View RPoL: Green Star Rising - Wonders Investigation by GM StarMaster (group 0)

GM StarMaster

GM, 26 posts

Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 22:37

msg #1

Wonders Investigation

Hsang had been the first to examine the paintings, but he'd then been joined by Kurat and Tyrol, and then Ozrus.

Hsang Li Tsung:

"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:

"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.

It's rather difficult to identify the languages when they are so distorted, but by focusing on a small part and then another and another, Ozrus is able to isolate words that he recognizes. He is able to identify Goblinygook on the Ring painting, Gnomish on the Hat painting, Celestial on the Shield painting, Druidic on the Wand painting, Draconic on the Armor painting, and Aklor on the Staff painting. That leaves five still unidentified.

Kurat:

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?"

Kurat can only identify one other: Gnolling on the Bracers painting. He can confirm the Draconic and the Goblinygook. In the case of the national languages, they use the same script even if they don't form the same words.

None of you can read them yet; you've merely identified the language in which the words have been written.

Ozrus Wither

player, 14 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 03:00

msg #2

Wonders Investigation

Ozrus, back on the floor again instead of the walls or ceiling, shared his findings with the others. "I think I figured out the languages for the ring, hat, shield, armor, and staff," he reported, purposefully leaving out the wand. "Ring is Goblinygook, hat is Gnomish. The shield and armor are Celestial and Draconic respectively. And the staff is Aklor. I haven't figured out what they say yet, but I'll start trying to work out the script on this one first."

He moved to the wand image, which he had neglected to mention, and did his best to figure out what the writing translated to. If anyone offered to assist, he would politely insist on translating alone. Druidic was... kind of a touchy language. He was mildly offended that it was written in plain view in such a public place, and was half-tempted to deface the image to keep the writing from being copied. But he did not. The use of Druidic in the artwork was not his sin to bear. Even so, he opted to do all he could to keep its true nature obscured from non-druids.

I used Guidance with my roll. Woohoo! Maximized numerals! (nat 20)
21:59, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 39 using 1d20+19. Linguistics - translate Druidic.

Hsang Li Tsung

player, 11 posts

Samurai/Rogue

Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 06:39

msg #3

Wonders Investigation

Hsang walks round to look at the sword painting.

"Well of the items the only one that makes sense for me that we haven't identified the language for is this one. So I'd say this is probably the script of the Tengu people. For the rest lets consider for a second."

He points to the images as he works through the identified languages.

"Lets assume there is a connection of some sort between language used the individual for whom the item is for, that is that the language shows us who the items is intended for. The words may not actually mean anything in that situation. So we have a gnome and one is gnomish. No elven though I think you said? Celestial and Draconic are relatively common heritages that many could possess but could also be paladin and sorcerer? Goblinygook is odd - I didn't see a goblinoid and its not a common heritage. I'm not sure who speaks Aklor, never heard of it."

"So if Kurat would be amenable could he try one of the simplest checks? If he touches the picture of the hat that would be a useful test."

Kurat

player, 20 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 11:20

msg #4

Wonders Investigation

Kurat listened to his companions and then shook his head negatively, "What are we testing, I'm not a gnome so if it is keyed to the person then nothing would happen if I touched the hat. Let me touch the ring and see what we learn about it."

He moved over to the painting of the ring and touched it to see what might happen.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 8 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 16:21

msg #5

Wonders Investigation

He suddenly remember someone asking him if he was a cleric! In the excitement of his discovery of the script, he'd completely forgotten that.

"So, yeah, anyway, I'm a cleric. Kind of. Sort of. I mean, I'm really an Alchemist but then one day I woke up and suddenly I was a Cleric! I don't really know how that happened."

"I think it had something to do with Brother Kerwin."

"You really think the language indicates who it was intended for? But, it doesn't sound like Esmeralda knew who would be answering the Call, so how could she make something for them? Now, in the case of Goblinygook--that's what we Gnomes call it cause that's what it sounds like to us--is used by goblinkind... and fools like us! That covers goblins, hobgoblins and, I think, bugbears."

He makes a point of NOT looking at anyone when he says that.

"Well, let my try my illusion trick." He casts Silent Image.

"Okay, first let's see if I can copy the writing. It's not like I have to know what it says. Just have to be accurate."

He manages to get the image that appears in his hand to look like what's on the wall.

"So far, so good. I think I've got it pretty accurate. Now, separate the lines. Damn. That's not working. I guess I'm not sure where one line ends and the other begins. Oh, well. I don't suppose it'll matter if I can eliminate the distortion."

The words have been squashed along the top of the first line and the bottom of the second line. He manages to 'unsquash' them with no problem. It's almost as easy to reverse the letters.

"I can keep this illusion going as long as I concentrate, but once I lose concentration, it'll all go away. Someone want to write it down?" he says as the words become readable.

12:02, Today: Tyrol Halverschlagen rolled 19,16,30,27 using 1d20+15,1d20+15,1d20+15,1d20+15 ((4,1,15,12)). Spellcraft checks to manipulate the image.

GM StarMaster

GM, 27 posts

Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 17:00

msg #6

Wonders Investigation

In spite of the distortion of the Druidic rune script, Ozrus still manages to decipher what the writing says, perhaps because he is not only familiar with the language but because the Druids have used similar techniques to keep their knowledge secret.

Once Tyrol manages to remove the distortion from the Gigantik script around the painting of the Boots with his illusion, anyone who also knows Gigantik can now read it, too.

The Dark Wizard Zama Kindu was paid 100,000 gold crowns to fashion magical boots. I do not know if it was worth it or if the boots which he named Stiefel are worth the cost. In either case, they are now Green Star boots fashioned from leather and leaves and feathers and orichalcum. I thought it appropriate that they be hidden for safe-keeping in his own Tomb where he could watch over them and glory in his own creation.

Kurat goes over and touches the painting of the Ring. Since the rink was painted to be life-size, the actual image of the ring is quite small, yet it stands out amid all the writing. When nothing happens as he touches the Ring, he touches a few more places on the painting, but still nothing happens.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:16, Sun 15 Nov 2020.

Kurat

player, 21 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 17:28

msg #7

Wonders Investigation

"Okay touching it doesn't do anything," he concluded.

Seeing Tyrol's work he says, "Now that's very useful an actual location, well assuming there is some record in the library of where this tomb is. I'm glad we stayed to investigate this more, there may be enough clues here for them all."

"Can you work the same magic here on this one Tyrol with the ring and I can interpret it for you," he told them.

Ozrus Wither

player, 15 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 19:23

msg #8

Wonders Investigation

As the others worked on deciphering the Gigantik, Ozrus continued to decipher the Druidic. He took notes on what he was reading, but did not copy it exactly, so as to avoid making a key that could be used to teach someone the secret language. About the same time as the Gigantik was decoded, however, Ozrus also shared what he had uncovered.

"The wand is called Winterchill, and is located in the "Field of Dreams." It is made of "Blue Ice" and was crafted by a wizard by the name of Thendara Winterhawk. With a bit of help from the unnamed wizard who wrote this script. The wand was that wizard's favorite. Apparently it was fun to create. It sounds like there were other wizards involved in creating the wonders too. A minimum of three, but likely more. And... it also sounds like they were somehow able to determine if their potential hiding spots would be discovered before the items were needed..." He was unsure about how they might have been able to accomplish such a feat. Perhaps with Esmerelda's help?

Regardless, he was pleased with what the text had said, and what they had learned. "This hidden writing is... informative. I wonder what we can glean from the others." Now that he had finished with the secret language, he was much more willing to assist the others with the remaining languages. Whether it by jotting down the unraveled illusory script, translating words, or helping to interpret the clues before them. Any other languages he was able to decipher, Ozrus was much more direct with his translations. And he made sure to share his translations with the others as he unraveled them. As well as any knowledge he could recall about the Winterchill wand, Blue Ice, the Field of Dreams, or Thendara Winterhawk the wizard.

Linguistics and Knowledge checks. Lots of them. All using Guidance.

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Knowledge: Winterchill, Blue Ice, Field of Dreams, Thendara Winterhawk.
14:11, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 15 using 1d20+10. Knowledge: Geography, with Guidance - Field of Dreams.
14:10, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 26 using 1d20+19. Knowledge: Planes, with Guidance - Field of Dreams.
14:10, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 24 using 1d20+19. Knowledge: Arcana, with Guidance - Field of Dreams.
14:09, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 15 using 1d20+10. Knowledge: History, with Guidance - Thendara Winterhawk.
14:09, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 21 using 1d20+19. Knowledge: Local, with Guidance - Thendara Winterhawk.
14:09, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 31 using 1d20+19. Knowledge: Arcana, with Guidance - Thendara Winterhawk.
14:08, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 32 using 1d20+21. Knowledge: Nature, with Guidance - Blue Ice.
14:07, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 33 using 1d20+19. Knowledge: Arcana, with Guidance - Blue Ice.
14:06, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 36 using 1d20+19. Knowledge: Arcana, with Guidance - Winterchill.

Linguistics rolls for translating/Aiding (unless he can take 20, in which case all rolls are 39).
14:20, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 23 using 1d20+19. Linguistics, with Guidance - Goblinygook Ring.
14:19, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 37 using 1d20+19. Linguistics, with Guidance - Gnomish Hat.
14:19, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 24 using 1d20+19. Linguistics, with Guidance - Celestial Shield.
14:18, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 37 using 1d20+19. Linguistics, with Guidance - Draconic Armor.
14:17, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 33 using 1d20+19. Linguistics, with Guidance - Aklor Staff.

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 16 posts

Gunslinger/Steelfist

Ballistic Fist Method

Fri 9 Oct 2020
at 00:05

msg #9

Wonders Investigation

From 1. Catastrophe Strikes

"Well wouldja look at that."

Bash was leaned forward now, hands on her hips, head cranking to one side like she was trying to break it off her neck. The corner brackets, embellished with elegance, looked like brackets. But something was off. 1, 2, 3, 4. Four of them.

Ah. Not four. More like three plus one.

Something got caught on the corner of her sharp eye. In an instance her hand dropped past her hip, brushing a pistol grip as she jerked her face to the door. Some bright-faced lad with a box of sweets. Relatively harmless. Where'd he come from.

The bright man waved.

Bash frowned.

"Yer late to the party," Ki'nae muttered. She could only presume the sweet-toothed scoundrel was another on the hunt for this alleged destiny.

"If yuns got a head fer words 'n high falutin', I reckon yew could catch up with..."

Ki'nae stalled, then looked toward the book room.

"...Chess and Vogh..."

Nailed it.

"...'n help 'em work through some'a them journals."

She took a step closer to the picture, off to its left side, away from the linguists. Crouching toward the bottom corner bracket, her fingers fiddled with the decorative shape.

"Looks like we got erselves a lil' game o'odd one out."

Hsang Li Tsung

player, 12 posts

Samurai/Rogue

Fri 9 Oct 2020
at 07:08

msg #10

Wonders Investigation

Hsang decides to follow his own clue and disappears for a short period to retrieve a recent map before returning and starting to mark out the headings he found on the map so as to have his portion of the information ready to be used once the rest was done.

He also starts noting down the natures of the various clues they have

- heading
- language
- wording
- description
- creator

and then the list of other missing elements

- distance
- function

Ozrus Wither

player, 16 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Fri 9 Oct 2020
at 19:28

msg #11

Wonders Investigation

As Ozrus continued to try and recall information and transcribe the messages in various languages, a thought occurred to him. He called over one of the monastery's inhabitants. "While we work on this, could you gather up any books here that have spells in them? These wonders were created by wizards. Perhaps any spells you have in written form will help provide clues about these wonders. Ask your friends too." He took out his own spellbook to show a few examples of what sort of thing he was looking for. "Any books that contain writing like this. Or magic scrolls, if you have them. Heck. Maybe you guys even have a full spellbook or two in your archives that belonged to them."

Maybe the monk would come back with nothing, but it was worth a shot.

GM StarMaster

GM, 36 posts

Sat 10 Oct 2020
at 02:51

msg #12

Wonders Investigation

Ozrus recalls hearing the name Thendara Winterhawk in reference to the city of Deepwater, but he doesn't know any other information about her... assuming she was female.

Blue Ice is a type of Eternal Ice found only in the heart of glaciers.

He has no idea what or where Field of Dreams is.

He's never heard of Winterchill before. If it was a wand created by Thendara, it was probably given directly to Esmeralda, and therefore was never in circulation.

Brother Yanni informs Ozrus that the monastery does not have any spellbooks or arcane tomes that he's aware of, but he'll ask Jarvis if there are any, but he doubts they'll be brought down here because they are preserved in the library.

It's not about reading a language that you know, it's about being able to figure out the letters through the distortion. The only two Ozrus is able to do that with is the Gnomish in the Hat painting and Draconic is the armor painting.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:28, Sun 15 Nov 2020.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 9 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Sat 10 Oct 2020
at 03:06

msg #13

Wonders Investigation

"Don't know if I can do it again with the Goblinygook script there," Tyrol replies to Kurat, "since I don't know that language, but I can't do it again right now cause I've used up that spell for the day."

He then turns to Ozrus:

"And I don't need no dang help translating Gnomish! In case you ain't noticed, I'm a GNOME! Or did you think I was just someone's kid that got loose in the monastery?"

Kurat

player, 22 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Sat 10 Oct 2020
at 12:40

msg #14

Wonders Investigation

Kurat took out his small stell mirror and used it to reflect the goblin writing on the ring painting so that he could mirror the writing making it the correct orientation. He hoped this might enable him to read it without the use of spells.

"What spell did you use?" he asked Tyrol, perhaps he could prepare it tomorrow if it was in his books if this trick didn't work.

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 18 posts

Gunslinger/Steelfist

Ballistic Fist Method

Sat 10 Oct 2020
at 13:20

msg #15

Wonders Investigation

Where her fingers should have met three-dimensional filigree, Ki'nae's hand instead pressed flat against the wall.

"Tch." Her smoky eyes attempted to stare at the tiny lettering, focusing her efforts like sunlight through spyglass, to no avail. There was no reason for her to think she could have done any good here. At least the mystery of odd brackets was solved.

As the Wizard of Oz, Tiny T, and Kurat busted their gums about book and magic, Bash stood up from her crouch. She stretched her back out, loud pops and snaps signaling her success at the effort. All this thinking. She was going to need another beer.

"Well, fellas," she turned around to face the three deep in discussion, "if yuns didn't already see this here 'bracket'," she added an air quote before she rapped at the flat bracket with her knuckle, "it's got writing tinier than a sac scar on a chicakdee." With an exaggerated motion she downed the rest of her mug. It was funny how beer tasted better with every serving.

"Now you boys don't get too wild with the spell-slingin'." Ki'nae winked, the slimmest sliver of smile hanging about chin and cheek. THere was a magnetism to her smile, juxtaposed against her assertive word choice. "I'm goin' back t'freshen m'beer and have me a hog-killin' time with the misses and candy-lad. So don't miss me too much."

And with that, she did just that.

OOC: Moving to Catastrophe

Ozrus Wither

player, 17 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Sat 10 Oct 2020
at 18:32

msg #16

Wonders Investigation

Ozrus gave Bash a nod and an amused smile as she left, then turned his attention back to Tyrol. Apparently he had offended the gnome. Or at least got him all riled up. "If you were someone's kid who got loose, I'ld feel bad for the parents," he joked. "Of course you're a gnome. Feel free to take the lead, but I might still be able to help you untwist some of the writing."

Then, to Kurat he said, "The spell seemed similar to one that I know too. Commonly known as "Major Image." I can cast it for you to help with your translation once I am done over here. If you don't know the spell yourself and you have a spellbook, I wouldn't mind sharing it with you. Especially if you have another spell to trade."

Ozrus then went on to help Tyrol translate the Gnomish, letting the alchemist do most of the work and only stepped in when he got stuck. In the end they ended up with a full translation written word for word on some paper. Ozrus managed to get a translation of the Draconic script for the armor as well. Unlike with the Druidic, Ozrus didn't summarize the information uncovered. He recited it verbatum.

Gnomish Hat
At the request of the Green Star Oracle, the eccentric Wizard Ronk did craft and create a hat of disguise and trickery made from the essence of doppleganger and mimic ichor. When finished to his satisfaction, he bestowed upon the hat the name Fadeaway. It has been placed in Deridor’s Tower for safekeeping until the time when it shall be needed.

Draconic Armor
When it came to crafting magical armor, there was no one more skilled at crafting it than Mistrallena and that is why I went to her when I realized that some kind of armor would be needed. Her armors were legendary even before I met her, though few people new that it was she who had crafted them. After explaining to her my sketchy vision, she crafted Steelheart. After the villagers of Torbel made a tomb for the Warlord Kaballah Kabar upon his death, I thought that would be an excellent place to hide Mistrallena’s Armor.

"It sounds like these were written by Esmerelda herself, huh?" he mused. After those two translations, Ozrus also cast Major Image for Kurat on the Goblinygook so that they might try to unsquiggle the text together. He also shared what he had remembered about Blue Ice and the wizard Thendara.

Casting Major Image, to try and use the same trick Tyrol used. Does it help Ozrus and Kurat decipher the Goblinygook?

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 10 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Sat 10 Oct 2020
at 21:03

msg #17

Wonders Investigation

"I used the spell Silent Image," Tyrol replies to Kurat.

"It's an innate spell to me because I'm a Gnome," he explains to Ozrus.

"I don't have a spellbook. I have a prayer book and a formulae book, but I'm pretty sure you can't copy any of the 'spells' in those books."

"I thought Esmeralda had done all this writing from the beginning. Didn't sound like anyone else could have done it. She would have had to be the one to hide the Wonders, anyway, right?"

"It doesn't sound like the Wonders would have been hidden in far away places. Sure, it would have made them more secure, and it was probably a good bet that whoever the Cycle wound up... uh, marking? Choosing? ...probably would have the ability to get to these places, but wouldn't it have made more sense if they were nearby?"

"I mean... think about it. Anyone from outside the area... like us, wouldn't know any of these places. Like this Durwood's Tower. If it was in Waterdeep, anyone from Waterdeep would know about it. Well, probably. But then they'd know nothing of this area."

"We should ask Jarvis if he's heard of any of these places. If not, maybe find someone from this area... someone who's old enough to have been around to a few places. Maybe a Dwarf; definitely not an Elf--not enough trees and forests to keep them here."

"Thanks for the help on the Gnomish translation, Ozrus. I was struggling a bit on the names. Oracle and Ronk and Fadeaway didn't trip off the tongue, you know. I don't think Gnomes have any oracles. Definitely wouldn't have got 'mimic ichor' or Durwood's Tower."

Hsang Li Tsung

player, 13 posts

Samurai/Rogue

Sat 10 Oct 2020
at 21:20

msg #18

Wonders Investigation

"Ah, that would be my cue I believe."

He pulls over the map.

"These lines are the headings that I found in the room. Names may have changed but we should be able to spot the sites if they're obvious."

He starts tracing the lines looking for names similar to the named locations, Deriodor's Tower and Torbel.

Kurat

player, 23 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Sat 10 Oct 2020
at 22:48

msg #19

Wonders Investigation

Kurat nodded as he patiently waited with his mirror to see if he got any results telling them "Silent Image, I know that spell and Minor Image as well as Major Image. I keep a few spell slots empty at the start of the day, with a bit of time if this doesn't work I can prepare them and have this one in goblin and the one in gnoll hopefully translated for you."

GM StarMaster

GM, 37 posts

Sun 11 Oct 2020
at 01:36

msg #20

Wonders Investigation

Holding up the mirror directly in front of the script does serve to reverse it, but no matter how he slants it, it doesn't quite eliminate the distortion. However, it's enough to work out the words, though Kurat will struggle with some of the names, just as Tyrol did, but only because they are unfamiliar.

Hsang starts looking over the maps he brought. These were from about 450 years ago. In the older one, the village of Torbel is clearly marked. Ten years later, when the second map was drawn, it isn't on the map.

Somewhat oddly, but then again, not really, the maps are oriented on the Citadel, which even more strangely, isn't labeled even though it is indicated. Torbel would seem to be about 40 miles to the SE.

Deridor's Tower is nowhere to be found on the maps.

Since Kurat was able to use his mirror to decipher the script around the Ring painting, Ozrus doesn't have to cast his spell. If still wants to do it for another painting, he needs to make 4 Spellcraft checks to accurately capture and manipulate the image.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:45, Fri 04 Dec 2020.

Ozrus Wither

player, 18 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Sun 11 Oct 2020
at 02:57

msg #21

Wonders Investigation

Seeing that Kurat was doing alright on his own, Ozrus opted to try Tyrol's trick on the image of the staff instead. He figured Aklor would not be a commonly known language among the others, and thus most useful for him to translate. He cast Guidance upon himself yet again, then cast Major Image try and pull off the same feat as Tyrol had.

Spellcraft Checks, with guidance. I realized after I rolled that he may not be able to cast Guidance while sustaining his illusion. If that is the case, only the first would be able to benefit from Guidance.
21:52, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 22 using 1d20+19. Spellcraft, with Guidance - check 1.
21:52, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 33 using 1d20+19. Spellcraft, with Guidance - check 2.
21:52, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 35 using 1d20+19. Spellcraft, with Guidance - check 3.
21:52, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 23 using 1d20+19. Spellcraft, with Guidance - check 4.

Kurat

player, 24 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Sun 11 Oct 2020
at 21:56

msg #22

Wonders Investigation

"My friends I've been able to translate this one in the language of the goblins, It reads "One would not expect a mistress of the sword to craft a magical ring, let alone one so powerful, and that is precisely why, I, Esmeralda, have requested such from my friend and mage Ravenmane. Seek Shadora and ye shall find it at The Rock."" Kurat tells the others, he'll then walk over with his mirror to the bracers "This one is in Gnollish I'll give it a try as well, as I do speak Gnollish as well."

He'll again use his steel small mirror to look upon the writing and then work out what is said about the bracers.

GM StarMaster

GM, 41 posts

Wed 14 Oct 2020
at 02:08

msg #23

Wonders Investigation

With the +5 bonus from having seen Tyrol manipulate the image, it's not hard for Ozrus to perform the same trick. His hardest part was visually replicate the script on the wall with his illusion first. After that, it was relatively easy because he knew the language.

Kurat was having just as much luck with the Gnolling, even if it is an old dialect. The so-called 'monster' languages don't tend to change as often as the human and demi-human languages do.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:06, Sun 15 Nov 2020.

Ozrus Wither

player, 20 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Wed 14 Oct 2020
at 02:32

msg #24

Wonders Investigation

"Interesting," Ozrus said as he wrote down the Aklor message. "Purple flames? Ten-metal? Spire of the Moon?" Ozrus shook his mind clear. He would have to wait a moment before he pondered on all of that. First he would share his findings with the others.

"Here is what I have found out about the Staff." He cleared his throat. "If Mysterion could only be crafted in the purple flame, who better to craft it than the Wizard of the Purple Flame himself. To hide it away and keep it safe until the Time, this ten-metal staff was secreted in the Spire of the Moon."

