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14:16, 10th May 2024 (GMT+0)

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Posted by GM StarMasterFor group 0
GM StarMaster
GM, 4 posts
Mon 28 Sep 2020
at 03:23
  • msg #1

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

The sound of the mountain exploding was heard for over 200 miles, though very few people knew it for what it was. Only those within 50 miles of the Forgotten Realms' Earthspur Mountains had any idea of the degree of the disaster. For them, the ground trembled and shook so violently that many buildings collapsed. The sun was blotted out for days. At least three villages were completed covered in ash in the blink of any eye, killing every living thing there. Two towns were obliterated by the pyroclastic flow that swept down off the mountain.

Via magic, it didn't take long for word to spread around the surrounding areas about what had happened. A new volcano had been born. Someone had named it Mt. Doom... and the name stuck. But something was strange about it. Rumors ran rampant. It was alive! It was caused by the Drow of Underearth! A giant fireball fell out of the sky! A Mad Wizard caused it with his extraplanar experiments! The gods are angry!

Is any of it true? Could ALL of it be true?

Someone must find out! And soon!

Will you heed the call that you aren't even aware is there? Just what is it the draws you to the Green Star Citadel? Perhaps it's the birthmark or the scar or the tattoo you have. It tingles when you travel in another direction, even to the point where it starts to burn if you persist.

It goes away completely when you head for the Green Star Citadel, even if you've never heard of it and don't know what or where it is. Eventually, you make your way to The Vast, in the southern foothills of the Earthspur Mountains, just north of the River Vesper. That's where your journey ends (for the moment)--at the Green Star Citadel.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:23, Mon 05 Oct 2020.
Tyrol Halverschlagen
player, 3 posts
Gnome Alchemist/Rogue
AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120
Sun 4 Oct 2020
at 07:25
  • msg #2

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Unless he used a mirror, he never really ever saw that damned 'green star' birthmark on his left butt cheek. According to Momma Krina, he was born with it even though it was way too regular and strange to be 'normal'. Since it was always covered up (well, almost always), it was never a big deal as he grew up. Until he started fooling around with women. Half of them thought it was cute and fascinating; the other half didn't quite run away screaming but thought it was some sort of curse or something.

And then it caught fire! Not really, but it sure felt like it! Suddenly, out of the blue, it began hurting, stinging, burning... he couldn't quite describe it. It was only after he started running around in circles yelling his ass was on fire that it started to ease off, but only when he was running north! How strange was that?

If he tried walking in some other direction, it hurt again. The longer he persisted, the worse it got! It eventually occurred to him that it was some sort of summoning. Right?

As he moved north, he began hearing the tales about the volcano. By the fourth or fifth time, he finally put it together that it had something to do with his burning ass, although the connection eluded him. It did, however, prompt him to move faster, which as saying something for a Gnome.

It didn't insist he climb every wall or hill or mountain in his path--he was able to go around them when necessary. That made him think it had something to do with his intent.

After several days, he saw it. He wasn't sure what it was, but it was definitely IT. He supposed it qualified as a 'citadel', but looked a bit more like a monastery. The main part was a circular building with a golden dome. Each of the two wings had a small tower atop them.

It was the big green star on the front that said it was IT. The door to the place... well, at least the front door, was just under the star.

There was a man standing in the doorway as he approached but went inside before he reached it. The door was open, so Tyrol walked in.


OOC: Based on GM info and prompt!
Kurat
player, 9 posts
Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard
Sun 4 Oct 2020
at 13:10
  • msg #3

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Kurat had been working for Overshadow Wronsa the last few months clearing some new warrens in the Underdark for Brikklext. It was not a hard contract, they were making good time and stood to get the promised bonus for their speedy work. That is when the ground shook. They were in the middle of a battle. Kurat's tattoo seemed to burn as it happened. Stalagtites broke from the cavern ceiling and decimated both sides ranks. At first it was thought that the enemy had resulted in magic it was only Kurat's fast feet that saved him. His entire company was killed in the onslaught and the ground shook for some time. Fortunately the other side was just as equally devastated by the earthquakes.

Kurat withdrew as did the survivors on both sides and then when he found that the tattoo continued to hurt him he bid adieu to Brikklext and headed back to the surface. He had spent years on the surface and only had recently returned to the goblinoid city. He found that so long as he followed a path he didn't really know the tattoo did not hurt, but if he deviated from this path for any length of time the pain returned.

Thus he marched on and it was not long before he could see the eruptions of Mt Doom. The path seemed to lead that way.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:11, Sun 04 Oct 2020.
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 14 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Sun 4 Oct 2020
at 15:40
  • msg #4

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina was enjoying her nightly bath in the pool of spring water alone in the forest when she got a strange feeling that something was about to happen.  Taking a moment she looked around to make sure that there was no one in the shadows watching or waiting to ambush her.  She knew that one day her mother would come looking for her and she has already dealt with a few assassin attempts on her life.

It seemed that this young Drowess was very attuned the connection of Fate or Destiny for the Universe would always send her some sort of warning beforehand or her Goddess would send visions of things to come.  In either case, Chess ala'riina slowly moved to the edge of the water and took hold of her corset then placing it on.  Then she got out of the water and her fingers started to move as she invoked a spell to See things in True.  Once she was sure there was no body around she continued to dress and then move to where she left her backpack filled with a few things.

Before she bent down to get her backpack a sharp pain burned in the back of her neck a bit below the collar line.  At first she thought she been attacked by some unseen being but then the pain subsided. And then she felt the ground tremble.

Now with her belongs in hand she cast another spell and then she was gone.

Reappearing in the Temple of the Lady of Mystery she wanted to speak to the High Priestess and see what she could unravel of the pain that was on the back of her neck.  It seemed that the High Priestess informed her that a "STAR" shape has formed there.

Chess ala'riina didn't know what to take of it but everyone knew that Mystra's symbol was that in the form of a Star.  Has she been marked again by the Goddess for some reason.  A few days passed and it seemed to cause a burning pain if she were to move in a different direction than North.  After some time she then prepared herself for a long journey and informing the High Priestess that she must leave and seek what Mystery has befallen upon her these recent times.

With no mount and traveling by foot and a bit of Magic, Chess ala'riina reached a place where she was shocked to witness.  Many parts of the land has been covered by ash and soot.  The smell of sulfur was somewhat still lingering in the air.  The land itself was in pain and she called out to the Land to hear what it had to tell her with a spell Whispering Lore.

Her eyes covered over in a pale white color as a vision entered into her mind.  Before the spell ended there was tears flowing down her obsidian skin. So many lives have been lost for what reason, for what purpose.  Something was amidst in these lands.

When she opened her eyes to see the land again her head was in the direction still pointing North.  Gathering what she could and a few drops of these ashes were placed in a vial.  She moved onward till she saw what looked to be a Citadel. Continuing onward she finally reached it and before she entered she looked around and there was no one in sight but the door was ajar.

She moved closer and looked inside.  (Entering the building)
Aniyu
player, 10 posts
Human Winter Witch/Druid
Sun 4 Oct 2020
at 16:52
  • msg #5

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Aniyu knew a crucible was coming, but he didn't know what form it would take. The primordial spirits that had guided his family were never direct or obvious, and a burning, complex sigil suddenly forming in the back of his hand was omen enough. He felt the earth shudder even from the distant north, and his mark guided him from his native lands and towards his destiny and duty.

He teleported to the edge of his lands at the beginning of the journey, but he spent much of the rest of the trip flying freely as an air elemental. He didn't know what he was looking for, but the distinct building and the divining rod burned into his hand made it clear this was his destination.

The swirling cloud of snow and wind swirled around the building before stopping above the front door. It coalesced into a pale man in black furs; making it easy to blame the supernatural transformation for the unnatural contrast, but even as the effect ended, no color bloomed in the man -- except for his bright blue eyes.

He approached the door, each step leaving a moment of crisp frost on the ground that quickly melted and evaporated into wisps. Seeing nobody to speak to, he rapped his knuckles against the door before letting himself in...
Lucien Soulban
player, 16 posts
Human Paladin/Sorcerer
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 00:55
  • msg #6

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

  Lucien was in Waterdeep visiting the local temple of his order and as was his usual he would use his abilities to help those less fortunate. He felt it was his duty to the common good. He was of Torm's faith but spent time helping the faithful of Ilmater in their daily duties that day.
 When he arrived for the day his old spear wound tingled a little this was normal. He was healing a ship's captain of his sicknesses when Mt. Doom happened. His spear wound burst open and he bled on his tunic. The Ilmateri in charge took this as a good sign of coming trials. Lucien just shook his head and finished with the captain and when he moved on it burned. The wound turned green as it burned.
    He spoke with his superiors and told them he must go in the general direction of the Earthspur Mountains. Something drew him there. As he could teleport he used his flight to go as high as he could after teleporting as far as he could see. And so it went. He avoided most of the darkness in his path for the most part. (A tribe of goblins would argue that.) Eventually he drew close to the area he needed to be at and started hiking eventually coming to the temple door. He says a quick prayer to Helm before crossing the threshold and finding others inside he pulls back his hood and says "Well met. I come seeking answers about the Green Star. Do any of you know about a mark such as that?"
Vashon the Vigilant
player, 3 posts
Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 02:21
  • msg #7

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

He was a rambler and a gambling, a gypsy and a wanderer... at least, to his mind. Others might not think so, depending on how you define those words. So, when the tattoo on his arm began hurting and only stopped when he headed in a particular direction that happened to be northeast, he figured that was as good a direction to wander in as any other.

He tried veering off course a few times, and each time, the pain returned, even to the point of worsening the farther he deviated from his course.

He finally decided he was being summoned, although he thought it was a peculiar way to go about it. It also made him wonder (egads! Now he was a wonderer!) about the tattoo. How long ago was it now? Three years? Yeah, that was about right. Days and nights in Tantras. It must have been put there by some wizard... although, truth to tell, anyone could have gotten him drunk enough to do it. Since nothing had come of it, he assumed it was just a lark, someone's idea of a prank.

Now he knew better. Took them long enough!

With the dust of Raven's Bluff several days behind him now, he realized he was being drawn... no, driven... no, not that, either. He was being guided--rather forcefully--to the Earthspur Mountains.

His journey carried him to the foothills, to an old monastery from the looks of the buildings. He caught a glimpse of someone else entering through the open front doors and couldn't help noticing the big green star over and around the entrance. Clearly that was where he was supposed to go, but, being rather stubborn, he attempted to change course and go around the building. Nope, no dice. The pain returned, though not as bad as before. Kind of made sense; he was there

Several minutes later he was walking through the front doors. For some reason that he couldn't quite put a finger on, he didn't feel threatened entering the monastery.

He glanced around curiously, noting that others were also there.
Ki'nae Bashemath
player, 5 posts
Gunslinger/Steelfist
Ballistic Fist Method
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 03:36
  • msg #8

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Days Earlier...:
"You gonna sit there and mope all day, Bash? That earthquake sounded a little too close for comfort."

Ki'nae groaned, holding her hat on her head as though keeping her brains in. It had been a late night performance, a large one at that, and who would have thought that her theatrics would have gotten her bounty out of hiding to watch? She must have been good. Then again, it was her.

By the time Ki'nae finished hog-tying the rascal she'd already downed her first of many drinks. Now she was feeling them all at once, but that was the kind of pain she was familiar with. This new thing was something...too familiar. For all the ways she lived up to her nickname, it seemed she didn't do a good enough job the first time.

The ground rumbled, like a bad belch from a troll's gut. Is that what'd woke her up?

"Makes sense it'd take an earthquake to wake you up," Llarl went on like he owned the damn world as she stumbled to the pond's edge. Ki'nae'd only been traveling with this troupe for a couple of days. Thank the WEEP she would only have another day before she could drop this square peg.

She splashed a handful of pond water on her face as Llarl continued his beration. "Did you not hear that? You handers are all so self-possed. Why can't you just be more considerate? You'd never see one of us songsouls going about sleeping in the sun, waiting for an act of the very gods to shake us to action. In fact, the sun's not getting any higher, so if you could hurr-"

"Llarl," Ki'nae, from where she kneeled over at the edge of the pond, craned her neck like an angry owl. Some malevolent spirit crept to her shining, firesteel eyes. She shot that dark light to Llarl's impudent gaze.

"Just. Shut. Up."

The giant of a half-man backed away hands up. Ki'nae made sure he wasn't looking before she looked back to the water. Her reflection glared back at her. Sour-mouthed, flared nostrils, squished eyebrows. Just the way she liked to be. Unfortunate that it took a hangover to get there. A gloved hand moved to push her hat up, pull her loose blond locks back out of her face. A chill seized her spine as she saw the green birthmark, felt it, pulsating like a heartbeat's last pumps. What an unpleasantly fast way to sober up.

This mark hadn't been unfamiliar. She recognized its verdant luminescence, faint as stars in a city night. Looked like a star too, its upper spokes threatening to reach into her hairline. There was that faint worry she felt from back then, that the strange mark's touch would turn her blond hair into some sort of green. She was already her mother's throwaway, and a life competing for acceptance in the Courts of Guile filled her dish of disappointment to the brim. The last thing she'd needed was to look like one of those treehugging, twig-up-the-arsers to set her apart.

