A fight in the dark round 5
Subject A fight in the dark round 5
Ranthir, seeing the doorway blocked by his companions, will watch the hallway behind for any possible approach of enemies from behind. He isn't really expecting anything but better safe than sorry.
Once the battle is done, Ran will enter the room and suggest that someone cast a light spell to help with their search for the key.
From: Kevin
Subject A fight in the dark round 5
OOC: Meat shield? Harp will scratch his head and say that he resembles that remark.
From: Mark
Subect: A fight in the dark round 5
His blade still whirling in a flicker of motion, Kal's feints to his left with his body. When the creature moves to block him, it's guard is down. Kal steps forward and with a flick of his wrist drives his rapier through the empty eye socket of the beast and into it's brain. (AC 15, 8+10=18, hit, damage 6) The beast falls to the ground with a soft moan.
Ragnar, moving fast for someone of his build, spins and strikes at the creature in front of him again. Again his sword fly s and catches the brute at the neck and almost severs it's head. (AC15, 11+9=20, hit, damage 7). Next to him Harp takes a step over the body of the foe he had just killed and attacks the creature facing off against Mund. Harp's righteous anger motivates him. His sword slice through the beast as if it was made of paper. (AC15, 15+9=24, hit, damage 11). Again, a head fly s from a body and the body falls to the ground.
Mund pants in his anger, ready to take on another foe. The blood lust in his eyes drops slowly away as he comes back to himself. The others of the party slowly enter the room.
OODM: Ok what now.
From: Porter
Subject A fight in the dark round 5
Mund puts up his axe and walks over to Kal.
"It that you were right and we did have to fight these people, but I have something to say about how you went about it."
Mund then punches him in the face. (do not do lethal damage)
From: Porter
Subject A fight in the dark round 5
Mund turns his back and walks away from Kal after punching him.
From: Randy
Subject A fight in the dark round 5
If Kal does anything to respond, Ranthir will try to hold him back.
Once tensions are eased, Ranthir will start looking around the room to see if there is a key or anything else of interest unless Harp asks him to do anything else.
From: Kevin
Subject A fight in the dark round 5
Harp watches as Mund walks over to Kal, says something, and then pops him in the face. Ouch!! He was still not sure what had happened, but he was starting to get the idea. He remembered his first encounters with Kal - this could get complicated.
Harp hurries over to Kal, trying to get there before he can recover from the blow. He will restrain Kal to keep him from trying to attack Mund.
As he does so, he will say to the others "Ran, take the others and search the room. Lets hope we find a key here."
From: Jason
Subject A fight in the dark round 5
Ragnar hesitates as Mund walks past him towards Kal. From what he heard of the argument in the corridor, he suspects he agrees more with Mund than Kal, but he worries what effects the argument will have on their party. The moment to act passes, and Ragnar watches the interaction between the two feeling unsure of what to do.
When Harp steps in to take charge of the situation, Ragnar springs into action, glad to have something to do. With Harp occupied, he has the best eyesight for searching the darker corners of the room, so that's what he does.
Of course, if more brawling breaks out, he'll act to assist Harp, using his heavily armored body and newly increased strength as a barrier between Kal and Mund (or anyone else as necessary.)
A fight breaks out, Salix upset
Subject Fight in the dark round 5
OOC - Sorry for being incommunicado. I've been sick the past couple of days. I seem to be missing a couple of emails, though. It seems like the battle is over? yes? If so, then here is my turn for Salix for the past couple of rounds: (/OOC)
As Harp and Ragnar succeed in pushing the door open, Salix sees that their "foes" are not Goblin, *or* Orc, but something Salix has never seen. All the more reason to have talked with them rather than simply obliterate them. He is torn between a desire to break up the fight, and a desire to keep his friends from getting killed, even if that means killing the creatures. But as he cannot get into the crowded room, he simply looks on helplessly. After only a few seconds, it seems clear that his friends will win this fight, even if they have failed the ultimate test miserably. At any rate, he is glad that his scimitar wasn't stained with this blood won by treachery. He will have no part of the aftermath. He simply walks back down the corridor to the main room. He will sit quietly against the back wall and wait to see how this plays out.
From: Porter
Subject Away from game
I am gone until next week because of a family matter.
I suspect that Derek will also be gone.
From: Mark
Subject Away from game
I hope all is well.
From: Derek
Subject Away from game
Yes, actually, I am. Allistair will help look for the key, examine anything that looks magical, etc. I'll role-play Allistair's reaction to Mund/Kal when I get back on Monday.
From: Mark
Subject New player
This is just to let you know that we are having a player change. Jake has many things going on right now, including three or so other PBEM games and stuff in real life, so he is giving control of Surin to another player.
At this time I would like to welcom Ashley to the game. She has played in Twinkys PBEM game and is involved with an online forum type game, similar to what Slash is doing with the modern D20 game.
Ashely has read the last couple of months archives and is working her way through the last year or so. Lets give her a big warm welcome.
I'll start.
IDM: Surin misses the poison trap and dies a slow, painfull, and terrible death.
From: Josh
Subject New player
Welcome Ashely!
From: Josh
Subject A fight breaks out
Kal reels from the unexpected hit. As he turns his head back forward, he simply says "You punch like a child.", laughs, and starts searching the room.
Only Harp and Surin see the fire in his eyes.
From: Mark
Subject A fight breaks out, Salix upset
As the combat ends, Mund pants from his exertion. He slings his axe over his shoulder and approaches Kal. "
It that you were right and we did have to fight these people, but I have something to say about how you went about it."
With out warning the barbarian punches Kal in the face. Everyone looks stunned for a bit and then Harp, Ragnar and Ranthir move to separate the two. As the two are pushed apart Kal retorts "You punch like a child" and then turns. Only Harp and Surin see the blazing fire in his eyes. Harp orders the party to search the room and the bodies. He notices that Salix is not there. Calling Ran to his side he asks "Have you seen Salix?" The 1/2 shakes his head. "Stay here with the rest and see to the search. I will find our druid friend."
With that Harp leaves the room and walks back to the room with all the doors. There he finds Salix sitting on the floor, his back against the wall. "Is something wrong?" Harp asks. Salix's reply is quite. "Something wrong? What just happened was slaughter. I was talking with those creatures. I might have been able to work out something out with those creatures. They were not mindless animals like the landshark. They were intelligent beings and Kal provoked a slaughter. Mund is right. Kal might get us all killed."
Back in the room Ranthir and the others turn of bags of copper pieces and one potion on the body of the Grimlocks. Ragnar also finds a brass key in the corner of the room.
OODM: Ok any roll play or tell me you are ready to go on to the next room.
From: Kevin
Subject A fight breaks out, Salix upset
OOC: Ashley, welcome to our little bit of heaven. I look forward to working with you in ruining my brothers' illusions of granduer.
IC: Harp looks down at his friend. He hates to see such anguish in his face. Yes, the creatures had been killed, but that was now in the past. However, Harp is concerned about Salix's comments about how Kal had provoked the slaughter. He will ask Salix to explain what happened.
After listening to Salix's story of what happened in front of the door, Harp will say to Salix "This concerns me as well. It is my feeling that these challenges will become even greater as we move on. I would have preferred to avoid fighting those creatures if possible, but even if not, we could have overcome them with less damage had we had a plan. While I respect Kal's abilities, I still question his judgement. I will talk with him in a way that I hope he will understand. Thank you for telling me this."
With that, Harp will go back to the room where the Grimlocks were. He will ask the others to leave and ask Kal to stay. Harp closes the door almost all the way, just enough so it does not lock closed. When that has happened, he goes over to one of the heads that had been severed, picks it up, and puts in right in front of Kal's face
"Do you know what this is? No? Because you can't see in the dark. Ragnar tells me it is a Grimlock. It is not a goblin, it is not an orc, it is not a hobgoblin. You had no idea what it was when you rushed in here. You had no idea what to expect.
My orders were for you to protect Salix and the others in case something went wrong, not to decide when it was time to start a fight. That is my decision to make as leader of the group. We most likely would have had to kill these creatures anyway, but we could have done it AFTER we had learned what we could from them.
We need to control these encounters as much as we can. What control did you have while you were in that room? What if we had not been able to open the door? Not only did you risk your life, but you risked the life of the other members of the group. I can not have that. I have come to respect your abilties as a fighter, but I am unable to respect your judgement. If you felt that it was important to attack, then fine, come back and tell me, but this could have been done after we talked to them thru the door, and then we would have done it to minimize the damage we took. As it is, you, Mund, and Ragnar have been injured.We will now have to use some of our healing grace to get all of you back to normal. If we had planned this correctly, none of us would have been hurt. Hell, I killed two of these things myself in just 2 swings. How many did you kill before we got the door open? How many did you see? You are lucky we were able to open the door when we did.
