The loot , masterwork weapons and interogation
Subject Sorting the loot
OOC: Mark, if I need to, does Harp have any CMW left if we need them.
IC: Harp has little to add to any interogations being done. He would just as soon put this minion of Hextor to the sword as anything. Harp will mention as much if asked but will abide by Ran's decision. He will help break camp when they are ready, helping to pack up what armor and weapons they decide to take with them.
OOC: Mark, you mentioned some of the weapons being fine looking. Would Harp be able to tell if the Morningstar was of better quality than the weapon he is currently carrying? If so, he will claim it for himself.
From: Mark
Subject Sorting the loot
He has one left for this day. Other than that he, and Salix, is done with his spells.
IC: Harp spends some time trying out the morningstar that they had found. After about an hour of swinging it around and doing some weapons drills with it, he finds that the balance of the weapon is just slightly better then that one he had been using.
OOC: Master work weapon. Please update your sheet.
From: Kevin
Subject Masterwork weapons
OOC: Mark, remind me - masterwork gives it a plus 1 to hit, but does not increase damage and it is not magical. It is just a very nice weapon, right? I want to make sure I make the correct changes. I would change the attack bonus from +7 to +8, right?
From: Mark
Subject Masterwork Weapons
Correct.
From: Randy
Subject Masterwork Weapons
Ran will similarly examine the light crossbow and take it if it seems better than his own. He will take the case of bolts either way.
If none of the others are interested in the longsword, he will also examine that and take it if he likes what he finds.
From: Mark
Subject Masterwork Weapons
I do not have the booty list here at work so I will get an answer for you tonight.
From: Karl
Subject Interogation
Sorry, I'm on vacation this week. I'm at home, but I'm dealing with 5 nieces and nephews. :-)
Anyway, Salix will question the stranger, asking why he attacked, who he is working for, and what was the purpose for the attack. He will use whatever skills he can in order to get and discern the truth from this prisoner.
I can role play this if you need me to, otherwise you can write up the turn as you see fit. I'll be back to normal (for me, anyway) on Monday.
The interogation
Subject Turn
Sorry I did not get a turn out last night. My wife decided that I need to take thing up to the church for the rummage sale they are having this weekend.
I am swamped at work this week (someone is on vacation and I am covering her job as well as mine) and I have to do apherisis tonight, so I do not know if I will get a turn out today.
From: Kevin
Subject Turn
Church, blood donation, over worked. All the old tired cliche's of why you can't keep up your end of the bargain. Here we are, days from the end of our first adventure, and we need to wait on you. We have questions we want answered. Who was the man in black? Will Rochelle ever be united with her betrothed? Will Ran give into the secret lust he holds for Rochelle? Will Salix ever give into the secret lust he holds for Harp? Will Surin ever be allowed to sit at the grown ups table? Will Harp's orc father ever come back to make amends for raping his mother? Will Cai's evil twin Skippy return to town to cause problems? This, and more, next week on "Kalevan's Castaways".
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Will Harp survive the social disease he gets from his horse?
Will Harp be able to breathe once his mouth is sewn shut?
Will the party survive the blue bolts from heaven that Harps loud mouth has drawn from the gods?
Tune in next week.
From: Kevin
Subject Turn
Harp will be able to breathe about as well as he currently does with his lips strategically placed between the cheeks of a vengeful, spiteful, power mad diety that has no sense of humor.
From: Mark
Subject The interogation
"My lady, I am very grateful for the assistance you offered me yesterday. I was in much pain and you eased that. Heronin is a lucky man to have you."
Rochelle blushes at the compliment. ?I was just so worried about you?and the others? she adds after a moment's hesitation. ?I have seen too many people die trying to protect me. I will be glad to get somewhere safe, but I am starting to feel that I am safe with you.? She turns away, heading towards the makeshift kitchen they have set up to help with the next meal.
Ran pulls Salix aside.
"Salix, you have been continuously wise and perceptive on this journey of ours. I feel that you may be the best person to question our prisoner and see if we can get any useful information from him. Whether we do or not, we need to bind him securely to one of the extra horses and bring him back with us. We will need to turn him over to the order for further questioning. He may have more information about the man from our dream."
Salix nods and heads over to the captive. He kneels down and starts to question the man. ?Do you speak common?? The man nods. ?Who are you?? is the next question. The man replies in halting common, with the same accent that Kendrick had. ?I am number 2? he says tersely. ?And who was number 1?? ?Kendrick? the man spits with disgust. ?Leader let you down, huh? is Salix's response. Over the minute or so Salix and the man converse quietly, Salix bending his will on the man, trying to convince him to give up the info he has. (Diplomacy check, 10 rolls, opposed roll with +10 to roll, success on all rolls)
After talking for about 10 minutes, Salix claps the man on the back and goes over to the ?kitchen?. He takes up a plate and loads it with food. He grabs a water skin and goes back to the man and starts to feed him. When he is done he nods at the man and the man nods back. Salix then goes to Ran. ?I have some to tell, good and bad. I think that all of us should move a bit a way so that he may not overhear us.? Ran nods. He calls Bel over. ?Can Ebon keep in eye on our strange friend and let us know if he tries anything?? The ranger nods and Ran calls the rest of the party to a spot about a hundred feet away. ?Salix has a report on our captive.?
At Ran's nod Salix tells the party what he has found. ?Well he is a Githyanki but he does not have a name. He just goes by Number 2. Kendrick was the leader of his party so he qualified for a name. I guess in their society, you do not have a name until you reach a certain status. He was the second in command in Kendrick's kreel so he went by the name Number 2. He does not know who hired them but they were paid well. Those gems were their down payment. When they brought the head of the human girl to where they were supposed to meet their contact, they would get more. He did not know how much more or the name of the contact. Kendrick kept all that info to himself. The piece of paper we found was the contract. I am fairly sure he told me all he knew. He was despondent that we defeated them so easily.? Salix snorts a bit at this.