That's why twenty years ago, with a well-honed rock and a well-honed lie, she'd cut it out.

So why did it come back now?

"Dammit t'darkness, does my head hurt," Ki'nae moaned. It burned. Not in the way of holding her hand over a candle or taking a few barehanded whacks in the bonfire. That was the good, clean kind of burn. This pain was acute, precise. It was the pain of...destiny.

Why would I think this was destiny? Ki'nae bent down and plunged her head into the water. The cold slapped at her face with a wet fish's caress. Did little for the pain though. It just spread its aching behind her eyes, around her skull, to the base of her neck.

"Bash!" A hand came down on her shoulder. Reflexively Ki'nae pointed her pistol at the face before she saw whose it belonged to. Niyaji just looked at her over the barrel with wild eyes. "We've got to go!"

Ki'nae followed the thin gnome's frantic hands to the mountain in the distance. Just moments ago, the Earthspur mount had been a behemoth boulder. Now down its side came a wave of condensed flames, pouring out like pus gone bad in a young teen's face. That was the kind of zit you ran from.

Ki'nae stood up, brushing her knees off. "Well, well, wouldja look at that..." She knew their were villages clse to their. They were too close themselves. The smells of burning trees was already overpowering their dying cooking fires, and soon flesh would follow behind. There should have been more sorrow there, more disappointment that the snuffed lives were outside of her control. But something inside her pulled at something else. Something in the heat itself smelled like...

Smelled like home?

Ki'nae licked her lips.

"Ain't that some sh-"


"-yster?"

Ki'nae only partially committed to the inquiry. She was, for the third time, rubbing tinfin oil on her pistol just for the extra shine. Really, it was just to do anything to avoid the kid's constant questions. Nothing deterred the young girl's questions, and it's hard to run when they were responsible for leading your mule up the side of a mountain.

"Yeah, shyster." The little half-elf said. She sat on her own mule, the rope of Ki'nae's pack animal firm in her small-fingered grip. "What's dat mean?"

"Where'd you here that from, honey?" Ki'nae asked, her cigarette dancing between her pursed lips.

"From daddy." Ki'nae frowned. "Daddy said he was tired of no-good, sleepyfoot, lay'bout shysters who...mmm..." The little girl crinkled her face with thoughtful intelligence. "Whose very presence...umm...buckles? Buckles, the eh-kaw-noh-mee of good in the world."

Ki'nae sighed, breathing out a puff of smoke. "Shysters aren't t'be trusted, honey. Just make sure that if y'e'er MAKE A BET THAT Y'LOOOOSE AT!" Ki'nae's voice easily carried up ahead to the young girl's father, leading the way, "that yer able t'follow through on yer gamble."

The little girl cocked her head, thoughtfully. "What's a gamb-"

"Ask yer pa, sweet'eart." Ki'nae chucked her pistol into the air. It spun before landing perfectly in the holster at her hip as she took a long drag. "Ask yer pa."

Ever since that earthquake, that Great Shake of Doom, Ki'nae's head had been killing her. The troupe she'd traveled with had kept moving to the nearest township, doing their part to spread their news through their performance. Ki'nae's head had hurt so bad it made her sick. She hadn't drank for days!

It still took a little bit of weebling in the wrong direction before she could wobble in the right one. The Green Star Citadel. A big arse building with a big arse star on the door. Seemed about right.

She could see it now, its imposing frame filling her vision with...destiny.

----------------------------------------------------------------
"Thanks again, Pa!"

Ki'nae exaggerated her parting wave, much to the child's bemusement. Her father didn't bother looking back from where he dropped her off. "Good riddance to you too, buddy," She muttered, putting out her cigarette beneath a wineblood-colored boot. She marched forward, hat tilted sideways over her eyes, chin stretched out as she entered the citadel. Like any good Guiler, she made sure to spit respectfully before passing along the threshold.

"Well met. I come seeking answers about the Green Star."

What the...? There were others here?

Who're all these freaks? She really didn't think of the term as an insult. Yet not a single soul looked completely...normal. There was a man so pale he looked like snow itself. Then there was one of those treehuggers that didn't hug trees (cavehugger?) A tall'un with a hat seemed just as curious as the rest of 'em, but the red eyes weren't exactly standard fare in these parts. In any parts really Some other brown-haired guy that looked too...Ki'nae didn't know. Him being in the same space as these guys already made him suspect, but his tawny skin and brown eyes were well...she didn't know.

The one talking now, the pretty boy with the red hair, had her full attention.

"Do any of you know about a mark such as that?"

"What'd you know 'bout it, pardner?" Ki'nae put her hands on her hips, pulling the heat out of her gaze enough to make her look less interrogative. Her stone-cold face was something she wasn't keen on fixing any time ever. "Yew here fer a...healin', mayhaps?"

Ki'nae glanced about, looking about at each arrivee as though she was inspecting them.

"All yuns here fer somethin' mayhaps...ailin' ya?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:59, Mon 05 Oct 2020.
Lucien Soulban
player, 17 posts
Human Paladin/Sorcerer
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 03:58
  • msg #9

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

 "I'm usually the one doing the healing. So no I'm not here for that. I was called here for some reason and I merely wish to know why. I take it you have a similar issue yourself."
Tyrol Halverschlagen
player, 4 posts
Gnome Alchemist/Rogue
AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 04:12
  • msg #10

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Lucien Soulban:
  "Well met. I come seeking answers about the Green Star. Do any of you know about a mark such as that?"


"You mean other than the big green star on the front of the building?" Tyrol replies to Lucien. "Yeah, I got one on my ass! No, really! I have a birthmark on my butt in the shape of a green star. If I wasn't heading for this place, it literally gave me a pain in the ass!"

"So, you got a green star on your butt, too?"

"Huh. Imagine that! I'm a healer, too! Bet that's why we're all here. Some sort of plague."

"By the way, my name's Tyrol Halverschlagen." the Gnome finished.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:41, Mon 05 Oct 2020.
Lucien Soulban
player, 18 posts
Human Paladin/Sorcerer
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 04:39
  • msg #11

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

  "Interesting. And no mine was from a spear strike years ago. formed in the shape of a star and turned green just a little while ago. Some considered it an omen of some kind. I laughed and asked if they knew the color of the sky too. I hope it is not a plague those are less fun than they sound like."
Aniyu
player, 11 posts
Human Winter Witch/Druid
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 05:33
  • msg #12

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Aniyu continued into the fated building that his burning scar demanded, and towards the voices. His bright eyes glanced around, still trying to learn more about the location itself -- and whomever owned it.

He gave a polite nod to each of those assembled, raising a hand up in a still wave of greeting, "I am Aniyu." He glanced around again, "I am from quite a distance away and did not know where my mark was guiding me. Does anybody know the purpose of this building or who owns it?"
Vogh Kath
player, 3 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 11:26
  • msg #13

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Vogh had served many summers upon the Seagull as their bard and healer.  Her particular professions had done wonders at defeating many pirates in the Sea of Fallen Stars.  Vogh was particularly enamored by Arya and her leadership abilities, and other less known abilities which is why Arya liked having Vogh on her ship, The Seagull.

Having just defeated another pirate ship and gathering what was left of the pirate crew, Vogh saw something off to the north.  It seemed like some sort of explosion, but HUGE in scale.  It was then that she felt something burning her on the back of her neck.  Ignoring the pain on her neck, Vogh had helped complete their task and so the ship began to return Procampur.  The pain in her neck eased up as she made her voyage, leaving her to believe it was nothing.

The growing cloud in the sky to the north was something though.  It was something that Vogh had decided to check out.  Vogh left the Seagull and bade her farewells to the crew, especially Arya.  Vogh traveled the miles to the north not knowing what she would find but she knew she had to find out what had happened.

As she drew close to the Mt. Doom, which she didn't know was the cause of the explosion, Vogh began to hear tales of the destruction.  Many more miles, Vogh spotted a structure off in the distance.  A fortress of some sort and as she drew near she saw that it was a citadel.  Drawing nearer still, Vogh saw the green star over the door which brought back a memory Arya had told her about what was on her neck.  She described it perfectly as the symbol over this very door.

Throwing caution to the wind, as she often had quite literally, Vogh entered the structure.  Upon entering she found others inside speaking to each other somewhat casually.  Vogh wore simple but clean traveling clothes.  She carried on her back a well-worn pack and quiver along with a bow.  On her hip was a scabbard with a blade sheathed, the pommel had a black stone inside.  Even as her clothes were plain, her looks were anything but.  Vogh wore her brown curly hair down, which reached midway down her back and covered her ample chest.  Her figure looked to be quite strong but agile with long legs.

Being somewhat shy with people she didn't know at all, Vogh gave a meek smile and said, "Hello, I am Vogh.  Can anyone tell me what this place is?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:36, Mon 25 Jan 2021.
Ki'nae Bashemath
player, 6 posts
Gunslinger/Steelfist
Ballistic Fist Method
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 12:39
  • msg #14

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"I'm usually the one doing the healing. So no I'm not here for that. I was called here for some reason and I merely wish to know why. I take it you have a similar issue yourself."

Ki'nae nodded before mumbling, "Not one fer the healin' arts m'self," then was about to reply until someone started talking all about their backside. It took her longer than she felt comfortable to pinpoint the white-haired gnome. Even if they barely came up to her waist, the hair should've been easy to spot.

Maybe I ought to keep an eye on him, she pondered, knowing all too well how futile the idea was. Not for want of trying. It was quickly getting full in here.

How many shared in the Green Star Story? Did they feel the connection to the mountain's destruction like she did? Did all their stars appear in wild ways in wild places, from head to arse to toes?

At least Ki'nae had names, now. Tyrol, Aniyu, and Vogh. Better than her own assigned monikers: starbutt, powderpale, and...curls? Curls would've been fine. But it wasn't their name, so she reckoned she shouldn't call her that.

"Seems we're all wonderin' what's goin' 'round these parts. E'er since that mount'n blew its top like a mad teapot. I'm sher all yew," - she made sure not to wince, hiding her expression behind a mask devoid of the suspicion she felt - "fine individuals are lookin' fer answers to yer rather inerestin' marks."

"I don't exactly have a home m'self. A bit of a wanderer, if I may." There was enough truth to the lie to make it seem right. Her home was wherever another troupe would have been. "Any y'all hail from closer by?" She had been new to this part of the land. Perhaps she could get some more information out of these sorts. With all of her social prowess, it only seemed to come about through pressure and performance.

And punching. Definitely theough punching.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:17, Mon 05 Oct 2020.
Lucien Soulban
player, 19 posts
Human Paladin/Sorcerer
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 14:49
  • msg #15

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

 "Since we a sharing names mines Lucien. Spent to much time traveling lately. Came all the way here from Waterdeep so no local environment is not really something I know. Giant volcano that way that's about it." he points in the general direction of Mt. Doom.
Vashon the Vigilant
player, 4 posts
Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 15:38
  • msg #16

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

For some reason, Vashon felt the urge to speak up. Or was it the 'need' to speak up? He wasn't particularly a loner, but very few wanderers had company for long.

"To be precise, it isn't a star--it's a pentacle. A star is either solid or doesn't have the inner lines. In the latter case, it's an outline of a star," he explained.

"As I'm sure most of you already know, the pentacle has magical and mystical properties. Laymen and ordinary folk tend to call anything that's star-shaped a 'star'."

"I am Vashon. There is most assuredly a connection between the volcano's eruption and the green star tattoo on my arm causing me pain. It's too late to help any of the villages and people that were affected by the eruption, so I'd guess it has something to do with the volcano itself. It's... logical."
Jarvis Martel
NPC, 1 post
Old Human Retired Warrior
Green Star Sage
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 16:28
  • msg #17

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

You are all standing in a large round room about 60 feet in diameter with a 20 foot ceiling. Presumably, there is another room above that has the dome.

The side walls have curved buttresses around the perimeter, and the ceiling is painted with an image of a sun, moons and stars in a darkish blue background that could be interpreted as a daytime sky or a nighttime sky. There are four openings in the side walls, at the cardinal points of a compass. You entered through the south double doors, which were open, and you can see three stout wooden bars mounted to the wall beside the doors that can be slid into place to bar them closed. The north door is similar; it, too, is open, revealing a garden beyond. The two side openings do not appear to have doors.

The floor of this central room is a mosaic of a green star pentacle... until you realize that there is a circular band around the whole pentacle, thus transforming it into a pentagram. There is a 5-foot wide walkway on the outside of the pentagram.

A man walks in from the garden at that point. He is older though not necessarily elderly. He has white hair and light beard. He is wearing what could be scholarly or monk's robes, though not as austere as the latter usually are.

"Greetings!" he calls out to everyone as he walk into the center of the pentagram. "I am your host, Jarvis Martel, the Elder of this monastery."

"I am sure you are all wondering why you were drawn here. I assure you, it was not of my doing, but, under other circumstances, I am equally sure I would have done the same."

"This monastery does have a real name. We here at the monastery refer to it as the Citadel when we must, and the locals here about call it the Green Star Citadel... for obvious reasons."