Kal, I want your word that you will follow my orders while we are on this mission. There is too much at stake to risk someone doing something unplanned. I value and respect your opinions, though I may not always agree with them. Remember, I wanted to set up an ambush on these creatures originally, but was convinced that Salix might be able to learn something from them, at no risk to ourselves. That is my goal here - to do as much as we can while spending as little, both magical and physical, as we can."
Harp will wait for Kal to reply.
From: Karl
Subject Fight in the dark round 5
OOC - Sorry for being incommunicado. I've been sick the past couple of days. I seem to be missing a couple of emails, though. It seems like the battle is over? yes? If so, then here is my turn for Salix for the past couple of rounds: (/OOC)
As Harp and Ragnar succeed in pushing the door open, Salix sees that their "foes" are not Goblin, *or* Orc, but something Salix has never seen. All the more reason to have talked with them rather than simply obliterate them. He is torn between a desire to break up the fight, and a desire to keep his friends from getting killed, even if that means killing the creatures. But as he cannot get into the crowded room, he simply looks on helplessly. After only a few seconds, it seems clear that his friends will win this fight, even if they have failed the ultimate test miserably. At any rate, he is glad that his scimitar wasn't stained with this blood won by treachery. He will have no part of the aftermath. He simply walks back down the corridor to the main room. He will sit quietly against the back wall and wait to see how this plays out.
From: Porter
Subject Away from game
I am gone until next week because of a family matter.
I suspect that Derek will also be gone.
From: Mark
Subject Away from game
I hope all is well.
From: Derek
Subject Away from game
Yes, actually, I am. Allistair will help look for the key, examine anything that looks magical, etc. I'll role-play Allistair's reaction to Mund/Kal when I get back on Monday.
From: Mark
Subject New player
This is just to let you know that we are having a player change. Jake has many things going on right now, including three or so other PBEM games and stuff in real life, so he is giving control of Surin to another player.
At this time I would like to welcom Ashley to the game. She has played in Twinkys PBEM game and is involved with an online forum type game, similar to what Slash is doing with the modern D20 game.
Ashely has read the last couple of months archives and is working her way through the last year or so. Lets give her a big warm welcome.
I'll start.
IDM: Surin misses the poison trap and dies a slow, painfull, and terrible death.
From: Josh
Subject New player
Welcome Ashely!
From: Josh
Subject A fight breaks out
Kal reels from the unexpected hit. As he turns his head back forward, he simply says "You punch like a child.", laughs, and starts searching the room.
Only Harp and Surin see the fire in his eyes.
From: Mark
Subject A fight breaks out, Salix upset
As the combat ends, Mund pants from his exertion. He slings his axe over his shoulder and approaches Kal. "
It that you were right and we did have to fight these people, but I have something to say about how you went about it."
With out warning the barbarian punches Kal in the face. Everyone looks stunned for a bit and then Harp, Ragnar and Ranthir move to separate the two. As the two are pushed apart Kal retorts "You punch like a child" and then turns. Only Harp and Surin see the blazing fire in his eyes. Harp orders the party to search the room and the bodies. He notices that Salix is not there. Calling Ran to his side he asks "Have you seen Salix?" The 1/2 shakes his head. "Stay here with the rest and see to the search. I will find our druid friend."
With that Harp leaves the room and walks back to the room with all the doors. There he finds Salix sitting on the floor, his back against the wall. "Is something wrong?" Harp asks. Salix's reply is quite. "Something wrong? What just happened was slaughter. I was talking with those creatures. I might have been able to work out something out with those creatures. They were not mindless animals like the landshark. They were intelligent beings and Kal provoked a slaughter. Mund is right. Kal might get us all killed."
Back in the room Ranthir and the others turn of bags of copper pieces and one potion on the body of the Grimlocks. Ragnar also finds a brass key in the corner of the room.
OODM: Ok any roll play or tell me you are ready to go on to the next room.
From: Kevin
Subject A fight breaks out, Salix upset
OOC: Ashley, welcome to our little bit of heaven. I look forward to working with you in ruining my brothers' illusions of granduer.
IC: Harp looks down at his friend. He hates to see such anguish in his face. Yes, the creatures had been killed, but that was now in the past. However, Harp is concerned about Salix's comments about how Kal had provoked the slaughter. He will ask Salix to explain what happened.
After listening to Salix's story of what happened in front of the door, Harp will say to Salix "This concerns me as well. It is my feeling that these challenges will become even greater as we move on. I would have preferred to avoid fighting those creatures if possible, but even if not, we could have overcome them with less damage had we had a plan. While I respect Kal's abilities, I still question his judgement. I will talk with him in a way that I hope he will understand. Thank you for telling me this."
With that, Harp will go back to the room where the Grimlocks were. He will ask the others to leave and ask Kal to stay. Harp closes the door almost all the way, just enough so it does not lock closed. When that has happened, he goes over to one of the heads that had been severed, picks it up, and puts in right in front of Kal's face
"Do you know what this is? No? Because you can't see in the dark. Ragnar tells me it is a Grimlock. It is not a goblin, it is not an orc, it is not a hobgoblin. You had no idea what it was when you rushed in here. You had no idea what to expect.
My orders were for you to protect Salix and the others in case something went wrong, not to decide when it was time to start a fight. That is my decision to make as leader of the group. We most likely would have had to kill these creatures anyway, but we could have done it AFTER we had learned what we could from them.
We need to control these encounters as much as we can. What control did you have while you were in that room? What if we had not been able to open the door? Not only did you risk your life, but you risked the life of the other members of the group. I can not have that. I have come to respect your abilties as a fighter, but I am unable to respect your judgement. If you felt that it was important to attack, then fine, come back and tell me, but this could have been done after we talked to them thru the door, and then we would have done it to minimize the damage we took. As it is, you, Mund, and Ragnar have been injured.We will now have to use some of our healing grace to get all of you back to normal. If we had planned this correctly, none of us would have been hurt. Hell, I killed two of these things myself in just 2 swings. How many did you kill before we got the door open? How many did you see? You are lucky we were able to open the door when we did.
Kal, I want your word that you will follow my orders while we are on this mission. There is too much at stake to risk someone doing something unplanned. I value and respect your opinions, though I may not always agree with them. Remember, I wanted to set up an ambush on these creatures originally, but was convinced that Salix might be able to learn something from them, at no risk to ourselves. That is my goal here - to do as much as we can while spending as little, both magical and physical, as we can."
Harp will wait for Kal to reply.
Salix explains and a welcome
Subject New player
Yes, welcome.
From: Karl
Subject Salix upset
Salix has more to say, but Harp leaves so abruptly he decides it can wait. Why not? They had probably already failed the test. If not, Salix was quite unsure whether the God of this place was one worth appeasing anyway.
As the others enter the room, minus Harp and Kal, Salix will say simply, "What you have taken from that room was obtained by treachery and slaughter. I will have no part of it. I have no respect for those who will." He starts to say more, but thinks it's better to wait until the whole party is together. He continues to sit with resumed silence looking from each party member present to the other, then rests his gaze on the doorway Harp last entered.
(OOC - I doubt the other characters have any idea how pissed Salix is right now. These events have opened up a whole new level of role-play if anyone else is interested. If not, we can move to the next room, but I think we'd be missing the best part of the game.)
From: Jason
Subject Salix upset
When Harp asks him to leave, Ragnar takes the key he found and returns to the main room. As he enters he sees Salix is already there, sitting against the far wall. When the rest of the group has entered the room, Salix says "What you have taken from that room was obtained by treachery and slaughter. I will have no part of it. I have no respect for those who will."
Ragnar hesitates at his words, trying to decide how he himself felt about the matter. The gash on his face has stopped bleeding, and though his face still aches everywhere that it is not numb, he is not proud of what just happened. Finally he goes and sits down in front of Salix. He places the key on the ground between them. "You're right that it was a slaughter, and I doubt that anyone here is pleased about what happened. But as for treachery... Salix, they are intelligent creatures, and fully accountable for what they do. It was they who attempted to lock us out while they devoured Kal and Mund, after Mund had done nothing but good to them. And make no mistake, that was their intention. They feed on human flesh. Its unreasonable to suppose that Mund decided to attack an unknown number of assailants in the dark when up until then he had argued for saving them, so that means he was attacked first.
