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Post by galen on May 12, 2006 15:51:11 GMT -5
"Ah, Ardon. A banquet is precisely what I had in mind. But who are these notable Saxon knights of great reknown you speak of? And what brings them here I wonder? You must tell us more of these distinguished vistors if we are to attend a banquet in their honor."
Once Ardon takes his leave, and Galen and Job are alone, Galen turns to Job. "Job, it has been a long time. I have taken this dreaded Axe to my Hold, far to the North. I consulted with the Peace Warder of my Order. And, more ominously, dreamed again. I dreamt of a great city, a city of splendor, a city of fire and evil. And I dreamt of a great maelstrom of lava. From my dream, it is the maelstrom of lava that we seek. This is the task that my order has given me."
"I had not thought of sending to Boson, Caldor, and Elena. Your instincts are good - we will need other aid I think if we are to undertake this task. Aid from those whom we can trust."
When he has the opportunity, Galen prepares two additional sending spells and will cast the same message to Boson, Calor and Elena.
"Friend. This is Galen Starblade. Evil is afoot. With Job in Barovia. Request assistance. Work undone. Come at once if you can. Be on guard."
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DrSpice
Master of the South Wind
Posts: 467
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Post by DrSpice on May 20, 2006 9:03:04 GMT -5
If it has not yet arrived, Job calls for refreshment for Galen and Ardon. "Please, partake, and refresh yourselves from your journeys."
Job addresses Ardon, "Ardon, friend. I would be honored to attend the banquet. It is truly great fortune that the timing of it has coincided with the return of Galen. Count on our attendance. Can my son, Jurgen come?"
After Ardon leaves, Job talks to Galen, "Galen, I agree with your sending a message to Caldor, Elena, and Boson. I don't know what to expect, but at least we can try. As far as more pressing matters, you spoke of the axe. Last I recall, when you departed, the Dwarven elders you were with were to debate the fate of the axe. Did you reach any conclusions, other than the obvious, to destroy it. I remember using the Axe. A very strange sense I felt. I recall one of the Dwarven elders telling me that I would be okay, since I didn't actually kill with the axe. But maybe it wasn't the wisest thing to use it in the first place."
"So do you have the Axe with you? How are we to destroy it? And how does Thurizdan play into all of this?"
He hugs Galen again. "And what about Valinore? What did he mean? Did he say Caldor's help has arrived? And why did he leave so quickly? Do you know who may have been sending Valinore messages? Was it another dwarven Priest? Was it a human priest? Do you have any idea who might have known to tell Valinore you were coming?"
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Post by galen on May 23, 2006 9:30:25 GMT -5
Galen, stomach grumbling and tired from his long trip, sighs heavily.
"Good friend, Job, so many questions! There is no rest for a priest of war I suppose. My repast will wait." Galen sighs again heavily, thinking of fondly of stout ale and roast mutton."
"Yes, I did meet with my order. They are both wise and powerful. The axe is altogether evil and must be destroyed. I have been tasked with this. Unfortunately, my order did not have much guidance for me on where or how to destroy the axe. However, I have dreamt of a city of splendor, a city of fire, and a maelstrom of lava. They believe it is the maelstrom of lava that may hold the key to the axe's destruction."
"As for the temple, I do not yet know its role. They temple holds many secrets. Perhaps it is there that we will find out the meaning of my dreams."
"As for Valinore... who can say. Though I have spent more time amongst elves lately, I still do not understand their ways. Dwarves speak plainly. Elves speak in riddles. His words were not clear. I do not know with whom Valinore may be corresponding. Although, there were others who knew of my mission. My Order, for sure."
"But, One item I forgot to mention to you. On my perilous trek, I ran into an old 'friend' in Dusselberg. Father Martin. It was the Father who suggested that Tharizdun may hold some clue to this. While I don't particularly like him, I did trust his words and believe we have common purpose."