"We've always had a resident Oracle, and it is she that... well, summoned you here, somewhat indirectly."

"Some 500 or so years ago, the Great Oracle Esmeralda had a vision. It was of a time when there would be great destruction across the land. Rumor had it that signaled the end of the world. We here at the monastery do not believe that, mainly because Esmeralda founded this monastery with the intended purpose of preventing that destruction."

"Alas, she had no way of knowing when this would happen. That, of course, is the curse of the Oracle. That, and often no one believes them."

"Esmeralda set into motion several events. She started by having the Green Star Wonders created. And then she started the Green Star Cycle."

"The Green Star Wonders are 12 magical devices that have the green star motif. Although slightly powerful alone, together they are meant to be greater than just the sum of the parts."

"The Green Star Cycle is... you. I suppose  you could think of it as a bloodline, but it doesn't really get passed down through the blood. Yet, into each generation, there are born those that can wield the Wonders effectively and stop the impending destruction."

"How she accomplished this is beyond my comprehension. I am not even sure it is true... and, yet, here you are."

"Our current Oracle saw an event, but could not for certain say that it was a volcano erupting. Even had she known that and warned the people, they would not have listened. But, the destruction is not over. Whether she activated the Cycle herself, or whether it happened on its own because this IS the event... who can say?"

"It has fallen to me to interpret what this means. I have done so... to the best of my ability. I believe it means that you are the twelve that must find the Wonders and stop the destruction. Prevent the destruction? Or, perhaps, stop the cause of the destruction."

"Because of the activation coinciding with the eruption, I would suggest that your first task is to investigate the volcano."

"I hope I have covered everything, but if you have any questions, I will answer them to the best of my ability."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Mon 05 Oct 2020.
Aniyu
player, 12 posts
Human Winter Witch/Druid
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 17:26
  • msg #18

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Aniyu turned looked to each who entered, offering a stoic, but polite nod to each. When Jarvis announced himself as their host, he turned his body more to give him more of his attention.

He stayed quiet as he listened to the details, waiting for the invitation before raising a pale hand up to speak, "What do we know about the Green Star Wonders? Their forms or their location, or even individual names to do our own research? Or is that something you could gather for us while we investigate the volcano?"
Ozrus Wither
player, 4 posts
Elf Druid/Wizard
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 18:40
  • msg #19

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Ozrus had managed to slink into the room just before Jarvis began speaking and was able to gather quite a bit of information while listening to the man speak. It appeared he was not the only one with a green star mark. Not only that, but everyone else who had gathered here appeared to be capable individuals, like himself. These people had... life experience.

Ozrus's own journey to the monastery had not been all that eventful. He had been relaxing on a sunny beach far far away when the scar on his shoulder first began to bother him. It was a nasty scar he had received from an octopus attack when he dove too deep as a barracuda a few days prior. He had promptly healed the wound with his magic, but it still left a notable scar, which hadn't really happened before.

After the scar started do bother him and it became clear he was being prompted in a specific direction, he decided to see where he was being let to. He traveled by air, by sea, and even by tree. For several days he had roamed the land, unknowingly getting ever closer to the monastery. When it became clear he was being led in the general direction of the newly erupted Mt. Doom, he made a stop at a large city and purchased some permanent fire protection in the form of a ring. He had arrived in the vicinity of the monastery the prior evening, but decided he should rest up before zeroing on his final destination.

And it turned out he had nearly overslept, since he had only just barely made it to the monastery in time to join the gathering crowd.

He stood at the back of the crowd, shirtless and with his arms crossed. He looked over everyone present and silently judged them, but not in a malicious way. More so he was trying to get a feel for the people he had been unknowingly bound to. In the end he shrugged and decided to just go with it. After all, he had come all this way. May as well see how it played out.

"And what do you know of this Mt. Doom? Was there anything notable about it before it erupted? he asked Jarvis. Then he gave a tiny wave to the group. Especially to those who had not yet noticed his arrival. "I'm Ozrus, by the way. Ozrus Wither. I'm... not typically known for my punctuality..."
Hsang Li Tsung
player, 2 posts
Samurai/Rogue
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 19:09
  • msg #20

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Hsang stood calmly to one side listening to the frantic questions of these others.  If he had been the Oracle this place would be full of clues that might help but even then the situation made little sense unless the goal was the journey not the outcome.

Turning he begins to inspect the room to see if he could glean anything from that.
Kurat
player, 13 posts
Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 19:14
  • msg #21

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"What is the difference between the Green Star Wonders and the Green Star Cycles?" Kurat asked because the man seemed to speak in riddles. He first stated they were them and then said they should find themselves, but clearly they were already here.
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 17 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 19:20
  • msg #22

1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina was surely the far most noticeable of all in the room but she had Aniya second to match with his pale colors compare to her obsidian skin and silver hair.  Her deep blue eyes was captivating if looked at in the right angle.

She found a spot where she took pleasure in relaxing and listening to all what was being said and who all announced themselves.

Her eyes moved over all as they entered after her and those that was here before her.  As if she was wondering why haven't she met, seen or heard of anyone before.

The dark blue orbs moved to Jarvis Martel, the Elder of this monastery when he walked in from the doorway leading into a garden.  Listening to his words was best.
A slight smirk crossed her face when he spoke about Oracles.  For she too knew much about them.  Her mind raced when the mentioning of Esmeralda.  It was a name she heard of before and might be able to find someone who might be able to tell more about her.  But finding the Old Wizard was a dangerous task, more dangerous than a living volcano.

Watching as more people walked into the room.  It was starting to fill up quickly.


15:18, Today: Chess ala'riina Nasadra rolled 33 using 1d20+19.  Esmeralda .
Jarvis Martel
NPC, 2 posts
Old Human Retired Warrior
Green Star Sage
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 21:19
  • msg #23

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Aniyu:
"What do we know about the Green Star Wonders? Their forms or their location, or even individual names to do our own research? Or is that something you could gather for us while we investigate the volcano?"



"We believe we know the forms of the Wonders," Jarvis answers the questions posed. "Their symbols are painted on the walls of this room: armor, shield, sword, ring, wand, staff, medallion, cloak, hat, boots, gloves, and bracers. As you can probably guess, one person could not possibly wear or wield all these things."

"As to where they are, I do not know, nor does anyone here at the monastery. According to Esmeralda's journal, she felt that keeping them all in one place, especially here, would be an invitation for someone or someones to try and get them. Steal them, attack the monastery, whatever it took. Remember, no one believed her prophecy."

"She arranged to have them scattered and hidden around the area. I couldn't say how far away any of them might be."

"Those are the Wonders... I suppose that sounds better than 'things' or 'treasures' or 'loot' or whatever other euphemism you might come up with."

"You and the others that have been drawn here," he directs at Kurat, "are the Cycle. Again, not my choice of words. It was meant to keep going from generation to generation because Esmeralda did not know when it would happen."

"Mt. Doom? Is that what they are calling it? Not surprising, I guess, since it probably brought doom to a lot of people and places. Although I'm a scholar, my area of expertise is not geology. I have no knowledge of the mountain before it erupted, but I do not believe anyone thought it was an inactive volcano that could once again erupt."
Hsang Li Tsung
player, 3 posts
Samurai/Rogue
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 21:34
  • msg #24

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Hsang's eyes narrow as he examines the painted symbols.

"So she left something to start us looking I assume?  Presumably something that would make sense to us only would be logical." 

He glances at the pictures again with some confusion eyes tracking them as if expecting to see something different.

"Strange selection don't you think.  You almost could wear all of these but it would be inefficient."
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 19 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 03:01
  • msg #25

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina got up from her seat and moved to Jarvis "Hello Jarvis Martel, I'm Chess ala'riina Nasadra and I was hoping that you still had some of Esmeralda's belongings or a journal that she might of left behind for us to unravel some of these clues. her words were very eloquent and she never once took her eyes off Jarvis when she spoke to him.
Ki'nae Bashemath
player, 7 posts
Gunslinger/Steelfist
Ballistic Fist Method
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 04:44
  • msg #26

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"To be precise, it isn't a star--it's a pentacle. A star is either solid or doesn't have the inner lines. In the latter case, it's an outline o-,"

Of a star yeah, yeah. Give me a break. Ki'nae always hated feeling stupid. Her travels had always taken her so far, but only so. Now darktall - I guess Vashon now - was bringing up in her old feelings of inadequacy. While the bullet-bruiser was nobody's fool, she certainly wasn't the sharpest sword in the sheathe.

Fortunately she didn't dwell long enough to grow angry. Jarvis captivated her with a tale of prophecy, one to match many (certainly not just any) tales of the bards and songsouls and poets and chanters. Was this a story come to life? Perhaps this tale was the Tale of Tales, with players aplenty and a plethora of plot.

Ki'nae listened with her back against the wall. Gloved thumbs remained tucked into her belt; her hands never strayed far from her precious pistols. How many of these suckers will think to get greedy with the goods? She didn't know these wild aces from jokers, but then again, if they were formidable, each in their own way, they could be competition. To the fiery firearmist, nothing could be more true than a troupe. Were these partners up to a performance of a lifetime?

Her eyes slid about the room like a heatwave, taking in the questions with thoughts hot with curiosity.

"Strange selection don't you think.  You almost could wear all of these but it would be inefficient."

Ki'nae snickered. Even she wouldn't underestimate her greed. Perhaps. I could use some boots. And gloves. She adjusted the brim of her hat, making sure it covered the green star mark on the side of her head. After all this, I could probably use a bigger hat.

The cavehu-err-Chess was going up now, asking for belongings of this great Oracle.

Ki'nae cleared her throat. Loudly.

"I'm sher we'd all like to take a pretty lil' gander at any book or whatchamacallits or whoyahadits ole Esme had hangin' about. Though I reckon after 500 years in ain't in too good a condition..." She tipped her hat to Jarvis. "I've got a few inquries of m'own."

"Fer one, what y'all been doin' up here fer 5 centuries? Just worship'n these green stars 'n such? Hard to protect somethin' y'know so little about." It was curious to her that such a building was built so long ago, but to think there was was so much faith put into a prophecy boggled her. She'd only known commitment like that through actors; professionals that were always faking it for a good story.

"Fer secondly, what're we s'posed to do after we fetch these glorious raiments? Take 'em to the tailor fer a fittin'?" Ki'nae caught herself from haucking up spit. She caught herself, then tried to discreetly gulp.

"'N fer threely, yer askin' us to walk into a hellhole name Mt. Doom, buddy. Folks have already name it Mt. Doom. Sounds mighty dangerous of you to suggest we risk 'n worry our hides to get a job like this done. Ki'nae bit her lip, scrunched her face at the craziness of it all. Was she truly part of a legend in the making? Was the nine out of thirteen she saw in her mind given a once in an aeon opportunity to change the world?

"So at the very least...can I get some free drinks out of it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:58, Tue 06 Oct 2020.
Vogh Kath
player, 5 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 07:21
  • msg #27

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

All that this Jarvis spoke about brought a resemblance of what was and had happened.  Esmerelda, that was a name she had heard in her studies those many summers before.  Vogh tried to research back into her memory for what she remembered of the Old but not forgotten Oracle.
09:13, Today: Vogh Kath rolled 28 using 1d20+13.  Oracle knowledge check.

Vogh smiled to the people that had given their names, Vashon, Lucien, Ozrus, and Chess ala'riina.  If they were the cycle that Esmerelda spoke of Vogh would need to get to know them better as to her it sounded as if they might need to work together.

Vogh then asked a question of her own, once Jarvis answered the others questions, "With the wonders hidden, how are you sure or is anyone sure that none of them have been found before?  Even by past Green Star Cycles?  I too must think that research has been done to locate the items in the past."
Jarvis Martel
NPC, 3 posts
Old Human Retired Warrior
Green Star Sage
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 14:45
  • msg #28

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"Of course, you may look at Esmeralda's journals," Jarvis replies to Chess. "They are in our library--all 75 of them, one for each year. There's not much to found in the last 5, though. Towards the end of her life, her mind--and visions--were not as sharp as they were in her youth. She often had visions of two-headed cows, an alchemist's bomb that could blow up a city dropped from the clouds by a great metal bird, tsunami's in deserts, magical horseless carriages that spewed noxious gasses into the air... well, you get the idea. Fortunately, none of that has come to pass, though there was a report of a two-headed cow down in Ilsig a few years back."

"The library is in the west tower."

"This is a monastery, Ki'nae. To most outsiders, we don't do anything. In reality, we meditate to attain enlightenment. In theory, if we are successful, we shall reach a higher plane of existence. We also study, partly in that endeavor, but also to learn about the world, which might be the same thing. We're still trying to decide that."

"We also copy books. We copy the writings, add illuminations, bind the new books, and repair the old ones."

Almost as if on cue, a dozen monks emerge from the east doorway carrying tables, chairs, food and drink.

"I was not being a negligent host, but I was not sure that you were the Cycle or that you were staying. By all means, though, help yourself to any nourishment you may require. Our repasts are simply fare, though, so I hope you won't be disappointed."