"We had no quarrel with them. I would have gladly allowed them safe passage to the surface, and would even have taken this wound attempting to do good to them rather than kill them out of hand. But Kal was not the only one who decided to attack innocents today, and Heironeous has never required his servants to stand idly by when their friends are attacked."
Ragnar will wait for Salix's response. If Mund is nearby, he will also look to Mund for confirmation about his speculation over what happened behind the closed door.
From: Karl
Subject Salix upset
"We I to find myself suddenly in such a room with no warning, I would be afraid. We're a creature to rush in brandishing a weapon intent on killing me and my kind I would not hesitate to create an advantage for my people as they did by closing the door. I would also not allow one of my friends to die while I figured out if the second intruder were as intent on murder as the first. Yes, you were right to save Mund. I do not despise you for the deaths you may have caused today. However, inasmuch as we are a group, we were the perpetrators of treachery. We made as if to attempt parlay. I certainly was trying to offer peace. Then, without warning we brought slaughter. I despise the cause of this slaughter and lay the blame at one set of feet. The rest of you acted in honor. However, the plunder is tainted. If any of you take it, I cannot call you friend."
He looks at the key on the floor between them. "This key is not what I mean. As it is part of this place it belongs to the holder of it. I will not touch it, because I think in this particular part of the test we have failed. I will not presume to force that view on anyone else."
From: Karl
Subject Salix upset
First word in that should be "were".
From: Randy
Subject Salix upset
Ranthir ponders Salix's words and feels anger wash over him. He was going to help open the door and assist in the slaughter. As soon as Mund and Kal were in potential danger, Ran only had thoughts of helping them out of it. Prior to the room being entered, Ranthir had felt Salix was on the right track with respect to the test they were facing. The creatures may have been evil, but from the looks of the rooms they could not have gotten there themselves. Hadn't they said as much to Salix? How could this test have been prepared by a God who is supposedly good and righteous? To bring creatures here as a test to be slaughtered could not be a good and righteous way of testing his servents.
"Salix, I agree with you. I am not ashamed of my actions in trying to defend my companions but I am ashamed that I did not consider the manner in which we are being tested." The last word is spoken with utter contempt.
"I do not believe it is right for these creatures to be brought here to be killed. The test is obviously designed to be passed by someone but I can't believe a God of righteousness would bring creatures, no matter how vile, to just be slaughtered. That is not a good or honorable manner in which to act. I will not take part in any more violence that we provoke. I will not ambush or sneak attack any of the further creatures we face. We must give them the opportunity to get out of this building without us causing them harm. I don't feel we can abandon our mission, or at least I cannot, but there are more honorable methods of gathering these keys than to ambush and murder. And make no mistake, I believe Kal is a murderer and I will be recommending that we treat him as such when Harp returns."
Ranthir will wait for any response from those in attendance. He will have some things to say to Harp when he and Kal return.
From: Ashley
Subject Salix upset
Surin watches Harp escort Kal into the room and shut the door, wondering if his leader would take a leaf from Mund's book once the door closed. Another punch in the face wouln't take away that blazing fury Kal possessed, though, and more importantly, it wouldn't take away the pain his friend was feeling at this moment. Utterly at a loss of what he could possibly say to comfort Salix, he's a bit relieved when the others start speaking up first. His dagger appears again in his hand, and his eyes are kept to the task of cleaning the dirt from his fingers while he listens to the discussion.
"I think you have a point there. We might have had to kill them all anyway, but does that justify the way we went about doing it? It just doesn't seem right." After finishing his nails Surin checks the blade against a few light hairs on his arm before it disappears out of sight again. Not quite as sharp as it could be, but he wasn't sure about borrowing Kal's whetstone any time soon.
"But--there's still nine (OOC: er, ten? eight?) more doorways to go through, and I can't help but think that certain of my skills might not still be useful in getting through them. I can't promise not to use my skills, but I can guarentee that I won't be doing much of anything without Harp's approval. He was called to lead this mission, and he's proven that I can trust him to command in a way that's right. Let him deal with right and wrong, and let me do whatever's necessary to follow him."
OOC: Um, hi guys. *waves* :). It might take a while for me to get into the groove of Jake's (totally awesome) character, but hopefully it'll come. I'm excited to be playing with all y'all, and thanks for the warm welcomes. :)
From: Randy
Subject Welcome
OOC: Well if this turn is any indication, it looks like you are getting the spirit that Jake had for Surin. Good to have you with us.
From: Ashley
Subject Welcome
aww, shucks. *blush*
Kal's turn
Subject Kal's turn
Kal sits quietly and attentively during Harp's tirade. After Harp is done, Kal responds:
"Harp, calm down and listen for a minute. I know it's easy to blame me here. I'm not always the easiest guy to get along with, and I know how easy it would be for you to assume that I was acting with the same stupidity that caused me to act the way I did toward you. But that's simply not the case.
I made every descision as you would have. If it wasn't for Mund's rash stupidity, everything would have worked out exactly as I planned, and the best way they could have.
We were at the door. It was a very serious possibility that we were walking into a trap. Every MOMENT we sat there talking through that door gave our opponents that much more time to set up. We needed the element of surprise.
My plan was to open the door, see my enemies eye to eye, and decide what to do from there. If they were goblins or orcs, I would have slain them, no questions asked. We're in a interdimensional testing ground designed by the God of Battle. Your God. Even if those creatures had no ill-will toward us (unlikely), letting them go free would simply cause more innocent deaths. Have you forgotten so quickly the kidnapping of your Lord Commanders wife?
If they weren't some evil creature, they would only be relieved to see an elf standing in the door way. I would then put myself in a position to protect Salix, and then allow them to continue talking, face to face, no door between us to hide the truth.
If it was some other evil creature, well, I controlled the door, and I could always slam it shut again. It wasn't until Mund decided to TACKLE ME FROM BEHIND did the mission get compromised. In doing so, he allowed them to gain control of the door, and seperated us two from the rest of the party. Neither of which would have happened had he not acted like a fool.
I need to stress this Harp, I'm not the one who put the mission in danger. It is as important to me as it is to you, the Nations are allies of your god, and I care about this mission as much as you do.
I'm sorry that there wasn't enough time to come back and discuss things with you, but I felt time was our enemy, and I made the smart descision. For all we know, those creatures could have controlled these light rocks, and then we'd be stuck trying to find all these keys without any lights at all, after we figured out a way to kill these slirak* in the dark.
I need you to be absolutely clear on this Harp: I'm not the one who endangered this mission. It's that unhinged barbarian that caused this problem. You need to learn to trust my training. I spent a century training for situations exactly like this. I serve your cause, and throught that you, but don't ask me to be a mindless swordsman, it's a waste of my abilities. When you send me to the front line again, I need you to trust in my ability to make descisions."
*elven deragotory term meaning "unlcean one"
From: Kevin
Subject Kal's turn
OOC: Josh, great RP here. Just makes Harp job of keeping this group together that much harder.
Give me till tomorrow to work up a response.
Spelling
Subject Spelling
OOC: I really gotta start running these emails through some sort of spell check. I must've mispelled like 10 words up there.
Harp and Kal, Mund and Salix
Subject Harp and Kal
Sorry guys, got caught up last night and was unable to get a turn out. I will write one up tonight of Harps response to Kal.
From: Porter
Subject Mund and Salix
Mund leaves the room and sees Harp going to Kal. He idly if both of them won't walk back out. Ancient ememeis can come to blades awful fast. Even if Harp denies his nature again, maybe he'll kill Kal in the name of that uppity god of his. You never know with godfolk.
Mund sits down next to Salix and scratches himself. Who know -- perhaps this elf can be reasoned with.
"Now, I ain't saying that what happened in there was good. Hell, I tried to stop it myself. But honest mistake or no, once somebody tries to kill me, their life is forfit. They even attacked me first. Leaving their money there with their rotting corpses ain't gonna do anybody no good. If you don't want your share of the loot, that's fine, but you got no cause to tell nobody else to waste it."
Mund stands up and starts pulling out foood. "Well, I don't know about the rest of y'all, but I'm famished. Who wants to eat?" Mund slices and passes out bread and cheese to anybody who wants it.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp and Kal
Harp thinks for a moment as Kal's words sink in. It was true that Kal would never have talked to Harp in the heartfelt of manner previously. It was obvious that Kal had done what he thought best, and while not the best of decisions, it had been compounded by Mund's attack.