When he had finished, he looked to the others expectantly. "Weird, right?" The staff sounded so... exotic. "I only know one more of the languages, Celestial, but I couldn't translate the shield just by looking. But if I invoke the power of my ring, I can cast Major Image one last time to try and duplicate that trick again. Think I should?" He figured the answer would be "yes," but their group had already translated so many today.

Knowledge rolls, with Guidance.
21:30, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 27 using 1d20+10. Knowledge: Geography, with Guidance - Spire of the Moon.
21:30, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 38 using 1d20+21. Knowledge: Nature, with Guidance - Purple Flame.
21:29, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 31 using 1d20+19. Knowledge: Arcana, with Guidance - Purple Flame.
21:28, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 37 using 1d20+19. Knowledge: Arcana, with Guidance - Mysterion.

Kurat

player, 25 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Wed 14 Oct 2020
at 02:37

msg #25

Wonders Investigation

"I've had some success with this as well, the bracers are called Armstrong and were made by one called Meta Tox. After crafting the bracers Meta Tox attempted to regain the bracers after seven years, Meta Tox was a female. Esmerelda then hid at the Lost Remson Mine, or thereabouts," Kurat reported.

"It is indeed fascinating, if only the group to the library had first waited for these details. It is possible with the clues here that there might be sufficient information in the library that we might could track down some or all of these locations. I myself am not familiar with the names or places," Kurat added.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 11 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Fri 16 Oct 2020
at 02:37

msg #26

Wonders Investigation

"Celestial? I know that one, too!" Tyrol responds to Ozrus. "I ca help you with that language. Which painting had that?"

"Kurat's been able to use his mirror to figure out the writings. We should try that before you use the spell."

"How many does that leave? Has anyone been able to identify the other languages? We'll probably need to use Comprehend Languages on them. Anyone else got that spell handy? I do."

GM StarMaster

GM, 43 posts

Fri 16 Oct 2020
at 03:38

msg #27

Wonders Investigation

Ozrus has never heard of anything called the Spire of the Moon, so it's probably not something of major significance, at least based on the premise that it wouldn't be all that far away. He suspects it's probably something relatively close by since it doesn't seem like Esmeralda would have hidden the Wonders in places that would have been known to anyone else that might have come looking for them.

He has heard of the Purple Flame, but not of any wizard specifically known as The Wizard of the Purple Flame. The Purple Flame was supposed to be some sort of spell-forge in the land of Halruaa before that land destroyed itself with magic.

And, he's never heard of a magical staff named "Mysterion". In fact, he's never heard of any staff having a name other than its function, such as a Staff of Fire or a Holy Staff. He can't recall any other kind of magic item having a name, other than swords and other weapons. Not that a weapon's owner can't bestow a name on his weapon, such as Gunslingers do with their firearms, but the items aren't normally crafted with a name, which seems to be the case here.

Kurat

player, 26 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Fri 16 Oct 2020
at 22:32

msg #28

Wonders Investigation

"I do not have it memorized but I do have a few empty slots and it is in my spellbook so I could prepare it if necessary for us to decipher the remaining ones, have we done all the ones we could do without resorting to it yet?" Kurat asked.

"Let's see we've done the boots, the wand, the hat, the armor, the ring, the staff and the bracers, What does that leave?" he asked the others.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 12 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Sat 17 Oct 2020
at 01:17

msg #29

Wonders Investigation

At Kurat's comment, he adds:

"I can make a potion of Tongues for each of us, if that'll help."

Then he makes a circle of the room and calling off the paintings that they haven't yet decoded.

"We haven't done the Gloves, the Sword, the Shield, the Cloak or the Medallion."

Kurat

player, 27 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Sat 17 Oct 2020
at 17:03

msg #30

Wonders Investigation

Kurat moves over to the Cloak and examines it more, "Save your potions for when we might need them. I have five slots I've not prepared today. Given just a few minutes I should be able to decipher the remaining ones."

He then sits down crosslegged and takes his Blessed Book from his pack. "I'll need a few minutes of uninterrupted study to prepare the remaining spells."

Assuming all goes well when he finishes preparing the Comprehend Languages spells he will use the mirror trick on each of the Gloves, the Sword, the Shield, the Cloak and the Medallion in conjunction with a single casting of the spell for each.

OOC: I know it takes less than an hour to prepare the 5 remaining slots and more than 15 minutes but beyond that it's kinda DM Fiat.

I will be preparing Comprehend Languages in my 5 empty slots (the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th level slots that are empty).

GM StarMaster

GM, 49 posts

Sat 17 Oct 2020
at 22:48

msg #31

Wonders Investigation

While the others have been deciphering the scripts, Hsang has been trying to find the places on the maps.

He hasn't had much luck, though. He soon realizes that, unless it's a major landmark, it won't be on the map. Small local landmarks probably wouldn't show up because they just aren't significant.

He doesn't quite understand why Torbel wasn't on the later map.

He didn't find Deridor's Tower, but there is a spot on the map labeled 'Wizard's Tower' that's in the same direction as the mark over the Hat painting.

Not far from that is a symbol for a mine, but it's not labeled. It doesn't show up on the second map.

Ozrus Wither

player, 22 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Sun 18 Oct 2020
at 02:46

msg #32

Wonders Investigation

"Magical language comprehension sounds like it could be beneficial," Ozrus said, nodding. While Kurat was busy preparing his spells, Ozrus asked to borrow his mirror so that himself and Tyrol might try and translate the Celestial writing in the meantime. And if they still could not get it, he would try casting Major Image again to bolster their attempts.

Hsang, Tyrol, and Kurat, you can assume Ozrus is sharing the results of his knowledge checks with you. It didn't necessarily feel worth repeating IC though.

GM, should I roll again for Linguistics now that I am using Kurat's mirror and Tyrol's assistance (assuming they agree)? Or should I use my old roll of 24? I do have the Inspired trait if that would allow a reroll at this point ( https://www.d20pfsrd.com/traits/faith-traits/inspired/ ) Let me know if his illusion is required so that I can mark it off on my character sheet, or if he uses his Inspired trait.

Here is a roll, just in case. Using Guidance, of course.
21:40, Today: Ozrus Wither rolled 20 using 1d20+19. Linguistics, with Guidance - try translating Celestial again.
Haha, even worse!

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 24 posts

Gunslinger/Steelfist

Ballistic Fist Method

Sun 18 Oct 2020
at 19:19

msg #33

Wonders Investigation

Ki'nae slips into the room.

"Yuns done ready yet to partake in a mutual exchange of infermation yet?" The gun-monk made to spit, then remembered where she was. "I reckon not much more reason to wait on sharin' findings on what we've got past now."

Hsang Li Tsung

player, 14 posts

Samurai/Rogue

Sun 18 Oct 2020
at 19:26

msg #34

Wonders Investigation

Hsang shrugs.

"I have one location. Torbel is marked on one map but its gone ten years later."

He scuffs his shoe in the dust.

"I hate to say this but I think I need to see what Torbel looks like before I can be much more use. I'm going to head out to reach that location. If any of you wish to join me it's a few hours flight at most but I'm not best sure of this scale or the accuracy of the maps. Something here makes sense to me but I can't quite understand it."

His armor unfurls into a pair of massive crows wings as he speaks.

Kurat

player, 28 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Sun 18 Oct 2020
at 20:44

msg #35

Wonders Investigation

Did my efforts in my last post not reveal anything about those last five?

GM StarMaster

GM, 50 posts

Mon 19 Oct 2020
at 00:19

msg #36

Wonders Investigation

Since it's going to take an hour of rest and study to load those spells into Kurat's slots, the others will have time to work on the paintings for a bit.

GM StarMaster

GM, 51 posts

Mon 19 Oct 2020
at 00:29

msg #37

Wonders Investigation

Ozrus can be assisted by Tyrol as the Gnome knows the Celestial as well. While the writing has all be obscured in the same way, it's clear that they were all done at different times. It's why they are also a bit harder to decipher as the format is different and the scribing isn't consistent.

However, Ozrus and Tyrol manage to un-distort the writings and then read the words.

It should be noted that the words have been repeated several times on each painting so as to fill up all the blank space in order to make it look like a design. Unfortunately, you pretty much have to read through all of it to make sure it really is just repitition and that there isn't some clue stuck in at or near the end.

That's one of the reasons it takes so long.

But, you finally get through the Celestial:

Not even the Dwarves would dare cast and craft a magical item from celebur, yet that is precisely what Torgon the Red did for me. Not at my request, but because it was necessary. Only celebur could hold the magics that would be needed. It took him 55 days to create Bastion. How long will it take you to find it at the Misty Waterfall?

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:08, Sun 15 Nov 2020.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 14 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Mon 19 Oct 2020
at 00:38

msg #38

Wonders Investigation

"Oo-oo! I know what celebur is!" Tyrol exclaims when the translation is complete.

"It's a poisonous metal, sometimes mistaken for silver. I've never had any in my lab, though; not sure I want any. It's supposed to be deadly just to touch it."

"I can make new potions every day, Kurat, if you want to save those spells for something else."

"Well, it's not as easy as you think, Bash, to decipher this script! I don't suppose you journal readers found out anything that might be helpful to us? No? Didn't think so."

Ozrus Wither

player, 23 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Mon 19 Oct 2020
at 20:09

msg #39

Wonders Investigation

"A poisonous metal?" Ozrus said, perplexed. And perhaps a bit underwhelmed since he had been immune to poisons for years now. "Why would someone want to make a poisonous shield? Hmm."

The druid shrugged. "Well, anyway, that was the last language that I knew, so I might as well head out with Hsang to scout out Torbel. Safety in numbers. I trust you two will share what we learned with the others?" he said to Tyrol and Kurat. "I'll leave my notes here in case you need to reference them. Best of luck with the last four! Hopefully you get them translated before we return."

With that, Ozrus followed Hsang out into the open sky and took the form of a large cloud-like air elemental. "Shall we go?" he asked the samurai.

Using Wild Shape to become a large air elemental. (Fly speed 60, perfect.) Heading to Torbel with Hsang.

GM StarMaster

GM, 53 posts

Tue 20 Oct 2020
at 18:51

msg #40

Wonders Investigation

Based on the map, Torbel should have been about 40 miles to the southeast.

It will take Hsang and Ozrus about 6 hours to get there, as your fly speeds are only about 7 miles per hour.

One of the things Hsang was able to figure out from the maps is that the directions indicated by the paintings are not an absolute direction, but cover a range that would fall within that compass arc.

After more consideration, it makes sense. Not only were these landmarks not on an absolute mark but if the painting carvings had pointed directly to that landmark, it wouldn't have been 'obvious' that they were compass directions.

Clearly, Esmeralda chose locations that fit into those compass arcs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:14, Fri 04 Dec 2020.

Trickster

player, 21 posts

Wed 21 Oct 2020
at 03:08

msg #43

Wonders Investigation

Trick was a fair bit behind Bash but not far enough to get lost unless she went out of her way to getaway. "So from words written by the long-gone onto relics of power then?" One route was exhausted so the more information they dug up the better, but it was all still good fun so far. He twisted around to drop the cammo and just watched seeing what the excitement was all about.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:09, Wed 21 Oct 2020.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 15 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Wed 21 Oct 2020
at 16:28

msg #44

Wonders Investigation

"The others took off for one of these sites," Tyrol says as he is joined by Bash and Trickster.

"They took the mirror with them, so I can't decipher the last few writings. I don't suppose either of you have a mirror?"

Trickster

player, 23 posts

Wed 21 Oct 2020
at 20:49

msg #49

Re: Wonders Investigation

Tyrol Halverschlagen:

"The others took off for one of these sites," Tyrol says as he is joined by Bash and Trickster.

"They took the mirror with them, so I can't decipher the last few writings. I don't suppose either of you have a mirror?"

Trick reached back into an overly large and overly floofy fox tail to pull out a metal bar. He then twisted it and pulled it causing it to articulate in odd ways. Before long he had it shaped into a tripod with a mirror ontop of it about the size of a man's hands splayed out. It wasnt a perfect mirror but it was well reflective and clear. "The any tool is my main weapon so do forgive me if I stay close by." he said with a wide smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:50, Wed 21 Oct 2020.

Kurat

player, 29 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Wed 21 Oct 2020
at 22:38

msg #50

Re: Wonders Investigation

So in the time everyone spent doing all the above have I finished filling my empty slots?

GM StarMaster

GM, 56 posts

Wed 21 Oct 2020
at 22:56

msg #51

Re: Wonders Investigation

Yes, if you still want to do that.

Kurat

player, 30 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Wed 21 Oct 2020
at 22:58

msg #52

Re: Wonders Investigation

I was already in the process of doing it, and far as I know no one has translated the last five, though since they took off with my mirror I'll have to wait for their return.

Trickster

player, 24 posts

Wed 21 Oct 2020
at 23:00

[deleted]
msg #53

Re: Wonders Investigation

This message was deleted by the player at 23:43, Wed 21 Oct 2020.

Trickster

player, 25 posts

Wed 21 Oct 2020
at 23:46

msg #54

Re: Wonders Investigation

Trickster clapped his hands and as he pulled them apart there was a clear-ish substance that formed there. He pressed it to the floor to give it a nice flat surface before offering it out. "Not a great mirror but you can get a reflection off of crystal. Be careful though, it's fragile. Though really I can make more of it if needed."

Kurat

player, 32 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Thu 22 Oct 2020
at 12:36

msg #55

Re: Wonders Investigation

Kurat takes the item from Trickster, "Thank you, I'll see if this can work."

He'll move over with Trickster's mirror and try to look at the reverse of the cloak writing and cast Comprehend Languages to see if he can make sense out of it.

GM StarMaster

GM, 59 posts

Thu 22 Oct 2020
at 15:34

msg #56

Re: Wonders Investigation

Kurat uses the crystal mirror that Trickster conjured to examine the writing on the Cloak painting. On the one hand, it's a little bit harder because the mirror isn't as precise as a normal one, but that also tends to facilitate un-distorting the writing in some places.

Casting Comprehend Languages on himself doesn't let him see past the distortion but it does let him understand the writing once the mirror works its magic.

The first thing he realizes is that the writing is in Sphinktor--the language of Sphinxes. That's a very rare and esoteric language, so it's not wonder that none of you knew it.

After a few minutes of work, Kurat has it completely deciphered and translated:

I met Wildwind Silverheart in the Golden Lion one day, and after a bout of mutual lamenting and considerable drinking, I told her about my vision. To my great surprise, she offered to craft a magical cloak when I didn’t even know I needed one! She called it Ironwind. As it was the last Wonder that I needed, I struggled to find a place to hide it from the passing of years. I finally decided on the Old North Road.

One of the monks comes over then and holds out Kurat's regular mirror.

"My apologies, sir. Ozrus gave it to me when he left because you were in meditation," the monk says. You can see that he's also holding the maps.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:00, Sun 15 Nov 2020.

Kurat

player, 33 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Thu 22 Oct 2020
at 16:55

msg #59

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Oh thank you," Kurat told the Monk taking back his mirror, "Excellent some maps, is there a Old North Road on the map?"

"The Cloak is in the language of the Sphinxes, it appears it was the last of the items created. The inscription reads.

"I met Wildwind Silverheart in the Golden Lion one day, and after a bout of mutual lamenting and considerable drinking, I told her about my vision. To my great surprise, she offered to craft a magical cloak when I didn’t even know I needed one! She called it Ironwind. As it was the last Wonder that I needed, I struggled to find a place to hide it from the passing of years. I finally decided on the Old North Road."

So the cloak is named Ironwind and is at least when originally hidden on the Old North Road."

Kurat will move on to the Medallion and repeat the process, though he'll only cast another Comprehend Languages if needed, it lasts for a while, but I probably will need more than one to do them all not sure how long it's taking.

Trickster

player, 26 posts

Fri 23 Oct 2020
at 23:03

msg #62

Re: Wonders Investigation

Trickster popped up on some perch, it didn't matter if it was a chair, table, stack of something. "So an iron wind cloak on a north road?"

"It may be worth relaying that we did identify that the lady who had the visions entertained the idea of having portals made and then spoke to a mage who could make portals. We are hoping that he was a mage to seek the immortality to age like most mages do or is an elf."

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 16 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Sun 25 Oct 2020
at 00:01

msg #63

Re: Wonders Investigation

"You live in a strange world if you think wizards and Elves live forever," Tyrol comments.

"Portals?"

He glances around at the paintings speculatively.

"You don't suppose each of these paintings is a portal to where the Wonder is, do you?"

"That'd be so cool! How could we tell if there is? I suppose there has to be a way to activate the portal then, right?"

"Hey! Is that what Bash was talking about? Didn't she say something about these brackets in the corners?"

Trickster

player, 27 posts

Sun 25 Oct 2020
at 01:07

msg #64

Re: Wonders Investigation

Trick shrugged, "I know first hand that a wizard can halt the aging process. And elves just age like dirt."

"The books mentioned making portals once and mentions a mage good with portals twice. So it is a hyper tiny lead but an unspoken lead is worthless." Trick shrugged again, "Dunno, didn't hear her. From the look of it, they have gone to an insane effort to be sure you cant just see it in one shot."

"I leave the research to smarter folk than I, a preference for brilliant ladies, I deal with change and tricks. Cant even detect magic."

GM StarMaster

GM, 67 posts

Wed 28 Oct 2020
at 04:30

msg #65

Re: Wonders Investigation

Having figured out the secret of the writing, it's become a question of just spending the time and effort to decode the remaining ones.

Kurat is able to figure out the writing on the Medallion painting.

"What man hath wrought, only the gods may sunder. So sayeth I, Thermavox the Great, for I have made out of green star metal a wondrous medallion to augment the sight of the wearer. I have named it Rimegar’s Eye after my grandfather who had even greater vision than I. Seek it at the Golden Lion."

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:35, Fri 04 Dec 2020.

Kurat

player, 35 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Wed 28 Oct 2020
at 13:52

msg #66

Re: Wonders Investigation

"The medallion is called Rimegar’s Eye and it enhances the senses of the wearer. It is made of green star metal. Perhaps all have that metal which might aid in finding them. It is at the Golden Lion, whatever and wherever that is," Kurat told the others.

Kurat moved over to the Sword painting and repeated the process, recasting Comprehend Languages if necessary.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:27, Fri 30 Oct 2020.

Trickster

player, 28 posts

Fri 30 Oct 2020
at 00:45

msg #68

Re: Wonders Investigation

Trick looked at the painting that was passed away from and then tried to look behind it, more just out of pure morbid curiosity. "So she just made a bunch of green relics and set them out into the world then?" He was more looking at the wall shadow. Most big buildings cant have all magic lighting so some had to use oil and candles. It made ash shadows on the walls, a clean spot. If it was crisp then the painting hadn't been moved at all. If there were a number of edges over time, it was taken down over time.

ECT ECT. It wasn't massively important but it would be nice to know if they set this all up recently or if it's just been sitting here waiting.

GM StarMaster

GM, 69 posts

Fri 30 Oct 2020
at 17:11

msg #69

Re: Wonders Investigation

Trickster once again examines the paintings, realizing that they are frescoes--they were painted in wet plaster, so they can't be readily removed from the wall. There is no indication of smoke stains on the wall or ceiling, but, then again, if they were painted by Esmeralda, she WAS an Oracle--probably could have painted it in the dark.

While she kept the Wonders a secret, her years of experience with being disbelieved, not to mention more visions, probably thought that knowledge of at least one Wonder might have gotten out, in which case, someone might have come looking for it. If it had been found here, it follows that the others might have been found as well. Scattering them away from the Citadel was merely a way to further protect them.

Once Kurat produces the mirror again, Tyrol is able to identify the writing on the Sword painting as pictographs showing Drow Sign Language. Just as he tries to decipher the writing, a stranger appears at the door, and he goes over to talk to him. Shortly after that, Chess, Vogh and Trickster rejoins them and can help with the translation.

Kurat doesn't need to cast Comprehend Languages again because the script on the Sword painting is in Drow Sign Language, which Chess, who just returned, knows.

As I was contemplating what would be needed to stop the Great Destruction, I was unexpectedly contacted by Kotokazei. The wizard offered to craft a magical sword that he wound up calling Frostfire. Did he, too, have some sort of vision of the destruction to come? Or did word leak out that I would need these things? When Teljin the Ranger found the ruins of Kraal Kagarraak, that seemed like the perfect place to hide the sword.

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:39, Fri 04 Dec 2020.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 39 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Sat 31 Oct 2020
at 02:54

msg #74

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina walks in right next to Vogh and she looked at those that gathered into the chamber. Seeing there might be a few new faces she allowed her eyes to scan over them for a moment each wondering who they might be or what they might be capable of.

If anyone asked for assistance she would gladly aid in deciphering Drow Sign Language.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 20 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Sat 31 Oct 2020
at 19:11

msg #77

Re: Wonders Investigation

Tyrol had ignored the thing with the straw hat because he had no idea what it was or what the thing was that grew into some of large creature and rode off. He wasn't even sure if it had four legs or just two, or maybe only one for all he knew.

He went back to examining the writings.

With the aid of the mirror, he'd been able to un-distort the script until he realized it wasn't lettering exactly, but some sort of pictograph. It took a few minutes to realize the mini-pictures were displaying a hand with fingers in various configurations. Then it dawned on him! It was a sign language.

Of course, he couldn't readily tell that it was Drow Sign Language, but that seemed to make sense to him. When he asked Chess if she recognized it, she readily identified it as Drow Sign Language, and the two of them set about deciphering it. It was odd, in a way... since Drow Sign Language didn't have any 'script' to it--it was just gestures made between two people.

But, he didn't see why it couldn't be used in a manner similar to trail signs. He wondered if Comprehend Languages would work with a sign language or with pictographs.

"Well, there we go. Another one deciphered. That only leaves two to go--the Gloves and the Bracers.:

"We've only got the one mirror, though. Anybody else want to take a turn? Kurat can cast his spell, and I can whip up another potion for the other one."

At Chess's quizzical glance around the room, Tyrol probably mistook her expression to mean 'where did everyone go?'

"Ozrus and Hsang went to where the old village of... Torbel? ...was to see if they could find the crypt of what's-his-name. Lucien, Vashon, and Aniyu went to reconnoiter the volcano. I should think they'd be all back by now, but give them a little longer. We can finish up these last two and if they aren't back by then..."

Kurat

player, 37 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Sun 1 Nov 2020
at 14:14

msg #79

Re: Wonders Investigation

Kurat turned to Chess while holding his mirror, "So you going to tell us what it says?"

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 40 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Sun 1 Nov 2020
at 14:25

msg #80

Re: Wonders Investigation

Looking at the Hobgoblin she smiled "Did you ask me to tell you? not liking how he was so boldly assuming that she didn't know he needed help without asking.

Moments later she looked at the sword and spoke to the group in whole, not anyone in particular.

As I was contemplating what would be needed to stop the Great Destruction, I was unexpectedly contacted by Kotokazei.

The wizard offered to craft a magical sword that he wound up calling Frostfire.

Did he, too, have some sort of vision of the destruction to come? Or did word leak out that I would need these things?

