm knock at the exterior door.  A lilting voice called out "Hello?!  Is there anyone there?"

Colm nocks an arrow...

From what I've gathered, the amulet makes one more healthy, the boots increase one's speed and jumping ability and the bowl can make draughts that temporarily increase one's wisdom.

In sotto vocce, Who wants to get the door?

Hearing no response, Fr. Rys walks to the door and opens it.

Yes my child?

Still shaking off the effects of yesterday's exertions, Chrissa slept deeply.  She usually rose at dawn, but sleep lingered this day.  She dreamt of long-neglected trails and long-neglected friends... of towers and spiders... of songs... and other songs...

With the sudden silence, she suddenly became fully awake, sitting up to see Father Rys open the door...

   The door is opened to reveal a comely young woman, her green eyes come to focus on the priest and she starts for a moment, as if expecting another to answer the door.  "Good morrow Padre," she began, regaining her composure and smiling.  "I am a sometimes aquaintence of the wizard of this tower, is Fillian about?" she glanced past the priest for half a second before smiling again at Father Rys.

   OODM:  The young woman appears to be in her early 20s, dark brown hair, green eyes, long green robes cut high enough to reveal the tops of her boots.  She has various pouches and little bags hanging from her, the pommel of a weapon could be seen jutting out from her belt behind her back and the top of some stringed instrument could be seen hung over her shoulder.  She is willowy, but seemingly robust in her health.

"Oh, well then you don't really need my help then." Calis broke off as the newcomer could be seen and he offered her a smile before looking at the others to see how they wanted to answer her.

Chrissa rises, and moves to the door.  Her face is compassionate; her voice is gentle.

"Good morrow.  We came here seeking Fillian at the request of Jeremiah, who is a friend of Fillian's... and of mine."

"However, it appears that he was slain by some evil spider-like creatures, which we found dwelling in this tower yesterday.  We slew them yesterday... and buried Fillian."

"I grieve to have to bring thee such tidings..."

The brunette's eyes flutter for a few seconds as she takes in the information before she cries,"Oh no!  That's horrible!" Her face flushes pink for a moment as she struggles to compose herself.
   Swallowing and appearing shaken, she looks at the group assembled at the door.  "I can't believe it.  When did this happen?  Where are the spiders now?  Who are all of you?" she takes a step back cautiously.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:56, Mon 21 Feb 2005.

Calis shook her head and offered a smile that he hoped was welcoming. "I, stranger, am Calis of the Old Ones. I hope you don't mind that we camped in this tower through the night. We believe the spiders have been dispatched. Do you know anything about where they may have come from?"

My child, please, we mean you no harm. As Chrissa here has said, we came here seeking Fillian at the request of one Jeremiah. The spiders, to our knowledge, were all dispatched yesterday, shortly after our arrival. As for when Fillian himself passed away, I know not.

Seeing that the stranger seemed friendly, Colm eases back the tension on his bow, and replaces the arrow on it's string.

He moves over to the fireplace and lights it to make breakfast and some tea

"Spiders?"she began, "I saw their webs in the woods, but how did they get into the tower?"  She glanced from the priest to the hermit to the minstrel and back again.  It seemed she knew wizard enough to find his passing painful.

   "I am called Kymberly, this valley and the mountains about it I watch.  Sometimes I bring-brought Fillian herbs and flowers for his work and he would teach me things."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:44, Tue 22 Feb 2005.

I know not my child. All we know is that they were here. They attacked us, and are no more.

Ah, a student of nature and of the arcane. My name is Rys, priest of the Church of Rome. I am a companion of Sir Pedivere, points to the knight.

"Hello Father," the young woman acknowledged, curtseying briefly to him.   "And Fillian fell?"she licked her lips anxiously with her question.  Nibbling her lower lip she glanced about the ground, looking, it only took a few seconds for her to find what Colm had the previous day, unnaturally large jabs from the legs of spiders jabbing into the ground.  "Here are their tracks,"she said with sweep of her arm, "But why would he allow them inside?  He was not a foolish man..."she sighed, trying to comprehend it all.

   The priest beckoned her inside and she followed, Chrissa hovering in a comforting manner as the minstrel noted the young woman's charms to himself.  They found their way into the great hall of the tower where they could speak more freely....
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:08, Thu 24 Feb 2005.