"Kal, I understand that you were not the only one involved in this fiasco, and I will have words with Mund as well. But the fact that the creatures may have been setting a trap does not worry me - the largest part of defeating a trap, I have been taught, is knowing that it exists. Your job, for this short time, was to protect Salix when I asked him to try and find out some more about these things. This was a simple task - it did not need changing. If they had been able to open the door themselves, then I would have joined you. But making that decision was not the right one, no matter how you try to justify it. If all the others who were with you had agreed to open the door, then it would have been the right decision. But to decide, on your own, without the others who were right there - that was wrong.
I do not see you as a mindless sword, but there are occassions, as I have learned with scars on my back, where doing just what you are told is all that needs to be done. This was one of those times.
Kal, my bigger worry is what your actions will do to the other members of our group. Salix, a person I trust implicitly, is very concerned about what happened here. Mund is not going to be real friendly like to you. I don't know how Ran and Surin are going to respond, but I am afraid that all they are going to see is a self centered impulsive elf. That may not be right, but it is what they are going to think. And I don't need this type of fighting and arguing on this mission. We will need everyone to complete this, and I am concerned that your actions have alienated some of the other members. I cannot afford that.
Kal, I do not know what to do. This is my first "command" but it is a command in an un-natural place. Back during my training in the Order, my sargent would have made a corporal who failed in a task admit his screw up to the rest of his squad. Unless you want to fight half the group, would you be willing to give the impression that you messed up, at least until we complete this quest?"
OOC: Josh, I am working hard to try to find a way out of this. I am about as bright as Harp as to how to go about it. *I* know how the others are feeling, but Harp only knows about Salix, and it is obvious to Harp that Salix is pissed off.
To every one else - I apologize for taking so long on this. Had yard work Boy Scouts, preparing elections supplies (my wife is a poll judge at our local place of election) and then just getting access to the computer. Thanks for your patience and lets see if we get to kill Kal.
From: Mark
Subject Character sheets at Sakeriver
Just to let you know Mike at Sakeriver has updated his software and made some changes to the character sheet software. Please go to the site soon and take a look at your character sheet and make sure every thing is correct.
The one thing I noticed is that the class levels did not get brought over correctly, so several scores are wrong. Please update that and then update the sheet and see if the are right.
Thanks
From: Josh
Subject Character sheets
Hey Mark,
"Bladesinger" isn't one of the character level options. I can't just put my BS level in another slot because BaB, saves, and some other things are calculated by the character level. Could you talk to the admin of the site and have him add an "other", where I can set my own saves and stuff?
Thanks
From: Ashley
Subject Mund and Salix
I'm pretty sure Surin is a lvl 5 Rogue, but if I'm mistaken please let me know. :)
Disent in the party, character sheets
Subject Disent in the party
"Loot." Salix repeats with a derisive snort. "Blood money won through treachery is what it is."
His look softens, "Mund, I have no quarrel with you or your actions back there. Nor indeed with any of my friends. I lay the blame on Kal, solely. That there is "loot" at all at this point is entirely his doing, as far as I'm concerned, and that doing was rash, treacherous, and counter to all that he was ordered to do."
He looks at the others. "Mund is right that I can't force my view of things on others, but I also cannot deny what I believe. I want no part of the plunder because I believe it was stolen through murder, done by Kal, using all the rest of us as tools. Those of you who feel differently will perhaps choose differently. I cannot command you, but I ask that you leave the blood money where it fell. If you feel that is an unfair loss, I will make restitution to you from my own share of legitimately won treasure, from this or any future mission. I ask that my friends stand with me in this as, besides being the right thing to do, it sends a clear message to Kal that his actions are not condoned by his peers."
Salix continues, more quietly, speaking to Mund, but not caring who else hears. "Mund, I have not told you this, but I respect your skills and knowledge. I respect what I know of your integrity. In your own way, you have chosen to live close to the earth. You understand the ways of nature unlike many others here. That you understand the virtues of Harp's wilder lineage shows me that I have much I can learn from you. I hope our contact can be benificial to both of us." He clasps a firm hand on Mund's shoulder, intending camraderie, then returns his gaze to the doorway from which he expects at least one more party member to return.
From: Karl
Subject Disent in the party
(OOC - I don't envy your position in this. Salix believes a fundamental law has been broken. Specifically the implied good will during parley. As a Lawful Neutral character, talk of how evil these creatures are is unlikely to be persuasive since by that token Harp himself should be pretty much irredeemable, what with the evil tainted blood and all. ;) Salix isn't being petty and he isn't using words like "murder" and "treachery" lightly. I'm pretty interested myself in how this is gonna play out. Lord knows Salix is gonna be easier to play than Harp in this little vignette.)
From: Mark
Subject Disent in the party
I do not if you guys can work this out during the day, but if you do I will write a turn tonight. If not I think I am going to wait until it gets worked out. It seems fairly important. :)
From: Jason
Subject Disent in the party
Ragnar has nothing more to add until Harp and Kal come back into the room with the rest of them. He's not particularly interested in a few coppers or the potion, so he'd be more than willing to leave them behind if it makes Salix happier. Once the others come back Ragnar may have more to say.
From: Karl
Subject Character sheets
I updated Salix (by putting "5" in the Druid slot) and I hit "Update" but I'm not sure what, if anything, changed. Can you check it? I don't know enough about the numbers to tell if they are right or wrong.
From: Mark
Subject Character sheets
I will check but the last I looked it was not keeping the numbers. Mike is going to be working on it today.
From: Ashely
Subject Disent in the party
Surin speaks up at the druid's talk of restitution. "Pshaw. That ain't necessary for me, Salix. If it can help put this nasty business behind us, I'll consider it money well spent. Others might feel diff'rently, but don't be holdin' that against 'em too much." With that Surin helps himself to Mund's proffered bread and cheese and settles down on the floor to munch.
From: Porter
Subject Character sheet
There are some AC modifiers that before were being kept in the AC modifiers comment block. I tried to add them and they didn't stay.
For example, Mund keeps his dex bonus when flat-footed (uncanny dodge).
From: Randy
Subject Character sheet
OOC: I really haven't paid any attention to my character sheet since we started the game. I still am not really familiar with 3rd edition rules enough to know if things look right. I am pretty sure Ran is a 5th level fighter but other than that I am not sure about things. I tried updating the sheet to show that but when I went back to it, the change was gone.
From: Mark
Subject Character sheet
He is still working on the character sheet. He is in CA so has still not gotten up for the day. :)
From: Josh
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: OK I lied, I typed this up so things would keep moving and there would be some fresh stuff for me when I woke up. Hint Hint Kevin. ;-)
"You're too kind, Harp." Kal replies after thinking for a moment. Unsure of whether this is sarcasm or sincerity, Harp remains quiet and allows Kal to continue.
"My Srilari -- my patron and mentor -- gave me a strange piece of advice the day I earned my blade. I had just received my first orders from the Nations. I was preparing to leave, and he came to my home to talk to me.
He stayed with me only for a few minutes, I can hardly remember what we discussed now. But his parting words confused me, I've been trying to decipher them since they day I heard them. 'Do not believe what you yourself have imagined. True sight comes with perspective.' "
Kal shakes his head with a smile, "He would often play these sorts of games. He believed that the search for the meaning was as important as the meaning itself.
I've spent the last year trying to figure out what he was trying to tell me with those words. Finally I know."
Kal's voice changes. It's only now that Harp realizes Kal had been speaking differently the entire time. His voice had been softer and much more like what Harp would expect from an elf.
"I was wrong to decide to go into that room. It may have been the best decision, but I can't act alone. We need to act as a team, or we're doomed to fail. I don't need to pretend to have messed up, I did. I'll admit that freely to anyone you wish."
Kal pauses for a moment, and then adds:
"You deserve to know that I intend to challenge Mund to a duel after this quest is over. I cannot allow the honor of the Nations to be smeared. An uncouth man like him does not get speak of the Nations the way he did and then strike one of their chosen warriors without repercussions."
OOC: Maybe you guys will get to kill Kal off after all. :) I kinda wish I didn't decide to make him such a self-righteous prick. I tried for a while to figure out how to not include some sort of confrontation with Mund, but I can't see how Kal would let the two attacks slide.
From: Mark
Subject Disent in the party
This is assuming, of course that Mund and Kal survive the dungeon. Or that the party survives. :evil grin:
From: Porter
Subject Disent in the party
I'm glad you've allowed the "action" to stop so that we can role-play this.
From: Mark
Subject Disent in the party
Hey not a hard decision. Lot's of good RP stuff and I don't have to write it. :)
From: Derek
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: Hopefully Kal and Mund won't end up like Sturm Brightblade did in the original Dragonlance. In the story he was a tragic hero, but evidently in the original D&D session the player was being a total prick, so the DM killed him off. :-P Anyway, role-playing some conflict is fun every once in a while, but I'm more interested in seeing what happens when we get through the last door.
