Dinner talk, farewells, XP, Home again
Subject Dinner talk
OOC: I've got several things for Mund to say. I'm going to post them together because A) it will save real-life time and B) it doesn't really matter what order they go in.
IC:
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Mund turns to Alley and Salix. Y'all know all about magicking. How big is what that thingie showed us? Each jem killed one spell from the guy, right? How hard is that to do? Can a bunch of wizards do what those jems did?
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Mund asks his jailor "You say some other folks have come through here before. Since you still have it, I reckon that nobody's asked for it yet. Did anything bad happen when they took the goodies instead of the magic jem?"
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OOC: I'm going to play as though Harp said this after the vision, so that Mund can respond to it.
"Peace, Kal. We will not draw any more blood in this place, much less that of one of our party.
Mund, you were "hired" by Quarion Smith to guide us here, and to help up accomplish this quest. You've signed your contract with hiim and you will be paid accordingly. And I don't think you want to return to him with a bag of gold and a new axe and not have the gem as well. The rest of us joined up for this journey of our own free will, and I think they will, to a man, elf, half elf and dwarf, agree with my decision in this case. (Harp gestures to the rest of the group, hoping to get agreement from them.) Don't get the wrong idea. I would love to have some of those items over there. I am sure your brother would love to get his hands on some of those scrolls. Hell, we all would love to get some of that stuff. But we're not going to do it this trip. And none of us are going to ask Lothnar to send us back we have accomplished our mission."
"If you think I came here and helped y'all out for the the money, they you don't understand nothin'. No wonder you had to be "assigned" leadership."
'Besides, it's really easy for you to turn down a magic item, with that fancy sword you've got. I never saw you taking on critters that you couldn't hurt."
From: Derek
Subject Dinner talk
OOC: Do we know who the big evil guy was on the throne of skulls? God, lich, high-level evil mage?
IC: I'm sure that Lothnar here can give a more detailed explanation, but my guess is that without the crown and gems, stopping those spells would either require a god, or a mage of such immense power that they could compete with the gods.
From: Kevin
Subject Dinner talk
"Mund, you're right. I must not understand you. To me, this seemed like there was no choice. We were sent for the gem, we are here and so is the gem. There is no choice for me to make - and I think most of the rest of the group will agree. I don't have the same concerns you have so my "choice" is simpler. If your brother or Salix or anyone else has any concerns about this, they can ask now. Lothnar does not seem to be in a rush. But I thought you wanted to get out of this place? It seems the easiest way is to select the gem as our "reward" and ask Lothnar to send us on our way.
If it is your weapon you are worried about, I give you my pledge of honor - when we return to Schon, I will speak personally to Angelwing and ask that the Order, as additional reward for your help, give you an enchanted axe. If you doubt my word, then I will give you my sword as bond to this promise."
With that, Harp unstraps his sword and sheath and places it on the table in front of Mund.
From: Porter
Subject Dinner talk
OOC: Ooh! Good turn! I'll respond to this after the other conversations.
From: Karl
Subject Dinner talk
Salix just shrugs. "Alley would know best. This is not like anything I have encountered." By way of explanation to Mund he adds, "I know very little about 'magic'. I simply serve Obad-Hai and follow the commandments of his Order."
From: Mark
Subject Dinner talk
I will respond to the jailor part.
"Not that you will believe me, but nothing bad happened to those who picked the treasuer. At least nothing bad happened becuase of that. They were adventurers, so I am not sure what their ultimate fates were."
From: Porter
Subject Dinner talk
Mund asks Ragnar "Why does your order want this gem now? It's been safe here for 3000 years. Why not leave it here"
From: Mark
Subject Last July
If Lothnar is asked then he will give more info but here is what was given to the party last July.
There might be some disrepancies between what Lothnar tells you, what the party saw in the vision and what the order told you. It has been 3000 years and stories do get changed.
When the dark lord Mesodar the Cruel was finally defeated in that ancient time, after a four hundred year reign, with his dying breath he cursed the young city of Gorn and all of it's future allies. He foretold a day when the city would lie in ruin, along with the other good cities of the north, under the iron fist of a conquerer of his own descent. Our particular order was founded on the spot by righteous men of old, to find and slay any with the slightest chance of being of Mesodar's lineage."