The tables are slightly curved such that when placed end to end, they form a large circle, somewhat akin to a 'round table'. The food put out consists of breads, cheeses, nuts and fruits. The drink is water, wine or mead.

"We do not worship the Green Star. We are merely keepers of its story. Nor do we protect anything, other than ourselves. We do not even protect our Oracle; she does that herself."

"When you find the Wonders, I suspect you will know what to do with them, but I would think you should be using them to stop the Great Destruction."

"Why would we seek to find these items? We are not the Cycle. At least, none of us have been draw here by the Green Star. There is only one Cycle. If the Great Destruction had occurred 100 years ago, different people--those who were the Cycle then--would have been drawn here. I'm sure a few monks have tried to locate the Wonders over the centuries, as much for what you say as out of curiosity or possibly even greed."

"It is our firm belief that Esmeralda's chosen hiding places have remained hidden because they were part of her vision. Do you not think she would have foreseen the items being found before they were needed? Of course, I cannot state that with certainty, but we have not heard of any of the items being found. Whether the prediction and the Wonders were true or not, an item of such significance would surely have surfaced ere now."
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 20 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 17:15
  • msg #29

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina looked at Vogh and wondered where did she get the impression that there was other Cycles.  Jarvis mentioned that we were the Cycle and it seemed that it took 500 years for us to arrive.  But then Jarvis was gracious enough to explain more to her.

But Chess ala'riina was very much interested in the visions that Esmeralda had in her late years.  It seemed that what she did foresaw will come true as it took 498 years for the vision of the two head cow to come true.

"Thank you Jarvis, I would enjoy reading each one of them, all 75.  Especially her later years. she said with a gracious smile.

When offered access into the Library she nodded. "Would there be a Sage in the Monastery that might be able to help me in a different matter?
Lucien Soulban
player, 22 posts
Human Paladin/Sorcerer
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 17:22
  • msg #30

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

  "So do some of us want to go visit the volcano while others do research here? And if so should we take folks that can remove themselves from the volcano's area if it looks like it will erupt again?" he asks as he crosses to a table and picks up an earthenware jug of water and pours himself a glass. After setting the glass down he grabs an apple and takes a bite. "I only ask because for all of us to go or all of us to stay seems almost a waste. We have two objectives and more than a few folks. I would imagine at least one or two of you can get around as easily as myself."
Hsang Li Tsung
player, 4 posts
Samurai/Rogue
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 17:40
  • msg #31

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Hsang chuckles lightly.

"Ah they are never so blind that they cannot see, never so deaf that they cannot hear.  Their roots run deep through the earth and bind the life to the walkers.  Praise to the life."

He glances over at Jarvis.

"I think we might need to discuss this as a group Jarvis.  Do we have any maps of the region as it was during the time of the Oracle?  Also any maps showing things as they are now."

His helm moves to sweep the group.

"Can I assume none of you feel like being a lone wolf?  In which case we need to form groups of some sort.  I doubt anything much is hidden in the journals, days of reading seem a likely trap not a help for us in a time of crisis.  So we need leaders for what, three or four groups?"
Tyrol Halverschlagen
player, 5 posts
Gnome Alchemist/Rogue
AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 18:39
  • msg #32

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

The white-haired Gnome scratches his head as Hsiang speaks.

"Seems to me that the volcano is intertwined with this Great Destruction in some way, unless, of course, the volcano's eruption is the Great Destruction. Somehow, I don't think that's the case," Tyrol chimes in.

"Since each one of us is supposed to wield one of these Wonders, there must be some rhyme or reason to that. I mean, what good would it be to give me the sword or the shield? I don't use either of them. Well, I suppose if the shield turned me into a giant, that might be a different story."

"So, I was thinking, which one of us can wear the armor? That seems like the best place to start."

"And, as for groups, might that not depend on where we wind up going? If all these Wonders are buried under a stone in the Misty Mountains, it'll only take one group to get them, right?"

"Now, while I think research here is probably a waste of time--ain't the monks been doing that for a hundred years already?--sending one group to the volcano to scope it out seems like a smart course of action. There's supposed to be some fuss, so we should see what the fuss is all about."

"I have no problem with volcano-spotting, but I'm more of the research type."

He grabs some bread and cheese and pours a mug of mead for himself.
Ozrus Wither
player, 5 posts
Elf Druid/Wizard
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 18:50
  • msg #33

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"Two-headed cow? Wonder if I could transform into one of those..." the druid mused, mostly to himself. He wouldn't have minded lounging around the monastery for a few weeks, or even months, reading Esmerelda's journals. Unfortunately, he doubted they had that kind of time, what with Mt. Doom still in the process of erupting.

"I also wouldn't mind heading toward the volcano," Ozrus replied when the topic of splitting up arose. "I was actually assuming that was the destination my scar was leading me to before I got close to this monastery, so I made a few preparations for such an exploration. I should be able to get around pretty easily too, I think." In demonstration, the druid began climbing the wall of the monastery effortlessly, and even made his way across to the center of the ceiling without issue. "As for which wonder we head toward first, I don't really care. The first one we get a lead on, I suppose. Either way, I am curious to see how this all plays out. It's not like I had anything better to do anyway."
Hsang Li Tsung
player, 5 posts
Samurai/Rogue
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 18:53
  • msg #34

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"Twelve locations are marked.  I very much doubt that is a coincidence that there are twelve items shown.  So we have to split up.  Once we have maps we should be able to deal with the problems.  However unless you can see the link between the locations and the items perhaps we should look to function before you share treasures you know nothing about.  There are armors that can be used by mages and wands that can be used by sword-swingers after all."
Aniyu
player, 14 posts
Human Winter Witch/Druid
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 19:26
  • msg #35

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Aniyu nodded his head to the group, "Investigating this 'Mt Doom' is a wise move. Unless there is a Wonder close enough that would aid us, I think finding out what caused the eruption is vital. To be clear, it is not, technically, a volcano. I apologize to correct, but..."

He opened a hand, spitting into his own palm and squeezing it, a chilly aura forming around his fist. He opened his hand again, faster this time, and a brief flurry of snowflakes lifted up from his dry hand and formed a projection in the air; an obvious illusion to illustrate his explanation, "The Earth under us is alive, it continues to move and grow, as we do. Volcanoes are caused when the Earth grows apart, when these 'plates' spread, the magma from beneath the earth fills these channels up to the surface." The illusion shows a generic landscape, a 3-D view into the ground, showing the plates separating, the magma rising to the surface, overflowing onto land, and gradually building the 'standard' volcano shape.

A quick exhale into the illusion makes the flurries scatter and reform into another illusion, one again showing the plates as they were before, shifting to match his story, "Mt Doom is the opposite. The 'plates' have moved into one another, grinding up against one another to form the mountain. These do not create channels for magma to rise to the surface." The illusion shows the plates pushing together, sliding on top of one another and forming a mountain. Magma below the surface attempts to rise up a channel formed by the shifting space, but is cut off by the nature of how the earth is colliding together.

He leaned in, closing his eyes and inhaling deep through his nose, pulling the snowflakes into his lungs and ending the projection. He gave a slow, clear exhale, before looking among the group, with a soft smile, "There is some other external force at play here, whether or not that force is natural, magical, or intelligent, is what we need to find out. I would be honored if I could accompany those heading to the mountain."

OOC: Using Major Image for the effect.
Vashon the Vigilant
player, 5 posts
Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 20:06
  • msg #36

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"Agreed, Aniyu!" Vashon concurs.

"I'm not one for studying either, so I'll head for the volcano. I work better when my feet are moving."

"Unless any of you need to rest, I'm all for heading out now."
Lucien Soulban
player, 23 posts
Human Paladin/Sorcerer
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 20:26
  • msg #37

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

  Lucien looks at the fellow who most reminds him of the traders on the Golden Way from far off Kara-Tur. "Ok it seems more than a few of us want to go to this mountain. The reason I suggested a certain mobility is that unless I am wrong it isn't to terribly far away. Say less than a day's journey. Which means it should be with in my ability to get there and back with no more than 4 other people in a few hours. But I have a great distaste for leaving folks behind so if we got separated I want to knkw you can get back here with out me or my means of travel. Make sense?" as he spoke the looked at everyone that had voiced a want to go to the volcano or whatever some wanted to call it. "I understand there may be some confusion on what exactly it is at the moment, but here is my take. If it looks like a dragon, smells like a dragon, and eats like a dragon you aren't likely to call it a housecat unless you are stupid or you are crazy. It's dragon. So for arguments sake it's a volcano. Just one of those easier things. Until we know it is a godly manifestation of Kossuth that is both a direct portal to the Elemental Plane of Fire and The Abyss let's not call it or anything other than something we can all wrap our heads around." he waits for nods or at least gruding consent. "I don't feel we need a leader per se at this point, but I do think we need some one that can be trusted to collect any thing found and have a backup for that person so if worst comes to worst we don't have any issues as far as knowledge sharing goes. And as far as leaving right now goes that might be a little early for that. I spent a lot of my energy getting here a night indoors and near a fire might do us all some good. If you insist then we shall go."
Ozrus Wither
player, 6 posts
Elf Druid/Wizard
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 20:47
  • msg #38

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"Perhaps we should split up based on current preparedness then," Ozrus suggested from his spot on the ceiling. "The half of us who are most ready can go now. The other half can leave in the morning and do some research in the meantime. I could fit into either group myself. I don't really have anything I need to do before leaving, but I'm also not in a hurry. I wouldn't mind skimming those journals or preparing some potions before heading out..." He had sold all of the potion reserves he had accumulated over the years in order to pay for his new magic ring. So he was currently completely depleted.
Aniyu
player, 15 posts
Human Winter Witch/Druid
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 21:10
  • msg #39

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Aniyu looked to Lucien and cocked his head, finally giving a nod, "I disagree with your logic. I call things what they are, but my explanation was not to force you to use any particular terms. I am simply giving insight, it is your choice to hear it."

He nodded at the notion of cooperation and safeguarding "I am willing to submit to a Gaes or whatever oath or pact binding we have among us, or the Citadel."

He shrugged, "I am ready to leave whenever. I could also spend the day gathering more information about the mountain for us, if others need time to rest."
Vashon the Vigilant
player, 6 posts
Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 03:07
  • msg #40

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"I can get back on my own, and help others to do so, too, if that is an issue," Vashon answers Lucien's question.

"As I said, I am ready to go now. Is there any reason, Jarvis, you wish us to wait? If not, then I'm heading out. Who's going with me?"

He's not sure if he'd go alone--he's not a scout, but he had committed to a course of action and tended (and intended) to see it through. He didn't consider it a big deal if he changed his mind. One had to adapt to circumstances.

He grabbed some cheese, nuts and an apple as he head out the door.
Ki'nae Bashemath
player, 10 posts
Gunslinger/Steelfist
Ballistic Fist Method
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 03:57
  • msg #41

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Two-headed cows? A great metal bird? Sounds like they've got some serious keif lying about. The drug was a particular product moved about the Company, but to her, it never seemed worth the experimentation. Not worth seeing two-headed cows and the like.

"This is a monastery, Ki'nae."

"I prefer to be called Bash, buddy." She make sure to say it loud, too. Get the hint, folks? "Bash'll do." She had no intention of sharing her name anytime soon. If word got back to The Company that she was out and about sharing her name, it wouldn't go down too well for her. Her tongue was often so loose she was scared it would fall out of her head. When'd she let her name slip? Could the old man read minds?

If he could, hopefully he wasn't wondering what she was thinking now; who found it fun to be in a secluded building being boring for the rest of their life? But while she couldn't fully appreciate the man's occupation, she could appreciate the fine and timely spread set out.

"Our repasts are simply fare, though, so I hope you won't be disappointed."

"I most certainly won't be," she mumbled, her surprise behind high brows. Despite her mien she was far from a brute, so tipped her hat in thanks for the meal. The punching pistolero knew the significance of grub outweighed gold in many cultures. She felt that this was one of them. They must have been serious about asking for help.

"Thank you Jarvis, I would enjoy reading each one of them, all 75."

She sounds like she would make a thrilling conversationalist. The slinger swaggered to the table, procuring lumps of loaves and chunks of cheese. Her ears stayed tuned as she fashioned herself a makeshift sandwich, gulping it down with mead.

"So do some of us want to go visit the volcano while others do research here?"
"Can I assume none of you feel like being a lone wolf?"
"Seems to me that the volcano is intertwined with this Great Destruction in some way, unless, of course, the volcano's eruption is the Gre-"
"Two-headed cow? Wonder if I could transform into one of those..."
"Once we have maps we should be able to deal with the proble-"

Bash swirled her second helping of mead around in her mug. Seemed Lucien the Red figured himself a party planner. No one could plan parties like her troupe could. She didn't need some guy she didn't know asking about her methods and means of getting around. She'd figure it out like she always did.

Really, though. How far would these combat wombats get heading off to explosion hill with no clues and even less sense of the matter? Who'd let this poor priest's victuals go to waste on such an auspicious occasion? Maybe they could chat a few lads up, piece together some shared stories or...