IC: Allistair sighs in exasperation as the argument heats up, cools down, and then heats up again. He had tried to keep the argument from flaring up but had failed miserably. Maybe Harp could knock some sense into them. He's the only person that might at least stand a chance. Even so, Allistair is definately going to research a hold person spell given the first opportunity. Allistair goes and gets the key from the corpse-filled room and compares it with the first key they obtained.
From: Josh
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: I think it would be a little strange if there wasn't a buncha strife at first as this group got together. It's a pretty disparate party.
From: Porter
Subject Disent in the party
Actually, my understanding is that nobody got along with the player that played Sturm, and he ended up just leaving on his own, so the DM arranged a death for him, lik happened with T_Smith's character in this campaign.
From: Porter
Subject Disent in the party
As I was reading all of the archives in preparation for joining this party, I found it pretty bizarre at how little conflict there was.
From: Mark
Subject Disent in the party
Allistair looks over the brass key. It is very similar in design to the copper key they had found in the first room.
From: mark
Subject Disent in the party
Do remember this. The original party was hand picked by Quarion Smith. He had personally worked with every member of the party except Ran and Harp. The party was picked so that it would work well together, or at least that was one part of Quarions goals. He is a very good judge of character. :)
From: Karl
Subject Disent in the party
Quarion worked with Kal? When? I didn't think Kal had history with anyone in the storyline until we picked him up at the werewolf slaying.
From: Josh
Subject Disent in the party
Kal wasn't part of the original party, so Quarion couldn't have picked me.
From: Karl
Subject Disent in the party
Yeah, after I hit "send" I note the word "original". Silly me.
From: Porter
Subject Disent in the party
Mund is visibly pleased by the praise from Salix. He smiles and hands the elf some bread and cheese. "You know, I've worked with several godfolk over the years, but I've never gotten along with one before. It's as though they think that they *are* gods, and that the rest of them should worship *them*. But you ain't like that."
"I've been commanded to do many things by them, but I ain't never been *asked*. I'll consider your request, Salix." Besides, the Barbarian thinks, those critters probably didn't have much worth taking anyway.
"The gods know that I have had enough reasons to hate the elves throughout my life. I never thought that I'd be friends with one. You're a good guy -- it's like you're normal folk, and not an elf at all. I'm really glad I've gotten to know you."
Uncomfortable at having shared too much, Mund stands up and walks away from Salix. "Surin -- I'm feeling lucky today. Let's see if I can finally beat you at a game of knife-throwing."
OOC: Although Mund has some egalitarian excuses for his opinions, in reality he's just as racist as any elf.
From: Josh
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: Mund and Kal should have a "Racist-off".
Ok for real, that's the last email. Good night.
From: Kevin
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: Thanks for the work below. I will write a response when I get home from work. I have a closing on a deal that is supposed to happen next week that is all of a sudden having serious issues (i.e. incorrect legal description for the location, no signed lease, etc.).
From: Kevin
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: Thanks Karl. I am working on a response to Kal's latest oration. I think Harp's and his discussion will come off OK. The rest of the group - lets see.
I think I have a way to get Salix on aboard - at least part of the way. I will see if I can get there this write up.
I should have it done shortly.
From: Kevin
Subject Character sheets
Mark, Pat and I are going to recreate a paper character sheet for Harp tonight. I think I made some mistakes on Harp's skill points at some time or another. I will check what we do with what is in Sakeriver tomorrow.
Thanks
From: Jason
Subject Character sheets
When I changed my class level, the values did correct themselves. Unfortunately I didn't seem to have permission to actually save any changes, so they all disappeared when I left the page. But the character sheet itself seems to be working fine.
From: Kevin
Subject Disent in the party
Harp looks somewhat stunned. He had more than half expected Kal to respond in righteous outrage or right out anger. Instead, he had stepped up and responded like a man (elf, 1/2 orc?). Maybe Hieronious was smiling on his unworthy servant today.
"Kal, you have no idea what it means to me to hear you say that. I know it was not easy. I look forward to fighting with you as we defeat this place." With that Harp will clap Kal on the shoulder (hopefully where he is not injured - Mark, is that an accidental after action wound check?).
As far as your challenge to Mund, that will be between the two of you, so long as it is after we leave this place (assuming we all leave this place). I will warn you - when lathered up, he is stronger than he appears. I know this from personal, butt thumping experience. I don't want you calling him out here, if you think you can avoid it. I don't want no death challenges hanging between you two until we are done.
"Kal, when we go back to meet the others, I will stand by your side an vouch for you - there will be some who will be hard pressed to accept this from you. Are you ready for them?" Assuming Kal says yes, Harp will head with him back to the room.
As Harp and Kal re-enter the main room, they are greeted with a wide variety of looks. Ragnar and Surin are pretty neutral, Allistair hard to determine, but Salix, Ran and Mund are obviously angered and out of sorts. Harp says to everyone "Thanks for waiting. That last room did not go as planned. There were two causes of that. Kal rashly decided to open the door, and Mund rashly decided to try and tackle Kal. Both of these were shittly decisions. (if Kal or Mund start to react to this Harp will bellow "HOLD both of you"). If I understand Salix's story right, this arguement was about what type of creatures were on the other side and if they could be trusted. You can have that fight elsewhere. This is not the place. Look around you - does any of this look natural? As Ragnar will attest, and Allistair as well, this place was created for one reason, to test those who would try to get the jewel.
Kal has admitted his mistake to me and I have accepted it. He is willing to admit his mistake to the rest of you, and to apologize for putting you at unneccessary risk. I know that this will not be an easy thing to do - hell, I've wanted to strangle him a few times myself. But, in order to complete this mission, and I will complete this mission, we have to be able to work as a team. You do not have to like each other, but I am asking you to at least work together on this one task."
Harp will listen to the others response.
OOC: Mark, assumign that Harp will now hear from Salix and Ran the concerns they have expressed to each other, Harp will respond to them as follows - you can modify if you need to. Harp will tyr to have these conversations as privately as possible.
To Salix - "Salix, my friend, I don't know what to say. I see this whole place as one big test. I don't know if the creatures we are going to meet are good, bad, devious, lonely, whatever. All I know is that I have to finish this mission or the possible evil to the world is one hell of a lot greater than a few dead bodies here. Who even knows what happens to these creatures when they die. Maybe they are sent to where ever there god resides, all happy in his presence. I dont care about the plunder, though if we were to find a potion of healing or two in this place, that I would take. I cannot force you to continue with us, but I would just ask you one thing - what would Storm Father Acer (OOC: Karl, is that the right name?) counsel you to do?
To Ran - "Ran, if you want to challenge Kal, I would ask that you wait until after this place. I would hate to hve to explain to Anglewing that we failed because two of our elven members killed or maimed each other barley into the challenge. I need both of you. I am not asking you to be his friend, and I will work to keep you (and Mund and Salix) as separated as I can, but we are going to need everyone we have to accomplish this mission. Please do this for me."
OOC: OK, Mark time to let you and the others take it from here.
From: Josh
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: I think i missed the email where Ran said he was pissed off. Can someone forward it to me? (or give me it's subject line)?
From: Porter
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: Harp looks forward to fighting Kal? I thought he was trying to smooth things over. ;)
IC:
"Kal has admitted his mistake to me and I have accepted it. He is willing to admit his mistake to the rest of you, and to apologize for putting you at unneccessary risk."
Mund doesn't even get up off the floor to address Kal. With his mouth half-full he says "So, Harp says that you're going to admit that you were wrong and will apologize to me for what you did. Is this true?"
From: Randy
Subject Disent in the party
"Harp, May I speak with you privately?" Ran queries his leader.
"I have no desire to challenge Kal. I do however hope that you will take into consideration the fact that he acted ruthlessly and with vicious intent. Moments ago, I was ready to call him an outright murderer and I'm still not sure that would be wrong.
I believe that he should be treated as a prisoner and taken into custody of the order when this trial is over. Moreover, I am not convinced that I can continue in this quest if we continue to employ methods that involve killing first and asking questions later. If these creatures are being transported here against their will then I believe we must first give them the opportunity to leave in peace. I don't believe it right of us to strike out at the creatures, no matter how vile, unless we are first attacked. We must parley in good faith.
This move of Kal's was disgraceful and regardless of his apology, there is now blood on the hands of several of the party. That blood may not be entirely innocent but we didn't really give them a choice other than to attack us. I believe that this quest needs to be completed as much as you do, but I will only work with you if we change our tactics appropriately. I believe if we do so we may be able to convince Salix to join with us in our efforts. If you refuse this request then I will be forced to work independently of the party."