"We thought we were successful, at first. But then, just fifty years ago, your grand sire, young master Corron, saw the first signs of the words of the Dark one coming true. The entire order was in a panic, and hunters were sent out to begin the search anew, but we all knew it was futile."
"However, it seems that Heironeous didn't want our order shamed with this failure yet. Orlpar, while on one of his many delvings into the libraries of the sacred order, unearthed a prophecy seen by Mesodar's bane, the great Bresied Valorshield himself. This is the first verse." Torkhis now motions to Orlpar, who stands and begins to recite from an old musty scroll:
From: Derek
Subject Dinner talk
OOC: Thanks for the recap. That's exactly what I wanted to know.
IC: Lothnar, who was that evil warlord on the throne of skulls we saw in the vision? Is that Mesodar the Cruel that the Order told us about? And who is the danger now? Is it some descendant of his, like the legend stated?
From: Josh
Subject Dinner talk
At some point Kal will say this to Lothnar:
"It seems to me that this group is going to continue to help the order with this battle. I don't understand why you gave us a choice. It seems, if you care about the outcome of the battle, you'd give us everything you could to best prepare us for the coming fights."
From:Porter
Subject Dinner talk
Mund's shaggy eyebrow lifts up. The elf has a good point, and Mund waits to see what the reply is.
From: Mark
Subject Dinner talk
"That was Mesodar the Cruel. I do not know who the danger is now, for I have been here for the past 3000 years. It is part of the cost that I was willing to pay to help the future. I assume that the order has a better idea, but my guess is that it is a descendant."
From: Karl
Subject Dinner talk
Hearing his name mentioned, Salix speaks when Harp is finished. "If we all have to agree before we leave there really *is* only one choice to make. There is no way that I can leave here without the point of our quest and still return to face my Order. As much as I miss the sunlight and trees, I could never agree to accept personal treasure instead of the jewel."
From: Mark
Subject Dinner talk
"You mean a choice between the gem and the treasure? Not every one who has come through the testing grounds has known the actual purpose of the testing grounds. They have chosen from the treasure. Only some one sent by the Order would take the gem over the other treasure. You are the first. You will be the last."
From: Porter
Subject Dinner talk
"If you really want to help us stop the evil, why don't you give us the gem and the magic items? What good are those magic items going to do you?"
"In fact, if we take the gem, what are you going to do now?"
From: Derek
Subject Dinner talk
Are you implying that the testing grounds will be destroyed since their purpose has been served? Or that subsequent groups will not have a choice because we will take the gem?
From: Mark
Subject Dinner talk
"You do not understand the nature of the crown do you? It nullifies all magic around it. Weapons, potions, armor, spells, Each gem is attuned to a school of magic. When placed in the crown, together, they nullify all magic, in a small radius. When Valorshield charged in the final battle he did so with a normal weapon and armor. No potions, no spells to make him stronger or faster. The Crown could allow a mortal to make an attempt on the God's even. That was one of the conditions we had to agree to when the God's gave us to power to make the crown. That after the battle the gems be scattered again, to be reassembled only at great need."
"My conditions remain. You may pick from one table."
From: Derek
Subject Dinner talk
So were you there at the battle? Who was this Mesodar? A demon, a god, an evil wizard, or just a very ruthless warlord with a couple of magical artifacts? What were those spells he was trying to cast in the vision, and what did the gems do to cancel it?
From: Mark
Subject Dinner talk
"Destroyed may be too harsh of term. They will cease to exist, as will I. My purpose fulfilled. One does not live this long with out there being consequences, some obvious, some subtle."
From: Derek
Subject Dinner talk
OOC: You just answered the question as to what the gems do, so you don't have to answer it.
From: Mark
Subject Dinner talk
"I was there. Not on the battle field itself. I might be a bit crazy, as most mages are, but I'm not stupid. Mesodar was not a god, but he came close to a god in power. He was a ruthless warlord but more. He made bargains with foul creatures to supplement his powers. Sacrificed whole tribes and villages to summone creatures from the outer planes. Whole clans were used to pay the blood price these creatures demanded."