OODM: Any one want to add anything else? Any other questions you want posed to this guy?
From: Kevin
Subject The interogation
OOC: I hope someone suggests reading the contract.
Mark, would #2 have known where the contact point was they were supposed to go to?
Karl, might I suggest Salix see if #2 can help identify any of the items we found (vial in particular).
Harp will nod and grunt at all this, prefering to send this minion of Hextor to the hell he deserves.
From: Karl
Subject Interogation
Salix would think it a very good idea, especially if he has been able to build up any rapport with the captive, to ask him what each of the vials and other items are, or what they do. He will use any skills available to him to discern whether he is getting cooperation and truth.
If the contract isn't in common, he will suggest taking it and turning it over to Quarion.
From: Mark
Subject Interogation
Salix returns to Number 2 and asks him if he would mind telling them what the items were.
He shruggs. "The green vial does some small healing. The red vials allow the person to breath fire and the silver vial makes you move fast. The bracers were used for protection. I know nothing about Kendrick's armor. He kept to himself."
Fal looks over the contract and it is not in common.
From: Randy
Subject Interogation
OOC: Is it bad that I read this and started to laugh thinking "Who's Number 2 working for!"
From: Mark
Subject Diplomacy
I may not have been very clear.
Salix made 10 diplomacy rolls, and Number 2 made 10 opposing Diplomacy rolls. Salix had +10 to his rolls, +8 for ranks etc. and +2 for circumstance bonus. He tied or beat every roll Number 2 made.
From: Mark
Subject Magic Items
I really should not do this stuff when my rules guru is at Grandma and Grandpa's house. :)
OK the magic items.
Light green potion is CLW
Red potion is Elixir of Fire Breath
Silver potion is Potion of Haste
The chain armor is abjuration faint.
The bracers are moderate conjuration.
The amulet is faint evocation.
I think that that was it.
From: Kevin
Subject Magic items
OOC: Mark, do "we" remember who we took the bracer's off of? Mage? Kendrick? The evil #2?
From: Mark
Subject Magic Items
Well it was probably from the two guys who were not wearing any armor.
Magic items
Subject Magic Item
There's no place like home
Subject There's no place like home
As the day wears on Salix is unable to get any further useful information from their captive. He knows nothing of the person or persons who hired their creel. ?As leader Kendrick was responsible for our contracts. We did not question him.? is the man's reply. He is sort of surprised when Salix informs him that he will not be killed.
The party spends a quiet day and an uneventful night, with the occasional rain shower the only thing disrupting their stay. The next morning they eat a quick breakfast and break camp, heading home in the misty morning light. The full day of rest and the healing gifts of Salix and Harp have restored the entire party.
The next few days go fairly quickly. Every one is anxious to get home. They stay in the occasional in as they get further into Schon. They run across mounted patrols, but the letter of passage that Harp has sees them through any questioning.
During the few days left of their journey, Cai, Bel and Fal spend a large portion of time together. Rochelle is never far from Ran, and although he is polite, he is reserved in his interactions with her. He finds her a remarkable young lady, bright, well read, and quick of wit. However, she is promised to his best friend.
On the fifth day the city of Gorn comes in to view at around noon time. They pass more and more small farms and hamlets as they travel the main road. It is late afternoon when they reach the gate. When they get to the gate, Harp moves forward and speaks to the guards. ?Send a runner to the Chapter House of the Silver Sword. Find the Duty Officer and let him know that Ran-Ell and Harp have returned with their guest. We will be there shortly.? The guard nods and yells to a young private. The private listens and then runs off to carry out his task. With in an hour an honor guard of 20 mounted knights, with Heronin in the lead shows up at the gate to escort the party.
As the mounted escort appears Ran leans to Rochelle and whispers ?Do you see the bald man in the front, on the white charger? That is your future husband.? Ran feels a twitch of emotion as he tells her this. She draws herself up and moves her horse out in front of the party and towards Angelwing. 10 yards in front of the party she meets Angelwing. In a voice louder then they would have thought possible she speaks. ?My Lord Angelwing, I am Rochelle of Mnuhl, your betrothed. I present myself and these brave people who you sent to escort me. They served you well and saved my life several times.? ?My Lady Rochelle? the Paladin replies ? I am glad you are safe and that my friends were able to assist you in your time of need. Please accept this escort as your protection.? He bows and orders the head of the contingent to take the Lady to her quarters. With a glance back at Ran, Rochelle heads off with the mounted warriors.
Heronin turns to Ran and the others. ?I thank you for keeping her safe. We will talk latter. You all have places at the Chapter House. I will see you in the morning.? He spurs his horse and rides off after Rochelle.
OODM: Ok we are back in town. Every one gets 2000 XP for the adventure award. That should put most of you at 5th level. Over the next week I will do the individual encounters for the debrief and the leveling.
Harp's day
Subject No place like home
OOC: Can Kal go hunt some rabbits until he levels up? :-D
From: Mark
Subject Harp's day
Harp's days are spent in meditation at the chapel in the Chapter House. On the second day is he summoned before Heronin. The Knight-Captain calls him into his study and has him sit in the chair in the middle of the office. It looks like the same chair he had sat in those many weeks before. Angelwing spends a few minutes looking over some papers on his desk, reading what looks like reports. ?Well Corporal, I have been reading the reports of the others in your party. Would you like to hear them??
Harp nods hesitantly. ? 'A solid fighter. Someone I would trust my life to.' ?No one better to watch your back.' 'A thoughtful caring person.' 'A true follower of Heronieous.' ? I must say that I am impressed. Angelwing says. ?Your companions, to a man, have nothing but glowing comments about your leadership and behavior while on this mission. Ran and Salix in particular were very vocal in their comments. How do you think you did??