Ranthir waits for a response. If Harp agrees then all is well, otherwise Ranthir will approach Salix, and perhaps Mund to discuss heading to some of the other doors while the rest of the party continues seperately.
An agreement is reached, HP status and healing
Subject Opinions are voiced
Salix stands as Harp and the renegade Elf return to the main chamber. He listens as Harp speaks about his conversation with Kal, glad that he knew Harp from their previous adventure. Otherwise, he might think the 1/2 Orc had been duped by Kal's twisted logic. As it is, he knew Harp was caught in a hard place. He had a mission to accomplish and this dissention would not make that easier. He was trying to make peace. It must be the 1/2 Orc side of him that blinded him to the seriousness of Kal's offense. So Salix holds his tongue until Harp is finished.
Surprisingly, before Salix can respond, Harp steps toward him and with a massive hand firmly on Salix's shoulder, turns him and moves him a bit from the others, clearly wanting their words to be private. This must be where Harp will tell Salix that Kal's days are numbered, he thinks.
"Salix, my friend, I don't know what to say. I see this whole place as one big test. I don't know if the creatures we are going to meet are good, bad, devious, lonely, whatever. All I know is that I have to finish this mission or the possible evil to the world is one hell of a lot greater than a few dead bodies here. Who even knows what happens to these creatures when they die. Maybe they are sent to where ever there god resides, all happy in his presence. I dont care about the plunder, though if we were to find a potion of healing or two in this place, that I would take. I cannot force you to continue with us, but I would just ask you one thing - what would Storm Father Acer counsel you to do?"
Salix is dumbfounded. If Harp really didn't know the seriousness of Kal's actions, was he fit to lead this group? Hadn't he just told Harp what Kal had done? The conversation while the others were back in the 2nd test room had been quick, maybe he hadn't appropriately conveyed the nature of Kal's recklessness.
"Harp, before I go further I must know whom you serve. Is it a god of mindless slaughter? It is a god of expediency? If it is, I might as well be helping the god of the Orcs." He pauses wondering from the look on Harp's face if he had gone too far. He takes a step back before continuing, but raising his voice so the others can hear. If he was going to make Harp mad enough to strike him, he wanted witnesses as to what it was he had said.
"You want to pass the test of this place. Remember the poem on the wall there. 'But if you succeed, be on your knees, when you meet The Master, He that sees.' If this were a test of kill, get key, kill, get key, kill, get key, why should we care if the Master "sees" us? Why be on our knees? Why even meet the master at all? We would have proof by simply having the keys that we were worthy of them. Why the further judgment? It can only be *because it matters to The Master HOW we get these keys*. What would Stormfather Acer counsel me to do? He would counsel me to lend all my resources to this endeavor not all of which have been honed for drawing blood. He would tell me that *my* skills were needed or I would not be here. If all you need is another killing machine, your order could have sent any number of their own on this quest.
"I'm afraid, Harp. I'm very afraid that we have failed this test already. No just god could look kindly on blind slaughter perpetrated under the guise of parley. I want to lay the murders of those creatures solely on Kal's feet, but I don't know that we can. We are here as a group. My actions, your actions, Kal's actions, they all speak of who we are as a group. Kal has declared us agents of chaos and deceit. By his actions, we are here to exterminate and plunder, not to show our skills at solving a divine puzzle. I know the creatures he brought down have a reputation for "evil" among many, and I suspect we would have come to blows and probably had to kill them at some point, but the point is we didn't even try."
Salix pauses a moment, then continues more quietly, "I will continue to the end of this test with you, Harp. Maybe the God of this place will see things differently or maybe one failure isn't enough to fail us completely, I don't know. I am here to lend my skills to complete the test as a servant of Obad Hai. Stormfather Acer would not counsel me to abandon the teachings of my Order to serve the whims of this place, if they are indeed the whims Kal seem to think they are. So if I pass my part in this test, it will be as a servant of Obad Hai pledged to help you where your needs do not conflict with the tenets of His Order. If you are to pass this test, you will have to understand what is required of one in your role in this. I am willing to continue with you, with or without the murderer, but I will not have him with me to ruin my attempts to avoid needless slaughter if you see fit to ask that of me again. I cannot trust him. What he did was evil. It is not made right by 'I'm sorry' "
From: Mark
Subject agreement
Ok guys does it seem like most eveyone is back on the same page? Kal's fate will be held off until after this quest is over? I will not be able to do a turn until late this after noon or early this evening, so any other RP you want to do to get things tied up is fine.
From: Porter
Subject agreement
We are certainly not at a resolution. Mund just challenged the truthfulness of what Harp said, asking if Kal will admit his mistake and apologize to Mund. Things could go in very different directions depending on Kal's reaction.
Also, Salix said that he's not willing to have Kal as a companion anymore.
It seems pretty obvious that we cannot just go on to the next door yet.
From: Kevin
Subject Agreement
OOC: Much as it pains me, I have to agree with Porter. Kal's response to Mund will be key.
I am also going to try and write up a response from Harp to Salix. It probably will not be until early evening though. I do not see us getting to the next door before the weekend.
From: Randy
Subject Agreement
OOC: I hope you will also write up a response to Ranthir as well. His issues may have been sparked by Salix but they may not be resolved in the same way.
I have to say that I feel like we could spend days on this conflict and that wouldn't bother me at all. This is by far my favorite part of the game and I think we are seeing some great role playing, though I can see why Alistair, Ragnar, and Surin might not be having quite as much fun.
From: Karl
Subject Agreement
Show of hands, is this boring anyone? I'm enjoying the "events" of the game very much (thank you Mark), but I'm enjoying the character development as much, if not more. I've enjoyed the storylines of all three games I've played, but the real jewels of the game, (and I suspect the reason the DMs like PBEM) are the character turns. Anyway, that's just IMHO. If people want to speed up the action. . .'
What do you guys think?
From: Porter
Subjec: Agreement
I think they are both important. Too much character development without action and events to progress that development is boring, but I don't think we're in danger of that here. We've got the action that happened, and now we're dealing with the fallout from that. Either this fallout will lead to more action, or it will die down to the point where we can continue with the previously scheduled adventure. Either is great. :)
From: Randy
Subject Agreement
I agree with Karl. I am really enjoying the inner conflict here at least as much as the outer action. I am intrigued to find out where Mark is leading us, but I don't want to skip out on the great turns that are being written all around. I don't think we have been moving too slowly though I acknowledge that there is a possibility that some of the players less involved in the current conflict my feel otherwise.
From: Jason
Subject Agreement
I'm agree. Clearly there will be plenty of action by the time we collect all the keys, so taking a break to do some RP in the middle of the dungeon sounds great. Ragnar's not too worked up, just a bit disappointed, but I think the rest of the reactions are very interesting. We're just lucky all the doors apparently lock from our side :)
From: Mark
Subject Agreement
Ok I bow to the desires of the players. :)
Like I said this is not really a problem for me. You guys write all this great stuff and I sit back and relax for a while.
Just a note. Kevin has an idea of how big this place is. For those of you who are thinking that in real life terms we will be here for several weeks, think again.
This place is about 120,000 square feet. You have explored only 4-5,000 square feet of it. Just the tip of the iceberg. I can see this taking months of real life time to get through.
Not that that bothers me, but you guys are going to be here for a while.
So Kevin, Randy, Porter, Josh and Karl can go ahead and work this out.
I figure that if/when you all get bored by the RP you can let me know and I can start back up.
From: Karl
Subject Agreement
Well, technically, Salix felt that he was "in charge" of the little parley event back there and that Kal ruined it. He was expressing to Harp that he would not be in such a position in the future if it included Kal. In other words, if the same thing plays out at the next door, either Kal stays back with Harp, or Salix stays back.
But I agree that we don't seem ready to move on to the next door.
From: Kevin
Subject Agreement
Karl, how dare you steal my idea. You must have snuck into my litte brain and picked up where I was going to try and go with this. I will still probably do this.
I have no problem RP this a few more times. I would like to try to get back to exploring by early next week real time - maybe try to wrap up these issues, if the resolutions make sense, and then move on.
I will work on my response to Salix and Ran early this evening when I get home.