When Teljin the Ranger found the ruins of Kraal Kagarraak, that seemed like the perfect place to hide the sword.

Kurat

player, 38 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Tue 3 Nov 2020
at 18:10

msg #83

Re: Wonders Investigation

Kurat will move over to the shield and work to decipher it and relate what it says to the others.

Vogh Kath

player, 27 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Tue 3 Nov 2020
at 19:09

msg #84

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vogh listened as Chess explained what she saw. What the others had done while they were reading the journals was amazing and Vogh said so, "You all have done a wonderful job at figuring these paintings out. I commend you all! Does anyone know where Kraal Kagarraak is?" Even as Vogh asked the question she tried to place the name for herself.

Taking 10 for a 23 on my knowledge check.

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 26 posts

Gunslinger/Steelfist

Wed 4 Nov 2020
at 03:37

msg #85

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Oh, they've done wonderful... only up to a point!" Bash responds to Vogh's comment.

She'd been just hanging around, watching the others do their thing.

"Kurat, dearie, you've already done the Shield. The only two left are the bracers and the gloves."

"And I still say there's something funny about those decorative brackets in the corners. Each painting has four, one in each corner. But only the one in the lower right is different. Why is that? The other three are solid, but that one has lines through it."

"If it was just on one painting, I could chalk it up to the vagaries of painting. But it's identical... well, mostly identical... on all of them. And there's no... 'mistakes' anywhere else on the paintings, right? Nothing that any of you have found, right?"

"Doesn't that just seem a bit strange to you?"

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 21 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Wed 4 Nov 2020
at 04:56

msg #86

Re: Wonders Investigation

"We've already deciphered the Shield painting, Kurat," Tyrol tells Kurat a bit more tactfully than Bash.

"Do you want to go ahead and cast your spell or use one of my potions?"

While he waits for Kurat to decide, Tyrol turns to Vogh.

He points to the mark above the Sword painting as he says, "We think it's somewhere in the area but it's in that direction. Let's see... that'd be north-northwest. Sounds Dwarvish, so I'd guess it's up in the mountains."

"The only place we've found on the maps is the village. That's where Ozrus and Hsang went to see if it was really there."

"I think our drawback is none of us are from this area, so if these are all local landmarks, we ain't got a clue!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:23, Thu 05 Nov 2020.

Kurat

player, 39 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Wed 4 Nov 2020
at 17:21

msg #87

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Oh," Kurat said having missed that, "Thank you."

He moved on to examine the bracers then to see if he could decipher them. He smiled at Vogh's words, "Thank you friend, we still have a bit more work to do. We'll need probably s skilled bard to make sense of all these people and places mentioned in the writings. Someone that knows about legends and such."

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 41 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Thu 5 Nov 2020
at 13:48

msg #89

Re: Wonders Investigation

OOC: so confused as to where to post and if we were all in the tunnel to see this

Vogh Kath

player, 28 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Thu 5 Nov 2020
at 13:55

msg #90

Re: Wonders Investigation

ooc: there are two threads in one here. It is hard to follow.

Ozrus Wither

player, 38 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Thu 5 Nov 2020
at 15:30

msg #91

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina Nasadra:

OOC: so confused as to where to post and if we were all in the tunnel to see this

Ozrus and Hsang are on a side adventure. Everyone else in this thread is at the monastery.

Aniyu

NPC, 38 posts

Human Winter Witch/Druid

Thu 5 Nov 2020
at 17:22

msg #92

Re: Wonders Investigation

OOC: Thanks for clarifying that, Ozrus. But, yeah, maybe the GM should have spun you two off into a separate thread.

After Aniyu reorients himself from the teleport back, he walks back into the monastery. He sees that everyone is back there... until he notices Ozrus and Hsang are missing.

"You made any progress yet?" he asks. "And where is Hsang and Ozrus?"

After he gets a reply, he reports what he and Lucien and Vashon found at the volcano.

GM StarMaster

GM, 76 posts

Tue 10 Nov 2020
at 06:40

msg #94

Re: Wonders Investigation

===== EVERYONE back at the MONASTERY ======

Tyrol hands his concocted potion of Comprehend Languages to Kurat so that he can use his mirror to decipher the writing on the Bracers painting.

With the help of the potion, he realizes the writing is in Gnolling--the language of Gnolls. Anyone else who knows it can assist--it makes the deciphering go a little faster.

After about 30 minutes, the translation is complete:

Meta Tox would only make bracers for me if I got her three exotic items. That seemed like a small price to pay for a such a big request. How little did I know then! One animal, vegetable and mineral later, she crafted a pair of Bracers that she named Armstrong. Seven years later, she wanted them back, so I had to hide them somewhere else—the Lost Remson Mine.

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:01, Fri 04 Dec 2020.

Vogh Kath

player, 29 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Wed 11 Nov 2020
at 10:01

msg #97

Re: Wonders Investigation

Lost Remson Mine.. Vogh tossed the name around in her head along with the name Meta Tox. Though Vogh wasn't from the area it could be likely that she had come across either of the names in either the journals or in any of the many libraries she had visited in her time on Toril.

Taking 10 on her check Vogh gets a 23 for her knowledge check.

GM StarMaster

GM, 77 posts

Wed 11 Nov 2020
at 19:01

msg #98

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vogh doesn't know anything about a Remson Mine, lost or otherwise, and even looking at the maps doesn't show anything in the direction of the mark over the painting. She realizes that if the mine was considered 'lost' in Esmeralda's time, then it would have been operational and probably known before then. Unfortunately, there were no maps of the area before then... at least none at the monastery.

It also makes sense that Esmeralda the Oracle would have been able to see where the mine was.

On the other hand, Vogh has heard of Meta Tox. She was a wizard of Mulhorand some 500 years ago, noted for making strength-enhancing magic items.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:10, Fri 04 Dec 2020.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 42 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Wed 11 Nov 2020
at 22:03

msg #99

Re: Wonders Investigation

The Monastery

Chess ala'riina didn't want to think of the mines but the name Meta Tox was a possibility of knowing.

17:01, Today: Chess ala'riina Nasadra rolled 28 using 1d20+19. Fortune.
17:00, Today: Chess ala'riina Nasadra rolled 23 using 1d20+19. Knowledge Arcane Meta Tox .

Kurat

player, 41 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Thu 12 Nov 2020
at 18:36

msg #102

Re: Wonders Investigation

Have we finished deciphering all the items, if not move to next one and repeat process

Vogh Kath

player, 30 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Thu 12 Nov 2020
at 20:10

msg #103

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vogh relays what she knows to the others about Meta Tox. "I doubt seriously that he is still alive. Chess do you know anything more than what I just said?"

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 22 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Thu 12 Nov 2020
at 20:17

msg #104

Re: Wonders Investigation

Since Kurat chose to use his spell rather than one of Tyrol's potions, Tyrol offered it to anyone else.

"Any of you want to assist Kurat with deciphering and translating the last painting, the Gloves?" Tyrol asked, answering Kurat's unspoken question at the same time.

"Sounds like we need someone local who knows the area. I didn't really see anything local while I was trekking here. Makes me wonder if Jarvis or any of the monks would have that information. I mean, this place is out here in the middle of nowhere, so who would the monks talk to in the first place?"

GM StarMaster

GM, 78 posts

Thu 12 Nov 2020
at 20:26

msg #105

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess doesn't really know much more than Vogh does, other than Meta Tox was a woman and had a reputation in her 'later' years of being a nasty piece of work. There were rumors of a lost love.

She never achieved the notoriety of some wizards, such as Kotokazei or Ronk. She might have been more well-known in wizarding circles, though.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 43 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Thu 12 Nov 2020
at 20:35

msg #106

Re: Wonders Investigation

Sharing what information that she was able to gather to the group.

Looking to the others and wondered what all they thought of doing next

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 18 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

Thu 12 Nov 2020
at 20:40

msg #107

Re: Wonders Investigation

Since they'd gotten back from their scouting of the volcano, Vashon understood a bit more what the urgency was all about. He still didn't see the final result but if Esmeralda had foreseen something truly destructive, he believed it would happen. They saw enough evidence of power being unleashed to confirm that, at least in his mind.

He'd listened to what the others had said about what they'd found.

"We should certainly start by asking Jarvis and the other monks about these places," he suggested. "You never know, there could be information in their library about the locations. Plus, I suspect people have been coming here for awhile to consult the Oracle. There may be something there."

"We can also go talk to the ranger in the mountains. He's a Dwarf, so he's apt to know a lot about the area."

"Meanwhile, we should pour over these maps some more. We have more information now than we did when Hsang first looked at them."

Aniyu

NPC, 39 posts

Human Winter Witch/Druid

Thu 12 Nov 2020
at 20:51

msg #108

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Yes!" Aniyu speaks up. "The ranger may know something. We didn't know what we were looking for when we left, so it didn't occur to us to ask him."

"How about you, Chess? Aren't you an Oracle, too? Can't you get any insights into these places?"

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 44 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Thu 12 Nov 2020
at 23:13

msg #109

Re: Wonders Investigation

OOC: A bit of confusion here.

Did the group that went to investigate the volcano back?

GM StarMaster

GM, 79 posts

Fri 13 Nov 2020
at 00:44

msg #110

Re: Wonders Investigation

OOC: Yes, they teleported back just outside the monastery and walked in.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 45 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Fri 13 Nov 2020
at 02:08

msg #111

Re: Wonders Investigation

Looking at the group of people that are just walking in from their examination of the volcano. She wondered what did they uncover.

"I can get some insight if time allows.

Then she gazed at them "And do not hold us all in suspense, what did you discover from your time at the volcano?

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 19 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

Sat 14 Nov 2020
at 04:45

msg #112

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Turns out, it's not exactly a volcano," Vashon explains to Chess. "It's a lake of magma. It should have cooled off and become lava by now, but it hasn't. That would seem to indicate it's being heated from within somehow."

"We spotted some creatures moving about on the edge of the magma... fire mephits, hellhounds, salamanders and I think efreets. We couldn't figure out what they were doing, though... best we could guess is that they were just waiting for something."

"Lucien was able to talk to one of the mephits, but he couldn't get it to cooperate. He seemed to think something was controlling them, or maybe just influencing them... somehow."

"Aniyu found a Dwarven ranger up in the mountains who'd been watching the volcano since it erupted. He said the magma was still rising. Also, something was slowly rising up out of the center of the magma, maybe an island."

"And I spotted a dragon swimming in the magma!"

"We also spotted some caves with other creatures moving in and out of them."

"So, as you can see, we found out quite a bit, but not necessarily anything significant."

Aniyu

NPC, 40 posts

Human Winter Witch/Druid

Sat 14 Nov 2020
at 20:05

msg #113

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I'm certainly not an expert on the Elemental Plane of Fire," the Arctic Druid responds to Vashon, "but there's a problem with that scenario. Well, probably."

"So, where's this heat coming from? Is it coming from deep within the earth? Or is it coming from the Plane of Fire? You see what I'm getting at? There have been volcanic eruptions for thousands of years, but they always subside as the earth re-achieves some sort of equilibrium. Really, when have you ever heard of a volcano erupting and never stopping? Imagine what the result of that would be!"

"While this eruption was fairly normal as volcanoes go, it seems to be growing steadily. That state of equilibrium is being prevented somehow."

"While it doesn't sound like such a big problem when put that way, I think, in order for Esmeralda's vision to come true, it's going to have to escalate at some point. I think that's what we need to stop."

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 19 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Sat 14 Nov 2020
at 21:07

msg #114

Re: Wonders Investigation

Seemingly napping up till now, timmy hoists his bag over his shoulder, grabs another plum from his sash, and finds a corner near the group to perch against. His staw hat giving way to the shape of the wall.

"Did any of you check out the caves?" He takes another bite after offering the question.

Lucien Soulban

player, 56 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Sat 14 Nov 2020
at 23:42

msg #115

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I think they are waiting for whatever that thing in the middle of the lava pool was. And mind you this could be a wild guess, but I think it is coming from the Plane of Fire because that magma is hotter than normal as well." the clanking from him shrugging his shoulders was a counter point to his arguement.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 23 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Sun 15 Nov 2020
at 01:21

msg #116

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Oooo, that's scary!" Tyrol says. "So, this thing coming up out of the magma is, maybe, some sort of command center... or whatever? And it's generating the heat that's keeping the magma hot? Do you think the heat is melting more of the rock and ground in the area, which is making more magma that keeps rising?"

"No, wait. That can't be right. If would convert what is there, but that wouldn't make more, would it? I mean, it would have the same volume, but if it's rising, presumably filling up the valley, then there's more volume, right?"

"Is it coming up from deep within the planet? That's not normal, right? Sounds like something is helping it along... keeping the flow going, so to speak."

Lucien Soulban

player, 57 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Sun 15 Nov 2020
at 03:26

msg #117

Re: Wonders Investigation

"It is probably coming from the Plane of Fire. The whole damned thing. The magma, the structure, whatever the hell it is swimming in it."

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 21 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Sun 15 Nov 2020
at 03:50

msg #118

Re: Wonders Investigation

In reply to Lucien Soulban (msg # 117):

Swallowing the bite he had been chewing, timmy looks lazily from Tyrol to Lucien.
"ok, so we've heard that theory a few times now. What if it's something else? until we have a way to confirm one theory, maybe we should think up another few?"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:33, Sun 15 Nov 2020.

Vogh Kath

player, 31 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Sun 15 Nov 2020
at 07:49

msg #119

Re: Wonders Investigation

The report given about the Volcano and the magma had Vogh quite worried about the state of things here. It wouldn't be the first time in Faerun's history that something catastrophic happened like this and heroes from across the lands came to help. If this is what Esmeralda had foreseen then this group might possibly be the ones to stop it. They would all need to work together to stop it. So far they had done pretty well gathering and figuring out where the items that would aid them in defeating whatever it was that was coming.

"I can help Kurat with trying to figure out the gloves. Shall we Kurat?" Vogh said after the others had finished talking about the volcano.

GM StarMaster

GM, 84 posts

Sun 15 Nov 2020
at 18:28

msg #120

Re: Wonders Investigation

Deciphering the script on the paintings has grown progressively easier with each one. Kurat not only has gotten more familiar with the distortion, but he's figured out the general gist of the messages. At least, so far, there's been no rhymes or meter, no allusions or cryptic references, no trick phrasing, no riddles.

The first thing he learns is that the language is Tengura--the language of the Tengu.

If Vogh doesn't know Tengura, she's not going to be able to help unless she uses Tyrol's potion of Comprehend Languages.

In due course, however it's done, the last painting is translated and deciphered.

Once I settled on a pair of gloves for one of the Wonders, prompted by a vision, of course, it made sense to get the Arch-Mage Turambar to craft them. He was considered the best at crafting magical gloves, but I fear the price he asked—a vision—may have been too high. Still, he made a pair of green naga hide gloves that he named Shockaree. I’ve chosen to hide them in the Ice Cave of Parnouth.

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:55, Sun 15 Nov 2020.

Kurat

player, 42 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Mon 16 Nov 2020
at 13:12

msg #123

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Here we go friends, the gloves I've deciphered and it was in the language of the Tengu,

"Once I settled on a pair of gloves for one of the Wonders, prompted by a vision, of course, it made sense to get the Arch-Mage Turambar to craft them. He was considered the best at crafting magical gloves, but I fear the price he asked—a vision—may have been too high. Still, he made a pair of green naga hide gloves that he named Shockaree. I’ve chosen to hide them in the Ice Cave of Parnouth."

Have we finished translating all of it?" Kurat asked after telling the others what he'd learned.

Vogh Kath

player, 32 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Mon 16 Nov 2020
at 14:51

msg #124

Re: Wonders Investigation

When Kurat had translated what he saw Vogh once more thought about what was found and tried to see if she remembered anything about the location of the Ice Cave of Parnouth.

23 Knowledge check

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 46 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Mon 16 Nov 2020
at 20:10

msg #125

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina had to agree with Kurat was correct in the language being Tengura and if he needed any assistance she would gladly offer any in deciphering any words. There was no language that she couldn't speak or understand. One of her many blessing for being whom she was or the fact that she was very intrigue by anything of Lore.

Looking to Vogh as she noticed she was very much interested in helping in anyway she could.

Invoking a power as she then touched Vogh granting her a bit of Insight on her search.

Touch of Destiny granting Vogh +5 to her check

GM StarMaster

GM, 89 posts

Mon 16 Nov 2020
at 20:50

msg #126

Re: Wonders Investigation

Although she doesn't know much about the Ice Cave of Parnouth, its reputation is known outside the local region as there was a time when people came to see the phenomenon. Named after the prospector who discovered it and claimed ownership of it, it is a cave in the area that has ice in it all year round.

Based on the notch over the painting, it should lie to the west-northwest.

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 1 post

Bakers Dozen

Mon 16 Nov 2020
at 21:18

msg #127

Re: Wonders Investigation

A shadow passed across the opening of the front door as a figure stepped into the Citadel's central chamber.

"Greetings, everyone!" the woman calls out. "I hope I'm not too late! My name is Cassandra Darkwhisper. I came from a long way away. I tried to give up several times, but those damned green stars wouldn't let me!"

"So, what have I missed?"

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 24 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Mon 16 Nov 2020
at 21:44

msg #128

Re: Wonders Investigation

Tyrol's first reaction to the female Drow was one of threat, but he quickly realized that if this Cassandra was a green star, she couldn't be one of the evil Drow. Well, he didn't believe it, at any rate. He just couldn't imagine how the Green Star would have included an evil Drow in the Cycle.

"Hello," Tyrol greets Cassandra. "No, you're not too late for the End of the World! But maybe you are just in time to help us all prevent it."

"You haven't missed anything, except for deciphering the scripts on these paintings."

He then turned back to the others, leaving further introductions to someone else.

"Okay. Hsang had started making a list of the Wonders. He left the list with me when he went off with Ozrus. I've been working on finishing it as Kurat deciphered and translated all the paintings. Well, we all did... kind of."

"Here's what I've got:"

He shows the list to the others.

Item	Name	Wizard	Direction	Location	Language
ARMOR	“Steelheart”	Mistralena	SE	Crypt of Kaballah Kabar	Draconic
BOOTS	“Stiefel”	Zama Kindu	WSW	Tomb of Zama Kindu	Gigantik
BRACERS	“Armstrong”	Meta Tox	NNE	Spire of the Moon	Gnolling
CLOAK	“Ironwind”	Wildwind Silverheart	SSE	Old North Road	Sphinktor
GLOVES	“Shockaree”	Turambar	WNW	Ice Cave of Parnouth	Tengura
HAT	“Fadeaway”	Ronk	NE	Deridor’s Tower	Gnomish
MEDALLION	“Rimegar’s Eye”	Thermavox the Great	SSW	Inn of the Golden Lion	Boggarti
RING	“Shadora”	Ravenmane	NW	The Rock	Goblinygook
SHIELD	“Bastion”	Torgon the Red	ENE	Misty Waterfall	Celestial
STAFF	“Mysterion”	Wizard of the Purple Flame	SW	Lost Remson Mine	Aklo
SWORD	“Frostfire”	Kotokazei	NNW	Ruins of Kral Kagarrak	Drow Sign
WAND	“Winterchill”	Thendara Winterhawk	ESE	Field of Dreams	Druidic

"Did I miss anything?"

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 26 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Mon 16 Nov 2020
at 22:21

msg #129

Re: Wonders Investigation

In reply to Tyrol Halverschlagen (msg # 128):

Timmy pushed himself off of the wall and turned to Cassandra, "hey, good to know we werent the last to arrive." He drew an apple from his sash and offered it out to the Drow "This group seems to be a rather focused bunch. what I got so far is there are 12 Wonders in order to stop the disaster, the list there that he is showing are the wonders, I think. They said something about drow sign language and deciphering but I think they just finished all that." Then, gesturing to each person as he names them off, "The gnome who just spoke is Tyrol, Kurat is the one with the mirror, the Tongue is trickster, um... and theres a chess and a vogh."

Looking back to Cassandra, "there seem to be about 12 of us, including you and me, in total but you can go ahead and consider that to just be 11, I dont actually count I suppose... Which comes to me and stein, you can call me timmy and Stein went to the volcano since Tyrol said the Volcano was the disaster."

He started turning to look back to the group but then seemed to remember another thing, "oh, right, and this is supposedly something world ending and has something to do with some kind of cycle. Us too, part of a cycle that is."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Mon 16 Nov 2020.

Aniyu

NPC, 41 posts

Human Winter Witch/Druid

Mon 16 Nov 2020
at 23:04

msg #130

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Welcome to this little shindig," Aniyu says to Cassandra.

"I am Aniyu. Timmy there has it mostly right. He would be Number Eleven and you would be Number Twelve. I'm not sure what would happen if there weren't 12 of us, since there are 12 Wonders."

"That's Lucien. Then there's Vashon... Kurat... and Bash. Two of us, Ozrus and Hsang, have gone off to the find one of the Wonders."

"This was all set up by an Oracle named Esmeralda about 500 years ago."

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 47 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Mon 16 Nov 2020
at 23:07

msg #131

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina looked at the half elf in a bit of an annoyance expression for she needed to make it clear that she did not like the short abbreviation of her name.

Gazing a bit at the newcomer and seeing if she was able to spot any House Insignia upon her. Before speaking

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 27 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Mon 16 Nov 2020
at 23:34

msg #132

Re: Wonders Investigation

Timmy caught the expression directed towards them and scrunched up their own face in a 'wtf', giving a double take to look back and forth between the two drow twice before settling back to looking towards Cassandra.

the apple still out, in offering.

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 2 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 00:13

msg #133

Re: Wonders Investigation

Cassandra wears a gold oval brooch with black enamel within the oval and the red symbol of House Auvryndar.

"That's... incredible. Pleased to meet all of your," she replies.

Then she notices the other Drow.

"Greetings... Chess, was it? I suspect that is not your full name. I was on the other side of the glacier when the... summons came."

Her hand strayed subconsciously to her right leg.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 48 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 01:44

msg #134

Re: Wonders Investigation

Cassandra could see that there was a House Insignia pinned on the knot of her hooded cape. It shown House Nasadra, but she could see that it was in silver.

"Those that don't have a tongue to speak our language seem to find it easier and dishonor one's name buy shorting it. A human trait. she said the last part with such sarcasm

"I am Chess ala'riina.

Lucien Soulban

player, 58 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 04:25

msg #135

Re: Wonders Investigation

Lucien waves at the 12th member of this little group. He looks at the man named Timmy "Debate is all well and good, but assuming that the Elemental Plane of Fire is involved somehow is a good bet. Superhot magma, Fire elemental beings, and somesort of thing rising out of said magma. These are indicators. I think we can cross The Planes of Water and Air off of the list. But Earth might be involved somehow." he says to the room. Then he sighs and follows it up with vigor no less. "Honestly I think this is just the beginning of this whole cycle. And this Oracle is leaving a lot of blank spaces. Which means we don't have time to wonder or argue about what it could be. We have a month until it spills outside of the current containment if it doesn't start rising faster. So do any of you have contacts at any of the bard colleges? Or sages involved involved with the plane of fire or Kossuth's clergy? Any of them might know something. We have 12 Wonders 12 of us and 12 wizards involved in their creation as well as 12 languages. Thoughts on any of this folks because now is the time." he is trying to be inspiring and get your thoughts flowing rather than force his thoughts on you.