"As you suggest, I shall send to Caldor - perhaps then we will learn what Valinore meant by "his help has arrived."
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Post by TerraDave on May 23, 2006 10:35:06 GMT -5
Galen and Job: Drinks are brought for the dwarves and you are informed that these knights are from the Order of the Golden Fleece, a most prestigious order (you haven’t heard of it). Of course Jergen may come. (you’ve got one more turn to converse, after that Galen can cast his spell, and you can be off to the Saxon meeting hall).
Caldor: Your quick reflexes allow you to enstone your skin before the outsiders can act. You are now out of diamond dust.
The bone devil: The fiend does flying charge towards the wizard, stopping about 10ft “north”.
He also announces:
“His most excellent emir merely wishes for your safety. He doesn’t like you wandering about on your own.
“He is very disappointed.”
“Now you will be most lucky to again enjoy his hospitality.”
He ends his charge by taking a bite out of Viator for 10 points of damage.
Viator: The devil brings himself within range of your dismissal. Your luck is good, you cast the spell defensively, and it works. The fiend winks out with a surprised look. You then move about 30 feet south. You are just north of the elf.
(Caldor: you fail to identify the particular spell, (spellcraft 18), but you see the devil vanish)
The salamanders: The north salamander also makes a flying charge at the Roman, flying 110 feet and then attacking with its spear. Viator is hit again, taking 9 more points of damage: 5 from the spear and 4 points more from the great heat radiating from it. (Current HP: 20)
You both know that salamander’s don’t normally fly.
The south salamander does a more conventional charge at the elf and fails to hit. Caldor also feels the heat of the creature. Which of course is perfectly natural for such a being.
(with the bone devil gone, you both act before your opponents).
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Post by Andric on May 23, 2006 23:51:05 GMT -5
A beggar on the streets of the City of Brass...a brilliant disguise for one who wishes to remain unseen by His Most Excellent Emir and his vassals. I see the wisdom in it.
But first to the salamanders. I read from a scroll:
RINGA TURMA (fire shield - chill)
As I am immolated in a blue-violet flame, I recall my first training with this element. In a thick forest, my colleagues had engaged battle with a horrible hag, and I touched her with a faerie fire. When she attempted to flee into invisibility, the bewitching fire outlined her location, and her fate was sealed. True elf justice was meted out that day; the beautiful smote the hideous.
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Post by Bingo on May 24, 2006 7:17:52 GMT -5
I may have stopped the bone devil, but my haste may have handed these creatures of fire my fate
OSKRE RICNOZ ASPSOO (I cast a quickened Mage Armor consuming all my first level spells)
I take a 5 ft step away from my attacker, reach into my handy haversack, retrieve a potion of resist energy (fire) 20 and drink it.
(Spellcraft - do I recognize Caldor's spell)
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Post by TerraDave on May 30, 2006 8:56:09 GMT -5
Caldor: As you reach for the scroll, the salamander takes his attack of opportunity and misses. You read from the scroll and cast the spell, the scroll is now blank. You are covered in wispy blue flames.
Viator: It is obvious that the scroll was used to cast the "chill" version of fire sheild. You quickly realise what an apt choice of spell this is.
You cast and take your 5’ step. You are now about 30 feet north of the elf. When you reach for the potion, the Salamander attacks with its long tail! It hits, and between constriction and heat, you take 11 points of damage. You are also now grappled! (17 on your grapple check, vs. 22) You are still able to drink your potion.
The salamanders: The south salamander makes a full attack on the elf. Caldor’s luck holds as the salamander misses twice with its spear, and with its tail. Viator’s luck also holds as he is constricted and takes more damage! The potion helped you a bit. (you have 4 HP, with the house rules you loose consciousness at -2).
Caldor: you look north, and it is clear that your new companion is in big trouble. As you observe him, beyond you think you spot the beggar through the haze that covers this city. He has stopped calling for alms and seems to be creeping south.