From: Derek
Subject Agreement
OOC: I'm pretty much fine either way you guys want to go with this, but I'd prefer if we avoid actual inter-party combat at all costs. /highhorse = on/ To me at least, the basic paradigm of a party in an RPG is that they work together towards a common goal. That also means reigning in your characters enough so that they can basically get along and work together most of the time. I've been in several campaigns that started out fun, but ended up very unenjoyable with several people leaving or the whole thing collapsing into a disaster because of conflict in the party that got out of control. I don't see that happening here, but as such I always avoid party conflict and almost always play characters that try to mediate. /highhorse = off/
IC: Allistair looks between Kal and Mund, hoping that at least a truce can be found for the time being. He also occasionally glances over at Salix, wondering if he will contribute more to the already heated situation or not. Allistair has some sympathy for Salix's feelings, but at this point the hypothetical innocence of whatever it was they just killed is more or less moot now.
At least Mund seems to have calmed down, and looks like he will let it go for now if Kal is willing to apologize. Allistair bites his lower lip in expectation of Kal's response, hoping he apologizes.
From: Kevin
Subject Agreement
Harp sees the pain in Ran eyes as he says what he does. Harp knows him to be a very honorable person, and knows the hurt and frustration the previous encounted had dealt to his friend.
"Ran, I agree with your assessment, and Kal has said that he was mistaken in the actions he took. I am not sure how the Order will see it, or how the Elven Nations will see his actions. I will leave that to Ragnar and you when this mission is over. For the mean time, I will propose the following - and propose it to the whole group. Let me talk with Salix again, and then we will see if we can come to an agreement."
OOC: See my post responding to Salix for the rest. Same bat time, different bat channel.
From: Kevin
Subject Agreement
Harp walks over to Salix after talking to Ran. He sees a defiance there he had rarely seen in his friend. But to question the battle Lord!!. How to respond to convey his feeling, not piss off his friend, and try to keep the group somewhat together. Harp's head started to pound harder - this leadership stuff was a lot harder than he had thought it would be.
"Salix, Hieroniuos values courage, strength of arms, and the fight against evil. What happened a while ago was not neccessarily to his liking - I grant you that. But we all make mistakes. I know I have made enough mistakes to last a life time. But the Battle Lord encourages us to learn from our mistakes and to try and do better next time.
Did I want those creatures dead? No. Am I sorry they are dead? No. Am I happy that our actions seemed devious? No. Do I know what other challenges this place may present us? NO! For all I know, these first 11 doors are just physical challenges. The riddle mentioned something about a maze after getting the keys. If we can find a way to get the creatures on the other sides of these doors out of this place with no harm to us, I am all for that. But, if needed, I have no problem with kill, get key, kill, get key. Part of my military training was when encountering an enemy, there was no such thing as a fair fight. However, I agree - if we are going to parley, we need to keep our end of the bargin. The problem is, Kal did not intend to enter the room, merely to open the door. When Mund tackled him, and then they got stuck in the room, that was when things went to Hell in a rucksack.
This is not a natural place. It was built to test us, but I do now know what type of testing. Since my Lord was the one it was built for, it wouldn't surprise me if a part of it was test of skill of arms. So far, that is what this has seemed to be. However, I know that I may very well be wrong on that. Here is my proposal.
Until and unless we see something that leads us to change, I will propose that from now on, as we encounter these rooms (there seems to be a pattern developing of a short hall way with a room at the end) you, Ran, Surin and Mund will go to the door and try to determine if we can parlay with those on the other side. The three of you seem to try this the most. Brother Ragnar and I will do what is needed to accomplish this task, even if it means killing every creature we encounter (OOC: If Jason objects to this statement, please edit accordingly). But I respect you enough to give you the chance to try to work it out with out violence. I only ask that you not open any doors without letting me know so that we can take the appropriate measures to prepare for what might follow.
OOC: Again, assuming that Kal actually does apologize to Mund, and they at least come to an understanding and do not try to kill each other right here and now, Harp's basic plan is a modification of the earlier one - Surin, Ran, Salix and Mund will do the basic exploring down the hallways, the trying to communicate with what they encounter on the other side, etc. Mund and Ran should provide sufficient physical backup and Surin should be able to keep them from tripping over anything unseen. Allistair, Harp, Ragnar, and Kal will hang back a safe distance (we can wait until we have a mad to work with to decide where) so they can run up like last time if needed but can also stay out of the way if needed. Harp will reiterate that he does not want any doors opened without prior knowledge.
Also, feelings on healing up the damage we just suffered - Kal, Mund, Ragnar are hurt. My guess is that we will end up having to sleep at some point in time, but ony an hour or so has progressed since we entered this place.
Guys, I hope the actions above do not skip around too much. There is so much I want Harp to say, but I don't want to overload (which is my tendency).
From: Porter
Subject Agreement
OOC: Is Tall Twin mistaken about what happened here, or is Harp mistaken, or is Harp just lying (naughty, naughty Harp)? Because Kal *definitely* went in there to do some killing.
From: Josh
Subject Agreement
Kal responds instantly: "Absolutely. I made a mistake in deciding to enter the room without the support of the rest of the group. The entire party has my appologies for that."
From: Jason
Subject Agreement
Ragnar hesitates to interject himself in the charged atmosphere, but finally feels that he should speak up. "You're right, I will do what is necessary to pass the Battle Lord's test. And I do expect that in most cases, we will be forced to, well, battle. But if these creatures truly are being brought here for the express purpose of testing us, nothing would please me more than finding even one that would prefer to return to the natural world without malice. I believe that your plan is excellent, and even if the first 12 doors lead to violence, I hope that we will approach the thirteenth without prejudice. Salix, (if he agrees) you have my admiration, and also my sympathy, for I expect that any the Battle Lord brings to test his servants will deal faithlessly and mercilessly with you- but let it not be so with us."
ooc:You know, one of my pet peeves is when people do exactly what Ragnar just did. Someone addresses one part of their stated opinion, and they feel like they have to defend everything they've said throughout the whole conversation.
About the healing: Ragnar is missing 11 hps. What is the status of Mund/Kal? Kal seems to be missing 6 from his character sheet but Mund's doesn't show him missing any. Once we get an hp check from Kal and Mund Harp and I can figure out the healing situation
From: Josh
Subject Agreement
OOC: I said in the same email "Unless we're not facing goblins or orcs or some other evil race, in which case I'll do something else.".
I'm paraphrasing because I'm too lazy to go dig.
From: Josh
Subject Agreement
OOC: But to any character in the game, it seemed very much like Kal intended to kill whatever was in the room. Kal has only explained his side to Harp.
From: Mark
Subject HP
Mund is actually down 10. He gained 10 when he raged but then got hit for 10. That 10 stays after the additional HP from the rage go away.
It is possible for a barbarian who is raging to die after the rage stops.
From: Jason
Subject HP
Then I guess the next question is does Harp want us healed up to full for the next fight? If he says nothing, Ragnar will cast a cure light on all three. That's probably not the best way but Ragnar isn't very military minded. In fact, he probably would have healed himself already
From: Jason
Subject HP
I may have changed my mind. If I remember correctly, and I may not, I believe my old character sheet had several scrolls of cure moderate wounds on it given to us by the order? They don't seem to be there now.
From: Porter
Subject HP
Mund's only response to that is "Good."
Mund stands up and turns toward the magick users and asks "So, anybody wanna magick up my wounds? Those critters knew how to bite."
OOC: Once we decide on the healing, Mund's ready to go and kick some more butt.
From: Kevin
Subject Healing and HP
Harp responds to Ragnars questioning look. "Go ahead and tend to the wounds, but save your most powerful blessings until we truly need them. Just basic healing at this point"
OOC: CLW only now - if everyone is within 5 point of the max, that will be fine for now.
Let see how Salix and Ran respond.
From: Porter
Subject Healing and HP
OOC: I'm kinda dissapointed that Kal didn't call Mund out for a duel right now. I had something special planned that might not work later. ;)
But on the other hand, it's exciting to get back to the regularly scheduled hack-n-slash.
Peace in the party
Subject Peace in the party
I got this, but didn't get the next email from Kevin. I don't know what Harp said to Salix. I got a piece from one of the other replies to it, but can someone please forward the whole email?
From: Karl
Subject Peace in the party
(ooc- Since I'm waiting for someone to email me the turn from Kevin that I didn't get, I'll respond the the turn from Mund I didn't get until yesterday. This is part of the Salix/Mund exchange that takes place immediately prior to Harp and Kal returning to the main room. /ooc)
Salix listens to Mund's comments about godfolk and isn't the least bit offended. He knew enough clerics of other gods, and even a couple of druids of The Order, to understand why someone would get such an impression like that. So at those remarks he just smiles at Mund, and nods "thanks" that his request to leave the plunder behind will be "considered". For Mund to admit to considering something was tantamount to agreeing, and Salix could live with that.