OOC: The last line about trying to be inspiring and get your brains working is more literal than one might think. He is a paladin they lead or at least try to.

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 28 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 05:01

msg #136

Re: Wonders Investigation

Being that cassandra did not decide to accept the fruit offered, While Chess spoke, Tim made a quick glance between the one he was already munching on and the apple. As the drow made a snipe about humans, he then let out a brief cough type of chuckle, "ahem, oh how rich, miss priestess thinks I'm human. Ironic a drow would condemn the wrong person though, you never gave me your name..." Timmy then leaned back against the wall, "how do you think I came by it?"

Regardless of if an answer came, he then turned his head to face Lucien, "Oh, no, it is sound to think this is fire planes funniness. Just asking the question because it's best to brainstorm other possibilities in case it's not fire plane wierd. Do we have the oracles name? It's curious that there are so many 12's involved, and this monestary... almost seems like a clock. You say a month? but it could speed up, I'd be willing to bet a silver that it's actually another 12... just a theory though."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:57, Tue 17 Nov 2020.

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 20 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 09:11

msg #137

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vashon gave a nod to the newcomer as he listened to the others. Now that all the paintings had been deciphered and translated, they knew where all the Wonders were concealed. It only left them to go fetch them.

"Not a clock, Timmy... a compass. The mark above each painting indicates the direction in which the Wonder lies," Vashon says.

"You may be right, Lucien, but I think we may be overthinking it. There were 12 Wonders because Esmeralda foresaw 12 items would be needed. After that, it just follows logically. If it required a separate person to wield each item, then that would mean 12 people. If it only required 6, then we'd only be six in number."

"The same applies to the wizards and the languages. Both deal with secrecy. Even if she could have gotten one wizard to make them all, why would she? As the inscriptions say, she went with the wizard that was best suited at crafting a particular item. That was true for... what? Three of the items? That thus established a pattern."

"Further, by using 12 different languages, it offered an extra layer of secrecy to the scripts as you couldn't readily see a pattern between them."

"While we wait for Hsang and Ozrus to get back with whatever they found, we should continue looking over these maps. It's clear from what we've already discovered on the maps that some of the features have changed over the years. Some may have changed names and some may simply be forgotten."

"This Ice Cave, if it still exists, should be easy enough to find. I'm just not convinced that we have to scatter in 12 directions to find each site."

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 27 posts

Gunslinger/Steelfist

Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 09:24

msg #138

Re: Wonders Investigation

"You may be right, Vashon!" Bash chimes in. "I told you all hours ago that there was more writing on the paintings... down in the lower right corner in those brackets! It's really, really tiny, though, so it's impossible to actually read it."

"I don't think Tyrol's illusion trick will work because he can't actually see what's there."

"Hey, Cassandra! You got a magnifying glass on you?"

She didn't think anyone else had one... or else they would have said something earlier, right? So that left the two newcomers. She still wasn't sure what was up with this Timmy 'thing'. There was something off about him, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what that was.

Vogh Kath

player, 33 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 10:30

msg #139

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vogh had relayed what she knew thanks to a bit of insight from Chess ala'riina's light touch as she thought. Perhaps it would bring back some lost memory to one of the others as she told what she knew.

When the new person entered the Citadel Vogh knew they had the 12th wonder to wield the items that Esmeralda had commissioned. Vogh smiled and waved to the new person. "Pleased to meet you, Cassandra. Your presence here is most anticipated. We now have the correct amount of wonders."

Vogh paused when Vashon said they should wait for Ozrus and Hsang. Vogh didn't think it a good idea. She wasn't sure if he was planning that they all go after the wonders together or if they could better plan to get them. Waiting might not be a good idea. "Vashon, do you think it wise to wait for Hsang and Ozrus? With the list we have, we should send out others to recover another wonder. It should include someone that is able to speak the translated language hiding it, I think. I think maybe at least four should go at a time. What do you all think?"

Lucien Soulban

player, 59 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 13:38

msg #140

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Did any of the other translations mention the payment? And where is the Master of the monastery because I would love to know what that vision was as payment. It might be important." he says as there was debate about the relationship between the various Wonders.

Aniyu

NPC, 42 posts

Human Winter Witch/Druid

Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 18:36

msg #141

Re: Wonders Investigation

"You mean the vision that Turambar asked for?" Aniyu asks. "If it was of a personal nature, such as Turambar wanting to know if he'll find his One True Love, it probably isn't important. If it was something else, Esmeralda might have written it in her journals."

"I don't get a sense that all of these wizards were working together. It sounds like Esmeralda feared they wouldn't believe her so she commissioned magic items from different wizards to avoid having to convince them. The few wizardly friends she had, she could tell."

"I was thinking the same thing, Vogh. We split up into four groups and each group heads off in a different direction based on the grouping of the items."

"The question then is: do we split up based on an item that each person in the group things they might be able to use? Or do we just do it randomly? My concern here is that a Wonder might bond to the first person that touches it... or perhaps just finds it. That's why I was suggesting we wait for Hsang and Ozrus, to see if they found the armor and what it does."

Lucien Soulban

player, 60 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 18:48

msg #142

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Waiting for them and the Armor sounds at least sensible because if it bonds to the person who finds it or first touches we got a real problem. Then we have to consider who can use what best and send them and only them into the area to find it alone. Or at least that would be my plan on that, but without knowing what each piece does itself no real way to know who would be best suited for it."

Kurat

player, 43 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 18:48

msg #143

Re: Wonders Investigation

Kurat watched the drow wish suspicion, drow females were most commonly priestesses of Lloth and were not to be trusted, they'd only keep their word as long as it was convenient for them and one was lucky not to be sacrificed on their foul altars to the Spider Queen.

"What can be inferred. If each requires a separate wielder then these are not ordinary items. Most likely each of the items is in itself intelligent at a minimum and perhaps of artifact level at the maximum. Rare is it that someone would wield two artifacts and remain sane," the hobgoblin lectured.

"Six of them to the north and six to the south, six to the east and six to the west. We should divide into at least two teams, one team going north and the other south or one going east and the other west. While we could divide into smaller groups it might leave us unprepared for whatever guardians have been watching for all these years." he added.

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 31 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 20:05

msg #144

Re: Wonders Investigation

Tim glanced over the symbols on the walls for a moment, mumbling numbers and not talking to anyone specifically, then counts using his fingers. "4, 5, 6, 7, 8...." Glances over at the person who showed the room the list as if looking at the list again, then continues counting "9, 10, 11, 12, 13... Are you sure it's a compass? 8 or 16, the numbers and directions don't add up to that, but if you are sure, you are sure."

He then changes from a mumble to a conversational voice, "Stein has our lens, but if Cassandra doesnt have one then we can probably make one... no problem. Some of these items seem to be in very nearly the same direction... and Youve said there are people retreiving the armor already and some at a tomb, the boots are in a tomb, seems likely that weve already covered 2 items if those parties succeed."

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 3 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 20:12

msg #145

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Of course, I have a magnifying glass!" Cassandra replies to the one who'd been identified as Bash as she pulls one out of a pocket.

"No self-respecting Investigator would leave home without one! In fact, if the writing is as tiny as you say, we may actually need two!" She pulls a second one out of another pocket.

"I always carry a spare! Now, you say these corner brackets have tiny writing in them?"

She moves over to the nearest one and uses her magnifying glass to examine all four brackets.

"Yes. Interesting. Brackets are definitely cleverly painted onto the plaster to make them look three-dimensional. Only the lower right corner one has writing in it."

"Wow! It really is tiny! I think an ant would have trouble reading it! It's going to take both magnifying glasses."

She then moves on to the next one. "Yep, this one, too!" And so on around the whole room.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 26 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Wed 18 Nov 2020
at 07:36

msg #146

Re: Wonders Investigation

Tyrol looks at Timmy speculatively after his comments, frowns in concentration for a minutes and then seems to brighten up.

"Ha! Now I know why you don't seem quite right! You're a simulacrum!" Tyrol identifies Timmy.

"There may be a flaw in your Discovery. Look: front door, south; back door, north; left wing, west; right wing, east. Four cardinal directions plus 12 paintings equals 16. A compass. Not a clock."

He then turns to Cassandra.

"Don't keep us in suspense! Tell us what it says! Can you even read the writing? Or is it in some exotic language? I think Chess ala'riina said she can read anything."

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 32 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Thu 19 Nov 2020
at 04:49

msg #147

Re: Wonders Investigation

Timmy raises an eyebrow and sighs lightly, "Well, so much for getting along."

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 4 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Thu 19 Nov 2020
at 19:06

msg #148

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Well, of course I can read them!" Cassandra responds to Tyrol. "Sort of. I mean, they are in Common... I think. If they aren't in Common, then I probably can't pronounce them correctly anyway, but I think they are command words. But, of course, I have no idea what they command."

"Since each one is different, I'm guessing that the command word on the painting pertains to that painting."

"We could start with this one... the one where Hsang and Ozrus have gone to the village mentioned in the script. It's just one word: I-N-C-A-N-T-A-T-O." She spells it out rather than trying to pronounce it.

"I don't suppose that word is significant or familiar to any of the rest of you? I've never run across it."

Lucien Soulban

player, 61 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Thu 19 Nov 2020
at 20:21

msg #149

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Incanto. Like Incantation. Yeah sounds familiar." he says from his corner of the room.

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 21 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

Thu 19 Nov 2020
at 20:46

msg #150

Re: Wonders Investigation

"But it's not a word in Common... at least, not one I'm familiar with," Vashon says, still fairly close to Lucien in his 'corner' of the round room.

"So, who's to say it's pronounced the same way in, say, uh... Abyssal? If I understand what Cassandra is saying, or, more exactly, not quite saying, these command words or phrases, since she's implied that some consist of more than one word, are all written in what appears to her to be Common script. So, what we need to consider is what languages do we know that use the same script as Common?"

"How about you, Chess ala'riina? Does your ability cover that kind of knowledge?"

Kurat

player, 44 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Thu 19 Nov 2020
at 20:52

msg #151

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Would it not stand that the command words might be in the same language as the writing itself, It will take some time to decipher them all as well. Do you know Comprehend Languages?" Kurat asked.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 49 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Fri 20 Nov 2020
at 00:10

msg #152

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina looked to Cassandra and listened to the words she was spelling out and did her best to see if she was able to understand it and determine what Language it was, so that she could share with the rest of the party.

OOC: Waiting for DM input.

Aniyu

NPC, 43 posts

Human Winter Witch/Druid

Fri 20 Nov 2020
at 04:15

msg #153

Re: Wonders Investigation

"No, I don't think so, Kurat," says Aniyu. "Although Cassandra didn't say they were in different scripts, she did imply that they were all the same script. If they are magical command words, then how would you say it if it's in Drow sign language?"

"I'm not sure Tongues would do the trick anyway. A magical command word could just be gibberish... and I'm not talking about the language gibbers speak. So it doesn't necessarily have any 'translation' into any language."

GM StarMaster

GM, 92 posts

Fri 20 Nov 2020
at 04:45

msg #154

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina can't figure out the language from Cassandra's spelling, but when Lucien says the word out loud, she understands it. It's probably Common, but it could also be Draconic or Elvish. Of course, neither of those languages use the Common script.

It has no translation, no meaning in any language Chess ala'riina knows, which, of course, is all of them. Although she hasn't run across any of them yet, she is aware that there are certain languages spoken by insect-like humanoids that she can understand but still can't speak. Fortunately, this doesn't appear to be one of them.

As Aniyu said, it's gibberish. That one word is a made up word used simply as a command word. She can't say yet whether that's true of all of them.

Vogh Kath

player, 34 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Fri 20 Nov 2020
at 07:38

msg #155

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vogh thought about the word given as well. When the others said it could possibly be a command word, that made sense. Not all magic items needed a command word as they just were magical but if they held other abilities that could be triggered by a command then this would seem to fit. "Yes, normally command words are words that are uncommon so that they aren't accidentally triggered. I think as long as you pronounce it properly it shouldn't matter if you understand what it means."

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 5 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Fri 20 Nov 2020
at 16:59

msg #156

Re: Wonders Investigation

"That's a good point, Vogh," the newcomer agreed. "In fact, if it's a made up word or phrase, it doesn't have to have any meaning at all, because that's not the point of a command word or magical phrase. It's the actual sound that triggers the magic, which is why you have to say it precisely, though I've heard that if you mispronounce a command word, sometimes bad things can happen."

"So, the question now is... does the command word pertain to the item in the painting? Or to the painting itself? I suppose, either way, does it pertain to the painting it's on, to the painting across from it, or to the painting to either side?"

"I certainly can't see any connection between incantato and any of the paintings or objects in the paintings."

"Should we try it on the painting of the armor?"

Kurat

player, 45 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Sat 21 Nov 2020
at 13:38

msg #157

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Writing does not denote pronunciation though, which could lead to a number of alternatives.

""In can to" where no syllable is emphasized
""IN CAN TO" where all syllables are emphaized
""IN can to" where the first syllable is emphasized
""IN CAN to" where the first two syllables are emphasized
""In CAN to" where the second syllable is emphasized
""In CAN TO" where the second and third syllables are emphasized
""In can TO" where the last syllable is emphasized
""IN can TO" where the first and last syllables are emphasized.

"Thus I do not think a made up word would be used, it would have to be a word at least in her time that the user would be expected to know how to pronounce. Though given the years between then and now it is possible such a word fell out of the lexicon and is no longer in use. There might be a pronunciation guide in the library here that might could explain how to pronounce them properly, of course one could also use experimentation but if different pronunciations do different things that could be a problem." Kurat said.

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 28 posts

Gunslinger/Steelfist

Sun 22 Nov 2020
at 01:12

msg #158

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Besides that you left out a syllable," Bash tells Kurat, "I don't think it's that complicated. Esmeralda would have known we'd try to pronounce it different ways until we got it right. That being the case, only the right way would produce a result."

"I'm not saying that different pronunciations might not have different results in other places, but we're talking right here, right now. It would defeat the whole purpose if mispronouncing it caused something disastrous. We could all have different accents--would any of them make it wrong?"

"If it pertains to the item in the painting, then nothing's going to happen. And we can worry about what effect it might produce when we find the item."

"So, if no one else wants to say the magic word, then I will."

Lucien Soulban

player, 63 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Sun 22 Nov 2020
at 01:37

msg #159

Re: Wonders Investigation

"You do realize we said it several times and nothing happened right?" the paladin points out. "And no I tend to think each Wonder can only be used by one person. That's plate mail and the command word is Incanto. Not very common to have a spellcasting paladin, but with that being said I could be terribly wrong. So let's argue about 500 year old inscriptions correct pronunciation. Not like we have better things to be doing. Fact is guys that languages change, but intent and passphrases don't. Incanto!" he says with emphasis directing his will at the painting.

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 36 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Thu 26 Nov 2020
at 00:50

msg #165

Re: Wonders Investigation

The plat-clink sound of someone stepping in march into the building announces the arrival of Steiner, his knees raise high as he steps, his cloak bellows from the airy wake of his passage. As they come into sight, Stein's hazel eyes scans the room to take in those gathered.

Without a word, he will then move to join Tim where they are perched, upon reaching them he will greet them with a shoulder smack "AH! still stuffing your face eh?" Without waiting for a reply, though it is clear Timmy did not intend to offer one, "What have we learned?"

Tim gives a low glance to those gathered before responding "Not the most friendly lot, a bit rude and intrusive, but no surprise there. We have 10 artifacts yet pursued and there are about 12 in total... 12 of those with the green star as well, leading some here to think it will be an artifact to each of us. They believe they just uncovered the command word, spelled I-n-c-a-n-t-a-t-o but the pronunciation is undetermined, and each artifact seems to be in a direction of the compass except the four cardinal directions and each seems tied to a language each... two of which are secret languages. The two pursued currently, the boots and the armor, can be ignored and use the languages stiefel and steelheart."

Stein scanned the ground beneath him pensively as he listened, looking back to tim as they finished and offered them a nod and then spoke in turn as if prompted. Just as he begins to speak, an insect crawls across his face, from under the top of his helm to into the side of it. "There is a small army gathered about and in the volcano, there may be more too, even deeper as the volcano houses a path to the underdark. The magma can be drained down into it, as well, it seems. As the magma is being supported by walls of force within the caverns to prevent just that. the many fire creatures use wands of magic to reinforce these walls and the same prevented me from getting a better read of what fuels the magic in the magma. Though, A well armed fire giant and a contingent of other fiery creatures stand guard of these walls and tunnels." Giving Tim's shoulder another smack, he we then turn to the group, but still directs his words towards tim "Is there a plan?"

cleaning his fingernails, tim answers "splitting up, either as individuals or as small groups, to gather the artifacts."

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 27 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Thu 26 Nov 2020
at 21:39

msg #167

Re: Wonders Investigation

Since no one else was stepping forward to volunteer to say the magic word, nor was anyone discouraging Bash, Tyrol spoke up.

"I don't see an alternative," he says. "We could stand here for weeks debating what the word triggers... and still be wrong."

"Personally, I don't think anything bad is going to happen. Not here in the monastery. It just seems... wrong, somehow."

"Go ahead, Bash! If you're still up to it, say the magic word."

Lucien Soulban

player, 64 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Thu 26 Nov 2020
at 21:53

msg #168

Re: Wonders Investigation

In reply to Tyrol Halverschlagen (msg # 167):

OOC:Lucien already said it

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 29 posts

Gunslinger/Steelfist

Fri 27 Nov 2020
at 04:16

msg #169

Re: Wonders Investigation

OOC: I'm not sure you did say the word. It looks like it has four syllables, but Lucien and Kurat only ever said three. Bash even pointed that out to you at the time and you ignored her.

"Thanks, Tyrol. I think," Bash responds. "I've been considering this. I figure it's like if you had a magic wand sitting on a table across the room that's activated by a command word. You can say the command word all you want and nothing will happen... until you actually pick up the wand!"

"So, if this magic word has something to do with that painting, it follows, don't it, that you have to be touching it. Or at least standing in front of it. I doubt if the painting has anyway of knowing we're here otherwise."

Actually, she'd just thought of that as she was talking. But that had been her intent anyway. She moved over and stood in front of the painting of the armor. That was all she was going to do, but her own argument convinced her that something more was needed. She stepped forward and placed both her hands on the painting.

Then she said: "Inn-can-tah-toe."

She figured she had as much chance of saying it correctly as the next Cycle.

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 37 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Fri 27 Nov 2020
at 22:08

msg #170

Re: Wonders Investigation

In reply to Ki'nae Bashemath (msg # 169):

OOC: Ki'nae is correct, the word is incantato but incato was what was said in every variation.

IC: Stein Watches the exchange, an eyebrow quirked. After Ki'nae's explanation was finished, "AH! GOOD PRACTICE!" His quirked eyebrow melted into the joyous expression he now offered. a few wiggly and grubby white things fall from his armor as he pats the belly of it with his hand, "Now we can be ready, throats good and trained, when we have the items! Speaking of, unless we want to make a fight to give ourselves more time, by disabling some fire elementals to disjunct some force walls, then I'd like to make on for the hat. WHOS WITH ME!?" His voices bellows a bit in an act of bravado and passion when speaking the last few words.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 09:09, Sun 29 Nov 2020.

GM StarMaster

GM, 95 posts

Sat 28 Nov 2020
at 16:55

msg #171

Re: Wonders Investigation

As soon as Bash says the magic word, a pinpoint of blue light begins to glow on the upper right of the painting. The light then starts moving downward in a straight line. Near the bottom, it makes a left turn, traces a line across the bottom, then turns upward, reaching the top and making a right turn to connect back with where it started.

As it moved, it left a line in the painting. When it reached the starting point, the large rectangle suddenly swung open to the right, revealing a passage, dark but with a light at the other end of the passage.

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 22 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

Sun 29 Nov 2020
at 05:37

msg #172

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vashon moves over to where he can look into the opening. After studying it for a minute, he backs away and turns to the others.

"Good work, Bash," he compliments the Gunslinger. "If I'm reading this correctly, that should be a passage of some sort to where the Armor was hidden... the same place Hsang and Ozrus went to."

"The ruins of the village was some miles away, so this is clearly some form of magical tunnel. It's anyone's guess whether we can communicate with them through here. We could try shouting to them, but don't be surprised if it doesn't work."

"So, anyone else want to try stepping into the tunnel? Not you, Bash! You already took your risk. If no one else is willing, I'll give it a whirl."

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 28 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Mon 30 Nov 2020
at 04:00

msg #174

Re: Wonders Investigation

A strange sound can suddenly be heard which you quickly realize is coming from Tyrol who is rolling on the floor and laughing his ass off!

"Ha-ha-ha-ha, ho-ho-ho-ho, hee-hee-hee-hee!" he laughs.

"You have to admit that's pretty funny!" he manages to say when his laughing finally stops.

"There's a hard way to find the Wonders, and an easy way! Well, I suppose one could have tried using Locate Object or Contact Other Plane or some such spell. That might have been harder."

"I'm not that brave, Vashon! You want to step into this tunnel, be my guest!"

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 6 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Tue 1 Dec 2020
at 16:14

msg #177

Re: Wonders Investigation

Cassandra goes over to the tunnel and examines it more closely. She wasn't familiar with any spell that would produce such an effect, but she was well aware that there were hundreds of spells out there that she didn't know. Wizards, more so than sorcerers, had a tendency to modify a known spell into something new that was slightly different. It could be a spell of lesser power that didn't need to be quite as effective as the normal spell, or it might be more powerful as the wizard wanted it to do something extra.

"I like Tyrol's idea. If you didn't discover the magic word, which, you have to admit, is pretty hard to find, you could always travel the distance to the places mentioned. In theory, you don't have to know where these places are--you just had to go in that direction until you found it," Cassandra offers.

"This tunnel kind of looks like a Passwall spell, but clearly it goes through more than just earth and stone and walls. If it does, indeed, go to the village, then it's got the range of a Dimension Door spell, if not an outright teleport. But it's clearly not that, or else Bash would already have vanished and gone there."

"Did anyone try to detect magic on these paintings? I suspect that this door wouldn't have registered. Hmmmm. I wonder... could there be a magic circle carved into the wall beneath the fresco?"

"I'm guessing the tunnel is two-way... that you can go through it to the Wonder, get the Wonder, and then come back. I wonder, though, if there's a time limit? These tunnels might only be a one-time function. After all, if you've fetched the Wonder that it leads to, why would you need to go through it again?"

"I think it's safe, Vashon, for you to try it. I'm hardly going to steal your thunder by offering to go through instead of you."

"I say, go for it!"

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 23 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

Tue 1 Dec 2020
at 19:02

msg #178

Re: Wonders Investigation

Seeing as no one else wants to go through the tunnel, Vashon goes ahead and steps into it. If he can, he'll walk down to the light. As he goes, he glances back every few feet to make sure he can still see the others and the citadel's paintings chamber.