OODM: OK Kevin your turn.
Harp's day cont.
Subject Harp's day
Does that include Kal?
From: Kevin
Subject Harp's day
Sir, I started the journey off poorly. We had an encounter with some orcs, and my baser instincts almost cost us dearly. I must still work on controlling my desires. As the journey progressed, I learned much from Ran and Salix. I learned the power of nature from Salix - it is truly awsome the powers he has at his command and we were well served by his presence.
As we travelled, I became aware that others were depending on me. That was a concept that I had not truly grasped before then. I am unsure if it was because the others were willing to accept me (at least after a while) or because we had a common mission, but it was true none the less. By the time we encountered those creatures on our return, we were almost fighting as a team - using each other as support, helping the other get an adavantage and such. I was greatful of having the power of Heironius available to me, albiet in small measure. There were times when I wish I had been more studious in my devotions.
Mostly, I am glad that I was not an embarrassment to you. I know you said that many in the Order did not think I was ready for such a mission. I hope that I have acted in way supported your decision to select me.
From: Mark
Subject Harp's day
Kal was not part of the original party, so no they would not have talked to him about what had happened.
From: Mark
Subject Harp's day
Anglewing replies "I think you have done the order proud." He takes out a small set of bars and throws them at Harp. "In recognition of your service you are being promoted to sergent. Take the next sevenday off and then report back to me. Congratulations sergant Harp." He stands and holds out his hand.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp's day
Harp, stuttering, looks in amazement at the bars in his hand. Sargent? A promotion? Just a few weeks ago, he had been getting off of work detail for failure to follow orders. And here he was, getting promoted. With a somewhat flabbergasted look on his face, Harp stands, takes Anglewing's hand, and takes leave of his commander.
Slowly, he wanders his way back to his quarters. Sargent. All because he had finally, in a small way, learned to follow orders. Harp thought back to his early days. He had fought everything he had been taught. Following rules did not come naturally to him, a fault from his fathers side, he was sure. However, these past few weeks had shown him that there was indeed a time for rules, and that following them could lead to a greater success. It seemed that when he did so, things seemed to work our well for him. Hieronious had answered his prayers when he needed, had provided his support and blessing, even on those who did not believe or follow him. He would have to think, and pray, long and hard about this revalation.
OOC: Mark, I am guessing that Harp will be the only one likely to want to do anything with the full plate armor they captured. I would like him to be able to take the suits to the Orders armorer and see if they can adjust them to his size. I am unsure how long of a break we will be taking in game tiime, so I do not want to wait until the last minute before I ask for that to be done.
From: Mark
Subject Harp's day
The time from when they got home to the next main meeting will be about 9 days. Plenty of time for the MU to get new spells learned and recorded, and for others to have stuff repaired and made, if they wish.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp's Day
As Harp thinks about his recent trip, and his more recent promotion, he remembers his early days. How far he had come since that time. He owed all to the member of the Order who had taken him in, had showed him what life could be like. They had accepted him, well, at least most of them, though they were unsure if he would be able to overcome the troubles of his birth. It had been through the grace of Heironious that he had been able to succeed, in spite of himself. It was then that Harp realized that he should do some extra sacrafice to prove to his lord that Harp recognized the trust that he had been shown.
" I will do a 48 hour fast and prayer. That will be the sacrafice." He called a page to his quarters and informed the page to come collect Harp at the chapel in 2 days time.
With that, Harp stripped off his heavy clothes, put on his simple supplicants robes, and headed for the chappel. Once there, he knealt down and began to pray. He began with the first Analect, the first teachings of Heironious he had learned so many months ago. He started there, and then slowly worked his way through all the rest. Upon completing the first repetition, Harp began to more closely study each one, trying to relate it to what he had learned on his journey. After his second repetition, he went through all of them again, this time adding what he had just thought about to what he had learned in his initial training. It was by this repetition that Harp would open his soul and heart to the teaching of the Battle Lord. The third time through Harp began to try and connect each Analect to the one before it. This took what seemed like hours. Eventually, Harp's mind began to loose some focus, becoming one with his passion.
It was in the middle of this thought that the creature appeared. Harp was thinking to himself, considering the 34th Analect, when he felt a presence. Disgruntled at being disturbed, Harp opened his eyes and was suprised when he thought he saw Heronin standing in front of him. He started to speak, but the creature raised his hand and spoke softly to Harp - "Stop. Do not speak. What happens here is between the two of us Harp." Harp is overwhelmed at the feeling of good exuding from the creature in front of him. It looks vaugely like his Knight Captain, but Harp had never felt such a "presence" before. He had no worries, no concerns, things were just good.
The creature spoke again."I am, like you, a servant of the Battle Lord, Heironious. I have been sent because your recent activities have not gone un-noticed. The Battle Lord is pleased with you Harp. You have brought glory to his name and have frustrated the aims of his brother Hextor. Your situation is unique Harp, there are no others of you type who have ever followed this path before. My lord has seen your struggles and seen your valor in battle. He is also familiar with your willingness to sacrafice your own well being for the benefit of others. Because of this devotion to the ideals my Lord stands for, he has decided to grant you some slight bit more of his favor. But be warned. Do not be frivolous with the gifts of the Battle Lord. He expects his followers to hew to his path. You have a wild side about you that you must learn to control.
When you see Heronin alone next, tell him of this vision. He, alone of your companions, will understand what has been said here."
With that, the figure in front of Harp seems to glow with a radiance that soon becomes painful for Harp to watch. He crams his eyes closed, and then feels the glorious presence vanish. When he opens his eyes, the figure is gone. Harp blinks his eyes. What had he just seen? He had heard about "visitations" before, but they had always been to important clerics of the Order, never a lowly corporal - no, sergant. Harp shakes his head, and looks over at the hour glass. He has 4 more hours to go. With a sigh, he resigns himself to repeat the Analects 2 last time before the page comes to get him.