Well I'll be damned. Looks like Chess is on to something. How typical of men was it then that Vashon and the thing in armor (had to be some sort of male behind that helm) would want to sttrike out at the drop of stick. Hope they were careful not to let the same twig bounce off the ground back up into their-"As far as we ken reckon, that mountain might blow up again." Ki'nae took a pause to wet her whistle, then looked at her mug appreciatively. "Not bad beer, Padre. But I reckon if..err...Chess here wants to take a crack at them books fer the night, maybe with some help from...uh...Sir Tiny T and...mm...Mr. Anywho, I'd stay behind fer a day 'n see what she finds. Mayhaps we stumble across some sort of suggestion to the whereabouts of the loot. I mean, wonders." She added a cheeky grin and winked at Jarvis. "I ken do fer a day o'respite m'self. Was a long ways walk. I ken offer my inquirin' mind to the cause..."

Good thing she'd won that game of dice with the guide.

Wonder if I could beat him again, so he could get us to that mountain?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:58, Wed 07 Oct 2020.
Jarvis Martel
NPC, 4 posts
Old Human Retired Warrior
Green Star Sage
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 04:37
  • msg #42

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"I am a Sage," Jarvis replies to Chess, "but certainly not on every subject. I may be able to help you."


"We have many maps in our archives, Hsang," he replies to Hsang. "I do not know off hand how old they might be. I do have the impression that the maps from that time updated about every ten years... more often if there was some reason to do so."


"I have no reason to keep any of you here, Vashon," Jarvis also replies to Vashon. "All of you are free to come and go as you wish. It is not I that drew you here, nor am I asking anything of you. Your destiny is your own."

"I suspect you are here merely to find out your options. Do nothing and perhaps everything you know gets destroyed... OR... attempt to stop it. The choice is yours."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:38, Wed 07 Oct 2020.
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 21 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 04:45
  • msg #43

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

She thought for a moment "Is it possible to invite your Oracle here to speak with us as well. she smiled as she remembered him saying she is the reasoning for us being here.
Vogh Kath
player, 7 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 06:48
  • msg #44

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Vogh had thought about it and she too had decided to stay.  She could help Chess go over the journals and see what she could learn about this Esmerelda and all this nonsense about the green star.

Vogh made her way to the table and grabbed up some fruit and cheese along with what looked like a light rose wine.  "I will stay as well.  The journals could bring some enlightenment."
Hsang Li Tsung
player, 6 posts
Samurai/Rogue
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 08:50
  • msg #45

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Hsang stands and gives a slight bow to a point as central in the room as possible.  His armor hides his emotions and gives him anonymity and allows him to be completely impersonal.

"In that case could I trouble you to provide me directions to your archives and I will thank you for your help."

His helm stares deep into Jarvis's eyes for a second as if considering saying more but he shakes it and stands back slightly to give the old warrior space.
Kurat
player, 15 posts
Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 12:35
  • msg #46

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Kurat was interested in locating the items, he decided to study the paintings on the walls. He wanted to check them for any identifying marks that the items might hold that might help them identify them. He also hoped the paintings were in the likeness of the items thus making it easier to identify them.

He figured it was unlikely Esmerada had left directions to them in her journals, if they had been left then surely someone in the time since would have found them. If she could see the future as well as the librarian claimed and she could see the twelve that would come forth then it stood to reason that the location of each item would be tied to these twelve. They'd be located somewhere of importance in their past.

He disagreed with the librarians assertion that no one person could wield all of them. That did not agree with logic. Though if they were powerful enough wielding them all might could destroy the wielder.

He thought to his past to see if he could remember seeing anything similar to what the paintings depicted in his past.
Hsang Li Tsung
player, 7 posts
Samurai/Rogue
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 12:59
  • msg #47

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Once Hsang sees what Kurat is doing he moves over to him and speaks in a low voice.
Kurat
player, 16 posts
Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 13:27
  • msg #48

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Kurat nodded to Hsang's appearance next to him. The Damaran male motioned over the pictures studying each in detail.

He whispered back to Hsang,
Tyrol Halverschlagen
player, 6 posts
Gnome Alchemist/Rogue
AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 14:52
  • msg #49

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Noticing Kurat and Hsang looking at the paintings, Tyrol decides to join them and look at the paintings.

"Interesting, aren't they?" he says, not having heard what they were whispering about. He steps closer and examines one in detail.

"Frescoes. Explains why they've lasted so long. Except... they usually start to crack and crumble after awhile."

He glances around the room again.

"No direct sunlight to cause them to fade. I'm sure the doors are closed when the weather is bad. Do they all have a green star on them? Is that symbolic in the painting or do you think they really have a green star marked on them?"

"What if the green star only shows when we touch one? And what happens to these Wonders if we succeed in stopping this destruction in the prophesy? Or what happens to them if we fail? Oh. I suppose, if we fail, they'll be destroyed just as we will be."

He moves to look at the three paintings on this section of the wall.

He then proceeds to cast a spell and concoct a potion which he drinks.

Spell cast: True Seeing
Potion drank: Detect Magic

10:46, Today: Tyrol Halverschlagen rolled 34 Perception,27 Alchemy,32 Arcana using 1d20+15,1d20+18,1d20+18 ((19,9,14)).
Kurat
player, 17 posts
Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 15:12
  • msg #50

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Kurat nodded at Tyrol coming over, "Most likely they were protected by magic during this time. True Seeing, so you are a cleric? I'm a wizard and monk. Such is beyond my abilities right now."
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 22 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 15:39
  • msg #51

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina was a bit startled when one of the others took notice of her and loudly spoke about what she thought, something she is used to dealing with.  Being from a Drow city where Females rule and the males were the lesser beings.  She also took noticed of how two males moved closer to speak in whispers in front of everyone else.  Thinking it was pointless being some here might be able to read lips or hear better than the average being.

Looking to Bash "Thank you and your help would be most grateful.  Even with others reading them, others may find a different pattern that was hidden.  Something that a lesser mind wouldn't think of. she was sure that all heard her slight pun.

She then waited for Jarvis to comment on the Oracle in the Monastery.
Jarvis Martel
NPC, 5 posts
Old Human Retired Warrior
Green Star Sage
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 16:00
  • msg #52

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"Those wishing to read Esmeralda's journals or look at the maps may follow me," Jarvis announces.

Jarvis then leads Hsang and the others out the west doorway and down the hall to the stairs going up to the next level. From there, they climb the circular iron stairs up to the lowest level of the western tower.

"All the maps and similar documents are kept here at the lowest tower level," Jarvis explains. "As you can see, long wide shallow shelves have been built to keep maps flat. They get old and brittle, and if you roll them up, they tend to crumble when you try to unroll them."

"The journals are on the next level up. While we consider them treasures, we don't feel they have as much value as other books. Not even other Oracles have been able to comprehend the visions Esmeralda had."
Tamara Deigh
NPC, 1 post
Green Star Oracle
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 16:03
  • msg #53

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

No sooner than Jarvis left with the others than a hooded woman emerges from the east doorway and approaches Chess ala'riina.

"I am Tamara, the monastery's current resident Oracle," she says to Chess. "You wish to speak with me?"
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 23 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 16:12
  • msg #54

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina was pleased to know that the journals were kept at a more secluded and safer level on the monastery. She was even more pleased when the Oracle came to speak to her seeing that she might of foreseen that request.

"Greeting Tamara.  I would like to know what Mystery do you profess to being bonded to? I have been blessed with Lore,  Seeker of Knowledge. she replied.

"Jarvis informed us that you might have some insight for us?
GM StarMaster
GM, 23 posts
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 16:49
  • msg #55

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Whether it is Tyrol's Gnomish disposition, his penchant for illusions, or his alchemical acumen, it's hard to say. Probably a blending of all three.

The paintings definitely detect as magical, a faint transmutation aura.

As an alchemist, he's aware of a few tricks that other alchemist's use to make their formulae book unreadable, one of which is mirror writing. He sees that was used here, on the paintings, as decorative background lines. It's been further disguised by inverting the second line, pushing it right up against the line above it, and then distorting both of them in opposite directions, like a fun house mirror. And each painting has this in a different language.

From left to right, the three paintings on the southwest wall are the Medallion, the Staff and the Boots. He only recognizes one of the languages: Gigantik.

Because of the distortion, though, it's hard to read.

The circular gold Medallion hangs from a gold chain and shows a green pentacle with an eye in the center.

The green wooden Staff is topped with a green pentacle inside a golden triangle with extensions below that are fasted to the staff.

The green leather Boots appear to be high boots that go up to about mid-calf. The top of the boots have been folded over to form a sort of cuff that has decorative gold thread on it. One of the boots is laying on its side such that you can see the bottom of the boot and the green pentacle inset into the heel.

While it may seem obvious to most folk, Tyrol (perhaps because of his smaller stature) observes that the paintings all appear to have been painted to life size.
Tamara Deigh
NPC, 2 posts
Green Star Oracle
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 16:56
  • msg #56

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"I am bonded to the Heavens," Tamara answers Chess.

"I do not know why Jarvis would say that. I am not nearly as enlightened as Esmeralda was. Perhaps with a few decades of experience, that may change."

"I did not even foresee this event, not even days away. I have tried to see something about it now, but it's as if I am being blocked. Or maybe I am just not strong enough."

"All I've been able to see is that it is an ancient threat. It... I think it was banished long ago, though those that did the banishing may have thought it was destroyed. It has been waiting."
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 24 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 17:10
  • msg #57

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina nodded to Tamara's words and it was something she might of feared when hearing about It an ancient threat, banished.

"Many believe they can destroy an evil Power, but there will always be someone or someway to change the threads of Fate. she offered "I don't think your weak but the latter is most true.  Something or someone is blocking you and we will uncover It or their true purpose. she ponder for a moment not having seen Esmeralda journals yet.  "Would you happen to know of Esmeralda's blessing bond?
Tamara Deigh
NPC, 3 posts
Green Star Oracle
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 18:09
  • msg #58

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"I think 'mystery' was her Mystery," Tamara replies with a hint of humor. "From reading her journals, it sounds like she had two bonded Mysteries--Ancestor and Elemental. She died about 400 years before I was born, so I don't know for sure. If you read her journals, you'll see the same thing."
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 25 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 18:15
  • msg #59

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina's eyebrow arched at the mentioning of two Mysteries.  Was that possible and if so then she was surely a special Oracle before her time.

"I do plan on reading them and hope to understand more of her life so many years ago. she smile.

It seemed that many keep speaking of the past but in truth the past and the future are intertwine as one, those who know about Fate and Destiny are to be gifted Seers.

Looking at Tamara to confirm she was human.
Tyrol Halverschlagen
player, 7 posts
Gnome Alchemist/Rogue
AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 18:37
  • msg #60

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"Holy Schnikies!" Tyrol exclaims as he drops to the floor, landing on his backside.

"There's writing on the walls! On the paintings! All that squiggly kind of stuff around the actual paintings... it's coded writing. Well, it might be coded. I can't quite read it yet."

"To start with, it's mirror writing! That is, it's written backwards. Then this upper in each pair is distorted--narrow at the top, widened at the bottom to further disguise the lettering! Then the second line has been squooshed along the bottom and widened at the top, and then it was pushed up against the top line to make it look like the shadow, but you see how they aren't identical."

"It also looks like each painting has a different language. I only recognize the one around the Boots; it's Giant-speak. You know, Gigantik."

"I was thinking we might have to copy it all down onto parchment and then try to read it in a mirror. I've got another idea. I can use an illusion to un-distort it."
Vogh Kath
player, 9 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 19:07
  • msg #61

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Vogh had followed Jarvis to go look at the journals with Chess and whoever else went with.  Vogh stayed in the background as Jarvis talked about each of the floors.  But, as they made their way to where the journals were and were introduced to Tamara, Vogh nodded her head in acquiescence.  Chess was an inquisitive one and certainly had plenty of questions and comments to make that Vogh just let the dark elven woman speak.  Vogh would listen and wait till she heard something that would possibly give her a question or an answer.
Hsang Li Tsung
player, 8 posts
Samurai/Rogue
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 19:23
  • msg #62

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Hsang nods gently.

"The answers the Oracle wished us to have are right here - if we have the wit to see them.  I saw directions, headings in which to travel but then I can fly for as long as I can stay awake.  The question is are the three of us enough to find the location and all the clues or not.  For the question of unity, I suspect that the different destinies may be deliberate, it may be that the items are to be found by the three of us while others attend to different destinies or that the paths travelled by others may find other things that help."
Ozrus Wither
player, 12 posts
Elf Druid/Wizard
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 19:30
  • msg #63

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Ozrus deliberated for a while as he hung out on the ceiling, trying to decide if he should stay and look at stuff in the monastery, or go on ahead with the scouting party. When Tyrol mentioned about the writing on the walls, however, Ozrus made up his mind. He always did enjoy a good puzzle. He crawled over to the image closest to Tyrol and examined it from above. "I know quite a few languages," he said to the gnome. "Maybe I can help."

The druid then proceeded to shuffle around the room on the wall, looking at the writing on each image. He did his best to identify each one, and translate what he could. He cast Guidance upon himself before examining each image, just to give himself an extra little edge.