Following the others, Calis kept an eye on the young woman and kept his thoughts to himself. He stood a little ways away and listened to the conversation while frowing at about the comment about letting the spiders into the tower. It seemed odd to him as well and now he wondered about it as well as where they could find the item they sought from the deceased.

Colm says, "I'll be bring in the tea as soon as it's hot"

Fr. Rys, concern showing on his face, walks over to Sir Pedivere.

Sir Knight? Gently shakes him. Sir Knight, it is morning.

Pedivere rises to his feet grogilly after being roused from slumber by the priest.  "Yes, we should be making...." his voice trails off as he spies the young woman.

"My apologies, I knew not we were being visited" the knight bowed towards the girl.  "I am Pedivere, Knight of Arthur's Realm at your service m'lady.  What is it that we can do for you?"

 Kimberly swallows, curtseying out of respect before standing to address the knight.  "I am aquainted with Fillian.  I have some-some herbs and things for him."  She looked at him sadly and then asked how this could have happened, how could spiders gain entry to the tower.

  Father Rys interupts to describe the mention what he found in the wizard's journal, an entry about of a spell sent to Fillian and a portal created to the Fey Realm.

"A fey realm?" Calis shook his head as he continued to look at Kimberly. "Interesting but not always good. Fey tend to enjoy teasing mortals. And it's not always wise to visit fey lands..."

Such was what was written in the journal.

   The group gathered about the padre as he recounted what he had gleaned from the belongings of Fillian. Sitting at the refectory table the priest began.

   "I discovered this letter among the wizard's things," he unrolled a sheaf of parchment.  "It would appear to be written in a woman's hand the script is so delicate."  He held it up for others to observe.  "This is interesting here at the bottom," he points to a mark.  "It is a symbol of some sort but I do not recognize it.  There is, as you can see, no signature.  There were was an entry in the wizard's journal about receiving a spell from one called Tobalth.  He writes rather excitedly about it."  Father Rys produces a leather bound volume from the folds of his robes to demonstrate that of which he speaks. The circle on the floor in the workship resembles the aspects of the spell he describes here."  Putting the journal on the table for others to examine, he continued.   "It would seem that he contacted the fey realm when he used the spell.  Those creatures we destroyed were like none I have ever heard of," He hastens to add, "There was a map among the scrolls that showed the location of this one called Tobalth.  South of here, in the Fawr Forest, near the river Teifi.  There were other books among his collection, some about experiments, some with magic, some of nature and history, and a bible.  That is all I have been able to learn about the wizard and our need for dragon scale," the priest grimaced, bringing their minds back to the reason for their quest.

Kymberly examines the symbol at the base of the letter.  Her green eyes flutter a moment in thought.  "It seems a fey symbol but I cannot say for certain.  I have never heard of one called Tolbath, but that does not mean that one does not exist,"she looks to the others.  "My sisters and brothers of the old ways walk these mountains.  Tolbath is not one of our number."

"I'm not sure if I know that name either but I might in my travels or from my teachers. What say you, my friend? Where shall we head next?" The last was to his friend the knight.

"Why are you looking for dragons?"Kymberly questioned, regarding them.  "Most are terrible creatures that leave nothing but destruction in their wake."

OOC: To speed things up, I'll usurp Sir Pedivere's normal right of explanation:

IC:

An ally of King Arthur has been poisoned. This group has been tasked with finding a cure. From what Jeremiah, who lives near, told our group, a dragon's scale is needed for the cure. He gave us a letter of introduction for Fillian, since he believed Fillian cold aid us in finding this ingredient.

Calis didn't have much to add and he just waited for a reply from the others.

"Seems to me we have but two choise" Colm offers.  "We can try to find this wizard, both to help him and to find the dragon scale, or try to find a scale some other way.  He canna be the only one with such an item"

"Jeremiah?"Kymberly began, "Although I have never met him.  I have heard of him.  He is said to be a good and wise man.  He is the apothecary in the mountains to the east." she looked to the group for acknowledgement of her statement before continuing.  "You are looking for dragon scales?  I try to avoid those creatures as much I can.  Dealing with them is the realm of knights and wizards.  Though I still cannot understand why anyone would want such a gentle soul as Fillian dead.  Did anyone else know of your coming here to his tower for these scales?"  she asked thoughtfully...
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:38, Thu 24 Mar 2005.

