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Post by galen on Apr 10, 2006 7:43:35 GMT -5
Galen, less wary of Father Martin given Father Martin's forthrightness and willing offer of information, thanks the Father.
"Father Martin, it seems we may have common cause. I continue to search for additional information on Azoruth and the Temple of Tharizdun. You mentioned a new force driving the coven - something to do with the four elements. And you say you are having trouble discovering the secrets these coven members are keeping."
"It happens I have some fair practice at rooting out secrets from these denizens. Perhaps there is something I can do to aid your cause, and help us both achieve our goals in the process?"
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Post by TerraDave on Apr 10, 2006 10:52:31 GMT -5
Viator: Overcoming your normal reserve (gather information 16) you confirm your negative opinion of the Emir as mad and demented and who could be truly dangerous. But you knew that. In terms of more interesting gossip, talk of the Princes of Elemental Evil stood out. And something about how the (other) Elemental Gods would not be happy if they new more, but would never believe it in any case. Whatever it is.
There is also mention of Caldor, the Terra Viejo elf, and in fact someone had seen an elf just recently, and he went that way. After a few hours you come to an oversized water pipe, and on it see an elf smoking using one of the smaller tubes. Whatever he is smoking is starting to turn his extremities purple (and you are smart enough to guess that is what is happening, and not that he is not an elf but something with blues ears and finger tips). He seems to be a match.
Caldor: (Diplomacy 11+1:12) Eventually, you find out how to use the hookah, make your way into the room, and start smoking! Its doing something…Wait, is that a Hu’man starring at you??
Galen: (edited) Martin replies “I am pleased to hear that...I do not wish to divert you from your purpose, and purpose you seem to have. Clearly there are some secrets of Tharizdun that have yet to be revealed. Perhaps you will have chance in the future to let me know what else you discover” And with that, and a pleasentry or two, the Friar is off. And Galen faces the long journey east, the same journey he made all those years ago after Max Skeldar produced the third piece of the key.
next due before Friday 8:00 AM EST
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Post by Andric on Apr 11, 2006 4:44:49 GMT -5
I inhale and hold it.
Ah, the beautiful serendipity of my life continues to perplex and fascinate me. As I sit in front of an efreeti hookah, indulging in the aromas, I recognize how all creatures, even the efreet, know how to relax and enjoy themselves. Trying to blow smoke shapes with my agile lips, I see shapes in the vapors...a vague memory of an elf friend of mine, Pallifax? Yes, how I hoped he would have been here to share in this delight; he must be enjoying himself far too much, to never have sought me out for so long. Perhaps he is lost in the palace. I should like to pay him a visit. And what of my friends in Barovia? I now see the faces of Job...Elena...Boson. And Galen! A face at once terrifying and...quite offputting. But look how it sinks in stern contrast to the floating, smiling faces of all my swirly friends...ahhh, such is life...
I exhale (cough cough). I must remember to breathe more, inhale less. Why are my fingertips purple?
I observe the body language of the efreet, and try to reflect it; when they are quiet, I am quiet. When they are jovial, I am jovial. Over time, my share of the conversation runs:
[ignan] My five new efreeti, good friends well met! This quality pipe is expertly drawn and lit. How goes it this fine day? Any news from the palace? Certainly good news I trust, for only the worst news could snuff out this very, very bright day.
I lean inwards, in order to better hear [and gather information], and what do I see between the shoulders of the two efreeti opposite me? A hu'man? Here? Hmm. I remain attentive to my fiery hosts; to shift attention away from them would be unseemly for an elemental elf.
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Post by galen on Apr 13, 2006 16:23:31 GMT -5
Galen bids father Martin farewell and continues on into the city. Galen looks for a local inn or tavern, perferably with dwarven clientele, where he can get a hot meal. He also looks to get a room for one night and a place where he can keep his steppe pony, who is, yet, nameless.
Galen thinks to himself, he really should break down and give the pony a name. He thinks he has resisted all this time out of fear that the pony would be a casualty on one of his adventures. Best not to get too attached to the troops. But, she has survived this long. Perhaps she has a greater purpose in this war. Perhaps that would be a suitable name. Purpose.
Galen realizes he digresses.
He also seeks rations from the inn, oats, and cured meat or other food that will keep. He seeks enough for him and Purpose - sufficient to get him to last the long journey east.
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Post by Bingo on Apr 13, 2006 18:45:43 GMT -5
What madness is this? Certainly this elf must know the potential hazards of this realm. We are, after all, simply visitors in this extremely hostile environment. I can't imagine turning blue is a desired effect of whatever it is he is doing.