Using Linguistics, with Guidance. He knows 17 languages and is attempting to identify as many languages as he can.
14:29, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 36 using 1d20+19.  Linguistics, with Guidance - Identify languages.

Kurat
player, 18 posts
Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 20:03
  • msg #64

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Kurat listened to Tyrol's observations and then added "I am fluent in sixteen languages. Giant is one of them. I also speak Damaran of course and languages normally found in that region. Orc, Dwarven, Draconic, Goblin, Undercommon, Uluik and in my travels I've learned a number of other languages Chondathan, Aglaraondan, Chessentan, Mulhorandi, Turmic, Elven and Gnoll. Is it possible for you to copy the writing you cannot decipher and perhaps I can translate it for you?"



OOC: Keep in mind Kurat appears as a Damaran human male, however with Tyrol's True Seeing you would see that he is a hobgoblin.
Ki'nae Bashemath
player, 14 posts
Gunslinger/Steelfist
Ballistic Fist Method
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 23:09
  • msg #65

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Ki'nae listed against the doorframe, a boot both in and out the room. She sipped, studious, eyes burning with quiet inquisition. They all set to the task of the hunt like gutterats to scraps. Hopefully their findings would be more palatable.

It took no time for Tyrol's tangent to tickle her interest. She knew little of what he talked about, but it didn't bother her in the least. Celebrities were always the more intolerable. "Lemme take a gander," she grumbled, shimmying alongside the gnome. She squeezed her simmering peepers at the painting, searching for the lines in the play painted before them.

"Huh."

"It may be that the items are to be found by the three of us while others attend to different destinies or that the paths traveled by others may find other things that help."

"Destiny's a word as strong as oaths, pardner," Bash said, shoving the last bite of her cheese sandwich straight down her gullet. "Right now we're lil' more 'n a snake's belly in a wagon rut. But I see yer point. Though I'm not one fer flyin' m'self..."

Ki'nae let her voice get lost in the parley of linguistics. How'd all these nerds know so many languages? Mayhaps why they do so much talkin'. Should she had gone out to recon with the others in their green star group?

She looked to the door.

She looked back down to her half drank beer.

Nah.

17:52, Today: Ki'nae Bashemath rolled 34 (Perception for wall-painting),4 (For aid with Linguistics) using d20+20,d20+2 ((14,2))
Trickster
player, 2 posts
Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 04:36
  • msg #66

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

When Bash looked at the door there was a bright tall man standing there who wasn't before. He was, a the moment, picking through a box covered in cloth that held a number of candied orbs. He was late but that was due to the fact he had taken his sweet time and did not have the means to teleport, nor accepted a chance of getting snatched up.

He waved hello with one hand before picking out a white orb with blue lines and popped it into his mouth.

He followed a call and found people mid research it seemed.
GM StarMaster
GM, 28 posts
Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 17:07
  • msg #67

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Alas for Bash, linguistics doesn't let her decode the writings on the paintings, even though she now knows they are there.

However, she does spot an oddity.
Vogh Kath
player, 10 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 19:31
  • msg #68

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Vogh waited to be shown the journals by Tamara.  She was excited to learn more about this duel mystery Oracle.

"I can't speak for Chess here, but I am excited to go through her journals."
GM StarMaster
GM, 30 posts
Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 20:30
  • msg #69

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Vogh and Chess are show to the next floor up from the map room where Esmeralda's journals are kept. There are other books on this level, but the journals are kept on the back shelf, 15 journals per each of the 5 shelves.

Depending on exactly what you want to do, it'll take about an hour to go through each journal.
Vogh Kath
player, 11 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Fri 9 Oct 2020
at 07:03
  • msg #70

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Vogh went to the back shelves and pulled out the first of the journals.  "I can start here if you want to start over there and we can meet in the middle and discuss what we find if you like, Chess?" Vogh said to the dark-skinned elf.
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 26 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Fri 9 Oct 2020
at 11:51
  • msg #71

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina was walking to the last book as Vogh spoke to her and she smiled.

"I look forward in meeting you in the middle, Vogh. she smiled as she then pulled out the last book and before even starting she invoked a spell to help her see any Magical Auras anywhere.

Casting
Detect Magic and  True Seeing
Trickster
player, 5 posts
Fri 9 Oct 2020
at 14:09
  • msg #72

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

 Trick shrugged, important-looking people, doing important-looking things. So he joined in the fun rather than warm the bench.

As it was journals he assumed the behavior. He looked for the least dusty but most opened book if the condition of the spine was any indication. It would be the one the author would have gone to the most as authors often have less care with their own property than the people who venerate them.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:31, Sat 10 Oct 2020.
GM StarMaster
GM, 34 posts
Fri 9 Oct 2020
at 14:21
  • msg #73

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Vogh starts with the first journal, so identified by the year stamped on the binding in gold. It's closer to being a diary, as Esmeralda talks about her childhood, always being able to find things that other people lost, even when they didn't know they'd lost them. On two occasions, once when she was 7 and another when she was 11, she saved another child from 'certain' death. The first was a warning and the second was rescuing the child from drowning.

It was after that she found her calling. Her visions came much more frequently. The majority of them were about things around her, like a bird's nest in a tree or just the right stone to use in a sling. She began giving advice to 'adults', most of which ignored her and then got angry with her when something bad happened, thinking she'd caused it.

"Do not light any candles tonight," was advice she'd given to Brockstone, a local farmer. Apparently he didn't heed her warning, and his farmhouse burnt down in the night, killing him and most of his familiar. Esmeralda then made the mistake of telling others that she warned him. When she tried to explain, others either didn't believe her or began treating her with suspicion. Rumors of her being a witch began to spread. She knew then it was time to leave.

That's all that's in the first journal. There's more detail in the book, embellished with her thoughts and feelings about the events, both before and afterward.


Chess saw that several of the books in this room of the tower had magical auras, not particularly strong ones, but none of the journals are magical.

Chess isn't so lucky with reading them. As she reads the last journal, she starts getting headaches. The writing is disjointed, nearly incoherent at times. Esmeralda's visions often overlapped--she'd have two or three at the same time, and wasn't always able to separate them from each other.

One, towards the end, said the sky was burning and the earth was on fire and the birds sang in harmony while the moon cried. Another was about shoes--hundreds of shoes, tapping, marching, climbing the walls and sticking to the ceiling so firmly that an effort to bring them down collapsed the ceiling. Another was about a banana that started growing until it was so big it fell over and crushed a house, but it apologized afterwards to yaks that had been living in the house.

"The lightning bolt swam through the puddle until it was eaten by the seven silver rhinoceroses," was one line.

About one out of ever ten 'visions' seemed to be about something happening at the time that was relevant--a flash flood, a poisonous birthday cake, the birth of a baby girl. These were all things that happened a long, long distance away, beyond her ability to warn anyone. She later found out about the events and spent days crying and depressed.
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 27 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Fri 9 Oct 2020
at 19:56
  • msg #74

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina knew that there was some sort of magic at work for her to suddenly get headaches for reading the journal.  It was only proof that there was more to this the the common eye could see.

Taking time to focus more on the areas that was causing her discomfort. Was there a hidden riddle within these words that needed to be further tested.

She didn't stop there and she allowed the headaches to continue while she wanted to see if she was able to unravel some Mystery.  She was a follower of the Lady of Mysteries and this was another test for her..
Vogh Kath
player, 12 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Fri 9 Oct 2020
at 21:31
  • msg #75

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

While reading the journal Vogh could see why this woman was so talented and so mistrusted by many. Her Oracke powers were so developed even at such a young age.  It grew more and more as she aged and as Vogh read on she let out an audible "Phew!"

Vogh could only shake her head and as she finished the first journal Vogh couldn't wait till the next.  She put the first away and stopped to speak to Chess once it looked as if she was done with her journal.  "I got the early years of course, but I didn't think at the age of 7 one could have already been so strong in her visions."
GM StarMaster
GM, 35 posts
Fri 9 Oct 2020
at 21:40
  • msg #76

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Trickster looked over the journals and selected one that looked like it had the most wear or use. In the sequence, it was the twelfth volume.

He only has to read a short way into it before he realizes why it was the most used: it's the volume that contains her prophecy about the Great Destruction. After than, she spends a lot of effort writing about what it all meant, often lamenting that it didn't give her enough detail, such as when or how or why. Occasionally, this is interrupted by the more mundane and daily problems that are briefly detailed on a single page.


The more Chess studies the book(s), the more she realizes her headaches are being caused by reading the discordant writing, not by any magic or hidden riddles. That's not to say that there aren't any, but that's not what's causing her headaches.
Trickster
player, 7 posts
Fri 9 Oct 2020
at 22:05
  • msg #77

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Trickster did not think that he would be able to help with minds greater than his own digging in, but looking at things sideways could provide information. It's hyper rare, but if you never look...

Trickster started looking at the average days before and after the big vision hit her. Looking for odd visitors or often repeated visitors. More sources of information could help.

Trickster took notice of the discomfort of one of the readers, "If you're having a migraine I do keep analgesics to counter hangovers if you think it will help. "
This message was last edited by the player at 00:31, Sat 10 Oct 2020.
Ki'nae Bashemath
player, 19 posts
Gunslinger/Steelfist
Ballistic Fist Method
Sat 10 Oct 2020
at 13:43
  • msg #78

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Ki'nae strolled in, already half-way through her third serving of booze. It was as weak as Adam's ale, but no less wet. She did at the very least stop at the door way and look in. No use interrupting important reading on behalf of her own whims. It was funny how she began to see all of their work as a performance, and the act of solving these mysteries merely rudiments to the show. There again, the whole world was a stage.

Can I really be of any help? The bullet brawler let the thought settle, nibbling at the inside of her lip. Not having had a formal education by any means of the words "formal" or "education", the woman did not know how she could have best served in their capacity. Really, she hesitated at the futility of it all. Her double life with the troupes had taken her all over the world, let her hold all sorts of strange crafts and arcane tools. None of that compared to this frisking of fortunes, this search of serendipity.

She watched for a moment as Chess and Vogh perused through the books, almost feeling the wake of wind their eyes left behind as they scanned the pages. They were so studious. So focused. Even candylad had a book in his hand and a box of sweet at their side. THe only time Bash felt such focus was in the practice of her acts and the discipline in her Method. What drove them so easily to a room full of dilapidated platitudes holding promises of the future?

Where was her place in all of this?

Until she figured that out, at least she could read.

"Yuns got a system to this madness?" This time her words were more a flicker than flame. Once she was given any instruction, she would begin.

08:36, Today: Ki'nae Bashemath rolled 34 using 1d20+20.  Perception for books.
Vogh Kath
player, 13 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Sat 10 Oct 2020
at 14:40
  • msg #79

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Vogh looked up from her second journal as Bash had asked the question if they had a system.  "Well, Bash, not really.  I just started on the early years, where Chess went to the later years and we were going to meet in the middle.  You are more than welcome to join in reading from either end and we can compare notes and opinions at the end.  If you like that is, or you can just do as he is doing and pick out books.  Any assistance is welcome."

Vogh then turned to the man reading one of what seemed like the middle years journals.  "I didn't get your name, mine is Vogh."
Trickster
player, 8 posts
Sat 10 Oct 2020
at 16:36
  • msg #80

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Trick pointed in his book. "New eyes means new insight. For example I am looking for people who visited her a fair bit during the biggest vision. If they are an elf or other long lived race we can talk to them. If not hopefully they kept a journal."

"If she let something to them that didnt get written down here that may be of a tiny help. Long shot but hey, shots in the dark can be fun. And if she let slip to her best friend she had a fear of something that didnt seem important, well it's a lead."

"Silly but fun all the same."
Ki'nae Bashemath
player, 20 posts
Gunslinger/Steelfist
Ballistic Fist Method
Sun 11 Oct 2020
at 18:57
  • msg #81

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"Any assistance is welcome."

Ya say that now, Ki'nae ponders, picking out a book and sitting across from Vogh. But I reckon teamwork stops this old arse Oracle's dream-jerking us around. Now was as good of a time as any to practice her art. The Ballistic Fist Method was martial in its use of space, whether time or material or neither filled its gap. She could always find a way to practice, even if it meant delving into some codger's diaries.

She takes the rest of her mug to the head, resisting slamming it on the table as she was want to do, before taking a deep, deep inhale.
quote:
Bash tapped into another space that laid inside herself, latching on to the embers that trickled through the neck in her internal hourglass. Each cindery speck passed its way to the bottom half. As she visualized each passing fiery grain, she felt the symbolic sparks fill her belly, burn its way to the tips of her limbs. She felt the singe of seconds burning away at her skin, and she held on to her personal glow of time. She opened her eyes.


Outwardly, Bash would seem to move...a little more quickly. She flipped through the pages rapidly, her eyes scanning the words a touch more rapidly than what would be normal for most. It was hard to tell if she was actually helping at the rate she was going, but perhaps...perhaps she could actually get through the material faster? Only time would tell. If it could keep up.