"For certs, finding a dragon and taking some scale from it would achieve our end.   Where is one to be found?  Our one source, the wizard is dead.- And there is the matter of the magic that killed him.  We must have the king's potion, but this matter cannot be left unanswered either." The knight folds his arms across his chest in thought.    "There was a druid, but I doubt she would have betrayed us... Lady Maeve Rryn
"   The knight considers the thought.   "Colm did not notice any infiltrators or spies."  He looked to the yeoman for acknowledgement.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:24, Fri 25 Mar 2005.

"Lady Maeve Rryn?" Kimberly began puzzled at the name.  "There are no druids in this area that I know of called by that name.  Are you certain she was of the order? "she looked at Calis for an answer, knowing him to be of the old ways.

OODM:  You would have to look back to the Jerimiah threads to get her name ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:48, Sat 26 Mar 2005.

"Uh, um, uh, ah," Calis mumbled as he tried to think if he knew that name. "I'm not sure if I've heard of her..."

Yes, Lady Maeve. She departed company with us at Jeremiah's to take a dispatch back. She knew where we were going. I do not think she would have betrayed us either.

Sir Pedivere recalled the Sir Kay's words in his mind, as he considered the troubles that confronted the group.."The secrecy of this mission as well as the objective of it must remain within your fellowship.  The king has enemies throughout the kingdom, not all wished to see him on the throne and seek even now to remove him by whatever means possible.  The assistance of King Arthur to his friend in this matter may only become public if it is a success, the people must have faith in their king's abilities.  Faith brings loyalty, and loyalty, stability.  For the good of your king and his realm, you and any companions must remain quiet about your intentions and business.  A knight and a small company are not very suspicious travelling the realm, but be careful as to whom you enquire after the apethocary from..." he looked at the group, an eyebrow raised with suspicion.   "She was permitted to leave.  It was strange that she met us at his cave at such a oppurtune time and then disapeared.  We arrive here shortly afterwards and find the wizard dead..."

But she was known to Jeremiah. Are you then implying that he is also involved in this plot?

The male continued to watch and listen to what was being said since he wasn't sure what to add to the conversation.

"I do not believe that Jeremiah would be involved in any plot against anyone..."

Chrissa's voice trailed off as she considered.

"However, we know not how much he really knows of Lady Maeve Rryn.  If enemies of the King knew that we sought Jeremiah for a cure, the possibility exists that they could have found her first, and turned her to do their bidding."

"However, we may well do her an injustice, and we certainly have no firm evidence for any such suspicions.  There are still other possibilities that we know of, for did not the fool also leave us?  And there may be still other possibilities, that we know not of..."

Yes, there is also the fool. However, he disappeared after we arrived here, did he not? This is definitely a puzzle.

"Yes Father, he did as far as we know. This is all most strange and I'm not sure on how we should proceed..."

Does anyone know if there are any dragons hereabouts? Preferably ones that are good tempered.

Colm snorts.  "Aye, that'd be a sight to see, a good tempered dragon.  Me'thinks the great beastie will na be so good tempered when ye ask for a piece of it's hide"

But are they not like other reptiles, and shed their skin on occasion?

PM

He continued to listen to the exchanges and thought about what he could say or answer.

OOC: Not sure if he knows much about dragons.... DM help! :)

Colm nods, "Aye, they shed.  But their skins, they be keeping them.  Dragons be nesting in piles of tresure, gold and gems, and such be often stuck to their scales.  So when they shed, they keep the skins."

heavily edited
This message was last edited by the player at 21:01, Tue 05 Apr 2005.

"To find a dragon in these parts?" Kimberly began, "They live, but they almost none live to tell of where they live."  She looked at the others faces.  "'Haps, Jeremiah would know?"

Jeremiah sent us here because he thought Fillian would be able to tell us where to go because he did not.

"Hmmm..."the young woman ponders aloud.  "Your problem is most vexxing.  There must be a sage or warden, or perhaps one of my order that knows of a dragon somewhere."  She placed her hands on the curves of her hips with resolution.    "Perhaps, we should-"she began to speak again, before her train of thought was interupted by the nickering of the horses outside, and the sounds of tack jingling.

As quietly as possible, Colm ducks to a window to stealthily peek out.

OOC: taking 10 on move silent
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Mon 11 Apr 2005.

Assuming that the horses were left near the trail, and that light blue indicates windows

Colm will just peek out the door.

Fr. Rys asks in a soft voice, Colm, what do you see?