If, as expected, he sees some sort of crypt and/or Ozrus and Hsang at the end, he'll call out to them.

"Yo! Ozrus! Hsang! Can you hear me?"

Kurat

player, 46 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Wed 2 Dec 2020
at 18:10

msg #181

Re: Wonders Investigation

So what are the rest of us doing while they are off wherever they are?

Aniyu

NPC, 44 posts

Human Winter Witch/Druid

Wed 2 Dec 2020
at 21:02

msg #183

Re: Wonders Investigation

"As near as I've been able to see, there's only two of us that can wear full plate armor," Aniyu mentions to the others. "Of course, we don't know what the armor's powers are, so it may not be as limited as it appears."

"Also, since it looks like there might be a magical passage to each of the other Wonders, maybe we should decide which one to go for next. Then Cassandra can see if there's another magic word on that painting."

Ozrus Wither

player, 54 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Thu 3 Dec 2020
at 03:20

msg #184

Re: Wonders Investigation

At the sound of the voice, Ozrus's eyes shot toward Hsang. He met the man's gaze and used their shared mental link to express his surprise. "I'm guessing that wasn't you, right Hsang? I'm going to try replying."

Loudly, he replied to the disembodied voice, "I can hear you! This is Ozrus. Are we speaking with Kaballah Kabar? We mean you no disrespect by disturbing your resting place. We only wish to obtain the magical armor the oracle Esmerelda hid upon your body." He kept his eyes trained on the 500 year old deceased body before him, expecting it to move at any moment. Although now that he thought about it, the voice did sound vaguely familiar...

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 24 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

Thu 3 Dec 2020
at 04:28

msg #185

Re: Wonders Investigation

"No, it's Vashon!" he calls back as he pushes against the light. It feels like a wall, and a door like at the beginning swings outward into the crypt.

"Hey! We found a secret word on the painting that when we said it, this passage appeared in the painting."

"I see you found the armor."

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 38 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Thu 3 Dec 2020
at 09:01

msg #186

Re: Wonders Investigation

Stein would stare as vashon engaged with the tunnel and made way into it and onward. As vash called out, regardless of whether stein heard it, was about the he stopped his stare and turned back to the walls and images left "well, ever forward!"

A few quick, brisk, steps placed him at the painting for the hat, a few buzzing insects danced in and out from under his cloak. In the 'north eastern' painting. There, he quickly drew his own lens out and scanned the painting in an about area for where the incantation was found on the armor's painting

Tim would yawn lazily from their perch and watch the proceedings with a casual, almost disinterested expression.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:02, Thu 03 Dec 2020.

GM StarMaster

GM, 100 posts

Thu 3 Dec 2020
at 21:03

msg #188

Re: Wonders Investigation

Stein could only make out that there was a squiggly line through the bracket; it was still too tiny to read. He'd need two magnifying glasses to enlarge it enough to make out the individual letters.

Cassandra offers him one of hers, though, and that does the trick.

It appears to be three words: O-A-K-E-E F-A N-O-A-K-E-E

Lucien Soulban

player, 66 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Fri 4 Dec 2020
at 00:26

msg #189

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Need to find the other command words for these other doors if they have them. Didn't another group head out to get another set of the Wonders? If so that one should be priority #1. Then we start running the wheel." he says relatively out of nowhere. "Suggestions are welcome. But arguing the value of lava vs magma or some other silliness can be shelved until we aren't trying to save the entire Prime."

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 7 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Fri 4 Dec 2020
at 01:27

msg #190

Re: Wonders Investigation

While she was perfectly capable of figuring out the command words on the other painting, she had no desire to hog all the glory for herself, so she also had no problem lending one of her magnifying lenses to Stein.

At Lucien's comment, she offered an answer.

"There was some discussion about heading off, but nobody actually left... I don't think," she says as she looks around and takes a head count.

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 39 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Fri 4 Dec 2020
at 03:38

msg #191

Re: Wonders Investigation

In reply to Cassandra Darkwhisper (msg # 190):

Stein Actually showed reluctance to accept the lense, it was not his interest to take her tools where she could use them elsewhere and he wasnt actually that invested. but accept it he did, the moment he saw it he quickly offered back the lense and then wrote down what he saw.

"I'd like to leave this with tim but if anyone wants to write it down then feel free."

He would then turn towards the now open passage, and then the one he just read from, in kind to use detect magic on the two.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 29 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Fri 4 Dec 2020
at 08:25

msg #192

Re: Wonders Investigation

After he finally recovered from his laughing bout, Tyrol stands up again and walks over to the new passage in the wall and looks in. He watches Vashon walk all the way down to the other end and then step out into what looked like a crypt.

"It looks like most of the Wonders can be used by anyone," Tyrol says, "except the Armor, of course, and maybe the sword."

"Hey! I just had a thought. Yeah, yeah, I know all the jokes. What if the Wonders aren't in the form they are supposed to be? Like, a sword could have been polymorphed into a wand or something. It'd be yet another layer of security."

"If there's a secret magical passage to each of the wonders, then direction no longer matters, nor does knowing where that location is. I'd still say we should at least go in pairs. We might as well go after all the ones in each quadrant. There are enough of us that we can cover two of them."

"The Wand and the Cloak are in the southeast quadrant with the Armor, so that could be the first quadrant. And since Stein has found the magic word for the Hat, that's in the northeast quadrant with the Bracers and Shield."

"That's my suggestion, though I doubt it really matters what order we retrieve them in."

"I'm willing to go after the Wand. Anyone want to join me?"

Vogh Kath

player, 36 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Fri 4 Dec 2020
at 09:53

msg #193

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vogh was about to suggest they all go to each wonder when Tyrol asked who would like to go with him to the hat. "Honestly Tyrol, I think we should all join Vashon with Hsang and Ozrus. There may be something that each if us is able to help with a d since the distance of travel doesn't seem to matter anymore, I think our joint effort would be better!"

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 30 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Fri 4 Dec 2020
at 17:29

msg #194

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Sheesh! Will you people make up your minds!" responds Tyrol to Vogh's suggestion.

"First, you want to all run off in different directions and then you want to all go together! Some of the locations, like the Field of Dreams, can probably handle all of us, but that crypt is already starting to look a bit crowded with just the three of them."

"If you want to join them, be my guest!" he finishes as he steps aside.

Lucien Soulban

player, 67 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Fri 4 Dec 2020
at 18:27

msg #195

Re: Wonders Investigation

"We need to find the words first then go from there. Not go running a dozen different places or any combo of the above. This has been the single most chaotic experience of my life excluding the trip to the Abyss to rescue a prelate of my order." he says. "Going to many directions at once will only mean we suffer the consequences of that. And odds are that won't be pleasant at all."

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 40 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Fri 4 Dec 2020
at 22:35

msg #196

Re: Wonders Investigation

In reply to Tyrol Halverschlagen (msg # 194):

While Still maintaining concentration and focus on trying to pinpoint the magics of the tunnels, not turning to look in the direction of the person being spoken to "Gnome, perhaps it isnt a matter of the making of minds... but more a matter of you being too hasty." Stein chuckles for a moment "oh, how funny, we are cautioning someone to their haste... Ironic. anyways, Lucien has the right of it, there is a significant lack of cohesion. but who knows if that's necessary or not. Do we all know the magma is being funneled upwards? That we can stop that and return it to the earth? so long as the drow are willing to allow it. We have time, yet we dont, and it seems we only have one proper set of lenses... though we can likely make more if need be... but the need is not there."

Steins face goes somber, his cheerful smile betrays a moment of contemplation "hmmm"

"we are not use to talking to others besides ourselves, please forgive the double talk. Bottom line, unless someone can make an anti magic field then it's probably best we do split up... but tactically. If these tunnels are of limited use, unlikely, then we should conserve them for reinforcing and escape. So, the most pressing need, right now, would be to establish a unified form of communication and a plan."

GM StarMaster

GM, 118 posts

Sat 5 Dec 2020
at 04:49

msg #197

Re: Wonders Investigation

Stein obviously detects magic in the passage--it simply couldn't exist without magic. In fact, now that the door is open, he can sense the magic circle underneath the plaster. Although he can't see the magic symbols, he can sense them, but the only one that's familiar to him is Duo-Dimension, though he hadn't been aware that there was a symbol to invoke that.

On the other hand, he can't detect any magic at all on the hat painting.

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 41 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Sat 5 Dec 2020
at 12:34

msg #198

Re: Wonders Investigation

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 197):

ooc: gm. If it is a 'magic Item', I am going to focus until I can determine the actual abilities or functions of the magic. The idea here is there is speculation on whether these are one time use or not. Stein is making sure he knows for sures before using the one for the hat.

Vogh Kath

player, 37 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Sat 5 Dec 2020
at 14:55

msg #199

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vogh could argue with the gnome all day but it wouldn't get them anywhere closer to a decision. Yes, there had been many ideas going about on what they should do and even those who had already run off trying to find some of the wonders. It definitely was chaos at its best, that is what happens when you get so many different minds together with their own ideas.

"I agree with Lucien, let us get all the command words done first and then we can decide what to do next, though as I said I think it best if we send as many people as we can for every item to have the best chances at recovering the items."

Trickster

player, 31 posts

Kitsune Wizard Alchemist

Sun 6 Dec 2020
at 05:38

msg #200

Re: Wonders Investigation

Trickster had been standing next to Vogh but was now a bit easier to see as the camouflage he was using to loiter shifted and faded. "Could be fun to take them one at a time. The players in a story rarely have the glossary to the chapters. Is it just the tiny letters then?"

Aniyu

NPC, 45 posts

Human Winter Witch/Druid

Sun 6 Dec 2020
at 18:57

msg #201

Re: Wonders Investigation

"This is hardly chaos," the Arctic Druid comments. "True, it does appear a bit chaotic, but that's mostly because we don't have a leader, which, in turn, is because we don't know each other."

"While Ozrus and Hsang may have been a bit hasty in going after the Armor, it was kind of necessary in order to prove to all of us that this Green Star problem was real and the Wonders were real."

"It certainly wasn't necessary for all of us to stick around here to finishing deciphering the writings. Hsang did his part. Remember, the Armor's location was the only one we knew at the time."

"I suppose it does make sense to gather all the command words first, while we can. Let's see what Stein finds out."

GM StarMaster

GM, 119 posts

Sun 6 Dec 2020
at 21:33

msg #202

Re: Wonders Investigation

Stein can't really sense that much about the magic circle that was used. There's a combination of conjuration aura and transmutation aura. As he understands magic circles, they normally have to be 'energized' by the wizard (or whoever) created it. Otherwise, it just site there. There's also an aura of divination.

Adding everything up, he's able to 'determine' that the divination aura was what sensed the magic word and then activated the doorway. Since the magic circles do not appear to be energized, there's no magic in the circles, only potential. Unless there's some other symbol in the magic circle that would otherwise negate it, the doors should be able to be opened any time the magic word is said... presumable in front of that painting, not just anywhere in the room.

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 8 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Sun 6 Dec 2020
at 22:58

msg #203

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Sure, that sounds like a good idea," Cassandra says, "just in case."

She sets about using her two magnifying glasses to read off the other command words.

She moves to the Bracers painting next to the Hat painting, and after adjusting the lens, reads off: "T-H-U-N Z-A-R T-H-A-L." (Command words courtesy of the GM!).

Then to the other side of the Hat painting, to the Shield painting: "A-B-R-A-C-A-D-A-B-R-A. Well, that should be easy enough. No subtlety there."

She then moves to the southeast quadrant.

First the Wand painting: "K-L-A-A-T-U B-A-R-A-D-A N-I-K-T-O."

Then she re-read the Armor painting, just to be sure, even though it had already worked: "I-N-C-A-N-T-A-T-O," she repeated.

Next up was the Cloak painting: "H-O-C-U-S P-O-C-U-S O-U-T-A F-O-C-U-S. Ha-ha! Someone had a sense of humor with that one!"

Continuing around the compass to the southwest...

The Medallion painting had: "M-A-L-I-K-A-R-I-N-I-A-N. That sounds kind of Elvin."

"This is another 'ha-ha' one," she says as she examines the Staff painting, but double checks herself to be sure: "S-H-A-Z-A-M."

She moved on to the Boots painting and quick read off: "M-A-L-D-O R-E-M-O-R-A."

And, finally, moving to the northwest, she started with the Gloves painting.

"S-I-M S-A-L-A B-I-M," she read off.

"And the Ring painting's word is S-A-L-I-M-A-R S-A-L-I-D-A-R."

With the last one, the Sword painting, she read out: "K-R-A-K-A-B-A-K-A K-A-R."

"I'm thinking some of these would be almost impossible to guess."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:59, Sun 06 Dec 2020.

Lucien Soulban

player, 69 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Sun 6 Dec 2020
at 23:06

msg #204

Re: Wonders Investigation

Klatuu Barada Nik*sneeze* yeah that's the ticket." he says quite confident that his pronunciation is correct. When nothing happens he shrugs and tries again sneezing again at the end. "Guess that is not my boomstick."

I absolutely had to. Bring on the Necronomicron Ex Mortai I will go get Ash!

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 43 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Mon 7 Dec 2020
at 00:11

msg #205

Re: Wonders Investigation

Stein quirks an eyebrow up at Lucien, but then quickly throws his head back "AHAHAHAH, oh, what a funny one you are, such a brilliant trickster... making us think you would rush onward and potentially waste a resource... perhaps in some effort to selfishly pursue the wonder you desire... oh. what a funny jest!" He then redirects his eyes back to focusing on the magics of the tunnel. A few light clucks and chuckles escape his throat as echoes of his laughter.

"Good thing if it was an actual earnest attempt... it would not actually deprive the greater effort of resources. From what we can see, these pathways use ritual magic, the actual source of power is not entirely clear but whatever the source is... it uses divination to detect the use of the command word and then power is surged into the ritual magic, some kind of magic circle, which is then shaped into play to form the tunnels. Unnerving, something has been informed this whole play has really begun and it's characters are accepting their roles."

Then, turning to everyone else and throwing his hands out to his sides as if greeting applause "YES! it seems the tunnels are safe to use as needed... assuming the source of their power is infinite."

Vogh Kath

player, 39 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Mon 7 Dec 2020
at 08:50

msg #206

Re: Wonders Investigation

As Cassandra went about the inner chamber and spelling out the words on each painting, Vogh took note of them all. "Someone write that down for each painting?" There was no use having to relook at the tiny inscriptions if they didn't need to.

"I think we should vote how we proceed further. The suggestions so far are 1. We each take a wonder, 2. We send a couple to each one, 3. We all go to each one. Do we have any other suggestions?"

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 31 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Mon 7 Dec 2020
at 16:58

msg #207

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Yes, I've been writing everything down," Tyrol replies to Vogh.

"If only it was that simple! We should also consider where we're going. Some of these places may not be able to handle all of us. The crypt doesn't look like it could have held all of us."

"Okay, so here's the revised list, with the magic words added."

He shows his table to anyone that wants to bother looking at it.

Item	Name	Wizard	Direction	Location	Language	Magic Word
ARMOR	“Steelheart”	Mistralena	SE	Crypt of Kaballah Kabar	Draconic	I-N-C-A-N-T-A-T-O
BOOTS	“Stiefel”	Zama Kindu	WSW	Tomb of Zama Kindu	Gigantik	M-A-L-D-O R-E-M-O-R-A
BRACERS	“Armstrong”	Meta Tox	NNE	Spire of the Moon	Gnolling	T-H-U-N Z-A-R T-H-A-L
CLOAK	“Ironwind”	Wildwind Silverheart	SSE	Old North Road	Sphinktor	H-O-C-U-S P-O-C-U-S O-U-T-A F-O-C-U-S
GLOVES	“Shockaree”	Turambar	WNW	Ice Cave of Parnouth	Tengura	S-I-M S-A-L-A B-I-M
HAT	“Fadeaway”	Ronk	NE	Deridor’s Tower	Gnomish	O-A-K-E-E F-A N-O-A-K-E-E
MEDALLION	“Rimegar’s Eye”	Thermavox the Great	SSW	Inn of the Golden Lion	Boggarti	M-A-L-I-K-A-R-I-N-I-A-N
RING	“Shadora”	Ravenmane	NW	The Rock	Goblinygook	S-A-L-I-M-A-R S-A-L-I-D-A-R
SHIELD	“Bastion”	Torgon the Red	ENE	Misty Waterfall	Celestial	A-B-R-A-C-A-D-A-B-R-A
STAFF	“Mysterion”	Wizard of the Purple Flame	SW	Lost Remson Mine	Aklo	S-H-A-Z-A-M
SWORD	“Frostfire”	Kotokazei	NNW	Ruins of Kral Kagarrak	Drow Sign	K-R-A-K-A-B-A-K-A K-A-R
WAND	“Winterchill”	Thendara Winterhawk	ESE	Field of Dreams	Druidic	K-L-A-A-T-U B-A-R-A-D-A N-I-K-T-O

"This Tomb of Zama Kindu might not be large enough to hold us, but we don't even know what it is. Same is true for the Spire of the Moon and The Rock. The rest seem like they might be okay.

Lucien Soulban

player, 72 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Mon 7 Dec 2020
at 17:41

msg #208

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Sending everyone is just as risky as sending just one person. 2 or 3 folks at most to each spot should be enough. Which means we could get 4 done at a time." the paladin says.

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 45 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Tue 8 Dec 2020
at 00:43

msg #209

Re: Wonders Investigation

In reply to Lucien Soulban (msg # 208):

Stein made a passing glance to all the paintings "at the surface, it seems that the idea for security here was to hide the items more so then to protect the items. one person tried to place them somewhere.... however," he will then look back to the group and pat his breastplate, a few more white grubs shaking loose from his cloak. "we found every pass code, every entrance, and even a small crew of us found one of the locations manually... all within a day. and we should not assume to be the first... 'cycle'... It's possible, likely, that the locations will be able to be tackled by small squads but their security should not be underestimated."

Tim moved from his perch on the wall to a comfortable spot on the ground where he made himself comofrtable enough to nap.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:52, Wed 09 Dec 2020.

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 30 posts

Ifrit Steelfist

Gunslinger Mystr Stranger

Wed 9 Dec 2020
at 19:36

msg #210

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Too much talking!" Bash finally speaks up. "Not enough action! And I'm a creature of action, in case you haven't noticed! So now you know that about me!"

She goes over and stands in front of the painting of the Cloak.

"Hocus Pocus Outa Focus," she says excitedly.

If another door opens, she'll turn to the others and say:

"So, who's coming with me?"

She'll wait for a minute to see if anyone else wants to go and then step through the door.

Of course, if it doesn't open, she'll just stand there and scowl at the painting in consternation!

Vogh Kath

player, 40 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Thu 10 Dec 2020
at 10:20

msg #211

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vogh liked that Ki'nae was about action and as she said another password Vogh went to the spot and would enter if it too opened.

"I will go with you!" Vogh announced.

GM StarMaster

GM, 123 posts

Thu 10 Dec 2020
at 23:41

msg #212

Re: Wonders Investigation

No scowling necessary as a door magically appears and swings open into the tunnel.

Bash steps into it and walks to the other end. She can't really tell if it's the same distance as the other tunnel, but it kind of looks like it. At the other end, there's a rectangle that she looks like a door. She can see through it to the landscape on the other side. All she can really see is an uneven grassy plain with a partially overgrown dirt road going left and right. As near as she can tell from what she can see by the position of the sun that means it goes southeast to northwest.

Vogh follows right behind her.

Lucien Soulban

player, 73 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Fri 11 Dec 2020
at 17:54

msg #213

Re: Wonders Investigation

Lucien stands in front of the sword and intones "Krakabaka Kar" and looks around at his erstwhile cohorts "Anyone coming?" Regardless of the answer he steps through and draws his long sword and shield as he does so.

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 46 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Sat 12 Dec 2020
at 06:02

msg #214

Re: Wonders Investigation

Oh but the scowl shows itself anyways, on Steins face. "ah, there it is, I suppose we can all just run off in a grab for artifacts. nevermind coordination and communication, then."

He will then turn to the painting he is standing at, give it a quick look... then look to tim, then back to those moving to a tunnel... and then finally he will turn towards the nearest exit to the building and make way to it.

"Taking a scenic route. If we are needed, let Tim know."

-Exiting and making way towards Deridor’s Tower-

Kurat

player, 49 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Tue 15 Dec 2020
at 15:45

msg #215

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I will go with whoever thinks they will need me," Kurat said waiting to see which group wanted him.

Lucien Soulban

player, 75 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Tue 15 Dec 2020
at 17:28

msg #216

Re: Wonders Investigation

OOC:Lucien could use the help not gonna lie, but you don't have to.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 32 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Tue 15 Dec 2020
at 18:51

msg #217

Re: Wonders Investigation

"That's really up to you, Kurat," Tyrol offers. "If any particular Wonder grabs your fancy, you can head off to that one. Either join one of the others, or pick one of your own."

"We're not really that organized. On the other hand, we haven't seen any particular need for organization. Not all of us are built that way."

Aniyu

NPC, 47 posts

Human Winter Witch/Druid

AC: 20/16/16; HP: 100/100

Tue 15 Dec 2020
at 20:26

msg #218

Re: Wonders Investigation

Aniyu didn't perceive the current situation as chaotic. A lack of dedicated organization was not the same thing.

He'd already been on a mini-excursion with Lucien when they did reconnaissance on the volcano, so he had a basic knowledge of the fellow. Perhaps it was better if someone else accompanied Lucien.

He waited to see if anyone else wanted to go.

"We could easily go after six of them right now. There are enough of us," Aniyu speaks up. "That presumes each group is successful."

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 10 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Wed 16 Dec 2020
at 17:37

msg #219

Re: Wonders Investigation

Cassandra spent a few minutes looking around at all the paintings, even the ones that now had open doorways. She honestly couldn't say she had a preference for chasing after one of them in particular,

It occurred to her that none of the items might actually be what they appeared to be. It seemed rather odd that even Esmeralda could foresee just who would show up when the time came.

"Well, if no one else wants to go, I'll go help Lucien," she told those that remained. She then stepped through the door that he'd gone through.

Kurat

player, 50 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Wed 16 Dec 2020
at 23:55

msg #220

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Foolish to go as single twigs, A single twig is easily broken. Take several in your hands and try to break them at once though and the strength of many holds them together," Kurat counseled, "Individually we will be picked off...."

He looked over at the staff, staves often had great power. Still he didn't think it wise that they were breaking up into small groups. The Paladin while certainly possessing some courage seemed also to be a bit brash, still before he left he had asked for help. Kurat would go help him he decided.

He called to Cassandra, "I'll come with you.". He moved to the door and went through as well.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 33 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Thu 17 Dec 2020
at 20:53

msg #221

Re: Wonders Investigation

"That makes a lot of sense, Kurat," Tyrol says as Kurat steps into the portal.

"Of course, that depends on what you are using the twig for, I guess."

He looks around the chamber and realizes that there are only three of them left--him, Chess ala'riina and Trickster.