"Candylad." Ki'nae stopped reading long enough to address the only sweets-sucking guy in the room. "Notsherify'paidheedt'thislady'sinquiry." In the span of seconds she reached in to her tobacco pouch, remove two thick leaves, and shove them in her mouth. "Butwhatpraytellisyermoniker?Ireckonbynowwe'reallhereonanamebasis. I'mBash. Asfarasyouknow..."

Her jaw worked at the leaves with perceptible quickness before she worked up a quick spit into her mug. What was this...guy?...showing up and helping for? did thtey even have a green star?

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
"Not sher if y'paid heed t'this lady's inquiry."
"But what, pray tell, is yer moniker? I reckon by now we're all here on a name basis. I'm Bash. As far as you know..."

OOC: Used Time Skitter Boost (acts as Haste for 5 rounds); not sure if applicable to any increased reading speed but it's fun to write.

Using same 34 perception score tto work through books unless another roll is needed.
Trickster
player, 10 posts
Sun 11 Oct 2020
at 19:32
  • msg #82

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Trick smiled as he watched her lips more than listening to what she had to say. It was about the only way he could separate the words. "Torikkusutā is my name, Trickster if you just say it in the local language." He got a confused look and then smiled. "Sorry Vogh, seems I had clouds in my head wanting to encourage another. I did not intend disrespect."

He nodded once, "Fine company, a warm fire, stories from the past, all that is missing is a warm drink and I wouldn't have a chance to notice a dragon playing a drum." He sat on one of the tables with the book in his lap and rotated to face the ladies to ensure he would do his best to not miss when he was addressed. He felt rather silly for having missed it the first time!
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Sun 11 Oct 2020.
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 28 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Sun 11 Oct 2020
at 21:00
  • msg #83

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina looked up from the book at the one offering asking if she was alright, her eyes widen slightly as she looked at the man.  Giving him a smile as she then returned to looking at the next book in line.

When he mentioned his name she nodded her head Nice to meet you Torikkusutā.  It seemed that she had no problem in pronouncing it correctly.  But if you prefer Trickster I would oblige.

Then she moved on to the next book.
Trickster
player, 11 posts
Sun 11 Oct 2020
at 21:58
  • msg #84

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Trick smiled, "Trick, Trickster, Torikkusutā, Tori, The Hansome fox. So long as the lovely lips that say my name do so kindly I am happy all the same." He nodded at the book. "About ready to pop a vision pill and go back over her stories again at this point. Notes all over but no fables."
Vogh Kath
player, 14 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Mon 12 Oct 2020
at 06:54
  • msg #85

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Vogh brushed the thought away with a hand wave when Bash had made her comment.  "It's quite alright, Nice to meet you Trick."

Vogh then made another comment, "If you take a journal out of the set please ensure that you replace it in the same order so that we don't mess up the timeline.  It may or may not be important to our research."
Ki'nae Bashemath
player, 21 posts
Gunslinger/Steelfist
Ballistic Fist Method
Mon 12 Oct 2020
at 15:35
  • msg #86

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

*Ptonk*

Bash had long mastered spitting hard enough to get most spit cups to wobble. The wooden mug was no exception. Her aim was true, hitting it at an angle that would maximize impact and minimize splatter. Would be a shame to decorate the Oracle's records with brown spittle.

Trickster. Most trustworthy name if I'd ever laid ear on one.

Bash's jaw ground at the leaves like a windmill in stormwinds as she scowled. Everyone went out of their way to be so nice to each other. None of them had even shared a scene together. Did they think they were as tight as a true troupe?

To be fair, she'd known some interesting names. Coalfinger, Fitz the Knife, Dogbutt, Greedyfoot, Nopouch, and of course there was that wagoner Larceny-of-Faces. Her own name Bash wasn't an inviting title when she really thought about it. Guess Trick wasn't all...too bad...

...was that a tail?

Wonder if my pa had a tail...

*Ptonk*

The gunfu master spat another black wad into her mug. Her ma unable to control her pregnant addiction, invited many a man into her arms for a considerable price. It had always disgusted Bash, but the question always burned inside her. Her pa could have been anything that walked on two legs, yet as far as she could tell she was a human. Most the time.

There was that odd fire that she felt behind her eyes, always threatening to lash out at a moment's notice. Things didn't burn her too easily. Perhaps it was some demon-blood. Maybe she just like fire too much like Coalfinger did. Whatever was in her bloodline, she certainly didn't have a tail. And she didn't have a name that seemed to obfuscate her intentions.

Bash was an honorable nickname, she'd always figured. You could see just what you were getting if you went barking up the wrong arm, which was both of hers. Even if she did get it from brick-chopping her own head trying to get that tattoo off her head. Little good that did. Now she was in some crusty-arsed monastery, reading books like these civil folks.

*Ptonk*

Bash barely turning her head to launch the tobacco torpedo as she returned to the words on the pages. She'd been through stranger things before. What made these moments particularly piquant was the way in which it was handled. Through generosity and hospitality.

Now she wasn't so sure she could get used to this...

*Ptonk*
This message was last edited by the player at 15:36, Mon 12 Oct 2020.
GM StarMaster
GM, 38 posts
Mon 12 Oct 2020
at 19:54
  • msg #87

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Bash can't actually read the whole book in just 5 minutes of speed boost, but she can skim it in that time. She happened to pull down the next book forward from the middle. She sees that this is when the monastery was started and the Green Star Citadel was built.

The Green Star itself was a vision, which she interpreted as a sign of unity.



As Vogh continues to read the early books, she gets a sense of the Oracle's life. It wasn't a bad life, but it was mostly a lonely life. Oh, there were no shortage of people that she met, but they all wanted something from her or else just didn't care.

It isn't until the third book that she begins meeting 'interesting' people--wizards and such.



Chess has it the other way around. As she reads backwards, she starts to see what happened to Esmeralda.  Her visions became more prophetic, but less comprehensible, often appearing as riddles.

At some point, she began smoking opium, at first to sharpen her visions, or so she thought, and then to dull the pain.



Trickster doesn't see any difference between the people visiting Esmeralda before the vision and after. Afterwards, there are less daily visions, or else she didn't consider many of them significant enough to write down.
Trickster
player, 12 posts
Tue 13 Oct 2020
at 00:12
  • msg #88

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Trick put the book back where he found it, gently cleaned through the process of prestidigitation. "Huh, looks like she was still holding on to the day to day the best she could. Not finding anyone out of the ordinary who visited her pre and post vision." Once the book was safe and sound he kipped up on a table not even causing it to shift as he crossed one leg on a knee and stood there crouched only on one foot's tiptoes. "Has anyone tried contacting her directly? I am just a transmutationist but I know there are magics to contact other planes. Ehhhh, that could be going to the wrong page in the story though."

"Anyone hitting anything unique?"
Vogh Kath
player, 16 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Tue 13 Oct 2020
at 15:54
  • msg #89

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

After her second journal, Vogh spoke to the others again, "It seems like she led a mostly lonely life.  Most people that she knew or met only asked about what she could do for them in her 'visions'.  I feel a tint of sadness in her writing."

Then when Vogh started the third journal she started to see more important individuals enter her life, she put it down a second and said, "I am starting to find some more people, people with power of their own.  I might have something in a bit and will let you know."  She delved back into the journal once more.
Ki'nae Bashemath
player, 22 posts
Gunslinger/Steelfist
Ballistic Fist Method
Tue 13 Oct 2020
at 16:25
  • msg #90

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"Anyone hitting anything unique?"

I wish. Can't smack pages around, though. Bash was having no fun at all. By the time she slowed down, she was even more irritable. Thoughts of deadbeat moms and existentialism were not her happiest thoughts. Unless they were related to putting a hole into something.

*Ptonk*

"She seemed a lone enough oracle," Bash said after Vogh's literary assessment, "this here book talking about Yunity 'n such through that there...green star..." Unconsciously she tilted her hat, making sure her forehead tattoo-scar was good and covered. Maybe sitting across from Vogh was a bad idea.

There again, what side she have to be afraid of? They all supposedly - she looked sidelong at the tailed Trick, then Chess - had the same viridian mark. She couldn't see any reason anyone else would be here. Except those clergy praying for an existence far out of their reach.

"What 'bout you, Chess?" *Ptonk* Bash asked as she placed her book back and selected the next. By the time Chess replied, Bash was deep into her read. No use skimming at this point; as dry as these words were, there had to be something that would wet her whistle...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:48, Wed 14 Oct 2020.
Trickster
player, 14 posts
Wed 14 Oct 2020
at 01:20
  • msg #91

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Trick yawned wide. "Would we be so lucky that she would have a pet turtle I could talk to or some such spirit around." Having nothing right better to do he picked up the more convoluted book if he was allowed to and popped another large candy into his jaw. This one cracked with a hollow sound.
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 29 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Wed 14 Oct 2020
at 16:57
  • msg #92

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina was pleased that now she was starting to understand something about this and to be honest it was logic to be writing things backwards in her later years for her mind was playing crazy games with her.  Chess ala'riina even cast a light spell behind some of the pages to see if anything illuminated.

Looking up to Bash "Not much but I'm sure after reading into a few more books I will discover something.

Then looking to Trickster "She was an Oracle and her visions may of been sent by one of the Gods or Goddesses of which touched her mind.
Ki'nae Bashemath
player, 23 posts
Gunslinger/Steelfist
Ballistic Fist Method
Fri 16 Oct 2020
at 17:56
  • msg #93

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Once everyone shared what they found, Ki'nae would deliver one final spit into her mug.

"Sounds like we're on the last ride in here, I reckon." With a sigh she lazily got up from her table, neatly (surprisingly so) slotting the book back into its placeon the shelf. "I'll head on back into th'picture room in see what all them funny-tongue folk 'r figurin' out. Reckon we can have 'rselves a lil' Meetin' o'the Minds."

Bash gave everyone a curious glare.

"Yuns joinin' me 'r what?"

OOC: Heading back to Wonders Investigation.
GM StarMaster
GM, 46 posts
Sat 17 Oct 2020
at 01:06
  • msg #94

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Using illumination behind the pages doesn't reveal anything hidden. It doesn't seem likely that there would be something on every page, and going through every page to check will take time.

You wouldn't think that there would be a significant change in her visions every year, particularly happening on the exact same day, but that seems to be what happened. About every five years, the intensity increased such that in the last five years, Esmeralda's visions simply got more grandiose and chaotic... less focused. She wasn't so delusional that should couldn't record them. Sometimes they'd repeat; she thought that meant they were more important. The problem with that was if she couldn't understand them, she'd never know when they came true.

Did they all come true? No one knows. She certainly didn't, which is one of the problems she had later on in her life. She got more and more frustrated not knowing.

There were also a few times when her vision lasted for several days.

The change seemed to happen only after she'd finished getting the Wonders created and hiding them away. That took about a dozen years, one year, apparently, for each wonder. She did talk about having a vision that showed her what to paint. However, you can find no reference to what prompted her to do the paintings in the first place.


Vogh continues to find the people she met over the years. A lot of them seemed to think she was some sort of psychic, which is why they came to see her. They'd ask questions like: "When will I get married?" and "When will I die?" and "How do I get rich?" Esmeralda observed that when the event was insignificant or irrelevant or unimportant, she'd never get a vision about it.

Most of her visions came unbidden, but through meditation, she learned to evoke them some of the time. She set up a routine of evoking them (when she could) in the mornings and then let the afternoons and evenings go however they wanted.

It is only when Vogh compares notes with the others that she learns the significance of the people she met. One of the wizards that befriended her by the name of Ronk had become adept at creating portals. He's the only wizard actually mentioned twice. While others seem to have visited her, she never wrote down their names. It was always some reference, such as the wizard from the Shaar.


Trickster finds some of the details on the founding of the Green Star Monastery. Esmeralda had spent weeks after her Great Vision agonizing over it. It's actually unclear if she had a vision about it or whether it was her imagination that came up with the idea. It was only after it was built that she had the visions about the Wonders.

It's also unclear if she had a vision about each of the Wonders or even a vision of them in total. Small visions seemed to direct her to the wizards that could and would craft them. She was already concerned about what to do with them once they were crafted, so she never wrote down in her journals which wizard she approached, or, for that matter, if they agreed.

She does wonder at one point if she should have a portal to the hidden locations or let the Cycle just travel to them. She never mentions the idea again.
Trickster
player, 16 posts
Sat 17 Oct 2020
at 04:03
  • msg #95

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Trick pointed in the book before putting it back. "There, she mentions making a portal but doesn't go into detail or mention it again. Though it may be important to take the trip the normal way. There is a brilliant kind of growth that happens with nice long trips." He blinked a bit as he looked around. "Oh, that was a potent one." He smiled, "Embers from a fire floating on an updraft, Spell ink painted on skin, and a blank book yet unwritten." His smile never faltered as he had put himself into the mental state of the visionary.