  Colm snuck to the door to peer out through a crack.  He saw a knight astride a charger outside, wearing white armour and carrying a pennated lance.  The knight seemed to be examining the exterior of the tower and preparing to dismount.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:07, Tue 12 Apr 2005.

"'Tis a Knight, all in white.  He's gettin' off his horse, o' course"

Colm answers, then grimaces.  "Ach.  Dinna mean to rhym"

Fr. Rys grins at the rhyming woodsman. Did you take lessons from the fool while he was here?

Fr. Rys then walks to the door. Hail and well met Sir Knight! In the name of God and of King Arthur I greet you!

Shaking his head, Calis gripped his weapon a little tighter and stood near the doorway. He didn't say what he was thinking and then a small smile tugged the corners of his mouth.

Leaving his Lance with his horses, Vail walks into the doorway, his white washed armor shining with a large black painted cross on his chest, the armor is apparently made of some kind of scales.  Lifting off his helmet he looks directly at the priest and speaks, his Itallian accent is very apparent "A priest of the Church of England I hope?"  Saying only that he reaches into a bag on his belt and produces a letter with his armored hand, extending it toward the priest.

"Greetings Sir Knight," Sir Pedivere intones emerging from the shade of the tower's interior.  He bows to Sir Vailrio with courtesy, "I am Sir Pedivere."  He notes the letter being conveyed to the priest, but says nothing, believing the message to be of a confidential nature.

Indeed I am Sir Knight. I am Father Rys of Canterbury. Fr. Rys extends his one hand in greeting whilst using his other to take the proffered document. Thank you. Were you looking for me specifically, or was this for any priest you found? Fr. Rys looks at the seal on the document, trying to discern who it is from.

PM

Fr. Rys' eyes grow large as he discerns whose seal is on the letter. He quickly opens up the letter and reads the contents.

He continues to look at the priest, taking only a brief moment to glance at all of the other people there, he nods to Pedivere "greetings yourself," he then looks back to the priest, "it is good to hear that you are not with the Roman Church," just at the mention of that name, even from his own lips, you can tell the Itallian man does not.  "I was informed I was to replace one of your group, I'm guessing that is what the letter is telling you."

PM

Fr. Rys begins reading the letter and stops after the first line.  Sir Pediver, this letter is addressed to you. He hands the letter over to Sir Pedivere.

Chrissa gives a gentle welcoming smile to the new arrival.

"'Peace be to you' Sir Knight, and welcome.  I am Chrissa.  Well met."

"What is thy name, Sir Knight?  And what roads have brought thee to us?"

Vail smiles, and looks at Pedivere again, "I'm guessing you will be the one i'm here to replace, guess you get to return to your home," he then turns and bows his head slightly to Chrissa, "My name is Sir Vailario Ledoranor, and yours?"

"Thank you Father," Sir Pedivere acknowledges the mishap gracefully by not mentioning it, merely reading instead.  His face changes expression as he scans the rolled piece of parchment.

   "I have been recalled to Court,"he begins, looking up from the letter and addressing the group.  "Sir Vailario is here to assist you in my place."  Sir Pedivere rolls the letter up, tucking it into his belt before moving.  "It is has been explained to you why we are here?" he asks the newly arrived knight, receiving a nod to his question.
   "My good yeoman, Colm, is now your man.  He is a good scout and pathfinder, make use of his skills,"he gestured with a sweep of his arm towards the forest warden.
   "Father Rys, and the good woman Chrissa, will tend your wounds and guard your soul should such become necessary,"he said, looking to the pair.  "My friend Calis,"he said, going to the man and longtime friend to clap his shoulders, "Is my oldest and trusted companion.  He makes himself useful in many ways and will make the quest more bearable merely by his company." He smiled at his friend with the pride of a brother.  His gaze turned to Kimberly  "This charming gentle I know not," he regards her for a moment, eliciting a downward glance of modesty on her part.  "But it would seem these mountains are known to her, since the wizard we seek has been slain, perhaps she can be of some help to you."  He regards Vailario and strides towards him.  "Find that which we seek and solve the mystery of this good man's death if you can,"he gestured to the tower.  "I must take my leave of you and return to the king with all haste."He moves to his horse, unsecuring the box containing the goblet that he had in his possession.  "Guard this well Sir Vailario,"he nods thrusting it to him and turning back to his horse to take to its back.
    "God speed you on this quest." He saluted Sir Vailario, nodded to the men, bowed his head to the ladies before turning and riding out in the direction they had taken the day before...