Harp lost track of time
Salix's Day(s)
Subject Salix's day(s)
Upon leaving his interview with the Knight-Captain, Salix no sooner steps out into the daylight than a small sparrow flits down from a small tree and lands on his shoulder. To the bird's leg is tied a tiny rolled piece of parchment. He unties the tiny scroll, strokes the feathered emissary lightly on the head and dismisses it with a quick chirp.
Unrolling the scroll he reads, "Salix Wealdward, you are summoned to the Willow Grove 8 miles east of the city. Come immediately. SFthr Acer."
StormFather Acer, here? He thinks to himself. Perhaps this is my call home. Salix wonders if much has changed back with The Order in the 14 months or so that he has been away. He will have to ask the StormFather when he sees him.
He mounts his horse and whistles for Noctis who glides down from some unseen perch and lands on the pommel of his saddle. With that he is off without a second thought.
Nearly an hour later he finds the grove and enters quietly into a clearing in the center of a ring of enormous willow trees. In the center of the clearing stands a large stone rock, seeming to thrust out from the earth itself. Salix recognizes this as a Druid altar. This one appears to be set up for some ceremony. Looking around the clearing and seeing no one else, Salix starts to approach the altar.
"Beautiful evening, isn't it?" says a voice like the rumble of distant thunder. Salix turns as the StormFather himself steps from the shadows of one of the willows. "We received your message, young Wealdward. You have been most wise in relating these events to The Order." The StormFather moves quietly to stand next to Salix and places a hand on his shoulder. "There is a great storm brewing, young one. I fear that many will be broken by its winds. You must be flexible as your namesake, the willow, or you may be among them."
Salix looks to the StormFather, "You have not come to collect me then." It isn't a question.
"You have proven yourself a great servant of Obad-Hai. The Order has even greater need of your skills yet abroad in the world. No, it is not time to come home." To the questioning look in Salix's eyes, SF Acer answers, "I have come because it is time for you to progress in the order. There are new blessings to be bestowed upon you by The Great God."
The StormFather leads Salix to the altar, upon which are carved the symbols of the 5 elements -- Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, and Spirit -- arranged in a pentacle. In the center of these is a small wooden bowl filled with a clear liquid, reflecting the darkening sky above.
"Kneel before the Altar of Obad-Hai," the StormFather commands. As Salix takes the position of submission before the altar, the StormFather moves to the opposite side and begins chanting the ancient words of growth and transformation. After several minutes he raises the bowl up toward the evening sky. The breeze in the grove increases to a gale, whipping the willows into a frenzy as clouds gather in the sky above. "Stand! Young one!" the StormFather bellows above the roar of the wind. "Drink and know the mysteries of Obad-Hai!"
Salix take the bowl and drinks the contents. The liquid is bitter at first, then nearly immediately his tongue begins to numb. The numbness spreads to his throat and he feels his chest tightening, the breath becoming harder and harder to draw. He staggers and falls forward onto the altar, barely able to feel the cold stone beneath him. Then darkness.
After a minute? An hour? More? Salix can't tell, but he awakes to find himself laying backward across the altar staring up into a starry sky. The StormFather is nowhere to be seen. Salix rights himself but instantly regrets doing so as the grove seems to spin around him. Again the wind picks up and Salix hears in the rustle of the willow branches around him a whispery voice, airy like the wind, but clear and unmistakable. "sssssSalixxxxxx" it seems to hiss. "You have done well. Your God sends his emissary on the wind and in the rain to bless you. He sends the creatures of the wood to teach you new ways to serve Him!"
The wind picks up even more, clouds again gathering at the periphery of the clearing. The voice on the breeze takes on a rhythmic chanting tone, "Repeat these prayers to The Great One." One by one the voice chants out, and Salix repeats the prayers he hears on the wind. When one is completed great bolts of lightning strike the ground within the clearing. After another he feels a vile pestilence issue from his touch. Yet another and the pestilence is caught up and consumed. One moment he feels himself merging with the very stone of the altar, and in another moment he can hear voices from the grass and the trees around him. The prayers seem to go on endlessly, each one burning into his memory as he feels himself wielding new powers of Obad-Hai, one after another. He feels himself filling with power and knowledge almost more than he can bear. Just as he feels that he can receive no more of this bounty, the maelstrom stops.
The furious winds die back to a breeze and the voice continues. "ssssSalixxxx! Prepare to receive these creatures. They will teach you the Wild Shape!"
Salix notices that the ring of trees surrounding the clearing now seems alive with creatures of the forest. He sees a wolf darting among the shadows, and a deer. Several medium sized and smaller creatures both predators and prey also move around the circle. Salix watches as they come to a stop, staring wide eyed at him. He stands before the altar as they begin to howl, roar, chirp, and sound whatever voice their God has given them. Abruptly this cacophony ends and the grove is silent. Quietly the creatures around the grove seem to pulsate with light which draws up from their bodies and coalesces into points of light hovering in the air above their heads. The points of light circle the altar, spiraling in toward Salix as he stands frozen in awe. As the first of the lights reaches him, he feels himself thrown backwards on the altar as the light slams into his chest with the force of a lightening bolt. One after another the lights slam into him till he loses sense of time and consciousness.
He dreams and in his dream he is a great wolf. He runs through the forest with a pack of wolves, his brothers. Then he is a black bear with powerful arms and fearsome claws. Then he is a great constrictor sliding gracefully through the grass and striking out at the enemies of Obad-Hai with sharpest fangs. This vision or dream continues, how long he does not know.
************
Salix awakens in the grove. Alone and exhausted. The sky above is bright and sunny. It is early morning. He sits up, his back against the altar. From across the grove Noctis swoops toward him, a piece of parchment in his claw.