Nodding to the efreeti, who apparently seem less affected by the inhaled substance, (Ignan) "Pardon the interruption, I wish to have a word with your guest."
I then turn to face the elf and bow deeply, (Eldar) "I am Viator Calvinus, citizen of Rome, master and scholar of the arcane. Are you Caldor, Fire Wolf companion of Palifax and traveler from the realm of Terra Viejo?"
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Post by TerraDave on Apr 14, 2006 9:56:09 GMT -5
Galen As in Barovia, they have those funny dwarves here, who are of neither hill nor mountain. You shed a few of your coins, and are reminded for better or worse, probably worse, what a great metropolis this noisy, dirty city on the Rhine is. Fully stocked, you and Purpose begin the journey east.
Caldor You have inhaled deeply. All the terror and despair, gone just like that. Even friendly with efreeti (though who said they where efreeti?), who, for all your blackouts, you know to be a cruel, hierarchal, and tradition-bound race. You have become the joyful prisoner. Wait, who said you where a prisoner, you just can't leave or do a lot of things you might want to.
Your co-smokers seem to find some amusement in your comments, but do not respond otherwise. Then the hu’man addresses you (see the post above) in fluent Eldar, as if he were himself a high elf, like your lost and lamented fellow travelers. His speech sobers you (fort save 19).
Viator Does he stir when you speak??
Next post due before Tuesday 8:00 AM EST
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Post by Andric on Apr 17, 2006 22:23:53 GMT -5
A hu'man approaches who speaks ignan -- very uncommon. Then fluent eldar? Between us, I see smoke coalesce into a form, a form filled with menacing, fulminant flashes of light and intention, which breaches the shores of my island of serenity. Like an approaching storm cloud with a hu'man face, the form bows down in ominous portent upon my teary, quivering eyes. Like prey, exhausted from the hunt, I fear this approaching thing. But what do I fear? I am an elf of 456 years of age; this hu'man should not stir up such terror. The terror I feel is only a decoy, hiding something deeper...resentment of hu'manity? I smile inwardly at this capricious thought. My mind clears and I blink away the smoke.
[ignan] I entreat you to speak in the language of our hosts, good sir Viator Calvinus of Rome. Hospitality is a skill we elves have come to cherish. And yes, I am he of whom you speak. Would you care to join me? There is certainly another pipe here suitable for your use. What brings you to this unique and wondrous realm? I try to conceal an unwillingness to share my actual pipe mouthpiece with the Roman.
Rome. I recall my excursions to Rome, centuries ago, to a wild sylvan elf, Mille-Tronka, mother to little Vone, my second son.
Memories. The difference between false memories and true ones is the same as for jewels: it is always the false ones that look the most real, the most brilliant.
...Ah, Rome...
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Post by galen on Apr 18, 2006 8:04:28 GMT -5
The first morning of his journey east, Galen prays, as he does every morning. Among the things he does while in prayer, is to seek guidance as well as divine spells. Amongst the spells he asks for this morning, is the ability to *send* a short message, anywhere, to anyone, instantaneously. Galen casts Sending. He concentrates on Jobe, Lord of Barovia.
"Jobe, this is Galen. Have sought guidance from my order. The axe must be destroyed. Tharizdun holds more secrets. Work is unfinished. Coming to Barovia."
With that, he continues on his journey.
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Post by TerraDave on Apr 18, 2006 9:03:39 GMT -5
Galen:Your sending is sent. Will Jobe reply? You continue on your way east.
Jobe: You have put on your cloak and set about your affairs in the castle, then, what, how, what, a message from Galen (see the Galen post above), but he’s not here, how did he do that. You also realize, you can reply. (OOC: if you reply, pick a “jobe” color to reply in, see other players’ posts for how this should look).
Caldor: The hazy efreeti, genies, and elemental blooded things sitting about all get a big laugh out of your reply to the Roman. (Sense Motive 18/20) But the malicious nature of their laugh indicates, they are laughing at you, not with you. Especially that weird earthy man creature—what kind of elemental is this?? And what is so funny? But, as you continue to sober up and the reality of your position here solidifies, you are not surprised by the reaction, though it does confirm the strength of whatever is being smoked, amognst other things.
Viator: From Caldor’s reply and the laughter is invokes, you have sudden insight, in part informed by your great knowledge of these creatures (Sense Motive 23! on a roll of 19), oh how they mock this poor deluded, or at least drugged, elf. And of course are under the influance themselves. (OOC: if you reply by today, you will still have credit for the turn).