Colm nods in goodbye to the departing knight, and turns to see what the new one has to say

"Good-bye, my friend," Calis clasped hands with his long time companion. "I expect we will meet again." He turned to the others and wondered where they were heading and what the party would be like now that the only one he really knew left them.

Go with God, Sir Pedivere. Signs the cross over him. May the Lord bless you and guide, uphold you in times of trouble and counsel you at all times. May His countenance shine upon you in all that you do.

"We will, an' the Lord wills it."  Colm turns to the new arrival.  "We were just discussing our next move, Sir Knight."

Sir Pedivere half-turns in his saddle to salute them before he disapears into the dense woodlands that cover the sides of the mountain.

   OODM:  I'll let the party explain the predicament to our new knight.  I have given him the gist, but for gaming purposes and experience point purposes.  (Remember 100 xp per quality post!)

Sir Knight, since, it appears, we are to be quest-mates, could you tell us a bit about yourself? Also, what, exactly, have you been told of the quest? This way, we can bring each other up to speed on what is going on.

"I am Sir Vailario," he began regarding the priest with respect.  "I was sent by your king, Arthur, to help you in your quest to save the king of Norway from the treacherory that has befallen him." The knight's accent was thick but his words, understandable.   "I have travelled many days to find you.  I have met the apothecary Jeremiah and his fool.  I was selected to assist you for my bravery, as you can see by this armour that I wear, I am fearless in the face of danger."   The knight's scale armour is impressive and not, it would seem made of steel.  "I cannot replace your Sir Pedivere, but let us say I strive to fulfill his quest and bring honour to his name as well as my own as we save this king and serve yours."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:59, Fri 22 Apr 2005.

Calis continued to keep his thoughts to himself, especially now that his true friend left. He was the only pagan in a group of Christ worshippers and he felt even more out of place. As he stood nearby he wondered where the group were going to decide to go. He knew they needed a dragon scale and there was talk about going to Faerie, which isn't a good idea unless the group was protected or knew what they were doing.

You have met with Jeremiah then Sir Knight? Then you know we seek a dragon scale. Fr. Rys pauses as he looks more closely at Sir Vailorio's armor. Sir Knight? I notice that your armor is made of an unusual matieral. Is it perhaps the scales of a dragon?

Vail looks down at his armor, "Indeed it is, it has been painted over and treated so as not to decay but it is dragon scale none the less, the scales of my first slain dragon," he then looks up with a sense of pride knowing that he had announced possibly one of his greatest feats of combat, something that as a child he never thought he would perform.

A dragon slayer, how extraordinary! You don't, perchance, happen to have any extra scales laying about? If so, then we can take said scale back to Jeremiah.

Vail shakes his head solemly, "none laying around and as much as I would like to say it would work, and as quickly as I would hack of part of my armor if it would, sadly using the peices in my armor wouldnt.  The treatment on the scales as well as the paint that has been applied make them useles for anything but armor.  I'm here to help however, and we will find and destroy a dragon, but first I would like to rest, its been a long journey."

Tis a pity that you do not have any spares, ere our quest would be shortened. We still face the dilemma of needing to find a dragon scale for Jeremiah to create the antidote. And we have this puzzle of the spell to the lands of the fae, to which Fillian succumbed.

The party stands considering their next move, the warm sunlight of the morning making the day seem far more bright than the grim task before them.  There was much to decide, and time was of the essence.  The knight's arrival left the group with the strength of arms it would need to continue on its quest.  It was merely a matter of what to do next...

Fr. Rys is a bit confused by Sir Vailario's reticence. Sir Knight?

Calis nodded at the Father's words and waited for the knight also.

Fr. Rys notes that Sir Vail's face has begun to glaze over. Sir Knight, are you alright?

  "There are many dragons in this land.  It is why I came to Britain to serve our Lord and Blessed Lady in destroying these spawn of hell and send them from the earth once and for all,"he begins in a heavy accent.
   "I was questing to find another to slay when your king's servant Sir Kay asked me to find you and bring Sir Pedivere his message."he said, mentioning the recently departed knight.  "There are rumours of a dragon living in the mountains south of here.  is that what you seek?  To slay a dragon and take it's scales.  I can tell you, it is no easy task.  Three of the company of knights I travelled with were slain when we destroyed the one who's hide I wear now."he crossed himself in memory.