But when Mund says, "The gods know that I have had enough reasons to hate the elves throughout my life. I never thought that I'd be friends with one. You're a good guy -- it's like you're normal folk, and not an elf at all. I'm really glad I've gotten to know you."
Salix responds, "Well, I *am* only half Elf. In fact, I've known only a few Elves. Most of my Order are Human, or at least half so. Heck, I can't even read Elvish, and only know a few words of it spoken." He cuts the explanation short because Mund is clearly ready to take his leave. In fact, Mund had already turned to engage Surin in a knife game. Beside, the correction was beginning to sound too much like an apology for having Elf blood. Was it? Salix didn't know. He rarely thought about it. Mostly he considered himself Human. But Ran was mixed blood, too, and had spent considerable effort to deny his human side. Kal was a full Elf, as far as he knew, and from that example Salix wondered how the Elves could garner anything but resentment from those around them.
"Mixed blood is strength" the Stormfather had told him the one and only time he had asked about his pointy ears and superior night vision, the time he met his first full blood Elf, an emissary from a different Order. "Mixed blood brings the strengths of two races together. It is one of the ways nature avoids a dead end." He had often wondered exactly what the Stormfather had meant by that, but all he could get when he asked was "Observe the world, and you will learn." Sometimes he hated that phrase. So many times it sounded like "Go away and stop bothering me with your questions."
Just then, Harp returns with Kal, ending Salix's musings.
From: Kal
Subject Peace in the party
"Harp, I do not trust Kal's version of events. He was determined to kill whatever was on the other side, and could care less what they were. He is rash and violent. There were times during the end of our first adventure I thought surely he wanted to kill YOU for no other reason than your Orcish blood. I fear he will be the ruin of this party and this test.
"Still, I am not leader here. I have only authority to judge Kal in my own head and heart." He pauses, clearly hating the next words he speaks. "It is *possible* that murder was not his intent. I think it was but I could be wrong. I will leave that judgment up to you and your order and god. One of my Order who acted as he has would be Shunned, but we are not you.
"I will follow your lead, Harp, as I have from the beginning. But watch Kal closely. He is dangerous and this recent rashness undoes the goodwill and apologies he professed at the start of this mission. So his spoken apology at this point is worthless. He will have to *show* an apology before he'll have *my* confidence again."
From: Karl
Subject Peace in the party
Unless Harp has something to say immediately, Salix turns and joins the others, casting one long glare at Kal then pointedly avoiding even a glance in his direction.
From: Karl
Subject Peace in the party
Don't worry, I don't think any of us want our characters to kill each other. But thank heavens someone wants to play a mediator. Looks like we're going to need one. ;-)
From: Mark
Subject Healing
I seem to remember the party in general and Ragnar in particular being given 10 scroll of CMW and 10 potions of CLW. Ragnar would be the obvious one to carry the scrolls. And since I do not remember any one talking about distributing the potions, he would have those as well.
Just remember, the potions and scrolls can not be refreshed. Once used, they are gone.
From: Jason
Subject Healing
Ragnar nods and turns inwards, meditating and calling on his lord's favor.
Thanking him that the inter-party conflict seems to be cooling down, he explains that he and his friends are injured, and asks that Heironeous allow him to convert some of the blessings he has been granted that day into pure healing energy. (CLW on himself, Mund and Kal, sacrificing Comprehend languages, obscuring mist, and divine favor.)
ooc: The character sheet now allows me to update it, but overnight the list of my equipment was erased. Do you want us to keep updating you on the status of our character sheets or is Mike still working on them?
Harp responds to Ragnars questioning look. "Go ahead and tend to the wounds, but save your most powerful blessings until we truly need them. Just basic healing at this point" OOC: CLW only now - if everyone is within 5 point of the max, that will be fine for now.
Let see how Salix and Ran respond.
From: Randy
Subject Peace in the party
Harp finishes speaking and Salix offers his response. As Salix turns to join the others, his glare at Kal is not lost to Ranthir. Ranthir speaks to Harp in quiet tones.
"Harp, I agree with this plan and I will support you in it fully. Thank you for your acceptance of my opinion and your diplomacy in this matter. I don't think anyone wants this mission to fail and so we must work together. Your leadership and even-handedness in this matter is what we need to keep this group on the same page. I do not envy your position of leadership in this matter. As you may recall I did not desire to lead our last adventure and this kind of situation is one of the reasons why. As for turning Kal over to the order, I believe what I will do is simply make a report of my observations to Angelwing when we return. If he deems it necessary to intercede then I will leave that to him."
From: Kevin
Subject Peace in the party
OOC: I know that many of the characters were willing to leave the "booty" behind, but I think someone (maybe a sneaky little halfling) would be interested in that flask.
I would hate to leave behind some healing.
Mark, has most of the group seen the flask/vial and would any of them have recognized it?
From: Mark
Subject Peace in the party
I would guess that almost all, except maybe Salix, has seen or at least heard about the flask. No one has any idea of what it is.
From: Ashley
Subject Peace in the party
tempting, but Surin has already expressed that he will stand by his friend in this matter. Of course, he's *also* said that he will follow the command of the leader of this mission. Hmmm. :)
From: Mark
Subject Peace in the party
Ok so are we all on the same page? Do I need to write up something new tonight?
From: Porter
Subject Turn
New new new new new new new!!!!!!
From: Karl
Subjec: Peace in the party
Just that the plunder is going to be a sticky point for Salix. The only thing he thinks should be kept is the key. Everything else should go back. If anyone wants to keep it (besides Kal), Salix will reiterate his offer to reimburse the person in question. If Kal wants it, well, Salix thinks he's tainted anyway, so he could care less what Kal does. If anyone is going to object, it should probably be role-played. If no one is going to object, you can write it up however you see fit.
Oh, did the Kal/Mund thing come out in a turn? If so I didn't get it.
From: Mark
Subject Character sheets
If you had been missing gear and money and gear on mounts please check again. Mike found a few that seemed to not have that stuff moved over. He has done so now.
Please check you sheet and let me know if there are any problems with it, other then the few we already know about( Mund and AC, Kal and class.
From: Jason
Subject Peace in the party
My gear is fine again, thanks. I'll add the scrolls/potions when I get back to my home computer.
Once we're healed up, Ragnar is ready to move on. He'll pick up the key from where he put it on the floor (unless someone already did that, I seem to remember someone did), offer it to Harp, and then get set for the next door.
From: Josh
Subject Peace in the party
Kal will take the flask.
OOC: I woke up to a buncha emails, I haven't read them yet. if someone already picked it up, then Kal won't.
From: Ashley
Subject Peace in the party
Get ye flask!
Listening at the next door
Subject Character sheet Salix expects nothing less, actually. If Salix notices Kal taking the flask (or all the coins, too, for that matter), he will not say anything, but will quietly add that action to his list of ways Kal's "honor" is meaningless.
;-)
From: Mark
Subject coin loot
As to the coin loot. You know how cumbersome all those copper pieces will be? Just like a bunch of pennies.
I was looking back through the archives and thought I had told you how many coppers there were. Does any know if I told you how many there were?
From: Jason
Subject Coin Loot
This is the only email I can find on the subject of the coins. The last paragraph mentions them without saying how many there were.
NO
From: Mark
Subject Coin Loot
Ok I will have to get that info this evening.
From: Mark
Subject the next door
The tension that had filled the room eases a bit at Kal's apology. A few more words are said, but the overall mission needs to be accomplished. Taking up Harp's lead, the party readies itself for the next door. Brother Ragnar moves to Kal and Mund, chanting the healing prayer. (CLW on Mund, Kal and Ragnar, Mund Heal 13, Kal Heal 10, Ragnar Heal 6.) Harp takes possession of the Brass Key that was found in the room and adds it to the Copper Key found in the first room.
At Harp's gesture, Surin heads to the third door. He takes a cursory listen at the door, not really expecting anything. When he hears nothing, he opens the door and starts heading down the passage way. This passage way is much longer. Salix and Ran follow about 30 feet behind Surin as the little halfling moves down the corridor. It turns once and then turns again. After a while it ends in another door. Surin moves quietly up to the door and takes another listen. After a bit he returns to the following two and together they return to the main room. "Lot longer hallway this time, but I did not hear anything through the door this time."
OODM: I will try and make a map this weekend and write more of the party's approach to the room.
I do not have my map at work and I have a P&P game tonight.
From: Josh
Subject the flask
Just to be clear, Kal's only taking the flask. His number one concern is the success of this mission, everything else takes second seat.
From: Josh
Subject the flask
... and he'll be vocal about that if anyone says anything.