"So we are done with the books then? On to adventure and fun."
Vogh Kath
player, 17 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Sat 17 Oct 2020
at 06:54
  • msg #96

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

As Vogh compared notes and found that Ronk's name had been mentioned more than once, it had to be significant.  "So, this Ronk person seems to be the only one that is mentioned again through all the journals.  He must have played a significant role in something.  Do any of you know of someone named Ronk?"  Vogh asked them even as Trick was getting ready to leave.
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 30 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Mon 19 Oct 2020
at 04:03
  • msg #97

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina looked to Vogh "I am able to cast a spell that may grant some information on him but its a timely spell.  May take up to 10 days to get all the information on him. she calmly said as she watched as some was all ready to leave the room she stood there and wanted to have words with Jarvis.
Trickster
player, 19 posts
Tue 20 Oct 2020
at 04:56
  • msg #98

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Trick twisted around and off the table, "I may know the will under heaven but the name of a dead mage is in heaven not under it." He smiled his smile, "More people to meet, you've all got more spell knowledge than me so I may bid you good luck but please be sure to contact me if you think there is anything I can do for you."
Vogh Kath
player, 18 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Tue 20 Oct 2020
at 10:59
  • msg #99

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Before Trick left Vogh responded to his comment, "I never said it was a dead wizard.  If he were an elf he could still be very much alive."
Trickster
player, 20 posts
Wed 21 Oct 2020
at 00:21
  • msg #100

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Trick rotated once and was gone by the time the tail broke the line of sight. "You never said he wasn't either clever Vogh. All mages can become immortal but most dont. Half the fun is finding out. When pages lead as far as they can the only thing to do is put dust on the bottoms of your shoes." And he was gone like the Cheshire cat.
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 31 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Thu 22 Oct 2020
at 13:41
  • msg #101

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

OOC: Who is all here now?
GM StarMaster
GM, 58 posts
Thu 22 Oct 2020
at 15:19
  • msg #102

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

The only two left reading the journals are Chess and Vogh.
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 32 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Thu 22 Oct 2020
at 15:30
  • msg #103

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

With the others gone and only Vogh there she looked to Jarvis “Where have you place the body of such a treasure?
Jarvis Martel
NPC, 6 posts
Old Human Retired Warrior
Green Star Sage
Thu 22 Oct 2020
at 15:38
  • msg #104

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Jarvis looks a bit confused for a moment at Chess's words.

"Do you mean Esmeralda's body?" he asks. "She was laid to rest in the crypts beneath this monastery where all of our monks are buried."
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 33 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Thu 22 Oct 2020
at 16:01
  • msg #105

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Nodding her head Can you take us there? Please
Vogh Kath
player, 20 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Thu 22 Oct 2020
at 19:56
  • msg #106

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Neither Vogh nor Chess had finished the journals but when Chess asked to see the body Vogh looked to her, "What are you hoping to find?  Is there something you read that might lead you to think that there is something with her?"

Vogh then turned to Jarvis and asked, "Are all your monks and oracles buried with any personal possessions?"
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 34 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Thu 22 Oct 2020
at 20:23
  • msg #107

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Turning to Vogh "One can always try to speak with the Dead, no matter how long they have been away.  The only thing is that we must tread careful in such fields for she is still capable of having a bit of her late self within her.
GM StarMaster
GM, 63 posts
Fri 23 Oct 2020
at 20:05
  • msg #108

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

One of the things that Vogh ran across was a few comments about places in the area. At the time, it didn't seem significant since Esmeralda would write something like, "Tisa Morall from Boxleigh is going to have twins. I don't think she knows it yet. I passed through the village on my way to the Field of Dreams."

Unfortunately, she didn't elaborate on the Field, although there was a later entry that said it wasn't what she expected.


It isn't until Chess works her way back to the period after Esmeralda's Great Vision that she finds similar references. She mentions a black dragon named Causticus that destroyed a village although a hero saved all the people but died killing the dragon. The villagers built a crypt for him, but never rebuilt the village.
Vogh Kath
player, 21 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Sun 25 Oct 2020
at 22:33
  • msg #109

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"So, if this village was destroyed by a dragon and then a hero saved the people and was buried, there should be other stuff written about this and perhaps even the Field of Dreams I spoke of.  Perhaps there is something in the crypt that would aid us more?  I mean we should at least check it out."  Vogh suggested to Chess as they spoke about their findings.
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 35 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Mon 26 Oct 2020
at 00:58
  • msg #110

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina agreed with Vogh "I was thinking the same but we also need to discover if the others learned anything.  Especially those that was looking at the painting.

She wanted to go see more of the crypts but casting the spell there to Speak with the Dead was going to not be done at the moment unless Vogh was able to thread that spell.  Chess ala'riina wasn't able to yet.
Vogh Kath
player, 22 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Tue 27 Oct 2020
at 09:12
  • msg #111

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"Sounds good to me, let's head to the entrance,"  Vogh said as she began to head that way.
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 36 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Tue 27 Oct 2020
at 17:29
  • msg #112

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Moving along with Vogh and hoping that Jarvis was leading the way so that they didn’t get lost in the monastery.

Before leaving she too a few moment to memorize the room and all that was within it.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:30, Tue 27 Oct 2020.
GM StarMaster
GM, 65 posts
Wed 28 Oct 2020
at 00:41
  • msg #113

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Confused. Going back to the entrance to the building or the entrance to the crypt?
Chess ala'riina Nasadra
player, 37 posts
Drow Sorceress/Oracle
Wed 28 Oct 2020
at 00:46
  • msg #114

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Chess ala'riina Nasadra:
Chess ala'riina agreed with Vogh "I was thinking the same but we also need to discover if the others learned anything.  Especially those that was looking at the painting.

She wanted to go see more of the crypts but casting the spell there to Speak with the Dead was going to not be done at the moment unless Vogh was able to thread that spell.  Chess ala'riina wasn't able to yet.

Back to this room.
Hardcore Jimmy
player, 6 posts
Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue
Wed 28 Oct 2020
at 01:01
  • msg #115

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Smoke and dust rose like a cloud on the horizon, slowly growing... showing whatever it's source was making way toward the citadel.

Off in the horizon, a loose and almost matty plume over a helmet... much like hair on a scalp... pokes up into the horizon. It quickly rose into sight, followed by what appeared to be the visage of a humanoid sat atop what may be large turkey of some sort. Trailing just behind it, a full brim cover designed to block the sun made similar entrance into sight, similarly heralding the humanoid wearing it, in a sleigh drawn by the large turkey.

Leaving a wake of smoke and dust behind them as they strode onward toward the citadel.

As they drew closer, it became more clear... one rider, the one on the anima, looked more like a lightly armored and colorful knight. Their armor was open faced covered by a dark green cloak, a light green quiver on their hip with a crimson pack. the plume showed it'self to change varying shades of matallic blue to white with the light, the armor mostly an eggshell white but also letting off sheens of light visible across the distance. Other than the colors presented, and the density of the armor, it was also fashioned in a way much like the local regions knightly uniforms.

The figure in the sled more simple and humble in presentation, they wore what looked to be a straw hat large enough to block out the sun along with oriental style robes crossong their chest and fastened by a belt. They sat comfortably in the sled along with some things bound onto it with rope. The person in the sled was munching on a fruit that looked a lot like a plum.

The sight would lost for a short time, the beast moving it all had a strong pace as it approached the citadel and would only stop just before the entrance or when the three were addressed.

Whichever happened, the person on the beast, masculine in stature and voice, would dismount... the beast itself now looking more man sized than mount sized, the more perceptive eye would see it shrink as it is dismounted, down to about the size of a man instead of overshadowing one.

the armored figure would move with purpose, a smile, and overly raised knees to make a few steps towards that which they were addressing "HAIL!" the voice was boisturous and bold. "I've been called by the local wizard and seek to uncover why!"

The oriental looking person, also appearing masculine in stature, would simply glance over their shoulder but otherwise remained seated... munching their fruit.
Tyrol Halverschlagen
player, 17 posts
Gnome Alchemist/Rogue
AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120
Wed 28 Oct 2020
at 04:11
  • msg #116

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Engrossed in deciphering the script on the paintings, it wasn't until someone called out that Tyrol realized that someone was at the open doors.

"No local wizard here," Tyrol said as he walked over to the man.

"If you've got a green star birthmark burning a hole in your ass, then you're part of the Cycle. And, no, I don't really know what that means."

"An oracle saw great disaster that seems to be the volcano over the mountain. For some reason, a bunch of us were drawn here to stop the disaster."

"If you're one of us, then come on in."
Hardcore Jimmy
player, 8 posts
Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue
Wed 28 Oct 2020
at 06:16
  • msg #117

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

As Tyrol explained that there was no wizard, the expression of the person in colorful armor quickly shed and changed to one of somber disapointment. The bright demeanor orginally offered from the start quickly disapeared and they just stood there with a dropped expression until the gnome finished his explanation... and then a few seconds more passed until he finally reacted, "@#$%..."

the person then flared their arms out and threw their head back, "%$#@!!!"
This was quickly followed up with them throwing out their middle finger up at the open sky and spinning in a circle as they repeated themselves a third time... offering the gesture to all the elements and nature around them in one fell swoop of indignant demonstration of frustration "a divine gaea's!?! why the hell did I get picked!?"

During this, what can probably be descriped as a tantrum, the person who had been lounging finally finishes their fruit and gives a disenterested glance to the tirade before then moving to disconnect and dissasemble the sleigh... slowly transforming it into a ruck sack of sort.

Finally, turning back to the gnome, "damnit all," they then compose themselves, brush themselves off, and then turn back to face the gnome "Apologies!" their cheary demeanor suddenly returning as if nothing had happened. "Many thanks and a good morning to you, care to catch me up? A bunch you say?" they slap their gloved hand on to their shining chest plate before making more elaborate and peraded steps onward to enter the building.

Once freed, the beast shrunk ever more in size to that of a small wild cat. Once could now make it out to have sharp protrusions from many places across it's body... from it's mouth... the end's of it's thin but feathery arms... and particularly nasty looking ones at the end of it's legs, as well as whisps of smoke.
It's barding equally flamboyant and presenting as it's rider.

It would follow close behind it's rider, but not so close as to get kicked.
Tyrol Halverschlagen
player, 18 posts
Gnome Alchemist/Rogue
AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120
Fri 30 Oct 2020
at 17:47
  • msg #118

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"I just did! Disaster, volcano, Cycle... that's you and me and the others," Tyrol patiently tries to explain.

"Don't know if it's divine or not."

"Anywhoos, we're supposed to retrieve 12 Wonders in order to stop the disaster, which, I'm guessing, is bigger than just the volcano... world-ending stuff and all that."

Just then, he notices Trickster return, and then Chess and Vogh.

"I'm busy deciphering the scripts on the walls, so, unless you know Drow Sign Language, maybe the women will entertain you."

"Oh, pardon my manors... told you I was busy... I'm Tyrol Halverschlagen, that's Kurat over there with the mirror. Trickster just came in. Oh, and there's Chess and Vogh."

"Two of us went to check out one of the locations of the Armor Wonder and three of us are scouting the volcano. Don't know when any of them will be back."

With that, Tyrol goes back to deciphering the Sword painting script.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Fri 30 Oct 2020.
Hardcore Jimmy
player, 12 posts
Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue
Sat 31 Oct 2020
at 07:43
  • msg #119

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

In reply to Tyrol Halverschlagen (msg # 118):

Jimmy scracthed his chin for a moment as he listened, offering a brief "so you did" after Tyrol re presenting the information he already gave. When The gnome stopped talking, "I do... To the volcano then!" Flourishing their cloak while turning "Flicker! To the Unknown!" The beast from earlier made to quickly move to under the departing jimmies legs before quickly growing nearly 16x  it's size to that of a proper mounts... All the while moving off to the direction of the volcano.

The Fruit munching, straw hat, individual watched impassively as Jim departed before than turning back to Tyrol. A short and casual pace moved the two closer until they where at proper conversation distance, Tim, the straw hatted person, offers a smile and a nod before speaking "What do you have so far?" Craning his neck to look over any visible pages.
Vogh Kath
player, 26 posts
Human Bard/Oracle
Sat 31 Oct 2020
at 09:42
  • msg #120

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Everyone seemed to have been breaking off going everywhere, checking wonders and the volcano which Vogh knew had happened.  When she saw the others checking out the paintings still she came up and asked what they had found thus far.  Vogh too gave all the information that she had found as well, and she wasn't surprised to know that Trickster had already given much of the information they had learned already.

Vogh saw the new person head out having no idea whom they were and so she asked Tyrol, "Who was that?"
Tyrol Halverschlagen
player, 19 posts
Gnome Alchemist/Rogue
AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120
Sat 31 Oct 2020
at 18:47
  • msg #121

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

"I have no idea who that was or even what it is," Tyrol replies to Vogh, "or even what this is standing beside us."

"Thanks for the info. Don't know if it'll help. I think we're missing something, but I just can't put my finger on it."
Hardcore Jimmy
player, 13 posts
Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue
Sun 1 Nov 2020
at 00:46
  • msg #122

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

Maintaining his smile, "Oh, excuse me, I'm Tim and that colorful individual is Steiner. You can also call either of us by Jimmy, if you'd prefer."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:54, Sun 01 Nov 2020.
GM StarMaster
GM, 74 posts
Sun 1 Nov 2020
at 03:11
  • msg #123

Re: 1: Catastrophe Strikes!

OOC: Her name was Magill and she called herself Lil, but everyone knew her as Nancy...
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