Are all dragons truly the spawn of Satan? I thought some held to higher morals than that. But anyway, our quest is to find dragon scales; not to necessarily kill a dragon. I understand such creatures are terribly dificult to kill; and from your personal account, that understanding plays out.

Calis snorted at the Father's words but he didn't comment on half of what the Father said. "Aye, we don't need to kill one, just get a scale. So to the south then?"

Sir Knight, why are you so reticent? You say you are here to aid us on our quest, yet are being more hindrance than help with your refusal to speak with us!

The knight stood in stunned silence, shocked by what he was hearing.  Dragons, not evil?  Tell that to the devoured maidens!  Tell that to St. George battling the Evil One in dragon's form!  And from a priest no less.  One who had taken the vows as he had.  One who had taken the sacrament of Holy Orders.  He frowned.  The goal, though, must be met.  The goal.  Saving an innocent man from a horrible fate.

He snapped himself from his trance.  Well, it seems that, in truth, we have but one option.  What clue do we have but the rumor of a dragon?  We must go south.  What other choice is there?   As to slaying the dragon, I shall do as the Lord dictates and as His Holy Spirit calls me, even should it mean my death.  Have you found guidance that would lead us elsewhere?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:34, Fri 20 May 2005.

Having waited several moments in silence, it was now the knight's turn to express some frustration... Father?  Tis now you who holds our quest at bay.  I have no qualms leading this group and, yes, I would steer us south, but wisdom would say to lean to the experince of all involved.  What say you about our course?

OCC:  Not trying to be a schmuch, but your previous post, showing frustration at Sir Vailario (even though understandable), was still IC frustration.  Cool?

Still feeling out of place the minstrel finally spoke up again, "South it is then? Aye? Unless we decide to journey to Faerie but that might not be a good idea..."

I know not what thou hast discussed regarding Faerie.  Pray, tell, know thou of a dragon in such parts?

Kymberly. I believe you mentioned that you think some of your learned companions here in the mountains may have some knowledge? If south is where we needs go, then south it is.

"Unless it's the full moon and a druid circle is nearby or we find the other entrances to Faerie that are in this tower, it's best to head south...."

Then it is settled.  Let us depart without delay!  With that said, the knight turns on his heels and moves to depart.  Before mounting his horse, he draws his sword, places the point on the ground and kneels.  He prays silently, kisses its hilt, and returns it to its scabbard.  He then mounts and waits for the others before departing

  "Yes father, I do have friends south.  Members of my order. I hope we can find them."

Stepping outside after discussing the magick items, Calis mounted his horse and waited to leave.

In the sunlight of the morning the group made its preperations to leave.  The knight seemed to believe that a dragon of some kind could be found in the south.  It was fortunate that he had come along, given Fillian's untimely demise and the need for the ingredient to Norway's salvation hung in the balance.   Kimbery supplied that she knew that some of her order lived south of Fillian's tower and there was a chance that one of them could be found to help with information.

   Divvying up the findings of the tower before closing the door securely, the group rode south, their yeoman taking the lead as was his role...

OOC: sure, make the low class guy walk out front and spring the traps !!

Colm takes his customary spot, bow in hand, keeping a sharp eye out for ambushes, traps, and other dangers

Fr. Rys secures various scrolls and books to his mount and begins to walk beside Equus, as he doesn't want to greatly overburden him.  A hawk then comes to rest on the pommel.

Ah, Buteo, good to see you again. Did you find any mice?

  The hawk chirped and screeched in response, fluffing its wings being settling on its perch, it's head bobbing and turning to examine it's surroundings, the sharp talons of it's feet gripping the wooden pommel.

  The first part of the valley floor is merely long grases and fragrant and colourful wild flowers.  Bees and dragonflies buzz about their business while meadow larks' cries can be heard as the group approaches and they issue their warnings.

OODM:  Everyone does have a horse, just to remind you all :)
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 18:31, Wed 01 June 2005.

Glad to hear that you've enjoyed yourself.

Walks closer to Sir Vailario

Sir Vailario, what is the best strategy when dealing with dragons?