"Congratulations, Salix Wealdward, taker of the Wild Shape and faithful follower of Obad-Hai. You do The Order proud. Use the knowledge and grace you have received in this journey always to preserve balance and protect the Great One's realm.
"As I told you before, there is a great storm brewing. Now you are a bit more prepared to face it. Return to Quarion and serve him yet again. His needs are also the needs of The Order. We look still forward to your return, but the time is still not at hand.
"You will find your horse tethered just beyond the grove. He has been watered and fed. There are fresh provisions in your pack. Take care, my son, and may the Grace of Obad-Hai be with you. --SFther Acer"
************
Salix returns to Quarion to find he has been gone for four days. During the remainder of his free time, he will see about any repairs to his armor or weapons. He will also try to track down Harp to see what he has been up to.
From: Karl
Subject Harp]
Nice job, Kevin. :-)
From: Kevin
Subject Harp
Please, please, no applause. Just large, unmarked bills. And nominations may be sent to the Pulitzer Committee in New York.
You are being kind. If was a half hearted attempt compared to some of the others I have seen. Comes from having skated through Freshman English (in both high school and college).
I decided on the next level of cleric since I got the same Attack Bonus increase, almost identical Save Bonus increase, and 3 new spell slots of 2nd level spells. I know we are going to get a 5th level cleric, but you can never have too much divine help.
Looking forward to us devout ones travelling together again.
Ran's days
Subject Ran's day
The morning after their return Ran sleeps in. It has been a while since he has slept in a nice bed and he relishes the comfort. At the third bell a page wakes him. "Sir, Knight/Captain Angelwing has asked for you to attend him at the noon hour. I am to see to your need. What may I do for you?" "Get me someone I can not have." Ran thinks to himself. "I need to bathe and get a hair cut and a shave. See that I can get these things done and be ready a 1/2 hour before noon and I will consider your service done." The page nods and soon he is back. "Your bath is ready my Lord." The young man leads Ran to a near by room that has a large tub, steam drifting up from the water. Next to the tub is a shaving kit as well as a small knife and comb.
Ran takes his time bathing and shaving. When he is almost done another young man joins him and the page. "How do you want your hair cut, sir?" Ran's curt reply is "Just like it is now, but shorter." The barber starts working and is soon done. Ran takes one quick look in the silvered mirror, grunts, and nods and dismisses the two young men. He dunks his head and stays under the water, trying to sort out his feelings. After several minutes, his chest burning, he comes up for air. He gulps for breath for a few minuets and the gets out of the tub. He dries off and proceeds to get dressed.
At noon he knocks on Angelwing's office door. "Enter" bellows the voice inside. Ran opens the door to find Angelwing hustling around the desk. "Ran, my friend, please come in. I do not have the words to thank you for what you did for me and Rochelle." The big man steers Ran to a table set for lunch. "Come; let us eat while we talk about your adventure." The next hour is spent with Ran telling the story of the party's adventures. Angelwing nods at all the right spots, and show great concern when Ran tells him about the dream/vision they had all had. "I will talk to my counselors about this. It is disturbing news."
When Ran asks about the captive Angelwing does not have much to tell him. "He was questioned by one of the higher up priests, under a prayer of truthfulness and he was telling the truth. He was just a foot soldier in a group that was hired to waylay you. They did have a very good description of the party members and very good information about where to find you. My people are doing research and hope to have some more information with in the week." With that Angelwing turns the discussion to Rochelle.
Ran tries to keep neutral when talking about the young girl, but he is sure that Angelwing can see right through him and into his heart. However the Paladin shows no signs of noticing anything. His own besotted state might account for it. Ran has never seen his friend so alive and animated. He is obviously in love with the young lady, and Ran seethes even more. Ran then turns the conversation to his father. "Your father is doing better and is expected to make a full recovery, even if it might take longer than he is used to. Those of our calling are not used to be nursed back to health and his confinement is testing his compassion and forgiveness. I have arranged for you to see him for a short period this afternoon." Ran nods his thanks, both for the meeting and the change of topic.
When the lunch is done Angelwing has a page take Ran to where his father is recuperating. As he enters the room, Ran is surprised to see how old his father looks. He had always been this larger than life figure and here he was, looking pale and drawn, unable to do more than rise in the pillows behind his head. "Ranthir, you are back and in one piece I see." His greeting is broken up by a fit of coughing. "Damn I hate being sick, "he says when the coughing stops. "Was never sick a day in my life once I took the oath. But enough about me, tell me, boy, about your trip."
Ran tells his father an abbreviated version of the trip, not wanting to tire the older man. When he gets to the part of the vision where his mother is mentioned he proceeds slowly, keeping an eye on his father's face, seeing what type of reaction is there. When he mentions what the man said about his mother' death his fathers face freezes in place. Ran knows that this is how his father responds to bad news. "Father, talk to me. Did mother take her own life or did someone kill her?" Ran demands.
His father is quiet for a few moments. "I do not know. We always thought she killed herself, but from what you have told me some one else might have been the cause. She did seem to change almost over night. One day she was, I though, reasonable happy, and the next she was depressed. I thought it was just a phase she was going through, you know, something elves "do". I mean she had only been away from the forests for a couple of years. What were a couple of years to the elves? You were young then and I was out doing the orders work. It is possible that someone was doing something to her. Look at what happened to me. Ran, if I had known what would have happened, I would have stayed home. I loved your mother. I...I" and the old man sputters out, his head rocked forward on his chest, crying.
Ran is not sure what to make of this. "Father, I have hated you for years, blaming you for her death. Now I find that I might have been in error. I think I might spend some more time here in Gorn, trying to see what I can find out about her death." His father clears his throat. "I would like to see more of you. I have missed you my son." The two shake hands and his father pulls him into a hug that leads to another coughing fit. Ran hastily backs away and calls for the healer. The old lady rushes to Benedicts side chastising Ran for overtaxing the older mans strength. "I will be back latter father" and Ran leaves his fathers side.