"So, what do you two want to do? Do you want to stay here and hold down the fort, or should be go after another of the Wonders?"

Just as he says that, a bunch of monkeys come scrambling out of the tunnel to the Crypt.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 34 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Thu 21 Jan 2021
at 17:57

msg #222

Re: Wonders Investigation

Tyrol frowns in puzzlement as Trickster and Chess ala'riina seem oblivious to the monkeys. As he watches their antics, he tentatively reaches out a hand and attempts to poke one of them to see if it's real.

"They're real!" he exclaims.

Watching their antics a bit more, he comes to another conclusion.

"I think they need help!"

Without waiting to see what the others do, Tyrol dashes into the magical tunnel to see what the problem is.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 50 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Thu 21 Jan 2021
at 19:42

msg #223

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina looked to Tyrol and smiled "Are you sure they need help or are you more interested in discovering what they might find?

Taking a moment she thought about all the places that has already engaged in the ones that are of the Green Star. But still there was more to learn.

"If you wish I can stay here to gather more information.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 35 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Sun 24 Jan 2021
at 02:22

msg #224

Re: Wonders Investigation

Just as he steps into the tunnel, he hears Chess ala-riina's suggestion, and calls back:

"Sounds like a plan!"

Trickster

player, 32 posts

Kitsune Wizard Alchemist

Sun 24 Jan 2021
at 02:45

msg #225

Re: Wonders Investigation

He appreciated the antics of the monkeys, perhaps more than the others, because he knew what it was like to be in that condition.

"Yes, I do believe they are indicating that the others down that tunnel are requesting help," he addresses Chess ala'riina as the only other 'Cycle' left in the monastery. "And I believe they are under attack."

"Alas, battle is not one of my strengths. I'm more suited to subterfuge and, dare I say it, sneakiness. All of our combatants have gone off after other Wonders."

"Still, I suspect the little Alchemist is a good enough battler... bombs away and all that."

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 55 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Sat 20 Feb 2021
at 14:52

msg #226

Re: Wonders Investigation

With everyone off to search for the Wonders that intrigued them the most, Chess ala'riina had other plans on this new found mystery that was placed before her. If the Oracle lived here and her body remains in these walls then there was surely a way to communicate with her and see if she was able to share some of her thoughts to a fellow Oracle.

Looking to Jarvis "Is there a place here where I might purchase a scroll? she smiled "If not here than is there a place near that I might visit?

Jarvis Martel

NPC, 7 posts

Old Human Retired Warrior

Green Star Sage

Sun 28 Feb 2021
at 01:00

msg #227

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Are you inquiring about a scroll with a spell already inscribed on it?" Jarvis replied. "Regular blank scrolls we have in abundance. They are free to the Green Star seekers."

"Alas, there is no nearby community nor any resident wizard--that I am aware of--that could sell you a spell scroll. We have some in our vault, though. What, specifically, are you looking for?"

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 56 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Sun 28 Feb 2021
at 01:13

msg #228

Re: Wonders Investigation

Looking to Jarvis "I wish to Speak to the Dead, don't believe a Wizard would be able to provide me with such a scroll but any Temple would suffice

Her thoughts was simple, to have time to speak with the Oracle and get a bit of a clear vision of things.

Jarvis Martel

NPC, 8 posts

Old Human Retired Warrior

Green Star Sage

Sun 28 Feb 2021
at 01:20

msg #229

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Ah. I see. I suppose this monastery is the closest thing to a temple that is nearby," answers Jarvis. "It's possible there is one in the vault."

"Am I to understand you wish to attempt to speak with Esmeralda? Alas, we do not know where she buried, if she was even buried. There's been talk of her Ascending."

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 57 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Wed 3 Mar 2021
at 18:11

msg #230

Re: Wonders Investigation

Looking to Jarvis a bit oddly.

"Did you not mention that her body was placed here in the temple? she paused for a moment and wondered more about him.

Whilst you speak, we can go to the vault and see if there is the scroll I seek.

Jarvis Martel

NPC, 9 posts

Old Human Retired Warrior

Green Star Sage

Fri 5 Mar 2021
at 20:06

msg #231

Re: Wonders Investigation

"My apologies if I misspoke," Jarvis responds. "I am use to having to explain to the visitors that come here seeking... enlightenment, so I just used the easiest explanation."

"Esmeralda, when she died, was not 'buried' as I said. She was laid to rest in the crypts beneath this monastery... crypts, I might add, which she herself had built. And she was the first to be placed in one."

"Sometime in the ensuing 200 years, her body disappeared from the crypt. By then, it was only visited rarely, so the absence wasn't noticed for who knows how long."

"The crypt was still locked, hence the talk of ascendance starting. If her remains were removed for whatever reason, no one in the monastery was aware of it. You would think that she might have foreseen this and made arrangements accordingly, no?"

"Nothing has been seen or heard of her remains to this day. If they had been taken for some necromantic ritual or such, surely someone would have said something by now."

As he talks, he leads Chess ala'riina to the vaults. The vault where scrolls are kept is different than the one where the books are kept. All scrolls are in bone or copper or brass tubes, sealed, and organized by type and author and stored in a rack of pigeon holes.

It takes about an hour to go through the clerical scrolls, pulling out one tube and deciphering the faded and worn writing on it. But Jarvis and Chess ala'riina do find a tube that claims to have the appropriate scroll within.

Jarvis unseals the cap, gently feels the parchment inside to see how brittle it has become, and then slowly pours an oil (kept in the area for just that purpose) into the tube. He waits for a minute before pouring the oil back out, letting the tube fully drain, and then slowly extracting the scroll and handing it to Chess ala'riina.

GM StarMaster

GM, 157 posts

Wed 17 Mar 2021
at 19:55

msg #232

Re: Wonders Investigation

Knowing that the spell required a corpse, Chess ala'riina might have been a bit disappointed that Esmeralda's corpse was no longer available, but she read over the scroll Jarvis handed her, perhaps only because she wasn't sure a 500-year-old corpse would have been able to 'answer' questions.

As she reads over the scroll, she discovers that it is worded differently than what she was expecting. A corpse has to have a mouth, and pure skeleton may not, particularly if the jaw bone is missing. This scroll... this spell talks about speaking oracles as if it was somehow tailored for... an oracle.

And there's something about essence... While there's no mention of a Magic Mouth, that's essentially what the normal version of the spell does.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 58 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Fri 19 Mar 2021
at 01:14

msg #233

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina looked at the scroll and then up at Jarvis for a moment.

Her body has been taken from its crypt, that is something interesting and something that needs to be dealt with. she paused for a slight moment as she thought of something. "Yes her body must be recovered.

Jarvis Martel

NPC, 10 posts

Old Human Retired Warrior

Green Star Sage

Wed 24 Mar 2021
at 15:59

msg #234

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Really? You think, after all this time, her body can still be recovered?" Jarvis responds.

"In the crypts, it was preserved. We don't know if it was still preserved in whatever location it was moved to. What if it was buried? Or it could have been cremated."

"What if she ascended? I don't know what that would have meant to her body."

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 59 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Mon 29 Mar 2021
at 19:31

msg #235

Re: Wonders Investigation

This was new information of the body being taken from the Crypt and she had to wonder if it was still placed on the Material Plane or was it destroyed.

"Jarvis, with all this new information. Would you happen to have a scroll to Commune with the Gods so that I can seek more answers on where her body might be located? she asked hoping that that Scroll might be located in the room as well.

Jarvis Martel

NPC, 11 posts

Old Human Retired Warrior

Green Star Sage

Wed 31 Mar 2021
at 21:40

msg #236

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I've not heard of that spell before, and I've hardly memorized every scroll here in the library," Jarvis replies, "but let me check."

He turns back to the pigeonholes that hold the scrolls and starts looking through them. After about 5 minutes, he pulls out a scroll.

"This one says it has a Commune spell on it. Well, actually, three times."

"Is that what you were looking for?"

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 60 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Wed 31 Mar 2021
at 22:31

msg #237

Re: Wonders Investigation

She gives him a wide smile "Yes Jarvis that is what I was hoping you would have in your collection. she paused "May I use it to see if I can locate her body?

She had to cast the Spell and see which God or Goddess would answer her plea and speak to her.

Jarvis Martel

NPC, 12 posts

Old Human Retired Warrior

Green Star Sage

Thu 1 Apr 2021
at 03:46

msg #238

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Of course, you can use it!" Jarvis replies.

"I probably wouldn't have given it to just any stranger that wandered in and asked for it, but you are one of the Green Stars! You and the others have already done so much more than any of us who've lived here at the monastery for years ever figured out."

"And the odd thing is that as many times as I've looked at those murals, I can't honestly say that they look any different now than they did last year or ten years ago. It's always possible that your mere presence made them... readable."

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 61 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Wed 7 Apr 2021
at 12:02

msg #239

Re: Wonders Investigation

Nodding her head to Jarvis "I'm sure Esmeralda took great measure to hide the things she knew was to come. I alone would not of noticed the difference myself if the others didn't speak up or examine the paintings. giving him a soft smile to lighten the mood.

"I would need to journey into the crypt. I want to make sure that I'm in a area where the Gods can peruse the area. Just in case something or another Divine evil being had anything to do with it.

Jarvis Martel

NPC, 13 posts

Old Human Retired Warrior

Green Star Sage

Fri 9 Apr 2021
at 19:20

msg #240

Re: Wonders Investigation

"The crypts are right across the hall and down the stairs," Jarvis tells Chess ala'riina, and leads her to it.

The stairs go down about 3/4 of a typical story then switch back to go down another 3/4s to exit into a cross hallway. Several openings are in each wall in both directions, but the shorter end of the hall ends in an iron grate.

He leads her down to the grate. Beyond, you can see a stone bier across the room, with a stone sarcophagus sitting on it.

"That's where Esmeralda was laid to rest those 500 years ago. Unless you have some reason to need me in there, I would rather not enter as a sign of respect."

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 62 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Fri 9 Apr 2021
at 19:48

msg #241

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina nods her head to Jarvis and thanks him for guiding her down to the crypt where she needed to be for the spell to work as best as possible.

Moving to a spot where she would hope that Esmeralda body might of been lay to rest.

Taking a sitting position on the ground she slowly pulls the scroll out and begins to read it as she allows the Goddess of Magic to hear her plea.

"Great Goddess I seek your wisdom and ask for answers that are within your Domain and Realm of Magic, Knowledge and Hidden Secrets.

Is the body of Esmeralda in this Material world?
she waits for a reply before she is able to ask the next question.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Fri 09 Apr 2021.

GM StarMaster

GM, 167 posts

Fri 9 Apr 2021
at 21:05

msg #242

Re: Wonders Investigation

As Chess ala'riina stares ahead more or less at the sarcophagus (as a focus), she notices the decorations on the side begin to twist and squirm, forming into runes that spell 'yes'.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 63 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Fri 9 Apr 2021
at 22:41

msg #243

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Is her body with life?

GM StarMaster

GM, 168 posts

Sat 10 Apr 2021
at 01:39

msg #244

Re: Wonders Investigation

The decorations again twist into runes that spell "No".

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 64 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Sat 10 Apr 2021
at 01:43

msg #245

Re: Wonders Investigation

“Can her body be located above ground?

GM StarMaster

GM, 169 posts

Sun 11 Apr 2021
at 16:56

msg #246

Re: Wonders Investigation

This time, the decorations give an odd answer: Both.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 65 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Sun 11 Apr 2021
at 17:16

msg #247

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Has her body been desecrated by divided into pieces? there was a sad look upon her face when she asked this question.

GM StarMaster

GM, 170 posts

Sun 11 Apr 2021
at 17:26

msg #248

Re: Wonders Investigation

Once again, the decorations shift and turn and twist into a single word answer: NO.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 66 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Sun 11 Apr 2021
at 17:42

msg #249

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Am I able to retrieve her body from where it is located?

It was a good sign that her body wasn't desecrated. Now the only thing is to know if its possible to be save and then to discover if she wishes it to be saved.

GM StarMaster

GM, 172 posts

Fri 16 Apr 2021
at 21:14

msg #250

Re: Wonders Investigation

The markings on the sarcophagus move into a new answer: YES.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 67 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Fri 16 Apr 2021
at 22:40

msg #251

Re: Wonders Investigation

Things were looking hopeful and she had only a few more questions to ask the Gods.

“Can the location of her body be discovered in the paintings ?

GM StarMaster

GM, 174 posts

Sat 17 Apr 2021
at 20:35

msg #252

Re: Wonders Investigation

Although it seems to take a bit longer to form an answer, the scrollwork reshapes itself into one word: NO.

GM StarMaster

GM, 179 posts

Sat 24 Apr 2021
at 18:00

msg #253

Re: Wonders Investigation

The first ones to return with a Wonder are Bash and Vogh with the Cloak.

Tyrol is the next to return, but only because he never actually exited the tunnel.

Hsang, Ozrus and Vashon are the next to return with the Armor.

A little bit later, Aniyu and Hardcore Jimmy return with the Hat, but only because they didn't use the tunnel; instead, they traveled overland.

You are still waiting for Lucien, Kurat and Cassandra to return.

Vogh Kath

player, 67 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Tue 27 Apr 2021
at 18:58

msg #254

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Hey Trickster," Vogh said as she entered the chamber once more. "We managed to find the cloak. It is right here, and both Bash and I were able to tell a little bit about it but there is more that is there. We just can't identify it. Are you able to?"

Ozrus Wither

player, 98 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Thu 29 Apr 2021
at 02:08

msg #255

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Same with this armor," Ozrus said as he lugged the suit of field plate into the room. He set it down in a spot where anyone who wanted to could examine it. "As far as I can tell, this is a suit of field plate made of a mithril-steel alloy and a third material that might possibly be aurum. Not sure. Looks like it is also designed to hold an augment crystal," he added, pointing to the metal green-star plate covering the heart. "When I scanned its aura I noticed transmutations consistent with effects of Fly, Bull's Strength and Mending spells, but enhanced. But I got the feeling that its magic was even deeper and vaster than that..."

Ozrus put his hands on his hips and stared at the armor for a few more moments before turning his attention to the other wonders. "So you guys managed some success as well, it seems. Anyone have to fight an armored spikestone golem for theirs?" He gestured toward the couple of scratches he still had from where his cure spells hadn't quite fixed him up all the way. "Or have to disarm an explosive swamp gas trap?" He aimed a thankful nod toward Hsang.

What is an "augment crystal"?

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 64 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Fri 30 Apr 2021
at 13:52

msg #256

Re: Wonders Investigation

Steiner walks into the building with heavy steps, a billowing cloak, and the artifact twirling around his finger. A large smile branded on his face.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:54, Fri 30 Apr 2021.

Trickster

player, 33 posts

Kitsune Wizard Alchemist

Sat 1 May 2021
at 17:23

msg #257

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Those are all transmutation spells," Trickster replies to Vogh.

"You would think I would be able to identify such things, wouldn't you? Alas, I cannot. However, I will probably take Ozrus up on his offer to share the Identify spell."

He eyes the hat Hardcore is twirling around his finger.

"Are you sure that's a Wonder?" he asks, and looks to Aniyu for confirmation.

"Then again, that would seem to be a great way to hide it. 'Here. Smear this mud on your face. You look good now.' Hmmmm. I may have to try that trick at some point."

Ozrus Wither

player, 100 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Mon 3 May 2021
at 20:06

msg #258

Re: Wonders Investigation

Ozrus pulled his spellbook from his pack and handed it to Trickster with surprising casualness. Most wizards were quite protective of their books. Not that Ozrus wasn't, but he figured his fellow Greenstars were trustworthy enough. "Page 14. Don't spill on it or mark up the pages. Maybe I can copy one of yours later? I don't sleep much, so I can copy one at night if that works into your schedule better."

"In the meantime, I think I'll make a few potions quick. Maybe a scroll too? Not sure. But I don't think I want to go tracking down another one of those wonders until tomorrow. Now that we have a better sense of what we are dealing with, I can better prepare for the challenges we will likely face. Anyone need anything before I go find a spot to relax in the garden?" Ozrus still lingered for a bit to see what everyone else's plans seemed to be.

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 65 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Tue 4 May 2021
at 14:53

msg #259

Re: Wonders Investigation

In reply to Trickster (msg # 257):

Steiner unceremoniously tossed the hat towards trick "why Don't you try it out and let me know?" His jovial smile confusing the manner of the action. He would then look towards Ozrus question and waited.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 68 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Sat 8 May 2021
at 00:22

msg #260

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina knew she only had two more questions to ask and it must be right.

"Is her corpse located in the Northern Hemisphere?

Is her corpse located in the Eastern Hemisphere?

With those two last questions it would give a better area to locate the body.

GM StarMaster

GM, 183 posts

Sat 8 May 2021
at 15:27

msg #261

Re: Wonders Investigation

The answer to both questions Chess ala'riina asked comes back 'Yes'.

As she ponders the answers she got, which seemed mostly straight forward, she does start to wonder about one of them. While it was consistent with the spell as she knew it, taken in context, there was something slightly odd about it.

It made her wonder about where the body might be hidden... if it even was. It made her think of one of those old fairy tales parents told their children, about a princess sleeping in a glass coffin. The sleep was a curse, of course, and the glass coffin was merely to protect the princess from dust and spiderwebs and similar things. So, she wasn't hidden at all. The real question was how far away would you have to be to not have heard of the princess. Could you be 'hidden' without being hidden?

For that matter, where was the last place you'd look to find Esmeralda's body?

Trickster

player, 34 posts

Kitsune Wizard Alchemist

Sat 8 May 2021
at 15:36

msg #262

Re: Wonders Investigation

Trickster accepts the hat from Hardcore and examines it for a moment before putting it on his head.

"Any idea what it's supposed to do?" he asks. "You don't suppose it will tell us what it does just by wearing it, do you? I've heard many items like this require a period of... what's the word they used? Ah, yes--attunement."

"Curiously, I don't know how else to explain that. I suppose... it has to get use to you... and perhaps you to it? The usual period is a day, sometimes a week. If this is such a crisis, though, why would it take so long? Perhaps just an hour? Ten minutes? Five minutes?"

He takes the offered spellbook from Ozrus.

"Thank you. That should help. Hey! Maybe this is a Thinking Cap! Let's me learn spells quicker and easier! The oddity there is that then I wouldn't need the Identify spell anyway! Ha-ha-ha!"

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 38 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Sat 8 May 2021
at 16:17

msg #263

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Well, I didn't really go on any of the first round of Wonder retrievals," Tyrol says, "though I did help a bit getting the armor. So, I'm ready to go get another one!"

"Now that I've had a moment to think about it, I'm wondering if that spikestone guardian was put there to protect the Wonder, if it was there to protect the body."

"From what the rest of you have said, identifying ourselves as Green Stars would have eliminated the threat... except, I don't think it would have, in this case. I suppose it's possible that Esmeralda put the armor there because there was already a guardian in place."

"So, whoever goes after the next one, if there's a threat, just say 'Green Star' and that should take care of it. Well, maybe. If it works, great! If it doesn't, then you're no worse off."

"So, what do you think we should go after next?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:28, Fri 14 May 2021.

Vogh Kath

player, 68 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Sun 9 May 2021
at 09:43

msg #264

Re: Wonders Investigation

When Trickster made the comment about the hat or other items needing attunement, she hadn't thought about that. Perhaps that was why she couldn't figure out the rest? Time would tell though she was sure. For now she kept the cloak on so that she would hopefully attune to it and find out what it would do.

"We had a genie guarding the cloak. Thankfully, we were able to say the right thing and retrieved the cloak. I did happen to say Green Star when I spoke to it so perhaps that is what is needed. I would be willing to go help find another of the wonders."

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 69 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Sun 9 May 2021
at 16:10

msg #265

Re: Wonders Investigation

Moments later the group can see Chess ala'riina walking into the room where she heard noise.

Welcome back.

How was your findings? she said but there was a slight puzzling look upon her face.

"I was in the crypt and discovered that the body of our wondrous Oracle has been taken.

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 34 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

AC: 24/19/17; HP: 119/140

Sun 9 May 2021
at 17:37

msg #266

Re: Wonders Investigation

"That does not sound good," Vashon replies to Chess ala'riina.

"It sounds as if there was no indication of why it was taken. Do you think that bodes ill for our quest? Or is it just incidental?"

"I've afraid I don't see any significance myself. Were you hoping to speak with her after all this time?"

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 70 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Sun 9 May 2021
at 20:48

msg #267

Re: Wonders Investigation

Looking to Vashon "I was hoping to speak to her spirit but there was no body for the spell to work and I am a bit worried as to why someone would take it. And the caretakers of this place never tried to find it.

Waving her hand slightly in the air "Seeing that this place was created by her and she would be a very valuable asset to this place of worship.

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 42 posts

Ifrit Steelfist

Gunslinger Mystr Stranger

Mon 10 May 2021
at 01:54

msg #268

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I'm good to go!" Bash says. "I vote we go after the ring!"

She holds up a hand and wiggles her fingers for emphasis.

Vogh Kath

player, 70 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Mon 10 May 2021
at 06:44

msg #269

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vogh listened to Chess as she arrived saying that the oracle's body was taken, "Another thing to consider is that it was taken for the same purpose that you wanted it for. To find the wonders. Speaking with the dead is not such a difficult task for someone with sufficient power to do so. Did you get any indication of where it may have gone?"

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 71 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Mon 10 May 2021
at 11:58

msg #270

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina smiled to Vogh's comment and it seemed that they were thinking of similar patterns.

"Location is slightly known but not precise. That is a Mystery that I am faced with at the moment. she said as she looked at Bash wiggling her fingers.

Taking noticed of the new item that Vogh is now wearing it was only proof that her time also succeeded in getting the Wonder.

"We must be careful, for those that wished to gather these items may now be aware of your presence and the gathering of them.

Be forewarned.

Ozrus Wither

player, 102 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Mon 10 May 2021
at 20:53

msg #271

Re: Wonders Investigation

Ozrus thought about how the other Wonders guardians had been dealt with while the group discussed Esmerelda's missing body. Perhaps it would have worked to speak with the golem instead of attacking it. In hindsight, perhaps that is why the golem had not been linked to a shaitan, and why there was also no control ring like he would have expected. Perhaps it was bound in such a way as to be loyal to the Green Stars.

He had no way of suspecting such a thing at the time, but it was something to take into consideration in the future. He even made a point to mention his observations to the others once there was a lull in the conversation's current topic of discussion.

After that, he half-excused himself. Far enough to go do his own thing, but still close enough to participate in the conversation. He mixed up some seemingly random herbs, funguses, and roots from his pouch as he spoke. "If you discover more about Esmerelda's whereabouts, (or why it is necessary), please let me know. And I wish the rest of you luck that are going out to search for more wonders today. I myself am going to relax until morning though. It's been a long day of taraveling here, then deciphering the doors, then flying out to the crypt I helped search, and fighting off a golem. Sure, I could press onward, but I see no reason not to take things easy for now. No sense in overexerting or overextending, right?" The young elf had the general vibe of a long-retired grandfather.