That is, indeed, a question, Father. They are all different as people are different, although sharing some common traits.  Began Vailario.  He speach began to grow in passion and zealous fervor, Deceit and trickery are the ways of some such creatures.  Blatent violence the way of others.  Believe not the lies of the Evil One spoken in dragon form!  Their voice can charm the unwary!  But guile is not the last of their arsenal.  Thou hast surely heard of their breath?  A wind of death, often in the form of fire, spews forth from their mouths as the mouth of hell itself!  Claws like spears!  Teeth like rows of swords! (OCC:  nasty sharp pointy teeth!) And a tail that slaps with the force of a battering ram made of stout oak and wielded by giants.  I've found little value in talking with such creatures.  Match violence with valor!  Match guile with the Truth of the Lord! Bellowed Sir Vailario.  Then pausing, he continued.

But, it is more than speech making I would offer Thee, Father.  I would say this.  It is best that those best at fighting, move to close on the beast.  My armor will grant me great protection and the Lord is my shield.  My sword arm, the vengence of the Lord.  Our Yeoman would do best to keep his distance and pelt the beast with arrows, while those with other skills aid us in our battle.  Again, it all depends on the beast we find.  They are all different.  Doth he hide in rocky terrain?  Doth he hide in swamp?  All these are to be considered.  We shall see, Father, we shall see.  But, with the Blessing of the Lord, we shall be victorious.

OOC: does he jump this far?

After taking one of the daggers, Calis followed the others. He listened to the take of the new knight while wondering how his friend is doing now that he was called back. Shaking off his thoughts he concentrated on the words that were being spoken.

"Are all dragons evil then, Sir Knight?  Are there none who would choose light rather than darkness?"

I find this troubling as well. Yes, Lucifer was the Dragon cast out of Heaven. Yet I can't believe that all such creatures are evil. Surely there are those who uphold the tenets of honour.

OCC:  I'm a bit concerned that people are taking this a little too seriously.  This guy, as I see him, is a dragon slayer.  I rememeber the story of St. George and his battles against the dragon (metaphore for satan).  Swim, feel free to reign me it, but I cant see a guy who bills himself as a "dragon slayer" to ask too many questions of the beasts.  "Scuse me?  Are you a nice dragon or an evil dragon?"  So, please dont take my comments as personally offensive or even as my opinion about church Tradition, but I see this guy as a religious crusader.  His crusade is against dragons and evil, IMHO.

BIC:  Hearing the rise of protests from his fellows, Val shakes his head.  How many dragons hast thou known good priest?  I shall let you judge, then, when we find it.

The knight, now apparently "finished" with this conversation, his opion made obvious by the sudden hard look on his face, nudges his horse with his spurs.  Let us be off, then?

As the discussion continues, the riders move south, leaving the valley of flowers and tall grasses and riding back into the ferns, shrubs, chesnut and oak trees that surrounded it.  Colm lead the way, his years of experience in the hills of Eire and forests of Britain had sharpened his skills.
   He found a deer path that made the movements of the horses easier.  Kimberly walked beside him, her lifetime in the forests made her movements as graceful and easy as the deer that had created it.  Behind them followed the priest, the knight, the hermit, and the singing minstrel.  Calis' dolcett tones keeping them in good spirits as he filled the air with tales, jokes, and songs...

   Morning became mid-day, and mid-day the afternoon, the air became warmer, but the canopy of trees helped blunt the worst of the sun's heat.  As the group's travelled them up and over and down and then up and down a second mountain, cries of distress could be detected...

OCC:  Assuming he knows the direction fo the cries.

BIC:  As soon as he could discern the direction of the call, the knight was off as fast as his horse would carry him.  he prayed quietly as he rode Lord have Mercy on me and grant me victory if achieved by word or deed, to Your Glory

I have never met a dragon. However, I can't believe that there is a creature race that is wholely evil...every member of said race in league with the Devil. The Good Lord preaches redemption, and every sentient should be give the chance.

Softly, almost to himself, Inpetuous knight! So every one can hear, I fear our new companion may be in need of our help!. With that, Fr. Rys mounts Equus as best as he is able and rides off after Sir Vailario.

The knight raises as eyebrow at this and smiles.  Blessing himself he continues May the Lord teach me of His Mercy in Truth!  I truely hope Thou art right, good Priest.  I pray the Lord Have Mercy on me for my lack of faith, for I am the greatest among sinners. he says earnestly.

He then continues We shall learn together.  Perhaps the Lord shall teach me of His Mercy.  Perhaps he will teach you of the ways of the Devil.  Let us hope, he does not wish to teach us of humilty in defeat.he says with a frown.

Surely you are to hard on yourself Sir Knight. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. It is through His redeeming grace that we and blessed.