From: Josh
Subject Dinner talk
"I mean why give us a choice at all? Give us both. We know what to do with the Gem: return it to the order so they can use it to defeat this evil. We know that the order intends to continue to use our abilities to fight this evil." Kal says passionately, talking faster and louder as he continues, "If you truly care about the outcome of the battle, it seems you would give us that pile of treasure as well as the Gem. I can't imagine you expect another party to come through the testing grounds soon, and certainly not one that will be involved with the coming battle." Kal's nearly yelling now, obviously angry. "Or is it that your tests and experiments are more important to you than this battle and the thousands of lives that will be lost if evil prevails?"
Kal stops, glaring at Lothnar, and after a moment it seems to dawn on him what he said and who he was speaking to He lowers his head and closes his eyes:
"Forgive me my lord, I forgot myself and spoke without respect." The party's surprised to hear this from Kal, until he continues, " However, I do believe we deserve an answer to my question."
From: Mark
Subject Dinner talk
"I understand your passion, young elf, but there are limitations placed on me. Compromises were made, deals agreed to millenia ago, and I must honor them. Pick a table."
From: Derek
Subject Dinner talk
Allistiar winces and takes a frightened glance towards the table with the gem on it when Lothnar mentions its potent anti-magic capabilities. "So, which school does this gem nullify? Does it nullify both arcane and divine magic? If so, then it truly is a powerful relic that even gods would fear." Allistiar then nudges his chair a few inches away from said table.
From: Mark
Subject Dinner talk
OODM: I do have the school that this gem is used against, but it is at home. I will send it when I get home.
IDM: "Do you not worry young mage. The stones only work when they are all together and in place on the crown. It nullifies all magic, divine and arcane. And yes the God's feared it. They had some very hard restrictions we had to agree to when it was made. I am still bound by those oaths."
From: Karl
Subject Dinner talk
"Friends, we have completed our test. We have been well fed. What more do we need than what we agreed to retrieve and to go home again." He says the word "home" with a longing and passion he didn't even know he felt until uttering it.
From: Porter
Subject Harp's pledge
"I helped y'all out because a friend asked me to. I'm getting paid a pittance for this, and not nearly enough to pay for the dangers I've faced and certainly not enough to pay for a shiny new magic item."
"I'm not here for the money. I'm here for Quarion. I'm here for a friend."
"That is an honorable pledge, Harp, made from one man to another. I accept," Mund says as he picks up the sword from the table. He picks draws the blade and takes a couple of practice swings with it.
"Very fine," Mund observes. He re-sheathes it and then tosses it back to Harp. In shock, Harp barely catches it. "But why don't you carry it for me 'till we get back? I've seen you fight without weapons, and frankly, you need it more than I do."
"I've got nothing else. Let's go ahead and get out of here."
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I will wait until about 7 PM tonight to see if any of these three want to add something, then I will write up the next scene.
From: Kevin
Subject Dinner talk
OOC: Assuming we have agreement from the rest of the members (Allistair and Surin in particular).
IC: "We are agreed the?? Lothnar, we choose the table with the gem. We thank you for your hospitality this past hour, but we all grow tired of this un-natural place. How you have spent 3,000 year here without going crazy I don't know, but if our taking the gem also frees you of this place, so much the better."
From: Randy
Subject Dinner talk
OOC: I sent a reply a few hours ago and it seems to have been lost in the ether. Right after the vision the following took place:
IC:
Ranthir shakes a little after what he has seen. "The choice is simple for me. I cannot choose my own personal gain at the expense of allowing such evil to prevail. I choose the gem."
From: Kevin
Subject Dinner talk
I got that one Randy. Mark just probably missed it as he was pontificating on how his NPC was involved in saving the world and then sentenced to sit in this place for 3,000 until someone chose the gem.
From: Jason
Subject Dinner talk
Well, the conversation has certainly left me behind, but Ragnar would certainly have answered Mund's question.