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Post by TerraDave on May 31, 2006 8:16:11 GMT -5
Galen and Job: Job knows that normally, when attending a function such as a local banquet, one does not wear all their arms and armor. Other preperations may also be warrented (possibly involving water).
Just let us know, before you both go.
(next post due Friday 12:00 noon EST)
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Post by Bingo on Jun 1, 2006 17:31:16 GMT -5
Minerva, grant me the strength to escape this creature of fire and give me the wisdom of battle to send it and its companion to the frozen depths of Cania.I attempt to break free of the creatures grapple (standard action, grapple check) and if successful I will grab a potion of cure serious wounds from my haversack (free action) and drink it (move action).
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Post by Andric on Jun 1, 2006 23:32:42 GMT -5
[eldar] Viator, fear not! Help is on the way!
I rush to the aid of my colleague, running 30' as my move action, risking a parting blow from the southern salamander, fearing more for the safety of my colleague than my own. Is this what it means to be good?
As I quickly approach, I see the tenebrific severity of Viator's condition, and suddenly my decision is all too clear, all too...final.
As my standard action, I touch Viator with Freedom of Movement. I hope that a grappled Viator would be more easy to touch with the spell, and that the northern salamander would be too preoccupied to interfere with me.
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DrSpice
Master of the South Wind
Posts: 467
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Post by DrSpice on Jun 2, 2006 5:55:40 GMT -5
After seeing that Galen has proper accommodations, Job will inform Jurgen to wash and dress in his best clothing for the upcoming banquet.
Job will then bathe, shave, and comb his hair. He will wear a set of his formal clothes with the Wolf cloak draped over his shoulders. He will not be armored, but will carry Irene at his side. If the custom is to leave weapons at the door or risk insulting his hosts, he will leave his weapon with his servant/follower.
When Job, Galen, and Jurgen leave for the banquet, Job will take along one follower who should be carrying Job's leather armor just in case. Does Job find a bottle of wine or something else as a suitable gift to bring to his hosts?
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Post by galen on Jun 2, 2006 8:57:13 GMT -5
Galen thanks Job for the accomodations. Galen, not standing so much on ceremony as his long-time friend, Job, does however find a wash basin to rinse the bulk of the road dirt and grime, from his face at the least. "No need to wash oneself," Galen thinks to himself, "as the next battle is surely just around the corner. They can wash my corpse when I am dead. That's good enough for me."
Galen, once he has at least cleaned his face and washed the bulk of the stench, does shed his armor. Though, like Job, he will keep his sword with him at his side, but will be willing to check it at the door (but only if asked). He then takes a few moments to pray, send to Caldor, and join Job for the banquet.
Galen does not think about a gift. Oh well, perhaps Job will find something suitable to bring.
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Post by TerraDave on Jun 2, 2006 14:35:05 GMT -5
Galen: You send the sending to Caldor, the only one that can be sent today. Presumably you know somewhere safe in Ravenloft Castle to place the Axe (or do you take it?).
Job and Galen: You are escorted to the main hall of the Saxon community. The room has a vaguely subterranean feel, with well crafted stone walls, and a “heavy” seeming arched ceiling. On two sides the windows are high up and shuttered. On a third side, over the head table, the windows are also high up, but made of stain glass, and seem to portray various tools, like hammers, anvils, picks, awls, etc. There are two tables with chairs,
You are allowed to keep your swords. Job, you bring a bottle of Bulgar wine you think would be suitable.
The three of you are welcome at the high table. Joining you are two humans and two dwarves of the Saxon community. The latter include Ardon and the dour Gornor (who Galen vaguely remembers). The knights are there, Sir Bartold of Bavaria and Sir Chapin of Gascony. Each seems to be new to their order, and quite proud of being accepted. They are also minor lordlings of some sort in their regions.