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DrSpice
Master of the South Wind
Posts: 467
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Post by DrSpice on Apr 18, 2006 20:44:55 GMT -5
Job is surprised to hear Galen's voice. He hasn't been drinking. It sure sounded like Galen's voice. That ugly little dwarf must really be coming to pay a visit! This might mean that there's more work to be done. After all, it was only circumstance that made him Lord of Barovia, and he's done nothing truly great since the last time they were all together:
Hazy flashback. Anno Imperii 715. Mid October. I'm very sore. Elena and Boson are at my side, and so is whatsisname Hassan?? Elena's going on about something, "You see, Boson. I told you he'd be a bloody pulp. You see what I mean, Hakkan?" Hakkan only nods. "So are you going to come back with me and Hakkan or not, Boson? I knew Jocko ... I mean Job was going to be a bloody pulp, cuz I'm a gypsy, and I had his fortunes read, didn't I Hakkan?" Hakkan only nods. Elena pauses to comfort her crying infant. "And that's how I knew that Boson and Job were not meant to accompany Caldor to the Elemental Plane of Fire. Those who go with him might not meet a good end." I remember hugging Boson and Elena and saying farewell to Hakkan. Boson has decided to return to Yelda and the Tartars along with Elena, Hakkan, and a group of Gypsies. Jurgen and I gather close as I bid him farewell and tell him he's always welcome to visit.
We won't be the Fire Wolves until we are all together again, I say to Elena and Boson. Wear your wolf cloak proudly.[/i]
Job wakes from his reverie. But what was that about a message from Galen?
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DrSpice
Master of the South Wind
Posts: 467
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Post by DrSpice on Apr 18, 2006 21:17:31 GMT -5
That's right. I heard Galen's voice. I guess there's no harm in trying.
Galen. Is that you? I don't remember you ever sounding off in my head before. I'm glad that my ring of mind shielding didn't block you out. I hear you are on your way. Transylvania remains perilous on a good day. No recent undead outbreak, but werewolves remain busy at work. Will provide escort on your arrival. Meet Sir Bogdan and Andrei in Cluj. They and troops will provide escort to Barovia. Contact Sir Bogdan when you draw near. P.S. They will be bringing the mule you left as a gift when you parted.
I call my adopted son. Jurgen!! Jurgen my boy. Galen is coming. That's right Galen! That means excitement and danger and adventure. Job fondles Irene's hilt. If it weren't for Galen and Lars, may he rest in peace, I wouldn't have met you my boy, and I certainly wouldn't be here. Did I really once think of this place as the armpit of Terra Viejo? Mircea? Mircea? Oh Mircea, I need you to summon Sir Bogdan. I've got an important assignment for him.
Job drafts and signs a message to the Lord of Cluj explaining why Sir Bogdan is imposing on his hospitality, and asking for accomodation while they await Galen (of course sending along an appropriate monetary gift.) He instructs Sir Bogdan to await Galen's contact before departing. Then Job heads down into the crypt to meditate and pray before the tomb of Lars.
My friend. It's beginning again. Does your soul feel it? Does your once wild heart stir anew? Ah Lars, you died too young. But we'll try to carry on your legacy. For if even two of us are gathered together, we can be the Fire Wolves once more.
Job reaches into his tunic and feels for The Key entrusted to him by Krugander. As usual, he checks to insure his Wolf Cloak is securely fastened before touching it. All this time, he has remembered his promise to guard it, and to be careful not to handle it foolishly.
But whatever happened to Caldor?
Oh well. Off to practice my moves.
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Post by Bingo on Apr 18, 2006 21:59:33 GMT -5
I shake my head with a smile, declining the invitation to take up a pipe. (ignan) I certainly have no difficulty conversing with you in our hosts native tongue. I doubt, however, that these formidable beings, even in their euphoric state, are concerned with the discussions of two lesser beings. If I recall correctly (Knowledge-cosmology) it would matter little in what language we conversed, as Efreeti may converse from mind to mind. Of course, I could be mistaken, I have studied numerous planar beings and may be confusing them with another.
I look to the efreeti, curious to see their reaction. Even under the influence of whatever is in that device, these beings could easily mask any indication that I am correct.
Focusing again on Caldor (ignan) I came to this realm seeking arcane knowledge I believe to have been lost on our world. While I am certain such knowledge is here to be found, I'm not so certain that I will pay the price to obtain it. Unfortunately lost knowledge has become the least of my concerns. Another look to the efreeti (ignan) It would seem that I have become something of an unappreciated guest with no way to take my leave of this place. Again to Caldor (ignan) Your patron Pallifax, however, seems to be in the good graces of the lords here. He seems to have acquired some religious significance though and my research at a number of enclaves led me to believe that such deification of individual beings was distasteful. Is your journey to this realm religious in nature?