"But here are a few gifts for those of you going out again." He took the herbal mixtures he had been concocting and sprinkled them into vials of water he had on his person. The resulting mixtures were sludgy, muddy, grainy, and/or inky in appearance. "Here are some potions of healing, restoration, enhancement, and improvement. Take what you would like. I can make more tomorrow." He would of course give more details to those who were interested.

GM, what time of day is it? I was thinking about scribing a scroll tonight and possibly transcribing a spell into my spellbook, but I want to know how much time there is before dawn. (Ozrus only needs two hours of "sleep").

Trickster, Ozrus will help you decipher his spellbook when you are ready to copy the spell, so you shouldn't have to make the extra roll to know what exactly you are looking at.

Druidic potions up for grabs (I'll keep what isn't claimed):
Cure Moderate Wounds (2d8+10)
Cure Light Wounds (1d8+5)
Lesser Restoration
Haste (10 rounds)
Tongues (100 minutes) - claimed by Vogh
Resist Energy (Cold 20, 100 minutes)

This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Tue 11 May 2021.

GM StarMaster

GM, 184 posts

Fri 14 May 2021
at 00:19

msg #272

Re: Wonders Investigation

It's late afternoon.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 39 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Fri 14 May 2021
at 01:02

msg #273

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Maybe it's just me," Tyrol suggests, "but what did you expect to find out from Esmeralda?"

"I mean, she told us where all these things are hidden with these pictures. Do you honestly think she's going to tell you where they are? In any more detail than these walls do?"

"Keep in mind, too, that she was an Oracle. Don't know how that carries over into death, but won't she just give you more riddles to solve?"

"Also, now that you have me thinking about this, do you know for a fact that her body was removed? Or has somebody told you that? I mean... did you actually look in the coffin or sarcophagus or whatever it was?"

"I'm an alchemist. We never take anyone's word for something without testing it ourselves."

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 66 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Fri 14 May 2021
at 17:10

msg #274

Re: Wonders Investigation

In reply to Chess ala'riina Nasadra (msg # 270):

Steiner watched the conversation transpire and chimed in towards chess "Perhaps we should investigate why the body has disapeared, perhaps try to relocate it. If there is competition for the relics then we may have to find it eventually. Especially if said competition gets ahold of any of the relics".

Aniyu

NPC, 56 posts

Human Winter Witch/Druid

AC: 20/16/16; HP: 100/100

Fri 14 May 2021
at 22:06

msg #275

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I believe Chess ala'riina was attempting to locate the body," Aniyu says.

"While I'm not saying some of your ideas might not be right, there could have been other reasons for her body to have been removed. Cultists and other would-be Oracles come to mind."

"I don't claim to be the wisest of people, so my ideas are no possible that yours. I just believe we are over-thinking it."

Vogh Kath

player, 72 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Sat 15 May 2021
at 09:21

msg #276

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vogh listened to them talk back and forth about the body. She thought it very important but she also thought it very important to find the other items as well. "There are still quite a few of us here I think we should split up and go find the other wonders. I will go with someone to get the ring while others get a different one."

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 72 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Sat 15 May 2021
at 13:30

msg #277

Re: Wonders Investigation

Her eyes gazed at Tyrol slightly with disconcert when he mentioned about her being an Oracle. But then again what was she to expect from one such as him. He knows little about the Mysteries of Life and Time.

Taking a deep breath she spoke "Tyrol her body is not to help us find what WE should be able to achieve. It is a desecration to allow her body to be used for evil and possibly corrupt the fabrics of Fate.

Her body should should be found and place in a safe place for other Oracles of the future to praise for her great deed to save the world. That is if you don't have any issues about that and we do find the cause of all this

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 40 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Fri 21 May 2021
at 18:54

msg #278

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Oh, when you put it like that, no, I don't have any objection," Tyrol replies.

"I was thinking I'd go after the Medallion, if anyone else wants to go. Otherwise, I'll go with Vogh for the Ring."

GM StarMaster

GM, 187 posts

Fri 21 May 2021
at 19:02

msg #279

Re: Wonders Investigation

It takes almost an hour to find a scroll in the monastery's Archives that has the spell Secret Page on it for Ozrus to study and copy into his spellbook.

Lucien, Kurat and Cassandra return with the sword. As with the others, once they step out of the tunnel, the tunnel disappears.

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 35 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

AC: 24/19/17; HP: 119/140

Fri 21 May 2021
at 19:18

msg #280

Re: Wonders Investigation

"We have yet to get any sense of urgency to retrieving these items," Vashon comments, "but the lava-magma continues to flow. Unless the volume of flow increases, it will rise more slowly as it does, since the area it now has to fill will keep growing."

"The day of destruction, will possibly come when the magma overflows the valley walls, or so I believe. The entity behind this won't probably feel secure enough before then."

"Also, we have yet ask any of the people living here about any of these places. While I don't expect them to know many of them, surely they will know some. Take this Golden Lion where the Medallion is. It sounds like a tavern to me. If it's been around that long, someone here must have heard of it."

"These magic portals will take us there, but it would be nice to know what to expect. That way, we can send whoever suits the location best."

Vogh Kath

player, 75 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Sat 22 May 2021
at 05:41

msg #281

Re: Wonders Investigation

In reply to Tyrol Halverschlagen (msg # 278):

"Tyrol, I will go with you to get the medallion. Someone else can get the ring if they want. I was just trying to get us moving." Vogh said when Tyrol said he would go to get another of the wonders.

To Vashon she said, "Yes, but like the dirt road, no one would have known what to expect there I am quite certain. If the medallion is in a tavern then that is a good place for me to head next as I offered."

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 41 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Tue 25 May 2021
at 22:33

msg #282

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Well, Vashon had a good point," Tyrol says as he steps in front of the mural with the medallion. "Is this tavern still a going concern, or are we looking for ruins?"

"If it's still open for business, where will the tunnel take us? Do we have to ask permission to search the tavern, or do we just ask for the medallion?"

"See what I mean?"

He then turns to the mural and says the magic word: "Malikarinian!"

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 43 posts

Ifrit Steelfist

Gunslinger Mystr Stranger

Tue 25 May 2021
at 22:38

msg #283

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Those are good points, Tyrol!" Bash offers as she watches to see if the tunnel opens.

"I'll go find Jarvis and ask him. Remember, he didn't know about any of these hidden sentences and magic words."

Once the tunnel opens (if it does), she'll go looking for Jarvis.

GM StarMaster

GM, 188 posts

Mon 31 May 2021
at 20:53

msg #284

Re: Wonders Investigation

It is unclear if Tyrol pronounced the magic word correctly or not, though presumably he did because another tunnel appears in the wall.

At this end, nothing is visible out the other end of the magic tunnel, but can't quite be sure why. Some sort of distortion until you get closer to the exit.

Vogh Kath

player, 76 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Wed 2 Jun 2021
at 12:45

msg #285

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Shall we Tyrol? You want to go first or shall I?" Vogh asked. Once decided she will either follow or enter.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 73 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 04:11

msg #286

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina was a bit shocked to see Vogh going after the Medallion before the Ring. But then again all these items were unique in their own way but the Ring was interesting cause it was crafted by a sword-smith.

"Be well on your journey. I will go seeking the ring at The Rock. she replied before they entered into the tunnel.

Now she had to wait and see if she can open the tunnel to The Rock after they were gone. Not wanting to cause some parallel effect with two opened at the same time.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 42 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Fri 4 Jun 2021
at 21:27

msg #287

Re: Wonders Investigation

"It goes to a tavern, right? So how dangerous can it be?" Tyrol replies to Vogh as he steps into the tunnel and begins walking to the other end.

It wasn't long... maybe 30 yards as opposed to the miles it bypassed. As he approaches the other end, he peers carefully, cautiously, and intently ahead to see what lies at the other end.

GM StarMaster

GM, 189 posts

Fri 4 Jun 2021
at 22:35

msg #288

Re: Wonders Investigation

Bash returns with Jarvis just then.

When she reads off the locations, he does know about some of them.

The Ice Cave of Parnouth is a famous location in the area that travelers frequently go visit because it has ice in it all year around. It was named after Kester Parnouth who discovered it and owned it for many years. It's up in the foothills about 10 miles west-northwest.

The Rock is a spire of greenish rock about 22 miles northwest. People have often gone there to chip off a piece for good luck.

He's vaguely heard about the Ruins of Kral Kagarrak. It's supposedly an old Dwarven keep somewhere up in the mountains.

Spire of the Moon he's never heard of.

Deridor’s Tower he's never heard of.

Misty Waterfall he's never heard of, though there are several waterfalls in the mountains to the northeast.

Field of Dreams he's never heard of.

Crypt of Kaballah Kabar he's heard of. It marks the site of the old village of Torbel somewhere to the southeast... maybe 40 miles away.

Old North Road is a short section of old road that connects the North Road with the Mountain Road. The old North Road was the road north of the Old North Road, the Old North Road, and the Mountain Road south of the Old North Road. The western part was changed as it was used to connect the villages to the south and became the 'new' North Road while the eastern part was used to connect the Dwarven mines up in the mountains and thus became the Mountain Road.

Inn of the Golden Lion is in Smudge, the closest village to the Citadel. It's about 12 miles to the south-southwest. The monastery gets supplies from there about once a week.

While he has heard of the Lost Remson Mine, all he knows is that the rich silver mine is lost. Supposedly, it lies somewhere to the north-northeast, but after old man Cyrus Remson died, its location died with him. People have been hunting for it for years.

He doesn't know of anything in the area called a 'Tomb', and has never heard of anyone called Zama Kindu.

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 36 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

AC: 24/19/17; HP: 119/140

Fri 4 Jun 2021
at 22:46

msg #289

Re: Wonders Investigation

"We've had up to three tunnels open at the same time already," Vashon comments to Chess ala'riina.

"I'm guessing that we could have opened all of them at the same time and each of us gone through one to fetch the Wonder."

"If one of us had gotten killed by whatever guardian was there, I'm guessing that it would have been a sign that he wasn't... worthy... or whatever. Someone else would probably have been... summoned."

"That being said, do you wish to go alone, or would you prefer some company?"

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 25 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Fri 4 Jun 2021
at 22:50

msg #290

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Besides, the tunnel stays open until they return," Cassandra says.

"I wonder now if saying the magic word again will close it? And what about at the other end? Could you close it from there by saying the magic word?"

"I don't think any threat would have come through. Wouldn't Esmeralda have foreseen that?"

Kurat

player, 71 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Sat 5 Jun 2021
at 01:23

msg #291

Re: Wonders Investigation

Kurat stood and listened. He was seeing what ideas the others had while he thought about it.

Ozrus Wither

player, 106 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Sat 5 Jun 2021
at 02:08

msg #292

Re: Wonders Investigation

GM StarMaster:

It takes almost an hour to find a scroll in the monastery's Archives that has the spell Secret Page on it for Ozrus to study and copy into his spellbook.

Ozrus is just chilling, copying his new spell into his book. Not much to add story-wise at this time since he isn't adventuring out again until he has rested for the night. So I'm not going to further crowd a very crowded thread with his active presence at this time. I will go ahead and add Secret Page to his list of spells known though.

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 44 posts

Ifrit Steelfist

Gunslinger Mystr Stranger

Sat 12 Jun 2021
at 17:31

msg #293

Re: Wonders Investigation

While the others go about their business, Bash goes back to studying the murals. She wasn't expecting there to be any more secrets hidden in them... but you never knew! Instead, she was just trying to get a feeling for the items, both individually and as a whole.

Maybe that way she'd get an idea or even a feeling of which one she should go after next. Clearly, the fighters were meant to wield the sword and the shield and the armor. Did they have three fighters? Were they all supposed to be wielded by one person?

"Well, when it gets down to only one item left to retrieve," she said to the others still there, "it'll make our decision for us!"

"Of course, then we're likely to fight amongst ourselves as to who goes to get it."

Lucien Soulban

player, 98 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Mon 14 Jun 2021
at 11:46

msg #294

Re: Wonders Investigation

Lucien mere looks at the growing collection of items. He says "Do we have any clearer idea of what to do or who gets what relic?"

Hsang Li Tsung

NPC, 46 posts

Samurai/Rogue

Mon 14 Jun 2021
at 18:12

msg #295

Re: Wonders Investigation

"No, we don't have any clearer idea now than we did when we started," Hsang replies.

"However, given that there are 12 Wonders and 12 of us, I think it follows rather logically that we would... and should... each wield one of the items. While I do not know this for certain, once the threat is defeated, any of us that survive would get to keep the item."

"It may be that their full power can't be realized until we have all of them together."

"As to who wields which item, I suppose it depends on preference. I would suggest starting with the armor, shield and sword, since clearly they are meant for those of us you can fight and use such items."

"I would think that most of the Wonders can be used by anyone, such as the Cape and the Hat and the Ring. Unless, of course, it has a special property that only one of us can use. For example, if the Hat turns out to be a Hat of Prophesy and Foresight, then perhaps only an Oracle can make proper use of it. But, it could just as easily work for anyone. A fighter might make use of it if it grants him the ability to use True Sight."

In any case, I'm pretty sure that, should you chose an item, it will be of benefit to you as Esmeralda could have foreseen you choosing that item."

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 75 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Mon 14 Jun 2021
at 18:26

msg #296

Re: Wonders Investigation

After knowing that there might be some chance of a battle she looked to Vashon "I would gladly accept your company or anyone else that wishes to go after the ring. she smiled.

Then she waited for anyone else that might wish to join her before speaking the word to open the tunnel.

Lucien Soulban

player, 99 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Mon 14 Jun 2021
at 19:57

msg #297

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Well then what's left to collect?" he asks unsure of what to do at this point. "We brought back the sword. That was both more and less difficult than I would have thought."

Ozrus Wither

player, 109 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Mon 14 Jun 2021
at 20:44

msg #298

Re: Wonders Investigation

Ozrus was over in a corner, relaxing as he studied his new scroll in preparation of copying it into his spellbook. He was barely paying attention, but still spoke up to answer Lucien's question. "So far we have retrieved the sword, the armor, the hat, and the cloak. Tyrol and Vogh have gone to try and get the medallion. That means that the wonders remaining are the ring, wand, staff, boots, gloves, and bracers. Take your pick." The druid hadn't even bothered to look up from his scroll as he spoke.

Aniyu

NPC, 57 posts

Human Winter Witch/Druid

AC: 20/16/16; HP: 100/100

Tue 15 Jun 2021
at 02:42

msg #299

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Since Deridor's Tower was a natural pinnacle of stone," Aniyu said, "I'm guessing that The Rock and the Spire of the Moon are probably similar natural features."

"Back in Vasa, there's Ringing Rock, which is often just called 'The Rock'. This one could be the same. It might be known as Barton's Rock and Esmeralda just used the more colloquial name. An added level of security."

"So, anyone else want to go after the Staff with me?"

Lucien Soulban

player, 100 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Tue 15 Jun 2021
at 03:08

msg #300

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Sure why not? This stands to be fun." he says as he walks past the collected Wonders so far.

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 45 posts

Ifrit Steelfist

Gunslinger Mystr Stranger

Thu 1 Jul 2021
at 14:04

msg #301

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I'm as excited as the rest of you to get all these Wonders," Bash says, "but now that we have some of them, some of us should stay here and guard them, right?"

"For that matter, do we want to just leave them here in the foyer on the floor?"

"As I think about it, it occurs to me that maybe each of us was supposed to go get a Wonder on our own all at the same time. Makes sense, don't it? That way, we'd all get back here at about the same time and we'd have all the Wonders together at once."

"That certainly would have saved time!"

Aniyu

NPC, 58 posts

Human Winter Witch/Druid

AC: 20/16/16; HP: 100/100

Thu 1 Jul 2021
at 14:24

msg #302

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Okay, Lucien," Aniyu replies, "the two of us should be able to get it, based on what we've already learned."

"Clearly, there's going to be some sort of guardian for each Wonder, but if we announce that we're the... Green Stars... that seems to satisfy the guardian, and we won't have to fight it."

"It may not work every time, though. In the case of the spike-stone guardian, it may have been put there as a guardian of the tomb, rather than the Wonder. That just means that Esmeralda chose the tomb because she knew it already had a guardian."

He didn't bother asking if anyone else wanted to go; if they did, he figured they'd just follow he and Lucien through the tunnel.

He stood in front of the Staff mural and spoke the magic word:: "Shazam."

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 37 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

AC: 24/19/17; HP: 119/140

Thu 1 Jul 2021
at 17:21

msg #303

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Yes, guarding the Wonders we've already retrieved is a good idea," Vashon agrees, "and a task I am quite suited for."

"Others who wish to stay might try discerning the abilities of the Wonders we do have."

Hardcore Jimmy

player, 68 posts

Half-Elf Ranger/Rogue

Sat 3 Jul 2021
at 15:24

msg #304

Re: Wonders Investigation

In reply to Aniyu (msg # 302):

In fact, stein did, quite simply, follow Aniyu and Lucien up to the magic passageway. Ready to follow them through, he leaned over and leered passed them to through the passageway.

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 26 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Sat 10 Jul 2021
at 17:33

msg #305

Re: Wonders Investigation

"That's a great idea, Vashon, but I think all those that can determine magical properties have taken off!" Cassandra finally responds when no one else speaks up.

"I can give it a try, but I'm not that good at it, as all I have is my magical magnifying glass."

Trickster

player, 35 posts

Kitsune Wizard Alchemist

Sat 10 Jul 2021
at 18:08

msg #306

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Oh, that's a very good point, Cassandra!" Trickster agrees with the Investigator.

"I wonder if Esmeralda foresaw just how the magic items would be used? If the bracers increase one's strength, do they have to be used to lift some gate or bash down some door? For that matter, do we all have to be together at that time? Otherwise, how would we know who needs to go where? Or will the Wonders direct us?"

"Anyway, I have an alchemical formula that can identify magic properties. I can attempt to help in that regards."

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 27 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Sun 25 Jul 2021
at 21:13

msg #307

Re: Wonders Investigation

"That's good!" Cassandra responded.

"How in-depth can you probe? How many times can you do this? I mean, today... right now?"

Hsang Li Tsung

NPC, 47 posts

Samurai/Rogue

Sun 25 Jul 2021
at 21:21

msg #308

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I'm not all that good at waiting around," Hsang comments, as he glances at Ozrus resting and studying his spell book.

"Aniyu, Lucien, Bash... anyone interested in going to fetch another Wonder?"

Ozrus Wither

player, 110 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Tue 27 Jul 2021
at 02:11

msg #309

Re: Wonders Investigation

Ozrus gave a half-wave to Hsang at the comment, but didn't actually look up from his work. Truth be told, it would have probably been fun to go collect another wonder or two. But he was still content to at least finish his spell-copying before heading out again. He thought it wise to wait until morning to head out again, but the wise answer was not always the correct answer. He would need to think on it.

Trickster

player, 36 posts

Kitsune Wizard Alchemist

Wed 28 Jul 2021
at 17:31

msg #310

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Depth depends on the item and how long the potion lasts," Trickster answers.

"The more potent the magic, the quicker it uses up the potion. And I can only do it three times today."

He decides to start with the armor. He expects the potency of the magic to be all the same, or nearly so, for all of the Wonders, but he thinks the armor might be the least useful, so if he doesn't figure it all out, it won't be a big loss.

Unless the spell, he doesn't actually have to use the item, such as donning the armor. The potion enhances the magical aura of the item and those properly trained can read the various nuances of the aura.

Here's hoping he was trained well enough... and that he still remembers that training.

GM StarMaster

GM, 202 posts

Wed 11 Aug 2021
at 18:18

msg #311

Re: Wonders Investigation

Trickster uses one of his potions to enhance the magical aura of the armor so that he can read what school of magic has been cast into it.

He easily discerns that the primary auras are Transmutation, and further determines that it's the spells Bull's Strength and Fly forming the basis of the Transmutation aura. The Fly spell has a different nuance, though, and after a minute or so, he figures out that it's two separate flying spells 'woven' together: Fly and Overland Flight.

The Bull's Strength aura is also a bit strong... more so than just what it should be... it's clearly been enhanced. While the normal spell just boosts a person's Strength, the armor seems to give the wearer a fixed Strength... of 25, roughly equivalent to that of a Hill Giant.

Trickster further realizes that the armor is not charged--the Fly and Overland Flight can be activated at will.

There are other auras, too, but he can't quite figure out what they are. Either they are 'new' spells or else they are merely enhancements. There does seem to be a charge to them, though.

In the final analysis, he determines that the armor has an enhancement to it of +5.

Lucien Soulban

player, 103 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Fri 13 Aug 2021
at 03:42

msg #312

Re: Wonders Investigation

"None should be left alone. We need all of us to make this work. Aniyu went to get the staff and that is where I am headed." with that Lucian steps into the portal and follows after Aniyu.

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 28 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Wed 15 Sep 2021
at 04:22

msg #313

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Interesting armor," Cassandra comments upon Trickster's explanation of what he discovered.

"Anyone else able to do that? How about you, Ozrus? Your spell ready yet?"

Ozrus Wither

player, 113 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 19:36

msg #314

Re: Wonders Investigation

Ozrus looked up from his work and replied to Cassandra. "I can identify magic items, but not like that. Not exactly. I would use a spell instead of a potion. I imagine the results would be similar though. I plan on preparing several iterations of the spell commonly known as Identify after I get some sleep.

He looked down at his work, then back up at Cassandra again, then continued. "I was originally going to rest and prepare spells after I finished copying this spell into my book, but I have been having second thoughts about that, actually. Would you like to go investigate another of the wonders with me when I finish up here, Cassandra? Everything will still be here to Identify in the morning.

Ozrus is currently copying Secret Page into his spellbook, which would take about 4 hours total (1 to study it, and 3 to copy it). GM, how much longer until he is finished?

GM StarMaster

GM, 208 posts

Fri 24 Sep 2021
at 01:59

msg #315

Re: Wonders Investigation

By the end of the third hour, Ozrus had finished copying the spell into his book, realizing as he finishes that something about the monastery has enabled him to do it a bit faster than normal.

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 29 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Fri 24 Sep 2021
at 02:12

msg #316

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Sure!" Cassandra agrees to go with Ozrus to fetch another of the Wonders.

"It's not like I'm doing anything useful hanging around here. There are enough of us still here to guard what we've already retrieved."

"Got a preference for which Wonder you want go after?"

Ozrus Wither

player, 114 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Fri 24 Sep 2021
at 02:47

msg #317

Re: Wonders Investigation

Ozrus was surprised that his spell-copying had gone so quickly, but was glad for it. As he stood up and began putting away his equipment, he thought about Cassandra's question and voiced his thoughts out loud. "Hmm. The ones remaining should be the boots named Stiefel at the Tomb of Zama Kindu, the gloves named Shockaree at the Ice Cave of Parnouth, the shield named Bastion at the Misty Waterfall, the staff name Mysterion at the Lost Remson Mine, and the wand named Winterchill at the Field of Dreams."

He looked at Cassandra with a sideways glance, appraising her physical form. "Am I correct in assuming that you are as immune to sleep-magic as myself? If so, we may be especially well-suited to to investigate a place called "Field of Dreams," don't you think? If not, we can go to whichever destination you prefer."