They are on pilgrimage via Constantinople, but also hint that they are interested in new prospects. And those who combine heroic deeds with suitable wealth (this is quite a fine castle we saw…that’s in your keeping…) may be able to join. You don’t have any immediate unease with what they have to say (sense motive).
There is a lower table with about 10 people. Including Job’s follower, some squires of the two knights, and other Saxons, prominent in the local guilds.
The language of conversation is Germanisch. There is much toasting to the guests and to the two Firewolves.
Any thing you would like your character to say or do, besides leave?
Caldor: The salamander makes a solid blow as you leave, but your enchantments take most of the brunt (63hp, 82hp on the stoneskin). The salamander is not so lucky, as it almost seems to squeal from the cold flames, which you realize it is particularly vulnerable to (18hp lost). You walk up to Viator, cast your spell (the grappling Salamander at first pays you no mind), and manage to touch him.
Viator: you immediately feel the benefits of freedom of movement upon you, as you easily escape the hold of the creature. You are only able to draw the potion (without an AoO thanks to the haversack. Drinking a potion is a standard action).
The salamanders: They seem uncertain. The south one decides to charge the wizard, who finally does get lucky and is missed. The north one switches to the elementalist, hitting with his spear once. The elf again takes a small amount of damage (62hp, 71hp on the stoneskin), and the salamander takes more (also 18 hp lost). Viator also immediately notes the vulnerability of these creatures to cold.
Caldor: Even as you are relieved to see your new comrade free, and to escape the last wave of attacks relatively unscathed, you hear an old, familiar voice in your head:
"Friend. This is Galen Starblade. Evil is afoot. With Job in Barovia. Request assistance. Work undone. Come at once if you can. Be on guard."
You think you can reply as well!
(Next turn due 8:00 AM EST Tuesday)
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Post by Andric on Jun 4, 2006 0:23:11 GMT -5
What ho? Do I hear voices in my head? A crusty voice speaks to me, evoking memories of ... slimy rotten-onion breath? Ah yes, it's Galen, beckoning me back to Barovia. Bah! Ugly dwarven bluster. But let me clarify Galen's mind as expeditiously as possible with this response: Galen! Carry Job to City of Brass immediately, elemental fire plane! Must liberate Pallifax from mad Emir and evil Fire Lord! Learn elemental spells, dwarf! The salamander squeals reveal much. Due to my fire/chill shield, not only do I take less damage from their heat, but I deliver a great deal of cold damage unto them. I can play upon their apparent susceptibility to cold. Would that I could introduce these creatures to the ice devil I encountered in Tsojcanth (before I blacked out), such an elemental battle would ensue!However this double-sided fire/chill shield spell is short-lived; I must seize the opportunity. Since the northern salamander attacked me directly, I will try to grapple him (grapple attack bonus = +10), hopefully avoiding his spear and continuing to damage him with my spell. My stony slate should continue to protect me from cuts and slashes. As any elementalist would attest, I feel that I can do more damage from my spell than from any weapon I would wield.
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Post by galen on Jun 5, 2006 16:24:50 GMT -5
Since it appears it is not a problem to have weapons at the banquet, Galen will carry the Axe with him.
Galen surveys the table. Not terribly garrulous anyway, he looks to the elf Ardor and the dour Gornor (whom he can't quite place... "it hasn't been that long," Galen thinks to himself, "but it feels I have been away for years.") Galen decides he can't quite put up with the thought of much coversation with either and decides to strike up a conversation with a member of the Order of the Golden Fleece, who he figures are new and may have interesting stories to tell, and, at the least, appear to be warriors, so if nothing else, he can talk to them about great battles and warfare.
"Welcome to Barovia, Travellers. Tell us more of your company. What adventures have you had and what mission takes you to Constantinople. Job and I have seen that great city, though it has been some time. Have you been there before? Have you travelled much in this area? I overheard your Order to looking for new prospects. What sort of propsects are you open to and what work have you done in the past?"
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