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Post by TerraDave on Apr 19, 2006 8:12:42 GMT -5
Galen: There is a long pause after the message is sent, then you hear Job distinctly "Galen. Is that you?". The reply stops, looks like he got your message.
Job: You initiate your preperations. You don't know when the ugly little dwarf who saved your life so many times will arrive.
Caldor: The hu'man continues, on and on (see above), he makes some reference to these creatures having telepathy, which could be true, and of course, mentions Pallifax. But now that you have sobered up, you know that "good graces" is not really correct. If so, all those elves truly died in vain.
Viator: true genies, which includes some of the smokers, do have telepathy (they show little reaction to your claim). To use it requires exerting the same effort as talking or listning. It is not the same as mind reading. And is that a half-(earth) elemental? A strange creature of legend, sitting right there.
next turn due before Friday 8:00 AM EST
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Post by Andric on Apr 19, 2006 16:24:26 GMT -5
Surreptitiously, I take note of any details or adornments or items that the hookah friends are wearing or holding. With only silence or malicious laughter coming from the creatures, I slowly put down the pipe, and I leave some coins next to the pipe. As I try to stand up, with a smile I say, [ignan] Friends, your company has been a generous and pleasureable distraction for me. I shall take my leave of you, and I bid you farewell.
I reach out to Viator, [eldar] Please help me stand on my wobbly legs. With Viator's assistance, I bow deeply to the hookah parlor and depart.
As I shake off the effects of the pipe, I walk with Viator and say, [eldar] Viator, you commented that you felt that Pallifax, my mentor, has fallen into the good graces of the lords here. This statement was a shock to me, for my entry into this plane was not a collegial invitation. I answered the strident call of Pallifax himself! He had found himself in urgent need of assistance and he called to me. In short order I gathered and trained a small cadre of warriors and priests, to accompany me into this plane, to heed the call of Pallifax. Ever since the first moment of our arrival, we were besieged by creatures of fire and flame! I lost my entire entourage, and I have been surviving here ever since. I feel that some time has passed, but I have no way of knowing how much time. Were you not called here by Pallifax as well, or did you arrive here alone, in pursuit, as you say, of the mysterious, arcane knowledge of fire?
Your understanding of elementalism is largely correct; worship of any particular creature is one of the misunderstandings of my religion. More correctly, I strive for 'elemental apotheosis', a spiritual elevation towards a transcendent 'oneness' with all of the elements. My hope was that after assisting Pallifax, my entourage would begin the 'Fire Sabbatical', however the massacre laid waste to those plans. In fact, I feel that my spiritual pursuits will need to take a more 'active' tone for the time being.
But you speak of Pallifax. Perhaps it is time to seek him out. I understand he is being held in the inner court; perhaps we should devise a plan to free him, or at least to communicate with him, surreptitiously?
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Post by Bingo on Apr 19, 2006 22:40:33 GMT -5
The smoke in this room must be deceiving me, an earth genesai here? I must make an effort to seek it out if I survive the coming days. Ah but first. . .
I reach out and assist Caldor, once steady I will quietly listen as we walk.
(eldar) It would seem that I have made an erroneous assumption. I believed that Pallifax's presence at the inner court was a place of honor, however upon hearing of your experience it would seem he is even more a prisoner than us. As for being summoned, no I was not sought out by Pallifax. I journeyed here on my own seeking knowledge, not just of fire but of any arcane arts that have been lost to our home, though it would seem such knowledge is closely guarded.
Hmm...Pallifax's distress and Caldor's arrival may explain the Emir's sudden distraction in regard to my impending demise.
(eldar) So Pallifax is not some misunderstood elven deity of fire, more a revered practitioner of the elemental arts, as they are understood by the elves? This is a concept that certainly makes sense in your various religious beliefs, though I am certainly no expert in Elven religion. I can see how a misinformed human scholar could easily mistake this for deification, as we are prone to seeking gods in all manner of places.
Sadly circumstances prevent further discussion at this time, though I certainly welcome the opportunity at some future point.
I agree that seeking out Pallifax may be a wise course of action. He is obviously important for your spiritual growth and I suspect that the Emir, or even some greater being, is concerned about Pallifax and what he may be trying to reveal. Of course finding some way to enter the inner court may be quite challenging. I certainly have spells that could transport us to various places, however the magic in this realm is closely tied to its lords. While under most circumstances I would have no doubt in my mastery of the arcane, here I am less certain of that mastery.
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