Over the next week or so Ran splits his time between working out with the garrison and spending time with Angelwing and his father. On the eighth day, over lunch, Anglewing ask Ran a question. "Would you be willing to go on another mission for me? Not as the leader but as some one who might be familiar with what is happening. I have gotten some feedback on some of the happenings on your adventure and there have been developments. If you are interested please show up at my office at third bell tomorrow."
OODM: Randy if you want to add anything you can.
From: Mark
Subject Next week
I am on vacation next week but I am not going to be going out of town.
I do have commitments from 6-3 on Monday and 9-6 on Tuesday. So nothing will be done during those hours, I will try and do something Monday afternoon and Tuesday evening.
I also expect that there will be one evening when I will get nothing done. Both kids are at Camp and the wife and I are planning an overnight down to Cincy.
From: Kevin
Subject Loot
Mark, hate to be pushy (OK, not really), but where do we stand on the booty issue? What was the value of the gems from the ogre and the githyaki, the magical items we had not identified, what we get to keep and divy up.
From: Mark
Subject Loot
I am going to work on the booty tonight.
From: Karl
Subject loot
I bet your wife will be pleased.
From: Porter
Subject Loot
It depends on whose booty he is working on.
From: Mark
Subject Loot
Ok here is the loot as I show it from the adventure.
The ogers.
1000 gp
1 amythst
1 scroll case with two scrolls in it.
the 1/2 orc
Amulet of natural armor(Fal has)
2 identify scrolls(1 used already, 1 with Fal)
10 100 gp pearls
from the Githyanki
2 sets of full plate
2 heavy steel shields
1 short bow with quiver
1 masterwork light crossbow with bolts(Ran has)
1 masterwork longsword(Ran has)
1 masterwork mornging star(Harp has)
1 masterwork trident
1 masterwork sickle
1 spear
2 magic bracers
1 magic amulet
1 healing potion
2 elixirs of fire breath
1 potion of haste
1 magical masterwork chain shirt
188 GP
4 large gems
If this does not sound right let me know. Otherwise I will use it for the write up.
From: Randy
Subject Ran's day
Ran, feeling guilt for many things, forces himself to spend all free time working out, training, practicing with his new sword and crossbow. All to focus his mind on the future and how to amend for the guilt he feels. What he feels guilty for is comprised mainly of two things. First, the more minor, he feels guilt to his friend Angelwing, for desiring his betrothed. Second, he feels great guilt for the loss of years with his father. Had he only recognized that what happened must have been unnatural he may not have blamed his father for his mothers death. And so he filled his time with as much activity as he could.
In the mornings he would visit his father, spending as much time as the healers would allow which usually wasn't nearly as long as Ran desired. After his visit with his father, he would meet with Angelwing for lunch. His time with Angelwing was painful and Ran tried to rush through it as quickly as possible. How could he be feeling these emotions for his best friends fiancee? He did not feel deserving of the friendship he had, knowing the lusts of his heart. Once freed from Angelwings company, Ran spent the remainder of his time in intense training. He sparred with whichever members of the garrison were available. He worked himself into such exhaustion that it took all his remaining energy to get himself to his bed. The next day it would start again.
Ran felt his aim with the crossbow improving. He felt more graceful with his sword. Part of it was the quality of his newly acquired weapons, but it was more than that. Having been tested so intensely in the recent weeks, he had become a more skilled combatant and found that he was receiving compliments from many of the men he trained with.
On the seventh day, some of the men Ran was training with were planning to go to a nearby tavern. There was a new bard in town who had some tales to tell and music to play. They invited Ran along and he reluctantly agreed. It had been a long time since he had seen a bard, but did he deserve to enjoy himself given the wrongs he had committed? It was something his father had said to him that morning that made his decision for him. His father had said "Ranthir, do not blame yourself for our difficult years. I did not make things easy for you. I tried so hard not to lose you to your elvish heritage that I pushed you away. I was too strict and stubborn to let you be your own person. I love you Ranthir, just as your mother did and does. Please, allow yourself to be happy. I can't bear to see another loved one in such despair."
Ran went with the men to the tavern and ordered a round of drinks. He had enough wealth from his recent journey that he felt generous. Besides, he probably owed these men for the beatings he had given to them over the week. As the barmaid came by with their ale, Ran noticed his eyes locking with hers. She seemed to know the men at the table and one of them started to introduce Ran to her.
"Mira, this is a new friend of ours. His name is Ran."
"Ranthir actually," Ranthir corrected the man. "Ranthir Corron. Very pleased to meet you Mira." The other men looked surprised to hear that the man they have been training with was the estranged son of the Knight/General.
'Yes, Ranthir Corron' he thought to himself. 'I owe that much to my father.'
Ranthir made small talk with Mira whenever she had a moment to chat throughout the night. He also kept buying rounds of drinks for his friends. Friends. Yes, they had said as much.
As the evening wore on, Ranthir found himself losing some inhibitions and he even once asked Mira to dance with him. It was at this moment that the bard had begun strumming a ballad on his harp. Mira blushed at his request. "I cannot. I am not allowed to dance while I work." Before she had finished speaking the words the bartender called to her "With all the money he's been spending tonight, you can go ahead and dance with him all you want!"
Ranthir and Mira danced several dances before his exhaustion set back in. He felt himself start to stumble and led her back to the table. He sat down quickly and watched the glitter in Mira's eye as she leaned forward and kissed him. It was then that he passed out.