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 30 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Sun 26 Sep 2021
at 00:34

msg #318

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I suppose I'm as resistant to sleep-magic as you are," Cassandra replied, "though I haven't really encountered it much."

"I think the Lost Remson Mine has the bracers. Stein, Lucien and Aniyu went after the staff at the Spire of the Moon."

"Sure, we can go get the Wand from the Field of Dreams. I think it's kind of great that we don't actually have to know where the Field is, since the portal will take us there."

Ozrus Wither

player, 115 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Sun 26 Sep 2021
at 07:47

msg #319

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Indeed," Ozrus agreed as he placed the last of his supplies into his sack. He was ready to go. "I am unsure of how to reach the Field of Dreams the normal way, but am certainly curious to see where the magical portal brings us."

And with that, Ozrus walked over to the appropriate doorway and spoke the magical word to open it. He did his best to pronounce it correctly. "KLAATU BARADA NIKTO!" If it worked, the druid-wizard would step boldly to the land beyond, to seek the treasure hidden within.

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 31 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Sun 26 Sep 2021
at 13:23

msg #320

Re: Wonders Investigation

Once the portal opens and Ozrus steps through, Cassandra follows after him with a "Right behind you!" comment.

Even as she walks down the tunnel, she wonders what the nature of it is. It was circular in shape, probably made of force, and you couldn't see through it, probably due so some sort of compression effect since it covered a great distance that was disproportionate to the real distance that was covered. As she understood it, that's how the spell Passwall worked, though this one had the distance of a Dimension Door spell.

It was clearly designed to make it easier and quicker to retrieve the Wonders. Rather than spent hours or even days retrieving them, it could be done in mere minutes! The end of the world waits for no man or woman.

Vogh Kath

player, 91 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Sun 31 Oct 2021
at 07:25

msg #321

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vogh stepped back into the Monastery and looks about to see who is left.

GM StarMaster

GM, 223 posts

Sat 6 Nov 2021
at 22:13

msg #322

Re: Wonders Investigation

Several of the group were still there: Hsang, Bash, Kurat, and Trickster, and now Tyrol and Vogh joined them.

Kurat and Hsang seemed to be arguing over who get which item.

Trickster was working on identifying the magic items.

Bash just shook her head at Vogh's look.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:24, Sat 06 Nov 2021.

Vogh Kath

player, 92 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Sun 7 Nov 2021
at 15:31

msg #323

Re: Wonders Investigation

"So, Tyrol seems we came back at the right time. The others are arguing over who gets items. We still of course haven't figured out who best uses what." Vogh said as she looked around the room.

She then noticed Trickster looking over an item and decided to head over. "Trickster, are you trying to figure out what that does? I know we haven't had a lot of luck trying to figure out what the one we had is capable of."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:11, Tue 09 Nov 2021.

Trickster

player, 37 posts

Kitsune Wizard Alchemist

Sun 7 Nov 2021
at 17:00

msg #324

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I wouldn't say that exactly," Trickster replies. "There does seem to be abilities deeper inside each one that need to be unlocked at some point... or in some way. Maybe once we confront the enemy?"

"The surface stuff is easy enough to read. Here's what I've determined so far."

WONDER	NAME	WIZARD	KNOWN POWERS
ARMOR	“Steelheart”	Mistralena	25 Strength, Fly, Overland Flight
BOOTS	“Stiefel”	Zama Kindu
BRACERS	“Armstrong”	Meta Tox
CLOAK	“Ironwind”	Wildwind Silverheart	+5 AC, DR 10, Dimension Door
GLOVES	“Shockaree”	Turambar
HAT	“Fadeaway”	Ronk	Hat of Disguise, Bag of Tricks, Fade Away?
MEDALLION	“Rimegar’s Eye”	Thermavox the Great	?????
RING	“Shadora”	Ravenmane	Improved Climbing, Jumping, Swimming; Sustenance; Shadow Step
SHIELD	“Bastion”	Torgon the Red
STAFF	“Mysterion”	Wizard of the Purple Flame	?
SWORD	“Frostfire”	Kotokazei	?????
WAND	“Winterchill”	Thendara Winterhawk	?

"Haven't examined the Medallion or the Sword yet. They're next. The Staff and the Wand are being retrieved."

"So, we still need to fetch the Boots, Bracers, Gloves, and Shield."

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 90 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Mon 8 Nov 2021
at 19:26

msg #325

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina exits the Portal and looks at everyone that is present without saying a word. In her hand is a Ring.

Kurat

player, 72 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Tue 9 Nov 2021
at 05:50

msg #326

Re: Wonders Investigation

Kurat was standing. He wasn't sure what Hsang was arguing about. He wasn't fully sure that anyone had a real choice in which item they would wear. He had been wandering if perhaps each was keyed to a specific person so that only that person could actually wield it properly, though he was not sure how to tell who might be the proper person That would probably take magic beyond his means.

Vogh Kath

player, 94 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Tue 9 Nov 2021
at 08:11

msg #327

Re: Wonders Investigation

"That is what we found before as well. There is something deeper inside. Glad my insights were correct."

Kurat if you could voice your thoughts we could comment cause I find that interesting. Perhaps the item I am supposed to have will allow me to reach the deeper magics?

"I would be willing to go help get another of the items if someone has a choice!"

Kurat

player, 74 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Tue 9 Nov 2021
at 21:50

msg #328

Re: Wonders Investigation

"We need to get them all, until then we cannot be sure who will benefit from which item the best. Also items of such power will have a say in who wields them, and thus it may not be our choice what we get in the end," Kurat stated.

Vogh Kath

player, 95 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Wed 10 Nov 2021
at 16:34

msg #329

Re: Wonders Investigation

"You could be right. So would you like to try and get one of the items with me, Kurat?" Vogh asked the hobgoblin.

Kurat

player, 75 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Fri 12 Nov 2021
at 20:30

msg #330

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Sure why not, which one you think we should get?" he asked.

Vogh Kath

player, 96 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Sat 13 Nov 2021
at 07:09

msg #331

Re: Wonders Investigation

It didn't really matter to Vogh which one they would go after so she just said, "Let's go get the boots." Vogh then moved over to the portal and said the command word to open it and stepped inside and waited for Kurat to move over and get in before advancing.

Kurat

player, 76 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Sat 13 Nov 2021
at 22:35

msg #332

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Sounds good to me, might as well," Kurat said following Vogh's lead and going to the portal.

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 46 posts

Ifrit Steelfist

Gunslinger Mystr Stranger

Wed 17 Nov 2021
at 22:23

msg #333

Re: Wonders Investigation

"We may all be amazed at Esmeralda's foresight," Bash commented, "but that doesn't mean she foresaw who was going to answer the call."

"The impression I got is that she didn't know when this disaster would occur... not an exact date anyway, so she couldn't know who would answer the call."

"So, I don't think the Wonders were meant for a specific person. While we seem to think that the armor has to be worn by somebody who knows how to wear armor, it's always possible that it gives the wearer that ability."

"We'll just have to wait and see."

GM StarMaster

GM, 238 posts

Wed 5 Jan 2022
at 18:26

msg #334

Re: Wonders Investigation

Cassandra steps back through the portal into the monastery, followed by an earth elemental and a Guardian Naga.

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 38 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Wed 5 Jan 2022
at 18:35

msg #335

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Yo! Don't panic!" Cassandra calls out as she steps out of the fresco. "This is just Ozrus in disguise! We're going to go check out the Mine, so he thought it'd be helpful to stay in elemental form. You know... in case the mine collapses."

"And that's Sh'kira. She was the Guardian Naga protecting the wand. Now that we've got the wand, she needed something else to guard, so Ozrus suggested she come back here and guard the Wonders."

"So, what have the rest of you been up to?"

Ozrus Wither

player, 131 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Sat 8 Jan 2022
at 02:03

msg #336

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Yes, we have retrieved Winterchill," Ozrus said, elaborating on what Cassandra had already said using his deep elemental voice. "It has a potent aura of cold evocation. Several, actually. There are multiple layers of overlapping auras. I do not yet know what exactly it casts, but it seems like it may be a good fit for Aniyu."

Ozrus clasped his big rocky hands together, then continued, "Let's make sure Sh'kira is being well taken care of, then I am ready to head to the mines! Anyone who wishes to join is welcome to come, but solo is fine as well. I don't mind." Cassandra had already alluded that she would be joining him, but he didn't want to make her feel obligated all the same.

Leaving the wand at home base and ready to head to the mine thread for the bracers. Gotta catch 'em all!

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 52 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Sat 15 Jan 2022
at 03:52

msg #337

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Trickster and I have been deciphering the magic in the other Wonders," Tyrol speaks up.

"There are secrets buried deep within each item, of course, but we were only able to determine the surface abilities. We think the item has to be selected by one of us and then activated before the additional powers will be... unlocked."

"This is what we've found so far..."

WONDER	NAME	CORE ABILITIES	HIDDEN ABILITIES
Armor	Steelheart	Brandalorian armor, strength, fly	sustain damage, empower weapons
Boots	Stiefel	???
Bracers	Armstrong	???
Cloak	Ironwind	strength of steel, Dimension Door	air, movement
Gloves	Shockaree	???
Hat	Fadeaway	disguise, Bag of Tricks, invisibility	possible portal
Medallion	Rimigar's Eye	light, true seeing
Ring	Shadora	climbing, jumping, swimming, sustenance	possible vision
Shield	Bastion	???
Staff	Mysterion	revelations	mysteries?
Sword	Frostfire	fire and frost
Wand	Winterchill	cone of cold, wall of ice, ice storm	additional cold

Hsang Li Tsung

NPC, 48 posts

Samurai/Rogue

Thu 27 Jan 2022
at 20:07

msg #338

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Since no one else seems interested in going with you, Ozrus, I shall accompany you," Hsang offers. "There is bound to be more there to present a challenge to me than anything I can find here."

He walks over to the appropriate mural and waits for Ozrus to open the portal with the appropriate phrase.

Ki'nae Bashemath

player, 47 posts

Ifrit Steelfist

Gunslinger Mystr Stranger

Thu 27 Jan 2022
at 20:10

msg #339

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I'll go, too!" Bash chimes in.

"I just didn't want to hog all the action! Besides, mines aren't really my thing, but there might be more safety in numbers."

She joins Hsang in front of the portal and waits for Ozrus, too.

Ozrus Wither

player, 132 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Fri 28 Jan 2022
at 03:58

msg #340

Re: Wonders Investigation

Ozrus nodded his rocky head in response to Bash and Hsang. "Glad to have both of you along. Let's do this." And with that the druid-wizard stepped in front of the appropriate image and said the password. Hopefully they could return with the bracers in no time at all.

Ready to move to the new thread!

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 44 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

AC: 24/19/17; HP: 119/140

Tue 15 Feb 2022
at 20:51

msg #341

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I have no idea how to unlock those other abilities... or even find out what they are," Vashon announces to the others.

"I suspect we may have to put them on or use them to find out. If that's the case, then can we take the item off if we feel it doesn't suit us but works better for someone else?"

"Could Esmeralda have foreseen the type of person who would, say, put on the armor? Or did it not matter? I mean, I don't wear armor, so why would I put it on? But if I did, how would it benefit or help me? Would it still interfere with my spellcasting?"

"If it's not an item that's worn, will it then work for someone else?"

"I suppose we could pick an item now, but maybe we should wait until we have them all and at least have an inkling of what the item does."

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 93 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Tue 15 Feb 2022
at 20:59

msg #342

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina listened to what Vashon had to say but there was still a few items missing.

"What items are still needing retrieved? she asked as she tried to remember what all was collected and if anyone was already keeping certain things in their possession.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 53 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Tue 15 Feb 2022
at 21:19

msg #343

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Just the gloves and the shield," Tyrol says, looking over his list.

"The gloves are in the Ice Cave of Parnouth. The shield is at the Misty Waterfall."

"If there wasn't a potential threat at all these places, the Misty Waterfall almost sounds like it could be fun."

"You fancy going after the gloves or the shield, Chess ala'riina? Want somebody to go with you?"

"Trickster and I have done as much as we can do with identifying the magic in the Wonders, so we're both free. And Lucien and Aniyu. Not sure what Jimmy is up to."

Lucien Soulban

player, 112 posts

Human Paladin/Sorcerer

Tue 15 Feb 2022
at 21:25

msg #344

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Now that we've retrieved 8 of the Wonders, someone needs to stay here and guard them until we have them all," Lucien replies. "That is my self-appointed task, but I welcome anyone else who wishes to stay and join me."

"That being said and now that you've finished identifying them, we should move them to a more secure, more defensible area. Do you have such a place, Jarvis?"

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 94 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Wed 16 Feb 2022
at 04:37

msg #345

Re: Wonders Investigation

Turning to Lucien "I would gladly like company to get the gloves. Even though the shield may be in a nicer place. My spells are not suited for water battles if needed. afterwards she was ready to head off to the Ice Cave of Parnouth. Hoping that there was no Ice Elemental there that was guarding the gloves.

Jarvis Martel

NPC, 14 posts

Old Human Retired Warrior

Green Star Sage

Sun 20 Mar 2022
at 23:39

msg #346

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I thought I did," Jarvis replies to Lucien. "Now, I am not so sure."

"However, it is easier to defend than this chamber with its four openings. Come, let's gather them up and take them to the crypt."

He cautiously picks up one of the items and then helps carry it to the crypt.

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 54 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Sun 20 Mar 2022
at 23:49

msg #347

Re: Wonders Investigation

Tyrol waited to see if anyone else wanted to go, or see who was going to stay to defend the items. He couldn't imagine who would try to steal them, though it occurred to him that an evil Oracle (was there such a thing?) could have predicted this occurrence and there was some group just waiting for the Green Stars to gather all the Wonders together before they struck!

"Well, then, Chess ala'riina, shall we get this show on the road?" he stated. "Or should that be 'in the tunnel'?"

He walked over to the mural that depicted the gloves, raised his arms as if he was casting some spell, and solemnly intoned the magic words.

As the tunnel magically forms in the wall, he turns his head and winks at Chess.

"Nothing says we can't have a little fun while we do this."

He steps into the tunnel, wondering as he does so, just where they'll come out in terms of this Ice Cave. At the entrance? Inside? Somewhere else and they have to hunt for it?

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 110 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Sat 13 Aug 2022
at 19:13

msg #348

Re: Wonders Investigation

Stepping out of the tunnel with a pair of Gloves in her hands she smiled to those there.

"We were successful in getting the Gloves. she said as she allowed Tyrol to move ahead and give any words.

Vogh Kath

player, 117 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Sun 14 Aug 2022
at 12:17

msg #349

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vogh stepped out a few seconds later with Kurat trailing her. "That is good news Chess. We have recovered the boots as well."

Vogh took the boots out of her pack then and showed Chess what they looked like.

Jarvis Martel

NPC, 15 posts

Old Human Retired Warrior

Green Star Sage

Tue 11 Oct 2022
at 23:51

msg #350

Re: Wonders Investigation

"That seems to be all of the Wonders," Jarvis said as the last of the items were returned.

"No, wait! There are only 11 items! Aren't there supposed to be 12 Wonders? Which one is missing?"

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 114 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Fri 14 Oct 2022
at 00:55

msg #351

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina looked to Jarvis and spoke off the items found and with that they would be able to determine which one is missing.

WONDER	NAME	CORE ABILITIES	HIDDEN ABILITIES
Armor	Steelheart	Brandalorian armor, strength, fly	sustain damage, empower weapons
Boots	Stiefel	???
Bracers	Armstrong	???
Cloak	Ironwind	strength of steel, Dimension Door	air, movement
Gloves	Shockaree	Shocking Grasp and Lightning Bolt
Hat	Fadeaway	disguise, Bag of Tricks, invisibility	possible portal
Medallion	Rimigar's Eye	light, true seeing
Ring	Shadora	climbing, jumping, swimming, sustenance	possible vision
Shield	Bastion	???
Staff	Mysterion	revelations	mysteries?
Sword	Frostfire	fire and frost
Wand	Winterchill	cone of cold, wall of ice, ice storm	additional cold

The Shield is the only item we need to retrieve. she said
This message was last edited by the player at 00:56, Fri 14 Oct 2022.

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 45 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

AC: 24/19/17; HP: 119/140

Sat 15 Oct 2022
at 01:41

msg #352

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Well, as I understand it, retrieving the Wonders has gone rather smoothly," Vashon offers, "but that would seem to be because we are the... Green Stars?"

"The dangers and hazards and threats were intended to keep others away. I'm not saying it was easy, but I guess it's my turn to go fetch an item."

"Anyone wish to join me?"

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 115 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Sat 15 Oct 2022
at 21:08

msg #353

Re: Wonders Investigation

Turning to Vashon "I will go with you. I have retrieved two of the items so far and one more will be good. So that we can have the whole collection and then we can learn more about them and who best to use what.

Vogh Kath

player, 118 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Sun 16 Oct 2022
at 07:40

msg #354

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I will join you as well unless you don't think we need another. I too have collected two of the items and haven't run into any resistance thus far." Vogh said after Chess comment.

Vashon the Vigilant

player, 46 posts

Human Sorcerer/Gunslinger

AC: 24/19/17; HP: 119/140

Mon 31 Oct 2022
at 16:09

msg #355

Re: Wonders Investigation

"Much appreciated, Ladies," Vashon replies with a tip of his hat to Chess ala'riina and Vogh.

He then heads over to the mural that had the image of a shield on it. Once more, he studies the image to try and garner any clues about it, and to fix the image in his mind so that he'll recognize it when he sees it.

As he studies the magic words as well, it occurs to him that the shield might be hanging on the wall of a cave along with 500 other shields! That'd only be a way to 'hide' it if it required some extraordinary effort to get each shield off the wall!

"Ready?" he asks, and when they say that they are, he speaks the magic word: "Abracadabra."

When the portal opens up, he steps into it. Normally, if it was an ordinary doorway, he'd have let the women step through first, but since there could be danger, he would be the first to face it.

Chess ala'riina Nasadra

player, 117 posts

Drow Sorceress/Oracle

Mon 31 Oct 2022
at 16:39

msg #356

Re: Wonders Investigation

Chess ala'riina moved behind Vashon as he opened the portal and she stepped in. She looked back to see if her fellow Oracle was going to be joining them as well.

Vogh Kath

player, 119 posts

Human Bard/Oracle

Mon 31 Oct 2022
at 19:10

msg #357

Re: Wonders Investigation

Vogh came last falling in behind Chess. When Vashon said the magical word and the portal opened Vogh was ready to head in as she had two previous times before. Just as before she had no idea what would be on the other side of the tunnel but she would be ready.

"Right behind you Vashon!" Vogh said softly.

Cassandra Darkwhisper

Player, 39 posts

Investigator Vigilante

Wed 30 Nov 2022
at 14:02

msg #358

Re: Wonders Investigation

While Vashon, Chess ala'riina and Vogh fetched the last Wonder, Cassandra organized the others into trying to determine what magic the items had. They'd already analyzed some of them, but hadn't finished them all.

"Lucien, Ozrus and Tyrol... you three are the only ones still here that can identify the magic in an item, so are any of you three able to do that now? Or do you need to study spells first?"

"Only the boots and bracers haven't been identified yet... and the shield when they bring it back."

Tyrol Halverschlagen

player, 66 posts

Gnome Alchemist/Rogue

AC: 29/18/25; HP: 120/120

Wed 30 Nov 2022
at 14:43

msg #359

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I've still got a few extracts left," Tyrol responds. "I can take a stab at the boots. Bracers aren't up my alley, though. Aren't very practical for an alchemist... they tend to get in the way."

If there's no objections, he brews up a Detect Magic formula, drinks it, and then begins studying the boots.

They already knew the boots were magical so that wasn't a surprise.

"Definitely a strong aura... not overpowering, though, so these aren't artifact level items. Well, I'm pretty sure about that--I've never examined a real artifact so I can't say for sure. And I suppose the artifact could always have had its magic level obscured somehow. After all, it's an artifact."

"As I suspected... there's an aura of transmutation to them.... Hmmmm. That's all I can detect."

"Well, let's see how that breaks down... uh-huh: Longstrider... Haste... Rage. Huh. That's an odd one."

"So, Boots of Springing and Striding, coupled with Boots of Speed. I think that last one is an oddity for sure... sounds like Boots of Kicking and Stomping. Biff the Barbarian had a pair of them. Or so he claimed."

"There's at least two other abilities that I can't quite determine. Probably need unlocked somehow."

Aniyu

player, 68 posts

Human Winter Witch/Druid

AC: 20/16/16; HP: 100/100

Wed 30 Nov 2022
at 15:08

msg #360

Re: Wonders Investigation

He preferred keeping to himself, more for others' benefit than his own. As a Winter Witch, he liked the surrounding temperature to be cool if not actually cold. Most people found that to be uncomfortable, though.

"I am still here," he informed Cassandra as he stepped out of the corridor into the central chamber. "I, too, can detect magical auras, so if Lucien or Ozrus are not prepared at this time, I can give it a try."

"Bracers are not my type of magic, either, but I am sure I identify their basic spells."

Kurat

player, 86 posts

Hobgoblin Monk/Wizard

Wed 30 Nov 2022
at 15:11

msg #361

Re: Wonders Investigation

"I, too, can identify magical auras," Kurat spoke up from where he'd been sitting against the wall apparently napping.

"I'm quite sure one of us can discern the bracers' magic even if none of us use them."

GM StarMaster

GM, 290 posts

Sun 26 Feb 2023
at 15:39

msg #362

Re: Wonders Investigation

WONDER	NAME	CORE ABILITIES	HIDDEN ABILITIES
Armor	Steelheart	Brandalorian armor, strength, fly	sustain damage, empower weapons
Boots	Stiefel	Springing and Striding, Kicking and Stomping, Speed	Air-walking
Bracers	Armstrong	Ant Haul, Bull’s Strength	Fire Giant Strength
Cloak	Ironwind	strength of steel, Dimension Door	air, movement
Gloves	Shockaree	Arrow snaring, Shocking Grasp	Lightning Bolt
Hat	Fadeaway	disguise, Bag of Tricks, invisibility	possible portal
Medallion	Rimigar's Eye	light, see invisible, detect alignment	true seeing
Ring	Shadora	climbing, jumping, swimming, sustenance	possible vision
Shield	Bastion	???
Staff	Mysterion	revelations	mysteries?
Sword	Frostfire	fire and frost	hellfire, abyssal cold
Wand	Winterchill	cone of cold, wall of ice, ice storm	additional cold

Ozrus Wither

player, 156 posts

Elf Druid/Wizard

Sun 26 Feb 2023
at 16:19

msg #363

Re: Wonders Investigation

OOC: Does this mean the Lost Remson Mine thread is complete? I didn't think we discovered the bracers there yet.

GM StarMaster

GM, 291 posts

Sun 26 Feb 2023
at 16:50

msg #364

Re: Wonders Investigation

Did I miss that? Damn. Did lose track of where some of my games were at.

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