"If it were only a matter of keeping this gem safe, I might agree with you, Mund. However, this gem is merely a piece of the Crown of Valorshield. The crown itself was recently returned to the order after 3,000 years by the spirit of Valorshield himself. In some way that I do not understand, the crown made possible his victory over the evil one so long ago. But in order to have any effect, the 8 jewels must be replaced in it.
"We now seek to oppose a descendant of Mesodar, who was prophesied to come forth one day and seek to rule the world as his ancestor once did. With this evil power, there can be no compromise, only victory."
From: Kevin
Subject Dinner talk
Harp looks on as Mund takes his sword, pulls it from the scabard, takes a few swings with it, then sheathes it and throws it back at Harp and says something about Harp needing it worse than Mund does. Struggling to contol his anger, Harp takes the sword and again places it in front of Mund. "No, Mund, you keep it until we return. The bond has no meaning if the one giving the pledge also holds the security. While you're right that I am pretty useless when I'm unarmed, my sword is not my only weapon." With that, Harp pulls out his morningstar from his belt, twirls is around his head and shoulders a couple times, and then slides it back into his belt. "Don't think I would leave my self defenseless."
From: Porter
Subject Dinner talk
Mund sighs, then comes over to the big orc. He puts his arm around the orc's shoulders and pushes the scabbarded sword into Harp's hand. In a low voice meant just for him he says "Harp, Me asking you to hold onto the sword for me means that I trust you to keep your word. Please accept this honor -- it's been earned."
From: Kevin
Subject Dinner talk
Harp looks somewhat taken aback at Mund's statement. "Very well, if you insist. But it doesn't feel right."
"All right, lets get on with this. Lothnar, we (and Harp looks around at the whole group, looking for any last minute dissent) will choose the table with the gem on it."
From: Porter
Subject; Dinner talk
OOC: Let me take this opportunity to point out that Mund is no more proficient at the axe than with any other martial weapon. Mund has some ideas about what he'd like if he could get any weapon he wants, but an axe isn't necessarily more useful to him than a mace, sword, or poleaxe. During the way home, Mund will make sure that Harp knows this.
From: Kevin
Subject dinner talk
OOC: Maybe Harp can take Mund on a shopping trip through the armory of the Order.
I'd like one of those, and one of those, and, oh, oh, can I have a dozen of those???
From: Derek
Subject A small task
Allistair nods in agreement that the gem is the only real choice.
If Allistair gets a chance before they leave, he will sheepishly ask Lothnar one last question: "Since this place, and yourself, will cease to exist after we leave, would you mind if I had your spellbook? After all, you won't be needing it any more..."
From: Mark
Subject A small task
The old mage smiles. "Sorry young man, you would not be able to carry them. However, could you do me a small task?" He holds up a bag, maybe two feet square. " I would like you to deliver this to Breezy's kid. There is a note attached. It is worth a gold piece to me if you would do this." Lothnar holds up a shinny gold piece. Allistair does not recognize the mint, but it looks to be the same size as a standard gold piece. "Please, no one but the kid should open this. "
From: Ashley
Subject Dinner talk
Surin gives a last longing look at the treasure-filled table, estimating its worth and mentally converting it to various forms of currency. He sighs a little, then turns to Harp and the rest. "I was there same as you were when we were told to go on this crazy expedition, Harp. I know we need the gem, so let's just pick it up and get out of here before we all go insane."
From: Derek
Subject A small task
OOC: I knew you wouldn't let me have any, but Allistair could still carry a few...
IC: Allistair looks a bit quizzically at the bag and goldpiece. "All right, I suppose I can do that for you. Who is Breezy and who is his child?"
From: Mark
Subject A small task
With a whisper the old man says "Ask the 1/2 orc" and then he is gone.
The mage climbs up the dais and takes a seat on the throne. "You have passed the last test."
OODM: I will write the sending off when I get home. If any one has any questions they wanted answered now is the time to ask them.
From: Josh
Subject dinner talk
OOC: Let's all create some big distraction while surin goes and robs the choicest pieces from the table. ;-)
From: Porter
Subject Dinner talk
This is our chance to get Mund and Kal working together!