He awoke in his chambers the next day, much later than usual, feeling the effects of his previous nights partying. Though he felt terrible, he also felt a sense of elation for he wasn't feeling the terrible lump of guilt that had racked him all week. True, he still regretted the past events, but they no longer seemed nearly as important. He was letting himself live again. He quickly cleaned himself up and rushed to see his father. He had a good visit with his father, staying until he nearly missed lunch with Heronin.
At lunch with Heronin, he felt much more comfortable. His mind wasn't stuck on Rochelle. He was starting to feel truly happy for his friends. Rochelle was an amazing woman, and she had perhaps helped to save Ranthir from himself. She had shown him compassion and allowed him to hope for love for himself. She may not be the one for him, though he still felt that if the situation were different she could be. She helped him to see value in himself.
Ranthir joins the men at the garrison that afternoon.
"Surprised to see you today" one of them calls out.
"I don't think I am up to a workout today" he replies. "I was just hoping to get the name of the tavern we were at last night."
"It was the Lucky Star" the man replies. "We go there at least once a week. Mira's there most nights" He winks knowingly at Ranthir as he says this. The other men laugh heartily and there are several jabs at Ran's shoulders.
"Thank you my friends." Ranthir says this with perhaps more intensity than he had intended. The laughter of the men dies out as they look at him unsure of themselves.
"I'll be sure to buy some more rounds next week" Ranthir laughs and the other men join in.
Ranthir stops by the Lucky Star on his way home, hoping to speak to Mira. Unfortunately she has the night off. He returns home slightly dissapointed but too exhausted to really worry. He would meet with Heronin the next morning to hear the details of the task that needed to be accomplished. Judging by the last journey, he would need his rest.
From: Josh
Subject Loot
OOC: The only thing Kal might be interested in is the magical masterwork chain shirt. Sometime during this time, Kal will copy Identify to his spellbook. I can't find Fal's sheet on Sakeriver, but I'd suggest that whichever of us two has the higher chance of sucess copies it to his spell book first, and then the other copies from there. When (if) Kal has identity, he'll cast it as ofen as he can on these items, starting with the chain shirt.
From: Mark
Subject Loot
I have you and Fal/Cai/Bel planned for Friday. Even if you are not going up a level I have things that you 4 are doing.
Surin is tomorrow.
From: Jake
Subject Loot
OOC: Surin has spent an inordinant amount of time looking at the potions, holding them up to the light sniffing at them, and so forth. The amulet and the bracers have caught his eye as well, but he seems fascinated by the surviving potions (hint hint). He's cast the occasional covetous glance at the masterwork light crossbow, but doesn't seem inclined to relieve Ran of the responsibility of caring for it. :)
From: Kevin
Subject Loot
Mark, would the Order have the ability in house to identify the items we have? I am thinking that someone like Heronin would have enought knowledge skills to ident. most of what we have. Kal needs to learn the Ident. spell, but I would hate to waste those pearls if Harp's association with the Order would provide them some assistance in this matter.
Surin's days
Subject Loot
The order is a religious order not an arcane one.
To identify a magic item, in particular what abilities it has etc. needs to have an identify spell. Unless the item is an artifact, then some lore might tell you what it has been known to do in the past, but it would not, usually, give you the activation.
Let me do the next two days.
And suck it up with the pearls.
From: Kevin
Subject WBC
If I could suggest one change to the rules at this point, it is the lack of indentify spells on the divine side. Even if they made it a 3rd level spell, you would think a 5th level cleric, who can ask his diety for all sorts of things, would be able to ask what an amulet or armor is.
Just venting.
From: Mark
Subject WBC
WBC.
Give the MU something to do.
From: Karl
Subject Loot
Salix wouldn't have a problem with the group using some of the cash from the loot to purchase a few extra pearls for use in the next adventure. (Provided we retain a magic user who can cast Identify).
From: Mark
Subject Loot
Well Kal is going to try and learn the spell and the NEW GUY also seems to have it.
From: Kevin
Subject New guy
Which new guy. There seems to be 2 Alistair. If his last name is Cooke, I will be disappointed.
From: Mark
Subject New Guy
The second one will disappear.
From: Randy
Subject loot
Ran, seeing that Surin has been looking at the crossbow with interest, offers it to him.
"Surin, I have already taken a new weapon in this fine sword. You have been an equal, if not greater contributor to the success of our mission. You deserve your share of the booty. Please take this crossbow if it is something you can make use of."
From: Karl
Subject Loot
Salix does not see anything in the booty list that he particularly needs or wants. He also isn't terribly concerned with Gold, since he can pretty well provide for all his needs without gold, and already has enough gold to provide what few comforts he wishes to indulge in. So if the cash gets distributed equally, he will accept his share, but he's not showing much interest in it at all before the fact.
From: Kevin
Subject Armor and the horse it rode in on
All Harp wants for Christmas is a nice new large warhorse and a nice new suite of full plate armor.
Armor first, horse second.
From: Mark
Subject Surin's days
The night of their return the party is sitting in the dinning commons of the Chapter House discussing what to do with all the stuff they had acquired in their recent travels. There is a little haggling over who should get what. Harp asks if he could have the two sets of plate armor. He thinks that between the two sets the Order's armorer might be able to make one set that would fit him. He also claims the Morningstar. Fal already has the amulet that they took off Dargrak. Ran looks at the gear and picks up the long sword, testing its balance. Liking the feel of it he replaces his own battered sword with this one.
He notices Surin eyeing the crossbow. "Master Surin, I have already taken this sword. If you want that crossbow it is yours." Surin's eyes light up and he picks up the crossbow. The problem is imminately evident. Surin is unable to hold the weapon and reach the forward support. It is obviously too large for him. Sighing he hands the crossbow to Ran. "Here you can make better use of this. Maybe there is something else in here I can use." After a few more minutes of everyone rummaging around, Surin pipes up. "Why don't the two magic users take the time to learn that spell we picked up from Shatra's group? Then they can tell us what these other items do. That will take them a couple of days. In the mean time let me see what I can get for the other items that no one wants and get the gems appraised. Then we can figure out what we want to do with all this stuff." Every one nods in agreement.