From: Mark
Subject Farewells
As the old man climbs the few steps to the throne he continues talking. "You have chosen well. Harp, go get the gem of Valorshield." The 1/2 orc walks over to the table and picks up the small leather bag. At the old man's gesture he unties it and pulls out a large Aquamarine. "Behold the first Gem of the Crown of Valorshield. This gem, a perfect Aquamarine of surpassing size and perfection, protects from illusions." Surin whistles. Aquamarine's were not usually considered high end jewels, but he had never heard of one so big and it was the perfect color.
Lothnar continues. "There are 7 more gems. They are: Moonstone, Pearl, Topaz, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond. All are needed for the crown to work. All are perfect examples of their type, of the highest quality and the finest craftsmanship. All are hidden across the world. I hid them myself and then caused myself to forget their locations. The prophecy is all the clue I left. Tell those in charge to reread with what they know now and the next location will present itself. Each location will lead you to the next."
"But beware. The evil one will sense now know what is going on. Your path will be more hazardous then it has yet been, for now you will be opposed by one who will wish you dead, or worse. You represent the hope of the world. People from all races and all cultures working together. Harp, I do have a message for you to give to Angelwing. Tell him he is not safe, not even in his own bedroom. I have seen evil there and death."
"Now it is time for you to go." The mage chants and makes complex gestures with his hands. Power builds, so much that even Mund and Harp can feel it. The party is surrounded by a glowing circle and with a flash of light the room is gone.
It takes a second for them to blink in the bright sunlight. Their eyes water, almost in pain, so long have they been underground. Salix almost cries at the smell of fresh air and growing grass. Surin drops to his knees and kisses the ground. It takes Harp and Ragnar a few seconds to realize where they are. They are in the courtyard of the chapter house in Gorn, where they started all those weeks ago. Next to them is all of their horses and gear that they had left outside the entrance. Nocits hoots and fly s to Salix's shoulder and the two have a happy reunion, although Salix seems happier than the bird.
A couple of guards men hustle up, swords drawn starting to challenge the group when they recognize Ran and Harp and Ragnar. Harp's commands are fast and confident. "Go find Goodheart and Angelwing. Tell them that our mission is back. We will meet them in the meeting room as soon as they are able." The two guards scamper off and Harp leads the party to the conference room where they had first met. "Mund, I know this is not your home, but I promise you, the order will get you on a ship or get you a horse if you want so that you can get to your hills." Mund, who had been almost red with anger, calms a bit at this, but is still on edge. All of these people.
From: Porter
Subject Farewells
Selfish Bastard, Mund thinks. He still wouldn't give them any of those magic items, even though he was disappearing. Serves him right.
Mund moves over toward his brother, following his lead for the moment.
From: Kevin
Subject Farewells
Allistair pulls his brother aside. "Don't get your heckles up Mund, we're probably heroes in the eyes of those of this order right now. Although our thanks will probably entail an offer (or order for Harp and Ragnar) to get the next gem, I'm sure we can talk them into some better equipment since this descendant of Mesodar will probably send out followers to try and stop us."
Allistair also asks Harp a quick question when he gets the chance. "Who is Breezy?"
From: Porter
Subject Home again
Talking to his brother, Mund says "After all this time, you're probably more at him in a big place like, ain'tcha?"
From: Mark
Subject XP
I have updated the character sheets for the monsters and stuff in the dungeon. I have not done the story XP yet. This part of the story is not quite over yet but it is getting there.
From: Porter
Subject XP
Have you given out story XPs before?
From: Mark
Subject XP
Not in this part of the game.
I gave out Story XP when the first group returned with Rochelle, Angelwings betrothed.
So it has only happened once before. This will be the second time.
From: Kevin
Subject Home again
Harp looks at Allistair, surprised that the mage was unfamiliar with this piece of the Order's history. "Whom Lothnar called Breezy was Breised Valorshield, the founder of my Order and once the King of Schon. It was by his effort's that Mesodar was slain - his and his friends. His "son", I think, is Heronin Anglewing, my superior. Your head may have been pounding too hard the day of the wedding, but Breised's image appeared at the wedding and left the empty crown to Anglewing, with instructions that the gems needed to be found. When we meet him shortly, just give him the bag and let him know who it comes from."