Fal and Kal head off to their rooms in preparation for the next couple of days. They have been through this before and while not physically demanding it is mentally demanding. The rest of the party heads off to their own tasks and Surin gathers up the remaining gear. Over the next couple of days Surin is able to peddle the non magical gear for 350 gold. Over the few days he is also able to get the gems appraised. The Amethyst that they took from the ogres was worth almost 100gp. The four small rubies were worth almost 250gp each. He decides not to cash them in, since small gems are an easy way to transport cash. All in all, Surin figured, the party now had in excess of 2000gp. (2,288 to be exact).
Surin spends part of each day learning the lay out of the city. The habit he had picked up when with the circus was a tough one to break. Always know a back way out of town. That way if mark realized that the games were fixed or that their extra cash had been relived from their coin purse, he would hopefully be able to get out of town quickly. On the 8th day Fal and Kal send a messenger, asking Surin to meet with them for lunch. He does so and is sort of surprised to find almost every one there.
Fal looks a bit distracted, as does Bel and Cai. Fal, however, is as brash as ever. He starts holding up the items that the magic users have had all week. "Fal and I have mastered the spell used to identify items of a magical nature. We have spent the last several days using the spell on these items. The chain shirt has a minor protection spell on it (Chain shirt +1). The two sets of bracers also have an enchantment that will provide some protection to the person wearing it (Bracers of armor +1). The amulet may not do us any good. It enhances attacks that are not made with weapons, such as your fist. The two scrolls had a spell of Darkvision and a spell of Detect thoughts and Fal and I have already used those."
Kal continues. "I would not mind if I were able to use the chain shirt or one of the bracers."
OODM: OK how do you guys want to divvy up the loot?
From: Karl
Subject Loot
(OOC - Can Salix wear bracers? (I'm guessing yes, if they aren't metal. what are bracers, exactly?)
From: Josh
Subject Loot
OOC: All Kal wants for christmas is some elven chain. I've got some roleplaying to do during this break, but I've been incredibly busy lately. I'll get it out eventually.
From: Josh
Subject Loot
OOC: Kal shows more interest in the bracers than the chain shirt. Mark, did Kal successfully learn Identify?
OOC: Karl, bracers are like wrist protectors.
From: Mark
Subject Loot
You will find out tomorrow. :)
We know they are wrist protectors, but are they leather or metal.
I may have to make a DM decsion on this. Shit I hate having to do that. :)
I have a couple of experts I am contacting.
From: Porter
Subject Bracers
IRL, bracers are made out of leather and are used to protect the forearm in archery.
In fantasy-land, I've seen them be leather, metal, and leather with metal studs
From: Kevin
Subject armor
OOC: Mark, according to the PHB, full plate has a retail value of 1500 gp. We have two sets. If it costs 2d4 *100 to modify the plate, if I trade the one in I should be even up on getting the other sized. Since Harp has taken the morningstar and, assuming he gets the plate, he will forgo the warhorse unless everyone feels the need for him to get one. He would like a little gold, assuming they have to buy their own provisions for the next adventure.
Oh, I can also sell my breast plate, and original morningstar to get a few gp to my name.
As you know, I am gone all weekend, but maybe we can work out the specific of what we gots left when I get back.
From: Mark
Subject Bracers
According to my rules guru Druids can wear certain bracers since some are made of leather.
However, since these are bracers of armor, the bonus they have is an armor bonus and armor bonuses do not stack.
These were worn by the monk and the wizard in the Githyanki party, two people who did not wear any other armor.
So this will not really help any one other then a magic user or monk, or someone with out any armor.
Kals' day postponed
Subject Loot
When Salix returns to the city from his 4 day Druid ritual, he will seek out Quarion to find out what is next required of him. He would do this immediately, and before taking any relaxation time.
Depending on what he finds out about their next adventure, if horse travel is going to be a big part of it, he might suggest that Harp get the warhorse, and might even offer his share of the booty to help do that.
(OOC- Is there anything Salix can do regarding armor? I know he has to stick to leather. Can he get his upgraded? Are there multiple degrees of quality for leather armor? I imagine leather improved with magic would be quite expensive, and I don't know how Salix would feel about using it if it weren't divine magic that improved it.)
From: Mark
Subject Loot
Well Salix and Surin can go about town seeing what is available.
Masterwork leather armor is easily gotten but it does not improve your AC any.
As far as I am concerned, since he already uses an amulet of natural armor, the druids do not have anything against arcane magic, it is a part of nature, even if most MU abuse it, in their opinion. He could always try and find a better amulet.
One of the draw backs of being a Druid.
I will look into what might be available and what it might cost.
From: Karl
Subject Loot
Oh, I'm fine with the drawbacks. I really like playing Salix. I just want to make sure I understand all the options so I can play him right.
I don't imagine Salix will want to "upgrade" the amulet considering it's his only link to his mother.
From: Mark
Subject Kal's turn
Sorry but I am not going to be able to get Kal's turn done today.
I am just finishing up clearing off my desk for my vacation next week and there is no way I can get a proper turn done before I have to leave.
I am also playing a in person PnP D&D game tonight from 7-12 so I can not do it then. Shatra will probably go up to 4th level tonight.
I will try and get a turn out tomorrow afternoon.
I still have not heard who wants what. Or if they want to sell it.
From: Josh
Subject Loot
Kal wants the bracers, and will take his share of gold or gems. If someone's short on gold for something they need, Kal will help them out.
From: Mark
Subject Loot
For the bracers to be of any good to you you would have to get rid of your armor.
Now he can still want the bracers if he wants, even if he can not use them. He can want them as his part of the loot.
Does he want both sets?